阅读说明：本技术 用于选择性在旋转方向上固定蹬踏式传动系的系统和方法 (System and method for selectively fixing a pedaling drive train in a rotational direction ) 是由 大卫·弗罗贝尔 于 2018-12-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种蹬踏式传动系,该传动系包括传动机构、轮、飞轮轮毂和锁定机构。轮具有旋转轴线。飞轮轮毂将传动机构连接至轮,并且飞轮轮毂将扭矩从传动机构围绕旋转轴线沿第一旋转方向传递至轮。锁定机构具有锁定状态和解锁状态。锁定状态将传动机构的部件相对于旋转轴线在旋转方向上固定至轮。(A pedal-driven power train includes a transmission mechanism, a wheel, a flywheel hub, and a locking mechanism. The wheel has an axis of rotation. The flywheel hub connects the transmission to the wheel, and the flywheel hub transmits torque from the transmission to the wheel in a first rotational direction about the rotational axis. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state fixes a component of the transmission mechanism to the wheel in a rotational direction relative to the rotational axis.)

1. A pedalling power train, the power train comprising:

a transmission mechanism;

a wheel having an axis of rotation;

a freewheel hub connecting the transmission to the wheel and configured to transfer torque from the transmission to the wheel in a first rotational direction about the rotational axis; and

a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locked state configured to transmit torque from the transmission mechanism to the wheel in at least a second rotational direction about the rotational axis.

2. A drivetrain as reciting in claim 1, the locking mechanism comprising a friction clutch.

3. A drivetrain as reciting in claim 1, the locking mechanism comprising one or more interlocking mechanical features oriented along an axial direction of the rotational axis.

4. A drivetrain as recited in claim 1, the locking mechanism including one or more interlocking mechanical features oriented in a radial direction of the rotational axis.

5. A drivetrain as reciting in claim 1, the locking mechanism being stable only in the locked and unlocked states.

6. The drivetrain of claim 1, the locking mechanism comprising an electric motor to actuate the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states.

7. A drive train according to claim 1, the drive mechanism comprising a chain.

8. A drivetrain as recited in claim 1, the wheel being a flywheel.

9. A drivetrain as recited in claim 1, the locking mechanism having an inclined surface and a push rod positioned adjacent the inclined surface, the push rod being stable at a first end of the inclined surface and at a second end of the inclined surface, wherein the push rod at the first end is associated with the unlocked state and the push rod at the second end is associated with the locked state.

10. The drive train of claim 9, the push rod biased toward the first end.

11. A drivetrain as recited in claim 1, the locking mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, the locking mechanism being movable between the locked and unlocked states by rotating the first portion relative to the second portion.

12. A drivetrain as reciting in claim 1, the locking mechanism having an intermediate state configured to transmit between 5% and 95% of torque between the transmission mechanism and the wheel.

13. A circulatory system, the system comprising:

a frame;

a handlebar supported by the frame;

a drive train supported by the frame, the drive train comprising:

a transmission configured to receive an input torque from a user;

a wheel;

a freewheel hub connecting the transmission mechanism to the wheel and configured to transfer the input torque from the transmission mechanism to the wheel only in a first rotational direction of the wheel; and

a locking mechanism connected to the transmission mechanism and the wheel, the locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locked state configured to transmit at least 95% of the input torque to the wheel in the first and second rotational directions of the wheel, the second rotational direction being opposite the first rotational direction.

14. The system of claim 13, the locking mechanism being actuatable by a controller on the handlebar.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a computing device in data communication with the locking mechanism, the computing device configured to send a command to an electric motor to move the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state.

16. The system of claim 15, the computing device in data communication with at least one sensor configured to measure rotation of the wheel.

17. The system of claim 15, the computing device in data communication with a safety brake configured to brake the wheel or the drive train.

18. The system of claim 13, the locked state configured to transmit a torque of at least 300 newton-meters.

19. A drivetrain as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lockout device configured to prevent movement of the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states when a wheel member and a drive member of the locking mechanism are moved relative to one another.

20. A drivetrain as reciting in claim 1, further comprising a lockout device configured to prevent movement of the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states unless a safety brake is engaged with the wheel or the drivetrain.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a pedaling drivetrain. More specifically, the present disclosure relates generally to selectively changing a step-down powertrain from transmitting torque in only a first direction to transmitting torque in both rotational directions.

Background

Cyclic motion can be a very efficient power take off for transportation and/or movement, and is used for bicycles, tricycles and other land-based vehicles; pedal boats and other water vehicles; as well as ultra-light aircraft, micro-aircraft, and other aircraft. Similarly, the biomechanics of the cyclic motion may result in lower impact to the user, thereby reducing the risk of joint damage, bone damage, muscle damage, or a combination thereof. The cyclic motion can avoid repeated impacts on the body as compared to other exercises such as running. Accordingly, cycling is a common exercise technique for fitness and/or rehabilitation. For example, elliptical treadmills, stationary bicycles, carts, and other cycling and/or rotating exercise machines may provide resistance training or endurance training with little or no impact on the user's body.

The human powered circulatory system may have a drive train to direct energy from the user to wheels, flywheels or other rotating components of the circulatory system. The drive train may transfer energy from the user to the axis of rotation in only one direction about the axis of rotation, or the drive train may transfer energy from the user to the axis of rotation in both directions about the axis of rotation. For example, many conventional bicycles include a freewheel hub in the rear of the bicycle that can receive energy from a transmission, such as a chain, to rotate the rear wheel in a forward direction and propel the bicycle. The rearward rotation of the transmission mechanism relative to the wheel may not be transmitted. For example, "back pedaling" on a bicycle with a freewheel hub may result in little or no energy being transferred to the rear wheel. In addition, the freewheel hub can freely rotate in a forward direction relative to the gear train (i.e., rotate faster in the forward direction than the gear train), thereby allowing the bicycle to roll forward faster than the user pedals the gear train.

Some bicycles may have a direct drive or "fixed gear" drive train that allows the user to slow forward motion and/or propel the bicycle in a rearward direction by backpedaling. In such bicycles, a direct drive may couple the transmission to the wheel such that rotational motion of the transmission in either direction is transferred to the wheel, and rotational motion of the wheel in either direction is similarly transferred to the transmission.

Conventional exercise devices utilize a flywheel hub to simulate a conventional cycling experience for exercise and/or training purposes, or a direct drive to increase energy demand from the user and provide a more intense training experience.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, the step-on drive train includes a drive mechanism, a wheel, a flywheel hub, and a locking mechanism. The wheel has an axis of rotation. The flywheel hub connects the transmission to the wheel, and the flywheel hub transmits torque from the transmission to the wheel in a first rotational direction about the rotational axis. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state fixes a component of the transmission mechanism to the wheel in a rotational direction relative to the rotational axis.

In some embodiments, the circulatory system includes a frame, a handlebar supported by the frame, and a drivetrain supported by the frame. The power train includes: a transmission configured to receive an input torque from a user; a wheel; and a freewheel hub connecting the transmission mechanism to the wheel and configured to transmit the input torque from the transmission mechanism to the wheel only in a first rotational direction of the wheel. The drive train further includes a locking mechanism connected to the drive mechanism and the wheel. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state is configured to transmit at least 95% of the input torque to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions of the wheels. The second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.

In some embodiments, a method of transmitting torque in a pedalling driveline comprises: receiving a first input force with at least one pedal; converting the first input force in a first rotational direction of the drive train into a first input torque in the drive train; and transmitting the first input torque to the wheel through the flywheel hub in a first rotational direction of the wheel. The locking mechanism is then moved from the unlocked state to the locked state to rotationally fix the component of the drive train to the wheel. The method further comprises the following steps: receiving a second input force at the at least one pedal; converting the second input force into a second input torque in the driveline in a second rotational direction of the driveline opposite the first rotational direction of the driveline; and transmitting the second input torque to the wheel in a second rotational direction of the wheel through the locking mechanism.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

In order to explain the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For a better understanding, like elements are identified with like reference numerals throughout the various figures. Although some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated in conceptual representation, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. It is understood that the accompanying drawings depict some exemplary embodiments, which will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise bicycle in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an elliptical exercise machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bicycle in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

4-1 is a side schematic view of a drivetrain and wheels in an unlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4-2 is a side schematic view of the embodiment of the drive train and wheels of FIG. 4-1 in an unlocked state, wherein the wheels are rotating without input force from the drive train;

FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of the embodiment of the drive train and wheels of FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2 in a locked condition;

6-1 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6-2 is a right side perspective view of the embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 6-1 in a locked condition;

FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view of the embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 6-1;

FIG. 9 is an interior view of a rotatable handle of a locking mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism with a friction clutch according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an electrically actuated locking mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of a wheel member of a locking mechanism having an axially oriented interlocking feature according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a locking mechanism including a fluid therein according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism having radially movable components according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of selectively fixing a pedaling drive train and wheels in a rotational direction according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In some embodiments of the human power cycle system according to the present disclosure, the drive train may include a flywheel hub having a selectively actuatable locking mechanism to bypass the flywheel hub and create a direct drive link. As described herein, the lockable hub may provide additional training and/or propulsion options while increasing efficiency, safety, and enjoyment for the user.

Fig. 1 to 3 are examples of a human power cycle system. Each system receives a circular or elliptical input from a user and can transmit the input to a wheel or flywheel in one or both rotational directions. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise bicycle 100 according to the present disclosure. The exercise bicycle 100 may include a frame 102 that supports a drive train 104 and at least one wheel 106. The frame 102 may also support a seat 108 for a user to sit on, a handlebar 110 for a user to grip, one or more displays 112, or a combination thereof. For example, some embodiments of the exercise bicycle 100 may include a seat 108 but lack a handlebar 110 because the user may recline in the seat 108 without needing to stabilize himself during riding. These embodiments may include a display 112 despite the absence of the handlebar 110.

In some embodiments, the exercise bicycle 100 can use one or more displays 112 to display feedback or other data regarding the operation of the exercise bicycle 100. In some implementations, the drive train 104 may be in data communication with the display 112 such that the display 112 presents real-time information collected from one or more sensors on the drive train 104. For example, the display 112 may present information to the user regarding tempo, wattage, simulated distance, duration, simulated speed, resistance, inclination, heart rate, respiration rate, other measured or calculated data, or a combination thereof. In other examples, display 112 may present use instructions to the user, such as exercise instructions for a predetermined exercise regimen (stored locally or accessed via a network); a live workout scheme, such as a live workout broadcast via a network connection; or to simulate a bicycle ride, such as a replication phase of a real-world bicycle race. In other examples, the display 112 may present one or more entertainment options to the user during use of the exercise bike 100. The display 112 may display broadcast or cable television, locally stored video and/or audio, streamed video and/or audio via a network connection, video and/or audio displayed from a connected device (such as a smartphone, laptop, or other computing device connected to the display 112), or other entertainment source. In other embodiments, the exercise bike 100 may lack the display 112 and provide information about the drive train 104 or other exercise session data to an external or peripheral device. For example, the exercise bike 100 may communicate with a smartphone, wearable device, tablet, laptop, or other electronic device to allow the user to record their exercise information.

The exercise bicycle 100 can have a computing device 114 in data communication with one or more components of the exercise bicycle 100. For example, the computing device 114 may allow the exercise bicycle 100 to collect information from the drive train 104 and display the information in real time. In other examples, computing device 114 may send commands to activate one or more components of frame 102 and/or drive train 104 to change the behavior of exercise bicycle 100. For example, during a workout session, the carriage 102 may be moved to simulate an uphill or downhill slope (incline) displayed on the display 112. Similarly, the drive train 104 may be varied to change resistance, gears, or other characteristics to simulate different experiences for the user. The drive train 104 may add resistance to simulate climbing a hill or other experience that requires more energy input from the user, or the drive train 104 may change gears (e.g., physically or "virtually"), and the distance calculated by the computing device 114 may reflect the selected gear.

In some embodiments, the drive train 104 may be in data communication with the display 112 such that the drive train 104 may be altered in response to one or more portions of the simulated exercise experience. The display 112 may present an uphill slope to the user, and the drive train 104 may increase in resistance to reflect the simulated uphill slope. In at least one embodiment, display 112 may present an uphill slope to the user, and frame 102 may tilt upward, and drive train 104 may simultaneously add resistance to create an immersive experience for the user.

Computing device 114 may allow for tracking exercise information, recording exercise information, communicating exercise information to an external electronic device, or a combination thereof, with or without display 112. For example, the computing device 114 may include a communication device that allows the computing device 114 to transmit data to a third-party storage device (e.g., internet and/or cloud storage) that may then be accessed by the user.

In some embodiments, the drive train 104 may include: an input member that receives an input force from a user; and a transmission mechanism that transmits force through the drive train 104 to a hub that moves the wheel 106. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, the input component is a set of pedals 116 that allow a user to apply force to a belt 118. The belt 118 may rotate the axle 120. Rotation of the axle 120 may be transferred to the wheel 106 by the hub 122. In other embodiments, the belt 118 may rotate a portion of the hub 122, and the wheel 106 and the hub 122 may be supported by the axle 120 while remaining non-rotatably coupled to the axle 120. The present disclosure contemplates a transmission engaged with a portion of the axle 120 and/or hub 122. In some embodiments, the wheel 106 may be a flywheel.

The hub 122 may be a freewheel hub 122, the freewheel hub 122 allowing the wheel 106 to continue to rotate when the rotational speed of the wheel 106 exceeds the rotational speed of the axle 120. The hub 122 may be a direct drive or "fixed gear" hub 122 that transmits torque between the axle 120 and the wheel 106 in both directions about the rotational axis 124 of the wheel 106, the axle 120, and the hub 122. In some embodiments, the hub 122 is selectively movable from the freewheel behavior in the unlocked state to the direct drive behavior in the locked state to further enhance the user experience and/or provide additional exercise options to the user.

The unlocked state may transfer input torque from the driveline to the wheels in a first rotational direction, and may transfer little or no torque in a second rotational direction. For example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction (less driveline loss and depending on the tensile or other yield strength of the components), and less than 5% of the input torque in the second rotational direction. In another example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction and less than 3% of the input torque in the second rotational direction. In yet another example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction and less than 1% of the input torque in the second rotational direction. In at least some examples, the unlocked state may transmit less than 0.1% of the input torque in the second rotational direction.

The locked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions (less powertrain losses and depending on the tensile or other yield strength of the components). In some embodiments, the locked state may transfer greater than 95% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit greater than 97% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit greater than 99% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions.

In some embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque of greater than 300 newton meters (N-m) from the drive train to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the drive train and wheels relative to each other. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque greater than 400N-m from the driveline to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the driveline and wheels relative to each other. In some embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque greater than 500N-m from the driveline to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the driveline and wheels relative to each other.

In some embodiments, in the unlocked state, the pedal 116 of the drive train 104 may continue to move after input from the user has ceased. For example, the rotational inertia of the wheel 106 may force the pedals 116 to continue to rotate without further input from the user. For safety purposes, the brake 123 may be positioned on the frame 102 or supported by the frame 102, and the brake 123 is configured to stop or slow the wheels 106 or other portions of the drive train 104.

In some embodiments, the brake 123 may be a friction brake, such as a resistance brake, a drum brake, a caliper brake, a cantilever brake, or a disc brake, and the brake 123 may be actuated mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, electronically, by other means, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the brake 123 may be a magnetic brake that slows and/or stops the movement of the wheel 106 and/or the drive train 104 by applying a magnetic field. In some examples, the brake 123 may be manually forced into contact with the wheel 106 by a user rotating a knob to move the brake. In other examples, the brake 123 may be a disc brake, wherein the caliper is hydraulically actuated by a lever on the handlebar 110. In other examples, the brakes may be actuated by the computing device 114 in response to one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the change of the drive train 104 from a flywheel (one-way) drive train to a direct drive (two-way) drive train may be limited by a lockout device. For example, the drive train 104 is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state below a defined rotational speed of the wheels 106. In some embodiments, the lockout device may prevent movement between the locked and unlocked states when the wheel 106 has a rotational speed greater than 60 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). In other embodiments, the lockout device may prevent movement between the locked and unlocked states when the wheel 106 has a rotational speed greater than 30 RPM. In other embodiments, the lockout device may prevent movement between the locked and unlocked states when the wheel 106 has a rotational speed greater than 10 RPM. In other embodiments, the lockout device may prevent movement between the locked and unlocked states when the wheel 106 has a rotational speed greater than 0 RMP. In at least one embodiment, the lockout device may prevent movement between the locked and unlocked states unless the brake 123 is engaged with the wheel 106 and/or the drive train 104 to prevent movement of the wheel 106 and/or the drive train.

In other embodiments, the lockout device and/or the safety brake may be in data communication with one or more sensors, such as a speed sensor, torque sensor, wattmeter, or other sensor, to measure and monitor user input and movement of the drive train 104 and/or wheels 106.

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a bicycle system that can be used for exercise. The elliptical exercise machine 200 may include a frame 202, the frame 202 supporting a drive train 204 connected to wheels 206 having safety brakes 223. The vehicle frame 202 may support a display 212 and/or a computing device 214 to present, track, record, store, or transmit information to a user. In some embodiments, the drive train 204 may have inputs from a user that include both the handlebar 210 and the pedals 216. For example, a transmission mechanism, such as the linkage 218 of the illustrated embodiment, may receive force from a user through movement of the handlebar 210 and/or the pedals 216. The pedals 216 may cycle through an elliptical path, while the handlebar 210 may oscillate along an arcuate path (arrows a and B) to drive the linkage 218. In other embodiments, the drivetrain 204 may have a fixed handlebar 210, and the pedals 216 may drive the links 218 independently of the handlebar 210. The link 218 may rotate the axle 220, and the rotation of the axle 220 may be transmitted to the wheel 206 through the hub 222.

The hub 222 may be a freewheel hub 222, the freewheel hub 222 allowing the wheel 206 to continue to rotate if the rotational speed of the wheel 206 exceeds the rotational speed of the axle 220. The hub 222 may be a direct drive hub 222, the hub 222 transmitting torque between the axle 220 and the wheel 206 in both directions about the rotational axis 224 of the wheel 206, the axle 220 and the hub 222. In some embodiments, hub 222 is selectively movable from a flywheel behavior to a direct drive behavior to further enhance the user's experience and/or provide additional exercise options to the user.

Fig. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a circulation system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the bicycle 300 may have a frame 302, the frame 302 supporting: a drive train 304 configured to rotate a wheel 306; and a seat 308 and/or handlebars 310 to support a user. The drive train 304 may include pedals 316 to receive input forces from a user and a transmission mechanism, such as a chain 318 or belt, to transmit forces to an axle 320. The hub 322 may transfer torque from the axle 320 to the wheel 306 to rotate the wheel 306 about an axis of rotation 324.

The hub 322 may be a freewheel hub 322, the freewheel hub 322 allowing the wheel 306 to continue to rotate if the rotational speed of the wheel 306 exceeds the rotational speed of the axle 320. The hub 322 may be a direct drive hub 322 that transmits torque between the axle 320 and the wheel 306 in both directions about the rotational axis 324 of the wheel 306, the axle 320, and the hub 322. In some embodiments, the hub 322 can be selectively moved from the flywheel behavior to the direct drive behavior to further enhance the user's experience and/or provide additional exercise options to the user. In some embodiments, the hub 322 is movable between the locked and unlocked positions by a controller 326 positioned on the handlebar 310 or other location accessible by a user during use of the bicycle 300.

4-1-5 are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a drive train and wheels that may be used with the circulation systems described herein (e.g., exercise bicycle 100 described with respect to FIG. 1, elliptical trainer 200 described with respect to FIG. 2, and bicycle 300 described with respect to FIG. 3). The step-down drive train 404 may be configured to rotate the wheel 406. As used herein, a "pedalling power train" may include any linkage, mechanism or system that receives an input force from a person and transmits that force to rotate a wheel in a cyclic mode. For example, the step-down drive train may include platform pedals, which are common on exercise bicycles and conventional bicycles for transportation. In other examples, the pedalling power train may include a "clipless pedal" that engages with cleats on the user's shoe to allow for more efficient power transmission to the power train throughout the pedal stroke. In other examples, the step-down drive train may include hand pedals or grips that allow a user to cycle the pedals of the drive train with their hands, for example, to strengthen or restore the user's upper body. In other examples, a drive train with hand pedals may allow a user with limited or no lower body control to operate the circulatory system for exercise and/or transport.

Fig. 4-1 is a side view of drive train 404 in an unlocked state, with drive train 404 transmitting forward torque 428 from pedal 416 to wheel 406 in a first rotational direction 430 about rotational axis 424 of wheel 406. Drive train 404 may include a transmission mechanism that transmits force from pedals 416 to wheels 406. The chain 418 may be engaged with a first gear 432 that may be rotated by the pedal 416. The chain 418 may also engage a second gear 434 on the axle 420 to apply torque to the axle 420 about the axis of rotation 424 and rotate the axle 420. The axle 420 transfers torque to the wheel through the hub 422. In fig. 4-1, the hub 422 is a freewheel hub that transmits torque in a first rotational direction 430.

Fig. 4-2 illustrates the drive train 404 of fig. 4-1, wherein the pedals 416 move in a first rotational direction 430 at a slower rotational speed than the wheel 406. For example, when wheel 406 rotates due to rotational inertia or due to contact with the ground while the bicycle is in motion, pedals 416 may be stationary. In other examples, the pedal 416 may rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The pedals 416 may move the chain 418 and the axle 420 in a second rotational direction, and the flywheel hub 422 may transfer little or no torque to the wheel 406 to interrupt rotation of the wheel 406 in the first rotational direction 430.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the drive train 404 of FIG. 4-1 in a second locked state. In the locked state, the drive train 404 may transmit torque to the wheels 406 in both a first rotational direction 430 and an opposite second rotational direction 436 about the rotational axis 424. For example, in the locked state, torque from rotation of the axle 420 is directly transferred to the wheel 406 in either rotational direction.

For example, a user may apply a forward torque 428 to the pedals 416, which forward torque 428 is transmitted to the axle 420 through the chain 418. The drive train 404 locks the axle 420 and the wheel 406 in a locked state in the rotational direction. Conversely, movement of the wheel 406 may apply torque to the axle 420 through the hub 422, thereby moving the pedals 416. For example, as the wheel moves in the first rotational direction 430, the pedals 416 also move. The user may apply a rearward torque 438 through the pedal 416 to decelerate the wheel 406 (i.e., to accelerate the wheel 406 in the second rotational direction 436) without requiring additional brakes on the wheel 406 itself.

In some embodiments, the drive train may transition between the unlocked and locked states during movement of the drive train, and in other embodiments, the drive train may transition from the unlocked to the locked state when the drive train is stationary. In other embodiments, the drive train may be configured to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state both during movement and at rest. In at least one example, the drive train may transition between the unlocked state and the locked state when the axle and the wheel of the drive train move at equal rotational speeds.

Fig. 6-1 is a perspective view illustrating the drive train 504 in an unlocked state. The drive train 504 may have a drive mechanism, such as a belt 518 as depicted in the embodiment of fig. 6-1. The transmission mechanism may rotate the axle 520 and/or the hub 522 about an axis of rotation 524 of the axle 520, the hub 522, and the wheel 506. The hub 522 may transmit a forward torque 528 to the wheel 506 and accelerate the wheel 506 in a forward first rotational direction 530. In the unlocked state, the hub 522 may function similar to a conventional flywheel hub, allowing the input of rearward torque 538 from the transmission to not be transferred to the wheel 506, thereby allowing the wheel 506 to rotate freely in the first rotational direction 530.

In some embodiments, the drive train 504 may include a locking mechanism 540. As described herein, the locking mechanism 540 is movable between an unlocked state (illustrated in fig. 6-1) and a locked state (illustrated in fig. 6-2). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 540 can have at least one wheel member 542, the wheel member 542 being movable into engagement with the drive member 544. For example, the wheel member 542 is movable along the axle 520, the hub 522, and the rotational axis 524 of the wheel 506 in the axial direction 546. In other examples, the wheel members 542 may move in a radial direction or other direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 524. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 540 is able to move only when the safety brake 523 is engaged.

In some embodiments, the drive member 544 may be rotationally fixed relative to the drive mechanism (e.g., the belt 518) and/or the axle 520 such that the drive member 544 rotates at the same rotational speed as the axle 520. The wheel member 542 may be rotationally fixed relative to the wheel 506 such that the wheel member 542 rotates at the same rotational speed as the wheel 506. While in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 6-1 and 6-2, the wheel members 542 are movable relative to the wheels 506 and the transmission members 544, in other embodiments, the transmission members 544 are movable relative to the wheels 506 and/or the wheel members 542 instead of or in addition to the wheel members 542.

In other embodiments, the wheel member 542 and/or the drive member 544 can include a one-way bearing. The flywheel hub 522 can transmit torque in a first rotational direction 530. In the locked state, the one-way bearing may transmit torque in the second rotational direction through the locking mechanism 540. Thus, in the locked state, the freewheel hub 522 and the one-way bearings of the locking mechanism 540 may cooperate to rotationally fix the wheel 506 to the driveline 504.

Drive member 544 may be selectively coupled to wheel member 542 to transfer torque from drive member 544 to wheel member 542, and to cause wheel member 542 to transmit torque to drive member 544. Engaging wheel members 542 and drive members 544 may allow a user to better control the movement of wheels 506 and/or may enhance the user's exercise experience.

In some embodiments, the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544 may be engaged by one or more interlocking mechanical features. For example, the embodiment illustrated in fig. 6-1 and 6-2 depicts the engagement of a drive member 544 having a plurality of radially oriented (relative to the rotational axis 524) interlock features 548 with a wheel member 542 having a plurality of complementary interlock features 550. In other embodiments, the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544 can have axially oriented interlocking features. In other embodiments, the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544 may be engaged by other non-mechanical engagement mechanisms, such as friction clutch plates using contact friction between the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544, a magnetic engagement between the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544, a viscous drag engagement between the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544 (e.g., a surface engagement with a fluid layer between the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544), or a combination thereof.

Fig. 6-2 is a perspective view of the drive train 504 and wheels 506 of fig. 6-1 in a locked state. In some embodiments, the wheel member 542 may be moved in an axial direction toward the drive member 544, thereby engaging the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544. In the locked state, the wheel member 542 and the drive member 544 may be rotationally fixed relative to one another such that the wheel hub 522 is bypassed and torque is directly transferred from the drive mechanism (i.e., the belt 518) and/or the axle 520 to the wheel 506.

When bypassing the hub 522 in the locked state, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 6-2, the locking mechanism 540 may transmit a forward torque 528 from the band 518 and/or the axle 520 to the wheel 506 to accelerate the wheel 506 in the first rotational direction 530, and the locking mechanism 540 may transmit a rearward torque 538 from the band 518 and/or the axle 520 to the wheel 506 to accelerate the wheel 506 in the second rotational direction 536.

In some embodiments, the wheel member 542 of the locking mechanism 540 may be rotationally fixed to the wheel 506 and capable of axially moving the one or more posts 552 relative to the wheel 506. In other embodiments, the wheel member 542 is movable relative to the wheel 506 in the axial direction 546 along another mechanism, and can transmit torque to the wheel 506 through one or more splines, frictional engagement, magnetic engagement, viscous engagement, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism 640 according to the present disclosure. The locking mechanism 640 may be selectively engaged in a locked condition to bypass the hub 622 and transfer torque from the transmission 618 directly to the wheel 606. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 640 is moved between the unlocked state (depicted in fig. 7) and the locked state by mechanically moving a portion of the locking mechanism 640 in the axial direction 646 (i.e., in the direction of the axle 620). The movable portion of the locking mechanism 640 is able to move along the post 652 or other support member. For example, the wheel member 642 of the locking mechanism 640 may be supported by a plurality of posts 652 that rotationally fix the wheel member 642 to the wheel 606.

In some embodiments, the wheel member 642 is movable by a push rod 654, and the push rod 654 may apply an axial force to move the wheel member 642 in the axial direction 646. The axial position of the push rod 654 may be selected by the user. In other embodiments, the axial position of the push rod 654 may be selected by an electric motor in data communication with a computing device, such as the computing devices described with respect to fig. 1-3. The computing device may selectively move the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state based on a predetermined exercise program or based on information from one or more sensors in communication with the computing device.

In some embodiments, the axial position of the push rod 654 may be controlled at least in part by the handle 656. Handle 656 may allow a user to manually adjust the position of push rod 654 relative to wheel 606 and/or drive member 644. For example, handle 656 can be moved in axial direction 646 to push rod 654 in axial direction 646. In other examples, the handle 656 can be rotated to have a sloped surface to push the push rod 654 in the axial direction 646.

The handle 656 can push the push rod 654 axially relative to the wheel member 642. In some embodiments, the wheel member 642 and the drive member 644 may engage via an interlock feature 648 on the drive member 644 and a complementary interlock feature 650 on the wheel member 642. In some cases, the interlock features 648 and the complementary interlock features 650 may be misaligned. In such a case, pushing the wheel member 642 toward the drive member 644 may wear or damage the interlock features 648 and the complementary interlock features 650. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 640 may include a motor 672, the motor 672 urging the push rod 654 and/or the wheel member 642 in the axial direction 646. For example, the locking mechanism 640 may include an electric motor, a pneumatic piston and cylinder, a hydraulic piston and cylinder, a linear magnet, or other actuator to urge the wheel member 642 and the transmission member 644 toward each other. In other examples, the motor 672 may apply a torque to the handle 656 to rotate the handle 656 and push the push rod 654 and/or the wheel member 642 in the axial direction 646.

In some embodiments, the biasing element 658 may be positioned between the push rod 654 and the wheel member 642. For example, biasing element 658 may apply a force to wheel member 642 based on the axial position of push rod 654 (e.g., based on hooke's law). In some examples, the biasing element 658 may be a coil spring such as that illustrated in fig. 7. In other examples, the biasing element 658 may be a wave spring, a leaf spring, a compressible sleeve, a compressible fluid, one or more magnets, or a combination thereof. The biasing element 658 may push the wheel member 642 and the drive member 644 towards each other until the interlocking feature 648 on the drive member 644 and the complementary interlocking feature 650 of the wheel member 642 are aligned, at which point the wheel member 642 and the drive member 644 may be moved towards each other and the interlocking feature 648 and the complementary interlocking feature 650 may engage such that the locking mechanism 640 is in a locked state.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheel 606 and handle 656 of fig. 7. In some embodiments, the handle 656 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 624. For example, rotating handle 656 in locking direction 660 about rotational axis 624 may move at least a portion of locking mechanism in axial direction 646, thereby moving locking mechanism 640 into a locked state.

In some embodiments, the handle 656 may have one or more surface features 662 to increase or improve a user's grip or tactile feedback with the handle 656. For example, the surface features may include textured surfaces, rubber surfaces, protrusions, recesses, or other features that may allow a user to more easily identify and manipulate the handle without visual confirmation.

Fig. 9 is a side view illustrating the handle 656 of fig. 8, showing the side facing the wheel and locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle 656 can have one or more sloped surfaces 664 that are at least partially recessed into the handle 656. The inclined surface 664 may have a deep end 666 and a shallow end 668. Rotating the handle 656 about the rotational axis 624 may move the angled surface 664 relative to an end of a push rod (such as the push rod 654 described with respect to fig. 7) and push the push rod axially (i.e., perpendicular to the rotation of the handle 656) as the angled surface 664 moves past the push rod.

In some embodiments, the handle 656 can be bi-stable. For example, the bi-stable handle 656 may have two positions in which the handle 656 is stable. The embodiment of the handle 656 illustrated in fig. 7-9 is stable at either end of the ramped surface 664. In some embodiments, a biasing element in the locking mechanism may bias the push rod toward the handle 656 and/or toward the ramped surface 664. The push rod may be pressed against the inclined surface 664 under force from the biasing element. Contact of the push rod against the ramped surface 664 can rotate the handle 656 about the rotational axis 624 until the push rod rests in the deep end 666 of the ramped surface 664. Thus, the deep end 666 may be a first stable position of the handle 656.

In some embodiments, the shallow end 668 of the inclined surface 664 may have a recess or groove 670 located in the shallow end 668 such that the push rod may rest in the recess or groove 670, creating a second stable position of the handle 656. Contact with the push rod may bias the handle 656 toward the first stable position when in any position between the first stable position and the second stable position. In the embodiment of the locking mechanism and handle 656 of fig. 7-9, the first stable position may be an unlocked state of the locking mechanism and the second stable position may be a locked state of the locking mechanism. Thus, the locking mechanism may be biased toward an unlocked state of the locking mechanism when between the positions. In other embodiments of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may be biased toward a locked state of the locking mechanism when between the positions.

In other embodiments, the sloped surface may be continuous and undulate about the axis of rotation 624 of the handle 656. In such embodiments, the handle 656 can be rotated through indexed stable positions that alternate between a locked state and an unlocked state. For example, continued rotation of the handle 656 in a first direction may cycle the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states.

6-1-9 illustrate embodiments of locking mechanisms having radial interlocking mechanical features to move the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states via axial movement, other locking mechanisms may use other methods of engagement. For example, embodiments of the locking mechanism may transmit torque in the locked state through the use of interlocking mechanical features oriented in an axial direction, frictional forces oriented in a radial direction, magnetic forces, viscous drag, other engagement forces, or combinations thereof. FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a locking mechanism 740 for a pedaling bicycle system.

The locking mechanism 740 may have a wheel member 742 and a drive member 744. In some embodiments, the transmission member 744 may be directly driven by the transmission mechanism 718. In other embodiments, the transmission mechanism 718 may drive at least a portion of the axle 720 and/or hub 722 to which the transmission member 744 is rotationally fixed. The wheel member 742 is movable in an axial direction 746 toward or away from the drive member 744. In some embodiments, the wheel member 742 and the drive member 744 can be moved relative to each other by manual operation of a user (such as the handle 656 described with respect to fig. 7-9) or by the motor 772.

In some embodiments, a surface of the wheel member 742 may contact a surface of the drive member 744. During use, friction between wheel member 742 and drive member 744 may be sufficient such that torque applied to drive member 744 by drive mechanism 718 may be fully transmitted to wheel member 742 (e.g., no slip between wheel member 742 and drive member 744). In some embodiments, the surface of the wheel member 742 and the surface of the transmission member 744 that contact each other may be substantially flat with little or no surface relief or other interlocking features. For example, the wheel member 742 and the transmission member 744 may transfer torque between the wheel member 742 and the transmission member 744 similar to a friction clutch plate system. In other embodiments, wheel member 742 and drive member 744 may have one or more surface features having a height in axial direction 746 to increase friction and/or improve torque transfer between wheel member 742 and drive member 744.

The frictional force between wheel member 742 and drive member 744 is at least partially related to the contact force between wheel member 742 and drive member 744 in axial direction 746. In some embodiments, the contact force may be provided by a rotatable handle such as described with respect to fig. 7-9. Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism 840 having an electric motor 872 that moves the locking mechanism 872 between a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the electric motor 872 may move the one or more extensions 874 in the axial direction 846. The electric motor 872 may be in communication with one or more controllers (such as the controller 326 described with respect to fig. 3) and/or computing devices (such as the computing device 114 described with respect to fig. 1) via a communication cable 876. In some implementations, the electric motor 872 can be in data communication with one or more controllers and/or computing devices via wireless communication. In some embodiments, the electric motor 872 may be in data communication with one or more sensors that allow feedback to the user and/or computing device. Thus, the electric motor 872 may operate as a lockout device for the locking mechanism 840. The electric motor 872 may be controlled by a computing device that is also in communication with one or more sensors. Thus, the state of the locking mechanism 840 may be changeable only when the computing device receives information from the sensor confirming that the wheel 806 is stationary or below the threshold rotational speed or when the sensor confirms that the user is not applying torque to the drive member 844. For example, when both the drive member 844 and the wheel member 842 are stationary, the computing device may send a command to the electric motor 872 to actuate the locking mechanism 840. In other examples, when both the drive member 844 and the wheel member 842 have equal rotational speeds, the computing device may send a command to the electric motor 872 to actuate the locking mechanism 840.

The extension 874 can contact or be connected to the wheel member 842. For example, during use, the extension 874 can be decoupled from the wheel member 842, allowing the wheel member 842 to rotate with the wheel 806. The extension 874 can exert a force in the axial direction 846 as the wheel 806 and wheel member 842 continue to rotate while sliding on the outer surface 878 of the wheel member 842. The electric motor 872 and extension 874 can apply an axial force to the wheel member 842 without impairing rotation of the wheel 806 or otherwise disrupting use of the wheel 806. In some embodiments, the extension 874 can slide along the outer surface 878 of the wheel member 842. In other embodiments, the extension 874 can include one or more bearings that contact the outer surface 878 of the wheel member 842. In other embodiments, the outer surface 878 of the wheel member 842 can include one or more moveable rings that can receive axial force from the extension 874 and transfer little or no torque from contact with the extension 874 to the wheel member 842 and/or the rest of the wheel 806.

In some embodiments, the wheel member and/or the transmission member may have one or more surface features that reduce the axial force required to transmit torque between the wheel member and the transmission member in the locked state. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wheel member 942, the wheel member 942 including an interlocking mechanical feature 948 oriented in an axial direction 946. In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanical features may be symmetrical about the axis of rotation 924 (e.g., have the same profile in the first and second directions of rotation). For example, a conventional gear may have a plurality of teeth with a symmetrical profile in either rotational direction.

The face gear embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 has a plurality of surface features with asymmetric profiles. The interlocking mechanical feature 948 may be more positively engaged in the second rotational direction 936 than the first rotational direction 930. For example, the rearward face 978 of the interlocking mechanical feature 948 may have a steeper angle relative to the second rotational direction 936 than the angle of the forward face 980 relative to the first rotational direction 930. The asymmetric profile of the interlocking mechanical features 948 may allow the locking mechanism to "slide" in the first rotational direction 930 while engaging more aggressively in the second rotational direction (aggressive) because the rearward face 978 is compressively engaged in the second rotational direction 936 in a locked state. In the first rotational direction, the driveline according to the present disclosure may rely on the flywheel hub to transmit the input torque, and therefore a less aggressive profile in the first rotational direction may reduce the risk of damage to the locking mechanism without impairing the transmission of torque to the wheels in the first rotational direction.

As described herein, the locking mechanism may have a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may also have an intermediate state. An intermediate state may transfer some torque between the wheel member and the transmission member without fixing the transmission member and the wheel member in the rotational direction. For example, fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the locking mechanism 1040, the locking mechanism 1040 including a wheel member 1042 and a drive member 1044, wherein a fluid 1082 is positioned between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044. The fluid 1082 may be positioned within the housing 1084. In some embodiments, the fluid 1082 may be a compressible fluid. In other embodiments, the fluid 1084 may be an incompressible fluid. The fluid 1082 may have a viscosity that creates a drag 1086 between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044. In some embodiments, the drag force 1086 may increase with a greater difference in rotational speed between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044. In other embodiments, the resistance 1086 may increase as the spacing 1088 between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044 decreases. In some embodiments, the spacing 1088 of the wheel member 1042 from the drive member 1044 can be varied by manual operation by a user (such as the handle 656 described with respect to fig. 7-9) or by the motor 1072.

For example, the locking mechanism 1040 may have an unlocked state in which the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044 are at a spacing sufficient to transfer less than 5% of torque between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044, a locked state in which the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044 are in contact with one another and are rotationally fixed to one another by friction and/or mechanical interlocking; in the neutral state, fluid resistance 1086 transfers greater than 5% of the torque between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044, and the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044 are not rotationally fixed relative to each other. The intermediate state may be advantageous to allow the wheel member 1042 and the transmission member 1044 to approach or match rotational speed when transitioning between the locked and unlocked states during use.

In some embodiments, the fluid 1082 may have a variable viscosity. For example, the fluid 1082 may be a magnetorheological fluid that changes effective viscosity by applying a magnetic field to the fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid 1082 may have a variable viscosity, wherein the range of viscosities is sufficient such that a low end of the range of viscosities (i.e., a low viscosity state with no magnetic field applied) transfers less than 5% of the torque between the drive train and the wheel and a high end of the range of viscosities (i.e., a high viscosity state with a magnetic field applied) fixes the drive train and the wheel in a locked state in the rotational direction. In other words, the variable viscosity fluid may allow for a locking mechanism with a fixed spacing 1088 between the wheel member 1042 and the drive member 1044.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise a wheel member and/or a transmission member which is movable in a radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the wheel. For example, a step-on drive train may have space limitations in the axial direction, and axial movement of a portion of the locking mechanism may be undesirable. In at least one example, increasing the width of the wheel, hub, pocket, or other portion of the drive train in the axial direction may require changing the frame of an existing bicycle or other device. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to move one or more components in a radial direction to accommodate different form factors and/or housing sizes.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism 1140, the locking mechanism 1140 configured to selectively rotationally fix the transmission 1118 and the wheel 1106. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1140 may have a wheel member 1142 and a drive member 1144, the wheel member 1142 and the drive member 1144 being positioned with at least a portion of one of the wheel member 1142 and the drive member 1144 radially outward of the other. For example, at least a portion of the wheel member 1142 may be positioned to axially overlap a portion of the drive member 1144 with respect to the axis of rotation 1124 and further away from the axis of rotation 1124 in a radial direction 1190 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 1124. A portion of the wheel member 1142 is positioned radially outward of the drive member 1144. In other words, at least a portion of the wheel member 1142 may operate similar to a drum brake (e.g., when actuated by the motor 1172) to compress the drive member 1144 and transfer torque between the wheel member 1142 and the drive member 1144 in both the first rotational direction 1130 and the second rotational direction 1136.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1291 of selectively fixing the pedaling drive train in a rotational direction. The method 1291 can include receiving a first input force from a user at 1292. In some embodiments, the first input force may be received by a foot pedal, such as a platform pedal, a clip-on pedal, a clipless pedal, or other pedal configured to receive a force applied by a user's foot in a cyclic motion. In other embodiments, the first input force may be received by a manual pedal, such as a rotatable grip, platform, reciprocating handle, or other manual grip configured to receive a force applied by a user's hand in a cyclical motion.

The method 1291 can also include converting the first input force to a first input torque in a first rotational direction at 1293 and transmitting the first input torque to the wheel through the flywheel hub in the first rotational direction of the wheel at 1294. The method 1291 includes moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state to rotationally fix at least a portion of the drive train to the wheel at 1295. While the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the method 1291 includes receiving a second input force from the user at 1296 and converting the second input force into a second input torque in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction at 1297. The method 1291 then includes transmitting a second input torque to the wheel in a second rotational direction of the wheel via the locking mechanism in the locked state at 1298.

In some embodiments, the method may include moving the locking mechanism to an intermediate state. An intermediate state of the locking mechanism may transfer 5% to 95% of the third input torque between the driveline and the wheels. For example, an intermediate state may transmit torque while allowing the driveline and wheels to rotate at different rotational speeds. The locking mechanism may remain in the neutral state until the drive train and the wheels have rotational speeds within 5% of each other. When the driveline rotational speed at the locking mechanism and the wheel rotational speed at the locking mechanism are within 5% of each other, the locking mechanism may move the locked state to fix the driveline and the wheel in a rotational direction relative to each other.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the present invention relates to selectively moving a hub in a step-down power train from an unlocked state to a locked state. The unlocked state may transfer input torque from the driveline to the wheels in a first rotational direction, and may transfer little or no torque in a second rotational direction. For example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction (less driveline loss and depending on the tensile or other yield strength of the components), and less than 5% of the input torque in the second rotational direction. In another example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction and less than 3% of the input torque in the second rotational direction. In yet another example, the unlocked state may transfer substantially all of the input torque in the first rotational direction and less than 1% of the input torque in the second rotational direction.

The locked state may transmit substantially all of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions (less driveline loss and depending on the tensile or other yield strength of the components). In some embodiments, the locked state may transfer greater than 95% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit greater than 97% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit greater than 99% of the input torque in the first and second rotational directions.

In some embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque of greater than 300 newton meters (N-m) from the drive train to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the drive train and wheels relative to each other. In other embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque greater than 400N-m from the driveline to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the driveline and wheels relative to each other. In some embodiments, the locked state may transmit a torque greater than 500N-m from the driveline to the wheels in the first and second rotational directions without slipping the driveline and wheels relative to each other.

In some embodiments, a pedal-driven power train having locked and unlocked states according to the present disclosure may be used in an exercise system or device, such as a stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, treadmill, cross-country ski trainer, stationary cart, rowing machine, or other exercise system or device that includes rotational movement of components. In other embodiments, the pedaling drive train with locked and unlocked states according to the present disclosure may be used in transportation and/or entertainment devices and systems, such as bicycles (road bicycles, mountain bikes, recumbent bicycles, strollers, etc.), pedal boats, micro-aircraft, pedal cars, or other pedal-powered vehicles.

The step-down power train may be selectively moved between a locked state and an unlocked state by actuating the locking mechanism to engage the wheel member and the transmission member. The wheel member may be rotationally fixed to the wheel and the transmission member may be rotationally fixed to a component of the transmission. In the unlocked state, the wheel member and the transfer member transfer less than 5% of the input torque therebetween in the second rotational direction. In the locked state, the wheel member and the transmission member may transmit greater than 95% of the input torque in the second rotational direction.

In some embodiments, the wheel member and the drive member may be selectively engaged by movement of the wheel member and the drive member toward each other, and the wheel member and the drive member may be selectively disengaged by movement of the wheel member and the drive member away from each other. For example, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the wheel member relative to the wheel and the drive train. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving both the wheel member and the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train.

In some embodiments, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the wheel member relative to the wheel and the drive train in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the wheel member and the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. For example, the engagement of the wheel member and the transmission member in the axial direction may function similar to a disc brake.

In other embodiments, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the wheel member relative to the wheel and the drive train in a radial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train in a radial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. In other examples, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states may include moving the wheel member and the drive member relative to the wheel and the drive train in a radial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel. For example, the radial movement of the wheel member and the transmission member may act like a drum brake.

In some embodiments, in the locked state, the wheel member and the transmission member may be in direct contact with each other. For example, the wheel member and the drive member may engage one another and transmit torque between the wheel member and the drive member via frictional engagement, mechanical interlocking features (such as radially and/or axially oriented gear teeth), or other surface features, such as splines or uneven surfaces. For example, the wheel member and the transmission member may be engaged by frictional engagement of the wheel member and the transmission member pressing against each other.

In some embodiments, the wheel member and the drive member may have axially oriented interlocking features, and the wheel member and the drive member may be engaged by movement relative to each other in an axial direction (such as a face gear). In other embodiments, the wheel member and the drive member may have radially oriented interlocking features, and the wheel member and the drive member may be engaged by movement relative to each other in an axial direction (such as splines that interlock in a rotational direction and allow axial translation). In other embodiments, the wheel member and the drive member may have radially oriented interlocking features, and the wheel member and the drive member may engage by movement relative to each other in a radial direction (such as interlocking radial teeth).

In other embodiments in the locked state, the wheel member and the transmission member may be indirectly engaged with each other with or without direct contact. For example, the wheel member and the transmission member may engage each other and transmit torque between the wheel member and the transmission member by magnetic engagement (permanent magnets and/or electromagnets), fluid resistance engagement, or by other forces that do not require contact between the wheel member and the transmission member.

In some embodiments, the fluid may be positioned between the wheel member and the transmission member. The resistance of the fluid may transfer at least a portion of the torque between the wheel member and the drive member when the wheel member and the drive member move relative to each other and cause movement of the fluid between the wheel member and the drive member. The torque transmitted through the fluid resistance may vary with the spacing between the wheel member and the drive member. For example, as the spacing between the wheel member and the drive member decreases, more torque may be transmitted through the fluid resistance. In other examples, more torque may be transferred through the fluid resistance in a higher viscosity fluid than in a lower viscosity fluid. In at least one example, the fluid may have a variable viscosity, such as a magnetorheological fluid having an effective viscosity that is changed by application of a magnetic field.

In other embodiments, the wheel member and/or the transmission member may include one or more magnets. The magnets of the wheel member and/or the transmission member may generate a magnetic field that may interact with and exert a force between the wheel member and the transmission member. For example, the wheel member may include a first magnet and the transmission member may include a second magnet. As the wheel member and the transmission member move closer to each other, the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet may increase, enabling a greater amount of torque to be transmitted between the wheel member and the transmission member. In some examples, the first magnet and/or the second magnet may be electromagnets that may be selectively magnetized. In such examples, the spacing between the wheel member and the drive member may be constant, and the magnetic force between the wheel member and the drive member may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the magnetic field of the electromagnet.

In some embodiments, moving the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states (particularly to the locked state) may damage, bend, erode, wear, or otherwise damage the wheel member and/or the transmission member when the wheel member and the transmission member rotate at different rotational speeds. For example, the mechanical interlocking features may wear or bend, inhibiting engagement of the wheel with the drive member. In other examples, "slipping" of the frictional engagement surfaces (such as in a friction clutch) may prematurely wear the frictional engagement surfaces of the wheel members and/or the transmission members.

In some embodiments, the lockout device may prevent the wheel member and/or the transmission member from engaging or moving towards each other when the wheel rotational speed of the wheel member and the transmission rotational speed of the transmission member are different. For example, the lockout device may prevent movement of the wheel member and/or the transmission member toward one another from engaging or moving when the wheel rotational speed of the wheel member and the transmission rotational speed of the transmission member differ by greater than 0.1RMP, 1.0RMP, 6.0RMP, 10.0RMP, 30.0RMP, 60.0RMP, or more. In some examples, the lockout device may prevent movement of the wheel member and/or the transmission member toward each other from engaging or moving unless the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed are the same. In other examples, the lockout device may prevent movement of the wheel member and/or the transmission member toward each other from engaging or moving unless both the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed are 0RMP (i.e., both are stationary).

In other embodiments, the lockout device may prevent the wheel member and/or the transmission member from engaging or moving toward each other unless the safety brake is engaged. The safety brake may limit and/or prevent rotation of the wheel and/or drive train. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism is movable only between the locked and unlocked states while the safety brake is engaged.

In other embodiments, the locking mechanism may have an intermediate state in which more than 5% and less than 95% of the torque is transmitted between the wheel member and the transmission member. The intermediate state may allow the wheel member and the transmission member to "slip" relative to each other to allow the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed to approach each other. For example, the transmission rotational speed may be 0RMP, and the wheel rotational speed may have a speed of 100 RMP. The locking mechanisms may be moved to an intermediate state to transfer a portion of the torque between the locking mechanisms, and the transmission rotational speed may be increased and the wheel rotational speed may be decreased. The locking mechanism may be moved to the locked state when the transmission rotational speed and the wheel rotational speed are within predetermined ranges. For example, during movement from the unlocked state to the locked state, a user may apply a conversion input force into the drive train, and the locking mechanism may transmit a portion of the conversion input force through the locking mechanism in the intermediate state such that the transmission rotational speed may approach the wheel rotational speed. Once the transmission rotational speed and the wheel rotational speed are within predetermined thresholds, the locking mechanism may be moved to a locked state. In other embodiments, the lockout device may prevent movement from the neutral state to the locked state if the switching input force is greater than 1 pound (4.45 newtons).

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism, lockout device, safety brake, or a combination thereof may be manually controlled by a user. For example, the locking mechanism may be actuated by a handle. The handle may include an inclined surface that may cause the wheel member and the transmission member to move relative to each other when the handle is rotated relative to the locking mechanism. In other examples, the handle may have a cam lobe that causes the wheel member and the drive member to move relative to each other.

The locking mechanism may be actuated by automatic or powered means in addition to a manual lever moved by the user. In some embodiments, the handle may be rotated by a motor. In other embodiments, the position of the wheel member and the transmission member relative to each other may be controlled by an electric motor, such as a stepper motor or a worm gear. In other embodiments, the position of the wheel member and the transmission member relative to each other is obtained by a pneumatic piston and cylinder. In other embodiments, the position of the wheel member and the transmission member relative to each other is obtained by means of a hydraulic piston and a hydraulic cylinder. In other embodiments, the position of the wheel member and the transmission member relative to each other is obtained by a linear magnetic actuator.

The controller may allow a user to selectively actuate the locking mechanism. For example, the controller may be provided on the handlebar and/or frame of a bicycle, stationary bicycle, elliptical, or other pedaling device.

In other embodiments, the locking mechanism, the lockout device, the safety brake, or a combination thereof may be controlled by the computing device. In some examples, the computing device may coordinate actuation of one or more of a locking mechanism, a lockout device, and a safety brake. For example, upon a user requesting that the locking mechanism move from the unlocked state to the locked state, the computing device may activate the safety brake to stop the wheel rotational speed and/or the transmission rotational speed, deactivate the lockout device, and activate the locking mechanism to move to the locked state.

In other examples, the computing device may use one or more sensors (speed sensors, torque sensors, power meters, etc.) to measure the wheel rotational speed and/or the transmission rotational speed when the user requests the locking mechanism to move from the unlocked state to the locked state, and the computing device may activate the locking mechanism only when the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed are within a predetermined range.

In other embodiments, the computing device may present a predetermined exercise program to the user. The predetermined exercise program may include a portion of the program for pedaling the step-down drive train in the unlocked state and a portion of the program for pedaling the step-down drive train in the locked state. In such an example, the computing device may activate the safety brake to slow and/or stop the wheel rotational speed and/or the transmission rotational speed, deactivate the lockout device, and actuate the locking mechanism to move to the locked state and disengage from the safety brake. In other examples, the computing device may move the locking mechanism to an intermediate state to transfer a portion of the torque between the wheel member and the transmission member. Partial transfer of torque may cause the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed to approach each other. The computing device may use one or more sensors to measure the wheel rotational speed and/or the transmission rotational speed, and the computing device may activate the locking mechanism when the wheel rotational speed and the transmission rotational speed are within a predetermined range.

The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding description. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described with respect to an embodiment herein may be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, as embodied by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values set forth herein are intended to include the value as well as other values that are "about" or "approximate" the value recited. Accordingly, the value should be construed broadly enough to encompass values at least close enough to the value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The values include at least the expected variations in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of the values.

Those of ordinary skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent structures including the term "means function" are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including structural equivalents which operate in a similar manner and equivalent structures which provide the same function. Applicants' explicit intent is not to refer to any claim as a means function or other functional claim unless the term "means" appears with the associated function. Every addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims will be embraced by the claims.

It should be understood that any orientation or reference frame in the foregoing description is only relative orientation or movement. For example, any reference to "front" and "back" or "top" and "bottom" or "left" and "right" is intended to merely describe the relative position or movement of the elements involved.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, a pedalling power train according to the present disclosure may be described in terms of any of the following:

1. a pedalling power train, the power train comprising:

a transmission mechanism;

a wheel having an axis of rotation;

a freewheel hub connecting the transmission to the wheel and configured to transfer torque from the transmission to the wheel in a first rotational direction about the rotational axis; and

a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locked state configured to transmit torque from the transmission mechanism to the wheel in at least a second rotational direction about the rotational axis.

2. The drive train of the invention according to part 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a friction clutch.

3. The drive train of part 1, the locking mechanism comprising one or more interlocking mechanical features oriented in an axial direction of the rotational axis.

4. The drive train of any of parts 1 to 3, the locking mechanism comprising one or more interlocking mechanical features oriented in a radial direction of the axis of rotation.

5. The drive train of any of the sections 1 to 4, the locking mechanism being stable only in the locked state and the unlocked state.

6. The drive train of any of parts 1 to 5, the locking mechanism comprising an electric motor to actuate the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states.

7. The drive train of any of the sections 1 to 6, the drive mechanism comprising a chain.

8. The drive train of any of the sections 1 to 7, the wheel being a flywheel.

9. The drive train of any of the sections 1 to 8, the locking mechanism having an inclined surface and a push rod positioned adjacent the inclined surface, the push rod being stable at a first end of the inclined surface and at a second end of the inclined surface, wherein the push rod at the first end is associated with the unlocked state and the push rod at the second end is associated with the locked state.

10. The drive train of part 9, the push rod being biased towards the first end.

11. The drive train of any of the parts 1 to 10, the locking mechanism having a first part and a second part, the locking mechanism being movable between the locked state and the unlocked state by rotating the first part relative to the second part.

12. The drivetrain of any one of sections 1 to 11, the locking mechanism having an intermediate state configured to transmit 5% to 95% of torque between the transmission mechanism and the wheel.

13. A circulatory system, the system comprising:

a frame;

a handlebar supported by the frame;

a drive train supported by the frame, the drive train comprising:

a transmission configured to receive an input torque from a user; and

a drivetrain as recited in claim 1, wherein the locked state is configured to transmit at least 95% of the input torque to a wheel in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction of the wheel, the second rotational direction being opposite the first rotational direction.

14. According to the system of part 13, the locking mechanism can be actuated by a control on the handlebar.

15. The power train of any of parts 1 to 12 or the system of part 13 or 14, further comprising:

a computing device in data communication with the locking mechanism, the computing device configured to send a command to an electric motor to move the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state.

16. According to the system of portion 15, the computing device is in data communication with at least one sensor configured to measure rotation of the wheel.

17. The system of part 15 or 16, the computing device in data communication with a safety brake configured to brake the wheel or the drive train.

18. The drivetrain of any one of sections 1-12 or the system of sections 13-17, the locked state configured to transmit a torque of at least 300 newton-meters.

19. The drive train of any of parts 1-12 or the system of parts 13-18 further includes a lockout device configured to prevent movement of the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states when the wheel and drive members of the locking mechanism are moved relative to each other.

20. The drive train of any of the parts 1-12 or of the system of the parts 13-18 further comprises a lockout device configured to: preventing movement of the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states unless a safety brake is engaged with the wheel or the drive train.

21. A method of transmitting torque in a pedalling driveline, the method comprising:

receiving a first input force with at least one pedal;

converting the first input force in a first rotational direction of a drive train to a first input torque in the drive train;

transmitting the first input torque to a wheel through a flywheel hub in a first rotational direction of the wheel;

moving a locking mechanism from an unlocked state to a locked state to rotationally fix a component of the drive train to the wheel;

receiving a second input force at the at least one pedal;

converting the second input force into a second input torque in the driveline in a second rotational direction of the driveline opposite the first rotational direction of the driveline; and

transmitting the second input torque to the wheel in the second rotational direction of the wheel through the locking mechanism.

22. The method of part 21, further comprising:

moving the locking mechanism to an intermediate state;

transmitting 5% to 95% of a third input torque from the driveline to the wheel in the intermediate state; and

moving the locking mechanism to the locked state after the driveline rotational speed is within 5% of the wheel rotational speed.

23. The method of part 21 or 22, wherein moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state comprises actuating an electric motor.

24. The method of any of the parts 21-23, wherein moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state comprises moving at least one component of the locking mechanism in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel.

25. The method of any of the parts 21-24, wherein moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state comprises moving at least one component of the locking mechanism in an axial direction of the rotational axis of the wheel.

26. The method of any of parts 21-25, further comprising moving a wheel member of the locking mechanism relative to the wheel, the wheel member being rotationally fixed relative to the wheel.

27. The method of any of parts 21-26, further comprising moving a drive member of the locking mechanism in an axial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel, the drive member being rotationally fixed relative to a component of the drive train.

28. The method of any of parts 21-27, further comprising moving a drive member of the locking mechanism in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel, the drive member being rotationally fixed relative to a component of the drive train.

29. The method of any of the parts 21-28, moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state comprises frictionally engaging a wheel member and a drive member of the locking mechanism, the wheel member being rotationally fixed relative to the wheel and the drive member being rotationally fixed relative to a component of the drive train.

30. The method of any of the parts 21-29, moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state comprises fluidly engaging a wheel member and a drive member of the locking mechanism, the wheel member being rotationally fixed relative to the wheel and the drive member being rotationally fixed relative to a component of the drive train.

31. The method of any of parts 21 to 30, further comprising sending a command from a computing device to the locking mechanism to move the locking mechanism from an unlocked state to a locked state.

32. The method of any of parts 21-31, wherein sending a command from a computing device includes coordinating movement of the locking mechanism with an exercise program presented to a user.

33. The method of any of the sections 21 to 32, further comprising displaying the exercise program to the user on a display.

34. The method of any of the portions 21-33, further comprising engaging a lockout device that prevents the locking mechanism from moving from an unlocked state to a locked state when the wheel is rotated.

35. The method of any of portions 21-34, further comprising engaging a lockout device that prevents movement of the locking mechanism from an unlocked state to a locked state when a wheel member of the locking mechanism rotates relative to a drive member of the locking mechanism at a speed greater than a predetermined threshold, the wheel member being rotationally fixed relative to the wheel, and the drive member being rotationally fixed relative to a component of the drive train.

36. The method of any of parts 21 to 35, further comprising engaging a brake to stop rotation of the wheel prior to moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state.

37. The method of any of the parts 21-36, further comprising engaging a lockout device that only allows movement of the locking mechanism from an unlocked state to a locked state when the brake is engaged.

38. The method of any of parts 21 to 37, further comprising:

measuring a wheel rotational speed of the wheel about the rotational axis and a drive rotational speed of the drive train about the rotational axis; and

engaging a lockout device that prevents the locking mechanism from moving from an unlocked state to a locked state when the wheel rotational speed differs from the transmission rotational speed by more than 10%.

39. The method of part 38, further comprising:

measuring a transition input force from a user at a pedal of the drive train; and

engaging a lockout device that prevents the locking mechanism from moving from the unlocked state to the locked state when the switching input force is greater than 1 pound (4.45 newtons).

40. The method of part 39, further comprising:

moving a locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked locked state to rotationally decouple the component of the drive train from the wheel after transmitting the second input torque in the second rotational direction through the locking mechanism.