Hybrid resistance generation system for an exercise machine

Abstract

The application relates to a hybrid resistance generation system for an exercise machine, comprising a weight stack providing a first resistance source and an electromechanical resistance module providing a second resistance source. The two resistance sources are connected in series via a weight sword, so that a combined resulting resistance acts on a first cable that is operably connected to a user interface. The electromechanical resistance module includes an electric motor with a winch for winding and unwinding a second cable, which is detachably connected to the weight sword via a tool-free adapter.

1 . A hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) for an exercise machine, comprising:
 a weight stack ( 5 ) with a plurality of weights that can be coupled with a weight sword ( 43 ) providing a first resistance source;   an electromechanical resistance module ( 7 ) providing a second resistance source, the electromechanical resistance module ( 7 ) comprising an electric motor ( 31 ) with a winch ( 33 ) on which a second cable ( 14 ) can be wound and unwound;   wherein the first resistance source and the second resistance source are connected in series, with the second cable ( 14 ) interconnecting the electromechanical resistance module ( 7 ) and the weight sword ( 43 ), so that a resulting resistance source is applied to a first cable ( 13 ), which is coupled to the weight sword ( 43 )   
       characterized in that
 the hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) comprises a tool-free adapter ( 74 ) that allows the second cable ( 14 ) to be detachably connected to the weight sword ( 43 ). 
 
     
     
         2 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the second cable ( 14 ) is coupled to a first end ( 71 ) of the weight sword ( 43 ) and the first cable ( 13 ) is coupled to a second end ( 73 ) of the weight sword ( 43 ), the first and second ends ( 71 ,  73 ) being located on opposite sides of the weight sword ( 43 ) with respect to its longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) is configured to detachably connect the second cable to the weight sword ( 43 ) via a form-fit and/or force-fit connection. 
     
     
         4 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) is divided into sections ( 77 ,  79 ) with different functions, wherein a first section ( 77 ) is configured as a sleeve that receives the second cable ( 14 ) and secures it by means of a clamping connection, and wherein a second section ( 79 ) of the adapter is configured to establish a detachable connection between the adapter ( 74 ) and the weight sword ( 43 ). 
     
     
         5 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the clamping connection is established by at least one screw ( 81 ) that is screwed into a corresponding threaded bore in a side wall of the sleeve, thereby pressing against and securing the second cable ( 14 ) within the sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the second section ( 79 ) of the adapter ( 74 ) is configured as a quick-release coupling, the quick-release coupling comprising an automatic locking mechanism that engages when the adapter ( 74 ) is pushed onto a corresponding coupling structure of the weight sword ( 43 ), and further comprising a manually actuated release element, which allows for tool-free disconnection of the adapter ( 74 ) only upon deliberate actuation. 
     
     
         7 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 6 , wherein the quick-release coupling comprises an adapter core connected to the sleeve of the first section ( 77 ), and an outer sleeve that surrounds the core and is axially movable against a spring force, wherein locking balls are held in place by the outer sleeve and automatically engage a groove on the weight sword ( 43 ) when connected, and wherein manual retraction of the outer sleeve is required to release the connection, such that pulling on the second cable ( 14 ) does not cause unintentional disconnection. 
     
     
         8 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 7 , wherein the groove on the weight sword ( 43 ) is provided by a separate projection ( 93 ) inserted into an axial bore at the first end ( 71 ) of the weight sword ( 43 ), the projection ( 93 ) being fixed in the bore by a press-fit, adhesive bond, or threaded connection. 
     
     
         9 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) comprises a rotatable locking nut mounted on a stationary adapter body, the locking nut being threaded onto a mating thread provided on the weight sword ( 43 ), such that the second cable ( 14 ) is secured to the weight sword ( 43 ) by rotating only the locking nut, while the adapter body remains non-rotatable relative to the cable. 
     
     
         10 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) is configured to be detachably connected to the weight sword ( 43 ) either
 (i) via a bayonet coupling, in which the adapter ( 74 ) is inserted onto a mating projection of the weight sword ( 43 ) and then rotated into a locked position,   or   (ii) via a pin connection, in which a locking pin is inserted through aligned openings in the adapter ( 74 ) and the weight sword ( 43 ) to secure the connection.   
     
     
         11 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a holding means configured to retain the adapter ( 74 ) in a defined position relative to the winch ( 33 ) when it is detached from the weight sword ( 43 ), such that the adapter ( 74 ) is prevented from falling to the ground. 
     
     
         12 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein a housing or frame of the hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) comprises a holding plate ( 83 ) that is substantially aligned with the weight plates of the weight stack ( 5 ), such that the holding plate ( 83 ) extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the planes defined by the weight plates of the weight stack ( 5 ), and is arranged below the lowermost weight plate, the holding plate ( 83 ) comprising a through-hole through which the second cable ( 14 ) is guided, and wherein the adapter ( 74 ) is dimensioned such that it cannot pass through the through-hole, thereby forming a mechanical stop that retains the adapter ( 74 ) when it is detached from the weight sword ( 43 ). 
     
     
         13 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, reinforced polymer, and fiber-reinforced composite material. 
     
     
         14 . The hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter ( 74 ) comprises a locking indicator element, such as a colored marking, a detent notch, or a mechanical stop, which is configured to provide a visual or tactile indication of the correct locking position of the adapter ( 74 ) relative to the weight sword ( 43 ). 
     
     
         15 . A method for detaching the adapter ( 74 ) from the weight sword ( 43 ) in a hybrid resistance generation system ( 63 ) of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 manually releasing a locking element of the adapter ( 74 ) without the use of tools;   disengaging the adapter ( 74 ) from a shaft portion or coupling structure of the weight sword ( 43 ); and   detaching the second cable ( 14 ) from the adapter ( 74 ), thereby separating the electromechanical resistance module ( 7 ) from the weight sword ( 43 ).