초록 ▼

An exercise treadmill having a direct drive AC induction motor controlled by an AC motor driver/controller. The driver/controller is itself controlled through programmable circuitry having a display and keyboard with user input options. The controller receives signals from a speed sensing device att

An exercise treadmill having a direct drive AC induction motor controlled by an AC motor driver/controller. The driver/controller is itself controlled through programmable circuitry having a display and keyboard with user input options. The controller receives signals from a speed sensing device attached to the AC induction motor to maintain the rotational speed of the AC motor within preselected limits. The AC induction motor is attached to one or more flywheels and directly engages, through a drive roller, a walking belt. The matched combination of an AC motor driver/controller with appropriately sized flywheels allows utilization of a variable speed AC induction motor for the direct drive of the treadmill belt.

대표청구항 ▼

In an exercise treadmill energized from an external electrical power source having a frame and a drive belt engaging a drive roller, the drive roller mounted to the frame and engaging an endless walking belt, a drive arrangement comprising: an AC induction motor having a shaft with a first end and a

In an exercise treadmill energized from an external electrical power source having a frame and a drive belt engaging a drive roller, the drive roller mounted to the frame and engaging an endless walking belt, a drive arrangement comprising: an AC induction motor having a shaft with a first end and a second end, the first end extending outward in a first direction from said AC motor and said second end extending outward in a second, opposite direction from said AC motor; an AC motor driver/controller operatively connected to the external power source and said AC induction motor for providing variable voltage and variable frequency to said AC induction motor to control the rotation thereof; programmable circuit means cooperating with said AC motor driver/controller for adjustably controlling the rotational speed of said AC motor, said programmable circuit means comprising means to provide a gradual slowing of the drive belt in the event of a sudden power failure to said AC induction motor; and means for engaging said AC induction motor to the drive roller, said drive roller engaging means joining to the shaft of said AC induction motor at the first end thereof; a first flywheel located on the first end of the shaft of said AC induction motor, said first flywheel integral with said drive roller engaging means; a second flywheel located on the second end of the shaft of said AC induction motor; wherein said AC induction motor and said AC motor driver/controller are matched to power the treadmill walking belt.