WO2007083341A1

WO2007083341A1 - Road bicycle simulator

Info

Publication number: WO2007083341A1
Application number: PCT/IT2007/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nubes Mario Malagoli
Original assignee: M.C. Meccanica Cesanense Di Paialunga Loriana
Priority date: 2006-01-17
Filing date: 2007-01-15
Publication date: 2007-07-26

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road bicycle simulator, of the type comprising an elongated narrow base designed to transversally support a pair of parallel rolls on which the rear wheel of the bicycle rests, and provided in the front with means designed to support the fork of the bicycle, which are hinged to a suitable vertical bearing structure, capable of oscillating around a vertical and horizontal axis.

Description

Road bicycle simulator.

The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a road bicycle simulator.

As it is known, those who intend to practice cycling - either as professional bikers or amateurs - can easily find cycling devices for static training, typically known as road simulators, on the market.

These devices are designed for those who want to practice "on the spot", without riding with their bicycles on the street, and without using stationary bicycles, spin bikes or other similar means for static training in a gym. Normally, a typical simulator is composed of an elongated, narrow base on which a bicycle is mounted in perfectly vertical position, in such a way that the rear wheel of the bicycle interferes with a closed pair of rolls supported by the same base, in orthogonal position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle. Generally, at least one of the rolls is subject to a braking action that can be adjusted by the user to grade the pedalling effort.

In a traditional simulator, the bicycle is normally blocked with suitable tightening means that act on opposite sides on the front and rear fork of the bicycle where the wheel hubs are stopped. The rigid vertical tightening of the bicycle is the cause of a serious technical-functional drawback, especially in case of expert and demanding bikers.

As a matter of fact, a bicycle mounted on a traditional simulator is not capable of exactly generating all the sensations that are typically felt by a biker when cycling on the road.

Likewise, in the case of traditional simulators, the bicycle frame is not subject to a "natural" stress, that is to say a stress comparable with ordinary road cycling. More precisely, the user of a traditional simulator is not capable of reproducing the classical pendular movement from side to side suffered by the bicycle on the road, especially when the biker is cycling uphill and is therefore forced to stand on the pedals for a more energetic pedal thrust. An additional drawback of traditional simulators - which contributes to increase the user's dissatisfaction - consists in the impossibility to put the bicycle mounted on the simulator in upward tilted position, similar to the position of the bicycle when riding a road uphill.

Also in this case, the user of a traditional simulator must renounce one of the most exciting and desired feeling, that is to say the sensation of cycling on a challenging mountain road.

In view of the above, training with traditional simulators is rather dull and boring, and physiologically inadequate, since it is not capable of reproducing the same conditions as ordinary road cycling. The specific purpose of the present invention is to devise a static simulator that is finally able to give the bicycle mounted on the simulator the same positions and movements that are typical of road cycling.

To that end, the new simulator of the invention is able to give the bicycle the possibility to reproduce the pendular movement from side to side that is produced when the biker stands on the pedals, and at the same time raise the front fork of the bicycle upwards in tilted position, as it exactly occurs when riding a road uphill.

By combining these two conditions in the simulator of the invention, the bicycle is finally capable of creating sensations that are equal to road cycling, with a "natural" stress being imposed on the bicycle frame.

The present invention is based on the fact that the simulator of the invention ensures a special elastic "pendular" connection to the front fork of the bicycle.

Because of this, the bicycle of the invention is able to maintain a perfectly perpendicular position with respect to the ground while in idle state or while the user sits on the seat and simulates smooth, constant pedalling, such as on a flat road. When the user stands on the pedals to simulate uphill cycling, the bicycle is alternatively tilted on both sides - starting from the front - according to the stress imposed by the user, and spontaneously recovers the position perpendicular to the ground as soon as the said stress is finished. On the other hand, the rear of the bicycle mounted on the simulator of the invention is completely free of restrictions; it being only provided that the wheel rests on a pair of rolls with horizontal axis that usually permit or oppose rotation during pedalling.

The aforementioned alternate oscillation of the front corresponds to a similar inclination of the bicycle frame and to a lateral swerve of the rear wheel over the pair of rolls with horizontal axis.

It must be noted that the simulator of the invention is provided with two idler wheels with vertical axis that act as stop limits, being situated in intermediate position between the rolls with horizontal axis and in the proximity of the lateral ends of the same rolls.

The function of the wheels is to prevent the rear wheel from uncontrollably sliding on the side, in case of excessive swerve, and losing contact with the pair of rolls with horizontal axis.

To increase the versatility of the device of the invention, the distance between the two wheels can be adjusted by the user as desired; in this way the user is able to determine the lateral swerve permitted for the rear of the bicycle, also in view of the bicycle size.

Moreover, it must be noted that the system designed to provide the elastic "pendular" connection of the front fork is of adjustable type; this guarantees that the resistance of the same fork to lateral inclination is adjusted as desired according to the user's physical strength or weight.

As a matter of fact, the device that provides the "pendular" connection is subject to the action of suitable elastic elements, such as springs, shock- absorbers or similar elements; the aforementioned regulation of resistance to the lateral inclination of the fork is provided by means of modular elastic elements (adjusted as desired by the user) or with the possibility to mount the most appropriate elastic elements according to the specific needs of each user on the said device.

Additionally, the simulator of the invention permits to adjust the effort made on the pedals, regardless of using the gear provided on the bicycle.

The simulator of the invention is able to coordinate the adjustment of the effort made on the pedals with the capability of giving the bicycle an uphill position, with the front of the bicycle raised from the ground with respect to the rear.

This means that the progressive hardening of the pedals corresponds to a progressive raise of the front of the bicycle from the ground, thus exactly reproducing the same pedalling and position encountered when cycling on a mountain road.

Therefore, a training session on the simulator of the invention is never repetitive or monotonous, and is extremely efficacious from the physiological viewpoint, since it forces the user's legs to work in the same position and with the same effort produced when cycling on a mixed road.

Likewise, the simulator of the invention can be advantageously used in combination with any type of bicycles (mountain bikes, city bikes and race bikes), regardless of the bicycle size.

This is made possible by the fact that the special means used to connect the front fork to the bicycle are suitable for adult, kids and children's bicycles.

Another remarkable characteristic of the simulator of the invention is represented by high efficacy and safety of contact with the ground, which is largely due to the width of the support base. Because of this, the simulator of the invention maintains perfect stability, including in case of energetic alternative oscillations of the bicycle mounted on the simulator, and therefore guarantees efficacious training without any type of risk.

For major clarity, the description of the simulator according to the invention continues with reference to the enclosed drawings, which only have an illustrative, not limitative value, whereby: - figure 1 is an axonometric global view of the simulator of the invention, according to a first constructive embodiment;

- figure 2 is an enlarged axonometric view of the pendular connection assembly used on the front of the simulator shown in fig. 1 ;

- figure 3 is a perspective view of the simulator of the invention according to an alternative constructive embodiment;

- figure 3a is a perspective view of the rear side of the simulator shown in fig. 3;

- figure 4 is a front elevation view with cross-sectioned parts of the simulator shown in fig. 3; - figure 5 illustrates some details of the assembly of figure 4 according to plane Ill-Ill;

- figure 6 is a transversal cross-section of the rear roll of the simulator of the invention, with an electromagnetic eddy-current brake;

- figure 7 illustrates other details of the assembly of figure 6 according to plane V-V.

With special reference to figure 1 , the simulator of the invention (S) is provided with an elongated narrow base (1), composed of two long metal rods (1a) welded at the ends over two crosspieces (2a, 2b) that protrude on the two sides. Two short forks (3a) are horizontally welded on the back of the rear crosspiece (2a), among which corresponding idler wheels (3) are pivoted for use when the simulator (S) is moved around.

In such a case, the front of the simulator (S) is raised in such a way that the wheels (3) interfere with the ground; in particular, the raising movement is favoured by the presence of a large handle (18) on the base (1 ).

A parallel pair of idler rolls (4a, 4b) is pivoted on the rear section of the base (1) in intermediate position between the longitudinal rods (1a), being positioned at a suitable distance to let the front wheel (R) of a bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator (S) interfere from above with the surface of both. In particular, the rolls (4a, 4b) rotate around fixed shafts with the interposition of highly-sliding low-noise bearings that guarantee remarkable noiselessness of the simulator (S). A small portal structure (5a) is provided in intermediate position between the rolls (4a, 4b) and fixed between the two rods (1a), with two idler wheels (5) with vertical axis pivoted on it from opposite sides.

Two slots with longitudinal direction (not shown in the enclosed drawings) are provided on the horizontal section of the crosspiece (5a) in symmetrically opposite position, along which the pins with vertical axis of the two idler wheels (5) are inserted with possibility of sliding.

The housing of the said pins inside the slots is designed to permit the discretional variation of the distance between the two wheels (5a) according to the needs of each user and to the specific characteristics of the bicycle. After selecting the distance between the two wheels (5), the user permanently blocks the pins with vertical axis along the corresponding slots. The wheels (5) at a height practically equal to the top of the rolls (4a, 4b) are designed to act as stop limit for excessive lateral swerves with respect to the rolls (4a, 4b), of the rear wheel of the bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator (S).

In more advanced position with respect to the rolls (4a, 4b), the base (1 ) supports a raised platform (6) that makes it easier for the user to climb on the bicycle mounted on the simulator (S). As shown in fig. 1 , with respect to the bicycle (B), the platform (6) is positioned between the pair of pedals and the front pillar of the frame. A special vertical structure with basically triangular plan (7) is provided on the front end of the base (1 ), being composed of two upward-converging uprights (7a) joined to the base by means of a connection crosspiece (7b); it being also provided that each upright (7a) has a horizontal shelf (7c) in external position towards the lower end, with orthogonal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base (1).

With reference to figure 2, a special box-shaped plate (8) is supported on top of the vertical structure (7), having a U-shaped transversal cross-section and orthogonal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base (1 ).

A special rocker arm (10) with narrow elongated structure is pivoted between the opposite sides (8a) of the box-shaped plate (8), whose length lets the peripheral ends protrude from opposite sides with respect to the bearing box- shaped plate (8).

A small fork (10a) is provided in lower position on each peripheral sections of the rocker arm (10), being designed to pivot the upper end of an elastic element (11 ), whose lower end is fitted to one of the shelves (7c) provided on the sides of the vertical structure (7).

Two parallel arms (12) are welded in upper position on the rocker arm (10), edgeways and with slight forward inclination, being joined on the top by means of a short crosspiece (13). The said arms (12) are crossed along their entire height by identical series of threaded holes (12a); in this way, a series of opposite pairs of threaded holes (12a) are formed at different heights on the arms (12). Each opposite pair of threaded holes (12a) is selectively designed to engage a corresponding pair of nut/bolt (D) used to tighten the ends of the front fork (F) of the bicycle (B) to be mounted on the simulator of the invention (S).

As shown in fig. 2, the fork (F) is tightened on opposite sides on the outside of the two arms (12); evidently, the presence of multiple opposite pairs of the said holes (12a) guarantees a better selection of the fixing height for each fork (F) according to the height of the bicycle (B). In any case, and in view of the latter considerations, the fork (F) of the bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator (S) is joined to the rocker arm (10). For this reason, the bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator of the invention (S) is given the typical pendular movement from side to side when the user stands on the pedals and energetically pushes them down. The stress discharged on the fork (F) by means of the bicycle handlebar causes the alternative oscillation of the rocker arm (10). This explains the function of the two elastic elements (11), which consist in small shock-absorbers in the embodiment shown in the enclosed figures, associated with the rocker arm (10) from opposite sides. In fact, they are designed to soften and grade the oscillations of the rocker arm (10), in addition to perform a spontaneous return action to bring the rocker arm (10) to its natural horizontal position, which corresponds to the perfectly vertical position of the entire bicycle (B) when no stress is imposed by the user.

More precisely, it can be said that, when the fork (F) of the bicycle (B) is stressed by the user and tilted towards one side, the elastic element (11) pivoted to the rocker arm (10) is compressed on the same side, thus causing the elongation of the opposite elastic element.

The opposite situation occurs when the user stresses the bicycle (B) and tilts it towards the other side. Until cycling is continuous, the fork (10) and the rocker arm (10) joined to it will oscillate from side to side, thus subjecting the elastic elements (11 ) to a regular alternation between compression and elongation. When the stress imposed by the user ends, the two elastic elements (11) will tend to spontaneously resume their "natural" configuration, thus cooperating from opposite sides to restore the perfectly horizontal position of the rocker arm (10).

Obviously, the oscillations of the fork (F) are transmitted to the entire frame of the bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator of the invention (S), thus making the rear wheel swerve on the rolls (4a, 4b), at least until to stop limit imposed by the idler wheels with vertical axis (5). Moreover, the crosspiece (13) connecting the arms (12) on top is used to fit a tubular rod (14) with vertical direction, on top of which the traditional cardio- fitness instruments are fitted, basically in front of the handlebar of the bicycle (B), together with a knob (not shown in figure 1) that allows to adjust the braking of one of the two rolls (4a, 4b), on which the rear wheel of the bicycle (B) interferes.

The rolls (4a, 4b) are given a high mass in order to generate a remarkable moment of inertia under the interference of the rear wheel of the bicycle (B). In this way, they ensure fluid, constant pedalling for the user who is practising on the simulator of the invention (S), and at the same time protect the tyre mounted on the rear wheel of the bicycle (B) from wear (also thanks to very accurate surface painting). As mentioned in the premise, the simulator of the invention (S) allows to change the position of the bicycle (B) mounted on it.

More precisely, reference is made to the possibility of giving the bicycle (B) an uphill position, with the front of the bicycle (B) at a higher height from the ground with respect to the back of the bicycle (B). In fact, while the rear crosspiece (2a) of the base (1) is simply provided with two short lateral stabilisation feet (15), the ends of the front crosspiece (2b) are provided with two sleeves with vertical axis (16), each of them with a radial hole to engage a screw with relevant actuation knob (16a). The sleeves (16) are inserted, with possibility of free sliding, along two corresponding circular legs (17) that rest on the ground, each of them being provided with a series of vertically aligned threaded holes (17a). To set the uphill position of the bicycle, the user raises the front of the simulator (S) by means of the front handle (18), thus making the sleeves (16) slide upwards with respect to the legs (17) that rest on the ground. Once the simulator (S) is given the desired inclination, the user stabilises the position by tightening the screws provided with the sleeves (16) at the correct height along the legs (17), by selecting the correct holes (17a) from the vertical series of holes (17a) of the legs (17). As shown in fig. 2, the rocker arm (10) is also crossed by two adjustment screws with vertical axis (19), whose lower end interferes against the surface of the bearing plate (8) during the oscillations of the rocker arm (10). In particular, the impact of the end of the screws against the plate (8) is absorbed and muffled by applying corresponding rubber pieces (not shown in figure 2) in the place where mutual interference occurs. The specific function of the screws (19) is to adjust the width of the oscillations of the rocker arm (10) with respect to the pivoting pin (9). As shown in fig. 1 , the base (1) also supports a vertical rod (20a) used to support a traditional pedal counter (20) in intermediate position between the pair of rolls (4a, 4b) and the platform (6). Figures 3 to 7 illustrate a second constructive embodiment of the simulator of the invention, which differs from the first one by the fact that it includes: - means used to rotate the fork (F) around a vertical axis, in addition to a horizontal one

- means used to adapt the simulator to the different dimensions of the bicycle (B) mounted on it, which can be either an adult or a children's bicycle

- means used to automatically change the position of the bicycle (B) mounted on the simulator

As shown in fig. 3, according to this second constructive embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the simulator (S) comprises an elongated narrow base (1) formed of a pair of tubular frame members (1a), whose rear end is shortly oriented downwards, which are mutually fixed by a crosspiece (2a) that rests on the ground with feet (15).

By means of the front ends, the said frame members (1a) are mutually fixed by a crosspiece (2b) and - unlike the previous solution according to which these ends rest on the ground with feet adjusted in height either manually or with servo controls - the same front ends of the frame (1 ) are transversally joined to a short arm (22) oriented downwards when the frame (1) is horizontal and provided with a lower stabilising crosspiece (122) that rests on the ground with ending idler wheels (23).

The intermediate section of the arm (22) is provided in lower central position with an appendix (24) joined to the mobile rod of an electromechanical irreversible actuator (25), for example of screw and female screw type, actuated by a small motor reducer (225) with a double rotation electrical motor connected to the switchboard (26) that powers and controls the simulator, for instance in the lower intermediate section of the frame (1) under the platform (6). When the rod (125) of the actuator (25) is retracted, the arm (22) reduces its internal angle with respect to the frame (1) and raises the front of the base frame, thus simulating an uphill road (see below).

During this phase the simulator (S) slides on the front wheels (23) and oscillates on the rear feet (15), automatically adjusting without resistance or friction to the variations of the longitudinal position of the frame (1), and preventing the user's feet from rubbing the floor. The wheels (23) are also used for the manual transportation of the simulator in the desired position, while the simulator is manually raised by using the rear crosspiece (2a) as a handle.

The front fork of the bicycle (B), without the corresponding wheel, is fitted with its lower grooves on opposite ends of a fast connector (D) situated, with possibility of adjustment, at the desired height, into a pair of multiple holes (12a) provided on the sides of a small portal structure (12-13) suitable tilted forwards and directly fitted onto the rocker arm (10) pivoted in the pin (9) on top of a vertical support (7) directly fitted to the frame (1 ). As in the simulator shown in fig. 1 , the oscillations of the rocker arm (10) are opposed by adjustable elastic elements (11) anchored to the forks (10a) of the rocker arm (10) on top and to lateral appendixes joined to the lower part of the support (7) on the bottom.

A first difference between the simulator (S) of fig. 3 and the one of fig. 1 refers to the front support assembly (7) of the simulator, which has been modified to provide the possibility of mounting bicycles with very different length on the same simulator, among which kids or children's bicycles, which cannot be mounted or correctly mounted on the simulator of fig. 1 by only using the forward inclination of the portal structure (12-13). In order to achieve the new purposes of the invention, the support (7) has been designed with adjustable position on the longitudinal axis of the frame of the base (1 ).

As shown in figs. 3 and 4, the support (7) is welded to a slide (27) that rests and slides between the frame members (1a), just like a lower counterslide (127) pack-fixed to the upper one by means of a screw (28) that crosses, for instance, the lower part of the support (7).

By loosening the screw (28), the slides (27, 127) slide on the frame (1) together with the support (7), until the portal (12-13) is brought in the most suitable position to support a bicycle of any length, which rests and rotates between the rolls (4a and 4b) with its rear wheel. Once the assembly (7, 10) is positioned correctly, the screw (28) is blocked to stabilise the support assembly in the chosen position. As shown in figs. 3 and 4, a partition is fixed to the frame members (1a) to close the window in which the slides (27, 127) slide, in order to hide the actuator (25), the said partition being provided with a longitudinal slot (147) crossed by the tightening screw (28).

A further modification made to the front support assembly (7) of the simulator is required by the fact that the possibility to oscillate the bicycle around the pivot (9) of the rocker arm (10) may cause torsional stress to the front fork of the bicycle, further to the user's action on the bicycle handlebar, with remarkably intense pedal thrusts. To remedy the said inconvenience, the portal (12-13) is fixed in the central part of a crosspiece (29) pivoted in the centre with the interposition of bearings or other low-friction means to a vertical axis (30) joined to the rocker arm (10) and perpendicular to the pivot (9), the said crosspiece (29) being provided at the ends with circular extensions (129), on which wheels (31) of the same diameter are mounted and rotate, resting on the flat upper section with the correct transversal width of the rocker arm (10).

With reference to fig. 5, it must be noted that flanges (32) are fitted on the front of the rocker arm (10) at the same distance from the pivoting axis (9), being provided with horizontal through threaded holes used to tighten the tapered ends of small horizontal cylinders (33) in which pistons (34) slide axially, being provided with forked ends (134) that cooperate with the said appendixes (129) and pushed in extension from the said cylinders by means of corresponding springs (35) adjusted with suitable pegs (36) tightened onto the bottom of the same cylinders (33). The adjustment of the springs (35) is such that the crosspiece (29) is aligned with the rocker arm (10) when the simulator is idle.

Moreover, the adjustment of the springs (35) is such that they absorb the torsional stress that would negatively affect the front fork of the bicycle (B), when the handlebar of the bicycle is stressed to rotate alternatively in both directions further to the user's physical effort. The regulators (36) will allow the user to adapt the action of the springs (35) to his own specific requirements. As shown in fig. 3, threaded holes are provided on the front of the support (7) in high position in order to screw a bracket (37) that supports the tubular upright (14) for the control panel (Q) that displays the training parameters to be set on the simulator.

Cables (C) connect the panel (Q) to the general switchboard (26). As shown in fig. 4, according to a possible practical embodiment, the said elastic elements (11) that oppose the oscillations of the rocker arm (10) comprise a tubular body with circular cross-section (111 ) and bell-shape, provided with an upper axial hole crossed by a stem (211) articulated to an ending fork of the rocker arm (10) and joined at the other end with a dish or piston (311 ) on which a suitable helical spring (411 ) actuates, resting with the other end on the top of the body (111).

The lower end of the same body (111 ) is closed by a dish or piston (511 ) held in place by an elastic ring (611 ) housed in an internal annular recess of the body (111). The said lower piston is joined with an axial stem (711) that crosses a hole of the appendix (7c) of the support (7) with sufficient radial clearance and is threaded as to be anchored to the said appendix by at least a lower nut (811 ).

Suitable means are provided to avoid the rotation of the assembly (511 , 711) when tightening or loosening the nut (811 ) used to adjust the preload of the spring (411). Suitable protection bushes are provided to protect the thread of the lower stems (711) when crossing the appendixes (7c). When the rocker arm (10) oscillates, the spring (411) of one element (11) is extended, and the spring (411 ) of the other element (11 ) is compressed. Suitable means, which are known to those expert of the art and therefore not shown, are provided to control the inlet and/or output of the air in/from the internal chambers of the elements (11) in such a way as to provide them with a shock-absorbing function.

Suitable elastomeric protections, not shown, may be provided between the said pistons or dishes (311) and (511) to act as shock-absorbers at the end of the stroke.

As shown in figs. 3 and 3a, an electrical cable (126) is connected to the electrical mains to provide low-voltage power to the internal components of the lower switchboard (26) and to the upper panel (Q) to power all the electric and electromechanical components of the simulator, among which the electromagnetic brake that operates, for instance, inside the rear roll (4a) to oppose the rotation of the rear wheel of the bicycle (B) with a programmed action that can be automatically varied according to the longitudinal position of the frame (1 ) further to the action of the actuator (25). As shown in figs. 6 and 7, the rotation shaft (38) of the roll (4a) is formed of a circular jacket (104) of ferrous material and of opposite covers (204) fitted to the said jacket (104) with peripheral screws, the same covers being provided with central bushes (304) that, with the interposition of bearings, support the axis (38), which is in turn supported, with the interposition of low-friction means, also by the ending supports (39) fitted to the frame members (1a) of the base (1 ) of the simulator, as explained below. Four circular pole pieces (40) of any suitable ferromagnetic material, for instance ferrous material, are radially fitted with the same mutual angular distance, with a tapered end in contact with the shaft (38) in such a way that they can be welded mutually and to the shaft.

The radial pattern formed by the pole pieces (40) is turned at the ends (140) in such a way that they are concentric with respect to the internal surface of the jacket (104) at a short distance from it.

The four pole pieces (40) are fitted with corresponding coils (41) with electrical winding to form the necessary magnetic fields that will be preferably contrary for the axially aligned poles, in such a way that one north and one south pole are generated. The coils (41) are held in place by means of elastic rings (42) housed in corresponding annular recesses of the pole pieces (40). The magnetic fields produced by the coils and relevant pole pieces are closed through the jacket (104) and reduce the rotation of the roll (4a), while the shaft (38) is constrained to the frame (1 ). The electrical conductors (43) that are necessary to power the coils (41) pass through an axial cavity of the shaft (38) and through the cavity of one of the frame members (1 a) that are used as raceways, with the same conductors (43) that reach the switchboard (26) for connection to the power means contained in it (see figs. 7 and 3, 3a).

As shown in fig. 7, the shaft (38) is supported by the supports (39) since the said shaft is constrained to the frame (1) by means of a transducer (44) able to supply an electrical signal proportional to the effort used to make the pole pieces (40) rotate by the jacket (104) of the roll (4a) turned by the rear wheel (R) of the bicycle, that is to say an electrical signal proportional to the braking imposed on the same jacket (104), in such a way that the switchboard (26) receives a retroaction signal for the correct powering of the coils (41). As shown in fig. 7, the transducer (44) comprises a crank (144) splined at one end of the shaft (38) that, either directly or by means of levers, cooperates with a load cell (244) fitted to a frame member (1a), from which an electrical cable (344) reaches the switchboard (26) through the cavity of the frame member. As shown in fig. 7, the covers (204) of the roll (4a) are provided with multiple holes (48) positioned on an ideal circumference concentric to the same covers, used to provide good air circulation inside the roll, being the said circulation forced by a small electric fan (45) fitted on the shaft (38) and powered by the same small cable as the coils (41 ), or by a fan, not shown, joined to one of the covers (204) of the roll (4a).

The said holes (48) are also used to measure the rotation speed of the roll (4a), for instance through a proximity sensor or any other means (46) fitted to the frame (1 ), whose electrical cable (146) is brought to the switchboard (26) through the internal cavity of one frame member (1a). It is understood that the description does not contain constructive details for the switchboard (26) and the panel (Q), being of known type for those expert of the art.

Moreover, it is understood that several constructive modifications and variants are possible, without leaving the inventive scope of the invention as illustrated above and claimed below.

A first constructive variant may refer to the shock-absorbing and return mode of the rocker arm (10). According to the said variant, the rocker arm (10) is no longer connected with the traditional shock-absorbers (11 ), but to a pair of special oil-pressure cylinders that communicate through a suitable circuit with a shut-off valve. As a matter of fact, the said valve adjusts the oil flow that is alternatively received from either one of the cylinders, according to the stress transmitted by the rocker arm (10); evidently, by changing the passage section of the oil flow with the said valve, the said oil-pressure cylinders can be hardened or softened as desired. More specifically, in this case, each of the forks (10a) provided in lower position on the rocker arm (10) is pivoted to the upper end of the stem of the piston inserted into the oil-pressure cylinder.

In this way, the inclination of the rocker arm (10) on one side will determine the downward travel of the piston of the corresponding oil-pressure cylinder, with consequent compression of a suitable spring housed inside the cylinder, and pouring of the oil towards the cylinder on the opposite side.

Evidently, this operating principle is produced in cyclic, alternate mode between the two oil-pressure cylinders until the fork (F) of the bicycle (B) transmits a stress to the rocker arm (10). Additionally, the braking system of the rear roll (4a) may be obtained according to an alternative mode; to that end, a brake-shoe with felt coating may be used to interfere with the external surface of the roll (4a) by means of the pressure established from time to time by the user. The braking force of the brake-shoe - which could be advantageously pivoted to one of the longitudinal rods (1a) of the base (1) - may be remotely adjusted by means of a flexible wire, using the same knob mounted in front of the handlebar of the bicycle (B) on top of the tubular vertical rod (14). Additionally, the fork (F) of the bicycle (B) may be fixed according to an alternative mode, in which the holes provided along the arms (12) that protrude from the rocker arm (10) are not threaded and are capable of cooperating with stop means, such as the means used to fix the hub of the wheel to the fork when using a racing bicycle for road cycling.

Claims

1) Road bicycle simulator, of the type composed of an elongated narrow base (1) designed to transversally support a pair of parallel rolls (4a, 4b) of which at least one roll is subject to braking, supplied in the front with means (12-13) designed to support the fork (F) of a bicycle (B), being characterised by the fact that the support means (12-13) of the fork (F) are hinged to the corresponding vertical bearing structure (7) with respect to a pivoting pin (9) with horizontal position that allows them to alternatively oscillate sideways, overcoming the antagonist force of a pair of elastic return elements (11).

2) Simulator as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the support means (12-13) of the fork (F) consist in a crosspiece (13) and a parallel pair of basically vertical arms (12) that protrude above a rocker arm (10) pivoted by means of the said pin (9) between the opposite vertical sides (8a) of a box- shaped plate (8) supported on top of the vertical structure (7) in orthogonal position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the said base (1); in particular, it being provided that the arms (12) have corresponding identical vertical series of holes (12a) designed to engage means used to stop the lower ends of the fork (F) of the bicycle (B); it being additionally provided that the rocker arm (10) is equipped with suitable forks (10a) under the two peripheral sections that protrude from opposite sides with respect to the box-shaped plate (8), designed to pivot the upper ends of corresponding elastic return elements (11 ), whose lower ends are fitted to the sides of the said vertical structure (7) on corresponding shelves (7c).

3) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the said support means (12-13) are constrained to the rocker arm (10) with the interposition of oscillation means around a vertical axis (30) and elastic contrast means (32-36), so as to absorb the rotational stress transmitted by the user to the handlebar of the bicycle and avoid converting this stress into dangerous torsional stress on the front fork (F) of the bicycle mounted on the simulator. 4) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised in that the support means (12-13) are fitted to the central section of a crosspiece (29) pivoted in the centre, with the interposition of low-friction means on a vertical axis (30) constrained to the rocker arm (10) and perpendicular to the fulcrum pin (9) of the rocker arm (10), the said crosspiece (29) being provided with extensions (129) at its ends, on which wheels (31) with the same diameter, resting on the flat upper section with correct transversal width of the rocker arm (10) are mounted and rotate, with the said elastic contrast means (32-36) being fitted at the same distance from the fulcrum axis (9) on one of the fronts.

5) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the said elastic contrast means (32-36) comprise flanges (32) fitted in front of the rocker arm (10) and provided with threaded through horizontal holes used to tighten the tapered ends of small horizontal cylinders (33) in which pistons (34) slide axially, being provided with forked ends (134) that cooperate with the said extensions (129) of the oscillating crosspiece (29) and are pushed in extension from the said cylinders by means of corresponding springs (35) adjusted with suitable pegs (36) in such a way that the crosspiece (29) is aligned to the rocker arm (10) when the simulator is idle.

6) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the support (7) is fitted to a slide (27) that rests and slides between the frame members (1a) of the base (1), just like a lower counterslide (127) pack-fitted to the upper slide by means of a tightening screw (289 that crosses the lower part of the support (7), in such a way that by loosening temporarily the screw and blocking it again the slides (27, 127) and the corresponding support (7) slide on the base (1) until the portal (12- 13) is brought in the most suitable position to support a bicycle of any length, which rests and rotates on the said horizontal rolls (4a and 4b) with its rear wheel.

7) Simulator as claimed in any of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the base (1) is formed of two long metal rods (1a) welded at the ends over two crosspieces (2a, 2b) that protrude on the two sides; it being provided that the rear crosspiece (2a) of the base (1) is provided with stabilisation feet (15) at the two ends and the front crosspiece (2b) is associated at the two ends with means able to raise it from the ground and holding it in place in the raised position selected from time to time by the user.

8) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by he fact that the means used to raise the front crosspiece (2b) of the base (1 ) and hold it in raised position consist in a pair of circular legs (17) crossed by corresponding vertical series of holes (17a), in which sleeves (16) are inserted with possibility of free sliding, welded to the ends of the crosspiece (2b), each of them being provided with a radial hole for insertion of a screw, with relevant actuation knob (16a), which is designed to selectively engage with the tip into one of the vertical aligned holes (17a) of the leg (17).

9) Simulator as claimed in above claim 7, characterised by the fact that the means used to raise the front crosspiece (2b) of the base (1) and hold it in raised position consist in a pair of electrical actuators designed to change their height and fitted to the ends of the crosspiece (2b).

10) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised in that the base (1) is formed of a pair of tubular frame members (1a), whose front ends are mutually fitted by means of a crosspiece (2b) and joined with a cylindrical joint (21 ) to a short arm (22) that is directed downwards when the frame (1) is horizontal, being provided with a lower stabilisation crosspiece (122) that rests on the ground with idle wheels (23) at its ends, being the intermediate section of the arm (22) provided in lower central position with an appendix

(24) joined to the mobile rod of an electromechanical irreversible actuator

(25) of screw and female screw type, actuated by a small motor reducer (225) with a double rotation electrical motor connected to the switchboard (26) that powers and controls the simulator positioned in the lower intermediate section of the frame (1 ), in such a way that when the rod (125) of the actuator (25) is retracted, the arm (22) reduces its internal angle with respect to the frame (1) and raises the front of the frame, thus simulating an uphill road, while during this phase the simulator slides on the front wheels (23) and oscillates on the rear feet (15), automatically adjusting without resistance or friction to the variation of the longitudinal position of the frame (1). 11) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that it is provided with electronics designed to automatically combine the higher or lower braking of one of the transversal rolls (4a, 4b) with the proportional raise of the front crosspiece (2b) of the base (1 ) from the ground.

12) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the back of the rear crosspiece (2a) is provided with two horizontal forks (3a) with corresponding wheels (3) pivoted between them.

13) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that a pair of idle wheels with vertical axis (5) is provided along the base (1) in intermediate position between the two transversal rolls (4a, 4b), towards the two lateral ends of the base (1) basically at the same height as the top of the rolls (4a, 4b).

14) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the two wheels (5) are supported on the top of a portal structure (5a) provided with two longitudinal slots in symmetrically opposite position, designed to permit the free sliding and tightening of the vertical pins of the wheels (5).

15) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that a footrest platform (6) is provided above the base (1) in intermediate position between the transversal pair of rolls (4a, 4b) and the front vertical structure (7).

16) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the front vertical structure (7) fitted to the base (1) is basically composed of a pair of upward-converging uprights (7a) joined to the base by means of a connection crosspiece (7b).

17) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the rocker arm (10) is vertically crossed by two adjustment screws in symmetrical opposite position with respect to the fulcrum pin (9), designed to interfere with their lower ends against the surface of the bearing plate (8).

18) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the arms (12) are connected on top by means of a crosspiece (13) on which a tubular rod (14) is fitted, being used to support traditional cardio-fitness instruments and/or a knob used to adjust the braking of the rear roll (4a), basically in front of the handlebar of the bicycle (B).

19) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the knob used to adjust the braking of one of the transversal rolls (4a, 4b) actuates an eddy-current brake directly housed in the roll.

20) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the rear roll (4a) is formed of a circular jacket (104) of ferrous material and opposite covers (204) fitted to the said jacket with peripheral screws, being the same covers provided with central bushes (304) that, with the interposition of bearings, support the axial axis (38) of the roll, which is in turn supported, with the interposition of low-friction means, by ending supports (39) fitted to the frame members (1a) of the base (1), with two or more circular pole pieces (40) - four in this case - made of any suitable ferromagnetic material, such as ferrous material, being radially fitted in the intermediate section of the shaft (38) at the same angular distance, with a tapered end in contact with the shaft (38) in such a way that they can be welded mutually and to the shaft, on which corresponding coils (41) with electrical winding to create magnetic fields are mounted and held in place by means of elastic rings (42), it being provided that the electrical conductors (43) that are necessary to power the coils (41 ) pass through an axial cavity of the shaft (38) and through the cavity of one of the frame members (1a) of the base to reach the switchboard (26) for connection to the power means contained in it. 21) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the radial pattern formed by the pole pieces (40) is turned at the ends (140) in such a way that they are concentric with respect to the internal surface of the jacket (104) of the braked roll (4a) at a short distance from the said surface. 22) Simulator as claimed in above claim 20, characterised by the fact that the coils (41) are axially aligned and generate magnetic fields with opposite direction, i.e. one generates a north pole and the other one generates a south pole. 23) Simulator as claimed in above claim 20, characterised by the fact that the shaft (38) of the braked roll (4a) is revolvingly supported by the ending supports (39) since the said shaft is constrained to the frame (1) by means of a transducer (44) able to supply an electrical signal proportional to the effort used to rotate the polar expansions (40) by the jacket (104) of the roll (4a), further to the rotation given by the rear wheel (R) of the bicycle, that is to say an electrical signal proportional to the braking imposed on the same jacket (104) by the said pole pieces, in such a way that the switchboard (26) of the simulator receives a retroaction signal for the correct powering of the coils (41 ) of the pole pieces.

24) Simulator as claimed in above claim 23, characterised by the fact that the transducer (44) comprises a crank (144) splined at the end of the shaft (38) of the bracked roll (4a) that, either directly or by means of levers, cooperates with a load cell (244) fitted to a frame member (1a) of the base, from which an electrical cable (344) reaches the switchboard (26) through the cavity of the frame member.

25) Simulator as claimed in above claim 20, characterised by the fact that the covers (204) of the braked roll (4a) are provided with multiple holes (48) positioned on an ideal circumference concentric to the same covers, used to provide good air circulation inside the roll, being the said circulation forced by a small electric fan (45) fitted on the shaft (38) and powered by the same circuits as the coils (41 ) or forced by a fan joined to at least one of the covers (204) of the roll (4a).

26) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the holes (48) of at least one of the two covers of the braked roll (4a) are used to measure the rotation speed of the roll, through a proximity sensor or other suitable means (46) fitted to the frame (1 ), whose electrical cables (146) are brought to the switchboard (26) through the internal cavity of one frame member (1 a) of the base. 27) Simulator as claimed in above claim 18, characterised by the fact that the knob used to adjust the braking of one of the transversal rolls (4a, 4b) actuates a jaw pivoted at the base (1) and designed to interfere with the external surface of the roll.

28) Simulator as one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the elastic return elements (11) associated with the rocker arm (10) consist in traditional shock-absorbers. 29) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that the elastic elements (11 ) comprise a tubular body with circular cross-section (111) and bell-shape, provided with an upper axial hole crossed by a stem (211) joined to an ending fork of the rocker arm and joined at the other end with a dish or piston (311) on which a suitable helical spring (411) actuates, resting with the other end on the top of the body (111) closed by a dish or piston (511 ) held in place by an elastic ring (611) and joined to an axial stem (711) that crosses with sufficient radial clearance a hole of the lateral lower appendix (7c) of the support (7) and threaded in such a way as to be anchored to the said appendix by at least a lower nut (811 ), suitable means being provided to avoid the rotation of the lower stem (711) when tightening or loosening of the nut (811 ) used to adjust the preload of the spring (411 ).

30) Simulator as claimed in above claim, characterised by the fact that suitable means are provided to control the inlet and/or outlet of the air in/from the internal chambers of the elements (11 ) in such a way as to provide them with a shock-absorbing function.

31) Simulator as claimed in above claim 29, in which suitable elastomeric protections are provided between the said pistons or dishes (311 or 511) and used as shock-absorbers at the end of stroke.

32) Simulator as claimed in above claim 28, characterised by the fact that the said elastic return elements (11) consist in oil-pressure cylinders with corresponding springs, which communicate through a suitable hydraulic circuit with an oil flow adjusment valve.

33) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the base (1) incorporates a handle (18) on the front crosspiece (2b).

34) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the base (1 ) supports a vertical rod (20a) for a traditional pedal counter (20) in intermediate position between the pair of rolls (4a, 4b) and the platform (6).

35) Simulator as claimed in one or more of the above claims, characterised by the fact that it is provided with a connection to remote electronic devices, including a panel (Q) used to save date after a training session or acquire data to be used for a specific training session.