DE102007052823A1 - Rideship and method of operating a ride - Google Patents

Abstract

A ride 1 has two at least in the dargestllten section substantially parallel rails 4a and 4b, on each of which a vehicle 2a and 2b in arrows indicated by arrows v or w move. The route 4a has, in contrast to the route 4b, in the illustrated section, a reversing section 3, in which the rail 4a is wound such that a vehicle 2a traveling through the reversing section 3 is rotated into an overhead position. Since the first rail 4a in the inversion region extends above the second rail 4b, in this section the heads of the passengers accommodated in the vehicles 2a and 2b are in mutual relationship. At least the first carriage 2a passes in an overhead position an acceleration section B, in which a launch drive is arranged, which increases the speed v of the first vehicle 2a to a speed u.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The This invention relates to amusement park rides and the like, comprising at least a route with a guide device, especially rails, for guidance one or more vehicles along the route; one along the route arranged overhead section overhead; and a drive for acceleration and / or deceleration of the or the vehicles. Furthermore The invention relates to a method for operating a ride for amusement parks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rides on amusement parks and the like enjoy more and more popularity. Accordingly, new driving figures are integrated in the systems and new operating procedures for the systems developed to increase the driving pleasure.

Especially is meanwhile also a multiplicity of different Inversions-Fahrfiguren known in which the driving when driving figure in a Vehicle sitting passenger at least temporarily in an overhead position located. Known driving figures of this type are loops, Cork Screw, u. by the overhead position win such Fahrfiguren a special charm. Another increase of driving pleasure through more and more spectacular However, figures is technically complex and costly.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The Object of the present invention is a ride with new Entertainment effects for the passengers of the ride and an operating procedure for the ride propose.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

These Task is solved by providing amusement park rides according to claim 1 and a method of operating amusement park ride according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments result from the features of the dependent claims.

Therefore includes a ride for amusement parks and the like at least one driving route with guide means, especially rails, for guidance one or more vehicles along the route; one along the Route arranged overhead section; and a drive for accelerating the vehicle or vehicles. According to the invention Drive or a part of the drive in the area of the overhead section arranged.

The Vehicles can For example, along the route movable, rail-bound Weighing or Be trains. The invention also relates to rides, in the head of the passenger positioned in the passenger compartment in the direction of the guide device points, so-called "inverted coasters ".

The Core idea of the invention, which are referred to as "Inverted Launch" can consists in an acceleration of a vehicle of a driving business in one Track section of the train in which passengers are aligned in overhead position are. Under overhead position It should be understood every position in which the legs and / or a part of the body of the passenger higher are positioned as the head area. In particular, under overhead position However, a position to be understood in the head and body of the Passengers are aligned substantially perpendicular to the earth's surface and the head points down towards the surface of the earth.

Overhead positions are achieved, for example, in the upper sections of a loop. The However, vehicle can also simply by a screw movement about 180 ° around an axis parallel to the route out of the ordinary orientation out placed in an overhead position become.

According to the invention Will that be with the passengers occupied in an overhead position aligned vehicle accelerates or the vehicle from an overhead position accelerates out. The acceleration can be positive or be negative (braking), but in particular it will be a act positive acceleration with an increase in speed.

Especially the drive is a launch drive. For example, the drive a linear synchronous motor (LSM) or a linear induction motor (LIM) be.

There are different drives for driving the vehicles or vehicle trains for use in rides known. A class of drives are the so-called "launch" drives, ie launch drives, such as Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM) or Linear Induction Motors (LIM), which can accelerate these vehicles For example, to negotiate a height difference, whereby the kinetic energy is converted into potential energy the acceleration according to the invention in the overhead position different drives can be used. z. B. a linear motor such as LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) or LIM (Linear Induction Motor). These drives are particularly suitable because in these systems the vehicle does not have to be stationary due to the system at the beginning of the acceleration section or must travel very slowly, or an increased effort for coupling the acceleration device to the vehicles has to be operated.

Of the Drive may in another embodiment, a friction drive be.

Especially the drive is arranged such that the vehicle during the Passing through the overhead section is accelerated.

In a particular embodiment the drive is arranged so that the vehicle after leaving of the overhead section is accelerated.

Especially it is preferred if the vehicle already with a certain initial speed in the overhead part and then accelerated further. This is how a stay is in the overhead position allows the for the passengers are long enough to perceive the effect intensively. On the other hand, it is avoided that a length of stay, the malaise or even a health hazard by too long overhead position the passenger pulls, is not exceeded. With others Words, the duration of the effect by the entrance speed of the vehicle in the overhead section to be controlled. However, the so-called "overhead launch" can also at a very low starting speed or from a standstill to be started out.

alternative to an entrance to the overhead section For example, the vehicle may be driven by a mechanical device (eg Turning device) in the overhead position brought and then accelerated in a subsequent section become. Thus, also a start with very small speeds or possible from a standstill, without that exceeded a certain residence time of the passengers in the overhead position becomes.

Especially has the ride another drive on, along the track in a the Upstream section of the overhead section Track section is arranged. In particular, the drive is immediate to the overhead section upstream to an initial speed for entry into the overhead section to create.

The Driving distance may be the overhead section upstream slope so that the vehicle before entering the overhead section from when driving through the slope in kinetic energy converted potential energy an increase in speed experiences. The drive before and / or in the overhead section accelerates in this case additionally.

The Initial speed can in the context of the invention in every possible way be achieved, for. B. with another upstream launch drive or by an upstream slope. Technically, it can be at the upstream and further accelerating drive by two separate drives, but also around act a single drive whose components distributed along the track or arranged in separate sections. So z. B. at a linear motor of the converters, the control and safety devices etc. only once available. Also, the stator length of the train or the number the stator units could the same as they would at a single "launch run" to reach the Final speed would be necessary. However, in this embodiment For example, the stators are arranged in two groups.

The overhead section could a straight and / or a large radius formed acceleration section exhibit. The transition from a first launching section into the overhead section is preferably done on a curved path. this makes possible a comfortable transition in the overhead position. In addition, the passenger experiences twice the exciting jolt of acceleration, namely in the overhead section and in the overhead section upstream section.

• a) Bereitstellen einer Fahrstrecke mit einer Führungseinrichtung, insbesondere Schienen, zur Führung eines oder mehrerer Fahrzeuge entlang der Fahrstrecke, und einen entlang der Fahrstrecke angeordneten Überkopf-Streckenabschnitt;
• b) Bereitstellung eines oder mehrerer Fahrzeuge entlang der Fahrstrecke; und
• c) Beschleunigung wenigstens eines Fahrzeugs im Bereich des Überkopf-Streckenabschnitts.

The invention is also achieved by an operating method for operating a ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising the steps:

• a) providing a route with a guide device, in particular rails, for guiding one or more vehicles along the route, and an overhead route section arranged along the route;
• b) providing one or more vehicles along the route; and
• c) acceleration of at least one vehicle in the region of the overhead section.

Preferably the at least one vehicle is accelerated in the overhead section.

Preferably, the vehicle becomes out of the overhead section during the exit accelerated.

In a particular embodiment the vehicle is additional before reaching the overhead section pre-accelerated to an initial speed in the overhead section to retract, in which the vehicle is accelerated again.

One Another advantageous feature of the invention is the comfortable and safely reaching the overhead position. This is preferably achieved by suitable driving figures, such as z. B. by driving through a half loop, a half screw, where the term screw is representative of a variety of such elements, be it Heartline, Corkscrew, Barrelroll etc., or combinations of known elements such as screw and curve, etc ..

in the Difference to conventional Fahrfiguren this type can in the invention, the route so be formed that at the entrance to the overhead acceleration section ("Inverted Launch Track") a relatively comfortable transition to a launch route is reached. The launch route, d. H. of the Acceleration range in the overhead section, is thus formed in particular sufficiently long, so that a desired acceleration carried out and the desired driving effects can be achieved.

By the overhead position gets the thrill of a "launch" in the high Acceleration is, further increased. Thus, with the system according to the invention the driving pleasure be further increased.

at The system design should have certain safety precautions be considered because on the one hand in the overhead position other acceleration limits are considered in the normal sitting position and on the other a long continuous overhead position, z. Due to a fault, should be avoided.

there can be used in the context of the invention, in principle, a brake system Be that most launch drives, be it system-immanent or additionally to the launching system, anyway, to prevent dangerous situations. Especially can the brake system in case of a failed launch, at the vehicle does not exceed a subsequent high point, prevent the vehicle from rolling back at high speed and possibly collided with a subsequent vehicle. The security measures could z. B. in an LSM, be that the stators behind the Vehicle will be shorted and thus in case of a backward movement the LSM becomes an eddy current brake. In this case must be taken care of be that the track of the inverted launch so much downhill or Slope shows that despite the braking effect not too long residence time in the overhead position arises.

at Abort of the launch process, z. As a result of a disturbance, it could also happen that the vehicle at a railway station to a halt comes, from which a further journey without special measures not possible is. For this reason, in a particular embodiment The invention provides facilities for, on the one hand, the passengers to allow a comfortable exit and / or the vehicle easy and fast in a position for a reboot or a Continue to bring.

Farther become according to the invention measures taken, which prevent in case of a faulty switching on the brake function impermissibly high personnel to act on persons in the overhead position can.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further Advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following Figures and the associated Description of specific embodiments. It show the

1 to 3 schematically each a track section of a ride according to the invention;

4 a first section of a ride according to the present invention; and

5 a second excerpt from the ride 4 ,

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The 1 to 3 schematically show possible rail guides a route section 1 a driving business to guide at least one vehicle 2 , where the the route in the section 1 determining guide device is designed such that a track area 3 is passed through, in which the vehicle 2 reversed and brought from the usual driving position in an overhead position, ie undergoes an inversion. After passing through the section 3 is the vehicle 2 aligned so that the heads of the passengers are pointing substantially down towards the earth's surface.

In the "overhead section" 4 are Be arranged accelerating means, in particular launch drives such as LSM or LIM, which accelerate the inverted vehicle or from its speed when reaching the acceleration section 4 accelerate further. The acceleration can be done in principle from a standstill, but also from an initial speed out.

In particular, a drive and / or a part of a drive in a front of the reverse area 3 arranged track area 5 , and a second drive or a second part of the drive in the "overhead section" 4 be arranged for Nachbeschleunigung. The drives accelerate the vehicle 2 along the route.

The 1 shows a rail guide of the section 1 with a reversal area 3 , which is designed as a rising section of the route.

In the embodiment according to the 2 is the reversal area 3 formed as a substantially horizontally arranged stretch section.

In the embodiment according to the 3 becomes the inversion of the vehicle 2 accomplished by driving through a simple half-looping. The reversing section 3 can be regarded as an approximately perpendicular path section in the rise of the looping.

However, the invention is not intended to be limited to these itineraries, but generally to the acceleration of an inverted vehicle after passing through an inversion area 3 lock in.

In the 4 is a part of a ride 1 shown. The ride 1 has two rails 4a and 4b which are substantially parallel in the illustrated section. The rails 4a and 4b can be sections of two different tracks. The section of the route 4a . 4b However, it can also be designed by arranging web sections of a single web. On the rails 4a and 4b each moves a vehicle 2a respectively. 2 B in arrows indicated by arrows v and w. The speeds v and w can be essentially the same size in this phase of operation. The track design becomes a kind of duel situation between the vehicles 2a respectively. 2 B generated. The driving business 1 Of course, it can be constructed with any other route with and without a duel situation.

At least the first car 2a first passes through a first acceleration section A (first launch section), in which a first launch drive is arranged, the entry speed v ₀ in the section A by accelerating the vehicle 2a increased to the speed v. This will affect the occupants of the first vehicle 2a that in the illustrated path section 1 the outer and thus longer route passes, creating the impression to compensate for the handicap of the longer route by a higher speed.

The distance 4a points, in contrast to the track 4b , in the section shown 1 a return section 3 in which the rail 4a is so twisted that a through the turnaround 3 moving vehicle is rotated in an overhead position. Because the first rail 4a in the inversion area above the second rail 4b runs, have the heads of the vehicles in this section 2a respectively. 2 B taken passengers to each other.

At least the first car 2a passes in overhead position a second acceleration section B (Launch Abscbnitt), in which a second launch drive (launch drive) is arranged, the speed v of the first vehicle 2a increased to a speed u. This is at the occupants of the first vehicle 2a the impression created, the second vehicle 2 B to overtake.

In the 5 is the car 2a after passing through the acceleration section B shown. The car 2a can then create a second reversal area 5 drive through, in order to turn in the usual driving position (not inverted). The exit from the railway section 1 takes place in the embodiment according to the figure for both vehicles 2a and 2 B over another curve section.

The Arrangement of the Inverted Launch is in principle largely arbitrary. For example, not necessarily a curve between the first and second Launch part be arranged. Also, the first launch section needs (before the inverted part) may not necessarily be present. The Vehicle could z. B. with the energy from the previous section enter the inverted section.

Within the launch tracks and / or track sections varying driving situations can be generated in many areas. For example, the two vehicles 2a and 2 B drive through the respective route with different speed profiles. In this way it is possible that the vehicles 2a and 2 B move in corresponding sections at different speeds or a vehicle accelerates in a section while the other vehicle is experiencing no acceleration or other acceleration in the corresponding section at the same time. In the context of the invention, any controls of the two vehicles are conceivable.

Especially can the ride, at least in sections, two on different routes have arranged vehicles. These can, for example, two be arranged adjacent to each other running distances. In this way can also so-called "dueling Situations ", so competitions or race between two essentially side by side Vehicles are generated or simulated. The two vehicles will be each moved along a predetermined distance, wherein the Vehicles overtake each other or practically next to each other or at a small distance next to each other move.

accelerations Speeds, etc. can either automatically, or through interactive action by the passengers to be influenced. So can the interactive functions may be a "gait" or a deceleration for it ensure that, on the one hand, certain speeds or accelerations no over- or fallen below, on the other hand safety distances met be and for operations necessary functions, such. B. to achieve a certain capacity, are met.

The rides can completely within the scope of the invention have different character. It would be conceivable, for example, a direct Competition through the combination of two parallel rail systems. In its simplest form, the web can consist of two nested ones Ovals, for example, with two intersections, exist to a real one To create competitive mood.

Claims (16)

Ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising at least one route with a guide device, in particular rails, for guiding one or more vehicles along the route; an overhead route section arranged along the route; and a drive and / or a part of a drive for accelerating the vehicle or vehicles, characterized in that the drive and / or the part of the drive is arranged in the region of the overhead section. ride according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive is a launch drive. ride according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive a linear synchronous motor (LSM) and / or a linear induction motor (LIM) is. ride according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive a friction wheel drive is. ride according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the drive is arranged such that the vehicle during the Passing through the overhead section is accelerated. ride according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the drive is arranged such that the vehicle after the Leaving the overhead section is accelerated. ride according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the ride having a further drive along the track in a the area of the overhead section arranged upstream section is arranged. ride according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the route is an overhead section has an upstream section with a slope. ride according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the route has a second section, the adjacent to the overhead section runs. ride according to claim 9, characterized in that the second stretch section essentially parallel to the overhead section runs. Method of operating a ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising the steps: a) providing a route with a leadership facility, especially rails, for guidance one or more vehicles along the route, and one overhead section arranged along the route; b) Providing one or more vehicles along the route; and c) acceleration of at least one vehicle in the area of the overhead section. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that that accelerates the at least one vehicle in the overhead section becomes. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized that at least one vehicle during the exit from the overhead section is accelerated. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized that the vehicle in addition before reaching the overhead section is accelerated. Method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that in step a) provided Driving distance at least one additional second link section adjacent to the overhead link section runs, and a second vehicle is moved along the second route section will, while a first vehicle in the area of the overhead section is moved. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that that a first vehicle along the overhead section is moved while a second vehicle is moved along the second route section such that a racing situation takes place between the vehicles or simulated.