DE102007009708A1 - Device i.e. roller coaster, for mounting in amusement railway system, has rescue device arranged between rail tubing profiles, where rails of roller coaster can be interrupted in place of device, when rail piece is lowered - Google Patents

Abstract

The device i.e. roller coaster, has a rescue device arranged between rail tubing profiles. Rails of the roller coaster can be interrupted in the place of the device, when a rail piece is lowered and vehicles belonging to a path are brought over a developed gap. The vehicles crossing a gap are transported by a device, which protects the vehicles against a possible crash. The rescue device is returned such that renewed driving out is possible with a following vehicle.

Description

field of use

The The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Especially at folk festivals and in amusement parks are so-called roller coasters long known and popular. Most of all produced so far Roller coasters have proven themselves so far. however shows that visitors to the amusement parks and Folk festivals expect more and more demanding surprises or - due to the routing - always exposed to larger, rapidly changing accelerations want to be and thereby experience intense feelings. Lots Visitors always want more extreme adrenalin. This is among other things with driveways, which are opposite with over 90 ° tilted to the ground, novel overhead figures and Acceleration against gravitational or interrupted Driveways achieved by means of which then a surprise effect is caused.

Such designs are by DE 000010245148 A1 "Broken track for an amusement device" known. There, the driveway for the amusement device opens from a rail-bound route into another track. Likewise, inventions are like DE 000010135368 A1 known, in which a pleasure vehicle on a steered tilting rail device. The rail piece is moved by means of devices so that the impression arises to the occupant, he would crash or the like. But then the journey continues via a siding piece. DE 000010135367 A1 works on a similar principle. at DE 000010135366 A1 The amusement ride gets on a piece of track, which "falls down" a defined way and continues there DE 000010135365 A1 is a rail piece on which the amusement ride device, designed as a rocker, which also contributes to the surprise of the occupants.

Disadvantages of the prior art:

All the above inventions, with pivoting rail pieces work, have the disadvantage that a real surprise effect can only be achieved in the dark. Because otherwise the environment, so also the further course of the tracks and the device for moving of the track, visible.

• – entweder auf dem Gleisstück befinden und dort zumindest so lange verharren oder
• – das Gleisstück ist so lang oder
• – das Fahrzeug so langsam,.

dass das bewegliche Gleisstück die nötige Zeit hat, in die jeweils andere Position oder Lage einzufahren.The amusement ride has to be

• - either be on the track and stay there for at least as long or
• - the track piece is so long or
• - the vehicle is so slow.

that the movable track piece has the necessary time to retract to the other position or position.

The surprise effect occurs only locally, it is only experienced by the inmates. Eventual viewers see nothing of it or are not surprised. The thrill only occurs once within a very short period of time on. Firstly, he is not particularly high and secondly, after one Drive extinguished. The inventions also have the disadvantage that they have to carry the full weight of the roller coaster. New rail guide, higher heights, higher speeds and accelerations can be recognized in advance. It will only be for very short Time with the reduced sense of security of the passengers reached an adrenaline rush.

Object of the invention

task The invention is a rail-bound funicular to expand so that both the passenger and the possible Spectators to the usual roller coaster pleasure a special Thrill experienced while still ensuring the safety of passengers must be guaranteed

Solution of the task

These The object is achieved in an advantageous manner that a device as recited in claim 1 in the rail assembly of a Amusement ride is implemented in which a rail piece designed so that it is remotely controlled - to different and seemingly random times - breaks out and a certain distance crashes deep. This creates the impression of a supposed accident. Both inmates and Spectators are surprised by it. You experience the highest Tension.

The undamaged crossing of the resulting gap is from the inventive device so Ensures that neither inmates nor onlookers hear about it. It's supposed to be for the spectator and for the occupant look like this, so whether the vehicle crosses the gap without outside help. The aids, ie devices, are arranged so that ever according to the underlying principle of operation, ensuring the crossing Although achieved, but not noticed.

Advantages of the invention

The passenger will crash with the crash Track piece gives the impression that the safety-providing element in the roller coaster is inoperative. As a result, he sees the worst coming towards him.

By the powerlessness to do nothing against his supposed fate can, the driving experience is very deep and extreme. These feelings are made by the joy of that successful crossing of the gap in the rail system replaced. This will be a maximum in the changing pool of emotions reached.

The coming Catastrophe "is visible to all, the securing mechanism is designed and arranged in such a way that it is no darker Rooms or view of protective structures at the scene of the accident requirement. This does not just thrill the occupants increased, but also among the spectators. By the supposed, widely visible "misfortune" becomes attention, sensationalism or simply aroused the curiosity of the audience, causing them to attract become.

By the design of the crashed rail section as a fully functional track piece as well as devices for lifting, lowering and firm connection of this piece With the normal track, the train can also do without this attraction operate. Also advantageous is the given Possibility between operation with gap bridging and normal operation of the track completely free to choose. This can also be advantageously applied to the Passengers who did not crash the drop rail to animate to buy another ride in the expectation that they can then experience the disaster.

By a time-delayed release of the crashing Rail section creates a realistic movement sequence. He can contribute to the illusion that the process is completely unforeseen. Advantageously, furthermore, a matching noise backdrop to be from a speaker. By for the audience and Inmates invisible, controlled device that crosses the The gap will give them the impression of being random succeeded in crossing the gap. Of the Viewers so taken by the audacity can look forward to the ride feel inspired.

Advantageous in terms of component loading is an arrangement of the devices at a crest in the route associated with a unit for adjusting the speed of the train in dependence from their mass and the radius of curvature of the web. At the Exact interaction resembles the crossing of the Gap through the track a lopsided litter. Parable and The radius of curvature of the web are almost the same.

Description of exemplary embodiments

One Embodiment of the invention is in the drawings shown. It will be described below with every possible alternative described.

In the illustrated embodiment is in 1 the launch rail ( 1 to see). On her comes the pleasure car ( 2 ), of which only two cars have been shown here for clarity. This part of the track is not yet part of the device according to the invention. In order to achieve the desired effect of freedom of movement, elements for controlling the speed, depending on the mass of the amusement ride vehicle and the wind strength and the wind direction in the track of the web must be arranged. These include a braking device ( 6 ), here an eddy current brake, and an accelerator ( 7 ), here a friction wheel. It could just as mechanically operated Reduzierbremsen be used to reduce the speed or a revolving conveyor chain, which engages the driver on the vehicle and accelerates this. Also conceivable would be a linear motor driven unit that causes the acceleration.

The drop rail ( 3 ) can remain in built-in condition. Then the vehicle drives ( 2 ) over them as if it were a regular piece of track. Around the drop rail ( 3 ) in their upper end position (ie in "built-in" state), this is by means of a snap ( 8th ) secured. The shape of the latch ( 8th ) allows automatic retraction of the drop rail ( 3 ) without prior release by the release linkage ( 9 ). Equally mechanisms would be conceivable that do not allow automatic retraction into this upper end position, such. B. bolts that are activated by mechanical or electromechanical actuators controlled by a software to control all processes.

Other embodiments of self-locking mechanisms, such as those similar to a door lock, are equally conceivable. By unlocking the drop rail ( 3 ) it falls - powered by gravity and by guides ( 10 ) - down. There her case is made of a combination of springs and shock absorbers ( 11 ) braked. Here is also conceivable that the drop rail ( 3 ) are moved and guided by attached ropes on driven motors and cable drum or that the movement of the drop rail ( 3 ) by cylinder. The latter would then have the advantage that the upper end position would not necessarily need a latching mechanism.

The movement of the drop rail ( 3 ) by means of rack and gear meshing therewith, powered by motors mounted on the drop rail, or the movement by linear drives, is also a possible variant. Another interesting variant is to drop the drop rail unguided and then catch by means of a jump cushion-like catcher or by means of a robotic arm. The case could be, no matter if the drop rail ( 3 ) is guided or unguided moved down, even with a stop on which the drop rail falls, be braked. Just as braking by means of a turbulence brake is possible (for this purpose, the drop rail should however be guided).

Guide rails z. B. can be bent elastically by hydraulic cylinders could also serve as a brake. In order to transport the drop rail back up when needed, ball screws ( 13 ) used. These are powered by engines ( 38 ). On their sledges ( 14 ) are lifting devices ( 39 ) appropriate.

Another operating mode can be selected by moving the carriages ( 14 ) move the rail down with a specific software-controlled program flow. In this case, movement patterns are possible in which the drop rail ( 2 ) is lowered at different speeds at their support points. These grab the stands ( 15 ) the drop rail ( 3 ) and lift it up until the bolts ( 16 ) in the uppermost end position of the drop rail in the snap-in latch ( 8th ).

When the drop rail ( 3 ) has fallen down and the vehicle ( 2 ) with the brake ( 6 ) or accelerators ( 7 ) via the start rail ( 1 ), at a time calculated by a software, the rescue device ( 5 ) accelerated and extended. The task of the rescue device is contact with the vehicle, which is unnoticed by passengers and spectators, to guide it in a specific manner, to protect it against windings and / or displacements caused by the effects of wind, and to prevent the vehicle from falling in an emergency.

It is also conceivable that the vehicle ( 2 ) even the rescue device ( 5 ) accelerates over a driver. This is done via a driver ( 18 ) attached to a pull rope ( 19 ) is attached. With a combination of hydraulic accumulator ( 20 ) and hydraulic motor ( 21 ) the driver ( 18 ) emotional. The hydraulic motor drives a cable drum via a shaft ( 22 ), which winds the pull rope so fast that a very short acceleration path is sufficient to move the rescue device ( 5 ) to accelerate. Here is also caused by a falling large mass acceleration of the rescue device in the range of the possible.

• – Eine starke Feder, die dann entspannt wird,
• – sehr schnell ausfahrende Zylinder,
• – Linearmotoren,
• – ein durch ei Schwungrad mit hoher Energie versorgtes Reibrad,
• – ein durch ein ebensolches Schwungrad angetriebener Prügel, der die Rettungsvorrichtung schlagartig beschleunigt.

Other variants, the rescue device ( 5 ) can be:

• - A strong spring that is then relaxed,
• Very fast extending cylinders,
• - linear motors,
• A frictional wheel supplied with high energy by a flywheel,
• - A driven by such flywheel whipping, which accelerates the rescue device abruptly.

Another possibility would be the rescue device ( 5 ) by means of elastic ropes similar to a catapult shoot down.

The traction cable is in the described embodiment with a pulley ( 23 ), so that the drive unit ( 24 ) can be accommodated in a place where more space is available. The driver ( 18 ) accelerates the rescue device ( 5 ). After the speed demanded by the system has been reached, the driver ( 18 ) via a brake and return cable ( 25 ) decelerated. This rope is unrolled via a not shown rope drive unit or unrolled by opening the cable drum brake of this unit.

The rescue device ( 17 ), guided by the rescue device guide ( 26 ) continue. It travels with the vehicle at the same time and with the same speed ( 2 ) out. The rescue device ( 5 ) has the outer contour of the inner contour of the vehicle drive part ( 27 ) with bulges for various installations (here only brake sword ( 28 ) (in 2 ).

Here also other variants would be conceivable. On the one hand, devices of the rescue device ( 5 ) on the vehicle floor in specially provided Vor-directions intervene. On the other hand, on / to the rescue device ( 5 ) extendable, provided with rail outer contour-like profiles, devices attached, which fit to the place where otherwise the rail is, and thereby lead the vehicle.

Another variant is to accommodate the rescue device in the tube profiles of the rails. Either again as a hollow profile, of course, maximum outside diameter equal to the inner diameter tube profile. Rather less, because it should also be thought of a leadership. The guide could be realized in the form of inserts with small guide rollers which protrude radially. Or it would be a kind of hydrostatic storage possible. The rescue device in tubular profile form thus extends axially to the rail. For this it is necessary, ei A large radius, because the rescue device has to be completely fitted into the start rail.

A driver ( 29 ) ensures in the described variant in any case against slipping of the vehicle ( 2 ) forward, if the guidance of the rescue device ( 26 ) should be stuck. It also serves as a guarantee of the synchronous exit of rescue device ( 5 ) and vehicle ( 2 ). After the gap is crossed, the driver ( 29 ) the rescue device ( 5 ) on an unlocking nose ( 30 ). Then he gives the vehicle ( 2 ) free again. The driver parts ( 29 . 33 ), by Torsinns-springs ( 34 ), move back to their original position so that their driving function is restored. The vehicle ( 2 ), guided against unwanted displacement or rotation by wind influences from the outer contour of the rescue device ( 5 ), with its wheel groups ( 31 ) exactly centered on the landing rail ( 4 ) and continues on his way.

The rescue device ( 5 ) is dimensioned to remain in place until it arrives in the rescue device guide ( 26 ) on the landing rail side is still so far in the part of the rescue device guide on the start rail side that an absolutely safe and sufficiently rigid leadership of the continuously werter cantilevered part of the rescue device is possible.

By means of an inlet plate ( 32 ), made of high-strength and lubricious material, the guaranteed entrance of the rescue device ( 5 ) are accessed and secured in the lifeline guide portion on the landing rail side. The rescue device ( 5 ) then moves through its kinetic energy further into the rescue device guidance and travels with the last part of the vehicle ( 2 ) completely one, So - after the vehicle ( 2 ) has crossed the gap - nothing more to see from her.

From the cover ( 35 ), the rescue device ( 5 ) without supply of external energy back to their original position. There, the remaining kinetic energy is released by a brake ( 36 ) and the driver ( 18 ) latches again.

• – Eine Vorrichtung, bei der die in die Landeschiene einfahrende Rettungs-vorrichtung dort hart abgebremst wird. Durch ausgefahrene Zylinder wird die Rettungsvorrichtung auf eine Verschiebevorrichtung gebracht, die sich dann zur Startschiene bewegt. Dort wird sie von dieser durch evtl. ebenfalls einen Zylinder wieder abgehoben und in die Startposition gebracht.
• – Des Weiteren ist eine Rückförderung (bei einer Variante der Rettungs-vorrichtung, die sich in den Hohlprofilen der Schiene befindet) denkbar, die dann bei wieder eingebauter Fallschiene innerhalb dieser zurückgefördert werden muss. Dann muss allerdings auf eine sehr genaue Führung geachtet werden. Zu berücksichtigen ist der Fakt, dass durch den Durchmessersprung ein starker Ruck und damit einhergehend großer Verschleiß an den Laufrädern der Bahn auftritt. Minimiert werden kann dieser durch geeignete Gestaltung der Übergänge. Der Ruck hätte den Vorteil, dass er die Insassen noch mehr beunruhigt.
• – Als weitere vorstellbare Art der Rückführung der Rettungsvorrichtung ist eine zweigeteilte Rettungsvorrichtung denkbar, von der der eine Teil in der Startschiene untergebracht ist. Sie fährt mit dem Fahrzeug aus und überbrückt die Lücke. Dort wird sie stoßartig abgebremst und kuppelt mit dem anderen Teil der Rettungsvorrichtung. Sie wird stark beschleunigt und bewegt sich entgegen der Fahrtrichtung des Fahrzeuges wieder zurück, entkuppelt dort und der nun die Lücke überspannende Teil der Rettungsvorrichtung fährt mit dem Ende des Fahrzeugs wieder in seinen Platz in der Landeschiene ein. Um der Rettungsvorrichtung (5) eine genaue Bahn zu geben, wird die Rettungsvorrichtungsführung (26) mit einzeln spieleinstellbaren Rollen (37) ausgeführt. Diese sind vor allem im Bereich der Start- und Landeschiene installiert, um die nötige Führungssteifigkeit zu erreichen und im Notfall die Flächenpressung zu reduzieren.

The return of the rescue device can be done in many other ways. As examples could be mentioned:

• - A device in which the incoming into the landing rail rescue device is braked hard there. By extended cylinder, the rescue device is placed on a displacement device, which then moves to the start rail. There she will be lifted from this by possibly also a cylinder again and brought into the starting position.
• - In addition, a return promotion (in a variant of the rescue device, which is located in the hollow sections of the rail) conceivable, which then has to be conveyed back in this case with built-in fall rail. Then, however, must be paid to a very precise leadership. The fact that the diameter jump causes a strong jerk and concomitantly high wear on the wheels of the web must be taken into account. This can be minimized by suitable design of the transitions. The jerk would have the advantage that it worries the inmates even more.
• - As a further conceivable way of returning the rescue device a two-part rescue device is conceivable, of which one part is housed in the launch rail. She drives off with the vehicle and bridges the gap. There she is braked abruptly and couples with the other part of the rescue device. It is greatly accelerated and moves back against the direction of travel of the vehicle, uncouples there and now the gap spanning part of the rescue device moves with the end of the vehicle back into its place in the landing rail. To the rescue device ( 5 ) to give an accurate trajectory, the rescue device guidance ( 26 ) with individually adjustable castors ( 37 ). These are installed above all in the area of the take-off and landing rails in order to achieve the necessary guiding rigidity and to reduce surface pressure in an emergency.

at one of the embodiment described here completely Different variant, the rescue device is quite simple omitted. The vehicle really flies over in free flight the gap. So of course it's the one above exposed to the influence of the wind. from that Different shifts and twists can result. It now applies the rail part, continue on the vehicle is to drive so that this, now called Fang, in the Center of the wheel groups meets and the vehicle so quasi auffädelt. This is done by measuring the mass distribution the passengers have risen as well as an exact measurement of the Wind force and direction at the gap and a trajectory determined therefrom.

With the data of the determined trajectory the actuators can be controlled. To ensure safety, this calculation must be at least three times redundant. The actual trajectory of the vehicle is also controlled by sensors and the control by the respective deviation of the calculated path of the real flight track still corrected. This requires high-performance computers and extremely fast software as well as actuators. The deviation is at a certain gap length after prediction in the range of what modern drive technology can afford.

Of the Harmful wind influence could also be caused by a Housing made of transparent material to be turned off. On In this way, this obvious risk factor would be complete eliminated. This "free flight variant" has the advantage of low construction costs and fulfillment of all advantages of the inventive idea without a time-consuming or possibly visible return option to provide the rescue device.

1

start rail

2

vehicle

3

drop rail

4

country track

5

rescue device

6

braking means

7

accelerator

8th

snap latch

9

unlock mechanism

10

guides

11

Springs & shock absorbers

13

Ballscrew

14

carriage on the ball screw

15

stand drop rail

16

bolt drop rail

17

hanger at the vehicle

18

takeaway

19

rope

20

hydraulic accumulator

21

wheelseat Guide unit

22

cable drum

23

pulley

24

drive unit

25

braking and return rope

26

Rescue device management

27

vehicle chassis

28

brake sword

29

takeaway d. R. -vorr. and vehicle

30

unlocking projection

31

wheel groups

32

inlet plate

33

Mitnehmersperre

34

torsion

35

cover

36

brake

37

Adjustable game roll

38

engine

39

lifters

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 000010245148 A1 [0003]
• DE 000010135368 A1 [0003]
• DE 000010135367 A1 [0003]
• DE 000010135366 A1 [0003]
• DE 000010135365 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

Device for installation in a circulating, track-bound vehicles traveled amusement ride, especially a roller coaster, characterized in that the tracks of the roller coaster can be interrupted at the location of the device by a track piece can be lowered and the belonging to the train vehicles then on the gap is made without it being obvious to inmates and spectators. Device according to claim 1, characterized that the vehicles crossing the gap from a device that more or less coincides with the vehicles extends and the vehicles before a possible Crash protects, transported. Device according to claim 1, characterized that the vehicles crossing the gap from a device above or below the roller coaster tracks is fastened, by attack on the side of the vehicles, under the Vehicles or at one point on the frame or the wheels engages the vehicles and by pivoting about a pivot point or Method along a guideway over the Gap to be transported. Device according to claim 1, characterized that crossing the gap without rescue device is done. The vehicle crosses the gap in free flight and the landing rail it catches by means of actuators, which are controlled by a software so fast that the vehicle safely detected despite possible deviations will and can continue. Device according to claim 1, characterized that the saving device only extends from one side and after crossing the gap through the vehicle also re-enters there. Device according to claim 1, characterized that a far-reaching freedom of forces in bridging by adjusting the speed of the vehicle when rigid Take-off angle and, depending on the number and weight of the persons constant mass an always same parabolic movement of the vehicle would arise if it were not from the rescue device would be guided. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2, characterized characterized in that the recuperation of the rescue device will that a renewed extension at a following vehicle is possible again. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2 thereby characterized in that the rescue device between the rail tube profiles is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2 thereby characterized in that the rescue device in the rail tube profiles is arranged.