EP2976139B1 - Starting device for a slide and method for starting a sliding process in a slide way - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a starting device for a chute and a method for starting a slide in a slide for at least one user, in particular in a water slide.

From the DE 10 2006 062 349 a water slide has become known in which a slide has a start-up path and an outlet opening into an outlet, wherein between the run-up route and the run-off path at least one loop route is provided which has a circumferential angle of at least 270 ° and at least between a starting point and a vertex the loop path is inclined by 5 ° to 80 ° with respect to a vertical. Such a looping slide is used in water parks or adventure parks and increases the attractiveness of such parks.

From the US 5,183,437 A a launching device for a free-body slide is known, which has a launching ramp with a standing housing, which is accessible through a door. After the user has entered the housing of the launch ramp and closed the door, the housing is moved in the standing position with a cable by a movement by means arranged on the housing rollers along a running rail in a starting position.

The demands on the attractiveness of such parks, especially their slides, are steadily increasing.

The invention has for its object to provide a further attraction for slides, especially water slides.

This object is achieved by a starting device for a slide, in particular water slide, with the features of claim 1.

By a starting ramp of the starting device is made possible that a person from a loading position of the launching ramp, in which a sliding surface is arranged substantially horizontally or slightly inclined, can be converted into a start position, from the out of the User learns increased acceleration due to the inclination of the sliding surface in the starting position after releasing the starting position by the locking device. The locking device releases the sliding surface after taking the starting position, whereby in a first starting phase the user can be given the impression of a high acceleration or even a free fall as a function of the inclination. As a result, the attractiveness of such a slide is increased already in the starting phase. Such a starting device can be used both for a slide, in which the user slips on his textiles on the sliding surface or with aids, such as a mat, as well as water slides, which can be used with and without tires.

The starting ramp and / or the first sliding element or the sliding element associated with the outlet-side end of the starting ramp is preferably tubular. The tubular configuration is particularly advantageous for a high start inclination of the sliding surface in the starting phase of the launch ramp in order to keep the user within the slide with certainty. Preferably, the launch ramp and / or the first slide element may be transparent or at least partially transparent.

A further preferred embodiment of the starting device provides that, in a loading position of the launching ramp, an exit-side end of the launching ramp is arranged separately from the entry-side end of the first sliding element of the slide assigned to the launching ramp. Thus, the launch ramp is pivotally received about a pivot axis, which is arranged separately from the sliding element. Such an arrangement may have advantages in the control of the pivoting movement, since lower pivoting forces may be required.

Preferably, in the above embodiment, the sliding surface of the exit-side end of the sliding element of the launching ramp is offset from an upper portion of the sliding element. As a result, an obliquely extending and exit-side end of the launching ramp is created, which has a complementary design on the inlet side End of the sliding element corresponds. This allows a simple Aufeinanderzuschwenken the exit-side end of the launch ramp to the stationary arranged first slide element.

An alternative embodiment of the starting device provides that an exit-side end of the launch ramp and an inlet-side end of the first ramp associated with the first slide element with a hinge connection, preferably in or adjacent to the sliding surface, are interconnected. This arrangement allows a firm connection between the fixed first slide member and the pivotable slide portion of the launch ramp to each other and thus a simple folding mechanism.

Advantageously, the sliding portion of the starting ramp and the first sliding element is designed and associated with each other such that when positioning the starting ramp in the starting position between the two a closed transition is formed. As a result, a safe sliding can be made possible, while at the same time a large angular range between the positioning of the sliding surface of the launching ramp in the loading position and in the start position is possible.

Preferably, the closed transition between the sliding portion of the launching ramp in the starting position and the first sliding element is detected by a monitoring device, which outputs a release signal for activating the blocking device only after proper acceptance of the starting position. This can ensure that the locking device releases the sliding surface only when the transition is closed. Alternatively, it can be provided that the user located in the loading zone can manually trigger the starting process, ie the opening of the blocking device from a starting position into a release position, this self-triggering being possible only after the monitoring device has issued a release signal.

The outlet-side end of the slide section of the launch ramp is adapted or overlaps at least in the region of the slide surface on the entry-side region of the first slide element. Thereby an injury-free transition can be formed. In addition, a loss-free water supply in the design of a water slide is given without a slip-assisting fluid exits at the interface.

Furthermore, the sliding surface of the launching ramp is preferably convertible into the inclination of the sliding surface of the first sliding element. As a result, a particularly good starting phase can be achieved with a high acceleration.

The launch ramp is preferably arranged in a range of 0 ° to 90 ° pivotable about a bearing axis. As a result, on the one hand a simple loading and on the other hand a maximum of acceleration in the starting phase can be achieved. Preferably, the pivoting range between 5 ° and 85 ° is formed.

Furthermore, the sliding surface of the launching ramp is preferably transferable from a loading position with an inclination of 0 ° to 15 ° relative to the horizontal to a starting position of 15 ° to 89 °, preferably 45 ° to 90 °, and in particular 60 ° to 85 °.

The locking element provided in the starting ramp is designed as a pivotable or displaceable blocking element, which is controlled and monitored by a control device and is actuated by a drive element. Preferably, a flap-shaped element or a trap door and a double trap door is used.

The blocking element is preferably arranged outside the sliding surface so as to be pivotable and / or displaceable. As a result, the sliding surface can be formed without interruption, so that optimum slip conditions exist during the starting phase and also an immediate sliding of persons on the sliding surface is made possible.

When using the launching ramp for a starting device in water slides an end face of the blocking element of the locking device is preferably arranged at a small distance from the sliding surface. As a result, the blocking element fulfills a kind of water blocking function. This means that a film of water can accumulate on the sliding surface, which in turn favors the starting conditions.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the loading zone of the launching ramp is associated with a conveyor, which is designed as a sliding surface, as a roller conveyor belt or as a transport conveyor belt. This allows a fast and safe filling of the loading zone of the launch pad to achieve a short timing for the slide. Preferably, a separating device is provided between the conveyor and the launching ramp or in the conveyor. This is especially useful for a tire chute.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method according to the features of claim 15. In the method for starting a slide in a slide with at least one user with a starting device of the aforementioned type, the locking device is released in the starting ramp only after the secure transfer of the launching ramp from a loading position to a start position to start the sliding ride. This allows a controlled and monitored use of such a slide with increased attractiveness already in the starting phase of the slide.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Startvorrichtung mit einer Startrampe in einer Beladeposition,
• Figur 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht der Startvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit der Startrampe in einer Startposition,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Seitenansicht der Startvorrichtung gemäß Figur 2 nach Freigabe einer Sperrvorrichtung,
• Figur 4 eine schematische Detailansicht eines Eintrittsbereiches der Startrampe,
• Figur 5 eine schematische Detailansicht der Sperrvorrichtung in der Startrampe und
• Figur 6 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Startvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawings can be applied individually according to the invention individually or in combination in any combination. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a schematic side view of a starting device according to the invention with a launch ramp in a loading position,
• FIG. 2 a schematic side view of the starting device according to FIG. 1 with the launch pad in a starting position,
• FIG. 3 a schematic side view of the starting device according to FIG. 2 after release of a locking device,
• FIG. 4 a schematic detail view of an entry area of the launch pad,
• FIG. 5 a schematic detail view of the locking device in the launch ramp and
• FIG. 6 a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the starting device according to FIG. 1 ,

In FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a starting device 11 according to the invention for a slide not shown. Such a chute may be so-called dry chutes, that is chutes in which the skid person glides directly on the slide surface or slips through a mat or carpet. In particular, this chute is designed as a water slide, whereby the user can slide both directly on a water film on the sliding surface or on a tire.

The starting device 11 comprises at least one launching ramp 16, which comprises a sliding section 17 with a sliding surface 18. Furthermore, the starting ramp 16 may comprise a first sliding element 19, which is adapted with its inlet-side end 21 to an outlet-side end 22 of the launch ramp 16.

The launch ramp 26 further comprises a pivoting device 30 with a bearing axis 31 about which the slide portion 17 is pivotally mounted. For controlling the pivoting movement, the pivoting device 30 comprises a drive and an actuating element, such as a lifting cylinder 32, which is shown symbolically. This lifting cylinder 32 can be controlled hydraulically, pneumatically or otherwise by a corresponding drive device 33, which in turn is controlled and monitored by a control device 35. As an alternative to the lifting cylinder 32, an electromotive, electromagnetic drive and a drive can be provided by means of a transmission, which initiates a pivoting movement of the bearing shaft 31 and thus of the sliding portion 17, whereby the sliding portion 17 is pivoted about the bearing axis 31.

An entry end 23 of the launch ramp 16 is associated with a conveyor 24, which has a transport plane, which is slightly inclined at an angle β with respect to the horizontal. In this case, the conveyor 24 is designed as a sliding surface or roller belt. The conveyor 24 may also be designed as a transport conveyor with a driven conveyor belt. In this embodiment, the inclination angle β may also be zero.

The conveying device 24 may comprise a separating device 26, by means of which controlled access to a loading zone 28 of the launching ramp 16 can be controlled. As an alternative to the singling device 26, it is also possible to provide a signal device which is controlled by sensors which are provided at the inlet end 23 of the launch ramp 16 and / or on the conveyor 24.

The sliding portion 17 of the launch ramp 16 is preferably formed as a closed tube. A loading zone 28 extends from an entry-side end 23 to the locking device 37. This loading zone 28 may extend in length such that only a user, in particular with a tire, can be accommodated therein. Likewise, the loading zone 28 may also be designed for a double tire or other slip means, in particular for two, three or more people sliding together.

The locking device 37 comprises a blocking element 36, which preferably extends completely over the cross section of the tubular sliding portion 17, so that the sliding portion 17 is completely closed. A front end of the blocking element 36, which faces the sliding surface, is preferably arranged at a small distance from the sliding surface, so that a minimal amount of liquid can pass through in the event of a water chute.

The blocking element 36 can be pivoted upwards about a pivot axis arranged on the upper section of the sliding section 17 and is preferably designed as a pivotable flap or trap door, which is driven by the control device via a drive 38.

The sliding portion 17 of the launch ramp 16 and / or the first slide member 19 may be formed, for example, as a sliding surface or smooth surface. Likewise, the sliding surface 18 may be formed by rollers or a transport or roller belt. Likewise, alternatively, a trough-shaped sliding surface 18, 20 may be provided, which is open at the top. In this case, however, the lateral edges are raised above the sliding surface 18, 20 designed to guide the person sliding along the sliding surface 18, 20. A water feed at a water slide can be done directly in the first slide element 19 at the beginning of the sliding surface 20 or previously in the launch ramp 16, so that the water flows into the slide member 19, wherein the first chute member 19 can be additionally supplied with water.

The conveyor 24 may be adapted in the embodiment as a sliding surface to the above-described alternative embodiment of the slide portion 17. The same applies to the first sliding element 19.

If the conveyor 24 and / or the sliding surfaces 18, 20 comprise rollers or a conveyor belt, preference is given to using slip aids, such as, for example, mats, tires or the like.

In FIG. 1 the launch ramp 16 is arranged in a loading position 29. In this loading position 29, the sliding surface 18 of the slide portion 17 may be inclined at an angle α, which preferably corresponds to the angle β of the conveyor 24. Alternatively, the inclination of the angle α can also deviate from the angle β. If a conveyor 24 is designed as a sliding surface or roller belt, the sliding surface 18 is preferably arranged in a slightly inclined position, for example in a range of 1 ° to 15 °, so that after entering the user in the loading zone 28 this independently to the blocking element 36 of the locking device 37 slips. If the conveyor 24 is designed as a transport conveyor belt, the inclination angle α may also be 0 °, as by the drive of the conveyor a secure slipping of the user is given in the loading zone. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding surface 18 of the sliding portion 17 of the Launch ramp 16 have a driven roller belt or a driven conveyor belt to allow safe loading. The latter is especially intended for a tire slide.

In the embodiment of a tubular sliding portion 17 and a tubular first sliding element 19 according to FIG. 1 are the respective front ends 21, 22 adapted to each other, so that this when transferring the launching ramp 16 of the in FIG. 1 loading position 29 shown in an in FIG. 2 illustrated start position 41 form a closed transition 43. It can be provided according to a preferred embodiment, that the sliding surface 18 of the slide portion 17 rests on a recessed receiving portion 44 of the first slide member 18, so that the sliding surfaces 18, 20 of the slide portion 17 and sliding element 19 merge into one another. This has the advantage that, in particular in the case of a water slide, a particularly good water supply is also possible. At the same time, the risk of injury can be reduced by the engagement of the slide portion 17 in the first slide member 19 when sliding. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the respective front ends 21, 22 are positioned flush with the abutment and / or have interengaging connecting sections, so that when the respective ends 21, 22 are moved over, a stable arrangement of the interface is provided.

The sliding element 19 is arranged at an angle γ with respect to the horizontal, which is for example less than 89 °, wherein preferably an angle is set which is in a range of greater than 45 °, in particular greater than 60 °, and in particular in the range of 75 ° to 85 °. As a result, a particularly high acceleration can be achieved.

The loading position 29 of the launch ramp 16 is monitored by sensors 39 which are coupled to the control device 35. These sensors 39 can also detect the loading of the loading zone 28. After the loading zone 28 has been loaded by at least one user in the loading position 29, the control device 35 receives a corresponding signal. Alternatively, this can also be triggered manually by the user in the loading zone 28. Subsequently, the launching ramp 16 is moved from the loading position 29 into a starting position 41 via the drive device 33 FIG. 2 converted.

After transferring the launching ramp 16 from the loading position 29 into the starting position 41 according to FIG FIG. 2 the arrangement of the slip portion 17 and the slide member 19 is checked to a closed transition 43 with a monitoring device 46. Once it is determined by the monitoring device 46 that the transition 43 is closed in the start position 41, a signal is output to the control device 35, which now only the locking device 37 can be released, so that the drive 38 actuates an opening of the blocking element 36. For example, a count-down start phase can be initiated. Also, according to a random generator, the opening time of the locking device can be selected and controlled after taking the start position 41, so that the start release causes a surprise effect for the user. Alternatively, the user can also trigger the startup operation with or without a count-down by pressing a start button, through which the blocking element 36 from a starting position 38 or closing or locking position in a release position 50 according to FIG. 3 is transferred. Immediately after pivoting the locking device 37 in the release position 50, the slide begins for the user.

After the user has left the launching ramp 16 due to the transfer of the locking device 37 to the release position 50, slipping out of the launching ramp 16 may be detected, for example, by sensors in the slip portion 17 of the launch pad 16 or by sensors in the first slip element 19 or by a predetermined timing are transferred to the release position 50 after transferring the locking device 37 from the starting position 48, so that subsequently the launching ramp 16 is returned to the loading position 29 and the blocking element 36 in the starting position 48 via the control device 35. Subsequently, the loading process of Starting device 11 take place again after the sensors 39 have detected the receipt of the loading position 29 of the launch pad 16.

In the starting device 11 according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 in which the launching ramp 16 is arranged with its sliding portion 17 separated from the sliding element 18, the mutually associated ends 22, 21 are preferably designed as in FIG. 1 is shown, so that in the case of application of the water slide 16, the water supplied to the launch pad 16 water passes directly into the slide member 19 at the exit from the sliding portion 17. It can be assigned to the interface and an application device to receive the leakage water.

In FIG. 4 is a schematically enlarged view of the launch ramp 16 of the starting device 11 shown in the application as a water slide. The conveyor 24 also already carries water on the sliding surface. In the loading position 29 of the launching ramp 16, a sealing element 52 arranged on the launching ramp 16 rests on a support element 53, which extends laterally above the sliding surface and is fastened, for example, to the conveying device 24. As a result, the accumulating in the gap water can be dammed and sealed the interface, so that no water loss occurs, but the supplied via the conveyor 24 water enters the loading zone 28 of the launch ramp 16.

In FIG. 5 is a schematically enlarged view of the locking device 39 in the starting or locking position 48 in the sliding portion 17 is shown. The sliding surface 18 associated with the end of the blocking element 36 is arranged at a slight distance thereto, whereby a damming of the water is achieved. As a result, a favored starting position can be made possible by sliding the user onto a water film on the sliding surface 18.

In FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the starting device 11 to the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown. This embodiment deviates from the fact that the sliding portion 17 is connected via an articulated connection 55 with the sliding element 19. These Articulated connection lies in the region or below the sliding surface 18. This arrangement also allows for the transfer of the launching ramp 16 from the loading position 29 to the start position 41 a closed transition 43 of the interface, so that a safe slipping is given. Otherwise, alternatives and / or preferred embodiments apply to the FIGS. 1 to 5 have been described.

The aforementioned features are taken in isolation and in any combination essential features of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. Launcher for a slide, in particular a water slide, characterized in, that the launcher comprises:

   - a launch ramp (16), which comprises a slide section (17) having a slide surface (18) which has a loading zone (28) for at least one user which extends from an inlet-side end (23) of the slide section (17) to a blocking device (35) arranged in the slide section (17), wherein the blocking device (35) blocks the slide surface (18) in an initial positon (48),

   - a pivot device (30) using which the launch ramp (16) is able to be transferred from a loading position (29) into a launch position (41) in which the launch ramp (19) and a first slide element (19) of the slide are allocated to each other, and

   - a control device (35) which controls the pivot movement of the launch ramp (16) between the loading position (39) and the launch position (41) and the blocking device (37) between the initial position (38) and a release position (50).
2. Launcher according to claim 1, characterised in that the launch ramp (16) and/or the first slide element (19) of the slide allocated to the outlet-side end (22) of the launch ramp (16) is formed to be tubular.
3. Launcher according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the loading position (39) of the launch ramp (16), an outlet-side end (22) of the launch ramp (16) is arranged separately to the inlet-side end (21) of the first slide element (19) and preferably the slide surface (18) of the front-side end (22) of the slide section (17) is set back compared to an upper section of the slide section (17) .
4. Launcher according to claim 1, characterised in that an outlet-side end (22) of the launch ramp (16) and an inlet-side end (21) of the first slide element (19) are connected to each other with an articulated joint (55), preferably adjacently in or on the sliding surface (18).
5. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the slide section (17) of the launch ramp (16) arranged in the launch position (41) and the first slide element (19) form a closed transition (43).
6. Launcher according to claim 5, characterised in that the closed transition (43) is able to be detected with a monitoring device (46) and a release signal is emitted to control the blocking device (37).
7. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outlet-side end (22) of the slide section (17) of the launch ramp (16) engages with the inlet-side end (21) of the first slide element (19) in the region of the slide surface (20) or overlaps this.
8. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the slide surface (18) of the launch ramp (16) is able to be transferred into the incline of the slide surface (20) of the slide element (19) and forms a mutual slide plane.
9. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the launch ramp (16) is able to pivot in the range from 0° to 90°, in particular in the range from 5° to 85°.
10. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the slide surface (18) of the launch ramp (16) is able to pivot from a loading position (29) having an incline of 0° to 15° compared to the horizontal, into a launch position from 5° to 89°, preferably 45° to 90°, in particular 60° to 65°.
11. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blocking device (37) comprises a drive (38) and at least one blocking element (36) which is preferably formed as a pivotable or displaceable blocking element (36), in particular as a trapdoor or double trapdoor.
12. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blocking element (36) is arranged outside the slide surface (18) to be pivotable or displaceable in the slide section (17) .
13. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a front side of the blocking device (35) which points towards the slide surface (18) is arranged at a short distance to the slide surface (18) with a water accumulation function.
14. Launcher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a conveyor device (24) is allocated to the loading zone (38) of the launch ramp (16) which is formed as a slide surface, as a roller belt or a transport conveyor belt and preferably a separating device (26) or a signal device is provided in the conveyor device or between the conveyor device (24) and the launch ramp (16).
15. Method to launch a slide run in a slide chute for at least one user having a launcher (11) according to one of the preceding claims,

    - in which the at least one user independently slides or is conveyed into a loading zone (38) of a launch ramp (16) of the launcher (11), which is limited by a blocking device (35) allocated to a slide surface (18) of the launch ramp (16) in the slide direction,

    - in which, after the loading of the loading zone (38), the launch ramp (16) is transferred from a loading position (29) into a launch position (41) such that the slide surface (18) of the launch ramp (16) merges into a slide surface (20) of a first slide element (19) connected to the launch ramp (16),

    - in which, after the assumption of the launch position (41), the blocking device (35) is controlled and is transferred from an initial position (48) into a release position (50).

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