EP4058163B1 - Amusement ride, in particular water amusement ride, and method for operating such an amusement ride - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a ride with the features of patent claim 1 and a method for operating a ride with the features of patent claim 15.

Rides are known from the prior art in various designs and are provided for passengers as stationary or semi-stationary systems or attractions, especially in amusement parks. Generic rides can be water rides or roller coasters, which have a rail guide for at least one vehicle that can move on the rail guide. The at least one movable vehicle can accommodate at least one passenger, with such vehicles typically being able to accommodate a plurality of passengers for a shared experience in order to enable group experiences in addition to individual experiences.

In order to provide at least one passenger with the most realistic driving experience possible while riding the ride, the vehicle should be able to realistically make natural movements that are expected of the vehicle. For example, it is desirable that a water ride should give the feeling of a boat ride that is as realistic as possible and that the vehicle follows both water movements and the movements caused by the passengers - such as rocking or similar.

Several water rides are known from the prior art, which are a wild water ride with a body of water and the vehicle is a floating boat. Vehicles of these known water rides can be driven either passively by gravity and the flow in the body of water and/or actively, for example, by a traction device below the water surface.

In order to operate as naturally as possible, the boats can float more or less freely, although tragic accidents have occurred in the past that were due to the vessel not being kept under control over the entire route. The cause of such accidents is often the vehicle tipping over or capsizing due to passenger misconduct.

The document EP2505241A1 discloses a ride that has all the technical features set out in the preamble of claim 1,

With the rides currently known, it has also proven to be disadvantageous that throughput-optimized operation of the ride and an individualized experience can only be achieved to a limited extent.

This is where the present invention comes into play.

The present invention is therefore dedicated to the task of providing an improved ride, in particular an improved water ride, which expediently improves the rides known from the prior art, enables safe operation of a ride, provides customizable experiences and enables throughput-optimized operation.

These tasks are solved by the ride with the features of patent claim 1 and by a method with the features of patent claim 15.

Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

The ride according to the invention, in particular the water ride according to the invention, with the features of the preamble of claim 1 has a rail guide with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicle accommodating at least one passenger, which can travel a route in one direction of travel guided on the rail guide.

A further development provides that at least one section is provided along the route in which the at least one vehicle or in which one of the at least two vehicles can travel counter to the direction of travel of the route using an active drive.

In the context of this invention, a ride is understood to mean a stationary or semi-stationary or mobile amusement device, which is preferably used in an amusement park to amuse passengers.

Furthermore, in connection with this invention, a rail guide is understood to mean a guide system with at least one, preferably two rails, which preferably run parallel and spaced apart from one another. At least that A vehicle can be movably supported on the rail guide via rollers or wheels, which is also preferred the at least one vehicle surrounds the at least one rail of the rail guide and is supported on it in a loss-proof manner.

Here and below, a distinction is made between an active drive and a passive drive. The active drive requires a motor of any design that can be used to accelerate or brake the vehicle in a controlled manner. On the other hand, the vehicle is driven passively by gravity or by a current of air or water.

The present ride according to the invention is based on the idea that the at least one vehicle can be actively driven individually along the route and thus enables the at least one passenger in the vehicle to have an individualizable experience. In particular, in the event that there are at least two vehicles on the route, one of the at least two vehicles can drive against the direction of travel due to the active drive, while the at least one further vehicle can travel along the route in the direction of travel. The at least two vehicles can also be actively driven at different speeds at the same time. The present ride therefore essentially differs from the previously known rides in that the vehicles cannot travel along the rail guide in a uniform and therefore customizable manner.

An advantageous development of the present invention provides that the rail guide of the route runs at least in sections in a body of water. According to this advantageous embodiment of the present invention, that is The ride is therefore designed as a water ride that has a body of water at least in sections, whereby the body of water can represent, for example, a white water stream or river with rapids and dead water areas. The rail guide is preferably arranged below a water surface in the body of water and guides the at least one vehicle through the body of water without the course of the route being immediately visible to the passenger. For this purpose, the water in the body of water can also be colored using additives that suppress the view of the rail guide below the water surface.

Furthermore, according to an advantageous development of the present invention, the route can be traveled by the at least one vehicle in a circulating manner in the direction of travel. The route can preferably represent a closed circular path, wherein the closed circular path is traveled unidirectionally in the direction of travel by the at least one vehicle during normal operation and in a global perspective and transports the at least one passenger from an entrance to an exit. The entrance as well as the exit can be arranged in a common station. In particular, by circulating the route, vehicles can be clocked or several vehicles can be sent one after the other along the route, whereby the ride can be designed for a continuous throughput of passengers and the capacity can be further increased for throughput optimization.

One aspect or a further development of the invention provides that in the station, in particular in the entrance area and thus before the ride with the at least one vehicle of the ride, a - preferably interactive - waiting area is provided. Games, quizzes and other competitions can be held in the interactive waiting area and the results can be evaluated. Based on the result, both the seats and functions, such as the roles of the passengers, can be distributed during the ride. Such a role could be, for example, the commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain or similar. It has also been shown that due to an upstream and predetermined distribution of seats in the at least one vehicle, there is no physical competition for specific seats, for example in the first row, and "boarding" is regulated. The waiting time can also be made more pleasant for passengers. Alternatively or additionally, the seats or roles can be assigned through a payment function or queue sharing. Terminal devices can be issued for the implementation of the competitions and/or for the journey with the vehicle, which are later collected again, i.e. before or after the journey.

According to a further development of the present invention, the body of water can flow in the direction of travel at least in some areas and the vehicle can be passively driven or carried along at least in sections by the flow of the body of water. The flow in the body of water can be favored by a corresponding gradient, so that in sections the at least one vehicle on the route is not driven in a controlled manner by an active drive.

According to the invention, the at least one vehicle comprises a rail vehicle and a floatable boat to accommodate the at least one

passenger. The buoyant boat is coupled to the rail vehicle by means of a connecting device, which allows the boat to float above the rail vehicle and a limited transverse and/or longitudinal movement of the boat in the floated state of the boat relative to the rail vehicle. The buoyant boat is therefore designed as a floating body that generates sufficient buoyancy, whereby the boat can float freely, including a permissible capacity of at least one passenger plus a safety factor. The connecting device allows a lifting movement, which enables free floating above the rail vehicle and thus the transverse and longitudinal movements typical of a boat trip are made possible by the rocking and rolling movements, which largely correspond to a natural swimming movement. The swimming movements of the boat are therefore mechanically decoupled from the rail vehicle, which gives the passenger the feeling of a realistic boat ride when floating.

According to a preferred further embodiment of the present invention, the connecting device is designed such that the boat, when floated, can be moved laterally and longitudinally relative to the rail vehicle in an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°. The connecting device consequently limits the maximum deflection or maximum inclination or inclination of the boat, as a result of which the boat is safely guided throughout the ride on the ride and capsizing is impossible.

According to the invention it is provided that the connection device comprises at least one actuator through which the boat can actively carry out a transverse, longitudinal and/or lifting movement relative to the rail vehicle. The at least one actuator can preferably be synchronized together with other effects that carry out transverse, longitudinal and / or lifting movements of the boat.

For example, along the route of the ride, an animation can be presented to the passengers in the at least one vehicle via a playback device, with the at least one actuator moving the boat depending on the animation. To give a concrete example in this context, the animation can, for example, depict the sudden appearance of a monster in front of the vehicle or boat, with the monster's wave action being simulated by the actuator on the boat. In particular, it can also be advantageous if the at least one active drive - also synchronized with the animation - drives the vehicle counter to the direction of travel, i.e. in other words, backwards, which, in addition to the monster's wave action, also simulates the resulting flow and evasive movement of the vehicle can be. The synchronization between the effects and the at least one active drive can take place both via a common control of the ride and via corresponding communication interfaces between the individual organs of the ride.

A further development of the present invention provides that the connecting device comprises joint rods. The joint rods connect the rail vehicle and the boat via suitable joints, whereby it is always ensured that the rail vehicle is preferably mechanically connected to the boat and thus permanent control over the boat or over the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is guaranteed.

According to a further development of the present invention, lockable coupling elements can be provided, through which the position and/or attitude of the boat relative to the rail vehicle can be determined. If the route is designed accordingly when the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle, the coupling elements can firmly connect the boat to the rail vehicle in one position and preferably lock it fully automatically. The coupling elements can also be configured to suppress a longitudinal and/or transverse movement when the boat is floated, for example to give anxious passengers a safe feeling while riding the ride. The lockable coupling elements can also change the angular range in which the boat can be moved laterally and/or longitudinally to larger or smaller angular ranges such as ±5°, ±10°, ±15°, ±20°, ±25°, ±30° , ±35°, ±40°, ±45°, or even up to ±50° in order to enable the boat to move in the floated state according to the target group.

A further development of the present invention provides that a swivel joint is provided, through which the boat can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the rail vehicle. By definition, the vertical axis is the yaw axis of the rail vehicle. The swivel joint allows the boat to be rotated relative to the rail vehicle and thus the direction of travel of the rail vehicle and the orientation of the boat can deviate from one another. In particular, it can be advantageous if the vehicle travels against the direction of travel of the route due to the active drive, that the boat is aligned by a rotation in such a way that the passengers look in the direction of travel in their intended position. The swivel joint can also be used to align the boat in any direction along the route so that the Passengers have the best possible view of an animation, a performance or another attraction along the route.

The boat is preferably aligned around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by an actuator, whereby the rotation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is controlled and possibly synchronized for effects.

A further aspect or development of the present invention provides that a first active drive and at least a second active drive are provided and that the at least one second active drive can drive the at least one vehicle on the route independently of the first active drive. The first active drive and the at least one second active drive can be of different designs and in particular have different drive powers. For example, the first active drive can permanently drive the vehicle, while the second active drive is a power-tuned drive that can briefly accelerate the vehicle to a high speed in a section of the route. For example, the drive power of the at least one second drive can provide several times, in particular five times, ten times, 15 times the drive power for the respective vehicle.

Manual drives can also be provided, which are provided to at least one passenger. For example, the at least one vehicle can have a pedal drive through which the passengers can support the at least one active drive. Paddles, boat hooks, etc. can also be provided.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the at least one vehicle has at least one coupling device through which at least one of the active drives can be coupled or decoupled. The coupling device can, for example, briefly accelerate the vehicle to a high speed, decouple the first active drive and couple the second active drive.

The coupling device also fulfills safety aspects. In the event of a technical failure on the vehicle, it must be ensured that at least one passenger picked up by the vehicle can complete the ride on the ride safely and with dry feet. The coupling device can, for example, decouple all active drives, whereby the vehicle can move freely on the rail guide and can be "towed" by another vehicle. The other vehicle can, for example, push the stopped vehicle to the exit or the train station. Alternatively, in the event of a technical failure, the coupling device can switch between the drives in order to continue the journey to the exit or train station.

According to a further development of the present invention, the first active drive and/or the at least one second active drive can be a cable or conveyor chain drive, a gear drive or a friction wheel drive. In the event that at least one of the active drives is a cable or conveyor chain drive, the coupling device can comprise one or more clamps through which a coupling can take place between the respective vehicle and the active drive.

Furthermore, the gear drive or the friction wheel drive can be accomplished by a sword, by a projecting pipe or a tubular rail along the rail guide, with a driven gear of the vehicle engaging in a corresponding counter toothing of the sword or one or more driven friction wheels of the vehicle in operative connection with the sword stand.

A combination of the different drives makes it possible to combine the advantages of the individual drives and to enable all scenarios and driving situations depending on the desired driving profile of the ride. For example, a rope or conveyor chain drive can be accomplished by a motor located outside the vehicle, making accessibility, maintenance and operation simple and efficient. In particular, no energy supply to the vehicle is necessary for drive purposes, which means that a complex energy supply is necessary, which may result in other types of impairments.

A further development of the present invention provides that at least one of the active drives is permanently arranged on the vehicle. In particular, it is preferred if at least one of the active drives is permanently arranged in or on the rail vehicle. When the ride is operated as intended, the at least one active drive in the rail vehicle remains hidden from the passengers' view and the illusion can be created for the passengers that the vehicle is traveling freely through the current along the route.

According to a further development of the present invention, it is provided that the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy inductively, wired, by means of a battery or capacitors/supercapacitors and/or by means of a wiper. Fuel cells can also be used. It has proven particularly useful for rides with a short total distance of up to 500m if the electrical energy is supplied via cable. The cable can be held taut in the air above the ride using suitable means and ensures a continuous supply of electrical energy to the vehicle. A wiper or a so-called current collector can also be provided, which contacts at least one electrical conductor arranged in sections adjacent to the route for the transmission of electrical energy.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle has a mast, at the free end of which means for transmitting electrical energy are provided. In particular, it is preferred if the grinder or the cable is attached to the free end of the mast.

In the event that the supply of electrical energy is cable-bound, it can be advantageous if the mast is arranged on the rail vehicle and protrudes from it and not from the boat. It is possible that the cable could exert undesirable force on the mast, causing the boat to become ailing.

In another case, where the supply of electrical energy takes place via a grinder, the mast can be arranged on the boat and protrude from the boat. The mast may have mock-ups of nautical equipment or sails and such Hide the actual purpose that the mast brings the grinder into contact at the free end with the at least one electrical conductor.

In particular, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one electrical conductor is arranged at least in sections over the route of the ride and can be contacted by the wiper at the free end of the mast in order to transmit electrical energy. The at least one electrical conductor can be a grid structure that is arranged over the route taking into account a possible deflection of the vehicle. It has also proven to be advantageous that an electrical conductor should only be provided where active drive of the at least one vehicle is required. In sections in which the rail vehicle is passively driven by the flow in the body of water or by gravity, a supply of electrical energy is not necessarily required. Such a supply of electrical energy can also be used to charge a battery or capacitor/supercapacitor - also called caps or supercaps - of the vehicle.

A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the route has at least one section in which the vehicle emerges completely or partially from the water. In particular, it is advantageous if the vehicle emerges completely or partially from the water at the entrance and/or exit or in the train station and the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle and, in this state, is firmly connected to the rail vehicle by the coupling elements. This measure can ensure that when getting in and out of the At least one passenger experiences no or only limited injury or rocks in the vehicle.

A further aspect or a further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the at least one vehicle has a control device, and that the control device enables the at least one passenger to actively influence the driving behavior of the respective vehicle. The control device can have corresponding actuating elements on the vehicle, which, for example, simulate a steering position of a boat, whereby the at least one passenger can temporarily or partially take on the role of a helmsman or helmsman while driving the vehicle and actively control the driving behavior of the respective vehicle by appropriate means can influence inputs to the actuating elements.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the control device has an interface that can be connected to a personal mobile device of the passenger, preferably wirelessly, and that the passenger can actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle via his personal mobile device can. In particular, it is preferred if the ride provides a ride-specific app for the passenger's personal mobile device, which the passenger can preferably download and install onto his personal mobile device before riding the ride. The ride-specific app can be downloaded via app stores for different operating system platforms and can be used economically through appropriate pricing.

The ride-specific app can be executed while driving the ride and the passenger's control commands can be transmitted from the personal mobile device to the control device via the interface. The passenger's control commands can be generated, for example, by a movement, for example a tilting of the personal mobile device, or by manual input.

In this context, the driving behavior of the vehicle can be understood as the speed, the direction of travel, a rotation about the vertical axis of the vehicle, a longitudinal and/or transverse movement, i.e. a rocking or rolling. The rotation about the vertical axis of the vehicle, as well as a longitudinal and/or transverse movement of the boat can be generated by the at least one actuator or the at least one actuator of the swivel joint of the connecting device.

According to a further advantageous feature of the present invention, the rail guide has at least one switch. In particular, it is preferred if the rail guide has a dead end of the rail guide adjacent to a switch along the route, whereby novel effects can be achieved. For example, the at least one vehicle can approach the dead end of the rail guide at a high speed and suddenly stop before the end. When the vehicle suddenly brakes, the vehicle can make a superimposed movement about the transverse axis. Accompanying animations or performances can be shown using display means and at the same time the switch can be set, without at least one passenger noticing anything, preferably in secret below the surface of the water of the body of water. The vehicle can then continue traveling from the dead end in the opposite direction of travel.

To give a specific example, there may be an obstacle at the dead end or, instead of the obstacle, the rail guide may be bent and visibly end up in the air. A human or fictional character could also sit on the rail guide, carrying out welding work on the defective or broken rail guide. The at least one passenger pays a lot of attention to the scene and does not notice the change in direction of the vehicle as such. As soon as the tension begins to be released, the at least one passenger can already find themselves in another driving situation that requires getting used to and the tension is maintained during the ride on the ride.

In the event that the vehicle has the rail vehicle and the boat, it may be preferred that the boat is rotated by means of the swivel joint in the section of the dead end about the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by the actuator, so that the passengers can be rotated in the following driving situation are directed in the direction of travel as intended.

A further aspect of the present invention or a further development of the present invention provides that at least one special vehicle is provided which can travel on the rail guide. The at least one effect vehicle can move autonomously independently of the at least one vehicle for transporting at least one passenger, wherein the effect vehicle can be used to generate a variety of effects. For example, the effect vehicle represent a pursuing vehicle, a monster, a sea monster, a pirate ship or the like. The effect vehicle can also be a “launch torpedo” or a “booster”.

The “Launch Torpedo” or “Booster” is an autonomous rail vehicle that has a drive designed for performance. The “launch torpedo” or the “booster” can be coupled to the at least one vehicle carrying a passenger and accelerate it particularly strongly. The "launch torpedo" or the "booster" can be coupled to at least one vehicle accompanied by special effects such as engine noise, steam, water jets or similar and accelerate it.

An advantageous development of the present invention provides that the at least one effect vehicle can be guided onto the route and/or away from the route by means of the at least one switch. The at least one effect vehicle can be guided from a starting position to a section of the route and can interact in this section with the at least one vehicle accommodating a passenger. The effect vehicle can then be led away from the route and driven back to the starting position via a “bypass” to wait for another vehicle. The effect vehicle can also be sent onto the route for interaction at random or every xth passage of the at least one vehicle.

The effect vehicle can, for example, represent an enemy attack by pirates with a pursuit in the corresponding section of the route. Alternatively, the effect vehicle can accelerate the respective vehicle in the corresponding section as a “launch torpedo” or “booster”. and then drive back to the starting position to wait for a following vehicle.

In the event that the ride is designed as a water ride having a body of water, it may be preferred that the effect vehicle is configured to be arranged completely below the water surface of the body of water. This ensures that the effect vehicle is not visible to the passengers of the ride, both in the starting position and on the route, and therefore remains hidden.

According to a preferred development, the effect vehicle can have at least one actuator for actuating objects and/or for animating or generating effects. For example, the actuator can raise or lower a monster. In particular, if the special vehicle is arranged completely below the water surface, the object or monster can suddenly emerge from the water, whereby a surprise effect can be created that captivates at least one passenger. The at least one actuator can also operate cannons or water cannons, for example, in order to simulate an attack by an opponent.

A further development of the effect vehicle provides that the effect vehicle can be equipped with people. The people are preferably employees of the ride operator and can represent poaching pirates, a wild pack, monsters, etc. and interact with the passengers. People can also operate cannons or water cannons to realistically simulate an enemy attack.

In addition, it has proven to be advantageous if the at least one effect vehicle has actuation means through which the effect vehicle can actuate, i.e. open and/or close, the coupling device and/or the lockable coupling elements of the at least one vehicle. For example, the effect vehicle can actuate the coupling device, whereby the at least one active drive is decoupled and the corresponding vehicle can only be driven by the effect vehicle.

It can also be advantageous if the lockable coupling elements are actuated by the effect vehicle, whereby the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is fixed and the boat is held in a safe position, for example for strong acceleration.

A further aspect or a preferred development of the present invention provides that the route has a section with a basin, wherein a water level in the basin can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner. The water level in the pool can be raised suddenly or quickly by supplying water, for example by pumping into the pool floor or by a surge of water (e.g. a waterfall). The water can be drained and the water level in the pool lowered on a time-controlled basis or when a water level is exceeded. A sudden draining of the water can be achieved, for example, through a lock door through which the vehicle can also drive.

It may be preferred that the at least one vehicle first drives into the pool and then the water level is raised in a controlled manner, with the boat at the same time The water level immediately follows. When the water is drained from the basin, the journey along the route can suddenly be continued, giving the passenger the feeling that the vehicle is being dragged along by the draining water.

A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the rail guide has at least one rocker, the rocker being pivotable about an axis, preferably transversely to the direction of travel. The seesaw can be made with reference to the DE 10 2014 101 007 A1 , DE 10 2016 109 373 A1 or DE 10 2013 222 910 A1 include a section of the rail guide and the at least one vehicle can drive onto the section of the rail guide with the rocker. A movement can then be transmitted to the vehicle by a pivoting movement around the axis of the rocker. The vehicle can then drive either by the active drive or passively driven by the rocker and follow the route in the direction of travel.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that both a section of the route has the pool and the at least one rocker. In particular, it is preferred if the at least one rocker is arranged in sections in the pool and forms part of a pool edge. When the water level in the pool is raised in a controlled manner, the vehicle can drive onto the section of the rail guide of the rocker and then the corresponding vehicle can be "lifted" over the edge of the pool by the pivoting movement of the rocker. Together with a gush of water, the journey can then be continued over the remaining part of the route.

A further and final aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a ride according to the invention.

Figur 1

eine stark vereinfachte Darstellung eines Fahrgeschäfts mit einer Schienenführung mit wenigstens einem mindestens einen Fahrgast aufnehmenden Fahrzeug, das auf der Schienenführung geführt eine Fahrtstrecke in einer Fahrtrichtung fahren kann,

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Fahrzeugs des Fahrgeschäfts gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Effektfahrzeugs und eines Fahrzeuges des Fahrgeschäfts gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2,

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Streckenabschnitts mit einem toten Ende und einer Weiche, und

Figur 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines Streckenabschnitts mit einem Becken und einer Wippe.

An exemplary embodiment of a ride according to the invention, in particular a water ride, as well as three further developments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a greatly simplified representation of a ride with a rail guide with at least one vehicle accommodating at least one passenger, which can travel a route in one direction of travel guided on the rail guide,

Figure 2

a schematic side view of a vehicle of the ride according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 3

a schematic side view of an effect vehicle and a vehicle of the ride according to Figures 1 and 2,

Figure 4

a schematic representation of a section of the route with a dead end and a switch, and

Figure 5

a schematic representation of a section of the route with a pool and a seesaw.

In the following, identical or functionally identical components are identified with the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, not all of the same or functionally identical parts in the individual figures are provided with a reference number.

Figure 1 shows a highly simplified view of a ride 1 from above. The ride 1 is a water ride that has a natural or artificial body of water 5. The artificial body of water 5 can have one or more lakes, streams or whitewater courses. The ride 1 also has a rail guide 10, which can have at least one guide rail (not shown), preferably two parallel and spaced guide rails (also not shown). The rail guide 10 specifies a route 11 for at least one vehicle 20, wherein the at least one vehicle 20 can travel the route 11 guided on the rail guide 10 in one direction of travel. The direction of travel is in the Figure 1 represented by arrows in the vehicles 20, the direction of travel corresponding to a main direction of travel, which typically follows a gradient of the body of water 5 and describes a direction of movement from a starting point in a train station 9 to an end point, possibly also in the train station 9.

The route 11 can - as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown - be a closed circular path and a plurality of vehicles 20 can travel the route 11 one behind the other in a circular manner, whereby the present ride 1 is designed for a high throughput of passengers and continuous operation.

The rail guide 10 or the route 11 can have a large number of sharp curves, whereby the sharp curves can simulate a journey through a canyon or white water and rocks, flotsam, islands or other objects can be arranged beyond the route 11 in the body of water 5 . The sharp curves allow the vehicle 20 along The route 11 meanders around the objects and simulates dangerous situations through several abrupt changes in direction and creates an arc of suspense.

Straight sections of the route 11 can be used to carry out short runs or to accelerate the vehicle 20 - as will be described in detail later.

The at least one vehicle 20, which is exemplified in the Figures 2 and 3 is shown in detail, is configured to accommodate at least one passenger, preferably a plurality of passengers. The passengers can get into the vehicle 20 at an entrance in the station 9 and after driving the route and completing the driving experience, the passengers can preferably leave the vehicle 20 again in the station 9 via an exit.

The passengers sit on seats in the vehicle as intended, whereby several rows of seats can be arranged in the vehicle and each row can have several seats arranged next to one another.

With reference to the Figure 2 It can be seen that the vehicle 20 includes a rail vehicle 30 and a boat 40, the boat 40 being firmly connected to the rail vehicle 30 by means of a connecting device 25.

The rail vehicle 30 has a chassis 31 with running and supporting wheels 32, which are only indicated in the drawing, and which support the rail vehicle 30 on a guide rail of the rail guide 10. Preferably the running and Support wheels 32 the guide rail, whereby the rail vehicle 30 is held on the rail guide 10 in a loss-proof manner. The rail vehicle 30 can have two or more axles with running and support wheels 32, whereby the respective axle can be held rotatable about a pivot point relative to the rail vehicle 30 and so particularly tight curves can be driven through.

The boat 40 has the seat(s) for the passenger(s) and is a buoyant body that can swim freely in the body of water 5 even with its maximum permissible load.

The connecting device 25 is shown in extremely simplified form in the accompanying figures and comprises a plurality of joint rods 28 which mechanically firmly connect the rail vehicle 30 and the boat 40 to one another. The connecting device 25 enables the boat 40 to carry out typical water movements relative to the rail vehicle 30, whereby on the one hand it can float above the rail vehicle 30 and, on the other hand, allows limited transverse and/or longitudinal movements of the boat 40 in the floating state of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30. The transverse movement occurs around a transverse axis Y and the longitudinal movement occurs around a longitudinal axis X. The resulting movements are indicated by double arrows in the Figures 2 and 3 indicated. Due to this mobility of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30, the boat 40 can carry out rolling movements, tilting movements or rocking movements and thus convey the feeling of a boat ride that is as realistic as possible.

However, the connecting device 25 limits the longitudinal and transverse movements of the boat 40 to a predetermined range to ensure safe operation of the ride 1 at all times and to protect the boat 40 from capsizing or becoming seriously injured.

Furthermore, the connecting device 25 can have one or more actuators 26, through which a longitudinal or transverse movement can be applied to the boat 40. The actuator 26 can be controlled synchronously with animations or performances that can be presented to the passengers along the route of the ride 1, whereby a movement of the boat 40 by the at least one actuator 26 is coordinated with the animation or performance.

Continues to show Figure 2 that the vehicle 20 has a swivel joint 35 through which the boat 40 can be rotated about a vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30. A rotation of the boat 40 about the vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30 can be done by a corresponding actuator 36.

Furthermore, lockable coupling elements 27 can be provided, through which the position and/or position of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30 can be determined. In particular, the coupling elements 27 can determine the position and/or the position of the boat 40 in the station 9 so that the passengers can get on and off the boat 40 without the boat becoming injured or only injured to a limited extent.

The ride 1 can also have at least one active drive 50, in the exemplary embodiment shown Figure 2 the ride 1 has a first active drive 50 and a second active drive 60.

The first active drive 50 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle 20 or fixedly on the rail vehicle 30 and comprises a motor 55 of any design. The motor 55 is preferably an electric motor 55, which is characterized in that it drives the vehicle 20 essentially noiselessly drives and the passenger is not consciously aware of the active drive 50 of the vehicle 20.

The second active drive 60 can be operated independently of the first active drive 50 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is a cable drive 62 which is configured to pull the vehicle 20 along the route 11 at least in sections.

The vehicle 20 also has a coupling device 15, wherein the coupling device 15 can include clamps 16 and couplings, whereby the vehicle 20 can switch between the active drives 50, 60 at any time. The coupling device 15 can, for example, use the clamp 16 to couple the vehicle 20 to the second active drive 60, i.e. the cable drive 62, which is set up, for example, to drive the vehicle over a longer distance with a high speed using several deflection rollers, but also if necessary to pull at a constant speed. The coupling device 15 can decouple the first active drive 50.

Several cable drives 62 with different speeds can also be provided, with the coupling device 15 having several clamps for coupling. The active drives 50, 60 can also run in different directions, which makes it possible for the vehicle to travel at least in sections along the route 11 against the direction of travel.

The first active drive 50 is firmly connected to the vehicle 20 in the present exemplary embodiment. The drive 50 can be supplied with energy through an energy storage device in the vehicle 20. In the event that electrical energy is required to operate the vehicle 20, the electrical energy can be provided by a battery. It is also conceivable to transmit the electrical energy to the vehicle 20 along the route 11 inductively or by cable. Capacitors or supercapacitors, caps or supercaps and/or fuel cells can also be used to at least temporarily supply the vehicle 20 with electrical energy.

How out Figure 2 As can be seen, the vehicle 20 or the boat 40 can have decorative elements such as a mast 44 and a sail 45, but also nautical instruments (not shown). The mast protrudes from the boat 40 and has a wiper at its free end 46, which is set up to contact an electrical conductor which is arranged above the route 11.

In order to individualize the driving experience for the passenger, the vehicle 20 can have a control device 70 through which the passenger can influence the driving behavior of the vehicle 20 while driving the vehicle 20. For example, control elements 72 can be provided on the vehicle 20 or on the boat 40, so that the passenger can slip into the role of a captain or a helmsman in order to actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle 20 through input in sections or for a limited time. For example, the passenger can accelerate the vehicle 20, brake it, drive it backwards, drive it forwards, or specifically that Deflect boat 40 in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction by means of the at least one actuator 26.

An interactive waiting area can be provided in the station 9, in particular in the entrance area and thus before the ride with the at least one vehicle 20 of the ride 1. Games, quizzes and other competitions can be held in the interactive waiting area and the results can be evaluated. Based on the result, both the seats and roles of the passengers can be distributed during the ride on ride 1.

Such a role could be, for example, the commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain, etc. Accessories such as a captain's hat, a control element or terminal device for the control unit or similar can also be issued. The control device 70 can have an interface 75, which is set up to receive control signals, preferably wirelessly. The passenger can, for example, install a software or app on his personal terminal 80 that evaluates the passenger's corresponding inputs and sends control signals to the control device 70 via the interface 75.

Figure 3 shows a schematic section of the Figure 1 , whereby an effect vehicle 90 follows the vehicle 20 in a section of the route 11.

The effect vehicle 90 is preferably an autonomously driving vehicle with a chassis 91 and rotating, mounted running and support wheels 92, which support the effect vehicle 90 on the rail guide 10. The effect vehicle 90 preferably drives or predominantly completely below the water surface of the body of water 8 and is therefore protected from the view of the passenger. The effect vehicle 90 can be driven by a corresponding active drive 50, 60.

The effect vehicle 90 can be guided from a starting position onto the route 11 by means of a switch 13 and can leave the route 11 by means of a second switch 13 and be guided back to the starting position via a bypass 14. The bypass 14 is in Figure 1 represented by a dashed line.

The effect vehicle 90 is configured to interact with the vehicle 20 in a section between the two switches and may have an actuator 95 for actuating objects and/or for animating or creating effects. For example, the actuator can raise or lower a monster 99. In particular, if the special vehicle 90 is arranged completely below the surface of the water, the monster 99 can suddenly emerge from the body of water 5. The at least one actuator can also operate 95 cannons or water cannons or similar, for example to simulate an attack by a pirate ship. A further development, not shown, can have an effect vehicle 90, which accelerates the vehicle 20 to a particularly high speed, for example when driving in a straight section. For this purpose, the effect vehicle 90 - as already described previously in another context - can be guided onto the route 11 and led away. The effect vehicle 90 is a performance-tuned vehicle that can push the vehicle 20. The effect vehicle 90 can act as a “booster” or “launch torpedo” with appropriate decoration and push the vehicle 20 and then from it be decoupled. For this purpose, the effect vehicle 90 can be positioned either behind, in front of or to the side of the vehicle 20. Several effect vehicles 90 can also be used. The effect vehicle 90 can have actuation means through which the effect vehicle 90, the coupling device 15 and/or the lockable coupling elements 27 of the at least one vehicle 20 can be actuated. For example, the effect vehicle 90 can actuate the coupling device 15, whereby the active drives 50, 60 are decoupled, so that the boat 40 is fixed in position and position relative to the rail vehicle 30 by the lockable coupling elements 27 until the speed is reduced again.

The vehicle 20 can be braked in the body of water 5 by a “big splash”. For this purpose, the rail guide 10 initially runs close to the water surface of the body of water 5 and then dives down, causing the boat 40 to dip into the water and a “splashdown” with a corresponding spray occurs.

Figure 4 shows that the route 11 can have a dead end 12. At the dead end 12, animations or performances can be shown to the passenger, during which the switch 13 is switched below the water surface of the body of water 5 and the vehicle 20 can continue its journey along the route in the opposite direction of travel.

As already described above, the body of water can have 5 lakes, which can be formed by a basin 8 along the route 11. The pool 8 has a circumferential pool edge 8' and further means for the controlled raising and lowering of a water level in the pool 8.

In Figure 5 These means are symbolically represented by a valve and a water reservoir in the area of a bottom of the pool 8, but in connection with this invention the water level in the pool 8 can be raised in any number of ways. For example, it is possible to raise the water level in the basin 8 by means of a gush-like waterfall or to raise and lower it by opening a water-supplying lock. For example, a dam break can be depicted in this way.

When the water level in the pool is raised and lowered, the boat 40 can float freely relative to the rail vehicle and thus follows the water level. The route 11 leads to the pool edge 8 ', with a rocker 18 with a movable section of the rail guide 10 being arranged in the area of the pool edge 8'. The section of the rail guide 10 of the rocker 18 can be pivoted about at least one axis, preferably transversely to the rail guide 10, by suitable actuators. In order to drive the vehicle 20 "over" the edge of the pool 8, the vehicle 20 first drives onto the rocker 18. The rocker 18 is then pivoted about the axis and the vehicle 20 can drive off the rocker 18 and travel along the route 11 continue normally. In Figure 5 the rocker 18 and the vehicle 20 are shown in dashed lines after the rocker 18 has been pivoted. The dashed arrow in Figure 5 symbolizes the path of the vehicle 20 via the rocker 18.

Reference symbol list

1

ride

5

waters

8th

pool

8th'

edge of the pool

9

Railroad station

10

Rail guide

11

Driving distance

12

End

13

Soft

14

bypass

15

Coupling device

16

Clamp

18

Seesaw

19

electrical conductor

20

vehicle

25

Connection facility

26

Actor

27

Coupling elements

28

Articulated rods

30

Rail vehicle

31

landing gear

32

Support wheels

35

Swivel joint

36

Actor

40

boat

44

mast

45

sail

50

drive

55

engine

60

drive

62

Rope drive

70

Control device

72

Controls

75

interface

80

End device

90

Effect vehicle

91

landing gear

92

Support wheels

95

actuator

99

Sea monsters

X

Longitudinal axis

Y

Transverse axis

Z

vertical axis

Claims (15)

1. Amusement ride (1), in particular a water amusement ride, having at least one rail guide (10) with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicles (20), each accommodating at least one passenger and which can travel, guided on the rail guide (10), along a track (11) in a travel direction,

   wherein the vehicle (20) comprises a rail vehicle (30) and a floatable boat (40) for accommodating at least one passenger, wherein the boat (40) is coupled to the rail vehicle (30) by means of a connection device (25) which allows for the boat (40) to be floated above the rail vehicle (30), as well as for a limited transversal and/or longitudinal movement of the boat (40), when in a floated state, in relation to the rail vehicle (30), and characterized in that

   the connection device (25) comprises at least one actuator (26), by means of which the boat (40) can actively carry out a transversal, longitudinal or lifting movement in relation to the rail vehicle (30).
2. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the at least one vehicle (20), or one of the at least one vehicles (20), can be at least partially moved against the travel direction by means of an active drive (50, 60).
3. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with either of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the rail guide (10) of the track (11) runs, at least partially, in a stretch of water (5).
4. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the track (11) can be travelled over by the at least one vehicle (20) circulating in the direction of travel.
5. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the stretch of water (5) flows, at least partially, in the direction of travel, and in that the vehicle (20) can, at least partially, be passively propelled and taken along by the flow of the stretch of water (5).
6. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the boat (40), when in a buoyant state, is transversally and/or longitudinally moveable in an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°, in relation to the rail vehicle (30).
7. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the connection device (25) comprises joint rods (28).
8. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   lockable coupling elements (27) are provided, by means of which the location and/or position of the boat (40) in relation to the rail vehicle (30) can be fixed.
9. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   a rotary joint (35) is provided, by means of which the boat (40) is rendered rotatable around a vertical axis (Z) in relation to the rail vehicle (30).
10. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    a positioning element (36) is provided, by means of which the boat (40) is rendered rotatable around a vertical axis (Z) in relation to the rail vehicle (30).
11. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    a second active drive (60) is provided which, independently of the first active drive (50), can propel the at least one vehicle (20).
12. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the vehicle (20) comprises at least one coupling device (15), by means of which at least one of the active drives (50, 60) can be coupled and/or decoupled.
13. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    at least one coupling device (15) can switch back and forth between the first active drive (50) and the second active drive (60).
14. Amusement ride (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that

    the first active drive (50) and/or the second active drive (60) is a cable drive (62), a conveyor chain drive, a gear drive, a friction wheel drive, a rack and pinion drive, a linear synchronous drive, a linear induction drive or a magnetic drive,

    and/or in that at least one of the active drives (50, 60) is fixedly arranged on the vehicle (20),

    and/or in that the vehicle is inductively, by means of cable, by means of a sliding contact (49) and/or by means of at least one battery, at least one super capacitor, or at least one fuel cell, provided with electrical energy,

    and/or in that the vehicle (20) comprises a mast (44) having means for the transmission of electrical energy,

    and/or in that an electrical conductor (19) is, at least partially, arranged above the track (11), and in that the means on the mast (44) contact the at least one electrical conductor (19) for the transmission of electrical energy,

    and/or in that the track (11) comprises at least one section, in which the vehicle (20) completely or partially emerges from the stretch of water,

    and/or in that the vehicle (20) comprises a control device (70), which allows the at least one passenger to actively influence the travel behavior of the vehicle (20), and/or in that the control device (70) comprises an interface (75), which can be connected to a personal mobile device (80) of the passenger, and in that the passenger can actively influence the travel behavior of the vehicle (20) via their personal mobile device (80),

    and/or in that the control device (70) temporarily or partially allows the travel behavior of the vehicle (20) to be influenced,

    and/or in that the travel behavior involves the speed, the travel direction, a rotation around the vertical axis, the longitudinal movability and/or the transversal movability, and/or in that the rail guide (10) comprises at least one switch (13),

    and/or in that at least one effects vehicle (90) is provided, which can travel on the at least one rail guide (10),

    and/or in that the at least one effects vehicle (90) can be diverted onto the track (11) or off of the track (11) by means of the at least one switch (13),

    and/or in that the at least one effects vehicle (90) is configured to accelerate and/or push the at least one vehicle (20),

    and/or in that the effects vehicle (90) is configured to travel completely under the surface of the stretch of water (5),

    and/or the effects vehicle (90) comprises at least one positioning actuator for moving objects and/or for animating effects,

    and/or in that

    the effects vehicle (90) comprises means of operation, by means of which the effects vehicle (90), the coupling device (15), and/or the lockable coupling elements (27) can be operated,

    and/or in that

    a station (9) having a waiting area is provided, and in that, in the waiting area, at least one competition is carried out and decided among the passengers and in that, depending on the results, seats or functions in the at least one vehicle (20) are assigned to the passengers,

    and/or in that

    the track (11) comprises a section having a pool (8), wherein a water level in the stretch of water (5) in the pool (8) can be controllably raised and lowered,

    and/or in that the guide rail (10) comprises at least one teeter board (18), wherein the teeter board (18) can be tilted around at least one axis, preferably perpendicular to the direction of travel, and/or in that

    when a previously determined water level is reached in the pool (8), the vehicle (20) continues moving in the direction of travel by means of the teeter board (18).
15. Method for operating an amusement ride in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14.

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