Amusement ride, in particular water amusement ride, and method for operating such an amusement ride

Abstract

The invention relates to a ride (1), in particular a water ride, having at least one track guide (10) with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicles (20) for accommodating at least one passenger, which can be moved in a travel direction along a travel path (11) in a manner guided on the track guide (10), wherein at least one vehicle (20) or one of the at least two vehicles (20) can be moved at least sectionally against the travel direction by means of an active drive (50, 60). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a ride (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a ride and a method for operating a ride and an effect vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Rides are known in the prior art in different design variants and are provided for passengers as stationary or semi-stationary installations or attractions, in particular in amusement parks. A common ride can be a whitewater rafting or a roller coaster, which has a track guide for at least one vehicle that can move on the track guide. The at least one movable vehicle can accommodate at least one passenger, wherein, in order to share the experience, this type of vehicle can usually accommodate several passengers in order to realize a group experience in addition to an individual experience.

[0003] In order to give the at least one passenger an as realistic as possible ride experience when riding the ride, the vehicle should realistically perform natural and expected movements from the vehicle. For example, it is desirable that a water ride should convey an as realistic as possible boat ride feeling and that the vehicle not only follows the water movement, but also follows movements caused by the passengers, such as swinging, etc.

[0004] Various water rides are known from the prior art, which are modeled on a whitewater rafting with a water body and the vehicle is a floating boat. The vehicles of these known water rides can be driven passively by gravity and the flow in the water body and / or actively, for example by traction means below the water surface.

[0005] In order to enable an as natural as possible operation, the boat can float more or less freely, wherein in the past tragic accidents have occurred, the cause of which was that the vehicle was not kept in a controlled manner in the entire area of the travel route. The cause of such accidents was often the tipping or overturning of the vehicle due to inappropriate behavior of the passengers.

[0006] It has also proven to be disadvantageous for the currently known rides that the throughput-optimized operation and the individualized experience of the ride can only be realized within limited ranges. SUMMARY

[0007] The invention is presented here.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved ride, in particular an improved water ride, which improves the rides known from the prior art in a purposeful manner, enables a safe operation of the ride, provides an individualizable experience and enables a throughput-optimized operation.

[0009] The amusement facility according to the application, in particular the water amusement facility according to the application, has at least one track guide with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicles which receive at least one passenger and which can be driven in a travel direction along a travel route in a manner guided on the track guide. It is further provided that a section is provided along the travel route in which at least one vehicle or one of the at least two vehicles can be moved along the travel route against the travel direction by means of an active drive.

[0010] In connection with the application, an amusement facility is understood to be a stationary or semi-stationary or mobile entertainment device which is preferably used in an amusement park to entertain passengers.

[0011] Furthermore, in connection with the application, a track guide is understood to be a guide system which has at least one, preferably two, tracks which preferably run parallel and spaced apart from one another. At least one vehicle can be movably supported on the track guide by means of rollers or wheels, wherein it is also preferred that the at least one vehicle encloses at least one track of the track guide and is held on the track in a loss-free manner.

[0012] Here and in the following, a distinction is further made between active drives and passive drives. An active drive requires an arbitrarily designed electric motor by means of which the vehicle can be accelerated or braked in a controlled manner. In contrast, the vehicle is driven passively by gravity or an air flow or a water flow.

[0013] The amusement facility according to the application is based on the idea that at least one vehicle can be actively driven individually along the travel route and thus enables at least one passenger in the vehicle to obtain an individualizable experience. In particular if there are at least two vehicles on the travel route, one of the at least two vehicles can be driven against the travel direction by means of an active drive, while at least one further vehicle can be driven along the travel route in the travel direction. The at least two vehicles can also be driven at different speeds simultaneously in an actively driven manner. The amusement facility of the application thus differs essentially from previously known amusement facilities in that the vehicles cannot be uniformly and thus not individualizably driven along the track guide on the travel route.

[0014] An advantageous refinement of the application provides that the track guidance device extends at least sectionally in the water body along the travel route. According to this advantageous design of the application, the amusement facility is thus configured as a water amusement facility having at least sectionally a water body, wherein the water body can represent a whitewater course or a whitewater course with rapids and dead water areas, for example. The track guidance device is preferably arranged below the water surface in the water body and guides the at least one vehicle through the water body without the passengers immediately directly seeing the course of the travel route. For this purpose, the water in the water body can also be colored by additives in order to suppress the visibility of the track guidance device below the water surface.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an advantageous refinement of the application, the travel route can be traveled by the at least one vehicle in a circulating manner in the travel direction. The travel route can preferably represent a closed circular path, wherein the closed circular path is traveled by the at least one vehicle in the travel direction in a one-way manner and transports the at least one passenger from the entrance to the exit in a regulated operation and in a global observation manner. The entrance and the exit can be arranged in a common station. In particular, by traveling along the travel route in a circulating manner, the vehicles can be dispatched synchronously or a plurality of vehicles can be dispatched one after the other on the travel route, whereby the amusement facility can be designed for a continuous throughput of passengers and the ability to further optimize the throughput can be improved.

[0016] An aspect or a refinement of the application provides that in the station, in particular in the entrance area and thus before the at least one vehicle of the amusement facility, a waiting area is provided, preferably interactive. Games, intellectual contests and other competitions can be held in the interactive waiting area and the results thereof can be evaluated. Depending on the results, not only seats but also functions, for example roles of the passengers during the travel, can be assigned for the ride on the amusement facility. Such roles can be, for example, commander, gunner, helmsman, rudderman, captain, etc. It has also been shown that by an upstream and predefined assignment of seats in the at least one vehicle, no physical competition about determined seats, for example seats in the first row, occurs and the "boarding" takes place in a controlled manner. The waiting time of the passengers can also become more enjoyable. Alternatively or additionally, the seats or roles can be assigned by a payment function or by a queue division. For the competition and / or for the ride on the vehicle, terminal devices can be distributed, which are collected again later, i.e. before or after the ride.

[0017] According to a refinement of the application, the water body flows at least sectionally in the travel direction and the vehicle can be driven and carried at least sectionally by the flow of the water body passively. The flow in the water body can be promoted by a corresponding gradient, whereby the at least one vehicle is driven sectionally on the travel route in a manner not controlled by an active drive.

[0018] Another aspect or improvement of the invention relates to a general-purpose amusement facility, wherein, preferably, at least one vehicle comprises a rail vehicle and a floating boat for accommodating at least one passenger. The floating boat is connected to the rail vehicle by means of a connecting device that allows the boat to float above the rail vehicle and allows the boat to make limited lateral and / or longitudinal movements relative to the rail vehicle while in a floating state. Thus, the floating boat is configured as a float that generates sufficient buoyancy, allowing the boat to float freely, including the permissible capacity of at least one passenger plus a safety factor. The connecting device allows for lifting movements that enable free floating above the rail vehicle and thus achieve lateral and longitudinal movements typical of boating through rocking and rolling movements, which largely correspond to natural floating movements. Therefore, the floating movement of the boat is mechanically decoupled from the rail vehicle, thereby conveying a realistic boating experience to passengers while in a floating state.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is designed such that the boat can move laterally and / or longitudinally relative to the rail vehicle within an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°, while floating. Therefore, the connecting device limits the maximum deflection, tilt, or yaw of the boat, thereby safely guiding the boat throughout the entire ride and preventing capsizing.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the connecting device includes at least one actuator through which the ship can actively move laterally, longitudinally, or vertically relative to the rail vehicle. The at least one actuator may preferably be synchronized with additional effects that carry out the ship's lateral, longitudinal, and / or vertical movements.

[0021] For example, an animation can be presented to passengers in at least one vehicle along the ride's route via a playback device, wherein at least one actuator moves the boat in response to the animation. As a concrete example, the animation could, for instance, show a monster suddenly appearing in front of the vehicle or boat, with the monster's wave-like movements simulated by actuators on the boat. It is particularly advantageous here that at least one active actuator also moves the vehicle in the opposite direction of travel, in sync with the animation—in other words, reverses the direction of travel—thereby simulating not only the wave-like movements of the monster but also the resulting flow and the vehicle's evasive maneuvers. Synchronization between the effect and at least one active actuator can be achieved either through a common controller for the ride or through corresponding communication interfaces between the various mechanisms of the ride.

[0022] An improvement of the invention specifies that the connecting device includes a hinge rod. The hinge rod connects the rail vehicle and the ship via a suitable hinge, wherein it is always ensured that the rail vehicle and the ship are preferably mechanically connected, and thus permanently ensures control over the ship or the ship's orientation relative to the rail vehicle.

[0023] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, a lockable coupling element can be provided, through which the position and / or orientation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle can be fixed. The coupling element can securely connect and preferably fully automatically lock the boat to the rail vehicle when it descends onto the rail vehicle, provided the travel route is designed accordingly. The coupling element can also be configured to suppress longitudinal and / or lateral movement while the boat is floating, to provide a sense of security to frightened passengers, for example, during rides on amusement facilities. The lockable coupling element can also limit the angular range of lateral and / or longitudinal movement that the boat can make to a larger or smaller range, such as ±5°, ±10°, ±15°, ±20°, ±25°, ±30°, ±35°, ±40°, ±45°, or even up to ±50°, to achieve movement corresponding to a target group while the boat is floating.

[0024] An improvement of the invention specifies the provision of a rotating hinge through which the ship can rotate relative to the rail vehicle about a vertical axis. By definition, the vertical axis is the yaw axis of the rail vehicle. Through the rotating hinge, the ship can rotate relative to the rail vehicle, and thus the direction of travel of the rail vehicle and the orientation of the ship can be deviated from each other. It is particularly advantageous that the vehicle travels against the direction of travel by an active drive, and the ship is oriented in such a way that passengers, in their designated positions, look towards the direction of travel. The rotating hinge can also be used to orient the ship in any direction along the travel route so that passengers can view animations, performances, or other attractions in the most optimal way possible along the route.

[0025] Preferably, the orientation of the ship about the vertical axis of the rail vehicle is controlled by an adjustment mechanism, thereby controlling the rotation of the ship relative to the rail vehicle and potentially synchronizing with the effect.

[0026] Another aspect or improvement of the invention specifies that a first active drive and at least one second active drive are provided, and the at least one second active drive can drive at least one vehicle on a travel route independently of the first active drive. The first active drive and the at least one second active drive can have different structural forms and, in particular, different drive powers. For example, the first active drive can continuously drive the vehicle, while the second active drive is a power-adjustable drive that can briefly accelerate the vehicle to high speed in sections of the travel route. For example, the drive power of the at least one second drive can provide the corresponding vehicle with multiple, especially five, ten, or fifteen times the drive power.

[0027] A manual actuator may also be provided, which is supplied to at least one passenger. For example, at least one vehicle may have a pedal actuator, through which a passenger can support at least one active actuator. Oars, hooks, etc., may also be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that at least one vehicle has at least one coupling device, by which at least one of the active drives can be coupled and / or decoupled. For example, to briefly accelerate the vehicle to high speed, the coupling device can decouple the first active drive and couple the second active drive.

[0029] The coupling device also meets safety requirements. In the event of a vehicle malfunction, it must be ensured that at least one passenger carried by the vehicle can safely and dry-footed exit the ride. The coupling device can, for example, decouple all active drives, allowing the vehicle to move freely on the track guide and be "towed" by another vehicle. This other vehicle can, for example, push the stopped vehicle to an exit or station. Alternatively, the coupling device can switch between drives in the event of a technical malfunction, thus allowing the vehicle to continue to the exit or station.

[0030] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, the first active drive and / or at least one second active drive can be a rope drive or a conveyor chain drive, a gear drive, or a friction wheel drive. When at least one of the active drives is a rope drive or a conveyor chain drive, the coupling device can include one or more clamps through which coupling can be performed between the respective vehicle and the active drive.

[0031] In addition, the gear drive or friction wheel drive can be implemented by a center plate, an extended tube or a tube track along a track guide device, wherein the driven gear of the vehicle engages with the corresponding mating teeth of the center plate, or one or more driven friction wheels of the vehicle are effectively connected to the center plate.

[0032] Combining different actuators can integrate the advantages of each individual actuator and achieve all scenarios and driving conditions based on the desired travel distribution of the amusement ride. For example, rope actuators or conveyor chain actuators can be implemented by motors located outside the vehicle, thereby making accessibility, maintenance, and operation easy and efficient. In particular, it eliminates the need to provide the vehicle with energy for propulsion purposes, thus avoiding the need for complex energy supply systems that could lead to other types of damage.

[0033] An improvement of the invention specifies that at least one of the active actuators is securely mounted on the vehicle. Particularly preferred is that at least one of the active actuators is securely mounted in or on a rail vehicle. When the amusement ride is in operation as planned, at least one of the active actuators in the rail vehicle remains hidden from passengers, creating the illusion for passengers that the vehicle is freely moving along the route with the water flow.

[0034] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy in an inductive manner, by cable connection, by means of a battery or capacitor / supercapacitor, and / or by means of a sliding contact. Fuel cells can also be used. In particular, cable connection has been proven effective for amusement rides with short total travel routes of up to 500m. The cable can be kept taut above the amusement ride by appropriate means to ensure a continuous supply of electrical energy to the vehicle. Sliding contacts, or so-called current collectors, can also be provided, which contact at least one electrical conductor arranged adjacent to a segment of the travel route for transmitting electrical energy.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a mast with a device for transmitting electrical energy at its free end. Particularly preferred is that a sliding contact or cable is securely fixed at the free end of the mast.

[0036] When power is supplied via cable, it is advantageous that the mast is mounted on and extends from the rail vehicle rather than from the ship. Cables can exert undesirable forces on the mast and thus cause the ship to tilt.

[0037] In another scenario where electrical power is supplied via a sliding contact, a mast can be mounted on and extend from the ship. The mast can have a nautical simulation of equipment or a sail, thus concealing its true purpose: that is, the mast allows a sliding contact at its free end to contact at least one electrical conductor.

[0038] In particular, it has proven advantageous that at least one electrical conductor is arranged, at least in segments, above the travel path of the amusement ride and can be contacted by a sliding contact at the free end of the mast to transmit electrical energy. The at least one electrical conductor can be a grid structure arranged above the travel path to account for possible vehicle deflection. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that the electrical conductor is only installed where active actuation of at least one vehicle is required. Therefore, in sections where the rail vehicle is passively driven by gravity or by the flow of water, an electrical supply is not absolutely necessary. This electrical supply can also be used to charge the vehicle's batteries or capacitors / supercapacitors.

[0039] Another advantageous design of the invention specifies that the travel route has at least one section in which the vehicle is fully or partially afloat of the water. In particular, it is advantageous that the vehicle is fully or partially afloat of the water at the entrance and / or exit or at a station, and the vehicle is lowered onto the rail vehicle and, in this state, securely connected to the rail vehicle by a coupling element. This measure ensures that the vehicle is not subjected to, or is subjected to only limited yaw or swaying, when at least one passenger is alighting or boarding.

[0040] In another aspect or preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one vehicle has a control device that enables at least one passenger to actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle. The control device may have corresponding actuating elements on the vehicle, such as a steering wheel simulating a ship, whereby at least one passenger can sometimes or partially act as a helmsman or pilot while riding in the vehicle, and can actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle by making corresponding inputs to the actuating elements.

[0041] Another preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the control device has an interface, preferably wirelessly connected to a passenger's personal mobile terminal device, allowing the passenger to actively influence the vehicle's driving behavior via their personal mobile device. In particular, it is advantageous that the amusement park provides a ride-specific application for the passenger's personal mobile device, which can be downloaded and installed by the passenger, preferably before riding the ride. The ride-specific application can be downloaded from application stores for different operating system platforms and can be used economically through corresponding pricing.

[0042] A dedicated app for amusement rides can be implemented during the ride, and passenger control commands can be transmitted from personal mobile devices to the control unit via an interface. Passenger control commands can be generated through movement of the personal mobile device, such as tilting, or through manual input.

[0043] In this document, the driving behavior of a vehicle can be understood as speed, direction of travel, rotation about the vehicle's vertical axis, and longitudinal and / or lateral movement, i.e., rocking or rolling. The rotation about the vehicle's vertical axis and the longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle can be generated by at least one actuator or at least one adjusting mechanism of the rotating hinge of the connecting device.

[0044] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the track guiding device has at least one turnout. In particular, it is preferred that the track guiding device has a dead end adjacent to the turnout along the travel route, thereby achieving novel effects. For example, at least one vehicle can travel at high speed towards the dead end of the track guiding device and suddenly stop before the end. When the vehicle brakes suddenly, it can perform superimposed motion around the lateral axis. Simultaneously, animation or performance can be displayed via a demonstration device, and the turnout can be secretly switched, preferably underwater, without at least one passenger noticing anything. The vehicle can then continue traveling from the dead end in the opposite direction of travel.

[0045] To give a concrete example, there might be obstacles at dead ends, or instead of obstacles, the track guide might be bent and noticeably suspended in mid-air. Furthermore, a human or fictional character might sit on the track guide, performing welding work on a defective or damaged component. At least one passenger, focused intently on the scenery, might not notice the change in the vehicle's direction. Once the initial tension begins to dissipate, at least one passenger might find themselves in a different driving situation requiring adaptation, maintaining tension and suspense throughout the ride.

[0046] In the case where the vehicle consists of a rail vehicle and a boat, it is preferable that the boat rotates in a dead zone section via an adjustment mechanism in a superimposed manner around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by means of a rotating hinge, so that the passengers are directed in the direction of travel in the subsequent travel.

[0047] In another aspect or a refinement of the invention, at least one effect vehicle is provided, which can travel on a track-guided device. The at least one effect vehicle can move autonomously to transport at least one passenger, independent of at least one vehicle, wherein the effect vehicle can be used to generate a large number of effects. For example, the effect vehicle can manifest as a tracking vehicle, a monster, a lake monster, a pirate ship, etc. The effect vehicle can also be a "torpedo launcher" or a "booster."

[0048] A "torpedo launcher" or "booster" is an autonomous rail vehicle with a power-adjustable actuator. The "torpedo launcher" or "booster" can couple with at least one passenger vehicle and accelerate that vehicle with exceptional force. The "torpedo launcher" or "booster" can couple with at least one vehicle and accelerate that vehicle, accompanied by special effects such as engine noise, steam, and water flow.

[0049] An advantageous improvement of the invention specifies that at least one effect vehicle can be guided onto and / or off the travel route via at least one switch. At least one effect vehicle can be guided from its starting position onto a section of the travel route and interact with at least one passenger vehicle in that section. The effect vehicle is then guided off the travel route and returns to its starting position via a “bypass” to wait for another vehicle. The effect vehicle can also be randomly controlled or dispatched onto the travel route for interaction every xth time at least one vehicle passes.

[0050] Effect vehicles can, for example, appear as pirates tracking and pursuing enemies in corresponding sections of a route. Alternatively, effect vehicles can act as "torpedo launchers" or "boosters" to accelerate other vehicles in corresponding sections, then travel back to their starting position to wait for following vehicles.

[0051] When the amusement facility is configured as a water-based amusement facility with a body of water, it is preferable that the effect vehicles are arranged completely below the surface of the water. This ensures that the effect vehicles are invisible to passengers of the amusement facility not only at the starting point but also along the route, thus remaining hidden.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the effects vehicle may have at least one adjustment mechanism for inducing movement of objects and / or for animate or generating effects. For example, the adjustment mechanism can raise or lower monsters. In particular, when the effects vehicle is fully positioned underwater, objects or monsters may suddenly emerge from the water, creating a surprising effect that can captivate at least one passenger. The at least one adjustment mechanism may also, for example, actuate cannons or water cannons to simulate an opponent's attack.

[0053] One improvement to the effects vehicle designation specifies that it can be equipped with personnel. These personnel are preferably employees of the amusement park operator and can be poaching pirates, barbarians, monsters, etc., who interact with passengers. These personnel can also operate cannons or water cannons to realistically simulate enemy attacks.

[0054] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that at least one effect vehicle has an actuation device by which the effect vehicle can actuate, i.e., open and / or close, the coupling device and / or lockable coupling element of at least one vehicle. For example, the effect vehicle can actuate the coupling device, thereby decoupling at least one active actuator and the corresponding vehicle being driven only by the effect vehicle.

[0055] Another advantage is that the lockable coupling element is actuated by the effect vehicle, thereby fixing the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle and keeping the boat in a safe position, for example, for strong acceleration.

[0056] Another aspect or preferred improvement of the invention specifies that the travel route includes a section with a pool, wherein the water level in the pool can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner. The water level in the pool can be raised suddenly or rapidly by water supply, for example by pumping from the bottom of the pool or by spraying water (e.g., a waterfall). Water can be drained and the water level in the pool lowered in a time-controlled manner or when the water level is exceeded. Sudden water discharge can be achieved, for example, by a gate through which vehicles can also travel.

[0057] Preferably, at least one vehicle first drives into the pool, and then the water level is raised in a controlled manner, while the boat immediately follows the water level. As water is drained from the pool, the vehicle can suddenly continue along the driving route, giving passengers the sensation that the vehicle is being swept away by the flowing water.

[0058] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention specifies that the track guiding device has at least one rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm is pivotable about an axis, preferably transversely to the direction of travel. Referring to DE 10 2014 101007A1, DE 10 2016 109373 A1, or DE 10 2013 222 910 A1, the rocker arm may include a portion of the track guiding device, and at least one vehicle may use the rocker arm to travel onto a section of the track guiding device. Motion can then be transmitted to the vehicle via pivoting motion about the rocker arm axis, and the vehicle can then travel either actively or passively driven by the rocker arm and follow the travel path in the direction of travel.

[0059] Another preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that a section of the travel route includes a water tank and at least one rocker arm. Particularly preferred is that at least one rocker arm is arranged in sections within the water tank and forms part of the tank's edge. When the water level in the tank is raised in a controlled manner, the vehicle can travel onto a section of the rocker arm's track guide, and then the corresponding vehicle can be "lifted" across the tank's edge by the pivoting motion of the rocker arm. Combined with water spraying, travel can then continue over the remaining area of ​​the travel route.

[0060] Another aspect, and final aspect, of the invention relates to a method for operating an amusement facility according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments and three improvements of the amusement facilities, particularly water amusement facilities, according to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0062] Figure 1A greatly simplified illustration of an amusement ride is shown, which has at least one track guide device with at least one vehicle that can accommodate at least one passenger and can travel along a route in the direction of travel in a manner guided on the track guide device.

[0063] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A schematic side view of the vehicles of the amusement ride;

[0064] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The effect of the amusement park rides, vehicles, and schematic side views of the vehicles;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a track section with dead ends and turnouts is shown; and

[0066] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a line section with a water tank and a rocker arm is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, components that are the same or have the same function will be identified by the same reference numerals. For clarity, not all components that are the same or have the same function will have reference numerals in each drawing.

[0068] Figure 1 A highly simplified top view of amusement ride 1 is shown. Amusement ride 1 is a water amusement ride having a natural or artificial water body 5. The artificial water body 5 may have one or more lakes, streams, or rapids. Amusement ride 1 also has a track guide device 10, which may have at least one guide rail (not shown), preferably two parallel and spaced-apart guide rails (also not shown). The track guide device 10 pre-defines a travel route 11 for at least one vehicle 20, wherein at least one vehicle 20 travels along the travel route 11 in a travel direction in a manner guided on the track guide device 10. The travel direction is... Figure 1 The arrows in vehicle 20 indicate that the direction of travel corresponds to the main direction of travel, which generally follows the gradient of water body 5 and describes the direction of movement from the starting point in station 9 to the possible ending point in station 9.

[0069] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the driving route 11 can be a closed circular path, and multiple vehicles 20 can travel in a loop along the driving route 11 one after another, thereby the amusement facility 1 is designed for high passenger throughput and continuous operation.

[0070] The track guide device 10 or the driving route 11 can have a large number of sharp curves, which can simulate driving through canyons or rapids, and rocks, floating objects, islands or other objects can be arranged in the water body 5 opposite the driving route 11. Through the sharp curves, the vehicle 20 can travel along the driving route 11 in a winding and tortuous manner around the objects, and simulate dangerous situations and build tension and suspense through multiple sudden changes of direction.

[0071] The straight sections of driving route 11 can be used for high-speed descents or acceleration of vehicle 20, which will be described in detail later.

[0072] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 At least one vehicle 20, illustrated in detail, is configured to accommodate at least one passenger, preferably multiple passengers. Passengers can enter the vehicle 20 at an entrance in the station 9, and after traveling along the route and completing their journey, passengers can preferably exit the vehicle 20 again through an exit in the station 9.

[0073] Passengers are seated in the vehicles as required, where multiple rows of seats can be arranged and each row can have multiple seats arranged adjacent to each other.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 As can be seen, vehicle 20 includes rail vehicle 30 and ship 40, wherein ship 40 is firmly connected to rail vehicle 30 by means of connecting device 25.

[0075] The rail vehicle 30 has a running gear 31 with working and support wheels 32, shown only in the accompanying drawings, which support the rail vehicle 30 on the guide rails of the track guide device 10. Preferably, the working and support wheels 32 surround the guide rails, thereby holding the rail vehicle 30 on the track guide device 10 in a way that prevents it from being lost. The rail vehicle 30 may have two or more axes with working and support wheels 32, wherein the respective axes can remain rotatable relative to the rail vehicle 30 about a point of rotation, and thus can pass through particularly narrow curves.

[0076] The boat 40 has seats for passengers and is a float that can float freely in the water 5 even under its maximum permissible load.

[0077] The connecting device 25, shown in a highly simplified manner in the accompanying drawings, includes a plurality of hinged rods 28 that mechanically and securely connect the rail vehicle 30 and the boat 40 to each other. The connecting device 25 enables the boat 40 to perform typical waterborne movements relative to the rail vehicle 30, thereby allowing the boat 40 to float above the rail vehicle 30, and further permitting limited lateral and / or longitudinal movements relative to the rail vehicle 30 while the boat 40 is floating. Lateral movements occur about the lateral axis Y, and longitudinal movements occur about the longitudinal axis X. The resulting motion is caused by… Figure 2 and Figure 3 The double arrows in the diagram indicate this. Through this mobility of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30, the boat 40 can roll, tilt, or rock, thus conveying the most realistic feeling of being on a boat.

[0078] However, the connecting device 25 restricts the longitudinal and lateral movement of the boat 40 within a predetermined range in order to ensure the safe operation of the amusement facility 1 at all times and protect the boat 40 from capsizing or significant tilting.

[0079] Furthermore, the connection device 25 may have one or more actuators 26 through which longitudinal or lateral movement can be applied to the boat 40. The actuators 26 may be controlled in a manner synchronized with animations or performances that can be presented to passengers along the travel route of the amusement facility 1, thereby coordinating the movement of the boat 40 with the animations or performances via at least one actuator 26.

[0080] also, Figure 2 The vehicle 20 is shown to have a rotating hinge 35, through which the boat 40 can rotate about the vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30. The rotation of the boat 40 about the vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30 can be achieved by a corresponding adjustment mechanism 36.

[0081] Furthermore, a lockable coupling element 27 may be provided, through which the position and / or orientation of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30 can be fixed. In particular, the coupling element 27 can fix the orientation and / or position of the boat 40 in the station 9 so that passengers can board and disembark the boat 40 without tilting or with only a limited degree of tilt.

[0082] The amusement ride 1 may also have at least one active actuator 50, wherein, according to Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the amusement ride 1 has a first active actuator 50 and a second active actuator 60.

[0083] The first active drive 50 is rigidly mounted on the vehicle 20 or on the rail vehicle 30 and includes a motor 55 of arbitrary design. Preferably, the motor 55 is an electric motor 55, characterized in that it drives the vehicle 20 substantially without noise and the passengers are not consciously aware of the active drive 50 of the vehicle 20.

[0084] The second active drive 60 can be operated independently of the first active drive 50, and in the illustrated embodiment is a rope drive 62 configured to tow the vehicle 20 at least in segments along the travel route 11.

[0085] Vehicle 20 also has a coupling device 15, which may include a clamp 16 and a coupler, thereby allowing vehicle 20 to switch between active drives 50 and 60 at any time. The coupling device 15 can, for example, couple vehicle 20 to a second active drive 6, i.e., a rope drive 62, via the clamp 16. The rope drive 62 is configured, for example, to traction the vehicle at high speed using multiple deflecting rollers, but also at a constant speed over a longer distance if necessary. Here, the coupling device 15 can decouple the first active drive 50.

[0086] Multiple rope actuators 62 with different speeds can also be provided, wherein the coupling device 15 has multiple clamps for coupling. The active actuators 50, 60 can also operate in different directions, thereby enabling the vehicle to travel at least segmentally along the travel route 11 in the opposite direction of travel.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first active actuator 50 is securely connected to the vehicle 20. Power can be supplied to the actuator 50 via an energy storage device within the vehicle 20. When electrical power is required to operate the vehicle 20, it can be provided by a battery. It is also conceivable that electrical power can be transmitted to the vehicle 20 via inductive or cable-connected means along the travel route 11. Capacitors or supercapacitors and / or fuel cells can also be used to supply power to the vehicle 20, at least temporarily.

[0088] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the vehicle 20 or the boat 40 may have decorative elements, such as a mast 44 and a sail 45, but may also have nautical instruments (not shown). The mast extends from the boat 40 and has a sliding contact at its free end 46, which is configured to contact an electrical conductor arranged above the travel path 11.

[0089] To personalize the passenger experience, vehicle 20 may have a control device 70 through which passengers can influence the driving behavior of vehicle 20 during their ride. For example, an operating element 72 may be installed on vehicle 20 or on boat 40, allowing passengers to assume the role of captain or helmsman to actively influence the driving behavior of vehicle 20 through input in a segmented or time-limited manner. For example, passengers may cause vehicle 20 to accelerate, brake, move backward, move forward, or selectively yaw boat 40 in the longitudinal and / or lateral directions using at least one actuator 26.

[0090] An interactive waiting area can be set up at platform 9, particularly in the entrance area, and thus before boarding at least one vehicle 20 of ride 1. Games, quizzes, and other competitions can be held in the interactive waiting area, and the results can be evaluated. Based on the results, not only seats can be assigned for riding ride 1, but also roles can be assigned to passengers during the ride.

[0091] Such roles could be, for example, commanders, gunners, helmsmen, steering officers, captains, etc. Accessories such as captain's hats, operating elements of the control unit, or terminal devices may also be provided. The control device 70 may have an interface 75 configured to preferably receive control signals wirelessly. Passengers can install software or applications, for example, on their personal terminal devices 80, which evaluate the passenger's input and transmit control signals to the control device 70 via interface 75.

[0092] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The schematic cross section shows that the effect vehicle 90 follows vehicle 20 in a section of the driving route 11.

[0093] The effect vehicle 90 is preferably an autonomous vehicle having a running gear 91 and working and support wheels 92 with swivel bearings that support the effect vehicle 90 on the track guide device 10. The effect vehicle 90 preferably or primarily travels entirely below the surface of the water body 8 and is therefore protected from being seen by passengers. The effect vehicle 90 can be driven by corresponding active actuators 50, 60.

[0094] The vehicle 90 can be guided from its starting position onto the travel route 11 via switch 13, and then leave the travel route 11 via a second switch 13, before being guided back to its starting position via bypass 14. Bypass 14... Figure 1 The middle part is represented by a dashed line.

[0095] Effect vehicle 90 is configured to interact with vehicle 20 in a section between two switches and may have adjustment mechanisms 95 for actuating objects and / or for animate or generate effects. For example, the adjustment mechanism can raise or lower monster 99. In particular, when effect vehicle 90 is fully positioned below the water surface, monster 99 will suddenly emerge from the water body 5. At least one adjustment mechanism 95 can also actuate cannons or water cannons, etc., to simulate, for example, a pirate ship attack. An improved embodiment, not shown, may have effect vehicle 90 that accelerates vehicle 20 to particularly high speeds, for example, during a high-speed downhill descent in a straight section of track. For this purpose, as previously described elsewhere, effect vehicle 90 can be guided onto and off the travel route 11. Effect vehicle 90 is a vehicle modified for the performance of propelling vehicle 20. Effect vehicle 90 can act as a "booster" or "torpedo launcher" with appropriate decorations to propel vehicle 20 and then decouple from vehicle 20. For this purpose, effect vehicle 90 can be positioned behind, in front of, or to the side of vehicle 20. Multiple effect vehicles 90 can also be used. Effect vehicle 90 can have an actuator that can actuate at least one coupling device 15 and / or lockable coupling element 27 of vehicle 20. For example, effect vehicle 90 can actuate coupling device 15, thereby decoupling the active actuators 50, 60, and thus fixing boat 40 in its orientation and position relative to track vehicle 30 by lockable coupling element 27 until the speed decreases again.

[0096] The braking of vehicle 20 can be performed in the water body 5 by a "large splash". To do this, the track guide device 10 first extends close to the surface of the water body 5 and then submerges, thereby immersing the ship 40 in the water and causing a "splash" with corresponding waves.

[0097] Figure 4 The driving route 11 is shown to have a dead end 12. At the dead end 12, animations or performances can be shown to passengers, while a switch 13 is switched below the surface of the water body 5, and the vehicle 20 can continue to travel along the driving route in the opposite direction.

[0098] As described above, the water body 5 may include lakes, which may be formed by pools 8 along the travel route 11. The pool 8 has a rotating pool edge 8' and also has devices for controlling the raising and lowering of the water level in the pool 8.

[0099] exist Figure 5 In this design, these components are symbolically represented by valves and reservoirs in the area at the bottom of pool 8; however, in conjunction with the present invention, the water level in pool 8 can be raised in a variety of arbitrary ways. For example, the water level in pool 8 can be raised by a gushing waterfall, or by opening a water supply gate to raise and lower the water level. For example, this can thus demonstrate a breach in a dam.

[0100] As the water level in the pool rises and falls, the boat 40 can float freely relative to the rail vehicle and thus follow the water level. The travel route 11 leads to the edge of the pool 8', where a rocker arm 18 is arranged in the area of ​​the pool edge 8'. This rocker arm 18 has a movable section of the track guide device 10. The track guide device 10 section of the rocker arm 18 can pivot about at least one axis, preferably transversely to the track guide device 10, via a suitable adjustment mechanism. To drive the vehicle 20 "across" the pool edge 8', the vehicle 20 first travels onto the rocker arm 18. Then, the rocker arm 18 pivots about its axis, and the vehicle 20 can move away from the rocker arm 18 and continue traveling normally along the travel route 11. Figure 5 The dashed lines in the middle show the rocker arm 18 and the vehicle 20 after the rocker arm 18 has pivoted. Figure 5 The dashed arrow in the figure indicates the travel path of vehicle 20 above rocker arm 18.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0102] 1. Amusement facilities

[0103] 5. Water bodies

[0104] 8 pools

[0105] 8' pool edge

[0106] 9 stations

[0107] 10. Track guiding device

[0108] 11 Driving Route

[0109] 12 ends

[0110] 13 turnouts

[0111] 14 Bypass

[0112] 15. Coupling device

[0113] 16 Fixtures

[0114] 18 rocker arm

[0115] 19 Electrical conductors

[0116] 20 vehicles

[0117] 25 Connecting device

[0118] 26 Actuators

[0119] 27 Coupling element

[0120] 28 Hinge rod

[0121] 30 Rail vehicles

[0122] 31 Walking mechanism

[0123] 32 support wheels

[0124] 35 Rotary Hinges

[0125] 36 Actuators

[0126] 40 ships

[0127] 44 masts

[0128] 45 sails

[0129] 50 drives

[0130] 55 motor

[0131] 60 drives

[0132] 62 Rope Driver

[0133] 70 Control device

[0134] 72 Operating elements

[0135] 75 interface

[0136] 80 terminal devices

[0137] 90 Effect Vehicles

[0138] 91 Walking mechanism

[0139] 92 Support Wheels

[0140] 95 Adjustment Mechanism

[0141] 99 Lake Monster

[0142] X longitudinal axis

[0143] Y-axis

[0144] Z perpendicular axis

Claims

1. An amusement ride (1) having at least one track guide (10) having at least one vehicle (20) accommodating at least one passenger, the vehicle (20) being capable of traveling in a direction along a route (11) guided on the track guide (10), characterized in that, The vehicle (20) can move at least segmentally against the direction of travel by an active drive (50, 60). The vehicle (20) includes a railcar (30) and a floating vessel (40) for accommodating the at least one passenger. The floating vessel (40) is connected to the railcar (30) by means of a connecting device (25), which allows the floating vessel (40) to float above the railcar (30) and allows the floating vessel (40) to perform restricted lateral and / or longitudinal movements relative to the railcar (30) in the floating state. A lockable coupling element (27) is provided, and the position and / or orientation of the floating vessel (40) relative to the railcar (30) is fixed by the lockable coupling element (27).

2. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track guide device (10) extends in the water body (5) at least in sections along the travel route (11).

3. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driving route (11) can be traveled in a cyclic manner by the at least one vehicle (20) in the driving direction.

4. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water body (5) flows at least in sections in the direction of travel, and the at least one vehicle (20) can be passively driven and propelled at least in sections by the flow of the water body (5).

5. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The floating vessel (40) can move laterally and / or longitudinally relative to the railcar (30) within an angle range of ±50° while floating.

6. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The floating vessel (40) can move laterally and / or longitudinally relative to the railcar (30) within an angle range of ±30° while floating.

7. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connecting device (25) includes at least one actuator (26), through which the floating vessel (40) can actively move laterally, longitudinally or vertically relative to the railcar (30).

8. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting device (25) includes a hinge rod (28).

9. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Equipped with a rotating hinge (35), the floating vessel (40) can rotate relative to the railcar (30) about a vertical axis (Z) via the rotating hinge (35).

10. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The floating vessel (40) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (36) through which it can rotate relative to the railcar (30) about the vertical axis (Z).

11. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The active drive includes a first active drive (50) and a second active drive (60), wherein the second active drive (60) can drive the at least one vehicle (20) independently of the first active drive (50).

12. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one vehicle (20) has at least one coupling device (15), at least one of the first active drive (50) and the second active drive (60) can be coupled and / or decoupled by the coupling device (15).

13. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one coupling device (15) can switch between the first active driver (50) and the second active driver (60).

14. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first active driver (50) and / or the second active driver (60) is a rope driver (62), a conveyor chain driver, a gear driver, a friction wheel driver, a pin drive, a linear synchronous driver, a linear induction driver, or a magnetic driver.

15. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the active drives (50, 60) is securely mounted on the at least one vehicle.

16. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one vehicle (20) is supplied with electrical energy in an inductive manner, by cable connection, by means of a sliding contact (49), and / or by means of at least one battery, supercapacitor, or fuel cell.

17. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one vehicle (20) has a mast (44) with devices for transmitting electrical energy.

18. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, At least one electrical conductor (19) is arranged in at least segments above the travel route (11), and the device on the mast (44) contacts the at least one electrical conductor (19) to transmit electrical energy.

19. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The travel route (11) has at least one section in which at least one vehicle (20) is fully or partially raised above the water surface.

20. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one vehicle (20) has a control device (70), and the control device (70) enables the at least one passenger to actively influence the driving behavior of the at least one vehicle (20).

21. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The control device (70) has an interface (75) that can be connected to a passenger’s personal mobile terminal device (80), and the passenger can actively influence the driving behavior of the at least one vehicle (20) through his personal mobile terminal device (80).

22. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The control device (70) allows the influence on the driving behavior of the at least one vehicle (20) in a time-limited or segmented manner.

23. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, Driving behavior involves speed, direction of travel, rotation about a vertical axis, and longitudinal and / or lateral movement.

24. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The track guiding device (10) has at least one turnout (13).

25. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, At least one effect vehicle (90) is provided, which can travel on the at least one track guide device (10).

26. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The at least one effect vehicle (90) can be guided onto the travel route (11) and / or away from the travel route (11) by means of the at least one switch (13).

27. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The at least one effect vehicle (90) is configured to accelerate or propel the at least one vehicle (20).

28. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The effect vehicle (90) is configured to travel completely below the surface of the water body (5).

29. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The effect vehicle (90) has at least one adjustment mechanism for moving objects and / or animates effects.

30. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The effect vehicle (90) has an actuation device that can actuate the lockable coupling element (27).

31. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least one effect vehicle (90) is provided, which can travel on the at least one track guide device (10), and the effect vehicle (90) has an actuator that can actuate the coupling device (15) through the actuator.

32. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A station (9) is set up with a waiting area, and at least one race between passengers is performed and evaluated in the waiting area, and a seat or function in the at least one vehicle (20) is assigned to the passenger based on the result.

33. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving route (11) has a section with a pool (8), wherein the water level in the water body (5) can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner in the pool (8).

34. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that, The track guiding device (10) has at least one rocker arm (18), wherein the rocker arm (18) is pivotable about at least one axis and transverse to the direction of travel.

35. The amusement facility (1) according to claim 34, characterized in that, When the water level in the pool (8) reaches the predetermined level, the at least one vehicle (20) continues to travel in the driving direction via the rocker arm (18).

36. A method for operating an amusement ride according to any one of claims 1 to 35.

37. An effect vehicle (90) for an amusement ride according to claim 1, the effect vehicle (90) being capable of traveling on the at least one track guide device (10).

38. The effect vehicle (90) according to claim 37, characterized in that... The effect vehicle (90) can be guided onto the travel route (11) and / or away from the travel route (11) by means of at least one switch (13).

39. The effect vehicle (90) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The at least one effect vehicle (90) is configured to accelerate or propel the at least one vehicle (20).

40. The effect vehicle (90) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The track guide device (10) extends in the water body (5) at least in sections along the travel route (11), and the effect vehicle (90) is configured to travel completely below the surface of the water body (5).

41. The effect vehicle (90) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The effect vehicle (90) has at least one adjustment mechanism for moving objects and / or animates effects.

42. The effect vehicle (90) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The effect vehicle (90) has an actuation device that can actuate the lockable coupling element (27).

Images