One-way clutch roller coaster drive

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of amusement facilities and discloses a one-way clutch roller coaster driving device, which comprises a motor reducer, a friction wheel and a one-way overrunning clutch arranged between a power output shaft of the motor reducer and the friction wheel and connecting the friction wheel and the motor reducer together; wherein the inner ring and the outer ring of the one-way overrunning clutch are connected when the rotating speed of the power output shaft is not less than the rotating speed of the friction wheel; and the inner ring and the outer ring of the one-way overrunning clutch are disconnected when the rotating speed of the friction wheel is greater than the rotating speed of the power output shaft. The one-way clutch roller coaster driving device can avoid the sliding friction between the roller coaster and the rubber friction wheel during the process of entering a station by introducing the one-way clutch, so that the operation noise is effectively reduced, the wear of the friction wheel is reduced, and the safety and durability of the driving device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of amusement facility technology, specifically to a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device. Background Technology

[0002] Roller coasters, also known as roller coasters or atom coasters, are classified as sliding amusement rides according to the "Regulations on Licensing of Amusement Facilities." As iconic equipment in amusement parks and theme parks, roller coasters are loved by tourists, especially teenagers, for their high-speed operation, alternating experiences of weightlessness and g-force, and thrilling yet safe ride.

[0003] In roller coaster operating systems, the drive unit is mainly used on the straight track sections before the return to the station and within the platform, as well as on the track section from the exit platform to the traction and lifting device. Existing roller coaster drive units generally adopt a friction drive structure, which uses a geared motor to drive rubber friction wheels to rotate, causing the rubber friction wheels to contact with friction plates set on the bottom of the train and generate friction force, thereby enabling the train to be driven on straight tracks or tracks with slight inclines.

[0004] However, during the roller coaster's braking process at the station entrance, the train inevitably passes over the aforementioned drive mechanism. When the drive mechanism is not engaged, due to its internal reduction gearbox and relatively high transmission speed, the train cannot fully drive the rubber friction wheels to rotate synchronously when passing over them. This leads to sliding friction between the rubber friction wheels and the train, easily causing noise and accelerating the wear of the rubber friction wheels. Furthermore, even when the drive mechanism is engaged, when the train's entry speed exceeds the linear speed of the rubber friction wheels, sliding friction will still occur between the train and the rubber friction wheels. This not only generates significant operating noise but also further increases the risk of damage and abnormal wear to the rubber friction wheels, affecting the service life and operational reliability of the drive mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device. By introducing a one-way clutch, the roller coaster can avoid sliding friction with the rubber friction wheel during the entry process, thereby effectively reducing operating noise, reducing wear on the friction wheel, and improving the safety and durability of the drive device.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device is provided, comprising: a motor reducer; a friction wheel; and a one-way overrunning clutch disposed between the power output shaft of the motor reducer and the friction wheel, connecting the friction wheel to the motor reducer; wherein, when the rotational speed of the power output shaft is not less than the rotational speed of the friction wheel, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch are engaged; when the rotational speed of the friction wheel is greater than the rotational speed of the power output shaft, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch are disengaged.

[0007] As one embodiment, the one-way overrunning clutch is a roller overrunning clutch; wherein, when the rotational speed of the power output shaft is not less than the rotational speed of the friction wheel, the rollers in the one-way overrunning clutch engage at the narrow end of the wedge-shaped space between the inner and outer rings; when the rotational speed of the friction wheel is greater than the rotational speed of the power output shaft, the rollers in the one-way overrunning clutch move to the wide end of the wedge-shaped space between the inner and outer rings.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inner ring of the roller overrunning clutch is fixedly sleeved on the power output shaft of the motor reducer, and the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch is fixedly connected to the friction wheel.

[0009] In one embodiment, a coupling sleeve is fixedly mounted on the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch, and the friction wheel is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve.

[0010] In one embodiment, a set screw is provided on the side of the coupling sleeve, and the inner end of the set screw abuts against the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch.

[0011] In one embodiment, the friction wheel is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve by bolts, spring washers, and flat washers.

[0012] In one embodiment, a spacer ring is fitted onto the outer end of the power output shaft, and the inner end of the spacer ring abuts against the inner ring of the roller overrunning clutch; a shaft end cap that abuts against the spacer ring is fixedly provided on the outer end face of the power output shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the friction wheel is a rubber friction wheel.

[0014] As one embodiment, the one-way clutch roller coaster drive device further includes: a fixed frame with a first mounting plate on one side, the first mounting plate having a plurality of first mounting holes and vertically arranged adjusting screw holes; a second mounting plate fixed on the motor reducer, having a plurality of second mounting holes and a horizontally arranged adjusting plate, the adjusting plate having bolt holes; connecting bolts passing through the opposing first and second mounting holes; and height adjusting bolts passing through the adjusting screw holes for adjusting the height of the friction wheel.

[0015] In one embodiment, two first mounting plates are symmetrically arranged on the fixed frame, and the motor reducer, one-way overrunning clutch and friction wheel are sequentially connected to each of the two first mounting plates.

[0016] Based on the above description and practical application, the one-way clutch roller coaster drive device of the present invention incorporates a one-way clutch between the motor reducer and the friction wheel. When the roller coaster enters the station, if the friction plate on the roller coaster drives the friction wheel to rotate at a speed greater than the rotational speed of the motor reducer's power output shaft, the friction wheel and the motor reducer can rotate relative to each other. This ensures that the friction wheel and the friction plate experience rolling friction rather than sliding friction, effectively reducing operating noise, minimizing friction wheel wear, improving the safety and durability of the drive device, increasing replacement cycles, and saving operating costs. When the roller coaster needs to be driven at other locations, the rotational speed of the motor reducer's power output shaft is greater than the rotational speed of the friction wheel. The inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch can then engage, ensuring that the motor reducer can drive the friction wheel to rotate, thereby driving the roller coaster to move.

[0017] The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device has a simple structure and can achieve the above functions through mechanical structure alone. It does not require the connection of electrical or pneumatic equipment, and maintenance is relatively simple. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view of a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a front view of a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Motor reducer; 2. Friction wheel; 3. One-way overrunning clutch; 4. Motor; 5. Coupling sleeve; 6. Set screw; 7. Spacer ring; 8. Shaft end cover; 9. Fixing bracket; 10. Connecting bolt; 11. First mounting plate; 12. Second mounting plate; 13. Power output shaft; 14. Rail; 15. Height adjusting bolt; 16. Adjusting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0023] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. It should be noted that in this disclosure, the terms "comprising," "configured with," and "set in" are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion, meaning that additional elements / components / etc. may exist besides those listed; the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only as labels and are not intended to limit the number or order of objects; the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0024] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, this embodiment discloses a one-way clutch roller coaster drive device, which can prevent sliding friction between the roller coaster and the rubber friction wheel during the entry process, thereby effectively reducing operating noise, reducing wear on the friction wheel, and improving the safety and durability of the drive device. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device mainly includes a motor reducer 1, a friction wheel 2, and a one-way overrunning clutch 3.

[0026] The motor reducer 1 is connected to the motor 4 and is used to provide driving power for the roller coaster. The motor reducer 1 can preferably be a planetary gear reducer or a worm gear reducer, which features high starting torque, smooth operation, and the ability to frequently start and stop. The output shaft of the motor reducer 1, i.e., the power output shaft 13, is horizontally arranged, and its end is used to output rotational power.

[0027] Friction wheel 2 is used to contact the friction plate of the roller coaster to directly drive the roller coaster's movement. Friction wheel 2 can be a rubber friction wheel, for example, with a steel core inside and a high-elasticity, high-wear-resistant engineering rubber coating on the outside. Friction wheel 2 is connected to power output shaft 13 via one-way overrunning clutch 3, and its working surface is used to directly contact the friction plate at the bottom of the roller coaster train.

[0028] A one-way overrunning clutch 3 is disposed between the power output shaft 13 of the motor reducer 1 and the friction wheel 2, connecting the friction wheel 2 and the motor reducer 1 together, and is used to connect or disconnect the power transmission between the friction wheel 2 and the motor reducer 1.

[0029] When the rotational speed of the power output shaft 13 is not less than the rotational speed of the friction wheel 2 in the driving direction, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch 3 are engaged, transmitting power from the motor reducer 1 to the friction wheel 2; when the rotational speed of the friction wheel 2 is greater than the rotational speed of the power output shaft 13 in the same direction, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch 3 are disengaged, allowing the friction wheel 2 to rotate freely without transmitting torque in the reverse direction to the motor reducer 1.

[0030] In practical applications, this one-way clutch roller coaster drive system works as follows: When the roller coaster enters the station, if the friction plate on the roller coaster drives the friction wheel 2 to rotate at a speed greater than the speed of the power output shaft 13 of the motor reducer 1, the friction wheel 2 and the motor reducer 1 can rotate relative to each other. This ensures that the friction wheel 2 and the friction plate experience rolling friction rather than sliding friction, effectively reducing operating noise, minimizing wear on the friction wheel 2, improving the safety and durability of the drive system, increasing the replacement cycle, and saving operating costs. When the roller coaster needs to be driven at other locations, the speed of the power output shaft 13 of the motor reducer 1 is greater than the speed of the friction wheel 2. The inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch 3 can then engage, ensuring that the motor reducer 1 can drive the friction wheel 2 to rotate, thereby driving the roller coaster to move.

[0031] In this embodiment, the one-way overrunning clutch 3 is specifically a roller-type overrunning clutch. This clutch includes an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially, and several rollers and elastic elements placed within a wedge-shaped space between the inner and outer rings. The inner ring is fixedly mounted on the power output shaft 13 of the motor reducer 1 via a key connection or interference fit, and rotates synchronously with it. The outer ring is fixedly connected to the friction wheel 2 via a coupling sleeve 5. When the inner ring rotates actively and its speed is not lower than that of the outer ring, the rollers are pushed into the narrow end of the wedge-shaped space under the action of friction and the elastic elements, thereby wedging the inner and outer rings tightly and achieving rigid connection and power transmission. When the outer ring is driven by an external force, such as the friction wheel 2 driving it to rotate faster than the inner ring, the rollers are pushed towards the wide end of the wedge-shaped space, disengaging from the wedging state, the inner and outer rings are disconnected, and the outer ring can freely rotate past the inner ring.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a set screw 6 is provided on the side of the coupling sleeve 5, and the inner end of the set screw 6 abuts against the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch to achieve circumferential fixation. The other end of the coupling sleeve 5 is provided with evenly distributed threaded holes, and the friction wheel 2 is fastened to the coupling sleeve 5 by bolts, anti-loosening spring washers, and flat washers to ensure the firmness and reliability of the connection.

[0033] For axial positioning, a spacer ring 7 is fitted onto the outer end of the power output shaft 13. The inner end of the spacer ring 7 abuts against the inner ring side of the roller overrunning clutch for axial positioning. A shaft end cover 8 is bolted to the outer end of the power output shaft 13. The shaft end cover 8 presses against the outer end of the spacer ring 7, thereby firmly restricting the roller overrunning clutch onto the power output shaft 13 and preventing its axial movement.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the one-way clutch roller coaster drive device also includes a fixing frame 9, a second mounting plate 12, connecting bolts 10, and height adjusting bolts 15, for overall mounting and adjusting the height of the friction wheel 2, the motor reducer 1, and the motor 4. The fixing frame 9 is fixedly mounted on the roller coaster track 14 or its foundation. At least one first mounting plate 11 is welded or bolted to one side of the fixing frame 9. The first mounting plate 11 has multiple elongated holes or an array of threaded holes as first mounting holes. The fixing frame 9 also has vertically arranged adjusting screw holes for mounting the height adjusting bolts 15.

[0035] A second mounting plate 12 is fixed on the housing of the motor reducer 1. The position of the second mounting plate 12 corresponds to that of the first mounting plate 11. The plate has a second mounting hole that matches the first mounting hole, and an adjusting plate 16 is fixedly installed opposite to the adjusting screw hole for mounting a height adjusting bolt 15. The height adjusting bolt 15 passes through the adjusting screw hole and is used to adjust the height of the friction wheel 2.

[0036] Multiple connecting bolts 10 then pass through the corresponding first and second mounting holes. By tightening the nuts on the connecting bolts 10, the second mounting plate 12 and the first mounting plate 11 can be secured, thereby further securing the friction wheel 2, motor reducer 1, and motor 4 after height adjustment. After adjustment, the connection is tightened with lock nuts to prevent loosening. The connecting bolts 10 can be high-strength double-ended studs or bolts with lock nuts.

[0037] In another embodiment, the mounting bracket 9 adopts a symmetrical layout and is equipped with two independent drive structures. For example... Figure 3 As shown, two first mounting plates 11 are symmetrically arranged on the fixed frame 9. Each first mounting plate 11 is sequentially connected to a motor reducer 1, a one-way overrunning clutch 3, and a friction wheel 2, forming two drive structures. The two friction wheels 2 are arranged in parallel and simultaneously apply driving force to the friction plate at the bottom of the train. This dual-wheel drive layout not only provides greater total driving force and redundant safety, but also makes the roller coaster experience more balanced force and smoother operation.

[0038] During the application of this one-way clutch roller coaster drive device, when the train brakes upon entering the station, regardless of whether the motor reducer is working, the one-way overrunning clutch automatically disengages when the roller coaster speed exceeds the linear speed of the friction wheel, avoiding forced sliding friction, thereby significantly reducing operating noise and improving the platform and surrounding environment.

[0039] In this process, the sliding friction during the entry phase is converted into rolling friction, fundamentally reducing abnormal wear of the rubber friction wheel, extending the service life of the friction wheel and the entire drive unit, and lowering maintenance and replacement frequency and operating costs. By reducing the risk of malfunctions such as decreased driving force and slippage caused by excessive wear, surface hardening, or damage to the friction wheel, the stability and reliability of the drive process are ensured, and the safety level of the equipment is improved.

[0040] This one-way clutch roller coaster drive device adds only a one-way overrunning clutch and a few connecting parts to the traditional drive structure. The structure is simple and compact, easy to modify and upgrade existing equipment, and also convenient for the integrated manufacturing of new equipment.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A one-way clutch roller coaster drive device, characterized in that, include: Motor reducer; Friction wheel; A one-way overrunning clutch is disposed between the power output shaft of the motor reducer and the friction wheel, connecting the friction wheel to the motor reducer. Specifically, when the rotational speed of the power output shaft is not less than the rotational speed of the friction wheel, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch are engaged; when the rotational speed of the friction wheel is greater than the rotational speed of the power output shaft, the inner and outer rings of the one-way overrunning clutch are disengaged.

2. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way overrunning clutch is a roller overrunning clutch; Specifically, when the rotational speed of the power output shaft is not less than the rotational speed of the friction wheel, the rollers in the one-way overrunning clutch engage at the narrow end of the wedge-shaped space between the inner and outer rings; when the rotational speed of the friction wheel is greater than the rotational speed of the power output shaft, the rollers in the one-way overrunning clutch move to the wide end of the wedge-shaped space between the inner and outer rings.

3. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner ring of the roller overrunning clutch is fixedly sleeved on the power output shaft of the motor reducer, and the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch is fixedly connected to the friction wheel.

4. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A coupling sleeve is fixedly installed on the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch, and the friction wheel is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve.

5. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A set screw is provided on the side of the coupling sleeve, and the inner end of the set screw abuts against the outer ring of the roller overrunning clutch.

6. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The friction wheel is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve by bolts, spring washers, and flat washers.

7. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A spacer ring is fitted on the outer end of the power output shaft, and the inner end of the spacer ring abuts against the inner ring of the roller overrunning clutch. The outer end face of the power output shaft is fixedly provided with a shaft end cover that abuts against the spacer ring.

8. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The friction wheel is a rubber friction wheel.

9. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The mounting bracket has a first mounting plate on one side, and the first mounting plate has several first mounting holes and vertically arranged adjustment screw holes; The second mounting plate is fixed on the motor reducer and has a plurality of second mounting holes and a horizontally arranged adjustment plate thereon. The adjustment plate has bolt holes. The connecting bolts are inserted into the corresponding first and second mounting holes; A height adjustment bolt is inserted into the adjustment screw hole and is used to adjust the height of the friction wheel.

10. The one-way clutch roller coaster drive device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The fixed frame is symmetrically provided with two first mounting plates, and the motor reducer, one-way overrunning clutch and friction wheel are sequentially connected to each of the two first mounting plates.

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