REAR BARRIER ORDER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roller coaster arrangement.

[0002] The use of supports in roller coaster systems, especially as structural elements for tracks, is well-known and widespread. Steel supports are used here, but due to their high susceptibility to vibration in high roller coaster structures (such as lifts, humps, and / or high curves), they require one or more infills. These multi-position support configurations, known as A-supports, therefore require a lot of space at the corresponding support bases. Material requirements and costs also increase.

[0003] Given this problem, the use of massive concrete supports, manufactured directly on site for such a roller coaster, was considered. However, this concept proved inefficient, costly, and time-consuming, so it never found practical application.

[0004] Spun concrete columns, however, are known from the state of the art and are also commonly used as radio or overhead line masts. Spun concrete refers to concrete components produced using a special manufacturing process (the spun concrete process). Production takes place using rotating roller bodies and steel molds. The rollers rotate at 600 to 900 revolutions per minute, compacting the poured concrete from the inside outward due to centrifugal forces at approximately 20 times the acceleration of gravity. Because the excess water drains inward while the heavy concrete components are continually pushed outward, the final concrete is a very low water-cement ratio, which makes the spun concrete particularly dense and therefore also highly strong. This process enables the production of spun concrete components with a slim design and exceptional load-bearing capacity.High-strength concrete up to a concrete quality class C100 is produced as standard, while the use of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) offers concrete quality classes up to C180.

[0005] Further advantages of spun concrete technology include the long service life of the spun concrete components, accelerated construction progress due to factory pre-assembly and the resulting cost savings, and improved deformation properties. In combination with prestressed steel strands, which place the spun concrete under compressive stress, crack formation can be further reduced, making the use of spun concrete even more attractive.

[0006] In this context, the document DE 10 2012 110 184 A1, for example, describes a reinforced concrete column for a building structure made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a concrete quality class of at least C115. Such a column can be formed from several segments, which are connected to one another, for example, by means of a flange connection. Such a flange connection is known from the document DE 102014 104439 B4. Furthermore, the document EP 2 757 213 A2 describes a foundation for a column. Other roller coaster arrangements are known, for example, from US-A-6047645, WO-A-2011 / 032115, US-A-1585605, FR-A-1167272, and US-A-5463962.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved support device for a rail track of a roller coaster arrangement, which on the one hand has an optimal load-bearing capacity and on the other hand has a reduced space and material requirement.

[0008] This object is achieved by a support device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] In particular, this object is achieved by a support device of a roller coaster arrangement, which comprises a support base of the lowest segment of the support device, e.g. in the form of a base plate for anchoring the support device in a foundation, a support head that can be connected to the rail track in order to transfer a static and dynamic load of the roller coaster arrangement into the support device and then further into the foundation, and at least one modular segment arranged between the support base and the support head, which runs between the support base and the support head. It is provided that the support device is designed as a single support column. In the following description, a segment is referred to as a support base, support head, or intermediate segment, depending on the application.

[0010] According to the invention, at least one segment is designed as a prestressed spun concrete hollow body. The use of spun concrete ensures a high load-bearing capacity and high overall structural damping of the support structure. This leads to low susceptibility to vibration, particularly as a result of vortex excitation phenomena in the direction transverse to the wind action. This allows the support structure to be designed as a single support column, which does not require additional support beams. This also reduces the space required at the column base, as multi-position column configurations are no longer necessary (as, for example, with a steel column configuration). The result is an attractive and appropriate design. In addition, the prestressing of the prestressing steel gives the support structure high rigidity, i.e., compared to a comparable, non-prestressed steel-concrete component, less deformation occurs under high loads.This allows them to be used for tall structures in a roller coaster layout, such as lifts. Furthermore, the spun concrete construction method requires significantly less material to manufacture the segment.

[0011] The segment can absorb horizontal and vertical load components of the roller coaster arrangement contained in the dynamic and static load.

[0012] Furthermore, the segment can have a conical or cylindrical shape. For example, a conical design of the segment further improves the load-bearing behavior, especially when using additional segments designed as intermediate segments, as it follows the course of the internal forces along the support device. This creates a shape of the supporting structure that is optimal from a static perspective.

[0013] In this context, the segment may have a conicity greater than 5 mm / m.

[0014] Furthermore, the segment can have a length ranging from 10 m to 30 m and / or a wall thickness ranging from 80 mm to 300 mm. By selecting the segment lengths, the number of segments can be adapted to corresponding transport capacities (for example, according to the size and / or length of a shipping container or a truck bed). This avoids unnecessary special transport costs. Furthermore, due to the high wall thickness, all of the above-mentioned segments are less susceptible to vandalism risks.

[0015] The segment, the column base, and the column head can have a diameter ranging from 500 mm to 2500 mm. For example, the column head of a segment designed as a column head segment of a 60-meter-long support structure can have a diameter of 800 mm, and the column base of a segment designed as a column base segment can have a diameter of 2300 mm.

[0016] A force-locking connection of the segment with a segment designed as a column base segment, a segment designed as an intermediate segment, and / or a segment designed as a column head segment can be achieved by a flange connection or a plug-in joint. The connection types can be selected depending on requirements.

[0017] For example, a segment designed as a column base segment can have the column base at a first end and an end plate at a second end opposite the first end. Likewise, a segment designed as a column head segment can have the column head at a first end and an end plate at a second end opposite the first end. A segment designed as an intermediate segment can have a first end plate at a first end and a second end plate at a second end opposite the first end. The end plates can be force-fitted to further end plates of a further segment. For example, the intermediate segment can have a lower and an upper end plate, which are arranged at a lower and upper end of the intermediate segment in the assembled state, and which are connected to a lower and upper end.The upper end plate of another intermediate segment can be force-fitted. This shape is similar to that of solid steel wall supports and allows the support device to be integrated into existing assembly and maintenance processes for roller coaster systems.

[0018] Construction tolerances can also be compensated for using the end plates and / or the column base and head. Compensation for construction tolerances can be achieved, for example, by oversized holes in the end plates. High-strength mortar can be used under a base plate for vertical adjustment of the support device.

[0019] Furthermore, the column base segment, the column head segment, or the intermediate segment can have prestressed steel strands that run between the end plates of the intermediate segment, or between the column base and the end plate of the column base segment, or between the column head and the end plate of the column head segment, or between the column base and the column head. These straight, prestressed steel strands place the spun concrete under compressive stress. Steel strands with a diameter of 11 to 15.7 mm are preferably used, e.g., with a strength of St 1660 / 1860. The steel strands can be anchored by wedge anchoring in an end plate or by immediate bonding directly into the concrete. The steel strands can be slightly prestressed before the spun concrete process to bring the prestressing strands into the planned position.Final prestressing can also be applied in stages, but it is important that the concrete is sufficiently fluid at maximum prestressing. Long-term effects that lead to prestress loss, such as concrete creep and shrinkage or relaxation, must also be considered in the design calculations. Splitting tensile reinforcement must also be provided in the load introduction area. If necessary, additional slack steel can be placed in the cross-section.

[0020] The segment can be made of concrete with a concrete grade of C80 to C180. This allows the aforementioned properties regarding load-bearing strength, vibration susceptibility, deformation behavior, and service life to be maintained.

[0021] As already mentioned above, the support device can have further segments designed as intermediate segments, which are arranged one above the other in a modular design to form the single support column.

[0022] The additional intermediate segments can be designed as prestressed spun concrete hollow bodies and / or as steel bodies. This results in hybrid solutions with spun concrete and steel segments. For example, a lower section of the support device can comprise spun concrete segments and an upper section can comprise steel segments. In a further embodiment, the support device can further comprise a plurality of outriggers that connect a segment designed as a support base segment and / or a segment designed as a support head segment and / or the intermediate segments of the support device to the rail track or to other adjacent supports of the roller coaster arrangement.

[0023] The support device may further comprise a ring element that can accommodate one or more arms.

[0024] The ring element can be designed in several parts and have a circumferential prestress.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the support device may comprise a steel intermediate segment arranged between two segments and accommodating one or more outriggers.

[0026] It can also have a connecting element that is arranged between two segments and accommodates one or more booms.

[0027] The segment may further comprise one or more inserted sleeve rods connecting one or more arms to the segment.

[0028] In another example, a boom can be attached to a spun-in steel blade of the segment by means of a joint connection or a pre-tensioned bolt connection. Depending on the requirements, these connection options can be used and combined.

[0029] A segment designed as a column foot segment can be connected to the foundation by a base plate enclosed in the column foot, by a tenon connection, or by a socket design.

[0030] The above object is also achieved by a roller coaster arrangement comprising a carriage arrangement and a track with at least one support device described above.

[0031] A connecting element for forming a connection between two segments of a support device for a roller coaster arrangement with at least one boom comprises a first connecting surface at a first end of the connecting element, wherein the first connecting surface is or can be brought into releasable contact with an end of a first segment; a second connecting surface at a second end of the connecting element opposite the first end, wherein the second connecting surface is or can be brought into releasable contact with an end of a further segment; and a protruding nose part which is configured to non-positively connect the at least one boom to the connecting element by means of a tab connection.

[0032] Such a connecting element enables a simple and efficient connection between two segments. The connecting element, thanks to its nose section, is also capable of accommodating one or more outriggers of the roller coaster assembly. An optimal selection of the transition radii of the nose section creates a low-notch connection. This allows the stresses to be transferred to the support very effectively and economically.

[0033] The connecting element can be designed, for example, as an adapter ring plate or as an adapter circular plate.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first connecting surface of the connecting element can be or be brought into releasable contact with a first end plate arranged at the end of the first segment.

[0035] Likewise, the second connecting surface of the connecting element can be or be brought into releasable contact with a further end plate arranged at the end of the further segment.

[0036] The coaxial connection of the first segment, the connecting element, and the further segment can be achieved by a screw connection. The connection of the first segment, the further segment, and the connecting element arranged between the first segment and the further segment can thus be achieved by a common screw connection, which in particular runs through coaxial bores in the two segments and the connecting element. Thus, the first segment, the further segment, and the connecting element arranged coaxially between the first segment and the further segment are connected by common screw connections, each of which runs through three coaxial bores arranged in series in the two segments and the connecting element.The bolts of the common connecting bolt set run through coaxial holes in the first segment, the connecting element, and the further segment, so that the two segments and the connecting element are connected by a single bolt / nut set. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the thickness of the connecting element is no greater than 350 mm, no greater than 300 mm, no greater than 250 mm, and no greater than 200 mm. This allows all three elements to be connected with a single bolt connection using a single bolt / nut set, whereby the length of the bolts must be longer than the sum of the thicknesses of the connecting element and the thicknesses of the connecting flanges of the two segments.

[0037] Furthermore, the connecting element can be made of tempered steel, in particular 42CrMo4 or 34CrNiMo6. The use of tempered steel is preferred because its fatigue strength and load-bearing capacity are significantly higher compared to structural steel, which is predominantly used in steel roller coaster assemblies.

[0038] The segments can be designed as hollow steel bodies.

[0039] Furthermore, they can have a cylindrical shape.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1A a schematic perspective exploded view of a support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1B a schematic perspective view of the support device in the assembled state according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1C a schematic perspective view of a portion of a roller coaster arrangement with the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1D a schematic perspective side view of a support foot, support head or intermediate segment of the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a support head of the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective sectional view of a connection between two segments of the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4A a schematic perspective sectional view of a support foot of the support device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4B a schematic perspective sectional view of a support foot of the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5A a schematic perspective view of two connection variants of a boom arranged on the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5B a schematic perspective view of two connection variants of a boom arranged on the support device according to an embodiment of the invention; and. Fig. 5C a schematic perspective view of two connection variants of a boom arranged on the support device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Fig. 1A shows a simplified schematic exploded view of a support device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 1B The support device 100 is shown in the assembled state. The support device 100 is designed for a rail track S of a roller coaster arrangement 1000. A section of such a roller coaster arrangement 1000 is shown in Fig. 1C shown. The support device 100 comprises a support base 10a, a support head 14a and at least one modular segment 10, 12, 14 arranged between the support base 10a and the support head 14a, which can be connected to the support base 10a and the support head 14a in a force-locking manner. The segment 10, 12, 14 can be designed as a support base segment 10 and / or as a support head segment 14 and / or as an intermediate segment 12 and is representative here of these various configurations. Furthermore, the support device 100 can comprise only one segment 12, in which case the support column is formed from the one segment 12 (not shown in Fig. 1A und Fig. 1B shown). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support base 10a and the support head 14a can be part of the segment 12.

[0042] The support base 10a can also be a component of a segment 10, 12, 14 designed as a support base segment 10 and serves to anchor the support device 100 in a foundation F1. Fig. 1A und Fig. 1B Anchoring is achieved by means of the column base 10a, which includes a base plate. A socket design or a tenon design is also possible, which will be discussed in more detail later with reference to Fig. 4A und Fig. 4B described.

[0043] The support head 14a can also be a component of a segment 10, 12, 14 designed as a support head segment 14 and can be connected to the rail track S in order to transfer a static and dynamic load of the roller coaster arrangement 1000 into the foundation F1. As in Fig. 1A bis Fig. 1C As shown, the foundation F1 can be designed in the form of a floor slab or as a single foundation (not shown). Fig. 1A und Fig. 1B In the example shown, the connection to the rail track S is formed by a connecting attachment 16 on the column head 14a, which receives the rail track S or is connected to it. In this context, Fig. 2 a detailed embodiment of the support head 14a. Here, the connecting attachment 16 is connected to a chord tube of the rail track S, for example, welded or bolted, depending on the project-specific parameters such as the overall height of the rail or transport capacity. The connecting attachment 16 and the support head 14a can be made of steel. Fig. 2 However, the shape of the support head 14a shown is only a possible example. Depending on requirements, the design of the support head 14a for connection to the rail track S can vary.

[0044] A segment 10, 12, 14 designed as an intermediate segment 12 forms the middle section of the support device 100. The support device 100 can be constructed from one or more non-positively connected segments 10, 12, 14 such as Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C shown.

[0045] Traditionally, support beams for roller coaster arrangements formed by such support elements are made of steel. However, a single-point steel support is highly susceptible to vibration. Consequently, these support beams require additional supports at the foundation to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity, as is necessary, for example, for taller roller coaster structures such as lifts, humps, and high curves. This results in a very large space requirement at the support base, as multi-point support configurations such as A-beams are usually required.

[0046] The support device 100 of the present invention is designed as a single support column. At least one segment 10, 12, 14 of the support device 100 is designed as a prestressed spun concrete hollow body.

[0047] Spun concrete is produced using the spun concrete process. This process is characterized by low material consumption, which results in high-strength concrete with a high load-bearing capacity. The construction of the support device 100 according to the invention from spun concrete segments 10, 12, 14 with this property thus makes it possible to dispense with additional support beams at the support base 10a. This saves space and material. At the same time, the visual aesthetics of the support device 100 and the roller coaster arrangement 1000 are improved, which is, for example, Fig. 1C is evident.

[0048] The segment 10, 12, 14 can absorb horizontal and vertical load components of the roller coaster arrangement 1000 contained in the dynamic and static load.

[0049] The segment 10, 12, 14 may further have a conical shape or a cylindrical shape. Fig. 1A bis Fig.1C For example, the segment 10, 12, 14 designed as an intermediate segment 12 is shown in the conical design. In Fig. 3 is the intermediate segment 12 and in the Figuren 4A und 4B The segment 10, 12, 14, designed as a column base segment 10, is shown in a cylindrical shape. The conical design enables better load distribution across the support device 100 and reduces material consumption.

[0050] In particular, segment 10, 12, 14 may have a conicity C of greater than 5 mm / m. The conicity is calculated using the following formula: C = D 1 − D 2 / L , where D 1 indicates the diameter of the segment 10, 12, 14 at a first end of the segment 10, 12, 14, D 2 indicates the diameter at a second end of the segment 10, 12, 14 opposite the first end, and L indicates the length of the segment 10, 12, 14. This is simplified into Fig. 1D shown.

[0051] The conicity C can, for example, have a value that is greater than 10 mm / m, greater than 15 mm / m, greater than 20 mm / m, greater than 25 mm / m, or greater than 30 mm / m. Likewise, the conicity C can have a value that is less than 100 mm / m, less than 80 mm / m, less than 60 mm / m, less than 40 mm / m, less than 20 mm / m, less than 18 mm / m, less than 16 mm / m, less than 14 mm / m, less than 12 mm / m, or less than 10 mm / m. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the conicity C can be in a range from 20 mm / m to 25 mm / m.

[0052] In a further embodiment, an individual segment 10, 12, 14 can have a length L in a range from 10 m to 30 m and a wall thickness in a range from 80 mm to 300 mm. The length L can also have a value that is greater than 2 m, greater than 4 m, greater than 6 m, greater than 8 m, or greater than 10 m. Likewise, the length L can be less than 20 m, less than 18 m, less than 16 m, less than 12 m, or less than 10 m. In particular, the length L can be in a range from 10 m to 20 m. The length L can, for example, be adapted to the available transport capacities. For a freight wagon with 6 or more wheel sets, a loading length is at least 12 m, so that segments 10, 12 or 14 with a length L of up to 12 m can be manufactured, thus enabling problem-free freight transport.

[0053] The segment 10, 12, 14 of the column foot 10a ( Fig. 1A , see also Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B ) and the support head 14a can further have a diameter in a range from 500 mm to 2500 mm. The support head 14a can have a smaller diameter than the support base 10a, for example in a range from 600 mm to 800 mm. The support base 10a, on the other hand, can have a diameter in a range from 2400 mm to 2500 mm, for example. The diameter of all segments 10, 12, 14 can vary. With regard to a conical design of a segment 10, 12, 14, the diameters D1 and D2 are decisive for the resulting conicity C. Independently of one another, the segments 10, 12, 14 of the support device 100 can have different conicities C. The combination of a cylindrical segment 10, 12, 14 with other conical segments 10, 12, 14 is also possible.

[0054] A force-locking connection of the segment 10, 12, 14 with further segments 10, 12, 14 designed as column foot segment 10, as intermediate segment 12, or as column head segment 14 can comprise a flange connection or a plug-in joint connection. Figuren 1A bis 1C show segments 10, 12, 14, which are connected to each other by means of a flange connection. Furthermore, in the Fig. 3 The example shown illustrates a plug-in joint of two segments 10, 12, 14, made of spun concrete. Likewise, the Fig. 3 The segments 10, 12, 14 shown are made of spun concrete and the other segment 10, 12, 14 are made of steel.

[0055] As from Fig. 3 As can be seen, in the plug-in joint, a connecting section VBA1 of a segment 10, 12, 14 has a reduced outer diameter, which is accommodated in another connecting section of another segment 10, 12, 14 (made of spun concrete or steel). The annular space formed between the connecting sections can be filled or pressed with a high-strength casting compound 18a. A ring 20a, e.g., made of rubber or silicone, is provided for sealing.

[0056] A segment 10, 12, 14 designed as a column base segment 10 can have the column base 10a at a first end and an end plate 10b at a second end opposite the first end. A segment 10, 12, 14 designed as a column head segment 14 can have the column head 14a at a first end and an end plate 14b at a second end opposite the first end. A segment 10, 12, 14 designed as an intermediate segment 12 can furthermore each have a first end plate 12a at a first end and a second end plate 12b at a second end opposite the first end. The end plates 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b can be force-fitted to further end plates 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b of another segment 10, 12, 14.

[0057] In the Fig. 1A und Fig. 1B In the example shown, the segments 10, 12, 14 have, for example, an upper, a lower, or an upper and a lower end or flange plate 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b, which are arranged at a lower or upper end of the column foot segment 10, the column head segment 14, or the intermediate segment 12 in the assembled state and which, in the assembled state, ensure a force-locking connection between the segments 10, 12, 14 of the support device 100. However, this connection form is only an example, and other connection forms, as already described above, are possible.

[0058] The end plates 10b, 12a, 12b, and 14b, as well as the column base 10a and column head 14a, can also compensate for construction tolerances, for example, by using enlarged holes. For an enlarged hole, the use of thick washers is preferred to create a sufficient pressure body due to preloading of the bolts, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0059] The column base segment 10, and / or the column head segment 14, and / or the intermediate segment 12 may further comprise prestressed steel strands extending between the end plates 12a, 12b of the intermediate segment 12 and / or between the column base 10a and the end plate 10b of the column base segment 10 and / or between the column head 14a and the end plate 14b of the column head segment 14 and / or between the column base 10a and the column head 14a. The steel strands place the spun concrete under compressive stress. This creates a direct, immediate bond between the prestressing steel and the concrete. The prestressing force is applied by the bond between concrete and prestressing steel as well as by wedging the strand in the column base 10a and / or the column head 14a and / or the respective end plates 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b, in particular with the holes made in the plates 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b.

[0060] The segment 10, 12, 14 can be made of concrete with a concrete quality class of C80 to C180.

[0061] As already described, the support device 100 can have a plurality of segments 10, 12, 14 designed as intermediate segments 12, which are arranged one above the other in a modular design to form the single support column.

[0062] As already mentioned, the column base segment 10 can be connected to the foundation by the base plate included in the column base 10a, by a tenon joint, or by a socket design. In this context, Fig. 4A a socket design in which the column foot segment 10 with a column foot 10a is inserted into a concrete socket F2 and received therein. The space or joint 22 between the column foot segment 10 and the socket F2 and the interior of the column foot segment 10 in the socket F2 is filled with rigid vibrated concrete. The inner surface of the socket F2F can also be smooth or rough. Preferably, the outer surface 10R of the column foot segment 10 in the socket area is manufactured to be rough using the spun concrete process by placing dimpled films in the spin mold before the spin cycle. The column foot 10a can be designed without a base plate. In the embodiment with a base plate (not shown), the plate can serve as an adjustment means. In a further embodiment, a tenon joint is also possible, which in Fig. 4B Here, a lower section of the column base segment 10 is connected to a single foundation in the form of a tenon F3. As with the plug-in joint, a seal 20b made of rubber or silicone is provided in the illustrated embodiment. The column base 10a is designed without a base plate. Furthermore, the space 18b of the tenon F3 accommodated in the column base segment 10 is filled with grout.

[0063] The further intermediate segments 12 can be designed as prestressed spun concrete hollow bodies and / or as steel bodies. In this case, the support device 100 can further comprise several cantilevers A that connect the column base segment 10, column head segment 14 or the intermediate segments 12 to the rail track S or adjacent columns. The different arrangement variants of the cantilever A on the segments 10, 12, 14 are shown in Fig. 5A , Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C shown. The boom A can also be made of steel.

[0064] For example, in two variants shown in Fig. 5A The outriggers A are fastened around the cross-section of the segments 10, 12, 14 using a cylindrical ring element 24. The ring element 24 can be made of steel. In this embodiment, the outrigger A is welded to the ring element 24. The ring element 24 of the connection variant V1 rests on a circumferentially prestressed support profile 28. In particular, with a conical design of the column base segment 10, the column head segment 14, or the intermediate segment 12, a relative movement of the ring element 24 in the longitudinal direction of the support device 100 is avoided, wherein the support profile 28 serves only as a secondary anti-slip device and for sealing. The space between the ring element 24 and the spun concrete segment 10, 12, 14 is cast or pressed with a high-strength casting compound. The above sealing with a suitable filler compound 26 is also provided.Due to its high flexibility regarding positional tolerance, this connection is very well suited for connecting a cantilever A. The dimensioning of the ring element 24 is variable and depends on the dimensioning of a corresponding segment 10, 12, 14 that surrounds the ring element 24.

[0065] Variant V1 is suitable for predominantly torsion-free loads in the ring collar 24. Furthermore, variant V1 is particularly suitable for predominantly compressive forces in the boom A.

[0066] Connection variant V2 features a multi-part design of the ring element 24, which is designed as a ring collar. Circumferential prestressing of the ring element 24 using the screws 30 shown in V2 enables this connection to be used when the ring collar is subject to torsional loading. Furthermore, variant V2 is better suited to absorbing the tensile loads of the boom A than variant V1, since prestressing the ring element 24 promotes the surface tensions of the ring collar.

[0067] For another two in Fig. 5B In the variants shown, the boom A is fastened to a steel intermediate segment 32 (V3) or a connecting element 34, which is designed as an adapter ring plate (V4).

[0068] In variant V3, a steel intermediate segment 32 is arranged between the spun concrete segments 10, 12, 14 and is fastened by flange plates 32a and 32b to the end plates 10b, 12a, 12b, 14b of the column base segment 10, the column head segment 14, or the intermediate segment 12. The cantilever A can be welded or bolted to the steel intermediate segment 32.

[0069] In variant V4, a thick connecting element 34, designed, for example, as an adapter ring plate, is arranged between the concrete parts. The connecting element 34 has a nose part 34a arranged in the direction of the boom A. The boom A is bolted to the connecting element 34 using a classic strap connection 36 on the surface of the nose part 34a or articulated using a bolt. Since the connecting element 34 is not welded, the use of heat-treated steel, such as 42CrMo4 or 34CrNiMo6, is very advantageous from a static point of view and is technically feasible. Steel roller coasters are constructed from standard structural steel with a yield strength of up to 355 MPa. In the present invention V4 of an unwelded intermediate plate for bolting one boom A or several booms A together, the use of heat-treated steel is very suitable, especially since the fatigue strength and load-bearing capacity are significantly higher compared to structural steel.

[0070] Furthermore, such a connecting element 34, illustrated in Fig. 5B - V4, serves to form a coaxial connection between two hollow-section steel segments 10, 12, 14. It replaces the hollow-section connection forms commonly used for this purpose.

[0071] The connecting element 34 comprises a first connecting surface FL1 at a first end of the connecting element 34. The first connecting surface FL1 is in releasable contact with an end of a first segment 10, 12, 14 or can be brought into contact with it. Furthermore, it has a second connecting surface FL2 at a second end of the connecting element 34 opposite the first end. The second connecting surface FL2 is in releasable contact with an end of a further segment 10, 12, 14 or can be brought into contact with it. Furthermore, the connecting element 34 comprises the above-described protruding nose part 34a, which non-positively connects a boom A to the connecting element 34 by means of a tab connection 36.

[0072] In conventional hollow profile connections, connecting elements are welded to the segments, which, in addition to increasing material requirements, places corresponding demands on the segments. For example, a lower segment must have a thicker wall than an upper segment to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity of a support composed of these segments. Furthermore, such a connection cannot be easily removed, which complicates maintenance of the segments or makes it difficult to replace them individually. In the assembled state, the connecting element 34 according to the invention is in detachable contact with the segments 10, 12, 14, whereby no additional requirements regarding properties such as wall thickness are necessary for the segments 10, 12, 14. Furthermore, the segments 10, 12 can be individually replaced using the detachable contact, which simplifies maintenance.

[0073] As can be seen from the exploded view in Fig. 5B - V4, the first connecting surface FL1 of the connecting element 34 can be or be brought into releasable contact with a first end plate 12a, 14b arranged at the end of the first segment 12, 14.

[0074] The second connecting surface FL2 of the connecting element 34 can further be or be brought into releasable contact with a further end plate 10b, 12b arranged at the end of the further segment 10, 12.

[0075] The coaxial connection of the first segment 12, 14, the connecting element 34, and the further segment 10, 12 can be achieved by a screw connection. In the example shown in Fig. 5B - V4, connecting screws extend through coaxial bores in the connecting plate 12a, 14b of the first segment 12, 14, the connecting element 34, and in the connecting plate 10b, 12b of the further segment 10, 12.

[0076] As already described above, the connecting element 34 can be made of tempered steel, in particular 42CrMo4 or 34CrNiMo6. The use of tempered steel is preferred here, since its fatigue strength and load-bearing capacity are significantly higher compared to structural steel. Furthermore, by optimally selecting the transition radii R of the nose section 34a, a low-notch connection can be constructed. Thus, the stresses are transferred very effectively and economically into the column 100. The use of structural steel for the connecting element 34 is also possible with a lower load on the cantilever A or a welded nose section 34a.

[0077] The segments 10, 12, 14 can thus also be formed from hollow steel bodies, or as structural steel bodies, or as structural steel tubes and / or have a cylindrical shape. However, according to the invention, at least one segment 10, 12, 14 is formed as a spun concrete hollow body, or as a prestressed spun concrete hollow body.

[0078] One in Fig. 5C Variant V5 shown shows a bolted connection by means of a steel flange AF of a cantilever A using socket bars 36 spun into the concrete. The position of the socket bars is secured by tying them to a slack steel reinforcement 38 of segment 10, 12, 14. By placing an inlay in the spun mold, a straight contact surface of segment 10, 12, 14 is produced for screwing the flange AF.

[0079] Another in Fig 5C The variant V6 shown shows an articulated connection of a tension-compression boom A by using spun-in steel blades 40. In the case of several booms A, entire gusset plates made of steel can also be spun in in a further embodiment (not shown).

[0080] The roller coaster assembly 1000 further includes a car assembly (not shown in Fig. 1C shown) and the rail track S with at least one support device 100 described above, as in Fig. 1C illustrated. The support device 100 is shown here for a section of the roller coaster arrangement 1000, which represents a lift. A lift, lift hill, or elevator hill represents a section of a track structure of the roller coaster arrangement 1000. By transporting the car assembly up onto the lift, the lift receives the potential energy required to travel along the track. Fig. 1CHowever, the lift shown is only an example and the support device 100 can also be used for other structures of the roller coaster arrangement 1000, in particular in the case of a vertical lift or a hump.

[0081] The roller coaster assembly 1000 with the support device 100 according to the invention is characterized by high operational and load-bearing strength, as well as good cost-effectiveness compared to conventional steel support beams. The technical implementation using one or more prefabricated segments 10, 12, 14 can also save costs and enable improved maintainability and accessibility. The slim design of the segments also results in a high architectural quality of the resulting roller coaster assembly 100.

[0082] The idea of the present invention is based on previous experience in the field of construction. The amusement park industry has changed noticeably worldwide in recent years. The use of modern software solutions enables a modern design of steel roller coaster systems. However, the shapes of the support columns of some common roller coaster ride features, such as lifts, humps, and high curves, have not changed. Due to the susceptibility of a simple steel support strut to vibration, especially in somewhat taller structures, one or more infill panels may be necessary.

[0083] The present invention offers the possibility of reducing the space required at the column base, as two- or multi-post column configurations of the high travel figures with low transverse load can be replaced by a single strut. This creates an attractive and appropriate design. Furthermore, spun concrete columns are expected to have more favorable environmental impacts over their life cycle compared to steel composite columns. In addition to the lower steel usage, both the use of reinforcing steel with a high recycled content and the maintenance-free nature of the spun concrete column have a positive impact on the environmental balance. Therefore, good public and social acceptance is expected.

[0084] In summary, it can be said that the prerequisites for the technical implementation of this invention are in place. The standardization situation is clear and offers a reliable assessment of load-bearing capacity. Since some manufacturers are constantly gaining new insights through research projects, expanding the standards through special approvals is recognized practice. Since the concrete columns are indistinguishable from solid steel wall struts in terms of their shape and are preferably bolted together with high-strength prestressed bolts through a flange, integration into existing assembly and maintenance processes at amusement parks is very easy. Susceptibility to errors is eliminated by certified manufacturing processes. Due to the thick concrete cross-section, these components are rated better in terms of fire protection than steel columns. The flexibility of concrete-steel hybrid solutions is a particular advantage.

[0085] The manufacturing costs and overall cost of a spun concrete column can be lower than those of solid steel for some roller coaster rides. These criteria, combined with a reduction in the area required at the column base, offer a product that should be very attractive to amusement parks.

[0086] In the following, some technical aspects of the present invention are briefly outlined again.

[0087] The invention relates to an implementation of spun concrete columns in the amusement park industry. The column consists of one or more segments in a cylindrical or conical design. The conical design of a concrete column offers optimal load-bearing behavior that follows the progression of the internal forces along the column.

[0088] The length and diameter of the segments are determined by manufacturing and transport options. There is no upper limit.

[0089] The segments are preferably connected by bolting two flange plates. Other design variants are possible. The concrete column is prestressed by spun-in steel strands, which are preferably wedged into the flange plates.

[0090] The connection to the column base can be made, for example, with a base plate or as a socket design.

[0091] The required concrete material properties for typical applications in low-transverse load structures are in the range of up to C100 (100 MPa compressive strength). For significantly more heavily loaded structures, UHPC can be implemented with compressive strengths above 100 MPa, preferably starting at 140 MPa.

[0092] The overall structural damping of this system is significantly higher than that of a solid steel column. This results in lower susceptibility to vibration, particularly in the transverse direction due to the vortex excitation phenomenon, as well as in the longitudinal direction.

[0093] Construction tolerances can be compensated for by oversized holes in the flange plates. Column misalignment is minimized using common construction-industry methods, within the range of misalignment for a solid steel column.

[0094] The use of the spun concrete columns according to the invention in the amusement park industry meets all criteria for successful implementation.

[0095] The most important criteria can be summarized as follows. Firstly, economic efficiency and technical feasibility are important. Secondly, the lower susceptibility to vibration compared to solid steel wall columns, as well as sufficient operational and load-bearing strength, play an important role. The improved deformation behavior compared to solid steel wall columns is another criterion. Furthermore, the maintainability and accessibility are comparable to solid steel wall columns but require less effort. Compensation of construction and manufacturing tolerances on site is within the required dimensions. The improved aesthetic aspects are also another criterion.

[0096] For a special application (for example, a column strut with multiple cantilevers for connecting to the rail or to neighboring columns), cross-material hybrid columns are also possible. These consist of a lower concrete module and an upper, solid-walled steel module. Fastening a cantilever to a concrete segment is possible using steel parts, e.g. in the form of a circumferential ring collar. Alternatively, a steel segment in the form of an adapter piece or an adapter plate in various designs can be arranged between two concrete segments. A connecting element designed as an adapter ring plate with a nose part for receiving a cantilever is particularly preferred. A connection can also be made using socket bars spun into the concrete module, which enable a connection to a flange plate attached to the cantilever.Another connection option is a hinged connection or a pre-tensioned screw connection of the boom to a spun-in steel blade of a segment. These connection types can be used depending on requirements.

Claims

1. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) comprising a car arrangement and a rail track (S) with at least one support device (100) having: a column base (10a) for anchoring the support device (100) in a foundation (F1, F2, F3); a column head (14a) which can be connected to the rail track (S) to dissipate a static and dynamic load from the roller coaster arrangement (1000) into the foundation (F1, F2, F3); and at least one module-like segment (10, 14, 12) arranged between the column base (10a) and the column head (14a), characterised in that the support device (100) is designed as a single support column without support beams; and the at least one segment (10, 12, 14) is designed as a prestressed spun concrete hollow body.

2. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 1, characterised in that the segment (10, 12, 14) has a conical shape or a cylindrical shape, wherein, in the case of a conical shape, the segment (10, 12, 14) has a conicity (C) greater than 5 mm / m.

3. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the segment (10, 12, 14) has a length (L) in a range of 10 m to 30 m and / or a wall thickness in a range of 80 mm to 300 mm.

4. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the segment (10, 12, 14), the column base (10a) and the column head (14a) have a diameter in a range of 500 mm to 2500 mm.

5. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a force-locking connection of the segment (10, 12, 14) with a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column base segment (10), a segment (10, 12, 13) designed as an intermediate segment (12), and / or a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column head segment (14) is formed by a flange connection or a plug-in connection.

6. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column base segment (10) has the column base (10a) at one end and an end plate (10b) at a second end opposite the first end, and / or a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column head segment (14) has the column head (14a) at one end and an end plate (14b) at a second end opposite the first end, and / or a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as an intermediate segment (12) has a first end plate (12a) at a first end and a second end plate (12b) at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the end plates (10b, 12a, 12b, 14b) can be connected in a force-locking manner to further end plates (10b, 12a, 12b, 14b) of a further segment (10, 12, 14).

7. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the at least one segment (10, 12, 14) is made of concrete, and that the column base segment (10) and / or the column head segment (14) and / or the intermediate segment (12) also have prestressed steel strands which run through the concrete between the end plates (12a, 12b) of the intermediate segment (12) and / or between the column base (10a) and the end plate (10b) of the column base segment (10) and / or between the column head (14a) and the end plate (14b) of the column head segment (14) and / or between the column base (10a) and the column head (14a).

8. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the segment (10, 12, 14) is made of concrete and comprises a concrete quality class of C80 to C180.

9. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (100) has further segments (10, 12, 14) designed as intermediate segments (12) which are arranged on top of each other in a modular construction to form the individual supporting column.

10. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 9, characterised in that the further intermediate segments (12) are designed as prestressed spun concrete hollow bodies and / or as steel bodies, in particular as structural steel bodies, wherein the support device (100) also has several cantilevers (A) which connect a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column base segment (10) and / or a segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a column head segment (14) and / or the intermediate segments (12) to the rail track (S) or other adjacent columns.

11. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 10, further comprising a ring element (24) which is arranged on the segment (10, 12, 14) and is configured to accommodate one or more cantilevers (A), wherein the ring element (24) is formed as a single piece, or wherein the ring element (24) is formed of multiple parts with ring segments which create a circumferential preloading by means of a screw connection.

12. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 10, further comprising a steel intermediate segment (32) which is arranged between two segments (10, 12, 14) and is configured to accommodate a cantilever (A) or several cantilevers (A).

13. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 10, further comprising a connecting element (34) which is arranged between two segments (10, 12, 14) and is configured to accommodate a cantilever (A) or several cantilevers (A).

14. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 10, characterised in that the segment (10, 12, 14) designed as a prestressed spun concrete hollow body also has a spun female bar (36) or several spun female bars (36) which are configured to connect a cantilever (A) or several cantilevers (A) to the segment (10, 12, 14).

15. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 10, further comprising a cantilever (A) which is arranged on a spun steel sword (40) of the segment (10, 12, 14) by means of an articulated connection or a pre-loaded screw connection.

16. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 13, wherein the connecting element (34) has: a first connecting surface (FL 1) at a first end of the connecting element (34), wherein the first connecting surface (FL 1) is or can be brought into separable contact with one end of a first segment (12, 14) of the two segments (12, 14); a second connecting surface (FL2) at a second end of the connecting element (34) opposite the first end, wherein the second connecting surface (FL2) is or can be brought into separable contact with one end of a second segment (10, 12) of the two segments (10, 12); and a projecting nose part (34a) which is configured to connect the cantilever (A) to the connecting element (34) in a force-locking manner by means of a butt joint (36).

17. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 16, characterised in that the connecting element (34) is designed as a ring adapter plate or as a circular adapter plate.

18. Roller coaster arrangement (1000) according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the connection of the first segment (12, 14), the second segment (10, 12) and the connecting element (34) arranged coaxially between the first segment (12, 14) and the further segment (10, 12) is effected by means of a common screw connection passing through three coaxial bores, arranged in line, in the two segments and the connecting element.