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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ride (1), in particular a water ride, with at least one track (10) and at least one, preferably at least two, passenger-carrying vehicle (20), which can travel along a track (11) in one direction of travel, wherein the at least one vehicle (20) or one of the at least two vehicles (20) can be moved at least partially against the direction of travel by an active drive (50, 60). The present invention further relates to a method for operating such a ride (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ride with the features of claim 1.

[0002] Amusement rides are known from the prior art in various designs and are provided as stationary or semi-stationary installations or attractions, particularly in amusement parks, for passengers. Typical amusement rides can be water rides or roller coasters, which have a track for at least one vehicle moving along it. The at least one moving vehicle can accommodate at least one passenger, and for a shared experience, such vehicles can typically accommodate multiple passengers to allow for both individual and group experiences.

[0003] To provide at least one passenger with the most realistic riding experience possible, the vehicle should be able to realistically perform natural and expected movements. For example, a water ride should ideally convey the feeling of a realistic boat ride, with the vehicle following both the water's movements and the movements caused by the passengers, such as rocking.

[0004] Several water rides are known from the prior art, which are modeled after a whitewater rafting course with a body of water and in which the vehicle is a floating boat. Vehicles of these known water rides can be propelled either passively by gravity and the current in the water and / or actively, for example by a traction device below the water's surface.

[0005] To ensure the most natural operation possible, the boats are allowed to float more or less freely. However, tragic accidents have occurred in the past due to the boat not being kept under control throughout the entire route. Such accidents are often caused by the boat capsizing or rolling over as a result of passenger error.

[0006] Such water rides are known, for example, from US 2012 / 291657 A1, EP 2 505 241 A1, FR 681 822 A, US 2015 / 190726 A1, WO 2016 / 014243 A1 and US 2005 / 090320 A1.

[0007] With the currently known rides, it has also proven to be a disadvantage that throughput-optimized operation of the ride and an individualized experience can only be realized to a limited extent.

[0008] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0009] The present invention is therefore dedicated to the task of providing an improved amusement ride, in particular an improved water ride, which appropriately improves the rides known from the prior art, enables safe operation of an amusement ride, provides customizable experiences and enables throughput-optimized operation.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] The ride according to the invention, in particular the water ride according to the invention, with the features of the preamble of claim 1, has a track guide with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicle carrying at least one passenger, which can travel on the track guide in one direction.

[0012] In connection with this invention, a ride is understood to be a stationary, semi-stationary or mobile amusement device, preferably used in an amusement park for the entertainment of passengers.

[0013] Furthermore, in connection with this invention, a rail guide is understood to be a guide system with at least one, preferably two, rails, which preferably run parallel and spaced apart from each other. The at least one vehicle can be movably supported on the rail guide by means of rollers or wheels, wherein, more preferably, the at least one vehicle engages the at least one rail of the rail guide and is held securely supported thereon.

[0014] Here and in the following sections, a distinction will continue to be made between active and passive propulsion. Active propulsion requires a motor of any design, which allows the vehicle to be accelerated or decelerated in a controlled manner. In contrast, passive propulsion involves driving the vehicle passively, either by gravity or by an air or water current.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the track of the ride runs at least partially within a body of water. According to this advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the ride is therefore designed as a water ride that includes at least a section of a body of water, wherein the body of water can, for example, be a whitewater stream or river with rapids and backwater areas. The track is preferably arranged below the water's surface in the body of water and guides the at least one vehicle through the water without the track's course being immediately apparent to the passenger. For this purpose, the water can also be colored by additives that obscure the view of the track below the water's surface.

[0016] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the track can be traversed by the at least one vehicle in a circular motion in the direction of travel. The track can preferably be a closed circular path, wherein, in normal operation and from a global perspective, the closed circular path is traversed unidirectionally in the direction of travel by the at least one vehicle, transporting the at least one passenger from an entrance to an exit. The entrance and the exit can be located in a common station. In particular, by traversing the track in a circular motion, vehicles can be timed or several vehicles can be sent onto the track one after the other, thereby enabling the ride to be designed for a continuous throughput of passengers and further increasing the capacity for throughput optimization.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides for a waiting area – preferably interactive – in the station, particularly in the entrance area and thus before the ride on the at least one vehicle of the attraction. Games, quizzes, and other competitions can be held in the interactive waiting area, and their results can be evaluated. Based on the results, both the seats and roles, such as those of passengers during the ride, can be assigned. Such roles could include, for example, commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain, or similar. It has also been shown that a predetermined seating arrangement in the at least one vehicle prevents physical competition for specific seats, such as in the front row, and ensures a smooth boarding process. Furthermore, the waiting time for passengers can be made more pleasant.Alternatively or additionally, seats or roles can be assigned via a payment function or queue management. Devices can be issued for the competitions and / or for the ride in the vehicle; these can be collected again later, either before or after the ride.

[0018] According to a further development of the present invention, the water can flow in the direction of travel, at least in certain sections, and the vehicle can be passively propelled or carried along by the current of the water, at least in certain sections. The current in the water can be facilitated by a corresponding gradient, so that in certain sections the at least one vehicle on the route is not actively propelled.

[0019] According to the invention, the at least one vehicle comprises a rail vehicle and a floating boat for carrying at least one passenger. The floating boat is coupled to the rail vehicle by means of a connecting device that allows the boat to float above the rail vehicle and permits limited lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the boat relative to the rail vehicle when floating. The floating boat is thus designed as a buoyancy body that generates sufficient buoyancy to allow the boat, including a permissible capacity of at least one passenger plus a safety factor, to float freely.The connecting mechanism allows a lifting motion that enables the boat to float freely above the rail vehicle, thus allowing the lateral and longitudinal movements typical of a boat ride, such as rocking and rolling motions, which largely correspond to a natural swimming motion. The boat's floating movements are therefore mechanically decoupled from the rail vehicle, giving the passenger the sensation of a realistic boat ride while floating.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting device is designed such that the boat, when floated, is laterally and longitudinally movable within an angle range of ±50°, preferably ±30°, relative to the rail vehicle. The connecting device thus limits the maximum deflection, tilt, or inclination of the boat, ensuring that the boat is safely guided throughout the entire ride and that capsizing is impossible.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the connecting device comprises at least one actuator by which the boat can actively perform a transverse, longitudinal, and / or lifting movement relative to the rail vehicle. The at least one actuator can preferably be synchronized together with other effects that execute transverse, longitudinal, and / or lifting movements of the boat.

[0022] For example, along the ride's route, an animation can be presented to passengers in the at least one vehicle via a playback device, with at least one actuator moving the boat depending on the animation. To give a concrete example, the animation could depict the sudden appearance of a monster in front of the vehicle or boat, with the monster's wake being simulated by the actuator on the boat. It can also be particularly advantageous if the at least one active drive – also synchronized with the animation – moves the vehicle in the opposite direction, i.e., backwards, thus simulating not only the monster's wake but also the resulting current and the vehicle's evasive maneuver.Synchronization between the effects and the at least one active drive can be achieved both via a joint control system for the ride and via appropriate communication interfaces between the individual components of the ride.

[0023] A further development of the present invention provides that the connecting device comprises articulated rods. The articulated rods connect the rail vehicle and the boat via suitable joints, whereby it is always ensured that the rail vehicle is preferably mechanically connected to the boat and thus permanent control over the boat or over the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is guaranteed.

[0024] According to a further development of the present invention, lockable coupling elements can be provided by which the position and / or orientation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle can be fixed. With a suitable design of the track, the coupling elements can, when the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle, firmly connect the boat to the rail vehicle in a specific position and preferably lock fully automatically. The coupling elements can also be configured to suppress longitudinal and / or lateral movement when the boat is floating, for example, to give anxious passengers a sense of security during the ride. The lockable coupling elements can also limit the angular range in which the boat is laterally and / or longitudinally movable to larger or smaller angle ranges, such as...to limit the angle to ±5°, ±10°, ±15°, ±20°, ±25°, ±30°, ±35°, ±40°, ±45°, or even up to ±50°, in order to allow for target group-appropriate movement of the boat in the floated state.

[0025] A further development of the present invention provides for a pivot joint by which the boat can be rotated relative to the rail vehicle about a vertical axis. By definition, the vertical axis is the yaw axis of the rail vehicle. The pivot joint allows the boat to be rotated relative to the rail vehicle, thus enabling the direction of travel of the rail vehicle and the orientation of the boat to differ. In particular, it can be advantageous when the vehicle is traveling against the direction of travel due to its active drive that the boat can be rotated to orient itself so that the passengers, in their intended position, face the direction of travel. The pivot joint can also be used to orient the boat in any desired direction along the track, so that the passengers have the best possible view of an animation, a performance, or other attraction along the route.

[0026] According to the invention, the alignment of the boat around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle is effected by an actuator, whereby the rotation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is controlled and possibly synchronized to produce effects.

[0027] A further development of the present invention provides for a first active drive and at least a second active drive, and that the at least one second active drive can propel the at least one vehicle along the route independently of the first active drive. The first active drive and the at least one second active drive can be of different designs and, in particular, have different drive power outputs. For example, the first active drive can continuously propel the vehicle, while the second active drive is a power-optimized drive that can briefly accelerate the vehicle to a high speed in a section of the route. For example, the drive power of the at least one second drive can provide several times, in particular five times, ten times, or fifteen times, the drive power for the respective vehicle.

[0028] Manual propulsion options can also be provided for at least one passenger. For example, at least one vehicle can have a pedal drive, allowing passengers to assist the at least one active propulsion system. Paddles, boat hooks, or similar equipment can also be provided.

[0029] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one vehicle has at least one coupling device by which at least one of the active drives can be coupled or decoupled. For example, to briefly accelerate the vehicle to a high speed, the coupling device can decouple the first active drive and couple the second active drive.

[0030] The coupling device also fulfills safety requirements. In the event of a technical failure on the vehicle, it must be ensured that at least one passenger on board can complete the ride safely and without getting wet. The coupling device can, for example, decouple all active drives, allowing the vehicle to move freely on the track and be towed by another vehicle. This second vehicle can then push the stationary vehicle to the exit or station. Alternatively, in the event of a technical failure, the coupling device can switch between the drives to continue the ride to the exit or station.

[0031] The first active drive and / or the at least one second active drive can be, or according to a further development of the present invention can be, a rope or conveyor chain drive, a gear drive or a friction wheel drive. In the case that at least one of the active drives is a rope or conveyor chain drive, the coupling device can comprise one or more clamps by which a coupling between the respective vehicle and the active drive can be effected.

[0032] Furthermore, the gear drive or the friction wheel drive can be accomplished by a sword, by a protruding tube or a pipe rail along the rail guide, wherein a driven gear of the vehicle engages in a corresponding counter-toothing of the sword or one or more driven friction wheels of the vehicle are in operative connection with the sword.

[0033] A combination of different drive systems allows the advantages of each to be combined, enabling all scenarios and driving situations depending on the desired operating profile of the ride. For example, a rope or conveyor chain drive can be powered by a motor located outside the vehicle, making accessibility, maintenance, and operation simple and efficient. In particular, no power supply is required for the vehicle itself, eliminating the need for a complex power supply system that could potentially cause other inconveniences.

[0034] A further development of the present invention provides that at least one of the active drives is fixedly arranged on the vehicle. In particular, it is preferred if at least one of the active drives is fixedly arranged in or on the rail vehicle. During normal operation of the ride, the at least one active drive in the rail vehicle remains hidden from the passengers' view, and the passengers can be given the illusion that the vehicle is moving freely along the track.

[0035] According to a further development of the present invention, the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy inductively, via cable, by means of a battery or capacitors / supercapacitors, and / or by means of a current collector. Fuel cells can also be used. In particular, for rides with a short total travel distance of up to 500 m, a cable-based electrical energy supply has proven advantageous. The cable can be kept taut in the air above the ride by suitable means, ensuring a continuous supply of electrical energy to the vehicle. A current collector or so-called pantograph can also be provided, which contacts at least one electrical conductor arranged in sections adjacent to the travel distance for the transmission of electrical energy.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle has a mast at the free end of which means for transmitting electrical energy are provided. In particular, it is preferred if the pickup shoe or the cable is attached to the free end of the mast.

[0037] If the electrical power supply is via cable, it can be advantageous for the mast to be mounted on the rail vehicle and extend away from it, rather than from the boat. The cable could potentially exert an unwanted force on the mast, causing the boat to list.

[0038] In another scenario, where electrical power is supplied via a pickup shoe, the mast can be attached to the boat and extend beyond it. The mast may feature dummy nautical instruments or sails, thus concealing its true purpose: to connect the pickup shoe at its free end to at least one electrical conductor.

[0039] In particular, it has proven advantageous if at least one electrical conductor is arranged, at least in sections, above the track of the ride and can be contacted by the pickup shoe 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 track, taking into account any potential deflection of the vehicle. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that an electrical conductor is only required where active propulsion of the at least one vehicle is necessary. Therefore, in sections where the rail vehicle is passively propelled by the current in the water or by gravity, a supply of electrical energy is not necessarily required.Such a supply of electrical energy can also be used to charge a battery or capacitor / supercapacitor - also called caps or supercapacitors - of the vehicle.

[0040] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the track includes at least one section in which the vehicle emerges completely or partially from the water. In particular, it is advantageous if the vehicle emerges completely or partially from the water at the entrance and / or exit, or at the station, and the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle and firmly connected to the rail vehicle in this state by the coupling elements. This measure ensures that the vehicle experiences no or only limited tilting or rocking when the at least one passenger boards and disembarks.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the at least one vehicle has a control device, and that the control device enables the at least one passenger to actively influence the driving behavior of the respective vehicle. The control device can have corresponding actuating elements on the vehicle, which, for example, simulate a boat's steering console, thereby allowing the at least one passenger to temporarily or intermittently assume the role of a helmsman or coxswain during the journey and to actively influence the driving behavior of the respective vehicle by making corresponding inputs to the actuating elements.

[0042] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the control unit has an interface that can be connected to a passenger's personal mobile device, preferably wirelessly, and that the passenger can actively influence the vehicle's driving behavior via their personal mobile device. In particular, it is preferred if the ride provides a ride-specific app for the passenger's personal mobile device, which the passenger can preferably download and install on their personal mobile device before riding the ride. The ride-specific app can be downloaded from app stores for different operating system platforms and can be used economically through appropriate pricing.

[0043] The ride-specific app can be run during the ride and transmits passenger control commands from their personal mobile device to the control unit via the interface. Passenger control commands can be generated, for example, by movement such as tilting their mobile device, or by manual input.

[0044] In this context, the vehicle's handling characteristics can be understood as speed, direction of travel, rotation around the vehicle's vertical axis, longitudinal and / or lateral movement, i.e., rocking or rolling. Rotation around the vehicle's vertical axis, as well as longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the boat, can be generated by at least one actuator or control element of the swivel joint of the connecting device.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the track guide comprises at least one switch. It is particularly preferred if, along the track, the track guide has a dead end adjacent to a switch, thereby enabling novel effects. For example, the at least one vehicle can approach the dead end of the track guide at high speed and come to an abrupt stop before reaching it. During the sudden braking, the vehicle can perform a superimposed movement about its transverse axis. Simultaneously, animations or presentations can be shown using display devices, and at the same time, the switch can be moved without the at least one passenger noticing, preferably discreetly below the water's surface. The vehicle can then continue its journey from the dead end in the opposite direction.

[0046] To give a concrete example, there might be an obstacle at the dead end, or instead of an obstacle, the track might be bent and visibly end in mid-air. A human or fictional figure could also be sitting on the track, performing welding work on the damaged or broken section. The at least one passenger pays close attention to the scene and doesn't actually notice the change in the vehicle's direction. As soon as the tension begins to dissipate, the at least one passenger may already be in another unusual riding situation, and the tension is maintained throughout the ride.

[0047] In the event that the vehicle comprises the rail vehicle and the boat, it may be preferred that the boat is rotated around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by means of the swivel joint in the section of the dead end by the actuator in a superimposed manner, so that the passengers are oriented in the direction of travel as intended in the following driving situation.

[0048] A further development of the present invention provides for at least one effect vehicle that can travel on the track. This at least one effect vehicle can move autonomously, independent of the at least one vehicle for transporting at least one passenger, and can be used to generate a variety of effects. For example, the effect vehicle can represent a pursuing vehicle, a monster, a sea monster, a pirate ship, or the like. The effect vehicle can also be a launch torpedo or a booster.

[0049] The "Launch Torpedo" or "Booster" is an autonomous rail vehicle with a performance-optimized drive system. The "Launch Torpedo" or "Booster" can couple to at least one passenger-carrying vehicle and accelerate it significantly. The "Launch Torpedo" or "Booster" can be coupled to the passenger-carrying vehicle and accelerate it accompanied by special effects such as engine sounds, steam, water jets, etc.

[0050] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the at least one effect vehicle can be guided onto and / or away from the track by means of the at least one switch. The at least one effect vehicle can be guided from a starting position onto a section of the track and interact in this section with the at least one vehicle carrying a passenger. Subsequently, the effect vehicle can be guided away from the track and return to the starting position via a "bypass" to wait there for another vehicle. The effect vehicle can also be randomly controlled or sent onto the track for interaction every xth passage of the at least one vehicle.

[0051] The effect vehicle can, for example, represent an enemy attack by pirates with a chase in the corresponding section of the track. Alternatively, the effect vehicle can act as a "launch torpedo" or "booster" in the corresponding section, accelerating the respective vehicle and then returning to its starting position to wait for a following vehicle.

[0052] If the ride is designed as a water ride and includes a body of water, it may be preferable for the special effects vehicle to be configured to be completely submerged. This ensures that the special effects vehicle is not visible to the riders, both in its starting position and along its route, and thus remains hidden.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the effect vehicle may have at least one actuator for operating objects and / or for animating or generating effects. For example, the actuator may raise or lower a monster. In particular, if the effect vehicle is positioned entirely below the water's surface, the object or monster may suddenly emerge from the water, creating a surprise effect that captivates the at least one passenger. The at least one actuator may also, for example, operate cannons or water cannons to simulate an enemy attack.

[0054] Further development of the special effects vehicle envisions that it can be staffed with people. These people are preferably employees of the ride operator and can represent marauding pirates, a wild mob, monsters, or similar characters, and interact with the passengers. The people can also operate cannons or water cannons to realistically simulate an enemy attack.

[0055] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one effect vehicle has actuating means by which the effect vehicle can actuate the coupling device and / or the lockable coupling elements of the at least one vehicle, i.e., open and / or close them. For example, the effect vehicle can actuate the coupling device, thereby decoupling the at least one active drive and allowing the corresponding vehicle to be driven solely by the effect vehicle.

[0056] It can also be advantageous if the locking coupling elements are actuated by the effect vehicle, thereby fixing the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle and holding the boat in a safe position, for example during strong acceleration.

[0057] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the driving track includes a section with a basin, wherein the water level in the basin can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner. The water level in the basin can be raised abruptly or rapidly by supplying water, for example, by pumps in the basin floor or by a surge of water (e.g., a waterfall). The water can be drained and the water level in the basin lowered either at a timed interval or when a certain water level is exceeded. A sudden draining of the water can be accomplished, for example, by a lock gate through which the vehicle can also pass.

[0058] It may be preferable for at least one vehicle to first enter the basin, after which the water level is raised in a controlled manner, with the boat simultaneously following the rising water level. When the water is drained from the basin, the journey along the route can be resumed abruptly, giving the passenger the sensation of being swept along by the receding water.

[0059] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the rail guide has at least one rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm is pivotable about an axis, preferably transverse to the direction of travel. The rocker arm can comprise a section of the rail guide, as described in DE 10 2014 101 007 A1, DE 10 2016 109 373 A1, or DE 10 2013 222 910 A1, and the at least one vehicle can drive onto the section of the rail guide with the rocker arm. Subsequently, a movement can be transmitted to the vehicle by a pivoting movement about the axis of the rocker arm. The vehicle can then drive off the rocker arm, either by active drive or passively, and follow the track in the direction of travel.

[0060] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that both a section of the track includes the basin and the at least one seesaw. It is particularly preferred if the at least one seesaw is arranged section by section within the basin and forms part of the basin's edge. When the water level in the basin is raised in a controlled manner, the vehicle can drive onto the section of the seesaw's track guide, and subsequently, the pivoting motion of the seesaw can "lift" the vehicle over the basin's edge. Together with a splash of water, the journey can then continue over the remaining section of the track.

[0061] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary embodiment of an amusement ride according to the invention, in particular a water ride, as well as three further developments. The drawings show: Figure 1 is a highly simplified representation of a ride with a track and at least one vehicle capable of carrying at least one passenger, which can travel along the track in one direction. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a vehicle of the ride according to... Figure 1 Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an effect vehicle and a vehicle of the ride according to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a track section with a dead end and a switch, and Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a track section with a pool and a seesaw.

[0062] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent components are identified by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not all identical or functionally equivalent parts are assigned a reference numeral in the individual figures.

[0063] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a highly simplified top view of a ride 1. The ride 1 is a water ride featuring a natural or artificial body of water 5. The artificial body of water 5 can include one or more lakes, streams, or whitewater courses. The ride 1 also has a track 10, which can have at least one (not shown) guide rail, preferably two parallel and spaced-apart (also not shown) guide rails. The track 10 defines a travel path 11 for at least one vehicle 20, whereby the at least one vehicle 20, guided on the track 10, can travel along the travel path 11 in one direction. The direction of travel is indicated in the Figure 1represented by arrows in the vehicles 20, the direction of travel being a main direction of travel which typically follows a gradient of the watercourse 5 and describes a direction of movement from a starting point in a station 9 to an endpoint, possibly also in the station 9.

[0064] The track 11 can be a closed circular path, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, and a plurality of vehicles 20 can travel along the track 11 in a circular pattern one after the other, making the present ride 1 suitable for a high throughput of passengers and continuous operation.

[0065] The track 10, or the travel path 11, can have a multitude of sharp curves, whereby the sharp curves can simulate a journey through a canyon or whitewater, and beyond the travel path 11 in the water 5, rocks, debris, islands, or other objects can be arranged. The sharp curves allow the vehicle 20 to meander around the objects along the travel path 11, and through several abrupt changes of direction, simulate dangerous situations and build suspense.

[0066] Straight sections of track 11 can be used to perform downhill runs or to accelerate the vehicle 20 - as will be described in detail later.

[0067] The at least one vehicle 20, which is exemplified in the Figure 2 and 3As detailed, the system is configured to accommodate at least one passenger, preferably several. Passengers can board vehicle 20 at an entrance in station 9, and after the journey has concluded, they can preferably exit vehicle 20 again at station 9 via an exit.

[0068] The passengers take their places in the vehicle as intended, whereby the vehicle may have several rows of seats and each row may have several seats arranged next to each other.

[0069] With reference to the Figure 2 It is evident that the vehicle 20 comprises a rail vehicle 30 and a boat 40, the boat 40 being firmly connected to the rail vehicle 30 by means of a connecting device 25.

[0070] The rail vehicle 30 has a chassis 31 with running and support wheels 32 (only indicated in the drawing) that support the rail vehicle 30 against a guide rail of the track 10. Preferably, the running and support wheels 32 engage the guide rail, thus ensuring that the rail vehicle 30 is held securely against the track 10. The rail vehicle 30 can have two or more axles with running and support wheels 32, with each axle being rotatable about a pivot point relative to the rail vehicle 30, thus enabling it to negotiate particularly tight curves.

[0071] The boat 40 has the seat(s) for the passenger(s) and is a buoyant body that can float freely in the body of water 5 even when fully loaded.

[0072] The connecting device 25 is shown in an extremely simplified form in the accompanying figures and comprises several articulated rods 28 that mechanically connect the rail vehicle 30 and the boat 40. The connecting device 25 allows the boat 40 to perform typical water movements relative to the rail vehicle 30, enabling it to float above the rail vehicle 30 and also permitting limited transverse and / or longitudinal movements of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30 when floating. The transverse movement occurs about a transverse axis Y, and the longitudinal movement occurs about a longitudinal axis X. The resulting movements are indicated by double arrows in the Figure 2 and 3This mobility of the boat 40 compared to the rail vehicle 30 allows the boat 40 to perform rolling, tilting, or rocking movements, thus conveying the feeling of a boat ride that is as realistic as possible.

[0073] However, the connecting device 25 restricts the longitudinal and transverse movements of the boat 40 to a predetermined range in order to ensure the safe operation of the ride 1 at all times and to protect the boat 40 from capsizing or severe heeling.

[0074] Furthermore, the connecting device 25 can have one or more actuators 26 by which a longitudinal or transverse movement can be applied to the boat 40. The actuator 26 can be controlled in synchronization with animations or performances that can be presented to the passengers along the track of the ride 1, whereby the movement of the boat 40 by the at least one actuator 26 is coordinated with the animation or performance.

[0075] Furthermore, it shows Figure 2 The vehicle 20 has a pivot joint 35 by which the boat 40 can be rotated about a vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30. Rotation of the boat 40 about the vertical axis Z of the rail vehicle 30 can be effected by a corresponding actuator 36.

[0076] Furthermore, lockable coupling elements 27 can be provided, by which the position and / or orientation of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30 can be determined. In particular, the coupling elements 27 can determine the orientation and / or position of the boat 40 in the station 9 so that passengers can board and disembark the boat 40 without the boat listing or only listing to a limited extent.

[0077] The ride 1 can furthermore have at least one active drive 50, wherein in the illustrated embodiment according to Figure 2 The ride 1 has a first active drive 50 and a second active drive 60.

[0078] The first active drive 50 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle 20 or on the rail vehicle 30 and comprises a motor 55 of any design. Preferably, the motor 55 is an electric motor 55, which is characterized in that it drives the vehicle 20 essentially silently and the passenger does not consciously perceive the active drive 50 of the vehicle 20.

[0079] The second active drive 60 can be operated independently of the first active drive 50 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is a cable drive 62 configured to pull the vehicle 20 along the travel route 11, at least section by section.

[0080] The vehicle 20 further comprises a coupling device 15, which may include clamps 16 and couplings, enabling the vehicle 20 to switch between the active drives 50 and 60 at any time. For example, the coupling device 15 can use the clamp 16 to couple the vehicle 20 to the second active drive 60, i.e., the cable drive 62, which is configured, for instance, to pull the vehicle over a longer distance at a high speed using several pulleys, but also, if necessary, at a constant speed. The coupling device 15 can also decouple the first active drive 50.

[0081] Multiple cable drives 62 with different speeds can also be provided, with the coupling device 15 having several clamps for coupling. The active drives 50, 60 can also run in different directions, thus enabling the vehicle to travel against the direction of travel, at least in sections, along the track 11.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the first active drive 50 is rigidly connected to the vehicle 20. The drive 50 can be supplied with energy by an energy storage device in the vehicle 20. If electrical energy is required to operate the vehicle 20, this energy can be provided by a battery. It is also conceivable to transmit the electrical energy inductively or via cable to the vehicle 20 along the route 11. Capacitors or supercapacitors, and / or fuel cells can also be used to supply the vehicle 20 with electrical energy, at least temporarily.

[0083] As from Figure 2As can be seen, the vehicle 20 or the boat 40 may have decorative elements such as a mast 44 and a sail 45, but also (not shown) nautical instruments. The mast extends from the boat 40 and has a contact at its free end 46, which is designed to contact an electrical conductor located above the track 11.

[0084] To personalize the passenger experience, the vehicle 20 can have a control unit 70 through which the passenger can influence the vehicle's behavior during the journey. For example, the vehicle 20 or the boat 40 can be equipped with controls 72 so that the passenger can assume the role of a captain or helmsman and actively influence the vehicle's behavior in sections or for limited periods of time by making inputs. For example, the passenger can accelerate, decelerate, reverse, or forward drive the vehicle 20, or selectively deflect the boat 40 in the longitudinal and / or lateral direction using at least one actuator 26.

[0085] An interactive waiting area can be provided in station 9, particularly in the entrance area and thus before the ride on at least one vehicle 20 of ride 1. Games, quizzes, and other competitions can be held in this interactive waiting area, and the results can be evaluated. Based on these results, both the seats and roles of the passengers during the ride on ride 1 can be assigned.

[0086] Such a role could be, for example, commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain, or similar. Accessories such as a captain's hat, a control element, or an end device for the control unit, etc., can also be issued. The control unit 70 can have an interface 75 configured to receive control signals preferably wirelessly. For example, the passenger can install software or an app on their personal device 80 that evaluates the passenger's input and sends control signals to the control unit 70 via the interface 75.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a schematic section of the Figure 1 , where vehicle 20 is followed by an effect vehicle 90 in a section of route 11.

[0088] The effect vehicle 90 is preferably an autonomously driving vehicle with a chassis 91 and rotating, mounted running and support wheels 92, which support the effect vehicle 90 on the rail guide 10. The effect vehicle 90 preferably or predominantly travels completely below the water surface of the body of water 8 and is thus protected from the view of the passenger. The effect vehicle 90 can be driven by a suitable active drive 50, 60.

[0089] The effect vehicle 90 can be directed from a starting position onto track 11 by means of a switch 13 and, by means of a second switch 13, leave track 11 and return to the starting position via a bypass 14. The bypass 14 is in Figure 1 represented by a dashed line.

[0090] The effect vehicle 90 is configured to interact with the vehicle 20 in a section between the two switches and can have an actuator 95 for operating objects and / or animating or generating effects. For example, the actuator can raise or lower a monster 99. In particular, if the effect vehicle 90 is positioned completely below the water's surface, the monster 99 can suddenly emerge from the water 5. The actuator 95 can also operate cannons, water cannons, or similar devices, for example, to simulate an attack by a pirate ship. An additional configuration, not shown, can include an effect vehicle 90 that, for example, accelerates the vehicle 20 to a particularly high speed during a run in a straight section of track.For this purpose, the effect vehicle 90 – as previously described in another context – can be guided onto and away from track 11. The effect vehicle 90 is a high-performance vehicle capable of pushing vehicle 20. The effect vehicle 90, with appropriate decoration, can act as a "booster" or "launch torpedo" to push vehicle 20 and then be decoupled from it. For this purpose, the 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. The effect vehicle 90 can have actuating means by which it can actuate the coupling device 15 and / or the lockable coupling elements 27 of at least one vehicle 20.For example, the effect vehicle 90 can actuate the coupling device 15, thereby decoupling the active drives 50, 60, so that the boat 40 is fixed in position relative to the rail vehicle 30 by the lockable coupling elements 27 until the speed is reduced again.

[0091] The braking of vehicle 20 in the body of water 5 can be achieved by a "big splash". For this purpose, the track guide 10 initially runs close to the surface of the water in the body of water 5 and then dips down, causing the boat 40 to plunge into the water and resulting in a "splashdown" with a corresponding spray.

[0092] Figure 4This shows that the track 11 can have a dead end 12. At the dead end 12, animations or performances can be shown to the passenger, while below the water surface of the body of water 5 the switch 13 is thrown and the vehicle 20 can continue its journey along the track in the opposite direction.

[0093] As previously described, the body of water can have 5 lakes, which can be formed by a basin 8 along the route 11. The basin 8 has a surrounding basin edge 8' and furthermore means for the controlled raising and lowering of a water level in the basin 8.

[0094] In Figure 5These means are symbolically represented by a valve and a water reservoir in the area of ​​the bottom of basin 8; however, in connection with this invention, the water level in basin 8 can be raised in any number of ways. For example, it is possible to raise the water level in basin 8 by means of a sudden waterfall or to raise and lower it by opening a water-supplying sluice gate. For example, a dam breach can be represented in this way.

[0095] When the water level in the basin is raised and lowered, the boat 40 can float freely relative to the rail vehicle and thus follows the water level. The track 11 leads to the basin edge 8', where a seesaw 18 with a movable section of the rail guide 10 is arranged. The section of the rail guide 10 of the seesaw 18 can be pivoted about at least one axis, preferably transversely to the rail guide 10, by suitable actuators. In order to drive the vehicle 20 "over" the basin edge 8', the vehicle 20 first drives onto the seesaw 18. Subsequently, the seesaw 18 is pivoted about the axis, and the vehicle 20 can drive off the seesaw 18 and continue its journey normally along the track 11. Figure 5 The seesaw 18 and the vehicle 20 are shown with dashed lines after the seesaw 18 has been pivoted. The dashed arrow in Figure 5 symbolizes the path of vehicle 20 over seesaw 18. Reference symbol list

[0096] 1 Ride 5 Water 8 Basin 8 Basin Edge 9 Station 10 Track 11 Route 12 End 13 Switch 14 Bypass 15 Coupling Device 16 Clamp 18 Seesaw 19 Electrical Conductor 20 Vehicle 25 Connecting Device 26 Actuator 27 Coupling Elements 28 Linkage Rods 30 Rail Vehicle 31 Chassis 32 Support Wheels 35 Swivel Joint 36 Actuator 40 Boat 44 Mast 45 Sail 50 Drive 55 Motor 60 Drive 62 Cable Drive 70 Control Device 72 Operating Elements 75 Interface 80 Terminal Unit 90 Effect Vehicle 91 Chassis 92 Support Wheels 95 Actuator 99 Sea Monster XLongitudinal axis Ytransverse axis Zvertical axis

Claims

1. Amusement ride (1), in particular water amusement ride, comprising at least one rail guide (10) having at least one, preferably two, vehicle (20) that receives a passenger and that can travel on the rail guide (10), guided on a travel route (11), in a direction of travel, in which the vehicle (20) comprises a rail vehicle (30) and a floatable boat (40) for receiving the at least one passenger, wherein the boat (40) is coupled to the rail vehicle (30) by means of a connection device (25) which allows the boat (40) to float above the rail vehicle (30) and allows for a limited transverse and / or longitudinal movement of the boat (40), in the floating state of the boat (40), relative to the rail vehicle (30), and that the boat (40), in the floating state, is movable transversely and / or longitudinally relative to the rail vehicle (30) in an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°, relative to the rail vehicle (30), characterised in that a control element (36) is provided, by which the boat (40) can be rotated, relative to the rail vehicle (30), about a vertical axis (Z).

2. Amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection device (25) comprises at least one actuator (26), by which the boat (40) can actively perform a transverse, longitudinal or lifting movement relative to the rail vehicle (30), and / or in that the connection device (25) comprises joint bars (28).

3. Amusement ride (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that lockable coupling elements (27) are provided, by means of which the position and / or location of the boat (40) relative to the rail vehicle (30) can be fixed.

4. Amusement ride (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pivot joint (35) is provided, by means of which the boat (40) can be turned about a vertical axis (Z), relative to the rail vehicle (30).

5. Amusement ride (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first active drive (50) and / or the second active drive (60) is a cable drive (62), a conveyor chain drive, a gear drive, a friction wheel drive, a pin rack drive, a linear synchronous drive, a linear induction drive, or a magnetic drive, and / or in that at least one of the active drives (50, 60) is fixedly arranged on the vehicle, and / or the vehicle (20) is supplied with electrical energy in an inductive manner, in a wired manner, by means of a wiper (49) and / or by means of at least one battery, a supercapacitor, fuel cell, and / or in that the vehicle (20) comprises a mast (44) having means for transmitting electrical energy, and / or in that at least one electrical conductor (19) is arranged above the travel route (11) at least in portions, and that the means on the mast (44) contact the at least one electrical conductor (19) for transmitting electrical energy, and / or in that the travel route (11) comprises at least one portion in which the vehicle (20) emerges completely or in part out of the water, and / or in that the vehicle (20) comprises a control device (70) and that the control device (70) allows the at least one passenger to actively influence the travel behaviour of the vehicle (20), and / or in that the control device (70) comprises an interface (75) which can be connected to a personal mobile terminal (80) of the passenger, and that the passenger can actively influence the travel behaviour of the vehicle (20) via their personal mobile terminal (80), and / or in that the control device (70) allows the travel behaviour of the vehicle (20) to be influenced in a temporally limited manner or in portions, and / or in that the travel behaviour relates to the speed, the direction of travel, a rotation about the vertical axis, the longitudinal and / or transverse mobility, and / or in that the rail guide (10) comprises at least one switch (13).

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