Amusement park ride, in particular a rollercoaster

Abstract

The invention relates to an amusement park ride (1), in particular a rollercoaster, comprising at least one car (10), which can be moved in an exit direction out of an exit (C) from an amusement ride area (30) with a first orientation (e.g. forwards) along a route (20) and, after the ride, the car (10) returns via an entry (D) in an entry direction while maintaining the direction of travel, wherein the amusement ride area (30) and the route (20) are designed in such a way that, while maintaining the direction of travel, the car (10) passes the entry (D) of the amusement ride area (30) in an entry direction, which is the opposite direction to the above-mentioned exit direction, enters, such that, in a subsequent ride, the car travels the route (20) in the opposite orientation (e.g. backwards) to the first orientation (e.g. forwards).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an amusement park ride, in particular a roller coaster, with at least one vehicle which is movable with an exit direction from an exit from a ride area with a first orientation (e.g. "forward") along a track, and in which the vehicle returns after the ride via an entrance with an entry direction.

[0002] Such rides are quite common. For example, the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, Germany, operates the Alpenexpress roller coaster and the high-speed roller coasters Blue Fire and Silver Star. On these well-known roller coasters, several cars with seats are coupled together to form a train, which departs from an exit of the ride area, such as a station, and travels along a track. At the end of the ride, the train returns to the entrance of the ride area with the cars at the rear. These roller coasters are designed so that the passengers sit facing the track ahead. The majority of roller coasters currently in operation are designed in this way.

[0003] Meanwhile, roller coasters have also emerged where the cars rotate around their own axis on the track during the ride. Depending on the car's current position, the passengers face different directions. An example of such a roller coaster is the "Euro-Mir" at the aforementioned Europa-Park.

[0004] Finally, there are also roller coasters where the vehicle or train can travel the track either forwards or backwards. An example of such a roller coaster is "Fury" at Bobbejaaland, Lichtaart, Belgium. The unique feature of this coaster is that passengers can vote before the ride by pressing buttons at their seats to determine whether the ride should go forwards or backwards. The majority vote then determines the direction of travel. In the event of a tie, the direction is randomly determined. To align the train with the chosen direction, there is a rotating platform within the ride area that turns the entire train in the corresponding direction.

[0005] Finally, there are so-called back-and-forth tracks, where, unlike roller coasters, the vehicles do not travel along a closed track, but rather move back and forth on an open track. An example of such a back-and-forth track is known from German patent no. 10 2014 103 226 B4. The track layout of this ride is essentially a straight line with sections at both ends that rise almost vertically. The vehicle can swing back and forth between the two ends, and as a special attraction, a so-called "power splash" is generated when the vehicle speeds through a raised water level in the middle section of the track, which is located between the two vertically rising sections.This ride features a station-shaped area to the side of the middle section of track and is equipped with a rotating mechanism to move the vehicles from the ride area onto the track.

[0006] Further amusement rides are disclosed in DE 20 2020 101431 U1, DE 100 42 597 C1, US 2020 / 269888 A1 and DE 103 21 696 A1. DE 101 60 039 C1 discloses an amusement ride with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] The problem with existing amusement rides and roller coasters is that relatively complicated and elaborate rotating mechanisms are required to provide passengers with a riding experience that differs from simply traveling forward. This necessitates either equipping the vehicles themselves with a rotating mechanism or incorporating so-called rotating carousels into the ride area.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional roller coasters aim to provide passengers with a variety of sensations, ideally lasting as long as possible. The ride is particularly disappointing for passengers when they experience a relatively boring track, especially if the ride is very short due to space constraints. One possible solution is to repeat the track two or three times. However, this can lead to boredom for passengers, as they will already be familiar with the ride after the first pass.

[0009] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0010] The invention aims to provide an amusement park ride, and in particular a roller coaster, in which it is possible to travel the route with different riding impressions using simple means and without the use of complicated rotating mechanisms.

[0011] This objective is achieved by an amusement ride and in particular a roller coaster with the features of claim 1.

[0012] Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims relating back to claim 1.

[0013] The ride according to the present invention thus provides at least one vehicle which can be moved from an exit point in a ride area with a first orientation (e.g., "forward") along a track and into which, after the ride, the vehicle returns via an entrance with an entry direction, maintaining its direction of travel. According to the invention, the ride area and the track are designed such that the vehicle, while maintaining its direction of travel throughout the entire ride, passes through the entrance of the ride area with an entry direction that is opposite to the previous exit direction. This allows the track to be traversed in a simple manner during a subsequent ride in the opposite orientation to the first orientation ("backwards"), without the need for complex turning mechanisms.

[0014] The core idea behind this concept is that the vehicle leaves the ride area in one direction and, after completing the course, re-enters in the exact opposite direction, without actually reversing direction as is the case with a back-and-forth motion. This means the vehicle already enters the ride area oriented 180° backward compared to its previous journey. Therefore, the vehicle no longer needs to be laboriously turned around to travel backward on the course in reverse.

[0015] Advantageously, a complete ride for passengers on such a roller coaster consists of first traveling the entire track in the forward direction and then immediately traveling the same track in reverse. This has the crucial advantage that, on the one hand, the total ride time for the passenger is doubled, and on the other hand, the passenger experiences two different sensations: a forward and a backward ride on one and the same track. Naturally, it is within the scope of the invention that the vehicle first travels the track in reverse and then forward.

[0016] According to the invention, the ride area has both the exit and the entrance for the track on one of its sides, particularly the front. An advantage of this is that the ride area can be designed relatively simply. For example, only the front and, if necessary, the two transverse sides need to be decorated. The rear of the ride area can also be connected to other buildings. According to the invention, it is no longer necessary to drive through the ride area, as is the case with conventional roller coasters. This creates optimal design possibilities even in confined spaces.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, the exit and entrance of the ride are offset from each other in height. It is advantageous for the exit to be positioned higher than the entrance. The exit can be designed in such a way that, solely due to its height, complex acceleration mechanisms for the ride can be dispensed with, or such acceleration mechanisms can be used only to a limited extent along the ride. With such a height offset between the exit and entrance, it is expedient to provide a lifting device to raise the ride vehicle from a lower level, namely the entrance, to the upper level, namely the exit.

[0018] Instead of a vertical offset between the exit and entrance, or in addition to this, a lateral offset can also be implemented. In this case, the exit and entrance are located next to each other, and lifting devices are not necessary. However, in this case, it must be ensured that the vehicle is accelerated at or after the exit for the subsequent journey along the track. This can be achieved with so-called LSM accelerators, but also with devices where the vehicles first overcome a height difference after leaving the ride area. Chain drives, gear drives, or similar devices are suitable for this purpose.

[0019] Instead of devices for vertical or lateral displacement of the vehicles, in embodiments not part of the claimed invention, it is also possible to provide a switch in the ride area or within the area of ​​the ride area, which ensures that the vehicle can initially enter the actual ride track upon exiting the ride area. At the end of the track, the vehicle reaches the switch and returns to the same track in the ride area from which it previously started. It is understood that, in this solution, the vehicle is rotated 180° in the ride area after the ride is completed and can be used for another ride.

[0020] According to the invention, the vehicle is coupled to a section of track, for example a section of rail, within the area of ​​the ride. During an upward or lateral movement of the vehicle within the area of ​​the ride, the vehicle and the track section are guided back to the starting point or the actual track.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, a station is provided where passengers can board and disembark the vehicles. Such a station can be located some distance from the ride area, but must then be connected to the ride area via a section of track. However, it is also possible for the ride area itself to serve as the station for passengers and to be designed accordingly with a boarding and disembarking platform.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several figures illustrating exemplary embodiments. These figures show: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a ride with a ride area in which a lifting device is arranged and a vehicle movable on a track in a first driving variant; Figure 2 shows the ride of Figure 1 In a second operating variant, Figure 3 shows an example of a ride that does not belong to the claimed invention, with a switch in the area of ​​the ride area. In a first operating variant, Figure 4 shows the ride of Figure 3 in a second driving variant, and Figure 5 a second embodiment of a ride in which the vehicle can be moved laterally in the ride area.

[0023] In the following figures, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference symbols denote the same parts with the same meaning.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a ride as it might be set up in an amusement park. The ride is identified by reference numeral 1 and has one or more vehicles 10 that travel from a ride area 30 along a track 20 and arrive back at the ride area 30 at the end of the track 20. The track 20 is, for example, designed as a roller coaster with various ride elements. e.g. Loops, steep inclines or declines, spiral turns, banked curves, or similar features. Ride area 30 can be a station for passengers. However, the station can also be, as in Figure 1 The station, indicated by a dashed line, will be located a short distance from ride area 30 and connected to ride area 30 via track section 61. The station to be provided is located in Figure 1 designated with the reference number 60.

[0025] Vehicle 10 leaves the ride area at its front 31 and has a suitable exit here. C. After vehicle 10 leaves exit C of ride area 30 and subsequently passes through track 20, vehicle 10 re-enters ride area 30 via entrance D. Entrance D of ride area 30 is also located on the front 31 of ride area 30. Entrance D of ride area 30 is offset in height from exit C of ride area 30 and, in this case, is significantly below exit C. Figure 1 The lower position for vehicle 10 in the ride area 30 is designated by reference numeral A, and the upper position, from which vehicle 10 can leave the ride area 30 via its exit C, is designated by reference numeral B.

[0026] The vehicle 10 can be lifted from its lower position A to the upper position B by means of a suitable lifting device 40, which is located within or in the area of ​​the ride area 30.

[0027] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, with such an arrangement of the ride 1 or the roller coaster, the vehicle 10, after completing the journey distance 20, is in the lower position A oriented in the opposite direction to the upper position B compared to when the vehicle C left the ride area.

[0028] In the representation of Figure 1 Vehicle C is in the upper position B, facing forward towards track 20. This means that the front 11 of vehicle 10 faces track 20. The rear 12 of vehicle 10 is oriented opposite to track 20, i.e., it points away from track 20 in the direction shown. Figure 1The depicted orientation and direction is away from the route 20. The vehicle 10 typically has passenger compartments, in particular seats. Arrow 30 indicates the direction of view of the passengers inside the vehicle 10 when they are looking straight ahead according to their seating position. Reference sign 22 denotes in Figure 1 The direction of travel of vehicle 10 on route 20. The reference sign X, located directly at exit C of ride area 30, designates the exit direction of vehicle 10. The entry direction into entrance D of ride area 30 is shown in Figure 1 Designated with the reference symbol Y. The entry direction Y is, as Figure 1The direction shown is immediately opposite to the exit direction X, even though vehicle 10 does not change its direction of travel 22 along the entire route 20. However, the route for vehicles 20 is designed such that vehicle 10 enters the ride area 30 in the opposite direction to how it previously exited. Therefore, upon arrival in ride area 30, the passengers in vehicle 10 face in the exact opposite direction to how they exited it. Reference sign 13 in the lower position A of ride area 30 indicates this.

[0029] After vehicle 10 has traveled the route 20, starting from the upper position C in ride area 30, and entered the entrance D of ride area 30 in the opposite direction, the passengers of vehicle 10 have completed the first round of their ride. After vehicle 10 has arrived in ride area 30 in the opposite direction compared to its exit, the lifting device 40 transports vehicle 10 to its upper position C. This is in Figure 2The vehicle 10 is then ready for a second round. However, the passengers are now seated facing backwards in their passenger compartments or seats, oriented towards track 20. This second round offers a completely different riding experience compared to the first. Furthermore, the total travel time is significantly extended by traversing track 20 twice, thus enhancing the passenger experience. The effect of passengers having the same riding experience after traversing track 20 twice, as was previously the case, is avoided by the passengers' reversed orientation during the second round.

[0030] As in the Figure 1 and 2As indicated, the vehicles 10 are located in the ride area 30 on track sections 27, which are lifted together with the vehicles 10 by the lifting device 40. These track sections 27 are designed to ensure a seamless transition within the ride area 30 from these track sections 27 to track 20 at exit C or entrance D. The lifting device 40 therefore lifts not only the vehicle 10, but also the track section 27 assigned to this vehicle 10, which is preferably designed as a short track section.

[0031] The mode of operation of this additional track section 27 in the ride area 30 is as follows.

[0032] Vehicle 10 is positioned in its upper position C on track section 27, which is directly connected to track 20. Vehicle 10 can thus exit from exit C, travel along track section 27 in ride area 30, and exit onto track 20. After vehicle 10 has started from its upper position B onto track 20, track section 27 is lowered to its lower position A by the lifting device 40 and connected to the end of track 20. This allows the vehicle, after completing track 20, to enter entrance D of ride area 30 and enter the waiting track section 27. In the next step, track section 27, along with the vehicle 10, is returned to its upper position B by the lifting device 40.

[0033] Although in connection with the Figure 1 and 2Even if only a single vehicle is shown traveling on track 20, multiple vehicles can also be provided for this purpose. For this, parking and waiting areas are provided in ride area 30, where, for example, a second vehicle can wait.

[0034] In connection with the Figures 3 and 4An example of an amusement ride not covered by the claimed invention is presented. Instead of a lifting device 40, the ride 1 now has a switch or a switch arrangement 24, which is located within or in the area of ​​the ride area 30. At its front 31, the ride area 30 has an approach ramp that also serves as an entrance. The track section 27 is coupled to a track section 25, which is arranged between the ride area 30 and the switch 24. The vehicle travels along this track section 25 both when exiting and entering the ride area 30.

[0035] Vehicle 10 has a front 11 and a rear 12. The direction of view of the passengers in vehicle 10 is indicated by reference numeral 13. Upon starting the ride area 30, vehicle 10 leaves the ride area 30 and travels first onto track section 25 and then onto switch 24, which is set so that vehicle 10 first ascends an incline to gather sufficient energy for the subsequent journey, particularly a roller coaster ride. For this purpose, a towing section 26 of track 20 follows switch 24. This section could be powered by, for example, a gear drive, a chain drive, or a similar mechanism. It is also conceivable that an electromagnetic acceleration section follows switch 24.

[0036] After vehicle 10 has left switch 24, switch 24 will be moved into the Figure 3The position shown in the dashed line is switched so that vehicle 10, after completing route 20, can return to ride area 30 via the previously traveled section 25. Vehicle 10 is then oriented in ride area 30 in the opposite direction to its previous position.

[0037] In Figure 4 This is shown. Vehicle 10 is then ready for the second round of the journey, so that vehicle 10 can again travel route 20, but in reverse orientation.

[0038] In Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of an amusement ride 1. The track 20 is shown only in sections in the area of ​​exit C and in the area of ​​entrance D of the ride area 30. Instead of a lifting device, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2, a lifting device is used. Figure 2As provided, the ride area 30 now has a sliding device 50, which allows the vehicle 10 and, expediently, also an associated track section 27 to be moved laterally. This lateral movement is carried out in such a way that the vehicle 10, with the track section 27, is coupled to the track 20 at exit C, so that the vehicle 10 can travel onto the track 20 via exit C. The exit direction is again indicated by the reference numeral X. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 has two passenger compartments in the form of seats 14. After the vehicle 10 has left exit C of the ride area 30, it completes its journey on the track 20 and arrives back at the ride area 30 at entrance D.The entry direction Y is directed towards ride area 30, whereas previously the exit direction X was directed away from ride area 30. Vehicle 10 therefore arrives in ride area 30 with the opposite orientation. Once there, vehicle 10 is moved laterally by the sliding device 50 so that it returns to its starting position, ready to travel along track 20 again, but with the opposite orientation, e.g., in reverse. To move vehicle 10 from its entry position to the exit position, the sliding device 50 moves vehicle 10 as required. Advantageously, vehicle 10 rests on a platform 32 for this purpose. This platform 32 may also include a track section 27, which connects to track 20 in the area of ​​exit C or in the area of ​​entry D.In this embodiment, it is also ensured that when the route 20 is traversed twice, the passengers in vehicle 10 travel through the route 20 once forwards and once backwards. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 Ride 10 Vehicle 11 Front 12 Back 13 Direction of View 14 Seats 20 Track 22 Direction of Travel 24 Switch 25 Track Section 26 Towing Section 27 Track Section 28 Rail Section 30 Ride Area 31 Front 32 Sliding Platform 40 Lifting Device 50 Sliding Device 60 Station 61 Track Section A Lower Position B Upper Position C Exit D Entry X Exit Direction Y Entry Direction

Claims

1. An amusement park ride (1), in particular a rollercoaster, comprising at least one car (10), which can be moved along a route (20) with a first orientation (e.g. forward) in a direction of exit (X) from an exit (C) from an amusement park ride area (30) and into which the car (10) returns with a direction of entry (Y) after the route via an entrance (D), wherein the amusement park ride area (30) and the route (20) are designed in such a way that the car (10), while maintaining its direction of travel, enters the entrance (D) of the amusement park ride area (30) with a direction of entry (Y) that is opposite to the previous direction of exit (X) in order to travel the route (20) on a subsequent route in the orientation (e.g. "backward") opposite to the first orientation (e.g. "forward"), wherein the amusement park ride area (30) has both an exit (C) and an entrance (D) for the route (20) on a front (31), characterized in that the car (10) is coupled to a route section (28) in the region of the amusement park ride area (30) and can be moved together with the route section (28) during a vertical and / or lateral movement in the region of the amusement park ride area (30).

2. The amusement park ride according to claim 1, characterized in that the exit (C) and the entrance (D) are offset in height from one another.

3. The amusement park ride according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the exit (C) and the entrance (D) are laterally offset from one another.

4. The amusement park ride according to claim 1, characterized in that the amusement park ride area (30) has a lifting device (40), via which the car (10) can be moved from a lower position (A) to an upper position (B) in order to leave the amusement park ride area (30) from there via the exit (C) thereof, wherein the car (10) can be moved into the entrance (D) of the amusement park ride area (30) in the lower position (A) after traveling the route (20).

5. The amusement park ride according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the route (20) is at least partially designed as a rail route.

6. The amusement park ride according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ride area (30) is a station where passengers can board the car (10).

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