Truss-type rail and roller coaster arrangement comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a truss rail for an amusement ride, comprising two rail tubes directly accessible by a car assembly, a non-accessible chord tube, and vertical truss profiles that stiffen the rail tubes and the chord tube and include vertical diagonal profiles that run diagonally between the chord tube and the respective rail tube, alternating between rising and falling slopes. It is provided that in at least one connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles to the chord tube, no further vertical truss profile is connected to it.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lattice rail for a roller coaster or similar ride, comprising two rail tubes directly accessible by a carriage assembly and a non-accessible chord tube, and vertical lattice profiles that rigidly connect the rail tubes and the chord tube to each other and comprise vertical diagonal profiles that alternately rise and fall diagonally between the chord tube and the respective rail tube. Furthermore, the invention relates to a roller coaster assembly comprising a carriage assembly and at least one lattice rail of the aforementioned type.

[0002] Such rails and arrangements are known from the state of the art. A variety of different rail systems exist for guiding the carriage arrangement of a roller coaster, consisting of one or more carriages, along a given track geometry. These rail systems include, for example, wooden or steel rails with one or more rail profiles of any shape. The load-bearing capacity of the rail or the individual rail profiles, also referred to below as rail tubes, can be improved by stiffening with lattice profiles.

[0003] The present invention relates to a common embodiment of a rail designed as such a lattice rail and usually consisting of two directly passable rail tubes and a third, non-passable chord tube. The rail tubes and the chord tubes are usually designed with the same diameter and, moreover, are usually designed as tubes or similar round profiles. To stiffen the rail tubes and chord tubes, lattice profiles are used that run between the individual tubes and stiffen them. In this context, it is relevant that the lattice profiles are arranged in such a way that they do not impede the free movement of the wheels or other parts of the train along the rail, and in particular the rail tubes. These lattice profiles include vertical lattice profiles with vertical diagonal profiles and post profiles, as well as horizontal lattice profiles with horizontal diagonal profiles and cross profiles.The infill on such truss rails comprises the posts and / or cross sections in the normal section of the rail, i.e., in the bulkhead plane, and the vertical and horizontal diagonal profiles in the fields between these "bulkheads." In addition to these so-called 3-chord truss rails, there are also 4-chord truss rails with two directly accessible rail tubes and two non-accessible chord tubes, which are also connected to each other via truss profiles for stiffening. Their statics and driving dynamics are not comparable to a 3-chord truss rail. However, the invention is directed to a 3-chord truss rail, in particular to a truss rail consisting of two directly accessible rail tubes and a third, single or sole, non-accessible chord tube, i.e., to a truss rail with a total of three rail tubes.

[0004] In a common design of such truss rails, a right and a left rail tube are connected by means of cross profiles for stiffening. A chord tube is coupled to the rail tubes via post profiles, with the post profiles connecting to the aforementioned cross profiles. In common designs, vertical diagonal profiles run diagonally between the individual post profiles. Horizontal diagonal profiles run in the rail plane between the individual cross profiles. The fact that in these designs of truss rails the vertical diagonal profiles are guided into the post profiles and the horizontal diagonal profiles into the cross profiles has a manufacturing-related background, as this ensures reliable stability of the truss rails with relatively simple production. According to applicable standards, the wall thicknesses of the profiles placed below should be greater than those of the profiles placed on top.However, in a step-by-step construction, this leads to very thick wall thicknesses of the underlying profiles.

[0005] A further disadvantage of these designs is the large number of welded joints overall as well as the large number of vertical truss profiles, such as post profiles, in detail.

[0006] For example, WO 2015 / 049162 A1 discloses an arrangement for a track system with a total of eight vertical truss profiles connected to a chord tube at a connection area or truss node. This results in a high number of welded joints on the chord tube and leads to additional material consumption due to the numerous post and vertical diagonal profiles.

[0007] Furthermore, from the utility model DE 20 2015 001 425 U1, an arrangement for a steel lattice rail is known in which post profiles are omitted in the connection area of ​​vertical diagonal profiles on the rail tube. This arrangement is described in Fig. 8A und 8B and will be described in more detail later. As can be seen from the Fig. 8A und 8B However, as can be seen, even in this arrangement, post profiles are necessary at the connection areas of the vertical diagonal profiles to a chord tube to ensure load-bearing behavior according to applicable standards. Furthermore, in this known arrangement, a rail joint is part of a truss junction.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved truss rail which can be manufactured with a comparable global load-bearing behavior, a low welding volume, reduced material expenditure and an improved joint situation.

[0009] This object is achieved by a truss rail according to claim 1 and a roller coaster arrangement according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

[0010] In particular, this object is achieved by a lattice rail for an amusement ride, with two rail tubes directly accessible with a carriage arrangement, a non-accessible chord tube, and vertical lattice profiles which connect the rail tubes and the chord tube to one another in a stiffening manner and which comprise the vertical diagonal profiles which run diagonally between the chord tube and the respective rail tube, alternatingly rising and falling, wherein in at least one connection area or lattice node of the vertical diagonal profiles on the chord tube, no further vertical lattice profile and in particular no post profile is connected thereto.

[0011] Furthermore, this object is also achieved by a roller coaster arrangement comprising a carriage arrangement and at least one lattice rail according to the type mentioned above and described in more detail below.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, a steel truss rail is understood to mean any truss rail made of a metallic material or similar statically effective material. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to steel truss rails; the use of materials that have similar material properties to steel is also conceivable, such as aluminum, fiber composites based on carbon fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, ceramic fibers, aramid fibers, or natural fibers. Wood composites are also conceivable for use in truss rails. Within the scope of the invention, a truss rail is understood to mean a rail whose rail tubes and chord tubes are stiffened by means of truss profiles, such as the vertical truss profiles and horizontal truss profiles described above, whereby these truss profiles are preferably loaded primarily as standard bars.However, it also includes rail arrangements in which the lattice sections are also subjected to bending loads due to a substantially rigid connection of the lattice sections to the rail tube or chord tube. A rail tube or tube is understood to mean any type of tube with a cross-sectional geometry suitable for load transfer. This preferably refers to closed-walled beams and, above all, tubes with a circular cross-section. However, other tube geometries are also usable. These, too, are referred to under the term "tube" within the scope of the invention. This includes, among other things, rectangular profiles, box profiles, or similar closed profiles, but also open profiles such as T-profiles, I-profiles, multi-layer or multi-element profiles, etc.

[0013] According to the invention, in the truss rail described here, no further vertical truss profile is connected to the chord tube in at least one connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles. "At least one" specifically means that at least one connection area of ​​the truss rail must meet this requirement. Contrary to the prior art misconception that vertical post profiles are structurally indispensable, at least in the connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles on the chord tube, post profiles are omitted in at least one connection area. This has several advantages.

[0014] Firstly, the number of connections in at least one connection area on the chord tube is reduced. This, for example, reduces the welding volume, which is proportional to the square of the wall thickness of the welded profiles. Secondly, material costs are reduced because additional vertical truss profiles such as post profiles are eliminated. The result is lower material costs and a reduced overall rail weight.

[0015] In this context, in at least one connection area, preferably only four vertical diagonal profiles are connected to the chord tube as vertical truss profiles.

[0016] This results in a further advantageous arrangement for a truss rail for an amusement ride, with two rail tubes directly accessible for a carriage arrangement, a non-accessible chord tube, and vertical truss profiles which rigidly connect the rail tubes and the chord tube to one another and comprise the vertical diagonal profiles which run diagonally between the chord tube and the respective rail tube, alternating between rising and falling, wherein according to the invention a reduced number of connected vertical truss profiles is provided at at least one connection area or at least one truss node on the chord tube. By reducing the number, more space is created in the truss node. This in turn makes it possible to design vertical truss profiles with a larger diameter. With a larger tube diameter, the wall thickness can be reduced due to the increased rigidity.This further reduces the welding volume, which, as described above, is proportional to the square of the wall thickness, and saves weight. A ratio of pipe diameter (D) to wall thickness (thickness t), hereinafter referred to as the D / t ratio, can be greater than 6, or greater than 7, or greater than 8, or greater than 9, or greater than 10, or greater than 11, or greater than 12 in the structure according to the invention, in particular with only four vertical lattice profiles that lead into a connection area.

[0017] In at least one connection area, the connecting seams of the vertical diagonal profiles connected to the chord tube can have a minimum distance from each other, which is always smaller than the diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles in the connection area. This can reduce the generation of additional bending moments at the connecting seams when loads are applied, thus enabling improved load-bearing and bending behavior of the bogie rail.

[0018] The truss rail can be made of steel and the connecting seam can be a weld.

[0019] Preferably, in a bay section of the truss rail, no further vertical truss profile, in particular a post profile, is connected to any of the connection areas of the vertical diagonal profiles on the chord tube. The bay section can have two connection areas on the chord tube.

[0020] Furthermore, in a support section of the truss rail, in the connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles on the chord tube or on the respective rail tube, post profiles can be provided which run essentially orthogonally between the chord tube and the respective rail tube and are connected directly to the chord tube and the rail tube. In the scope of the invention, orthogonal means in particular that the post profiles are connected essentially vertically to at least one tube of the truss rail, as viewed in the side view of the truss rail. Orthogonal preferably also means that the post profiles are guided essentially in the bulkhead plane of the truss rail. The post profiles can reduce the span of the rail tubes. Furthermore, the post profiles can improve load transfer from the rail tubes to the supporting pillars in the support section.

[0021] In a joint section of the truss rail, no vertical truss profile, and especially no post profile, can be connected to the respective rail tube. By eliminating the post profile at a joint, the occurrence of shear forces, bending moments, and torsional forces can be reduced, as the joint is no longer located at a truss node. This allows the joint situation to be further improved.

[0022] It is possible to connect the vertical diagonal profiles directly to the chord tube and directly to the rail tube. The direct connection of the vertical diagonal profiles to the rail tube eliminates the need for a post profile, which was previously used to connect the rail tube. Due to the direct connection of the rail tube to the vertical diagonal profiles, loads are transferred via the vertical diagonal profiles into the chord tube, thus rendering the post profile less important as a zero-bar.

[0023] Therefore, preferably, no additional vertical truss profile or, in particular, a post profile is connected to the respective rail tube in at least one connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles. A post profile is therefore preferably omitted, which further reduces material and welding costs and also improves the overall appearance of the truss rail.

[0024] Preferably, the rail tubes are connected to each other via horizontal truss profiles for stiffening.

[0025] The horizontal truss profiles comprise cross sections that run essentially orthogonally between the rail tubes, with the cross sections being directly connected to the rail tubes. The cross sections preferably extend into the rail tubes in the area of ​​the connection points of the vertical diagonal profiles.

[0026] The vertical diagonal profiles can therefore be connected directly to a cross profile in the connection area to the respective rail tube.

[0027] The horizontal truss profiles may preferably further comprise horizontal diagonal profiles which run diagonally between the rail tubes and which are directly connected to at least one cross profile, preferably two cross profiles, near the rail tubes.

[0028] Preferably, the vertical truss profiles are connected or coupled to the rail tubes in such a way, for example, via the cross profiles, that a running gear clearance is formed on the top, bottom, and outside of the rail tube for a running gear of the carriage arrangement. "Top" is defined here as the space above a plane formed by the rail tubes that points away from the chord tube. In particular, the running gear clearance can be influenced by directly connecting vertical diagonal profiles to the rail tubes.

[0029] As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a roller coaster arrangement comprising a carriage arrangement and at least one lattice rail according to the aforementioned type and described in more detail below. In this context, the carriage arrangement preferably has at least one chassis that surrounds at least one rail tube of the steel lattice rail on the top, bottom, and outside. All embodiments, special features, and advantages of the steel lattice rail according to the invention mentioned here are transferable to such a roller coaster arrangement and vice versa.

[0030] Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0031] In the following, the invention is described using an embodiment which is explained in more detail by the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Here schematically show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a roller coaster arrangement with a truss track and a carriage arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2A an isometric view of an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 2B a plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 2A ; Fig. 2C a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 2A ; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the connecting seams in the connection area of ​​the vertical diagonal profiles in an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 4A a side view of a field section of an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 4B an isometric detailed view of support sections of an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 4C an isometric detailed view of a joint section of an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 5A an isometric view of another embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 5B a plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5A ; Fig. 5C a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5A ; Fig. 5D an isometric view of an embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 5E a plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5D ; Fig. 5F a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5D ; Fig. 6A an isometric view of another embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 6B a plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 6A ; Fig. 6C a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 6A ; Fig. 7A an isometric view of another embodiment of the truss rail according to the invention; Fig. 7B a plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 6A ; Fig. 7C a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 7A Fig. 8A an isometric view and Fig. 8B a side view of a steel lattice rail according to the state of the art; and Fig. 9 a side view of a steel truss rail without post profiles.

[0033] In the following, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent components.

[0034] In Fig. 8A und Fig. 8B A steel lattice rail 100 known from the prior art is shown in an isometric view and side view. This steel lattice rail 100 has vertical post profiles 118b in connection areas 120 of vertical diagonal profiles 118a on a chord tube 116. A prevailing assumption in the prior art is that these vertical post profiles 118b are statically necessary, at least in the connection area 120 on the chord tube 116. However, for a steel lattice rail 100' according to the invention, which dispenses with these post profiles 118b, as in Fig. 9 illustrated, and as described with reference to the following embodiments of the truss rail 10 according to the invention, several advantages with regard to manufacturing costs, material costs, or material weights. In addition, the omission of the post profiles, as in Fig. 9 shown, the possibility of attaching the vertical diagonal profiles 118a in the connection area 120 on the chord tube 116 with a small distance from each other on the chord tube 116, so that the four vertical diagonal profiles 118a can converge in the connection area 120 in a quasi-point-like manner, as in Fig. 2C and Fig. 3 in the further truss rail 10 according to the invention in the connection area 20.

[0035] In Fig. 1 a roller coaster arrangement 30 or a similar ride is shown, which comprises at least one truss rail 10 according to the invention, which with reference to Fig. 2 bis Fig. 7 will be described in detail later. A carriage assembly 32 may have a chassis 33 with running wheels, which encompasses at least one rail tube of the framework 10 on the top, bottom and outside. The chassis is in Fig. 1 shown schematically and can have various designs. The undercarriage rail 10 is stabilized by support pillars 34.

[0036] The roller coaster assembly 30 is typically made of a material that offers high operational reliability to ensure safe rides for passengers. Steel, for example, may be advantageous as a material for the roller coaster assembly 30, but wood can also be used.

[0037] Fig. 2A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the lattice rail 10. The lattice rail 10 comprises two rail tubes 12, 14 directly passable with the carriage assembly 32 and a non-passable chord tube 16. In addition, the lattice rail 10 has vertical lattice profiles 18 that stiffen the rail tubes 12, 14 and the chord tube 16. The vertical lattice profiles 18 are connected to the rail tubes 12, 14 in such a way that a running gear clearance for the running gear 33 of the carriage assembly 32 is formed on the top, bottom, and outside of the rail tube 12, 14. The vertical lattice profiles 18 comprise vertical diagonal profiles 18a that run diagonally between the chord tube 16 and the respective rail tube 12, 14, alternating between rising and falling. An angle α between the vertical diagonal profiles 18a, as in Fig. 2C The angle, as illustrated, can be in a range of 30° to 60°, preferably 45° or lower. In this way, loads introduced into the rail tubes 12, 14 are safely transferred into the chord tube 16, activating the vertical diagonal profiles 18a.

[0038] According to the invention, in at least one connection area 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16, no further vertical truss profile 18 is connected thereto. By omitting further vertical truss profiles 18, such as vertical post profiles 18b ( Fig. 4B ), which is particularly evident in the Fig. 2C As can be seen from the side view of the truss rail 1 shown, the welded joints in the connection area 20 on the chord tube 16 are reduced and material costs are saved.

[0039] However, the lattice rail 10 according to the invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In a further embodiment of the lattice rail 10 for an amusement ride, with two rail tubes 12, 14 directly accessible by a carriage arrangement, a non-accessible chord tube 16, and vertical lattice profiles 18 that interconnect the rail tubes 12, 14 and the chord tube 16 in a stiffening manner and comprise the vertical diagonal profiles 18a that run diagonally between the chord tube 16 and the respective rail tube 12, 14, alternatingly rising and falling, according to the invention, no vertical lattice profile 18 can be connected to the lattice rail in a joint section SA.

[0040] Preferably, in the connection area 20, only four vertical diagonal profiles 18a are connected as vertical truss profiles 18 to the chord tube 16, which is evident from the Fig. 2B shown top view of the truss rail 10.

[0041] In this case, the vertical diagonal profiles 18a can be connected directly to the chord tube 16 and to the rail tube 12, 14. In this case, in at least one connection area 22 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a to the respective rail tube 12, 14, no further vertical truss profile 18 can be connected thereto. In particular, in the connection area 22 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a to the respective rail tube 12, 14, no post profile 18b (as in Fig. 4B shown) which runs essentially orthogonally between the chord tube 16 and the respective rail tube 12, 14. Preferably, in the connection area 22, only two vertical diagonal profiles 18a are connected as vertical lattice profiles 18 to a respective rail tube 12, 14. The direct connection to the rail tubes 12, 14 enables load transfer by the vertical diagonal profiles 18a without additional post profiles 18b. The lattice rail 10 can therefore have sections without post profiles 18b in the connection areas 20 on the chord tube 16 and in the connection areas 22 on the rail tubes 12, 14.

[0042] The rail tubes 12, 14 can be connected to each other via horizontal lattice profiles 24. The horizontal lattice profiles 24 comprise cross profiles 24a, which run essentially orthogonally between the rail tubes 12, 14, as in Fig. 2A illustrated. The cross profiles 24a are preferably connected directly to the rail tubes 12, 14.

[0043] At the Fig. 2A bis Fig. 2C In the illustrated embodiment, the rail tube profiles 12, 14, the vertical diagonal profiles 18a, the chord tube 16, and the cross profiles 24a are designed as round profiles. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes can also be selected, although a round cross-section is preferable to a square cross-section.

[0044] Furthermore, the pipe diameter of the respective profiles can range from 130 to 190 mm, or from 110 to 170 mm. The wall thickness of the profiles can range from 12 to 25 mm. The ratio of pipe diameter D to wall thickness t (D / t ratio) is typically in the range of 5 to 20. For a "thick" pipe, for example, with a diameter of 70 mm and a wall thickness of 10 mm, the D / t ratio is 7. For a "slim" pipe, for example, with a diameter of 88 mm and a wall thickness of 5 mm, the D / t ratio is approximately 17. It is important to note that as the pipe diameter increases, the wall thickness can decrease, meaning the larger the pipe diameter, the larger the D / t ratio can be.An advantage of the roller coaster arrangement 30 according to the invention and the truss rail 10 is that, due to the reduced number of connected truss profiles, more space is created at the truss node, allowing the truss profiles to be designed with a larger diameter and a smaller wall thickness. This allows weight savings and further reduces welding effort. In particular, the D / t ratio can be greater than 6, or greater than 7, or greater than 8, or greater than 9, or greater than 10, or greater than 11, or greater than 12.

[0045] The inventive arrangement of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a in conjunction with the horizontal truss profiles 24 ensures overall load-bearing behavior and overall rigidity in accordance with current standards. Eliminating the post profiles 18b saves material and weight, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0046] In Fig. 3 a detailed view of the truss rail 10, in particular of the connection area 20 on the chord tube 16, is shown. In the connection area 20, due to a missing post profile 18b, connecting seams, which are illustrated by the hatched areas, can have a respective minimum distance d from each other, which is always less than three times, twice, or once the diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a in the connection area 20. In this context, the eccentricity of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16 can be kept low with respect to a line of action of a force acting upon load bearing. This can reduce the occurrence of additional bending moments at the connecting seams and thus increase the load-bearing capacity of the truss rail 10. In the Fig. 3 In the example shown, this line of action can, for example, relate to the midpoint of the minimum distance d between the connecting seams. In other words, by omitting further vertical truss profiles 18, in particular the post profiles 18b, a span or support width of the truss rail 10, in which the truss rail 10 must withstand a load applied by a carriage arrangement 32, can be increased. In particular, the occurrence of secondary bending moments at the connecting seams can be at least partially compensated for by a low eccentricity, i.e. by the minimal distance between the attached truss profiles at a truss node point. As a result, the reduced local load-bearing behavior resulting from the omission of the post profiles 18b is at least partially compensated for due to the increased stiffening by the vertical diagonal profiles 18a connected to the chord tube 16 with a minimal distance d from one another.This stiffening is facilitated according to the invention in that, due to the reduced number of connected truss profiles in the truss node, more space is available for the connection of the four truss diagonal profiles in particular and these can thus be designed with a larger diameter and a larger D / t ratio.

[0047] Preferably, in the at least one connection region 20, the connecting seams of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a connected to the chord tube 16 or the peripheral outer edge region of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a in the connection region 20 can have a respective minimum distance d, which is always less than three times, twice, or once the maximum diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a in the connection region 20, and which is in particular less than 90%, or less than 80%, or less than 70%, or less than 60%, or less than 50%, or less than 40% of the maximum diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a. Furthermore, the minimum distance d can be less than 500 mm, or less than 400 mm, or less than 300 mm, or less than 200 mm, or less than 150 mm, or less than 100 mm, or less than 50 mm.Furthermore, the mutual distance between the pipe centers in the connection area 20 of the four vertical diagonal profiles 18a, in particular, can always be less than 800 mm, or less than 700 mm, or less than 600 mm, or less than 500 mm, or less than 400 mm, or less than 300 mm, or less than 200 mm. Furthermore, the mutual distance between the pipe centers in the connection area 20 of the four vertical diagonal profiles 18a, in particular, can always be less than four times, or less than 3.5 times, or less than three times, or less than 2.5 times, or less than twice, or less than 1.5 times, or less than one times the maximum diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a.

[0048] The truss rail 10 can be made of steel, and the connecting seam can be a welded seam. However, other connecting seams are also conceivable, such as an adhesive bead or adhesive track in the case of a non-metallic composite or fiber composite.

[0049] Furthermore, in a bay section FA of the truss rail 10, no further vertical truss profile 18 may be connected to any of the connection areas 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16. However, it is also conceivable that in a bay section FA of the truss rail 10, more than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of all connection areas 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16 may have no further vertical truss profile 18 connected to it. The bay section FA here refers to a self-supporting section in which no supporting pillars or similar supports support a rail section of the truss rail 10. The bay section FA also does not contain any rail connection area or butt ends of the truss rail.In particular, the field section FA denotes a section of the truss rail 10 of the roller coaster assembly 30 that does not have a support section AA and a joint section SA, which are described in detail below. This is shown in . Fig. 4A shown, with the field area FA being illustrated by an arrow. In the Fig. 4A In the example shown, the field region FA comprises two connection regions 20 on the chord tube 16 in which no post profiles 18b are connected to the chord tube 16. In further embodiments, more than 10%, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, and more than 90% of all connection regions 20 on the chord tube 16 in the entire truss rail track of the roller coaster arrangement 30 may not have any further vertical truss profile 18 and in particular no post profile 18b.

[0050] In Fig. 4B is a schematic view of the truss rail 10, which represents a support section AA of the truss rail 10 in the connection area 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16 or on the respective rail tube 12, 14. The truss rail 10 is shown in the Fig. 4B und 4C shown in a highly simplified manner, with the vertical diagonal profiles 18a connected to the rail tube 12 being omitted for clarity. In the support section AA, which is illustrated by an arrow, post profiles 18b are provided, which run essentially orthogonally between the chord tube 16 and the respective rail tube 12, 14 and are connected directly to the chord tube 16 and the rail tube 12, 14. According to the left detailed view of the truss rail 10 in Fig. 4B The post profiles 18b can be connected to the respective rail tube 12, 14 at the connection area 22 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a. However, the post profiles 18b can also be connected to the connection area 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a at the chord tube 16, which is shown in the right detailed view in Fig. 4B The post profiles 18b are supported by the support pillars 34 ( Fig. 1 ) and supported by a floor surface (not shown). In one embodiment, no further vertical truss profile 18, and in particular no post profile 18b, can be connected to the support section AA of the truss rail 10 in the connection area 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16. The extent of the support section AA in the rail direction of the truss rail 10 corresponds at least to the width of the supporting support or pillar 34. The support section AA can also extend symmetrically to the support point of the pillar 34 on both sides of the pillar 34 by 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, or 500 mm along the truss rail 10 away from the support point. What is crucial is that the support section AA covers a rail area of ​​the truss rail 10 that directly borders the support or pillar 34.On some roller coasters, a joint section SA, as described below, may also coincide with a support section AA. In any case, however, a field section FA does not contain a joint section SA or a support section AA.

[0051] In Fig. 4C An isometric detailed view of the truss rail 10 is shown, illustrating the joint section SA of the truss rail 10. The joint section SA is represented in this example by a circle. The joint section SA of the truss rail 10 is to be interpreted as an area of ​​the truss rail 10 immediately adjacent to a joint end SE and extends in particular by a distance a from the joint end SE. The distance a can be ten times, five times, three times, or twice the maximum diameter of the rail tube 12, 14. Furthermore, the distance a can be equal to 500 mm, 1000 mm, or 1500 mm. It is pointed out that the Fig. 2A bis Fig. 9 with the exception of Fig. 4C The end sections shown do not show joint sections, but rather the truss rail 10 was cut at arbitrary ends. Fig. 4C In the example shown, in the joint section SA on the respective rail tube 12, 14, no vertical lattice profile 18, and in particular no post profile 18b, is connected to it. In other words, the joint section is not part of a lattice node on the respective rail tube 12, 14, or is not embedded in it. The omission of the post profile 18b makes it possible to create a joint line on the respective rail tube 12, 14 in which no additional transverse forces, bending moments, or torsional loads act on the joint. By reducing these secondary loads, tensile and compressive forces acting on the respective rail tubes 12, 14 are optimally transmitted through the joint. Furthermore, a chassis clearance can be created, which enables optimal accommodation of the chassis 33. In Fig. 4C Further, a transverse profile 24a is shown, which is spaced apart from the joint section SA. However, this is not restrictive. The transverse profile 24a can also be arranged at the joint section SA. The connection area 20 of the vertical diagonal profiles 10 to the chord tube 16 can be located in the joint section SA, in which case no further vertical truss profile 18, and in particular no post profile 18b, is connected to the connection area 20 of the two vertical diagonal profiles 18a on the chord tube 16.

[0052] Fig. 5A bis Fig. 5C show an embodiment of the truss rail 10 with vertical diagonal profiles 18a, which are directly connected to the cross profiles 24a. Through the direct connection to the cross profiles 24a, a small eccentricity can be realized on the respective rail tubes 12, 14, thereby reducing additional bending and torques at the connection areas 22. This is particularly advantageous when the truss rail 10 has a curved shape, as in Fig. 5D bis Fig. 5F illustrated.

[0053] In Fig. 6A bis Fig. 6C the truss rail 10 is shown with horizontal diagonal profiles 24b, which run diagonally between the rail tubes 12, 14 and which are connected directly to at least one cross profile 24a, preferably two cross profiles 24a, close to the rail tubes 12, 14. In this embodiment of the truss rail 10, the vertical diagonal profiles 18a are connected directly to the respective rail tube 12, 14. By means of the horizontal diagonal profiles 24b, the truss rail 10 can be additionally stabilized with regard to horizontal loads and torsional loads. Furthermore, by directly connecting the vertical diagonal profiles 18a to the respective rail tube 12, 14 and chord tube 16, further post profiles 18b can be dispensed with. This reduces the increase in wall thickness, since there is no intermediate step via post profiles 18b orCross profiles 24a must be made and, as described above, the vertical truss profiles can be designed with a larger diameter and smaller wall thickness.

[0054] In Fig. 7A bis Fig. 7CA preferred embodiment of the truss rail 10 is shown with horizontal diagonal profiles 24b, which are connected to the respective rail tubes 12, 14, and which has vertical diagonal profiles 18a, which are connected to the transverse profiles 24a. As described above, the direct connection of the vertical diagonal profiles 18a to the transverse profiles 24a allows a small eccentricity to be realized on the respective rail tube 12, 14. This allows locally occurring bending moments to be further reduced. In conjunction with the arrangement according to the invention, which dispenses with the connection of further vertical truss profiles 18, in particular the post profiles 18b, to the chord tube 16, this results in a small lower eccentricity on the chord tube 16 and a small upper eccentricity on the respective rail tube 12, 14. The resulting reduction in local secondary stresses can enable improved global load-bearing behavior.

[0055] A locally vertical load direction is understood to be the vertical load into or out of the seat in the local vehicle reference system of the carriage arrangement 32. This load direction represents the main load direction in the roller coaster arrangement 30 within the meaning of the invention. This means that the largest load components are to be expected in this direction. The invention relates to a roller coaster arrangement 30 in which the locally vertical load direction is essentially perpendicular to a straight line in the bulkhead plane through the left and right rail tubes 12, 14. The belt tube 16 is therefore located between the two rail tubes 12, 14 in the local vertical direction or main load direction.

[0056] According to the invention, a lattice rail 10 designed as a three-chord rail is provided for an amusement ride having only two rail tubes 12, 14 directly accessible by a carriage arrangement 32 and only one non-travelable chord tube 16. The local vertical load or main load exerted on the lattice rail 10 by the carriage arrangement 32 when traveling on the rail tubes 12, 14 always has a direction that is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the rail plane and / or substantially parallel or parallel to the bulkhead plane of the rail tubes 12, 14. In the locally vertical load direction or main load direction, the chord tube 16 is always located below or behind (in the case of a load direction into the seat) the rail plane of the rail tubes 12, 14.Furthermore, in the locally vertical load direction or main load direction, the chord tube 16 is always located below or behind (in the case of the load direction into the seat) both of the one and the other rail tube 12, 14. Furthermore, in the locally vertical load direction or main load direction, the chord tube 16 is always located below or behind (in the case of the load direction into the seat) and between both rail tubes 12, 14.

[0057] According to the invention, a roller coaster arrangement 30 is also provided, which has a carriage arrangement 32 and at least one truss rail 10, wherein the at least one truss rail 10 has the above-described rail tube-chord tube arrangement corresponding to the locally vertical load direction.

Claims

1. Truss rail (10) for a ride, with - two rail tubes (12, 14) directly accessible by a carriage arrangement, - a non-accessible belt tube (16), and - vertical truss profiles (18) which connect the rail tubes (12, 14) and the belt tube (16) to each other in a stiffening manner and which comprise the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) which run diagonally between the belt tube (16) and the respective rail tube (12, 14) in an alternating rising and falling manner, characterized in that in at least one connection area (20) of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) on the chord tube (16) no further vertical truss profile (18) is connected thereto.

2. Truss rail (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that in which at least one connection area (20) only four vertical diagonal profiles (18a) are connected as vertical truss profiles (18) to the chord tube (16).

3. Truss rail (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatin the at least one connection area (20), the connecting seams of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) connected to the belt tube (16) have a respective minimum distance (d) from one another, which is always less than three times the diameter of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) in the connection area (20).

4. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a field section (FA) of the truss rail (10) in all connection areas (20) of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) on the chord tube (16) no further vertical truss profile (18) is connected to it.

5. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatin a support section (AA) of the truss rail (10) in the connection area (20) of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) on the chord tube (16) or on the respective rail tube (12, 14), post profiles (18b) are provided, which run essentially orthogonally between the chord tube (16) and the respective rail tube (12, 14) and are connected directly to the chord tube (16) and the rail tube (12, 14).

6. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a joint section (SA) of the truss rail (10) on the respective rail tube (12, 14) no vertical truss profile (18) is connected thereto.

7. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) are connected directly to the chord tube (16) and directly to the rail tube (12, 14).

8. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatin at least one connection area (22) of the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) on the respective rail tube (12, 14) no further vertical truss profile (18) is connected thereto.

9. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rail tubes (12, 14) are connected to one another via horizontal truss profiles (24) for stiffening.

10. Truss rail (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the horizontal truss profiles (24) comprise cross profiles (24a) which run substantially orthogonally between the rail tubes (12, 14), wherein the cross profiles (24a) are directly connected to the rail tubes (12, 14).

11. Truss rail (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the vertical diagonal profiles (18a) in the connection area (20) are connected to the respective rail tube (12, 14) directly at a cross profile (24a).

12. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe horizontal truss profiles (24) comprise horizontal diagonal profiles (24b) which run diagonally between the rail tubes (12, 14) and which are connected directly to at least one transverse profile (24a), preferably two transverse profiles (24a), near the rail tubes (12, 14).

13. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical lattice profiles (18) are connected to or coupled to the rail tubes (12, 14) in such a way that a running gear clearance for a running gear (33) of the carriage arrangement (32) is formed on the top, bottom and outside of the rail tube (12, 14).

14. Truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local vertical load exerted on the lattice rail (10) by the carriage arrangement (32) traveling over the rail tubes (12, 14) always has a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rail plane of the rail tubes (12, 14).

15. Roller coaster arrangement (30) comprising a carriage arrangement (32) and at least one truss rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Roller coaster arrangement (30) according to claim 15, characterized in that the carriage arrangement (32) has at least one chassis (33) that encompasses at least one rail tube (12, 14) of the lattice rail (10) on the top, bottom and outside.

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