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 having the features of patent claims 1, 3, 12, 14, 15 as well as to a method for operating a ride having the features of patent claim 18 and to an effects vehicle having the features of patent claim 19.

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

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

[0004] Several water rides are known from the prior art that are modeled after a rapids course with a body of water, and the vehicle is a floating boat. Vehicles in 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 surface.

[0005] To ensure the most natural operation possible, the boats are allowed to float more or less freely. In the past, tragic accidents have occurred due to the failure to maintain control of the vessel throughout the entire route. The cause of such accidents is often tipping or capsizing due to passenger error.

[0006] With the currently known rides, it has also proven to be disadvantageous that throughput-optimized operation of the ride and a personalized experience can only be realized to a limited extent.

[0007] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0008] The present invention is therefore dedicated to the task of providing an improved ride, in particular an improved water ride, which expediently improves the rides known from the prior art, enables safe operation of a ride, provides customizable experiences and enables throughput-optimized operation.

[0009] These objects are achieved by the features of patent claims 1, 2, 12, 14, 15 as well as by a method having the features of patent claim 18 and an effects vehicle for such a ride having the features of patent claim 19.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0011] The amusement ride according to the invention, in particular the water ride according to the invention, with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1, comprises a rail system with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicles accommodating at least one passenger, which can travel along a track in one direction of travel while guided on the rail system. According to the characterizing part of patent claim 1, it is further provided that at least one section is provided along the track in which the at least one vehicle or one of the at least two vehicles can travel counter to the direction of travel of the track by means of an active drive.

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

[0013] Furthermore, in the context of this invention, a rail guide is understood to mean a guide system with at least one, preferably two, rails, which preferably run parallel and spaced apart from one another. The at least one vehicle can be movably supported on the rail guide via rollers or wheels, wherein the at least one vehicle preferably engages around the at least one rail of the rail guide and is supported thereon in a loss-proof manner.

[0014] Here and in the following, a distinction is made between active propulsion and passive propulsion. Active propulsion requires a motor of any design that can accelerate or decelerate the vehicle in a controlled manner. Passive propulsion, on the other hand, is propelled by gravity or by an air or water current.

[0015] The present amusement ride according to the invention is based on the idea that at least one vehicle can be actively driven individually along the track, thus allowing the at least one passenger in the vehicle a customizable experience. In particular, if there are at least two vehicles on the track, one of the at least two vehicles can travel against the direction of travel thanks to the active drive, while the at least one other vehicle can travel along the track in the direction of travel. The at least two vehicles can also travel simultaneously with active drive at different speeds. The present amusement ride therefore differs essentially from previously known amusement rides in that the vehicles cannot travel uniformly and can therefore be customized along the track along the rails.

[0016] An advantageous development of the present invention provides that the rails of the ride run at least partially through a body of water. According to this advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the ride is therefore designed as a water ride that at least partially includes a body of water, wherein the body of water can, for example, represent a whitewater stream or river with rapids and dead-water areas. The rails are preferably arranged below a water surface in the body of water and guide the at least one vehicle through the body of water without the course of the ride being immediately visible to the passenger. For this purpose, the water in the body of water can also be colored using additives that suppress the view of the rails below the water surface.

[0017] Furthermore, according to an advantageous development of the present invention, the route can be traveled by the at least one vehicle in a circulating manner in the direction of travel. The route can preferably represent a closed circular path, wherein the closed circular path is traveled unidirectionally in the direction of travel by the at least one vehicle during normal operation and from a global perspective, and transports the at least one passenger from an entrance to an exit. The entrance and the exit can both be arranged in a common station. In particular, by traveling along the route in a circulating manner, vehicles can be synchronized or several vehicles can be sent onto the route one after the other, whereby the ride can be designed for a continuous throughput of passengers and the capacity can be further increased for throughput optimization.

[0018] One aspect or development of the invention provides for a – preferably interactive – waiting area to be provided in the station, particularly in the entrance area and thus before the ride on at least one vehicle of the amusement ride. Games, quizzes, and other competitions can be conducted in the interactive waiting area, and their results evaluated. Based on the results, both the seats and functions, such as roles, of the passengers during the ride can be allocated. Such a role could be, for example, the commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain, or similar. It has also been shown that a pre-determined seating allocation in at least one vehicle prevents physical competition for certain seats, for example, in the front row, and boarding is orderly. The waiting time can also be made more pleasant for passengers.Alternatively or additionally, seats or roles can be assigned through a payment function or queue splitting. Devices can be issued for the conduct of the competitions and / or for the ride, which are then collected later, i.e., before or after the ride.

[0019] According to a further development of the present invention, the body of water can flow in the direction of travel, at least in some areas, and the vehicle can be passively propelled or carried along by the current of the body of water, at least in some sections. The flow in the body of water can be enhanced by a corresponding gradient, so that at least one vehicle on the route is not propelled in a controlled manner by an active drive in some sections.

[0020] A further aspect or development of the present invention relates to a generic amusement ride, wherein preferably the at least one vehicle comprises a rail vehicle and a buoyant boat for accommodating the at least one passenger. The buoyant boat is coupled to the rail vehicle by means of a connecting device which permits the boat to float above the rail vehicle and a limited transverse and / or longitudinal movement of the boat in the floated state relative to the rail vehicle. The buoyant boat is thus designed as a floating body which generates sufficient buoyancy, whereby the boat, including a permissible capacity of at least one passenger plus a safety factor, can float freely.The connecting device allows a lifting movement that allows the boat to float freely above the rail vehicle, thus enabling the lateral and longitudinal movements typical of a boat ride through the rocking and rolling motions that largely correspond to a natural swimming motion. The boat's swimming movements are thus mechanically decoupled from the rail vehicle, giving the passenger the feeling of a realistic boat ride when the boat is afloat.

[0021] According to a preferred further embodiment of the present invention, the connecting device is designed such that the boat, when floated, is transversely and longitudinally movable relative to the rail vehicle within an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°. The connecting device thus limits the maximum deflection or maximum inclination or tilt of the boat, whereby the boat is safely guided throughout the entire ride on the amusement ride, making capsizing impossible.

[0022] A preferred development of the present invention provides that the connecting device comprises at least one actuator, by means of 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.

[0023] For example, an animation can be presented to the passengers in at least one vehicle via a playback device along the route of the ride, with the at least one actuator moving the boat depending on the animation. To give a concrete example in this context, the animation can depict the sudden appearance of a monster in front of the vehicle or boat, with the monster's wave action being simulated by the actuator on the boat. In particular, it can also be advantageous if the at least one active drive - also synchronized with the animation - drives the vehicle against the direction of travel, in other words backwards, whereby not only the monster's wave action but also the resulting current and evasive movement of the vehicle can be simulated.The synchronization between the effects and at least one active drive can be achieved both via a common control system of the ride and via corresponding communication interfaces between the individual components of the ride.

[0024] 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, ensuring that the rail vehicle is always connected to the boat, preferably mechanically, thus ensuring permanent control of the boat or its position relative to the rail vehicle.

[0025] According to a further development of the present invention, lockable coupling elements can be provided, by means of which the position and / or orientation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle can be determined. With an appropriate design of the route, the coupling elements can firmly connect the boat to the rail vehicle in one position when the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle and can preferably lock it fully automatically. The coupling elements can also be configured to suppress longitudinal and / or transverse movement when the boat is floated up, for example in order to give anxious passengers a feeling of security during the ride on the ride. The lockable coupling elements can also limit the angular range in which the boat can move transversely and / or longitudinally to larger or smaller angular ranges, such as±5°, ±10°, ±15°, ±20°, ±25°, ±30°, ±35°, ±40°, ±45°, or even up to ±50° to enable a target group-appropriate movement of the boat in the floated state.

[0026] A further development of the present invention provides for a swivel joint by means of which the boat can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the rail vehicle. The vertical axis is, by definition, the yaw axis of the rail vehicle. The swivel joint allows the boat to be rotated relative to the rail vehicle, and thus the direction of travel of the rail vehicle and the orientation of the boat can deviate from one another. In particular, if the vehicle travels against the direction of travel of the track due to the active drive, it can be advantageous for the boat to be aligned by rotation in such a way that the passengers are facing the direction of travel in their intended position. The swivel joint can also be used to orient the boat in any direction along the track so that the passengers have the best possible view of an animation, a performance, or another attraction along the track.

[0027] Preferably, the boat is aligned around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by means of an actuator, whereby the rotation of the boat relative to the rail vehicle is controlled and possibly synchronized for effects.

[0028] A further aspect or development of the present invention provides that a first active drive and at least a second active drive are provided and that the at least one second active drive can drive the at least one vehicle on 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 powers. For example, the first active drive can drive the vehicle continuously, while the second active drive is a power-tuned 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 15 times the drive power for the respective vehicle.

[0029] Manual drives can also be provided, which are provided to the at least one passenger. For example, the at least one vehicle can have a pedal drive, allowing the passengers to assist the at least one active drive. Paddles, boat hooks, or similar devices can also be provided.

[0030] 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. The coupling device can decouple the first active drive and couple the second active drive, for example, to briefly accelerate the vehicle to a high speed.

[0031] The coupling device also fulfills safety-related aspects. In the event of a technical failure on the vehicle, it must be ensured that at least one passenger picked up by the vehicle can complete the ride safely and with dry feet. 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. The other vehicle can, for example, push the stopped 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.

[0032] The first active drive and / or the at least one second active drive can be, or can be, a cable or conveyor chain drive, a gear drive, or a friction drive according to a further development of the present invention. If at least one of the active drives is a cable or conveyor chain drive, the coupling device can comprise one or more clamps through which a coupling between the respective vehicle and the active drive can be established.

[0033] Furthermore, the gear drive or the friction wheel drive can be achieved by a sword, by a protruding pipe or a pipe rail along the rail guide, whereby a driven gear of the vehicle engages with a corresponding counter toothing of the sword or one or more driven friction wheels of the vehicle are in operative connection with the sword.

[0034] A combination of different drives allows the advantages of each drive to be combined and enables all scenarios and driving situations, depending on the desired ride profile. For example, a cable or conveyor chain drive can be powered by a motor located outside the vehicle, making accessibility, maintenance, and operation simple and efficient. In particular, the vehicle does not require a power supply for propulsion purposes, which would otherwise require a complex power supply that could potentially cause other types of disruption.

[0035] A further development of the present invention provides that at least one of the active drives is permanently mounted on the vehicle. It is particularly preferred if at least one of the active drives is permanently mounted in or on the rail vehicle. During proper operation of the ride, the at least one active drive in the rail vehicle remains hidden from the view of passengers, creating the illusion for passengers that the vehicle is traveling freely through the airflow along the track.

[0036] According to a further development of the present invention, the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy inductively, by cable, by means of a battery or capacitors / supercapacitors and / or by means of a collector. Fuel cells can also be used. In particular, for rides with a short total ride distance of up to 500m, it has proven useful for the electrical energy supply to be via cable. The cable can be held taut in the air above the ride by suitable means and ensures a continuous supply of electrical energy to the vehicle. A collector or what is known as a current collector can also be provided, which contacts at least one electrical conductor arranged in sections adjacent to the ride distance for the purpose of transmitting electrical energy.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle comprises a mast, at the free end of which means for transmitting electrical energy are provided. In particular, it is preferred if the collector or cable is attached to the free end of the mast.

[0038] If the electrical power supply is cable-connected, it may be advantageous if the mast is mounted on the rail vehicle and protrudes from it, rather than from the boat. The cable could potentially exert an undesirable force on the mast, thus causing the boat to tilt.

[0039] In another case, where the electrical power supply is provided via a collector, the mast can be mounted on the boat and protrude from it. The mast can feature mock-up nautical equipment or sails, thus concealing its actual purpose: bringing the collector into contact with at least one electrical conductor at its free end.

[0040] In particular, it has proven advantageous if at least one electrical conductor is arranged at least in sections above the ride's track and can be contacted by the collector at the free end of the mast for the transmission of electrical energy. The at least one electrical conductor can be a grid structure arranged above the track taking into account possible deflection of the vehicle. It has also proven advantageous to provide an electrical conductor only where an active drive for the at least one vehicle is required. In sections where the rail vehicle is passively driven by the current in the body of water or by gravity, a supply of electrical energy is therefore not necessarily required.Such a supply of electrical energy can also be used to charge a battery or capacitor / supercapacitor - also called caps or supercaps - of the vehicle.

[0041] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the route has at least one section in which the vehicle fully or partially emerges from the water. It is particularly advantageous if the vehicle fully or partially emerges from the water at the entrance and / or exit, or at the station, and the boat is lowered onto the rail vehicle and, in this state, is firmly connected to the rail vehicle by the coupling elements. This measure ensures that the vehicle experiences no or only limited rocking or swaying when at least one passenger gets on or off.

[0042] A further aspect or 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 the control station of a boat, whereby the at least one passenger can temporarily or partially assume the role of a helmsman or helmsman during the vehicle journey and actively influence the driving behavior of the respective vehicle through corresponding inputs on the actuating elements.

[0043] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the control device has an interface that can be connected, preferably wirelessly, to a personal mobile device of the passenger, and that the passenger can actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle 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 download and install onto their personal mobile device, preferably before riding the ride. The ride-specific app can be downloaded from app stores for various operating system platforms and can be used economically through appropriate pricing.

[0044] The ride-specific app can be run during the ride and transmits the passenger's control commands from the personal mobile device to the control unit via the interface. The passenger's control commands can be generated, for example, by a movement (e.g., tilting the personal mobile device) or by manual input.

[0045] In this context, the vehicle's driving behavior can be understood as the speed, direction of travel, rotation around the vehicle's vertical axis, and longitudinal and / or transverse movement, i.e., rocking or rolling. The rotation around the vehicle's vertical axis, as well as the longitudinal and / or transverse movement of the boat, can be generated by the at least one actuator or the at least one control element of the swivel joint of the connecting device.

[0046] According to a further advantageous feature of the present invention, the rail system has at least one switch. It is particularly preferred if, along the route, the rail system has a dead end adjacent to a switch, allowing novel effects to be realized. For example, the at least one vehicle can approach the dead end of the rail system at high speed and suddenly stop before the end. During the sudden braking of the vehicle, the vehicle can perform a superimposed movement around the transverse axis. Animations or presentations can be shown using display means, and at the same time, the switch can be switched without the at least one passenger noticing, preferably discreetly beneath the water surface. The vehicle can then continue its journey from the dead end in the opposite direction.

[0047] To give a concrete example, there might be an obstacle at the dead end, or instead of the obstacle, the track might be bent and visibly suspended in the air. A human or fictional character might also be sitting on the track, performing welding work on the defective or broken track. At least one passenger is paying close attention to the scenery and fails to notice the vehicle's change of direction. As soon as the tension begins to dissipate, the passenger or passengers may already be in another ride situation that takes some getting used to, and the tension is maintained throughout the ride.

[0048] In the event that the vehicle comprises the rail vehicle and the boat, it may be preferred that the boat is rotated by means of the rotary joint in the section of the dead end around the vertical axis of the rail vehicle by means of the actuator in an overlying manner, so that the passengers are directed in the direction of travel movement as intended in the following travel situation.

[0049] A further aspect of the present invention or a further development of the present invention provides for at least one special effects vehicle that can travel on the track. The at least one special effects vehicle can move autonomously, independently of the at least one vehicle for transporting at least one passenger, and the special effects vehicle can be used to create a variety of effects. For example, the special effects vehicle can represent a chasing vehicle, a monster, a sea monster, a pirate ship, or the like. The special effects vehicle can also be a "launching torpedo" or a "booster."

[0050] The "launch torpedo" or "booster" is an autonomous rail vehicle with a high-performance drive. The "launch torpedo" or "booster" can be coupled to at least one passenger-carrying vehicle and accelerate it extremely powerfully. Accompanied by special effects such as engine noises, steam, water jets, etc., the "launch torpedo" or "booster" can be coupled to at least one vehicle and accelerate it.

[0051] An advantageous development of the present invention provides that the at least one special effects vehicle can be guided onto and / or away from the track by means of the at least one switch. The at least one special effects vehicle can be guided from a starting position to a section of the track and interact with the at least one vehicle carrying a passenger in this section. The special effects vehicle can then be guided away from the track and travel via a "bypass" back to the starting position to wait there for another vehicle. The special effects vehicle can also be sent onto the track for interaction randomly or every xth passage of the at least one vehicle.

[0052] For example, the effects vehicle can represent an enemy attack by pirates with a pursuit in the corresponding section of the track. Alternatively, the effects 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.

[0053] If the ride is designed as a water ride featuring a body of water, it may be preferable for the effects vehicle to be configured to be located entirely below the water surface of the body of water. This ensures that the effects vehicle is not visible to the ride's passengers, both in the starting position and on the ride track, and thus remains hidden.

[0054] According to a preferred development, the effects vehicle can have at least one actuator for activating objects and / or for animating or generating effects. For example, the actuator can raise or lower a monster. In particular, if the effects vehicle is positioned completely below the water surface, the object or monster can suddenly emerge from the water, creating a surprise effect that captivates the at least one passenger. The at least one actuator can also, for example, activate cannons or water cannons to simulate an enemy attack.

[0055] A further development of the effects vehicle allows for the vehicle to be equipped with people. These people are preferably employees of the ride operator and can represent poaching pirates, a wild pack, monsters, or similar, and interact with the passengers. The people can also operate cannons or water cannons to realistically simulate an enemy attack.

[0056] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one special effects vehicle has actuating means by which the special effects 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 special effects vehicle can actuate the coupling device, thereby decoupled from the at least one active drive and allowing the corresponding vehicle to be driven solely by the special effects vehicle.

[0057] It can also be advantageous if the lockable coupling elements are operated by the effects vehicle, which fixes the position of the boat relative to the rail vehicle and keeps the boat in a safe position, for example for strong acceleration.

[0058] A further aspect or a preferred development of the present invention provides that the route has a section with a basin, wherein a water level in the basin can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner. The water level in the basin can be raised suddenly or rapidly by a supply of water, for example by pumps in the basin floor or by a water surge (e.g. a waterfall). The water can be drained and the water level in the basin lowered in a time-controlled manner or when a certain water level is exceeded. A sudden draining of the water can be accomplished, for example, by a lock door through which the vehicle can also drive.

[0059] It may be preferable for at least one vehicle to first enter the basin, and then for the water level to be raised in a controlled manner, with the boat simultaneously following the water level immediately. With the water drained from the basin, the ride along the route can be resumed abruptly, giving the passenger the sensation that the vehicle is being swept along by the draining water.

[0060] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the rail guide has at least one rocker, wherein the rocker is pivotable about an axis, preferably transversely to the direction of travel. With reference to DE 10 2014 101 007 A1, DE 10 2016 109 373 A1 or DE 10 2013 222 910 A1, the rocker can comprise a section of the rail guide, and the at least one vehicle can travel on the section of the rail guide with the rocker. Subsequently, a movement can be transmitted to the vehicle by a pivoting movement about the axis of the rocker. The vehicle can then travel either by the active drive or passively driven by the rocker and follow the route in the direction of travel.

[0061] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that a section of the track includes both the pool and the at least one seesaw. It is particularly preferred if the at least one seesaw is arranged in sections within the pool and forms part of a pool edge. When the water level in the pool is raised in a controlled manner, the vehicle can drive onto the section of the seesaw's rail guide, and subsequently, the pivoting movement of the seesaw can "lift" the corresponding vehicle over the pool edge. Accompanied by a water surge, the ride can then continue over the remaining section of the track.

[0062] A further and final aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a ride according to the invention.

[0063] An exemplary embodiment of a ride according to the invention, in particular a water ride, as well as three further developments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a highly simplified representation of a ride with a rail system with at least one vehicle that can accommodate at least one passenger and that can travel a route in one direction on the rail system, Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle of the ride according to Figure 1 , Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an effects 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 basin and a seesaw.

[0064] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent components are identified by the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all identical or functionally equivalent parts are provided with a reference number in the individual figures.

[0065] Figure 1shows a highly simplified view of a ride 1 from above. The ride 1 is a water ride which has a natural or artificial body of water 5. The artificial body of water 5 can have one or more lakes, streams or whitewater courses. The ride 1 furthermore has a rail guide 10 which can have at least one guide rail (not shown), preferably two parallel and spaced guide rails (also not shown). The rail guide 10 defines a route 11 for at least one vehicle 20, wherein the at least one vehicle 20 can travel along the route 11 in one direction of travel, guided on the rail guide 10. The direction of travel is in the Figure 1represented by arrows in the vehicles 20, wherein the direction of travel corresponds to a main direction of travel, which typically follows a gradient of the body of water 5 and describes a direction of movement from a starting point in a station 9 to an end point, possibly also in the station 9.

[0066] The ride route 11 can - as shown in the illustrated embodiment - be a closed circular track and a plurality of vehicles 20 can travel one after the other along the ride route 11 in a circular manner, whereby the present ride 1 is designed for a high throughput of passengers and continuous operation.

[0067] The rail system 10 or the track 11 can have a plurality of sharp curves, whereby the sharp curves can simulate a journey through a canyon or whitewater, and rocks, flotsam, islands, or other objects can be located in the body of water 5 beyond the track 11. The sharp curves allow the vehicle 20 to meander around the objects along the track 11 and, through several abrupt changes of direction, simulate dangerous situations and build up a sense of suspense.

[0068] Straight sections of the track 11 can be used to perform downhill runs or to accelerate the vehicle 20 - as will be described in detail later.

[0069] The at least one vehicle 20, which is exemplary in the Figure 2 and 3The vehicle 20, as shown in detail, is configured to accommodate at least one passenger, preferably a plurality of passengers. Passengers can board the vehicle 20 at an entrance in the station 9, and after completing the route and the ride experience, passengers can preferably leave the vehicle 20 again at the station 9 via an exit.

[0070] The passengers are seated on seats in the vehicle as intended, whereby several rows of seats can be arranged in the vehicle and each row can have several seats arranged next to each other.

[0071] With reference to the Figure 2 It can be seen that the vehicle 20 comprises a rail vehicle 30 and a boat 40, wherein the boat 40 is firmly connected to the rail vehicle 30 by means of a connecting device 25.

[0072] The rail vehicle 30 has a chassis 31 with running and support wheels 32, only indicated in the drawing, which support the rail vehicle 30 on a guide rail of the rail guide 10. The running and support wheels 32 preferably engage around the guide rail, thereby securely holding the rail vehicle 30 on the rail guide 10.

[0073] The rail vehicle 30 can have two or more axles with running and support wheels 32, wherein the respective axle can be held rotatably about a pivot point relative to the rail vehicle 30 and thus particularly tight curves can be negotiated.

[0074] 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 at its maximum permissible load.

[0075] The connecting device 25 is shown in an extremely simplified manner in the accompanying figures and comprises several articulated rods 28, which mechanically and firmly connect the rail vehicle 30 and the boat 40. The connecting device 25 enables the boat 40 to perform typical water movements relative to the rail vehicle 30, whereby it can float above the rail vehicle 30 and, in addition, allows limited transverse and / or longitudinal movements of the boat 40 in the floated state of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30. 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 3indicated. Due to this mobility of the boat 40 relative to the rail vehicle 30, the boat 40 can perform rolling, tilting, or rocking movements, thus conveying the feeling of a boat ride that is as realistic as possible.

[0076] However, the connecting device 25 limits the longitudinal and transverse movements of the boat 40 to a predetermined range in order to ensure safe operation of the ride 1 at all times and to protect the boat 40 from capsizing or significant tilting.

[0077] 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 a synchronized manner with animations or performances that can be presented to the passengers along the route of the ride 1, whereby a movement of the boat 40 by the at least one actuator 26 is coordinated with the animation or performance.

[0078] Furthermore, Figure 2 that the vehicle 20 has a swivel joint 35, by means of 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.

[0079] 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 fixed. In particular, the coupling elements 27 can fix 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 being disturbed or only disturbed to a limited extent.

[0080] The ride 1 can further comprise 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.

[0081] The first active drive 50 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle 20 or fixedly on the rail vehicle 30 and comprises a motor 55 of any desired design. The motor 55 is preferably an electric motor 55, which is characterized in that it drives the vehicle 20 essentially silently and the passenger is not consciously aware of the active drive 50 of the vehicle 20.

[0082] 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 which is configured to pull the vehicle 20 along the travel route 11 at least in sections.

[0083] The vehicle 20 further comprises a coupling device 15, wherein the coupling device 15 can comprise clamps 16 and couplings, allowing the vehicle 20 to switch between the active drives 50, 60 at any time. For example, the coupling device 15 can couple the vehicle 20 to the second active drive 60, i.e., the cable drive 62, using the clamp 16. The cable drive 62 is configured, for example, to pull the vehicle over a longer distance at a high speed, but also at a constant speed if necessary, using a plurality of pulleys. The coupling device 15 can decouple the first active drive 50.

[0084] Multiple cable drives 62 with different speeds can also be provided, with the coupling device 15 having multiple clamps for coupling. The active drives 50, 60 can also run in different directions, thereby allowing the vehicle to travel at least partially along the route 11 in the opposite direction of travel.

[0085] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first active drive 50 is permanently 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, the electrical energy can be provided by a battery. It is also conceivable to transmit the electrical energy inductively or via a cable to the vehicle 20 along the route 11. Capacitors or supercapacitors, capacitors or supercapacitors, and / or fuel cells can also be used to at least temporarily supply the vehicle 20 with electrical energy.

[0086] As from Figure 2As can be seen, the vehicle 20 or the boat 40 can have decorative elements such as a mast 44 and a sail 45, but also nautical instruments (not shown). The mast protrudes from the boat 40 and has a wiper at its free end 46, which is configured to contact an electrical conductor arranged above the track 11.

[0087] To individualize the driving experience for the passenger, the vehicle 20 can have a control device 70, through which the passenger can influence the driving behavior of the vehicle 20 while driving the vehicle 20. For example, control elements 72 can be provided on the vehicle 20 or on the boat 40, so that the passenger can assume the role of a captain or helmsman in order to actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle 20 through inputs, either in sections or for a limited time. For example, the passenger can accelerate, decelerate, reverse, or forward the vehicle 20, or specifically deflect the boat 40 in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction using the at least one actuator 26.

[0088] An interactive waiting area can be provided in the station 9, particularly in the entrance area and thus before the ride on at least one vehicle 20 of the amusement ride 1. Games, quizzes, and other competitions can be conducted in the interactive waiting area, and their results can be evaluated. Based on the results, both the seats and roles of the passengers can be allocated during the ride on the amusement ride 1.

[0089] Such a role could be, for example, commander, gunner, helmsman, helmsman, captain, etc. Accessories such as a captain's hat, a control element or terminal for the control unit, etc., can also be issued.

[0090] The control device 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 terminal 80 that evaluates the passenger's inputs and sends control signals to the control device 70 via the interface 75.

[0091] Figure 3 shows a schematic section of the Figure 1 , wherein the vehicle 20 is followed by an effect vehicle 90 in a section of the route 11.

[0092] The effects vehicle 90 is preferably an autonomously driving vehicle with a chassis 91 and rotating, mounted running and support wheels 92, which support the effects vehicle 90 on the rail guide 10. The effects 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 effects vehicle 90 can be driven by a corresponding active drive 50, 60.

[0093] The effect vehicle 90 can be guided from a starting position onto the track 11 by means of a switch 13 and can leave the track 11 by means of a second switch 13 and be guided back to the starting position via a bypass 14. The bypass 14 is in Figure 1 represented by a dashed line.

[0094] The effects vehicle 90 is configured to interact with the vehicle 20 in a section between the two switches and can have an actuator 95 for actuating objects and / or for animating or generating effects. For example, the actuator can raise or lower a monster 99. In particular, if the effects vehicle 90 is arranged completely below the water surface, the monster 99 can suddenly emerge from the body of water 5. The at least one actuator 95 can also actuate cannons or water cannons or the like, for example, to simulate an attack by a pirate ship. A further development (not shown) can have an effects vehicle 90 which, for example, accelerates the vehicle 20 to a particularly high speed during a downhill run on a straight section of track.For this purpose, the effects vehicle 90 can be guided onto and off the track 11—as previously described in another context. The effects vehicle 90 is a performance-tuned vehicle that can push the vehicle 20. The effects vehicle 90 can be used as a "booster" or "launch torpedo" with appropriate decoration, pushing the vehicle 20 and then decoupled from it. For this purpose, the effects vehicle 90 can be positioned either behind, in front of, or to the side of the vehicle 20. Multiple effects vehicles 90 can also be used. The effects vehicle 90 can have actuating means by which the effects vehicle 90 can actuate the coupling device 15 and / or the lockable coupling elements 27 of the at least one vehicle 20.For example, the effect vehicle 90 can actuate the coupling device 15, whereby the active drives 50, 60 are decoupled, 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.

[0095] The braking of the vehicle 20 in the body of water 5 can be achieved by a "big splash." For this purpose, the rail guide 10 initially runs close to the surface of the body of water 5 and then submerges, causing the boat 40 to enter the water, resulting in a "splashdown" with a corresponding spray.

[0096] Figure 4shows 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 the switch 13 is switched below the water surface of the body of water 5 and the vehicle 20 can continue its journey along the track in the opposite direction.

[0097] As previously described, the body of water 5 may comprise lakes, which may be formed by a basin 8 along the route 11. The basin 8 has a surrounding basin edge 8' and further comprises means for the controlled raising and lowering of a water level in the basin 8.

[0098] In Figure 5These means are symbolically represented by a valve and a water reservoir in the area of the bottom of the basin 8. However, in the context of this invention, the water level in the basin 8 can be raised in any desired manner. For example, it is possible to raise the water level in the basin 8 by a torrential waterfall or to raise or lower it by opening a water-supplying sluice. For example, a dam break can be represented in this way.

[0099] As the water level in the pool rises and falls, the boat 40 can float freely relative to the rail vehicle and thus follows the water level. The track 11 leads to the pool edge 8', with a rocker 18 with a movable section of the rail guide 10 arranged in the area of the pool edge 8'. The section of the rail guide 10 of the rocker 18 can be pivoted about at least one axis, preferably transversely to the rail guide 10, by suitable actuators. To drive the vehicle 20 "over" the pool edge 8', the vehicle 20 first drives onto the rocker 18. Subsequently, the rocker 18 is pivoted about the axis, and the vehicle 20 can drive off the rocker 18 and continue its journey along the track 11 normally. Figure 5 The rocker 18 and the vehicle 20 are shown in dashed lines after the rocker 18 has been pivoted. The dashed arrow in Figure 5 symbolizes the path of vehicle 20 over the rocker 18. List of reference symbols

[0100] 1 Ride 5 Body of Water 8 Pool 8 Pool Edge 9 Station 10 Track 11 Track 12 End 13 Switch 14 Bypass 15 Coupling Device 16 Terminal 18 Seesaw 19 Electrical Conductor 20 Vehicle 25 Connecting Device 26 Actuator 27 Coupling Elements 28 Articulated 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 Device 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 a water ride, with at least one rail guide (10) with at least one, preferably at least two, vehicles (20) accommodating at least one passenger, which can travel a track (11) in one direction of travel on the rail guide (10), characterized in that 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).

2. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe rail guide (10) of the track (11) runs at least partially in a body of water (5), and / or that the track (11) can be traveled by the at least one vehicle (20) in a circulating manner in the direction of travel, and / or that the body of water (5) flows at least partially in the direction of travel, and that the vehicle (20) can be passively driven and carried along by the flow of the body of water (5), at least in sections.

3. Ride (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe vehicle (20) comprises a rail vehicle (30) and a floatable boat (40) for accommodating the at least one passenger, wherein the boat (40) is coupled to the rail vehicle (30) by means of a connecting device (25) which allows the boat (40) to float above the rail vehicle (30) and a limited transverse and / or longitudinal movement of the boat (40) in the floated state of the boat (40) relative to the rail vehicle (30), and that the boat (40) in the floated state is transversely and / or longitudinally movable relative to the rail vehicle (30) within an angular range of ±50°, preferably ±30°.

4. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device (25) comprises at least one actuator (26) by means of which the boat (40) can actively perform a transverse, longitudinal or lifting movement relative to the rail vehicle (30), and / or that the connecting device (25) comprises articulated rods (28).

5. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that lockable coupling elements (27) are provided, by means of which the position and / or orientation of the boat (40) relative to the rail vehicle (30) can be fixed.

6. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotary joint (35) is provided, by means of which the boat (40) can be rotated relative to the rail vehicle (30) about a vertical axis (Z).

7. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuator (36) is provided by which the boat (40) can be rotated relative to the rail vehicle (30) about a vertical axis (Z).

8. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second active drive (60) is provided which can drive the at least one vehicle (20) independently of the first active drive (50).

9. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe vehicle (20) has at least one coupling device (15) by means of which at least one of the active drives (50, 60) can be coupled and / or uncoupled.

10. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one coupling device (15) can switch between the first active drive (50) and the second active drive (60).

11. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe 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 rack and pinion drive, a linear synchronous drive, a linear induction drive, or a magnetic drive, and / or that at least one of the active drives (50, 60) is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, and / or the vehicle (20) is supplied with electrical energy inductively, by cable, by means of a slider (49), and / or by means of at least one battery, a supercapacitor, or a fuel cell, and / or that the vehicle (20) has a mast (44) with means for transmitting electrical energy, and / or that at least one electrical conductor (19) is arranged at least in sections over the track (11), and that the means on the mast (44) contact the at least one electrical conductor (19) for transmitting electrical energy,and / or that the route (11) has at least one section in which the vehicle (20) fully or partially emerges from the body of water, and / or that the vehicle (20) has a control device (70), and that the control device (70) enables the at least one passenger to actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle (20), and / or that the control device (70) has an interface (75) that can be connected to a personal mobile terminal (80) of the passenger, and that the passenger can actively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle (20) via their personal mobile terminal (80), and / or that the control device (70) allows for a limited period of time or for sections of time to influence the driving behavior of the vehicle (20), and / or that the driving behavior relates to the speed, the direction of travel, a rotation about the vertical axis, the longitudinal and / or transverse mobility,and / or that the rail guide (10) has at least one switch (13)., 12. Ride (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one effect vehicle (90) is provided which can travel on the at least one rail guide (10).

13. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe at least one effects vehicle (90) can be guided onto the track (11) and / or off the track (11) by means of the at least one switch (13), and / or that the at least one effects vehicle (90) is configured to be able to accelerate or push the at least one vehicle (20), and / or that the effects vehicle (90) is configured to travel completely below a water surface of the body of water (5), and / or that the effects vehicle (90) has at least one actuator for moving objects and / or animating effects, and / or that the effects vehicle (90) has actuating means by which the effects vehicle (90) can actuate the coupling device (15) and / or lockable coupling elements (27).

14. Ride (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata station (9) with a waiting area is provided, and that in the waiting area at least one competition is carried out and evaluated among the passengers and that the passengers are allocated seats or functions in at least one vehicle (20) depending on the result.

15. Ride (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the route (11) has a section with a basin (8), wherein a water level in the body of water (5) in the basin (8) can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner.

16. Ride (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rail guide (10) has at least one rocker (18), wherein the rocker (18) is pivotable about at least one axis, preferably transversely to the direction of travel.

17. Ride (1) according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in thatthat when a predetermined water level is reached in the basin (8), the vehicle (20) continues its journey in the direction of travel via the seesaw (18).

18. A method for operating a ride according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Effect vehicle (90) for a ride according to one of claims 1 to 17, in particular with the features of at least one of claims 12 to 13.

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