An amusement park ride, especially a roller coaster

Abstract

The amusement ride (1), in particular a roller coaster, comprises at least one vehicle (10) that is movable in a first orientation (e.g., "forward") along a path (20) in a starting direction from an exit (C) of a boarding area (30), and after a run, the vehicle (10) returns into the boarding area via an entrance (D) in an entry direction while maintaining the vehicle's running direction. The boarding area (30) and the path (20) are configured such that, for a subsequent run, the vehicle (10) passes through the entrance (D) of the boarding area (30) in an entry direction that is opposite to the previous starting direction, while maintaining its running direction, in order to traverse the path (20) in an opposite orientation (e.g., "backward") to the first orientation (e.g., "forward").

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an amusement park amusement ride, in particular a roller coaster, comprising at least one car that is movable in a first direction (e.g., "forward") along a track in a departure direction from an exit of a riding area, and which, after travel, returns again into the riding area via an entrance in an entry direction. [Background technology]

[0002] Such amusement rides are well known. The leisure park "Europapark" in Rust, Germany, for example operates the roller coaster "Alpenexpress" and the high-speed roller coasters "Blue Fire" and "SilverStar". In these well-known roller coasters, several cars with seats are connected to form a train, which starts forward from the boarding area, for example from a station, at the exit of the boarding area and travels along a track formed as a rail track. At the end of the trip, the train returns again with the cars at the rear of the boarding area to the entrance. These roller coasters are configured in such a way that the passengers sit in the cars with their line of sight facing the track ahead. Most roller coasters in operation are designed in this way.

[0003] On the other hand, roller coasters are also known in which the carriages are arranged to rotate around their own axes while moving on the rails. Depending on the position of the carriage at that time, the passengers sitting in the carriages look in different directions. An example of such a roller coaster is the "Euro-Mir" in the Europa-Park mentioned above.

[0004] Finally, there is also a so-called jet coaster where the vehicle or train can pass through the track arbitrarily forward or backward. An example of such a jet coaster is the "Fury" at "Bobbejaaland" in Lichtaart, Belgium. The feature of this jet coaster is that passengers can vote on whether the ride is forward or backward by pressing a button on the seat before the ride. And the running direction is determined by a majority vote. In case of a tie, whether the ride is backward or forward is determined randomly. In order to align the train according to the selected running direction, a rotating platform for rotating the entire train in the corresponding direction is installed in the boarding area.

[0005] Finally, in contrast to the jet coaster, there is a so-called reciprocating track where the vehicle does not travel on a closed track but travels back and forth on an open track. An example of such a reciprocating track is known from Patent Document 1. The extension of the path of this amusement vehicle is basically a straight line, and at both ends, there are path sections extending almost vertically upward into the air. The vehicle can travel back and forth between the two ends. At this time, as a special attraction, when the vehicle speeds through the middle of the two vertically protruding path sections, a so-called "power splash" occurs when the vehicle speeds through the rising water level. In the case of this amusement vehicle, a station-like boarding area is located on the side of the middle path section, and also has a rotating mechanism for moving the vehicle from the boarding area onto the running track.

[0006] The problem with the amusement vehicles and jet coasters known to date is the fact that in order to provide passengers with a riding experience different from a simple forward ride, a relatively complex and costly turning mechanism has to be provided. Therefore, it is necessary for the vehicle itself to be equipped with a turning mechanism or to provide a so-called rotating carousel within the boarding area of the amusement vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, there is a need for conventional roller coasters to provide passengers with a varied ride experience, which should last as long as possible according to the passengers' wishes. The ride experience is particularly disappointing for passengers when traveling along a relatively boring section of the roller coaster, and perhaps this roller coaster ride is also very short, for example because the roller coaster track is short for space reasons. A possible solution to this problem is to make two or three successive laps of the track during the roller coaster ride. However, in that case, the passengers will feel bored over time, since they have already experienced and become familiar with the roller coaster during the first run of the track.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102014103226 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an amusement ride for an amusement park, particularly a roller coaster, capable of going around a course having different riding experiences by simple means without using a complicated rotating mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This object is solved by an amusement ride, in particular a roller coaster, having the features of claim 1. Further aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, to which reference is made to claim 1.

[0012] Thus, the amusement vehicle according to the invention provides at least one vehicle, which is capable of moving from an exit of the boarding area along a path in a first direction (e.g. "forward"). After the journey, the vehicle returns into the boarding area via the entrance in an entry direction while maintaining its direction of travel. According to the invention, the boarding area and the path are configured in such a way that the vehicle passes through the entrance of the boarding area in an entry direction opposite to the previous departure direction while maintaining its direction of travel during the entire journey. This allows the vehicle to traverse the path in a direction opposite to the initial direction ("backward") during a subsequent journey in a simple manner, without the need for expensive turning mechanisms.

[0013] The essential essence of the idea is therefore that the vehicle leaves the boarding area in one starting direction, travels along the road and then finally re-enters the boarding area in exactly the opposite direction without the vehicle having to change direction as in the case of a two-way track. With this measure, the vehicle is already in the boarding area having turned 180 degrees with respect to the previous trip, so that there is no need for the vehicle to make an expensive turn in order to travel backwards along the road for the next trip.

[0014] Preferably, the entire passenger run on such a roller coaster is first a complete forward run around the track and then immediately a reverse run around the same track. This has the decided advantage that on the one hand the total passenger ride time is doubled and, in addition, the passenger gets two different ride experiences on one and the same track: a forward ride and a reverse ride. Of course, it is within the scope of the invention for the vehicle to first circumnavigate the track backwards and then circumnavigate the track forwards.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the ride area has both the exit and the entrance of the track on one of its sides, in particular on the front side. This has the advantage that the ride area can be made relatively simply. For example, only the front side and, if necessary, two side sides need to be provided with decorative elements. The rear side of the ride area can also be connected, for example, to another building. According to the invention, it is no longer necessary to pass through the ride area, as in conventional roller coasters. This allows optimal design possibilities even in limited spaces for amusement rides.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the exit and the entrance of the boarding area are offset in height from each other, the exit being preferably arranged at a higher level than the entrance. The exit can then be configured in such a way that, due to the height of the exit alone, a costly acceleration device of the amusement vehicle can be omitted or such an acceleration device only needs to be used in a reduced area of ​​the travel path. In the case of such a height offset between the exit and the entrance, it is useful to provide a lifting device for lifting the vehicle of the amusement vehicle from the lower level, i.e. the entrance, to the upper level, i.e. the exit.

[0017] Instead of or in addition to a vertical offset of the exit and entrance, a lateral offset can also be realized. In this case, the exit and the entrance are located next to each other and no lifting device is required. However, in this case the vehicle must be accelerated at the exit or thereafter for the further journey down the travel path. This can be done by so-called LSM acceleration devices, but also by devices that first make the vehicle overcome the height difference after leaving the boarding area. For example, a chain drive or a gear drive is suitable for this purpose.

[0018] Instead of using devices for vertical or lateral offset of the vehicle, it is also possible to provide a point in the boarding area or in the area of ​​the boarding area, which allows the vehicle to reach the actual travel path of the amusement vehicle for the first time when leaving the boarding area. At the end of the travel path, the vehicle reaches a point and returns to the boarding area on the same rails as it started from. It is understood that in this solution, after the end of the trip, the vehicle can turn 180 degrees and be located in the boarding area and be used for a further trip.

[0019] It is furthermore expedient that the vehicle is connected in the region of the boarding area to a road section, for example a rail section, such that when the vehicle moves vertically or laterally in the region of the boarding area, the vehicle and the road section are guided to the starting point or to the actual road.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, a station is provided where passengers can board and disembark from the vehicle. Such a station may be provided at a location separate from the boarding area, but must then be connected to the boarding area via a track section. However, it is also possible for the boarding area itself to serve as a station for passengers and to be formed accordingly with a boarding and disembarking platform.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of examples in connection with certain drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an amusement vehicle with a boarding area in which a lifting device is arranged and with vehicles movable on a track in a first travel variant. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the amusement vehicle of FIG. 1 in a second travel variant. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an amusement vehicle according to the invention with points in the region of the riding area in a first travel variant. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows the amusement vehicle of FIG. 3 in a second travel variant. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of an amusement vehicle with lateral movement of the vehicle in the ride area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In the following drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numbers denote the same parts having the same meanings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an amusement ride that can be installed in an amusement park. This amusement ride is indicated by the reference number 1 and comprises one or more vehicles 10, which travel from a boarding area 30 via a track 20 and return to the boarding area 30 at the end of the track 20. The track 20 is for example implemented as a roller coaster and is formed with various travel elements, for example loops, steep descents or ascents, spirals, extremely sharp turns or the like. The boarding area 30 can be a station for passengers. However, the station can also be provided at a location remote from the boarding area 30, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, and connected to the boarding area 30 via a track section 61. The station provided in this case is indicated by the reference number 60 in FIG. 1.

[0024] The vehicle 10 leaves the boarding area at its front 31 and in this embodiment uses a suitable exit C. After the vehicle 10 has left the exit C of the boarding area 30 and has subsequently passed through the running path 20, the vehicle 10 re-enters the boarding area 30 via an entrance D. For this purpose, the entrance D of the boarding area 30 is arranged at the front 31 of the boarding area 30. The entrance D of the boarding area 30 is located at an offset height with respect to the exit C of the boarding area 30 and, in this embodiment, is clearly located below the exit C. In Fig. 1, a lower position of the vehicle 10 in the boarding area 30 is indicated by reference A, and an upper position from which the vehicle 10 can leave the boarding area 30 via its exit C is indicated by reference B.

[0025] The vehicle 10 can be lifted from its lower position A to its upper position B by means of a suitable lifting device 40 arranged in or in the region of the boarding area 30 . As can be seen from FIG. 1, in such an arrangement of an amusement ride 1 or roller coaster, the vehicles 10 face in the opposite direction in the lower position A compared to the upper position B when the vehicles C leave the ride area after completing the runway 20.

[0026] In the representation of FIG. 1, the vehicle C is in an upper position B and faces forward towards the travel path 20. This means that the front side 11 of the vehicle 10 faces towards the travel path 20. The rear side 12 of the vehicle 10 faces away from the travel path 20, i.e. away from the travel path 20 in the orientation and direction shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 10 usually has passenger seats, in particular seats. The arrow 30 indicates the direction of sight of the passengers in the vehicle 10 when they are facing straight ahead according to their seat position. In FIG. 1, the reference sign 22 indicates the travel direction of the vehicle 10 on the travel path 20. The reference sign X indicates the departure direction of the vehicle 10 in the immediate vicinity of the exit C of the boarding area 30. The entry direction to the entrance D of the boarding area 30 is indicated by the reference sign Y in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the entry direction Y is opposite to the departure direction X, even though the vehicle 10 does not change the travel direction 22 over the entire travel path 20. However, the route 20 for the vehicles is configured in such a way that the vehicles 10 enter the boarding area 30 in a direction opposite to the direction they previously exited. Thus, passengers seated in the vehicles 10, after arriving at the boarding area 30, face in a direction opposite to the direction they previously faced when they left the boarding area 30. Reference numeral 13 at a position A below the boarding area 30 indicates this.

[0027] After the vehicle 10 travels on the path 20 from the upper position C of the boarding area 30 and enters the entrance D of the boarding area 30 in the opposite direction, the passengers of the vehicle 10 complete the first round of riding. After the vehicle 10 arrives at the boarding area 30 in the opposite direction compared to the exit of the boarding area 30, the lifting device 40 brings the vehicle 10 to its upper position C. This is shown in FIG. 2. The vehicle 10 is then ready to start the second round, except that the passengers are now seated in passenger seats or seats facing backwards with respect to the path 20. The passengers have a completely different riding experience in this second round than in the first round. Moreover, by passing through the path 20 twice, the overall riding time is significantly extended, which also increases the passengers' riding enjoyment in this respect. The result of the passengers having the same riding experience when passing through the path 20 twice, as before, is avoided by the passengers' facing in the second round.

[0028] 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 in the boarding area 30 is located on a running track section 27 which is lifted together with the vehicle 10 by a lifting device 40. This running track section 27 is formed in such a way that a smooth transition in the boarding area 30 from this running track section 27 to the running track 20 at the exit C or the entrance D is guaranteed. To this end, the lifting device 40 lifts not only the vehicle 10 but also the running track section 27 assigned to this vehicle 10. The running track section is preferably formed as a short piece of rail.

[0029] The operation of this additional track section 27 in the boarding area 30 is described below. The vehicle 10 is located on the running path portion 27 at the upper position C, and the running path portion 27 is directly connected to the running path 20. Therefore, the vehicle 10 can exit onto the running path 20 from the exit C via the running path portion 27 in the boarding area 30. After the vehicle 10 departs onto the running path 20 from its upper position B, the running path portion 27 is moved to its lower position A by the lifting device 40, where it is connected to the end of the running path 20. This allows the vehicle, after finishing traveling on the running path 20, to enter the entrance D of the boarding area 30 and travel on the prepared running path portion 27. In the next stage, the running path portion 27 is returned to the upper position B by the lifting device 40 together with the vehicle 10 that has entered.

[0030] 1 and 2, only a single vehicle is shown traveling on the track 20, however, multiple vehicles may be provided for this purpose, and for example a parking area and waiting area may be provided within the loading area 30, where the second vehicle may wait.

[0031] A second embodiment of the amusement vehicle is shown in relation to figures 3 and 4. Instead of the lifting device 40, the amusement vehicle 1 has a point or point assembly 24 arranged in or in the area of ​​the boarding area 30. At its front 31, the boarding area 30 has an exit, which is simultaneously used as an entrance. The running track section 27 is connected to a path section 25 arranged between the boarding area 30 and the point 24. The vehicle runs on this path section 25 both when leaving and when entering the boarding area 30.

[0032] The vehicle 10 likewise has a front side 11 and a rear side 12. The line of sight of the passengers in the vehicle 10 is likewise indicated by the reference number 13. When the vehicle 10 leaves the boarding area 30, it first travels over a path section 25 and then over a point 24. This point 24 is set so that the vehicle 10 first travels uphill in order to obtain sufficient energy for the subsequent trip, in particular for the rollercoaster trip. For this purpose, a towing section 26 of the track 20 follows the point 24. For this purpose, for example, a gear drive, a chain drive, etc. can be provided. It is also conceivable in the present embodiment for an electromagnetic acceleration section to follow the point 24.

[0033] After the vehicle 10 leaves the point 24, the point 24 is switched to the dashed line position shown in Fig. 3. This allows the vehicle 10 to return to the boarding area 30 via the previously traveled route portion 25 after the end of the travel path 20. At this time, the vehicle 10 is in a state of facing in the boarding area 30 in the opposite direction compared to the arrangement in the previous boarding area 30.

[0034] This is shown in Figure 4. The vehicle 10 is now ready to perform a second lap, so that the vehicle 10 can again travel along the track 20, but in the opposite direction. FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the amusement vehicle 1. The track 20 is shown excerpted only in the area of ​​the exit C and in the area of ​​the entrance D of the boarding area 30. Instead of the lifting device provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the boarding area 30 has a pushing device 50, which can push the vehicle 10, and preferably also the assigned track section 27, laterally. This lateral pushing is performed so that the vehicle 10 is coupled to the track 20 with the track section 27 at the exit C and can travel on the track 20 via the exit C. The departure direction is likewise indicated by the reference X. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with two seats 14. After the vehicle 10 leaves the exit C of the boarding area 30, it ends its travel on the track 20 and arrives at the boarding area 30 again at the entrance D. The approach direction Y is towards the boarding area 30, whereas the departure direction X is away from the boarding area 30. The vehicle 10 thus arrives at the boarding area 30 in the opposite direction. On arrival there, the vehicle 10 is pushed laterally by the pushing device 50 in order to return to the exit position in order to travel along the track 20 again, but in the opposite direction, for example backwards. To push the vehicle 10 from the entrance position to the exit position, the pushing device 50 pushes the vehicle 10 in the required manner. For this purpose, the vehicle 10 is advantageously located on a platform 32, on which there may also be present a track section 27 which connects to the track 20 in the area of ​​the exit C or in the area of ​​the entrance D. It is also ensured in this embodiment that during the two laps of the track 20, the passengers of the vehicle 10 lap the track 20 once forwards and once backwards. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1. Amusement rides 10 Vehicles 11 Front side 12 Rear side 13 View direction 14 seats 20 Running Track 22 Direction of travel 24 Points 25 Path Section 26 Towing section 27 Running Road Section 28 Rail section 30 Boarding Area 31 Front 32 Pushing Platform 40 Lifting device 50 Pushing device 60 Stations 61 Road section A Lower position B Upper position C exit D Entrance X Departure direction Y approach direction

Claims

1. An amusement ride (1), in particular a roller coaster, comprising at least one vehicle (10) movable in a first orientation (e.g. "forward") along a track (20) in a departure direction (X) from an exit (C) of a ride area (30), said vehicle (10) returning, after its travel, in an entry direction (Y) via an entrance (D) into said ride area, the boarding area (30) and the running path (20) are configured such that, during a subsequent run, the vehicle (10) enters the entrance (D) of the boarding area (30) in an entry direction (Y) that is opposite to the previous departure direction (X) while maintaining its running direction in order to run on the running path (20) in a direction opposite (e.g., "backward") to the first direction (e.g., "forward"); the boarding area (30) having a lifting device (40) by means of which the vehicle (10) can be moved from a lower position (A) to an upper position (B) in order to leave the boarding area (30) via the exit (C); The amusement park amusement ride (1), characterized in that the vehicle (10) is capable of entering the entrance (D) of the boarding area (30) at the lower position (A) after traveling via the running path (20).

2. 2. The amusement park ride of claim 1, wherein the riding area (30) has both an exit (C) and an entrance (D) for the track (20) at a front (31).

3. 3. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exit (C) and the entrance (D) are offset in height from each other.

4. 3. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the exit (C) and the entrance (D) are laterally offset from each other.

5. An amusement ride (1), in particular a roller coaster, comprising at least one vehicle (10) movable in a first orientation (e.g. "forward") along a track (20) in a departure direction (X) from an exit (C) of a ride area (30), said vehicle (10) returning, after its travel, in an entry direction (Y) via an entrance (D) into said ride area, the boarding area (30) and the running path (20) are configured such that, during a subsequent run, the vehicle (10) enters the entrance (D) of the boarding area (30) in an entry direction (Y) that is opposite to the previous departure direction (X) while maintaining its running direction in order to run on the running path (20) in a direction opposite (e.g., "backward") to the first direction (e.g., "forward"); The amusement ride (1) for an amusement park, characterized in that the vehicle (10) is connected to a running track section (27) within the area of ​​the boarding area (30) and is movable together with the running track section (27) during vertical and / or lateral movement within the area of ​​the boarding area (30).

6. 3. An amusement ride for an amusement park according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the track (20) is at least partially formed as a rail track.

7. 3. The amusement park ride of claim 1 or 2, wherein the boarding area (30) is a station where passengers can board the vehicle (10).

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