Backbone rail for a roller coaster assembly, and roller coaster assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a backbone rail for a roller coaster assembly, comprising two rail tubes on which a car assembly can travel, and at least one backbone tube which cannot be traveled on, in particular a main-load-bearing backbone tube, wherein portions of the rail tubes and backbone tube are interconnected via reinforcing partitions along an axis of main extension of the backbone rail, wherein at least one partition has partition plates which connect at least one rail tube to the backbone tube, and wherein the at least one partition is hollow-section-free. The invention also relates to a roller coaster assembly comprising the car assembly and at least the backbone rail, wherein the car assembly is or can be fastened to the backbone rail so as to be movable along the backbone rail.

Description

[0001] Backbone rail for a roller coaster arrangement and roller coaster arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to a backbone rail for a roller coaster arrangement, comprising two rail tubes which can be driven over by a carriage arrangement and at least one non-driven, in particular main load-bearing backbone tube, wherein along a main extension axis of the backbone rail the rail tubes and the backbone tube are connected to one another in sections via stiffening bulkheads, wherein at least one bulkhead has bulkhead plates which connect at least one rail tube to the backbone tube.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a roller coaster arrangement comprising a carriage arrangement and at least one backbone rail according to the type mentioned herein, wherein the carriage arrangement is fastened or fastenable to the backbone rail so as to be movable along the backbone rail.

[0004] Such rails and arrangements are known from the prior art. The backbone rail represents one possible rail design for a roller coaster. A variety of different rail systems are known for guiding the carriage arrangement of a roller coaster or similar rail-driven amusement ride along a predetermined track geometry. These rail systems include, for example, wooden or steel rails with one or more rail profiles of any shape, whereby the load-bearing capacity of the rail or the individual rail tubes can be improved by stiffening with profiles, sheets, or similar statically effective means, as well as by connecting supporting profiles, etc.

[0005] DE102016123928 B4 describes a backbone rail for a roller coaster or similar rail-based amusement ride. It comprises two rail tubes that can be driven on by a carriage assembly and at least one non-driveable, in particular main-load-bearing, backbone tube whose area moment of inertia is greater than the area moment of inertia of the rail tubes. Viewed along the main extension axis of the backbone rail, the rail tubes and the backbone tube are connected to each other in sections via stiffening bulkheads. At least one bulkhead has a hollow profile-like cross connector that interconnects the rail tubes and is connected to the rail tubes, extending orthogonally to the main extension axis of the backbone rail between the rail tubes.Furthermore, the bulkhead has bulkhead plates which connect at least one rail tube to the backbone tube, wherein at least one bulkhead plate is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate whose main extension plane runs perpendicular to the bulkhead plane and which is connected to the backbone tube running tangentially into the backbone tube.

[0006] Other prior art embodiments include backbone rails in which the connection between the rail tube and the backbone tube, or between the cross connector and the backbone tube, is also constructed with hollow profile-like elements. Hollow profile-like elements include hollow profiles of various cross-sectional shapes, but also welded hollow boxes.

[0007] However, the use of hollow profile-like bulkhead elements such as the cross connectors between the rail tubes has the disadvantage that welding two hollow profiles such as tubes is complex, especially in the case of curved travel tube sections.

[0008] Further embodiments in the prior art include backbone rails in which the connection between the rail tubes and the backbone tube is established only by a transverse plate in the bulkhead plane. Such embodiments have a comparatively low load-bearing capacity due to their shear flexibility.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved backbone rail which has a high shear stiffness and reduces the manufacturing effort.

[0010] This object is achieved by a backbone rail according to claim 1 and a roller coaster arrangement according to claim 15. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0011] In particular, according to the invention, a backbone rail for a roller coaster is provided, which comprises two rail tubes that can be driven over by a car arrangement and at least one non-driven, in particular main load-bearing backbone tube, wherein along a main extension axis of the backbone rail, the rail tubes and the backbone tube are connected to one another in sections via stiffening bulkheads, wherein at least one bulkhead has bulkhead plates that connect at least one rail tube to the backbone tube, and wherein the at least one bulkhead is designed without hollow profile-like elements, as an open cross-section.

[0012] A hollow-profile-free bulkhead reduces the manufacturing effort required, for example, for hollow-profile bulkhead elements. At the same time, the inventive design of the bulkhead enables a high load-bearing capacity of the backbone rail.

[0013] For a simple structural implementation of the backbone rail according to the invention, it is expedient if the bulkhead has the following: at least one bulkhead plate which is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate, the main extension plane of which runs essentially perpendicular to the bulkhead plane, and which is connected to the backbone tube running essentially tangentially into the backbone tube, and at least one further bulkhead plate which is designed as a transverse bulkhead plate which is connected to the at least one rail tube and the backbone tube running essentially orthogonally to the main extension axis of the backbone rail between the rail tubes.

[0014] The longitudinal bulkhead plate provides the bulkhead with high rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the backbone rail, which in turn increases the rail's load-bearing capacity for local vertical loads. The transverse bulkhead plate efficiently transfers loads acting locally transverse to the rail into the rail. No additional hollow profile elements are required, especially no hollow profile cross connector.

[0015] From a manufacturing point of view, it is advantageous if the longitudinal bulkhead plate and the transverse bulkhead plate are connected directly to the rail tube and backbone tube, whereby the connection between the longitudinal bulkhead plate and the transverse bulkhead plate with the rail tube and backbone tube is free of hollow profiles.

[0016] In order to stiffen the bulkhead without using hollow profiles, it is also expedient if the transverse bulkhead plate is arranged so that it runs essentially in the bulkhead plane, and the longitudinal bulkhead plate is arranged so that it intersects the bulkhead plane essentially at right angles. For example, the transverse bulkhead plate can connect the rail tubes to one another and be connected to the longitudinal bulkhead plate. In this case, the transverse bulkhead plate and the respectively assigned longitudinal bulkhead plates of the bulkhead can be welded or connected to one another in such a way that the combination of transverse bulkhead plate and longitudinal bulkhead plate forms an X-shape, a T-shape, a C-shape or an L-shape in cross-section. Either the transverse bulkhead plate or the longitudinal bulkhead plate can rest on the other bulkhead plate. Alternatively, some of these cross-sectional shapes can preferably also be created by bending a sheet, which further reduces the manufacturing effort.This arrangement of the bulkhead plates makes it possible to omit the commonly used hollow profile or tubular connecting elements in the bulkhead plane.

[0017] To achieve optimal load transfer while maintaining high rigidity of the bulkhead, it is further advantageous if a main extension plane of the transverse bulkhead plate runs between longitudinal bulkhead plates and / or is designed such that, viewed from the bulkhead plane, it essentially has the shape of a "T" or a "Y." The transverse bulkhead plate can, particularly in a sectional view, have the shape of a "fool's cap," which rests on the backbone tube and supports the rail tubes at both ends.

[0018] It is also advantageous if a large number of longitudinal bulkhead plates are provided on the bulkhead.

[0019] A notch-free load introduction with simultaneous high rigidity of the bulkhead can also be achieved by the width of at least one longitudinal bulkhead plate decreasing at least in sections with increasing distance from the backbone tube or rail tube.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the bulkhead plates have a maximum thickness of 50 mm, or 45 mm, or 40 mm, or 35 mm, or 30 mm, or 25 mm, or 20 mm, or 15 mm, or 10 mm.

[0021] In order to achieve an even better load-bearing capacity of a thin-walled bulkhead without using hollow profile elements, it is expedient if at least one thin-walled longitudinal bulkhead plate has at least one indented bead, welded-on stiffener or similar load-bearing capacity-increasing reinforcing means.

[0022] A simple and safe welding of the bulkhead to the rail tubes and the backbone tube can also be made possible if the bulkhead plates are connected to the rail tubes and the backbone tube in such a way that the connection area of ​​the plates to the tubes is free of hollow profiles, so that the plates are each connected or welded to a corresponding tube completely circumferentially or on both sides at their connecting joint.

[0023] In this case, all elements of the bulkhead can be designed as sheet metal.

[0024] In order to achieve simple and secure welding of the bulkhead to the rail tubes and the backbone tube, it is further advantageous if all bulkhead elements of the backbone rail except for the rail tubes and the backbone tube are designed without hollow profiles, or if all bulkhead elements of the backbone rail except for the rail tubes and the backbone tube are designed using sheet metal.

[0025] The invention further relates to a roller coaster arrangement comprising a carriage arrangement and at least one backbone rail according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage arrangement is fastened or designed to be fastened to the backbone rail so that it can be moved along the backbone rail. Such a roller coaster arrangement can comprise all the backbone rails as described here in various embodiments and in particular as defined in the subclaims. For reasons of redundancy, reference is therefore made to what is stated herein in this regard.

[0026] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a roller coaster arrangement with a backbone rail and a car arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Fig. 2A is an isometric view of a backbone rail according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the backbone rail shown in Fig. 2A;

[0029] Fig. 2C is a plan view of the embodiment of the backbone rail shown in Fig. 2A;

[0030] Fig. 3A is an isometric view of a backbone rail according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Fig. 3B is a plan view of the embodiment of the backbone rail shown in Fig. 3A;

[0032] Fig. 4A is an isometric view of a backbone rail according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the backbone rail shown in Fig. 4A; and

[0034] Fig. 4C is a schematic view of the backbone rail of Fig. 4A, omitting the backbone tube and the rail tubes.

[0035] In the following, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent components, although high indices may occasionally be used.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning, and in particular a meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art when interpreted in the context of the specification and the drawings. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are interpreted with reference to the technical field discussed herein, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly so defined. In certain cases, a detailed description of well-known devices and methods may be omitted to avoid redundancy of the description. The description of particular embodiments and the terminology used therein is not intended to limit the invention.The singular forms "a," "a," and "the" may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. It is understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" indicate the presence of recited features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. Furthermore, it is understood that when a particular step of a method is stated to follow another step, it may follow directly after that other step, or one or more intermediate steps may be performed before the particular step is performed, unless otherwise stated.Likewise, it is understood that when a connection is described between structures or components, this connection may be made directly or through intermediate structures or components, unless otherwise specified. The disclosure of all publications, patent applications, patents, and other literature cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the event of a conflict, this specification, including its definitions, shall prevail.

[0037] The invention will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided here so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully but exemplarily convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be considered a part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.Embodiments may be described using schematic and / or cross-sectional illustrations, idealized embodiments, and intermediate structures of the invention. Relative terms, as well as their derivatives, should be understood to refer to the orientation described or shown therein in the drawing just discussed. These relative terms are for convenience and do not require the system to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0038] For clarity and conciseness of description, features are generally described herein as part of one or more separate embodiments; however, it should be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the described features.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a roller coaster assembly 30 or a similar ride, which comprises at least one backbone rail 1 according to the invention, which will be described in detail later with reference to Figs. 2A to 40. A carriage assembly 32 can have a chassis 33 with running wheels, which surrounds at least one rail tube of the backbone rail 1 on the top, bottom, and outside. The chassis 33 is shown schematically in Fig. 1 and can have various designs. The backbone rail 1 is stabilized by support pillars 34. The roller coaster assembly 30 is typically made of a material that enables high operational reliability to ensure safe riding for passengers. Steel, for example, can be advantageous as a material for the roller coaster assembly 30, but wood can also be used.

[0040] Figs. 2A to 2C show different views and sections of an embodiment of the backbone rail 1 according to the invention for the roller coaster arrangement 30 or a similar rail-operated amusement ride. The backbone rail 1 comprises two rail tubes 2, 4 on which the car arrangement 32 can travel, and at least one non-driveable, in particular main-load-bearing, backbone tube 6. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 2B, the backbone tube 6 has a larger area moment of inertia than the rail tubes 2, 4. As already described above, the backbone tube 6 in such a backbone rail 1 is considered to be particularly main-load-bearing, thus bearing a much larger portion of the loads acting on the entire rail than the rail tubes 2, 4.Optionally, the area moment of inertia of the backbone tube 6 is 1.5 times, optionally at least 2 times, and further optionally at least 3 times greater than the area moment of inertia of the rail tubes 2, 4. Along the main extension axis AH, the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 are connected to one another in sections via stiffening bulkheads 10. In the isometric illustration according to Fig. 2A, the bulkhead plane of a bulkhead 10 is spanned by the illustrated Z-axis and the Y-axis. The main extension axis AH of the backbone rail 1 is arranged essentially orthogonally to this bulkhead plane ZY in this embodiment.

[0041] According to the invention and in contrast to the prior art, the bulkhead 10 does not have a hollow profile-like or tubular bulkhead element that connects the rail tubes 2, 4 to one another or the rail tubes 2, 4 to the backbone tube 6 and is connected essentially orthogonally to the main extension axis AH of the backbone rail 1 between the rail tubes 2, 4 or between the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 via welded joints to the rail tubes 2, 4 or the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6. Rather, the bulkhead 10 is free of hollow profiles and open, and has bulkhead plates 12, 14 that connect at least one rail tube 2, 4 to the backbone tube 6.A backbone rail 1 is therefore provided for a roller coaster, which comprises the two rail tubes 2, 4 on which the car arrangement 32 can travel and at least the non-travelable, in particular main load-bearing backbone tube 6, wherein along the main extension axis AH of the backbone rail 1, the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 are connected to one another in sections via the stiffening bulkheads 10, wherein at least one bulkhead 10 has the bulkhead plates 12, 14 which connect at least one rail tube 2, 4 to the backbone tube 6, wherein the at least one bulkhead 10 is designed without a hollow profile.

[0042] The bulkhead 10 can have at least one bulkhead plate 12, which is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate 12, the main extension plane of which runs essentially in the direction of the main extension axis AH and essentially perpendicular to the bulkhead plane, and which is connected to the backbone tube 6, running essentially tangentially or at a steep angle into the backbone tube 6. The bulkhead 10 can further have at least one further bulkhead plate 14, which is designed as a transverse bulkhead plate 14 and which is connected to the at least one rail tube 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6, running essentially orthogonal to the main extension axis AH and essentially parallel to the bulkhead plane of the backbone rail 1 between the rail tubes 2, 4. The example of the backbone rail 1 shown in Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C shows two longitudinal bulkhead plates 12, each connected to one of the rail tubes 2, 4, as well as a transverse bulkhead plate 14 running between them.Additional longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 can be provided, which is described in detail with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. In particular, the transverse bulkhead plate 14 can replace a hollow profile-shaped cross connector, as described in the prior art. This can, on the one hand, improve the shear stiffness of the backbone rail 1 and, on the other hand, reduce the manufacturing effort. The longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 can be connected directly to the rail tube 2, 4, for example, by means of a welded connection. This is illustrated in simplified form in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0043] The transverse bulkhead plate 14 can further be arranged to extend substantially in the bulkhead plane. And the longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 can be arranged to intersect the bulkhead plane. This is evident from Fig. 2B, which is a cross-sectional view of the backbone rail 1 shown in Fig. 2A. In simplified terms, the arrangement of the transverse bulkhead plate 14 and the longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 shown in Fig. 2B can form a "fool's cap" from the perspective of the bulkhead plane ZY, wherein the transverse bulkhead plate 14 at least partially encloses the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 or is connected to them.

[0044] More specifically, the transverse bulkhead 14 can interconnect the rail tubes 2, 4 and be connected to the longitudinal bulkhead 12. Consequently, the transverse bulkhead 14 can function as a hollow-profile-free cross connector, as already described. This can be seen, for example, in Fig. 2C, which is a top view of the backbone rail 1 shown in Fig. 2A.

[0045] The transverse bulkhead plate 14 and the respective associated longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 of the bulkhead 10 can be welded or connected to one another in such a way that the composite of the transverse bulkhead plate 14 and the longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 forms an X-shape, a T-shape, a C-shape, or an L-shape in cross-section. Either the transverse bulkhead plate or the longitudinal bulkhead plate can be placed on top of the other bulkhead plate. Alternatively, some of these cross-sectional shapes can preferably also be created by edging a sheet, which further reduces the manufacturing effort. This arrangement of the bulkhead plates makes it possible to use the commonly used hollow profile or tubular

[0046] Connecting elements in the bulkhead plane can be omitted. According to embodiments, a main extension plane of the transverse bulkhead plate 14 can run between longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 and / or be configured such that, when viewed along the bulkhead plane ZY, it has a substantially "T" or "Y" shape, as shown in Fig. 2B.

[0047] Furthermore, a plurality of longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 can be provided on the bulkhead 10. This is illustrated in simplified form in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. In the example shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, a bulkhead 10 has four longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 and one transverse bulkhead plate 14, which are each connected to the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6. In particular, the transverse bulkhead plate 14 can be arranged centrally between the longitudinal bulkhead plates 12. However, the transverse bulkhead plate 14 can also be designed as two transverse bulkhead plates 14 (not shown), wherein these plates are then each connected to a longitudinal bulkhead plate 12. In this case, the upper transverse bulkhead plate 14 has the shape of a boomerang and the lower transverse bulkhead plate 14 then nestles against the backbone tube 6 and is essentially triangular in shape in order to enable an optimal force transmission between the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6.However, these lower transverse bulkhead plates can also be omitted (not shown). In such an embodiment, the welded composite of longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 and the transverse bulkhead plate 14 forms a V-shaped support element in the bulkhead plane, which non-positively connects the rail tubes 2, 4 to the backbone tube 6 and optimally transfers the dynamic load on the rail tubes 2, 4 into the backbone tube 6. In any case, the width of the longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 can decrease, at least in sections, with increasing distance from the backbone tube 6, wherein the longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 can be hourglass-shaped in order to ensure a wide connection area at the connection points with the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6, while being tapered in the central region to save weight.

[0048] The stiffening of the bulkhead 10 is achieved by the cross-shaped (as shown in Fig. 2A to 2C), T-shaped (optional V-shaped support composite from Fig. 3A and shown in Fig. 4A) or at least L-shaped connection (not shown) of the transverse bulkhead plate / longitudinal bulkhead plate composite of the bulkhead 10 in the bulkhead plane and not by an internal or individual element stiffening of the individual bulkhead elements themselves. Thus, a known hollow profile-like cross connector between the rail tubes 2, 4 can be avoided or omitted, which brings with it the above-described advantages according to the invention, such as a massive weight reduction while simultaneously maintaining the stiffness of the bulkhead 10. Therefore, the bulkhead plates 12, 14 can have a maximum thickness of 50 mm, or 45 mm, or 40 mm, or 35 mm, or 30 mm, or 25 mm, or 20 mm, or 15 mm, or 10 mm.Typically, the bulkhead plates 12, 14 have a thickness between 8 mm and 15 mm.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4A to 40, the stiffening of the bulkhead 10 can also be achieved by a T-shaped connection of the transverse bulkhead plate / longitudinal bulkhead plate composite of the bulkhead 10 in the bulkhead plane, wherein the longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 is arranged above the transverse bulkhead plate 14 (i.e. closer to the rail tubes 2, 4), so that a T-shape is formed by the connection / welding of a longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 to a transverse bulkhead plate 14.

[0050] However, as shown in Figs. 4B and 40, two transverse bulkhead plates 14, each connected to two longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 in a T-shape, are then provided as individual T-beam structures on both sides of the backbone tube 6 along the main extension axis AH for each rail tube 2 or 4. The transverse bulkhead plate 14 has a triangular shape and the longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 has an hourglass shape, wherein the transverse bulkhead plate 14 is preferably connected to the longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 essentially perpendicularly, so that a T-shape is formed. In general, it is preferred according to the invention that the longitudinal bulkhead plates 12 and the transverse bulkhead plates 14 are arranged as orthogonally as possible to one another in the connected state, since this achieves the maximum rigidity of the cross-shaped, T-shaped, or L-shaped composite.Furthermore, it is preferred according to the invention if at least one longitudinal bulkhead plate 12 has at least one indented bead, a welded stiffener, or similar load-bearing reinforcement means (not shown in Figs. 2A to 4C). Furthermore, it is possible to provide recesses or similar weight-reducing means on at least one longitudinal bulkhead plate, in particular to reduce the overall weight of the backbone rail 1 or to improve the appearance of the backbone rail.

[0051] The bulkhead plates 12, 14 can therefore, as described above, be connected to the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 in such a way that the connection area of ​​the plates 12, 14 to the tubes 2, 4, 6 is free of hollow profiles, so that the plates 12, 14 are each connected or welded to a corresponding tube 2, 4, 6 at their connecting joint, completely circumferentially or on both sides. In this case, all elements of the bulkhead 10 can be designed as plates 12, 14, all elements of the backbone rail 1 except for the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 can be designed as hollow profile-free plates, or all elements of the backbone rail 1 except for the rail tubes 2, 4 and the backbone tube 6 can be designed as plates 12, 14.

[0052] According to the invention, a roller coaster arrangement 30 is also provided, which comprises a carriage arrangement 32 and at least one backbone rail 1, wherein the carriage arrangement 32 is fastened or fastenable to the backbone rail 1 so as to be movable along the backbone rail 1.

[0053] The description of the present systems and / or methods is merely illustrative; it is not intended to limit the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. In interpreting the appended claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or acts other than those recited in a particular claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element is not intended to exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; multiple "means" may be represented by the same subject matter or group of embodiments.different objects or implemented structure or function are depicted; any of the disclosed devices or parts thereof may be combined together or divided into further parts unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims is not intended to indicate that a combination of those measures cannot be advantageously employed. In particular, all working combinations of the claims are to be considered as inherently disclosed. In this description, words such as "substantially," "approximately," or "generally / generally" are to be construed to include at least deviations of a dimension of 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, or deviations from a shape that would still be within the scope of the respective definition for a person skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified.List of reference symbols.

[0054] 1: Backbone rail 2: Rail tube

[0055] 4: Rail tube

[0056] 6: Backbone tube

[0057] 10: Bulkhead

[0058] 12: Longitudinal bulkhead 14: Transverse bulkhead

[0059] 30: Roller coaster arrangement

[0060] 32: Car arrangement

[0061] 33: Chassis

[0062] 34: Support pillars

Claims

Patent claims 1. Backbone rail (1) for a roller coaster arrangement (30), comprising two rail tubes (2, 4) over which a carriage arrangement (32) can travel, and at least one non-travelable, in particular main load-bearing backbone tube (6), wherein along a main extension axis (AH) of the backbone rail (1), the rail tubes (2, 4) and the backbone tube (6) are connected to one another in sections via stiffening bulkheads (10), wherein at least one bulkhead (10) has bulkhead plates (12, 14) which connect at least one rail tube (2, 4) to the backbone tube (6), characterized in that the at least one bulkhead (10) is designed as an open cross-section without hollow profile-like elements.

2. Backbone rail (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bulkhead (10) has: at least one bulkhead plate (12) which is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate (12), the main extension plane of which runs essentially perpendicular to the bulkhead plane, and which is connected to the backbone tube (6) running into the backbone tube (6), and at least one further bulkhead plate (14) which is designed as a transverse bulkhead plate (14) which is connected to the at least one rail tube (2, 4) and the backbone tube (6) running essentially orthogonal to the main extension axis (AH) of the backbone rail (1) between the rail tubes (2, 4).

3. Backbone rail (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal bulkhead plate (12) and the transverse bulkhead plate (14) are connected to the rail tube (2, 4) and backbone tube (6).

4. Backbone rail (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transverse bulkhead plate (14) is arranged to extend substantially in the bulkhead plane, and the longitudinal bulkhead plate (12) is arranged to intersect the bulkhead plane substantially at right angles.

5. Backbone rail (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the transverse bulkhead plate (14) connects the rail tubes (2, 4) to one another and is connected to the longitudinal bulkhead plate (12).

6. Backbone rail (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a main extension plane of the transverse bulkhead plate (14) runs between longitudinal bulkhead plates (12) and / or is designed such that, when viewed from the bulkhead plane, it has substantially the shape of a "T" or a "Y".

7. Backbone rail (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a plurality of longitudinal bulkhead plates (12) are provided on the bulkhead (10).

8. Backbone rail (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the width of at least one longitudinal bulkhead plate (12, 14) decreases at least in sections with increasing distance from the backbone tube (6).

9. Backbone rail (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the bulkhead plates (12) have a maximum thickness of 50 mm, or of 45 mm, or of 40 mm, or of 35 mm, or of 30 mm, or of 25 mm, or of 20 mm, or of 15 mm, or of 10 mm.

10. Backbone rail (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that at least one longitudinal bulkhead plate (12) has at least one pressed-in bead, welded stiffener or similar load-bearing capacity-increasing reinforcing means.

11. Backbone rail (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the bulkhead plates (12, 14) are connected to the rail tubes (2, 4) and the backbone tube (6) in such a way that the connection area of ​​the plates (12, 14) to the tubes (2, 4, 6) is free of hollow profiles, so that the plates (12, 14) are each connected or welded completely circumferentially or on both sides to a corresponding tube (2, 4, 6) at their connecting joint.

12. Backbone rail (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that all elements of the bulkhead (10) are designed as sheets (12, 14).

13. Backbone rail (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all bulkhead elements of the backbone rail (1) except the rail tubes (2, 4) and the backbone tube (6) are designed without hollow profiles.

14. Backbone rail (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all bulkhead elements of the backbone rail (1) except the rail tubes (2, 4) and the backbone tube (6) are designed as sheets (12, 14).

15. Roller coaster arrangement (30) comprising a carriage arrangement (32) and at least one backbone rail (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage arrangement (32) is fastened or designed to be fastened to the backbone rail (1) so as to be movable along the backbone rail (1).

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