Patent Application
20160288809
No federal government funds were used in researching or developing this invention.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for changing direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle, a rail-bound ride comprising such a device and a method of operating such a device.
2. Background of the Invention
Rail-bound rides, particularly roller coasters, are some of the most favored attractions of amusement parks, folk festivals, and fairs. Particularly positive effects upon the amusement experienced when using such rides, increasing the thrill, include those in which a situation of danger is suggested, which then does not happen. In addition to steep declines and drop sections, tight curves generating the feeling that the vehicle is thrown off the track, and effects suggesting a seemingly unavoidable collision are here particularly also sudden and unexpected changes of the direction of motion, and thus a plurality of devices have been developed to change the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle.
For example, a rotary device is known from DE 42 00 567 A1 for such a vehicle with a feeding rail section and a removing rail section, which are located in a level, and with a connecting rail section rotational about an axis aligned vertical in reference to the level defined by the feeding rail section and the removing rail section; a roller coaster is known from DE 101 35 365 in which a connection rail section embodied as a rocker can form a transition from a feeding rail section showing an incline to a removing rail section with a decline; and from DE 101 35 368 A1 a device is known for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle in which in addition to a rotary and a rocker motion, as disclosed in the two above-stated publications, additionally a raising or lowering of the connecting rail section occurs.
The objective of the invention comprises providing a device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle which further increases the amusement and thrill when using a ride with rail-bound vehicles. This objective is attained in a device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle, a rail-bound ride with a device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle and a method for operating a device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle, each as described herein.
In a preferred embodiment, a device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle with a feeding rail section (101), a removing rail section (103, 104), and a connecting rail section (102), which shows one motion, comprising at least one rotary motion about an axis (A) of the rotary motion, from a first position (p1, p2), in which the connecting rail section (102) is arranged in reference to the feeding rail section (101) such that the rail-bound vehicle can ride onto the connecting rail section (102), into a second position (p3, p4) in which the connecting rail section (102) is arranged in reference to the removing rail section (103, 104) such that the vehicle can ride onto the removing rail section (103, 104), characterized in that the connecting rail section (102) is mobile such that the motion of the connecting rail section (102) from a first position (p1, p2) into the second position (p3, p4) further comprises at least one translational motion of the connecting rail section (102) superimposing the rotary motion in a direction parallel in reference to the axis (A) of the rotary motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the superimposition of the rotary motion and the translational motion leads to a helical motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the translational motion is a falling motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the motion of the connecting rail section (102) is driven and/or controlled such that the connecting rail section (102) on the path from the first position (p1, p2) to the second position (p3, p4) moves past the second position (p3, p4) at least once.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the connecting rail section (102) performs a wobbling motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the axis (A) is arranged eccentrically.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the connecting rail section (102) can be moved such that the motion of the connecting rail section (102) out of the first position (p1, p2) into the second position (p3, p4) further comprises at least one translational motion of one end of the connecting rail section (102) superimposing the rotary motion in a direction parallel in reference to the axis (A) of the rotary motion and an opposite translational motion of the other end of the connecting rail section (102).
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the device (100) comprises means for generating an oscillating motion of the connecting rail section (102) about the second position (p3, p4).
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the connecting rail section (102) is guided on a guide rail (108) such that the progression of the guide rail (108) represents a mandatory curve of the motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the guide rail (108) describes a closed curve in the space.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the distance of the individual sections of the guide rail (108) from the axis (A) of the rotary motion is constant in all directions perpendicular in reference to the axis (A) of the rotary motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that different sections of the guide rail (108) are distanced from each other in the direction parallel to the axis (A) of the rotary motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the spatial curve described by the guide rail (108) in at least one section of the guide rail (108) at which the connecting rail section (102) is guided shows a minimum when it is in the second position (p3, p4).
In another preferred embodiment, the device (100) for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that a drive is provided for displacing the connecting rail section (102) from the second position (p3, p4) into the first position (p1, p2).
In another preferred embodiment, a rail-bound ride, particularly a rollercoaster, comprising a device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle according to one of the previous claims.
In another preferred embodiment, the rail-bound ride as described herein, characterized in that the device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle is installed such that the potential energy at the first position (p1, p2) is higher in reference to the ground than the one at the second position (p3, p4).
In another preferred embodiment, the method for operating a device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle with a feeding rail section (101), a removing rail section (103, 104), and a connecting rail section (102), which is arranged by a rotary motion about an axis (A) and a hoisting or lowing motion superimposing the rotary motion from a first position (p1, p2) in which the connecting rail section (102) is arranged in reference to the feeding rail section (101) such that the rail-bound vehicle can ride onto the connecting rail section (102), is moved into a second position (p3, p4) in which the connecting rail section (102) is arranged in reference to the removing rail section (103, 104) such that the vehicle can ride onto the removing rail section (103, 104) with the steps:
In another preferred embodiment, the method for operating a device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the connecting rail section (102) is guided at least once past the second position (p3, p4) during the motion from the first position (p1, p2) into the second position (p3, p4).
In another preferred embodiment, the method for operating a device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the motion of the connecting rail section (102) from the first position (p1, p2) into the second position (p3, p4) occurs in the form of an oscillating motion.
In another preferred embodiment, the method for operating a device (100) for changing the direction of travel of a rail-bound vehicle as described herein, characterized in that the motion of the connecting rail section (102) from the first position (p1, p2) into the second position (p3, p4) is caused by the effect of gravity.
The device according to the invention for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle comprises (at least) one feeding rail section, (at least) one removing rail section, and a connecting rail section, which by a motion, representing at least a rotary motion about an axis of rotation, i.e. a rotation about the axis of rotation by an angle of rotation amounting particularly less than 360°, can move the rail out of a first position in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the feeding rail section such that the rail-bound vehicle can ride onto the connecting rail section into a second position, in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the removing rail section such that the vehicle can run onto the removing rail section. Here the term “direction of rotation” in the sense of the invention includes both rotary motions about an axis in which the distance from said axis remains constant as well as those in which the distance from the axis changes such that in a level perpendicular to the direction of rotation both a circular motion as well as a helical or elliptical motion can occur.
When in the following, in the interest of a brief formulation, the first position and/or the second position of the connecting rail section are discussed, this always refers to a first position that can be achieved by a motion in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the feeding rail section such that the rail-bound vehicle can ride onto the connecting rail section or the second position in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the removing rail section such that the vehicle can ride onto the removing rail section.
Here it shall also be mentioned that the precise type of rail is irrelevant. The invention can be realized not only with track-like rail constructions, but also with single-rail systems, magnetic rail systems, or hover-train systems, for example.
It is essential for the invention that the connecting rail section is mobile in such a fashion that the motion of the connecting section out of a first position into a second position further comprises at least one translational motion of the connecting rail section superimposed over at least one rotary motion in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotary motion, particularly a lowering of the connecting rail section. In particular, a rotary drop switch can be realized, in which a falling motion is superimposing a rotary motion in order to further increase the thrill when using a ride on the one hand by playing with the fear of the rider from (free) falling and on the other hand by the fact that in such motions it is harder to predict in what direction the ride continues.
Such a raising or lowering of the connecting rail section can be realized with regards to technology for example by raising the connecting rail section with a hydraulic or mechanic hoisting system. As explained in greater detail in the following, particularly the lowering of the connecting rail section is also possible without any drive. It is particularly preferred for the lowering of the connecting rail section to occur by way of free fall.
In particular, in such a superimposition of motions here, a helical motion can develop.
It is further particularly preferred for the translational motion to be embodied as a dropping motion.
According to a particularly preferred further development of the invention, the motion of the connecting rail section is driven and/or controlled such that the connecting rail section moves on the path from the first position towards the second position at least once past the second position, which is particularly the case when the rotation occurs initially in one direction further towards the second position and then is continued in the opposite direction. As particularly discernible from this example, here the path of the connecting rail section shall be considered the entire section traveled by the connecting rail section before it finally reaches the second position and comes to rest here so that the vehicle can ride onto the removing rail section for continuing the ride.
The amusement is here not only increased by the change of direction of travel connected thereto, but particularly also by the user initially being seemingly deceived in the certain expectation that the travel continues via the removing rail section, and instead the ride could continue into an empty void.
The alternatives “driven” and “controlled” are here distinguished in that a driven motion is considered when the effect is achieved by a device showing a drive. As described in greater detail in the following using an example, however under certain circumstances here potential energy of the connecting rail section can also be used in order to cause the motion of the connecting rail section. In this case the motion is only controlled by guides (which can be used in general also for driven motions).
Additional thrills of the amusing ride are also achieved by superimposing additional degrees of freedom of movement. For example, the connecting rail section can be set into a wobbling motion, or the axis of rotation may be arranged eccentrically.
Alternatively or additionally the connecting rail section can also be moved such that the motion of the connecting rail section out of the first position into the second position further occurs by a translational motion superimposing the rotary motion of one end of the connecting rail section in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotary motion and a translational motion opposite of the other end of the connecting rail section, thus comprising overall a tipping motion of the connecting rail section. Such a motion allows for example in a first position of the rail-bound vehicle that the rail-bound vehicle rides essentially parallel to the ground onto the connecting rail section and then directly transfers in the second position into a schuss ride. This can be realized for example by providing an appropriate joint at the connecting rail section, with the motion with regards to this degree of freedom potentially being realized by a separate drive or by implementing (mechanic) mandatory conditions.
A measure further increasing the amusement includes equipping the device with means for generating an oscillating motion of the connecting rail section about the second position. This can be realized for example by controlling a motor which then appropriately varies the direction of rotation, but also by mechanical means.
It is particularly preferred for the connecting rail section to be guided on a guide rail such that the progression of the guide rail represents a mandatory curve of the motion. This way, by using systems driven by their potential energy the curve of the track can influence the motion of the connecting rail section in the desired fashion. Another advantage of such an arrangement, which occurs particularly in driven systems, is given in that only one drive needs to be provided for the rotary motion because any additional hoisting and/or tipping motion can then simply be forced by the guidance of the connecting rail section on the mandatory curve, which generally is considerably more beneficial than any synchronized, controlled additional drive, e.g., a hydraulic one, for the hoisting or tipping motion.
Such guidance can be realized on a guide rail, particularly such that e.g., runners, a beam hoist, or a sled being arranged at the connecting rail section traveling on or under the guide rail. In some embodiments of the mandatory curve, particularly those leading to an additional tipping motion of the connecting rail section, it is here beneficial when the runners, the beam hoist, or the sled are arranged in a fashion displaceable in reference to the connecting rail section, in order to allow the desired motion of the connecting rail section when traveling over the mandatory curve.
Here it is particularly advantageous when the guide rail describes a closed curve in a space because then the connecting rail section can return from the second position by a simple continuation of the rotary motion, which brought it from the first position into the second position, back into the first position and thus allows a cyclical operation.
In a geometry particularly preferred for a rotary motion and a hoisting-dropping motion combined therewith, the distance of the guide rail from the axis of the rotary motion is constant in all directions positioned perpendicular in reference to the axis of rotary motion. Due to the fact that different sections of the guide rail are distanced from each other in the direction parallel in reference to the axis of the rotary motion, here by the guide rail in a simple fashion also a hoisting and dropping motion of the connecting rail section can be generated.
In another further detailed embodiment of the guide rail the spatial curve described by the guide rail shows a minimum in the section of the guide rail at which the connecting rail section is guided when it is in the second position, i.e. shows at least one local, preferably a global minimum, though. This allows in an installation of the device in a rail-bound ride, which occurs in a fashion such that the minimum is equivalent to a minimum of the potential energy within the gravity of the earth, by using the earth's gravity applying upon the connecting rail section, to perform the movement from the first position into the second position.
In order to allow the comfortable return of the device to change the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle into the initial position, it is beneficial when a drive is provided for moving the connecting rail section from the second position into the first position.
The rail-bound ride according to the invention, which may particularly represent a rollercoaster, is characterized in that the rail system comprises a device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle according to one of the previous claims.
In a preferred embodiment of the rail-bound ride the device for changing the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle is installed such that the potential energy is greater at the first position in reference to the ground than at the second position. Here it is particularly advantageous when the potential energy developing at the first position is maximal and minimal at the second position.
This allows operating the device as an essentially gravity-driven rotary drop switch. Here, the first position may be embodied as a labile equilibrium position, for example by providing an appropriately shaped guide rail, which when the vehicle rides upon it is fixed on the connecting rail section with a fastening mechanism and upon said fastening mechanism being released and/or by a potential pulse being triggered causing the position of equilibrium to be altered, and here a combined rotary-drop motion begins to develop driven by gravity. Accordingly, at the point of time at which it was at the second position for the first time the connecting rail section shows kinetic energy and initially continues its travel passing the second position.
When at the second position a (local or global) minimum of the potential energy is given, over the course of the further motion of the connecting rail section its kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy until this conversion process has been completed. Subsequently the connecting rail section, driven by the potential energy, continues to move in the opposite direction, thus back in the direction to the second position. Thus an oscillating motion of the connecting rail section develops around the second position, which is damped by the friction loss of the support of the connecting rail section, unless the connecting rail section is caught at the second position by a catching mechanism.
For reasons of completeness it shall be mentioned that an oscillation of the connecting rail section around the second position, as described above, does not mandatorily require a guide rail showing the above-described design. For example, alternatively a catching system may be provided supported by springs and catching the connecting rail section at the second position. The kinetic energy of the connecting rail system at the second position is then converted into spring tension, thus potential energy of the spring, which then causes the change of the direction of motion back into the direction towards the second position.
The method according to the invention for operating a device to change the direction of motion of a rail-bound vehicle with a feeding rail section, a removing rail section, and a connecting rail section, which is arranged by a rotary motion and a superimposing hoisting or dropping motion can be moved from a first position, in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the feeding rail section such that the rail-bound vehicle can ride onto the connecting rail section, into a second position, in which the connecting rail section is arranged in reference to the removing rail section such that the vehicle can ride onto the removing rail section, and comprises at least the steps:
moving the connecting rail section into the first position,
guiding the rail-bound vehicle via the feeding rail section to the connecting rail section,
moving the connecting rail section from the first position into the second position, and
guiding the rail-bound vehicle from the connecting rail section to the removing rail section.
Here it is essential for the invention that the motion of the connecting rail section comprises at least a rotary motion from the first position into the second position about an axis of rotation and a superimposing translational motion the rotary motion parallel in reference to the axis (A) of the rotary motion. Here it is particularly preferred for the translational motion to be a falling motion.
An advantageous further development of the method provides that the motion of the connecting rail section from the first position into the second position is performed such that the connecting rail section on the path from the first position to the second position is guided past the second position at least once. This can be realized particularly such that the motion of the connecting rail section from the first position into the second position occurs in the form of a—particularly damped—oscillating motion, thus as a motion which initially guides past the second position and then oscillates with preferably reducing maximal distances from the second position about said second position.
It is particularly advantageous when the motion of the connecting rail section is caused by the effects of gravity, because this way the feeling of free falling is amplified. In this case preferably only the motion of the connecting rail section into the first position is caused by a motor or drive.
However, it is also possible to allow all motions of the connecting rail section being performed by drives appropriately controlled by a programmed control unit.
Due to the fact that
The provision of several removing rail sections 103, 104 allows to vary the travel progression and to design the progression of the ride as less predictable for the user, which may contribute to an elevated thrill ride. Additionally, it is generally possible to provide more than one feeding rail section.
The device 100 shows a base plate 105, in this example embodied in a circular fashion. In the center of the circular base plate 105 it is penetrated by a hollow cylinder 106, supported rotationally about an axis A in reference to the base plate 105, with a column 107 being guided in its interior, connected to a connecting rail section 102 and guided in the hollow cylinder 106, when a drive is activated, preferably also without a drive guided in a displaceable fashion and secured from rotation about the axis A. Alternatively, a rotary bearing of the hollow cylinder 106 may be waived as well, and instead the column 107 may be embodied in a displaceable and rotational fashion about the axis A.
These arrangements allow therefore a rotary motion of the connecting rail section 102 about the axis A and a hoisting or dropping motion of the connecting rail section 102 superimposing it in the direction parallel in reference to the axis A.
If as an additional degree of freedom of motion of the connecting rail section 102 a translational motion is desired superimposing the rotary motion of one end of the connecting rail section 102 in a direction parallel to the rotary motion about the axis A and an opposite translational motion of the other end of the connecting rail section 102, which however is not the case in the example shown here, the connection between the column 107 and the connecting rail section 102 must be embodied as a joint, and here means should be provided for fixing a potential translational motion of the entire connecting rail section 102 parallel in reference to the axis A of the rotary motion.
As further discernible from
As discernible particularly clearly from
Further, as discernible from
This embodiment allows that the motion of the connecting rail section 102 can occur as a gravity driven oscillating motion. After the rail-bound vehicle has rode onto the connecting rail section 102 located in the first position p1 or p2, preferably fixed in this position p1 or p2 during the riding motion, the connecting rail section 102 moves, driven by gravity (with the direction of rotation also being potentially predetermined by a short activation of a drive or an impact, alternatively also arbitrarily out of a labile position of equilibrium) in a combined rotary and dropping motion in the direction towards a second position p3 or p4, at this position p3 or p4 it oscillates past it due to the kinetic energy given there.
Accordingly, the connecting rail section 102 starts again to move up the guide rail 108, with here kinetic energy being converted back into potential energy until a reversal point is reached at which the conversion of the kinetic energy has completed. Due to given friction this reversal point will normally not be equivalent to the first position p1 or p2 but show a position at which the connecting rail section 102 shows a reduced potential energy.
The potential energy given at the reversal point is then converted into kinetic energy of a motion initially extending back in the direction towards the second position p3 or p4, which unless caught at the second position p3 or p4 again continues traveling to a reversal point, which due to friction once more will show a slightly lower potential energy than the initial point of the motion. This process will continue until the connecting rail section 102 has reached the minimum of the potential energy of the position of equilibration predetermined at the second position.
Overall, the connecting rail section 102 therefore performs a gravity driven, particularly also damped, oscillation about the second position p3 or p4. By selecting or changing the damping effect here the number of oscillations can be influenced until the position of equilibrium has been reached.
100 device
101 feeding rail section
102 connecting rail section
103, 104 removing rail section
105 base plate
106 hollow cylinder
107 column
108 guide rail
109 brace
110 guide element
A axis
p1, p2 first position
p3, p4 second position
The references recited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety, particularly as they relate to teaching the level of ordinary skill in this art and for any disclosure necessary for the commoner understanding of the subject matter of the claimed invention. It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined by the scope of the following claims and their equitable equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2014 101 007.8 | Jan 2014 | DE | national |
This patent application claims priority International Patent Application PCT/EP2014/071326, filed on Oct. 6, 2014, and thereby to German Patent Application 10 2014 101 007.8, filed on Jan. 28, 2014.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2014/071326 | 10/6/2014 | WO | 00 |
