Amusement ride

An amusement ride has a retaining structure and at least one platform that is connected in an articulated manner to retaining elements which hold the at least one platform on the retaining structure. The retaining elements are cables which are under tensile stress during operation of the amusement ride. The cables have an effective length and the effective length of the cables is variable. Cable winches disposed on the retaining structure are provided that wind the cables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an amusement ride having at least one platform which is connected in an articulated manner to retaining elements which hold the platform.

Amusement rides are known (DE 10 2008 005 859 A1), in which a platform is connected via retaining elements in the form of λ-drives or straight rods to drives which are moved along guides. With the aid of the drives, the platform can be adjusted in different positions and orientations.

It is the object of the invention to configure the generic amusement ride so that the movement of the platform is achieved in a constructively simple manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is solved in an amusement ride of the aforementioned kind according to the invention in that the retaining elements are cables, which are under tensile stress during operation of the amusement ride.

In the amusement ride according to the invention, the retaining elements are formed by cables which are under tensile stress during operation of the amusement ride. As a result of this configuration, the platform is held securely in each position and orientation.

A cable is to be understood not only as cables in the narrower sense but in general as flexible elements which can be placed under tensile stress and with which the functions described in the claims and in the description of the figures can be executed.

The effective length of the cables can advantageously be varied. As a result, the platform on which several cables act can be adjusted very simply into the desired positions and/or orientations.

The cables are advantageously wound onto cable winches for variation of the effective cable length.

In an advantageous embodiment the cables are connected to drives which are movable along guides. With the aid of these drives which form carriages, the platform can be moved along the guides to the desired extent. These guides can extend in most diverse directions depending on the configuration of the amusement ride. Through coordinated movement of the cable ends, a movement of the platform in the desired direction and orientation can be achieved.

If a complete control of all six degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom) of the platform is to be achieved, at least seven cables are required then. In an advantageous arrangement an increase in the number of cables leads to an increase in the possible movement space. With a reduced movement dynamics of the platform in which less than six degrees of freedom are provided, the number of cables can be reduced to the number of degrees of freedom. In such a case, the platform's own weight is used to stabilize its movement.

It is particularly advantageous if these drives are provided with cable winches onto which the cables can be wound. It is thereby possible to vary the effective length of the cables during travel of the drives. As a result, the platform can be adjusted into the desired positions and/or orientations during travel.

A dedicated motor is advantageously used for driving the cable winches so that the length variation of the cables can be varied by winding on or unwinding independently of the movement of the drives.

Instead of the cable winches, the effective cable length can also be varied by connecting the ends of the cables facing away from the platform to pivotable levers. The levers are advantageously one-armed levers to the free ends of which the cable ends are fastened. The turning of these levers brings about a comparable effect to the winding of the cables. With such a configuration the platform can also be moved in a defined manner in up to six degrees of freedom.

An optimal adjustment of the platform is obtained if the cable winches or the levers are drivable independently of one another.

The amusement ride can also be configured to that it has no drives which are movable along rails. The platform is then adjusted by adjusting the effective cable lengths in a coordinated manner.

If at least some of the cables are provided redundantly, the supporting function of the remaining cable(s) is ensured in the event of failure of one cable. In addition, the load-bearing capacity is increased due to the redundantly provided cables.

In a preferred embodiment at least one elastically resilient element is located in at least in some of the cables or in the connection of the cables to the platform or in the connection of the cables at the end remote from the platform. Such elements can, for example, absorb energy when the amusement ride is at a standstill, for example, and limit or intercept forces which occur as a result in the event of a loss, for example, when synchronising the cable winches or when suddenly tensioning individual cables.

In this case, it is possible that the elastically resilient element is effective permanently. However it is also possible that the elastically resilient element only becomes effective when for example the cable tension is released. The cable tension is monitored by corresponding sensors and the like and the elastically resilient element is then released when the cable tension falls below a predefined value or a non-controlled braking process (stop0) is initiated. The elastically resilient element is primarily of interest to be passively activated when there is a loss of supply voltage, e.g. in the event of a power failure or in the event of a control error. In this rest current principle, the elastically resilient element is automatically activated as soon as the supply voltage decreases.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one energy dissipation element is provided in at least some of the cables. It forms an irreversibly plastically deformable element, preferably in the form of a crumple element that absorbs excessive forces which occur when the amusement ride is at a stand-still, for example, as a result of a defect, due to plastic deformation. This prevents any overloading of the structure of the amusement ride and/or the passengers located on the platform.

The energy dissipation element, like the elastically resilient element can be disposed in the cables but also at the connecting points to the platform or to the drive.

The energy dissipation element can be effective permanently or in the case of braking of the cables or the platform.

In an advantageous embodiment, in the region of the platform or in the region of the cable winches, cable tensioning elements act on at least some of the cables, which pretension and deflect the corresponding cable. A defined resilience and compensation for the cable tensions is thereby ensured. In particular, such a design is advantageous with two or more parallel guided cables.

In a simple embodiment, the cable winches are disposed in the region above the platform where the cables are held tensioned under the weight of the platform.

The drives and/or the motors of the cable winches or the lever are advantageously connected to a common controller.

An optimal adjustment of the platform with regard to position and orientation is obtained when the drives and/or the motors of the cable winches or the levers lie in a control circuit of the controller. Then the platform can be reliably adjusted into the desired positions and orientations.

Advantageously the motor of the cable winch or the lever lies in a drive train which is provided with at least one brake for a cable drum of the cable winch or for the lever.

If the brake is provided redundantly, stoppage of the amusement ride is ensured in the event of failure of an individual brake. The redundantly provided brakes furthermore increase the braking effect.

It is advantageous if one brake is provided on the motor side and the other brake is provided on the cable drum side.

In order to obtain a force limitation in the cables in a simple manner, in an advantageous embodiment of the cable drum, a friction drive, for example, with slipping clutch is provided before this.

Further details of the invention are obtained from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The amusement ride according toFIGS. 1 to 4has a retaining structure1on which rails2running parallel to one another are fastened. Carriages3on which are mounted winches5onto which cables4are wound as retaining element are movable on these rails. The cables4are fastened with their ends6on a platform7.

In the exemplary embodiment the retaining structure1consists of vertical supports8each bearing two rails2running parallel to one another and horizontally. The supports8are arranged in a distributed manner over the length of the rails2. The rails2lie opposite one another and advantageously at the same height. The superposed rails2advantageously lie in a common vertical plane.

At the upper end and close to the lower end transverse members9,10protrude from the supports8, the rails2being fastened at the free ends thereof.

Depending on the configuration of the amusement ride, the rails can be of different length. The platform7can thus be moved over longer distances, for example, several hundred meters, along the rails. Such amusement rides are, for example, roller coasters in which the platform7is moved over such long distances. The rails2are shown as running horizontally, only as an example in the drawings. Depending on the configuration of the amusement ride, the rails2can have a different course, for example, curved upwards or downwards or to the side or intertwined in the manner of a roller coaster, for example.

The rails2can also form a closed path, e.g., a ring. It is thereby possible to move a plurality of platforms7one behind the other through the same course.

The carriages3which have winches5for winding the cables4are moved along the rails2. With the aid of the carriages3the winches5are moved along the rails2according to their course.

The carriages3are driven by separate motors.

The cables4are configured so that they can reliably support the platform7. The cables4can, for example, be made of steel or of synthetic or natural fibres. The cable ends6are fastened to the platform7at defined points The other cable ends are wound onto the winches5which are provided on the carriages3. The winches5are driven with a safety-related drive system so that it is possible to transport persons. With the winches5the free cable length can be measured by, for example, detecting the degree of rotation of the winches5. Accordingly, the winches5can be specifically turned so that a defined free cable length is adjusted. If this is necessary, the winches5can be provided with sensors to assist the control and regulation of the movement and orientation of the platform7.

The carriages3are moved on the rails2so that the cables4are always under tension. As a result, the platform7is securely held in any position and orientation. The fastening of the cable ends6on the platform7is selected with a view to the positional stabilisation of the platform7.

The platform7which, in the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 1 to 4is held by eight cables4, can be configured as an open platform or as a closed cabin. Passengers transported by the amusement ride are located on the platform. The platform7can have seats for the passengers.

The own weight of the platform7, the additional weight of the passengers and dynamic loads during travel of the platform7are distributed over the individual cables4.

The carriages3are driven independently of one another. The winches5on the carriages3are also driven rotatably independently of one another. It is thereby possible to bring the platform7into the most diverse positions and orientations during travel along the rails2. This adjustment of the platform7is also possible when no movement takes place along the rails2. In such a case the amusement ride can be without rails. The movement of the platform7is then accomplished by varying the effective cable length of the various cables4.

As an example,FIGS. 2 and 3show how the platform7can move along the path identified by a dot-dash line11. In this case, the carriages3move at the same speed along the rails2where, however, the winches5are turned differently. As a result, the free cable lengths vary, with the result that the platform7executes the movement path11. The rotational speed of the winches5is varied during travel of the carriages3according to the desired movement path11of the platform7. The arrow indicates the movement path11in which direction the platform7moves relative to the carriages3during their travel. In the position according toFIG. 2, the platform7is located closest to the upper rails2. The free cable lengths of the lower cables4are accordingly longer than the free cable lengths of the upper cables4. Accordingly, the winches5of the two upper carriages3inFIG. 2have been turned so that they wind on the corresponding cable length whereas the winches5of the lower carriages3inFIG. 2have been rotatably driven so that they unwind the cable length.

In the position according toFIG. 3the platform7is located ahead of the front end of the movement path11in the direction of motion. The two left cables4inFIG. 3have been unwound very far from the corresponding winches whereas the two right-hand cables4inFIG. 3have been wound onto the winches for the most part.

Since the movement path11runs in a parabolic shape, the winches of the carriages3are accordingly turned continuously in the required direction. The carriages3themselves travel at the same speed along the rails2.

FIG. 4shows as an example another possibility as to how the platform7can be moved along the rails2during travel of the carriages3. A zigzag-shaped movement path11is shown as an example. This is achieved by continuously turning the corresponding winches of the carriages3moving at the same speed alternately in one or the other direction so that the corresponding cables4are alternately wound and unwound. The impression of trembling or vibrations is given to the passenger on the platform7.

The movement paths11indicated inFIGS. 2 to 4are to be understood only as examples. The platform7can execute most diverse movement paths according to how the winches5are turned and the carriages3are moved. As a result of a corresponding programming of the individual winches5, arbitrary movement profiles of the platform7can be produced within certain limits.

The use of winches5on the carriages3enables the platform7to be made to execute the most diverse movements. During the entire movement of the platform7the cables4are always under tensile stress so that the platform7is safely held at all times.

A high mobility and dynamics of the movements of the platform7can be achieved with the cables4. In the embodiments described the effective free length of the cables4is achieved by winding and unwinding the cables4onto or off the winches5. The effective free cable length that is set with the aid of the winches5and the movement of the carriages3along the rails2is predefined by a central controller12(FIG. 22). With this controller the platform7can be brought into a defined position and orientation. The platform7can be controlled by the controller12such that it travels along a defined path11by a corresponding movement program. The values set for a specific amusement ride depend on the type of amusement ride and on the desired movement speeds and accelerations. Since the winches5are arranged distributed around the platform7, the platform7is clamped and moved within the available movement range by coordinated length variation of the cables4. The platform7therefore moves relative to the winches5or the carriages3. In addition to this movement, a superposition with the movement executed by all the carriages3is produced. In order to achieve a complete control over all six degrees of freedom of the platform7(three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom), at least seven winches5are required. In the exemplary embodiment shown, eight winches and accordingly eight cables4are provided which frequently proves to be advantageous.

Depending on the type of amusement ride, it is possible that the platform7has less than six degrees of freedom. With a reduced movement dynamics, the number of winches5can then be reduced to the number of degrees of freedom. In this case, the weight of the platform7is used to stabilise its movement.

FIGS. 5 and 6show an embodiment of an amusement ride with parallel cables4on each of the carriages3. A redundancy is thereby achieved which ensures the supporting function of the remaining cable(s) in the event of the failure of one cable. In the exemplary embodiment shown the cables4are arranged as parallelograms where each carriage3has two cables4and accordingly also two winches5. Otherwise, this amusement ride operates in the same way as the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 1 to 4.

A redundancy of the cables can also be provided so that three cables can be provided as a double parallelogram in linear arrangement or in triangular arrangement as well as four cables in a row, as parallelograms or in a columnar arrangement.

In the exemplary embodiments it possible that the carriages3can be moved on the rails2controlled at different speeds so that the platform7executes the desired movement path11. In such a case, invariable-length retaining elements4can also be used which in this case need not consist of cables but can also be rods, for example, made of steel or fibre composite materials such as carbon or glass fibre.FIG. 6ashows such an embodiment. In such a case a drive and rolling up system for the winches can be dispensed with. In such a case, the retaining elements4, preferably the cables, are directly connected to the carriages3. The movement of the platform7is then exclusively determined by the movement of the carriages3relative to one another which are moved by motor along the rails2. With such a configuration it is also possible to control the orientation and position of the platform7by a relative movement of the carriages3with respect to one another. In such a configuration the carriages3and therefore the platform7can also be moved over longer distances. By superposition of these two movements (movement of the carriages3along the rails2and relative adjustment of the carriages3to one another), the platform7can be moved along the rails2and at the same time its positioning and orientation can be varied. The direction arrows inFIG. 6aindicate as an example how the platform7can be moved in the direction of the dot-dash arrow by appropriate movement of the carriages3on the rails2.

The use of additional redundant cables4(FIGS. 5 and 6) allows a high failure safety, an increase in the useful load and also an increase in the movement space of the platform7.

FIGS. 7 and 8show as an example an embodiment in which elastically resilient elements13are disposed in the cables4in the region between the carriages3and the platform7. These elements13make it possible to produce soft movement profiles of the platform7. Slack cables4can be detected with these elements13and the correct operation of the amusement ride can be monitored. In the event of a loss of the capability to control the winches5and the carriages3in a coordinated manner, the elastically resilient elements13allow a controlled variation of the effective length under load and thereby limit the excessively high cable forces which possibly occur in this case. In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 7, the elements13each have at least one compression spring14which is accommodated protected in a housing15. The housing15is connected by a cable section4ato the platform7. The other cable section4bthat is surrounded inside the housing15by the compression spring14projects into the housing15. The free end of the cable section4blying inside the housing15is provided with a stop16on which the other end of the compression spring14is supported. The other compression spring is supported on a housing wall17through which the cable section4bprojects into the housing15. The compression spring14is pre-tensioned in every position of the cable4or the cable section4b. The pre-tensioned compression spring14ensures that the cable4always remains tensioned. The spring force is so high that the cables4safely hold the platform7in every position (position and orientation). In this embodiment, the elements13are continuously active.

FIG. 9shows a variant of the embodiment according toFIG. 8. In this variant the displacement path of the stop16inside the housing15is blocked by a blocking pin18. It is fixed with a switching device52. The fixing of the blocking pin18is cancelled by a corresponding signal of the controller, e.g. in the event of a loss of the winch synchronisation or in the event of a voltage drop at the drives. A tension spring19pulls the blocking pin18back.

The stop16is released so that the compression spring14can again tension the cable4and from now on is active as a resilient element.

FIG. 10shows a simplified embodiment of a resiliently elastic element. In this a tension spring14′ connects the two cable sections4a,4bto one another. In this embodiment the spring force is such that the cable having the tension spring can reliably support the platform7. The tension spring14′ is continuously effective.

In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 11, at least two tension springs14′ are provided, which are arranged parallel to the cable4. The tension springs14′ are connected to the cable4via respectively one holder20,21. In the region between the tension springs14′ the cable4is provided with a switching element22with which the correct state of the cable4can be detected. The holders20,21act on the cable4before and after the switching element22. The switching element22bridges the tension springs14′ during operation. As a result of a signal of the controller, the switching element22is deactivated and the tension springs14′ become effective, again tensioning the cable4via the holders20,21and limiting the forces occurring in the drive train as resilient elements.

FIG. 12shows a plastically deformable energy dissipation element53. This has a cylinder23to the bottom of which the cable section4ais fastened. The cable section4bis fastened to the bottom24of an inner cylinder54, which is surrounded by the outer cylinder23with clearance and is formed in one piece with it. If the cable tension exceeds a predefined value, the inner cylinder54, which is configured to have thinner walls than the outer cylinder23, is plastically deformed. Energy is absorbed so that there is no risk for the passengers on the platform7.

The plastically deformable element can be provided not only in the cable but also in the drive train of the winch5. Such a design is described further below with reference toFIG. 23.

FIG. 13shows schematically and as an example a friction drive with slipping clutch for the winch5. This has a drum26with a groove25running in a coiled manner, which receives the cable4to be wound and unwound. The drum26is configured so that the cable4can be received by the drum26without any problems. The drum26sits on a driven shaft27which is drivingly connected to a motor29with an interposed friction unit28. The motor shaft30rotatably drives a friction drum55, which rests on an axially parallel friction drum56(friction contact57) which sits in a rotationally fixed manner on the driven shaft27. If the force in the cable4exceeds a predefined value, the friction drum56slips through, with the result that a torque limitation in the drive train from the motor29to the drum26is ensured.

The embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 13can be used in combination with one another inside the amusement ride so that an optimal adaptation to the particular configuration of the amusement ride is possible.

FIG. 14shows an amusement ride in which rotating levers31are provided instead of winches5. These are provided on the chassis3and are configured as one-armed levers which are turned by a motor in the desired direction. The cables4are fastened with their free ends on the levers31, preferably on the free ends thereof. The pivoting of the levers31produces an effect comparable to the winding of the cables4onto the winches5. The levers31of the carriages3are drivable independently of one another. The platform7can thereby be moved in a defined manner in up to six degrees of freedom. Otherwise, the amusement ride according toFIG. 14is configured to be the same as the previously described embodiments of amusement rides.

FIG. 15shows the platform7on which the cables4are fastened in the manner described. In this embodiment, the cables4are provided in pairs as has been described for example, with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. In order to achieve a defined resilience and a compensation for the cable tensions in the two parallel guided cables4, spring-loaded clamping levers32are provided in the platform7for each cable4. They are configured as one-armed levers and pivotably mounted with one end on the platform7. The cables4are guided over the free ends of the clamping levers32and are deflected in this case. The free clamping lever ends are advantageously configured to be roll- or cylinder-shaped in order to ensure a problem-free deflection of the cables4. The clamping levers32are each under the force of at least one spiral spring33which tensions the respective clamping lever sufficiently strongly against the cable so that a cable deflection is ensured.

In the previously described amusement ride the carriages3are provided with the winches5or the levers31in the region above and below the platforms7. It is also possible to provide the winches5or the levers31only in the region above the platform7. In this case, the own weight of the platform7is used so that all the cables4remain in the tensioned state.

In the embodiments of amusement rides described, the winches5or the levers31are connected to the carriages3so that they are moved together with them. Embodiments are also possible in which one or more winches5or levers31are connected to the retaining structure1in a movably fixed or rigid manner on the rails2.

In a simpler embodiment of the amusement ride, it is also possible to arrange all the winches5or levers31in a positionally fixed manner. Then the platform7can be adjusted into different positions and orientations in the movement space spanned by the winches or levers. In such a case carriages3are not provided.

The amusement ride can be further configured so that the platform7only has two translational degrees of freedom with or without a rotational degree of freedom. In such a case the platform7moves in the horizontal or in the vertical plane. For such a configuration preferably two, three or four winches5or levers31are used.

FIG. 16shows in a schematic view an embodiment in which the platform7only moves in a horizontal plane. In this embodiment the amusement ride has two mutually opposite rails2which lie at the same height and along which respectively two carriages3can be moved. The carriages3are connected to the platform7via respectively one cable4. Each carriage3is provided with a cable winch onto which the cable4can be wound. The spacing of this cable winches on each rail2is greater than the length of the platform7. The winches are controlled so that the platform7is moved exclusively in a horizontal plane.

Instead of the carriages3, cable winches provided in a positionally fixed manner can be provided in the two rails2. The platform7can also be moved in the horizontal plane by coordinated triggering of the cable winches.

FIG. 17shows in schematic view an amusement ride in which the platform7can only be moved in a vertical plane. Unlike the embodiment according toFIG. 16, this amusement ride has two rails2located one above the other at a distance on both of its retaining structures1, on which respectively one winch5is disposed in a positionally fixed manner. Each winch5has a drum on which two cables4are wound. AsFIG. 17shows, the cables4act on mutually opposite sides of the platform7. In this case, the cables4which act on the platform7at the same height are each guided to the winches5. Each winch5produces a change in the effective length of respectively two cables4. Since two cables in each case are wound on the same drum, they cannot be varied independently of one another in their effective length. The platform7can thus be moved only in one vertical plane by coordinated control of the winches5.

It is further possible to provide a purely translational movement for the platform7in the space with three degrees of freedom.

Various types of drive systems of the amusement ride are described in detail with reference toFIGS. 18 to 27. With the drive system, the platform7can be moved in up to six degrees of freedom. As a result of the particular requirements for the transport of persons on pleasure amusement rides, measures are provide which ensure a safe and reliable operation of the amusement ride. It is ensured that the transmitted forces and the resulting accelerations of the platform7cannot exceed a maximum. The loads on the passengers on the platform7are thereby held in a permissible range. The drive systems are also configured so that introduction of forces onto the retaining structure1of the rails2lies below predefined maximum values. Furthermore, in particular when stopping the platform7, it must be ensured that jerky forces are limited, which forces can arise, for example, as a result of the tensioning of hitherto untensioned cables or due to excessive forces when there is a lack of winch/lever synchronisation.

FIG. 20shows a drive train34of the drive system. This contains the motor29which drives the cable drum26rotatably by means of a transmission35. In order limit the maximum drive torque and therefore the cable force, a slipping clutch36is located in the drive connection between the transmission35and the drum26. This can be provided with a position sensor.

The drive train34is provided with a position sensor37on the motor side, which for example is an angle encoder. The rotational position of the drum26and therefore the free cable length can be detected with the position sensor37.

In order that the motor29is stopped in a defined and reliable manner, the motor is provided with a brake38for the rotational drive of the drum26. The motor29can thus be brought to a standstill both via the motor braking torque and also independently of this via the brake28.

The cable4that is wound onto the drum26or unwound from it is connected via the defined elastic element14(FIGS. 8 to 11) to the platform7and therefore controls the mobility of the platform7.

The cable4, the elements14and the platform7form a transmission element39that is part of the drive system. The slipping clutch36is advantageously provided in the drive train34but need not be part of the drive train34. In this case, the drum26is directly connected to the transmission35. The elastically resilient element14is also not absolutely essential but an advantageous feature.

The drive train according toFIG. 18has the position sensor37, the motor29and the transmission35in the drive train. Two drums26onto which respectively one cable4can be wound are located in the drive train. Both drums26are therefore connected to the platform7via an independent parallel-guided cable. An element14is advantageously provided in each cable4. The motor29drives the drums26arranged coaxially to one another via the transmission35. The two drums26are braked by a common brake38which, unlike the embodiment according toFIG. 10, is disposed not on the motor side but on the drum side. Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown it is possible for the drums26to each use its own brake38.

This drive system is characterised by its redundant configuration which on the one hand ensures a plate-shaped alignment of the platform-side cable ends and on the other hand ensures sufficient failure safety due to the redundancy in the machine elements.

FIG. 19shows a safety-oriented winch drive with four parallel guided cables4and two independent drive systems, Respectively two drums26are driven simultaneous by the two drive systems. The two drive systems each have the motor-side position sensor37, the motor29, the transmission35and advantageously the slipping clutch36. Respectively two drums26which sit on the same shaft are assigned to the two slipping clutches36. The cables4are advantageously connected to the platform7via respectively one elastically resilient element14.

In this embodiment not only the drums26but also the motor29, the transmission35, the slipping clutch36and the position sensor37are provided in a redundant manner. Such a configuration ensures a high failure safety.

In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 21, four cables are driven independently of one another and wound onto respectively one drum26or unwound from it independently of one another. Each drum26is rotatably driven by its own motor29. The cables4are connected to the platform7.

The drive systems according toFIG. 21can be configured according to the drive systems according toFIGS. 18 to 20.

By reference toFIGS. 18 to 21it has been shown that different degrees of redundancy can be used without restricting the functional principle of the amusement ride. The number of degrees of redundancy depends on the safety standard, on the desired movements and the requirements of the specific configuration of the amusement ride.

Although in the exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 18 to 20, the cables4are fitted with at least one elastically resilient element14, this configuration is not absolutely essential. In these embodiments the cables4can be connected directly to the platform7in accordance with the exemplary embodiment fromFIG. 21. The elastically resilient elements can naturally also be provided in the embodiment according toFIG. 21. In principle, the use of the elastically resilient elements merely depends on safety requirements and specifications of the particular application.

The elastically resilient element is controlled by data processing in a computer. The movement of the platform7in up to six degrees of freedom is freely programmable. Movement profiles that are pre-calculated or to be determined during operation of the amusement ride are executed by means of the drive systems of the amusement ride described. It is thereby possible to change the movement of the platform7at short intervals on a single installation of the amusement ride. As a result of the processing of the data during operation, the movement of the platform7can also be adapted to the behaviour or the inputs of the passengers so that an interaction is possible during the travel.

The controller12(FIG. 22) produces movement profiles42for the individual drives on the basis of a program sequence40or as a result of user inputs at an input device41. The movement profiles42are pre-processed by a pre-controller43and a position regulator44for the individual drives. The data thus obtained are sent as desired values to the decentralised drive modules of the individual carriages via an interface45, preferably a field bus.

For example, a carriage1and a carriage n are shown inFIG. 22. The particular desired value for the winch motor29is transmitted to these carriages. The desired value is additionally transmitted to a carriage motor46. According to the desired values, the respective drum26of the winch5is turned in the required direction and thus adjusts the free cable length. In addition, the carriage3is moved along the rails2according to the transmitted desired value. Sensors47which in particular detect the position of the carriage3on the rails2and the adjusted free cable length transmit the corresponding actual values to the interface45of the controller12. The transmitted actual values are compared with the desired values in the regulator44. As soon as a difference appears between the desired and the actual value, a corresponding control signal is transmitted to the appropriate winch motor29or the corresponding carriage motor46via the corresponding interface45. As a result of this regulation, the platform7moves exactly along the desired movement path11.

Since the movement of the platform7is freely programmable, in particular movements can be produced which cause the illusion of specific movement sequences in the passengers.

Thus, the illusion of weightlessness can be produced in the passengers by moving the platform7on a parabolic movement path11such as is shown as an example inFIGS. 2 and 3. The parabolic movement path is achieved by corresponding coordinated winding and unwinding of the cables onto the appropriate winches5, As a result, such a movement path can also be achieved with straight-running rails2.

The movement path11of the platform7can also be formed so that the passengers on the platform7have the sensation of a partial or complete acceleration due to gravity. The movement is produced so that the relative acceleration of the platform7downwards acts to counteract the force of gravity for a time interval. This produces the impression of weightlessness for the passengers on the platform7.

The platform7can also be moved to that it executes rotary movements in which the instantaneous pivot point can be determined independently of the technical configuration of the amusement ride. The passenger thus has the illusion of a pendulum motion of the platform7with a pivot point which can lie outside the platform7or even outside the amusement ride.

By appropriate programming of the movement path, the illusion of a flight movement can also be imitated where the behaviour of vehicles, aircraft or other (fictitious) flying objects such as birds, dragons etc. can be imitated. To this end the movements of the platform7can be composed of lines and curves so that for example the flapping of wings can be perceived by the accelerations. As is described and set out with reference toFIG. 4, defined acceleration states and defined acceleration profiles can be produced. As a result of a rapid change in the direction of acceleration, the passenger perceives such movements of the platform7as quaking and vibrations. If the platform7follows circular arcs with varying speed, the impression is given that it is swinging on a long pendulum. Large accelerations with simultaneous tilting of the platform give the impression of starting and braking. In the event of particularly jerky movements, the impression of a collision with other objects is given.

With the aid of the controller12, it is further possible to make the movement state of the platform7follow a reference movement. Such a reference movement can be predefined by the operator or by multimedia sources such as simulations or films. As a result of the exact path control of the platform7, the movement of the platform can communicate with the reference movement.

The movement of the platform7can also be changed by inputs made by the passengers. Corresponding input devices41can be provided on the platform7at which the passengers can make their inputs. By this means, for example, the behaviour of ships, boats, vehicles, aircraft, space ships and the like can be recreated and made to come alive for the passenger.

In particular, the free controllability of the amusement ride makes it possible to switch between different types of movement in the course of the travel or between individual trips without mechanical adaptation of the amusement ride.

In order to enable the described possibilities for path control, a sensor-based detection of the operating state of the platform7is provided. For this purpose in particular a length, speed, acceleration and force measurement is made in the cables4or, if rods are used, in these rods. The measurement of the movement state of the platform7can be made with gyroscopes or with (differential) satellite navigation (GPS) to determine the actual movement.

The controller12is provided to produce the control profiles for the drives with the program generator40or with the input device41that can be actuated either by the operating staff of the amusement ride or by the passenger.

The controller described can also be used for such embodiments in which the amusement ride has no winches5or levers31. In this case, the cables4have a constant length and can, for example, be replaced by rods. In this case, the movement of the platform is accomplished only by appropriate movement of the carriages3along the rails2(FIG. 6a). In such cases, the carriage motor45receives the desired value. The sensors47detect the position of the carriage3on the rails2and return the corresponding actual values to the controller12. With the aid of the regulator44it is checked whether the returned actual value corresponds to the predefined desired value. If differences occur, a control signal is generated which is transmitted to the particular carriage motor46.

If the amusement ride does not have any carriages but only invariable-position winches5or levers31, the desired value is transmitted to the corresponding winch/lever motor29. The sensors47detect the angle of rotation and therefore the free cable length and return the corresponding actual value to the controller12. The regulator44optionally generates a regulating signal in order to accordingly regulate the corresponding winch/lever motor29.

FIG. 23shows a drive train similar toFIG. 20in which instead of the slipping clutch36a plastically deformable torsion element48is provided. This plastically deformable torsion element48can absorb excessive forces which occur upon stopping, for example, as a result of a defect, due to plastic deformation. This prevents any overloading of the structure of the amusement ride and/or the passengers. The plastically deformable torsion element is advantageously configured as a crumple element with which an overloading in the case of danger can be reliably prevented.

The cable4is otherwise connected directly to the platform7. The cable4can, however, also be connected to the platform7via at least one element14.

The drive train according toFIG. 24has the motor29with the motor-side brake38and the motor-side position sensor37. The motor29is coupled via the transmission35and a spring element49to the drum26. The spring element49is advantageously a torsion or torsional spring which is part of the drum26and prevents any overloading of the drum26and therefore the cable4. The spring element49can be bridged via a clutch50. The clutch50is a shifting clutch which couples the transmission35directly to the drum26in the engaged state. If the clutch50is disengaged, the spring element49can then become effective.

The cable4is connected directly to the platform7. However, it is also possible to connect the cable via at least one element14to the platform7.

The spring element49is not effective during normal operation of the amusement ride. The clutch50is engaged and bridges the spring element49. The drum26is driven directly by the transmission35. With loss of energy (risk of slackening cable tension), the clutch50is disengaged. The spring element49can now tension the cable4and enables a certain resilience of the drive train.

The drive train according toFIG. 25has the motor29with the motor-side brake38and the motor-side position sensor37. The motor29is drivingly connected to the drum26via the transmission35. The brake38is assigned to it. The cable4is connected to the platform7directly or via interposed spring elements. This embodiment is an example for the redundant arrangement of brakes in the drive system.

The drive system according toFIG. 26is constructed redundantly and has two drive trains which each drive one drum26. Each drive train has the motor29with the motor-side position sensor37. Each motor29is connected to the respective drum26via the transmission35and a slipping clutch36. The cables4of the drum26are connected to the platform7with respectively at least one interposed spring element14. The spring elements14are only provided optimally; the cables4can also be connected directly to the platform7.

FIG. 27shows a drive controller which is configured substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 26. A force sensor51and at least one element14is located in the cable4of each drum26.

The force sensors51can be provided on all the cables4of the amusement ride but also on only one or several of the cables. This embodiment is an example for the redundant arrangement of the position and force sensors37,51to increase the safety.

The amusement rides described are characterised by a high flexibility and an excellent riding experience. The amusement rides have similar performance properties (speed, acceleration, track length, passenger capacity) to the conventional roller coasters. Possible performance indices are given as an example hereinafter. These values are not to be understood as restrictive values.

The platform7can thus have a weight in the range of for example 200 kg to 4000 kg which corresponds to a conveying capacity of, for example, 1 to 10 persons. The platform7can have a maximum rotational acceleration of the order of magnitude of 90°/s and a translational acceleration of about 2 to 3 g. In this case, the platform7can have a typical rotational speed of 90°/s and a typical translational speed of about 10 m/s.

The amusement ride is provided with a safety monitoring system that evaluates all the control and sensor signals in order to monitor correct operation of the amusement ride. Here it is advantageous if a multichannel design of a monitoring device is used. To this end redundant signals of the drives and sensors are used by the active elements carriage3and winch5. In the event of an unexpected state, the safety monitoring system initiates a defined stoppage of the amusement ride, for example, by means of an emergency stop. As is described by reference toFIGS. 18 to 27as an example, the subsystems provided in the safety-oriented drive system are used here so that even in the event of a partial system failure, a stoppage is possible without hazardous acceleration values being achieved for the passengers.

As the various embodiments of the drive systems show, elements can be provided in the drive system which guarantee the maintaining of a minimum force even when a subsystem fails. An ordered stoppage of the amusement ride without crashing of the platform7is then ensured.

If the brakes are provided redundantly according to the embodiment fromFIG. 25, a stoppage of the amusement ride is ensured even when an individual brake fails. Furthermore, the brakes double the delay function which can be generated by the motor29. The brakes can be supplied with locally stored energy, possibly from springs.

With a view to the safety of the amusement ride, the force, position, speed and/or acceleration sensors described are advantageously provided on several or all of the parallel guided cables4. The force limitation of the cables4is achieved by torque limitation by the slipping clutches36described as an example in the drive train (FIG. 26). The force limitation can also be achieved by friction drives (FIG. 13) for the winches5. The drive of the carriages3by friction drives is a preferred embodiment of the drive system when the carriages3have no winches and the platform is exclusively moved by appropriate movement of the carriages.

If a decentralised multi-channel motor controller is used, the movement behaviour during a stoppage of the amusement ride in the case of an emergency stop can also be ensured autonomously without connection to the central control system12. In this case, a local energy storage system can be used for the drives. In this case, the drives of the individual carriages3shown inFIG. 22are able to initiate and monitor a controlled braking of the platform7to a standstill in the event of a failure of the power supply.

The various elements of the amusement ride can be combined with one another depending on the configuration of the amusement ride. Individual machine elements can be provided redundantly so that in the event of a failure of individual machine elements, further operation of the amusement ride is nevertheless still possible or the amusement ride can be fixed without risk for the passengers on the platform7.

The embodiments described show that the spring elements can be used in the drive train, in particular the springs in the cables4, the torsional springs in the drum26of the winch5and the springs33at the fixing points of the cables on the platform.

The free programmability of the movement path of the platform7enables longer distances to be travelled and the movement profile of the platform7to be varied without changing the mechanical construction of the amusement ride.

The amusement rides can be used for most diverse applications. For example, it is possible to use them for amusement rides in which the experience of accelerations and for this an exciting riding experience are produced. The platform7can also be employed for use in the dark.

As a result of the mobility described, the platform7can also be used as a moving platform in film screenings in which the platform7and therefore the passengers synchronously execute movements with the film to be seen in each case.

The platform7can also be used as a moving platform for simulators.

The amusement ride is characterised by its constructive simplicity. The transmission of force between the carriage3and the platform4is accomplished merely through the cables4or corresponding rods. The movement path11of the platform7can be freely programmed in at least two degrees of freedom, in particular in six degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom). Defined acceleration or movement states can be simply produced with the superordinate controller12. Defined paths and trajectories can also be travelled with the superordinate controller12. If the carriages3are moved along the rails2, the platform7can be transported over greater distances where the platform7can executed most diverse movements in a controlled manner during travel. The platform7can be controlled in various ways. The movement, the speed and the acceleration of the platform7can be controlled so that these are experienced as pleasant or as thrills.

Since the cables4and the platform7only have a relatively small own mass, a high dynamics of the platform7can be achieved in a simple manner. The structure of the amusement ride only has a very small interfering contour so that for the passengers of the platform, for example, the illusion of flying is produced.

Since the platform7does not move directly on rails, the movement sequence of the platform7cannot be foreseen or only with very great difficulty for the passengers, thus increasing the thrill of the ride.