Rollercoaster Switch Back for a Reverse Ride on Trajectory Segment Track

The invention relates to a reverse track switch device, a so called switchback, for reversing a riding direction of a ride vehicle of a rollercoaster on a trajectory. The trajectory includes a trajectory segment along which the ride vehicle travels in an initial riding direction. To reverse the riding direction, the switchback comprises a dead end track section which is configured to receive and return the ride vehicle. The dead-end track section is movable from an entrance position to an exit position to receive the ride vehicle coming from a first trajectory segment to subsequently let the ride vehicle run onto a second trajectory segment in the reverse riding direction.

EP3265193B1 discloses an embodiment of such a track switch device including a pivotable dead end track section having a first end and a second end. The dead end track section communicates with an entry rail section in a first position and is pivotable about a horizontal axis to an exit rail section in a second position.

CN103505878 discloses a so called track-changing aligning structure for an amusement system including a rotatable track with a drive device, a first and second fixed track. The driving device is arranged to provide a connection of the movable track to one of the fixed tracks. The movable track is rotationally supported by a pillar. The movable track has an open end allowing a vehicle to enter or exit the rotatable track and a closed end including a pair of stoppers. In operation, a vehicle originating from the first fixed track enters and stops on the rotatable track. Subsequently, the rotatable track rotates about 90° to couple to the second fixed track. Thereafter, the vehicle leaves the rotatable track in a reverse manner to continue the ride on the second fixed track.

EP3171952 B1 discloses in FIG. 2 a motivating portion of a ride attraction path. The motivating portion includes a fixed dead-end track, a fixed entrance track, and a fixed launch track. A track switch is provided including a curved transfer track, and a straight transfer track. In operation, a ride vehicle approaches via the entrance track and drives onto the dead-end track. A braking system causes the ride vehicle to stop and park on the dead-end track. While being parked, the track switch is operated to switch from the entrance track to the launch track. Once the straight transfer track is in place, a launch room vehicle starts propelling the ride vehicle backwards to launch the ride vehicle on the launch track. From here, the ride vehicle continues the ride.

In addition to this track switch, another arrangement is needed to reverse the ride direction of the ride vehicle for a second time to get the ride vehicle back in the initial ride direction and ready for a next ride with a next group of passengers. Such a reversal can for example be carried out by a reverse track section including a switch in the trajectory close to the a passenger station.

A backwards ride along a trajectory segment contributes to a thrill experience of the passengers, but has a technical disadvantage in that it may require costly arrangements to obtain the required reversals. These arrangements may necessitate a serious initial capital investment and increase operational complexity of the rollercoaster attraction.

Regarding the above-mentioned prior art, it is remarked that any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like included in the present specification is for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention, and is not to be taken as an admission that any such matters form part of the prior art or were before the priority date of each claim of this application common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above mentioned drawback and/or to provide a usable alternative. More specific, it is an object of the invention to provide a rollercoaster attraction having a trajectory segment in which a ride vehicle travels in a backwards riding direction in which the rollercoaster attraction has an arrangement which requires a relative simple installation and operation.

This object is achieved by a reverse track switch device and rollercoaster according to the invention.

According to the invention, a reverse track switch device, also called a switchback, is provided. The reverse track switch device is configured to be installed in a trajectory of a rollercoaster. The reverse track switch device is to be aligned with at least two trajectory segments of the trajectory. The whole trajectory may be formed by a rollercoaster track, but in a variant the trajectory may also include a water ride section. The reverse track switch device is arranged to reverse an initial riding direction of a ride vehicle before running along a next trajectory segment.

The reverse track switch device comprises a dead-end track section for reversing the initial ride direction of a received ride vehicle. A proximal end of the dead-end track section is arranged to allow an entry of the ride vehicle from a trajectory segment onto the dead-end track section. The dead-end track section is arranged to receive the ride vehicle at the proximal end and arranged to allow the ride vehicle to leave the dead-end track section at the same proximal end. The dead-end track section has an entrance at a proximal end.

The dead-end track section may be provided with a stopper at a distal end. The stopper may be a hard stopper which is fixed to the distal end to prevent a passage of a ride vehicle. Generally, such a stopper may be arranged as just an emergency safety measure, because in operation, typically no abutting engagement of the ride vehicle with such a fixed stopper will occur as a length of the dead-end track section and/or a presence of a brake unit is typically configured to smoothly reduce a speed of an arriving ride vehicle.

The reverse track switch device comprises a framework. The framework is arranged to support the dead-end track section.

Further, the reverse track switch device comprises a drive. The drive is arranged to move the dead-end track section to and fro at least three switch positions. Typically, a switch lock is provided at each switch position to lock the dead-end track section at a switch position.

The at least three switch positions may include at least one entrance position and at least a first and second exit position. The at least three switch positions are situated at the proximal end of the dead-end track section. The dead-end track section is movable between the at least one entrance position and the first and second exit position. The entrance position of the reverse track switch device is to be installed in alignment with an entry trajectory segment of a rollercoaster trajectory. The first exit position of the reverse track switch device is to be installed in alignment with a first trajectory segment of the rollercoaster trajectory, and the second exit position is to be installed in alignment with a second trajectory segment of the rollercoaster trajectory.

In a possible operation, a ride vehicle arriving from the entry trajectory segment moves in an initial riding direction onto the dead-end track section and leaves the dead-end track section in a reverse riding direction to the first trajectory segment at the first exit position. As a matter of a preference of the operator, the initial riding direction may be a forward or backward riding direction. Along the first trajectory segment, passengers will then enjoy a thrill by the reverse ride. An end of the first trajectory segment is aligned with an entrance position of the reverse track switch device. After travelling along the first trajectory segment, the ride vehicle will return back on the dead-end track section. Subsequently, the dead-end track section may move to the second exit position, and the ride vehicle leaves and rides along the second trajectory segment in the initial riding direction.

In another possible operation, a ride vehicle arriving from the entry trajectory segment moves onto the dead-end track section in an initial riding direction and leaves the dead-end track section in a reverse riding direction to the first trajectory segment at the first exit position. Along the first trajectory segment, passengers will then enjoy a thrill by the reverse ride. An end of the first trajectory segment is aligned with an entrance position of the reverse track switch device. After travelling along the first trajectory segment, the right vehicle will return back on the dead-end track section. Subsequently, the dead-end track section may move again to the first exit position, and the ride vehicle leaves and rides again along the first trajectory segment, but now in the initial riding direction. Herewith, the first trajectory segment may be passed twice. A first time in the reverse riding direction and a second time in the initial riding direction. After passing one, two or more times along the first trajectory segment, the ride vehicle returns back on the dead-end track section and leaves via the second exit position. The ride vehicle leaves and rides along the second trajectory segment in the initial or reverse riding direction. Beneficially, multiple passages via a same exit position of the reverse track switch device may extend a ride duration by for example 30% including different passenger experiences, but without an extension of the trajectory.

The reverse track switch device according to the invention may also be called a multiple exit switchback. According to the invention, an improvement is provided in that multiple reversals can be carried out at the same arrangement for at least two trajectory segments. All reverses of the riding direction in the trajectory can be carried out on the multiple exit switchback. The switchback allows a configuration of a trajectory in which no additional and separate reverse arrangement at another location in the trajectory is necessary to bring the ride vehicle back again to the initial riding direction. The same reverse track switch device is used to serve as a reversal arrangement for multiple trajectory segments. The same reverse track switch can be switched from an entry trajectory to at least two trajectory segments. One reverse track switch device can be used to couple multiple trajectory segments along which the ride vehicle runs.

Instead of a placement of a first and second reverse track device as shown in CN103505878 to guide a ride vehicle to a next trajectory segment, one multiple exit reverse track switch device may suffice to provide a ride along the at least two separate trajectory segments. The reverse track switch device according to the invention can be used to both run the ride vehicle in the reverse direction along the first trajectory segment and to subsequently return and run the ride vehicle in the initial direction to travel along another or the same trajectory segment. An installation of only a single reverse track switch device according to the invention is sufficient to obtain the possibility for a reverse riding along a trajectory segment which may strongly reduce building and exploitation costs.

In addition, it is a benefit that the reverse track switch device may contribute in a reduction of an area footprint of a rollercoaster attraction. Due to the reversals enabled by the multiple exit reverse track switch device, the rollercoaster attraction having a certain trajectory length may be built on a relative compact floor area. This may especially be beneficial in revising an existing rollercoaster attraction to increase a passengers excitement by including a backwards riding event.

Preferably, the at least one entrance position is positioned in between the first and second exit position. The first and second exit are laterally positioned aside the at least one entrance position. During operation, the dead-end track section moves away from the entrance position while supporting a ride vehicle to an exit position. After the ride vehicle has left the dead-end track section, the dead-end track section returns to the entrance position to receive the ride vehicle again from a trajectory segment. So, for each launch, the dead-end track section moves away and back to the entrance position. A positioning of the entrance position in between the exit positions is beneficial in obtaining a short stroke of movement of the dead-end track section. Herewith, a quick operation of the reverse track switch device can be achieved.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section only has a single entrance position. The single entrance position is in alignment with a common track of the first and second trajectory segment. In operation, the single entrance position is used to receive a ride vehicle from each trajectory segment by the common track. Preferably, the single entrance position is positioned in between the first and second exit position.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section is rotatable about a pivot axis. The reverse track switch device is a swingable reverse track switch device. In particular, the dead-end track section is swingable from an initial mid-position forming the at least one entrance position to a left and right side position forming the first and second exit position. Preferably, the pivot axis is positioned at the distal end of the dead-end track section. Preferably, the swingable reverse track switch device includes a swing angle of at most 30°, in particular at most 15°, in between neighbouring switch positions. The positioning of the pivot axis at the distal end of the dead-end track section is beneficial in that it allows a sufficient large lateral displacement, a so called sweep, at the proximal end of the dead-end track section by only a relative small swing angle. Advantageously, a relative small sized drive can be installed at the proximal end to laterally move the dead-end track section. In addition, the positioning of the pivot axis at the distal end of the dead-end track section causes hardly or no lateral swing at the distal end. Only a relative small volume may suffice to enclose a ride vehicle positioned at the distal end of the dead-end track section. This is beneficial in that only a narrow building space may be required at the distal end. Especially at a great height level at the distal end, it is an advantage when a relative small structure suffices to provide for instance a scene room, an attraction or a screen.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section is supported by a guidance at the proximal end. Preferably, the guidance is a guidance rail mounted onto the framework. The guidance rail is preferably arc-shaped to guide the rotational motion of the dead-end track section. Preferably, a drive for driving the dead-end track section, in particular a driven carriage for supporting the dead-end track section is positioned at the proximal end and supported by the guidance rail. Beneficially, the positioning of the drive at a large distance from the pivot axis of the dead-end track section provides a large arm for executing a mechanical momentum to swing the dead-end track section. The large arm allows an operation by a less powerful drive which allows a compact configuration of the drive at the proximal end of the dead-end track section.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section is arranged in an inclined orientation. The dead-end track section is sloped about a slope angle. In particular, the slope angle is at least 5°, more in particular at least 10°. Preferably, the slope angle is about 15°. The slope angle of the dead-end track section is beneficial in launching the ride vehicle at least partially under gravity. Rest energy provided by the ride vehicle when being decelerated and received on the dead-end track section can be re-used in launching the ride vehicle along a next trajectory segment.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section may comprise a launch unit for launching a ride vehicle. Preferably, the launch unit comprises a motor, in particular a hydraulic or electric boostermotor, a LIM or LSM motor. Additional booster drives may be installed along a trajectory segment. Advantageously, a sloped dead-end track section and/or a dead-end track section including an own launch unit may reduce a required total amount of booster drives along a trajectory segment.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section comprises a brake unit for stopping a ride vehicle at the dead-end track section. In particular, the dead-end track section comprises a trim brake for braking a speed of a ride vehicle arriving at the dead-end track section.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section may comprise a operable stopper for temporarily blocking the ride vehicle on the dead-end track section. The operable stopper is controlled by a control unit of the reverse track switch device. The operable stopper is operable in a stop-position and a go-position to respectively keep the ride vehicle on the dead-end track section and to launch the ride vehicle from the dead-end track section. The operable stopper is preferably positioned at the entrance at the proximal end of the dead-end track section.

In an embodiment of the reverse track switch device according to the invention, the dead-end track section comprises a locker for locking the ride vehicle in its position to the dead-end track section. The locker is arranged to keep the ride vehicle in a stand-still position during a lateral movement. The locker has a locking member which is arranged to engage with one of the respective ride vehicle or dead-end track section. The locking member may for example be a locking pen or a locking hook mounted to the ride vehicle to engage with a locking aperture, e.g. a hole or ridge, at the dead-end track section or vice versa. In operation, the locker is released to allow the ride vehicle to run from the dead-end track section.

Further, the invention relates to a rollercoaster comprising a reverse track switch device according to the invention. The reverse track switch device is positioned in a trajectory and is operable to reverse a ride direction of a ride vehicle.

According to a next aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a reverse track switch device for reversing an initial riding direction of a ride vehicle on a trajectory, wherein the reverse track switch device comprises:

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the reverse track switch comprises a passenger station which is located at a bottom region of the reverse tack switch device. Preferably, the passenger station is positioned right below the reverse track switch. Herewith, a reversal of the riding direction is carried out above the passenger station which may render excitement to waiting passengers and may increase the overall experience of the rollercoaster.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section is rotatable about a pivot axis, wherein in particular the pivot axis is positioned at the distal end of the dead-end track section.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section is slidably supported at the proximal end by an arc shape guidance rail mounted to the framework.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, a switch lock is provided at each switch position to lock the dead-end track section in position.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section is sloped about a slope angle of at least 5°, in particular at least 15°.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section is swingable about a swing angle of at most 30°, in particular at most 15°, in between neighbouring switch positions. In operation, a swing angle between an exit position EP and the access position of at most 30°, in particular at most 15°, is beneficial to obtain a quick return of the dead-end track section to the access position during a ride of the ride vehicle along a trajectory segment.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section comprises a launch unit for launching a ride vehicle, wherein in particular the dead-end track section comprises a linear motor for accelerating and/or braking a ride vehicle by a magnetic induction force.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section comprises a brake unit for stopping a ride vehicle at the dead-end track section.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the dead-end track section comprises a locker for locking the ride vehicle to the dead-end track section, wherein in particular one of the ride vehicle and the dead-end track section includes a locking member, in particular a locking pen or locking hook, to engage with the respective other of the ride vehicle and dead-end track section.

Further, the invention relates to a rollercoaster comprising such a reverse track switch according to this aspect of the invention.

As described above, according to the invention as defined in claim, the reverse track switch device has a dead-end track section for reversing the ride direction of the ride vehicle. The dead-end track section is operable between at least three switch positions. The switch positions are situated at the proximal end of the dead-end track section. The at least three switch positions include at least one entrance position. The trajectory of the rollercoaster according to the invention includes multiple trajectory segments. The trajectory of the rollercoaster includes an entry trajectory segment having an segment end which is in alignment with the at least one entrance position of the reverse track switch device. The at least three switch positions include at least two exit positions. The trajectory of the rollercoaster further includes a first trajectory segment and a second trajectory segment having each a segment start in alignment with respectively the first and second exit position of the reverse track switch device. The rollercoaster including the reverse track switch according to the invention is beneficial in that multiple trajectory segments of the trajectory are connectable to a single reverse track device. The same reverse track device can be used to let the ride vehicle run along several trajectory segments.

The rollercoaster may have a fully tracked trajectory, or may have a hybrid trajectory in which the trajectory includes at least one water ride section. Such a rollercoaster may also be called a boat coaster. The rollercoaster is arranged to provide a passenger ride along such a trajectory having a trajectory segment in which during operation a ride vehicle moves in a reverse direction.

It is remarked that in this context a ride vehicle should be understood in a broadest sense of a coaster carrying passengers along a rollercoaster trajectory. A ride vehicle may comprise a single carriage, but may also include a train of several carriages. A ride vehicle may have any appearance. Such an appearance may be complementary to an expressed theme of an environment of the rollercoaster attraction. The ride vehicle may for example look like a flying space object, e.g. an UVO, an animal, like a bird or dragon, a boat or a plane.

In an embodiment, the rollercoaster trajectory may further include at least one water ride. The water ride may be formed by a water channel in which a coaster, in particular a boat coaster, passes a distance. During the water ride, the ride vehicle may continuously remain attached to a track, but alternatively may also be floating for a while, whereafter the ride vehicle couples again to a track of the trajectory.

The trajectory of the rollercoaster is formed by at least two trajectory segments which is beneficial in that one of the trajectory segments can be exclusively configured for a reverse riding experience while another one of the trajectory segments can be exclusively configured for a riding experience in an opposed direction. Each of the trajectory segments can be designed to a particular riding direction, e.g. a forwards trajectory segment or a backwards directory segment, and no concessions need to be made to allow a ride in both directions along the trajectory segment. A forwards trajectory segment may be designed to be more spectacular e.g. by including some loops than a backwards trajectory segment. A forwards trajectory segment may have a longer length than a backwards trajectory segment which is up to the rollercoaster designer. Herewith, advantageously, the trajectory of the rollercoaster can be designed in a more adventurous and exciting manner, whilst only an implementation of one reverse track switch device according to the invention suffices to ride multiple trajectory segments.

The rollercoaster comprises a passenger station to allow people to enter and exit the ride vehicle. Another advantage is that the passenger station can be situated in the second trajectory segment which forms the final trajectory segment of a trajectory. In the passenger station, passengers can enter a ride vehicle which is directed in a preferred initial riding direction and at the end of the ride, the passengers can leave the ride vehicle which is oriented in the same initial riding direction. At a start and finish of the trajectory, a ride vehicle is remains positioned in an initial riding direction and no separate reverse track close to the passenger station is necessary to reverse a riding direction of the ride vehicle.

In an embodiment of the rollercoaster according to the invention, the reverse track switch device comprises a single entrance position. The first and second trajectory segments are coupled to each other by a pass track switch, in particular a high-speed track switch, to guide a ride vehicle from one of the trajectory segments onto a common track. The common track is in alignment with the single entrance position of the reverse track switch device to allow the ride vehicle to enter the dead-end track section of the reverse track switch device.

Further, the invention relates to a method for operating a rollercoaster, in particular for operating a reverse track switch device as defined in claim. The method comprises a step of providing a rollercoaster including a reverse track switch device according to the invention, wherein the reverse track switch device is operable in at least three switch positions. In a step of the method, a dead-end track section is moved to an entrance position for receiving a ride vehicle on the dead-end track section. Particularly, the ride vehicle is locked in position on the dead-end track section. In a step, the dead-end track section is moved from the entrance position to a first exit position while supporting the ride vehicle. In particular, the dead-end track section is swung about a pivot axis. At the first exit position, the ride vehicle is launched onto the first trajectory segment in a reverse riding direction. In a step, the dead-end track section is moved from the first exit position to an entrance position for receiving the ride vehicle from the first trajectory segment back on the dead-end track section. Preferably, a single entrance position is provided, wherein the dead-end track section is moved back along a common track to this entrance position after a launch of the ride vehicle from the first exit position. In a step of the method, the dead-end track section is moved from the entrance position to a second exit position whilst supporting the ride vehicle. At the second exit position, the ride vehicle is launched onto the second trajectory segment in a forwards riding direction. In a next step, the dead-end track section is moved back to an entrance position. Herewith, the dead-end track section is moved back to an entrance position during a ride of the ride vehicle on the first or second trajectory segment.

Thus, a reverse track switch device is provided comprising a dead-end track section which is movable between at least three switch positions. The three switch positions include an entrance position and at least two exit positions. The exit positions are to be positioned in alignment with a first and second trajectory segment of a rollercoaster trajectory. On one trajectory segment, passengers enjoy a backwards ride, whilst on the other trajectory segment a forward ride is made. The separate two exit positions are beneficial in that a single reverse track switch device on which at least two reversals are made may suffice to obtain a spectacular rollercoaster trajectory including a reverse riding trajectory segment.