WO2017021340A1

WO2017021340A1 - Amusement ride vehicle having a rotatable passenger support frame

Info

Publication number: WO2017021340A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/068247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Zamperla
Original assignee: Antonio Zamperla S.P.A.
Priority date: 2015-07-31
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2017-02-09

Abstract

It is disclosed an amusement ride vehicle (1) for one or more passengers, comprising a main frame (2) configured to engage at least one guide rail (20) along which the ride vehicle is movable, a passenger support frame (5) rotatably connected to said main frame (2) for the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, and a positioning system (30) configured to control the relative position between the passenger support frame (5) and the main frame (2). The positioning system comprises steering means (31) operable by the passenger in the passenger support frame.

Description

"AMUSEMENT RIDE VEHICLE HAVING A ROTATABLE PASSENGER

SUPPORT FRAME"

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle for carrying one or more passengers along a path of an amusement ride. More in details, the present invention relates to a ride vehicle, an amusement ride comprising such a vehicle and a method for its operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are known in the art amusement rides comprising a plurality of vehicles movable along a guide rail, so that passengers supported in the vehicle are transported along a ride path defined by the guide rail. In known amusement rides, a plurality of vehicles travel along a guide rail arranged on the ground, or on a floor, defining the amusement ride path.

During the movement along the guide rail, the guide rail itself determines the orientation of the vehicles thus reducing the sensation experienced by the passenger. To increase the interaction of the passengers with the vehicle, in known amusement rides, the vehicle has been loosely constrained to the guide rail so as to allow a lateral movement of the vehicle with respect to the guide rail.

In this type of rides, the vehicle comprises front wheels and rear wheels, allowing the steering of the vehicle by a steering wheel connected to the wheels, while travelling along the guide rail. However, such a movement is limited by travel stops, which come in contact with the guide rail.

Therefore, this type of amusement ride suffers the problem that the guide rail and limiting travel stops has hard impacts during the ride, leading to increased maintenance.

Additionally, if the passenger does not correctly steer the wheels according to the path defined by the guide rail, the vehicle could be blocked causing capacity issues with the amusement park.

In view of above, it is an object of the present invention to increase the interaction between the passengers and the vehicle increasing the sensation experienced by the passengers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an amusement ride vehicle in which the interaction of the passenger is increased, and at the same time the movement along the guide rail and thus the normal operation of the amusement ride is not affected by the interaction of the passengers with the vehicle.

These and other objects are achieved by an amusement ride vehicle according to the invention, an amusement ride comprising at least one vehicle and a method of operating the vehicle, according to the independent claims. Further aspects of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the amusement ride vehicle for one or more passengers, comprises a main frame configured to engage at least one guide rail along which the vehicle is movable. The ride vehicle further comprises a passenger support frame rotatably connected to the main frame for the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame. A positioning system configured to control the relative position between the passenger support frame and the main frame is provided, the positioning system comprises steering means operable by the passenger in the passenger support frame.

It has to be noted that the steering means operated by the passenger can comprise hand-operated steering means, such as a steering wheel or handle or a stick, or can be foot-operated, e.g. comprising one or more pedal.

Advantageously, the presence of a main frame, engaged with the guide rail, and of passenger support frame that is rotatable with respect to the main frame, allows to enhance the sensations experienced by the passenger while avoiding effects of the passenger control on the advancing movement of the vehicle along the guide rail.

In fact, the positioning system operated by the passenger, by acting on the steering means (e.g. a steering wheel), allows to control the relative position of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, thus allowing the simulation of a drifting drive mode.

More in detail, according to an aspect of the present invention, the passenger support frame is rotatable with respect to the main frame about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the advance direction of the ride vehicle along said guide rail. According to still another aspect of the invention, the rotation axis is arranged in the rear part or in the front part of the main frame (with reference to the advance direction of the ride vehicle along the guide rail) so as to simulate a drifting driving mode, and in particular an oversteering or understeering driving mode.

Advantageously, there is no interference with the movement of the main frame along the guide rail, so that the vehicle follows a predetermined path.

According to an aspect of the invention, the direction of rotation of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame is controlled by the positioning system on the basis of the operation (direction of movement) of the steering means by the passenger in the passenger support frame.

In general, according to an aspect of the invention, the main frame is a lower frame of the vehicle, guided along the guide rail, and the passenger support frame is an upper frame of the vehicle (i.e. arranged above the main frame) and is rotatable with respect to the main frame.

The main frame is preferably engaged with the guide rail, so as to prevent lateral movements of the main frame with respect to the guide rail.

According to another aspect of the invention, the main frame can be arranged on the ground, or on a floor, for example by one or more wheels intended to contact the ground or floor.

It has to be noted that according to different possible embodiments, the guide rail can be arranged on the floor or on the ground, or it can be arranged below the ground, or floor, and in the latter case the main frame comprises a portion that is extending below the ground or the floor in order to provide the engagement with the guide rail. Embodiments in which the guide rail is suspended at a distance from the ground, or from a floor, are also possible, with the vehicle travelling along the guide at a distance from the ground, or floor.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the positioning system is configured to allow a substantially free pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, when the steering means are not operated by the passenger.

In other words, when the passenger does not operate the steering means, the passenger support frame can be pivoted (rotated) with respect to the main frame for example during the ride along a curved portion of the guide rail. In fact, the passenger support frame is rotatable with respect to the main frame and thus the rotation movement of the main frame is decoupled from the rotation movement of the passenger support frame. Therefore, when the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail the main frame is guided to follow the curved guide rail, while the passenger support frame may rotate with respect to the main frame.

This is due for example by the fact that lateral forces (e.g. centrifugal force and in general inertial forces) acting on the vehicle causes a rotation of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame. Also the rotation of the main frame caused by the movement along a curve to follow the curved portion of the guide rail is not transferred to passenger support frame. In particular, the rotation of the longitudinal axis of the main frame caused by the movement along a curve is not transferred to the passenger support frame so that a pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame occurs.

By means of the positioning system, the passenger can align the passenger support frame with the main frame, thus following the path defined by the guide rail, or he/she can maintain or arrange the passenger support frame rotated (at a desired relative position) with respect to the main frame, thus providing said drifting driving experience.

According to an aspect of the invention, the positioning system is of the hydraulic, electric or pneumatic type. An advantage of these aspects is that the force requested to the passenger for moving the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame is very low; in fact, by simply acting on the steering means the passenger frame will rotate, similarly, the lateral forces experienced by the passenger frame e.g. in a curve are sufficient to provide a relative rotation of the two frames.

Additionally, the hydraulic control of the relative position of the passenger support frame and the main frame is also accurate and provides a quick and effective response on the basis of the operation of the steering means by the passenger.

According to an aspect of the invention, the positioning system comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder arranged between the passenger support frame and the main frame to control the relative pivoting (rotation) movement thereof. The hydraulic cylinder is preferably controlled on the basis of the direction of operation, e.g. direction of movement of the steering means.

According to a possible embodiment the positioning system comprises at least one electric actuator. According to an embodiment at least one electric actuator can be arranged to control the relative pivoting (rotation) between the passenger support frame and the main frame. According to an embodiment the at least one electric actuator can be arranged between the passenger support frame and the main frame. Said electric actuator is preferably controlled on the basis of the direction of operation, e.g. direction of movement of the steering means.

It has to be noted that features herein disclosed and/or claimed with respect to the hydraulic cylinder can be applied to different embodiments wherein the positioning system is of the electric or pneumatic type.

Summarizing, the positioning system includes an actuator; the actuator may be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric, preferably an hydraulic cylinder. As better discussed hereinafter with reference to the cited hydraulic cylinder, the actuator is constrained on one side to the main frame and on the other side to the passengers support frame to control the relative pivoting movement between passenger frame and main frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is a double acting cylinder comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. An advantage of this embodiment is that by a single cylinder the rotation movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame can be controlled in both directions. For example starting from a neutral position wherein the two frames are substantially aligned (e.g. with the longitudinal axes of the two frames parallel one to another) the passenger support frame can be rotated clockwise and anticlockwise. It has to be noted that the double acting cylinder is preferably arranged with the piston in a central position between the two chambers, when the passenger support frame and the main frame are aligned (e.g. a neutral or not drifted position). By doing so, the piston can be moved in both directions (by controlling fluid in the chambers) thus causing accordingly a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame.

The present invention also relates to an amusement ride comprising at least one ride vehicle, as above disclosed, and at least one guide rail, wherein the ride vehicle is engaged with said guide rail by said main frame riding along it. It has to be noted that further features and aspects disclosed herein, and/or in the claims, in connection to the ride vehicle can be applied to the amusement ride, and vice versa.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating an amusement ride comprising at least one ride vehicle herein disclosed and at least one guide rail, wherein the ride vehicle is engaged with the guide rail. The method comprises the step of moving the ride vehicle along the guide rail, for example by a propulsion motor, and one or more passenger in the passenger support frame of the ride vehicle operates the steering means to control the relative position between the passenger support frame and the main frame during the movement of the ride vehicle along the guide rail.

Advantageously, in the method according to the invention, when the steering means are not operated by the passenger a substantially free pivoting movement of the passengers support frame with respect to the main frame is allowed during the ride along a curved portion of the guide rail. It has to be noted that further features and aspects disclosed herein, and/or in the claims, in connection to the ride vehicle and/or to the amusement ride comprising such a vehicle can be applied to the method, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, the detailed description referring to the drawings, in which:

• Figures 1 and 2 are schematic and partial perspective views of a possible embodiment of an amusement ride vehicle according to the present invention;

• Figure 3 is a lateral view of the amusement ride vehicle according to figure 1 ;

• Figure 4 is view of the rear portion of the amusement ride vehicle according to figure 1 ;

· Figure 5 is top view of the amusement ride vehicle according to figure 1 ;

• Figure 6 is another perspective view of a possible embodiment of an amusement ride vehicle according to the present invention, wherein also the external bodywork constrained to the passenger support frame is shown by a dashed line;

· Figure 7 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a hydraulic positioning system of a vehicle according to the invention;

• Figure 8 shows a possible embodiment of the hydraulic scheme of the distributor device of the hydraulic positioning system to selectively supply the fluid to the hydraulic cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The amusement ride vehicle 1 according to the invention is configured to carry one or more passengers and is movable along a guide rail 20 (shown in figures 4 and 5) defining a path of the amusement ride in which the vehicle 1 is used. As disclosed later in greater detail, the vehicle and in particular a portion of the vehicle is engaged with the guide rail 20 that is guiding the vehicle during the movement along it. It has to be noted that in the attached figures 4 and 5, only a portion of the guide rail 20 is shown under the ride vehicle 1 (see for example the top view of figure 5). As known in the art, the guide rail 20 can be shaped to provide rectilinear and curved portions. In general, the guide rail 20 can be designed to provide the desired movement of the vehicle during the ride, e.g. by providing alternations of rectilinear portions and turns (i.e. curved portions).

According to different possible embodiments, the guide rail 20 can be arranged on the ground G (as for example in the embodiment shown in the attached figures) or on a floor on which the vehicle is moved. Alternatively, the guide rail can be arranged under a floor having an opening (e.g. a slot) so that the vehicle and in particular a portion of the vehicle can be engaged with the guide rail. The guide rail 20 can be also at least in part suspended from the ground to provide ascents/descents.

Typically, the guide rail 20 is provided with a closed shape so that one or more vehicle 1 are moved along a closed circuit defining a closed movement path of the amusement ride (not shown).

The guide rail 20 can be provided in the form of a single rail (as for example shown in the figures), or with two or more rails which are preferably arranged parallel one to another. Also a configuration with more than two rails can be provided.

Returning now to the ride vehicle 1 , according to a possible embodiment it comprises a main frame 2 configured to engage the at least one guide rail 20 and a passenger support frame 5 rotatably connected to the main frame 2 for a pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame.

In fact, the main frame 2 comprises at least one engagement portion 2a that is intended to cooperate with the guide rail 20. According to a possible embodiment, the engagement portion 2a comprises one or more rollers, or similar means intended to contact the guide rail 20 allowing the sliding movement along it. It has to be noted that the engagement portion 2a can be configured to constrain the main frame 2 to the guide rail 20 so that the two components cannot be separated during the movement.

According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figure, the main frame 2 of the vehicle 1 comprises two engagement portions 2a, preferably provided with a plurality of rollers intended to contact two substantially opposite surfaces of the guide rail 20.

The two engagement portions 2a are arranged substantially at the front portion and rear portion of the vehicle with respect to the direction D of movement of the vehicle along the guide rail 20. However different configurations are possible.

The engagement portion 2a is preferably arranged substantially in correspondence of the longitudinal axis Y of the main frame 2. It has to be noted that the longitudinal axis Y is directed substantially along the front-rear direction of the main frame considering the movement of the vehicle.

In other words, the longitudinal axis Y connects the front and rear portion of the main frame.

According to a possible embodiment, the main frame 2 is arranged above the ground G, or above a floor, on which the vehicle is moved.

As for example shown in the figures, the main frame 2 is provided with front wheels 3a and rear wheels 3b, so as to provide a configuration of the ride vehicle 1 similar to a car.

According to different possible embodiments, the vehicle 1 can be provided with a propulsion motor M for the movement along the guide rail, or a propulsion motor or different propulsion means can be external with respect to the vehicle.

For example if the ride vehicle 1 is used in a roller coaster amusement ride, and in general in an amusement ride comprising a guide rail having portions at different heights with respect to the ground providing ascents/descents, propulsion means (for example a drive chain or a drive cable) are able to move the vehicle uphill, for example in correspondence of the highest point of the guide rail, and then gravity accelerates downhill the vehicle along the remaining part of guide rail. According to an embodiment (as for example shown in the figures), a propulsion motor M is arranged on the vehicle 1 , and preferably on the main frame 2, and it allows the movement of the vehicle along the guide rail 20.

The propulsion motor M can be arranged at the rear portion of the main frame 2 (with respect to the direction D of movement of the vehicle), as for example shown in the figures.

It has to be noted that the propulsion motor can be an electric motor, preferably receiving electricity from the guide rail 20 in engagement with the main frame 2. The propulsion force provided by the motor M can be transferred to the guide rail 20, for example by connecting the motor to one of the roller intended to contact the guide rail, or can be transferred to the ground G or to the floor on which the vehicle is movable.

For example, the propulsion motor M can be connected to at least one wheel for moving the ride vehicle on a floor or on the ground G along said guide rail 20. For example, the motor M can be connected to at least one wheel 3a, 3b of the vehicle. However, according to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the propulsion force generated by the motor M is transmitted to at least one additional drive wheel 3c, preferably two additional wheels, different from the front and rear wheels 3a, 3b of the main frame 2. It has to be noted that even if in the embodiment shown in the figures the main frame 2 is configured to comprise two longitudinal bars 2b and two transversal axles 2c, to which the front and rear wheels 3a, 3b are connected, different configuration can be provided, for example by providing the main frame in the form of a platform.

As mentioned above, the main frame 2 is engaged with the guide rail 20, so that the movement of the vehicle along the path defined by the guide rail is determined by the shape of the guide rail. Preferably, the vehicle 1 and in particular the main frame 2 is engaged with the guide rail 20 (for example at the engagement portion 2a) so as to avoid lateral movements of the main frame 2 with respect to the guide rail 20.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the front wheels 3a and/or the rear wheels 3b, are connected to the main frame 2 in such a way the wheels are steered according to the shape of the guide rail 20. More in detail, the wheel can be cinematically connected to a portions of the main frame 2, e.g. the engagement portion 2a, in order to be steered and therefore rotated according to the turns of the guide rail 20. When the vehicle travels along a rectilinear portion of the guide rail 20, the wheels are arranged parallel to the guide rail. With reference now to the passenger support frame 5 of the vehicle, it has to be noted that the expression "passenger support frame" is used herein to indicate a frame intended to hold at least one passenger, and in general a frame comprising a compartment for the passenger.

Even if not shown in the figures, one or more seat or similar means to hold passengers, are also mounted on the passenger support frame 5. In the shown embodiment, the passenger compartment preferably defined by an external bodywork and having two seats is schematically shown in figure 6, by dashed lines.

In the shown embodiment the passenger support frame 5 has a substantially rectangular shape with a plurality of perimetral bars 5a and internal bars 5b connected one to another and adapted to provide a raised rear portion, for example to provide a volume where the propulsion motor M is arranged. The internal bars 5b are oriented to converge at the rotation axis X of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame. However, different shape of the passengers support frame can be provided.

A longitudinal axis Y' of the passenger support frame 5 is directed substantially along the front-rear direction of the passenger support frame considering the movement of the vehicle.

In other words, the longitudinal axis Y' connects the front and rear portion of the passenger support frame.

According to the invention, the passenger support frame 5 is rotatable with respect to the main frame 2 about a rotation axis X that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the advance direction D (direction of movement) of the ride vehicle 1 along the guide rail 20. It has to be also noted that according to an aspect of the invention, the rotation axis X is substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground G, or the floor, on which the vehicle is movable.

In general, according to the invention, the support frame 5 is rotatable with respect to the main frame 2 in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of extension of the main frame 2 and the rotation axis X is substantially perpendicular with respect to said planes.

According to an embodiment, the longitudinal axes Y, Y' of the main frame and the passenger support frame are incident to the rotation axis X, e.g. perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

According to an aspect of the invention, the rotation axis X is arranged in the rear, or front, part of the main frame 2 considering the advancement direction D of the ride vehicle 1 along the guide rail 20. The position of the rotation axis X at a distance from the central portion of the vehicle allows to provide a rotation, i.e. the pivoting movement, of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2 when it is travelling in curved portions (turns) of the guide rail 20. As mentioned above, this is due for example by the fact that lateral forces (e.g. inertial forces) acting on the vehicle causes a rotation of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame. Also the rotation of the main frame caused by the movement along a curve to follow the curved portion of the guide rail is not transferred to passenger support frame. In particular, the rotation of the longitudinal axis Y of the main frame 2 caused by the movement along a curve is not transferred to the passenger support frame 5 so that a pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame occurs.

By means of the positioning system 30, the passenger can align the passenger support frame with the main frame (e.g. in a configuration in which the two longitudinal axes Y and Y' are not rotated one with respect to another), thus following the path defined by the guide rail, or he/she can maintain or arrange the passenger support frame rotated (at a desired relative position) with respect to the main frame (e.g. in a configuration in which the two longitudinal axes Y and Y' are rotated one with respect to another), thus providing said drifting driving experience.

Additionally, the rotation movement of the passengers support frame with respect to the main frame 2 about an axis X that is arranged in the rear or the front part of the vehicle (and in general that is offset with respect to the central portion of the vehicle) allows to simulate a drifting drive mode, and in particular an oversteering and understeering driving mode.

Different connections can be provided to allow a rotation movement (i.e. pivoting movement) between the passenger support frame 5 and the main frame 2. According to a possible embodiment, the passenger support frame 5 is rotatably connected to the main frame 2 at a rotation shaft 4, that is arranged between the main frame and the passenger support frame.

The rotation shaft 4 is fixed to the main frame 2, for example on a plate arranged over the propulsion motor M, and the passenger support frame 5 is rotatably connected to the shaft by the central bars 5b connecting the shaft to the perimetral bars 5a.

However, the main frame 2 and the passenger support frame 5 can be shaped differently with respect to the configuration above disclosed and shown in the figures, provided that the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame is allowed.

To this regard it has to be noted that the suitable bearings can be provided to reduce frictions due to the rotation movement between the passenger support frame and the main frame.

The pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame is caused by the forces acting on the vehicle, and in particular on the passenger support frame 5 during the movement of the vehicle along curved portions of the guide rail 20.

The amusement ride vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises travel stops 50, 50a intended to limit the rotation movement (pivoting angle) of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2. In has to be noted that travel stops can comprises a portion 50a of the main frame 2 contacted by two portions 50 on the passenger support frame arranged symmetrically with respect to a neutral position in which the passengers support frame 5 and the main frame 2 are aligned, e.g. with their longitudinal axes (Υ', Y) parallel and in general not rotated one to another (see for example figure 5).

According to the invention, the ride vehicle 1 further comprises a positioning system 30 configured to control the relative position between the passenger support frame 5 and said main frame 2, and the positioning system comprises steering means 31 operable by the passenger carried in the passenger support frame 5, such as for example a steering wheel 31 , or handle.

In other words, the passengers support frame 5 can be moved with respect to the main frame 2 by the active control of the passengers, thus increasing the driving experience of the passenger on the vehicle during the ride.

In particular, the control of the relative position between the passenger upper frame 5 and the main frame 2 allows to arrange the support frame and thus the part of the vehicle where the passenger are carried with respect to the main frame. By doing so, the main frame 2 of the vehicle 1 follows the guide rail independently from the operation of the positioning system by the passenger. In particular along the curves of the path defined by the guide rail 20, the passenger support frame is rotated with respect to the main frame under the force acting on the vehicle. Due to the positioning system 30 controlled by the steering means 31 , the passenger has the possibility to re-align the passenger support frame with the main frame, or to arrange it in a desired pivoted position with respect to the main frame thus simulating a drifting drive mode.

Advantageously, the direction of rotation of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2, i.e. a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation, is controlled by the positioning system 30 on the basis of the operation of said steering means 31 , e.g. a steering wheel or handle, by the passenger in the passenger support frame 5.

It has to be noted that in the attached figures, a steering wheel 31 , is shown in the perspective view of figure 6, and in the schematic views of figure 7 and 8 of the positioning system. It has to be also noted that in the following, particular reference will be made to a steering wheel, but the description can be applied to other steering means, which can be controlled by one or more passenger of the vehicle. The steering means are preferably hand-operated, such has a steering wheel, or a steering handle, or a steering stick, but according to other embodiments the passenger may operate the steering means for example by foot. In the latter case the steering means can be configured as a pedal.

It has to be noted that in the case of a steering wheel 31 , as for example in the embodiment shown in the figures, its rotation by the passenger in clockwise or counterclockwise directions determine a correspondent rotation of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2 by means of the positioning system 30. In the case where one or more handle or pedal are provided as steering means, the movement of the handle or pedal by the passenger, i.e. the movement thereof, results in a movement, i.e. a rotation, of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2 by means of the positioning system 30.

According to a possible embodiment, the positioning system is a hydraulic positioning system, as for example schematically shown in figure 7 and 8. A positioning system 30 of the hydraulic type allows a direct and effective control of the relative position of the two frames 2, 5 of the vehicle 1 . Additionally, the use of a hydraulic positioning system allows to reduce the force required by the passenger to cause the movement of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2 of the vehicle.

The positioning system 30 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 35 connected between the passenger support frame 5 and the main frame 2 to control the relative pivoting movement.

More in detail, the hydraulic cylinder 35 comprises a cylinder body 35a and a piston 35b movable therein provided with at least one piston rod (35c, 35d). According to a possible embodiment the hydraulic cylinder 35 is a double rod cylinder having two rods 35c, 35d connected to the piston 35b (see for example figures 7 and 8). In fact, it is provided with two rods 35c, 35d each extending from a side of the piston 35b. Each rod 35c, 35d is extending out from an end of the cylinder body 35a.

The cylinder body 35a is constrained to the main frame 2 and the piston 35b (ad in particular one piston rod) is constrained to the passengers support frame 5, or vice versa. Therefore, the movement of the piston 35b inside the cylinder body 35a is transformed in the movement, and in a particular in a rotation movement, of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2. More in detail, the piston 35b, and in particular one end of a piston rod 35c, is constrained to the main frame 2, for example by means of a spherical joint, and the cylinder body 35a is constrained to the passenger support frame, for example by a spherical joint, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, one piston rod 35c is constrained to the main frame 2, while the second piston rod 35d is not connected to the vehicle.

The hydraulic cylinder 35 is arranged so that the translation direction of the piston 35b within the cylinder body 35a is preferably perpendicular with respect to the rotation axis X of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2.

The hydraulic cylinder 35 is controlled on the basis of the direction of operation of the steering means, e.g. a steering wheel 31 or handle. In particular, the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, or the direction of movement of the handle (e.g. a stick or a cloche) causes a correspondent rotation of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame. If the direction of rotation imparted by the passenger to the steering wheel or handle is inverted with respect to a previous movement direction, also the movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame is inverted.

It has to be noted that two or more hydraulic cylinders can be provided on the vehicle 1 according to the invention in order to determine the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame in two opposite directions (e.g. to provide a clockwise and a counterclockwise rotation).

According to another possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the hydraulic cylinder 35 is a double acting cylinder comprising a first chamber 35' and a second chamber 35". It has to be noted that the expression first chamber and second chamber are used herein with reference to the two portions within the cylinder body 35a in which the fluid can be supplied to act on two opposite directions on the piston 35b. More in detail, according to an embodiment, the space within the cylinder body 35 is separated in two chambers 35' and 35" by the piston 35b so that difference in pressure between the two sides of the piston (i.e. in the two chambers) causes movement of the piston in two opposite directions.

By doing so, with a single cylinder is possible to determine a control of the rotation of the passenger support frame 5 in two opposite directions. In fact, the movement of the piston 35b inside the cylinder in the two directions causes the rotation of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2 in two opposite directions (clockwise and anticlockwise).

As already mentioned above, according to an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 35 is a double rod cylinder. An advantage of providing a double rod cylinder is that the same response is obtained when the piston is moved in both directions.

According to an embodiment, as schematically shown in figure 7, the hydraulic positioning system 30 comprises a hydraulic circuit C for the passage of a fluid, such as oil, and a pump 32 for circulating said fluid under pressure within the circuit C. It has to be noted that the pump 32, can be operated by the propulsion motor M arranged on the vehicle, or by means of a dedicated power source.

The hydraulic positioning system 30 also comprises a distribution device 33 to selectively supply the fluid to the hydraulic cylinder 35. Figure 8 shows a possible embodiment of the hydraulic scheme of the distribution device 33. More in detail, the hydraulic circuit C comprises a plurality of pipes, schematically shown in the figure 7 by lines connecting the components of the positioning system 30. The fluid supplied to the cylinder 35 in order to cause the movement of the piston 35b and thus a movement of the support frame with respect to the main frame can be stored in a reservoir, or container 37.

The distribution device 33 is used to selectively supply the fluid to the hydraulic cylinder 35 in order to cause its movement when the steering means, e.g. a steering wheel or handle, are operated by the passenger thus causing a correspondent movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame.

In fact, the distribution device 33 to selectively supply the fluid to said hydraulic cylinder 35 is operated by the steering means 31 .

As mentioned above, according to a possible embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is a double acting cylinder having a first chamber 35' and a second chamber 35" and the hydraulic circuit comprise two feeding lines 33' 33" respectively connected to the chambers 35', 35" of the hydraulic cylinder 35. As for example shown in figure 7, according to a possible embodiment, the distribution device 33 comprises two feeding lines 33', 33" to selectively supply fluid to the first chamber 35' and a second chamber 35" of the hydraulic cylinder 35. The fluid under pressure is supplied to the distribution device 33 by means of the pump 32, connected to the distribution device 33 by an inlet line, schematically represented in figure 7 with the reference IN.

The distribution device 33 may also comprise a return line (see reference RETURN) in figure 7, connected to the reservoir 37 (when provided) or directly to the pump 32, allowing the amount of fluid in excess to be recirculated in the hydraulic circuit C.

According to a possible embodiment, when the steering means 31 (the steering wheel 31 ) is not operated by the passenger, the two feeding line 33' and 33" are closed, for example by a valve 33a, 33b of the distribution device 33, and the fluid under pressure provided by the pump 32 can be directed to a return line (RETURN).

Depending on the direction of actuation of the steering means 31 (for example depending on the direction of rotation of the steering wheel), the distribution device 33 supplies the fluid in one of the feeding lines 33', 33", and thus selectively supplies fluid in the first chamber 35' or in the second chamber 35" of the hydraulic cylinder 35.

It has to be noted that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning system 30 is configured to allow a substantially free pivoting movement of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2, when said steering means are not operated by the passenger.

In particular, during the travel of the vehicle along the guide rail, in curved portions thereof, the main frame is guided to follow the curved guide rail, while the passenger support frame is rotated (pivoted) with respect to the main frame.

This is due for example by the fact that inertial forces (e.g. centrifugal force) acting on the vehicle causes a rotation of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame.

Due to this movement the position of the piston 35b in the cylinder body 35a, and thus of the piston rod 35c, is modified. According to an embodiment, the positioning system is configured to allow the passage of the fluid between the first chamber 35' and the second camber 35", when the passenger do not operate the steering means 31 and for example the centrifugal force, and in general inertial forces, determine the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame.

According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in figures 7 and 8, the two feeding lines 33' 33" intended to supply fluid to each chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 35 can be connected one to another by a connection line 38, allowing a fluid exchange between the first chamber 35' and the second chamber 35" when the steering means 31 are not operated by the passenger and the piston 35b is moved with respect to the cylinder body 35a, for example along a curved portions of the guide rail.

As also visible in figure 8, showing a schematic scheme of the fluid control of the two feeding lines 33' 33" for supplying fluid to the cylinder 35 by the distribution device 33, the two lines 33' and 33" are connected one to another by means of the connection line 38 allowing the passage of the fluid between the two chambers 35', 35" when the steering means 31 (e.g. a steering wheel) is not operated and thus when the fluid under pressure is not supplied in one of the feeding lines 33' and 33".

As mentioned above, this configuration allows to provide a substantially free movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, when the passenger does not operate the steering wheel to control the relative position of the two frames 2, 5 of the vehicle and the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail.

The term "substantially free" is used with the meaning that the movement of the passenger support frame and the main frame is not limited by contrast forces or torques, when the steering wheel is not operated by the passenger apart from frictions and the resistance generated by the movement of the fluid from one chamber to the other chamber of the cylinder. The resistance generated by the movement of the fluid from one chamber to the other chamber of the cylinder is low in comparison to the lateral forces generated from the ride.

It has to be also noted that when the two lines 33' and 33" are connected one to another by means of the connection line 38 allowing the passage of the fluid between the two chambers 35', 35", the steering means 31 are not affected by the passage of fluid between the chambers 35' and 35". Therefore if the steering means are not operated by the passenger they remains in the last position in which have been previously arranged by the passenger.

In other words, according to an aspect of the invention, the steering means are substantially decoupled from the positioning system when not operated by the passenger. Therefore, the substantially free movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, is preferably not transmitted to the steering means. The distribution device 33 may comprises one or more valves 33a, 33b, 33c or similar fluid control means, to selectively supply fluid to the hydraulic cylinder and to allow the passage of the fluid between the two chambers 35', 35" when the positioning system is not operated by the passenger.

According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the schematic view of figure 8, a valve 33a and 33b is respectively arranged along a feeding line 33' and 33" for supplying the fluid to each chamber 35' and 35" of the cylinder.

It has to be noted that the pump 32 is schematically shown in figure 8 by the two black arrows under the steering wheel 31 in order indicate that the fluid under pressure can be supplied in both feeding lines 33', 33" connected to the two chambers 35' and 35" of the hydraulic cylinder 35.

Also the connection line 38 between the two lines 33' and 33" is shown in figure 8. Along this line a selection valve 33c is arranged so as to allow the free passage of the fluid between the two lines 33' and 33", (and thus between the two chambers 35' and 35") when the steering wheel is not operated by the passenger. The selection valve 33c is also operable, by means of the fluid under pressure supplied when the steering wheel 31 is operated, to move the valve 33c in a position in which the connection line 38 is closed (see reference CLOSE in figure 8).

In this position, the fluid under pressure is selectively supplied in one of the feeding line 33' and 33" (external fluid paths in figure 8), depending on the direction of actuation of the steering wheel done by the passenger, and the connection line 38 is closed. By doing so the fluid under pressure is supplied to only one of the first or second chamber 35' or 35" (depending on the direction of actuation of the steering wheel done by the passenger) so that the piston 35b can be moved in the desired direction.

In other words, the central part of hydraulic scheme of figure 8 shows a control line 39 intended to selectively control the valve 33c of the connection lines 38 so that, when the steering wheel 31 is not operated by the passenger, fluid under pressure is not supplied to both first and second chambers 35' and 35", and the piston is freely movable (for example when the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail), by the passage of the fluid between the two chambers 35' and 35" in the contention line 38. In fact, when the steering wheel 31 is not operated, the selection valve 33c is in the open position and the two chambers 35' and 35" are connected via the connection line 38.

On the contrary, when the steering wheel 31 is operated, i.e. when the passenger wants to modify the relative position of the passenger support frame 5 and the main frame 2, depending on the direction of actuation (e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise) the distribution device 33 selectively supply the fluid under pressure from the pump 32 to one of the feeding lines 33' and 33" to provide fluid under pressure in the desired chamber 35', 35" of the cylinder 35.

The fluid under pressure also passes in the control line 39 of the distribution device 33 thus causing the movement of the control valve 33c in the close position of the connection line 38, thus closing the connection between the two chambers 35' and 35 and preventing exchange of the fluid between them. In this position, the distribution device 33 supplies the fluid under pressure only in one chamber of the cylinder 35 so as to determine the desired relative movement of the passenger support frame 5 with respect to the main frame 2.

Claims

An amusement ride vehicle (1 ) for one or more passengers, comprising a main frame (2) configured to engage at least one guide rail (20) along which the ride vehicle is movable, a passenger support frame (5) rotatably connected to said main frame (2) for the pivoting movement of the passenger support frame with respect to the main frame, and a positioning system (30) configured to control the relative position between said passenger support frame (5) and said main frame (2), wherein said positioning system comprises steering means (31 ) operable by the passenger in the passenger support frame.

The amusement ride according to claim 1 , wherein said steering means (31 ) operable by the passenger comprises a steering wheel, or a steering handle, or a steering pedal.

The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein the positioning system (30) is configured to allow a substantially free pivoting movement of the passenger support frame (5) with respect to the main frame (2), when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger.

The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein the passenger support frame (5) is rotatably connected to said main frame (2) so that rotation movement of the main frame (2) is decoupled from the rotation movement of the passenger support frame (5), when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein said positioning system (30) is configured so that when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger and the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail (20), the main frame (2) is guided to follow the curved guide rail (20), while the passenger support frame (5) rotates with respect to the main frame.

The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein said positioning system (30) is configured so that when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger and the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail (20), the rotation of the main frame (2) caused by the movement along a curve to follow said curved guide rail (20) is not transferred to the passenger support frame (5).

7. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein the positioning system (30) is configured so that the passenger can align the passenger support frame (5) with the main frame (2), thus following the path defined by the guide rail (20), or said passenger can maintain or arrange the passenger support frame (5) at a desired relative position with respect to the main frame (2).

8. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein the steering means (31 ) are substantially decoupled from the positioning system (30) when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger.

9. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein the direction of rotation of the passenger support frame (5) with respect to the main frame (2) is controlled by said positioning system (30) on the basis of the operation of said steering means (31 ) by the passenger in the passenger support frame (5).

10. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein said passenger support frame (5) is rotatable with respect to said main frame (2) about a rotation axis (X) that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the advance direction (D) of the ride vehicle (1 ) along said guide rail (20).

1 1 .The amusement ride according to claim 10, wherein the rotation axis (X) is arranged in the rear or front part of the main frame (2) considering the advance direction (D) of the ride vehicle (1 ) along said guide rail (20).

12. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein said positioning system (30) is an electric or pneumatic positioning system.

13. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein said positioning system includes an electric or pneumatic actuator connected between said passenger support frame (5) and said main frame (2) to control the relative pivoting movement, said actuator being controlled on the basis of the direction of operation of said steering means (31 ).

14. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim 1 to 1 1 , wherein said positioning system (30) is a hydraulic positioning system.

15. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein said positioning system comprises a hydraulic cylinder (35) connected between said passenger support frame (5) and said main frame (2) to control the relative pivoting movement, said hydraulic cylinder (35) being controlled on the basis of the direction of operation of said steering means (31 ).

16. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said hydraulic positioning system comprises a hydraulic circuit (C) for a fluid, a pump (32) for circulating said fluid under pressure, and a distribution device (33) to selectively supply the fluid to said hydraulic cylinder (35).

17. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according to claim 16, wherein the distribution device (33) to selectively supply the fluid to said hydraulic cylinder (35) is operated by the steering means (31 ).

18. The amusement ride vehicle (1 ) according any previous claim 15 to 17, wherein said hydraulic cylinder (35) is a double acting cylinder comprising a first chamber (35') and a second chamber (35").

19. The amusement ride according to claim 18, wherein the distribution device (33) comprises two feeding lines (33', 33") to selectively supply fluid to the first chamber (35') and a second chamber (35") of the hydraulic cylinder (35).

20. An amusement ride comprising at least one ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim and at least one guide rail (20), the ride vehicle (1 ) being engaged with said guide rail (20) and riding along it.

21 . Method of operating an amusement comprising at least one ride vehicle (1 ) according to any previous claim and at least one guide rail (20), the ride vehicle (1 ) being engaged with said guide rail (20) and riding along it, the method comprising the step of moving said ride vehicle (1 ) along said at least one guide rail (20), the one or more passenger in said passenger support frame (5) of the ride vehicle operating said steering means (31 ) to control the relative position between said passenger support frame (5) and said main frame (2) during the movement of the ride vehicle along said guide rail.

22. The method according to claim 21 , characterized in that when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by said passenger a substantially free pivoting movement of the passengers support frame (5) with respect to the main frame is allowed during the ride along the guide rail (20).

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger and the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail (20), the main frame (2) is guided to follow the curved guide rail (20), while the passenger support frame (5) rotates with respect to the main frame.

24. The method according to any previous claim 21 - 23, wherein when the steering means (31 ) are not operated by the passenger and the vehicle travels along a curved portion of the guide rail (20), the rotation of the main frame (2) caused by the movement along a curve to follow said curved guide rail (20) is not transferred to the passenger support frame (5).

25. The method according to any previous claim 21 - 24, wherein the passenger can align the passenger support frame (5) with the main frame (2), thus following the path defined by the guide rail (20), or said passenger can maintain or arrange the passenger support frame (5) at a desired relative position with respect to the main frame (2).