阅读说明：本技术 娱乐装置 (Amusement device ) 是由 T·R·雅各比 A·赞佩拉 于 2019-11-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种娱乐装置(1),包括：包括基部结构(2a)的中央轴体(2)；多个臂(3a,3b,3c,3d),其耦合到所述中央轴体(2),所述臂(3a-3d)的每个可绕相关的臂轴线(A2)旋转,所述臂的每个设有一个或多个具有所述娱乐装置(1)的使用者的座位的载具(6)；用于旋转所述多个臂(3a-3d)的齿轮系统(7)。齿轮系统(7)包括齿轮电动机(M)和多个第二齿轮(72a,72b,72c,72d),齿轮电动机(M)与第一齿轮(71)耦合,以使第一齿轮(71)旋转,所述多个臂的每个臂(3a,3b,3c,3d)各具有一个第二齿轮,所述多个第二齿轮与所述第一齿轮(71)耦合,使得第一齿轮(71)的旋转驱动所述第二齿轮(72a-72d)旋转,所述第二齿轮(72a-72d)的旋转导致每个臂(3a-3d)绕相关的臂轴线旋转。齿轮系统(7)经配置使得所有所述臂(3a-3d)的角速率对于所有所述臂大致相同。第一齿轮(71)直接与所述第二齿轮(72a-72d)啮合,或者经由一个或多个次级齿轮与所述第二齿轮(72a-72d)耦合。(An entertainment device (1) comprising: a central shaft body (2) comprising a base structure (2 a); -a plurality of arms (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) coupled to the central shaft body (2), each of said arms (3a-3d) being rotatable about an associated arm axis (a2), each of said arms being provided with one or more carriers (6) with seats of users of the amusement device (1); a gear system (7) for rotating the plurality of arms (3a-3 d). The gear system (7) comprises a gear motor (M) coupled to the first gear (71) to rotate the first gear (71) and a plurality of second gears (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d) one for each arm (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of the plurality of arms, coupled to the first gear (71) such that rotation of the first gear (71) drives rotation of the second gears (72a-72d), rotation of the second gears (72a-72d) causing rotation of each arm (3a-3d) about the associated arm axis. The gear system (7) is configured such that the angular rate of all of the arms (3a-3d) is substantially the same for all of the arms. The first gearwheel (71) meshes directly with the second gearwheel (72a-72d) or is coupled with the second gearwheel (72a-72d) via one or more secondary gearwheels.)

1. An entertainment device (1) comprising:

a central shaft body (2) comprising a base structure (2 a);

-a plurality of arms (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) coupled to the central shaft body (2), each of said arms (3a-3d) being rotatable about an associated arm axis (a2), each of said arms being provided with one or more carriers (6) with seats of users of the amusement device (1), said carriers (6) being preferably arranged at both ends (31, 32) of the arms (3a-3 d);

-a gear system (7) for rotating the plurality of arms (3a-3d), the gear system (7) comprising:

-a gear motor (M) coupled with a first gear (71) to rotate said first gear (71);

-a plurality of second gears (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d), one for each arm (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of said plurality of arms, coupled with said first gear (71) so that rotation of said first gear (71) drives said second gears (72a-72d) in rotation, rotation of said second gears (72a-72d) causing each arm (3a-3d) to rotate about said associated arm axis;

characterized in that the gear system (7) is configured such that the angular velocity of the arms (3a-3d) is substantially the same for all the arms;

wherein the first gearwheel (71) is directly meshed with the second gearwheel (72a-72d) or is coupled with the second gearwheel (72a-72d) via one or more secondary gearwheels.

2. Amusement device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said central shaft (2) comprises one or more movable parts (2b, 2c) movable with respect to said base structure (2 a).

3. Amusement device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said gear motor (M) is a separate and independent element with respect to means (4, 4b, 4c), said means (4, 4b, 4c) moving said one or more movable parts (2b, 2c) of said central shaft (2) with respect to said base structure (2 a).

4. Amusement device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said central shaft (2) comprises a portion (2c) rotatable with respect to said base structure (2 a).

5. Amusement apparatus (1) according to claim 4, comprising a shaft motor (4b) for rotating said movable part (2c), said shaft motor (4b) being separate from said gear motor (M).

6. Amusement device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said central shaft (2) comprises a movable portion (2b) translatable with respect to said base structure (2a) along a longitudinal axis (A1) of said central shaft (2).

7. Amusement device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said gear motor (M), said first gear (71) and said second gear (72a-72d) are mounted on one of said movable portions (2b, 2c) of said central shaft (2).

8. Amusement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation of said arms (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is operated independently of the rotation of said central shaft (2), preferably independently of the rotation of one or more movable parts (2c) of said central shaft (2) with respect to a base structure (2 a).

9. Amusement apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that for each arm (3a-3d) the path of one of the ends (31, 32) of the arm (3a-3d) intersects the path of at least one end (31, 32) of the other arm (3a-3d), and wherein the gear system (7) is configured to avoid collisions between the arms (3a-3 d).

10. Amusement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first gear wheel (71) is rotatable around a first gear wheel axis (710) and said second gear wheel (72a-72d) is rotatable around a second gear wheel axis (721a-721d), said first gear wheel axis (710) being perpendicular to said second gear wheel axis (721a-721 d).

11. Amusement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said second gears (72a-72d) is coupled to a gear shaft body (720), said arms (3a-3d) being coupled to an arm shaft (5), said arm shaft (5) being driven by said gear shaft body (720) to rotate and being parallel to said gear shaft body (720).

12. Amusement apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an even number of arms, preferably four arms (3a-3d), such that a pair of opposite arms (3a-3 c; 3b-3d) rotates about the same arm axis (A2) in opposite directions with respect to said arm axis (A2).

13. Amusement device (1) according to any previous claim characterized in that a first reduction stage (73) is interposed between said gear motor (M) and said first gear (71).

14. Amusement device (1) according to any previous claim characterized in that a second reduction stage (74a, 74b) is interposed between said second gear (72a-72d) and the respective arm (3a-3 d).

15. Amusement device (1) according to any previous claim characterized in that each of said arms (3a-3d) is provided with a safety gear (75a-75d) configured so that:

-when each of said arms (3a-3d) is driven by said gear motor (M), said safety gear (75a-75d) of one arm (3a-3d) is disengaged from said safety gear (75a-75d) of the other arm (75a-75d),

-when a malfunction occurs and at least one of the arms (3a-3d) is not driven by the gear motor (M), the safety gear (75a-75d) of one arm (3a-3d) not driven by the gear motor (M) is coupled with at least one safety gear (75a-75d) of the other arm (3a-3 d).

16. A method of operating an amusement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms (3a-3d) are rotated by means of a gear motor (M) and at least one movable part (2b, 2c) of the central shaft body (2) is moved in relation to the base structure (2a) of the central shaft body (2).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one movable part (2a, 2b) comprises a translatable part (2b) or is present in a translatable part (2b), the translatable part (2b) being translated with respect to the base structure.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at least one movable part (2a, 2b) comprises or is present in a rotating part (2c), which rotating part (2c) rotates relative to the base structure, preferably by means of a shaft motor (4b) operating independently of the gear motor (M).

19. A method of operating an amusement device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the arms (3a-3d) has a safety gear (75a-75d), and:

-when each of said arms (3a-3d) is driven by said gear motor (M), said safety gear (75a-75d) of one arm (3a-3d) is disengaged from said safety gear (75a-75d) of the other arm (3a-3d),

-when a malfunction occurs and at least one of the arms (3a-3d) is not driven by the gear motor (M), the safety gear (75a-75d) of one arm (3a-3d) not driven by the gear motor (M) is coupled with at least one safety gear (75a-75d) of the other arm.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an entertainment apparatus. In particular, the amusement device according to the invention is used in places such as Carnival and theme parks, in particular amusement devices comprising a plurality of seats mounted in a movable manner with respect to a central shaft.

Background

Different amusement devices are known in the prior art, which are provided with a seat that moves around a central shaft.

Taking the known carousel as an example, a plurality of seats thereof are rotatably mounted about a central axle. Thus, the user of the entertainment device moves around a circular path. The user's experience thus repeats over time. Modifications have been devised to enhance the experience of a carousel, for example, the seat may also move vertically relative to the shaft. The user experience is somewhat more varied, but still repetitive, e.g. a first user always wants to a second user.

There are proposals to provide the user with a head mounted display to allow them to experience the virtual reality during the ride. Such a solution provides an improved experience, but is complex and expensive.

Amusement devices (so-called "towers") are also known, in which the user moves mainly in a vertical direction. In these amusement devices, the user is raised and then suddenly and rapidly lowered to provide a feeling of falling. These amusement devices provide excitement and excitement to the user, but these sensations are provided primarily by falling, i.e., for a short brief period of time.

GB190717873 discloses an amusement device comprising an orbital support and a plurality of arms rotatable about a plurality of shafts arranged at right angles to one another and mounted orthogonally with respect to the orbital support. The motor is disposed at the bottom of the revolution support to control the rotation of the revolution support. The shaft body of the support arm rotates integrally with the revolving support, and is provided with a bevel gear that meshes with a central fixed-wheel-shaped gear, so that when the arm shaft body rotates integrally with the revolving support, the shaft body also rotates about its longitudinal axis, and the opposite arm rotates in the opposite direction.

This solution provides a greater sensation of stimulation, but still has some drawbacks, such as a complex production process with gears on the ground that are rotating (potentially injuring the user or passengers) and, during operation, causing the rotation of a large structure (i.e. revolving support) that, due to the inertia of the structure, requires a large amount of energy to operate.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an amusement device that provides long lasting excitement and amusement to the user.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such an amusement device in a simple and reliable manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment device that provides a secure experience to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by the present amusement device according to one or more of the appended claims. The solution of the invention provides an entertainment device according to claim 1. Additional features/aspects of the details are set forth in the dependent claims.

An entertainment apparatus according to the present invention comprises:

a central shaft body comprising a base structure;

a plurality of arms coupled to the central shaft, each of said plurality of arms being rotatable about an associated arm axis, said plurality of arms being provided with one or more carrier vehicles having seats for use by users of the entertainment device, said vehicles preferably being arranged at both ends of said arms;

a gear system for rotating a plurality of arms, the gear system comprising:

-a gear motor connected with a first gear to rotate the first gear;

-a plurality of second gears, one for each arm of the plurality of arms, coupled with the first gear such that rotation of the first gear drives rotation of the second gear, rotation of the second gear causing each arm to rotate about the associated arm axis.

The gear system is configured such that the angular rate (i.e. the magnitude of the angular velocity) of the arms is substantially the same for all of the arms, and the first gear is either directly meshed with the second gear or coupled with the second gear via one or more secondary gears.

The first gear meshes with said second gear directly or via other gears so that they can be placed freely in the amusement device. As a result, the production and installation of the amusement device is simple. Thanks to the present solution, the rotation of the arm can be operated independently of the rotation of the central shaft, saving energy and also allowing the use of motors of smaller dimensions.

Preferably, the arms are arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the central shaft body. More generally, in terms of the shaft axis (i.e., the longitudinal axis of the central shaft), the arm axis is distal from the shaft axis.

According to one possible aspect, the central shaft comprises one or more movable parts that are movable relative to the base structure.

In particular, the central shaft body comprises a portion rotatable relative to the base structure, preferably by means of a shaft motor remote from the gear motor.

According to another aspect, the central shaft body comprises a portion that is translatable relative to the base structure along a longitudinal axis of the central shaft body.

Advantageously, having a portion that is translatable relative to the base structure allows a user to easily drop onto the vehicle, since multiple vehicles may be placed on the ground (or at a height that allows the user to drop onto the vehicle) simultaneously. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment of an entertainment device according to the invention, the movable part may be moved so that the vehicles of different arms approach the ground at the same time (or reach a platform that allows the user to drop the vehicle).

According to one aspect, the gear motor, the first gear and the second gear are mounted on one of the movable portions of the central shaft body. As an example, the gear motor, first gear and second gear may be mounted substantially on top of the central shaft body such that the gear motor, first gear and second gear are spaced from the user and the arm. Furthermore, since the motor is not positioned laterally with respect to the central shaft, the space occupied by the amusement device (particularly the footprint of the amusement device) is reduced.

According to one aspect, the amusement device is configured such that for each arm the path of one of the ends of the arm intersects the path of at least one end of the other arm, and wherein the gear system is configured to avoid collisions between the arms.

Advantageously, the present invention provides entertainment to a user who has the sensation that the vehicle of an arm (and in particular the vehicle on which the user is located) will collide with another vehicle of another arm of the entertainment device. .

Also, during operation of the entertainment device, the user is brought (at different times) into proximity with different vehicles, so that over time the user visually interacts with different users of the entertainment device.

According to one aspect, the first gear is rotatable about a first gear axis and the second gear is rotatable about a second gear axis, the first gear axis being perpendicular to the second gear axis.

According to another aspect, each of the second gears is coupled to a second gear shaft body, and the arm is coupled to the second gear shaft body or an arm shaft that is driven for rotation by the gear shaft bodies and is parallel to the gear shaft bodies.

In a preferred embodiment, the amusement device according to the invention has an even number of arms, preferably four arms, such that a pair of opposite arms rotate about the same arm axis and in opposite directions (i.e. in opposite ways) with respect to said arm axis.

According to one aspect, a first reduction stage is interposed between the gear motor and the first gear.

Furthermore, a second reduction stage can be interposed between said second gear and the relative arm;

according to another aspect, each arm has a safety gear configured such that:

when each arm is driven by the gear motor, the safety gear of one arm is disengaged from the safety gears of the other arms,

when a fault occurs and at least one of the arms is not driven by the gear motor, the safety gear of one arm not driven by the gear motor is coupled with at least one safety gear of the other arm.

The safety gear ensures synchronization of the arms even if one or more of the first/second gears are damaged, thereby improving the safety of the user of the amusement device.

Preferably, said safety gear is provided with gear teeth arranged such that under normal conditions the gear teeth of said safety gear do not mesh, and in case of a fault, the gear teeth of the safety gear mesh with the gear teeth of at least one different safety gear, so that the latter can drive the former.

An aspect of the invention also relates to a method of operating an amusement device according to one or more of the preceding aspects, wherein the arm is rotated via a gear motor and at least one movable part of the central shaft is moved relative to the base structure of the central shaft.

According to one aspect, the at least one movable part comprises or is present in a translatable part, which is translated with respect to the base structure.

Also, or as an alternative solution, the at least one movable part comprises or is present in a rotating part, which rotates relative to the base structure, preferably via a shaft motor operating independently of a gear motor.

An aspect of the invention also relates to a method of operating an amusement device according to one or more of the preceding aspects, in which each arm has a safety gear, and when each of said arms is driven by said gear motor, said safety gear of an arm is decoupled from said safety gears of the other arms, whereas when a fault occurs and at least one of said arms is not driven by said gear motor, said safety gear on an arm not driven by said gear motor is coupled with at least one safety gear of the other arm.

Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view during operation of an embodiment of an entertainment device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the entertainment device of FIG. 1 without the mounting arm;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the entertainment device of FIG. 1, showing the associated gear system;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged views of the gear system and reduction stage shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the gear system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a detail of the entertainment device of FIG. 1, showing the shaft body and the movable portion of the shaft motor;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the entertainment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the path formed by the end of the arm of the entertainment device of FIG. 6A during operation thereof;

FIG. 6C is a front view of the path of FIG. 6B;

fig. 7A is a front view of the amusement device of fig. 1 during operation thereof, in particular when the translatable part of the shaft is lowered with respect to the base structure;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A during operation thereof, particularly when the translatable portion of the axle is elevated relative to the base structure;

fig. 7C is a front view of the entertainment device of fig. 7A during operation thereof, according to the invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to the figures, the amusement device 1 according to the invention comprises a central shaft body 2, the central shaft body 2 comprising a base structure 2a, the base structure 2a being normally placed on the ground in use or, more generally, being coupled to (or resting on) an outer surface.

The central axle 2 has a longitudinal axis a1 which is generally vertical during use.

Preferably, the central shaft 2 comprises one or more movable parts 2b, 2c movable with respect to the base structure 2 a. As an example, the movable parts 2b, 2c may be coupled in a nested tube arrangement (i.e. telescopically) with respect to the base structure 2 a. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the first movable portion 2b of the central shaft body 2 is translatable (typically slidably) with respect to the base structure 2a along the longitudinal axis a1 of the central shaft body 2. The second portion 2c translates integrally with the first portion 2 b. In other words, when the first portion 2b is translated with respect to the base structure 2a, the second portion 2c is translated together with the first portion 2 b. In addition to this, the second portion 2c is rotatable with respect to the base structure 2a and about the longitudinal axis a1 of the central shaft body 2.

In view of the above, the second portion 2c can rotate relative to the base structure 2a and can also translate relative to the base structure 2a through the first portion 2 b.

The movable parts 2b, 2c are moved by known means 4a, 4b, 4 c. As an example, as in the illustrated embodiment, one or more jacks 4a are used to translate the first movable portion 2b with respect to the base structure 2 a. The movable portion 2c is moved by a shaft motor 4b mounted on the central shaft body 2, driving a shaft gear 4 c. The shaft gear 4c rotates to cause the second movable part 2c to rotate relative to the base structure 2 a.

As discussed, the shown embodiment is only a possible embodiment of the central shaft body 2 provided with movable parts 2b, 2 c. As an example, more than two translatably and telescopically arranged sections may be provided to achieve a longer stroke along the longitudinal axis of the central shaft body 2. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment provides a first portion 2a providing a translation relative to the base structure 2a and a second portion 2c providing a rotation relative to the base structure 2 a. In a different embodiment, not shown in detail, a single movable part can be provided, which can translate and rotate with respect to the base structure 2 a.

In addition, embodiments are possible which do not provide for translation and rotation, i.e. embodiments which only comprise a movable part of the central shaft which is translatable relative to the base structure, and embodiments which comprise a movable part which is rotatable relative to the base structure of the central shaft.

Finally, an amusement device according to an embodiment of the invention can be provided with a central shaft without movable parts, i.e. with a central shaft that is substantially integral with respect to the ground (or a surface coupled to said shaft).

A plurality of arms 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are coupled to the central shaft 2. As mentioned above, the central shaft body is preferably provided with a plurality of movable parts 2b, 2 c. The arms 3a-3d are therefore preferably coupled to the movable parts 2b, 2c of the central shaft 2. According to one aspect, the arms 3a-3d are coupled to a portion 2c that is translatable and rotatable with respect to the base structure 2 a. In the embodiment shown, the arms 3a-3d are coupled to the second portion 2c, the second portion 2c being rotatable with respect to the base structure 2a and also translatable (due to the coupling of the second portion 2c with the first portion 2b) along the longitudinal axis a1 of the central shaft body 2, as mentioned.

Each arm 3a-3d is rotatably coupled to the central axle 2 about an arm axis A2, the arm axis A2 preferably being angled in a perpendicular manner relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of the central axle 2. Preferably all arm axes a2 lie in the same plane. Each of the arms 3a-3d is typically coupled to the central shaft body 2 by an axle arm 5, the axle arm 5 being arranged perpendicularly with respect to the central shaft body 2.

The arms 3a-3d carry one or more vehicles 6, the vehicles 6 having a plurality of seats 6a for use by a user of the entertainment apparatus 1. The carrier 6 is preferably placed at the ends 31, 32 of the arms 3a-3 d. According to one aspect, the arms 3a-3d carry at least one carrier 6 at each end 31, 32 of the arms. The ends 31, 32 of the arms 3a-3d are two regions of the arms 3a-3d which are located at the greatest distance from the associated arm axis a 2.

According to one aspect, the carrier 6 is hinged to the arms 3a-3d so as to keep the seat substantially vertical during operation of the amusement device 1, i.e. the user is not turned upside down during rotation of the arms 3a-3 d. The number of arms 3a-3d may vary in different embodiments. Preferably, according to the embodiment shown, the amusement device 1 is provided with an even number of arms 3a-3d, more preferably with four arms 3a-3 d. Preferably, the angle between two consecutive arms is equal, i.e. the arms 3a-3d are at an angle relative to each other substantially equal to 360 °/n, where n is the number of arms. The angle is measured in plan view. In the embodiment shown there are four arms arranged at 90 deg. to each other. According to one aspect, the pair of opposing arms share substantially the same arm axis a 2. For example, in the (preferred) embodiment shown, there are four arms 3a-3d and two arm axes a 2. The arms 3a and 3c share the same arm axis. Similarly, arms 3b and 3d share a second arm axis. Even though some arms 3a-3d share the same arm axis a2, the respective arm axes 5 are separated from each other, i.e., each of the arms 3a-3d has a separate and distinct arm axis 5. Due to this fact, there may be minimal differences due to tolerances between the orientation arm axes a2 of the opposing arms. However, due to the tolerances mentioned previously, this minimum difference falls within the definition of "substantially sharing the same arm axis".

The opposing arms (e.g., arms 3a and 3c, or 3b and 3d in the illustrated embodiment) rotate in opposite directions, i.e., in opposite manners. In other words, the arm shafts 5 of the opposite arms rotate in the opposite manner. Thus, for the common arm axis a2, one arm rotates in a clockwise direction and the opposite arm rotates in a counter-clockwise direction.

During the rotation of the arms 3a-3d, the end 31, 32 of each arm 3a-3d moves along a path P1-P4 (shown schematically in FIGS. 6B and 6C), which is generally a circular path. According to a preferred aspect, for each arm 3a-3d, the paths P1-P4 of one first end of the arm intersect the paths P1-P3 of the end of the other arm. "intersect" should be understood in a broad manner. The paths P1-P4 may be drawn by connecting the points of contact of the ends of the arms. One path not only intersects another path when a line of the first path meets a line of the second path, but the intersection also occurs when there is at least one common point (typically a common line) between the geometric figures contained within the lines of the first and second paths.

In other words, the path of the first arm intersects the path of the second arm if, during use, both the first arm and the second arm occupy (at different times) at least one point of space.

Typically, the path of one end of each arm intersects the paths of two different arms. For example, as schematically shown in fig. 6C, the path P1 of the end 31 of the arm 3a intersects the paths P2 and P3 of the ends of the two arms 3b and 3C.

According to one aspect, the arms 3a-3d are substantially symmetrical with respect to the arm axis a2, so that the paths of the two ends 31, 32 of the same arm 3a-3d coincide.

Preferably, for each arm 3a-3d, the path of the carrier 6 of the arm intersects (i.e. overlaps) the path of the carrier 6 of the other arm. In view of the above, the paths of two vehicles of different arms intersect if the space of at least one point (typically a volume) is occupied by two vehicles during operation of the entertainment apparatus 1 for different periods of time. In other words, during operation of the entertainment device, the position of the carrier of at least one arm is previously at least partially occupied by the carrier of the other arm.

This gives the user the sensation that the carrier 6 of the arm 3a-3d, in particular the carrier he/she is in, will collide with another carrier 6 of a different arm 3a-3d of the amusement device. However, the amusement device 1 is constructed such that the arms 3a-3d never collide, i.e. the movements of the arms 3a-3d are synchronized to avoid collisions between the arms 3a-3 d.

First, the arms 3a-3d rotate at the same angular rate. In other words, all arms 3a-3d have the same angular velocity during operation of the amusement device 1 during a given time. The angular rate of one arm may vary over time. If this happens, all other arms operate in the same manner. In other words, if arm 3a rotates at a first angular rate within a given time, all other arms 3b-3d rotate at the same first angular rate. If at a subsequent time arm 3a rotates at a second angular rate, e.g. a rate greater than the first angular rate, all other arms 3b-3d rotate at this second angular rate.

The amusement device 1 comprises a gear system 7 to synchronize the movements, i.e. rotations, of the arms 3a-3 d.

The gear system 7 comprises a gear motor M and a plurality of gears 71-74 b. Specifically, the gear motor M is configured to rotate the first gear 71, which in turn rotates the plurality of second gears 72a-72d by the first gear 71.

The first gear 71 and the second gears 72a-72d are typically gear plates. In the schematic illustration of fig. 4, the teeth of first gear 71 and second gears 72a-72 are not shown for clarity.

The gear motor M may be any known motor, and in particular may be a motor known in the art, configured to rotate an associated drive shaft. The first gear 71 may be mounted directly on the drive shaft or, more preferably, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first gear 71 may be coupled to the gear motor M via a first reduction stage 73. In other words, geared motor M drives first reduction stage 73, first reduction stage 73 in turn driving first gear 71.

Second gears 72a-72d are coupled to arms 3a-3d such that rotation of second gears 72a-72 causes rotation of arms 3a-3 d. The result is that each of the arms 3a-3d has a second gear 72a-72 d. According to one possible embodiment, the second gears 72a-72d are coupled to a gear shaft coinciding with the arm shaft 5. However, according to a preferred embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, the second gears 72a-72d are coupled to a gear shaft 720 that is separate from the arm shaft 5.

Preferably, there are second reduction stages 74a, 74b between the second gears 72a-72d and the arm shaft 5. In the embodiment shown, for each arm 5 of the arms 3a-3d, the second reduction stage 74a, 74b comprises a first gear disc 74a coupled to the gear shaft 720, the first gear disc 74a meshing with an associated gear disc 74b having a larger diameter than it and coupled to the arm shaft 5.

According to one aspect, the gear shaft 720 is not manufactured in one piece; indeed, the gear shaft 720 preferably includes at least two portions 720a, 720b that are coupled via a movable joint 720c known in the art to reduce the load on the gear shaft 720.

Preferably, the gear shaft 720 is supported by a frame 722, the frame 722 having in a possible embodiment a substantially square shape, i.e. having the shape of a substantially square picture. In other words, the frame 722 is provided with four plates arranged along four sides of a square. Preferably, each gear shaft 720 is attached to the frame 722 by means of support blocks 723a, 723b, 723c, 723 d.

According to one aspect, the support blocks 723a-723d are positioned to correspond with the vertices of the shape defined by the frame 722.

The coupling between the gear shafts 720 and the frame 722 allows the relative positions between the gear shafts to be maintained for a long period of time. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, the gear shafts 720 remain substantially perpendicular to each other for long periods of time via the frame 722.

According to one aspect, as shown, the first gear 71 directly meshes with all of the second gears 72a-72 d. However, the following embodiments are possible: between the first gear 71 and the second gears 72a-72d, further secondary gears are placed, which are preferably gear discs. For example, the first gear 71 may mesh with a secondary gear, which in turn meshes with the second gears 72a-72 d.

Preferably, the first gear 71 rotates about a first gear axis 710 that is perpendicular to the second gear axes 721a-721d (i.e., the axes about which the second gears 72a-72d rotate). Generally, the first gear axis 710 is parallel to (and preferably substantially coincident with) the longitudinal axis A1 of the central shaft body 2, while the second gear axes 721a-721d are substantially parallel to the arm axis A2. Preferably, the second gear axes 721a-721d lie in the same plane. The gear motor M, the first gear 71 and the second gears 72a-72d are preferably coupled with the central shaft body 2, preferably with a portion of the central shaft body 2 remote from the base structure 2 a.

As mentioned above, the central shaft 2 is typically provided with one or more movable parts 2b, 2 c. Thus, the motor M, the first gear 71 and the second gears 72a-72d are preferably coupled to the movable portion 2c of the central shaft body 2.

It has to be noted that the gear motor M is a separate and independent element in contrast to the means for moving the movable parts 2b, 2c of the central shaft 2 relative to the base structure.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the amusement device 1 is provided with a plurality of safety gears 75a-75 d. In more detail, the preferred embodiment provides each arm 3a-3d with a safety gear 75a-75 d.

The safety gears 75a-75d are configured such that when all of said arms 3a-3d are driven by the gear motor M, the safety gears 75a-75d are separated from each other and do not contact each other. In other words, none of the safety gears drives another safety gear. In the event of a malfunction, at least the first safety gear 75a-75d is coupled to the second safety gear 75a-75d so that the second safety gear can drive the first safety gear. Preferably, the safety gear is mounted on the arm shaft 5 so that the safety gear rotates together with the arm shaft 5. In particular, the rotation of the safety gear 75a-75d is integral with the rotation of the arm 3a-3d about the associated arm axis A2, at least during a malfunction, more preferably in all operating states of the amusement device 1. Thus, in case of a malfunction, for example a mechanical malfunction of the gear system 7, one or more safety gears 75a-75d may be coupled to different safety gears 75a-75d, so that the synchronization between the arm shafts 5 is not lost.

According to a preferred aspect, the safety gears 75a-75d are provided with gear teeth 751, which are arranged such that, during normal operation of the amusement device 1, when it is desired to bring the safety gears 75a-75d into contact with each other, the gear teeth 751 of the safety gears 75a-75d do not mesh with the gear teeth of the other safety gear 75a-75 d. Preferably, during normal operation of the amusement device 1, the teeth of a safety gear 75a-75d pass in the space between subsequent teeth 751 of another safety gear 75a-75d without touching the subsequent teeth 751. In this embodiment, the space between subsequent teeth is greater than the width of the teeth 751.

In use, the entertainment device 1 is placed in a stowed position to allow a user of the entertainment device 1 to board the vehicle 6 (and possibly to allow a previously loaded user to leave the vehicle 6). As discussed, the central shaft body 2 is preferably provided with a translatable portion 2 b. In a first step, the movable portion 2b is translated with respect to the base structure 2a, for example by means of one or more jacks 4a, moving the vehicle towards the ground or relative outer surface/platform. As mentioned, the central shaft body 2 is normally arranged (in use) in a vertical position, so that in this step the movable part 2b is lowered in the vertical direction. The arms 3a-3d are rotated until one of the ends 31, 32 of each arm 3a-3d is close to the ground/platform on which the user is waiting, allowing the user to board/disembark at least one vehicle 6, and preferably at least one vehicle 6 of each arm 3a-3d is in a position allowing the user to board the vehicle. According to one aspect, in the above-mentioned loading/unloading position, the arms 3a-3d may be angled with respect to the horizontal (i.e. an angle greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °) to allow different users to board onto carriers located on different arms. Preferably, the arms 3a-3d form an angle of about 45 ° with respect to the horizontal plane, as shown in fig. 7A. As discussed, in the state shown in fig. 7, the user can be loaded on all arms of the carrier, i.e. on one of all arms, i.e. on the carrier 6 located on the level or ground.

Typically, after this step, only the carrier at one end 31, 32 of the arms 3a-3d is loaded with the user.

In the following step, therefore, the arms 3a-3d are rotated, typically by 180 °, so that the user can also load the remaining carriers, which are located at the opposite ends of said arms with respect to the carrier loaded with the user in the preceding step.

Preferably, to perform this step, in a manner similar to the previous step, the movable part 2b is first raised to allow the arm to rotate and then lowered again to allow the user to board the vehicle.

Various embodiments of the present invention may, for example, provide a raised platform disposed on the side of the entertainment apparatus 1, allowing a user to board/disembark from the entertainment apparatus 1 without the translatable portion 2 b.

Furthermore, loading the user in more than two steps is not excluded, for example because the entertainment device 1 is provided with a plurality of arms, or because the arms 3a-3d are in a subsequent angular position of the carrier that does not allow the user to board all the arms of the entertainment device 1.

In any case, as shown in the figures, the preferred embodiment of the invention allows the user to board/disembark the vehicle in only two steps, a first step of loading a portion of the user on the vehicle at the first end 31, 32 of all the arms 3a-3d, and a second step of loading the remaining user in all the remaining vehicles 6, i.e. at the opposite end with respect to the vehicle in the first step.

At the end of loading/unloading, i.e. when all users are loaded/unloaded to/from the vehicle 6, the gear motor M is operated to cause rotation of the arms 3a-3d to start the travel of the amusement device 1. Preferably, as shown in fig. 7B, the movable part 2B translates with respect to the base structure 2a, generally the movable part 2B rising along the longitudinal axis a1 of said central shaft.

During operation of the amusement device 1, the movable parts 2b, 2c of the central shaft body 2 can be moved relative to the base structure 2a to improve the user's feeling. As an example, the rotating part 2c may be rotated, e.g. via a shaft motor 4b, to cause the vehicle to rotate about the longitudinal axis a1 of the central shaft body 2. In addition, or as an alternative, the movable part 2b may translate along the longitudinal axis a1 of the central shaft 2.

As mentioned above, the arms 3a-3d are rotated by the gear system 7, the gear system 7 allowing the movements of the arms 3a-3d to be synchronized.

Specifically, according to a preferred embodiment, gear motor M is configured to rotate first gear 71, first gear 71 in turn rotating a plurality of second gears 72a-72d, second gears 72a-72d coupled to respective gear shafts 720, gear shafts 720 in turn coupled to arms 3a-3d, such that rotation of second gears 72a-72 causes rotation of arms 3a-3 d.

Typically, adjacent arms (e.g., arms 3a and 3b, or 3b and 3c of the illustrated embodiment) rotate in opposite directions, i.e., in opposite manners. In addition, if the amusement device 1 is provided with arms facing each other, i.e. if the amusement device 1 is provided with one or more pairs of arms 3a-3d sharing a common arm axis a2, the arms (e.g. the arms 3a and 3d, or 3b and 3d of the illustrated embodiment) rotate in opposite directions along the common axis, i.e. one arm rotates clockwise and the other opposite arm rotates counter-clockwise with respect to the common arm axis a 2.

During rotation, the end 31, 32 of each arm 3a-3d and the associated carrier 6 move along a path (typically a circular path). According to a preferred aspect, for each arm, the path of the first end of the arm intersects the path of the end of the other arm according to the meaning of "intersection point" described above.

Due to the gear system 7 the arms 3a-3d are never collided, i.e. the movements of the arms 3a-3d are synchronized, to avoid collision and injury to the user of the amusement device 1.

At the end of travel, the shaft motor 4b stops and the unloading operation is carried out in a manner similar to that disclosed for the loading step, i.e. in a subsequent step, by placing the vehicle 6 close to the ground or relative platform for unloading.

In the event of a malfunction, safety gears 75a-75d are preferably provided to keep the rotation of arms 3a-3d about relative arm axis a2 synchronized.

For example, considering the safety gear 75a, during normal operation of the entertainment apparatus 1, the safety gear 75a is disengaged from the other safety gears 75b-75 d. Preferably, the gear teeth 751 of safety gear 75a are disengaged (i.e., not meshed) with the gear teeth 751 of safety gears 75a-75d, e.g., the gear teeth 751 of safety gear 75a pass between and do not touch the spaces of the gear teeth 751 of safety gears 75b and 75 d. As a result, the safety gears 75a-75d do not perform a particular function in this case.

In the event of a malfunction, however, the arms 3a-3d may no longer be driven in rotation by the gear motor M, for example due to wear of the associated second gear. For ease of description, the failure of arm 3a will now be discussed, but the following discussion also applies to the other arms 3b-3 d.

Specifically, for example, if the second gear 72a is excessively worn, the arm 3a may no longer be rotated by the gear motor M. Without the safety gears 75a-75d, the arm 3a would collide with the arm 3b and/or the arm 3 c. On the contrary, thanks to the present solution, the safety gear 75a loses synchronization with the other safety gears 75b-75c for the first time (within a very short time), i.e. when a malfunction occurs. Specifically, with reference to the preferred embodiment shown, the teeth of safety gear 75a no longer fall within the space between teeth 751 of safety gears 75b and 75c, but the teeth of safety gear 75a touch the teeth of safety gears 75b and/or 75 c. As a result, the safety gear 75a meshes with the safety gear 75b and/or the safety gear 75c, depending on the direction of rotation of the gear system 7.

More generally, the safety gear 75a is driven in rotation by the safety gear 75b and/or the safety gear 75 c.

As a result, even if the coupling between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72a is released, the arm 3a is still rotated by the gear system 7 via the coupling of the safety gear 75a with the safety gears 75b and 75c (e.g. by the relative meshing).

It should be noted that the safety gears 75a-75d may compensate for more than one fault in the gear system. By way of example, it is possible that only one arm is properly coupled to the gear motor M and the amusement device will still operate in a substantially proper manner. By way of example, the second gears 72a-72c may be damaged such that only the second gear 72d remains rotatably coupled to the first gear 71. Even in this case, the associated safety gear 75d will drive the safety gears 75b and 75c, and the safety gears 75b and 75c in turn drive the safety gear 75a, thereby allowing the entertainment apparatus 1 to continue its operation.

Finally, it may occur that each of the second gears 72a-72d is not properly coupled to the motor, for example, due to damage to the first gear 71. Even in this case, the safety gears 75a-75d ensure that the movements of the related arms 3a-3d are synchronized. In practice, the gearmotor M will not drive any of the arms 3a-3 d. As a result, all the safety gears 75a-75d are coupled, and the operation of the inertia arms 3a-3d continues until stopped. As described above, the engagement of the safety gears 75a-75d ensures that the arms 3a-3d are synchronized during the entire rotation of the arms 3a-3d, avoiding collisions between the carriers 6 of the amusement device 1.