OBSERVATION WHEEL TYPE RIDE WITH AUXILIARY BEARINGS TO SUPPORT THE MAIN SHAFT IN CASE OF FAILURE OF THE MAIN BEARINGS

摘要

An observation wheel type ride includes a wheel, multiple passenger cabins supported by the wheel, a drive mechanism for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis, and a support structure that supports the wheel. The wheel furthermore includes two first bearings, provided with a first bearing locking mechanism, and two second bearings, provided with a second bearing locking mechanism. Each bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which it prevents rotational movement of a bearing inner ring relative to a bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which it allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring. Providing the second bearings allows for rotational movement of the wheel about the rotational axis of its support axle when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition.

主权项

1. An observation wheel type ride, comprising:
a wheel, which wheel comprises:
a wheel rim;a wheel hub, which wheel hub has a rotational axis which coincides with a rotational axis of the wheel; andwheel spokes, which wheel spokes extend between the wheel hub and the wheel rim in a radial direction; multiple passenger cabins, which passenger cabins are supported by the wheel; a drive mechanism, which drive mechanism is configured for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis; a support structure, which support structure supports the wheel; two first bearings, the two first bearings each comprising an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, and which two first bearings enable rotational movement of the wheel about its rotational axis; a first bearing locking mechanism for each first bearing, which first bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which the first bearing locking mechanism prevents rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which the first bearing locking mechanism allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring; two second bearings, which second bearings each comprise an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring or outer bearing semi ring, and which second bearings enable rotational movement of the wheel about a rotational axis thereof when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition; and a second bearing locking mechanism for each second bearing, which second bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which the second bearing locking mechanism prevents rotational movement of the second bearing inner ring relative to the second bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which the second bearing locking mechanism allows for rotational movement of the second bearing inner ring relative to the second bearing outer ring.