GUIDE RAIL FOR AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM

Abstract

A guide rail for an elevator system may comprise at least two rail elements that together form a guide rail portion having a functional running track that extends in a travel direction. Each of the rail elements may be connected to a shaft wall of the elevator system. Furthermore, the at least two rail elements may be adjacent and spaced such that the at least two rail elements can thermally expand freely in the travel direction. Additionally, the at least two rail elements in a region of the functional running track may have mutually opposite borders that have complementary profiles. An arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion perpendicular to the travel direction in the region of the functional track may run through at least one of the two adjacent rail elements.

Claims

1.-23. (canceled)

24. A guide rail for an elevator system comprising at least two rail elements that together form a guide rail portion having a functional running track extending in a travel direction, wherein each of the at least two rail elements is connected to a shaft wall of the elevator system, wherein the at least two rail elements are adjacent and are spaced such that the at least two rail elements can thermally expand freely in the travel direction, wherein in a region of the functional running track the at least two rail elements have mutually opposite borders with complementary profiles such that an arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion perpendicular to the travel direction in the region of the functional running track runs through one or more of the at least two rail elements.

25. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein each of the at least two rail elements is connected to the shaft wall by way of at least one fixed bearing and at least one loose bearing such that the at least two rail elements can thermally expand in the travel direction.

26. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein the functional running track is a rolling track for a guide roller of an elevator car.

27. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein the functional running track is a rolling track for a guide roller of an elevator car.

28. The guide rail of claim 27 wherein the arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion has an expansion that corresponds to at least 20% of an expansion of the rolling track in a manner perpendicular to the travel direction.

29. The guide rail of claim 27 wherein the at least two rail elements in the region of the rolling track have mutually meshing comb-shaped moldings.

30. The guide rail of claim 29 wherein the at least two rail elements comprise a first rail element and a second rail element, wherein a first plurality of first plates that form the mutually meshing comb-shaped moldings of the first rail element are sequentially disposed on a first bolt of the first rail element, wherein a second plurality of second plates that form the mutually meshing comb-shaped moldings of the second rail element are sequentially disposed on a second bolt of the second rail element.

31. The guide rail of claim 30 wherein the first plurality of first plates each has an elongate bore through which the second bolt extends, wherein the second plurality of second plates each has an elongate bore through which the first bolt extends.

32. The guide rail of claim 31 wherein the first plurality of first plates and the second plurality of second plates are sequentially disposed in an alternating manner on each of the first and second bolts.

33. The guide rail of claim 31 wherein the first plurality of first plates is rotatably disposed on the first and second bolts, wherein the second plurality of second plates is rotatably disposed on the first and second bolts.

34. The guide rail of claim 30 wherein the first plurality of first plates and the second plurality of second plates are oriented and disposed such that narrow sides of the first plurality of first plates and the second plurality of second plates together form a part of the functional running track of the guide rail portion.

35. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein the complementary profiles of the mutually opposite borders of the at least two rail elements are step-shaped.

36. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein the mutually opposite borders run at an angle of less than 70 degrees relative to the travel direction.

37. The guide rail of claim 36 wherein the mutually opposite borders in the region of the functional running track include at least one of a chamfer or a curvature.

38. The guide rail of claim 24 wherein the functional running track is a braking track for a shoe brake of an elevator car.

39. The guide rail of claim 38 wherein the at least two rail elements comprise a first rail element and a second rail element, wherein the first rail element includes a pin that engages in an assigned blind bore of the second rail element.

40. The guide rail of claim 39 wherein a cut is disposed in the at least two rail elements in a manner adjacent to the braking track, wherein the cut reduces a rigidity of the at least two rail elements in the region of the functional running track.

41. A guide rail for an elevator system comprising: at least two rail elements that together form a guide rail portion having a functional running track extending in a travel direction, wherein each of the at least two rail elements is connected to a shaft wall of the elevator system, wherein the at least two rail elements are adjacent and are spaced such that the at least two rail elements can thermally expand freely in the travel direction; and a wedge-shaped transition piece disposed between the at least two rail elements, wherein the wedge-shaped transition piece is mounted so as to movable perpendicular to the travel direction.

42. The guide rail of claim 41 wherein the at least two rail elements in a region of the functional running track have mutually opposite borders that are rectilinear and enclose an angle that corresponds to an angle of the wedge-shaped transition piece.

43. The guide rail of claim 41 wherein the functional running track extends across the wedge-shaped transition piece.

44. The guide rail of claim 41 wherein the wedge-shaped transition piece is mounted so as to be pretensioned counter to a direction of the wedge.

45. The guide rail of claim 41 further comprising a compression spring that extends between a blunt end of the wedge-shaped transition piece and a holding installation.

46. The guide rail of claim 41 wherein each of the at least two rail elements is connected to the shaft wall by way of at least one fixed bearing and at least one loose bearing such that the at least two rail elements can thermally expand in the travel direction.

47. The guide rail of claim 41 wherein the functional running track is a rolling track for a guide roller of an elevator car or a braking track for a shoe brake of an elevator car.

Description

[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail hereunder by means of drawings in which, in detail:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a fragment of an elevator system in a schematic illustration;

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a rail element in a three-dimensional illustration as well as by way of two sections;

[0042] FIG. 3 shows two adjacent rail elements;

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a detailed illustration of two adjacent rail elements in two different states;

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a detailed illustration of the transition element 39 in the non-installed state;

[0045] FIG. 6 schematically shows two further aspects of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a refinement of the embodiment according to the left region of FIG. 6;

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional illustration of a further embodiment; and

[0048] FIGS. 9, 10 show enlargements of fragments of the central region of FIG. 8.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an elevator system 1. The latter comprises the shaft 3 which is delimited by the shaft walls, wherein for the purpose of clarity only a single shaft wall 5 is illustrated in the drawing. An elevator car 7 is displaceable along a guide rail 9 in a travel direction 2 in the shaft 3. The elevator car 7 has at least one guide roller 24 which during travel rolls on the guide rail 9. Furthermore, a shoe brake 26 is disposed between the elevator car 7 and the guide rail 9. Said shoe brake 26 brakes the elevator car 7 in that one or a plurality of brake shoes act on the guide rail 9.

[0050] The elevator car presently is displaceable in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to this direction. The arrangement can also run horizontally or obliquely. Moreover, the invention is not limited to only one elevator car 7 being displaceable along the guide rail 9. It can also be provided that a plurality of elevator cars are displaceable in a mutually independent manner in the same shaft.

[0051] The guide rail 9 is assembled from rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e. Two adjacent rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e herein conjointly form one guide rail portion 13a, 13b, 13c. Rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e are in each case fastened to the shaft wall 5. To this end, each rail element 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e has one fixed bearing 15 and one loose bearing 17. While the rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e by way of the fixed bearing 15 are fixedly connected to the shaft wall 5 at least in the travel direction 2, the loose bearing 17 permits a movement of the rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e in the travel direction 2. The rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e can thus thermally expand freely in the travel direction 2 without any warping arising on account of the mounting on the shaft wall 5. Moreover, two adjacent rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e each have a spacing such that the rail elements can thermally expand freely in the travel direction 2. Details of the fixed bearing 15 and of the loose bearing 17 are illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0052] The elevator car 7 is driven with the aid of a linear motor. The linear motor 19 herein comprises primary parts 21 which are disposed on the rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and a secondary part 23 which is connected to the elevator cage. The rail elements 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e thus simultaneously form drive modules.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a rail element 11 having one fixed bearing 15 and one loose bearing 17. A cross section through the rail element 11 in the region of the fixed bearing 15 (lower illustration) and in the region of the loose bearing 17 (upper illustration), respectively, is shown in each case in the right region of FIG. 2. The fixed bearing 15 comprises a first holder 25 which is fixedly connected to the rail element 11, on the one hand, and is fixedly connectable (for example, screw-fittable) to the shaft wall 5, on the other hand. The loose bearing 17 comprises a second holder 27 which is fixedly connected to the rail element 11. The second holder 27 is received in a form-fitting manner by a mount 29 in which the second holder 27 is movable only in one direction (perpendicular to the drawing plane). This direction after fitting corresponds to that direction in which the rail element 11 can thermally expand freely. The mount 29 in turn is fixedly connectable to the shaft wall 5.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a design embodiment of a guide rail, having two different aspects of the invention. A fragment of a guide rail portion 13 is illustrated. Two rail elements 11a, 11b which conjointly form the guide rail portion 13 are shown. The rail elements 11a and 11b have a mutual spacing such that the rail elements 11a and 11b can thermally expand freely in the travel direction 2.

[0055] The guide rail portion 13 has a plurality of functional running tracks 31a, 31b, and 31c. The functional running tracks 31a and 31b are in each case a rolling track 31a, 31b for a guide roller of an elevator car 7. The functional running track 31c is a braking track 31c for a shoe brake of an elevator car 7. In the case of elevator cars having a linear drive it is typical for the brake to be disposed between the elevator car 7 and the guide rail 9, and for the braking force to be generated in that a shoe brake acts from the elevator car 7 on the guide rail 9.

[0056] The spacing between the adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b normally leads to an interruption in the functional running tracks 31a, 31b, and 31c. In order for said interruption to be compensated for, the rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the functional running tracks 31a, 31b, and 31c are designed in a suitable manner. The rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the functional running tracks 31a, 31b, and 31c thus have mutually opposite borders which have a complementary profile in such a manner that an arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion in the region of the functional running track perpendicular to the travel direction 2 runs through at least one of the two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b.

[0057] In the case of the aspect in the region of the braking track 31c, the rail element 11a has two pins 33 which engage in assigned blind bores 35 of the rail element 11b. The borders of the two rail elements 11a and 11b thus have a complementary profile. In a thermal expansion of the rail element 11a in the direction toward the adjacent element 11b, the pins 33 slide deeper into the blind bores 35. An arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the functional running track 31c runs either through the rail element 11a which also comprises the pins 33, or through the rail element 11b. The two rail elements 11a and 11b are connected in the region of the braking track 31c, so to speak. In the case of a braking procedure of the elevator car 7 a shoe brake acts on the guide rail 9 in the region of the braking track 31c. This leads to a certain deformation of the guide rail 9 in this region. In many cases, the braking distance of the elevator car 7 extends across a plurality of rail elements 11a, 11b. For example, the braking distance of an elevator car 7 traveling downward could start in the region of the rail element 11b and end in the region of the rail element 11a. As long as the shoe brake acts only on the rail element 11b and not on the rail element 11a, a deformation of the rail element 11b but not of the rail element 11a would therefore arise without the pins 33. A uniform braking procedure would consequently not be guaranteed since an offset of the rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the braking track 31 is created by the braking action. The pins 33 which engage in the blind bores 35 lead to the deformation also being transmitted to the rail element 11a, despite the shoe brake acting only on the rail element 11b. A uniform and consistent profile of the braking track is thus guaranteed. In order for the above to be further amplified, in a manner adjacent to the braking track 31c, a cut 37 is provided in the adjacent rail elements 11a, 11b in order for the rigidity of the two rail elements 11a, 11b in the region of the braking track 31c to be reduced. An even more uniform transition between the rail elements 11a, 11b in the region of the braking track 31c is thus achieved.

[0058] A second aspect of the invention is likewise illustrated in FIG. 3. A transition element 39 is disposed in the region of the rolling track 31a as well as in the region of the rolling track 31b. The transition element 39 enables simultaneously a thermal expansion of the rail element 11a in the direction toward the adjacent rail element 11b, as well as trouble-free rolling of guide rollers of an elevator car 7 along the rolling tracks 31a and 31b. The exact construction of the transition element 39 will be explained hereunder by means of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a detailed illustration of the transition element in an installed state. A configuration in which there is still a significant spacing between a first rail element 11a and a second rail element 11b is illustrated in the left region of FIG. 4. By contrast, a thermal expansion of the first rail element 11a in the direction toward the adjacent second rail element 11b has already taken place in the right region of FIG. 4. The spacing between the rail elements 11a and 11b has been reduced. The first rail element 11a and the second rail element 11b in the region of the rolling track 31a have mutually opposite borders which have a mutually complementary profile. The first rail element 11a in the region of the rolling track 31a has comb-shaped moldings 41a. So as to be opposite thereto, the second rail element 11b likewise has comb-shaped moldings 41b. The two comb-shaped moldings 41a and 41b are mutually offset and mesh in one another such that the complementary profile of the borders results. In a thermal expansion, the comb-shaped moldings 41a and 41b slide into one another until the configuration that is illustrated in the right region of FIG. 4 results.

[0060] Independently of whether the rail elements 11a and 11b are in the configuration according to the left region of FIG. 4 or according to the right part of FIG. 4 or in an intermediate state, an arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the rolling track 31a runs through at least one of the two adjacent rail elements 11a, 11b. The two rail elements 11a and 11b are connected in the region of the rolling track 31a, so to speak, without a gap in which the rolling guide roller would lose contact with the rail elements 11a and 11b being able to result. The border is shaped in particular in such a manner that the arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the rolling track 31a has an expansion which corresponds to at least 20% of the expansion of the rolling track 31a in a manner perpendicular to the travel direction 2. In the case of the variant of embodiment shown, the expansion is almost 50% in the case of each cross section. For example, the cross section along the line 43 intersects the first rail element 11a in the region of the comb-shaped moldings 41a. The comb-shaped moldings in this cross section collectively have an expansion which corresponds to approximately 50% of the width of the rolling track. By virtue of the required gap dimensions between the comb-shaped moldings 41a and 41b the value is actually somewhat less than 50%. A guide roller that rolls along contacts the guide rail along a line which corresponds to a cross section that is perpendicular to the travel direction 2. Consequently, the guide roller at any given time contacts the guide rail across a region which corresponds to approximately 50% of the width of the guide roller (and thus of the rolling track 31a).

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a detailed illustration of the transition element 39 in the non-installed state. The transition element 39 comprises a first bolt 45 on which a plurality of first plates 47 are sequentially disposed. To this end, the first plates 47 have a bore 49 through which the first bolt 45 extends. The first plates 47 herein are rotatable about the first bore 45. In the installed state, the first bolt 45 and the first plates 47 are component parts of the first rail element 11a (cf. FIG. 4). The first plates 47 herein form the comb-shaped moldings 41a of the first rail element 11a. The transition element 39 furthermore comprises a second bolt 51 on which a plurality of second plates 53 are sequentially disposed. To this end, the second plates 53 have a bore 55 through which the second bolt 51 extends. The second plates 53 herein are rotatable about the second bolt 51. In the installed state, the second bolt 51 and the second plates 53 are component parts of the second rail element 11b (cf. FIG. 4). The second plates 53 herein form the comb-shaped moldings 41b of the second rail element 11b.

[0062] So as to be opposite the bore 49, the first plates 47 have an elongate bore 57 through which the second bolt 51 extends. Accordingly, so as to be opposite the bore 55, the second plates 53 have an elongate bore 59 through which the first bolt 45 extends. Accordingly, first plates 47 and second plates 53 are in each case sequentially disposed in an alternating manner on both bolts 45, 51, wherein in each case one bore 49, 55 and one elongate bore 57, 59 alternate with one another. This construction enables the spacing of the first bolts 45 and of the second bolt 51 to be variable. In the case of the illustration shown, the two bolts 45, 51 are at the minimum spacing thereof. If the spacing of the two bolts 45, 51 is enlarged, the first bolt 45 is thus displaced within the elongate bores 59, while the second bolt 51 is displaced within the elongate bores 57. Accordingly, the spacing of the two bolts 45, 51 can be enlarged until the two bolts 45, 51 are located at the end of their respective elongate bores 57, 59.

[0063] As can be seen by means of FIG. 4, the first plates 47 and the second plates 53 in the installed state are oriented and disposed such that the narrow sides 61 of the first plates 47 and the narrow sides 63 of the second plates 53 run along the functional running track 31, forming part of the functional running track 31a. The narrow sides 61 and 63 are thus substantially flush with the remaining functional running track 31a, such that a planar running surface for the guide rollers of the elevator car 7 results.

[0064] However, inaccuracies can also arise during fitting of the rail elements 11a and 11b, leading to the rail elements 11a and 11b not mutually aligning to the fullest extent but having a minimum mutual offset. This can result in the rolling track 31a on the first rail element having a somewhat greater spacing from the elevator car than the rolling track 31a on the second rail element, for example. A step-type offset would thus be present along the rolling track 31a, which would lead to undesirable noises as the guide rollers roll along. In order for this to be avoided, the first plates 47 are rotatably disposed on the first bolt 45 and on the second bolt 51. Accordingly, the second plates 53 are rotatably disposed on the first bolt 45 and on the second bolt 51. If an above-described fitting-related offset is present, the transition element 39 is automatically placed so as to be oblique, thus equalizing the offset along the rolling track 31a. A consistent rolling track 31a which facilitates quiet rolling thus results.

[0065] For simpler fitting, the transition element 39 is provided with an encompassing reinforcement element 65.

[0066] FIG. 6 schematically shows two further aspects of the invention. Two rail elements 11a and 11b having a functional running track 31a in a travel direction 2 are in each case shown in the left and the right region of FIG. 6. A spacing is present between the two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b, such that the rail elements 11a and 11b can expand freely in the travel direction 2. The adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the functional running track 31 have mutually opposite borders which have a complementary profile in such a manner that an arbitrary cross section of the guide rail portion perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the functional running track runs through at least one of the two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b. The two rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the functional running track are shaped such, so to speak, that no continuous gap perpendicular to the travel direction 2 results. In the case of a rolling track being a functional running track 31, the guide roller by virtue of a gap can thus not lose contact with the rail elements 11a and 11b. The border is in particular shaped such that the arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the running track has an expansion which corresponds to at least 20% of the expansion of the functional running track in a manner perpendicular to the travel direction 2.

[0067] The mutually opposite borders in the case of the left illustration have a step-shape profile, while a rectilinear profile having an angle 67 in relation to the travel direction is present in the right illustration.

[0068] In the case of the variant of embodiment illustrated on the left, the expansion is almost 75% in the case of each cross section. For example, the cross section along the line 43 intersects the first rail element 11a and the second rail element 11b such that approximately half of the width of the functional running track 31 is formed by the first rail element, and approximately a further quarter of the width of the functional running track is formed by the second rail element. In total, an expansion of approximately 75% of the total width of the functional running track thus results.

[0069] In the case of the variant of embodiment illustrated on the right, the angle 67 which is less than 70 ensures that any arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the travel direction 2 in the region of the functional running track 31 has an expansion which corresponds to at least 20% of the expansion of the functional running track 31 in a manner perpendicular to the travel direction 2.

[0070] Both variants of embodiment illustrated have the additional advantage that the two rail elements 11a and 11b can be pivoted in relation to one another. For example, the first rail element 11a in relation to the second rail element 11b can be pivoted about a rotation axis 69 in a direction 71. Mutual pivoting of the rail elements is helpful when the travel direction of an elevator car is to be changed from vertical travel to horizontal travel, for example. In the case of specific variants used for implementing a change of direction of this type, this can be enabled by pivoting rail elements. An example thereof is to be found in JPH0648672.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a refinement of the embodiment which is illustrated in the left region of FIG. 6. In this case, only the region of the functional running track is shown in a three-dimensional illustration. A spacing is present between the two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b such that the rail elements 11a and 11b can expand freely in the travel direction 2. Moreover, the mutually opposite borders have a step-shaped profile. Moreover, the mutually opposite borders in the region of the functional running track have a chamfer 73. Alternatively or additionally to the chamfer, a corresponding curvature can also be provided. It is important only that a funnel-shaped profile along the functional running track results. This has the advantage that the abutting edges in the case of a less-than-ideal setting of the rail elements following a pivoting procedure are reduced. For example, a certain offset between the adjacent rail elements, or an incline between adjacent rail elements, may arise.

[0072] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show a further embodiment of a guide rail according to the invention. FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional illustration of a guide rail portion 13 thereof. Two rail elements 11a, 11b, which conjointly form the guide rail portion 13 are shown. The rail elements 11a and 11b have a mutual spacing such that the rail elements 11a and 11b can thermally expand freely in the travel direction 2.

[0073] The guide rail portion 13 has a functional running track 31a. The functional running track 31a is a rolling track for a guide roller of an elevator car 7. The same running track is presently also used as a braking track.

[0074] The guide rail presently has a T-shaped cross section.

[0075] In the absence of respective measures, the spacing between the adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b leads to an interruption in the functional running track 31a. In order for this to be compensated for, a wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is disposed between the two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b.

[0076] FIGS. 9 and 10 each show enlarged illustrations of the region having the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 in two different states. A three-dimensional view of this region is shown in each case in the right part of FIGS. 9 and 10, while a lateral front view is shown in the left region of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows the guide rail portion 13 in a first state at a first temperature. FIG. 10 shows the same guide rail portion 13 in a second state, for example after an increase in temperature. Alternatively, this state can also arise by subsidence of a building, on account of which adjacent rail elements move toward one another.

[0078] The functioning of this embodiment will be explained hereunder with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

[0079] The two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b in the region of the functional running track 35 have mutually opposite borders which are rectilinear and enclose an angle in relation to one another. This angle corresponds to the wedge angle 79 of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75. The wedge-shaped transition piece 75 in the region of the functional running track 31 thus fits exactly into the intermediate space between the adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b. A continuous and consistent face without any gap thus results along the functional running track 31a and 31b. The functional running track 31a extends across the wedge-shaped transition piece 75.

[0080] While FIG. 9 shows the guide rail portion 13 in a cold state, the same guide rail portion 13 in FIG. 10 is illustrated after heating (Or before subsidence and after subsidence of the building, respectively). The two adjacent rail elements 11a and 11b each have thermally expanded in the travel direction such that the spacing between the two rail elements 11a and 11b has been reduced (transition from FIG. 9 to FIG. 10). Both rail elements 11a and 11b in the thermal expansion each have exerted a force in a direction parallel with the travel direction on the wedge-shaped transition piece 75. This force has led to the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 in the heated state (FIG. 10) to having been expelled counter to the wedge direction 77. The direction toward the sharp end of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is referred to as the wedge direction 77, said direction running along the bisectrix of the wedge angle 79 of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75.

[0081] It can be seen by means of FIG. 10 that a continuous and consistent face without a gap is present along the functional running track 31a also in the heated state. The exact dimensions of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 are thus chosen such that the functional running track by way of the entire width thereof bears on the wedge-shaped transition piece 75, independently of whether the wedge-shaped transition piece is inserted (FIG. 9) or is expelled (FIG. 10). The wedge angle 79 is presently 60. Further wedge angles are also conceivable and possible. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is oriented such that the wedge direction 77 runs at an angle of 90 in relation to the travel direction.

[0082] In a cooling of the adjacent rail elements 11a, 11b, the former each thermally contract in the travel direction again, such that the spacing between the two rail elements 11a and 11b is enlarged again (transition from FIG. 10 to FIG. 9). In order for the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 in this cooling to move back, the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is mounted so as to be pretensioned counter to the wedge direction 77. The wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is pretensioned counter to the wedge direction 77 with the aid of two compression springs 81a and 81b.

[0083] The compression springs 81a and 81b, respectively, extend between the blunt end of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 and a holding installation 83. In the thermal expansion (transition from FIG. 9 to FIG. 10) the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 is expelled counter to the spring force of the compression springs 81a, 81b. In the thermal contraction (transition from FIG. 10 to FIG. 9) the transition piece 75 is then inserted again with the aid of the spring force of the compression springs 81a, 81b. The compression springs 81a and 81b presently are designed and oriented such that the spring force runs parallel with the wedge direction 77.

[0084] A guide 85a is provided between the transition piece 77 and the rail element 11a. The guide 85a comprises a groove 87a on the rail element 11a, a spring 89a engaging in said groove 87a. The spring 89a herein is disposed on the wedge-shaped transition piece 75. Accordingly, a guide 85b is provided between the transition piece 77a and the rail element 11b. The guide 85b comprises a groove 87b on the rail element 11b, a spring 89b engaging in said groove 87b. The spring 89b herein is disposed on the transition piece 77.

[0085] The two guides 85a, 85b ensure that the wedge-shaped transition piece 75 carries out a well-defined translatory movement. A uniform and consistent functional running track 31a is thus guaranteed in every position of the wedge-shaped transition piece 75. This applies in particular also to the region of the transition between the rail elements 11a and 11b and the wedge-shaped transition element 75.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0086] Elevator system 1 [0087] Travel direction 2 [0088] Shaft 3 [0089] Shaft wall 5 [0090] Elevator car 7 [0091] Guide rail 9 [0092] Rail elements 11a, b, c, d, e [0093] Guide rail portion 13 a, b, c [0094] Fixed bearing 15 [0095] Loose bearing 17 [0096] Linear motor 19 [0097] Primary part 21 [0098] Secondary part 23 [0099] Guide roller 24 [0100] First holder 25 [0101] Shoe brake 26 [0102] Second holder 27 [0103] Mount 29 [0104] Functional running tracks 31a, b, c [0105] Pins 33 [0106] Blind bores 35 [0107] Cut 37 [0108] Transition element 39 [0109] Comb-shaped moldings 41 [0110] Line 43 [0111] First bolt 45 [0112] First plates 47 [0113] Bore (first plates) 49 [0114] Second bolt 51 [0115] Second plates 53 [0116] Bore (second plates) 55 [0117] Elongate bore (first plates) 57 [0118] Elongate bore (second plates) 59 [0119] Narrow side (first plates) 61 [0120] Narrow side (second plates) 63 [0121] Reinforcement element 65 [0122] Angle 67 [0123] Rotation axis 69 [0124] Direction 71 [0125] Chamfer 73 [0126] Wedge-shaped transition piece 75 [0127] Wedge direction 77 [0128] Wedge angle 79 [0129] Compression spring 81a, b [0130] Holding installation 83 [0131] Guide 85a, b [0132] Groove 87a, b [0133] Spring 89a, b