A sliding guide shoe for an elevator installation

Abstract

A sliding guide shoe (104) for an elevator installation (100) is disclosed. The sliding guide shoe (104) includes a housing (202) having a recess (206) and a sliding module (204) inserted or adapted to be insertable in the recess (206) for guiding an elevator car (102). The sliding module (204) comprises an isolation member (302) and a liner member (304). The isolation member (302) is preferably detachably coupled with the liner member (304) such that both are inserted together in the recess (206) or removed from the recess (206). The liner member (304) includes a mounting flange (303) supported on a horizontal support surface (306) of the housing (202) when the sliding module (204) is inserted in the recess (206) of the housing (202). The mounting flange (303) is fastened to the horizontal support surface (306) of the housing (202) to hold the liner member (304) in the recess (206) of the housing (202).

Description

[0001] A SLIDING GUIDE SHOE FOR AN ELEVATOR INSTALLATION

[0002] The present invention relates to elevators and more particularly, to a sliding guide shoe for an elevator installation.

[0003] Elevators are an essential part of multi-storey buildings, such as commercial or residential buildings, for transporting persons / goods between different floors. The elevator installation usually includes an elevator car which is guided on guide rails extending within a vertical passage of the building. Sliding guide shoes are frequently used for guiding the elevator car on the guide rails. Each sliding guide shoe is arranged at the elevator car and has an insert with slide surfaces that slide with small play along a guide rail. During a prolonged operation of the elevator car or over a course of time, the insert of the sliding guide shoe undergoes wear and / or tear. Therefore, periodical maintenance of the sliding guide shoe is required in order to maintain the operational integrity of such guide shoe or to replace such guide shoe based on the amount of wear.

[0004] DE20315915U1 shows a sliding guide shoe with a guide shoe housing and an insert inserted in the guide shoe housing. The insert consists of a carrier element and a sliding element. The sliding element can be replaced in the sliding guide shoe. However, for such replacement, the entire sliding guide shoe must first be removed after an initial commissioning of the elevator. In practice, it has been shown that even after the sliding guide shoe has been dismantled from the car, the sliding element inserted into a pocket-like recess in the carrier element, which recess is open towards the front, is difficult to remove from the carrier element and inserting it can also be difficult. Therefore, maintaining such a sliding guide shoe is a complex, cumbersome, and time-consuming task for a technician.

[0005] EP1880968A1 shows a guide shoe from which the insert can be completely or partially removed by pulling such insert in a longitudinal direction along the guide rails without having to completely dismantle the guide shoe. However, the fastening means used for mounting the insert to the guide shoe are not easily accessible to a technician, and therefore, removal of the insert from the guide shoe is a cumbersome and time-consuming task which is not desirable. Further, such guide shoes are expensive and complicated to manufacture. Therefore, there is an immense desire to develop a guide shoe that can eliminate one or more shortcomings associated with the abovementioned elevators.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to develop a sliding guide shoe that is simple in handling particularly for updating or maintenance operations. Moreover, the worn parts of the sliding guide shoe can be replaced and exchanged simply and economically. Accordingly, this object is solved by the sliding guide shoe having the features of claim 1 and a method for overhauling an elevator installation, in particular with at least one sliding guide shoe, having the steps of claim 15.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a sliding guide shoe for an elevator installation for transporting persons or goods is disclosed. The sliding guide shoe includes a housing having a recess extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. Further, the sliding guide shoe includes a sliding module inserted or adapted to be insertable in the recess of the housing for guiding an elevator car along a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction. The sliding module is formed of at least two parts and comprises an isolation member and a liner member. The isolation member is preferably detachably coupled with the liner member to form the sliding module such that both are inserted together in the recess or removed from the recess from only the first longitudinal end of the housing. The liner member includes a mounting flange formed at a first end of the liner member. The mounting flange is supported on a horizontal support surface defined at the first longitudinal end of the housing when the sliding module is inserted in the longitudinal direction in the recess of the housing. The second end distal to the first end defines a front end to enable insertion of the liner member in the longitudinal direction via said second end. The mounting flange is fastened to the horizontal support surface of the housing to hold the liner member in the recess of the housing. So in other words the liner member comprising the mounting flange at the first end and a free insertion section at the second end has an asymmetric design.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for overhauling an elevator installation, in particular with at least one sliding guide shoe as explained in the previous paragraph, is disclosed. The method includes stopping an elevator car guided by at least one sliding guide shoe along a guide rail in a longitudinal direction. Further, the method includes removing a sliding module from the at least one sliding guide shoe by unfastening a mounting flange of a liner member of the sliding module and laterally pulling the mounting flange to pull the sliding module from a recess of the housing of the at least one sliding guide shoe. Thereafter, the method includes inserting a new sliding module in the recess of the housing such that a mounting flange of the new sliding module is positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing. The new sliding module comprises at least one of a new liner member and a new isolation member. Further, the method includes fastening the mounting flange of the new sliding module to the first longitudinal end of the housing.

[0009] Possible features and advantages of embodiments / aspects of the invention can be considered, among other things, and without limiting the invention, to be dependent upon the concepts and findings described below.

[0010] In the first aspect, the sliding guide shoe includes the housing that can be mounted to a side of the elevator car to support the sliding guide shoe on the elevator car. Further, the sliding guide shoe includes the sliding module that is formed by combining the isolation member and the liner member. The sliding module is inserted in the recess of the housing and is required to be removed from the recess if at least one of the isolation member and the liner member is worn out. In particular, the isolation member and the liner member are removed together, as the sliding module, from the recess of the housing and replaced with a new sliding module.

[0011] Advantageously, the liner member of the sliding module includes the mounting flange to facilitate easy mounting of the sliding module. The mounting flange is fastened to the horizontal support surface, at the first longitudinal end, of the housing when the sliding module is or has been inserted in the recess of the housing. This has the advantage that the sliding module can be mounted to the housing by simply fastening the mounting flange to the horizontal support surface of the housing. This has the advantage that the sliding module is fastened to the housing only from one end, i.e., the first longitudinal end which is easily accessible to a technician. This substantially simplifies the fastening process of the sliding module to the housing and also reduces the overall physical effort and time required by a technician for mounting the sliding module.

[0012] In the present invention, the mounting flange being an integrated part of the liner member of the sliding module can act as a supporting component which can be directly fastened to the housing for supporting the sliding module in the recess of the housing. Therefore, this has the advantage that the requirement of multiple individual / distinct components for fastening the sliding module to the housing is eliminated, thereby, reducing the overall design complexity of the sliding guide shoe.

[0013] Therefore, the sliding guide shoe of the present invention is less complex, more convenient to maintain or replace, and easy to implement.

[0014] Further, in the second aspect of the invention, the method for overhauling the elevator installation, in particular with at least one sliding guide shoe, is disclosed. Advantageously, the method includes removing the sliding module from the at least one sliding guide shoe by unfastening the mounting flange of the liner member of the sliding module and laterally pulling the mounting flange to pull the sliding module from the recess of the housing of the at least one sliding guide shoe. As explained earlier, this has the advantage that the sliding module can be removed from the recess of the housing by simply unfastening the mounting flange from the housing, and therefore the overall replacement process of the sliding module becomes simpler and also overall physical effort and time required by a technician for replacing the sliding module is reduced.

[0015] In the following, further embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the mounting flange can be unfastened from the horizontal support surface of the housing to remove the liner member from the recess.

[0017] As explained earlier, the mounting flange can be fastened to mount the liner member and the isolation member together on the housing. Advantageously, the mounting flange also facilitates easy replacement or maintenance of the sliding module. In particular, the mounting flange is un-fastened from the horizontal support surface, at the first longitudinal end, of the housing when the liner member and the isolation member of the sliding module need to be replaced or maintained. This has the advantage that the liner module along with the isolation member can be easily removed from the recess of the housing by simply un-fastening the mounting flange from the horizontal support surface of the housing and thereafter, pulling the liner member by holding the mounting flange. Further, this has the advantage that the liner member needs to be unfastened only from one end, i.e., the first longitudinal end which is easily accessible to a technician. Additionally, this has the advantage that the liner member and the isolation member can be removed by simply unfastening the mounting flange from the horizontal support surface of the housing, and therefore the requirement of entirely removing the sliding guide shoe from the elevator car in order to perform replacement or maintenance process is preferably eliminated. This substantially simplifies the replacement or maintenance process of the liner member to the housing and also reduces the overall physical effort and time required by the technician to remove the liner member.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the liner member includes a body inserted in a recess of the isolation member. The mounting flange and the body are formed as a one-piece unitary structure.

[0019] This has the advantage that the mounting flange being an integrated part of the liner member of the sliding module can act as a supporting component that can be directly fastened to the housing for supporting the sliding module in the recess of the housing or unfastened from the housing for removing the sliding module from the recess. Therefore, this has the advantage that the requirement of multiple individual / distinct components for fastening the sliding module to the housing is eliminated, thereby, reducing the overall design complexity of the sliding guide shoe.

[0020] Advantageously, the mounting flange is designed such that the mounting flange rests on the horizontal support surface of the housing member when the liner member along with the isolation member is inserted in the recess of the housing. This has the advantage that the mounting flange inherently holds the liner member along with the isolation member in the recess and also restricts the movement of the liner member and the isolation member in a longitudinal direction towards the second longitudinal end of the housing.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the liner member may be formed of a polymeric material or a non-metallic material or their combination. In one embodiment, the body and the mounting flange of the liner member may be formed of different polymeric materials or non-metallic materials. In another embodiment, the body and the mounting flange may be formed of a same polymeric material or a non-metallic material. In one or more embodiments, the liner member includes a shoulder formed at a second end, longitudinally opposite to the first end, of the liner member. The shoulder forms an abutment for the isolation member when the body of the liner member is inserted in the recess of the isolation member.

[0022] Advantageously, the shoulder is formed as an integral part of the body of the liner member. In particular, the shoulder and the mounting flange are formed as the one-piece unitary structure. Further, the shoulder has the advantage that when the liner member is inserted in the longitudinal direction in the recess of the isolation member, a bottom peripheral wall of the isolation member rests on the shoulder of the liner member. This restricts the movement of the isolation member relative to the liner member in the longitudinal direction towards the second longitudinal end of the housing. Further, this has the advantage that the isolation member can be removed along with the liner member, when the liner member is pulled from the first longitudinal end of the housing by holding the mounting flange. In particular, the shoulder acts as a platform for the isolation member, thereby ensuring that the isolation member moves along with the liner member when the liner member is pulled out from the recess of the housing. This simplifies the replacement and / or maintenance of the isolation member of the sliding guide shoe.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the body of the liner member is inserted in the recess of the isolation member such that the isolation member is longitudinally confined between the mounting flange and the shoulder.

[0024] This has the advantage that the shoulder and the mounting flange may restrict a movement of the isolation member in the longitudinal direction relative to the body of the liner member. Thereby ensuring a positive coupling between the isolation member and the liner member. Further, as explained earlier, such an arrangement has the advantage that the isolation member can be removed along with the liner member, when the liner member is pulled from the first longitudinal end of the housing by holding the mounting flange. In particular, the shoulder acts as a platform for the isolation member, thereby ensuring that the isolation member moves along with the liner member when the liner member is pulled out from the recess of the housing. This simplifies the replacement and / or maintenance of the isolation member of the sliding guide shoe. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the mounting flange is greater than a thickness of the shoulder.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the mounting flange is less than or equal to a thickness of the shoulder.

[0026] This has the advantage that a higher thickness of the mounting flange provides a sufficient strength to the mounting flange for firmly holding the sliding module within the recess of the housing. Further, this has the advantage that a material cost can be reduced for the sliding module of the sliding guide shoe. Alternatively, a harder material can used for forming the mounting flange compared to the shoulder or the body of the liner member. This also provides a higher strength to the mounting flange compared to the shoulder or the body of the liner member for firmly holding the sliding module within the recess of the housing.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the liner member includes a pair of sealing walls laterally extending outwardly from a longitudinal periphery of a guiding recess of the liner member. The pair of sealing walls is adapted to abut a longitudinal periphery of the recess of the isolation member when the liner member is attached to the isolation member.

[0028] Advantageously, the pair of sealing walls laterally extends outwardly from the longitudinal periphery of the guiding recess of the liner member such that the sealing walls provide a dedicated sealing mechanism between the liner member and the isolation member. The sealing walls are designed to abut against the longitudinal periphery of the recess of the isolation member. This direct surface contact helps in creating a tight seal between the isolation member and the liner member, when the liner member and the isolation member are coupled together. In particular, the surface contact between the sealing wall and the longitudinal periphery of the recess of the isolation member provides the tight seal that can prevent entry of any contaminants between an outer surface of the body of the liner member and an inner surface of the isolation member. The abutment of the sealing walls against the longitudinal periphery of the recess of the isolation member ensures that there are minimal gaps or spaces where fluids or contaminants could leak through between the isolation member and the liner member. Apart from sealing, the sealing walls also potentially reinforce the attachment between the liner member and the isolation member. This can prevent unintended separation due to vibrations, thermal expansion, or mechanical stress, thereby ensuring the long-term reliability of the sliding module.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the isolation member includes a first element having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines the recess to accommodate the body of the liner member therein. Further, the isolation member includes a second element disposed on an outer surface of the first element. The first element and the second element are permanently integrated with each other to form a one-piece unitary structure.

[0030] Preferably, the first element and the second element are permanently integrated with each other by a moulding process to form the one-piece unitary structure. Advantageously, the first element and the second element collectively act as a vibration and / or noise isolator and prevent transmission of vibration / noise between the guide rails and the liner member of the sliding guide shoe.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the first element is formed of a non-metallic flexible material and the second element is formed of a metallic material.

[0032] The advantage of forming the first element using the non-metallic flexible material is that the first element can absorb vibration / noise, thereby, isolating and preventing vibration / noise transmission between the guide rails and the liner member. Further, the use of the non-metallic flexible material has the advantage that the first element has sufficient flexibility that allows elastic expansion of the isolation member to enable insertion of the liner member in the recess, defined by the first element, of the isolation member. Upon insertion of the liner member in the recess, the isolation member may laterally clamp the liner member owing to the use of non-metallic flexible material for forming the first element.

[0033] Further, the advantage of forming the second element using the metallic material is that the second element provides the overall lateral stiffness to the isolation member and improves the structural strength and / or integrity of the isolation member. Further, the advantage of moulding the first element with the second element formed of the metallic material is that a shore hardness of the first element can be kept low without compromising the structural strength and / or integrity of the isolation member.

[0034] Preferably, a thickness of the first element is higher than a thickness of the second element. This provides the advantage that the higher thickness of the first element formed of flexible material can provide sufficient shore hardness to the isolation member for effectively isolating the vibrations / noises from the liner member. Further, considering that the second element is formed of the metallic material, the thickness of the second element can be kept lesser than the thickness of the first element, and still, sufficient lateral stiffness for the isolation member can be achieved.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the first element may be formed of resilient plastic material such as, for example, elastomers based on PU, rubber-like materials such as synthetic rubber (for example Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) or Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)) or Natural Rubber (NR). In one or more embodiments, the first element may be formed of any flexible material which is capable of dampening the noises and vibrations, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the first element includes a plurality of ribs distributed on the inner surface of the first element. A slot is defined between consecutive ribs. The plurality of ribs forms a surface contact with the body when the body is inserted in the recess defined by the inner surface of the first element.

[0037] The advantage of providing the plurality of ribs on the inner surface of the first element is that the minimum surface contact is formed between the inner surface of the first element and an outer surface of the body. In particular, the outer surface of the body forms the surface contact with only the ribs, and the slot defined between the consecutive ribs remains contact-free from the outer surface of the body. This has the advantage that the minimum surface contact is formed between the isolation member and the liner member and thereby, such an arrangement reduces the transmission of vibration / noise to the liner member through the isolation member. This further improves the overall ride quality of the elevator car. In one or more embodiments, the second element forms a surface contact with surfaces defining the recess of the housing when the sliding module is inserted in the recess of the housing.

[0038] Advantageously, the surface contact between the second element and the surfaces defining the recess of the housing creates a friction coupling between the isolation member and the housing. This prevents slipping or relative movement between the housing and the isolation member along with the liner, thereby increasing the overall structural integrity of the sliding guide shoe.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a profile of the isolation member conforms with a profile of the recess of the housing.

[0040] This has the advantage that the isolation member can achieve maximum surface contact with the surfaces defining the recess of the housing when the sliding module is inserted in the recess of the housing. This substantially increases the overall effectiveness of the isolation member in isolating and preventing vibration / noise transmission between the guide rails and the liner member.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, a fastening support member is disposed between the mounting flange of the liner member and the horizontal support surface of the first longitudinal end of the housing.

[0042] Preferably, the fastening support member is formed of a non-metallic flexible material. In an example, the fastening support member is embodied as a sheet formed of a rubber material, without departing from the scope of the present invention. This has the advantage that the fastening support member can provide vibration / noise isolation between the mounting flange and the horizontal support surface, thereby providing vibration / noise isolation between the liner member and the housing.

[0043] The term “overhauling” may be referred to as a comprehensive maintenance procedure aimed at restoring the elevator installation or any component of such elevator installation to optimal operational condition. The overhauling procedure may include at least one of thorough inspection, repair, and replacement of components as necessary to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.

[0044] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are denoted with identical reference signs. The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an elevator installation with an elevator car guided by sliding guide shoes on guide rails, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of a sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2b illustrates a partial sectional view of the sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2c illustrates a top view of the sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of a sliding module of the sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4b illustrates a partial sectional view of the sliding module of the sliding guide shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4c illustrates an exploded view of the sliding module, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an isolation member of the sliding module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of a liner member of the sliding module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an elevator installation 100 with an elevator car 102 guided by sliding guide shoes 104 on guide rails 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator installation 100 may be adapted to be installed in a building having a plurality of floors for transporting persons / goods between different floors. The elevator installation 100 may include, but is not limited to, the elevator car 102, the guide rails 106, and the sliding guide shoes 104. The elevator car 102 may be adapted to be moved between the plurality of floors of the building. In an embodiment, the elevator car 102 may be adapted to move within a vertical passage connected to each floor of the building. In one embodiment, the vertical passage may be a closed passage formed as a hoistway or an elevator shaft, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the vertical passage may be an open passage, defined between each floor, without having any elevator shaft.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, the elevator car 102 may be movable up and down in z- direction in the vertical passage with vertical guidance between the guide rails 106. The linear guidance with the guide rails 106 may be in the present case formed by, for example, a T profile member extending in the longitudinal z-direction. At least one sliding guide shoe 104 for guiding the elevator car 102 at the guide rails 106 may be arranged at the elevator car 102 on each side. For optimal guidance, the elevator car 102 may have four (two per side) or more sliding guide shoes.

[0057] Constructional and operational details of the sliding guide shoe 104 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to Figures 2a-6. Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b illustrates a partial sectional view of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2c illustrates a top view of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figures 2b and 3, the sliding guide shoe 104 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 202, a sliding module 204, and a fastening support member 205. The housing 202 may include a recess 206 extending between a first longitudinal end 202-1 and a second longitudinal end 202-2 of the housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 206 may have a U-shaped cross-section to receive sliding module 204 therein. The housing 202 may be adapted to be fastened to the elevator car 102 via fastening members 208. The housing 202 may support the sliding module 204 in the recess 206.

[0059] Referring to Figures 2a-3, the sliding module 204 may be inserted or adapted to be insertable in the recess 206 of the housing 202 for guiding the elevator car 102 along the guide rails 106 extending in the longitudinal z-direction. The sliding module 204 may be formed of at least two parts, including an isolation member 302 and a liner member 304. The isolation member 302 may be preferably detachably coupled with the liner member 304 to form the sliding module 204 such that both are inserted together in the recess 206 or removed from the recess 206 from only the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202.

[0060] Constructional and operational details of the isolation member 302 and the linear member 304 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to Figures 4a-6.

[0061] Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the sliding module 204 of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4b illustrates a partial sectional view of the sliding module 204 of the sliding guide shoe 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4c illustrates an exploded view of the sliding module 204, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As explained earlier and referring to Figures 4a-4c, the sliding module 204 may be formed by detachably coupling the isolation member 302 and the liner member 304. The sliding module 204 may inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202 such that the isolation member 302 of the sliding module 204 abuts surfaces 203 defining the recess 206 of the housing 202.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the isolation member 302 of the sliding module 204, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 4b-5, the isolation member 302 may include a first element 402 and a second element 404. The first element 402 and the second element 404 may be permanently integrated with each other to form a one-piece unitary structure. The first element 402 may be formed of a non- metallic flexible material.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the first element 402 may include an inner surface 402-1 and an outer surface (not shown). Referring to Figures 4c and 5, the inner surface 402-1 may define a recess 502 to accommodate the liner member 304 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first element 402 may include a plurality of ribs 504 distributed on the inner surface 402-1 of the first element 402. A slot 506 may be defined between consecutive ribs 504. The plurality of ribs 504 may form a surface contact with the liner member 304 when the recess 502 of the isolation member 302 receives the liner member 304 to couple the isolation member 302 with the liner member 304. Further, the slot 506 defined between consecutive ribs 504 may remain contact-free from the liner member 304 when the liner member 304 is coupled to the isolation member 302. Owing to the material flexibility of the first element 402, the isolation member 302 may be elastically expanded to enable insertion of the liner member 304 in the recess 502. Upon insertion of the liner member 304 in the recess 502, the isolation member 302 may laterally clamp the liner member 304.

[0064] The second element 404 may be formed of a metallic material. In an embodiment, the second element 404 may be moulded on the outer surface of the first element 402 to form the isolation member 302 as the one-piece unitary structure. The second element 404 of the isolation member 302 may be disposed on the outer surface of the first element 402. As explained earlier, the sliding module 204 may inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202 such that the isolation member 302 of the sliding module 204 abuts the surfaces 203 defining the recess 206 of the housing 202. A profile of the isolation member 302 may conform with a profile of the recess 206 of the housing 202. In particular, the second element 404 may form a surface contact with the surfaces 203 defining the recess 206 of the housing 202 when the sliding module 204 is inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202.

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the liner member 304 of the sliding module 204, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 4c and 6, the liner member 304 may include a first end 403 and a second end 405 distal to the first end 403. As explained earlier, the liner member 304 may be inserted in the longitudinal direction in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302 to form the sliding module 204 of the sliding guide shoe 104. The second end 405 defines a front end to enable insertion of the liner member 304 in the longitudinal direction via this second end 405. The liner member 304 may include a guiding recess 406 extending from the first end 403 to the second end 405 of the liner member 304. The guiding recess 406 may be defined by a plurality of sliding surfaces 406-1 of the liner member 304. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 4a and 6, the guiding recess 406 may be defined by three sliding surfaces 406-1, where two surfaces are parallel to each other, and one surface is orthogonally extending between the two parallel surfaces. The guiding recess 406 may be adapted to receive a guiding portion of one of the guide rails 106 therein, when the sliding guide shoe 104 is engaged with the guide rail 106. Usually, the sliding guide shoe 104 may be engaged with the guide rail 106 such that sliding surfaces 406-1 of the guiding recess 406 are slidably movable along the guiding portion of the guide rail 106 preferably with small gap when the elevator car 102 moves in the longitudinal z-direction.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the liner member 304 may include a mounting flange 303 and a body 305. The body 305 may be inserted in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302. In particular, the liner member 304 and the isolation member 302 may be coupled together by inserting the body 305 of the liner member 304 in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302. The body 305 may be inserted in the recess 502, defined by the inner surface 402-1 of the first element 402, of the isolation member 302 such that the plurality of ribs 504 may form a surface contact with the body 305.

[0067] The mounting flange 303 and the body 305 may be formed as a one-piece unitary structure. In an embodiment, the mounting flange 303 and the body 305 may be formed of the same material, such as a polymeric material, and formed as the one-piece unitary structure by using a moulding process. In another embodiment, the mounting flange 303 and the body 305 may be formed of distinct materials, such as different polymeric materials.

[0068] The mounting flange 303 may be formed at the first end 403 of the liner member 304. The mounting flange 303 may be supported on a horizontal support surface 306 (as shown in Figure 3) defined at the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202 when the sliding module 204 is inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202. The mounting flange

[0069] 303 may be fastened to the horizontal support surface 306 of the housing 202 to hold the liner member 304 in the recess 206 of the housing 202. The mounting flange 303 may be unfastened from the horizontal support surface 306 of the housing 202 to remove the liner member 304 from the recess 206.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting flange 303 may include a plurality of mounting holes 310 to enable the fastening of the mounting flange 303 to the housing 202. The plurality of mounting holes 310 may align with corresponding holes 312 provided on the horizontal support surface 306 of the housing 202 when the sliding module 204 is inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202. Further, fasteners may be inserted through the plurality of mounting holes 310 and the corresponding holes 312 of the housing 202 to fasten the mounting flange 303 to the housing 202. In order to remove the sliding module 204 from the housing 202, the fasteners may be removed from the mounting flange 303 to unfasten the mounting flange 303 from the horizontal support surface 306 and subsequently, the sliding module 204 may be pulled by holding and pulling the mounting flange 303 in the longitudinal z-direction towards the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 4b-4c and 6, the liner member

[0072] 304 may include a shoulder 408 formed at the second end 405, longitudinally opposite to the first end 403, of the liner member 304. Especially as from Figure 4b it can be seen that the liner member 304 has an asymmetric design comprises the mounting flange 303 at the first end 403 and a free insertion section at the second end 405. In one embodiment, a thickness of the mounting flange 303 may be greater than a thickness of the shoulder 408. In another embodiment, a thickness of the mounting flange 303 may be less than or equal to a thickness of the shoulder 408. The shoulder 408 may form an abutment for the isolation member 302 when the body 305 of the liner member 304 is inserted in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302. In particular, when the liner member 304 is inserted in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302, a bottom peripheral wall 501 (as shown in Figure 5) of the isolation member 302 rests on the shoulder 408 of the liner member 304. The body 305 of the liner member 304 may be inserted in the recess 502 of the isolation member 302 such that the isolation member 302 is longitudinally confined between the mounting flange 303 and the shoulder 408. The shoulder 408 and the mounting flange 303 may restrict a movement of the isolation member 302 in the longitudinal z-direction relative to the body 305 of the liner member 304.

[0073] Further, referring to Figures 4a and 6, the liner member 304 may include a pair of sealing walls 410 laterally extending outwardly from a longitudinal periphery 412 of the guiding recess 406 of the liner member 304. The pair of sealing walls 410 may be adapted to abut a longitudinal periphery of the recess 206 of the isolation member 302 when the liner member 304 is attached to the isolation member 302.

[0074] Referring again to Figure 3, the sliding guide shoe 104 may include the fastening support member 205 disposed between the mounting flange 303 of the liner member 304 and the horizontal support surface 306 of the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202. The fastening support member 205 may include a plurality of slots 314 corresponding to the mounting holes 310 of the mounting flange 303 and the holes 312 provided on the horizontal support surface 306 of the housing 202. The fastening support member 205 may be positioned on the horizontal support surface 306 of the housing 202 such that the plurality of slots 314 aligns with the holes 312 of the horizontal support surface 306. Further, the sliding module 204 may be inserted in the recess 206 from the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202 such that the mounting flange 303 rests on the fastening support member 205 and the plurality of mounting holes 310 aligns with the plurality of slots 314 of the fastening support member 205. Thereafter, the mounting flange 303, the fastening support member 205, and the horizontal support surface 306 may be fastened together by inserting the fasteners through the plurality of mounting slots 310, the plurality of slots 314 of the fastening support member 205, and the holes 312 of the horizontal support surface 306. During the operation of the elevator car 102, the sliding guide shoes 104 may undergo wear / tear while guiding the elevator car 102 in the longitudinal z-direction along the guide rails 106. In particular, the sliding module 204 of each sliding guide shoe 104 undergoes wear and therefore, requires regular maintenance and / or replacement. A method for overhauling the elevator installation 100, in particular with the sliding guide shoe 104, is explained in the subsequent paragraphs. For the sake of brevity, details of the present invention that are explained in detail in the description of Figure 1-6 are not explained in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0075] Firstly, the method includes stopping the elevator car 102 guided by the sliding guide shoes 104 along the guide rail 106 in a longitudinal direction, such as the longitudinal z-direction (as shown in Figure 1).

[0076] Further, the method includes removing the sliding module 204 from at least one of the sliding guide shoes 104 by unfastening the mounting flange 303 of the liner member 304 of the sliding module 204 and laterally pulling the mounting flange 303 to pull the sliding module 204 from the recess 206 of the housing 202 of the respective sliding guide shoe 104.

[0077] Thereafter, the method includes inserting a new sliding module in the recess 206 of the housing 202 such that a mounting flange, similar to the mounting flange 303, of the new sliding module is positioned on the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202. The new sliding module may include at least one of a new liner member, similar to the liner member 304, and a new isolation member, similar to the isolation member 302. In the preferred embodiment, the new sliding module may include a new liner member and a new isolation member. In another embodiment, if only the liner member 304 is worn out, then the sliding module 204 is replaced with a new liner member 304, and the isolation member 302 may remain unchanged. In yet another embodiment, if only the isolation member 302 needs to be replaced, then the liner member 304 may be coupled to a new isolation member 302 to form the sliding module which can be re-inserted in the recess 206 of the housing 202. Further, the method includes fastening the mounting flange of the new sliding module to the first longitudinal end 202-1 of the housing 202 to fix the new sliding module in the sliding guide shoe 104. While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

Claims:

1. A sliding guide shoe (104) for an elevator installation (100) for transporting persons or goods, the sliding guide shoe (104) comprising: a housing (202) having a recess (206) extending between a first longitudinal end (202-1) and a second longitudinal end (202-2); and a sliding module (204) inserted or adapted to be insertable in the recess (206) of the housing (202) for guiding an elevator car (102) along a guide rail (106) extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the sliding module (204) is formed of at least two parts and comprises an isolation member (302) and a liner member (304), wherein the isolation member (302) is preferably detachably coupled with the liner member (304) to form the sliding module (204) such that both are inserted together in the recess (206) or removed from the recess (206) from only the first longitudinal end (202-1) of the housing (202), the sliding module (204) characterised in that the liner member (304) comprises a mounting flange (303) formed at a first end (403) of the liner member (304) and a second end (405) distal to the first end (403), the second end (405) defining a front end to enable insertion of the liner member (304) via the second end (405) and the mounting flange (303) is supported on a horizontal support surface (306) defined at the first longitudinal end (202-1) of the housing (202) when the sliding module (204) is inserted in the recess (206) of the housing (202), and wherein the mounting flange (303) is fastened to the horizontal support surface (306) of the housing (202) to hold the liner member (304) in the recess (206) of the housing (202).

2. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting flange (303) can be unfastened from the horizontal support surface (306) of the housing (202) to remove the liner member (304) from the recess (206).

3. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to claim 1, wherein the liner member (304) comprises a body (305) inserted in a recess (502) of the isolation member (302),wherein the mounting flange (303) and the body (305) are formed as a one-piece unitary structure.

4. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the liner member (304) comprises: a shoulder (408) formed at a second end (405), longitudinally opposite to the first end (403), of the liner member (304), wherein the shoulder (408) forms an abutment for the isolation member (302) when the body (305) of the liner member (304) is inserted in the recess (502) of the isolation member (302).

5. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of claims 2-4, wherein: the body (305) of the liner member (304) is inserted in the recess (502) of the isolation member (302) such that the isolation member (302) is longitudinally confined between the mounting flange (303) and the shoulder (408).

6. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein a thickness of the mounting flange (303) is greater than a thickness of the shoulder (408).

7. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein a thickness of the mounting flange (303) is less than or equal to a thickness of the shoulder (408).

8. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liner member (304) comprises a pair of sealing walls (410) laterally extending outwardly from a longitudinal periphery (412) of a guiding recess (406) of the liner member (304), wherein the pair of sealing walls (410) is adapted to abut a longitudinal periphery of the recess (502) of the isolation member (302) when the liner member (304) is attached to the isolation member (302).

9. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to claim 1, wherein the isolation member (302) comprises: a first element (402) having an outer surface and an inner surface (402-1), wherein the inner surface (402-1) defines the recess (502) to accommodate the body (305) of the liner member (304) therein; anda second element (404) disposed on an outer surface of the first element (402), wherein the first element (402) and the second element (404) are permanently integrated with each other to form a one-piece unitary structure.

10. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to claim 9, wherein the first element (402) is formed of a non-metallic flexible material and the second element (404) is formed of a metallic material.

11. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of claims 9-10, wherein the first element (402) comprises a plurality of ribs (504) distributed on the inner surface (402-1) of the first element (402), wherein: a slot (506) is defined between consecutive ribs (504), and the plurality of ribs (504) forms a surface contact with the body (305) when the body (305) is inserted in the recess (502) defined by the inner surface (402-1) of the first element (402).

12. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second element (404) forms a surface contact with surfaces (203) defining the recess (206) of the housing (202) when the sliding module (204) is inserted in the recess (206) of the housing (202).

13. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a profile of the isolation member (302) conforms with a profile of the recess (206) of the housing (202).

14. The sliding guide shoe (104) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising: a fastening support member (205) disposed between the mounting flange (303) of the liner member (304) and the horizontal support surface (306) of the first longitudinal end (202-1) of the housing (202).

15. A method for overhauling an elevator installation (100), in particular with at least one sliding guide shoe (104) according to claims 1-14, the method comprising: stopping an elevator car (102) guided by at least one sliding guide shoe (104) along a guide rail (106) in a longitudinal direction;removing a sliding module (204) from the at least one sliding guide shoe (104) by unfastening a mounting flange (303) of a liner member (304) of the sliding module (204) and laterally pulling the mounting flange (303) to pull the sliding module (204) from a recess (206) of the housing (202) of the at least one sliding guide shoe (104); inserting a new sliding module in the recess (206) of the housing (202) such that a mounting flange of the new sliding module is positioned on a first longitudinal end (202-1) of the housing (202), wherein the new sliding module comprises at least one of a new liner member (304) and a new isolation member (302); and fastening the mounting flange of the new sliding module to the first longitudinal end (202-1) of the housing (202).

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