Vertical conveyor for transporting objects and method for vertically transporting objects - Patents.com

Abstract

In known vertical conveyors, there is a risk that the articles are damaged during transportation. In order to avoid this, the vertical conveyor according to the invention comprises a frame structure with an inlet and an outlet area for the articles, a vertically oriented guiding mechanism with a first guiding means comprising a reversibly deformable material and at least one second guiding means, and a vertically movable support unit with at least one support arm horizontally movable between a closed position and an open position, the support arm at least partially clamping the first guiding means, the first and second guiding means and the support arm being configured such that the support arm reversibly deforms the first guiding means upon vertical movement of the support arm and in the closed position forms a buffer zone from the first and second guiding means, the buffer zone preventing the downward movement of the articles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical conveyor for transporting articles and a method for transporting articles vertically. [Background technology]

[0002] A vertical conveyor is a system based on conveyor technology, used to transport a flow of products (usually in the form of objects) up and down. Vertical conveyors are also used in pharmacies, for example, in conjunction with fully automated order picking machines for storing consumables in the medical field (medicine packages, nutritional supplement packages, packaged dressings, etc.).

[0003] A major advantage of fully automated order picking equipment is that it allows many more items to be stored in a given floor area than is possible with a manually operated storage system. With regard to medicines, it was previously common in pharmacies to store them by type in horizontally removable drawers and manually remove them when needed. Due to the large number and depth of drawers, a large storage space is required when using manual storage systems. Therefore, the pharmacy store is usually much smaller than the storage space itself.

[0004] Although it is possible to obtain spatial benefits by using fully automatic order picking devices, even when using order picking devices, a relatively large floor space is required. Since modern order picking devices are driven fully automatically, quick access to the device itself and the items stored therein is not so important, so that the order picking devices can be installed on the upper floors of the pharmacy store. In this way, the pharmacy store can be designed as large as possible.

[0005] Conventional vertical conveyors for pharmacies are in particular spiral slides or lifts. Spiral slides have the disadvantage of requiring a relatively large space, for example with a diameter of about 60 cm. Known lifts are complex and require extensive maintenance. Furthermore, the aforementioned vertical conveyors also have the disadvantage that damage to the packages themselves often occurs during the transfer of the packages from the order picking device to the vertical conveyor, which should be avoided, especially in the case of pharmaceutical packages, since package damage usually creates a negative impression on the patient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a vertical conveyor and a method for transporting articles vertically, in which the articles are transported gently, are structurally uncomplex and therefore require little maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a vertical conveyor for transporting articles according to claim 1. The vertical conveyor according to the invention comprises a frame structure with receiving and outgoing areas for the articles, a vertically oriented guiding mechanism for guiding and vertically moving the articles, the guiding mechanism comprising a first guiding means comprising a reversibly deformable material and at least one second guiding means, the first guiding means being fixed to the frame structure in the receiving and outgoing areas, and a support unit reversibly movable between the receiving and outgoing areas, the support unit having at least one support arm horizontally movable between a closed position and an open position.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is contemplated that the support arm at least partially clamps the first guiding means, and the first and second guiding means of the guide mechanism and the support arm are configured such that the support arm at least partially reversibly deforms the first guiding means upon vertical movement of the support arm, and in the closed position forms a buffer zone that can be at least partially reversibly deformed by an article from the first and second guiding means, and the buffer zone prevents downward movement of the article.

[0009] In the vertical conveyor according to the invention, the articles are not simply transported into, for example, a transport trough or chute that may damage the articles on contact, but rather a buffer area is provided which cushions the impact of the articles and gently receives them.

[0010] In the vertical conveyor according to the invention, this buffer zone is not provided by a defined part which is moved between the receiving and discharging positions, but by a zone of reversibly deformable material of the first guiding means of the guiding mechanism which interacts with and deforms the second guiding means, i.e. the support arm moves the reversibly deformable material horizontally against the second guiding means, thereby forming a downwardly closed buffer zone.

[0011] In order to achieve the cushioning properties, it is necessary to position the first guiding means appropriately within the vertical conveyor and / or to give the reversibly deformable material (of the first guiding means) additional material properties, e.g. to configure the first guiding means elastically.

[0012] The guiding mechanism comprises two guiding means, at least one of which comprises a reversibly deformable material. The second guiding means can be configured differently, i.e. it can be provided for example by a vertical housing section of a vertical conveyor. In such a case the buffer section is formed by the support arm pressing the first guiding means (i.e. the reversibly deformable material of the guiding means) against or at least moving close to the housing wall so that the articles are held in a vertical orientation.

[0013] In such a case, it is also preferred that the articles are transferred to the vertical conveyor in a defined manner, ie that they impinge (and are thereby cushioned) in the area of ​​the first guiding means.

[0014] In order to provide the second guiding means with damping properties as well, it is preferred if a support arm is used that the second guiding means at least partly comprises a reversibly deformable coating.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, which provides particularly good cushioning properties for the articles to be transported, it is provided that the vertical conveyor comprises two support arms, the second guiding means also comprising a reversibly deformable material, in which case it is provided that the support arms and the first and second guiding means of the guide mechanism are configured such that the support arms are reversibly deformed upon vertical movement of the guiding means and in the closed position form a buffer zone which can be at least partially reversibly deformed by the articles from the first and second guiding means, the buffer zone preventing a downward movement of the articles.

[0016] The reversibly deformable material is provided, for example, by two textile fabric strips arranged substantially parallel to each other and clamped by the support arms, such that when they are close together (closed position) the buffer area has a somewhat U- or V-shaped cross-section, depending on the "tension" of the textile fabric strips.

[0017] The support arms of the support units of the vertical conveyor are horizontally movable and in the receiving area a buffer area for receiving the articles can be constituted. During the downward movement of the support units, the support arms remain moved at least up to the second guiding means (i.e. possibly up to the second support arms) so that the articles are prevented from slipping through, and the reversibly deformable material passes over the support arms, so that the buffer area is also displaced vertically with the movement of the support units. When the support units reach the outgoing area of ​​the vertical conveyor, it is necessary to release the guiding means from each other in order to outgo the articles. This is done by the support arms being pulled away from each other or by the support arms being moved away from the second guiding means. The buffer area needs to be opened or released so that the articles can be outgoing.

[0018] A further advantage of the vertical conveyors according to the invention is that, thanks to their construction with reversibly deformable materials and "moving" buffer areas, they can operate with very low noise levels, so that customers of the pharmacy store are not disturbed by their operation.

[0019] As mentioned above, it is contemplated that the vertical conveyor according to the invention comprises one or two support arms. The main point is that the first guiding means and the second guiding means can form a buffer zone, which prevents the vertical movement of the articles and buffers their collisions. In the following, reference is usually made to "one" support arm, but in the case of a vertical conveyor with two support arms the statements apply to both support arms.

[0020] In order to move the support arm horizontally, it is conceivable to provide the support unit with a corresponding drive means that ensures the horizontal movement of the support arm. However, this has the disadvantage that the structure of the support unit becomes more complex and more prone to malfunctions. Furthermore, the installation of a drive means for the horizontal movement of the support arm increases the weight of the support unit itself. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the vertical conveyor according to the invention, the vertical conveyor comprises a vertically oriented support arm adjustment mechanism with a positioning recess, the support arm comprises an operating area that engages in the positioning recess, the positioning recess comprises a locking area and at least one opening area, the opening area being intended to cause a horizontal movement of the support arm during the vertical movement of the support unit. In this embodiment, the movement of the support arm is not controlled by the support unit itself, but "externally" by the support arm adjustment mechanism that extends along the guide mechanism. Since the operating area of ​​the support arm engages in the positioning recess, the shaping of the positioning recess results in a horizontal movement of the support arm during the vertical movement of the support unit. In this way, it is possible to use a structurally simple support unit that does not require a dedicated drive means for the horizontal movement of the support arm. Providing the support arm with a positioning recess and actuation area provides a mechanically simple and trouble-free system for moving or positioning the support arm.

[0021] In order to make the opening movement of the support arm particularly friction-free and gentle, in a preferred embodiment of the vertical conveyor according to the invention it is provided that the support arm is pivotally fixed to the support unit and that the opening area of ​​the positioning recess is configured in the shape of a circular arc.

[0022] As already mentioned above, the main point of the invention is that the buffer zone can be provided by the design of the guide means of the guiding mechanism and the at least one support arm. Furthermore, it is provided that the support arm is guided through the reversible material of the guide means in the closed state. For example, in order to adjust the clamping force that the support arm exerts on the reversibly deformable material and to allow a gentle movement of the support arm along the reversibly deformable material, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the support arm comprises at least one rotatable running roller in the contact area with the reversible material of the guide means. By adjusting the rotational resistance, it is possible, for example, to adjust the buffering properties of the buffer zone. When the rotational resistance of the running roller is overcome, it rotates and the reversibly deformable material is drawn into the buffer zone and becomes part of the buffer zone.

[0023] The guiding mechanism of the vertical conveyor according to the invention essentially comprises a first guiding means which comprises or consists of a reversibly deformable material. In a structurally particularly simple embodiment in which the two guiding means comprise or consist of a reversibly deformable material, it is provided that the reversibly deformable material is provided by two vertically oriented parallel strips of material which are fixed to a frame structure in the receiving and outgoing areas, respectively.

[0024] In addition to the already mentioned possibilities for providing a buffer zone with special properties, alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment of the guidance mechanism it is envisaged that the guide means are fixed to the frame structure in the receiving zone and / or in the sending zone, for example pre-tensioned by one or more springs.

[0025] As already mentioned above, on reaching the discharge zone, the articles arranged in the buffer zones are discharged by the buffer zones being pulled away from each other. In a vertically oriented vertical conveyor, this means that the articles can fall downwards through the bottom opening due to gravity. However, this also increases the risk of damage to the articles, so that in a preferred embodiment of the vertical conveyor, it is envisaged that the vertical conveyor comprises a discharge mechanism by which the articles can be discharged to the side. In this connection, it may be particularly preferred that this discharge mechanism comprises adjustable discharge means, so that the articles can be discharged, for example, on two opposite sides.

[0026] It may be envisaged that the support unit itself includes a drive means for effecting the vertical movement of the support unit. However, in a preferred embodiment, the vertical conveyor includes a belt drive means with a vertically arranged drive belt, which is connected to the support unit and is envisaged for vertically moving it. In such a case, the drive means itself can be shifted to another position of the vertical conveyor so that the weight of the support unit is not unnecessarily increased. Moreover, there is the advantage that the drive means itself is mounted stationary and is not constantly moved together with the vertical conveyor.

[0027] This problem is further solved by the method according to claim 12. In the method for transporting articles according to the invention, a buffer zone with a buffer area for articles is provided in a receiving area of ​​a frame structure of a vertical conveyor consisting of a first guiding means and at least one second guiding means comprising a reversibly deformable material, in which a vertically movable support unit with at least one horizontally movable support arm at least partially clamping the first guiding means consisting of a reversibly deformable material is moved to the receiving area and the support arm is moved horizontally towards the second guiding means into a closed position, the closed position preventing a vertical movement of the articles.

[0028] Subsequently, at least one article is transferred to the buffer area of ​​the buffer zone, where the at least one article deforms the reversibly deformable material, which buffers the impact of the article. When all the articles have been transferred, the support unit is moved in the closed position to the delivery zone of the frame structure, and during the movement of the support unit, the support arms, which at least partially clamp the reversibly deformable material, continuously deform the reversibly deformable material during the movement, thereby moving the buffer zone downwards. Here, the buffer zone is, so to speak, always provided anew; that is, when the support unit moves downwards, another zone of the reversibly deformable material takes over the function of the buffer zone. Strictly speaking, the function also changes; that is, when the article is transferred, the function of the buffer zone is to buffer the impact of the article and prevent its damage, whereas during the downward movement, the function of the buffer zone is "only" to hold the article.

[0029] Upon reaching the delivery area, the support arms are moved away from each other to a release position and at least one article is delivered through the formed opening.

[0030] In the following, preferred embodiments of the vertical conveyor and the method for vertical transport according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment with the front wall omitted. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view without the front wall. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view with the side walls omitted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view with the side wall omitted. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view with the side wall omitted and the support unit moved upward to a closed position. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a front perspective view further omitting the reversibly deformable material of the guidance mechanism; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a detailed rear view of the delivery area. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the delivery area. [Figure 10a] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a support unit in combination with a reversibly deformable material of the guidance mechanism. [Figure 10b] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a support unit in combination with a reversibly deformable material of the guidance mechanism. [Figure 11a] FIG. [Figure 11b] FIG. [Figure 12a] FIG. [Figure 12b] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of a transmission area. [Figure 14a] FIG. 2 shows the steps of a first embodiment of a method for vertical transport. [Figure 14b] FIG. 2 shows the steps of a first embodiment of a method for vertical transport. [Figure 14c] FIG. 2 shows the steps of a first embodiment of a method for vertical transport. [Figure 14d] FIG. 2 shows the steps of a first embodiment of a method for vertical transport. [Figure 15a] 11A-11D show stages of a second embodiment of the method in a further embodiment of a vertical conveyor. [Figure 15b] 11A-11D show stages of a second embodiment of the method in a further embodiment of a vertical conveyor. [Figure 15c] 11A-11D show stages of a second embodiment of the method in a further embodiment of a vertical conveyor. [Figure 15d] 11A-11D show stages of a second embodiment of the method in a further embodiment of a vertical conveyor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figures 1-7 show views (described in more detail above) of a first embodiment of a vertical conveyor 1 according to the invention. It comprises a frame structure 10 having a front wall 11 and two side walls 12. The frame structure 10 comprises an inlet area 20 and an outlet area 30, which are not special components of the vertical conveyor but represent the area where the vertical conveyor is supplied with articles (inlet area) and the area where the vertical conveyor outlets the articles (outlet area). The vertical conveyor comprises in its interior a guide mechanism 200 having first and second guiding means 201a, 201b. In the illustrated embodiment, the two guiding means 201a, 201b consist of a reversibly deformable material. In this embodiment, the reversibly deformable material is provided by two substantially parallel textile fabric strips.

[0033] In alternative embodiments, the first and / or second guide means may also be configured as, ie comprise "only", a only partially reversibly deformable material.

[0034] The first and second guiding means 201a, 201b (hereinafter "guiding means") are fixed to the frame structure 10 by two fasteners 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b in the receiving area 20 and the sending area 30, respectively. Furthermore, the two fasteners 31a, 31b are held by springs 32, which allow the guiding means 201a, 201b to be deflected in the event of an impact of an article (if the guiding means 201a, 201b are otherwise tensioned "in tension"). Furthermore, the springs can also serve to provide a length compensation so that the guiding means 201a, 201b are always in contact with the support arms 110a, 110b assigned to them. However, this function is not necessary in all embodiments, for example when the reversibly deformable material also has elastic properties.

[0035] As can be seen well, for example, in Figures 5 and 6, the guiding means 201a, 201b are clamped by two support arms 110a, 110b. In these figures, the support arms are in the "closed position", i.e. they extend horizontally together and close or clamp the guiding means 201a, 201b (i.e. its reversibly deformable material in the form of a textile fabric strip) between them. They thereby form the buffer zone 202. In Figure 6, this buffer zone 202 can be seen in the receiving area 20. In this particular embodiment, both areas of the guiding means 201a, 201b forming the buffer zone 202 are designed as a reversibly deformable material, so that the entire buffer zone is configured as a buffer zone 203. In an alternative embodiment, only a part of the buffer zone 202 may be provided with buffer properties, i.e. the buffer zone is not completely configured as a buffer zone. In this position, the buffer zone 202 is supplied with articles, as will be described in more detail in the description of the method according to the invention. The support arms 110a, 110b are part of a support unit 100 which, in the embodiment shown, is vertically movably mounted on two rear frame columns.

[0036] Between the frame struts 13, the support arm adjustment mechanism 40 is arranged. It comprises a positioning recess 41 (which in the embodiment shown extends completely through the support arm adjustment mechanism) through which the working areas 111a, 111b of the support arms 110a, 110b extend, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 13. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 7, the positioning recess 41 comprises a vertical locking area 42 and two arcuately extending opening areas 43 which arc outwardly from the centrally extending locking area 42 of the support arm adjustment mechanism 40. Since the support arms 110a, 110b extend through the positioning recess, the positioning recess forms a guide for the support arms, which guide defines the movement of the support arms during the vertical movement of the support unit. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, a discharge mechanism 50 with a movable discharge flap 52 is arranged in the lower discharge section 30 of the vertical conveyor 1. The discharge mechanism further comprises a discharge means 51 arranged obliquely as a slide, through which the articles are discharged to the side (from the front in the case shown) and released, for example, into an access area for a pharmacy salesperson or into a storage container.

[0038] The essence of the invention is, inter alia, the vertical mobility of the support unit. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by providing a belt drive 60. It comprises a drive means 64, which is arranged on the bottom plate 14 (see FIG. 13 for this). The drive means is connected to a drive wheel 62 which drives a drive belt 61 (FIG. 2). The drive belt 61 is connected to the support unit 100, the movement of which results in a vertical movement of the support unit 100. In the receiving area 20, a deflection roller 63 of the belt drive 60 is arranged.

[0039] Figures 8 and 9 show a detailed view of the first embodiment of the vertical conveyor according to the invention in the region of the outfeed section 30, with Figure 8 showing a rear view and Figure 9 showing a perspective view. In Figure 8, the arrangement of the drive wheels 62 of the belt drive is particularly shown, and it is possible to see how the drive belt 61 runs along the frame strut 13. Furthermore, it is possible to see that the back plate 116 of the support unit 100 is connected to the belt drive 61 via a fastener 117. In Figure 8, it is also possible to see that the support arms 110a, 110b are pivotally mounted by means of pivots 112a, 112b. As already mentioned above, the positioning recess comprises a locking section 42 and two opening sections 43, which are clearly visible in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the position in which the support arms engage in the two opening sections 43, i.e. in this position the support arms 110a, 110b have already been horizontally moved slightly away from each other.

[0040] In Fig. 9 the support arms 110a, 110b are shown in a position completely separated from each other. Furthermore, in the lower area of ​​the vertical conveyor, the discharge means 51 of the discharge mechanism can be seen. It is arranged at an angle so that the articles are discharged forward. In Fig. 9 it can further be seen that the support unit 100 comprises a support plate 115, on which the articles can be supported after transfer to the buffer zone. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 115 and the front wall 11 (see Fig. 1a) of the vertical conveyor 1 can be considered as part of the guide mechanism 200, the necessity of which depends on the exact design of the vertical conveyor. The larger the buffer zone 202 (compared to the articles), the less the need for front and rear guide means. Also, the shape of the buffer zone has an influence on whether for example a front wall 11 is needed as part of the guide mechanism. However, if the guide means 201a, 201b are properly designed, this is not mandatory. However, to avoid a view into the interior and to reduce the risk of possible injuries, a front wall is usually provided.

[0041] Figures 10a and 10b show perspective views of a combination of guiding means 201a, 201b and a support unit 100 having two support arms 110a, 110b. In particular, it can be seen how the two support arms 110a and 110b comprise guiding means 201a, 201b made of or comprising a reversibly deformable material, in this embodiment configured in strip form, and how, in the closed position shown, a buffer area 202 is formed on the support arms by a section of the guiding means 201a, 201b.

[0042] 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b show detailed views of the support unit 100, with 11a, 12a showing the support unit in the closed position and 11b and 12b showing the support unit 100 in the released position. In these figures, it can also be seen that the support arms 110a, 110b are mounted on pivots 112a, 112b. As can be seen in particular in 12b, the support arms are provided with working sections, of which 111a of the support arm 110a is shown in 12a. In the illustrated embodiment, the working sections fit into positioning recesses and control the horizontal movement of the support arms through the path of the positioning recesses. As can also be seen in these figures, the support arms in this embodiment each comprise a number of running rollers 114, the rotational resistance of which can be adapted depending on the circumstances, i.e. according to what material the reversibly deformable material of the guiding mechanism is exactly made of and according to what weight can be expected in the goods to be transported.

[0043] Figure 13 again shows a detailed view of the lower area of ​​the vertical conveyor, in which the discharge means of the discharge mechanism have been omitted and it is possible to see the drive means 64 of the belt drive arranged on the bottom plate 14 of the vertical conveyor. Furthermore, it can also be seen in this view how the support arms 110a, 110b are guided by the open areas 43 of the positioning recesses.

[0044] With reference to figures 14a-14d we will now describe a first preferred embodiment of the method for transporting articles according to the invention. These figures now show, in a schematic way, a second embodiment of a vertical conveyor according to the invention. In figures 14a-14d all irrelevant features have been omitted and it is only shown in a schematic way how exactly the method for transporting articles takes place.

[0045] In Fig. 14a the support arms of the support unit 100 are shown in the released position, i.e. they are not close together and do not form a buffer zone for receiving the articles. As can be seen, in the vertical conveyor the first and second guiding means 201a, 201b of the guiding mechanism are arranged "loosely", but are fixed to the frame structure in the receiving and sending areas. In alternative embodiments the guiding means can also be arranged "tighter", for example if springs act as length compensation or if the reversibly deformable material of the guiding means has elastic properties.

[0046] In the lower area of ​​the vertical conveyor, a discharge mechanism 50 is shown, which comprises an adjustable discharge means 53, by means of which the articles can be sent to the left or right side. In the method for vertically transporting articles according to the invention, in a first step, a buffer area 202 for articles is provided in the receiving area 20. This is done by moving the vertically movable support unit 100 towards the receiving area 20 and moving the support arms from the open position shown in Fig. 14a horizontally to a closed position, in which the support arms sandwich the guide means 201, 201b in the form of two strips between them, so that above the approaching support arms, the buffer area 202 is provided by the areas of the guide means 201, 201b, into which the articles can be transferred. In the illustrated embodiment, the two areas of the guide means 201, 201b are configured as a buffer area 203 due to the properties of the guide means (reversibly deformable material). In an alternative embodiment, for example where only one guiding means made of a reversibly deformable material is used and the second guiding means is simply the (side) wall of the vertical conveyor, only a partial area of ​​the buffer area is the buffer area provided by the reversibly deformable material.

[0047] Once the buffer area 202 is provided, articles can be transferred there, for example from an order picking device for consumables (medicine packages, nutritional supplement packages, etc.). Due to the nature and arrangement of the reversibly deformable material and the support arms 110a, 110b, the buffer area 202, as its name suggests, has buffering properties such that the falling movement of the part 2 is buffered and thus its breakage is avoided. In FIG. 14c, this is suggested by the reversibly deformable material of the buffer area being represented as "bulging". Depending on the weight and clamping force of the support arms 110a, 110b, it may happen that the reversibly deformable material is pulled upwards when buffering the impact of the article, which may possibly cause tension in the reversibly deformable material 201 in the area below the buffer area 202.

[0048] After the articles have been transferred to the buffer area 202, the support unit 100 is moved to the output area 30 with the support arms 110a, 110b in close proximity, during which the support arms continuously deform the reversibly deformable material such that the buffer area moves downwards or is expanded downwards. The function of the "buffer area" is no longer the buffer itself, but only the guidance of the articles placed in this area.

[0049] In Fig. 14d it is suggested that the support arms have been moved towards the discharge area. On reaching the discharge area, the support arms 110a, 110b of the support unit 100 are pulled away from each other, as indicated by the two dashed arrows in Fig. 14d. As soon as the opening formed is large enough, the articles 2 fall, by gravity, into the adjustable discharge means 53, which in the illustrated embodiment discharges the articles to the "left".

[0050] A second preferred embodiment of the method for transporting articles according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 15a-15d. These figures now show, in a schematic way, a third embodiment of a vertical conveyor according to the invention. In Figures 15a-15d, too, all irrelevant features have been omitted. To avoid repetition, only the differences with respect to the embodiment according to Figures 14a-14d will be described below.

[0051] Unlike the first embodiment of the vertical conveyor, the guiding mechanism is not formed by two identical guiding means, but by two different guiding means, namely a first guiding means 201a (as in the first embodiment) made of / comprising a reversibly deformable material, and a second guiding means 12 provided by the side wall of the vertical conveyor. The support unit 100 thus does not include two support arms 110a, but only one centrally located support arm 110a, which is however otherwise similarly configured and guided. In this embodiment, the formation of the buffer zone 202 is performed by the support arm 110a pressing the first guiding means 201a against the second guiding means 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second guiding means comprises a reversibly deformable coating 14, and in this embodiment too, all the zones of the guiding means above the support arm 110a have buffer properties, i.e. are configured as buffer zones 203.

[0052] However, nothing changes from the process technology point of view: a buffer area is provided in the receiving area 20, the articles 2 are transferred and the support unit 100 is moved downwards in the closed position. The support arm 110a is then pivoted to the left according to the arrow in Fig. 15d into the release position and the articles are delivered.

Claims

1. a frame structure (10) with an inlet area (20) and an outlet area (30) for the articles; a vertically oriented guide mechanism (200) for guiding and vertically moving articles, the guide mechanism (200) comprising a first guide means (201 a) comprising a reversibly deformable material and at least one second guide means (201 b, 12), the first guide means (201 a) being fixed to the frame structure (10) in the receiving area (20) and the delivery area (30); a support unit (100) vertically movable between the receiving area (20) and the delivery area (30), the support unit (100) having at least one support arm (110a, 110b) horizontally movable between a closed position and an open position; In a vertical conveyor (1) comprising: said support arms (110a, 110b) at least partially clamp said first guide means (201a); The first and second guiding means (201a) and the second guiding means (201b, 12) and the support arms (110a, 110b) of the guide mechanism (200) are configured such that the support arms (110a, 110b) at least partially reversibly deform the first guiding means (201a) upon vertical movement of the support arms, and in the closed position form a buffer zone (202) from the first and second guiding means (201a) and the second guiding means (201b, 12) that can be at least partially reversibly deformed by an article, and the buffer zone (202) prevents downward movement of the article. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2), characterized in that:

2. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said second guiding means (12) at least partially comprise a reversibly deformable coating (14).

3. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical conveyor (1) comprises two support arms (110a, 110b), and the second guiding means (201b) also comprises a reversibly deformable material.

4. 2. The vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical conveyor (1) comprises a vertically oriented support arm adjustment mechanism (40) having positioning recesses (41), the support arms (110a, 110b) having actuation areas (111a, 111b) that engage with the positioning recesses (41), the positioning recesses (41) comprising a locking area (42) and at least one opening area (43), the opening area causing horizontal movement of the support arms (110a, 110b) during vertical movement of the support unit (100).

5. 5. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the support arms (110a, 110b) are pivotally fixed to the support units and have an arc-shaped opening area.

6. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support arms (110a, 110b) are provided with at least one rotatable running roller (114) in the contact area with the reversibly deformable material of the guiding means (201a, 201b).

7. 4. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first (201a) and second (201b) guiding means made of a reversibly deformable material are provided by two parallel vertically oriented textile strips, which are fixed to the frame structure (10) in the receiving area (20) and in the outgoing area (30), respectively.

8. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means (201a, 201b) made of a reversibly deformable material are pre-tensioned and fixed to the frame structure in the receiving area (20) and / or the outgoing area (30).

9. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical conveyor includes a discharge mechanism (50) by which the articles are discharged to the side.

10. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that said discharge mechanism (50) comprises adjustable discharge means (53).

11. 2. A vertical conveyor (1) for transporting articles (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical conveyor comprises a belt drive means (60) with a vertically arranged drive belt (61), the drive belt (61) being connected to the support unit (100) and moving it vertically.

12. 1. A method for vertically transporting an article, comprising: a buffer zone (202) having a buffer area (203) for articles is provided in a receiving area (20) of a framework (10) of a vertical conveyor (1) consisting of a first guiding means (201 a) and at least one second guiding means (201 b, 12) made of a reversibly deformable material, by moving a vertically movable support unit (100) having at least one horizontally movable support arm (110 a, 110 b) at least partially clamping said first guiding means (201 a) made of a reversibly deformable material to said receiving area (20), and by moving said support arm (110 a, 110 b) horizontally towards said second guiding means (201 b, 12) to a closed position, said closed position preventing vertical movement of articles; At least one article is transferred to the buffer region (203) of the buffer area (202), and the at least one article deforms the reversibly deformable material, and the reversibly deformable material buffers the impact of the article; the support unit (100) is moved in the closed position to the delivery section (30) of the frame structure (10), and during the movement of the support unit (100), the support arms (110a, 110b) at least partially clamping the reversible material (201a, 201b) continuously deform the reversibly deformable material during the movement, thereby moving the buffer section (202) downward; Upon reaching the delivery area (30), the support arms (110a, 110b) are moved away from each other to a release position, and the at least one article is delivered through the formed opening. method.

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