Buffer device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a first transport unit 10 that transports sheet members in the first direction; a servo loop portion 20 that is equipped with a plurality of trays 24 to be transferred on a circulation path, continuously transfers one sheet member to each of the plurality of trays 24, and transports the sheet members; and a second transport unit 30 that transfers the sheet members from the plurality of trays sequentially at regular intervals and transports the sheet members. The portion of the first transport unit 10 which is close to the servo loop portion 20 is configured so as to be movable in a direction different from the first direction. At the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the first transport unit 10 to the tray 24, the portion of the first transport unit 10 moves in the same direction as the tray transfer direction when the sheet member is transferred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a buffer device, and more particularly to a buffer device used for transporting a thin sheet member supplied sheet by sheet.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a manufacturing line or the like, a buffer device that is interposed between front and rear processes to absorb a break in the supply of workpieces from the front process or a change in the supply amount and continuously supply the workpieces to the rear process is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conveying device provided with a buffer mechanism such as a servo loop composed of a rotary chain conveyor having a large number of trays and intermittently driven between a conveying line of a front process and a conveying line of a rear process. With this buffer device, even when replacing a workpiece material or the like, the workpiece can be continuously supplied without interruption to the rear process, preventing a line stop in the rear process and suppressing a decrease in production efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to further increase production efficiency, in a workpiece conveying line composed of sheet members supplied sheet by sheet, when the conveying speed of the workpiece increases, there is a concern that damage such as bending, breakage, or peeling of the surface layer may occur when supplying the workpiece to the buffer device. In particular, when the workpiece is a thin sheet member or the like, it is easily damaged, which may lead to the occurrence of defective products in the subsequent process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to a workpiece and continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to a subsequent process in a conveyance line of a workpiece composed of a single-sheet sheet member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A buffer device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a buffer device that discharges a sheet member supplied in a single-sheet manner at regular intervals, and includes a first conveyance unit that conveys the single-sheet sheet member supplied from a previous process in a first direction, and a plurality of trays that are transferred on a circulation path. A servo loop unit that continuously transfers one sheet of the sheet member supplied from the first conveyance unit to each of the plurality of trays and conveys the sheet member, and a second conveyance unit that transfers the sheet member from each of the plurality of trays and discharges it to the subsequent stage. In the first conveyance unit, In the first direction the servo loop unit and adjacent portions are configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction, and the portion of the first conveyance unit moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray. , the It is characterized by moving in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to a conveyance device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in a conveyance line of a workpiece composed of a single-sheet sheet member, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece and continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to a subsequent process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] ≪Outline of the Embodiment for Carrying Out the Present Invention≫ The buffer device according to the embodiment in the present disclosure is a buffer device that discharges a sheet member supplied sheet by sheet at regular intervals, and includes a first conveyance unit that conveys the sheet member of the sheets supplied from the previous process in a first direction, and a plurality of trays that are transferred on a circulation path. The servo loop unit continuously transfers one sheet member at a time to each of the plurality of trays to convey the sheet member, and a second conveyance unit that transfers the sheet member from each of the plurality of trays and discharges it to the subsequent process. In the first conveyance unit, In the first direction the servo loop unit and adjacent portions are configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction, and the portion of the first conveyance unit is at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray , the is characterized in that it moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray.

[0010] With such a configuration, at the timing when the work is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray, by causing the first conveyance unit and the tray to run parallel in the transfer direction of the tray, even when the number of works supplied per unit time from the first conveyance unit to the servo loop unit is increased in order to improve production efficiency, it is possible to secure a time during which the sheet member can enter between the first conveyance unit and the tray. As a result, in the conveyance line of the work composed of the sheet member supplied sheet by sheet, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the work and continuously and efficiently supply the work to the subsequent process.

[0011] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the first conveyance unit includes a first conveyance means and a second conveyance means arranged in a row on the servo loop unit side with respect to the first conveyance means. The second conveyance means is configured to be reciprocally movable in parallel with the conveyance direction of the tray when the sheet member is transferred to the tray. The first conveyance means is configured to be swingable such that at least the end portion on the second conveyance means side reciprocates substantially parallel to the conveyance direction of the tray when the sheet member is transferred to the tray. The portion of the first conveyance unit may be configured as the second conveyance means and at least the end portion on the second conveyance means side of the first conveyance means.

[0012] With such a configuration, the second conveyance means realizes a mechanism capable of receiving the sheet member from the front stage regardless of the lifting of the first conveyance means. As a result, at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray as described above, a configuration in which the sheet member moves in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the tray when the sheet member is transferred can be realized. Thereby, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece, which is the sheet member, and can continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to the subsequent process.

[0013] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the portion of the first conveyance unit part of the may be configured to be arranged so as to overlap the tray in the conveyance direction.

[0014] With such a configuration, when transferring the sheet member from the first conveyance unit to the tray, the sheet member can be conveyed to near the base portion of the tray, and a configuration in which the sheet member can be stably transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray can be realized.

[0015] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the first conveyance unit may be configured to stop the conveyance of the sheet member before the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray.

[0016] With such a configuration, when supplying the workpiece from the conveyance line of the previous process to the buffer device, it is possible to prevent the tip of the workpiece from colliding with the buffer device, thereby preventing damage such as bending of the workpiece, partial defects when the workpiece is made of a brittle material, or peeling of the surface layer when the workpiece has a coating layer.

[0017] Also, in another aspect, in the aspect described above, the first conveyance unit may be configured to decelerate the sheet member before stopping the conveyance of the sheet member.

[0018] With such a configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the conveyance of the sheet member is stopped before the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray.

[0019] Also, in another aspect, in the aspect described above, the second conveyance unit sequentially transfers and conveys the sheet members from each of the plurality of trays at regular intervals. In the second conveyance unit, In the first direction the servo loop part and adjacent portions are configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction, and at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the tray to the second conveyance unit, the portion of the second conveyance unit moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray on which the sheet member is mounted.

[0020] With such a configuration, at the timing when the workpiece is transferred from the tray to the second conveyance unit, by making the second conveyance unit and the tray run side by side in the transfer direction of the tray, even when the number of workpieces supplied per unit time from the servo loop part to the second conveyance unit is increased, it is possible to secure the time for unloading the workpiece from the tray to the second conveyance unit. As a result, in the conveyance line of the workpiece composed of single-sheet sheet members, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece and continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to the subsequent process.

[0021] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the second conveying unit includes a third conveying means and a fourth conveying means arranged in a row closer to the servo loop unit side than the third conveying means. The fourth conveying means is configured to be reciprocally movable parallel to the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is unloaded from the tray. The third conveying means is configured to be swingable such that at least the end portion on the fourth conveying means side reciprocates substantially parallel to the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is unloaded from the tray. The portion of the second conveying unit may be configured as the fourth conveying means and at least the end portion on the fourth conveying means side of the third conveying means.

[0022] With such a configuration, even when the transfer speed of the tray on the circulation path in the servo loop unit increases to improve production efficiency, it is possible to ensure the time during which the sheet member can be discharged from the gap of the tray to the second conveying unit. As a result, at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the tray to the second conveying unit, a configuration can be realized in which the portion of the second conveying unit moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray on which the sheet member is mounted.

[0023] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the servo loop unit of the second conveying unit and adjacent portion part of the may be arranged so as to overlap the tray in the conveying direction.

[0024] With such a configuration, when transferring the sheet member from the tray to the second conveying unit, it is possible to convey the sheet member from near the base portion of the tray, and a configuration can be realized in which the sheet member can be stably transferred from the tray to the second conveying unit.

[0025] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the servo loop unit includes a clamp near the base portion of the tray, which can sandwich the sheet member transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray between the tray and itself. The tray may be configured to be conveyed on the circulation path while sandwiching the sheet member.

[0026] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the sheet member from falling off or shifting from the tray during conveyance on the circulation path, and improve the circulation speed of the servo loop unit.

[0027] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray, the clamp allows the sheet member to enter while being separated from the tray until the sheet member reaches near the base portion of the tray. After the sheet member reaches near the base portion of the tray and the conveyance is stopped, the clamp may be configured to sandwich the sheet member between the tray and itself.

[0028] With such a configuration, it is possible to surely convey and sandwich the sheet member onto the tray when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveyance unit to the tray.

[0029] ≪Embodiment≫ The configuration of the laminate forming apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in each figure may be the width direction, depth direction, and height direction, respectively. The positive direction of the height direction may be the "up" direction, and the negative direction may be the "down" direction. The surface facing the positive direction of the height direction may be the "front" surface, and the surface facing the negative direction may be the "back" surface. Also, the scale of the members in each drawing is not necessarily the same as the actual one. Further, in this specification, the symbol "~" used when indicating a numerical range includes the numerical values at both ends. Also, the materials, numerical values, etc. described in this embodiment are merely examples of preferable ones and are not limited thereto. Also, appropriate changes can be made without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Also, combinations of some of the configurations with other embodiments are possible as long as there is no contradiction.

[0030] In the buffer device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the aspect of the buffer device 1 will be described by taking, as an example, a thin plate-shaped component having a rectangular shape in plan view as the work to be transported by the buffer device 1. However, the work to be transported may be, for example, a thin plate-shaped component made of metal, resin, or a composite thereof, or may be, for example, a flexible film, an adhesive sheet, a rubber sheet, cloth, fabric, or an intermediate product, part, member, etc. for manufacturing various products.

[0031] Needless to say, the material, thickness, size, shape, etc. of the work are not limited to the above-mentioned matters. Also, the member transported by the buffer device 1 only needs to be a thin plate-shaped member, and it goes without saying that it is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration.

[0032] <Regarding the configuration of the conveyance 1000> The configuration of the conveyance device 1000 including the buffer device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the conveyance device 1000 including the buffer device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0033] The conveying device 1000 is a device for conveying a thin plate-shaped component as a workpiece. As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying device 1000 includes a workpiece material supply unit 2 that supplies a strip-shaped workpiece material, a cutting unit 3 that cuts the workpiece material into workpieces E of a predetermined length, a buffer device 1, a conveying unit 6 that conveys the workpiece E to the subsequent stage, and a control unit 7 that controls each element of the buffer device 1.

[0034] The workpiece material supply unit 2 consists of a raw roll Eo of the workpiece material that supplies the strip-shaped workpiece material.

[0035] The cutting unit 3 includes a rotary cutter and a pair of drive rollers arranged before and after it, and is a mechanism for cutting the strip-shaped workpiece material into workpieces E of a predetermined length.

[0036] The buffer device 1 includes a servo loop unit 20, a first conveying unit 10 arranged upstream of the servo loop unit 20 that supplies the workpiece E to the servo loop unit 20, and a second conveying unit 30 arranged downstream of the servo loop unit 20 that receives the workpiece E from the servo loop unit 20 and conveys it to the subsequent stage.

[0037] The conveying unit 6 is a conveying mechanism for conveying the workpiece E, and may be one in which the belt is transmitted by the rotation of a motor, or may be one in which a plurality of feed rollers are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0038] The control unit 7 is composed of a control circuit including a CPU in which a predetermined operation program is executed, is connected to each of the above-described elements, acquires the position information of the electrode E from each element, and outputs a control signal to each element at a predetermined timing based on the operation program so that each element operates in conjunction, thereby integrally controlling the operation of each element.

[0039] The conveying device 1000 having the above configuration cuts the strip-shaped workpiece member into the workpiece E, accumulates it in the buffer device 1, and then performs an operation of discharging it at regular intervals to the subsequent stage by the conveying unit 6.

[0040] <Regarding the detailed configuration of the buffer device 1> The details of the buffer device 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the buffer device 1. FIG. 3(a) is a plan view showing the configuration of the first transport unit 10 in the buffer device 1, and (b) is a plan view showing the configuration of the second transport unit 30. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 in the buffer device 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the buffer device 1 includes a servo loop unit 20, a first transport unit 10, and a second transport unit 30.

[0043] (Regarding the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30) The first transport unit 10 is arranged on the upstream side of the servo loop unit 20 and is a transport mechanism that supplies the single-sheet work E supplied from the previous process to the servo loop unit 20. The first transport unit 10 transports the work E in the X direction (the first direction) and is configured such that at least a part of the first transport unit 10 is movable in the Y direction different from the first direction.

[0044] Specifically, the first transport unit 10 is composed of transport means 11 arranged in a row in the transport direction, transport means 12 that is swingable such that at least the downstream end in the transport direction moves up and down in the Y direction, and transport means 13 that is movable up and down in the Y direction. Among these, the transport means 12 is configured such that the downstream end in the transport direction is movable up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction, and the transport means 13 is configured such that the whole is movable up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction. The transport means 11, 12, and 13 operate in conjunction to transport the work E in the first direction and transfer it onto the tray 24 in the servo loop unit 20 described later.

[0045] The second transport unit 30 is arranged on the upstream side of the servo loop unit 20 and is a transport mechanism that receives the work E from the servo loop unit 20 and transports it to the subsequent stage. The second transport unit 30 transports the work E in the X direction (the first direction) and is configured such that at least a part of the second transport unit 30 is movable in the Y direction different from the first direction.

[0046] Specifically, the second conveying unit 30 is composed of conveying means 33, conveying means 32, and conveying means 31 arranged in a row in the conveying direction. Among these, the conveying means 33 is configured such that the entire unit can move up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction, and the conveying means 32 is configured such that the upstream end in the conveying direction can move up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction. By operating the conveying means 33, 32, and 31 in conjunction, the work E is received from the tray 24 in the servo loop unit 20 described later and conveyed in the first direction.

[0047] Details of the conveying means 11, 12, 13, 33, 32, and 31 are as follows.

[0048] The conveying means 11, 12, and 13 each include suction belts 111, 121, and 131 between the upstream rollers 112, 122, and 132, the downstream rollers 113, 123, and 133, and rollers Y2 and Y3, and suction devices 114, 124, and 134 located below the suction belts.

[0049] Here, in the conveying means 12, the rollers 122 and 123 are rotatably supported by a frame 125, and the frame 125 is configured to be swingable by separate driving means with reference to the rotation center of the roller 122. As a result, the conveying means 12 is configured such that at least the roller 123 can move up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction.

[0050] Also, in the conveying means 13, the rollers 132 and 133 are rotatably supported by a frame 135, and the entire frame 135 is configured to be movable up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction by separate driving means.

[0051] With such a configuration, at least a part of the first conveying unit 10 (the conveying means 13 and the roller 123 in the conveying means 12) of the first conveying unit 10 is configured to be movable in the Y direction different from the conveying direction (X direction) of the work E.

[0052] Further, the conveying means 12 can be configured to follow the conveying means 13 that moves up and down as at least the roller 123 on the conveying means 13 side swings vertically. At the same time, the roller 122 on the conveying means 11 side is fixed, and a configuration can be realized in which the conveying path from the conveying means 11 to the conveying means 12 does not change.

[0053] Similarly, the conveying means 33, 32, 31 are each provided with suction belts 331, 321, 311 between the upstream rollers 332, 322, 312 and the downstream rollers 333, 323, 313, and rollers Y2, Y3, and suction devices 334, 324, 314 located below the suction belts.

[0054] Here too, in the conveying means 32, the rollers 322 and 323 are rotatably supported by the frame 325, and the frame 325 is configured to be swingable by separate driving means with reference to the rotation center of the roller 323. As a result, the conveying means 32 is configured such that at least the roller 322 can move up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction.

[0055] Also, in the conveying means 33, the rollers 332 and 333 are rotatably supported by the frame 335, and the entire frame 335 is configured to be movable up and down within a predetermined range in the Y direction by separate driving means.

[0056] With such a configuration, the second conveying unit 30 is configured such that at least a part of the second conveying unit 30 (the conveying means 33 and the roller 322 in the conveying means 32) can move in the Y direction different from the conveying direction (X direction) of the workpiece E.

[0057] Further, the conveying means 32 can be configured to follow the conveying means 33 that moves up and down as at least the roller 322 on the conveying means 33 side swings vertically. At the same time, the roller 323 on the conveying means 31 side is fixed, and a configuration can be realized in which the conveying path from the conveying means 32 to the conveying means 31 does not change.

[0058] In addition, in the above, the adsorption belt is stretched between two rollers on the upstream side and the downstream side, and is conveyed by the rotation drive of the rollers by a conveyance drive unit (not shown) based on the instruction of the control unit 80.

[0059] In addition, the suction device is connected to a suction pump (not shown), and is driven by a suction drive unit (not shown) based on the instruction of the control unit 80 to suck air from the surface on the adsorption belt side. A plurality of intake holes (not shown) are provided in the adsorption belt, and the workpiece E is adsorbed and held on the upper surface of the adsorption belt and conveyed. By controlling the acceleration, deceleration, and stop of the adsorption belt while the workpiece E is adsorbed and held, the conveyance speed of the adsorbed and held workpiece E can be finely controlled.

[0060] (Regarding the servo loop unit 20) The servo loop unit 20 includes a plurality of trays 24 transferred on a circulation path, and continuously transfers the workpieces E supplied from the first transfer unit 10 one by one to each of the trays 24, conveys the workpieces E on the circulation path, and is a loop transfer mechanism for discharging the workpieces E from the trays 24 to the second transfer unit 30.

[0061] The servo loop unit 20 includes pulleys 22 and 23 spaced apart by a predetermined distance that constitute a circulation path, and belt means 21 stretched between the pulley 22 and the pulley 23.

[0062] In addition, it includes a plurality of trays 24 fixed to the belt means 21 and transferred (M4) on the circulation path by the belt means 21.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the tray 24 has a base portion 243 fixed to the valley portion 21b (between the peak portions 21a) of the belt means 21 by fastening means (not shown) such as bolts / nuts. In plan view, the tray 24 has a comb shape with the base portion 243. Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), in plan view, portions other than the roller 132 of the conveying means 13 enter the gaps 24b between the comb portions 24a of the tray 24, and the tray 24 is arranged so as to overlap a part of the conveying means 13 in the conveying direction (X direction) of the conveying means 13. Thereby, when transferring the work E from the first conveying unit 10 to the tray 24, the work E can be conveyed to the vicinity of the base portion 243 of the tray 24.

[0064] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in plan view, portions other than the roller 333 of the conveying means 33 enter the gaps 24b between the comb portions 24a of the tray 24, and the tray 24 is arranged so as to overlap a part of the conveying means 33 in the conveying direction (X direction) of the conveying means 33. Thereby, when transferring the work E from the tray 24 to the second conveying unit 30, the work E can be conveyed from the vicinity of the base portion of the tray 24.

[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of trays 24 hold the work E between a pair of trays 241 and 242 that are continuous along the circulation path.

[0066] Specifically, a pair of clamps 244 are provided on both sides in the Y direction of the base portion 243 in the tray 241. The clamp 244 is rotatably supported about the center of the starting point 244o of the base portion 243, and is configured to press the tray 241 with the tip portion 244a sandwiching the workpiece E by means of a spring (not shown) or the like, so as to sandwich the vicinity of the tip of the workpiece E. Further, the clamp 244 is configured such that when the tray 241 is transported on the circulation path, the cam follower portion 244b of the clamp 244 abuts against the fixed cam 245 within a predetermined range of the circulation path, thereby releasing the pressing force on the tray 241. The fixed cam 245 is arranged on the frame 26. By providing such a clamp 244, a configuration can be realized in which the tray 241 is transported on the circulation path while sandwiching the workpiece E, and the dropout and displacement of the workpiece E from the tray 241 during transportation on the circulation path can be suppressed. As a result, the circulation speed of the servo loop portion 20 can be improved.

[0067] The belt means 21 is circulated and conveyed (M4) by the pulleys 22 and 23 being rotationally driven clockwise (R2, R3 in the buffer device 1) by a conveyance drive unit (not shown) based on an instruction from the control unit 80, and a plurality of trays 24 are transported on the circulation path while holding the workpiece E between the pair of trays 241 and 242.

[0068] As described above, the first transfer unit 10 is configured such that a part of the first transfer unit 10 can move in a direction different from the first direction. When supplying the sheet-like work E supplied from the previous process to the servo loop unit 20, at the timing when the work E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, at least the part of the first transfer unit 10 that overlaps with the tray 24 in the transport direction (X direction) is controlled to move in the same direction as the transfer direction (M4) of the tray 24 on which the work E is transferred. Here, the timing when the work E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24 refers to any point in time after the leading end of the traveling direction of the work E reaches the tray 24 in the transport direction (X direction) and until at least more than half of the work E in the transport direction is placed on the tray 24. Similarly, the second transfer unit 30 is configured such that at least a part of the second transfer unit 30 can move in a direction different from the first direction. At the timing when the work E is transferred from the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 to the second transfer unit 30, at least the part of the second transfer unit 30 that overlaps with the tray 24 in the transport direction (X direction) is controlled to move in the same direction as the transfer direction (M5) of the tray 24 on which the work E is mounted. Here, the timing when the work E is transferred from the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 to the second transfer unit 30 refers to any point in time after the transport of the work E is started by the second transfer unit 30 and until the trailing end of the traveling direction of the work E is discharged from the tray 24 in the transport direction (X direction).

[0069] [Regarding the lifting mechanism of the servo loop unit 20] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are side views showing a schematic configuration of the lifting mechanism of the servo loop unit 20 in the buffer device 1.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), a lifting belt 25 is stretched around the pulleys 22 and 23. The lifting belt 25 is wound around a pair of drive pulleys 271 and 272 via tension rollers 281 and 282. Further, the pulleys 22 and 23 are rotatably supported by the frame 26 in a state where the distance P1 between the centers is fixed in parallel to the Y direction.

[0071] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5(a), at least one of the drive pulleys 271 and 272 is separately rotationally driven in the R4 direction by a drive means (not shown), so that the pulleys 22 and 23 with the axial distance fixed by the frame 26 rise in the Y direction (M7). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(a), at least one of the drive pulleys 271 and 272 is separately rotationally driven in the R5 direction by a drive means (not shown), so that the pulleys 22 and 23 descend in the Y direction (M8).

[0072] When the supply quantity of the work E per unit time to the buffer device 1 is larger than the carry-out quantity by the lifting mechanism of this servo loop unit 20, the pulleys 22 and 23 of the servo loop unit 20 are lifted in the Y direction (M7). When the supply quantity of the work E per unit time to the buffer device 1 is smaller than the carry-out quantity, the pulleys 22 and 23 of the servo loop unit 20 are lowered in the Y direction (M8). Thereby, the buffer device 1 can increase or decrease the quantity of the work E accumulated in the servo loop unit 20 according to the supply quantity of the work E from the first transport unit 10, absorb the interruption of the supply of the work E by the first transport unit 10 and the variation of the supply quantity, and continuously discharge the work E to the second transport unit 30.

[0073] <Regarding the operation of the laminate forming apparatus 1000> Next, the forming operation of the laminate LA performed in the transport apparatus 1000 will be described.

[0074] First, the work material supply unit 2 rotates the work material original web Eo in the R1 direction to supply a strip-shaped work material (M1), and the cutting unit 3 cuts the strip-shaped work material into work E of a predetermined length and carries out the work E to the subsequent stage.

[0075] Next, the buffer device 1 acquires the workpiece E, rotates the servo loop unit 20 in the R2 and R3 directions, and raises and lowers the servo loop unit 20 according to the supplied workpiece E, thereby performing a servo loop process to increase or decrease the quantity of the workpiece E accumulated in the servo loop unit 20. Details of the operation of the buffer device 1 will be described later. Thereby, the interruption of the supply of the workpiece E and the variation in the supply amount are absorbed, and the workpiece E is continuously discharged to the conveying unit 6 (M3).

[0076] As described above, the workpiece E can be cut from the strip-shaped workpiece member, the interruption of the supply and the variation in the supply amount can be absorbed, and the workpiece E can be continuously discharged to the subsequent stage.

[0077] <Regarding the operation of the buffer device 1> Next, details of the operation of the servo loop process performed in the buffer device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0078] (Operation of supplying the workpiece E to the servo loop unit 20) Figs. 6(a) to (c), Figs. 7(a) to (c), and Figs. 8(a) and (b) are schematic plan views for explaining the operations of the first conveying unit 10 and the servo loop unit 20 in the servo loop process. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position in the conveying direction of the sheet member and the conveying speed in the first conveying unit 10 in the servo loop process.

[0079] In Fig. 6(a), the conveying means 13 is located at the uppermost position, and the tip of the workpiece E1 located on the right side of the paper surface is inserted between the opened clamp 244 and the tray 241 (X1), and the conveying means 13 has stopped conveying the workpiece E1. In this state, the conveying means 11 conveys the workpiece E2 located on the left side of the paper surface at the maximum speed Vmax in Fig. 9 (M21). The tray 24 is transferred at a constant speed by the belt means 21 (M4).

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the conveying means 13 descends (UD11), and the workpiece E1 is transferred onto the tray 241 (X1). At the same time, the clamp 244 presses the tip of the workpiece E against the tray 241 (X1) to clamp the workpiece E. The conveying means 12 rotates in the SW11 direction with reference to the center of the roller 122 in conjunction with the conveying means 13. In this state, the conveying means 11 and the conveying means 12 convey the workpiece E2 (M22).

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the conveying means 13 further descends (UD11), and the conveying means 12 rotates further in the SW11 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 13. In this state, the conveying means 12 further conveys the workpiece E2 (M22).

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the conveying means 13 further descends (UD11) to the lowest position. The conveying means 12 rotates further in the SW11 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 13. In this state, the tip of the workpiece E2 reaches the conveying means 13 and enters the gap between the tray 241 (X2) and the tray 242. The conveying means 12 and the conveying means 13 further convey the workpiece E2 while decelerating the conveying speed (M23).

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the conveying means 13 turns to ascend (UD12). The conveying means 12 rotates in the reverse direction and rotates in the SW12 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 13. In this state, the workpiece E2 further enters the gap between the tray 241 (X2) and the tray 242. The conveying means 12 and the conveying means 13 further convey the workpiece E2 while further decelerating the conveying speed (M23).

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the conveying means 13 ascends (UD12). The conveying means 12 rotates in the SW12 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 13. In this state, the conveying means 13 further conveys the workpiece E2 while decelerating the conveying speed to the minimum speed V1 in FIG. 9 (M23). Since the tray 24 is being transferred at a constant speed by the belt means 21 (M4), the workpiece E2 enters further into the gap between the tray 241 (X2) and the tray 242 while ascending together with the conveying means 13 with the conveying speed decreased. Thereby, it is possible to secure a time during which the workpiece E can enter from the first conveying unit 10 into the gap of the tray 24.

[0085] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the conveying means 13 is located at the uppermost position, the tip of the workpiece E2 is inserted between the opened clamp 244 and the tray 241 (X2), and the conveying means 13 has stopped conveying the workpiece E2. In this state, the conveying means 11 conveys the workpiece E3 located on the left side of the paper surface (M21).

[0086] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the conveying means 13 descends (UD11), and the workpiece E2 is transferred onto the tray 241 (X2). The conveying means 12 rotates in the SW11 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 13. At the same time, the clamp 244 clamps the tip of the workpiece E2. In this state, the conveying means 11 and the conveying means 12 convey a new workpiece E3 (M22).

[0087] Through the above steps, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the first conveying unit 10 to the tray 24, at least the portion of the first conveying unit 10 that overlaps with the tray 24 in the conveying direction (X direction) moves in the same direction as the transfer direction (M4) of the tray 24 onto which the workpiece E is transferred, and the operation of supplying the workpiece E to the servo loop unit 20 is performed.

[0088] That is, at the timing when the work E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, by running in parallel at least the portion of the first transfer unit 10 that overlaps with the tray 24 in the X direction and the tray 24 in the transfer direction (M4) of the tray 24, the time during which the work E can enter between the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 can be increased.

[0089] If it is assumed that the work E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24 with the tray 24 stopped without running in parallel in the transfer direction (M4) between the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24, a considerable amount of time is required for the intermittent transfer of the tray 24. In this case, since the annular belt 21 included in the servo loop unit 20 and all the trays 24 are transferred simultaneously, a large inertial weight requires a considerable amount of time for acceleration and deceleration. And during the time excluding the transfer time of this tray 24, it is necessary to transfer the work E from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, and the required transfer speed of the work E in terms of design becomes large.

[0090] On the other hand, in the buffer device 1 according to the embodiment, as described above, by running in parallel the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 in the M4 direction, the time during which the work E can enter between the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 can be increased. And during the time including the transfer time of the tray 24, the work E can be transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, and an increase in the required transfer speed of the work E can be suppressed. Note that since the transfer means 12, 13 in the first transfer unit 10 have a smaller inertial weight than the servo loop unit 20, the time required for lifting is also relatively small.

[0091] Accordingly, even when the quantity of workpieces supplied per unit time from the first conveying unit 10 to the servo loop unit 20 is increased to improve production efficiency, the workpiece E can be transferred from the first conveying unit 10 to the tray 24 within a range of conveying speeds that can suppress damage to the workpiece E. That is, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can prevent the conveying speed of the workpiece E in the first conveying unit 10 from becoming excessive while increasing the quantity of workpieces per unit time, and can suppress damage to the workpieces.

[0092] (Operation of discharging the workpiece E from the servo loop unit 20) Figs. 10(a)-(b), Figs. 11(a)-(c), and Figs. 12(a)-(c) are schematic plan views for explaining the operations of the second conveying unit 20 and the servo loop unit 20 in the servo loop processing step. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position in the conveying direction and the conveying speed of the sheet member in the second conveying unit 20 in the servo loop processing step.

[0093] Fig. 10(a) shows a state in which the tip of the workpiece E1 located on the left side of the paper surface is clamped to the tray 241(X1) by the clamp 244. In this state, the conveying means 32 and the conveying means 31 convey the workpiece E0 located on the right side of the paper surface at the maximum speed Vmax in Fig. 13 (M31). The tray 24 is transferred at a constant speed by the belt means 21 (M5).

[0094] Next, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the conveying means 33 rises (UD21) and is located at the uppermost position, and the conveying means 32 rotates in the SW21 direction with reference to the center of the roller 323 in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 31 conveys the workpiece E0 (M31).

[0095] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the conveying means 33 starts to descend (UD22), and the conveying means 32 rotates in the SW22 direction by reversing in conjunction with the conveying means 33. At the same time, the clamp 244 releases the clamping of the workpiece E1 to the tray 241 (X1), and the workpiece E1 is transferred to the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 33 starts to convey the workpiece E1 at the minimum speed V1 in Fig. 13 (M32). Since the tray 241 (X1) is being transferred in the M5 direction at a constant speed by the belt means 21, the workpiece E1 is being transferred in the M5 direction while descending together with the conveying means 33 at the minimum speed V1, and is carried out from the gap between the tray 241 (X1) being transferred in the M5 direction and the tray 242. Thereby, it is possible to ensure the time during which the workpiece E can be discharged from the gap of the tray 24 to the conveying means 32.

[0096] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the conveying means 33 descends further (UD22), and the conveying means 32 rotates further in the SW22 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 33 and the conveying means 32 convey the workpiece E1 while accelerating the conveying speed (M33). Also here, the workpiece E1 is carried out from the gap between the tray 241 (X1) being transferred in the M5 direction and the tray 242 while descending together with the conveying means 33.

[0097] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(c), the conveying means 33 descends further (UD22) and is located at the lowest position. The conveying means 32 rotates further in the SW22 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 33 and the conveying means 32 convey the workpiece E1 while further increasing the conveying speed (M33).

[0098] Next, as shown in Fig. 12(a), the conveying means 33 starts to ascend (UD21), and the conveying means 32 rotates in the SW21 direction by reversing in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 32 further conveys the workpiece E1 at the maximum speed Vmax in Fig. 13 while further decelerating the conveying speed (M33).

[0099] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the conveying means 33 further ascends (UD21), and the conveying means 32 rotates further in the SW21 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the workpiece E1 reaches the conveying means 31, and the conveying means 32 and the conveying means 31 further convey the workpiece E1 (M31).

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the conveying means 33 ascends (UD21) and is positioned at the uppermost position, and the conveying means 32 rotates in the SW21 direction in conjunction with the conveying means 33. In this state, the conveying means 31 conveys the workpiece E1 (M31).

[0101] Through the above steps, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 to the second conveying unit 30, the second conveying unit 30 performs an operation of discharging the workpiece E from the servo loop unit 20 while at least the portion of the second conveying unit 30 overlapping the tray 24 in the conveying direction (X direction) moves in the same direction as the transfer direction (M5) of the tray 24 carrying the workpiece E.

[0102] Here too, similar to the case of the workpiece supply operation to the above-described servo loop unit 20, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 to the second conveying unit 30, the second conveying unit 30 runs parallel to the tray 24 in the transfer direction (M5) of the tray 24 with at least the portion of the second conveying unit 30 overlapping the tray 24 in the X direction and the tray 24, thereby increasing the time during which the workpiece E can be discharged from the gap of the tray 24 to the second conveying unit 30. Then, within the time including the transfer time of the tray 24, the workpiece E can be transferred from the tray 24 to the second conveying unit 30, and an increase in the required conveying speed of the workpiece E can be suppressed.

[0103] Thus, even when the quantity of workpieces supplied from the servo loop unit 20 to the second transfer unit 30 per unit time is increased to improve production efficiency, the workpiece E can be transferred from the tray 24 to the second transfer unit 30 within a range of transfer speeds that can suppress damage to the workpiece E. That is, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece while increasing the quantity of workpieces per unit time.

[0104] <Summary> (1) The buffer device 1 according to the embodiment includes a first transfer unit 10 that transfers the workpiece E in a first direction, a plurality of trays 24 that are transferred on a circulation path, a servo loop unit 20 that continuously transfers one workpiece E to each of the plurality of trays 24 and transfers the workpiece E, and a second transfer unit 30 that transfers the workpiece E out to the subsequent stage after transferring it from each of the plurality of trays 24. At least a portion of the first transfer unit 10 that is close to the servo loop unit 20 is configured to be movable in a Y direction different from the first direction. The portion of the first transfer unit 10 moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray when the workpiece E is transferred at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24.

[0105] With such a configuration, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 are made to run parallel, and at least a portion of the first transfer unit 10 that is close to the servo loop unit 20 moves in the same direction as the transfer direction (M4) of the tray 24 to which the workpiece E is transferred, while the first transfer unit 10 can supply the workpiece E to the servo loop unit 20. As a result, even when the quantity of workpieces supplied from the first transfer unit 10 to the servo loop unit 20 per unit time is increased to improve production efficiency, the time during which the workpiece E can enter between the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 can be increased. Thereby, the workpiece E can be transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24 while suppressing the transfer speed of the workpiece E within a range that can suppress damage to the workpiece, and damage to the workpiece can be suppressed.

[0106] As a result, it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece being transported and continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to the subsequent process.

[0107] (2) The first transport unit 10 includes a first transport means 12 and a second transport means 13 arranged in a row closer to the servo loop unit 20 side than the first transport means 12. The second transport means 12 is configured to be reciprocally movable parallel to the transfer direction M4 of the tray 24 when the workpiece E is transferred to the tray. The first transport means 12 is configured to be swingable such that at least the roller 123 on the second transport means 13 side reciprocates substantially parallel to the transfer direction M4 of the tray 24 when the workpiece E is transferred to the tray 24. The portion of the first transport unit 10 close to the servo loop unit 20 may be configured as the second transport means 13 and at least the roller 123 on the second transport means 13 side of the first transport means 12.

[0108] With this configuration, by providing the transport means 12 for filling the vertical drop between the transport means 13 that moves up and down and the fixed transport means 11, the transport means 12 can realize a configuration in which at least the roller 123 on the transport means 13 side swings up and down and follows the transport means 13 that moves up and down as a whole. At the same time, the roller 122 on the transport means 11 side is fixed, and a configuration in which the transport path from the transport means 11 to the transport means 12 does not change can be realized. From this, the transport means 12 can receive the workpiece E from the transport means 11 regardless of the lifting of the transport means 13.

[0109] As a result, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the first transport unit 10 to the tray 24, a configuration in which the workpiece E moves in the same direction as the transfer direction M4 of the tray 24 when the workpiece E is transferred is realized, and it is possible to provide a buffer device that can suppress damage to the workpiece and continuously and efficiently supply the workpiece to the subsequent process.

[0110] (3) The portion of the first transport unit 10 may be configured to be arranged so as to overlap the tray 24 in the transport direction (X direction).

[0111] With such a configuration, when transferring the workpiece E from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, the workpiece E can be transferred to the vicinity of the base portion 243 of the tray 24, and a configuration that can stably transfer the workpiece E from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24 can be realized.

[0112] (4) At the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24, by adopting a configuration that moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray when the workpiece E is transferred, the time during which the workpiece E can enter between the first transfer unit 10 and the tray 24 is increased, and the first transfer unit 10 decelerates and stops the transfer of the workpiece E before the workpiece E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24.

[0113] As a result, when supplying the workpiece from the transfer line of the previous process to the buffer device 1, it is possible to prevent the tip of the workpiece from colliding with the buffer device 1, and prevent damage such as bending of the workpiece, partial defects when the workpiece is made of a brittle material, or peeling of the surface layer when the workpiece has a coating layer.

[0114] Also, at this time, the first transfer unit 10 may be configured to decelerate the workpiece E before stopping the transfer of the workpiece E.

[0115] With such a configuration, a configuration that stops the transfer of the workpiece E before the workpiece E is transferred from the first transfer unit 10 to the tray 24 can be realized.

[0116] (5) The second transfer unit 30 sequentially transfers and conveys the workpiece E from each of the plurality of trays 24 at regular intervals, and a portion of the second transfer unit 30 close to the servo loop unit 20 is configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction (X direction). At the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the tray 24 to the second transfer unit 30, the portion of the second transfer unit 30 may be configured to move in the same direction as the transfer direction (M5) of the tray 24 on which the workpiece E is mounted.

[0117] With such a configuration, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the tray 24 of the servo loop unit 20 to the second transfer unit 30, the second transfer unit 30 and the tray 24 are made to run parallel to each other, and at least the portion of the second transfer unit 30 close to the servo loop unit 20 moves in the same direction as the transfer direction (M5) of the tray 24 on which the workpiece E is mounted, while the workpiece E can be carried out from the servo loop unit 20. As a result, in order to improve production efficiency, even when the quantity of workpieces supplied per unit time from the servo loop unit 20 to the second transfer unit 30 is increased, the time during which the workpiece E can be discharged from the gap of the tray 24 to the second transfer unit 30 can be increased. Thereby, the transfer speed of the workpiece E can be suppressed within a range where damage to the workpiece can be suppressed, and damage to the workpiece can be suppressed.

[0118] (6) The second transfer unit 30 includes a third transfer means 32 and a fourth transfer means 33 arranged in a row on the side of the servo loop unit 20 with respect to the third transfer means 32. The fourth transfer means 33 is configured to be reciprocally movable parallel to the transfer direction M5 of the tray 24 when the workpiece E is carried out from the tray 24. The third transfer means 32 is configured to be swingable such that at least the roller 322 on the side of the fourth transfer means 33 reciprocates substantially parallel to the transfer direction M5 of the tray 24 when the workpiece E is carried out from the tray 24. The portion of the second transfer unit 30 close to the servo loop unit 20 may be configured as the fourth transfer means 33 and at least the roller 322 on the side of the fourth transfer means 33 of the third transfer means 32.

[0119] With such a configuration, at the timing when the workpiece E is transferred from the tray 24 to the second transfer unit 30, a configuration can be realized in which the portion of the second transfer unit 30 moves in the same direction as the transfer direction M5 of the tray 24 on which the workpiece E is mounted.

[0120] (7) The portion of the second transfer unit 30 close to the servo loop unit 20 may be configured to be arranged so as to overlap the tray 24 in the transfer direction (X direction).

[0121] With such a configuration, when transferring the workpiece E from the tray 24 to the second conveying unit 30, the workpiece E can be conveyed from near the base of the tray 24, and a configuration can be realized in which the workpiece E can be stably transferred from the tray 24 to the second conveying unit 30.

[0122] <<Supplementary Explanation>> All the embodiments described above show preferred specific examples of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, the order of steps, etc. shown in the embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Among the components in the embodiments, those not described in the independent claims indicating the highest-level concept of the present invention are described as arbitrary components constituting a more preferred form.

[0123] Also, the order in which the above methods are executed is for illustration in order to specifically describe the present invention, and other orders may also be possible. Also, a part of the above methods may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other methods.

[0124] Also, for ease of understanding of the invention, the scales of the components in each figure cited in the above embodiments may be different from the actual ones. Also, the present invention is not limited by the descriptions of the above embodiments and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0125] The buffer device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be suitably used as a device for connecting a conveying device that conveys articles such as products, parts, workpieces, packages, and various containers in a manufacturing line or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0126] 1000 Conveying Device 1 Buffer Device 2 Workpiece Material Supply Unit 3 Cutting Unit 6 Conveying Unit 10 First Conveying Unit 11, 12, 13 Conveying means 111, 121, 131 Suction belts 112, 122, 132 Rollers 113, 123, 133 Rollers 114, 124, 134 Suction devices 125 Oscillation mechanism 135 Lifting mechanism 20 Servo loop section 21 Annular belt 22 Driving pulley 23 Driving pulley 24 Tray 241, 242 Trays 243 Base portion 244 Clamp 25 Lifting belt 26 Frame 271, 272 Lifting driving pulleys 281, 282 Driven pulleys 30 Second conveying section 31, 32, 33 Conveying means 311, 321, 331 Suction belts 312, 322, 332 Rollers 313, 323, 333 Rollers 314, 324, 334 Suction devices 325 Oscillation mechanism 335 Lifting mechanism 7 Control section E workpiece, (sheet member)

Claims

1. A buffer device for discharging a sheet member supplied sheet by sheet at regular intervals, comprising: a first conveying unit that conveys the sheet member supplied sheet by sheet from the previous process in a first direction; a servo loop unit including a plurality of trays transferred on a circulation path, continuously transferring one sheet of the sheet member supplied from the first conveying unit to each of the plurality of trays, and conveying the sheet member; a second conveying unit that transfers the sheet member from each of the plurality of trays and discharges it to the subsequent process; a portion of the first conveying unit that is close to the servo loop unit in the first direction is configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction; the portion of the first conveying unit moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray at the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the first conveying unit to the tray; a buffer device.

2. The first conveying unit includes a first conveying means and a second conveying means arranged in a row on the servo loop unit side with respect to the first conveying means; the second conveying means is configured to be reciprocally movable in parallel with the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is transferred to the tray; the first conveying means is configured to be swingable such that at least an end portion on the second conveying means side reciprocally moves substantially parallel to the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is transferred to the tray; the portion of the first conveying unit is the second conveying means and at least the end portion on the second conveying means side of the first conveying means; The buffer device according to claim 1.

3. A part of the portion of the first conveying unit is arranged so as to overlap the tray in the conveying direction; The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first conveying unit stops the conveyance of the sheet member before the sheet member is transferred from the first conveying unit to the tray; The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first conveying unit decelerates the sheet member before stopping the conveyance of the sheet member; The buffer device according to claim 4.

6. The second conveying unit sequentially transfers the sheet members from each of the plurality of trays at regular intervals and conveys them; a portion of the second conveying unit that is close to the servo loop unit in the first direction is configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction; At the timing when the sheet member is transferred from the tray to the second conveying unit, the portion of the second conveying unit moves in the same direction as the transfer direction of the tray on which the sheet member is mounted. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The second conveying unit includes a third conveying means and a fourth conveying means arranged in series on the servo loop unit side with respect to the third conveying means. The fourth conveying means is configured to be reciprocally movable parallel to the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is unloaded from the tray. The third conveying means is configured to be swingable such that at least the end portion on the fourth conveying means side reciprocates substantially parallel to the transfer direction of the tray when the sheet member is unloaded from the tray. The portion of the second conveying unit is the fourth conveying means and at least the end portion on the fourth conveying means side of the third conveying means. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A part of the portion of the second conveying unit close to the servo loop unit is arranged to overlap the tray in the conveying direction. The buffer device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The servo loop unit includes a clamp capable of sandwiching the sheet member transferred from the first conveying unit to the tray between the tray near the base portion of the tray, and the tray is transferred on the circulation path while sandwiching the sheet member. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The clamp, in the transfer of the sheet member from the first conveying unit to the tray, allows the entry of the sheet member while being separated from the tray until the sheet member reaches near the base portion of the tray, and sandwiches the sheet member between the tray after the sheet member reaches near the base portion of the tray and the conveyance is stopped. The buffer device according to claim 9.

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