Traveling system

Abstract

To further flexibly design a route on which a moving body travels in a conveyance system (traveling system) for making the moving body travel using an air flow.SOLUTION: A conveyance system (traveling system) 10C comprises: a blast pipe 100 for moving a moving body 200 by an air flow; an opening / closing segment 130 set at an appropriate position of the blast pipe; and an opening / closing valve 131 for allowing passage of gas and the moving body in the opening / closing segment when the valve is opened, and preventing passage of the gas and the moving body in the opening / closing segment when the valve is closed. The conveyance system 10C comprises a pair of intake / exhaust pipes 140 including an intake pipe 141 for inhaling gas from one end 130a of the opening / closing segment 130, and an exhaust pipe 142 for exhausting gas to the other end 130b of the opening / closing segment 130. The conveyance system 10C generates the air flow within the pair of intake / exhaust pipes by closing the opening / closing valve, and stops the air flow within the pair of intake / exhaust pipes by opening the opening / closing valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a running system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for transporting an object by utilizing magnetic attraction or repulsion are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a conveying device that uses airflow to move a moving body within an air duct and uses magnetic force to move a conveying body in conjunction with the movement of the moving body. Because no mechanical driving means such as a motor, gears, or conveying belt is required to move the moving body and conveying body, the durability of each component of the conveying device can be improved and the running costs of the conveying device can be reduced. In Patent Document 1, the air duct is configured to be endless in order to make the inside of the air duct airtight. The movement path portion of the air duct along which the moving body moves has ends, and the moving body moves back and forth along the movement path portion. The airflow generating means in Patent Document 1 draws in gas from one end in the longitudinal direction of the movement path portion and discharges it to the other end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-45074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, it is not assumed that gas is drawn in and exhausted in the middle of the movement path portion, and as a result, the shape that the movement path portion can take is limited. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to enable more flexible design of the travel path portion in a travel system that uses airflow to travel a mobile object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the traveling system of the present invention includes an air duct that moves a moving body accommodated in a hollow section by an air current, an opening / closing section set in an appropriate position of the air duct, an opening / closing valve that is disposed in the opening / closing section and allows the passage of gas and the moving body in the opening / closing section when the valve is open and prevents the passage of the gas and the moving body in the opening / closing section when the valve is closed, a first intake / exhaust pipe that has one end connected in communication with one end of the opening / closing section and is capable of sucking gas from the air duct, and one end connected in communication with the other end of the opening / closing section and The air conditioner comprises a pair of intake and exhaust pipes including a second intake and exhaust pipe capable of discharging gas into an air supply pipe, a blower unit including a blower that generates an airflow, the other end of the first intake and exhaust pipe and the other end of the second intake and exhaust pipe being connected, and a control means that controls the on-off valve and each part of the blower unit, wherein the control means controls the on-off valve and the blower unit so as to close the on-off valve when an airflow is to be generated in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, and to stop the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes when the on-off valve is opened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to design the movement path portion more flexibly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote transport system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and a blower pipe including the moving body, and a conveying body and a conveying pipe including the moving body, when the moving body and the conveying body are repelled by magnetic force. FIG. [Figure 5]1(a) to 1(c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between an air duct and an air blow control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a conveying pipe and a conveying body. [Figure 7] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and a blower pipe including the moving body, and a conveying body and a conveying pipe including the moving body when the moving body and the conveying body are attracted to each other by magnetic force. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air duct and transport duct including the moving body and the transport body when each pole of the moving body side magnet is arranged facing the traveling direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the air flow control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the air flow control unit. [Figure 11] 10(a), 10(b), 10(c), and 10(d) are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 10(a), of the conveying body 500 with the collection member (collection claw) in an open state. [Figure 12] 10(a) and 10(b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of the conveying body 500 when the collection member (collection claw) is in a closed state. [Figure 13] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a conveying pipe 400 and a conveying body 500. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration related to airflow control of the transfer system. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a moving body, a conveying body, and a conveying pipe in the conveying system. [Figure 17] 1(a) to 1(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an on-off valve, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 19] 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the switching valve switches the pipe to which the valve is connected; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of generating a clockwise airflow in an air duct. [Figure 22] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below using the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative positions, etc. described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0010] A. First paper sheet transport system according to the present invention The basic configuration and operation of the paper sheet transport system according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described below. The paper sheet transport system is installed in an island facility in an amusement parlor where various gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot machines are installed. In the following embodiments, the paper sheets will be mainly described as an example of paper sheets, but the present invention can also be applied to securities such as cash vouchers and gift certificates, cards, and other paper sheets (sheets) other than paper notes. Although not specifically shown or described, the paper sheet transport system of the present invention is also applicable to a banknote transport system and a banknote transport device in a casino.

[0011] [Outline of island equipment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines. Each gaming machine 1 is installed on an island facility L (L1, L2, ...), with eight gaming machines 1 on each of two opposing sides of each island facility L, for a total of 16 gaming machines 1 arranged back to back. Between each island facility L, there are provided passageways for players or game parlor staff, and chairs (not shown) are provided for each gaming machine 1. In each island facility L, an inter-machine device 2 is installed for each gaming machine 1. The inter-machine device 2 is equipped with a bill insertion port (bill insertion section) that accepts inserted bills, and a gaming medium dispensing device that dispenses a number of pachinko balls according to the value of the inserted bills, etc. The illustrated island facility L is equipped with a bill transport system 10 that transports bills inserted from the inter-machine device 2 to a safe unit 700 located at one end of the island facility L.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an island fixture including a plurality of gaming machines. The banknote transport system 10 installed in the island equipment L includes an accepting unit (banknote accepting device) 600 that accepts banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion port of the inter-machine machine 2, a transport tube 400 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the island equipment L (the direction in which the gaming machines 1 are arranged) and transports the banknotes accepted by the accepting unit 600, and a safe unit 700 that is arranged at one end of the transport tube 400.

[0013] [General configuration of banknote transport system] <Overview> 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a banknote transport system. A banknote transport system (paper sheet transport mechanism) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it transports banknotes using airflow and magnetic force. The banknote conveying system 10 includes an air duct 100 that forms a gas flow path (air flow path 101), a moving body 200 that receives an air current flowing in a predetermined direction within the air duct 100 and travels (moves) within the air duct 100, an air flow control unit 300 that controls the air current flowing within the air duct 100, a conveying body 500 that is configured to be able to hold banknotes (paper sheets) and travels (moves) within the conveying body 400. The conveying body 400 forms the conveying path 401 for banknotes (paper sheets) (banknote (paper sheet) conveying path, conveying space). The moving body 200 has a moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213), and the conveying body 500 has a conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523). At least one of the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body is composed of a magnet.

[0014] The banknote transport system 10 also includes a receiving unit 600 that receives banknotes inserted from outside and keeps them waiting at a predetermined position within the transport tube 400, a safe unit 700 that has a banknote storage section that stores banknotes transported by the transport body 500, and a management unit (control means) 800 that controls each part that makes up the banknote transport system 10. In this example, the airflow control unit 300 and the safe unit 700 are housed in a housing 801 that houses the management unit 800. The banknote conveying system 10 is characterized in that the air current flowing through the air duct 100 moves the movable body 200 arranged inside the air duct 100 back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the air duct 100, and the magnetic force acting between the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 arranged inside the conveying tube 400 moves along the longitudinal direction of the air duct 100. In other words, the banknote conveying system 10 is characterized in that the conveying body 500 moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200 that is subjected to the air current, by attraction and / or repulsion based on the magnetic force acting between the movable body-side magnet 213 and the conveying body-side magnet 523.

[0015] <Outline of each part> The air duct 100 includes a movement path portion 111 in at least a portion of its longitudinal direction along which the moving body 200 travels along the longitudinal direction of the air duct 100. The movement path portion 111 is disposed in parallel with and adjacent to the conveying duct 400. The moving body 200 receives the air current flowing in a predetermined direction within the air duct 100 and moves within the air duct 100. The moving body side magnet 213 mounted on the moving body 200 applies a repulsive action and / or an attractive action to the conveying body 500 by magnetic force. The moving body 200 moves the moving body 200 in conjunction with its own movement by the magnetic force. The airflow control unit 300 is provided with a blower (airflow generating device) 310 that generates (creates) an airflow in a predetermined direction within the airflow duct 100 and can change the volume and speed of the airflow. The airflow control unit 300 causes the moving body 200 to move back and forth within the airflow duct 100 by alternately generating an airflow in a first direction (banknote collection direction, arrow B direction) within the airflow duct 100 and an airflow in a second direction (conveyor return direction, arrow C direction) opposite to the first direction. The conveying tube 400 forms a space in which the banknotes and the conveying body 500 move. The conveyance body 500 receives banknotes waiting at a predetermined position in the conveyance path 401, holds them in an upright state, and conveys the banknotes toward the safe unit 700 by moving within the conveyance path 401. The conveyance body side magnet 523 mounted on the conveyance body 500 is subjected to magnetic attraction and / or repulsion from the movable body side magnet 213 provided on the movable body 200. The conveyance body 500 moves within the conveyance tube 400 in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200 which receives the airflow.

[0016] Here, when only an attractive force is to act between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, both the magnetic bodies mounted on the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 may be magnets, or one may be a magnet and the other a magnetic body such as iron. When only a repulsive force is to act between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, both the magnetic bodies mounted on the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 are composed of magnets. The receiving unit (banknote receiving device) 600 receives banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion port (banknote insertion section) of the inter-machine unit 2 and causes the banknotes to wait at a predetermined position in the conveying path 401. A receiving unit 600 is provided for each inter-machine unit 2. A plurality of receiving units 600 are installed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the conveying tube 400. The safe unit 700 includes a bill storage section that stores bills transported by the transport body 500, a drive mechanism that drives each member involved in storing bills in the bill storage section, and the like.

[0017] The management unit (control means) 800 controls the operation of each component constituting the banknote transport system 10. The management unit 800 is configured by including a general computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., which are connected via a bus. The CPU is an arithmetic unit that controls the entire banknote transport system 10. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs and data executed by the CPU. The RAM is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU reads out the control programs stored in the ROM, expands them into the RAM, and executes them to realize various functions.

[0018] [Detailed configuration of the banknote transport system] The detailed configuration of each part of the banknote transport system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. <Blow pipe> The air duct will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a moving body and a blower pipe including the moving body, and a conveying body and a conveying pipe including the moving body, in the case where the moving body and the conveying body are repelled by magnetic force. The air duct 100 shown in Figure 3 comprises a first air duct 110 including a movement path portion 111, and a second air duct 120 which forms an endless air flow path 101 between the first air duct 110 and the second air duct 120 via a switching valve 325 (see Figure 5) described later. Since the banknote conveying system 10 uses magnetic force to move the conveying body 500, the movement path portion 111 of the air duct 100 has a configuration that does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 or the travel of the conveying body 500 based on magnetic force. It is desirable that the entire movement path portion 111 is made of a non-magnetic material, but a magnetic material may be included in part to the extent that it does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. The movement path portion 111 has a configuration (thickness of the tube, distance between the tubes, shape, etc.) that allows magnetic force to act between the moving body 200 arranged in the movement path portion 111 and the conveying body 500 arranged in the conveying tube 400.

[0019] By configuring the air duct 100 separately from the conveying duct 400, an airtight flow path can be formed within the air duct 100. This prevents a decrease in the conveying force of the moving body 200 due to air leakage to the outside of the air duct 100. Furthermore, a relatively inexpensive, low-output blower 310 can be used to generate the air flow, thereby reducing the cost of the banknote conveying system 10. Even if the length of the air duct 100 increases as the conveying distance of banknotes increases, the air flow within the air duct 100 can be reliably controlled. Furthermore, because the moving body 200 is propelled by the air flow, there is no need to install mechanical components such as gears and conveying belts, or wiring and electrical contacts within the air duct 100. This improves the durability of the air duct 100 and the moving body 200 disposed therein. Furthermore, because external air does not flow into the airtightly configured air flow path 101, dust and other particles from the external air are not drawn in, and the air flow path 101 can be kept clean.

[0020] <Mobile> The moving body 200 may have any shape and structure as long as it can move within the air duct 100 by receiving air pressure. 4, the movable body 200 has a configuration in which a plurality of divided pieces 210, 210... are sequentially connected by hinge portions 211 along the traveling direction of the movable body 200 (the longitudinal direction of the air duct 100). Each divided piece 210 shown in this example has the same configuration, and each divided piece 210 has a movable body-side magnet 213. The moving body 200 is provided with a plurality of moving body side magnets 213 arranged in a position, posture and shape that allows a magnetic force to act on the conveying body 500. In this example, the moving body side magnets 213 are arranged closer to the conveying tube 400 of the moving body 200. The plurality of moving body side magnets 213 provided on the moving body 200 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the traveling direction of the moving body 200. In this example, each moving body side magnet 213 is attached to the segment 210 so that the north pole (one pole) faces the conveying tube 400 side (upper side in the figure) and the south pole (other pole) faces lower side in the figure. The movable body 200 shown in this example is composed of three divided pieces 210. The divided pieces 210 are connected to each other so that they can be angularly displaced within a predetermined range in the vertical direction and the depth direction of the drawing, centered on hinge portions 211. With this configuration, the movable body 200 can move smoothly within the air duct 100 as each divided piece 210 is displaced, even when the air duct 100 forms an air flow path 101 that is curved in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0021] <Relationship between the air duct and the moving object> The inner shape of the movement path section 111 and the outer shape (structure) of the moving body 200 are formed so that the moving body 200 does not rotate relative to the movement path section 111 around an imaginary axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the movement path section 111. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the movement path section 111 (the shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) and the cross-sectional shape of the divided piece 210 of the moving body 200 are configured to be rectangular. With the above configuration, the posture of the moving body 200 within the movement path section 111 can be maintained so that the north pole (one of the poles) of the moving body-side magnet 213 always faces the conveying pipe 400 side.

[0022] <Air flow control unit> 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the air duct and the air flow control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The airflow control unit 300 according to this embodiment includes a single blower 310 that generates an airflow that flows in a fixed direction, and a switching unit 320 (switching valve 325) that controls the direction of the airflow in the airflow duct 100. The airflow control unit 300 is characterized in that the switching unit 320 switches the direction of the airflow in the airflow duct 100 between a first direction (banknote collection direction, arrow B direction) and a second direction opposite thereto (moving body return direction, arrow C direction). The airflow control unit (airflow control device) 300 comprises a switching unit (airflow switching unit) 320 that controls the direction of airflow discharge, a first circulation pipe 330 that forms an endless airflow path via the switching unit 320, and a blower 310 that is positioned at an appropriate position in the first circulation pipe 330 and generates an airflow that flows in a fixed direction within the first circulation pipe.

[0023] The switching unit 320 includes a casing 321 in which four flow paths 323 (first flow path 323a to fourth flow path 323d: ports) are formed, each connected to an external pipe, and a switching valve 325 disposed at the junction (intersection) of the four flow paths 323 to switch the communication state between the flow paths 323 and / or the degree of opening when the flow paths 323 are connected. Each flow path 323 is connected to an exhaust pipe 331, an intake pipe 333, a first blower pipe 110, and a second blower pipe 120, which are external pipes. In this example, the flow paths 323 are arranged in a cross shape (radial shape). The switching valve 325 shown in this example is a rotary valve such as a ball valve, and the communication state between the flow paths 323 and the degree of opening of each flow path 323 are switched by rotating the switching valve 325 by a predetermined angle within the casing 321. The switching valve 325 is an electrically operated valve, and its rotation angle is controlled by being driven by a motor. A stepping motor, for example, can be used as the motor. The switching valve 325 is controlled to a desired rotation angle, for example, by the management unit 800 controlling the rotation angle of the stepping motor based on a drive pulse. Of course, other methods may be used to control the drive means that rotates the switching valve 325 and the rotation angle of the switching valve 325. For example, the switching unit 320 may be equipped with a rotary encoder that rotates in conjunction with the switching valve 325 and a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotary encoder, and the management unit 800 may perform feedback control of the rotation angle of the switching valve 325.

[0024] The first circulation piping 330 includes an exhaust pipe 331 having one end (one end 330a of the first circulation piping 330) connected to the first flow path 323a of the switching unit 320 and the other end connected to the exhaust port of the blower 310, and an intake pipe 333 having one end connected to the intake port of the blower 310 and the other end (the other end 330b of the first circulation piping 330) connected to the second flow path 323b of the switching unit 320. One end 100a of air duct (second circulation piping) 100 is connected in communication with third flow path 323c of switching unit 320, and the other end 100b is connected in communication with fourth flow path 323d of switching unit 320, forming an endless air flow path via switching unit 320. Air duct 100 causes moving body 200 disposed inside to reciprocate in the directions of arrows B and C in the figure by the airflow. The air duct 100 according to this example includes a first air duct 110 that forms a movement path portion 111 of the moving body 200, and a second air duct 120 that is connected in communication with the first air duct 110. The first air duct 110 is connected in communication with the third flow path 323c, and the second air duct 120 is connected in communication with the fourth flow path 323d.

[0025] <<Switching unit operation: neutral state>> FIG. 5(a) shows the neutral state. The switching valve 325 is in a neutral position where it connects the first flow path 323a and the second flow path 323b but does not connect the first and second flow paths 323a, 323b with the third and fourth flow paths 323c, 323d. Therefore, the airflow circulates in the first circulation pipe 330 in the direction of arrow A (A1, A2), and no airflow occurs in the blower duct 100. Therefore, the moving body 200 is in a stopped state in the blower duct 100.

[0026] <<Operation of the switching unit: first communication state>> 5(b) shows a first state in which an airflow flowing in a first direction (the direction of arrows B1 and B2) is generated in the air duct 100. This state is, for example, a banknote collection operation state in which the transport body 500 transports the collected banknotes to the safe unit 700. The switching valve 325 is in a first communicating position in which the first flow path 323a communicates with the fourth flow path 323d and the second flow path 323b communicates with the third flow path 323c. At this time, the first flow path 323a and the fourth flow path 323d do not communicate with the second flow path 323b and the third flow path 323c. Air circulates endlessly between the first circulation pipe 330 and the blower duct 100. That is, air discharged from the exhaust duct 331 and flowing into the first flow path 323a (in the direction of arrow A1) is caused to flow from the fourth flow path 323d into the second blower duct 120 (in the direction of arrow B1) by the switching valve 325. Air that flows through the first blower duct 110 in the direction of arrow B2 and flows into the third flow path 323c is caused to flow from the second flow path 323b into the intake duct 333 (in the direction of arrow A2) by the switching valve 325, returns to the blower 310, and is discharged again from the exhaust duct 331.

[0027] <<Operation of the switching unit: second communication state>> 5(c) shows a second state in which an airflow flowing in a second direction (the direction of arrows C1 and C2) is generated in the air duct 100. This state is, for example, a return operation state for returning the conveying body 500 from the safe unit 700 side (the management unit 800 side) to the distal end side of the conveying duct 400. The switching valve 325 is in a second communicating position in which the first flow path 323a communicates with the third flow path 323c and the second flow path 323b communicates with the fourth flow path 323d. At this time, the first flow path 323a and the third flow path 323c do not communicate with the second flow path 323b and the fourth flow path 323d. Air circulates endlessly between first circulation pipe 330 and blower duct 100. That is, air discharged from exhaust duct 331 and flowing into first flow path 323a (in the direction of arrow A1) is caused to flow from third flow path 323c into first blower duct 110 (in the direction of arrow C1) by switching valve 325. Air that flows through the second blower duct in the direction of arrow C2 and flows into fourth flow path 323d is caused to flow from second flow path 323b into intake duct 333 (in the direction of arrow A2) by switching valve 325, returns to blower 310, and is discharged again from exhaust duct 331.

[0028] <<Switching Unit Operation: Summary>> In this way, by connecting two endless pipes (first circulation pipe 330 and air duct 100) via switching unit 320, it is possible to generate airflow in a fixed direction (direction of arrow A) using a single blower 310, while switching the position of switching valve 325 to switch between three states: a neutral state in which no airflow is generated in air duct 100; a first communication state in which airflow is generated in air duct 100 flowing in a first direction (direction of arrow B); and a second communication state in which airflow is generated in air duct 100 flowing in a second direction (direction of arrow C). Furthermore, when the switching valve 325 is in an intermediate position among the above three positions, the communication state changes from the above three positions. That is, in this embodiment, the communication relationship between the flow paths and the opening degree of each flow path can be adjusted according to the angle of the switching valve 325 inside the casing 321, so that an airflow of an air volume according to the opening degree of each flow path can be generated inside the air duct 100. That is, the speed of the moving body 200 can be changed according to the wind speed inside the air duct 100. Here, the moving speed of the moving body 200 can also be adjusted by controlling the air volume of the blower 310. For example, the air volume of the blower 310 can be adjusted by varying the rotation speed of the blades of the blower 310 using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. However, since the rotational response of the switching valve 325 is higher than the variable response of the rotational speed of the blower 310, it is more advantageous to adjust the rotation angle of the switching valve 325 in order to quickly adjust the speed of the moving body 200.

[0029] <Transport pipe> The transfer pipe (transfer path) 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the conveying pipe and the conveying body, in which the inside of the conveying pipe 400 is partially exposed. In the banknote transport system 10, the transport body 500 is transported using magnetic force, so the transport tube 400 is made of a material that does not affect the magnetic force that drives the transport body 500. It is desirable that the entire transport tube 400 be made of a non-magnetic material, but a portion of the transport tube 400 may contain a magnetic material as long as it does not affect the transport body 500's movement. The conveying tube 400 has a configuration (thickness of the tube, spacing between the tubes, shape, etc.) that allows magnetic force to act between the moving body 200 arranged in the movement path portion 111 and the conveying body 500 arranged in the conveying tube 400.

[0030] In this example, the conveying pipe 400 is disposed above the air duct 100, but the positional relationship between the air duct 100 and the conveying pipe 400 is not limited to this. The conveying pipe 400 may be disposed below the air duct 100, or the conveying pipe 400 may be disposed to the side of the air duct 100. In this example, the conveying pipe 400 is exemplified as a means for constituting the conveying path 401, but the means for constituting the conveying path 401 does not need to be tubular, and the present invention can be implemented even if a part or all of the conveying path 401 is open to the outside. In other words, the conveying pipe 400 may have any shape as long as it can form a long space as the conveying path 401 inside.

[0031] <Conveyor> As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the conveying body 500 is arranged in the conveying path 401 at a position near the air duct 100 and comprises a conveying base 510 that receives magnetic force from the moving body 200, and a banknote collection and holding section 540 provided on the opposite side of the conveying base 510 from the air duct 100.

[0032] <<Transport base>> The conveying base 510 has a configuration in which a plurality of divided pieces 520, 520... are sequentially connected along the running direction of the conveying body 500 (the longitudinal direction of the conveying tube 400) by hinge portions 521. Each divided piece 520 shown in this example is equipped with a conveying body side magnet 523. The conveyance base 510 is equipped with a plurality of conveyance-side magnets 523 arranged in a position, orientation, and shape that allows them to be affected by magnetic force from the moving body 200. In this example, the conveyance-side magnets 523 are arranged closer to the conveyance base 510 than the air duct 100. The plurality of conveyance-side magnets 523 provided on the conveyance base 510 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the traveling direction of the conveyance body 500. In this example, each conveyance-side magnet 523 is attached to the segment 520 so that its north pole (one pole) faces the air duct 100 (bottom side in the figure) and its south pole (other pole) faces top side in the figure. The conveyance base 510 receives a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200 and magnetically levitates within the conveyance tube 400. The conveying base 510 shown in this example is composed of four divided pieces 520. The divided pieces 520 are connected to each other at hinge portions 521 so that they can be angularly displaced within a predetermined range in the vertical direction and the depth direction of the paper in the drawing. With this configuration, the conveying body 500 can move smoothly within the conveying tube 400 even when the conveying tube 400 forms a conveying path 401 that is curved in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0033] <<Banknote collection and holding unit>> The banknote collection and holding unit 540 is disposed on the transport base 510. The banknote collection and holding unit 540 includes a support member 541 that stands upright in a direction away from the air supply duct 100 at the end of the transport tube 400 on the island end side in the longitudinal direction (the end side distal to the safe unit 700), and a collection member (collection claw) 544 that protrudes in the width direction from the support member 541. The support member 541 protrudes upward from the middle part of the transport base 510 in the width direction. The banknote collection and holding unit 540 holds the banknote (paper sheet) P in an upright position, with the longitudinal direction of the banknote P aligned with the longitudinal direction of the transport tube 400. One long side of the banknote P (the long side located on the lower side in FIG. 6) is supported by the transport base 510. The trailing edge (one short side) of the banknote is supported by the support member 541 or the collection claw 544.

[0034] <Relationship between the conveying pipe and the conveying body> The conveying pipe 400 has therein a base conveying path 402 arranged closer to the air blower pipe 100, and a banknote conveying path 403 arranged on the opposite side from the air blower pipe 100. The base conveying path 402 is a horizontally long space through which the conveying base 510 of the conveying body 500 runs, and the banknote conveying path 403 is a vertically long space through which the banknote collecting and holding unit 540 of the conveying body 500 and the banknotes held in the banknote collecting and holding unit 540 run. The conveying body 500 shown in this example runs while receiving a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200, so the base conveying path 402 and the conveying base 510 are configured to prevent the conveying base 510 from leaving the base conveying path 402 (moving toward the banknote conveying path 403) and to maintain the position of the conveying base 510 in a position where it can be subjected to the magnetic force of the moving body 200. The inner surface shape of the base conveying path 402 and the outer surface shape of the conveying base 510 are formed so that the conveying base 510 does not rotate relative to the base conveying path 402 around an imaginary axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the base conveying path 402. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the base conveying path 402 and the conveying base 510 are configured to be rectangular. With this configuration, the posture of the moving body 200 within the base conveying path 402 is maintained so that the north pole (one of the poles) of the conveying body side magnet 523 always faces the air blower duct 100 side.

[0035] <Relationship between moving body and conveying body> The relationship between the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body will be described. <<Rebound only>> As shown in FIG. 4 , one or more magnets may be arranged on both the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 in a mutually repulsive direction, so that only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. When only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, it is desirable to arrange multiple magnets at a predetermined interval in the traveling direction on at least one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. By arranging multiple magnets in the traveling direction on at least one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, the moving body-side magnets 213 and the conveying body-side magnets 523 are arranged alternately when the conveying body 500 receives a repulsive force from the moving body 200 and travels. In other words, when the conveying body 500 travels, the conveying body 500 is positioned relative to the moving body 200. In this case, it is particularly preferable to arrange the number of magnets provided on the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 to differ by one. In other words, where n is a natural number, it is preferable to arrange n magnets on one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and arrange n+1 magnets on the other. When the conveying pipe 400 is disposed above the air duct 100 and a repulsive force is applied between the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200, the conveying body 500 floats within the conveying pipe 400, making it difficult for the conveying body 500 to come into contact with the conveying pipe 400. This prevents a decrease in the conveying force of the conveying body 500 due to friction with the conveying pipe 400, and enables the conveying body 500 to move smoothly. Furthermore, since contact between the conveying body 500 and the conveying pipe 400 is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the generation of fine dust (particles) due to contact between the respective components. When a repulsive force is applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, the conveying force can be improved by increasing the number of magnets provided on the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500.

[0036] <<Adsorption only>> FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air duct and the conveying duct including the moving body and the conveying body when the moving body and the conveying body are attracted to each other by magnetic force. In the illustrated example, the movable body side magnet 213 and the conveying body side magnet 523 are attached to the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 in such a position that they attract each other. The longitudinal positions of the movable body side magnet 213 and the conveying body side magnet 523 are aligned via the walls of the air duct 100 and the conveying pipe 400, making it easy to position the conveying body 500 relative to the movable body 200. When only an attractive force based on a magnetic force is applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, it is sufficient that at least one of the moving body 200 and the magnetic body mounted on the conveying body 500 is a magnet. For example, a magnet may be placed on one of the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200, and a magnetic body other than a magnet (e.g., an iron plate) that is attracted to the magnet may be placed on the other. When only an adhesive force based on magnetic force is to be applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, it is sufficient to place at least one pair of magnetic bodies (e.g., a pair of magnets, or a pair of magnets and iron plates) on the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200.

[0037] <<Repulsion and Adsorption>> Both a repulsive force and an attractive force may be applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. That is, the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 may have a combination of magnet pairs that apply a repulsive force to each other and magnet pairs that apply an attractive force to each other. An example of applying both a repulsive force and an attractive force will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0038] <<Magnetic Orientation>> In the above embodiment, the poles of the magnets are arranged facing in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the air duct 100 and the conveying duct 400), but the poles of the magnets may also be arranged facing in the running direction (for example, with the north pole facing the safe unit side and the south pole facing the island end side / distal end side). Also, the poles of the magnets may be arranged at an angle to the running direction. The effect of the magnetic force can be adjusted appropriately depending on the orientation of the magnets.

[0039] <<Magnet orientation: vertical>> FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air duct and transport duct including the moving body and the transport body when each pole of the moving body side magnet is arranged facing the traveling direction. In the illustrated example, the movable body-side magnet 213 is attached to the divided piece 210 so that its N pole (one pole) faces the safe unit side (left side in the figure) and its S pole (the other pole) faces the distal end side (right side in the figure). The conveyor-side magnet 523 is attached to the divided piece 520 so that its N pole faces the air duct 100 side and its S pole faces upward in the figure. The surface (north pole) of the movable body side magnet 213 on the safe unit side repels the conveying body side magnet 523 (north pole), and the surface (south pole) of the distal end side of the movable body side magnet 213 attracts the conveying body side magnet 523 (north pole), so that both a repulsive force and an attractive force can be exerted between the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500.

[0040] [Modified embodiment 1 related to air blow control] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the air flow control unit. The airflow control unit 300B may include a blower 310a having an exhaust port connected to one end 100a of the air duct 100, a blower 310b having an exhaust port connected to the other end 100b of the air duct 100, and a connecting pipe 340 connecting the air intakes of both the blowers 310a and 310b. The air duct 100 (first air duct 110, second air duct 120) is configured in an endless shape via the two blowers 310a and 310b and the connecting pipe 340. The on / off and airflow rate of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by a management unit 800.

[0041] When generating an airflow in a first direction (arrow B direction) in air duct 100 (first state, banknote collection operation state), one blower 310b is turned on to generate an airflow, and the other blower 310a is turned off. The air flowing through air duct 100 flows into the exhaust port of blower 310a and is discharged from the intake port of blower 310a. The air further passes through connecting pipe 340 and returns to the intake port of blower 310b, and is discharged from the exhaust port of blower 310b. When generating an airflow flowing in the second direction (direction of arrow C) within the air duct 100 (second state, conveying body return state), one blower 310b is turned off and the other blower 310a is turned on to generate the airflow.

[0042] In this way, even when two blowers are used, it is possible to generate an air flow in a first direction and an air flow in a second direction within the air duct 100. In this example, the air intakes of the two blowers 310a and 310b are connected to each other by the connection pipe 340, so that air can be efficiently circulated within the airflow path 101 that is configured airtight.

[0043] [Modified embodiment 2 related to air blow control] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the air flow control unit. The airflow control unit 300C may be configured to include blowers 310a and 310b at one end 100a and the other end 100b of the air duct 100. The management unit 800 controls the on / off and airflow volume of the blowers 310a and 310b. When generating an airflow flowing in a first direction (arrow B direction) in air duct 100 (first state, banknote collection operation state), one blower 310b is turned on to generate an airflow, and the other blower 310a is turned off. Blower 310b takes in external air from an intake port and sends it out, thereby generating an airflow in the direction of arrow B in air duct 100. This airflow is also taken into blower 310a from the exhaust port of blower 310a and discharged from the intake port. When generating an airflow flowing in the second direction (direction of arrow C) within the air duct 100 (second state, conveying body return state), one blower 310b is turned off and the other blower 310a is turned on to generate the airflow. In this example, since piping for making the airflow path 101 a circulation path is not required, the configuration is simplified.

[0044] B. Second Paper Sheet Conveying System According to the Present Invention <<Transport unit (banknote collection shuttle)>> 11(a), (b), (c), and (d) are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view, and an AA cross-sectional view of the conveying body 500 when the retrieval members (retrieval claws) are in an open state, and FIGS. 12(a) and (b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of the conveying body 500 when the retrieval members (retrieval claws) are in a closed state. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the conveying tube 400 and the conveying body 500.

[0045] The carrier 500 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is slightly different from the carrier shown in FIG. 6 in the configuration of the carrier base 510 and the collection member 544. That is, the conveying base 510 has a configuration in which a plurality of divided pieces 520 are connected via hinge portions 521 so as to be displaceable in the up, down, left, and right directions (or even diagonal directions), and a conveying body side magnet (conveying body side magnetic body) 523 is disposed in the internal space 520a of each divided piece shown in Fig. 11(d). Also, rotatable rollers 525 are disposed on both sides of each divided piece 520 to ensure smooth movement within the conveying tube 400. Also, rollers 545 are rotatably disposed on the upper part of the support member 541 to reduce resistance between the divided pieces and the inner wall of the conveying tube. The banknote collection and holding unit (transfer means) 540 holds the banknotes P in an upright position, with the longitudinal direction of the banknotes P parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying tube 400. The lower long side of the banknotes P, which are horizontally long and in an upright position, is supported by the upper surface (flat surface) of the conveying base 510 (each divided piece 520). The trailing edge (one short side) of the banknote is supported by the support member 541 and the collection member 544.

[0046] Each divided piece 520 has ridges 520b on both widthwise edges to prevent banknotes from falling out, and areas 520c located inside the ridges 520b are flat, allowing for stable support of the lower long side of the banknote. In addition, the inner areas 520c of each divided piece 520 are connected in the longitudinal direction, so that banknotes can be placed across the inner areas 520c of multiple divided pieces. The banknote collection and holding unit 540, which is erected on the transport base 510, is provided with a support member 541 that stands upright at the end of the transport tube 400 on the island end side in the longitudinal direction (the end distal to the safe unit 700), in a direction away from the air supply tube 100, and a collection member 544 that includes two collection claws 544 that protrude (spread) in a wing-like (acute or obtuse angle) shape in a plan view from the support member 541 in the width direction and are pivotally supported by a pivotal support portion 541a on the support member 541 side so as to be able to open and close laterally. The illustrated pivotal support portion 541a is parallel to the support member 541, i.e., is vertical, so that the collection claws 544 that rotate around the pivotal support portion open and close horizontally. Note that the rotation direction of the collection claws may be in a direction other than the above.

[0047] Unlike the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, which has two pairs of upper and lower retrieval members, a pair of retrieval members 544 is arranged at a predetermined height on the support member 541. The two retrieval claws 544 that make up the retrieval member 544 are at their maximum open angle when in the wide-open state shown in FIG. 11, and cannot be rotated any further in the opening direction, but can be rotated from the wide-open state in the closing direction. FIG. 12 shows the state in which the two retrieval claws 544 are at their minimum open angle (closed state). Furthermore, each retrieval claw 544 is constantly elastically biased in the opening direction by a spring (elastic member) 541b provided on its pivot support portion 541a. When the conveyance body 500 moves on the conveyance path 401 in the forward direction P toward the safe unit 700, each recovery claw 544 maintains an expanded position due to the springs 541b, so that the recovery claws can hook the trailing edge of a banknote stopped in an upright state in a predetermined waiting section 450 (FIG. 13) where the banknote is waiting, and move the banknote in the forward direction P within the waiting section while transferring it onto the conveyance base 510. In order to enable the recovery claws 544 to maintain the expanded position while the conveyance base 510 moves in the forward direction P within the conveyance path 401 toward the safe unit 700, recesses 405 (FIG. 13) are formed as recovery claw passages on both inner walls of the conveyance tube 400 at locations through which the recovery claws pass. Each recess 405 is laid out so that each recovery claw can come into contact with the trailing edge of the banknote in each waiting section 450. It is preferable that each recovery claw 544 is configured to open and close independently. In this case, each recovery claw may be configured to rotate individually using a single coil spring (or torsion spring), or a spring 541b may be provided for each recovery claw.

[0048] 11 includes an inner base piece 544a pivotally supported by a support portion 541a, an intermediate piece 544b extending from the base piece 544a outward in the width direction of the conveying body, and an end piece 544c bent or curved and protruding obliquely forward from the intermediate piece 544b. When the collection claw 544 passes through the waiting section 450, the intermediate piece 544b and the end piece 544c mainly enter the waiting section 450 and push the entire banknote forward while contacting the trailing edge of the waiting banknote. Because the end piece 544c protrudes obliquely from the end of the intermediate piece 544b, even if the trailing edge of the banknote in contact with the intermediate piece 544b attempts to shift outward in the width direction along the surface of the intermediate piece, the end piece 544c can reliably prevent this. After the waiting banknotes have been transferred onto the transport base 510, the end piece 544c prevents the stacked banknotes from shifting in position in the width direction or from falling. When each collection claw 544 is in an expanded position as shown in Figure 11, the intermediate piece 544b is configured to be parallel to the width direction of the conveying path 401 or inclined toward the forward direction P, so that when the intermediate piece comes into contact with the rear edge of a banknote in the waiting section, it can reliably engage it and press it in the forward direction.

[0049] In this way, the recovery member 544 has a pair of recovery claws that are pivotally supported by a support member so that they can be opened and closed freely in an approximately horizontal direction, and each recovery claw opens and closes between an expanded position in which it protrudes outward in the width direction and a retracted position in which it retracts inward in the width direction, and is biased toward the expanded position by an elastic member. Because each recovery claw 544 has the above-described configuration, when recovering banknotes in each waiting section that are located at alternately different longitudinal positions on either side of the conveying path 401, the recovery claws can reliably recover the banknotes by simply moving the conveying body in a straight line, and the banknotes can be collected in the widthwise center of the conveying body. When the conveying body 500 moves in the retracting direction R within the conveying path, the collection claws interfere with the banknotes in the waiting section, but as they continue to move in contact with the banknotes, the collection claws change their position in the closing direction against the bias of the elastic member. Therefore, they can continue to move smoothly in the returning direction without damaging the waiting banknotes. When banknotes are already stacked upright on the conveying base 510, the collected succeeding banknotes are sequentially stacked by overlapping one face (one side) of each banknote on top of one face (one side) of the already stacked banknotes, so the leading edge of the succeeding banknote will not hit the trailing edge of the already stacked banknote, making it impossible to stack.

[0050] C. Third Transport System According to the Present Invention [Schematic configuration] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a configuration related to airflow control of the transport system. Fig. 16 is a perspective view explaining a moving body, a transport body, and a transport pipe in the transport system. In the following figures, the direction in which the air duct 100 and the transport duct 400 overlap (vertical direction) is referred to as the Z direction, the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the air duct 100 and the transport duct 400 (transport path 401) is referred to as the L direction, and the width direction of the air duct 100 and the transport duct 400 is referred to as the W direction. The W direction is a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the L direction. The LW plane (LW plane) defined by the L direction and the W direction may be referred to as an imaginary plane on which the air flow path 101 (or the transport path 401) extends. The conveying system (traveling system) 10C includes an endless air duct 100, an air blowing control unit 360 including a blower (airflow generating device) that generates an airflow in the air duct 100, a moving body (traveling body) 200 that receives the airflow (external force) and moves within the air duct 100, a conveying path (conveying body path) 401, at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air duct along the air duct 100, and a conveying body (traveling body) 500 that is configured to be able to hold an object to be conveyed and travels within the conveying path. The conveying system 10C includes a management unit (control means) 800 (see FIG. 3) that controls each part. The moving body 200 is equipped with a moving body side magnet (moving body side magnetic body, running body side magnetic body) 213, and the conveying body 500 is equipped with a conveying body side magnet (conveying body side magnetic body, running body side magnetic body) 523. The conveying system 10C is configured to move the conveying body 500 in conjunction with the movement of the moving body 200 by a repulsive force based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body side magnet and the conveying body side magnet when the moving body side magnet 213 and the conveying body side magnet 523 are in a close positional relationship. The repulsive force is an external force that moves the conveying body 500. In the conveyance system 10C, one moving body 200 and one conveyance body 500 that travels in conjunction with the moving body constitute one linked traveling pair 250.

[0051] The conveyance system 10C includes an air duct 100 in which the portion along which the moving body 200 travels is endless, and an endless conveyance path 401. Because the portion of the air flow path 101 along which the moving body 200 travels is endless, the configuration relating to the control of the airflow within the air duct 100 differs from "A. The first present invention."

[0052] The conveying system 10C includes a branching section 1000 at an intermediate portion between the airflow duct 100 (air flow path 101) and the conveying duct 400 (conveying path 401) where both ducts (both paths) branch off. The air duct 100A branches into air ducts 100B and 100C at the branching portion 1000. The conveying duct 400A branches into conveying ducts 400B and 400C at the branching portion 1000. The air duct 100 and the conveying duct 400 maintain a parallel state at each portion including the branching portion 1000.

[0053] An airflow path switching unit 1100 is disposed on the airflow duct 100 side of the branching unit 1000. The airflow path switching unit 1100 guides the moving object 200 traveling in the airflow duct 100A to either the airflow duct 100B or 100C. A conveying path switching unit 1400 is disposed on the conveying pipe 400 side of the branching unit 1000. The conveying path switching unit 1400 guides the conveying body 500 traveling on the conveying pipe 400A to either the conveying pipe 400B or 400C. The air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 rotate together around the same rotation axis. The interlocked traveling pair 250 passes through the branching section 1000 without being interrupted in the interlocked state.

[0054] The conveyance system 10C includes a moving body stopping device (hereinafter simply referred to as "stopping device") 900 that stops a moving moving body (moving body) 200 at a predetermined position. The stopping device 900 includes a stopping magnet (not shown in FIG. 14) that attracts the moving body side magnet 213. The stopping magnet changes its position or posture between a retracted state and a stopped state. The retracted state is a state in which the stopping magnet cannot stop the moving body 200. The stopped state is a state in which the stopping magnet can stop the moving body 200.

[0055] <Moving body, conveying body and conveying path> Here, the moving body 200, the conveying body 500 and the conveying pipe 400 shown in FIG. 14 are different from those shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and the like.

[0056] As shown in Figure 16, the movable body 200 includes two segments 210 and a shaft 215 connecting the segments 210. Each segment is supported by hinges (not shown) at both ends of the shaft 215 so that it can rotate laterally. A movable body magnet 213 is disposed on the top surface of each segment 210. Rollers 216 are disposed at the four corners of each segment to enable smooth movement within the air duct 100.

[0057] 11 to 13, the support members 541, the collection claws 544, and the rollers 545 are omitted from the conveying body 500. Conveying tables 550, 550 for placing (or supporting) the object to be conveyed are attached to the upper surfaces of some of the divided pieces 520, 520 of the conveying body 500 by an appropriate method. The conveying body 500 includes a shaft member 551 that extends along the width direction of the conveying body 500 (W direction in the figure) and is supported by a conveying table 550, and a plurality of rollers 552... that are rotatably supported by the shaft member 551. Each roller 552... is configured to contact the upper surface of each end of the conveying tube 400 in the width direction, thereby allowing the conveying body 500 to move smoothly along the conveying tube 400.

[0058] The conveying path 401 includes only the base conveying path 402 shown in FIG. 13, and the top surface of the conveying path 401 is open. In other words, the conveying tube 400 is semi-cylindrical. The top opening 411 provided in the conveying path 401 is an opening that extends along the longitudinal direction (traveling direction, L direction). Protruding strips 413, 413 protrude from each end of the top opening 411 in the width direction toward the other end. The protruding strips 413, 413 extend along the longitudinal direction of the conveying path 401. The width length of the top opening 411 is set narrower than the width length of the conveying base 510, so that the conveying base does not deviate from the base conveying path 402 through the top opening 411. The top surfaces of the protruding strips 413, 413 are guide rails 415, 415 along which the rollers 552 run. An upper surface opening 411 is provided in the transport path 401, and transport tables 550, 550 attached to the transport base 510 are positioned above the upper surface opening 411, so that an object to be transported that is wider than the transport body 500 can be transported.

[0059] First Embodiment The air duct 100 in which the portion along which the moving body 200 travels (movement path portion 111) is configured endlessly and the configuration relating to the control of the airflow within the air duct 100 will be described. 17(a) to 17(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The conveying system 10C1 comprises an air supply duct 100 that uses airflow to move a moving body 200 housed within a hollow section, opening / closing sections 130 (first opening / closing section 130-1, second opening / closing section 130-2) set at appropriate locations within the air supply duct 100, and opening / closing valves 131 (first opening / closing valve 131-1, second opening / closing valve 131-2) that are arranged within the opening / closing section 130 and allow the passage of gas and the moving body 200 within the opening / closing section 130 when open and prevent the passage of gas and the moving body 200 within the opening / closing section 130 when closed. The conveying system 10C1 comprises an intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 (first intake and exhaust pipe pair 140-1, second intake and exhaust pipe pair 140-2) which includes an intake pipe 141 (first intake and exhaust pipe 141-1, second intake and exhaust pipe 141-2: first intake and exhaust pipe) whose one end 141a is connected in communication with one end 130a of the opening and closing section 130 and which draws in (or is able to draw in) gas from the air supply duct 100, and an exhaust pipe 142 (first exhaust pipe 142-1, second exhaust pipe 142-2: second intake and exhaust pipe) whose one end 142a is connected in communication with the other end 130b of the opening and closing section 130 and which exhausts (or is able to exhaust) gas to the air supply duct 100.

[0061] The conveying system 10C1 includes blowers 310 (first blower 310-1, second blower 310-2) that are connected at the other end 141b of the intake pipe 141 to an intake port and at the other end 142b of the exhaust pipe 142 to an exhaust port to generate an airflow within the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140, and a management unit 800 (control means: see Figure 3) that controls the opening and closing valve 131 and the blowers 310. The management unit 800 controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 so that the on-off valve 131 is closed when an airflow is generated in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140, and the on-off valve 131 is opened to stop the airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140.

[0062] The first open / close section 130-1 and the first intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1 corresponding to the first open / close section 130-1 are arranged in parallel, and the second open / close section 130-2 and the second intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-2 corresponding to the second open / close section 130-2 are arranged in parallel. Hereinafter, when describing the opening / closing section 130 and the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 in a parallel relationship, the terms "first" and "second" will be omitted from the opening / closing section and the intake / exhaust pipe pair.

[0063] The pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 and the blower 310 form an airtight flow path between the air supply pipe 100. The entire gas flow path is configured to be airtight. The pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 differs from the movement path portion 111 in that gas flows through the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 but the moving body 200 does not travel through the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140. The conveying system 10C1 includes an open / close section 130 and at least two pairs of intake and exhaust pipes 140. When an air flow is formed in the air duct 100, at least one blower 310 is operated. When the blower 310 is operated, the transport system 10C1 forms an endless gas flow path including at least one blower 310 and one pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140.

[0064] <Relationship between valve opening and closing and blower> The gas is controlled to flow through the open / close section 130 and one of the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140. The reason for this is as follows. First, when the blower 310 is operated to generate airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 and the on-off valve 131 is opened, a local circulating airflow occurs between the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 and the open / close section 130. When a local circulating airflow occurs, the airflow stops in the part of the air duct 100 other than the open / close section 130, and the mobile object 200 cannot travel. Secondly, when the blower 310 is operated with the on-off valve 131 open to allow the moving body 200 to pass through the opening and closing section 130, the flow of gas sucked into the blower 310 causes the moving body 200 to adhere to the intake pipe 141, hindering the smooth movement of the moving body 200 in the opening and closing section 130.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 are controlled so as to close the on-off valve 131 when an airflow is to be generated in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. Furthermore, when the moving body 200 travels in the open / close section 130, the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 are controlled so as to open the on-off valve 131 and stop the airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. When all the blowers 310 are stopped, the on-off valve 131 may be open or closed. When any of the blowers 310 in the transfer system 10C1 is operating, the on-off valve 131 and the other blowers 310 are controlled so as to form an endless gas flow path.

[0066] <Shut-off valve> 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating the on-off valve, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is an exploded perspective view. The on-off valve 131 may have a configuration that can allow or prohibit the passage of gas between the moving body 200 and the on-off valve 131. As an example, the on-off valve 131 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a valve body 1311 with a flow path 1312 penetrating in the diameter direction, a case 1314 (lower member 1314L, upper member 1314U) that houses the valve body 1311 rotatably about its axis Ax1, and a motor 1316 that rotates and drives the valve body 1311. The case 1314 has connection ports 1315, 1315 at appropriate positions on the outer periphery that connect to the air duct 100. When the on-off valve 131 is open, the flow path 1312 of the valve body 1311 communicates with the connection ports 1315, 1315 of the case 1314, allowing the passage of the moving body 200 and gas. When the on-off valve 131 is closed, the outer peripheral wall 1313 of the valve body 1311 faces the connection ports 1315, 1315 of the case 1314, prohibiting the passage of the moving body 200 and gas.

[0067] <Detection and control of moving objects 1> The conveyance system 10C1 is provided with an entry detection sensor 132 (first entry detection sensor 132-1, second entry detection sensor 132-2: entry detection means) on the upstream side of the opening / closing section 130 that detects the entry of a moving body into the opening / closing section 130. The conveyance system 10C1 is provided with a departure detection sensor 133 (first departure detection sensor 133-1, second departure detection sensor 133-2: departure detection means) on the downstream side of the opening / closing section 130 that detects the departure of the moving body 200 from the opening / closing section 130. The entry detection sensor 132 and the departure detection sensor 133 are configured, for example, by a transmissive photosensor.

[0068] When the entry detection sensor 132 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 (FIG. 3) opens the on-off valve 131 to allow the moving object 200 to pass through the open-close section 130, and controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 to stop the intake and exhaust flow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140. Based on the detection result of the entry detection sensor 132, the management unit 800 controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 before the moving object 200 enters the open-close section 130. When the separation detection sensor 133 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 closes the on-off valve 131 and controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 to generate an intake and exhaust flow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140. The management unit 800 controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower 310 after the moving object 200 has left the open / close section 130 based on the detection result of the separation detection sensor 133. In this way, the management unit 800 can control the on-off valve 131 and blower 310 corresponding to one opening / closing section 130 based on the detection results regarding the entry and exit of the moving body 200 into and from one opening / closing section 130.

[0069] <Detection and control of moving objects 2> The management unit 800 (FIG. 3) may control each on-off valve 131 and each blower 310 based on the detection result regarding the entry of the moving object 200 into one of the open-close sections 130. That is, when the first intrusion detection sensor 132-1 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 controls the first on-off valve 131-1 to open and the first blower 310-1 to stop. Furthermore, the management unit 800 controls the second on-off valve 131-2 to close and the second blower 310-2 to drive.

[0070] Furthermore, when the second intrusion detection sensor 132-2 detects the moving body 200, the management unit 800 controls the second on-off valve 131-2 to open and the second blower 310-2 to stop. Furthermore, the management unit 800 controls the first on-off valve 131-1 to close and the first blower 310-1 to drive. In this way, the management unit 800 may control each on-off valve 131 and each blower 310 without using the detection result of the separation detection sensor 133 .

[0071] Furthermore, the management unit 800 may detect the entry or exit of the moving object 200 into or from the open / close section 130 by calculating the position of the moving object 200 using the moving speed of the moving object 200 or the flow speed of the gas.

[0072] <Operation> The operation of each part in the transport system will be described. As shown in Figure 17(a), when the mobile body 200 is traveling in a location away from the opening / closing section 130, the management unit 800 can close all the opening / closing valves 131 and operate all the blowers 310. 17(b), when the first entry detection sensor 132-1 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 stops the first blower 310-1 and opens the first opening / closing valve 131-1, thereby allowing the moving object 200 to pass through the first opening / closing section 130-1 smoothly. As shown in FIG. 17(c), when the first detachment detection sensor 133-1 detects the moving body 200, the management unit 800 closes the first on-off valve 131-1 and restarts the first blower 310, as shown in FIG. 17(d). In the transport system 10C1, the gas circulates in a single stroke within an air flow path including the moving path portion 111 and at least one pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140.

[0073] <Variation 1> The transport system 10C1 may include only one pair of the open / close section 130 and the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. From the standpoint of the running stability of the moving body 200 within the opening and closing section 130 and the ease of starting the moving body after it has come to a complete stop, it is desirable that the conveying system 10C1 be configured to include at least two pairs of opening and closing sections 130 and intake and exhaust pipe pairs 140. However, even if the airflow were to stop immediately before the moving body 200 entered the opening / closing section 130, the moving body 200 would still be able to pass through the opening / closing section 130 due to inertial force. Therefore, even if the conveying system 10C1 has only one pair of opening / closing section 130 and intake / exhaust pipe pair 140, it is possible to continuously run the moving body 200 based on the opening / closing control of the opening / closing valve 131 and the operation and stopping control of the blower 310.

[0074] <Variation 2> The management unit 800 does not need to link the operation of the on-off valve 131 and the state of the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 between different on-off sections 130 . If the moving body 200 is allowed to travel through the open / close section 130 based on inertial force, control of each part of the conveying system 10C1 can be simplified when the conveying system 10C1 has multiple open / close sections 130 and pairs of intake and exhaust pipes 140. That is, the management unit 800 only needs to control the on-off valve 131 and the airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 corresponding to the open / close section 130 where the entry or departure of the moving object 200 is detected, and there is no need to control the on-off valves and airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pairs related to other open / close sections. Even if the airflow in the air supply duct 100 stops as a whole, the moving object 200 can continue to travel by sequentially resuming the supply of airflow from the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 corresponding to the open / close section 130 where the departure of the moving object 200 is detected. The above control method is also effective in simplifying control when a plurality of moving bodies 200 travel inside the air duct 100.

[0075] <Variation 3> An airflow generating means capable of changing the intake and exhaust direction (e.g., blower unit 350 shown in FIG. 19 , details of which will be described later) may be used as blower 310. In this case, the intake and exhaust directions of intake pipe (first intake and exhaust pipe) 141 and exhaust pipe 142 (second intake and exhaust pipe) are reversed according to the intake and exhaust direction of blower unit 350.

[0076] Second Embodiment 19(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an airflow control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a single blower (airflow control unit) is used to control the airflow in a plurality of intake and exhaust pipe pairs. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0077] The conveying system 10C2 (10C) comprises a plurality of opening / closing sections 130 (130-1, 130-2), a plurality of intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140 (140-1, 140-2) each corresponding to one of the opening / closing sections 130, and an air blowing control unit 360 that controls the airflow within each intake / exhaust pipe pair 140.

[0078] <Intake and exhaust pipe pair> Each pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 has a plurality of first branch pipes (first intake and exhaust pipes) 143 (143-1, 143-2) whose one end 143a is connected to one end 130a of the corresponding opening and closing section 130, and a plurality of second branch pipes (second intake and exhaust pipes) 144 (144-1, 144-2) whose one end 144a is connected to the other end 130b of the corresponding opening and closing section 130.

[0079] The first branch pipe 143 allows gas to flow in a first direction (e.g., intake direction) relative to the air duct 100. The second branch pipe 144 allows gas to flow in a second direction (e.g., exhaust direction) relative to the air duct 100. The airflow directions of the first branch pipe 143 and the second branch pipe 144 relative to the air duct 100 are opposite to each other.

[0080] A first branch pipe 143 and a second branch pipe 144 adjacent to each other via an opening / closing section 130 constitute an intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 (140-1, 140-2), which is a set of a pipe that draws gas in from the air duct 100 and a pipe that exhausts gas to the air duct 100. The other end 143 b of each first branch pipe 143 and the other end 144 b of each second branch pipe 144 are connected to the air blow control unit 360 .

[0081] <Air flow control unit> The air blowing control unit 360 includes a blower unit 350, a first switching valve unit 151, and a second switching valve unit 152.

[0082] <<Blower unit>> The blower unit 350 has a similar configuration to the airflow control unit 300 shown in FIG. The blower unit 350 includes a blower 310 that generates an airflow that flows in a predetermined direction, a first connection port 351a that allows the gas to flow in one of the intake direction and the exhaust direction, and a second connection port 352a that allows the gas to flow in the other of the intake direction and the exhaust direction. The first connection port 351a functions as one of the intake port and the exhaust port, and the second connection port 352a functions as the other of the intake port and the exhaust port.

[0083] More specifically, the blower unit 350 includes a blower 310, a first circulation pipe 330 to which the blower 310 is connected in the middle of its longitudinal direction, a switching valve (internal switching valve) 325 arranged at an appropriate position in another middle part of the first circulation pipe 330, a first pipe 351 having a first connection port 351a at one end and the other end connected to the switching valve 325, and a second pipe 352 having a second connection port 352a at one end and the other end connected to the switching valve 325.

[0084] The blower 310 is an airflow generating means that generates an airflow in only one direction. The gas flows in the first circulation pipe 330 in only one direction. The first circulation pipe 330 includes an exhaust pipe 331 connected to the exhaust port side (downstream side) of the blower 310, and an intake pipe 333 connected to the intake port side (upstream side) of the blower 310. The switching valve 325 has the same configuration as the first switching valve 151a. That is, the pipes are connected in a cross shape to the switching valve 325. The first pipe 351 and the second pipe 352 are connected to the switching valve 325 in a linear positional relationship, and the exhaust pipe 331 and the intake pipe 333 are also connected to the switching valve 325 in a linear positional relationship.

[0085] As shown in Figure 19(a), when the switching valve 325 connects the intake pipe 333 to the first pipe 351 and connects the exhaust pipe 331 to the second pipe 352, the first connection port 351a functions as an intake port and the second connection port 352a functions as an exhaust port. As shown in Figure 21, when the switching valve 325 connects the exhaust pipe 331 to the first pipe 351 and connects the intake pipe 333 to the second pipe 352, the first connection port 351a functions as an exhaust port and the second connection port 352a functions as an intake port. In this way, the blower unit 350 can switch between intake and exhaust directions.

[0086] <<Switching valve unit>> The first switching valve unit 151 has one first switching valve 151a that switches the pipes to which it is connected. The second switching valve unit 152 has one second switching valve 152a that switches the pipes to which it is connected. The configurations of the first and second switching valves 151a, 152a are the same as those shown in Fig. 5, and four pipes are connected to each switching valve in a cross shape.

[0087] A first connection pipe 361 connected to the first connection port 351a is connected to one portion of the first switching valve 151a. The other ends 143b of the first branch pipes 143 are connected to other portions of the first switching valve 151a. One end of the auxiliary pipe 153 is connected to the remaining portions of the first switching valve 151a. Two first branch pipes 143-1 and 143-2 are connected to the first switching valve 151a in a linear positional relationship, and the first connection pipe 361 and the auxiliary pipe 153 are connected to each other in a linear positional relationship.

[0088] The first switching valve 151a connects two adjacent pipes among the four connected pipes. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the first switching valve 151a connects the first connection pipe 361 to one of the first branch pipes 143-2 and connects the auxiliary pipe 153 to the other first branch pipe 143-1. In this way, the first switching valve 151 a is configured to be able to selectively switch at least one of the first branch pipes 143 to which the blower unit 350 is connected.

[0089] A second connection pipe 362 connected to the second connection port 352a is connected to one portion of the second switching valve 152a. The other ends 144b of the second branch pipes 144 are connected to other portions of the second switching valve 152a. The other ends of the auxiliary pipes 153 are connected to the remaining portions of the second switching valve 152a. Two second branch pipes 144-1 and 144-2 are connected to the second switching valve 152a in a linear positional relationship, and the second connection pipe 362 and the auxiliary pipe 153 are connected to each other in a linear positional relationship.

[0090] The second switching valve 152a connects two adjacent pipes among the four connected pipes. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the second switching valve 152a connects the second connection pipe 362 with one second branch pipe 144-2 and connects the auxiliary pipe 153 with the other second branch pipe 144-1. In this way, the second switching valve 152 a is configured to be able to selectively switch at least one of the second branch pipes 144 to which the blower unit 350 is connected.

[0091] The auxiliary pipe 153 connects the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a and serves to maintain airtightness inside each valve when the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a switch the pipes to which they are connected.

[0092] <Detection of moving objects> The conveyance system 10C2 includes first detection sensors 134 (134-1, 134-2) near one end 130a of the opening / closing section 130, and second detection sensors 135 (135-1, 135-2) near the other end 130b. The first detection sensors 134 and the second detection sensors 135 are, for example, transmissive photosensors. The first detection sensor 134 and the second detection sensor 135 change roles depending on the direction of the airflow flowing through the air duct 100. That is, when the first detection sensor 134 and the second detection sensor 135 are located upstream of the opening / closing section 130, they function as an entry detection means that detects the entry of the moving body 200 into the opening / closing section 130. When the first detection sensor 134 and the second detection sensor 135 are located downstream of the opening / closing section 130, they function as a departure detection means that detects the departure of the moving body 200 from the opening / closing section 130.

[0093] <Control and operation of each part> The management unit 800 (Figure 3) controls each on-off valve 131, the first switching valve 151a, and the second switching valve 152a so that when an intake / exhaust flow is generated in some of the intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140, the on-off valve 131 of some of the on-off sections 130 corresponding to those intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140 is closed, and when the on-off valve 131 of those partial on-off sections is opened, the airflow in those intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140 is stopped. The management unit 800 opens the on-off valve 131 of the open-close section 130 at least when the moving object 200 passes through the open-close section 130.

[0094] <<Counterclockwise airflow>> 19(a) and (b) show an example in which a counterclockwise airflow is generated in the air duct. 19, the first pipe 351 is connected to the intake pipe 333, so that the first connection port 351a functions as an intake port, and the second pipe 352 is connected to the exhaust pipe 331, so that the second connection port 352a functions as an exhaust port. Therefore, each first branch pipe 143 functions as an intake pipe that draws in gas from the blower pipe 100, and the second branch pipe 144 functions as an exhaust pipe that exhausts gas to the blower pipe 100.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 19(a), when the first detection sensor 134-1 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 opens the first opening / closing valve 131-1 to allow the moving object 200 to pass through the first opening / closing section 130-1. The management unit 800 switches the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a so as to connect the blower unit 350 to the first branch pipe 143-2 and the second branch pipe 144-2. The management unit 800 closes the second opening / closing valve 131-2. An airflow is formed in the air duct 100, drawing air from one end 130a of the second opening / closing section 130-2 and discharging it to the other end 130b. On the other hand, the first branch pipe 143-1 and the second branch pipe 144-1 are connected to the auxiliary pipe 153 via the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a, respectively. The first intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1 and the auxiliary pipe 153 form a space through which almost no gas flows.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the second detection sensor 134-2 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 opens the second opening / closing valve 131-2 to allow the moving object 200 to pass through the second opening / closing section 130-2. The management unit 800 switches the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a so as to connect the blower unit 350 to the first branch pipe 143-1 and the second branch pipe 144-1. The management unit 800 closes the first opening / closing valve 131-1. An airflow is formed in the air duct 100, where air is drawn in from one end 130a of the first opening / closing section 130-1 and exhausted to the other end 130b. On the other hand, the first branch pipe 143-2 and the second branch pipe 144-2 are connected to the auxiliary pipe 153 via the first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a, respectively. The second intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-2 and the auxiliary pipe 153 form a space through which almost no gas flows. The management unit 800 controls the on-off valves 131 and the first and second switching valves 151a, 152a, thereby controlling the airflows in the plurality of intake and exhaust pipe pairs 140 with one blower unit 350 (or one blower 310).

[0097] <<Valve switching>> FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the switching valve switches the pipe with which it is connected. When the first switching valve 151a switches the pipes to be communicated, the four pipes connected to the first switching valve 151a may temporarily be in communication at the same time. Also, when the second switching valve 152a switches the pipes to be communicated, the four pipes connected to the second switching valve 152a may temporarily be in communication at the same time. In this embodiment, since the auxiliary pipe 153 is provided, the space through which the gas flows can be maintained in an airtight state when the first and second switching valves 151a and 152a are switched.

[0098] <<Clockwise airflow>> 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a clockwise airflow is generated in a blower duct, in which the pair of pipes connected to the switching valve 325 in the blower unit 350 is different from that in FIG. 21, the first pipe 351 is connected to the exhaust pipe 331, so that the first connection port 351a functions as an exhaust port, and the second pipe 352 is connected to the intake pipe 333, so that the second connection port 352a functions as an intake port. Therefore, each first branch pipe 143 functions as an exhaust pipe that exhausts gas to the air duct 100, and the second branch pipe 144 functions as an intake pipe that draws gas from the air duct 100.

[0099] In this way, in the blower unit 350, the switching valve 325 switches the connection destination of the pipe, thereby changing the intake and exhaust direction of the blower unit 350. The first and second detection sensors 134, 135 function as an entry detection sensor or a departure detection sensor depending on the direction of the airflow in the air duct 100.

[0100] Third Embodiment 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an airflow control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a single blower (blower unit) is used to control the airflow in a plurality of intake and exhaust pipe pairs. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0101] In the transfer system 10C3 (10C), one end 143a of a first branch pipe 143 is connected to one end 130a of each open / close section 130, and one end 144a of a second branch pipe 144 is connected to the other end 130b. The other end 143b of each first branch pipe 143 is connected to a first connecting pipe 361 via a first switching valve unit 151. The other end 144b of each second branch pipe 144 is connected to a second connecting pipe 362 via a second switching valve unit 152.

[0102] The first switching valve unit 151 selects one first branch pipe from the four first branch pipes 143 and connects it to the first connecting pipe 361. The second switching valve unit 152 selects one second branch pipe from the four second branch pipes 144 and connects it to the second connecting pipe 362.

[0103] 22 includes a first and a second switching valve 151a and 152a, respectively. That is, the switching valve is configured to be able to connect one connection pipe to three or more branch pipes.

[0104] The management unit 800 controls each part so that a gas flow path is formed in a single stroke using the movement path portion 111 excluding one opening / closing section (e.g., 130-2) and one pair of intake and exhaust pipes (e.g., 140-2) corresponding to the opening / closing section. If the gas circulates in a single stroke without branching, the gas flows smoothly through the air flow path.

[0105] <Modification> FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an airflow control method according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the transfer system 10C3' (10C), the first switching valve unit 151 includes three first switching valves 151a to 151c. In the transfer system 10C3', the second switching valve unit 152 includes three second switching valves 152a to 152c. The transfer system 10C3' includes three auxiliary pipes 153a to 153c that connect pairs of switching valves.

[0106] The first switching valve 151a and the second switching valve 152a, which are directly connected to the blower unit 350, constitute a pair of switching valves. The first and second switching valves (151b and 152b, 151c and 152c) that control the airflow to the same pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 constitute a pair of switching valves. Auxiliary pipes 153 connect the pair of switching valves. The auxiliary pipes 153 maintain airtightness inside each valve when each switching valve switches the pipe it is connected to.

[0107] The configurations of the first and second switching valves 151a to 151c and 152a to 152c are similar to those shown in FIGS. The first and second switching valves 151a to 151c, 152a to 152c are connected with one pipe positioned closer to the blower unit 350 as seen from each switching valve, two pipes positioned closer to the air duct 100, and an auxiliary pipe 153. The first and second switching valves 151a to 151c, 152a to 152c are connected with each other in a cross shape so that the one pipe positioned closer to the blower unit 350 and the auxiliary pipe 153 are linearly arranged and the two pipes positioned closer to the air duct 100 are linearly arranged. For example, the first switching valve 151a is cross-connected to a first connection pipe 361 located closer to the blower unit 350, two valve unit pipes 154, 154 located closer to the air duct 100, and an auxiliary pipe 153a. For example, the first switching valve 151b is cross-connected with a valve unit pipe 154 located closer to the blower unit 350, two first branch pipes 143-1 and 143-2 located closer to the blower duct 100, and an auxiliary pipe 153b.

[0108] The first and second switching valves 151a to 151c, 152a to 152c switch the connection destination of the pipes so that one pipe located closer to the blower unit 350 as viewed from each switching valve is connected to one of two pipes located closer to the air duct 100. For example, the first switching valve 151a switches the connection destination of the pipes so that the first connection pipe 361 located closer to the blower unit 350 is connected to one of the two valve unit pipes 154, 154 located closer to the air duct 100. For example, the first switching valve 151b switches the connection destination of each pipe so that one of the two first branch pipes 143-1 and 143-2 located closer to the air duct 100 is connected to the valve unit pipe 154 located closer to the blower unit 350. The first switching valves 151a to 151c and the second switching valves 152a to 152c are controlled so as to connect one pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 to the blower unit 350. In this way, the switching valve unit may include a plurality of switching valves.

[0109] [Fourth embodiment] 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an airflow control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first to third embodiments. The conveying system 10C4 (10C) may include a plurality of airflow control units 360A, 360B that respectively control the airflow in the plurality of pairs of intake and exhaust pipes 140-1, 140-2. That is, the conveying system 10C4 may control the airflow in one air duct 100 using a plurality of airflow control units 360. The configuration other than the air duct 100 is the same as that shown in FIG. 19, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The air duct 100 may also include a first air duct 110 with an end through which the moving body 200 travels, and a second air duct 120 that forms an endless air flow path 101 between the first air duct 110 and the second air duct 120 through which the moving body 200 does not travel. The first air duct 110 includes a movement path portion 111 therein through which the moving body 200 travels. According to this embodiment, airflow can be supplied from the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the first air duct 110. Therefore, it becomes possible for the moving body 200 to travel long distances. That is, when the travel path portion 111 is long distance, it is possible to prevent a problem such as insufficient airflow making it difficult for the moving body 200 to travel. When the movement path portion 111 has ends, the longitudinal ends of the first air duct 110 are connected by the second air duct 120, thereby forming the air duct 100 as a whole in an endless manner. Also, in the air duct 100, the gas flow path is formed airtight.

[0111] As in this example, when the conveying system 10C is equipped with a large number of airflow control units 360 (or blowers 310) and the moving path portion 111 is long, it is desirable to allow the moving body 200 to travel by inertial force in the opening and closing section 130. In other words, if it is acceptable for the airflow in the air blower duct 100 to stop temporarily when the moving body 200 passes through the opening and closing section 130, it becomes unnecessary to link the operation of the opening and closing valve 131 and the state of the airflow in the intake and exhaust duct pair 140 between different opening and closing sections, and the control of each part can be simplified. Such a control method is also effective in simplifying control when a plurality of moving bodies 200 travel within the air duct 100.

[0112] [Summary of the configuration, action, and effect of the third invention] <First embodiment> The traveling system (conveying system 10C) according to this embodiment comprises an air duct 100 that uses airflow to move a moving body 200 housed in a hollow section (air flow path 101), an opening / closing section 130 set at an appropriate position in the air duct, and an opening / closing valve 131 that is positioned within the opening / closing section and allows the passage of gas and moving bodies within the opening / closing section when the valve is open and prevents the passage of gas and moving bodies within the opening / closing section when the valve is closed. The traveling system is equipped with a pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 including a first intake and exhaust pipe (intake pipe 141, first branch pipe 143) having one end (141a, 143a) connected in communication with one end 130a of the opening and closing section 130 and capable of drawing in gas from the air supply pipe 100, and a second intake and exhaust pipe (exhaust pipe 142, second branch pipe 144) having one end (142a, 144a) connected in communication with the other end 130b of the opening and closing section 130 and capable of discharging gas to the air supply pipe 100. The traveling system includes a blower 310 that generates an airflow, and is equipped with a blower unit 350 in which the other end (141b, 143b) of the first intake and exhaust pipe and the other end (142b, 144b) of the second intake and exhaust pipe are connected to an intake port and an exhaust port, respectively. Furthermore, the traveling system includes a control means (management unit 800) that controls the on-off valve 131 and each part of the blower unit 350. The control means is characterized by controlling the on-off valve and the blower unit so as to close the on-off valve when generating airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, and to stop the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes when opening the on-off valve.

[0113] If gas is taken in or exhausted in the middle of the air duct (the moving path portion 111 along which the moving body travels) in the longitudinal direction, the moving path portion can be configured to be endless. Also, it becomes possible to configure the air duct (moving path portion) longer, and the moving path portion can be designed more flexibly. However, if the air intake is located in the middle of the travel path, the moving object will be sucked into the air intake, making it difficult for the moving object to travel. Furthermore, if the blower is operated with the on-off valve open, a localized circulating airflow will occur between the open / close section and the pair of intake and exhaust pipes. When a localized circulating airflow occurs, the airflow will not reach the entire blower pipe. As a result, it will be difficult for the moving object to travel.

[0114] In this embodiment, the on-off valve is closed when an airflow is generated in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, and the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes is stopped when the on-off valve is opened, so the moving body can travel even if gas is taken in and exhausted in the middle of the moving path, which allows for more flexible design of the moving path.

[0115] <Second embodiment> In the travel system (conveying system 10C) according to this embodiment, the control means (management unit 800) is characterized in that it controls the on-off valve 131 to open and stop the intake and exhaust flow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 before the moving body 200 enters the opening and closing section 130, and controls the on-off valve and blower unit 350 to close the on-off valve and generate an intake and exhaust flow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 after the moving body leaves the opening and closing section.

[0116] A moving object entering or leaving the open / close section can be detected by various methods. For example, an entry detection means (entry detection sensor 132) that detects the entry of a moving object into the open / close section can be arranged upstream of the open / close section in the direction of travel of the moving object, and a departure detection means (departure detection sensor 133) that detects the departure of a moving object from the open / close section can be arranged downstream of the open / close section in the direction of travel of the moving object. The control means can control the on-off valve and the blower unit based on the detection results of the entry detection means and the departure detection means.

[0117] In this mode, the on-off valve is opened to stop the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes before the moving object passes through the open-close section, and the on-off valve is closed to generate an airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes after the moving object passes through the open-close section. Even when gas is being taken in and exhausted in the middle of the moving path, the moving object can travel smoothly.

[0118] <Third embodiment> In the travel system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the blower 310 is a means for generating a unidirectional airflow. The first connection port 351a of the blower unit 350 functions as either an air intake port or an exhaust port, and the second connection port 352a functions as the other of the air intake port and the exhaust port. The blower unit is equipped with an internal switching valve 325 that switches whether the first connection port and the second connection port function as an air intake port or an exhaust port. The control means (management unit 800) controls the internal switching valve to change the direction of the airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 and the air blower pipe 100.

[0119] According to this embodiment, a blower that flows gas in one direction can be used to generate a forward airflow (counterclockwise airflow shown in Figure 19(a)) and a reverse airflow (clockwise airflow shown in Figure 21) within the intake and exhaust pipe pair and the blower pipe.

[0120] <Fourth embodiment> The traveling system (conveying systems 10C2 to 10C4) according to this embodiment comprises an air duct 100 that uses airflow to move a moving body 200 housed in a hollow section (air flow path 101), a plurality of opening / closing sections 130-1, -2... set at appropriate locations in the air duct, and a plurality of opening / closing valves 131-1, -2... that are arranged within each opening / closing section and allow the passage of gas and moving bodies within each opening / closing section when the valve is open, and prevent the passage of gas and moving bodies within each opening / closing section when the valve is closed. The traveling system includes a plurality of intake and exhaust pipe pairs 140-1, -2... that correspond one-to-one to the respective open and closed sections. Each intake and exhaust pipe pair has a first intake and exhaust pipe (first branch pipe 143) having one end 143a connected to one end 130a of the open and closed section, and a second intake and exhaust pipe (second branch pipe 144) having one end 144a connected to the other end 130b of the open and closed section.

[0121] The propulsion system includes an airflow control unit 360 that controls the airflow in the intake and exhaust pipes. The airflow control unit includes a blower unit 350, a first switching valve unit 151, and a second switching valve unit 152. The blower unit 350 has a blower 310 that generates an airflow that flows in a predetermined direction, a first connection port 351a that can flow gas in one of the intake direction and the exhaust direction, and a second connection port 352a that can flow gas in the other of the intake direction and the exhaust direction. The first switching valve unit 151 is configured such that one part is connected to the first connection port, and the other end 143b of each first intake and exhaust pipe is connected to each of the other parts, and is capable of selectively switching at least one of the first intake and exhaust pipes to which the blower unit is connected. The second switching valve unit 152 has a part connected to the second connection port, and other parts connected to the other ends 144b of each second intake and exhaust pipe, and is configured to be able to selectively switch at least one second branch pipe 144 from each second intake and exhaust pipe to which the blower unit is connected. Furthermore, the traveling system includes a control means (management unit 800) that controls each on-off valve and the air blow control unit.

[0122] The control means controls each on-off valve, the first switching valve unit, and the second switching valve unit so that when an intake / exhaust flow is generated in a part of the intake / exhaust pipe pairs, the on-off valves of a part of the on-off section corresponding to the part of the intake / exhaust pipe pairs are closed, and when the on-off valves of the part of the on-off section are opened, the airflow in the part of the intake / exhaust pipe pairs is stopped.

[0123] This embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this aspect, a single blower can selectively control the airflow in multiple intake and exhaust pipes. That is, as an example, the control means selects two intake and exhaust pipes that constitute an intake and exhaust pipe pair from among multiple first intake and exhaust pipes and multiple second intake and exhaust pipes. The control means controls the first and second switching valve units to connect one of the two intake and exhaust pipes to the intake side of the blower unit and the other to the exhaust side. The control means closes the on-off valves in the open / close sections corresponding to the selected intake and exhaust pipe pair. By controlling in this manner, it is possible to set a plurality of open / closed sections within the air duct without increasing the number of blowers. According to this aspect, the traveling system can be configured at low cost.

[0124] <Fifth embodiment> In the travel system (conveying systems 10C2 to 10C4) according to this embodiment, the control means (management unit 800) is characterized in that when an intake / exhaust flow is generated in some of the intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140, it controls each opening / closing valve 131 in each opening / closing section 130 corresponding to the remaining intake / exhaust pipe pairs to open them. In addition to the control shown in the fourth embodiment, the control means executes control to open the on-off valves in the open / close sections corresponding to the intake / exhaust pipe pair through which gas does not flow. By controlling in this manner, a continuous flow path is formed in the traveling system in a single stroke, and gas flows smoothly through this flow path.

[0125] <Sixth embodiment> The travel system (transportation systems 10C2 to 10C4) according to this embodiment includes an entrance detection means (first detection sensor 134, second detection sensor 135) that detects the entrance of the moving body 200 into each openable / closable section 130. The control means (management unit 800) is characterized in that it controls each opening / closing valve and the air supply control unit 360 so as to open the opening / closing valve 131 of one opening / closing section before the moving body enters one opening / closing section based on the detection result of the entry detection means and to stop the intake and exhaust flow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 corresponding to one opening / closing section. In this aspect, before the moving object passes through one of the opening / closing sections, the opening / closing valve of that section is opened to stop the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes corresponding to that opening / closing section. According to this aspect, even when gas is being taken in and exhausted in the middle of the moving path, the moving object can travel smoothly.

[0126] <Seventh embodiment> In the travel system (transportation systems 10C2 to 10C4) according to this embodiment, the blower 310 is a means for generating an air current that flows in a fixed direction. The blower unit 350 includes an internal switching valve 325 that switches whether the first connection port 351a and the second connection port 352a function as an air intake port or an air exhaust port. The control means (management unit 800) controls the internal switching valve to change the direction of the air current in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 and the air blower pipe 100. According to this embodiment, a blower that flows gas in one direction can be used to generate a forward airflow (counterclockwise airflow shown in Figures 19 to 24) and a reverse airflow (clockwise airflow shown in the same figures) within the intake and exhaust pipe pair and the blower pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] Arrows A, A1, A2... (circulation direction), arrows B, B1, B2... (banknote collection direction), arrows C, C1, C2... (transport body return direction), L, L1, L2... island equipment, Ax1... axis, L axis... extension direction of transport pipe / transport path, W axis... width direction of transport pipe / transport path, Z axis... up and down direction, 1... gaming machine, 2... machine-to-machine machine, 10... banknote transport system, 10C... transport system (travel system), 100, 100A to 100C... air duct, 100a... one end, 100b... other end, 101... air flow path, 110... first air duct, 111... movement path portion, 120... second air duct, 130, 130-n... opening and closing section, 1 30a...one end portion, 130b...other end portion, 131, 131-n...on-off valve, 1311...valve body, 1312...flow path, 1313...outer peripheral wall, 1314...case, 1314L...lower member, 1314U...upper member, 1315...connection port, 1316...motor, 132, 132-n...entry detection sensor (entry detection means), 133, 133-n...detachment detection sensor (detachment detection means), 134...first detection sensor (entry detection means, detachment detection means), 135...second detection sensor (entry detection means, detachment detection means), 140, 140-n...intake and exhaust pipe pair, 141, 141-n...intake pipe (first intake and exhaust pipe), 1 41a...one end, 141b...other end, 142, 141-n...exhaust pipe (second intake and exhaust pipe), 142a...one end, 142b...other end, 143...first branch pipe (first intake and exhaust pipe), 143a...one end, 143b...other end, 144...second branch pipe (second intake and exhaust pipe), 144a...one end, 144b...other end, 151...first switching valve unit, 151a to c...first switching valve, 152...second switching valve unit, 152a to c...second switching valve, 153, 153a to c...auxiliary pipe, 154...valve unit pipe, 200...moving body, 210...divided piece, 211...hinge portion, 213...moving body side magnet ( moving body side magnetic body), 215... shaft, 216... roller, 250... interlocking traveling pair, 300, 300B, 300C... air blowing control unit, 310, 310a, 310b, 310-n... blower (airflow generating device), 320... switching unit, 321... casing, 323... flow path, 323a... first flow path, 323b... second flow path, 323c... third flow path, 323d... fourth flow path, 325... switching valve (internal switching valve), 330... first circulation piping, 330a... one end, 330b... other end, 331... exhaust pipe, 333... intake pipe, 340... connecting pipe, 350... blower unit, 351... first piping,351a...first connection port, 352...second piping, 352a...second connection port, 360, 360A, 360B...blowing control unit, 361...first connection piping, 362...second connection piping, 400, 400A to 400C...conveyor pipe, 401...conveyor path, 402...base conveyor path, 403...banknote conveyor path, 405...recess, 411...top opening, 413...protrusion, 415...guide rail, 450...waiting section, 500...conveyor, 510...conveyor base, 520...divided piece, 520a...internal space, 520b...protrusion, 520c...(inner) area, 521...hinge section, 523...Transport body side magnet (transport body side magnetic material), 525...roller, 540...banknote collection holding section, 541...support member, 541a...axial support section, 541b...spring, 544...collection claw (collection member), 544a...base end piece, 544b...middle piece, 544c...end piece, 545...roller, 550...transport table, 551...axial member, 552...roller, 600...receiving unit, 700...safe unit, 800...management unit (control means), 801...casing, 900...stopping device, 1000...branching section, 1100...air flow path switching section, 1400...transport path switching section,

Claims

1. an air duct that moves a moving body housed in a hollow portion by airflow; An opening / closing section set at an appropriate position of the air duct; an on-off valve that is disposed within the open-close section and allows the gas and the moving body to pass through within the open-close section when the valve is open and prevents the gas and the moving body from passing through within the open-close section when the valve is closed; an intake and exhaust pipe pair including a first intake and exhaust pipe having one end connected in communication with one end of the opening and closing section and capable of drawing in gas from the air duct, and a second intake and exhaust pipe having one end connected in communication with the other end of the opening and closing section and capable of discharging gas to the air duct; a blower unit including a blower that generates an airflow, the other end of the first intake and exhaust pipe being connected to the other end of the second intake and exhaust pipe; a control means for controlling the on-off valve and each part of the blower unit, The control means controls the on-off valve and the blower unit so as to close the on-off valve when generating airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, and to stop the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes when opening the on-off valve.

2. 2. The traveling system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the on-off valve and the blower unit so as to open the on-off valve and stop the intake and exhaust flow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes before the moving body enters the on-off section, and to close the on-off valve and generate the intake and exhaust flow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes after the moving body leaves the on-off section.

3. The blower is a means for generating an airflow that flows in a certain direction, the first connection port is a means that functions as one of an air intake port and an air exhaust port; the second connection port is a means that functions as the other of the intake port and the exhaust port, the blower unit includes an internal switching valve that switches whether the first connection port and the second connection port function as the intake port or the exhaust port, 3. The traveling system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the internal switching valve to change the direction of the airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes and the blower pipe.

4. an air duct that moves a moving body housed in a hollow portion by airflow; A plurality of opening and closing sections set at appropriate positions of the air duct; a plurality of on-off valves disposed in each of the opening and closing sections, the on-off valves permitting passage of the gas and the moving body in each of the opening and closing sections when the valves are open and preventing passage of the gas and the moving body in each of the opening and closing sections when the valves are closed; a plurality of intake and exhaust pipe pairs corresponding one-to-one to the respective opening and closing sections, each of the intake and exhaust pipe pairs having a first intake and exhaust pipe connected at one end thereof in communication with one end of the opening and closing section, and a second intake and exhaust pipe connected at one end thereof in communication with the other end of the opening and closing section; an airflow control unit for controlling airflow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, a blower unit including a blower that generates an airflow that flows in a predetermined direction, a first connection port that allows the gas to flow in one of an intake direction and an exhaust direction, and a second connection port that allows the gas to flow in the other of the intake direction and the exhaust direction; a first switching valve unit, a portion of which is connected to the first connection port and the other ends of the first intake and exhaust pipes are connected to other portions, and which is capable of selectively switching at least one of the first intake and exhaust pipes to be connected to the blower unit; a second switching valve unit, a portion of which is connected to the second connection port and the other ends of the second intake and exhaust pipes are connected to other portions, and which is capable of selectively switching at least one of the second intake and exhaust pipes to be connected to the blower unit; The airflow control unit includes: a control means for controlling the on-off valves and the air blow control unit; Equipped with The control means controls the on-off valves, the first switching valve unit, and the second switching valve unit so as to close the on-off valves in some of the on-off sections corresponding to some of the intake and exhaust pipe pairs when generating intake and exhaust flow in some of the intake and exhaust pipe pairs, and to stop the airflow in some of the intake and exhaust pipe pairs when opening the on-off valves in some of the on-off sections.

5. 5. The traveling system according to claim 4, wherein the control means controls the on-off valves so that, when the intake and exhaust flow is generated in some of the intake and exhaust pipe pairs, the on-off valves in the opening and closing sections corresponding to the remaining intake and exhaust pipe pairs are opened.

6. an entry detection means for detecting entry of the moving object into each of the open / close sections; 5. The traveling system according to claim 4, wherein the control means controls each of the on-off valves and the air blowing control unit so as to open the on-off valve of one of the opening / closing sections and stop the intake and exhaust flow in the pair of intake and exhaust pipes corresponding to one of the opening / closing sections before the moving body enters the one of the opening / closing sections based on the detection result of the entry detection means.

7. The blower is a means for generating an airflow that flows in a certain direction, The driving system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the blower unit has an internal switching valve that switches whether the first connection port and the second connection port function as an intake port or an exhaust port, and the control means controls the internal switching valve to change the direction of airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair and the air blower pipe.

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