Pneumatic tube connecting unit, transceiver, and pneumatic tube system

Abstract

To provide a pneumatic tube connection unit, a transmission / reception unit, and a pneumatic tube system capable of suppressing an increase in a space occupied by the pneumatic tube system.SOLUTION: The fuel feed pipe connection unit 1 includes the common pipe portion 61, the branch pipe portion 62, the first pipe portion 63 continuous with the branch pipe portion 62 at the first branch end 62b, the second pipe portion 64 continuous with the branch pipe portion 62 at the second branch end 62c, the first valve portion 63a connected to the first connection end 70A of the first pipe portion 63, and the second valve portion 64a connected to the second connection end 70B of the second pipe portion 64. The first valve part 70A allows the passage of the pneumatic carrier P only in a first direction 70A from the first valve part D1 to the branch pipe part 62, and the second valve part 70B allows the passage of the pneumatic carrier P only in a second direction 70B from the branch pipe part 62 to the second valve part D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic tube connection unit, a transmitting / receiving unit, and a pneumatic tube system. [Background technology]

[0002] A pneumatic tube system that transports pneumatic elements by airflow is known, as described in Patent Document 1. This pneumatic tube system has a plurality of stations for both transmitting and receiving pneumatic elements, and pneumatic tubes that connect the plurality of stations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-075591 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned pneumatic tube system, it is possible to configure the transmitting station for transmitting the pneumatic elements and the receiving station for receiving the pneumatic elements as separate devices located in the same place. In this case, it is necessary to provide piping connecting the transmitting station and the receiving station. This increases the length of the pneumatic tube piping in the pneumatic tube system, thereby increasing the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a pneumatic tube connection unit, a transceiver unit, and a pneumatic tube system that can suppress an increase in the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] One aspect of the present disclosure is a pneumatic tube connection unit that forms part of a transport path when transporting a pneumatic element by air flow, the pneumatic tube connection unit comprising: a common tube section; a branch tube section that is continuous with the common tube section and has a first branch end and a second branch end; a first tube section that is continuous with the branch tube section at the first branch end and has a first connecting end located on the opposite side of the first branch end; a second tube section that is continuous with the branch tube section at the second branch end and has a second connecting end located on the opposite side of the second branch end; a first valve section connected to the first connecting end of the first tube section; and a second valve section connected to the second connecting end of the second tube section, wherein the first valve section allows the pneumatic element to pass only in a first direction from the first valve section toward the branch tube section, and the second valve section allows the pneumatic element to pass only in a second direction from the branch tube section toward the second valve section.

[0007] In this pneumatic tube connection unit, the first and second tubes are continuous with the branch tube, and the branch tube is continuous with the common tube. This configuration allows two tubes that form part of a transport path, such as a portion of the pneumatic tube connected to the transmitting station and a portion of the pneumatic tube connected to the receiving station, to be combined into a single common tube. This reduces the length of piping used for the pneumatic tube, which is the transport path, in a pneumatic tube system equipped with a pneumatic tube connection unit. As a result, the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system can be reduced. Additionally, the first valve allows the pneumatic element to pass only in a first direction from the first valve to the branch tube, and the second valve allows the pneumatic element to pass only in a second direction from the branch tube to the second valve. That is, the first and second valves, each equipped with a check valve (check valve) structure, are attached to the respective tubes in opposite directions. According to this configuration, for example, when the pneumatic tube connection unit is positioned so that the first tube section is positioned vertically above the second tube section, the transport path of the pneumatic tube is automatically determined according to the transport direction of the pneumatic tube. For example, when the pneumatic tube is transported in the first direction by the air flow, it passes through the first valve section and the first tube section before entering the common tube section. When the pneumatic tube is transported in the second direction by the air flow, it passes through the common tube section and then automatically enters the second branch end of the branch tube section, which is located vertically below the first branch end, due to gravity. The pneumatic tube then passes through the second tube section and enters the second valve section. Because the transport path of the pneumatic tube is automatically determined according to the transport direction of the pneumatic tube, there is no need to provide a device for determining the transport path of the pneumatic tube in the branch tube section. This further reduces the space required for the pneumatic tube system. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the space required for the pneumatic tube system.

[0008] [2] In the pneumatic tube connection unit of [1] above, one of the first pipe section and the second pipe section may extend along the extension direction of the common pipe section. With this configuration, a larger space can be secured around one of the first pipe section and the second pipe section compared to when the first pipe section and the second pipe section each extend in a direction oblique to the extension direction of the common pipe section.

[0009] [3] In the pneumatic tube connection unit of [1] or [2] above, the first valve section may have a casing having a tubular passage communicating with the first tube section, and a valve element housed in the casing and rotatable around a support shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the tubular passage, the valve element being rotated by at least the air flow to open or close the tubular passage. This configuration allows the tubular passage to be opened or closed more reliably.

[0010] [4] In the pneumatic tube connection unit of [3] above, the casing may further have a housing portion formed radially outward from the tubular passage, and the valve disc spindle may be located near the outer circumferential surface of the tubular passage in a cross section along the centerline. With this configuration, the valve disc spindle is located closer to the tubular passage, so that the valve disc can be rotated with less force, for example, by air flow within the tubular passage. This makes it easier to open or close the tubular passage.

[0011] [5] In the pneumatic tube connection unit of either [3] or [4] above, the first valve section may further have a notch that abuts against the tip of the valve disc when the valve disc rotates in the closing direction to prevent further rotation of the valve disc. This configuration ensures that the tubular passage is kept closed by the valve disc.

[0012] [6] In any one of the pneumatic tube connection units [3] to [5] above, an elastic member may be provided on at least one of the surface of the valve body opposite the first tube section and the surface of the valve body facing the first tube section. According to this configuration, if an elastic member is provided on the surface of the valve body opposite the first tube section, it is possible to reduce the impact when the pneumatic element contacts the valve body. Furthermore, if an elastic member is provided on the surface of the valve body facing the first tube section, it is possible to suppress the noise when the valve body rotates in the opening direction and hits the casing. As described above, it is possible to achieve at least one of preventing damage to the pneumatic element passing through the tubular passage and suppressing the passing noise of the pneumatic element.

[0013] [7] In the pneumatic tube connection unit of any one of [3] to [6] above, a common part may be used as the first valve part and the second valve part. This configuration reduces the manufacturing cost of the pneumatic tube connection unit.

[0014] [8] A transmitting / receiving unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the pneumatic tube connection units described above in [1] to [7], a transmitting station for transmitting the pneumatic element, a receiving station for receiving the pneumatic element, a first pneumatic tube section connecting the transmitting station and the pneumatic tube connection unit, and a second pneumatic tube section connecting the receiving station and the pneumatic tube connection unit. With this configuration, as described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system.

[0015] [9] A pneumatic tube system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of stations for transmitting or receiving pneumatic elements, a pneumatic tube connecting the plurality of stations and serving as a transport path for the pneumatic elements, and a blower connected to the pneumatic tube and generating an air flow within the pneumatic tube, wherein the plurality of stations include a transmitting station for transmitting the pneumatic elements and a receiving station for receiving the pneumatic elements, and the pneumatic tube may include any one of the pneumatic tube connection units described above in [1] to [6], a first pneumatic tube section connecting the transmitting station and the pneumatic tube connection unit, and a second pneumatic tube section connecting the receiving station and the pneumatic tube connection unit. With this configuration, as described above, it is possible to prevent an increase in the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pneumatic tube system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a side view showing a pneumatic tube connection unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first valve portion shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the valve body of the first valve portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the valve body. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the valve body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the valve body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0019] The basic configuration of a pneumatic tube system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pneumatic tube system 100 is incorporated into a building, such as a hospital, and is a system for transporting a pneumatic tube P from one point to another within the building. The pneumatic tube P can accommodate multiple items. The items accommodated and transported in the pneumatic tube P include, but are not limited to, blood collection tubes, urine collection tubes, infusion bottles, infusion bags, urine cups, and any other items. In addition to medical supplies, medical equipment, or medical devices, documents and the like may also be accommodated in the pneumatic tube P. Envelopes or containers (e.g., plastic bags with zippers) for storing documents and the like may also be accommodated in the pneumatic tube P. The application of the pneumatic tube system 100 is not limited to hospitals. The pneumatic tube system 100 may also be incorporated into other buildings, factories, or the like to transport items within the building or factory.

[0020] The pneumatic tube system 100 transports the pneumatic conduit P by airflow. The pneumatic tube system 100 can transport only one pneumatic conduit P at a time. The pneumatic tube system 100 includes multiple transmitting stations 2A for transmitting the pneumatic conduit P and multiple receiving stations 2B for receiving the pneumatic conduit P. The transmitting station 2A is a station dedicated to transmitting the pneumatic conduit P. The receiving station 2B is a station dedicated to receiving the pneumatic conduit P. The number of transmitting stations 2A and receiving stations 2B is not particularly limited, but is, for example, approximately 8 to 12. The number of stations 2A and 2B in the pneumatic tube system 100 is appropriately determined based on the frequency of transport of the pneumatic conduit P, etc. Each station 2A and 2B is installed on any floor of a building. FIG. 1 shows a first floor 1F and a second floor 2F. FIG. 1 shows only one example of a building, and the building may have any number of floors, or may have only one. The building may have one or more floors above ground and / or underground. "Transporting the pneumatic element P" in the pneumatic tube system 100 refers to the act (or control) of transporting the pneumatic element P from a transmitting station 2A located at one location within the building to a receiving station 2B located at another location within the building.

[0021] The pneumatic tube system 100 comprises a pneumatic tube 10 that connects multiple stations 2 (such as a transmitting station 2A and a receiving station 2B), and a blower 30 that is connected to the pneumatic tube 10 and generates an air flow within the pneumatic tube 10.

[0022] The pneumatic tube 10 connects multiple stations 2. The pneumatic tube 10 includes a first pneumatic tube section 11A, a second pneumatic tube section 11B, a common pneumatic tube section 12, and a pneumatic tube connection unit 1. The first pneumatic tube section 11A connects the transmitting station 2A and the pneumatic tube connection unit 1. The second pneumatic tube section 11B connects the receiving station 2B and the pneumatic tube connection unit 1. The pneumatic tube connection unit 1 connects the first pneumatic tube section 11A and the second pneumatic tube section 11B to the common pneumatic tube section 12. The common pneumatic tube section 12 has multiple branch points so that the pneumatic tube P can be transported along a predetermined route (transport path). A switch 21 is provided at each branch point. The first pneumatic tube section 11A, the second pneumatic tube section 11B, the pneumatic tube connection unit 1, the transmitting station 2A, and the receiving station 2B constitute a transmitting / receiving unit U.

[0023] The blower 30 can operate in two ways: by pressurizing air into the pneumatic tube 10 or by sucking air from the pneumatic tube 10. The rotor of the blower 30 may be capable of rotating in both forward and reverse directions, and the two operations, pressurizing and sucking, may be switched by changing the configuration of the piping connected to each blower 30 and the valves. In this embodiment, the two operations, pressurizing and sucking, are switched by the air direction change unit 31 incorporated in the blower 30. For example, when the pneumatic element P is sucked up just before the blower 30, the air diode 22 prevents it from entering the blower 30. Thereafter, when a route to the destination receiving station 2B is formed, the air direction change unit 31 switches the blower 30 to pressurizing operation, and the transport of the pneumatic element P is resumed.

[0024] The pneumatic tube system 100 includes a controller 40 that controls transmission and reception at each station 2A, 2B and path switching at each switch 21 according to a transport path assigned to the pneumatic tube P. The controller 40 is an electronic control unit including a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The controller 40 controls each station 2A, 2B and each switch 21, as well as each blower 30 (controlling the blower's air volume and switching between two modes of operation: pressure feeding and suction). The pneumatic tube system 100 also includes a monitoring device 50 that monitors the transport status of the pneumatic tube P within the pneumatic tube 10. The monitoring device 50 estimates the position of the pneumatic tube P within the pneumatic tube 10 and displays the position of the pneumatic tube P on a display or the like, for example.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a side view showing the pneumatic tube connection unit 1. As shown in Figure 2, the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 forms part of the transport path when transporting the pneumatic tube P by airflow. The pneumatic tube connection unit 1 has a common pipe section 61, a branch pipe section 62, a first pipe section 63, a second pipe section 64, a first valve section 70A, and a second valve section 70B. In the following figures, an XYZ coordinate system may also be shown. When the XYZ coordinate system is also shown, the XZ plane is a horizontal plane, and the Y direction is a vertical direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the XZ plane).

[0026] The common pipe section 61 extends along the X direction. The common pipe section 61 has one end 61a and the other end 61b aligned along the X direction. The one end 61a of the common pipe section 61 is connected to the common pneumatic tube section 12. The other end 61b of the common pipe section 61 is continuous with one end 62a of the branch pipe section 62.

[0027] The branch pipe section 62 extends from one end 62a, branching into a first branch end 62b and a second branch end 62c. The first branch end 62b and the second branch end 62c are aligned along the Y direction. The width of the branch pipe section 62 in the Y direction increases toward the first branch end 62b and the second branch end 62c. The branch pipe section 62 has a first portion 65 and a second portion 66. The first portion 65 extends from the one end 62a to the first branch end 62b in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction. The second portion 66 extends from the one end 62a to the second branch end 62c along the X direction.

[0028] The first pipe section 63 and the second pipe section 64 are aligned along the Y direction. The first pipe section 63 is connected to the branch pipe section 62 at a first branched end 62b. The first pipe section 63 has a first connecting end 63a located opposite the first branched end 62b. The first pipe section 63 extends from the first branched end 62b to the first connecting end 63a along a direction inclined with respect to the X direction. The second pipe section 64 is connected to the branch pipe section 62 at a second branched end 62c. The second pipe section 64 has a second connecting end 64a located opposite the second branched end 62c. The second pipe section 64 extends from the second branched end 62c to the second connecting end 64a along the X direction. In other words, one of the first pipe section 63 and the second pipe section 64 extends along the X direction.

[0029] The first valve unit 70A is connected to the first connection end 63a of the first tube unit 63. For example, the first valve unit 70A is connected to the first pneumatic tube section 11A and is connected to the sending station 2A. The second valve unit 70B is connected to the second connection end 64a of the second tube unit 64. For example, the second valve unit 70B is connected to the second pneumatic tube section 11B and is connected to the receiving station 2B.

[0030] The first valve section 70A allows the passage of the air-transfer element P only in a first direction D1 from the first valve section 70A toward the branch pipe section 62. For example, the first valve section 70A allows airflow to flow only in the first direction D1, thereby allowing the passage of the air-transfer element P only in the first direction D1. The first valve section 70A does not allow airflow to flow in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, thereby not allowing the passage of the air-transfer element P in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the direction from the transmitting station 2A toward the common pneumatic tube section 12 (the transmission direction). The second valve section 70B allows the passage of the air-transfer element P only in a second direction D2 from the branch pipe section 62 toward the second valve section 70B. For example, the second valve section 70B allows airflow to flow only in the second direction D2, thereby allowing the passage of the air-transfer element P only in the second direction D2. The second valve section 70B prevents air from flowing in the opposite direction to the second direction D2, thereby not allowing the passage of the pneumatic element P in the opposite direction to the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is the direction (receiving direction) from the common pneumatic tube section 12 toward the receiving station 2B.

[0031] In this embodiment, during suction operation of the blower 30, air flows in the first direction D1 through the first valve unit 70A, causing the valve element in the first valve unit 70A to open the passage of the air-carrying tube P. At the same time, air flows in the second valve unit 70B in the direction opposite to the second direction D2, causing the valve element in the first valve unit 70A to close the passage of the air-carrying tube P. In this case, the air-carrying tube P transmitted from the transmitting station 2A passes through the first pneumatic tube section 11A, the first valve unit 70A, and the first tube section 63, and then enters the branch tube section 62. The air-carrying tube P passes through the branch tube section 62 while moving downward in the Y direction due to gravity. The air-carrying tube P then passes through the common tube section 61 and enters the common pneumatic tube section 12. In this way, the air-carrying tube P transmitted from the transmitting station 2A is permitted to pass through the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 in the first direction D1.

[0032] In this embodiment, during the blower 30's pumping operation, air flows in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, causing the valve element in the first valve unit 70A to close the passage of the air-carrying element P. At the same time, air flows in the second direction D2 through the second valve unit 70B, causing the valve element in the first valve unit 70A to open the passage of the air-carrying element P. In this case, the air-carrying element P transmitted from another transmitting station 2A passes through the common pneumatic tube section 12 and the common pipe section 61 and enters the branch pipe section 62. The air-carrying element P moves toward the second branch end 62c, which is located lower in the Y direction. The air-carrying element P then passes through the second pipe section 64 and the second valve unit 70B in this order and enters the second pneumatic tube section 11B. This allows the air-carrying element P transmitted from another transmitting station 2A to pass through the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 in the second direction D2 and for the receiving station 2B to receive the air-carrying element P.

[0033] The configuration of the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B will be described with reference to Figure 3 and subsequent figures. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the first valve section 70A. Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. The first valve section 70A includes a casing 71, a valve body 90, and a notched section 72. The second valve section 70B has a configuration similar to that of the first valve section 70A. Common parts are used for the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B. The first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B are arranged in opposite directions in the X direction. In the following description, the first valve section 70A will be mainly described, and a description of the second valve section 70B that overlaps with that of the first valve section 70A will be omitted.

[0034] The casing 71 has a tubular passage 73 and a storage section 74. The tubular passage 73 extends along the X direction. The tubular passage 73 has one end 73a and the other end 73b aligned in the X direction. The one end 73a of the tubular passage 73 is connected to the first pneumatic tube section 11A. The other end 73b of the tubular passage 73 is connected to the first tube section 63. The tubular passage 73 has an opening 75a that opens outward in the Y direction and an outer peripheral wall 75 that includes an outer peripheral surface 75b (see FIG. 5).

[0035] The accommodation portion 74 is formed outward in the Y direction (the radial direction of the tubular passage 73). The accommodation portion 74 has a pair of first side walls 74a, a pair of second side walls 74b, and a lid portion 74c. The pair of first side walls 74a are aligned along the X direction and extend along the Y and Z directions. The pair of second side walls 74b are aligned along the Z direction and extend along the X and Y directions. The pair of first side walls 74a and the pair of second side walls 74b are arranged to surround an opening 75a of the tubular passage 73 when viewed from the Y direction. The lid portion 74c faces the opening 75a in the Y direction. The lid portion 74c is fixed to the pair of first side walls 74a and the pair of second side walls 74b by screws 76 or the like. In this way, the internal space R2 of the accommodation portion 74 is in communication with the internal space R1 of the tubular passage 73 via the opening 75a (see FIG. 5).

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the valve element 90. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the valve element 90 has a support shaft 91, a main body portion 92, and a weight portion 93. The support shaft 91 is housed in the housing portion 74 of the casing 71. The support shaft 91 extends in the Z direction (a direction perpendicular to the center direction along the center line L73 of the tubular passage 73) inside the housing portion 74. The support shaft 91 penetrates a pair of second side walls 74b. The support shaft 91 is supported by the pair of second side walls 74b. The support shaft 91 is disposed near the outer peripheral surface 75b of the tubular passage 73 in a cross section taken along the X direction. "Disposed near the outer peripheral surface 75b of the tubular passage 73" means that the distance from the outer peripheral surface 75b of the tubular passage 73 is within a range equal to or less than the diameter of the support shaft 91.

[0037] The main body 92 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 74 of the casing 71. The main body 92 is fixed to a support shaft 91. The main body 92 is configured to be rotatable around the support shaft 91. The main body 92 is, for example, plate-shaped. An elastic member is provided on at least one of a surface 92a of the main body 92 on the first pipe 63 side and a surface 92b of the main body 92 on the opposite side from the first pipe 63. In this embodiment, an elastic member is provided on the surface 92b of the main body 92 on the opposite side from the first pipe 63. The elastic member is made of, for example, rubber. Note that, in the second valve portion 70B, an elastic member is provided on at least one of a surface 92a of the main body 92 on the opposite side from the second pipe 64 and a surface 92b of the main body 92 on the second pipe 64 side. In this embodiment, an elastic member is provided on the surface 92b of the main body 92 on the second pipe 64 side.

[0038] The weight portion 93 is disposed outside the storage portion 74. The weight portion 93 is fixed to the support shaft 91. When viewed from the Z direction, the weight portion 93 is located on the opposite side of the support shaft 91 from the main body portion 92.

[0039] The notch 72 is formed on an inner surface 75c of the outer peripheral wall 75 of the tubular passage 73. The notch 72 faces an opening 75a of the outer peripheral wall 75 along the Y direction. When the main body 92 of the valve body 90 rotates in the closing direction, the notch 72 abuts against a tip portion 92c of the main body 92, thereby preventing the main body 92 from rotating further.

[0040] The rotation of the valve element 90 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. Figures 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. The valve element 90 opens or closes the tubular passage 73 by rotating at least due to the air flow. First, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the air flow is in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, the main body 92 of the valve element 90 rotates in the closing direction and abuts against one side in the X direction of the opening 75a of the outer peripheral wall 75 and the notch 72. The valve element 90 closes the tubular passage 73 by sealing off a portion of the tubular passage 73. This prevents the air flow into one tubular passage 73 through which the air transfer element P does not pass.

[0041] 7, 8, and 9, the main body 92 of the valve body 90 rotates in the opening direction when air flows in the first direction D1. When the main body 92 rotates in the opening direction and is accommodated in the accommodation portion 74, it opens the tubular passage 73. This allows the air conveyance element P to pass through the tubular passage 73. In this embodiment, the valve body 90 rotates due to the pressing forces of the air flow and the air conveyance element P, and the moment around the support shaft 91 caused by the weight portion 93.

[0042] In the pneumatic tube connection unit 1, the transmitting / receiving unit U, and the pneumatic tube system 100 of this embodiment, the first tube section 63 and the second tube section 64 are continuous with the branch tube section 62, which is continuous with the common tube section 61. With this configuration, two tube sections that constitute part of the transport path, for example, a portion of the pneumatic tube 10 connected to the transmitting station 2A and a portion of the pneumatic tube 10 connected to the receiving station 2B, can be combined into a single common tube section 61. In this embodiment, the first pneumatic tube section 11A and the second pneumatic tube section 11B join at the common tube section 61, which extends to the switch 21. This allows the length of piping used for the pneumatic tube 10, which is the transport path, to be reduced in the pneumatic tube system 100 equipped with the pneumatic tube connection unit 1. As a result, the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system 100 can be reduced. Additionally, the first valve section 70A allows the air-carrying element P to pass only in a first direction D1 from the first valve section 70A toward the branch pipe section 62, and the second valve section 70B allows the air-carrying element P to pass only in a second direction D2 from the branch pipe section 62 toward the second valve section 70B. That is, the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B, each equipped with a check valve (check valve) structure, are attached in opposite directions to the first pipe section 63 and the second pipe section 64. With this configuration, when the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 is arranged so that the first pipe section 63 is located above the second pipe section 64 in the vertical Y direction, as in this embodiment, the transport path of the air-carrying element P is automatically determined according to the transport direction of the air-carrying element P. For example, when the air-carrying element P is transported in the first direction D1 by the air flow, it passes through the first valve section 70A and the first pipe section 63 and then enters the common pipe section 61. Furthermore, when the air-transport element P is transported in the second direction D2 by the air flow, after passing through the common pipe section 61, it automatically enters the second branch end 62c of the branch pipe section 62, which is located vertically below the first branch end 62b, due to gravity. The air-transport element P then passes through the second pipe section 64 and enters the second valve section 70B. In this way, the transport path of the air-transport element P is automatically determined depending on the transport direction of the air-transport element P, so there is no need to provide a device in the branch pipe section 62 for determining the transport path of the air-transport element P. This makes it possible to further reduce the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system 100.As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the space occupied by the pneumatic tube system 100.

[0043] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a device for determining the transport path of the pneumatic tube P in the branch pipe section 62, there is no need to provide a power source for operating the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B in the pneumatic tube connection unit 1. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 to zero. Furthermore, since there is no need for wiring or the like for operating the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B, the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 can be realized with a simpler configuration.

[0044] Furthermore, one of the first pipe 63 and the second pipe 64 extends along the extension direction of the common pipe 61. In this embodiment, the common pipe 61 and the second pipe 64 extend along the X direction. With this configuration, a larger space can be secured around one of the first pipe 63 and the second pipe 64 compared to when the first pipe 63 and the second pipe 64 each extend in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction.

[0045] The first valve section 70A may have a casing 71 having a tubular passage 73 communicating with the first pipe section 63, and a valve element 90 housed in the casing 71 and rotatable around a support shaft 91 extending in the Z direction, and the valve element 90 may be rotated by at least an air flow to open or close the tubular passage 73. This configuration allows the tubular passage 73 to be opened or closed more reliably.

[0046] The casing 71 further has a housing portion 74 formed outward in the Y direction (outward in the radial direction of the tubular passage 73), and the spindle 91 of the valve element 90 is disposed near the outer circumferential surface 75b of the tubular passage 73 in a cross section taken along the center line L73. With this configuration, the spindle 91 of the valve element 90 is disposed closer to the tubular passage 73, so that the valve element 90 can be rotated with less force, for example, by the air flow within the tubular passage 73. This makes it easier to open or close the tubular passage 73.

[0047] Furthermore, the first valve section 70A has a notch 72 that abuts against a tip portion 92c of the valve element 90 when the valve element 90 rotates in the closing direction, thereby preventing further rotation of the valve element 90. With this configuration, the tubular passage 73 can be reliably maintained in a closed state by the valve element 90.

[0048] Furthermore, an elastic member may be provided on at least one of the surface 92b of the valve body 90 opposite to the first pipe section 63 and the surface 92a of the valve body 90 facing the first pipe section 63. According to this configuration, when an elastic member is provided on the surface 92b of the valve body 90 opposite to the first pipe section 63, it is possible to reduce the impact when the air-transfer element P comes into contact with the valve body 90. Furthermore, when an elastic member is provided on the surface 92a of the valve body 90 facing the first pipe section 63, it is possible to suppress the noise when the valve body 90 rotates in the opening direction and collides with the casing 71. As described above, it is possible to achieve at least one of preventing damage to the air-transfer element P passing through the tubular passage 73 and suppressing the passing noise of the air-transfer element P.

[0049] Furthermore, common parts may be used as the first valve section 70 A and the second valve section 70 B. According to this configuration, the manufacturing cost of the pneumatic tube connection unit 1 can be reduced.

[0050] Although the embodiments have been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the first pipe portion 63 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction, and the second pipe portion 64 extends in the X direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the first pipe portion 63 may extend in the X direction, and the second pipe portion 64 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, both the first pipe portion 63 and the second pipe portion 64 may extend along a direction inclined with respect to the X direction. As one example, the first pipe portion 63 may extend so as to approach one side in the Y direction, and the second pipe portion 64 may extend so as to approach the other side in the Y direction. As another example, both the first pipe portion 63 and the second pipe portion 64 may extend so as to approach one or the other side in the Y direction.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B are valve sections including the casing 71, the valve body 90, and the notched portion 72, but they may have other valve structures. Also, in the above embodiment, the valve body 90 has the spindle 91, the main body portion 92, and the weight portion 93, but the valve body 90 may have only the spindle 91 and the main body portion 92.

[0053] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the common pipe section 61, the branch pipe section 62, the first pipe section 63, and the second pipe section 64 may be inclined with respect to the X direction. Meanwhile, the first valve section 70A and the second valve section 70B may be inclined with respect to the X direction so that the main body section 92 can abut against the notch section 72 and the intersecting angle θ72 between the surface of the notch section 72 and the Y direction is 10 degrees or more (see FIG. 5). This allows the tubular passage 73 to be reliably closed when the valve element 90 rotates in the closing direction due to its own weight.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the support shaft 91 is disposed near the outer peripheral surface 75b of the tubular passage 73 in a cross section taken along the X direction, but this is not limiting. The support shaft 91 may be disposed at a position other than near the outer peripheral surface 75b of the tubular passage 73 in a cross section taken along the X direction. In this case, the distance between the support shaft 91 and the tubular passage 73 can be reduced, thereby reducing the opening degree of the valve element 90 required to open the tubular passage 73. Note that the support shaft 91 may be disposed within the internal space R2 of the accommodation portion 74, and may be disposed so that the main body 92 of the valve element 90 abuts against one side of the opening 75a of the outer peripheral wall 75 in the X direction and the notch 72.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the pneumatic tube system 100 includes stations 2A and 2B for transmitting or receiving the pneumatic element P, but may further include other stations. For example, the pneumatic tube system 100 may further include a station for both transmitting and receiving the pneumatic element P. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100...pneumatic tube system, 1...pneumatic tube connection unit, 2...station, 2A...transmitting station, 2B...receiving station, 10...pneumatic tube, 11A...first pneumatic tube section, 11B...second pneumatic tube section, 30...blower, 61...common tube section, 62...branching tube section, 62b...first branching end, 62c...second branching end, 63...first tube section, 63a...first connection end, 6 4...second pipe section, 64a...second connection end, 70A...first valve section, 70B...second valve section, 71...casing, 72...cutout section, 73...tubular passage, 74...accommodating section, 75b...outer surface, 90...valve body, 91...support shaft, 92a...surface, 92b...surface, 92c...tip portion, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, L73...center line, P...pneumatic element, U...transmitting / receiving unit.

Claims

1. A pneumatic tube connection unit that constitutes a part of a transport path when transporting a pneumatic element by air flow, a common pipe section; a branch pipe portion connected to the common pipe portion and having a first branch end and a second branch end; a first pipe portion having a first connection end connected to the branch pipe portion at the first branch end and located on the opposite side of the first branch end; a second pipe portion having a second connection end connected to the branch pipe portion at the second branch end and located on the opposite side of the second branch end; a first valve portion connected to the first connection end of the first pipe portion; a second valve portion connected to the second connection end of the second pipe portion; Equipped with the first valve portion allows the air transfer element to pass only in a first direction from the first valve portion toward the branch pipe portion, The second valve section allows the air feed element to pass only in a second direction from the branch pipe section toward the second valve section.

2. One of the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion extends along the extension direction of the common pipe portion.

2. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 1.

3. the first valve portion includes a casing having a tubular passage communicating with the first pipe portion, and a valve element accommodated in the casing and rotatable around a support shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to a center direction along a center line of the tubular passage, The valve body opens or closes the tubular passage by rotating at least due to the air flow.

2. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 1.

4. The casing further includes a receiving portion formed radially outward of the tubular passage, the support shaft of the valve portion is disposed near the outer circumferential surface of the tubular passage in a cross section taken along the center line.

4. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 3.

5. The first valve portion further includes a notch portion that abuts against a tip portion of the valve body when the valve body rotates in the closing direction, thereby preventing the valve body from further rotating.

4. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 3.

6. an elastic member is provided on at least one of a surface of the valve body opposite to the first pipe portion and a surface of the valve body on the first pipe portion side; 4. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 3.

7. Common parts are applied to the first valve unit and the second valve unit.

2. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 1.

8. The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 1; a transmitting station for transmitting the air-transmitting element; a receiving station for receiving the air-transfer element; a first pneumatic tube section connecting the transmitting station and the pneumatic tube connection unit; a second pneumatic tube section connecting the receiving station and the pneumatic tube connection unit; A transmitting and receiving unit comprising:

9. a plurality of stations for transmitting or receiving the air-transport element; a pneumatic tube connecting the plurality of stations and serving as a transport path for the pneumatic element; a blower connected to the pneumatic tube and configured to generate the air flow within the pneumatic tube; Equipped with The plurality of stations include: a transmitting station for transmitting the air-transmitting element; a receiving station for receiving the air-transfer element; The pneumatic tube is The pneumatic tube connection unit according to claim 1; a first pneumatic tube section connecting the transmitting station and the pneumatic tube connection unit; a second pneumatic tube section connecting the receiving station and the pneumatic tube connection unit; A pneumatic tube system having:

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