Transport System

Abstract

To more freely transport an object to be transported in a transport system that transports the object to be transported by utilizing a magnetic force.SOLUTION: A transport system 10C includes a configuration in which a conveying body 500 is moved in conjunction with a movement of a movable body 200 by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between a movable body side magnet 213 and a conveyor side magnet 523 when they are in close proximity to each other. The conveying system 10C includes a control coil 903 that controls a traveling state of the movable body 200, and a coil drive control unit that drives and controls the control coil. The control coil 903 is configured to exert the magnetic force on the movable body side magnet 213. The coil drive control unit supplies power to the control coil 903 to attract the movable body side magnet 213 to the control coil 903 against an air current flowing through an air blower duct 100, thereby suppressing traveling of the movable body 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for transporting an object by utilizing magnetic attraction or repulsion are known. Patent Document 1 describes a conveying device that uses magnetic attraction to move a traveling body on which a conveying target is placed. The conveying device includes first and second conveying drive lines that drive a belt body to which a first magnetic body is attached in a forward or reverse direction, and a plurality of traveling bodies that have second magnetic bodies that are attracted to the first magnetic bodies of the first or second conveying drive line, respectively, and are transported in the forward or reverse direction by driving the belt body. In this conveying device, the belts of the two conveying drive lines extend in the same direction in parallel, and each running body is arranged across the two conveying drive lines, so that they run along the same conveying path. The running body that is attracted to the first magnetic body of the first conveying drive line runs in a direction corresponding to the drive direction of the belts of the first conveying drive line, and the running body that is attracted to the first magnetic body of the second conveying drive line runs in a direction corresponding to the drive direction of the belts of the second conveying drive line. This allows multiple running bodies to run in different directions within the same conveying path.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a conveying device that uses air flow to move a moving body inside an air duct, and also uses magnetic force to move a conveying body in conjunction with the movement of the moving body. Since no mechanical driving means such as a motor, gears, conveying belt, etc. are required to move the moving body and the conveying body, the durability of each member constituting the conveying device can be improved, and the running cost of the conveying device can be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP2018-75287A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-60767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the running state of the traveling bodies is controlled by the conveyor drive line. Patent Document 1 does not disclose any means for controlling the running of the traveling bodies other than the conveyor drive line, and each traveling body driven by the same conveyor drive line cannot be individually controlled. In Patent Document 2, the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body is controlled by air flow. Patent Document 2 does not disclose any means for controlling the traveling of the moving body and the conveying body other than the air flow. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to more flexibly transport an object in a transport system that transports the object by utilizing magnetic force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the transport system of the present invention comprises an airflow generating device, an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device, a moving body that travels within the air duct receiving the airflow flowing within the air duct, a transport body path at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air duct along the air duct, and a transport body that is configured to be able to hold a transport object and travels within the transport body path, wherein the moving body comprises a moving body side magnetic body, and the transport body comprises a transport body side magnetic body, and when the moving body side magnetic body and the transport body side magnetic body are in a positional relationship, repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body side magnetic body and the transport body side magnetic body causes the transport body to move in conjunction with the movement of the moving body, The system includes first and second control coils for controlling the traveling state of the moving body and the transport body, and a drive control means for driving and controlling each of the control coils, the first control coil being configured to apply a magnetic force to the moving body side magnetic body, and the second control coil being configured to apply a magnetic force to the transport body side magnetic body, and the drive control means supplies power to the first control coil to control the moving body side magnetic body to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing in the air blower pipe, thereby suppressing the traveling of the moving body, and supplies power to the second control coil to control the transport body side magnetic body to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the traveling of the transport body. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the object to be transported can be transported more flexibly. [Brief description 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. [Diagram 2] 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines. [Diagram 3] FIG. 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] 11 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 a case where the moving body and the conveying body are repelled by a magnetic force. [Diagram 5] 1(a) to 1(c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between an air blower duct and an air blowing control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a conveying pipe and a conveying body. [Figure 7] 11 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, when the moving body and the conveying body are attracted to each other by magnetic force. [Figure 8] 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an air duct and a transport duct including a moving body and a transport body when each pole of a moving body side magnet is arranged facing the traveling direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the air flow control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the air flow control unit. [Figure 11] 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10A of the conveying body 500 with the collection member (collection claw) in an open state. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are an external perspective view and a plan view of the conveying body 500 when the collection member (collection claws) are in a closed state. [Figure 13] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a conveying pipe 400 and a conveying body 500. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 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 partially enlarged perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the conveying system. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the conveying system. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the transport system in more detail. [Figure 18] 1A to 1G are schematic diagrams illustrating detection of a moving body and a conveyed body and travel prevention control. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a transport system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1A to 1G are schematic diagrams illustrating detection of a moving body and a conveyed body and travel prevention control. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 13(a) and 13(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a cruise control unit according to a fourth embodiment of the third invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cruise control unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to 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, an embodiment 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 center where various gaming machines such as pachinko and slot machines are installed. In the following embodiment, the paper sheet will be mainly described as an example of paper sheets, but the present invention can also be applied to valuable securities such as gift certificates and coupons, cards, and other paper sheets (sheets) other than paper sheets. 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 configuration] 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 a total of 16 gaming machines 1 arranged back-to-back, eight on each of two opposing sides of each island facility L. Between each island facility L, there is provided an aisle for players or game parlor staff to pass through, and in each aisle, a chair (not shown) is provided for each gaming machine 1. In each island facility L, a machine spacing machine 2 is installed for each gaming machine 1. The machine spacing machine 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. In the illustrated island facility L, a bill transport system 10 is installed that transports bills inserted from the machine spacing machine 2 to a safe unit 700 arranged 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 arrangement direction of the gaming machines 1) 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] [Overall configuration of the banknote transport system] <Overview> 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic 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 by utilizing airflow and magnetic force. The paper money transport system 10 includes an airflow duct 100 that forms a gas flow path (airflow path 101), a moving body 200 that receives an airflow flowing in a predetermined direction in the airflow duct 100 and travels (moves) in the airflow duct 100, an airflow control unit 300 that controls the airflow flowing in the airflow duct 100, a transport tube 400 (transport path 401) at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the airflow duct 100 along the airflow duct 100, and a transport body 500 that is configured to be able to hold paper money (paper sheets) and travels (moves) in the transport tube 400. The transport tube 400 forms the transport path 401 for paper money (paper money (paper sheet) transport path, transport space). The moving body 200 includes a moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213), and the conveying body 500 includes 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 constitutes the banknote transport system 10. In this example, the air blow control unit 300 and the safe unit 700 are housed in a housing 801 that houses a management unit 800. The banknote transport system 10 is characterized in that the moving body 200 arranged in the airflow duct 100 is moved forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the airflow duct 100 by the airflow flowing in the airflow duct 100, and the transport body 500 arranged in the transport tube 400 is moved along the longitudinal direction of the airflow duct 100 by the magnetic force acting between the moving body 200. That is, the banknote transport system 10 is characterized in that the transport body 500 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body 200 receiving the airflow by attraction and / or repulsion based on the magnetic force acting between the moving body side magnet 213 and the transport body side magnet 523.

[0015] <Overview of each part> The air duct 100 includes a movement path portion 111 along which the moving body 200 travels along the longitudinal direction of the air duct 100 in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction. The movement path portion 111 is disposed in parallel with and adjacent to the conveying pipe 400. The moving body 200 receives an air current flowing in a predetermined direction inside the air duct 100 and moves inside the air duct 100. The moving body side magnet 213 mounted on the moving body 200 exerts a repulsive action and / or an attractive action on the conveying body 500 by a 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 (transport body 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 transport body 500 receives banknotes waiting at a predetermined position in the transport path 401, holds them in an upright state, and transports the banknotes toward the safe unit 700 by moving within the transport path 401. The transport body side magnet 523 mounted on the transport body 500 is subjected to an attractive action and / or a repulsive action due to a magnetic force from the movable body side magnet 213 provided on the movable body 200. The transport body 500 moves within the transport pipe 400 in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200 that receives the airflow.

[0016] Here, when only an attractive force is applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, both of 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 applied between the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, both of 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 a banknote insertion port (banknote insertion section) of the inter-machine unit 2 and keeps the banknotes waiting at a predetermined position in the transport 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 transport 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 part constituting the banknote transport system 10. The management unit 800 is configured 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 device 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 in the RAM, and executes them to realize various functions.

[0018] [Detailed configuration of the banknote transport system] A 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 blower 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 a case where the moving body and the conveying body repel each other due to a 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 transport system 10 uses magnetic force to move the transport body 500, the movement path portion 111 of the air blower duct 100 has a configuration that does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 and the travel of the transport body 500 based on magnetic force. It is preferable that the entire movement path portion 111 is made of a non-magnetic material, but a part of it may contain a magnetic material to the extent that it does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 and the transport body 500. The movement path portion 111 has a configuration (thickness of the tubes, distance between the tubes, shape, etc.) that allows a 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 and independently from the conveying tube 400, an airtight flow path can be formed in the air duct 100. A decrease in the conveying force of the moving body 200 due to air leakage to the outside of the air duct 100 can be prevented. In addition, a relatively inexpensive and low-power blower 310 can be used as a blower used to generate an air flow, thereby realizing a low cost of the banknote conveying system 10. Even if the air duct 100 becomes longer with an increase in the conveying distance of the banknotes, the air flow in the air duct 100 can be reliably controlled. In addition, since the moving body 200 is driven by the air flow, it is not necessary to arrange mechanical configurations such as gears and conveying belts, wiring, and electrical contacts in the air duct 100, and the durability of the air duct 100 and the moving body 200 arranged therein is improved. In addition, since external air does not flow into the air flow path 101 configured airtightly, dust and the like in the external air is not drawn in, and the air flow path 101 can be kept clean.

[0020] <Mobile object> The movable 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 along the traveling direction of the movable body 200 (the longitudinal direction of the air blower duct 100) by hinge portions 211. 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 capable of exerting a magnetic force 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 divided piece 210 so that the N pole (one pole) faces the conveying tube 400 side (upper side in the figure) and the S 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 as to be capable of angular displacement within a predetermined range in the vertical direction and the depth direction of the paper surface, centered on the hinge portion 211. With this configuration, the movable body 200 can move smoothly inside the blower duct 100 while each divided piece 210 is displaced, even when the blower 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 portion 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 portion 111 around a virtual axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the movement path portion 111. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the movement path portion 111 (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 in the movement path portion 111 can be maintained so that the N pole (one pole) of the moving body side magnet 213 always faces the conveying pipe 400 side.

[0022] <Air flow control unit> 5(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the air blower duct and the air blowing 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 to a first direction (banknote collection direction, arrow B direction) or the opposite second direction (moving body return direction, arrow C direction). The air blowing control unit (airflow control device) 300 includes a switching unit (airflow switching unit) 320 that controls the discharge direction of the airflow, a first circulation piping 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 piping 330 and generates an airflow that flows in a fixed direction within the first circulation piping.

[0023] The switching unit 320 has a casing 321 in which four flow paths 323 (first flow path 323a to fourth flow path 323d: ports) are formed, each of which is connected to an external pipe, and a switching valve 325 arranged at the junction (intersection) of the four flow paths 323 to switch the communication state between the flow paths 323 and / or the opening degree 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 type valve such as a ball valve, and the communication state between the flow paths 323 and the opening degree of each flow path 323 are switched by rotating the switching valve 325 by a predetermined angle in the casing 321. The switching valve 325 is an electric valve, and the rotation angle is controlled by being driven by a motor. For example, a stepping motor 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 for controlling the drive means for rotating 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 feedback-control 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) communicated and connected to the first flow path 323a of the switching unit 320 and the other end communicated and connected to the exhaust port of the blower 310, and an intake pipe 333 having one end communicated and connected to the intake port of the blower 310 and the other end (the other end 330b of the first circulation piping 330) communicated and connected to the second flow path 323b of the switching unit 320. One end 100a of the air duct (second circulation pipe) 100 is connected in communication with the third flow path 323c of the switching unit 320, and the other end 100b is connected in communication with the fourth flow path 323d of the switching unit 320, forming an endless air flow path via the switching unit 320. The air duct 100 causes the moving body 200 disposed inside to reciprocate in the directions of the 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 in which it communicates the first flow path 323a with the second flow path 323b but does not communicate the first and second flow paths 323a, 323b with the third and fourth flow paths 323c, 323d. Therefore, the air flows in the first circulation pipe 330 in the direction of the arrow A (A1, A2), and no air flow is generated in the blower duct 100. Therefore, the moving body 200 in the blower duct 100 is in a stopped state.

[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 blower 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 the arrow A1) flows from the fourth flow path 323d into the second blower duct 120 (in the direction of the arrow B1) by the switching valve 325. Air that flows through the first blower duct 110 in the direction of the arrow B2 and flows into the third flow path 323c flows from the second flow path 323b into the intake duct 333 (in the direction of the arrow A2) by the switching valve 325, returns to the blower 310, and is discharged from the exhaust duct 331 again.

[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 blower 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 the first circulation pipe 330 and the blower duct 100. That is, air discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 and flowing into the first flow path 323a (in the direction of the arrow A1) flows from the third flow path 323c into the first blower duct 110 (in the direction of the arrow C1) by the switching valve 325. Air that flows through the second blower duct in the direction of the arrow C2 and flows into the fourth flow path 323d flows from the second flow path 323b into the intake pipe 333 (in the direction of the arrow A2) by the switching valve 325, returns to the blower 310, and is discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 again.

[0028] <<Switching unit operation: summary>> In this way, by connecting two endless pipes (first circulation pipe 330 and air blower 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 attitude of switching valve 325 to switch between three states: a neutral state in which no airflow is generated in air blower duct 100, a first communication state in which airflow is generated in air blower duct 100 flowing in a first direction (direction of arrow B), and a second communication state in which airflow is generated in air blower duct 100 flowing in a second direction (direction of arrow C). In addition, in an intermediate position among the above three positions taken by the switching valve 325, the communication state changes from the above three positions. That is, in this embodiment, the communication relationship of each flow path and the opening degree of each flow path can be adjusted according to the angle of the switching valve 325 in the casing 321, so that an airflow of an air volume according to the opening degree of each flow path can be generated in the blower duct 100. That is, the speed of the moving body 200 can be changed according to the wind speed in the blower 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 by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. However, since the rotation response of the switching valve 325 is higher than the variable response of the rotation 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. Fig. 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 travel of the transport body 500 based on magnetic force. It is preferable that the entire transport tube 400 is made of a non-magnetic material, but a part of the transport tube 400 may contain a magnetic material to the extent that it does not affect the travel of the transport body 500. The conveying tube 400 has a configuration (tube thickness, separation between the tubes, shape, etc.) that allows a 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 blower pipe 100, but the positional relationship between the air blower pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400 is not limited to this. The conveying pipe 400 may be disposed below the air blower pipe 100, or the conveying pipe 400 may be disposed to the side of the air blower pipe 100. In this embodiment, the conveying pipe 400 is exemplified as a means for forming the conveying path 401, but the means for forming 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] <Transport body> 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 recovery 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 parts 521. Each divided piece 520 shown in this example is equipped with a conveying body side magnet 523. The conveying base 510 is provided with a plurality of conveying body side magnets 523 arranged in a position, posture and shape that can receive the effect of magnetic force from the moving body 200. In this example, the conveying body side magnets 523 are arranged closer to the blower duct 100 of the conveying base 510. The plurality of conveying body side magnets 523 provided on the conveying base 510 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the running direction of the conveying body 500. In this example, each conveying body side magnet 523 is attached to the divided piece 520 so that the N pole (one pole) faces the blower duct 100 side (lower side in the figure) and the S pole (other pole) faces upper side in the figure. The conveying base 510 is magnetically levitated in the conveying tube 400 by receiving a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200. The conveying base 510 shown in this example is composed of four divided pieces 520. The divided pieces 520 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 paper surface, centered on the hinge portion 521. With this configuration, the conveying body 500 can move smoothly inside the conveying tube 400 even when the conveying tube 400 forms a conveying path 401 that is curved in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions.

[0033] <<Banknote collection and holding section>> The banknote recovery and holding unit 540 is disposed on the transport base 510. The banknote recovery and holding unit 540 includes a support member 541 standing in a direction away from the air blower duct 100 at an end portion on the island end side in the longitudinal direction of the transport tube 400 (the end side distal to the safe unit 700), and a recovery member (recovery claw) 544 protruding in the width direction from the support member 541. The support member 541 protrudes upward from a middle portion of the transport base 510 in the width direction. The banknote recovery holding unit 540 holds the banknote (paper leaf) P in an upright position so that the longitudinal direction of the banknote P is 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 rear edge (one short side) of the banknote is supported by the support member 541 or the recovery claw 544.

[0034] <Relationship between the conveying pipe and the conveying body> The conveying tube 400 includes therein a base conveying path 402 disposed closer to the blower tube 100, and a banknote conveying path 403 disposed on the opposite side to the blower tube 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 prohibit 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 action of the moving body 200. The inner surface shape of the base transport path 402 and the outer surface shape of the transport base 510 are formed so that the transport base 510 does not rotate relative to the base transport path 402 around a virtual axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the base transport path 402. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the base transport path 402 and the transport base 510 are configured to be rectangular. With the above configuration, the posture of the moving body 200 in the base transport path 402 is maintained so that the N pole (one pole) of the transport body side magnet 523 always faces the blower duct 100 side.

[0035] <Relationship between moving body and carrier> The relationship between the magnetic body on the moving body side and the magnetic body on the conveying body side will be described. <<Repulsion 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 preferable to arrange a plurality of magnets at a predetermined interval in the running direction on at least one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. By arranging a plurality of magnets in the running direction on at least one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, when the conveying body 500 receives a repulsive force from the moving body 200 and runs, the moving body side magnet 213 and the conveying body side magnet 523 are arranged alternately. That is, when the conveying body 500 runs, 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 be different 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 blower pipe 100 and a repulsive force is applied between the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200, the conveying body 500 floats in the conveying pipe 400, so that the conveying body 500 is less likely 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. In addition, since contact between the conveying body 500 and the conveying pipe 400 is suppressed, the generation of fine dust (powder) due to contact between the respective members can be prevented. 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 blower pipe and the conveying pipe 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 a mutually attracting posture. 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 blower tube 100 and the conveying tube 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, at least one of the moving body 200 and the magnetic body mounted on the conveying body 500 may be 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 that is attracted to the magnet (e.g., an iron plate) 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 an iron plate) 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. In other words, 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 supply pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400), but the poles of the magnets may also be arranged facing the running direction (for example, 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] <<Magnetic orientation: vertical arrangement>> 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 the N pole (one pole) faces the safe unit side (left side in the figure) and the 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 the N pole faces the air duct 100 side and the 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 transport body side magnet 523 (north pole), and the surface (south pole) of the movable body side magnet 213 on the distal end side is attracted to the transport body side magnet 523 (north pole), so that both a repulsive force and an attractive force can be applied between the movable body 200 and the transport body 500.

[0040] [Modification 1 related to air flow control] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the airflow control unit. The airflow control unit 300B may include a blower 310a having an exhaust port connected to one end 100a of the airflow duct 100, a blower 310b having an exhaust port connected to the other end 100b of the airflow duct 100, and a connection pipe 340 connecting the intake ports of both the blowers 310a and 310b. The airflow duct 100 (first airflow duct 110 and second airflow duct 120) is configured in an endless manner via the two blowers 310a and 310b and the connection pipe 340. The on / off and airflow 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 blower duct 100 (first state, bill 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 blower 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 (the direction of arrow C) within the air duct 100 (second state, conveyor 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 if 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, 310b are connected to each other by the connection pipe 340, so that air can be efficiently circulated within the air flow path 101 that is configured airtight.

[0043] [Modification 2 regarding airflow control] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the airflow 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 airflow duct 100. The on / off and airflow volume of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by the management unit 800. When generating an airflow flowing in a first direction (arrow B direction) in blower duct 100 (first state, bill 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 blower 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 (the direction of arrow C) within the air duct 100 (second state, conveyor 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 air flow path 101 a circulation path is not required, the configuration is simplified.

[0044] B. Second paper sheet transport system according to the present invention <<Transporter (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 carrier 500 with the collection member (collection claw) in an open state, and Fig. 12(a) and (b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of the carrier 500 with the collection member (collection claw) in a closed state. Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the carrier tube 400 and the carrier 500.

[0045] The carrier 500 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 differs slightly 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 parts 521 so as to be displaceable in the up, down, left and right directions (or in the diagonal direction), and a conveying body side magnet (conveying body side magnetic body) 523 is arranged in the internal space 520a of each divided piece shown in Fig. 11(d). Rotatable rollers 525 are arranged on both sides of each divided piece 520 to smooth the movement inside the conveying tube 400. Rollers 545 for reducing resistance between the inner wall of the conveying tube and the divided pieces are rotatably arranged on the upper part of the support member 541. The banknote recovery and holding unit (transfer means) 540 holds the banknote P in an upright position so that the longitudinal direction of the banknote P is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport tube 400. The lower long side of the banknote P which is long horizontally and in an upright position is supported by the upper surface (flat surface) of the transport base 510 (each divided piece 520). The rear edge (one short side) of the banknote is supported by the support member 541 and the recovery member 544.

[0046] Each divided piece 520 has ridges 520b at both widthwise edges to prevent bills from falling out, but the areas 520c located inside the ridges 520b are flat, allowing the lower long side of the bill to be stably supported. In addition, the inner areas 520c of each divided piece 520 are connected in the longitudinal direction, so that bills can be placed across the inner areas 520c of multiple divided pieces. The banknote recovery and holding unit 540 erected on the transport base 510 includes a support member 541 erected in a direction away from the air supply pipe 100 at the end of the island end side (the end distal to the safe unit 700) in the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400, and a recovery member 544 consisting of two recovery claws 544 protruding (spreading) in a wing-like (acute or obtuse angle) shape in a plan view from the support member 541 in the width direction and pivotally supported by a pivot support portion 541a on the support member 541 side so as to be freely opened and closed in the lateral direction. The illustrated pivot support portion 541a is parallel to the support member 541, i.e., vertical, so that the recovery claws 544 pivot about the pivot support portion open and close in the horizontal direction. The pivot direction of the recovery claws may be in a direction other than the above.

[0047] Unlike the configuration example of FIG. 6 in which there are two pairs of upper and lower retrieval members, a pair of retrieval members 544 is disposed at a predetermined height position of the support member 541. The two retrieval claws 544 constituting the retrieval member 544 are in the widened state shown in FIG. 11 at the maximum opening angle and cannot be rotated further in the opening direction, but can be rotated from the widened state in the closing direction. FIG. 12 shows the state in which the two retrieval claws 544 are in the minimum opening angle (closed state). In addition, each retrieval claw 544 is constantly elastically biased in the opening direction by a spring (elastic member) 541b provided on its pivot support part 541a. When the conveying body 500 moves on the conveying path 401 in the forward direction P toward the safe unit 700, each recovery claw 544 maintains an expanded posture by the spring 541b, so that the recovery claw can hook the rear end edge of a bill stopped in an upright state in a predetermined waiting section 450 (FIG. 13) where the bill is waiting, and move the bill in the forward direction P inside the waiting section while transferring it onto the conveying base 510. In order to enable the recovery claws 544 to maintain an expanded posture while the conveying base 510 moves in the forward direction P inside the conveying path 401 toward the safe unit 700, recesses 405 (FIG. 13) are formed as passages for the recovery claws on both inner walls of the conveying tube 400 at locations through which the recovery claws pass. Each recess 405 is laid out so that each recovery claw can contact the rear end edge of the bill in each waiting section 450. It is preferable to configure each recovery claw 544 to open and close independently. In that case, each recovery claw may be configured to rotate individually by one coil spring (or torsion spring), or a spring 541b may be provided for each recovery claw.

[0048] Each of the collection claws 544 in the expanded state shown in Fig. 11 includes an inner base end piece 544a pivotally supported by the pivot support 541a, an intermediate piece 544b extending from the base end piece 544a toward the outside of the width direction of the conveyor, and an end piece 544c bent or curved and protruding from the intermediate piece 544b in an oblique forward direction. When the collection claw 544 passes through the waiting section 450, mainly the intermediate piece 544b and the end piece 544c enter the waiting section 450 and push the entire banknote forward while contacting the rear end edge of the waiting banknote. Since the end piece 544c protrudes obliquely from the end of the intermediate piece 544b, even if the rear end edge of the banknote in contact with the intermediate piece 544b tries 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 are transferred onto the transport base 510, the end pieces 544c prevent the loaded banknotes from shifting in position in the width direction or from falling. By configuring the intermediate piece 544b to be parallel to the width direction of the conveying path 401 or inclined toward the forward direction P when each collection claw 544 is in the spread position as shown in Figure 11, it is possible for the intermediate piece to securely engage and press the trailing edge of a banknote in the forward direction when it comes into contact with the trailing edge of the banknote in the waiting section.

[0049] In this way, the recovery member 544 has a pair of recovery claws that are pivotally supported by a support member so as to be freely opened and closed 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 is retracted inward in the width direction, and is biased toward the expanded position by an elastic member. Since each recovery claw 544 has the above-described configuration, when recovering banknotes in each waiting section which are located at different alternating longitudinal positions on either side of the conveying path 401, the banknotes can be reliably recovered by each recovery claw by simply moving the conveying body in a straight line, and the banknotes can be gathered in the widthwise center of the conveying body. When the transport body 500 moves in the transport path in the retreat direction R, 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. This allows the transport body 500 to continue moving smoothly in the return direction without causing any damage to the waiting banknotes. Since the method adopted is such that when bills are already stacked upright on the conveying base 510, the collected succeeding bills are stacked one face at a time against one face (one side) of the already stacked bills, the leading edge of the succeeding bill will not hit the trailing edge of the already stacked bill, making it impossible to load the bills.

[0050] C. Third Transport System According to the Invention [First embodiment] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a conveying system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the conveying system. Note that Figs. 14 and 15 show a cross section of a part of a conveying body path with a part cut and removed in the width direction.

[0051] <Outline configuration> A conveying system 10C (conveying device) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a blower 310 (airflow generating device: FIG. 3), an air duct 100 that forms an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the blower 310, a switching unit 320 (FIG. 5) that controls the direction of the airflow in the air duct 100, a management unit (airflow control means) 800 that controls the blower 310 and the switching unit 320, a moving body 200 that receives the airflow flowing through the air duct 100 and travels within the air duct, 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 500 that is configured to be able to hold an object to be conveyed and travels within the conveying path. The movable body 200 includes a movable body side magnet (movable body side magnetic body) 213, and the conveying body 500 includes a conveying body side magnet (conveying body side magnetic body) 523. The conveying system 10C includes a configuration in which the conveying body 500 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200 by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the movable body side magnet and the conveying body side magnet when the movable body side magnet 213 and the conveying body side magnet 523 are in a close positional relationship. 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 (see FIG. 18). The conveyance system 10C includes a travel control unit 900 disposed between the blower duct 100 and the conveyance path 401. The travel control unit 900 is a means for suppressing (stopping) the travel of the moving body 200 and the conveyance body 500.

[0052] <Conveyor and conveyor path> Here, the carrier 500 and the carrier pipe 400 shown in FIG. 15 (and FIG. 14) are different from those shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and the like. 15 does not include the support members 541, the collection claws 544, and the rollers 545 of the transport body 500 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, transport tables 550, 550 for placing (or supporting) an object to be transported are attached to the upper surfaces of some of the divided pieces 520, 520 of the transport body 500 by an appropriate method. The conveying path 401 shown in FIG. 15 includes only the base conveying path 402 shown in FIG. 13, and the top surface of the conveying path 401 is open. That is, the conveying tube 400 is semi-cylindrical. The top opening 411 provided in the conveying path 401 is an opening extending along the longitudinal direction (traveling direction, x1, x2 directions). A convex strip 413 protrudes from each end of the width direction of the top opening 411 toward the other end (only one of the convex strips 413 is shown in FIG. 15). The convex strip 413 extends along the longitudinal direction. The width direction length of the top opening 411 is set narrower than the width direction length of the conveying base 510, and the conveying base does not deviate from the base conveying path 402 through the top opening 411. Since the transport path 401 is provided with an upper opening 411 and the transport tables 550, 550 attached to the transport base 510 are positioned above the upper opening 411, an object to be transported that is wider than the transport body 500 can be transported.

[0053] <Drive control unit> At least one unit section 910 is set at an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the conveying path 401 as a section that detects the interlocking traveling pair 250 and controls the traveling state. Each unit section 910 has one traveling control unit 900. The traveling control unit 900 includes at least one detection coil 901 and at least one control coil 903. The traveling control unit 900 in this example is a coil unit composed of multiple coils.

[0054] The detector coil 901 detects the traveling moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. The control coil 903 controls the traveling state of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. In the unit section 910, the portion where the detector coils 901 are arranged is a detection section 911, and the portion where the control coils 903 are arranged is a control section 913.

[0055] The detection coil 901 is disposed at the upstream end of the interlocking traveling pair 250 in the traveling direction in the unit section 910. The control coil 903 is disposed downstream in the traveling direction with respect to the detection coil 901. The coils are disposed side by side along the traveling direction. Here, the linked traveling pair 250 shown in this example travels (moves back and forth) in the forward direction (x1 direction in FIG. 15) and the reverse direction (x2 direction in FIG. 15). For this reason, in the unit section 910 shown in this example, both ends in the traveling direction are set as detection sections 911, 911, and the middle part is set as a control section 913. That is, the traveling control unit 900 shown in this example is configured to include detection coils 901, 901 arranged at each end of the unit section 910 in the longitudinal direction, and a control coil 903... arranged in the middle part of the unit section 910 in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The detector coil 901 is configured so that the magnetic fields (magnetic field, magnetic flux) generated by the movable body side magnet 213 (see FIG. 19) of the moving movable body 200 and the conveying body side magnet 523 (see FIG. 4) of the conveying body 500 pass through the inside of the detector coil 901 in sequence, and generate a current according to the direction of each magnetic field (magnetic field, magnetic flux). The detector coil 901 generates an induced current according to the traveling state of the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500. Each of the control coils 903 is configured to exert a predetermined magnetic force on each of the movable body side magnets 213 and the conveying body side magnets 523 when a current of a predetermined magnitude is passed through the control coil. The detector coil 901 and the control coil 903 are, for example, air-core coils. An air-core coil is an inductor that does not use a magnetic core made of a ferromagnetic material, and includes coils that contain only air inside the hollow part of the winding body, coils that are wound around a non-magnetic body, and coils whose cylindrical shape is maintained by a non-magnetic body.

[0057] <Function block> Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the functions of the transport system in more detail. As shown in FIG. 16, the transfer system 10C includes an airflow control unit 300 (FIG. 3), a plurality of driving control units 900..., and a management unit 800 as a control means for controlling the airflow control unit 300 and the driving control units 900.... 17, the management unit 800 includes a main control unit 811, a coil drive control unit 813, and an air blowing drive control unit 815. The main control unit 811 acquires a detection signal from the detection coil 901, performs necessary calculations, and determines the control state of each unit of the transport system 10C. The coil drive control unit 813 drives and controls the control coil 903. The air blowing drive control unit 815 drives and controls the air blowing control unit 300. The main control unit 811, the coil drive control unit 813, and the air blowing drive control unit 815 are realized by a CPU included in the management unit 800 reading out a control program stored in a ROM, expanding the program in a RAM, and executing the program. The coil drive control unit 813 controls each control coil 903 to be supplied with power to generate a predetermined magnetic field. For example, when suppressing (inhibiting) the traveling of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, the coil drive control unit 813 controls the control coil 903 to supply power to the control coil 903 to attract the moving body side magnet 213 to the control coil 903 against the air flow flowing in the air blower duct 100 to suppress (inhibit) the traveling of the moving body 200, and controls the control coil 903 to supply power to the control coil 903 to attract the conveying body side magnet 523 to the control coil 903 to suppress (inhibit) the traveling of the conveying body 500.

[0058] <Detection and Driving Prevention Control> 18(a) to 18(g) are schematic diagrams for explaining detection of a moving body and a conveyed body and running prevention control. In the drawings, the white arrows pointing in the x1 direction indicate airflow. As an example, the movable body 200 shown in the figure has two movable body side magnets 213a and 213b, and the transport body 500 has one transport body side magnet 523. The movable body side magnets 213a and 213b and the transport body side magnet 523 are mounted on the movable body 200 and the transport body 500, respectively, in such a way that they repel each other.

[0059] The traveling control unit 900 includes detector coils 901a and 901b arranged at both ends in the traveling direction, and three control coils 903a, 903b, and 903c arranged between the detector coils 901a and 901b. The positional relationship (arrangement interval in the traveling direction) of each control coil 903 is set to be the same as the positional relationship (arrangement interval in the traveling directions x1 and x2) between the moving body side magnets 213a and 213b and the conveying body side magnet 523 when the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 are moving in conjunction with each other.

[0060] 18(a), when the movable body magnet 213a passes through the detector coil 901a, the magnetic flux (upward in the figure) generated by the movable body magnet 213a penetrates the detector coil 901a, causing a current to flow in a first direction in the detector coil 901a due to electromagnetic induction. 18(b), when the transport-body-side magnet 523 passes the detector coil 901a, the magnetic flux (downward in the figure) generated by the transport-body-side magnet 523 penetrates the detector coil 901a. As a result, a current flows in the detector coil 901a in a second direction opposite to the first direction due to electromagnetic induction. Since the transport-body-side magnet 523 is arranged in a direction repelling the movable-body-side magnet 213a, the direction of the current flowing in the detector coil 901a is reversed. 18(c), when the movable body magnet 213b passes through the detector coil 901a, the magnetic flux (upward in the figure) generated by the movable body magnet 213b penetrates the detector coil 901a, causing a current to flow in a first direction in the detector coil 901a due to electromagnetic induction.

[0061] The detector coil 901 generates an induced current according to the strength and direction of the magnetic fields generated by the movable body side magnets 213a, 213b and the conveying body side magnet 523, and the moving direction of each magnet. In this way, as the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 pass through the detector coil 901a, an alternating current having a frequency according to the traveling speed of the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 is generated in the detector coil 901a. Therefore, the main control unit 811 can calculate the traveling speed of the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 based on the frequency of this alternating current. The main control unit 811 of the management unit 800 calculates the timing at which the movable body side magnets 213a, 213b and the conveying body side magnet 523 reach the corresponding control coils 903-903, based on the frequency and number of cycles of the alternating current output by the detection coil 901a. In addition, the main control unit 811 calculates the strength of the magnetic force capable of preventing the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 from traveling as necessary.

[0062] 18(d), the coil drive control unit 813 drives each of the control coils 903-903 at the timing calculated by the main control unit 811. That is, the coil drive control unit 813 controls the supply of necessary power to each of the control coils 903-903 so that the movable body side magnets 213a, 213b are attracted to the control coils 903a, 903c (first control coil) against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct 100, and the conveying body side magnet 523 is attracted to the control coil 903b (second control coil), thereby preventing the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 from traveling. While power is being supplied to the control coil 903, the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 stop in a positional state within the control section 913. When the traveling control unit 900 stops the traveling of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, the air blowing drive control section 815 may drive and control the air blowing control unit 300 so as to stop the airflow in the air blower duct 100.

[0063] As shown in Figures 18(e) to (g), when the power supply to the control coils 903-903 is stopped, the moving body 200 receives the airflow flowing through the air pipe 100 and starts moving, and the transport body 500 starts moving in conjunction with the moving body 200. In addition, when the moving body side magnets 213a, 213b and the conveying body side magnet 523 pass through the detection coil 901b, an alternating current flows through the detection coil 901b, and it is therefore possible to detect that the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 have started moving based on the alternating current. 18, the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 travel in the x1 direction, but the case where the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 travel in the x2 direction can be similarly described. When the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 travel in both the x1 direction and the x2 direction, it is preferable that the detection coil 901 and the control coil 903 in the traveling control unit 900 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the traveling direction. The number of control coils 903 included in the traveling control unit 900 may be the same as the total number of the movable body side magnets 213... and the conveying body side magnets 523..., or may be less than this.

[0064] Each of the control coils 903 shown in this example can attract either the movable body side magnet 213 or the conveying body side magnet 523 depending on its driving state (direction of current). However, the traveling control unit 900 may also include control coils (903a, 903c) arranged or configured to apply a magnetic force (adhesive force) only to the movable body side magnet 213, and a control coil (903b) arranged or configured to apply a magnetic force (adhesive force) only to the conveying body side magnet 523.

[0065] <Effects> In this manner, in this embodiment, the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 are stopped while being positioned in the control section 913 . Furthermore, since the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 are stopped from traveling by utilizing magnetic attraction, the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 can be easily brought to a sudden stop (sudden braking). Similarly, when the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 are stopped while the airflow in the air duct 100 is stopped, the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 can be stopped within the control section 913 while being positioned at a predetermined position.

[0066] Second Embodiment Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram of a conveyance system according to a second embodiment of the third invention. Fig. 20(a) to (g) are schematic diagrams for explaining detection of a moving body and a conveyed body and travel suppression control. In this embodiment, the detection coil arranged at the end of the driving direction in the driving control section is used as a control coil. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. As shown in the figure, the driving control unit 900 includes detector coils 901a and 901b at the ends in the driving direction (x1 and x2 directions) and control coils 903a and 903b in the middle. The detector coils 901a and 901b and the control coils 903a and 903b are all air-core coils, and the detector coils 901a and 901b also function as control coils.

[0067] The detection of moving objects and conveyed objects and the running prevention control are as follows. Figures 20(a) to (c) are similar to Figures 18(a) to (c). As shown in Fig. 20(d), the coil drive control unit 813 (Fig. 17) drives each coil so that the movable body side magnets 213a and 213b are attracted to the control coil 903a (first control coil) and the detection coil 901b (first control coil), respectively, and the conveying body side magnet 523 is attracted to the control coil 903b (second control coil). This prevents the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 from traveling. As shown in FIG. 20(e), when the power supply to the control coils 903-903 is stopped, the moving body 200 receives the airflow flowing through the air blower duct 100 and starts moving, and the conveying body 500 also starts moving in conjunction with the moving body 200. As shown in Figure 20(f), when the airflow flows in the x2 direction and the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 travel in the x2 direction, the main control unit 811 (Figure 17) detects the travel of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 based on the alternating current flowing through the detection coil 901b. 20(g), the coil drive control unit 813 (FIG. 17) drives each coil so that the movable body side magnets 213b, 213a are attracted to the control coil 903b (first control coil) and the detection coil 901a (first control coil), respectively, and the conveying body side magnet 523 is attracted to the control coil 903a (second control coil). This stops the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 from traveling.

[0068] In this example, when the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 travel in forward and reverse directions, the total number of coils included in the driving control unit 900 can be reduced by making the detection coil 901 function as a control coil. The function of each coil is switched depending on the traveling direction of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. The spacing between the detection coils 901... and the control coils 903... in the running direction is set to be the same as the positional relationship (spacing in the running directions x1, x2) between the moving body side magnets 213a, 213b and the conveying body side magnet 523 when the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 run in conjunction with each other.

[0069] Third Embodiment 21 is a functional block diagram of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. As shown in the figure, position detection sensors 921 (921a, 921b) of a type other than a coil may be used as a means for detecting the traveling moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. For example, a transmissive or reflective phototransistor may be used as the position detection sensor 921. The conveying system includes a number of position detection sensors 921 that enable travel suppression control of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and each position detection sensor 921 is disposed at a position that enables the travel suppression control.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] 22(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a cruise control unit according to a fourth embodiment of the third invention. The same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. When the travel control unit 900 inhibits the moving body 200 from traveling, the transport body 500 is inhibited from traveling in conjunction with the moving body 200. For this reason, it is sufficient for the travel control unit 900 to be able to at least inhibit the moving body 200 from traveling. That is, the traveling control unit 900 may include only the control coils 903a, 903c that apply a magnetic force to the movable body side magnet 213. In this case, the control coils 903a, 903c are arranged to match the arrangement interval of the movable body side magnets 213a, 213b. This figure shows an example in which the control coil 903 is attached to the side of the blower duct 100 opposite the conveying path 401 so that the magnetic force of the control coil 903 does not act on the conveying body side magnet 523. As a means for detecting one or both of the moving body 200 and the conveyed body 500, a detection coil (air core coil) may be used, or another type of position detection sensor may be used.

[0071] Fifth embodiment 23 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transport system according to a fifth embodiment of the third invention. The same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. A plurality of unit sections 910A to 910L are set on the conveying path 401 of the conveying system 10C. In each of the unit sections 910A, 910B, etc., a traveling control unit 900, 900, etc. (900A, 900B, etc. shown in FIG. 16) is disposed. In addition, a plurality of interlocking traveling pairs 250A to 250D are disposed in the conveying path 401 so as to be able to travel. 16, each of the travel control units 900A, 900B, ... is individually driven and controlled by the management unit 800. This makes it possible to individually suppress the travel of the linked travel pairs 250A to 250D traveling on the conveying path 401. For example, the control coils of the travel control units 900 arranged in the unit sections are driven in accordance with the timing when some of the linked traveling pairs 250C, 250D shown in FIG. 23 pass through the unit sections 910G, 910K. This suppresses the traveling of the linked traveling pairs 250C, 250D. At this time, if the airflow in the blower duct 100 is not stopped and the control coils of the other unit sections 910A-F, H, I, L are not driven, the other linked traveling pairs 250A, 250B can continue to travel. In this manner, according to this embodiment, even when a plurality of interlocking traveling pairs 250A to D are caused to travel on the conveying path 401, the travel of each of the interlocking traveling pairs 250... can be controlled individually.

[0072] [Summary of the configuration, action, and effect of the third aspect of the present invention] The conveying system 10C according to this embodiment includes an airflow generating device (blower 310), an airflow pipe 100 that forms an airflow passage inside the airflow generating device, a moving body 200 that receives the airflow flowing through the airflow pipe and travels through the airflow pipe, a conveying body path (conveying path 401) that is arranged adjacent to the airflow pipe at least partially along the airflow pipe, and a conveying body 500 that is configured to be able to hold a conveying target and travels through the conveying body path. The moving body includes a moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213), and the conveying body includes a conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523). The conveying system includes a configuration that moves the conveying body in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body when the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship.

[0073] <First embodiment> The conveying system 10C according to this embodiment comprises a control coil 903 which controls the running state of the moving body 200, and a drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) which drives and controls the control coil. The control coil is configured to exert a magnetic force on the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213), and the drive control means supplies power to the control coil to control the moving body side magnetic body to be attracted to the control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct 100, thereby suppressing the running of the moving body.

[0074] In this embodiment, the moving body is stopped by the magnetic body on the moving body being attracted to the control coil. In this embodiment, the moving body can be prevented from moving regardless of the presence or absence of airflow. Therefore, even if multiple moving bodies are moving inside the air duct, the moving of some of the moving bodies can be prevented by the control coil, while the other moving bodies can continue to move according to the direction of the airflow. Here, since the conveying body is linked to the moving body, at least when the traveling of the moving body is inhibited, the traveling of the conveying body is also inhibited. That is, according to this aspect, the conveying object can be conveyed more flexibly. The control coil may be located between the blower tube 100 and the conveyor path (conveyor path 401) or may be attached to the side of the blower tube opposite the conveyor path.

[0075] <Second embodiment> The transport system 10C according to this embodiment is The device is equipped with first and second control coils 903a-903c which control the running state of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and a drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) which drives and controls each of the control coils, the first control coils 903a, 903c being configured to exert a magnetic force on the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213), and the second control coil 903b being configured to exert a magnetic force on the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523), and the drive control means supplies power to the first control coil to control the moving body side magnetic body to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct 100 to suppress the running of the moving body, and supplies power to the second control coil to control the conveying body side magnetic body to be attracted to the second control coil to suppress the running of the conveying body.

[0076] In this embodiment, the moving body is stopped by the magnetic body on the moving body side being attracted to the control coil, and the conveying body is stopped by the magnetic body on the conveying body side being attracted to the control coil. In this embodiment, the moving body and the conveying body can be prevented from moving regardless of the presence or absence of air flow. Therefore, even if multiple moving bodies are moving inside the air duct and multiple conveying bodies are moving inside the conveying body path, the movement of some of the moving bodies and the conveying bodies can be prevented by the control coil, and the other moving bodies and the conveying bodies can be allowed to continue to move according to the direction of the air flow. According to this aspect, the object to be transported can be transported more flexibly. In this embodiment, since the control coil inhibits not only the movement of the moving body but also the conveying body, it is possible to prevent the conveying body from losing its interlocking state with the moving body when the moving body stops. The first and second control coils may be located in such a positional relationship that they exert a magnetic force on each magnetic body. For example, the first control coil may be located between the air blower 100 and the conveyor path (conveyor path 401), or may be attached to the side of the air blower 100 opposite the conveyor path. The same applies to the second control coil.

[0077] <Third embodiment> The transport system 10C according to this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the first and second control coils 903 are disposed between the blower duct 100 and the transport body path (transport path 401). This embodiment also provides the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0078] <Fourth embodiment> The conveying system 10C of this embodiment is characterized in that it is provided with a detection coil 901 that is arranged between the air blower 100 and the conveying body path (conveying path 401) and detects the running state of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and the detection coil is configured to generate an induced current corresponding to the running state of the moving body and the conveying body by the magnetic flux generated by the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) respectively passing through the detection coil in sequence.

[0079] As a means for detecting the moving body and the conveyed body, it is possible to use a known detection sensor such as a transmission type photosensor, a reflection type photosensor, etc. If the conveying system has a configuration in which a magnetic body is moved along a conveying body path, the above-mentioned known detection sensor does not utilize the conveying principle of the conveying system, so there is still room for further rationalization of the conveying system. In this embodiment, the conveying body moves in conjunction with the movement of the moving body due to repulsion based on the magnetic force acting between the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body. Therefore, when a detection coil is placed between the air blower tube and the conveying body path, an alternating current corresponding to the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body is generated in this detection coil. In this embodiment, the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body can be detected based on the state of the induced current flowing in the detection coil. Since the magnetic force of the magnetic bodies of the moving body and the conveying body is used to detect them, the conveying system is rationally designed.

[0080] <Fifth embodiment> The conveying system 10C of this embodiment includes a detection coil 901 for detecting the traveling state of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and a traveling control unit 900 including first and second control coils 903a-903c for controlling the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body, and a drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) for driving and controlling each control coil, and the detection coil is configured to generate an induced current corresponding to the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body when the magnetic flux generated by the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) respectively passes through the detection coil sequentially, and the first control coils 903a, 903c are configured to apply a magnetic force to the moving body side magnetic body, and the second control coil 903b is configured to apply a magnetic force to the conveying body side magnetic body. Furthermore, in this aspect, the first and second control coils are characterized in that they are arranged downstream of the detection coil in the traveling direction of the movable body and the conveying body, at a distance corresponding to the distance between the linked movable body side magnetic body and conveying body side magnetic body.

[0081] The effects achieved by the configuration of this aspect and the configurations shown in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are as described in the above-mentioned respective embodiments. In this embodiment, the first and second control coils arranged downstream of the detector coil in the traveling direction are driven and controlled based on the traveling states of the moving body and the conveyed body detected by the detector coil. In this embodiment, the first and second control coils are arranged at intervals corresponding to the interval between the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body, so that the moving body and the conveying body can be prevented from traveling while maintaining the interlocking positional relationship between them. Therefore, the moving body and the conveying body can be stopped in a state where they are positioned in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0082] <Sixth embodiment> In a fifth embodiment of the conveying system 10C according to the present aspect, the drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) supplies power to the first control coils 903a, 903c to control the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct 100, thereby suppressing the movement of the moving body 200, and also supplies power to the second control coil 903b to control the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the movement of the conveying body 500. In this embodiment, the moving body is stopped by the magnetic body on the moving body side being attracted to the control coil, and the conveyed body is stopped by the magnetic body on the conveyed body side being attracted to the control coil. In this embodiment, the moving body and the conveyed body can be prevented from traveling regardless of the presence or absence of air flow.

[0083] <Seventh embodiment> The transport system 10C according to this embodiment includes a plurality of travel control units 900A, 900B... The sixth embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that it comprises a plurality of interlocking traveling pairs 250. Note that one interlocking traveling pair includes one moving body 200 and one conveying body 500 interlocked with the moving body. In this embodiment, when airflow is flowing within the air blower duct 100 and the traveling of one interlocking traveling pair is suppressed by one traveling control unit, the drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) supplies power to the first control coils 903a, 903c of the one traveling control unit to control the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) of the one interlocking traveling pair to be attracted to the first control coil against the airflow flowing within the air blower duct, thereby suppressing the traveling of the moving body, and also supplies power to the second control coil 903b of the one traveling control unit to control the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) of the one interlocking traveling pair to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the traveling of the conveying body. According to this aspect, when multiple linked running pairs are operated, the running of some of the linked running pairs can be suppressed by the control coil without stopping the airflow, and the other linked running pairs can continue to run in the direction of the airflow.

[0084] <Eighth embodiment> In the transport system 10C according to this embodiment, the control coil 903 is an air-core coil. Since the air-core coil does not have a ferromagnetic core, it is possible to prevent the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) from being attracted to the control coil and causing a decrease in the moving force. Therefore, the moving body and the conveying body pass through the control coil when the control coil is not driven, and are restricted from moving when the control coil is driven.

[0085] <Ninth embodiment> In the transport system 10C according to this embodiment, the detection coil 901 is an air-core coil. Since the air-core coil does not have a ferromagnetic core, it is possible to prevent the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) from being attracted to the detection coil and reducing the driving force.

[0086] <Tenth embodiment> A transport system 10C according to this embodiment is characterized in that the detector coil 901 and the first and second control coils 903a to 903c are air-core coils, and the detector coil is also used as one of the control coils.

[0087] Since the air-core coil does not have a ferromagnetic core, it is possible to prevent the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) from being attracted to each coil and reducing the running force. By configuring both the detector coil and the control coil from an air-core coil, the air-core coil can function as both the detector coil and the control coil. If the detector coil also serves as the control coil, the driving control unit 900 including the detector coil and the control coil can be made smaller, and the configuration of the driving control unit can be simplified. For example, when the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 move back and forth in the forward and reverse directions, the air-core coil located at the upstream end in the traveling direction can be made to function as a detection coil depending on the traveling direction of the moving body and the conveying body. In this case, the air-core coil functioning as a control coil switches its function so as to attract the moving body side magnetic body or the conveying body side magnetic body depending on the traveling direction of the moving body and the conveying body.

[0088] <Eleventh embodiment> In the conveying system 10C of this embodiment, the first and second control coils 903a to 903c are arranged along the traveling direction of the movable body 200 and the conveying body 500 at intervals corresponding to the interval between the movable body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) and the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) that are interlocked. The first and second control coils are arranged at intervals corresponding to the interval between the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body, so that the moving body and the conveying body can be prevented from traveling while maintaining the interlocking positional relationship between them. Therefore, the moving body and the conveying body can be stopped in a state where they are positioned in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0089] <Twelfth embodiment> In the conveying system 10C of this embodiment, the drive control means (coil drive control unit 813) is characterized in that, based on the traveling state of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500 detected by the induced current, it controls so that power is supplied to the first control coil in accordance with the timing at which the moving body side magnetic body (moving body side magnet 213) reaches the first control coils 903a, 903c, and power is supplied to the second control coil in accordance with the timing at which the conveying body side magnetic body (conveying body side magnet 523) reaches the second control coil 903b. The first and second control coils are driven and controlled in accordance with the timing at which the moving body and the conveyed body arrive, based on the traveling states of the moving body and the conveyed body detected by the detection coil. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] Arrows A, A1, A2... (circulation direction), arrows B, B1, B2... (banknote recovery direction), arrows C, C1, C2... (transport body return direction), arrows x1, x2... running direction, L, L1, L2... island equipment, 1... gaming machine, 2... machine between machines, 10... banknote transport system, 10C... transport system, 100... air duct, 100a... one end, 100b... other end, 101... air flow path, 110... first air duct, 111... moving path portion, 120... second air duct, 200... moving body, 210... division piece, 211... hinge portion, 213, 213a, 213b...moving body side magnet, 250, 250A to 250D...linked traveling pair, 300, 300B, 300C...airflow control unit, 310, 310a, 310b...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, 330...first circulation pipe, 330a...one end, 330b...other end, 331...exhaust pipe, 333...intake pipe, 340...connecting pipe, 400... Conveyor tube, 401...conveyor path, 402...base conveyor path, 403...banknote conveyor path, 405...recess, 411...upper opening, 413...protrusion, 450...waiting section, 500...conveyor, 510...conveyor base, 520...divided piece, 520a...internal space, 520b...protrusion, 520c...inner area, 521...hinge section, 523...conveyor side magnet, 525...roller, 540...banknote recovery and holding section, 541...support member, 541a...axial support section, 541b...spring, 544...recovery claw (recovery member), 544a...base end piece, 544b...middle piece , 544c...end piece, 545...roller, 550...transport table, 600...receiving unit, 700...safe unit, 800...management unit, 801...casing, 811...main control unit, 813...coil drive control unit, 815...air blower drive control unit, 900, 900A, 900B...travel control unit, 901, 901a, 901b...detection coil, 903, 903a to 903c...control coil, 910, 910A to 910L...unit section, 911...detection section, 913...control section, 921...position detection sensor

Claims

1. an airflow generating device; an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device; a moving body receiving the airflow flowing through the air duct and traveling within the air duct; a conveyor path at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the air duct along the air duct; and a conveyor configured to be capable of holding an object to be conveyed and traveling within the conveyor path; a conveying system having a configuration in which the moving body includes a moving body-side magnetic body, the conveying body includes a conveying body-side magnetic body, and when the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship, the conveying body is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body, a first control coil and a second control coil for controlling the traveling state of the movable body and the conveying body, and a drive control means for controlling the driving of each of the control coils, the first control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the movable body side magnetic body, and the second control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the conveying body side magnetic body, The conveying system is characterized in that the drive control means supplies power to the first control coil to control the magnetic body on the moving body side to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct, thereby suppressing the movement of the moving body, and supplies power to the second control coil to control the magnetic body on the conveying body side to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the movement of the conveying body.

2. an airflow generating device; an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device; a moving body receiving the airflow flowing through the air duct and traveling within the air duct; a conveyor path at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the air duct along the air duct; and a conveyor configured to be capable of holding an object to be conveyed and traveling within the conveyor path; a conveying system having a configuration in which the moving body includes a moving body-side magnetic body, the conveying body includes a conveying body-side magnetic body, and when the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship, the conveying body is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body, a first control coil and a second control coil for controlling the traveling state of the movable body and the conveying body, and a drive control means for controlling the driving of each of the control coils, the first and second control coils are disposed between an air blower duct and a conveying body path, the first control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the moving body side magnetic body, and the second control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the conveying body side magnetic body, The conveying system is characterized in that the drive control means supplies power to the first control coil to control the magnetic body on the moving body side to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower duct, thereby suppressing the movement of the moving body, and supplies power to the second control coil to control the magnetic body on the conveying body side to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the movement of the conveying body.

3. an airflow generating device; an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device; a moving body receiving the airflow flowing through the air duct and traveling within the air duct; a conveyor path at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the air duct along the air duct; and a conveyor configured to be capable of holding an object to be conveyed and traveling within the conveyor path; a conveying system having a configuration in which the moving body includes a moving body-side magnetic body, the conveying body includes a conveying body-side magnetic body, and when the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship, the conveying body is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body, A conveying system comprising a detection coil disposed between the air blower and the conveying body path for detecting the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body, the detection coil being configured to generate an induced current corresponding to the traveling state of the moving body and the conveying body as magnetic fluxes generated by the moving body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body respectively pass through the detection coil in sequence.

4. an airflow generating device; an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device; a moving body receiving the airflow flowing through the air duct and traveling within the air duct; a conveyor path at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the air duct along the air duct; and a conveyor configured to be capable of holding an object to be conveyed and traveling within the conveyor path; a conveying system having a configuration in which the moving body includes a moving body-side magnetic body, the conveying body includes a conveying body-side magnetic body, and when the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship, the conveying body is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body, a travel control unit including a detection coil for detecting the travel state of the moving body and the conveying body, and first and second control coils for controlling the travel state of the moving body and the conveying body; a drive control means for controlling the drive of each of the control coils; the detection coil is configured to generate an induced current according to the traveling state of the moving body and the transporting body when magnetic fluxes generated by the moving body side magnetic body and the transporting body side magnetic body pass through the detection coil in sequence, a first control coil configured to apply a magnetic force to the movable body side magnetic body, a second control coil configured to apply a magnetic force to the transport body side magnetic body, and the first and second control coils arranged downstream of the detection coil in the traveling direction of the movable body and the transport body at a distance corresponding to the distance between the movable body side magnetic body and the transport body side magnetic body that are linked together.

5. The drive control means controls the first control coil to supply electric power to attract the moving body side magnetic body to the first control coil against the air flow flowing through the air blower pipe, thereby suppressing the movement of the moving body, and controls the second control coil to supply electric power to attract the conveyed body side magnetic body to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the movement of the conveyed body.

5. The transport system according to claim 4.

6. an airflow generating device; an air duct forming an internal flow path for the airflow generated by the airflow generating device; a moving body receiving the airflow flowing through the air duct and traveling within the air duct; a conveyor path at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the air duct along the air duct; and a conveyor configured to be capable of holding an object to be conveyed and traveling within the conveyor path; a conveying system having a configuration in which the moving body includes a moving body-side magnetic body, the conveying body includes a conveying body-side magnetic body, and when the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body are in a close positional relationship, the conveying body is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving body by repulsion based on a magnetic force acting between the moving body-side magnetic body and the conveying body-side magnetic body, a plurality of travel control units each including a detection coil for detecting a travel state of the moving body and the conveying body, and a first and a second control coil for controlling the travel state of the moving body and the conveying body; a drive control means for controlling the drive of each of the control coils; In each of the traveling control units, the detector coil is configured to generate an induced current corresponding to the traveling state of the moving body and the transporting body when the magnetic fluxes generated by the moving body side magnetic body and the transporting body side magnetic body pass through the detector coil in sequence, the first control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the moving body side magnetic body, and the second control coil is configured to apply a magnetic force to the transporting body side magnetic body, and the first and second control coils are disposed downstream of the detector coil in the traveling direction of the moving body and the transporting body at a distance corresponding to the distance between the moving body side magnetic body and the transporting body side magnetic body that are linked to each other, The conveying system causes a plurality of interlocking traveling pairs, each including one of the moving bodies and one of the conveying bodies interlocked with the moving body, to travel; A conveying system characterized in that, when the driving control means suppresses the traveling of one of the interlocking traveling pairs by one of the traveling control units while air is flowing in the air duct, it supplies power to the first control coil of the one of the traveling control units to control the magnetic body on the moving body side of the one of the interlocking traveling pairs to be attracted to the first control coil against the air flow flowing in the air duct, thereby suppressing the traveling of the moving body, and supplies power to the second control coil of the one of the traveling control units to control the magnetic body on the transport body side of the one of the interlocking traveling pairs to be attracted to the second control coil, thereby suppressing the traveling of the transport body.

7. 7. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the control coil is an air-core coil.

8. 7. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein the detection coil is an air-core coil.

9. 7. A conveying system according to claim 4, wherein the detector coil and the first and second control coils are air-core coils, and the detector coil is used in combination with any one of the control coils.

10. The conveying system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and second control coils are arranged along the running direction of the movable body and the conveying body at an interval corresponding to the interval between the movable body side magnetic body and the conveying body side magnetic body that are interlocked.

11. The conveying system described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the drive control means controls the supply of power to the first control coil in accordance with the timing when the magnetic body on the movable body side reaches the first control coil, and the supply of power to the second control coil in accordance with the timing when the magnetic body on the conveying body side reaches the second control coil, based on the running state of the movable body and the conveying body detected by the induced current.

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