Driving system

Abstract

To provide a traveling system which has a magnet mounted thereon and can stop or rest a traveling body traveling by receiving external force such as an air current without reducing the external force.SOLUTION: In a conveyance system (a traveling system) 10C, a moving body 200 traveling in an air flow passage 101 by receiving an air current comprises a moving body side magnet 213. A traveling body stopping device 900 comprises at least one stopping magnet 911 attracting the moving body side magnet 213. The traveling body stopping device 900 displaces the stopping magnet 911 between a stop position where the stopping magnet can stop the moving body 200 and a retreat position where the stopping magnet cannot stop the moving body 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a traveling system.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for transporting a transport object by using magnetic attraction or repulsion is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a transport device that uses an air flow to cause a moving body to travel in an air duct and uses magnetic force to cause a carrier to travel in conjunction with the movement of the moving body. Since mechanical driving means such as a motor, gears, and a conveyor belt are not required to move the moving body and the carrier, the durability of each member constituting the transport device can be improved, and the running cost of the transport device can be reduced. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes that the moving body is decelerated by using eddy currents generated in an electric conductor by the magnetic field of a magnet provided in the moving body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to stop or stationary the moving body without changing the strength of the air flow in the air duct. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to mount a magnetic body and enable a traveling body that travels under the influence of an external force such as an air flow to be stopped or stationary without reducing the external force.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides A first track and a second track positioned spaced apart from the first track, A driving system equipped with a driving body stopping device for stopping a driving body that is moving along, wherein the driving body is equipped with a driving body side magnetic body, the driving body stopping device is equipped with at least one stopping magnet for attracting the driving body side magnetic body, and the driving body stopping device is equipped with the stopping magnet, The vehicle is moved between a first stopping position where it can stop while approaching the first track, a second stopping position where it can stop while approaching the second track, and a retracted position where it is separated from both the first and second tracks. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a vehicle equipped with a magnetic material and operating under external forces such as airflow can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing those external forces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of an island-style gaming facility that includes multiple gaming machines. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the general configuration of an island-style gaming facility that includes multiple gaming machines. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the first banknote transport system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and a blower pipe containing it, and a conveyor and a conveyor pipe containing it, in a case where the moving body and the conveyor repel each other due to magnetic force. [Figure 5] Figures (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between a blower pipe and a blower control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the relationship between the conveying pipe and the conveyed object. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and a blower pipe containing it, and a conveyor and a conveyor pipe containing it, in a case where the moving body and the conveyor are attracted to each other by magnetic force. [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air vent and conveyor pipes, including the moving body and the conveyor body, when the poles of the magnets on the moving body side are positioned facing the direction of travel. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing a first modification example of the air supply control unit. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the air supply control unit. [Figure 11] (a), (b), (c), and (d) are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view, and an A-A cross-sectional view of the carrier 500 in a state where the recovery member (recovery claw) is open. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of the carrier 500 in a state where the recovery member (recovery claw) is closed. [Figure 13] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the transfer pipe 400 and the carrier 500. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transfer system according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a plan view showing a configuration related to the airflow control of the transfer system. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view for explaining the moving body, the carrier, and the transfer pipe in the transfer system. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a stop device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a D-D cross-sectional view of (a) showing the relationship between the stop magnet and the air supply pipe. [Figure 18] (a) to (c) are plan views showing the respective states of the stop device. [Figure 19] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views for explaining the positional relationship between the movement locus of the stop magnet and the air flow path. [Figure 20] It is a schematic plan view showing a modification example of the stop device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] (a) to (c) are perspective views showing the respective states of the stop device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] (a) to (c) are schematic plan views showing modification examples of the stop device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] (a) and (b) are schematic perspective views showing the respective states of the stop device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24](a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the stop device and the airflow path. [Figure 25] This figure shows a stopping device according to a first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship with the airflow path. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing a stopping device according to a second modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the stopping device and the airflow path. [Figure 28] (a) and (b) are side views showing the different states of the stopping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] (a) and (b) are schematic front views showing a stopping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] (a) and (b) are schematic front views showing a stopping device according to another example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below using embodiments shown in the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, and relative arrangements described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these specific examples, but are merely illustrative examples. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0010] A. Paper sheet transport system according to the first invention The basic configuration and operation of the first paper sheet transport system according to the present invention will be described below. The paper sheet transport system is installed in island facilities in amusement parlors where various gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot are installed. In the following embodiments, banknotes will be described as an example of paper sheets, but the present invention can also be applied to securities such as gift certificates and vouchers, cards, and other paper sheets other than banknotes. Although not specifically illustrated, the paper transport system of the present invention can also be applied to banknote transport systems and banknote transport devices in casinos.

[0011] [Outline configuration of island facilities] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an island-style gaming facility containing multiple gaming machines. Each gaming machine 1 is installed in an island facility L (L1, L2, etc.), with 8 machines on each of the two opposing sides of each island facility L, for a total of 16 gaming machines 1 arranged back-to-back. A passageway is provided between each island facility L for players or staff of the gaming parlor to pass through, and a chair (not shown) is provided in each passageway for each gaming machine 1. Each island of pachinko equipment L is equipped with a machine-to-machine unit 2 for each gaming machine 1. The machine-to-machine unit 2 includes a banknote slot (banknote insertion section) for receiving inserted banknotes, and a gaming medium dispensing device that dispenses a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknotes. The island of pachinko equipment L shown in the diagram is equipped with a banknote transport system 10 that transports banknotes inserted from the machine-to-machine unit 2 to a safe unit 700 located at one end of the island of pachinko equipment L.

[0012] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of an island facility containing multiple gaming machines. The banknote transport system 10 installed in the island facility L includes a receiving unit (banknote receiving device) 600 that receives banknotes inserted from the banknote slot of the inter-machine 2, a transport pipe 400 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the island facility L (the direction in which the gaming machines 1 are arranged) and transports the banknotes received by the receiving unit 600, and a safe unit 700 located at one end of the transport pipe 400, etc.

[0013] [Outline configuration of the banknote transport system] <Overview> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a banknote transport system. The banknote transport system (paper sheet transport mechanism) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it transports banknotes using airflow and magnetic force. The banknote transport system 10 includes a blower pipe 100 that forms a gas flow path (airflow path 101), a mobile body 200 that travels (moves) inside the blower pipe 100 by receiving an airflow flowing in a predetermined direction inside the blower pipe 100, a blower control unit 300 that controls the airflow flowing inside the blower pipe 100, a transport pipe 400 (transport path 401) in which at least a portion is arranged along the blower pipe 100 and adjacent to the blower pipe 100, and a transport body 500 that is configured to hold banknotes (paper sheets) and travels (moves) inside the transport pipe 400. The transport pipe 400 forms a banknote transport path 401 (banknote (paper sheet) transport path, transport space). The mobile body 200 is equipped with a mobile body-side magnetic material (mobile body-side magnet 213), and the transporter body 500 is equipped with a transporter-side magnetic material (transporter-side magnet 523). At least one of the mobile body-side magnetic material and the transporter-side magnetic material is made of a magnet.

[0014] Furthermore, the banknote transport system 10 includes a receiving unit 600 that receives banknotes inserted from the outside and places them in a predetermined position within the transport pipe 400, a safe unit 700 equipped with a banknote storage section that stores banknotes transported by the transport body 500, and a management unit (control means) 800 that controls each part of the banknote transport system 10. In this example, the ventilation control unit 300 and the safe unit 700 are housed within the enclosure 801, which also houses the management unit 800. The banknote transport system 10 is characterized in that it moves a movable body 200, which is placed inside the blower pipe 100, back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the blower pipe 100 by the airflow flowing inside the blower pipe 100, and moves a transport body 500, which is placed inside the transport pipe 400, along the longitudinal direction of the blower pipe 100 by the magnetic force acting between the movable body 200 and the transport body 523. In other words, the banknote transport system 10 is characterized in that it moves the transport body 500 in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200, which is affected by the airflow, due to attraction and / or repulsion based on the magnetic force acting between the movable body side magnet 213 and the transport body side magnet 523.

[0015] <Overview of each section> The air blower pipe 100 includes a travel path portion 111 in which a mobile body 200 travels along the longitudinal direction of the air blower pipe 100, at least in part of its longitudinal direction. The travel path portion 111 is arranged in parallel with and adjacent to the transport pipe 400. The mobile unit 200 moves within the air supply pipe 100 by receiving airflow flowing in a predetermined direction within the air supply pipe 100. The mobile unit-side magnet 213 mounted on the mobile unit 200 exerts a magnetic repulsive and / or attractive force on the transporter 500. The mobile unit 200 moves in conjunction with its own movement due to the magnetic force. The airflow control unit 300 includes a blower (airflow generator) 310 that generates an airflow in a predetermined direction within the airflow pipe 100 and can change the flow rate and velocity of the airflow. The airflow control unit 300 causes the mobile body 200 to move back and forth within the airflow pipe 100 by alternately generating an airflow in a first direction (banknote collection direction, arrow B direction) and an airflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction (conveyor return direction, arrow C direction). The transport pipe 400 forms a space through which the banknotes and the transport body 500 move. The transporter 500 receives banknotes waiting at a predetermined position in the transport path 401, holds them upright, and transports the banknotes toward the safe unit 700 by moving along the transport path 401. The transporter-side magnet 523 mounted on the transporter 500 is subjected to magnetic attraction and / or repulsion from the mobile-side magnet 213 provided on the mobile body 200. The transporter 500 moves within the transport pipe 400 in conjunction with the movement of the mobile body 200, which is affected by the airflow.

[0016] In this case, if only an attractive force is applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500, both the magnetic material mounted on the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500 may be magnets, or one may be a magnet and the other a magnetic material such as iron. If only a repulsive force is applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500, both the magnetic material mounted on the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500 are made of magnets. The receiving unit (banknote receiving device) 600 receives banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot (banknote insertion section) of the inter-machine 2 and holds the banknotes in a predetermined position within the transport path 401. A receiving unit 600 is provided for each inter-machine 2. Multiple receiving units 600 are installed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400. The safe unit 700 includes a banknote storage section for storing banknotes transported by the transporter 500, and a drive mechanism for driving various components involved in storing banknotes in the banknote storage section.

[0017] The management unit (control means) 800 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the banknote transport system 10. The management unit 800 is composed of a general computer device that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., which are connected via a bus. The CPU is an arithmetic unit that controls the entire banknote transport system 10. ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs and data executed by the CPU. RAM is a volatile memory used as the CPU's work area. Various functions are realized when the CPU reads the control program stored in ROM, loads it into RAM, and executes it.

[0018] [Detailed configuration of the banknote transport system] The detailed configuration of each part of the banknote transport system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. <Blow pipe> The air duct will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the moving body and the air vent containing it, and the conveyor and the conveyor containing it, when the moving body and the conveyor are repelled by magnetic force. The air vent 100 shown in Figure 3 comprises a first air vent 110 including a movement path portion 111, and a second air vent 120 that forms an endless airflow path 101 between itself and the first air vent 110 via a switching valve 325 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. Since the banknote transport system 10 uses magnetism to move the transporter 500, the movement path portion 111 of the air blower pipe 100 is configured so as not to affect the movement of the mobile body 200 and the movement of the transporter 500 based on magnetism. It is desirable that the entire movement path portion 111 be made of a non-magnetic material, but it may also contain a magnetic material in part to the extent that it does not affect the movement of the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500. The moving path section 111 is configured to allow a magnetic force to be applied between the moving body 200 located within the moving path section 111 and the conveying body 500 located within the conveying pipe 400 (such as the thickness of the pipe, the distance between the pipes, or their shapes).

[0019] By configuring the air blower 100 separately from the transport pipe 400, an airtight airflow path can be formed within the air blower 100. This prevents a decrease in the transport force of the mobile body 200 due to air leakage from the air blower 100 to the outside. Furthermore, a relatively inexpensive and low-power blower 310 can be used as the blower for generating the airflow, thereby reducing the cost of the banknote transport system 10. Even if the air blower 100 becomes longer due to an increase in the banknote transport distance, the airflow within the air blower 100 can be reliably controlled. In addition, since the mobile body 200 is driven by airflow, there is no need to place mechanical components such as gears and transport belts, or wiring and electrical contacts inside the air blower 100, improving the durability of the air blower 100 and the mobile body 200 placed inside it. Furthermore, since outside air does not flow into the airtight airflow path 101, dust and other particles from the outside air are not drawn in, keeping the inside of the airflow path 101 clean.

[0020] <Mobile> The mobile unit 200 only needs to have a shape and structure that allows it to move inside the air supply pipe 100 by receiving air pressure. As shown in Figure 4, the mobile body 200 has a configuration in which a plurality of segmented pieces 210, 210... are sequentially connected by a hinge portion 211 along the direction of travel of the mobile body 200 (the longitudinal direction of the air vent 100). Each segmented piece 210 shown in this example has the same configuration, and each segmented piece 210 is equipped with a mobile body-side magnet 213. The mobile body 200 is equipped with a plurality of mobile body-side magnets 213 arranged in a position, orientation, and shape that allows magnetic force to be applied to the transport body 500. In this example, the mobile body-side magnets 213 are positioned closer to the transport pipe 400 than the mobile body 200. The plurality of mobile body-side magnets 213 provided on the mobile body 200 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel of the mobile body 200. In this example, each mobile body-side magnet 213 is attached to a segmented piece 210 such that the north pole (one pole) faces the transport pipe 400 side (upper side in the figure) and the south pole (the other pole) faces the lower side in the figure. The movable body 200 shown in this example is composed of three segmented pieces 210. The segmented pieces 210 are connected to each other so that they can be angularly displaced within a predetermined range in the vertical direction in the figure and in the depth direction of the paper, centered on a hinge portion 211. With this configuration, the movable body 200 can move smoothly within the air blower pipe 100 while each segmented piece 210 is displaced, even when the air blower pipe 100 forms an airflow path 101 that is curved in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions.

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

[0022] <Airflow control unit> Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the air supply pipe and the air supply 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 flowing in a constant direction, and a switching unit 320 (switching valve 325) that controls the direction of the airflow in the air supply pipe 100. The airflow control unit 300 is characterized by the fact that the switching unit 320 switches the direction of the airflow in the air supply pipe 100 between a first direction (banknote collection direction, arrow B direction) or a second direction which is the opposite direction (movable body return direction, arrow C direction). The airflow control unit (airflow control device) 300 includes a switching unit (airflow switching unit) 320 that controls the direction of airflow discharge, a first circulation pipe 330 that forms an endless airflow path via the switching unit 320, and a blower 310 that is positioned appropriately in the first circulation pipe 330 to generate an airflow that flows in a constant direction within the first circulation pipe.

[0023] The switching unit 320 has a casing 321 in which four flow paths 323 (first flow path 323a to fourth flow path 323d: port) are formed, each connected to an external piping, and a switching valve 325 positioned at the junction (intersection) of the four flow paths 323 to switch the communication state between each flow path 323 and / or the degree of opening when communication is established. Each flow path 323 is connected to the external piping, which consists of an exhaust pipe 331, an intake pipe 333, a first blower pipe 110, and a second blower pipe 120, respectively. In this example, each flow path 323 is arranged in a cross shape (radially). The switching valve 325 shown in this example is a rotary valve such as a ball valve, and the communication state between each flow path 323 and the degree of opening of each flow path 323 are switched by the switching valve 325 rotating by a predetermined angle within the casing 321. The switching valve 325 is an electrically operated valve, driven by a motor to control its rotation angle. For example, a stepping motor can be used as the motor. The switching valve 325 is controlled to a desired rotation angle by, for example, the control unit 800 controlling the rotation angle of the stepping motor based on drive pulses. Of course, other methods may be used for the driving means to rotate the switching valve 325 and for controlling 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 control unit 800 may be configured to provide feedback control of the rotation angle of the switching valve 325.

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

[0025] <<Operation of the switching unit: Neutral state>> Figure 5(a) shows the neutral state. The switching valve 325 connects the first flow path 323a and the second flow path 323b, but is in a neutral position where it does not connect the first and second flow paths 323a and 323b with the third and fourth flow paths 323c and 323d. Therefore, the airflow circulates in the direction of arrows A (A1, A2) within the first circulation pipe 330, and no airflow is generated within the blower pipe 100. Consequently, the mobile body 200 remains stationary within the blower pipe 100.

[0026] <<Operation of the switching unit: First communication state>> Figure 5(b) shows the first state in which an airflow is generated in the air supply pipe 100 in the first direction (arrows B1 and B2 directions). This state is, for example, the state of banknote retrieval operation in which the conveyor 500 transports the collected banknotes to the safe unit 700. The switching valve 325 is in the first connecting position, which connects the first flow path 323a and the fourth flow path 323d, and connects the second flow path 323b and the third flow path 323c. At this time, the first flow path 323a and the fourth flow path 323d are not in communication with the second flow path 323b and the third flow path 323c. Air circulates endlessly between the first circulation pipe 330 and the blower pipe 100. Specifically, air discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 and flowing into the first passage 323a (arrow A1 direction) flows into the second blower pipe 120 from the fourth passage 323d via the switching valve 325 (arrow B1 direction). Air flowing through the first blower pipe 110 in the direction of arrow B2 and into the third passage 323c flows into the intake pipe 333 from the second passage 323b via the switching valve 325 (arrow A2 direction), returns to the blower 310, and is discharged again from the exhaust pipe 331.

[0027] <<Operation of the switching unit: Second communication state>> Figure 5(c) shows a second state in which an airflow is generated in a second direction (arrows C1 and C2 directions) within the air supply pipe 100. This state is, for example, a return operation state for returning the conveyor 500 from the safe unit 700 side (management unit 800 side) to the distal end side of the conveyor pipe 400. The switching valve 325 is in the second communication position, connecting the first passage 323a and the third passage 323c, and connecting the second passage 323b and the fourth passage 323d. At this time, the first passage 323a and the third passage 323c are not in communication with the second passage 323b and the fourth passage 323d. Air circulates endlessly between the first circulation pipe 330 and the blower pipe 100. Specifically, air discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 and flowing into the first passage 323a (arrow A1 direction) flows into the first blower pipe 110 from the third passage 323c via the switching valve 325 (arrow C1 direction). Air flowing through the second blower pipe in the direction of arrow C2 and into the fourth passage 323d flows into the intake pipe 333 from the second passage 323b via the switching valve 325 (arrow A2 direction), returns to the blower 310, and is discharged again from the exhaust pipe 331.

[0028] <<Summary of Switching Unit Operation>> In this way, by connecting two endless pipes (the first circulation pipe 330 and the blower pipe 100) via the switching unit 320, it is possible to switch between three states by switching the position of the switching valve 325: a neutral state in which no airflow is generated in the blower pipe 100, a first connected state in which airflow is generated in the first direction (arrow B direction) in the blower pipe 100, and a second connected state in which airflow is generated in the second direction (arrow C direction) in the blower pipe 100, while generating airflow in a constant direction (arrow A direction) with a single blower 310. Furthermore, in an intermediate position between the three positions the switching valve 325 can assume, the communication state changes from the three states described above. 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 inside the casing 321, so that an airflow of an air volume corresponding to the opening degree of each flow path can be generated inside the blower pipe 100. In other words, the speed of the moving body 200 can be varied according to the wind speed inside the blower pipe 100. Here, the movement speed of the mobile body 200 can also be adjusted by controlling the airflow of the blower 310. For example, the airflow of the blower 310 can be adjusted by varying the rotation speed of the blower 310's blades using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. However, since the rotational response of the switching valve 325 is higher than the rotational response 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 mobile body 200.

[0029] <Conveyor pipe> The transport pipe (transport route) 400 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 6. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the conveying pipe and the conveyed object. In Figure 6, the inside of the conveying pipe 400 is shown 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 movement of the transport body 500, which is based on magnetic force. It is desirable that the entire transport tube 400 be made of a non-magnetic material, but it may also contain a magnetic material in part, as long as it does not affect the movement of the transport body 500. The transport pipe 400 is configured to allow magnetic force to be applied between the moving body 200 located within the moving path section 111 and the transport body 500 located within the transport pipe 400 (such as the thickness of the pipe, the distance between the pipes, or their shape).

[0030] In this example, the conveyor pipe 400 is positioned above the blower pipe 100, but the positional relationship between the blower pipe 100 and the conveyor pipe 400 is not limited to this. The conveyor pipe 400 may be positioned below the blower pipe 100, or it may be positioned to the side of the blower pipe 100. In this example, a transport pipe 400 is used as an example of a means for forming the transport path 401. However, the means for forming the transport path 401 does not need to be tubular, and the present invention can be implemented even if part or all of the transport path 401 is open to the outside. In other words, the transport pipe 400 can take any form as long as it can form a long space inside that serves as the transport path 401.

[0031] <Conveyor> As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the transport body 500 is positioned within the transport path 401 near the air blower pipe 100 and includes a transport base 510 that receives magnetic force from the mobile body 200, and a banknote collection and holding section 540 provided on the side of the transport base 510 opposite to the air blower pipe 100.

[0032] <<Conveyor Base>> The transport base 510 has a configuration in which a plurality of segmented pieces 520, 520... are sequentially connected by hinges 521 along the direction of travel of the transport body 500 (the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400). Each segmented piece 520 shown in this example is equipped with a transport body-side magnet 523. The transport base 510 is equipped with a plurality of transport-side magnets 523 arranged in a position, orientation, and shape that allows it to receive magnetic force from the moving body 200. In this example, the transport-side magnets 523 are positioned closer to the air duct 100 on the transport base 510. The plurality of transport-side magnets 523 provided on the transport base 510 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel of the transport body 500. In this example, each transport-side magnet 523 is attached to a segmented piece 520 such that the north pole (one pole) faces the air duct 100 side (lower side in the figure) and the south pole (the other pole) faces the upper side in the figure. The transport base 510 receives a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200 and levitates magnetically within the transport pipe 400. The transport base 510 shown in this example is composed of four segmented pieces 520. The segmented 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, centered on a hinge portion 521. With this configuration, the transport body 500 can move smoothly within the transport pipe 400, even when the transport pipe 400 forms a transport path 401 that is curved in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions.

[0033] <<Banknote Collection and Holding Unit>> The banknote collection and holding unit 540 is positioned on the transport base 510. The banknote collection and holding unit 540 includes a support member 541 that stands upright at the island end (the distal end relative to the safe unit 700) in the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400, away from the air blower pipe 100, and a collection member (collection claw) 544 that protrudes in the width direction from the support member 541. The support member 541 protrudes upward from the middle of the transport base 510 in the width direction. The banknote collection and holding unit 540 holds the banknotes (paper sheets) P ​​in an upright position so that the longitudinal direction of the banknotes P is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400. One of the long sides of the banknotes P (the long side located on the bottom in Figure 6) is supported by the transport base 510. The rear edge of the banknote (one of the short sides) is supported by the support member 541 or the collection claw 544.

[0034] <Relationship between conveying pipes and conveying bodies> The transport pipe 400 includes a base transport path 402 located near the air blower pipe 100 and a banknote transport path 403 located on the opposite side from the air blower pipe 100. The base transport path 402 is a horizontally elongated space on which the transport base 510 of the transport body 500 travels, and the banknote transport path 403 is a vertically elongated space on which the banknote collection and holding section 540 of the transport body 500 and the banknotes held in the banknote collection and holding section 540 travel. In this example, the transporter 500 moves by receiving a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200. Therefore, the base transport path 402 and the transport base 510 are configured to prevent the transport base 510 from detaching from the base transport path 402 (moving toward the banknote transport path 403), and to maintain the position of the transport base 510 in a position where it can receive the magnetic force from 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, with respect to a virtual axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the base transport path 402. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base transport path 402 and the cross-sectional shape of the transport base 510 are configured to be rectangular. With the above configuration, the posture of the moving body 200 within the base transport path 402 is maintained such that the north pole (one pole) of the transport body side magnet 523 always faces the blower pipe 100 side.

[0035] <Relationship between mobile and transporter> This section explains the relationship between the magnetic material on the moving object side and the magnetic material on the transporter side. <<Only rebound>> As shown in Figure 4, one or more magnets may be placed on both the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 in directions that repel each other, so that only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500. When only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500, it is desirable to place multiple magnets on at least one of the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 at predetermined intervals in the direction of travel. By placing multiple magnets on at least one of the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 in the direction of travel, when the transporter 500 moves under the repulsive force from the moving body 200, the magnets 213 on the moving body and the magnets 523 on the transporter are arranged alternately. That is, when the transporter 500 moves, the transporter 500 is positioned relative to the moving body 200. In this case, it is particularly preferable to have a difference of one magnet between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500. In other words, when n is a natural number, it is preferable to place n magnets on one of the moving body 200 and the transporter 500, and n+1 magnets on the other. When the conveying pipe 400 is positioned above the blowing pipe 100, and a repulsive force is applied between the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200, the conveying body 500 floats within the conveying pipe 400, making it less likely for the conveying body 500 to come into contact with the conveying pipe 400. Therefore, a decrease in the conveying force of the conveying body 500 due to friction with the conveying pipe 400 is prevented, and the conveying body 500 can be moved 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 each component can be prevented. Furthermore, if a repulsive force is to be applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500, the transport force can be improved by increasing the number of magnets provided on the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500.

[0036] <<Adsorption only>> Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air supply pipe and conveyor pipe, including the moving body and the conveyor, when the moving body and the conveyor are attracted to each other by magnetic force. In the illustrated example, the moving body magnet 213 and the transporter magnet 523 are attached to the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 in a position where they attract each other. The longitudinal positions of the moving body magnet 213 and the transporter magnet 523 are aligned via the walls of the air supply pipe 100 and the transporter pipe 400, making it easy to position the transporter 500 relative to the moving body 200. If only magnetic attraction is applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500, then at least one of the magnetic materials mounted on the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500 should be a magnet. For example, a magnet may be placed on one of the transporter 500 and the mobile body 200, and a magnetic material other than a magnet that is attracted to the magnet (e.g., an iron plate) may be placed on the other. If only magnetic attraction is applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500, it is sufficient to place at least one set of magnetic materials (e.g., a magnet and a magnet, or a magnet and an iron plate) on the transporter 500 and the mobile body 200.

[0037] <<Repulsion and Adsorption>> Both repulsive and attractive forces may be applied between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500. That is, the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 may contain a mix of magnets that repel each other and magnets that attract each other. An example of applying both repulsive and attractive forces will be described later based on Figure 8.

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

[0039] <<Magnet orientation: Vertical arrangement>> Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air vent and conveyor pipes, including the moving body and the conveyor body, when the poles of the magnets on the moving body side are arranged facing the direction of travel. In the illustrated example, the mobile magnet 213 is attached to the segment 210 such that its north pole (one pole) faces the safe unit side (left side in the diagram) and its south pole (the other pole) faces the distal end side (right side in the diagram). The transporter magnet 523 is attached to the segment 520 such that its north pole faces the air duct 100 side and its south pole faces upward in the diagram. The side of the mobile magnet 213 facing the safe unit (N pole) repels the transporter magnet 523 (N pole), while the distal end side of the mobile magnet 213 (S pole) attracts the transporter magnet 523 (N pole). Therefore, both repulsive and attractive forces can be applied between the mobile body 200 and the transporter 500.

[0040] [Modified Embodiment 1 related to airflow control] Figure 9 shows a first modified example of the airflow control unit. The airflow control unit 300B may be configured to include a blower 310a with an exhaust port connected to one end 100a of the airflow pipe 100, a blower 310b with an exhaust port connected to the other end 100b of the airflow pipe 100, and a connecting pipe 340 connecting the intake ports of both blowers 310a and 310b. The airflow pipe 100 (first airflow pipe 110, second airflow pipe 120) is configured in an endless manner via the two blowers 310a and 310b and the connecting pipe 340. The on / off state and airflow of blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by the control unit 800.

[0041] When generating an airflow in the blower pipe 100 in the first direction (direction of arrow B) (first state, banknote collection operation state), one blower 310b is turned on to generate the airflow, and the other blower 310a is turned off. The air that has flowed through the blower pipe 100 flows into the exhaust port of blower 310a and is discharged from the intake port of blower 310a. The air then passes through the connecting pipe 340 and returns to the intake port of blower 310b, and is discharged from the exhaust port of blower 310b. To generate an airflow in the blower pipe 100 in a second direction (direction of arrow C) (second state, conveyor return state), one blower 310b should be turned off and the other blower 310a should be turned on to generate the airflow.

[0042] In this way, even when using two blowers, it is possible to generate an airflow in a first direction and an airflow in a second direction within the air supply pipe 100. In this example, the intake ports of the two blowers 310a and 310b are connected by a connecting pipe 340, allowing air to be efficiently circulated within the airtightly constructed airflow path 101.

[0043] [Modified Embodiment 2 related to airflow control] Figure 10 shows a second modified example of the airflow control unit. The airflow control unit 300C may be configured to have blowers 310a and 310b at one end 100a and the other end 100b of the airflow pipe 100, respectively. The on / off status and airflow of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by the management unit 800. When generating an airflow in the first direction (direction of arrow B) within the air supply pipe 100 (first state, banknote collection operation state), one blower 310b is turned on to generate the airflow, and the other blower 310a is turned off. Blower 310b generates an airflow in the air supply pipe 100 in the direction of arrow B by taking in outside air from its intake port and sending it out. This airflow is also taken into blower 310a from its exhaust port and discharged from its intake port. To generate an airflow in the blower pipe 100 in a second direction (direction of arrow C) (second state, conveyor return state), one blower 310b should be turned off and the other blower 310a should be turned on to generate the airflow. In this example, since piping for the airflow path 101 to serve as a circulation path is unnecessary, the configuration is simplified.

[0044] B. A second paper sheet transport system according to the present invention <<Transport vehicle (banknote collection shuttle)>> Figures 11(a),(b),(c) and (d) are external perspective views, front views, and plan views of the conveyor 500 with the recovery member (recovery claw) in the open state, and a cross-sectional view AA of (a), while Figures 12(a) and (b) are external perspective views and plan views of the conveyor 500 with the recovery member (recovery claw) in the closed state. Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the conveyor pipe 400 and the conveyor 500.

[0045] The transporter 500 shown in Figures 11 to 13 differs slightly from the transporter shown in Figure 6 in the configuration of the transport base 510 and the recovery member 544. Specifically, the transport base 510 has a configuration in which a plurality of segmented pieces 520 are connected via hinges 521 so that they can be displaced up, down, left, right (or diagonally), and transporter-side magnets (transporter-side magnetic materials) 523 are arranged in the internal space 520a within each segmented piece as shown in Figure 11(d). In addition, rotatable rollers 525 are arranged on both sides of each segmented piece 520 to ensure smooth movement within the transport pipe 400. Furthermore, rollers 545 are rotatably arranged on the upper part of the support member 541 to reduce resistance between it and the inner wall of the transport pipe. The banknote collection and holding unit (transfer means) 540 holds the banknotes P in an upright position so that the longitudinal direction of the banknotes P is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400. The lower long side of the horizontally elongated and upright banknotes P is supported by the upper surface (flat surface) of the transport base 510 (each divided piece 520). The rear edge (one of the short sides) of the banknotes is supported by the support member 541 and the collection member 544.

[0046] Each segmented piece 520 is provided with protrusions 520b at both edges in the width direction to prevent the banknote from falling out. The area 520c located inside the protrusions 520b is a flat surface, which allows for stable support of the lower long side of the banknote. Furthermore, since the inner areas 520c of each segmented piece 520 are connected in the longitudinal direction, the banknote can be placed across the inner areas 520c of multiple segmented pieces. The banknote collection and holding unit 540, erected on the transport base 510, comprises a support member 541 erected at the island end (distal end relative to the safe unit 700) in the longitudinal direction of the transport pipe 400, away from the air blower pipe 100, and a collection member 544 consisting of two collection claws 544 that protrude (expand) in a wing-like shape (acute or obtuse angle) in a plan view in the width direction from the support member 541 and are pivotally supported by a pivot support 541a on the support member 541 side so as to be able to open and close laterally. Since the pivot support 541a shown is parallel to the support member 541, i.e., in a vertical position, the collection claws 544 that rotate around the pivot support open and close horizontally. The rotation direction of the collection claws may be in a direction other than this.

[0047] Unlike the configuration example in Figure 6, which has two pairs of recovery members (upper and lower), the recovery member 544 is arranged in pairs at a predetermined height position on the support member 541. The two recovery claws 544 that make up the recovery member 544 are at their maximum opening angle when expanded as shown in Figure 11, and cannot rotate any further in the opening direction, but can rotate from the expanded state in the closing direction. Figure 12 shows the state in which the two recovery claws 544 are at their minimum opening angle (closed state). In addition, each recovery claw 544 is constantly elastically biased in the opening direction by a spring (elastic member) 541b provided on its pivot point 541a. When the transporter 500 moves along the transport path 401 in the forward direction P toward the safe unit 700, each retrieval claw 544 maintains an expanded position due to the spring 541b. This allows the retrieval claws to catch the rear edge of a banknote that is stopped upright in a predetermined waiting section 450 (Figure 13) where the banknotes are waiting, and move it forward in the waiting section P while transferring it to the transport base 510. To ensure that the retrieval claws 544 maintain an expanded position as the transport base 510 moves along the transport path 401 in the forward direction P toward the safe unit 700, recesses 405 (Figure 13) are formed on both inner walls of the transport pipe 400 where each retrieval claw passes through, serving as passages for the retrieval claws. Each recess 405 is laid out so that each retrieval claw can contact the rear edge of a banknote within each waiting section 450. Furthermore, it is preferable that each retrieval claw 544 be configured to open and close independently. In this case, each retrieval claw may be individually rotated by a single coil spring (or torsion spring), or a spring 541b may be provided for each retrieval claw.

[0048] Each retrieval claw 544 in the expanded state shown in Figure 11 comprises an inner base piece 544a pivotally supported by a pivot portion 541a, an intermediate piece 544b extending outward in the width direction of the conveyor from the base piece 544a, and an end piece 544c that bends or curves and protrudes from the intermediate piece 544b in an oblique forward direction. When the retrieval 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 edge of the waiting banknote. Since the end piece 544c protrudes obliquely from the end of the intermediate piece 544b, even if the rear 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 stacked banknotes from shifting position in the width direction or falling off. As shown in Figure 11, when each retrieval claw 544 is in an expanded position, the intermediate piece 544b is configured to be parallel to the width direction of the transport path 401 or inclined toward the forward direction P, thereby enabling the intermediate piece to reliably lock onto the rear edge of the banknote in the waiting section and press it forward when it comes into contact with it.

[0049] Thus, the retrieval member 544 is equipped with a pair of retrieval claws pivotally supported by a support member so as to be able to open and close in a substantially horizontal direction, and each retrieval claw opens and closes between an expanded position where it protrudes outward in the width direction and a retracted position where it is retracted inward in the width direction, and is biased to the expanded position by an elastic member. Because each collection claw 544 has the configuration described above, when collecting banknotes from each waiting section located alternately at different longitudinal positions with the transport path 401 in between, the banknotes can be reliably collected by each collection claw simply by moving the transport body in a straight line, and the banknotes can be gathered in the center of the transport body in the width direction. Furthermore, when the transporter 500 moves in the retraction direction R within the transport path, the retrieval claw interferes with the banknotes in the waiting section. However, as it continues to move while in contact with the banknotes, the retrieval claw changes its orientation to close against the biasing force of the elastic member. As a result, it can continue to move smoothly in the return direction without damaging the waiting banknotes. With banknotes already stacked upright on the transport base 510, the system employs a method of sequentially stacking the collected banknotes by overlapping one side of each banknote with one side of the already stacked banknotes. This prevents the leading edge of the subsequent banknote from hitting the trailing edge of the already stacked banknotes, thus preventing stacking from becoming impossible.

[0050] C. Third Conveying System According to the Present Invention [Schematic configuration] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a plan view showing the configuration related to airflow control of the transport system. Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the moving body, transport body, and transport pipe in the transport system. In the following diagram, the direction in which the air blower pipe 100 and the transport pipe 400 overlap (vertical direction) is the Z direction, the direction in which the air blower pipe 100 and the transport pipe 400 (transport path 401) extend (longitudinal direction) is the L direction, and the width direction of the air blower pipe 100 and the transport pipe 400 is the W direction. The W direction is perpendicular to both the Z direction and the L direction. The LW plane (LW surface) defined by the L direction and the W direction is sometimes called the virtual plane on which the airflow path 101 (or transport path 401) extends. The transport system (traveling system) 10C comprises an endless air supply pipe 100, an air supply control unit 360 including a blower (airflow generator) that generates airflow within the air supply pipe 100, a mobile body (traveling body) 200 that moves within the air supply pipe 100 in response to the airflow (external force), a transport path (transporting body path) 401 in which at least a portion is arranged along the air supply pipe 100 and adjacent to the air supply pipe, and a transporting body (traveling body) 500 configured to hold the transported object and travels within the transport path. The transport system 10C also includes a management unit (control means) 800 (see Figure 3) that controls each part. The mobile body 200 is equipped with a mobile body-side magnet (mobile body-side magnetic material, mobile body-side magnetic material) 213, and the transporter 500 is equipped with a transporter-side magnet (transporter-side magnetic material, mobile body-side magnetic material) 523. The transporter system 10C is configured to move the transporter 500 in conjunction with the movement of the mobile body 200 due to a repulsive force based on the magnetic force acting between the mobile body-side magnet 213 and the transporter-side magnet 523 when they are in close proximity. The repulsive force is an external force that moves the transporter 500. In the transport system 10C, one mobile body 200 and one transport body 500 that travels in conjunction with the mobile body constitute a pair of linked travel units 250.

[0051] The transport system 10C includes an endless air supply pipe 100 and an endless transport path 401 in which the mobile body 200 travels. Because the portion of the airflow path 101 in which the mobile body 200 travels is endless, the configuration related to the control of the airflow in the air supply pipe 100 differs from "A. First Invention."

[0052] The conveying system 10C includes a branching section 1000 in the middle of the air supply pipe 100 (airflow path 101) and the conveying pipe 400 (conveying path 401) where both pipes (both paths) branch off. The blower pipe 100A branches into blower pipes 100B and 100C at the branching section 1000. The transport pipe 400A branches into transport pipes 400B and 400C at the branching section 1000. The blower pipe 100 and the transport pipe 400 maintain a parallel state in each section, including the branching section 1000.

[0053] An airflow switching section 1100 is located on the vent pipe 100 side of the branching section 1000. The airflow switching section 1100 guides the mobile body 200, which travels along the vent pipe 100A, to either the vent pipe 100B or 100C. A transport path switching section 1400 is located on the transport pipe 400 side of the branching section 1000. The transport path switching section 1400 guides the transport body 500 traveling along transport pipe 400A to either transport pipe 400B or 400C. The airflow switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 rotate simultaneously and integrally around a rotation axis that lies on the same axis. The linked train 250 passes through the branching section 1000 without its linked state being disrupted.

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

[0055] <Mobile units, transporters, and transport routes> Here, the mobile body 200, transport body 500, and transport pipe 400 shown in Figure 14 are different from those shown in Figures 11-13, etc.

[0056] As shown in Figure 16, the mobile body 200 comprises two segmented pieces 210 and a shaft 215 connecting the segmented pieces 210. Each segmented piece is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate laterally by hinges (not shown) provided at both ends of the shaft 215. A mobile body-side magnet 213 is positioned on the upper surface of each segmented piece 210. Rollers 216 are positioned at the four corners of each segmented piece to allow it to move smoothly inside the air blower pipe 100.

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

[0058] The transport path 401 consists only of the base transport path 402 shown in Figure 13, and the top surface of the transport path 401 is open. That is, the transport pipe 400 is semi-cylindrical. The top opening 411 provided in the transport path 401 is an opening that extends along the longitudinal direction (travel direction, L direction). From each end of the top opening 411 in the width direction, protrusions 413, 413 are provided toward the other end. The protrusions 413, 413 extend along the longitudinal direction of the transport path 401. The width of the top opening 411 is set to be narrower than the width of the transport base 510, so the transport base does not deviate from the base transport path 402 through the top opening 411. The top surfaces of the protrusions 413, 413 are guide rails 415, 415 on which each roller 552... runs. By providing an upper opening 411 in the transport path 401 and positioning the transport tables 550, 550 attached to the transport base 510 above the upper opening 411, it is possible to transport objects wider than the transport body 500.

[0059] [First Embodiment] <Outline configuration 1> A stopping device 900 for stopping the moving body 200 at a predetermined position in the airflow path 101 will be described. In the following, the stopping device 900 will be described based on an example in which a mobile body 200 equipped with a mobile body-side magnet 213 is stopped at a predetermined position within the airflow path (travel path) 101. Note that the stopping device 900 according to each embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a transporter 500 (Figure 16, etc.) equipped with a transporter-side magnet 523 that travels within the transporter path (travel path) 401. The transport system 10C includes a stopping device 900 that stops a mobile body 200 traveling along an airflow path 101 at a predetermined position. The mobile body 200 is equipped with a mobile body-side magnet 213. The stopping device 900 includes at least one stopping magnet 911 (see Figure 17) that attracts the mobile body-side magnet 213. The stopping device 900 displaces the position or orientation of the stopping magnet between a stopped state in which the mobile body 200 can be stopped and a retracted state in which the mobile body cannot be stopped. When the stop magnet is stationary, it exerts a magnetic force on the magnet 213 on the moving body that allows the moving body 200 to remain stationary even when subjected to airflow. When the stop magnet is retracted, the moving body 200 can move when subjected to airflow.

[0060] <Outline Configuration 2: Rotary Table> Figure 17 shows a stopping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a DD cross-sectional view of (a) showing the relationship between the stopping magnet and the air duct. Figures 18(a) to (c) are plan views showing the various states of the stopping device.

[0061] The transport system 10C includes a first air passage (first travel path) 101B and a second air passage (second travel path) 101C as air passages 101 through which the moving body travels. The first air passage 101B is formed within the first air supply pipe 100B (100), and the second air passage 101C is formed within the second air supply pipe 100C (100). The first air passage 101B and the second air passage 101C are arranged parallel to each other with a predetermined distance between them in the W-axis direction.

[0062] The stopping device 900A comprises a rotary table (rotating body, magnet holding means) 920 that supports at least one stopping magnet 911 (911~911). The rotary table 920 is positioned below the airflow channel 101 (air duct 100). The rotary table 920 is supported by a base 921 so as to rotate freely around a rotation axis Ax1 extending in the Z direction. The rotary table 920 rotates in at least one of the forward direction (direction E1 in Figure 18) and the reverse direction (direction E2 in Figure 18) in a plane parallel to the LW plane, which is a virtual plane on which the airflow channel 101 extends.

[0063] The stopping device 900A rotates the stopping magnet 911 between a first stopping position (Figure 18(a)) where it can stop the moving body 200 by approaching the first airflow path 101B, a second stopping position (Figure 18(c)) where it can stop the moving body 200 by approaching the second airflow path 101C, and a retracted position (Figure 18(b)) where it is separated from both the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C and the moving body 200 cannot be stopped. The first and second stopping positions are positions where the stopping magnet 911 exerts a magnetic force on the moving body magnet that is capable of stopping the moving body 200.

[0064] When the stop magnet 911 is in the first stop position, it is located directly below the first airflow path 101B, stopping the mobile body 200 traveling in the first airflow path 101B. The first stop position is a retracted position in relation to the second airflow path 101C, in that it cannot stop the mobile body 200 traveling in the second airflow path 101C. When the stop magnet 911 is in the second stop position, it is located directly below the second airflow path 101C, stopping the mobile body 200 traveling through the second airflow path 101C. The second stop position is a retracted position in relation to the first airflow path 101B, in that it cannot stop the mobile body 200 traveling through the first airflow path 101B.

[0065] <Stopping Magnet> The stop magnets 911 are held by the magnet holding member 913. The magnet holding member 913 holds a predetermined number of stop magnets 911 in a predetermined position and at predetermined intervals. The magnet holding member 913 is fixed on the rotary table 920. The stopping magnet 911 stops the moving body 200 by attracting the moving body magnet 213. Specifically, the stopping magnet 911 is held by the magnet holding member 913 such that the magnetic pole 911a that attracts the moving body magnet 213 (attraction pole) faces upward (towards the airflow channel 101), and the magnetic pole 911b that repels the moving body magnet 213 (repulsion pole) faces downward (opposite side of the airflow channel 101).

[0066] The stopping magnet 911 may also stop the moving body 200 by repelling the moving body magnet 213. That is, the stopping magnet 911 may be held by the magnet holding member 913 such that the magnetic pole 911b that repels the moving body magnet 213 faces upward (towards the airflow channel 101), and the magnetic pole 911a that attracts the moving body magnet 213 faces downward (opposite side of the airflow channel 101). In this example, the stop magnet 911 is a permanent magnet. The stop magnet 911 may also be an electromagnet.

[0067] <<Stopping Magnet Arrangement>> The stopping device 900A includes at least one stop magnet array 910 in which a plurality of stop magnets 911 to 911 are arranged as an example. The stop magnet array 910 extends in a straight line. One magnet holding member 913 holds a plurality of stop magnets 911... that form one stop magnet array 910. The stop magnet array 910 extends along the first airflow path 101B when it is in the first stop position (Figure 18(a)), and extends along the second airflow path 101C when it is in the second stop position (Figure 18(c)). When the stop magnet array 910 is in the retracted position (Figure 18(b)), it extends in a direction that intersects both the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C. The rotary table 920 moves the stop magnet array 910 so that it is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first and second airflow paths 101B and 101C.

[0068] <<Position adjustment>> Figures 19(a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating the positional relationship between the trajectory of the stationary magnet and the airflow path. The stop magnet 911 rotates around the rotation axis Ax1, tracing an arc-shaped trajectory 925. In this example, the trajectory 925 traced by the stop magnet 911 before and after the first stop position (dashed line in the figure) is set to extend in roughly the same direction as the first airflow path 101B. That is, the tangent 926 to the trajectory 925 of the stop magnet 911 at the first stop position is roughly parallel to the first airflow path 101B.

[0069] In this example, the position and extension direction of the rotation axis Ax1 relative to the first airflow path 101B, and the position of the stop magnet 911 relative to the rotation axis Ax1 (the holding position of the stop magnet 911 by the rotary table 920) are set such that the tangent 926 satisfies the above relationship with the first airflow path 101B. The rotation axis Ax1 is positioned at a distance from the first airflow path 101B in a plan view. The rotation axis Ax1 is positioned between the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C in a plan view.

[0070] By setting the relative positions of each part in this way, when the rotary table 920 rotates in the forward direction (arrow E1 direction in the figure) while the stop magnet 911 is holding the movable body 200 in the first stop position, the movable body 200 can move in the forward direction (right direction in the figure) along the first airflow path 101B in conjunction with the stop magnet 911. Conversely, when the rotary table 920 rotates in the reverse direction (arrow E2 direction in the figure) from the first stop position, the movable body 200 can move in the reverse direction (left direction in the figure) along the first airflow path 101B in conjunction with the stop magnet 911. In this example, it becomes possible to fine-tune the stopping position of the stopped movable body 200. The same applies to the positional relationship between the trajectory 925 of the stop magnet 911 and the second airflow path 101C.

[0071] In this example, the virtual surface (LW surface) through which the airflow channel 101 extends is a horizontal surface, but the LW surface may also be a curved surface. In this example, the rotation axis Ax1 of the rotary table 920 extends in the Z direction perpendicular to the LW plane. Therefore, the stop magnet 911 moves in an arc or circular shape within a plane parallel to the LW plane. However, the rotation axis Ax1 may extend in a direction that is not perpendicular to the LW plane but intersects it. That is, the trajectory 925 of the stop magnet 911 may be within a plane inclined with respect to the LW plane.

[0072] <Drive mechanism> As shown in Figure 17(b), the rotary table 920 is driven by a motor 923. The rotary table 920 is mounted on the drive shaft 924 of the motor 923 so as to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 924. The motor 923 is, for example, a stepping motor. A rotary encoder or a photointerrupter can be used as a means to detect the rotation angle of the rotary table 920. The management unit 800 (control means) controls the stop magnet 911 to stop at the first stop position, the second stop position, or the retracted position based on the detected rotation angle of the rotary table 920.

[0073] <Variation> Figure 20 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the stopping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, solid lines represent the stopping position and dashed lines represent the retracted position. The stopping device 900B (900) includes a rotating body 920B (magnet holding member 913) that supports the stopping magnet array 910 (stopping magnets 911-911). The rotating body 920B rotates in forward and reverse directions in the direction of arrow E in the figure, around the rotation axis Ax2.

[0074] The stop magnet array 910 extends along the airflow path 101 when in the stop position and extends in a direction intersecting the airflow path 101 when in the retracted position. The rotation axis Ax2 of the rotating body 920B is located in a part that overlaps with the airflow path 101 in a plan view. The trajectory 925 traced by the stop magnet 911 before and after the stop position intersects (orthogonally) with the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. The rotating body 920B is, for example, a rod-shaped body. The rod-shaped body has a rotating shaft Ax2 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The rotating shaft Ax2 is positioned beyond the longitudinal end of the stop magnet array 910.

[0075] In this example as well, the stopping magnet 911 can be moved by rotation between a stopping position where the movable body 200 can be stopped and a retracted position where it cannot be stopped.

[0076] [Second Embodiment] A stopping device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The stopping device according to this example differs from the first embodiment in that the stopping magnet moves parallel to the first airflow path and the second airflow path. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0077] <Outline of structure: slide table> Figures 21(a) to (c) are perspective views showing the various states of the stopping device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The stopping device 900C includes a slide table (moving and retracting means, holding member) 930 that supports at least one stopping magnet 911 (911~911). The slide table 930 moves linearly back and forth in a plane parallel to the LW plane, which is a virtual plane on which the airflow path 101 extends. The stopping device 900C moves the stopping magnet 911 by sliding between a first stopping position (Figure 21(a)) where it can stop the moving body 200 by approaching the first airflow path 101B, a second stopping position (Figure 21(c)) where it can stop the moving body 200 by approaching the second airflow path 101C, and a retracted position (Figure 21(b)) where it is separated from both the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C and the moving body 200 cannot be stopped.

[0079] The stop magnets 911-911 constitute a stop magnet array 910. The stop magnet array 910 is fixed to the slide table 930 via a magnet holding member 913. The stop magnet array 910 extends along both the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C, regardless of whether it is in the first stop position, the second stop position, or the retracted position. The slide table 930 reciprocates while maintaining the orientation of the stop magnet array 910 parallel to the first and second airflow paths 101B and 101C. The slide table 930 reciprocates in a direction intersecting the L direction, preferably in the W direction perpendicular to the L direction (see arrow in the figure).

[0080] <Drive mechanism> The drive mechanism for reciprocating the slide table 930 can take various configurations. As an example, the stop device 900C includes a belt drive mechanism 931. Specifically, the belt drive mechanism 931 includes an endless belt 932 that fixes the slide table 930, a drive pulley (not shown) and driven pulleys 933, 933 around which the endless belt 932 is wound, and a drive motor 934 that drives the drive pulley. The drive pulley is fixed so as to be integrally rotatable with respect to the rotation axis of the drive motor 934. Driven by the drive motor 934, the endless belt 932 travels in the forward and reverse directions (indicated by double arrows along the W-axis in the figure). As a means for detecting the position of the slide table 930, photo interrupters 935-935, etc., can be used. The management unit 800 (control means) controls the stop magnet 911 to stop at the first stop position, the second stop position, or the retracted position based on the detected position of the slide table 930.

[0081] <Variation> Figures 22(a) to (c) are schematic plan views showing modified examples of the stopping device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The stopping device 900D (900) comprises a plurality of stopping magnet rows 910 (first to third stopping magnet rows 910a to 910c) arranged at different positions in the sliding direction (each direction indicated by double arrows along the W-axis in the figure). Each stopping magnet row 910a to 910c extends along the longitudinal direction of the first airflow path 101B and the second airflow path 101C. Each stopping magnet row 910a to 910c is arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. That is, each stopping magnet row 910a to 910c stops the moving body 200 at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the first and second airflow paths 101B and 101C.

[0082] The stopping device 900C moves the slide table 930 between a first stopping position (Figure 22(a)) where the first stopping magnet row 910a is close to the first airflow path 101B, a second stopping position (Figure 22(b)) where the second stopping magnet row 910b is close to the first stopping magnet row 910b, a third stopping position (Figure 22(c)) where the third stopping magnet row 910c is close to the first stopping magnet row 910c, and a retracted position (not shown) where all stopping magnet rows 910a to 910c are separated. The stopping device 900C can similarly move the slide table 930 with respect to the second airflow path 101C.

[0083] In this example, the stopping position of the moving body 200 can be changed. For example, when the second stop magnet array 910b is stopping the moving body 200 in the first airflow path 101B (Figure 22(b)), the moving body 200 can be moved to the right in the figure by moving the first stop magnet array 910a closer to the first airflow path 101B (Figure 22(a)). Similarly, it is also possible to move the stopped moving body 200 to the left in the figure.

[0084] [Third Embodiment] A stopping device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The stopping device according to this example includes a rotating body that holds a stopping magnet. The rotating body differs from that of the first embodiment in that it rotates about an axis of rotation parallel to the virtual plane on which the moving body travels. It also differs from that of the first embodiment in that it changes the orientation of the magnetic poles (direction of the magnetic flux lines) of the stopping magnet. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0085] <Outline structure: Rotating body> Figures 23(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views showing the various states of the stopping device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 23, the upper side is the airflow path side.

[0086] The stopping device 900E (900) includes a rotating body 940 (magnet holding means 913) that supports at least one stopping magnet 911 (911~911). The rotating body 940 rotates about a rotation axis Ax3 that extends along the LW plane, which is a virtual plane on which the airflow path 101 (Figure 14) extends (direction of arrow F in the figure). The stopping device 900E causes the stopping magnet 911 to change its posture by rotation between a stopping position (Figure 23(a)) in which the magnetic pole 911a that attracts the moving body magnet 213 (Figure 16) faces the airflow path and can stop the moving body 200, and a retracted position (Figure 23(b)) in which the two magnetic poles 911a and 911b do not face the airflow path and the moving body 200 cannot be stopped. The rotating body 940 can be rotated about the rotation axis Ax3 by integrally attaching the rotating body 940 to the drive shaft of the motor.

[0087] The rotating body 940 holds the stop magnet 911 such that at least one of its magnetic poles, the magnetic pole 911a that attracts the moving body side magnet 213 (Figure 16), faces outward. The rotating body 940 includes a row of stop magnets 910. In Figure 23, the row of stop magnets 910 extends along the rotation axis Ax3.

[0088] <Postural Displacement and Magnetic Poles> Figures 24(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the stopping device and the airflow path. The solid line shows the stopped position of the rotating body 940, and the dashed line shows the retracted position of the rotating body 940. In the stationary position, the magnetic pole 911a faces the airflow channel 101, and the magnetic force of the stationary magnet 911 acts on the magnet on the moving body. In the retracted position, the magnetic poles 911a and 911b do not face the airflow channel 101, and the magnetic force of the stationary magnet 911 does not act on the magnet on the moving body. Thus, in this example, the magnetic force of the stationary magnet 911 on the moving body 200 is activated or deactivated by changing the direction of the magnetic poles (direction of the magnetic flux lines) relative to the airflow channel 101.

[0089] Figure 24(a) shows an example where the rotation axis Ax3 extends along the direction of extension (L direction) of the airflow channel 101. In this example, the position of the magnetic pole 911a of the stationary magnet 911 in the longitudinal direction of the airflow channel 101 does not change. Therefore, even when the rotating body 940 is rotated, the stopping position of the moving body relative to the longitudinal direction of the airflow channel 101 remains constant. Figure 24(b) shows an example where the rotation axis Ax3 extends in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the L direction in which the airflow channel 101 extends (or in the W direction). In this example, the position of the magnetic pole 911a in the longitudinal direction of the airflow channel 101 changes while the stop magnet 911 is rotating. Therefore, the stopping position of the moving body 200 can be finely adjusted by rotating the rotating body 940.

[0090] The distance G between the rotation axis Ax3 and the magnetic pole 911a (Figure 23(a)) is set as appropriate. Increasing the distance G increases the separation between the airflow path 101 and the magnetic pole 911a in the retracted position. As a result, it becomes easier to neutralize the magnetic force of the stationary magnet 911 with respect to the magnet on the moving body side. Increasing the distance G also reduces the curvature of the trajectory of the magnetic pole 911a. As a result, in Figure 24(b), the range of adjustment for the stopping position of the moving body increases.

[0091] <Example 1> Figure 25 shows a stopping device according to a first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship with the airflow path. In (b), the solid line shows the stopping position of the rotating body 940B and the dashed line shows the retracted position of the rotating body 940B.

[0092] In the stopping device 900F, the rotation axis Ax4 of the rotating body 940B extends in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the extending direction of the stopping magnet array 910. The stopping magnet array 910 is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101 in the stopped position. The rotation axis Ax4 is arranged to extend along a plane intersecting the Z axis (preferably the LW plane perpendicular to the Z axis). In this example, the rotation axis Ax4 is arranged to extend in the W direction. Since the magnetic pole 911a moves within the LZ plane, the trajectory 925 of the magnetic pole 911a coincides with the airflow path 101 in the Z-axis direction.

[0093] In this example, similar to Figure 24(b), the position of the magnetic pole 911a in the longitudinal direction of the airflow channel 101 changes while the stop magnet 911 is rotating. That is, when the stop magnet 911 is stopping the moving body 200 at the stopping position (solid line), if the rotating body 940B rotates in the positive direction (right in the figure) from the stopping position, the moving body can move in the positive direction along the airflow channel 101 in conjunction with the stop magnet 911. Conversely, if the rotating body 940B rotates in the reverse direction (left in the figure) from the stopping position, the moving body can move in the reverse direction along the airflow channel 101 in conjunction with the stop magnet 911. In this example, it becomes possible to fine-tune the stopping position of a stationary moving object.

[0094] <Modification 2> Figure 26 is a perspective view showing a stop device according to a second modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figures 27(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the stop device and the airflow path.

[0095] In this example, the rotating body 940C is positioned such that the stop magnet array 910 extends along the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101, and the rotating body 940C is rotated in the manner shown in Figure 24(a). The rotating body 940C comprises a plurality of stop magnet rows 910 (first to third stop magnet rows 910a to 910c) arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction and in the direction of the rotation axis. The rotating body 940C holds the stop magnets 911 such that at least the magnetic pole 911a of the stop magnets 911 that attracts the magnet on the moving body side faces outward. The rotating body 940C is positioned such that its rotation axis Ax5 extends along the longitudinal direction (L direction) of the airflow channel 101.

[0096] As shown in Figure 27(a), when the rotating body 940C is at the first rotation angle (first stop position), the magnetic poles 911a of the stop magnets 911 constituting the first stop magnet array 910a face the airflow path 101 at the first position in the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. As shown in Figure 27(b), when the rotating body 940C is at the second rotation angle (second stop position), the magnetic poles 911a of the stop magnets 911 constituting the second stop magnet array 910b face the airflow path 101 at the second position in the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. As shown in Figure 27(c), when the rotating body 940C is at the third rotation angle (third stop position), the magnetic poles 911a of the stop magnets 911 constituting the third stop magnet array 910c face the airflow path 101 at the third position in the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. When the rotating body 940C is at a rotation angle other than those mentioned above (retracted angle, retracted position), the first to third stationary magnet rows 910a to 910c assume a retracted position with their respective magnetic poles 911a separated from the airflow channel 101.

[0097] In this example, the stopping position of the moving body 200 can be changed. For example, with the second stop magnet array 910b stopping the moving body 200 in the airflow path 101 (Figure 27(b)), if the first stop magnet array 910a is brought closer to the airflow path 101 (Figure 27(a)), the moving body 200 can be moved to the left in the figure. Similarly, it is also possible to move the stopped moving body 200 to the right in the figure. This example also demonstrates that it is possible to fine-tune the stopping position of the stopped moving object 200.

[0098] [Fourth Embodiment] A stopping device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The stopping device according to this example differs from the above embodiments in that the stopping magnet moves up and down toward the airflow path. The following will mainly describe the differences from the above embodiments, and components similar to those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] <Overall configuration: Height-adjustable table> Figures 28(a) and (b) are side views showing the various states of the stopping device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The stopping device 900H (900) includes a lifting table (magnet holding means) 950 that supports at least one stopping magnet 911 (911~911). The lifting table 950 moves up and down in a direction that intersects (or perpendicular to) the LW plane, which is a virtual plane on which the airflow path 101 extends. The stopping device 900H moves the stopping magnet 911 up and down between a stopping position (upward position, Figure 28(a)) that is close to the airflow path 101 and capable of stopping the moving body 200, and a retracted position (downward position, Figure 28(b)) that is farther away from the airflow path 101 and capable of not stopping the moving body 200.

[0100] The stop magnets 911-911 constitute a stop magnet array 910. The stop magnet array 910 is fixed to the lifting table 950 via a magnet holding member 913. The stop magnet array 910 extends along the airflow path 101 in both the stopped position and the retracted position. The lifting table 950 moves up and down without changing the orientation of the stop magnet array 910 relative to the airflow path 101.

[0101] <Lifting mechanism> The stopping device 900H includes a lifting mechanism 951 for raising and lowering the lifting table 950. In this example, the lifting mechanism 951 is a pantograph mechanism. The lifting mechanism 951 generally comprises first and second links 953 and 954, each rotatably supported at its longitudinal intermediate portion by a pin 952; a base 955 that rotatably pivots the lower ends of each link 953 and 954; and a lifting table 950 supported by the upper ends of each link 953 and 954. The upper ends of each link 953 and 954 are rotatably pivoted by the lifting table 950. A drive mechanism such as a lead screw mechanism can be used for the lifting mechanism 951. The illustrated drive mechanism generally comprises a nut 957 that is rotatably mounted relative to the lower end of the first link 953, and a threaded rod 958 that extends along the air passage 101 and is screwed to the nut 957 in a rotatable manner relative to it. The nut 957 is supported so as not to rotate relative to the base 955 and so as to be able to move back and forth in the axial direction of the threaded rod 958. The threaded rod 958 is rotationally driven by a servo motor or the like (not shown).

[0102] The first link 953 is a drive link, and the second link 954 is a driven link that moves in accordance with the first link 953. The first link 953 and the second link 954 are combined in an X shape. The lower end of the first link 953 is pivotally supported in a slotted hole 959 provided in the base 955, allowing it to move back and forth within the slotted hole 959. The upper end of the first link 953 is pivotally supported in a suitable location on the lifting table 950. The lower end of the second link 954 is pivotally supported in a suitable location on the base 955. The upper end of the second link 954 is pivotally supported in a slotted hole 960 provided in the lifting table 950, allowing it to move back and forth within the slotted hole 960. Both slotted holes 959 and 960 extend in the axial direction of the threaded rod 958. As the motor rotates the threaded rod 958, the nut 957 moves back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the threaded rod 958. When the lower end of the first link 953 approaches the lower end of the second link 954, the lifting mechanism 951 takes an extended position, and the lifting table 950 rises. When the lower end of the first link 953 moves away from the lower end of the second link 954, the lifting mechanism 951 takes a retracted position, and the lifting table 950 lowers.

[0103] [Fifth Embodiment] A stopping device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The stopping device according to this embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the stopping devices according to each of the above embodiments which have a configuration for displacing the stopping magnet between a stopping position and a retracted position, or for displacing the stopping magnet between a stopping position and a retracted position, it is further equipped with a retraction mechanism for moving the stopping magnet back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the airflow path. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using an example of a stopping device that further includes an advance / return mechanism to the lifting mechanism (pantograph mechanism) shown in the fourth embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0104] Figures 29(a) and (b) are schematic front views showing a stopping device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The stopping device 900J includes a lifting mechanism 951 and a reciprocating mechanism (stop position adjustment means) 970 that moves the lifting mechanism 951 back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101. In this example, the reciprocating mechanism 970 is a feed screw mechanism. The reciprocating mechanism 970 generally comprises a nut 971, a threaded rod 972 to which the nut 971 is screwed so as to be rotatable relative to the nut 971, and a motor 973 for rotating the threaded rod 972. The nut 971 is supported so as to be immobile relative to the base 955 and so as to be able to move back and forth in the axial direction of the threaded rod 972. The base 955 is attached to the nut 971. The forward / backward mechanism 970 can adjust the position of the stopped moving body 200. The forward / backward mechanism 970 may also be used to adjust the position where the moving body 200 should be stopped while in motion. Note that other mechanisms may be used as the forward / reverse mechanism, such as the belt drive mechanism 931 shown in Figure 21.

[0105] Figures 30(a) and 30(b) are schematic front views showing a stopping device according to another example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the aforementioned stopping device 900J, the reciprocating mechanism 970 moved the stopping magnet 911 forward and backward together with the lifting table 950. In the stopping device 900K of this example, the reciprocating mechanism 970 moves up and down together with the magnet holding member 913. The stopping device 900K includes a reciprocating mechanism 970 that moves the magnet holding member 913 forward and backward along the longitudinal direction of the airflow path 101, and a lifting mechanism 951 that raises and lowers the magnet holding member 913 together with the reciprocating mechanism 970. The magnet holding member 913 is attached to the nut 971. That is, the magnet holding member 913 and the reciprocating mechanism 970 are held by the lifting table 950. This example also makes it possible to adjust the position of the stationary mobile body 200, or the position where the mobile body 200 should be stopped while in motion.

[0106] [Summary of the structure, operation, and effects of the third invention] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a travel system equipped with a travel body stopping device 900 for stopping a travel body (moving body 200, transporting body 500) that is traveling along a travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401) when subjected to an external force. The travel body is equipped with travel body-side magnetic materials (moving body-side magnet 213, transporting body-side magnet 523), and the travel body stopping device is equipped with at least one stopping magnet 911 that attracts the travel body-side magnetic materials. Here, the external force acting on the moving body (mobile body 200) could be airflow. The external force acting on the moving body (conveyor body 500) could be a magnetic force (repulsive force) moving in the direction of travel. The stopping magnet may repel the magnetic material on the vehicle, but it is preferable for it to attract the magnetic material on the vehicle, as this allows for a more reliable stopping of the vehicle.

[0107] <First Embodiment> In the traveling system (transport system 10C) according to this embodiment, the traveling body stopping device 900 is characterized by displacing the position or orientation of the stopping magnet 911 between a stopped state in which the traveling body (moving body 200, transport body 500) can be stopped and a retracted state in which the traveling body cannot be stopped.

[0108] According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with a mobile body-side magnetic material (mobile body-side magnet 213, transporter-side magnet 523) is attracted to the stop magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body.

[0109] <Second Embodiment> In the travel system (transport system 10C) according to this embodiment, the travel body stopping devices 900A and 900B include a rotating body (rotary table 920, rotating body 920B) that holds a stopping magnet 911 and rotates in a plane parallel to the virtual plane (the virtual plane LW plane on which the travel path extends) on which the travel body (moving body 200, transport body 500) travels. The rotating body is characterized by moving the stop magnet by rotation between a stopping position that is close to the travel path and capable of stopping the travel body, and a retracted position that is far enough away from the travel path and capable of not stopping the travel body.

[0110] According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with magnets on the mobile body side (moving body side magnet 213, transporter side magnet 523) is attracted to the stopping magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body. Since the stop magnet moves between the stop position and the retracted position by rotation, the drive mechanism for moving the stop magnet can be simplified and manufactured inexpensively.

[0111] <Third Embodiment> In the travel system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the position of the rotation axis Ax1 of the rotating body (rotary table 920) relative to the travel path (airflow path 101, conveyor path 401) and the position of the stop magnet 911 relative to the rotation axis are set such that the trajectory 925 traced by the stop magnet before and after the stopping position extends in a direction along the travel path (Figure 19).

[0112] In this embodiment, when the stop magnet is rotated in the forward direction from the stopping position, the traveling body (moving body 200, transporter 500) moves in the forward direction along the travel path in conjunction with the stop magnet. Conversely, when the stop magnet is rotated in the reverse direction from the stopping position, the traveling body moves in the reverse direction along the travel path in conjunction with the stop magnet. According to this embodiment, fine adjustment of the stopping position of the traveling body becomes possible.

[0113] <Fourth Embodiment> In the travel system (transport system 10C) according to this embodiment, the travel body stopping devices 900A and 900B (Figures 18 and 20) include a stop magnet array 910 containing a plurality of stop magnets 911. When each stop magnet is in the stopping position, the stop magnet array extends along the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401), and when each stop magnet is in the retracted position, the stop magnet array extends in a direction intersecting the travel path.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the traveling body (moving body 200, transporting body 500) can be stopped or driven by changing the angle of the stop magnet array with respect to the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401) between the stopping position and the retracted position.

[0115] <Fifth Embodiment> In the travel system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the travel body stopping devices 900E to 900G hold a stopping magnet 911 and include a rotating body 940 that rotates about a rotation axis Ax2 to Ax4 that extends along a virtual plane (a virtual plane LW plane on which the travel path extends) on which the travel body (moving body 200, conveyor body 500) travels. The rotating body displaces the stop magnet between a stopping position in which the magnetic poles 911a that attract the magnetic materials on the traveling body side (magnetic poles 213 on the moving body side and magnetic poles 523 on the transporting body side) face the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401) and the traveling body can be stopped, and a retracted position in which both magnetic poles of the stop magnet (magnetic poles 911a and magnetic poles 911b) do not face the travel path and the traveling body cannot be stopped.

[0116] According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with magnets on the mobile body side (moving body side magnet 213, transporter side magnet 523) is attracted to the stopping magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body. In this embodiment, the magnetic force of the stopping magnet on the moving body is activated or deactivated by changing the direction of the magnetic poles (direction of the magnetic flux lines) with respect to the track. According to this embodiment, the moving body can be stopped or driven without moving the stopping magnet far away from the track. Furthermore, by changing the direction of the magnetic poles with respect to the track and then moving the stopping magnet away from the track, it is possible to control whether the moving body is stopped or driven with greater certainty.

[0117] <Sixth Embodiment> In the travel system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the rotation axis Ax4 of the rotating body 940C extends along the extension direction L of the travel path (air passage 101, conveyor path 401). The vehicle stopping device 900G includes first and second stopping magnets 911, 911 held by the rotating body. The first and second stopping magnets are positioned at different locations in the circumferential direction and in the rotation axis direction of the rotating body, with their respective magnetic poles 911a facing outward. This embodiment is characterized in that when the rotating body is at a first rotation angle, the first stop magnet takes a stopping position at a first position in the direction of extension of the travel path (Figure 27(a)), when the rotating body is at a second rotation angle, the second stop magnet takes a stopping position at a second position in the direction of extension of the travel path (Figure 27(b)), and when the rotating body is at any other rotation angle, both the first and second stop magnets take a retracted position.

[0118] In this embodiment, the magnetic force of the stopping magnets on the moving body is activated or deactivated by changing the orientation of the magnetic poles (direction of the magnetic flux lines) relative to the travel path. Furthermore, this embodiment includes a plurality of stopping magnets arranged at different positions in the circumferential and axial directions. Therefore, the stopping position of the moving body can be finely adjusted along the travel path according to the angle of the rotating body.

[0119] <Seventh Embodiment> The vehicle stopping device 900H is positioned below the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401). The vehicle stopping device includes a lifting mechanism (lifting table 950) that holds a stopping magnet 911 and moves up and down relative to the travel path. The lifting mechanism moves the stopping magnet 911 between a raised position that is close to the travel path and can stop the vehicle (moving body 200, transport body 500), and a lowered position that is farther from the travel path and cannot stop the vehicle.

[0120] In this embodiment, the vehicle is stopped by raising the stop magnet to approach the track, and the vehicle is made to move by lowering the stop magnet to move it away from the track. According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with magnets on the mobile body side (moving body side magnet 213, transporter side magnet 523) is attracted to the stopping magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body.

[0121] <Eighth Embodiment> The vehicle stopping devices 900C and 900D hold a stopping magnet 911 and include a reciprocating means (slide table 930) that moves back and forth in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401) within a plane parallel to the virtual plane (the virtual plane LW plane on which the travel path extends) on which the vehicle (mobile body 200, transport body 500) travels. The advance / return mechanism moves the stop magnet between a stopping position where the vehicle is brought close to the track and stopped, and a retreat position where the vehicle is moved away from the track and cannot be stopped.

[0122] In this embodiment, the vehicle is stopped by bringing the stop magnet closer to the track along a virtual plane, and the vehicle is made to move by moving the stop magnet away from the track along a virtual plane. According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with magnets on the mobile body side (moving body side magnet 213, transporter side magnet 523) is attracted to the stopping magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body.

[0123] <Ninth Embodiment> This embodiment differs from the above embodiments in that it comprises at least two travel paths. The travel system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment includes a first travel path (airflow path 101B, conveyor path 401B) and a second travel path (airflow path 101C, conveyor path 401C) arranged spaced apart from the first travel path, and a travel body stopping device 900A, 900C, 900D (Figures 18, 21, 22) that stops a traveling body (mobile body 200, conveyor body 500) traveling along these paths when subjected to external forces. The traveling body is equipped with a travel body-side magnetic material (mobile body-side magnet 213, conveyor body-side magnet 523), and the travel body stopping device comprises at least one stopping magnet 911 that attracts the travel body-side magnetic material. The vehicle stopping device moves the stopping magnet between a first stopping position where the vehicle can be stopped while approaching the first track, a second stopping position where the vehicle can be stopped while approaching the second track, and a retracted position where the vehicle is separated from both the first and second tracks.

[0124] According to this embodiment, since the mobile body equipped with a mobile body-side magnetic element (mobile body-side magnet 213, transport body-side magnet 523) is attracted to the stopping magnet, the mobile body can be stopped or brought to a standstill without reducing the external force applied to move the mobile body. According to this embodiment, even when multiple roads run parallel to each other, the mobile body can be stopped or moved on each road.

[0125] <Tenth Embodiment> In the travel system (transport system 10C) relating to this configuration, the travel body stopping device 900A includes a rotating body (rotary table 920) that holds a stopping magnet 911 and rotates in a plane parallel to the virtual plane (the virtual plane LW plane on which the travel path extends) on which the travel body (moving body 200, transport body 500) travels. The rotating body moves the stopping magnet by rotation between a first stopping position (Figure 18(a)), a second stopping position (Figure 18(c)), and a retracted position (Figure 18(b)).

[0126] According to this embodiment, the stop magnet moves between the stop position and the retracted position by rotation, so the drive mechanism for moving the stop magnet can be simplified and manufactured at low cost.

[0127] <Eleventh Embodiment> In the travel system (transport system 10C) relating to this invention, the rotating body (rotary table 920) includes at least one stop magnet array 910 containing a plurality of stop magnets 911. The rotating body moves the rows of stationary magnets such that when each stationary magnet is in the first stopping position, the rows of stationary magnets extend along the direction of the first travel path; when each stationary magnet is in the second stopping position, the rows of stationary magnets extend along the direction of the second travel path; and when each stationary magnet is in the retracted position, the rows of stationary magnets extend along a direction intersecting the directions of the first and second travel paths.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the traveling body (moving body 200, transporting body 500) can be stopped or driven by changing the angle of the stop magnet array with respect to the travel path (airflow path 101, transport path 401) between the stopping position and the retracted position.

[0129] <Twelfth Embodiment> In the travel system (transport system 10C) relating to this embodiment, the travel body stopping device 900C holds a stopping magnet 911 and includes a reciprocating means (slide table 930) that moves back and forth in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first and second travel paths (airflow paths 101B, 101C, transport paths 401B, 401C) in a plane parallel to the virtual plane (virtual plane LW plane on which the travel path extends) on which the travel body (moving body 200, transport body 500) travels. The reciprocating means is characterized by moving the stopping magnet back and forth between a first stopping position (Figure 21(a)), a second stopping position (Figure 21(c)), and a retracted position (Figure 21(b)). According to this embodiment, the vehicle can be stopped by bringing the stop magnet closer to the track along a virtual plane, and the vehicle can be made to move by moving the stop magnet away from the track along a virtual plane. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] Arrows A, A1, A2…(circulation direction), Arrows B, B1, B2…(banknote collection direction), Arrows C, C1, C2…(conveyor return direction), L, L1, L2…island equipment, Ax1~Ax4…rotating axis, L axis…extension direction of conveyor pipe / conveyor path, W axis…width direction of conveyor pipe / conveyor path, Z axis…up and down direction, 1…gaming machine, 2…inter-machine, 10…banknote conveying system, 10C…conveyor system (traveling system), 100, 100A~100C…air blower pipe, 100a…one end, 100b…other end, 101, 101B, 101C…air passage (traveling path), 110…first air blower pipe, 111…movement path section, 120…first Two air vents, 200...moving body (running body), 210...divided piece, 211...hinge part, 213...moving body side magnet (moving body side magnetic material, running body side magnetic material), 215...shaft, 216...roller, 250...interlocking running pair, 300, 300B, 300C...air vent control unit, 310, 310a, 310b...blower (airflow generator), 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 piping, 330a...one end, 330b...other end, 331 …Exhaust pipe, 333…Intake pipe, 340…Connecting pipe, 360…Air blower control unit, 400, 400A~400C…Conveyor pipe, 401, 401B, 401C…Conveyor path (travel path), 402…Base conveyor path, 403…Banknote conveyor path, 405…Recess, 411…Top opening, 413…Protrusion, 415…Guide rail, 450…Standby section, 500…Conveyor body (traveling body), 510…Conveyor base, 520…Divided piece, 520a…Internal space, 520b…Protrusion, 520c…(Inner) area, 521…Hinge section, 523…Conveyor body side magnet (Conveyor body side magnetic material, Traveling body side magnetic material), 525…Roller, 54 0...Banknote collection and holding section, 541...Support member, 541a...Axis support, 541b...Spring, 544...Collection claw (collection member), 544a...Base end piece, 544b...Intermediate piece, 544c...End piece, 545...Roller, 550...Transport table, 551...Axis member, 552...Roller, 600...Receiving unit, 700...Safe unit, 800...Management unit (control means), 801...Housing, 900, 900A~900K...Travel body stopping device, 910, 910a~910c...Stop magnet array, 911...Stop magnet, 911a...Magnetic pole (attracting magnetic pole), 911b...Magnetic pole (repulsive magnetic pole), 913...Magnet holding member,920... Rotary table (rotating body), 920B... Rotating body, 921... Base, 923... Motor, 924... Drive shaft, 925... Trajectory, 926... Tangent, 930... Slide table (forward / backward mechanism), 931... Belt drive mechanism, 932... Endless belt, 933... Driven pulley, 934... Drive motor, 935... Photo interrupter, 940, 940B, 940C... Rotation Rolling body, 950... Lifting table (lifting mechanism), 951... Lifting mechanism, 952... Pin, 953... First link, 954... Second link, 955... Base, 957... Nut, 958... Threaded rod, 959, 960... Slotted hole, 970... Advance / reverse mechanism, 971... Nut, 972... Threaded rod, 973... Motor, 1000... Branching section, 1100... Airflow path switching section, 1400... Conveyor path switching section,

Claims

1. A travel system comprising a first travel track and a second travel track spaced apart from the first travel track, and a travel vehicle stopping device for stopping a travel vehicle traveling on the first travel track, The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with a magnetic element on the vehicle side. The vehicle stopping device comprises at least one stopping magnet that attracts the vehicle-side magnetic material, The vehicle stopping device is a vehicle driving system characterized by moving the stopping magnet between a first stopping position in which the vehicle can be stopped while approaching the first driving path, a second stopping position in which the vehicle can be stopped while approaching the second driving path, and a retracted position located away from both the first and second driving paths.

2. The vehicle stopping device includes a rotating body that holds the stopping magnet and rotates in a plane parallel to the virtual plane on which the vehicle travels, The travel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating body moves the stop magnet by rotation between the first stop position, the second stop position, and the retracted position.

3. The rotating body comprises at least one array of stop magnets, including a plurality of stop magnets. The travel system according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotating body moves the row of stop magnets by rotation such that when each stop magnet is in the first stop position, the row of stop magnets extends along the extending direction of the first travel path; when each stop magnet is in the second stop position, the row of stop magnets extends along the extending direction of the second travel path; and when each stop magnet is in the retracted position, the row of stop magnets extends along a direction intersecting the extending directions of the first and second travel paths.

4. The vehicle stopping device includes a means for holding the stopping magnet and moving back and forth in a direction intersecting the extending directions of the first and second travel paths within a plane parallel to the virtual plane on which the vehicle travels, The travel system according to claim 1, characterized in that the forward / backward means moves the stop magnet back and forth between the first stop position, the second stop position, and the retracted position.

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