Conveyance system

Abstract

Provided is a conveyance system in which a conveying body that conveys a conveyance object is interlocked with a moving body by magnetic force, wherein the moving body and the conveying body are guided to a route in which branching, merging, or direction is variable while being maintained in the interlocked state. An airflow path comprises first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C, and an airflow path switching unit 1100 provided with at least one switching airflow path 1121 for selectively connecting the first airflow path to the second airflow path or the third airflow path. The conveyance path includes first to third conveyance paths 401A to 401C, and a conveyance path switching unit 1400 including at least one switching conveyance path 1421 for selectively connecting the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path or the third conveyance path. The conveyance path switching unit interlocks with the airflow path switching unit when the airflow path switching unit switches the airflow path connected to the first airflow path.

Description

Transport System

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

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

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a conveying device that uses airflow to move a moving body within an air duct and uses magnetic force to move a conveying body in conjunction with the movement of the moving body. Since no mechanical driving means such as a motor, gears, or conveying belt is required to move the moving body and the conveying body, the durability of each component constituting the conveying device can be improved and the running costs of the conveying device can be reduced. Furthermore, both of the above patent documents disclose a banknote conveying device that includes a waiting section as a branch where banknotes wait to be transferred to the conveying body, and a receiving unit that receives banknotes inserted one by one from the outside and moves them to the waiting section.

[0004] JP 2022-45074 A JP 2022-60767 A

[0005] In both of the above patent documents, banknotes received from a receiving unit are merged with a conveying path. The receiving unit transfers only the object to be conveyed via a path different from the conveying path. As such, neither of the above patent documents takes into consideration a case where the paths along which the moving body and the conveying body travel branch or merge, or where the direction of the path changes. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to guide the moving body and the conveying body to a path that branches, merges, or changes direction while maintaining the interlocking state in a conveying system in which a conveying body that conveys the object to be conveyed is interlocked with the moving body by magnetic force.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a transport system comprising: an airflow path formed within an air duct, for causing a moving body housed within the air duct to travel by an air current flowing within the air duct; and a transport path along which the transport body travels, at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the airflow path, and in which the transport body travels by a repulsive force acting between a moving body-side magnetic body mounted on the moving body and a transport body-side magnetic body mounted on the transport body, wherein the transport body travels in conjunction with the travel of the moving body, the airflow path comprises first to third airflow paths and a first airflow path switching unit having at least one switching airflow path that selectively connects the first airflow path to the second airflow path or the third airflow path, the transport path comprises first to third transport paths and a first transport path switching unit having at least one switching transport path that selectively connects the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path, the first to third transport paths and the switching airflow path are arranged adjacent to each other along the first to third airflow paths and the switching airflow path, respectively, and the first transport path switching unit is configured to operate in conjunction with the first airflow path switching unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to guide a moving body and a conveying body to a route that branches, merges, or has a variable direction while maintaining the linked state of the moving body and conveying body.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view showing a general configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a general configuration of an island facility including a plurality of gaming machines; FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a general configuration of a banknote transport system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a movable body and an air supply pipe including the movable body, and a transport body and a transport pipe including the movable body, in a case where the movable body and the transport body repel each other due to magnetic force; FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c) are schematic views showing the relationship between an air supply pipe and an air supply control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the transport pipe and the transport body; FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a movable body and an air supply pipe including the movable body, and a transport body and a transport pipe including the movable body, in a case where the movable body and the transport body are attracted to each other due to magnetic force; FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an air supply pipe and a transport pipe including the movable body and the transport body, in a case where each pole of a movable body-side magnet is arranged facing the traveling direction; FIG. 8 is a view showing a first modified example of an air supply control unit; FIG. 9 is a view showing a second modified example of an air supply control unit. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view, and an A-A cross-sectional view of the transport body 500 with the collection members (collection claws) in an open state, respectively. (a) and (b) are external perspective views and a plan view of the transport body 500 with the collection members (collection claws) in a closed state. A partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the transport tube 400 and the transport body 500. A perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A plan view showing the configuration related to airflow control in the transport system. A perspective view explaining the moving body, transport body, and transport tube in the transport system. A perspective view of a branching section according to the first embodiment. A perspective view of an air flow path switching section in the branching section. An exploded perspective view of the branching section. An exploded perspective view showing the relationship between the air flow path side rotating member and the transport path side rotating member in the branching section. (a) to (d) are perspective views showing how the air flow path switching section according to the first embodiment switches the connected air flow path. (a) and (b) are plan views explaining a control method when the transport system has multiple branching sections. 10A and 10B are schematic plan views illustrating a control method when a transport system has branching units nested inside one another. 10A and 10B are perspective views illustrating a state in which an air flow path switching unit according to a second embodiment switches an air flow path to be connected. 10B are schematic views illustrating an application example of a transport system according to the present embodiment.

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

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

[0011] [Outline of Island Facility] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outline of an island facility including multiple gaming machines. Each gaming machine 1 is installed on an island facility L (L1, L2, etc.), with eight gaming machines 1 on each of two opposing sides of each island facility L, for a total of 16 gaming machines 1 arranged back-to-back. Between each island facility L, passageways are provided for players or gaming parlor staff, and chairs (not shown) are provided for each gaming machine 1. Each island facility L is equipped with a spacer 2 for each gaming machine 1. The spacer 2 includes a bill insertion slot (bill insertion section) for receiving inserted bills and a gaming media dispenser for dispensing a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the value of the inserted bills. The illustrated island facility L is equipped with a bill transport system 10 that transports bills inserted from the spacer 2 to a safe unit 700 located at one end of the island facility L.

[0012] 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an island facility including a plurality of 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 through a banknote insertion port of the inter-machine unit 2, a transport tube 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 that is disposed at one end of the transport tube 400.

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

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

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

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

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

[0018] [Detailed Configuration of the Banknote Conveying System] The detailed configuration of each part of the banknote conveying system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. <Air Duct> The air duct will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and the air duct including the moving body, and a conveying body and the conveying duct including the moving body, when the moving body and the conveying body repel each other due to magnetic force. The air duct 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first air duct 110 including a moving path portion 111, and a second air duct 120 that forms an endless air flow path 101 between the first air duct 110 and the second air duct 120 via a switching valve 325 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. Because the banknote conveying system 10 uses magnetic force to move the conveying body 500, the moving path portion 111 of the air duct 100 has a configuration that does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 and the magnetic force-based travel of the conveying body 500. While the entire moving path portion 111 is preferably made of a non-magnetic material, it may include a magnetic material in part to the extent that it does not affect the travel of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. The moving path portion 111 has a configuration (thickness of the tube, distance between the tubes, shape, etc.) that allows a magnetic force to act between the moving body 200 arranged in the moving path portion 111 and the conveying body 500 arranged in the conveying tube 400.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] <<Operation of the Switching Unit: Neutral State>> Figure 5(a) shows the neutral state. The switching valve 325 is in a neutral position, connecting the first flow path 323a and the second flow path 323b, but not connecting the first and second flow paths 323a, 323b with the third and fourth flow paths 323c, 323d. As a result, air circulates in the first circulation piping 330 in the direction of arrow A (A1, A2), and no airflow is generated in the air duct 100. Therefore, the moving body 200 is stopped in the air duct 100.

[0026] <<Operation of the Switching Unit: First Communication State>> Figure 5(b) shows a first state in which an airflow flowing in a first direction (the direction of arrows B1 and B2) is generated in the air duct 100. This state is, for example, a banknote collection operation state in which the transport body 500 transports collected banknotes to the safe unit 700. The switching valve 325 is in a first communication position in which the first flow path 323a communicates with the fourth flow path 323d and the second flow path 323b communicates with the third flow path 323c. At this time, the first flow path 323a and the fourth flow path 323d do not communicate with the second flow path 323b and the third flow path 323c. Air circulates endlessly between the first circulation pipe 330 and the air duct 100. That is, air discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 and flowing into the first flow path 323a (in the direction of arrow A1) is caused to flow from the fourth flow path 323d into the second blower pipe 120 (in the direction of arrow B1) by the switching valve 325. Air that flows through the first blower pipe 110 in the direction of arrow B2 and flows into the third flow path 323c is caused to flow from the second flow path 323b into the intake pipe 333 (in the direction of arrow A2) by the switching valve 325, 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 flowing in a second direction (the direction of arrows C1 and C2) is generated within the air duct 100. This state is, for example, a return operation state for returning the transport body 500 from the safe unit 700 side (the management unit 800 side) to the distal end side of the transport duct 400. The switching valve 325 is in a second communication position in which the first flow path 323a communicates with the third flow path 323c and the second flow path 323b communicates with the fourth flow path 323d. At this time, the first flow path 323a and the third flow path 323c do not communicate with the second flow path 323b and the fourth flow path 323d. Air circulates endlessly between the first circulation piping 330 and the air duct 100. That is, air discharged from the exhaust pipe 331 and flowing into the first flow path 323a (in the direction of arrow A1) is caused to flow from the third flow path 323c into the first blower pipe 110 (in the direction of arrow C1) by the switching valve 325. Air that flows through the second blower pipe in the direction of arrow C2 and into the fourth flow path 323d is caused to flow from the second flow path 323b into the intake pipe 333 (in the direction of arrow A2) by the switching valve 325, returns to the blower 310, and is discharged again from the exhaust pipe 331.

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

[0029] <Conveying Tube> The conveying tube (conveying path) 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the conveying tube and the conveying body. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the interior of the conveying tube 400 is partially exposed. In the banknote conveying system 10, the conveying body 500 is conveyed using magnetic force, so the conveying tube 400 is made of a material that does not affect the travel of the conveying body 500 based on magnetic force. It is desirable that the entire conveying tube 400 is made of a non-magnetic material, but a portion of the conveying tube 400 may contain a magnetic material to the extent that it does not affect the travel of the conveying body 500. The conveying tube 400 has a configuration (such as the thickness of the tube, the distance between the tubes, or the shape) that allows magnetic force to act between the moving body 200 arranged in the movement path portion 111 and the conveying body 500 arranged inside the conveying tube 400.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] <<Magnetic Orientation: Vertical Arrangement>> Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air duct and conveying duct including the mobile body and the conveying body when the poles of the mobile body-side magnets are oriented in the traveling direction. In the illustrated example, the mobile body-side magnet 213 is attached to the segment 210 so that its north pole (one pole) faces the safe unit side (left side in the figure) and its south pole (the other pole) faces the distal end side (right side in the figure). Furthermore, the conveying body-side magnet 523 is attached to the segment 520 so that its north pole faces the air duct 100 side and its south pole faces upward in the figure. The surface of the mobile body-side magnet 213 facing the safe unit side (north pole) repels the conveying body-side magnet 523 (north pole), while the surface of the mobile body-side magnet 213 facing the distal end side (south pole) attracts the conveying body-side magnet 523 (north pole), thereby creating both a repulsive force and an attractive force between the mobile body 200 and the conveying body 500.

[0040] [Variant 1 Related to Air Blowing Control] Figure 9 shows a first variant of the air blowing control unit. The air blowing control unit 300B may include a blower 310a having an exhaust port connected to one end 100a of the air blower duct 100, a blower 310b having an exhaust port connected to the other end 100b of the air blower duct 100, and a connecting pipe 340 connecting the air intakes of the two blowers 310a and 310b. The air blower duct 100 (first air blower duct 110, second air blower duct 120) is configured in an endless shape via the two blowers 310a and 310b and the connecting pipe 340. The on / off and air volume of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by a management unit 800.

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

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

[0043] [Variant 2 Related to Airflow Control] FIG. 10 illustrates a second variant of the airflow control unit. The airflow control unit 300C may include blowers 310a and 310b at one end 100a and the other end 100b of the airflow duct 100, respectively. The on / off and airflow volume of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by the management unit 800. When generating an airflow flowing in a first direction (arrow B direction) within the airflow duct 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. The blower 310b takes in external air through an air intake port and sends it out, thereby generating an airflow in the airflow duct 100 in the direction of arrow B. The airflow is drawn into the blower 310a through an exhaust port and discharged through the air intake port. When generating an airflow in the second direction (the direction of arrow C) in the air duct 100 (second state, carrier return state), one blower 310b is turned off and the other blower 310a is turned on to generate the airflow. In this example, piping for making the airflow path 101 a circulation path is not required, and therefore the configuration is simplified.

[0044] B. Second Paper Sheet Transport System According to the Present Invention <<Transport Body (Banknote Collection Shuttle)>> Figures 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 transport body 500 with the collection members (collection claws) in an open state, and Figures 12(a) and (b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of transport body 500 with the collection members (collection claws) in a closed state. Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between transport tube 400 and transport body 500.

[0045] The transport body 500 shown in Figures 11 to 13 differs slightly from the transport body shown in Figure 6 in the configuration of the transport base 510 and the collection member 544. Specifically, the transport base 510 has multiple segments 520 connected via hinges 521 so that they can be displaced vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally. A transport body magnet (transport body magnetic material) 523 is disposed within the internal space 520a of each segment, as shown in Figure 11(d). Rotatable rollers 525 are disposed on both sides of each segment 520 to facilitate smooth movement within the transport tube 400. A roller 545 is rotatably disposed on the upper portion of the support member 541 to reduce resistance between the segment and the inner wall of the transport tube. The banknote collection and holding unit (transfer means) 540 holds banknotes P in an upright position, with the longitudinal direction of the banknotes P parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport tube 400. The lower long side of the horizontally elongated, upright banknote P is supported by the upper surface (flat surface) of the transport base 510 (each divided piece 520). The trailing edge (one short side) of the banknote is supported by the support member 541 and the recovery member 544.

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

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

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

[0049] As described above, the collection member 544 includes a pair of collection claws pivotally supported by support members so as to be able to open and close in a substantially horizontal direction. Each collection claw opens and closes between an expanded position in which it protrudes outward in the width direction and a retracted position in which it retracts inward in the width direction, and is biased toward the expanded position by an elastic member. Because each collection claw 544 has the above-described configuration, when collecting banknotes in each waiting section located at alternately different longitudinal positions across the conveyance path 401, each collection claw can reliably collect the banknotes by simply moving the conveyance body linearly, and the banknotes can be collected in the widthwise center of the conveyance body. Note that when the conveyance body 500 moves in the retraction direction R within the conveyance path, the collection claws interfere with the banknotes in the waiting section. However, as the conveyance body 500 continues to move while coming into contact with the banknotes, the collection claws change their position toward closing against the bias of the elastic member. This allows the conveyance body 500 to continue moving smoothly in the return direction without damaging or otherwise affecting the waiting banknotes. Since the method is adopted in which banknotes are already stacked upright on the conveying base 510, and the collected succeeding banknotes are stacked one face on one face (one side) of the already stacked banknotes, the leading edge of the succeeding banknote will not hit the trailing edge of the already stacked banknotes, making it impossible to stack them.

[0050] C. Third Transport 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 explaining the moving body, transport body, and transport pipe in the transport system. In the following figures, the Z direction is the direction in which the air duct 100 and the transport pipe 400 overlap (vertical direction), the L direction is the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the air duct 100 and the transport pipe 400 (transport path 401), and the W direction is the width direction of the air duct 100 and the transport pipe 400. The W direction is a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the L direction. The LW plane (LW plane) defined by the L direction and the W direction is sometimes referred to as a virtual plane on which the air flow path 101 (or the transport path 401) extends. The conveying system (traveling system) 10C includes an endless air duct 100, an airflow control unit 360 including a blower (airflow generating device) that generates an airflow within the air duct 100, a moving body (traveling body) 200 that moves within the air duct 100 in response to the airflow (external force), a conveying path (conveying body path) 401 at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air duct 100 along the air duct, and a conveying body (traveling body) 500 that is configured to be able to hold an object to be conveyed and travels within the conveying path. The conveying system 10C also includes a management unit (control means) 800 (see FIG. 3 ) that controls each component. The moving body 200 includes a moving body-side magnet (moving body-side magnetic body, traveling body-side magnetic body) 213, and the conveying body 500 includes a conveying body-side magnet (conveying body-side magnetic body, traveling body-side magnetic body) 523. The conveyance system 10C has a configuration in which the conveyance body 500 moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable body 200 by a repulsive force based on a magnetic force acting between the movable body side magnet 213 and the conveyance body side magnet 523 when the movable body side magnet 213 and the conveyance body side magnet 523 are in a close positional relationship. The repulsive force is an external force that moves the conveyance body 500. In the conveyance system 10C, one movable body 200 and one conveyance body 500 that travels in conjunction with the movable body constitute one interlocking traveling pair 250.

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

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

[0053] An air flow path switching unit 1100 is arranged on the air duct 100 side of the branching unit 1000. The air flow path switching unit 1100 guides the moving body 200 traveling in the air duct 100A to either the air duct 100B or 100C. A transport path switching unit 1400 is arranged on the transport duct 400 side of the branching unit 1000. The transport path switching unit 1400 guides the transport body 500 traveling in the transport duct 400A to either the transport duct 400B or 400C. The air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 rotate together and simultaneously around rotation axes that are on the same axis. The interlocking traveling pair 250 passes through the branching unit 1000 without being interrupted in their interlocking state.

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

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

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

[0057] The conveying body 500 does not include the support members 541, collection claws 544, and rollers 545 of the conveying body 500 shown in Figures 11 to 13. Conveying tables 550, 550 for placing (or supporting) the conveyed object are attached to the upper surfaces of some of the divided pieces 520, 520 of the conveying body 500 by an appropriate method. The conveying body 500 includes a shaft member 551 that extends along the width direction of the conveying body 500 (direction W in the figure) and is supported by the conveying table 550, and a plurality of rollers 552... supported rotatably by the shaft member 551. Each roller 552... is configured to contact the upper surface of each end of the conveying tube 400 in the width direction, thereby allowing the conveying body 500 to move smoothly along the conveying tube 400.

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

[0059] [First embodiment] <Overview> The conveying system 10C includes an air flow path 101 formed inside an air blower duct 100, which causes a moving body 200 housed inside the air blower duct 100 to travel by the air current flowing inside the air blower duct 100, and a conveying path 401 (conveying duct 400), at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air blower duct 100 (air flow path 101) and along which the conveying body 500 travels, and the conveying body 500 travels in conjunction with the travel of the moving body 200 by the repulsive force acting between a moving body-side magnet (moving body-side magnetic body) 213 mounted on the moving body 200 and a conveying body-side magnet (conveying body-side magnetic body) 523 mounted on the conveying body 500.

[0060] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a branching portion according to the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an air flow path switching portion in the branching portion. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the branching portion. Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the relationship between an air flow path side rotating member and a transport path side rotating member in the branching portion.

[0061] The airflow path 101 comprises first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C arranged radially. The junction (confluence) of the first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C is an airflow path switching unit 1100. The airflow path switching unit 1100 comprises at least one switching airflow path 1121 that selectively connects (communicates) the first airflow path 101A to the second airflow path 101B or the third airflow path 101C. The switching airflow path 1121 operates to switch the airflow path to which the first airflow path 101A is connected. The transport path 401 comprises first to third transport paths 401A to 401C arranged radially. The junction (confluence) of the first to third transport paths 401A to 401C is a transport path switching unit 1400. The transport path switching unit 1400 includes at least one switched transport path 1421 that selectively connects the first transport path 401A to the second transport path 401B or the third transport path 401C. The transport path switching unit 1400 operates to switch the transport path to which it is connected.

[0062] The respective portions of the transport path 401 are disposed adjacent to each other along the airflow path 101 so that the moving body 200 and the transport body 500 are linked by magnetic force. The first to third transport paths 401A to 401C are disposed adjacent to each other along the first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C. The switching airflow path 1121 and the switching transport path 1421 have shapes that overlap in the vertical direction (Z direction), for example. At least at the point in time when the moving body 200, linked with the transport body 500, travels along the switching airflow path 1121, the switching transport path 1421 is disposed adjacent to the switching airflow path 1121 so as to extend in the same direction as the switching airflow path 1121. In particular, in this embodiment, the switching airflow path 1121 and the switching transport path 1421 are configured to be linked to each other while maintaining a state in which they extend in the same direction. That is, in the conveying system 10C, when the air flow path switching unit 1100 switches the air flow path connected to the first air flow path 101A to the second air flow path 101B or the third air flow path 101C, the conveying path switching unit 1400 is configured to work in conjunction with the air flow path switching unit 1100.

[0063] <Branching section> <<Airflow path switching section>> The airflow path switching section 1100 comprises an airflow path side rotating member 1120 that rotates around an axis Ax1 extending in the Z direction where the airflow path 101 and the transport path 401 overlap, and has a switching airflow path 1121 formed radially therethrough, and a case 1110 that has first to third connecting sections 1111 (1111A to 1111C) that connect to the first to third air ducts 100A to 100C in an airtight manner, and that rotatably houses the airflow path side rotating member 1120.

[0064] The airflow duct side rotating member 1120 has a roughly cylindrical shape and is provided with a hollow switching airflow duct 1121 that penetrates radially. The outer peripheral surface of the airflow duct side rotating member 1120 is a wall surface except for the opening of the switching airflow duct 1121. Interlocking protrusions (interlocking means) 1122, 1122 that rotate the transport path side rotating member 1420 (described later) integrally therewith are formed on the upper surface of the airflow duct side rotating member 1120.

[0065] The case 1110 is roughly cylindrical and includes a base 1112 disposed at the bottom and a cover 1113 disposed at the top. The first to third connecting portions 1111A to 1111C are arranged radially. The case 1110 is airtightly connected to the first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C by sandwiching the ends of the first to third air ducts 100A to 100C between the base 1112 and the cover 1113. The cover 1113 has an opening 1114 on its top surface that allows the interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 to protrude upward. The opening 1114 has a shape that allows the interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 to rotate relative to the case 1110 while maintaining airtightness.

[0066] A predetermined number of detectors 1132 for detecting the rotation angle of the airflow duct side rotating member 1120 are disposed at appropriate locations within the base 1112, which is positioned below the airflow duct side rotating member 1120. The detectors 1132 are, for example, composed of photointerrupters. A motor (drive means) 1130 for rotating the airflow duct side rotating member 1120 is disposed below the base 1112. A drive shaft 1131 of the motor 1130 protrudes into the base 1112 from the lower surface of the base 1112. The airflow duct side rotating member 1120 is attached to the drive shaft 1131 so as to be rotatable integrally with the motor. Based on the detection results of the detectors 1132, the management unit (control means) 800 drives and controls the motor 1130 to stop the airflow duct side rotating member 1120 at a predetermined angle.

[0067] <<Conveyor Path Switching Unit>> The conveyance path switching unit 1400 includes a conveyance path side rotating member 1420 that rotates about an axis Ax1 and has a radially extending switched conveyance path 1421 formed on an upper portion thereof, and a base 1410 that includes first to third connecting portions 1411A to 1411C that connect to the first to third conveyance paths 401A to 401C (first to third conveyance tubes 400A to 400C) and rotatably holds the conveyance path side rotating member 1420. The conveyance path side rotating member 1420 has a generally cylindrical shape. The conveyance path side rotating member 1420 includes engagement holes (interlocking means) 1422, 1422 in its lower portion, into which interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 are fitted. The interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 fit into the fitting holes 1422, 1422, causing the airflow path side rotating member 1120 and the transport path side rotating member 1420 to rotate together. The base 1410 has an opening 1412 on its underside that allows the interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 to protrude upward. The opening 1412 has a shape that allows the interlocking protrusions 1122, 1122 to rotate relative to the base 1410.

[0068] 21A to 21D are perspective views showing how the airflow path switching unit according to the first embodiment switches the airflow path to which it is connected. The airflow path side rotating member 1120 rotates clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 19 etc., thereby sequentially shifting to the positions shown in FIG. 21B to FIG. 21D.

[0069] The airflow path-side rotating member 1120 has one curved switching airflow path 1121. Depending on the rotation angle of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120, the switching airflow path 1121 connects the first airflow path 101A to the second airflow path 101B or connects the first airflow path 101A to the third airflow path 101C.

[0070] That is, when the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 is at a first angle shown in (a), one end 1121a of the switching airflow path 1121 is connected to the first airflow path 101A and the other end 1121b is connected to the second airflow path 101B. At this time, the outer peripheral wall 1123 of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 faces the third airflow path 101C, blocking the third airflow path 101C. When the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 is at a second angle shown in (c), one end 1121a of the switching airflow path 1121 is connected to the third airflow path 101C and the other end 1121b is connected to the first airflow path 101A. At this time, the outer peripheral wall 1123 of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 faces the second airflow path 101B, blocking the second airflow path 101B.

[0071] In this way, even when the airflow path side rotating member 1120 has a single switching airflow path 1121, the connected airflow path can be switched depending on the rotation angle of the airflow path side rotating member 1120. In this example, the second airflow path 101B and the third airflow path 101C are arranged symmetrically in a plan view with respect to an axis of symmetry extending in the extension direction of the first airflow path 101A, thereby realizing the above-mentioned operation of the airflow path switching unit 1100. The switching airflow path 1121 is a switching airflow path whose extension direction can be switched by rotating the airflow path side rotating member 1120. By changing the extension direction of the switching airflow path 1121 by rotating the airflow path side rotating member 1120, it is possible to guide the moving body 200 in different directions.

[0072] 19 and other figures, similar to the air flow path side, the transport path side rotating member 1420 has one curved switching transport path 1421. The switching transport path 1421 connects the first transport path 401A and the second transport path 401B, or connects the first transport path 401A and the third transport path 401C, depending on the rotation angle of the transport path side rotating member 1420. The switching transport path 1421 is a switching transport path whose extension direction can be changed by the rotation of the transport path side rotating member 1420. The switching transport path 1421 has the same shape as the switching air flow path 1121, overlaps with it in the vertical direction, and rotates integrally with the switching air flow path 1121, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 22(a) and 22(b) are plan views illustrating a control method when a transport system has multiple branching sections. The transport system 10C has multiple branching sections 1000 (first to fourth branching sections 1000A to 1000D). In the transport system 10C, the airflow path 101 has a configuration that allows the moving body 200 (FIG. 14, etc.) to circle endlessly.

[0074] When the middle portion of the airtight airflow path 101 is blocked, the airflow in the airflow path stops, causing the moving body 200 traveling in the airflow path to stop. In order to prevent the moving body 200 from stopping, the airflow path 101 must be maintained in an endless state. In this embodiment, a plurality of branching sections 1000 in a predetermined relationship necessary to maintain the airflow path 101 in an endless state are simultaneously driven. In this example, the first branching section 1000A and the second branching section 1000B constitute a pair of branching sections that are simultaneously driven. Furthermore, the third branching section 1000C and the fourth branching section 1000D constitute a pair of branching sections that are simultaneously driven.

[0075] In the transport system 10C, the airflow path 101 includes a fourth airflow path 101D and a second airflow path switching unit 1100B having at least one switching airflow path 1121 that connects the fourth airflow path 101D to the second airflow path 101B or the third airflow path 101C. The configuration of the second airflow path switching unit 1100B is similar to that of the first airflow path switching unit 1100A, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The second airflow path switching unit 1100B is a means for selectively guiding the gas that has passed through the second airflow path 101B and the airflow that has passed through the third airflow path 101C to the fourth airflow path 101D.

[0076] If gas flows from the first airflow path 101A to the second airflow path 101B, and the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the third airflow path 101C and the fourth airflow path 101D, the airflow path 101 will become non-endless as a whole. Therefore, when gas flows from the first airflow path 101A to the second airflow path 101B, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the second airflow path 101B and the fourth airflow path 101D, and operates to maintain the airflow path 101 as an endless path as a whole.

[0077] That is, the management unit (control means) 800 controls the first airflow path switching unit 1100A and the second airflow path switching unit 1100B so that, when the first airflow path switching unit 1100A connects the first airflow path 101A and the second airflow path 101B, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the second airflow path 101B and the fourth airflow path 101D, as shown in Fig. 22(a), and, when the first airflow path switching unit 1100A connects the first airflow path 101A and the third airflow path 101C, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the third airflow path 101C and the fourth airflow path 101D, as shown in Fig. 22(b). Note that the third and fourth airflow path switching units 1100C and 1100D, which are not paired with the first and second airflow path switching units 1100A and 1100B, do not need to switch the airflow paths to which they are connected.

[0078] <<Nesting>> Figure 23 is a schematic plan view illustrating a control method when the transport system has nested branching sections. The airflow path 101 may have nested branching sections. That is, the airflow path 101 may branch further without merging after branching. The airflow path 101 includes a fourth airflow path 101D and a second airflow path switching unit 1100B including at least one switching airflow path 1121 (Figure 19) connecting the fourth airflow path 101D to the fifth airflow path 101E or the sixth airflow path 101F. The airflow path 101 also includes third to sixth airflow path switching units 1100C to 1100F between the first airflow path switching unit 1100A and the second airflow path switching unit 1100B.

[0079] The second airflow path 101B branches into two at the third airflow path switching unit 1100C and then merges with the fifth airflow path 101E at the fourth airflow path switching unit 1100D. The third airflow path 101C branches into two at the fifth airflow path switching unit 1100E and then merges with the sixth airflow path 101F at the sixth airflow path switching unit 1100F. In other words, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B is a means for selectively guiding gas that has passed through the second airflow path 101B and the fifth airflow path 101E and gas that has passed through the third airflow path 101C and the sixth airflow path 101F to the fourth airflow path 101D.

[0080] In this example, the first airflow path switching unit 1100A and the second airflow path switching unit 1100B form a pair of airflow path switching units, the third airflow path switching unit 1100C and the fourth airflow path switching unit 1100D form a pair, and the fifth airflow path switching unit 1100E and the sixth airflow path switching unit 1100F form a pair.

[0081] The management unit 800 simultaneously drives the pair of airflow path switching units 1100. That is, the management unit 800 controls the first and second airflow path switching units 1100A and 1100B so that when the first airflow path switching unit 1100A connects the first airflow path 101A and the second airflow path 101B, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the fifth airflow path 101E and the fourth airflow path 101D, and when the first airflow path switching unit 1100A connects the first airflow path 101A and the third airflow path 101C, the second airflow path switching unit 1100B connects the sixth airflow path 101F and the fourth airflow path 101D. The third to sixth airflow path switching units 1100C to 1100F are controlled in a similar manner.

[0082] In this way, air flow path switching units that are in a relationship where the air flow path becomes non-endless when driven individually constitute a pair of air flow path switching units that are driven simultaneously. In the example shown in Figure 23, the transport path side is configured in a nested manner similar to the air flow path side, and is driven in accordance with the driving of the air flow path side.

[0083] If the third and fourth airflow path switching units 1100C and 1100D did not exist, the second airflow path 101B and the fifth airflow path 101E would be a single common airflow path. If the fifth and sixth airflow path switching units 1100E and 1100F did not exist, the third airflow path 101C and the sixth airflow path 101F would be a single common airflow path.

[0084] In the transport system 10, the airflow path 101 is configured to be endless. The airflow path 101 being endless includes a case where the portion along which the moving body 200 travels is endless (e.g., FIG. 22 ) and a case where the portion along which the moving body 200 travels has ends (e.g., FIG. 3 ). The above-described control is applied to both cases where the portion along which the moving body 200 travels has ends and cases where the portion along which the moving body 200 travels is endless.

[0085] <Modification> The air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 may be configured to switch paths by sliding in the horizontal direction.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 are combined so as to be driven simultaneously using a single driving means (e.g., a motor, etc.). However, the air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 may be driven individually using different driving means (e.g., a motor, etc.). That is, the management unit 800 (control means) may simultaneously drive and control the driving means of each switching unit so that the air flow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 are linked.

[0087] 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating how an airflow path switching unit according to a second embodiment switches the airflow path to which it is connected. The airflow path side rotating member 1120 rotates 180 degrees about the axis Ax1, thereby displacing between the position shown in (a) and the position shown in (b).

[0088] The airflow path-side rotating member 1120 has two switching airflow paths 1121 (a first switching airflow path 1121A and a second switching airflow path 1121B). Depending on the rotation angle of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120, the first switching airflow path 1121A connects the first airflow path 101A and the second airflow path 101B, or the second switching airflow path 1121B connects the first airflow path 101A and the third airflow path 101C.

[0089] That is, when the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 is at a first angle shown in (a), one end 1121Aa of the first switching airflow path 1121A is connected to the first airflow path 101A, and the other end 1121Ab is connected to the second airflow path 101B. At this time, the outer peripheral wall 1123 of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 faces the third airflow path 101C, blocking the third airflow path 101C. The second switching airflow path 1121B is not connected to any of the airflow paths 101A to 101C. When the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 is at a second angle shown in (b), one end 1121Ba of the second switching airflow path 1121B is connected to the third airflow path 101C, and the other end 1121Bb is connected to the first airflow path 101A. At this time, the outer peripheral wall 1123 of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 faces the second airflow path 101B, blocking the second airflow path 101B. The first switching airflow path 1121A is not connected to any of the airflow paths 101A to 101C.

[0090] In this way, even when the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 has two switching airflow paths 1121A, 1121B, the airflow path to which it is connected can be switched according to the rotation angle of the airflow path-side rotating member 1120. Note that the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 may be configured such that the first and second switching airflow paths 1121A, 1121B connect their respective ends located at one end in the diameter direction to the first airflow path 101A, and their respective ends located at the other end in the diameter direction to the second airflow path 101B and the third airflow path 101C, respectively.

[0091] 24, the transport path side is configured similarly to the air flow path side and is driven in accordance with the driving of the air flow path side. That is, the transport path side rotating member has first and second switch transport paths. Depending on the rotation angle of the transport path side rotating member, the first switch transport path connects the first transport path and the second transport path, or the second switch transport path connects the first transport path and the third transport path.

[0092] 25 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of a conveyance system according to this embodiment. The conveyance system 10C can be used to convey sushi plates with sushi or other sushi placed on them in restaurants such as conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

[0093] The restaurant 2000 shown in the figure includes a kitchen 2001 where food and drink are prepared and a hall 2003 where customers stay while eating, and a conveyance system 10C according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed across the kitchen 2001 and the hall 2003. The hall 2003 includes a plurality of seats 2010 (2010B to 2010G) each including one table 2011 and a plurality of chairs 2013-2013.

[0094] The conveying system 10C includes a circulation lane 2020 configured in an endless manner, a plurality of branch lanes 2030 (2030A to 2030G) that branch off from the circulation lane 2020 and merge back into the circulation lane 2020, and a plurality of branch sections 1000 (1000A1 to 1000G2) that branch the circulation lane 2020 to the branch lane 2030 or merge the branch lane 2030 into the circulation lane 2020. The circulation lane 2020 and the branch lane 2030 each include a pair of an air flow path 101 and a conveying path 401 (see FIG. 14, etc.) that are arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel.

[0095] As an example, the circulation lane 2020 is disposed on the inner side of each branch lane 2030. Each branch lane 2030 is disposed in parallel to the circulation lane 2020. The circulation lane 2020 includes parallel portions 2021 (2021A to 2021G) disposed in parallel to each branch lane 2030.

[0096] Of the multiple branch lanes, branch lane 2030A is located in kitchen 2001, and branch lanes 2030B to 2030G are located in hall 2003. Branch lane 2030A is laid out in a manner that allows a waiter to place a plate 2040 on a conveyance 500 (see FIG. 16, etc.) on branch lane 2030A. Branch lanes 2030B to 2030G are laid out in a manner that allows customers seated in chairs 2013 to retrieve (or easily retrieve) a plate 2040 from a conveyance 500 on branch lanes 2030B to 2030G. Note that parallel sections 2021B to 2021G may or may not be laid out in a manner that allows customers to retrieve (or easily retrieve) a plate 2040 from a conveyance 500 on parallel sections 2021B to 2021G.

[0097] An example of a method in which the management unit (control means) 800 (FIG. 3) controls the transportation system 10C is as follows: First, the management unit 800 controls the attitude of each branching section 1000 so that the conveyed body 500 circulates within the circulation lane 2020.

[0098] When a waiter places a plate 2040 on the carrier 500 in the kitchen 2001, the management unit 800 controls each part so that the carrier 500 does not move on the branch lane 2030A. That is, the management unit 800 controls the attitude of the branch parts 1000A1 and 1000A2 so that an endless route that does not include the branch lane 2030A is formed.

[0099] When transferring the carrier 500 (plate 2040) on branch lane 2030A to the circulation lane 2020, the management unit 800 controls the posture of branch sections 1000A1 and 1000A2 so that an endless route is formed that includes branch lane 2030A but does not include parallel section 2021A. This allows the carrier 500 to move from the kitchen 2001 to the hall 2003. Furthermore, when transferring the carrier 500 on the circulation lane 2020 to the branch lane 2030A, the management unit 800 controls the posture of branch sections 1000A1 and 1000A2 so that an endless route is formed that includes branch lane 2030A but does not include parallel section 2021A. This allows the carrier 500 to move from the hall 2003 to the kitchen 2001.

[0100] When serving food and drink to a customer sitting at seat 2010B, the management unit 800 transfers the conveyance 500 on the circulation lane 2020 to the branch lane 2030B. In this case, the management unit 800 controls the attitude of the branch sections 1000B1 and 1000B2 so that an endless route is formed that includes the branch lane 2030B but does not include the parallel section 2021B. After the conveyance 500 is transferred to the branch lane 2030B, the management unit 800 controls the attitude of the branch sections 1000B1 and 1000B2 so that an endless route is formed that includes the parallel section 2021B but does not include the branch lane 2030B. As a result, the conveyance 500 remains in the branch lane 2030B. At this time, if another conveyance 500B (dish 2040B) is on the endless route, the conveyance 500B continues traveling on the endless route.

[0101] When transporting the transport body 500 to the kitchen 2001, the management unit 800 controls the attitude of the branching sections 1000B1 and 1000B2 so that an endless route is formed that includes the branching lane 2030B but does not include the parallel section 2021B.

[0102] In this way, the conveying system 10C according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used to convey food and drink to each seat 2010 in a restaurant.

[0103] [Summary of the Configuration, Actions, and Effects of the Third Invention] <First Embodiment> A transport system 10C according to this embodiment includes an airtight airflow path 101 formed within an airflow duct 100, allowing a movable body 200 housed within the airflow duct to travel by airflow through the airflow duct, and a transport path 401, at least a portion of which is disposed adjacent to and along the airflow duct (airflow path), along which a movable body 500 travels. The transport system causes the movable body to travel in conjunction with the travel of the movable body by a repulsive force acting between a movable body-side magnetic body (movable body-side magnet 213) mounted on the movable body and a transport body-side magnetic body (transport body-side magnet 523) mounted on the transport body. The airflow paths include first to third airflow paths 101A to 101C, and a first airflow path switching unit 1100 having at least one switching airflow path 1121 that selectively connects the first airflow path to the second airflow path or the third airflow path. The transport path includes first to third transport paths (401A-401C) and a first transport path switching unit (1400) having at least one switching transport path (1421) that selectively connects the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path. The first to third transport paths and the switching transport path are arranged adjacent to each other along the first to third airflow paths and the switching airflow path, respectively. The transport system is characterized in that the first transport path switching unit is configured to operate in conjunction with the first airflow path switching unit when the first airflow path switching unit switches the airflow path connected to the first airflow path.

[0104] In this aspect, the portion of the transport path along which the transport body travels in conjunction with the moving body is arranged parallel to each portion of the airflow path. The first airflow path branches into the second airflow path and the third airflow path at the first airflow path switching unit. The first transport path branches into the second transport path and the third transport path at the first transport path switching unit. In this aspect, the first airflow path switching unit and the first transport path switching unit are interlocked, so that the moving body and the transport body can be guided to the branched path while maintaining their interlocked state due to magnetic force. Note that the first airflow path switching unit and the first transport path switching unit may be interlocked by their constituent parts being mechanically interlocked or fixed. Alternatively, the first airflow path switching unit and the first transport path switching unit may be interlocked by simultaneously driving them by a control unit, even though they are individually drivable. The path switching action of the first airflow path switching unit and the first transport path switching unit may be by rotation or sliding.

[0105] <Second embodiment> In a transport system 10C according to this embodiment, the first air flow path switching unit 1100 rotates about an axis Ax1 extending in a direction in which the air flow path 101 and the transport path 401 overlap, and includes an air flow path side rotating member 1120 having a switching air flow path 1121 formed radially therethrough. The first transport path switching unit 1400 rotates about the axis Ax1, and includes a transport path side rotating member 1420 having a switching transport path 1421 extending radially therethrough. In the transport system, the air flow path side rotating member and the transport path side rotating member are combined so as to be rotatable integrally.

[0106] The first airflow path switching unit switches paths by rotating the airflow path side rotating member. The first transport path switching unit switches paths by rotating the transport path side rotating member. The airflow path side rotating member and the transport path side rotating member are mechanically meshed or fixed, allowing them to rotate together. In this aspect, the first airflow path switching unit and the first transport path switching unit are interlocked, so the moving body and the transport body can be guided to the branched path while maintaining their interlocked state due to magnetic force.

[0107] <Third Embodiment> In a transfer system 10C according to this embodiment, the airflow path-side rotating member 1120 has one switching airflow path 1121. In this embodiment, when the airflow path-side rotating member is at a first angle ( FIG. 21( a) ), one end 1121a of the switching airflow path is connected to the first airflow path 101A, and the other end 1121b is connected to the second airflow path 101B. Furthermore, when the airflow path-side rotating member is at a second angle ( FIG. 21( c) ), one end 1121a of the switching airflow path is connected to the third airflow path 101C, and the other end 1121b is connected to the first airflow path 101A. According to this embodiment, by changing the airflow paths to which each end of the switching airflow path is connected depending on the angle of the airflow path-side rotating member, the first airflow path can be connected to the second airflow path or the third airflow path using one switching airflow path. The transport path side rotating member is provided with a switching transport path that extends in the same direction as the switching air flow path, and connects the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path in the same manner as the air flow path side.

[0108] In a transfer system 10C according to this embodiment, an airflow path side rotating member 1120B includes first and second switching airflow paths 1121A and 1121B. The first switching airflow path is an airflow path for connecting the first airflow path to the second airflow path, and the second switching airflow path is an airflow path for connecting the first airflow path to the third airflow path.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the airflow path-side rotating member is at a first angle (FIG. 24(a)), the first airflow path 101A and the second airflow path 101B are connected via a first switch airflow path. Also, when the airflow path-side rotating member is at a second angle (FIG. 24(b)), the first airflow path 101A and the third airflow path 101C are connected via a second switch airflow path 1121B. That is, the first airflow path switching unit 1100 switches between a state in which the first airflow path and the second airflow path are connected and a state in which the first airflow path and the third airflow path are connected, depending on the angle of the airflow path-side rotating member.

[0110] Here, the airflow path-side rotating member may be configured such that the first and second switching airflow paths connect their respective ends located at one diametric end to the first airflow path and the third airflow path, respectively, and their respective ends located at the other diametric end to the second airflow path and the first airflow path, respectively ( FIG. 24 ). In this configuration, the two states can be switched by rotating the airflow path-side rotating member approximately 180 degrees. Alternatively, the airflow path-side rotating member may be configured such that the first and second switching airflow paths connect their respective ends located at one diametric end to the first airflow path, respectively, and their respective ends located at the other diametric end to the second airflow path and the third airflow path, respectively.

[0111] According to this aspect, by rotating the airflow path-side rotating member having two switching airflow paths, the first airflow path can be connected to the second airflow path or the third airflow path via each switching airflow path. Note that the transport path-side rotating member has two switching transport paths that extend in the same direction as the two switching airflow paths, and connects the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path in the same manner as the airflow path side.

[0112] Fifth Embodiment In a transport system 10C according to this embodiment, the airflow path 101 includes a fourth airflow path 101D and a second airflow path switching unit 1100B having at least one switching airflow path 1121 that connects the fourth airflow path to the second airflow path 101B or the third airflow path 101C. This embodiment is characterized in that when the first airflow path switching unit 1100A connects the second airflow path to the first airflow path 101A, the second airflow path switching unit connects the second airflow path to the fourth airflow path (FIG. 22(a)), and when the first airflow path switching unit connects the third airflow path to the first airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit connects the third airflow path to the fourth airflow path (FIG. 22(b)). The transport system includes a control means (management unit 800) that controls the first airflow path switching unit and the second airflow path switching unit, and the above operation is realized by the control means simultaneously driving and controlling the first and second airflow path switching units.

[0113] When the middle of the airtight airflow path is blocked, the airflow in the airflow path stops, and the moving body 200 traveling in the airflow path stops. Therefore, when the moving body is allowed to continue traveling in a transport system having multiple branching sections, multiple branching sections in a predetermined relationship are driven simultaneously to maintain the endless state of the airflow path. According to this aspect, the multiple branching sections are driven simultaneously to maintain the endless state of the airflow path, so the moving body can continue traveling.

[0114] In this embodiment, the transport path 401 includes a fourth transport path 401D and a second transport path switching unit 1400 including at least one switching transport path 1421 that connects the fourth transport path to the second transport path 401B or the third transport path 401C. The fourth transport paths are arranged adjacent to each other along the fourth airflow path, and the switching transport path of the second transport path switching unit is arranged adjacent to each other along the switching airflow path of the second airflow path switching unit. The second transport path switching unit is configured to operate in conjunction with the second airflow path switching unit when the second airflow path switching unit switches the airflow path to which it is connected.

[0115] Sixth Embodiment In a transport system 10C according to this embodiment, the airflow path 101 includes fourth to sixth airflow paths 101D-101F and a second airflow path switching unit 1100B including at least one switching airflow path 1121 that selectively connects the fourth airflow path to the fifth airflow path or the sixth airflow path. The second airflow path switching unit selectively guides gas that has passed through the second and fifth airflow paths and gas that has passed through the third and sixth airflow paths to the fourth airflow path. In this embodiment, when the first airflow path switching unit connects the first airflow path to the second airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit operates to connect the fifth airflow path to the fourth airflow path, and when the first airflow path switching unit connects the first airflow path to the third airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit operates to connect the sixth airflow path to the fourth airflow path. The conveying system is equipped with a control means (management unit 800) that controls the first air flow path switching unit and the second air flow path switching unit, and the above operation is realized by the control means simultaneously driving and controlling the first and second air flow path switching units.

[0116] When the middle portion of the airtight airflow path is blocked, the airflow in the airflow path stops, and the moving body 200 traveling in the airflow path stops. Therefore, when the moving body is continuously traveling in a transport system having multiple branching sections, multiple branching sections in a predetermined relationship are simultaneously driven to maintain the endless state of the airflow path. In this aspect, the first and second airflow path switching sections that constitute a pair of airflow path switching sections are simultaneously driven. According to this aspect, the multiple branching sections are simultaneously driven to maintain the endless state of the airflow path, so the moving body can continue traveling.

[0117] In this embodiment, the transport path 401 includes fourth to sixth transport paths and a second transport path switching unit 1400 including at least one switching transport path 1421 that selectively connects the fourth transport path to the fifth transport path or the sixth transport path. The fourth to sixth transport paths are arranged adjacent to each other along the fourth to sixth airflow paths, respectively, and the switching transport path included in the second transport path switching unit is arranged adjacent to each other along the switching airflow path included in the second airflow path switching unit. The second transport path switching unit is configured to operate in conjunction with the second airflow path switching unit when the second airflow path switching unit switches the airflow path to which it is connected.

[0118] Seventh Embodiment A conveying system 10C according to this embodiment includes an airtight airflow path 101 formed within an air duct 100, which allows a moving body 200 housed within the air duct to travel by the airflow flowing within the air duct, and a conveying path 401, at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air duct (airflow path) and along which a conveying body 500 travels. The conveying system causes the conveying body to travel in conjunction with the travel of the moving body by a repulsive force acting between a moving body-side magnetic body mounted on the moving body and a conveying body-side magnetic body mounted on the conveying body. The airflow path includes a switching airflow path (switching airflow path 1121) capable of changing its extension direction. The conveying path includes a switching conveying path (switching conveying path 1421) capable of changing its extension direction. The switching conveying path is arranged adjacent to the extension direction of the switching airflow path. In the conveying system, the switching conveying path is configured to operate in conjunction with the switching airflow path when the switching airflow path changes its extension direction.

[0119] In this embodiment, the portion of the transport path along which the transport body travels in conjunction with the moving body is arranged parallel to each portion of the air flow path. In this embodiment, the diverting air flow path and the diverting transport path are diverted, so that the traveling direction of the moving body and the transport body can be changed while maintaining the state of being diverted by magnetic force. The diverting air flow path and the diverting transport path do not necessarily have to be means for switching the destination path. The diverting air flow path and the diverting transport path may be diverted by mechanically engaging or fixing the components that constitute them. Alternatively, the diverting air flow path and the diverting transport path, which can be driven separately, may be diverted by simultaneously driving them by a control means.

[0120] Arrows A, A1, A2... (circulation direction), arrows B, B1, B2... (banknote collection direction), arrows C, C1, C2... (transport body return direction), L, L1, L2... island equipment, Ax1... axis, L axis... extension direction of transport pipe / transport path, W axis... width direction of transport pipe / transport path, Z axis... up and down direction, 1... gaming machine, 2... machine-to-machine machine, 10... banknote transport system, 10C... transport system, 1 00, 100A to 100C... air duct, 100a... one end, 100b... other end, 101, 101A to 101F... air flow path, 110... first air duct, 111... movement path portion, 120... second air duct, 200... moving body, 210... divided piece, 211... hinge portion, 213... moving body side magnet (moving body side magnetic material), 215... shaft, 216... roller, 250... Interlocking traveling pair, 300, 300B, 300C... air blowing control unit, 310, 310a, 310b... blower (airflow generating device), 320... switching unit, 321... casing, 323... flow path, 323a... first flow path, 323b... second flow path, 323c... third flow path, 323d... fourth flow path, 325... switching valve, 330... first circulation piping, 330a... one end , 330b... other end portion, 331... exhaust pipe, 333... intake pipe, 340... connection pipe, 360... air blowing control unit, 400, 400A to 400C... conveying pipe, 401, 401A to 401D... conveying path, 402... base conveying path, 403... banknote conveying path, 405... recess, 411... upper surface opening, 413... protrusion, 415... guide rail, 450... waiting section, 500,500B... conveying body, 510... conveying base, 520... divided piece, 520a... internal space, 520b... protrusion, 520c... (inner) area, 521... hinge portion, 523... conveying body side magnet, 525... roller, 540... banknote recovery holding portion, 541... support member, 541a... pivot portion, 541b... spring, 544... recovery claw (recovery member), 544a... base end piece, 544b... intermediate piece, 544c... end piece, 5 45...roller, 550...transport table, 551...shaft member, 552...roller, 600...receiving unit, 700...safe unit, 800...management unit (control means), 801...casing, 900...stopping device, 1000, 1000A to 1000G...branching section, 1100, 1100A to 1100F...air flow path switching section, 1110...case, 1111, 1111A to 1111C...connecting section, 11 12...base, 1113...cover, 1114...opening, 1120, 1120B...air flow path side rotating member, 1121, 1121A, 1121B...switching air flow path (diverting air flow path), 1122...interlocking protrusion, 1123...outer peripheral wall, 1130...motor, 1132...detection means, 1400...transport path switching unit, 1410...base, 1411A to 1411C...connecting unit, 1412...opening, 1420...transport Roadside rotating member, 1421...switching conveying path (diversion conveying path), 1422...fitting hole, 2000...restaurant, 2001...kitchen, 2003...hall, 2010, 2010B to 2010G...seats, 2011...table, 2013...chair, 2020...circulation lane, 2021, 2021A to 2021G...parallel portion, 2030, 2030A to 2030G...branch lane, 2040, 2040B...plate,

Claims

1. A transport system comprising: an air flow path formed within an air duct, for causing a moving body housed within the air duct to travel by an air current flowing within the air duct; and a transport path along which the transport body travels, at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air flow path, and in which the transport body travels, wherein the transport body travels in conjunction with the travel of the moving body due to a repulsive force acting between a moving body-side magnetic body mounted on the moving body and a transport body-side magnetic body mounted on the transport body, wherein the air flow path comprises first to third air flow paths and a first air flow path switching unit comprising at least one switching air flow path that selectively connects the first air flow path to the second air flow path or the third air flow path, and the transport path comprises first to third transport paths and a first transport path switching unit comprising at least one switching transport path that selectively connects the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path, wherein the first to third transport paths and the switching air flow path are arranged adjacent to each other along the first to third air flow paths and the switching air flow path, respectively, and wherein the first transport path switching unit is configured to operate in conjunction with the first air flow path switching unit.

2. The conveying system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first air flow path switching unit rotates around an axis extending in the direction in which the air flow path and the conveying path overlap, and is provided with an air flow path side rotating member through which the switching air flow path is formed radially, the first conveying path switching unit rotates around the axis, and is provided with a conveying path side rotating member through which the switching conveying path extends radially, and the air flow path side rotating member and the conveying path side rotating member are combined so as to be rotatable together.

3. The transport system described in claim 2, wherein the air flow path side rotating member has one switching air flow path, and when the air flow path side rotating member is at a first angle, one end of the switching air flow path is connected to the first air flow path and the other end is connected to the second air flow path, and when the air flow path side rotating member is at a second angle, the one end of the switching air flow path is connected to the third air flow path and the other end is connected to the first air flow path.

4. The transport system described in claim 2, characterized in that the air flow path side rotating member is provided with first and second switching air flow paths, and when the air flow path side rotating member is at a first angle, the first air flow path and the second air flow path are connected via the first switching air flow path, and when the air flow path side rotating member is at a second angle, the first air flow path and the third air flow path are connected via the second switching air flow path.

5. The transport system described in claim 1, characterized in that the airflow path comprises a fourth airflow path and a second airflow path switching unit having at least one switching airflow path that connects the fourth airflow path to the second airflow path or the third airflow path, and when the first airflow path switching unit connects the second airflow path to the first airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit connects the second airflow path to the fourth airflow path, and when the first airflow path switching unit connects the third airflow path to the first airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit operates to connect the third airflow path to the fourth airflow path.

6. The transport system described in claim 1, wherein the airflow path comprises fourth to sixth airflow paths and a second airflow path switching unit having at least one switching airflow path that selectively connects the fourth airflow path to the fifth airflow path or the sixth airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit is a means for selectively guiding gas that has passed through the second airflow path and the fifth airflow path and the gas that has passed through the third airflow path and the sixth airflow path to the fourth airflow path, when the first airflow path switching unit connects the first airflow path and the second airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit operates to connect the fifth airflow path and the fourth airflow path, and when the first airflow path switching unit connects the first airflow path and the third airflow path, the second airflow path switching unit operates to connect the sixth airflow path and the fourth airflow path.

7. A transport system comprising: an air flow path formed within an air duct, which causes a moving body housed within the air duct to travel by the air current flowing within the air duct; and a transport path along which the transport body travels, at least a portion of which is arranged adjacent to the air flow path, and in which the transport body travels in conjunction with the travel of the moving body by a repulsive force acting between a moving body-side magnetic body mounted on the moving body and a transport body-side magnetic body mounted on the transport body, wherein the air flow path comprises a switching air flow path capable of switching its extension direction, and the transport path comprises a switching transport path capable of switching its extension direction, the switching transport path being arranged adjacent to the switching air flow path, and the switching transport path being configured to operate in conjunction with the switching air flow path.