Airflow control system

Abstract

The present invention allows for more flexible design of the shape of an air-sending pipe. The present invention comprises: an on-off section 130 set at an appropriate position in an air-sending pipe 100; an on-off valve 131 disposed in the on-off section; an intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 disposed in parallel with the on-off section and having respective ends communicatively connected to respective ends of the on-off section; a blower unit 350 having a switching valve 325 for switching between an airflow supply state in which airflow is supplied to the intake / exhaust pipe pair and an airflow non-supply state in which airflow is not supplied, and connected to the intake / exhaust pipe pair; and an interlocking means 326 that mechanically interlocks operations of the switching valve and the on-off valve. The interlocking means interlocks the switching means and the on-off valve such that the on-off valve assumes a valve-open position when the switching valve switches to the airflow non-supply state, and such that the on-off valve assumes a valve-closed position when the switching means switches to the airflow supply state.

Description

Airflow control system

[0001] The present invention relates to an airflow control system.

[0002] A technique for causing a moving body to travel in an air duct using an air flow is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a conveying device that causes a moving body to travel in an air duct using an air flow and causes a carrier to travel in conjunction with the movement of the moving body using a magnetic force. In order to cause the moving body and the carrier to travel, mechanical driving means such as a motor, gears, and a conveyor belt are not required, so the durability of each member constituting the conveying device can be improved, and the running cost of the conveying device can be reduced. In Patent Document 1, in order to make the inside of the air duct airtight, the air duct is configured to be endless. The moving path portion in the air duct where the moving body moves is in an end shape, and the moving body reciprocates in the moving path portion. The airflow generating means of Patent Document 1 sucks gas from one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the moving path portion and discharges it to the other end portion.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-45074

[0005] In Patent Document 1, it was not premised to suck and exhaust gas in the middle portion of the moving path portion. As a result, the shape that the moving path portion can take was limited. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable the shape of the air duct to be designed more flexibly.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an airflow control system for controlling airflow, comprising: a blower pipe that serves as a gas passage; an open / closed section set appropriately in the blower pipe; an open / closed valve disposed within the open / closed section that is displaceable between an open position that allows the passage of the gas and a closed position that prevents the passage of the gas; a pair of intake and exhaust pipes arranged in parallel with the open / closed section, one end of which is connected to one end of the open / closed section and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the open / closed section; a blower that generates the airflow; and the intake and exhaust from the blower. The invention provides a blower unit connected to the intake and exhaust pipe pair, having a switching means for switching between an airflow supply state in which airflow is supplied to the pipe pair and an airflow non-supply state in which airflow is not supplied from the blower to the intake and exhaust pipe pair, and an interlocking mechanism for mechanically linking the operation of the switching means and the on-off valve, wherein the interlocking mechanism links the switching means and the on-off valve such that the on-off valve takes the open position when the switching means switches to the airflow non-supply state, and the on-off valve takes the closed position when the switching means switches to the airflow supply state.

[0007] According to the present invention, the shape of the air blower pipe can be designed more flexibly.

[0008] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of an island facility including multiple gaming machines. This is a plan view showing the general configuration of an island facility including multiple gaming machines. This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the first banknote transport system according to the present invention. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and the air vent pipe including it, and a transport body and the transport pipe including it, when the moving body and the transport body are repelled by magnetic force. (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the air vent pipe and the air vent control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the relationship between the transport pipe and the transport body. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and the air vent pipe including it, and a transport body and the transport pipe including it, when the moving body and the transport body are attracted to each other by magnetic force. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moving body and the air vent pipe and transport pipe including the transport body when each pole of the magnet on the moving body side is arranged facing the direction of travel. This is a diagram showing a first modified example of the air vent control unit. This is a diagram showing a second modified example of the air vent control unit. (a), (b), (c), and (d) are external perspective views, front views, and plan views of the conveyor 500 with the recovery member (recovery claw) in the open state, and a cross-sectional view of (a) along line A-A. (a) and (b) are external perspective views and plan views of the conveyor 500 with the recovery member (recovery claw) in the closed state. This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the conveying pipe 400 and the conveyor 500. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a conveying system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This is a plan view showing the configuration related to airflow control of the conveying system. This is a perspective view illustrating the moving body, conveyor, and conveying pipe in the conveying system. (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the airflow control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of (a). (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the airflow control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the switching valve and the on / off valve and the state of airflow in each part. Figures (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the switching valve and the on / off valve, and the airflow conditions in each part. They are perspective views showing the on / off section, the intake / exhaust pipe pair, and the area around the blower unit. Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view. Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0029] <Conveyor Tube> The conveyor tube (conveyor path) 400 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 6. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the conveyor tube and the conveyed body. In Figure 6, the inside of the conveyor tube 400 is shown partially exposed. In the banknote conveying system 10, the conveyed body 500 is conveyed using magnetic force, so the conveyor tube 400 is made of a material that does not affect the movement of the conveyed body 500 based on magnetic force. It is desirable that the entire conveyor tube 400 be made of a non-magnetic material, but it may also contain a magnetic material in part to the extent that it does not affect the movement of the conveyed body 500. The conveyor tube 400 has a configuration (thickness of the tube, separation between tubes, or shape, etc.) that allows magnetic force to be applied between the moving body 200 arranged in the moving path portion 111 and the conveyed body 500 arranged in the conveyor tube 400.

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

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

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

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

[0034] <Relationship between conveyor pipe and conveyor body> The conveyor pipe 400 includes a base conveyor path 402 located near the blower pipe 100 and a banknote conveyor path 403 located on the opposite side from the blower pipe 100. The base conveyor path 402 is a horizontally elongated space on which the conveyor base 510 of the conveyor body 500 travels, and the banknote conveyor path 403 is a vertically elongated space on which the banknote collection and holding section 540 of the conveyor body 500 and the banknotes held in the banknote collection and holding section 540 travel. In this example, the conveyor body 500 travels under the influence of a magnetic repulsive force from the moving body 200. Therefore, the base conveyor path 402 and the conveyor base 510 are configured to prevent the conveyor base 510 from detaching from the base conveyor path 402 (movement toward the banknote conveyor path 403), and to maintain the position of the conveyor base 510 in a position where it can receive the magnetic force from the moving body 200. The inner surface shape of the base transport path 402 and the outer surface shape of the transport base 510 are formed so that the transport base 510 does not rotate relative to the base transport path 402, with respect to a virtual axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the base transport path 402. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base transport path 402 and the cross-sectional shape of the transport base 510 are configured to be rectangular. With the above configuration, the posture of the moving body 200 within the base transport path 402 is maintained such that the north pole (one pole) of the transport body side magnet 523 always faces the air blower pipe 100 side.

[0035] <Relationship between the moving body and the transporter> The relationship between the magnetic material on the moving body and the magnetic material on the transporter will be explained. <<Repulsion only>> As shown in Figure 4, one or more magnets may be placed on both the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 in directions that repel each other, so that only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500. When only a repulsive force acts between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500, it is desirable to place multiple magnets on at least one of the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 at predetermined intervals in the direction of travel. By placing multiple magnets on at least one of the moving body 200 and the transporter 500 in the direction of travel, when the transporter 500 moves under the repulsive force from the moving body 200, the magnets on the moving body 213 and the magnets on the transporter 523 are arranged alternately. That is, when the transporter 500 moves, the transporter 500 is positioned relative to the moving body 200. In this case, it is particularly preferable to have a difference of one in the number of magnets provided on the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500. In other words, when n is a natural number, it is preferable to place n magnets on one of the moving body 200 and the conveying body 500, and n+1 magnets on the other. When the conveying pipe 400 is placed above the blower pipe 100 to act as a repulsive force between the conveying body 500 and the moving body 200, the conveying body 500 floats within the conveying pipe 400, making it less likely for the conveying body 500 to come into contact with the conveying pipe 400. Therefore, a decrease in the conveying force of the conveying body 500 due to friction with the conveying pipe 400 is prevented, and the conveying body 500 can be moved smoothly. In addition, since contact between the conveying body 500 and the conveying pipe 400 is suppressed, the generation of fine dust due to contact between each component can be prevented. Furthermore, if a repulsive force is to be 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] <<Attraction Only>> Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air vent and transport pipe including the moving body and the transport body when the moving body and the transport body are attracted to each other by magnetic force. In the illustrated example, the magnet 213 on the moving body and the magnet 523 on the transport body are attached to the moving body 200 and the transport body 500 in a position where they attract each other. The longitudinal positions of the magnet 213 on the moving body and the magnet 523 on the transport body are aligned through the walls of the air vent 100 and the transport pipe 400, making it easy to position the transport body 500 relative to the moving body 200. When only an attractive force based on magnetic force is applied between the moving body 200 and the transport body 500, it is sufficient that at least one of the magnetic materials mounted on the moving 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 moving body 200, and a magnetic material other than a magnet that is attracted to the magnet (e.g., an iron plate) may be placed on the other. If only magnetic attraction is applied between the moving body 200 and the transporter 500, it is sufficient to place at least one set of magnetic materials (e.g., a set of magnets, or a set of a magnet and an iron plate) on the transporter 500 and the moving body 200.

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

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

[0039] <<Magnet Orientation: Vertical Arrangement>> Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air duct and transport pipe, including the mobile body and transport body, when the poles of the mobile body-side magnets are arranged facing the direction of travel. In the illustrated example, the mobile body-side magnet 213 is attached to the segmented piece 210 such that the north pole (one pole) faces the safe unit side (left side in the figure) and the south pole (the other pole) faces the distal end side (right side in the figure). The transport body-side magnet 523 is attached to the segmented piece 520 such that the north pole faces the air duct 100 side and the south pole faces upward in the figure. The safe unit-side surface (north pole) of the mobile body-side magnet 213 repels the transport body-side magnet 523 (north pole), and the distal end-side surface (south pole) of the mobile body-side magnet 213 attracts the transport body-side magnet 523 (north pole), thus allowing both repulsive and attractive forces to act between the mobile body 200 and the transport body 500.

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

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

[0042] Thus, even when using two blowers, airflows in the first direction and the second direction can be generated in the air duct 100. In this example, since the air inlets of the two blowers 310a and 310b are connected by the connecting pipe 340, air can be efficiently circulated in the airtight airflow path 101.

[0043] 〔Modified Embodiment 2 Related to Air Blowing Control〕 Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the air blowing control unit. The air blowing control unit 300C may be configured to include blowers 310a and 310b at one end 100a and the other end 100b of the air duct 100, respectively. The on / off and air volume of the blowers 310a and 310b are controlled by the management unit 800. When generating an airflow flowing in the first direction (arrow B direction) 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 blower 310b takes in external air from the air inlet and sends it out, thereby generating an airflow in the arrow B direction in the air duct 100. Also, this airflow is taken into the blower 310a from the exhaust port of the blower 310a and discharged from the air inlet. When generating an airflow flowing in the second direction (arrow C direction) in the air duct 100 (second state, carrier return state), one blower 310b may be turned off and the other blower 310a may be turned on to generate an airflow. In this example, since a pipe for using the airflow path 101 as a circulation path is unnecessary, the configuration is simplified.

[0044] B. Paper Sheet Conveying System According to the Second Invention <<Carrier (Banknote Collection Shuttle)>> Figs. 11(a), (b), (c), and (d) are an external perspective view, a front view, a plan view, and an A-A cross-sectional view of the carrier 500 in a state where the recovery member (recovery claw) is open, and Figs. 12(a) and (b) are an external perspective view and a plan view of the carrier 500 in a state where the recovery member (recovery claw) is closed. Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the conveying pipe 400 and the carrier 500.

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

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

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

[0048] Each collection claw 544 in the expanded state shown in FIG. 11 includes an inner proximal end piece 544a pivotally supported by a shaft support portion 541a, an intermediate piece 544b extending outward in the width direction of the carrier from the proximal end piece 544a, and an end piece 544c bent or curved obliquely forward from the intermediate piece 544b and protruding. When the collection claw 544 passes through the standby portion 450, mainly the intermediate piece 544b and the end piece 544c enter the standby portion 450, and push the entire bill forward while contacting the rear edge of the standby bill. Since the end piece 544c protrudes obliquely from the end of the intermediate piece 544b, even if the rear edge of the bill in contact with the intermediate piece 544b tries to be displaced outward in the width direction along the surface of the intermediate piece, the end piece 544c can surely prevent this. After the standby bill is transferred onto the transport base 510, the end piece 544c prevents the stacked bills from being displaced in the width direction or falling. In the posture where each collection claw 544 is expanded as shown in FIG. 11, by configuring the intermediate piece 544b to be parallel to the width direction of the transport path 401 or inclined toward the forward direction P, when the intermediate piece contacts the rear edge of the bill in the standby portion, it can be surely locked and pressed in the forward direction. [[ID=[]] [[ID=[]]

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

[0050] C. A third conveying system according to the present invention [Outline configuration] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an outline configuration of a conveying 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 conveying system. Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the moving body, conveying body, and conveying pipe in the conveying system. In the following figures, the direction in which the blower pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400 overlap (vertical direction) is the Z direction, the direction in which the blower pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400 (conveying path 401) extend (longitudinal direction) is the L direction, and the width direction of the blower pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400 is the W direction. The W direction is perpendicular to both the Z direction and the L direction. The LW plane (LW surface) defined by the L direction and the W direction is sometimes called a virtual plane on which the airflow path 101 (or conveying path 401) extends.

[0051] The transport system (traveling system) 10C comprises an endless air supply pipe 100, a blower unit 350 (350-1, 350-2) including a blower (airflow generator) that generates airflow within the air supply pipe 100, a mobile body (traveling body) 200 that moves within the air supply pipe 100 in response to airflow (external force), a transport path (transporting body path) 401 in which at least a portion is arranged along the air supply pipe 100 and adjacent to the air supply pipe, and a transporting body (traveling body) 500 configured to hold the object to be transported and travels within the transport path. The transport system 10C also includes a management unit (control means) 800 (see Figure 3) that controls each part. The mobile body 200 is equipped with a mobile body-side magnet (mobile body-side magnetic material, traveling body-side magnetic material) 213, and the transporting body 500 is equipped with a transporting body-side magnet (transporting body-side magnetic material, traveling body-side magnetic material) 523. The transport system 10C is configured to move the transporter 500 in conjunction with the movement of the mobile body 200 due to a repulsive force based on the magnetic force acting between the mobile body magnet 213 and the transporter magnet 523 when they are in close proximity. The repulsive force is an external force that moves the transporter 500. In the transport system 10C, one mobile body 200 and one transporter 500 that travels in conjunction with the mobile body constitute a pair of linked travel pairs 250.

[0052] The transport system 10C includes an endless air supply pipe 100 and an endless transport path 401 in which the mobile body 200 travels. Because the portion of the airflow path 101 in which the mobile body 200 travels is endless, the configuration related to the control of the airflow in the air supply pipe 100 differs from "A. First Invention".

[0053] The conveying system 10C includes a branching section 1000 in the middle of the blower pipe 100 (airflow path 101) and the conveying pipe 400 (conveying path 401) where both pipes (both paths) branch off. The blower pipe 100A branches into blower pipes 100B and 100C at the branching section 1000. The conveying pipe 400A branches into conveying pipes 400B and 400C at the branching section 1000. The blower pipe 100 and the conveying pipe 400 maintain a parallel state in each section, including the branching section 1000.

[0054] An airflow path switching unit 1100 is located on the blower pipe 100 side of the branching section 1000. The airflow path switching unit 1100 guides the mobile body 200 traveling along the blower pipe 100A to either the blower pipe 100B or 100C. A transport path switching unit 1400 is located on the transport pipe 400 side of the branching section 1000. The transport path switching unit 1400 guides the transport body 500 traveling along the transport pipe 400A to either the transport pipe 400B or 400C. The airflow path switching unit 1100 and the transport path switching unit 1400 rotate simultaneously and integrally around a rotation axis that lies on the same axis. The interlocking travel pair 250 passes through the branching section 1000 without its interlocking state being obstructed.

[0055] The transport system 10C includes a vehicle stopping device (hereinafter simply referred to as "stopping device") 900 that stops the moving vehicle (vehicle) 200 at a predetermined position. The stopping device 900 includes a stopping magnet (not shown in Figure 14) that attracts the vehicle-side magnet 213. The stopping magnet changes position or orientation between a retracted state and a stopped state. The retracted state is a state in which the stopping magnet cannot stop the vehicle 200. The stopped state is a state in which the stopping magnet can stop the vehicle 200.

[0056] <Mobile body, transport body and transport path> Here, the mobile body 200, transport body 500 and transport pipe 400 shown in Figure 14 are different from those shown in Figures 11 to 13, etc.

[0057] As shown in Figure 16, the mobile body 200 comprises two segmented pieces 210 and a shaft 215 connecting the segmented pieces 210. Each segmented piece is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate laterally by hinges (not shown) provided at both ends of the shaft 215. A mobile body-side magnet 213 is positioned on the upper surface of each segmented piece 210. Rollers 216 are positioned at the four corners of each segmented piece to allow it to move smoothly inside the air blower pipe 100.

[0058] The conveyor body 500 omits the support members 541, retrieval claws 544, and rollers 545 shown in Figures 11 to 13. Conveyor tables 550, 550 for placing (or supporting) the object to be conveyed are attached to the upper surfaces of some of the segmented pieces 520, 520 of the conveyor body 500 by an appropriate method. The conveyor body 500 includes a shaft member 551 that extends along the width direction (W direction in the figure) of the conveyor body 500 and is supported by the conveyor table 550, and a plurality of rollers 552... that are rotatably supported by the shaft member 551. Each roller 552... is configured to contact the upper surface of each end of the conveyor pipe 400 in the width direction, thereby enabling the conveyor body 500 to move smoothly along the conveyor pipe 400.

[0059] The transport path 401 consists only of the base transport path 402 shown in Figure 13, and the top surface of the transport path 401 is open. That is, the transport pipe 400 is semi-cylindrical. The top opening 411 provided in the transport path 401 is an opening that extends along the longitudinal direction (travel direction, L direction). From each end of the top opening 411 in the width direction, protrusions 413, 413 are provided toward the other end. The protrusions 413, 413 extend along the longitudinal direction of the transport path 401. The width of the top opening 411 is set to be narrower than the width of the transport base 510, so the transport base does not deviate from the base transport path 402 via the top opening 411. The top surfaces of the protrusions 413, 413 are guide rails 415, 415 on which each roller 552... runs. By providing an upper opening 411 in the transport path 401 and positioning the transport tables 550, 550 attached to the transport base 510 above the upper opening 411, it is possible to transport objects wider than the transport body 500.

[0060] [First Embodiment] The following describes the configuration related to the control of the airflow within the airflow pipe 100 and the portion of the mobile body 200 that travels (travel path portion 111), which is configured in an endless manner. Figures 17(a), 18(a), and 18(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the airflow control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 17(a).

[0061] The transport system (airflow control system) 10C1 includes a blower pipe 100 that moves a movable body 200 housed in a hollow section by airflow, an open / close section 130 (first open / close section 130-1, second open / close section 130-2) set at appropriate locations in the blower pipe 100, and an open / close valve 131 (first open / close valve 131-1, second open / close valve 131-2) positioned within the open / close section 130 that allows the passage of gas and the movable body 200 within the open / close section 130 when the valve is open (when it assumes an open position), and prevents the passage of gas and the movable body 200 within the open / close section 130 when the valve is closed (when it assumes a closed position). The transport system 10C1 includes a pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140 (first intake and exhaust pipe pair 140-1, second intake and exhaust pipe pair 140-2) which comprises a first intake and exhaust pipe 141 (141-1, 141-2) with one end 141a connected to one end 130a of the opening and closing section 130, capable of drawing in or expelling gas from the air blower pipe 100, and a second intake and exhaust pipe 142 (142-1, 142-2) with one end 142a connected to the other end 130b of the opening and closing section 130, capable of expelling or drawing in gas to or from the air blower pipe 100.

[0062] The transport system 10C1 includes a blower unit 350 (350-1, 350-2) which includes a blower (airflow source) 310 that generates airflow within the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140, and a management unit 800 (control means: see Figure 3) which controls each on-off valve 131 and each blower unit 350. As shown in Figure 17(b), the blower unit 350 is positioned appropriately in the middle of the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140. That is, the other end 141b of the first intake and exhaust pipe 141 of the blower unit 350 is connected to the first connection port 351a, and the other end 142b of the second intake and exhaust pipe 142 is connected to the second connection port 352a. When one of the first intake and exhaust pipe 141 and the second intake and exhaust pipe 142 constituting each intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 functions as an intake pipe that draws gas from the blower pipe 100, the other functions as an exhaust pipe that discharges gas to the blower pipe 100. The control unit 800 controls the on-off valve 131 and the blower unit 350 so as to close the on-off valve 131 when generating airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140, and to stop the airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 when opening the on-off valve 131.

[0063] The first opening / closing section 130-1 and the first intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1 corresponding to the first opening / closing section 130-1 are arranged in parallel. The second opening / closing section 130-2 and the second intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-2 corresponding to the second opening / closing section 130-2 are arranged in parallel. Hereafter, when describing the opening / closing section 130 and intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 which are in a parallel relationship, the terms "first" and "second" will be omitted for the opening / closing section and intake / exhaust pipe pair.

[0064] The intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 and the blower unit 350 form an airtight flow path between them and the blower pipe 100. The gas flow path as a whole is airtight. The intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 differs from the moving path section 111 in that gas flows through it, but the moving body 200 does not travel through it. The transport system 10C1 is composed of an opening / closing section 130 and at least two pairs of intake and exhaust pipe pairs 140. When an airflow is formed in the blower pipe 100, at least one blower unit 350 generates an airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140. The gas flows endlessly through at least one intake and exhaust pipe pair 140 and the blower unit 350 within the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140. The gas circulates in a continuous line through the airflow path including the moving path section 111 and at least one intake and exhaust pipe pair 140.

[0065] <Relationship between airflow in the opening / closing section and airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair> The gas is controlled to flow through either the opening / closing section 130 or the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. The reasons for this are as follows. Firstly, when the on-off valve 131 is opened when the blower unit 350 generates airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140, a localized circulating flow occurs between the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 and the opening / closing section 130. When a localized circulating flow occurs, the airflow stops in the blower pipe 100 outside the opening / closing section 130, making it impossible to move the mobile body 200. Secondly, when the on-off valve 131 is opened and airflow is generated in the blower unit 350 intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 in a state where the mobile body 200 can pass through the opening / closing section 130, the flow of gas drawn into the blower unit 350 causes the mobile body 200 to adhere to the intake / exhaust pipe functioning as an intake pipe, hindering the smooth movement of the mobile body 200 in the opening / closing section 130.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the on-off valve 131 and the blower unit 350 are controlled to close the on-off valve 131 when an airflow is generated in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. Also, when the mobile body 200 travels through the opening / closing section 130, the on-off valve 131 and the blower unit 350 are controlled to open the on-off valve 131 and stop the airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. For example, in Figure 17(a), the gas passes through the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1 but does not pass through the opening / closing section 130-1. Conversely, in Figure 18(a), the gas passes through the opening / closing section 130-1 but does not pass through the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1.

[0067] <<Outline Configuration of Blower Unit>> The blower unit 350 has a configuration similar to the airflow control unit 300 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 17(b), the blower unit 350 includes a blower 310 that generates an airflow flowing in a predetermined direction, a first connection port 351a that can allow gas to flow in one of the intake and exhaust directions, and a second connection port 352a that can allow gas to flow in the other of the intake and exhaust directions. The first connection port 351a functions as one of the intake and exhaust ports, and the second connection port 352a functions as the other of the intake and exhaust ports.

[0068] More specifically, the blower unit 350 comprises a first circulation pipe 330 that forms an endless flow path inside the blower unit, a blower 310 and a switching valve (internal switching valve) 325 positioned appropriately in the first circulation pipe 330, and a first pipe 351 and a second pipe 352 connected to the switching valve 325. The blower 310 is an airflow generating means that generates airflow in only one direction. Gas flows in one direction within the first circulation pipe 330. The blower 310 is positioned appropriately in the middle of the first circulation pipe 330 in the longitudinal direction. The switching valve 325 is positioned at other appropriate locations in the middle of the first circulation pipe 330 in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] The first circulation piping 330 includes an exhaust pipe 331 extending from the exhaust port (downstream side) of the blower 310 to the switching valve 325, and an intake pipe 333 extending from the intake port (upstream side) of the blower 310 to the switching valve 325. The first circulation piping 330 forms an endless gas circulation path including the blower 310 and the switching valve 325.

[0070] The switching valve 325 is configured to connect four pipes in a cross shape. The other end of the first pipe 351, which has a first connection port 351a at one end, and the other end of the second pipe 352, which has a second connection port 352a at one end, are connected to the switching valve 325. The exhaust pipe 331 and the intake pipe 333 are connected to the switching valve 325 in a linear positional relationship, and the first pipe 351 and the second pipe 352 are also connected in a linear positional relationship. That is, the first circulation pipe 330 and the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 are connected in a cross shape via the switching valve 325. The switching valve 325 switches between allowing gas to flow between two adjacent pipes, or allowing gas to flow along two pipes in a linear positional relationship (in this case, the exhaust pipe 331 and the intake pipe 333).

[0071] The operation of the switching valve 325 and the state of airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 will be explained. Figures 19(a) to (c) and 20(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the switching valve and the on / off valve, and the state of airflow in each part. The switching valve 325 switches between an airflow supply state in which airflow is supplied from the blower 310 to the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140, and an airflow non-supply state in which airflow is not supplied from the blower 310 to the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. As shown in Figure 19(a), the switching valve 325 can connect the intake pipe 333 to only the first intake / exhaust pipe 141, and the exhaust pipe 331 to only the second intake / exhaust pipe 142 (airflow supply state). In this case, the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 functions as an intake pipe, and the second intake / exhaust pipe 142 functions as an exhaust pipe.

[0072] As shown in Figures 19(c) and 20(a), the switching valve 325 can be positioned along the first circulation piping 330 (no airflow supply state). In this case, the exhaust pipe 331 and the intake pipe 333 communicate with both the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 and the second intake / exhaust pipe 142. However, the gas only circulates within the first circulation piping 330, effectively stopping the airflow in the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 and the second intake / exhaust pipe 142. As shown in Figure 20(c), the switching valve 325 can connect the exhaust pipe 331 only to the first intake / exhaust pipe 141, and the intake pipe 333 only to the second intake / exhaust pipe 142 (airflow supply state). In this case, the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 functions as an exhaust pipe, and the second intake / exhaust pipe 142 functions as an intake pipe. In this way, the blower unit 350 can control the presence and direction of airflow within the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140.

[0073] <Specific Configuration of Opening / Closing Section, Intake / Exhaust Pipe Pair, and Blower Unit> Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the opening / closing section, intake / exhaust pipe pair, and the area around the blower unit. Figures 22 and 23 are exploded perspective views of Figure 21. Figures 21 to 23 generally depict the configuration shown in Figure 17(b). Note that the blower 310 and intake pipe 333 are omitted in Figure 23.

[0074] <<Air Blower Pipe>> As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the air blower pipe member 105, which is located in the opening / closing section 130 of the air blower pipe 100, is composed of a traveling pipe section 1051 that forms the travel path section 111 on which the mobile body 200 travels, and a branching pipe section 1052 that branches off from the traveling pipe section 1051 and is in airtight communication with the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 or the second intake / exhaust pipe 142.

[0075] As shown in Figure 23, the air duct member 105 is configured to be divisible into two parts in the vertical direction. The air duct member 105 comprises an upper air duct member 1053U located on the side of the transport pipe 400 (see Figure 23) and a lower air duct member 1053L located on the side opposite to the transport pipe 400.

[0076] The lower air supply pipe member 1053L, specifically the portion constituting the branch pipe section 1052, is provided with a connecting portion 1054 that connects to the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 or the second intake / exhaust pipe 142. The connecting portion 1054 is positioned so as not to interfere with the transport pipe 400. Between the traveling pipe section 1051 and the branch pipe section 1052 of the lower air supply pipe member 1053L, a guide 1055 is positioned in a manner that allows for the flow of gas between the two pipe sections, preventing the mobile body 200 from entering the branch pipe section 1052. The guide 1055 prevents the mobile body 200 from entering the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 side. The guide 1055 extends along the longitudinal direction of the traveling pipe section 1051 and assists in the smooth movement of the mobile body 200 along the travel path section 111.

[0077] <<On / Off Valve>> As shown in Figures 21 and 22, an on / off valve 131 is positioned between two air duct members 105, 105. The on / off valve 131 only needs to have a configuration that allows or prohibits the passage of the movable body 200 and gas. As an example, as shown in Figure 23, the on / off valve 131 comprises a valve body 1311 having a generally cylindrical shape and a passage 1312 penetrating in the diametrical direction, and a case 1314 (lower member 1314L, upper member 1314U) that rotatably houses the valve body 1311 about its axis Ax1 (first axis).

[0078] The case 1314 is provided with connection ports 1315, 1315 at appropriate locations on its outer circumference for airtight connection to one end of the travel pipe section 1051 in the longitudinal direction. The on-off valve 131 is provided with an outer peripheral wall 1313 on the outer circumference other than the opening of the flow path 1312. The on-off valve 131 is a rotary valve that switches between an open state and a closed state by rotating the valve body 1311 around axis Ax1 and displacing its orientation. When the on-off valve 131 is open, the flow path 1312 of the valve body 1311 communicates with the connection ports 1315, 1315 of the case 1314, allowing the movable body 200 and gas to pass through. When the on-off valve 131 is closed, the outer peripheral wall 1313 of the valve body 1311 faces the connection ports 1315, 1315 of the case 1314, prohibiting the passage of the movable body 200 and gas.

[0079] <<Blower Unit - Switching Valve>> The switching valve 325 of the blower unit 350 will now be described. As shown in Figure 23, the switching valve 325 generally comprises a valve body 3251 and a case 3252 that houses the valve body 3251. The case 3252 is generally cylindrical in shape, and four connection ports 3253 to 3253 for connecting piping are opened on its outer circumference at 90-degree intervals around axis A x 2 (second axis). The valve body 3251 is equipped with a partition wall 3254 that extends in the diametrical direction. The valve body 3251 is a rotary valve and rotates around axis A x 2 to switch between an airflow supply state and an airflow non-supply state. The partition wall 3254 divides the space inside the case 3252 into two parts.

[0080] When the switching valve 325 is not supplying airflow, the partition wall 3254 takes an orientation that extends along the flow of gas in the first circulation pipe 330. As a result, the switching valve 325 circulates the airflow generated by the blower 310 within the circulation pipe 330. When the switching valve 325 is supplying airflow, the partition wall 3254 takes an orientation that connects two adjacent pipes but prevents pipes in a linear positional relationship from connecting. As a result, the switching valve 325 changes the direction of the airflow generated by the blower 310 and supplies the airflow from the circulation pipe 330 to the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140.

[0081] <<Driving means>> The transport system 10C1 is equipped with driving means 326 for driving the on / off valve 131 and the switching valve 325. Driving means 326 are provided for each on / off section 130.

[0082] As shown in Figure 22, the drive means 326 comprises a motor 3261 and an interlocking means (interlocking mechanism) 3263. The interlocking means 3263 mechanically interlocks the operation of the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325. That is, the interlocking means 3263 interlocks the two valves so that the on-off valve 131 opens when the switching valve 325 switches to an airflow non-supply state, and the on-off valve 131 closes when the switching valve 325 switches to an airflow supply state.

[0083] The interlocking mechanism 3263 shown in this example is a gear train serving as a drive force transmission mechanism. Specifically, the interlocking mechanism 3263 comprises a drive gear 3264 that rotates integrally with the drive shaft 3262 of the motor 3261, an idler gear 3265 that meshes with the drive gear 3264, a driven gear 3266 that meshes with the idler gear 3265, and a driven shaft 3267 that rotates integrally with the driven gear 3266. The drive shaft 3262 extends along axis Ax2. Ax2 extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first circulation pipe 330. The driven shaft 3267 extends along axis Ax1. Ax1 extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the air blower pipe 100.

[0084] A valve body 3251 is mounted to one longitudinal end of the drive shaft 3262 so as to be rotatable integrally with the drive shaft 3262. A drive gear 3264 is mounted to the other longitudinal end of the drive shaft 3262 so as to be rotatable integrally with the drive shaft 3262. A valve body 1311 of the on / off valve 131 is mounted to the driven shaft 3267 so as to be rotatable integrally with the driven shaft 3267.

[0085] Here, as shown in Figures 19(a), (c) and 20(c), the switching valve 325 switches between supplying airflow to the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 and not supplying airflow by rotating the valve body 3251 by 45 degrees (second rotation angle). As shown in the same figure, the on / off valve 131 switches between an open position and a closed position by rotating the valve body 1311 by 90 degrees (first rotation angle). In this embodiment, the rotation of the drive shaft 3262 is accelerated by a predetermined reduction ratio and transmitted to the driven shaft 3267, thereby mechanically linking the valve body 3251 and the valve body 1311.

[0086] In this embodiment, a gear train in which multiple gears mesh was used as the interlocking means 3263, but the means for mechanically interlocking the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325 are not limited to this. For example, a link mechanism, timing belt, cam, etc. may be used as the interlocking means.

[0087] <Detection and Control of Moving Objects 1> As shown in Figure 17(a), the transport system 10C1 is equipped with an entry detection sensor 132 (first entry detection sensor 132-1, second entry detection sensor 132-2: entry detection means) upstream of the opening / closing section 130 to detect the entry of a moving object into the opening / closing section 130. The transport system 10C1 is equipped with a departure detection sensor 133 (first departure detection sensor 133-1, second departure detection sensor 133-2: departure detection means) downstream of the opening / closing section 130 to detect the departure of the moving object 200 from the opening / closing section 130. The entry detection sensor 132 and the departure detection sensor 133 are composed of, for example, transmissive photosensors.

[0088] As shown in Figure 17(a), when the mobile body 200 is traveling away from the opening / closing section 130, the control unit 800 can control the motor 3261 (Figure 23, etc.) to close all the opening / closing valves 131 so that airflow is supplied to the blower pipe 100 from all the intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140. When the entry detection sensor 132 detects the mobile body 200, the control unit 800 (Figure 3) controls the mobile body 200 so that it can pass through the opening / closing section 130. That is, the control unit 800 drives the motor 3261 (Figure 23, etc.) so that the opening / closing valves 131 open and the airflow in the intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140 stops.

[0089] The control unit 800 controls the flow of gas into the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 when the departure detection sensor 133 detects the moving body 200. Specifically, the control unit 800 drives the motor 3261 so that the on-off valve 131 closes and gas flows into the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140. In this way, the control unit 800 can integrally control the on-off valve 131 and the blower unit 350 corresponding to a single on-off section 130 by driving the motor 3261 based on the detection results regarding the entry and exit of the moving body 200 into and out of a single on-off section 130.

[0090] <Detection and Control of Moving Objects 2> In the transport system 10C1, the departure detection sensor 133 may be omitted. In this case, the management unit 800 (Figure 3) can use the detection result regarding the entry of the moving object 200 into another open / closed section 130 (e.g., 130-1) when restarting the airflow in one of the stopped intake / exhaust pipe pairs 140 (e.g., 140-2). That is, as shown in Figure 18(a), when the first entry detection sensor 132-1 detects the moving object 200, the management unit 800 drives the motor 3261 (Figure 23, etc.) so that the first on / off valve 131-1 opens and the airflow in the first intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1 stops. Furthermore, the management unit 800 drives the motor 3261 so that the second on / off valve 131-2 closes and gas flows through the second intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-2.

[0091] Subsequently, when the second entry detection sensor 132-2 detects the moving body 200, the management unit 800 drives the motor 3261 so that the second on-off valve 131-2 opens and the airflow in the second intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-2 stops. At this time, the management unit 800 drives the motor 3261 so that the first on-off valve 131-1 closes and gas flows through the first intake / exhaust pipe pair 140-1. In this way, the management unit 800 may control each on-off valve 131 and each blower unit 350 without using the detection result of the departure detection sensor 133.

[0092] Furthermore, the management unit 800 may detect the entry or exit of the moving body 200 into or out of the opening / closing section 130 by calculating the position of the moving body 200 using the moving speed of the moving body 200 and the flow velocity of the gas.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the present invention was described based on an example in which the blower 310 is always in operation. However, the switch for switching the blower 310 on and off may be mechanically linked to the opening and closing of the on / off valve 131. In this case, the first circulation piping 330 and the switching valve 325 in the blower unit 350 can be omitted, and the intake port and exhaust port (or the two intake and exhaust ports of the blower 310) can be directly connected to either the first intake / exhaust pipe 141 or the second intake / exhaust pipe 142, respectively.

[0094] When the blower 310 is directly connected to the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140, the direction of the airflow in the blower pipe 100 is determined by the direction of the airflow generated by the blower 310. The blower 310 may be a means of generating airflow in one direction, or a means of generating airflow in two directions.

[0095] In this embodiment, the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325 are shown to rotate around axes Ax1 and Ax2 extending in the same direction (Z direction). However, the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325 may be rotary valves that rotate around axes extending in different directions. Also, one or both of the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325 may be valves other than rotary valves. The interlocking means is configured to interlock the on-off valve 131 and the switching valve 325, depending on their configurations.

[0096] [Summary of the configuration, operation, and effects of the third embodiment of the present invention] <First embodiment> The airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment includes a blower pipe 100 which serves as a gas flow path, an open / closed section 130 set at an appropriate location in the blower pipe, an open / closed valve 131 arranged within the open / closed section which can be displaced between an open position that allows the passage of gas and a closed position that prevents the passage of gas, and a valve arranged in parallel with the open / closed section, with one end 141a connected to one end 130a of the open / closed section and the other end 142a connected to the other end 130b of the open / closed section. The system comprises a pair of intake and exhaust pipes 140, a blower (airflow source) 310 that generates airflow, and a blower unit 350 connected to an appropriate intermediate position of the pair of intake and exhaust pipes, having a switching means (switching valve 325, or a switch on the blower, etc.) for switching between an airflow supply state in which airflow is supplied from the blower to the pair of intake and exhaust pipes and an airflow non-supply state in which airflow is not supplied from the blower, and an interlocking mechanism (interlocking means 326) that mechanically interlocks the operation of the switching means and the on-off valve. The interlocking mechanism is characterized by interlocking the switching means and the on-off valve such that the on-off valve takes an open position when the switching means switches to the airflow non-supply state and the on-off valve takes a closed position when the switching means switches to the airflow supply state.

[0097] If gas is drawn in or exhausted at the middle of the longitudinal direction of the air supply pipe (the travel path portion 111 on which the mobile body 200 travels in this embodiment), the travel path portion can be configured in an endless manner. Furthermore, it becomes possible to make the air supply pipe (travel path portion) longer, allowing for a more flexible design of the travel path portion. However, if the intake port opens in the middle of the travel path portion, the mobile body will be sucked into the intake port, making it difficult to move. Also, if the blower is operated with the on / off valve open, a localized circulating flow will occur between the on / off section and the intake / exhaust pipe pair. When a localized circulating flow occurs, the airflow will not spread throughout the entire air supply pipe.

[0098] In this embodiment, the on-off valve is closed when generating airflow within the intake and exhaust pipe pair, and the airflow within the intake and exhaust pipe pair is stopped when the on-off valve is opened. Therefore, even if gas is drawn in or exhausted in the middle of the movement path, the airflow can be distributed throughout the entire ventilator. Consequently, the movement path can be designed more flexibly.

[0099] Furthermore, by linking the on-off valve and the switching mechanism, the airflow in the on-off section and the intake / exhaust pipe pair can be easily controlled. The on-off valve and the switching mechanism may be means that switch states by rotation, or means that switch states by actions other than rotation. The linking mechanism is appropriately selected according to the operating mode of the on-off valve and the switching mechanism. Gears (gear trains), linkage mechanisms, timing belts, cams, and other mechanisms can be used as linking mechanisms, either individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0100] <Second Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the on-off valve 131 is a valve that rotates around a first axis (axis Ax1) extending in a predetermined direction to switch between an open position and a closed position, and the switching means (switching valve 325, or a blower switch) is a means that rotates around a second axis (axis Ax2) extending in a predetermined direction to switch between an airflow supply state and an airflow non-supply state. The interlocking mechanism (interlocking means 326) is characterized by including a gear that transmits the rotation of one of the switching means and the on-off valve to the other. According to this embodiment, by interlocking the on-off valve 131 and the switching means, the airflow in the intake and exhaust pipe pair and the opening and closing section can be easily controlled. By making both the on-off valve and the switching means rotational means, the two can be easily interlocked using gears (gear train).

[0101] <Third Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the first rotation angle by which the on-off valve 131 rotates between an open position and a closed position is different from the second rotation angle by which the switching means (switching valve 325, or blower switch) rotates between an airflow supply state and an airflow non-supply state. The interlocking mechanism (interlocking means 326) is characterized by transmitting the rotation of one of the switching means and the on-off valve to the other at a predetermined reduction ratio. For example, if both the on-off valve and the switching means are rotating means and the rotation angles related to the switching of positions or states are different, the rotation can be reduced or increased in speed by using a gear train in the interlocking mechanism.

[0102] <Fourth Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveying system 10C) according to this embodiment, the blower unit 350 is equipped with a first circulation pipe 330 that forms a gas circulation path including the blower 310, and the circulation pipe and the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 are connected in a cross shape via a switching means (switching valve 325). The airflow generated by the blower flows along the circulation pipe. By changing the state of the switching means, it is possible to switch between an airflow non-supply state and an airflow supply state even when the blower is in continuous operation.

[0103] <Fifth Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the switching means is a switching valve 325 whose posture is displaced between an airflow supply state in which the airflow generated by the blower 310 is supplied to the intake and exhaust pipe pair 140, and an airflow non-supply state in which the airflow generated by the blower is not supplied to the intake and exhaust pipe pair. In this embodiment, the blower is kept in a constantly operating state, and it is possible to switch whether or not to supply the airflow generated by the blower to the intake and exhaust pipe pair. Since it is not necessary to turn the blower on and off, the load on the blower bearings related to turning the blower on and off can be reduced. In addition, since switching the posture of the switching valve is more responsive than turning the blower on and off, the state of the airflow can be changed quickly.

[0104] <Sixth Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveying system 10C) according to this embodiment, the switching valve 325 is characterized in that when it is in an airflow non-supply state, it takes a position that circulates the airflow generated by the blower 310 in the circulation piping 330. The airflow generated by the blower flows along the circulation piping. The switching valve can be displaced to a position that does not obstruct the flow of gas in the circulation piping. In other words, when it is in an airflow non-supply state, the switching valve can take a position that does not change the direction of the airflow in the circulation piping. In this case, even if the intake and exhaust pipe pair is in communication with the circulation piping, the gas can circulate in the circulation piping. A state in which virtually no airflow is generated in the intake and exhaust pipe pair can be created. The switching valve takes a position that supplies the airflow generated by the blower from the circulation piping to the intake and exhaust pipe pair when it is in an airflow supply state. In this case, the switching valve takes a position that changes the direction of the airflow in the circulation piping. In this way, by changing the state of the switching means, it is possible to switch between an airflow non-supply state and an airflow supply state even if the blower is operated continuously.

[0105] <Seventh Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, the blower pipe 100 forms a travel path portion 111 which is a space on which the mobile body 200 travels when it receives the airflow flowing inside the blower pipe, and the on / off valve 131 is configured to allow the passage of the mobile body when it is opened. According to this embodiment, in a system on which a mobile body travels inside a blower pipe, the mobile body can be made to travel in an endless manner by applying the airflow control method shown in each of the above embodiments. In addition, the travel path portion 111 on which the mobile body travels can be made to be particularly long.

[0106] <Eighth Embodiment> In the airflow control system (conveyor system 10C) according to this embodiment, a guide 1055 is provided between the travel path portion 111 on which the mobile body 200 travels and the intake / exhaust pipe pair 140 to prevent the mobile body from entering the intake / exhaust pipe pair. The guide allows the flow of gas between the air supply pipe and the intake / exhaust pipe pair, and prohibits the mobile body from entering the intake / exhaust pipe pair. The guide can be shaped to extend along the longitudinal direction of the air supply pipe. By providing the guide, the mobile body can travel smoothly within the air supply pipe.

[0107] Arrows A, A1, A2... (circulation direction), Arrows B, B1, B2... (banknote collection direction), Arrows C, C1, C2... (conveyor return direction), L, L1, L2... island equipment, Ax1, Ax2... axis, L axis... extension direction of conveyor pipe / conveyor path, W axis... width direction of conveyor pipe / conveyor path, Z axis... vertical direction, 1... amusement machine, 2... inter-machine, 10... banknote conveyor system, 10C... conveyor system (travel system), 100, 100A to 100C... blower pipe, 100a... one end, 100b... other end, 101... air passage, 105... blower pipe member, 1051... travel pipe section, 1052... branch pipe section, 1053U... upper blower pipe member ,1053L...Lower air supply pipe member, 1054...Connection part, 1055...Guide, 110...First air supply pipe, 111...Movement path part, 120...Second air supply pipe, 130, 130-n...Opening / closing section, 130a...One end, 130b...Other end, 131, 131-n...Opening / closing valve, 1311...Valve body, 1312...Flow path, 1313...Outer peripheral wall, 1314...Case, 1314L...Lower member, 1314U...Upper member, 1315...Connection port, 132, 132-n...Entry detection sensor (Entry detection means), 133, 133-n...Departure detection sensor (Departure detection means), 134...First detection sensor (Entry detection means, Departure 135... Second detection sensor (entry detection means, exit detection means), 140, 140-n... Intake and exhaust pipe pair, 141, 141-n... First intake and exhaust pipe, 141a... One end, 141b... Other end, 142, 142-n... Second intake and exhaust pipe, 142a... One end, 142b... Other end, 200... Moving body, 210... Divided piece, 211... Hinge part, 213... Moving body side magnet (moving body side magnetic material), 215... Shaft, 216... Roller, 250... Interlocking travel pair, 300, 300B, 300C... Air blower control unit, 310, 310a, 310b... Blower (airflow generating device), 320... Switching unit Knit, 321...casing, 323...flow path, 323a...first flow path, 323b...second flow path, 323c...third flow path, 323d...fourth flow path, 325...switching valve (internal switching valve), 3251...valve body, 3252...case, 3253...connection port, 3254...partition wall, 326...driving means, 3261...motor, 3262...drive shaft, 3263...interlocking means, 3264...drive gear, 3265...idler gear, 3266...driven gear, 3267...driven shaft, 330...first circulation piping, 330a...one end, 330b...other end, 331...exhaust pipe, 333...intake pipe, 340...connecting piping, 350,350-n...Blower unit, 351...First piping, 351a...First connection port, 352...Second piping, 352a...Second connection port, 400, 400A-400C...Conveyor pipe, 401...Conveyor path, 402...Base conveyor path, 403...Banknote conveyor path, 405...Recess, 411...Top opening, 413...Protrusion, 415...Guide rail, 450...Standby section, 500...Conveyor body, 510...Conveyor base, 520...Divided piece, 520a...Internal space, 520b...Protrusion, 520c...(Inner) area, 521...Hinge section, 523...Conveyor body side magnet ( 525...Roller, 540...Banknote collection and holding section, 541...Support member, 541a...Axis support, 541b...Spring, 544...Collection claw (collection member), 544a...Base end piece, 544b...Intermediate piece, 544c...End piece, 545...Roller, 550...Conveyor table, 551...Axis member, 552...Roller, 600...Receiving unit, 700...Safe unit, 800...Management unit (control means), 801...Housing, 900...Stopping device, 1000...Branching section, 1100...Airflow path switching section, 1400...Conveyor path switching section. Note that "-n" in the symbols indicates the branch number, and "n" is a natural number.

Claims

1. An airflow control system for controlling airflow, comprising: a blower pipe that serves as a gas passage; an open / closed section set at an appropriate location in the blower pipe; an on / off valve disposed within the open / closed section, which is displaceable between an open position that allows the passage of the gas and a closed position that prevents the passage of the gas; a pair of intake and exhaust pipes arranged in parallel with the open / closed section, with one end connected to one end of the open / closed section and the other end connected to the other end of the open / closed section; a blower unit connected to the intake and exhaust pipe pair, which has a blower that generates the airflow and a switching means for switching between an airflow supply state in which airflow is supplied from the blower to the intake and exhaust pipe pair and an airflow non-supply state in which airflow is not supplied from the blower to the intake and exhaust pipe pair; and an interlocking mechanism that mechanically links the operation of the switching means and the on / off valve. The interlocking mechanism is characterized by interlocking the switching means and the on-off valve such that the on-off valve takes the open position when the switching means switches to the airflow non-supply state, and the on-off valve takes the closed position when the switching means switches to the airflow supply state.

2. The airflow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the on-off valve is a valve that rotates about a first axis extending in a predetermined direction to switch between an open valve position and a closed valve position, the switching means is a means that rotates about a second axis extending in a predetermined direction to switch between an airflow supply state and an airflow non-supply state, and the interlocking mechanism includes a gear that transmits the rotation of one of the switching means and the on-off valve to the other.

3. The airflow control system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first rotation angle of the on-off valve between the open position and the closed position is different from the second rotation angle of the switching means between the airflow supply state and the airflow non-supply state, and the interlocking mechanism transmits the rotation of one of the switching means and the on-off valve to the other at a predetermined reduction ratio.

4. The airflow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the blower unit comprises circulation piping that forms a circulation path for the gas including the blower, and the circulation piping and the intake / exhaust pipe pair are connected in a cross shape via the switching means.

5. The airflow control system according to claim 4, characterized in that the switching means is a switching valve whose posture is displaced between the airflow supply state and the airflow non-supply state.

6. The airflow control system according to claim 5, characterized in that the switching valve circulates the airflow generated by the blower within the circulation piping when the airflow is not supplied.

7. The airflow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply pipe forms a space within the air supply pipe on which a moving body travels in response to the airflow flowing inside the air supply pipe, and the on / off valve is configured to allow the passage of the moving body when the valve is open.

8. The airflow control system according to claim 7, characterized in that a guide is provided between the travel path portion on which the moving body travels and the intake and exhaust pipe pair to prevent the moving body from entering the intake and exhaust pipe pair.

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