Currency processing device and currency processing method

Abstract

This design allows for cleaning the inside of the device using a cleaning tool without requiring a separate storage compartment for the cleaning tool. [Solution] A currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device with a cleaning body is configured with a storage unit for storing currency and cleaning bodies, a transport unit for transporting currency and cleaning bodies dispensed from the storage unit, an identification unit for identifying currency and cleaning bodies transported by the transport unit, and a control unit that uses the identification unit to identify whether the transported object dispensed from the storage unit and transported by the transport unit is currency or a cleaning body, and then performs currency processing with currency and cleaning processing with cleaning bodies.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a currency processing apparatus and a currency processing method for processing currency.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various currency processing apparatuses that convey and process currency along a conveyance path provided in the apparatus have been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a currency processing apparatus provided with a storage for cleaning coins. This apparatus can clean the conveyance path by conveying the cleaning coins fed out from the storage along the conveyance path. The cleaning is performed when an operation button or a power switch is operated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document Ⅰ

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above prior art, it is necessary to newly provide a storage for storing cleaning coins inside the currency processing apparatus. In recent years, there are many demands for miniaturization of the apparatus, and there may be cases where it is not preferable to provide a dedicated storage section for storing cleaning bodies for internal cleaning of the apparatus, such as cleaning coins.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above prior art, and one of its objects is to provide a currency processing apparatus and a currency processing method capable of performing a cleaning process using a cleaning body without providing a dedicated storage section for the cleaning body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The currency processing device according to this disclosure is a currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device with a cleaning body, comprising: a storage unit for storing currency and a cleaning body; a transport unit for transporting the currency and the cleaning body dispensed from the storage unit; an identification unit for identifying the currency and the cleaning body transported by the transport unit; and a control unit that uses the identification unit to identify whether the transported object dispensed from the storage unit and transported by the transport unit is currency or a cleaning body, and performs currency processing with the currency and cleaning processing with the cleaning body.

[0007] In the above configuration, the control unit may change the transport route depending on whether the transported object is the currency or the cleaning body.

[0008] In the above configuration, the control unit may perform cleaning while transporting the cleaning body in a loop-shaped transport path.

[0009] In the above configuration, the control unit may transport the cleaning body a predetermined number of times to perform cleaning, and then store the cleaning body in the storage unit after the cleaning is completed. The completion of cleaning is determined by whether the predetermined cleaning completion conditions have been met.

[0010] In the above configuration, when currency processing is performed, the control unit may, if currency to be processed is dispensed from the storage unit, transport the currency along the transport path and process it according to the processing content of the currency processing; if the cleaning body is dispensed from the storage unit, transport the cleaning body along the transport path and store the cleaning body in the storage unit after cleaning is completed.

[0011] In the above configuration, the storage unit includes a first storage unit for storing currency and a second storage unit for storing a smaller number of dispensable currency than the first storage unit. When the control unit performs a preparation process to prepare a predetermined number of dispensable currency for each denomination in the second storage unit using currency dispensed from the first storage unit, if the cleaning body is dispensed from the first storage unit, the control unit stores the cleaning body in the second storage unit together with the dispensable currency. When the control unit performs a dispensing process to dispense the currency to be dispensed from the second storage unit to the outside of the device, if the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed, and the cleaning body may be stored in the second storage unit after transport while cleaning is necessary, and then stored in the first storage unit after cleaning is completed.

[0012] In the above configuration, the first storage unit may store a mixture of multiple denominations of coins that constitute the change dispensed by the currency processing device, and the second storage unit may store a mixture of the minimum number of coins necessary for dispensing the change.

[0013] In the above configuration, the control unit may perform the cleaning process in a mode selected from a plurality of modes, including: a mode in which, when the preparation process is executed, the cleaning body unloaded from the first storage unit is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed, and when predetermined cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit; and a mode in which, after the cleaning body unloaded from the first storage unit is stored in the second storage unit when the preparation process is executed, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed when the withdrawal process is executed, and when predetermined cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit, or if the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit and the cleaning is repeated each time a withdrawal process is performed.

[0014] In the above configuration, the control unit may determine that the cleaning completion condition is met when the number of times the cleaning body is transported by the transport unit reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0015] In the above configuration, the control unit may determine whether cleaning is necessary using a sensor that detects the degree of soiling, and if a result is obtained indicating that cleaning is unnecessary, it may determine that the cleaning completion condition has been met.

[0016] In the above configuration, the control unit may perform at least one of the following: a process that proposes a change in the number of cleaning bodies to be stored in the storage unit, and a process that proposes a change in the storage unit that stores the cleaning bodies among the plurality of storage units that constitute the storage unit.

[0017] The currency processing method relating to this disclosure is a currency processing method to be performed by a currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device with a cleaning body, and includes the steps of: using an identification unit to identify whether the object to be transported, which is dispensed from a storage unit and transported by a transport unit, is currency or a cleaning body; performing currency processing using the currency; and performing cleaning processing using the cleaning body.

[0018] In the above configuration, the process may include changing the transport route depending on whether the object to be transported is the currency or the cleaning body.

[0019] The above configuration may include a step of transporting the cleaning body in a loop along a transport path.

[0020] In the above configuration, the process may include transporting the cleaning body a predetermined number of times to perform cleaning, and then storing the cleaning body in the storage unit after the cleaning is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the currency processing device and currency processing method described herein, a cleaning process can be performed in which the inside of the device is cleaned by a cleaning body stored in the currency storage section, without providing a dedicated storage section for cleaning bodies within the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of the currency processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a coin processing device which is an example of a currency processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the deposit processing executed by the coin processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the withdrawal processing and the change preparation processing executed by the coin processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning processing executed by the coin processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the first mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning end condition. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the change preparation processing flow in the second mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the withdrawal processing flow in the second mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the change preparation processing flow in the third mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the withdrawal processing flow in the third mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the coin processing device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a currency processing device and a currency processing method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The currency to be processed by the currency processing device may be paper money or coins.

[0024] [Overview of Currency Processing Device] (Device Configuration and Currency Processing) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of the currency processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the currency processing device 1 includes a deposit unit 10, a dispensing unit 20, a transport unit 30, an identification unit 40, and a currency storage unit 50. The deposit unit 10, the dispensing unit 20, the identification unit 40, and the currency storage unit 50 are connected by a transport path. The transport unit 30 can transport currency along a transport path provided within the device, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1.

[0025] The currency processing device 1 dispenses currency from the currency storage unit 50 and performs a dispensing process to discharge a specified amount of currency from the dispensing unit 20 to the outside of the device. The currency dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 is transported by the transport unit 30 as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1. Specifically, the currency dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 is transported to the identification unit 40 to have its denomination identified, and then transported to the dispensing unit 20.

[0026] If the coin storage unit 50 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations and the denomination of the coin dispensed from the coin storage unit 50 cannot be identified, then, based on the identification result by the identification unit 40, the coins to be dispensed should be dispensed from the dispensing unit 20, while the coins not to be dispensed should be returned to the coin storage unit 50. If the coin storage unit 50 consists of multiple storage units that store coins by denomination, and the denomination of the coin dispensed from the coin storage unit 50 can be identified, then the identification of the denomination by the identification unit 40 may be omitted. However, for storage units that store coin-shaped cleaning bodies 100 together with coins, regardless of whether the storage is mixed or by denomination, the identification unit 40 is used to identify whether coins or coin-shaped cleaning bodies 100 have been dispensed from the storage unit.

[0027] The currency processing device 1 can perform deposit processing, which involves counting the number and value of each denomination of currency deposited from the deposit unit 10, as well as the total amount, and storing them in the currency storage unit 50. The currency deposited from the deposit unit 10 is transported by the transport unit 30 as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1. Specifically, the currency received by the deposit unit 10 is transported to the identification unit 40, where its denomination is identified, and then stored in the currency storage unit 50. The types of currency processing performed by the currency processing device 1 are not limited; for example, the currency processing device 1 may perform only withdrawal processing, or it may be capable of performing currency processing other than deposit and withdrawal processing.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, a sensor 70 for detecting currency is provided in the transport path. The sensor 70 includes a light-emitting unit that emits detection light and a light-receiving unit that receives the detection light from the light-emitting unit. The sensor 70 is positioned such that the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving unit changes depending on the currency passing through the sensor 70's position. The currency processing device 1 detects currency passing through the sensor 70's position based on the change in the amount of detection light.

[0029] The currency is transported with at least a portion of its surface, i.e., at least a portion of the front or back of the currency, in contact with the transport surface of the transport path. One of the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the sensor 70 is positioned to form a plane with the transport surface or to be set back from the transport surface, while the other is positioned opposite so that the currency passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts. As a result, the sensor 70 can detect the currency based on the amount of light detected as the currency passes, without obstructing the passage of the currency as it is transported along the transport surface.

[0030] The sensor 70 and the prism may be used in a facing arrangement. For example, a U-shaped prism with a light-receiving surface and an light-emitting surface at both ends may be arranged such that the light-receiving surface and the light-emitting surface form a plane with the transport surface, or are positioned set back from the transport surface. The sensor 70 is positioned facing the prism so that the coins pass between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts. The light-emitting part of the sensor 70 emits detection light toward the light-receiving surface of the prism on the transport surface, and the detection light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the prism on the transport surface is received by the light-receiving part of the sensor 70. This allows for the detection of passing coins based on changes in the amount of detection light without obstructing the passage of the coins.

[0031] Sensors 70 are provided at multiple locations along the transport path. For example, a sensor 70 is provided at a location just before the transport direction of a branching point where the transport path splits into multiple transport paths. The transport unit 30 includes belts and rollers driven by actuators such as motors, and transports currency along a transport path provided within the device. When currency processing is performed, the transport unit 30 detects the arrival of currency using the sensors 70 and switches the transport direction of the currency at the branching point.

[0032] For example, a sensor 70 is provided at a position in front of the identification unit 40 in the transport direction. The identification unit 40 includes at least one identification sensor necessary for identifying currency, such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a thickness sensor, and identifies currency by comparing the characteristic quantities of currency acquired by the identification sensor with a pre-prepared identification template. When currency processing is performed, the identification unit 40 detects the arrival of currency using the sensor 70 and acquires various characteristic quantities from the currency being transported by the transport unit 30 using the identification sensor. Based on the acquired characteristic quantities of currency, the identification unit 40 identifies the denomination and authenticity of the currency. The identification unit 40 may also identify whether the currency is genuine or damaged, indicating the degree of damage to the currency.

[0033] (Cleaning process) The currency processing device 1 has one feature in that it stores currency and currency-shaped cleaning bodies 100 in the same currency storage unit 50, and performs cleaning of sensors 70 installed in the transport path using currency-shaped cleaning bodies 100 dispensed from the currency storage unit 50. Hereinafter, the currency-shaped cleaning body 100 will be simply referred to as the cleaning body 100 and described in detail.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the currency processing device 1 stores the cleaning body 100 together with the currency in the currency storage section 50 which stores the currency to be withdrawn (A). The currency processing device 1 unloads the cleaning body 100 from the currency storage section 50 and transports it to a transport path where the sensor 70 is installed, and performs the cleaning process of the sensor 70.

[0035] The cleaning body 100 has the same or similar shape as a coin. When the object to be processed by the currency processing device 1 is a coin, a cleaning body 100 with the same or similar shape as a coin should be used, and when the object to be processed is a banknote, a cleaning body 100 with the same or similar shape as a banknote should be used. This allows the currency processing device 1 to store the cleaning body 100 in the currency storage section 50 and to dispense the cleaning body 100 from the currency storage section 50, just like with coins. The currency processing device 1 can also transport the cleaning body 100 along the transport path using the transport section 30, just like with coins.

[0036] The currency processing device 1 transports the cleaning body 100 along a loop-shaped transport path, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, to perform the cleaning process for the sensors 70 (B). The currency processing device 1 transports the cleaning body 100 along the loop-shaped transport path one or more times to clean multiple sensors 70 installed along the transport path.

[0037] The transport unit 30 transports the cleaning body 100, which has been unloaded from the currency storage unit 50, and passes it through the position where the sensor 70 is located, thereby cleaning the sensor 70 and the prism used with the sensor 70. For example, as the cleaning body 100 passes through, dust adhering to the surface of the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the sensor 70, and dust adhering to the light-receiving and light-emitting surfaces of the prism, etc., falls off, cleaning away dirt that may affect the emission and reception of detected light.

[0038] The cleaning body 100 is not particularly limited in shape, as long as it can be transported by the transport unit 30 and stored in the currency storage unit 50, just like currency. It should be shaped in a way that is suitable for cleaning. For example, if the cleaning body 100 is to remove dust and other dirt by brushing or sweeping the surface of the object to be cleaned, such as the sensor 70 or prism, it should be shaped in a way that makes this possible. For example, if the cleaning body 100 is to dislodge dust and other dirt by lightly tapping or vibrating the object to be cleaned, such as the sensor 70 or prism, it should be shaped in a way that makes this possible. The object to be cleaned by the cleaning body 100 may include the transport path in place of or in addition to the sensor 70 or prism, but below, the object to be cleaned may simply be referred to as the sensor 70.

[0039] During withdrawal processing, the currency processing device 1 dispenses coins from the currency storage unit 50 and, if identified by the identification unit 40, withdraws them from the withdrawal unit 20. If the identified coins are cleaning units 100, it causes them to circulate along the transport path to perform cleaning. If the currency storage unit 50 stores coins of multiple denominations in a mixed state, the identified coins are returned to the currency storage unit 50 if they are not eligible for withdrawal.

[0040] If the currency storage unit 50 consists of multiple storage units, the cleaning unit 100 may perform a cleaning process when dispensing currency from a storage unit, identifying it with the identification unit 40, and moving it to another storage unit. For example, when performing a replenishment process to replenish currency from one storage unit to another, if the item to be transported by the transport unit 30, identified by the identification unit 40, is currency, it should be transported to the target storage unit; if it is a cleaning unit 100, the transport route should be changed and the cleaning unit 100 should circulate along the transport path to perform the cleaning process. Also, for example, when performing a verification process to check the amount of currency in a storage unit by moving it to another storage unit, identifying and verifying it, and then returning it to the original storage unit, if the item to be transported by the transport unit 30, identified by the identification unit 40, is currency, it should be transported to the original storage unit; if it is a cleaning unit 100, the transport route should be changed and the cleaning unit 100 should circulate along the transport path to perform the cleaning process.

[0041] The cleaning process may be performed independently of the currency processing. For example, if the item to be transported by the transport unit 30, which is dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 and identified by the identification unit 40, is currency, it should be returned to the currency storage unit 50; if it is a cleaning object 100, the cleaning process should be performed.

[0042] (Cleaning completion conditions and cleaning determination process) The currency processing device 1 terminates the cleaning process when the pre-set cleaning termination conditions are met (C). The cleaning termination conditions can be changed by setting. The currency processing device 1 may also terminate the cleaning process based on a cleaning termination condition selected from a plurality of pre-prepared cleaning termination conditions.

[0043] The cleaning completion condition is set such that, for example, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is transported once along a loop-shaped transport path as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, and then returned to the currency storage unit 50. In this case, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is transported along the loop-shaped transport path, identified again by the identification unit 40, and then stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0044] The cleaning completion condition is set such that, for example, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is repeatedly transported along a loop-shaped transport path as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, and when the number of transports reaches a predetermined number, it is returned to the currency storage unit 50. In this case, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is transported in a loop-shaped transport path, and after the number of times it has been identified by the identification unit 40 reaches a predetermined number, it is stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0045] The cleaning completion condition is set to, for example, execute a cleaning determination process that determines whether cleaning is necessary based on the degree of soiling detected by the sensor 70, and return the cleaning body to the currency storage unit 50 if the determination result is that cleaning is not necessary. In this case, the cleaning determination process is executed each time the cleaning body 100 is identified by the identification unit 40, and the circulating transport of the cleaning body 100 continues as long as cleaning is necessary, and when cleaning is no longer necessary, the cleaning body 100 is stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0046] In the cleaning determination process, if the amount of light detected by the sensor 70 decreases due to the influence of dust and other dirt adhering to the sensor 70 or prism, it is determined that cleaning is necessary. In other words, the currency processing device 1 determines that cleaning is not necessary as long as the amount of light detected by the sensor 70 remains within a predetermined range.

[0047] For example, the currency processing device 1 determines that cleaning is unnecessary if the sensor 70 can still transmit and receive detection light even when the intensity of the detection light is reduced, and determines that cleaning is necessary if reducing the intensity of the detection light makes it impossible to transmit and receive detection light.

[0048] Specifically, when there is no currency at the location where the sensor 70 is positioned, the currency processing device 1 changes the amount of detection light emitted from the light-emitting part of the sensor 70 to a predetermined amount lower than that used during currency processing, and compares the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving part with a preset threshold. The threshold is set so that if there is no effect of dirt, the amount of detection light will be equal to or greater than the threshold, and if cleaning is required due to the effect of dirt, the amount of detection light will be less than the threshold. When the cleaning determination process is executed, the currency processing device 1 determines that the sensor 70 is dirty and needs cleaning if the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving part is less than the threshold, and determines that cleaning of the sensor 70 is not necessary if it is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0049] The cleaning determination process may be performed without changing the amount of detection light emitted from the light-emitting part of the sensor 70. For example, when there is no money at the location where the sensor 70 is placed, the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving part of the sensor 70 can be examined to determine whether cleaning is necessary. Specifically, the money processing device can store the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving part when there is no influence from dirt as a reference amount, and determine that cleaning is necessary when the amount of detection light received by the light-receiving part falls below the reference amount by a predetermined threshold.

[0050] If the cleaning determination process determines that cleaning is not necessary, the currency processing device 1 does not perform the cleaning process even if the cleaning body 100 is dispensed from the currency storage unit 50, and returns the cleaning body 100 to the currency storage unit 50. On the other hand, if the cleaning determination process determines that cleaning is necessary, the currency processing device 1 starts the cleaning process using the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40, and when the cleaning completion conditions are met, it returns the cleaning body 100 to the currency storage unit 50 and ends the cleaning process. Depending on the cleaning completion conditions, the cleaning body 100 may be transported once along a loop-shaped transport path and the cleaning may be completed, or it may be transported in a loop multiple times and the cleaning may be completed.

[0051] (Notification processing and proposal processing) The currency processing device 1 can perform notification processing to notify information related to cleaning (D). Notification processing is performed by displaying information on a display device provided by the currency processing device 1 or on a display device connected to the currency processing device 1. Through notification processing, information is communicated to users and administrators of the currency processing device 1.

[0052] For example, when the cleaning unit 100 is dispensed from the coin storage unit 50 and the cleaning process begins, information indicating this is displayed on the display device, and when the cleaning process is completed, information indicating this is also displayed on the display device. In other words, information indicating that the cleaning process is in progress is displayed on the display device. If the cleaning unit 100 is transported multiple times in a loop-shaped transport path to perform the cleaning process, information indicating which transport it is, i.e., which cleaning it is, may be displayed on the display device.

[0053] The currency processing device 1 can perform notification processing to make a suggestion regarding cleaning. The suggestion is made by displaying information indicating the content of the suggestion on a display device.

[0054] The currency processing device 1 can suggest a change in the number of cleaning bodies 100 stored in the currency storage unit 50. The currency processing device 1 waits for the cleaning bodies 100 stored together with the currency to be dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 before executing the cleaning process. If the number of cleaning bodies 100 stored in the currency storage unit 50 increases, the cleaning bodies 100 become easier to dispense from the currency storage unit 50, and the cleaning process becomes easier to execute. If the sensor 70 determines that the environment is prone to soiling, the currency processing device 1 suggests increasing the number of cleaning bodies 100.

[0055] The currency processing device 1 performs a determination process regarding the likelihood of the sensor 70 becoming soiled and proposes increasing the number of cleaning units 100 based on the determination result. For example, if the number of currency items processed within a predetermined period, such as the number of currency items processed in a day, exceeds a preset threshold, the currency processing device 1 proposes increasing the number of cleaning units 100. For example, the currency processing device 1 may periodically perform a cleaning determination process, monitor the time interval until a determination result indicating that cleaning is necessary is obtained, and if a time interval shorter than a predetermined threshold occurs consecutively for more than a preset number of times, it may determine that the sensor 70 is in an environment where it is likely to become soiled and propose increasing the number of cleaning units 100.

[0056] The currency processing device 1 may monitor the number of coins stored in the currency storage unit 50 and suggest increasing the number of cleaning units 100 based on the ratio of the number of coins to the number of cleaning units 100. For example, the probability of a cleaning unit 100 being dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 differs depending on whether there are 100 coins and 1 cleaning unit 100 stored in the currency storage unit 50 or 200 coins and 1 cleaning unit 100. For this reason, for example, if the number of coins stored in the currency storage unit 50 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the currency processing device 1 may suggest increasing the number of cleaning units 100. The currency processing device 1 may also suggest increasing the number of cleaning units 100 when the ratio of the number of cleaning units 100 to the number of coins falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0057] If the currency storage unit 50 includes multiple storage units, the currency processing unit 1 may suggest changing the storage unit that stores the cleaning body 100 based on the frequency of currency dispensing from each storage unit. For example, if the currency storage unit 50 stores currency by denomination in multiple storage units, it monitors the number of currency dispensed from each storage unit during dispensing and suggests that if there is a storage unit with a larger number of dispensing currency than the storage unit currently storing the cleaning body 100, it suggests that the cleaning body 100 be stored in that storage unit. In other words, the currency processing unit 1 suggests changing the storage unit for the cleaning body 100 to another storage unit from which the cleaning body 100 is more likely to be dispensed, based on the frequency of currency dispensing from each storage unit. By changing the storage unit that stores the cleaning body 100 according to the suggestion, the cleaning body 100 becomes easier to dispense from the currency storage unit 50.

[0058] Thus, in the currency processing device 1, cleaning can be performed by storing the cleaning body 100 together with the currency in the currency storage unit 50 that stores the currency for withdrawal, without providing a dedicated storage unit for the cleaning body 100. When the cleaning body 100 is dispensed from the currency storage unit 50, the cleaning process is performed automatically, so users of the currency processing device 1 do not need to manually start the cleaning process or visually check the degree of soiling of the sensor 70, and the clean state of the sensor 70 can be easily maintained. If a cleaning completion condition is set, cleaning by the cleaning body 100 will be repeatedly performed until the condition is met, so the clean state of the sensor 70 can be easily maintained by setting the cleaning completion condition according to the usage status and environment of the currency processing device 1 and the sensor 70.

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the configuration of the currency processing device 1 and does not limit the device configuration. A single transport path connects the loop-shaped transport path where the identification unit 40 is located to the currency storage unit 50, and both the storage of currency into the currency storage unit 50 and the dispensing of currency from the currency storage unit 50 may be performed using this transport path. Other components may be provided on the loop-shaped transport path where the identification unit 40 is located, and currency may be transported in a circulating manner, passing through these components and the identification unit 40. The following describes the more specific configuration and operation of the currency processing device 1, focusing on coins. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Figure 1, and their explanation may be omitted.

[0060] [Configuration of coin processing device] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the coin processing device (currency processing device) 1. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the external appearance of a settlement system including the coin processing device 1, and Figure 2(b) shows an example of the internal configuration of the coin processing device 1. The coin processing device 1 can process the cleaning body 100 in the same way as coins, but the device configuration will be explained using coins as an example.

[0061] The coin processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 is installed in a store that sells goods to customers. As shown in Figure 2(a), the coin processing device 1 is connected to the cash register 3 together with the banknote processing device 2 and is used to settle transaction amounts with customers. The amount of the goods purchased by the customer is registered in the cash register 3 and the transaction amount is determined. Of the cash paid by the customer, coins are deposited from the deposit section 10 of the coin processing device 1, and banknotes are deposited from the deposit slot 2a of the banknote processing device 2. The coin processing device 1 performs the coin deposit process, and the banknote processing device 2 performs the banknote deposit process. The sum of the amount of coins deposited by the coin processing device 1 and the amount of banknotes deposited by the banknote processing device 2 becomes the amount of cash deposited by the customer. If the deposit amount exceeds the transaction amount, the change dispensing process is performed. Of the change, coins are dispensed from the dispensing section 20 of the coin processing device 1, and banknotes are dispensed from the dispensing section 2b of the banknote processing device 2.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2(b), the coin processing device 1 includes a coin processing unit 90, a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. In addition to the configuration described in Figure 1, the coin processing unit 90 includes a dispensing unit 60.

[0063] The coin processing unit 90 is provided with two storage units: a first storage unit 51 and a second storage unit 52. The first storage unit 51 and the second storage unit 52 are examples of the coin storage unit 50 described in Figure 1. The first storage unit 51 and the second storage unit 52 store coins and dispense coins. The first storage unit 51 and the second storage unit 52 store coins that have been transported by the transport unit 30. The coins dispensed by the first storage unit 51 and the coins dispensed by the second storage unit 52 are transported by the transport unit 30. The first storage unit 51 and the second storage unit 52 store coins in a mixed state. In this embodiment, a mixed state means that multiple denominations of coins are stored together in one storage unit, and it is not possible to determine which of the multiple denominations of coins stored there will be the next coin dispensed from that storage unit. The coin processing device 1 stores the deposited coins in the first storage unit 51 during deposit processing and withdraws the coins stored in the second storage unit 52 during withdrawal processing; further details will be described later.

[0064] The transport unit 30 shown in Figure 2(b) includes an upper transport unit 30a, a plurality of gates 30b, a chute 30c provided corresponding to each gate 30b, and a lower transport unit 30d. The dispensing unit 60 receives coins from the deposit unit 10, the second storage unit 52, the upper transport unit 30a, and the lower transport unit 30d, and can store multiple coins in the storage space. The dispensing unit 60 dispenses the stored coins one by one into the transport path that constitutes the upper transport unit 30a. The configuration of the dispensing unit 60 is not particularly limited, but for example, a rotating disc type dispensing unit 60 is used in which a disc having protrusions on the outer circumference of its surface is rotated at an inclination, and coins that catch on the protrusions are transported upward as the disc rotates and dispensed one by one into the upper transport unit 30a.

[0065] The upper transport section 30a includes a loop-shaped transport path that transports coins dispensed one by one from the dispensing section 60 back to the dispensing section 60 via the identification section 40 and a plurality of gates 30b. Multiple chutes 30c connect each of the multiple gates 30b provided in the upper transport section 30a to the first storage section 51, the dispensing section 20, and the second storage section 52 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0066] The upper transport unit 30a transports coins by pressing them in the transport direction with the projections of a belt positioned opposite the transport surface on either side of the coin, while keeping at least a portion of one side of the coin in contact with the transport surface of the transport path. The projections then push the coin in the transport direction. The gates 30b provided in the transport path are designed to open and close so as to form a plane with the transport surface when closed, and are normally closed. The upper transport unit 30a detects the arrival of coins using a sensor 70 and controls the opening and closing of each gate 30b.

[0067] The upper transport unit 30a can open the gate 30b corresponding to the first storage unit 51, allowing coins to fall into the chute 30c and be stored in the first storage unit 51. The upper transport unit 30a can open the gate 30b corresponding to the dispensing unit 20, allowing coins to fall into the chute 30c and be dispensed from the dispensing unit 20. The upper transport unit 30a can open the gate 30b corresponding to the second storage unit 52, allowing coins to fall into the chute 30c and be stored in the second storage unit 52. The upper transport unit 30a can continue transporting coins with all gates 30b closed, returning the coins to the dispensing unit 60. By dispensing the coins that have fallen from the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a to the dispensing unit 60 back into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, circular transport in a loop-shaped transport path provided with the identification unit 40 and the dispensing unit 60 is realized.

[0068] The lower transport section 30d transports the coins stored in the first storage section 51 to the upper dispensing section 60. The first storage section 51 is composed of a part of the lower transport section 30d. Specifically, a part of the lower transport section 30d is provided in a part of the bottom surface that forms the storage space of the first storage section 51. The lower transport section 30d transports the coins stored in the first storage section 51 horizontally, and then transports them diagonally upward toward the dispensing section 60. For example, the lower transport section 30d has a belt conveyor type transport mechanism that transports coins on a belt. The lower transport section 30d may transport multiple coins on the belt simultaneously. For example, two or three coins on the belt may be transported simultaneously and fall into the dispensing section 60. The fallen coins are temporarily stored in the dispensing section 60 and then dispensed one by one onto the transport path of the upper transport section 30a.

[0069] The second storage section 52 is located above the dispensing section 60. The second storage section 52 has a gate on its bottom surface that forms the storage space, and when the gate is closed, it stores multiple coins. When this gate is opened, all the coins stored in the second storage section 52 fall out and are stored in the storage space of the dispensing section 60.

[0070] The control unit 110 controls the functions and operations of each part that constitutes the coin processing unit 90. Based on user operations performed in the cash register 3, information received from external devices via the communication unit 130, etc., the control unit 110 can control each part while referring to various information stored in a dedicated storage device or memory such as the storage unit 120. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit 110 is pre-stored in memory, and the functions and operations of the control unit 110 are realized when this program is executed by hardware such as a CPU. This realizes the functions and operations of the coin processing device 1 described in this embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 110 is, for example, one or more general-purpose processing circuits such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0071] The storage unit 120 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the control unit 110. The information stored in the storage unit 120 includes the inventory information of the first storage unit 51, the inventory information of the second storage unit 52, and setting information related to cleaning processes and cleaning judgment processes. The inventory information includes the denominations and number of coins of each denomination stored in the storage units. The inventory information and setting information are not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120 inside the coin processing device 1, but may also be stored in an external device connected to the coin processing device 1.

[0072] The communication unit 130 is used to send and receive information with an external device. For example, a cash register 3 used in conjunction with a coin processing device 1 is included as an external device. The control unit 110 can receive settlement instructions from the external device and send settlement completion notifications to the external device via the communication unit 130. The control unit 110 can send and receive information indicating the deposit amount and change amount with the external device via the communication unit 130. If balance information and setting information are stored in the external device, the control unit 110 can send and receive the necessary information with the external device via the communication unit 130.

[0073] Each process performed by the coin processing device 1 in this embodiment is realized by the control unit 110 controlling the coin processing unit 90 based on at least one of the information stored in the storage unit 120 and the information transmitted and received by the communication unit 130. In this embodiment, the process realized by the control unit 110 may be described as being performed by the coin processing device 1.

[0074] [Coin handling] Examples of processes performed by the coin processing device 1 are described below. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the deposit process. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the withdrawal process and the preparation of change process. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning process. In Figures 3 to 5, the movement of coins is indicated by arrows using the diagram of the coin processing device 90 shown in Figure 2(b), and the movement of coins is indicated by the names of the components below the coin processing device 90. The cleaning unit 100 may be stored in the first storage unit 51 or the second storage unit 52, but the deposit process in Figure 3 and the withdrawal process and preparation of change process in Figure 4 will be explained focusing only on coins, and then the explanation including the cleaning unit 100 will be given.

[0075] (Payment processing) Of the two storage units 51 and 52, the deposit process is performed using the first storage unit 51. During the deposit process, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 3, one or more coins deposited from the deposit unit 10 fall into the dispensing unit 60. The dispensing unit 60 dispenses the multiple coins received from the deposit unit 10 one by one into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a. The coins transported by the upper transport unit 30a are identified by the identification unit 40. Based on the identification result, depositable coins fall from the gate 30b into the chute 30c and are stored in the first storage unit 51. Coins that cannot be deposited are rejected from the dispensing unit 20 and returned to the customer, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 3. The coin processing device 1 ends the deposit process by either rejecting all coins received in the deposit unit 10 from the dispensing unit 20 or storing them in the first storage unit 51.

[0076] (Withdrawal processing) The withdrawal process is performed using the second storage unit 52. The coin processing device 1 uses the second storage unit 52 to store coins to be dispensed as change. Prior to the withdrawal process, the second storage unit 52 stores the minimum number of coins of each denomination required to dispense the change.

[0077] For example, the second storage unit 52 is pre-stored with the minimum number of coins necessary to make up the change. In this embodiment, the minimum number of coins necessary refers to the number of coins of multiple denominations and denominations that can be dispensed from the coin processing device 1 to represent the maximum amount of change that may be dispensed in coins. For example, in the case of Japanese currency coins, the minimum number of coins necessary would be 15 coins totaling 999 yen, consisting of 4 one-yen coins, 1 five-yen coin, 4 ten-yen coins, 1 fifty-yen coin, 4 one hundred-yen coins, and 1 five hundred-yen coin.

[0078] The coin processing device 1 prepares change coins in the second storage unit 52 before the withdrawal process is executed. For example, before the transaction with the customer begins, that is, before the deposit process is executed, the second storage unit 52 is in a state where it has stored change coins.

[0079] During the dispensing process, the gate at the bottom of the second storage section 52 opens, and the change coins stored in the second storage section 52 fall into the dispensing section 60, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 4(a). After all the coins are released from the gate of the second storage section 52 almost simultaneously and fall into the dispensing section 60, the gate closes, and the second storage section 52 returns to a state where it can store coins again. The dispensing section 60 dispenses the multiple coins received from the second storage section 52 one by one into the transport path of the upper transport section 30a. The coins transported by the upper transport section 30a are identified by the identification section 40. Based on the identification result, the coins to be dispensed that constitute the change are discharged from the dispensing section 20 to the outside of the device. Coins that are not to be dispensed fall from the gate 30b into the chute 30c and are returned to the second storage section 52, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4(a).

[0080] When the coin processing device 1 has finished dispensing the coins to be dispensed from the dispensing unit 20, if there are any coins remaining in the upper transport unit 30a or the dispensing unit 60, it returns them to the second storage unit 52 as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 4(a). The coin processing device 1 then dispenses the coins equivalent to the change amount from the coins that have fallen from the second storage unit 52 to the dispensing unit 60, and returns the remaining coins to the second storage unit 52 to complete the dispensing process.

[0081] (Preparing change) After dispensing change from the second storage unit 52, the coin processing device 1 replenishes the second storage unit 52 with the coins dispensed from the first storage unit 51 based on the denominations and number of coins of each denomination used for the change, and performs a change preparation process to prepare the second storage unit 52 with the minimum number of coins required for dispensing change.

[0082] As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 4(b), the coins stored in the first storage unit 51 are transported to the dispensing unit 60 by the lower transport unit 30d. The dispensing unit 60 dispenses the multiple coins received from the first storage unit 51 one by one into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a. The coins transported by the upper transport unit 30a are identified by the identification unit 40. Based on the identification result, the coins to be replenished are stored in the second storage unit 52. Coins that are not to be replenished fall from the gate 30b into the chute 30c and are returned to the first storage unit 51, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 4(b).

[0083] When the coin processing device 1 has finished replenishing the second storage unit 52 with coins, if there are any coins remaining in the upper transport unit 30a or the dispensing unit 60, it returns them to the first storage unit 51 as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 4(b). The coin processing device 1 then returns the second storage unit 52, from which the change coins were dispensed, to a state where it has once again stored the minimum number of coins, and completes the change preparation process.

[0084] In this manner, the coin processing device 1 stores the deposited coins in the first storage unit 51, dispenses coins from the second storage unit 52 as change, and replenishes the dispensed coins from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52. The coin processing device 1 performs the deposit process, the dispensing process, and the change preparation process as a single set, so that when the deposit process begins, the second storage unit 52 is in a state where it has stored the minimum number of coins necessary for change.

[0085] For example, the first storage unit 51 is configured to store a large number of coins so that it can handle multiple deposit and change preparation processes. On the other hand, the second storage unit 52 only needs to handle one change dispensing process, so it can be made smaller than the first storage unit 51. For example, the first storage unit 51 can be configured to store 1,000 or more coins, and the second storage unit 52 can be configured to store about 50 coins.

[0086] [Transportation of cleaning materials during cleaning processes] The cleaning process using the cleaning body 100 will now be described. The coin processing device 1 can perform the cleaning process when it is performing the dispensing process, which involves dispensing change from the second storage unit 52, as shown in Figure 4(a). The coin processing device 1 can also perform the cleaning process when it is performing the change preparation process, which involves replenishing change coins from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52, as shown in Figure 4(b). The cleaning process of the coin processing device 1 is performed using the cleaning body 100, which has the same shape as a coin. Hereafter, the cleaning body 100 will be referred to as the cleaning coin 100 in the description.

[0087] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning process using cleaning coins 100. The cleaning process may be performed when the change preparation process is executed, in which change coins are replenished from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52, as shown in Figure 5(a), or when the dispensing process is executed, in which change is dispensed from the second storage unit 52, as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0088] (Cleaning process during change preparation) Figure 5(a) shows the cleaning process performed using the cleaning coins 100 stored in the first storage unit 51 when the change preparation process is executed. As explained in Figure 4(b), when the change preparation process is executed, the cleaning coins 100 stored together with the coins move from the first storage unit 51 to the dispensing unit 60, as shown in Figure 5(a).

[0089] The coins and cleaning coins 100 dispensed from the first storage unit 51 are transported to the dispensing unit 60 by the lower transport unit 30d. The coins and cleaning coins 100 received from the first storage unit 51 to the dispensing unit 60 are dispensed one by one into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and identified by the identification unit 40. Based on the identification result by the identification unit 40, as explained in Figure 4(b), the coins to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 are stored in the second storage unit 52, and the coins not to be replenished are returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0090] When a cleaning coin 100 is dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, the coin processing device 1 recognizes it based on the identification result from the identification unit 40 and performs the cleaning process. During the cleaning process, the coin that has passed through the identification unit 40 is transported in a loop-shaped transport path as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 5(a), and multiple sensors 70 installed in the transport path are cleaned.

[0091] The coin processing device 1 transports the cleaning coins 100 along a loop-shaped transport path provided with a dispensing unit 60 and an identification unit 40 until the cleaning completion conditions are met. Depending on whether the cleaning completion conditions are met, the coin processing device 1 may not transport the cleaning coins 100, may transport them once, or may transport them multiple times.

[0092] When the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the first storage unit 51 is transported by the upper transport unit 30a via the dispensing unit 60 and identified by the identification unit 40, if the cleaning completion conditions have already been met, the cleaning coin 100 is not transported in a circulating manner. In this case, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5(a), the cleaning coin 100 passes through the identification unit 40 and is returned to the first storage unit 51 without returning to the dispensing unit 60.

[0093] After the cleaning coin 100 has been transported once, that is, when the cleaning coin 100 has been dispensed from the first storage unit 51 and passed through the identification unit 40 and returned to the dispensing unit 60, if the cleaning completion conditions have been met, the cleaning coin 100 will then be dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, pass through the identification unit 40 again, and return to the first storage unit 51.

[0094] After one round of circulating transport of the cleaning coins 100, if the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the cleaning coins 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 return to the dispensing unit 60 via the identification unit 40. The circulating transport, in which the cleaning coins 100 are dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, transported along the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, and then returned to the dispensing unit 60, is repeated until the cleaning completion conditions are met. Once the cleaning completion conditions are met after multiple rounds of circulating transport, the cleaning coins 100 are returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0095] Even after the change preparation process, that is, the replenishment of change coins into the second storage unit 52, the cleaning completion conditions may not be met. In this case, the cleaning coin 100 is not returned to the first storage unit 51, but is stored in the second storage unit 52 along with the change coins, and the cleaning process is performed during the next withdrawal process.

[0096] (Cleaning process during withdrawal processing) Figure 5(b) shows the cleaning process performed using the cleaning coins 100 stored in the second storage unit 52 when a withdrawal process is executed. As explained in Figure 4(a), when a withdrawal process is executed, the cleaning coins 100, which are stored together with the change coins, move from the second storage unit 52 to the dispensing unit 60, as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0097] After the dispensing process begins, the change coins and cleaning coins 100 stored in the second storage unit 52 fall into the dispensing unit 60. The coins and cleaning coins 100 received from the second storage unit 52 into the dispensing unit 60 are dispensed one by one into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and identified by the identification unit 40. Based on the identification result by the identification unit 40, as explained in Figure 4(a), the coins to be dispensed are dispensed from the dispensing unit 20, and the coins not to be dispensed are returned to the second storage unit 52.

[0098] When a cleaning coin 100 is dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, the coin processing device 1 recognizes it based on the identification result from the identification unit 40 and performs the cleaning process. In the cleaning process, the coin that has passed through the identification unit 40 is transported along a loop-shaped transport path as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 5(b), and multiple sensors 70 provided along the transport path are cleaned.

[0099] The difference is that during the cleaning process when replenishing change, the cleaning coins 100 from the first storage unit 51 move to the dispensing unit 60, and during the cleaning process when dispensing cash, the cleaning coins 100 from the second storage unit 52 move to the dispensing unit 60. However, the cleaning process by patrol transport is performed in the same way.

[0100] The coin processing device 1 transports the cleaning coins 100 along a loop-shaped transport path provided with a dispensing unit 60 and an identification unit 40 until the cleaning completion conditions are met. Similar to the cleaning process during the change preparation process described in Figure 5(a), depending on the cleaning completion conditions, the coin processing device 1 may not transport the cleaning coins 100 in a circular manner, may transport them once, or may transport them multiple times.

[0101] When the cleaning coin 100 that has fallen from the second storage unit 52 to the dispensing unit 60 is dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 to the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, if the cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning coin 100 is stored in the first storage unit 51. On the other hand, if the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the transport of the cleaning coin 100 continues and cleaning is performed, and the cleaning coin 100 is returned to the dispensing unit 60.

[0102] During the withdrawal process, if the cleaning coin 100 is transported once or multiple times and the cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning coin 100 is stored in the first storage unit 51, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5(b).

[0103] If the cleaning completion conditions are not met when the withdrawal process is finished, the cleaning coins 100 are returned to the second storage unit 52, and the cleaning process is performed again during the next withdrawal process. Once the cleaning completion conditions are met after performing multiple withdrawal processes, the cleaning coins 100 are stored in the first storage unit 51.

[0104] The first storage section 51 stores a large quantity of coins of multiple denominations, while the number of coins stored in the second storage section 52 is limited to the number necessary for dispensing change. The coin processing device 1 dispenses the coins for dispensing and the cleaning coins 100 from the second storage section 52 to the transport path via the dispensing section 60 and performs cleaning with the cleaning coins 100. However, because the second storage section 52 stores a small number of coins, the cleaning coins 100 are dispensed more easily and the cleaning process is performed more easily compared to dispensing the cleaning coins 100 from a storage section that stores a large quantity of coins, such as the first storage section 51. Furthermore, since all the contents of the second storage section 52 are released to the dispensing section 60 during the dispensing process, if cleaning coins 100 are stored in the second storage section 52 before the start of the dispensing process, the coin processing device 1 can always perform cleaning with the cleaning coins 100 when executing the dispensing process.

[0105] [Cleaning Procedure Flow] Next, we will explain the cleaning process. The coin processing device 1 can perform the cleaning process in a mode pre-selected from three modes: Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3. Each mode will be explained below.

[0106] (Mode 1) The first mode is a mode in which a cleaning process is performed when the change preparation process is executed. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the first mode. The coin processing device 1 performs the change preparation process using the coins in the first storage unit 51 as described in Figure 4(b), while simultaneously performing the cleaning process using the cleaning coins 100 in the first storage unit 51 as described in Figure 5(a).

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, the coin processing device 1, which has started the change preparation process, transports coins from the first storage unit 51 to the dispensing unit 60 (step S1), and the coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 are identified by the identification unit 40 (step S2). Although it is described as coins here, cleaning coins 100 may also be dispensed from the first storage unit 51 and identified by the identification unit 40.

[0108] Based on the identification result by the identification unit 40, the coin processing device 1 determines whether the coin is a change coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S4), if it is not a cleaning coin 100 (step S3; No). If it is a coin, the coin processing device 1 then determines whether it is a change coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S4; Yes). If the coin processing device 1 determines that the coin is a change coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S4; Yes), it stores it in the second storage unit 52 (step S5). If the coin is not a change coin that needs to be replenished (step S4; No), it returns it to the first storage unit 51 (step S6).

[0109] On the other hand, if the identification unit 40 identifies the cleaning coin 100 (step S3; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S7). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S7; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 returns the cleaning coin 100 to the first storage unit 51 (step S6). If the cleaning completion conditions are not met (step S7; No), the coin processing unit 1 performs the cleaning process (step S8). In the cleaning process, as explained in Figure 5(a), the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 is transported along the loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and then returned to the dispensing unit 60.

[0110] The processes in steps S1 to S8 are repeated until the change coins have been prepared in the second storage unit 52, that is, until the coins have been replenished from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52 (step S9; No).

[0111] Once the change coins have been prepared in the second storage unit 52 (step S9; Yes), the coin processing device 1 begins processing any remaining coins in the transport path or dispensing unit 60. Although referred to as coins here, cleaning coins 100 may remain in the transport path or dispensing unit 60 if the cleaning completion condition has not been met when cleaning coins 100 are dispensed from the first storage unit 51 and replenished in the second storage unit 52.

[0112] If the coin processing device 1 identifies a coin instead of a cleaning coin 100 in the identification unit 40 (step S11; No), it returns the coin to the first storage unit 51 (step S12). On the other hand, if the identification unit 40 identifies a cleaning coin 100 (step S11; Yes), the coin processing device 1 determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S13). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S13; Yes), the coin processing device 1 returns the cleaning coin 100 to the first storage unit 51 (step S12). If the cleaning completion conditions are not met (step S13; No), the coin processing device 1 performs the cleaning process (step S14). In the cleaning process, the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 is transported along the loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and then returned to the dispensing unit 60.

[0113] The processes in steps S10 to S14 are repeated until all coins and cleaning coins 100 remaining in the transport path and dispensing unit 60 are used up (step S15; No).

[0114] After preparing the change coins in the second storage unit 52, any coins remaining in the transport path and dispensing unit 60 are returned to the first storage unit 51. If any cleaning coins 100 remain, the cleaning process, which involves transporting them in a loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, is repeatedly performed until the cleaning completion conditions are met. After the cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning coins 100 are returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0115] Figure 7 shows an example of a cleaning completion condition. For example, the cleaning completion condition is set such that when the number of cleaning cycles, i.e., the number of times the cleaning process in which the cleaning coin 100 is transported along a loop-shaped transport path is executed, reaches a predetermined number of cycles, the cleaning process is terminated and the cleaning coin 100 is returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0116] For example, a cleaning termination condition is set such that the cleaning process ends and the cleaning coins 100 are returned to the first storage unit 51 after the cleaning process has been performed a predetermined number of times consecutively. Even if the cleaning process cannot be performed consecutively while steps S1 to S8 shown in Figure 6 are repeatedly executed to replenish the second storage unit 52 with change coins, if steps S10 to S14 are repeatedly executed, eventually only the cleaning coins 100 will be transported. Therefore, the cleaning process can be executed using the number of consecutive cleaning operations as the cleaning termination condition.

[0117] For example, a cleaning determination process is executed to determine whether cleaning is necessary based on the degree of dirtiness of the sensor 70. When the degree of dirtiness of the sensor 70 falls below a certain standard, the cleaning process is terminated and the cleaning coin 100 is returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0118] (Second mode) The second mode is one in which the cleaning process is performed when a withdrawal is processed. During the change preparation process, the cleaning mode is toggled on or off, and when the cleaning mode is on, the cleaning process is performed during the withdrawal process.

[0119] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the change preparation process in the second mode, when the cleaning mode is switched. As explained in Figure 4(b), while the change preparation process is being executed, in which coins are replenished from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52 to prepare change coins, the cleaning mode is turned on when cleaning coins 100 are dispensed from the first storage unit 51.

[0120] As shown in Figure 8, the coin processing device 1, which has started the change preparation process, transports coins from the first storage unit 51 to the dispensing unit 60 (step S21), and the coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 are identified by the identification unit 40 (step S22). Although it is described as coins here, cleaning coins 100 may also be dispensed from the first storage unit 51 and identified by the identification unit 40.

[0121] If the coin processing device 1 identifies a coin instead of a cleaning coin 100 in the identification unit 40 (step S23; No), it then determines whether or not it is a change coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S24). If the coin processing device 1 determines that it is a coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S24; Yes), it stores it in the second storage unit 52 (step S25). If it does not determine that it is a coin that needs to be replenished (step S24; No), it returns it to the first storage unit 51 (step S26).

[0122] If the identification unit 40 identifies the cleaning coin 100 (step S23; Yes), the coin processing device 1 turns on the cleaning mode (step S27) and stores the cleaning coin 100 in the second storage unit 52 (step S28).

[0123] The process in steps S21 to S28 is repeated until the change coins have been prepared in the second storage unit 52, that is, until the coins have been replenished from the first storage unit 51 to the second storage unit 52 (step S29; No).

[0124] Once the change coins have been prepared for the second storage unit 52 (step S29; Yes), the coin processing device 1 returns any coins remaining in the transport path or dispensing unit 60 to the first storage unit (step S30). Although referred to as coins here, cleaning coins 100 may remain in the transport path or dispensing unit 60. For this reason, in step S30, the identification unit 40 may perform identification and, if it is a cleaning coin 100, turn on the cleaning mode and store it in the second storage unit 52, or if it is a coin, return it to the first storage unit 51.

[0125] When the cleaning coin 100 is stored in the second storage unit 52 along with the change coins and the cleaning mode is turned on, the coin processing device 1 performs the cleaning process while the dispensing process is being executed. The coin processing device 1 performs the dispensing process using the coins in the second storage unit 52 as explained in Figure 4(a), while simultaneously performing the cleaning process using the cleaning coin 100 in the second storage unit 52 as explained in Figure 5(b).

[0126] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the withdrawal process in the second mode, which is performed when the cleaning mode is turned on. When the coin processing device 1 starts the withdrawal process, it moves the coins and cleaning coins 100 from the second storage unit 52 to the dispensing unit 60 (step S41). The coin processing device 1 dispenses the coins and cleaning coins 100 one by one from the dispensing unit 60 and identifies them with the identification unit 40 (step S42).

[0127] If the coin processing device 1 identifies a coin instead of a cleaning coin 100 in the identification unit 40 (step S43; No), it then determines whether or not it is a coin to be dispensed (step S44). If it is a coin to be dispensed (step S44; Yes), the coin processing device 1 dispenses it from the dispensing unit 20 (step S45), and if it is not a coin to be dispensed (step S44; No), it returns it to the second storage unit 52 (step S46).

[0128] If the identification unit 40 identifies the cleaning coin 100 (step S43; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S47). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S47; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 turns off the cleaning mode (step S48) and returns the cleaning coin 100 to the first storage unit 51 (step S49). If the cleaning completion conditions are not met (step S47; No), the coin processing unit 1 performs the cleaning process (step S50). During the cleaning process, the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 is transported along the loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and then returned to the dispensing unit 60.

[0129] The process in steps S42 to S50 is repeated until all the coins to be withdrawn have been withdrawn from the withdrawal unit 20 (step S51; No).

[0130] Once the coins have been dispensed (Step S51; Yes), the coin processing device 1 returns the remaining coins and cleaning coins 100 in the transport path and dispensing unit 60 to the second storage unit 52 (Step S52), and terminates the process.

[0131] For example, a cleaning termination condition is set so that the cleaning process ends when the number of cleaning cycles, i.e., the number of times the cleaning process in which the cleaning coin 100 is transported along a loop-shaped transport path is executed, reaches a predetermined number of times. If the number of cleaning cycles reaches a predetermined number and the cleaning mode is turned off during the withdrawal process, the cleaning coin 100 is stored in the first storage unit 51. Therefore, the next withdrawal process is carried out using the second storage unit 52, which stores only change coins, as explained in Figure 4(a).

[0132] On the other hand, if the number of cleaning operations does not reach a predetermined number during the withdrawal process, the coin processing device 1 maintains the cleaning mode on and stores the number of cleaning operations performed during the withdrawal process in the storage unit 120. When the cleaning mode is on, after the withdrawal process is completed, the second storage unit 52 returns to the state in which it has stored the change coins and the cleaning coin 100, and the next withdrawal process is carried out as described in Figure 9. While the cleaning mode is on, each time a withdrawal process is executed, the coin processing device 1 accumulates the number of cleaning operations performed during the withdrawal process and updates the number of cleaning operations stored in the storage unit 120. If the cumulative number of cleaning operations (total number) reaches a predetermined number set in the cleaning completion condition while multiple withdrawal processes are being executed, it is determined that the cleaning completion condition has been met, the cleaning mode is turned off, and the cleaning coin 100 is returned to the first storage unit 51.

[0133] (Third mode) The third mode is a mode in which the cleaning process is executed when the withdrawal process is performed. Similar to the second mode, the cleaning mode is switched on or off during the change preparation process, and when the cleaning mode is on, the cleaning process is executed during the withdrawal process. The third mode differs from the second mode in that it performs a cleaning judgment process to determine the degree of dirtiness of the sensor 70, and then performs the cleaning process based on the judgment result.

[0134] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the change preparation process in the third mode, where the cleaning mode is switched. In the third mode, as in the second mode, the cleaning mode is turned on when cleaning coins 100 are dispensed from the first storage unit 51 during the execution of the change preparation process. The processes of steps S61 to S70 shown in Figure 10 are the same as the processes of steps S21 to S30 shown in Figure 8, so their explanation is omitted.

[0135] After completing the change preparation process by executing steps S61 to S70, the coin processing device 1 determines whether the cleaning mode has been turned on (step S71). If the cleaning mode is not turned on (step S71; No), the coin processing device 1 terminates the process; if the cleaning mode is turned on (step S71; Yes), it executes a process to check the degree of contamination of the sensor 70 (step S72).

[0136] In step S72, a cleaning determination process is performed, as explained in Figure 1, to determine whether cleaning is necessary based on the degree of contamination of the sensor 70. If the amount of detection light emitted from the light-emitting part of the sensor 70 and received by the light-receiving part decreases due to the influence of dirt such as dust attached to the sensor 70 or prism, the coin processing device 1 determines that a cleaning process to remove the dirt is necessary.

[0137] During the change preparation process, the coin processing device 1, which has turned on the cleaning mode and stored the change coins and cleaning coins 100 in the second storage unit 52, executes a cleaning determination process, stores the determination result in the storage unit 120, and prepares for the dispensing process.

[0138] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the withdrawal process in the third mode, which is performed with the cleaning mode turned on. The coin processing device 1, which has started the withdrawal process, determines whether or not cleaning of the sensor 70 is necessary (step S81). After performing the change preparation process, the coin processing device 1 performs a cleaning determination process (Figure 10 step S72) and determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on the determination result stored in the storage unit 120. However, the coin processing device 1 may not perform the cleaning determination process after performing the change preparation process, but may perform the cleaning determination process after starting the withdrawal process to determine whether or not cleaning is necessary.

[0139] If the sensor 70 needs cleaning (step S81; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 starts dispensing coins while keeping the cleaning mode on.

[0140] On the other hand, if the cleaning determination process determines that cleaning is not necessary (step S81; No), the coin processing device 1 then determines whether the number of coins to be processed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S82). If the number of coins to be processed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S82; Yes), the coin processing device 1 resets the number of coins to 0 (zero) while keeping the cleaning mode on (step S83). If the number of coins to be processed is less than the threshold (step S82; No), the coin processing device 1 turns off the cleaning mode (step S84).

[0141] Thus, in the coin processing device 1, even if the cleaning determination process that checks for dirt on the sensor 70 determines that cleaning is unnecessary, if the number of coins to be processed is above a threshold, the cleaning mode remains ON and the cleaning process is executed. However, the third mode may be configured to not include the processes in steps S82 to S84.

[0142] After determining whether cleaning is necessary, the coin processing device 1 moves the coins and cleaning coins 100 from the second storage unit 52 to the dispensing unit 60 (step S85). The coin processing device 1 dispenses the coins and cleaning coins 100 one by one from the dispensing unit 60 and identifies them with the identification unit 40 (step S86).

[0143] If the coin processing device 1 identifies a coin instead of a cleaning coin 100 in the identification unit 40 (step S87; No), it then determines whether or not it is a coin to be dispensed (step S88). If it is a coin to be dispensed (step S88; Yes), the coin processing device 1 dispenses it from the dispensing unit 20 (step S89), and if it is not a coin to be dispensed (step S88; No), it returns it to the second storage unit 52 (step S90).

[0144] If the cleaning coin 100 is identified by the identification unit 40 (step S87; Yes), the coin processing unit 1 determines whether the cleaning mode is on or off (step S91). If the cleaning mode is off in step S84 (step S91; No), the coin processing unit 1 returns the cleaning coin 100 to the first storage unit 51 (step S94).

[0145] If the cleaning mode remains on (step S91; Yes), the coin processing device 1 then determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S92). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S92; Yes), the coin processing device 1 turns off the cleaning mode (step S93) and returns the cleaning coins 100 to the first storage unit 51 (step S94). If the cleaning completion conditions are not met (step S92; No), the coin processing device 1 performs the cleaning process (step S95). In the cleaning process, the cleaning coins 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 are transported along the loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a and then returned to the dispensing unit 60.

[0146] The process in steps S86 to S95 is repeated until all the coins to be withdrawn have been withdrawn from the withdrawal unit 20 (step S96; No).

[0147] Once the coins have been dispensed (Step S96; Yes), the coin processing device 1 returns the remaining coins and cleaning coins 100 in the transport path and dispensing unit 60 to the second storage unit 52 (Step S97), and terminates the process.

[0148] In the third mode, as in the second mode, a cleaning termination condition is set so that, for example, the cleaning process ends when the number of cleaning process executions reaches a predetermined number. If the cleaning mode is turned off during the withdrawal process, the cleaning coin 100 is stored in the first storage unit 51, and the next withdrawal process is carried out as described in Figure 4(a). On the other hand, if the cleaning mode remains on even after the withdrawal process is completed, the coin processing device 1 stores the number of cleaning process executions performed during the withdrawal process in the storage unit 120, and the next withdrawal process is also carried out as described in Figure 9. While the cleaning mode is on, each time a withdrawal process is executed, the coin processing device 1 accumulates the number of cleaning process executions performed during the withdrawal process, updates the number of cleaning process executions stored in the storage unit 120, and when the cleaning termination condition is met, turns off the cleaning mode and returns the cleaning coin 100 to the first storage unit 51.

[0149] (modified version) In the second and third modes, examples were described in which the cleaning completion condition is set when the cumulative number of cleaning processes reaches a predetermined number. However, as explained in Figure 7, the cleaning completion condition may also be set by checking the degree of contamination of the sensor 70 and prism and setting the degree of contamination below a predetermined standard.

[0150] In the second and third modes, the cleaning completion condition may be defined as performing the cleaning process a predetermined number of times consecutively. In this case, in step S52 of the second mode and step S97 of the third mode, the coins remaining in the transport path and dispensing unit 60 should be returned to the second storage unit 52 so that only the cleaning coins 100 remain in the transport path, and then the cleaning process should be executed. Once the upper transport unit 30a is transporting only the cleaning coins 100, the cleaning process can be performed a predetermined number of times consecutively to satisfy the cleaning completion condition.

[0151] In the second and third modes, an example was described in which the cleaning process is performed using the cleaning coins 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, and then the cleaning coins 100 are returned to the dispensing unit 60 (Figure 9, step S50; Figure 11, step S95). However, the cleaning coins 100 may also be returned to the second storage unit 52 after the cleaning process. As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 5(b), if the cleaning coins 100 transported via the identification unit 40 are returned to the second storage unit 52 instead of the dispensing unit 60, the cleaning process can be performed multiple times even if the transport path is not a loop.

[0152] For example, as shown in Figure 12, if the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, which is transported from the dispensing unit 60 through the identification unit 40, ends at the dispensing unit 20 and does not form a loop transport path returning to the dispensing unit 60, the coin processing device 1 performs a cleaning process with the cleaning coins 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 during the dispensing process and returns the cleaning coins 100 to the second storage unit 52 as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 12. Since the cleaning coins 100 are stored in the second storage unit 52 after the cleaning process is performed once, the coin processing device 1 can repeatedly perform the cleaning process with the cleaning coins 100 in the second storage unit 52 each time a dispensing process is performed. If the cleaning completion condition is met during multiple dispensing processes, the cleaning coins 100 should be returned to the first storage unit 51 as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 12. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, even if the transport path equipped with the sensor 70 is not in a loop shape that allows the transport of coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 to be continuously returned to the dispensing unit 60, the cleaning process with the cleaning coin 100 can be performed multiple times.

[0153] While embodiments of the currency processing apparatus according to this disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, the configuration and operation of the currency processing apparatus are not limited to the above embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms with improvements, changes, and modifications based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1. Currency processing equipment (coin processing equipment) 2. Banknote processing device 3. Cash register 10. Deposit Section 20 Withdrawal Department 30 Conveying section 30a Upper transport section 30b Gate 30c Shoot 30d Lower transport section 40 Identification unit 50 Coin storage compartment 51. First storage compartment (coin storage compartment) 52 Second storage compartment (coin storage compartment) 60 Dispensing section 70 sensors 90 Coin Processing Unit 110 Control Unit 120 Storage section 130 Communications Department

Claims

1. A currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device with a cleaning body, A storage compartment for storing coins and cleaning supplies, A transport unit for transporting the coins and cleaning body dispensed from the storage unit, An identification unit for identifying the currency and the cleaning body being transported by the transport unit, The identification unit identifies whether the object to be unloaded from the storage unit and transported by the transport unit is the currency or the cleaning body, and the control unit performs currency processing using the currency and cleaning processing using the cleaning body. A currency processing device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes the transport route depending on whether the object to be transported is the currency or the cleaning body.

3. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit cleans the cleaning body while transporting it in a loop along a transport path.

4. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit transports the cleaning body a predetermined number of times to perform cleaning, and stores the cleaning body in the storage unit after the cleaning is completed.

5. The control unit, When currency processing is performed, if currency to be processed is dispensed from the storage unit, the currency is transported along the transport path and processed according to the processing details of the currency processing; if the cleaning body is dispensed from the storage unit, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path, and after cleaning is completed, the cleaning body is stored in the storage unit. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned storage compartment is The first storage compartment for storing coins, A second storage section for storing a smaller number of coins for withdrawal compared to the first storage section, Includes, The control unit, When the preparation process is performed to prepare a predetermined number of coins for each denomination in the second storage unit using the coins dispensed from the first storage unit, if the cleaning body is dispensed from the first storage unit, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit together with the coins for dispensing. When a withdrawal process is performed to withdraw the currency to be withdrawn from the second storage unit and to exit the device, if the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit while cleaning is necessary, and the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit after cleaning is completed. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first storage unit stores multiple denominations of coins in a mixed state that constitute the change dispensed by the currency processing device. The second storage unit stores the minimum number of coins necessary for dispensing change in a mixed state. The currency processing device according to feature 6.

8. The control unit, During the execution of the preparation process, the cleaning body unloaded from the first storage unit is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed, and when the predetermined cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit. In the mode in which, after the cleaning body unloaded from the first storage unit during the execution of the preparation process is stored in the second storage unit, and then, during the execution of the withdrawal process in which money is dispensed from the second storage unit, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path while cleaning is performed, and if the predetermined cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit, and if the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, and the cleaning is repeated each time a withdrawal process is performed. The cleaning process is performed in a mode selected from among several modes, including the selected mode. The currency processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The currency processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit determines that the cleaning completion condition is met when the number of times the cleaning body is transported by the transport unit reaches a predetermined number of times.

10. The currency processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit determines whether cleaning is necessary using a sensor that detects the degree of soiling, and determines that the cleaning completion condition is met when a determination result of no cleaning is obtained.

11. The currency processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit performs at least one of the following: a process of proposing a change in the number of cleaning bodies to be stored in the storage unit, and a process of proposing a change in the storage unit that stores the cleaning bodies among the plurality of storage units that constitute the storage unit.

12. A currency processing method to be performed by a currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device with a cleaning body, The process involves an identification unit identifying whether the object to be transported, which is unloaded from the storage unit and transported by the transport unit, is currency or a cleaning object, and A step of performing monetary transactions using the aforementioned currency, A step of performing a cleaning process using the cleaning body mentioned above. A method of handling money characterized by including the following.

13. A process of changing the transport route depending on whether the object to be transported is the currency or the cleaning body. The currency processing method according to claim 12, characterized by including the following:

14. The process of transporting the cleaning body along a loop-shaped transport path. The currency processing method according to claim 13, characterized by including the following:

15. The process involves transporting the cleaning body a predetermined number of times to perform cleaning, and then storing the cleaning body in the storage unit after the cleaning is completed. The currency processing device according to claim 14, characterized by including the following:

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