Cash handling device, dust cleaning method and program

Abstract

To reduce maintenance time required to clean dust generated by a cash handling device and to improve efficiency of dust cleaning.SOLUTION: A cash handling device 10 includes passage sensors s1 and s2, air blowers 21a and 21b, and a control unit 10a. The passage sensors s1 and s2 are positioned on a conveyance path 2a1 through which money flows to detect the passage of the money. The air blowers 21a and 21b blow air toward the location of a passage sensor s0 based on air blowing instructions from the control unit 10a to move the dust that accumulates at the location of the passage sensors s1 and s2 in a certain direction. The control unit 10a gives air blowing instructions to the air blowers 21a and 21b in turn and controls the driving of the air blowers 21a and 21b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cash handling device, a dust cleaning method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] At the counters of financial institutions such as banks, cash handling machines that count currency such as banknotes and coins are installed. In the cash handling machine, currency deposited from a deposit unit is transported to a currency storage unit by a conveyor belt, and currency dispensed from the currency storage unit is transported to a dispensing unit by a conveyor belt.

[0003] In addition to identification sensors that identify denominations, such cash handling devices are also equipped with a number of passing sensors to check whether the currency on the conveyor belt is being transported normally. The passing sensors are made up of a combination of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and detect the passage of currency by a temporary decrease in the transmittance (amount of received light) of the light-receiving element. Based on the detection results of the passing sensors, it is then confirmed whether the currency has passed through a predetermined transport position and is being transported normally.

[0004] Meanwhile, dust such as paper dust and coin dust is generated when banknotes and coins are transported in cash handling machines. If dust accumulates on the passage sensor on the transport path, the transmittance of the light receiving element will continuously decrease, making false detection more likely. For this reason, dust is cleaned off during maintenance of cash handling machines.

[0005] As a related technology, a technology has been proposed in which, if a sensor in a banknote recycling unit is determined to be abnormal, compressed air from a compressor is blown out from the tip of a hose to blow away dust from the sensor and its surrounding area (Patent Document 1).Also proposed is a technology in which, when stacked banknotes are discharged from a storage cabinet, a robot hand grasps the banknote, brings it into contact with the sensor in the storage cabinet, and moves it in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to scrub and clean the sensor surface (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-325955 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-210309 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Conventionally, maintenance personnel regularly clean dust that accumulates on the pass sensors in cash handling devices. However, due to the structure of the cash handling device, some areas are difficult to clean. In addition, dust can harden due to moisture over time until the next regular cleaning, making it difficult to remove. This results in a problem of longer maintenance time required for cleaning the cash handling device.

[0008] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, dust is blown away with compressed air, but simply blowing out compressed air may cause dust to scatter. For this reason, it is desirable to perform control to suppress dust scattering and to clean dust efficiently.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cash handling device, a dust cleaning method, and a program that shorten the maintenance time required to clean dust generated in the cash handling device and improve the efficiency of dust cleaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problem, a cash handling device is provided that includes a plurality of passing sensors arranged on a conveyance path along which currency flows to detect the passing state of currency, a plurality of air blowing units that blow air toward the locations of the passing sensors based on an air blowing command to move dust that has accumulated at the locations of the passing sensors in a certain direction, and a control unit that issues air blowing commands to the air blowing units in sequence to control their operation.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, there is also provided a dust cleaning method in which a computer executes control similar to that of the cash handling device. Furthermore, in order to solve the above problem, there is provided a program that causes a computer to execute control similar to that of the above cash handling device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect, it is possible to shorten the maintenance time required to clean dust generated in a cash handling device and to improve the efficiency of dust cleaning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cash handling device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a financial system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a financial device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a cash handling device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block of a cash handling device. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of coin deposit / withdrawal control in the coin section. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cash handling device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of cleaning dust from the coin section. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of air blowing control. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of air blowing control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cash handling device. The cash handling device 10 has passage sensors s1 and s2, air blowing units 21a and 21b, and a control unit 10a. The passage sensors s1 and s2 are arranged on a conveyance path 2a1 along which currency such as banknotes and coins flows, and detect the passage state of the currency.

[0015] The air blowing units 21a and 21b blow air toward the location of the passage sensor s0 based on an air blowing command from the control unit 10a, and move dust that has accumulated in the locations of the passage sensors s1 and s2 in a certain direction.

[0016] Control unit 10a sequentially issues air blowing instructions to air blowing units 21a and 21b, thereby controlling the drive of air blowing units 21a and 21b. The functions of control unit 10a can be realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) included in cash handling apparatus 10 executing a predetermined program.

[0017] The flow of control will be described below. When money flows on the conveyance path 2a1 to the right in FIG. 1, dust is moved to the right. [Step ST1] The control unit 10a issues an air blowing instruction to the air blowing unit 21a.

[0018] [Step ST2] The air blowing unit 21a blows air toward the location of the passage sensor s1, thereby moving dust d1 that has accumulated at the location of the passage sensor s1 in the direction of the money flow.

[0019] [Step ST3] The control unit 10a issues an air blowing instruction to the air blowing unit 21b. [Step ST4] The air blowing unit 21b blows air toward the passage sensor s2 to move the dust d2 and dust d1 that have accumulated at the location of the passage sensor s2 in the direction of the money flow.

[0020] In this way, the cash handling device 10 is configured to sequentially issue air blowing commands to the multiple air blowing units to control the movement of dust that accumulates at the location of the passage sensor in a fixed direction. This makes it easy to clean areas that are difficult to clean manually by blowing air.

[0021] Furthermore, because cleaning is performed automatically by blowing out air, it is possible to avoid situations where dust solidifies due to moisture over time before regular cleaning, making it difficult to remove, thereby shortening the maintenance time required for cleaning.

[0022] Furthermore, since the air blowing units blow air in sequence, the dust can be moved in a certain direction and accumulated in a predetermined location while preventing the dust from scattering, thereby making it possible to clean the dust more efficiently.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a financial system. The financial system sy is a system used in cash handling devices that deposit and withdraw cash, such as banknotes and coins, managed within a bank. The financial system sy can also be used in cash handling devices that manage cash, such as ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), CDs (Cash Dispensers), TCRs (Teller Cash Recyclers), and POS (Point Of Sales) systems.

[0024] The financial system sy comprises a host server hv and multiple financial devices 1-1 to 1-n (collectively referred to as financial devices 1). The financial devices 1-1 to 1-n and the host server hv are interconnected via a network N1. The host server hv manages information on currency traded by the financial devices 1-1 to 1-n.

[0025] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a financial device 1. Financial device 1 has financial control device 1a and multiple peripheral devices including display device 1b1, input device 1b2, image reader 1b3, printer 1b4, and cash handling device 10.

[0026] Financial controller 1a comprises processor 1a1, memory 1a2, storage 1a3, input / output interface 1a4, and communication interface 1a5, all connected to bus bs. Processor 1a1 exercises overall control over financial controller 1a.

[0027] The processor 1a1 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). At least some of the functions realized by the processor 1a1 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0028] Memory 1a2 is used as a main storage device, and is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). Memory 1a2 temporarily stores at least a portion of the operating system (OS) programs and application programs executed by processor 1a1. Memory 1a2 also stores various data used in processing by processor 1a1.

[0029] Storage 1a3 is used as an auxiliary storage device. Storage 1a3 stores the OS program, application programs, and various data. Communication interface 1a5 is connected to network N1 and transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via network N1.

[0030] The input / output interface 1a4 is connected to a display device 1b1, an input device 1b2, an image reader 1b3, a printer 1b4, and a cash handling apparatus 10. The display device 1b1 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other display, and outputs images and other information. The input device 1b2 is, for example, a keyboard, a joystick, a light pen, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch panel, a trackball, or the like, and inputs various data, signals, and the like.

[0031] Image reader 1b3 is, for example, an overhead scanner that optically reads documents and sends them to financial controller 1a. Documents to be read include, for example, transfer requests, deposit / withdrawal slips, bankbooks, and other documents.

[0032] The printing device 1b4 is a printer that prints and outputs passbooks and other image information. The cash handling device 10 counts currency such as banknotes and coins when depositing or dispensing money, and deposits or dispenses currency.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of the appearance of a cash handling device. Cash handling device 10 is a device for depositing and dispensing banknotes and coins. The top of the device is provided with a display operation unit 11 and a coin deposit slot 12. The front of the device is provided with a banknote deposit slot 13, a foreign object receiving tray 14, a banknote withdrawal slot 15, and coin withdrawal boxes 16a and 16b.

[0034] 5 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a cash handling device 10. The cash handling device 10 comprises a coin section 2 and a banknote section 3. The banknote section 3 comprises a front / back reversing section 3a, a banknote recognition section 3b, a banknote stacker 31, and a banknote cassette 32.

[0035] The banknote stacker 31 has temporary holding sections and stackers prepared for each denomination of banknote, and the banknote cassette 32 has temporary holding sections and cassettes prepared for banknotes that are in excess or shortage in the banknote stacker 31.

[0036] The front / back reversing unit 3a and the banknote recognition unit 3b are arranged on a loop-shaped transport unit 33. The front / back reversing unit 3a receives banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit slot 13 and passes them to the banknote recognition unit 3b. The banknote recognition unit 3b reads one side of the banknote and passes the banknote again to the front / back reversing unit 3a via the transport unit 33. The front / back reversing unit 3a reverses the passed banknote and passes it to the banknote recognition unit 3b. The banknote recognition unit 3b reads the other side of the banknote and recognizes the banknote.

[0037] The banknotes recognized by the banknote recognition unit 3b are taken into and stored in a stacker of the corresponding denomination in the banknote stacker 31 while being transported by the transport unit 33. Banknotes that cannot be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 3b are transported to the foreign object receiving tray unit 14.

[0038] When dispensing banknotes, the required number of banknotes of the required denomination are taken out from the banknote stacker 31, and after being recognized by the banknote recognition unit 3b, they are transported to the banknote dispensing port 15. The banknote cassette 32 has the function of storing deposited banknotes that the banknote stacker 31 is full of and cannot store, and of replenishing the banknotes that are in short supply in the banknote stacker 31 for dispensing. For example, the banknotes stored in the cassette 32 are of mixed denominations.

[0039] 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of coin deposit / withdrawal control in the coin unit. The coin unit 2 of the cash handling device 10 has a coin recognition unit 2f, a lump-sum holding unit 2d0, stackers 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, 2d4, 2d5, and 2d6 prepared for each denomination, a conveyance path 2a1, and a coin cassette 2e.

[0040] When a coin is inserted into the coin deposit slot 12 of the coin unit 2, the coin is transported along the transport path 2a1 to the coin recognition unit 2f, where it is recognized. Coins recognized by the coin recognition unit 2f are sorted and stored in stackers 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, 2d4, 2d5, and 2d6 of the corresponding denomination based on the recognition results. Coins that cannot be recognized by the coin recognition unit 2f are transported to coin withdrawal boxes 16a and 16b.

[0041] When dispensing coins, the required number of coins of the required denomination are taken out from stackers 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, 2d4, 2d5, and 2d6, and after being identified by coin identification unit 2f, they are transported to coin dispensing boxes 16a and 16b via transport path 2a1. Coins that cannot be identified by coin identification unit 2f are stored in coin cassette 2e.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a cash handling apparatus. The cash handling apparatus 10 includes a control unit 10a, which controls the entire cash handling apparatus 10. The control unit 10a is a processor, such as a CPU, MPU, or DSP. At least some of the functions realized by the control unit 10a executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC or PLD.

[0043] The control unit 10a is connected to a memory 10b, a storage 10c, and a plurality of peripheral devices via a bus bs1. The memory 10b is used as a main storage device, and the storage 10c is used as an auxiliary storage device.

[0044] The memory 10b is, for example, a RAM, and temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS program and application programs executed by the control unit 10a. The memory 10b also stores various data used in processing by the control unit 10a. The storage 10c stores the OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0045] The cash handling device 10 has a communication interface 10d, a display operation unit 11, a coin processing unit 2-1, and a banknote processing unit 3-1 as a plurality of peripheral devices, each of which is connected to the control unit 10a via a bus bs1.

[0046] Communications interface 10d is connected to financial control device 1a via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and transmits and receives data to and from financial control device 1a. Display operation unit 11 has a display for displaying images and a touch panel for inputting data. Display operation unit 11 displays a predetermined GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the display screen in accordance with commands from control unit 10a and notifies control unit 10a of input operation instructions.

[0047] 5, and includes a transport section 2a, a deposit section 2b, a dispensing section 2c, a stacker 2d, a coin cassette 2e, a coin recognition section 2f, a reject section 2g, a passage sensor s0, an air generating section 20, an air blowing section 21, an air passage section 22, and a dust collecting section 23. The coin processing unit 2-1 accepts coins to be registered, recognizes the accepted coins, and dispenses the recognized coins in accordance with commands from the control section 10a.

[0048] The transport unit 2a is used to move coins to various locations within the cash handling device 10, and includes a coin transport path, a belt that moves the coins along the transport path, and a motor that drives the belt. The deposit unit 2b is a box that stores coins deposited by an operator. The withdrawal unit 2c is a box that stores coins that are dispensed from inside and handed over to an operator.

[0049] The stacker 2d is a coin storage unit that stores coins deposited by the operator and coins to be dispensed to the operator, sorted by denomination. The coin cassette 2e is a storage unit that replenishes coins from the outside and collects coins when the stacker 2d is full.

[0050] The coin identification unit 2f not only identifies the denomination of the coin, but also identifies (validates) whether the coin is normal, damaged, or unknown, and in the case of normal or damaged coins, identifies the denomination of the coin. Note that unknown coins are coins whose denomination and authenticity are unknown. The coin identification unit 2f also counts the number of normal coins and damaged coins of each denomination.

[0051] The reject unit 2g stores coins that have been determined to be damaged or unknown by the coin recognition unit 2f. Damaged or unknown coins are called rejected coins. The passing sensor s0 is composed of a combination of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and detects the passage of a coin by a temporary decrease in the transmittance of the light-receiving element. The cash handling device 100 uses the detection result of the passing sensor s0 to confirm whether the coin has passed the predetermined transport position, i.e., whether the coin is being transported normally.

[0052] The light-emitting element of the passage sensor s0 is an element that emits light radially, such as a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving element is, for example, a photodiode. The light-emitting element is disposed so that a portion of the emitted light is directed toward the light-receiving element, and the transmittance detected by the light-receiving element is transmitted to the control unit 10a.

[0053] The air generating unit 20 generates compressed air for cleaning dust that accumulates during coin transport and corresponds to a compressor. The air blowing unit 21 is, for example, a nozzle with a valve that can be opened and closed by an electric signal, and blows out air or stops blowing out air based on an instruction from the control unit 10a (an air outlet opening signal or an air outlet closing signal, which will be described later). The air passage unit 22 corresponds to a duct that circulates compressed air. The dust collecting unit 23 collects dust that has been moved by the air.

[0054] The banknote processing unit 3-1 corresponds to the banknote section 3 in Fig. 5, stores banknotes in an internal banknote storage section (stacker or cassette), stores banknotes deposited by an operator when depositing, and feeds out a predetermined number of banknotes and dispenses them to the operator when dispensing. The banknote processing unit 3-1 has a configuration similar to that of the coin processing unit 2-1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] The cash handling apparatus 10 can realize the processing functions of the present invention by using the hardware described above. The cash handling apparatus 10 realizes the processing functions of the present invention by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be executed by the cash handling apparatus 10 can be recorded on various recording media.

[0056] For example, a program to be executed by the cash handling apparatus 10 can be stored in the storage 10c. The control unit 10a loads at least a part of the program in the storage 10c into the memory 10b and executes the program. The program to be executed by the cash handling apparatus 10 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as an optical disk, a memory device, or a memory card. The program stored on the portable recording medium becomes executable after being installed in the storage 10c, for example, under the control of the control unit 10a. The control unit 10a can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium.

[0057] 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of cleaning dust in the coin section. Passage sensors s1 to s21 are provided on the bottom surface of the transport path 2a1, and passage sensors sa1, sa2, and sa3 are provided around the coin deposit slot 12. In addition, dust accumulation sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d for accumulating dust are provided at the four corners of the transport path 2a1 of the coin section 2.

[0058] A coin inserted through the coin deposit slot 12 passes through passing sensors sa1 and sa2, passes through passing sensor s1 installed on the conveyance path 2a1, passes through passing sensor s9 in order, and passes through the coin recognition unit 2f. After passing through the coin recognition unit 2f, the coin passes through passing sensors s10 and s11 and is stored in the collective holding unit 2d0.

[0059] When coins are stored, they are dispensed from the collective storage unit 2d0, pass through passage sensors s9, s10, and s11, and are transported to the stacker of the denomination identified by the coin recognition unit 2f and stored therein.

[0060] When a coin is stored in stacker 2d6, the coin passes through passage sensor s12. When a coin is stored in stacker 2d5, the coin passes through passage sensors s12 and s13. When a coin is stored in stacker 2d4, the coin passes through passage sensors s12, s13, and s14.

[0061] When coins are stored in stacker 2d3, the coins pass through passage sensors s12, s13, s14, and s15, and when coins are stored in stacker 2d2, the coins pass through passage sensors s12, s13, s14, s15, and s16.

[0062] Furthermore, when coins are stored in stacker 2d1, the coins pass through passage sensors s12, s13, s14, s15, s16, and s17. When coins are transported to coin dispensing box 16b, the coins pass through passage sensors s18, s19, and s20. When coins are transported to coin dispensing box 16a, the coins pass through passage sensors s18, s19, s20, and s21.

[0063] Here, dust tends to accumulate on the passage sensors s1 to s21 arranged on the bottom surface of the conveyance path 2a1. Therefore, when a coin is deposited, the coin passes through passage sensors s1 to s8 on the conveyance path 2a1, and by blowing air a1 to a7 in order around the locations of the passage sensors s1 to s8, dust that has accumulated in the locations of the passage sensors s1 to s8 is moved in the direction of arrow A1.

[0064] The dust that has moved there is accumulated in dust accumulation section 23a. Meanwhile, dust that has not accumulated in dust accumulation section 23a and dust that has accumulated in the locations of passage sensors s9 and s10 moves in the direction of arrow A2, and is thereby accumulated in dust accumulation section 23b.

[0065] On the other hand, when coins are stored or dispensed, the coins pass from passing sensor s11 to passing sensor 19 on the conveying path 2a1, and by blowing air a8 to a15 in sequence toward the areas around the locations of passing sensors s11 to s19, dust that has accumulated around the areas around the locations of passing sensors s11 to s19 is moved in the direction of arrow A3.

[0066] The dust that has moved there is accumulated in dust accumulation section 23c. Dust that has not accumulated in dust accumulation section 23c and dust that has accumulated on passing sensors s20 and s21 moves in the direction of arrow A4, and is thereby accumulated in dust accumulation section 23d.

[0067] In this way, air is blown out in sequence in the direction of coin flow and circulates, causing dust to accumulate in dust accumulation sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d provided at the four corners of conveyance path 2a1. Note that dust accumulation sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are each provided with air vent holes (not shown). With this structure, air is blown out from dust accumulation sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d to the outside, allowing dust to appropriately accumulate in dust accumulation sections 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d.

[0068] 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of air blowing control. Duct 22a is filled with air compressed by a compressor. Duct 22a is also provided with air blowing units 21a (air blowing nozzles), 21b, 21c, and 21d. Air blowing units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are provided at positions that move dust that accumulates around the locations of passage sensors s1, s2, s3, and s4 in the direction in which coins flow.

[0069] Note that dust d0 is dust that has reached passage sensor s1 due to the air being blown out. Also, dust particles d1, d2, d3, and d4 are assumed to have accumulated at the locations of passage sensors s1, s2, s3, and s4, respectively.

[0070] [Step ST11] The control unit 10a sends an air outlet open signal (air blowing instruction) to the air blowing unit 21a, and sends an air outlet close signal (air blowing stop instruction) to the air blowing units 21b, 21c, and 21d.

[0071] Air blowing unit 21a receives the air outlet open signal sent from control unit 10a, opens its air outlet, and blows compressed air toward the location of passage sensor s1 and its surroundings, moving dust d1 and dust d0 that have accumulated on passage sensor s1 in the direction in which the coins flow (to the right). Note that air blowing units 21b, 21c, and 21d have received the air outlet close signal sent from control unit 10a, so their air outlets are closed and they have stopped blowing air.

[0072] [Step ST12] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 10a sends an air outlet opening signal to the air blowing unit 21b, and sends an air outlet closing signal to the air blowing units 21a, 21c, and 21d.

[0073] Air blowing unit 21b receives the air outlet open signal sent from control unit 10a, opens its air outlet, and blows compressed air toward the location of passage sensor s2 and its surroundings, moving dust d2 that has accumulated on passage sensor s2 and dust particles d0 and d1 that have moved in the direction of the coin flow. Note that, because air blowing units 21a, 21c, and 21d have received the air outlet close signal sent from control unit 10a, their air outlets are closed and air blowing has stopped.

[0074] [Step ST13] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 10a sends an air outlet open signal to the air blowing unit 21c, and sends an air outlet close signal to the air blowing units 21a, 21b, and 21d.

[0075] Air blowing unit 21c receives the air outlet open signal sent from control unit 10a, opens its air outlet, and blows compressed air toward the location of passage sensor s3 and its surroundings, moving dust d3 that has accumulated on passage sensor s3 and dust particles d0, d1, and d2 that have moved in the direction of the coin flow. Note that, because air blowing units 21a, 21b, and 21d have received the air outlet close signal sent from control unit 10a, their air outlets are closed and air blowing has stopped.

[0076] [Step ST14] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 10a sends an air outlet open signal to the air blowing unit 21d, and sends an air outlet close signal to the air blowing units 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0077] Air blowing unit 21d receives the air outlet open signal sent from control unit 10a, opens its air outlet, and blows compressed air toward the location of passage sensor s4 and its surroundings, moving dust d4 that has accumulated on passage sensor s4 and dust particles d0, d1, d2, and d3 that have moved in the direction of the coin flow. Note that, because air blowing units 21a, 21b, and 21c have received the air outlet close signal sent from control unit 10a, their air outlets are closed and air blowing has stopped.

[0078] In this way, by sequentially blowing air from air blowing sections 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, dust can be efficiently moved in a fixed direction without scattering and accumulated in dust accumulation section 23.

[0079] Here, the tip shape of the air outlet of air blowing units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d may be smaller as they are positioned further downstream in the coin flow. That is, the tip shape of the air outlet of air blowing unit 21b is made smaller than that of air blowing unit 21a, and the tip shape of the air outlet of air blowing unit 21c is made smaller than that of air blowing unit 21b. Furthermore, the tip shape of the air outlet of air blowing unit 21d is made smaller than that of air blowing unit 21c.

[0080] In this way, by configuring the air outlets to be gradually narrower, the smaller the air outlet, the more strongly compressed air can be blown out. Therefore, air blowing section 21b can blow out air more strongly than air blowing section 21a, and air blowing section 21c can blow out air more strongly than air blowing section 21b.

[0081] Furthermore, air blowing section 21d can blow out air more strongly than air blowing section 21c. With this configuration, dust that moves downstream in the coin flow and accumulates can be reliably moved to dust accumulation section 23 and accumulated there.

[0082] As described above, according to the present invention, by sequentially blowing air, dust is collected in a predetermined location, which prevents the dust from scattering and enables efficient cleaning. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to remove the accumulated dust, the maintenance time required for cleaning can be shortened.

[0083] Although the above has been described with respect to the control of cleaning dust caused by coin powder, the above-described configuration can also be similarly applied to the control of cleaning dust caused by banknote powder. The processing functions of the cash handling apparatus 10 of the present invention described above can be realized by a computer. In this case, a program is provided that describes the processing contents of the functions that the cash handling apparatus 10 should have. By executing the program on a computer, the processing functions described above are realized on the computer.

[0084] The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage units, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memories. Examples of magnetic storage units include hard disk drives (HDDs), flexible disks (FDs), and magnetic tapes. Examples of optical disks include CD-ROM / RWs. Examples of magneto-optical recording media include MOs (Magneto Optical disks).

[0085] When distributing a program, for example, the program may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and sold. Alternatively, the program may be stored in the memory of a server computer and transferred from the server computer to other computers via a network.

[0086] A computer that executes a program stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer in its own storage unit. The computer then reads the program from its own storage unit and executes processing in accordance with the program. Note that the computer can also read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute processing in accordance with the program.

[0087] The computer can also execute the processing according to the received program each time it receives the program from a server computer connected via a network. At least a part of the processing functions can also be realized by electronic circuits such as DSPs, ASICs, and PLDs.

[0088] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configurations of the parts shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. In addition, other optional components or steps may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Cash handling equipment 10a Control section 21a, 21b Air blowing section 2a1 Transport path d1, d2 dust s1, s2 Passing sensors

Claims

1. a plurality of passing sensors disposed on a conveyance path along which currency flows and detecting a passing state of the currency; a plurality of air blowing units that blow air toward the location of the passage sensor based on an air blowing command to move dust accumulated at the location of the passage sensor in a certain direction; a control unit that sequentially issues the air blowing instructions to the air blowing units to control the drive of the air blowing units; A cash handling device having:

2. a dust accumulation section for accumulating the dust is provided at a predetermined location to which the dust moves in a certain direction, and the dust accumulation section is provided with a hole for blowing the air outward; 2. The cash handling apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the air blowing section is provided in a duct filled with compressed air, The control unit an air outlet of the air blowing unit is opened in response to the air blowing instruction, and the compressed air is blown out from the air blowing unit; an air blowing stop command is issued to close the air blowing port of the air blowing unit, thereby stopping the blowing of the compressed air from the air blowing unit; 2. The cash handling apparatus according to claim 1.

4. In the case where a first air blowing unit that blows the air toward a first installation location of a first passage sensor and a second air blowing unit that blows the air toward a second installation location of a second passage sensor through which the currency passes after the first passage sensor are provided, The control unit outputting the air blowing instruction to the first air blowing unit to open the air blowing port of the first air blowing unit, outputting the air blowing stop instruction to the second air blowing unit to close the air blowing port of the second air blowing unit, thereby moving the first dust accumulated in the first arrangement location to the periphery of the second arrangement location; and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the air outlet of the first air blowing unit was opened, outputting the air blowing stop instruction to the first air blowing unit to close the air outlet of the first air blowing unit, and outputting the air blowing instruction to the second air blowing unit to open the air outlet of the second air blowing unit, thereby moving the first dust and the second dust that has accumulated in the second arrangement location in a fixed direction beyond the second arrangement location.

4. The cash handling apparatus according to claim 3.

5. In the case where a first air blowing unit that blows the air toward a first installation location of a first passage sensor and a second air blowing unit that blows the air toward a second installation location of a second passage sensor through which the currency passes after the first passage sensor are provided, a shape of the air outlet of the second air blowing section is smaller than a shape of the air outlet of the first air blowing section, and the second air blowing section outputs air that is more strongly compressed than the air blown out from the first air blowing section; 4. The cash handling apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The computer giving air blowing instructions in sequence to a plurality of air blowing units that are arranged on a conveyance path along which the currency flows and that blow air toward locations of a plurality of passing sensors that detect the passing state of the currency; moving dust accumulated at the location where the passing sensor is disposed in a certain direction; How to clean dust.

7. On the computer, giving air blowing instructions in sequence to a plurality of air blowing units that are arranged on a conveyance path along which the currency flows and that blow air toward locations of a plurality of passing sensors that detect the passing state of the currency; moving dust accumulated at the location where the passing sensor is disposed in a certain direction; A program that executes a process.

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