Money processing device and money processing method

Abstract

In order to make it possible to clean the inside of a device using a cleaning body without providing a dedicated storage unit for the cleaning body, this money processing device, which cleans the inside of the device using the cleaning body, is configured from: a storage unit that stores money and the cleaning body; a conveying unit that conveys the money and the cleaning body fed out from the storage unit; an identifying unit that identifies the money and the cleaning body conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit that uses the identifying unit to identify whether a conveyed object fed out from the storage unit and conveyed by the conveying unit is money or the cleaning body, and executes money processing using money and cleaning processing using the cleaning body.

Description

Currency Processing Device and Currency Processing Method

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

[0002] Conventionally, various currency processing devices that convey and process currency along a conveyance path provided within the device have been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a currency processing device provided with a storage for cleaning coins. This device cleans 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.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 3519221

[0004] However, in the above prior art, it is necessary to newly provide a storage for storing cleaning coins within the currency processing device. In recent years, there are many demands for miniaturization of the device, and there may be cases where it is not preferable to provide a dedicated storage section for storing cleaning bodies for in-device cleaning 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 device and a currency processing method capable of executing a cleaning process using a cleaning body without providing a dedicated storage section for the cleaning body.

[0006] The currency processing device according to the present disclosure is a currency processing device that cleans the inside of the device using a cleaning body, and includes a storage section for storing currency and the cleaning body, a conveyance section for conveying the currency and the cleaning body fed out from the storage section, an identification section for identifying the currency and the cleaning body conveyed by the conveyance section, and a control section for identifying whether the conveyance target fed out from the storage section and conveyed by the conveyance section is the currency or the cleaning body by the identification section, and executing currency processing using the currency and cleaning processing using the cleaning body.

[0007] In the above configuration, the control section may change the conveyance path depending on whether the conveyance target is the currency or the cleaning body.

[0008] In the above configuration, the control section may perform cleaning while circulating the cleaning body along a loop-shaped conveyance 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, 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; and when the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, and the cleaning process 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 determination result is obtained 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.

[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.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of a currency processing device according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a coin processing device, which is an example of a currency processing device. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the deposit process performed by the coin processing device. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the withdrawal process and change preparation process performed by the coin processing device. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning process performed by the coin processing device. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow in the first mode. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the cleaning completion conditions. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the change preparation process flow in the second mode. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the withdrawal process flow in the second mode. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the change preparation process flow in the third mode. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the withdrawal process flow in the third mode. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the coin processing device. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the coin replenishment process performed by the coin processing device. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the coin replenishment process.

[0023] The currency processing device and currency processing method relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The currency to be processed by the currency processing device may be banknotes or coins.

[0024] [Overview of the Currency Processing Device] (Device Configuration and Currency Processing) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overview 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 multiple denominations of coins 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 a coin or a coin-shaped cleaning body 100 has been dispensed from the storage unit.

[0027] The currency processing device 1 can perform a deposit process that counts the number and value of each denomination of currency deposited from the deposit unit 10, as well as the total amount, and stores 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 that the currency processing device 1 can perform are not limited; for example, the currency processing device 1 may perform only withdrawal processing. The currency processing device 1 may also 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 towards 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. The identification unit 40 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 for withdrawal (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 a cleaning process for 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 unit 100 along a loop-shaped transport path, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, to perform the cleaning process of the sensors 70 (B). The currency processing device 1 transports the cleaning unit 100 along the loop-shaped transport path one or more times to clean the sensors 70 installed along the transport path. The cleaning unit 100 cleans each of the multiple sensors 70.

[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 the 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 the withdrawal process, the currency processing device 1 dispenses the currency from the currency storage unit 50 and, if the currency identified by the identification unit 40 is eligible for withdrawal, it dispenses it from the withdrawal unit 20. If the currency is a cleaning unit 100, it circulates it along the transport path to perform cleaning. If the currency storage unit 50 stores currency of multiple denominations in a mixed state, and the identified currency is not eligible for withdrawal, it is returned to the currency storage unit 50.

[0040] If the currency storage unit 50 consists of multiple storage units, the currency processing device 1 may perform a cleaning process using the cleaning unit 100 when performing other currency processing, such as 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, the currency processing device 1 may, if the object to be transported by the transport unit 30, identified by the identification unit 40, transport it to the target storage unit if it is currency, or if it is the cleaning unit 100, change the transport route and have it circulate along the transport path to perform the cleaning process. The cleaning process may also be performed when performing a verification process to check the amount of currency in a storage unit by identifying and verifying the currency after it has been moved to another storage unit and returning it to the original storage unit. The currency processing device 1 may, if the object to be transported by the transport unit 30, identified by the identification unit 40, transport it to the original storage unit if it is currency, or if it is the cleaning unit 100, change the transport route and have it circulate along the transport path to perform the cleaning process.

[0041] The currency processing device 1 may execute a cleaning process independently of currency processing. For example, when the currency processing device 1 starts the cleaning process when it is not performing currency processing, if the conveyance target that is fed out from the currency storage unit 50, identified by the identification unit 40, and conveyed by the conveyance unit 30 is currency, it may be returned to the currency storage unit 50, and if it is the cleaning body 100, the cleaning process may be executed.

[0042] (Cleaning end condition and cleaning determination process) The currency processing device 1 ends the cleaning process (C) on the condition that a preset cleaning end condition is satisfied. The cleaning end condition can be changed by setting. The currency processing device 1 may end the cleaning process based on a cleaning end condition selected from a plurality of preset cleaning end conditions.

[0043] The cleaning end condition is set such that, for example, when the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is conveyed once along the loop-shaped conveyance path as indicated by the broken-line arrow in FIG. 1, it is returned to the currency storage unit 50. In this case, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is conveyed along the loop-shaped conveyance path, identified again by the identification unit 40, and then stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0044] The cleaning end condition is set such that, for example, when the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is repeatedly conveyed along the loop-shaped conveyance path as indicated by the broken-line arrow in FIG. 1, and the number of conveyance times reaches a predetermined number of times, it is returned to the currency storage unit 50. In this case, the cleaning body 100 identified by the identification unit 40 is circulated along the loop-shaped conveyance path, and after the number of times identified by the identification unit 40 reaches a predetermined number of times, it is stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0045] The cleaning end condition is set such that, for example, a cleaning determination process for determining the necessity of cleaning according to the degree of contamination of the sensor 70 is executed, and when a determination result of not requiring cleaning is obtained, the cleaning body 100 is returned to the currency storage unit 50. In this case, the cleaning determination process is executed each time the cleaning body 100 is identified by the identification unit 40. The circulating conveyance of the cleaning body 100 continues while cleaning is necessary, and when cleaning is no longer required, the cleaning body 100 is stored in the currency storage unit 50.

[0046] In the cleaning determination process, when the amount of detection light that is transmitted and received by the sensor 70 decreases due to dirt such as dust adhering to the sensor 70 or the prism, it is determined that cleaning is necessary. In other words, the currency processing device 1 determines that cleaning is not required while the amount of detection light that is transmitted and received by the sensor 70 remains within a predetermined range. The determination may be made by comparing the amount of detection light that is transmitted and received by the sensor 70 with a preset threshold value.

[0047] For example, if the currency processing device 1 can transmit and receive the detection light with the sensor 70 even when the amount of the detection light is reduced, it determines that cleaning is not required, and if it becomes unable to transmit and receive the detection light when the amount of the detection light is reduced, it determines that cleaning is necessary. That is, the currency processing device 1 can determine whether cleaning is necessary by reducing the amount of detection light more than usual so that the influence of dirt is likely to occur.

[0048] Specifically, in a state where there is no currency at the arrangement position of the sensor 70, the currency processing device 1 changes the amount of detection light emitted from the light emitting unit of the sensor 70 to a predetermined amount of light lower than that during the execution of currency processing, and compares the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit with a preset threshold value. The threshold value is set such that the amount of detection light is greater than or equal to the threshold value without the influence of dirt, and the amount of detection light becomes smaller than the threshold value when cleaning becomes necessary due to the influence of dirt. When executing the cleaning determination process, if the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit of the currency processing device 1 is smaller than the threshold value, it determines that the sensor 70 is dirty and cleaning is necessary, and if it is greater than or equal to the threshold value, it determines that cleaning of the sensor 70 is not required.

[0049] The cleaning determination process may also be performed without changing the amount of detection light emitted from the light emitting unit of the sensor 70. For example, in a state where there is no currency at the arrangement position of the sensor 70, the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit of the sensor 70 may be examined to determine whether cleaning is necessary. Specifically, if the currency processing device 1 stores the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit in a state without the influence of dirt as a reference light amount, and determines that cleaning is necessary when the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit has decreased beyond a predetermined threshold value from the reference light amount.

[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. After the cleaning process has started, 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 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 can perform a determination process regarding the likelihood of the sensor 70 becoming soiled and, based on the determination result, propose increasing the number of cleaning bodies 100. 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 can propose increasing the number of cleaning bodies 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 bodies 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, when 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, 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 storing the cleaning body 100 in that storage unit. In other words, based on the frequency of currency dispensing from each storage unit, the currency processing unit 1 suggests changing the storage unit for the cleaning body 100 to another storage unit with a higher dispensing frequency, i.e., another storage unit from which the cleaning body 100 is more likely to be dispensed. 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 the cleaning body 100, which is stored together with the currency in the currency storage unit 50 that stores the currency for withdrawal, without the need for a dedicated storage unit for the cleaning body 100. When the cleaning body 100 is dispensed from the currency storage unit 50 during currency processing, the cleaning process is performed automatically. Therefore, 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. Therefore, 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. Alternatively, 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. Below, the more specific configuration and operation of the currency processing device 1 will be described using coins as an example. In the following description, the same reference numerals may be used for components that are the same as in Figure 1, and their explanation may be omitted.

[0060] [Configuration of the 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 this 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 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 of 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. A plurality of chutes 30c connect each of the plurality of 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. The dispensing unit 60 dispenses the coins that have fallen from the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a back into the transport path of the upper transport unit 30a, and the upper transport unit 30a transports them, thereby realizing circulating transport in a loop-shaped transport path where the identification unit 40 and the dispensing unit 60 are provided.

[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 upward 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 an external device 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 and cleaning judgment processes. The inventory information includes information that can identify 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 Processing] Examples of processes performed by the coin processing device 1 will be explained. 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 schematic 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 body 100 may be stored in the first storage unit 51 or the second storage unit 52, but after explaining the deposit process in Figure 3 and the withdrawal process and preparation of change process in Figure 4, focusing only on coins, the explanation including the cleaning body 100 will be given.

[0075] (Deposit Processing) Of the two storage units 51 and 52, the deposit processing is performed using the first storage unit 51. During deposit processing, 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 processing 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) Withdrawal processing 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 processing, 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. The minimum number of coins necessary refers to the number of coins of multiple denominations and denominations that are configured to dispense change regardless of the amount of change to be given in coins.

[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 into the chute 30c from the gate 30b 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 coins equal 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] (Change preparation process) After dispensing change from the second storage unit 52, the coin processing device 1 replenishes the coins dispensed from the first storage unit 51 into the second storage unit 52 based on the denominations and number of coins of each denomination used for change, and performs a change preparation process to prepare the minimum number of coins for dispensing change in the second storage unit 52.

[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 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 Bodies in the Cleaning Process] The cleaning process using the cleaning bodies 100 will now be explained. As shown in Figure 4(a), 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(b), 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. The cleaning process of the coin processing device 1 is performed using cleaning bodies 100 that have the same shape as coins. Hereafter, the cleaning bodies 100 will be referred to as cleaning coins 100 in the explanation.

[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. In 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 provided in the transport path are cleaned.

[0091] The coin processing device 1 circulates and 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 circulate and transport the cleaning coins 100, perform one circulating transport, or perform multiple circulating transports.

[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), after passing through the identification unit 40, the cleaning coin 100 is returned to the first storage unit 51 without returning to the dispensing unit 60.

[0093] After the cleaning coins 100 have been transported once, that is, when the cleaning coins 100 have 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 coins 100 will then be dispensed from the dispensing unit 60, pass through the identification unit 40 again, and then return to the first storage unit 51.

[0094] After the cleaning coin 100 has been transported once, if the cleaning completion conditions have not been met, the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 returns to the dispensing unit 60 via the identification unit 40. The circulating transport, in which the cleaning coin 100 is 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 circulating transports, the cleaning coin 100 is 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 together with the change coins, and the cleaning process is performed during the next withdrawal process.

[0096] (Cleaning process during withdrawal) Figure 5(b) shows the cleaning process performed using the cleaning coins 100 stored in the second storage unit 52 when a withdrawal is executed. As explained in Figure 4(a), when a withdrawal is executed, the cleaning coins 100 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, whereas during the cleaning process when dispensing money, the cleaning coins 100 from the second storage unit 52 move to the dispensing unit 60. However, the cleaning process by circulating 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 unit 51 stores a large quantity of coins of multiple denominations, while the number of coins stored in the second storage unit 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 unit 52 to the transport path via the dispensing unit 60 and performs cleaning with the cleaning coins 100. However, because the second storage unit 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 unit that stores a large quantity of coins, such as the first storage unit 51. Furthermore, since all the contents of the second storage unit 52 are released to the dispensing unit 60 during the dispensing process, if cleaning coins 100 are stored in the second storage unit 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 Process Flow] The cleaning process flow is explained below. The coin processing device 1 can perform the cleaning process in a mode pre-selected from three modes: the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Each mode is described below.

[0106] (First Mode) The first mode is a mode in which a cleaning process is performed when the change preparation process is performed. 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 explained in Figure 4(b), while simultaneously performing the cleaning process using the cleaning coins 100 in the first storage unit 51 as explained 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), i.e., if it is a coin, then determines whether it is a change coin that needs to be replenished in the second storage unit 52 (step S4). If the coin processing device 1 determines that the coin is one 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 one 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 cleaning coin 100 is identified by the identification unit 40 (step S3; Yes), the coin processing device 1 determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S7). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S7; Yes), the coin processing device 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 device 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 are ready 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 the cleaning coins 100 have been 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, a cleaning process is repeatedly performed, transporting them along the loop-shaped transport path of the upper transport unit 30a 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, 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. For this reason, 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 a mode in which the cleaning process is performed when the withdrawal process is executed. The cleaning mode is switched on or off during the change preparation process, 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 a cleaning coin 100 is 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 rather than 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 processes in steps S21 to S28 are repeated until the change coins are ready 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 cash dispensing process in the second mode, which is performed when the cleaning mode is turned on. When the coin processing device 1 starts the cash dispensing 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 rather than 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 cleaning coin 100 is identified by the identification unit 40 (step S43; Yes), the coin processing device 1 determines whether the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S47). If the cleaning completion conditions are met (step S47; Yes), the coin processing device 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 device 1 performs the cleaning process (step S50). 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.

[0129] The process in steps S42 to S50 is repeated until all 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, during the execution of multiple withdrawal processes, the cumulative number of cleaning operations (total number) reaches a predetermined number set as the cleaning completion condition, 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 executed. Similar to the second mode, the cleaning mode is switched on and 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 executes a cleaning judgment process to determine the degree of dirtiness of the sensor 70, and then executes 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 in steps S61 to S70 shown in Figure 10 are the same as the processes in 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 or not (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 flow of a third mode of cash withdrawal processing performed with the cleaning mode turned on. The coin processing device 1, which has started the cash withdrawal process, determines whether or not cleaning of the sensor 70 is necessary (step S81). After performing the change preparation process that was performed before starting this cash withdrawal 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 cash withdrawal process to determine whether or not cleaning is necessary.

[0139] If the sensor 70 needs cleaning (step S81; Yes), the coin processing device 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 equal to or greater than a preset 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 rather than 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 the cleaning process ends when the number of cleaning process executions (total number) 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] (Modification) In the second and third modes, examples were described in which the cleaning completion condition is when the cumulative number of cleaning processes reaches a predetermined number. However, as explained in Figure 7, the cleaning completion condition may also be determined by checking the degree of soiling of the sensor 70 and the prism and setting the degree of soiling 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 performed consecutively. 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-shaped transport path returning to the dispensing unit 60, the coin processing device 1 performs a cleaning process with the cleaning coin 100 dispensed from the dispensing unit 60 during the dispensing process and returns the cleaning coin 100 to the second storage unit 52 as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 12. Since the cleaning coin 100 is 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 coin 100 in the second storage unit 52 each time the dispensing process is performed. If the cleaning completion condition is met during the multiple dispensing processes, the cleaning coin 100 should be returned to the first storage unit 51 as shown by the dashed arrow 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 using the cleaning coin 100 can be performed multiple times.

[0153] (Coin replenishment) The coin processing device 1 can perform a replenishment process to replenish the coins inserted from the deposit section 10 to the first storage section 51. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the coin replenishment process performed by the coin processing device 1. The replenishment process is performed, for example, using a tray 200 dedicated to the replenishment process, as shown in Figure 13(a).

[0154] The tray 200 has a roughly box shape with an open top and an opening 200d formed in part of its bottom. The bottom of the tray 200 has a shape in which a sloping section 200c, which becomes lower towards the right, connects the input section 200a, which is a roughly horizontal plane on the left side, and the opening 200d formed on the right side. To prevent coins from sticking, a circular recess is formed in part of the input section 200a and the sloping section 200c, the opening area of ​​which is smaller than the surface area of ​​the smallest coin among the multiple denominations of coins processed by the coin processing device 1.

[0155] The tray 200 is configured to be detachably attached to the deposit section 10 of the coin processing device 1. The lower side and bottom of the tray 200 have indentations and protrusions that match the shape of the deposit section 10, and as shown in Figure 13(b), when the tray 200 is attached to the deposit section 10 of the coin processing device 1, the position of the tray 200 in the horizontal direction is fixed. In this fixed position, the opening 200d of the tray 200 communicates with the deposit slot of the deposit section 10. The side walls 200b (200b1, 200b2) of the tray 200 have a shape in which the side wall portion 200b1, which is on the front side of the device when the tray 200 is fixed, is lower in height than the side wall portion 200b2, which is on the rear side of the device. Therefore, it is easy to insert multiple coins 101 into the deposit section 200a while standing on the front side of the device.

[0156] As shown by the arrow in Figure 13(b), the coin 101 inserted into the input section 200a slides down to the right along the inclined section 200c, then changes direction toward the rear of the device, and falls through the opening 200d, through the deposit slot of the deposit section 10, into the dispensing section 60. The coin processing device 1 transports the coins in the same manner as the deposit process described in Figure 3, identifies the coin 101 received by the dispensing section 60 with the identification section 40, and performs a replenishment process to store them in the first storage section 51. In this way, the coins inserted from the deposit section 10 using the tray 200 are replenished in the first storage section 51.

[0157] The input section 200a has a larger capacity than the deposit section 10 and can hold more coins. By attaching the tray 200 to the deposit section 10, more coins than can be inserted at once from the deposit section 10 can be placed on the input section 200a, and these coins can be sequentially inserted into the deposit slot of the deposit section 10 via the inclined section 200c and the opening 200d. This makes it easy to replenish the coin processing device 1 with a large number of coins.

[0158] Figure 14 illustrates another example of a coin replenishment process. As shown in Figure 14(a), the replenishment process may be carried out using a portable tray 300 for the coins. The tray 300 shown in Figure 14(a) has a container shape with an open top and an opening at the bottom, and is equipped with a shutter that can open and close the opening. The opening is formed on the lower side of the tray 300 so as to communicate with the deposit slot of the deposit section 10. The opening may be shaped like, for example, the opening 200d in Figure 13. Normally, the shutter is in a closed position that closes the opening. The tray 300 includes a handle and is designed to be carried with multiple coins for replenishment stored inside the container.

[0159] The tray 300 is configured to be detachably attached to the deposit section 10 of the coin processing device 1. The lower side and bottom of the tray 300 have indentations and protrusions that match the shape of the deposit section 10. As shown in Figure 14(b), when the tray 300 is attached to the deposit section 10 of the coin processing device 1, the horizontal position of the tray 300 is fixed. At this fixed position, the shutter of the tray 300 moves from the closed position to the open position, opening the opening of the tray 300, and the inside of the tray 300 communicates with the deposit slot of the deposit section 10. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the tray 300 is shaped to slope downward toward the opening, allowing coins inside the tray 300 to flow from the opened opening into the deposit slot of the deposit section 10 and fall into the dispensing section 60. As a result, coins inserted from the deposit section 10 are replenished in the first storage section 51, similar to when using the tray 200.

[0160] The method of opening and closing the shutter is not particularly limited. For example, the shutter can be opened and closed manually. The tray 300 shutter may also be configured to open and close automatically.

[0161] For example, a shutter biased to a closed position by a biasing member such as a spring is provided on the back of the tray 300. The shutter is provided to be movable between a closed position that closes an opening formed in the lower part of the back of the tray 300 and an open position that moves upward along the back to open the opening. A pin is also provided that protrudes downward and outward from the bottom surface of the tray 300 and pushes the shutter from the closed position to the open position as it moves upward. When the tray 300 is attached to the deposit section 10, as the tray 300 moves vertically from the upper position to the lower fixed position, the pin that comes into contact with a part of the deposit section 10 pushes the shutter up and moves it from the closed position to the open position, so that the opening of the tray 300 opens. When the tray 300 is removed from the deposit section 10, the biasing member will cause the shutter to return from the open position to the closed position and close the opening on the back again.

[0162] The tray 300 may be provided with multiple pins, and the shutter may not open unless all of the pins are pushed up simultaneously. This prevents the shutter from opening and the coins stored in the tray 300 from falling out of the opening if the pins are accidentally pushed up while the tray 300 is being carried.

[0163] The pins on the tray 300 may be configured to protrude horizontally. For example, when the tray 300 is attached and fixed to the deposit section 10 horizontally, the shutter can be opened when the pins come into contact with a part of the deposit section 10 and are pushed horizontally. This makes it possible to replenish coins by attaching the replenishment tray 300 horizontally, even when an operating terminal such as a cash register 3 or an information processing terminal such as a kiosk terminal is provided above the coin processing device 1, and the top of the deposit section 10 is covered. Also, when the tray 300 is placed on a counter or table other than the deposit section 10, the pins can be pressed and the shutter can be opened, preventing coins from spilling out of the tray 300. The pins that protrude horizontally from the tray 300 may also be configured in the same way as the pins that protrude downwards, with multiple pins so that the shutter does not open unless multiple pins are pressed simultaneously.

[0164] The shutter on the deposit slot of the deposit section 10 may be automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the tray 300. The opening and closing of the tray 300 and the shutter on the deposit slot are not limited to being performed mechanically in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the tray 300, but may also be performed electrically using an actuator such as a motor or solenoid based on the detection result from a sensor that detects the attachment and detachment of the tray 300.

[0165] 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.

Claims

1. 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.

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 currency processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when currency to be processed is dispensed from the storage unit during currency processing, the control unit transports the currency along the transport path and processes it according to the processing content of the currency processing, and when the cleaning body is dispensed from the storage unit, the cleaning body transports the cleaning body along the transport path and stores the cleaning body in the storage unit after cleaning is completed.

6. The currency processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage unit includes a first storage unit for storing currency and a second storage unit for storing a smaller number of currency for withdrawal than the first storage unit, and the control unit, when performing a preparation process to prepare a predetermined number of currency for withdrawal for each denomination in the second storage unit using currency dispensed from the first storage unit, dispenses the cleaning body from the first storage unit and stores the cleaning body together with the currency for withdrawal in the second storage unit, and when performing a withdrawal process to dispense the currency to be withdrawn from the second storage unit and the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, the cleaning body is transported along the transport path and cleaned, 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.

7. The currency processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first storage unit stores a mixture of multiple denominations of coins that constitute the change dispensed by the currency processing device, and the second storage unit stores a mixture of the minimum number of coins necessary for dispensing change.

8. The currency processing apparatus according to 6 or 7, characterized in that the control unit performs 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, 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, and when predetermined cleaning completion conditions are met, the cleaning body is stored in the first storage unit; and when the cleaning completion conditions are not met, the cleaning body is stored in the second storage unit, and the cleaning process is repeated each time a withdrawal is performed.

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, comprising: a step of identifying by an identification unit whether the object to be transported, which is unwound from a storage unit and transported by a transport unit, is currency or a cleaning body; a step of performing currency processing using the currency; and a step of performing cleaning processing using the cleaning body.

13. The currency processing method according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes a step of changing the transport route depending on whether the object to be transported is the currency or the cleaning body.

14. The currency processing method according to claim 13, characterized in that it includes the step of transporting the cleaning body in a loop along a transport path.

15. The currency processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes the step of transporting the cleaning body a predetermined number of times to perform cleaning, and storing the cleaning body in the storage unit after the cleaning is completed.

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