JP2022165637A - Money processor and money processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a money processor and a money processing method that can efficiently irradiate light for sterilization to money.SOLUTION: Money processor 1 includes: a receiving unit 20 that receives money; a transport unit 40 that transports the money received in the receiving unit 20; a light source (light source module 90) that irradiates light for sterilization onto the money in a transport path 43 of the transport unit 40; and a control unit that controls the light source. The control unit determines, after the light source is ready to irradiate the light for sterilization, whether or not the release condition that enables the sterilization operation to be released is satisfied, and sets the light source to the power saving mode according to the fulfillment of the release condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a money handling device and a money handling method for handling money.

Money processing devices such as ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), teller machines, and money counters are installed in shops, financial institutions, and the like. Patent Literature 1 below describes a paper sheet handling device for handling paper sheets. In this device, the inside of the device is cooled using a fan. Control for suppressing the number of rotations of the fan is performed when a transaction for the device is started, and the control is canceled when the transaction is completed. Further, when the temperature inside the device exceeds a predetermined temperature after the control is released, transaction processing is stopped.

Japanese Patent No. 5421213

Money processed by the money handling apparatus is touched by fingers of various users. In order to further improve the sanitation of money, it is preferable that the money handling apparatus is provided with a structure that sterilizes money to be processed. For example, a configuration that kills or inactivates bacteria and viruses adhering to money using light (UV-C) with a wavelength of 280 nm or less can be applied to the money handling apparatus. In this case, for example, a light source that emits light of the wavelength is arranged on the money transport path, and the money flowing on the transport path is irradiated with the light of the wavelength.

With this configuration, in order to irradiate money with sterilizing light quickly and reliably during money processing, control can be performed to always maintain the light source in a light emitting state. However, with this control, light irradiation is wasted until the process actually starts, which can lead to an increase in power consumption and a reduction in the life of the light source.

In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a money handling apparatus and a money handling method capable of efficiently irradiating money with light for sterilization.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a money handling apparatus. A money handling apparatus according to this aspect includes a receiving unit for receiving money, a transport unit for transporting the money received by the receiving unit, a light source for irradiating the money on a transport path of the transport unit with light for sterilization, and and a control unit that controls the light source. The control unit determines whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied after the light source becomes capable of irradiating the sterilization light, and determines whether the cancellation condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the light source is set to the power saving mode.

According to the money handling apparatus of this aspect, the light source is set to the power saving mode when the cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied after the light source becomes capable of irradiating light for sterilization. . As a result, light emission for sterilization is suppressed when the sterilization operation is unnecessary, and the money can be efficiently irradiated with the light for sterilization. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption by the light source can be suppressed, and a decrease in the life of the light source can be suppressed.

In this aspect, "sterilization" means killing or inactivating bacteria or viruses adhering to money. In addition, "money" can also include other economically valuable media such as securities, in addition to banknotes and coins.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the cancellation condition may include that no operation related to money handling has been performed on the apparatus over a preset monitoring period.

If the device has not been operated for money handling for a certain period of time, it can be estimated that the device is unlikely to be used immediately thereafter. Therefore, as described above, by including the absence of the operation for the monitoring period as a cancellation condition and shifting the light source to the power saving mode, the light emission for sterilization is appropriately suppressed when the sterilization operation is unnecessary. can do.

In this configuration, the control unit may be configured to include a setting item for accepting setting of the monitoring period in the setting screen.

Thereby, the user can appropriately set the monitoring period according to the operation status of the money handling apparatus. For example, if the money handling device is used frequently, setting a longer monitoring period makes it easier for the light source to be maintained in a state where it can irradiate sterilizing light during the next money handling. The sterilization operation in the next money processing can be performed smoothly. On the other hand, if the money handling device is not used frequently, setting the monitoring period to a short period shortens the period during which the light source continues to emit light at the intensity used for sterilization until the next money handling, thereby appropriately reducing power consumption. can be suppressed.

In this case, the controller may be configured to stop the light emission of the light source in the power saving mode.

With this configuration, it is possible to avoid light emission from the light source in the power saving mode. As a result, the power consumption of the money handling apparatus can be reliably suppressed, and the life of the light source can be effectively extended.

Alternatively, the controller may be configured to reduce the emission intensity of the light source in the power saving mode compared to that during the sterilization operation.

According to this configuration, the power consumption of the light source in the power saving mode can be suppressed compared to the normal sterilization operation. In addition, since the light source is not stopped in the power saving mode, it is possible to shorten the time until the light for sterilization is stably irradiated when returning from the power saving mode to the normal sterilization operation. Therefore, it is possible to shift to normal sterilization operation more quickly.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to perform sterilization control to cause the light source to emit light at the emission intensity for the sterilization operation when a start condition for starting the sterilization operation is satisfied.

According to this configuration, the light source emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation when the device needs the sterilization operation. Therefore, after that, it is possible to quickly and smoothly shift to money processing accompanied by sterilization operation.

In this case, the start condition may include that the device has been powered on and that an operation related to money handling has been performed on the device in the power saving mode.

When the power of the money handling device is turned on and when an operation related to money handling is performed on the device, it is estimated that the device is likely to be used immediately thereafter. Therefore, by including these in the start conditions and causing the light source to emit light with the emission intensity for the sterilization operation, it is possible to quickly and smoothly transition to money processing accompanied by the sterilization operation.

In this configuration, the control unit notifies the operator that the light source is being activated during a standby period after the start of the sterilization control until the light source emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation. It can be configured to perform processing.

According to this configuration, when the operator intends to process money in the money handling apparatus, if the light source for sterilization is in operation (the sterilization operation is in progress), the operator is notified of this fact. can be grasped by Therefore, the operator can proceed with the subsequent processing smoothly.

In this configuration, the control unit may be configured to include a setting item for accepting setting of the waiting period in the setting screen.

According to this configuration, the operator can appropriately set the standby period according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the control section may be configured to stop the transportation of money by the transportation section during the standby period.

According to this configuration, the transportation of money by the transportation unit is stopped until the light source can stably irradiate the light for sterilization. Therefore, it is possible to prevent money from being conveyed in a state in which irradiation with light for sterilization is insufficient. Therefore, the money to be processed can be reliably sterilized in the subsequent transport operation.

Alternatively, after the sterilization control is started, the control unit receives an operation as to whether or not to execute money processing during a standby period until the light source emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation, and performs the money processing. can be configured to execute money processing while continuing the sterilization control when an operation to execute is received.

According to this configuration, the operator can, at his/her own discretion, process money before the activation of the sterilization operation is completed.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the control unit takes in again from the receiving unit the money that has been sent from the receiving unit to the conveying path and processed, and resterilizes the money with the sterilizing light. mode.

According to this configuration, the money is sterilized a plurality of times using the light for sterilization, so the money can be sterilized more reliably.

In this case, the control unit may be configured to include a setting item for setting whether to execute the resterilization mode on the setting screen.

According to this configuration, the operator can arbitrarily set whether or not to execute the resterilization mode according to the operation status of the money handling apparatus.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the light source and the drive circuit for the light source are housed in a case to form a light source module, and the light source module is arranged on the transport path of the transport section. .

According to this configuration, the light source can be installed or replaced smoothly on a light source module basis.

In this configuration, the case may have a recess, the driving circuit and the light source may be installed in the recess in order from the bottom, and the light source module may include a light transmission plate closing the recess. The surface of the light transmission plate opposite to the light source forms the transport surface of the transport path.

According to this configuration, since the surface of the light transmission plate is shared with the transport surface of the transport path, the structure of the transport path can be simplified. In addition, since the money flows along the surface of the light-transmitting plate, the money can be efficiently irradiated with the light from the light source while the money is passing through the surface of the light-transmitting plate. Therefore, currency can be sterilized more efficiently.

In this configuration, the transport unit includes guides for guiding transport of the money, the guides are separated in the transport direction across the placement position of the light source module, and the light source module is positioned at the placement position. It may be configured such that it is accommodated in a gap provided, and the surface of the light transmission plate constitutes a conveying surface of the placement position from which the guide is separated.

According to this configuration, the surface of the light transmission plate can be set as the transport surface of the transport path while the light source module is smoothly attached to and detached from the transport path.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the light source may be configured to emit light having a wavelength of 280 nm or less as the light for sterilization.

As a result, it is possible to appropriately sterilize money using light.

In the money handling apparatus according to this aspect, the light source may be a cold cathode tube.

According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain a high light source output while reducing costs, and to efficiently sterilize money.

The money handling device according to this aspect is, for example, a money counting device that counts money.

According to this configuration, the money to be counted can be sterilized in parallel with the counting of the money.

In this case, the control unit automatically sets the setting item for setting whether or not to execute the sterilization operation using the light from the light source when money is set in the receiving unit. It may be configured to be included in a setting screen including at least one of a setting item for setting a counting start mode and a setting item for setting a money counting speed.

According to this configuration, it is possible to set whether or not to set the sterilization operation while confirming the setting status of the basic setting items of the money count on the same setting screen. Therefore, the sterilization operation can be set smoothly and appropriately.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a money processing method for automatically processing money. In the money processing method according to this aspect, in order to sterilize money in a money transport path, a light source for irradiating light for sterilization is activated, and after the light source becomes capable of irradiating light for sterilization, It is determined whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied, and if the cancellation condition is satisfied, the light source is set to a power saving mode.

According to the money handling method according to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a money handling apparatus and a money handling method capable of efficiently irradiating money with light for sterilization.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiment shown below is merely one example of the implementation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a money handling apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the light source module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the assembled light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2(c) is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus with the upper housing opened according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4(a) is a plan view showing the configuration around the arrangement position of the lower light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state in which the light source module is arranged at the arrangement position of the lower light source module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device according to the first embodiment. 6(a) to 6(d) are diagrams showing setting screens for setting the operation of the money handling apparatus according to the first embodiment. 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams showing maintenance screens for performing maintenance on the money handling apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d) are diagrams showing maintenance screens for performing maintenance of the money handling apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a diagram showing a notification screen displayed on the operation display unit when the cumulative usage time of the light source module reaches the set time according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control processing of the light source module according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a notification screen displayed on the operation display unit in the notification process for notifying the operator that the light source is activated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a result screen displaying counting results according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11(c) is a diagram showing the state of the result screen in the power saving mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing start condition determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing cancellation condition determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14A is a flowchart showing light source control processing in power saving mode according to the first embodiment. 14(b) and 14(c) are flowcharts showing other control processing of the light source in the power saving mode, respectively, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing banknote transport control processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing bill counting processing according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are diagrams showing information stored in the storage unit when the resterilization mode is executed, respectively, according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are diagrams showing notification screens displayed on the operation display unit when the resterilization mode is executed, respectively, according to the first embodiment. 19 is a flowchart illustrating control processing of a light source module according to a modification of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a reception screen displayed on the operation display unit in the start necessity reception process according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a notification screen displayed on the operation display unit when an operation not requiring start is performed on the reception screen, according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing banknote transport control processing according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device according to the third embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiments, "sterilization" means killing or inactivating bacteria or viruses attached to money.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 exemplifies a money processing apparatus that counts banknotes. Money to be processed is banknotes. However, the "money" described in the claims is not limited to banknotes, and may include other economically valuable media such as coins and securities in addition to banknotes. The drawings referred to in the description are appropriately provided with arrows indicating up/down, left/right, and front/rear directions of the money handling apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

The money handling apparatus 1 is a counter that counts banknotes. The money handling apparatus 1 performs counting processing such as a simple counting process of counting banknotes and a sorting counting process of counting and sorting banknotes into a predetermined number of banknotes. The money handling apparatus 1 includes a housing 10 , a receiving section 20 , a feeding section 30 , a conveying section 40 , an identification section 50 , a stacking section 60 , a reject section 70 and an operation display section 80 .

The housing 10 constitutes the outer shell of the money handling apparatus 1 . As will be described later, the housing 10 consists of an upper housing 10a and a lower housing 10b (see FIG. 3). The receiving portion 20 is provided in the front upper portion of the housing 10 . Banknotes to be processed are stacked in the receiving unit 20 .

Feeding unit 30 , conveying unit 40 and identification unit 50 are provided inside housing 10 . The feeding unit 30 includes a kicker roller 31 , a feed roller 32 and a reverse roller 33 , and feeds banknotes placed in the receiving unit 20 one by one to the transport unit 40 . The kicker roller 31, the feed roller 32 and the reverse roller 33 are rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown) such as a motor.

The kicker roller 31 contacts the lowest banknote among the banknotes stacked in the receiving unit 20 and kicks the banknote toward the feed roller 32 side. The feed roller 32 receives the banknote kicked out by the kicker roller 31 and feeds it to the transport section 40 . The feed roller 32 and the reverse roller 33 face each other. Bills pass through a gate 34 formed between the feed roller 32 and the reverse roller 33 . The reversing roller 33 rotates in the same direction as the feed roller 32, and returns the upper bill to the receiving section 20 side when the kicked-out bill brings the upper bill.

The transport unit 40 transports banknotes fed from the feeding unit 30 . The transport section 40 includes guides 41 and 42 , a driving roller 44 and a driven roller 45 . The guides 41 and 42 face each other with a predetermined gap. This gap constitutes a transport path 43 for transporting banknotes. The guides 41 and 42 face the front and back surfaces of the banknotes flowing on the transport path 43 and guide the transport of the banknotes.

The transport path 43 includes a first transport path 43a extending from the receiving portion 20, a curved portion 43c that bends the transport path 43 from the end of the first transport path 43a in a U shape, and a second transport path 43c that extends from the end of the curved portion 43c. and a transport path 43b. The portions of the drive roller 44 and the driven roller 45 facing each other are positioned within the transport path 43 . Due to the rotation of the drive roller 44, bills flowing in the transport path 43 are sandwiched between the drive roller 44 and the driven roller 45 and sent downstream.

The identification unit 50 is provided in the first transport path 43a and identifies banknotes flowing through the first transport path 43a. Identification unit 50 includes line sensor unit 51 , thickness detection sensor unit 52 , and magnetic sensor unit 53 .

The line sensor unit 51 includes a line sensor and picks up an image of the bill. The thickness detection sensor unit 52 detects the thickness of banknotes. Based on the thickness of the detected banknote, it is determined whether the banknote has a folded portion, whether the banknote is partially covered with tape, or whether two or more banknotes are being transported in an overlapping state (multiple feeding). ) can be detected. The magnetic sensor unit 53 includes a magnetic sensor and detects magnetism emitted from magnetic components contained in the ink of banknotes or the like.

Based on the image captured by the line sensor unit 51 and the detection results of the thickness detection sensor unit 52 and the magnetic sensor unit 53, the identification unit 50 determines the fitness, authenticity, denomination, etc. of the banknotes flowing through the transport unit 40. identify. The identification unit 50 may further count bills by denomination.

The second transport path 43b branches into two transport paths on the downstream side. One branched transport path is connected to the stacking section 60 , and the other branched transport path is connected to the reject section 70 . A sorting member 46 is provided at a position where the transport path 43 branches into these two transport paths. The sorting member 46 is driven by a drive source (not shown) such as a motor, and sorts banknotes transported from the upstream side to the transport path on the stacking section 60 side or the transport path on the reject section 70 side.

The stacking unit 60 is provided in the lower front portion of the housing 10 . The stacking section 60 is provided with an impeller 61 on the rear side thereof. The impeller 61 is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown) such as a motor.

The impeller 61 has outwardly extending blades 61a provided at regular intervals on its outer peripheral surface. The impeller 61 receives banknotes sent from the conveying unit 40 one by one between two blades 61 a and sends the received banknotes to the stacking unit 60 . The banknotes sent by the impeller 61 are stacked in the stacking section 60 in an aligned state.

A front face of the stacking unit 60 is provided with a take-out port 62 for taking out banknotes. The outlet 62 is opened and closed by a shutter 63 . The shutter 63 is moved between a position where the outlet 62 is closed and a position where the outlet 62 is opened by a drive source (not shown).

The reject section 70 is provided above the stacking section 60 . A front face of the reject section 70 is provided with a take-out port 71 for taking out banknotes. A pair of left and right alignment members 72 are provided in front of the outlet 71 in the reject portion 70 . The alignment member 72 can be manually switched between an upright state and a forward tilted state. The banknotes sent to the rejecting section 70 are received by the aligning member 72 in an upright state and stacked in an aligned state. The operator can take out bills from the reject section 70 by tilting the aligning member 72 forward.

The operation display section 80 is provided above the reject section 70 . The operation display unit 80 includes a touch panel 81 that allows display and input. The touch panel 81 displays information on the result of the counting process, that is, information such as the number of counted banknotes for each denomination and the total amount. Further, the touch panel 81 is used for setting various modes of the counting process and for operations in the counting process. The operation display section 80 may be configured by a display section such as an LCD and a plurality of operation keys.

When bills of a single denomination are counted (single denomination mode), bills of the same denomination are stacked and placed in the receiving unit 20 . When bills of a plurality of denominations are counted (multiple denominations mode), banknotes of different denominations are piled up and placed in the receiving unit 20 .

When the counting process is started, the banknotes in the receiving unit 20 are delivered one by one by the delivery unit 30 and transported by the transport unit 40 . The banknotes are identified and counted by the identifying section 50 while flowing through the transport path 43 (first transport path 43a). Normal banknotes that are not unfit (damaged banknotes, badly soiled banknotes) or counterfeit banknotes and whose denominations have been specified are conveyed to the stacking unit 60 and stacked. Unfit bills, counterfeit bills, or rejected bills whose denomination cannot be specified are conveyed to the reject section 70 and stacked. In the stacking section 60, the shutter 63 is closed while the counting process is being performed. The number of coins for each denomination and the total amount are displayed on the display section (touch panel 81) in real time.

When the counting process is the sorting counting process, when a predetermined number of banknotes are stacked in the stacking unit 60, feeding of the banknotes from the receiving unit 20 is temporarily stopped, counting is interrupted, and the shutter 63 is opened. Then, when the banknotes are taken out from the stacking unit 60, feeding of the banknotes from the receiving unit 20 is resumed, and counting is resumed.

If the banknotes flowing through the transport path 43 are folded or skewed, the recognition unit 50 may not be able to identify the banknotes as normal banknotes. Therefore, the banknotes stacked in the reject section 70 may be counted again after being taken out. Bill creases, etc., may be straightened before recounting. Further, the unfit note determination level may be lowered by a predetermined setting operation.

In this embodiment, the banknotes flowing through the transport path 43 are further sterilized. Specifically, two light source modules 90 are arranged with the second transport path 43b interposed therebetween, and light for sterilization is emitted from these light source modules 90 to the upper and lower surfaces of the bills flowing through the second transport path 43b. be. This kills and inactivates bacteria and viruses adhering to the surface of the bill.

The sterilizing light emitted from the light source module 90 contains ultraviolet rays. The wavelength of light for sterilization is preferably 280 nm or less, more preferably around 250 to 260 nm (for example, 253.7 nm). This can effectively kill or inactivate bacteria and viruses.

2(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the light source module 90, FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the light source module 90 in an assembled state, and FIG. 2(c) is FIG. 2(b). is a diagram schematically showing an AA' section of the light source module 90 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the light source module 90 includes a case 91 , a substrate 92 , a reflector 93 , a light source 94 and a light transmission plate 95 .

The case 91 has a box shape with one side open. The shape of the case 91 in plan view is a rectangle. The case 91 has flanges 91a at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A hole 91b is formed through the flange portion 91a in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 2(c), a recess 91c is formed inside the case 91. As shown in FIG. A pair of flanges 91e extending in the longitudinal direction of the case 91 are formed on two inner side surfaces of the recess 91c. The positions of the pair of flanges 91e in the recess 91c in the depth direction are the same. The width of the recess 91c is constant in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the case 91 except for the pair of flanges 91e. Further, the depth of the concave portion 91c is also constant.

One surface of the case 91 is formed with an opening 91d. The shape of the opening 91d in plan view is a rectangle. The width of the opening 91d in the lateral direction of the case 91 is narrower than the recess 91c. The width of the opening 91d in the longitudinal direction of the case 91 is the same as that of the recess 91c. The case 91 may be integrally formed, or may be configured by combining a plurality of members.

The board 92 is a circuit board. A drive circuit 92 a for driving the light source 94 is mounted on the substrate 92 . The drive circuit 92 a includes an inverter for converting a DC voltage supplied from the money handling apparatus 1 side into an AC voltage suitable for driving the light source 94 .

The reflector 93 is made of a highly reflective metallic material. The reflector 93 is made of, for example, SUS, aluminum alloy, or the like. The reflector 93 has a rectangular flat plate shape in plan view. The widths of the reflecting plate 93 in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction are slightly smaller than the widths of the concave portion 91c in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction, respectively.

The light source 94 is a cold cathode tube. In this embodiment, the light source 94 has a double-folded shape. However, the shape of the light source 94 is not limited to this. The light source 94 emits sterilizing light with a wavelength of 280 nm or less. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which one light source 94 is arranged, two or more light sources 94 may be arranged in a plurality of stacked layers.

The light-transmitting plate 95 is made of a light-transmitting material such as resin or glass. The light transmission plate 95 has a rectangular flat plate shape in plan view. The width of the light transmission plate 95 in the short direction is the same as the width of the case 91 in the short direction. Also, the width of the light transmission plate 95 in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width of the concave portion 91c in the longitudinal direction.

The substrate 92 is installed on one surface of the reflector 93 and the light source 94 is installed on the other surface of the reflector 93 . These installations are performed, for example, using adhesives. These installations may be performed using fixtures. For example, a U-shaped holding member for holding the light source 94 may be mounted on the surface of the reflecting plate 93, and the light source 94 may be mounted on the reflecting plate 93 by fitting the light source 94 into this holding member. .

With the substrate 92 and the light source 94 placed on the reflector 93, the drive circuit 92a of the substrate 92 and the light source 94 are connected by wiring (not shown). Furthermore, the circuit portion on the main body side of the money handling apparatus 1 and the drive circuit 92a are connected by wiring (not shown). This wiring is passed through a recess 91 c in the case 91 through a hole or notch (not shown) provided in the case 91 . In this state, the reflector 93 is inserted into the recess 91c through the opening 91d, and attached to the pair of flanges 91e with an adhesive or the like. Further, a light transmission plate 95 is installed on the lower surface of the case 91 with an adhesive 96 so as to block the opening 91d. Thereby, the light source module 90 of FIG.2(b) is completed.

The light source module 90 is installed in the money handling apparatus 1 so that the opening 91d is positioned on the transport path 43 (second transport path 43b) side. As a result, the light for sterilization emitted from the light source 94 is irradiated into the transport path 43 (second transport path 43b). At this time, light directed from the light source 94 toward the reflector 93 is reflected by the reflector 93 and guided from the opening 91d to the transport path 43 (second transport path 43b). Thereby, the light for sterilization is more efficiently irradiated to the transport path 43 (second transport path 43b).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus 1 with the upper housing 10a opened.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper housing 10a can be rotated upward about the support shaft 11 by a predetermined operation. As the upper housing 10a rotates, the power supply line connected to the drive circuit 92a is cut off. As a result, in the open state shown in FIG. 3, emission of light for sterilization from the light source module 90 is reliably prevented.

Installation and removal of the light source module 90 can be performed in the open state of FIG. When the life of the light source 94 in the light source module 90 comes to an end, the operator opens the upper housing 10a as shown in FIG. 3 and replaces the light source module 90 in the apparatus with a new replacement module.

FIG. 4(a) is a plan view showing the configuration near the arrangement position of the lower light source module 90. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower guide 41 forming the second transport path 43b is divided into a front guide 41a and a rear guide 41b at the arrangement position. That is, the guides 41 are separated in the transport direction across the arrangement position of the light source module 90 . As a result, a rectangular gap G1 is formed between the two guides 41a and 41b in plan view. The width of the gap G1 in the front-rear direction is slightly larger than the width of the light source module 90 in the short-side direction. Also, the depth of the gap G1 is greater than the width in the height direction of the light source module 90 .

The two guides 41a and 41b are screwed with screws 48 to a pair of side plates 47 extending in the front-rear direction. A driving shaft 44a for driving the driving roller 44 is supported on the pair of side plates 47, and a supporting shaft (not shown) for supporting the driven roller 45 is supported. Notches 47a are formed in the pair of side plates 47 at positions corresponding to the gaps G1. The width of the notch 47a in the front-rear direction is slightly larger than the width of the light source module 90 in the short-side direction.

Further, the right side plate 47 is formed with a flange portion 47b protruding rightward from the bottom of the right notch 47a. Similarly, the left side plate 47 is formed with a flange 47b projecting leftward from the bottom of the left notch 47a. These two flanges 47b are formed with screw holes 47c penetrating in the thickness direction.

The light source module 90 is mounted by being fitted into the gap G1 and the notch 47a. At this time, the light source module 90 is fitted into the gap G1 and the notch 47a with the light transmission plate 95 facing upward. As a result, the two flanges 91a of the light source module 90 are placed on the upper surfaces of the flanges 47b of the pair of side plates 47, respectively. In this state, the surface of the light transmission plate 95 is flush with the guides 41a and 41b. That is, the surface of the light transmission plate 95 constitutes a banknote transport surface together with the guides 41a and 41b.

After the light source module 90 is arranged in this way, the holes 91b (see FIG. 2A) formed in the pair of flanges 91a of the light source module 90 are formed in the flanges 47b of the pair of side plates 47, respectively. It is aligned with the screw hole 47c. After that, as shown in FIG. 4(b), a screw 97 is screwed into the screw hole 47c through the hole 91b (see FIG. 2(a)). This completes the installation of the light source module 90 .

The configuration for installing the upper light source module 90 is also the same as in FIGS. In this case as well, the upper guide 42 is separated in the paper money conveying direction, and the light source module 90 is installed by being fitted into the gap created thereby. The configuration of a pair of side plates for installing the light source module 90 is also the same as in FIGS.

When exchanging the light source module 90, the screw 97 can be removed in the open state shown in FIG. As a result, the existing light source module 90 can be removed from the gap G1. After removing the existing light source module 90, a new light source module 90 is installed in the gap G1 in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the main configuration of the money handling apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the money handling apparatus 1 includes a feeding unit 30, a conveying unit 40, an identification unit 50, an operation display unit 80, a light source module 90, a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a shutter driving unit 103. , an impeller drive unit 104 , a distribution drive unit 105 , and a sensor unit 106 .

The control unit 101 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit according to a control program stored in the storage unit 102 . The storage unit 102 includes a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, or the like, stores a control program for the control unit 101, and stores a work area during control processing of the control unit 101. used as

The shutter drive unit 103 opens and closes the shutter 63 in FIG. The impeller drive unit 104 rotationally drives the impeller 61 in FIG. 1 according to the control from the control unit 101 . The distribution drive unit 105 drives the distribution member 46 of FIG. 1 according to control from the control unit 101 . The sensor unit 106 includes various sensors such as a sensor that detects that bills are set in the receiving unit 20 and a sensor that detects that the upper housing 10a is opened and closed.

Next, a setting operation for sterilization control using the light source module 90 will be described.

6(a) to 6(d) are diagrams showing setting screens for setting the operation of the money handling apparatus 1. FIG.

A setting screen 200 in FIG. 6A is a menu screen for performing various setting operations. The setting screen 200 is displayed on the operation display section 80 by performing a predetermined operation on the initial screen displayed on the operation display section 80 (touch panel 81). The setting screen 200 includes an item 201 for setting the control mode and an item 202 for device management. When the item 201 is operated, the setting screen 210 of FIG. 6B is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG. The setting screen 210 includes items 211 , 212 , 213 and 214 .

Item 211 is an item for setting a method for starting the counting of banknotes. By operating this item 211, the operator selects an automatic counting mode in which counting of banknotes is automatically started in response to banknotes being set in the receiving unit 20, or an automatic counting mode in which counting of banknotes is started automatically on the operation display unit 80. Any of the manual counting modes can be set in which counting of bills is initiated in response to an operation being performed. In FIG. 6B, the automatic counting mode is set.

The item 212 is an item for setting the bill counting speed. The operator can set the bill counting speed by operating this item 211 . In FIG. 6B, the bill counting speed is set to 1000 NPM.

Item 213 is an item for setting the necessity of execution of sterilization control. By operating this item 211, the operator can set whether or not to sterilize bills with the light from the light source module 90 during bill counting operation. In FIG. 6B, a mode is set in which bills are not sterilized.

Item 214 is an item for setting a waiting period and a monitoring period. The standby period is a period from when the sterilization control is started until the light source 94 stably emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation. The monitoring period is a period for monitoring whether an operation related to money processing has not been performed on the money handling apparatus 1 after the light source 94 stably emits light with the emission intensity during the sterilization operation. As will be described later, the light source 94 is set to the power saving mode when the money handling apparatus 1 is not operated for money handling during the monitoring period. By operating item 214, the operator can set the waiting period and the monitoring period to desired lengths of time.

When the item 213 is operated, the setting screen 220 shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG. This setting screen 220 includes items 221 , 222 , and 223 . Item 221 is an item for selecting not to perform sterilization control during bill counting operation. Item 222 is an item for selecting sterilization control to be performed during bill counting operation. Item 223 is an item for setting the apparatus to execute a resterilization mode, which will be described later. When the resterilization mode is set, the banknotes sent from the receiving unit 20 to the transport path 43 and processed are returned to the receiving unit 20 again and sterilized with light for sterilization.

When an item 214 is operated on the setting screen 210 of FIG. 6B, a setting screen 230 of FIG. 6D is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG. This setting screen 230 includes items 231 and 232 . Item 231 is an item for setting a waiting period. Item 232 is an item for setting a monitoring period. When either item 231 or item 232 is operated, a screen for setting the time for each item is displayed. The operator can set the waiting period and monitoring period through this scene. In FIG. 6D, the waiting period is set to 1 minute and the monitoring period is set to 15 minutes.

7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams showing maintenance screens for performing maintenance of the money handling apparatus 1. FIG.

A maintenance screen 300 in FIG. 7A is a menu screen for performing various types of maintenance. The maintenance screen 300 is displayed on the operation display unit 80 by operating the item 202 in FIG. 6(a). The maintenance screen 300 includes items 301 , 302 and 303 . An item 301 is an item for checking the states of various sensors. The item 302 is an item for performing various confirmation tests on the money handling apparatus 1 . An item 303 is an item for setting various notifications regarding the state of the money handling apparatus 1 .

When the item 301 is operated, the maintenance screen 310 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG. This maintenance screen 310 includes an item 311 for checking the drive state of the light source module 90 (light source 94). When the item 311 is operated, the two light sources 94 arranged above and below the transport path 43 are driven, and a graph showing temporal changes in the current flowing through these two light sources 94 (or the voltage between the terminals of the light sources 94). is displayed on the operation display unit 80 . This allows the operator to confirm whether these two light sources 94 are operating properly.

When the item 302 is operated, the maintenance screen 320 shown in FIG. 7C is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG. This maintenance screen 320 includes an item 321 for testing the light irradiation state of the light source module 90 (light source 94). When performing this test, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator opens the upper housing 10a, sets a photosensitive paper having the same size as a banknote at the position of the light source module 90, and closes the upper housing 10a. . This sandwiches the photosensitive paper between the two light source modules 90 .

In this state, the operator operates item 321 on maintenance screen 320 . As a result, the maintenance screen 330 shown in FIG. 7D is displayed on the operation display section 80 . After that, the operator operates one of the items 331 and 332 on the maintenance screen 330 . When the item 331 is operated, the upper light source module 90 (light source 94) is activated, and when the item 332 is operated, the lower light source module 90 (light source 94) is activated. As a result, each light source module 90 (light source 94) irradiates the photosensitive paper with sterilizing light for a certain period of time. After that, the operator opens the upper housing 10a again and takes out the photosensitive paper. The operator can confirm whether or not the light irradiation state of each light source module 90 (light source 94) is appropriate based on the photosensitive state of the photosensitive paper.

When the item 303 is operated on the maintenance screen 300 of FIG. 7A, the maintenance screen 340 of FIG. 8A is displayed on the operation display unit 80. FIG. This maintenance screen 340 includes items 341 related to maintenance of the light source module 90 (light source 94). When the item 341 is operated, the maintenance screen 350 of FIG. 8B is displayed on the operation display section 80. FIG.

This maintenance screen 350 includes items 351 , 352 , and 353 . The item 351 is an item for setting whether or not to perform control to notify replacement of the light source module 90 (light source 94). In FIG. 8B, the setting is such that the control is performed. When the item 351 is operated once in this state, the display of the item 351 is switched to OFF, and a state is set in which the control is not performed. Each time the item 351 is operated, ON and OFF of the control are switched.

Item 352 is an item for setting a set time for notification. That is, when the accumulated usage time from the start of use of the light source module 90 reaches this set time, a notification screen notifying that the replacement time of the light source module 90 (light source 94) has arrived is displayed on the operation display unit 80. to be displayed. When the item 352 is operated, the maintenance screen 360 of FIG. 8(c) is displayed.

The maintenance screen 360 includes areas R1 and R2. The area R1 includes an item 361 for displaying the current set time, a button 362 for canceling the current set time, a message 363 for prompting the input of the set time, and a message 364 for notifying the range of the settable set time. and The area R2 includes ten keys 365 of 0 to 9, a key 366 for validating the input value of the set time, and a key 367 for canceling the input value of the set time.

When correcting the set time, the operator first operates the button 362 . As a result, the display of the item 361 disappears. After that, the operator operates the numeric keypad 365 to input the desired setting time. The input result is displayed in item 361 . If the operator makes a mistake in the input, the operator operates the key 367 . As a result, the display of the item 361 disappears. After inputting the desired set time, the operator operates the key 366 . As a result, the time displayed in the item 361 when the key 366 is operated is set as the new set time. In response, the maintenance screen 350 of FIG. 8B is displayed again. At this time, the newly set set time is displayed in the lower part of the item 352 .

An item 353 in FIG. 8B is an item for confirming the check state of the light source module 90 . When the item 353 is operated, a pop-up screen 370 of FIG. 8(d) is displayed. A pop-up screen 370 may be displayed separately for each of the two light source modules 90 . The pop-up screen 370 includes a message 371 asking whether to update the check on the light source module 90 , two display areas 372 and 373 and two buttons 374 and 375 .

The display area 372 displays the previous check point (when the light source module 90 was replaced) and the accumulated usage time (Life) of the light source module 90 thereafter. The display area 373 displays the current date and the cumulative usage time of the light source module 90 (the cumulative usage time (Life) of the light source module 90 to be replaced). The button 374 of the pop-up screen 370 is operated to update the display contents of the display area 372 to the display contents of the display area 373, and the pop-up screen 370 disappears.When the display contents of the display area 372 do not need to be updated. , the operator operates the button 375 of the pop-up screen 370. As a result, the pop-up screen 370 disappears without changing the display contents of the display area 372. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification screen displayed on the operation display unit 80 when the accumulated usage time of the light source module 90 reaches the set time.

Here, the notification screen 400 is displayed as a popup on the result screen 500 displayed during bill counting operation. The notification screen 400 includes a message 401 and an OK button 402 for notifying that the accumulated usage time of the light source module 90 has exceeded the set time and prompting the operator to replace the light source module 90 . This notification screen 400 is displayed before the bill counting operation is started.

The operator refers to the message 401 in the notification screen 400 and understands that the light source module 90 needs to be replaced, and operates the OK button 402 . Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4(a) and (b), the operator opens the upper housing 10a, replaces the light source module 90 with a new light source module 90, and , button 374 on the pop-up screen 370 of FIG. 8(d) is operated to update the check.

Note that the notification screen 400 in FIG. 9 may be displayed separately for each of the two light source modules 90 . In this case, the operator grasps whether or not each light source module 90 needs to be replaced, and appropriately replaces the light source module 90 that needs to be replaced with a new light source module 90 .

Next, the control processing of the money handling apparatus 1 during counting processing will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing control processing of the light source module 90 .

The control unit 101 determines whether or not a predetermined start condition is satisfied (S101). When the start condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 executes sterilization control for causing the light source 94 to emit light with the emission intensity for sterilization (S102). Furthermore, the control unit 101 executes notification processing for notifying the operator that the light source 94 is being activated (S103).

FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the operation display unit 80 (touch panel 81) in the notification process of step S103 of FIG.

Here, a notification screen 510 is displayed as a pop-up on a result screen 500 showing the counting result of banknotes. The notification screen 510 includes a message 511 notifying that the light source 94 is being activated and that the user is requested to wait until the light source 94 is turned on. By referring to this message 511, the operator is prompted to wait for the counting operation until the light source 94 is turned on.

Returning to FIG. 10, after starting sterilization control in step S102, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a waiting period has elapsed (S104). As described above, the standby period is set in advance by operating item 231 in FIG. 6(d). The standby period is set to at least the time required for the light source 94 to stably emit light at the emission intensity for sterilization after the control of causing the light source 94 to emit light at the emission intensity for sterilization is started.

In this embodiment, since the light source 94 is a cold-cathode tube, it takes several tens of seconds for the light source 94 to stably emit light at the emission intensity during sterilization, and this time varies depending on the ambient temperature and the like. obtain. The operator sets the set period in consideration of this point. The minimum time that can be input may be displayed in advance in response to the operation of item 231 in FIG. 6(d). In this case, the minimum time is set, for example, to the time normally required for the light source 94 to stably emit light at the emission intensity during sterilization.

Note that the waiting period may be defined in advance as a default value (fixed value) instead of being set by the operator. In this case, the default value is set to, for example, the time normally required for the light source 94 to stably emit light at the emission intensity during sterilization, or a slightly longer time than this time.

When the waiting period has passed (S104: YES), the control unit 101 terminates the notification process (S105). As a result, the notification screen 510 disappears from the screen of the operation display unit 80, and the result screen 500 of FIG. 11(b) is displayed. The result screen 500 includes an area 501 for displaying the counting result, items 502 and 503 for displaying the current counting mode, and an item 504 for displaying that various sensors are operating properly.

Item 502 includes an automatic counting mode in which counting of banknotes is automatically started in response to banknotes being set in the receiving unit 20, and an automatic counting mode in response to an operation to start counting on the operation display unit 80. Either manual counting mode is displayed in which bills are counted. Here, it is displayed that the automatic counting mode is selected. Item 503 displays the bill counting speed.

Returning to FIG. 10, at the timing when the determination in step S104 is YES, the light source 94 is in a state of stably emitting light with the emission intensity during sterilization. After that, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a predetermined cancellation condition is satisfied (S106). When the cancellation condition is satisfied, the control unit 101 terminates the sterilization control and sets the device to the power saving mode (S107). As a result, the light source 94 is stopped, and the area 501 of the result screen 500 is extinguished as shown in FIG. 11(c).

After setting the apparatus to the power saving mode in this manner, the control unit 101 terminates the processing of FIG. After that, the control unit 101 executes the same processing as above from step S101 again.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the start condition determination process in step S101 of FIG.

Here, the start condition is that the power switch of the device is operated to turn on the power to the money handling machine 1 (S201), and that an operation related to money handling is performed on the money handling machine 1 in the power saving mode. (S202) is defined. When the money handling apparatus 1 is powered on (S201: YES), or when an operation related to money handling is performed on the money handling apparatus 1 in the power saving mode (S202: YES), the control unit 101 satisfies the start condition. (S203), the determination in step S101 of FIG. 10 is YES. On the other hand, if none of these events have occurred, the control unit 101 determines that the start condition is not satisfied (S204), and makes the determination in step S101 of FIG. 10 NO.

It should be noted that the determination in step S202 becomes YES, for example, when it is detected that banknotes have been set in the receiving unit 20, or when an operation for counting processing is performed on the operation display unit 80. .

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the cancellation condition determination process in step S106 of FIG.

Here, as a cancellation condition, it is specified that there is no operation related to money processing within the monitoring period (S212, S213). As described above, the monitoring period is set in advance by operating item 232 in FIG. 6(d). Further, the determination in step S212 is similar to the determination in step S202 of FIG. is set to YES.

The control unit 101 starts a timer (S211) and monitors the progress of the monitoring period. If an operation related to money handling is performed before the monitoring period elapses (S212: YES), the control unit 101 determines that the cancellation condition is not satisfied (S214), and determines NO in step S106 of FIG. In this case, the control unit 101 again resets the timer in step S211 of FIG. 13, and executes the processes after step S212 again.

On the other hand, if an operation related to money handling has not been performed within the monitoring period (S212: NO, S213: YES), the control unit 101 assumes that the cancellation condition is satisfied (S215), and makes the determination in step S106 of FIG. YES. As a result, the sterilization control is stopped and the power saving mode is executed.

FIG. 14(a) is a flow chart showing control processing of the light source 94 in the power saving mode in step S107 of FIG.

Here, in the power saving mode, the light source 94 is turned off (S301). This control is uniformly applied to both of the two light source modules 90 arranged with the transport path 43 interposed therebetween.

Note that the control of FIG. 14(b) or FIG. 14(c) may be performed in the power saving mode.

In the control of FIG. 14(b), the control unit 101 lowers the voltage applied to the light source 94 from the voltage applied during normal sterilization operation, thereby reducing the emission intensity of the light source 94 (S311). In this case, the applied voltage in the power saving mode is set to, for example, about 45 to 70% of the applied voltage during normal sterilization control. The operator may be able to arbitrarily set the ratio of the applied voltage in the power saving mode to the applied voltage during normal sterilization.

As shown in FIG. 14B, even if the applied voltage is reduced in the power saving mode, a constant number of excited mercury molecules can be maintained in the cold cathode tube, which is the light source 94 . Therefore, when the start condition of step S101 in FIG. 10 is satisfied during the power saving mode and the sterilization control of step S102 is executed, the light source can be used in a short period of time with the light emission intensity of the normal sterilization operation. 94 can be illuminated.

Therefore, in this case, the notification and standby processes in steps S103 to S105 may not be performed. That is, when the control of FIG. 14B is performed, if the determination in step S101 of FIG. 10 becomes YES after setting the power saving mode, the control unit 101 executes step S102, and The process may be skipped and the process may proceed to step S106.

In the control of FIG. 14(c), similarly to step S311 of FIG. 14(b), the control unit 101 reduces the light emission intensity of the light source 94 (S321), and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (S322: YES ), and the light source 94 is turned off (S323). In this case, the predetermined time in step S322 may be arbitrarily set by the operator, or a default value may be applied.

In the control of FIG. 14C, if the determination in step S101 in FIG. 10 becomes YES before the determination in step S322 becomes YES, the control unit 101 performs After executing step S102, the process may proceed to step S106. On the other hand, in the control of FIG. 14(c), if the determination in step S101 of FIG. As in the case of a), the processes after step S102 in FIG. 10 may be executed as they are.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a banknote transport control process.

The control unit 101 determines whether or not a counting start operation has been performed (S401). When the automatic counting mode is set in the money handling apparatus 1, the setting of banknotes in the receiving unit 20 is detected, and the determination in step S401 becomes YES. When the manual counting mode is set in the money handling apparatus 1, it is detected that banknotes are set in the receiving unit 20, and the operation display unit 80 is operated to start counting. is determined to be YES.

If the counting start operation has been performed (S401: YES), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the present time is during the standby period (S402). For example, when the counting start operation is performed after the power saving mode is set, step S101 of FIG. 10 becomes YES, and the standby period of step S104 is set along with steps S102 and S103. Therefore, in this case, the determination in step S402 of FIG. 15 is YES. On the other hand, after the determination in step S104 in FIG. 10 becomes YES, if the counting start operation is performed before the determination in step S106 becomes YES, the present time is not in the standby period, so the process of step S402 in FIG. The determination is NO.

If the present time is during the standby period (S402: YES), the control unit 101 waits for the end of the standby period (S404) without feeding and conveying the banknotes (S403). After that, when the standby period ends (S404: YES), the control unit 101 feeds and conveys the banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 (S405). On the other hand, if the present time is not during the standby period (S402: NO), the control section 101 skips steps S403 and S404 and executes delivery and transport of the bills set in the receiving section 20 (S405).

After that, the control unit 101 feeds and conveys bills until the bills set in the receiving unit 20 are completely conveyed (S406: NO). When all banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 have been transported (S406: YES), the control unit 101 stops feeding and transporting the banknotes (S407), and ends the process of FIG.

In the transport control process of FIG. 15, banknotes properly identified as the predetermined denomination are transported to the stacking unit 60 in FIG. 70.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing bill counting processing.

When the bills are fed out and conveyed by the process of FIG. 15 and the bills are counted (S501: YES), the control unit 101 checks whether the resterilization mode is set in the money handling apparatus 1. Determine (S502). As noted above, resterilization mode is set via item 223 in FIG. 6(c).

If the resterilization mode is not set (S502: NO), the control unit 101 counts the bills and displays the count result (S513). That is, the control unit 101 displays the number of banknotes correctly identified as the predetermined denomination by the identification unit 50 and the total amount in the area 501 of FIG. 11(b). The control unit 101 continues counting the bills and displaying the counting result until all the bills set in the receiving unit 20 are counted (S514: NO) (S513). When all banknotes have been counted (S514: YES), the control unit 101 terminates the processing of FIG.

On the other hand, if the resterilization mode is set (S502: YES), the control unit 101 continues counting all bills set in the receiving unit 20, as in steps S513 and S514 (S505: NO). , counting bills and displaying the counting results (S503). At this time, the control unit 101 causes the storage unit 102 to store the identification information of each processed banknote (S504).

FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 102 when the resterilization mode is executed.

As shown in FIG. 17A, in step S504 of FIG. 16, the denomination, serial number, and cut image of the serial number of each banknote identified by the identification unit 50 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 102. remembered. "NO" in FIG. 17(a) indicates the processing order of banknotes. Since the serial number is printed at two locations on the banknote, two types of serial numbers and cut-out images are associated with each banknote and stored.

Note that the storage unit 102 stores the information of FIG. 17A only for banknotes whose denominations have been properly identified by the identification unit 50, and banknotes whose denominations have not been properly identified by the identification unit 50 ( Rejected banknotes), the information is not stored.

Returning to FIG. 16, when all banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 have been counted (S505: YES), the control unit 101 causes all the banknotes carried out to the stacking unit 60 to be transferred to the receiving unit 20 again. A notification is issued to prompt the user to set and process the data (S506). This notification is performed, for example, by popping up the notification screen 520 of FIG. The notification screen 520 includes a message 521 and an OK button 522 prompting to set all the banknotes carried out to the stacking section 60 again in the receiving section 20 . After confirming the necessary operations from the message 521 , the operator operates the OK button 522 to set all the banknotes stacked in the stacking unit 60 in the receiving unit 20 again.

In this way, when all the banknotes stacked in the stacking unit 60 are set in the receiving unit 20, the control unit 101 again counts all the banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 and displays the counting result ( S507) and storage of the identification information of each bill (S508) are performed. At this time, the control unit 101 collates the bill identification information acquired this time with the identification number stored in the storage unit 102 by the first processing. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines by collation whether or not the serial number of the banknote acquired this time matches the serial number stored in the storage unit 102 by the first processing. Then, if the current identification information matches any of the previous identification information, the control unit 101 transports the banknote for which the current identification information is acquired to the stacking unit 60, and the current identification information is used once. If it does not match any of the previous identification information, the banknote for which the current identification information is acquired is carried out to the reject section 70 (S509).

FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 102 by the second counting process.

As shown in FIG. 17B, in the second counting process, the same information as in the first time is stored in the storage unit 102 as well. Here, the identification information of the bill processed fourth in the second counting process does not match any of the identification information stored in the first counting process. Therefore, in this case, the banknote processed fourth is carried out to the reject section 70 in the second counting process.

Returning to FIG. 16, when the processing of steps S507 to S509 is executed for all banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 (S510), the control unit 101 counts the banknotes carried out to the reject unit 70 again. A process of asking the operator whether or not to perform the process is performed (S511). In addition, the control unit 101 stores identification information that overlaps with the identification information stored in the storage unit 102 in the first counting process among the identification information stored in the storage unit 102 in the second counting process. delete from As a result, of the identification information stored in the second counting process, only the identification information of the banknotes carried out to the reject section 70 remains.

In step S<b>511 , the control unit 101 pops up the notification screen 530 shown in FIG. 18B on the result screen 500 , for example. This notification screen 530 includes a message 531 asking whether to continue the counting process and two buttons 532 and 533 .

When the banknotes carried out to the rejecting section 70 are to be counted again, the operator operates the button 532 in the notification screen 530 to set the banknotes carried out to the rejecting section 70 again in the receiving section 20 . In this case, the banknotes to be set again include banknotes sorted to the reject unit 70 in step S509, as well as rejected banknotes that were not properly identified by the identification unit 50 in the first counting and result display processing in step S503. can be included. On the other hand, if the banknotes carried out to the rejecting unit 70 are not to be counted again, the operator presses the button 533 in the notification screen 530 without resetting the banknotes carried out to the rejecting unit 70 to the receiving unit 20 . to operate.

Returning to FIG. 16, when the button 532 in the notification screen 530 of FIG. 18B is operated (S512: YES), the control unit 101 Then, the processing of steps S507 to S509 is performed. At this time, the control unit 101 compares the identification information remaining in the storage unit 102 after the second processing with the identification information of each banknote to be processed this time, and performs the processing of step S509. Further, the control unit 101 deletes from the storage unit 102 the identification information stored in the storage unit 102 this time that matches the identification information remaining in the storage unit 102 in the second processing.

When all the banknotes reset in the receiving unit 20 from the rejecting unit 70 have been processed (S510: YES), the control unit 101 similarly executes the processing from step S511.

On the other hand, if the button 533 in the notification screen 530 of FIG. 18B is operated (S512: NO), the control section 101 terminates the processing of FIG. In this case, the operator collects the banknotes carried out to the reject section 70 as they are without setting them in the receiving section 20 again.

In addition, in the second counting process in steps S506 to S510, if there is no banknote to be rejected in the rejecting unit 70, the information of FIG. There will be no. In this case, the control unit 101 may skip steps S511 and S512 of FIG. 16 and end the processing of FIG. banknotes, the processes after step S511 may be executed.

Further, in the above description, it was notified in step S506 that the banknotes stacked in the stacking unit 60 by the first counting process are to be set again in the receiving unit 20, but the banknotes stacked in the stacking unit 60 are The notification in step S506 may be changed so that the banknotes rejected by the rejecting unit 70 (rejected banknotes not properly identified by the identifying unit 50) are also set in the receiving unit 20 again. As a result, the rejected banknotes that have been counted the first time are also sterilized in the second counting process, so that all the initially set banknotes can be sterilized multiple times without fail.

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
According to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 10, after the light source 94 becomes ready to irradiate light for sterilization (S104: YES), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied. When the determination is made (S106), and the cancellation condition is satisfied (S106: YES), the light source 94 is set to the power saving mode (S107). As a result, light emission for sterilization is suppressed when the sterilization operation is unnecessary, and it is possible to efficiently irradiate the bills with the light for sterilization. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption by the light source 94 can be suppressed, and reduction in life of the light source 94 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 13, the release condition includes that the device has not been operated for money processing over a preset monitoring period (S212, S213). If the device has not been operated for money handling for a certain period of time, it can be estimated that the device is unlikely to be used immediately thereafter. Therefore, by including the fact that there is no such operation over the monitoring period in the release condition and shifting the light source 94 to the power saving mode, the light emission for sterilization in a state where the sterilization operation is unnecessary is appropriately suppressed. can do.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the control unit 101 includes a setting item (item 232) for accepting setting of the monitoring period in the setting screen 230. FIG. As a result, the monitoring period can be appropriately set according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus 1 . For example, if the money handling apparatus 1 is used frequently, setting the monitoring period to be longer makes it easier for the light source 94 to be maintained in a state where it can irradiate light for sterilization in the next money handling. As a result, the sterilization operation in the next money processing can be performed smoothly. On the other hand, if the money handling apparatus 1 is not used frequently, setting the monitoring period to be short makes it possible to shorten the period during which the light source 94 continues to emit light with the intensity used for sterilization until the next money handling, thereby reducing power consumption. It can be suppressed appropriately.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), the control unit 101 stops the light emission of the light source 94 in the power saving mode. According to this control, light emission of the light source 94 in the power saving mode can be avoided. As a result, the power consumption of the money handling apparatus 1 can be reliably suppressed, and the life of the light source 94 can be effectively extended.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 14(b) and 14(c), the controller 101 may reduce the light emission intensity of the light source 94 in the power saving mode compared to that during the sterilization operation. According to this control, the power consumption of the light source in the power saving mode can be suppressed compared to the normal sterilization operation. In addition, since the light source 94 is not stopped (voltage is applied) in the power saving mode, a certain number of excited mercury molecules can be maintained in the cold cathode tube, which is the light source 94 . Therefore, when the start condition is satisfied and the normal sterilization operation is resumed from the power saving mode, the time until the sterilization light is stably irradiated can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to shift to normal sterilization operation more quickly.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the start condition for starting the sterilization operation is satisfied (S101: YES), the control unit 101 performs sterilization control for causing the light source 94 to emit light at the emission intensity for the sterilization operation (S102). ). As a result, the light source 94 emits light with the emission intensity for the sterilization operation when the money handling apparatus 1 needs the sterilization operation without performing the operation to activate the light source 94 one by one. Therefore, after that, it is possible to quickly and smoothly shift to money processing accompanied by sterilization operation.

As shown in FIG. 12, the start condition includes that the money handling machine 1 is powered on and that an operation related to money handling is performed on the money handling machine 1 in the power saving mode. When the money handling apparatus 1 is powered on or when an operation related to money handling is performed on the money handling apparatus 1, it is estimated that the money handling apparatus 1 is likely to be used immediately thereafter. Therefore, by including these in the start conditions and causing the light source 94 to emit light at the emission intensity for the sterilization operation, it is possible to quickly and smoothly shift to money processing accompanied by the sterilization operation.

As shown in FIG. 10 , after starting the sterilization control (S102), the control unit 101 activates the light source 94 during the standby period until the light source 94 emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation (S104: NO). A notification process (S103, notification screen 510 in FIG. 11A) for notifying the operator that it is in progress is executed. As a result, when the operator intends to process money in the money handling apparatus 1, if the light source for sterilization is being activated (the sterilization operation is being activated), the operator can grasp this from the notification. can. Therefore, the operator can proceed with the subsequent processing smoothly.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the control unit 101 includes a setting item (item 231) for receiving setting of the waiting period in the setting screen 230. FIG. Thereby, the operator can appropriately set the standby period according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus 1 .

As shown in FIG. 15, during the standby period (S402: YES, S404: NO), the control unit 101 causes the transport unit 40 to stop transporting banknotes (S403). As a result, until the light source 94 can stably irradiate the light for sterilization, the transportation of the banknotes by the transportation unit 40 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the paper money from being conveyed in a state in which the light for sterilization is insufficiently irradiated. Therefore, the banknotes to be processed can be reliably sterilized in the subsequent transport operation.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 101 takes in again from the receiving unit 20 the banknotes that have been sent from the receiving unit 20 to the conveying path 43 and processed, and sterilizes them in a resterilization mode ( S502 to S512). When this mode is activated, the notes are sterilized multiple times using the sterilizing light. Therefore, banknotes can be sterilized more reliably.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the control unit 101 includes a setting item (item 223) for setting whether or not to execute the resterilization mode in the setting screen 220. FIG. Thereby, the operator can arbitrarily set whether or not to execute the resterilization mode according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the light source 94 and the drive circuit 92a for the light source 94 are accommodated in the case 91 to form the light source module 90. placed in According to this configuration, the light source 94 can be smoothly replaced on a light source module basis.

As shown in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c), the case 91 has a recess 91c, and the drive circuit 92a and the light source 94 are installed in the recess 91c in order from the bottom of the recess 91c. A light transmission plate 95 that closes the recess 91c may be provided. 4B, the surface of the light transmitting plate 95 opposite to the light source 94 forms the transport surface of the transport path 43. As shown in FIG. According to this configuration, since the surface of the light transmission plate 95 is shared with the transport surface of the transport path 43, the structure of the transport path 43 can be simplified. In addition, since bills flow along the surface of the light transmission plate 95 , the bills can be efficiently irradiated with the light from the light source 94 while the bills pass through the surface of the light transmission plate 95 . Therefore, bills can be sterilized more efficiently.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the transport unit 40 includes guides 41 and 42 for guiding the transport of banknotes. The light source module 90 is separated in the transport direction (guides 41a and 41b), and the light source module 90 is accommodated in the gap G1 provided at the arrangement position, and the surface of the light transmission plate 95 is the transport surface at the arrangement position where the guides 41 and 42 are separated. Configure. According to this configuration, the surface of the light transmission plate 95 can be set as the transport surface of the transport path 43 while the light source module 90 is smoothly attached to and detached from the transport path 43 .

The light source 94 emits light having a wavelength of 280 nm or less as light for sterilization. Thus, it is possible to appropriately sterilize banknotes using light.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the light source 94 is a cold cathode tube. Thus, by using a cold cathode tube as the light source 94, it is possible to obtain a high light source output while reducing costs, and to efficiently sterilize banknotes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the money handling device 1 is a money counting device that counts money. In this configuration, the money to be counted can be sterilized in parallel with the counting of money.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 101 sets a setting item (item 213) for setting whether or not to execute the sterilization operation using the light from the light source 94 to the bill receiving unit 20. is set, a setting item (item 211) for setting a mode for automatically starting processing (counting) of bills, and a setting item (item 211) for setting a bill processing speed (counting speed) 212) is included in the setting screen 210 including at least one of Thus, while confirming the setting status of the basic setting items (items 211 and 212) for bill counting on the same setting screen 210, it is possible to set whether or not to set the sterilization operation. Therefore, the sterilization operation can be set smoothly and appropriately.

In the processing method shown in FIG. 10, the light source 94 for irradiating the light for sterilization is activated in order to sterilize the bills in the bill transport path 43 (S101), and the light source 94 is brought into a state capable of irradiating the light for sterilization. After that (S104: YES), it is determined whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied (S106), and if the cancellation condition is satisfied, the light source 94 is set to the power saving mode. (S107). As a result, as described above, sterilization light emission is suppressed when sterilization operation is unnecessary, and unnecessary power consumption by the light source 94 is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the paper money with the light for sterilization.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit 101 includes an item 311 for confirming parameters reflecting the current operating state of the light source 94 on the maintenance screen 310 . This allows the operator to smoothly check the operating state of the light source 94 as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the control unit 101 includes maintenance screens 320 and 330 with items 321, 331, and 332 for performing a lighting test of the light source 94. FIG. As a result, the operator can smoothly confirm the lighting state of the light source 94 as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 101 includes an item 352 for receiving a set time for monitoring the life of the light source 94 in the maintenance screen 350, and the accumulated usage time of the light source 94 is included in the set time. Based on the arrival, a process (display of notification screen 400 in FIG. 9) of notifying information about the life of light source 94 is executed. This allows the operator to smoothly grasp the replacement timing of the light source 94 .

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the light source module 90 reflects light from the light source 94 toward the drive circuit 92a toward the light transmission plate 95 between the drive circuit 92a and the light source 94. A reflector 93 is provided. As a result, the bills can be efficiently irradiated with the light from the light source 94, and the bills can be sterilized more efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the money handling apparatus 1 includes an identification section 50 for identifying the type of bills conveyed by the conveyance section 40 , and the light source module 90 is separated from the identification section 50 on the conveyance path 43 . are placed in the same position.

More specifically, the transport path 43 includes a first transport path 43a extending from the receiving portion 20, a bent portion 43c that bends the transport path 43 from the end of the first transport path 43a in a U shape, and an end of the bent portion 43c. a second transport path 43b extending from the first transport path 43a and the second transport path 43b; 43b.

By arranging the light source module 90 at a position away from the identification unit 50 in this manner, it is possible to suppress the influence of the induction noise and radiation noise generated from the light source module 90 on the identification unit 50 . Accordingly, even if the light source module 90 irradiates the bills with light in parallel with the counting of the bills, the identification unit 50 can properly identify the bills.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the resterilization mode, the control unit 101 performs notification processing to prompt the operator to return the banknotes sent from the receiving unit 20 to the transport path 43 and processed to the receiving unit 20 again. (S506, notification screen 520 in FIG. 18(a)). This prompts the operator to reset the banknotes that have been counted once in the receiving unit 20 and subject them to the counting process (sterilization process) again in the resterilization mode. Therefore, the operator can smoothly proceed with the operation in the resterilization mode.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the resterilization mode, the control unit 101 causes the storage unit 102 to store the identification information of the banknotes subjected to the sterilization process (S508), When the identification information is stored in the storage unit 102, the banknote is carried out to the processed carrying-out unit (stacking unit 60) (S509), and the identification information of the banknote taken in from the receiving unit 20 again is stored in the storage unit 102. , the banknote is carried out to the reject section 70 (S509). As a result, banknotes that have been sterilized twice are delivered to the delivery section (stacking section 60 ), and banknotes that have been sterilized only for the second time are delivered to the reject section 70 . Therefore, the operator can appropriately grasp banknotes that have been sterilized twice and banknotes that have been sterilized only once, and the subsequent processing (for example, re-sterilization of rejected banknotes) can proceed smoothly. can be done.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 101 receives from the operator whether or not the banknote carried out to the rejecting unit 70 is to be returned to the receiving unit 20 again for sterilization (S511, FIG. 18(b)). ) is displayed on the notification screen 530). This allows the operator to smoothly proceed with the sterilization process for the bills carried out to the reject section 70 (the bills that have been sterilized only once).

<Modification of Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment described above, after the start condition is satisfied and the light source 94 is activated, the bills are not conveyed and the counting operation is put on standby until the waiting period ends. On the other hand, in this modified example, an operation to select whether or not to start counting bills is received during the waiting period, and when the selection to start counting bills is made, conveyance of bills is started. A counting operation is performed.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing light source control processing according to a modification.

Compared to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the flowchart of FIG. 19 has steps S111 and S112 added. The processing in other steps in FIG. 19 is the same as the processing in the corresponding steps in FIG.

When the start condition is satisfied (S101: YES) and sterilization control is started (S102), the control unit 101 executes a start necessity reception process (S111). In step S111, the control unit 101 pops up a reception screen 540 shown in FIG. 20(a) on the result screen 500, for example.

The reception screen 540 includes a message 541 and buttons 542 and 543 . The message 541 asks the operator whether or not to start conveying (counting) banknotes, although the light for sterilization cannot be emitted because the light source 94 is in operation. The operator refers to the message 541 and selects whether to start conveying and counting bills or wait until the light source 94 operates stably. The operator operates the button 542 to start conveying and counting banknotes, and operates the button 543 to wait until the light source 94 operates stably.

Returning to FIG. 19, when the operator operates the button 542 for starting the conveyance and counting of banknotes (S112: YES), the control unit 101 skips steps S103 to S105 and proceeds to step S106. Proceed with processing. Accordingly, the acceptance screen 540 of FIG. 20(a) disappears, and only the result screen 500 is displayed. The processing after step S106 is the same as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, when the operator operates the button 543 for waiting until the light source 94 operates stably (S112: NO), the control unit 101 advances the process to step S103 and executes the notification process. In this case, a notification screen 510 pops up on the result screen 500 as shown in FIG. 20(b). The configuration of the notification screen 510 is the same as in FIG. 11(a). The processing after step S103 is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the transport control process according to the modification.

Compared to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the flowchart of FIG. 21 has step S411 added. Processing in other steps in FIG. 21 is the same as the processing in the corresponding steps in FIG.

During the standby period (S402: YES), when the button 542 in the reception screen 540 of FIG. Then, the banknotes set in the banknotes are started to be delivered and transported (S405). Accordingly, step S501 in FIG. 16 becomes YES, and bill counting is started.

On the other hand, during the standby period (S402: YES), when the button 543 in the reception screen 540 of FIG. wait for the end of In this case, the control unit 101 starts feeding and transporting the banknotes set in the receiving unit 20 (S405) in response to the end of the waiting period (S404: YES), as in the first embodiment. As a result, step S501 in FIG. 16 becomes YES, and bill counting is started.

As described above, after starting the sterilization control (S102), the control unit 101 determines whether or not to process banknotes during the standby period until the light source 94 stably emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation. (S111), and when an operation to process the banknotes is received (S112: YES), the banknotes are processed while continuing the sterilization control. According to this configuration, the operator can, at his or her own discretion, process bills before the activation of the sterilization operation is completed.

Note that if the operator starts processing banknotes by the above operation before the standby period ends, the light source 94 emits light of the target wavelength, although the light emission intensity has not yet stabilized at the intensity for sterilization. is in a state of irradiation. Therefore, in this case, although the intensity is low, the banknotes are irradiated with the light, and the banknotes are sterilized by the light.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device 2 according to the second embodiment.

A money handling apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment is a banknote sorter that sorts banknotes according to predetermined conditions. Sorting conditions include currency, denomination, fitness, direction, and the like. At least one of these conditions is assigned to the multiple accumulation units 640 . For example, when sorting banknotes by denomination, each stacking unit 640 is assigned any one denomination. The operator sets a plurality of banknotes of various denominations in the receiving section 610 . After that, when bill processing is started, the denomination of each set bill is identified by the identification section 630 and stacked in the corresponding denomination stacking section 640 .

As shown in FIG. 22 , the money handling apparatus 2 includes a receiving section 610 , a conveying section 620 , an identifying section 630 , four stacking sections 640 , a rejecting section 650 and two light source modules 660 .

The receiving section 610 includes a hopper 611 and a feeding mechanism 612 . The hopper 611 is configured so that banknotes are stacked and placed. The feeding mechanism 612 feeds the banknotes placed in the hopper 611 to the transport unit 620 one by one.

Conveying section 620 includes a conveying path 621 leading from receiving section 610 to a plurality of stacking sections 640 and a branch path 622 branching from conveying path 621 and leading to reject section 650 . The conveying section 620 includes guides facing each other, as in the first embodiment, and a gap between these guides serves as a conveying path 621 .

The identification unit 630 has the same configuration as the identification unit 50 in the first embodiment. The identification unit 630 is provided on the transport path 621 and identifies attributes of bills flowing through the transport path 621 . The bill attributes to be identified include bill type (currency, denomination, printing type (old and new), etc.), fitness, orientation (front and back, top and bottom), authenticity, and the like. A banknote whose attribute has been properly identified is transported to one of the stacking units 640 via the transport path 621 . Banknotes whose attributes have not been properly identified are conveyed to the reject section 650 via the branch path 622 .

The stacking section 640 includes an impeller 641 and a stage 642 . The impeller 641 receives bills sent from the conveying unit 620 one by one between two blades while rotating, and sends the received bills to the stage 642 . The banknotes sent by the impeller 641 are stacked on the stage 642 in an aligned state within the stacking section 640 . As the number of stacked sheets increases, the stage 642 descends. Further, the stacking unit 640 is provided with a take-out port 643 for taking out the stacked banknotes.

The reject section 650 includes an impeller 651 and a tray 652 . The impeller 651 receives bills sent from the conveying unit 620 one by one between two blades while rotating, and sends the received bills to the tray 652 . The banknotes sent by the impeller 651 are accumulated in the tray 652 in an aligned state.

The light source module 660 irradiates the banknotes flowing in the transport path 621 with light for sterilization, as in the first embodiment. The two light source modules 660 are arranged with the transport path 621 interposed therebetween. The light source module 660 on the upper side irradiates the top surface of the bills flowing on the transport path 621 with light for sterilization. The light source module 660 on the lower side irradiates the lower surface of the banknotes flowing on the transport path 621 with light for sterilization.

The configuration of the light source module 660 may be the same as in the first embodiment. For example, in the portion of the transport path 621 sandwiched by the two light source modules 660, when the upper housing of the money handling device 2 is opened upward, the installation area of the light source modules 660 is shown in FIGS. can be configured in the same manner as The configuration of the installation area of the light source module 660 may be another configuration, and the light source module 660 may be installed by another installation method.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 23 shows the main configuration of the money handling device 2. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 23, the money handling apparatus 2 includes a feeding mechanism 612, a conveying section 620, an identifying section 630, a stacking section 640, a rejecting section 650, and a light source module 660, as well as a control section 701, a storage section 702, and an operation unit. A display unit 703 and a sensor unit 704 are provided.

A control unit 701 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit according to a control program stored in a storage unit 702 . The storage unit 702 includes a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a hard disk, stores a control program for the control unit 701, and stores a work area when the control processing of the control unit 701 is performed. used as

The operation display unit 703 is composed of a touch panel capable of display and input. The operation display unit 703 displays information related to sorting processing, such as the number of banknotes stacked in each stacking unit 640 and the total amount of money. Further, the operation display unit 703 is used for setting various modes of arrangement processing and for operations in the arrangement processing. The operation display unit 703 may be composed of a display unit such as an LCD and a plurality of operation keys.

The sensor unit 704 includes various sensors such as a sensor that detects that a banknote is set in the receiving unit 610 and a sensor that detects whether or not a banknote exists in the reject unit 650 .

The control unit 701 executes light source control processing similar to that in FIG. The start condition determination process in this process may be the same as in FIG. 12, and the release condition determination process may be the same as in FIG. In this case, the money processing operation in step S202 of FIG. 10 and step S212 of FIG. can be

Also, the monitoring period and the waiting period may be set by the operator through a predetermined setting screen, as in the first embodiment. Further, other settings such as light source life notification may be performed via a predetermined setting screen or maintenance screen, as in FIGS. 6A to 8B of the first embodiment.

Also in the second embodiment, the control of the light source module 660 in the power saving mode can be similar to that of FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c).

Also, the control unit 701 can execute the same transport control processing as in FIG. 15 . In this case, in step S<b>401 , for example, a determination of YES can be made when banknotes are set in the receiving unit 610 or when an operation for sorting processing is performed on the operation display unit 703 . In step 405, the control unit 701 executes the banknote sorting process, that is, the process of stacking the banknotes in the stacking unit 640 that meets the conditions, in response to starting to feed and transport the banknotes.

Also in the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained by these controls.

Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the modified example of the first embodiment, the light source control process may be changed to the process shown in FIG. 19, and the transport control process may be changed to the process shown in FIG. As a result, the operator can proceed with the sorting process of the banknotes at his or her own discretion before the waiting period elapses.

Also, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the resterilization mode may be executable. In this case, for example, even if all banknotes are carried out to the reject unit 650 during the first processing, all the banknotes are returned from the reject unit 650 to the receiving unit 610 by the operator, and the second processing is performed. good. In this case, each bill is stacked in the corresponding stacking unit 640 in the second process. Alternatively, an unloading unit may be provided in addition to the stacking unit 640 and the rejecting unit 650, and all banknotes may be unloaded to this unloading unit during the first processing. In this case, all the banknotes are returned to the receiving section 610 by the operator from the carrying-out section, and the second processing is performed.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device 3 according to the third embodiment.

A money handling device 3 according to Embodiment 3 is a coin depositing/dispensing machine that deposits/dispenses coins. In Embodiment 3, the currency to be processed is a coin.

The money handling device 3 includes a receiving unit 810, a dispensing unit 820, a cassette 830, a plurality of storage units 840, a first transporting unit 851, a second transporting unit 852, chutes 861, 862, 863, It comprises an identification section 870 , a delivery section 880 and a light source module 890 .

The receiving unit 810 receives coins to be deposited. The dispensing unit 820 accepts coins to be dispensed. The receiving unit 810 is provided on the upper surface of the money handling device 3 , and the dispensing unit 820 is provided on the front surface of the money handling device 3 . Cassette 830 is used for dispensing and collecting coins.

Each of the plurality of storage units 840 stores coins deposited during deposit, and delivers coins to the second transport unit 852 during dispensing. A denomination is assigned to each of the storage units 840 . Each storage unit 840 stores and feeds coins of the corresponding denomination. At the time of payment, the storage unit 840 feeds out coins one by one to the second transport unit 852 by a well-known configuration using a rotating disc.

The first conveying portion 851 conveys the coin inserted into the receiving portion 810 to the storing portion 840 . The second conveying section 852 conveys the coins drawn out from the storage section 840 to the dispensing section 820 . The first transport section 851 and the second transport section 852 respectively have transport paths 851a and 852a for transporting coins.

The chute 861 connects the transport path 851 a of the first transport section 851 and the cassette 830 . The chute 861 ejects coins to be stored in the cassette 830 to the cassette 830 among the coins flowing through the transport path 851a.

The chute 862 connects the transport path 851 a of the first transport unit 851 and one storage unit 840 . For convenience, FIG. 24 shows only the chute 862 that connects the storage section 840 at the rear end of the upper stage and the conveying path 851a. Other storage units 840 are also connected to the transport path 851a by corresponding chutes 862, respectively. These chutes 862 discharge coins to be stored in the corresponding storage units 840 among the coins flowing through the transport path 851a.

The chute 863 connects the transport path 851 a of the first transport unit 851 and the dispensing unit 820 . The chute 863 discharges to the dispensing unit 820 coins to be disbursed to the dispensing unit 820 among the coins flowing along the transport path 851a.

The identifying unit 870 is arranged on the conveying path 851a of the first conveying unit 851, and identifies and counts the coins flowing along the conveying path 851a. The identification unit 870 identifies, for example, the denomination, authenticity, and fitness of coins, and counts the number and amount of coins by denomination, as well as the total number and total amount. The storage destination of each coin is determined based on the identification result by the identification unit 870 .

The feeding section 880 temporarily reserves the coin inserted into the receiving section 810 and feeds the temporarily reserved coin to the transport path 851 a of the first transport section 851 . The delivery unit 880, like the storage unit 840, has a well-known delivery mechanism using a rotating disc. The feeding section 880 feeds the coins one by one to the transport path 851a by this feeding mechanism.

Further, the feeding section 880 receives coins transported by the second transporting section 852 at the time of dispensing. The feeding section 880 has an openable/closable gate 881 at the bottom. This gate 881 is opened at the time of withdrawal. As a result, the coins conveyed from the second conveying section 852 to the dispensing section 880 pass through the gate 881 and are conveyed to the dispensing section 820 .

The light source module 890 is arranged on the transport path 851 a downstream of the identification section 870 . Two light source modules 890 are arranged so as to vertically sandwich the transport path 851a. The upper light source module 890 irradiates light for sterilization onto the upper surface of the coins flowing through the transport path 851a. The light source module 890 on the lower side irradiates the lower surface of the coins flowing in the transport path 851a with light for sterilization. The light source module 890 has a cold cathode tube as a light source, and further has a drive circuit, a reflector, and a transmission plate, as in the first and second embodiments. The surface of the transmission plate constitutes the transport surface of the transport path 851a. The wavelength of light for sterilization is set to 280 nm or less, as in the first and second embodiments.

When depositing money, the operator inserts coins into the receiving unit 810 . The inserted coins are temporarily held in the dispensing section 880 . After that, the coins are delivered one by one to the transport path 851a by the delivery section 880 . The paid-out coins are sequentially conveyed downstream by the first conveying section 851 .

First, the denomination of the coin is identified by the identification unit 870 . The coin then passes through two light source module 890 locations and is sterilized on the top and bottom surfaces by the light from these light source modules 890 . After that, the coins are ejected to the cassette 830 , the storage section 840 or the dispensing section 820 by one of the chutes 861 , 862 and 863 according to the identification result of the identification section 870 . Coins that cannot be identified by the identification unit 870 are dispensed to the dispensation unit 820 by the chute 863 . Properly identified coins are dispensed by the chute 862 into the corresponding denomination receptacle 840 .

At the time of withdrawal, the coin of the denomination to be withdrawn is fed from the corresponding storage section 840 to the transport path 852a. At the same time, the gate 881 of the feeding section 880 is opened. The coins fed out to the transport path 852 a are transported to the feeding part 880 by the second transport part 852 . After that, the coins drop to the bottom of the dispensing section 880 and are dispensed to the dispensing section 820 via the gate 881 .

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the money handling device 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 25 shows the main configuration of the money handling device 3. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 25, the money handling apparatus 3 includes a cassette 830, a storage section 840, a first transport section 851, a second transport section 852, chutes 861, 862, 863, an identification section 870, a delivery section 880, and a light source module 890. In addition, a control unit 901 , a storage unit 902 , an operation display unit 903 and a sensor unit 904 are provided.

A control unit 901 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit according to a control program stored in a storage unit 902 . A storage unit 902 includes a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, or the like, stores a control program for the control unit 901, and stores a work area during control processing of the control unit 901. used as

The operation display unit 903 is composed of a touch panel capable of display and input. The operation display unit 903 displays information related to coin processing, such as the number and total amount of deposited coins by denomination, the number and total amount of all coins, the number and total amount of dispensed coins by denomination, Information such as the number of all coins and the total amount is displayed. Further, the operation display unit 903 is used for setting various modes in coin processing and operations during coin processing. The operation display unit 903 may be configured by a display unit such as an LCD and a plurality of operation keys.

The sensor unit 904 detects the presence or absence of coins in the feeding unit 880, the sensor that detects the presence or absence of coins in the dispensing unit 820, and detects that the coins flowing through the transport path 851a have reached the chutes 861, 862, and 863. It includes various sensors such as sensors that

The control unit 901 executes light source control processing similar to that in FIG. 10 during coin deposit processing. The start condition determination process in this process may be the same as in FIG. 12, and the release condition determination process may be the same as in FIG. In this case, the money processing operation in step S202 of FIG. 10 and step S212 of FIG. An operation may be assumed to have taken place.

Also, the monitoring period and the waiting period may be set by the operator through a predetermined setting screen, as in the first embodiment. Further, other settings may also be performed using a predetermined setting screen or maintenance screen, as in FIGS. 6(a) to 8(b) of the first embodiment.

Also in the third embodiment, the control of the light source module 890 in the power saving mode can be similar to that shown in FIGS. 14(a) to (c).

Further, the control unit 901 can execute the same transport control process as in FIG. 15 during the coin deposit process. In this case, in step S401, for example, a determination of YES can be made when a coin has been inserted into dispensing unit 880 or an operation for deposit processing has been performed on operation display unit 903. FIG. In step 405, the control unit 901 drives the light source module 890 in response to the start of feeding and transporting coins, and performs coin deposit processing, that is, processing for transporting coins to the corresponding denomination storage unit 840. to run.

Also in the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained by these controls.

Also in the third embodiment, the light source control process may be changed to the process shown in FIG. 19, and the transport control process may be changed to the process shown in FIG. 21, as in the modification of the first embodiment. As a result, the operator can proceed with the coin deposit process at his or her own discretion before the waiting period elapses.

Also, in the configuration of the third embodiment, the resterilization mode may be executable. In this case, for example, all the coins are carried out to the dispensing unit 820 during the first deposit processing, and all the coins are returned from the dispensing unit 820 to the receiving unit 810 by the operator, and the second processing is performed. may be broken. In this case, each coin is stored in the corresponding storage unit 840 in the second process. Alternatively, in addition to the dispensing section 820 and the storage section 840, a carry-out section that is open to the outside may be provided, and all coins may be carried out to this carry-out section during the first processing. In this case, all the coins are returned from the carrying-out section to the receiving section 810 by the operator, and the second processing is performed. be.

<Other modification examples>
In Embodiments 1 to 3 above, the light source is installed by installing the light source module, but the installation form of the light source is not limited to this. For example, the light source may be installed directly on the transport path, and the light source and the driving circuit on the circuit board may be connected by wiring.

Also, the emission wavelength of the light source does not necessarily have to be 280 nm or less, and may be any other wavelength as long as the money can be sterilized. However, by setting the wavelength of the light source to 280 nm or less as described above, it is possible to effectively kill or inactivate the bacteria or viruses adhering to the currency. Preferably, the wavelength of the light source is set around 250 to 260 nm.

Also, the light source is not necessarily a cold cathode tube, and may be another light source such as an LED light source or a laser light source as long as it can emit light of a wavelength suitable for sterilization. However, by using a cold-cathode tube as a light source, it is possible to obtain a high light source output while reducing costs, and to efficiently sterilize money.

Further, in Embodiments 1 to 3 above, as shown in FIG. 12, the start condition is that the power is turned on to the device and that an operation related to money processing is performed in the power saving mode. However, the start condition is not limited to this. For example, when the money handling machine includes a human sensor, the start condition may include detection of a person near the money handling machine. In addition, when the money handling apparatus is frequently used on certain days of the week and time periods, the start condition may include that the current date and time is included in these days of the week and time periods. In this case, these days of the week and time periods may be set by the operator according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus, or may be set by the money handling apparatus (control section) through learning processing or the like.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the cancellation condition is that no operation related to money processing is performed within the monitoring period, but the cancellation condition is not limited to this. For example, if the money handling apparatus includes a human sensor, the release condition may include that no person was detected near the money handling apparatus during the monitoring period. In addition, if the frequency of use of the money handling device on a given day of the week or time period is remarkably low, the cancellation conditions include that the current date and time (when money handling is completed) is included in these days of the week and time period. may be In this case, these days of the week and time periods may be set by the operator according to the operational status of the money handling apparatus, or may be set by the money handling apparatus (control section) through learning processing or the like.

Also, in the first to third embodiments, the monitoring period shown in FIG. 13 is set by the operator, but the monitoring period may be set by other methods. For example, the past usage frequency of the device may be stored in the money handling machine, and the money handling machine may automatically set a monitoring period with a length of time corresponding to the usage frequency. For example, the average value of the usage intervals may be set as the monitoring period, and the length of time around the maximum frequency of the usage intervals may be set as the monitoring period. In this case, a monitoring period may be set for each day of the week or each time period based on the frequency of use for each day of the week or each time period.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the notification and notification are performed by displaying the screen, but instead of displaying the screen, or together with the display of the screen, the notification and notification may be performed by outputting sound. good. Also, the configuration of screens for notification and notification and the contents of messages are not limited to those shown in the first to third embodiments.

Further, in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the number of repetitions of the sterilization treatment in the resterilization mode was two, but the number of repetitions of the sterilization treatment in the resterilization mode is not limited to this, and sterilization is performed three times or more. The process may be repeated. In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the money is returned to the receiving part by the operator in the resterilization mode. The currency may be automatically returned to the receptacle by.

Also, the configurations of the money handling apparatus and the light source module, and the method of installing the light source module are not limited to the configurations shown in the first to third embodiments. The money handling apparatus to which the present invention is applied is also not limited to the apparatus shown in the first to third embodiments.

The embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims.

1, 2, 3 Money handling device 20, 610, 810 Receiving part 40, 620 Transport part 851 First transport part 41, 41a, 41b, 42 Guide 43, 621, 851a Transport path 90, 660, 890 Light source module 91 Case 91c Recess 92a Drive circuit 94 Light source 95 Light transmission plate 101, 701, 901 Control unit 210, 220, 230 Setting screen 211, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 231, 232 Item G1 Gap

Claims (21)

a receiving unit for accepting currency;
a transport unit that transports money received by the receiving unit;
a light source that irradiates light for sterilization to money in the transport path of the transport unit;
A control unit that controls the light source,
The control unit determines whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied after the light source becomes capable of irradiating the sterilization light, and determines whether the cancellation condition is satisfied. setting the light source to a power saving mode accordingly;
A money handling device characterized by: The cancellation condition includes that no operation related to money processing has been performed on the device for a preset monitoring period,
The money handling apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The money handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control unit includes a setting item for accepting setting of said monitoring period in a setting screen. In the power saving mode, the control unit causes the light source to stop emitting light.
A money handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the power saving mode, the control unit reduces the emission intensity of the light source compared to that during the sterilization operation,
A money handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the start condition for starting the sterilization operation is satisfied, the control unit performs sterilization control that causes the light source to emit light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation.
A money handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The start condition includes that the device has been powered on and that an operation related to money processing has been performed on the device in the power saving mode;
The money handling apparatus according to claim 6. After starting the sterilization control, the control unit executes a notification process for notifying an operator that the light source is being activated during a standby period until the light source emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation. ,
The money handling apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. 9. The money handling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said control unit includes a setting item for accepting setting of said waiting period in a setting screen. The control unit causes the transport unit to stop transporting money during the standby period.
The money handling apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. After starting the sterilization control, the control unit receives an operation as to whether or not to execute money processing during a standby period until the light source emits light at the emission intensity during the sterilization operation, and executes the money processing. When receiving an operation to the effect that the money is processed while continuing the sterilization control,
A money handling apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10. The control unit has a resterilization mode in which the money sent from the receiving unit to the transport path and processed is taken in from the receiving unit again and sterilized with the sterilizing light.
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The control unit includes a setting item for setting whether to execute the resterilization mode in the setting screen;
13. A money handling apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14. A light source module is configured by housing the light source and a driving circuit for the light source in a case,
wherein the light source module is arranged on the transport path of the transport unit;
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The case includes a recess,
The driving circuit and the light source are installed in the recess in order from the bottom,
The light source module includes a light transmission plate that closes the recess,
A surface of the light transmission plate opposite to the light source forms a transport surface of the transport path;
15. A money handling apparatus according to claim 14. The transport unit includes a guide for guiding transport of the money,
The guides are separated in the transport direction across the arrangement position of the light source module,
The light source module is accommodated in a gap provided at the arrangement position, and the surface of the light transmission plate constitutes a transport surface at the arrangement position from which the guide is separated.
16. A money handling apparatus according to claim 15. The light source irradiates light with a wavelength of 280 nm or less as the light for sterilization,
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The light source is a cold cathode tube,
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17. The money handling device is a money counting device that counts money,
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 18. The control unit sets a setting item for setting whether or not to perform a sterilization operation using light from the light source, and automatically starts processing money in response to money being set in the receiving unit. Include in a setting screen including at least one of a setting item for setting the mode to be used and a setting item for setting the processing speed of money,
A money handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 19. A money processing method for automatically processing money,
activating a light source for irradiating light for sterilization to sterilize money on the money transport path;
After the light source becomes capable of irradiating the sterilization light, determining whether a cancellation condition for canceling the sterilization operation is satisfied;
A money processing method, wherein the light source is set to a power saving mode in response to the cancellation condition being satisfied.

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