JP2023135900A - Currency processing apparatus and currency processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To maintain sterilization state of a currency sterilized in a currency processing apparatus, at a certain standard level.SOLUTION: A currency processing apparatus includes: a money input unit which receives currency from the outside of the apparatus; a conveyance unit which conveys the currency along a conveyance path in the apparatus; a storage unit which stores the currency fed out of the money input unit onto the conveyance path and conveyed by the conveyance unit; a money output unit which discharges the currency fed out of the storage unit onto the conveyance path and conveyed by the conveyance unit, to the outside of the apparatus; a sterilization unit which sterilizes the currency conveyed by the conveyance unit; and a control unit which changes at least one of a conveyance route to the storage unit for the currency received from the money input unit to the inside of the apparatus and a conveyance route from the storage unit to the money output unit for the currency, on the basis of which one of multiple operation modes different in sterilization power of the sterilization unit is in operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a money processing device and a money processing method that can sterilize money within the device.

In recent years, highly infectious pathogens such as bacteria and viruses have been discovered. For this reason, concerns may be expressed about the possibility of pathogens attaching to banknotes and transmitting pathogens through the banknotes. If there is a possibility that highly infectious pathogens are attached to the banknotes dispensed from the banknote processing device, users cannot use the device with peace of mind. In order to avoid this, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose money handling devices that sterilize banknotes taken into the device. This money processing device includes a sterilization device that irradiates the banknotes with ultraviolet rays, and the sterilization device can sterilize the banknotes that are transported along the transport path within the money processing device.

Patent No. 2993690 US Patent No. 5,374,814

The money handling device sterilizes banknotes by executing banknote processing determined based on the sterilization power of the sterilization device. The details of banknote processing are determined so that the state of banknotes after sterilization reaches a predetermined standard, but if the sterilization power of the sterilizer decreases during banknote processing, the sterilization state of some banknotes will not reach the specified standard. there is a possibility. For example, the sterilizer may generate heat and its sterilizing power may decrease.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems with the prior art, and aims to provide a money processing device and a money processing method that can maintain the sterilization state of banknotes to a predetermined standard.

The money handling device according to the present disclosure includes a depositing section that receives money from outside the device, a conveyance section that conveys the money along a conveyance path inside the device, and a money handling device that is fed out from the depositing section to the conveyance path and carried by the conveyance section. a storage section that stores the transported coins; a dispensing section that discharges the coins fed from the storage section onto the transport path and transported by the transport section out of the device; and a dispensing section that sterilizes the coins transported by the transport section. transporting each coin taken into the device from the deposit section to the storage section based on which operation mode the sterilization section is operating in among a plurality of operation modes having different sterilization powers; and a control unit that makes at least one of a route and a transport route of each currency from the storage unit to the dispensing unit different.

In the above configuration, the control unit sets the sterilization condition in which the sterilization state of the coin is set in advance based on the operation mode of the sterilization unit that sterilized the coin and the number of times the coin is sterilized in each operation mode. It may be determined whether or not the sterilization conditions are met, and the transport route for coins that satisfy the sterilization conditions may be made different from the transport route for coins that do not satisfy the sterilization conditions.

In the above configuration, coins that do not satisfy the sterilization conditions may be transported to be sterilized again in the sterilization section.

In the above configuration, the plurality of operation modes may include operation modes in which current values supplied to the sterilization section differ.

The above configuration may further include a detection section that detects a physical quantity related to the temperature of the sterilization section, and the control section may change the operation mode based on a detection result by the detection section.

The above configuration may further include a detection section that detects a physical quantity related to the sterilization power of the sterilization section, and the control section may change the operation mode based on a detection result by the detection section.

In the above configuration, the storage section includes a first storage section that stores coins that meet the sterilization conditions, and a second storage section that stores coins that do not meet the sterilization conditions, and the sterilization section includes the deposit section that stores the coins that do not meet the sterilization conditions. a first transport route for transporting money from the depositing unit to the first storage unit; a second transport route for transporting money from the depositing unit to the second storage unit; and a second transport route for transporting money from the second storage unit to the first storage unit. It may be arranged on the conveyance path through which the currency passes in all the conveyance paths including the third conveyance path that conveys the coins.

In the above configuration, the operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode in which the output of the sterilizing section is lower than that in the first mode, and the control section is configured to control the sterilizing section in response to the depositing section. stores the coins sterilized in the first mode in the first storage section, receives the coins in the deposit section, and stores the coins sterilized in the second mode by the sterilization section in the second storage section. The money stored in the second storage section may be further sterilized in the sterilization section and then stored in the first storage section.

In the above configuration, the second storage section is provided to be detachable from the attachment/detachment section of the money processing device and detachable from the deposit section, and the control section is configured such that the second storage section After being removed from the attachment/detachment section and installed in the depositing section, the coins stored in the second storage section may be taken into the device, further sterilized in the sterilization section, and then stored in the first storage section. good.

The above configuration further includes a temporary storage section for temporarily storing coins, and the control section sterilizes the coins stored in the second storage section in the sterilization section and stores them in the temporary storage section; It may be taken out from the temporary storage section, further sterilized in the sterilization section, and then stored in the first storage section.

In the above configuration, if the currency dispensed from the temporary storage section and sterilized by the sterilization section does not satisfy the sterilization conditions, the control section may return the currency to the second storage section for storage.

In the above configuration, the control unit further includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores coins, and a storage unit that stores the sterilization state of each coin taken into the device from the deposit unit, and the control unit When discharging the dispensed coins from the dispensing section to the outside of the device, based on the sterilization state, coins that already meet the sterilization conditions and coins that meet the sterilization conditions by being sterilized in the sterilization section are selected. The coins may be sterilized in the sterilizing section and then transported to the dispensing section and discharged from the device, and other coins may be sterilized in the sterilizing section and then transported to the temporary storage section for storage. .

In the above configuration, the control unit may take out the coins stored in the temporary storage unit from the temporary storage unit, sterilize them in the sterilization unit, and then transport them to the dispensing unit and discharge them out of the device. .

In the above configuration, the sterilization state of each currency may include identification information of each currency, an operation mode of the sterilization unit that sterilized each currency, and the number of times each currency was sterilized in each operation mode.

A money processing method according to the present disclosure is a money processing method executed by a money processing device, in which money received in a depositing section is taken into the device, sterilized in a sterilization section, and the sterilized money is transferred to a storage section. The transport route of each coin is changed based on which operation mode the sterilizing section has used to sterilize each coin among a plurality of operation modes in which the sterilizing power differs.

According to the money processing device and money processing method according to the present disclosure, it is possible to sterilize money within the money processing device and maintain the sterilized state of the money at a predetermined standard.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of a banknote processing apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of sterilization processing performed by the banknote processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the deposit processing. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the withdrawal process. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the in-device sterilization process. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a deposit process and an in-device sterilization process that are executed in the first mode or the second mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining deposit processing using a cassette. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a deposit process that uses serial numbers to manage banknotes. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the withdrawal process performed using the serial number. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the notification process is executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a different configuration example of the banknote processing device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a money processing device and a money processing method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a banknote processing device will be described as an example. The banknote processing device (money processing device) according to the present embodiment has one or more sterilizing sections in the device, and can sterilize banknotes by the sterilizing section. The term sterilization used here refers to processing performed for the purpose of killing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that may be attached to banknotes. The treatment may also be a treatment that reduces the number of pathogens to a certain extent or a treatment that weakens the pathogens.

(Configuration of banknote processing device)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a banknote processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the banknote processing device 1 includes a banknote processing section 2 that executes banknote processing, a storage section 70 that stores information regarding banknote processing, and a control section 60 that controls the banknote processing section 2.

The storage unit 70 is a nonvolatile storage device. Information necessary for the banknote processing device 1 to process banknotes is stored in the storage unit 70. The functions and operations of the banknote processing device 1 described in this embodiment are realized by the control unit 60 controlling the banknote processing unit 2 using information in the storage unit 70.

As shown in FIG. 1, the banknote processing device 1 may include an operation section 81, a display section 82, and a communication section 90. The operation unit 81 is used to input information regarding banknote processing. The control unit 60 can cause the banknote processing unit 2 to execute banknote processing based on information input from the operation unit 81. The display section 82 is used to display information regarding banknote processing. The control unit 60 can display information regarding banknote processing on the display unit 82 and notify the user of the banknote processing apparatus 1 of the information. The communication unit 90 is used to transmit and receive information regarding banknote processing to and from an external device. The control unit 60 can cause the banknote processing unit 2 to execute banknote processing based on the information that the communication unit 90 receives from the external device. However, the banknote processing device 1 may be used alone and may not include the communication section 90. The operating section 81 and the display section 82 may be integrated, or at least one of the operating section 81 and the display section 82 may be provided independently from the banknote processing device 1. For example, an operation terminal including the operation section 81 and the display section 82 may be connected to the banknote processing apparatus 1, and the operation terminal may be used to input and output information regarding banknote processing.

The banknote processing section 2 includes a deposit section 11 , a withdrawal section 12 , a sterilization section 10 , an identification section 20 , a storage section 30 , a transport section 40 , and a detection section 100 . The banknote processing section 2 may further include a temporary storage section 50. The temporary storage unit 50 referred to here is a storage unit for temporarily storing banknotes, and one of the storage units 30 may be used as the temporary storage unit 50.

The depositing section 11, the dispensing section 12, the sterilization section 10, the identification section 20, the storage section 30, and the temporary storage section 50 are connected by a conveyance path as shown by the solid line in FIG. The conveyance unit 40 conveys banknotes along a conveyance path.

The configuration of the conveyance path shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the configuration of the banknote processing section 2 is not limited to this. As long as each banknote processed by the banknote processing unit 2 can be processed as described in this embodiment, the method of connecting each unit by the conveyance path may be different from that in FIG. 1 . The arrangement position and number of the sterilizing units 10 shown in FIG. 1 are also examples, and the arrangement position and number of the sterilizing units 10 are not particularly limited. The positions of the sterilizing section 10 and the identifying section 20 shown in FIG. 1 may be interchanged. One sterilizing section 10 may be provided at a position different from that in FIG. 1, or two or more sterilizing sections 10 may be provided. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the sterilizing section 10 is provided independently, and the sterilizing section 10 may be incorporated in other components such as the identification section 20.

The deposit unit 11 can pay out banknotes received from outside the device to a conveyance path within the device. The deposit unit 11 can receive a plurality of banknotes to be processed in one banknote processing and feed them out one by one onto the conveyance path. The dispensing unit 12 discharges the banknotes conveyed one by one by the conveyance unit 40 out of the apparatus. The dispensing unit 12 can accumulate a plurality of banknotes. Although the depositing section 11 and the dispensing section 12 are shown separately in FIG. 1, the depositing section 11 and the dispensing section 12 are not limited to being provided independently; It may also be a mode in which it also serves as the metal part 12.

The identification unit 20 identifies the banknotes conveyed by the conveyance unit 40. The identification unit 20 can identify the denomination of the banknote. The identification unit 20 may further identify whether the banknote is genuine or not, and whether it is fit or not. The identification unit 20 may count the number and amount of banknotes. Specifically, when processing a plurality of banknotes in one banknote processing, the identification unit 20 counts at least one of the number of banknotes by denomination, the amount by denomination, the total number of banknotes, and the total amount. You may.

The storage section 30 stores the banknotes conveyed one by one by the conveyance section 40. The storage unit 30 feeds out the stored banknotes one by one onto the conveyance path. Since the order of stored banknotes is not changed inside the storage unit 30, by storing the sterilization state of each banknote stored in the storage unit 30 in the order of storage, each banknote fed out from the storage unit 30 can be sterilized. The condition can be identified. The number of storage units 30 that banknote processing device 1 has is not particularly limited. The banknote processing device 1 may include a metal safe, and the storage section 30 may be provided within the safe. The plurality of storage units 30 may include a cassette-type storage unit that is detachably provided from the banknote processing device 1 . The plurality of storage units 30 may include a storage unit that does not store banknotes received from the conveyance path but only feeds out the banknotes to the conveyance path, or a storage unit that only feeds out banknotes to the conveyance path. A storage section may be included that only stores banknotes received from the conveyance path.

The sterilizing section 10 sterilizes the banknotes conveyed by the conveying section 40. The sterilization unit 10 has one or more light sources for sterilizing banknotes. One light emitting element may be used as a light source, or a plurality of light emitting elements arranged side by side may be used as a light source. Each light source emits germicidal ultraviolet light. The sterilization unit 10 can irradiate the entire front surface and the entire back surface of the banknotes transported by the transport unit 40 with ultraviolet light. For example, two light sources are arranged to face each other across a conveyance path, and irradiate ultraviolet light onto both sides of a banknote conveyed through the conveyance path. Each light source has a long shape in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the banknotes, and when the banknotes conveyed along the conveyance path pass through the ultraviolet light irradiation range, the entire surface of the banknotes is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

The sterilization unit 10 irradiates the banknotes with ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range. For example, the sterilizing unit 10 irradiates the banknote with ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength or a predetermined wavelength range among the UVC wavelength range of 280 nm or less, which has high sterilizing power. However, the wavelength of the light that the sterilizer 10 irradiates onto the banknotes is not particularly limited as long as the banknotes can be sterilized. The light irradiated by the sterilization unit 10 may include ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 250 to 260 nm, or may include ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm. The light irradiated by the sterilization unit 10 may include ultraviolet light such as UV-A or UV-B of 280 nm or more, or may include visible light.

The banknote processing device 1 can sterilize banknotes in the sterilization unit 10 during banknote processing in which banknotes received from outside the device are stored in the storage unit 30 . For example, banknotes are sterilized during a deposit process in which banknotes are deposited into the banknote processing apparatus 1 . Specifically, the banknotes to be deposited are taken into the device one by one from the deposit section 11, passed through the identification section 20 and the sterilization section 10 in this order by the transportation section 40, and then transported to the storage section 30. be done. At this time, the banknotes transported by the transport section 40 are identified by the identification section 20 and sterilized by the sterilization section 10. The banknote information obtained by the identification unit 20 is used to manage the banknotes in the storage unit 30. Information on the deposited banknotes may be displayed on the display section 82 or may be transmitted from the communication section 90 to an external device. The banknote processing apparatus 1 can process each deposited banknote in different ways depending on the sterilization state, but the details will be described later.

The banknote processing device 1 can sterilize the banknotes in the sterilization unit 10 during banknote processing in which the banknotes are fed out from the storage section 30 and discharged from the dispensing section 12 to the outside of the device. For example, the banknotes are sterilized during a dispensing process in which the banknote processing apparatus 1 dispenses banknotes. Specifically, the bills to be dispensed are fed out one by one from the storage section 30 to the conveyance path, passed through the sterilization section 10 and the identification section 20 in this order by the conveyance section 40, and then transferred to the dispensing section 12. transported to. At this time, the banknotes conveyed by the conveyance section 40 are sterilized by the sterilization section 10 and identified by the identification section 20. The banknote information obtained by the identification unit 20 is used to manage the banknotes in the storage unit 30. However, if the denomination of the banknote paid out from the storage unit 30 can be specified, the identification of the banknote by the identification unit 20 may be omitted. Information on the withdrawn banknotes may be displayed on the display unit 82 or may be transmitted from the communication unit 90 to an external device. The banknote processing device 1 can process each banknote fed out from the storage section 30 in different ways depending on the sterilization state, but the details will be described later.

The banknote processing apparatus 1 has a detection section 100 for detecting information regarding the sterilization section 10, and one feature is that the operation of the sterilization section 10 is changed according to the detection result of the detection section 100. As shown in FIG. 1, operation settings 71 and operation change conditions 72 used to change the operation of the sterilizer 10 are stored in the storage unit 70.

The operation settings 71 are settings related to the operation of the sterilizer 10. The operation settings 71 include settings for the sterilization unit 10 to operate in a plurality of operation modes and banknote sterilization conditions in each operation mode. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operation settings 71 include three operation modes, first to third modes. The "sterilization unit" item in the operation settings 71 indicates whether or not the sterilization process by the sterilization unit 10 is to be performed. "Off" indicates that the power to the sterilization section 10 is turned off and the sterilization process is not performed. Specifically, this indicates that the current flowing through the sterilizing light source included in the sterilizing section 10 is set to 0 (zero).

In the operation mode where the sterilization section item is "ON", the sterilization section 10 is turned on and sterilization processing is executed, but when the sterilization power item is "High" and "Low", the operation of the sterilization section 10 is disabled. different. For example, the output of the sterilization unit 10 regarding sterilization processing is different. Specifically, the current value applied to the sterilizing light source included in the sterilizing section 10 is different depending on whether the sterilizing power is "high" or "low". The smaller the current value passed through the sterilizing light source, the lower the output of the sterilizing section 10, that is, the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section 10. The value of the current flowing through the light source in the second mode, which has low sterilizing power, is set to a smaller value than the value of the current flowing through the light source in the first mode, which has high sterilizing power. Hereinafter, the sterilizing light source included in the sterilizing section 10 will be simply referred to as a light source, and the current flowing through this light source will be referred to as the current flowing through the sterilizing section 10.

The "sterilization condition" item in the operation setting 71 indicates the sterilization condition that a banknote taken into the banknote processing apparatus 1 from outside the apparatus must satisfy before it is discharged outside the apparatus again. There is. The banknote processing apparatus 1 discharges only banknotes whose sterilization state satisfies the sterilization conditions to the outside of the apparatus. The example shown in FIG. 1 shows that the sterilization state of banknotes sterilized once in the first mode and banknotes sterilized twice in the second mode is determined to satisfy the sterilization conditions. In other words, the sterilization state of a banknote that has been sterilized only once in the second mode does not satisfy the sterilization conditions, and this banknote will not be ejected from the device until it is sterilized again in the first or second mode. It shows.

In FIG. 1, the sterilization condition is shown as one of the operation settings 71 in order to show the relationship between the operation mode and the sterilization condition, but the settings related to the sterilization condition may be managed separately from the operation setting 71. It's okay.

In FIG. 1, in order to easily understand the operation mode, the "sterilizing section" section indicates whether the sterilizing section 10 is on or off, and the "sterilizing power" section indicates the level of the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section 10. The operation mode may be set based on the current value that flows through the sterilizing section 10 collectively. Specifically, each operation mode may be set such that the first mode is a current value A, the second mode is a current value B (B<A), and the third mode is a current value 0 (zero).

The operation mode referred to in this embodiment indicates that the operation of the sterilization unit 10 is different. Even if the operation mode is not clearly specified in the banknote processing apparatus 1, when banknote processing is executed by changing the current value flowing through the sterilizer 10, this is included in the change of the operation mode in this embodiment. The number of operating modes is not limited. Although the operation mode shown in FIG. 1 is also an example, and the operation of the sterilizing section 10 is not limited to these, the explanation will be continued below using the first to third modes shown in FIG. 1 as examples.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation change condition 72 includes determination contents based on the detection result by the detection unit 100, a determination condition indicating what kind of detection result should be obtained to change the operation mode, and a determination condition. and a change method indicating how to change the operation mode when the above conditions are satisfied.

The detection unit 100 can detect physical quantities related to the operation of the sterilization unit 10. For example, the detection unit 100 is used to detect a physical quantity that affects the sterilization power of the sterilization unit 10. Specifically, when the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section 10 decreases as the continuous operating time of the sterilizing section 10 becomes longer, a timer that counts the continuous operating time can be used as the detecting section 100. If the sterilizing power decreases as the temperature of the sterilizing section 10 increases, a sensor that detects temperature may be used as the detecting section 100. If the heat generated by the substrate constituting the sterilizing unit 10 affects the sterilizing power, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the board may be used as the detection unit 100, and if the heat generated by the light source affects the sterilizing power, the temperature of the light source A temperature sensor that detects the temperature may be used as the detection unit 100. A sensor capable of directly detecting the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section 10 may be used as the detecting section 100. For example, if a physical quantity such as the amount, brightness, or illumination of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto a banknote from the light source of the sterilizing unit 10 affects the sterilizing power, an optical sensor capable of detecting the physical quantity may be used as the detecting unit 100. .

When the detection unit 100 is a timer that detects the continuous operation time of the sterilization unit 10, as shown in FIG. 1, when the continuous operation time in the first mode reaches a threshold value A1, the operation mode is changed to the second mode. In addition, settings can be registered in the operation change conditions 72. A setting can be registered in the operation change condition 72 so that the operation mode is changed to the first mode when the elapsed time after changing to the second mode reaches a threshold value A2. A setting can be registered in the operation change condition 72 so that the operation mode is changed to the first mode when the elapsed time after changing to the third mode reaches a threshold value A3.

For example, if the sterilizer 10 operates continuously in the first mode for 5 minutes, if you want to switch to the second mode in which the current value flowing through the sterilizer 10 is lowered, you can set the threshold A1 shown in FIG. 1 to 5 minutes. . If 3 minutes have passed since switching to the second mode, the temperature of the sterilizing section 10 has decreased and continuous operation for 5 minutes in the first mode is possible again, the threshold value A2 may be set to 3 minutes. . Similarly, it may be set to switch from the first mode to the third mode, or it may be set to switch to the third mode after switching to the second mode. If one minute has passed since switching to the third mode and continuous operation for five minutes in the first mode is possible again, the threshold value A3 may be set to one minute.

Since the banknote processing apparatus 1 turns off the power of the sterilizer 10 during standby when banknote processing is not being performed, completion of banknote processing is considered to be switching to the third mode. For example, if A1 shown in FIG. 1 is set to 5 minutes, A2 is set to 3 minutes, and A3 is set to 1 minute, the operation mode of the sterilization section 10 changes to the second mode 5 minutes after bill processing starts in the first mode. Switch. When the banknote processing ends in one minute after entering the second mode, the sterilization unit 10 is turned off. The banknote processing device 1 determines that the operation mode has been temporarily switched to the third mode upon completion of banknote processing. If one minute has passed since the completion of banknote processing without starting the next banknote processing, the banknote processing device 1 assumes that one minute has passed in the third mode and operates while keeping the sterilization section 10 off. The mode is returned to the first mode, and the banknote processing to be started next is executed in the first mode. On the other hand, if the next banknote processing is started before one minute has passed since the banknote processing is completed, the banknote processing apparatus 1 starts banknote processing in the second mode. If only the second mode setting is registered in the operation change condition 72, the operation mode will not return to the first mode until two minutes have passed from the completion of banknote processing, but by registering the third mode setting, the banknote processing The operation mode can be returned to the first mode in one minute from completion.

If the detection unit 100 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the sterilization unit 10, the operation is changed to switch to an operation mode for cooling the sterilization unit 10 when the detected temperature rises and reaches a preset threshold B1. It is sufficient to set the condition 72. When the temperature of the sterilizing unit 10 decreases after the operation mode is switched and the temperature detected by the detecting unit 100 reaches a preset threshold value B2 (B2<B1), the sterilizing unit 10 operates to return to the operating mode in which the sterilizing power is high. It is sufficient to set the change condition 72.

When the detection unit 100 is an optical sensor that detects light emitted from the light source of the sterilization unit 10, when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor decreases and reaches a preset threshold, the banknote processing device 1 changes to the operation mode. It may be determined that the switch has been made. For example, when the physical quantity related to the light emitted by the light source of the sterilization unit 10 reaches a predetermined threshold while operating in the first mode, the banknote processing device 1 determines that the first mode has been switched to the second mode, and Operates with operation settings corresponding to 2 modes. In addition to the case where the mode is explicitly switched, for example, even when the output of the sterilizing section 10 decreases due to heat generation or deterioration over time, the banknote processing device 1 can perform a sterilizing operation in accordance with the output.

If the temperature rise of the sterilizer 10 affects the stability of the operation, the user may set the operation change condition 72 to switch the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode or the third mode before the temperature rises. Can be set. After switching from the first mode to the second mode, the user can also set the mode to be further switched to the third mode. This makes it possible to lower the temperature of the sterilizing section 10 while avoiding the effects of heat generation.

Further, after switching from the first mode to the second mode or the third mode, if the temperature of the sterilizing section 10 decreases, the user can switch from the third mode to the first mode or the second mode, or from the second mode to the second mode. The operation change condition 72 can be set to return to the operation mode with high sterilizing power, such as to the 1 mode. This makes it possible to increase the sterilization effect of banknotes per sterilization as much as possible. Hereinafter, satisfying any one of the plurality of settings registered in the operation change condition 72 will be referred to as satisfying the operation change condition 72.

(Banknote processing)
One feature of the banknote processing apparatus 1 is that even if the sterilization power of the sterilization unit 10 changes due to a change in the operation mode, the sterilization process is performed so that the sterilization state of each banknote satisfies the sterilization conditions. . FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the sterilization process executed by the banknote processing apparatus 1. When a banknote is taken into the banknote processing apparatus 1 from outside the apparatus, the banknote processing apparatus 1 sterilizes the banknote in the sterilization unit 10 .

The banknote processing device 1 determines whether or not the operation change condition 72 is satisfied based on the detection result by the detection unit 100 (step S1). If the operation change condition 72 is not satisfied (step S1; No), the banknote processing device 1 performs the sterilization process by the sterilization unit 10 without changing the operation mode (step S3). On the other hand, when the operation change condition 72 is satisfied (step S1; Yes), the banknote processing device 1 changes the operation mode of the sterilization section 10 (step S2), and executes the sterilization process in the changed operation mode ( Step S3).

The banknote processing apparatus 1 can distinguish and manage banknotes whose sterilization state satisfies the sterilization conditions and banknotes which do not. If there is a banknote that does not meet the sterilization conditions in the device (step S4; Yes), the banknote processing device 1 continues the processing of steps S1 to S4. If the sterilization state of all the banknotes in the device satisfies the sterilization conditions (step S4; No), the banknote processing device 1 ends the sterilization process for the banknotes in the device.

(Deposit processing)
The contents of banknote processing will be specifically explained while showing a specific example of the banknote processing apparatus 1. In the configuration diagram of the banknote processing apparatus 1 shown in the following explanation, the configuration necessary for explaining the movement path of the banknote is shown, and illustration of other configurations is omitted. In addition, the sterilization state of the banknotes by the sterilization unit 10 that satisfies the sterilization conditions will be described as a sterilization rate of 100%. For example, since the sterilization condition for the first mode is one time, the sterilization rate of a banknote that has been sterilized once in the first mode is 100%. Since the sterilization condition for the second mode is twice, the sterilization rate of banknotes sterilized once in the second mode is 50%, and the sterilization rate of banknotes sterilized twice is 100%. Note that the sterilization rate is a value indicating the relationship between banknote processing and sterilization conditions, and does not indicate a value related to pathogens.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the deposit processing. The banknote processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The reject unit 13 is used to reject banknotes that cannot be stored in the device. Banknotes that the identification unit 20 identifies as not being able to be stored in the device during the deposit processing are rejected from the device by the rejecting unit 13. The cassette 140 is attached to and detached from an attachment/detachment section 130 provided at the front of the device. The cassette 140 attached to the attachment/detachment section 130 can receive and store banknotes conveyed by the conveyance section 40, similarly to the storage section 30.

FIG. 3(a) shows the deposit processing in the first mode, and FIG. 3(b) shows the deposit processing in the second mode and the third mode. The banknote processing device 1 divides the plurality of storage units 30 (30a, 30b) into a storage unit 30a and a shelter storage unit 30b, stores banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more in the storage unit 30a, and sterilizes them. Banknotes with a ratio of less than 100% are stored in the shelter storage section 30b. That is, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can separate banknotes that meet the sterilization conditions and banknotes that do not, and store them in separate locations. In the example shown in FIG. 3, one of the plurality of storage sections 30 is used as the evacuation storage section 30b, but a mode may be adopted in which a plurality of evacuation storage sections 30b are used.

The deposit processing in the first mode is executed as explained in FIG. 1, and as shown by the arrow in FIG. It is stored in the storage section 30a. For example, based on the identification result by the identification unit 20, banknotes are stored by denomination in the plurality of storage units 30a. Since the banknotes stored in the storage section 30 are processed in the first mode, the sterilization rate of the banknotes is 100% as shown in FIG. 3(a).

After starting the deposit process in the first mode, the operation mode of the sterilization unit 10 is changed from the first mode to the second mode or the third mode based on the detection result by the detection unit 100 and the operation change condition 72. There are cases.

In the deposit processing in the second mode and the third mode, the banknotes processed by the identification section 20 and the sterilization section 10 are stored in the shelter storage section 30b, as shown by arrows in FIG. 3(b). The shelter storage section 30b stores banknotes of multiple denominations in a mixed state. Since the banknotes stored in the shelter storage section 30b are processed in the second mode or the third mode, the sterilization rate of the banknotes processed in the second mode is 50%, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The sterilization rate of banknotes processed in the third mode is 0%. The banknote processing device 1 stores and manages in the storage unit 70 the operating mode in which each banknote stored in the storage area 30b is processed, thereby controlling the sterilization rate of each banknote fed out from the storage area 30b. can be identified.

The banknote processing device 1 changes the conveyance path of each banknote taken into the device from the deposit unit 11 based on which of a plurality of operation modes in which the sterilizing unit 10 is operating in which the sterilizing power is different. . Specifically, the banknote processing device 1 processes the banknotes deposited in the deposit processing in one of the first to third operation modes, as shown in FIG. 3(a) or FIG. 3(b). The deposit processing is completed by transporting and storing the money in the storage section 30a or the evacuation storage section 30b. After the deposit process is completed, the user can continue to perform another deposit process or withdraw money.

(Withdrawal processing)
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the withdrawal process. The withdrawal process is performed using banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more stored in the storage section 30a, that is, banknotes that satisfy the sterilization conditions. The dispensing process is executed as explained in FIG. 1, and after the banknotes dispensed from the storage section 30a are processed in the sterilization section 10 and the identification section 20 as shown by arrows in FIG. The money will be withdrawn from 12.

The table shown in FIG. 4 shows the sterilization rate of banknotes processed in the first mode during deposit processing. Since the sterilization rate of banknotes processed in the first mode has already reached 100%, the final sterilization rate, that is, the final sterilization rate The sterilization rate for denominated banknotes will be over 100%.

In addition, in the deposit processing shown in FIG. 3, an example was shown in which only banknotes whose sterilization rate reached 100% are stored in the storage section 30a, but even if the sterilization rate after the deposit processing is less than 100%, the withdrawal Banknotes whose sterilization rate reaches 100% by being processed in the sterilization unit 10 during processing may be stored in the storage unit 30a.

Specifically, when the withdrawal process of the banknote processing device 1 is executed in the first mode or the second mode, the banknotes processed in the second mode and having a sterilization rate of 50% are stored in the storage section 30a during the deposit process. It's okay. Also in this case, the sterilization rate of all banknotes discharged from the dispensing section 12 to the outside of the apparatus can be 100% or more by sterilizing them during the dispensing process.

(In-device sterilization treatment)
As shown in FIG. 3(b), the banknotes processed in the second mode or the third mode during the deposit process and stored in the shelter storage section 30b are not processed by the banknote processing device 1 after the deposit process is completed. It is sterilized with no waiting time. The banknote processing device 1 performs an internal sterilization process in which the banknotes inside the device are sterilized in the sterilization section 10 without taking them out of the device, thereby sterilizing the banknotes in the shelter storage section 30b.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the in-device sterilization process. If the next banknote processing is not started even after a predetermined period of time has passed since the banknote processing is completed, the banknote processing apparatus 1 determines that the banknote processing apparatus 1 has entered a standby state and starts the internal sterilization process. The in-device sterilization process is started when the sterilization unit 10 is operable in the first mode or the second mode.

The in-device sterilization process includes a first process shown in FIG. 5(a) and a second process shown in FIG. 5(b). In the first process, as shown by arrows in FIG. It is stored in the section 50.

As shown in the table of FIG. 5(a), if a banknote with a sterilization rate of 50% that was processed in the second mode during the deposit process is processed in the first mode or the second mode during the first process, the sterilization rate will be It becomes more than 100%. During the first processing, the operation mode of the sterilization section 10 is switched to the third mode, and the sterilization rate of the banknotes processed in the third mode remains at 50%. Among the banknotes processed in the third mode during the deposit processing, the sterilization rate of the banknotes processed in the first mode during the first processing is 100%, and the sterilization rate of the banknotes processed in the second mode is 50%, The sterilization rate of banknotes processed in the third mode remains 0%.

In the second process, all the banknotes stored in the temporary storage unit 50 in the first process are paid out from the temporary storage unit 50, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5(b). After each bill is processed by the identification section 20 and the sterilization section 10, it is stored in the storage section 30a or the evacuation storage section 30b. Specifically, banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more after the second treatment are stored in the storage unit 30a based on the identification result by the identification unit 20. Banknotes whose sterilization rate is still less than 100% even after the second treatment are returned to the shelter storage section 30b.

The table shown on the right side of the device diagram in FIG. 5(b) shows the sterilization rate of banknotes stored in the storage section 30a during the internal sterilization process after deposit processing, and the table shown on the bottom side of the device diagram shows the sterilization rate of banknotes stored in the storage section 30b. It shows the sterilization rate of banknotes stored in

Banknotes whose sterilization rate has already reached 100% or more after the first treatment shown in FIG. 5(a) are stored in the storage section 30a after the second treatment. Among banknotes with a sterilization rate of 50% after the first treatment, the banknotes processed in the first mode or the second mode during the second treatment reach a sterilization rate of 100% and are stored in the storage section 30a. However, the banknotes processed in the third mode have a sterilization rate of less than 100% and are stored in the shelter storage section 30b. Among the banknotes whose sterilization rate was 0% after the first treatment, the banknotes processed in the first mode during the second treatment have a sterilization rate of 100% and are stored in the storage section 30a; The banknotes processed in the third mode are stored in the evacuation storage section 30b. The banknote processing device 1 can specify the sterilization rate of each banknote fed out from the shelter storage section 30b by storing and managing the sterilization rate of each banknote stored in the shelter storage section 30b in the storage section 70. .

The banknotes stored in the shelter storage section 30b are sterilized again in the device using the standby time. Banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more after processing are transported to the storage section 30a. In this way, the banknotes processed in the second mode or the third mode during the deposit process are conveyed to and stored in the storage section 30a through a different conveyance route from the banknotes processed in the first mode during the deposit process. Ru. The banknote processing apparatus 1 can store only banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more in the storage section 30a by performing the internal sterilization process. In the dispensing process shown in FIG. 4, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can discharge only banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more to the outside of the apparatus.

In addition, in the second process shown in FIG. 5(b), an example was shown in which only banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more are stored in the storage section 30a, but even if the sterilization rate is less than 100%, the withdrawal process is performed. Banknotes whose sterilization rate reaches 100% by being treated in the sterilization section 10 may be stored in the storage section 30a.

Specifically, when the dispensing process of the banknote processing device 1 is executed in the first mode or the second mode, banknotes with a sterilization rate of 50% after the second process may be stored in the storage section 30a. Also in this case, the sterilization rate of all banknotes discharged from the dispensing section 12 to the outside of the apparatus can be 100% or more by sterilizing them during the dispensing process.

In addition, although FIG. 5B shows an example in which some banknotes whose sterilization rate is less than 100% are returned to the shelter storage section 30b, both the deposit processing and the in-device sterilization processing are performed in the first mode or When executed in 2 modes, all banknotes are stored in the storage section 30a after one sterilization process within the device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a deposit process and an in-device sterilization process that are executed in the first mode or the second mode. FIG. 6(a) shows the deposit processing, FIG. 6(b) shows the first processing of the in-device sterilization processing, and FIG. 6(c) shows the second processing of the in-device sterilization processing.

When the deposit processing is executed in the first mode or the second mode, the banknotes processed in the first mode and having a sterilization rate of 100% are stored in the storage section 30a as shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 6(a), The banknotes processed in the second mode and having a sterilization rate of 50% are stored in the shelter storage section 30b as shown by the broken line arrow. Subsequently, when the in-apparatus sterilization process is executed in the first mode or the second mode, the sterilization rate of the banknotes stored in the temporary storage section 50 in the first process is 100%, as shown in FIG. 6(b). Or it will be 150%. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(c), in the second process, all banknotes are stored in the storage section 30a. Similarly, even if the deposit process is executed in any of the first to third modes, if the in-device sterilization process is executed in the first mode or the second mode, one sterilization process in the device will be enough to store the When the sterilization rate of all the banknotes stored in the section 30b becomes 100% or more, they are stored in the storage section 30a.

In this way, even if a banknote cannot be sterilized to a predetermined sterilization state in the sterilization unit 10 during the deposit processing, the banknote processing apparatus 1 is configured to transport the banknote that has been sterilized to a predetermined sterilization state through the transport path of the banknote. It can be stored in the evacuation storage section 30b in a different route from the route and sterilized again in the sterilization section 10. Thereby, during the withdrawal process, only banknotes that have been sterilized to a predetermined sterilization state can be withdrawn.

(Deposit and withdrawal processing using cassette)
When the user can attach the cassette 140 removed from the attachment/detachment section 130 to the deposit section 11 and feed the bill from the cassette 140 into the bill processing device 1 without touching the bill inside the cassette 140, The cassette 140 may be used as a shelter storage section. If the cassette 140 is used as an evacuation storage section for banknotes whose sterilization rate is less than 100%, the entire storage section 30 can be used to store banknotes that have been sterilized.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining deposit processing using the cassette 140. When the cassette 140 is used as a shelter storage unit, among the banknotes deposited from the deposit unit 11, banknotes that have been processed in the first mode and have reached a sterilization rate of 100% are indicated by solid line arrows in FIG. 7(a). It is stored in the storage section 30 as shown in FIG. The banknotes processed in the second mode or the third mode are stored in the cassette 140 as shown by the broken arrow in FIG. 7(a).

The banknote processing device 1 detects that the number of banknotes stored in the cassette 140 has reached a predetermined number, and notifies the user of this. The user may be notified by displaying information on the display unit 82.

When the user who receives the notification removes the cassette 140 from the attachment/detachment section 130 and attaches it to the deposit section 11, the banknote processing device 1 stores the banknotes in the cassette 140 inside the device, as shown in FIG. 7(b). It can be sterilized by in-device sterilization treatment. In this way, the banknotes processed in the second mode or the third mode during the deposit processing can be fed into the device using the cassette 140 with a different conveyance route than the banknotes processed in the first mode. Can be sterilized again. Even when the banknotes cannot be delivered to the conveyance path from the cassette 140 installed in the attachment/detachment part 130, the banknotes in the cassette 140 can be processed again in the sterilization part 10 by installing the cassette 140 in the deposit part 11. Although banknotes with a sterilization rate of less than 100% are stored in the cassette 140, the banknotes are taken directly into the device from the cassette 140 via the deposit section 11, so they do not come into contact with the user's hands.

When using the cassette 140, the operation settings 71 and operations are performed so that the banknote sterilization rate is 100% or more through the deposit processing shown in FIG. 7(a) and the in-device sterilization processing shown in FIG. 7(b). It is sufficient to set the change condition 72. Specifically, each bill may be sterilized one or more times in the first mode, or two or more times in the second mode. For example, if the setting is such that the deposit processing and the sterilization process inside the device are executed in the first mode or the second mode, the sterilization rate of all banknotes will be 100% due to the sterilization process during the deposit processing and the sterilization process inside the device. reach Thereby, banknotes whose sterilization rate has reached 100% or more can be stored in the storage section 30.

When using the cassette 140, the sterilization rate of banknotes becomes 100% or more by the deposit processing shown in FIG. 7(a), the in-device sterilization processing shown in FIG. 7(b), and the withdrawal processing shown in FIG. 4. The operation settings 71 and operation change conditions 72 may be set as shown in FIG. For example, the setting may be such that the deposit process is executed in one of the first to third operation modes, and the apparatus internal sterilization process and the withdrawal process are executed in the first mode or the second mode. In this case, the banknotes stored in the storage unit 30 may include banknotes with a sterilization rate of 50%, but since the withdrawal process is executed in the first mode or the second mode, the banknotes are not fed out from the storage unit 30. The sterilization rate of all the banknotes discharged from the dispensing section 12 to the outside of the apparatus can be increased to 100% or more.

When using the cassette 140, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the banknotes fed out from the cassette 140 are processed in the sterilization section 10, and then stored in the temporary storage section 50, and the banknotes are subjected to the first processing and the processing described in FIG. Banknotes may be processed in two processes. In this case as well, the operation settings 71 and operation change conditions are set so that the sterilization rate of all banknotes is 100% or more when stored in the storage section 30 or when withdrawn from the dispensing section 12. 72 may be set.

(Deposit and withdrawal processing using serial numbers)
The banknote processing device 1 reads the serial number of the banknote with the identification unit 20 and manages the sterilization rate of each banknote using the serial number, so that the sterilization rate of all the banknotes dispensed from the dispensing unit 12 is Banknote processing may be performed so that the percentage is 100% or more. The method for reading the serial number by the identification unit 20 is conventionally known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but the identification unit 20 reads the serial number of the banknote by performing character recognition processing on an image of the banknote. I can do it.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a deposit process that uses serial numbers to manage banknotes. The serial number is identification information that can uniquely identify each banknote. As shown by arrows in FIG. 8, during deposit processing, the banknote processing device 1 identifies the banknotes deposited from the deposit unit 11 with the identification unit 20, reads the serial number, processes the banknotes with the sterilization unit 10, and then transfers the banknotes to the storage unit. Store it in 30. In the deposit processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% and banknotes with a sterilization rate of less than 100% are stored in separate locations, but in the deposit processing shown in FIG. Banknotes that have reached 100% and banknotes that are less than 100% are stored in the same storage section 30 in a mixed state.

The banknote processing device 1 stores and manages banknote information 73 shown in FIG. 8 in the storage unit 70. The serial numbers of the banknotes stored in each storage section 30 and the sterilization rate of each banknote are associated and managed in the banknote information 73. Based on the banknote information 73, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can specify the sterilization rate of each banknote fed out from each storage section 30 onto the conveyance path.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the withdrawal process performed using the serial number. The banknote processing apparatus 1 that has started the dispensing process checks the sterilization rate of each banknote by referring to the banknote information 73 shown in FIG. 8 when paying out banknotes from the storage section 30. The banknote processing apparatus 1 discharges banknotes whose sterilization rate is 100% or more by processing them in the sterilization unit 10 during the dispensing process to the outside of the apparatus from the dispensing unit 12 as shown in FIG. 9(a). On the other hand, banknotes whose sterilization rate is less than 100% are stored in the temporary holding section 50 as shown in FIG. 9(b). The banknote processing device 1 updates the banknote information 73 based on the information on the banknotes fed out from the storage section 30. Information on the banknotes fed out from the storage section 30 is deleted from the banknote information 73.

After paying out all the banknotes to be withdrawn from the storage section 30 and conveying them to the dispensing section 12 or the temporary storage section 50, the banknote processing device 1 stores them in the temporary storage section 50, as shown in FIG. 9(c). The banknotes that have been stored are fed out, processed in a sterilization section 10, and then conveyed to a dispensing section 12. In this way, based on the banknote information 73, the banknote processing device 1 processes banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more and banknotes with a sterilization rate of less than 100% by processing them in the sterilization unit 10 during the withdrawal process. , the transportation route during the withdrawal process is different. The banknote processing device 1 transports banknotes with a sterilization rate of 100% or more to the dispensing unit 12, and transports banknotes with a sterilization rate of less than 100% to the temporary storage unit 50 for storage, and then transfers the banknotes to the temporary storage unit 50. It is then fed out again, treated in the sterilization section 10, and then transported to the dispensing section 12.

When processing banknotes through the deposit process shown in FIG. 8 and the withdrawal process shown in FIG. It can be sterilized a total of 3 times. By setting the operation setting 71 and the operation change condition 72 so that each banknote is sterilized at least once in the first mode or at least twice in the second mode, the banknote processing apparatus 1 The sterilization rate of all banknotes discharged outside can be increased to 100% or more. For example, the setting may be such that the deposit processing is executed in one of the first to third operation modes, and the withdrawal processing is executed in the first mode or the second mode.

In addition, when the banknote processing device 1 executes the dispensing process, while storing the banknotes with a sterilization rate of less than 100% in the temporary storage unit 50, the sterilization rate is An embodiment may be adopted in which the process of conveying 100% or more of banknotes from the storage section 30 to the dispensing section 12 is continued. In this case, all the bills to be withdrawn are discharged to the dispensing section 12, and the dispensing process is completed with the bills that could not be withdrawn stored in the temporary storage section 50. After the dispensing process is completed, the bill processing device 1 pays out all the bills from the temporary storage section 50, identifies them with the identification section 20, reads the serial numbers, processes them with the sterilization section 10, and returns them to the storage section 30. The banknote processing device 1 updates the banknote information 73 based on the information on the banknote returned from the temporary storage unit 50 to the storage unit 30. In the banknote information 73, the serial number of the banknote returned to the storage unit 30 and the sterilization rate that has increased compared to before being paid out from the storage unit 30 are registered.

(Notification processing)
The banknote processing apparatus 1 can perform a notification process that notifies users of information regarding sterilization processing of banknotes. The notification process is executed by displaying information regarding the sterilization process on the display section 82. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 82 when the notification process is executed.

The banknote processing device 1 can display information indicating that the deposited banknotes are being sterilized within the device on the display unit 82, as shown in FIG. 10(a), during the execution of the deposit process. . When the operation mode is switched during the deposit process, the banknote processing device 1 displays information indicating that the operation mode has changed and when the banknote processing device 1 enters the standby state after the deposit process is completed, as shown in FIG. 10(b). Information indicating that the internal sterilization process is to be performed can be displayed on the display section 82.

As shown in FIG. 10(c), the banknote processing apparatus 1 stores banknotes whose sterilization process has not been completed, that is, banknotes whose sterilization rate is less than 100%, during standby when banknote processing is not being executed. Information indicating that there is a certain condition can be displayed on the display section 82. The time until the in-device sterilization process is started may be displayed on this screen. Further, a method for instructing the start of the in-device sterilization process may be displayed on the screen.

For example, if the banknote processing apparatus 1 starts internal sterilization processing on the condition that banknote processing is not started even after one minute has passed after completing banknote processing, The number of seconds is displayed as a countdown on the display section 82. The banknote processing apparatus 1 automatically starts the internal sterilization process when one minute has passed since the banknote processing is completed. When the user who has confirmed the screen shown in FIG. 10(c) operates the operation unit 81 to instruct the start of the in-apparatus sterilization process, the banknote processing apparatus 1 starts the in-apparatus sterilization process immediately after the instruction. .

The banknote processing apparatus 1 that has started the internal sterilization process can display information indicating that the internal sterilization process is being executed on the display unit 82, as shown in FIG. 10(d). On this screen, an estimated time until the in-device sterilization process is completed may be displayed. The banknote processing apparatus 1 calculates the time required to complete the internal sterilization process based on the number of banknotes to be processed in the internal sterilization process and the transport speed and distance of each banknote by the transport unit 40. All you have to do is display it. Further, a method for instructing interruption of the sterilization process within the device may be displayed on the screen.

For example, the display section 82 displays a countdown of the time until the internal sterilization process is completed. If it becomes necessary to process banknotes in the banknote processing apparatus 1 during the internal sterilization process, the user should either check the time display on the display unit 82 and wait for the completion of the internal sterilization process, or You can choose whether to interrupt the internal sterilization process and start banknote processing.

When the user operates the operation unit 81 and instructs to interrupt the in-apparatus sterilization process, the banknote processing apparatus 1 interrupts the in-apparatus sterilization process. For example, in the middle of the first process shown in FIG. 50, and the sterilization process within the device is interrupted. When the second processing shown in FIG. 5(b) is in progress, the banknote processing apparatus 1 stops feeding out banknotes from the temporary storage unit 50, and the transport unit 40 transfers all the banknotes that are being transported to the evacuation storage unit 30b. to stop the sterilization process inside the device. The banknote processing apparatus 1 that has interrupted the internal sterilization process can perform a deposit process or a withdrawal process based on an instruction operation performed by the user on the operation unit 81. The banknote processing device 1 resumes the interrupted sterilization process within the device after completing the banknote processing instructed by the user.

As shown in FIG. 10(e), the banknote processing device 1 can display information indicating that sterilized banknotes will be withdrawn on the display unit 82 when executing the withdrawal process. The user can recognize that the banknotes dispensed to the dispensing unit 12 have been sterilized.

The banknote processing apparatus 1 can display information indicating that the sterilizing section 10 is being cooled on the display section 82, as shown in FIG. 10(f). This screen may be displayed, for example, while executing banknote processing in the second mode or third mode, or while waiting after banknote processing in the second or third mode is completed, the operation mode changes to the first mode. It may be displayed until it returns.

(Modified example)
The configuration of the banknote processing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 9 of this embodiment is an example, and the configuration of the banknote processing apparatus 1 is not limited to these configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the above-mentioned processes can also be executed in a banknote processing apparatus having a configuration in which a sterilizing section 10 is added to the banknote processing apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2021-174050. I can do it. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(b), each of the above-mentioned processes can also be performed in a banknote processing apparatus having a configuration in which a sterilization section 10 is added to the banknote processing apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2021-189968. can be executed.

In FIGS. 3 to 9 of the present embodiment, in order to easily understand the operation of the banknote processing apparatus 1, whether or not the sterilization state of the banknote satisfies the sterilization conditions is shown by the sterilization rate, but the banknote processing apparatus 1 The sterilization state of the banknotes can be determined based on the operation mode of the sterilization unit 10 and the number of times of sterilization. Specifically, the banknote processing apparatus 1 sterilizes banknotes based on the operation mode of the sterilizer 10 when each banknote is processed in the sterilizer 10 and the number of times each banknote is processed in each operation mode. It can be determined whether the state satisfies the sterilization conditions. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the banknote processing apparatus 1 determines that the sterilization condition is satisfied if the banknote is sterilized once in the first mode, and determines that the sterilization condition is satisfied if the banknote is sterilized twice in the second mode.

Similarly, FIG. 8 shows an example of the banknote information 73 in which the sterilization rate is managed in association with the serial number. and the number of times each banknote has been processed in each operation mode may be managed in association with the serial number.

4 and 5 of the present embodiment show a sterilization rate exceeding 100% in order to show the relationship between banknote processing and the sterilization state. It is not limited to a mode in which the rate continues even after the rate reaches 100%. The banknote processing apparatus 1 may process banknotes whose sterilization rate has reached 100%, that is, banknotes whose sterilization state satisfies the sterilization conditions, as sterilized banknotes regardless of the operation mode of the sterilization unit 10.

In this embodiment, the example in which the operation mode of the sterilization unit 10 includes an operation mode in which the sterilization unit 10 is turned on and an operation mode in which the sterilization unit 10 is turned off is shown. In the operation mode in which the sterilizing section 10 is turned on, the sterilizing section 10 may be always turned on during banknote processing, or the sterilizing section 10 may be turned on only while the banknotes conveyed by the conveying section 40 pass through the sterilizing section 10. You can also do this. If the power is turned on only while the banknotes are passing through, for example, a sensor may be provided near the sterilization unit 10 to detect the banknotes being transported by the transport unit 40 toward the sterilization unit 10, and sterilization will be performed based on the detection result of this sensor. It is only necessary to control whether the unit 10 is turned on or off. If sensors are placed both upstream and downstream of the sterilizing unit 10 in the banknote transport direction during deposit processing, the sterilizing unit 10 can be turned on and off based on the sensor detection results during both deposit processing and withdrawal processing. Control can be executed. The on/off control of the sterilizer 10 can also be executed in the other banknote processes described above, including the first process and the second process of the in-apparatus sterilization process shown in FIG. 5 . If the heat generation of the sterilizer 10 is a problem, the heat generation can be suppressed by turning on the sterilizer 10 while performing the sterilization process on banknotes and turning it off at other times.

In this embodiment, an example of a plurality of operation modes in which the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section 10 differs has been shown, but in each operation mode, the speed at which the banknotes are conveyed by the conveying section 40 may be different. For example, the settings for each operation mode shown in FIG. 1 may include an item of conveyance speed, and different conveyance speeds may be set in this item depending on the operation mode. This is an operation mode in which the current value flowing through the sterilizing section 10 is reduced to suppress heat generation, and by lowering the transport speed, it is possible to enhance the sterilizing effect on banknotes.

In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the sterilization unit 10 sterilizes banknotes by irradiating them with ultraviolet light, but the method of sterilizing banknotes is not limited to this. The method for sterilizing banknotes may be appropriately determined depending on the type of pathogen to be sterilized. For example, the sterilization unit 10 may irradiate the banknotes with light other than ultraviolet light, or may irradiate the banknotes with radiation.

The sterilization unit 10 is not limited to executing only one type of sterilization method, but may execute two or more types of sterilization methods. For example, the sterilization unit 10 may irradiate the banknote with two types of light having different wavelength ranges. In addition to light irradiation, the sterilization unit 10 may perform one or more sterilization methods selected from a plurality of sterilization methods, such as radiation irradiation, heating, and disinfectant spraying. When adopting other sterilization methods, the operation mode of the sterilization section 10 must be changed by changing the output of the sterilization section 10 related to sterilization processing, in the same way as changing the current value of the light source of the sterilization section 10. Bye.

In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the sterilizing section 10 is provided along the conveyance path and the banknotes conveyed by the conveyance section 40 are sterilized, but the method of sterilizing banknotes is not limited to this. For example, the transport unit 40 may stop transporting banknotes during sterilization by the sterilizer 10. Alternatively, for example, the sterilization section 10 may receive a banknote from the transport section 40, take it into the bank, sterilize it, and then feed the banknote to the transport path.

In the present embodiment, multiple types of deposit processing and multiple types of withdrawal processing using different banknote processing methods are shown, but the banknote processing apparatus 1 is not limited to the mode in which all processes can be executed. The device 1 may be able to execute only a part of the processing described above. For example, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may be able to execute only the banknote processes shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, or only the banknote processes shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Moreover, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may perform the sterilization process during banknote processing other than deposit processing and withdrawal processing. For example, in the replenishment process in which the banknote processing device 1 receives banknotes in the deposit unit 11 and replenishes the storage unit 30 in the device, the banknote processing device 1 may perform a sterilization process on the banknotes in the same manner as in the deposit process described above. . In the collection process in which the banknote handling device 1 collects the banknotes in the device by discharging the banknotes fed out from the storage section 30 in the device to the payout section 12, the banknotes are sterilized as in the above-mentioned payout process. It may also be a mode in which the process is executed. In the currency exchange process in which the banknote processing device 1 stores banknotes received in the deposit unit 11 in the storage unit 30 and pays out another banknote from the storage unit 30 and discharges it from the payout unit 12, the banknotes stored in the storage unit 30 may be processed in the same manner as the depositing process described above, and the banknotes paid out from the storage section 30 may be processed in the same manner as the dispensing process described above.

Although the present embodiment has been described using the first to third modes as an example, the number of operation modes and the operation of the sterilizing section 10 in each operation mode are not limited to these. For example, the banknote processing device 1 may operate in only any two of the first to third modes. Furthermore, the sterilizing section 10 may operate in an operation mode different from the first to third modes, or may have four or more operation modes. Various operation modes of the sterilization unit 10 can be realized by the operation settings 71 of the storage unit 70.

The method of changing the operating mode is not limited to the method of switching from the first mode to the second mode or the third mode and then returning to the first mode. For example, after switching to the second mode, the mode may be further switched to the third mode. Further, after returning from the third mode to the second mode, the mode may be further returned to the first mode. The operation change conditions 72 of the storage unit 70 can implement various operation mode switching methods.

It is desirable that the operation settings 71 and the operation change conditions 72 be managed so that only users with predetermined authority can change the settings. For example, the banknote processing device 1 manages the operation settings 71 and the operation change conditions 72 of the storage unit 70 so that they cannot be changed by normal operation using the operation unit 81, and only the manufacturer of the banknote processing device 1 can change the settings.

Although this embodiment has been described using banknotes as an example, each of the above-described processes may be performed on coins. For example, the money processing device is a device that processes both banknotes and coins, and sterilizes both banknotes and coins by performing the above-mentioned processes on coins in addition to banknotes. It may be. Further, for example, the money processing device may be a coin processing device, and the coins may be sterilized by performing each of the above-described processes on the coins.

As mentioned above, the currency handling device is capable of sterilizing currency within the device. By detecting information related to the sterilizing power of the sterilizing section, the money handling device changes the operating mode of the sterilizing section before the sterilizing section generates heat, making operation unstable or reducing the sterilizing power. Therefore, the sterilization section can be operated in a stable state. If a change in the operation mode of the sterilization section results in coins that do not meet the preset sterilization conditions, the currency processing device will identify these coins, sterilize them within the device until the sterilization conditions are met, and then remove them from the device. can be discharged to Thereby, the sterilizing section can be operated in a stable state, and the sterilization state of each coin can be brought into a state that satisfies a predetermined standard when being discharged from the money handling device.

1 Banknote processing device 2 Banknote processing unit 10 Sterilization unit 11 Deposit unit 12 Payment unit 13 Reject unit 20 Identification unit 30 (30a, 30b) Storage unit 40 Transport unit 50 Temporary storage unit 60 Control unit 70 Storage unit 81 Operation unit 82 Display Section 90 Communication section 100 Detection section 130 Detachable section 140 Cassette

Claims (15)

a deposit section that receives money from outside the device;
a conveyance unit that conveys the currency along a conveyance path within the device;
a storage section that stores coins fed out from the deposit section to the conveyance path and conveyed by the conveyance section;
a dispensing unit that discharges the currency fed out from the storage unit onto the conveyance path and conveyed by the conveyance unit to the outside of the device;
a sterilization unit that sterilizes the coins conveyed by the conveyance unit;
Based on which operating mode the sterilizing unit is operating in among a plurality of operating modes with different sterilizing powers, the transport route for each coin taken into the device from the depositing unit to the storage unit and the storage unit are determined. A money handling device, comprising: a control unit that makes at least one of the transport routes of each currency different from the money dispensing unit to the money dispensing unit. The control unit includes:
Determining whether the sterilization state of the currency satisfies preset sterilization conditions based on the operation mode of the sterilization unit that sterilized the currency and the number of times the currency was sterilized in each operation mode;
2. The money processing device according to claim 1, wherein a transport route for money that satisfies the sterilization condition is different from a transport route for money that does not satisfy the sterilization condition. 3. The money processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the money that does not satisfy the sterilization conditions is transported to be sterilized again in the sterilization section. The money handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of operation modes include operation modes in which current values supplied to the sterilization section are different. further comprising a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to the temperature of the sterilization unit,
The money handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the operation mode based on a detection result by the detection unit. further comprising a detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to the sterilization power of the sterilization unit,
The money handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the operation mode based on a detection result by the detection unit. The storage unit includes a first storage unit that stores coins that meet sterilization conditions, and a second storage unit that stores coins that do not meet sterilization conditions,
The sterilization section is
a first conveyance path for conveying coins from the deposit section to the first storage section;
a second conveyance path for conveying coins from the depositing section to the second storage section;
Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transfer path is disposed on the conveyance path through which coins pass in all conveyance paths including a third conveyance path that conveys the coins from the second storage section to the first storage section. The money handling device according to any one of the items. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode in which the output of the sterilization unit is lower than that in the first mode,
The control unit includes:
storing the coins received in the money depositing unit and sterilized by the sterilizing unit in the first mode in the first storage unit;
storing the coins received in the depositing unit and sterilized by the sterilizing unit in the second mode in the second storage unit;
8. The money handling device according to claim 7, wherein the money stored in the second storage section is further sterilized in the sterilization section before being stored in the first storage section. The second storage section is provided so as to be attachable and detachable to the detachable section of the money processing device and detachable from the deposit section,
The control unit is configured to take the coins stored in the second storage unit into the device and further sterilize them in the sterilization unit after the second storage unit is removed from the attachment/detachment unit and attached to the deposit unit. 9. The money processing device according to claim 8, wherein the money processing device stores the money in the first storage portion after the money has been processed. It further includes a temporary storage section for temporarily storing coins,
The control unit sterilizes the coins stored in the second storage unit in the sterilization unit, stores them in the temporary storage unit, takes them out from the temporary storage unit, further sterilizes them in the sterilization unit, and then sterilizes them in the sterilization unit. The money handling device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the money processing device is stored in one storage section. 11. The control unit is configured to return and store the coins in the second storage unit if the coins taken out from the temporary storage unit and sterilized in the sterilization unit do not satisfy the sterilization conditions. The described money handling device. a temporary holding section for temporarily storing coins;
further comprising a storage unit that stores the sterilization state of each coin taken into the device from the deposit unit,
The control section, when discharging the coins dispensed from the storage section out of the device from the dispensing section, performs the following operations based on the sterilization state.
Coins that already meet the sterilization conditions and coins that satisfy the sterilization conditions by being sterilized in the sterilization section are sterilized in the sterilization section and then transported to the dispensing section and discharged from the device;
The money handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein other money is sterilized in the sterilization section and then transported to and stored in the temporary storage section. 2. The control unit is configured to take out the coins stored in the temporary storage unit from the temporary storage unit, sterilize them in the sterilization unit, and then convey them to the dispensing unit and discharge them out of the device. 12. The money handling device according to 12. 13. The sterilization state of each coin includes identification information of each coin, an operation mode of the sterilization unit that sterilized each coin, and the number of times each coin was sterilized in each operation mode. 14. The money handling device according to 13. A money processing method executed by a money processing device, the method comprising:
The coins received in the deposit section are taken into the device and sterilized in the sterilization section.
storing the coins sterilized by the sterilizing unit in a storage unit;
A method for processing money, characterized in that a conveyance route for each currency is changed based on which operation mode out of a plurality of operation modes in which the sterilization unit has different sterilization powers, each currency is sterilized.

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