Change returning device of coin mechanism

Abstract

This invention is directed to a change returning device employed in a coin mechanism of a vending machine. The change returning device is associated with a lower end of a change stacking tube, and includes a ring-shaped member capable of containing the lowest coin stacked within the tube. A block member is connected to a lower end surface of one peripheral portion the ring-shaped member. The block member is disposed on a sliding plate and engageable therewith. The sliding plate is slidably reciprocatingly disposed on a stationary member. A first sloped surface is formed at a part of an upper end surface of the stationary member and a second sloped surface is formed at a part of an upper end surface of the block member. An inclined vertical groove extends from a lower edge of the first sloped surface. The lower edge of the second sloped surface of the block member projects beyond the upper edge of the first sloped surface of the stationary member when the sliding plate reaches at a first furthermost point together with the block member during reciprocating motion of the sliding plate. The second sloped surface of the block member is generally aligned with the first sloped surface of the stationary member when the sliding plate reaches a second furthermost point together with the block member during reciprocating motion of the sliding plate.