Coin handling apparatus for a vending machine

Claim 1

A vending machine incorporating an acceptor capable of sorting out coins of at least three different denominations of first, second and third orders in precedence comprising coin paths respectively directing coins of the second and third orders among the coins deposited in and sorted out by the acceptor to positions above their corresponding coin tubes, means for preventing introduction of the coins of the second and third orders to said coin tubes when said coin tubes already contain predetermined number of coins and passing the coins of the second and third orders to said coin tubes when said coin tubes contain coins of less than said predetermined number, a first path directing the blocked coin to a cash box, a second path directing the coin of the first order to the cash box, a third path leading from a predetermined position of said second path to a return outlet, means for temporarily retaining said coin of the first order by projecting first and second levers which are capable of projecting into and withdrawing from said second path at said predetermined position, passing the retained coin to said third path by withdrawing said first lever and to the cash box by withdrawing said second lever, coin payout means for paying out coins required for change or return purpose one by one from said coin tubes containing the coins of the second and third orders, a coin return device provided on the acceptor, said coin return device including a return lever pivotally supported at one end thereof on the acceptor and having interrupting pins provided integrally therewith for interrupting passage of the coins in the coin paths of the acceptor and a return spring, and an actuating lever provided on a movable iron piece of an electromagnet attached to the body of the vending machine and being adapted to push said return lever to a position wherein said interrupting pins interrupt passage of the coins when said electromagnet is in a deenergized state.