A method of dispensing coins and a coin dispenser.

摘要

A method of dispensing coins and a coin dispenser are intended for use in a vending machine to give coins as change when coins inserted into the vending machine to release goods have a greater value than the price of the goods purchased. A plurality of coin tubes (2,3,4) each having a different diameter extend substantially vertically and are each arranged to receive a stack of coins of a different value. A respective dispensing mechanism (200) for each tube is actuated by way of a respective actuator (300) and comprises a pivotable flap (10) arranged in its initial position to extend across the bottom open end of the tube and support the stack of coins therein. A respective slide (7) is associated with each tube (2,3,4) and is arranged to withdraw the coin or coins immediately above the bottommost coin or coins to be dispensed partially out of the stack such that the withdrawn coins support the stack. Pivoting of the flap (10) out of its initial position then releases the bottommost coin or coins.