Commodity-advancing device

Abstract

Provided is a commodity-advancing device that is capable of advancing a commodity with an extremely simple structure and without disturbing a row of deformed commodities.　A commodity-advancing device comprises: a fixing part having a first through-hole part through which a first commodity can pass or from which the first commodity can be removed; a rail provided below the fixing part, the rail fixedly supporting the fixing part at a front end section thereof, and being such that the first commodity passing through the first through-hole part is placed thereon; a flat plate-form movable member capable of moving the rail between a first position overlapping the fixing part and a second position further rearward than the fixing part, the movable member having a second through-hole part through which a second commodity placed on the rail can pass or from which the second commodity can be removed when the movable member is at the second position; and a biasing member that biases the movable member from the second position toward the first position.

Description

Product front feeder

[0001] The present invention relates to a product front feeder for feeding out products.

[0002] For example, a product automatic front feeding shelf device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this device, a product front feeding body having a product pressing plate and a strip-shaped steel plate in the form of a clock spring for feeding out the product front feeding body are provided. In this device, the strip-shaped steel plate always applies tension to the product front feeding body, so that the product can be fed out.

[0003] International Publication No. WO2006 / 027871

[0004] By the way, when displaying irregularly shaped products other than quadrangular prisms such as inverted frustum shapes, cylindrical shapes, and triangular prism shapes, if tension is applied to such products from the rear, there is a problem that the products are displaced horizontally and the rows of products are disrupted. As a result, there is a problem that a beautiful display state cannot be maintained.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a product front feeder that can feed out products with a very simple structure without disturbing the rows of irregularly shaped products.

[0006] The above problems are solved by the following present invention. That is, the product front feeder of the present invention (1) includes a fixed portion having a first through-hole portion through which a first product can pass or be removed, a rail provided below the fixed portion, and at the front end portion thereof, the fixed portion is fixedly supported, and the rail on which the first product passing through the first through-hole portion is placed, a moving member movable on the rail between a first position overlapping the fixed portion and a second position behind the fixed portion, and the moving member has a second through-hole portion through which a second product placed on the rail when in the second position can pass or be removed, and a biasing member for biasing the moving member from the second position toward the first position, and the first through-hole portion forms a complementary shape with the first product on the front end portion side thereof, and is open in a form through which the second product can pass on the side opposite to the front end portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (2) is the product fronting device described in (1), wherein the fixing part is provided integrally with the rail.

[0008] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (3) is the product fronting device of the present invention as described in (1) or (2), comprising an intermediate moving member that is movable on the rail between the first position and an intermediate position that is rearward of the first position and in front of the second position, the intermediate moving member having an intermediate through-hole through which an intermediate product placed on the rail when in the intermediate position can pass or the intermediate product can be removed, wherein the intermediate through-hole has a shape complementary to the intermediate product at its front end and is open on the opposite side of its front end so that the second product can pass through.

[0009] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (4) is the product fronting device described in (3), wherein the intermediate moving member has a first engaging portion at the end opposite to the front end, and the moving member has a second engaging portion at the end on the front end side that engages with the first engaging portion, and when moving from the first position to the second position, the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion, and the intermediate moving member can be pulled to the intermediate position.

[0010] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (5) is a product fronting device according to any one of (1) to (4), and comprises a resistance member provided on the moving member that provides resistance when the moving member moves from the second position to the first position.

[0011] The above problems are solved by the present invention as follows. That is, the product fronting device of the present invention (6) is a belt-shaped movable member that is folded back at the front end and is provided straddling the upper and lower surfaces of the rail, having a fixing part, a flat plate-shaped rail provided below the fixing part, which fixatively supports the fixing part near its front end and on which the first product and the second product are placed, a first through-hole through which the first product can pass or the first product can be removed, and a second through-hole provided behind the first through-hole, the movable member being movable between a first position where the first through-hole is close to the upper surface and the front end, and a second position where the second through-hole is close to the upper surface and the front end, and a biasing member that biases the movable member to move from the first position toward the second position, The device comprises a stopper portion provided on the fixed portion and protruding rearward from the front end portion, which is capable of contacting the first product in the first position and the second product in the second position.

[0012] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (7) is the product fronting device described in (6), and has a spacer portion provided at the front end portion that causes the moving member to be separated from the rail by a predetermined distance.

[0013] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (8) is the product fronting device described in (7), wherein the spacer portion is a roller that can rotate on its own at the front end.

[0014] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (9) is the product fronting device described in any one of (6) to (8), wherein the moving member has an intermediate through-hole provided at a position between the first through-hole and the second through-hole, and the intermediate through-hole allows an intermediate product placed on the rail to pass through or to be removed, and the stopper is capable of contacting the intermediate product at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0015] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (10) is the product fronting device described in any one of (6) to (9), wherein the moving member has a contact portion provided behind the second through hole portion, which contacts the stopper portion to prevent the second through hole portion from moving toward the lower surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the product fronting device of the present invention (11) is a product fronting device according to any one of (6) to (10), and comprises a resistance member provided on the moving member that provides resistance when the moving member moves from the first position to the second position.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product fronting device that can bring out irregularly shaped products without disrupting the arrangement of the products, with an extremely simple structure.

[0018] This is a perspective view showing a shelf equipped with the product fronting device of the first embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 2 in an exploded view. This is a perspective view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 2 with the movable member moved to the second position. This is a perspective view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 4 from a different angle (rear). This is a plan view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 4 from above. This is a cross-sectional view of the product fronting device shown in Figure 6, along the position of line F8-F8, showing the movable member and intermediate movable member in the first position. This is a cross-sectional view of the product fronting device shown in Figure 6, along the position of line F8-F8. This is a perspective view showing the product fronting device shown in Figure 4 with the first product, intermediate product, and second product placed on the rail. This is a side view of the product fronting device shown in Figure 9, showing other products displayed above the first product, intermediate product, and second product. This is a side view of the product fronting device shown in Figure 10, showing the state in which a customer has finished taking the first product and the intermediate product and the other products above it have been brought forward. Figure 11 is a side view showing the product fronting device in which a customer has finished taking an intermediate product, and the second product and the other products above it have been brought forward. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the product fronting device of the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the moving member, biasing member, and resistance member inside the product fronting device. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the product fronting device in which it has been cut in the longitudinal direction. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the first product, intermediate product, and second product have been placed on the rail of the product fronting device. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the product fronting device in which a customer has taken the first product, and the intermediate product has been brought forward. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the product fronting device in which a customer has taken an intermediate product, and the second product has been brought forward. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the moving member, biasing member, and resistance member inside the product fronting device.

[0019] The following describes embodiments of the shelf according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. The product fronting device of the present invention can bring forward irregularly shaped products other than rectangular prisms, such as inverted truncated cone-shaped cup noodles, without disrupting the rows. In the following description, the front direction of the shelf will be F, the rear direction will be R, the width direction will be W, and the height direction will be H. [First Embodiment]

[0020] Referring to Figures 1 to 12, the shelf 10 and the product fronting device 21 attached to the shelf 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the shelf 10 comprises a leg portion 11, a pair of support columns 12 rising from the leg portion 11, a back panel 13 spanning between the support columns 12, a plurality of fixing holes 14 formed at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction on each of the pair of support columns 12, a pair of brackets 15 inserted into some of the fixing holes 14 and fixed to the pair of support columns 12, a shelf board 16 spanning between the pair of brackets 15, and a POS rail 17 fixed to the front of the shelf board 16 for inserting price cards and the like.

[0022] For example, the product fronting device 21 is fixed to the shelf board 16 by a hook portion 22 provided on the underside of its front end portion 36, which clamps onto the projection on the rear side of the POS rail 17. In other words, the product fronting device 21 is configured to be detachable from the shelf board 16 at any position in its width direction W.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the product fronting device 21 comprises a fixing part 23, a rectangular rail 24 that is elongated in the front-rear direction FR and is located below the fixing part 23, a flat plate-shaped movable member 25 that can move on the rail 24 between a first position P1 that overlaps with the fixing part 23 and a second position P2 located behind the fixing part 23, a biasing member 26 that biases the movable member 25 from the second position P2 toward the first position P1, a flat plate-shaped intermediate movable member 27 provided between the fixing part 23 and the movable member 25, and a resistance member 28 provided on the movable member 25 that provides resistance to the movement of the movable member 25.

[0024] The rail 24 is molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The rail 24 has a flat rail body 34 on which the first product 31, second product 32, and intermediate product 33, which will be described later, are placed; a recess 34A provided in the center of the rail body 34 and extending in the front-rear direction; a pair of side wall portions 35 rising upward from both ends in the width direction W of the rail body 34; a contact piece 37 provided so as to rise from the front end 36 of the rail body 34 and abutting against a recess 25A at the corner of the movable member 25 and a recess 27A at the corner of the intermediate movable member 27; a first projection 41 provided so as to project inward from each of the pair of side wall portions 35; a second projection 42 provided so as to project inward above the first projection 41 from each of the pair of side wall portions 35; a stopper piece 43 provided in the middle of the first projection 41; and a rack 44 provided parallel to the recess 34A. The stopper piece 43 prevents the intermediate moving member 27 from moving further to the rear. This prevents the moving member 25 from falling off the second projection 42 towards the rear via the engagement between the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 57, which will be described later.

[0025] The hook portion 22 is formed integrally with the front end portion 36 of the rail 24, for example, by a synthetic resin material.

[0026] The fixing portion 23 (fixing tray) is integrally molded with the front end portion 36 of the rail 24, for example, from a synthetic resin material. Therefore, it can also be said that the rail 24 fixedly supports the fixing portion 23 at the front end portion 36. The fixing portion 23 has a first through-hole portion 45, through which the first product 31 can pass or be removed. The first through-hole portion 45 has a shape complementary to the first product 31 on its front end portion 36 side, that is, it is semicircular. On the opposite side of the front end portion 36, the first through-hole portion 45 is open so that the second product 32 can pass through. Therefore, the first through-hole portion 45 has a "U" shape that is convex toward the front and open toward the rear, and penetrates the fixing portion 23 in a "U" shape. As will be described later, at this position, the second product 32 that is brought forward can pass through. For this reason, the fixing portion 23 has a horseshoe shape. The end 23A of the horseshoe-shaped fixing portion 23 is connected to a pair of extension portions 46 that are raised at both ends in the width direction W of the rail body 34. The pair of extension portions 46 extend from the end 23A of the fixing portion 23 to the rear end of the rail body 34. As shown in Figure 5, the rack 44 is provided on the upper side of the extension portion 46. The rack 44 is formed such that, for example, multiple teeth face upward. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 23 is integrally configured with the rail 24, but the fixing portion 23 may be provided separately from the rail 24. That is, a gap may be provided between the fixing portion 23 and the rail 24, and the movable member 25 and the intermediate movable member 27 may be housed in this gap.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the movable member 25 is formed in a flat plate shape from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The movable member 25 has a movable member body 51 and a pair of lateral grooves 52 provided on the side surface of the movable member body 51 into which a pair of second protrusions 42 of the rail 24 are inserted. That is, the movable member 25 can move between a first position P1 and a second position P2 along the pair of second protrusions 42 of the rail 24. The movable member 25 has a second through hole 53, a first support portion 54 that rotatably supports the reel 64 of the biasing member 26, an introduction portion 55 provided continuously with the first support portion 54 and inserted into a recess 34A of the rail 24, a second support portion 56 that supports the resistance member 28, and a second engagement portion 57 for engaging with the intermediate movable member 27. The second through hole 53 is composed of a circular through hole, which is a shape complementary to the inverted frustoconical second product 32.

[0028] The first support portion 54 has a through-hole 54A that penetrates the movable member body 51, and a wall portion 54B that rises upward in a "U" shape from the upper surface of the movable member body 51 and around the through-hole 54A. The wall portion 54B has a pair of grooves 58 that can rotatably support the shaft 64A of the reel 64 of the biasing member 26. The first support portion 54 can rotatably hold the reel 64 of the biasing member 26 inside the through-hole 54A.

[0029] The introduction section 55 has a second wall portion 55A that rises downward in a "U" shape from the lower surface of the movable member body 51 and around the through-hole 54A. The spring body 65 of the biasing member 26, which will be described later, can be guided into the recess 34A at the front end of the second wall portion 55A.

[0030] The second support portion 56 is formed as a recess extending upward from the lower surface of the movable member body 51, and a resistance member 28 can be attached to this recess by screwing or the like. The resistance member 28 is made of a commercially available rotary damper. The resistance member 28 has a pinion portion 28A, which, when engaged with the rack 44 of the rail 24, can rotate around a shaft portion (not shown) while applying a load. Therefore, the resistance member 28 can form a rack and pinion mechanism with the rack 44 of the rail 24, and can apply a predetermined resistance when the movable member 25 moves.

[0031] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second engaging portion 57 protrudes downward in a hook shape from the front end of the movable member body 51.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate moving member 27 has a pair of intermediate lateral grooves 52 on its side surface into which a pair of first protrusions 41 of the rail 24 are inserted. The intermediate moving member 27 is formed into a flat plate shape from, for example, a synthetic resin material. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the intermediate moving member 27 is movable on the rail 24 along the pair of first protrusions 41 between a first position P1 and an intermediate position P3 which is behind the first position P1 and in front of the second position P2. As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate moving member 27 has an intermediate moving member body 59, an intermediate through-hole 61 provided in the center of the intermediate moving member body 59 through which the intermediate product 33 placed on the rail 24 when at the intermediate position P3 can pass or through which the intermediate product 33 can be removed, and a first engaging portion 62 provided at the rear end of the intermediate moving member body 59. When the intermediate moving member 27 is in the first position P1, the second product 32 will pass through the intermediate through-hole 61 (see Figure 12).

[0033] The intermediate through-hole 61 has a shape that is complementary to the inverted frustoconical intermediate product 33 at its front end, that is, it is semicircular. The intermediate through-hole 61 is open on the opposite side of its front end so that the second product 32 can pass through. Therefore, the intermediate through-hole 61 has a "U" shape that is convex towards the front and open towards the rear, and penetrates the intermediate moving member body 59 in a "U" shape. The intermediate through-hole 61 has a shape that is open so that the second product 32 can pass through. Therefore, the intermediate moving member 27 as a whole has a "U" shape that is convex towards the front and open towards the rear.

[0034] The intermediate moving member body 59 has a notch 61A near the end of the intermediate through hole 61, which is cut out to form a gap between it and the resistance member 28 so as not to interfere with the resistance member 28.

[0035] The first engaging portion 62 is formed as a pair of protrusions that rise upward from a pair of rear ends 59A of the intermediate moving member body 59. As shown in Figure 8, the first engaging portion 62 can engage with the second engaging portion 57 located at the front end of the moving member 25. Therefore, when a store manager pushes the moving member 25 backward when replenishing products, the intermediate moving member 27 is also pushed backward together with the moving member 25.

[0036] In this embodiment, the intermediate moving member 27 is configured as a single unit, but two or more intermediate moving members 27 of the same configuration may be provided in series and overlapping with each other at the first position P1. By increasing or decreasing the number of intermediate moving members 27 in this way, the number of products displayed on the product fronting device 21 can be appropriately increased or decreased.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the biasing member 26 is a so-called spring coil that generates a pulling force in the unwinding direction when pulled out from the reel 64. The biasing member 26 has a cylindrical reel 64 and a metal spring body 65 wound around the outer circumference of the reel 64. The tip of the spring body 65 is fixed to the rail 24 by hooking it onto a hook portion 36A provided on the front end portion 36. Therefore, when the moving member 25 is pulled backward, the biasing member 26 generates a pulling force, biasing the moving member 25 forward.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first product 31, the second product 32, and the intermediate product 33, which are the targets of the preceding description, are products with irregular shapes other than rectangular prisms, such as inverted frustum shapes. Irregular shapes here include, for example, cylinders, elliptical prisms, triangular prisms, polygonal prisms with pentagons or more, frustum shapes, and other columnar shapes. Inverted frustum shapes here refer to frustum shapes in which the area of ​​the apex is larger than the area of ​​the base.

[0039] Next, a method for replenishing products to the product fronting device 21 of this embodiment will be described. The first product 31, the second product 32, and the intermediate product 33 used in this embodiment are all the same shape and are configured in the form of an inverted truncated cone.

[0040] The store manager can move the movable member 25 backward using their hand from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figures 4 and 5. At this time, the movable member 25 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the intermediate movable member 27 moves from the first position P1 to the intermediate position P3. In this state, the store manager can insert the second product 32 into the second through hole 53 and place the second product 32 on the rail 24. Similarly, the intermediate product 33 can be inserted into the intermediate through hole 61 and placed on the rail 24. Finally, the first product 31 can be inserted into the first through hole 45 and placed on the rail 24. This results in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0041] Furthermore, in this state, the store manager can release the hand that is pulling down the movable member 25 from the movable member 25. In this state, the biasing member 26 applies forward tension to the movable member 25, but the intermediate product 33 that passes through the intermediate through hole 61 acts as a stopper for the movable member 25. Also, the biasing member 26 and the movable member 25 apply forward tension to the intermediate movable member 27, but the first product 31 that passes through the first through hole 45 acts as a stopper for the intermediate movable member 27. For this reason, in this state, the movable member 25 and the intermediate movable member 27 do not move to the first position P1.

[0042] In this state, for example, as shown in Figure 10, other products of the same form can be stacked and placed on top of the second product 32 which is placed directly on the rail 24. Similarly, other products of the same form can be stacked and placed on top of the intermediate product 33 which is placed directly on the rail 24. Furthermore, other products of the same form can be stacked and placed on top of the first product 31 which is placed directly on the rail 24.

[0043] In addition, in the product forwarder 21 of the present embodiment, since the tip of the moving member 25 abuts against the side surface of the intermediate product 33, the intermediate product 33 can be sandwiched between the intermediate through-hole portion 61, so that the intermediate product 33 can be grasped and held. Similarly, since the tip of the intermediate moving member 27 abuts against the side surface of the first product 31, the first product 31 can be sandwiched between the first through-hole portion 45, so that the first product 31 can be grasped and held. As a result, even if the shelf board 16 shakes due to an earthquake or the like, it is possible to prevent the intermediate product 33 and the first product 31 from accidentally falling from the shelf board 16.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the forward movement operation of the product when the customer takes out the product will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 10, when the customer takes the product 31A above the first product 31 located in the front row and further takes out the first product 31 directly placed on the rail 24, the stopper for the intermediate moving member 27 disappears. Therefore, by the action of the biasing member 26, the moving member 25 and the intermediate moving member 27 biased by the moving member 25 abutting against the intermediate product 33 are moved forward. As a result, the intermediate moving member 27 is moved from the intermediate position P3 to the first position P1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate product 33 and other products 33A placed above it are forwarded to the front row. Thereby, the intermediate product 33 remains located in the intermediate through-hole portion 61 and moves into the first through-hole portion 45 of the fixing portion 23 and is held in the first through-hole portion 45.

[0045] At this time, due to the action of the resistance member 28 (rotary damper) meshing with the rack 44, resistance is applied to the movement of the moving member 25, so that the moving member 25 and the intermediate moving member 27 pushed out thereby are slowly pushed forward. At this time, since the moving member 25 and the intermediate moving member 27 are pushed out extremely slowly, there is no risk that other products 33A placed above the intermediate product 33 or other products 32A placed above the second product 32 will accidentally fall under the shelf.

[0046] Then, when the customer takes another product 33A above the intermediate product 33 located in the front row and further takes out the intermediate product 33 directly placed on the rail 24, the stopper against the moving member 25 disappears.

[0047] For this reason, due to the action of the biasing member 26, the moving member 25 is moved forward, and the moving member 25 is moved to the first position P1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the second product 32 and another product 32A placed above it are advanced to the front row. Thereby, the second product 32 moves into and is held inside the first through-hole portion 45 of the fixing portion 23 and the intermediate through-hole portion 61 of the intermediate moving member 27 while remaining located in the second through-hole portion 53.

[0048] At this time, due to the action of the resistance member 28 (rotary damper) that meshes with the rack 44, resistance is applied to the movement of the moving member 25, so that the moving member 25 is slowly pushed forward. At this time, since the moving member 25 is pushed out very slowly, there is no risk that another product 32A placed above the second product 32 will accidentally fall under the shelf.

[0049] Then, the customer can take another product 32A above the second product 32 located in the front row and further take out the second product 32 directly placed on the rail 24. Around the timing when all the products disappear from above the rail 24, the store manager can replenish the products to the product advance device 21 by the above method.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the following can be said. The product fronting device 21 has a fixing part 23 having a first through-hole 45 through which the first product 31 can pass or be removed, a rail 24 provided below the fixing part 23, which fixatively supports the fixing part 23 at its front end 36 and on which the first product 31 that has passed through the first through-hole 45 is placed, and moves along the rail 24 between a first position P1 overlapping the fixing part 23 and a second position P2 behind the fixing part 23. The movable member 25 has a second through-hole 53 through which a second product 32, which is placed on the rail 24 when in a second position P2, can pass or through which the second product 32 can be removed, and a biasing member 26 that biases the movable member 25 from the second position P2 toward the first position P1, wherein the first through-hole 45 has a shape complementary to the first product 31 on its front end 36 side and is open on the opposite side of its front end 36 so that the second product 32 can pass through.

[0051] With this configuration, when the first product 31 is picked up by a customer, the movable member 25 is moved to the first position P1, and the second product 32 is automatically brought forward so that it is positioned inside the first through-hole 45. Furthermore, as described above, even when the side of the first through-hole 45 opposite to the front end 36 is open, the movable member 25, which is biased toward the first position P1, can grasp the first product 31 and hold it inside the first through-hole 45, thus preventing the risk of the first product 31 falling from the rail 24 due to an earthquake or the like. In addition, when the first product 31 is placed on the rail 24 after passing through the first through-hole 45, the movable member 25, which is biased toward the first position P1, will come into contact with the first product 31, so the presence of the first product 31 can hold the movable member 25 in the second position P2.

[0052] In this case, the fixing part 23 is provided integrally with the rail 24. This configuration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure of the product fronting device 21. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the product fronting device 21.

[0053] The product fronting device 21 is an intermediate moving member 27 that can move on the rail 24 between a first position P1 and an intermediate position P3 that is behind the first position P1 and in front of the second position P2. The intermediate moving member 27 has an intermediate through-hole 61 through which an intermediate product 33 placed on the rail 24 when it is at the intermediate position P3 can pass or the intermediate product 33 can be removed. The intermediate through-hole 61 has a shape complementary to the intermediate product 33 on its front end 36 side and is open on the opposite side from the front end 36 so that a second product 32 can pass through.

[0054] With this configuration, when an intermediate product 33 is taken by a customer, the intermediate moving member 27 is moved to the first position P1, and the second product 32 can be automatically brought forward so that it is positioned within the intermediate through-hole 61. Furthermore, by providing the intermediate moving member 27, the number of products that can be placed on the rail 24 and brought forward can be increased. As a result, the number of products that can be placed on the rail 24 increases, which reduces the number of times the store manager has to replenish the product display shelves, thereby reducing the workload of the store manager.

[0055] In this case, the intermediate moving member 27 has a first engaging portion 62 at the end opposite to the front end portion 36, and the moving member 25 has a second engaging portion 57 at the end on the front end portion 36 side that engages with the first engaging portion 62. When moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the second engaging portion 57 engages with the first engaging portion 62, making it possible to pull the intermediate moving member 27 to the intermediate position P3.

[0056] With this configuration, the store manager can move the movable member 25 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, which automatically moves the intermediate movable member 27 from the first position P1 to the intermediate position P3. This eliminates the need for the store manager to manually move the intermediate movable member 27 when replenishing products, thereby reducing the workload of the store manager.

[0057] In this case, the movable member 25 is provided with a resistance member 28 that applies resistance when the movable member 25 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0058] This configuration prevents the movable member 25 from moving too quickly to the second position P2. This prevents the risk of the upper items falling to the bottom of the shelf due to the forward momentum, even when items are stacked on top of each other.

[0059] Next, a modified embodiment of the first embodiment described above will be explained. In the following embodiment, the parts that differ mainly from the first embodiment will be explained, and the parts that are common to the first embodiment will not be explained. [Second Embodiment]

[0060] Referring to Figures 13 to 19, the product fronting device 21 of the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the movable member 25 is mainly different from that of the first embodiment.

[0061] For example, the product fronting device 21 is fixed to the shelf board 16 by a hook portion 22 provided at its front end that clamps onto the projection on the rear side of the POS rail 17. In other words, the product fronting device 21 is configured to be detachable from the shelf board 16 at any position in its width direction W.

[0062] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the product fronting device 21 comprises a fixing part 23, a flat rail 24 provided below the fixing part 23, a spacer part 71 provided at the front end 36 of the rail 24, a belt-shaped moving member 25 that is folded back at the front end 36 of the rail 24 and spans the upper surface 24A and the lower surface 24B of the rail 24, a biasing member 26 that biases the moving member 25 to move from a first position P1 to a second position P2 (described later), a stopper part 72 provided on the fixing part 23 and protruding rearward from the front end 36, and a resistance member 28 provided on the moving member 25 that provides resistance to the movement of the moving member 25.

[0063] The rail 24 is integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the rail 24 has a flat rail body 34 on which the first product 31, second product 32, and intermediate product 33, which will be described later, are placed; a pair of side wall portions 35 rising in the vertical direction (height direction H) from both ends of the rail body 34 in the width direction W; a front wall portion 81 rising from the front part of the rail body 34; a rear wall portion 82 rising from the rear part of the rail body 34; a pair of horizontal grooves 73 (see Figure 18) formed so as to be recessed inward on each of the pair of side wall portions 35; and a rack 44 (see Figure 18) provided on one of the pair of side wall portions 35. The rack 44 is formed such that, for example, a plurality of teeth are oriented laterally.

[0064] As shown in Figure 18, each of the pair of side wall sections 35 is formed in a flat plate shape. The pair of side wall sections 35 are connected to each other via the rear wall section 82 and the front wall section 81. Therefore, the area around the rail 24 is framed by the pair of side wall sections 35, the rear wall section 82, and the front wall section 81.

[0065] As shown in Figure 13, the rear wall portion 82 is block-shaped and has a first support portion 54 in the center that is the same shape as the first support portion 54 of the first embodiment. The first support portion 54 can rotatably hold the reel 64 of the biasing member 26 inside the through-hole 54A.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15, the front wall portion 81 is formed in a flat plate shape and is integrally formed with the fixing portion 23 at its upper part. The front wall portion 81 is integrally formed with the hook portion 22. The fixing portion 23 is formed in a flat plate shape extending laterally (rearward direction F) from the top of the front wall portion 81. The end face of the rear end of the fixing portion 23 is a stopper portion 72. The fixing portion 23 can abut against the side of the product via the stopper portion 72.

[0067] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the spacer portion 71 holds the movable member 25 in a state where it is lifted away from the rail 24, and allows the movable member 25 to be moved a predetermined distance away from the rail 24. The spacer portion 71 has a roller 74 that is rotatably mounted at or near the front end 36 of the rail 24. The roller 74 is rotatably supported by a pair of side wall portions 35. This roller 74 has, for example, a cylindrical core 75 made of a synthetic resin material and a rubber covering material 76 wrapped around the core 75.

[0068] As shown in Figure 14, the movable member 25 is formed in the shape of a belt that extends elongated in the front-rear direction FR. The movable member 25 is made of a flexible material, such as a flexible resin material such as an elastomer, but it may also be made of a flexible chemical fiber such as nylon or polyester. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the movable member 25 has a tip portion 77 located on the lower surface 24B side of the rail 24, a first through hole portion 45, a second through hole portion 53 provided behind the first through hole portion 45, an intermediate through hole portion 61 provided between the first through hole portion 45 and the second through hole portion 53, and a flat plate-shaped contact portion 78 provided behind the second through hole portion 53. The first through hole portion 45, the second through hole portion 53, and the intermediate through hole portion 61 are arranged in series in the front-rear direction.

[0069] The movable member 25 is movable on the upper surface 24A and the lower surface 24B between a first position P1 in which the first through-hole portion 45 is on the upper surface 24A and close to the front end portion 36, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and a second position P2 in which the second through-hole portion 53 is on the upper surface and close to the front end portion 36, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0070] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the tip portion 77 is formed in a flat shape from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The tip of the spring body 65 of the biasing member 26 is fixed to this tip portion 77.

[0071] The first through-hole 45 is formed in a shape complementary to the inverted frustoconical first product 31, that is, it is circular. As shown in Figure 16, when the first product 31 is placed on the rail 24, the first product 31 can pass through the first through-hole 45, or the first product 31 can be removed from the first through-hole 45.

[0072] Similarly, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the second through-hole 53 is formed in a shape complementary to the inverted frustoconical second product 32, that is, it is circular. As shown in Figure 16, when the second product 32 is placed on the rail 24, the second product 32 can pass through the second through-hole 53, or the second product 32 can be removed from the second through-hole 53.

[0073] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the intermediate through-hole 61 is formed in a shape complementary to the inverted frustoconical intermediate product 33, that is, it is circular. As shown in Figure 16, when the intermediate product 33 is placed on the rail 24, the intermediate product 33 can pass through the intermediate through-hole 61 or be removed from the intermediate through-hole 61. The first product 31, the second product 32, and the intermediate product 33 used in this embodiment are all the same shape and are configured in an inverted frustoconical shape. In this embodiment, there is only one intermediate through-hole 61, but this is not the only option. Multiple intermediate through-holes 61 can be provided and arranged in series in the front-to-back direction. By increasing or decreasing the number of intermediate through-holes 61 in this way, the number of products that can be displayed on the product display device 21 can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, the contact portion 78 is provided integrally with the rear side of the second through-hole portion 53. The contact portion 78 can come into contact with the stopper portion 72, and the biasing member 26 can prevent the second through-hole portion 53 from moving toward the lower surface 24B. For this reason, the front side of the contact portion 78 is formed in a semicircular shape along the arc of the second through-hole portion 53. The contact portion 78 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. As shown in Figure 14, the contact portion 78 has a pair of projections 78A extending laterally on both sides facing the pair of side wall portions 35 so as to be inserted into the transverse groove 73. The contact portion 78 is slidable in the front-rear direction along the transverse groove 73 by the pair of projections 78A. A resistance member 28 is fixed to the lower surface of the contact portion 78 by screws or the like. The configuration of the resistance member 28 is the same as in the first embodiment. The pinion portion 28A of the resistance member 28 can engage with the rack 44 of the rail 24. The resistance member 28 forms a rack and pinion mechanism with the rack 44 of the rail 24, thereby providing a predetermined resistance when the moving member 25 moves.

[0075] The biasing member 26 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The spring body 65 of the biasing member 26 extends to the tip portion 77 via the lower surface 24B side of the rail 24. The tip of the spring body 65 is fixed to the tip portion 77 on the lower surface 24B side of the rail 24.

[0076] Next, we will explain how to replenish the products in the product fronting device 21 of this embodiment.

[0077] For example, the store manager can move the movable member 25 from a state where the contact portion 78 is in contact with the stopper portion 72 due to the pulling action of the biasing member 26 to the state shown in Figures 13 to 15 by using their hand to pull down the contact portion 78 of the movable member 25 backward. At this time, the movable member 25 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1. In this state, the second product 32 can be inserted into the second through-hole 53 and placed on the rail 24. Similarly, the intermediate product 33 can be inserted into the intermediate through-hole 61 and placed on the rail 24. Finally, as shown in Figure 16, the store manager can insert the first product 31 into the first through-hole 45 and place the first product 31 on the rail 24.

[0078] Furthermore, in this state, the store manager can release the hand that is pulling down the movable member 25 from the movable member 25. In this state, the biasing member 26 applies forward tension to the movable member 25, but the first product 31, which has passed through the first through hole 45, abuts against the stopper 72, acting as a stopper for the movable member 25. Therefore, in this state, the movable member 25 will not move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. In this state, similar to the first embodiment, another product 32A can be placed on top of the second product 32, another product 33A can be placed on top of the intermediate product 33, and another product 31A can be placed on top of the first product 31.

[0079] Referring to Figures 16 to 19, the movement of products when a customer takes out a product will be explained. In the state shown in Figure 16, when a customer takes product 31A above the first product 31 located in the front row, and then takes out the first product 31 which is placed directly on the rail 24, there is no stopper for the moving member 25. As a result, the moving member 25 is moved forward in the direction F by the action of the biasing member 26. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the moving member 25 moves from the first position P1 to the intermediate position P3. At that time, the intermediate product 33 which passes through the intermediate through hole 61 hits the stopper part 72, and the movement of the moving member 25 stops. As a result, the intermediate product 33 and the other product 33A placed above it are brought forward to the front row.

[0080] At this time, the resistance member 28 (rotary damper) and the rack 44 provide resistance to the movement of the movable member 25, causing the movable member 25 to be slowly pushed forward. Because the movable member 25 is pushed out very slowly at this time, there is no risk of other products 33A placed on top of the intermediate product 33 or other products 32A placed on top of the second product 32 unintentionally falling to the shelf below.

[0081] Then, when the customer takes another item 33A above the intermediate item 33 located in the front row, and then takes out the intermediate item 33 that is placed directly on the rail 24, the stopper for the moving member 25 disappears again.

[0082] Therefore, the biasing member 26 causes the moving member 25 to move forward, moving it from the intermediate position P3 to the second position P2. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the second product 32 and the other product 32A placed on top of it are brought forward to the front row.

[0083] At this time, the resistance member 28 (rotary damper) and the rack 44 provide resistance to the movement of the movable member 25, causing the movable member 25 to be slowly pushed forward. Because the movable member 25 is pushed out very slowly at this time, there is no risk of other products 32A placed on top of the second product 32 unintentionally falling to the shelf below.

[0084] Then, the customer can take another item 32A above the second item 32 located in the front row, and then take the second item 32 which is placed directly on the rail 24. Around the time when all the items are gone from the rail 24, the store manager can replenish the items in the item fronting device 21 using the method described above.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: The product fronting device 21 has a fixing part 23, a flat plate-shaped rail 24 provided below the fixing part 23, the rail 24 which fixatively supports the fixing part 23 near its front end 36 and on which the first product 31 and the second product 32 are placed, a first through-hole 45 through which the first product 31 can pass or the first product 31 can be removed, and a second through-hole 53 provided behind the first through-hole 45 through which the second product 32 can pass or the second product 32 can be removed, and a belt-shaped moving part that is folded back at the front end 36 and provided to straddle the upper surface 24A and the lower surface 24B of the rail 24. The member 25 includes a movable member 25 that can move on the upper surface 24A and the lower surface 24B between a first position P1 in which the first through-hole portion 45 is close to the upper surface 24A and the front end portion 36, and a second position P2 in which the second through-hole portion 53 is close to the upper surface 24A and the front end portion 36; a biasing member 26 that biases the movable member 25 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2; and a stopper portion 72 provided on the fixing portion 23 and projecting rearward from the front end portion 36, the stopper portion 72 that can contact the first product 31 at the first position P1 and can contact the second product 32 at the second position P2.

[0086] With this configuration, when the first product 31 is picked up by a customer, the movable member 25 is moved to the second position P2, and the second product 32 is automatically moved forward so that it is positioned in front. The movable member 25 and the stopper portion 72, which are biased toward the second position P2, can grasp the first product 31 and hold it in the first through-hole portion 45, thus preventing the risk of the first product 31 falling from the rail 24 due to an earthquake or other event. Furthermore, when the first product 31 is placed on the rail 24 after passing through the first through-hole portion 45, the first product 31, which is biased toward the front by the biasing member 26, will come into contact with the stopper portion 72, and the presence of the first product 31 can hold the movable member 25 in the first position P1.

[0087] In this case, the front end portion 36 has a spacer portion 71 that moves the movable member 25 a predetermined distance away from the rail 24.

[0088] This configuration prevents the movable member 25 from coming into close contact with the rail 24. This ensures that the movable member 25 is securely attached to the first product 31 and the second product 32. Therefore, it prevents the first product 31 and the second product 32 from falling off the rail 24 unintentionally, such as during an earthquake.

[0089] In this case, the spacer portion 71 is a roller that can rotate on its own at the front end portion 36.

[0090] This configuration prevents the moving member from getting caught on the front end portion 36, and allows the spacer portion 71 to smoothly guide the moving member 25 when it moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0091] In this case, the movable member 25 has an intermediate through-hole 61 located between the first through-hole 45 and the second through-hole 53, through which the intermediate product 33 placed on the rail 24 can pass or through which the intermediate product 33 can be removed, and the stopper portion 72 can contact the intermediate product 33 at an intermediate position P3 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0092] With this configuration, when an intermediate product 33 is taken by a customer, the moving member 25 is moved from the intermediate position P3 to the second position P2, and the second product 32 is automatically brought forward so that it is positioned at the front. Furthermore, by providing the intermediate through-hole 61, the number of products that can be placed on the rail 24 and brought forward can be increased. As a result, the number of products that can be placed on the rail 24 increases, which reduces the number of times the store manager has to replenish the product display shelves and thus reduces the workload of the store manager.

[0093] In this case, the movable member 25 has a contact portion 78 provided behind the second through-hole portion 53, which contacts the stopper portion 72 to prevent the second through-hole portion 53 from moving toward the lower surface 24B side.

[0094] With this configuration, the biasing member 26 prevents the movable member 25 from moving completely to the lower surface 24B side. This makes it easier for store managers to move the movable member 25 when replenishing products, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0095] In this case, the movable member 25 is provided with a resistive member 28 that applies resistance when the movable member 25 moves from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0096] This configuration prevents the movable member 25 from moving too quickly to the second position P2. This prevents the risk of the upper items falling to the bottom of the shelf due to the forward momentum, even when items are stacked on top of each other.

[0097] The embodiments described above can be implemented with various further substitutions and modifications. Naturally, it is also possible to combine the different embodiments described above as appropriate to constitute a single invention.

[0098] 10 Shelf 21 Product Fronting Device 23 Fixing Part 24 Rail 24A Top Surface 24B Bottom Surface P1 First Position P2 Second Position 25 Moving Member 26 Biasing Member 27 Intermediate Moving Member 28 Resisting Member 31 First Product 32 Second Product 33 Intermediate Product 36 Front End 45 First Through Hole 53 Second Through Hole 57 Second Engaging Part P3 Intermediate Position 61 Intermediate Through Hole 62 First Engaging Part 71 Spacer Part 72 Stopper Part 74 Roller 77 Tip Part 78 Contact Part

Claims

1. A product fronting device comprising: a fixing part having a first through-hole portion through which a first product can pass or through which the first product can be removed; a rail provided below the fixing part, which fixatively supports the fixing part at its front end and on which the first product that has passed through the first through-hole portion is placed; a movable member that is movable on the rail between a first position overlapping the fixing part and a second position behind the fixing part, and which has a second through-hole portion through which a second product placed on the rail when in the second position can pass or through which the second product can be removed; and a biasing member that biases the movable member from the second position toward the first position, wherein the first through-hole portion has a shape complementary to the first product at its front end and is open on the opposite side of its front end so that the second product can pass through.

2. The product fronting device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part is provided integrally with the rail.

3. The product advance device according to claim 2, comprising an intermediate moving member that is movable on the rail between a first position and an intermediate position that is rearward of the first position and in front of the second position, the intermediate moving member having an intermediate through-hole through which an intermediate product placed on the rail when in the intermediate position can pass or the intermediate product can be removed, wherein the intermediate through-hole has a shape complementary to the intermediate product at its front end and is open on the opposite side of its front end so that a second product can pass through.

4. The product forwarding device according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate moving member has a first engaging portion at the end opposite to the front end, and the moving member has a second engaging portion at the end on the front end side that engages with the first engaging portion, and when moving from the first position to the second position, the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion, and the intermediate moving member can be pulled to the intermediate position.

5. The product fronting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a resistance member provided on the movable member for applying resistance when the movable member moves from the second position to the first position.

6. A fixed portion; a flat plate-shaped rail provided below the fixed portion, which fixatively supports the fixed portion near its front end and on which the first product and the second product are placed; a belt-shaped movable member provided across the upper and lower surfaces of the rail, which is folded back at the front end and spans the upper and lower surfaces of the rail, having a first through-hole through which the first product can pass or through which the first product can be removed, and a second through-hole provided behind the first through-hole through which the second product can pass or through which the second product can be removed, and which is provided behind the first through-hole; a biasing member that biases the movable member to move from the first position toward the second position; A product advance tool comprising: a stopper portion provided on the fixed portion and protruding rearward from the front end portion, the stopper portion being capable of contacting the first product in the first position and the second product in the second position.

7. The product forwarding device according to claim 6, having a spacer portion provided at the front end for moving the movable member a predetermined distance away from the rail.

8. The product fronting device according to claim 7, wherein the spacer portion is a roller that can rotate at the front end.

9. The product forwarding device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the moving member has an intermediate through-hole provided at a position between the first through-hole and the second through-hole, through which an intermediate product placed on the rail can pass or through which the intermediate product can be removed, and the stopper is capable of contacting the intermediate product at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

10. The product fronting device according to claim 6, wherein the moving member has a contact portion provided behind the second through-hole portion, which contacts the stopper portion to prevent the second through-hole portion from moving toward the lower surface.

11. The product fronting device according to claim 6, further comprising a resistance member provided on the movable member for applying resistance when the movable member moves from the first position to the second position.

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