Container storage box, and container storage box set equipped therewith

Abstract

The present invention provides a container storage box, or a set of multiple such container storage boxes, that allows for the identification of different types of items even when they are stored in a single storage space, and also allows for the easy retrieval of any item stored at the back of the storage space. [Solution] The invention comprises a box-shaped casing that forms an internal box space, one or more outlets 2 formed by cutting out a part of the box-shaped casing to partially open the internal box space, multiple transport turntables that are each mounted on the bottom plate of the box-shaped casing so as to rotate horizontally and all of their base plates are lined up and exposed at the bottom of the internal box space, multiple small tables 4T that are each placed on the base plates of the transport turntables and are transported in an annular manner while being lined up in a predetermined planar circumferential shape along the side circumference of the box space, and a drive mechanism that rotates the multiple transport turntables in the same direction and at the same rotational speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage box for storing a plurality of containers in a box, and particularly to a container storage box for storing a plurality of types of containers containing different types of contents. The plurality of storage targets are collectively stored, and each type and the contents can be visually recognized from the outside of the box, and the stored containers can be easily taken out. The present invention also relates to a container storage box set including a plurality of the container storage boxes.

Background Art

[0002] Many small containers such as paint bottles and bottles used for model paints etc. are used in such a form that the same type and same kind of containers containing different types of contents, or several types of containers within a predetermined size are prepared, and only the necessary containers are selected and taken out for use. In such a usage form, there is a need for a storage container that can collectively store a plurality of containers of different contents or different types in a state where their types can be discriminated, or a take-out device that can easily take out any type of container as needed.

[0003] Regarding such a take-out device, conventionally, an open-case type product display tray for displaying products such as bottled soft drinks in a plurality of bottle containers is disclosed (see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-142925).

[0004] The product display tray described in Patent Document 1 discloses a circulating guide means for moving bottles B between the rear end connecting portions of a pair of storage chambers. A rotating feed plate 40, rotatable about a rotational axis 41, is supported at an extension of the guide plate 20 in the rear end connecting portion. The rotating feed plate 40 is described as a cross-shaped rotating member with four claw-shaped portions protruding radially from the rotational axis 41. In this product display tray, bottles B inserted sequentially from front to rear into the left storage chamber CL in the first storage block S1 come into contact with one of the claw-shaped portions of the rotating feed plate 40 at position K7, applying a rotational force to the rotating feed plate 40 in the clockwise direction in the figure. As a result, another bottle B held at the innermost position K8 in the left storage chamber CL is pushed out to position K9 on the right storage chamber CR side as the rotating feed plate 40 rotates, and a bottle B to which a rotational force has been applied from below reaches position K8. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-142925

[0006] [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the product display trays described above are designed to hold multiple identical items in each partitioned storage compartment, facilitating replenishment and rotation of displayed products. Therefore, when different types of items are stored in the same compartment, it becomes difficult to identify the type of product at the back of the compartment, and it becomes difficult to easily retrieve any product stored at the back of the compartment.

[0008] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a container storage box, or a set of multiple such container storage boxes, that allows for the identification of different types of items even when they are stored in a single storage space, and that allows for the easy retrieval of any item stored at the back of the storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To address the above issues, the following solutions have been implemented. The numbers, letters, and combinations of numbers and letters in parentheses following the component names are reference symbols added for convenience to refer to the morphological examples of each component corresponding to the embodiment shown in each figure, and do not in themselves specify the form or concept.

[0010] The container housing box of this invention comprises a box-shaped casing (1) in which a roughly polygonal prism-shaped internal space is formed by a bottom plate (11), side walls (12), and a top plate (13), One or more outlets (2) are provided, which are formed by cutting out a portion of the side wall of the box-shaped casing and a portion of the top plate connected thereto to partially open the internal space of the box. Multiple transport turntables (31, 33) are installed inside or on the bottom plate (11) of a box-shaped casing, each consisting of a base plate that rotates horizontally, and all of the base plates are lined up and exposed at the bottom of the box-shaped space. Multiple small tables (4T) are placed on the base plates of the aforementioned conveying turntables (31, 33) and are transported in a circular manner while remaining arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape (polygonal or oval circumferential shape) along the side circumference of the box-shaped space, A container storage box comprising a drive mechanism (5) that rotates multiple transport turntables in the same direction and at the same rotational speed, The aforementioned conveying turntable (31, 33) has radially arranged locking claws (3L) fixed to the upper center of the base plate. Within the shape of the aforementioned planar circumferential shape, some of the small tables among the plurality of small tables are locked to the locking claw (3L) of the conveying turntable. The drive mechanism rotates the conveying turntable, causing the radially arranged locking claws (3L) fixed to the base plate to sequentially engage with some of the small tables. Multiple small tables are transported in a circular manner while remaining arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape. The device is characterized in that, with the rotational drive operation by the drive mechanism stopped, part or all of one or more small tables are exposed in the outlet, and the contents on the exposed small tables can be removed.

[0011] Multiple small tables (4T) are placed along the periphery of each base plate of multiple transport turntables (31, 33) that are assembled in a row at the bottom of the box's internal space, and some of these small tables are temporarily locked by locking claws (3L) on both sides of the tables (between adjacent tables), and all of the multiple small tables (4T) are arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape across the adjacent transport turntables. While maintaining this planar circumferential shape, the disc-shaped base plate of the conveyor turntable and the radially arranged locking claws (3L) fixed on the base plate are driven to rotate, causing each small table to be conveyed in a circular motion.

[0012] (2) A container storage box in which containers sized to fit on the tabletop of each small table are used as contents, one container is placed on each small table within the storage space, and the storage position of each contents within the storage space is varied by rotating the transport turntable with the drive mechanism, The drive mechanism includes drive switches 5L and 5RL, which are exposed on the outside of the box-shaped casing (near the outlet) and are capable of tilting or rotating in forward and reverse directions. By operating the drive switch (tilting or rotating in either forward or reverse direction), Multiple conveying turntables, with gears meshed within the floor surface, are rotated in the same direction in one predetermined direction, either forward or reverse. The container storage box according to claim 1, wherein a group of small tables are transported in a circular manner to change the position of the small tables in the storage space in terms of the circumferential shape in a plan view, and a container on any of the small tables is made removable from the removal opening.

[0013] (3) One or more side ends of the box-shaped casing have an opening large enough to fully expose at least one small table. A portion of the side wall and a portion of the top plate connected thereto are cut out to a predetermined width, forming a notched shape. The aforementioned notch shape is set so that the width of the notch in a part of the side periphery wall is the same as or greater than the table width of one small table, within a predetermined width range. The length of the cutout in a portion of the tabletop (length in the depth direction) is set to a predetermined width range that is the same as or greater than half the width of one small table. Furthermore, the cutout shape in a plan view of a part of the top plate is set to overlap with a part of a predetermined plan view circumferential shape along the side circumference of the box-shaped space formed by a plurality of small tables.

[0014] (4) The box-shaped casing is characterized by having an internal viewing area on at least a portion of its sides and top, consisting of a slit, lattice / honeycomb opening, or transparent / light-transmitting window that allows the internal space to be viewed from the outside. The contents inside can be checked.

[0015] (5) The transport turntable has a base plate that can rotate in a plane, and a shaft column (3A) is provided at the center of the rotation axis of the base plate, extending vertically from the bottom plate to the top plate of the box's internal space.

[0016] Furthermore, the number of transport turntables within the box-shaped space have rigid shaft columns that extend from the bottom plate to the top plate of the box-shaped space, and the box-shaped casing has fitting parts consisting of corresponding stacking protrusions and recesses on the bottom surface and top plate at the same position in a plan view on or near the axis of the shaft column, allowing multiple container storage boxes to be stacked vertically, and in this stacked state, the rigid shaft columns maintain the shape or volume of each box-shaped space.

[0017] That is, when used as a container storage box set combining a plurality of container storage boxes, there are fitting and connecting parts that fit or connect in pairs at corresponding positions between the upper surface of the top plate and the bottom surface, and / or between one side surface and the other side surface, and it can be stacked (stacked) with the orientation changed. Even when stacked, the respective shaft columns are vertically connected at the same position, thereby maintaining the rigidity of the internal space of each box.

[0018] (6) Each conveying turntable is characterized in that conveying rotation gears (31G, 33G) are coaxially formed, and together with a connecting gear 32G and driving gears (5RL, 34G, 35G) that mesh with the conveying rotation gears, mutually meshing gears are incorporated in the bottom plate to form a planar gear. In each embodiment, a plurality of conveying rotation gears and the connecting gears therebetween are all composed of gears of the same diameter and the same number of teeth, and an accommodation frame having a frame space 1110 of a certain width for accommodating these as planar gears is internally formed in the bottom plate. All or part of all the gears are accommodated and incorporated in the frame space of this accommodation frame.

[0019] (7) As a drive mechanism, it includes drive switches 5L, 5RL that are exposed outside the box-shaped casing (near the periphery of the take-out port) and can be tilted or rotated in the forward and reverse directions. A container storage box set comprising a plurality of container storage boxes that each accommodate a container as an object to be accommodated one by one on each small table in the accommodation space, and by rotating and driving the conveying turntable by operating the drive switches 5L, 5RL of the drive mechanism, the accommodation positions of each object to be accommodated in the accommodation space can be varied. The box-shaped casing has fitting or connecting parts (16T, 13M) that can be fitted or connected at corresponding positions on the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side wall and the opposite side, and each of the multiple container storage boxes can be stacked or connected vertically or horizontally in the same orientation or with their orientations changed, and in this connected state, each of the multiple container storage boxes has at least one of the cutout shapes in plan view or side view of one or more of its outlets (2) exposed, and the drive switch of the drive mechanism that rotates the transport turntable in each storage space is exposed in an operable manner.

[0020] (8) In the container housing box set described above, each of the multiple container housing boxes is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and at least one of the predetermined positions on the top surface and bottom surface of the top plate, or on one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side, the drive mechanism (5) has power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) connected to the electric drive actuator by wiring within the box-shaped casing. In a connected state in which multiple container housing boxes are linked together, the drive mechanism (5) of each container housing box is characterized in that the drive actuator of the drive mechanism (5) can be driven by relay power supply wiring CCV, CV1, CV2 from other container housing boxes.

[0021] In this embodiment, the power supply structure of the box-shaped casing is provided with power supply ports for magnetic connectors on the upper and lower surfaces at corresponding positions when stacked, and the upper and lower parts are electrically connected within the box-shaped casing.

[0022] (9) In any of the container storage box sets described above, In each of the multiple container housing boxes, the drive mechanism (5) is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and within the box-shaped casing, power supply wiring is connected between the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate, or between one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side, and mutually power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) are mutually connectable at corresponding positions on the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the box-shaped casing, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side. In a connected state in which multiple container housing boxes are linked together, the corresponding power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) on the connecting opposing surfaces of the drive mechanism (5) of each container housing box are connected, making it possible to drive the drive actuator by power supply from the power supply ports at corresponding positions on other container housing boxes. By stacking the units vertically, the power supply ports, which have a linking function, are electrically connected to each other, and power is automatically supplied between the vertically connected power supply ports. In the event of a stacking issue, the electric type can be connected to the relay power supply via IN / OUT power supply. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] This invention provides a container storage box, or a set of multiple such container storage boxes, that allows for the identification of different types of items even when different types of items are stored in a single storage compartment, and also allows for the easy retrieval of any item stored in the back of the storage compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] Upper perspective view (a) and lower perspective view (b) of the container housing box of Example 1. [Figure 2] Plan view (a), front view (b), and right side view (c) of the container housing box of Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2(b) shows section AA (a) and section BB (b). [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of some of the internal components (bottom plate, gears, transport plate, top plate) showing the internal structure of Example 1. [Figure 5] Top perspective view of the container housing box of Example 2 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view AA (a) and cross-sectional view BB (b) of the container housing box of Example 2. [Figure 7] Top perspective view of the container housing box of Example 3 [Figure 8] Perspective view of a container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 1. [Figure 9] Front view of the container storage box set of Example 1 [Figure 10] Front view of the container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 2. [Figure 11] Perspective view of a container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 2 and Example 3. [Figure 12] Plan view (a) and cross-sectional view (b) of the container housing box of Example 4. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view AA (a) and cross-sectional view BB (b) of the container housing box of Example 5. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0025] The following describes examples of embodiments for implementing the present invention, along with the figures shown as Examples 1 to 5. The numbers, letters, and combinations of numbers and letters following the component names are reference symbols added for convenience to refer to the examples of each component corresponding to the embodiments shown in each figure, and do not in themselves specify the form or concept.

[0026] In each embodiment, the container storage box of the present invention contains containers that fit on the tables of each small table, and stores one container at a time on each small table within the storage space. The storage position of each container within the storage space is varied by rotating the transport turntable using the drive mechanism.

[0027] (Basic configuration of the container storage box)

[0028] The container housing box of this invention comprises a box-shaped casing (1) formed by a bottom plate (11), side walls (12), and top plate (13) to create an internal space that is roughly polygonal, cylindrical, or oblong (in this embodiment, it is a flattened hexagonal prism that is elongated in one direction when viewed from above, but it may also be an octagonal prism, a dodecagonal prism, a regular dodecagon or regular 24-sided prism that is close to a circle, or a polygonal prism that is bent and extended in multiple directions when viewed from above), One or more outlets (2) are provided, which are formed by cutting out a portion of the side wall of the box-shaped casing and a portion of the top plate connected thereto to partially open the internal space of the box. Multiple conveying turntables (31, 33) are installed inside or on the bottom plate of a box-shaped casing, each consisting of a base plate that rotates horizontally, and all of the base plates are lined up and exposed at the bottom of the box's internal space. Multiple small tables (4T) are placed on the base plate of the aforementioned conveying turntable and are transported in a ring while remaining arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape (polygonal or oval circumferential shape) along the side circumference of the box-shaped space, The system comprises a drive mechanism (5) that drives multiple transport turntables to rotate in the same direction and at the same rotational speed.

[0029] (Box-shaped casing (1)) The box-shaped casing (1) forms an internal box space that is roughly polygonal, circular, or oval in plan view and of a certain height, through the bottom plate (11), side walls (12), and top plate (13). In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the external shape of the box-shaped casing (1) and the shape of the internal space are both flattened hexagonal columns that are elongated in one direction when viewed from above. In addition, an octagonal column like in Example 4, or a rounded rectangular column with its four corners formed into semicircular arcs when viewed from above, similar to an oval shape when viewed from above, like in Example 5, may also be used. Furthermore, a dodecagonal column, a regular dodecagon or regular 24-sided polygon that is close to a circle, or a polygonal column that is bent and extended in multiple directions when viewed from above may also be used.

[0030] The box-shaped casing preferably comprises at least one of the following: axial columns (31A, 52P) that extend from the bottom plate to the top plate of the internal space of the box; partition walls that extend from the bottom plate to the top plate to partition the outer periphery of the internal space of the box; or partition blocks (132) that extend from the bottom plate to the top plate to partition the central part of the internal space of the box in a block-like manner.

[0031] In Examples 1 to 5, a shaft column is fixed to the center of each base plate of the two rotating transport tables, and a partition block 132 is incorporated and formed integrally with the top plate 13 along the inside of the circumferential shape in plan view, which is used for circumferential transport of the central small tables.

[0032] Furthermore, one or both sides of the box-shaped casing are provided with an opening (2) for removing the contents on the small table.

[0033] Furthermore, at predetermined positions on or near the axis of the column in a plan view, on the bottom surface of the bottom plate and the top surface of the top plate of the box-shaped casing, one or the other of a fitting portion (16T, 16D) consisting of a convex portion and a concave portion that can be stacked and fitted together is provided at corresponding positions on multiple box-shaped casings. Alternatively, at predetermined positions on the bottom surface of the bottom plate and the top surface of the top plate of the box-shaped casing, or / furthermore, on one side of the side wall and the other side of the side wall in the opposite direction, a connecting portion (16DT, 11M, 13M, 12M) that can be connected to each other by magnetic force or adhesive force is embedded or attached at corresponding positions on multiple box-shaped casings. These fitting portions and connecting portions are collectively referred to as fitting and connecting portions.

[0034] The interlocking connectors, namely the interlocking parts (16T, 16D) or the connecting parts (16DT, 11M, 13M, 12M), allow multiple container storage boxes to be connected by aligning their opposing surfaces vertically or horizontally, or by interlocking them to be stacked or connected. Figures 8 to 11 show examples of container storage box sets in a connected state where multiple container storage boxes are stacked and connected.

[0035] (Dispensing opening (2)) One or more side ends of the box-shaped casing have an outlet (2) large enough to fully expose at least one small table. A portion of the side wall and a portion of the top plate connected thereto are cut out to form a notch shape of a predetermined width.

[0036] The notch shape of the outlet (2) is set to a side view notch shape within a predetermined width range in which the notch width in a part of the side peripheral wall is the same as or greater than the table width of one small table. The cutout length (length in the depth direction) in a portion of the tabletop is set to a cutout shape in a plan view that is the same as or larger than half the width of one small table, within a predetermined width range. Furthermore, the cutout shape in a part of the top plate is set to overlap with a predetermined circumferential shape in a plan view that runs along the side of the box-shaped space formed by multiple small tables.

[0037] As a result, the contents on the small table, which are transported in a circular motion along a predetermined planar circumferential shape, are partially exposed one by one or in groups from the dispensing opening (2) in the order they are arranged along the predetermined planar circumferential shape.

[0038] Specifically, the dispensing opening (2) is provided in the shape of a notch that is partially polygonal or partially circular (semicircular) in plan view, and has sides of a certain width on both sides, and is partially rectangular or partially oval (semi-oval) in side view. A lid may be provided to temporarily close or open and close part or all of the dispensing opening.

[0039] Even in the connected configuration shown in Figures 8 to 11, where the box-shaped casings are linked vertically and horizontally, at least one of the plan view or side view cutout shapes of the outlet is exposed in each container storage box, allowing the contents inside the outlet to be removed.

[0040] (Transport turntables (31, 33)) The conveying turntable (31, 33) has radially arranged locking claws (3L) fixed to the upper center of the base plate.

[0041] The transport turntable (31, 33) has shaft columns (31A, 33A) that extend up to the top surface of the box interior space, and also has a shaft column (52P) enclosed within the electric drive space that houses the electric actuator of the rear drive mechanism, with conductive wiring connecting the upper and lower parts.

[0042] (Small table (4T)) The small table (4T) is They are arranged adjacently in a ring shape along the inner wall of the box-shaped casing (1) in a predetermined planar circumferential shape (oval circumferential shape), Within the circumferential shape in plan view, some of the small tables are locked to the radial locking claws of the conveyor turntable. A conveying turntable, which is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism, is sequentially locked to some of the small tables by radially arranged locking claws (3L) on a shaft that rotates integrally with the base plate. Each small table is transported in a circular fashion, maintaining its predetermined circumferential shape in plan view, along the circumferential shape of the entire group of small tables. When the rotational drive operation by the drive mechanism is stopped, one or more small tables are exposed inside the outlet, making them ready for removal.

[0043] (Multiple small tables) As a specific example of multiple small tables (4T), twelve small tables are arranged in an adjacent, ring-shaped configuration along the inner wall of a box-shaped casing surrounding a storage space that is a planar polygon or circular storage space with an opening provided by a notch.

[0044] These small tables are rotated and transported along a polygonal or circular planar shape by two conveying turntable base plates incorporated into the bottom of a box-shaped casing and locking claws fixed to each base plate, and the transported small tables are successively exposed in the cutout space of the outlet.

[0045] The small tables are arranged adjacently in a ring along the inner wall of a polygonal or circular box-shaped casing and are transported in a ring by the synchronized rotation of two radial claws.

[0046] Two conveyor turntables mesh with each other via connecting gears within the floor of a box-shaped casing, and rotate synchronously in both forward and reverse directions by rotational drive from a motor gear or manual gear, conveying a group of small tables in an annular manner.

[0047] At least a portion of the sides and top of the box-shaped casing is provided with an internal viewing section consisting of a slit or grid / honeycomb opening, or a transparent / light-transmitting window, allowing the internal space to be viewed from the outside, so that the position and state of the contents inside the box-shaped space can be confirmed. In the embodiment, multiple internal viewing sections (120, 130) that allow the inside of the box-shaped space to be viewed are formed side by side or spaced apart on both the side walls and the top.

[0048] Each transport turntable has a base plate on its upper surface that can rotate in a planar direction, and a shaft column (3A) is provided at the center of the rotation axis of the base plate, extending in the height direction from the bottom plate to the top plate of the box interior space. Multiple transport turntables are incorporated into the lower part of the box-shaped space, and multiple shaft columns are formed within the box-shaped casing structure. The top and bottom surfaces of the top panel have corresponding positions, and / or one side and the other side have corresponding positions, where pairs of interlocking or connecting parts are located, allowing them to be stacked by changing their orientation. Even when stacked, the rigidity of the internal space of the box is maintained by each axial column.

[0049] Each conveying turntable has a conveying gear (31G, 33G) formed coaxially, and together with the connecting gear 32G that meshes with the conveying gear and the drive gears (5RL, 34G, 35G), the gears that mesh with each other are incorporated into the base plate to form a plane gear. In each embodiment, multiple conveying gears and the connecting gears between them are all gears of the same diameter and number of teeth, and a housing frame is formed inside the bottom plate, having a frame space 1110 of a certain width to accommodate these as plane gears. All or some of the gears are housed and assembled within the frame space of this housing frame.

[0050] The small tables are arranged adjacently in a ring shape along the inner wall of the box-shaped casing (1) in a predetermined planar circumferential shape (an oval circumferential shape), and each small table is used to stably transport the contents, which consist of containers, by placing them individually on the table.

[0051] (Drive mechanism (5)) The drive mechanism 5 includes a drive switch partially exposed on a part of the box-shaped casing, which is capable of tilting or rotating in forward and reverse directions. By tilting or rotating the drive switch in either a forward or reverse direction, Multiple conveying turntables, with gears meshing within the floor surface, rotate in the same direction in either the forward or reverse direction, as specified above, to convey a group of small tables in an annular manner.

[0052] The drive mechanism includes drive switches 5L and 5RL, which are exposed on the outside of the box-shaped casing (near the outlet) and are capable of tilting or rotating in forward and reverse directions. One container is placed on each small table within the storage space, and the storage position of each container within the storage space is varied by rotating the transport turntable using the drive switches 5L and 5RL of the drive mechanism.

[0053] (Example 1) Figure 1 shows the top perspective view (a) and bottom perspective view (b) of the container housing box of Example 1. Figure 2 shows the top view (a), front view (b), and right side view (c) of the container housing box of Example 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (a) and cross-sectional view (b) of Figure 2(b). Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of some of the internal components (bottom plate, gears, transport plate, top plate) of Embodiment 1.

[0054] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the external shape of the box-shaped casing (1) and the shape of the internal space are both flattened hexagonal prisms that are elongated in one direction when viewed from above.

[0055] The outlet 2 of Embodiment 1 has a cutout shape on all four sides in plan view, formed by cutting out one side edge of the top plate, and a rectangular cutout shape with a constant width in side view, formed by cutting out the upper half of one side edge of the peripheral wall. A roughly T-shaped drive switch (5RL) protrudes from the lower part of the outlet 2 and the side of the bottom plate, which electrically rotates the transport turntable in the storage space. The operating piece of the drive switch is formed as a bent rod that follows the side shape of the box-shaped casing of Embodiment 1, and is partially exposed near the lower part of the outlet 2 so that it can be tilted horizontally from side to side.

[0056] Embodiment 1 is equipped with an electrically driven drive mechanism and includes a T-shaped drive switch 5L having a switch press section at the end of a centrally rotating rod shaft. Near the end of the rod shaft inside the switch, which is the target of the switch press of the drive switch, a forward contact section 51S and a reverse contact section 52S are arranged on both sides. Contact between either contact section and the switch press section causes a drive actuator, which is coaxially connected to the drive gear 35G, to rotate in one direction, thereby transmitting driving force to the drive gear 34G (Figure 3).

[0057] By electrically rotating the transport turntables (31, 33) in one predetermined direction, either forward or reverse, each small table is transported in that direction while maintaining its planar circumferential shape. Subsequently, the rotational drive is stopped by operating the drive switch, so that any container on any small table is partially exposed at the opening and stopped, making it ready for removal.

[0058] (Example 2) Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the container storage box of Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 is equipped with a manually operated gear-type drive switch 5RL as the drive mechanism. A gear-type drive switch (5RL) is partially exposed and operable at the bottom of the outlet and on the side of the bottom plate, for manually rotating the transport turntable within the storage space.

[0059] Figure 6 shows cross-sectional views AA(a) and BB(b) of the container housing box of Example 2. However, the positions of each cross-section correspond to the same cross-sectional positions as the lines of arrow AA and arrow BB in Figure 2(b) shown as Example 1.

[0060] (Example 3) Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the container storage box of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, a wide dispensing opening 2, having a side cutout width equivalent to three tables, is provided on the long side of the box-shaped casing in plan view, by cutting out a portion of the side wall and a portion of the top plate connected thereto in the shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle. A gear-type drive switch is provided as a manually operated drive mechanism, partially exposed from the side of the bottom plate below the cutout.

[0061] (Container storage box set for Example 1) Figure 8 is a perspective view of the container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 1, and Figure 9 is a front view of the container storage box set of Example 1.

[0062] The container storage box set of Example 1, which comprises multiple container storage boxes of Example 1, The box-shaped casing has fitting or connecting parts (16T, 13M) that can be fitted or connected at corresponding positions on the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side wall and the opposite side. Each of the multiple container storage boxes can be stacked or connected vertically or horizontally, either in the same orientation or with their orientations reversed. In this connected state, each of the multiple container storage boxes has at least one of the cutout shapes in plan view or side view of one or more of its outlets (2), and the drive switch of the drive mechanism that rotates the transport turntable in each storage space is exposed and operable on a common side.

[0063] In the container housing box set described above, each of the multiple container housing boxes is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and at least one of the predetermined positions on the top surface and bottom surface of the top plate, or on one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side, the drive mechanism (5) has power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) connected to the electric drive actuator by wiring within the box-shaped casing. In a connected state in which multiple container housing boxes are linked together, the drive mechanism (5) of each container housing box is capable of driving its drive actuator via relay power supply wiring CCV, CV1, CV2 from other container housing boxes.

[0064] In Embodiment 1, the power supply structure of the box-shaped casing is provided with power supply ports for magnetic connectors on the upper and lower surfaces at corresponding positions when stacked. Furthermore, the container housing boxes stacked vertically are electrically connected to each other by electrical wiring within the shaft column 52P that connects the upper and lower parts of the box-shaped casing, allowing the power supply for the drive source of each drive mechanism to be supplied via relay.

[0065] In each of the multiple container housing boxes of Embodiment 1, the drive mechanism (5) is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and within the box-shaped casing, power supply wiring is connected between the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate, or between one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side. Furthermore, power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) that can supply power to each other are interconnected at corresponding positions on the top surface of the top plate and the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the box-shaped casing, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side. In a connected state where multiple container housing boxes are linked together, the corresponding power supply ports (151C, 152C, 153C) on the connecting opposite surfaces of the drive mechanism (5) of each container housing box are connected, allowing the drive actuator to be driven by power supplied from the corresponding power supply ports of the other container housing boxes. By stacking the units vertically, the power supply ports, which have a linking function, are electrically connected to each other, and power is automatically supplied between the vertically connected power supply ports. When connected vertically and horizontally, the power supply from the drive mechanism of one container housing box allows other container housing boxes, which are connected to relay power supplies, to be driven based on the power supply of that single drive mechanism.

[0066] (Example 2, container storage box set for Examples 2 and 3) Figure 10 is a front view of a container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 2, and Figure 11 is a perspective view of a container storage box set formed by connecting the container storage boxes of Example 2 and Example 3. Multiple types of container storage boxes and box-shaped casings can be connected in the same orientation, or with the orientation of some of the box-shaped casings changed. Each container storage box constituting this container storage box set has fitting or connecting parts (16T, 16D, 13M) that can be fitted or connected at corresponding positions on the top surface and bottom surface of the box-shaped casing, or on one side of the side wall and the opposite side. Each of the multiple container storage boxes can be stacked or connected vertically or horizontally, either in the same orientation or with their orientations reversed. In this connected state, each of the multiple container storage boxes has at least one of the cutout shapes in plan view or side view of one or more of its outlets (2) exposed, and the drive switch of the drive mechanism that rotates the transport turntable in each storage space is exposed in an operable manner.

[0067] (Example 4) Figure 12 shows a plan view (a) and a cross-section (b) of the container storage box of Example 4, illustrating another example of a box-shaped casing. Note that the cross-section position of the BB in Figure (b) is at the same height as the line of sight of the BB arrow in Figure 2(b), which is shown as Example 1. In the container storage box of Example 4, the box-shaped casing (1), as shown in Figure 12, has a box shape that is approximately octagonal in plan view, with diagonal lines at all four corners. The opening (2) is formed by integrally cutting out a portion of the side wall (12) of one short side of the approximately octagonal shape of the box-shaped casing (1) and a part of the top plate (13) connected thereto, resulting in an opening that is approximately rectangular in plan view and approximately square in side view. Other configurations, arrangements, and functions are the same as those of the container storage box of Example 2.

[0068] (Example 5) Figure 13 shows cross-sectional views AA (a) and BB (b) of the container storage box of Example 5, illustrating an example of another box-shaped casing. Note that the position of cross-section AA in Figure (a) and cross-section BB in Figure (b) are at the same height as the lines of arrows AA and BB in Figure 2(b), which is shown as Example 1. In the container storage box of Example 5, as shown in Figure 13, the box-shaped casing (1) is a roughly rectangular box shape in plan view, with its four corners forming semicircular curves. The opening (2) is formed by integrally cutting out a portion of the side wall (12) on one short side of the rectangle in plan view, and a portion of the top plate (13) connected thereto, resulting in an opening that is roughly semicircular in plan view and roughly square in side view. Other configurations, arrangements, and functions are the same as those of the container storage box of Example 2.

[0069] The box-shaped casing has a circumferential shape that is a flattened polygon or oval with an elongated shape in one direction when viewed from above. Multiple conveyor turntables are arranged in a row at the bottom of the box-shaped casing. Each conveying turntable has outer teeth and, together with a connecting gear that meshes with the outer teeth, A spur gear is formed within the bottom of the box-shaped casing. By using some of the gears in a spur gear as a drive mechanism, The system is characterized by having multiple transport turntables, arranged and housed in the lower part of a box-shaped casing, all rotated in the same direction and at the same circumferential angle.

[0070] Furthermore, one of the side ends of the box-shaped casing has an opening large enough to fully expose at least one small table. It is characterized by being provided with a predetermined cutout shape in both plan view and side view, formed by cutting out a portion of the side wall and top plate to a predetermined width or length.

[0071] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. Combinations of individual elements, extraction of some elements, disassembly into individual parts, or integrated configurations are all possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] Bottom plate (11) Side wall (12) Tabletop (13) Box-shaped casing (1) Dispensing opening (2) Conveyor turntable (31, 33) Small table (4T) Drive mechanism (5) Locking claw (3L) Drive switch (5L / 5RL) In-spatial visibility unit (120, 130) Axial column (3A, 52P) Conveyor rotating gears (31G, 33G) Coupling gear (32G) Drive gears (5RL, 34G, 35G) Fitting connection part (16T, 16D, 13M) Fitting part (16T, 16D) Connecting part (160T, 13M) Power supply port (151C, 152C, 153C) Relay power supply wiring (CCV, CV1, CV2)

Claims

1. A box-shaped casing in which a roughly polygonal prism-shaped internal space is formed by a bottom plate, side walls, and top plate, One or more outlets are provided, formed by cutting out a portion of the side wall of the box-shaped casing and a portion of the top plate connected thereto, thereby partially opening the internal space of the box. Multiple conveying turntables, each consisting of a base plate that rotates horizontally and is installed inside or on the bottom plate of a box-shaped casing, with all base plates lined up and exposed at the bottom of the box's internal space, Multiple small tables are placed on the base plate of the aforementioned conveying turntable and are transported in a circular manner while remaining arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape (polygonal or oval circumferential shape) along the side circumference of the box-shaped space, A container housing box comprising a drive mechanism that rotates multiple transport turntables in the same direction and at the same rotational speed, The aforementioned conveying turntable has radially arranged locking claws fixed to the upper center of the base plate, Within the shape of the aforementioned planar circumferential shape, some of the small tables among the plurality of small tables are locked to the locking claws of the conveying turntable. The drive mechanism rotates the transport turntable, transporting the small tables placed on the base plate, while radially arranged locking claws fixed to the base plate sequentially lock onto some of the small tables. Multiple small tables are transported in a circular motion while remaining arranged in the predetermined planar circumferential shape, A container storage box characterized in that part or all of one or more small tables are sequentially exposed at the aforementioned dispensing opening.

2. A container storage box in which containers sized to fit on each of several small tables are stored, and one container is placed on each small table within the storage space, and the storage position of each container within the storage space is varied by rotating a transport turntable using the aforementioned drive mechanism. Multiple small tables are placed along the perimeter of each base plate of multiple transport turntables, which are arranged in a row at the bottom of the box's internal space. Some of these small tables are temporarily secured by locking claws on both sides of the tables (between adjacent tables), and all of the placed small tables are arranged in a predetermined planar circumferential shape across the adjacent transport turntables. Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a drive switch exposed to the outside of the box-shaped casing. When the drive switch is operated, multiple conveying turntables, which are gear-mesh within or on the bottom plate of the box's interior space, are driven to rotate in one predetermined direction, either forward or reverse, and each small table is conveyed in that direction while maintaining its circumferential shape in plan view. The container storage box according to claim 1, wherein the rotational drive is stopped by subsequent operation of the drive switch, so that any container on a small table is partially exposed at the opening and in a stopped, removable state.

3. One or more side ends of the box-shaped casing have an opening large enough to fully expose at least one small table. A portion of the side wall and a portion of the top plate connected thereto are cut out to a predetermined width, forming a notched shape. The aforementioned notch shape is set so that the width of the notch in a part of the side periphery wall is the same as or greater than the table width of one small table, within a predetermined width range. The length of the cutout in a plan view of a portion of the tabletop is set to a predetermined width that is the same as or greater than half the width of one small table. The container storage box according to claim 1, wherein the cutout shape in a plan view of a part of the top plate is set to overlap with a part of a predetermined plan view circumferential shape along the side circumference of the box-shaped space.

4. The container housing box according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the side and top of the box-shaped casing is provided with an interior viewing section consisting of a slit or grid / honeycomb opening, or a transparent window / light-transmitting window, which allows the interior space to be viewed from the outside.

5. The container storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport turntable has a base plate that can rotate in a plane, and a shaft column is provided at the center of the rotation axis of the base plate, extending in the height direction from the bottom plate to the top plate of the box's internal space.

6. The container housing box according to claim 1, characterized in that each conveying turntable has a conveying rotating gear formed coaxially, and together with the connecting gear and drive gear that mesh with the conveying rotating gear, the gears that mesh with each other are incorporated into the bottom plate to form a plane gear.

7. A container storage box set comprising a plurality of container storage boxes as described in claim 2, A container storage box set characterized in that each of the multiple container storage boxes has fitting or connecting parts at corresponding positions on the top surface of the box-shaped casing and the bottom surface of the bottom plate, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side wall and the opposite side, and each of the multiple container storage boxes can be stacked or connected vertically or horizontally, either in the same orientation or with their orientations reversed, and in this connected state, each of the multiple container storage boxes has at least one of the cutout shapes in plan view or side view of one or more of its outlets exposed, and the drive switch of the drive mechanism that rotates the transport turntable in each storage space is exposed in an operable manner.

8. In each of the multiple container housing boxes, the drive mechanism is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and at least one of the predetermined positions on the top surface and bottom surface of the bottom plate, or on one side of the side peripheral wall and the opposite side, the drive mechanism has a power supply port connected to the electric drive actuator by wiring within the box-shaped casing. The container storage box set according to claim 7, wherein in a connected state in which multiple container storage boxes are linked together, the drive mechanism of each container storage box can be driven by relay power supply wiring from other container storage boxes, thereby enabling the drive actuator of the drive mechanism to be driven.

9. In each of the multiple container housing boxes, the drive mechanism is equipped with an electric drive actuator, and within the box-shaped casing, power supply wiring connects the upper surface of the top plate and the lower surface of the bottom plate, or one side of the side wall and the opposite side, and mutually connectable power supply ports are provided at corresponding positions on the upper surface of the top plate and the lower surface of the bottom plate of the box-shaped casing, or at corresponding positions on one side of the side wall and the opposite side. The container housing box set according to claim 7, wherein in a connected state in which multiple container housing boxes are linked together, the corresponding power supply ports on the connecting opposing surfaces of the drive mechanisms of each container housing box are connected, thereby enabling the drive actuator to be driven by power supplied from the power supply ports at corresponding positions on other container housing boxes.

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