Support member structure and digital signage

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique capable of reducing required space on a household item.　This support member 10 is used for installing a signage body 9 on the outside of the front surface of a household item 2, and one end thereof in the depth direction is detachably fastened to a household-item column part 5. The other end of the support member 10 in the depth direction is formed as a section which attaches to the signage body 9. Such a support member 10 is configured so as to comprise a support member body 15 and a column-fastening part 16. The support member body 15 is configured so as to include an expansion mechanism part 17, a movement mechanism part 18, and a leg part 19.

Description

Support member structure and digital signage

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member structure and a digital signage.

[0002] A known example of a digital signage device that includes a signage main body having a display unit that displays a desired image and a bookend-shaped support member that is integrated into the housing of the signage main body is disclosed in the following non-patent document 1.

[0003] https: / / impacttv.co.jp / product / divider4 / impactTV company website / "Digital Divider POP 4 inch"

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, the signage main body is positioned on the outside of the front of the fixture, and the bookend-shaped support member is placed on the shelf of the fixture. Products are then placed on the bookend-shaped support member, which is placed on the shelf, to maintain stability. The bookend-shaped support member is formed in an L-shape, having a first plate-shaped portion continuing from the housing of the signage main body and a second plate-shaped portion perpendicular to the first plate-shaped portion. The first plate-shaped portion is positioned perpendicular to the shelf of the fixture, and the second plate-shaped portion is positioned to rest on the shelf of the fixture. The bookend-shaped support member is formed in the above-described L-shape to support the signage main body. Such digital signage requires a relatively large space to place the second plate-shaped portion on the shelf of the fixture. In other words, conventional digital signage has a support member structure that requires a relatively large space on the shelf of the fixture.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technology that can reduce the space that needs to be secured for fixtures.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the support member structure of the present invention is a support member structure used to install an external installation object on the outside of the front of a fixture, characterized in that the support member is configured to include a pillar engaging portion that can be detachably engaged with a fixture pillar portion provided on the back side of the fixture.

[0007] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a digital signage according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a support member having the above-mentioned support member structure and an external installation object that is installed on the outside of the front of the fixture by the support member, and the external installation object is a signage main body having a display unit that displays a desired image.

[0008] According to the present invention, the space that needs to be secured for fixtures can be reduced.

[0009] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a digital signage system to which a support member structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital signage. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an installation where the signage main body is moved away from the front of the fixture. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation where the signage main body is moved closer to the front of the fixture. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an installation where the signage main body is moved in the height direction in front of the fixture. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a state when, for example, a person bumps into the signage main body. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the impact mitigation mechanism of FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the impact mitigation mechanism of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the impact mitigation mechanism of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the mounting position of the impact mitigation mechanism. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modified example of the mounting position of the impact mitigation mechanism. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modified example of the mounting position of the impact mitigation mechanism. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state immediately before the lock-release regulating unit is assembled to the pillar locking unit. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where the lock-release regulating unit has been assembled to the pillar locking unit. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the movement of the lock-release regulating unit. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the support member side locking portion of the pillar locking portion is about to be inserted into the fixture side locking portion, and the support member side locking portion is locked to the fixture side locking portion and the unlocking of the support member side locking portion is restricted by the unlocking restriction portion. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modified example of the shock absorbing portion. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the shock absorbing portion as seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing variations of the support member main body that extends to match the width of the shelf board. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a support member mounting portion formed on the signage main body. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which a shock absorbing mechanism portion is assembled to the support member mounting portion in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the shock absorbing mechanism portion is in the middle of being assembled to the support member mounting portion. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the shock absorbing mechanism portion in FIG. 21. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the shock absorbing mechanism portion in a state in which the fixing rod portion in FIG. 23 has been removed. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the operation of the fixing rod portion and the fixing rod receiving portion. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the operation of the shock absorbing mechanism portion.

[0010] <Regarding the Digital Signage System> An example of a digital signage system to which a support member structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a digital signage system to which a support member structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0011] The digital signage system 1 is a system for fully utilizing the effects of sales promotions for consumers in, for example, a commercial facility. It includes one or more digital signages 3 attached to store fixtures 2 and a display information generating device (not shown) connected to a network (not shown) that distributes display information to be displayed on the digital signages 3. In this embodiment, the display information includes various information, such as information for displaying products displayed on the fixtures 2 and information for advertising to consumers passing in front of or at the end of the fixtures 2. The "front" refers to the front of the fixture 2 facing the aisle extending along the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the fixture 2. The "end" refers to the side of the fixture 2 facing the aisle extending along the depth direction of the fixture 2. The "depth direction" refers to the direction from the front to the back of the fixture 2. Additionally, the direction extending vertically along the fixture 2 is referred to as the height direction of the fixture 2. In this embodiment, a display information generating device (not shown) is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The display information generating device (not shown) not only distributes display information but also controls the digital signage 3.

[0012] <Regarding the fixture 2> The fixture 2 in this embodiment is a display shelf for products and is composed of a plurality of shelves 4, a fixture column 5, and a fixture back panel 6. The plurality of shelves 4, the fixture column 5, and the fixture back panel 6 are made of, for example, iron (in this embodiment, a magnetic material is preferred (although this is not limited to this)). The shelf 4 has a flat surface on which products can be placed. The shelf 4 also has a locking portion 7 that is detachably locked to the fixture column 5. The height position of the shelf 4 can be freely changed depending on the product. The fixture column 5 is a column-shaped member that is provided on the back side of the fixture 2 and extends in the height direction. The fixture column 5 has a plurality of fixture-side locking portions 8. These fixture-side locking portions 8 are slit-shaped locking portions and are arranged so as to be lined up at predetermined intervals in the height direction. 1, the fixture column 5 is formed with two rows of fixture-side locking portions 8 arranged at a predetermined interval in the height direction. The fixture back panel 6 is a plate-like member provided on the back of the fixture 2 so as to be perpendicular to the plane of the shelf board 4. Note that a mesh-like member may be used instead of this fixture back panel 6.

[0013] <Regarding the Digital Signage 3> An example of the digital signage 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital signage 3. In this embodiment, the digital signage 3 is installed at the second shelf 4 from the top and at the third shelf 4 from the top. The digital signage 3 installed at the second shelf 4 from the top is shown in Figure 2. The digital signage 3 installed at the third shelf 4 from the top will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and onwards.

[0014] The digital signage 3 is composed of a signage main body 9 (external installation), a support member 10, and wiring (reference numerals omitted). Note that the wiring is shown by a two-dot chain line only in Figure 1 and is omitted in other figures. As will be understood from the following explanation, the digital signage 3 is characterized by the structure of the support member 10, which makes it possible to reduce the space that needs to be secured on the shelf boards 4 of the fixtures 2 (there is no need to secure a relatively large space as in the prior art described above in the background art section).

[0015] [Regarding the Signage Main Unit 9] The signage main unit 9 is configured to include a display unit 11 (display) that displays a desired image, a speaker unit 12 that outputs sound, and a housing 13. Such a signage main unit 9 is installed on the outside of the front of the fixture 2. The signage main unit 9 is a vertically elongated unit that is long along the height direction described above (this is an example). The signage main unit 9 is installed in an orientation that allows consumers walking along the aisle that extends along the length of the fixture 2 to view the image described above without changing their line of sight.

[0016] The signage main body 9 is referred to as an external installation because it is installed outside the front of the fixture 2. In this embodiment, the digital signage 3 is used as an example, and therefore the external installation is the signage main body 9, but this is not limiting, and for example, an information acquisition device further including a microphone unit, an imaging unit, a sensor, etc. may also be used as the external installation. Furthermore, a security camera including a sensor and a camera, or a simple bulletin board (or POP, etc.) may also be used as the external installation.

[0017] The housing 13 is formed so that its shape when viewed perpendicularly to the display surface of the display unit 11 is rectangular. The housing 13 is also formed to be thin. A support member mounting portion 14 is provided on one long side of the thin, rectangular housing 13. This support member mounting portion 14 is formed so that it can be attached to a long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) described below. The aforementioned wiring is drawn out from the housing 13 to the support member 10 side.

[0018] [Regarding the support member 10] The support member 10 is a member used to install the signage main body 9 on the outside of the front of the fixture 2, and one end in the depth direction is detachably engaged with the fixture column 5. The other end in the depth direction of the support member 10 is formed at an attachment portion with the signage main body 9. Such a support member 10 is configured to include a support member main body 15 and a column engaging portion 16. Note that the support member 10 may further include, for example, a decorative cover that covers the support member main body 15.

[0019] [Regarding the Support Member Main Body 15] The support member main body 15 is configured to include an extension / retraction mechanism 17, a movement mechanism 18, and legs 19. The extension / retraction mechanism 17, the movement mechanism 18, and the legs 19 that configure the support member main body 15 mainly use a rectangular pillar-shaped aluminum frame 20 (see FIG. 7 for the end face shape), nuts 22 (see FIG. 9) that are slidably attached to grooves 21 formed on each of the four faces of this aluminum frame 20, tightening bolts 23 that are attached to the nuts 22 via the grooves 21, and connecting plates 24 that connect the aluminum frames 20 in parallel (reinforcing members, etc. may also be used).

[0020] The telescopic mechanism 17 is a mechanism for moving the signage main body 9 closer to or farther away from the front of the fixture 2, and is configured using the aluminum frame 20, nuts 22, bolts 23, connecting plate 24, etc. described above. The two aluminum frames 20 in the telescopic mechanism 17 are referred to as columnar telescopic support parts. In the telescopic mechanism 17, one of the two columnar telescopic support parts (aluminum frames 20) is assembled so that it can slide relative to the other.

[0021] The movement mechanism 18 is a mechanism for moving the signage main body 9 in the height direction along the front surface of the fixture 2, and is configured using the aluminum frame 20, nuts 22, bolts 23, connecting plate 24, etc. described above. The two aluminum frames 20 in the movement mechanism 18 are referred to as the long columnar support portion and the short columnar support portion. The long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) is attached to the support member mounting portion 14 of the signage main body 9. In contrast, the short columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) is fixed to the end of the columnar telescopic support portion (aluminum frame 20) on the sliding side of the movement mechanism 18. This fixation is achieved using a fixing member (not shown). The fixing member in this embodiment includes a member inserted into the groove 21 described above, a member for attaching this member using the hole 25 (see FIG. 7 ) in the aluminum frame 20, and a member such as a set screw. The movement mechanism 18 has a long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) slidably attached to a short columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20).

[0022] The legs 19 are portions that can be placed on the flat surface of the shelf 4 of the fixture 2 and are composed of a mounting leg 26 and multiple connecting legs 27. The legs 19 also use the aforementioned aluminum frame 20 and the aforementioned fixing member (not shown). By being placed on the flat surface of the shelf 4, the legs 19 contribute to the support member 10 stably supporting even a relatively heavy signage main body 9 (note that it is also possible to support it in an arm-like manner using the extension mechanism 17 without using the legs 19). The mounting legs 26 are provided with, for example, three connecting members 28 that are joined to the flat surface of the shelf 4. The connecting members 28 may be, for example, magnets that attach to the shelf 4 or suction cups. Adjusters for preventing rattle may be used instead of the connecting members 28. Alternatively, magnets may be attached to the aforementioned adjusters. The connecting legs 27 are used to connect the mounting legs 26 and the columnar telescopic support part (aluminum frame 20) of the telescopic mechanism 17. The connecting legs 27 extend in the height direction described above, and three connecting legs 27 are used in this embodiment. Two of the three connecting legs 27 are also used to secure the column locking part 16. The column locking part 16 is secured by a nut 22 and a bolt 23 in the groove 21.

[0023] [Regarding the pillar locking portion 16] The pillar locking portion 16 is made, for example, by processing a metal plate, and has a support member-side locking portion 29 formed at its end 30 that is detachably locked to the fixture pillar 5 of the fixture 2. This support member-side locking portion 29 is formed in a hook shape that can be locked into the slit (fixture-side locking portion 8) of the fixture pillar 5. After inserting the support member-side locking portion 29 into the fixture-side locking portion 8, it is locked to the fixture pillar 5 when slid along the height direction described above.

[0024] [Effects of the support member 10] In the above configuration and structure, the support member 10 does not have a bookend shape as in the prior art described in the background art section, which places the signage main body 9 on the outside front of the fixture 2, but rather the support member 10 is engaged with the fixture column 5 of the fixture 2, which allows the signage main body 9 to be placed on the outside front of the fixture 2. In other words, the support member 10 does not require the space for the second plate-shaped portion as in the prior art, and therefore does not take up width in the horizontal direction as described above, and as a result, the space that needs to be secured on the shelf 4 of the fixture 2 can be reduced compared to the prior art. Furthermore, by fixing the support member 10 so that the signage body 9 projects outside the shelf 4 (towards the front outside of the fixture 2), it is possible to install even a signage body 9 that is too large to fit within the height of one shelf 4 (this is effective in solving the following problem: if the signage body 9 is placed inside the shelf 4, the size of the signage body 9 is limited to a size that fits within the height of one shelf 4, so this is effective in solving this problem). Furthermore, because the support member 10 is structured to be fixed to the fixture column portion 5 at the end of the shelf 4, it is possible to avoid contact with, for example, merchandise placed on the shelf 4, thereby reducing the risk of the merchandise falling or being damaged, as well as the signage main body 9 (this is effective in solving the following problem: if, for example, a tablet-shaped or bookend-shaped signage is installed on the shelf 4, when trying to replace a merchandise on the shelf 4 (including when a consumer or customer takes it in or out), contact with the merchandise may cause the signage or merchandise of the above shape to fall or be damaged, so this is effective in reducing this risk).

[0025] <Example of Use of Digital Signage 3> An example of use of the digital signage 3 (the function of the support member 10) will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the signage main body is installed away from the front of the fixture. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the signage main body is installed closer to the front of the fixture. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the signage main body is installed by moving it in the height direction in front of the fixture.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the digital signage 3 can be installed so that the signage main body 9 is away from the front of the fixture 2. This can be achieved by the function of the extension mechanism 17 of the support member 10. Also, from the state shown in Fig. 3, the signage main body 9 can be moved closer to the front of the fixture 2 (see Fig. 4).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 5, the digital signage 3 can be installed by moving the signage main body 9 in the height direction described above in front of the fixture 2. In Fig. 5, the digital signage 3 installed in the position of the second shelf 4 from the top remains in the state shown in Fig. 4, while the digital signage 3 installed in the position of the third shelf 4 from the top is rotated slightly in the direction indicated by arrow 31 to achieve movement in the height direction. The digital signage 3 installed in the position of the third shelf 4 from the top will be described below.

[0028] <Regarding the digital signage 3 installed at the position of the third shelf board 4 from the top> The digital signage 3 installed at the position of the third shelf board 4 from the top will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state when, for example, a person bumps into the signage main body.

[0029] The digital signage 3 is configured by further including, for example, two impact absorbing mechanisms 32 on the support member 10. By further including the impact absorbing mechanisms 32, even if, for example, a person (consumer) bumps into the signage main body 9, the digital signage 3 can absorb the impact by swinging as shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the swinging can deflect the impact and prevent injury or damage.

[0030] [About the Impact Absorbing Mechanism 32] The impact absorbing mechanism 32 includes a hinge mechanism 33 and a cover 34. The impact absorbing mechanism 32 has a rotation axis parallel to the axes of the long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) and the short columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) of the support member 10, and is attached to these columnar support portions. The impact absorbing mechanism 32 is configured to move the signage main body 9 around an axis centered on the rotation axis when an external force is applied to the signage main body 9, and to return the signage main body 9 to its original position after movement around the axis. The characteristic features of the hinge mechanism 33 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0031] [Regarding the hinge mechanism 33] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hinge mechanism 33 in the shock absorbing mechanism 32. Figs. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the hinge mechanism 33 in the shock absorbing mechanism 32. Figs. 7 to 9 show the state in which the cover 34 (see Fig. 6) is removed.

[0032] The hinge mechanism 33 includes two spring hinges 35, a bent plate 36, two flat plates 37, and fixing bolts 38 and nuts 39. The spring hinge 35 includes two blades 41 with tubes 40, a pin 42 inserted into the tubes 40 and functioning as the aforementioned rotation axis, and a spring 43. Threaded holes are formed in the blades 41. The bent plate 36 is formed, for example, in a crank-like bent shape. The bent plate 36 is positioned so as to straddle the aforementioned long and short columnar support portions (aluminum frame 20). The bent plate 36 and the flat plate 37 are each formed with a cover fixing portion (not shown) for attaching the cover 34 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0033] The hinge mechanism 33 is attached to the long and short columnar support portions (aluminum frames 20) by inserting bolts 38 through the blades 41 and flat plates 37 and then tightening the bolts 38 with nuts 39 in the grooves 21. The hinge mechanism 33 moves from the state shown in Figure 7 to the states shown in Figures 8 and 9. This allows the hinge mechanism 33 to swing as described above.

[0034] <Regarding Modifications> Modifications of the attachment position of the impact absorbing mechanism 32 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams showing modifications of the attachment position of the impact absorbing mechanism. The description will begin with Figure 10.

[0035] In FIG. 10 , the movement mechanism 18 of the support member 10 includes another short columnar support (aluminum frame 20) between the aforementioned long columnar support (aluminum frame 20) and the short columnar support (aluminum frame 20). The short columnar support sections are connected to each other by two shock-absorbing mechanisms 32 so that they can pivot freely (hinge mechanism 33 is shown schematically). The middle short columnar support section and the long columnar support section are connected to each other so that they can move vertically using the aforementioned nuts 22, bolts 23, connecting plates 24, and the like. Shock-absorbing sections 44 are provided around (around) the periphery (edges) of the housing 13 of the signage main body 9 to absorb shocks from external contact. The shock-absorbing sections 44 are made of, for example, rubber.

[0036] 11 , the movement mechanism 18 of the support member 10 includes the long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) and the short columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) described above, and two even shorter columnar support portions (aluminum frame 20) between them. The short columnar support portion and the two even shorter columnar support portions are each connected to each other so as to be able to swing freely by a shock absorbing mechanism 32 (hinge mechanism 33 is shown only schematically). In addition, the two even shorter columnar support portions and the long columnar support portion are each connected to each other so as to be able to move in the height direction using the nuts 22, bolts 23, connecting plates 24, etc. described above.

[0037] 12, the movement mechanism 18 of the support member 10 is configured to include another long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) between the aforementioned long columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20) and the short columnar support portion (aluminum frame 20). The long columnar support portions are connected to each other so as to be able to swing freely by two impact absorption mechanisms 32 (hinge mechanism 33 is shown only schematically). The middle long columnar support portion and the short columnar support portion are connected to each other so as to be able to move in the height direction using the aforementioned nuts 22, bolts 23, connecting plates 24, etc.

[0038] <Effects> As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 , the digital signage 3 eliminates the need for the second plate-shaped portion of the support member 10 in the prior art described in the Background Art section and thus does not require the aforementioned horizontal width. This reduces the amount of space required on the shelf 4 of the fixture 2 compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the digital signage 3 can be installed by moving the signage main body 9 closer or farther from the front of the fixture 2 thanks to the function of the extension mechanism 17 in the support member 10. Furthermore, the digital signage 3 can be installed by moving the signage main body 9 vertically in front of the fixture 2 thanks to the function of the movement mechanism 18 in the support member 10. Furthermore, the digital signage 3 can also be installed by moving the signage main body 9 around a predetermined axis thanks to the function of the impact absorbing mechanism 32 provided in the support member 10, thereby absorbing impact even if an external force is applied to the signage main body 9. As a result, the occurrence of injury, damage, etc. can be reduced. Furthermore, the function of the impact absorbing mechanism 32 can also return the signage main body 9 to its original position after movement around the axis.

[0039] <Regarding Modified Examples of Support Members> Modified examples of support members will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the state immediately before assembling the lock-release restricting portion to the pillar locking portion. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state after assembling the lock-release restricting portion to the pillar locking portion. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the movement of the lock-release restricting portion. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the support-member-side locking portion of the pillar locking portion is about to be inserted into the fixture-side locking portion, and the support-member-side locking portion is locked to the fixture-side locking portion and the lock-release restricting portion restricts release of the support-member-side locking portion.

[0040] A support member (for example, the support member 10 described above or the support member 71 in FIG. 19 described below) is configured to further include an unlocking restriction portion 52 assembled to the pillar locking portion 51. The pillar locking portion 51 has a pair of support member side locking portions 51b formed at the end portion 51a and a notch portion 51c also formed at the end portion 51a. The pair of support member side locking portions 51b are formed in a hook shape so as to be inserted into and locked into the furniture side locking portions 8. The pair of support member side locking portions 51b are formed to protrude outward from the end portion 51a.

[0041] The notch 51c is located next to (below) the upper support member side locking portion 51b of the pair of support member side locking portions 51b. The notch 51c is formed so as to be cut inward from the end portion 51a. The notch 51c is formed as a portion to which the lock-release restricting portion 52 is assembled. Although not specifically numbered, a pair of protrusions that prevent the lock-release restricting portion 52 from coming off is formed in the opening of the notch 51c (the opening at the position of the end portion 51a).

[0042] The lock-release restricting portion 52 functions as a stopper that restricts the release of locking when the pair of support member side locking portions 51b are inserted into the fixture side locking portions 8 and the pair of support member side locking portions 51b are locked to the fixture side locking portions 8. The lock-release restricting portion 52 is a single component as shown in Figure 13, for example, and is assembled in the state shown in Figure 14 by moving it along the arrow in Figure 13 relative to the notch portion 51c of the pillar locking portion 51.

[0043] Although not specifically numbered, the release restriction portion 52 is configured to include a main body and a spring. The main body is formed with a portion for accommodating the spring, a groove (not shown) for sliding the notch portion 51c (see FIG. 15), and a protruding portion that is inserted into the fixture-side locking portion 8. When the protruding portion of the release restriction portion 52 is pressed from the state shown in FIG. 14, the spring contracts due to this pressing force, and the main body moves to the state shown in FIG. 15. When the pressing force on the protruding portion of the release restriction portion 52 is removed, the repulsive force of the spring returns the main body to the state shown in FIG. 14.

[0044] 16, when the pair of support member side locking portions 51b are inserted into the fixture side locking portions 8 and then slid upward along the height direction, they are locked to the fixture column portions 5. At this time, the lock-release restricting portion 52 is in a state where the protruding portion is inserted into the fixture side locking portion 8, and can restrict the unlocking of the pair of support member side locking portions 51b (the lock-release restricting portion 52 can restrict the pair of support member side locking portions 51b from sliding downwards so that the protruding portion does not interfere with the unlocking).

[0045] <Regarding Modified Examples of Shock Absorbing Sections> Shock absorbing sections 44 made of, for example, rubber are provided around (edges of) the housing 13 of the signage main body 9 to absorb shocks caused by external contact (FIGS. 10 to 12), but the present invention is not limited to this and may also be applied to shock absorbing sections 61 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the shock absorbing section. Also, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the shock absorbing section as viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 17, a modified shock absorbing section 61 is provided in a part of the housing 13. Specifically, the shock absorbing section 61 is provided in the upper and lower parts of the housing 13, including the four corners of the housing 13. The shock absorbing section 61 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is fixed to the housing 13 by screws or the like (it may also be made of rubber, like the shock absorbing section 44 in Figs. 10 to 12).

[0047] 18 , an opening 61a is formed in a part of the shock absorbing section 61, allowing for operation of switches provided on the signage main body 9, external connections, etc. The shock absorbing section 61 is formed in a shape that, even if the signage main body 9 should fall, will hit the floor, for example, before the front, back, side, top, and bottom surfaces of the signage main body 9 do (shock absorbing section 61 has shallow grooves formed in it that match the shapes of the upper and lower parts of the housing, and the upper and lower parts of the housing fit into these grooves, thereby providing protection from external forces).

[0048] <Regarding Modified Examples of Support Member Main Body> Modified examples of the support member main body will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing variations of the support member main body that extends to match the width of the shelf board.

[0049] The support member 71 is configured to include a support member main body 72 or a support member main body 73 formed to extend to the width of the shelf board 4, a pillar locking portion 51 detachably attached to the support member main body 72 or the support member main body 73, and an unlocking restriction portion 52 attached to the pillar locking portion 51. In this modified example, the support member main body 72 is used when the shelf board 4 is long, and the support member main body 73 is used when the shelf board 4 is short. Note that although two variations of the support member main body 72 or the support member main body 73 are given, this is not limiting. In other words, there may be further variations of the support member main body depending on the width of the shelf board 4.

[0050] Each of the support member main body 72 and the support member main body 73 has a pillar locking part 51 with an integrated lock release regulating part 52 assembled thereto, and on the opposite side of the assembly position of the pillar locking part 51, i.e., on the signage main body 9 side (see Figures 21 and 22), there is provided an impact absorbing mechanism installation part 74 (see Figures 21 and 22) for installing and swinging the signage main body 9.

[0051] <Regarding Modified Examples of the Impact Absorbing Mechanism> Modified examples of the impact absorber mechanism will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 26. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a support member mounting portion formed on the signage main body. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the impact absorber mechanism has been assembled to the support member mounting portion of Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the impact absorber mechanism is in the middle of being assembled to the support member mounting portion. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of the impact absorber mechanism of Fig. 21. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the impact absorber mechanism with the fixing rod portion of Fig. 23 removed. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing the operation of the fixing rod portion and the fixing rod receiving portion. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the operation of the impact absorber mechanism.

[0052] 20, a support member mounting portion 14 is provided on one long side of the housing 13 of the signage main body 9. In Fig. 21, a columnar support portion 82 having an impact absorbing mechanism portion 81 is attached to this support member mounting portion 14. The impact absorbing mechanism portion 81 is a mechanism that is installed in the impact absorbing mechanism installation portion 74 of the support member 71 (or support member 10) and enables the signage main body 9 to swivel.

[0053] The impact absorbing mechanism 81 and the columnar support 82 are, but are not limited to, components of the support member 71. The columnar support 82 is formed in a columnar shape (a columnar shape that becomes a strip plate) that extends along the height direction described above. The columnar support 82 is fixed to the support member mounting portion 14 by screws (this fixing method is one example). The impact absorbing mechanism 81 has a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the columnar support 82 and is fixed to the columnar support 82 by screws (this fixing method is one example).

[0054] The impact absorbing mechanism 81 is configured to be able to move the signage main body 9 around an axis centered on the rotation axis when an external force is applied to the signage main body 9, and to be able to return the signage main body 9 to its original position after movement around the axis. Here, the impact absorbing mechanism 81 is configured to include a fixed rod portion 83, a rotation axis member 84, a coil spring 85, a cover-type spring holding portion 86, and a rotation axis end cover 87. Note that, although one impact absorbing mechanism 81 here enables the signage main body 9 to oscillate, this number is merely an example.

[0055] The configuration and structure of the impact absorbing mechanism 81 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] The fixing rod portion 83 is a metal part and includes a main body portion 83a and a fixing rod 83b. The main body portion 83a has a fixing surface 83c that is attached to the columnar support portion 82, and a recess 83d that is formed by recessing the lower surface of the main body portion 83a and the fixing surface 83c. The fixing rod 83b is a thin rod with a circular cross section and is fixed to the main body portion 83a in a state that crosses the recess 83d (extending horizontally). When the main body portion 83a is fastened to the columnar support portion 82 with a bolt, the fixing rod 83b is immobile.

[0057] The rotating shaft member 84 is a rod-shaped metal part whose thickness varies from top to bottom, and has a fixed rod receiving portion 84a, an upper rotating shaft 84b, and a lower rotating shaft 84c. The fixed rod receiving portion 84a is a recessed portion that is inserted into a recess 83d of the main body portion 83a of the fixed rod portion 83 and engages with the fixed rod 83b, and has a first engaging portion 84a-1, a second engaging portion a-2, and a third engaging portion a-3.

[0058] The first engagement portion 84a-1 is shaped to engage with the fixed rod 83b at the lowest position of the recessed portion when the signage main body 9 is not swiveling (when the signage main body 9 is stationary and the rotating shaft member 84 is in its initial position without rotating). The third engagement portion a-3 is shaped to engage with the fixed rod 83b at the highest position of the recessed portion when the signage main body 9 is swiveling to the maximum extent (when the rotating shaft member 84 has rotated all the way). The second engagement portion a-2 between the first engagement portion 84a-1 and the third engagement portion a-3 is shaped to have an inclination such that the fixed rod receiving portion 84a slides upward relative to the fixed rod 83b from the lowest position to the highest position (see FIG. 25), or conversely, slides downward from the highest position to the lowest position (see FIG. 25).

[0059] The upper rotating shaft 84b is a cylindrical portion that continues below the fixed rod receiving portion 84a and is formed with a smaller diameter than the fixed rod receiving portion 84a. The coil spring 85 is inserted through the upper rotating shaft 84b. In other words, the coil spring 85 is arranged on the outside of the upper rotating shaft 84b. Note that, by forming the upper rotating shaft 84b with a smaller diameter than the fixed rod receiving portion 84a, part of the lower surface of the fixed rod receiving portion 84a functions as a surface that presses the coil spring 85.

[0060] The lower rotation shaft 84c is a columnar portion that continues below the upper rotation shaft 84b and is formed in a shape that allows it to move freely in the vertical direction relative to the impact absorbing mechanism installation portion 74 of the support member 71 (or support member 10). The lower rotation shaft 84c is formed to have a length that prevents it from falling off the impact absorbing mechanism installation portion 74 when the lower rotation shaft 84c moves in the vertical direction.

[0061] The coil spring 85 is a metal spring that generates a repulsive force that returns the signage main body 9 to its original position after it moves (swings) around the axis centered on the rotating shaft member 84. The upper end of the coil spring 85 is configured to receive pressure from the fixed rod receiving portion 84a. The lower end of the coil spring 85 is configured to be held by a cover-type spring holding portion 86.

[0062] The cover-type spring holder 86 is a cylindrical metal part that has a portion that holds the lower end of the coil spring 85 and a fixing surface 86a that is fixed to the columnar support 82. The cover-type spring holder 86 is fixed to the support member mounting portion 14 with screws (this fixing method is one example). When fixed to the support member mounting portion 14, the cover-type spring holder 86 compresses the coil spring 85 (note that Figures 22 to 24 show the state before the cover-type spring holder 86 is fixed to the support member mounting portion 14, and therefore the coil spring 85 is not compressed).

[0063] The rotary shaft end cover 87 is a metallic cover that covers the lower rotary shaft 84c of the rotary shaft member 84, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a fixing surface for the columnar support portion 82.

[0064] [Regarding the Operation of the Impact Absorbing Mechanism 81] In the configuration and structure of the impact absorbing mechanism 81 as described above, when the signage main body 9 is not oscillating (when the signage main body 9 is stationary and the rotating shaft member 84 is in its initial position without rotating), as shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 26, the coil spring 85 is not compressed, and when an external force is subsequently applied to the signage main body 9 and the signage main body 9 oscillates to the maximum extent (when the rotating shaft member 84 has rotated to the end), the rotating shaft member 84 moves downward due to engagement with the fixed rod 83b, compressing the coil spring 85. Compressing the coil spring 85 in this way generates a repulsive force, and when, for example, the external force is removed, the signage main body 9 returns to its original position.

[0065] 21 to 26 , the support member 71 (or support member 10) includes the impact absorbing mechanism 81, and therefore, even if an external force is applied to the signage main body 9, the signage main body 9 can be moved around a predetermined axis, thereby absorbing the impact. Furthermore, because the support member 71 (or support member 10) includes the impact absorbing mechanism 81, the signage main body 9 returns to its original position after movement around the axis, eliminating the need to adjust the position of the signage main body 9 after an external force is applied.

[0066] <Summary> Although one embodiment and other embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments.

[0067] In this embodiment, the column locking portion 16 of the support member 10 is the hook-shaped support member side locking portion 29, but this is not intended to be limiting. That is, instead of being locked into the slit (furniture side locking portion 8) of the fixture column 5 of the fixture 2, the locking structure may be such that it grips the fixture column 5 itself. Also, the structure may be such that it is fastened to the fixture column 5 by, for example, a bolt.

[0068] In this embodiment, the support member 10 is formed into an arm shape by combining a plurality of aluminum frames 20, but this is not limitative. For example, a metal plate may be processed into an arm shape.

[0069] The support member structure to which the present invention is applicable only needs to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. That is, (1) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is a support member (e.g., support member 10 in FIG. 1 or support member 71 in FIG. 19) used to install an external installation object (e.g., signage main body 9 in FIG. 1) on the outside front surface of a fixture (e.g., fixture 2 in FIG. 1), the support member including a pillar locking portion (e.g., pillar locking portion 16 in FIG. 2 or pillar locking portion 51 in FIGS. 13 to 16) that is detachably locked to a fixture pillar portion (e.g., fixture pillar portion 5 in FIG. 1) provided on the rear side of the fixture. According to the present invention, when installing an external installation object on the outside front surface of the fixture, the support member is configured to be detachably locked to the fixture pillar portion of the fixture, thereby reducing the space required for the fixture compared to conventional techniques.

[0070] Furthermore, (2) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (1), in which the column locking portion is formed with one or more hook-shaped support member-side locking portions (e.g., support member-side locking portion 29 in FIG. 2) that are inserted into and locked with a plurality of slit-shaped fixture-side locking portions (e.g., fixture-side locking portion 8 in FIG. 1) provided in the fixture column. According to the present invention, the fixture column of the fixture can be used as is without any processing. In other words, a versatile support member structure can be provided.

[0071] Furthermore, (3) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (2), in which the support member (e.g., support member 71 in FIG. 19) further includes an unlocking restriction portion (e.g., unlocking restriction portion 52 in FIG. 16) that is inserted into the fixture-side locking portion to restrict unlocking of the support member-side locking portion when the support member-side locking portion (e.g., support member-side locking portion 51b in FIG. 16) of the pillar locking portion (e.g., pillar locking portion 51 in FIGS. 13 to 16) is locked with the fixture-side locking portion (e.g., fixture-side locking portion 8 in FIG. 16). According to the present invention, unlocking of the support member-side locking portion can be restricted, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the installed state of the support member.

[0072] Furthermore, (4) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (2), in which the support member further includes one or more legs (e.g., legs 19 in FIG. 1) that are placed on the shelf of the fixture (e.g., shelf 4 in FIG. 1). According to the present invention, since the support member includes legs that are placed on the shelf of the fixture, the externally installed object can be supported in a more stable state.

[0073] Furthermore, (5) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (4), in which the legs are provided with connecting members (e.g., connecting member 28 in FIG. 2) that are connected to the shelf board. According to the present invention, since the legs are connected to the shelf board, the externally installed object can be supported in a more stable state.

[0074] Furthermore, (6) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (1), in which the support member further includes an extension mechanism (for example, extension mechanism 17 in FIG. 1) for moving the externally installed object closer to or farther away from the front of the fixture. According to the present invention, since the extension mechanism is included in the configuration, the installation position of the externally installed object can be adjusted.

[0075] Furthermore, (7) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (1), in which the support member further includes a movement mechanism (e.g., movement mechanism 18 in FIG. 1) for moving the externally installed object along the front surface of the fixture in the height direction of the fixture. According to the present invention, since the movement mechanism is included in the configuration, the installation position of the externally installed object can be adjusted.

[0076] Furthermore, (8) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (1), in which the support member (e.g., support member 71 in Fig. 19) has the pillar locking portion (e.g., pillar locking portion 51 in Figs. 13 to 16) provided on a support member body (e.g., support member bodies 72, 73 in Fig. 19) that constitutes the support member, and the support member body is formed to extend to match the width of the shelf board (e.g., shelf board 4 in Fig. 1) of the fixture (e.g., whether the shelf board in Fig. 19 is long or short). According to the present invention, the support member body can be varied depending on the width of the shelf board.

[0077] Furthermore, (9) a support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (1), wherein the support member further includes a columnar support portion (e.g., aluminum frame 20 extending in the height direction of the fixture, and columnar support portion 82 in FIGS. 21 and 22) having a columnar shape extending along the height direction of the fixture, and one or more impact absorbing mechanisms (e.g., impact absorbing mechanism 32 in FIG. 6 and impact absorbing mechanism 81 in FIGS. 21 to 26) having a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the columnar support portion and attached to the columnar support portion, wherein the impact absorbing mechanism is configured to, when an external force is applied to the externally installed object, move the externally installed object around an axis centered on the rotation axis and return it to its original position after the movement around the axis. According to the present invention, since the support member includes an impact absorbing mechanism, even if an external force is applied to the externally installed object, the externally installed object can be moved around a predetermined axis, thereby absorbing impact. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the device returns to its original position after movement around the axis, it is possible to eliminate the need to adjust the position of an externally installed object after an external force is applied.

[0078] Furthermore, (10) the support member structure to which the present invention is applicable is the support member structure described above in (9), in which the impact absorbing mechanism (e.g., impact absorbing mechanism 81 in FIGS. 21 to 26) has a configuration in which a force for returning the object to the original position is generated by a coil spring that expands and contracts in response to rotation of the rotation shaft. According to the present invention, the externally installed object can be returned to its original position by the repulsive force of the coil spring. According to the present invention, the externally installed object can be returned to its original position without a complex configuration or structure.

[0079] (11) A digital signage to which the present invention is applied (e.g., digital signage 3 in FIG. 1 ) is configured to include a support member having the support member structure described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and an external installation object installed on the outside of the front of the fixture by the support member, wherein the external installation object is a signage main body (e.g., signage main body 9 in FIG. 1 ) having a display unit (e.g., display unit 11 in FIG. 1 ) that displays a desired image. According to the present invention, when installing the signage main body on the outside of the front of the fixture, the support member has a structure that allows it to be detachably engaged with the fixture column of the fixture, so that a digital signage can be provided that enables a reduction in the space that must be secured in the fixture.

[0080] Furthermore, (12) the digital signage to which the present invention is applied is the digital signage described above in (11), in which a shock absorbing section (e.g., shock absorbing section 44 in FIG. 10, shock absorbing section 61 in FIGS. 17 and 18) is provided around a part or all of the periphery of the housing of the signage main body (e.g., housing 13 in FIG. 1). According to the present invention, since the shock absorbing section is included in the configuration, it is possible to absorb shock due to, for example, external contact.

[0081] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Digital signage system 2: Fixture 3: Digital signage 4: Shelf 5: Fixture column 6: Fixture back panel 7: Locking section 8: Fixture side locking section 9: Signage main body (external installation) 10: Support member 11: Display section 12: Speaker section 13: Housing 14: Support member mounting section 15: Support member main body 16: Pillar locking section 17: Telescopic mechanism section 18: Movement mechanism section 19: Leg section 20: Aluminum frame 21: Groove 22: Nut 23: Bolt 24: Connecting plate 25: Hole 26: Placement leg section 27: Connecting leg section 28: Joint member 29: Support member side locking section 30: End section 31: Arrow 32: Impact absorbing mechanism section 33: Hinge mechanism section 34: Cover 35: Spring hinge 36... Bent plate 37... Flat plate 38... Bolt 39... Nut 40... Tube 41... Blade 42... Pin 43... Spring 44... Impact absorbing portion 51... Pillar locking portion 51a... End portion 51b... Support member side locking portion 51c... Notch portion 52... Lock release restricting portion 61... Impact absorbing portion 61a... Opening 71... Support member 72, 73... Support member main body 74... Impact absorbing mechanism installation portion 81... Impact absorbing mechanism portion 82... Pillar-shaped support portion 83... Fixed rod portion 83a... Main body portion 83b... Fixed rod 83c... Fixed surface 83d... Recess 84... Rotating shaft member 84a... Fixed rod receiving portion 84a-1... First engaging portion 84a-2... Second engaging portion 84a-3... Third engaging portion 84b... Upper rotating shaft 84c: Lower rotating shaft 85: Coil spring 86: Cover-type spring holding portion 87: Rotating shaft end cover

Claims

1. A support member structure used for installing an external object on the outside of the front side of a fixture, the support member including a column locking portion that is detachably locked to a fixture column portion provided on the rear side of the fixture.

2. The support member structure described in claim 1, wherein the column engaging portion is formed with one or more hook-shaped support member side engaging portions which are inserted into and engaged with the fixture side engaging portions having slit-shaped portions provided in the fixture column portion.

3. The support member structure described in claim 2, wherein the support member further includes an engagement release regulating portion which is inserted into the fixture side engagement portion when the support member side engagement portion of the column engagement portion is engaged with the fixture side engagement portion to regulate the release of engagement of the support member side engagement portion.

4. The support member structure according to claim 2, wherein the support member further comprises one or more legs that are placed on a shelf of the fixture.

5. The support member structure according to claim 4, wherein the leg portion is provided with a joining member that is joined to the shelf board.

6. The support member structure described in claim 1, wherein the support member further includes an extension mechanism for moving the external object closer to or farther away from the front surface of the fixture.

7. A support member structure as described in claim 1, wherein the support member further includes a moving mechanism for moving the external installation object along the front surface of the fixture in the height direction of the fixture.

8. A support member structure as described in claim 1, wherein the pillar engaging portion is provided on a support member body constituting the support member, and the support member body is formed so as to extend in accordance with the width of the shelf board of the fixture.

9. The support member structure described in claim 1, further comprising: a column-shaped support portion extending along the height direction of the fixture; and one or more impact absorbing mechanism portions having a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the column-shaped support portion and attached to the column-shaped support portion, wherein the impact absorbing mechanism portions are configured to be capable of moving the external object around an axis centered on the rotation axis when an external force is applied to the external object and returning the external object to its original position after the movement around the axis.

10. A support member structure as described in claim 9, wherein the impact absorbing mechanism is configured to generate a force returning the rotating shaft to its original position by using a coil spring that expands and contracts as the rotating shaft rotates.

11. A digital signage comprising: a support member having a support member structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; and an external installation object that is installed outside the front surface of the fixture by the support member, wherein the external installation object is a signage main body having a display unit that displays a desired image.

12. The digital signage according to claim 11, wherein an impact absorbing section is provided around part or all of the periphery of the housing of the signage main body.