PURPOSE: To obtain an article selecting and taking out method which is suitable for an automatic vending machine, etc., where the structure and operation of the take-out mechanism of articles from an article storage shelf is simple, safe and precise.

CONSTITUTION: An article tray 13 is arranged on an article storage shelf 11 by being inclined. A stopper 13a for articles and a guide piece 13b are provided on the tip and the both sides of this article tray 13, respectively. An article take-out mechanism which is possible to move in the longitudinal and lateral direction is provided opposing to the article tray 13 of the article storage shelf 11. This article take-out mechanism is provided with a selected article tray 14 to be the tray for a taken-out article 12a and a solenoid 15 connected with this tray 14. When a desired article 12a is selected and taken out, if the article take-out mechanism is confronted with a desired article 12a by moving the article take-out mechanism in the longitudinal and lateral direction, the article tray 13 is pushed up at first by pressing the solenoid 15, the article 12a moves to the selection article tray 14 beyond the stopper 13a, it is guided by a guide piece 14b, it is stopped by a stopper 14a and it is taken out.