Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system that displays containers, and the like. Background Art

[0002] When being sold, for example, in a convenience store, containers, such as drink cans and PET bottles, filled with drink are placed to stand upright on a display device put, for example, in a display case. There, the display device as described above is arranged, for example, in a sloping state so that each container may move frontward in the display case due to its own weight. When one container at a front side (in the front row) is taken out, other containers following that container move toward the front side due to their own weight.

Here, for example, a plastic flat plate is provided, because of good sliding of containers, to a part on which the containers are placed in the display device. Meanwhile, a display device in which a large number of rotatable rollers are arranged has become available in recent years (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1). Additionally, although containers are supplied from a back side of a display device in general, there is proposed a display device allowing containers to be supplied from a front side, and allowing a container, which has moved backward, to move to the front side again so as to be displayed (for example, refer to Patent Literature 2). That is, there is proposed a display device in which a container supplied from a front side makes a U-turn and returns. Furthermore, with regard to a container, there has been proposed a can having inside concave portions and vertical ribs alternately formed, in a circumferential direction, in an inner circumferential wall of an annular convex portion formed on a bottom of the can (for example, refer to Patent Literature 3).

[0003] An outer face of a container is provided with a mark, such as a trade name or a trademark, for differentiating a product from other products. If this mark does not face a side from which a purchaser takes out the container, the purchaser finds it difficult to identify the product, and also the product does not look good when being displayed. For this reason, it is preferable that marks on displayed containers face a predetermined direction which is, for example, a front direction or the like.

[0004] As a conventional technique described in the official gazettes, there has been proposed a display method (for example, refer to Patent Literature 4) in which: on an upper face of a sloping shelf plate on which containers are placed, a rod- shaped guide ridge is provided to extend in a sloping direction of the shelf plate; on a bottom portion of each container, a concave fitting portion is provided to connect a position directly under a mark to a position directly under a face opposite to a face where the mark is attached; and the container is displayed by use of this guide ridge and this concave fitting portion. In this display method, plural containers are aligned in a front-back direction by having the concave fitting portions fit to the guide ridge with each of those containers put in such a position that the mark faces frontward. As a result, the containers are displayed with the marks facing frontward. Citation List

Patent Literature

[0005] PTL 1 : Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 11 - 155701 PTL 2: United States Patent No. 6,502,408

PTL 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2000-211624 PTL 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2006-288676 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0006] In Patent Literature 4 mentioned above, by performing display of the containers with the concave fitting portions being fit to the guide ridge, the marks are reliably caused to face frontward. In this invention, however, a supplier of the containers is required to fit the concave fitting portions to the guide ridge every time the supplier puts the container on a display device, and this makes displaying work of the containers troublesome. Additionally, in a case where the mark is formed on only one part of each of the containers, it is feared that there may occur a display failure where some of the containers are displayed with the marks facing backward. Additionally, in a store or the like, such as a convenience store, where a large number of drinks are sold, work of supplying the containers in a way to make the containers face the same direction is very extensive.

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide a display system and the like which allow containers to be displayed with marks thereon facing a predetermined direction even if the containers are placed with the marks facing random directions, when the containers are displayed so as to stand upright on the display device. Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to address the object, there is provided a display system according to the present invention, the display system including: a container marked at a specific portion of an outer face thereof; and a display device that displays the container. The display device includes: a placement unit on which the container is to be placed; a rotation unit that rotates the container placed on the placement unit; and a rotation stopping portion that stops rotation of the container rotated by the rotation unit, and the container includes an opposing portion that is opposed to the rotation stopping portion so as to stop the rotation at a position where the specific portion faces a predetermined direction.

[0009] Here, the rotation unit rotates the container by rotation of a part of the placement unit. Further, the rotation unit rotates the container by use of weight of the container. Furthermore, a plurality of the containers are placeable on the placement unit toward a taken-out portion for the container, and the display system further includes a separation unit that separates the container that is to be rotated by the rotation unit from another container adjacent to the container. Still furthermore, the rotation stopping portion is a protrusion portion that projects toward the container farther than a contact position between a lowest end portion of the container and the placement unit, the container has any one of a concave portion and a convex portion as the opposing portion, and any one of the concave portion and the convex portion provided for the container comes into contact with the protrusion portion, so that the rotation of the container is stopped at the position where the specific portion faces the predetermined direction.

[0010] The protrusion portion projecting toward the container farther than the contact position goes into a non-projecting state after the protrusion portion comes into contact with any one of the concave portion and the convex portion provided for the container. Further, the rotation stopping portion stops the rotation of the container by use of magnetic force. Furthermore, the placement unit includes a placement table that is rotatable and that the container is placed thereon, and a moving mechanism that moves the placement table toward a taken-out portion where the container is taken out, the rotation unit rotates the container by application of resistance force to the placement table that is moved toward the taken-out portion by the moving mechanism so as to rotate the placement table, and the rotation stopping portion stops the rotation of the container at the position where the specific portion faces the predetermined direction by being opposed to the opposing portion of the container rotated by the rotation unit.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to the present invention that displays a container marked at a specific portion of an outer face thereof. The display device includes: a placement unit on which the container is to be placed; a rotation unit that rotates the container placed on the placement unit; and a rotation stopping portion that stops rotation of the container rotated by the rotation unit. The rotation stopping portion is opposed to a predetermined portion of the container, and stops the rotation of the container at a position where the specific portion of the container faces a predetermined direction.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] It is possible to provide a display system and the like which allow containers to be displayed with marks thereon facing a predetermined direction even if the containers are placed with the marks facing random directions, when the containers are displayed so as to stand upright on the display device. Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] [fig. I]FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [fig.2]FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the placement unit of the display device. [fig.3]FIG. 3 is a view when one of the containers is seen from a bottom side thereof. [fig.4]FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the behavior of the display device and the containers.

[fig.5-l]FIG. 5-1 shows other configurations of the rotation table and the rotation mechanism.

[fig.5-2]FIG. 5-2 is a view for explaining the behavior of the rotation mechanism and the container.

[fig.6] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining other configurations of the display device. [fig.7]FIG. 7 is a view of a display device in the second exemplary embodiment, which is seen from the front side.

[fig.8]FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the behavior and the like of the display device and the container.

[fig.9]FIG. 9 is a view showing a display device in the third exemplary embodiment, [fig.1O]FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a container used for the display device, [fig.11]FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the behavior of the display device and the containers.

[fig.12] FIG. 12 is a view showing a modified example of the display device shown in FIG. 9.

Description of Embodiments

[0014] Best modes for carrying out the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

- First exemplary embodiment -

FIG. 1 (FIGs. IA and IB) is a view showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. IA, a display device 30 in the first exemplary embodiment includes: a placement unit 31 on which containers 20 with drink filled therein are placed; and guides 32 that form moving routes (transportation routes) of the containers 20, and that guide movement of the containers 20. The display device 30 also includes a regulation plate 34 that is formed transparently, that is arranged along one side of the placement unit 31 and that stops movement of the containers 20. Here, each of the guides 32 is fixed to the placement unit 31 by having both ends thereof inserted into openings 33 formed in the placement unit 31. Additionally, although a can shaped as a circular cylinder is illustrated as an example of each of the containers 20, a container made of resin such as a so-called PET bottle, a so-called bottle can having a cap, or the like may also be used.

[0015] The display device 30 is, as shown in FIG. IB, put inside a display case 10 installed in a convenience store, a super market or the like. This display case 10 includes: a case main body unit 1OA formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape; and doors 1OB provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to this case main body unit 1OA, which form a main part of the display case 10.

Here, the display device 30 is placed on a shelf (not shown in the figure) provided for the display case 10. On this occasion, the display device 30 is placed so that the side where the regulation plate 34 is provided may be located at the side where the doors 1OB are provided. Additionally, the display device 30 is placed so that the side where the regulation plate 34 is provided may be positioned at a lower level than a side opposite to the side where the regulation plate 34 is provided. That is, the display device 30 is arranged in a downward sloping state from a back side of the display case 10 toward a front side thereof (toward a taken-out portion) from which the containers 20 are taken out.

[0016] Here, the display case 10 in the first exemplary embodiment also has a door (not shown in the figure) provided on the back side thereof, whereby the back side becomes also openable. The containers 20 are supplied to the display device 30 from this back side (a supplying portion for the container 20). Then, the containers 20 move on the placement unit 31 toward the doors 1OB. That is, the containers 20 move toward purchasers who purchase the containers 20. Note that, in this description of the invention, the side where the doors 1OB are provided is sometimes referred to as a front side (frontward), whereas the side opposite to the doors 1OB is sometimes referred to as a back side (backward). Additionally, a width direction (a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the containers 20 move) of the display case 10 is sometimes referred to as a lateral direction, or as a width direction.

[0017] A detailed description will be given of the display device 30.

FIG. 2 (FIGs. 2A and 2B) is a view for explaining the placement unit 31 of the display device 30. FIG. 2A is a top view of the display device 30 on the front side, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the display device 30 on the front side.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a bottom plate 311 on which the containers 20 are placed is provided for the placement unit 31. Here, the bottom plate 311 is arranged so that the front side thereof may be lower than the back side thereof, that is, the bottom plate 311 is arranged in a downward sloping state toward the front side. Note that, plural cylindrical rollers, which are rotatable, may be provided for the bottom plate 311. Alternatively, plural ball-shaped rollers, which are rotatable, may be provided for the bottom plate 311. The bottom plate 311 may be formed of a plate member having a flat and smooth surface, such as an acrylic board.

Further, a rotation table 312 is provided for the placement unit 31. Here, the rotation table 312 is arranged in front of the bottom plate 311, and the container 20 having moved from the bottom plate 311 is placed on the rotation table 312. The rotation table 312 is formed into a disk shape, and is rotatable in a circumferential direction. As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, a part of the placement unit 31 is rotatable.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2B, a rotation mechanism 35 rotating the container 20 through the rotation table 312 is provided for the display device 30 in the first exemplary embodiment. Further, a separation mechanism 36 (an example of a separation unit) separating the container 20 rotated by the rotation mechanism 35 from another container 20 following (adjacent to) that container 20 is provided for the display device 30.

The rotation mechanism 35 functioning as a rotation unit includes a base board 351 that is arranged below the rotation table 312 and is formed into a disk shape, and coil springs 354 that are attached to the base board 351, that are arranged between the rotation table 312 and the base board 351, and that upwardly bias the rotation table 312. To the base board 351, first and second protrusions 352 and 353 that upwardly extend from the base board 351 and that are formed into a cylindrical shape are provided.

[0019] The rotation table 312 includes a first penetration hole 312a and a second penetration hole 312b that are provided so as to penetrate the rotation table 312 from one side face to the other side face (note that, in this description, such a penetration hole provided in the rotation table 312 may be simply referred to as "the penetration hole 312a" in some cases). The first penetration hole 312a and the second penetration hole 312b are formed into an arc along the circumferential direction of the rotation table 312 as shown in FIG. 2A. In the first exemplary embodiment, the first protrusion 352 is arranged inside the first penetration hole 312a, and the second protrusion 353 is arranged inside the second penetration hole 312b.

[0020] On the other hand, the base board 351 includes a penetration hole 35 Ia provided at the center thereof. The penetration hole 351a penetrates the base board 351 from one side face to the other side face. In addition, the base board 351 has a screw portion 351b formed into a spiral on an inner circumferential face of the penetration hole 351a.

For the rotation table 312, a shaft 312c is provided, and the shaft 312c downwardly extends from the center of the rotation table 312. On the outer circumferential face of the shaft 312c, a screw portion 312d formed into a spiral is provided. In the first exemplary embodiment, the shaft 312c of the rotation table 312 is arranged so as to penetrate the penetration hole 351a of the base board 351. In addition, the base board 351 and the rotation table 312 are arranged in a state where the screw portion 351b of the base board 351 and the screw portion 312d of the shaft 312c are engaged with each other.

[0021] The separation mechanism 36 includes a rod-shaped rotation member 362 that is rotatable (swingable) around a pin 361 arranged so as to penetrate the rotation member 362. The rotation member 362 is arranged so that one end portion thereof may be located under a protrusion 312e provided on the bottom face of the rotation table 312. In addition, the separation mechanism 36 includes an advancing and retracting member 363 that is advanceable and retractable in an up and down direction. Here, the advancing and retracting member 363 projects into the moving route of the container 20 (projects from the upper face of the bottom plate 311) when the separation mechanism 36 moves upward, while the advancing and retracting member 363 retracts from the moving route when the separation mechanism 36 moves downward. In the first exemplary embodiment, the advancing and retracting member 363 is provided above the rotation member 362, and the lower end portion of the advancing and retracting member 363 comes into contact with the other end portion of the rotation member 362.

[0022] Next, the containers 20 will be described.

FIG. 3 (FIGs. 3A to 3H) is a view when one of the containers 20 is seen from a bottom side thereof.

Each of the containers 20 in the first exemplary embodiment is formed into a cylinder, and, as shown in FIG. 3 A, includes an annular projecting portion 211 on a bottom portion 21. The annular projecting portion 211 annularly projects toward the outside. Additionally, on an inner side face of the annular projecting portion 211, the container 20 includes a first concave portion 212a and a second concave portion 212b formed through deformation of the container 20 (Note that, in this description of the invention, such a concave portion formed in the container 20 is sometimes referred to simply as a concave portion 212). Here, the first concave portion 212a and the second concave portion 212b are arranged in a mutually-opposed relationship. More specifically, the first concave portion 212a and the second concave portion 212b are arranged so that phases thereof may be shifted by 180 degrees in a circumferential direction of the container 20.

[0023] Furthermore, the container 20 has, in specific portions on a side portion 22 which is a part of an outer face thereof, a first identification mark 23a and a second identification mark 23b, each of which is a trade name, a trademark or the like, used for differ- entiating a product from other products (Note that, in this description, each of the first identification mark 23a and the second identification mark 23b is sometimes referred to simply as "an identification mark 23"). Here, the first identification mark 23a and the second identification mark 23b may be the same configuration, or different configurations. Note that the first identification mark 23 a and the second identification mark 23b are arranged so that phases thereof may be shifted by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the container 20.

[0024] A description will be given of relationships of the concave portions 212 with the identification marks 23. The first identification mark 23 a and the first concave portion 212a are arranged so that phases thereof may be shifted by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the container 20. Additionally, the second identification mark 23b and the second concave portion 212b are also arranged so that phases thereof may be shifted by 180 degrees. That is, while the first identification mark 23a and the first concave portion 212a are formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, the second identification mark 23b and the second concave portion 212b are also formed so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. In further description, the first identification mark 23a and the first concave portion 212a are arranged in positions different from each other, and the second identification mark 23b and the second concave portion 212b are also arranged in positions different from each other.

[0025] In further description, the first concave portion 212a is formed on a side opposite to a side on which the first identification mark 23a is provided, and the second concave portion 212b is formed on a side opposite to a side on which the second identification mark 23b is provided. Additionally, in the first exemplary embodiment, while the plural identification marks 23 such as the first identification mark 23 a and the second identification mark 23b are provided, the respective concave portions (the first concave portion 212a and the second concave portion 212b) are provided so as to correspond to these respective identification marks.

[0026] Note that, in the first exemplary embodiment, the identification mark 23 and the concave portion 212 are formed in a manner that, after one of them is formed, the other one is formed on the basis of a position at which the one is formed.

Here, although the container 20 formed as a can is exemplified in FIG. 3A, the configuration in which the concave portion 212 is formed is more suitable for resin-made containers such as a PET bottle. In a case of such a resin-made container, a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion 212 is previously formed on a mold, and then the concave portion 212 is formed, for example, in the process of blow molding. Thereafter, in a process of wrapping, around the container 20, a film (sticker) having the identification mark 23 thereon, alignment is performed, and the film having the identification mark 23 thereon is wrapped around the container 20 on the basis of a position at which the concave portion 212 is formed.

[0027] On the other hand, in a case where the container 20 is an aluminum can or the like, formation of the concave portion 212 is performed as follows. For example, in a case of a two-piece aluminum can, processing and the like are performed in this order: cup making; DI (draw and iron) press; washing; decoration; curing and drying; internal coating; curing and drying; necking process; and inspection. The concave portion 212 may be formed while this processing is performed. For example, the above-described annular projecting portion 211 and the concave portion 212 may be formed, for example, in the process of DI press. Additionally, the identification mark 23 may be formed, on the basis of a position at which the concave portion 212 is formed, through multi-color offset printing, for example, after the alignment is performed in the decoration process.

[0028] Incidentally, the decoration through multi-color offset printing or the like is normally performed at a rate almost as high as 2,000 cans per minute. For this reason, a situation may be assumed where the alignment on the basis of the concave portion 212 becomes difficult. For this reason, for example, in a process prior to the necking process, for example, positional detection of the identification mark 23 is performed by use of a sensor or the like while the container 20 is rotated. Then, the concave portion 212 may be formed on the container 20 by use of a mold or the like after the container 20 is stopped according to a result of this positional detection. Incidentally, the concave portion 212 may be formed with a mold, for example, by use of an existing technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2000-211624. Alternatively, the concave portion 212 may be formed, for example, by use of a molding machine for applying pressure to the container 20 from inside and outside thereof in a state where molds are disposed inside and outside the container 20.

[0029] Here, the concave portions 212 in each of the containers 20 may alternatively be provided on an outer side face of the annular projecting portion 211, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Alternatively, for example, a projecting portion 213 formed through deformation of the container 20 may be provided on the inner side face of the annular projecting portion 211 instead of the concave portions 212, as shown in FIG. 3C. Note that such a configuration is more suitable for a container, such as a PET bottle, having a large degree of freedom in molding processing.

Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the projecting portion 213 may be provided on the outer side face of the annular projecting portion 211. Incidentally, positions where the projecting portion 213 and the concave portion 212 are formed are not restricted to the side faces of the annular projecting portion 211, and may include a region surrounded by the annular projecting portion 211, and a region between the annular projecting portion 211 and the side portion 22 (refer to FIG. 3A) of the container 20.

[0030] Additionally, although the containers 20 each provided with the annular projecting portion 211 have been described above, the projecting portion 213 or the concave portion (not shown in the figure) may be provided on the bottom portion 21 not having the annular projecting portion 211, and being substantially flatly formed, as shown in FIG. 3D. Incidentally, FIG. 3D exemplifies a so-called three-piece can, and shows one of the containers 20 each obtained by seaming the bottom portion 21 formed as a member different from the side portion 22. Here, the projecting portion 213 or the concave portion (not shown in the figure) is formed on the bottom portion 21, and this bottom portion 21 is provided to the container 20 by being seamed to the side portion 22.

Furthermore, for example, in a case where it is difficult to perform molding processing on the containers 20, the projecting portion 213 may alternatively be formed not through deformation of each container 20 but through attachment of another member such as a resin piece, a metal piece, an adhesive, a sheet or a sticker, as shown in FIGs. 3E and 3F. Incidentally, while FIG. 3E shows an example where the projecting portions 213 are formed on an inner side of the annular projecting portion 211, FIG. 3F shows an example where the projecting portions 213 are formed on an outer side of the annular projecting portion 211.

[0031] Here, for example, formation of the projecting portion 213 with resin may be performed, for example, by welding the projecting portion 213 to each of the containers 20 by use of a device (for example, a thermal ejection gun) which fuses and ejects thermoplastic resin represented by epoxy-based resin or the like. Additionally, for example, positional detection of the identification mark 23 is performed, for example, by use of a sensor or the like while the container 20 is rotated. Then, after the container 20 is stopped according to a result of this positional detection, the resin is adhered (welded) to a predetermined position by use of the above device. These configurations lead to speedy formation of the projecting portion 213, and also result in simplification of processes of the formation. Note that, when being sold, the containers 20 may be subjected to warming or the like in some cases. For this reason, it is preferable that resin not melting at a temperature to which the containers 20 are warmed when being sold should be selected as the resin used for the projecting portion 213.

[0032] Further alternatively, as shown in FIGs. 3G and 3H, rising portions 214 rising from the bottom portion 21 are provided, for example, through application of an adhesive or through pasting of another member such as a sticker, to the bottom portion 21. Then, a part relatively concave with respect to these rising portions 214 may alternatively be set as the concave portion 212.

[0033] Incidentally, a material of the containers 20 is not particularly restricted as long as the material is resistant to alcoholic beverages such as beer, or soft drinks such as juice. For example, a metal such as aluminum or steel, resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), glass, or the like may be used.

Additionally, shapes and types of the containers 20 are also not particularly restricted. Examples of the containers 20 include so-called two-piece cans (DI cans), three-piece cans, PET bottles, glass bottles and cans with thread (so-called bottle cans).

[0034] Here, in a case where a resin material such as PET resin is used for the containers 20, it is preferable that the concave portion 212 or the projecting portion 213 should be formed concurrently in the process of forming each of the containers 20 through blow molding or the like. In such a case, there is no need of separately providing a process of forming the concave portion 212 or the like, and this leads to reduction in number of manufacturing processes of the container 20. Additionally in this case, separation of the projecting portion 213 from the container 20 may be prevented. Note that, obviously, the projecting portion 213 may alternatively be attached after the container 20 is formed.

In addition, in a case where the containers 20 are two-piece cans, the concave portion 212 or the projecting portion 213 may be formed concurrently in the process of forming the bottom portion 21. More specifically, in known processes of forming two- piece cans, the concave portion 212 or the projecting portion 213 may be formed together in a process of forming the bottom portion 21. Here, it is obvious that the concave portion 212 or the projecting portion 213 may alternatively be formed after the printing process ends.

[0035] Note that, a further description will be given of a provision method of the identification mark 23 to the container 20. In a case where the container 20 is a can, the identification mark 23 may be provided through coating or printing, as described above. On the other hand, in a case where the container 20 is a PET bottle or the like, the identification mark 23 may be provided in a manner that, after a film having the identification mark 23 is wrapped around the container 20 as described above, this film is thermally shrunk. That is, the identification mark 23 may be provided not only through coating or the like but also through separate attachment or the like of a film or the like.

Here, as a composition of the film subjected to thermal shrinkage, a composition normally used for a heat-shrinkable film may be employed. For example, a composition described in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2006-341568 may be used. Additionally, a production method of the film subjected to thermal shrinkage is not particularly restricted, and an existing production method may be employed. For example, a production method described in Japanese Patent Ap- plication Laid Open Publication No. 2006-341568 may be employed. Additionally, existing conditions may be applied as conditions on which the film is subjected to thermal shrinkage. Moreover, a condition for the thermal shrinkage of the film may be set to be a known condition, and, for example, the thermal shrinkage may be performed by steam treatment at 90 degrees centigrade.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of behavior of the display device 30 and the containers 20 in the first exemplary embodiment with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the behavior of the display device 30 and the containers 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the container 20 is placed on the rotation table 312, the rotation table 312 moves down by the weight of the container 20. In the first exemplary embodiment, the screw portion 351b (refer to FIG. 2B) is provided for the base board 351, and the screw portion 312d is also provided for the shaft 312c, as described above. By this configuration, the rotation table 312 moves down while rotating clockwise, for example. As a result, the container 20 placed on the rotation table 312 also moves down while rotating clockwise in the circumferential direction.

[0037] When the rotation table 312 moves down, the first and second protrusions 352 and 353 functioning as protrusion portions project from the upper face of the rotation table 312. That is, the first and second protrusions 352 and 353 project toward the container 20 farther than a contact position between the rotation table 312 and the lowest end portion of the container 20 placed thereon. Further, for example, the projecting first protrusion 352 enters the first concave portion 212a (refer to FIG. 3A) of the container 20, and the second protrusion 353 enters the second concave portion 212b of the container 20. More specifically, the first protrusion 352 is opposed to (comes into contact with) the first concave portion 212a, and the second protrusion 353 is opposed to (comes into contact with) the second concave portion 212b. Thereby, the rotation of the container 20 is stopped (restricted), and, as shown in FIG. 4, the second identification mark 23b faces the front side, for example. Note that, the first and second protrusions 352 and 353 in the first exemplary embodiment may be taken as a rotation stopping portion that stops the rotation of the container 20. Further, the first and second concave portions 212a and 212b may be taken as an opposing portion that is opposed to the rotation stopping portion. Here, in the first exemplary embodiment, an example has been described in which the container 20 having the first and second concave portions 212a and 212b is used. For example, when the container 20 having the projecting portion 213 (refer to FIG. 3E) is used, the first protrusion 352 and the projecting portion 213 bump into each other, for example, and then the rotation of the container 20 is stopped.

[0038] Note that, if the container 20 on the rotation table 312 is in contact with the following container 20, the rotation of the container 20 (on the rotation table 312) may be blocked by the following container 20, in some cases. Thus, the separation mechanism 36 is provided in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0039] When the rotation table 312 moves down in response to the placement of the container 20, the protrusion 312e of the rotation table 312 also moves down. Then, the protrusion 312e presses the one end portion of the rotation member 362. By this operation, the other end portion of the rotation member 362 moves up, the other end portion presses the advancing and retracting member 363, and thus the advancing and retracting member 363 projects into the moving route of the container 20. More specifically, the advancing and retracting member 363 projects from the upper face (surface) of the bottom plate 311. Accordingly, the annular projecting portion 211 of the following container 20 is pressed by the advancing and retracting member 363 at the outer side face, and the following container 20 moves to the back side of the display device 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the container 20 on the rotation table 312 is separated from the following container 20.

Note that, when the container 20 on the rotation table 312 is removed, the rotation table 312 moves up and the advancing and retracting member 363 is retracted from the moving route of the container 20 in conjunction with the upward movement of the rotation table 312. Then, the container 20 on the bottom plate 311 (new container 20) moves onto the rotation table 312.

[0040] In the first exemplary embodiment, even if the container 20 is placed on the placement unit 31, for example, in a state where the first identification mark 23a faces the back side, the first identification mark 23a is turned to the front side. Therefore, even if a supplier who supplies the containers 20 to the display device 30 does not perform any particular operations, the first identification marks 23a, for example, may be turned to the front side.

[0041] FIG. 5-1 (FIGs. 5-1A to 5-1B2) shows other configurations of the rotation table 312 and the rotation mechanism 35.

In the configuration shown in FIGs. 2 A and 2B, two protrusions such as the first and second protrusions 352 and 353 are provided for the base board 351, and two penetration holes (the first and second penetration holes 312a and 312b) are provided for the rotation table 312 so as to correspond to these protrusions. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5- IA, one protrusion and one penetration hole (first penetration hole 312a) may be provided.

Note that, when the two protrusions (first and second protrusions 352 and 353) are provided as described above and one identification mark 23 is provided on the container 20 (only one identification mark 23 is provided on the container 20), the container 20 may be stopped in the state where the identification mark 23 faces the back side in some cases. To avoid this, when the container 20 having one identification mark 23 is used, it is preferable that one concave portion 212 (not shown in FIGs. 5- IA to 5-1B2) should be provided for the container 20 while one protrusion (first protrusion 352) is provided, as shown in FIGs. 5- IA to 5-1B2.

The container 20 may not be set at a fixed position on the rotation table 312. To avoid this, it is preferable that the regulation plate 34 should be formed into an arc and that the position of the container 20 should be prevented from being misaligned, as described later. In particular, when only one identification mark 23 is provided, such a configuration may be more effective. Further, a combination of the container 20 for which the projecting portion 213 is simply provided (refer to FIG. 3E) and the arc- shaped regulation plate 34 may reduce the failure of the stop of the container 20, since this combination adequately works against the positional misalignment of the container 20.

[0042] Instead of the above, the rotation mechanism 35 may be configured as shown in FIGs. 5- IBl and 5-1B2. Note that, FIG. 5- IBl shows a top view, and FIG. 5-1B2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along with a line V-IBII - V-IBII in FIG. 5- IBl. In this configuration, one protrusion 355 that protrudes upward is provided for the base board 351, as shown in FIG. 5-1B2. In addition, the rotation mechanism 35 includes a placement member 356 that is placed on the rotation table 312.

[0043] Here, the placement member 356 is formed into a disk-like shape, as shown in FIG. 5- IBl. The placement member 356 includes a slit 356a that is formed from the center part to the outer edge part thereof, and that connects one side and the other side of the placement member 356. Further, the placement member 356 includes a window portion 356b that exposes the upper face of the rotation table 312. In this configuration, the protrusion 355 is arranged inside the slit 356a. Note that, in FIGs. 5- IBl and 5-1B2, illustration of the coil spring 354 and the like shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B is omitted.

[0044] Next, a description will be given of behavior of the rotation mechanism 35 and the container 20 with use of FIG. 5-2 (FIGs. 5-2Al to 5-2A3) (a view for explaining the behavior of the rotation mechanism 35 and the container 20). Here, the behavior in the case where the container 20 shown in FIG. 3E is used is described as an example. When the container 20 is placed on the rotation table 312, the rotation table 312 rotates while moving down by the weight of the container 20. More specifically, the rotation table 312 rotates counterclockwise as shown with an arrow in FIG. 5-2Al, for example. In response to the rotation, the rotation table 312 moves down. At this time, the container 20 also rotates counterclockwise since rotation force is applied to the container 20 by the rotation table 312 that is in contact with the container 20 through the window portion 356b.

[0045] To the placement member 356, rotation force is applied from the rotation table 312 as well as to the container 20, but the rotation is restricted by the protrusion 355 because the protrusion 355 is positioned inside the slit 356a. By this configuration, the placement member 356 moves down along with the rotation table 312, but the placement member 356 does not rotate.

Then, when the rotation table 312 and the placement member 356 move down by a predetermined amount, the protrusion 355 projects from the upper face of the placement member 356, as shown in FIG. 5-2A3. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5-2A2, the protrusion 355 and the projecting portion 213 come into contact with (bump into) each other and the rotation of the container 20 is stopped. As a result, similarly to the configuration shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B and the like, the identification mark 23 faces the front side. Note that, in the first exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the container 20 is stopped by having the first protrusion 352 (refer to FIGs. 2A and 2B) or the like enter the first concave portion 212a (refer to FIG. 3A) or the like, or by having the protrusion 355 and the projecting portion 213 come into contact with each other. Alternatively, the rotation of the container 20 may be stopped by using magnetic force, for example.

FIG. 6 (FIGs. 6Al to 6B) is a view for explaining other configurations of the display device 30. For example, a magnet 342 (in particular, a Nd-Fe-B based magnet is preferable since this magnet has a small size and strong power) is provided at a center part of the regulation plate 34 in a width direction as shown in FIG. 6Al, and another magnet 24 (in particular, a Nd-Fe-B based magnet is preferable since this magnet has a small size and strong power) is provided on the side portion 22 of the container 20, as shown in FIG. 6A2. The magnet 24 of the rotating container 20 placed on the rotation table 312 and the magnet 342 provided for the regulation plate 34 attract each other, and thus the rotation of the container 20 may be stopped. That is, the stop of the rotation of the container 20 may be made by use of magnetic force.

Note that, in the above description, an example has been given in which the magnets are provided on the placement unit 31 and each of the containers 20. However, a magnet may be provided for any one of them, and a metal attracted by this magnet may be provided for the other one of them, instead. If a metal is used, a metal piece (for example, a commercially available thin plate piece made of SUS 430 (with 0.1 mm thickness, for example)) may be attached. It is not restricted to a metal piece, and alternatively a coating may be applied with a coating material including a Fe -based magnetic powder, for example. In this case, it is preferable that a contained amount of the magnetic powder in the coating material should be increased as much as possible, and that a film thickness of the coating should be made to be thicker since an absolute amount of the magnetic powder is necessary. If the coating is difficult, film-shaped resin containing a magnetic powder may also be attached.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6B, the regulation plate 34 may be formed into an arc, and arranged along the circumferential edge of the rotation table 312. In addition, for example, ball-shaped (bearing-shaped) rotation members 343 may be provided at a part of the regulation plate 34 where the container 20 is to come into contact (that is, on an inner circumferential face of the regulation plate 34). In this case, the positioning of the container 20 may be performed more securely, and the rotation of the container 20 may be performed more smoothly. Note that, in FIG. 6B, two magnets 342 are arranged so as to be opposed to each other. In this configuration, the ball-shaped rotation members 343 are shown as an example, but rotatable roller members may be provided alternatively.

[0048] - Second exemplary embodiment -

Next, a description will be given of the second exemplary embodiment with use of FIGs. 7 to 8B3. FIG. 7 is a view of a display device 30 in the second exemplary embodiment, which is seen from the front side, and FIG. 8 (FIGs. 8A to 8B3) is a view for explaining the behavior and the like of the display device 30 and the container 20.

In the above-described first exemplary embodiment, the rotation table 312 is arranged on the front side of the placement unit 31, and the bottom plate 311 is arranged on the back side of the placement unit 31. On the other hand, in the second exemplary embodiment, the rotation table 312 is arranged on the back side of the placement unit 31, and the bottom plate 311 is arranged on the front side of the placement unit 31, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0049] The bottom plate 311 is arranged so that the front side thereof may be positioned lower than the back side thereof, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. That is, the bottom plate 311 is arranged in the downward sloping state toward the front side. The rotation table 312 is also arranged so that the front side thereof may be positioned lower than the back side thereof, that is, arranged in a downward sloping state toward the front side. Note that, rectangles shown with reference numerals 7A and 7B in FIG. 7 show sloping states of the rotation table 312 and the bottom plate 311, respectively.

[0050] Also in the second exemplary embodiment, a rotation mechanism 35 rotating the container 20 is provided as shown in FIG. 7. The rotation mechanism 35 in the second exemplary embodiment includes a disk-shaped base board 40, similarly to the above- described first exemplary embodiment. Further, the rotation mechanism 35 includes a motor M that rotates the shaft 312c provided for the rotation table 312 and a container detecting sensor S 1 that detects a placement of the container 20 on the rotation table 312. Furthermore, in the second exemplary embodiment, a rod-shaped protrusion 41 (another example of the protrusion portion) is provided for the rotation mechanism 35. The protrusion 41 projects upward from the base board 40, and is arranged so as to penetrate the penetration hole 312a of the rotation table 312. Here, the protrusion 41 is located on the back side of the rotation table 312 and the top end thereof slightly projects from the upper face of the rotation table 312. Note that, when the rotation table 312 moves up with half rotation, the protrusion 41 goes into a non-projecting state where the protrusion 41 does not project from the upper face of the rotation table 312. More specifically, a pitch of a screw portion (described later) formed on the inner circumferential face of a penetration hole 43 and a pitch of the screw portion 312d of the shaft 312c are set so that the protrusion 41 may go into the non-projecting state from the upper face of the rotation table 312 when the half rotation of the rotation table 312 is performed. [0051] The display device 30 in the second exemplary embodiment further includes a controller (not shown in the figure) that receives output from the container detecting sensor Sl and that controls the motor M. The controller includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM) (which are not shown in the figure). The CPU of the controller controls driving of the motor M while communicating data with the RAM as necessary in accordance with a program stored in the ROM.

Also in the second exemplary embodiment, the shaft 312c of the rotation table 312 is arranged so as to penetrate the penetration hole 43 of the base board 40, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. A spiral screw portion (not shown in the figure) formed on the inner circumferential face of the penetration hole 43 is engaged with the screw portion 312d of the shaft 312c. [0052] For the display device 30 in the second exemplary embodiment, the container 20 shown in FIG. 3E may be used, for example. That is, the container 20 may be used in which the projecting portion 213 (an example of a convex portion) is formed on the inner side of the annular projecting portion 211, as shown in FIG. 8 A. The container 20 is not restricted to the container 20 shown in FIG. 3E, and alternatively, the container 20 shown in FIG. 3A or the like may be used as a matter of course.

Next, a description will be given of behavior of the rotation table 312 and the container 20 by use of FIGs. 8Bl to 8B3.

First, when the container 20 is placed on the rotation table 312 and is detected by the container detecting sensor Sl, the controller (not shown in the figure) drives the motor M. By this operation, the rotation table 312 moves up while rotating counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 8Bl. Along with the rotation of the rotation table 312, the container 20 also rotates counterclockwise. Thereafter, the projecting portion 213 of the container 20 and the protrusion 41 come into contact with (are opposed to) each other as shown in FIG. 8B2, and the rotation of the container 20 is stopped. Note that, when the rotation of the container 20 is stopped, the container 20 goes into a state where the identification mark 23 faces the front side, as shown in FIG. 8B2. Note that, the protrusion 41 may be taken as the rotation stopping portion that stops the rotation of the container 20. The projecting portion 213 may be taken as the opposing portion that is opposed to the protrusion 41.

[0053] When the rotation table 312 further moves up, the top end of the protrusion 41 is located so as to be lower than the upper face of the rotation table 312. That is, the protrusion 41 goes into the non-projecting state with respect to the rotation table 312. As a result, contact between the protrusion 41 and the annular projecting portion 211 is released (the protrusion 41 and the annular projecting portion 211 go into a non- contact state), and the container 20 starts moving to the front side (refer to FIG. 8B3). Thereby, the container 20 is displayed on the front portion of the display device 30 in the state where the identification mark 23 faces the front side.

[0054] - Third exemplary embodiment -

A description will be given of the third exemplary embodiment with use of FIGs. 9A to 11.

FIG. 9 (FIGs. 9A and 9B)is a view showing a display device 30 in the third exemplary embodiment. Here, FIG. 9A is a side view of the display device 30, and FIG. 9B is a top view of the display device 30. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a container 20 used for the display device 30 in the third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the behavior of the display device 30 and the containers 20.

[0055] As shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B, the placement unit 31 of the display device 30 in the third exemplary embodiment includes a belt member 61 that is formed into an endless shape and is circularly movable, and a first stretching roll 62 and a second stretching roll 63 that are arranged inside the belt member 61 and apply tension to the belt member 61 from the inside thereof. Further, the placement unit 31 includes plural first tables 66 attached on the surface of the belt member 61. Note that, the first tables 66 are attached thereto in an unrotatable state with respect to the belt member 61. The belt member 61, the first stretching roll 62 and the second stretching roll 63 may be taken as a moving mechanism that moves a second table 67 (described below) toward the front side where the taken-out portion for the containers 20 is located.

[0056] Furthermore, the placement unit 31 includes the second tables 67 (an example of a placement table) on the first tables 66. The second tables 67 are relatively rotatable with respect to the corresponding first tables 66. In addition, the placement unit 31 includes magnets 68 (another example of the rotation stopping portion) that upwardly projects (toward a placement position of the container 20) on the respective first tables 66. Moreover, for the placement unit 31, a contact member 69 that is arranged along a front-back direction, that is arranged so as to be in contact with the side face of each of the second tables 67, and that rotates the second tables 67 by applying resistance force to the second tables 67 is provided.

[0057] On the other hand, the container 20 in the third exemplary embodiment includes a magnet 24 (another example of the opposing portion) at the side portion 22, as shown in FIG. 10. Further, the container 20 has the identification mark 23 on the side portion 22. Here, the magnet 24 and the identification mark 23 are arranged so that phases thereof may be shifted by 90 degrees centigrade in a circumferential direction of the container 20. In the third exemplary embodiment, an example has been described in which the magnets are provided to the display device 30 and each of the containers 20. However, one magnet may be provided for any one of them, and a metal attracted by this magnet may be provided for the other one of them, instead. If a metal is used, a metal piece may be attached, and alternatively a coating material including, for example, a Fe-based material may be applied. Instead, a resin film containing a magnetic powder may also be attached.

[0058] A description will be given of behavior of the display device 30 and the containers 20 with use of FIG. 11.

When the container 20 is placed on the second table 67, the weight of the container 20 is transmitted to the belt member 61 through the second table 67 and the first table 66, and circular movement of the belt member 61 is started. Accordingly, the first table 66 and the second table 67 where the container 20 is placed start moving to the front side.

Note that, the contact member 69 is arranged so as to be in contact with the side face of the second table 67, as described above. Thus, the resistance force is applied to one side of the second table 67 from the contact member 69, and the second table 67 rotates clockwise when moving to the front side. Then, when the second table 67 rotates, the container 20 also rotates (refer to reference numeral 13A). Here, the contact member 69 may be taken as the rotation unit that rotates the container 20.

[0059] When the magnet 24 of the container 20 and the magnet 68 provided for the first table 66 attract (is opposed to) each other, the rotation of the container 20 is stopped (refer to reference numeral 13B). When the rotation of the container 20 is stopped, the container 20 goes into the state where the identification mark 23 faces the front side. Note that, in the third exemplary embodiment, when the magnet 24 of the container 20 and the magnet 68 provided for the first table 66 attract each other, more specifically, when the rotation of the second table 67 is restricted by the container 20 that has been stopped rotating, slip between the second table 67 and the contact member 69 occurs. By this configuration, the container 20 that has been stopped rotating moves to the front side without rotation since then. That is, the container 20 moves to the front side in the state where the identification mark 23 faces the front side. [0060] FIG. 12 (FIGs. 12A and 12B) is a view showing a modified example of the display device 30 shown in FIG. 9.

In the display device 30 shown in FIGs. 9 A and 9B, the belt member 61 is provided below the first tables 66, and the first tables 66 are fixed to the belt member 61. In this modified example, circular movable belt members are provided on respective sides of the moving route of the containers 20. In other words, two circular- movable belt members are provided. Here, the first tables 66 are attached to both of the two belt members.

[0061] More specifically, in the modified example, a first belt member 71 is provided on one side of the moving route of the containers 20, and a second belt member 72 is provided on the other side of the moving route, as shown in FIG. 12A. Both of the first and second belt members 71 and 72 are formed into an endless shape, and are circularly movable. In addition, in the modified example, two stretching rolls 73 that are arranged inside the first belt member 71 and that apply tension to the first belt member 71 from inside thereof are provided, as shown in FIG. 12B. In addition, two stretching rolls that are arranged inside the second belt member 72 and that apply tension to the second belt member 72 are also provided, but the illustration thereof is omitted here.

[0062] Further, in the modified example, rod-shaped connecting members 74 that connect the respective first tables 66 to the first belt member 71 and the second belt member 72 are provided, as shown in FIG. 12A. Note that, each of the connecting members 74 connects corresponding one of the first tables 66 and the first belt member 71 and the like so that the rotation of the first table 66 may be performed around a line passing through each of the connecting members 74 as an axial center. Further, in the modified example, a supporting plate 75 is provided as shown in FIG. 12B. The supporting plate 75 supports the first tables 66 when the containers 20 are placed on the second tables 67 and the first tables 66 move downward. Furthermore, cover members 76 that cover the first and second belt members 71 and 72 are provided as shown in FIG. 12A. Still furthermore, in the modified example, a sloping plate 80 is provided on the front side of the display device 30. The containers 20 from the second tables 67 are placed on the sloping plate 80, and the sloping plate 80 causes the containers 20 to slide to the front side. Here, the sloping plate 80 is located lower than the second table 67 that is located on the front side. Note that, the sloping plate 80 may be formed of an acrylic board having a flat and smooth surface for example, or plural roll members that are rotatable may be provided for the sloping plate 80.

[0063] When the container 20 is placed on the display device 30 in the modified example, similar behavior to the above-described one is performed. That is, when the container 20 is placed on the second table 67, the weight of the container 20 is transmitted to the first belt member 71 and the second belt member 72 through the second table 67, the first table 66 and the connecting member 74. Then, the circular movement of the first belt member 71 and the second belt member 72 is started. Accordingly, the first table 66 and the second table 67 on which the container 20 is placed start moving to the front side. Further, the rotation of the second table 67 is started, and the rotation of the container 20 is also started. Thereafter, when the magnet 24 (refer to FIG. 10) of the container 20 and the magnet 68 provided for the first table 66 attract (are opposed to) each other, the rotation of the container 20 is stopped. When the rotation of the container 20 is stopped, the identification mark 23 (refer to FIG. 10) of the container 20 faces the front side. Then, when the first belt member 71 and the like move downward so as to wind around the stretching roll 73 on the front side, the second table 67 goes into a sloping state in accordance with the movement of the first belt member 71. Specifically, in the sloping state, the front side thereof is lower than the back side thereof. Thereby, the container 20 slips out of the second table 67 and is placed on the sloping plate 80. After that, the container 20 moves toward the front side on the sloping plate 80.

[0064] In the modified example, the weight balance between the first table 66, the second table 67, and the magnet 68 is adjusted, and thus the first table 66 is always set to be positioned lower than the second table 67. By this configuration, when the placement of the container 20 is terminated and the first table 66 and the like go back to the back side, the second table 67 and the like go into the sloping state as described above. However, even in this state, the first table 66 is positioned lower than the second table 67. As a result, the magnet 68 goes into a state where the magnet 68 does not project toward the lower side of the display device 30, more specifically, where the magnet 68 projects toward the upper side thereof. In this case, the dimension of the display device 30 in a height direction (thickness direction) is reduced in comparison with the configuration shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B. Reference Signs List

[0065] 20 container 24 magnet

30 display device

31 placement unit

35 rotation mechanism

36 separation mechanism 41 protrusion

61 belt member

62 first stretching roll

63 second stretching roll second table magnet contact member a first concave portionb second concave portion projecting portion first protrusion second protrusion