Patent ID: 6241121
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
An article storage device for an automatic vending machine, comprising:an article rack received within a body of said vending machine and having an article passage for storing a large number of articles placed one behind another in a horizontal row in a front-rear direction;a stopper arranged at a front end of said article passage in a manner movable between an engagement position in which said stopper faces said article passage, for stopping said articles, and a dispensing position in which said stopper is withdrawn from said article passage, for dispensing said articles;a pusher inserted into said article passage in a manner movable in said front-rear direction between an extreme forward position thereof and an extreme rearward position thereof, for urging said articles; anda drive mechanism having a speed reduction mechanism having a plurality of gears meshing with one another, one of said plurality of gears being connected to said pusher, and a helical tension spring attached to one of said plurality of gears in a manner urging said pusher forward via said speed reduction mechanism.