FR2693022A1 - Turntable. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a turntable for storing a plurality of disks (2) of diameter D, each having at its center a pinched area of diameter d, and for carrying a desired disk (2) from a door. -discs (18) to a disc receiver (3), position it on the disc receiver (3), hold it between a turntable (48) and a clamp (42), and rotate it by means of the turntable (48) in order to optically reproduce information recorded on the disc. The record player is characterized in that the transport of the desired record (2) from the record holder (18) to the record receiver (3) is carried out by guiding the desired record (2), on its outer peripheral edge. , along a straight guide (7, 21), and that the transport distance L of the desired disc (2) is at least equal to half of (D + d) but is less than D.

Description

1 2693022

The present invention relates to a small

disc which can store at the same time as means of recordings, several compact discs (which one

will simply call disks here).

Such multi-disc turntables are becoming more and more popular Each of these turntables can store multiple discs simultaneously Whichever of the discs is desired can be selected and transported to a playing position The disc thus transported is held between a platter spinner and a clamp and it is then rotated by the turntable, so that information recorded on the disc can

be reproduced optically.

In the present field of art, the way in which the dimensions of a record player might be

reduced is now an important consideration.

Since one of the stored discs in the series is transported to a playback position and the information recorded on the disc is reproduced there, it was considered necessary to separate one from the other in a turntable. a disc storage area and a disc reproduction area and give each of the areas sufficient area to accommodate the disc It has thus been considered heretofore that it was impossible to shorten the transport distance of the disc unless of a diameter of the record in top view or, in other words, to make equal to or less than twice the diameter of the record the dimension of the turntable in the direction

disc transport.

Taking into account the foregoing, the main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a record player capable of storing several records at the same time in a record holder, of transporting

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one of the discs to a playing position and to hold the disc between a turntable and a clamp, and then optically reproduce information recorded on the disc by rotating the disc by the turntable, in which the transport distance of disc is shorter than the diameter of each disc to allow

reduction of the overall size of the turntable.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is therefore produced a record player intended to store several discs of diameter D, each comprising at its center a pinched zone of diameter d, arranged in a direct and coaxial manner in a door. -discs at predetermined intervals along an imaginary common axis,

transport a desired disc from the holder

discs in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary common axis, position the desired disc on a disc receiver of a disc reproduction system, hold the desired disc between a turntable and a clamp, and rotate the desired disc by means of the turntable in order to optically reproduce information recorded on the desired disc, characterized in that

transport of the desired disc from the holder

discs to the disc receiver is carried out by guiding the desired disc, on its outer peripheral edge, along a straight guide, and the desired disc transport distance L, between the disc holder and the disc receiver, in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary common axis is at least equal to one half of (D + d) but is less than D. Advantageously, the record holder is inseparably mounted on a main frame of the record player but is movable in the direction of the common imaginary axis, the clamp is held in a standby position at a position remote from the disc reproduction system, the turntable and an optical head are movably disposed along the line. 'common imaginary axis in a direction in which they approach or move away from a recording medium surface of the desired disc placed on the disc receiver, and the disc receiver is movable in a direction perpendicular to the d irection of the imaginary common axis to a disc replacement position other than the disc holder position or the

disc reproduction system.

Preferably, the disc holder is mounted so

detachable on a turntable main frame.

It is then possible that the disc holder is stationary in the direction of the imaginary common axis, but that the gripper, the turntable and the optical head are movable according to the axial position of the

desired disc in the disc holder (18).

In the case of the preferred solution described above, it is also possible that the main frame is provided with a mechanism intended to allow movements of the main frame along the imaginary common axis, and that the disc carrier is mounted. detachable

on the mechanism.

According to the present invention, the transport distance of the desired disc from the disc holder to the disc receiver is shortened to a value within a range such that the retention of the desired disc between the turntable and the clamp is not. This is because the transport distance L of the desired disc is made at least equal to half of (D + d) but less than D, so that the information of the desired disc positioned at a disc reproduction location, can be reproduced in a state where the record still covers the remaining records of the record holder It is therefore possible to significantly reduce the size of the entire record player in the direction of transport

disk.

The storage of the disc in the disc holder can be carried out directly without the need to provide trays, which makes possible a considerable reduction in the size of the disc holder in the direction of the imaginary common axis This means that it is possible to reduce the distance of each movement of the disc holder in the direction of the imaginary common axis, said movement being necessary for the choice of the desired disc in the series The disc holder can therefore be reduced in size and weight, which simplifies a mechanism that is used to move the disc holder in the

direction of the common imaginary axis.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention as well as others will emerge.

best of the following description of three of its modes

preferred embodiments and appended claims,

taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: FIG 1 is a top view showing the overall structure of a record player according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

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FIG 2 is a perspective view of a disc receiver and a slider according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a disc holder and its peripheral elements according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the disc holder and its peripheral elements according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing transport distances of a disc between the disc holder and the disc receiver, respectively; FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are plan views of the slider according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 6 (c) and 6 (d) are fragmentary cross-sectional views of the slider; FIG 7 is a plan view illustrating the overall structures of a reproduction system and a drive mechanism according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are partial cross-sectional side views showing the relationship between the reproduction system and an elevator cam according to the first embodiment; FIG 9 is a perspective view of the elevator cam of the reproduction system according to the first embodiment; FIG 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the drive mechanism according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (d) schematically show the relationship between the

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disc and the slide according to the first embodiment; FIG 12 is a plan view showing the overall structure of the turntable according to the first embodiment; FIG 13 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a turntable according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a record holder and its peripheral elements in a record player according to a

third embodiment of the present invention.

Making the disc transport distance at least one-half of (D + d) but less than D means that the desired disc located in its disc reproduction position and the remaining discs in the disc holder overlap each other. one another, in top plan view, but that at least the pinched area of the desired disc located at the disc reproduction position does not cover the remaining discs of the disc holder Since the desired disc is held in its area pinch between the turntable and the clamp at the record playing position, it is necessary to avoid overlapping between the pinched area of the desired record and the remaining records in the record holder.However, it is not necessary to transport the desired record over a distance such that the desired disc is separated from the discs

remaining in the disc holder.

even when the desired disc located at the disc reproduction location and the remaining discs located in the disc holder overlap each other, in top plan view, no problem or inconvenience results in the rotation of

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desired disc by the turntable as long as the pinched area of the desired disc does not cover the remaining discs and does not contact any of the remaining discs in the direction of the imaginary common axis Since an area of the desired disc, in which the information is recorded, is only partially superimposed with the remaining discs that, the optical reproduction of the information can be carried out without any problem by using an uncovered part of the area o the information is recorded. A reproduction of the information of the desired disc in a position where there is still an overlap of the remaining discs stored in the disc holder, as described above, makes it possible to limit the transport distance of each disc to a value less than the diameter. of the disc and therefore of

significantly reduce the overall dimension of the turntable

disk. Now, with reference first to FIGS. 1 to 12, the record player according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a record player is provided.

inseparable from a turntable main frame.

In FIG 1, the main frame is designated by numeral 1 On a left side of an upper wall of the main frame 1, a disk receiver 3 for holding a disk in a prescribed position in a disk reproducing member is movably mounted between the disc reproducing member and a predetermined extended position indicated by the phantom lines in the figure As shown in FIG 2, the disc receiver 3 is provided with a mount 4, on which the disc 2 is mounted, and an elongated guide rail 5 extending over

one side of the frame 4.

On an upper surface of the disc receiver, an outer linear guide face 7, with which an outer periphery of each disc 2 is brought into contact, is formed at a position on a side opposite to the guide rail 5 as shown in Fig. FIG 2 On the mount 4 of the disc receiver 3, an arcuate wall 8 surrounding about one-third of an outer periphery of a so-called disc 2 with a diameter of 12 cm is continuously formed with the linear guide outer face 7 Inside the arched wall 8, a circular cavity 9 in which is mounted a so-called disc with a diameter of 8 cm is formed coaxially with the arched wall 8 to a depth greater than the arched wall 8 An inner bottom wall of the circular cavity 9 is formed slightly higher only at a peripheral part thereof so that when the so-called 8 cm disc is mounted therein, an area recorded information on the lower part of the disc can be protected The inner lower wall opens substantially from a central part of the circular cavity 9 towards the guide rail 5 so

that an opening 10 is formed.

Inside the arched wall 8, a rectangular recess is formed on an antipodal side of the opening 10 The 8 cm diameter disc placed in the circular cavity 9 can therefore be easily removed by inserting fingers into the disc. rectangular recess 11 and opening 10, respectively A rounded recess 12, extending outwardly from the arcuate wall 8, is provided in the frame 4 This rounded recess 12 is also a part

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finger insert which facilitates the removal of the 12 cm diameter disc 2 mounted inside the

the arched wall 8.

A cutout portion 14 is formed between one end of the arcuate wall 8 and the guide rail 5. In an end portion of the arcuate wall 8, a recess 15 is formed in continuation with the portion.

cut 14.

The guide rail 5 is made to a length approximately equal to twice the depth of the frame 4 A slot 16 which is formed longitudinally in a bottom wall of the guide rail 5 is fitted over a guide rib (not shown) of the main frame 1 Therefore, the disk receiver 3 is linearly movable in

a horizontal direction as shown in FIG 1.

In addition, a rack 17 is integrally formed on a lower part of an outer side wall of the guide rail 5 from an approximately central part of the guide rail 5 to an end part, on the right side, of the

guidance 5.

A disc holder 18 is movably mounted up and down on a side located on the right side of the top wall of the main frame 1 and separately holds, as shown in FIG 3, a series of discs 2 at vertical intervals. predetermined forming a series of as many heights as there are discs Inside the disc holder 18, shelves 19 on which the discs 2 are individually placed are integrally formed at predetermined vertical intervals. the embodiment shown, each disc 2 stored in the disc holder 18 must be what is called a 12 cm disc, that is to say a disc whose

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outer diameter D is 120 mm and whose diameter

pinch area d is 33 mm (see FIG 5).

The positional relationship between the disc holder 18 and the disc receiver 3 is determined as described below Their positional relation is determined in such a way that the distance L, in plan view, between the center of each disc 2 mounted on the corresponding shelf 19 of the disc holder 18 and the center of the desired disc 2 placed on the mount 4 of the disc receiver 3 is at least equal to 1/2 of (D + d) but is less than D FIG 5 (a) illustrates the positional relationship in which the distance L = (D + d) / 2, while FIG. (b) represents the positional relation in which the distance L = D The purpose of determining the distance L at least equal to (D + d) / 2 is to avoid any overlap of the pinched zone of the desired disc, placed at the disk reproducing element, with one

any of the discs stored in the

discs in order to hold the desired disc between the turntable and the clamp On the other hand, the distance L is defined less than D because any distance L greater than D is contrary to the main aim of the present invention according to which the overall dimensions of the turntable can be reduced.In the illustrated embodiment, the distance L is determined to be slightly greater than (D

+ d) / 2, as is immediately apparent from FIG 1.

On the inner wall of the disc holder 18, inner guide faces 21 are formed between the respective shelves 19 and between the top plate and the top shelf 19, respectively As shown in FIG 1, the inner guide faces 21 are formed. located on the same straight line as the outer guide face 7 formed on the il 2693022 disc receiver 3 In the disc holder 18, the shape and dimensions of the top plate 20 are the same as those of the individual shelves 19 On the side of the disc reproducing member, their shape is such that they extend, in plan view, along the outline of the desired disc 2 placed on the

disc receiver mount 4 3.

Incidentally, a possible accidental release of the disc 2 from the disc holder 18 can be prevented without risk of failure provided that the spaces between the individual shelves 19 and that between the top plate 20 and the top shelf 19 are somewhat smaller. at their rear ends in order to lightly retain the discs at their edges If the top surface of each shelf 19 is tilted slightly downward from the side of the corresponding inner guide face 21 towards the slider 29 and also from the rear end from the disc holder 18 to the side of the disc reproducing element, the area o is recorded the information, located on the lower side

of each disc 2, can be held slightly above

above the upper surface of the corresponding shelf 19, so that the area o is

recorded information can be protected.

The disc holder 18 is closed by the inner guide faces 21 and by an arcuate wall face 22 which is arranged in continuation with the inner guide faces 21 and whose profile is complementary to the contour of the disc 2 of 12 cm, on the side opposite to the disc reproducing member and also on the side opposite to the guide rail. The disc holder 18, however, is open all the way.

track on the side of the disc reproducing element.

On the side of the guide rail 5, the disc holder 18 is also open from a point which is located at least on a side opposite to the disc reproducing member with respect to a reference line A passing through. the center of each stored disc 2 at a right angle to the inner guide face 21 as shown in FIG 1, on the side of

the disc reproducing element.

The discs 2 are therefore mounted on the individual shelves 19 in a condition that they are substantially exposed to the outside of the disc holder 18 along the edge portions of the disc holder 18, the first edge portion being on the top. side of the disc reproducing element and the second on the side of the guide rail 5 The exposure of each disc 2 specially on the side of the guide rail 5 has for

purpose of facilitating the transport of the disc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an internally threaded bush 23 is disposed in a corner portion of the disc holder 18, said corner portion being located outside the arcuate wall face 22. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. FIG 3, a worm shaft 26, equipped with a belt pulley 25 at its lower end portion is rotatably supported on a subframe 24 which is disposed below the main frame 1 leaving a distance The worm shaft 26 is kept in meshed contact with the internally threaded sleeve 23 so that the disc holder 18 can be raised or lowered by

rotation of the worm shaft 26.

As illustrated in FIG 2, guide slots 28 are formed in the two side walls, inner and outer, of an upper part of the guide rail 5 of the disc receiver 3 over the entire length of the guide rail 5. 29 is

movably fitted in the guide slots 28.

These guide slots 28 and the slider 29 constitute a disk transport mechanism which transports each disk 2 between the disk reproducing member and the disk holder 18. The slider 29 is provided with a straight length of teeth, that is, that is to say a rack 30, on a lower part of one of its outer side walls The rack 30 extends over the entire length of the slide 29 An upper plate 31 of the slide 29 extends inwardly of the disc holder 3 An inner edge portion of the top plate 31 is of a concave arcuate shape corresponding to the contour of each disc 2 as shown in FIGS 2, 6 (a) and 6 (b), and a loading tab 32 and an unloading tab 33 are provided on an end of the right side and an end of the left side of the concave arcuate edge portion, respectively, for

push each disc 2 to its outer periphery.

As the slider 29 moves along the guide slots 28, the disc 2 is pushed on its outer periphery by the tab 32 or 33 of the slider 29 in a direction parallel to the inner and outer guide faces 21, 7 so that the disc 2 is transported linearly between the mount 4 of the disc receiver 3 and the shelf 19 of the disc holder 18, the shelf 19 being at a desired height, the outer peripheral part of the disc 2 being kept in contact with the discs. inner faces

and outer guide 21, 7.

On the lower side of the upper plate 31 are arranged rotatably picking fingers 34, 35, as shown in FIGS 6 (a) and 6 (b), the free ends of which are thin like knives. These picking fingers 34 , 35 are

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arranged so as to slightly elevate the disc 2 from the upper surface of the corresponding shelf 19 of the disc holder 18 by inserting their free knife-like ends as wedges below the underside of the disc 2 The picking fingers 34, 35 are normally biased by springs (not shown) in a direction turned in such a way that their free ends extend outwardly from the concave arcuate edge portion of the top plate 31 When the slider 29 is at an end position on the side of the disc holder 18, however, the pick-up fingers 34, 35 are in contact, as shown in FIG 6 (b), with their associated tabs 36, 37 provided on the pick-up rail. guide 5 of the disc receiver 3 so that the picking fingers 34, 35 are turned against their corresponding springs so as to be hidden on the side of the underside of the upper plate 31 The picking fingers 34, 35 therefore do not interfere with

vertical movements of the disc holder 18.

A pair of pantograph mechanisms 38, 38, which constitute a disc holder lifting mechanism are arranged between the subframe 24 and outer side walls of the disc holder 18 as shown in FIG 4 Each pantograph mechanism 38 is provided. by connecting a pair of link members 39, 40 pivotably relative to each other at their central parts, by means of an arm crossing pivot pin 41, by pivotably connecting first ends of the link members connection 39, 40 to the corresponding outer side wall of the disc holder 18 and the sub-frame 24, respectively, and by connecting the other ends of the links 39, 40 to the sub-frame 24 and to

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the corresponding outer side wall of the door

18 discs in such a way as the others

ends are movable horizontally.

Further, a clamp holder 43 which supports a clamp 42 is fixed to the main frame 1 as indicated by phantom lines in FIG 1 The clamp 42 is made of a magnetic element, for example a thin iron plate. The clamp 42 is positioned in such a way that it assumes an exactly superimposed position above the center of the disc 2 when the disc 2 is placed at the

disc reproduction.

A disc reproduction system 44 is disposed on the lower side of the main frame 1 as shown in FIGS 7, 8 (a) and 8 (b) The disc reproduction system 44 comprises a movable frame fixed to pivot up and down on it. the lower side of the main frame 1 and an optical head 46, an optical head drive motor 47 46, a turntable 48, a turntable drive motor 49 48 and the like are mounted on the movable frame 45 Au minus one

part of the turntable 48 consists of a magnet.

The turntable 48 is located lower than the lower side of the mount 4 when the movable frame 45 is in a downwardly pivoted position as shown in FIG 8 (b) but, when the movable frame 45 is rotated upward as shown in FIG 8 (a), the turntable 48 rises to a position a little higher than the upper side of the

frame 4 through an opening 10 of the frame 4.

An engagement pin 50 extends from a free end of the movable frame 45 as shown in FIGS 8 (a) and 8 (b) Further, a frame lift cam 51, as shown in FIG 9, is also

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rotatably disposed on the lower side of the main frame 1 The frame lifting cam 51 is formed of a cylindrical body An inclined slot 52 is formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical body and the engagement pin 50 is inserted into the inclined slot 52 Further, an edge gear 53 is formed on a periphery of a portion

upper of the lifting cam 51 of the chassis.

The raising and lowering of the disk carrier 18 and the disk reproducing system 44 are carried out by means of a first motor 55 as shown in FIGS 7 and 10 In FIG 7 the gears are indicated by simple circles for the sake of simplicity and their gear points are designated by dots

respective gears.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a clutch gear 56 including a large diameter toothed wheel and a small diameter toothed wheel integral with each other is movably arranged upward and downward as shown in FIG 7 and The large diameter wheel is always kept in mesh contact with a motor pinion 57 mounted on a drive shaft of the first motor 55 and having large teeth, while the small diameter wheel alternately comes into contact with '' meshing, either with a transmission system of rotation of the lifting mechanism of the disc holder in a higher position, or with a system of transmission of rotation of the lifting mechanism of the system of

reproduction at a lower position.

The rotation transmission system of the lift mechanism of the disc carrier consists of a toothed wheel 58 which is equipped with a belt pulley The wheel 58 is selectively meshed with the small diameter wheel of the clutch gear 56 in such a way that the belt pulley of the wheel 58 and the belt pulley 25 can rotate by being associated with each other through the intermediary of the

belt 60.

The rotational transmission system of the elevator mechanism of the reproduction system, on the other hand, is composed of a single element consisting of an assembly of a large and a small cogwheels, integral with each other, which is formed of a large diameter wheel and a small diameter wheel combined together in one piece unit Its large diameter wheel is selectively meshed with the small diameter wheel of the clutch gear 56, then that the edge gear 53 of the lifting cam 51 of the chassis is always kept in meshing contact with the small diameter wheel of the single piece large and small wheel assembly

61.

Under the elastic force of a spring 62, the clutch gear 56 normally assumes a lowered position as indicated by the phantom lines in FIG 10, so that its small diameter wheel is in mesh contact with it. the gear 61 of the elevator mechanism of the reproduction system When energizing a plunger 63, the clutch gear 56 however moves upwards to the position indicated by solid lines, whereby its displacement wheel small diameter comes in contact

with wheel 58 of the door lifting mechanism

discs.

On the other hand, horizontal displacements, in

back and forth, slide 29 and disc receiver 3

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are executed by means of a second motor

64 shown in FIG 7.

As shown in FIG 7, a rotation of the second motor 64 is transmitted to a large diameter toothed wheel 67 via a motor pinion 65 and an assembly 64 of large and small wheels in one piece. , successively, whereby the rotation is transmitted at a reduced speed to a pinion formed integrally with the large diameter wheel 67 As shown in FIG 1, the rack 30 of the slide 29 and the rack 17 of the gear receiver. disc are selectively contacted

meshing with the pinion 68.

FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (b) schematically show the meshing contact between pinion 68 and rack 17 or 30 Rack 30 of slide 29 normally moves back and forth in a horizontal direction between positions shown in FIG 11 (a) and 11 (b) when the motor 64 rotates in the forward and reverse directions The cutout portion 14 (see FIG 2) formed in the disc receiver 3 is intended to provide a passage for the slider 29 as the slider has moved to the side of the mount 4 FIG 11 (a) shows the state before the slider 29 brings the disc 2 from the disc holder 18, and FIG 11 ( b) the state after the slider 29 brings the disc 2 from the disc holder 18 to the mount 4 of the disc receiver 3 In FIG 11 (b), the disc receiver 3 is at the reproduction element of the prescribed disc and the rack 17 of the disc receiver 3 is not in meshing contact with the

pinion 68.

When the pinion 68 then rotates excessively counterclockwise from the state of FIG 11 (b), however, the slider 29 moves excessively to the left correspondingly At this time, the unloading tab 33 of the slide 29 rests on a part of the disc receiver 3, i.e. the inner wall of the recess 15, so that the rack 17 of the disc receiver 3 is brought into mesh with the pinion 68 as shown in FIG 11 (c) In accordance with the counterclockwise rotation of pinion 68, disk receiver 3 continues its movement to the left so that the state of FIG 11 (d) is established It should be noted that the slide 29 moves on the disc receiver 3 and also moves in

same time as the disc receiver 3.

When the second motor 64 is reversed and rotates clockwise in the state of FIG. 11 (d), the disc receiver 3 moves to the right At this time, the inner wall of the recess 15 of the disc receiver 3 pushes the discharge tab 33 of the slider 29 in the opposite direction so that the state of FIG 11 (b) is established by

passing through the state of FIG 11 (c).

It is possible to avoid any accidental movement of the disc receiver 3 during a movement of the slider 29 provided that the disc receiver 3 is held under the action of an elastic force at the reproduction position of the disc, for example for example by an elastic holding mechanism (not shown) while the disc receiver 3 is in the position

shown in FIG 11 (c).

We will now describe the operation of the

record player according to the first embodiment.

Storing disc 2 in disc holder 3

is carried out as described in the following.

First, the slider 29 is moved by the second motor 64 toward the side of the disk reproducing member and the disk receiver 3 is moved in a direction away from the disk holder 18, so that the position of FIG 11 (d) is established. Further, the plunger 63 is energized to bring the clutch gear 56 into contact with the wheel 58 which is fitted with the belt pulley. The worm shaft 26 is then rotated by the first motor 55 in order to position the disc holder 3 to

the highest floor.

A first disc 2 with a diameter of 12 cm is then placed on the frame 4 At this point, a peripheral edge portion of the underside of the disc 2 of 12 cm is placed on the picking fingers 34, 35 with a such that a slight gap is left between the information recording area on the underside of the disc and the top surface of the mount 4 The area

recorded information is therefore protected.

Then, the disc receiver 3 is returned to the disc reproducing member by the second motor 64 and the slider 29 is moved to the side of the disc holder 18 by the second motor 64 to establish the state of FIGS. 11 (a) and 12 Disc 2 is

then stored on the lowest shelf 19.

When the disc carrier 18 is then lowered one stage by the first motor 55, the slider 29 and the disc receiver 3 are again moved by the second motor 64 to their positions shown in FIG 11 (d) A second disc 2 is then placed on the mount 4 Discs 2 with a diameter of 12 cm are then stored in the same way until

the top shelf 19.

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A disc with a diameter of 8 cm can only be placed on the mount 4 when the disc is placed on the mount 4 in the state of FIG 11 (d) and is reproduced on the disc reproducing member. The slider 29 is intended for discs with a diameter of 12 cm, so that discs with a diameter of 8 cm do not

cannot be stored in the disc holder 18.

Even if they could well have been stored by some means, it would be difficult to remove the discs. In addition, a safety measure can be provided to prevent actuation of the second motor 64 even when an attempt is made to store a disc in it. the disc holder 18 while a disc

with a diameter of 8 cm is placed on the frame 4.

When one wishes to choose a disc among the series of discs stored in the disc holder 18 and to reproduce its information, it is necessary to confirm on which shelf 19 the disc to be reproduced is placed and then to designate the particular shelf 19. The plunger 63 is then energized and the disc holder 18 is either raised or lowered by the first motor 55, whereby the disc 2 of the designated shelf is brought to a height consistent with the disc reproducing member. 29 is then moved to the disk reproducing element by the second motor 64 to establish

the state of FIG 11 (b).

At the initial stage of this movement, the picking fingers 34, 35 are released from the tabs 36, 37 respectively and slightly raise the disc 2 by 12 cm on the shelf 19 from the underside of the disc 2 The disc 2 is therefore pushed by the loading tab 32 on the slider 29 so that the disc 2 is transported near a suitable position on the mount 4 in the state where the zone

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information recorded on the underside of the

disc 2 is protected.

A reproduction operation is then performed when there is a disc with a diameter of 12 cm or 8 cm on the frame 4 in the state of FIG. 8 (b), the existence of the disc is detected Therefore, the first motor 65 is driven to rotate the frame lifting cam 51, whereby the movable frame 45 is rotated upward. The turntable 48 then enters. the center hole of the disc as shown in FIG 8 (a) and elevates the disc while very precisely positioning the disc in the appropriate position by means of a conical face of the turntable 48 Further, the turntable 48 slightly raises the disc. clamp 42 from the clamp holder 43 while the clamp 42 is magnetically attracted The clamped area of the central area of the disc is held between the turntable 48 and the clamp 42 so that the disc is rotated by the rotation of the turntable 48 The information recorded on disc 2 is therefore reproduced by the

optical head 46.

At this time, the disc 2 whose information is being reproduced covers the discs 2 of the disc holder 18 in plan view Since the distance from which the previous disc 2 is raised by the turntable 48 is extremely small, it is not 'there is no possible problem that the disc 2 whose information is being reproduced can come into contact with the disc in the disc holder 18, the latter disc being located above the previous disc,

provided that the spaces between the shelves 19 of the

discs 18 are determined taking into account the

elevation distance.

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A stop operation is then executed.

turntable 48 and optical head 46 are stopped.

The first motor 55 then rotates in the opposite direction so that the movable frame 45 is pivoted downwards. Therefore, the disc 2 again rests on

the frame 4.

When one wishes to replace the disc 2 located on the mount 4 by another disc 2 of the disc holder 18 and reproduce the information on this last disc 2, it is simply necessary to perform a disc replacement operation by designating the shelf sure

which the latter disc 2 is mounted.

If the disc placed on the mount 4 at this time is a disc with a diameter of 12 cm and if no other disc is on the shelf 19 at the same height as the disc reproducing member, the second motor 64 rotates after confirmation of the above state by a sensor The slider 29 is driven by the second motor 64 in such a way that the slider 29 moves to the side of the disc holder 18 The outer periphery of the disc 18 on the mount 4 is therefore pushed by the unloading tab 33, whereby the disc 2 is transported to a predetermined shelf 19 of the disc holder 18 while the disc 2 is kept in contact with the faces of

guidance 7, 21.

If the disc placed on the mount 4 is a disc with a diameter of 8 cm or if another disc is on the shelf 19 located at a predetermined height of the

disc holder 18, the second motor 64 does not turn.

It is therefore possible to avoid a problem in which the 8 cm disc is stuck in the disc holder 18 or in the event that an attempt is made to insert it into the disc holder shelf 19 in

causing damage to the discs.

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According to the record player of the first embodiment, the transport distance of each record 2 from the record holder 18 to the record receiver 3 is reduced within a range of values which does not interfere with the maintenance of the record between. the turntable 48 and the clamp 42, and the information of the disc 2 positioned on the disc reproducing element is reproduced in the state where the disc 2 covers the discs 2 of the disc holder 18 It is therefore possible to reduce significantly the overall dimensions of the turntable in the

direction of transport of each disc.

In addition, the storage of each disc in the disc holder 18 is carried out directly without using

no tray Therefore, the height of the

discs 18 can be significantly reduced and the vertical displacement distances of the disc holder 18 necessary for the choice of a desired disc can also be reduced. It is therefore possible to reduce the dimensions of the disc holder 18 and to make it lighter and

further simplify the lifting mechanism of the carrier

discs 18.

In addition, the transport of each disc 2 between the disc holder 18 and the disc receiver 3 is effected by pushing the outer periphery of the disc by the loading or unloading tab 32 or 33 of the slider 29 while maintaining the outer periphery. of the disc to another point in contact with the guide faces This allows the disc to be transported with extremely low force, so that the disc transport mechanism can be of a simple and small shape in order to further promote the reduction of the discs. overall dimensions of the record player.

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The disc receiver 3 is arranged so

movable in the direction away from the disc holder 18.

When loading a disc on the mount 4, the disc can easily be loaded without interference with the clamp 42 provided the disc receiver 3

is out.

We will now describe with reference to FIG. 13 The record player according to the second embodiment of the present invention In the second embodiment, the record holder is detachable from the main frame of the record player and the record receiver is vertically movable without being movable in

horizontal direction.

In FIG 13, a disk holder 71 similar to that of the first embodiment and a disk receiver 72 similar to that of the first embodiment are disposed respectively on a right side of a frame 70 and on a member. reproduction of disc located on a left side of the frame 70 However, no right length of toothed gear, i.e. no rack is provided for the disc receiver 72 because the disc receiver is not moving. not horizontal The distance L in a plan view between the center position of each disc 2 when the

disc 2 was placed on one of the shelves of the holder

discs 71, and the center position of disc 2, loaded on a disc receiver mount 72, is a little larger than 1/2 (D + d) as in the first mode

of achievement.

The disc holder 71 is held by a holding frame 73 so that the disc holder 71 can be attached to or detached from the holding frame 73 from the side opposite to the reproducing member.

disk.

The disc receiver 72 is mounted to the frame in such a way that the disc receiver 72 can be raised or lowered by pantograph mechanisms 74 while maintaining the horizontal position. A disc reproducing system (not shown) which is similar to that of the first embodiment, is pivotally mounted in an upward or downward direction on a lower side of the disc receiver 72 A clamp holder 76 on which is supported a clamp 75 is also attached

on the disc receiver 72.

A slider 78 similar to that provided in the first embodiment is mounted so as to reciprocate in a horizontal direction on a guide rail 77 of the disc receiver 72 A rack 79 provided on the slider 78 is kept in gear contact with a pinion which serves to horizontally drive the slider 78 Since the height of the slider 78 varies as the disk receiver 72 moves up and down, use is made of

as pinion 80 a pinion whose teeth are wide.

The height of the disc receiver 74 is controlled

according to the steps of the individual shelves in the rack

discs 71 We will omit here a description of its

drive mechanism We also omit a

description of a pivoting movement mechanism

of the disc reproducing system in the ascending and descending directions The driving of the pinion 80 is also realized by a mechanism similar to that employed in the first embodiment. We will now describe the operation of the

second embodiment.

To store discs 2 in the holder

disc 71, the disc receiver 72 is lowered to its lowest level and, in the state that interference is avoided between the slider 78 and any disc of the disc holder 71, the disc holder 71 is detached of the support frame 73 and the discs 2 are stored on the individual shelves in the disc holder 71 Only discs with a diameter of 12 cm should be used because no disc of

8 cm cannot be transported by slide 78.

When the discs have been stored in the holder

discs 71, the disc holder 71 is held again

by the support frame 73.

In order to choose one of the discs 2 and to reproduce its information, the shelf on which the desired disc 2 is stored is designated to position the disc receiver 72 at the corresponding height By rotation of the pinion 80, the slide 78 is moved to the side of the disc reproducing element and the desired disc 2 is

carried on the disc receiver mount 72.

The procedures for subsequent reproduction operations are similar to those of the first mode

of achievement.

A replacement of the disc located on the mount with another disc to be reproduced is obtained by moving the slider 78 towards the side of the disc holder 71 to bring the previous disc from the mount to a shelf of the disc holder 71, elevate or lower the disc receiver 72 to the same level as the next disc, and then move the slider 78 again

towards the side of the disc reproducing element.

The record player according to the second embodiment can provide the advantage that all the discs can be replaced at one time at a time.

28 2693022

short due to the detachable holder arrangement

discs 71, this advantage being added to the advantages similar to those which are available in the first embodiment, that is to say the advantages which come from the reduction of the transport distance of each disc between the disc carrier 71 and the disc receiver 12, the advantages which derive from the direct storage of each disc 2 alone in the disc holder 71 and the advantages which arise from transporting each disc between the disc holder 71 and the disc receiver 72 pushing the disc on its

outer periphery by means of slide 78.

The turntable according to the third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 14 In the third embodiment, a turntable is detachable from the frame of the turntable carrier and, further, it is arranged to be movable in the upward and downward directions. On the frame which is designated by reference numeral 90, an ascending / descending plate 91 is arranged for raising and lowering by means of pantograph mechanisms 92,92 The disc carrier which is designated by reference numeral 93 and which is similar to that which is employed in the first embodiment is arranged in such a way that the disc holder 93 can be attached or detached from the up / down plate 91 from the side.

opposed to a disk reproduction element.

A disc receiver (not shown) which is disposed at the disc reproducing member does not have to be movably disposed in the upward or downward direction. It is possible to arrange the disc receiver in such a manner that the disc receiver

can be pulled out in a direction opposite to the holder

29 2693022

discs 90 as in the first embodiment.

A slider similar to that used in the first embodiment is movably attached

to the disc receiver.

The raising or lowering of the ascending / descending plate 91 is effected by providing a worm shaft 95 in meshing contact with a portion 94 of the ascending / descending plate 91 and rotating the worm shaft. endless 95 by means of a motor (not shown) by means of a belt 97 and a belt pulley 96 mounted on

worm shaft 95.

To prevent the disc holder 93 from falling from the ascending / descending plate 91, suitable means are provided: for example, the ascending / descending plate 91 is provided with a top stop 91 a and a horizontal stop 91 b, and the disc holder 93 includes a contact slot 93 which is fitted over a portion

edge of the rising / falling plate 91.

Since it is the important feature of the present invention that the distance L in plan view between the central position of each disc 2 stored in the disc holder 71 and the central position of the disc 2 loaded on the mount of the disc receiver is defined as being at least equal to 1/2 (D + d) but less than D, L is obviously defined as

* this way in the third embodiment.

We will now describe the operation of the

third embodiment.

First, the storage of the discs 2 in

the disc holder 93 is conducted as follows.

The disc holder 93 is raised to its highest level, and in the condition that interference is avoided between the slider and any disc of the disc holder 93, the disc holder 93 is detached from the plate.

2693022

ascending / descending 91 and 2 discs are inserted

on the individual shelves of the record holder 93.

Since no 8 cm disc can be transported by the slider here either, in the third embodiment only discs with a diameter of 12 cm are used. After the discs have been stored, the disc holder 93 is used. again tied on the plate

ascending / descending 91.

Then, to choose one of the discs 2 and reproduce its information, the shelf on which the desired disc 2 is stored is designated, and the worm shaft 95 is driven so as to bring the disc holder 93 to. a suitable height for the disc receiver The slider is then driven to transport the desired disc 2 on the disc receiver mount The procedures for subsequent reproduction operations are similar to those of the

first embodiment.

A replacement of the disc located on the mount with another disc to be reproduced is obtained by moving the slider towards the side of the disc holder 93 to bring the previous disc from the mount to a shelf of the disc holder 93, raising or lowering. the record carrier 93 at the same level as the last record and then moving the slider again to the side of the record reproducing member. The turntable according to the third embodiment can provide, like the second embodiment, the advantage that all the disks can be replaced at one time in a short time due to the detachable arrangement of the disk holder 93, this advantage being added to the advantages similar to those which are available in the first embodiment, that is to say the advantages which derive from

31 2693022

the reduction in the transport distance of each disc between the disc holder 93 and the disc receiver, the advantages that come from directly storing each disc 2 alone in the disc holder 93 and the advantages that come from transport of each disc between the disc holder 93 and the disc receiver by pushing the disc around its periphery

external by means of the slider.

If the disc receiver is arranged in such a way that the disc receiver can be pulled out in a direction opposite to the disc holder 93, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to load a disc on the disc receiver. after removing the disc receiver This allows you to play not only discs with a diameter of

12 cm but also discs with a diameter of 8 cm.

The three embodiments have been described below.

above It should be noted that the present invention is not

not limited to these three embodiments.

For example, the lifting mechanisms of the carriers

discs and disc receivers, the transport mechanisms of each disc, the elevator mechanism of disc reproduction systems and the like can each be made as required using, either singly or in combination, a rack and pinion mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism. cam mechanism, pantograph mechanisms, screw shaft mechanism

endless and other known means.

32 2693022

Claims (5)

1 Turntable intended to store several discs (2) of diameter D, each comprising in its center a pinched zone of diameter d, arranged in a direct and coaxial manner in a disc holder (18) at predetermined intervals along an imaginary common axis, transport a desired disc (2) from the disc holder (18) in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary common axis, position the desired disc (2) on a disc receiver (3) ), hold the desired disc (2) between a turntable (48) and a clamp (42), and rotate the desired disc (2) by means of the turntable (48) in order to optically reproduce information recorded on the disc desired disc (2), characterized in that the transport of the desired disc (2) from the disc holder (18) to the disc receiver (3) is effected by guiding the desired disc (2), on its outer peripheral edge , along a straight guide (7, 21), and the distance L of trans port of the desired disc (2), between the disc holder (18) and the disc receiver (3), in the direction perpendicular to the common imaginary axis is at least equal to half of (D + d) but is less than D. 2 Record player according to claim 1, characterized in that the record holder (18) is mounted so inseparable on a main frame (1) of the turntable disk but is movable in the direction of the common imaginary axis, 33 2693022 the clamp (42) is held in the standby position at a position remote from the disc reproduction system (44), the turntable (48) and an optical head (46) are movably disposed along the common imaginary axis in a direction in which they approach or move away from a recording medium surface of the desired disc (2) placed on the disc receiver (3), and the disc receiver (3) is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the imaginary common axis to a disc replacement position other than the position of the disc holder (18) or as the disc reproduction system (44). 3 Record player according to claim 1, characterized in that the disc holder (18) is mounted so detachable on a main frame (1) of the turntable disk. 4 A record player according to claim 3, characterized in that the record holder is stationary in the direction of the common imaginary axis, but the clamp (42), the rotating head (48) and the optical head (46) can be moved according to the axial position of the desired disc (2) in the holder discs (18). A record player according to claim 3, characterized in that the main frame (1) is provided with a mechanism (38) provided to allow movements of the main frame (1) along the imaginary common axis, and the carrier -discs (18) is mounted so detachable on the mechanism (38). 34 2693022 6 A record player according to claim 1, characterized in that the right guide (7, 21) comprises a first guide face (21) located on one side of the disc holder (18) and a second guide face (7) located on one side of the disc reproduction system (44) and extending continuously from the first guide face (21).