FR3110023A1 - ROBOTIZED AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic phonograph (1) for vinyl records (20, 21, 22) comprising: i) at least one record storage gantry (2) comprising a plurality of storage supports (3) for vinyl records; ii) a set (4) for playing vinyl records; iii) a gripper (6) designed to manipulate the discs between each of the storage supports (3) and the reading assembly (4); iv) a control interface (7), designed to allow the selection of a plurality of titles T (each corresponding to a track Pi of a disk Di). The reading assembly (4) comprising at least two reading decks (5), the gripper (6) being a multi-axis manipulator arm comprising a clamp (8) movable between the plurality of storage supports (3) and each of the decks (5) of the set of plates. FIGURE 1

Description

AUTOMATIC ROBOTIC PHONOGRAPH

The present invention relates to an automatic phonograph, or jukebox, or system for storing, handling and playing vinyl records.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of vinyl records as well as players for vinyl records. Music lovers of all ages appreciate the specific qualities of this mode of music playback. Most readers are small in size and intended for home use. There is also a return to jukeboxes, some being suitable for CD format records, others for vinyl records.

Jukeboxes have appeared since the invention of the concept by Pierre Bussoz. The document US1968245 describes the concept developed at that time. The system includes a gripper, a conveyor means, a turntable, and a reading stage. The medium conveyor is suitable for transporting discs from a storage magazine to the turntable, and vice versa.

Document FR1116213 describes an automatic phonograph for playing both sides of a vinyl record. To this end, it comprises a series of disc carriers, conveying means and turning means.

The document FR2499270 describes a vending machine comprising a cathode ray tube providing useful information in alphanumeric form. It is particularly useful for jukebox type phonographs. The dispenser includes memory, means for presenting data via the cathode ray tube, and computer circuitry designed to control the operation of the system. It facilitates the selection of elements by the user.

US6373796 discloses a disc player and changer mechanism suitable for use in a jukebox. It includes a disc carrier which has a clamp arm movably mounted thereto, a tower, and an operable drive system to move the carrier and/or the tower. The clamp arm includes a first disc engagement portion at one end thereof, which is positioned substantially opposite a second disc engagement portion of the disc carrier. The disk carrier is slidably mounted on the tower and the clamp arm is movable as the disk carrier is moved on the tower such that the first disk engaging portion moves to contact an edge of the disk. a disc while the second disc engaging part contacts the edge of the disc substantially diametrically opposite the first disc engaging part. The disc is thus firmly fixed between the first and second disc pick-up parts and can be transported from its initial position to a disc playing mechanism in a conventional manner. Preferably, the tower includes a magnetic hub assembly which is mechanically operable to engage a magnetic hub with the disc when the disc is positioned substantially adjacent to the drive mechanism.

CN106683690 discloses a combined type phonograph. The combination type phonograph includes a top cover, a pedestal, a turntable which is arranged on the top cover and is used for holding a vinyl record, a tone arm device which is arranged on the top cover and is used for connecting the turntable and control the vinyl record in the record player to play, and a CD player which is disposed at the center of the record player and is used to hold a CD disc, wherein the CD player is provided with a CD door for turning the CD player on and off; the top cover is also provided with a display panel to display the content being played. The combination type phonograph can hold the vinyl record to realize the play mode of the record player, and also can be switched to a play mode by putting in a CD.

Implementations such as those previously described include relatively complex routing means, allow limited storage, and allow only one disk to be read at a time.

To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.

First of all, a first objective of the invention consists in providing a handling and reading system for vinyl records making it possible to store a large number of records.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a handling and reading system for vinyl records allowing the use of records of several formats.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a handling and reading system for vinyl records allowing continuous reading.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a handling and reading system for vinyl records making it possible to detect the positions of the tracks of the records.

To do this, the invention provides an automatic phonograph for vinyl records comprising:
i) at least one record storage rack comprising a plurality of storage media for vinyl records;
(ii) a vinyl record player set;
iii) a gripper designed to manipulate the discs between each of the storage supports (3) and the reading assembly;
iv) a command interface, designed to allow the selection of a plurality of titles T (each corresponding to a track Pi of a disc Di),
the reading assembly comprising at least two reading decks and the gripper being a multi-axis manipulator arm comprising a gripper movable between the plurality of storage media and each of the decks of the set of decks.

Such an architecture comprises a single and unique member to ensure all of the movements of the discs between a plurality of supports and at least two turntables. The layout allows continuous playback by alternating between decks. It also allows the setting up of playlists thanks to the recognition of the positions of the disc tracks. On the other hand, the architecture allows access to a large number of storage positions and therefore to provide a number of disks much larger than the known jukeboxes. If the elements of the system are not confined in a case, or if the case is transparent, manipulations and movements are visible and provide a remarkable visual effect.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the gripper is movable on a rail arranged between the two plates and the plurality of disk storage supports are aligned along the rail.

This alignment of the supports along the rail makes it possible to have a large number of supports, for a reduced size.

Advantageously, at least one storage gantry arranged on each side of the rail is provided, with each support accessible from the rail by the gripper.

This arrangement makes it possible to double, or even more, the number of supports for the same length of rail. It makes it possible to achieve storage symmetry on each side of the rail, with a simple layout, and offering a vast possibility of storage.

Advantageously, at least one storage gantry comprises supports dimensioned for 33 rpm format discs and supports dimensioned for 45 rpm format discs, the clamp of the gripper being designed to handle vinyl discs of 33 or 45 rpm format .

Thanks to such an arrangement, a hybrid-type jukebox is obtained, making it possible to store, manipulate and play vinyl records in 33 and 45 rpm format, with a single gripper adaptable for each of the formats.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the gripper comprises a body provided with two arms movable angularly in the plane of a disc to be manipulated between a clamping position and a release position, each of the arms as well as the body carrying a pad provided with a slot, all of the slots of the pads forming a gripping plane for a disc.

This architecture makes it possible to provide a simple, reliable, compact arrangement, providing effective grip and stable support. The pads make it possible to hold the records well and are advantageously designed to allow you to grip 33 or 45 rpm records.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the gripper comprises a disk presence detector arranged at the junction of the arms, designed to control or authorize the closing of the arms in the clamping position after detection of the presence of a disk.

This arrangement is simple, and makes it possible to control the movement of the clamps without the risk of damaging the discs and without the risk of manipulation without a disc actually being present.

Advantageously, each turntable comprises a reading arm provided with a reading head and a track recognition system comprising a detection cell arranged in the vicinity of the reading head, a disengageable motor designed to position the reading arm angularly along the angular reading range of the discs.

Also advantageously, the axis of the tonearm comprises a magnet arranged in cooperation with a magnetometer.

Thanks to this arrangement, the angular position of the magnet and therefore of the arm is measured by the magnetometer which, coupled with a position memory, makes it possible to memorize the angular positions of the inter-track zones of a disc placed on a turntable.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that the automatic phonograph also comprises an adapter for a 45 rpm disc, designed for installation and removal on a turntable by the gripper.

Alternatively, at least one of the pads includes a magnet for gripping the adapter for 45 rpm discs.

This adapter can be placed on a support rod when not in use.

This feature allows the turntables to be compatible with the two standard vinyl record formats. Handling by the gripper makes it possible to maintain fully automated operation.

All the implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by figures 1 to 11, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which:

Fig.1

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a jukebox;

Fig.2

Figure 2 shows the jukebox of Figure 1 in front view;

Fig.3

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the jukebox of Figure 1;

Fig.4

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the clip carrying a disc in 33 rpm format;

Fig.5

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the clamp carrying a disc in 45 rpm format;

Fig.6

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the base of the gripper, with the latter's articulation means;

Fig.7

Figure 7 is a perspective representation of the tonearm;

Fig.8

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the tone arm;

Fig.9

FIG. 9 shows the means for moving and controlling the tone arm with the motor engaged;

Fig.10

FIG. 10 shows the means for moving and controlling the reading arm with the motor disengaged;

Fig.11

figure 11 illustrates the multiple degrees of freedom of the gripper.

Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of an example of implementation of an automatic phonograph, commonly referred to as jukebox 1. This view is supplemented by the front view of Figure 2 showing a jukebox as a whole. The latter comprises three main parts, namely a storage part, a handling part, and a disc reading part. The whole is managed by a controller 29, designed to calculate the operating instructions and send them to the various organs of the jukebox 1.
STORAGE

The storage part comprises a storage gantry 2, designed to accommodate a plurality of vinyl records 20. The gantry 2 comprises a plurality of supports 3 for storing discs 20. In the example illustrated, the supports 3 make it possible to accommodate discs 21 in 33 rpm format and 22 discs in 45 rpm format. As illustrated, the supports 3 are made in the form of racks arranged so as to support the discs 20 from below, and at least one edge. The slots or notches of the racks form housings for the vinyl records. Each support 3 comprises at least two racks. The gap between the racks is adapted to carry discs in 33 or 45 rpm format. To make a hybrid jukebox, that is to say allowing the reading of discs 21 of 33 rpm format and discs 22 of 45 rpm format, at least one storage gantry 2 comprises supports 3 dimensioned for discs of 33 format towers and 3 racks sized for 45 rpm discs. The clamp 8 of the gripper is also designed to handle vinyl records in 33 or 45 rpm format.
HANDLING

The handling part comprises a gripper 6 or disk manipulator arm, visible in FIGS. 1 to 6. The gripper 6 comprises a body 10 of the gripper, carrying a gripper 8 consisting of two movable arms 11 carried by the body 10 of the gripper. The two arms 11 are angularly movable between a spacing corresponding to taking a disc 20 of 45 rpm format as shown in FIG. 5, and a greater angular difference suitable for taking discs 20 of 33 rpm format, such as as shown in FIG. 4. The angular movements of the arms 11 are ensured by one or more actuators controlled by the controller 29, which calculates and transmits to the various organs the operating instructions of the jukebox.

The gripper makes it possible to grab a disc from the gantry, transport it to one of the reading decks 5 and place the disc on the deck. It also makes it possible to carry out the reverse operation, to catch a disc from a turntable, transport it and store it on a support 3 of a storage gantry 2.

To allow a very high amount of record storage, the gantries are elongated and the gap between the two turntables can be relatively large, for example up to 100 cm, or even more. Figures 1 and 2 make it possible to clearly visualize the important axial dimensions of the gantries. To ensure easy, fast and efficient access by the gripper 6 to all the storage supports 3 distributed along the gantries, rails 9 for lateral (or axial) displacement of the gripper are arranged between the reading plates 5. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of such rails. The body 10 of the gripper is movably mounted on these rails and allows the gripper to move quickly between the two plates to reach all the axial positions corresponding to each of the supports 3 for storing discs. To further increase disk storage capacity, multiple racks can be arranged side-by-side on either side of the rails.

The gripper 6 comprises a body 10 provided with two arms 11 angularly movable in the plane of a disc to be manipulated between a clamping position and a release position, each of the arms 11 as well as the body 10 carrying a shoe 24 provided with a slot 12, all of the pad slots forming a gripping plane for a disk. To perform without constraint all of the movements required to manipulate the discs 20 and the adapter 19, the gripper 6 is movable along a plurality of axes, namely a translation axis and four rotation axes for this embodiment. Figure 11 illustrates the five axes of movement of the jukebox previously described. The a-a axis corresponds to the translational movement (or axial movement) of the gripper 6 on the rails 9. The b-b axis corresponds to the rotational movement of the body 10 on a carriage 34 carrying this body and cooperating with the rails 9. c-c axis corresponds to the rotational movement of the base of the body 10, in order to raise or lower the gripper. The d-d axis corresponds to the rotational movement of the gripper 8 relative to the body 10, in order to orient the gripper upwards or downwards. The axis e-e corresponds to the rotational movement of clamp 8 on itself, in order to orient it to the sides.

Thanks to this arrangement, a single gripper 6 makes it possible to implement all the movements and displacements required for the proper functioning of the jukebox 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the gripper comprises a disk presence detector 13 arranged at the junction of the arms 11, designed to control or authorize the closing of the arms 11 in the clamping position after detection of the presence of a disk. This arrangement is simple, and makes it possible to control the movement of the clamps without the risk of damaging the discs and without the risk of manipulation without a disc actually being present. Advantageously, a feeler is used. The clamping force of the arms is for example metered using an amperometric control.
READING

The set 4 of reading, visible in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8 comprises at least two turntables 5 for reading vinyl records -33 or 45 rpm-, a control interface 7, for example a touch screen, a remote control, or other, with a choice of operating menus, allowing the user to choose the Pi tracks he wishes to play, or even to compose playlists. The set allows you to read one or more Pi tracks from a Di disc. As a variant, the control interface makes it possible to directly manipulate the gripper 6 to manually perform the manipulations desired by the user. The interface 7 can offer the user lists of titles T corresponding to the discs stored and available for reading.

Each of the turntables 5 comprises a reading arm 14 provided with a reading head 15 and a cell 16 for detecting the Pi tracks and inter-track zones.

Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the axis 18 of rotation of the read head. At the base of this axis, a magnet 17 and a magnetometer 23 are arranged in the axial continuity of the axis 18. These elements make it possible, during a detection phase of tracks and/or inter-track zones, to detect the angular position of the tone arm. When detecting a track or an inter-track zone by the detection cell 16, the controller 29 can memorize the angular position detected by the magnetometer. This arrangement makes it possible to constitute a database of angular positions of tracks and/or inter-track zones for each disk. During subsequent reading, these data being in memory (for example in a memory module of the controller), the track recognition phase can be eliminated. During a detection phase, the engaged arm (see figure 9) is moved angularly by a disengageable motor 26. During a reading phase, the arm is disengaged (see figure 10) and driven by the grooves of the disc. The detection and/or the storage of the inter-track zones makes it possible, in relation to the identification data of the tracks, to operate the jukebox in a simple way, by simple selection of the titles. Depending on the reading instructions provided by the user, the controller is responsible for calculating the movements required to set up the disk(s) concerned using the gripper, and for positioning the tonearm(s) in correspondence with the chosen tracks. The presence of at least two decks makes it possible to play a track on one deck while the gripper places a new disc on another deck. In this way, a possibility of continuous reading is obtained.

As a variant, the memorization of the angular positions is implemented by elements linked to the disengageable motor 26. For example, in addition to or in replacement of the mode of detection of the tracks or inter-track zones previously described, as visible in the figure 10, a fork optocoupler 27 makes it possible to detect a reference angle during the passage of a tongue 28 coupled to the axis 18 of rotation of the arm. Once this reference angle has been identified, the disengageable motor 26 detects the resulting angular position of the arm. This detection is for example carried out using a stepper type motor, which makes it possible to trace the evolution of the angular position. The controller makes it possible to supervise these operations and to memorize the relevant angular data.

In the example illustrated, the tongue 28 is connected to the axis of rotation 18 by a quarter of a toothed wheel, allowing the coupling with the motor 26. Alternatively, the angular detection mode with tongue and optocoupler is used in addition to the magnetometer 23. This dual system allows high precision and ensures detection even in the event of failure of one of the systems.

These last characteristics make it possible to locate the inter-track zones of a vinyl record to subsequently ensure automatic positioning of the read head on a pre-selected Pi track for reading as well as memorization of the angular position of each end of track or transition zone. . The disengageable motor makes it possible to release the reading arm during the disc reading phases and to carry out an angular positioning of the arm for the phases of detection of the inter-track zones. Advantageously, an infrared detection cell is used with an emission zone and a detection zone.

To complete the playback part, the jukebox provides a 19 adapter for 45 rpm discs. When not in use, this adapter is placed on a support rod 25 shown in FIG. its functional position on one of the plates. This feature allows the turntables to be compatible with the two standard vinyl record formats. Handling by the gripper makes it possible to maintain fully automated operation.
INDEPENDENT ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORTS

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plates 5 are each arranged on a support 30 independent plate. The supports 30 are also separated from the gantry 2 and from the base 31 of the gantry, which are arranged between the two supports 30. This arrangement makes it possible to prevent the vibrations generated by the movements and displacements of the gripper 6 being transmitted to the plates 5 In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, transverse support bars 33 make it possible to connect the two supports together, passing through the base of the gantry, without contact with the latter. The positioning of the two bases and of the gantry is thus ensured by the transverse bars 33 and two plates placed on the ground, to which the bases and the gantry are fixed via vibration absorbers.

1. Jukebox or storage, manipulation and playback system
2. Storage gantry
3. Vinyl Record Storage Racks
4. Reading set
5. Turntable for vinyl records
6. Gripper or manipulator arm for discs
7. Control interface (e.g. touch screen)
8. Clamp
9. Rail for lateral movement of the gripper
10. Gripper body
11. gripper arm
12. Slot
13. Detector or feeler for the presence of a disk in the gripper
14. Turntable tonearm
15. Reading head
16. Runway and inter-runway detection cell
17. Magnet
18. Tonearm rotation axis (on the horizontal plane)
19. Adapter for 45 RPM disc
20. Vinyl records
21. Vinyl record in 33 rpm format
22. Vinyl record in 45 rpm format
23. Magnetometer
24. Skate
25. Adapter support rod
26. Disengageable motor
27. Fork optocoupler
28. Tongue
29. Controller
30. Platinum support
31. Storage gantry base
32. Soft seals
33. Crossbars for brackets
34. Cart

Claims (10)

Automatic phonograph (1) for vinyl records (20, 21, 22) comprising:
i) at least one rack (2) for storing records comprising a plurality of storage supports (3) for vinyl records;
ii) a set (4) for playing vinyl records;
iii) a gripper (6) designed to manipulate the discs between each of the storage supports (3) and the reading unit (4);
iv) a control interface (7), designed to allow the selection of a plurality of titles T;
characterized in that the reading assembly (4) comprises at least two reading plates (5) and in that the gripper (6) is a multi-axis manipulator arm comprising a gripper (8) movable between the plurality of supports (3 ) storage and each of the plates (5) of the set of plates. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 1, in which the gripper (6) is movable on a rail (9) arranged between the two turntables (5) and the plurality of disc storage supports (3) are aligned along the rail (9 ). Automatic phonograph according to claim 2, in which at least one storage gantry (2) is arranged on each side of the rail (9) and each support (3) is accessible from the rail by the gripper. Automatic phonograph according to claim 1, in which at least one storage gantry (2) comprises supports (3) sized for 33 rpm discs (21) and supports (3) sized for 45 rpm discs ( 22) and gripper clamp (8) is designed to handle vinyl records in 33 or 45 rpm format. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 1, in which the gripper (6) comprises a body (10) provided with two arms (11) angularly movable in the plane of a disk (20) to be manipulated between a clamping position and a release, each of the arms (11) as well as the body (10) carrying a pad (24) provided with a slot (12), all of the slots of the pads forming a gripping plane for a disc. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 5, in which the gripper (6) comprises a disc presence detector (13) arranged at the junction of the arms (11), designed to control the closing of the arms (11) in the tightening position after detection the presence of a disc. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 1, in which each turntable (5) comprises a reading arm (14) provided with a reading head (15) and a track recognition system comprising a detection cell (16) arranged in the vicinity of the reading head (15), a disengageable motor (26) designed to angularly position the reading arm (14) along the angular reading range of the discs. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 7, in which the axis (18) of the tone arm (14) comprises a magnet (17) arranged in cooperation with a magnetometer (23). Automatic phonograph according to claim 1, in which also comprising an adapter (19) for a 45 rpm disc, adapted for installation and removal on a turntable by the gripper. Automatic phonograph according to Claim 5, in which at least one of the pads (24) comprises a magnet enabling the adapter (19) for 45 rpm discs to be gripped.