JP2001143363A - Cartridge changer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cartridge changer which can accurately and speedily cope with a misinsertion although the constitution is decreased in the number of components and simple and inexpensive. SOLUTION: This changer has a detecting means N which detects a cartridge 50 conveyed to the position of a recording and reproducing means C and performs recording and reproducing operation. If the cartridge 50 is inserted in a wrong direction from a loading/unloading position A to a stock means B, a conveying means D performs expected carrying-in operation and then carrying-out operation without conveying the cartridge 50 to the detection position of the detecting means N. The need for various components such as a misinsertion stopping member is eliminated to actualize constitution which is decreased in the number of components and simple and inexpensive. Thus, the misinsertion of the cartridge 50 can accurately and speedily be coped with.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge changer in which a cartridge having a reproduced recording medium is loaded, and the loaded cartridge is recorded and reproduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional cartridge changer,
When the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction, the wrong insertion preventing mechanism is used. In the erroneous insertion prevention mechanism, the erroneous insertion prevention member is operably attached to the stocker, the rib of the erroneous insertion prevention member is fitted in the guide groove of the cartridge, and the erroneous insertion prevention member is located in the groove of the erroneous insertion prevention member on the side surface of the cartridge. When the cam surface is pushed and the erroneous insertion preventing member escapes to allow the cartridge to be inserted, and when the cartridge is to be prevented from being inserted, the rib of the erroneous insertion preventing member and the side surface of the cartridge are configured.

[0003]

In such a conventional cartridge changer erroneous insertion preventing mechanism, since various parts such as erroneous insertion preventing members are used, the whole is expensive due to parts costs, assembly costs and the like. Becomes Further, since the erroneous insertion preventing member is attached to the stocker, the fulcrum of operation and the operative point of operation are close to each other, so that the operation of the erroneous insertion preventing member may not be performed smoothly when the cartridge is inserted. is there. As a result, there are problems such as that the rib fitted in the guide groove opens the shutter of the cartridge, it is difficult to secure the blocking accuracy of the erroneous insertion preventing member, and the dimensional accuracy of the erroneous insertion preventing member is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge changer which has a simple and inexpensive structure in which the number of parts is reduced, and which can accurately and promptly deal with erroneous insertion.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a cartridge changer according to a first aspect of the present invention is a stock means capable of detachably storing a plurality of cartridges having a recording / reproducing medium. Transport means for transporting the cartridge between the stock means and the recording / reproducing means, and detecting means for detecting the cartridge transported to the position of the recording / reproducing means to perform a recording / reproducing operation, When the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction from the stock unit, the carrying unit does not carry the cartridge to the position detected by the detecting unit, but performs the intended carrying-in operation and then carries out the carrying-out operation. It is characterized by the following.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cartridge can be conveyed to the position of the recording / reproducing means by the conveying means by properly inserting the cartridge from the attaching / detaching position into the stock means, and the cartridge is detected by the detecting means. Thus, the intended recording and reproduction can be started. Also, when the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction, the transport unit does not transport the cartridge to the detection position by the detection unit,
The intended carrying-in action will be performed. That is, while the carrying means has completed the intended carrying-in movement, the detecting means is in the non-detection state, whereby erroneous insertion is detected, and the carrying means is carried out.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge changer according to the first aspect, wherein the cartridge has recesses formed in a pair of parallel side surfaces, and has a recess formed in one of the side surfaces. Is provided with a shutter, a shutter opening means is provided on one side in the left and right direction with the conveyance path of the cartridge in the middle, and a conveyance means is provided on the other side, and the conveyance means is a movable body which can be driven in the front-rear direction. It has a drive device that can freely drive the moving body in the forward and reverse directions, and a hook that is rotatably supported by the moving body. A biasing means for rotating and biasing in the engaging direction is provided, and when the hook portion is engaged with the concave portion on the shutter side, the cartridge to be carried in and brought into contact with the shutter opening means. It is obtained by characterized by being configured to prevent the transport to the detection position by the detection means.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cartridge is properly inserted from the attachment / detachment position into the stock means.
With the concave portion on the other side and on the recording / reproducing means side opposite to the shutter, the movable body is driven backward by the driving device, so that the hook portion of the hook is engaged with the concave portion and the cartridge is engaged. The cartridge transported to the position of the recording / reproducing unit by the transporting unit can be detected by the detecting unit, and the intended recording / reproducing can be started.

When the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction, that is, when the wrong insertion is performed in the direction other than the direction in which the recess on the shutter side is located on the other side and on the recording / reproducing means side, the transport is performed. When the means is driven, the hook does not engage with the recess, so that the cartridge cannot be transported backward. Therefore, the carrying means performs the intended carrying-in operation without carrying the cartridge to the position detected by the detecting means. That is, while the carrying means has completed the intended carrying-in movement, the detecting means has not detected it, thereby detecting erroneous insertion, and carrying out the carrying means.

Further, when the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction, and when the wrong insertion is performed in the direction in which the shutter-side recess is located on the other side and on the recording / reproducing means side, the hook is recessed by the carry-in operation of the carrying means. , So that the cartridge can be transported. However, during the transport, the cartridge itself comes into contact with and locks to the shutter opening means that normally acts on the shutter, so that further transport of the cartridge can be prevented. Therefore, the carrying means performs the intended carrying-in movement without carrying the cartridge to the position detected by the detecting means, and carries out the carrying-out movement when the erroneous insertion is detected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge changer according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, which is configured to notify that the detection means is not detected. is there. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the erroneous insertion is detected by the detecting means, the conveying means is carried out to finish a series of cartridge mounting operations, and it is possible to notify that the detecting means is not detected.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A cartridge changer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The cartridge changer is generally composed of an attaching / detaching position A, a stock means B, a recording / reproducing means C, a conveying means D, a driving means E, a front blocking means F, a rear blocking means G, a hook disengaging means. H
And switching means I, hook releasing means J, rack bending means K, shutter opening means L, catch preventing means M, detecting means N, and the like.

Each part will be described below. Here, the transport direction (direction of the transport path) by the transport means D is a horizontal direction during normal installation, but is hereinafter referred to as a front-back direction. The parallel direction of the cartridges is a vertical direction during normal installation, but is hereinafter referred to as a vertical direction (or ascending and descending), and the width direction is referred to as a horizontal direction.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a front panel which is mounted on a bottom plate 2 and has a front panel provided with a NO key 3, an open / close knob 4, a power button 5, an incorrect direction insertion display section 6, and the like. . Reference numeral 7 denotes an outer case for covering the cartridge changer, and reference numeral 8 denotes an insulator provided on the bottom plate 2. 1 and 2, 5
Reference numeral 0 denotes a cartridge supplied from an opening 1a formed in the front panel 1. The cartridge 0 can be attached to and detached from a cartridge changer by pressing a lid 9 provided at the opening 1a so as to be openable and closable. Note that the cartridge 50 having the recording / reproducing medium is a pair of parallel side surfaces 50a, 50a.
b, concave portions 50c and 50d are respectively formed, and a shutter 50 is provided on one side surface 50b side.
e is provided.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 10 denotes a mechanical base which is attached to the bottom plate 2, and a cartridge 50 comprises:
It can move in the front-rear direction (yellow) and can enter and exit the mechanical base 10 through a front opening 10a formed at one location of the mechanical base 10. Next, the conveying means D of the cartridge 50
Will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a shutter opening means L is provided on one side in the left-right direction (cayo) with the conveyance path P of the cartridge 50 at the center, and a conveyance means D is provided on the other side.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a drive gear that is rotatably supported by the mechanical base 10. The drive gear 12 is rotated by a drive motor 12, and is slidable with respect to the mechanical base 10 in the front-rear direction (y-ro). The drive rack 13 is configured to be driven in the front-rear direction (yellow) by engaging with the drive rack 13a. Reference numeral 14 denotes a slide rack, which is provided on the lower surface of the drive rack 13 so as to be able to slide by a predetermined amount by a long hole 14a.
Urges the drive rack 13 to slide rearward (b). That is, the drive gear 11 drives the drive rack 13 in the forward direction (A) from the state of FIG.
Next, the drive gear 11 is configured to engage with the gear portion 14b of the slide rack 14 to drive the slide rack 14 in the forward direction (a).

At this time, a convex portion 17a of a click lever 17 which is supported by the mechanical base 10 and is normally urged by a spring 16 so as to rotate outward by a fixed amount is formed on the side wall of the drive rack 13. The drive rack 13 stops at the position of the toothless portion 13b. Further, at this time, the slide rack 14 pushes the detection switch 29 for the stock position, and the rotation of the drive motor 12 is stopped. As a result, the stocker 21 can be moved up and down as shown in FIG.

When the slide rack 14 is driven to engage with the drive gear 11 in a forward direction (A) within a predetermined amount, that is, within the range of the elongated hole 14a, against the tension spring 15, the slide rack 14 is driven. 13 is driven in the forward direction (A) over the click force of the click lever 17 (the urging force of the spring 16), and is configured to be in the state of FIGS. 6, 7, and 12.

A hook 19 is pivotally supported on the upper surface of the drive rack 13, and the hook 19 is rotated by a predetermined amount in the engaging direction (e) by a spring 18 to form a hook portion 19 a on the cartridge 50. The cartridge 50 is configured to be conveyed backward (b) by engaging with the concave portion 50c. Then, when the cartridge 50 is driven in the forward direction (a) and comes to the attaching / detaching position A,
The convex portion 19d formed at the tip of the hook 19 is pushed by the vertical wall 10g of the mechanical base 10 to rotate in the detaching direction (f),
Thus, the engagement between the cartridge 50 and the hook 19 is released. The hook 1 is moved by the spring 18.
An example of an urging means for urging the rotation of the actuator 9 in the engagement direction (e) is configured.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an extruding lever, which is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the drive rack 13 and is urged by a spring 20A to rotate by a predetermined amount in the same direction as the engaging direction (e). When the portion 20a moves forward (a) together with the drive rack 13, the cartridge 5
0 is transported in the forward direction (a). 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a stocker to which a plurality of cartridges 50 can be attached and detached.
Are formed. The hook 19 and the push-out lever 20 are inserted through the slit 21c to convey the cartridge 50 from the attaching / detaching position A to the recording / reproducing position O, and the shutter 50e is opened by the shutter opening means L having a known configuration to open the recording / reproducing. It is configured to perform.

The above-mentioned drive rack 13 and slide rack 1
4 and the like, an example of a movable body that can be driven in the front-rear direction (i.e., yellow) is formed, and the drive gear 11 and the drive motor 12 and the like form an example of a drive device that is capable of driving the movable body forward and backward. You. Next, the stock means B of the cartridge 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, 12, and 13. FIG.

The stocker 21 has a rectangular cross section so that a plurality of cartridges 50 can be housed and taken out. A plurality of shelves 21a open in the vertical direction (torch) in the front-rear direction (Ero). It is formed as. As a result, the stocker 21 can store a plurality of cartridges
0 can be stored in parallel in the vertical direction (torch). Further, the stocker 21 is configured to drive the shaft portions 21b formed on the both side walls 21e in a vertical direction (torch) to move up and down in a state where the cartridges 50 are stored (stored). During the ascent and descent, the front and rear positions of the cartridges 50 are determined by the front wall 10b and the rear wall 10c formed on the mechanical base 10.

The front wall 10b of the mechanical base 10 is provided with a front opening 10a large enough to allow one cartridge 50 to pass through.
A rear opening 10d large enough to allow one cartridge 50 to pass is provided. That is, the stocker 2
1 so that only one cartridge 50 whose height position coincides with the front opening 10a or the rear opening 10d can enter and exit the stocker 21 in the front-rear direction (i-lo). It is configured.

Reference numeral 21c denotes a comb-like slit formed in the side wall 21e of the stocker 21. The hook 19 and the pushing lever 20 are inserted through the slit 21c to move, and the one cartridge in the stocker 21 is moved. 50 only from the stocker 21 in the front-back direction (Ero)
It is configured so that it can be taken out or stored. When the stocker 21 moves up and down, the stocker 21
The protrusion 21d formed on the side wall 21e of the
0 slit 10 formed in the side wall 10e
Thus, the stocker 21 is configured not to incline in the front-rear direction (y).

The side surfaces 50 of the cartridge 50 pushed out by the inner surfaces of both side walls 21e of the stocker 21.
a, 50b are formed so that the side wall surface 21f can be guided freely.
(I), and is formed so as to be inclined by the opening angle 外側 1 so as to be outside of (i). The cartridge 5 pushed out by this
0 is guided with a margin in the left-right direction (kayo). Further, the cartridge receiving surface (upper surface) 21g of the group of shelves 21a is formed to be inclined by the receiving angle Θ2 such that the mounting / dismounting position A is lower. Thus, the extruded cartridge 50 is guided with a margin in the vertical direction (torch).

Next, in order to select and remove an arbitrary cartridge 50 from the plurality of cartridges 50 stored in the stocker 21, or to store the cartridge 50 at an arbitrary position of the stocker 21, the stocker 21 is inserted into the cartridge 50. Up and down direction (torch) which is parallel direction
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7. FIG.

The longitudinally convex portion 21d formed on the side wall 21e of the stocker 21 and the slit portion 10f formed on the mechanical base 10 are fitted to hold the stocker 21 in the front-rear direction (yellow). are doing. U-shaped arm 22 for moving the stocker 21 up and down
The arm 22 has a shaft portion 22a provided at both ends on the base side thereof supported by a bearing portion 10h of the mechanical base 10, and an elongated hole 22b formed at both ends on the arm portion side. Part 21b is slidably engaged,
Thus, the stocker 21 is configured to be held in the left-right direction (cayo).

On one side of the mechanical base 10, there is provided a stair cam 23 slidable in the front-rear direction (yellow).
The step cam 23 is formed with a step-like cam 23a in which a step of each step moves the pitch of the shelf 21a of the stocker 21 up and down.
The shaft portion 22c formed on the arm 22 is configured to be fitted.

Then, the stocker motor 24 provided on the mechanical base 10 rotates the elevating drive gear 25 pivotally supported by the mechanical base 10, and engages the drive gear 25 with the gear portion 23 b of the stair cam 23. As a result, the stair cam 23 is driven in the front-rear direction (yellow) by the rotation of the stocker motor 24, so that the arm 22 moves up and down (torch) about the shaft 22a. It is configured.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 36 denotes a sensor formed on the stair cam 23 for detecting the detection target 23c formed at a pitch suitable for each step, and 37 denotes a reset switch thereof. Are located. With the above configuration, the stocker 21 can be driven up and down by one step by the rotation of the stocker motor 24 while holding the stocker 21 back and forth and left and right.

Next, the front blocking means F of the cartridge 50
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. When the stocker 21 moves up and down, the front blocking means F allows the cartridge 50 in the stocker 21 to move forward from one front opening 10a formed in the mechanical base 10 in front of the stocker 21 (a).
To prevent the stocker 21 from being lifted and lowered, and to prevent the cartridge 50 from being improperly inserted from the front during recording / reproducing and transporting of the cartridge 50. For this reason, the cartridge 50 is pivotally supported in front of the mechanical base 10. A front blocking lever 26 is provided.

When the cartridge 50 is at the recording / reproducing position O from the stocker position, the front blocking lever 26
The front opening 10a of the mechanical base 10 is always urged by a spring 27 in the closing direction (nu) so as to cover the front opening 10a. Then, the convex portion 26a formed at one end of the front blocking lever 26 is pushed by the cam portion 13e formed on the upper surface of the drive rack 13, and the drive rack 13 is driven in the forward direction (a) as shown in FIG. When the cartridge 50 is moved to a detachable position, the front blocking lever 26 is rotated in the opening direction (i) to open the front opening 10a of the mechanical base 10, whereby the cartridge 50 is opened.
a.

Next, the rear blocking means G of the cartridge 50
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7. FIG. The rear blocking means G is configured such that the cartridge 50 in the stocker 21 projects rearward (b) from one rear opening 10d formed in the mechanical base 10 behind the stocker 21 when the stocker 21 moves up and down. The loading switch 28 is turned on and off when the cartridge 50 is inserted, and a spring is mounted on the upper surface of the drive rack 13 so as to rotate by a predetermined amount. The pushing lever 20 is configured to turn on and off the loading switch 28 by the convex portion 20b formed below while being urged.

That is, the pushing lever 20 of the conveying means D for pushing the cartridge 50 in the forward direction (a).
When the cartridge 50 is exchanged from the state of the attachment / detachment position A in FIG. 7 and a new cartridge 50 is pushed backward (b), the pushing lever 20 is pushed in the engagement direction (e). ) To turn off the loading switch (open switch) 28,
Thus, the drive rack 13 is driven rearward (b) by rotating the drive motor 12.

The drive rack 13 is moved forward (a).
When the cartridge 50 is pushed to the attachment / detachment position A as shown in FIG.
8 is configured to turn on and stop the rotation of the drive motor 12. Reference numeral 29 denotes a detection switch for detecting the stock position of the drive rack 13. When the drive rack 13 is driven in the forward direction (a) and the engagement of the drive gear 11 is released and stopped, the switch is pushed by the slide rack 14. And the rotation of the drive motor 12 is stopped, so that the pushing portion 20a of the pushing lever 20 does not eject the cartridge 50 from the inside of the stocker 21 in the backward direction (b). It is configured to prevent the movement to b).

Next, when the stocker 21 is moved, hook engagement releasing means H which releases the engagement between the hook 19 of the transport means D and the cartridge 50 and positions the hook 19 outside the stocker 21 is constructed. Will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 to 14. FIG. FIG. 9 shows a position where the stocker 21 is moved up and down (torch) in the vertical direction (torch) to exchange the cartridge 50 in the stocker 21. At this time, the movement of the cartridge 50 in the forward direction (A) from the inside of the stocker 21 is blocked by the front blocking lever 26 of the front blocking means F, and the movement in the rear direction (B) is pushed by the pushing lever 20 of the rear blocking means G. Has been blocked. Therefore, with the cartridge 50 held in the stocker 21, the stocker 21 is moved up and down (to
H) when the hook 19 is moved up and down
a means for releasing the engagement between the a and the concave portion 50c formed in the side surface 50a of the cartridge 50 is required.

That is, when the NO key 3 is pressed after the cartridge 50 is mounted and the cartridge 50 is stocked on the designated shelf 21a, the cartridge 50 is first moved backward by the hook 19 from the state shown in FIGS. (B), and the drive rack 13 is moved backward (b).
And the cartridge 50 is moved to the stocker 21.
At a position where the slide rack 14 is driven by a predetermined amount until the slide rack 14 comes out, the projection 14d of the slide rack 14 presses the switch 30 and stops in the state of FIG.

Further, when the drive motor 12 is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 11, the drive gear 11 drives the drive rack 13 in the forward direction (a), reaches the toothless portion 13b of the drive rack 13, and then drives the drive gear 11. Is the slide rack 1
4 to drive the slide rack 14 in the forward direction (a). At this time, the projection 17a of the click lever 17 urged by the spring 16 so as to normally rotate outward by a predetermined amount is moved by the drive rack 1.
The depression 13c formed on the side wall of No. 3 is pressed, whereby the drive rack 13 stops at the position of the toothless portion 13b. Further, at this time, the slide rack 14 pushes the stock position detection switch 29, and the rotation of the drive motor 12 is stopped. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 9 is reached, and the stocker 21 can be moved up and down.

Thereafter, the stocker motor 24 is rotated, and the stocker 21 is moved up and down to a position where the indicated shelf 21a of the stocker 21 and the rear opening 10d of the mechanical base 10 coincide with each other, and then the stocker motor 24 is stopped. In FIGS. 4, 7, 14, and 15, reference numeral 31 denotes an opening / closing lever, which is pivotally supported by the mechanical base 10 so as to rotate by a fixed amount outward (c). D) is energized.

The drive gear 11 drives the drive rack 13 in the forward direction (a), and the designated rack 21 of the stocker 21 is moved.
After the cartridge 50 is stocked in a, when another cartridge 50 is transported, the drive rack 13 and the drive gear 11 are disengaged by the toothless portion 13b, and the drive of the drive rack 13 is stopped. Recess 13
c, the convex portion 17a of the click lever 17 is pressed outwardly (C) by the force of the spring 16 to make it difficult for the drive rack 13 to move in the front-rear direction (Ero).

The gear portion 14b of the slide rack 14 meshes with the drive gear 11, and the elongated hole 14a of the slide rack 14
Is guided by a shaft portion 13d formed on the lower surface of the drive rack 13, and when the slide rack 14 slides forward (A), a convex portion 14c formed on the lower surface is formed on the side surface of the opening / closing lever 31. By pressing the convex portion 31c, the opening / closing lever 31 is rotated outward (c) against the spring 16.

At this time, the convex portion 31b formed on the opening / closing lever 31 pushes the convex portion 19b formed downward and rearward of the hook 19 to rotate the hook 19 in the releasing direction (f). The engagement between the hook portion 19a of 19 and the concave portion 50c formed on the side wall of the cartridge 50 is released. And slide rack 1
4 further slides forward (A), and the convex portion 14c approaches the flat portion 31c of the opening / closing lever 31. When the convex portion 14d formed on the lower surface of the slide rack 14 presses the detection switch 29, the drive motor is driven. 12, that is, the rotation of the drive gear 11 stops. As a result, the stocker 21 can be moved up and down (torch) by the stocker motor 24, and another designated cartridge 5
0 to the rear opening 10d of the mechanical base 10,
The stocker motor 24 stops.

When the projection 14c is driven rearward (b) from this state, the opening / closing lever 31 is rotated inward (d) by the spring 16 to return to the stop position, and the hook 19 engages with the cartridge 50. In this case, the cartridge 50 can be transported rearward (b) or can be transported to the mounting position A in the forward direction (a) by the push lever 20.

FIG. 15 shows the positional relationship between the opening / closing lever 31 and the convex portion 14c of the slide rack 14. FIG.
When the slide rack 14 is moved further forward (a) by the drive gear 11, the projection 14c is disengaged from the opening / closing lever 31, and the opening / closing lever 31 is
6 to return to the stop position by rotating inward (d).

Next, the drive rack 13 and the slide rack 1
4, when the hook 19 conveys the cartridge 50 in the rearward direction (b) by the rearward (b) movement, the opening / closing lever 31 is rotated inward (d) by the spring 16 to pass through. The hook 19 is kept engaged with the cartridge 50, and the cartridge 50 is moved backward (b).
Transport to

After the convex portion 14c passes, the opening / closing lever 31 returns to the stop position by rotating inward (d) by the elastic force of the spring 16, and the convex portion 14c is again moved forward (a). When the cartridge 5 is driven, the inclined portion 31a is pushed to rotate the opening / closing lever 31 in the outward direction (C).
The engagement between the hook 0 and the hook 19 is released.

The cartridge 5 in the stocker 21
14 and FIG. 15, when the replacement of the convex portion 1 is performed.
Immediately after 4c passes through the inside of the convex portion 31c in the rear direction (b), when the convex portion 14d presses the switch 30, the transport direction of the cartridge 50 changes from the rear direction (b) to the front direction (a), The cartridge 50 is pushed back into the stocker 21 and stops, and at this time, the stocker 21 is moved up and down by the stocker motor 24 so that another selected cartridge 50 can be transported.

Next, when the cartridge holder 40 moves up and down to perform recording and reproduction of the cartridge 50, the hook 1
The configuration of the hook releasing means J for releasing the engagement between the cartridge 9 and the cartridge 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 11. FIG. When the hook 19 conveys the cartridge 50 to the recording / reproducing position O by inserting the slit 40a formed in the side wall of the cartridge holder 40 by the rearward movement (b) of the drive rack 13, the drive gear 11 and the drive rack 13 The lifting rack 33 configured to release the meshing by the toothless portion 13f and to start meshing with the horizontal drive gear 11 in a known manner by the switching lever 41 is driven in the forward direction (A). It is configured as follows.

A cam portion 33a formed on the rack 33
When the rack 33 is driven in the forward direction (A) by the engagement of the shaft portion 40b formed in the cartridge holder 40 with the cartridge holder 40, the cartridge holder 40 descends to start recording and reproduction, and is driven in the rear direction (B). It is configured in a known manner so that the recording / reproducing is canceled when it is performed. When the cartridge holder 40 descends together with the cartridge 50 to perform recording and reproduction, the hook 19 and the cartridge 50
Must be released to remove the adverse effect on recording and reproduction, and this configuration is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, when the rack 33 is driven in the forward direction (a), the protrusions 33b formed on the upper surface are formed.
Presses the cam portion 19c formed on the lower surface of the hook 19 to rotate the hook 19 in the disengaging direction (f), thereby releasing the engagement of the hook 19 with the cartridge 50. 4 and 7, reference numeral 34 denotes a recording / reproduction switch for detecting the position of the rack 33, and reference numeral 35 denotes a cartridge detection switch for detecting the cartridge 50.
When one of these switches 34 and 35 is pressed, the rack 33 stops, and the drive motor 12 drives the rack 3.
When the cartridge holder 40 is moved backward (b), the cartridge holder 40 is raised, and when the engagement between the rack 33 and the drive gear 11 is released, the drive lever 13 and the drive gear 11 are engaged with the switching lever 41 in a known manner. The drive rack 13 is driven in the forward direction (A), and the cartridge 50 is conveyed by the push lever 20 in the direction of the attachment / detachment position A.

Next, the structure of the rack bending means K for preventing the slide rack 14 of the transport means D from protruding rearward will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 11. FIG. In order to prevent the slide rack 14 of the transport means D from projecting rearward, an auxiliary rack 39 for extending is pivotally supported behind the slide rack 14,
The drive gear 11 is a drive rack 13, a slide rack 1
4. It is configured to drive over the auxiliary rack 39.

When the drive rack 13, the slide rack 14, and the auxiliary rack 39 are driven to the rear recording / reproducing position O, as shown in FIG. 11, a convex portion 39a formed at the lower portion of the auxiliary rack 39 is formed. The auxiliary rack 39 is guided by a curved concave portion 10i formed on the rear upper surface of the mechanical base 10 and bends around the shaft support, thereby preventing the auxiliary rack 39 from protruding to the rear of the mechanical base 10.

Next, when the cartridge 50 is pushed out from the stock means B toward the mounting / dismounting position A in the front-rear direction (yellow), the shutter 50e of the cartridge 50 is prevented from being caught on the mechanical base 10 side. The configuration of the catch prevention means M will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, 13, and 17 to 21. That is, the stepped roller 45 is freely rotatably supported at the tip of the mechanical base 10 and at the shutter passage portion (near the attaching / detaching position A) of the front opening 10 a formed in the mechanical base 10 via the vertical shaft 44. Thus, the catch prevention means M is configured.

Here, the stepped roller 45 is formed with a cylindrical peripheral side surface 45a and an inclined step surface 45b extending outward and downward from the lower end of the peripheral side surface 45a. The stepped roller 45 is used to push the cartridge 5
0 side surface 50b and the peripheral side surface 45a
(I) While being located inside at a predetermined length X in
The upper and lower intermediate portions of the inclined step surface 45b are disposed so as to be positioned with respect to the lower surface 50f of the cartridge 50 to be extruded.

Therefore, when the cartridge 50 is pushed out from the state shown in FIG. 13 to the attachment / detachment position A side, first, as shown in a virtual line in FIG. 17, and as shown in FIG. After being brought into contact with the upper and lower intermediate portions of the 45b, it is guided with the rotation of the roller,
As shown by the phantom line in FIG.
The take-out end side is lifted. Thereby, on the take-out end side, the shutter 50e, the lower edge portion of the shutter 50e, and the lower edge portion 50 of the cartridge 50
g, the lower surface 50f of the cartridge 50 and the like move (escape) upward (g) with respect to the cartridge receiving surface 21g.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the side surface 50b of the cartridge 50 is guided after being brought into contact with the peripheral side surface 45a, and the take-out end side of the cartridge 50 is moved to the left (f). As a result, on the take-out end side, the shutter 50e and the side surface 50b of the cartridge 50
Move (escape) to the left (f) with respect to the side wall surface 21f. Therefore, the cartridge 50
Can be pushed out to the attaching / detaching position A side without the shutter 50e or the like getting caught on the mechanical base 10 side or the stocker 21 side.

At this time, the cartridge receiving surface 21g of the group of shelves 21a is formed so as to be inclined, and the cartridge 50 is guided with a margin in the up-down direction (torch), so that the cartridge 50 at the take-out end side is removed. Lifting can be performed smoothly without any problem. In addition, both side walls 2
Since the side wall surface 21f of 1e is formed to be inclined and the cartridge 50 is guided with a margin in the left direction (f), the movement of the cartridge 50 in the left direction (f) can be performed smoothly without any trouble. Will be.

Next, the structure of the detecting means N for detecting the cartridge 50 conveyed to the position of the recording / reproducing means C and performing the recording / reproducing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 7 to 11. When the drive rack 13 or the like in the transporting means D is driven backward (b), the cartridge 50 is transported to the position of the recording / reproducing means C via the hook 19 or the like, and the cartridge 50 is moved by the cartridge detecting switch 35. At the same time, the position of the rack 33 is detected by the recording / reproducing switch 34. As a result, the cartridge holder 40 descends to start recording and reproduction. Here, the cartridge detecting switch 35 for detecting the cartridge 50 constitutes an example of a detecting means.

The operation of the cartridge changer configured as described above, which is an example of the embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Open-Close Operation In FIGS. 1 and 7, when the cartridge 50 that has come out of the cartridge mounting / detaching position A is replaced, and the cartridge 50 is inserted and pushed in from the opening 1 a of the front panel 1, the protrusion of the pushing lever 20 is formed. 20b turns off the loading switch 28 and rotates the drive motor 12. As a result, the drive rack 13 is driven rearward (b) by the drive gear 11, and the hook 19 is engaged with the cartridge 50 as shown in FIG. 8, and the cartridge 50 is moved to the recording / reproducing position O as shown in FIG. And the cartridge holder 40 descends, and the recording / reproducing switches 34, 35
Is pressed by the rack 33 to start recording and reproduction.

Next, when the open / close knob 4 is pressed,
The drive motor 12 rotates and the drive rack 13 is driven in the forward direction (A), whereby the pushing lever 20 pushes the cartridge 50 to the mounting / dismounting position A as shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 12. Then, the convex portion 19d at the tip of the hook 19 is pushed by the vertical wall 10g of the mechanical base 10 to rotate in the disengaging direction (F), whereby the engagement between the hook 19 and the cartridge 50 is released, and the loading switch 28 is released. Is turned on by being pushed by the convex portion 20b of the pushing lever 20, whereby the rotation of the drive motor 12 is stopped.

When the cartridge 50 is pushed to the attachment / detachment position A by the pushing lever 20, the lower edge portion 50g of the cartridge 50 is located at the upper and lower middle portion of the inclined step surface 45b as shown in the imaginary line of FIG. After being brought into contact with the roller, it is guided with the rotation of the roller, and the take-out end side of the cartridge 50 is lifted up as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 17, and then, as shown in FIG. After being brought into contact with the peripheral side surface 45a, the cartridge 50 is guided and the take-out end side of the cartridge 50 is moved leftward (f).

Cartridge mounting operation When the cartridge 50 is mounted, there is a possibility that the square and plate-shaped cartridge 50 is inserted in four directions on each of the front and back sides, that is, in a total of eight directions, and only one of the directions is the normal insertion direction. . That is, when the cartridge 50 is properly inserted into the stocker 21 from the opening 1a of the front panel 1, the concave portion 50 on the other side and on the recording / reproducing position O side.
c will be located. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 22, when the pushing lever 20 is rotated in the same direction as the engaging direction (e) to turn off the loading switch (open switch) 28, the drive motor 12 is rotated clockwise, The drive rack 13 and the like are driven rearward (b) via the drive gear 11. At this time, the hook portion 19a of the hook 19 is engaged with the concave portion 50c, so that the cartridge 50 can be transported in the rear direction (b).

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 50 conveyed to the position of the recording / reproducing means C by the conveying means D is detected by the cartridge detecting switch 35, and the cartridge detecting switch 35 is turned on. Next, the position of the rack 33 is changed to the recording / reproducing switch 34.
Is turned on and the recording / reproducing switch 34 is turned on, so that the cartridge holder 40 descends to start the intended recording / reproducing.

When the cartridge 50 is inserted from the attachment / detachment position A to the stock means B in the wrong direction,
When the erroneous insertion in six directions except for the erroneous insertion in one direction in which the concave portion 50d on one side (the shutter 50e side) is located on the other side and on the recording / reproducing position O side in the erroneous insertion in the direction, When the loading switch 28 is turned off, the transport unit D is driven. However, at this time, the hook portion 19a of the hook 19 is not engaged with the concave portions 50c and 50d, so that the cartridge 50 is not conveyed in the rear direction (b).

Therefore, the transport means D is
The desired carry-in operation is performed without transporting 0 to the position detected by the cartridge detection switch 35.
That is, while the transport means D has finished driving in the desired backward direction (b), the cartridge detection switch 35 is in the OFF state, whereby the erroneous insertion is detected, and the drive motor 12 is turned counterclockwise. The drive rack 13 and the like are driven in the forward direction (A) through the drive gear 11.
Then, by turning on the loading switch 28,
After a series of cartridge mounting operations is completed, the wrong direction insertion display section 6 is displayed.

As described above, when the cartridge 50 is inserted from the attachment / detachment position A to the stock means B in the wrong direction, the conveyance means D does not convey the cartridge 50 to the position detected by the detection means N, and After carrying out the movement, the carry-out movement is subsequently carried out, and the non-detection by the detection means N can be notified. Also, when the cartridge 50 is inserted in the wrong direction from the attachment / detachment position A to the stock means B, an error in one direction where the concave portion 50d on one side (shutter 50e side) is located on the other side and on the recording / reproducing position O side. When the loading switch 28 is turned off when the insertion is performed, the transport unit D is driven. At this time, the hook portion 19a of the hook 19 is engaged with the concave portion 50d, and the cartridge 50 is conveyed in the rear direction (b).

In this way, the cartridge 50 is transported to the position of the recording / reproducing means C by the transport means D.
With respect to the shutter opening means L acting on 0e,
The loaded cartridge 50 itself comes into contact. As a result, the further conveyance of the cartridge 50 in the backward direction (b) is prevented.

Therefore, the transport means D is
0 is transported to the position detected by the cartridge detection switch 35, and the intended carry-in operation is performed.
In the same manner as described above, the erroneous insertion is detected, and the drive motor 12 is rotated counterclockwise to drive the drive rack 13 and the like forward (a). Then, by turning on the loading switch 28, a series of cartridge mounting operations is completed, and the incorrect direction insertion display section 6 is displayed.

As described above, when the cartridge 50 is inserted from the attachment / detachment position A to the stock means B in the wrong direction, and the hook 19a is engaged with the concave portion 50d on the shutter 50e side, the transport means D causes the cartridge 50 to move into the cartridge 5
0 is brought into contact with the shutter opening means L, and the conveyance to the detection position by the detection means N is prevented. Then, the conveyance means D carries out the intended carry-in movement and then carries out the carry-out movement. And the non-detection by the detection means N can be notified.

Next, when the cartridge 50 is mounted in the opening 1a of the front panel 1 and the NO key 3 is designated in FIG. 1, the cartridge 50 is conveyed backward (b) by the hook 19, and is slid. The protrusion 14d of the rack 14 presses the switch 30 to stop the conveyance. When the drive motor 12 is reversed from this state, the drive gear 11 drives the drive rack 13 in the forward direction (a), and the toothless portion 13 of the drive rack 13 is driven.
b, and then the drive gear 11 meshes with the gear portion 14b of the slide rack 14 to drive the slide rack 14 forward (a).

At this time, the convex portion 17a of the click lever 17 urged by the spring 16 so as to normally rotate outward by a predetermined amount pushes the concave portion 13c formed on the side wall of the drive rack 13. As a result, the drive rack 13 is
Stop at the position 3b. Further, at this time, the slide rack 14 presses the detection switch 29 for the stock position,
The rotation of the drive motor 12 stops. Thereafter, the stocker motor 24 is rotated to move the stocker 21 up and down, and stops moving up and down at a height that matches the designated shelf 21a and the rear opening 10d of the mechanical base 10, whereby the cartridge 50 is moved to the designated shelf 21a. Be stocked.

At this time, the drive rack 13 is hardly moved in the front-rear direction by the click lever 17, and the engagement with the drive gear 11 is released by the toothless portion 13b. Further, the cartridge 50 is held in the stocker 21 by being sandwiched between the front blocking lever 26 and the pushing lever 20, and the engagement with the hook 19 is released.

In this state, when the cartridge 50 for recording and reproduction is designated by pressing the NO key 3, the stocker motor 24 is rotated and the stocker 21 is moved up and down, so that the designated shelf 21 a and the rear opening 10 d of the mechanical base 10 match. At this height, the rotation of the stocker motor 24 stops. Subsequently, when the drive motor 12 rotates and the slide rack 14 is driven in the backward direction (b), the hook 19 rotates in the engagement direction (e) to engage with the cartridge 50, and further the slide rack 14 Is driven rearward (b), the end of the elongated hole 14a pushes the shaft portion 13d of the drive rack 13, and the drive rack 13 is driven rearward (b).
As a result, the hook 19 transports the cartridge 50 into the cartridge holder 40 at the recording / reproducing position O,
Then, the cartridge holder 40 descends and the hook 19
Is pressed by the rack 33, thereby releasing the engagement with the cartridge 50 and starting recording and reproduction. At this time, the shutter 50e is configured to be opened by the shutter opening means L having a known configuration.

When another cartridge 50 is designated by pressing the NO key 3 during recording / reproducing, the cartridge holder 40
Rises, and the cartridge 50 during recording / reproduction is driven in the forward direction (A) by the pushing lever 20, whereby the cartridge 50 is returned to the stocker 21 and stopped. Subsequently, the stocker 21 moves up and down, and the designated cartridge 50 is moved to the rear opening 1 of the mechanical base 10.
At a height matching 0d, the lifting and lowering of the stocker 21 is stopped, and then the cartridge 50 with the specified hook 19 is conveyed backward (b) to perform recording and reproduction. In the same manner, replacement and removal of the designated cartridge 50 can be performed.

[0075]

As described above, according to the cartridge changer of the present invention, there is provided a detecting means for detecting the cartridge conveyed to the position of the recording / reproducing means to perform the recording / reproducing operation, and from the attaching / detaching position to the stock means. When the cartridge is inserted in the wrong direction, the transport means does not transport the cartridge to the detection position by the detection means, but performs the intended carry-in movement and then carries out the carry-out movement. Despite the reduced and simple and inexpensive configuration, erroneous insertion can be dealt with accurately and promptly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a cartridge changer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing a cartridge and a stepped roller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention at a cartridge attaching / detaching position.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention at the start of cartridge retraction.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention at the time of retracting the cartridge in the elevating operation position.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention when the rack is switched.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention at a cartridge playing position.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway left side view of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention at a cartridge attaching / detaching position.

FIG. 13 is a vertical right side view of a stock means portion of the cartridge changer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship among a hook, a push lever, an opening / closing lever, a click lever, a slide rack, and the like in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between an opening / closing lever and a slide rack according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between a hook and an elevating rack according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a right side view showing the cartridge and the catch preventing means according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing the cartridge and the catch preventing means according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the cartridge and the catch preventing means according to the embodiment of the present invention at the start of extrusion.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the cartridge and the catch preventing means according to the embodiment of the present invention at the time of pushing contact.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the cartridge and the catch preventing means according to the embodiment of the present invention at the time of pushing guide.

FIG. 22 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cartridge and the detecting means in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Front panel 1a Opening 3 NO key 4 Open-close knob 6 Mis-insertion display part 10 Mechanical base 10a Front opening 10d Back opening 10e Side wall 11 Drive gear (drive) 12 Drive motor (drive) 13 Drive rack (movement) Body) 14 Slide rack (moving body) 15 Pull spring 16 Spring 17 Click lever 18 Spring (biasing means) 19 Hook 19a Hook section 20 Extrusion lever 20a Push section 20A Spring 21 Stocker 21a Shelf 21e Side wall 21f Side wall surface 21g Cartridge receiving surface Reference Signs List 22 Arm 23 Stair cam 24 Stocker motor 25 Elevating drive gear 26 Front blocking lever 28 Loading switch 29 Detection switch (for stock position) 30 Switch 31 Opening / closing lever 33 Elevating rack 34 Recording Raw switch 35 Cartridge detection switch 37 Reset switch 39 Auxiliary rack 40 Cartridge holder 41 Switching lever 44 Vertical axis 45 Stepped roller 45a Peripheral side surface 45b Inclined step surface 50 Cartridge 50a Side surface 50b Side surface 50c Concave portion 50d Concave portion 50e Shutter A Attaching / detaching position B stock means C recording / reproducing means D transport means E driving means F front blocking means G rear blocking means H hook disengaging means I switching means J hook releasing means K rack bending means L shutter opening means M catching preventing means N detecting means O Recording / reproducing position P Conveyance path A Forward B Backward G Upward J Downward f Leftward Yo Rightward

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A stock means capable of detachably storing a plurality of cartridges having a recording / reproducing medium, a conveying means for conveying a cartridge between the stock means and the recording / reproducing means, and Detecting means for detecting the conveyed cartridge and performing a recording / reproducing operation, and when the cartridge is inserted from the attachment / detachment position to the stock means in the wrong direction, the conveying means conveys the cartridge to a position detected by the detecting means. A cartridge changer configured to carry out an intended carry-in operation and then carry out an carry-out operation without performing the operation. 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge has a pair of parallel side surfaces, each of which has a recess, and one of said side surfaces is provided with a shutter. An open means is provided and a transport means is provided on the other side. The transport means is a movable body that can be driven in the front-rear direction, a driving device that can drive the movable body forward and reverse, and a shaft that is rotatably mounted on the movable body. A hook portion that is detachably engaged with the concave portion, and is provided with an urging means for urging the hook to rotate in the engaging direction. 2. The car according to claim 1, wherein when the unit is engaged, the cartridge to be carried in and abutted against the shutter opening means to prevent the cartridge from being transported to the detection position by the detection means. Tridge changer. 3. The cartridge changer according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means is configured to notify that the detection is not performed.