JP2002052488A - Clamp device for record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely clamp and carry the topmost one of many stacked disks having a hole in the center by a simple device. SOLUTION: An insertion tip 11 is brought and lowered right above the hole of the stacked disks by an external carrier. A switch 8 detects the topmost portion of the disks and stops their lowering. After the insertion tip 11 is inserted into the hole of the center, a first clamp 9 is driven by a first solenoid 4 of a first clamp mechanism and retains and raises the topmost disk of the stacked disks. In this state, a second solenoid 5 of a second clamp mechanism is turned off so that a second clamp, 10 is opened to retain the disk. After carrying the disk to a target position, the second solenoid 5 is turned on so that the second clamp 10 is closed to release the disk.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium clamping apparatus, and more particularly to a recording medium clamping apparatus for removing one disk from a stacked disk.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a single thin disk-shaped recording medium such as a compact disk having a circular hole in the center is taken out and transported for manufacturing, recording or reproduction, only one sheet is conventionally used. Then, the outer edge of the disk was transported while being held by two arms. In addition, the disc was sucked and held by a suction cup and a vacuum pump and transferred. Alternatively, two arms were inserted into the hole at the center and grasped from inside to transfer.

[0003]

However, in the conventional clamping device, it is difficult to hold only one sheet by the arm, and an erroneous operation of transferring two or more sheets simultaneously is inevitable. In addition, when transferring by a suction cup, an air pump is required, and there is a problem that the apparatus cannot be downsized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to securely clamp and transport only the uppermost one of a large number of stacked disks having a hole in the center with a simple device. And

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a first clamp mechanism for taking out one of the uppermost discs of a stacked disc, and a disc taken out by the first clamp mechanism. A first clamping mechanism, a first clamping mechanism, and a first clamping mechanism of a recording medium clamping apparatus including a second clamping mechanism for holding and a height detecting mechanism for detecting a position of an uppermost portion of the stacked disks; And a first switch for detecting that the first clamp means cannot clamp the disk. The second clamp mechanism has a second clamp means and a second solenoid for driving the second clamp means. When,
A second switch for detecting that the second clamp means has clamped only one disk, and
A third switch for detecting the position of the uppermost disk is provided.

With this configuration, it is possible to reliably clamp and transport only the uppermost one of a large number of stacked disks having a hole in the center with a simple device.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment) In an embodiment of the present invention, a first clamp mechanism takes out one of the top discs of the stacked discs, and holds the taken-out disc by a second clamp mechanism. It is a clamping device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a recording medium clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an upper base 1 is an upper support substrate of the clamp device. The support 3 is composed of the upper base 1 and the lower base 2
Is suspended with a degree of freedom.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view showing the configuration of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the lower base 2 is a lower support substrate of the clamp device. The first solenoid 4 is means for driving the first clamp arm of the first clamp mechanism. The second solenoid 5 is means for driving a second clamp arm of the second clamp mechanism. The first switch 6 is means for detecting an operation limit of the first clamp arm of the first clamp mechanism. The second switch 7 is means for detecting an operation limit of the second clamp arm of the second clamp mechanism. The third switch 8 is means for detecting a limit distance between the upper base 1 and the lower base 2. The first clamp 9 is an arm of the first clamp mechanism. The second clamp 10 is an arm of the second clamp mechanism. The insertion tip 11 is a guide section to be inserted into a hole at the center of the disc.

The clamp device includes a first clamp mechanism for taking out the topmost one from a number of stacked disks, and a second clamp mechanism for holding the taken-out disks. The first clamp mechanism includes a first solenoid 4, a first switch 6, and a first clamp 9. The second clamp mechanism includes a second solenoid 5,
It comprises a second switch 7 and a second clamp 10. The first solenoid 4 and the second solenoid 5 are arranged to face each other so that the center of gravity is located at the center.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a vertical section at the center of an insertion tip 11 as viewed from a longitudinal direction. The insertion tip 11 is slightly smaller than the hole at the center of the disk, and includes a cylindrical portion having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the disk, and a truncated cone portion. Holes through which the first clamp 9 and the second clamp 10 pass are formed vertically at three locations on the periphery. The second clamp 10 is in the housed state, and the second switch 7 is in the off state.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a central vertical section of the insertion tip 11 viewed from a lateral direction. The first clamp 9 is in a housed state, and the first switch 6 is in an off state.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a central vertical section of the insertion tip 11 viewed from a lateral direction. The first clamp 9 is in a holding state, and the first switch 6 is in an off state.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a central vertical section of the insertion tip 11 viewed from a lateral direction. This is a state where one disk is held and lifted by the first clamp 9.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a central vertical section of the insertion tip 11 viewed from a lateral direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the first clamp 9 has failed to hold the disk. The first switch 6 is on.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a vertical section at the center of an insertion tip 11 as viewed from a longitudinal direction. In this state, one disk is held and lifted by the first clamp 9, the second clamp 10 is in the housed state, and the second switch 7 is in the off state.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a vertical section at the center of an insertion tip 11 as viewed from a longitudinal direction. The second clamp 10 is in a state of holding the disk, and the second switch 7 is in an on state.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a vertical section at the center of an insertion tip 11 as viewed from a longitudinal direction. The second clamp 10 is in an abnormal state holding two disks,
The second switch 7 is off.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a disk having a hole in the center. It is a thin and flat disk-shaped recording medium such as a compact disk.

The operation of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.
The clamp device of this example is used for a device that clamps and conveys only the uppermost one in a state where a plurality of discs with holes at the center are stacked as shown in FIG.

First, the operation of taking out a disk will be described.
The fixing place 12 of the upper base 1 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to an external transfer device (not shown), and the clamping device is moved to move the held disk. The clamp device is moved by an external carrier (not shown) so that the insertion tip 11 is located directly above the hole in the center of the disk. The second solenoid 5 is turned on, and the second clamp 10 is closed as shown in FIG. At this time, the two second switches 7 are both off. In addition, the first solenoid 4 is turned off, and the first clamp 9 is stored inside the insertion tip 11.

As shown in FIG. 4, an external transfer machine (not shown)
Then, the insertion tip 11 is lowered so as to enter the center hole of the disc. The lower base 2 is connected to the upper base 1
Hanged from. Upper base 1 and lower base 2
Are variable and have a degree of freedom. Insertion tip
If the disc 11 continues to descend after being inserted into the center hole of the disc, the distance between the upper base 1 and the lower base 2 becomes narrower, and the third switch 8 is turned on. When the third switch 8 is turned on, the lowering of the external transporter is immediately stopped. The third switch 8 is used to detect the top surface of the stacked disks. The distance between the upper base 1 and the lower base 2 is
This is a switch for detecting that the value has become equal to or less than a predetermined value.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first solenoid 4 is turned on to move the first clamp 9 toward the periphery of the center hole of the disk. Since the insertion tip 11 contacts the edge of the central hole of the disc and the first clamp 9 also contacts the edge, one of the uppermost discs of the stacked discs is clamped.
If the disc can be clamped normally, the first switch 6 remains off. A first solenoid 4 for clamping one of the top surfaces of the stacked disks;
A first clamp 9 and a first switch 6 are used. FIG.
As shown in (2), when clamping is normally performed, the external transporter (not shown) is raised.

As shown in FIG. 7, when no disk can be clamped, the first switch 6 is turned on,
Abnormality can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 8, with the first clamp 9 holding the disk, the second clamp 10 is in the housed state.

As shown in FIG. 9, after raising the clamp device, the second solenoid 5 is turned off and the second clamp 10 is turned off.
open. Since the tip of the second clamp 10 has a "C" shape, the disk can be stably held. When the number of disks is one, the two second switches 7 are both turned on. When both the second switches 7 are on, the first solenoid 4 is turned off, and the first clamp 9 is returned to the original position.

When two or more clamped disks are in an abnormal state, the "C" shape at the tip of the second clamp 10 comes into contact with the second and subsequent disks, as shown in FIG. Neither of the second switches 7 is turned on.

In this manner, the uppermost surface of the stacked disks can be detected and clamped. Since abnormality detection of taking out two sheets can be performed, only one sheet can be taken out without fail. Further, since the second solenoid of the second clamp mechanism holds the disk in the off state, the disk does not drop even if the power is shut off during operation. further,
Since the disc is clamped after being pressed from above, it is horizontal even if the top surface of the disc is inclined,
Stable removal is possible.

Next, the release operation of the disk will be described. With the disc held, the disc is transferred to a target position, and in the state shown in FIG. 9, when the second solenoid 5 is turned on and the second clamp 10 is closed, the disc is released and the disc drops.

Third, a description will be given of an operation for checking whether or not there is a disk in the clamp device. Insertion tip 11
To the position to check if there is a disk.
The first solenoid 4 is turned on, and the first clamp 9 is moved from the inside to the outside of the insertion tip 11. As shown in FIG. 5, when there is a disc, the first switch 9 remains off because the first clamp 9 stops at the edge of the hole of the disc. When there is no disc, the first clamp 9 does not stop at the edge of the hole of the disc, and the first switch 6 is turned on. With this operation, the presence or absence of the disk can be detected. It can also be used as a drop confirmation.

Fourth, a method for confirming the operation of the clamp mechanism will be described. Where there is no disc, the first solenoid 4
Is turned on, the first switch 6 is turned on, the first
It can be seen that the solenoid 4 is operating normally. Further, when the second solenoid 5 is turned on and both the second switches 7 are turned off, it is understood that the second solenoid 5 is operating normally.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention,
The recording medium clamping device is configured to take out the topmost one of the stacked disks by the first clamp mechanism and hold the taken-out disk by the second clamp mechanism. Only the topmost disc can be clamped and transported.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the first clamp mechanism for taking out the uppermost one of the stacked disks and the second holding mechanism for holding the disk taken out by the first clamp mechanism are provided. A first clamping mechanism of a recording medium clamping device including a clamping mechanism and a height detection mechanism for detecting a position of an uppermost portion of the stacked disks includes a first clamping unit and a second clamping unit for driving the first clamping unit. A first switch for detecting that the first clamp means cannot clamp the disk, a second clamp mechanism, a second solenoid for driving the second clamp means, and a second solenoid. A second switch for detecting that the clamping means has clamped only one disk, and a height detection mechanism for detecting the position of the uppermost disk. With the configuration including the third switch, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to reliably clamp and transport only the uppermost one of a large number of stacked disks having a hole in the center with a simple device. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a recording medium clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a vertical section at the center of the insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a vertical cross section of a central portion of an insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the invention when viewed from the lateral direction,

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a vertical cross section of a central portion of an insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the invention when viewed from a lateral direction,

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section at the center of the insertion front end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the lateral direction;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section at the center of the insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the lateral direction;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section at the center of the insertion tip of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section at the center of the insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vertical section at the center of the insertion end of the recording medium clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a disc with a hole in the center.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 upper base 2 lower base 3 support 4 first solenoid 5 second solenoid 6 first switch 7 second switch 8 third switch 9 first clamp 10 second clamp 11 insertion tip 12 fixing place

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F061 AA01 BA04 BB10 BE02 BE42 BF00 DB00 DB04 DB06 DD03 5D072 AB22 BD07 CA11 CA15 CA20 EB02 EB14

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A first clamp mechanism for taking out one of the uppermost discs of the stacked discs, a second clamp mechanism for holding the discs taken out by the first clamp mechanism, and an uppermost disc of the stacked discs In a recording medium clamping apparatus having a height detecting mechanism for detecting a position, the first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping unit, a first solenoid for driving the first clamping unit, and a first clamping unit. Comprises a first switch for detecting that the disk cannot be clamped, wherein the second clamp mechanism comprises a second clamp means, a second solenoid for driving the second clamp means, and the second clamp means The second to detect that only one sheet has been clamped
And a third switch for detecting the position of the uppermost disk.