JP2002056594A - Automatic head cleaning mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the reliability of a device by automatically cleaning the head without the aid of an operator in DAT used for an auto-changer. SOLUTION: This mechanism has a tape feed mechanism which transports and loads a cleaning tape 8 and a recording tape 7 into a DAT drive 1, a tape one-way mechanism which is disposed near a tape slot and regulates another cleaning tape 8 or recording tape 7 so as not to enter the slot when the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 is mounted in the DAT drive, a magazine moving mechanism which moves a magazine housing the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7 in a vertical or lateral direction, a tape discharge mechanism which discharges the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7 from the DAT drive 1, and a sensor which detects that the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 is fed and discharged into and from the slot.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a head cleaning mechanism, and more particularly to an automatic head cleaning mechanism for a DAT mounted on an autochanger device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic head cleaning mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a head cleaning mechanism) in an autochanger apparatus automatically performs cleaning of a head and a recording medium of a recording / reproducing apparatus to prevent contamination by dust.
It is intended to provide a highly reliable autochanger device.

Conventionally, as a head cleaning mechanism of this type, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-54513 discloses a cleaning cartridge for cleaning an optical head on a shelf containing an information recording medium, and a cleaning cartridge attached to the information recording medium. There is disclosed a technology in which a cleaning device for removing dust is provided in an autochanger together with a recording / reproducing device, and a cleaning operation is performed according to the operation status of the device or periodically.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is no magazine for accommodating the cleaning tape, and there is no mechanism for taking out the recording tape mounted on the DAT drive. Therefore, the operator himself sets the cleaning tape. It was necessary to perform a cleaning operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic head cleaning mechanism for cleaning a head in a DAT mounted on an autochanger device without the intervention of an operator.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic head cleaning mechanism for a DAT mounted on an autochanger device, comprising: a tape feed mechanism for conveying and loading a cleaning tape and a recording tape to a DAT drive; A tape one-way mechanism that is provided near an insertion slot and that prevents another cleaning tape or recording tape from entering the insertion slot when the cleaning tape or recording tape is mounted on the DAT drive; A magazine moving mechanism for moving a magazine containing a recording tape vertically or horizontally, a tape discharging mechanism for discharging a cleaning tape and a recording tape from the DAT drive, and a cleaning tape or a recording tape inserted from an insertion slot.・ Emission Characterized in that it comprises a sensor for detecting that the.

The tape feed mechanism comprises a feed belt and a feed roller, and conveys a cleaning tape or a recording tape by gripping the tape, and a loading means that keeps pushing the cleaning tape or the recording tape until it is loaded into a DAT drive. And a gripping / releasing means for gripping or releasing the cleaning tape or the recording tape by changing the distance between brackets respectively supporting the feed belt and the feed roller.

The tape one-way mechanism comprises an L-shaped rotatable tape bracket, a stopper for regulating the rotation of the tape bracket, and a spring which is pulled over the tape bracket and abuts against the stopper. And

The magazine moving mechanism includes a cam for moving the magazine up and down or left and right, and a guide shaft serving as a guide when the magazine moves up and down or left and right.

The tape discharge mechanism is characterized by comprising a rod for pressing an eject button of a DAT drive, and a solenoid for applying a pressing force to the rod.

[0011] The sensor is characterized by comprising an optical sensor. Further, the operation timing of the transfer means and the loading means is made variable.

[0012]

Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a), FIG. 1 (b) and FIG. 1 (c).
Are a front view, a side view, and a top view, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, the automatic head cleaning mechanism of the present invention is an automatic cleaning mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning mechanism) mounted on a DAT (DIGITAL AUDIO TAPE), and includes a cleaning tape 8 and a DAT drive 1. A magazine 6 for accommodating a recording tape 7 to be mounted, a set leaf spring 34 provided in each cell of the magazine 6 for holding a cleaning tape 8 to be accommodated in an upper stage of the magazine 6 and a recording tape 7 to be accommodated in a lower stage; And a tape feed mechanism 43 for transporting the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7, and when the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 is mounted on the DAT drive 1, the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 A tape one-way mechanism 59 for restricting insertion into the insertion slot, and a cleaner (Light emitting side) 4 and sensor (light receiving side) 5 for detecting that the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7 have been inserted into the cleaning mechanism 9, and D
Sensor for detecting that the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7 have been ejected from the AT drive 1 (light emitting side)
2 and a sensor (light receiving side) 3.

As shown in FIG. 1 (c), an eject switch 10 and a cleaning set time button 11 are arranged on the upper surface, and a DAT drive mounting tape number display panel 12 and a DAT drive mounting tape name display are provided. A panel 13 is provided.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are configuration diagrams showing the tape feed mechanism 43 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tape feed mechanism 43 has a feed belt bracket 40 on which pulleys 21 and 22 for transmitting drive to the feed belt 20 are mounted, and feed rollers 23, 24 and 25. A feed roller bracket 36, a feed belt 20 and feed rollers 23, 24, and 25 for transporting the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7, and a push for pressing the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 until the DAT drive 1 is loaded. A bar 26, a spring (not shown) for returning the push lever 26 to the initial position, and a one-way gear for transmitting the driving force so that the push bar 26 operates only when the cleaning tape 8 and the recording tape 7 are loaded into the DAT drive 1. 33 and pulley 22 A gear 32 to reach, a gear 31 for transmitting a drive to the one-way gear 33, a motor 30 for driving the gear 31
A feed spring 41 which always pulls between the feed belt bracket 40 and the feed roller bracket 36 and sandwiches the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7;
By changing the distance between the feed belt bracket 40 and the feed roller bracket 36, a cam 37 having a substantially elliptical shape having a locus for nipping and releasing the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 and a gear 35 having an integral structure are provided.

Here, FIG. 3A shows a state where the distance between the feed belt bracket 40 and the feed roller bracket 36 is widened, and FIG. 3B shows the state where the distance between the feed belt bracket 40 and the feed roller bracket 36 is large. Shows a state in which the interval between the symbols has become narrow. FIG. 3 (c)
FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the magazine moving mechanism 53 in the present embodiment. The magazine moving mechanism 53
A cam magazine 45 having a locus of a groove 54 for moving the magazine 6 up and down;
, A guide shaft 46 for guiding the magazine 6 when moving up and down, a cam 37 and a cam magazine 45 having a locus that varies the distance between the feed belt bracket 40 and the feed roller bracket 36. It comprises a motor 55. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating the tape discharge mechanism 56 in the present embodiment. The tape discharge mechanism 56 includes a rod 51 for pressing an eject button 52 of the DAT drive 1 and a solenoid 50 for applying a pressing force to the rod 51.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing the tape one-way mechanism 59 in this embodiment. The tape one-way mechanism 59 includes an L-shaped rotatable tape bracket 58, a stopper 60 and a stopper 62 serving as stoppers of the tape bracket 58, and a tensioning stopper 60 or a stopper 62 that is attached to the tape bracket 5 so as to abut the tape bracket 5. And a spring 61 for applying an urging force.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail. 1, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
The cleaning operation when the recording tape 7 is mounted on the DAT drive 1 will be described with reference to FIG. At the time set by the operator, the solenoid 50
Operates and the rod 51 mounted on the solenoid 50
Presses the eject button 52 of the DAT drive 1, and the recording tape 7 is ejected from the DAT drive 1.

The sensor (light emitting side) 2 and the sensor (light receiving side) 3 detect that the recording tape 7 has been ejected.
When the speed reaches N, the motor 55 is started, the cam 37 integrally formed with the gear 35 rotates, and the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, so that the feed belt 20 and the feed roller The recording tape 7 is sandwiched between 23, 24, and 25, and after a certain time elapses, the motor 30 starts, the feed belt 20 rotates, and the recording tape 7 is conveyed, and the sensor (light emitting side) 4 and the sensor (light receiving side) Side) Detection is O by 5
It becomes N. Then, the driving of the motor 30 is stopped, and the motor 30 is fixed by the set leaf spring 34 mounted on the magazine 6 and stored in the magazine 6.

The motor 55 is activated to rotate the cam 37, which is integral with the gear 35, so that the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is increased. The recording tape 7 is released between the rollers 23, 24 and 25. Then, the cam magazine 45 rotates and the rollers 4 mounted on the magazine 6 along the grooves 54 in the cam magazine 45.
4 moves, and the magazine 6 moves down.

When the motor 55 is started, the cam 37 integral with the gear 35 rotates and the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, so that the feed belt 20 and the feed roller 23 are formed. , 24, and 25, the motor 30 starts and the feed belt 20 rotates, the cleaning tape 8 is conveyed, the push bar 26 moves, and the cleaning tape 8 detects the sensor (light emitting side). 2) and the sensor (light receiving side) 3 turns off the detection, and the motor 30 stops.

Next, the motor 55 is started to rotate the gear 37 and the cam 37 integrated with the gear 35, so that the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 increases, and the feed belt 20 The apparatus stands by while being opened between the feed rollers 23, 24, and 25.

When the cleaning tape 8 is ejected from the DAT drive 1 and the detection is turned on by the sensor (light emitting side) 2 and the sensor (light receiving side) 3, the motor 55
Is activated, the cam 37 having an integral structure with the gear 35 rotates, the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, and the feed belt 20 and the feed rollers 23, 24,
The cleaning tape 8 is sandwiched between 25.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor 30 is started, the feed belt 20 is rotated, the cleaning tape 8 is conveyed, and the detection is turned on by the sensor (light emitting side) 4 and the sensor (light receiving side) 5. , Motor 30
Is stopped, and the set leaf spring 34 mounted on the magazine 6 is stopped.
And stored in the magazine 6. Next, the motor 55 is started to rotate the cam 37 having an integral structure with the gear 35, so that the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is increased. 2
The recording tape 7 is released between 3, 24, and 25, the cam magazine 45 rotates, and the roller 44 mounted on the magazine 6 moves along the groove 54 in the cam magazine 45, and the magazine 6 rotates.
Moves up.

When the motor 55 is started, the cam 37, which is integral with the gear 35, rotates, and the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, so that the feed belt 20 and the feed roller 23 are formed. , 24 and 25 with the cleaning tape 8 interposed therebetween.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor 3
0 starts, the feed belt 20 rotates, the recording tape 7 is conveyed, the push bar 26 moves, and the cleaning tape 8 is moved to the sensor (light emitting side) 2 and the sensor (light receiving side).
When the detection is turned OFF by 3, the motor 30 stops. Next, the motor 55 is activated to rotate the cam 37 having an integral structure with the gear 35, so that the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is increased. 20
And the feed rollers 23, 24, 25 are open and wait.

Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 11,
The operation when the operator takes out the recording tape 7 mounted on the DAT drive 1 will be described. First, when the operator presses the eject switch 10, the solenoid 50 operates, the rod 51 driven by the solenoid 50 presses the eject button 52 of the DAT drive 1, and the recording tape 7 is ejected from the DAT drive 1.

When the recording tape 7 is discharged, the detection is turned ON by the sensor (light emitting side) 2 and the sensor (light receiving side) 3, the motor 55 is started, and the cam 3 integrated with the gear 35 is formed.
7, the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, and the feed belt 20 and the feed roller 2 are rotated.
The recording tape 7 is sandwiched between 3, 24, and 25.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor 3
0 starts, the feed belt 20 rotates, the recording tape 7 is conveyed, and the detection is turned ON by the sensor (light emitting side) 4 and the sensor (light receiving side) 5. Stops. Next, the motor 55 is activated to rotate the gear 35 and the cam 37 integrated with the gear 35, so that the distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is increased. And the feed roller 23,
Opened between 24 and 25, the operator can take out the recording tape 7.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10, the operation when the operator inserts the recording tape 7 into the DAT drive 1 will be described. When the operator puts the recording tape 7 into the cleaning mechanism 9, the detection is turned on by the sensor (light emitting side) 4 and the sensor (light receiving side) 5, the motor 55 is started, and the cam 37 integrated with the gear 35 rotates. The distance between the roller 39 mounted on the feed bracket 40 and the roller 38 mounted on the feed roller bracket 36 is reduced, and
And the feed rollers 23, 24, 25.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor 3
0 starts, the feed belt 20 rotates, the cleaning tape 8 is conveyed, the push bar 26 moves, and the detection of the cleaning tape 8 by the sensor (light emitting side) 2 and the sensor (light receiving side) 3 is turned off. Then, the recording tape 7 can be inserted into the DAT drive 1.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 2, the operation speed of the push bar 26 can be made slower than that of the feed belt 20 by making the number of the one-way gears 33 greater than that of the gears 32 in the gear ratio of the one-way gears 33 and 32. When the recording tape 7 or the cleaning tape 8 is transported, contact between the push bar 26 and the recording tape 7 or the cleaning tape 8 can be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 12, the tape one-way mechanism 5 is located near the tape insertion slot of the cleaning mechanism 9.
9 are provided. This tape one-way mechanism 59
When the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 enters the AT drive 1, the tape bracket 58
Rotate as indicated by the arrow in FIG. Then, the tape bracket 58 comes into contact with the stopper 60 by the urging force of the spring 61, and becomes the state shown in FIG.
When the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 is inserted in the T drive 1, the operator can restrict the cleaning tape 8 or the recording tape 7 from entering the insertion opening of the automatic cleaning mechanism 9 by mistake.

[0035]

As described above, according to the automatic head cleaning mechanism of the present invention, the cleaning tape stored in the magazine of the cleaning mechanism is automatically loaded into the DAT drive to perform the cleaning operation, and the head is dusted. Since the adhesion is prevented, the reading and writing errors can be prevented, and a highly reliable autochanger device can be provided.

Further, since the automatic head cleaning mechanism of the present invention does not require any signal transmission between the DAT drive and the automatic head cleaning mechanism, a signal cable, a signal PKG and the like are not required, and the number of parts is reduced. There is an effect that reduction is possible and cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a tape transport unit.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a tape feed 43 mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a magazine operation mechanism 53.

FIG. 5 shows a tape discharge mechanism 56.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a transport operation from the DAT drive 1 to the magazine 6.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of inserting a tape into the DAT drive 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of inserting a tape into the DAT drive 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation after the end of the push lever operation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of inserting a tape into the DAT drive 1;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a tape removal operation from the DAT drive 1.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a tape one-way mechanism 59.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 DAT drive 2, 4 Sensor (light-emitting side) 3, 5 Sensor (light-receiving side) 6 Magazine 7 Recording tape 8 Cleaning tape 9 Cleaning mechanism 10 Eject switch 11 Cleaning setting time button 12 DAT drive mounting tape number display panel 13 DAT drive Mounting tape name display panel 20 Feed belt 21, 22 Pulley 23, 24, 25 Feed roller 26 Push bar 30 Motor 31, 32, 35 Gear 33 One-way gear 34 Set leaf spring 36 Feed roller bracket 37 Cam 38, 39, 44 Roller 40 Feed belt bracket 41 Feed spring 43 Tape feed mechanism 45 Cam magazine 46 Guide shaft 50 Solenoid 51 Rod 52 Eject button 53 Magazine mover Structure 54 Groove 55 Motor 56 Tape ejection mechanism 58 Tape bracket 59 Tape one-way mechanism 61 Spring 60, 62 Stopper

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A DA mounted on an autochanger device
An automatic head cleaning mechanism of T, a tape feed mechanism for transporting and loading a cleaning tape and a recording tape to a DAT drive, and a cleaning tape or a recording tape mounted on the DAT drive provided near a tape insertion slot; A tape one-way mechanism for restricting another cleaning tape or recording tape from entering the insertion slot, and a magazine moving mechanism for moving a magazine containing the cleaning tape and the recording tape up and down or left and right. , Said D
An automatic head cleaning mechanism comprising: a tape discharge mechanism for discharging a cleaning tape and a recording tape from an AT drive; and a sensor for detecting that the cleaning tape or the recording tape has been inserted and discharged from an insertion slot. . 2. A tape feed mechanism comprising a feed belt and a feed roller, a conveying means for gripping and conveying a cleaning tape or a recording tape, and continuously pushing the cleaning tape or the recording tape until it is loaded into a DAT drive. 2. The automatic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a loading unit; and a gripping / opening unit that grips or releases the cleaning tape or the recording tape by changing an interval between brackets respectively supporting the feed belt and the feed roller. Head cleaning mechanism. 3. The tape one-way mechanism comprises an L-shaped rotatable tape bracket, a stopper for restricting rotation of the tape bracket, and a spring which is pulled over the tape bracket and abuts on the stopper. The automatic head cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The magazine moving mechanism includes a cam for moving the magazine up and down or left and right, and a guide shaft serving as a guide when the magazine moves up and down or left and right. Automatic head cleaning mechanism as described. 5. The automatic head cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the tape discharging mechanism includes a rod for pressing an eject button of the DAT drive, and a solenoid for applying a pressing force to the rod. 6. The automatic head cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor. 7. The automatic head cleaning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the operation timing of the transfer means and the loading means is made variable.