JP3627493B2 - Recording media ejection mechanism and ejection method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mini-disc (MD), a compact disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a floppy disc (FD), a digital audio tape (DAT), and a digital video disc that are recording media in audio-visual (AV) equipment and computer equipment. (DVD), etc., for the discharge mechanism that discharges the recording media to the outside of the device, in particular, the recording medium can be discharged at a predetermined optimum discharge position without affecting the use environment such as the individual difference of the device, temperature, humidity, etc. The present invention relates to a discharge mechanism that discharges stably.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been a remarkable progress and widespread use of recording media in the AV and computer fields.
[0003]
As for recording media of AV equipment, digital recording type disk-shaped recording media such as CD, MD, DVD and the like are becoming mainstream instead of the conventional compact cassette tape.
[0004]
The various recording media in the AV apparatus and the like are drawn into the apparatus and discharged (discharged) from the apparatus to the outside mainly by motor-driven transfer means provided in the apparatus.
[0005]
For example, in the case of an MD player, a loading port for insertion / removal is provided on the front panel side of the device, and when the user inserts one end side of the MD into the loading port, the transfer means automatically works and MD Is pulled into the device, set in the spindle motor, and when the eject button is pressed, the transfer means works to expose a part of the MD from the loading port on the front panel and allow the user to remove it (recording media ejection mechanism or eject) Also called mechanism).
[0006]
When a recording medium such as the above-mentioned MD is drawn into the device or discharged outside the device, a plurality of position sensors for detecting the position of the recording medium are arranged, and the position is confirmed by the detection signal of the position sensor. While controlling the drive motor of the transfer means.
[0007]
Speaking only of the recording media discharge mechanism, a motor-driven transfer means for extracting and discharging the recording medium to the outside by a roller or the like, and a recording medium serving as a reference for completing the discharge by stopping the transfer of the recording medium A position sensor for detecting the position, and when a control circuit (generally a microcomputer) receives a detection signal from the position sensor, a timer operates for a predetermined time immediately after receiving the detection signal of the position sensor so as to stop the drive motor. It has become.
[0008]
For example, in the case of the MD player as shown in FIG. 3, when the MD as the recording medium is inserted into the loading port of the front panel 8, it is pulled in by the transfer means (not shown) and immediately before the set state (MD1) is obtained. When the L-type lever 2 is pressed to turn on / off the push switch 3 which is a position sensor for detecting the completion of insertion behind the L-type lever 2, the drive motor (not shown) is immediately stopped, and conversely, the eject button (not shown) is pressed. The position sensor SW1 is disposed in the area (hatched area 5) that passes immediately before reaching the optimum discharge completion position (MD1 'position) by the drive motor rotating in reverse and the transfer means transferring the MD to the loading port. The position of the MD is detected by (typically a photosensor such as a photocoupler), and the stop operation of the drive motor is controlled by a timer.
[0009]
Outline of the flow of the discharge mechanism is as follows: (a) Start of reverse rotation of drive motor, (b) Detection signal (from "H" to "L") of position sensor SW1 arranged in hatched area 5 The microcomputer performs a series of controls such as (c) starting the timer for a predetermined time, and (d) stopping the drive motor by the timer.
[0010]
タ イ マ The time required for driving the motor required to transfer the remaining transfer distance X1 from the position of the recording medium to the final optimum discharge position at the time when the position sensor SW1 generates the detection signal is set in advance by a timer (fixed) Value).
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional recording medium discharging mechanism, it is naturally assumed that the transfer speed of the recording medium by the drive motor is always constant.
[0012]
However, the rotational speed of the drive motor varies greatly (the load fluctuates) due to differences in individual performance and differences in the usage environment such as temperature and humidity.
[0013]
Therefore, in reality, the rotational speed of the drive motor is not constant, and the transfer speed of the recording medium varies, and the optimum discharge position (MD1 ′) of the recording medium with a timer for a fixed time as in the past. There was a problem that it was difficult to specify.
[0014]
In order to avoid this problem, a reference position sensor is arranged very close to the loading port, such as the hatched area 5 shown in FIG. 3, and immediately after the position sensor emits a detection signal (or a slight amount). It is only necessary to design the discharge mechanism to stop the drive motor (with a timer) and reduce the error. However, this reduces the degree of freedom in positioning the position sensor in AV equipment that is extremely small and highly functional. End up. At present, it is difficult to arrange a photo sensor such as a photocoupler in a limited area (for example, the shaded area 5) near the loading port.
[0015]
However, in the transfer means, if the optimum discharge position of the recording medium is set at a position away from the transfer means (= a position that is not regulated by the transfer means, for example, a position outside the roller), it is stable without using a timer. The optimum discharge position can be obtained almost stably. In other words, this position is also a position where the recording medium cannot be drawn again.
[0016]
In this regard, CDs and MDs dislike dust and external forces (especially CDs, CD-ROMs and DVDs with bare discs), and devices should not be left with the recording media exposed from the front panel loading slot. In a CD player or the like, when a user ejects a CD ejected from a loading slot for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) without removing it, the transfer means is controlled so that it is automatically pulled into the apparatus again. Some have a protective function.
[0017]
However, when the above-described protection function is provided, the optimum discharge position of the recording medium as described above cannot be set to the position away from the transfer means, and the optimum discharge position in a state regulated by the transfer means such as a roller. It is necessary to decide.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a recording medium that controls a drive motor so that the recording medium stops at a predetermined optimum discharge position regardless of the use environment (not affected by fluctuations in the load of the drive motor). It aims at providing a discharge mechanism and its discharge method.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
(1) In a recording medium discharge mechanism for transferring and discharging a recording medium from a set position, which is a set state inside the apparatus, to a discharge position that can be discharged , a drive motor that performs the transfer, and a timer that stops the drive motor; Control means for controlling the operation of the timer, and the recording medium is moved to the first and second positions set in order from the set position between the set position and the discharge position during the transfer. First and second sensors for detecting the arrival at the first and second positions and generating a detection signal are provided, and a counting operation is started by the detection signal from the first sensor. Based on a counter that is terminated by a detection signal from the two sensors, a count number of the counter, and a distance from the second position to the discharge position, Control for determining the drive time of the drive motor necessary for transporting the recording medium by the distance and controlling the timer to stop the drive motor when the drive time has elapsed from the time of detection by the second sensor to provide a recording medium discharge mechanism, characterized in that comprising providing a means.
[0020]
(2) In addition, the recording medium discharge mechanism, the recording medium discharge method for discharging and transferring the recording medium to the discharge position capable of discharging from the set state der Ru set position inside the device, the said recording medium discharge mechanism, A first and a second sensor provided at first and second positions set in order from the set position side between the set position and the discharge position; a counter for starting or ending an operation according to the detection signal; A timer for stopping the drive motor and a control means for controlling the operation of the timer are provided, and the first and second sensors are configured such that the recording medium is the first and second during the transfer. Each of which has reached the position of, and outputs a detection signal, after the counter starts the counting operation by the detection signal from the first sensor, The process is terminated by the detection signal from the second sensor, and the control means moves the recording medium by the distance based on the count number of the counter and the distance from the second position to the discharge position. And a timer for controlling the timer to stop the drive motor when the drive time has elapsed from the time of detection by the second sensor. provide.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The ejecting mechanism of the AV equipment or computer equipment using various recording media that is the subject of the present invention is diverted from the prior art except for the arrangement of the position sensor and the control of the drive motor of the sending means, and the explanation thereof is omitted.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a flow of control by a microcomputer of a drive motor in a discharge mechanism according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement of position sensors in an MD player having a discharge mechanism according to the present invention.
[0023]
The discharge mechanism of the MD player in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flow in FIG. 1. (a) When the eject button is entered, the drive motor starts reversing, and (b) the recording medium MD starts to feed and is attached with a spring or the like. The push switch 3 that is the first position sensor SWA that detects the completion of insertion when the biased L-shaped lever 2 returns to generate a detection signal by turning on / off, and (c) an initial value of the counter in response to the detection signal Until the second position sensor SWB arranged in the hatched area 9 generates a detection signal that changes from “H” to “L”, and (e) the total count number The microcomputer has a series of controls in which a timer is set at a time (TIMER) times (COUNT), and (f) the timer switch operates to stop the drive motor after the set time has elapsed. It is performed Te. Note that α is a coefficient obtained from the device, and a transfer distance X2 until the MD, which is a recording medium, mainly generates detection signals of the first position sensor SWA and the second position sensor SWB, and the second position. This is a coefficient determined from the ratio with the transfer distance X3 from the detection position of the sensor SWB to the optimum discharge stop position.
[0024]
That is, the recording medium ejection mechanism according to the present invention includes the first position sensor SWA that issues a detection signal after the ejection of the MD, which is the recording medium, and the predetermined position before the completion of ejection after the detection by the first position sensor SWA. The operation is started with the detection signal of the second position sensor SWB and the detection signal of the first position sensor SWA, and the operation is ended with the detection signal of the second position sensor SWB. A counter, a timer that operates only for a time (TIMER) that is proportional to the count number (COUNT) of the counter from the time of detection by the second position sensor SWB, and a drive motor that is stopped by the timer. Features.
[0025]
The principle of stabilization of the optimum discharge stop position of the discharge mechanism is that the transfer from the time when the first position sensor SWA issues a detection signal to the time when the second position sensor SWB issues a detection signal when the recording medium is discharged. The required time (count) required for the movement of the distance X2 is measured, and a predetermined moving distance X3 from the detection position of the second position sensor SWB to the optimum discharge stop position (MD1 ′ position) based on the required time. The motor drive time required for the recording medium to move at the same speed is calculated, and the drive time is set as a timer setting time (TIMER) for stopping the motor.
[0026]
The first position sensor SWA is a position sensor arranged so as to emit a detection signal when the recording medium is set in a device (for example, loaded in a spinning motor) or immediately before the recording medium is set. Yes, a mechanical push switch 3 or an optical sensor as shown in FIG. 2 is applied. Further, the second position sensor SW B may be disposed in a region closer to the loading port of the discharge destination inside the device than the first position sensor SWA (shaded region 9 in FIG. 2). An optical sensor such as a coupler is applied. The first position sensor SWA and the second position sensor SWB should be separated as much as possible so that the recording medium transfer distance (X2) until the detection signal of both is issued becomes longer. Although it is preferable in terms of improving accuracy, the object of the present invention is achieved as long as it is within the area indicated by the hatched area 9 in FIG.
[0027]
2 showing the discharge mechanism of the present invention, which is an area where the second position sensor SWB shown in FIG. 2 can be arranged, and a hatched area 5 showing the arrangement of the position sensor SW1 shown in FIG. Clearly shows that there is a marked difference in the degree of freedom of position sensor placement.
[0028]
As described above in detail, in the present invention, the setting value of the timer is variable (load adaptation) in the recording medium discharge mechanism by the drive motor under various conditions (load fluctuation) so as to match the actual transfer speed of the recording medium. The originality of the present invention resides in the point of the variable timer.
[0029]
Note that the timer according to the present invention has a name and configuration as long as it controls to stop the drive motor when a time (TIMER) proportional to the total count number (COUNT) of the counter is set and reaches the set time. Don't get stuck. For example, a combination of a circuit generally called a counter and a switch is also included in the timer according to the present invention.
[0030]
In addition to the MD player, AV equipment such as a CD player, computer equipment, and the like may be used as a target device of the present invention as long as the device has a recording medium discharge mechanism. Further, there is no limitation on the recording medium, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied not only to disks such as MD and CD but also to video tapes and DAT.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the recording medium discharge mechanism and the discharge method thereof according to the present invention do not simply operate the timer for a predetermined time to discharge to the final stop position as in the prior art, but according to the use environment. Focusing on the change in the discharge speed, each discharge speed is detected and calculated by the position sensor, and the timer is operated for the optimum time according to the discharge speed, so the desired optimal discharge stop without being affected by the use environment The recording medium can be discharged and stopped stably at the position.
[0032]
Further, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the position sensor is increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of control by a microcomputer of a drive motor in a discharge mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of position sensors in the MD player of the discharge mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement area of position sensors in a discharge mechanism of a conventional MD player.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a conventional discharge mechanism.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 set MD
1 'MD at the discharge stop position
2 L-shaped lever 3 Push switch 5 Shaded area (area where position sensor SW1 can be arranged)
8 Front panel 9 Shaded area (positionable area for position sensor SWB)
SWA 1st position sensor SWB 2nd position sensor SW1 Position sensor X1, X2, X3 Transfer distance

Claims (2)

In the recording medium discharge mechanism for transferring the recording medium from the set position inside the device to the discharge position where it can be discharged , and discharging it,
A drive motor for performing the transfer;
A timer for stopping the drive motor;
A control means for controlling the operation of the timer,
It is detected that the recording medium has reached the first and second positions during the transfer to the first and second positions set in order from the set position side between the set position and the discharge position, respectively. And providing first and second sensors for emitting detection signals,
A counter that starts a counting operation by a detection signal from the first sensor and ends by a detection signal from the second sensor;
Based on the count number of the counter and the distance from the second position to the discharge position, a drive time of the drive motor required to move the recording medium by the distance is obtained, and the second sensor And a control means for controlling the timer so as to stop the drive motor when the drive time elapses from the detection time . In the recording medium discharge method, the recording medium is discharged from the set position inside the apparatus to the discharge position where the recording medium can be discharged by the recording medium discharge mechanism.
In the recording medium discharge mechanism,
First and second sensors provided at first and second positions set in order from the set position side between the set position and the discharge position;
A counter that starts or ends the operation according to the detection signal;
A timer for stopping the drive motor;
Control means for controlling the operation of the timer,
The first and second sensors are:
Detecting that the recording medium has reached the first and second positions during the transfer and outputting a detection signal;
The counter is
After starting the counting operation with the detection signal from the first sensor, it ends with the detection signal from the second sensor,
The control means includes
Based on the count number of the counter and the distance from the second position to the discharge position, a drive time of the drive motor required to move the recording medium by the distance is obtained, and the second sensor A method of discharging a recording medium, wherein the timer is controlled to stop the drive motor when the drive time has elapsed from the time of detection .

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