JPH0223562A - Automatic tape magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an accident in a magnetic tape cartridge carrying process by respectively providing means which detect housing of cartridges to housing cells which individually house the cartridges and confirming storing states of the cartridges from the detect signals of the means. CONSTITUTION:This automatic tape magazine is constituted of magazine blocks 20 which respectively house numerous cartridges 4, plural recording and reproducing devices 3 which exchange information with tapes in the cartridges, plural cartridge carrying devices 21 which take out, carry, house the cartridges between the blocks 20 and devices 3, and a magazine controller 17. The block 20 is provided with numerous housing cells 2 which respectively house the cartridges 4 and cartridge detectors 18 which detect housing of the cartridges 4 are respectively provided on the housing cells 2. The controller 17 confirms the housed states of the cartridges by fetching detecting signals from the detectors 18. Therefore, occurrence of an accident in a cartridge carrying process can be prevented.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an automatic tape warehouse that stores a large number of magnetic tape cartridges and automatically performs processing such as sorting, transporting, storing, etc. The present invention relates to a device configuration for preventing accidents during the cartridge transfer process and ensuring operator safety.

[Conventional technology]

In the conventional device, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-8061, the carriage device for transporting the cartridge has a position sensing device, and based on the signal from this position sensing device,
The carriage device was driven.

Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-213061, there is a technique in which a label coded with a symbol for identifying the cartridge is attached to the surface of the cartridge, thereby enabling quick recovery from a failure state.

Furthermore, as described in JP-A-62-111805,
There was a technology that ensured that the cartridges were stored by providing a switch on each storage cell to detect when a cartridge was inserted, and using a lamp to display the cell position.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

All of the above conventional technologies do not take into consideration positional errors due to expansion and contraction during manufacturing and installation of the warehouse that stores the cartridges, and positioning errors of the hand mechanism relative to the storage cell during operation, resulting in storage failure. There were problems such as contact accidents between the hand mechanism and the storage cell, and failures in grasping.

Further, even though the automatic transfer mode is in effect, the operator may mistakenly enter the movement area of the transfer device, mistaking it for the manual transfer mode, which may cause problems for the operator or reduce work efficiency.

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the reliability and operation rate of the device by preventing storage defects, contact accidents between the hand mechanism and the storage cell, and gripping failures during cartridge transfer, and to provide an automatic system that eliminates the risk of operator failure. Our goal is to provide tape storage.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a warehouse block having storage cells for individually storing magnetic tape cartridges, a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing magnetic tape, and
In an automatic tape warehouse consisting of a cartridge transfer device that transfers cartridges between each storage cell or between each storage cell and a recording/playback device, and a control means that controls the overall operation, cartridges are stored in each storage cell. The present invention proposes an automatic tape warehouse in which a detection means is provided, a detection signal from each detection means is input to a control means, and the storage status of cartridges is checked.

At least one of the storage cells is provided with a cell mark indicating the cell position, the transfer device is provided with means for detecting the cell mark, and the control means measures and stores the distance between each cell mark in advance by detecting the cell mark. In this case, an automatic tape warehouse can be provided in which the moving distance of the transfer device is determined based on the position of the cell ID detected during actual transfer and the stored distance.

The present invention also provides a warehouse block having storage cells that individually store magnetic tape cartridges, a recording and reproducing device that records and reproduces magnetic tape, and a space between each storage cell or between each storage cell and the recording and reproducing device. In an automatic tape warehouse comprising a cartridge transfer device for transferring cartridges, a storage unit for storing the cartridge transfer device, and a control means for controlling the overall operation, a means for detecting storage of a cartridge is provided in each storage cell, Detection signals from each detection means are input to the control means to check the storage status of the cartridge, and at least one of the storage cells, at least one of the recording/playback devices, and at least one of the storage units are provided with signs indicating their respective positions. , the transfer device is provided with means for detecting cell markers, and the control means detects the markers, measures and stores the distance between each marker in advance, and stores the distance as the position of the marker detected during actual transportation. The present invention proposes an automatic tape warehouse that determines the moving distance of a transfer device based on the distance.

In any of the above cases, means for isolating the space containing the storage cell from the outside, and means for detecting opening of the isolation means;
and means for stopping power supply to the transfer device in response to the release signal from the detection means.

Furthermore, at least one of the storage cells may be provided with display means for indicating to the operator which storage cell the cartridge is to be inserted into or removed from in response to a signal from the control means.

The transfer device is provided with a detection means for detecting a risk of collision between the device and an obstacle, and the control means is configured to stop the transfer device based on a signal from the detection device and stop power supply to the transfer device. It is also possible to configure

Preferably, the control means also includes means for confirming the success or failure of the transfer based on a signal from the cartridge storage detection means of each storage cell each time the transfer operation is completed.

[Operation] The control means of the present invention determines the storage cell in which the cartridge for which the transfer request has been made exists based on the cartridge number, and, based on the signal from the cartridge storage detection means in the storage cell,
Check the storage status of the cartridge. The control means measures an accurate distance between the markers using position information from a position sensor of the transfer device and a signal from a cell marker detection means provided in the transfer device. Next, the control means opens the transfer device based on the measurement result. Control means further.

After the cartridge removal/storage operation, the success or failure of the cartridge removal/storage operation is confirmed based on a signal from the cartridge detection means in the storage cell.

In parallel with the above operation, the control means determines the storage cell in which the requested cartridge exists based on the cartridge number, and displays the position information to the operator by, for example, selectively blinking the means for displaying the storage cell position. and support the work.

When in manual mode, the control means retracts and locks the transfer device in place before opening the storage chamber. Furthermore, when the opening of the storage chamber is confirmed by a signal from the means for detecting the opening of the storage chamber, the power supply to the transfer device is stopped to ensure the safety of the operator.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on specific examples.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an embodiment of an automatic tape warehouse according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

This device includes a warehouse block 20 that stores a large number of cartridges 4, a plurality of recording and reproducing devices 3 that exchange information with the tapes in the cartridges, and a system in which the cartridges are taken out and transported between the warehouse block 20 and the plurality of recording and reproducing devices 3. The cartridge transfer device 21 includes a plurality of cartridge transfer devices 21 that perform storage operations, and a warehouse control device 17. There is a front panel (not shown) at the front of the apparatus, and the cartridge 4 cannot be accessed unless a window (not shown) provided in a part of the front panel is opened.

The warehouse block 20 includes a large number of storage cells 2 for storing cartridges 4, and a display panel 5 for displaying information on the operating status of the automatic tape warehouse, information for recovering from equipment failure, and the like.
It consists of a storage unit 1 that stores a cartridge transfer device 21.

As shown in detail in FIG. 4(A) or (B), the storage cell 2 is provided with a cartridge detector 18 which outputs a signal when the cartridge 4 is stored. If the cartridge detector 18 is a contact-type limit switch, the cartridge 4 can be directly detected. Further, when a photoelectric detector is used, the degree of freedom in setting the cartridge detector 18 is increased.

For example, if the indicator lamp 26 installed in the warehouse block 20 is configured by combining a light-emitting diode that emits red light when cartridges are taken out and a light-emitting diode that emits green light when stored, the removal position and storage position can be displayed to the operator at the same time. . Furthermore, a light may be blinked to encourage the operator's recognition.

A storage cell unit that constitutes a warehouse block 20.

One or more cell indicators 7 are installed in the recording and reproducing unit, the storage unit, the power supply unit, etc. The cell marker 7 is one in which, for example, a mark encoding a marker number and a mark indicating a position are magnetically recorded. This has the advantage of being rewritable. The above mark may be a so-called barcode.

The display panel 5 is, for example, a television device that can output both video and audio. The warehouse control device 17 displays the operating status of the automatic tape warehouse to the operator in addition to messages sent from the upper control yjn 16.

The storage unit 1 is installed at the end of an automatic tape warehouse and includes a fixing device 15 and a cell marker 7 indicating a stop position. Display lamps 6 and cell indicators 7 are installed in the plurality of recording and reproducing devices 3.

The cartridge transfer device 21 consists of an X rail 9 installed along the front of the warehouse block 20, an X carrier 8 that moves on the X rail 9, and an
A rail 11, an X carrier 10 that moves in the stacking direction along the X rail 11, a hand mechanism 12 that is attached to the X carrier 10 and that takes out or stores a cartridge with respect to the storage cell 2 and the recording/reproducing device 3; It consists of an X mark sensor 13 and a yIfl recognition sensor 14 that detect cell marks 17, and an ultrasonic sensor 19 that detects collisions with the side walls (not shown) of the automatic tape warehouse or obstacles.

The X+y label sensors 13 and 14 convert magnetically recorded cell labels into electrical signals. Furthermore, if a recording function is added, it becomes possible to rewrite cell labels. On the other hand, in the case of an optical cell marker, for example, light is emitted, reflected light from the cell marker is received, and encoded information on the cell marker is converted into an electrical signal.

The ultrasonic sensor 19 is disposed facing the moving direction of the cartridge transfer device 21, emits ultrasonic waves, receives reflected waves from an object, and determines the distance to the object from changes in the intensity and phase. a and generates a warning signal based on the measured distance.

Next, the operation of this device will be explained using FIG. 3. Third
The figure is a flowchart I- showing the operation by taking the cartridge mounting operation as an example. First, FIO processing is performed. This is a command from the host controller 16 to mount the cartridge 4 in the automatic tape warehouse, instructs the number of the cartridge 4 and the number of the recording/playback device 3 to be used, and places the recording/playback device 3 in a cartridge waiting state. .

Next, the process of F20 is performed. Using the requested cartridge number, a storage cell 2 that stores the cartridge 4 is searched from a memory (not shown) stored in advance in the warehouse control device 17, and the storage cell number is transmitted to the warehouse block 20. Check the current status of the cartridge in the storage cell 2. The warehouse block 20 receives a signal from the cartridge detector 18 in the corresponding storage cell 2 and transmits the output signal to the warehouse control device 17 . If the existence of cartridge 4 is confirmed, the process moves to F30, and if not, the process moves to F30.
Let's move on to processing loo.

The process of Floo is a process of transmitting a no-cartridge signal to the host controller 16 and waiting for further instructions. At this time, the same content is displayed on the display panel 5 of the warehouse block 20.

The process at F30 is a process for determining whether the mode is automatic mode. In manual mode, move to F110 to F140 processing,
In automatic mode, the process moves to F40-F95. Normally, it is used in automatic mode, but if an unexpected situation occurs and automatic mode operation is not possible, it is used in manual mode. Switching to manual mode is performed based on an operator's command or a command from the higher-level control device 16. When switching to manual mode, check whether operator is allowed to touch cartridge 4 (secrecy check)
Execute at the same time. If manual mode is not allowed, windows on the front panel will not be released. That is, touching the cartridge 4 is prohibited.

The FILO process is a process to prevent injury to the operator caused by malfunction of the cartridge transfer device 21. The warehouse control device 17 generates a drive signal for moving the cartridge transfer device 21 to a standby position within the storage unit 1, and after the movement is completed, the cartridge transfer device 21 is fixed by the fixing device 15. Furthermore, if the transfer device 21 has a fault and cannot be moved, the power supply to the transfer device 21 is stopped and the process of Fl 10 is completed.

Next, the process of F120 is performed. A display instructing the operator to enter the manual mode, and a display including a message to assist in removing the cartridge and storing (mounting) it in the recording/reproducing device are provided.

Next, the process of F130 is performed. Automatic tape warehouse
The front portion of the device is shielded by a front panel (not shown) so that the operator does not have access to the cartridge. Based on a command from the warehouse control device 17, the warehouse block 2o opens the glass window on the front panel, the operator takes out the cartridge 4, and the recording/playback device! 3 so that it can be mounted. When you open the glass window,
The warehouse control device 1 receives a signal from a detection sensor (not shown).
7 stops power supply to the cartridge transfer device 21. This is to prevent danger to the operator. This process is executed not only in manual mode but also in automatic mode.

Next, the process of F140 is performed. This is a measure to reduce the operator's cartridge search work. Based on the storage cell number obtained during the processing in step F20, a red lamp in or near the storage cell 2 that stores the requested cartridge is blinked. Furthermore, the green lamp of the recording/reproducing device 3 to be mounted is blinked. When the requested cartridge 4 is taken out from the operator storage cell 2, the two-cartridge detector 18 inverts the signal from ON to OFF. Upon receiving this result, the warehouse control device 17 confirms the success of the cartridge retrieval operation and removes the storage cell 2.
Turn off the ejection indicator lamp 6.

Subsequently, when the operator finishes storing (mounting) the cartridge in a predetermined recording/reproducing device 3, the warehouse control device 17 sends a sensor (
(not shown), confirms the success of the storage operation and turns off the indicator lamp 6. If the success of the cartridge removal or storage operation cannot be confirmed, the status is communicated to the operator through the display panel 5.

On the other hand, if the automatic mode is selected in step F30, F4
0-F95 processing is performed.

In the process of F40, a message indicating the automatic mode and the operating status of the automatic tape warehouse is displayed to the operator.

Next, F2O processing is performed. This is a process of calculating the moving distance in the x and y directions from the cell at the current position of the transfer device 21 to the cell housing the requested cartridge. First, by referring to the cartridge number, a storage cell k in which the cartridge exists is searched from the memory stored in advance in the warehouse control device 17. If the current position of the transfer device 21 is the storage cell j, the moving distance Dx between the storage cells Jpk is calculated by the following formula (1).

D x= (Ai+Ba) +A++ 1
+At+2-Mountain+(At..+B+,)・
Old... (1) Here, Al: Number of pulses generated by position sensor X between cell labels i and i+1.

Bj: Position between cell label i and storage cell 5 Number of pulses generated by position sensor X.

B: Between cell label i+n and storage cell The pulse generated by position sensor number of spaces.

This formula calculates the approximate distance A using the cell marker 2a7 provided for each storage cell, and then calculates the accurate distance by adding the distance 11B to each storage cell. It goes without saying that the distance can be determined in detail from the beginning without doing it in two stages like this.The distance between cell markers 7 such as oAx can be measured in advance by the method explained in detail in FIG. It is stored in the control device 17. Further, the distance between the cell mark 7 such as 13 J I B k and each storage cell 2 is stored in the warehouse control device 17 in advance. Next, the amount of movement jtlDy in the y direction is also calculated using the same method as Dx described above.

Subsequently, F2O processing is performed. This is the transfer device 2
Switch 1 from standby mode to operating mode.

This process positions the cartridge transfer device in the storage cell that stores the requested cartridge.

This carrier is moved by a motor (not shown) mounted on the X carrier 8. The motor current is determined using the moving distance Dx determined by the F2O process and an X position sensor (not shown) signal that measures the moving amount of the X carrier 8. That is,
The X carrier 8 is moved by the number of pulses indicated by the moving distance Dx. In the process of positioning the storage cell, the last cell mark i+n is detected, especially the cell number, to confirm that it is correctly positioned. The cell mark 7 is detected by an X mark sensor 13.

Next, a motor (not shown) mounted on the X carrier 10 opens the carrier. The X carrier 10 is moved by the number of pulses indicated by the moving distance Dy determined by the F2O process.

Next, F2O processing is performed. This is hand mechanism 1
2, the cartridge is removed. The necessary amount of movement of the hand mechanism 12 is stored in advance in a memory within the control device 17. When the requested cartridge is removed, the signal of the cartridge detector 18 of the corresponding storage cell 2 is reversed from ON to OFF. Upon receiving this result, the warehouse control device 17 confirms the success of the cartridge retrieval operation. However, if the success of the cartridge ejection operation cannot be confirmed, a command to repeat the operation is sent and a message is displayed to the operator through the display panel 5.

Next, F2O processing is performed. This is the transfer device 21
In this process, the moving distance from the current position to the recording/reproducing device 3 to be mounted is determined in the X+Y direction. First, the recording/reproducing device 3 to be mounted is set by a command from the higher-level control device 16. X carrier 8 and X carrier 1
The calculation process for 0 and the amount of movement is similar to the F2O process.

However, the storage cell unit 2 is different from the storage cell unit 2 in that each recording/reproducing device 3 is provided with one cell marker.

Next, F2O processing is performed. This is a process of positioning the cartridge transfer device 21 holding the requested cartridge 4 to the corresponding recording/reproducing device 3. The positioning method of the cartridge transfer device 21 is the same as that for F2O processing.

Next, the process of F95 is performed. This is a process for storing the cartridge 4 held by the hand V & mechanism 12 into the recording/reproducing device 3. The necessary amount of movement of the hand mechanism 12 is stored in advance in the memory of the warehouse control device 17. When the storage of the cartridge 4 is completed, the warehouse control device 17 receives a signal from the cartridge detector (not shown) of the recording/reproducing device 3, confirms the success of the storage operation, and completes a series of cartridge mounting operations. . As a result, the warehouse control device 17 releases the used cartridge transfer device 21 into standby mode. However, if the success of the cartridge storage operation cannot be confirmed, a command to perform the operation again is sent, and a message explaining the situation to the operator is sent through the display panel 5.

Next, a method for measuring the distance Ai between a plurality of cell labels will be explained with reference to FIG. It is desirable to perform this process immediately after the automatic tape warehouse is powered on.

Immediately after power is turned on, the cartridge transfer device 21 is first commanded to move from one end of the automated tape warehouse to the other end. The amount of movement of the X carrier 8 is measured by counting output pulses from an X position sensor installed on the X carrier motor. Processes F51 to F63 are performed when the X carrier 8 passes through a plurality of cell markers as it moves.

The process of F51 is the cell mark in the movement route! ! 7 is detected by the X mark sensor 13 on the cartridge transfer device 21. As described above, the cell marker 7 has a mark encoding the cell number of the storage cell 2 and a mark indicating a position point magnetically recorded thereon. The pulse count value of the X position sensor at the time when the mark indicating the position point is detected is stored. In this way, the moving distance between adjacent cell labels i and i+1 is measured as an increment of the pulse count value of the position sensor X.

The process at F52 is a process for removing the measurement error at F51. When there are multiple measured values, the average value is displayed in cell Llai.
Store it as the address.

In the process of F1a, all cell marks rJ in the automatic tape warehouse
For &7, processes F51 and F52 are executed.

The distance between the cell markers 7 can be measured not only in special cases such as immediately after the power is turned on, but also during normal cartridge transport operations. on the other hand.

The distance between cell markers 7 in the y direction can also be measured in a similar manner.

Next, distance Bj from cell marker 1 (7) to storage cell j
The measuring method will be explained with reference to FIG. Among a large number of storage cells, one or more cell markers 7 are installed in a group of storage cells configured in the same frame, and a cell 1m i
f! ! The distance from i (7) to each storage cell is stored in advance in the memory within the warehouse control device 17. Therefore, the measuring method shown in FIG. 6 is executed with the aim of measuring distances with high accuracy, and is processed in parallel during normal cartridge transport operations.

The position error is measured using cell position sensors 22 and 23 provided on the hand mechanism 12 and the end face of the storage cell. As shown in FIG. 4C, the cell position sensors 22 and 23 each include light projectors 22a and 23a and light receivers 22b and 23b. The two cell position sensors 22 and 23 are spaced apart from each other by a value Q that is smaller than the width QO of the end face of the storage cell.
is installed on top. From this positional relationship, if the positioning of the hand mechanism 12 (cartridge transfer device 21) to the storage cell is correct, the projector 22a of the cell position sensor 22
The light emitted from the storage cell is reflected by the end face of the storage cell and enters the light receiver 22b. The same effect can be obtained for the cell position sensor 23 as well. As a result, the cell position sensors 22 and 23 issue ON signals.

When the hand mechanism 12 is shifted to the left with respect to the storage cell 2 by a smaller amount than Q, the cell position sensor 22 is OFF and the cell position sensor 23 emits an ON signal.

Furthermore, in a state where the cell position sensor deviates by a value larger than Q, both cell position sensors generate an OFF signal.

On the other hand, when the hand mechanism 12 is shifted to the right with respect to the storage cell 2 by a smaller amount than Q, the cell position sensor 22 is turned on and the cell position sensor 23 emits an off signal. Furthermore, in a state where the deviation is larger than Q, both cell position sensors are connected to O.
Emit FF signal.

As described above, the positioning of the hand mechanism 12 (cartridge transfer device) in the storage cell 2 can be grasped from the output signals of the cell position sensors 22 and 23.

In the F2O process of FIG. 3, after the cartridge transfer device 21 has been positioned in the target storage cell, the minute position error is corrected. This is done in the processing of F61 to F66 in FIG. In the processing of Fe2, the position of the X carrier 8 is finely adjusted using the signal from the cell position sensor 22. The cell position sensors 22 and 23 can detect the direction of the position error as described above, as long as the position error is within a range smaller than the end face width of the storage cell. When the signal is OFF, processing of Fe2 is performed, and when the signal is ON, processing of F1a is performed.

The process of Fe2 is a process of slightly moving the X carrier 8 to the right with respect to the storage cell 2, and is repeated until the signal of the cell position sensor 22 is reversed from OFF to ON.

However, if the signal is not reversed even if the signal is moved by a value larger than the storage cell end face width Qo, the direction is reversed from right to left and returns to the original position. Thereafter, the fine movement direction is set to the left.

When the signal of the cell position sensor 23 is OFF in the process of F1a, the process of Fe2 is performed, and when the signal is ON, the process of F65 is performed.

The process of Fe2 is a process of slightly moving the X carrier 8 to the left with respect to the storage cell 2, and is repeated until the signal of the cell position sensor 23 is reversed from OFF to ON.

The process of F65 is a process of storing the amount of movement of the X carrier 8 during the fine adjustment process.

The F1a process is an averaging process that reduces measurement errors when there are multiple measured values. This stored value is used for processing F2O in FIG. 3 for subsequent operations.

The processes F61 to F66 described above are processes for fine adjustment in the X direction, and the fine adjustment in the X direction is also performed in a similar manner.

Warehouse control device i! 17 constantly monitors the signal sent from the sensor 19 of the cartridge transfer device 21 when operating the automatic tape warehouse, and when there is a risk of collision, sets an emergency stop mode and resets the current operating mode.

The emergency stop mode is executed according to a sequence (not shown) stored in the memory of the warehouse controller 17 in advance. The emergency stop mode is completed by stopping power supply to the cartridge transfer device 21.

Next, a method of cartridge inventory management will be explained. The warehouse controller 17 constantly monitors signals from each cartridge detector 18 in the warehouse block 20. If the signal from the cartridge detector is inverted, the process data is recorded in memory within the warehouse controller 17.

The contents of a memory (not shown) storing storage cell position information of the warehouse control device 17 can be updated by each cartridge detector 1.
This is done after confirming the signal from 8. For example, when storing a new cartridge, use the corresponding cartridge detector 1.
After confirming that the signal No. 8 is ON, the cartridge position information is recorded in the memory. Therefore, even if a cartridge is stored in a spare storage cell due to an erroneous operation that does not follow normal procedures, the signal from the cartridge detector of the spare storage cell is compared with the memory that stores the storage cell position information.
It is possible to detect cartridge storage and its storage cell due to erroneous operation.

In addition, when taking out or storing a cartridge, there may be malfunctions such as 1. Phenomena peculiar to the storage cell, such as being easily dislodged, easily falling, or requiring extra time to handle.
This can be detected by monitoring the signal from the cartridge detector 18, the motor current of the hand mechanism 12 of the transfer device 21, etc. The warehouse controller 17 records information collected for each storage cell in a memory (not shown) and utilizes it when transporting, removing, and storing cartridges.

〔Effect of the invention〕

In the present invention, by using the signal from the cartridge detector, the presence or absence of a cartridge can be confirmed in a short time without driving the cartridge transfer device 21. Also,
Reliability is improved because the signal from the cartridge detector allows for quick confirmation of lost cartridges or malfunctions when storing the cartridges. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, the situation of dropped cartridges can be confirmed in a short time, and recovery of the automatic tape warehouse can be completed in a short time.

The automatic door lock and glass window on the front panel (not shown) of the automated tape warehouse will not be released unless manual mode is authorized by the operator. Since a security check is also used to allow manual mode, it is possible to prevent the cartridge from being taken out by an outsider.

On the other hand, in terms of operator safety, the display panel alerts the operator that automatic mode is in operation, ensuring operator safety. When the operator uses the cartridge in manual mode, the operator's safety can be ensured by storing and fixing the cartridge transfer device in the standby position. Even if the cartridge 1-ridge transfer device fails and cannot be moved to the standby position, the power supply to the cartridge transfer device is stopped, so operator safety can be ensured.

Based on signals from a sensor on the front panel that detects the opening status of automatic doors and glass windows.

Operator safety can be ensured because the power supply to the cartridge transfer device is stopped.

The cartridge transfer device is also brought to an emergency stop and the power supply is stopped by a signal from the superguide sensor, thereby ensuring the safety of the operator.

If the automatic tape warehouse cannot operate in automatic mode due to unforeseen circumstances, the display panel displays messages to assist the operator in recovery work, contributing to quick recovery.

Indicator lamps installed in the storage cell and the recording device assist the operator in searching for cartridges and identifying the recording device that has requested mounting, thereby reducing the operator's workload.

Since the distance between the markers is actually measured using the cell markers installed in the warehouse blocks, it is possible to eliminate the positional errors of each warehouse block, the positional errors due to steps and unevenness of the installation floor, and the frame dimension errors due to differences in temperature sources, making it easier to remove the cartridges. Ensure retraction operation.

There is also a function to further fine-tune the stop position according to positional errors, making cartridge removal and storage operations more accurate.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an embodiment of an automatic tape warehouse according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the signal flow in the warehouse in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing storage cells, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of measuring the moving distance between cell markers, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of finely adjusting the position. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Storage unit, 2... Storage cell, 3... Recording/reproducing device, 4... Cartridge. 5...Display panel, 6...Display lamp, 7...Cell 41m, 8...X carrier, 9...X rail, 1
0...y carrier, 11...X rail, 12...
Hand mechanism, 13... Mark sensor, 14... Mark sensor, 15... Fixing device, 16... Upper control device,
17... Warehouse control device, 18... Cartridge detector, 19... Collision prevention (ultrasonic) sensor, 20... Warehouse block, 21... Cartridge transfer device, 22a, 23a... Cell position sensor floodlight, 22b,
23b...Cell position sensor light receiver.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A warehouse block having storage cells for individually storing magnetic tape cartridges, a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing the magnetic tape, and a storage block between each of the storage cells or between each storage cell and the storage cell. In an automatic tape warehouse comprising a cartridge transport device for transporting the cartridges to and from a recording/reproducing device, and a control means for controlling the overall operation, means for detecting storage of a cartridge in each storage cell is provided, and each detection An automatic tape warehouse characterized in that a detection signal from the means is taken into the control means to check the storage status of cartridges. 2. The automatic tape warehouse according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the storage cells is provided with a cell mark for displaying the cell position, the transfer device is provided with means for detecting the cell mark, and the control means is configured to The distance between each cell marker is measured and stored in advance by detecting the cell marker, and the moving distance of the transfer device is determined based on the position of the cell marker detected during actual transfer and the stored distance. Features an automatic tape warehouse. 3. A warehouse block having storage cells that individually store magnetic tape cartridges, a recording and reproducing device that records and reproduces the magnetic tape, and between each of the storage cells or between each storage cell and the recording and reproducing device. In an automatic tape warehouse comprising a cartridge transfer device for transferring the cartridges, a storage unit for storing the cartridge transfer device, and a control means for controlling the overall operation, means for detecting storage of a cartridge in each storage cell. is provided, and the detection signal from each detection means is input to the control means to check the storage status of the cartridge, and at least one of the storage cells, at least one of the recording/reproducing device, and at least one of the storage unit is A mark indicating the position is provided, a means for detecting the cell mark is provided in the transfer device, and the control means detects the mark and measures and stores the distance between each mark in advance, and the control means detects the mark and measures and stores the distance between each mark in advance, and the control means detects the mark and measures and stores the distance between each mark in advance, An automatic tape warehouse characterized in that the moving distance of the transfer device is determined based on the position of the mark detected at the time of the recording and the stored distance. 4. The automatic tape warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for isolating the space including the storage cell from the outside, means for detecting opening of the isolation means, and an opening signal from the detection means. An automatic tape warehouse characterized by comprising: means for stopping power supply to the transfer device in response to the above. 5. The automatic tape warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the storage cells is provided with display means for indicating to an operator the storage cell in which the cartridge is to be taken in or taken out in response to a signal from the control means. An automatic tape warehouse that features: 6. The automatic tape warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transfer device is provided with a detection means for detecting a risk of collision between the device and an obstacle, and the control means is configured to control the amount of noise from the detection means. An automatic tape warehouse characterized in that the transfer device is stopped based on a signal, and power supply to the transfer device is stopped. 7. The automatic tape warehouse according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means confirms the success or failure of the transfer based on a signal from the cartridge storage detection means of each storage cell every time each transfer operation is completed. An automatic tape warehouse characterized by being equipped with.