JPH03167540A - Cartridge loading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatize the loading of cartridges by successively taking out and loading the cartridges of microfilms to be used from a container loaded to a main body part. CONSTITUTION:The cartridges B of required microfilms are taken out from a storage shelf, etc., and plural cartridges are housed in a container 251. Then, the container 251 is carried to an image projecting device and loaded to a main body part 26 attached thereto. Afterward, the cartridges B to be used are successively taken out from the container 251, guided to the cartridge loading part 20 of the film carrier of the image projecting device and loaded, and the required images of the microfilms are retrieved and copied. Thus, the automation of the loading of the cartridge can be attained.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] "Industrial application field" The present invention relates to a cartridge loading device.

In other words, a microfilm cartridge loading device that can be attached to a microreader that enlarges and projects the microfilm image onto a screen for viewing, a reader printer that further copies the image, a microscanner that causes a CCD (solid-state image sensor) to read the image, and other image projection devices. It is related to.

"Technical Background" Microfilm is generally stored and used in large quantities, and particularly large-scale users have a huge number of microfilm cartridges, numbering several hundred thousand or more. For these users, the main focus of microfilm is to use it rather than to store it, and when using it, it is used for large-volume and quick retrieval. copy. Other processing is requested.

In other words, when using microfilm, the necessary cartridges are removed each time from a storage shelf, transported to a reader/printer, etc., loaded, and then the necessary images are retrieved. It had been copied, etc.

In order to process cartridges in large quantities and quickly, large-scale users have a system of division of labor in which a person is assigned to handle each of the series of work processes, and each person in charge of the process is required to carry out multiple rounds of work several times a day. There is even a shift system in place.

Here, the flow of these series of operations will be explained in more detail. First, in the first step, a computer outputs an instruction sheet instructing the cartridge number, frame number, etc. of the microfilm containing the required image. Then, in the second step, based on the instructions output in this way, cartridges with the required predetermined cartridge number are selected from a huge amount of, for example, several hundred thousand or more stored in storage locations such as storage shelves. are manually selected and taken out, and stored, for example, in units of 10 together with instructions in a container called a return box. The container containing the cartridge in this manner is then transported to an image projection device such as a reader printer.

Then, in the third step, the cartridges to be used are sequentially and individually removed from the container while referring to the instructions, manually loaded into a reader printer, etc., and the required images on the microfilm are retrieved. Copied, etc. Note that the used cartridge is manually ejected from the reader printer or the like, and then returned to the original storage shelf or the like. Then, as a fourth step, the copied copies are distributed to related parties. In this way, a series of operations in each process were repeated frequently, and microfilm cartridges were processed in large quantities and quickly. ``Conventional technology'' Now, the series of operations in each of the above-mentioned steps have been automated. Labor-saving measures were being considered.

However, the second step mentioned above. The third step is removing the cartridge. Transport and loading. Discharge, return, etc. have generally not been automated or labor-saving, and have still been done manually. This means that the necessary cartridges can be individually and quickly taken out from a huge amount of, for example, over 100,000 cartridges, and then loaded. This is due to the need to discharge, return, etc.

By the way, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 130108/1983, a cartridge autochanger. Devices called cartridge loaders and the like have been developed.

This device is installed alongside a reader printer, etc.
Approximately 100 to 200 microfilm cartridges are positioned and housed in one-to-one correspondence on shelves with internal addresses assigned. Based on instructions from a controller attached to a reader printer or the like, that address is selected, the necessary cartridge is searched for, and automatically taken out and loaded into the reader printer or the like.

"Problems to be Solved by the Invention" By the way, the following problems have been pointed out in such conventional examples.

Firstly, as mentioned above, the removal, loading, ejection, return, etc. of individual cartridges are generally automated. There was no labor saving. This required a lot of effort, manpower, and time, and problems were pointed out in terms of work efficiency.

Second, the cartridge loader and the like disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 130108/1987 are designed to accommodate a very small number of cartridges, about 100 to 200, so they have a capacity defect. was there. In other words, as mentioned above, in general, this type of cartridge is used by selecting the necessary one from a huge amount of, for example, 100,000 or more, and in this way, it is used by selecting from about 100 to 200 cartridges. It has been pointed out that this method lacks capacity and is not suitable for actual use.

Furthermore, even if automation were achieved by increasing the capacity, not only would the equipment become larger and cost more expensive, but the access time required to search for and extract the desired cartridge from a huge number of cartridges would be longer, making the work more difficult. There is a problem in that productivity also decreases.

This point was pointed out in the conventional example.

The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional methods. However, the work after loading the removed cartridge into the container can be automated. The object of the present invention is to propose a cartridge loading device that saves labor and improves work productivity and economy. Specifically, the purpose is to propose a cartridge loading device that realizes automatic loading by sequentially taking out and loading microfilm cartridges to be used from a container attached to the main body using a moving mechanism. . In addition to this, another object of the present invention is to propose a cartridge loading device that can automate ejection by ejecting a used cartridge using a moving mechanism and storing it in another container of the same shape.

"Means for Solving the Problems" The technical means of the present invention to achieve this object are as follows.

This cartridge loading device is attached to an image projection device that projects an image on a microfilm, and includes a container, a main body, and a moving mechanism.

The container accommodates any number of microfilm cartridges and can be carried alone. In the main body of the first aspect, the container is detachably attached. In the moving mechanism of the first aspect, the cartridges to be used are sequentially taken out from the container on the main body, and guided and loaded into a cartridge loading section attached to a film carrier of the image projection apparatus.

Further, in the main body portion of claim 2, at least two containers having the same shape are detachably attached. Further, the moving mechanism of claim 2 sequentially takes out the cartridges to be used from the specific containers on the main body, guides and loads the cartridges into a cartridge loading section attached to the film carrier of the image projecting device, and removes used cartridges from the specified containers on the main body. The cartridge is ejected and stored in another container of the same shape.

"Function" Since the cartridge loading device according to the present invention is comprised of such means, it functions as follows.

First, a plurality of required microfilm cartridges are taken out from a storage shelf or the like and stored in the container. The container is then carried to the image projection device and attached to its body attached thereto.

Thereafter, the cartridges to be used are sequentially taken out from the container by the moving mechanism, guided to the cartridge loading section of the film carrier of the image projection device, and loaded therein, and the required image on the microfilm is retrieved. Copied, etc. In this manner, this cartridge loading device realizes automatic cartridge loading.

Furthermore, the cartridge loading device according to the second aspect of the present invention has the following additional features. That is, first, at least two containers having the same shape are attached to the main body, and cartridges to be used are sequentially taken out from the specific containers and loaded by the moving mechanism. After the search, copying, etc. have been completed, the used cartridges are sequentially ejected from the cartridge loading section by the moving mechanism and stored in a container of the same shape different from the above-mentioned specific container. In this manner, in the cartridge loading device of the second aspect, automation of cartridge ejection, etc. is also realized.

Both of the cartridge loading devices according to claims 1 and 2 can be accomplished without any problem within the flow of a series of operations that have been carried out up to now, that is, without changing the flow.

Note that the ejected used cartridge 1 is returned to the original storage shelf or the like after the fact.

"Example" The present invention will be described in detail below based on the example shown in the drawings.

First, an overview of the reader printer, its structure, etc.
The container etc. of the cartridge loading device, the main body, the container moving mechanism, the cartridge moving mechanism, its partition plate etc., and the return plate will be explained in this order.

The outline of the reader printer is as follows.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a reader printer to which this cartridge loading device A is attached.

FIG. 12 is a perspective explanatory diagram of the optical system, etc. of the reader printer. This reader printer is an example of an image projection device that projects images on microfilm F. The light from the light source is focused by a condenser lens 2, and illuminates the image of the microfilm F located between the pressure plates (not shown) of the roll film retrieval and conveyance device, that is, the film carrier 3, from below and passes through it. do. Then, the image on the microfilm F is enlarged and projected by a projection lens 4, and reaches a mirror 6 via a prism 5 whose direction is adjusted as necessary.

In the reader mode, the reader optical path 7 is formed as shown by the broken line in FIG. That is, the light is bent by the stopped mirror 6, further bent by the fixed short mirrors 8 and 9, and then directed toward the screen 10. The image on the microfilm F is then displayed on the screen 1 installed at the top of the front of the reader printer device.
The image is enlarged and projected to 0 for viewing.

Next, in the print mode, instead of this reader optical path 7, a printer optical path 11 is provided as shown by the solid line in FIG. That is, the light is switched by rotating the deflector 6 by 90 degrees about the incident optical axis for scanning, is bent by fixed mirrors 12, 13, 14, 15, etc., and then heads toward the photoreceptor 16. Thereby, the image on the microfilm F is enlarged and slit projected onto a drum-shaped photoreceptor 16 which is rotated in synchronization with the swing scanning of the mirror 6 about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. Copying is then performed by a known process, and the copy paper P that has been fixed between the fixing rollers 17 and has been copied is discharged to a tray 18 at the lower front of the main body of the apparatus.

By the way, the film carrier 3 has a take-up reel 19, which is a take-up reel, and a cartridge loading section 20, which is a housing, on the left and right sides of the pressure plate glass in the center. Cartridge B loaded in the cartridge loading section 20
Inside, the microfilm F is wound around a rewind reel 21 which is a film reel. The microfilm F is conveyed forward and backward between the take-up reel 19 and the unwind reel 21 through the pressure plate glass by being rotated in the forward and reverse directions as appropriate by drive shafts (not shown) connected to each other. and stopped. Note that 22 in FIG. 12 is a guide roller of the roll film carrier 3, 23 is a film mark detection means, and 24 in FIG. 11 is a controller.

A reader printer generally looks like this.

Next, let's talk about containers, etc.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cartridge loading device A according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container 25.

The cartridge loading device A includes a container 25, a main body 26, a cartridge moving mechanism 27, etc., which will be described later. First, the container 25 accommodates a plurality of arbitrary microfilm F cartridges B (see FIG. 11), and can be carried alone.

To explain these in detail, the container 25 is also called a returnable box, and has a shallow box shape with an open top and front surface. In the center of the floor surface 28 of the container 25, there is a long notch 29 in the front and back.
This notch long groove 29 is formed in the rear wall 3 of the container 25.
Some areas even reach 0. 31 is a detection protrusion formed on the front edge of the container 25. 32 are both side walls 3 of the container 25
These protrusions are formed on the outer surfaces of 3, respectively, and these protrusions 3
Two pieces of 2 are arranged side by side. 34 is container 2
The opening hole 34 is formed only on one side wall 33 of the container 25, and the opening hole 34 is formed, for example, above the protrusion 32 and closer to the rear wall 30 of the container 25, with two holes 34 arranged side by side. .

For example, about 10 to 20 cartridges B are stored in such a container 25 and are carried together with the container 25. That is, the cartridges B group are held at their lower portions in a space surrounded by the side walls 33 and the rear wall 30 on the floor surface 28 of the container 25, and are stored in an upright state stacked one on top of the other along the long notched groove 29. . A microfilm F, which is a long film with an image imprinted on each frame, that is, a roll film, is wound around a rewind reel 21 (see FIG. 12) in the cartridge B.

By the way, this kind of microfilm F cartridge B is generally classified into two types: ANSI standard type and 3M-M type, and both have different characteristics, such as the connection structure of the rewind reel 21 to the drive shaft, the necessity of a reel press, and the like. They differ in the presence or absence of a leader at the tip of the microfilm F, the feeding method of the microfilm F, etc. However, not only the container 25 but also the main body 26 and cartridge moving mechanism 27, which will be described later, can be used with any type of cartridge B without any problems in construction. In other words, this cartridge loading device A can be used with both the ANS I standard type cartridge B and the 3M-M type cartridge B, and can also be used in combination. Further, the roll film carrier 3, its cartridge loading section 20, drive shaft, etc., described above are also compatible with any type of cartridge B. Note that a known technique is applied to the dual-purpose mechanism in the cartridge loading section 20 and the like.

The container 25 etc. are like this.

Next, the main body portion 26 will be described.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container 25, the main body 26, etc. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of main parts showing the main body 26 and a container moving mechanism described later. Below is Figure 1 mentioned above. In addition to Figure 2, this third figure? , and will be explained with reference to FIG.

The main body 26 of this cartridge loading device A includes a container 25
251.25K of the same shape are attached in the illustrated example.

To explain these in detail, the main body portion 26 which is the loader main body
is attached and fixed to the front side of the reader/printer (see FIG. 11), and has a platform shape with a flat top surface 35. In the illustrated example, two containers 25. ．． 25 are installed side by side with their open front sides aligned, and at the beginning of installation, about 10 cartridges B, for example, are stored in one container 25 from the C direction, which is the vertical direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Therefore, the other container 25■ is empty.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, etc., bent rail portions 36 are provided on both side edges of the main body portion 26, and the protrusion 32 on one side of one container 25+ and the protrusion 32 on one side of the container 25+ and the other container 25+ are provided. 25. The protrusion 32 on the other side is ready to be attached. That is, the bent upper portions of both rail portions 36 are ? It is located on the corresponding protrusion 32 and locks it so that it cannot be removed, and the container 25. , 25■ come into contact with the corresponding side walls 33 of the containers 25, , 25■
It is designed to hold the position. In addition, two such containers25. ．． 25! The remaining projections 32 on the other side and one side are in contact with each other.

Reference numeral 37 indicates notches formed only in the rail portion 36 on one side at two locations along the way. In other words, this notch 37
After inserting two corresponding protrusions 32 into the container 25 from the direction D, which is the vertical direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
By moving the container 25.1 to the released front side, that is, in the vertical direction E indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, the protrusion 32 on one side of the container 25. etc. are held in position and installed.

By the way, in the corner part of the upper surface 35 of the main body part 26,
The open front side of one container 25+, that is, the front side that is substantially opposite to the stored cartridge B? The cartridge loading section 20 of the film carrier 3 is located therein. Note that the first
figure. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 38 denotes a cartridge standby section, and this cartridge standby section 38 is located adjacent to the cartridge loading section 20 at a distance equivalent to the thickness of a partition plate to be described later. Further, 39 in FIG. 1 is a reading means provided on the upper part of the cartridge loading section 20, and 40 is an opening for inserting a drive shaft or the like formed on the side surface thereof.

Further, the main body portion 26 has attached containers 25, . Detection means 41 are installed at positions corresponding to the detection protrusions 31 of 25 (see Fig. 2). This detection means 41 is composed of, for example, a reflective sensor, and includes the containers 25, . 25■ Detects attachment and detachment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a container 25. , 25■, vertical notched grooves 42 are formed in parallel at positions corresponding to the long notched grooves 29, respectively. The notched vertical groove 42 is also parallel to the rail part 36, and the notched vertical groove 42 corresponding to one container 25 is connected to the cartridge loading part 2 through the cartridge waiting part 38.
Extends to 0? There is. In addition, Figure 1. Reference numeral 43 in FIG. 3 is an opening for protruding a stopper, which will be described later.

The main body portion 26 has this structure.

Next, the container moving mechanism 44 will be described.

The container moving mechanism 44 completes the search and copying of each cartridge B stored in one container 25I, stores the cartridge B group as used, and stores it in the other container 25g. It is activated when removed from the main body part 26.

Then, transfer one empty container 25 to the other container 25■
on the upper surface 35 of the main body section 26.

These are explained in detail in Figure 3. As shown in FIG. 4, in an example of raising the main body part 26, a moving member 45 of a container moving mechanism 44, which is located on the aforementioned rail part 36 and has a long plate shape, is used.
is arranged, and this moving member 45 has a container 25 attached thereto.
, protrusions 46 are provided at positions facing the openings 34 of the .

? The movable member 45 is connected to a drive device (not shown) via a holding member 47, and extends along a notched lateral groove 48 formed in the upper surface 35 of the main body 26 in a direction orthogonal to the notched vertical groove 42. It is possible to reciprocate in the G direction, which is the lateral direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 3. That is, by reciprocating the holding member 47 in the notched lateral groove 48, the moving member 45 can reciprocate in the G direction.

Therefore, as described above, one container 25 becomes empty, and the other container 25 is pulled out in the vertical direction H indicated by the arrow in FIG. Then, the moving member 45 is moved in the G direction from its usual position on the record of the main body section 26. Then, the protrusion 46 of the moving member 45 engages with the opening 34 of the container 25, moves the container 251 in the G direction on the upper surface 35 of the main body 26 while holding the container 251, and moves the container 251 until it moves into the other container 25. Move it to the position where it was installed. After that, only the moving member 45 returns to its original permanent position. In addition, in this normal position, the protrusion 46 is located at a retracted position where it does not interfere with the engagement of the protrusion 32 into the notch 37 of the rail portion 36.

Therefore, when attaching the container 251 to the main body 26, the moving member 45 does not interfere with the attaching operation.

The container moving mechanism 44 is constructed as described above.

Next, the cartridge moving mechanism 27 will be described.

The cartridge moving mechanism 27, which is a moving mechanism, sequentially takes out the cartridges B to be used from the container 251 on the main body 26, guides them to the cartridge loading section 20 attached to the film carrier 3 of the reader printer, and loads them therein. This cartridge moving mechanism 27 further moves the used cartridge B out of the container 25. The other container, which is different from 25. It is designed to be stored in.

To explain these in detail, the cartridge moving mechanism 27
First, a holding plate 49 is provided. The holding plate 49 is the second
figure. As shown in FIG. 3, one container 25. It can protrude upward from the notched long groove 29.

Then, by driving the motor 50, from the initial retracted position slightly outside the notched long groove 29 shown in the figure, it enters into the notched long groove 29 and is guided by it, and can reciprocate in one direction, which is the vertical direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. ing.

Therefore, the detection means 41 detects the container 25. When the detection protrusion 3l is detected and the attachment of the container 25+ to the main body 26 is detected, the motor 50 is driven and the press plate 49 is moved from the initial retracted position, and the rear end side of the group of cartridges B stored in the container 25 is driven. in one direction, that is, in the cartridge loading section 20.
When the front end side of cartridge B group comes into contact with a partition plate 53, which will be described later, it stops. The rear presser plate 49 intermittently repeats advancing in one direction and retracting slightly as each cartridge B is used, and guides the cartridges B sequentially toward the cartridge loading section 20. and container 25,
When all the cartridges B in the container 25 have been used, or when all the cartridges B are removed from the container 25 for some reason, the holding plate 49 returns to the initial retracted position. In other words, the container 25 is slightly cut out outside the long groove 29.
The container 25. is returned to the initial retracted position outside, and the container 25. Evacuate the container so that it does not become a hindrance when moving the container and attaching the container afterwards.

The holding plate 49 of the cartridge moving mechanism 27 has this structure. Next, the partition plate 53 will be described.

The cartridge moving mechanism 27 further includes a partition plate 53. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the partition plate 53, etc. Figure 6 is an enlarged front view of the main parts. FIG. 7 is a plan view thereof.

The partition plate 53 sequentially takes out the cartridges B from the container 251, guides them to the cartridge loading section 20, loads them, and then discharges the used cartridges B. That is, the partition plate 53 is disposed along the cartridge loading section 20, and has an initial position facing the cartridge loading section 20 and a position shown in FIG. Between the moving positions moved by a distance approximately corresponding to the width of the cartridge B in the lateral J direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
Its drive device (not shown) allows it to move back and forth. The partition plate 53 has a size slightly longer than the width of the cartridge B, and is provided with a pull-out claw 54 on one side and a holding claw 55 on the other side.

The pull-out claw 54 is rotatably coupled to one side of the partition plate 53 by a vertical rotary wheel. And the pull-out claw 54
is biased by a spring (not shown) in the counterclockwise K direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
By abutting against a stopper 56 formed at one end of the cartridge 3, the operating position is maintained at right angles to the partition plate 53 and protruding toward the cartridge loading section 20 as shown in the figure.

In the operating position, the pull-out claw 54 functions to hook one side of the used cartridge B and eject it from the cartridge loading section 20. The pull-out claw 54 normally assumes an operating position, but when each cartridge B is loaded, by contacting the loaded cartridge B, the pull-out claw 54 rotates clockwise in the opposite direction to the K direction against the biasing force of the spring, and the partition is opened. It does not protrude from the plate 53 and temporarily assumes an inclined retracted position. The holding pawl 55 is rotatably coupled to the other side of the partition W, 53 via a vertical pivot shaft. and presser claw 5
Reference numeral 5 denotes a locking member 5 which is biased by a spring (not shown) in the counterclockwise K direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
7, it maintains an operating position that is perpendicular to the partition plate 53 and protrudes toward the cartridge loading section 20 as shown in the figure. In the operating position, the holding pawl 55 functions to hook the other side of the unused cartridge B, guide it to the cartridge loading section 20, move it, and position and hold it in the cartridge loading section 20. Note that the above-mentioned spring is set to have a biasing force sufficient to hook one cartridge B, move it, and position it. The holding pawl 55 normally assumes an operating position, but when it comes into contact with the ejected cartridge B when the cartridge B is ejected, it rotates in a clockwise direction opposite to the K direction against the biasing force of the spring and closes the partition plate. It does not protrude from 53 but temporarily assumes an inclined retracted posture.

Further, the locking member 57 can also take an unlocked position in addition to the above-mentioned locked position.

That is, the locking member 57 is mounted on the other side of the partition plate 53 so as to be guided in a guide groove 61 having a notch shape, and to be movable up and down in the L direction, which is the up-down direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Then, it is positioned at the top and takes the lock position,
It comes into contact with the holding pawl 55 and functions as a stopper to hold it in the operating position. Furthermore, when the locking member 57 is positioned lower and assumes the unlocking position, the presser claw 55
Since the locking member 57 that functioned as a stopper no longer comes into contact with the locking member 57, it further rotates in the direction K in FIG. 7 due to the biasing force of the spring, and assumes a retracted position inclined toward the partition plate 53 side.
Therefore, the presser pawl 55 is capable of one retracted position tilted clockwise as described above from the operating position, and is also capable of the other retracted position tilted counterclockwise in the K direction. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the partition plate 53, and FIG.
(2) Figure 5 shows the state in which the holding claw 55 is in the operating position.
shows the state in which it has taken such a retracted posture.

Then, the locking member 57 assumes the unlocked position and the holding pawl 55 assumes the retracted position shown in FIG. That is, in the middle of the automatic loading operation of the cartridge B from the container 25I into the cartridge loading section 20, which is a normal state, this is temporarily stopped, and instead, another cartridge B is loaded from the other side of the partition plate 53. Loading section 20
It becomes possible to perform manual interrupt operations such as guiding and loading. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining the interrupt operation for loading cartridge B, in which (1) the figure shows the state before the lock is released, and (2) the figure shows the interrupt operation after the lock is released. It shows the condition inside.

In other words, by the presser pawl 55 changing from the operating position shown in figure (1) of FIG. 9 to the retracted position shown in figure (2),
9 (1) It becomes possible to insert another cartridge B from the lateral M direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Furthermore, Figure 5. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 571 denotes an inclined surface, and this inclined surface 57 is formed on the upper surface of the locking member 57 so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and when the locking member 57 returns from the unlocked position to the upper locking position, Press the presser claw 55 into the seventh position.
Guide it so that it rotates smoothly clockwise in the figure.

Note that 58 in FIGS. 5 and 7 is a reel holder. That is, the reel presser 58 is attached to the center of the partition plate 53, and when the aforementioned 3M-M type cartridge B is used, the rewind reel 21 (see FIG. 12) is aligned with the center of the drive shaft 59. It functions as expected.

The partition plate 53 and the like are configured as shown above.

Next, the return plate 60 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the return plate 60 has a cutout longitudinal groove 42 on the other side of the main body portion 26 and a container 25 of the same shape on the other side attached thereto. It can protrude upward from the notched long groove 29.

? Then, by its driving device (not shown), it is guided from the normal position shown in the figure to the notched long groove 29 of the other container 25, and can reciprocate in the N direction, which is the vertical direction indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 1 and 3. It becomes. There, used cartridge B
is pushed out from the cartridge loading section 20 by the partition plate 53 in the J direction shown by the arrow in FIG. Start moving to . After the ejected cartridge B is pushed and moved to the container 25, it returns to its original normal position. The return temporary 60 performs such a reciprocating movement each time the cartridge B becomes used and is ejected, and returns the used cartridge B one after another to the container 25.
It functions to be stored in. The return plate 60 of the cartridge moving mechanism 27 has this structure.

The above is the explanation of the configuration, etc.

The operation etc. will be explained below. First, the container 25+ that constitutes this cartridge loading device A
, the required microfilm F cartridge B
are taken out from a storage shelf or the like (not shown) and stored in plural numbers. That is, an instruction sheet instructing the cartridge number, frame number, etc. of the microfilm F containing the required image is output from the computer in advance. Based on the instructions, for example, several 10 storage locations such as storage shelves etc.
Cartridges B having a required predetermined cartridge number are selected and taken out from a huge amount of more than 10,000 cartridges, and about 10 cartridges, for example, are stored in the container 25 together with instructions. This group of cartridges B is stored vertically on the floor 28 of the container 25+, stacked one on top of the other along the notch 29 (see FIG. 3). Then, the container 25 in which the cartridges B group are stored like this. is carried to the reader printer and mounted on the main body section 26 of the cartridge loading device A attached thereto. That is, this one container 25, together with the other empty container 258, has its open front side facing the cartridge loading section 20 side, and the rail section 36 on the main body section 26.
By locking and abutting the protrusion 32 in between,
Positioned, held and installed (Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 11)
(see figure). This attachment is detected by the detection means 41 detecting the detection protrusion 31, and based on this, the holding plate 49 of the cartridge moving mechanism 27 is operated from the initial retracted position, and the cartridge B group housed in the container 251 is moved to the initial position. It is moved until it comes into contact with a certain partition plate 53, that is, until the first cartridge B at the front is located in the cartridge standby section 38 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Along with this, for example, in the case of fully automatic search method 2, the controller 24 (11th
Search instruction data is input into the memory of the computer (see figure) while referring to the instruction sheet. In addition to this fully automatic search method, there is also a so-called automatic search method in which search instruction data for each cartridge B is input sequentially by visually checking the content data written on the back label of each cartridge B. It is possible. In the case of the latter auto-search method, the search instruction data for the first cartridge B is usually input to the controller 24 at this stage or at the loading stage described later while referring to the instruction sheet.

Now, when the search start signal is input, the loading operation of the cartridge B, etc. is performed. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining the loading operation of the cartridge B by the force cartridge moving mechanism 27, and the loading operation will be explained with reference to FIG. 10 as well.

First, Figure 10 (1) shows the standby stage. That is,
The leading end side, that is, the first cartridge B. However, container 25
, through the opened opening of the cartridge standby section 38 and comes into contact with the partition plate 53 of the cartridge moving mechanism 27, and the opposite side of the partition plate 53 faces the cartridge loading section 20 of the film carrier 3 of the reader printer. In the initial position. Note that the pull-out pawl 54 and the hold-down pawl 55 of the partition plate 53 are biased by their springs and take an operating position in which they both protrude from the partition plate 53 at a right angle. Next, FIG. 10(2) shows the evacuation stage. That is,
When a search start signal is input to the reader printer, the partition plate 53 is retracted from its initial position near between the cartridge B group of one container 25 and the cartridge loading section 20, and is not interposed between the two. 25 other containers! Retract to a moving position that is almost opposite to the open front side of. At the same time, the holding plate 49 operates to move the cartridge B group toward the cartridge loading section 20, and the first cartridge B1 moves from the cartridge standby section 38 and comes into contact with the cartridge loading section 20.

Figure 10(3) shows the next movement stage. That is,
The partition plate 53 starts returning from the movement position to the original initial position, slides between the first cartridge B1 and the second cartridge B2, and comes to be located between them. At this time, the holding plate 49 is returned to its initial retracted position by the thickness of the partition plate 53, and the second cartridge B2 is positioned in the cartridge standby section 38.

During this time, the pull-out pawl 54 of the partition slope 53 comes into contact with the first cartridge B, so that it resists the biasing force of the spring and takes the retracted position from the operating position, and the partition plate 5
3.It is designed so that there is no problem in sliding it in.

Thereafter, the loading stage shown in FIG. 10 (4) is reached. That is, as the partition plate 53 moves back toward the initial position, its holding pawl 55 assumes an operating position and hooks the other side of the first cartridge B, which is already in contact with the cartridge loading section 20. th cartridge B1
Further, the whole is guided to the cartridge loading section 20. Note that the pull-out claw 54 is released from one side of the first cartridge B and returns to the operating position. When the partition plate 53 returns to the initial position, the first cartridge B1 is positioned and held in the cartridge loading section 20 and loaded. When the detection means (not shown) detects that the partition plate 53 has returned to the initial position, the reader printer starts searching. That is, for example, in the case of the fully automatic search method, the reading means 39 provided in the cartridge loading section 20 reads the content data displayed on the upper label of the loaded first cartridge B1. By comparing and collating this with the search instruction data previously input to the controller 24 and stored in memory, a search for the matched data, that is, a frame search for the necessary image on the microfilm F, is performed. be exposed. In addition, in the case of the Seven Fruits automatic search method instead of the full automatic search method, a frame-by-frame search for the necessary images of the microfilm F is performed based on the search instruction data input only for the cartridge B. .

This search is performed in the film carrier 3, after loading the microfilm F from the rewind reel 21 of the power cartridge B, the rewind reel 21 and the take-up reel 19 are loaded.
This is carried out by transporting the microfilm F in the forward and reverse directions between the frames, and the film mark detection means 23 detecting the blip marks attached to each frame. Is it necessary for pressure plate glass? The frames of the image are stopped, and the necessary image is retrieved and projected onto the screen 10, and is also projected onto the photoreceptor 16 and copied (see FIG. 12).

Now, we come to the discharge transfer stage shown in Figure 10 (5). That is, the search for the first cartridge B1 is performed in this way. When the copying is completed and the microfilm F is rewinded onto the original rewind reel 2l, the partition [53] starts moving from the initial position to the moving position again.
Then, the pull-out claw 54, which assumes the operating position, hooks one side of the used first cartridge B and begins to move together. In addition, when the semi-automatic search method is used, during rewinding of such microfilm F,
The second cartridge B in the cartridge standby section 38
Regarding No. 2, search instruction data is input by looking at the content data on the back label.

Then, the discharge stage shown in FIG. 10 (6) is reached. That is, the partition plate 53 extends from between the group of cartridges B and the cartridge loading section 20 of one container 25 and almost faces the empty container 25 without intervening therebetween. The first cartridge B is also ejected through the partition plate 53 to a position facing the other container 25. At the same time, the holding plate 49 operates again to move the cartridge B group toward the cartridge loading section 20, and the second cartridge B moves from the cartridge standby section 38 and comes into contact with the cartridge loading section 20. Also, a stopper 62 protrudes from the opening of the main body 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), and stops the first cartridge B1 and the second cartridge 8.
It is located between the two.

Thereafter, the next movement stage shown in (7) of FIG. 10 occurs.

That is, this stage is similar to the stage shown in FIG. The second cartridge B slides in between and is located between them. At this time, the holding plate 49 is slightly returned as described above.

Note that when the partition plate 53 returns to its original position, the pull-out claw 54 resists the biasing force of the spring and changes from the operating position to the retracted position by contacting the second cartridge B2 in the same way as described above. , so that there is no problem in sliding the partition plate 53. Furthermore, when the partition plate 53 is returned to its original position, the holding pawl 55 is
The first cartridge B1 comes into contact with the ejected cartridge B1, but due to the protrusion of the stopper 62, it resists the biasing force of the spring and takes a retracted position from the operating position, and the ejected first cartridge B1 moves back to the partition plate 53. It is designed not to move along with it.

Then, the next loading stage, etc. shown in Figure 10 (8) is reached. That is, this step is similar to the step shown in FIG. 10 (4) described above, and as the partition plate 53 further returns to its initial position, the presser claw 55 returns to its operating position. The other side of the second cartridge B2 is hooked, and this is guided to the cartridge loading section 20 and loaded. Further, the pull-out claw 54 also returns to its operating position. Along with this, a return plate 60 (first
(see Fig., Fig. 3) is activated, used and discharged?
The second cartridge B is guided and moved to the depths of the empty container 25. The post-return plate 60 returns to its original permanent position. Then, for the microfilm F of the second cartridge B2, necessary images are searched and copied in the same manner as described above.

Now, by repeating each step of FIG. 10 described above, one container 25. All the cartridges B stored in the cartridge are loaded sequentially. Search, copy. Evacuation takes place. Then, all of them are used and the other container 25. If it is stored in this other container 25
t is removed from the main body portion 26. Then, the container moving mechanism 44 is activated, and the empty container 25. The moving member 45 moves the container 25 to the position where the other container 25 was previously attached. Then, after the fact, this one container 251 comes to fulfill the function that the other container 258 conventionally performed, that is, the role of storing the used cartridge B. Further, thereafter, the container 25 that accommodates the unused cartridge B and is attached to the main body 26 will sequentially perform the same function.

As mentioned above, the container 25. which houses the used cartridge group B and is removed from the main body 26. are then transported to a storage location such as a storage shelf, and each cartridge B stored therein is returned to its original storage shelf or the like. And after it's empty,
Another cartridge is stored again and used again in the same manner.

Copies are also distributed to related parties.

The cartridge loading device A is as described above. Therefore, the first, second, and third are as follows.

First of all, the cartridges B to be used are sequentially taken out from the container 251 by the cartridge moving mechanism 27, guided to the cartridge loading section 20 of the film carrier 3 of the reader printer, and loaded into the necessary microfilm F. Images are searched, copied, etc. In this manner, in this cartridge loading device A, automatic loading of the cartridge B is realized.

Second, search. Has the copying been completed and it has been used? The cartridges B are sequentially ejected from the cartridge loading section 20 by the cartridge moving mechanism 27 and stored in the other container 251 which is different from the one container 251. In this way, in this cartridge loading WA, the cartridge B
Automation of discharge, etc. will also be realized.

Thirdly, these first. The second point can be achieved without any problems within the conventional work flow that has been carried out up until now, that is, without changing the flow. That is, in a series of operations such as taking out, transporting, loading, ejecting, and returning cartridge B, which have been widely performed with conventional microfilm F, loading. Automation of ejection, etc. is achieved by this cartridge loading device A. Moreover, this cartridge loading device A can handle approximately 100 to 200 cartridges B like a conventional cartridge loader.
The capacity of the cartridge B is not limited to 1, and can be used for a wide variety of cartridges B, such as a huge number of 100,000 or more cartridges.

The above is the explanation of the operation, etc.

"Others" Furthermore, this cartridge loading device A has the following features:
, 2nd. Third. It has the fourth and fifth advantages.

First, it has a cartridge standby section 38.

That is, this cartridge loading device A further includes a cartridge waiting section 38, which is a housing, immediately before the cartridge loading section 20, which is a housing (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3).
(see figure). Then, the cartridge B loaded in the cartridge loading section 20 is searched. During copying, the cartridge standby section 38 is loaded next. Cartridge B to be searched and copied is always on standby. Therefore, the cartridge moving mechanism 2
Search by the partition plate 53 of 7. Immediately after copying is completed and the used cartridge B is ejected from the cartridge loading section 20, the cartridge B to be used next is loaded into the cartridge loading section 20 from the cartridge standby section 38, and the search and copying process is performed. You will be exposed. In this way, this cartridge loading device A allows cartridges B to be replaced almost simultaneously without any time loss, and is suitable for large-volume and rapid processing of microfilm F required for this type of work. In other words, compared to the conventional method of this kind, in which the used cartridge B is manually ejected, the next cartridge B to be used is manually taken out from a returnable box, etc., and loaded. Since the apparatus A has a so-called double cartridge housing system, which includes a cartridge standby section 38 immediately before, there is no time loss, labor is saved, and processing is performed more quickly.

The first cartridge standby section 38 is as described above. Second, a fully automatic search method is possible.

That is, in this cartridge loading device A, search instruction data is input into the memory of the controller 24 in advance, and content data displayed on the label is automatically read for each loaded cartridge B afterward. A fully automatic search method is possible, in which both data are compared and matched, and a search for matching data is performed, that is, a frame search for the necessary images on microfilm F is performed. The above-mentioned upper label is attached to the upper surface of the cartridge B and is coded using, for example, a bar code, and displays the content data of the microfilm F of the cartridge B.

This fully automatic search method based on so-called random access prevents time loss and search errors. That is, unlike in conventional cartridge loaders of this kind, the time and effort of positioning and storing the cartridges B in the racks at predetermined addresses is saved, and retrieval due to incorrect insertion into predetermined addresses is also prevented. Therefore, it is suitable for large-volume and rapid processing of microfilm F required in this type of work.

Furthermore, this fully automatic search method is possible by pasting a label such as a predetermined top label on cartridge B.
It also has the advantage of being easily compatible with Microfilm F, which has been produced in the past. Note that instead of pasting such a label, the content data may be directly imprinted onto the microfilm F and read when the roll film carrier 3 loads the microfilm F.

The second fully automatic search method is as described above.

Thirdly, a automatic search method is also possible.

In other words, in this cartridge loading WA, a ≧auto search method is also possible in addition to the above-mentioned fully automatic search method. In other words, for each cartridge B, the content data of the microfilm F is written on the back label, etc., and for each loaded cartridge B, for example, when the cartridge B is in the cartridge standby section 38, visually check the back label and instruct the search. A semi-automatic search method is also possible in which the data is manually input to the controller 24 and the necessary images on the microfilm F are searched frame by frame. The above-mentioned spine label is attached to the top surface of the cartridge B, and displays the content data of the microfilm F of the cartridge B in a visually readable manner.

By the way, in order to realize such a self-search method, it is necessary to check the cartridge B, which is to be loaded from now on, in the cartridge standby section 38 or the like, and the cartridge B which has already been loaded in the cartridge loading section 20 and has finished searching and copying. While the microfilm F of B is being rewinded on the rewind reel 21, it is necessary to input the search instruction data while looking at the back label of the cartridge B on standby.

In other words, this kind of microfilm F
In order to respond to the large-volume and rapid processing required in this work, the back label of Cartridge B currently in use,
It is necessary that the back label of Cartridge B that will be used from now on can be visually confirmed from the front side of the reader printer. In this cartridge loading device A, each cartridge B has a container 25. The containers 25 are stored in stacks with their lower parts held in an upright position.
, is mounted on a main body part 26 having a flat top surface 35, and the main body part 26 is fixed to the front surface of the reader printer. As shown in FIG. 11, with the container 25+ attached to the main body 26, each cartridge B is in a positional relationship with its back facing the front side of the reader printer, and the cartridge B in use is The back label of Cartridge B, which will be used from now on, can be checked from the front side of the reader printer at the same time.

The third semi-automatic search method is as described above.

Fourth, interrupt operations are possible.

That is, in this cartridge loading device A, the container 25. which is in a normal state. Cartridge loading section 2 from
During the automatic loading operation of the cartridge B into the container 25. This is possible without removing the main body 26 or the like.

In other words, is it the same as mentioned above regarding Figures 8, 9, etc.? By pushing the locking member 57 of the partition plate 53 downward from the locking position in the illustrated example to the unlocking position, the presser claw 55 assumes an inclined retracted position from the operating position, thereby allowing the container to be opened from the side. 25. insert another cartridge B from outside and load it into the cartridge loading section 20;
Interrupt operation is possible. The fourth interrupt operation is as described above.

Fifth, the cartridge loading device A of the illustrated embodiment has two
Although this is a system in which two containers 25, 25-2 are mounted, a system in which only one container 25 is mounted is of course also possible.

That is, in the cartridge loading device A of the illustrated embodiment, the cartridges B are sequentially taken out from one container 251 and loaded into the cartridge loading section 20 by the cartridge moving mechanism 27, and the used cartridges are then loaded into the cartridge loading section 20. The liquid is discharged and stored in the other container 25. However, the present invention is not limited to such an illustrated embodiment. For example, the cartridges B are sequentially taken out from the container 25 by the moving mechanism and loaded, and the used cartridges are returned to the original container. 25 is also possible.

"Effects of the Invention" As explained above, the cartridge loading device according to the present invention exhibits the following effects by sequentially taking out and loading the microfilm cartridges to be used from the container attached to the main body using the moving mechanism. do.

In other words, automation of cartridge loading is realized. Therefore, labor and manpower are saved accordingly, and work efficiency is significantly improved by speeding up work and shortening time. Moreover, these can be successfully accomplished in the series of work flows that have been performed up to now by large-scale users.

Furthermore, in addition to the above, the cartridge loading device of the second aspect exhibits the following effects by ejecting the used cartridge by the moving mechanism and storing it in another container of the same shape. In other words, automation of cartridge ejection, etc. is realized, which also saves labor and manpower, and improves work efficiency by speeding up work and shortening time. Moreover, these can also be accomplished without any problem even in the series of work steps that have been carried out so far.

In this way, the problems that existed in this type of conventional example are completely eliminated, and the effects of the present invention are remarkable and great.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cartridge loading device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container, main body, etc. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of essential parts showing the main body and the container moving mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the partition plate, etc. of the cartridge moving mechanism. FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main parts. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the partition plate. Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the main part, and (1) shows the presser claw in its operating position, and (2) shows the presser claw in its retracted position. . FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining the interrupt operation of cartridge loading by this partition plate, (1) the figure shows the state before the lock is released, and (2) the figure shows the interrupt after the lock is released. Indicates operating status. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining the cartridge loading operation of the cartridge moving mechanism. and (1
) Figure shows the standby stage, (2) Figure shows the evacuation stage, (3) Figure shows the movement stage, (4) Figure shows the loading stage, (5) Figure shows the ejection movement stage, (6) Figure shows the wandering stage. Figure (7) shows the next movement stage, Figure (8) shows the next loading stage, etc. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a reader printer equipped with this cartridge loading device. FIG. 12 is a perspective explanatory diagram of the optical system, etc. of the reader printer. 3...Film carrier 20...Cartridge loading section? 5, 25,, 25■... Container 26... Main body 27... Cartridge moving mechanism A... Cartridge loading device B, Bl, B2. B. ,B4... Cartridge F...・Microfilm (transfer mechanism) Figure 8 (1) Day~゜ (2) Figure 10

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A cartridge loading device that is attached to an image projection device that projects microfilm images, which includes a container that accommodates a plurality of arbitrary microfilm cartridges and can be carried alone, and a container that is detachable. A moving mechanism that sequentially takes out the cartridges to be used from the container on the main body and guides and loads them into a cartridge loading section attached to a film carrier of the image projection device. A cartridge loading device characterized by: (2) A cartridge loading device that is attached to an image projection device that projects microfilm images, comprising a container that accommodates any plurality of microfilm cartridges and can be carried alone, and at least two containers of the same shape. a main body part on which the container is detachably attached; and a cartridge to be used is sequentially taken out from the specific container on the main body part, and guided and loaded into a cartridge loading part attached to a film carrier of the image projection device. and a moving mechanism for ejecting the used cartridge and storing it in another container.