JPH03167541A - Cartridge loading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatize the loading, ejecting and housing of cartridges by providing a container mobile mechanism and a cartridge mobile mechanism. CONSTITUTION:The cartridges B of required microfilms are taken out from a storage shelf, etc., and plural cartridges are housed in a container 25. Then, the container 25 is moved to an image projecting device and loaded to a main body part 26 attached thereto. Afterward, the container 25 attached to the main body part 26 is intermittently moved by the container mobile mechanism 27, and the cartridges B to be used are successively placed opposite to the cartridge loading part of the film carrier of the image projecting device. Simultaneously, the cartridges to be used are taken out from the container 25, guided to the cartridge loading part and loaded by the cartridge mobile mechanism 28, and the required images of the microfilms are retrieved and copied. Then, the used cartridges are ejected, returned and housed in the container 25 by the cartridge moving mechanism 28. Thus, the automation of the loading, ejecting and housing of the cartridges can be attained.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] "Industrial Application Field J 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 tens of thousands or more. For these users, the main focus of microfilm is on use rather than storage, and when using it, it is used for large-volume and quick retrieval. J [copy. Other processing is requested.

That is, when using microfilm, the necessary cartridges are taken out from a storage shelf or the like each time, carried to a reader/printer, etc., and loaded, and then the necessary images are retrieved, 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, we will explain the flow of these series of tasks in more detail. First, in the first step, a computer outputs an instruction sheet specifying 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. The items are manually selected and taken out, and stored in units of, say, 10, along with instructions, in a container called a returnable 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 the fourth step, the copies are distributed to related parties. In this way, a series of operations in each step is frequently repeated, and microfilm cartridges are processed in large quantities and rapidly.

``Prior Art'' Now, automation and labor-saving measures have been considered for the series of operations in each of the above-mentioned processes.

However, the above-mentioned second and third steps, that is, cartridge removal and transportation. Loading, discharging, returning, etc. have generally been performed manually without automation or labor saving. This allows you to quickly and individually extract the necessary cartridges from a huge amount of, for example, over 100,000 cartridges. Loading. 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.

That is, first, as mentioned above, the removal, loading, and ejection of individual cartridges. Returns, etc. 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 object of the present invention is to propose a cartridge loading device that automates and saves labor after loading the removed cartridge into a container, and improves the productivity and economic efficiency of the work. Specifically, a container moving mechanism moves the container attached to the main body, a cartridge moving mechanism sequentially takes out and loads the used cartridges, and ejects and stores used cartridges. The purpose of this paper is to propose a cartridge loading device that realizes automatic loading, automatic ejection and storage, etc. "Means for Solving the Problem" The technical means of the present invention for achieving this purpose are as follows. This cartridge loading device is attached to an image projection device that projects an image of the microfilm, and the cartridge loading device is attached to an image projection device that projects an image of the microfilm and loads the next container. Main body. Container movement mechanism. It has a cartridge moving mechanism.

The case H can accommodate any number of microfilm cartridges and can be carried alone. The container is detachably attached to the main body.

The container moving mechanism moves the mounted containers along a cartridge loading section attached to the film carrier of the image projection apparatus, and sequentially positions the cartridges to be used facing the cartridge loading section.

The cartridge moving mechanism takes out the used cartridge from the container, guides it to the cartridge loading section, and loads it therein, and also discharges the used cartridge and stores it in the container.

"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 container mounted on the main body is intermittently moved by the container moving mechanism, and the cartridges to be used are successively positioned opposite to the cartridge loading section of the film carrier of the image projection apparatus. At the same time, the cartridge to be used is removed from the container by the cartridge moving mechanism, guided to the cartridge loading section, and loaded, and the required image on the microfilm is retrieved. Copied, etc. The cartridge moving mechanism then discharges the used cartridge and returns it to the container for storage.

In this way, this cartridge loading device can automate cartridge loading. Automation of discharge and storage will be realized. Furthermore, these precepts can be accomplished without any problems within the flow of the work that has been done up until now, that is, without changing the flow.

Note that the ejected used cartridge 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.
Regarding the cartridge loading device, we will explain the container etc., the main body, the container moving mechanism, the cartridge moving mechanism, the spacer, etc. in this order. The outline of the reader printer is as follows.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a reader printer to which this cartridge loading device A is attached.

FIG. 9 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 an image on the microfilm F.

The light from the light source 1 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. 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, and is further bent by the fixed mirror 8.
．． 9 and heads towards the screen 10.

The image on the microfilm F is then enlarged and projected onto a screen IO provided at the upper front of the reader/printer main body for viewing.

Next, in the print mode, instead of this reader optical path 7, a printer optical path 1l is displayed as shown by the solid line in FIG. That is, the light is switched for scanning by rotating the mirror 6 by 90 degrees around the incident optical axis, and is bent by fixed mirrors 12, 13, 14, 15, etc., and directed toward the photoreceptor 16. As a result, the image on the microfilm F is enlarged and exposed by slit projection onto a drum-shaped photoreceptor 16 that is rotated in synchronization with the swing scanning of the ξ roller 6 about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. Ru. 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. Inside the cartridge loaded in the cartridge loading section 20, a microfilm F is wound around a rewind reel 2l, 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. 9 is a guide roller of the roll film carrier 3, 23 is a film mark detection means, and 24 in FIG. 8 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 container moving mechanism 27, and a cartridge moving mechanism 28, which will be described later.
etc. First, the container 25 is made of microfilm F.
(See Fig. 9) Any plurality of cartridges B can be stored and can be carried alone.

To explain these in detail, the container 25 is also called a returnable box, and as shown in FIG. 2, it has a rectangular shallow box shape with an open top and one side. The floor surface 29 of the container 25 has a plurality of horizontal grooves 30 corresponding to the number of cartridges B that can be stored.
is cut out in the lateral direction. For example, the lateral grooves 30 are open on each side, and are spaced horizontally at equal intervals, that is, at intervals commensurate with the thickness of the cartridge B, such as 1 inch, in a positional relationship that faces the center part of the bottom surface of each stored cartridge B. are arranged parallel to.

A presser plate 31 is disposed inside the container 25, and the presser plate 3l has a size corresponding to the front surface 32 and rear surface 33 of the container 25, and slides on the floor surface 29 between the front surface 32 and the rear surface 33 when standing. It is possible. Reference numeral 34 indicates a guide protrusion provided at one corner of the lower part of the holding plate 31, and reference numeral 35 indicates a guide protrusion provided on the side of the holding plate 3l. 29 and a guide groove 37 formed on the other side surface 36.
38 so as to be movable. Then press plate 3
1 is slidable in the front-rear direction by guide protrusions 34 and 35 being guided by guide grooves 37 and 38.

Further, reference numeral 3.9 is a biasing means such as a conston, and this biasing means 39 is attached to the container 25 and is attached to the presser plate 31.
The holding plate 31 is always urged in the direction of arrow C in the figure, that is, from the rear surface 33 side of the container 25 to the front surface 32 side. 40 is a positioning member, and this positioning member 40 is formed protrudingly on the front and lower sides of the floor surface 29 of the container 25, and functions to position the container 25 when it is mounted on the main body 26 as described later. It also functions for attachment detection. Note that 41.42 is a handle, and the handle 41.42 is attached to the front surface 32 and rear surface 3 of the container 25.
3 has a bent shape at the upper end, and is used when storing the cartridge B in the container 25 and carrying it around. 43 is also a handle, and this handle 43 is attached to the upper end of the holding plate 31 and is used when moving the holding plate 31.

For example, about 5 to 10 cartridges B are stored in such a container 25 and carried together with the container 25. That is, the cartridge B resists the urging force of the urging means 39 and moves the holding plate 3l in the opposite direction to the C direction using the handle 43.
In other words, after manually pulling and moving the container 25 from the front side 32 side to the rear side 33 side (the state shown in FIG. 2 etc.), the container 25
An appropriate number is stored in the . The cartridges B are stacked one on top of the other in an upright state with the center portions of their bottoms located on the opposing horizontal grooves 30, and when the handle 43 is released, the cartridges are pushed back into place by the biasing force of the biasing means 39. The lower part is held between the front surface 32 of 25, the presser Fi 31, and the other side surface 36, and is held stably.

A microfilm F, which is a long film with an image imprinted on each frame, that is, a roll film, is wound around the rewind reel 21 (see FIG. 9) in the cartridge B.

By the way, cartridges B for this type of microfilm F are generally classified into ANS I standard type and 3M-M type, and both differ in the connection structure of the rewind reel 21 to the drive shaft and the necessity of a reel presser. , Presence or absence of league at the tip of microfilm F, Microfilm F
The difference is in the delivery method etc. However, not only this container 25, but also the main body 26, container moving mechanism 27, cartridge moving mechanism 28, etc., which will be described later, can be used with any type of cartridge B without any structural problems. There is. In other words, this cartridge loading device A can also handle ANSI standard type cartridge B.
M type cartridge B can also be used, and both types can be used together. 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.

Figure 3 shows this cartridge loading system? It is a perspective view of the cartridge B of ZA, the main body 26, the container moving mechanism 27, the cartridge moving mechanism 28, etc., and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main parts such as the main body 26. In addition to the above-mentioned figures 1 and 2, this figure 3. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 as well.

The main body portion 26 of the cartridge loading device A is configured to have a container 25 detachably attached thereto.

To explain these in detail, first, a casing 44 is attached and fixed to the front side of the reader printer (see FIGS. 1 and 8). The casing 44 has a long rectangular and shallow box frame shape with an open top surface, etc.
One side frame 45 is cut out approximately at the center, and the cartridge loading section 20 of the film carrier 3 of the reader/printer is positioned opposite thereto, and its loading port 46 is open. Inside the casing 44, the main body portion 26 is slidably attached in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the direction of arrow D in FIG.

That is, the main body 26 has a shape corresponding to the container 25 described above, that is, a shallow rectangular box shape with an open top and one side, and a front frame 47. Rear frame 48. The other side frame 49 and the floor frame 50 are provided (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). The main body part 26 is set to a size in which the container 25 is fitted and mounted, and the container 25 is fitted with its open side surface aligned with the open side surface of the main body part 26.

The bottom frame 50 of the main body 26 also has the lateral groove 3 of the container 25 described above.
Number, position, and shape corresponding to 0. A horizontal groove 51 of the same size is cut out. Each of these horizontal grooves 51 coincides with and overlaps each horizontal groove 30 of the opened and loaded container 25, and faces the center part of the bottom surface of each cartridge B stored in the container 25 through the horizontal groove 30. It is supposed to be done.

52 in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a positioning hole.

This positioning hole 52 is formed at the front and rear of the floor frame 50 of the main body part 26, and is positioned opposite to the positioning member 40 of the mounted container 25, so that it can be inserted tightly thereinto,
It functions to position the attached container 25. Also 53
is a detection means, and this detection means 53 is attached near the positioning hole 52, that is, at the front and bottom of the floor frame 50 of the main body part 26, and is capable of detecting the positioning member 40 inserted into the positioning hole 52. , thereby detecting attachment and detachment of the container 25.

Reference numeral 54 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a slide rail, and the main body 26 is attached to this slide rail 54 via a side frame 49.
At this point, it is guided by a frame 55 on the other side of the casing 44. As a result, the main body part 26 can be slid in the direction D within the casing 44 with the containers 25 containing the cartridges B mounted thereon and each open side facing the loading port 46 of the cartridge loading part 20. There is.

The main body portion 26 has this structure.

Next, the container moving mechanism 27 will be described.

The container moving mechanism 27 moves the containers 25 together with the main body 26 along the cartridge loading section 20, and sequentially positions the cartridges B to be used facing the cartridge loading section 20. To explain these in detail, as shown in FIG. 3, below the casing 44 is a container moving mechanism 27.
A first motor 56 such as a pulse motor is attached as a drive source, and a pinion 57 is fixed to the drive shaft of the first motor 56. On the other hand, a rack 58 is fixed to the outer side of one side edge of the floor frame 50 of the main body part 26 and meshes with the pinion 57. Accordingly, by the rotational drive of the first motor 56, the main body portion 26 with the container 25 attached thereto slides within the casing 44 in the D direction with each open side facing toward the loading port 46 of the cartridge loading portion 20. The main body 26 assumes the initial position when the detection means 53 does not detect the attachment of the container 25, that is, when the container 25 has been removed and has not yet been attached, and when the container 25 is initially attached. The initial position of the main body portion 26 is a position further to the left in the drawing than the position shown in FIG.
Among the cartridges B stored in the container 25, the frontmost 3
The first one on the second side, the one closest to the front 32 of the lateral grooves 30 of the container 25, and the one closest to the front frame 47 of the lateral grooves 5l of the main body 26 are all in this initial position when the cartridge is inserted from inside the casing 44. It is located opposite to the loading port 46 of the loading section 20.

Further, the main body 26 is sequentially moved into the casing 44 by a certain distance, for example, by 1 inch, by the first motor 56 of the container moving mechanism 27 intermittently rotating by a predetermined amount. Slide in direction D. As a result, the container 25 attached to the main body 26
Since the cartridge B stored therein also moves intermittently by the same distance, these lateral grooves 51
, the horizontal groove 30, and the cartridge B are successively positioned opposite to the loading port 46 of the cartridge loading section 20. Note that when the container 25 is removed from the main body 26, the first motor 56 of the container moving mechanism 27 is driven in reverse, and the main body 26 slides in the direction opposite to the D direction and returns to the initial position.

The container moving mechanism 27 is constructed as described above.

Next, the cartridge moving mechanism 28 will be described.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory side view of the cartridge moving mechanism 28 and the like, and the following description will be made with reference to FIG. 5 as well.

The cartridge moving mechanism 28 takes out the used cartridge B from the container 25 and guides it to the cartridge loading section 20 and loads it therein, and also discharges the used cartridge B and stores it in the container 25.

These are explained in detail in Figure 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a second motor 59, which is a drive source for the cartridge moving mechanism 28, is attached below the casing 44, and a first pulley 60 is attached to the horizontal drive shaft of the second motor 59. Fixed. 61 and 62 are the second boolean respectively. They are the 31st and each is held on a horizontal rotating shaft.

and these first pulleys 60. 2nd pulley 61. Third
The boot IJs 62 extend from below the main body 26 to below the cartridge loading section 20 and are arranged in a row with their rotational axes parallel to each other. The first pulley 60 is connected to the floor frame 5 of the main body 26.
The second pulley 61 is located below one side of the cartridge loading section 20, and the second pulley 61 is located opposite to any of the horizontal grooves 51 and 30, and the third pulley 62 is located opposite to the lower part of the cartridge loading section 20.

Regarding these height positions, the first pulley 60 always takes a height level with a gap below the floor frame 50. The second pulley 6l is in a retracted position at a height level with a gap below the floor frame 50, lateral groove 51, and lateral groove 30 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 51
, and an operating position at a height level facing into the lateral groove 30 by a moving mechanism (not shown). Similarly, No. 31-+7 6 2 is in a retracted position at a height level with a distance from the bottom of the cartridge loading section 20 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, and a cartridge loading position as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. It is movable by a moving mechanism (not shown) to an operating position at a height level facing the lower part of the section 20.

And such a first pulley 60, second pulley 61. A conveyor belt 63 is stretched between the third pulleys 62, and the conveyor belt 63 is driven in forward and reverse directions by the second motor 59 to run in forward and reverse directions. Therefore, first, the second motor 5
9 is not driven, and when the 21st 61 and 31st 62 take the retracted position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the cartridge B
The movement of is carried out and is not carried out. On the other hand, the second motor 59 is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and the conveyor belt 63 is driven in the normal direction, that is, in the direction of the cartridge loading section 20, and the second and third pulleys 61 and 62 are rotated as indicated by the imaginary lines in FIG. When you take the operating position, it looks like this: That is, the bottom surface of the cartridge B to be used among the cartridges B stored in the container 25 is aligned with the corresponding lateral groove 30,
The cartridge B is brought into contact with the conveyor belt 63 through the horizontal groove 5l, and thereby the cartridge B is taken out from the container 25 and inserted into the loading port 4.
6 to the cartridge loading section 20 and loaded therein. Further, the second motor 59 is driven in the reverse direction, so that the conveyor belt 63 is run in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction opposite to the cartridge loading section 20, and the second and third pulleys 61 and 62 are in the operating position shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. If you take it, it will look like this: That is, the bottom surface of the used cartridge B loaded in the cartridge loading section comes into contact with the conveyor belt 63, and as a result, the cartridge B is ejected from the cartridge loading section 20 through the loading port 46 and into the horizontal grooves 30 and 51. The container 25 is stored in its original location by a conveyor belt 63 running along the container 25. The cartridge moving mechanism 28 has this structure.

Next, the spacer 64 etc. will be described.

64 in FIGS. 1 and 4 is a spacer.

This spacer 64 is attached to the casing 4 by a leaf spring 65.
4, and is positioned opposite to the loading port 46 of the cartridge loading section 20. When the used cartridge B is taken out from the container 25 and loaded into the cartridge loading section 20, the spacer 64 is inserted into the gap formed between the remaining unused cartridges B by the biasing force of the leaf spring 65. It is inserted forward. In other words, the spacer 64 functions to secure a gap in the container 25 corresponding to the thickness of the cartridge B used in the cartridge loading section 20 by taking an operating position inserted between the remaining cartridges B on both sides. do.

When the used cartridge B is ejected from the force cartridge loading section 20 and stored in the gap in the container 25 secured as described above, the spacer 64 is pushed by this cartridge B. Retracts back from the working position to the original retracted position.

In other words, the biasing force of the leaf spring 65 is the same as that of the cartridge moving mechanism 2.
The conveying force is set to be weaker than the conveying force by the conveying belt 63 of No. 8. Also, the spacer 64 is in the retracted position when the container 25
This prevents the corresponding cartridge B stored in the cartridge from being pushed.

In other words, the biasing force of the leaf spring 65 is set to be weaker than the frictional force between the cartridges B based on the biasing force of the biasing means 39 attached to the container 25 described above.

In addition, 66 in FIG. 1 is a reading means provided at the upper part of the cartridge loading section 20.

The spacer 64 etc. are like this.

The above is an explanation of the precepts, etc. The operation etc. will be explained below.

First, a plurality of cartridges B of the required microfilm F are taken out from a storage shelf or the like (not shown) and stored in the container 25 constituting the cartridge loading device A. 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. Then, based on the instructions, a required cartridge B with a predetermined cartridge number is selected and taken out from a huge amount of, for example, several hundred thousand or more, stored in a storage location such as a storage shelf, and is taken out from, for example, five cartridges. Approximately 10 pieces are in container 2 along with instructions.
It is stored in 5. The cartridges B are placed upright on the floor surface 29 of the container 25 and are stacked one on top of the other in order from the front surface 32 side, with the lower portions of the cartridges being held between the pressing plates 31 and the like based on the urging force of the urging means 39. (See Figure 3).

Then, container 2 in which cartridge B was stored like this
5 is carried to the reader printer and mounted on the main body 26 of the cartridge loading device A attached thereto. That is, the container 25 is aligned with the open side surface of the main body 26 toward the cartridge loading section 20, and the lateral groove 30 is aligned with the lateral groove 5l of the main body 26, overlapping the main body. 26. The container 25 is mounted and positioned by inserting the positioning member 40 into the positioning hole 52 of the main body 26, and detecting the positioning member 40 by the detection means 53 of the main body 26. , its attachment is detected (see Figures 3 and 8).

By the way, since the main body part 26 is at the initial position within the casing 44, that is, the position closest to the left side in FIG.
The lateral groove 51 closest to the front frame 47 is located opposite to the loading port 46 of the cartridge loading section 20. The loaded container 25 also has its lateral groove 30 on its frontmost 32 side, and the cartridge B stored in the container 25 also has its frontmost 32 side.
The first one on the second side will be located opposite the loading port 46, respectively.

At the same time, for example, in the case of a fully automatic search method, search data is input into the memory of the controller 24 (see FIG. 8) attached to the reader printer while referring to the instruction sheet. In addition to this fully automatic search method, there is also a so-called Sewan automatic search method, in which the content data written on the back label of each cartridge B is visually checked and search instruction data for each cartridge B is inputted sequentially. It is possible. In the case of the latter automatic search method, at this stage or at the loading stage described later, the controller 24 normally selects the first cartridge B, that is, the frontmost part 32 of the container 25.
Search data for cartridge B located on the side is input while referring to the instruction sheet. Thereafter, when a search start signal is input, the loading operation of cartridge B, etc. is performed. That is, first, the cartridge moving mechanism 28 is operated, its second motor 59 is driven to rotate normally, and the second pulley 61 . The third boot 62 assumes the operating position shown by imaginary lines from the retracted position shown by solid lines in FIG. Then, the conveyor belt 63 running in the forward direction moves into the corresponding lateral groove 30. to the bottom surface of the first cartridge B to be used. The cartridge is brought into contact through the horizontal groove 51, taken out from the container 25, guided through the loading port 46 to the cartridge loading section 20, and loaded therein. At the same time, the spacer 64 assumes an operating position by the biasing force of the leaf spring 65, and a gap corresponding to the removed first cartridge B is secured between the remaining cartridges B in the container 25. When the loading is completed, the second motor 59 of the cartridge moving mechanism 28 stops, and the second pulley 61 and third boot 62 take the retracted position shown by the solid line in FIG. Now, the first cartridge B is the cartridge loading section 20.
An attached detection means (not shown) indicates that the
Once detected, the reader printer starts searching. In other words, for example, in the case of a fully automatic search method,
A reading means 66 provided in the cartridge loading section 20
Read the content data displayed on the upper label of the loaded first cartridge B. 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 the case of a semi-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 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 cartridge B, the microfilm F is transported forward and backward between the rewind reel 21 and the take-up reel 19, and film marks are detected. This is done by the means 23 detecting blip marks attached to each frame. The frames of the necessary image are then stopped at the pressure plate glass, the necessary image is retrieved and projected onto the screen 10, and is also projected onto the photoreceptor 16 and copied (see FIG. 9).

After that, the next stage of ejection and storage is reached. That is, in this way, the search for the first cartridge B,
When the copying is completed and the microfilm F is rewinded onto the original rewind reel 21, the cartridge moving mechanism 28 is activated again.

Then, the second motor 59 is driven in the reverse direction, and the second pulley 61 and third pulley 62 take the operating position shown by the imaginary line from the retracted position shown by the solid line in FIG.

If the semi-automatic search method is used, the search instruction data for the next second cartridge B is input while rewinding the microfilm F described above by looking at the content data on the back label of the second cartridge B. Then, the conveyor belt 63 running in the opposite direction comes into contact with the bottom surface of the used first cartridge B in the cartridge loading section 20 and discharges it through the loading port 46. Then, as the conveyor belt 63 runs through the horizontal grooves 30 and 51, the used first cartridge B is returned to its original location in the container 25, that is, the gap secured by the spacer 64, and is stored therein. ．．
Note that the spacer 64 thereby returns from the operating position to the original retracted position, and the second motor 59 of the cartridge moving mechanism 28 stops, and its second pulley 61 and third pulley 62
also returns to its original retreating position.

In this way, the first cartridge B is removed. Loading, retrieval, copying. Exhaust. When the storage etc. are completed, the container moving mechanism 26 is activated and the used 1
Instead of the second cartridge B, a second cartridge B is positioned opposite to the cartridge loading section 20. That is, by rotating the first motor 56 of the container moving mechanism 27 by a predetermined amount, the container 25 together with the main body 26 moves in the direction D in FIG. 1 within the casing 44 to the thickness of one cartridge B. Move only the appropriate distance. Then the next horizontal groove 30. The horizontal grooves 51 and the second cartridge B located above these are connected to the cartridge loading section 20.
is positioned opposite to the loading port 46 of. And above 1
Take out the cartridge B in the same manner as in the case of the second cartridge B. Loading, searching, copying, ejecting, storing, etc. are performed.

By repeating these steps, all the cartridges B stored in the container 25 are taken out one after another. Loading. search. Copying, ejection, and storage are performed. When all of them are used and returned and stored in the container 25, the container 25 is removed from the main body 26. Then, the container 25 containing the next unused cartridge B is attached to the main body 26, and the removed container 25
are transported to a storage location such as a storage shelf after the event, and each used cartridge B stored therein is returned to the original storage shelf or the like. After the cartridge is empty, another cartridge is stored and used again in the same manner. Copies are also distributed to related parties.

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

First, the container moving mechanism 27 intermittently moves the loaded containers 25, and the cartridges B to be used are successively positioned opposite the cartridge loading section 20. At the same time, the cartridges B to be used are sequentially taken out from the container 25 by the cartridge moving mechanism 28, guided to the cartridge loading section 20, and loaded therein. In this manner, in this cartridge loading device A, automatic loading of the cartridge B is realized.

Second, the cartridges B, which have been used after searching, copying, etc., are sequentially ejected from the cartridge loading section 20 by the cartridge moving mechanism 28, returned to the container 25, and stored therein. In this manner, this cartridge loading device A also realizes automatic ejection and storage of the cartridge B.

Thirdly, these first. The second point can be achieved without any problems within the conventional work flow that has been carried out up to now, that is, without changing the flow. That is, the removal of cartridge B, which has been widely done with conventional microfilm F. Loading is part of a series of operations such as transportation, loading, ejection, and return. 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" First, the cartridge loading device A of this embodiment is
A fully automatic search method is possible.

That is, as mentioned above, this cartridge loading device A
In this case, the search instruction data is input into the memory of the controller 24 in advance, and the content data displayed on the label is automatically read for each loaded cartridge B afterward, and both data are compared and verified. A fully automatic search method is possible in which a search for matching data, that is, a frame search for necessary images on the 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. In other words, 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 search errors caused by incorrectly inserting the cartridges into predetermined addresses are also prevented. It is suitable for the large-volume and rapid processing required in this type of microfilm F 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.

First, this cartridge loading device A is capable of such a fully automatic search method.

Second, the cartridge loading device A of this embodiment is also capable of an automatic search method.

That is, as mentioned above, this cartridge loading device A
In addition to the fully automatic search method described above, a semi-automatic search method is also possible.

In other words, the content data of the microfilm F is written on the back label etc. for each cartridge B, and the search instruction data is input into the controller 24 by visually checking the back label for each cartridge B to be loaded. , a semi-automatic search method is also possible in which a frame-by-frame search for the necessary images on the microfilm F is performed. 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 semi-automatic search method, it is especially necessary to use a cartridge that has already been loaded in the cartridge loading section 20 and is searched.
While the microfilm F of the cartridge B that has been copied is being rewinded onto the rewind reel 21, it is necessary to input the search instruction data while looking at the back label of the cartridge B that is waiting to be loaded. In other words, in order to eliminate time loss and respond to the large-volume and rapid processing required in this type of microfilm F work,
It is necessary that the spine label of the cartridge B currently in use and the spine label of the cartridge B to be used from now on can be visually confirmed at the same time from the front side of the reader printer.

In this cartridge loading device A, each cartridge B is stored in a stacked state with its lower part held in a container 25, and the container 25 is attached to a main body 26 having approximately the same height. 26 are mounted within a generally flush casing 44 secured to the front side of the reader-printer. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, with the container 25 attached to the main body 26, each cartridge B is positioned with its back facing the front side of the reader printer. The back label of Cartridge B, which will be used from now on, can be viewed from the front of the reader printer at the same time.

Second, this cartridge loading device A is capable of such a semi-automatic search method.

Thirdly, a rotary type cartridge loading device iA is also possible.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main parts of the linear moving type embodiment described above, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the main parts of another rotary type embodiment.

That is, in the cartridge loading device A of the embodiment described above, the container 25, main body 26, etc. are rectangular as shown in FIG. 6, and the container moving mechanism 27 also moves them linearly. It became. However, the cartridge loading device A is not limited to this.
For example, it may be constructed as shown in another embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the container 25 has a circular shape, the horizontal grooves 30 are also shaped radially, and the storage member 6 of each cartridge B is placed on top of the container 25.
7 are arranged respectively. The main body 26 to which the container 25 is attached also has a circular shape, and the lateral groove 51 also has a lateral groove 3.
It corresponds to 0 and is shaped radially. Also, container moving mechanism 2
7 rotates these intermittently.

Note that the configurations, functions, operations, etc. of the other members are the same as those described in the previous embodiments.

Thirdly, the cartridge loading device A can also be of such a rotary type.

"Effects of the Invention" As explained above, the cartridge loading device according to the present invention moves the container attached to the main body with the container moving mechanism, and sequentially takes out and loads the cartridges to be used with the cartridge moving mechanism. By discharging and storing used cartridges, the following effects can be achieved.

In other words, automated cartridge loading and ejection/storage are 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. 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. Figure 3 shows the cartridge. Container, main body. Container movement mechanism. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge moving mechanism and the like. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of main parts such as the main body. FIG. 5 is an explanatory side view of the power cartridge moving mechanism, etc. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main parts of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the main parts of another embodiment. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a reader printer equipped with this cartridge loading device. FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory diagram of the optical system, etc. of the reader printer. 3... 20... 25... 26... 27... 2 8... A... B... F... Film carrier cartridge loading section Container main body Container moving mechanism Cartridge movement Mechanism Cartridge loading device Cartridge microfilm B B B B B B 27-'28r-'

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim] A cartridge loading device that is attached to an image projection device that projects microfilm images, comprising a container that stores any plurality of microfilm cartridges and can be carried alone; moving the attached container along a main body section that is detachably attached and a cartridge loading section attached to a film carrier of the image projection device;
a container moving mechanism that sequentially positions the cartridges to be used facing the cartridge loading section; and a container moving mechanism that takes out the cartridges to be used from the container and guides them to the cartridge loading section and loads them, and discharges the used cartridges into the container. A cartridge loading device comprising: a cartridge moving mechanism for storing cartridges;