JPH11154366A - Cassette changer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the operator from being disturbed at the time of loading/ unloading a tape cassette, with respect to a cassette automatic changer for transferring the information with a MIC of the tape cassette which is in the stored state. SOLUTION: An opening cover 8 is freely turnably arranged with a turning shaft 9 as the turning fulcrum, and MIC switches 5 are provided on the opening cover 8 corresponding to the tape cassettes 1 stored in a cassette storage part 4. When the opening cover 8 is in the closed state, the cassette information becomes transferable since a metal contact plate 3 connected to the MIC 2 of the tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage part 4 is brought into contact with a contactor of the MIC switch 5. When the opening cover 8 is in the opened state, the insertion, taking out and exchange of the tape cassette 1 at an entrance 4a of the cassette storage part 4 are allowed since the MIC switch 5 is moved with the opening cover 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cassette changer for a tape cassette having a built-in memory, and more particularly to a tape cassette storing a plurality of tape cassettes when the tape cassette is stored therein. And a cassette changer for exchanging information with the memory of the cassette changer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a recording / reproducing apparatus using a tape cassette as a recording medium, management of cassette information such as the content of recorded data and recording date and time is important. This is because, after recording data on a tape cassette, it is generally necessary to leave a record history with a memo or the like in order to know what the data was. This is because it is necessary to check the performance by loading the data into the device. Also, the more tape cassettes you have, the more complicated it becomes to confirm which data you want to play and in which tape cassette, and which tape cassette to record. Because it comes.

A cassette changer that stores a plurality of tape cassettes, transports the stored tape cassettes to a recording / reproducing apparatus in an arbitrary order, and performs recording / reproducing is mainly used for broadcasting and computer data recording. Has been put to practical use. In such a cassette changer for broadcasting or computer data recording, in order to automatically record and reproduce on a plurality of cassettes,
It becomes increasingly important to manage cassette information such as which data was recorded on which tape cassette and when. Conversely, if a cassette changer that can automatically manage cassette information can be realized, it is possible to automatically select an appropriate tape cassette from among a large number of storage tape cassettes and perform recording and playback. The benefits to are huge.

[0004] Further, although not very practically used at present, the same can be said for realizing a cassette changer for consumer use, for example, a cassette changer in a video tape recorder. That is, it is troublesome for the operator to perform operations such as determining which data is recorded on which tape cassette and which tape cassette is to be recorded next, and for each genre of data to be recorded. Regarding the fact that it is desired to automatically classify and record the tape cassettes, it is ultimately determined whether or not the cassette information can be automatically managed.

As a conventional method of managing the cassette information, there is a method of sticking a bar code seal on a cassette label. This is because the cassette information is converted into a barcode seal using a barcode writer, and this barcode seal is attached to the cassette. The barcode reader provided in the cassette changer is used to store the barcode seal of the tape cassette. Are sequentially read.

However, in the case of using a barcode seal as described above, a barcode writer / reader for creating a barcode and reading the created barcode is expensive, and it takes time to attach the barcode seal. There is a problem that it takes.

[0007] In recent years, a tape cassette in which a nonvolatile memory called an MIC is mounted has appeared.
Techniques for recording cassette information in the MIC and managing the cassette information are described in JP-A-7-249283 and JP-A-9-167414.

[0008] In each of these techniques, a MIC switch for exchanging information with the MIC is provided in a cassette storage unit for storing the tape cassette, and the MIC switch between the MIC and the MIC of the stored tape cassette is provided. The cassette information is managed by exchanging the cassette information. By using such a method, a tape cassette to be recorded is selected from a plurality of stored tape cassettes, and a tape cassette in which data to be reproduced is recorded is selected, and automatically. Recording and reproduction. This allows the operator
What data was recorded on which tape cassette, when, and which tape cassette should be recorded next,
This eliminates the hassle of managing cassette information.

The configuration of a conventional cassette changer will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 shows MIC2
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a tape cassette 1 in which is conventionally known. Here, the side from which the tape is ejected when the tape cassette 1 is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus is defined as the front A of the tape cassette, and the opposite side is defined as the rear B of the tape cassette.

The MIC 2 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory,
As means for exchanging information with this MIC2,
Four metal contact portions 3 connected to the MIC 2 are provided so as to be exposed on the surface on the rear B side of the tape cassette. This arrangement is the same as the arrangement of the tape cassettes described in JP-A-7-249283 and JP-A-9-167414.

The cassette changer is provided with an MIC switch that can contact the metal contact portion 3 of the tape cassette 1. FIG. 18 shows a side view and a front view of the MIC switch 5. The MIC switch 5 has four wire spring-shaped contacts 6 corresponding to the four metal contact portions 3 of the tape cassette 1, and the contact 6 and the metal contact portion 3 make contact with each other. This enables the exchange of cassette information between the memory 2 of the tape cassette 1 and a control unit (not shown) on the cassette changer side.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining how the tape cassette 1 is inserted into the cassette storage section 4 of the cassette changer according to the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-249283 and 9-167414. FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the tape cassette 1 is stored in the cassette storage unit 4.

In FIGS. 19 and 20, the cassette storage section 4 for storing the tape cassette 1 is provided with a cassette entrance 4a, through which the tape cassette 1 is inserted or ejected. The MIC switch 5 is provided on the back side of the cassette storage unit 4. As described above, the metal contact portion 3 is provided on the rear side B of the tape cassette.
In order to make the metal contact part 3 of C2 contact the contact 6 of the MIC switch 5, the tape cassette 1
, The cassette storage unit 4 is taken in and out.

Such a structure is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-249283.
In both Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 9-167414 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-167414, the configurations are described as examples.

[0015]

As described above, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
In the technology described in JP-A-249283 and JP-A-9-167414, when the tape cassette 1 is taken in and out of the cassette storage section 4, the cassette rear B is set to the top. However, conventionally, the tape cassette 1 is generally put in and taken out with the front A of the cassette at the front, and as described above,
When the tape cassette 1 is taken in and out at the beginning, there is a problem that the operator is confused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve such a problem and prevent a user from being confused when a tape cassette is inserted or removed in a cassette changer.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to a first position in which an electrical contact portion of a tape cassette existing in a cassette storage portion can be contacted to transfer information to and from a memory. And an MIC switch that moves between a second position that does not hinder the loading and unloading of the tape cassette into and out of the cassette storage unit.

For this reason, it is possible to transmit and receive cassette information in a stored state at low cost and without trouble while following the conventional tape cassette insertion / removal direction.

[0019]

According to the present invention, there is provided a cassette storage unit for storing a plurality of tape cassettes each having an electric contact unit connected to a memory inside the cassette, and recording / reproducing on / from the tape cassette. A recording / reproducing device, a cassette transport device for transporting an arbitrary tape cassette existing in the cassette storage unit to the recording / reproducing device, and transporting a tape cassette existing in the recording / reproducing device to a cassette storage unit; Between a first position for contacting an electrical contact portion of a tape cassette existing in the portion to allow transfer of information to and from a memory, and a second position for preventing the tape cassette from being inserted into and removed from the cassette storage portion. And a moving MIC switch.

For this reason, it is possible to exchange cassette information while the tape cassette is stored, and it is possible to adopt a configuration following the conventional cassette insertion / removal direction. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cassette storage section is shielded so that the tape cassette is prevented from being taken in and out between the outside of the cassette changer and the cassette storage section, and the tape cassette is not hindered. An opening cover for pivoting between an opening position for opening the cassette storage unit, and an MIC switch being in the first position when the opening cover is in the shielding position and when the opening cover is in the opening position. As in the second position, it is configured to move in conjunction with the rotation of the opening lid.

Therefore, the movement of the MIC switch between the first position and the second position can be linked with the operation of opening and closing the opening lid by the operator. Therefore, this M
It is not necessary to provide a special drive source for moving the IC switch.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the MIC switch is provided on the opening lid. With such a configuration, the MC switch can be directly moved without providing a separate member interlocking with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing lid. Therefore, it is effective for cost reduction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the MIC switch contacts the electrical contact of the tape cassette, and the contact contacts the electrical contact when the MIC switch is in the first position. And a protection member that covers and protects the contact when the MIC switch is at the second position.

For this reason, it is possible to prevent a danger that the operator accidentally touches the contact of the MIC switch and breaks it.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the contact is configured to be able to move out of the protective member, and the contact is projected from the protective member when the MIC switch is at the first position, so that the electrical contact portion is formed. And means for retracting the contact into the protection member when the MIC switch is in the second position.

For this reason, when the MIC switch is in the first position, the contact can be made to protrude from the protection member to reliably contact the electrical contact portion, and the MI contact can be provided.
When the C switch is in the second position, the contact can be reliably covered and protected by the protection member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the MIC switch is in the second position, the contact member is urged to retract into the protection member, and the contact member contacts the protection member by the urging force. A push arm that allows the child to retreat and that overcomes the urging force when the MIC switch is in the first position and causes the contact to protrude from the protection member is provided.

For this reason, when the MIC switch is in the first position, the contact can be made to protrude from the protection member to reliably contact the electrical contact portion, and the MI contact can be provided.
When the C switch is at the second position, a configuration for reliably covering and protecting the contact by the protection member can be specifically realized.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cassette storage section for storing a plurality of tape cassettes each having an electric contact portion connected to a memory inside the cassette, a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing on / from the tape cassette, A cassette transport device that transports an arbitrary tape cassette existing in the cassette storage unit to the recording / reproducing device, and transports a tape cassette existing in the recording / reproducing device to the cassette storage unit; When the cassette transport device is at a predetermined relative position with respect to an arbitrary tape cassette existing in the cassette storage unit, an MI that contacts an electrical contact portion of the tape cassette to exchange information with the memory.
C switch.

For this purpose, no matter how many tape cassettes are stored, only one MIC switch is required, so that the cost can be reduced. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the MIC switch is configured to be movable in a direction of approaching or moving away from the electrical contact portion.

For this purpose, by moving the MIC switch in a direction away from the electrical contact portion, the MIC switch is moved when the cassette carrying device moves for carrying the tape cassette.
The switch is prevented from hindering its movement.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although this embodiment describes a cassette changer for storing four tape cassettes, the number of storage cassettes is not limited to this.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a cassette changer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining the operation of the cassette changer, and FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining how cassette information of a tape cassette stored by the cassette changer is exchanged.

Here, the tape cassette 1 is the same as the tape cassette 1 illustrated in FIG. 17 described in the conventional example. 7 is a cassette changer according to the present invention,
It has a cassette storage unit 4. Reference numeral 4a denotes a cassette entrance in the storage unit 4. Reference numeral 8 denotes an opening lid, which is rotatable about a rotation shaft 9 as a rotation fulcrum for opening and closing the cassette storage unit 4.

The MIC switch 5 is provided on the opening lid 8. This MIC switch 5 has the same configuration as that described in the conventional example, and as shown in FIG. 3, a contact 6 formed of a wire spring is replaced with four metal as electrical contact portions in the tape cassette 1. Four are provided corresponding to the contact portions 3. The contact between the contact 6 and the metal contact portion 3 enables the cassette information to be exchanged between the MIC 2 and a control unit (not shown) of the cassette changer 7.

The cassette storage section 4 can insert, discharge and replace the tape cassette 1 from the outside of the cassette changer 7 through the entrance 4a, and can store and store four tape cassettes 1 therein. Has become. The direction in which the tape cassette 1 is inserted from the outside of the cassette changer 7 is a direction in which the front A of the tape cassette is the top.

A recording / reproducing device 11 is provided inside the cassette changer 7.
Performs recording and reproduction of signals on the tape cassette 1. 10
Denotes a moving holder, the cassette storage unit 4 and the recording / reproducing device 11
The tape cassette 1 is moved between.

The opening lid 8 is rotated by itself to rotate the opening lid 8 as shown in FIG.
3 moves between an opening position where the entrance 4a of the cassette storage unit 4 is exposed and a shielding position where the entrance 4a of the cassette storage unit 4 is shielded as shown in FIG. The MIC switch 5 of the opening lid 8 is used to store the tape cassette 1
Four are provided corresponding to the number.

In the cassette changer 7 having the above-described configuration, an arbitrary tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage unit 4 is moved by the movable holder 10 to the recording / reproducing apparatus 1.
1 and is automatically recorded and reproduced. Thus, any tape cut 1 stored in the cassette storage unit 4
In order to perform recording / reproducing, the operation of moving this from the cassette storage unit 4 to the recording / reproducing device 11 and the operation of moving it from the recording / reproducing device 11 to the cassette storage unit 4 are as follows.
Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as a cassette change operation. The cassette change operation of the cassette changer 7 is as follows.

The tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage section 4 is stored in the movable holder 10 by being moved in the direction C in FIG. After the movable holder 10 moves in the direction D in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 1 is moved in the E direction from the movable holder 10 stopped at that position and is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus 11. Further, the tape cassette 1 follows the reverse path to the above, and
1 to the cassette storage 4. This movement of the tape cassette 1 is possible for any tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage unit 4. The movement of the tape cassette 1 is performed by a driving device (not shown) via the moving holder 10.

When it is necessary to store the tape cassette 1 in the cassette storage section 4 from the outside of the cassette changer 7 or replace the tape cassette 1 already stored, the operator opens the opening lid 8. The tape cassette 1 is rotated from the shielding position shown in FIG. 3 to the opening position shown in FIG. 1, and the tape cassette 1 is stored in the cassette storage unit, or a replacement operation is performed.

In the closed position where the opening lid 8 is closed, as shown in FIG.
Is located at a position where it comes into contact with the metal contact portion 3 connected to the MIC 2 of the tape cassette 1, that is, at a first position.
For this purpose, the MIC between the cassette changer 7 and the
2 can be exchanged.
Based on the cassette information, a control unit (not shown) can select a tape cassette 1 to be recorded or a tape cassette 1 in which data to be reproduced is recorded. Therefore, the operator is freed from the troublesome management of cassette information such as when and what data was recorded on which tape cassette 1 and which tape cassette 1 should be recorded next.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 1, when the opening lid 8 is in the opening position for storing or exchanging the tape cassette 1, the MIC switch 5 is provided on the opening lid 8. Therefore, it is moving together with the opening lid 8.
That is, the MIC switch is located at a place where it does not hinder the operation of storing the tape cassette 1 in the cassette storage unit 4 and the operation of exchanging the tape cassette 1, that is, the second position.

As described above, in the cassette changer 7 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is necessary to store the tape cassette 1 in the cassette storage section 4, or to replace the already stored tape cassette 1. MI
The C switch 5 is located at a position where the above operation is not hindered, that is, at the second position. When the above operation is completed, M
The IC switch 5 moves with the turning operation of the opening lid 8,
When the opening lid 8 is at the shielding position, the metal contact portion 3 connected to the MIC 2 of the tape cassette 1 and the contact 6 are located at the contact position, that is, the first position, and the cassette information recorded on the MIC 2 Transfer is possible.

Since the MIC switch 5 is provided on the opening lid 8, the MIC switch does not require a special
The movement of the switch 5 between the first position and the second position is enabled.

Although the MIC switch 5 is provided on the opening lid 8 in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is not limited to this, and the MIC switch 5 may be provided on another member interlocking with the opening / closing operation of the opening lid. May be provided with an MIC switch, and the MIC switch may be moved by a dedicated driving source.

(Embodiment 2) Next, the MIC switch 5
An embodiment provided with a configuration for protecting the contact 6 provided in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a main part of the cassette changer 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, a push arm 12 for protecting the contact 6 is provided. FIG.
Is a perspective view showing the push arm 12, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an appearance when the MIC switch 5 is at the first position. 7 and 8 are views for explaining the relationship between the push arm 12 and the MIC switch 5 when the opening lid 8 is in the opening position. FIGS. 9 and 10 are push-up diagrams when the opening lid 8 is in the shielding position. Arm 12 and MIC switch 5
It is a figure for explaining the relation with. Here, FIGS.
The configuration of the MIC switch 5 is different from that shown in FIG.

The push arm 12 is shown in FIG. 4 and FIGS.
0, it is provided inside the opening lid 8,
The push arm shaft 14 is rotatable about a fulcrum.
The push arm 12 has a plurality of pressing portions 12a, 12b,
12c, 12d, and 12e are provided, and the tip portions of these pressing portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e are provided with windows 8a provided on the opening lid 8 when the push arm 12 rotates. 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e. The pressing portion 12e is provided at a position opposite to the pressing portions 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d about the push arm shaft 14.

The MIC switch 5 is configured as shown in FIGS. That is, the rotating arm 13 is provided inside the case-shaped protection member 5a with the rotating arm shaft 15.
Is mounted so as to be rotatable around the fulcrum. Contact 6
Are provided on the rotating arm 13, and rotate with the rotation of the rotating arm 13. Rotating arm 13
Is always urged by a spring (not shown) in the F direction, that is, the direction in which the contact 6 is housed inside the protection member 5a.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 16 denotes a stopper, which is provided on the main body side of the cassette changer 7, and when the opening lid 8 is closed to the shielding position as shown in FIG. It is installed so as to abut on the position corresponding to.

All parts other than the above-described configuration are:
The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, the operation will be described. The cassette changer 7 has an MIC corresponding to the number of tape cassettes 1 stored in the cassette storage unit 4.
Although four switches 5 are provided, their structures and operations are the same, and therefore, description will be made about the uppermost MIC switch shown in FIG. Therefore, FIG.
In FIG. 10, the contact with the rotating arm 13 at the point P is illustrated as the pressing portion 12 a.
There is no problem even if it is read as b, 12c, 12d.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the opening cover 8 is in the opening position and the MIC switch 5 is in the first position, the pressing portion 12a of the push arm 12 is urged in the F direction. By the rotating arm 13, a force in the G direction similar to the F direction is received from the contact point P. For this reason, the push arm 12 rotates to a position where the push arm 12 comes into contact at a point Q which is a contact point with the wall surface of the window 8e of the opening lid 8 in FIG.
This rotation direction is counterclockwise in FIG. At this time, the contact 6 is housed inside the protection member 5a of the MIC switch 5. That is, the MIC switch 5 is at the second position.

After that, when the opening lid 8 is closed, as shown in FIGS.
The C switch 5 is in the first position. At this time, the stopper 16
Abuts on the opening lid 8 and comes into contact with the pressing portion 12e of the push arm 12 at a point R which is a contact point. Therefore, the push arm 12 receives a force in the H direction, which is a direction in which the pressing portion 12e enters the opening lid 8, and the point R, which is a contact point, is on the same plane as the opening lid 8 as shown in FIG. Rotate to a certain point. This rotation direction is clockwise in FIG.

For this reason, the pressing portion 1 of the push arm 12
As shown in FIG. 8, 2a overcomes the force of urging the rotating arm 13 in the F direction by a spring (not shown), and urges the rotating arm 13 in the J direction via the point P which is a contact point. And rotate it by a predetermined angle. At this time, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 10, the contact 6 protrudes from the protection member 5a of the MIC switch 5, and the M
It is a position where it can contact the metal contact part 3 connected to the IC 2. Thus, it is possible to exchange cassette information.

As described above, when the opening cover 8 is in the shielding position and the MIC switch 5 is in the first position, the contact 6 is arranged at a position where cassette information can be transmitted and received.
Is in the open position and the MIC switch 5 is in the second position, the contact 6 is housed inside the protection member 5a. This makes it possible to prevent such a situation from being caused.

In the above description, when the opening cover 8 is opened, the contact 6 is connected to the protection member 5 of the MIC switch 5.
By storing the contact 6 in the MIC switch 5, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally touching and damaging the contact 6. May be provided as a separate member, and the protection member may be moved to cover the contact 6 when the opening lid 8 is opened.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which one MIC switch is used to exchange cassette information with the MICs of all tape cassettes stored in the cassette storage unit. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining the main structure of the cassette changer 7 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is for explaining the relationship between the moving holder 10 and the stored tape cassette 1. Plan view and side view, FIG.
3 is a plan view for explaining a state in which the right chuck arm 19 and the left chuck arm 20 of the movable holder 10 chuck the tape cassette 1, and FIG. 14 shows the tape cassette 1 when the slide base 18 of the movable holder 10 slides. FIG. 15 is a plan view for explaining a state where the MIC switch 5 provided on the movable holder 10 is retracted, and FIG. 16 is a side sectional view for explaining a state where the MIC switch 5 provided on the movable holder 10 is retracted. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view for explaining an enlarged state of a state in which the MIC switch 5 is advanced.

The tape cassette 1 used in the cassette changer 7 is the same as the tape cassette 1 illustrated in FIG. 17 described in the conventional example. As shown in FIG. 11, the cassette changer 7 includes
And a recording / reproducing device 11 for recording / reproducing to / from the tape cassette 1 and a movable holder 10.

The cassette storage section 4 stores and stores four tape cassettes 1 in a state as shown in FIG. The direction in which the tape cassette 1 is inserted from the outside of the cassette changer 7 is a direction in which the front A of the tape cassette is the top.

The moving holder 10 holds the tape cassette 1 and moves between the cassette storage section 4 and the recording / reproducing device 11. The moving holder 10 moves in the L direction shown in FIG. It can be moved by the device.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the movable holder 10 is provided with a slide base 18. The slide base 18 is provided on the movable holder 10 in a direction of taking the tape cassette 1 into the movable holder 10, ie, a K direction in FIGS. 11 and 13, and a direction of taking out the tape cassette 1 from the movable holder 10, ie, in FIGS. It is slidably installed in the direction M in FIG. The slide base 18 is configured to be driven by a slide base driving device (not shown).

The right chuck arm 19 and the left chuck arm 20 are rotatably provided on the slide base 18 with the right chuck arm shaft 23 and the left chuck arm shaft 24 as pivot points, respectively. The opening / closing device is turned to the open position shown in FIG. 12 and the closed position shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, the MIC switch 5 is provided on the slide base 18 so as to be rotatable around a MIC switch rotation shaft 22. , Are urged in the N direction shown in FIG. That is, it is urged in a direction away from the metal contact portion 3 of the cassette 1 mounted on the movable holder 10.

The slide base 18 is provided with a plunger 21. The plunger 21 has a movable core 21a.
Can be moved by a control circuit (not shown) between a position in a protruding state shown in FIG. 15 and a position in a suction state shown in FIG. However, it is set so as to be in the protruding state shown in FIG. 15 except when necessary.

The MIC switch 5 has an integrated MIC drive pin 5a at a position opposite to the contact 6 with respect to the rotating shaft 22. The MIC drive pin 5a is engaged with the hole 21b of the movable core 21a of the plunger 21.

Hereinafter, the operation will be described. The cassette change operation is performed as follows. When transporting an arbitrary tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage section 4 shown in FIG. 11, the right chuck arm 19 and the left chuck arm 20 are opened as shown in FIG. Is moved to a predetermined position corresponding to the tape cassette 1. FIG. 12 shows a state in which such movement has occurred.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13, the right chuck arm 19 and the left chuck arm 20 are closed, and the tape cassette 1 is chucked. When the tape cassette 1 is chucked in this manner, the slide base 1
8 is moved in the K direction, and the tape cassette 1 is stored in the moving holder 10 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the movable holder 10 is moved in the L direction, and the tape cassette 1 is transported to a predetermined position where the tape cassette 1 is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus 11. Then, the slide base 18 in the state of FIG. 14 is moved in the M direction to the state of FIG. 13, and the right chuck arm 19 and the left chuck arm 20 are
And the tape cassette 1 is transferred to a tape cassette loading device (not shown) of the recording / reproducing apparatus 11. The tape cassette loading apparatus mounts the tape cassette 1 at a predetermined position so that recording and reproduction can be performed on the tape cassette 1.

When the tape cassette 1 mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus 11 is transported to the cassette storage section 4 after the recording / reproducing operation, the reverse operation is performed.

When it is necessary to exchange the cassette information of the tape cassette 1 stored in the cassette storage unit 4, the moving holder 10 is moved to the tape cassette 1 stored at the top of the cassette storage unit 4, for example. Is moved to a predetermined position corresponding to. At this time, the MIC switch 5 and the plunger 21 are in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the movable core 21a of the plunger 21 is moved to the suction state. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the MIC drive pin portion 5 engaged with the hole 21b of the movable core portion 21a.
is moved to overcome the force urged in the N direction by a spring (not shown), and move the MIC switch 5 in a direction approaching the metal contact portion 3 of the tape cassette 1. At this time, the MIC switch 5 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. For this reason, the contact 6 of the MIC switch 5 comes into contact with the metal contact portion 3 of the tape cassette 1 so that cassette information can be exchanged.

When the transfer of the cassette information is completed, the movable core portion 21a of the plunger 21 is moved to the projecting state so as not to hinder the movement of the movable holder 10 toward the next tape cassette 1 in the L direction. State.
Thereafter, the movable holder 10 is moved in the L direction to reach a predetermined position corresponding to the second tape cassette 1 from the top of the cassette storage section 4, and the cassette information is exchanged in the same manner. By sequentially performing this operation for all the tape cassettes 1 in the cassette storage unit 4, the cassette information of all the tape cassettes 1 is exchanged.

As described above, according to the cassette changer 7, only one MIC switch 5 is arranged on the slide base 18 on the movable holder 10, and the MIC 2 of all the stored tape cassettes 1 can be connected. It is possible to exchange cassette information between them.

In this embodiment, the moving holder 10
In order not to hinder the movement in the L direction,
Although the MIC switch 5 is moved using the dedicated plunger 21, it is not limited to this. For example, the drive source of the opening / closing device for the chuck arms 19 and 20 is also
It can also be realized by moving the slide base 18 in the K direction each time the IC switch 5 is moved or moving the movable holder 10 in the L direction, and moving the MIC switch 5 accordingly. With such a configuration, the plunger 21 can be dispensed with, which is effective for cost reduction.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first position at which the electrical contacts of the tape cassette existing in the cassette storage section are brought into contact with each other to enable the exchange of information with the memory, and the tape cassette stored in the cassette storage section. The MIC switch that moves between the second position which does not hinder the insertion and removal of the cassette, and the transfer of cassette information in the storage state at low cost and without any trouble while following the conventional tape cassette insertion / removal direction. It can be carried out. That is, when using a generally distributed tape cassette provided with a metal electrical contact portion that can be connected to the MIC on the rear surface of the cassette, it is possible to follow the same tape cassette insertion / removal direction as before. For this reason, the operator is not confused when putting the tape cassette in and out of the cassette storage unit. When the tape cassette is in the storage state, the MI
Since information can be exchanged with C, management of the tape cassette in the cassette changer is easy.

Further, according to the present invention, since the MIC switch is provided in the cassette carrying device, the cassette information of all the storage cassettes can be exchanged with one MIC switch, and the mechanism can be simplified. As a result, cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since only one connection line is required from the MIC switch to the control unit, it is easy to cope with the increase in the number of storage cassettes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a cassette changer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining the operation of the cassette changer of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining how cassette information of a tape cassette stored in the cassette changer of FIG. 1 is exchanged.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a main part of a cassette changer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a push arm in FIG. 4;

6 is a perspective view showing an appearance when an MIC switch in the cassette changer of FIG. 4 is at a first position.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view for explaining the relationship between the push arm and the MIC switch when the opening cover is open in the cassette changer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view for explaining the relationship between the push arm and the MIC switch when the opening cover is in the open state.

FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view for explaining the relationship between the push arm and the MIC switch when the opening cover is closed in the cassette changer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the push arm and the MIC switch when the opening cover is in the closed state.

FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining a main configuration of a cassette changer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a movable holder and a stored tape cassette in the cassette changer of FIG. 11;

13 is a plan view for explaining a state where the right chuck arm and the left chuck arm chuck the tape cassette in the moving holder of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining a state in which the tape cassette is stored in the movable holder from the state of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the MIC switch is retracted in the movable holder of FIG. 12 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the MIC switch is advanced in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional tape cassette having a built-in MIC.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an MIC switch conventionally used.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a tape cassette is inserted into a cassette storage section of a conventional cassette changer.

20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a tape cassette is stored in a cassette storage unit of the cassette changer of FIG. 19;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape cassette 2 MIC 3 Metal contact part 4 Cassette storage part 4a Doorway 5 MIC switch 7 Cassette changer 8 Opening lid 9 Rotating shaft

Claims (8)

[Claims] A cassette storage unit for storing a plurality of tape cassettes each having an electrical contact unit connected to a memory inside the cassette; a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing on / from the tape cassette; A cassette transport device that transports an arbitrary tape cassette to the recording / reproducing device and transports a tape cassette existing in the recording / reproducing device to a cassette storage unit; and contacts an electric contact portion of the tape cassette existing in the cassette storage unit. M that moves between a first position that enables the transfer of information to and from the memory and a second position that does not hinder the loading and unloading of the tape cassette into and from the cassette storage unit.
A cassette changer comprising an IC switch. 2. A shielding position for blocking a cassette from being inserted and removed between the outside of the cassette changer and the cassette storage unit by shielding the cassette storage unit; An opening cover that pivots between an opening position to be opened and an MIC switch is in a first position when the opening cover is in a shielding position and in a second position when the opening cover is in an opening position. The cassette changer according to claim 1, wherein the cassette changer is configured to move in conjunction with the rotation of the opening lid. 3. The cassette changer according to claim 2, wherein the MIC switch is provided on the opening lid. 4. An MIC switch comprising: a contact capable of contacting an electric contact portion of a tape cassette; and an MIC switch for bringing the contact into contact with the electric contact portion when the MIC switch is at a first position. The cassette changer according to claim 1, further comprising a protection member that covers and protects the contact when in the second position. 5. The contact is configured to be able to move out of the protection member, and when the MIC switch is in the first position, the contact is projected from the protection member to contact the electrical contact portion, and the MIC switch is provided. 5. The cassette changer according to claim 4, further comprising means for retracting the contact into the protection member when the contact is in the second position. 6. The contact is urged to retract into the protection member, and allows the contact to retract into the protection member by the urging force when the MIC switch is in the second position. 6. The cassette changer according to claim 5, further comprising a push arm that overcomes the urging force and causes the contact to protrude from the protection member when the MIC switch is at the first position. 7. A cassette storage unit for storing a plurality of tape cassettes each having an electrical contact portion connected to a memory inside the cassette, a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing on / from the tape cassette, and a cassette storage unit. A cassette transport device that transports an arbitrary tape cassette to the recording / reproducing device and transports a tape cassette existing in the recording / reproducing device to a cassette storage unit; and a cassette transport device provided in the cassette transport device. When the tape cassette is at a predetermined relative position with respect to an arbitrary tape cassette existing in the storage unit, the M contacts the electrical contact portion of the tape cassette to exchange information with the memory.
A cassette changer comprising an IC switch. 8. The cassette changer according to claim 7, wherein the MIC switch is movable in a direction approaching or moving away from the electrical contact portion.