JPH11283302A - Autochanger and recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized autochanger automatically classifying a recorded tape cassette with simple constitution. SOLUTION: A carrier 5 makes the housing position of the tape cassette 3 to a stocker correspond to the recording date when the tape cassette 3 is carried from the stocker to a recorder 4, and an operator easily seeks out the tape cassette corresponding to the required recording date. Further, when the tape cassette 3 is housed to the stocker, the tape cassette 3 is directly positioned by partition members 886, and the size of whole device is minimized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an autochanger for storing a plurality of tape cassettes and recording / reproducing an arbitrary stored tape cassette, and a recording system using the autochanger.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An autochanger that stores a plurality of tape cassettes, transports the stored tape cassettes to a recording device in an arbitrary order, and performs recording and reproduction is mainly used for data recording of a broadcasting station or a computer. Has been put to practical use. An autochanger for a broadcasting station is called a cart machine, and is a large and expensive one that stores several hundred tape cassettes. Computers for recording data are few, and small ones for storing several tape cassettes have been put to practical use.

[0003] In these autochangers, management of tape cassette information is important. This is because, unless the user knows what is recorded on which tape cassette, it is impossible to know which tape cassette can be reproduced at the time of reproduction, so that desired data cannot be obtained.

[0004] As a conventional method of managing the tape cassette information, there is a method of attaching a barcode seal to a tape cassette label. In this method, the tape cassette information is converted into a barcode seal using a barcode writer, the barcode seal is attached to the tape cassette, and the barcode reader provided in the autochanger changes the barcode seal of the stored tape cassette. It is to read sequentially.

[0005] However, in the case of using a barcode seal as described above, since a barcode writer / reader for creating a barcode and reading the created barcode is expensive, a large-scale apparatus for a broadcasting station or the like is used. It is currently used only by In addition, this method has a problem in that it takes time and effort to attach a barcode seal to a tape cassette that is held.

Another method of managing tape cassette information is to use a tape cassette having a built-in nonvolatile memory called MIC (Memory In Cassette).
It is described in JP-A-9-167414. In this method, the tape cassette information is recorded in the MIC, and the tape cassette information recorded in the MIC of the stored tape cassette is sequentially read using the MIC switch.

This method does not have the problem that it takes time to attach the bar code seal to the tape cassette as in the above-described method using the bar code seal, but it is an apparatus for accessing the MICs of all the stored tape cassettes. However, there is a problem that the cost of the equipment is high due to the complicated mechanism, and the cost of the tape cassette is also high because the tape cassette must always be provided with the MIC.

Next, in the configuration of the autochanger,
In particular, a conventional example of a method for reducing the size of a device will be described. As an example of this, there is a technique disclosed in JP-A-6-20363. A conventional auto changer disclosed in this publication will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tape cassette 3 common to all aspects of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a side view for explaining the main part of a conventional auto changer 62, FIG. 20 is its plan view, and FIG. It is a front view.

The tape cassette 3 shown in FIG. 18 has a built-in magnetic tape (not shown) and can record or reproduce data by using the magnetic tape as a medium.

The tape cassette is shown in FIG.
X is the width direction, Y is the depth direction, and Z is the thickness direction.

Referring to FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, a recording / reproducing apparatus 4 is an apparatus for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a tape cassette 3. The straight line Dx is a center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing device 4. The slot 6 is for inserting and ejecting the tape cassette 3 into and from the recording / reproducing device 4, and the center of the slot 6 in the width direction is located on the straight line Dx. The turntable 7 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 8 by a driving device (not shown), and a stocker 82 is provided at an upper portion. The stocker 82 is configured to store the tape cassettes 3 in two rows of P rows and Q rows that are stacked in the thickness direction.

The transporting device 5 can be moved up and down by a driving device (not shown), and moves to the front of any tape cassette 3 in the row of the stocker 82 that is in front of the transporting device 5 among the rows P and Q. The tape cassette 3 is pulled in and stored therein, and the slot 6 of the recording / reproducing device 4 which is a recording device.
The tape cassette 3 is ejected to the slot 6 and loaded into the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. That is, the moving path of the tape cassette 3 is A, B, C shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 19, the tape cassettes 3 in the P row are in front of the transport device 5, and any tape cassette 3 in the P row can be moved to the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 for recording. When recording on the tape cassette 3 in the Q row, the tape cassette 3 in the Q row comes to the front of the transport device 5 by rotating the turntable 7 by 180 degrees, and similarly, any tape cassette 3 in the Q row is recorded. It moves to playback 4 and recording becomes possible. When recording is further performed on the tape cassette 3 in row P, the turntable 7 is again rotated by 180 degrees, and the tape cassette 3 in row P is moved to the front of the transport device 5.

As described above, all tape cassettes 3 stored in the stocker 82 can be recorded and reproduced. The autochanger 62 makes it possible to reduce the size of the device by reducing the dead space formed above the recording / reproducing device 4.

In the automatic changer 62, the center point of the tape cassette 3 in the width direction, the center point of the rotating shaft 8, and the center point of the slot 6 in the width direction are arranged on a straight line Dx. Therefore, when the turntable 7 is rotated by 180 degrees from the state where the row P is in front, the tape cassette 3 in the row Q comes to the same position as the tape cassette 3 in the row P before rotation, and the transport device 5 By simply sliding the tape cassette 3 in the front-rear direction, the tape cassette 3 can be transported to the stocker 2 and the slot 6.

In the case of an autochanger in which the tape cassette 3 is stored in two rows and rotated, when the turntable 7 is rotated, the outermost trajectory of the tape cassette 3 is represented by a circle J (FIG. 20). At least, the outer shape of the autochanger needs to be larger than the circle J. Therefore, when trying to reduce the size of the autochanger, it is important to reduce the amount of the circle J protruding from the recording / reproducing device 4.

In the auto changer 62, the center point in the width direction of the slot 6 is arranged on the straight line Dx which is the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4, so that the center point of the rotating shaft 8 and the width direction of the tape cassette 3 are Is a straight line D
In the method arranged on x, the amount by which the circle J protrudes from the recording / reproducing apparatus is reduced.

However, the center point in the width direction of the slot 6 is not always formed on the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a main part of an autochanger 60 representing one example, and FIG. 23 is a front view of the same. The center point of the slot 6 in the width direction is located at a position shifted from the straight line Dx by the distance d. Straight line D
s is a straight line passing through the center point of the slot 6 in the width direction. The straight line Ds is parallel to the straight line Dx and is separated by a distance d. In order to realize the movement of the tape cassette 3 of the transport device 5 by a simple sliding operation, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 and the center point of the rotating shaft 8 are arranged on Ds. Circle E is the rotation locus of the tape cassette 3. Other configurations are the same as the autochanger 6 described above.
Same as 2.

As shown in FIG.
Will protrude from the width direction. For this reason, the actual autochanger has a shape like a two-dot chain line, which causes a slight increase in the width direction. In many cases, the size of the recording / reproducing device in the width direction is determined according to the standard, and even if the size is slightly increased in the width direction, the size of the recording / reproducing device is out of the standard. There is a problem that storage of the storage is hindered.

Here, an autochanger is often additionally developed based on an existing recording / reproducing apparatus. Therefore, in designing a recording / reproducing apparatus, it is not necessary to reduce the size of an autochanger to be developed later. In many cases, the slot 6 is not considered, and there are many slots 6 not located on the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4.

[0021]

As described above, regarding the management of tape cassette information, a method using a bar code seal or a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-167414 discloses a method for controlling an autochanger body or a tape cassette. There is a problem that the cost increases.

Also, regarding the miniaturization of the autochanger, in the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-20363, when the center point in the width direction of the slot is not located on the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus. However, there is a problem that the size of the device is increased.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem and to provide an autochanger capable of managing tape cassette information at low cost and realizing miniaturization of equipment.

[0024]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, a recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and a communication between the stocker and the recording means. A transport unit for transporting the tape cassette, and a control unit for controlling the recording unit and the transport unit so as to sequentially record a signal in correspondence with a recording date or a day of the week for each tape cassette are provided.

Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the time unit of the tape cassette from the position of the storage shelf where the tape cassette is stored.

In the automatic changer according to the present invention, the stocker includes a first storage shelf row and a second storage shelf row in which a plurality of tape cassettes are stacked and stored in the thickness direction, and the first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row are arranged. The storage shelf row is integrally rotatable and arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation, the rotation axis of which is substantially parallel to the tape cassette stacking direction, and the first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row. The tape cassettes stored in the tape cassettes are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction.

For this reason, the rotation locus of the tape cassette can be reduced relative to the recording apparatus, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, at least one recording unit for recording a signal on the tape cassette, Transport means for transporting the tape cassette between the recording means, the plurality of tape cassettes are sequentially mounted on the recording means, and signals are sequentially recorded, and the recording means and the An automatic changer comprising a control means for controlling a transport means and a transport means, which can perform recording for a long time, and a tape cassette stored in a stocker after recording can be used for recording. Are arranged in chronological order, and management becomes easy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, recording means for recording signals on the tape cassette, and transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means. Transport means, a recording medium built-in, an auxiliary recording means for recording a signal on the recording medium, and a signal sequentially recorded on the tape cassette stored in the stocker so that this operation is continuously performed. Controlling the recording means and the transport means, and substantially simultaneously with the end of recording on the tape cassette, the auxiliary recording means starts recording and starts recording on the next tape cassette. At the same time, there is provided an auto-changer having a control means for controlling the auxiliary recording means to terminate the recording. It is possible to eliminate the recording signal discontinuities due tape cassette exchange.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, recording means for recording signals on the tape cassette, and transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means. Control means for sequentially recording signals while associating the recording date and time or day of the week with each of the tape cassettes by associating the recording date and time or the day of the week with the storage position of the stocker. The tape cassette after recording is stored in a stocker corresponding to the recording date and time or the day of the week, so that the tape cassette can be easily managed.

The invention according to claims 6 and 7 of the present invention
The recording means controls the recording to be performed after the tape cassette has been rewound to the start end, and the recording means is controlled to repeat the operation of sequentially recording signals on the tape cassette.

Therefore, the recording signal for a certain period can be held without the operator refilling or replacing the tape cassette.

[0033] The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention provides a stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, at least one recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and a tape between the stocker and the recording means. Transport means for transporting cassettes, wherein the stocker includes a first storage shelf row and a second storage shelf row in which a plurality of the tape cassettes are stacked and stored in a thickness direction; And the second row of storage shelves is configured to be integrally rotatable and arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation, the rotation axis of which is substantially parallel to the tape cassette stacking direction, and And the tape cassettes stored in the second storage shelf row are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the width direction. The rotation locus of the cassette and the recording means relative can be reduced, thereby downsizing the apparatus.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row each have a first side wall member and a second side wall member for regulating the width direction of the tape cassette, The first side wall member and the second side wall member are configured to be arranged at positions that regulate the depth direction of the tape cassettes stored in the second storage shelf row and the first storage shelf row, respectively. An automatic changer according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the opposing tape cassettes can be reduced, the rotation locus of the tape cassettes can be reduced, and the size of the device can be further reduced.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention provides the first aspect.
The storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row have partition members for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette, and the partition members of the first storage shelf row are stored in the second storage shelf row. The autochanger according to claim 10, wherein a depth direction is regulated, and the partition member of the second storage shelf row regulates a depth direction of the tape cassette stored in the first storage shelf row. With this configuration, the distance between the opposing tape cassettes can be reduced, and the size of the device can be reduced.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a first and a second autochanger for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes and sequentially recording signals on the tape cassette, and the first autochanger recording on the tape cassette. At about the same time as ending, the second auto changer is controlled to start recording on the tape cassette,
And a control system for controlling the first auto changer to start recording on the tape cassette substantially simultaneously with the end of recording on the tape cassette by the second auto changer. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a recording system that eliminates signals that cannot be recorded because the tape cassette is being replaced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the present embodiment describes an automatic changer that stores seven and fourteen tape cassettes, the type and number of tape cassettes are not limited to this.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a side view for explaining a main part of an autochanger 63 of Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a stocker 83 of the autochanger 63.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the autochanger 63, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the storage state of the tape cassette 3 stored in the stocker 83, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG.
Are the seven storage shelves 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d, 83
e, 83f, and 83g, so that seven tape cassettes 3 can be stored.

The tape cassette 3 is the same as the tape cassette 3 described in connection with the prior art shown in FIG. 18, and has a magnetic tape built therein. The magnetic tape is used as a medium from the beginning to the end of the magnetic tape. The signal can be recorded. In the initial state, the seven tape cassettes 3 are all in the tape start state, and the seven storage shelves 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d, 83e, 8 of the stocker 83 are provided.
3f, 83g.

The recording device 4 is an intermittent recording video recorder for monitoring, and performs recording and rewind operations on the tape cassette 3. The recording device 4 is designed to intermittently record a video signal input from a camera device 16 outside the autochanger, so that a 24-hour video signal can be recorded on one tape cassette. Slot 6 on the front
The tape cassette 3 is moved in and out of the recording device 4 through the slot 6.

The transport device 5 can be moved up and down, moves to the front of any tape cassette 3 of the stocker 83, draws and stores the tape cassette 3 inside, and moves downward to move the front of the recording device 4 forward. And the stored tape cassette 3 can be ejected forward and transferred to the recording device 4. That is, the movement path of the tape cassette 3 is in the directions of A, B, and C in FIG. Contrary to the above, the tape cassette 3 is received from the recording device 4, is retracted and stored therein, moves upward, and moves to the front of the storage shelf where the stored tape cassette 3 is to be returned. The cassette 3 can be discharged and transported to the stocker 83.

The memory device 12 is an auxiliary recording means described in the claims, and is constituted by a semiconductor memory. The memory device 12 is a device that supplementarily records a video signal when the recording device 4 cannot temporarily record a video signal because the transport device 5 is performing tape cassette replacement.

The control means 9 has a built-in clock, and controls the recording device 4, the transport device 5, and the memory device 12. In the initial setting of the control means 9, for example, the video signal input on Monday is stored in the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83 a, and the video signal input on Tuesday is stored in the storage shelf 8.
Similarly, the tape cassette 3 stored in the tape cassette 3 stored in the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83c on Wednesday, 83d on Thursday, 83e on Friday, 83f on Saturday, and 83g on Sunday is set in the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage cassette 3b. I have.

The display panel 13 is provided beside the stocker 83, and displays month to date in correspondence with the storage shelves 83a to 83g, and notifies the user of what day of the week the storage shelves are set.

The operation of the above-configured autochanger will be described below. Auto changer 63
When a command for recording a video signal is issued, the control means 9 determines that the current time is, for example, midnight on Monday using a built-in clock. Auto changer 63
Operates as follows under the control of the control means 9 in order to start recording from the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83a as set in the initial setting.

The transport device 5 moves to the front of the storage shelf 83a. Further, the transport device 5 draws the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83 inside, moves downward,
It moves to the front of the slot 6 of the recording device 4. Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected and inserted into the slot 6. The recording device 4 loads the tape cassette 3 inserted from the slot 6 to a recordable state. Then, the video signal input from the camera device 16 is transferred to the tape cassette 3.
To record.

The recording is continued as it is. At 0:00 am on Tuesday, the recording device 4 ends the recording on the tape cassette 3. At the same time, the memory device 12 starts recording a video signal input from the camera device 16. The recording device 4 ejects the tape cassette 3 to the slot 6. The transport device 5 draws the tape cassette 3 inside, and moves to the front of the storage shelf 83a. Further, the transport device 5 discharges the tape cassette 3 to the storage shelf 83a and stores it.

Next, the transport device 5 moves to the front of the storage shelf 83b, pulls in the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83b, moves downward, and moves in front of the slot 6 of the recording device 4. Go to Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected and inserted into the slot 6. The recording device 4
The tape cassette 3 inserted from the slot 6 is loaded to enable recording, and recording of a video signal input from the camera device 16 to the tape cassette 3 is started. At the same time, the memory device 12 ends the recording of the video signal input from the camera device 16. The memory device stores the recorded video signal for one week.

Next, at midnight on Wednesday, the transport device 5 replaces the tape cassette 3 and records a video signal on the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83c. The video signal input during the time when the tape cassette 3 is being replaced is recorded by the memory device 12 and stored for one week.

By repeating the above operation sequentially for one week, the video signals from Monday to Saturday are recorded on the tape cassettes 3 stored in the storage shelves 83a to 83f. The video signal of Sunday is recorded on the tape cassette 3 mounted on the recording device 4.
In the memory device 12, six video signals that could not be recorded due to the exchange operation of the tape cassette 3 were recorded.
It will be in the state of batch recording.

At 0:00 a.m. on the next Monday, the recording device 4 starts recording on the tape cassette 3 on which the video signal of Sunday was recorded.
The recording of the video signal to is terminated. At the same time, the memory device 12 starts recording the video signal. The recording device 4 ejects the tape cassette 3 to the slot 6. The transport device 5 returns the tape cassette 3 to the storage shelf 83g, and
The tape cassette 3 stored in the storage device 3 is transported to the recording device 4. The recording device 4 loads the tape cassette 3. Here, in the mounted tape cassette 3, the video signal of Monday one week ago is recorded for 24 hours, and the tape is at the end position. The recording device 4 rewinds the tape cassette to the beginning of the tape and starts overwriting the video signal. At the same time, the memory device 12 ends the recording of the video signal.

In the same manner, the operation of sequentially recording video signals on the tape cassette 3 is repeated. At this time, when the memory device 12 records a video signal, the video signal recorded one week ago is sequentially overwritten and recorded.

The above operation is an operation controlled by the control means 9. By performing the above operation, the tape cassette 3 on which the video signal for the past week has been recorded is stored in each storage shelf of the stocker 83 separately for each day of the week. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the storage state of the tape cassette 3 when the present day is Thursday, December 11, for example.

The tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83a records video signals on December 8 and Monday. The tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83b includes
A video signal on Tuesday, December 9, is recorded. The tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83c contains December 1
The video signal on Wednesday 0 is recorded. Storage shelf 83
“d” indicates that the stored tape cassette 3 is moving to the recording device and recording the video signal, and is empty. In the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83e,
The video signal of Friday, December 5, is recorded. The tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83f contains December 6
Video signals of Sunday and Saturday are recorded. Storage shelf 83g
The video signal of Monday, December 7, is recorded in the tape cassette 3 stored in the tape cassette 3.

In such a state, for example, 12 days before two days
To play and check the video signal on Tuesday, March 9,
When it becomes necessary to select the tape cassette 3 on which the corresponding video signal is recorded, the operator operates the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 83b marked on the display plate 13 as fire.
However, since it can be confirmed at a glance that the tape cassette 3 has the corresponding video signal recorded thereon, the corresponding tape cassette 3 can be easily selected.

As described above, the autochanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention can automatically record video signals for one week with an inexpensive configuration, and can always perform the past without replacing the tape cassette by the operator. The video signal for one week can be stored. Further, since the storage shelves to be stored correspond to the days of the week at the time of recording, it is possible to check at a glance which video cassette is recorded with which video signal. Further, since the memory device is provided, a video signal that cannot be recorded on the tape cassette during the tape cassette replacement time can be recorded on the memory device, and as a result, a continuous video signal can be recorded.

In the first embodiment, seven tape cassettes are stored, and each storage shelf corresponds to the day of the week at the time of recording. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A tape cassette of a book is stored, and each storage shelf is associated with a date at the time of recording. Further, although the memory device is configured as the auxiliary recording unit, it can be realized by another recording device such as a hard disk device.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 relates to a recording system that includes two autochangers and records a monitoring video signal for two weeks.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a main part of a recording system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the recording system. The first auto changer 63a and the second auto changer 63b shown in FIG.
The configuration and operation are the same as those of the automatic changer 63 according to the first embodiment in which the control means 9 is removed. That is, in the case of the first autochanger 63a, the stocker 83 and the storage shelves 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d,
83e, 83f, 83g are stored in storage shelves 84a, 84b, 84.
c, 84d, 84e, 84f, 84g, the recording device 4 is a recording device 4a, the transport device 5 is a transport device 5a, the slot 6 is a slot 6a, and the display plate 13 is a display plate 13a. Can be shown.

Similarly, the second auto changer 63
b, the stocker 83 of the automatic changer according to the first embodiment is replaced with the stocker 85, and the storage shelves 83a, 83b, 8
3c, 83d, 83e, 83f, and 83g are stored in storage shelves 85.
a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85
g, the configuration and operation can be shown by replacing the recording device 4 with the recording device 4b, the transport device 5 with the transport device 5b, the slot 6 with the slot 6b, and the display plate 13 with the display plate 13b.

The control means 14 has a built-in clock.
The control of the automatic changer 63a and the second automatic changer 63b is performed. In the initial setting, the control unit 14 receives the video signal input on the first Monday as the storage shelf 84a.
The video signal input to the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage box 85a is supplied to the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 85a.
b, 1st Thursday 85b, 1st Friday 84c, 1st Saturday 85c, 1st Sunday 84d, 2nd Monday 85d, 2nd Tuesday 84e, 2nd Wednesday 85e 84f for the second Thursday and 85 for the second Friday
f, recording is performed on the tape cassette 3 stored in a storage shelf of 84 g on the second Saturday and 85 g on the second Sunday.

The operation of the recording system having the above configuration will be described below. When an instruction to record a video signal is issued to the recording system, the control means 14 determines that the current time is, for example, 0:00 am on Monday using a built-in clock. The recording system is a tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 84a as set by the initial setting.
In order to start recording more, under the control of the control means 14,
It works as follows.

The transport device 5a moves to the front of the storage shelf 84a. Further, the transport device 5a draws the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 84a into the inside, moves downward, and moves to the front of the slot 6a of the recording device 4a.
Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected and inserted into the slot 6a. The recording device 4a loads the tape cassette 3 inserted from the slot 6a to make it recordable. Then, recording of the video signal input from the camera device 16 on the tape cassette 3 is started.

After the recording on the tape cassette 3 is started by the recording device 4a, the second auto changer 63b prepares for recording.

That is, the transport device 5b moves to the front of the storage shelf 85a. Further, the transport device 5b draws the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage shelf 85a inside, moves downward, and moves to the front of the slot 6b of the recording device 4b. Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected and inserted into the slot 6b. The recording device 4b loads the tape cassette 3 inserted from the slot 6b and waits in a recordable state.

At midnight on Tuesday, the recording device 4a ends recording on the tape cassette 3. At the same time, the recording device 4b starts recording on the tape cassette 3.

Thereafter, the first auto changer 63a prepares for recording on the next tape cassette 3. That is, the transport device 5a exchanges the tape cassette 3, and the tape cassette 3 stored in the storage
The recording device 4a loads the tape cassette 3 and waits in a recordable state.

At 0:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the recording device 4b ends recording on the tape cassette 3. At the same time, the recording device 4a starts recording on the tape cassette 3.

Similarly, the first auto changer 63
a and the second auto changer 63b alternately and sequentially record video signals on the tape cassette 3 without interruption.

The control operation performed by the control means 14 has been described above. Two weeks after the first recording, recording on all the tape cassettes 3 stored in the stockers 84 and 85 is completed. When the operator needs to select the tape cassette 3 on which the corresponding video signal is recorded in order to allow the operator to reproduce and check the recorded video signal later, it is classified by the day of the week for each storage shelf. Since the display plate indicates the day of the week of the storage shelf, the corresponding tape cassette can be easily selected. Further, by combining the two auto changers, it is possible to prevent the video signal from being recorded during the tape cassette replacement time, and to perform continuous video recording.

In the second embodiment, 14 tape cassettes are stored, and each storage shelf corresponds to the day of the week at the time of recording. However, the present invention is not limited to this. This is realized even with different specifications, such as storing a tape cassette of books and associating each storage shelf with a date at the time of recording.

(Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 relates to a configuration for reducing the size of an autochanger.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a main part of an autochanger 64 according to the third embodiment, FIG. 9 is a side view thereof, and FIG.
Is a front view thereof, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the first stocker 86, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a portion D shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 shows a state in which the turntable 15 is moved from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a state in which the tape cassette 3 is rotated by 0 degrees, and FIG.

8 to 14, a recording / reproducing device 4 is for recording or reproducing a signal on or from the tape cassette 3.

A straight line Dx shown in FIG. 8 is a center line of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 in the width direction. The slot 6 is provided on the front of the recording / reproducing device 4 and is an opening for inserting and ejecting the tape cassette 3 into and from the recording / reproducing device 4.

A straight line Ds shown in FIG. 8 is a straight line passing through the center of the slot 6 in the width direction, and is parallel to the straight line Dx and separated by a distance d.

The first stocker 86 is formed of two side wall members 86a for regulating the width direction of the tape cassette 3, and eight partition members 86b for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette 3, each having seven storage shelves. Having. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the side wall member 86a is configured to protrude from the partition plate 86b.

The second stocker 87 is formed of two side wall members 87a for regulating the width direction of the tape cassette 3 and eight partition members 87b for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette 3, and each of the seven storage shelves 87 has a storage shelf. Have. The second stocker 87 has the same configuration as the first stocker 86.

The turntable 7 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 8 by a rotation driving device (not shown).
A stocker 86 and a second stocker 87 are provided. The position of the center point of the rotating shaft 8 is arranged on a straight line Dx which is a center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus. The turntable 7 is moved from the first position where the first stocker 86 comes to the front of the transporting device 5 as shown in FIG. 8 and from the first position as shown in FIG.
In this configuration, the second stocker 87 that has been rotated by two degrees stops at two positions, that is, a second position where the second stocker 87 comes to the front of the transport device 5.

The position where the first stocker 86 is arranged is such that when the turntable 7 is in the first position, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 to be stored is on the straight line Ds. When the turntable 7 is at the second position, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 to be stored is located on the straight line Ds. Further, the first stocker 86 and the second stocker 87 are arranged so that the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 accommodated in the first stocker 86 is set to the side wall member 87a of the second stocker 87.
Restricts the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 stored in the second stocker 87 to the side wall member 86 a of the first stocker 86.
Is regulated.

The transport device 5 can be moved up and down,
The user moves to the front of the tape cassette 3 stored in the first stocker 86 and the second stocker 87, and
Can be drawn in, stored, moved downward to the front of the slot 6 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4, and the stored tape cassette 3 can be discharged to the outside and transferred to the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. . That is, the moving path of the tape cassette 3 is A, B, C. Similarly, the tape cassette 3 is received from the recording / reproducing device 4, is retracted and stored therein, moves upward, and moves to the front of the storage shelf where the stored tape cassette 3 is returned.
Can be discharged and transported to the first stocker 86 or the second stocker 87. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The position in front of the slot 6 is the standby position of the transport device 5.

The autochanger 6 configured as described above.
4, the operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the turntable 7 is stopped at the first position where the first stocker 86 is located forward, when the tape cassette 3 stored in the first stocker 86 is transported to the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 The transport device 5 moves upward to the front of the storage shelf in which the target tape cassette 3 is stored, draws the tape cassette 3 therein, stores the tape cassette 3 therein, and moves downward so as to come to the front of the slot 6. Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected to the slot 6. The ejected tape cassette 3 is mounted on the recording / reproducing device 4 through the slot 6. That is, A,
The tape cassette 3 is transported along the paths B and C.

When returning the tape cassette 3 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 to the first stocker 86 in which the tape cassette 3 is stored from this state, the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 discharges the tape cassette 3 through the slot 6 and the transporting apparatus 5 The tape cassette 3 is pulled in and stored therein, moved upward to the front of the target storage shelf, discharged and returned to the storage shelf, moved downward, and moved to the standby state shown in FIG. Stop at the position.

Next, when transporting the tape cassette 3 stored in the second stocker 87 to the recording / reproducing device 4,
The turntable 7 is rotated by the rotary driving device, and is turned 180 degrees from the first position shown in FIG. 8 to the second position shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the second stocker 87 moves to the position where the first stocker 86 exists in FIG. Therefore, thereafter, the tape cassette 3 is carried by the same operation. That is, the transport device 5 moves upward to the front of the storage shelf where the target tape cassette 3 is stored, draws the tape cassette 3 therein, stores it, and moves downward so as to come to the front of the slot 6. Then, the tape cassette 3 is ejected to the slot 6. The ejected tape cassette 3 is mounted on the recording / reproducing device 4 through the slot 6. Also, from this state, the recording / reproducing device 4
Is returned to the second stocker 87 in which the tape cassette 3 in
The tape cassette 3 is discharged through the transport device 5, and the transport device 5 draws and stores the tape cassette 3 therein, moves upward to the front of the target storage shelf, discharges the tape cassette 3 to the storage shelf, and returns it. It moves downward and stops at the standby position shown in FIG.

Further, when the turntable 7 is in the second position, when the tape cassette 3 stored in the first stocker 86 is transported to the recording / reproducing apparatus 4, the rotary drive device rotates the turntable 7 by 180 degrees. , The first shown in FIG.
After setting the position, the same carrying operation is performed.

Next, the miniaturization of the auto changer 64 in the width direction will be described. Here, a description will be given in comparison with an auto changer 60 shown in FIG. 22, which is an example of a conventional auto changer. The conventional autochanger 60 shown in FIG. 22 and the autochanger 64 of the third embodiment are all the same except for the configuration and arrangement of the stocker.

In the conventional autochanger 60, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 located on the front side of the transporting device 5 and the tape cassette 3 located on the opposite side are arranged on a straight line Ds. Also, the rotation shaft 8 of the turntable 7
Are also provided on the straight line Ds. This is so that when the turntable 7 is rotated by 180 degrees, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 moving to the front side of the transport device 5 is on the straight line Ds.

The autochanger 60 having such a configuration is described.
The rotation locus of the tape cassette 3 is a circle E. As shown in FIG. 22, the circle E protrudes from the width of the recording / reproducing device 4. For this reason, the autochanger 60 needs to be large enough to cover the protruding portion, and the size in the width direction is increased.

Next, the automatic changer 6 according to the third embodiment
Reference numeral 4 denotes an opposing tape cassette 3 in which the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 coming to the front of the transport device 5 is arranged at a position separated by a distance d from the straight line Dx, that is, on the straight line Ds
Is disposed at a position apart from the straight line Dx by a distance d on the opposite side of the straight line Ds. The center point of the rotation shaft 8 of the turntable 7 is provided on the straight line Dx. This is because, as in the case of the conventional example, when the turntable 7 is rotated by 180 degrees, the center point in the width direction of the tape cassette 3 that moves to the front side of the transport device 5 is a straight line D.
This is in order to be on s. The rotation locus of the tape cassette 3 of the autochanger 64 having such a configuration is a circle F shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the circle E and the circle F. The straight line Dy in FIG. 14 is a straight line that is orthogonal to the straight lines Dx and Ds, and passes through the point OE that is the center point of the circle E and the point OF that is the center point of the circle F.

A circle E is a circle having a radius of a straight line RE connecting the point OE and a point H which is a corner of the tape cassette 3, and a circle F is a circle having a radius of a straight line RF connecting the point OF and the point H. is there. As can be seen, the straight line RF is larger than the straight line RE. The circle E and the circle F intersect at a point H. Therefore,
At one end on the straight line Dy, there is a region where a part of the circle F is located inside the circle E by dw. At the other end on the straight line Dy, the circle F comes outside the circle E. However, since the point OF, which is the center point of the circle F, is on the straight line Dx, that is, the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4, one point is obtained. When the circle F comes inside the circle E also in the portion, the amount of protrusion from the recording / reproducing device 4 decreases. Since the area where the circle F comes inside the circle E is in the width direction of the recording / reproducing device 4, the amount of protrusion of the circle F in the width direction of the recording / reproducing device 4 is smaller by dw than the circle E. Therefore, the autochanger 64 of the present invention can be downsized in the width direction as compared with the conventional autochanger 60.

Further, the autochanger 64 is provided with the first
A configuration in which the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 stored in the stocker 86 is regulated by the side wall member 87a of the second stocker, and the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 stored in the second stocker 87 is regulated by the side wall member 86a of the first stocker. Therefore, a member for regulating the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 is not required between the tape cassettes 3 facing each other, and the interval between the tape cassettes 3 facing each other can be reduced. For this reason, the diameter itself of the circle F can be reduced. With the above two effects, the circle F is prevented from protruding from the width of the recording / reproducing device 4, and the size of the auto changer 64 in the width direction can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4) The automatic changer according to the embodiment 4 reduces the rotation locus of the tape cassette 3 by a method different from that of the automatic changer according to the embodiment 3,
The present invention relates to an invention that realizes a reduction in the width of an autochanger in the width direction.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing a main part of an autochanger 65 according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 16 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a first stocker 88.

The first stocker 88 is formed of two side wall members 88a for regulating the width direction of the tape cassette 3, and eight partition members 88b for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette 3, and has seven storage shelves. Have. As shown in FIG. 17, the partition member 88b is configured to protrude from the side wall member 88a.

The second stocker 89 is formed of two side wall members 89a for regulating the width direction of the tape cassette 3 and eight partition members 89b for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette 3, and has seven storage shelves. Have. The second stocker 89 has the same configuration as the first stocker 88.

The turntable 7 is rotatable around a rotary shaft 8 by a rotary drive (not shown), includes a height adjusting member 7a, and includes a first stocker 88 and a second stocker 89.
Are arranged at the positions shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. That is, the first stocker 88 is arranged in front of the transporting device 5, and the second stocker 89 is arranged above the height adjusting member 7 a at a position where the first stocker 88 is rotated by 180 degrees around the rotation axis 8. ing. The position of the center point of the rotating shaft 8 is arranged on a straight line Dx which is the center line in the width direction of the recording / reproducing apparatus, and the stop position of the rotation is as shown in FIG. The second stocker 87, which has been rotated 180 degrees from the first position, comes to the front and stops at two positions: the second position comes to the front of the transport device 5.

The slot 6 is an opening for inserting and ejecting the tape cassette 3 into and from the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. The position of the center point in the width direction is on the straight line Dx.

The rest of the configuration and the operation of the autochanger are the same as those of the autochanger 41 of the third embodiment.

The auto changer 65 has the first stocker 88 and the second stocker 89 arranged as described above.
The partition member 89b of the second stocker 89 regulates the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 stored in the first stocker 88,
The partition member 88b of the first stocker 88 regulates the depth direction of the tape cassette 3 stored in the second stocker 89, and a member that regulates the essential depth of the tape cassette 3 between the tape cassettes 3 facing each other. Becomes unnecessary, and the interval between the tape cassettes 3 facing each other can be reduced. For this reason, the diameter of the circle G, which is the rotation locus of the tape cassette 3 stored in the first stocker 88 and the second stocker 89, can be reduced, and the size of the autochanger can be reduced.

[0102]

As described above, according to the autochanger of the present invention, recording is sequentially performed on the stored tape cassettes, and the recording is continuously performed, so that long-time recording is possible.

According to the autochanger of the present invention, since the tape cassette and each tape cassette are recorded in correspondence with the day of the week or the date of recording, it is possible to determine when the signal was recorded after the recording without using a special device. Can be easily confirmed.

Further, according to the autochanger of the present invention, by repeating the operation of sequentially recording on the tape cassette, a signal for a predetermined period is automatically generated without the need for the operator to replace the stored tape cassette each time. Can be recorded and stored.

Further, according to the autochanger of the present invention, a signal which cannot be recorded for exchanging the tape cassette mounted on the recording apparatus is recorded by the auxiliary recording means, so that the signal can be continuously recorded for a long time. .

Further, according to the auto-changer of the present invention, since the two auto-changers are alternately subjected to the recording operation, it is possible to prevent the signal from being unable to be recorded due to the exchange of the tape cassette, and the signal can be continuously recorded for a long time. Becomes

Further, according to the autochanger of the present invention, since the first stocker and the second stocker are arranged so as to be shifted from each other, the amount of protrusion of the rotation trajectory of the stored tape cassette relative to the recording / reproducing apparatus. And the size of the autochanger can be reduced.

According to the autochanger of the present invention, the regulating member in the depth direction of the tape cassette to be stored is also used as the side wall member of the facing stocker, so that the interval between the tape cassettes facing each other can be reduced, and The rotation locus of the tape cassette can be reduced, and the size of the autochanger can be reduced.

Further, according to the automatic changer of the present invention, since the regulating member in the depth direction of the tape cassette to be stored is also used as the partition member of the facing stocker, the interval between the tape cassettes facing each other can be reduced. The rotation locus of the tape cassette can be reduced, and the size of the autochanger can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a main part of an autochanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the stocker.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the autochanger.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of a tape cassette stored in the stocker.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a main part of an autochanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a main part of an autochanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a main part of the autochanger.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the same.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a stocker of the same autochanger.

12 is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the autochanger when the turntable is at a second position.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram relating to miniaturization of the auto changer in the width direction.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a main part of an autochanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a stocker of the same autochanger.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a tape cassette.

FIG. 19 is a side view showing a main part of a conventional auto changer 62.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the same.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a main part of a conventional autochanger 60.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the same.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 3 tape cassette 4 recording / reproducing device 5 transport device 6 slot 9 control means 12 memory device 63 autochanger 83 stocker

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, at least one recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and a conveying means for conveying the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means. And a control means for controlling the recording means and the transport means so as to sequentially mount the plurality of tape cassettes on the recording means and sequentially record signals, and to continuously perform this operation. A featured autochanger. 2. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, transport means for transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means, and a built-in recording medium. An auxiliary recording unit for recording a signal on the recording medium; and sequentially recording the signal on the tape cassette stored in the stocker, and controlling the recording unit and the transporting unit so as to continuously perform the operation. The auxiliary recording means starts recording almost at the same time as the recording on the tape cassette ends, and the auxiliary recording means ends the recording almost at the same time as starting recording on the next tape cassette. Auto-changer provided with control means for performing control as described above. 3. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, recording means for recording signals on the tape cassette, transport means for transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means, and a recording medium incorporated therein. Auxiliary recording means for recording a signal on the recording medium, the tape cassette being sequentially mounted on the recording means, and sequentially recording signals, and the auxiliary recording means during a period in which the recording means cannot record a signal. An autochanger characterized in that a signal can be continuously recorded by recording the signal in the automatic changer. 4. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes; recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette; transport means for transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means; An automatic changer comprising: a control unit that controls the recording unit and the transporting unit so as to sequentially record signals on the tape cassette and perform the operation continuously. 5. A stocker for storing a plurality of tape cassettes, recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and transport means for transporting the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means, By making the recording date / time or day of the week correspond to the storage position of
An automatic changer having control means for sequentially recording a signal in correspondence with a recording date and time or a day of the week in each of the tape cassettes. 6. The autochanger according to claim 1, wherein the recording means records the signal on the tape cassette, and then rewinds the tape cassette to a start end. 7. The automatic changer according to claim 1, wherein the recording means records the signal after rewinding the tape cassette to the start end. 8. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, at least one recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and a conveying means for conveying the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means. A first storage unit that stores a plurality of the tape cassettes stacked in the thickness direction;
The first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row are configured so as to be integrally rotatable and arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation. And the tape cassette stacking direction is substantially parallel to each other, and the tape cassettes stored in the first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction. 9. The first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row each have a first side wall member and a second side wall member for regulating a width direction of the tape cassette, and the first side wall member and the second side wall. 9. The automatic changer according to claim 8, wherein the members are arranged at positions that regulate the depth direction of the tape cassettes stored in the second storage shelf row and the first storage shelf row, respectively. 10. A stocker for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes, at least one recording means for recording a signal on the tape cassette, and a conveying means for conveying the tape cassette between the stocker and the recording means. A first storage unit that stores a plurality of the tape cassettes stacked in the thickness direction;
The first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row are configured so as to be integrally rotatable and arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation. And the tape cassette stacking direction is substantially parallel to the tape cassette stacking direction, and the first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row are shifted from each other in the tape cassette stacking direction. 11. The first storage shelf row and the second storage shelf row have partition members for regulating the thickness direction of the tape cassette, and the partition members of the first storage shelf row are connected to the second storage shelf row. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a depth direction of said tape cassette to be stored is regulated, and said partition member of said second storage shelf row regulates a depth direction of said tape cassette stored in said first storage shelf row. 10. The autochanger according to 10. 12. A first and a second autochanger for accommodating a plurality of tape cassettes and sequentially recording signals on the tape cassette, and substantially simultaneously with the completion of the recording on the tape cassette by the first autochanger. The first auto changer starts recording on the tape cassette at substantially the same time that the second auto changer starts recording on the tape cassette and the second auto changer finishes recording on the tape cassette. A recording system comprising: a control unit configured to perform control.