JPS63503019A - Flexible member attachment assembly and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Flexible member attachment assembly and method The present invention generally includes a point on a fixed frame and a point on a structure movable relative to the frame. A motion of two relative motions, such as a flexible cable, connected to a point Apparatus and method for supporting and guiding elongate flexible members joined between points do. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for moving elongated flexible members, such as cables, to Support and guide so that it can follow relatively rapid movements accompanied by acceleration and deceleration related to this. For mounting assemblies designed to Products that are designed to extend the lifespan of flexible members by taking care not to apply mechanical loads or wear and tear. do.

Traditionally, a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment have included multiple relatively movable components. Therefore, long and thin flexible members such as cables are used to connect these components. was necessary. For example, in many of these machines and equipment, electric power and/or A conductive cable connects components in relative motion for the purpose of providing electrical control signals. I needed to wire it up. In other such devices, e.g. Connect pneumatic or hydraulic tubing conduits or other elongated structures to and from moving machine components. It was necessary to provide communication through flexible conduits. In either case, the flexible phase Interconnected Kasuri wires provide suitable electrical signals, fluids, or other sources to moving components. sufficient to be able to supply the structure and to follow the change of direction, range and speed of the movement of the structure. It must be designed with sufficient flexibility.

However, if the movable structure is subject to relatively rapid and/or multidirectional movements, especially at high frequencies, A general-purpose flexible connection is used when the device is designed for rapid acceleration or deceleration movements cannot have sufficient fatigue life or exhibit sufficient mechanical wear resistance. There wasn't.

In more detail: - As an example, a video cassette storage/playback system is Plants of the kind used by the station have been proposed, and these are for storing video cassettes. Automatically moves back and forth between the storage library and the playback device to record pre-selected files. multiple programs or pre-timed programmed permutations. Multiple commercial messages are automatically or semi-automatically played. It was designed so that In such systems, the cassette is removed and Cassette pickup/release unit (hereinafter simply referred to as pick) for installation. For example, a mobile carriage containing a For example, the selected cassette can be moved between the storage library and the playback device in the x-y plane. is transported, thereby making it possible to play the selected cassette and return it. the pick The up unit follows various commands transmitted via a multi-conductor flexible conductor cable. containing a suitable movable structure (VI number) for loading and releasing a plurality of cassettes. I'm reading. However, the system is not compatible with the complex cassettes used in modern broadcasting stations. The pickup unit is moved rapidly to accommodate switching timing operations. If the flexible cable is designed to The product will be subject to sliding friction, which will shorten its lifespan. in this way Cables are especially susceptible to damage when two components move relative to each other. The components are coupled for free movement between them, thus allowing these components to move at high When interlocking, the cable is forced to undergo various and violent transformations to follow these movements. This is noticeable in some cases.

Conventionally, various types of flexible conductor cables have been designed to have free deformability that allows them to follow the moving structure. It has been proposed for the purpose of increasing the retention and fatigue life. For example, spiral A coiled cable is commonly used. However, such cables are rapidly It had a tendency to turbulence when following heavy accelerations and/or changes of direction. This spiral Attempts to prevent cable disturbances have so far been unsuccessful; Damage due to large friction when the lever slides against the proposed restraint device is a problem. It's from there. In another attempt, when a multi-core flat ribbon cable performs various operations, Some use a spring member that applies a constant spring tension to the spring. However, this also reduces the functional life of the cable due to the excessive tension load applied to the cable. This leads to the undesirable result of being shortened. Still other proposals include pivot links. I try to pass a flat ribbon cable through the eyes of the chain, but like this. With such a configuration, the noise tends to be relatively loud during sudden movement, and when moving in a multi-axial direction, This is not a sufficient means to enable movement of the cable in this direction.

In many pneumatic or hydraulic devices, a flexible tube has two relatively movable connected between two components, thereby allowing fluid and/or pressure signals to be communicated therebetween. There are people who have made it so. Traditionally, such flexible tubes typically have two Although the movable components are coupled for free movement, relatively high acceleration When the structure moves at high speeds, decelerations and/or high speeds, the freely coupled tubes The tube oscillates and hits nearby structures, causing a large amount of damage to the coupling means provided at both ends of the tube. give stress. As a result, not only the tube but also the coupling means have a short lifespan. It becomes a thing.

Accordingly, an elongated flexible member coupled between relatively moving structures can be movably mounted. There is a strong need for improved apparatus and methods for attaching and supporting. Especially desired points This improved attachment system allows flexible members to be to follow the change in position of a movable structure in one direction or in multiple directions. and to prevent the flexible member from being subject to excessive mechanical load or wear. It is to be. The present invention not only meets these needs, but also provides related advantages. It is something that produces.

The present invention provides an improved mounting assembly that allows controlled movement of flexible members. A set of instructions will be provided. The mounting assembly is secured to receive the flexible member. a guide on the frame, the flexible member having a first endpoint on the guide and a guide on the guide; and an end point of M2 on a movable structure provided adjacent to the id.

The flexible member extends along the guide from a first end point and curls 180° to recurve. The curl is compressed between the guide and the movable structure. What is important is that The distance between the id and the movable structure is greater than twice the natural radius of curvature of the flexible member. It is slightly smaller. Here, the natural radius of curvature is the 180° In the reverse position, no external force is applied to the flexible member. When the flexible member rotates 180° and makes a U-turn, It refers to the radius of the radius. Therefore, by providing such a small spacing, the , the flexible member is surely subjected to a compressive force in the curled position, and the flexible member is The compressive force induces sufficient friction between the flexible member and the movable structure that The curl is the movable tII! It can roll against the guide by taking advantage of the adult's translation. Ru.

However, the compressive force is not large enough to cause the flexible member to lose its flexibility. stomach. When the movable structure is translated back and forth, the second terminal The part located between the point and the curl part moves with the movable structure and moves with the curl part. The flexible member itself also changes as the flexible member deforms due to the movement of the movable structure. It lies between the adult and the guide of the fixed frame and rolls smoothly. the important thing is , such an operation, that is, almost no mechanical load is applied to the flexible member, and the flexible member The mounting assembly is designed to operate in such a way that no sliding friction is applied between the flexible member and surrounding members. This is to make each part possible to extend the reliability of the machine. The life of the material, especially the fatigue life of the flexible member, is further extended.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible member mounting assemblies each have one One with an elongated one-sided open guide provided to accommodate individual flexible members. Alternatively, the flexible member may include a plurality of orbital units, and the flexible member may include, for example, a divine energy medium. a flexible flat rib containing a plurality of conductors for transmitting body and/or control signals; cable. The clamp allows the flexible member to be aligned generally along the longitudinal axis of the guide. It is secured on the guide at a first end point of the directional midsection. The clamp is more flexible The member extends along the guide, makes a 180° U-turn, and bends back into the back seat. Extends. A movable wall realized by a drive belt supported by a pair of rollers The drive belt is located parallel to the guide on the upper layer of the drive belt, and the distance between the drive belt and the cedar guide is It is slightly smaller than twice the natural radius of curvature of the elastic member.

Therefore, providing such a narrow gap makes it difficult for the flexible member to This means that the pressure will definitely be applied in the closed position. From the U-turn position, the flexible part The material extends further along the drive belt to a second clamp provided as a second end point. It is attached onto the belt by a strip.

In operation, the drive belt translates back and forth along the guide, thereby causing the flexible member to is moved in one direction relative to the first end point using the second end point as a base. Ru.

During this movement, the distance between the belt and the flexible member in the U-turn direction is for a new driving engagement between the belt and the flexible member due to mechanical interaction. The flexible member produces a second point that is effective in reducing friction. It can be translated without being affected and without creating a cable sag.

If desired, place a support shelf between the drive belt and the guide. , and by providing it at a position sufficiently far from the U-turn position, it is possible to make a U-turn. Each layer of the two-layer flexible member is connected to each other, particularly to the drive belt clamp and the U-torter. To prevent wear by preventing sagging and sliding when the position is relatively far away. Good too.

If it is desired to move in another direction, the first orbital unit A second track unit may be provided which moves together with the drive belt. in this case , the flexible member is arranged to extend from a second end point on the drive belt of the first track unit. It extends further to reach the guide of the second track unit. The flexible member further includes the second It extends along the guide of the orbital unit, and eventually makes a 180° U-turn and curves back. , thus being compressed by the drive belt running around the rollers of the second track unit. And the tip is tied to the drive belt. This drive belt is connected to a nearby guide. As the flexible member is translated by the direction of installation of the second track unit, the flexible member moving in a second direction, which is determined;

In yet another preferred embodiment, a fixed frame and a cassette extraction/placement unit are provided. first and second tracks supporting a flat ribbon conductor cable coupled between the first and second tracks; A cassette extraction/installation unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a pick-up unit) is provided. The cassette storage library and the adjacent It is transported between adjacent cassette playback devices, and cannot be moved generally on the x-y plane. I can do it. The pickup unit is oriented in the y-axis relative to the mobile column assembly. The column assembly is mounted to support the frame. It can be held and reciprocated in the X-axis direction. The first track unit carries the conductor cable. The conductor cable is placed within the track unit, and the conductor cable is fixed within the track unit. from the frame to the end of travel set on the drive belt for the first track unit. and the drive belt extends in the X-axis along with the column assembly. It is movable in both directions.

From the end of travel on the drive belt for the first track unit, the cable further extending into a second track unit within said column assembly, and subsequently into said second track unit. Coupled to the drive belt for the track unit. This drive belt It is arranged so that it can move along with the push unit in the y-axis direction.

Other features and advantages of the invention may be found in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This will become clearer from the detailed explanation below.

FIG. 1 introduces an improved flexible member attachment device embodying the novel features of the present invention. front perspective view showing a video cassette storage/playback system; FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. illustrating a sex member attachment assembly; FIG. 3 includes a pair of track units for moving the flexible member in two directions. a schematic perspective view showing a flexible member mounting assembly; Figure 4 shows how to attach a flexible member to one end point inside one of the track units. An enlarged partial perspective view showing the seven tightening points; FIG. 5 shows the flexible member being moved to a second end point inside one of the track units. Partially exploded perspective view showing multiple plates for binding: Figure 6 is an enlarged partial horizontal sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 3: FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3; Figure 8 is an enlarged partial horizontal sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 3: FIG. 9 illustrates tying the flexible member to a moving second endpoint in the other track unit. 1 - Enlarged partial perspective view showing; and FIG. , a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure and mechanism of the flexible member attachment assembly according to the present invention. It is a diagram.

The flexible member mounting assembly of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 in FIG. 00, said FIG. The elongate flexible member 102 is shown disposed. The frame of flexible member 102 The method of bonding between the members is such that the flexibility of the frame members increases as the frame members move relative to each other. Member 102 also follows this relative movement, and while doing so, mechanical and/or frictional It is such that it does not suffer from any load due to

Flexible member 102 is used for open coupling relatively movable mechanical structures. Using any flexible coupling member that can be used in a variety of systems good. For example, in preferred embodiments described later in this specification, the flexible portion The material 102 is an electrical signal transmitting conductor or a flat ribbon conductor. - It may be a cable including a plurality of conductors such as a cable. or Alternatively, the flexibility 102 can be used for fluid transport, such as in hydraulic or pneumatic systems. It is also possible to use a flexible hollow tube that is cut to an appropriate length. . Furthermore, the flexible member 102 is configured such that the flexible member 102 is relatively structurally deformable. As the flexible member 102 expands and contracts, the mounting assembly of the present invention retains and guides the flexible member 102. Any other kind of flexible material that can be shunted It may be configured differently. What is important is that the rapid approach between relatively movable structures The mounting part is designed to tolerate not only separation but also sudden acceleration and deceleration movements of both. These are designed so that the material retains and guides the flexible member 102.

FIG. 10 shows the general components of a flexible member attachment assembly 100, including a movable A fixed frame 104 is shown coupled to a fixed frame member. Possible At a first end point on the fixed frame 104, the flexible member 102 is attached to a clamp 108 or Secured by means of other suitable connectors.

The flexible member 102 is mounted on the fixed frame 104 by the clamp 108. The fixed frame 104 extends along the guide 103, and the flexible member 102 is connected to the clamp. The member 102 is supported and guided as it extends from the pump 108 to the seat turn 110. Ru. At the turf 110, the flexible member 102 is rotated 180 degrees and unwound. Ru. The flexible member 102 is connected to the moving frame member from the turf 110 to a second end point. 106 and includes a clamp 112 or other Appropriate asseners are provided to secure the flexible member 102 to the moving frame member 106. I'm wearing it. Importantly, the fixed frame 1 supports and guides the flexible member 102. 04 and the moving member 106 are mirror images facing each other with a substantially constant interval in between. For example, the surface should be more parallel to that shown in Figure 10. This guides the translation of the flexible member 102 in the X-axis direction. Or maybe flexible If it is desired to guide the flexible member 102 in a non-linear path, the curved surfaces may be made uniform with respect to each other. Separated by a certain distance may also be used.

In a first aspect of the invention, the supporting surfaces of the fixed frame 104 and the movable The distance from the frame member 106 is greater than twice the natural radius of curvature of the flexible member 102. It is much smaller. Here, the natural radius of curvature is defined as the radius of curvature near the turn 110. In a state where no external force is applied to the flexible member 102, the flexible member 102 The curvature half of the curve that the flexible member 102 curves when it is rotated 180° and unwound It refers to the diameter. As a result, the movable frame member 106 is attached to the fixed frame 104. The fixed frame 104 acts as a wall surface that moves relative to the turf 1. The radius of curvature of the flexible member 102 is slightly reduced in the vicinity of 10. Press. Therefore, when the movable frame member 106 reciprocates in the X-axis direction in the figure, , the portion of the flexible member 102 located between the turn 110 and the second end point is slidable. The flexible member 102 smoothly moves around the turn 110, and the flexible member 102 smoothly turns the turn 110. Increase the distance between the second end point and the turf 110 as shown by the solid and dashed lines in the figure. When lengthening or shortening the flexible member 102, the flexible member 102 is free from sliding friction and shading. It is constructed so that it is not subject to any damage. The present invention also provides the following preferred inventions: along one or more other directional axes, as detailed in the description of the embodiments. Allows the flexible member 102 to reciprocate.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 2. the first and the first Figure 2 shows a video cassette storage indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 in both Figures. and embodiments of flexible conductor cables suitable for regeneration dam systems. It is for the purpose of showing. System 10 for cassette storage and playback (hereinafter simply system 10) includes a fixed frame 14 and a moving cassette pickup/ such as the conductor cable 13 coupled between the release unit 15 The present invention is designed to support a flexible member. 2, including a flexible member attachment assembly 12 shown in FIG. In general, the transfer dynamic cassette pickup/release unit 15 (hereinafter simply referred to as pickup/release unit 15) unit 15) is carried on a two-way transport mechanism 16, and the two The direction transfer mechanism 16 moves the pickup unit 15 all over the X-Y plane. The selected video cassette 17 is removed quickly and accurately. (pickup) transfer between the storage library 18 and the playback device 20 adjacent to it. designed to be sent. Cable 13 is connected to pickup unit 7) 15. Electricity and/or various controls are sent to achieve the desired cassette transfer motion. The mounting assembly 12 supports the cable 13. However, the method of supporting it is to use a pickup unit 15 that quickly reciprocates. The cable 13 can follow the cable 13 and avoid excessive mechanical load on the cable during the following. Accurate and stable, not subject to load, stress, or wear.

The illustrated system 10 was originally installed in a storage library 18 at a television station or the like. For example, commercial metsu recorded on 17 stored video cassettes. pre-recorded programs such as programs, regular programs or other programs. It was devised for the purpose of automatically reproducing programs. The system 10 a frame or cabinet 14 having a front control console 22 (FIG. 1); It also includes an arithmetic processing unit 24 that controls the system operations described above. multiple children The recorded video cassettes 17 constitute a library 18, each with a code It's a number of rear-opening compartments attached and lined up (hereinafter simply referred to as bins 26). It is stored in the corresponding item. The transfer mechanism 16 has one each in the upper and lower parts. It is guided by immovable rails 29 (Figs. 3 and 6) provided in parallel and perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The vertical column assembly 28 is controlled by the processing unit 24 to reciprocate. It includes drive means 27, for example consisting of the cable/brie drive shown. The drive The moving means 27 is also guided by a support column 30 forming part of the vertical column assembly 28. calculation processing is also performed to move the pickup unit 15 up and down in the X-axis direction. It is reverse controlled by device 24. Therefore, the transfer mechanism 16 is a pick-up unit. 15 to the selected bin 2 along the x-y plane on the back side of the frame 14. 6 and one or more regeneration devices 20. In addition, each of the playback devices It has a room 20' that can accommodate one video cassette. pick up· The unit 15 is designed for picking up and placing one cassette 17 at a time. It has an appropriate control mechanism, and is therefore controlled by the arithmetic processing unit 24 to select Remove the cassette from the bin in which it is stored, place it in the playback device, and then cassettes can be returned to their respective bins. By the way, this move The detailed structure of the feeder 116 and pickup unit 15 forms part of the present invention. Since this is not the case, it will not be explained further in this book.

The flexible member mounting assembly 12 of the present invention connects the cable 13 to the fixed frame 14. and the mobile pickup unit 15. The present invention embodies two very effective devices and methods. The mounting assembly is It is designed to start and stop easily on the x-y plane and to operate at relatively high speeds. The mobile Ia structure is wired to provide power and/or control signals to the Ru. In this mounting assembly, the cable 13 is connected to multiple sides of the pickup unit 15. The cable 13 is arranged so that it is convenient for rapid translation to follow the direction movement, and the cable 13 is Support the cable 13 to avoid damage caused by mechanical loads and sliding friction. are doing.

2 and 3, the illustrated mounting assembly 12 is , an upper guide 32 arranged generally horizontally and allowing cable movement in the X-axis direction. (hereinafter referred to as track unit 32) and cable movement in the y-axis direction, which is arranged approximately vertically. A more designed lower guide 34 (hereinafter referred to as track unit 34) that enables ). These track units 32 and 34 turn.

The unit 13 can operate rapidly and follow the sb of the pickup unit 15. In order to ensure the cable connection to the pickup unit, the cable 1 We are working together to support 3. It may also be desirable to run the cable in other directions. one or more separate track units may be provided if It becomes more possible.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. t'j: an elongated and approximately It is configured to include a guide groove 36 with a U-shaped cross section. The guide groove 36 is generally aligned with the X axis. and its open side faces upward.

Cable 1 illustrated as a preferred example multi-conductor flat ribbon cable 3 provides suitable power/signal connections, such as connections to processing unit 24 (FIG. 1). The guide groove 360 extends from the cable inlet end 57 (not shown). It enters the guide groove and is arranged on the bottom surface 37 of the guide groove 36 in a generally lying state.

The pair of relatively short upright fcOP walls 38 in the guide groove guide the cable 13 into the groove. confinement, preventing the cable from moving in two axes.

At guide groove 36, the cable 13 is tightened at the first end point, which is the fixed point. It is held firmly by 7 points 39. In Figures 3 and 4 showing the preferred embodiment. Well, the tightening part 39 is the second support (hereinafter referred to as the second shelf) at one end of 40. , screws or similar fasteners may be secured to the material 59b or the two pump blocks 39a. The second shelving 40 is approximately the same as the space between the two side walls 38 of the guide groove 36. The cable entrance (11 This route extends until it reaches part 1 57. copper plate or similar A clamp )-39' formed from a material is attached to the bottom surface of the clamp block 39a. It has a function of firmly fixing the cable 13 to the bottom surface 37 of the guide groove. There is. What is important is that in order to optimize the movement in the X-axis direction, The point 39 is to fix the cable at a substantially central position within the groove 36. Ru.

The tightening is done from the foot 39, and the cable 13 is further attached along the bottom surface 37 of the guide groove 36. and reaches cable turn 13'. In this cable turn 13' is wound back, turned around by 180 degrees, and extends in the reverse direction. cable turn 13 ' is formed by a closed loop fabric or the like supported on the frame 14 This occurs below the drive belt 41 located above. The drive belt 41 is connected to the guide groove 3 6 and is arranged slightly above the guide groove 36 with a gap. Ru. The drive belt 41 includes a pair of belts arranged to rotate around an axis extending in the x-axis direction. The drive belt 41 is supported by rollers 42, which allows the drive belt 41 to be attached to the frame. 14 and the lower guide groove 36 in the X-axis direction. Belt Ku Ramp 44 (FIGS. 3 and 5) presses cable 13 against drive belt 41. and is thereby movable with respect to the first end point of the tightening position 69. A second cable termination point is defined.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the low running portion of the drive belt 41 and the bottom portion 3 of the guide groove 36 The vertical width of the space between the cable turn 13' and the cable turn 13' It is slightly less than twice the radius. With this configuration, cable turn 1 3' is slightly compressed between the belt 41 and the groove bottom 57, so that the belt Power can be effectively transmitted to the cable 13. Therefore, a pair of belts When translating back and forth on the rollers 42 of the drive belt 41, at two points: That is, the position of the belt clamp 44 and the pressure reaction between the cable and the belt. Frictional engagement with the cable 13 at the position of the cable turn 13' where the force is generated and drive this. In this regard, the drive belt 41 is connected to the cable 13. 13' without creating a vector or resulting wear. To ensure that cable 13 can perform an effective rewinding motion, The material 41 is selected from those having a sufficient coefficient of friction against the cable 13.

The drive belt 41 therefore rapidly reciprocates in the X-axis direction, and the movable second The end point of the cable is moved, and no force such as friction is applied to the cable at this time. .

2nd shelf 40Vi, opposite side from cable turn 13' of tightening 7t 39 It forms an auxiliary support structure between the guide groove 36 and the upper belt 41.

This shelf 40 supports the hanging portion 113 (FIG. 3) of the cable 13. , the belt 41 is translated into a position such that a portion thereof is placed on the shelf 40. This is to prevent the cable from dangling excessively when the cable is exposed. This is it The curled part of the cable 13 that is rolled back and translated and the part located in the lower layer are preferable. It can prevent unnecessary contact. In this regard, cable 13 Excessive sagging of the belt 41 may cause the belt 41 to hang between the clamp 44 and the cable It also occurs when the object is translated to a position where the distance between the object and the object is considerably widened. In addition, To further reduce cable wear, the cable contact surfaces of groove 36 and shelf 40 formed or lined with a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as Teflon. Both are preferable.

Drive belt 41 of track unit 32 is coupled to column assembly 28 Suitably translated via a pair of rollers 42, the post assembly 28 It is translated in the x-axis direction by the driving means 27 (FIG. 2).

More specifically, as shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7, the cable clamp The lower clamp 44 is secured to the cable by a screw or similar member. It includes a plate 45 and an upper clamp bracket 46. The bracket 46 is It extends in a cantilever shape on one side of the belt 41 and is provided at the upper end of the column assembly 28. The bearing member 48 is fixed to the bearing member 48. The bearing member 48 is a column assembly. -28 along the upper rail 29.

Therefore, the movement of the column assembly 28 in the X-axis direction is transmitted directly to the drive belt 41. This is driven to reciprocate the second end point of the connected cable 13 in the X-axis direction. Ru.

The cable 13 extends further from the upper track unit 32 to a second or lower and finally to the pickup unit 15. is combined with This cable routing is as shown in Figures 5 and 7. Fold back the cable 13 at the cable clamp 44 of the drive belt 41 and The lever 13 is at an angle of about 90° to the clamp 41 below the bracket 46. This can be easily done by stretching it. Connect one or more core wires in the cable to this e.g. the pillar assembly 28, the pickup unit. It may also be connected to a position sensor (not shown) or the like. The cable 13 extends further and connects to the pillar a. A second track forming part of Assembly 28) 34V3 vertically defined. The upper end portion of the guide groove 50 is inserted into the upper end portion of the guide groove 50.

The second or vertical track unit 34 is a horizontal track unit 62 It is possible to move the cable in the y-axis direction using a mechanism that is generally similar to the above. more details As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 8, the cable 13 is an elongated It enters the upper end of the guide groove 50.

The guide groove 50 has a generally U-shaped cross section that opens toward the support column 50 side. cable 13 is a shield that hangs down along the inner side wall 51 of the guide groove. The fitting is fastened by the foot 52 at approximately the center position in the vertical direction. Konoshi The fastening of the upper track unit of foot 52#'i is the same as that of foot 39. The cable is held in the guide groove 50 and extends toward the upper end of the groove 50. It is connected to the lower end of a second support shelf 53 (hereinafter referred to as shelf 53) extending substantially parallel to the Ru. Preferably, when the column assembly moves rapidly in the X-axis direction, the shelf 53 Make sure that the two layers of the cable 13 hanging down do not touch each other. Function. The cable 13 is inserted along the side wall 51 of the guide groove from the fastening pin 52. Drop down, that is, make a U-turn and connect the drive bells in the same, adjacent and parallel manner above. 54 by a belt clamp 56. This drive belt 54 is Like the belt 41, the hook is passed between a pair of rollers 58, and is parallel to the groove 50. A cable that translates up and down and thus interlocks through the belt clamp 56 and the belt clamp 56. 13 in the y-axis direction. Importantly, the drive belt 54 and the groove sidewalls 5 1 is the natural curvature half of cable turn 13'' of cable 13. It should be designed to be slightly smaller than twice the diameter. In addition to this, cable 13 is The cable turns 13" are compressed and the resulting reaction force is created in the drive belt 54. Let them use it.

When the drive belt 54 rapidly translates up and down, the cable 13 connects the belt 54 and the cable. Due to the drive-effective contact at two locations with the bull 13, the rapid movement in the y-axis direction Moreover, it can be moved stably. More specifically, the belt 54 clamps the cable. positive drive at the cable turn 16" and also the cable at the cable turn 16". The belt 54 has the function of reliably and smoothly warping the belt 54 against excessive load. In addition, no V is created between the cable 13 and the cable 13, so no wear occurs. As a result, the second track unit 34 has a fastening seven 52 and a cable clamp. allows the cable 13 to transition between two endpoints defined by the amplifier 56. Therefore, the cable can also move in the second direction, i.e. in the y-axis direction. Ru.

Also, in order to prevent cable wear, it is preferable that the cables in the shelf 53 and the groove 50 The contact surface with the cable is formed or lined with a material with a low coefficient of friction.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cable clamp 56 To enable suitable electrical connections to the components within the unit 15, It is devised so that the cable can further extend from the unit 34. Illustrated The cable clamp 56 is connected to the grate 60 and the cantilevered bracket. 62, the cable 13 and belt 54 are interposed between these (60, 62). It is rare. The cable 13 is folded and stacked so as to change direction by 90 degrees at this position. In this way, the direction is changed 90 degrees and the extension is connected to the pickup unit 15. It's out. On the other hand, the cantilever bracket 62 is held by a bearing member 64. When the pickup unit 15 is held on the support column, the bearing member 64 is 30 for supporting the pickup unit so that it can move in the y-axis direction. Ru. Therefore, the pickup unit that follows the operation of the drive means 27 (FIG. 2) The movement of the knit 15 in the y-axis direction is transmitted via the bracket 62 to the drive base. The bolt 54 and the cable coupling section linked thereto are directly linked in the y-axis direction. becomes.

Accordingly, the cable attachment assembly of the present invention provides cables with move quickly in one or more directions without stress and wear The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reducing the effect of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a flat ribbon - Although detailed in relation to conductor cable translation, other types of conductors Flexible conductors such as duct cables or hydraulic or pneumatic tubes Translation of the tar is also possible with the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Various types of assemblies for supporting and guiding flexible members described herein are available. It is believed that improvements and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the attached Except for the points stated in the claims, the descriptions and illustrations in this book do not cover the invention. It does not impose any limitations.

FIG./ FIG. 2 FIG.3 international search report

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A frame, a movable structure, and a frame for moving the movable structure within a plane of motion. a flexible member mounting assembly for a device having a means for moving a flexible member, said mounting assembly comprising: said frame and said movable member; A flexible member connected between the adult body; an elongated guide member extending parallel to the guide member and twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member makes a 180° U-turn and bends back; It's a slightly smaller distance than a movable portion spaced apart from the guide member and the flexible member at a first end point; and to the movable member at a second end point, respectively. first and second track units each comprising coupling means for connecting the first and second track units; and a second endpoint are spaced apart from each other and hold opposite ends of the portion of the flexible member. a portion of the flexible member located between the first and second end points is first and second track units extending along the movable member and making a 180° U-turn and extending along the movable member; the second end point of the unit and the second trajectory; means for attaching the first track unit to the frame; and means for attaching the first track unit to the frame; means for attaching said second track unit to move said second track unit relative to said frame; , the first track unit, the guide member, and the movable member of the second track unit extend generally in a second direction. of the orbital unit A flexible member mounting assembly comprising: means for reciprocating the movable member in the first direction; means for reciprocating the movable member of the second track unit in the second direction; (2) Claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a flexible conductive cable. Flexible member mounting assembly included. (3) The flexible member attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cable is a multicore flat ribbon cable. 4. The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end point of each of the two track units is located at a generally longitudinally central portion of the guide member. (5) In each of the two track units, the guide member supports the flexible member. 2. The flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member mounting assembly is formed by a bottom portion that extends from the bottom portion, and a pair of relatively low side walls erected from both sides of the bottom portion. (6) In each of the two track units, the flexible member coupling means is 2. A flexible member mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising a clamp for coupling said flexible member to said guide member and a clamp for coupling said flexible member to said movable member. (7) The second track unit has one end connected to the first track unit. A flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1, the assembly being in general contact with a moving member. -. (8) The flexible member has a portion in front of each of the two track units. the length of the flexible member of the retained portion thereof is such that the length of the flexible member of the first track unit is It is sufficient to allow movement over the x-axis movable range applied to the y plane, and The length is sufficient to allow the movable member of the second track unit to move over the y-axis movable range of the movable structure in the x-y plane. A flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1. (9) Furthermore, the movable member of the second track unit is coupled to the movable structure. 2. A flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1, comprising means for: (10) The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable member in each of the track units includes a drive belt. (11) The flexible member extends from the frame and extends in front of the first track unit. The guide member enters one end of the guide member and further extends to reach the first end point of the track unit, and the first track unit is further on the guide member of the track unit and is connected to the movable member. from the one end of the guide member of the flexible member. a second support shelf provided between the second support shelf and the first end point; A flexible member mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising: (12) In the first track unit, the coupling means is connected to the second support shell. The flexible member mounting according to claim 11, comprising a tightening foot on the flap. Comes with assembly. (13) A portion of the flexible member coupled between the first and second track units is generally passed through one end of the guide member of the second track unit, and further includes: reaching a first end point, the second track unit further comprises: being on the guide member of the track unit and passing through the guide member of the movable member and the flexible member; provided between the part that reaches the end point of 2. A flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second support shelf. (14) In the second track unit, the coupling means is connected to the second support shell. 14. The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 13, further comprising a clamping foot. (15) The guide member of the track unit has a surface that contacts and supports the flexible member, and the surface is made of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. A flexible member mounting assembly according to claim 1. (16) Furthermore, the cassette of the arginand is generally adjacent to and aligned with the two track units. a cassette storage library comprised of storage bins; and a cassette reclamation unit disposed generally along the storage library. - the movable structure moves selected cassettes between the storage library and the storage library. The flexible member mounting mechanism according to claim 1, which is a cassette pick-up and release unit for moving back and forth between the recording and reproducing unit. Senpuri. (17) A flexible member mounting assembly for a device having a frame, a movable structure, and a moving means for moving the movable structure, the mounting assembly comprising: a flexible member coupled between the frame and the movable structure; a flexible member provided on the frame and extending parallel to the guide member; a movable member disposed apart from the guide member by a distance slightly smaller than twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member makes a 180° U-turn and bends back; coupling means for coupling to the guide member at one end point and to the movable member at a second end point, the first and second end points being spaced apart from each other and the flexible holding opposite ends of a portion of the member, the portion of the flexible member located between the first and second end points extending along the guide member and cambered in a 180° U-turn; a track unit that in turn extends along the movable member; attachment means for attaching the track unit to the frame, the guide member and the movable member extending generally in a first selected direction; moving the movable member having the second end point in the first selection direction; A flexible member mounting assembly (18) configured to include: a moving means for moving the flexible member at its second end point; and a conductive portion in which the flexible member is flexible. 18. The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein the flexible member mounting assembly is a material. 19. The flexible member attachment assembly of claim 17, wherein the first end point is positioned generally longitudinally centrally of the guide member. (20) The flexible member extends from the frame and enters one end of the guide member. and further extending along the guide member to reach the first end point, and further extending from the one end of the guide member of the movable member and the flexible member on the guide member. a second support system provided between the part reaching the end point of 18. The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 17, further comprising an elf. Lee. (21) an elongated guide member, the guide member extending generally parallel to the guide member and extending a distance slightly less than twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member is bent in a 180° U-turn; a movable member disposed further apart and the flexible member being coupled to the guide member at a first end point and to the movable member at a second end point. a second track unit, the first and second end points being spaced apart from each other and holding opposite ends of a portion of the flexible member; and a second end point, the portion of the flexible member extending along the guide member and making a 180° U-turn and extending along the movable member. a track unit; the flexible member extending between the second end point on the track unit provided on the frame and the first end point on the second track unit; moving together with the movable member of the track unit provided on the frame in a selected direction of means for attaching said second track unit to move said second track unit; an attachment means such that the cut extends generally in a second selection direction; 18. The flexible member mounting assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a moving means for moving said flexible member in a selected direction and responsive thereto for moving said flexible member. (22) In a device having a first structure that is movable relative to a second structure a flexible member mounting assembly comprising: a flexible member coupled between the first and second structures; a guide provided on the first structure and extending in a first direction; , the flexible portion at a first end point immovable with respect to the guide; a coupling member for coupling materials; a coupling member provided apart from the guide and extending in the first direction; and a movable member disposed along the guide and spaced apart from the guide by a distance slightly smaller than twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member makes a 180° U-turn and is bent; fixing means for fixing a member to the movable member at a second end point and a location on the flexible member spaced apart from the first end point; moving the movable member in the first direction; means for causing the flexible member to move from the second end point in conjunction with the movement of the second structure in the first direction; a moving means for moving the flexible member relative to the first end point; (23) A frame and a column assembly supported by the frame and movable in the x-axis direction a movable carriage supported by the post assembly and movable in a second direction; and drive means for driving the post assembly and the carriage in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively. a flexible member mounting assembly, the mounting assembly comprising: the frame and the carrier; a flexible cable coupled between an elongated guide groove; and a flexible cable extending parallel to the guide groove and having a radius of curvature slightly less than twice the natural radius of curvature when the cable is bent through a 180° U-turn. Only a small distance a movable drive belt disposed away from the idle groove and the cable at a first end point; and coupling means for coupling to the guide groove at a second end point and to the drive belt at a second end point, respectively, the first and second end points being spaced apart from each other. and the portion of the cable located between the first and second end points extends along the guide groove and makes a 180° U-turn. an x-axis and a y-axis track unit in which the cable extends along the drive belt; further extending between the second end point of the track unit and the first end point of the y-axis track unit; attaching the x-axis track unit to the frame, the x-axis track unit approximately first mounting means extending in the direction of the x-axis; mounting the y-axis track unit on the column assembly; a second attachment means such that the drive belt extends generally in the direction of the y-axis; said drive belt of said x-axis track unit for moving said drive belt in an x-axis direction; a moving belt and the second endpoint of the x-axis track unit to the column assembly; a first connecting means for connecting the drive belt of the y-axis track unit for moving the drive belt in the y-axis direction; a second coupling means for coupling a moving belt and the second endpoint of the y-axis track unit to the carriage; (24) The flexible member attachment assembly according to claim 23, wherein the flexible cable is a multicore flat ribbon cable. (25) In each of the two track units, the first end point is approximately the same as the guide groove. The flexible member mounting according to claim 23, which is positioned at the center in the longitudinal direction of the Comes with assembly. (26) A method for supporting a flexible member coupled between first and second structures that move relative to each other, the first structure having a track unit including a guide member. the second structure includes a movable member, and the method includes the following steps: The guide member and the movable member are spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the guide member and the movable member is It is twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member makes a 180° U-turn and bends back. fixing the flexible member at a first end point relative to the guide member; fixing the flexible member to the movable member at a second end point spaced from the first end point; a portion of the flexible member between the first and second end points is laid along the guide member, and is further bent by making a 180° U-turn; along and connecting the movable member with the second structure so as to move the movable member together with the second structure, thereby connecting the second structure, the movable member, and the flexible member to the second end point. A method for attaching a flexible member comprising the above steps. (27) The track unit of the first structure is a first track unit that moves the flexible member together with the second structure in a first direction relative to the first structure. the method further includes the steps of: fixing a second track unit to the first track unit so that they can move together in the first direction; The second track unit pairs the guide member and the movable member with a distance between them. and the size of the interval is slightly smaller than twice the natural radius of curvature when the flexible member makes a 180° U-turn and bends back, and the second trajectory a track unit arranged to extend in a second direction; guiding the flexible member from the second end point of the first track unit to the guide member of the second track unit; and insert the flexible member into the second track. coupling the flexible member to the movable member of the second track unit relative to the first end point of the second track unit; moving a portion of the flexible member held between the two endpoints of the second track unit, such that the flexible member It is arranged so as to extend along the guide member, and then made a 180° U-turn and bent back to extend along the movable member. a movable member of the second track unit is coupled to the second structure; The flexible member is moved at the second end point of the second track unit; A method for attaching a flexible member according to claim 26, which includes the steps Law. (28) The flexible member is connected to the second structure and in front of the second track unit. 28. The method of attaching a flexible member according to claim 27, comprising coupling between the second end point and the second end point. (29) The method for attaching a flexible member according to claim 27, wherein the first end point is positioned approximately at a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the guide member.