JPH03280247A - Cassette carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the handling of two or more cassettes having respectively different sizes by setting up respective reference stop positions of two or more cassettes having respectively different sizes and controlling the driving of the cassettes in both X and Y directions based upon the outputs of respective position detecting means. CONSTITUTION:The cassette carrier is provided with an X direction insertion port 2, a Y direction insertion port 3 intersecting orthogonally with the port 2, moving means 4, 5 for moving a cassette in the X and Y directions, a position regulating means 6 to be extended in the X or Y direction, plural position detecting means S1 to S9 respectively having the reference stop positions of two or more cassettes having respectively different sizes in the abutting state of the cassette side upon the means 6 to detect whether each cassette is positioned on each reference stop position or not, and a control circuit 11 for controlling the driving of the moving means 4, 5 based upon the outputs of respective means S1 to S9. Even when the cassette is inclined in the X or Y direction, the cassette can be pressed to the means 6 and moved again and plural cassettes having respectively different sizes can be stopped on respective reference stop positions.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a cassette transport device that transports cassettes by reciprocating between a storage shelf storing cassettes and a playback device such as a video tape recorder (VTR). .

[Summary of the Invention] The present invention provides an X-direction insertion port and a Y-direction insertion port orthogonal thereto, and an X-direction moving means for moving a cassette inserted from the X-direction insertion port or the Y-direction insertion port in the X direction. For two or more cassettes of different sizes, a Y-direction moving means for moving in the Y direction is provided, a position regulating means is provided extending in the X direction or the Y direction, and the side surface of the cassette is in contact with the position regulating member. Position detecting means each having a reference stop position and detecting whether or not each of the cassettes is located at each reference stop position is provided, and based on the output of each position detecting means, the X-direction moving means and the Y
By controlling the drive of the direction moving means, the cassette entering from the X direction insertion port or the X direction insertion port can be moved in the X direction by the X direction movement means and in the X direction by the X direction movement means, and the cassette can be moved in the X direction by the X direction or
The inclination in the direction can be corrected by moving one cassette by pressing it against the position regulating member, and two or more cassettes of different sizes can be stopped at their respective reference stop positions using their respective position detection means. ,
It is possible to handle two or more cassettes of different sizes.

[Prior Art] Cassette autochangers are used at television broadcasting stations and the like to automatically play back a plurality of tape cassettes in a predetermined order. This cassette autochanger is capable of reciprocating between the storage shelf where the cassette transport device receives the cassettes and the video tape recorder (VTR), as well as between the cassette transport device and the storage shelf and between the cassette transport device and the VTR. The cassette receiver is configured to automatically transfer the cassette. The cassette transport device that plays such a role has an X-direction insertion port for inserting the cassette from the X-direction and an X-direction insertion port for inserting the cassette from the X-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. Cassettes are received and transferred between the shelves and the VTR using the X-direction insertion slot. An X-direction moving means for moving the X-direction insertion port or a cassette inserted from the X-direction insertion port in the X direction, and an X-direction movement means for moving the X-direction in the X direction, respectively.
The X-direction moving means and the X-direction moving means are each configured as a belt drive mechanism, for example, and move the cassette by placing it on a belt. The belt of the X-direction moving means is provided so as to be movable up and down between an up position higher than the belt position of the X-direction moving means and a down position lower than the belt position of the X-direction moving means.

Further, position detecting means for detecting whether the cassette is at a reference stop position in the X direction and the X direction is provided, and the X direction moving means and the X direction moving means are driven based on the output of the position detecting means. A control circuit is provided for controlling.

Therefore, in order to pick up a cassette from the storage shelf, the X-direction moving means is set to the down position, and when the cassette enters from the X-direction insertion slot, the X-direction moving means moves the cassette, and the output of the position detection means is set to the down position. and stop the cassette at the reference stop position.

To pick up a VTR cassette, set the X-direction moving means to the up position, and when the cassette enters from the X-direction insertion slot,
The cassette is moved by the X-direction moving means, and the cassette is stopped at a reference stop position by checking the output of the position detecting means.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] However, the conventional cassette autochanger has 1
Since only cassettes of different sizes were handled, the cassette transport device was naturally unable to handle cassettes of two or more sizes. In particular, when handling cassettes of two or more sizes, the cassette transport device configures the cassette movement path based on the largest cassette, so if a small cassette receives rotational force while moving, it will tilted against. Therefore, when handling cassettes of two or more sizes, a means to correct the inclination of the cassette is essential, and the development of such a means has been desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cassette transport device that can correct the inclination of a cassette and can handle two or more cassettes of different sizes.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A cassette conveying device of the present invention for solving the above problems includes an X-direction insertion port into which the cassette is inserted from the X direction, and a cassette into which the cassette is inserted from the X direction in a direction perpendicular to the X direction. An X-direction insertion port is provided, and an A position regulating member is provided whose side surfaces abut to regulate the position of the cassette in the X direction or the Position detection means each having a reference stop position and detecting whether or not each of the cassettes is located at each reference stop position is provided, and based on the output of each position detection means, the X direction moving means and the Y direction A control circuit is provided to control the driving of the moving means.

[Function] The cassette that enters from the X direction insertion port or the Y direction insertion port can be moved in the X direction by the X direction moving means and in the Y direction by the Y direction moving means, and the cassette can be moved in the X direction or Y direction.
The inclination in the direction can be corrected by moving the cassette by pressing it against the position regulating member, allowing the cassette to move freely in the X and Y directions in the correct posture, and detecting the respective positions of two or more cassettes of different sizes. The driving of the X-direction moving means and the Y-direction moving means is controlled based on the outputs of the means, and the moving means are stopped at their respective reference stop positions.

[Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 12 show one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the set transport device, FIG. 2(a) shows a schematic side view of the cassette transport device, and FIG. 2(b) shows a schematic plan view thereof. Figures 1 to 2
In Figure (b), an X-direction insertion port 2 is formed in each side surface portion 1a of the case l, and an
Cassette K from the direction 1. K t is inserted. The X-direction insertion slot 2 is configured so that the largest size M cassette handled by this device can be inserted, and the X-direction insertion slot 2 can be used to transfer the cassettes to and from the storage shelf. It will be done. A Y-direction insertion port 3 is formed in the front face portion 1b of the case 1, and a cassette is inserted into the Y-direction insertion port 3 from the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction. Like the X-direction insertion port 2, the Y-direction insertion port 3 is configured such that an M cassette can be inserted therein, and the cassette can be transferred between the Y-direction insertion port 3 and the VTR. It will be done. The cassette inserted into the case l from the X-direction insertion port 2 or the Y-direction insertion port 3 is moved in the X direction by the X-direction moving means 4.
Further, they are each moved in the Y direction by the Y direction moving means 5.

The X-direction moving means 4 is composed of belt drive mechanisms 4aJ divided into six and arranged in two strips, each belt drive mechanism 4a having a single belt drive motor M (shown in FIG. 7).

) is configured to move the X belt 4b in the A direction or the B direction synchronously with the driving force. The belt drive motor Ml is composed of a Havals motor. The Y-direction moving means 5 is composed of belt drive mechanisms 5a that are divided into two and arranged on two strips, and each belt drive mechanism 5a is also synchronously moved by the driving force of the belt drive motor M. The Y belt 5b is configured to move in the direction or the D direction. Belt drive mechanism 4 of the X-direction moving means 4
Although a is fixed, the belt drive mechanism 5a of the Y-direction moving means 5 is vertically displaced by a belt lifting means (not shown).

This heald elevating means includes a Y belt elevating motor M, (seventh
As shown in the figure. ) is used to displace the Y belt 5b between the up position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2(a) and the down position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2(a). Depending on the positional displacement, the belt driving motor M,
The driving force is transmitted. In the up position, the height is higher than the X heald 4b of the X direction moving means 4, and in the down position, the height is lower than the X belt 4b of the X direction moving means 4.

Therefore, in the up position, the belt driving means 5a of the Y-direction moving means 5 moves the cassettes KI and Kt in the Y direction, and in the down position, the belt driving means 4a of the X-direction moving means 4 moves the cassettes KI and Kt. , Kt are moved in the X direction.

In addition, a position regulating member 6 is provided inside the rear surface portion 1c of the case 1.
An M cassette guide member 7 is provided below the Y-direction insertion opening 3 on the front face lb side. The reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6 and the guide surface 7b of the M cassette guide member 7 both extend in the X direction. Note that the position regulating member 6 and the M cassette guy 1 member 7 are omitted in FIG.

The M cassette guy 1 member 7 is located at a position where the Y belt 5b of the Y-direction moving means 5 is slightly lower when it is in the up position, and is higher when the Y belt 5b is in the down position. Therefore, when the Y belt 5b of the Y direction moving means 5 is in the up position, the movement of the Y belt 5b pulls (in the C direction) or Y
Direction: Eject from insertion slot 3 into the cassette (direction D)
can. When the Y-belt 5b of the Y-direction moving means 5 is in the down position, it guides the front side of the M cassette at the reference stop position of the M cassette, and the rear side of the Y belt 5b of the M cassette guides the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6. (see Figure 6(a)). Also, when inserted into the S cassette, the rear side of the S cassette is regulated by the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6 in the same way as the M cassette 1 at the reference stop position of the S cassette 1"Kt. But, S
The front side of the cassette is guided by an S cassette guide member 8 (see FIG. 5(a)). 1 for M cassette
The standard stop position for the S cassette is the case 1 for the M cassette or the S cassette Kt with the rear surface entirely in contact with the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6, and for the case 1 in the X direction. (Figure 6(b))
, see FIG. 5(b)).

The S cassette guide member 8 is connected to the S guide lifting motor M3 (
It is shown in FIG. ) is used to move up and down between the up position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2(a) and the down position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2(a). In the up position, it is higher than the X belt 4b position of the X direction moving means 4, and can guide the front side of the S cassette as described above. At the down position, it is lower than the position of the X belt 4b of the X direction moving means 4, so that it does not become an obstacle to the movement of the M cassette.

The position detection means is composed of nine position detection sensors S, -Ss. Each of these position detection sensors S to S is composed of, for example, a light emitting part and a light receiving part that receives light from the light emitting part, and the light from the light emitting part is sent to a cassette K + , K t
turns on when is cut off, cassette K +.

It will turn off unless it is shut off. The position detection sensor 51S8 placed near both the X-direction insertion ports 2 and the position detection sensor S4 placed near the Y-direction insertion port 3 detect cassette-in and cassette-out. The position detection sensor S near the position regulating member 6 is connected to the cassette K in the device. Detect whether or not K t exists. The three position detection sensors S3S, , S, are disposed on the S cassette at positions slightly outward from both side ends and the front end of the S cassette when the S cassette is at the reference stop position. All outputs of these three position detection sensors Ss, Ss, and S6 are turned off when the S cassette is at the reference stop position.
These three position detection sensors Ss 5sS6
It can be detected whether the cassette is at the reference stop position or not. The other two position detection sensors St, St and the position detection sensor S4 are arranged in the M cassette at slightly outward positions relative to both side ends and the front end of the M cassette when the first position detection sensor 1 is at the reference stop position. ing. These three position detection sensors S
,, 54S7, all outputs are turned off when the M cassette 1 is at the reference stop position, and these three position detection sensors S, , S4 . Through S7, it is possible to detect whether or not the M cassette 1 is at the reference stop position. The outputs of all these position detection sensors S, -S are supplied to a control circuit 11 as shown in FIG.

The control circuit 11 is connected to an M or S cassette from a storage shelf or VTR)
When a command signal indicating the insertion of the cassettes K, , , and a command signal indicating the ejection of the M or S cassette K+, Kt to the storage shelf or VTR is input, the output of each position detection sensor S, ~S9 is input. Each motor drive circuit J based on etc.
2, the belt driving motor MI, the S guide lifting motor M3, and the belt lifting motor M are controlled. The contents of this control are shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, and a specific explanation will be given in the section of the operation. Further, the control circuit II has two counters and a calculation means, and the negative counter counts the number of pulses output to the belt drive motor M1. The calculation means calculates the required time t from this count value and calculates 1=1±Δt. Another counter counts the number N in the flowchart.

The operation of the above configuration will be explained below.

When there is a command to insert an S cassette from the storage shelf side, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

That is, if the S cassette guide member 8 is in the up position, it is placed in the down position, and if the Y belt 5b of the Y direction moving means 5 is in the up position, it is placed in the down position. Insert 2 into the S cassette from one X direction insertion slot 2 (α direction in Figure 2).
is inserted and the position detection sensor S1 is turned on, the belt drive motor M.

is driven to move the S cassette 1 on the X belt 4b in six directions. When the output of the position detection sensor Sll turns on, the belt drive motor M is stopped.

Then, the S cassette will be located at approximately the center position. Here, two position detection sensors S3. Sl+
Centering operation is performed so that the outputs of both are the same. This centering operation will be explained in detail below. Two position detection sensors S3. Both the outputs of Ss are off, and the position detection sensor S.

If the output is also off, the S cassette guide 8 is located at the reference stop position, so the S guide lifting motor M3 is driven to move the S cassette guide 8 to the up position. S cassette K.

is located at the standard stop position in a state where it is positioned so as not to move in the Y direction by the S cassette guide 8 and the position regulating member 6 (see FIGS. 5(2L) and (b)). In addition, two position detection sensors S3. If the Sa outputs are both on, the S cassette will have the
is inclined, and two position detection sensors S3. Both outputs of Ss are off, but if the output of position detection sensor S5 is on, S
The cassette is tilted. In this case, the Y belt 5b of the Y moving means 5 is driven by driving the belt lifting motor M1.
is set to the up position, and the belt drive motor M is driven to move the Y belt 5b in the C direction.

Then, the rear side of the S cassette rotates so as to follow the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6, so that the inclination of the S cassette is eliminated. Then, the output of the position detection sensor S5 turns off, and one second after this turns off, the heald drive motor M is driven as it is, and the Y belt lifting motor M is driven to move the Y direction moving means 5 to the Y position. belt 5b
is set to the down position, and the belt drive motor M is stopped when the belt drive motor M is set to the down position. In this way, move the Y belt 5b to C
By lowering the Y belt 5b without moving it in the direction, it is possible to prevent the S cassette from tilting during the lowering process of the Y belt 5b. Next, the process returns to the centering operation described above. This time, since the S cassette is generally in the correct posture and not tilted, it is centered in the X direction by the centering operation, so the three position detection sensors S3. SS and SS are all turned off, and the S cassette guide member 8 is placed in the up position, and the process ends. If the reference stop position is not reached even after performing the above-mentioned tilt regulation and centering loop three times, the one operation that causes the error is stopped and an error is displayed.

When there is a command from the VTR to insert into the S cassette, the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

That is, if the S cassette guide member 8 is in the up position, it is placed in the down position, and if the Y belt 5b of the Y direction moving means 5 is in the down position, it is placed in the up position. S cassette K from Y direction insertion slot 3.

When the S cassette K is inserted and the position detection sensor S4 is turned on, the heald drive motor M1 is driven.

or move in the C direction on the Y heald 5b (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). Then, S cassette K.

Even if the rear side surface contacts the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6 and the S cassette contacts the reference surface 6a in an inclined state, the rear surface of the S cassette contacts the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6 as described above. It is rotated to follow the reference surface 6a, and the inclination is eliminated.
The rear side of the S cassette is the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6.
contact over the entire area. Then, position detection sensor S5
The output of is switched off, and when it is turned off, the process enters point (2) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and the S cassette is positioned at the reference stop position in the same manner as described above.

When there is a command to insert an M cassette from the storage shelf side, the flowchart shown in FIG. 1O is executed.

That is, if the S cassette guide member 8 is in the up position, it is placed in the down position, and if the Y heald 5b of the Y direction moving means 5 is in the up position, it is placed in the down position. Into the M cassette from one X-direction insertion slot 2 (α direction in Fig. 2),
is inserted and the position detection sensor S1 is turned on, the belt drive motor M is driven and the M cassette is
Move in direction A on b. Since the M cassette moves while its front and rear sides are guided by the M cassette guide member 7 and the position regulating member 6, respectively, the M cassette does not tilt during movement. position detection sensor S,
When the output of is turned on, the belt drive motor M is stopped. The M cassette M1 is located approximately at the center position. Here, the following centering operation is performed so that the outputs of the two position detection sensors St and St are the same, and 1 is placed in the M cassette by the M cassette guide member 7 and the position regulating member 6.
It is located at the standard stop position in a state where it is positioned so as not to move in the direction (see FIGS. 6(a) and (b)).

When there is a command from the VTR side to insert 1 into the M cassette, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

That is, if the S cassette guide member 8 is in the up position, it is moved to the down position, and if the Y heald 4b of the Y direction moving means 4 is in the down position, it is moved to the up position. The M cassette K is inserted from the Y-direction insertion port 3, and the position detection sensor S
4 is turned on, the heald drive motor M is driven and the M cassette KI moves in the C direction on the Y heald 5b.

Then, the rear surface of the M cassette L- contacts the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6, and even if the M cassette contacts the reference surface 6a in an inclined state, the rear surface of the M cassette L- contacts the reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6. The M cassette is rotated to follow the reference surface 6a to eliminate the inclination, and the rear surface of the M cassette abuts the entire reference surface 6a of the position regulating member 6. Then, the front end portion of the M cassette 1 also enters inside the M cassette guide member 7, and the output of the position detection sensor S4 turns off. When the output of the position detection sensor S4 is turned off, the belt driving motor M1 is not driven as it is, but the belt lifting motor M is driven to move the Y belt 4b of the Y direction moving means 4 to the down position. When the belt drive motor M1
stop. Y bell) With the descent of 5b, to the M cassette,
The M cassette is lowered until it rests on the X belt 4b, and its front and rear surfaces are positioned by the M cassette guide member 7 and the position regulating member 6, respectively. In this state, the following centering operation is performed, and the M cassette 1 is positioned at the reference stop position.

The centering operation for the S cassette is performed by executing the flowchart shown in FIG. That is,
When the S cassette is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 5(c), the output of the position detection sensor S6 is turned on, and the belt drive motor M1 is driven to move the X belt 4b in the B direction. , the belt drive motor M is stopped when the output of the position detection sensor S is turned off. Then, the number of pulses output from the belt drive motor M from start to stop is counted, and the required time (1) is calculated from this count value. On the other hand, the output of the position detection sensor S8 is checked again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the belt drive motor M1 was stopped.

If the output of the position detection sensor S6 is on, it can be assumed that the S cassette has returned to the six directions due to the return phenomenon after the X belt 4b stopped, etc., so t (previous required time) + Δt ( A minute time t is calculated, and the belt drive motor M1 is driven by the time t to move the X heald 4b in the A direction. In addition, if the output of the position detection sensor Sll is off but the output of the position detection sensor S is on, the S cassette may be damaged in the B direction due to backlash of the drive system gears, elongation of the X belt 4b, etc. Since it can be considered that it has gone too far, t (previous required time) Δt (minute time)
=1 is calculated, and the belt drive motor M1 is driven for a period of time to move the X belt 4b in the direction B. In this way, if you go back based on the previous required time (1), you will add a minute amount of time to the previous required time (1), and if you go too far, you will return to the previous required time (1). The time obtained by subtracting a minute time from the belt drive motor M,
Therefore, the moving time of the X belt 4b takes into account the return of the X heald 4b after it stops, the backlash of the gear, the overshoot of the X belt 4b, etc. Therefore, the S cassette will surely approach the centering position at least more than the previous stop position. Then, it is located at the centering position where the outputs of the two position detection sensors S, , S are both turned off (Fig. 5 (
b)).

Further, when the S cassette is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 5(d), the output of the position detection sensor Sll is off and the output of the position detection sensor S3 is on. In this case, the X belt 4b is moved in the direction A opposite to the above, and the belt drive motor M is stopped when the output of the position detection sensor S turns off, and the number of pulses during this period is counted. Basically, the same operation as described above is performed to locate the centering position. Although the flowchart in FIG. 12 only shows the centering of the S cassette, the centering of the M cassette 1 changes the position detection sensor S6 to the position detection sensor S7, and the position detection sensor S to the position detection sensor. The same thing can be done by substituting S, respectively.

In this embodiment, both the X-direction moving means 4 and the Y-direction moving means 5 are constituted by belt drive mechanisms 4a and 4b.
Any mechanism that can move the cassette in the X direction or the Y direction is sufficient, and is not limited to the belt drive mechanisms 4a and 4b. Further, although this embodiment shows an example in which only two sizes of M cassette and S cassette are used, the present invention can be applied in substantially the same way to the case where three or more sizes of cassettes are used.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, an X-direction insertion port and a Y-direction insertion port perpendicular thereto are provided, and a cassette inserted from the X-direction insertion port or the Y-direction insertion port is inserted in the X direction. An X-direction moving means for moving the cassette and a Y-direction moving means for moving in the Y direction are provided, and a position regulating means extending in the X or Y direction is provided, and when the side surface of the cassette is in contact with the position regulating member, the size of the cassette is adjusted. The two or more cassettes having different reference stop positions have respective reference stop positions, and position detection means for detecting whether or not each of the cassettes is located at each reference stop position is provided, based on the output of each of the position detection means. Since the driving of the X-direction moving means and the Y-direction moving means is controlled, the cassette entering from the X-direction insertion port or the Y-direction insertion port is moved in the X direction by the X-direction movement device and in the Y direction by the Y-direction movement device. The position detection means for two or more cassettes of different sizes can be moved in each direction, and the inclination of the cassette with respect to the X direction or the Y direction can be corrected by moving the cassette by pressing the cassette against the position regulating member. Since the cassettes can be stopped at their respective reference stop positions, it is possible to handle two or more cassettes of different sizes.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 12 show embodiments of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cassette conveying device, FIG. 2(a), and FIG. 3(a).
), FIG. 4(a), FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 6(a) are respectively schematic side views of the cassette conveying device, FIG. 2(b),
Figure 3(b). FIGS. 4(b) and (C), FIGS. 5(b) to (d), and FIG. 6(b) are schematic plan views of the cassette conveying device, respectively;
Figure 7 is a circuit block diagram, Figure 8 is a flowchart when inserting an S cassette from the storage shelf side, and Figure 9 is a VT
Flowchart for inserting an S cassette from the R side, Figure 1O is a flowchart for inserting an M cassette from the storage shelf, and Figure 11 is a flowchart for inserting an M cassette from the VTR side. The figure is a flowchart of the centering operation of the S cassette. 2...X direction insertion port, 3...Y direction insertion port, 4...
・X direction moving means, 5... Y direction moving means, 6...
Position regulating member, S, ~S, . . . position detection sensor (position detection means), 11. . . control circuit, K, . . . cassette. Figure 9 of Hronayat in the 8th village. entering 15

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) X direction insertion slot for inserting the cassette from the X direction and
Insert the cassette from the Y direction perpendicular to the Y direction.
a directional insertion opening; an X-direction moving means for moving the cassette inserted through the X-direction insertion opening or the Y-direction insertion opening in the X-direction; and a Y-direction moving means for moving the cassette in the Y-direction; comes into contact with the cassette
A position regulating member for regulating the position in the direction or the Y direction is provided, and with the side surface of the cassette in contact with the position regulating member, each of the two or more cassettes of different sizes has a reference stop position, and each of the cassettes has a reference stop position. A control circuit that includes position detection means for detecting whether or not the cassette is located at each reference stop position, and controls the drive of the X-direction movement means and the Y-direction movement means based on the output of each position detection means. A cassette conveying device characterized by being provided with.