JPH06282924A - Automatic changer system and its constituting method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] An optical changer having a loading means for loading and unloading a cartridge containing a disk-shaped recording medium to the outside, and optical information for recording and reproducing information by irradiating the disk-shaped recording medium with a laser beam. To provide an inexpensive auto change system while enabling effective use of an existing subsystem that also has an auto changer when a subsystem having a built-in recording / reproducing device is provided. [Structure] The auto changer 1 and subsystem 7 are combined to form an auto changer cartridge insertion port 6
Was made to correspond to the cartridge insertion port 9 of the subsystem.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an auto change system in which an auto changer such as an optical disc auto changer or a magneto-optical disc auto changer is combined with a subsystem such as an optical disc subsystem or a magneto-optical disc subsystem.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an autochanger having a loading means such as an elevator for loading and unloading a cartridge containing a disk-shaped recording medium to and from the outside (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-3003).
192566).

There is also a sub-system which incorporates an optical information recording / reproducing device (hereinafter referred to as ODD) for irradiating a disc-shaped recording medium with a laser beam to record and reproduce information.

Usually, when recording and reproducing information using an optical information recording medium, the user firstly uses a subsystem to do so. The subsystem is usually composed of one ODD, a power supply for driving it, a fan, and the like.

As the number of recording media used, such as optical disk media or magneto-optical disk media, increases, management becomes complicated, and an autochanger capable of handling many recording media is required. The same applies to the case of performing recording / reproduction of a plurality of recording media by unattended or remote operation.

However, since the autochanger usually has the ODD built-in, there is a problem that after purchasing the autochanger, the existing subsystem becomes unnecessary and cannot be effectively used.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive automatic change system while enabling effective use of an existing subsystem that is also provided with an automatic changer.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following constitution.

(1). The autochanger and the subsystem are combined, and the cartridge insertion opening of the autochanger is made to correspond to the cartridge insertion opening of the subsystem (claim 1).

(2). In (1), there is provided the relative position fixing means for holding the correspondence relationship between the cartridge insertion opening of the auto changer and the cartridge insertion opening of the subsystem (claim 2).

(3). In (2), the relative position fixing means has a release function for releasing the holding of the subsystem with respect to the autochanger.

(4). In (1), the recording medium insertion surface or the side surface of the autochanger and the recording medium insertion surface or the side surface of the subsystem are respectively provided with relative positioning means for relative positioning of the autochanger and the subsystem (claim 4). .

(5). In (1), as a means for associating the cartridge insertion ports of the autochanger and the subsystem with each other, a gauge that is inserted into both of these insertion ports at the same time is used (claim 5).

(6). In (1), either the autochanger or the subsystem has a cartridge insertion port height adjusting means (claim 6).

(7). The auto changer is provided with a space for mounting the subsystem, and is provided with subsystem positioning and fixing means for carrying the cartridge between the mounted subsystem and the storage rack (claim 7).

[0016]

[Function] It becomes possible to record / reproduce information by setting the cartridge of the auto changer in the ODD of the subsystem.

[0017]

【Example】

1. Examples corresponding to claims 1 and 5 An autochanger 1 shown in Fig. 1 mainly includes a storage rack 2 for storing a cartridge as a recording medium, and an elevator 3 as a loading means for moving the cartridge up and down or unloading and loading the cartridge. , Power supply for operating elevator (hereinafter referred to as PSU) 4, O
It has a DD 5 and a cartridge insertion port 6.

On the other hand, the subsystem 7 shown on the right side of FIG.
Is commercially available, has an ODD 8 such as a magneto-optical disk drive, has a cartridge insertion port 9 and has a PSU 10 for driving the drive.

The autochanger 1 and the subsystem 7 are connected by a SCSI cable 33, and the SCSI cable 34 from the autochanger 1 is connected to the host,
For example, it is connected to a personal computer.

The cartridge change opening 6 of the autochanger corresponds to the cartridge change opening 9 of the subsystem. Here, "corresponding" means that the operation is enabled when the cartridge is transferred from the autochanger to the subsystem.

For example, the relative positions of the subsystem and the autochanger, that is, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are aligned with each other, or a means for aligning them is provided,
It is to have a structure of an insertion port that does not hinder the operation during delivery.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge used in a subsystem or an autochanger or a gauge having the same size and shape is inserted into the cartridge insertion ports 6 and 9 at the same time so that their relative positions are aligned. Is.

In this example, the heights of both cartridge insertion ports are matched from the beginning, and no physical trouble occurs in the delivery of the cartridge.

With this configuration, when the subsystem is already owned, the cartridge can be exchanged between the autochanger and the existing subsystem, and the inexpensive disk-shaped recording medium library can be exchanged. It becomes possible to build a system.

Further, since the PSU 8 is built in the subsystem, the load on the PSU 4 for the autochanger is reduced, so that the PSU 8 can be constructed as a small PSU, and in the end, a small autochanger can be constructed.

In this embodiment, when the cartridge is inserted into the subsystem, the most reliable cartridge insertion port among the external dimensions is used, so that the cartridge can be reliably delivered between the autochanger and the subsystem. It can be carried out.

2. Examples corresponding to claims 2, 3 and 4 Example 1. FIG. 7 is a side view of the auto change system in this example, and FIG. 2 is an external view of the subsystem 7-1 as seen from above, which is the same as the surface provided with the cartridge insertion port in FIG. The cartridge insertion surface 11-1 which is the surface of the two recessed portions 1 at a distance in the left-right direction.
2-1 and 12-2 are formed. Further, two recesses 13-1 and 13-2 are also formed on both sides in the left-right direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, on the cartridge insertion surface 14-1 which is the same surface as the surface of the autochanger 1-1 on which the cartridge insertion opening is provided, two convex portions are provided at intervals in the left-right direction. Portions 15-1 and 15-2 are formed. These convex portions 15-1 and 15-2 are concave portions 1
It is assumed that there is a relationship of fitting with 2-1 and 12-2, and that when fitted, the positions of the respective cartridge insertion openings in the vertical and horizontal directions are matched.

Therefore, when each convex portion is fitted into each concave portion,
The positions of the cartridge inlets of the autochanger and the subsystem in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are matched and have a corresponding relationship.

In order to maintain such correspondence, as shown in FIG. 4, an arm 16 is fixed to one side of the cartridge insertion surface 14-1, and a shaft 17 is attached to the tip of this arm. An L-shaped piece 18 pivotally attached by is provided. The same applies to the other side of the cartridge insertion surface 14-1.

Therefore, by inserting the L-shaped piece 18 into the recess 13-1 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is possible to maintain the correspondence between the respective insertion ports. Further, to release this holding, the L-shaped piece 18 may be rotated and pulled out from the recess 13-1 as shown in FIGS.

Therefore, these recesses 12-1, 12-
2, 13-1, 13-2, the convex portions 15-1, 15-2, the arm 16, the L-shaped piece 18, etc. constitute an example of the relative position fixing means, and the relative positioning of both the autochanger and the subsystem. An example of a relational positioning means for use in.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10,
Jigs 22-1, 22-2, 2 for forming the recess 13-1 provided in the subsystems 7-3, 7-4, 7-5, respectively
If 2-3 is used, it is not necessary to form the recess 13-1 directly in the subsystem as shown in FIG.

Example 2. This example shows an example of the relative position fixing means.
-2, the same parts as the convex portions 15-1 and 15-2 are provided respectively.

FIG. 8 shows the outer shape of the subsystem 7-1 as seen from above. In FIG. 8, concave portions 13- are formed on the left and right sides of the surface on which the cartridge insertion opening is provided.
3 and 13-4 are formed.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, on the cartridge insertion surface 14-2, which is the same surface as the surface of the autochanger 1-2 on which the cartridge insertion opening is provided, rectangular blocks are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. Shaped joint jig 1
9-1 is fixed. Also, the joint jig 19-
A rotating piece 21 is axially supported by the shaft 20.

Therefore, when constructing the automatic change system, as shown in FIG.
Under the state of being released from 3-3, each recess 12-1, 12
-2 is fitted with the respective convex portions 15-1 and 15-2, and the positions of the cartridge change ports of the autochanger and the subsystem are aligned in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction so that the two systems have a corresponding relationship.

Next, in order to maintain the correspondence between the two systems, the rotating piece 21 is rotated as shown in FIG.
The rotating piece 21 is fitted in the recess 13-3 to hold the correspondence of the subsystem 7-2 in the autochanger 1-2. The same applies to the other side of the cartridge insertion surface 14-1.

Therefore, these recesses 13-3, 13-
4, the joint jig 19-1, the rotating piece 21 and the like constitute an example of a relative position fixing means, and these also constitute an example of a relative positioning means for relative positioning of both subsystems with respect to the autochanger.

Example 3. In this example, even if the width of the subsystem or the horizontal position of the cartridge insertion port is unknown in the subsystem of another manufacturer, the autochanger and each cartridge insertion port of the subsystem are made to correspond, and the relative position of both And a relative position fixing means for holding corresponding positions of both.

FIG. 14 shows the outer shape of the subsystem 7-6 as seen from above in the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, the recesses 1 are provided on both sides of the surface on which the cartridge insertion port is provided.
3-5 and 13-6 are formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a cartridge insertion surface 14-3, which is the same surface as the surface of the autochanger 1-1 on which the cartridge insertion opening is provided, is spaced in the left-right direction. The two movable pieces 23-1 are fixed.

Here, FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 15, and as can be seen from FIG.
Has a cross-sectional shape of approximately E perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction).
It has a character shape, and racks 24-
1, 24-2 are formed, and the end of the central protruding portion is the rail 2
Make up 5.

As shown in FIG. 15, the movable piece 23-1 has a substantially L-shaped outer shape when viewed from above and below, and the end surface near the center line in the left-right direction has a sub-shape. A protrusion 26 is formed that can fit into the recess 13-5 of the system 7-6.

Here, the convex portion 2 is formed in the concave portions 13-5 and 13-6.
When 6 (the convex on the opposite side is not shown) is fitted,
The cartridge insertion slot of the subsystem shall correspond to the cartridge insertion slot of the autochanger in directions other than the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 15, a pinion mounting jig 27 is fixed to the cartridge insertion surface 14-3 of the autochanger 1-3. This pinion mounting jig 2
A T-slot 28 is formed at the front-rear end of 7, and the rail 25 can be fitted into the T-slot 28.

A shaft 29 is rotatably supported by the pinion mounting jig 27 so as to pass through in the vertical direction. In this fitted state, the pinion mounting jig 27 is pinched, and the pinions 30, 31 are pinched. Is fixed to the shaft 29. These pinions 30 and 31 can mesh with the racks 24-1 and 24-2.

Although not shown, at the end of the shaft 29,
A knob for rotation is provided, hold this knob,
If rotated, the pinion can be rotated.

As shown by reference numeral 32 in FIG. 15, a screw 32 penetrates a part of the pinion mounting jig 27. The tip portion of the screw 32 is screwed into a movable piece formed in a T groove formed in the autochanger 1-3 and extending in the left-right direction.

Therefore, the pinion mounting jig 27 can be moved by loosening the screw 32. By tightening this screw, the movable piece in the T groove in the autochanger 1-3 is moved to the T position.
If fixed in the groove, the pinion mounting jig 27 can be fixed to the autochanger 1-3.

The structure described above is also provided on the side opposite to the center line in FIG.

Therefore, the cartridge insertion surface of the subsystem 7-6 is brought into contact with the cartridge insertion surface 14-3 of the autochanger 1-3, the convex portion 26 is aligned with the concave portion 13-6, and the rail 25 is fitted into the T groove 28. In addition, the racks 24-1 and 24-2 are meshed with the pinions 30 and 31, and the knob of the shaft 29 is rotated, so that the subsystem 7-6 can be moved and adjusted toward the center line along the rail. it can.

At this time, also with respect to the similar components provided on the opposite side of the center line, the position is adjusted by rotating the knob so that the subsystem is sandwiched in the left-right direction. When the position adjustment is completed, the screw 32 is tightened to fix the position.

To release the holding of the subsystem, the screw 32 may be loosened and the knob may be rotated in the direction in which the pinion mounting jig moves in the direction away from the center line.

Therefore, in this example, the rack 24-1,
24-2, pinion mounting jig 27, pinion 30, 3
The configuration of the screw 1, the screw 32, etc. is an example of the relative position fixing means and the positioning means for the relationship between the autochanger and the subsystem, and these can be said to have a function of releasing the holding of the subsystem.

Example 4. In this example, the auto changer 1-
For No. 4, the rectangular plate-shaped adapter 35 is attached to the cartridge insertion surface 14-4 using the attachment hole 36. In this attached state, the port 39 formed in the adapter 35 matches the cartridge insertion port of the autochanger.

Below the surface of the adapter 35 opposite to the surface facing the cartridge insertion surface, T projections 37-1 and 37-2, which are enlarged and shown in FIG. It is provided integrally.

On the other hand, in the subsystem 7-7, T holes 38-1 and 38-2 are formed below the cartridge insertion surface 11-3 in which the cartridge insertion opening 9-1 is formed.

Therefore, the subsystem 7-7 is lifted,
The T-shaped projections 3 are formed on the left and right grooves of the T holes 38-1 and 38-2.
When the sub-system is slid downward by inserting it into the left-right direction parts of 7-1 and 37-2, the left-right direction part of the T projection comes into contact with the end of the vertical groove of the T hole and stops there. In this state, the cartridge insertion opening of the autochanger and the subsystem and the opening 39 are aligned.

Although the T-projection and the T-hole are located below each part in the above example, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cartridge insertion surface 11-3 is most closely contacted with the subsystem center of gravity. Good location.

In this example, the adapter 35 and the T projection 37
-1, 37-2, T holes 38-2, 38-2 are relative position fixing means, and also relative positioning means for relative positioning of both the autochanger and the subsystem.

In the configurations of Examples 1 to 4 described above,
Since the relative position fixing means is provided, the cartridge can be stably transferred between the autochanger and the subsystem. As a result, an error is less likely to occur, and the reliability of the entire system can be improved.

Further, since the subsystem and the autochanger are positioned by the concave portion or the convex portion, it is easy to position them. Further, in Examples 1 to 3, there is no protrusion in the subsystem, and in Example 4, there is no protrusion in the autochanger and the subsystem, which is not dangerous.

3. Example corresponding to claim 6 In this example, as shown in FIG. 21, an adjusting device 40 as a cartridge insertion port height adjusting means is provided in the lower part of the subsystem 7-8. The height of the adjusting device 40 can be adjusted, and the height of the cartridge insertion opening 9-1 of the subsystem 7-8 can be matched with the cartridge insertion opening 6-1 of the autochanger 1-5.

FIG. 19 shows the external appearance of the present adjusting device, and FIG. 20 shows the front view. In these figures, reference numeral 41 indicates a movable base, which is movable in the vertical direction. Movable stand 40
Since the subsystem 7-8 is mounted on the upper surface portion 41a of the above, it is set to a size suitable for it.

A hanging part 41 hanging from the upper surface part 41a.
A fixing knob 42 is provided at b. The threaded portion of the fixing knob 42 penetrates the hanging portion 41b, and its tip is screwed into a movable piece in a vertically long T groove (not shown) formed in the fixed base 43. .

A dovetail groove 44 is formed on the surface of the fixed base 43 which is in close contact with the hanging portion 41b, and a convex line portion 45 provided on the hanging portion 41b is fitted in the dovetail groove 44. Further, the surface of the ridge 45 is long in the vertical direction,
A rack 46 is formed.

The rack 46 meshes with a pinion 47 which is a helical gear and is axially supported inside the fixed base.
The shaft of the pinion 47 extends outside the fixed base, and a knob 48 for height adjustment is provided at the tip of the shaft.

In such a structure, the fixed knob 42 is previously provided.
When the knob 48 is loosened and the knob 48 is rotated, the rotation of the pinion is transmitted to the rack, and the movable base 41 can be moved and adjusted in the vertical direction.

By such adjustment work, a position where the heights of the cartridge insertion ports of both the autochanger and the subsystem are matched is found, and when they are matched, the fixed knob 42 is tightened to fix the position of the movable base 41. As a premise, it is assumed that the horizontal position of the height adjusting device 40 is determined so that the horizontal positions of the respective insertion openings match.

In the above example, the case where the height adjusting device is arranged under the subsystem has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a case where it is arranged under the autochanger can be considered.

According to this example, since the version change subsystem and the subsystem of a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the autochanger have the height adjusting device even if the heights of the cartridge insertion ports are different, the cartridges between the two systems can be changed. It can be handed over.

Regardless of whether the subsystem is a vertical type or a horizontal type, it is possible to deliver the cartridge by adjusting the height of the cartridge insertion port by adjusting the vertical and horizontal states of the autochanger to the subsystem.

4. Example Corresponding to Claim 7 This example relates to FIGS. In this example, the subsystem is mounted inside the autochanger, and the cartridge is transferred between the mounted subsystem and the storage rack of the autochanger.

As shown in FIG. 22, a space 49 for accommodating the subsystem 7-9 is formed at the rear end portion of the autochanger 1-6 and the central portion in the left-right direction.

On both left and right sides of this space 49,
As shown in FIG. 25, the projecting ridge portion 50 for guiding the introduction of the subsystem 7-9 is formed.
It is possible to fit with the concave streak portions 51 formed on both sides of the.

In this way, the autochanger 1-6
A plate member 52 is fixed to the rear end portion of the subsystem 7-9 fitted and mounted in the space. Further, the tip of the spring 53 is fixed to the plate member 52.

The rear end portion of the spring 53 is attached to the pressing plate 54, and the pressing plate 54 is formed in such a manner as to close the space in which the subsystem is mounted, and the auto changer 1-6.
Is attached to.

As a result, the subsystem 7-9 is installed in the autochanger 1-6 via the elastic means, and is connected to the storage rack 55 via the transport unit 56 by the elevator of the autochanger 1-6. The shock when the cartridge is delivered between the subsystems 7-9 is absorbed.

The plate member 52 is directly fixed to the subsystem 7-9 because the elasticity of the shock absorbing spring 53 is directly transmitted to the subsystem.

In this example, an ODD for an autochanger is used.
In addition, since the information can be written / reproduced by using the ODD for the subsystem, the auto change system can be utilized more effectively and the durability can be improved.

When the load of the PSU is reduced and it is desired to use it as a subsystem, it can be used immediately and independently.

5. Technical Items Common to Each Claim As shown in FIG. 26 (a), the auto changer 1-7
ODD57 inside and ODD5 inside subsystem 7-10
If the cartridge insertion ports 59 and 60 of FIG. 8 have the same orientation, even if the cartridge from one cartridge insertion port of the autochanger or the subsystem is moved in parallel and inserted into the other cartridge insertion port. There is no incompatibility in the relationship between the tip and the back of the cartridge 61 shown in FIG.

However, as shown in FIG. 27A, the directions of the ODD 57-1 in the autochanger 1-8 and the cartridge insertion ports 59-1 and 60-1 of the ODD 58-1 in the subsystem 7-11 are oriented. 27 is the opposite, when the cartridge that comes out of one of the cartridge change ports of the auto changer or the subsystem is translated as it is and inserted into the other cartridge change port, FIG.
As shown in (b), the relationship between the tip and the back of the cartridge 61 is reversed, resulting in an incompatible state.

In this case, it is necessary to add a function of changing the insertion direction to the elevator 62 of the autochanger so that the relationship between the tip and the back of the cartridge can be adjusted.

In each of the above examples, when the ODD of the autochanger is in use and the user wants to write information to another cartridge, the ODD of the subsystem is used. At that time, a person directly operates the insertion / removal of the cartridge. It is possible to operate indirectly by using a remote device or the like.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively use an existing subsystem that is also provided with an autochanger, and it is possible to provide an inexpensive autochange system.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic change system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the subsystem.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of relative position fixing means.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part illustrating an example of a relative position fixing unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an example of relative position fixing means.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main part illustrating an example of a relative position fixing unit.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an example of an automatic change system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recess for locking an L-shaped piece provided on the subsystem side.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recess for locking an L-shaped piece provided on the subsystem side.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recess for locking an L-shaped piece provided on the subsystem side.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the subsystem.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a main part illustrating an example of a relative position fixing unit.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a main part illustrating an example of a relative position fixing unit.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the subsystem.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an essential part explaining an example of a relative position fixing means.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 15 for explaining an example of the relative position fixing means.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a main part illustrating an example of relative position fixing means.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a T protrusion.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a cartridge insertion port height adjusting means.

FIG. 20 is a front view illustrating a cartridge insertion port height adjusting means.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic change system according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a main part for explaining subsystem positioning and fixing means.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining subsystem positioning and fixing means.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining subsystem positioning and fixing means.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the essential part for explaining the subsystem positioning and fixing means.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic change system according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic change system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Autochanger 6 Autochanger cartridge insertion slot 7 Subsystem 9 Subsystem cartridge insertion slot

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An autochanger having a loading means for loading and unloading a cartridge containing a disc-shaped recording medium to the outside, and an optical information recording / reproducing apparatus for irradiating the disc-shaped recording medium with laser light to record and reproduce information. An auto change system that has a built-in subsystem, and combines the auto changer and the subsystem so that the cartridge change slot of the auto changer corresponds to the cartridge change slot of the subsystem. 2. The automatic change system according to claim 1, further comprising relative position fixing means for holding a correspondence relationship between the cartridge insertion opening of the auto changer and the cartridge insertion opening of the subsystem. 3. The relative position fixing means according to claim 2,
The auto change system is equipped with a release function to release the holding of the subsystem to the auto changer. 4. The recording medium insertion surface or side surface of the autochanger and the recording medium insertion surface or side surface of the subsystem according to claim 1, respectively, and related positioning means for positioning the relationship between both the autochanger and the subsystem. And an auto change system. 5. A method of constructing an automatic change system according to claim 1, wherein a gauge that is inserted into both of the cartridge inlets of the autochanger and the subsystem is used as a means for associating them. 6. The auto change system according to claim 1, wherein either the auto changer or the subsystem has a cartridge insertion port height adjusting means. 7. An automatic changer is provided with a space for mounting a subsystem, and subsystem positioning and fixing means for carrying a cartridge between the mounted subsystem and a storage rack are provided. Auto change system.