JPH0828020B2 - Automatic cassette loading device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial application] The present invention is suitable for automatically and sequentially loading a large number of video cassettes into a video tape recorder in order to perform continuous video reproduction for a long time. An automatic cassette loading device, comprising: a cassette storage shelf having a large number of storage spaces for storing a large number of cassettes; one or a plurality of recording / reproducing devices having at least a reproducing function; the cassette storage shelf; And a cassette transfer device that is moved between the recording and reproduction device, and the cassette transfer device is configured to transfer the cassette taken out from the storage space of the cassette storage shelf and load the cassette in the recording and reproduction device. In addition, the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to transfer a cassette taken out from the recording / reproducing apparatus and store it in the original storage space of the cassette storage shelf.

[Background technology and its problems]

In the conventional automatic cassette loading device of this kind, only the cassette transfer machine can work when many cassettes are set in or removed from the multiple storage spaces of the cassette storage shelves at the time of preparation before operation of this device. It was very inconvenient because the cassette transporter interfered with the work.

[Object of the Invention]

 The present invention corrects the above defects.

[Outline of Invention]

According to the present invention, in the automatic cassette loading device described at the beginning, the opening is provided in each storage space of the cassette storage shelf so as to open to the cassette transfer machine side, and the opening is provided on the opposite side to the cassette transfer machine side. In order to push out the insertion port provided in each storage space of the cassette storage rack and the cassette stored in each storage space of the cassette storage rack from the extrusion port to the cassette transfer machine, A cassette pushing mechanism provided in each storage space is further provided, and each cassette pushing mechanism is biased by a spring in a forward direction from the insertion opening side to the pushing opening side, and a return position. And a forward movement position, a push-out member reciprocally movable, a detection member provided on the push-out side for detecting a cassette inserted into the storage space, and a cassette transfer device for the cassette. Presence or absence of detection of the cassette by the stopper provided near the extrusion port and the detection member so that the backward movement position having the blocking action for blocking the above-mentioned extrusion can be moved to the release position for canceling the blocking action. According to the control means for controlling the operation of the pushing member, when the cassette is inserted into the storage space of the cassette storage shelf from the insertion opening, the cassette by the stopper in the return position. The position in the insertion direction is regulated, and the control means moves the push-out member from the non-engagement position with respect to the cassette to the engagement position with respect to the cassette at the returning position by detecting the cassette by the detection member. When the stopper moves from the returning position to the releasing position, the pushing member pushes the returning member by the urging force of the spring. When the cassette is configured to push forward from the position to the forward movement position and push the cassette from the extrusion port to the cassette transfer machine, and the cassette is pushed back from the cassette transfer machine to the storage space of the cassette storage shelf. The cassette moves the pushing member back from the forward movement position to the backward movement position against the biasing force of the spring, and the stopper moves backward from the release position to the backward movement position. When the cassette in the storage space is pulled out from the insertion port, the detection member does not detect the cassette, and the control means prevents the extrusion member from being pushed out. At the returning position, it is configured to retract from the engagement position to the non-engagement position.
With this configuration, the cassette can be automatically pushed out of the cassette storage shelf to the cassette transfer machine, and the setting work of many cassettes in many storage spaces of the cassette storage shelf can be performed. It can be easily performed from the side opposite to the side of the cassette transfer machine.

〔Example〕

An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a video cassette automatic loading device will be described below with reference to the drawings. This device is
Many video cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes)
Is an automatic cassette loading device for sequentially and automatically loading a video tape recorder (hereinafter simply referred to as a VTR) to perform continuous video playback (and / or video recording) for a long time.

First, the outline of the cassette automatic loading device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, a cassette storage shelf 52 in which a large number of cassettes 51 are stored is arranged vertically, a cassette transfer machine 53 is arranged on the back surface of the cassette storage shelf 52, and further, the cassette transfer machine 53 is A plurality of VTRs 54 having at least a reproducing function are arranged on the back surface in a vertically stacked manner. The cassette storage shelf 52 is provided with a large number of storage spaces 55 for a large number of cassettes 51, which are so-called shelves, in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the cassette transfer device 53 is arranged along the large storage spaces 55. It is configured to be transported between the VTR 54 and the VTR 54 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) and the horizontal direction (arrow X direction).

Next, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cassette transfer machine 53
There are two upper and lower cassette transfer passages 56 and 57. When the cassette is loaded into the VTR 54, the cassette 51 is fed from the predetermined storage space 55 of the cassette storage shelf 52 into one cassette transfer passage 56 of the cassette transfer device 53 in the direction of arrow a as shown in FIG. 2A. After that, the cassette transfer machine 53 is transferred to a predetermined VTR 54 in the direction of arrow b, and the cassette 51 is fed into the VTR 54 from one of the cassette transfer passages 56 in the direction of arrow c to be loaded. Next, when the cassette is taken out from the VTR 54, as shown in FIG. 2B, the cassette 51 is sent from the VTR 54 into the other cassette transfer passage 57 of the cassette transfer device 53 in the direction of arrow c ', and then the cassette transfer device 53 is set. Transfer to the original storage space 55 of the storage shelf 52 in the direction of arrow b ',
From the other cassette transfer passage 57 to the original storage space
The cassette 51 is structured so as to be fed into the housing 55 in the direction of the arrow a'and stored therein.

Next, the details of the cassette automatic loading device will be sequentially described.

First, the opening / closing door structure of the cassette storage shelf 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4.

First, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a cassette storage shelf 52 is vertically arranged in a large front opening 60 provided in the main body 59 of the cassette automatic loading device. The cassette transfer machine 53 and the VTR 54 are housed in the main body 59.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the pair of upper and lower hinge holders 62 provided on the main body 59 are rotatably attached to the upper and lower ends of the cassette storage shelf 52 on one side 52a side in the left-right direction. It is pivotally supported. It should be noted that a pair of upper and lower hinge pins 63 that are vertically arranged in the same axis state are used for the upper and lower hinges 61.

And when operating this cassette automatic loading device,
As shown in the figure, the front opening 60 of the main body 59 is closed by the cassette storage shelf 52.

Next, the cassette transfer machine 53 and VT stored in the main body 59
R54 or cassette storage shelf 52 rear side adjustment, maintenance,
At the time of inspection and repair, as shown in FIG. 3B, the other end 52b side of the cassette storage shelf 52 is rotated around the hinge 61 in the arrow d direction to open the front opening 60 of the main body 59.

For the purpose of preventing malfunction and danger, while the cassette automatic loading device is in operation, the cassette storage shelf 52 is appropriately locked by a mechanical or electric locking mechanism (not shown) to the closed state shown in FIG. 3A. The cassette storage shelf 52 is prevented from being opened carelessly. Also, when the cassette storage shelf 52 is opened as shown in FIG. 3B, the door open detection switch provided on the main body 59.
It is configured to automatically stop the operation of the cassette automatic loading device after being detected by 64.

Next, the vertical and horizontal transfer drive devices of the cassette transfer machine 53 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a pair of vertical guide rails 66 and 67, which are vertically fixed to each other with a space left and right, respectively, have a pair of sliders 68 slidable in the vertical direction along the vertical guide rails 66 and 67, respectively.
69 is installed. And both vertical guide rails 66,
One end 70a of a horizontal guide rail 70 horizontally arranged between 67 is integrally coupled to one slider 68, and the other end 70b of the horizontal guide rail 70 is connected to the other slider 69 via a universal joint 71. Are combined. Also horizontal guide rail
A cassette transfer device 53 is attached to the upper part of a pair of left and right sliders 72 configured to be slidable in the left-right direction along the line 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, both vertical guide rails 66 and 67 and both sliders 68 and 69 are formed in a symmetrical shape. A pair of upper and lower guide rollers 75 rotatably attached to the front and rear ends of both sliders 68 and 69 are provided in a pair of vertical guide grooves 74 provided along the front and rear end surfaces of both vertical guide rails 66 and 67. A pair of upper and lower guide rollers 77, which are inserted and rotatably pivotally attached to both sliders 68 and 69 on both front and rear sides of vertical guide ribs 76 provided along inner facing surfaces of both vertical guide rails 66 and 67. It has been pushed in from the front and back. Therefore, both sliders 68, 69
Is guided by these guide members 74 to 77 and smoothly slid vertically along both vertical guide rails 66 and 67.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, a vertical drive mechanism 79 for vertically moving the sliders 68 and 69 along the vertical guide rails 66 and 67 in a vertical direction is vertically movable along the vertical guide rails 66 and 67. It is composed of a pair of left and right timing belts (an example of an endless rotating body) 80 and 81 that are wound around each other, and a drive motor 82 thereof. At this time both timing belts 80,
81 is wound between a pair of upper and lower pulleys 83, 84 arranged at both upper and lower end positions of both vertical guide rails 66, 67,
A pair of upper and lower rotating shafts are provided between the pair of upper and lower peels 83 and 84.
85, 86 connected by the upper rotary shaft 85 and drive motor
A timing belt 90 is wound around a pair of pulleys 88 and 89 fixed to a motor shaft 87 of 82. Then, a part of both timing belts 80 and 81 is fixed to the front end faces of both sliders 68 and 69 by a pair of rail holders 91 and 92 which also serve as belt retainers.

Accordingly, the drive motor 82 is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, and the timing belt 90 and the timing belt 8 are rotated through the rotary shaft 85.
The sliders 0 and 81 are driven to rotate in the vertical direction (arrows b and b'in FIG. 5) in synchronism with each other without slipping.
The horizontal guide rail 70 is moved in parallel in the vertical direction via the 68 and 69, and the cassette transfer machine 53 is transferred in the vertical direction. At this time, the storage space of the cassette storage shelf 52 is adjusted by a positioning encoder (not shown) attached to the motor shaft 87, the rotary shaft 85, or the like.
The cassette transfer device 53 is positioned with respect to the upper and lower addresses of 55 and the vertical position of the VTR 54.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a horizontal guide rail is provided.
A pair of horizontal guide grooves provided along both front and rear end faces of 70
A pair of front and rear guide rollers 95 rotatably attached to the front and rear ends of both sliders 72 are inserted in the 94, and horizontal guide ribs are provided along the upper surface of the horizontal guide rail 70.
Both front and rear side surfaces of 96 are sandwiched from the front and back by a pair of front and rear guide rollers 97 rotatably attached to the sliders 72. Therefore, both sliders 72 are
It is guided by 94 to 97 and smoothly slid in the left-right direction along the horizontal guide rail 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a horizontal drive mechanism 99 for transferring both sliders 72 along the horizontal guide rail 70 in the left-right direction.
Is composed of a timing belt (an example of an endless rotating body) 100 wound horizontally along a horizontal guide rail 70 and a drive motor 101 thereof. At this time, the timing belt 100 is fixed on both ends 70a, 70b of the horizontal guide rail 70.
Is wound between a pair of left and right pulleys 104, 105 arranged in a pair of pulley housings 102, 103 fixed to the drive motor 101, and the drive motor 101 is attached to a belt housing 106 fixed to one pulley housing 102. ing. A timing belt 111 is wound around a pair of pulleys 109 and 110 fixed to a motor shaft 107 of the drive motor 101 and a rotary shaft 108 of one pulley 104. Then, a part of the timing belt 100 is fixed to the upper surfaces of both sliders 72 by a belt presser 112.

Therefore, by the forward / reverse rotation drive of the drive motor 101, the timing belt 111 and the timing belt are passed through the rotary shaft 108.
The 100 is rotationally driven in the left-right direction (directions of arrows d and d'in FIG. 8) without slipping, and the cassette transfer machine 53 is transferred in the left-right direction along the horizontal guide rail 70 via both sliders 72. Is configured. At this time, the cassette transfer device 53 for each of the left and right addresses of the storage space 55 of the cassette storage shelf 52 and the left and right positions of the VTR 54 by using a positioning encoder (not shown) attached to the motor shaft 107, the rotary shaft 108, or the like. Is positioned.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 5, one end 70a of the horizontal guide rail 70 is rigidly coupled to the rail holder 91 of one slider 68 via the belt housing 106, and the pulley housing of the other end 70b of the horizontal guide rail 70 is provided. A universal joint 71 is provided between a rail holder 114 fixed to 103 and a rail holder 92 of the other slider 69.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, this universal joint 71 has three upper and lower rollers 115, 116 and 117 rotatably pivotally mounted on one rail holder 92 and an upper and lower three rollers 115, 116 and 117 provided on the other rail holder 114. It is engaged in the individual grooves 118, 119, 120. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of upper and lower rollers 115, 1
17 is composed of vertically opposed rollers that are configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis P ₁ , and rollers 116 in the upper and lower middle are rotatable about a horizontal axis P ₂ that is perpendicular to the vertical axis P ₁ . Is configured. The pair of upper and lower grooves 118, 120 is a U-shaped groove that is open in two directions, that is, in the upper and lower directions and in the left-right direction.
It is configured in a U-shaped groove opened in the direction.

According to the universal joint 71 configured as described above, the movement of the rail holders 92 and 114 in the front-rear tilting direction (the direction of arrow e in FIG. 11) between the rail holders 92 and 114 is restricted. The left and right sliding directions of 114 (the direction of arrow f in FIG. 12) and the left-right rotation direction (the direction of arrow g in FIG. 12) about the vertically middle roller 116 are free to move.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal guide rail 70 extends along the vertical guide rails 66 and 67 in the vertical direction (arrows b and b ').
Direction), both vertical guide rails 66,
Due to the deviation of the parallelism of 67, the distance between both sliders 68 and 69 l ₁
Even if the change occurs, the change in the interval l ₁ is released by the degree of freedom of the universal joint 71 in the left-right sliding direction and the left-right rotation direction (directions of arrows f and g in FIG. 12). . As a result, due to the deviation of the parallelism, both sliders 68, 69 are twisted with respect to both vertical guide rails 66, 67 and receive a significant sliding resistance, and these are abnormally worn, vibrated, or violated.
The occurrence of noise etc. is prevented in advance,
Both sliders 68 and 69 can slide smoothly along the vertical guide rails 66 and 67.

Next, referring to FIGS. 14 to 19, the cassette pushing mechanism 122 provided in each storage space 55 of the cassette storage shelf 52 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16B, each storage space 55 is partitioned by a shelf plate 123 arranged vertically at equal intervals and side plates 124 and 125 arranged at equal intervals left and right. It is constructed in a rectangular space. The shelf board 123 is hollow. Further, in each storage space 55, an extrusion port 126 for the cassette 51 is provided on the rear surface which is the cassette transfer machine 53 side, and an insertion port 127 for the cassette 51 is provided on the opposite surface, the front surface.
Is provided. The operator then inserts the front insertion slot 12
The cassette 51 for the storage space 55 is manually operated from 7
14 can be taken in and out in the directions of arrows a and a'in FIG. The automatic transfer of the cassette 51 between the storage space 55 and the cassette transfer device 53 is performed at the rear extrusion port 126 in the directions of arrows a and a'in FIG. Further, a recess 128 is provided in the front end edge of the shelf plate 123 at approximately the center thereof so that the cassette 51 can be easily put in and taken out by a manual operation at the insertion opening 127.

Then, in the cassette pushing-out mechanism 122, the pushing-out member 130 biased by the pair of springs 129 from the backward movement position on the insertion port 127 side to the forward movement position on the pushing-out port 126 side in the direction of arrow a, and the pushing-out port 1
A stopper 131 provided on 26 and a detection member 132 provided on the extrusion port 126 side are provided.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 17, a pair of slide guide plates 134 are fixed in parallel inside the shelf plate 123 along the left and right sides of the reciprocating path of the pushing member 130. A slide plate 135 having a U-shaped cross section is slidably arranged between these slide guide plates 134, and an extruding member 130 is slidably held in the slide plate 135. That is, the push-out member 130 has a generally L-shape that is long in the reciprocating direction and has a hook 130a integrally provided on the upper part on the backward direction side thereof, and protrudes to the left and right sides of both ends in the longitudinal direction. The left and right ends of a pair of horizontally provided slide pins 136 and 137 are horizontally inserted into the pair of left and right guide grooves 138 and 139 provided in the slide plate 135 and both slide guide plates 134, respectively, and these guides are provided. It is configured to be slidable along the grooves 138, 139. It should be noted that both guide grooves 138 of the slide plate 135 are slidably engaged with guide pins 140 provided between the ends of both slide guide plates 134 on the forward movement side of the pushing member 130. The push-out member 130 is slid toward the forward-moving position side (the direction of arrow a in FIG. 16A) by the pair of springs 129 which are locked at the left and right ends of the slide pin 137 on the forward-moving side of the pushing member 130. It is energized. A lock portion 142 is provided at the end of both guide grooves 139 of both slide guide plates 134 on the backward movement side of the push-out member 130 so as to be recessed downward at a substantially right angle. Further, on the backward movement position side of the pushing member 130, the lock portions 143 recessed downward are also provided at the end portions of both guide grooves 138 of the slide plate 135, but the upper end edges of both lock portions 143 are provided. A small protrusion 144 is integrally provided, and a lower end edge thereof is formed as an inclined edge 145 that is inclined obliquely upward toward the insertion port 127 side. The hook 130a of the extruding member 130
Is configured so that it can be inserted and removed above the shelf plate 123 by inserting an elongated hole 146 (see FIG. 14) provided in the shelf plate 123.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16B, the stopper 131 has a substantially L-shaped planar shape, and is vertically attached to one side plate 124 via a fulcrum pin 148 (arrows h, h in FIG. 14). It is pivotally supported in the'direction '. This stopper
131 is configured to be vertically rotatable within a slit 149 of a flange 124a integrally provided at an end portion of the side plate 124 on the side of the extrusion port 126, and is upwardly rotated by a spring 150 (see an arrow in FIG. 14). It is urged to rotate in the (h direction).

Next, referring to FIGS. 14 to 16B, the structure of the control means for controlling the operation of the pushing member 130 according to the presence or absence of the detection of the cassette 51 by the detection member 132 will be described. First, the detection member 132 is a notch provided at the end of the other side plate 125 on the extrusion port 126 side.
The detection member 132 is provided with slopes 153, 154 formed in front of and behind it. And this detection member
132 is mounted on the tip of an L-shaped link 156 that is rotatably supported on a shelf plate 123 about a fulcrum pin 155 and is rotated in the left-right direction (arrow i, i'direction in FIG. 16A). It is freely movable. Another L-shaped link 158 is rotatably supported in the shelf plate 123 via a fulcrum pin 157. One end 158a of the L-shaped link 158 and the L-shaped link 156 have a link 159. Both ends are connected via a pair of pins 160 and 161. The other end 158b of the L-shaped link 158 is connected to the end of the slide plate 135 via a pin 162 and an elongated hole 163. The L-shaped link 158 is urged by the spring 164 to rotate forward (in the direction of arrow j in FIG. 16A), so that the slide plate 135 moves forward (in the direction of arrow a ′ in FIG. 16A). ), And the detection member 132 is rotationally biased in the storage position 55 (direction of arrow i'in FIG. 16A) via the link 159 and the L-shaped link 156. A guide pin 167 provided in the shelf plate 123 is a stopper lock plate 166 engaged with the pin 160 of the L-shaped link 158 through the elongated hole 165.
The stopper 166 is engaged with the stopper 166 via a slot 168, and the tip 166a of the stopper lock plate 166 is configured to be able to move in and out of the upper portion of the stopper 131 through a notch 169 provided in one side plate 124. The stopper lock plate 166 is slid by a spring 170 toward the stopper 131 (in the direction of arrow k in FIG. 16A). Therefore, in this embodiment, the control means is composed of the link 159, the L-shaped link 158, and the slide plate 135 arranged between the detection member 132 and the pushing member 130.

Next, a description will be given of an operation of inserting / removing the cassette 51 into / from the insertion space 127 of the cassette storage shelf 52 by a manual operation of the operator.

First, before the insertion of the cassette 51, the pushing member 130 of the cassette pushing mechanism 122 is locked while being moved to the return position shown in FIG. 16A against both springs 129. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18A, the push-out member 130 is rotated in the direction of arrow m around the one slide pin 137,
The other slide pin 136 enters into the lower position of the small projection 144 in both lock portions 142, 143 of both guide grooves 138, 139 and is locked, and the hook 130a of the pushing member 130 is in the shelf plate 123 from the long hole 146. It enters and is escaped below the storage space 55. As shown in FIG. 14, the stopper 131, which is urged to rotate in the direction of arrow h by the spring 150, is projected to the front surface of the extrusion port 126 as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 16A, the detection member 132, which is urged to rotate in the direction of the arrow i ′ by the spring 164, has entered the storage space 55.
At this time, the tip 166a of the stopper lock plate 166, which is biased by the spring 170 in the direction of the arrow k, is attached to the stopper 131.
Although the pin 160 of the L-shaped link 158 is engaged in the long hole 165 of the stopper lock plate 166, the L-shaped link 158 is not regulated by the stopper lock plate 166 and is a spring. It is possible to rotate in the direction of arrow j by 164, and the detection member 132 can sufficiently enter the storage space 55.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, the cassette 51 is inserted horizontally from the insertion opening 127 into the storage space 55 in the direction of the arrow a.
The cassette 51 never comes into contact with the hook 130a of the pushing member 130.

When the front end 51a of the cassette 51 inserted into the storage space 55 from the direction of arrow a approaches the stopper 131 to a certain extent, the rear end 51b of the cassette 51 is hooked to the hook of the pushing member 130 as shown in FIG. 18A. Pass over 130a. At this point in time, as shown in FIG. 16B, one corner portion 51c of the front end portion 51a of the cassette 51 abuts the slope 153 of the detection member 132, and this detection member 132 is located laterally outside the storage space 55. Extrude in the direction of arrow i. Then, the L-shaped link 156 is rotated in the direction of arrow i, the L-shaped link 158 is rotated in the direction of arrow j ′ against the spring 164 via the link 159, and the slide plate 135 is moved in the direction of arrow a.
Is slid in the direction.

When the slide plate 135 slides in the direction of arrow a as shown in FIG. 18B, first, the small protrusion 144 of the lock portion 143 is separated from the slide pin 136 in the direction of arrow a to release the lock. Next, as shown in FIG. 18C, the inclined edge 145 of the lock portion 143 of the slide plate 135 is pressed by the slide pin 136 in the direction of arrow a, and the inclined edge 145 causes the slide pin 136 to move.
Is pushed up in the direction of arrow m '. As a result, the pushing member 13
0 is rotated around slide pin 137 in the direction of arrow m ',
The hook 130a is projected above the shelf plate 123 from the long hole 146. Then, when the hook 130a is completely projected above the shelf plate 123, the slide pin 136 is pushed out from both lock portions 142 and 143 into both guide grooves 138 and 139 as shown in FIG. 18D.

Then, at that moment, the pushing member 130 is moved by the springs 129 from the backward moving position in FIG. 16A toward the forward moving position in the direction of the arrow a, and the hook 130a of the pushing member 130 is moved as shown in FIG. 18D. Hooks the cassette 51 and pushes the cassette 51 in the direction of arrow a. As a result, the cassette 51 is pushed by the pushing member 130.
Is automatically pushed in the direction of the arrow a to a position where it contacts the stopper 131, and the cassette 51 is stopped by contacting the other corner 51d of its front end 51a with the stopper 131, as shown in FIG. 16B. After that, it is kept in that state. When the pushing member 130 is moved in the direction of arrow a, both slide pins 1
Since the members 36 and 137 slide in the guide grooves 138 and 139, the pushing member 130 is horizontally moved in the arrow a direction.

As shown in FIG. 16B, when the L-shaped link 158 is rotated in the direction of the arrow j ', its pin 160 pushes the end of the slot 165, and the stopper lock plate 166 resists the spring 170 and the arrow k'.
Is slightly slid in the direction, and the tip 166a is stopped by the stopper 131.
A little spaced from the sides.

Next, as shown in FIG. 19, when the cassette 51 is pulled out horizontally from the insertion slot 127 to the outside of the storage space 55 in the direction of arrow a ', the shelf board
Insert your hand into the recess 128 of the 123 and insert the rear end 51 of the cassette 51.
Hold the b side and pull it out in the direction of arrow a '.

Then, at this time, by the reverse operation at the time of inserting the cassette,
The pushing member 130 resists both springs 129 from the position shown in FIG. 16B to the first position.
It is pushed back in the direction of arrow a'to the return position in Fig. 6A. Again
As shown in FIG. 16A, the one corner portion 51c of the cassette 51 is separated from the detecting member 132 in the direction of the arrow a '.
L-shaped link 158, link 159, L-shaped link 1 by spring 164.
The detection member 132 is moved back in the direction of arrow i'through 56, and the slide plate 135 is also moved in the direction of arrow a '. And the 18th E
As shown in the figure, the pushing member 130 is pushed back to the backward movement position in the direction of arrow a ', and then is rotated in the direction of arrow m around one slide pin 137, and as shown in FIG. From the end of both guide grooves 138, 139 to both lock parts 14
In 2 and 143, it gets into the lower side of the small protrusion 144 and is locked.
The hook 130a of the push-out member 130 enters the shelf plate 123 through the long hole 146 and escapes below the storage space 55.

Next, referring to FIG. 20 to FIG. 25, an operating mechanism 172 of each cassette extruding mechanism 122 provided in the cassette transfer machine 53,
A pair of cassette transfer devices 173 and 174 provided at positions corresponding to the floor surfaces of the upper and lower cassette transfer passages 56 and 57 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 22, the cassette transfer machine 53 is configured in a housing composed of a pair of left and right side plates 176 and 177, a top plate 178 and a bottom plate 179, and the cassette is arranged in two upper and lower stages. Both front and rear ends of the transfer paths 56 and 57 are open.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 21 and FIG. 23, the operating mechanism 172 is attached to the outer surface of one side plate 176 at the lower end side thereof. This operation mechanism 172 is the stopper 131 described above.
Operating lever (an example of operating means) for rotating
And a drive plunger solenoid (hereinafter, simply referred to as a drive solenoid) 181. The operating lever 180 is L-shaped, and the fulcrum pin 1
It is rotatably supported by the side plate 176 via 82, and its operating end 1
A free end 180b on the opposite side to 80a is connected to a suction rod 184 of a drive solenoid 181 via a link 183. Link 18
The operation lever 180a is urged to rotate upward (in the direction of arrow n in FIG. 21) by a spring 186 that is hooked on a pin 185 connecting the suction rod 184 with the shaft 3.

Next, referring to FIGS. 20 to 25, both cassette transfer devices 17 will be described.
3,174 will be described, but they have the same structure.

That is, the drive shafts 188 and 189 and the conventional shaft are interposed between the both side plates 176 and 177 at the front and rear ends of the respective floor transfer positions of the both cassette transfer paths 56 and 57.
190 and 191 are rotatably supported in parallel with each other and horizontally. And each of these drive shafts 188, 189 and driven shafts
A pair of feed rollers 192 and 193 are fixed near the left and right ends of the 190 and 191 respectively. These feed rollers
Reference numerals 192 and 193 are rollers having the same diameter and made of a material having a high friction coefficient such as rubber. A pair of pulleys 19 are provided at the left and right end positions of each of the drive shafts 188, 189 and the driven shafts 190, 191.
4, 195 are fixed, and a pair of left and right timing belts 196, 197 are wound between these pulleys 194, 195. At this time, the diameter of both timing belts 196, 197 on the outer circumference of each pulley 194, 195 is the same as the diameter of each feed roller 192, 193.
The upper surfaces 196b and 197b of the upper horizontal paths 196a and 197a of 6 and 197 are flush with the upper surfaces 192a and 193a of the feed rollers 192 and 193 (20th
(See the figure). Both timing belts 19
The upper horizontal paths 196a, 197a of 6, 197 are a pair of left and right traveling guides 216, 2 fixed horizontally to the inner surfaces of the side plates 176, 177, respectively.
It is guided on 17 and runs horizontally. And both drive shafts
188 and 189 are configured to be rotationally driven by a pair of drive motors 198 and 199 attached to the outer surface of the other side plate 177 via reduction gear mechanisms 200 and 201, respectively.

In addition, a pair of idler shafts 202, 203 are provided between both side plates 176177 at the front and rear ends of the positions corresponding to the respective ceiling surfaces of both cassette transfer passages 56, 57.
Are arranged parallel to each other and horizontally. Each of these idler shafts 202, 203 has a pair of left and right idlers 204, 2 respectively.
05 is rotatably supported. The left and right ends of these idler shafts 202 and 203 are supported movably in the vertical direction in elongated holes 206 and 207 provided in the side plates 176 and 177 in the vertical direction, and by a pair of left and right springs 208 and 209. Each of them is urged to move downward.

Further, the cassette storage shelf in the upper cassette transfer passage 57.
A pair of left and right rotating arms 211 is arranged above the delivery port 210 on the 52 side. Rollers 212 are rotatably and pivotally attached to the ends of the two rotary arms 211, and the rotary arms 211 are fixed to a rotary shaft 213 which is rotatably horizontally supported between both side plates 176 and 177. The rotation shaft 213 is configured to be normally / reversely rotated by a drive motor 214 attached to the outer surface of the one side plate 176 via a speed reduction mechanism 215.

Next, the cassette is inserted between the storage positions 55 of the cassette storage shelf 52 and the cassette transfer passages 56 and 57 of the cassette transfer machine 53.
The automatic transfer operation of 51 will be described.

First, the automatic feeding operation of the cassette 51 from the storage space 55 into the one cassette transfer passage 56 will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, one cassette transfer passage 56 of the cassette transfer machine 53 will be described.
After being positioned at the extrusion port 126 of the predetermined storage space 55,
The drive solenoid 181 and the drive motor 198 are energized at the same time. Then, the suction rod 184 of the drive solenoid 181 is attracted in the direction of arrow o against the spring 186, and the operating lever 180 is rotated in the direction of arrow n'from the position of the alternate long and short dash line to the position of the solid line via the link 183. It The operating end 180a of the operating lever 180 abuts against the projection 131a of the stopper 131 and pushes it downward, and this stopper 131 is rotated in the direction of the arrow h'against the spring 150, so that the stopper 131 moves. Storage space 5
5 is pushed down below the extrusion port 126. Therefore, the stopper 131 moves from the returning position having a blocking action for blocking the forward movement of the cassette 51 (that is, pushing out to the cassette transfer machine 53) to the release position for releasing this blocking action.

At that moment, the cassette push-out mechanism 122 is actuated, and as described with reference to FIG.
The cassette 51 in the storage space 55 is automatically extruded from the front end portion 51a side thereof through the extrusion port 126 in the direction of the arrow a as shown in FIGS. Then, it is sent into one cassette transfer passage 56.

At this time, the drive shaft 188 is rotatably driven by the drive motor 198 that has been operated at this time, and the driven shaft 190 is also rotatably driven without slipping through the timing belts 196, so that each pair of feed rollers 194 and both timing belts 194 are driven. 196
Are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow q in FIGS. 21 and 22 in a completely synchronized state.

As shown in FIG. 21, the cassette 51 is stopped until one slide pin 137 of the extruding member 130 is brought into contact with the end of the guide groove 139 on the extruding port 126 side (the stop position is the extruding member 130). It is pushed out.) At this time, the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51 has already transferred to the upper portions of the feed rollers 194 and the timing belts 196 on the drive shaft 188.

Therefore, after this, the cassette 51 is transferred in the direction of the arrow q in FIG. 21 by the both feed rollers 194 and the both timing belts 196 and reaches the position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. 21 and 23. 51 is automatically fed into the cassette transfer passage 56. At this time, since each pair of idlers 204 is relatively pressed by the spring 208 onto the upper surface 51f of the cassette 51,
The bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51 is pressure-bonded to the upper portions of both feed rollers 194 and both timing belts 196, and is reliably transferred by these both feed rollers 194 and both timing belts 196 in the direction of arrow q without slipping. It

However, at this time, the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51 is stored in the storage space 5
5 At the moment when it is pulled out from the inside of the extrusion port 126 to the detection member
132 is returned from the position of FIG. 16B to the position of FIG. 16A by spring 164 in the direction of arrow i '. In conjunction with this, the stopper lock plate 166 is slid by the spring 170 in the direction of arrow k in FIG. 16A, and its tip 166a is pushed downward as shown in FIG. Then, the stopper 131 is locked by the tip 166a thereof so that the stopper 131 is pushed downward.

When the cassette 51 is fed into the cassette transfer path 56 to the position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. 21 and 23, the front end of the cassette 51 is detected by the sensor 219 attached to one side plate 176. The position of the portion 51a is detected, and the drive solenoid 181 and the drive motor 198 are de-energized. As a result, the operating lever 180 is lifted by the spring 186 to the original position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 21 in the direction of the arrow n, the drive motor 198 is stopped, and the feed roller 194 and both timing belts 196 are stopped. Is stopped. Since the operation lever 180 is moved upward in the direction of arrow n, the stopper 150 also tries to be pushed up by the spring 150 in the direction of arrow h in FIG. 21, but it abuts against the tip 166a of the stopper lock plate 166. And is prevented from rotating upward.

Note that, due to some inconvenience, the front end portion 51a of the cassette 51 may protrude outward from the outlet 220 on the VTR 54 side of the cassette transfer passage 56 rather than the position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. 21 and 22. Then, another sensor 221 attached to one side plate 126 detects the position of the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51, and immediately drives the drive motor 198 in the reverse rotation to pull the cassette 51 in the q'direction. To return, the cassette 51 is always safely stopped at the position shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 21 and 22.

Next, the automatic push-back operation of the cassette 51 from the inside of the other cassette transfer passage 57 to the inside of the storage position 55 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 24A, the other cassette transfer passage 57 of the cassette transfer machine 53 has a predetermined storage space. After being positioned at the extrusion port 126 of the space 55, the drive motor 199 is energized. Then drive motor 199
The drive shaft 189 is rotationally driven by both timing belts 1
The driven shaft 191 is also rotationally driven without slipping via 97, and each pair of feed rollers 195 and both timing belts 197 are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow r in FIGS. 22 and 24A in a completely synchronized state.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 25, the cassette 51 accommodated in the cassette transfer passage 57 as shown by the alternate long and short dash line is mainly constituted by both feed rollers 195 and both timing belts 197 on the drive shaft 189. 24A, the cassette 51 is transferred in the direction of the arrow r, and the cassette 51 is extruded from the rear end portion 51b side to the outside of the delivery port 210 as shown by the solid line, and the cassette space 51 is ejected from the extrusion port 126.
It is fed in the direction of arrow a '. At this time, since the pair of idlers 205 are relatively pressed by the spring 209 onto the upper surface 51f of the cassette 51, the bottom surface 51 of the cassette 51 is
e is pressure-bonded to the upper portions of both feed rollers 195 and both timing belts 197, and is reliably horizontally transported in the direction of arrow a ′ without slipping by these both feed rollers 195 and both timing belts 197, Base 51e of cassette 51
Securely moves onto the shelf 123 of the storage space 55.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 25, the rear end portion 51 of the cassette 51 is
At the moment when b is inserted into the extrusion port 126, the corner portion 51g of the rear end portion 51b abuts the slope 154 of the detection member 132, and the detection member 132 moves from the position of FIG. 16A to the position of FIG. 16B. Spring 1
It is rotated in the direction of arrow i against 64. In conjunction with this, the stopper lock plate 166 is slid against the spring 170 in the arrow k'direction in FIG. 16B, and its tip 166a is pulled out from the upper portion of the stopper 131 in the arrow k'direction, and the stopper 131 is moved. The lock at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 24A is released. Then, at that moment, the stopper 131 is pushed up by the spring 150 in the direction of arrow h. However, at this time, since the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51 has already been inserted into the extrusion port 126 and finished, the stopper 131 is pushed up to the position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 24A, and the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51 is reached.
It comes into contact with and stops. Therefore, the cassette 51 is a stopper 13
It is sent in the direction of arrow a'into the storage space 55 without any hindrance to the transfer by 1.

Then, the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51 fed into the storage space 55 in the direction of the arrow a ', the hook 130a of the pushing member 130 is moved to the forward movement position as shown by the solid line in FIGS. 24A and 25. Abutted against. On the other hand, immediately before that, Fig. 24B and Fig. 2
As shown in FIG. 5, the position of the front end portion 51a of the cassette 51 is detected by the sensor 222 attached to the other side plate 177, and the drive motor 214 is energized.

Then, as shown in FIG. 24B, the drive motor 214 is driven to rotate in the forward direction, and the both rotating arms 211 are rotated in the arrow s direction via the rotating shaft 213. Then, when the two rotation arms 211 are rotated in the direction of arrow s from the backward movement position shown by the dotted line to the position shown by the one-dot chain line, both rollers 212 at the tips of the both rotation arms 211 contact the front end portion 51a of the cassette 51. The cassette 51 is brought into contact with the cassette 51, and thereafter, both the rotating arms 211 are continuously rotated in the direction of the arrow s to the forward movement position shown by the solid line, so that the cassette 51 is pushed by the both rotating arms 211 into the storage space 55. It is automatically pushed back in the direction of arrow a '. At this time, since the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51 comes into contact with and pushes the hook 130a of the pushing member 130, the pushing member 1
30 is a double spring 1 shown in FIG. 16A, which is integrated with the cassette 51.
It is pushed back in the direction of arrow a'against 29.

Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 24B, the cassette 51 is completely pushed back into the storage space 55, and the front end portion 51 of the cassette 51 is
At the moment when a passes over Stopper 131 in the direction of arrow a ′,
The stopper 131 is pushed up by the spring 150 in the direction of the arrow h, and the stopper 131 is again projected to the front surface of the extrusion port 126.

It is detected by the sensor 223 attached to the cassette transfer machine 53 that the stopper 131 is moved back to the return position where it is projected to the front surface of the extrusion port 126, and this detection causes the cassette 51 to be transferred. It is confirmed that it has been completely pushed back from the machine 53 into the storage space 55 of the cassette storage shelf 52.

In this embodiment, a light reflection type photocoupler is used as an example of the sensor 223.
The reference numeral 3 is attached to the outer surface of the one side plate 176, and detects the reflected light of the light emitted to the front surface 131b of the projecting piece 131a of the stopper 131.

When the sensor 223 detects that the cassette 51 is completely pushed back into the storage space 55 as described above,
At the same time when the drive motor 199 is de-energized, the drive motor 214 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and both rotating arms 211 are rotated in the direction of arrow s'in FIG. 24B via the rotating shaft 213. Incidentally, when both rotary arms 211 are returned to the original positions indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 24B, the drive motor 214 is de-energized. Then, when both rotary arms 211 are returned, the pushing member 130 causes the cassette 51 to move.
Tends to be pushed out of the extrusion port 126 in the direction of arrow a again, but since the front end portion 51a of the cassette 51 is in contact with the stopper 131, the extrusion of the cassette 51 is prevented.

Next, referring to FIGS. 26 to 30, an automatic cassette loading / unloading device 227 provided at the cassette loading / unloading port 226 of each VTR 54.
Will be explained.

First, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28A, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped frame 228 is attached to the front surface of the cassette inlet / outlet opening 226 of the VTR 54. And in this frame 228 cassette 5
The idler shaft 229 and the roller shaft 230 are arranged parallel to each other and in a horizontal state above and below the movement path of 1. The left and right ends of the idler shaft 229 are attached to the left and right side plates 231, 2 of the frame 228.
The pair of bearings 233 fixed to the upper position of 32 penetrates through a pair of bearings 233, and is rotatably supported while protruding laterally outward. Further, a pair of support plates 23 is provided at a lower position on the outer surface of the side plates 231 and 232.
4, 235 are pivotally supported up and down via a pair of fulcrum pins 236 in the same axis, and the left and right ends of the roller shaft 230 are a pair of bearings 23 fixed to the support plates 234 and 235.
It is rotatably supported by 7. Both support plates 234 are approximately L-shaped, and are supported by a pair of springs 238 on the upper side (28A).
It is urged to rotate in the direction of arrow t).

In the frame 228, a pair of idlers 240 are rotatably pivoted at positions near the left and right ends of the idler shaft 229, and a pair of left and right pivoting arms 242 having rollers 241 rotatably pivotally attached to both ends are provided on both sides. Idler axis on the outside of idler 240
It is fixed to 229. In addition, the roller shaft 23
A pair of feed rollers 243 are fixed at positions near the left and right ends of 0. Both feed rollers 243 are made of a material having a high friction coefficient such as rubber. The idler shaft 229 is configured to be rotationally driven by a drive motor 245 attached to the outer surface of the one side plate 231 via a mounting metal fitting 244. Further, the roller shaft 230 is configured to be rotationally driven by another drive motor 246 attached to one support plate 234 laterally outside one side plate 231.

A pair of roller automatic lifting mechanisms 248 are attached to the outer surfaces of both side plates 231 and 232. Both of these roller automatic lifting mechanisms 248 have the same structure, and include a pair of rotary cams 249 fixed to the left and right ends of the idler shaft 229, both side plates 231,
It is configured by a pair of slide plates 250 mounted on the outer surface of 232 so as to be vertically movable. Both rotary cams 249 are circular plates each having a recess 251 in a part of the peripheral surface 249a. Both slide plates 250 are vertically arranged between both rotary cams 249 and both support plates 234, 235, and both side plates 23
A pair of upper and lower guide pins 252 provided at 1, 232 are engaged by a pair of upper and lower elongated holes 253 so as to be vertically movable. Then, both slide plates 250 are urged upward in the arrow u direction in FIG. 28A by both support plates 234 and 235 which are urged by both springs 238 to rotate in the arrow t direction in FIG. 28A, The upper ends 250a of the slide plates 250 are the peripheral surface 24 of the rotary cam 249.
Pressed on 9a.

On the outer side of the other side plate 232, a rotary plate 256 having a small protrusion 255 on a part of its outer periphery is fixed to the end of the idler shaft 229. Then, three sensors 258, 259, 260 for detecting the three rotational positions of the small protrusions 255 are attached to the sensor mounting plate 257 which is attached to the side plate 232 and is arranged in parallel close to the lateral outer position of the rotary plate 256. It is provided. The small protrusion 255 of the rotary plate 256 is configured to rotate in exactly the same phase as the rotating arms 242, and the rotating position of the rotating arms 242 can be detected by the rotating position of the small protrusion 255. Has been done.

Next, the cassette transfer passages 56 and 57 of the cassette transfer machine 53 and the VTRs 5 which are carried out by the cassette automatic loading / unloading device 227.
The automatic transfer operation of the cassette 51 with the 4 will be described.

First, the automatic feeding (loading) operation of the cassette 51 from the one cassette transfer passage 56 into the VTR 54 will be explained.
As shown in the figure, after one outlet 220 of the cassette transfer passage 56 of the cassette transfer device 53 is positioned in front of the cassette inlet / outlet 226 of the VTR 54, the drive motor 198 is operated as described above.
Is energized and the cassette transfer device 173 is operated. Then, the cassette 51 accommodated in the cassette transfer passage 56 as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is sent from the front end portion 51a side to the outside of the delivery port 220 in the direction of arrow c. At this time, one of the drive motors 246 is energized at the same time, the drive motor 246 is driven to rotate forward, and the feed rollers 243 are driven to rotate in the direction of arrow v in FIGS. 28B and 29A via the roller shaft 230. It

However, at this time, initially, as shown in FIG. 28A, the recesses 251 of the rotary cams 249 are located directly above the upper ends 250a of the slide plates 250, and the upper ends 250a of the recesses 251 enter the recesses 251. . As a result, the feed rollers 243, which are biased upward by the springs 238 in the direction of the arrow t, move toward the cassette 51.
Has entered the movement trajectory of. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the upper surfaces of both feed rollers 243 are pushed up to a position P ₄ higher by a predetermined height H ₁ than the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51 to be fed, and both feed rollers 243 with respect to both idlers 240 are pushed. interval
l ₂ is smaller than the vertical thickness l ₃ of the cassette 51. In this state, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 28B, the arrow c
The front end 51a of the cassette 51 sent out in the direction
It is inserted between 40 and both feed rollers 243. Then, the two feed rollers 243 move the two springs 238 by the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51.
Is pushed down in the direction of the arrow t '. Then, the repulsive force (spring force) of both springs 238 causes the both feed rollers 243 to repulsive force (spring force) to cause the both feed rollers 243 to fall into the cassette 51.
By being pressed by the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51, the cassette 51 is elastically held from above and below by the idlers 240 and the feed rollers 243. Therefore, the driving force by the both feed rollers 243 which is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow v in FIG.
When the cassette 51 is securely transmitted to the cassette 1, the cassette 51 is surely sent from the cassette inlet / outlet port 226 into the conventionally known cassette holder (not shown) in the VTR 54 in the direction of arrow c.

When the cassette 51 is fed into the VTR 54 to the position shown by the solid line in FIGS. 28C and 29A, the sensor 262 attached to the top plate 261 of the frame 228 as shown in FIG. 26 causes the rear end of the cassette 51 to move. The part 51b is detected and one drive motor 246
At the same time as turning off the power supply to the other drive motor 245. As a result, the feeding operation of the cassette 51 is switched from the both feeding rollers 243 to the pushing operation by the both rotating arms 242. At this point, the drive motor 198 is also de-energized and the cassette transfer device 173 is deactivated.

Then, the drive motor 245 is driven to rotate in the forward direction, and the two rotary arms 242, both rotary cams 249, and the rotary plate 256 are integrated with each other through the idler shaft 229 in the direction of arrow w in FIGS. 28B and 29A. It is driven to rotate. And both rotation arms 242 are the second
In FIG. 9A, both rollers 2 at the tip of both rotation arms 242 when rotated in the arrow w direction from the backward movement position of the solid line to the position of the one-dot chain line
41 is brought into contact with the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51, and thereafter both rotary arms 242 are continuously rotated in the arrow w direction to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 29B, whereby the cassette 51 is rotated.
It is pushed by 242 and automatically pushed into the VTR 54 in the direction of arrow c.

Note that when the cassette 51 is pushed into the VTR 54 to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 29B, the cassette 51 is automatically loaded by the cassette holder in the VTR 54, and the cassette 51 is automatically placed in the VTR 54, as is well known. Is loaded and loaded, after which video playback (and / or video recording) of the loaded set 51 is automatically performed.

On the other hand, when both rotary cams 249 start to rotate in the direction of arrow w from the position of FIG. 28B, at that moment, both slide plates 250 are moved by the peripheral surface 249a of both rotary cams 249 as shown in FIG. 28C. It is pushed down in the u'direction. Then both slide plates 25
By the lower end 250b of 0, both support plates 234, 235 are pushed down in the direction of arrow u ', and both support plates 234, 235 are rotated against both springs 238 in the direction of arrow t'in FIG. 28C. It As a result, the second
Double feed roller 243 as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in Fig. 6 and Fig. 29A.
Is further pushed downward, and the upper surfaces of both feed rollers 243 are pushed and held to a position P ₅ lower by a predetermined height H ₂ than the position P ₃ of the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51.

Further, when the rotating arm 242 rotated in the w direction reaches the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 29B as described above, the small projection 255 of the rotary plate 256 which is also rotated in the w direction reaches the position shown in FIG. 28D. Reached
The small protrusion 255 is detected by the sensor 260. Then, the drive motor 245 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and this time the both rotary arms 242, both rotary cams 249 and the rotary plate 256 are united and returned in the arrow w'direction in FIGS. 28D and 29B. When both pivot arms 242 are returned to the positions shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 29B, the small protrusions 255 of the rotary plate 256 reach the position shown in FIG. 28C, and the small protrusions 255 are detected by the sensor 259. Then, the drive motor 245 is de-energized.

Next, the automatic sending (discharging) operation of the cassette 51 from the VTR 54 into the other cassette transfer passage 57 will be described. First, as is well known in the art, after the video reproduction (and / or video recording) by the VTR 54 is completed, The cassette 51 of the cassette is inserted from the rear end portion 51b side as shown in FIG. 29B.
Is ejected so as to be automatically ejected outward in the direction of arrow c '.

At this time, however, since both rotary arms 242 are on standby at the position shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 29B, the ejected cassette 51 is moved by the rear end portion 51b of both rotary arms 242. It is brought into contact with 241 and stopped at the fixed position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line.

That is, unless the both rotating arms 242 are in the standby position, the rear end portion 51 of the cassette 51 ejected in the direction of arrow c '.
There is a risk that b may fly into the transfer passage of the cassette transfer machine 53 and hinder the transfer of the cassette transfer machine 53.
This danger can be avoided by stopping 51 at the fixed position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 29B.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the upper surfaces of both feed rollers 243 are lowered to a position P ₅ lower by a predetermined height H ₂ than the position P ₃ of the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51. Therefore, the discharging operation of the cassette 51 in the direction of the arrow c'is not obstructed at all.

That is, when the upper surfaces of both feed rollers 243 are raised to a position higher than the position P ₃ of the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51, the cassette 5 ejected from the cassette insertion / removal inside 226 in the direction of arrow c '.
1 the rear end portion 51b is collided with both the feed rollers 243 and stopped, and the rear end portion 51b is stopped by the both idlers 240 and the both feed rollers 24.
I can't get in between 3. However, the upper surface of both feed rollers 243 is lower than the position P ₃ of the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51.
Since it is lowered to P ₅ , the rear end 51b of the cassette 51 is
As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 9B, it can be securely inserted between both idlers 240 and both feed rollers 243.

When the sensor 262 detects the position of the rear end portion 51b of the cassette 51 that has been ejected, the other drive motor 2
45 is energized, and the drive motor 245 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and the both rotating arms 242 and the both rotating cams 24 are moved through the idler shaft 229.
9 and the rotary plate 256 are integrally rotated in the arrow w'direction in FIGS. 28C and 29B. And both rotation arms 242 are the second
When it is moved back to the return position shown in Fig. 9A, the small protrusion 255 on the rotary plate 256
Reaches the initial position in FIG. 28A and is detected by the sensor 258, and the drive motor 245 is de-energized.

Then, at this time, as shown in FIG. 28A, the concave portions 251 of the rotary cams 249 are returned to the positions right above the upper ends 250a of the slide plates 250 as in the beginning. Then, at that moment, the upper end 2 of both slide plates 250
50a enters into the recess 251 from the peripheral surface 249a of both rotary cams 249, both support plates 234, 235 are rotated in the direction of arrow t in FIG. 28A by both springs 238, and both feed rollers 243 are shown in FIG. 29B. Is pushed up in the direction of arrow t as indicated by the one-dot chain line. As a result,
Both feed rollers 243 are pressed against the bottom surface 51e of the cassette 51,
The cassette 51 is elastically clamped from above and below by the idlers 240 and the feed rollers 243.

Next, as shown in FIG. 30, after the other cassette transfer passage 57 of the cassette transfer machine 53 is positioned in front of the cassette inlet / outlet port 226, one drive motor 246 is energized.
Then, the drive motor 246 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and the roller shaft 230
Both feed rollers 243 are driven to rotate in the direction of arrow v'in FIG. At this time, as described above, the drive motor 19
9 is energized and the cassette transfer device 174 is operated.

As a result, the cassette 51 is sent out in the direction of the arrow c'in FIG. 30 from the cassette inlet / outlet port 226 by the reverse operation of the cassette automatic feeding operation described above, and is automatically sent into the cassette transfer passage 57. When the cassette 51 is completely fed into the cassette transfer passage 57 as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 30, it is detected by the sensor 263 attached to the other side plate 177 as shown in FIG. The position of the rear end portion 51b is detected, and the drive motors 199 and 246 are de-energized.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various effective modifications can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention.

For example, a pushing member 130 that constitutes the cassette pushing mechanism 122,
The stopper 131 and the detection member 132 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. That is, for example, the detection member 132 is composed of a sensor, and the lock at the backward movement position of the pushing member 130 is electrically released by the detection of the sensor, and the pushing member 130 is pushed toward the forward movement position side by the spring 129. It can also be configured to issue.

Further, the reciprocating motion of the pushing member 130, the stopper 131 and the detecting member 132 may be linear motion or rotary motion.

[Application example]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is not limited to an automatic loading device for a video cassette, but can be applied to an automatic loading device for cassettes, cartridges and jackets in which various record carriers are stored.

〔The invention's effect〕

The present invention allows a cassette stored in each storage space of a cassette storage shelf to be automatically pushed out to a cassette transfer machine by a cassette pushing mechanism, while being inserted into a large number of storage spaces of a cassette storage rack. It is possible to easily perform a setting operation of inserting a large number of cassettes from the mouth and a withdrawing operation of extracting a large number of cassettes in a large number of storage spaces from the insertion opening from the insertion opening side opposite to the cassette transfer machine side. Therefore, when carrying out the above-mentioned set or extraction work, the cassette transfer machine does not get in the way at all, and it is very convenient,
The above-mentioned set or extraction work can be performed with high efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a video cassette automatic loading device. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the entire device, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic operations of the entire device. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are perspective views of the entire apparatus,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a hinge structure portion of a cassette storage shelf, FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a transfer drive device of a cassette transfer machine, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a vertical guide rail and a slider part of the same. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the horizontal guide rail portion of the same, Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the universal joint portion of the above, Fig. 11 is a side view of the universal joint portion of the same, Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 11,
FIG. 13 is a front view for explaining the sliding condition of the horizontal guide with respect to the pair of vertical guide rails, and FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining the cassette pushing mechanism provided in each storage space of the cassette storage shelf. Fig. 16 is a front view of the above, Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B are views for explaining the operation of the cassette extruding mechanism taken along the line 16-16 in Fig. 14, and Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the guide mechanism of the extruding member. 18A to 18F are sectional views for explaining the operation of the pushing member, FIG. 19 is a side view for explaining the operation of removing the cassette from the cassette storage shelf, and FIG. 20 is provided in a pair of cassette transfer passages of the cassette transfer machine. FIG. 21 is a front view for explaining the cassette transfer device thus constructed, and FIG. 21 is a view for explaining an automatic cassette extruding operation from the cassette storage rack to the cassette transfer machine. Fig. 20 21-21
FIG. 22 is a view in the direction of arrows, FIG. 22 is a view in the direction of arrows 22-22 in FIG.
21 Fig. 23-23 line view, Fig. 24A and Fig. 24B are side views for explaining the cassette automatic push-back operation from the cassette transfer machine to the cassette storage rack, and Fig. 25 is the 24A line 25-25 arrow in Fig. 23A. Perspective view, second
Fig. 6 is a front view for explaining an automatic cassette loading / unloading device provided in each VTR, Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the roller automatic lifting mechanism shown in Fig. 27, and Figs. 28A to 28D are automatic cassettes from the cassette transfer machine to the VTR. FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 28, which illustrates the feeding operation, and FIGS. 29A and 29B are sectional views taken along line 29-29 of FIG. The figure is
FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining an automatic cassette feeding operation from the VTR to the cassette transfer machine. Further, in the reference numerals used in the drawings, 51: cassette 52: cassette storage shelf name 53: cassette transfer machine 54: VTR 55: storage space 122: cassette extrusion mechanism 123: shelf plate 126: push Outlet 127 …… Insertion port 129 …… Spring 130 …… Extruding member 131 …… Stopper 132 …… Detecting member.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A cassette storage shelf having a plurality of storage spaces for storing a plurality of cassettes, one or a plurality of recording / reproducing devices having at least a reproducing function, the cassette storage shelf and the recording / reproducing device. And a cassette transfer device that is moved between the cassette transfer device and the cassette transfer device, wherein the cassette transfer device is configured to transfer the cassette taken out from the storage space of the cassette storage shelf and load the cassette in the recording / reproducing device. In a cassette automatic loading device configured to transfer a cassette taken out from the recording / reproducing device and store it in the original storage space of the cassette storage rack, the cassette storage device is opened so as to open to the cassette transfer machine side. In the storage space of each of the above cassette storage shelves, an extrusion opening provided in each storage space of the shelf and an opening on the side opposite to the cassette transfer machine side are opened. And a cassette push-out mechanism provided in each of the storage spaces so as to push out the cassette stored in each of the storage spaces of the cassette storage shelf from the extrusion port to the cassette transfer machine. Further, each of the cassette push-out mechanism is biased by a spring from the insertion port side to the push-out port side in the forward direction,
An extruding member that can freely reciprocate between a return position and a forward position,
In order to detect the cassette inserted into the storage space,
The detection member provided on the extrusion port side, and the backward movement position having a blocking action for blocking the pushing of the cassette to the cassette transfer machine from the returning position to release the blocking action to the forward position, It has a stopper provided near the ejection port and a control means for controlling the operation of the ejection member according to the presence or absence of the detection of the cassette by the detection member, and the cassette is a storage space of the cassette storage shelf from the insertion port. When the cassette is inserted into the cassette, the position of the cassette in the insertion direction is regulated by the stopper at the return position, and the control means detects the cassette and the pushing means moves the extrusion member to the return position. Is configured to move from the disengagement position with respect to the cassette to the engagement position with respect to the cassette. When it is moved to the position, the pushing member is moved from the returning position to the moving position by the urging force of the spring to push the cassette from the pushing port to the cassette transfer machine. When the cassette is pushed back from the cassette transfer device into the storage space of the cassette storage rack, the cassette returns the push-out member from the forward movement position to the backward movement position against the biasing force of the spring. And the stopper is configured to return from the release position to the return position to prevent the cassette from being pushed out to the cassette transfer machine, and when the cassette in the storage space is removed from the insertion opening. In addition, when the detection member stops detecting the cassette, the control means retracts the push-out member from the engaged position to the disengaged position at the returning position. Automatic cassette loading apparatus characterized by being.