JP2016091584A - Disk device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a disk device that has high extendability.SOLUTION: A disk device 10 has multiple modules 20, 30, 40 arranged in the first direction, a carrier unit 70 retaining disks, and a carrier unit moving mechanism for moving a carrier unit so as to make multiple modules pass in the first direction. As the carrier unit moving mechanism, first racks 140 and second racks 142 are provided in parallel to each module, and first pinions 92 engaging the first racks and second pinions 94 engaging the second racks are provided in the carrier unit so that a first direction position is different. Also, the first racks 140 are provided at each module so as to be arranged in the first direction at intervals. Further, the second racks are provided at each module so as to be engaged at least in the second pinion during the first pinion is disengaged from one hand of adjacent first rack and engaged with the other first rack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a disk device that stores a plurality of disks and removes an arbitrary disk from the storage location.

  Conventionally, a plurality of disc-shaped recording media (hereinafter referred to as “discs”) such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) are stored, and an arbitrary disc in the disc is placed at a position for reproducing information stored on the disc. A disk device for conveying is known.

  For example, the disk device described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of magazines that accommodate a plurality of disks in a state of being stacked in the thickness direction. The magazine includes a magazine tray that holds a plurality of discs in a stacked state, and a magazine case that houses the magazine tray. Only the magazine tray is transported to a predetermined position from a magazine arranged at a predetermined storage location, and a plurality of disks are taken out from the magazine tray at the predetermined position. The plurality of disks taken out from the magazine tray are placed on the trays of a plurality of disk drive devices that reproduce information recorded on the disks.

JP2013-229087A

  By the way, there is a demand for a disk device with high expandability that can increase the number of stored disks (number of disks handled) virtually indefinitely. This is because it is costly to increase the number of disk devices as the number of disks handled increases.

  However, if the disk device is configured so that the number of stored disks can be increased substantially without limit, the structure of the mechanism for transporting the disk becomes complicated.

  Therefore, the present disclosure is capable of increasing the number of stored disks substantially unlimitedly, and has a disk transport mechanism that can cope with a substantially unlimited increase in the number of stored disks with a simple configuration, and has high expandability. It is an object to provide a disk device.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure,
A plurality of modules including at least one disk storage module for storing a plurality of disks and arranged side by side in a first direction;
A carrier unit for holding the disk in the disk storage module;
A carrier unit moving mechanism that moves the carrier unit so that each of the plurality of modules arranged in the first direction passes in the first direction,
Carrier unit moving mechanism
A first rack provided in each module and extending in a first direction;
A second rack provided in each module and extending parallel to the first rack;
A first pinion provided on the carrier unit and rotating in engagement with the first rack;
A second pinion provided at a first direction position different from the first pinion in the carrier unit and rotating by engaging with the second rack;
When the plurality of modules are arranged in the first direction, the first rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism is arranged so that the first racks of the modules are arranged in the first direction at intervals. Provided in the module,
The first pinion is separated from one of the two first racks adjacent to each other with a spacing in the first direction, and the second pinion is engaged with the other first rack. A disk device is provided in which each module is provided with a second rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism such that the pinion of the carrier unit is at least engaged with the second rack.

  According to the present disclosure, the disk device can increase the number of stored disks by substantially increasing the number of disk storage modules, and can increase the number of stored disks by a simple configuration. Can be provided. As a result, the disk device can have high expandability.

The perspective view of the disc apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this indication of the state attached to the rack frame 1 is a perspective view of the disk device of FIG. 1 with the rack frame omitted. The figure which shows the inside of the disk apparatus of FIG. Perspective view of magazine containing multiple discs Exploded view of the magazine shown in FIG. A perspective view of a magazine unit that holds a plurality of magazines and is attached to and detached from a disk device Perspective view of magazine carrier unit that transports magazine tray of magazine A perspective view of a drive unit for reproducing information in a disc Perspective view of the front-side pinion unit mounted on the magazine carrier unit Exploded view of the front side pinion unit shown in FIG. Front view of the front side pinion unit shown in FIG. The figure which shows the drive source which is mounted in the magazine carrier unit and drives the front side pinion unit Perspective view of rear-side pinion unit mounted on magazine carrier unit Exploded view of rear side pinion unit shown in FIG. Front view of rear side pinion unit shown in FIG. An exploded view of part of a disk unit showing a rack FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a part of a disk device showing a rack, viewed from a different viewpoint than FIG. The figure which shows the state which the 1st front side pinion and the 1st front side rack are engaging. The figure which shows the state which the 1st rear side pinion and the 1st rear side rack are engaging. The figure which shows schematically the 1st front side pinion and 2nd front side pinion of a magazine carrier unit, and the 1st front side rack and 2nd front side rack of each module The two first front racks in a state where the first front pinion is engaged with the first front rack and the second front pinion is not engaged with the second front rack. Enlarged view of the facing area The enlarged view of the opposing area | region of two 1st front side racks in the state which the 1st and 2nd front side pinion moved upward from the state shown to FIG. 21A The enlarged view of the opposing area | region of two 1st front side racks in the state which the 1st and 2nd front side pinion moved upward from the state shown to FIG. 21B The enlarged view of the opposing area | region of two 1st front side racks in the state which the 1st and 2nd front side pinion moved upward from the state shown to FIG. 21C The enlarged view of the opposing area | region of two 1st front side racks in the state which the 1st and 2nd front side pinion moved upward from the state shown to FIG. 21D The enlarged view of the edge part of the 1st and 2nd front side rack

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a disk device according to the present embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, an XYZ coordinate system is defined. The X-axis direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the disk device, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the width direction of the disk device, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the disk device 10 according to the present embodiment is used in a state of being attached to a 19-inch rack frame F, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2 in which the rack frame F is omitted from FIG. 1, the disk device 10 includes a plurality of modules 20, 30, and 40 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The disk device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has three modules 20, 30, and 40. However, the disk device according to the present embodiment only needs to have at least two modules, and the number of modules is determined. Not limited.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the disk device 10 has a bottom module 20, a main module 30, and an expansion module 40 as a plurality of modules. These three modules 20, 30, and 40 are arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, each of the three modules 20, 30, and 40 is attached to the rack frame F shown in FIG. 1 via, for example, screws (not shown), so that the three modules 20, 30, and 40 are arranged in the vertical direction. It is done.

  FIG. 3 shows the inside of the disk device 10. That is, the left side panels 22L, 32L, and 42L and the front panels 24, 34, and 44 are removed from the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and the expansion module 40, respectively. In FIG. 3, the magazine unit 60L holding the plurality of magazines 50 is removed from the main module 30 and the expansion module 40, as will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 stores a plurality of magazines 50 that contain a plurality of disks. That is, the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 are disk storage modules that store a plurality of disks.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the plurality of magazines 50 are arranged in a matrix along the left side panels 32L and 42L and the right side panels 32R and 42R of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 (see FIG. 3). (Only a plurality of magazines 50 arranged along the right side panels 32R, 42R are shown).

  In the present embodiment, each of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 can store up to 80 magazines 50. Specifically, 40 units can be stored in the left side panels 32L and 42L, and 40 units can be stored in the right side panels 32R and 42R. In each of the left side panels 32L, 42L and the right side panels 32R, 42R, 10 magazines 50 are arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and four in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). In FIG. 3, five magazines 50 are arranged in the vertical direction on the right side panels 32R and 42R side of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40, respectively. Further, the magazine 50 arranged on the left side panels 32L and 42L side of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 and the magazine 50 arranged on the right side panels 32R and 42R side have a magazine carrier unit 70 described later in the vertical direction. It is opposed to the width direction (Y-axis direction) with an interval movable in the (Z-axis direction) (see FIG. 20).

  FIG. 4 shows one magazine 50. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the magazine 50. In the present embodiment, the magazine 50 has a magazine tray 52 and a magazine case 54 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the magazine tray 52 of the magazine 50 is configured to accommodate a plurality of discs D so as to be removable in the disc thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the magazine tray 52 is configured to receive a plurality of disks D in a state of being stacked in the thickness direction, and includes a support pin portion 52a that is inserted into the center hole Da of the plurality of disks D.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the magazine case 54 of the magazine 50 is configured to detachably store the magazine tray 52 in the radial direction of the disk D stored in the magazine tray 52. For this purpose, the magazine case 54 has an opening 54a through which the magazine tray 52 passes.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the magazine 50 is held by the magazine units 60L and 60R.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the magazine units 60 </ b> L and 60 </ b> R are detachably attached to the main module 30 and the expansion module 40. The magazine unit 60L is disposed on the left side of the disk device 10 (the main module 30 and the expansion module 40), while the magazine unit 60R is disposed on the right side. The magazine units 60L and 60R have a symmetrical configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the magazine unit 60 </ b> R has a plurality of magazine holding units 62 that detachably holds the magazine 50, and a front panel unit 64 that a user holds when removing the magazine unit 60 </ b> R from the disk device 10. . Although not shown, the magazine unit 60L similarly has a magazine holding part 62 and a front panel part 64.

  The magazine units 60L and 60R hold the plurality of magazines 50 by detachably mounting the magazines 50 on the plurality of magazine holding units 62, respectively. In the case of the present embodiment, the magazine units 60L and 60R can hold a maximum of eight magazines 50. For example, the magazine units 60L and 60R can hold two magazines 50 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and four magazines 50 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). In FIG. 6, the magazine unit 60R holds eight magazines 50.

  Further, the magazine holders 62 of the magazine units 60L and 60R hold the magazine case 54 so that the magazine tray 52 can be removed from the magazine case 54 of the magazine 50. In the case of the present embodiment, the width from the magazine units 60L and 60R (the magazine 50 held therein) arranged along the left side panels 32L and 42L and the right side panels 32R and 42R of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40, respectively. The magazine tray 52 is removed toward the center of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 in the direction (Y-axis direction). As will be described in detail later, the magazine carrier unit 70 that moves the central portion of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) moves the magazine tray 52 of the magazine 50 to the magazine unit. Remove from 60L, 60R (magazine 50 held on it).

  The magazine units 60L and 60R can be attached to and detached from the main module 30 and the extension module 40 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 2, when the magazine units 60L and 60R are mounted on the main module 30 and the expansion module 40, the front panel portion 64 of the magazine units 60L and 60R is connected to the front panel 34 of the main module 30 and the expansion module 40. , 44 constitutes a decorative surface of the disk device 10. When the user grasps the front panel portion 64 of the magazine units 60L and 60R and removes it from the main module 30 or the expansion module 40, the magazine 50 can be attached to or removed from the magazine units 60L and 60R. .

  FIG. 7 shows that the magazine tray 52 is taken out from the magazine 50 held in the magazine units 60L and 60R mounted in the main module 30 and the expansion module 40, and the taken out magazine tray 52 is transported, that is, the disk D is transported. A magazine carrier unit 70 that functions as a disc transport unit is shown.

  Specifically, the magazine carrier unit 70 includes a base portion 72 that can pass through the plurality of modules 20, 30, and 40 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the front-rear direction of the disk device 10 on the base portion 72 ( The slider unit 74 is mounted so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, and the magazine picker unit 76 is mounted on the slider unit 74 and takes out the magazine tray 52 from the magazine 50 and holds it.

  As will be described in detail later, the base 72 of the magazine carrier unit 70 has a central portion in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the disk device 10 in each of the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and the expansion module 40 in the vertical direction (Z-axis). Direction). As a result, the magazine picker unit 74 can be aligned with the vertical position (Z-axis direction position) of an arbitrary magazine 50 stored in the main module 30 and the expansion module 40.

  The slider unit 74 mounted on the base portion 72 of the magazine carrier unit 70 is provided on the base portion 72 and moves along a guide rail 78 extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the disk device 10. As a result, the magazine picker unit 74 can be aligned with the position in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction position) of an arbitrary magazine 50 stored in the main module 30 and the expansion module 40.

  The magazine picker unit 76 mounted on the slider unit 74 is configured to take out the magazine tray 52 from an arbitrary magazine 50 stored in the main module 30 and the expansion module 40. Further, the magazine picker unit 76 is rotatable around a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), rotates while holding the magazine tray 52 taken out from the magazine 50, and the magazine tray. 52 is mounted on the tray mounting portion 74 a of the slider unit 74.

  In the present embodiment, the magazine carrier unit 70 stands by in the bottom module 20 that is the initial position, as shown in FIG.

  The magazine tray 52 placed on the tray placement portion 74a of the slider unit 74 by the magazine picker unit 76 is conveyed to the drive unit 80 shown in FIG. In the case of the present embodiment, the drive unit 80 is mounted on the rear side of the main module 30.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the drive unit 80 includes a plurality of disk drive devices 82L and 82R that reproduce information stored in the disk D or store information in the disk D. Each of the plurality of disk drive devices 82L and 82R is capable of moving back and forth in the horizontal direction and includes a tray (not shown) on which the disk D is placed.

  Specifically, the plurality of disk drive devices 82L are arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) on the left side of the disk device 10 (main module 30). On the other hand, the plurality of disk drive devices 82R are arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) on the right side of the disk device 10 (main module 30).

  The disk drive device 82L arranged on the left side of the main module 30 and the disk drive device 82R arranged on the right side are opposed to each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the disk device 10 with a space therebetween. The disk drive device 82L arranged on the left side is arranged in such a posture that the tray protrudes toward the disk drive device 82R on the right side. On the other hand, the right disk drive device 82R is arranged in such a posture that the tray protrudes toward the left disk drive device 82L.

  8, the drive unit 80 includes a plurality of disk drive devices 82L arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) on the left side of the disk device 10 and a plurality of disk drive devices 82R arranged in the vertical direction on the right side. It has a disk mounter unit 84 that moves in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

  The disc mounter unit 84 takes out a plurality of discs D from the magazine tray 52 placed on the tray placement portion 74a of the slider unit 74 of the magazine carrier unit 70, and removes the taken out discs D into a plurality of disc drive devices. It is configured to be mounted on the 82L and 82R trays.

  More specifically, the slider unit 74 of the magazine carrier unit 70 moves to the rear side of the main module 30, whereby the magazine tray 52 placed on the tray placement portion 74 a of the slider unit 74 is replaced with the disk of the drive unit 80. It is disposed below the mounter unit 84.

  The disk mounter unit 84 of the drive unit 80 descends toward the magazine tray 52 and holds a plurality of disks D accommodated in the magazine tray 52. The disk mounter unit 84 holding the plurality of disks D rises and waits.

  The tray of one disk drive device 82L (or 82R) on which the lowest disk D among the plurality of disks D held by the disk mounter unit 84 is mounted pops out and is disposed below the disk mounter unit 84. The The disk mounter unit 84 descends toward the tray protruding from the disk drive device 82L (or 82R), and mounts the lowermost disk D on the tray. After mounting the disk D corresponding to the tray, the disk mounter unit 84 is raised, and the tray on which the disk D is mounted returns to the disk drive device. By repeating such an operation, each of the plurality of disks D held by the disk mounter unit 84 is mounted on the corresponding disk drive device 82L, 82R.

  From here, a carrier unit moving mechanism for moving the magazine carrier unit 70 shown in FIG. 7 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) will be described.

  The magazine carrier unit 70 shown in FIG. 7 moves between a plurality of modules in order to convey the magazine tray 52 of the magazine 50 in the main module 30 or the expansion module 40 and to stand by in the bottom module 20.

  The number of modules to which the magazine carrier unit 70 moves (passes) is determined by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the magazine carrier unit 70 passes through one bottom module 20, one main module 30, and one expansion module 40 arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). . Further, for example, the magazine carrier unit 70 passes through one bottom module 20, one main module 30, and a plurality of expansion modules 40 arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, it is necessary to configure the disk device 10 so that the magazine carrier unit 70 can pass an arbitrary number of modules.

  As a countermeasure, the disk unit 10 is provided with a carrier unit moving mechanism configured to pass an arbitrary number of modules through the magazine carrier unit 70.

  Specifically, the carrier unit moving mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism, in which a pinion is provided in the magazine carrier unit 70 and a rack is provided in the modules 20, 30 and 40. Hereinafter, the carrier unit moving mechanism will be specifically described.

  First, the magazine carrier unit 70 includes pinion units 90 and 120 as shown in FIG. One pinion unit 90 includes a gear box attached to the front side of the base portion 72 of the magazine carrier unit 70 (the front side of the disk device 10). The other pinion unit 120 includes a gear box attached to the rear side of the base portion 72 of the magazine carrier unit 70 (the rear side of the disk device 10).

  FIG. 9 shows the front-side pinion unit 90. The front-side pinion unit 90 includes a plurality of first front-side pinions 92 and a plurality of second front-side pinions 94 as part of the components of the carrier unit moving mechanism.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the front side pinion unit 90. Specifically, the front side pinion unit 90 with the gear box cover 96 shown in FIG. 9 removed is shown. FIG. 11 is a front view of the front-side pinion unit 90 with the gear box cover 96 removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first front-side pinion 92 and the second front-side pinion 94 have pinion teeth 92a that engage with rack teeth of racks of modules 20, 30, and 40, which will be described in detail later. , 94a, and gear teeth 92b, 94b drivingly connected to the drive gear 98. Although the reason will be described later, the first front-side pinion 92 and the second front-side pinion 94 are arranged at positions in different vertical directions (Z-axis directions).

  The drive gear 98 is drivingly connected to the gear teeth 94b of the second front side pinion 94 via a plurality of power transmission gears 100 to 108. The gear teeth 94 b of the second front side pinion 94 are drivingly connected to the gear teeth 92 b of the first front side pinion 92 via the power transmission gear 110.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the drive gear 98 is rotationally driven by a motor 112 attached to the back side (the lower side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction)) of the base part 72 of the magazine carrier unit 70. Specifically, the drive gear is connected via a worm 114 attached to the motor 112, a worm wheel 116 that engages with the worm 114, and a power transmission shaft 118 that transmits the power of the motor 112 from the worm wheel 116 to the drive gear 98. 98 is rotationally driven by a motor 112.

  The first front-side pinion 92 and the second front-side pinion 94 that are driven by the same drive gear 98 (the same motor 112) are connected in the same direction by being connected via the power transmission gear 110. Synchronously rotate. In the present embodiment, the first front-side pinion 92, the second front-side pinion 94, the drive gear 98, and the power transmission gears 100 to 110 of the front-side pinion unit 90 are arranged in the front-rear direction of the disk device 10. It rotates about a rotation center line extending in the (X-axis direction).

  FIG. 13 shows the rear-side pinion unit 120. Similarly to the front side pinion unit 90, the rear side pinion unit 120 includes a plurality of first rear side pinions 122 and a plurality of second rear side pinions 124 as a part of components of the carrier unit moving mechanism. .

  FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the rear side pinion unit 120. Specifically, the rear side pinion unit 120 with the gear box cover 126 shown in FIG. 13 removed is shown. FIG. 15 is a front view of the rear side pinion unit 120 with the gear box cover 126 removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first rear side pinion 122 and the second rear side pinion 124 have pinion teeth 122a, 124a that engage with rack teeth of modules 20, 30, and 40, which will be described in detail later. And gear teeth 122b and 124b that are drivingly connected to the driving gear 128. Moreover, although the reason is mentioned later, the 1st rear side pinion 122 and the 2nd rear side pinion 124 are arrange | positioned in the position of a different perpendicular direction (Z-axis direction).

  The drive gear 128 is drivingly connected to the gear teeth 124 b of the second rear side pinion 124 via a plurality of power transmission gears 130 and 132. Further, the gear teeth 124 b of the second rear side pinion 124 are drivingly connected to the gear teeth 122 b of the first rear side pinion 122 via the power transmission gear 134.

  The drive gear 128 of the rear side pinion unit 120 is also connected to the power transmission gear 104 of the front side pinion unit 90 via a connection shaft 136 extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the disk device 10. Therefore, the drive gear 128 of the rear side pinion unit 120 is rotationally driven by the drive gear 98 (that is, the motor 112) of the front side pinion unit 90 via the power transmission gears 100 to 102 of the front side pinion unit 90.

  Note that the first rear side pinion 122 and the second rear side pinion 124 driven by the same drive gear 128 are synchronously rotated in the same direction by being driven and connected via the power transmission gear 134. In the present embodiment, the first rear side pinion 122, the second rear side pinion 124, the drive gear 128, and the power transmission gears 130 to 134 of the rear side pinion unit 120 are arranged in the front-rear direction of the disk device 10. It rotates about a rotation center line extending in the (X-axis direction).

  Next, racks that engage with the first front side pinion 92, the second front side pinion 94, the first rear side pinion 122, and the second rear side pinion 124 of the magazine carrier unit 70 will be described.

  16 and 17 show the rack provided in the main module 30 as seen from different viewpoints. In FIGS. 16 and 17, a part of the main module 30 provided with the rack is shown in order to make the rack easy to see.

  16 and 17 show the chassis 36 of the main module 30. A left side panel 32L, a right side panel 32R, a front panel 34, and the like are attached to the chassis 36.

  The chassis 36 of the main module 30 includes a base portion 36 a that forms the bottom surface of the main module 30. A through hole 36b through which the magazine carrier unit 70 passes in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is formed in the base portion 36a.

  The chassis 36 includes side wall portions 36c, 36d, and 36e extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the front side and the rear side of the base portion 36a.

  The front side wall portion 36 c is formed at the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the base portion 36 a of the chassis 36. The reason is that the magazine units 60L and 60R pass through the left and right sides of the front side wall portion 36c in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and are attached to the main module 30.

  On the other hand, the rear side wall portions 36d and 36e are formed on both sides of the base portion 36a of the chassis 36 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The reason is that the magazine tray mounted on the tray mounting portion 74a passes through the slider unit 74 of the magazine carrier unit 70 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) between the two rear side wall portions 36d and 36e. This is because the plurality of disks D in 52 are conveyed to the drive unit 80.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a plurality of first front racks 140 and a plurality of second racks as a part of the components of the carrier unit moving mechanism are provided inside the front side wall portion 36 c of the chassis 36. A front rack 142 is provided. The first front side pinion 92 of the front side pinion unit 90 of the magazine carrier unit 70 is engaged with the first front side rack 140, and the second front side pinion 94 is engaged with the second front side rack 142. .

  In the case of the present embodiment, the first front side rack 140 and the second front side rack 142 extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the rack teeth 140a and 142a extend in the width direction of the disk device 10 ( It is provided on the front side wall portion 36c of the chassis 36 of the main module 30 in a state of facing outward (Y-axis direction). The first front rack 140 and the second front rack 142 are arranged in parallel to each other, and the second front rack 142 is arranged on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the first front rack 140. . Furthermore, the length of the second front side rack 142 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is shorter than that of the first front side rack 140.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, a plurality of first rear racks 144 and a plurality of first rear racks 144 as a part of the components of the carrier unit moving mechanism are provided inside the rear side wall portions 36 d and 36 e of the chassis 36. Two rear racks 146 are provided. The first rear side pinion 122 of the rear side pinion unit 120 of the magazine carrier unit 70 is engaged with the first rear side rack 144, and the second rear side pinion 124 is engaged with the second rear side rack 146. .

  In the case of this embodiment, the first rear rack 144 and the second rear rack 146 extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the rack teeth 144a and 146a are in the width direction (Y-axis direction). It is provided on the rear side wall portions 36d and 36e of the chassis 36 of the main module 30 in a state of facing outward. The first rear rack 144 and the second rear rack 146 are arranged in parallel to each other, and the second rear rack 146 is arranged on the inner side in the width direction with respect to the first rear rack 144. . Further, the length of the second rear side rack 146 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is shorter than that of the first rear side rack 144.

  The bottom module 20 and the extension module 40 also have the same length as the main module 30 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but the first front rack 140, the second front rack 142, One rear rack 144 and a second rear rack 146 are provided.

  From here, the first front-side pinion 92, the second front-side pinion 94, the first rear-side pinion 122, the second rear-side pinion 124, and the main module 30 ( The first front rack 140, the second front rack 142, the first rear rack 144, and the second rear rack 146 provided in the bottom module 20 and the expansion module 40) will be described in detail. To do. The first rear side pinion 122, the second rear side pinion 124, the first rear side rack 144, and the second rear side rack 146 include a first front side pinion 92 and a second front side pinion. 94, the first front side rack 140, and the second front side rack 142 are functionally identical. Therefore, the description of the rear side pinion and rack is omitted.

  FIG. 20 shows the first front side rack 140 of each of the first front side pinion 92 and the second front side pinion 94 of the magazine carrier unit 70, the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and the at least one expansion module 40. And the 2nd front side rack 142 is shown schematically.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and as described above, the disk device 10 is configured by arranging the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and at least one expansion module 40 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

  When the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and at least one expansion module 40 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the plurality of first front racks 140 are vertically spaced apart from each other. It is provided in each module so that it may line up. That is, although the reason will be described later, the first front racks 140 of the modules 20, 30, and 40 do not contact each other.

  Similarly, the second front side rack 142 is also provided in each module so as to be arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with a space therebetween.

  When the magazine carrier unit 70 moves inside the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and the at least one expansion module 40, the magazine carrier unit 70 is placed in the first front rack 140 of each module 20, 30, and 40. The first front side pinion 92 is engaged. That is, when the first front-side pinion 92 engaged with the first front-side rack 140 rotates, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves vertically in the corresponding module. At this time, the second front side pinion 94 is not engaged with the second front side rack 142.

  The magazine carrier unit 70 is adjacent to the second front side pinion 94 of the magazine carrier unit 70 and the second front side rack 142 of each of the bottom module 20, the main module 30, and the at least one expansion module 40. This is done when moving from one of the modules to the other. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 21A to 21E show two first modules provided in different modules (for example, the main module 30 and the expansion module 40 or the bottom module 20 and the main module 30) and arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at an interval. This shows the facing area of the front rack 140.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the pinion teeth 92a of the first front side pinion 92 of the magazine carrier unit 70 are connected to the rack teeth 140a in the upper end portion (on the expansion module 40 side) of the first front side rack 140 of the main module 30. Is engaged. On the other hand, the pinion teeth 94 a of the second front side pinion 94 are not engaged with the rack teeth 142 a of the second front side rack 142.

  When the first front side pinion 92 engaged with the first front side rack 140 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 21A, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves from the main module 30 side to the expansion module 40 side, and FIG. As shown, the pinion teeth 94a of the second front side pinion 94 begin to mesh with the rack teeth 142a of the second front side rack 142 (one pinion tooth 94a meshes with the rack teeth 142a). On the other hand, the meshing between the pinion teeth 92a of the first front-side pinion 92 and the rack teeth 140a of the first front-side rack 140 is partially eliminated (the number of meshing teeth decreases).

  When the second front-side pinion 94 engaged with the second front-side rack 142 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 21B, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves from the main module 30 side to the expansion module 40 side, and FIG. As shown, the pinion teeth 92 a of the first front side pinion 92 are completely separated from the rack teeth 140 a of the first front side rack 140 of the main module 30. Thus, after the first front side pinion 92 is separated from the first front side rack 140, the movement of the magazine carrier unit 70 is caused by the movement of the second front side pinion 94 engaged with the second front side rack 142. Done by rotation.

  When the second front-side pinion 94 engaged with the second front-side rack 142 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 21C, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves from the main module 30 side to the expansion module 40 side, and FIG. As shown, the teeth 92a of the first front-side pinion 92 begin to mesh with the rack teeth 140a of the first front-side rack 140 of the expansion module 40 (one pinion tooth 92a meshes with the rack teeth 140a). On the other hand, the meshing between the pinion teeth 94a of the second front side pinion 94 and the rack teeth 140a of the second front side rack 142 is partially eliminated (the number of meshing teeth decreases).

  When the first and second front side pinions 92 and 94 rotate from the state shown in FIG. 21D, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves from the main module 30 side to the expansion module 40 side (or from the bottom module 20 to the main module 30 side). 21E, the pinion teeth 94a of the second front side pinion 94 are completely separated from the rack teeth 142a of the second front side rack 142 of the main module 30 (or the bottom module 20).

As described with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21E, the first front-side pinion 92 is separated from one of the two first front-side racks 140 adjacent to each other with an interval in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second front side pinion 94 is engaged with the second front side rack 142 until the first front side pinion 92 is engaged with the other first front side rack 140.

  In the case of the present embodiment, when the magazine carrier unit 70 moves upward, after the second front side pinion 94 is engaged with the second front side rack 142, for example, the second front side pinion After the 94 pinion teeth 94 a engage with the two rack teeth 142 a ″ on the lower end side of the second front rack 142, the first front pinion 92 is separated from the first front rack 140. The first front side pinion 92 engages with the first front side rack 140 before the second front side pinion 94 moves away from the second front side rack 142. For example, the pinion of the first front side pinion 92 The teeth 92 a engage with the two rack teeth 140 a ″ on the lower end side of the first front rack 140.

  That is, when the pinion teeth 92a of the first front-side pinion 92 are engaged with the two rack teeth 140a ″ on the lower end side of the first front-side rack 140 in the expansion module 40, the second front-side pinion 94 The pinion teeth 94 a are engaged with the two rack teeth 142 a ′ on the upper end side of the second front rack 142 in the main module 30.

  Such movement of the magazine carrier unit 70 between the modules is such that the first front rack 140 and the second front rack 142 are provided in parallel in each module, and the first front pinion 92 is provided. And the second front side pinion 94 are provided in the magazine carrier unit 70 so that the positions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are different.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, when the magazine carrier unit 70 moves upward, the first front-side pinion 92 precedes the second front-side pinion 94. These are provided in the magazine carrier unit 70 as described above. Further, the second front rack 142 is arranged on the upper side in each module.

  Next, the reason why such movement between modules of the magazine carrier unit 70 is employed will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and as described above, the first front racks 140 of the modules 20, 30, and 40 are arranged at intervals in the movement direction (Z-axis direction) of the magazine carrier unit 70. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21C, when the magazine carrier unit 70 moves between the modules, the pinion teeth 92a of the first front-side pinion 92 of the first front-side rack 140 of each of both modules. The first front racks 140 of the modules are arranged at intervals so as not to contact the rack teeth 140a at the same time.

  The reason why the first front racks 140 of the modules 20, 30, and 40 are arranged in the movement direction (Z-axis direction) of the magazine carrier unit 70 with a space therebetween will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the disk device 10 is basically constructed by attaching each of a plurality of modules 20, 30, and 40 constituting the disk device 10 to a rack frame F. Therefore, due to the mounting error of each module 20, 30, and 40 with respect to the rack frame F (and the manufacturing error of the rack frame itself and the module itself), the gap between the modules after being mounted on the rack frame F varies. .

  Therefore, unlike the present embodiment, the disk device 10 is configured so that the pinion teeth 92a of the first front side pinion 92 are simultaneously engaged with the rack teeth 140a of the two adjacent first front side racks 140. When configured, a meshing abnormality may occur between the two first front side racks 140 adjacent to the first front side pinion 92 due to variation in the gap between the modules. For example, the first front-side pinion 92 cannot smoothly roll from one front-side rack 140 to the other front-side rack 140, and the magazine carrier unit 70 may not be able to move between modules.

  In consideration of such a gap variation between modules, in the present embodiment, the pinion teeth 92a of the first front side pinion 92 are completely separated from the rack teeth 140a of the first front side rack 140 of one module. After the separation, the rack teeth 140a of the first front rack 140 of the other module are engaged. That is, during the movement of the magazine carrier unit 70, there is a period in which the pinion teeth 92a of the first front side pinion 92 are not in contact with any of the rack teeth 140a of the plurality of first front side racks 140.

  The first front side pinion 92 and the second front side pinion 94 are engaged with the second front side pinion 94 so that the magazine carrier unit 70 can move while the first front side pinion 92 is not in contact with any of the plurality of first front side racks 140. There is a second front rack 142. That is, the first front-side pinion 92 is separated from one of the two first front-side racks 140 adjacent to each other with a gap in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the first front-side pinion 92 is moved to the other side. The second front side pinion 94 is engaged with the second front side rack 142 until it is engaged with the first front side rack 140. As a result, the magazine carrier unit 70 can move smoothly between modules.

  Referring to FIG. 20, when the magazine carrier unit 70 moves downward, for example, when the magazine carrier unit 70 moves from the expansion module 40 to the main module 30, the second front-side pinion 94 is connected to the second of the main module 30. After engaging with the front rack 142, the first front pinion 92 is separated from the first front rack 140 of the expansion module 40. Then, after the first front-side pinion 92 is engaged with the first front-side rack 140 of the main module 30, the second front-side pinion 94 is separated from the second front-side rack 142.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the upper and lower rack teeth 140a ′ and 140a ″ of the first front rack 140 are formed smaller than the rack teeth 140a of other parts (for example, the central part). For example, as shown in Fig. 22, the two rack teeth 140a 'on the upper end side and the two rack teeth 140a "on the lower end side are lower in height than the rack teeth 140a in the other parts. The tip is sharply formed. The rack tooth 140a 'at the uppermost end of the two rack teeth 140a' at the upper end side is formed smaller than the other rack tooth 140a '. Similarly, one uppermost rack tooth 140a ″ of the lower two rack teeth 140a ″ is formed smaller than the other rack tooth 140a ″.

  As described above, when the rack teeth 140a ′ and 140a ″ on the upper end side and the lower end side of the first front side rack 140 are made smaller than the rack teeth 140a of the other portions, the first front side pinion 92 becomes the first front side pinion 92. The tooth tips can mesh with each other without colliding with the front rack 140.

  Further, a large play occurs between the rack teeth 140a ″ on the lower end side of the first front rack 140 and the pinion teeth 92a of the first front pinion 92. Therefore, as shown in FIG. When both of the second front pinions 92, 94 are simultaneously engaged with the first and second front racks 140, 142, the first and second engagements do not interfere with each other. The front-side pinions 92 and 94 can smoothly roll on the first and second front-side racks 140 and 142. As a result, the magazine carrier unit 70 does not enter an immovable locked state. It can move smoothly.

  In addition to or instead of forming the rack teeth 140a′140a ″ on the upper end side and the lower end side of the first front rack 140 small, the rack teeth on the upper end side and the lower end side of the second front rack 142 are used. 142a ′ and 142a ″ may be formed smaller than the rack teeth 142a in other portions.

  Accordingly, the pinion teeth 94a of the second front side pinion 94 can come into contact with the rack teeth 142a of the second front side rack 142 and smoothly mesh with each other. Moreover, a big play arises between the 2 pinion teeth 92a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, when both the first and second front side pinions 92, 94 are simultaneously engaged with the first and second front side racks 140, 142, Mutual interference is suppressed.

  Further, the play between the second front side pinion 94 and the second front side rack 142 is made larger than the play between the first front side pinion 92 and the first front side rack 140. Also good.

  For example, the first and second front side pinions 92, 94 are configured in the same shape, and the rack teeth 142 a of the second front side rack 142 are made smaller than the rack teeth 140 a of the first front side rack 140. Instead or in addition, the pinion teeth 94a of the second front-side pinion 94 are made smaller than the pinion teeth 92a of the first front-side pinion 92. Accordingly, when both the first and second front side pinions 92 and 94 are simultaneously engaged with the first and second front side racks 140 and 142, mutual interference between the two engagements is suppressed. .

  The reason why the play between the second front-side pinion 94 and the second front-side rack 142 is larger than the play between the first front-side pinion 92 and the first front-side rack 140 is as follows. This is because the engagement between the first front-side pinion 92 and the first front-side rack 140 is greatly involved in the alignment of the magazine carrier unit 70 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

  More specifically, when the magazine picker unit 76 of the magazine carrier unit 70 grips and holds the magazine tray 52, the vertical position (Z-axis direction position) of the magazine carrier unit 70 is aligned. At this time, the engagement position of the first front side pinion 92 with respect to the first front side rack 140 is adjusted.

  On the other hand, the second front-side pinion 94 and the second front-side rack 142 are not involved in the vertical alignment (Z-axis direction) of the magazine carrier unit 70 with respect to the magazine tray 52. In other words, the second front rack so that the second front pinion 94 and the second front rack 142 are not engaged when the magazine carrier unit 70 is aligned with the arbitrary magazine tray 52. 142 is provided in the main module 30 and the expansion module 40.

  Thus, by using only the first front-side pinion 92 and the first front-side rack 140 for the vertical alignment (Z-axis direction) of the magazine carrier unit 70 with respect to the magazine tray 52, the magazine carrier unit 70 is used. Therefore, it is possible to align the magazine tray 52 with high reproducibility and high accuracy.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the disk device 10 can substantially increase the number of stored disks by simply increasing the expansion module 40. Further, the disk device 10 has a simple configuration as a disk transport mechanism (that is, as a carrier unit moving mechanism) that can cope with a substantially unlimited increase in the number of stored disks, and the first and second front side pinions 92, 94, First and second front racks 140, 142, first and second rear pinions 122, 124, and first and second rear racks 144, 146 may be provided. As a result, the disk device 10 with high expandability is realized.

  Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the disk device 10 is configured to carry a plurality of disks D from the main module 30 or the expansion module 40 that is a disk storage module in a state where the disk D is accommodated in the magazine tray 52. ing. The disk device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the disk device may convey one or more disks without using a tray or the like. That is, the disk device of the present disclosure is configured to carry out at least one disk from a disk storage module that stores a plurality of disks.

  In the case of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the second front rack 142 (second rear rack 146) is the first front rack 140 (first rear rack 144). However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the first front-side pinion 92 (first rear-side pinion 92) from one of the two first front-side racks 140 (first rear-side rack 144) adjacent to each other with a gap in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Until the first front pinion 92 (first rear pinion 122) is engaged with the other first front rack 140 (first rear rack 144). The second front-side pinion 94 (second rear-side pinion 124) only needs to be engaged with at least the second front-side rack 142 (second rear-side rack 146). Therefore, for example, the first and second front racks 140 and 142 (first and second rear racks 144 and 146) may have the same vertical length.

  Further, in the case of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the second front rack 142 (and the second rear rack 146) is provided above the modules 20, 30, and 40. However, it can also be provided on the lower side. However, in this case, in the magazine carrier unit 70, the second front-side pinion 94 (second rear-side pinion 124) is higher than the first front-side pinion 92 (first rear-side pinion 122). Placed in position.

  Furthermore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the magazine carrier unit 70 moves in the vertical direction by the plurality of pinions 92, 94, 122, and 124 and the plurality of racks 140, 142, 144, and 146. Not exclusively. That is, in a broad sense, the disk device of the present disclosure includes at least one disk storage module that stores a plurality of disks, and includes a plurality of modules arranged side by side in the first direction, and disks in the disk storage module A carrier unit that holds and holds the carrier unit; and a carrier unit moving mechanism that moves the carrier unit so that each of the plurality of modules arranged in the first direction passes in the first direction. In addition, a carrier unit moving mechanism is provided in each module and extends in a first direction, and a second rack is provided in each module and extends in parallel to the first rack. A first pinion that is provided in the carrier unit and rotates by engaging with the first rack; and a first pinion that is provided at a position different from the first pinion in the carrier unit and engages with the second rack. And a second pinion that rotates. The first rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism is arranged such that the first racks of the modules are arranged in the first direction at intervals when the plurality of modules are arranged in the first direction. Is provided in each module, and the first pinion is separated from one of two adjacent first racks spaced apart in the first direction, and the first pinion is connected to the other first rack. Until the engagement, the second rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism is provided in each module so that the second pinion is at least engaged with the second rack.

  The present disclosure is applicable to a disk device that stores a plurality of disks and carries out an arbitrary disk from the storage location.

10 disk device 20 bottom module 30 main module 40 expansion module 70 carrier unit (magazine carrier unit)
92 First pinion (first front-side pinion)
94 Second pinion (second front side pinion)
140 First rack (first front rack)
142 Second rack (second front rack)

Claims (5)

A plurality of modules including at least one disk storage module for storing a plurality of disks and arranged side by side in a first direction;
A carrier unit for holding the disk in the disk storage module;
A carrier unit moving mechanism that moves the carrier unit so that each of the plurality of modules arranged in the first direction passes in the first direction,
Carrier unit moving mechanism
A first rack provided in each module and extending in a first direction;
A second rack provided in each module and extending parallel to the first rack;
A first pinion provided on the carrier unit and rotating in engagement with the first rack;
A second pinion provided at a first direction position different from the first pinion in the carrier unit and rotating by engaging with the second rack;
When the plurality of modules are arranged in the first direction, the first rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism is arranged so that the first racks of the modules are arranged in the first direction at intervals. Provided in the module,
The first pinion is separated from one of the two first racks adjacent to each other with a spacing in the first direction, and the second pinion is engaged with the other first rack. A disk device in which the second rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism is provided in each module so that the pinion of the carrier unit is at least engaged with the second rack.
The length of the first rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism in the first direction is longer than that of the second rack,
The first rack and the second rack of the carrier unit moving mechanism are arranged such that the first pinion is separated from the first rack after the second pinion is engaged with the second rack, and the second pinion is The disk device according to claim 1, wherein the disk device is provided in each module such that the first pinion engages with another first rack before leaving the second rack.
The disk device according to claim 1, wherein a play between the second rack and the second pinion is larger than a play between the first rack and the first pinion.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first rack and the second rack has at least one rack tooth on both end sides in the first direction smaller than rack teeth of other portions. A disk device according to any one of the above.
A plurality of discs are stored in the disc storage module in a state of being accommodated in the tray,
5. The disk device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier unit holds a tray for storing a plurality of disks.

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