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United States Patent7243357
Taniguchi , ; et al.July 10, 2007
Title
Disk device
Abstract
A disk device including a first disk holder movable with disk conveyance, a second disk holder opposed to a groove portion formed in the first disk holder and holding a disk grippingly in cooperation with the first disk holder when the first disk holder holds the disk, and a supporter which supports the first disk holder and which causes a support position for the first disk holder to be shifted in accordance with the movement of the first disk holder to be shifted in accordance with movement of the first disk holder, realizes reducing in size and number of parts, prevention of damage to disks, shortening operation time for plurality of operations, improved vibration resistance and less expensive manufacturing cost.
Inventors:Taniguchi; Kazutoshi (Tokyo, JP), Shirahata; Kei  (Tokyo, JP), Kuzuu; Takashi  (Tokyo, JP), Tatehata; Shoji  (Tokyo, JP), Sasaki; Eiji  (Tokyo, JP), Murotani; Kiichiro  (Tokyo, JP), Obata; Naohiko  (Tokyo, JP), Suzui; Yuichiro  (Tokyo, JP), Adachi; Ryoto  (Tokyo, JP), Nagami; Tetsuro  (Tokyo, JP), Matsuda; Takashi  (Tokyo, JP), Nakanishi; Yasuyuki  (Tokyo, JP), Ieda; Masahiro  (Tokyo, JP)
Assignee:Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)
Appl. No.:10/130,500
Filed:September 20, 2000
PCT File Date:September 20, 2000
PCT Pub Date:March 28, 2002
Current U.S. Class:720/623 720/645 369/30.55 369/30.85 
Current International Class:G11B 17/26 (20060101)
Field of Search:369/30.85,30.55,30.56,30.57,30.76,30.86,30.87 720/617,619,620,621,622,623,645
U.S. Patent Documents
4928271May 1990Verhagen
4969140November 1990Koiwa et al.
4979160December 1990Araki
5822296October 1998Nakamichi
5889741March 1999Bando
6028831February 2000Scholz et al.
6141310October 2000Tanaka et al.
6201782March 2001Tanaka et al.
6222811April 2001Sakurai et al.
6587406July 2003Nakamichi
6633517October 2003Nakamichi
6785898August 2004Nakamichi
Foreign Patent Documents
10-188438Jul., 1998JP
10-208361Aug., 1998JP
10092075Apr., 1998JP
11288541Oct., 1999JP
2000048456Feb., 2000JP
2000048457Feb., 2000JP
2000048458Feb., 2000JP
2000149366May., 2000JP
2000149380May., 2000JP
60256960Dec., 1985JP
60256968Dec., 1985JP
63-200354Aug., 1988JP
8-55412Feb., 1996JP
98/40886Sep., 1998WO
Primary Examiner: Klimowicz; William J
Attorney, Agent or Firm:Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP
Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A disk device comprising: a first disk holder disposed at a predetermined position in a disk conveyance path extending from a disk inlet to a disk storing position, said first disk holder holding a part of a peripheral edge portion of a disk by a groove portion formed arcuately along the peripheral edge portion of the disk, said first disk holder being movable on a hinge in compliance with conveyance of the disk; a second disk holder for holding the disk grippingly in cooperation with said first disk holder when said first disk holder holds the disk; and a supporter which supports said first disk holder and which causes a support position for said first disk holder to be shifted in compliance with movement of said first disk holder, wherein said first and second disk holders contact both a large diameter disk and a small diameter disk, said first disk holder is moved by rotating on said hinge such that the first disk holder is positioned substantially perpendicular to the disk conveyance path and contacts the periphery of both the large and small diameter disks at a point opposite said second disk holder through the center of the disk in the disk conveyance path.

2. A disk device according to claim 1, wherein in said groove portion of the first disk holder is disposed a disk detector for detecting that a disk has been held.

3. A disk device according to claim 2, wherein the moving motion of said first disk holder is controlled on the basis of the result of detection made by said disk detector.

4. A disk device according to claim 1, wherein an abutment portion is provided near said first disk holder so as to abut and push another peripheral edge portion of the disk as held by the first disk holder.

5. A disk device according to claim 4, wherein said abutment portion is provided with a link portion which is interlocked with the operation of said first disk holder.

6. A disk device according to claim 4, wherein a cushion member is disposed on an abutment surface of said abutment portion for abutment against the disk.

7. A disk device according to claim 1, further comprising a height changer for changing the height of said first and second disk holder through said supporter and in accordance with the contents of disk operation.

8. A disk device according to claim 7, wherein the supporter extends from the interior of the disk device toward said disk inlet when no disk is present in the disk conveyance path and is operated so as to be folded as the disk moves from the disk inlet to the disk storing position.

9. A disk device according to claim 1, wherein said groove portion of the first disk holder is formed so as to match the outer peripheries of both large and small diameter disks for holding both of the disks.

10. A disk device according to claim 9, wherein in said groove portion of the first disk holder, a space smaller than the diameter of the small diameter disk is formed in a portion where a disk diameter is centered, and a disk outer periphery position in a holding portion of the large diameter disk and that in a holding portion of the small diameter disk are made different from each other.

11. A disk device comprising: a first disk holder disposed at a predetermined position of a disk conveyance path extending from a disk inlet to a disk storing position, said first disk holder holding a part of a peripheral edge portion of a disk through a groove formed arcuately along the peripheral edge portion of the disk, said first disk holder being movable in compliance with conveyance of the disk on the disk conveyance path; a second disk holder for holding the disk grippingly in cooperation with said first disk holder when said first disk holder holds the disk; a supporter which supports said first disk holder and which causes a support position for the first disk holder to be shifted in compliance with movement of the first disk holder; and an interlocking member disposed near said disk inlet, said interlocking member judging a disk conveyance position by abutment of a part thereof against the peripheral edge portion of the disk and causing said first disk holder to be interlocked, wherein said first and second disk holders hold contact both a large diameter disk and a small diameter disk, said first disk holder is moved by rotating on a hinge such that the first disk holder is positioned substantially perpendicular to the disk conveyance path and contacts the periphery of both the large and small diameter disks at a point opposite said second disk holder through the center of the disk in the disk conveyance path.
Description


This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP00/06428 which has an International filing date of Sep. 20, 2000, which designated the United States of America.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a disk device and more particularly to a disk device which permits plurality of disks to be operated selectively without using a removable magazine.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 172 is a sectional side view of a conventional disk device which permits plurality of disks to be operated selectively and FIG. 173 is a sectional view of a principal portion thereof.

In FIGS. 172 and 173, the reference numeral 1 denotes a magazine in which disks for replacement are stored and 2 denotes a disk rotation driving section. The disk rotation driving section 2 is made up of a disk rotating motor 3, a disk clamping hub 13 mounted on a shaft of the motor 3, a disk damper 4, a disk roller 6 for sending out a disk 8 delivered by an actuating lever 5 to the disk rotation driving section 2, the actuating lever 5 being mounted within the magazine 1 and driven by a driving means (not shown), a drive shaft 9 fixed to a housing 7 which supports the disk rotation driving section 2, a swash plate cam 10 which is operated in the directions of A in FIG. 172 by the driving means, and upper and lower guide plates 11.

In this conventional disk device, when calling any one of plurality of disks stored in the magazine 1, the drive shaft 9, the swash plate cam 10, and the upper and lower guide plates 11 are interlocked with one another, causing the disk rotation driving section 2 to move in an arrow B direction and allowing it to be located at a desired disk position within the magazine 1.

In such a conventional disk device, the disks stored in the magazine 1 and the disk rotating on the disk rotation driving section 2 are completely independent of each other in a plane area, thus it gives a rise to the problem that the length, i.e., size D, of the disk device increases.

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, there has been proposed, for example, such a disk device as is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Sho 63-200354(1988). FIGS. 174 and 175 are sectional side views of a principal portion of this disk device and FIG. 176 is a sectional top view thereof.

In FIGS. 174, 175, and 176, reference numeral 19 denotes a magazine in which disks for replacement are stored, 21 denotes a disk rotating motor, 22 denotes a disk clamping hub mounted on a shaft of the motor 21, and 23 denotes a disk clamper.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a disk roller for sending out a disk 25 delivered by an actuating lever 24 to a disk rotation driving section, the actuating lever 24 being driven by driving means (not shown), and 27 denotes a driven roller opposed to the disk roller 26.

Indicated at 32 are a pair of swash plate cams adapted to engage a plurality of trays 31 accommodated within the magazine 19 and operate on the disk rotation driving section 20 so as to create a gap E during planar movement of the disk, the gap E being at least not smaller than the disk thickness and formed in a rotational axis direction of the disk 25 selected by a magazine moving means (not shown).

The disk rotation driving section 20 is made up of a disk rotating motor 21, a disk clamping hub 22, a disk damper 23, an actuating lever 24, a disk 25, a disk roller 26, a driven roller 27, and the swash plate cam 32.

The operation of this disk device will be described below.

When calling any of plurality of disks 25 stored in the magazine 19, the magazine is moved in an arrow F direction in FIG. 174 by driving means and a desired disk position is established within the magazine.

Then, the actuating lever 24 in the magazine 19 operates, the disk 25 slides on a disk guide portion 35 formed within the magazine, and a front end of the disk 25 comes into engagement between the disk roller 26 and the driven roller 27 in the disk rotation driving section 20. Then, with rotational movement of the disk roller 26, the disk 25 is conveyed to the position of the disk clamper 23 and the disk clamping hub 22 mounted on the shaft of the disk rotating motor 21. Subsequently, the position where the disk 25 is to be clamped is confirmed by a disk detecting means (not shown), and the disk clamper, as well as the disk roller 26 and the driven roller 27, are moved toward the disk clamping hub 22 by driving means, whereby the disk 25
is clamped.

Simultaneously with the movement of the driven roller 27 toward the disk clamping hub 22, the pair of swash plate cams 32 provided in the disk rotation driving section 20 are moved to the magazine 19 side by driving means, causing trays 31 to tilt so that an appropriate gap E is formed as shown in FIG. 175.

A disk device (in-dash type disk device) provided in the interior thereof with a disk storing mechanism is proposed, for example, in Japanese Laid Open Patent Hei 10-208361(1998). FIG. 177 is an entire structure diagram of this proposed disk device and FIG. 178 is a structure diagram showing the structure of an internal principal portion of the disk device.

In FIG. 177, reference numeral 1 denotes a front panel, which is attached to a bottom plate 2. On a front side of the front panel 1 are provided various operating units 3 6 and a display unit 7.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an outer case which covers a disk changer, 9 denotes an insulator provided on the bottom plate 2, 10 denotes a main tray projected from an opening 1a of the front panel 1, and 11 denotes a sub-tray capable of sliding in the direction of arrow P or Q while being guided by the main tray 10. Onto the sub-tray 11 is fed a disk 12 after replacement.

FIG. 178 shows a principal portion in the interior of the disk device. According to the structure illustrated in the same figure, a group of spacers supported by a disk holding means are driven by a vertical driving means, an arbitrary disk is selected out of a group of disks and is conveyed up to a recording/reproducing position by a horizontal conveyance means. Further, with a rise reset means, the disk is prevented from coming off from a spacer on both spindles. Likewise, with a disk pressing means, the disk is prevented from coming off from the spacer, and with a spacer anti-dislodgment means, the dislodgment of the spacer from a lower spindle is prevented.

In the conventional disk devices which are not the in-dash type, it is necessary to use a magazine case and hence it is impossible to load and unload disks selectively one by one; besides, an increase in size of the disk device results. Moreover, since a portable magazine case is used, it is technically difficult to disassemble each disk storing rack within the disk device, so when forming a gap between a disk to be reproduced and a disk opposed thereto and when the gap is to be made large because it is only one end that can be opened, there arises the necessity of forming a space within the disk device correspondingly to the size of gap, thus leading to an increase in size of the disk device.

Further, since a portable magazine case is used, it is extremely difficult to separate the disk storing racks from one another with each disk storing rack inclined within the disk device.

In the conventional in-dash type disk device, when a disk is to be held within the disk device, the disk is conveyed and held with only the rotational movement force of a roller serving as a disk conveying means until the disk reaches a disk holding section through a disk inlet. With this configuration, the disk is apt to become unstable during the conveyance thereof, and at the worst the disk comes into abutment against a component within the disk device and then it is damaged.

In the conventional in-dash type disk device, when a disk is to be supported, that is, when a spacer for supporting a disk is to be fixed, for example at the time of replacing a disk stored within the disk device or at the time of reproducing a disk, shaft portions provided at upper and lower positions of the disk device are coupled together, thereafter, pawl portions formed on an outer periphery of a disk holding means adapted to slide within the shaft portions are fixedly projected from holes formed in the shaft portions at predetermined positions. According to this structure, each time a disk is to be stowed or replaced and reproduced it is necessary to let the pawl portions project from the shaft portions or perform a stowing operation, thus it gives a rise to problem that much time is required for the operation.

Further, in the conventional type disk device, although spacers are disposed so that each is positioned between adjacent disks, they are not for holding disks, so disks become unstable, and when vibration or the like is imposed on the disk device, a disk tilts and comes into abutment against another disk, resulting in damage of the disk.

Additionally, for judging the contents of disk operation in the conventional disk device, it is necessary to provide a complicated switch mechanism, so that the assembling performance is deteriorated and the number of components of a link mechanism, etc. increases, thus leading to an increase of cost.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention has been made and it is an object of the invention to provide a disk device structured such that a plurality of disks are stored without using a removable magazine and each operated independently, that is, each disk is loaded and unloaded selectively or performs operation such as a reproducing operation, to thereby attain a reduction in size.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disk device structured such that a disk storing position and a disk reproducing position are established at one and the same rotary shaft with respect to the direction of loading and unloading a disk, to thereby attain the saving of space.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disk device wherein at the time of loading or unloading a disk, a part of the disk is supported by a plurality of support portions, thereby making it possible to prevent damage of the disk.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a disk device capable of shortening the operation time by performing a plurality of operations at a time.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a disk device improved in vibration resistance and so suitable for a moving body apt to undergo vibrations, especially an automobile.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a less expensive disk device sharing components.

Further, by making it possible to set a plurality of operation modes in an existing structure, there can be attained multiple functions while reducing the number of components.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a disk device including a first disk holding means disposed at a predetermined position in a disk conveyance path extending from a disk inlet to a disk storing position, the first disk holding means holding a part of a peripheral edge portion of a disk by a groove portion formed arcuately along the peripheral edge portion of the disk, the first disk holding means being movable in compliance with conveyance of the disk, a second disk holding means opposed to the groove portion of the first disk holding means and holding the disk grippingly in cooperation with the first disk holding means when the first disk holding means holds the disk, and a support means which supports the first disk holding means and which causes a support position for the first disk holding means to be shifted in compliance with movement of the first disk holding means. According to this structure, the disk is held accurately as it is conveyed and therefore both reliability of the disk and vibration resistance of the disk device are improved.

In the groove portion of the first disk holding means, there is disposed a disk detecting means for detecting that a disk has been held. With this structure, it is easy to detect a malfunction at the time of holding a disk and hence the reliability of the disk device is improved.

Further, the moving motion of the first disk holding means is controlled on the basis of the result of detection made by the disk detecting means. According to this structure, the first disk holding means is moved with a disk detection timing as a trigger point and therefore a malfunction can be prevented by an accurately holding state of the disk.

Further, an abutment portion is provided near the first disk holding means so as to abut and push another peripheral edge portion of the disk as held by the first disk holding means. According to this structure, the disk can be held grippingly and hence can be held strongly, whereby the vibration resistance is further improved.

Further, the abutment portion is provided with a link portion which is interlocked with the operation of the first disk holding means. According to this structure, the disk holding means can simultaneously be operated for holding a disk and for releasing the disk and it is possible to suppress tilting, etc. of the disk, whereby the reliability of the disk device is improved.

Further, a cushion member is disposed on an abutment surface of the abutment portion for abutment against the disk. According to this structure it is possible to prevent damage to the disk.

Further, there is provided a height changing means for changing the height of the disk holding means through the support means and in accordance with the contents of disk operation.

The support means extends from the interior of the disk device toward the disk inlet when no disk is present in the disk conveyance path and is operated so as to be folded as the disk moves from the disk inlet to the disk storing position. According to this structure, the interior space of the disk device can be utilized effectively at the time of releasing the disk from its holding state and it is possible to attain the reduction in size of the disk device.

The groove portion of the first disk holding means is formed so as to match the outer peripheries of both large and small diameter disks for holding both disks. According to this structure, not only positioning of disks with different diameters can be effected using a simple mechanism, but also each disk can be held accurately, so that the reliability of the disk device is improved.

In the groove portion of the first disk holding means, a space smaller than the diameter of the small diameter disk is formed in a portion where a disk diameter is centered, and a disk outer periphery position in a holding portion of the large diameter disk and that in a holding portion of the small diameter disk are made different from each other. According to this structure, not only positioning of disks different in diameter can be done using a simple mechanism, but also the disks can be held accurately, so that the reliability of the disk device is further improved.

According to the present invention, there is further provided a disk device including a first disk holding means disposed at a predetermined position of a disk conveyance path extending from a disk inlet to a disk storing position, the first disk holding means holding a part of a peripheral edge portion of a disk through a groove formed arcuately along the peripheral edge portion of the disk, the first disk holding means being movable in compliance with conveyance of the disk on the disk conveyance path, a second disk holding means opposed to the groove portion of the first disk holding means and holding the disk grippingly in cooperation with the first disk holding means when the first disk holding means holds the disk, a support means which supports the first disk holding means and which causes a support position for the first disk holding means to be shifted in compliance with movement of the first disk holding means, and an interlocking means disposed near the disk inlet, the interlocking means judging a disk conveyance position by abutment of a part thereof against the peripheral edge portion of the disk and causing the first disk holding means to be interlocked. According to this structure, the disk can be held in an interlocked manner and hence it is possible to shorten the operation time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an entire structure diagram showing a schematic structure of the whole of a disk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an entire structure diagram showing a schematic structure of the disk device shown in FIG. 1, as seen in a different direction.

FIG. 3 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a side view explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a side view explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 24 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 27 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 29 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 31 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 32 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a detail view of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 38 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 39 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 40 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 41 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 42 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 44 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 45 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 46 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 47 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 52 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 55 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 56 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 57 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 58 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 59 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 60 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 62 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 64 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 63.

FIG. 66 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 67 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 68 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 69 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 70 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 71 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 72 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 74 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 76 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 75.

FIG. 77 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 78 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 81 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 83 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 84 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 85 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 86 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 73.

FIG. 87 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 88 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 87.

FIG. 89 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 87.

FIG. 90 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 89.

FIG. 91 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 87.

FIG. 92 is an operating state transition diagram illustrating the structure of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1 and explaining an operating state thereof.

FIG. 93 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 94 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 95 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 96 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 97 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 98 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 99 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 100 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 101 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 102 is an exploded perspective view of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 103 is an exploded perspective view of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 104 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 105 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 106 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 107 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 108 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 109 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 101.

FIG. 110 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 111 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 110.

FIG. 112 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 110.

FIG. 113 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 114 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 113.

FIG. 115 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 116 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 115.

FIG. 117 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 115.

FIG. 118 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 117.

FIG. 119 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 118.

FIG. 120 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 118.

FIG. 121 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 117.

FIG. 122 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 117.

FIG. 123 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 122.

FIG. 124 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 122.

FIG. 125 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 117.

FIG. 126 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 125.

FIG. 127 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 125.

FIG. 128 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 125.

FIG. 129 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 130 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 131 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 132 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 133 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 134 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 135 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 129.

FIG. 136 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 137 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 139 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 140 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 141 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 142 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 141.

FIG. 143 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 136.

FIG. 144 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 143.

FIG. 145 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 146 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 147 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 148 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 149 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 150 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 149.

FIG. 151 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 152 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 153 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 145.

FIG. 154 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 153.

FIG. 155 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 153.

FIG. 156 is a detailed structure diagram of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 157 is a detailed diagram of a principal portion of the disk device shown in FIG. 156.

FIG. 158 is an operating state transition diagram illustrating transition of an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 159 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 160 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 161 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 162 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 163 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 164 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 165 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 166 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 167 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 168 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 169 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 170 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 171 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 172 is a schematic structure diagram showing a conventional disk device.

FIG. 173 is a sectional side view of the conventional disk device.

FIG. 174 is a sectional top view of the conventional disk device.

FIG. 175 is a sectional top view of the conventional disk device.

FIG. 176 is a sectional side view of the conventional disk device.

FIG. 177 is a schematic structure diagram showing another conventional disk device.

FIG. 178 is a schematic structure diagram showing another conventional disk device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For explaining the present invention in more detail, best modes for carrying out the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic structure diagram showing the interior of a disk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This disk 21% device can broadly be divided into four sections of mechanisms.

A first mechanism is a disk loading/unloading mechanism 100, which is disposed near a disk inlet, for loading and unloading a disk, and a second mechanism is a disk holding mechanism 200 which holds a disk within the disk device after the disk is loaded from the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100.

A third mechanism is a disk reproducing mechanism 300 which performs operation for reproducing the disk held by the disk holding mechanism 200 and a fourth mechanism is a disk storing mechanism 400 which stores and holds within the disk device the disk held by the disk holding mechanism 200 and which delivers the disk thus stored and held to the disk holding mechanism 200 at the time of reproducing or discharging the disk.

A basic operation of this disk device will be described below.

When it is detected that a disk has been inserted into the disk device, loading of the disk into the disk device is started by the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100. Then, a part of the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 comes into abutment against a peripheral edge portion of the disk to recognize the diameter of the disk and guides the disk so that the disk is conveyed to a center portion within the disk device.

When the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 conveys the disk, the disk holding mechanism 200 performs a vertical positioning of the disk within the disk device and holds a part of the disk peripheral edge portion so that the disk is conveyed up to the disk storing mechanism 400.

Next, the disk storing mechanism 400 receives the disk held by the disk holding mechanism 200, then stores and supports it.

Upon issuance of a command for disk reproducing operation, the disk holding mechanism 200 holds the disk stored by the disk storing mechanism 400, causing the disk to leave the disk storing mechanism 400, then the disk reproducing mechanism 300, which is disposed sideways of the disk device, moves toward the disk and rotates, whereby a disk reproducing operation is set and started.

On the other hand, upon receipt of a disk discharge command, operations reverse to the above operation flow are performed. First, the disk reproducing mechanism 300 stops disk reproduction and the disk holding mechanism 200 holds the disk after reproduction. Thereafter, the disk reproducing mechanism 300 turns in a direction opposite to the disk reproducing position and moves to a side position of the disk device, i.e., a retracted position.

Next, the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 performs a disk unloading operation so as to discharge the disk to the exterior of the disk device, whereby a series of operations is completed.

Although the above description concerns only a series of operations involving reproduction of a disk loaded into the disk device and unloading of the disk to the exterior of the disk device, the following description is now provided about a series of operations for switching from a disk being reproduced to a disk to be reproduced next.

First, the reproduction of a first disk being reproduced is stopped and the disk holding mechanism 200 holds the first disk. Thereafter, the disk reproducing mechanism 300 turns sideways of the disk device from the reproducing position of the first disk and moves to a storing position. In this case, a second disk is stored in the disk storing mechanism.

Next, the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 is moved to the disk inlet side so as to be retracted up to a predetermined position not opposed to the first disk surface. Thereafter, a part of the disk storing mechanism 400 extends upwards of the disk device while being loosely fitted in a hole of the first disk from below the disk device and is connected to another part of the disk storing mechanism 400. After this connecting operation, the holding state of the first disk by the disk holding mechanism 200 is released.

At this time, the first disk is stored by the disk storing mechanism 400 alone.

Further, upon release of the first disk, a driving means begins to operate. With this driving force, the disk storing mechanism 400 loosely fitted in the disk is turned to switch the height of a desired disk, i.e., the second disk, to a reproducing height. At the same time, in accordance with the rotational movement of the disk storing mechanism 400 there is made switching of height so that the first disk is stored at a height different from the height of the reproducing position.

Next, the disk holding mechanism 200 operates to support the second disk and, after the second disk is held, the disk storing mechanism 400 turns in a direction opposite to its moving motion performed for storing of the first disk, becomes disengaged from the hole of the second disk and it is retracted downwards of the disk device.

At this time, the second disk is held by only the disk holding mechanism and is set in the reproducing position.

Next, after the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 has moved to a predetermined position within the disk device, the disk reproducing mechanism 300 moves to the second disk side for reproducing the second disk. After the disk reproducing mechanism 300 has reached a predetermined reproducing position, the disk holding mechanism is released and then the second disk is reproduced.

The basic operation of the disk device involves the above described functions. First, a principal structure of the whole of the disk device will be described and subsequently the four mechanisms referred to above will be described in detail.

[1. Principal Structure of the Whole of the Disk Device]

FIG. 1 is a schematic structure diagram of the whole of the disk device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference numeral 50 denotes a housing of the disk device and 51 denotes a disk inlet for the insertion of discharge of each disk into or from the interior of the disk device.

The disk loading/unloading mechanism 100, which is for loading and unloading a disk into and from the interior of the housing 50, is made up of a roller portion 101 (to be described later) for loading and unloading a disk with respect to the interior of the disk device, a disk pressing portion 102 disposed in a position opposed to the roller portion 101, and a roller unit moving means 103 for moving the roller portion 101 and the disk pressing portion 102 as a unit within the range from the disk inlet 51 side up to the interior of the disk device. The disk inserted through the disk inlet 51 is held grippingly by both the roller portion 101 and the disk pressing portion 102 and is loaded into the interior of the disk device by a rotating motion of the roller portion 101.

The disk holding mechanism 200 is made up of a disk holding portion 201 and a moving means 220 for moving the disk holding portion 201 in the direction shown by A or B. The disk holding portion 201 is normally positioned so as to approach the disk inlet 51 side of a disk conveyance path. A part of a peripheral edge portion of the disk loaded by the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 comes into abutment against the disk holding portion 201, and in accordance with the diameter of the disk thus loaded the disk holding portion 201 holds the disk while positioning the disk at a corresponding predetermined position out of predetermined positions for different disk diameters. The moving means 220 is formed in a cross link shape. More specifically, the moving means 220 is composed of a left arm 221 and a right arm 222 both crossing each other at a rotational axis 223. The disk holding mechanism 200 moves vertically in the direction shown by E or F in accordance with an operating state of the disk.

In the disk holding portion 201 is formed a groove for insertion therein of a part of the disk peripheral edge portion.

In a state (including a preparatory state for the reproducing operation) where the disk reproducing operation is not performed, the disk reproducing mechanism 300 is retracted so as to be positioned near a side wall of the housing 50 and is moved to the disk reproducing position side only when the disk reproducing operation is to be performed.

In the disk reproducing mechanism 300, although the details will be described later, there are provided a turntable 310 having a table portion 311 for resting a disk thereon, a drive motor (not shown) for rotating the disk on the turntable 310, and a pickup portion (not shown) for reading information recorded in the disk. Further provided is a clamp portion 320 which clamps the disk from above after the disk is rested on the turntable.

When an operating portion attached to the disk device for issuing a reproduction command is operated by a user for the disk which has been loaded into the disk device, the turntable 310 is turned in direction G so that the center of the table portion 311 resting the disk thereon becomes coincident with the center of the disk, then is moved in the direction shown by H, and the moving means 220 descends in the direction shown by F, allowing the disk to be rested on the table portion 311.

At this time, the disk holding portion 220 is disengaged from the disk and the disk is carried by only the turntable 310.

Next, the clamp portion 320 is turned in the direction shown by I and thereafter is moved in the direction of H, allowing the disk held by the turntable 310 to be clamped from above. Thus, the disk is gripped by both turntable 310 and clamp portion 320.

For stopping the disk reproducing operation, there are performed operations reverse to the above, whereby the disk reproducing mechanism is moved so as to be retracted on the housing side.

The disk storing mechanism 400 functions to store and hold each disk within the disk device and can adjust the disk height by a turning motion. With the disk storing mechanism 400, plurality of disks are stored within the disk device, and when a desired disk is to be selected and reproduced from the plurality of disks, the disk storing mechanism switches from one disk height to another.

The disk storing mechanism 400 stores and holds disks after loading by the disk loading/unloading mechanism 100 in such a manner that surfaces of the disks are nearly parallel to one another and rotational axes of the disks are substantially coincident with one another. In this first embodiment, six disks can be stored in the disk storing mechanism 400.

A schematic structure of the entire disk device is as described above. Next, structure and contents of operations will be described in detail below mechanism by mechanism.

[2. Disk Loading/Unloading Mechanism]

FIGS. 3 to 46 are drawings concerning the disk loading/unloading mechanism.

The disk loading/unloading mechanism is composed of a roller portion for conveying a disk with a rotating force, a roller base portion which holds the roller portion, a first position delimiting portion which delimits a height position of the disk when the disk is inserted, a second position delimiting portion which delimits the position of the disk so that the center of the disk coincides with the center of the disk conveyance path at the time of conveying the disk inserted from the disk inlet, a position changing portion for changing the position of the second position delimiting portion in accordance with the movement of the roller base portion, a link portion which fixes or releases a shaft of the roller portion in accordance with the disk conveyance position and which changes the height of the roller base portion, a third position delimiting portion which delimits a radial position of a disk when the disk is inserted and wherein, when the roller base portion moves from the inner part of the disk device toward the disk inlet for example at the time of reproducing the disk, a member for delimiting a radial position of the disk falls down in the moving direction of the roller base portion so as to retract, an arm portion for moving the disk holding mechanism to be described later so as to be interlocked with the movement of the third position delimiting portion, and a disk roller base movement suppressing mechanism which operates so as to suppress the movement of the roller base portion 110 at a predetermined position when the disk is inserted.

Structure and operations of the first position delimiting portion with reference to FIGS. 3 to 14, the second position delimiting portion and the link portion with reference to FIGS. 15 to 31, the third position delimiting portion with reference to FIGS. 32 to 42, and a principal portion of the roller base movement suppressing mechanism with reference to FIGS. 43 to 46 will be described below in a divided manner, respectively.

<First Position Delimiting Portion>

FIG. 3 is a structure diagram of a principal portion, showing a structural relation among the first position delimiting portion, the roller portion, and the roller base portion, FIG. 4 is a developed structure diagram showing the structure of FIG. 3 in a developed form, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are sectional side views of the structure shown in FIG. 3, illustrating operating states in various operation modes.

FIG. 9 is an operating state transition diagram illustrating an operating state in an operation mode different from that shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the structure shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is an operating state transition diagram illustrating an operating state in an operation mode different from that shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of the structure shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is an operating state transition diagram illustrating an operating state in an operation mode different from that shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the structure shown in FIG. 13.

A description will now be given with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Reference numeral 51 denotes a disk inlet having a space D and 110 denotes a roller base portion, which is structured as follows.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a lower roller base portion provided with a roller portion 112 (to be described later) which conveys a disk into and out of the disk device, 113 denotes an upper roller base portion mounted above the lower roller base portion 111 and on a center side of a disk conveyance path on which a disk is conveyed, the upper roller base portion 113 confronting the roller portion 112. The upper roller base portion 113 is provided with a disk pressing portion 114 formed by a metallic plate at a position confronting the disk inlet 51, the disk pressing portion 114 gripping the disk in cooperation with the roller portion 112.

A part of the roller portion 112 which comes into abutment against the disk surface, i.e., the outer periphery of its rotary shaft, is covered with a rubbery member so as to permit loading and unloading of a disk into and out of the interior of the disk device. The roller portion 112 is inclined so as to become smaller in diameter from both right and left outer sides toward the central side. A cutout is formed centrally of the roller portion 112 and one end of a position delimiting member is attached thereto as described later.

When a disk is to be inserted or discharged, the disk is gripped by both roller portion 112 structured as above and the disk pressing portion 114 and is conveyed by rotational movement of the roller portion 112.

At the time of insertion or discharge of a disk, the roller base portion 110 is positioned away from the disk inlet 51, i.e., on the inner side of the disk device with respect to the retracted position, so that the disk inlet 51 and the roller base portion 110 are spaced away from each other. Therefore, when a disk is inserted from the disk inlet 51, the disk conveying direction sometimes faces above or below the disk receiving position of the roller base portion 110. This is prevented by position delimiting portions, which are an upper position delimiting portion 115 for delimiting an upper height position and a lower position delimiting portion 116 for delimiting a lower height position.

One end 115a, which is hook-shaped, of the upper position delimiting portion 115 is engaged in a hole 114a formed in the disk pressing portion 114, while an opposite end 115b also formed in hook shape is slidably fitted in a groove 117a formed in a shutter portion 117. Likewise, one end 116a, which is hook-shaped, of the lower position delimiting portion 116 is engaged in a hole 112d formed in a lower position of the roller portion 112, while an opposite end 116b also formed in hook shape is slidably fitted in a groove 118a of a slide portion 118 provided on the housing 50 below the disk inlet.

The shutter 117, which is provided in the disk inlet, closes the disk inlet to prevent the entry of disk into the disk device during reproduction of the disk and opens the disk inlet to permit the entry of the disk into the disk device at the time of disk insertion.

The upper position delimiting portions 115 and lower position delimiting portions 116 are each inclined so that the spacing between the two is shorter on the roller base side D2 than on the disk inlet side D1. With this arrangement, if a disk moves upward when inserted, it comes into abutment against the upper position delimiting portion 115 as shown in FIG. 6, which in turn the upper position delimiting portion 115 guides the disk so as to convey the disk to a predetermined position in the roller base portion 110 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. On the other hand, if the disk moves downward, it comes into abutment against the lower position delimiting portion 116, which in turn guides the disk for conveyance to a predetermined position in the roller base portion 110.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the guide by the position delimiting portions is over and the disk has been conveyed (loaded) by the roller portion 112.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the conveyance of the disk up to a disk reproducing position or a disk changing position, which are predetermined disk positions, is over, the roller base portion 110 moves in the direction shown by A up to its position shown in FIG. 13 because it is an obstacle to the disk reproducing or changing operation. At this time, with the hole 114a of the disk pressing portion 114 as fulcrum, the opposite end 115b of the upper position delimiting portion 115 slides in direction E through the groove 117a formed in the shutter portion 117 and likewise the opposite end 116b of the lower position delimiting portion 116 slides in the same direction through the groove 118a formed in the slide portion 118, so that the disk inlet and the roller base portion approach each other. In this case, the ends of both upper and lower position delimiting portions 115 and 116 come into abutment against end portions in the direction of E, of the grooves while sliding through the grooves to complete the movement of the roller base portion.

A description will now be given about the operation. First, in the state shown in FIG. 3, that is, in the state before disk insertion, the disk inlet and the roller base portion 110 are in such a positional relation as to afford a predetermined gap L. From this state, as shown in FIG. 9, the disk leaves the disk inlet 51 and is conveyed by only the roller base portion. In this state, the positional relation between the disk inlet and the roller base portion 110 remains the same as in FIG. 3.

Next, as the disk is conveyed into the interior of the disk device, the moving mechanism in the roller base portion 110 operates, so that, as shown in FIG. 11, the roller base portion moves in the direction of A and is allowed to begin retracting on the disk inlet side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the roller base portion 110 moves in the direction of A up to a position adjacent to the disk inlet.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, with the hole 114a of the disk pressing portion 114 as fulcrum, the opposite end 115b of the upper position delimiting portion 115 slides in the direction of E through the groove 117a formed in the shutter portion 117 and likewise the opposite end 116b of the lower position delimiting portion 116 slides in the same direction through the groove 118a, so that the disk inlet and the roller base portion approach each other. Now, a series of operations is completed.

<Second Position Delimiting Portion and Link Portion>

FIG. 15 is a structure diagram showing a structural relation among the second position delimiting portion, the roller portion, the roller base portion, and the height adjusting portion.

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 113c denotes a groove formed arcuately in the upper roller base portion, and s 121 and 122 denote holding arms as disk holding portions formed with grooves respectively, the grooves serving to hold a part of a peripheral edge portion of a disk R inserted from the disk inlet.

The arm 121 is a left arm. On the backside of the left arm 121 is formed a pin 121b. The left arm 121 is rotatable in the direction of A or B about a fulcrum 121a while a projecting portion of the pin 121b is slidably fitted in and guided by the groove 113c.

The arm 122 is a right arm, which is rotatable in the direction of C or D through a pivot shaft 123 attached to a height delimiting portion 130 which will be described later.

The height delimiting portion 130, which delimits the height of the right arm 122, moves in the direction of E in accordance with a conveyance position of the disk and in interlock with the operation of a link portion (not shown). Then, the pivot shaft 123 of the right arm 122 comes into abutment against the inside of an inclined portion 131 to be described later and is guided thereby, causing the height of the right arm 122 to shift in the direction of F. Upon arrival of the pivot shaft
123 at an upper position of the inclined portion 131, a projecting portion (not shown) formed on the pivot shaft 123 abuts the height delimiting portion 130 and turns in the longitudinal direction of the height delimiting portion 130.

Reference numeral 113d denotes a hole formed in the upper roller base portion 113 and reference numeral 125 denotes a projecting portion projecting from the height delimiting portion 130, the projecting portion 125 being loosely fitted in the hole 113d.

Reference numeral 131 denotes an inclined portion. When the pivot shaft 123 of the right arm 122 is not in abutment against the inclined portion 131, the right arm 122 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3 by an urging portion connected to both the pivot shaft 123 and the height delimiting portion 130 so that the right arm can hold the disk. As the height delimiting portion 130 moves in the direction of E, the pivot shaft 123 begins to abut the inclined portion 131, and with further movement in the direction of E, of the height delimiting portion 130, the pivot shaft 123 lifts the right arm 122.

The operation will now be described. When a disk not inserted, the disk device is assumed in such a state as shown in FIG. 19. At this time, the right arm 122 is urged in the direction of D by an urging means 124, while the left arm 121 is urged on its back side in the direction of B by an urging means 125, as shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, when a disk has been conveyed from the roller arm portion 110 and is not in abutment against the left arm 121 and right arm 122, it stands by at its position shown in FIG. 19.

Next, when the disk is conveyed by the roller portion 112 and its peripheral edge portion comes into abutment against the left arm 121 and right arm 122, the disk is assumed in such a state as shown in FIG. 15. Upon further conveyance of the disk to the inner part of the disk device, there is obtained such a state as shown in FIG. 20, in which the peripheral edge portion of the disk is held by both left and right arms 121 and 122. Then, upon arrival of the disk at a predetermined position, the roller base portion 110 begins to move in the direction of A, so that the projecting portion 125, which is loosely fitted in the hole 113d formed on the upper roller base portion 113, switches from its abutment against the peripheral edge portion of the hole 113d on the disk inlet side to its abutment against the inner side of the disk device, that is, the protrusion 125 is interlocked with the movement in direction A of the roller base portion 110, so that the roller base portion 110 moves to the disk inlet side and further moves into the state shown in FIG. 22.

Upon further movement of the roller base portion 110 in the direction of A, a concave portion 123a of the pivot shaft 123 on the right arm 122 comes into abutment against the inclined portion 131 of the height delimiting portion 130, as shown in FIG. 23. Upon this abutment, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a projecting portion 130a formed on a part of the height delimiting portion 130 abuts against and pushes the pin 123b which is in abutment against a part of the pivot shaft 123 of the right arm
122, so that the pin 123b turns in direction A shown in FIG. 25 and the right arm 122 turns in the direction of C in FIG. 15 to release the disk from its holding state.

Further, as the roller base portion 110 moves in the direction of A, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the concave portion 123a of the pivot shaft 123 on the right arm 122 rises along the inclined portion 131 of the height delimiting portion 130. Thus, the right arm 122 also changes its height while releasing the disk from the holding state.

In this way the loading of the disk is completed, it becomes ready for disk reproducing or replacing operation.

On the other hand, the left arm 121 shown in FIG. 28 is assumed in its state shown in FIG. 29 and an abutment portion 141 of an abutment pin 140 provided on the roller base portion 110 is put in abutment against an abutment portion 121d of the left arm 121 to restrict the movement of the left arm in the direction of B shown in FIG. 20.

Next, when the disk is to be discharged after the state shown in FIG. 28, the roller base portion 110 moves in the direction of A, as shown in FIG. 30. The height delimiting portion 130 also moves in the direction of A in interlock with this movement, the concave portion 123a of the pivot shaft 123 on the right arm 122 descends along the inclined portion 131 of the height delimiting portion 130. As the roller base portion 110 further moves in the direction of A, the pin 123b abutted against a part of the pivot shaft 123 of the right arm 122 and the projecting portion 130a formed on part of the height delimiting portion 130 become out of abutment against each other and the right arm 122 turns in the direction of B with the urging force of the urging means 124 acting in the direction of B, restarting to hold a part of the peripheral edge portion of the disk. Now, a series of operations are completed.

<Third Position Delimiting Portion>

FIG. 32 is a structure diagram of a principal portion, showing a structural relation among the third position delimiting portion, the roller portion, the roller base portion, and the link portion.

In FIG. 32, the reference numeral 141 denotes a link portion adapted to pivot in the direction of A or B with a fitting hole 141a as a pivot axis, the fitting hole 141a being fitted on a pivot shaft (not shown) disposed in the interior of the disk device. The link portion 141 is urged in the direction of A constantly by an urging means (not shown). Reference numeral 142 denotes a projecting portion as a disk abutting portion against which a part of the disk outer peripheral portion abuts in accordance with the position of the disk inserted from the disk inlet. In the case of abutment of a portion located at a diametrical position of the disk, the projecting portion 142 moves a maximum quantity in the direction of B, while in the case of disengagement from the disk, the projecting portion is turned in the direction of A with an urging force of an urging means attached to the link portion 141 and is capable of falling in the direction of F.

Reference numeral 143 denotes a plate having a fitting hole 143 formed at one end thereof in which is fitted a projecting portion (not shown) formed at one end of the link portion 143. A projecting portion 145 is formed on part of the plate 144.

In this embodiment, although the details will be described later, the projecting portion 145 is linked with a lock plate which inhibits the movement of the disk holding mechanism. The projecting portion 145 locks or unlocks the disk holding mechanism interlocking with the movement of the disk holding mechanism.

Therefore, when the link portion 141 moves in the direction of B, the plate portion 144 moves in the direction of C and the projecting portion 145 moves another mechanism. On the other hand, when the link portion 141 moves in the direction of A, the plate portion 144 moves in a direction opposite to the direction of C.

For the conveyance of a disk, the roller base portion 110 occupies its position shown in FIG. 35, while when the disk is to be subject to the reproducing or replacing operation, the roller base portion 110 moves to its retracted position side. At this time, the projecting portion 142 falls to the disk inlet side with a pressing force induced during movement of the roller base portion 110, thus so as to cause no obstacle to the movement of the roller base portion 110.

A description will be given below about the operation.

First, with no disk inserted as in FIG. 32, the disk device is in a disk insertion stand-by state and the projecting portion 142 lies on the disk inlet side with respect to the roller base portion 110. FIG. 34 shows the details of a principal portion in this state.

Next, a disk is inserted from the disk inlet and the loading of the disk is started by the roller base portion 110, whereupon the peripheral edge portion of the disk comes into abutment against the projecting portion 142 as shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 shows the details of a principal portion in this state. Further, as the disk is conveyed into the disk device by the roller portion 112, the peripheral edge portion of the disk pushes the projecting portion 142 in direction A as shown in FIG. 37
since the urging force of the link portion 141 is smaller than the disk conveying force. With this movement in the direction of A, the link portion 141 turns in the direction of B about the pivot shaft fitted in the fitting hole 141a and the plate 144
moves in the direction of C. This movement causes movement of the lock plate linked to the projecting portion 145, whereby the disk holding mechanism is unlocked.

Next, as the disk is further conveyed into the disk device, the peripheral edge portion of the disk and the projecting portion 142 are disengaged from each other as shown in FIG. 38 and the link portion 141 turns in the direction of A with the urging force of the urging means. At this time, the disk is set to the reproducing position or the replacing position.

At the time of reproducing or replacing the disk, the roller base portion 110 is started to move to the disk inlet side because it becomes an obstacle and should therefore be retracted. At this time, the projecting portion 142 against which the upper roller base portion 113 abuts moves in the direction of A as shown in FIG. 39 and further moves into its state shown in FIG. 40. A still further movement of the upper roller base portion 113 results in such a state as shown in FIG. 41. At this time, the projecting portion 142 falls in the direction of B with the moving force, in the direction of A, of the roller base portion 110, allowing the roller base portion to escape. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the details of a principal portion in this state.

<Roller Base Movement Suppressing Mechanism>

FIG. 43 is a structure diagram of a roller base movement suppressing mechanism for suppressing the movement of the roller base portion 110 at a predetermined position when a disk is inserted, FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a principal portion shown in FIG. 43, FIG. 45 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 43, and FIG. 46 is an operating state transition diagram explaining an operating state of the disk device shown in FIG. 43.

The roller base movement suppressing mechanism will be described below with reference to FIGS. 43 to 46.

Before describing the structure and operation of this mechanism, a description will first be given below about the purpose of this mechanism. When a disk is inserted from the disk inlet and the roller portion turns to feed the disk into the disk device, the roller base portion undergoes a repulsive force of the disk conveying force and moves in a direction opposite to the disk inserting direction. During conveyance of the disk, therefore, it is necessary to inhibit the movement of the roller base portion to the disk inlet side. This is to be done by this mechanism.

Reference numeral 151 denotes a cam plate disposed between an end face of the roller base portion and a surface of a link plate (to be described later). The cam plate 151 has a link hole 151a formed in one end thereof, the link hole 151a being linked with a part of a mechanism (not shown) which causes the disk holding mechanism 200 (to be described later) to move vertically. In the cam plate 151 is formed a wavy groove 151b.

Reference numeral 152 denotes a link plate disposed between the housing and the cam plate 151. A first pin 152a and a second pin 152b are provided on a surface of the link plate 152 which surface confronts the housing, and a projecting portion (not shown) is formed on a surface of the link plate 152 which surface confronts the cam plate 151. The projecting portion is slidably fitted in the groove 151b of the cam plate 151 and a groove (not shown) for slidable fitting therein of the first and second pins is formed vertically in the housing opposed to the link plate 152. Further, reference numeral 152c denotes an abutment portion for abutment against a retaining portion 113c provided at an end portion of the upper roller base portion 113 to inhibit the movement, in the direction of B, of the roller base portion 110.

According to this structure, in response to movement, in the direction of A or B, of the cam plate 151, the projecting portion of the link plate 152 slides within the groove 151b and moves in the vertical direction (direction C or D) through the first and second pins 152a and 152b. A principal portion of FIG. 43 is shown in FIG. 44.

The following description is now provided about the operation.

As shown in FIG. 43, when a disk is to be inserted and conveyed, the retaining portion 113c formed on the upper roller base portion 113 is put in abutment against the abutment portion 152c of the link plate 152 and is inhibited from moving in the direction of D. Thus, during conveyance of the disk, the disk inlet and the roller base portion can be spaced a certain distance from each other.

Next, as shown in FIG. 45, as the disk is conveyed, the mechanism for moving the disk holding mechanism 200 (to be described later) vertically in accordance with the disk conveyance operates and the link hole 151a linked with the link portion (not shown) which is interlocked with the operation of the mechanism is pushed in the direction of B, that is, the cam plate 151 moves in the direction of B, so that the abutment portion 152c of the link arm 152 which is in sliding engagement in the groove 15b formed in the cam plate 151 moves in the direction of D and is disengaged from the retaining portion 113c, thus permitting movement in the direction of B of the roller base portion 110.

Next, as shown in FIG. 46, when the disk has reached the inner part of the disk device, that is, when the disk reproducing operation is to be performed or upon storage of the disk, the roller base portion 110 is moved to the disk inlet side by the moving mechanism (not shown) which is for moving the roller base portion. Now, a series of operations is completed.

Next, reference will be made below to the disk holding mechanism.

[3. Disk Holding Mechanism]

FIGS. 47 to 91 are drawings concerning the disk holding mechanism.

The disk holding mechanism is composed of a disk holding section for holding disks of different diameters, i.e., disks of both large and small diameters, the disk holding portion performing the positioning of disk so as to permit a reliable setting to the disk reproducing position and the disk storing position, a disk detecting portion for detecting that the disk holding portion has held a disk, and an auxiliary holding portion which restricts the height and inclination of the disk in cooperation with the disk holding portion.

Structures and operations of principal portions of the disk holding portion, the disk detecting portion, and the auxiliary holding portion will be described below with reference to FIGS. 47 to 72, FIGS. 73 to 86, and FIGS. 87 to 91, respectively.

<Disk Holding Section>

FIG. 47 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk holding portion and FIG. 48 is a developed structure diagram of the principal portion shown in FIG. 47. In FIG. 47, the reference numeral 211 denotes a holding portion for holding a part of the peripheral edge portion of a disk when the disk is to be conveyed or replaced. The holding portion 211 can hold disks of different diameters, i.e., a large diameter disk R1 (e.g., 12 cm disk) and a smaller diameter disk R2 (e.g., 8 cm disk). A groove 212 is formed in the holding portion 211 on the side opposed to the disk. The peripheral edge portion of the disk is inserted into the groove 212, whereby the disk is held. Further, a slid groove 213 is formed in an upper surface of the holding portion 211 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 211. The details of holding the disk in the holding portion 211 are as shown in FIG. 49.

As to the shape of the holding portion 211, it is as shown in FIG. 50. FIG. 51 illustrates a state in which both large diameter disk R1 and small diameter disk R2 are held. Both disks are different in all of the length of diameter, the position of inside diameter (inside diameters of the large and small diameter disks are r1 and r2, respectively), and arc, so a space is formed on the inner side of the disk holding portion, thus permitting both disks to be held accurately.

Reference numeral 221 denotes a left arm for holding the holding portion 211, one end 224 of the left arm 221 being slidably fitted in the slide groove 213 of the holding portion 211. Reference numeral 222 denotes a right arm, one end 225 of which is pivoted or journaled in the holding portion 211, the right arm 222 being formed in a cross-link shape together with the left arm 221 with a pivot shaft 223 as axis and adapted to move in the direction of A when pushed upon insertion of a disk into the holding portion 211. An opposite end of the left arm 221 is formed with a hole 226 for fitting therein of a first shaft 231 (to be described later), while an opposite end 227 of the right arm 222 is provided with a shaft portion 225 extending downward.

Reference numeral 231 denotes a first shaft which is loosely fitted in the hole 226 of the left arm 221. At a lower end of the first shaft 231 is provided a first switching portion 232 with a pin 233 disposed at a position different from the axis of the first shaft 231. The first switching portion 232 is slidably fitted in a groove 242 (to be described later) formed in a first cam plate 240. When the first cam plate 240 moves in the direction of C, the pin 233 moves so as to be guided along the groove 242 with the first shaft 231 as fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the first cam plate. In the case of this movement in the direction of C, both left and right arms 221, 222, which are in a cross link shape, are turned in the direction of A, allowing the disk holding mechanism to be stored. On the other hand, when the first cam plate 240 moves in the direction D, the pin 233 moves so as to be guided along the groove 242 with the first shaft 231 as fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the first cam plate. In case of this movement in the direction D, both left and right arms 221, 222, which are in a cross link shape, are turned in the direction of B, allowing the disk holding mechanism to operate so as to project forward as shown in FIG. 47.

Reference numeral 234 denotes a second shaft which supports a lower portion of a vertical base 280. As is the case with the first shaft 231, at a lower end of the second shaft 234 is provided a second switching portion 235 with a pin 236
disposed at a position different from the axis of the second shaft 234. Like the first switching portion 232, the second switching portion 235 is slidably fitted in a groove 244 (to be described later) formed in the first cam plate 240. When the first cam plate 240 moves in the direction of C, the pin 236 moves so as to be guided along the groove 244 with the second shaft 234 as fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the first cam plate. In the case of this movement in the direction of C, the left and right arms 221, 222, which are in a cross link shape, are turned in the direction of A, allowing the disk holding mechanism to be stored. On the other hand, when the first cam plate 240 moves in the direction of D, the pin 236 moves so as to be guided along the groove 244 with the second shaft 234 as fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the first cam plate. In the case of this movement in the direction of D, the left and right arms 221, 222, which are in a cross link shape, are turned in the direction of B, causing the disk holding mechanism to operate so as to project forward as shown in FIG. 47. The first and second switching portions 232 and 235 are adapted to operate with movement, in the direction of C or D, of the first cam plate
240 and are interlocked with each other, whereby both arms 221, 222 can be allowed to perform a turning motion smoothly.

Reference numeral 237 denotes a gear portion mounted on an upper end of the second shaft 234, the gear portion 237 being rotated with rotational movement of the second shaft 234. That is, the gear portion 237 rotates in direction E with movement in the direction C of the first cam plate 240 and rotates in the direction of F with movement in the direction D of the first cam plate. A link arm (not shown) is linked to the gear portion 237, the link arm having at one end thereof a gear portion meshing with the gear portion 237 and also having at an opposite end thereof a pin which is fitted in a hole 291 (to be described later), the hole 291 being formed in a position corresponding to a pivot shaft of a holding arm 290.

Thus, the holding arm 290 is turned in the direction of G or H interlocking with movement, in the direction of C or D, of the first cam plate 240.

In one end of the first cam plate 240 is formed a hole 241. The hole 241 is linked to a gear train (not shown) on a drive motor (not shown) which turns ON upon conveyance of a disk to a predetermined position. In an opposite end of the first cam plate 240 is formed a groove 244 for slidable fitting therein of the pin 236 of the second switching section 235 provided on the second shaft 234. Further, near the central portion is formed a groove 242 for slidable fitting therein of the pin 233
in the first switching section 232 provided on the first shaft 231.

Reference numeral 250 denotes a second cam plate for moving the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 vertically. In one end of the second cam plate 250 is formed a hole 251 for fitting therein of a link portion (not shown), the link portion being linked to operations of a gear train (not shown) which are operated with the disk conveying operation. At an opposite end of the second cam plate 250 is formed a support portion for supporting a lower portion of the vertical base
280 (to be described later) and near a central part thereof is formed a groove 252 for permitting a vertical movement of the whole of the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222. The groove 252 is formed longitudinally so as to extend partially upward. A shutter cam plate 270 is positioned on the back of the second cam plate and a projecting portion 271 (to be described later) is formed on part of the shutter cam plate 270, the projecting portion 271
being slidably fitted in the groove 252.

When the second cam plate 250 moves in the direction of C, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is supported at a normal height H1. When the second cam plate 250 moves in the direction of D, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is supported halfway at the height H1. Upon further movement in the direction of D, the upper base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is moved upward up to height H2. The movement of the second cam plate 250 and that of the first cam plate 240 are independent of each other.

Reference numeral 260 denotes a third cam plate for restricting the movement of the right arm 222 in accordance with the state of disk conveyance, i.e., the movement, in the direction of A, of the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms
221, 222. In one end of the third cam plate 260 is formed a hole 261 for fitting therein of a pin, the pin being provided in a link mechanism (not shown) which operates in accordance with disk conveyance. At the other end of the third cam plate 260 is provided a retaining portion with which a retaining portion 287 of a switching plate 285 is engaged with movement, in the direction of C, of the third cam plate 260 to let the switching plate 285 turn in direction A. With this movement, in the direction of A, of the switching plate 285 the second shaft 234 is brought into engagement with a recess 286 formed in the switching plate 285. More specifically, the disk device can handle disks of different diameters, so if the holding portion 211 holds a disk of a small diameter at the same position as in the case of a large diameter disk, the center of the disk lies on an inner side of the disk device with respect to the disk reproducing position. Therefore, it is necessary that the large diameter be allowed to project on this side of the disk device in comparison with the case of a large diameter disk. This switching operation is performed by the switching plate 285. The switching plate 285 is operated with movement, in the direction of C or D, of the third cam plate 260.

Reference numeral 270 denotes a shutter cam plate. The shutter cam plate 270 has a projecting portion 271 which is slidably fitted in the groove 252 formed in the second cam plate 250 and a projecting portion 272 which is fitted in a hole formed in a link mechanism (not shown), the link mechanism functioning to actuate a shutter portion (not shown) provided in the disk inlet. When the shutter plate 270 moves in the direction of C, the link mechanism turns in the direction of G to close the shutter, while when the shutter plate 270 moves in the direction of D, the link mechanism turns in the direction of H to open the shutter.

The vertical base 280, which carries thereon the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222, is structured so as to move vertically in accordance with the movement, in the direction of C or D, of the second cam plate 250. When the second cam plate 250 moves in the direction of C, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is supported at the normal height H1. When the second cam plate 250 moves in the direction of D, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is supported halfway at the height H1. Upon further movement, in the direction of D, of the second cam plate 250, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 211 and 222 is raised up to the height H2.

Reference numeral 285 denotes a switching plate which is interlocked with the movement of the third cam plate 260. In one end of the switching plate 285 is formed a hole 261 for fitting a pin therein, the pin being provided on a link mechanism (not shown) which is adapted to operate in accordance with disk conveyance. At the other end of the switching plate 285 is formed a retaining portion for engagement with the retaining portion 287 of the switching plate 285 with movement, in the direction of C, of the third cam plate 260. In this engaged state the switching plate 285 is turned in the direction of A to bring the second shaft 234 into engagement in the recess 286 of the switching plate 285.

Reference numeral 288 denotes a lock lever having a position delimiting portion and a groove portion. The position delimiting portion delimits a projecting position of the holding portion 211 on the basis of the size of the disk held by the holding portion 211. In the groove portion is fitted the second shaft 234 to restrict the movement of the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 222 and 223 at the time of setting the disk position. The groove portion is formed with a groove
288a in which the second shaft 234 is fitted in the case of a large diameter disk and a groove 288b in which the second shaft 234 is fitted in the case of a small diameter disk. The details of shape are as shown in FIG. 53. In addition, the details of shape on the back surface of the lock lever 288 are as shown in FIG. 54.

Reference numeral 290 denotes a holding arm. In one end of the holding arm 290 is formed a hole 291 in which is fitted a pin provided at one end of a link portion, the link portion having a gear portion (to be described later) meshing with the gear portion 237 mounted on one end of the second shaft 234. At an opposite end of the holding arm 290 is provided a holding portion 292 for holding the peripheral edge portion of the disk. The holding portion 292 is internally formed with a groove to hold the disk. The holding arm 290 is disposed in opposition to the holding portion 211. That is, the disk is held at one diameter thereof by the holding portion 211 and at the other by the holding portion 292. The details of a disk holding state by the disk holding portion are as shown in FIG. 52.

When the disk is to be held by the holding portion 211, it is held also by the holding portion 292. Thus, the disk is gripped by both holding portions 211 and 292.

A description is now directed to the operation with reference to FIGS. 55 to 57.

FIGS. 55 to 67 illustrate a disk reproducing process involving conveyance of a disk, holding of the disk, replacement of the disk with another disk stored in the disk storing mechanism, and operation for reproducing the replaced disk.

First, as shown in FIG. 55, when a disk is not held by the holding portion 211, that is, in a stand-by state for holding a disk, the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 carried on the vertical base 280 project forwardly. The details of a principal portion in this state are as shown in FIG. 56.

Next, as shown in FIG. 57, when a disk is held by the holding portion 211, the third cam plate 260 moves in the direction of A in interlock with disk conveyance and a pin 262 provided below the third cam plate 260 is brought into engagement with the retaining portion 287 to unlock the lock lever 285.

With the lock lever 285 thus unlocked, the left and right arms 221, 222 become movable. As shown in FIG. 58, the first cam plate moves in direction A and interlocking with this movement the left and right arms 221, 222 are folded so as to be stowed within the vertical lever 280. The holding arm 290 also turns in direction A so as to hold the disk. As a result, the disk is held by both holding portions 211 and 292. At this time, the holding portion 211 connected to both left and right arms
221, 222 is also stowed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 59, when the disk is to be stored in the disk storing mechanism or when it is to be replaced with another disk already stored in the disk storing mechanism, the operation concerned is performed at the height H2 which is higher than the normal position H1 (shown in FIG. 47). Therefore, when the disk holding operation is completed as in FIG. 58, the second cam plate 250 moves in direction C shown in FIG. 47, causing the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211
and the left and right arms 221, 222 to rise. This ascending motion is performed while holding the disk gripped by both holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. The details of a principal portion in this state of FIG. 59 is as shown in FIG. 60.

After these series of operations, the disk storing mechanism stores the disk as in FIG. 61. While the vertical base 280 rises, the disk is urged from below against the support means (spacer portion) located at the top stage of the disk storing mechanism. The details of a principal portion in this state of FIG. 61 is as shown in FIG. 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 63, since the disk is urged against the support means (spacer portion) located at the top stage of the disk storing mechanism, it is supported without looseness. Therefore, the holding portion 211 and the holding arm 280 which have so far held the disk are disengaged from the disk. The details of a principal portion in this state of FIG. 63 are as shown in FIG. 64 and the details of a principal portion on the backside are as shown in FIG. 65.

Next, the reproduction of the disk supported by the disk storing mechanism 400 is performed in the following manner. From the state of FIG. 63, first the turntable 310 turns in the direction of A, as shown in FIG. 66, and the second cam plate
250 moves in the direction of D shown in FIG. 47, causing the vertical base 280 to move down and allowing the disk to be rested on the table portion 311. Thereafter, the clamp portion 320 turns in the direction of B and clamps the disk from above the disk. With this operation, the disk is gripped by both turntable 310 and clamp portion 320. Next, since the disk is gripped by the turntable 310 and the clamp portion 320, the first cam plate 240 moves in the direction of C as in FIG. 67, allowing the left and right arms 221, 222 to be stowed in the vertical base, and the disk is released from its holding state. Now, a series of operations are completed. For reverse operations, the process described above is reversed.

Although the above description is of a large diameter disk, it is also applicable to a small diameter disk. FIGS. 68 and 69 illustrate a state in which a small diameter disk is held. FIG. 68 shows a state in which a disk is not held at a central position, but is held on a somewhat left side, and FIG. 69 shows a state in which a disk is held on a somewhat right side. A small diameter disk is pressed against the holding portion 211 by the holding arm 290 and is held thereby. Next, as shown in FIG. 71, the second cam plate 250 is moved, thereby raising the vertical base 280 and urging it from below against the support means (spacer portion) located at the top stage of the disk storing mechanism, whereby the disk is gripped by both holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. The details of a principal portion in this state of FIG. 71 are as shown in FIG. 72.

<Disk Detecting Portion>

FIG. 73 is a structure diagram showing the structure of the disk holding portion including the disk detecting portion and FIG. 74 is a structure diagram of a principal portion of the disk detecting portion. In both figures, reference numeral 215
denotes a detecting switch provided in an inner part of the groove 212 formed in the holding portion 211 and 216 denotes an abutment portion in the detecting switch 215. When a disk is inserted into and held by the disk holding portion 211, the peripheral edge portion of the disk is put in abutment against the abutment portion 216. When the disk is abutted and pushed against the abutment portion 216 to turn ON the detecting switch 215, a microcomputer (not shown) judges that the disk is held. In contrast therewith, if the detecting switch 215 remains OFF even upon lapse of a predetermined time after the start of disk insertion, the microcomputer judges that the holding portion 211 does not hold the disk accurately. Other structural points are the same as in FIG. 47 and so explanations thereof will here be omitted.

Next, a description will be given about the operation.

The operation of the disk holding portion is the same as that described above. FIG. 73 shows a state in which a disk is being conveyed and is not held by the holding portion 211. FIG. 75 shows a state in which the disk is being held by the holding portion 211. In this connection, FIG. 76 shows a state in which the disk begins to abut the abutment portion 216 of the detecting switch 215. In this state the detecting switch 215 is not turned ON yet. As the disk further moves in the direction of A so as to be held by the holding portion 211, it pushes the abutment portion 216, which turns ON the detecting switch, as shown in FIGS. 77 and 78. Upon turning ON of the detecting switch 215 it is judged in the disk device that the disk holding operation has been completed without any trouble, as shown in FIG. 79. Thus, the holding state of the disk can be judged accurately and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunction of the disk device.

The following description is now provided in association with the operation of the disk holding mechanism 200 and that of the disk storing mechanism 400. In this example, these operations are a series of operations for discharging the disks stored in the disk storing mechanism to the exterior of the disk device. First, as shown in FIG. 80, disks are stored in the disk storing mechanism 400. At this time, the disk holding mechanism 200 does not hold any disk. Next, as shown in FIG. 81, the disk storing mechanism 400 operates to lower the disk height and the disk holding mechanism 200 is drawn close to the peripheral edge portion of the disk. Next, as shown in FIG. 82, the disk holding mechanism 200 holds the peripheral edge portion of the disk. At this instant, the detecting switch 215 disposed within the holding portion 211 detects the disk and issues a command to the microcomputer (not shown) so as to divide the disk storing mechanism 400. Next, as shown in FIG. 83, the disk storing mechanism 400 is divided in accordance with the disk detection command and the holding arm 290 is turned downward, whereby the disk is held by only the holding portion 211. Next, as shown in FIG. 84, the disk leaves the holding portion 211 and is conveyed to the disk inlet. In this way a series of operations are completed.

In the event a holding state of the inserted disk is not detected by the holding portion 211, such a state is as shown in FIGS. 85 and 86. FIG. 85 shows a state in which a disk is inclined downward and is not held by the holding portion 211 and FIG. 86 shows a state in which a disk is inclined upward and is not held by the holding portion 211. In this case, if a holding state of a disk by the disk holding portion is not detected even after the lapse of a predetermined time or longer despite a disk having been conveyed, this state is regarded as an error and a control is made to discharge the disk and again insert the disk.

<Auxiliary Holding Portion>

FIG. 87 illustrates the structure of the auxiliary holding portion and FIG. 88 illustrates the details of a principal portion of FIG. 87. The structure of the auxiliary holding portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 87 and 88. Reference numeral 295 denotes an auxiliary arm which is brought into abutment against the peripheral edge portion of a held disk to restrict the height and inclination of the disk at the time of holding the disk in such a way that it is gripped by both holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. The auxiliary arm 295 is provided at a portion thereof with a pin 296, one end of which is attached to a first lever 297. Further, a second lever 298 supports one end of the first lever 297 and is turnable in the direction of A or B about a pivot shaft 298a. A projecting portion 299 is formed downwards at an opposite end of the second lever 298, as shown in FIG. 88.

Reference numeral 289 denotes a projecting portion formed at an opposite end of the switching plate 285. With movement, in the direction of C or D, of the switching plate 285, the projecting portion formed on the switching plate 285 comes into abutment against the projecting portion 299 formed on the second lever 298. With this abutting force, the auxiliary arm 295 and the first and second levers 296, 297 which have become integral with one another move pivotally in the direction of A or B about the pivot shaft 298. In this case, when the projecting portion 299 formed on the switching plate 285 abuts the projecting portion on the second lever 298, that is, when the switching plate 285 moves in the direction of C, the projecting portion
299 on the second lever 298 undergoes an abutting force in the direction of C, so that the auxiliary arm 295 and the first and second levers 296, 297 turn move pivotally in the direction of B as an integral mass and the auxiliary arm 295 comes into abutment against the peripheral edge portion of the disk. On the other hand, when the projecting portion 299 formed on the switching plate 285 becomes disengaged from the projecting portion on the second lever 298, that is, when the switching plate 285
moves in the direction of D, the abutting force of the projecting portion 299 on the second lever 298 becomes extinct and the auxiliary arm 295 and the first and second levers 296 and 297 as an integral mass lose their urging force in the direction of B and turn in the direction of A, whereby the auxiliary arm 295 is disengaged from the peripheral edge portion of the disk.

A description is now directed to the operation. First, in a state before a conveyed disk being set to the disk holding position, that is, when the disk is not held by the holding portion 211 and the holding arm 290, as shown in FIG. 87, the projecting portion 299 formed on the switching plate 285 and the projecting portion formed on the second lever 298 are not in abutment against each other, with no abutment against the disk. Next, at the time of setting the conveyed disk to the disk holding position, there is made adjustment of the disk holding height and inclination before the disk is held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. For this adjustment, as shown in FIG. 89, the switching plate 285 moves in the direction of C, so that the projecting portion 289 formed on the switching plate 285 comes into abutment against the projecting portion on the second lever 298, the auxiliary arm 295 and the first and second levers 296 and 297 as an integral mass turn in the direction of B, and the auxiliary arm 295 is put in abutment against the peripheral edge portion of the disk, whereby the height and inclination of the disk are delimited. The details of a principal portion in the state of FIG. 89 are as shown in FIG.
90. Next, as shown in FIG. 91, the disk is held by the holding portion 211 and the holding arm 290. Although the holding portion 211 is not shown in FIGS. 87 to 91, its structure is the same as that shown in FIG. 47. Now, a series of operations are completed.

Next, a description will be given below about the disk reproducing mechanism.

[4. Disk Reproducing Mechanism]

FIG. 92 is an entire structure diagram and FIG. 93 is an operating state transition diagram showing a state of transition from the state of FIG. 92 to the next operation.

The structure and operation of the disk reproducing mechanism 300 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 92 and 93.

The disk reproducing mechanism 300 is divided into three constituent groups: a disk reproducing section 310, a clamp section 320, and a lock section 330.

The disk reproducing section 310 is a mechanism for reproducing a disk and includes an optical pickup portion for reading a signal stored in the disk, a feed mechanism for the pickup portion, and a turntable for resting the disk thereon. The clamp section 320 is a mechanism for clamping a disk when it is rested on the turntable. The lock section 330 is a mechanism for keeping the disk reproducing mechanism in a floating state during reproduction of the disk and for canceling the floating state and fixing the disk reproducing mechanism.

The disk reproducing section 310 is provided with a turntable 311 for resting a disk thereon, an optical pickup portion 312 for reading information stored on the disk at the time of reproducing the disk, and a feed mechanism 313 for the pickup portion. The turntable 311 is movable in the direction of A or B and rotatable in the direction of C or D.

The clamp section 320, which is for clamping a disk, is provided with a clamp 321. On a surface of the clamp 321 which surface confronts a disk there is formed a chucking portion (not shown) which supports a hole formed in the disk. The clamp section 320 is movable in the direction of A or B and is rotatable in the direction of E or F. The clamp 320 and the disk reproducing section 310 constitute an integral mechanism 350. This mechanism will hereinafter be referred to as a floating deck section 350.

In the lock section 330, a lock pin 331 is disengaged from a hole formed in a side face of the floating deck section 350 so as to let the floating deck section float at the time of performing the reproducing operation, while in a state other than the reproducing state the floating deck section 350 is locked, with the lock pin 331 fitted in the hole formed in a side face of the floating deck section. This is for the purpose of making the disk reproducing system employable in a vibrational condition. That is, if vibration is exerted on the reproducing system and if the floating deck section 350 remains in a locked state, the pickup portion vibrates directly, so that there occurs a sound skip. As a countermeasure, the floating deck section 350 is brought into a floating state to avoid direct application of vibration. The details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 145 to 155.

The operation will now be described. As shown in FIG. 92, a disk is held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. The reproducing operation starts from this state. In this case, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion
211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 lies at a high position. Next, as shown in FIG. 93, the disk reproducing section 310 turns in the direction of C and advances toward the underside of the disk to be reproduced. This state is as shown in FIG. 93. In this state, the vertical base 280 including the retaining portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 still occupies the high position and the disk is held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. Next, when the disk reproducing section 310 turns up to a predetermined position as shown in FIG. 94, it moves in direction A and the disk is set so that the axis thereof becomes coincident with the center of the turntable 311. In this state, the vertical base 280 including the holding portion 211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 still lies in the high position and the disk is held by both holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. Next, as shown in FIG. 95, the height of the vertical base 280 including the holding portion
211 and the left and right arms 221, 222 is lowered and the disk held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290 is put onto the turntable 311. At this time, the disk remains held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. Next, as shown in FIG. 96, the clamp section 320 moves in the direction of A and rotates in the direction of E so as to be set above the disk on the turntable 311. During this operation the disk continues to be held by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. Next, as shown in FIG. 97, a chucking portion of the clamp section 320 clamps the disk so that a chucking portion of the clamp section 320 is fitted in the hole, i.e., inside diameter, of the disk. With this operation, the disk is gripped by both disk reproducing section 310 and the clamp section 320. The disk is held also by both the holding portion 211 and holding arm 290. Next, as shown in FIG. 98, the holding portion 211 and the holding arm 290, which have so far held the disk, are disengaged from the disk, thus releasing the disk, and are stowed in a predetermined portion. At this time, the disk is gripped by only the disk reproducing section 310 and the clamp section 320. Next, as shown in FIG. 99, the floating deck section 350
is moved in the direction of B and is set to the disk reproducing position. Next, as shown in FIG. 100, the lock section 330 cancels the locked state of the floating deck section 350, allowing the floating deck section to float, followed by starting of the disk reproducing operation. Now, a series of operations are completed. Next, the disk storing mechanism will be described below.

[5. Disk Stock Mechanism]

FIG. 101 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a principal portion of the disk storing mechanism, FIG. 102 is an exploded diagram of the disk storing mechanism disassembled into its components, FIG. 103 is also an exploded diagram to components of the disk storing mechanism, and FIG. 118(a) to (d) illustrate operating states of a principal portion of the dis