Automatic recording medium changing device

Claim 2

An automatic recording medium changing device comprising a. a storage case with an outlet opening formed along one side thereof for storing therein in stacked form a plurality of disk-shaped recording media each having a center engaging hole; b. a turntable upon which said recording medium is rotated, said storage case being disposed immediately above said turntable and spaced therefrom by a suitable distance, said case being further provided with an inlet opening along the side thereof in opposed relation with said outlet opening; c. means for engaging with said center engaging hole of said recording medium so as to releasably hold it in position upon said turntable; d. means for recording the signals on said recording medium or reproducing the signals recorded on said recording medium upon said turntable; e. first guide means extending from said outlet opening of said storage case to said turntable; f. second guide means extending from said turntable toward said inlet opening of said storage case, said first and second guide means being defined by a curved wall bulging outwardly; g. means for engaging with the lowermost recording medium in said storage case so as to transport the same through said outlet opening along said guide means toward said turntable, said recording medium transporting means comprising an endless belt disposed within a loop defined by said storage case, said first guide means, said turntable and said second guide means; and h. hook means attached to said endless belt for engagement with the recording media in said storage case and upon said turntable.

Claim 3

An automatic recording medium changing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said endless driving belt is provided with a plurality of said hook means.

Claim 4

An automatic recording medium changing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bottom of said storage case is provided with an elongated slot extending lengthwise from said inlet opening to said outlet opening so that said hook means pass through said elongated slot when said endless driving belt is driven.

Claim 5

An automatic recording medium changing device comprising a. a turntable upon which a disk-shaped recording medium having a center engaging hole is adapted to be located to rotate therewith; b. means for engaging with said center engaging hole of the recording medium so as to releasably hold it in position upon said turntable; c. means for recordiNg signals on said recording medium or reproducing signals recorded on said recording medium upon said turntable; d. a first storage case disposed immediately above said turntable for storing therein a plurality of said recording media, said first storage case being provided along one side thereof with an outlet through which one of said recording media is taken out and on the bottom thereof with an elongated slot extending lengthwise and connecting to said outlet; e. a first guide plate defined by an outwardly curved wall extending from said outlet of the first storage case to said turntable; f. a second storage case provided with an inlet through which said recording media is inserted to be stored therein; g. a second guide plate extending from said turntable to said inlet of the second storage case; h. an endless belt adapted to move along the inner periphery of a loop defined by said first storage case, said first guide plate, said turntable, said second guide plate and said second storage case; and i. hook means provided on said endless belt so as to project through said slot into said first storage case for engagement with the lowermost recording medium in said first storage case to transport the same from said first storage case to said turntable along said first guide plate and for engagement with the recording medium upon said turntable to transport the same from said turntable to said second storage case along said second guide means.

Claim 6

An automatic recording medium changing device comprising a. a turntable upon which a disk-shaped recording medium having a center engaging hole is adapted to be located to rotate therewith; b. means for engaging with said center engaging hole of the recording medium so as to releasably hold it in position upon said turntable; c. means for recordiNg signals on said recording medium or reproducing signals recorded on said recording medium upon said turntable; d. a first storage case disposed immediately above said turntable for storing therein a plurality of said recording media, said first storage case being provided along one side thereof with an outlet through which one of said recording media is taken out and on the bottom thereof with an elongated slot extending lengthwise and connecting to said outlet; e. a first guide plate defined by an outwardly curved wall extending from said outlet of the first storage case to said turntable; f. a second storage case provided with an inlet through which said recording media is inserted to be stored therein; g. a second guide plate extending from said turntable to said inlet of the second storage case; h. an endless belt adapted to move along the inner periphery of a loop defined by said first storage case, said first guide plate, said turntable, said second guide plate and said second storage case; and i. hook means provided on said endless belt so as to project through said slot into said first storage case for engagement with the lowermost recording medium in said first storage case to transport the same from said first storage case to said turntable along said first guide plate and for engagement with the recording medium upon said turntable to transport the same from said turntable to said second storage case along said second guide means.