U.S. patent application number 10/738429 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-08 for apparatus for translating a cartridge access device.
Invention is credited to Jones, David P., Luffel, Robert W..
Application Number | 20040133902 10/738429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26990880 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040133902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luffel, Robert W. ; et
al. |
July 8, 2004 |
Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device
Abstract
Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along
a displacement path may comprise a first elongate gear rack aligned
along the displacement path and a second elongate gear rack
positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first elongate gear rack
so that the second elongate gear rack is aligned along the
displacement path. A first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge
access device engages the first elongate gear rack. A second drive
pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the second
elongate gear rack. A pinion drive apparatus operatively associated
with the first and second drive pinions rotates the first and
second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device along the
first and second elongate gear racks.
Inventors: |
Luffel, Robert W.; (Court
Greeley, CO) ; Jones, David P.; (Bellvu, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
26990880 |
Appl. No.: |
10/738429 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10738429 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
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09371708 |
Aug 9, 1999 |
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09371708 |
Aug 9, 1999 |
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09337802 |
Jun 22, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
360/92.1 ;
369/30.45; G9B/15.142; G9B/17.054; G9B/33.034 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 17/225 20130101;
G11B 33/128 20130101; G11B 15/6835 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
720/632 ;
369/030.45; 360/092 |
International
Class: |
G11B 007/085; G11B
021/08; G11B 015/68 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along
a displacement path, comprising: a first elongate gear rack aligned
along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a
first end and a second end; a first elongate guide member formed as
a single unit with said first elongate gear rack and extending
along the displacement path substantially between the first and
second ends of said first elongate gear rack; a first bearing
mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging
said first elongate guide member; a second elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart
relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate
gear rack having a first end and a second end; a first drive pinion
mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion
engaging said first elongate gear rack; a second drive pinion
mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion
engaging said second elongate gear rack; and pinion drive apparatus
operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions,
said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive
pinions to move the cartridge access device between the first and
second ends of said first and second elongate gear racks.
2. The translation apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first
elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing
surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing
surfaces of said first elongate guide member.
3. The translation apparatus of claim 2, wherein said second
elongate gear rack includes a second elongate guide member that
extends along the displacement path substantially between the first
and second ends of said second elongate gear rack and wherein said
translation apparatus further comprises a second bearing mounted to
the cartridge access device, said second bearing engaging said
second elongate guide member.
4. The translation apparatus of claim 3, wherein said second
elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing
surfaces and wherein said second bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing
surfaces of said second elongate guide member.
5. The translation apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a third
bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said third bearing
contacting said first elongate gear rack and allowing the cartridge
access device to move along the displacement path.
6. The translation apparatus of claim 5, wherein said third bearing
comprises a wheel.
7. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along
a displacement path, further comprising: a first elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack
having a first end and a second end; a second elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart
relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate
gear rack having a first end and a second end; a third elongate
gear rack positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation
to said first elongate gear rack; a fourth elongate gear rack
positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation to said
second elongate gear rack so that said first, second, third, and
fourth elongate gear racks define a generally rectangular,
parallelopiped configuration with said first and third elongate
gear racks defining a bottom side of the generally rectangular,
parallelopiped configuration and said second and fourth elongate
gear racks defining a top side of the generally rectangular,
parallelopiped configuration; a first drive pinion mounted to the
cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said
first elongate gear rack; a second drive pinion mounted to the
cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said
second elongate gear rack; and pinion drive apparatus operatively
associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion
drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to
move the cartridge access device between the first and second ends
of said first and second elongate gear racks.
8. The translation apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a
third drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and
operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said third
drive pinion engaging said third elongate gear rack; and a fourth
drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively
associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said fourth drive
pinion engaging said fourth elongate gear rack.
9. The translation apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a
fifth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said fifth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said first elongate gear rack so that said fifth
elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and a
sixth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said sixth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said second elongate gear rack so that said sixth
elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
10. The translation apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a
seventh elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said seventh elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said third elongate gear rack so that said
seventh elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path;
and an eighth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second
end, the first end of said eighth elongate gear rack being mounted
adjacent the second end of said fourth elongate gear rack so that
said eighth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement
path.
11. The translation apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pinion drive
apparatus comprises: a motor having a shaft; a worm attached to the
shaft of said motor; and a worm gear operatively connected to said
first and second drive pinions, said worm gear mounted to engage
said worm mounted to the shaft of said motor.
12. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path, comprising: a first elongate gear rack
aligned along said displacement path, said first elongate gear rack
having a first end and a second end; a first elongate guide member
formed as a single unit with said first elongate gear rack so that
said first elongate guide member extends along the displacement
path; a second elongate guide member extending along the
displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said
first elongate guide member; a first drive pinion mounted to the
cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said
first elongate gear rack; a first bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate
guide member; a second bearing mounted to the cartridge access
device, said second bearing engaging said second elongate guide
member; and pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said
first drive pinion, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first
drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the
displacement path.
13. The translation apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a
second elongate gear rack aligned along said displacement path and
positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear
rack; and a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access
device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear
rack.
14. The translation apparatus of claim 13, wherein said second
elongate guide member comprises an integral portion of said second
elongate gear rack.
15. The translation apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first
elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing
surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing
surfaces of said first elongate guide member.
16. The translation apparatus of claim 15, wherein said second
elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing
surfaces and wherein said second bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing
surfaces of said second elongate guide member.
17. The translation apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a
third bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said third
bearing contacting said first elongate gear rack and allowing the
cartridge access device to move along the displacement path.
18. The translation apparatus of claim 17, wherein said third
bearing comprises a wheel.
19. The translation apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a
third elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel,
spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack; and a
fourth elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel,
spaced-apart relation to said second elongate gear rack so that
said first, second, third, and fourth elongate gear racks define a
generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration with said first
and third elongate gear racks defining a bottom side of the
generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration and said second
and fourth elongate gear racks defining a top side of the generally
rectangular, parallelopiped configuration.
20. The translation apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a
third drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and
operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said third
drive pinion engaging said third elongate gear rack; and a fourth
drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively
associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said fourth drive
pinion engaging said fourth elongate gear rack.
21. The translation apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: a
fifth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said fifth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said first elongate gear rack so that said fifth
elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and a
sixth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said sixth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said second elongate gear rack so that said sixth
elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
22. The translation apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a
seventh elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said seventh elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent
the second end of said third elongate gear rack so that said
seventh elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path;
and an eighth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second
end, the first end of said eighth elongate gear rack being mounted
adjacent the second end of said fourth elongate gear rack so that
said eighth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement
path.
23. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path, comprising: an elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path; guide means formed as a single
unit with said elongate gear rack for guiding the cartridge access
device along the displacement path; a drive pinion mounted to the
cartridge access device, said drive pinion engaging said elongate
gear rack; and pinion drive means operatively associated with said
drive pinion for rotating said first drive pinion to move the
cartridge access device along the displacement path.
24. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path, comprising: a first elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack
having a first end and a second end, said first elongate gear rack
also defining a first elongate guide member so that said first
elongate guide member also extends along the displacement path
substantially between the first and second ends of said first
elongate gear rack; a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access
device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide
member; a second elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement
path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate
gear rack, said second elongate gear rack having a first end and a
second end; a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access
device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear
rack; a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device,
said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack;
and pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first
and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said
first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device
between the first and second ends of said first and second elongate
gear racks.
25. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path, comprising: a first elongate gear rack
aligned along said displacement path, said first elongate gear rack
having a first end and a second end, said first elongate gear rack
defining a first elongate guide member that extends along the
displacement path; a second elongate guide member extending along
the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to
said first elongate guide member; a first drive pinion mounted to
the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said
first elongate gear rack; a first bearing mounted to the cartridge
access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate
guide member; a second bearing mounted to the cartridge access
device, said second bearing engaging said second elongate guide
member; and pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said
first drive pinion, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first
drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the
displacement path.
26. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path, comprising: guide means for guiding the
cartridge access device along the displacement path, said guide
means also defining an integral elongate gear rack; a drive pinion
mounted to the cartridge access device, said drive pinion engaging
the elongate gear rack defined by said guide means; and pinion
drive means operatively associated with said drive pinion for
rotating said first drive pinion to move the cartridge access
device along the displacement path.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/371,708, filed Aug. 9, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/337,802, filed Jun. 22, 1999,
which are incorporated herein by reference for all that they
disclose.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to systems for handling and
storing data cartridges, such as optical disk or magnetic tape
cartridges, and more specifically to positioning systems for moving
cartridge access devices along arrays of data cartridges.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many different types of data storage and handling systems
exist and are being used to store data cartridges at known
locations and to retrieve a desired cartridge so that data may be
written to or read from the data cartridge. Such data storage and
handling systems are often referred to as "juke box" data storage
systems, particularly if they can accommodate a large number of
individual data cartridges.
[0004] While the data cartridges may be arranged within the data
storage system in any of a wide variety of configurations, many
juke box data storage systems are designed so that the data
cartridges are stored in one or more horizontal rows or arrays. If
so, the data storage system is usually provided with a positioning
apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along the array of
cartridges so that the cartridge access device can access selected
data cartridges stored in the array. Depending on the particular
system, the cartridge access device may comprise a cartridge
engaging assembly or "picker" which may be adapted to engage the
selected data cartridge, withdraw it from its storage location, and
carry it to a cartridge read/write device located elsewhere within
the data storage system. The read/write device may then be used to
read data from or write data two the cartridge. Once the read/write
operation is complete, the cartridge engaging assembly or picker
may withdraw the data cartridge from the read/write device and
return it to the appropriate location within the cartridge storage
array. In another type of system, the cartridge access device may
comprise the read/write device itself, in which case the data
cartridge may be read from or written to without the need to carry
the data cartridge to a separate read/write device.
[0005] Regardless of the particular type of cartridge access device
that is utilized by the data storage system, the positioning system
used to move the cartridge access device along the cartridge
storage array must be capable of moving the cartridge access device
along the cartridges stored in the array so that the desired data
cartridge may be accessed. One type of positioning system, often
referred to as a "lead-screw" system, mounts the cartridge access
device on a lead-screw which, when turned, moves the cartridge
access device back and forth along the array of cartridges. While
such lead-screw positioning systems are being used, they are not
without their problems. For example, in such a system the cartridge
access device may be cantilevered on the lead-screw which may
result in excessive transverse or rotational movement of the
cartridge access device. Such excessive movement reduces positional
accuracy and may make it difficult for the cartridge access device
to reliably engage the desired data cartridge on a repeated
basis.
[0006] Partly in an effort to solve the foregoing problems,
positioning systems have been developed which utilize separate
guide rails or tracks to guide the cartridge access device along
the array of cartridges. The cartridge access device is mounted to
the separate guide rails or tracks and the lead-screw is then used
only to move the cartridge access device to the desired location.
Alternatively, a wire-rope (i.e., cable) drive system may be used
to move the cartridge access device. While such systems generally
provide for increased positional accuracy of a simple cantilevered
type of lead-screw arrangement, they are still not without their
disadvantages. For example, the guide rail or track assemblies
usually comprise machined components finished to a high degree of
precision, which adds to the overall cost of the data storage
system. Moreover, the guide rail or track assemblies are often
difficult to align and may become mis-aligned during subsequent
shipping or movement of the data storage system. If the
mis-alignment is substantial, it may be necessary to re-align and
re-calibrate the positioning system before the data storage system
can be placed in operation.
[0007] Consequently, a need remains for a positioning system for
moving a cartridge access device along an array of cartridges that
provide increased positional accuracy to reduce errors due to
mis-alignment of the cartridge access device. Such increased
positional accuracy should be achieved with a minimum number of
components to maximize reliability and reduce cost, yet not require
the use of expensive, precision-machined components and guide
rails. Additional advantages could be realized by reducing the
amount of time required to align and calibrate the assembly during
production and by reducing the likelihood of subsequent
mis-alignment due to shipping or rough handling. Ideally, the
positioning system should require little space, thereby allowing
for a reduction in the overall size of the data storage system or
allowing for an increased number of data cartridges to be stored
within the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device
along a displacement path may comprise a first elongate gear rack
aligned along the displacement path and a second elongate gear rack
positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first elongate gear rack
so that the second elongate gear rack is aligned along the
displacement path. A first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge
access device engages the first elongate gear rack. A second drive
pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the second
elongate gear rack. A pinion drive apparatus operatively associated
with the first and second drive pinions rotates the first and
second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device along the
first and second elongate gear racks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] Illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the
invention are shown in the accompanying drawing in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the translation apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention as it may be
used in a jukebox data storage system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the translation apparatus
according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the translation
apparatus; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an expanded translation
apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention
as it may be used in an expanded jukebox data storage system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Translation apparatus 10 for moving a cartridge access
device 12 along a displacement path 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as it
could be used in a "jukebox" data storage system 16 of the type
commonly used to store and access data (not shown) contained on a
plurality of data storage cartridges 18. In the embodiment shown
and described herein, the translation apparatus 10 may comprise a
first or lower elongate gear rack 20 positioned so that it is
generally aligned with the displacement path 14. A second or upper
elongate gear rack 22 is positioned in generally spaced-apart
relation to the first or lower elongate gear rack 20 so that the
second or upper elongate gear rack 22 also extends generally along
the displacement path 14. A first or lower drive pinion 24 mounted
to the cartridge access device 12 is sized and positioned to engage
the teeth 26 provided on the first or lower gear rack 20, as best
seen in FIG. 2. A second or upper drive pinion 28 may also be
mounted to the cartridge access device 12 so that the second or
upper drive pinion 28 engages the teeth 30 provided on the second
or upper gear rack 22. A pinion drive apparatus 32 operatively
associated with the lower and upper drive pinions 24 and 28 rotates
the drive pinions 24 and 28 about drive pinion axis 34, thereby
moving the cartridge access device 12 along the displacement path
14.
[0015] Optionally, and as will be described below, the translation
apparatus 10 may be provided with third and fourth elongate gear
racks 36 and 38 positioned in generally spaced-apart relation to
the first and second elongate gear racks 20 and 22, in the manner
best seen in FIG. 2. If such third and fourth elongate gear racks
36 and 38 are provided, the cartridge access device 12 may also be
provided with third and fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 sized to
engage teeth 44 and 46 provided on respective gear racks 36 and
38.
[0016] Besides allowing the cartridge access device 12 to be moved
back and fourth along the displacement path 14, certain of the
various elongate gear racks (e.g., 20, 22, 36 and 38) guide and
support the cartridge access device 12 to allow the same to be
accurately positioned adjacent the selected cartridge receiving
device (e.g., a cartridge read/write device 48 or a cartridge
storage array 72, as the case may be). With reference now primarily
to FIG. 3, the lower and upper elongate gear racks 20 and 22 may be
provided with respective elongate guide members or portions 50 and
52 that extend generally along the displacement path 14 (FIG. 2).
The cartridge access device 12 may be provided with first and
second bearing members 54 and 56 sized to engage the first and
second guide members or portions 50 and 52, respectively. The
cooperative engagement of the first and second bearing members 54
and 56 with the respective first and second guide members 50 and 52
guides or controls the position of the cartridge access device 12
in the transverse or lateral direction 58 while at the same time
allowing the cartridge access device 12 to move back and forth
freely along the displacement path 14.
[0017] The cartridge access device 12 may also be provided with a
pair of rollers or wheels 60 and 62 which roll along the first and
third elongate gear racks 20 and 36, respectively. The engagement
of the rollers or wheels 60 and 62 with the first and third
elongate gear racks 20 and 36 guides or controls the position of
the cartridge access device 12 in the vertical direction 64.
[0018] The translation apparatus 10 may be operated as follows to
move the cartridge access device 12 back and forth along the
displacement path 14 to position the cartridge access device 12
adjacent the appropriate cartridge receiving device location (e.g.,
the cartridge read/write device 48 or the cartridge storage array
72), that may be provided in the data storage system 16. With
reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, consider, for example, a
hypothetical situation wherein it is desired to move the cartridge
access device 12 from an initial or first position 66 adjacent a
cartridge storage location provided in the cartridge storage array
72 to a second position 66' adjacent the cartridge read/write
device 46. As a first step in the process, a pinion drive apparatus
control system 68 associated with the pinion drive apparatus 32
would actuate the pinion drive 32 to rotate the drive pinions
(e.g., 24, 28, 40 and 42) in the appropriate directions to move the
cartridge access device 12 along the displacement path 14 in the
proper direction, i.e., toward the new position 66'. As it is moved
or displaced, the cartridge access device 12 is guided along the
displacement path 14 by the elongate guide members 50 and 52
provided on the first and second elongate gear racks 20 and 22,
respectively. As discussed above, the guide members 50 and 52
control the position of the cartridge access device 12 in the
transverse or lateral direction 58 (FIG. 2). The two wheels or
rollers 60 and 62 control the position of the cartridge access
device 12 in the vertical direction 64. Once the cartridge access
device 12 reaches the second position 66' adjacent the cartridge
read/write device 48, the control system 68 will deactivate the
pinion drive apparatus 32, thereby stopping the motion of the
cartridge access device 12.
[0019] A significant advantage of the translation apparatus 10
according to the present invention is that is provides a simple and
convenient way to move the cartridge access device 12 in a lateral
direction (i.e., along the displacement path 14). Since the lateral
and vertical guidance is provided by the elongate gear racks (e.g.,
20 and 22), they are the only components that need be carefully
aligned to provide the proper alignment and positional accuracy to
the cartridge access device 12. Indeed, and as will be described in
greater detail below, the third and fourth elongate gear racks 36
and 38 are allowed move or "float" in the transverse or lateral
direction 58, since the lateral positioning of the cartridge access
device 12 is provided by the guide member portions 50 and 52
provided on the first and second elongate gear racks 20 and 22.
Allowing the third and fourth elongate gear racks 36 and 38 to move
or "float" in the lateral direction 58 simplifies assembly and
allows a considerable "loosening" of the positional tolerances
associated with the third and fourth elongate gear racks 36 and 38.
Allowing the third and fourth gear racks 36 and 38 to float in the
lateral direction 58 also reduces the likelihood that the third and
fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 will bind on the respective third
and fourth gear racks 36 and 38 as the cartridge access device 12
is moved or translated along the displacement path 14.
[0020] Another advantage of the translation apparatus 10 is that
the various elongate gear racks (e.g., 20, 22, 26, and 38) may be
fabricated from sheet metal, thereby dispensing with the need to
fabricate these components from more expensive materials or
according to more expensive (e.g., machining) processes.
[0021] Still yet another advantage of the translation apparatus 10
is that it is readily expandable in the direction of the
displacement path 14. For example, and as will be discussed in
greater detail below, the displacement path 14 may be extended in
length by simply positioning additional elongate gear racks
adjacent the ends of the elongate gear racks 20, 22, 36, and 38, in
the manner best seen in FIG. 4. Such an arrangement allows for the
convenient expansion of a data storage system that embodies the
translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention.
[0022] Having briefly described the translation apparatus 10
according to the present invention, as well as some of its more
significant features and advantages, the various preferred
embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail.
However, before proceeding with the detailed description, it should
be noted that while the translation apparatus 10 is shown and
described herein as it could be used to move or translate a
cartridge access device 12 associated with a jukebox data storage
system 16, it also could be used in any of a wide range of other
devices and in any of a wide range of applications wherein it is
required to move objects devices between two or more defined
horizontal positions. Consequently, the present invention should
not be regarded as limited to the particular application shown and
described herein.
[0023] With the foregoing considerations in mind, one embodiment of
the translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention is
shown in FIG. 1 as it could be used to move a cartridge access
device 12 back and forth along a displacement path 14 contained
within a jukebox data storage system 16. The jukebox data storage
system 16 may comprise a housing or chassis assembly 70 for housing
the various components of the translation apparatus 10, as well as
a cartridge access device 12, one or more cartridge storage arrays
72, and one or more data cartridges 18. The chassis assembly 70 may
also house various ancillary devices, such as one or more cartridge
read/write devices 48, a power supply system 76, as well as an
electronic control and data processing system (not shown) of the
type commonly associated with jukebox data storage systems.
[0024] In the embodiment shown and described herein, the cartridge
access device 12 may comprise a cartridge engaging assembly or
"picker" (not shown) suitable for loading and retrieving the data
cartridges 18 to and from the particular cartridge receiving device
(e.g., the cartridge read/write device 48 or the cartridge storage
arrays 72) in which the data cartridge 18 may be held. Examples of
cartridge engaging assemblies or "pickers" suitable for use in the
present invention are disclosed in the following U.S. patents which
are specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that they
disclose: U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,232 entitled "Optical Disk Handling
Apparatus with Flip Latch;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,536 entitled
"Cartridge Handling System;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,255 entitled
"Optical Disk Cartridge Handling Apparatus with Passive Cartridge
Engagement Assembly;" and U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,962 entitled
"Cartridge Handling System." Alternatively, any of a wide range of
other types of cartridge engaging assemblies or pickers that are
now known or that may be developed in the future may be used in the
present invention. In any event, since such cartridge engaging
assemblies or "pickers" are well-known in the art and are not
necessary in understanding the present invention, the particular
cartridge engaging assembly or "picker" that is utilized in one
preferred embodiment of the invention will not be described in
further detail.
[0025] Regardless of the particular type of style of cartridge
engaging assembly or "picker" that is utilized in the cartridge
access device 12, the cartridge access device 12 may be mounted to
at least two elongate gear racks 20 and 22 as follows. The first
elongate gear rack 20 may comprise a lower gear rack and may be
mounted to the chassis 70 so that it is generally aligned along the
displacement path 14. The first or lower elongate gear rack 20 may
be provided with a plurality of teeth 26 sized to operatively
engage similar teeth 27 provided on the lower drive pinion 24. See
FIG. 2. The first or lower elongate gear rack 20 also may be
provided with an elongate guide member 50 which, in one preferred
embodiment, may take the form of a turned-up edge of the elongate
gear rack 20, as is also best seen in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the
elongate guide member or portion 50 of the first or lower elongate
gear rack 20 may comprise first and second opposed bearing surfaces
78 and 80.
[0026] The first or lower elongate gear rack 20 may be mounted to
the lower portion of chassis 70 of jukebox data storage system 16
by any of a wide range of fastening systems and devices that are
well-known in the art. By way of example, in one preferred
embodiment, the lower elongate gear rack 20 may be mounted to the
chassis 70 by one or more screws (not shown) that extend through
one or more holes 82 provided in the gear rack 20. See FIG. 2.
Depending on the particular installation, it may be necessary or
desirable to position one or more spacers 84 (FIG. 3) between the
gear rack 20 and the chassis 70 to ensure adequate clearance
between the lower drive pinion 24 and the chassis 70.
[0027] The second or upper elongate gear rack 22 is similar to the
first or lower gear rack 20 and may be mounted to the upper portion
of chassis 70 so that it also extends along the displacement path
14. See FIG. 3. The second or upper elongate gear rack 22 may also
be provided with a plurality of teeth 30 sized to engage similar
teeth 31 provided on upper drive pinion 28. The upper elongate gear
rack 22 may also be provided with an elongate guide member or
portion 52 having opposed bearing surfaces 86 and 88, as best seen
in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the second
elongate guide member portion 52 may comprise a down-turned edge
portion of the upper gear rack 22. The upper gear rack 22 may be
mounted to the upper portion of chassis 70 of the jukebox data
storage system 16 by one or more screws (not shown) that extend
through one or more holes 82 provided on upper gear rack 22.
Alternatively, other types of fastening devices or systems may be
used, as would be obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the
art after having become familiar with the teachings of the present
invention. If necessary to provide clearance for the upper drive
pinion 28, the upper gear rack 22 may be spaced apart from the
upper portion of chassis 70 by one or more spacers 84 in the manner
best seen in FIG. 3.
[0028] The first or lower and second or upper elongate gear racks
20 and 22 may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials
(such as metals or plastics) suitable for the intended application.
Accordingly, the present invention should not be regarded as
limited to gear racks that comprise any particular material.
However, by way of example, in one preferred embodiment, both the
lower and upper gear racks 20 and 22 are fabricated from sheet
metal with the respective guide member portions 50 and 52 thereof
comprising up-turned and down-turned edge portions,
respectively.
[0029] It is generally preferred, but not required, to provide the
translation apparatus 10 with third and fourth elongate gear racks
36 and 38 positioned in the manner best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
third and fourth gear racks 36 and 38 provide improved positional
accuracy along the displacement path 14 by virtue of providing
additional drive surfaces (i.e., gear racks) for moving the rear
end 90 of cartridge access device 16.
[0030] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the third or lower
elongate gear rack 36 may be mounted to the lower portion of
chassis 70 of data storage system 16 so that it also extends
generally along the displacement path 14. The third elongate gear
rack 36 may be provided with a plurality of gear teeth 44 sized to
operatively engage teeth 45 provided on lower pinion 40. The third
elongate gear rack 36 may be provided with an up-turned edge 92 to
provide additional strength and rigidity to the gear rack 40,
although such an up-turned edge 92 is not required.
[0031] The third elongate gear rack 36 should be mounted to the
chassis 70 so that it is constrained in the vertical direction 64
as well as along the displacement path 14, but not in the
transverse or lateral direction 58. Such a mounting arrangement may
be accomplished by providing the third gear rack 36 with one or
more elongate mounting holes or slots 94 through which a
corresponding screw (not shown) or other such device may be
inserted to secure the gear rack 36 to the chassis 70. The elongate
mounting holes or slots 94 allow the gear rack 36 to move or
"float" in the lateral direction 58, while at the same time
preventing the gear rack 36 from moving in either the vertical
direction 64 or horizontally along the displacement path 14. As was
the case for the first two gear racks 20 and 22, it may be
necessary or desirable to place a spacer 84 between the third
elongate gear rack 36 and the chassis 70 to provide sufficient
clearance for the third drive pinion 40.
[0032] The fourth elongate gear rack 38 may comprise a generally
elongate member mounted to the upper portion of chassis 70 so that
it also extends generally along the displacement path 14. The upper
gear rack 38 may be provided with a plurality of gear teeth 46
sized to operatively engage teeth 47 provided on upper drive pinion
42. It is generally preferred, but not required, that the fourth
elongate gear rack 38 be provided with a down-turned edge 96 to
provide additional strength and rigidity to the fourth gear rack
38.
[0033] As was the case for the third elongate gear rack 36, the
fourth elongate gear rack 38 should be mounted to the upper portion
of chassis 70 so that it is free to move or "float" in the lateral
direction 58. Such a mounting arrangement may be accomplished by
providing the fourth gear rack 38 with one or more elongate
mounting holes or slots 94 through which a corresponding screw (not
shown) or other such device may be inserted to secure the gear rack
38 to the chassis 70. The elongate mounting holes or slots 94 allow
the gear rack 38 to move or "float" in the lateral direction 58,
while at the same time preventing the gear rack 38 from moving in
either the vertical direction 64 or horizontally along the
displacement path 14. Finally, it may be necessary or desirable to
place a spacer 84 between the fourth elongate gear rack 38 and the
chassis 70 to provide sufficient clearance for the fourth drive
pinion 42.
[0034] The third and fourth elongate gear racks 36 and 38 may be
made from any of a wide range of materials, such as metals or
plastics, suitable for the intended application. By way of example,
in one preferred embodiment, the third and fourth gear racks 36 and
38 are formed from sheet metal.
[0035] As was briefly described above, the cartridge access device
12 is caused to move along the displacement path 14 by the
engagement of various drive pinions with the elongate gear racks.
More specifically, the cartridge access device 12 may be provided
with a first or lower pinion gear 24 mounted so that the teeth 27
provided thereon engage the teeth 26 provided on the first or lower
gear rack 20. Similarly, a second or upper drive pinion 28 may be
mounted to the cartridge access device 12 so that the teeth 31
provided on the second pinion gear 28 engage the teeth 30 provided
on the upper gear rack 22. While any of a wide variety of
configurations may be used to so mount the first and second drive
pinions 24 and 28, in one preferred embodiment, both the lower and
upper drive pinions 24 and 28 are mounted to opposite ends of a
pinion shaft 98 that is journalled for rotation in a pair of
bearing blocks 11 and 13 provided on the cartridge access device 12
so that the pinion shaft 98 is free to rotate about pinion axis
34.
[0036] If the translation apparatus 10 is provided with third and
fourth elongate gear racks 36 and 38, then the cartridge access
device 12 may be provided with third and fourth drive pinions 40
and 42 in the manner best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically,
the third or lower drive pinion 40 should be mounted to the
cartridge access device 12 so that the teeth 45 provided on lower
drive pinion 40 engage the teeth 44 provided on the third elongate
gear rack 36. The fourth or upper drive pinion 42 may be mounted so
that its teeth 47 engage the teeth 46 provided on the fourth
elongate gear rack 38. In the embodiment shown and described
herein, the third and fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 are mounted to
opposite ends of a second pinion shaft 99 that is journalled for
rotation in a pair of bearing blocks 15 and 17 provided on the
cartridge access device 12 so that the second pinion shaft 99 is
free to rotate about a second pinion axis 35.
[0037] The pinion drive apparatus 32 may also be mounted to the
cartridge access device 12 and may comprise a motor 19 for rotating
the various drive pinions 24, 28, 40, and 42 in the appropriate
directions to cause the cartridge access device 12 to be moved back
and forth along the displacement path 14. Any of a wide range of
drive systems taking on any of a wide range of configurations may
be used to connect the motor 19 to the drive pinions 24, 24, 40,
and 42. However, by way of example, in one preferred embodiment,
the motor 19 may rotate the second pinion shaft 99 via a worm drive
arrangement wherein a worm 21 mounted to the motor shaft (not
shown) engages a worm gear 23 mounted to the second pinion shaft
99. The first pinion shaft 98 may be operatively connected to the
second pinion shaft 99 by a toothed drive belt 25, although other
devices may be used. The toothed drive belt 25 allows both pinion
shafts 98 and 99 to rotate together in a synchronized manner.
[0038] The pinion drive apparatus 32 may be provided with a
rotation sensing system, such as an optical encoder system (not
shown), for providing the control system 68 (FIG. 1) with data
indicative of the position of the cartridge access device 12 along
the displacement path 14. However, since such position sensing
systems are well-known in the art and could be easily provided by
persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become
familiar with the teachings of the present invention, the
particular position sensing system utilized in one preferred
embodiment of the invention will not be discussed in further detail
herein.
[0039] As wad briefly mentioned above, the pinion drive apparatus
32 may also comprise a control system 68 for actuating the motor
19. The control system 68 may also be responsive to position data
signals produced by the position sensing system (not shown) so as
to operate the motor 19 in the appropriate rotational direction and
for the appropriate period of time to move the cartridge access
device 12 to the desired location. However, since such control
systems are well-known in the art and could be readily provided by
persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become
familiar with the present invention, the particular control system
68 that may be utilized in one preferred embodiment of the present
invention will not be described in further detail herein.
[0040] With reference now primarily to FIG. 3, the cartridge access
device 12 is guided primarily by the first and second elongate gear
racks 20 and 22. More specifically, the cartridge access device 12
may be provided with a first or lower U-shaped bearing member 54
sized to slidably engage the opposed surfaces 78 and 80 (FIG. 2) of
the elongate guide member or portion 50 provided on the first
elongate gear rack 20. The cartridge access device 12 may also be
provided with a second or upper U-shaped bearing member 56 sized to
slidably engage the opposed surfaces 86 and 88 of the elongate
guide member or portion 52 provided on the upper gear rack 22. The
engagement of the lower and upper U-shaped bearing members 54 and
56 with the respective guide member portions 50 and 52 restrains
the cartridge access device 12 in the transverse or lateral
direction 58, yet allows the cartridge access device 12 to move
freely along the displacement path 14.
[0041] The U-shaped bearing members 54 and 56 may be comprise any
of a wide range of materials, such as metals or plastics, suitable
for providing a low friction engagement with the elongate guide
members or portions 50 and 52 provided on the respective elongate
gear racks 20 and 22. By way of example, in one preferred
embodiment, the U-shaped bearing members 54 and 56 may be made from
polycarbonate with 5% Teflon, although other materials may also be
used.
[0042] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited
to the sliding type bearings 54 and 56 shown and described herein,
but could instead utilize roller type bearings (not shown), as
would be obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the art. Such
roller type bearings may comprise a plurality of rollers or wheels
(not shown) positioned to engage the opposed bearing surfaces of
the elongate guide members or portions 50 and 52. However, since
such roller type bearings are well-known in the art and could be
easily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after
having become familiar with the teachings of the present invention,
the roller type bearings that may be used in an alternative
embodiment will not be discussed in further detail herein.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 3, vertical support for the
cartridge access device 12 may be provided by a pair of rollers or
wheels 60 and 62 which may be mounted for rotation on the lower
portion of the cartridge access device 12. More specifically, the
first roller 60 may be positioned so that it rolls along the first
gear rack 20. Similarly, the second roller 62 may be positioned so
that it rolls along the third gear rack 36, if one is provided.
Alternatively, the second roller 62 could be positioned so that it
rolls directly on the lower portion of chassis 70 of the jukebox
data storage system 16. In an alternative arrangement, the wheels
60 and 62 may be replaced with simple sliding bearings, as would be
obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the art.
[0044] The combination of the U-shaped bearings 54, 56 and wheels
60, 62 provides full support to the cartridge access device 12
allowing it to be easily moved back and forth along the
displacement path 14, while at the same time providing accurate
positioning along the transverse or lateral direction 58 as well as
the vertical direction 64. Since the lateral positioning is
provided by the engagement of the U-shaped bearings 54 and 56 with
the guide members 50 and 52 provided on the first and second gear
racks 20 and 22, it is only necessary to accurately position and
align the first two gear racks 20 and 22 with respect to the
various cartridge receiving devices contained within the data
storage system 16. Indeed, it is preferred that the third and
fourth elongate gear racks 36 and 38, if provided, be allowed to
float or move in the lateral direction 58 to reduce or eliminate
the chances for binding to occur between the drive pinions 40 and
42 and their respective gear racks 36 and 38.
[0045] As was briefly described above, the translation apparatus 10
may be easily expanded to provide a displacement path 14 having an
increased length. For example, with reference now to FIG. 4, a
second embodiment 110 of the translation apparatus may be utilized
in an expanded jukebox data storage system 116. More specifically,
the expanded jukebox data storage system 116 may comprise as its
right half 155 the jukebox data storage system 16 shown in FIG. 1.
The left half 157 may comprise an expansion module having one or
more additional cartridge storage arrays 172' for storing
additional data cartridges 118. The expansion module 157 may also
be provided with an additional cartridge read/write device 148',
although one is not required. The cartridge access device 112 may
be moved back and forth along an extended displacement path 114 to
allow the cartridge access device 112 to access the data cartridges
118 contained in the additional cartridge storage array 172' and
the cartridge read/write device 148'.
[0046] The ability to move the cartridge access device 112 along
the extended displacement path 114 may be accomplished by adding
additional gear rack assemblies (e.g., 122', 136' and 138')
adjacent the existing gear rack assemblies 122, 136, and 138. An
additional lower gear rack (not shown) may be positioned adjacent
the first or lower gear rack (e.g., 20, FIG. 1) of the right hand
side module 155. Accordingly, the cartridge access device 112 may
be easily moved to new positions in the expansion module 157 as the
various drive pinions will continue along the additional gear racks
122', 136', and 138'.
[0047] It is contemplated that the inventive concepts herein
described may be variously otherwise embodied and it is intended
that the appended claims be construed to include alternative
embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior
art.
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