Optical disc library and its control methods

Abstract

This invention discloses an optical disc library and its control method, belonging to the field of optical disc storage technology. The optical disc library includes a casing with an internal accommodating space. It also includes an optical disc tray, an optical drive assembly, and an optical disc transfer device. The optical disc tray extends along a first direction and has a plurality of optical disc slots arranged sequentially along the first direction. An expansion structure is provided on the optical disc tray, configured to connect to an expanded optical disc tray. The optical drive assembly is disposed within the internal accommodating space. The optical disc transfer device is disposed within the internal accommodating space and is capable of reciprocating along the first direction. The optical disc transfer device is used to transfer optical discs between the optical disc tray and the optical drive assembly. This invention enables the optical disc library to be expanded at a lower cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical disc storage technology, and in particular to an optical disc library and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Optical disc libraries are used to enable the batch storage of a large number of optical discs.

[0003] Chinese patent CN212624802U discloses a rotary optical disc reader / writer and storage device. It employs a rotary optical disc rack to store multiple optical discs. During operation, an external optical disc enters the optical disc slot on the optical disc rack through the disc inlet / outlet slot. The optical disc rack then rotates to move the disc to align with the optical drive. After the disc is recorded by the optical drive, it returns to the optical disc slot on the optical disc rack via the optical drive.

[0004] When it is necessary to expand the aforementioned rotary optical disc read / write and storage device to store more optical discs, the number of optical disc racks needs to be increased. Correspondingly, each optical disc rack requires a corresponding optical drive, optical disc loading / unloading slot, optical disc feeding mechanism, and optical disc rack drive assembly, resulting in a significant increase in expansion costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical disc library and its control method to solve the technical problem of high cost of expanding optical disc libraries in the prior art.

[0006] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0007] An optical disc library includes a casing, within which a receiving space is provided; the optical disc library further includes:

[0008] An optical disc cartridge extends along a first direction, and the optical disc cartridge is provided with a plurality of optical disc slots arranged along the first direction in sequence. The optical disc cartridge is provided with an expansion structure, which is configured to connect to an expansion optical disc cartridge.

[0009] An optical drive assembly is disposed within the accommodating space;

[0010] An optical disc transfer device is disposed within the accommodating space. The optical disc transfer device is capable of reciprocating along the first direction. The optical disc transfer device is used to transfer optical discs between the optical disc cartridge and the optical drive assembly.

[0011] Optionally, two adjacent optical disc slots on the optical disc cartridge are designated as a first slot and a second slot, respectively. The center points of the optical disc placement spaces in the first slot and the second slot are offset along a second direction and also offset along a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Optionally, the optical disc transfer device includes:

[0012] A temporary optical disc storage device is used to temporarily store the optical disc and is capable of reciprocating along the first direction;

[0013] An optical disc gripper is disposed on the upper side of the optical disc storage unit and is capable of transferring the optical disc on the optical disc cartridge to the optical disc storage unit.

[0014] Optionally, two optical disc cartridges are spaced apart along a second direction within the accommodating space, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The optical disc gripper includes a first lever and a second lever, both of which are rotatably mounted on the optical disc storage device. The first lever corresponds to one of the optical disc cartridges, and the second lever corresponds to the other optical disc cartridge.

[0015] Optionally, the extension structure includes positioning plugs and / or positioning plug slots disposed on the optical disc cartridge.

[0016] Optionally, the optical drive assembly includes a plurality of optical drives, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0017] Optionally, the housing includes a housing body and a protrusion, the accommodating space is disposed within the housing body, the protrusion has a disc inlet cavity communicating with the accommodating space, the protrusion has an optical disc inlet / outlet communicating with the disc inlet cavity, and the optical disc transfer device is movable to the disc inlet cavity.

[0018] A method for controlling an optical disc library, used to control the aforementioned optical disc library, includes the following steps:

[0019] S1. Control the optical disc transfer device to move to the position of receiving the optical disc entering the housing, and the optical disc transfer device receives the optical disc entering the housing;

[0020] S2. Control the optical disc transfer device to transport the multiple optical discs one by one to the empty optical disc slots of the optical disc cartridge;

[0021] S3. Control the optical disc transfer device to transport the optical discs in the optical disc slot one by one to the optical drive assembly. After the optical drive assembly completes the burning or reading of one of the optical discs, control the optical disc transfer device to transport the optical disc output by the optical drive assembly to the optical disc slot where the optical disc was originally located.

[0022] Optionally, before step S2, the following steps also need to be performed:

[0023] A sensor is used to detect whether the optical disc slot to be placed is empty. If it is, the optical disc is placed in the optical disc slot; if not, a new empty optical disc slot is determined.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0025] The optical disc library proposed in this invention is equipped with an optical disc cartridge for storing optical discs, and an optical drive assembly for burning or reading optical discs. The optical disc transfer device can transfer optical discs between the optical disc cartridge and the optical drive assembly, ensuring the normal operation of the optical disc library.

[0026] An expansion space extending along a first direction is reserved within the housing. When expansion of the optical disc cartridge is required, the expansion structure on the cartridge connects it to the original cartridge. In practice, the structure of the expansion cartridge is identical to that of the original cartridge, the only difference being the number of disc slots. This allows for the addition of new disc slots, which are still arranged along the first direction. The cartridge does not need to move, thus eliminating the need for additional structures to drive the cartridge's movement for the newly added slots. The disc transfer device reciprocates along the first direction, enabling the transfer of discs from any slot between the cartridge and the optical drive assembly. In other words, the newly added and existing disc slots can share the optical drive assembly and disc transfer device, eliminating the need to add an additional optical drive assembly and disc transfer device for the new slots, resulting in lower expansion costs.

[0027] The optical disc library control method proposed in this invention controls the aforementioned optical disc library. The expansion cost of the optical disc library is low, and the control method remains unchanged after expansion, making it convenient for users. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the optical disc library provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a view of the optical disc library provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention after the top cover of the outer casing has been removed;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective after the top cover of the optical disc library provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been removed;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a single optical disc cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from one perspective;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical disc cartridge unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical disc temporary storage device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the optical disc ripping component provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the optical disc ripping component provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical disc grabber provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when it moves the optical disc in the optical disc slot to the optical disc temporary storage device.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 10. Optical disc; 101. First optical disc; 102. Second optical disc;

[0041] 1. Outer shell; 11. Outer shell body; 12. Protrusion; 121. Disc inlet cavity; 122. Optical disc inlet / outlet;

[0042] 2. Optical disc cartridge; 21. Optical disc slot; 211. First slot; 212. Second slot; 22. Extension structure; 221. Positioning plug-in post; 222. Positioning plug-in groove; 23. Optical disc cartridge unit; 231. First abutment surface; 232. Second abutment surface;

[0043] 3. Optical drive assembly;

[0044] 4. Optical disc transfer device;

[0045] 41. Optical disc storage unit; 411. Storage rack; 4111. Vertical plate; 41111. Optical disc positioning sensor; 4112. Horizontal plate; 41121. Optical disc gripper guide rail anti-rotation plate; 412. Disc clamping roller assembly; 4121. Disc clamping roller; 413. Roller drive unit; 414. Moving guide block;

[0046] 42. Optical disc gripper; 421. First lever; 422. Second lever; 423. Lever driver; 424. Optical disc gripper guide rail;

[0047] 43. Optical disc temporary storage guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] See Figures 1-3 This embodiment provides an optical disc library for burning and storing a large number of optical discs.

[0053] The optical disc library includes a casing 1, and a storage space is provided inside the casing 1, which contains functional components for placing the optical disc library.

[0054] Specifically, the outer shell 1 includes a shell body and an upper cover disposed at the upper opening of the shell body, the shell body and the upper cover together enclosing and forming an accommodating space.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical disc library also includes an optical disc cartridge 2, an optical drive assembly 3, and an optical disc transfer device 4.

[0056] The optical disc cartridge 2 extends along a first direction, and a plurality of optical disc slots 21 arranged along the first direction are sequentially provided on the optical disc cartridge 2. An expansion structure 22 is provided on the optical disc cartridge 2, and the expansion structure 22 is configured to connect to an expanded capacity optical disc cartridge.

[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first direction is the length direction of the outer shell 1.

[0058] The optical drive assembly 3 is located within the accommodating space.

[0059] The optical disc transfer device 4 is disposed within the accommodating space. The optical disc transfer device 4 is capable of reciprocating along a first direction. The optical disc transfer device 4 is used to transfer the optical disc 10 between the optical disc cartridge 2 and the optical drive assembly 3.

[0060] The optical disc library provided in this embodiment is equipped with an optical disc cartridge 2, which is used to store optical discs 10, and an optical drive assembly 3 is used to burn or read optical discs 10; the optical disc transfer device can transfer optical discs 10 between the optical disc cartridge 2 and the optical drive assembly 3 to ensure the normal operation of the optical disc library.

[0061] When there is a need for expansion, an expansion space extending along the first direction is reserved within the accommodating space of the outer casing 1. When it is necessary to expand the capacity of the optical disc cartridge 2, the expansion structure 22 provided on the optical disc cartridge 2 is used to add an expansion optical disc cartridge, that is, to add a new optical disc cartridge 2, which can add a new optical disc slot 21. The newly added optical disc slot 21 is still arranged along the first direction. The optical disc cartridge 2 does not need to move, and therefore there is no need to add a structure for driving the movement of the optical disc cartridge for the newly added optical disc slot 21. The optical disc transfer device 4 moves back and forth along the first direction, which can realize the transfer of the optical disc 10 on any optical disc slot 21 between the optical disc cartridge 2 and the optical drive assembly 3. That is, the newly added optical disc slot 21 and the original optical disc slot 21 can share the optical drive assembly 3 and the optical disc moving device 4. For the newly added optical disc slot 21, there is no need to add the optical drive assembly 3 and the optical disc moving device 4, and the expansion cost is low.

[0062] Preferably, see Figures 1-3In this embodiment, the shell body includes an outer shell body 11 and a protrusion 12. The accommodating space is disposed inside the outer shell body 11. The protrusion 12 is provided with a disc inlet cavity 121 that communicates with the accommodating space. The protrusion 12 is provided with an optical disc inlet / outlet 122 that communicates with the disc inlet cavity 121. The optical disc transfer device 4 can move to the disc inlet cavity 121.

[0063] An external optical disc 10 enters the disc inlet 121 through the optical disc inlet / outlet 122. The optical disc transfer device 4 moves into the disc inlet 121 and receives the externally incoming optical disc 10. Then, the optical disc 10 is transported to the optical drive assembly 3 or the optical disc cartridge 2.

[0064] Preferably, in this embodiment, see Figures 4-6 In order to reduce the size of the optical disc cartridge 2 along the first direction and ensure that the optical discs 10 on the two adjacent optical disc slots 21 are not in a completely fitted state, in this embodiment, the two adjacent optical disc slots 21 on the optical disc cartridge 2 are the first slot 211 and the second slot 212, respectively. The center point of the optical disc placement space of the first slot 211 and the center point of the optical disc placement space of the second slot 212 are offset along the second direction and offset along the third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second direction is the width direction of the outer shell 1, and the third direction is the height direction of the outer shell 1, that is, the third direction is actually the vertical direction.

[0066] For this setting, see Figure 6 and Figure 10 When the optical disc 10 is installed, the two adjacent optical discs 10 are offset along the second direction and the third direction. Taking the user's view of the curved edge of the optical disc 10 as an example, the two adjacent optical discs 10 are offset vertically and horizontally, so that the two adjacent optical discs 10 are not in a completely fitted state. On the one hand, it is convenient to transport the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the optical disc transfer device 4; on the other hand, there is no need to specially set up a partition plate to separate the optical discs 10, reducing the size of the optical disc cartridge 2 along the first direction, further increasing the storage density of the optical discs 10 in the optical disc cartridge 2, and saving costs.

[0067] Specifically, see Figures 4-6 In this embodiment, the extension structure 22 includes a positioning plug post 221 and / or a positioning plug groove 222 disposed on the optical disc cartridge 2.

[0068] Preferably, in this embodiment, the extension structure 22 includes a positioning plug post 221 and a positioning plug groove 222 disposed on the optical disc cartridge 2.

[0069] Specifically, see Figure 5 and Figure 6In this embodiment, the optical disc case 2 includes an optical disc case unit 23, which includes two optical disc slots 21, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction.

[0070] The optical discs 10 on the two optical disc slots 21 of the optical disc cartridge unit 23 are not in a fully fitted state. The two optical disc slots 21 of the optical disc cartridge unit 23 are the first slot 211 and the second slot 212, respectively. The center point of the optical disc placement space of the first slot 211 and the center point of the optical disc placement space of the second slot 212 are offset along the second direction and offset along the third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

[0071] One side of the optical disc cartridge unit 23 is provided with a positioning plug-in post 221, and the other side is provided with a positioning plug-in slot 222. Furthermore, the number of positioning plug-in posts 221 and positioning plug-in slots 222 are the same, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0072] When the optical disc cartridge 2 includes at least two optical disc cartridge units 23, in two adjacent optical disc cartridge units 23, the positioning pin 221 of one of them is inserted into the positioning slot 222 of the other in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0073] The number of optical disc cartridge units 23 in the optical disc cartridge 2 can be set as needed. In two adjacent optical disc cartridge units 23, the positioning pins 221 of one of them are inserted into the positioning slots 222 of the other in a one-to-one correspondence, thereby ensuring the stability of the optical disc cartridge 2.

[0074] The expanded optical disc cartridge includes at least one optical disc cartridge unit 23. When it is necessary to expand the capacity of the optical disc cartridge 2, simply add an optical disc cartridge unit 23.

[0075] Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical disc cartridge unit 23 is an integrally molded structure, and the optical disc cartridge unit 23 is a thin plate with two adjacent optical disc slots 21.

[0076] Preferably, the thickness of each optical disc slot 21, that is, the dimension of the optical disc slot 21 along the first direction, is the same as the thickness of the optical disc 10. This setting can ensure the stable placement of the optical disc 10, maximize the storage density of the optical disc 10, reduce the space occupied by the optical disc library, and save costs.

[0077] by Figure 6 Taking the view shown as an example, the two optical disc slots 21 on the optical disc cartridge unit 23 are the first slot 211 and the second slot 212, respectively. The first slot 211 is set lower than the second slot 212, and at the same time, the first slot 211 is set forward of the second slot 212.

[0078] The misaligned first slot 211 and second slot 212 create two opposing contact surfaces on the optical disc cartridge unit 23. One is the first contact surface 231, and the other is the second contact surface 232.

[0079] by Figures 4-6 Taking the orientation shown as an example, when the optical disc 10 is placed in place, the optical disc 10 in the first slot 211 is the first optical disc 101, and the optical disc 10 in the second slot 212 is the second optical disc 102. The surface of the first optical disc 101 facing the second optical disc 102 abuts against the second contact surface 232, and the surface of the second optical disc 102 facing the first optical disc 101 abuts against the first contact surface 231, ensuring the stability of the placement of the optical disc 10.

[0080] Preferably, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, two optical drive assemblies 3 are provided in the accommodating space. The optical drive assemblies 3 and the optical disc cartridges 2 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The corresponding optical drive assemblies 3 and optical disc cartridges 2 are arranged along the first direction.

[0081] Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical drive assembly 3 includes a plurality of optical drives, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. This arrangement can improve the burning and reading efficiency of the optical disc library.

[0082] Specifically, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the optical disc transfer device 4 includes an optical disc temporary storage component 41 and an optical disc gripping component 42.

[0083] The optical disc storage device 41 is used to temporarily store the optical disc 10 and can move back and forth along the first direction.

[0084] The optical disc grabber 42 is located on the upper side of the optical disc storage unit 41 and can transfer the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the optical disc storage unit 41.

[0085] That is, the optical disc gripper 42 transfers the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the optical disc storage unit 41, and the optical disc storage unit 41 moves the optical disc 10 along the first direction to a set position. Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical disc gripper 42 can push the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the optical disc storage unit 41.

[0086] Specifically, see Figure 2 and Figure 7In this embodiment, the optical disc storage component 41 includes a storage rack 411, on which a plurality of disc-rubbing roller assemblies 412 are provided. Each disc-rubbing roller assembly 412 includes two disc-rubbing rollers 4121 arranged opposite to each other. The disc-rubbing rollers 4121 are rotatably disposed on the storage rack 411, and an optical disc transport slit is formed between the two disc-rubbing rollers 4121 arranged opposite to each other.

[0087] Optionally, in this embodiment, the temporary storage rack 411 is provided with four sets of disc clamping roller assemblies 412, which are spaced apart along the second direction. The four sets of disc clamping roller assemblies 412 ensure that they can transport the optical disc 10 on the temporary storage rack 411 to the designated position.

[0088] Specifically, the temporary storage rack 411 includes a vertical plate 4111, and a horizontal plate 4112 is respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the vertical plate 4111. The two ends of the disc-rubbing roller 4121 are rotatably mounted on the two horizontal plates 4112. The lower horizontal plate 4112 can serve to support the optical disc 10.

[0089] At least one of the multiple rubbing rollers 4121 is an active roller, and the active roller is provided with a roller drive component 413 for driving the active roller to rotate around its own axis.

[0090] Understandably, in the optical disc library, the lower horizontal plate 4112 is lower than the lowest point of the optical disc slot 21. After the optical disc gripper 42 transfers the optical disc from the optical disc cartridge 2 to the optical disc storage unit 41, under the gravity and inertia of the optical disc 10, the optical disc 10 moves as a whole to the lower horizontal plate 4112 and is clamped in the optical disc transport slit between each disc-clipping roller assembly 412, with the lower edge of the optical disc 10 receiving the lower horizontal plate 4112 below. The optical disc storage unit 41 moves along the first direction to a set position, such as the position of the optical drive assembly 3, and the roller drive unit 413 drives the active roller to rotate around its own axis, and all the disc-clipping rollers 4121 rotate around their own axes. Understandably, under the friction of the optical disc 10, the disc-clipping rollers 4121 of the same disc-clipping roller assembly 412 rotate in opposite directions, thereby enabling the optical disc 10 to be transported out of the optical disc storage unit 41 and into the optical drive assembly 3.

[0091] Preferably, a disc positioning sensor 41111 is provided on the vertical plate 4111 to detect whether the disc 10 is in the correct position on the temporary storage rack 411, thus preventing the drive roller from spinning idly when the disc 10 is not in position. Preferably, multiple disc positioning sensors 41111 are provided on the vertical plate 4111, and the multiple disc positioning sensors 41111 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the vertical plate 4111. When each disc positioning sensor 41111 detects that the disc 10 is in position, it indicates that the disc 10 is in position.

[0092] Optionally, the optical disc positioning sensor 41111 includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared transmitter can emit infrared signals. When the optical disc 10 is positioned on the temporary storage rack 411, the infrared receiver can receive the infrared signals reflected back from the optical disc 10 within a preset time.

[0093] Specifically, see Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, to enable the optical disc storage component 41 to reciprocate along the first direction, an optical disc storage component guide rail 43 is provided within the accommodating space. The optical disc storage component guide rail 43 has an external thread and extends along the first direction, capable of rotating around its own axis. The optical disc storage component 41 also includes a movable guide block 414, which is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the storage rack 411. The movable guide block 414 has a through hole extending along the first direction, and an internal thread is provided within the through hole, threadedly connected to the optical disc storage component guide rail 43. When the optical disc storage component guide rail 43 rotates around its own axis, it can drive the optical disc storage component 41 to move along the first direction.

[0094] Preferably, in this embodiment, two optical disc storage guide rails 43 are provided in the accommodating space, and two through holes are provided on the moving guide block 414, with the through holes and optical disc storage guide rails 43 corresponding one-to-one.

[0095] Specifically, the accommodating space is also equipped with a CD optical disk temporary storage guide rail drive that controls the rotation of the CD optical disk temporary storage guide rail 43 around its own axis.

[0096] Of course, in other embodiments, a synchronous belt can also be used to move the optical disc storage component 41; for example, a synchronous belt extending in the first direction is provided in the accommodating space, and the optical disc storage component 41 is fixedly mounted on the synchronous belt, so that reciprocating movement in the first direction can be realized.

[0097] Of course, in other embodiments, multiple guide teeth can be arranged sequentially along the first direction on the optical disc temporary storage guide rail 43, so that the optical disc temporary storage guide rail 43 forms a rack structure, and a gear that meshes with the rack structure is rotatably arranged in the moving guide block 414, thereby realizing the reciprocating movement of the optical disc temporary storage 41 along the first direction.

[0098] Preferably, in this embodiment, see Figure 2 Two optical disc cartridges 2 are spaced apart along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, within the accommodating space. The arrangement of the two optical disc cartridges 2 further increases the optical disc storage capacity of the optical disc library.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, only one side of the optical disc tray 2 may be provided.

[0100] See Figure 2 , Figures 8-10 In this embodiment, the optical disc gripper 42 includes a first lever 421 and a second lever 422. Both the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are rotatably mounted on the optical disc storage member 41. The first lever 421 is corresponding to one of the optical disc cartridges 2, and the second lever 422 is corresponding to the other optical disc cartridge 2.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical disc gripper 42 also includes a lever drive 423. The first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are rotatably mounted on the lever drive 423. The first lever 421 and the second lever 422 extend toward both sides of the lever drive 423, that is, the extension directions of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are opposite. The free ends of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are located on both sides of the temporary storage rack 411. The first lever 421 extends toward one optical disc cartridge 2 to move the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the temporary storage rack 411; the second lever 422 extends toward another optical disc cartridge 2 to move the optical disc 10 on the optical disc cartridge 2 to the temporary storage rack 411.

[0102] The lever drive 423 can control the rotation of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422. It is understood that the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are controlled independently. Optionally, the rotation axes of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 can be coaxial and rotate independently.

[0103] Specifically, the lever drive component 423 includes a lever drive component housing and a functional component disposed within the lever drive component housing. The functional component enables the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 to rotate coaxially and independently. The structure for achieving coaxial and independent rotation is prior art well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0104] Optionally, in this embodiment, in order to enable the optical disc gripper 42 to move with the optical disc storage member 41, the optical disc gripper 42 further includes an optical disc gripper guide rail 424, and the toggle drive housing is movably disposed on the optical disc gripper guide rail 424.

[0105] Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical disc gripper guide rail 424 is fixedly disposed within the accommodating space. A rack structure is provided on the optical disc gripper guide rail 424. A rotating gear, which drives the core of the rack structure, is disposed within the toggle drive housing. The rotating gear meshes with the rack structure to achieve reciprocating movement of the toggle drive housing along the first direction, thereby enabling the optical disc gripper 42 to move along with the optical disc storage unit 41. This arrangement allows the optical disc gripper 42 to be used independently of the optical disc storage unit 41. Preferably, to prevent the optical disc gripper guide rail 424 from rotating, an anti-rotation plate 41121 is provided on the upper horizontal plate 4112 of the storage rack 411. The optical disc gripper guide rail 424 slides through the anti-rotation plate 41121.

[0106] Of course, in other embodiments, the housing of the lever drive component can also be fixedly mounted on the horizontal plate 4112 on the upper side of the temporary storage rack 411. In this way, there is no need to set up the optical disc gripper guide rail 424 and the structure that cooperates with the optical disc gripper guide rail 424, thus saving costs.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, see Figure 9 and Figure 10 Both the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are hook-shaped structures. Each hook-shaped structure includes an arc-shaped groove that matches the arc-shaped edge of the optical disc 10. The end of the hook-shaped structure can rotate to the side of the optical disc 10 in the optical disc slot 21 away from the optical disc transfer device 4. The end of the hook-shaped structure continues to move downwards, thereby moving the optical disc 10 from the optical disc slot 21 to the optical disc storage member 41 of the optical disc transfer device 4. Once the optical disc 10 is in place, the hook-shaped structure rotates upwards and resets.

[0108] Meanwhile, since there is a vertical misalignment between two adjacent optical discs 10, all the optical discs 10 on the optical disc case 2 are arranged in a high-low pattern. When the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 move the optical discs 10, there is no interference between the lower optical discs 10 and the higher optical discs 10, so that the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 can quickly move the optical discs 10 away from the optical disc slot 21.

[0109] Of course, in other embodiments, the lever drive 423 includes two individual drive units, which control the rotation of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 respectively. That is, the rotation axes of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 are not collinear, and the two individual drive units control the rotation of the first lever 421 and the second lever 422 respectively.

[0110] Example 2

[0111] This embodiment provides a method for controlling an optical disc library, used to control the optical disc library of Embodiment 1.

[0112] Specifically, the control method for the optical disc library includes the following steps:

[0113] S1. Control the optical disc transfer device 4 to move to the position of receiving the optical disc 10 that has entered the housing 1, and the optical disc transfer device 4 receives the optical disc 10 that has entered the housing 1.

[0114] S2. Control the optical disc transfer device 4 to transport multiple optical discs 10 one by one to the empty optical disc slot 21 of the optical disc cartridge 2;

[0115] S3. The optical disc transfer device 4 controls the optical disc 10 in the optical disc slot 21 to be transferred one by one to the optical drive assembly 3. After the optical drive assembly 3 completes the burning or reading of an optical disc 10, the optical disc transfer device 4 controls the optical disc transfer device 4 to transfer the optical disc 10 output by the optical drive assembly 3 to the optical disc slot 21 where the optical disc 10 was originally located.

[0116] The optical disc library control method provided in this embodiment enables the storage of a massive number of optical discs within the library. Even after the optical disc capacity is expanded, this control method can still be used to control the operation of the optical disc library, reducing expansion costs.

[0117] Specifically, before step S2, the following steps also need to be performed:

[0118] A sensor is used to detect whether the optical disc slot 21 to which the optical disc 10 is to be placed is empty. If it is, the optical disc 10 is placed in the optical disc slot 21; if not, a new empty optical disc slot 21 is determined.

[0119] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical disc library, comprising a casing (1), wherein the casing (1) has an accommodating space therein, characterized in that, The optical disc library also includes: The optical disc cartridge (2) extends along a first direction, and a plurality of optical disc slots (21) arranged along the first direction are sequentially provided on the optical disc cartridge (2). An expansion structure (22) is provided on the optical disc cartridge (2), and the expansion structure (22) is configured to be connected to the expansion optical disc cartridge. Optical drive assembly (3) is disposed within the accommodating space; An optical disc transfer device (4) is disposed within the accommodating space. The optical disc transfer device (4) is capable of reciprocating along the first direction. The optical disc transfer device (4) is used to transfer the optical disc (10) between the optical disc cartridge (2) and the optical drive assembly (3). An expansion space extending along the first direction is reserved in the accommodating space of the outer shell (1); the two adjacent optical disc slots (21) on the optical disc cartridge (2) are the first slot (211) and the second slot (212), respectively. The center point of the optical disc placement space of the first slot (211) and the center point of the optical disc placement space of the second slot (212) are offset along the second direction and offset along the third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The optical disc library according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical disc transfer device (4) includes: The optical disc storage device (41) is used to temporarily store the optical disc (10) and is capable of reciprocating along the first direction; The optical disc grabber (42) is disposed on the upper side of the optical disc storage unit (41) and is capable of transferring the optical disc (10) on the optical disc cartridge (2) to the optical disc storage unit (41).

3. The optical disc library according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two optical disc cartridges (2) are spaced apart along a second direction within the accommodating space. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The optical disc gripper (42) includes a first lever (421) and a second lever (422). Both the first lever (421) and the second lever (422) are rotatably mounted on the optical disc storage unit (41). The first lever (421) is corresponding to one of the optical disc cartridges (2), and the second lever (422) is corresponding to the other optical disc cartridge (2).

4. The optical disc library according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension structure (22) includes a positioning plug (221) and / or a positioning plug slot (222) disposed on the optical disc cartridge (2).

5. The optical disc library according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical drive assembly (3) includes a plurality of optical drives (31), which are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

6. The optical disc library according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The outer casing (1) includes an outer casing body (11) and a protrusion (12). The accommodating space is disposed inside the outer casing body (11). The protrusion (12) is provided with a disc inlet cavity (121) communicating with the accommodating space. The protrusion (12) is provided with an optical disc inlet / outlet (122) communicating with the disc inlet cavity (121). The optical disc transfer device (4) can move to the disc inlet cavity (121).

7. A method for controlling an optical disc library, characterized in that, Controlling the optical disc library according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising the following steps: S1. Control the optical disc transfer device (4) to move to the position of receiving the optical disc (10) entering the housing (1), and the optical disc transfer device (4) receives the optical disc (10) entering the housing (1). S2. Control the optical disc transfer device (4) to transport the multiple optical discs (10) one by one to the empty optical disc slots (21) of the optical disc cartridge (2). S3. Control the optical disc transfer device (4) to transport the optical discs (10) in the optical disc slot (21) one by one to the optical drive assembly (3). After the optical drive assembly (3) completes the recording or reading of one of the optical discs (10), control the optical disc transfer device (4) to transport the optical disc (10) output by the optical drive assembly (3) to the optical disc slot (21) where the optical disc (10) was originally located.

8. The control method for an optical disc library according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before step S2, the following steps also need to be performed: The sensor detects whether the optical disc slot (21) to which the optical disc (10) is to be placed is empty. If it is, the optical disc (10) is placed in the optical disc slot (21); if not, a new empty optical disc slot (21) is determined.

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