Optical disc drive

Abstract

Provided is an optical disc drive (1) having a small number of components. An optical disc drive (1) is provided with: a turntable (30) for rotating an optical disc; a chuck pulley (15); a top frame (10) having an opening (10a) formed at a position overlapping the chuck pulley (15) in plan view; and a first arm (141) that holds the chuck pulley (15). The first arm (141) comes into contact with the first guide (101) of the opening (10a), and changes the orientation in accordance with the contact position with the first guide (101) so as to move the chuck pulley (15) between a standby position and a chuck position for holding the optical disc together with the turntable (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical disc drive. Background Art

[0002] The following-described PTL 1 to 3 disclose an optical disc drive that can be mounted on an electronic device such as a game machine, a personal computer, or an AV (audio-visual) device. The optical disc drive has a transport roller and a chuck pulley. The transport roller contacts an optical disc inserted from an insertion port formed on the front surface of the optical disc drive and transports the optical disc to the position of a spindle motor. The chuck pulley magnetically fixes the optical disc that has reached the position of the spindle motor to the spindle motor.

[0003] [Citation List]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [PTL 1]

[0006] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-022780

[0007] [PTL 2]

[0008] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-022779

[0009] [PTL 3]

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0209662 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical Problem

[0012] Here, the optical disc drive has a mechanism for moving the chuck pulley in the vertical direction to fix the chuck pulley to the spindle motor or to separate the chuck pulley from the spindle motor. In some cases, in order to implement this mechanism, the number of components undesirably increases.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical disc drive having a smaller number of components.

[0014] Solution to the Problem

[0015] The optical disc drive according to the present invention includes a turntable for rotating an optical disc, a chuck pulley, a top frame having an opening formed at a position overlapping the chuck pulley in a plan view, and a first arm that holds the chuck pulley. The first arm includes an inclined surface at its lower portion that contacts a first edge of the opening and changes its posture according to the position where the inclined surface contacts the first edge so as to move the chuck pulley between a standby position and a chuck position where the first arm and the turntable sandwich the optical disc. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of an optical disc drive according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view showing the top frame and each component attached to the top frame.

[0018] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view showing the pulley holding mechanism.

[0019] Figure 3A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration and operation of the first arm.

[0020] Figure 3B is a diagram schematically showing the configuration and operation of the first arm.

[0021] Figure 3C is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the second arm.

[0022] Figure 4A is a top view of the top frame in a standby state.

[0023] Figure 4B is showing along Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line H-H in

[0024] Figure 5A is a top view of the top frame in a standby state, with the illustration of the chuck pulley omitted.

[0025] Figure 5B is showing along Figure 5A a cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line M-M in

[0026] Figure 5C is showing along Figure 5A a cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line K-K in

[0027] Figure 6A is a top view of the top frame in a state where the chuck pulley is tilted by the rotation of the first arm.

[0028] Figure 6B is showing along Figure 6A a cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A in

[0029] Figure 7A is a top view of the top frame in a state where the chuck pulley is tilted by the rotation of the first arm, with the illustration of the chuck pulley omitted.

[0030] Figure 7B is showing along Figure 7ACross-sectional view of the cross-section cut by the cutting line B-B in

[0031] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view depicting the cross-section cut along Figure 7A the cutting line C-C in

[0032] Figure 8A is a top view of the top frame in the chuck state.

[0033] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view depicting the cross-section cut along Figure 8A the cutting line U-U in

[0034] Figure 9A is a top view of the top frame in the chuck state, omitting the illustration of the chuck pulley.

[0035] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view depicting the cross-section cut along Figure 9A the cutting line R-R in

[0036] Figure 9C is a cross-sectional view depicting the cross-section cut along Figure 9A the cutting line P-P in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings (hereinafter, these embodiments). In the following description, X1 and X2 depicted in the drawings respectively represent the rightward direction and the leftward direction, Y1 and Y2 depicted in the drawings respectively represent the forward direction and the backward direction, and Z1 and Z2 depicted in the drawings respectively represent the upward direction and the downward direction. In the example shown in these embodiments, the optical disc is inserted into the optical disc drive 1 from the forward direction along the backward direction. In these embodiments, the direction in which the rotation axis O of the turntable 30 (see Figure 4B ) extends is the up-down direction. Further, in these embodiments, the right rotation direction when viewed from above is the clockwise direction, and the left rotation direction when viewed from above is the counterclockwise direction.

[0038] [Outline of the Configuration of the Optical Disc Drive 1]

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view depicting the internal structure of the optical disc drive according to these embodiments. Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view depicting the top frame and each component attached to the top frame. Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view depicting the pulley holding mechanism. Note that the optical disc drive 1 may have a housing having the structure shown in Figure 1 although its illustration is omitted.

[0040] The optical disc drive 1 is a device that reads information stored on an optical disc using a laser or the like. As Figure 1 depicted in, an insertion port S for inserting the optical disc is formed at the front of the optical disc drive 1. For example, the optical disc is an information recording medium such as a CD (compact disc), a DVD (digital versatile disc), or a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark). For example, the optical disc drive 1 can be compatible with an optical disc having a diameter of 12 cm. The optical disc drive 1 is housed in a cabinet of an electronic device such as a game console, a personal computer, or an AV device. Alternatively, the optical disc drive 1 can be configured such that the optical disc drive 1 can be attached to and detached from the electronic device.

[0041] The optical disc drive 1 has a top frame 10 and a bottom frame 20. The top frame 10 is attached to the upper side of the bottom frame 20. The top frame 10 can be a plate-shaped metal. The bottom frame 20 can have a box shape and include a resin material. A cutout is formed at the front of the bottom frame 20, and the cutout and the top frame 10 form the insertion port S.

[0042] In addition, the optical disc drive 1 has a base frame that is disposed below the top frame 10 and inside the bottom frame 20 and holds the turntable 30 (refer to Figure 4B ). The optical disc inserted from the insertion port S is disposed between the top frame 10 and the base frame inside the bottom frame 3. For example, the turntable 30 can be a spindle motor that rotates the optical disc.

[0043] [Configuration outline of the optical disc drive 1: top frame 10]

[0044] As Figure 2A shown, the top frame 10 is a metal sheet that is processed such that openings and irregularities pass through or are formed thereon. Specifically, the opening 10a, the guide holes h1 to h4, the guide portion 10G, etc. are formed through or on the top frame 10.

[0045] The opening 10a is a through hole for moving the chuck pulley 15 in the vertical direction. The opening 10a is formed at a position that overlaps the chuck pulley 15 in a plan view (top view). Guide portions 101 and 102 that come into contact with a first arm 141 and a second arm 142 described later are formed at the edges of the opening 10a. The guide portion 101 as the first edge is a portion that changes the attitude of the first arm 141 described later, and the guide portion 102 as the second edge is a portion that changes the attitude of the second arm 142 described later.

[0046] The guiding portions 101 and 102 have a shape extending along the rotation direction of the annular portion 140 described later, and the guiding portion 101 is shorter than the guiding portion 102. The guiding portions 101 and 102 may be portions formed by so-called hemming processing. That is to say, the guiding portions 101 and 102 may be portions including a double-layer plate formed by bending a part of the top frame 10 including a metal sheet.

[0047] The guiding holes h1 to h3 are through holes for guiding the movement of the switch arm 11. The guiding hole h4 is a through hole for guiding the rotation of the rotating arm 13.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, on the top surface side of the top frame 10, there are provided a switch arm 11, a switching plate 12, a rotating arm 13, a pulley holding mechanism 14, a chuck pulley 15, etc.

[0049] [Configuration overview of the optical disc drive 1: Switch arm 11]

[0050] The switch arm 11 has an approximately arc shape positioned at the left and rear sections of the top frame 10 and bent along the outer edge of the top frame 10. The switch arm 11 is arranged to be rotatable about a supported portion 11a supported by the top frame 10 as a rotation axis.

[0051] As Figure 2A depicted, the switch arm 11 has a contact portion 111 and a contact portion 112. The contact portion 111 protrudes below the top frame 10 through a guiding hole h1 formed through the top frame 10, and the contact portion 112 protrudes below the top frame through a guiding hole h2 formed through the top frame 10. In addition, the switch arm 11 has a contact portion (not shown in Figure 2A ) that protrudes below the top frame 10 through the guiding hole h3. When the edge of the optical disc inserted from the insertion port S touches the contact portions 111 and 112, the contact portions 111 and 112 move along the shapes of the guiding holes h1 and h2. Thereby, the switch arm 11 rotates counterclockwise about the supported portion 11a as a rotation axis. In addition, a push spring 11c that pushes the switch arm 11 clockwise is attached to the switch arm 11.

[0052] The switch arm 11 has a switch operation portion 11b at its rear right portion. The switch operation portion 11b has such a shape that the switch operation portion 11b presses on a switch implemented on the switch plate 12 when the switch arm 11 rotates counterclockwise about the supported portion 11a as a rotation axis.

[0053] [Configuration overview of the optical disc drive 1: Switch plate 12]

[0054] The switch plate 12 is positioned at the rear right of the top frame 10. A start switch 12a and a stop switch 12b are implemented on the switch plate 12. The start switch 12a is located behind the stop switch 12b.

[0055] [Configuration overview of the optical disc drive 1: Rotary arm 13]

[0056] The rotary arm 13 is located in front of the switch board 12. The rotary arm 13 has a disc shape and is arranged to be rotatable about a supported portion 13a supported by the top frame 10 as a rotation axis. The rotary arm 13 has a contact portion that projects below the top frame 10 through a guide hole h4 formed in the top frame 10. By the edge of the optical disc inserted from the insertion port S hitting the contact portion, the rotary arm 13 rotates counterclockwise about the supported portion 13a as the rotation axis. In addition, the rotary arm 13 has a protrusion 13b at its outer peripheral portion. A pushing spring 13c is attached to the inner side of the rotary arm 13. The pushing spring 13c pushes the rotary arm 13 clockwise.

[0057] [Configuration overview of the optical disc drive 1: Chuck pulley 15]

[0058] As Figure 2A shown, the chuck pulley 15 has an upper flange 15a and a lower flange 15b that project radially from the outer peripheral portion of the chuck pulley 15. The upper flange 15a is formed at the upper end of the chuck pulley 15, and the lower flange 15b is formed at the lower end of the chuck pulley 15.

[0059] The chuck pulley 15 is a member for fixing the optical disc to the turntable 30. Due to the magnetic attraction of the chuck pulley 15 to the turntable 30, the optical disc is clamped and held by the chuck pulley 15 and the turntable 30. Therefore, the optical disc rotates integrally with the turntable 30. Note that the chuck pulley 15 can be a magnetic material or can partially include a magnet.

[0060] [Configuration overview of the optical disc drive 1: Pulley holding mechanism 14]

[0061] As Figure 2B shown, the pulley holding mechanism 14 includes an annular portion 140, a first arm 141, and a second arm 142.

[0062] The annular portion 140 has an annular shape, has a protrusion 140a at its outer peripheral portion, and rotates when the protrusion 13b of the rotary arm 13 hits the protrusion 140a. Specifically, when the rotary arm 13 rotates counterclockwise, the annular portion 140 rotates clockwise by the protrusion 13b hitting the protrusion 140a.

[0063] In addition, the annular portion 140 has a track portion 140b formed along the circumferential direction at its outer peripheral portion. The track portion 140b serves as a guide rail for guiding the rotation of the annular portion 140. The track portion 140b is formed to be able to follow a guide portion 10G formed on the top frame 10 (see Figure 2A) Slide. Note that the guide portion 10G has an upwardly protruding shape and has an upper end that is bent inward in the radial direction toward the annular portion 140. With such a shape, the guide portion 10G engages with the rail portion 140b. In Figure 2A In the illustrated example, four guide portions 10G are formed on the top frame 10, and the rail portion 140b is formed on the annular portion 140 such that the rail portion 140b corresponds to the guide portion 10G.

[0064] The first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are members that move the chuck pulley 15 between the standby position and the chuck position. The first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are arranged to face each other, with the opening 10a therebetween. The first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are rotatably supported by the annular portion 140. The positions where the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 contact the guide portions 101 and 102 formed on the top frame 10 change as the annular portion 140 rotates. Thereby, the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 change their postures such that the chuck pulley 15 moves between the standby position and the chuck position.

[0065] Here, the chuck position is the position where the chuck pulley 15 and the turntable 30 clamp the optical disc, and the standby position is the position where the chuck pulley 15 is farther from the turntable 30 than when the chuck pulley 15 is in the chuck position. That is, the standby position is a position above the chuck position. Note that the details of the configuration and operation of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 will be mentioned later.

[0066] [Configuration Outline of Optical Disc Drive: Bottom Frame]

[0067] The bottom frame 20 holds the transfer roller 21, a motor (not shown) that is an electric motor, etc. The motor is arranged to be electrically connectable to a switch board 12 described later via an electric wire. The transfer roller 21 rotates based on the power from the motor. The transfer roller 21 contacts the lower surface of the optical disc and transfers the optical disc in the front-rear direction. Specifically, by rotating, the transfer roller 21 transfers the optical disc inserted from the insertion port S to a position where the center of the optical disc coincides with the rotation center of the turntable 30. In addition, when removing the optical disc from the optical disc drive 1, by rotating, the transfer roller 21 transfers the optical disc from the position where the center of the optical disc coincides with the rotation center of the turntable 30 to the outside of the insertion port S.

[0068] [Details of the Configuration of the First Arm 141 and the Second Arm 142]

[0069] Hereinafter, mainly with reference to Figure 2B and Figures 3A to 3C explain the details of the configuration of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142.

[0070] Figure 3A andFigure 3B is a diagram schematically depicting the configuration and operation of the first arm. Figure 3C is a diagram schematically depicting the configuration of the second arm. Figure 3A and Figure 3B depicts the state of the first arm 141 as seen from the inside of the annular portion 140. Figure 3C depicts the state of the second arm 142 as seen from the inside of the annular portion 140.

[0071] Figure 3A depicts the operation of the first arm 141 when a disc is inserted into the disc drive 1. More specifically, Figure 3A the top diagram in Figure 3A depicts the posture of the first arm 141 in the standby state, Figure 3A the middle diagram in Figure 3B depicts the posture of the first arm 141 when a disc is inserted, and Figure 3B the bottom diagram in Figure 3A depicts the posture of the first arm 141 in the chuck state.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the standby state refers to the state of the disc drive 1 before a disc is inserted into the disc drive 1. The chuck state refers to the state of the disc drive 1 after the chuck pulley 15 has moved to the chuck position.

[0073] Figure 3A R1 in Figure 3B represents the clockwise direction, Figures 3A to 3C R2 in

[0074] The first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are members that move the chuck pulley 15 in the vertical direction. In the standby state, the chuck pulley 15 is held by the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 such that the chuck pulley 15 is disposed at a standby position away from the turntable 30. Further, in the chuck state, the chuck pulley 15 is held by the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 such that the chuck pulley 15 is disposed at the chuck position where the chuck pulley 15 rotates integrally with the turntable 30.

[0075] The first arm 141 includes a supported portion 1411 supported to be rotatable about the annular portion 140, an arm portion 1412 extending from the supported portion 1411 along the inner circumferential surface of the annular portion 140, and a holding portion 1413 disposed on the inner side of the arm portion 1412 in the radial direction of the annular portion 140 and holding the chuck pulley 15 by hooking a part of the upper flange 15a of the chuck pulley 15. The holding portion 1413 has a shape extending in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 140.

[0076] As Figure 2B shown, the supported portion 1411 has a bearing 1411a. The annular portion 140 has a pair of support pins 1401b disposed at a recessed portion 1401a formed on the inner surface of the annular portion 140. Since the support pins 1401b are fitted into the bearing 1411a, the supported portion 1411 is rotatably supported by the annular portion 140.

[0077] In addition, the first arm 141 is pushed by a pushing spring S1 so that the tip side of the arm portion 1412 is inclined downward. In Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the direction in which the pushing force generated by the pushing spring S1 is applied is indicated by f.

[0078] As Figure 3A shown, the arm portion 1412 has a shape including a protrusion 1412C protruding downward at its lower portion. In addition, an inclined surface 1412S included in the protrusion 1412C is formed at the lower portion of the arm portion 1412. The inclined surface 1412S is an inclined plane inclined downward in the clockwise direction.

[0079] As Figure 3A shown in the top view in Figure 3A , the holding portion 1413 has a shape inclined upward in the clockwise direction in the standby state. In addition, as Figure 2B depicted in the bottom view in

[0080] Figure 3A , the holding portion 1413 has a shape extending in the horizontal direction H in the chuck state. Note that the attitude of the first arm 141 can be restricted so that the extending direction of the holding portion 1413 does not incline further downward from the horizontal direction H. Specifically, as Figure 2B shown, the arm portion 1412 of the first arm 141 may be provided with a restricting protrusion 1412a that restricts further downward inclination of the first arm 141 by contacting the edge of the opening 10a of the top frame 10.

[0080] Similarly, the second arm 142 includes a supported portion 1421 supported to be rotatable about the annular portion 140, an arm portion 1422 extending from the supported portion 1421 along the inner circumferential surface of the annular portion 140, and a holding portion 1423 disposed on the inner side of the arm portion 1422 in the radial direction of the annular portion 140 and holding the chuck pulley 15 by hooking a part of the upper flange 15a of the chuck pulley 15. The holding portion 1423 has a shape extending along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 140.

[0081] As Figure 2B shown, the supported portion 1421 has a bearing 1421a. The annular portion 140 has a pair of support pins 1402b disposed at a recessed portion 1402a formed on the inner surface of the annular portion 140. Since the support pins 1402b are fitted into the bearing 1421a, the supported portion 1421 is rotatably supported by the annular portion 140.

[0082] In addition, the second arm 142 is pushed by a push spring S2 such that the tip side of the arm portion 1422 is inclined downward. In Figure 3C this, the direction in which the pushing force generated by the push spring S2 is applied is indicated by f.

[0083] As Figure 3C depicted, the arm portion 1422 has a shape including a protrusion 1422C protruding downward at its lower portion. In addition, an inclined surface 1422S included in the protrusion 1422C is formed at the lower portion of the arm portion 1422. The inclined surface 1422S is an inclined plane inclined downward in the clockwise direction.

[0084] The holding portion 1423 has a shape inclined upward in the clockwise direction in the standby state. In addition, the holding portion 1423 has a shape extending in the horizontal direction H in the chuck state. Note that the attitude of the second arm 142 can be restricted such that the extending direction of the holding portion 1423 does not incline further downward from the horizontal direction H. Specifically, as Figure 2B shown, the arm portion 1422 of the second arm 142 can be provided with a restricting protrusion 1422a that restricts further downward inclination of the second arm 142 by contacting the edge of the opening 10a of the top frame 10.

[0085] The supported portion 1411 and the supported portion 1421 are arranged such that the rotation axes of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 become parallel to each other. That is, the support pins 1401b and the support pins 1402b have shapes extending parallel to each other. In addition, the rotation axes of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 extend in the direction along the front surface of the optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive 1. That is, the support pins 1401b and the support pins 1402b extend in the direction along the front surface of the optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive 1.

[0086] Note that the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 can be made of resin and be made partially hollow. Thus, the shape of the arms including the protrusions and the inclined surfaces can be stabilized.

[0087] [Details of the operations of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142]

[0088] Hereinafter, mainly referring to Figure 2B and Figures 3A to 3C the details of the operations of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 will be explained. The first arm 141 and the second arm 142 include inclined surfaces at their lower portions, and change their postures when the positions where the inclined surfaces contact the guide portions 101 and 102 of the top frame 10 change as the annular portion 140 rotates.

[0089] As Figure 3A shown in the top figure in, in the standby state, the first arm 141 is supported by the top side of the top frame 10. Specifically, the protrusion 1412C of the first arm 141 contacts the guide portion 101 of the top frame 10.

[0090] The first arm 141 moves relative to the top frame 10 as the annular portion 140 rotates in the clockwise direction shown by the arrow R1 in Figure 3A . When the moving distance of the first arm 141 relative to the top frame 10 exceeds L1 (the first moving distance), the protrusion 1412C detaches from the guide portion 101 due to gravity and the pressing force of the pressing spring S1. Thus, when the moving distance relative to the top frame 10 exceeds L1, the posture of the first arm 141 changes. Specifically, as Figure 3A shown in the middle figure in, the protrusion 1412C moves to be positioned below the top frame 10. Note that when the protrusion 1412C detaches from the guide portion 101, the magnetic force applied between the chuck pulley 15 and the turntable 30 also contributes to the operation of the first arm 141.

[0091] Due to the further rotation of the annular portion 140, as Figure 3A shown in the bottom figure in, the first arm 141 moves relative to the guide portion 101 until the first arm 141 has a posture such that the extending direction of the holding portion 1413 coincides with the horizontal direction H.

[0092] The second arm 142 also operates in the same manner as the first arm 141. It should be noted that the timing of the posture change of the second arm 142 is later than the timing of the posture change of the first arm 141. That is to say, the distance L2 (the second moving distance, see Figure 3C ) by which the protrusion 1422C of the second arm 142 moves until the protrusion 1422C detaches from the guide portion 102 is longer than the distance L1 by which the protrusion 1412C of the first arm 141 moves until the protrusion 1412C detaches from the guide portion 101.

[0093] Therefore, a part of the chuck pulley 15 held by the holding part 1413 of the first arm 141 moves downward earlier, and the chuck pulley 15 has an inclined posture. After that, a part of the second arm 142 held by the holding part 1423 moves downward, whereby the chuck pulley 15 is disposed at the chuck position. Accordingly, compared with a configuration in which the operations of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are performed at the same time, the impact sound generated when the chuck pulley 15 moves from the standby position to the chuck position is reduced.

[0094] In addition, in a state where the chuck pulley 15 is located at the chuck position, the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are in a posture in which the holding part 1413 and the holding part 1423 extend along the horizontal direction H.

[0095] In addition, referring to Figure 3B Explain the operation of the first arm 141 when the chuck pulley 15 moves from the chuck position to the standby position. Since the first arm 141 has the inclined surface 1412S, the first arm 141 can return to its original position.

[0096] The first arm 141 moves relative to the top frame 10 by rotating counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow R2 in Figure 3B . At this time, the inclined surface 1412S of the first arm 141 moves along the guide part 101 and moves in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity and the pressing force of the pressing spring S1. Accordingly, as shown in the middle figure of Figure 3B , the protrusion 1412C moves to be positioned above the top frame 10. Due to the further counterclockwise rotation of the annular part 140, the first arm 141 returns to the state depicted in the bottom figure of Figure 3B .

[0097] By an operation similar to that of the first arm 141, the second arm 142 also returns to the state shown in Figure 3C . It should be noted that the moment when the protrusion 1422C of the second arm 142 is positioned on the guide part 102 is earlier than the moment when the protrusion 1412C of the first arm 141 is positioned on the guide part 101. This causes the chuck pulley 15 to have an inclined posture from the chuck position and then move to the standby position. Accordingly, compared with a configuration in which the operations of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 are performed at the same time, the impact sound generated when the chuck pulley 15 moves from the chuck position to the standby position is reduced.

[0098] [Overall operation]

[0099] Referring to Figures 4A to 9C explain the operation of each mechanism when an optical disc is inserted into the insertion port S of the optical disc drive 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0100] Figure 4AIt is a top view of the top frame in the standby state. Figure 4B It depicts along Figure 4A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line H-H in Figure 5A It is a top view of the top frame in the standby state, where the illustration of the chuck pulley is omitted. Figure 5B It depicts along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line M-M in Figure 5C It depicts along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line K-K in Figure 6A It is a top view of the top frame in the state where the chuck pulley is tilted by the rotation of the first arm. Figure 6B It depicts along Figure 6A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A in Figure 7A It is a top view of the top frame in the state where the chuck pulley is tilted by the rotation of the first arm, with the illustration of the chuck pulley omitted. Figure 7B It depicts along Figure 7A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line B-B in Figure 7C It depicts along Figure 7A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line C-C in Figure 8A It is a top view of the top frame in the chuck state. Figure 8B It depicts along Figure 8A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line U-U in Figure 9A It is a top view of the top frame in the chuck state, with the illustration of the chuck pulley omitted. Figure 9B It depicts along Figure 9A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line R-R in Figure 9C It depicts along Figure 9A The cross-sectional view of the cross-section cut along the cutting line P-P in

[0101] Before inserting the optical disc into the insertion port S, each mechanism of the optical disc drive 1 is in Figure 4A The standby state shown.

[0102] As Figure 5B Shown, in the standby state, the first arm 141 is supported by the guiding portion 101 of the top frame 10. Accordingly, the holding portion 1413 of the first arm 141 is located at a position above the top frame 10. Similarly, as Figure 5C Shown, the second arm 142 is supported by the guiding portion 102 of the top frame 10. Therefore, the holding portion 1423 of the second arm 142 is located at a position above the top frame 10.

[0103] Therefore, in the standby state, as Figure 4BAs depicted, the pulley 15 is in the standby position, and a gap serving as a conveyance path for the optical disc is formed between the pulley 15 and the turntable 30.

[0104] First, the contact portions 111 and 112 of the switch arm 11 are pressed leftward by the edge of the optical disc inserted into the insertion port S, and the switch arm 11 rotates counterclockwise about the supported portion 11a serving as the rotation axis. As a result, the switch operation portion 11b formed at the rear end of the switch arm 11 presses the start switch 12a of the switch board 12.

[0105] Pressing the start switch 12a starts the rotation of a motor (not shown) housed in the bottom frame 20. The rotational force of the motor is transmitted via a transmission mechanism, i.e., a gear train, to the conveyance roller 21. The optical disc is conveyed rearward due to the rotation of the conveyance roller 21. Note that the optical disc drive 1 has a plurality of gear trains, etc., which are transmission mechanisms, including those mentioned later, and the detailed description of their structures and operations is omitted.

[0106] When the optical disc is being conveyed, the edge of the optical disc touches the contact portion protruding downward from the rotary arm 13, and the rotary arm 13 rotates counterclockwise. The rotational force of the rotary arm 13 is transmitted via a transmission mechanism, i.e., a gear train, to the roller bracket holding the conveyance roller 21. Therefore, the roller bracket moves to the retracted position, which is downward away from the conveyance path of the optical disc.

[0107] The rotation of the motor driving the conveyance roller 21 stops by further rotating counterclockwise the switch operation portion 11b formed at the rear end of the switch arm 11 and pressing the stop switch 12b on the switch board 12.

[0108] During this process, the protruding portion 13b of the counterclockwise-rotating rotary arm 13 touches the protruding portion 140a of the pulley holding mechanism 14, and the annular portion 140 of the pulley holding mechanism 14 rotates clockwise. Figure 6A The state where the annular portion 140 of the pulley holding mechanism 14 rotates clockwise due to the protruding portion 13b touching the protruding portion 140a is depicted.

[0109] The inclined surface 1412S of the first arm 141 moves relative to the guide portion 101 of the top frame 10 by the clockwise-rotating annular portion 140. This causes at least a part of the first arm 141 to be positioned below the top frame 10 (see the bottom figure in Figure 7B and Figure 3A ). At this time, as Figure 7C shown, the second arm 142 remains supported on the guide portion 102 of the top frame 10.

[0110] As described above, since the attitude of the first arm 141 changes and the attitude of the second arm 142 remains in the standby state, as Figure 6BAs shown, the portion of the chuck pulley 15 held by the holding portion 1413 slopes downward.

[0111] In the Figure 7A state shown, further clockwise rotation of the annular portion 140 results in the Figure 8A state shown. In this state, at least a portion of the second arm 142 is located below the top frame 10 (see Figure 9C ).

[0112] As Figure 8B shown, the chuck pulley 15 is moved to the chuck position by both the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 that slope downward. The chuck pulley 15 moved to the chuck position holds the optical disc in the vertical direction by the magnetic force applied between the chuck pulley 15 and the turntable 30. The optical disc can rotate integrally with the turntable 30.

[0113] Note that the configuration and operation of each mechanism described above are examples, and the configuration of each mechanism until the annular portion 140 starts to rotate is not limited to the examples described above. That is, other mechanisms can be included as long as these mechanisms cause the annular portion 140 to start rotating as the optical disc is inserted. Note that when the optical disc is removed from the optical disc drive 1, an operation opposite to the above-described operation can be performed.

[0114] Here, the switch arm 11 can be provided with a positioning portion 11d that determines the position of the pulley holding mechanism 14 in the standby state. As Figure 4A depicted, the positioning portion 11d can be a portion that protrudes toward the pulley holding mechanism 14 in the standby state and receives the pressing force of the push spring 11c to contact the outer peripheral portion of the annular portion 140 of the pulley holding mechanism 14. By adopting this configuration, the position of the pulley holding mechanism 14 in the standby state can be determined without additionally attaching a positioning spring or the like to the pulley holding mechanism 14. Note that, as Figure 4A depicted, a recessed portion 140d can be formed at the outer peripheral portion of the annular portion 140, and the positioning portion 11d fits into the recessed portion 140d in the standby state.

[0115] In the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 contact the edge of the opening of the top frame 10 to change the postures of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142, there is no need to additionally use components for moving the arms, and the number of components can be reduced. In addition, each of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 includes an inclined surface at its lower portion, and the posture is changed according to the position where the inclined surface contacts the edge of the opening of the top frame 10. Thus, the chuck pulley 15 can move downward without increasing the amount of movement of the annular portion 140 in the rotational direction. In addition, the part that operates the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 by contacting the arms is the top frame 10 including a metal sheet, so the durability is high compared with the case of using a resin mechanism. In addition, in the present embodiment, since a configuration is adopted in which a part of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 moves below the top frame 10 to move the chuck pulley 15 to the chuck position, the thickness can be reduced compared with a configuration in which the entire mechanism for moving the chuck pulley in the vertical direction is arranged above the top frame 10.

[0116] In addition, in the present embodiment, since a configuration is adopted in which a part of the first arm 141 and the second arm 142 is located below the top frame 10 to move the chuck pulley 15 to the chuck position, the size of the opening 10a can be reduced compared with a configuration in which the entire mechanism for holding the chuck pulley moves downward. Accordingly, the rigidity of the top frame 10 can be maintained.

[0117] [Conclusion]

[0118] For example, an optical disc drive may also have the following configuration.

[0119] (1) An optical disc drive, comprising:

[0120] A turntable for rotating an optical disc;

[0121] A chuck pulley;

[0122] A top frame having an opening formed at a position overlapping the chuck pulley in a plan view; and

[0123] A first arm for holding the chuck pulley, wherein:

[0124] The first arm includes an inclined surface at its lower portion, contacts a first edge of the opening, and changes its posture to move the chuck pulley between a standby position and a chuck position according to the position where the inclined surface contacts the first edge. In the chuck position, the first arm and the turntable clamp the optical disc.

[0125] (2) The optical disc drive according to (1), wherein at least a part of the first arm is arranged below the top frame in a state where the chuck pulley is in the chuck position.

[0126] (3) The optical disc drive according to (1) or (2), comprising:

[0127] An annular portion that rotates according to the movement of the optical disc and supports the first arm, wherein,

[0128] The first arm includes a holding portion that extends along the circumferential direction of the annular portion and holds at least a part of the chuck pulley.

[0129] (4) The optical disc drive according to (3), wherein the annular portion has a track portion that slides along a guiding portion formed on the top frame, and the track portion is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the annular portion.

[0130] (5) The optical disc drive according to (3) or (4), wherein,

[0131] A flange is formed at an upper end of the chuck pulley,

[0132] The holding portion is arranged such that the holding portion hooks the flange.

[0133] (6) The optical disc drive according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein, in a state where the chuck pulley is in a chuck position, the holding portion has a shape that extends in a direction parallel to a front surface of an optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive.

[0134] (7) The optical disc drive according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein, in a state where the chuck pulley is in the chuck position, the holding portion is positioned below the top frame.

[0135] (8) The optical disc drive according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first arm is provided with a pressing spring that presses a tip side of the first arm such that the tip side inclines downward.

[0136] (9) The optical disc drive according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein,

[0137] The top frame includes a metal sheet, and

[0138] A first edge includes a double-layer plate formed by bending a part of the metal sheet.

[0139] (10) The optical disc drive according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the first arm is a hollow resin member.

[0140] (11) The optical disc drive according to any one of (1) to (10), comprising:

[0141] A second arm, which is arranged opposite to the first arm and holds the chuck pulley, with the opening being between the second arm and the first arm, wherein,

[0142] The second arm contacts a second edge of the opening and changes its attitude according to the position where the second arm contacts the second edge to move the chuck pulley between a standby position and a chuck position.

[0143] (12) The optical disc drive according to (11), comprising:

[0144] An annular part, which rotates according to the insertion of the optical disc and supports the first arm and the second arm, wherein,

[0145] The first arm moves on a first edge as the annular part rotates, and when the moving distance exceeds a first moving distance, changes its attitude to move the chuck pulley from the standby position to the chuck position,

[0146] The second arm moves on a second edge as the annular part rotates, and when the moving distance exceeds a second moving distance, changes its attitude to move the chuck pulley from the standby position to the chuck position, and

[0147] The first moving distance is shorter than the second moving distance.

[0148] (13) The optical disc drive according to (11) or (12), wherein the length of the first edge in the moving direction of the first arm is shorter than the length of the second edge in the moving direction of the second arm.

Claims

1. An optical disc drive, comprising: a turntable for rotating an optical disc; a chuck pulley; a top frame having an opening formed at a position overlapping the chuck pulley in a plan view; and a first arm that holds the chuck pulley, wherein the first arm includes an inclined surface at its lower portion that contacts a first edge of the opening and changes its attitude to move the chuck pulley between a standby position and a chuck position according to the position where the inclined surface contacts the first edge, and at the chuck position, the first arm and the turntable clamp the optical disc.

2. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first arm is disposed below the top frame in a state where the chuck pulley is in the chuck position.

3. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, comprising: an annular portion that rotates according to the movement of the optical disc and supports the first arm, wherein the first arm includes a holding portion that extends along a circumferential direction of the annular portion and holds at least a part of the chuck pulley.

4. The optical disc drive according to claim 3, wherein the annular portion has a rail portion that slides along a guide portion formed on the top frame, and the rail portion is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the annular portion.

5. The optical disc drive according to claim 3, wherein a flange is formed at an upper end of the chuck pulley, and the holding portion is arranged such that the holding portion hooks the flange.

6. The optical disc drive according to claim 3, wherein in a state where the chuck pulley is in the chuck position, the holding portion has a shape extending in a direction parallel to a front surface of the optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive.

7. The optical disc drive according to claim 3, wherein in a state where the chuck pulley is in the chuck position, the holding portion is located below the top frame.

8. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, wherein a pressing spring is provided on the first arm, and the pressing spring presses a tip side of the first arm such that the tip side inclines downward.

9. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, wherein the top frame includes a metal sheet, and the first edge includes a double-layer plate formed by bending a part of the metal sheet.

10. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, wherein the first arm is a hollow resin member.

11. The optical disc drive according to claim 1, comprising: a second arm that is disposed opposite to the first arm and holds the chuck pulley, wherein the opening is between the second arm and the first arm, and wherein the second arm contacts a second edge of the opening and changes its attitude according to the position where the second arm contacts the second edge to move the chuck pulley between a standby position and a chuck position.

12. The optical disc drive according to claim 11, comprising: an annular portion that rotates according to the insertion of the optical disc and supports the first arm and the second arm, wherein The first arm moves on the first edge as the annular portion rotates, and changes its posture when the moving distance exceeds a first moving distance so that the chuck pulley moves from the standby position to the chuck position. The second arm moves on the second edge as the annular portion rotates, and changes its posture when the moving distance exceeds a second moving distance so that the chuck pulley moves from the standby position to the chuck position, and The first moving distance is shorter than the second moving distance.

13. The optical disc drive according to claim 12, wherein, The length of the first edge in the moving direction of the first arm is shorter than the length of the second edge in the moving direction of the second arm.

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