disc player

Abstract

A record player includes a base, a platter assembly, a first arm assembly, a light sensor, a first motor, and a controller. The base has an upper surface. The platter assembly is disposed within the base and has a platter for placing a record, wherein the platter assembly is configured to drive the record to rotate. The first arm assembly is connected to the base. The light sensor is disposed on the first arm assembly and is configured to detect a reflected light signal from a surface of the record placed on the platter. The first motor is connected to the first arm assembly. The controller is disposed in the base and is electrically connected to the first motor, the platter assembly, and the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control the first motor based on the reflected light signal to cause the first motor to drive the first arm assembly to move relative to the platter assembly. The record player can scan a smooth area and a groove area of the record on the platter by the light sensor to adjust and automatically stop for different lengths of songs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a record player. Background Technology

[0002] To extend the life of the cartridge and prevent the turntable from continuing to spin and scratching the stylus when a song ends, conventional record players are designed with an automatic stop detection mechanism. However, the design of conventional record players that detects whether a song has ended at a fixed angle and for a fixed number of seconds cannot be adjusted to automatically stop the playback for records of different song lengths. Utility Model Content

[0003] In some embodiments of this invention, a record player is proposed. A photosensor scans the smooth and grooved areas of the record on the turntable, and displays the reflected light intensity of different areas using voltage or current signals. The controller can then determine whether the music has finished playing based on the reflected light intensity, thereby adjusting and automatically stopping playback for records of different song lengths. Furthermore, when the controller detects no music, it can calculate for several seconds to ensure the record has finished playing. This effectively improves the user experience.

[0004] In some embodiments of this utility model, a record player is provided. This record player includes a base, a turntable assembly, a first cantilever assembly, a light sensor, a first motor, and a controller. The base has an upper surface. The turntable assembly is disposed within the base and has a turntable for holding a record, wherein the turntable assembly is used to drive the record to rotate. The first cantilever assembly is connected to the base. The light sensor is disposed in the first cantilever assembly and is used to detect reflected light signals from the surface of the record located on the turntable. The first motor is connected to the first cantilever assembly. The controller is disposed in the base and electrically connected to the first motor, the turntable assembly, and the light sensor, wherein the controller controls the first motor according to the reflected light signals, so that the first motor drives the first cantilever assembly to move relative to the turntable assembly.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first cantilever assembly includes a cartridge. This cartridge is disposed above a photosensor.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the record player further includes a second cantilever assembly. The second cantilever assembly is disposed on the base, wherein the second cantilever assembly is separated from the first cantilever assembly.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the record player further includes a second motor. This second motor is connected to the second cantilever assembly and electrically connected to a controller, wherein the controller controls the second motor based on a reflected light signal, so that the second motor drives the second cantilever assembly to move relative to the record assembly.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first cantilever assembly rotates relative to the turntable along a pivot, wherein the axis of the pivot is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the light sensor is an infrared sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, a record player is provided. This record player includes a base, a shield, a turntable assembly, a cantilever assembly, a suspension assembly, a photosensor, and a controller. The base has an upper surface. The shield is pivotally connected to the base. The turntable assembly is disposed within the base and has a turntable for holding a record, wherein the turntable assembly is used to drive the record to rotate. The cantilever assembly is connected to the base, wherein the cantilever assembly includes a cartridge. The suspension assembly is disposed on the shield and includes a suspension, a bracket, a belt, and a motor. The bracket is disposed on the suspension. The belt is disposed on the suspension. The motor is disposed on the suspension relative to the belt and the bracket, and drives the belt and the bracket. The photosensor is disposed on the bracket and is used to detect reflected light signals from the surface of the record located on the turntable. The controller is disposed in the base and electrically connected to the motor and the cantilever assembly, wherein the controller controls the motor according to the reflected light signals, so that the motor drives the bracket to move relative to the turntable assembly via the belt.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bracket moves relative to the suspension along the horizontal direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cantilever assembly rotates relative to the turntable along a pivot, wherein the axis of the pivot is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the support moves along the radius of the turntable. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To gain a more complete understanding of the embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 1B for Figure 1A A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0017] Figure 2A for Figure 1A Voltage versus time plot of reflected light signal detected by light sensor in record player;

[0018] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The reflected light signal corresponds to Figure 1A A diagram showing the location of the record;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Symbol Explanation]

[0022] 100, 200, 300: Record Player

[0023] 110: Base

[0024] 110A: Upper surface

[0025] 120: Turntable assembly

[0026] 122: Records

[0027] 122A: Outer ring

[0028] 122B: Inner ring

[0029] 124: Turntable

[0030] 130,210: Cantilever assembly

[0031] 132: Singing Handle

[0032] 134: Cherry Blossom

[0033] 136: Lifting mechanism

[0034] 140: Light sensor

[0035] 142: Transmitter

[0036] 144: Receiver

[0037] 146: Transmission Circuit Board

[0038] 150, 220, 328: Motors

[0039] 160: Controller

[0040] 212: Cantilever

[0041] 214: Lifting Mechanism

[0042] 310: Mask

[0043] 320: Suspension components

[0044] 322: Suspension

[0045] 324: Bracket

[0046] 326: Belt

[0047] AX1, AX2: Rotary shafts

[0048] BV: Surge voltage signal

[0049] r: radius

[0050] S1, S2, S3, S4: Signals

[0051] VD: Voltage drop signal Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific situations. The embodiments discussed and disclosed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are not specifically intended to indicate order or sequence, but are merely used to distinguish components or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0053] In addition, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and similar terms are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another illustrated in the figures. Besides the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly. As used herein, “approximately,” “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” generally refers to within 20%, 10%, or 5% of a given value or range. The numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the terms “approximately,” “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” may be conjectured unless explicitly specified.

[0054] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 1A And 1B, Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1B for Figure 1A A partial enlarged view. In some embodiments, the record player 100 can be used to play vinyl records or other suitable records. The record player 100 may include a base 110, a turntable assembly 120, a cantilever assembly 130, a light sensor 140, a motor 150, and a controller 160.

[0055] In some embodiments, the turntable assembly 120 is disposed within the base 110 and has a platter 124 for holding a record 122, wherein the turntable assembly 120 is used to drive the record 122 to rotate. For example, the turntable assembly 120 may include a turntable power source (not shown) driven in connection with the platter 124, wherein the turntable power source (e.g., a motor) can be used to drive the platter 124 to rotate, thereby driving the record 122 to rotate. For example, the turntable power source may be a belt-driven platter 124. However, it should be noted that the manner in which the turntable assembly 120 drives the record 122 is not limited to this.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cantilever assembly 130 is connected to the base 110. For example, in this embodiment, the cantilever assembly 130 is disposed on the upper surface 110A of the base 110, wherein the cantilever assembly 130 may be a tonearm. The cantilever assembly 130 may include a tonearm 132, a cartridge 134, and a lifting mechanism 136, wherein the cantilever assembly 130 has a pivot AX1, the axis of which is perpendicular to the upper surface 110A of the base 110, allowing the cantilever assembly 130 to rotate relative to the platter 124 along the pivot AX1. For example, in this embodiment, the cartridge 134 is disposed at one end of the tonearm 132 adjacent to the platter 124. The tonearm 132 can rotate relative to the platter 124 via the pivot AX1. The lifting mechanism 136 may be selectively disposed below the tonearm 132 and is used to lift or lower the tonearm 132. In another embodiment, the cantilever assembly 130 may be disposed in a recess (not shown) in the base 110. For example, the cantilever assembly 130 may be raised from the recess in the base 110 when the record player 100 is in use to play songs, and the cantilever assembly 130 may be stored in the recess in the base 110 when the record player 100 is not in use.

[0057] In some embodiments, a light sensor 140 may be disposed on the cantilever assembly 130 and used to detect reflected light signals from the surface of the record 122 on the turntable 124 and from the outer side of the record 122. The light sensor 140 may be an infrared sensor or other suitable sensor, but is not limited thereto. For example, in this embodiment, the light sensor 140 may include a transmitter 142, a receiver 144, and a transmission circuit board 146. The transmitter 142 and receiver 144 may be disposed below the cartridge 134. The transmission circuit board 146 may be disposed above the cartridge 134, wherein the cartridge 134 is in direct contact with the transmitter 142, receiver 144, and transmission circuit board 146 of the light sensor 140.

[0058] In some embodiments, motor 150 is drively connected to cantilever assembly 130. Motor 150 drives cantilever assembly 130 to rotate relative to turntable 124 along axis AX1. Motor 150 may be a servo motor, stepper motor, induction motor, or other suitable motor, and is not limited thereto.

[0059] In some embodiments, the controller 160 is disposed in the base 110 and electrically connected to the lifting mechanism 136 of the cantilever assembly 130, the transmission circuit board 146 of the light sensor 140, and the motor 150. The controller 160 can control the motor 150 according to the reflected light signal, so that the motor 150 drives the cantilever assembly 130 to move relative to the turntable assembly 120. For example, in this embodiment, the controller 160 can control the motor 150 to drive the tonearm 132 to rotate, wherein the tonearm 132 rotates relative to the turntable 124 via the pivot AX1, and controls the lifting mechanism 136 to control the lifting of the tonearm 132, thereby playing songs. When the controller 160 receives the reflected light signal detected by the light sensor 140 and determines that the record 122 has no song based on the reflected light signal, the controller 160 can control the lifting mechanism 136 to lift the tonearm 132 upwards and control the motor 150 to drive the tonearm 132 to rotate back to its initial position via the pivot AX1, thereby stopping the song. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the cantilever assembly 130 does not include the lifting mechanism 136. When the controller 160 receives the reflected light signal detected by the light sensor 140 and determines that the record 122 has no song based on the reflected light signal, the controller 160 can simply stop the motor 150 to stop the song, thereby preventing further wear on the stylus.

[0060] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B , Figure 2A for Figure 1A Voltage versus time graph of reflected light signal detected by light sensor 140 in record player 100. Figure 2B for Figure 2A The reflected light signal corresponds to Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing the position of the record 122. The light sensor 140 converts the reflected light signal into a voltage / current signal, and the controller 160 can determine whether there is a song on the record 122 based on the voltage / current signal. The following example illustrates how, while the record 122 is playing, the light sensor 140 scans from the outer ring 122A to the inner ring 122B of the record 122 along with the knob 132 of the cantilever assembly 130. The scanning motion of the light sensor 140 from the inner ring 122B to the outer ring 122A of the record 122 can be deduced by analogy, and therefore will not be elaborated further here.

[0061] For example, first, before the cantilever assembly 130 begins to rotate, the light sensor 140 and the tonearm 132 are in their initial positions (e.g., outside the record 124), where the light sensor 140 can convert the detected reflected light signal into a voltage signal S1. Next, the cantilever assembly 130 begins to rotate from its initial position toward the outer ring 122A of the record 122, causing the light sensor 140 and the tonearm 132 to move from their initial positions toward the outer ring 122A of the record 122, where the light sensor 140 can convert the detected reflected light signal into a voltage signal S2. Next, the cantilever assembly 130 begins to rotate from the outer ring 122A of the record 122 to the inner ring 122B of the record 122, causing the light sensor 140 and the tonearm 132 to move from the outer ring 122A to the inner ring 122B of the record 122. The light sensor 140 converts the detected reflected light signal into a voltage signal S3, which includes multiple troughs and peaks. The controller 160 determines whether the record 122 has finished playing a song based on the voltage signal S3. For example, in this embodiment, the peaks of the voltage signal S3 correspond to the smooth areas of the record 122, and the troughs correspond to the groove areas of the record 122. When the trough of the voltage signal S3 exceeds a threshold and transitions to the voltage signal S4, the controller 160 begins counting for a preset time. If the controller 160 continues to receive the voltage signal S4 within this preset time, the controller 160 determines that the record 122 has no songs. At this time, the cantilever assembly 130 continues to rotate toward the inner ring 122B of the record 122, causing the light sensor 140 and the tonearm 132 to continuously move toward the inner ring 122B of the record 122. However, it should be noted that the areas of the record 122 corresponding to the troughs and peaks of the voltage signal S3 can be changed according to functional requirements and are not limited thereto.

[0062] It is worth mentioning that there is a surge voltage signal BV between voltage signals S2 and S3, where the surge voltage signal BV represents that the cantilever assembly 130 has just rotated to the outer ring 122A of the record 122, causing the photosensor 140 to scan to the edge of the outer ring 122A of the record 122. There is also a voltage drop signal VD between voltage signals S2 and S3, where the voltage drop signal VD represents that the cantilever assembly 130 has just rotated to the inner ring 122B of the record 122, causing the photosensor 140 to scan to the edge of the inner ring 122B of the record 122.

[0063] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The record player 200 and... Figure 1A The record player 100 is similar. The record player 200 is similar to... Figure 1AThe difference between the record player 100 and the record player 200 is as follows. The record player 200 also includes a cantilever assembly 210 and a motor 220. The cantilever assembly 210 is disposed on the upper surface 110A of the base 110, wherein the cantilever assembly 210 is separated from the cantilever assembly 130. The cantilever assembly 210 may include a cantilever 212 and a lifting mechanism 214 disposed below the cantilever 212, wherein the lifting mechanism 214 can be used to lift or lower the cantilever 212. The motor 220 is connected to the cantilever assembly 210 and electrically connected to a controller 160, wherein the controller 160 controls the motor 220 according to a reflected light signal, so that the motor 220 drives the cantilever assembly 210 to move relative to the turntable assembly 120. The motor 220 is used to drive the cantilever assembly 210 to rotate relative to the turntable 124 along the axis AX2 of the cantilever assembly 210, wherein the axis of the axis AX2 is perpendicular to the upper surface 110A of the base 110. Motor 220 may be a servo motor, stepper motor, induction motor or other suitable motor, and is not limited thereto.

[0064] Furthermore, a light sensor 140 may be disposed at one end of the cantilever 212 adjacent to the turntable 124. The light sensor 140 may rotate relative to the turntable 124 with the cantilever 212 to scan the smooth areas and grooved areas of the record 122 on the turntable 124. For example, in this embodiment, before the record player 200 plays a song, the controller 160 may control the motor 220 to drive the cantilever 212 to rotate relative to the turntable 124 via the pivot AX2, and control the lifting mechanism 214 to lower the cantilever 212 to scan the song position on the record 122. While scanning the song position on the record 122, the controller 160 may record and calculate the relative position of the cantilever assembly 130 and the record 122 so that the cantilever assembly 130 can be raised and lowered in the correct position after scanning. After the controller 160 receives the reflected light signal detected by the light sensor 140 and records the song position of the record 122 based on the reflected light signal, the controller 160 can control the lifting mechanism 214 to raise the cantilever 212 upwards, and control the motor 220 to drive the cantilever 212 to rotate back to its initial position via the pivot AX2 to stop scanning. Then, the controller 160 can control the cantilever assembly 130 and the motor 150 in the manner described in the above embodiment to play the song.

[0065] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a record player 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The record player 300 and... Figure 1A The record player is similar to the 100. The record player 300 is similar to... Figure 1AThe difference between the record player 100 and the record player 300 is as follows. The record player 300 also includes a cover 310 and a suspension assembly 320. The cover 310 is pivotally connected to the base 110. The suspension assembly 320 is disposed on the cover 310, wherein the suspension assembly 320 may be a linear slide rail. However, it should be noted that the suspension assembly 320 is not limited to this. The suspension assembly 320 may include a suspension 322, a bracket 324, a belt 326, and a motor 328. The bracket 324 and the belt 326 may be disposed on the suspension 322 respectively. The motor 328 may be disposed on the suspension 322 relative to the belt 326 and the bracket 324, and drively connects the belt 326 and the bracket 324, wherein the motor 328 is electrically connected to a controller 160, and the controller 160 may control the motor 328 according to a reflected light signal, so that the motor 328 drives the bracket 324 to move relative to the record assembly 120 via the belt 326. Motor 328 may be a servo motor, stepper motor, induction motor or other suitable motor, and is not limited thereto.

[0066] Furthermore, a light sensor 140 may be mounted on the bracket 324 and used to detect reflected light signals from the surface of the record 122 on the turntable 124. The light sensor 140 may move relative to the turntable 124 with the bracket 324 to scan the smooth areas and grooved areas of the record 122 on the turntable 124. For example, in this embodiment, before the record player 300 plays a song, the mask 310 may be closed or horizontally placed on the base 110, so that the bracket 324 is close enough to the record 122, thereby allowing the light sensor 140 to receive the reflected light signals from the record 122. Then, the controller 160 may control the motor 328 to drive the bracket 324 from an initial position (e.g., the outer ring 122A of the record 122) along the radius r of the record 122 towards the inner ring 122B of the record 122 via the belt 326 to scan the song position on the record 122. While scanning the song position on record 122, controller 160 can record and calculate the relative position of cantilever assembly 130 and record 122, so that cantilever assembly 130 can be raised and lowered in the correct position after scanning. After recording the song position on record 122 based on the reflected light signal, mask 310 can be opened or supported at an angle to move suspension assembly 320 away from record 122. At the same time, controller 160 can control motor 328 to drive bracket 324 back to its initial position (e.g., outer ring 122A of record 122) via belt 326 to stop scanning. Then, controller 160 can control motor 150 to drive cantilever assembly 130 to rotate relative to turntable 124 along axis AX1 in the manner described in the above embodiment to play songs.

[0067] In another embodiment, the controller 160 can control the motor 328 to move the support 324 horizontally relative to the suspension 322 via the belt 326 to scan the song position of the record 122. When the controller 160 receives the reflected light signal detected by the light sensor 140, the controller 160 can record and calculate the relative position of the cantilever assembly 130 and the record 122 so that the cantilever assembly 130 can be raised and lowered in the correct position after scanning. After recording the song position of the record 122 based on the reflected light signal, the shield 310 can be opened or supported at an angle to move the suspension assembly 320 away from the record 122. At the same time, the controller 160 can control the motor 328 to drive the support 324 back to its initial position (e.g., the outer ring 122A of the record 122) via the belt 326 to stop scanning. Then, the controller 160 can control the motor 150 to drive the cantilever assembly 130 to rotate relative to the turntable 124 along the axis AX1 in the manner described in the above embodiment to play the song.

[0068] In some embodiments of this invention, a record player is proposed. A photosensor scans the smooth and grooved areas of the record on the turntable, and displays the reflected light intensity of different areas using voltage or current signals. The controller can then determine whether the music has finished playing based on the reflected light intensity, thereby adjusting and automatically stopping playback for records of different song lengths. Furthermore, when the controller detects no music, it can calculate for several seconds to ensure the record has finished playing. This effectively improves the user experience.

[0069] The foregoing summary outlines the features of several embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to better understand the various aspects of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can readily use this application as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purposes and / or advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A record player, characterized in that, include: A base having an upper surface; A turntable assembly is disposed within the base and has a turntable for holding a record, wherein the turntable assembly is used to drive the record to rotate. A first cantilever assembly is connected to the base; A light sensor is disposed on the first cantilever assembly and is used to detect a reflected light signal on the surface of the record on the turntable; A first motor is connected to the first cantilever assembly; as well as A controller is disposed in the base and electrically connected to the first motor, the turntable assembly and the light sensor, wherein the controller controls the first motor according to the reflected light signal so that the first motor drives the first cantilever assembly to move relative to the turntable assembly.

2. The record player as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first cantilever assembly includes: A phono cartridge is positioned above the light sensor.

3. The record player as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second cantilever assembly is disposed on the base, wherein the second cantilever assembly is separated from the first cantilever assembly.

4. The record player as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A second motor is connected to the second cantilever assembly and electrically connected to the controller, wherein the controller controls the second motor according to the reflected light signal so that the second motor drives the second cantilever assembly to move relative to the turntable assembly.

5. The record player as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first cantilever assembly rotates relative to the turntable along a pivot, wherein one axis of the pivot is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

6. The record player as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light sensor is an infrared sensor.

7. A record player, characterized in that, include: A base having an upper surface; A shield, pivotally connected to the base; A turntable assembly is disposed within the base and has a turntable for holding a record, wherein the turntable assembly is used to drive the record to rotate. A cantilever assembly connected to the base, wherein the cantilever assembly includes a phono cartridge; A suspension assembly, disposed on the cover, includes: One suspension; A bracket is installed on the suspension. A belt, mounted on the suspension; and A motor is mounted on the suspension relative to the belt and the bracket, and is drivingly connected to the belt and the bracket; A light sensor, mounted on the support, is used to detect a reflected light signal from the surface of a record on the turntable; and A controller is disposed in the base and electrically connected to the motor and the cantilever assembly, wherein the controller controls the motor according to the reflected light signal so that the motor drives the bracket to move relative to the turntable assembly via the belt.

8. The record player as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The bracket moves relative to the suspension along a horizontal direction.

9. The record player as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The cantilever assembly rotates relative to the turntable along a pivot, wherein one axis of the pivot is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

10. The record player as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support moves along a radius of the record player.

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