Hitachi, Ltd.

Katsuhiko Izumi

Kenji Ogiro

Kenmei Masuda

Shinya Fujimori

Hidefumi Goto

Satoshi Fujino

Sadao Hirose

Tomomi Okamoto

Takashi Takeuchi

Ikuo Nishida

Kyuichiro Nagai

Katsuyuki Tanaka

Tatsumi Nishijima

Kouhei Takita

Toshiyasu Sawano

The speed of a disc handling operation by a disc apparatus having disc changer capability is significantly increased and, at the same time, the disc handling operation is performed with stability. In the disc apparatus according to this invention, a plurality of reproducing units loaded with discs are moved independently and disc reproduction is started by returning the reproducing units to their dedicated positions. Simultaneous returning of the plurality of reproducing units is prevented and each reproducing unit moves for refuge while reproducing the disc. This novel setup significantly shortens the time for moving the reproducing units for disc reproduction. When continuously reproducing a plurality of discs accommodated in proximity, the plurality of reproducing units are moved in a stacked state rather than independently. This also contributes to a significant reduction of the time in the disc handling operation. Further, when raising the lower reproducing unit in the stack, it is moved together with the upper reproducing unit; when raising the upper reproducing unit, it is separated from the lower reproducing unit for independent movement. This prevents the reproducing units from colliding against each other. The novel constitution significantly enhances ease of use of the disc apparatus.

Disc auto changer for recording or reproducing information on a desired

A tape run control unit in the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is provided with a discrimination element and a control element. The discrimination element detects a stand-by time until a signal to be recorded is received in repositioning of the tape and generates a discrimination signal for discriminating the length of the stand-by time. The control element controls tape run driving unit such as a capstan motor during the reposition and controls the stop position of the tape such that a magnetic head scans the portion of the tape where no data is recorded. After completion of repositioning, furthermore, the control element works according to a discrimination signal so as to select the stop mode which involves the release of pinch roller when the stand-by time is long and to select the mode for simply stopping only the capstan when the stand-by time is short.

Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus with repositioning stop mode

A tape run control unit in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is provided with a discriminator and on a controller. The discriminator detects a stand-by time until a signal to be recorded is received in repositioning of the tape and generates a discrimination signal for discriminating the length of the stand-by time. The controller controls tape driving unit such as a capstan motor during the reposition and controls the stop position of the tape such that a magnetic head scans the portion of the tape where no data is recorded. After completion of repositioning, furthermore, the controller is responsive to a discrimination signal so as to select the stop mode which involves the release of pinch roller when the stand-by time is long and to select the mode for simply stopping only the capstan when the stand-by time is short.

Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Chigasaki, Japan

Katsuhiko Izumi