Library device and control method thereof

A cell stores a plurality of magnetic tapes. A conveyance mechanism manages movement of the magnetic tapes stored in the cell. An interlock switch cam moves in a predetermined direction when a pressing force from an inner door claw is removed. An interlock switch shuts off power supply to the conveyance mechanism when the interlock switch cam moves in the predetermined direction. A disabling button moves on a moving path of the interlock switch cam by receiving an instruction from an operator and prevents the interlock switch cam from moving in the predetermined direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-070686, filed on Mar. 28, 2013, and the Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-025613, filed on Feb. 13, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are directed to a library device and a control method of the library device.

BACKGROUND

There is a tape drive device that writes data to magnetic tape in order to record and store data outputted from an arithmetic processing unit such as a server. To cope with the tendency of increasing amount of data in recent years, a tape library device which contains a large number of tape drive devices in one housing is provided. In the tape library device, a robot mechanism that receives a command puts a tape into and takes a tape out of each tape drive device.

A door of the tape library device is provided with an interlock mechanism so that an operator such as a worker who performs maintenance of the tape library (hereinafter simply referred to as an “operator”) does not touch the robot mechanism that is operating. When the door of the tape library device is opened, the interlock mechanism shuts off power supply of the robot mechanism to stop the robot mechanism.

When a failure occurs in the library device, if the operator opens the door to check the state of the device, the power supply of the robot mechanism is shut down. Therefore, when the operator checks the state of the robot mechanism, the operator temporarily turns on the interlock switch by using a tool to disable the interlock and thereafter checks the state of the robot mechanism. The robot mechanism whose power is turned on again returns to normal operation after performing an initialization operation, so that the operator waits until the initialization operation is completed to check the operation of the robot mechanism. Further, when the initialization operation is performed, the state of the robot mechanism changes from the state of the time when the failure occurs, so that it is difficult for the operator to check the state of the time when the failure occurs without change.

Further, in recent years, in order to manage more tapes, a tape library device is provided in which a plurality of tape library devices are connected and a conveyance mechanism that moves tapes between the devices is installed. Conventionally, in the device in which a plurality of tape library devices are connected, when a door of any one of the tape library devices is opened, along with the power supply of the robot mechanism of the tape library device whose door is opened, the power supply of the conveyance mechanism is shut off and the conveyance mechanism is stopped by the interlock mechanism. Therefore, it is not possible to move storage media between the tape library devices whose doors are not opened.

A conventional technique is proposed in which the interlock is logically disabled by performing control using a circuit or the like in order to secure a continuity of the device operation.

However, in the conventional technique which logically disables the interlock by performing control, a mechanism including a circuit to control the interlock has to be additionally provided. Therefore, if the conventional technique is used, the manufacturing cost increases by newly manufacturing a control mechanism. Further, manufacturing and assembling of the control mechanism occur in addition to those of the interlock mechanism, so that the manufacturing process is complicated. Further, it is necessary to test a disabling mechanism to secure safety and a method of testing a logical disabling mechanism is complicated, so that the cost increases from this point.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a library device includes: a storage shelf that stores a plurality of storage media; a management unit that manages movement of the storage media stored in the storage shelf; a switch cam that moves in a predetermined direction when a pressing force from a pressing member is removed; a power supply shutoff unit that shuts off power supply to the management unit when the switch cam moves in the predetermined direction; and a movement prevention unit that moves on a moving path of the switch cam by receiving an instruction from an operator and prevents the switch cam from moving in the predetermined direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to accompanying drawings. The library device and the control method of the library device disclosed by the present application are not limited by the embodiments described below.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a tape library device in a connected state. In the tape library device1ofFIG. 1, two tape library devices including a cell2which is a storage shelf called a cell that stores magnetic tapes are connected. Each tape library device has the same function, so that each tape library device connected to each other is described as the “tape library device1” in the description below.

The tape library device1includes the cell2. Further, the tape library device1includes a robot mechanism3, a conveyance mechanism4, an outer door5, an inner door6, a maintenance cover7, a conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8, and a robot mechanism interlock mechanism9.

The cell2is a storage shelf that stores magnetic tapes.

The robot mechanism3receives an instruction from an information processing device such as a server and puts a magnetic tape into and takes a magnetic tape out of the cell2in the same housing. Further, the robot mechanism3puts a magnetic tape into and takes a magnetic tape out of a tape drive device.

The conveyance mechanism4receives an instruction from an information processing device such as a server and conveys a magnetic tape between the housings.

The outer door5is the outermost door of the tape library device1. When an operator such as a maintenance person accesses a mechanism in the tape library device1, the operator first opens the outer door5. However, it is difficult for the operator to access mechanisms in the tape library device1such as the cell2and the robot mechanism3by only opening the outer door5.

The inner door6is a door inside the tape library device1. The operator can access mechanisms in the tape library device1such as the cell2and the robot mechanism3by opening the inner door6. A general user does not open the inner door6. Normally, a maintenance person or the like opens the inner door6to perform maintenance or the like. In the description below, a state in which the inner door6is closed may be referred to as “when the inner door is closed” and a state in which the inner door6is open may be referred to as “when the inner door is open”.

The maintenance cover7is a cover that prevents general users from touching internal mechanisms such as the interlock mechanisms. The operator performs maintenance of the tape library device1by removing the maintenance cover7.

The conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8is a mechanism that shuts down the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4to stop the conveyance mechanism4for the safety of the operator when the inner door6is opened.

The robot mechanism interlock mechanism9is a mechanism that shuts down the power supply to the robot mechanism3to stop the robot mechanism3for the safety of the operator when the inner door6is opened.

The conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8and the robot mechanism interlock mechanism9have the same configuration. Therefore, in the description below, the interlock mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described by using the conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8as an example. In the description below, the conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8may be simply referred to as the “interlock mechanism8”. In the description below, in a state in which the inner door6is closed, a direction from the inner door6to the cell2, that is, Y direction, may be referred to as “rear” and a direction from the cell2to the inner door6, that is, a direction opposite to the Y direction, may be referred to as a “reverse Y direction” or “front”. A direction from the installation surface to the ceiling of the tape library device1, that is, Z direction, may be referred to as “above or up” and a direction from the ceiling to the installation surface of the tape library device1, that is, a direction opposite to the Z direction, may be referred to as a “reverse Z direction” or “below or low”. Further, in a state in which the inner door6is closed, a left direction with respect to the tape library device1, that is, X direction, may be referred to as “left”, and a direction opposite to the X direction may be referred to as a “reverse X direction” or “right”.

FIG. 2is an enlarged view of a conveyance mechanism interlock portion when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment. The inner door6is provided with an inner door claw connection member62. The inner door claw connection member62protrudes toward the maintenance cover7. The maintenance cover7can be removed even when the inner door6is closed. The operator can operates mechanisms installed behind the maintenance cover7of the interlock mechanism8, that is to say, mechanisms installed on an accessible front surface in the rear of the maintenance cover7by removing the maintenance cover7with the inner door6closed without causing the interlock mechanism8to operate.

FIG. 3is an external view of the interlock mechanism when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment.FIG. 3is a state in which the maintenance cover7is removed. A plate-like inner door claw61is provided in the rear of the inner door claw connection member62of the inner door6.

When the maintenance cover7is removed in a state ofFIG. 2, the interlock mechanism8in a state ofFIG. 3appears. An interlock cover82and a disabling button101are arranged on an accessible front surface of the interlock mechanism8.

The interlock cover82is a cover that protects the inside of the interlock mechanism8from the front side inFIG. 3. A slit is provided in the interlock cover82in a position facing the inner door claw61in the X direction. When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61is inserted into the inside through the slit of the interlock cover82.

The disabling button101is a button that disables the interlock. The details of the disabling button101will be described later.

The rear of the interlock mechanism8is covered by an interlock base81. The interlock base81is a cover that protects the inside of the interlock mechanism8from the rear.

FIG. 4is a perspective view for explaining an internal structure of the interlock mechanism according to the first embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates a state in which the interlock cover82is removed from the state ofFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the interlock mechanism8includes an interlock switch cam83, the disabling button101, and a slider103.

The interlock switch cam83is pushed by the inner door claw61and pushed in the Y direction. When the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction, the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off.

The slider103is a mechanism that releases a pressed state of the disabling button101when the inner door6is closed in a state in which the disabling button101is pressed.

The disabling button101has a disabling lever110that protrudes in the Z direction.

The interlock switch cam83, the disabling button101, and the slider103are stored in the interlock base81.

FIG. 5is a side view of the interlock mechanism according to the first embodiment. A portion of the interlock mechanism8on the A-A side illustrated inFIG. 5is referred to as an interlock portion. A portion of the interlock mechanism8on the B-B side illustrated inFIG. 5is referred to as a disabling mechanism. Here, for ease of understanding, the interlock portion and the disabling mechanism are separately described and thereafter an operation in a case in which the interlock portion and the disabling mechanism are combined will be described.

First, the structure and the operation of the interlock portion will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 8.FIG. 6is a transparent perspective view of the interlock portion when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 6, a cam spring84is arranged between the interlock switch cam83and a rear wall of the interlock base81. The interlock switch cam83is pressed by the cam spring84in the reverse Y direction, that is, in a direction toward the front. When the interlock switch cam83is pressed by the inner door claw61, the interlock switch cam83is pushed in the Y direction. On the other hand, when the inner door claw61moves in a direction away from the interlock switch cam83, the interlock switch cam83is pushed out in the reverse Y direction by the cam spring84.

A disabling lever receiving portion831protrudes from the interlock switch cam83in the reverse X direction. The disabling lever receiving portion831extends to above the disabling button101. Further, the interlock switch cam83is provided with a switch pressing portion832protruding in the reverse Z direction, that is to say, protruding downward.

An interlock switch200is arranged in the rear of the interlock switch cam83when the inner door is open.

In the interlock switch200, a switch lever201is arranged on a pedestal. A force is applied to the switch lever201in a direction in which the switch lever201is raised by a spring with the front of the pedestal as a fulcrum.

The pedestal of the interlock switch200is fixed to the interlock base81. A switch mechanism is stored inside the pedestal of the interlock switch200.

When the interlock switch cam83is pressed by the cam spring84and moves in the reverse Y direction, that is, in a direction toward the front, and the switch pressing portion832comes off the switch lever201, the switch lever201is rotated and raised by the spring with the front of the pedestal as a fulcrum.FIG. 6illustrates a state in which the switch lever201is raised. In a state in which the switch lever201comes off the pedestal of the interlock switch, the interlock switch200is off. Thereby, the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off.

FIG. 7is a transparent perspective view of the interlock portion when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 7illustrates a state in which the interlock switch cam83is pressed by the inner door claw61and pushed in the Y direction from the state ofFIG. 6.

When the interlock switch cam83is pressed by the inner door claw61, the cam spring84contracts and the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction. Accordingly, the disabling lever receiving portion831of the interlock switch cam83that protrudes in the reverse X direction and the switch pressing portion832that protrudes in the reverse Z direction move in the Y direction, respectively.

When the switch pressing portion832moves in the Y direction, the switch pressing portion832runs on the switch lever201of the interlock switch200and presses the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200. When the switch lever201is pressed against the pedestal of the interlock switch, the interlock switch200turns on. Thereby, the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

FIG. 8is a diagram for explaining an operation of the interlock switch according to the first embodiment. The left figure inFIG. 8illustrates a state in which the interlock switch200is off. The right figure inFIG. 8illustrates a state in which the interlock switch200is on.

When the inner door claw61comes off and the interlock switch cam83moves in the reverse Y direction, the switch lever201rises and the interlock switch200goes into a state as illustrated by the left figure inFIG. 8. In this state, the interlock switch200turns off and the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off.

When the interlock switch cam83is pushed rearward by the inner door claw61, the switch lever201is pushed down and the interlock switch200goes into a state as illustrated by the right figure inFIG. 8. In this state, the interlock switch200turns on and the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

Next, the structure and the operation of the disabling mechanism will be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 16. As described above, the disabling mechanism is the portion of the interlock mechanism8on the B-B side illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 9is a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the disabling mechanism includes the disabling button101, a button spring102, the slider103, and a slider spring104.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the slider according to the first embodiment. The slider103includes an inner door claw receiving portion131, a button insertion hole132, a movable claw receiving portion133, a spring receiving portion134, and a button stopper135. However, inFIG. 10, the button stopper135is hidden by a main body of the slider103and is not seen.

The description will be continued by returning toFIG. 9. The slider spring104is arranged between the spring receiving portion134of the slider103and the interlock base81. The slider103is pressed in the X direction by the slider spring104.

The inner door claw receiving portion131is arranged at a position which the inner door claw61enters when the inner door is open. The inner door claw receiving portion131protrudes in the reverse Y direction, that is to say, in a direction facing the inner door claw61. Further, a wall of the inner door claw receiving portion131facing the reverse Y direction has a slope that goes in the reverse X direction as it goes in the Y direction. When the inner door claw61is inserted, the inner door claw61comes into contact with a tip portion of the slope of the wall of the inner door claw receiving portion131facing the reverse Y direction. When the inner door claw61is further inserted, the slope of the inner door claw receiving portion131is pushed in the reverse X direction by the inner door claw61and the slider103moves in the reverse X direction. On the other hand, when the inner door claw61moves in a direction of coming off from the state in which the inner door claw61is completely inserted, that is to say, in the reverse Y direction, the slider103moves in the X direction by receiving a pressure force in the X direction from the slider spring104while the inner door claw receiving portion131is in contact with the slope.

The button insertion hole132is a through hole that opens in the Y direction. The XZ cross-section of the button insertion hole132is larger than the XZ cross-section of the disabling button101. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the disabling button101is inserted into the button insertion hole132. In particular, the XZ cross-section of the button insertion hole132is formed so that the XZ cross-section has a margin in the X direction in a state in which the disabling button101is inserted. Specifically, the opening of the button insertion hole132is manufactured to be longer than a length in the X direction by which a movable claw112protrudes in the X direction in a state in which the button stopper135is in contact with a side surface of the disabling button101as described below.

The movable claw receiving portion133has a wall surface in parallel with the XZ plane facing the Y direction. The movable claw receiving portion133prevents the movable claw112of the disabling button101from moving in the reverse Y direction by the wall surface in parallel with the XZ plane. Further, the movable claw receiving portion133has a wall surface in parallel with the YZ plane facing the reverse X direction. The movable claw receiving portion133pushes the movable claw112into the inside of the disabling button101by the wall surface in parallel with the YZ plane.

The button stopper135protrudes in the X direction from the right inner wall of the button insertion hole132. The button stopper135has a wall surface in parallel with the XY plane facing the Y direction. Further, the button stopper135has a slope that goes in the reverse X direction as the wall surface facing the reverse Y direction goes in the reverse Y direction.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of the disabling button when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment. The disabling button101includes the disabling lever110, a stopper111, and the movable claw112.

The disabling lever110protrudes in the Z direction on the disabling button101and extends to a height that intersects a moving path of the disabling lever receiving portion831.

The stopper111protrudes from the disabling button101in the reverse X direction. The stopper111has a wall surface111A in parallel with the XZ plane facing the reverse Y direction. Further, the stopper111has a slope that goes in the reverse X direction as a wall surface111B facing the Y direction goes in the reverse Y direction. In other words, the stopper111and the button stopper135have surfaces inclined in the same direction when the stopper111and the button stopper135face each other.

The movable claw112is movable in the X direction and when the movable claw112is pushed by the movable claw receiving portion133of the slider103in the reverse X direction, the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101. When the pressure force from the movable claw receiving portion133disappears, the movable claw112protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101. The movable claw112has a wall surface112A in parallel with the XZ plane facing the reverse Y direction in a state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101.

The wall surface112A in the state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101is located in front of the wall surface111A of the stopper111facing the reverse Y direction. In other words, the wall surface112A in the state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101is located at a position closer to a pressing surface of the disabling button101than the wall surface111A of the stopper111facing the reverse Y direction.

The description will be continued by returning toFIG. 9. The disabling button101is inserted into the button insertion hole132of the slider103. The button spring102is arranged between the disabling button101and an inner wall of the interlock base81facing the Y direction.

When the disabling button101is pressed by an operator, the button spring102contracts and the disabling button101moves in the Y direction. When the pressure force to the disabling button101from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by a pressure force from the button spring102.

FIG. 12is a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism before the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment.

When the inner door is opened, the slider103receives a pressure force in the X direction from the slider spring104and moves in the X direction. The disabling button101receives the pressure force from the button spring102and is pushed out in the reverse Y direction.

In this case, the slider103is prevented from moving in the X direction by the button stopper135coming into contact with the side surface of the disabling button101facing the reverse X direction. The movable claw112and the stopper111of the disabling button101are stored in the button insertion hole132of the slider103.

Before the disabling button101is pressed, the stopper111is located in front of the button stopper135. In this state, the slope of the stopper111facing the Y direction and the slope of the button stopper135facing the reverse Y direction face each other.

The slider103moves in the reverse X direction, so that the pressure force to the movable claw112by the movable claw receiving portion133is released. Therefore, the movable claw receiving portion133protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101in the button insertion hole132. The disabling button101is prevented from moving in the reverse Y direction by the movable claw112coming into contact with the inner wall of the interlock cover82facing the Y direction.

FIG. 13is a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism after the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is open according to the first embodiment.FIG. 13illustrates a state in which the disabling button101is pressed by the operator in the state ofFIG. 12.

When the disabling button101is pressed in the state ofFIG. 12, the disabling button101moves in the Y direction while compressing the button spring102.

When the disabling button101is pressed, the slope of the stopper111facing the Y direction and the slope of the button stopper135facing the reverse Y direction are contact with each other and the stopper111pushes the button stopper135in the reverse X direction. The slider103moves in the reverse X direction by a pressure force in the reverse X direction from the stopper111to the button stopper135. Thereafter, the stopper111moves to a position at which the slope of the stopper111facing the Y direction and the slope of the button stopper135facing the reverse Y direction are not contact with each other and the stopper111passes over the button stopper135and locates in the rear of the button stopper135. At this time, the pressure force in the reverse X direction to the button stopper135disappears, so that the slider103moves in the X direction by the pressure from the slider spring104. Then, the slider103returns to the original position at which the button stopper135is in contact with the side surface of the disabling button101facing the reverse X direction.

When the operator stops pressing the disabling button101and the pressure force from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by receiving the pressure force from the button spring102.

At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the movable claw112protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101. However, the button insertion hole132of the slider103has an opening longer than the length in the X direction by which the movable claw112protrudes in the X direction in the state in which the button stopper135is in contact with the side surface of the disabling button101. Therefore, the movable claw112is inserted into the button insertion hole132without coming into contact with the slider103in the state in which the movable claw112protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101.

At this time, the button stopper135is located at a position at which the button stopper135is in contact with the side surface of the disabling button101. Therefore, when the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction, the wall surface of the stopper111facing the reverse Y direction and the wall surface of the button stopper135facing the Y direction come into contact with each other. Thereby, the disabling button101is prevented from moving in the reverse Y direction. Thus, the disabling lever110protruding over the disabling button101stops at the position at which the stopper111and the button stopper135come into contact with each other.

FIG. 14is a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment. When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61is inserted. Then, the inner door claw61moves in the Y direction while being in contact with the slope of the inner door claw receiving portion131, so that the inner door claw61presses the inner door claw receiving portion131in the reverse X direction. Thereby, the slider103moves in the reverse X direction while compressing the slider spring104. When the slider103moves in the reverse X direction, the contact between the stopper111and the button stopper135is released and the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by receiving the pressure force of the button spring102. Then, the stopper111comes into contact with the inner wall of the interlock cover82facing the Y direction and the disabling button101stops moving in the reverse Y direction.

FIG. 15Ais a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism before the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment. When the inner door is closed, the slider103moves in the reverse X direction by a length corresponding to the thickness of the inner door claw61in the X direction. At this time, the movable claw receiving portion133presses the movable claw112in the reverse X direction. Thereby, as illustrated inFIG. 15B, the movable claw112is stored inside the disabling button101.FIG. 15Bis a diagram illustrating a state of the disabling button in a state ofFIG. 15A.

When the movable claw112is stored inside the disabling button101as illustrated inFIG. 15B, the disabling button101is not prevented from moving in the Y direction by the movable claw112coming into contact with the slider103.

At this time, the stopper111is stored in the button insertion hole132of the slider103. In other words, the stopper111is located in front of the button stopper135. In this state, the button stopper135is located at a position where the stopper111does not hit the button stopper135even when the stopper111moves in the Y direction. In other words, in a state in which the inner door6is closed, the distance between the side surface of the disabling button101facing the reverse Y direction and the button stopper135is greater than the length in the reverse X direction by which the stopper111protrudes. More specifically, in the present embodiment, in a state in which the movable claw receiving portion133is in contact with a wall of the disabling button101, it is manufactured so that the distance between the side surface of the disabling button101facing the reverse Y direction and the button stopper135is longer than the length in the reverse X direction by which the stopper111protrudes.

Here, in the present embodiment, the movable claw receiving portion133pushes the movable claw112into the disabling button101so that the movable claw112is completely stored inside the disabling button101. However, the movable claw receiving portion133may push the movable claw112halfway into the disabling button101. In this case, the movable claw112protrudes a little from the disabling button101, so that the movable claw112comes into contact with the inner wall of the interlock cover82facing the Y direction earlier than the stopper111and stops moving of the disabling button101in the reverse Y direction.

FIG. 16is a transparent perspective view of the disabling mechanism after the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 16illustrates a state in which the disabling button101is pressed by the operator in the state ofFIG. 15.

When the disabling button101is pressed in the state ofFIG. 15, the disabling button101moves in the Y direction while compressing the button spring102.

At this time, the movable claw112is pushed into the disabling button101by the movable claw receiving portion133, so that the movable claw112does not prevent the disabling button101from moving in the Y direction.

The button stopper135is located in a position where the stopper111does not hit the button stopper135even when the stopper111moves in the Y direction, so that even when the disabling button101moves in the Y direction, the stopper111does not come into contact with the button stopper135and moves to a position in the rear of the button stopper135.

When the disabling button101moves in the Y direction and the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133are not in contact with each other, the pressure force to the movable claw112disappears, so that the movable claw112protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101.

When the operator stops pressing the disabling button and the pressure force from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by receiving the pressure force from the button spring102.

At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the movable claw112protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101. The slider103is pushed by the inner door claw61and moves in the reverse X direction and the wall surface of the movable claw receiving portion133facing the Y direction is located in a position facing the wall surface of the movable claw112facing the reverse Y direction. Therefore, when the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction, the wall surface of the movable claw receiving portion133facing the Y direction comes into contact with the wall surface of the movable claw112facing the reverse Y direction and stops moving of the disabling button101in the reverse Y direction.

Next, the mechanism of the movable claw112will be described with reference toFIGS. 17A and 17B.FIG. 17Ais a cross-sectional view of the disabling button in a movable claw protruding state according to the first embodiment.FIG. 17Bis a cross-sectional view of the disabling button in a movable claw stored state according to the first embodiment.FIG. 17Aillustrates a C-C cross section inFIG. 5.FIG. 17Bis a cross-section in the same position asFIG. 17Aand illustrates a state in which the movable claw protrudes.

As illustrated inFIG. 17A, the disabling button101includes a flat spring113inside. The movable claw112has a substantially L-shape protruding inside the disabling button101. Further, a tip portion of the movable claw112protruding inside the disabling button101is bent. When the movable claw112is pushed out of the disabling button101, the tip portion comes into contact with the disabling button101and the movement of the movable claw112is stopped.

The flat spring113is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the disabling button, that is to say, in parallel with the Y direction inFIG. 1when the disabling button is arranged in the tape library device1. When a force is applied to the flat spring113in a short direction of the disabling button101, the flat spring113applies a repulsive force to an object which applies the force to the flat spring113.

In other words, when no force is applied to the movable claw112from the outside in the short direction of the disabling button101, as illustrated inFIG. 17A, the movable claw112receives a pressure force from the flat spring113and protrudes to the outside of the disabling button101.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 17B, when a force is applied to the movable claw112from the outside in the short direction of the disabling button101, the movable claw112pushes down the flat spring113and is stored inside the disabling button101.

Next, the entire operation of the interlock mechanism will be described with reference toFIGS. 18A to 21B.

FIG. 18Ais a top view of the interlock mechanism before the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 18Bis a side view of the interlock mechanism before the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.

When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61enters into the interlock mechanism8and pushes the interlock switch cam83in the Y direction. Further, the inner door claw61moves the slider103in the reverse X direction.

When the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction, the interlock switch cam83pushes the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200and turns on the interlock switch200. Thereby, the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

At this time, the movable claw receiving portion133of the slider103pushes the movable claw112inside the disabling button101. The button stopper135is moved to a position where the stopper111does come into contact with the button stopper135even when the stopper111moves in the Y direction. Then, the stopper111is stored in the button insertion hole132.

In this state, as illustrated inFIGS. 18A and 18B, the disabling lever receiving portion831of the interlock switch cam83and the disabling lever110of the disabling button101are not in contact with each other. In other words, the disabling mechanism does not act on the interlock switch cam83.

FIG. 19Ais a top view of the interlock mechanism after the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 19Bis a side view of the interlock mechanism after the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the first embodiment.FIGS. 19A and 19Billustrate states in which the operator presses the disabling button101in the states ofFIGS. 18A and 18B.

When the disabling button101is pressed by the operator, the disabling button101moves in the Y direction. When the disabling button101moves to a position where the movable claw112protrudes, the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101to the outside.

Thereafter, when the operator stops pressing the disabling button101and the pressure force from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by receiving the pressure force from the button spring102. When the movable claw112comes into contact with the movable claw receiving portion133, the disabling button101stops.

At this time, the interlock switch cam83is pushed by the inner door claw61and moved in the Y direction. Therefore, as illustrated inFIGS. 19A and 19B, the disabling lever receiving portion831is located in the rear of the disabling lever110and the disabling lever receiving portion831and the disabling lever110are not in contact with each other. In other words, the disabling mechanism does not yet act on the interlock switch cam83. However, when the movable claw112prevents the disabling button101from moving in the reverse Y direction, even if the inner door6is closed, it is possible to maintain a state in which the disabling button101is pushed in.

FIG. 20Ais a top view of the interlock mechanism when the inner door is opened in a state in which the disabling button is pressed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 20Bis a side view of the interlock mechanism when the inner door is opened in a state in which the disabling button is pressed according to the first embodiment.FIGS. 20A and 20Billustrate states in which the operator opens the inner door6in the states ofFIGS. 19A and 19B.

When the inner door6is opened, the slider103moves in the X direction by the pressure force of the slider spring104. When the slider103moves in the X direction, the contact between the movable claw receiving portion133and the movable claw112is released. Then, the disabling button101receives the pressure force from the button spring102and moves in the reverse Y direction. At this time, the movable claw112is inserted into the button insertion hole132in the state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101.

Thereafter, the stopper111comes into contact with the button stopper135and the disabling button101stops moving. The stopper111and the button stopper135are in contact with each other, so that in this state, the disabling button101does not move in the Y direction any more.

When the inner door6is further opened and the inner door claw61comes off the interlock mechanism8, the interlock switch cam83receives the pressure force from the cam spring84and moves in the reverse Y direction. Here, if there were not the disabling mechanism, the interlock switch cam83would move to a position at which the interlock switch200is turned off. However, in the present embodiment, the disabling button101stops at a position where the stopper111and the button stopper135are in contact with each other. Therefore, when the disabling lever receiving portion831moves in the reverse Y direction, the disabling lever receiving portion831comes into contact with the disabling lever110and stops. At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 20B, the interlock switch cam83stops at a position where the switch pressing portion832does not come off the switch lever201. In other words, the position of the disabling lever110in the state in which the stopper111and the button stopper135are in contact with each other is determined so that the switch pressing portion832is located on the switch lever201when the disabling lever receiving portion831comes into contact with the disabling lever110.

In this state, the switch lever201is pushed against the pedestal of the interlock switch200by the switch pressing portion832, so that the interlock switch200is still on. Therefore, in this state, the power is continuously supplied to the conveyance mechanism4. As a result, even when the inner door6is opened, the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is not shut off and the operation of the conveyance mechanism4continues.

FIG. 21Ais a top view of the interlock mechanism while the inner door is being closed in a state in which the disabling button is pressed according to the first embodiment.FIG. 20Bis a side view of the interlock mechanism while the inner door is being closed in a state in which the disabling button is pressed according to the first embodiment.FIGS. 21A and 21Billustrate states in which the operator closes the inner door6in the states ofFIGS. 20A and 20B.

When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61enters into the interlock mechanism. Then, the inner door claw61pushes the interlock switch cam83in the Y direction. Further, the inner door claw61pushes the slider103in the reverse X direction.

The interlock switch cam83receives the pressure force from the inner door claw61and moves in the reverse Y direction. When the inner door6is closed, the interlock switch cam83stops at a position where the interlock switch cam83is pushed by the inner door claw61and moves in the reverse Y direction. At this time, the switch pressing portion832pushes the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200, so that the interlock switch200is in an on state. Therefore, in this state, the power is continuously supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

When the slider103moves in the reverse X direction, the movable claw receiving portion133pushes the movable claw112and stores the movable claw112inside the disabling button101.

When the slider103further moves in the reverse X direction, the contact between the stopper111and the button stopper135is released. Thereby, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction. When the stopper111comes into contact with the inner wall of the interlock cover82facing the Y direction, the disabling button101stops moving in the reverse Y direction.

Thereby, the state of the tape library device returns to the state in which the inner door6is closed and the disabling button101is not pressed.

Next, the operation of the disabling mechanism in the tape library device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 22.FIG. 22is a flowchart of a maintenance work and the operation of the disabling mechanism in the tape library device according to the first embodiment.

An operator opens the outer door5and removes the maintenance cover7(step S1).

Then, the operator presses the disabling button101(step S2).

The disabling button101receives the pressure force from the inner door claw61and moves in the Y direction. When the disabling button101moves to a position where the contact of the movable claw112with the movable claw receiving portion133disappears, the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101to the outside. When the pressure force from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction and stops at a position where the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133come into contact with each other (step S3).

The operator opens the inner door6(step S4).

The inner door claw61comes off the interlock mechanism8and the slider103moves in the X direction (step S5).

When the slider103moves in the X direction, the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133is released. Then, the movable claw112is stored in the button insertion hole132. Thereby, the disabling button101starts moving in the reverse Y direction. Thereafter, the stopper111and the button stopper135come into contact with each other and the disabling button101stops (step S6). Thereby, the disabling lever110moves on the moving path of the disabling lever receiving portion831and the interlock switch is disabled.

The interlock switch cam83moves in the reverse Y direction. Thereafter, the disabling lever receiving portion831and the disabling lever110come into contact with each other and the interlock switch cam83stops (step S7). At this time, the switch pressing portion832pushes the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200, so that the interlock switch200is in an on state and the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4continues.

The operator performs maintenance work (step S8). In this case, the initialization operation of the conveyance mechanism4is not performed, so that the operator can check an operation of the conveyance mechanism4in a state in which a failure occurs without change.

When the maintenance work is completed, the operator closes the inner door6(step S9).

The slider103receives the pressure force from the inner door claw61and moves in the reverse X direction (step S10).

When the slider103moves in the reverse X direction, the contact between the stopper111and the button stopper135is released. Then, the stopper111is stored in the button insertion hole132and the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction (step S11). Thereby, the disabling lever110retreats from the moving path of the disabling lever receiving portion831and the disabled state of the interlock switch200is released.

As described above, the tape library device according to the present embodiment can disable the interlock mechanism so that the interlock switch does not operate when the inner door is opened by pressing the disabling button in a state in which the inner door is closed. Thereby, an operator such as a maintenance person can open the inner door without stopping the conveyance mechanism and the robot mechanism, so that the operator can check the state of when a failure occurs before performing the initialization. Further, when the operator performs maintenance of the device, the operator can stop only the robot mechanism which is an object of the maintenance and continue the operation of the conveyance mechanism. Specifically, when the tape library devices are connected, it is possible to stop only an operation of a specific tape library device and continue operations of the other tape library devices by using the interlock mechanism according to the present embodiment.

In a state in which the disabling button is pressed and the interlock mechanism is disabled, if the inner door is opened and thereafter closed, the disabled state of the interlock mechanism is automatically released by closing the inner door. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the disabled state of the interlock switch from being forgotten to be released, so that it is possible to improve safety.

In the above description, while the conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8is described as an example, the robot mechanism interlock mechanism9has the same structure. The disabling mechanism need not be mounted in both the conveyance mechanism interlock mechanism8and the robot mechanism interlock mechanism9, but the disabling mechanism may be mounted in either one of the mechanisms.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 23is an enlarged view of a conveyance mechanism interlock portion when an inner door is closed according to a second embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 23, the tape library device1according to the present embodiment also has the inner door6and the maintenance cover7.

The maintenance cover7is attached to the housing of the tape library device1by a screw71. An operator can remove the maintenance cover7from the tape library device1by removing the screw71.

The inner door6has the inner door claw connection member62that protrudes toward the maintenance cover7.

FIG. 24is an external view of the interlock mechanism according to the second embodiment.FIG. 24is a state in which the maintenance cover7is removed from the state ofFIG. 23. When the maintenance cover7is removed from the interlock mechanism8according to the present embodiment, the disabling button101appears to be able to be accessed.

FIG. 25is a front perspective view of the interlock mechanism according to the second embodiment. A front surface of the interlock mechanism8facing the reverse Y direction is covered by the interlock cover82. The interlock cover82is provided with a slit into which the inner door claw61fits.

FIG. 26is a rear perspective view of the interlock mechanism according to the second embodiment. While the interlock switch cam83receives a restoring force by a pushing force of the cam spring84in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the interlock switch cam83receives a restoring force by a pulling force of cam springs84A and84B. A force pulling the interlock switch cam83is increased by arranging two springs which are the cam springs84A and84B, so that a sufficient restoring force is obtained. However, if a sufficient force can be obtained by one spring, only either one of the cam springs84A and84B may be arranged.

While the disabling button101receives a restoring force by a pushing force of the button spring102in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the disabling button101receives a restoring force by a pulling force of the button spring102.

While the slider103receives a restoring force by a pushing force of the slider spring104in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the slider103receives a restoring force by a pulling force of slider springs104A and104B. A force pulling the slider103is increased by arranging two springs which are the slider springs104A and104B, so that a sufficient restoring force is obtained and the slider103is equally pulled from above and below. However, if a sufficient force can be obtained by one spring and the slider103can be pulled appropriately, only either one of the slider springs104A and104B may be arranged.

In the present embodiment, the interlock switch200is arranged so that the switch lever201faces downward, that is to say, the switch lever201faces the reverse Z direction. When the switch lever201is pushed against the pedestal of the interlock switch200by the switch pressing portion832of the interlock switch cam83, the interlock switch200is turned on and the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

The members such as the interlock switch cam83, the disabling button101, and the slider103according to the present embodiment have structures that can be manufactured by almost metal plates. On this point, the structures of the members such as the interlock switch cam83, the disabling button101, and the slider103according to the first embodiment require a machining process in addition to the processes in the present embodiment. Therefore, the members according to the present embodiment can have less number of machined parts, so that the cost can be reduced.

Further, while the interlock base81covers all the members in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the interlock base81is used to fix or hold the interlock portion such as the interlock switch cam83. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a disabling base105is used to fix or hold the disabling mechanism such as the disabling button101and the slider103. The interlock base81and the disabling base105are fixed to the housing of the tape library device1.

In the description below, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, first, the interlock portion including the interlock switch cam83and the disabling mechanism including the disabling button101and the slider103are separately described, and thereafter an operation in a state in which the interlock portion and the disabling mechanism are combined will be described. However, the interlock portion and the disabling mechanism according to the present embodiment are not simply separated vertically as illustrated inFIG. 5of the first embodiment, but the interlock portion and the disabling mechanism represent functional sections.

FIG. 27is a perspective view of the interlock portion when the inner door is closed according to the second embodiment. The interlock switch200is fixed to the interlock base81so that the switch lever201is located downward. One end of each of the cam springs84A and84B is fixed to the interlock base81and the other end is fixed to the interlock switch cam83.

The interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction as indicated by arrow P. When the inner door6is closed, the interlock switch cam83receives the pressure force from the inner door claw61and moves in the Y direction. At this time, the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction while stretching the cam springs84A and84B.

When the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction, the switch pressing portion832comes into contact with the switch lever201, pushes up the switch lever201, and presses the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200. Thereby, the interlock switch200turns on and the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

FIG. 28is a perspective view of the interlock portion when the inner door is open according to the second embodiment. When the inner door6is opened and the pressure force of the inner door claw61disappears, the interlock switch cam83receives the pulling force of the cam springs84A and84B and moves in the reverse Y direction.

When the interlock switch cam83moves in the reverse Y direction, the switch pressing portion832comes off the position where the switch pressing portion832is in contact with the switch lever201. The switch lever201moves in a direction going away from the pedestal of the interlock switch200. Thereby, the interlock switch200turns off and the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off.

FIG. 29Ais a front perspective view of the slider when the inner door is closed according to the second embodiment.FIG. 29Bis a rear perspective view of the slider when the inner door is closed according to the second embodiment.

One end of each of the slider springs104A and104B is fixed to the disabling base105and the other end is fixed to the slider103. In the present embodiment, the button insertion hole132is an opening whose thickness in the Y direction is small. The movable claw receiving portion133according to the present embodiment is a plate-like member that protrudes from a part of the X-direction side surface of the opening of the button insertion hole132.

The slider103moves in the X direction as indicated by arrow Q. When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61comes into contact with the inner door claw receiving portion131, and when the inner door claw61is further inserted in the Y direction, the inner door claw receiving portion131is pushed by the inner door claw61in the reverse X direction. The slider103moves in the reverse X direction while stretching the slider springs104A and104B by the pressure force from the inner door claw61.

FIG. 30is a rear perspective view of the slider when the inner door is open according to the second embodiment. When the inner door6is opened, the inner door claw61moves in a direction going away from the inner door claw receiving portion131, that is, in the reverse Y direction. Thereby, the pressure force from the inner door claw61disappears, so that the slider103moves in the X direction by receiving the pulling force from the slider springs104A and104B.

FIG. 31is a perspective view of the disabling button before it is pressed according to the second embodiment. The disabling button101according to the present embodiment also includes the disabling lever110, the stopper111, and the movable claw112. One end of the button spring102is fixed to the disabling base105and the other end is fixed to the disabling button101.

When the disabling button101does not receive a pressure force in the Y direction, the disabling button101receives a pulling force from the button spring102and moves in the reverse Y direction.

FIG. 32is a perspective view of the disabling button after it is pressed according to the second embodiment. When the disabling button101receives a pressure force in the Y direction from the state ofFIG. 31, the disabling button101moves in the Y direction while stretching the button spring102. That is, the disabling button101moves in a direction indicated by arrow R.

FIG. 33Ais a perspective view of the disabling button in a movable claw protruding state according to the second embodiment.FIG. 33Bis a perspective view of the disabling button in a movable claw stored state according to the second embodiment.

The movable claw112according to the present embodiment is movable in a direction indicated by arrow S, that is, in the X direction. Specifically, the movable claw112rotates around a fulcrum114.

A torsion coil spring is arranged at the fulcrum114and the torsion coil spring applies a force to the movable claw112in a direction pushing the movable claw112out of the disabling button101. Therefore, if no pressure force is applied to the movable claw112from the outside in a direction toward the disabling button101, the movable claw112rotates in a direction in which the movable claw112is pushed out of the disabling button101by the force of the coil spring. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 33A, the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101.

On the other hand, if a pressure force is applied to the movable claw112from the outside in a direction toward the disabling button101, the torsion coil spring is twisted and the movable claw112rotates in a direction in which the movable claw112is pushed into the disabling button101. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 33B, the movable claw112is stored inside the disabling button101.

Next, the entire operation of the interlock mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 34 to 36. InFIGS. 34 to 36, for ease of seeing, intermediate portions of the cam springs84A and84B, the button spring102, and the slider springs104A and104B are omitted.

FIG. 34is a perspective view of the interlock mechanism before the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the second embodiment. When the inner door6is closed, the inner door claw61enters into the interlock mechanism8and pushes the interlock switch cam83in the Y direction. Further, the inner door claw61comes into contact with the inner door claw receiving portion131and moves the slider103in the reverse X direction.

When the interlock switch cam83moves in the Y direction, the interlock switch cam83pushes the switch lever201against the pedestal of the interlock switch200and turns on the interlock switch200. Thereby, the power is supplied to the conveyance mechanism4.

At this time, the slider103moves in the reverse X direction while stretching the slider springs104A and104B. Then, the movable claw receiving portion133pushes the movable claw112inside the disabling button101. When the slider103moves to a limit position in the reverse X direction, the button stopper135moves to a position where the stopper111does not come into contact with the button stopper135even when the stopper111moves in the Y direction. At this time, the stopper111is located in the reverse Y direction of the button stopper135. In other words, the stopper111is located in front of the button stopper135.

In this state, as illustrated inFIG. 34, the disabling lever receiving portion831of the interlock switch cam83and the disabling lever110of the disabling button101are not in contact with each other. In other words, the disabling mechanism does not act on the interlock switch cam83.

FIG. 35is a perspective view of the interlock mechanism after the disabling button is pressed when the inner door is closed according to the second embodiment.FIG. 35illustrates a state in which an operator presses the disabling button101in the state ofFIG. 34.

When the disabling button101is pressed by the operator, the disabling button101moves in the direction of arrow T. When the disabling button101moves to a position where the movable claw112protrudes, the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101to the outside.

Thereafter, when the operator stops pressing the disabling button101and the pressure force from the operator disappears, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by receiving the pulling force from the button spring102. When the movable claw112comes into contact with the movable claw receiving portion133, the disabling button101stops.

At this time, the interlock switch cam83is pushed by the inner door claw61and moved in the Y direction. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 35, the disabling lever receiving portion831is located in the rear of the disabling lever110and the disabling lever receiving portion831and the disabling lever110are not in contact with each other.

FIG. 36is a top view of the interlock mechanism when the inner door is opened in a state in which the disabling button is pressed according to the second embodiment.FIG. 36illustrates a state in which an operator opens the inner door6in the state ofFIG. 35.

When the inner door6is opened, the slider103moves in the X direction by the pulling force of the slider springs104A and104B. When the slider103moves in the X direction, the contact between the movable claw receiving portion133and the movable claw112is released. Then, the disabling button101receives the pulling force from the button spring102and moves in the reverse Y direction. At this time, the movable claw112is stored in the button insertion hole132in the state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101.

Thereafter, the stopper111comes into contact with the button stopper135and the disabling button101stops moving. The stopper111and the button stopper135are in contact with each other, so that in this state, the disabling button101does not move in the Y direction any more.

When the inner door6is further opened and the inner door claw61comes off the interlock mechanism, the interlock switch cam83receives the pulling force from the cam springs84A and84B and moves in the reverse Y direction. When the disabling lever receiving portion831moves in the reverse Y direction, the disabling lever receiving portion831comes into contact with the disabling lever110and stops. At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 35, the interlock switch cam83stops at a position where the switch pressing portion832presses the switch lever201against the pedestal.

In this case, the interlock switch200is still on. Therefore, in this state, the power is continuously supplied to the conveyance mechanism4. As a result, even when the inner door6is opened, the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is not shut off and the operation of the conveyance mechanism4continues.

As described above, by using the tape library device according to the present embodiment, an operator such as a maintenance person can open the inner door without stopping the conveyance mechanism and the robot mechanism, so that the operator can check the state of when a failure occurs before performing the initialization. Further, when the operator performs maintenance of the device, the operator can stop only the robot mechanism which is an object of the maintenance and continue the operation of the conveyance mechanism. Specifically, when the tape library devices are connected, it is possible to stop only an operation of a specific tape library device and continue operations of the other tape library devices by using the interlock mechanism according to the present embodiment.

Further, also in the tape library device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the disabled state of the interlock switch from being forgotten to be released, so that it is possible to improve safety.

Further, the members of the tape library device according to the present embodiment can have a smaller number of machined parts than the members of the first embodiment, so that the cost can be reduced.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described. A tape library device according to the present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a mechanism is provided to release the disabled state of the interlock when the maintenance cover is attached. Since a disabling mechanism of the interlock is the same as in the first and second embodiments, a function of each portion which is the same as in the first and second embodiments will not be described in the following description.

First, a summary of the present embodiment will be described. In the tape library device1of the first and second embodiments, when the maintenance is completed by returning the maintenance cover7to an original state without opening the inner door6after the maintenance cover7is removed and the disabling button101is pressed in a state in which the inner door6is closed, the disabling state of the interlock is continued. In this state, even when the user opens the inner door6, the interlock mechanism does not act, resulting in a dangerous state. Thus, the tape library device1according to the present embodiment is provided with a mechanism which releases the disabled state of the interlock when the maintenance cover7is attached. Hereinafter, an example will be described below in which the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock is added to the tape library device1of the second embodiment 2.

FIG. 37is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover is attached. As illustrated inFIG. 37, in the state in which outer door5is opened and the maintenance cover7is attached, the inner door6and the inner door claw connection member62appear and other mechanisms related to the interlock are hidden in the maintenance cover7which are the same state as in the second embodiment.

FIG. 38is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover is removed. When the maintenance cover7is removed, the state ofFIG. 37becomes a state ofFIG. 38. When the maintenance cover7is removed, the disabling button101and the interlock cover82appear. In the present embodiment, a through hole85is opened to the interlock cover82.

FIG. 39is a rear view of the maintenance cover according to the third embodiment. In a case where a front surface is defined as a surface appearing outside when the maintenance cover7is attached to the tape library device1, the maintenance cover7includes a disabling-releasable claw72at a rear surface. The disabling-releasable claw72is a projection extending in the Y direction when the maintenance cover7is attached to the tape library device1.

FIG. 40is a front perspective of the interlock mechanism according to the third embodiment. As described above, apart from the hole through which the disabling button101passes, the through hole85is provided on the interlock cover82of the interlock mechanism8for the conveyance mechanism according to the present embodiment. The disabling-releasable claw72is fitted with the through hole85provided on the interlock cover82when the maintenance cover7is attached to the tape library device1. In the present embodiment, the through hole85is provided apart from the hole through which the disabling button101passes, but the hole through which the disabling button101passes may function as the through hole85by enlarging the size thereof.

FIG. 41is a rear perspective view of the interlock mechanism according to the third embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 41, the present embodiment is configured such that the restoring force is obtained using a contracting force of the spring as in the second embodiment. In order to easily clarify the illustration, however, unlike the second embodiment, only one cam spring84is arranged as the spring which applies the restoring force to the interlock switch cam83. Furthermore, inFIG. 41, since it is difficult to illustrate the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock in detail, the appearance seems like the rear perspective view of the conventional interlock mechanism8for the conveyance mechanism. Thus, the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock will be described below in detail.

FIG. 42Ais a perspective view of the disabling button in a state in which the movable claw according to the third embodiment protrudes. In addition,FIG. 42Bis a perspective view of the disabling button in a state in which the movable claw according to the third embodiment is stored.

The disabling button101according to the present embodiment includes the movable claw112which rotates around a fulcrum114as a center in a direction as indicated by arrow S. In the present embodiment, the movable claw112obtains the restoring force by the torsion coil spring (not illustrated) arranged around the fulcrum114.

The movable claw112according to the present embodiment includes a disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115. The disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115includes a surface, which intersects with a moving direction of the disabling button101with an inclination, in a state in which the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101. Hereinafter, this surface is referred to as a “slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115”. The slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115is a surface going away from the disabling button101toward a direction in which the disabling button101is pushed. In addition, the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115includes a surface parallel to the moving direction of the disabling button101in a state in which the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101. Hereinafter, this surface is referred to as a “parallel surface of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115”.

When a member comes in contact with the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115and the force is applied to the direction in which the disabling button101is pushed against the slope, the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101. In the state in which the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101, the member coming in contact with the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115finishes the contact with the slope and comes in contact with a parallel surface of the disabling button101. For this reason, the protrusion of the movable claw112is inhibited, and thus the state in which the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101is maintained. The disabling-releasable claw72is a member which presses the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115.

That is, when the disabling-releasable claw72presses the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115which is provided at the movable claw112to protrude from the disabling button101, the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101. Thus, the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133is released. That is, the pressed state of the disabling button101, which is maintained by the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133, is released, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by the restoring force of the button spring102, and thus the interlock is released.

Next, an operation of a mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 43 to 46.FIG. 43is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover according to the third embodiment is attached.FIG. 44is a schematic diagram illustrating a state immediately after the maintenance cover according to the third embodiment is removed.FIG. 45is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover according to the third embodiment is removed and the disabling button is pressed.FIG. 46is a schematic view illustrating a state in the middle of attaching the maintenance cover by pressing the maintenance cover from the state in which the disabling button according to the third embodiment is pressed.

In the state in which the maintenance cover7is attached, as illustrated inFIG. 43, the disabling-releasable claw72comes in contact with the parallel surface of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115from the reverse X direction, and the state in which the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101is maintained.

When the maintenance cover7is removed from the state ofFIG. 43, as inFIG. 44, the movable claw receiving portion133comes in contact with the movable claw112from the reverse X direction, and the state in which the movable claw112(not illustrated) is stored in the disabling button101is maintained.

When the disabling button101is pressed in the state ofFIG. 44, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction. Thus, the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133disappears, and the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101. Thereafter, as inFIG. 45, the movable claw112comes in contact with the movable claw receiving portion133from the reverse Y direction to inhibit the disabling button101from moving to the reverse Y direction and to stop the disabling button101. Even though the inner door6is opened in this state, the stopper111and the button stopper135come in contact with each other, and the disabling state of the interlock is maintained. That is, in this state without change, there is a dangerous possibility that an operator for performing the next work opens the inner door6and performs the work without knowing the disabled state of the interlock. Therefore, the following operations are performed by attaching the maintenance cover7.

When the maintenance cover7is attached in the state ofFIG. 45, as illustrated inFIG. 46, the disabling-releasable claw72enters into the interlock mechanism8for the conveyance mechanism along the through hole85. Thus, the disabling-releasable claw72comes in contact with the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115. Thereafter, the disabling-releasable claw72moves in the Y direction while adding the pressure force to the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115to move the movable claw112to the inside of the disabling button101. Then, when the contact between the disabling-releasable claw72and the slope of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115is completed, the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101. Thereafter, the disabling-releasable claw72comes in contact with the parallel surface of the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115from the reverse X direction. The disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction by the restoring force of the button spring102. Then, when the attachment of the maintenance cover7is completed, it is returned to the state ofFIG. 43. In this state, the disabling button101is not pressed, and thus the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off when the operator opens the inner door6and the operator can perform maintenance work in a safety state.

Next, an operation of the disabling release of the interlock in the tape library device1according to the third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 47.FIG. 47is a flowchart of the operation of the disabling release in the tape library device according to the third embodiment.

The operator opens the outer door5and removes the maintenance cover7(step S101). Moreover, the operator presses the disabling button101(step S102).

The movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101and comes in contact with the movable claw receiving portion133to stop the movement of the disabling button101to the reverse Y direction (step S103).

The operator attaches the maintenance cover7without opening the inner door6(step S104).

The disabling-releasable claw72penetrates the through hole85of the interlock cover82to press the disabling-releasable claw receiving portion115(step S105).

The movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101(step S106).

The contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133is released and the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction (step S107).

The disabling button101is returned to the state before being pressed (step S108). Thus, the disabled state of the interlock is released.

As described above, in the tape library device according to the present embodiment, when the maintenance cover is returned without opening the inner door in the state in which the disabling button is pressed and the interlock is disabled, the disabled state of the interlock is released. For this reason, even when the work is completed without opening the inner door while pressing the disabling button, the disabled state of the interlock is released, and thus the operator can perform the work in safety in a case of performing the next work.

Furthermore, the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock according to the present embodiment can be also added to the first embodiment. Even in this case, the same effects can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. A tape library device according to the present embodiment is different from the third embodiment in terms of a structure of the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock. With respect to the disabling mechanism of the interlock, the present embodiment is the same as in the first and second embodiments. A function of each portion which is the same as in the first and second embodiments will not be described in the following description. Even in the present embodiment, a case where the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock is added to the second embodiment will be described as an example.

FIG. 48is a rear view of a maintenance cover according to the fourth embodiment. In a case where a front surface is defined as a surface appearing outside when the maintenance cover7according to the present embodiment is attached to the tape library device1, the maintenance cover7includes a disabling-releasable block73at a rear surface. The disabling-releasable block73is a projection protruding toward the Y direction when the maintenance cover7is attached to the tape library device1. Unlike the disabling-releasable claw72of the third embodiment, the disabling-releasable block73does not enter up to the inside of the interlock mechanism8for the conveyance mechanism. Therefore, the disabling-releasable block73may be shorter than the disabling-releasable claw72in a length protruding toward the Y direction.

FIG. 49is a front perspective view of an interlock mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. In the interlock cover82of the interlock mechanism8for the conveyance mechanism according to the present embodiment, a notch821is provided in the hole through which the disabling button101passes. The disabling-releasable block73is fitted with the notch821provided on the interlock cover82when the maintenance cover7is attached to the tape library device1. Here, in the present embodiment, the notch821is provided by enlarging the hole through which the disabling button101passes, but a hole having a function of the notch821may be provided apart from the hole through which the disabling button101passes.

FIG. 50Ais a perspective view of a slider in a state in which a movable claw receiving portion according to the fourth embodiment is not pressed against a disabling-releasable block. Further,FIG. 50Bis a perspective view of the slider in a state in which the movable claw receiving portion according to the fourth embodiment is pressed against the disabling-releasable block.

The slider103according to the present embodiment includes the movable claw receiving portion133which rotates around the fulcrum138as a center in directions indicated by arrows T1 and T2. The movable claw receiving portion133is connected to the projection136which protrudes toward a direction opposite to the direction toward which the movable claw receiving portion133protrudes. The movable claw receiving portion133and the projection136obtain the restoring force in the T2 direction by the torsion coil spring137arranged around the fulcrum138as a center. The restoring force by the torsion coil spring137is greater than that of the movable claw112.

In a case where the slider103is combined with the interlock cover82, the projection136passes through the notch821and protrudes toward a front side of the interlock cover82, that is, a side facing the maintenance cover7.

When a member comes in contact with the tip of the projection136, the projection136is pressed against the member, and thus the projection136and the movable claw receiving portion133rotate in the T1 direction. When the pressure force toward the projection136from the member is eliminated, the projection136and the movable claw receiving portion133rotate in the T2 direction by the restoring force of the torsion coil spring137. The disabling-releasable block73is a member which presses the projection136.

Next, an operation of a mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 51 to 54.FIG. 51is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover according to the fourth embodiment is attached.FIG. 52is a schematic diagram illustrating a state immediately after the maintenance cover according to the fourth embodiment is removed.FIG. 53is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the maintenance cover according to the fourth embodiment is removed and the disabling button is pressed.FIG. 54is a schematic view illustrating a state in the middle of attaching the maintenance cover by pressing the maintenance cover from the state in which the disabling button according to the fourth embodiment is pressed.

In the state in which the maintenance cover7is attached, as illustrated inFIG. 51, the disabling-releasable block73presses the projection136toward the Y direction and the movable claw receiving portion133rotates around the fulcrum138as a center in the direction going away from the disabling button101. The movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101.

When the maintenance cover7is removed from the state ofFIG. 51, as inFIG. 52, the movable claw receiving portion133comes in contact with the movable claw112from the reverse X direction toward the disabling button101around the fulcrum138as a center by the restoring force of the torsion coil spring137, and the movable claw112rotates in a direction approaching the disabling button101. Since the restoring force of the movable claw receiving portion133is greater than that of the movable claw112, the movable claw receiving portion133rotates to press and rotate the movable claw112toward the reverse X direction. The movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101by receiving the pressure force from the movable claw receiving portion133, as illustrated inFIG. 52.

When the disabling button101is pressed in the state ofFIG. 52, the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction. Thus, the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133disappears, and the movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101. At this time, the movable claw receiving portion133maintains the state in which the movable claw112is pushed in the disabling button101. Thereafter, as inFIG. 53, the movable claw112comes in contact with the movable claw receiving portion133from the reverse Y direction to inhibit the disabling button101from moving to the reverse Y direction and to stop the disabling button101. Even though the inner door6is opened in this state, the stopper111and the button stopper135come in contact with each other, and the disabled state of the interlock is maintained. That is, in this state without change, there is a possibility that an operator for performing the next work opens the inner door6and performs the work without knowing the disabled state of the interlock, which is dangerous. Therefore, the following operations are performed by attaching the maintenance cover7.

When the maintenance cover7is attached in the state ofFIG. 53, as illustrated inFIG. 54, the disabling-releasable block73comes in contact with projection136. Thereafter, the disabling-releasable block73moves in the Y direction while adding the pressure force to the projection136to rotate the movable claw receiving portion133in the direction going away from the disabling button101around the fulcrum138as a center. As the movable claw receiving portion133rotates, the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133in the Y direction is released. When the contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133in the Y direction is released, a force for inhibiting the movement to the reverse Y direction of the disabling button101is eliminated, and thus the disabling button101moves in the Y direction by the restoring force of the button spring102. Then, when the attachment of the maintenance cover7is completed, it is returned to the state ofFIG. 51. In this state, the disabling button101is not pressed, and thus the power supply to the conveyance mechanism4is shut off when the operator opens the inner door6and the operator can perform maintenance work in a safety state.

Next, an operation of releasing the disabled state of the interlock in the tape library device1according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 55.FIG. 55is a flowchart of the operation of the disabling release in the tape library device according to the fourth embodiment.

The operator opens the outer door5and removes the maintenance cover7(step S201).

The disabling-releasable block73withdraws from the projection136through which the disabling-releasable block is connected to the movable claw receiving portion133(step S202).

The movable claw receiving portion133rotates and the movable claw112is stored in the disabling button101(step S203).

The operator presses the disabling button101(step S204).

The movable claw112protrudes from the disabling button101and comes in contact with the movable claw receiving portion133to stop the movement of the disabling button101in the reverse Y direction (step S205).

The operator attaches the maintenance cover7without opening the inner door6(step S206).

The disabling-releasable block73presses the projection136through which the disabling-releasable block is connected to the movable claw receiving portion133(step S207).

The movable claw receiving portion133rotates in the direction going away from the disabling button101around the fulcrum138as a center (step S208).

The contact between the movable claw112and the movable claw receiving portion133is released and the disabling button101moves in the reverse Y direction (step S209).

The disabling button101is returned to the state before being pressed (step S210). Thus, the disabled state of the interlock is released.

As described above, in the tape library device according to the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when the maintenance cover is returned without opening the inner door in the state in which the disabling button is pressed and the interlock is disabled, the disabled state of the interlock is released. For this reason, even when the work is completed without opening the inner door while pressing the disabling button, the disabled state of the interlock is released and thus the operator can perform the work in safety in a case of performing the next work.

Furthermore, the mechanism for releasing the disabled state of the interlock according to the present embodiment can be also added to the first embodiment. Even in this case, the same effects can be obtained.