Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A MD loading mechanism for a multidisk MD reproducing apparatus capable of storing a plurality of MDs and of reproducing information recorded on the plurality of MDs successively comprises: a plurality of cartridge holders for holding MD cartridges therein, respectively; a MD cartridge storage unit for storing the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stack so that the back end surfaces of the MD cartridges held within the cartridge holders can be seen from outside, provided with a plurality of insertion slots through which the MD cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders and cartridge holder locking means for locking the cartridge holders within the MD cartridge storage unit; and a cartridge holder transfer means for transferring the cartridge holder holding a desired MD cartridge from the MD cartridge storage unit to the MD reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A cartridge changing device includes a mechanism for restricting the rotation of a loading hook engaged with an inserted cartridge when discharging the cartridge from a holder so that the cartridge does not slide out of the holder and fall out of the device. The holder is movable from a standby position where a cartridge is inserted to a play position where the cartridge can be played. A rotatably disclosed loading hook is engagable with the cartridge inserted into the holder to hold the cartridge. A cartridge transfer mechanism stops the cartridge at a stop position after ejection where the cartridge is ejected out of the holder by restricting a reverse rotation of the loading hook in a direction of releasing the cartridge after ejection by pushing an eject lever.

Abstract: A cartridge changing device comprises a plurality of insertion detecting switches each for detecting an insertion of a cartridge into each holder. If a cartridge is detached from one holder due to a careless operation by an user during a movement of the holder, the cartridge changing device detects the detachment of the cartridge and then putts the holder back into position, thereby preventing damage to the device and cartridge. Furthermore, when a cartridge is inserted into a holder free of a cartridge through an insertion opening of another holder, in which another cartridge is being played, lies just above the former holder in a downward and slanting direction, projecting parts of the former holder, which are inserted into square holes of the open/close door, receive the front end of the inserted cartridge. Thus, the projecting parts prevent the open/close door from being bent.

Abstract: In an auto-changer device performing sequential reproduction by loading multiple cartridges each of which has an internal disk, a cartridge handler includes a plurality of holders which hold a cartridge; a plurality of pins asymmetrically fixed to the holder; guide plates having guide grooves for guiding the pins; and a loading hook, which engages and holds a cartridge and which is driven by the force exerted by a spring that also ejects the cartridge, whereby the structure of a cartridge changer can be simplified so that it is not required that the carrier have a plurality of holding functions and the carrier can be moved up and down at the unloading completion position, and the operational time can be shortened.

Abstract: A cartridge changing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of holders, each holding a cartridge with a disc inserted therein, a pair of base carriers each having a gripping portion for gripping a pin fixed to one of the plurality of holders and each engaged with one of a pair of screw shafts so as to be able to move back and forth as the screw shafts are rotated, and a pair of slide carriers which are combined with the base carriers and can be moved on the screw shafts together with the base carriers, respectively. Cartridges are replaced by the back and forth movement of the pair of the carriers. Consequently, it is possible to simplify the carrier construction, eliminate the necessity of providing a plurality of gripping functions for one set of the carriers, thereby leading to reduction of required parts and further, make the carriers move vertically without interfering with anything at a position in which unloading is completed, thereby leading to reduction of operating time.