Device for holding disk-shaped storage elements

Abstract

The device serves to hold disk-shaped storage elements and comprises a bottom shell and a top shell swingably connected to the bottom shell. The storage element is fixed on an insert part within a receptacle area. The spring element is arranged in the area of an outer edge of the receptacle area. Further, at a distance from the spring element along another portion of the outer edge of the receptacle area, at least one opposing element is so arranged that the storage medium is clampably arranged in the receptacle area between the spring element and the opposing element.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/DE00/01091 filed Apr. 6, 2000 published in the German language on Nov. 2, 2000 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a device for holding disk-shaped storage elements, comprising a bottom shell and a top shell swingably connected to the bottom shell, in which the storage element is fixed on an insert part within a receptacle area.

[0003] Such devices are employed for example in the form of cassettes for keeping “compact disks” or DVDs and are available in manifold embodiments.

[0004] There are known receptacle containers with holding elements that can be equipped, depending on application, to fix one, two or three compact disks. The fixation of the compact disks is effected chiefly in the area of a central hole in the compact disk. It is likewise known, however, that there may be a lateral clamping in the area of an edge of the compact disk. In the case of fixation in the area of the central hole, clamping elements are employed that are arranged along the circumference of the central hole in a support area and are deflected with spring action towards a midpoint of the central hole and then spring back to fix the compact disk.

[0005] A cassette having an unlocking key arranged in the area of a corner is described in EP-OS 0,671,743. The unlocking key is molded onto an inlay part for the bottom shell by way of a relatively thin connecting piece. In response to a pressure on the unlocking key, the latter is swung relative to the inlay part and releases both the top shell of the cassette and an edge of the compact disk. With unlocking key depressed, therefore, the lid of the cassette can be opened and the compact disk removed. In the area of a central hole in the compact disk, an inner edge area is guided along a catch means surmounting the edge. As a result, in a locked positioning, the compact disk is secured against forces acting transverse to the support area.

[0006] WO 93/12,993 discloses another cassette having an unlocking key. The unlocking key is likewise arranged in a corner area. In this embodiment, however, the unlocking key serves exclusively for locking and unlocking the bottom shell and top shell. No contact with the compact disk is provided.

[0007] WO 93/01,598 describes a cassette for keeping compact disks in which, in the area of a central holding element provided to engage the central hole in the compact disk, an unlocking knob is arranged. The unlocking knob is spring-loaded, and when depressed leads to a swing of catch elements surmounting the inner edge of the compact disk in a locked position. After a release of the knob, it returns by spring action into the original position, and positions the catch elements in the locking position again. Upon insertion of the compact disk, entering bevels automatically effect an evading motion of the catch elements, so that they can fix the compact disk without actuation of the knob.

[0008] Other possibilities for using key-like locking elements are disclosed in DE 197 02 667.2. In particular, this printed source anticipates an arrangement of the locking key in a central edge area of a compact disk cassette.

[0009] The known devices having unlocking means fall short of satisfying all requirements as to economical production, high dependability, simple handling and great operating flexibility in later applications.

[0010] Specifically, when using the known devices, a user finds it unacceptable that a comparatively large force is required to remove the disk-shaped storage element from the cassette, since the holding elements used, even in opened condition of the cassette, exert comparatively large holding forces. Furthermore, it is often found disadvantageous that when compact disks are held in the area of their central hole by application of tensile or compressive forces, a deflection of the insert part takes place.

[0011] The object of the present invention, then, is to so design a device of the kind mentioned in the preamble that its handling is improved.

[0012] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in that the spring element is arranged in the area of an outer edge of the receptacle area and in that, with a distance from the spring element along another portion of the outer edge of a receptacle area, at least one opposing element is so arranged that the storage element can be arranged clampable between the spring element and the opposing element in the receptacle area.

[0013] The arrangement of the spring element along an outer edge of the receptacle area and hence along an outer edge of the disk-shaped storage element to be held affords both a secure fixation of the storage element within the device and a simple removal, requiring little force, of the storage element from the opened device. Likewise, a renewed insertion of the storage element in the device is possible in simple manner with exertion of little force. Through the cooperation of the spring element and the opposing element, the storage element is clamped in a radial direction.

[0014] Improved possibilities for compensating tolerances on the diameter of the storage element are provided in that the opposing element is of spring configuration.

[0015] A further enhancement of operating comfort may be achieved by arranging the opposing element in the area of an unlocking key.

[0016] A simple manufacturing production is favored in that the unlocking key is arranged movable relative to the insert part.

[0017] To provide a sufficient spring travel, it is proposed that the spring element be of stepped configuration.

[0018] A good spring action, with higher mechanical load capacity at the same time, is achieved in that the spring element is of U-shaped configuration, at least in part.

[0019] Long service life is favored also in that the spring element comprises a U-shaped base configuration and a substantially rectilinear pressure contact log.

[0020] To aid a favorable introduction of forces, it is proposed that the U-shaped base, emanating from the insert part, at first extend in a direction away from the receptacle area.

[0021] An ergonomically favorable design is achieved in that the unlocking key is arranged in a central edge area of the insert part.

[0022] Consideration has also been given to arranging the unlocking key offset from a centerline of the insert part.

[0023] To utilize available space when round storage elements are held on polygonal insert parts, it is proposed that the unlocking key be arranged in the area of a vertex of the insert part.

[0024] An automatic release of the storage element when actuating the unlocking key can be achieved in that the unlocking key, in common with at least one opposing element, is arranged movable relative to the insert part.

[0025] A further improvement in operating convenience may be achieved in that the unlocking key, when actuated, releases both the disk-shaped storage element and the top shell.

[0026] An improved spring clamping of the storage element in the area of the insert part may be achieved in that, in an area of the insert part facing the axis of swing, at least two spring elements are arranged at a distance relative to each other.

[0027] Likewise, it will contribute to a dependable holding of the storage element if, in the area of the unlocking key, at least two opposing elements are arranged.

[0028] Additional support of the storage element is achieved in that the insert part, to support the disk-shaped storage element, comprises a central element that rises above the reference surface.

[0029] For the sake of low structural weight, it is proposed that the central element be of annular configuration.

[0030] A fixation of the storage element transverse to the reference surface may be aided in that the spring element comprises, at least in part, a form oriented at an inclination to the reference surface.

[0031] An additional holding possibility consists in that the spring element is provided with at least one catch projection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the drawing, examples of embodiments of the invention are schematically shown. Specifically,

[0033] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a cassette in an open position and having a compact disk and an unlocking key with the spring elements being configured as parts of an insert part in accordance with the present invention,

[0034] FIG. 2 is a section view of an insert part positioned within the bottom shell of the cassette of FIG. 1,

[0035] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of a bottom shell of FIG. 1 showing an insert part and unlocking key,

[0036] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-section view the section being taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3,

[0037] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-section view, the section being taken along line V-V of FIG. 4,

[0038] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-5, but having a modified unlocking key in accordance with the present invention,

[0039] FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing another embodiment having an unlocking key arranged in a corner area of the device in accordance with the present invention,

[0040] FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but showing a further modified embodiment having an altered unlocking key in accordance with the present invention, and

[0041] FIG. 9 is a view also similar to that of FIG. 6 but showing another modified embodiment of a device comprising an unlocking key arranged in a corner area all in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] FIG. 1 shows the support of a compact disk 1 in the area of a central hole 2 by a central element 3. The central element 3 is held by a plate-like insert part 4 and rises more or less cylindrically or annularly above a reference surface 5 defined by the insert part 4. The central element 3 may be configured as a centering aid, determining a positioning of the compact disk 1 relative to the insert part 4 in radial direction only and possibly comprising an edge spaced from the compact disk 1. Alternatively, however, it is possible to configure the central element 3 as a clamping element transmitting holding forces to the compact disk 1, or alternatively to provide a support for the compact disk 1 transverse to reference surface 5.

[0043] In FIG. 1, it may also be seen that the compact disk 1 is contained in a cassette 8 comprising a bottom shell 9 and a top shell 10. Into the bottom shell 9, the insert part 4 is inlaid. The insert part may alternatively be provided to hold a plurality of compact disks as well. In that case, preferably a swingable arrangement of the insert part 4 is adopted.

[0044] The bottom shell 9 comprises an edge web 11 elevated above the reference surface 5, in the area of which a swing articulation 12 is arranged to permit rotary motions between the top shell 10 and the bottom shell 9. The swing articulation 12 may for example be configured of pins and matching holes.

[0045] In an intermediate edge area of the bottom shell 9, an unlocking key 13 is arranged, performing at least the function of a releasable lock between the insert part 4 and the compact disk 1. Additionally, consideration is given in particular, simultaneously with this function of the unlocking key 13, to accomplish an action upon the top shell 10 as well. It is likewise possible to provide an additional fixation of the compact disk 1 in the area of its outer edge 14 by means of the unlocking key 13.

[0046] In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, consideration is given to configuring the insert part 4 in the area of the central hole 2 of the compact disk 1 substantially free from material. Only in a vicinity of the inner edge 15 of the compact disk 1, a supporting bracket 16 is provided, on which the compact disk 1 rests in an area not intended for data storage. In the embodiment shown, a distance is provided between the inner edge 15 and the annular support bracket 16. Likewise conceivably, however, a central element 3 may be employed that for example does not clamp the compact disk 1 but merely performs a centering function.

[0047] To ensure an adequate fixation of the compact disk 1 within the cassette 8, according to FIG. 1, along the outer edge 14 at least one spring element 17 is arranged, which may be formed on the insert part 4. According to the embodiment in FIG. 1, the spring element 17 is arranged in an area of the cassette 8 located opposed to the unlocking key 13. The spring element 17 may for example be configured in the form of a tongue exerting a spring action on the compact disk 1.

[0048] In addition to the unlocking key 13, other spring elements may be arranged that elevate the top shell 10 transverse to the reference surface 5 after release of the unlocking key 13. Preferred consideration is given to positioning at least one such spring element on either side of the unlocking key 13. This arrangement is likewise preferably opposed to the swing articulation 12. However, it is likewise possible to position one or more such spring elements between an edge 35 of the cassette 8 opposed to the swing articulation and the swing articulation 12 itself.

[0049] In the cross-sectional representation of FIG. 2, it may be seen how the spring elements 17 can be designed. In the embodiment shown, a spring element 17 is positioned both in the area of an extension of the insert part 4 away from the unlocking key 13 and also as opposing element in the area of the unlocking key 13. The spring element in this embodiment consists of a U-shaped base 18 connected to the insert part 4 and a pressure leg 19 supported by the base 18. To avoid too great a deflection of the spring element 17, it is possible to let the pressure leg 19 penetrate a recess 20 arranged in the insert part 4. An edge of the recess 20 here provides stops for the pressure angle 19. In principle, however, conceivably the pressure leg 19 can be terminated above the insert part 4.

[0050] Between the two spring elements 17 shown in FIG. 2, a compact disk 1 is clamped within a receptacle area 21 in a radial direction referenced to the central hole 2. In principle, however, in addition to this radial fixation, conceivably a fixation of the compact disk 1 transverse to the reference surface could be achieved by an inclined arrangement of the pressure leg 19 or by suitable catch projections.

[0051] In terms of production engineering, it proves expedient to arrange the U-shaped base 18 so that the U-shape starting from the insert part 4 first extends in a direction away from the reference surface 5 and then rounds into a direction facing the reference surface 5. In this way, with comparatively compact design, high mechanical load capacity and good serviceability of the compact disk 1, good spring properties can be achieved by provision of centering surfaces.

[0052] From the representation in FIG. 3, it may be seen that the unlocking key 13 can be made in one piece as a portion of the insert part 4. By providing suitable indentations or slots 25, the requisite mobility relative to the insert part 4 is obtained.

[0053] The cross-sectional representation in FIG. 4 further illustrates the arrangement of spring elements 17 in the area of the unlocking key 13. In particular, it may be seen that the spring elements 17 are made integral with the unlocking key 13, so that upon motion of the key 13, a motion of the spring element 17 is produced at the same time. Here the motion of the spring element 17 is such that upon actuation of the unlocking key 13, the spring pressure on the compact disk 1 is reduced so that a facilitated removal of the compact disk 1 is provided. In addition, it is possible, in the area of the unlocking key 13, to arrange catch projections for fixing the compact disk 1 in a direction transverse to the reference surface 5.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates the arrangement of two spring elements 17 in the area of the unlocking key 13. Here the arrangement is symmetrical relative to a center-line of the unlocking key 13.

[0055] According to the embodiment in FIG. 6, the unlocking key 13 is arranged opposed to the swing articulation 12 and provided with an operating trough 24. To permit use of rectangular accessories 23 of standard dimensions, the unlocking key 13, emanating from an edge 35 of the bottom shell 9 towards the swing articulation 12, is dimensioned relatively small.

[0056] For further illustration of the geometry, the accessory element 23 with edge 36 is shown dotted. The unlocking key 13 is so dimensioned that it extends from the edge 35 as far as the edge 36 of the element. Optionally, the unlocking key 13 may be dimensioned somewhat narrower.

[0057] A distance 37 between the edge 36 of the element and the edge 35 is determined by catch elements 38 formed on the top shell 10, and usable for a clamping connection between the top shell 10 and the bottom shell 9, or between the top shell 10 and the insert part 4 placed in the bottom shell 9. However, there are known embodiments in which the catch elements 38 are employed only for positioning the accessory element 23. Alternative to the rounded configuration of the catch elements as shown, these may also be of stepped configuration for positioning the accessory element, and for example run transverse to the edge 35 or at a distance from and parallel to the edge 35.

[0058] According to another embodiment, it is likewise possible that the unlocking key 13 is provided only for an arrest of the compact disk 1, and that upon actuation of the unlocking key 13, no action on the top shell 10 occurs. A locking of the top shell 10 relative to the bottom shell 9 may take place in this embodiment for example with the aid of button-like thickenings arranged in an edge area of the top shell 10 or of the bottom shell 9, capable of engaging depressions correspondingly arranged in the respective other member.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the unlocking key 13 is arranged in a corner area of the cassette 8. Here again, consideration is given to positioning one of the spring elements 17 in a vicinity of the unlocking key 13.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows another modified arrangement of an unlocking key 13. In this modification, no direct action of the unlocking key 13 on the compact disk is provided. Another comparable modification is shown in FIG. 9. Here the unlocking key is positioned in the area of a corner of the cassette 8.

[0061] If only two elements are employed for fixation of the disk-shaped storage element, for example a spring element 17 and a rigid opposing element, or two spring elements 17, then these elements are positioned to ensure optimal transmission of forces to elements mutually opposed with respect to the central hole 2 of the compact disk 1, or with respect to the central element 3. When using a greater number of such elements, the respective arrangement in circumferential direction ensures that the resulting lines of action coincide. In the representation of FIG. 7, therefore, the two spring elements 17 shown are positioned symmetrically relative to a sketched centerline of the unlocking key 13. In the arrangement of FIG. 1, with four spring elements 17 and at least one opposing element in the area of the unlocking key 13 there is likewise a corresponding symmetrical arrangement.

[0062] The respective preassignment of the spring travels available takes account of the tolerances on the dimensions of the disk-shaped storage elements for production purposes. These tolerances can be compensated by a sufficiently long spring travel.

Claims

1. A device for holding disk-shaped storage elements comprising a bottom shell and a top shell swingably connected to the bottom shell, a storage element fixed on a support element within a receptacle area defined by one of said top shell and said bottom shell, characterized in that a spring element (17) is arranged in the area of an outer edge of the receptacle area (21) and in that, at a distance from the spring element (17) along a further portion of the outer edge of the receptacle area, at least one opposing element is so arranged that the storage element is arranged between the spring element (17) and the opposing element in the vicinity of the receptacle area (21).

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing element is of spring configuration.

3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing element is arranged in the area of an unlocking key (13).

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged movable relative to an insert part (4) positioned within said receptacle area.

5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) is of stepped configuration.

6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) at least in part is of U-shaped conformation.

7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) is formed of a U-shaped base (18) and an essentially rectilinear contact pressure leg (19).

8. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the U-shaped base (18) emanating from the insert part (4) extends at first in a direction away from the receptacle area (21).

9. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged in a central edge region of the insert part (4).

10. A device according to claims 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged offset from a centerline of the insert part (4).

11. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged in the area of a vertex of the insert part (4).

12. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13), in common with at least one opposing element, is arranged movable relative to the insert part (4).

13. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) upon actuation releases both the disk-shaped storage element and the top shell (10).

14. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that, in a portion of the insert part (4) facing the axis of swing, at least two spring elements (17) are arranged at a distance relative to each other.

15. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the area of the unlocking key (13), at least two opposing elements are arranged.

16. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the insert part (4), to support the disk-shaped storage element, comprises a central element (3) elevated above the reference surface (5).

17. A device according to claim 16, characterized in that the central element (3) is of annular configuration.

18. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17), at least in part, comprises a portion oriented at an inclination to the reference surface (5).

19. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) is provided with at least one catch projection.