Patent ID: 6040956
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge insertion/discharge opening structure of a recording/reproduction unit for use in a library apparatus for storing cartridges, each accommodating a storage medium in a casing mainly made of polycarbonate, the library apparatus having a transferring mechanism for transferring the cartridges stored in the library apparatus, the recording/reproduction unit being operable to perform a recording/reproduction process on the storage media within the cartridges transferred by the transferring mechanism, said cartridge insertion/discharge opening structure comprising:a base member having an opening generally corresponding to a cartridge insertion/discharge opening section of the recording/reproduction unit for allowing the cartridges to be inserted into the recording/reproduction unit; andat least one guide member attached to said base member near a top of said opening and at least one guide member attached to said base member near a bottom of said opening for guiding the cartridges to be inserted into the recording/reproduction unit by the transferring mechanism, said guide members being made of polyacetal and extending into said opening of said base member to define a clearance space between said top and said bottom of said opening of said base member and a cartridge inserted in said cartridge insertion/discharge opening section of the recording/reproduction unit, to allow the transferring mechanism to release said cartridge once said cartridge is inserted in said cartridge insertion/discharge opening section.