Patent ID: 6567363
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical data storage apparatus for at least optically reproducing information from a storage medium stowed in a cartridge, comprising:an optical mechanism unit for at least reading information from said storage medium by using a light beam, and a load/ejection unit for loading said cartridge in said optical storage apparatus or for ejecting said cartridge from said optical storage apparatus; said optical mechanism unit including; a base; a carriage movably mounted in the center portion of said base for irradiating a light beam on a predetermined position of said storage medium; a light emitting portion mounted on one end of said base for emitting a light beam; a groove formed on said base as a light passage for leading said light beam emitted from said light emitting portion to said storage medium and for leading a light beam returning from said storage medium to an optical sensor; optical components positioned in said groove for leading a light beam returning from said storage medium to an optical sensor; and a motor mounted on the other end of said base for rotating said storage medium; said load/ejecting unit having: a bottom plate for fixing said base; a load/ejecting mechanism of said cartridge; and a top plate for holding said cartridge; wherein said optical mechanism unit and said load/ejecting unit are separably united into one body; wherein said groove is formed in the shape of letter L having a first groove extending in moving directions in which said carriage moves and a second groove extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving directions of said carriage, wherein a collimator lens and a beam splitter are placed in said first groove and a Wollaston prism and condenser lens are placed in said second groove.