Patent ID: 6195223
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge insertion/discharge opening structure of a recording/reproduction unit for use in a library apparatus that includes a storage unit for storing a number of cartridges, each accommodating a storage medium, and a transferring mechanism for transferring the cartridges, the recording/reproduction unit having an opening section that allows a selective one of the cartridges to be inserted into and extracted from the recording/reproduction unit by the transferring mechanism and being operable to perform a recording/reproduction process on the storage medium in the one cartridge, said structure comprising:a base member attached to the recording/reproduction unit and defining an opening substantially corresponding to the opening section of the recording/reproduction unit;a guide member attached to said base member for guiding the one cartridge to be inserted into the recording/reproduction unit by the transferring mechanism, said guide member having a tapered surface that converges toward the opening of said base member and having a pair of clearance portions opposite to each other across the opening of said base member so as to allow a hand mechanism of the transferring mechanism to grip or release the one cartridge when the one cartridge is inserted into and extracted from the recording/reproduction unit by the transferring mechanism.