Patent ID: 6028831
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A loading mechanism for loading and unloading an information disc into or from an information-technology apparatus, where the information disc has opposite first and second major surfaces substantially parallel each other, the first and second major surfaces being bounded by first and second edges respectively, and a circumferential rim surface extending between the first and second edges, the disc having a thickness defined between the first and second edges,wherein the mechanism comprises means for guiding and moving the information disc along a path in a loading plane, said means for guiding and moving comprising:a first guide having a curved circumferential first groove, said first groove being arranged for engaging the first and second edges of the information disc during movement along the path,a second guide having an axis substantially perpendicular to said loading plane and a curved circumferential second groove, said second groove being arranged for engaging the first and second edges of the information disc during movement along the path,means for supporting said first guide and said second guide for movement in the loading plane transversely to the path, andmeans for rotationally driving the second guide about said axis during loading and unloading, so as to move the information disc along the path in the loading plane into and out of the apparatus,the first groove having an inclined first pressure face inclined relative to the loading plane, an opposed first pressure face, and a first circumferential bottom surface defining a minimum gap dimension, the minimum gap dimension being less than the thickness of the information disc, each of the first pressure faces engaging a respective one of said disc edges while the disc is being moved,the second groove having an inclined second pressure face inclined relative to the loading plane, an opposed second pressure face, and a second circumferential bottom surface defining a minimum gap dimension, the minimum gap dimension being less than the thickness of the information disc, each of the second pressure faces engaging a respective one of said disc edges while the disc is being moved,whereby, during movement along said path, the circumferential rim surface of the information disc is out of contact with the first and second circumferential bottom surfaces of the grooves.