Patent ID: 6181511
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An improved apparatus for use in a data storage device of the type that receives a removable disk cartridge, said apparatus having a pair of opposing guide rails having cartridge guide slots formed therein that guide the disk cartridge into the data storage device; a platform having a plurality of pins formed thereon and movably mounted on said guide rails and operable to move on said guide rails from a first position to a second position upon insertion of the disk cartridge into the data storage device, wherein said guide rails have corresponding cam slots that receive said pins, said pins following said cam slots as said platform moves between said first and second positions, said cartridge guide slots on said guide rails bring the disk cartridge into engagement with a cartridge receiving stop on said platform so that further insertion of the cartridge will push said platform from said first position to said second position; an actuator mounted on said platform that carries a head for recording and reading information to and from a recording medium within the disk cartridge; and a spindle motor mounted on said platform for rotating said recording medium, the improvement comprising:a latch member pivotally mounted on one of said guide rails that engages said platform and locks said platform substantially in place on said guide rails in said first position when the disk cartridge is not inserted in the data storage device, said latch member interacting with the disk cartridge upon insertion of the disk cartridge into the data storage device to release said platform from said first position, said latch member comprising:a first projection that extends into said cartridge guide slot on said one guide rail and a second projection having a notch that extends into one of said cam slots to block the corresponding pin on said platform from moving along said one cam slot when said platform is in said first position and no cartridge is inserted in the data storage device; anda torsion spring that holds said latch member in position so that when the disk cartridge is inserted into the data storage device, the disk cartridge engages said first projection and causes said latch member to pivot such that said second projection moves out of said one cam slot thereby releasing said platform, and when a shock is encountered, said spring allows said latch member to move into the locking position with said guide rail holding said platform forward.