Patent ID: 6344945
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A disk drive comprising:a recording and reproducing unit for recording information on a recording and/or reproducing medium encased in a disk cartridge or reproducing the information recorded on the medium; a holder for guiding and holding the disk cartridge that is being inserted; a slider for transferring the disk cartridge between a mounting and dismounting position where the disk cartridge can be mounted on and dismounted from the holder and an insertion completed position where the disk cartridge is completely inserted in the holder while moving together with the disk cartridge, wherein the slider slides in the same direction as the disk cartridge in an inserting/ejecting operation thereof; a drive mechanism capable of driving the slider; and a lock member that is pivotally supported by the slider and is able to lock the disk cartridge, wherein the lock member pivots upon being engaged with the disk cartridge that has a rectangular planar shape constituted by a short side and a long side when the disk cartridge is being inserted in an insertion direction, wherein the lock member pivots with a first pivot amount when the disk cartridge is being inserted with a wide width of insertion in a correct orientation, wherein the first pivot amount is smaller than a second pivot amount, which occurs when the disk cartridge is being inserted with a narrow width of insertion in an incorrect orientation, and the holder being provided with a stopper for allowing the lock member to move in the insertion direction of the cartridge in a state in which the lock member pivots by the first pivot amount and preventing the lock member from moving in the insertion direction of the cartridge in a state in which the lock member pivots by the second pivot amount.