Patent ID: 6172846
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
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 upon insertion thereof;a slider for transferring the disk cartridge between a mounting and dismounting position, where the disk cartridge can be mounted on and dismounted from said holder, and an insertion completed position, where the disk cartridge is completely inserted in the holder; anda drive mechanism capable of driving said slider,wherein said slider slides in the same direction as the disk cartridge in an inserting/ejecting operation when the disk cartridge is in a correct orientation for insertion in said holder,wherein said slider is provided with a projection that faces a specified side portion of the disk cartridge extending in the direction in which the disk cartridge is inserted and said projection allows insertion of the cartridge while being slidably fitted in a groove provided on the specified side portion of the disk cartridge extending in the direction in which the cartridge is inserted when the disk cartridge is being inserted in the correct orientation, and prevents the disk cartridge from further advancing when the disk cartridge is being inserted in an incorrect orientation although with the correct width of insertion.