Patent ID: 6760914
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A disk loading mechanism for storing a plurality of disk cartridges each containing a disk and a loading the disk cartridge in a disk reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on the disk, comprising:a plurality of cartridge holders adapted to store said disk cartridges therein; a disk cartridge storage unit adapted to store the plurality of cartridge holders therein in a stacked configuration so that a back end surface of the disk cartridges held within the cartridge holders is visible from outside the disk loading mechanism, said disk cartridge storage unit being provided with a plurality of insertion slots on a front panel of the disk loading mechanism, through which the disk cartridges are inserted in the cartridge holders; and a guide panel having an insertion portion provided with insertion openings that correspond to the insertion slots, the insertion portion substantially extending in an external direction away from the insertion slots such that the disk cartridge is guided in a correct position and in a correct direction with respect to the disk cartridge storage unit by sliding the disk cartridge into one of the insertion openings, said guide panel being connected to the disk cartridge storage unit with the insertion openings in alignment with the insertion slots, so that the back end surfaces of the disk cartridges inserted in the cartridge holders are flush with the front panel so as to be visible from outside the disk loading mechanism when at a storage position in said disk storage unit; wherein an inhibiting plate closes over the insertion slot when the disk cartridge is moved to a disk reproduction position located adjacent to said disk cartridge storage unit, the inhibiting plate being open when the disk cartridge is not positioned at said storage position or the disk reproduction position.