Device for opening and closing a shutter member provided in a disc cartridge

Abstract

Abstract A device for opening and closing a shutter member (9) provided in a disc cartridge (1) containing a disc (6), the disc cartridge (1) being insertable into signal recording and/or reproducing apparatus making use of the disc (6) as, for example, a magnetic recording medium. The cartridge housing (5) includes signal read and write apertures (7,8) on its upper and lower surfaces. The shutter member (9) is mounted so as to partially cover a front wall (12), an upper wall (2) and a lower wall (3) of the cartridge housing (5) so as to open and close the apertures (7,8), and has an engaging opening (29) extending in the front and lower walls (12,3). The device includes a pair of opening and closing members (51,52) provided in the signal recording and/or reproducing apparatus so as to engage the disc cartridge (1) when inserted. The members (51,52) are provided with engaging portions (55,56) for selectively engaging in the engaging opening (29) of the disc cartridge shutter member (9) and for being pivoted by being thrust by the disc cartridge (1) during insertion. The opening and closing members (51,52) are so designed that their engaging portions (55,56) strike each other to inhibit further pivoting and further insertion of the disc cartridge (1) when the latter is being inserted incorrectly from its rear side (13) opposite to its front side covered by the shutter member (9). When the disc cartridge (1) is inserted correctly from its front side, the respective engaging portion (55,56) on one of the opening and closing members (51,52) fits into the engaging opening (29) of the shutter member (9), opening the apertures (7,8) and causing the opening and closing members (51,52) to pivot in staggered fashion, whereby the engaging portions (55,56) do not meet and the disc cartridge (1) can be fully inserted.

Inventors

• 👤 Kenzo C/O Patents Division Nakagawa
• 👤 Masayuki C/O Patents Division Suzuki

Bibliographic Details