Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
.u S ~ ~C ~~-~7.~ ,~ * Do,9
DAMPER MECHANISM FOR A RECORDING AND/OR
REPRODUCING APPARF,TUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a recording and/or reproducing
apparatus employing a disc such as a magneto-optical disc or an
optical disc as a recording medium for information signals. More
parti cul arl y, i t rel ates to such apparatus i n whi ch i is recordi ng
and/or re~5roducing unit is supported within a main body of the
apparatus i n a f 1 oati ng state vi a a p1 a ral i ty of dampe r uni is and
elastic members.
2. Description of the Related Art
Up to now, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus
employing a recording medium such as a magneto-optical disc or
an optical disc for information signals has been proposed. The
magneto-optical disc or the optical disc, employed as a recording
medium for such recording and/or reproducing apparatus, is
contained in a main cartridge body to form a disc cartridge and
loaded in such state in the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus.
The recording and/or reproducing apparatus has an optical
pickup.and a magnetic head as means for writing and/or reading
information signals on or from the magnetic recording medium.
The optical pickup and the magnetic head are mounted on a chassis
provided in the main body of the apparatus to constitute a
recording and/or reproducing unit. On the other hand, the disc
cartridge having a disc cartridge having the magneto-optical disc
or the optical disc therein as a recording medium, is loaded at
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s
a cartridge loading position °in the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus so, as to be positioned relative to the recording and/or
reproducing unit provided in. the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus. By the disc cartridge loaded at the cartridge loading
position, information signals are recorded on the magneto-optical
disc, with the aid of the optical pickup and a magnetic head, or
the information signals recorded on the magneto-optical disc or
the optical disc are reproduced.
,It is noted that, if impacts are applied to the main body
of the apparatus to produce vibrations in the recording and/or
reproducing unit, it becomes impossible to record or reproduce
information signals on or from the recording medium. That is, if
the recording and/or reproducing unit is subjeci~ed to vibrations,
the optical pickup is deviated in its position relative to the
recording medium, such that it becomes impossible for the light
beam radiated by the optical pickup to follow thie recording track
farmed on the recording medium, thus rendering it impossible to
record/reproduce information signals. Abave all, when writing
information signals on the magneto-optical disc, the information
signals and table-of-contents data concerning the information
signals are written in this order. The table-of-contents
information indicates addresses or the like, indicating the write
pasition of the information signals recorded an the magneto-
optical disc, and represents the information indispensable in
reading out the recorded information. The information signals,
for which associated table-of-contents information has not been
recorded, cannot be subsequently read out. Consequent 1y, Should
track skip of the light beam scanning a recording track deviated
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from the pre-set recording track due to vibrations be produced
in the course of recording of the information signals, or when
the recording of the information signals has been completed but
the recording of the associated table-of-contents information has
not been completed, it becomes impossible to read out the
recorded information signals.
With certain versions of this type of the recording and/or
reproducing apparatus, especially of the portable type, the
.recor,ding and/or reproducing unit is supported in a floating
state in the main body of the apparatus via plural damper units.
Such damper unit is made up of an elastic tubular section formed
of a visco-elastic material, such as rubber, as a vibration
absorbent member, fitted on a pivot set on a frame of the main
body of the apparatus, and a compression coil spring, as an
elastic member, fitted on the outer side of the elastic tubular
member. On this elastic tubular section of the damper unit is
supported a supporting piece formed on a chassis constituting the
recording and/or reproducing unit mounting the optical pickup.
Thus the recording and/or reproducing unit is supported in a
floating manner on the frame constituting the main body of the
apparatus by means of the damper units.
With the recording and/or reproducing unit thus supported
on the main body of the apparatus by means of the damper units,
any impacts or vibrations applied to the main body of the
apparatus may be absorbed by the damper units, so that
information signals may be recorded and/or reproduced without
being affected by the impacts or vibrations.
Meanwhile, the damper unit supporting the recording and/or
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reproducing unit has not only the function for absorbing impacts
or vibrations applied to the main body of the apparatus, but also
the function of supporting the recording and/or reproducing unit
with respect to the main body of the apparatus. Thus it is
necessary for the damper unit to exhibit resiliency high enough
to support the recording and/or reproducing unit, such that it
is difficult to lower the resonant frequency of the damper unit
and thus the vibrations cannot be absorbed sufficiently. In
addilrion, the elastic tubular member constituting the damper unit
is put under a large weight of the recording and/or reproducing
unit and hence in a state of being perpetually elastically
deformed, while it is elastically deformed on application of
vibrations under the weight of the recording and/or reproducing
unit, so that it is deformed beyond the elastic limit. Thus the
e1 asti c tubul ar secti on i s suscepti bi a to creepage and formati on
of crevices, such that sufficient durability cannot be
maintained. Besides, the recording and/or reproducing unit,
supported by the above-described damper unit, cannot be
maintained at the correct supporting position relative to the
main body of the apparatus due to chronological changes of the
elastic tubular section, thus leading to deviation in the
relative supporting position of the recordingfreproducing unit
with respect to the main body of the apparatus. For example,
there is produced a deviation between the holder for the disc
cartridge provided on the main body of the apparatus and the
cartridge loading position on the reproducing unit, thus
occasionally rendering it impossible to load the disc cartridge
in position.
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,
On the other hand, the damper units" supporting the
recording and/or reproducing unit in a floating manner relative
to the main body of the apparatus, are elastically deformed on
application of impacts or vibrations to the main body of the
apparatus, for absorbing the impacts or vibrations. If the
damper units are elastically deformed, the recording and/or
reproducing unit, supported by these damper units, is shifted or
deviated relative to a frame constituting the main body of the
.apparatus. If the damper units, thus elastically deformed under
impacts or vibrations applied to the main body of the apparatus,
are collided against the frame of the recording and/or
reproducing unit, the impacts or vibrations applied to the main
body of the apparatus are directly transmitted to the recording
and/or reproducing unit. 'thus it becomes impossible for the light
beam to follow the recording track formed on the recording medium
and hence to record and/or reproduce information signals with
optimum recording/reproduc-ing characteristics.
In the recording and/or reproducing apparatus in which the
recording and/or reproducing unit is supported in a floating
manner with respect to the main body of the apparatus, there is
provided a gap between the recording and/or reproducing unit and
the frame which is large enough to permit 'the damper units to be
moved without being collided against the recording and/or
reproducing unit when the damper units undergo elastic
deformation. By provision of such gap between the main body of
the apparatus and the recording and/or reproducing unit, it
becomes difficult to achieve size reduction of the recording
and/or reproducing apparatus.
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OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel
recording and/or reproducing apparatus wherein impacts or
vibrations applied to the main body of the apparatus may be
positively absorbed and prevented from being transmitted to the
recording and/or reproducing unit provided within the main body
of the apparatus.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
novel recording and/or reproducing apparatus wherein vibrations
applied to the main body of the apparatus may be reliably
interrupted and the recording and/or reproducing unit provided
within the main body of the apparatus may be perpetually
supported at a pre-set position so that information signals may
be recorded and/or reproduced with optimum recording/reproducing
characteristics on a recording disc as a signal recording medium,
such as the magneto-optical disc.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide
a novel recording and/or reproducing apparatus wherein the
recording and/or reproducing unit may be supported at a pre-set
position by the damper units with respect to the main body of the
apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide
a damper unit which can be easily assembled and easily mounted
on the recording and/or rep roducing apparatus.
The recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to the
present invention includes a recording and/or reproducing unit
mounted on a base member via plural damper units and a closure
member rotatably mounted on the base member for covering the
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recording and/or reproducing unit far covering the recording
and/or reproducing unit. A plate spring biasing the recording
and/or reproducing unit towards the base member is provided
between the closure member and the recording and/or reproducing
unit. When the closure member is at a position of covering the
recording and/or reproducing unit, the recording and/or
reproducing unit is maintained at a position counterbalancing the
weight of the recording and/or reproducing unit, the elastic
force of the damper units and the elastic force of the plate
spring.
Each damper unit supporting the recording and/or reproducing
unit on the base member comprises a vibration absorbing member
and a fu rthe r a 1 asti c membe r f i tted on the oute r s i de of the
vibration absorbing member.
The recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to the
present invention further includes a supporting member on which
the recording and/or reproducing unit is arranged. A further
elastic member constituting the damper unit is provided between
the base member and the supporting member for biasing the
recording and/or reproducing unit towards the closure member
against the force of the plate spring.
Each damper unit has a mounting member passed through a
vibration absorbing member. The mounting member has its one end
mounted on the supporti ng member and i ncl odes a pai r of rests
carrying both ends of the vibration absorbing member. The
vibration absorbing member of the damper unit has an engagement
recess engaged with the base member carrying the recording and/or
reproducing unit, a substantially cylindrical first portion
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provided on one side of the engagement recess and fitted with
the further .elastic member and a substantially conical second
portion provided on the opposite side of the engagement recess.
The second portion is larger in diameter than the first portion.
The vibration absorbing member is unitarily formed by the
engagement recess and the first and second portions.
The recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to the
present invention includes a recording and/or reproducing unit
.finel,y movably mounted within a main body of the apparatus via
plural damper units. The recording and/or reproducing unit has
a holder for the disc cartridge rotatably mounted thereon for
holding and loading or unloading the disc cartridge on or from
the recording and/or reproducing unit. A rotary member is
rotatabl y mounted on the mai n body of the apparatus for cove ri ng
the recording and/or reproducing unit, An engagement member is
mounted on the inner surface of the rotary member for engaging
with the holder for rotating the holder in a direction of loading
or unloading the recording medium by an opening movement of the
rotary member. The engagement member is movably mounted on the
rotary member. When the rotary member covers the recording
and/or reproducing unit, and the recording and/or reproducing
unit is moved finely within the main body of the apparatus, so
that the recording and/or reproducing unit is contacted with the
engagement member, the engagement member is moved so as to follow
up with the fine movement of the rotary member. The apparatus
also includes a biasing member for perpetually biasing the
engagement member in a direction of, being engaged with the
holder.
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Other objects, advantages and construction of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following
description of the embodiments and the claims.,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.1 is a perspective view showing a recording and/or
reproducing apparatus according to the present. invention.
Fig.2 is a plan view of the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
_Fig.3 is a front view of the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig.4 is a left-hand side view of the recording and/or
reproducing apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig.5 is a back view of the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus shown.in Fig. 1.
Fig.6 is a right-hand side view of the recording and/or
reproducing apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig.7 is a bottom view of the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig.8 is an exploded perspective view of the recording
and/or reproducing apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig.9 is a right-hand side view showing a casing
constituting of the main body of the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.lO is a bottom view showing a cover support plate
constituting'the recording and/or reproducing apparatus according
to the present invention.
Fig. l1 is a left-hand side view of the cover support plate
shown in Fig.lO,
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Fig. l2 is a left-hand side view showing an inner
construction of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus in the
ejecting state.
Fig. l3 is a left-hand side view showing an inner
construction of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus in the
stop state.
Fig. l4 is a left-hand side view showing an inner
construction of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus in the
stop state.
Fi g . 1 5 i s a p1 an vi ew showi ng an i nne r const ructi on of a
mechanical chassis with the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus in the stop mode.
Fig.l6 is a plan view showing an inner construction of the
mechanical chassis with the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus in the playback mode.
Fig. i7 is a plan view showing an inner construction of a
mechanical chassis with the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus in the recording mode.
Fig.l8 is a plan view showing a cartridge holder with the
recording and/or reproducing apparatus in the stop mode and in
the playback mode. .
Fig.l9 is a plan view showing a cartridge holder with the
recording and/or reproducing apparatus in the recording mode.
Fig.20 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing
essential portions of an arrangement for retaining an upper lid
of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
Fig.21 is a front view showing a construction for retaining
an upper lid of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
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Fi g . 22 i s a plan vi ew showi ng a mai n f rame of the recordi ng
and/or reproducing apparatus.
Fig.23 is a plan view showing an outer cover. of the
recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
Fig.24 is a front view showing the outer cover of the
recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
F i g . 25 i s a f ront vi ew showi ng the state of an uppe r 1 i d
being closed.
Fig.26 is a front view showing the state of the upper lid
which has been closed.
Fig.27 is a front view showing the state in which retention
of the upper cover' has been released.
Fig.28 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cartridge
ejection mechanism.
Fig.29 is right-hand side view showing the mounting stat
between the mechanical chassis and the cartridge holder.
Fig.30 is a right-hand side view schematically showing the
state in which the cartridge holder is being rotated towards the
mechanical chassis.
Fig.31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a
supporting structure of the mechanical chassis.
Fig.32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a
damper unit employed in the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.33 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing a member
for suspending a cartridge holder.
Fig.34 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing the member
for suspending a cartridge holder.
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Fig.35 is a schematic enlarged side view showing the member
for suspending a cartridge holder.
Fig.36 is a block circuit diagram showing a controlling
section of the. recording and/or reproducing apparatus according
to the present invention.
Fig.37 is a flow chart showing an operating procedure of the
recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to the present
invention.
Fig.38 is a perspective view, as seen from an upper side,
showing a disc cartridge enabling re-recording of ' information
signals employed in the recording and/or reproducing apparatus
according to the present invention.
Fig.39 is a perspective view, as seen from an upper side,
showing a replay-only disc cartridge employed in the recording
and/or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.40 is a perspective view, as seen from below, the disc
cartridge shown in Fig.38.
Fig.41 is a perspective view, as seen from below, the disc
cartridge shown in Fig.39.
Fig.42 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a
damper unit employed in the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.43 is a plan view showing a set screw constituting the
damper unit.
Fig.44 is aside view showing the set screw shown in fig.43.
Fig.45 is a side view showing a shaft constituting the
damper unit shown in Fig.43, with a portion thec-eof being broken
away .
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the
present invention will be explained in detail. These embodiments
are directed to the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus
employing, as the recording medium, the magneto-optical disc
enabling re-recording of information signals or an optical disc
employed only for reproducing information signals.
Summary of the Overall Constitution of the disc
Recording/Reproducinc~ Apparatus
The disc recording andJor reproducing apparatus according
to the present invention includes a frame 1 constituting a main
body of the apparatus and a base member 2 supported by the frame
1 in the floating state by plural damper' units 14, as shown in
Fig.8. A battery casing 8, an upper cover 5 and a lower cover
6 are mounted on the frame 1. A lid 700 having an upper cover
and a cover support plate 4 is rotatably mounted on the battery
casing 8. With the present disc recording and/or reproducing
apparatus, the lid 700 is rotatably mounted on a main body of the
apparatus made up of the frame 1, battery casing 8, outer cover
5 and the lower cover 6. The lid 700 opens or closes the upper
side of the main body of the apparatus; as shown in Figs.9 and
12. A cartridge holder 3 is rotatably mounted on the upper
surface of the base member 2.
Between the upper cover 7 and the cover support plate 4,
making up the lid 700, there is enclosed an electronic circuit
board, not shown, electrically connected to'a key input unit 15
and a display section 16 provided on the upper surface of the
upper cover 7. The key input unit 15 has a play button 28, a
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forward track jump button 31, a reverse tack jump button 30, a
pause button, 32, a stop button 29 and output sound volume
adjustment buttons 33, 34, as shown in Fig. 1. The display
section 16 is constituted by a planar display device, such as
a liquid crystal display device. On the display section 16 is
displayed. a variety of information data depending on the
operating modes of the disc recording and/or reproducing
apparatus.-Another pushbutton switch 27, cony>tituting the key
input unit 15, is covered by a slide cover 26, mounted on the
upper cover 7 slid towards the front side of the main body of the
apparatus as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 1.
Wi thi n the mai n body of the appa rates , the re i s accommodated
another electronic circuit board, not shown, on which a CPU 338
as a control circuit is mounted, as shown in Fig.36. The key
input unit 15 is electrically connected to the CPU 338. The CPU
338 is responsive to the input signals to effect driving control
of a disc driving mechanism of the recording and/or reproducing
unit provided on the base member 2.
Constitution of Disc Cartridge
A magneto-optical disc 200, employed as a recording medium
for information signals for the recording and/or reproducing
apparatus according to the present invention, is now explained.
The magneto-optical disc 200 is comprised of a disc substrate
formed of light-transmitting transparent synthetic resin
material, such as polycarbonate, having a diameter of
approximately 64 mm, and a signal recording layer of a magnetic
material deposited thereon. The signal recording 'layer is
1 oval 1 y heated to a tempe rate re h i ghe r than the Cu r i a tempe rate re
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by a light beam radiated from a light source, such as a
semiconductor laser, and converged o~ the recording layer. The
information signals thus recorded may be read out by radiating
a linear polarized light beam, such as a laser beam, on the
signal recording layer, and detecting the return light from the
magneto-optical disc 200.
An optical disc 201, used for reproducing information
signals, is comprised of a disc substrate, similar to that of the
magneto-optical disc enabling re-recording of information
signals, and a reflective layer of a metal material, such as
aluminum, deposited thereon. A string of small-sized pits,
corresponding to the information signals, are formed on the disc
substrate of the optical disc by injection molding or the like
means . The inf o rmat i on s i gnal s reco rded on the opti cal d i sc 200
may be read out by radiating a light beam on the pit string and
detecting the return light from the optical disc by a
photodetector, not shown.
The magneto-optical disc 200 and the optical disc 201 are
rotatably accommodated in main cartridge bodies 205, 216,
respectively, for constituting disc cartridges, as shown in
Figs.38 to 41. The cartridge main body 205 of the disc cartridge
220, housing the magneto-optical disc 200 for enabling both
recording and playback of information signals, is formed
substantially as a square having each side equal in length to the
diameter of the magneto-optical disc 200. The cartridge main body
205 has an aperture 223 for the magnetic head on its upper major
surface for partially exposing the signal recording surface of
the magneto-optical disc 200 to outside across its inner and
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outer rims,, as shown in Fig.38. The cartridge main body 205 has
an, aperture 222 for the optical pickup in a portion on its lower
major surface facing the aperture 223, as shown in Fig.40. At
a mid portion on the lower major surface is formed a . chuck
aperture 213.
The aperture 223 for the magnetic head and the aperture 222
for the optical pickup, formed in the main~cartridge body 205,
are opened or closed by a shutter member 206 movably mounted on
the main cartridge body 205. The shutter member 206, molded from
a synthetic resin or bent from a metallic sheet, has a pair of
shutter plate portions large enough to close the apertures 222,
223 and a connecting web portion interconnecting these shutter
plate portions, and is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
The shutter member 206 is carried for movement, along a~lateral
side of the main cartridge body 205 by having its connecting web
portion engaged in a support groove 201 formed in the main
cartridge body 205. That is, the shutter member 206 opens or
closes the apertures 223, 222 by being moved along a lateral side
of the main cartridge body 205.
The main cartridge body 216 for the disc cartridge 220,
housing the replay-only optical disc 201, is farmed as a square
having the length of each side substantially equal to the
diameter of the optical disc 201 housed therein. In distinction
from the above-described recording/ reproducing disc cartridge
220, the main cartridge body 216 has a substantially planar upper
surface, that is an upper surface devoid of an aperture, as shown
in Fig.39. It is in the lower surface of the main cartridge body
216 that the aperture 222 for the optical pickup 222 and the
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chuck aperture 213 are formed, as shown in Fig.4l. T h a
aperture 222 for the optical pickup formed in the cartridge main
body 216 is opened or closed by a shutter member 217 movably
mounted on the main cartridge body 216. The shutter member 217,
mol ded f rom a syntheti c resi n or bent f rom a metal 1 i c sheet, has
a pair of shutter plate portions large enough to close the
aperture 222 for the optical pickup and a supporting portion
interconnecting these shutter plate portions, and is
substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The shutter member 206
is carried for movement along a lateral side of the main
cartridge body 205 by having its supporting portion engaged in
a support groove 207 formed in the main cartridge body 216. That
is, the shutter member 217 opens or closes the aperture for the
optical pickup 222 by being moved along a lateral side of the
main cartridge body 205.
Eac h of the s hutte r membe rs 206 , 21 'T , p rov i ded respect i ve l y
in the recording/reproducing disc cartridge 22t and the replay-
only disc cartridge 220, is formed at a mid portion of the
connecting web portion or the support portion with a shutter-
closing opening 208 adapted for being engaged by a shutter-
closing operating member provided on the disc
recording/reproducing apparatus.
At a mid portion of each of the recording/reproducing disc
cartridge 221 and the replay-only disc cartridge 220 is formed
a ci rcular chuck opening 204 for the magneto-optical disc 200 ad
the optical disc 201, respectively. Each of the magneto-optical
disc 200 ad the optical disc 201 has a chuck plate 202 mounted
thereon for closing the chuck aperture 204. The chuck plate 202
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is formed of a magnetic metal material , such as i ron or stainless
steel , as a disc large enough to close the chr~ck aperture 20.4.
The chuck aperture 204 and the chuck plate 202 are exposed to
outside of the cartridge main bodies 205, 216 via the .chuck .
aperture 213.
In the lower surfaces of the cartridge main bodies 205, 216,
there are bored paired forward and rear side positioning openings
209, 210, as shown in Figs.40 and 41. The positioning opening 209
is formed near the corner towards the aperture 222 for the
optical pickup and is formed as an oblong hole having its longer
axis extending in the fore and aft direction. The other
positioning opening 210 is located near the other corner towards
the aperture 222 for the optical pickup and is formed as a
circular hole.
Plural discriminating openings 224 are formed on the lateral
sides of the lower surfaces of the cartridge main bodies 205, 216
to opposite to the shutter members 206, 217. These
discriminating openings 224 are used for discriminating the type
or the state of the disc accommodated in the cartridge main
bodies 205, 216, that is whether or not the information signals
can be recorded thereon. A mistaken recording inhibiting member
214 is provided in the cartridge main body 205 of the
recording/reproducing disc cartridge 220 so as to be partially
exposed to the above-mentioned opposite lateral side, as shown
in Fig,38. The mistaken recording inhibiting member 214 is
movable for opening and closing the discriminating openings 224
for changing over the recordable/unrecordable discriminating
state. The lower lateral sides of each of the cartridge main
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bodies 205, 216 are formed with engagement recess 212 engaged by
a porno n of a loading mechanism during loading of the disc
cartridges 220, 221, as shown in Figs.40 and 41.
In the lateral surface perpendicular to the lateral surface
of the cartridge main body 205 of the recording/reproducing disc
cartridge 220 mounting the shutter member 206, there is formed
a magneto-optical disc discriminating recess 211, as shown in
Fig.40. In the lateral surface perpendicular to the lateral
surface of the cartridge main body 216 of the replay-only disc
cartridge 221 mounting the shutter member 217, there is formed
a optical disc discriminating recess 218, as shown in Fig.4l.
The magneto-optical disc discriminating recess 211 and the
optical disc discriminating recess 218 are of different depths
and hence the magneto-optical disc 200 may be discriminated from
the optical disc 200 based upon such difference in depth.
The above described disc cartridges 220, 221 are inserted
into and taken out from the disc recording/reproducing apparatus
with the direction parallel to the direction of movement of the
shutter members 206, 217, as indicated by arrow E in Figs.38 and
39, as the introducing direction.
Constitution of a Casing constituting the Main Bodv of the
Apparatus
The frame 1 of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus
is formed as a framework delimiting the peripheral wall of a
casing constituting the main body of the apparatus, as shown in
Fi gs . 21 and 22 . On the f ront surface of the f rame 1 , there are
movably.mounted an ejection lever 116, a lock lever 115 and a
recording lever 186, as later explained, as shown in Figs.21 and
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22. The battery casing 8 is formed of a synthetic material to
a size capable of holding a battery 225 therein, and is. screwed
to the rear side of the frame. 1. The battery casing 8 is formed
in its lateral surface with an opening/closing lid 25 for
opening or closing a battery inserting/removing opening, as shown
in Fig.8. The battery 225 is introduced into or removed from the
battery inserting/removing opening. The battery 25 may be a
rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium ion battery,
a lithium hydrogen battery or a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery,
enclosed in a container casing. Positive and negative terminals
are provided on the outer surface of the container casing. In
the interior of the battery casing 8, there is mounted a power
source terminal contacted by each electrode terminal of the
battery 225.
The outer cover 5, constituting the casing along with the
frame 1, is formed of, for example, synthetic material, and is
substantially frame-shaped, as shown in Figs.23 and 34. The
outer cover 5 is mounted on the frame 1 for sheathing the outer
peripheral part of the frame 1 on the front surface of the outer
cover 5, there are movably mounted an ejection knob 17 engaged
with an engagement lug 175 provided on one end of the ejection
lever 116 and a recording knob 18 engaged by an abutment lug 341
provided on the opposite side of the recording lever 186. The
ejection knob 17 when slid causes a sliding of the ejection lever
116. The recording knob 18 when slid causes a sliding of the
recording lever 186. The recording knob 18 forms a part of the
key input section 15 and thrusts a recording start switch, not
shown, connected to the CPU 338, via the recording lever 186.
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
The lower cover 6, constituting the casing along with the
frame 1, is formed of metal as a substantially planar plate,. as
shown in Figs.3 to 7. The lower cover is screwed to the lower
1 ate ral s i de of the f rame 1 and consti tutes the 1 owe r su rface of
the outer casing of the main body of the apparatus.
The casing constituting the main body of the apparatus has
connection jacks 36 to 40 for input/output of information
signals, as shown in Figs.3 and 4. These connection jacks 36 to
40 are connected to an electronic circuit formed on an electronic
circuit substrate.
Constitution of Disc Driving Unit
The base member 2 is farmed of metal or 'the like material
substantially as a planar plate, as shown in Figs.l5 to 17. On
the base member 2 is formed a disc driving unit 339. At a mid
portion on the lower surface of the base member 2 is mounted a
spindle motor 89 with its driving shaft directed upwards. The
driving shaft of the spindle motor 89 is projected above the base
member 2 via a through-hole formed at a mid portion of the base
member 2. A disc table 11 is mounted on the driving shaft of the
spindle motor 89. The disc table 11 is farmed substantially as
a disc on the upper surface of which is formed a frusto-conical
centering member engaged in a chuck hole of the magneto-optical
disc 200 or the optical disc 201. On the upper surf ace of the
disc table 11 provided with the centering member, there is
provided a magnet for attracting a chuck plate 202. When the mid
portion of the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201,
inclusive of the chuck hole 204, is set on the disc table 11, the
centering member is fitted in the chuck hole 204, at the same
21
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
time as the chuck plate 202 is attracted by the magnet for
holding the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201.in
position. At this time, the magneto-optical disc 200 or the
optical disc 201 is positioned with the center of the chuck hole
204 aligned with the center axis of the driving shaft of the
spindle motor 89. The spindle motor 89 produces the rotation of
the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical~disc 201 along with
the disc table 11.
The optical pickup 10 is mounted an the base member 10
having an optical block within which there are enclosed a
semiconductor laser as a light source, a light receiving element
such as a phototransistor, various optical devices for guiding
a light beam outgoing from the semiconductor laser or an
objective lens 130. The optical pickup 10 converges the light
beam emanated fram the semiconductor laser via the optical
devices and the objective lens 130 on the signal recording layer
of the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201. The
optical pickup 10 also guides the return light of the light beam
radiated on the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201
to the light receiving element via the objective lens 130 and the
optical devices far detection by. the light receiving element.
The optical pickup 10 detects the light volume and the angle of
rotation of the polarized light from the return light of the
magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201 in order to read
information signals recorded an the magneto-optical disc 200 or
the optical disc 201.
The optical pickup 10 is positioned on one side of the
spindle motor 89 and movably mounted via a pair of guide shafts
22
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
122, 123 parallel to each other on the lower surface of 'the base
member 2, as shown in Figs.l5 to 17. The optical pickup 10 -is
guided by these guide shafts 122, 123 so as to be moved towards
and away from the spindle motor 89. The optical pickup 10 has
the objective lens 130 exposed to above the base member 2 via a
through-hole formed in the base member 2. The objective leris 130
faces the signal recording surface of the magneto-optical disc
200 or the optical disc 201. That is, the optical pickup 10
.takes. charge of radiation of the light beam for recording the
information signals on the magneto-optical disc 200 held by and
rotated on the disc table 11 and the readout of information
signals recorded an the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical
disc 201.
On the lower surface of the base member 2, there is mounted
an optical pickup feed motor 124 for feeding the optical pickup
under guidance by the guides shafts 122, 123, as shown in
Figs.l5 to 17. A driving gear 125 is mounted on a driving shaft
of the optical pickup feed motor 124. The driving gear 125
meshes with a speed-reducing transmission gear 126 rotatably
supported on the lower surface of the base member 2. The speed-
reducing transmission gear 126 meshes with a follower gear 127
mounted on one end of a screw shaft 121 rotatably mounted on the
lower surface of the base member 2 parallel to the guide shafts
122, 123, and causes the screw shaft 121 to be rotated about its
axis via the follower gear 127. The screw shaft 121 has a male
threaded portion on its outer peripheral surface meshing with the
optical block of the optical pickup 10. That is, when the pickup
feed moto r 1 24 i s run i n rotati on , the sc rew shaf t i s run i n
23
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
rotati on for movi ng the opti cal pi ckup 10 al ong the gui de shafts
122, 123. _
In the vicinity of the spindle motor 89, there is mounted
an inner peripheral position detection switch 128 which is pushed
and actuated by the optical block of the optical pickup 10 when
the optical pickup 10 is closest to the spindle motor 89 within
the range of movement of the optical pickup 10, that is when the
optical pickup 10 is at the radially innermost position of the
magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201, as shown in
Figs.l5 to 17.
On the upper surface of the base member 2, there are
implanted paired positioning pins, that is a forward positioning
pin 70 and a rear positioning pin 342, at offset positions near
the forward and rear edges of the base member 2, as shown in
Figs. l5 to 17. The forward positioning pin 70 is substantially
frusto-conical and tapered towards its distal end, as shown in
Fig.20. The rear positioning pin 342 is similarly substantially
frusto-conical in profile. When the recording,~reproducing disc
cartridge 220 or the replay-only disc cartridge 221 is set on
the loading unit on the cartridge main body 205 or 216, these
positioning pins 70, 342 are engaged in positioning holes 209,
210 farmed in the cartridge main body 205 or 215 for positioning
the disc cartridge 220 or 221 with respect to the base member 2.
At. an offset position near the forward edge of the base member
2, there is formed a height position setting boss 71, as shown
in Figs. l2 and 20. The height position setting boss 71 is formed
by extending a part of the base member 2 upwards. The height
position setting boss 71 is caused to bear against the lower
24
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
major surface of the cartridge main body 205 or 216 set on the
base member 2 for positioning the cartridge main body 205 or 21.6.
Below the height position setting boss 71 is mounted a cartridge
loading detection switch 72. The cartridge loading detection
switch 72 has a pusher 73 projected above the upper surface of
the height position setting boss 71 via a through-hole formed in
the height position setting boss 71. When the lower major
surface of the cartridge main body 205 or 216 is caused to bear
adai nst the uppe r surface of the hei ght posi ti on setti ng boss 71 ,
the cartridge loading detection switch 72 ha.s its pusher 73
thrust by the major surface for detecting that one of the disc
cartridges 220, 221 has now been loaded.
In the vicinity of the cartridge loading detection switch
72 provided on the base member 2, there are mounted plural
discrimination switches 107, 108 for detecting the discrimination
hales 224 formed in the disc cartridge 22G or 221. These
discrimination switches 107, 108 are thrust when the
discrimination holes 224, are of shallow depth and are not thrust
if these holes are of deeper depth.
On the base member 2, when the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is
set on the cartridge loading unit, the cartridge main body 205
or 216 is positioned by the positioning pins 70, 342 and the
height position setting boss ?1, both in the horizontal direction
and in the height direction, while the magneto-optical disc 200
or the optical disc 201 is held in position on the disc table 11.
At this time, the cartridge loading detection switch 72 detects
the loading of the disc cartridge 220 or 221, while the
discrimination switches 107, 108 detect the state of the
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
discrimination holes 224. The cartridge loading detection switch
72 is connected as a switch A to the CPU 338, as shown in Fig.36.
When the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is loaded in position on
the cartridge loading unit, the magneto-optical disc 200 or the
optical disc 201 is enabled to be rotated within the cartridge
main body 205 or 216 without being contacted with the inner wall
of the cartridge main body 205 or 216.
Arrangemerit for Supporting the Magnetic Head
On the optical pickup 10 is mounted a magnetic head 13 via
a.connecting arm 12, a magnetic head supporting plate 132 and a
magnetic head supporting arm 77, as shown in Figs.l2 to 14, 18
and 19.
The connecting arm 12 is substantially L-shaped and has its
one end mounted on the optical block of the optical pickup 10 by
set screws 119, 119, while having its other end directed upwards
at the rear end of the optical block, as shown in Fig.l3. The
other end of the connecting arm 12 is located more rearwardly
than the rear edge of the base member 2, as shown in Figs.l8 and
19, and is moved together with the optical pickup 10 without
being abutted against the base member 2. The connecting arm 12
has its other end projected above the upper surface of the base
member 2. In the vicinity of the other upper end of the
cannecting arm t2 is rotatably mounted a rear edge portion of the
magnetic head supporting plate 132 via a pivot 74. The magnetic
head supporting plate 132 has its forward side di rected forwards,
and has the forward edge rotatable in a direction towards and
away from the base member 2, as shown in Figs.t2 to 14. A
positioning lug 87 is projected from near the other end of the
26
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
connecting arm 12. The positioning lug 87 is located above the
positioning arm 75 and positioned by having its downward travel
inhibited on abutment against the end region of the positioning
arm 75, as shown in Figs.l2 to 14. A magnetic head supporting arm
77 is supported by having its distal end directed forwards and
has a portion near its distal end bent in the lateral direction.
as shown in Figs. l2 to 14. A gimbal spring 79 has its proximal
end mounted on the magnetic head.supporting plate 132. The
magnetic head 13 is mounted on the distal end of the gimbal
spring 79, part of which is bent to form a retention support 117.
The retenti on support 1 1 7 i s engaged wi th the bent porti on i n the
vicinity of the distal end of the magnetic head supporting arm
77, as shown in Figs,l2 to 14.
The magnetic head 13, thus supported, is located above the
objective lens 130 of the optical pickup 10, and faced by the
optical pickup 10. The magnetic head 13 is also movable in the
up-and-down direction for being contacted with or separated from
the base member 2, by the magnetic head supporting plate 132
bei ng rotated rel ative to the connecti ng arm 12 . The magnetic
head 13 is also positioned in the downward direction by abutment
of the positioning lug 87 with the positioning arm 75. A torsion
coil spring 76 is placed around one end of the pivot 74. The
torsion coil spring 76 has its coil part interposed between the
proximal portion of the positioning arm 75 and the magnetic head
supporting plate 132, while having its arm sections retained by
the positioning arm 75 and the magnetic head supporting plate ,
i32, as shown in Figs. l2 to 14. Thus the torsion coil spring
thrusts magnetic head supporting plate 132 towards the opposite
27
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
lateral side of the connecting arm 12 for lateral positioning of
-the magnetic head supporting plate 132, while rotationally
biasing the magnetic head supporting plate 1;32 relative to the
connecting arm 12 in a direction in which the magnetic head 13
is moved downwards. The magnetic head 13 is fed with electric
current via a flexible printed circuit board 133 extended between
the proximal ends of the magnetic head 13 and the magnetic head
supporting arm 77.
Constitution of Cartridge Holder
On the upper surface of the base member 2 is mounted a
cartridge holder 3 into which is introduced the disc cartridge
220 or 221. In order to allow the disc cartridge 220 or 221 to
be i nse rted f rom the f o rwa rd s i de and to ho 1 d thus i nse rted d i sc
cartridge 220 or 221, the cartridge holder 3 has a top plate,
left-hand and right-hand sidewall sections 149, 150 depending
from both lateral side edges of the top plate and support pieces
151, 152 bent inwards from the lower ends of the sidewall
sections, as shown in Figs. l2 to 14, 18 and 19. The cartridge
holder 3 is formed by bending a one-piece metal sheet material.
With the cartridge holder 3, the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is
i ntroduced f rom the forward si de openi ng i nto a space between the
lower sidewall sections 149, 150 below the top plate in a
.direction indicated by arrow in Fig.8 so as to be held and
supported at lateral sections of the lower major surface thereof .
At this time, the disc cartridge 200 or 201 has the lower major
surface facing downwards, substantially in its entirety, with the
chuck aperture 213, aperture for the optical pickup 222,
positioning holes 209, 210 and the discriminating holes 224
28
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
facing the lower side of the cartridge holder 3.
At a mid portion of one of the sidewall section 150 of the
cartridge holder 3, there is protuberantly rnounted a shutter
opening piece 136, directed towards the inner side of the
cartridge holder 3, as shown in Figs. l8 and 19. When the disc
cartridge 220 or 221 is inserted into the cartridge holder 3, the
shutter opening piece 136 is caused to bear against the forward
end face of the connecting web portion or supporting portion of
the shutter member 206 or 217 for moving the shutter member 206,
217 as the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is introduced into the
cartridge holes 3 for opening the apertures 213, 222, 223 formed
in the cartridge main body 205 or 216. On thE? forward lateral
side of the sidewall section 150 of the cartridge holder 3, there
is provided a shutter closure member 135 of an elastic material,
such as plate spring, for extending towards the inside of the
cartridge holder 3, as shown in Figs. l8 and 19. When the disc
cartridge 220 or 221 is introduced into the cartridge holder 3,
the shutter closure member 135 is engaged in a shutter closure
opening 208 of the shutter member 206 or 217 and, when the disc
cartridge 220 or 221 is extracted from the cartridge holder 3,
shifts the shutter member 206 or 217 in a direction of closing
the apertures 213, 222, 223 formed in the cartridge main body 205
or 216.
A pair of retention springs 134, 137 are mounted on both
sides on the rear lateral side of the top plate of the cartridge
holder 3. Each of the retention springs 134, 137 has its
proximal end secured to the upper- surface of the top plate while
having its proximal end directed towards the rear. The foremost
29
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
parts of these retention springs 134, 137 are projected via
through-holes 138, 139 formed in both sides on the rear lateral
side of the top plate towards below the top plate, that is into
the inside of the cartridge holder 3, as shown in Figs.l8 and 19.
Thus the retention springs 134, 137 thrust and support the upper
major surface of the disc cartridge 220 or 22'1 introduced into
the cartridge holder 3.
On both rear lateral sides of the cartridge holder 3 are
mounted left-hand and right-hand side pivots 86, 86 having their
axes running parallel to the rear edge of the cartridge holder
3. These pivots 86, 86 are passed through left-hand and right-
hand side bearing members 98, 90 mounted near the rear side of
the base member 2, as shown in Figs.l5 to 17, so that the
cartridge holder 3 is supported for rotation about~these pivots
86, 86 as the center of rotation. When the disc cartridge 220
or 221 is introduced into and held by the cartridge holder 3
which is rotated upwards so as to be spaced apart from the base
member 2, as shown in Fig. l2, and subsequently the cartridge
holder 3 is rotated downwards as shown in Fig.l3 so as to be set
on the base member 2, the disc cartridge 220 or 221 held by the
cartridge holder i~ loaded in ~Lhe cartridge loading position on
the base member 2. Thus the disc cartridge 220 or 221, loaded on
the base member 2, is thrust towards and supported by the
retention springs 134, 137.
The magnetic head supporting plate 132 and the magnetic head
supporting arm 77 are positioned above the cartridge holder 3.
In the top plate of the cartridge holder 3, thee is bored a
through-hole 140 in register with the range of possible movement
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
of the magnetic head supporting arm 77 and thE: gimbal spring 79
accompanying the movement of the optical pickup 10, as shown. in
Figs. l8 and 1~9. That is, the magnetic head 13 faces the upper
surface of the disc cartridge 220 or 221 held within the
cartridge holder 3 via the through-hole 140.
On a lateral surface, that is an outer surface of the
sidewall section 150 of the cartridge holder 3, a first click
stop link 24 has its proximal end rotatably mounted via a pivot
318 , .as shown i n Fi gs . 28 to 30 . The f i rst stop c1 i nk 1 i nk 24 has
its distal end directed forwards and is rotatably mounted on a
click stop lever 23 movably mounted near a lateral edge on the
upper surface of the base member 2. That is, the click stop
lever 24 has its longitudinal direction as the fore-and-aft
direction and has a support pin 322 set on the base member 2
introduced into an oblong hole 323 having its long axis extending
in the longitudinal direction so that the click. stop lever 24 is
slidable in the fore-and-aft direction. The click stop lever 23
has a supporting piece 320 bent upwards and the first click stop
link 24 has its distal end mounted via a pivot; 328 relative to
the supporting piece 320. The foremost end of the first stop
link 24 beyond the pivot 328 is formed with a click stop
protrusion 319, while the supporting piece 320 is formed with a
click stop groove 321.
When the cartridge holder 3 is rotated upwards as indicated
by arrow G in Fig.29, the click stop lever 23 is slid rearwards
via the first click stop link 24, as indicated by arrow I in
F i g . 29 . . The c 1 i ck stop boss 31 9 i s then moved f rorn above the
supporting piece 320 as indicated by arrow H in Fig.29 to
31
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
1 ateral 1 y of the supporti ng pi ece 320 whi 1 a e1 asti cal 1 y deformi ng
the distal end of the first click stop link 24. When tie
cartridge holder 3 is rotated halfway, the click stop boss 319
is engaged in the click stop groove 321. The cartridge holder
3 is held at this time at a position spaced apart from the base
member 2, as shown in Fig.30. When the cartridge holder 3 is
rotated towards the mechanical chassis in a direction opposite
to that shown by arrow G in Fig.29, the click stop boss 319 is
disengaged from the click stop groove 321 so that the click stop
lever 23 is slid in a forward direction indicated by arrow J in
Fig.29 and thus restored to its initial position.
Disc Cartridge E.iection Mechanism
On the rear side on the upper surface of the base member 2,
there is mounted a disc cartridge ejection mechanism for ejecting
the disc cartridge 220 or 221 so far held in the cartridge holder
3 in a forward direction, The disc cartridge ejection mechanism
has a cartridge ejection lever 302 rotatably mounted on the rear
side of the base member 2 and an ejection lever lock lever 309.
for locking the cartridge ejection lever 302 at the rear
position, as shown in Fig.28.
The cartridge ejection lever 302 has its proximal end
projected below the base member 2 via a through-hole 304 formed
near the rear edge of the base member 2 and has its proximal end
supported via a pivot 303 for rotation relative to the lower
surface of the base member 2. An engagement lug 307 is formed
on the lower edge of a mid portion of the cartridge ejection
lever 3.02 for extending downwards into an arcuate slit 308 formed
in the base member 2. The cartridge ejection lever 302 has its
32
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
range of rotation delimited by a slit 308 so that it is rotatable
from a position in which its distal end is directed obliquely
forwards to a position in which the distal end is directed
laterally along the rear edge of the base member 2. A tension
coil spring 129 is mounted between a spring retainer 305 provided
on the proximal end of cartridge ejection lever 302 and a spring
retainer lug 306 provided on the lower surface of the base member
2. The tension coil spring 129 rotationally biases the distal
end of the cartridge ejection lever 302 in a forward direction
as indicated by arrow K in Fig.28.
The ejection lever lock lever 309 is supported laterally
slidably by supporting pins 310, 311 implanted on the upper
surface of the base member 2, as shown in Fig.28. The ejection
1 eve r 1 ock 1 eve r 309 has i is one end fac i ng t he rear end of a
lock release spring 324 mounted on the click 'stop lever 23 for
being extended rearwards from the click stop lever 23, while
having its other end facing the rear end of a slit 308 engaged
by the engagement lug 307. The lock release spring 324 has its
rear end elastically deflectable upwards and has its rear end
portion located on the upper surface of the ejection lever lock
lever 309. The lock release lever 324 has its rear end as a
tapered portion 325 inclined towards one lateral side and having
a cut-out 326 opened towards one 1 ateral si de and an i ncl i ned
edge 327 provided at the rear edge of the cut-out 326. The other
end of the ejection lever' lock lever 309 is formed with a tapered
portion 316 inclined towards the engagement lug 307. The
ejection lever lock lever 309 is biased towards the opposite
lateral side as indicated by arrow M in Fig.28, that is towards
33
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
the slit 308, by a tension coil spring 315 mounted between a
spri ng retai ner 31 3 and a spri ng retai ner 1 ug 31 3 provided on the
base member 2.
In an initial state of the cartridge ejection mechanism, in
which the cartridge holder 3 is positioned towards the base
member 2, as shown in Fig.28, the cartridge ejection lever 302
is located forwards, while the lock release spring 324 and the
clock stop lever 23 are also located forwards. When the
cartridge holder 3 is rotated upwards as indicated by arrow N in
Fig.28, the lock release spring 324 is moved rearwards as
indicated by arrow P in Fig.28. At this time, the lock release
spring 324 thrusts the lock release pin 317 towards one lateral
side by its tapered portion 325 for sliding the ejection lever
1 ock 1 eve r 309 towards a 1 ate ral s i de agai nst. the bi as~ of the
tension coil spring 315. When the cartridge holder 3 is rotated
a pre-set angle, the lock release spring 324 shifts the cut-out
326 to a position registering with the lock release pin 317. The
ejection lever lock lever 309 causes the lock release pin 317 to
be i nt ruded i nto the cut-out 326 so t hat, the i n i ti al state i s
again established.
When the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is introduced into the
cartridge holder 3, the disc cartridge 220 or- 221 thrusts the
foremost part of the cartridge ejection lever 302 for rotating
the ca rt r i dge a j ecti on 1 eve r 302 i n a d i rect i on oppos i to iio
that
indicated by arrow K in Fig.28 against the bias of the tension
coil spring 129. When the cartridge ejection lever 302 is
rotated rearwards, the engagement lug 307 thrusts the tapered
portion 316 formed at the opposite end of the ejection lever lock
34
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
lever 309 for sliding the ejection lever lock lever 309 towards
the above-mentioned lateral side. The ejection lever lock lever
309 is slid once towards the above-mentioned lateral side as
indicated by arrow Q in Fig.28. However, when the disc cartridge
220 or 221 is fully introduced into the cartridge holder 3, and
the cartridge ejection lever 302 reaches the rear positior7, the
engagement lug 307 reaches a position further rearward than the
opposite lateral side of the ejection lever lock lever 309, so
,that,the initial position is again established. The cartridge
ejection lever 302 is locked at the rear posii:ion.
When the cartridge holder 3 is rotated towards the base
member 2, the lock release lever 324 is moved forwards as it is
elastically deformed towards the upper side, 'with the inclined
edge 327 in sliding contact with the upper end of the lock
release pin 317, as shown in Fig.30. Consequently, the ejection
lever lock lever 309 is not slid. If the cartridge holder 3
holds at this time the disc cartridge 220 or 221, the disc
cartridge 220 or 221 is held within the cartridge holder 3 and
moved in this state towards the base member 2.
When the cartridge holder 3 holding the disc cartridge 220
or 221 is rotated upwards away from the base member 2, the
a jecti on 1 eve r 1 ock 1 eve r 309 i s s1 i d once towards the above-
mentioned lateral side during the rotation of the cartridge
holder 3 as indicated by arrow Q in Fig.28. When the ejection
lever lock lever 309 is slid in this manner towards the above-
mentioned lateral side, the ejection lever lock lever 309 is
unlocked so that the cartridge ejection lever 302 is rotated
forwards as indicated by arrow K in Fig.28, under the bias of the
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
tension coil spring 129, for ejecting the disc cartridge 220 or
221 forwardly of the cartridge holder 3.
Constitution of Lifting the Magnetic Head
With the present recording and/or reproducing apparatus, the
lifting of the magnetic head 13 is taken charge of by a magnetic
head lifting plate 20 mounted on the upper surface of the
cartridge holder 3 and a magnetic head lifting lever 94 mounted
on the lower surface of the base member 2 for sliding a
transmission lever 19.
The magnetic head lifting plate 20 is mounted below the
magnetic head supporting arm 77 and the gimbal spring 79 for
closing the rear portion of a cut-out 140, as shown in Figs. l2
to 14, 18 and 1 9 . The magneti c head 1 i fti ng p1 ate 20 has i is
rear edge portion rotatably supported via pivot 78 relative to
the top plate of the cartridge holder 3 so that its forward side
is movable in the vertical direction. When rotated upwards, the
magnetic head lifting plate 20 thrusts the gimbal spring 79
towards the magnetic head supporting arm 77, while rotating the
gimbal spring 79 and the magnetic head supporting arm 77 about
the pivot 74 as the center of rotations as shown in Figs.l2 an
13. When rotated downwards, the magnetic head lifting plate 20
has a portion of its forward edge abutted against the top plate
of the cartridge holder 3 so as to be positioned substantially
in flush with the top plate. At this time, the magnetic head
supporting arm 77 is rotated downwards until the positioning lug
87 is caused to bear against the positioning arm 75. On the
other hand, the gimbal spring 79 is lowered below the magnetic
head supporting arm 77 until an engagement support 117 is hung
36
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
from the bent distal end of the magnetic head supporting arm 77.
Thus the distance LS from the lower surface of the magnetic head
13 as far as the upper surface of the magnetic head supporting
arm 77 as shown in Fig. l3 is shorter than the distance L1 from
the lower surface of the magnetic head 13 as far as the upper
surface of the magnetic head supporting arm 77 when the magnetic
head lifting plate 20 has been rotated downwards, as shown in
Fig.l4. The magnetic head lifting plate 20 has its proximal end
rotationally biased downwards by the foremost part of a plate
spring 141 mounted by a mounting pin 142 on the upper surface of
the cartridge holder 3. That is, the plate spring 141 has its
foremost part set on the magnetic head lifting plate 20, as shown
in Fig. l3.
The transmission lever 19 is mounted on the opposite lateral
side on the upper surface of the cartridge holder 3 for sliding
in the fore-and-aft direction, as shown in Figs>.13 and 14. The
transmission lever 19 has parallel support grooves 146, 147
engaged by support pins 143, 144, projected on the upper surface
of the cartridge holder 3, respectively. The transmission lever
19 has a lifting lug 80 at its lateral side, that is a portion
thereof located at a mid part of the cartrifge holder 3 for
facing the opposite lateral side of the magnetic head lifting
plate 20. The forward end of the lifting lug 80 is a tapered
portion 81 inclined upwards. The lower surface on the opposite
lateral side of the magnetic head lifting plate 20 is formed with
an inclined surface 82 registering with the lifting lug 80. The
inclined surface 82 is formed as a rearwardly inclined tapered
portion by having a portion of the magnetic head lifting plate
37
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
20 segmented and bent in the upward direction.
When shifted towards the front side from the rear side, the
transmission lever l9~causes_the lifting lug 80 to be intruded
into a space between the magnetic head lifting plate 20 and the
upper surface of the cartridge holder 3 as the tapered portion
81 has a.sliding contact with the inclined surf ace 82 of the
magnetic head lifting plate 20. The magnetic head lifting plate
20 is rotated upwards against the bias of the plate spring 141,
as shown in Fig.l3. When moved from the front side towards the
rear side, the transmission lever 19 causes the lifting lug 80
to be receded rearwards via a space between the magnetic head
1 i fti ng p1 ate 20 and the uppe r su rface of the cartri dge hot de r
3 as the tapered portion 81 has a sliding contact with the
inclined surface 82 of the magnetic head lifting plate 20. This
rotates the magnetic head lifting plate 20 downwards under .the
bias of the plate spring 141 for re-establishing the initial
position. The transmission lever 19 has a connecting arm 83 at
its opposite lateral side for depending towards the base member
2, as shown in Figs.l2 to 14. The connecting arm 83 is
protruded below the base member 2 via a through-hale 84 formed
near the opposite lateral side of the base member 2.
A magnetic head lifting lever 94 is mounted on the opposite
lateral side on the lower surface of the base member 2 for
sliding in the fore-and-aft direction, as shown in Figs.l5 to 17.
The magnetic head lifting lever 94 has parallel support grooves
98, 99 engaged by support pins 96, 97 set upright on the lower
surface of the mechanical chassis 2, respectively. The magnetic
head 1 i fti ng 1 eve r 94 i s moved i n the fore-and-aft di recti on,
38
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
responsive to the operating mode of the recording and/or
reproducing apparatus by a stepping motor 85 controlled by the
CPU 338. The stepping motor 85 is mounted at a rear portion on
the lower surface of the base member 2. A driving gear 91 is
mounted on a driving shaft of the stepping motor 85. The driving
gear 91 meshes with a first transmission gear 92 rotatably
supported on the lower surface of the base member 2. The first
transmission gear 92 meshes with a worm wheel of a second
transmission gear 93 rotatably mounted on the lower surface of
the base member 2. The second transmissian gear 93 has a pinion
gear meshing with a rack gear 131 provided on the magnetic head
lifting lever 94.
The magneti c head 1 i fti ng 1 eve r 94 i s moved i n the fo re-and-
aft direction under the driving force of the stepping motor 85
which is driven by being fed with driving pulses from the CPU 338
and thereby run in rotation an angle corresponding to the number
of supplied pulses.
The rear end of the magnetic head lifting lever 94 has an
engagement opening 114 in register with the through-hole 84. In
the engagement opening 114 is engaged the connecting arm 83 of
the transmission lever 19 via the through-hole 84. When the
transmission lever 94 is s1 id in the fore-and-aft di rection, the
transmission lever 19 is moved in the fore-and-aft direction on
the cartridge holder 3. Since the magnetic head lifting plate
20 is additionally rotated, the magnetic head 13 is lifted in an
up-and-down direction. The connecting arm 83 is formed
substantially arcuately about the pivot 86 of the cartridge
holder 3 as the center of the arc, such that the connecting arm
39
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
83 l s pe rpetual 1 y engaged l n the engagement openi ng 1 14 even when
the cartridge holder 3 is rotated about the pivot 86 as the
center of rotation.
At a mid portion of the magnetic head lifting lever 94,
there is provided a f orwardly directed planar switch actuating
p l ece 1 10 . On the 1 owe r su rf ace of the base membe r 2 , the re l s
mounted, in register with the switch actuating piece 110, a
detection switch 109 for detecting the initial position of the
magnetic head lifting lever 94. The initial position detection
switch 109 is thrust by the switch actuating piece 110 when the
magnetic head lifting lever 94 is moved to the forward initial
position, and transmits to the CPU 338 a detection signal
indicating that the lever 94 is in its initial position. When
the magnetic head lifting lever 194 is at the initial position,
the transmission lever 19 has been shifted to its initial
position, so that the magnetic head 13 is held at its upper
position. The position of the magnetic head lifting lever 94 may
be found by counting the number of pulses supplied to the
stepping motor 85 after outputting of the detection signals from
the initial position detection switch 109.
The opposi to 1 ate ral s l de of the magnet l c head 1 l fti ng 1 eve r
94 is formed with a retention protrusion 111 which is extended
towards a lateral guide portion, as shown in Figs.l5 to 17. The
retention protrusion 111 faces the upper side via a through-hole
112 formed near the opposite lateral side of the base member 2.
A retention pawl 88 is formed at the lower edge of the sidewall
section 149 of the cartridge holder 3, as shown in Figs.l8 and
1 9 . The retenti on pawl 88 l s hook-shaped , that l s , l is 1 owe r end
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
projected towards the lower side is bent inwards, so that, when
the cartridge holder 3 is rotated downwards and set on the base
member 2, the retention pawl 88 is projected below the base
member 2 via the through-hole 112. When protruded into the
through-hole 112, the retentian pawl 88 is positioned at back of
the retention protrusion 111 should the magnetic head lifting
lever 94 be at its initial position. When the retention pawl 88
is protruded into the through-hole 112 and the magnet is head
1 ifti,ng lever 94 is moved rearwards, the retention pawl 88 is
retained by the retention protrusion 111, as shown in Fig.l4, so
that extricat ion from the through-hole 112 and upward movement
of the retention pawl 88 is inhibited. That is, when the
magnetic head lifting lever 94 is slid rearwards after rotation
towards the base member 2, the retention pawl 88 is retained by
the retention protrusion 111 for inhibiting the separating
movement from the base member 2.
Constitution for Supporting the Base Member
The base member 2 is supported in a floating fashion
relative to the frame 1, as mentioned hereinabove. That is, the
base member 2 is supported by a damper unit 14 by each of four
support pieces 190 to 193 projected towards the inner side of the
frame 1, as shown in Fig.22.
The damper unit 14 has a shaft 330 set for depending from
the 1 awe r su rface of the base membe r 2 , as shown i n F i g . 32 . The
shaft 330 has a fi rst flange 331 at its upper proximal end in
Fig.32 towards the base member 2, and also has a second flange
332 at its distal end shown at a.lower mid portion in Fig.32.
The shaft 330 has its proximal end portion as a mounting
41
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
portion 330a for mounting on the base member 2. The mounting
portion 330a has a caulking recess 330c formed axially from its
proximal end. The mounting portion 330a is introduced into a
mounting opening in the base member 2 and sub;~equently mounted
on the base member 2 by a caulking consisting in deforming the
periphery of the caulking recess 330c outwards. When the
mounting portion 330a is mounted on the base member 2, a first
flange 331 is caused to bear against the base member 2. The
portion of the shaft 330 beyond the fi rst f=lange 331 is a
columnar-shaped pivot 330b. The distal end of the pivot 330b is
formed with a female thread along its axis.
A second f 1 ange 332a i s formed as a head of" a set screw 332
having a center threaded portion 332a and is mounted on the
distal end of the pivot 330b by the threaded portion 332c being
engaged with the threaded portion 332a of the shaft 330. A
c ross-shaped s 1 of 332b engaged by a sc rewd ri ve r i s fo rmed on the
side of the head 332a opposite to the side having the threaded
portion.
Between the f i rst f 1 ange 331 and a second f 1 ange 332a i s
interposed a damper 334 as a vibration absorbing member. The
damper 334 is substantially cylindrically-shaped and formed of
a viscoelastic material, such as butyl rubber. The damper has
a center hole passed through by the pivot 330b of the shaft 330
and has uppe r and 1 owe r ends abutted agai nst the f i rst f 1 ange 331
and the second flange 332a. The damper 334 has an engagement
graove encircling the damper 334 engaged by the inner periphery
of supporting holes 194 to 197 bored in the supporting lugs 190
to 193 formed in the frame 1. The damper' 334 absorbs vibrations
42
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
transmitted from the frame 1 and prevents the vibrations from
being transmitted to the base member 2. The damper unit 14 has
a compression coil spring 333 which is fitted on the outer side
of the dampe r 334 i n o rde r to f unct i on as a f i rst a 1 ast i c membe r
i nte rposed between the 1 owe r su rf ace of the base membe r 2 and the
upper surfaces of the supporting pieces 190 to 193 of the frame
1. The compression coil spring 333 thrusts t;he base member 2
upwards by its resiliency. The end of the compression coil
spring 333 towards the base member 2 is fitted on the outer side
of the first flange 331.
The pivot 330b has a reduced-diameter portion 330f in
register with the frame 1 on the outer periphery for assuring the
range of possible movement relative to the shaft 330 of the frame
1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 330
accompanying the deformation of the damper 334. The outer
pe r i phe ry of he f i rst f 1 ange 331 i s con i cal 1 y-s hayed so as to be
reduced in diameter towards the base member 2 in order to prevent
detachment of the coil spring 333.
On the lower surface of the cover support plate 4
constituting the lid 700 are mounted the proximal ends of a pair
oR' spring plates 61, 62, as second elastic members, with the
distal ends di rected downwards, as shown in Fig.31 . When the
cover support member 4 is secured to the frame 1 in the closed
state of the lid, as described subsequently, the base member 2
and the cartridge holder 3 are supported by being clamped by the
four damper units 14 and the spring plates 61 , 61 from the up-
and-down direction indicated by arrows S~, SZ shown in Fig.3l.
That is, the height position of the base member 2 is a
43
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
counterbalanced position in which the coiling force of the
compression coil spring 333 of each damper unit 14, the recoiling
force of the spring plates 61, 62 and the weight of the base
member 2 counterbalance one another.
Consequently, with the present disc recording and/or
reproducing apparatus, it becomes possible to rf:duce the resonant
frequency f~ of the vibrating system including the base member 2
and the cartridge holder 3 and hence to achieve sufficient
absorption of the vibrations by the damper units 14. In
addition, the damper 334 undergoes less deformation caused by its
supporting the base member 2, so that it is less susceptible to
cracking and hence improved durability may be achieved. In
addition, since the base member 2 and the cartridge holder 3 are
supported as they are clamped between the damper units 14 and the
spring plates 61, 62, it becomes possible to maintain the neutral
position (the position in the stationary state) and the relative
position with respect to the frame 1. Besides, since the
cartri dge hol de r 3 i s thrust agai nst the uppe r su dace of the
base member 2 by the spring plates 61, 62, it becomes possible
to thrust and support the disc cartridges 220, 221 satisfactorily
with respect to the base member 2. The thrusting force of the
disc cartridge 220 or 221 may be on the order of 2n0 gf.
The foremost parts of the spri ng plates 61 , 62 may be f fitted
with vibration absorbing members of, for example, rubber,
interposed between the spring plates 61 , 62 and the upper surface
of the cartridge holder 3.
The inner side of the outer cover 5 is formed with an
abutting piece 198, as shown in Fig.23. When the outer cover 5
44
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
is mounted on the frame 1, the abutment piece 198 is intruded
into the inside of the frame 1. The abutment piece 198 is
positioned above the base member 2 for restricting the range of
upward movement of the base member 2. Consequently, when lid 700
is rotated upwards for opening the upper surface of the main body
of the apparatus, the base member 2 is biased upwards under the
bias of the compression coil spring 333 of each of the damper
units 14, and is positioned by being caused to bear at its
lateral edge portions against the abutment piece 198.
Modifi cation of Damper Unit employed in Di sc
Recordinqj Reproducing Apparatus
Fig.42 shows a modification of the damper' unit 14 adapted
for supporting the base member 2 by the frame 1 in a floating
manner.
Referring to Fig.42, the damper unit 14 ha.s a shaft 330 set
in a depending fashion on the lower surface of the base member
2. The shaft 330 has a fi rst flange 331 on the proximal portion
disposed at an upper side in Fig.42 and a second flange 332a on
the lower distal end in Fig.42.
The shaft 330 has its proximal end portion as a mounting
portion 330a for mounting on the base member 2, as shown in
Figs.42 and 45. The mounting portion 330a has a caulking recess
330c formed axially from its proximal end. The mounting portion
330a is introduced into a mounting opening in the base member
2 and subsequently mounted on the base member 2 by a caulking
consisting in deforming the periphery of the caulking recess 330c
outwards. When the mounting portion 330a is mounted on the base
member 2, a first flange 331~is caused to bear against the base
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
membe r 2 . The porti on of the shaft 330 beyond the f i rst f 1 ange
331 is a columnar-shaped pivot 330b. The distal end of the pivot
330b is formed with a female thread 330d along its axis. The
opening edge portion. of the female thread 330~d is chamfered to
forma a tapered portion 330e. ,
A second flange 332a is formed as a head of a set screw 332
having a center threaded portion 332d and is mounted on the
distal end of the pivot 330b by the threaded portion 332c being
engaged with the threaded portion 332a of the shaft 330, as shown
in Figs.42 to 44. A cross-shaped slot 332b engaged by- a
screwdriver is formed on the side of the head 332a opposite to
the side having the threaded portion.
The proximal end portion of the threaded portion 332d
contiguous to the second flange 332a is not formed with a screw
thread but is formed as a substantially conically-shaped enlarged
diameter portion 332c which is enlarged in diameter at the second
flange 332a. The surface shape of the enlarged diameter portion
332c is tapered in which the cross-sectional shape of the
threaded portion 332d along its axis is linear or has an arcuate
cross-section, as shown in Fig.44.
The di stal end of the threaded porti on :332d i s coax i al 1 y
formed with a cylindrically-shaped guide portion 332e which is
lesser in diameter than the valley of the threaded portion 332d.
The guide portion 332e has a substantially spherically-shaped
foremost portion.
Between the f i rst f 1 ange 331 and the second f 1 ange 332a i s
i nte rposed a dampe r 334 as a v i b rati on abso rbi ng membe r . The
damper 334, formed of a visco-elastic material, such. as butyl
46
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
rubber, is substantially cylindrical in shape, and has a central
bore passed through by the pivot 330b, while having its upper
and lower ends abutted against the first and second flanges 331
and 332a, respectively. The damper 334 is held between the first
flange 331 and the second flange 332a by being fitted over the
outer side of the pivot 330b of the shaft 330 and subsequently
by screwing the set screw 332 on the shaft 330. The damper 334
has an engagement groove on its outer periphery surrounding the
damper 334. This engagement groove is engaged by the inner
peripheral edge of supporting openings 194 to 197 bored in the
supporting pieces 190 to 193, respectively. The function of the
damper 334 is to absorb vibrations transmittecl via the frame 1
to prevent the vibrations from being 'transmitted to the base
member 2.
The damper unit 14 has a compression coil spring 333 as a
f i rst a 1 ast i c membe r f i tted ove r the oute r s i de of the dampe r
334
and i nte rposed between the 1 owe r su rface of the base membe r 2 and
the upper surfaces of the supporting pieces 190 to 193 of the
frame 1. The compression coil spring 333 thrusts and supports
the base member 2 upwards under its resiliency. The end of the
compression coil spring 333 towards the base member 2 is fitted
over the outer side of the first flange 331.
When the set sc rew 332 i s mounted on the shaft 330 , i is
enlarged diameter portion 332c is intruded Into the tapered
portion 330e, and the threaded portion 332d is screwed in the
female thread 330d of the shaft 330 with a pre--set torque until
the second flange 332a is caused to bear against the distal end
of the pivot 330b of the shaft 330. The enlarged diameter
47
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
portion 332c thrusts the tapered portion 330e: outwards at this
time for deforming the distal end of the pivot 330b outwards.
Such deformation of the distal end of the pivot 330b is effective
to hold the enlarged diameter portion 332c for preventing the
enlarged diameter portion from being extracted from the shaft
330.
For screwing the set screw 332 on the shaft 330, the guide
portion 332e is first intruded into the female thread 330d. The
guide portion 332e is lesser in diameter than the female thread
330d, and has a spherically-shaped distal end, so that it can be
easily fitted into the female thread 330d. By rotating the set
screw 332 after the guide portion 332e is introduced into the
female thread 330d, the center threaded portion 332d can be
easily threaded with the female thread 330d.
The outer periphery of the first flange 331 is conically-
shaped, with a diminishing diameter towards tt~e base member 2,
for preventing detachment of the compression coil spring 333.
Constitution of the Lid
The lid 700 of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus
according to the present invention is made up of the cover
support plate 4 and the upper cover 7, as shown in Fig.9. The
cover support plate 4 is formed as a metal sheet material and is
made up of a main plate portion and an attachment plate portion
58 rotatably mounted on the rear edge of the main plate portion
via a pivot 59. The attachment plate portion 58 is screwed to the
rear surface of the battery casing 8 by so--called co-tightening
along with the lower cover 6. The major surface plate of the
cover support plate 4 is supported above the base member 2 for
48
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
covering the upper surface of the cartridge holder 3. The major
su rf ace p1 ate of the cove r suppo rt p 1 ate 4 i s rotatabl a i n a
direction towards and away from the upper surface of the
cartridge holder 3. The upper cover 7 is mounted on the upper
surface of the major surface plate of the cover' support plate 4
for covering the major surface plate.
A 1 i nk mounti ng p 1 ate 53 i s mounted dependi ng f rom a 1 ate ral
surface of the major surface plate of the cover support plate 4,
as shown i n Fi g . 9 . A second c1 i ck stop 1 i nk 45 has i is rear edge
portion rotatably mounted via a pivot 46 an the link mounting
plate 5.3. The second link stop link 45 has its forward end
po rti on engaged i n an engagement open i ng 5 1 of a c1 i nk stop pi ece
50 mounted upright on the upper edge of the flange 1. The
engagement opening 51 is oblong with its long axis along the
fore-and-aft di rection and carries the forward end of the second
c1 ick stop 1 ink 45 in such a manner as to allow for longitudinal
movement and rotation of the second click stop link 45. A click
stop lug 49 is formed near the forward end of the second click
stop link 45. The click stop piece 50 has a click stop opening
52 ahead of the engagement opening 51. When the lid 700 closes
the uppe r end po rn on of the base membe r 2. , the c1 i ck stop 1 ug
49 is positioned ahead of the click stop opening 52, as shown in
Fig.9. When the lid 700 is rotated in the direction shown at B
in Fig.9, the forward end portion of the second click stop link
45 is moved rearwards along the engagement opening 51, at the
same time as it is rotated about the pivot 48, as shown in Fig.9,
for engaging the click stop lug 49 with the click stop opening
52. The lid 700 is held at this time in an open position shown
49
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
in Fig. l2.
A retention member 301 is projectedly mounted on the inner
side near the forward edge of the upper cover 7, as shown in
Figs.25 to 27. The retention member 301 is retained by a lock
1 eve r 1 1 5 mounted on the f ront su rface of the mai n f rame 1 fo r
maintaining the lid 700 in the state of having closed the upper
surface of the main body of the apparatus-, as shown in Fig.25.
The lock lever 115 has longitudinal support slits 177, 178,
in which supporting pins 163, 164 implanted on the front surface
of the frame 1 are introduced so that the lock lever 115 is
slidable in a sideways direction relative to the frame 1., as
shown in Fig.25. The upper end of the lock piece 181 is hook-
shaped, that is it has its end bent towards the opposite side,
and has a downwardly directed retention portion 182. When the
lid 700 is at the position of closing the main body of the
apparatus, the lock lever 115 engages the retention portion 182
with the upper edge of the retention member 30'I for suppressing
the opening of the lid 700, as shown in Fig.26. The lock lever
115 has a spring mounting opening 179 between supporting slits
177 and 178. The lock lever 115 is biased by a compression coil
spring 168 mounted within the spring mounting opening 179 in a
direction indicated by arrow T1 shown in Fig.20 and is positioned
at a posi ti on capabl a of retai ni ng the retenti on membe r 301 . The
compression coil spring 168 has its one end engaged in a spring
engagement piece 180 at an edge of the spring mounting opening
179, while having its other end engaged with a spring retention
piece 157 at an edge of the spring mounting opening 256 formed
i n the f rout su rf ace of the f rame 1 .
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
The lock piece 181 has the opposite side portion of its
upper end tapered so as to be inclined upwards and, when the lid
700 is at a position of closing the upper surface of the main
body of the apparatus, as shown in Fig.25, the 'cock piece 181 has
its tapered portion thrust by the retention member 301 for
shifting the lock lever 115 in a direction shown by arrow X in
Fi g . 25 . When the 1 i d 700 c1 oses the uppe r su rface of the mai n
body of the apparatus, the lock piece 181 is raised in its
position to above the retention member 301, so that the lock
piece 181 is returned to the initial position indicated by arrow
Y in Fig.26, under the bias of the compression coil spring 168,
thereby retaining the retention member 301.
An ejection lever 116 has supporting slits 170, 174
extending in the longitudinal direction and is supported for
sliding laterally of the frame 1 by supporting pins 162, 167 set
on the f root surface of the f rame 1 passed through these
supporting slits 170, 174. The ejection lever 116 has an opening
171 at a mid portion in register with the lock lever 115 so as
not to be abutted against the lock lever 115. The opposite side
edge of the opening 171 has an abutment portion 176 facing the
opposite end of the lock lever 115. The ejection lever 116 has
a spring mounting opening 172 between the opening 171 and the
supporting slit 174. The ejection lever is biased by a
compression coil spring 169 mounted in the spring mounting
opening 172 in a direction indicated by arrow Ti and is
posi ti oned at a 1 ocati on capabl e' of formi ng a gap between the
abutment portion 176 and the opposite end of the lock lever 115.
The compression coil spring 169 has its one end engaged with a
51
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
spring engagement piece 173 at an edge of the spring mounting
opening 172 and its other end engaged with a apring engagement
piece 160 at an edge of a spring mounting opening 159 formed in
the f ront surface of. the f rame 1 .
A detection pin 183 is mounted upright on the rear surface
of the foremost part of the lock piece 181, as shown in Fig.25.
A transmission arm 64 and a lid lock detection switch 60 are
mounted near the forward edge of the upper surface of the cover
support plate 4. The lid lock detection switch 60 has a pusher
mounted on its one end. The transmission arm 64 has a thrust
portion 200 on its one end located above the retention member 301
and has a thrusting portion 199 at its other end facing the
pusher of the lid lock detection switch 160. When the lock piece
181 retains the retention member 301, the detection pin 183
thrusts the thrust portion 200 of the transmission arm 64, which
thrusts the pusher of the lid lock detection switch 160 by the
thrusting portion 199. When the lid 700 is not fully closing the
upper surface of the main body of the apparatus, as shown in
Fig.25, or when the lid 700 is positioned at the closure position
but the lock lever 115 is slid against the bias of the
compression coi 1 spring 168, as shown in Fig.27, the 1 id lock
detection switch 160 is not actuated. That is, the closure of
the 1 i d 700 and retenti on of the retenti on membe r 301 by the 1 ock
lever 115 may be detected by detecting the thrust state of the
lid lock detection switch 160. The lid lock detection switch 160
is electrically connected as a switch B as shown in Fig.36.
An ejection transmission member 95 is mounted on the forward
end of the magnetic head lifting lever 94, as shown in Figs. l5
52
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
to 17. The ejection transmission member 95 has forward and rear
mounting openings 103, 102 and is mounted on the magnetic head
1 i fti ng l eve r 94 by these mounti ng openi ngs 103 , 102 be i ng passed
through by forward and rear supporti ng pi ns 101 , 100 set upri ght
on the magnetic head lifting lever 94. The forward mounting
opening 103 is larger in diameter than the forward supporting pin
101 insofar as the fare-and-aft direction and the transverse
di recti on are concerned . The rear mounti ng openi ng 102 i s an
~oblorig hole having the fore-and-aft direction as the longitudinal
direction, and substantially corresponds in diameter to the rear
supporting pin 100 insofar as the transverse direction is
concerned. That is, the ejectiop transmission member 95 is
rotatable with respect to the magnetic head lifting lever 94
about the rear end as the center of rotation, as indicated by
arrow in Fig.lS, while being slidable in he fore-and-aft
direction as indicated by arrow V in Fig.lS. The ejection
transmission member 95 is positioned at an initial position by
a tension coil sprig 105 motcnted between a spring retainer 106
set upright on its forward side and a spring' retainer 194 set
upright on a forward side of the magnetic head lifting lever 94.
The initia l position of the ejection transmission member 95 is
such position in which it is moved forwards relative to the
magnetic head lifting lever 94 and it has its forward end rotated
towards the opposite lateral side, that is in a direction
opposite to arrow U in Fig.lS.
An ejection transmission piece 113 is set upright on the
forward end of the ejection transmission member 95. When the
magnetic head lifting lever 94 is slid towards the forward side
53
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
and the magnetic head 13 is thereby held at its upper position,
the ejection transmission piece 113 is protruded beyond the front
surface of the frame 1 via a through-hole formed in the forward
edge of the base member 2 and a,through-hole 154 formed in-the
front surface of the frame 1. At this time, the ejection
transmission piece 113 is intruded between the opposite end of
the lock lever 115 and the abutment portion 176 of the ejection
lever 116, as shown in Fig. l5. If at this time the ejection knob
~17 is actuated and the ejection lever 116 is slid towards a
lateral side against the bias of the compression coil spring 169
in a direction indicated by arrow C in Fig. l5, the ejection
transmission piece 113 is rotated in a direction indicated by
arrow U in Fig.lS, at the same time as the lock lever 115 is slid
towards the above-mentioned lateral side as indicated by arrow
C in Fig.l5 for releasing the retention of the lock lever 115
with respect to the retention member 301.
When the magnetic head lifting lever 94 'is slid rearwards
as shown in Figs.l6 and 17, the ejection transmission piece 113
is receded rearwards via a space between the opposite end of the
lock lever 115 and the abutment portion 176 of the ejection lever
116. In such case, when the ejection knob 17 is actuated and the
ejection lever 116 is slid towards the above-mentTOned lateral
side, the abutment portion 176 is not abutted against the
ejection transmission piece 113, so that the ejection
transmission piece 113 is not rotated. Thus the lock lever 115
is not slid and hence its retention with respect to the retention
member 301 is not released.
In the playback mode, the magnetic head lifting lever 94 is
54
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
at a f i rst posi ti on i n whi ch the a jecti on transmi ssi.on pi ece 1 1 3
is receded from a space between the lock lever 115 and the
abutment portion 176 but in which the magnetic head 13 is.
maintained at its upper position, as shown in Fig.l6. In the
reco rd i ng mode , the magneti c head l i ft i ng 1 eve r 94 i s at a second
position in which the ejection transmission piece 113 is receded
form the space between the lock lever 115 and the abutment
portion 176 and in which the magnetic head 13 is rotated
~downrvards, as shown in Fig. l7.
If, while the magnetic head lifting lever 94 is moved
towards the rear, the ejection lever 116 is slid and the magnetic
head lifting lever 94 is moved forwards in this state, the
ejection transmission piece 113 is caused to bear on the ejection
lever 116. In this case, the ejection transmission member 95 is
maintained in a position in which, even if the magnetic head
lifting lever 94 is shifted forwards, the ejection transmission
piece 113 is caused to bear on the ejection lever 116 under
deflection of the tension coil spring 105. When the ejection
lever 116 is returned to its initial position, the ejection
transmission member 95 causes the ejection transmission piece 113
to be intruded into a space between the opposite end of the lock
lever 115 and the abutment portion 176 of the ejection lever 116
for returning the magnetic head lifting lever 94 to its initial
position.
On both 1 ate ral s i de edges of the cove r suppo rt p 1 ate 4 ,
there are formed cartridge suspending engagement pieces 55, 56
for depending downwards, as shown in Fig.ll. The cartridge
suspension engagement piece 56 is formed as one with the cover
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
support plate 4 and is hook-shaped so as to be bent rearwards.
The upper edge of the hook-shaped bend of the engagement piece
56 for cartridge suspension is designed as a suspension portion
58. The cartridge suspending engagement piece 55 has its
proximal portion 66 mounted rotatably on the cover support plate
4, while having its distal end bent rearwards in the form of a
hook, as shown in Fig.lO. The upper edge of the hook-shaped bend
of the engagement piece 55 for cartridge suspension is designed
as a 'suspension portion 57. The suspension portions 57, 58 of
these suspension engagement pieces 55, 56~ are engaged with
engagement portions 118, 120 protuberantly mounted on both
lateral sides of the cartridge holder 3. When the lid 700 has
closed the upper surface of the main body of the apparatus, these
suspension engagement pieces 55, 56 suspend the cartridge holder
3 and rotate it to above the base member 2, as shown in Fig. l2.
The cartridge holder 3 is spaced apart at this time from the
upper surface of the base member 2 and has its forward portion
facing forwards at a position below the forward edge of the upper
cover 7. The cover support plate 4 and the cartridge holder 3
are maintained at their rotated positions by the click stop
links 24, 45.
The suspension engagement piece 55 has its proximal portion
66 bent to follow the lower surface of the cover support plate
4, and has the proximal portion 66 mounted rotatably on the cover
support plate 4 via a pivot 65, as shown in Figs.l0 and 33 to 35.
The pivot 65 is perpendicular to the major surf ace of the cover
support plate 4 and is located at the forward edge of the
suspension engagement piece 55. Thus the suspension engagement
56
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
piece 55 is rotatable so that its rear edge shown by arrow F in
Figs.~l0 and 33 is moved outwards. The suspension engagement
piece 55 is rotationally biased in a direction 'indicated by arrow
D in Fig.33 by a tension coil spring 67 mounted between a spring
retainer 68 provided on the proximal portion 66 of the suspension
engagement piece 55 extending along the cover support plate 4 and
a spring retainer 69 mounted on the cover support plate 4. The
suspension engagement piece 55 is positioned at its initial
.position by the proximal portion 66 abutted against an abutment
70 provided on the cover support plate 4. The proximal portion
66 of the suspension engagement piece 55 is sector-shaped about
the pivot 65 and has its rear edge slidably supported by a
support piece 337.
When the damper unit 14 is elastically deformed under
vibrations or impacts applied to the main body of the apparatus
and hence the base member 2 and the cartridge holder 3 are moved
relative to the frame 1, the suspension engagement piece 55 thus
supported for rotation is caused to bear against the cartridge
holder 3 and thereby elastically rotated outwards. Thus the
cartridge holder 3 is not prevented from being moved under
vibrations even if the suspension engagement piece 55 approaches
to or is contacted with the cartridge holder 3. The opposite
s i de of the f rame 1 has a bend 336 whi ch i s extended outwards fo r
procuring the range of rotation of the suspension engagement
piece 55.
Since the suspension engagement piece 55 in the present disc
recording and/or reproducing apparatus is rotatable, the
apparatus may be diminished in size while maintaining a
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
sufficient range of movement for shock absorption by elastic
deformation of the damper unit 14 for the cartridge holder 3 and
the base member 2. That is, if it is desired to procure a range
of possible movement of the cartridge holder 3 equal to 0.8 mm,
and if the suspension engagement piece 65 is secured to the cover
support plate 4, it is necessary to provide a gap of 0.8 mm
between the lateral surface of the cartridge holder 3 and the
suspension engagement piece 55, while it is also necessary to
provide a gap of 0.8 mm between the distal end of the engagement
portion 118 engaged with the suspension engagement piece 55 and
the inner wall of the upper cover 7, so that it becomes necessary
to provide a gap equal to at least 1.6 mm plus the thickness of
the suspension engagement piece 55 between the lateral surface
of the cartridge holder 3 and the inner wall of the upper cover
7. With the present disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus,
if it is desired to procure the range of possible movement of 0.8
mm for the cartridge holder 3, since the suspension engagement
piece 55 is movable relative to the cover support plate 4, a gap
of 0.8 mm is required between the distal end of the engagement
portion 118 engaged with the suspension engagement piece 55 and
the inner wall of the cover support plate 7, as shown in Fig.34.
However, there is required substantially no gap between the
lateral surface of the cartridge holder 3 and the inner wall of
the cover support plate 7, such that a distance substantially
equal to 0.8 mm plus~the thickness of the suspension engagement
piece 55 between the lateral surface of the cartridge holder 3
and the inner wall of the cover support plate 7 suffices.
However, in the present disc, recording and/or reproducing
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
apparatus , s i nce the range of possi b1 a movement of the cartri dge
holder 3 is 0.8 mm, and a gap on the order of U.4 mm is provided
between the lateral surface of the cartridge holder 3 and the
suspension engagement piece 55, a distance between the lateral
surface of the cartridge holder 3 and the inner wall of the cover
support plate 7 equal to substantially 0.8 mm plus the thickness
of the suspension engagement piece 55 suffices.
Although the suspension engagement pieces 55 and 56 are
rotatable relative to the cover support plate 4 only on one side,
the same constitution may be used on both sides so that each of
the suspension engagement pieces 55 and 56 may be rotatable
relative to the cover support plate 4.
State in the Stop Mode
If the above-described present disc recording and/or
reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is in
the stop mode, and none of the disc cartridges 220 or 221 is
loaded, the magnetic head lifting lever 94 is at the forward
initial position as shown in Fig.l5. If the ejection knob 17 is
actuated at this time, the lock lever 115 is slid so that
retention of the lock piece 181 by the retention member 301 for
the lid 700 is released.
Since the cartridge loading detection switch 72 is not
thrust, the disc driving unit 339 is not driven by the CPU 338
even if the key input section 15 is actuated.
Referring to the flow chart of Fig.37, if the flow chart is
started an power up at a step stl, the. CPU 338 decides at a step
st2 whether or not an input has been made on the key input unit
1.5. If there is no input at the key input unit 15, processing
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
transfers to a step st6 for returning. At the step st3, it is
checked whether or not the cartridge loading~detection switch
(switch A) 72 has been actuated. If the cartridge loading
detection switch 72 has been actuated, processing transfers to
a step st4 and , i f the cart ri dge 1 oad i ng detecti on swi tch 72 has
not been actuated, processing transfers to the step st6 for
returning. At the step st4, it is checked whether or not the lid
lock detection switch (switch B) 160. has been actuated. If the
lid lock detection switch 160 has been actuated, processing
traverses to a step sty and, if otherwise, processing traverses
to the step st6 for returning. At the step sty, the CPU 338 is
responsive to actuation at the key input unit 15 for driving
controlling the disc driving unit 339.
Loadin9_of Disc Cartridge
For loading the disc cartridges 220 or 221 on the present
disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus, the ejection knob
i 7 i s actuated as desc ri bed above , afte r whi ch the 1 i d 700 i s
rotated upwards to a position above the main body of the
apparatus, as shown in Fig.l2. The disc cartridge 220 or 221 is
introduced iwto the cartridge holder 3 from the front side. If
any one of the disc cartridges 220 or 221 is iwtroduced into the
cartridge holder 3, the shutter member 206, 217 mounted on the
cartridge main body 205 or 216 is moved for opening the apertures
222, 223 formed in the cartridge main body 205 or 216. If the 1 id
700 is rotated downwards for closing the main body of the
apparatus, the disc cartridge 220 or 221 is loaded in position
on the base member 2, as shown in Fig. l3. The cartridge loading
detection switch 72 is thrust at this time. by the loaded disc
CA 02386704 2002-06-10
cartridges 220 or 221 for detecting that one of the disc
cartridges 220 or 221 has been loaded, By the lid 700 being
retai ned by the 1 ock 1 eve r 1 1 5 ,~ the 1 i d 1 ock detecti on swi tch 1
60
is thrust for detecting that the main body of the apparatus has
been closed by the lid 700. If in this state there is any input
on the key input unit 15, the CPU 339 is enabled to control the
driving of the disc driving unit 339.
State in the Playback Mode
.If, after any of the disc cartridges 220 or 221 is loaded,
and the lid lock detection switch 160 has detected that the main
body of the apparatus has been closed by 'the lid 700, a command
signal of starting the playback mode is entered at the key input
unit 15, the CPU 338 runs the stepping motor 8;5 in rotation and
shifts the magnetic head lifting lever 94 rearwards as indicated
by arrow Z in Fig. l6 for positioning the eject;ion transmission
piece 113 back of the lock lever 115 for setting the magnetic
head 13 at a first upper position, as shown in Fig.l6. I f
in this state the magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc
201 is rotated by the spindle motor 89, and the optical pickup
is moved radially of the magneto-optical disc 200 or the
optical disc 201, the information signals recorded on the
magneto-optical disc 200 or the optical disc 201 are reproduced.
If track jump buttons 30, 31 or the pause button 32 is actuated,
track jump towards the inner or outer rim of the magneto-optical
disc 200 or the optical disc 201 or pause is executed. If,
during the playback mode operation, the ejection lever 116 is
slid temporarily, the ejection transmission piece 113 is receded
so that the lock lever 115 is not slid and hence retention of the
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
lid 700 is not released, If a stop button 29 is actuated for
setting the stop mode, the magnetic head lifting lever 94 ~is
reset to the forward initial position for enabling unlocking of
the lid 700 by the lock lever 116 by the operation of the
ejection lever 116.
State during Recording Mode
In selecting the recording mode of recording information
signals, the recording/playback disc cartridge 220 is loaded.
.If, after the disc cartridge 220 has been loaded, and the lid
1 ock detecti on swi tch 1 60 has detected that the mai n body of the
apparatus has been closed by the lid 700, a command signal for
starting the recording mode is entered at the N;ey input unit 15,
the CPU 338 runs the stepping motor 338 i n rotati on for shi fti ng
the magnetic head lifting lever 94 rearwards as indicated by
arrow Z in Fig.l7. Thus the ejection transmission piece 113 is
moved to a second position in which the ejection transmission
piece 113 is at back of the lock lever 115 and the magnetic head
13 is shifted to a lower position, as shown in Fig. l7.
In this state, the magneto-optical disc 200 is rotated by
the spindle motor 89, and the optical pickup 10 and the magnetic
head 13 are moved in unison along the radius of the magneto-
optical disc 200 for recording information signals on the
magneto-optical disc 200. During the recording mode, the
magnetic head 13 is moved across the inner and outer rims of the
magneto-optical disc 200 in a state in which it is approached to
or in sliding contact with the magneto-optical disc 200. By.
actuating the track jump buttons 30, 31 or the pause button 32
at this time, track jump towards the inner or outer rim of the
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
magneto-optical disc 200 or pause is executed. If, during the
playback mode operation, the ejection lever 116 is sl-id
temporarily, the ejection transmission piece 113 is receded so
that the lock lever 115 is not slid and hence retention of the
lid 700 is not released. If the stop button 29 is actuated for
setting the stop mode, the TOC information indicating addresses
as discrimination signals for the information signals which have
so far been written is written. After the end of writing of the
TOC information, the magnetic head lifting lever 94 is reset to
its forward side initial position. Sy such resetting of the
magnetic head lifting lever 94, and by actuation of the ejection
lever 116, locking of the lid 700 by the lock lever 116 is now
enabled.
If the replay-only disc cartridge 221 or the recording/
playback disc cartridge 220, the writing of information signals
on which has been inhibited by the actuation of the mistaken
recording inhibiting mechanism 214, is loaded, the disc cartridge
220-or 221 now loaded is detected to be unrecordable by a
detection output which has detected the discrimination openings
224 formed in the disc cartridges 220 or 221, even although a
command for starting the recording mode is entered by the key
input unit 15. Thus the recording mode is not set by the CPU
338.
Ejection of Disc Cartridge
With the present disc recording and/or reproducing
apparatus, if, after the end of reproduction of information
signals from the disc cartridges 220 or 221, or after the end of
recording of information signals on the magneto-optical disc 200,
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CA 02386704 2002-06-10
the stop mode is set, the disc cartridges 220 or 221 loaded on
the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus is enabled to be
ejected.
That is, if, during the stop mode, the ejection knob 17 is
actuated for sliding the ejection lever 116 towards one lateral
side, the locking of the lid 700 by the lock lever 115 is
released and the lid 700 is enabled to be rotated upwardly of the
main body of the apparatus. If the lid 700 is unlocked, and the
lid 700 is rotated upwardly of the main body of the apparatus,
the cartridge holder 3 is rotated upwards as shown in Fig.l2 to
follow up with the lid 700 so as to be separated from the base
member 2. The disc cartridges 220 or 221, held on the cartridge
holder 3, is lifted above the base member 2, and is pushed
forwardly of the cartridge holder 3 by the cartridge ejection
lever 302, so that the disc cartridges 22U or 221 may be taken
out of the cartridge holder 3. With the disc cartridges 220 or
221 thus extracted from the cartridge holder 3, the shutter
member 206 or 217 is thrwst and biased by the shutter closure
spring 135 for closing the apertures 222 or 223 of the cartridge
main body 205 or 216.
64
