U.S. patent application number 08/624306 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for exchangeable storage apparatus, recording medium drive actuator, head drive actuator, and recording medium cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Hashimoto , Akira, Kawada , Junji, Mizutani , Yasutaka, Sugahara , Takamitsu, Sugiura , Hirohiko.
Application Number | 20010021079 08/624306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26563334 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010021079 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hashimoto , Akira ; et
al. |
September 13, 2001 |
Exchangeable Storage Apparatus, Recording Medium Drive Actuator,
Head Drive Actuator, and Recording Medium Cartridge
Abstract
A flexible disk drive has the configuration of a type-2 card for
use in a personal computer or other information processing
apparatus. The flexible disk drive includes a cabinet for insertion
into a card slot in the information processing apparatus, a
mechanism for inserting and ejecting a recording medium cartridge
containing a recording medium, a head for accessing the recording
medium, a head drive actuator for moving the head, a recording
medium drive actuator for driving the recording medium, a position
device for positioning the recording medium in a predetermined
position, and a drive force transfer mechanism for transferring the
driving force of the recording medium drive actuator to the
recording medium. The components of the flexible disk drive have
thin profiles to achieve the form factor of the type-2 card.
Inventors: |
Hashimoto , Akira; ( Tokyo,
JP) ; Sugahara , Takamitsu; ( Tokyo, JP) ;
Sugiura , Hirohiko; ( Tokyo, JP) ; Kawada ,
Junji; ( Tokyo, JP) ; Mizutani , Yasutaka; (
Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch
LLP
8110 Gatehouse Road
Suite 500 East
Falls Church
VA
22042
US
mailroom@bskb.com
703-205-8000
703-205-8050
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki
Kaisha
2-3 Marunouchi 2-chome Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo
100
|
Family ID: |
26563334 |
Appl. No.: |
08/624306 |
Filed: |
December 26, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
360/99.06 ;
G9B/23.033; G9B/25.003; G9B/33.027 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 17/046 20130101;
G11B 25/043 20130101; G11B 33/121 20130101; G11B 23/0308
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
360/99.06 |
International
Class: |
G11B 017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 1994 |
JP |
6-328025 |
Nov 21, 1995 |
JP |
7-302979 |
Claims
Claims
59. An exchangeable storage apparatus comprising: a head for
reading/writing data from/on a recording medium which stores
information, has a driven part for rotation, and is contained in a
recording medium cartridge; a head drive actuator for moving the
head and determining a position of the head; a recording medium
drive actuator for driving the recording medium; a driving force
transfer means having a chucking magnet for transferring a driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium; a positioning means for positioning the
recording medium contained in the recording medium cartridge, the
recording medium cartridge being inserted in a one-dimensional
direction along a cartridge receiving face to a predetermined
position without moving in any other direction; and a head unload
means for unloading the head while the recording medium cartridge
is not being inserted; wherein the driving force transfer means
places a plane, defined by a surface of the chucking magnet of the
driving force transfer means, at a position which is fixed relative
to the cartridge receiving face and is on a same plane as the
cartridge receiving face or on a predetermined plane retracted from
the cartridge receiving face; wherein the chucking magnet of the
driving force transfer means is separated from the driven part of
the recording medium when the recording medium cartridge is not
inserted to the predetermined position and is engaged with the
driven part of the recording medium when the recording medium is
inserted to the predetermined position.
60. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 59, wherein the
head drive actuator includes a rotor having a cylindrical rotation
part to impart the driving force to the head and a pair of stators
having a coil which is cylindrically coiled along a longitudinal
direction of the rotor, the pair of stators being positioned at
opposite sides of an outer circumference of the cylindrical
rotation part of the rotor.
61. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 59, further
comprising: an inserting and ejecting means for freely
inserting/ejecting the recording medium cartridge into/from a
cabinet in the one-dimensional direction; wherein the head unload
means unloads the head within the range of the thickness of the
recording medium drive actuator when the recording medium cartridge
is being ejected by the inserting and ejecting means.
62. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 59, wherein the
driving force transfer means includes a magnet for attracting and
retaining the driven part of the recording medium to transfer the
driving force of the recording medium drive actuator to the
recording medium; wherein the positioning means includes an
engagement means for separating the magnet of the driving force
transfer means from the driven part of the recording medium until
the recording medium cartridge is inserted to the predetermined
position, and for engaging the chucking magnet of the driving
transfer means with the driven part of the recording medium when
the recording medium cartridge has reached the predetermined
position.
63. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 62, wherein the
engagement means includes a convexity set in one of the driving
force transfer means and the driven part of the recording medium,
and a concavity set in the other of the driving force transfer
means and the driven part of the recording medium for engaging with
the convexity set.
64. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 62, wherein the
engagement means includes a circular concave groove in one of the
driving force transfer means and the driven part of the recording
medium and a plurality of projections in the other of the driving
force transfer means and the driven part of the recording medium
for engaging with the circular concave groove.
65. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 59, wherein the
head is attached to one end of a head arm provided substantially in
parallel with a plane of the recording medium cartridge being
inserted/ejected, the head arm being pivotable to unload from the
recording medium, and wherein a movement amount of the head due to
the pivoting of the head arm when the recording medium cartridge is
ejected is within a thickness of the recording medium
cartridge.
66. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 60, wherein the
recording medium drive actuator further includes: a cylindrical
bearing for supporting the rotor to freely pivot; a rotation part
installed inside the bearing for rotating by engaging with
therotor; and a positioning means installed in the rotation part
for positioning the recording medium to be driven to a center
position of the rotation part.
67. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 59, further
comprising: an inserting and ejecting means for freely
inserting/ejecting the recording medium cartridge into/from a
cabinet in the one-dimensional direction;wherein the inserting and
ejecting means includes an insertion and ejection port for
inserting and ejecting the recording medium cartridge, an arm for
supporting the head, an eject shaft mounted in a direction of
insertion and ejection of the recording medium cartridge, an unload
lever, mounted in the orthogonal direction of the eject shaft,
having a contact part for contacting the eject shaft at one end and
a head lifter for imparting a rotating force to the arm at the
other end, and wherein the unload lever rotates by moving the eject
shaft, the head lifter contacts the arm according to the rotation
of the unload lever, and the arm rotates.
68. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 67, wherein the
eject shaft has a taper-shaped top to contact with the unload
lever, and the unload lever rotates by moving the eject shaft.
69. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 67, whereinthe
recording medium cartridge has a notch,the inserting and ejecting
means further includes a latch lever which is engaged with the
cabinet at one end and contacts the eject shaft at the other end by
moving the eject shaft, andthe latch lever engages with the notch
mounted on the recording medium cartridge by moving the eject shaft
and sets the position of the recording medium cartridge.
76. An exchangeable storage apparatus, comprising: an insert port
receiving a recording medium cartridge; a read/write head reading
data from and writing data to a recording medium contained in the
recording medium cartridge, the recording medium having a hub at a
central region thereof; a head drive actuator moving the read/write
head relative to the recording medium; a rotor having a chucking
magnet positioned in a central region thereof, an upper surface of
said chucking magnet being separated from the hub of the recording
medium when the recording medium cartridge is not inserted to a
predetermined position and being magnetically engaged with the hub
of the recording medium when the recording medium cartridge is
inserted to the predetermined position; and a cartridge receiving
region receiving the recording medium cartridge as the recording
medium cartridge is inserted into the exchangeable storage
apparatus through said insert port to the predetermined position at
which the hub of the recording medium is engaged with said chucking
magnet of said rotor, the recording medium cartridge moving along a
single dimension to the predetermined position while being inserted
into the exchangeable storage apparatus through said insert port,
without moving in any other direction, a lower boundary of said
cartridge receiving region being partially formed by a surface of
said rotor that faces a bottom surface of the recording medium
cartridge when the recording medium cartridge is inserted to the
predetermined position; wherein the upper surface of the chucking
magnet that engages with the hub of the recording medium when the
recording medium cartridge is inserted to the predetermined
position is fixed relative to a plane defined by the bottom
boundary of said cartridge receiving region.
77. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, wherein the
upper surface of the chucking magnet that engages with the hub of
the recording medium when the recording medium cartridge is
inserted to the predetermined position is fixed relative to the
plane defined by the bottom boundary of said cartridge receiving
region on a predetermined plane that is on the same plane as that
defined by the bottom boundary of said cartridge receiving region
or retracted from the plane defined by the bottom boundary of said
cartridge receiving region.
78. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, wherein the
upper surface of the chucking magnet that engages with the hub of
the recording medium when the recording medium cartridge is
inserted to the predetermined position is fixed relative to the
plane defined by the bottom boundary of said cartridge receiving
region on a predetermined plane that is on the same plane as that
defined by the bottom boundary of said cartridge receiving
region.
79. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, wherein said
rotor is part of a recording medium drive actuator that generates a
force for rotating the recording medium.
80. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, further
comprising:a head unloader unloading said read/write head while the
recording medium cartridge is not being inserted in said
exchangeable storage apparatus.
81. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, wherein said
rotor includes at least one concavity in a central region thereof
that receives a projection on the hub of the recording medium when
the recording medium cartridge is inserted to the predetermined
position.
82. The exchangeable storage apparatus of claim 76, wherein the
recording medium is movable within the recording medium cartridge
in a direction perpendicular to the single dimension along which
the recording medium cartridge is inserted into said insert port,
the recording medium being positioned upward within the recording
medium cartridge while the recording medium cartridge is being
inserted into the exchangeable storage apparatus and moving
downward so that the hub of the recording medium engages with said
chucking magnet when the recording medium cartridge reaches the
predetermined position.
Description
Background of Invention
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an exchangeable storage apparatus
with exchangeable recording medium to be used for computers,
personal computers, and portable information terminals, and so on.
More particularly, this invention relates to a Flexible Disk Drive,
a recording medium drive actuator, a head drive actuator, and a
recording medium cartridge to be used for the flexible disk
drive.
[0003] Description of the Related Arts
[0004] Fig. 80 is part of a cross sectional view showing, for
instance, a conventional flexible disk drive (hereinafter referred
to as the FDD) disclosed in the Japan Patent Examination Hei
06-119699, of a storage for which a recording medium is
exchangeable. Especially, the example given in the figure shows a
3.5-inch FDD wherein a recording medium is housed in a so called
recording medium cartridge which is consisting of a hard case with
a shutter. Also, Fig. 81 is a cross sectional view of the FDD, and
Fig. 82 is a top view of Fig. 81. Figs. 81 and 82 show the
relationship between the recording medium cartridge and a
positioning means for positioning the recording medium
cartridge.
[0005] In the figures, an FDD body 1, a read/write head 2, a
carriage 3 supporting read/write head 2, and a head arm 4 are
shown. A head drive actuator 5 that drives read/write head 2 by
driving carriage 3 is provided with a step motor 6, a lead screw 7,
a needle 8, and a guide rod (not shown). This needle 8 is engaged
with lead screw 7. A frame 10, a mounting part 11 that mounts an
external special slot 80, a guide groove 12, and a cover (shield)
13 are also shown. A circuit board 14, a cartridge holder 15, a cam
follower 16, a shutter opener 17 are shown. Cartridge holder 15
gets engaged with cam follower 16 and shutter opener 17, and so on.
A slide cam part 20 is made up of a cam groove 21 and an eject
button 22 and engaged with an eject lever 23.
[0006] A recording medium cartridge 30 is constructed by a
recording medium 31 and a cartridge case 32 having an upper shell
32a and a lower shell 32b. Recording medium 31 is supported by a
hub 33, and cartridge case 32 is provided with a shutter 34, a
window 35, and recording medium 31. The cartridge case 32 has a
protect hole 32c so that information would not be erased once it is
written. Also in cartridge case 32, a resin slide part material 36
is installed to make write protect when write-protect hole 32c is
in open state and to write information in closed state.
[0007] A recording medium drive actuator 40 rotates recording
medium 31, and composed of a circuit board 14, a stator 41, rotor
42, a drive pin 43, a chucking magnet 44, a housing 45, bearing 46,
a stator yoke 47, and a spindle shaft 48. On one part of
circumference of rotor 42, an index magnet 39a is attached to
detect the position of rotating recording medium 31 as the index
signal. An index sensor 39b is installed on circuit board 14 to
detect the index signal on the position opposite to index magnet
39a. A disk-in switch 37 to detect that recording medium 31 has
been set to read/write position and write protect switch 38 to
detect write protect in recording medium 31 are secured as well.
For index sensor 39b, normally hole elements and so on are used,
and is often mounted on a case (not shown) in which the position of
the index sensor can be mechanically adjusted.
[0008] For write-protect switch 38, a so-called push switch is
often used. When information can be written, switch end 38a of
write-protect switch 38 is pushed downward by slide part material
36. Conversely, when data write is inhibited, switch end 38a is in
free state and placed higher than when it is pushed down.
[0009] Most disk-in switch 37 and write protect switch 38 are of
the same shape or uniform shape. When recording medium cartridge 30
is set to read/write position, in the so-called load state, end 37a
of disk-in switch 37 is pushed down by lower shell 32b of cartridge
case 32 or by slide part material 36 which opens or closes
write-protect hole 32c. When recording medium 31 is in read/write
disabled state, on the other hand, in the so-called unload state,
switch end 37a is lifted up.
[0010] The relationship between stator 41 and rotor 42 is the
so-called outer rotor type and stator 41 is positioned in the
center and rotor 42 is positioned around it. An interface connector
70, an external special slot 80, a mounting screw 81, an external
cable 82, an external connector 83 are also shown. Generally, FDD
body 1 is secured with mounting screw 81 and so on, for instance,
on special slot 80 of a personal computer or an information
processing terminal, and so on. Interface connecter 70 is engaged
with a connecter 83 connected with a flexible cable 82 from the
external part.
[0011] Now, operation is explained with figures.
[0012] An explanation is given concerning the state transition from
the so-called unload state in which data read or write on recording
medium 31 is disabled, to the load status in which data read and
write is enabled.
[0013] When recording medium cartridge 30 is inserted into FDD body
1, it is held by cartridge holder 15 and lifted up by cam groove 21
and cam follower 16 of slide cam part 20. Thus, it is inserted at
the height higher than spindle shaft 48 in the center of recording
medium drive actuator 40. Next, when the center of recording medium
cartridge 30 has come near spindle shaft 48, shutter 34 is opened
by shutter opener 17. Further, eject lever 23 is rotated. The latch
of slide cam part 20 is released. And cartridge holder 15 is
lowered by cam groove 21. At the same time, since head arm 4 having
read/write head 2 is pressed on the frame side touching cartridge
holder 15, the head arm 4 rotates. When recording medium cartridge
30 is lowered to a certain position, two holes 33a and 33b made in
hub 33 which is part of recording medium 31, get engaged with
spindle shaft 48 and drive pin 43, thereby positioning of recording
medium 31 is performed. The hole 33a that engages with spindle
shaft 48 is square, and hole 33b that engages with drive pin 43 is
partly extended in the radius direction, eccentricity works in the
radius direction shown in the arrow H by the rotation of drive pin
43 to hub 33, thereby eliminating backlash that generates in hole
33a which engages with spindle shaft 48. Also, the hub 33 is made
of magnetic material. It is sucked and retained (chucked) by
chucking magnet 44. The chucking magnet 44 is a means for
transferring recording medium drive force, provided with the
recording medium drive actuator 40. After that, carriage 3 holding
read/write head 2 is driven by head drive actuator 5. When
read/write head 2 is moved to the recording surface of recording
medium 31, reading or writing data on recording medium 31 is made
possible, thereupon completing load state.
[0014] Then, the operation of load state to unload state of
recording medium cartridge 30 is explained next.
[0015] By pushing eject button 22 down to the predetermined
position, cartridge holder 15 lifts up along cam groove 21. On its
way upward, when cartridge holder 15 touches and rotates head arm
4, upper and lower read/write head 2 separate from recording medium
31. Together with lifted cartridge holder 15, when recording medium
cartridge 30 reaches the position at which it can jump over spindle
shaft 48, shutter 34 gets disengaged from shutter opener 17. As
shutter 34 is closed, cartridge holder 15 is ejected by shutter
opener 17. Cartridge holder 15 is kept from lowering by slide cam
part 20 and the latch of eject lever 23. As head arm 4 maintains
the open state of both read/write heads 2, unload state has made
complete.
[0016] Fig. 83 is a cross sectional view showing inside of a
conventional head drive actuator 5 of Fig. 80. A step motor 6 in
the figure is referred to as the so-called claw-pole type motor. It
is constructed with a radially magnetized cylindrical rotor 61, and
a claw-pole stator 65 is positioned on the outer circumference of
this cylindrical rotor 61, and circular stator coil 66 is wound
around further on the outer circumference. To output torque
necessary to drive carriage 3 with step motor 6 in such
construction, the thickness of step motor 6 must be about 10.0
mm.
[0017] Fig. 84 shows another example of related art. It shows
exchangeable storage like IC memory card and so on, disclosed in,
for instance, Japan Patent Examination HEI 5-181565.
[0018] In the figure, an IC memory card 1a, a magnetic disk storage
1b, a slot guide 11b, an interface connector 70a of IC memory card
1a, an interface connector 70b of magnetic disk storage 1b, an IC
memory card slot 80a, and a portable information terminal 85a for a
personal computer and so on, are shown. Generally, this type of IC
memory cards is also called the PC card, and its standard is set by
the Personal Computer Memory Card Association (PCMCIA), an
organization for extended IC card standardization in the United
States. The width of the card by the PCMCIA is uniformly 54. 0 mm.
For thickness, there are the following sizes:
[0019] Type-1: 3.3 mm thick
[0020] Type-2: 5.0 mm thick
[0021] Type-3: 10.5 mm thick
[0022] IC memory card 1a is currently used for general purpose for
portable information terminal 85a. For interface connector 70a, the
standard corresponding to the type-2 with thickness 5.0 mm is
used.
[0023] Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0024] Recently, as the exchangeable storage to be used for
portable information terminal 85a, IC memory card 1a is often used
as it is compact and convenient to carry with. However, IC memory
card 1a has the following problems.
[0025] 1) The recording medium in the IC memory card is the IC
memory. Because the IC memory itself cannot be replaced, the IC
memory card itself must be replaced.
[0026] (2) Because the IC memory is expensive at present, the price
of IC memory card is also high.
[0027] (3) Due to the reasons stated above (1) and (2), using an IC
memory card for the replacement of a recording medium results in
high cost.
[0028] Because of this, there is a movement toward using FDDs, with
its low-priced recording medium cartridge 30 and easy replacement
of the recording medium, instead of the IC memory cards by making
FDDs smaller and thinner. However, FDDs must be matched to the
type-2 standard size (5.0 mm in thickness and 54.0 mm in width) of
the PCMCIA standard, and be manufactured according to the size of
the slots to which IC memory card 1a of the PCMCIA type-2 standard
is to be inserted. The following problems must be tackled.
[0029] (1) When inserting recording medium cartridge 30 into the
FDD, shutter 34 is opened in the direction of Y by shutter opener
17 as the cartridge 30 is inserted in the direction of arrow X as
shown in Fig. 82. At this time, a head arm 4 must move up and down
significantly because read/write head 2 jumps over the part shown
as S in the figure. It is therefore difficult to make FDDs thinner,
as the device thickness of FDD must at least include recording
medium cartridge 30, read/write head 2, head arm 4, and carriage
3.
[0030] (2) Due to the chucking mechanism of recording medium (disk)
31, in which hub 33 engages with spindle shaft 48 and drive pin 43,
recording medium cartridge 30 must be moved up and down more than
the engagement length of hub 33 and spindle shaft 48 or drive pin
43 for loading and unloading recording medium cartridge 30. This
thickness enabling this perpendicular movement must be secured in
FDD. Because total thickness of spindle shaft 48 and recording
medium cartridge 30 must at least be secured, the thinning of FDD
is difficult.
[0031] (3) In order to thin the FDD under the current structure of
head drive actuator 5, the turns of stator coil 66 should be
reduced. However, it is difficult to obtain torque necessary for
driving carriage 3.
[0032] (4) In order to thin the FDD under the current structure of
recording medium drive actuator 40, the turns of stator 41 should
be reduced. However, it is difficult to obtain torque necessary for
driving recording medium 31.
[0033] (5) It was difficult to thin conventional FDDs and recording
medium cartridges because the height as the storage and the height
as the recording medium cartridge were required so that ends 37a
and 38a of disk-in switch 37 and write-protect switch 38 can move
up and down.
[0034] (6) In addition, because index sensor 39b is made of hole
elements, a certain area was required. Rotor 42 must have an area
on which to mount opposing index magnet 39a, making the device
compact difficult. And index sensor 39b that detect the mechanical
position of recording medium 31 must be assembled and adjusted so
that the position of recording magnet 31 and the positions of index
magnet 39a and index sensor 39b agree when recording medium 31 is
mounted on rotor 42 by chucking magnet 44, and so on.
[0035] Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to
overcome problems associated with making the FDD for which
recording media can be exchanged smaller and thinner, and to
achieve the FDD by which the IC memory card can be substituted.
Furthermore, it is another object of this invention to achieve the
recording medium drive actuator, head drive actuator, and recording
medium cartridge to be used for the thinned FDD.
Summary of Invention
[0036] According to one aspect of this invention, An exchangeable
storage apparatus comprising:a cabinet to be inserted into and
retained by a card slot provided for an information processing
apparatus;
[0037] an inserting and ejecting means for freely inserting or
ejecting a recording medium cartridge containing a recording medium
into or from the cabinet;
[0038] a head built in the cabinet for making an access to the
recording medium;
[0039] a head drive actuator built in the cabinet for moving the
head and determining a position of the head;
[0040] a recording medium drive actuator built in the cabinet for
driving the recording medium;
[0041] a positioning means built in the cabinet for positioning the
recording medium being inserted to the predetermined position;
[0042] a driving force transfer means built in the cabinet for
transferring a driving force of the recording medium drive actuator
to the recording medium; and
[0043] an information transmission means provided for the cabinet
for transmitting information between the information processor and
the recording medium.
[0044] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0045] a head which reads and writes data on the recording medium
having a driven part for rotation and storing information;
[0046] a head drive actuator that moves the head and determines a
position of the head;
[0047] a recording medium drive actuator that drives the recording
medium;
[0048] a driving force transfer means for transferring the driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium;
[0049] a positioning means for positioning the recording medium to
a predetermined position; and
[0050] a head unload means for unloading the head toward the
direction of the recording medium drive actuator while the
recording medium is not being inserted.
[0051] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0052] a head which reads and writes data on the rotating recording
medium having a driven part for rotation and storing
information;
[0053] a head drive actuator which moves the head and determines a
position of the head;
[0054] a positioning means for positioning the recording medium
being inserted to a predetermined position;
[0055] a recording medium drive actuator having a stator formed by
installing a block inside a stator core, wherein the block is made
up of a plurality of center cores equivalent to the number of drive
phases and by inserting a cylindrical coil bobbin wound with a coil
into the center core, and a rotor provided inside the stator and
drives the recording medium; and
[0056] a driving force transfer means for transferring the driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium.
[0057] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0058] a head that reads and writes data on a recording medium
having a driven part for rotation and storing information;
[0059] a recording medium drive actuator that drives the recording
medium;
[0060] a positioning means for positioning the recording medium
being inserted to a predetermined position;
[0061] a driving force transfer means for transferring a driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium; and
[0062] a head drive actuator including a rotor having a cylindrical
rotation part and giving the driving force to the head, and a
stator installed at opposite sides of an outer circumference of the
cylindrical rotation part of the rotor and having a coil wound
cylindrically along an elongated direction of the rotor.
[0063] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0064] a head that reads and writes data on a recording medium
having a driven part and storing information, and wherein an unload
amount of the head when the recording medium is inserted and
ejected is within a thickness of a recording medium cartridge
holding the recording medium;
[0065] a head drive actuator which moves the head and determines a
position of the head;
[0066] a recording medium drive actuator which drives the recording
medium;
[0067] a positioning means for positioning the recording medium
being inserted to a predetermined position; and
[0068] a driving force transfer means for transferring a driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium.
[0069] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0070] a head that reads and writes data on a recording medium
having a positioning part for positioning and having a driven part
for rotation and storing information, and wherein an unload amount
of the head when the recording medium is inserted and removed is
within a thickness of a recording medium cartridge holding the
recording medium;
[0071] a head drive actuator including a rotor having a cylindrical
rotation part and giving the driving force to the head, and a
stator installed at opposite sides of an outer circumference of the
cylindrical rotation part of the rotor and having a coil wound
cylindrically along the elongated direction of the rotor;
[0072] a recording medium drive actuator including a stator having
a stator core and a block inside the stator core, the block having
a plurality of center cores equivalent to the number of drive
phases, and a cylindrical coil bobbin wound with a coil inserted
into the center core, and a rotor installed inside the stator to
drive the recording medium;
[0073] a head unload means for unloading the head toward the
direction of the recording medium drive actuator while the
recording medium is not being inserted;
[0074] a positioning means which is retractably projected to the
recording medium being inserted for positioning the recording
medium to a predetermined position by engaging with the positioning
part of the recording medium; and
[0075] a driving force transfer means for transferring a driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium.
[0076] According to another aspect of this invention, An
exchangeable storage apparatus comprising:
[0077] a head that reads and writes data on a recording medium
having a positioning part for positioning and having a driven part
for rotation and storing information;
[0078] a head drive actuator that moves the head and determines the
position of the head;
[0079] a recording medium drive actuator to drive the recording
medium;
[0080] a driving force transfer means for transferring a driving
force of the recording medium drive actuator to the driven part of
the recording medium;
[0081] a first frame that supports the head drive actuator and the
recording medium drive actuator;
[0082] a retaining means for holding the recording medium inserted
from outside; a second frame that supports the retaining means;
[0083] a frame rotation part which supports an end of the first
frame and an end of the second frame for free rotation and makes
the second frame further rotate so as to open the second frame
against the first frame;
[0084] a head unload means for unloading the head toward the
opening direction of the second frame opened against the first
frame with the frame rotation part; and
[0085] a positioning means provided for the first frame for
positioning the recording medium inserted to the retaining means to
a predetermined position by engaging with the positioning part of
the recording medium when the first frame and the second frame are
closed.
[0086] According to another aspect of this invention, A recording
medium drive actuator comprising: a stator having a stator core and
a block inside the stator core, the block having a plurality of
center cores equivalent to the number of driving phases and a
cylindrical coil bobbin wound with a coil inserted into the center
core; and
[0087] a rotor installed inside the stator to drive the recording
medium.
[0088] According to another aspect of this invention, A head drive
actuator comprising:
[0089] a rotor having a cylindrical rotation part and that giving a
driving force to a head; and
[0090] a stator installed at opposite sides to an outer
circumference of the cylindrical rotation part of the rotor and
cylindrically wound with a coil in the elongated direction of the
rotor.
[0091] According to another aspect of this invention, A recording
medium cartridge comprising:
[0092] a disk-shaped recording medium;
[0093] a case housing the recording medium;
[0094] a window for exposing a part of the recording medium from
the case;
[0095] a shutter provided for the case for closing and exposing the
window;
[0096] a latch movable in the direction perpendicular to the
closing and opening direction of the shutter; and
[0097] a band that links the shutter with the latch.
[0098] According to another aspect of this invention, A recording
medium cartridge comprising: a lower shell and an upper shell;
[0099] two conductive metal plates exposed on the surface of one of
the lower shell and the upper shell; and
[0100] the slide member for switching connection of two conductive
metal plates.
[0101] According to another aspect of this invention, A recording
medium cartridge comprising: a disk recording medium; a case for
storing the recording medium; means for detecting a fixed position
of the recording medium in one rotation, the means for detecting a
fixed position being provided in the case.
[0102] According to another aspect of this invention, A recording
medium cartridge comprising:
[0103] a disk recording medium;
[0104] a lower shell and an upper shell for storing the recording
medium; and
[0105] a notch formed at part of the circumference of the recording
medium.
[0106] According to another aspect of this invention, A method for
using a card type recording medium slot of an information processor
comprising steps of:
[0107] (a) mounting a storage apparatus, which is able to exchange
a recording medium, on the card type recording medium slot under a
condition that the storage apparatus can be easily dismount;
[0108] (b) inserting the recording medium and setting the position
to the storage apparatus;
[0109] (c) accessing the recording medium, whose position is set,
using a card recording medium interface mounted on the card type
recording medium slot.
[0110] Other objects features, and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0111] The invention will be further described by way of
non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0112] Fig. 1 shows the whole configuration of the FDD, the
recording medium cartridge to be inserted into the FDD, and a slot
installed on portable information terminal, and so on, to insert
the FDD, in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
[0113] Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view showing part of the FDD
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0114] Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view showing part of the head
drive actuator for determining the moving position of the head
according to Embodiment 1 of this invention;
[0115] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B give a top view and a side view of the
recording medium cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this
invention;
[0116] Fig. 5 is a plain cross sectional view showing the recording
medium drive actuator according to Embodiment 1 of this
invention;
[0117] Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD in
accordance with Embodiment 1 of this invention;
[0118] Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD in
accordance with Embodiment 2 of this invention;
[0119] Figs. 8A, 8B, and 8C are cross sectional views showing the
FDD in accordance with Embodiment 3 of this invention;
[0120] Figs. 9A, 9B, and 9C are a cross sectional view of the FDD,
and top views of the hub and spindle part in accordance with
Embodiment 4 of this invention;
[0121] Figs. 10A and 10B are magnified views of positioning means
and driving force transfer means of the FDD;
[0122] Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD in
accordance with Embodiment 5 of this invention;
[0123] Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD before a
recording medium is inserted in accordance with Embodiment 6 of
this invention;
[0124] Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD after a
recording medium is inserted in accordance with Embodiment 6 of
this invention;
[0125] Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD before a
recording medium is inserted and when the head is positioned on the
inner circumference of the recording medium in accordance with
Embodiment 7 of this invention;
[0126] Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD before a
recording medium is inserted and when the head is positioned on the
outer circumference of the recording medium in accordance with
Embodiment 7 of this invention;
[0127] Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD after a
recording medium is inserted in accordance with Embodiment 7 of
this invention;
[0128] Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD before a
recording medium is inserted and the head is positioned on the
inner circumference of the recording medium in accordance with
Embodiment 8 of the invention;
[0129] Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD before a
recording medium is inserted and the head is positioned on the
outer circumference of the recording medium in accordance with
Embodiment 8 of this invention;
[0130] Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view showing the FDD after a
recording medium is inserted in accordance with Embodiment 8 of
this invention;
[0131] Figs. 20A and 20B are a top view and a cross sectional view
showing the construction of recording medium drive actuator in
accordance with Embodiment 9 of this invention;
[0132] Fig. 21 explains the construction of the stator element in
accordance with Embodiment 9 of this invention;
[0133] Fig. 22 explains the construction of the stator element in
accordance with Embodiment 10 of this invention;
[0134] Fig. 23 explains another example of the stator element
construction in accordance with Embodiment 10 of this
invention;
[0135] Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view showing the construction
of recording medium drive actuator in accordance with Embodiment 11
of this invention;
[0136] Fig. 25 is a cross sectional view showing the construction
of recording medium drive actuator in accordance with Embodiment 12
of this invention;
[0137] Fig. 26 shows a cross sectional view showing part of the
construction of head drive actuator in accordance with Embodiment
13 of this invention;
[0138] Fig. 27 is a top view showing the construction of head drive
actuator in accordance with Embodiment 13 of this invention;
[0139] Fig. 28 shows a side sectional view in A-A direction
indicated in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 27 in
accordance with Embodiment 13 of this invention;
[0140] Fig. 29 shows a side sectional view in B-B direction
indicated in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 27 in
accordance with Embodiment 13 of this invention;
[0141] Fig. 30 shows a side sectional view in C-C direction
indicated in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 27 in
accordance with Embodiment 13 of this invention;
[0142] Fig. 31 shows a side sectional view in D-D direction
indicated in the tope view of head drive actuator in Fig. 27 in
accordance with Embodiment 13 of this invention;
[0143] Fig. 32 shows a top view showing the construction of head
drive actuator in accordance with Embodiment 14 of this
invention;
[0144] Fig. 33 shows a side sectional view in E-E direction
indicated in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 32 in
accordance with Embodiment 14 of this invention;
[0145] Fig. 34 is a side sectional view in F-F direction indicated
in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 32 in accordance
with Embodiment 14 of this invention;
[0146] Fig. 35 is a side sectional view in G-G direction indicated
in the top view of head drive actuator of Fig. 32 in accordance
with Embodiment 14 of this invention;
[0147] Fig. 36 is a side sectional view in H-H direction indicated
in the tope view of head drive actuator of Fig. 32 according to
Embodiment 14 of this invention;
[0148] Figs. 37A and 37B show the top view and side view of the
recording medium cartridge when the shutter is closed according to
Embodiment 15 of this invention;
[0149] Figs. 38A and 38B show the top view and side view of the
recording medium cartridge when the shutter is opened according to
Embodiment 15 of this invention;
[0150] Fig. 39 shows an FDD according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0151] Fig. 40 shows an inner structure of the FDD according to
embodiment 16 of this invention;
[0152] Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of the FDD according to
embodiment 16 of this invention;
[0153] Fig. 42 shows a side cross sectional view of the FDD
according to embodiment 16 of this invention;
[0154] Fig. 43 shows a perspective view seen from the direction of
the top face of the storage around a read/write head according to
embodiment 16 of this invention;
[0155] Fig. 44 shows a cross sectional side view of an outskirts of
the read/write head according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0156] Fig. 45 shows a cross sectional side view of the outskirts
of the read/write head according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0157] Fig. 46 shows a perspective view of the outskirts of the
read/write head and a head unload mechanism according to embodiment
16 of this invention;
[0158] Fig. 47 shows a perspective view of the read/write head and
the head unload mechanism according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0159] Fig. 48 shows an external perspective view of an eject shaft
according to embodiment 16 of this invention;
[0160] Fig. 49 shows a perspective view of the outskirts of the
eject coil spring of the frame side wall part according to
embodiment 16 of this invention;.
[0161] Fig. 50 shows a perspective view of the shaft barb stopper
piece which controls the movement of the eject coil spring of the
frame side wall part according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0162] Fig. 51 shows a perspective view of the head unload
mechanism under the unload state according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0163] Fig. 52 shows a perspective view of the head unload
mechanism under the load state according to embodiment 16 of this
invention;
[0164] Fig. 53 shows a part of a cross sectional side view of a
rotating force receiver and the outskirt of it according to
embodiment 17 of this invention;
[0165] Fig. 54 shows a perspective view of the mechanism of setting
position of the recording medium cartridge under the unload state
of the storage according to embodiment 18 of this invention;
[0166] Fig. 55 shows a perspective view of the mechanism of setting
the position of the recording medium cartridge under the load state
of the storage according to embodiment 18 of this invention;
[0167] Fig. 56 shows a perspective view of the mechanism of setting
the position of the recording medium cartridge under the load state
of the storage according to embodiment 18 of this invention;
[0168] Fig. 57 shows a perspective view of the structure of the
mechanism of setting the position of the recording medium cartridge
according to embodiment 19 of this invention;
[0169] Fig. 58 shows a part of cross sectional view under the
condition that the recording medium cartridge according to
embodiment 20 of this invention is inserted to the storage;
[0170] Fig. 59 shows a perspective view of the upper cover
according to embodiment 20 of this invention;
[0171] Fig. 60 shows a plan view of the recording medium cartridge
according to embodiment 21 of this invention;
[0172] Fig. 61 shows a side view of the recording medium cartridge
according to embodiment 21 of this invention;
[0173] Fig. 62 shows a cross sectional plan view of the recording
medium cartridge according to embodiment 21 of this invention;
[0174] Fig. 63 shows a side cross sectional view seen from A-A
direction of Fig. 62 according to embodiment 21 of this
invention;
[0175] Fig. 64 shows a part of plan view of the FDD according to
embodiment 21 of this invention;
[0176] Fig. 65 shows a side cross sectional view seen from B-B
direction of Fig. 64 according to embodiment 21 of this invention
and a view of the recording medium cartridge and the switching
storage under the condition that the recording medium cartridge is
mounted in the storage;
[0177] Fig. 66 shows a part of cross sectional plan view of the
recording medium cartridge according to embodiment 21 of this
invention;
[0178] Fig. 67 shows a part of cross sectional side view of the
recording medium cartridge according to embodiment 21 of this
invention;
[0179] Fig. 68 shows a plan view of the recording medium cartridge
and the FDD under the condition that the recording medium cartridge
according to embodiment 22 of this invention is mounted in the
storage;
[0180] Fig. 69 shows a side view of Fig. 68 according to embodiment
22 of this invention and a part of cross sectional side view seen
from C-C direction in Fig. 68;
[0181] Fig. 70 shows a cross sectional plan view of the recording
medium cartridge and the FDD under the condition that the recording
medium cartridge according to embodiment 23 of this invention is
mounted on the storage;
[0182] Fig. 71 shows a part of cross sectional side view seen from
D-D direction of Fig. 70 according to embodiment 23 of this
invention;
[0183] Fig. 72 shows a cross sectional plan view of the recording
medium cartridge and the FDD under the condition that the recording
medium cartridge according to embodiment 24 of this invention is
mounted on the storage;
[0184] Fig. 73 shows a part of cross sectional side view seen from
E-E direction of Fig. 72 according to embodiment 24 of this
invention;
[0185] Fig. 74 shows a plan view under the condition that a shutter
of the recording medium cartridge according to embodiment 25 of
this invention is opened;
[0186] Fig. 75 shows a side face cross sectional view seen from F-F
direction of Fig. 74 according to embodiment 25 of this
invention;
[0187] Fig. 76 shows a side face cross sectional view seen from F-F
direction of Fig. 74 in the recording medium cartridge according to
embodiment 26 of this invention;
[0188] Fig. 77 shows a plan view under the condition that the
shutter of the recording medium cartridge according to embodiment
27 of this invention is opened;
[0189] Fig. 78 shows a plan cross sectional view of the recording
medium cartridge and the FDD under the condition that the recording
medium cartridge according to embodiment 27 of this invention is
mounted in the storage;
[0190] Fig. 79 shows a part of cross sectional side view seen from
G-G direction of Fig. 78 according to embodiment 27 of this
invention;
[0191] Fig. 80 is a slanted cross sectional view showing part of
the conventional FDD; Fig. 81 is a cross sectional view showing the
conventional FDD;
[0192] Fig. 82 gives a top view of the conventional recording
medium cartridge;
[0193] Fig. 83 is a slanted cross sectional view showing part of
the conventional head drive actuator; and,
[0194] Fig. 84 shows the construction of the conventional IC memory
card and personal computer.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0195] Embodiment 1.
[0196] Hereinafter, an embodiment of this invention is explained
with reference to figures.
[0197] Fig. 1 shows the whole configuration of an FDD in accordance
with Embodiment 1, a recording medium cartridge to be inserted into
the FDD, and a slot with which to install the FDD to, for instance,
a portable information terminal, and so on. Fig. 2 is a cross
sectional view showing part of the FDD. Fig. 3 shows the inside
configuration of a head drive actuator to be mounted on the
FDD.
[0198] Figs. 4A and 4B show the top view and side view of a
recording medium cartridge to be inserted into the FDD. Fig. 5 is
the top view showing a recording medium drive actuator that drives
a recording medium inside the FDD. Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view
showing one side of the FDD in a load status with a recording
medium cartridge being inserted in the FDD.
[0199] In the figures, an FDD unit 100, a read/write head 101, a
carriage 102, and a head arm 104 are shown. A head drive actuator
105 determines the moving position of read/write head 101, and is
made up of a step motor 106, a lead screw 107, a needle 108, and a
guide rod 109. Needle 108 is engaged with lead screw 107. A frame
110, a slot guide 111, a cover shield 113, and a circuit board 114
are also shown.
[0200] A recording medium drive actuator 140 is made up of a stator
141, a teeth 142, a coil 143, and a rotor 150. Rotor 150 is made up
of a rotor magnet 151, a rotor yoke 152, a chucking magnet 154
which is a driving force transfer means, and a spindle part 155, a
recording medium positioning means. In the center of spindle part
155, a centering ball 158, and a ball preload spring 159 which is
pressure means are arranged. Bearing 170, the bearing part, is
secured by frame 110 on its secured side cartridge, and its
rotating side is supported by rotor yoke 152. Accordingly, spindle
part 155 is supported so as to freely rotate. Spindle part 155 is
connected with rotor yoke 152, for example, by means of a caulk.
Further, an insertion and ejection port 180 of recording medium
cartridge 300, an interface connector 181 complying with standard
type-2 of the PCMCIA, and reversed-insertion preventive grooves 182
and 183 are shown.
[0201] A slot 200 is general standard type-2 of the PCMCIA, which
is provided by, for instance, a portable information terminal, and
so on. An eject button 222 of FDD unit 100, an eject lever 223, an
insertion port 280, and a connector 283 are shown.
[0202] A recording medium cartridge 300, a recording medium 301, a
cartridge case 302, a hub 303, a shutter 304, a window 305, an
opener band 306, an opener latch 307, and guide rollers 308 and 309
are shown. Although not included in the figure, tension is applied
to at least part of opener band 306 to prevent slack in opener band
306. For instance, opener band 306 is structured as to be pressed
toward the outer circumference of cartridge case 302. Also, both
ends of opener band 306 are fixed to shutter 304. Opener band 306
is bonded with opener latch 307 in its halfway. In Fig. 6, a sensor
pad 390, an index mark 391, and a taper part 392 attached to hub
303 are shown as well.
[0203] Here, it can be seen that the structure of step motor 106 of
head drive actuator 105 of Fig. 3 is made thinner than the
conventional structure shown in Fig. 83, by placing the coils on
both sides of the rotor.
[0204] The structure of recording medium drive actuator 140 of Fig.
5 is a so-called inner rotor type for which rotor 150 is placed
inside stator 141 as opposed to the conventional outer rotor type
illustrated in Fig. 81. Further, as is explained later, at least
multiple blocks, one block being the polarity having the number of
coils equivalent to the number of phases of drive current, are
arranged for stator 141. The turns per coil is reduced and the
thinning of recording medium drive actuator 140 is attempted by
this structure.
[0205] An operation explanation is given for a transitional state
from which FDD unit 100 is not possible to read or write on
recording medium 301, the so-called unload state into the load
state in which read and write is made possible.
[0206] For FDD unit 100 of this embodiment, a cover shield 113 is
secured to frame 110 which is combined with interface connector
181. Recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted from insertion and
ejection port 180. That is, when this recording medium cartridge
300 is inserted into FDD unit 100, recording medium cartridge 300
is inserted as being held at the uniform height toward the
insertion direction from insertion and ejection port 180.
[0207] As recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted, the end of
this recording medium cartridge 300 touches centering ball 158
which is retractably located in the center of spindle part 155.
Then, recording medium cartridge 300 pushes down centering ball 158
pressed in the direction of recording medium cartridge 300 by ball
preload spring 159, thereby enabling recording medium cartridge 300
to get further inserted. When centering ball 158 passes over
shutter 304, and before the end of recording medium cartridge 300
reaches the head, the opener lever (not shown) installed on the
side wall of insertion and ejection port 180 and opener latch 307
get engaged with so as to slide shutter 304 and to open window 305
to which read/write head 101 makes an access to exposed recording
medium 301. The operation of recording medium cartridge 300 at this
time is explained in detail. The exposed states of recording medium
301 are shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. As shown in Fig. 4A, as
recording medium cartridge 300 is getting inserted in the direction
X, opener latch 307 moves in the direction of -X by the opener
lever (not shown) installed inside the wall of insertion and
ejection port 180 of FDD unit 100. As shutter 304 engaged with
opener latch 307 by opener band 306 is pulled to the direction of
-Y, window 305 is opened and recording medium 301 is exposed. At
this time, any parts or any materials for cartridge case 302 and
shutter 304 do not exist in area S shown in the figure. The unload
operation of read/write head 101 is saved, thereby making the
thickness necessary for FDD unit 100. The thickness of the FDD unit
100 can be total thickness of read/write head 101, carriage 102,
head arm 104, and recording medium 301. Namely, with respect to the
conventional recording medium cartridge, read/write head 101 had to
avoid the amount for jumping over the cartridge case or shutter. In
this embodiment, however, the avoidance amount is required only for
jumping over recording medium 301.
[0208] When this recording medium cartridge 300 is further
inserted, at the position where recording medium cartridge 300 has
been completely inserted, e.g., hole 313 of hub 303 comes close to
centering ball 158, this centering ball 158 gets pushed up by ball
preload spring 159. Recording medium 301 is centered and positioned
when ball preload spring 159 is engaged with hole 313. Because the
hub 303 is made of magnetic material, the hub 303 is sucked and
retained (chucked) by chucking magnet 154 which is a recording
medium drive force transfer means. Accordingly, the load state is
completed.
[0209] In this way, FDD unit 100 thinner than the conventional type
is achieved by configuring head drive actuator 105, recording
medium drive actuator 140, and recording medium cartridge 300 as
explained above. Therefore, FDD unit 100 is not more than 5.0 mm,
the thickness by which insertion into slot 200 is permitted for the
standard type-2 of the PCMCIA can be obtained. To obtain FDD unit
100 of thickness 5.0 mm or less, it is desirable that the thickness
of recording medium drive actuator 140 be made less than about 2.5
mm and the thickness of recording medium cartridge less than about
2.0 mm. Further, to make the width of FDD unit 100 less than 54. 0
mm, it is desirable that the width of recording medium cartridge
300 be made less than 48.0 mm and the diameter of recording medium
301 be less than 1.8 inch.
[0210] Embodiment 2.
[0211] In embodiment 1, an example of chucking magnet 154 fixedly
secured to spindle part 155 is shown. In this embodiment, an
example of chucking magnet 154 that is freely movable within the
predetermined distance is indicated.
[0212] Fig. 7 is a side cross sectional view showing the chucking
construction of recording medium cartridge 300 and spindle part 155
of Embodiment 2.
[0213] In the figure, a magnet holder 153 connects chucking magnet
154 with spindle part 155. Magnet holder 153 is installed on
spindle part 155 in such a way that it can move freely in the
radial direction up to a predetermined movement distance.
[0214] According to this embodiment, because chucking magnet 154
moves to a right position to be chucked by means of chucking holder
153, a phenomenon in which chucking magnet 154 sucks and secures
hub 303 before centering ball 158 completes the centering of
recording medium 301 can be avoided, resulting in more accurate
centering. Moreover, always correct centering operation allows
chucking magnet 154 to have larger sucking force than the
construction of embodiment 1, which further enables recording
medium 301 to be held more firmly. Furthermore, energization of
centering ball 158 by ball preload spring 159 is reduced, rendering
the insertion of recording medium cartridge 300 easier.
[0215] Embodiment 3.
[0216] In this embodiment, other examples of chucking mechanism for
the recording medium drive actuator are shown.
[0217] Fig. 8A is a side cross sectional view showing the chucking
structure of recording medium cartridge 300 and spindle part 155b
of this embodiment. Fig. 8B is a top view of the hub and Fig. 8C is
a top view of the spindle part.
[0218] In the figure, a convexity 314 installed in hub 303b, and a
concavity 157 installed at spindle part 155b of the rotor and
formed so as to engage with convexity 314. Convexity 314 and
concavity 157 that engage with each other are installed at three
different parts of hub 303b and spindle part 155b respectively.
[0219] As shown above, recording medium cartridge 300 with hub 303b
constructed as indicated above is inserted into insertion and
ejection port 180 of FDD unit 100, the cartridge slides over
chucking magnet 154 by convexity 314 of the hub 303b, jumps over
centering ball 158, and then the hole 313 and centering ball 158
get engaged with. Because hub 303b in this state has a tiny gap
from spindle part 155b due to convexity 314, sucking force of
chucking magnet 154 for hub 303b is small. Next, spindle part 155b
rotates. As the convexity 314 and concavity 157 and get engaged
with, the chucking magnet 154 and the hub 303b overlay,
strengthening sucking force of chucking magnet 154, performing
centering of recording medium 301 correctly, and completes
chucking. Because the sucking force of the chucking magnet does not
get strengthened until centering operation is complete, chucking
mechanism with high centering performance of recording medium 301
can be achieved according to this embodiment.
[0220] Although concavity 157 and convexity 314 are placed on three
different parts in this example, it is possible to install more
than three. An example of placing concavity 157 on spindle part
155b and convexity on hub 303b is given, but the relationship of
concavity and convexity may be reversed. It goes without saying
that shapes other than that can be also applied so long as they
engage with each other.
[0221] Embodiment 4.
[0222] This Embodiment shows another example regarding the chucking
mechanism of the recording medium drive actuator.
[0223] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are cross sectional views showing a case
of inserting a recording medium cartridge into FDD unit 100. Fig.
9C is a cross sectional view showing the top of FDD unit 100.
[0224] Fig. 10A shows a top view of spindle part 155c. Fig. 10B
shows a slanted view of the hub.
[0225] In the figure, an elastic and modifiable retainer 156 is
holding three centering balls 158c. Also, a concave groove 315 is
installed around the circumference of hub 303c. Chucking magnet
154c is placed in the center of spindle part 155c. In Embodiment 3,
convexity 314 is placed on hub 303b of recording medium 301. The
center is centering hole 313 of magnetic material. But, the center
of hub 303c of this embodiment is covered. Concave groove 315 is
installed around the circumference of hub 303c and three centering
balls 158c that are to be engaged with the concave groove 315 are
placed for spindle part 155c. Also, spindle part 155c has a taper
part 156a which is to be connected with the inner circumference of
the centering ball 158c. The centering balls 158c are positioned
between taper part 315a outside of concave groove 315 and taper
part 156a of spindle part 155c. When recording medium cartridge 300
is inserted into insertion and ejection port 180 of FDD unit 100,
the hub 303c gets engaged in with the centering balls 158c and
slides over centering balls 158c, getting inserted separately from
chucking magnet 154c.
[0226] As recording medium cartridge 300 is further inserted, and
the center of hub 303c comes close to chucking magnet 154c, all
three centering balls get engaged with concave grooves 315, upon
which hub 303c and chucking magnet 154c are sucked and retained,
completing positioning and load state.
[0227] Because positioning, sucking, and retaining are not
performed until the center of hub 303c comes close to chucking
magnet 154c in this embodiment, more accurate centering can be
performed. Moreover, an initial operation to rotate spindle part
155c for sucking and retaining is not required, this embodiment is
advantageous in shortening load time.
[0228] Embodiment 5.
[0229] This embodiment shows yet another example regarding the
positioning means of the recording medium drive actuator.
[0230] Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view showing a side of FDD unit
100. In the figure, a spring 160 has a projection and has a
function of positioning recording medium 301. Examples of
positioning recording medium 301 using centering balls have been
given in previous examples. In this embodiment, however, as shown
in Fig. 11, spring 160 is engaged with the center hole in the
center of spindle part 155 to perform centering of recording medium
301. This embodiment has an advantage in reducing the number of
parts as centering balls and ball preload springs which is an
energization means are combined in one structure. It is also
advantageous in that enough avoidance space can be taken for the
spring 160 while inserting or removing recording medium cartridge
300.
[0231] Embodiment 6.
[0232] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are cross sectional views showing the
sides of FDD unit 100 according to another example of this
invention. Of them, Fig. 12 shows the insertion of recording medium
cartridge 300 in progress from insertion and ejection port 180.
Fig. 13 shows the completed load state as recording medium
cartridge 300 has been inserted.
[0233] In the figure, a head avoidance lever 130, an extension
lever 131, a head energization lever 132 are shown. Head avoidance
lever 130 and head energization lever 132 are secured on the ends
by the same shaft 133 and operate in uniform. Although not shown in
the figures, the lower head of read/write head 101 is energized in
the upward direction so that recording medium 301 can be
sandwitched between the lower and upper heads. Also, extension
lever 131 is energized in the direction of insertion and ejection
port 180 with springs and so on. In addition, a cylindrical end
130a of avoidance lever 130 is energized in the direction of
extension lever 131 (upward) with springs and so on. Therefore,
head energization lever 132 is pushing down on the lower head of
read/write head 101 toward downward direction.
[0234] Next, operation is explained with reference to figures.
[0235] When the recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted from
insertion and ejection port 180, shutter 304 of recording medium
cartridge 300 opens. When recording medium 301 comes close to
read/write head 301, the end of recording medium cartridge 300 gets
engaged with extension lever 131, which is pushed into the
insertion direction of recording medium cartridge 300. Then, the
end opposite to the end engaged with recording medium cartridge 300
gets engaged with the head avoidance lever 130 and pushes it. Head
avoidance lever 130 rotates counter-clockwise with shaft 133 as the
center. As head avoidance lever 130 rotates counter-clockwise, head
energization lever 132 also rotates counter-clockwise, thereupon
releasing the force pushing down the lower head of read/write head
101. The lower head moves upward and gets engaged with the inserted
recording medium 301.
[0236] Because the lower head can be avoided at least as much as
the thickness of the recording medium drive actuator by using the
avoidance means of read/write head 101 of this embodiment, there is
no need of taking extra thickness for head avoidance. This allows
the thinner construction of FDD unit 100 in terms of the device
thickness.
[0237] Although the above embodiment illustrates the avoidance
means of the lower head under the construction of a recording
medium to be sandwiched by two heads, it goes without saying that
this head avoidance means can be used for the construction in which
only one head is provided beneath a recording medium.
[0238] Embodiment 7.
[0239] The previous embodiments show the cases in which FDD unit
100 is a box-type frame. Insertion and ejection port 180 is
provided on one side of the box. Recording medium cartridge 300 is
inserted horizontally from this insertion and ejection port. This
embodiment, however, shows the construction of the FDD, where the
frame of FDD unit 100 is separated into two frames, an upper frame
and a lower frame. A rotation shaft is provided at the end of this
separated frame, and the upper frame opens with this rotation shaft
as the pivot.
[0240] Figs. 14, 15, and 16 show the construction of FDD unit 100a
in accordance with Embodiment 7. Figs. 14 and 15 show the unload
states and Fig. 16 shows the load state. Furthermore, Fig. 14
indicates that read/write head 101 is positioned on the end of
inner circumference of recording medium 301 and Fig. 15 indicates
that read/write head 101 is positioned on the end of outer
circumference of recording medium 301.
[0241] In the figure, 100a is a modified version of the FDD unit. A
lower frame 110a, an upper frame 110b, a cartridge holder 120
mounted on upper frame 110b, a sub-cover (sub-frame) 121, and upper
frame 110b and sub-frame 121 are engaged with at a certain
supporting point (not shown). A rotation pivot 122 supports the
rotation of upper frame 110a and lower frame 110b, and rotation
pivot 123 supports the rotation of sub-frame 121 up. Rotation pivot
123 of sub-frame 121 is placed inside rotation pivot 122 that
rotates the frames. A rotor 150a, spindle shaft 155a are also
shown. The relationship between this rotor 150a and spindle shaft
155a is the same as the prior art. With rotor 150a as the center
shaft, spindle shaft 155a is supported to freely rotate by lower
frame 110a via bearing 170.
[0242] Next operation is explained.
[0243] In order to insert recording medium cartridge 300 from FDD
unit 100a, and when FDD unit 100a is, for instance, being inserted
into a general-purpose slot 200 shown in Fig. 1, first of all,
eject button 222 must be pressed to eject FDD unit 100a outside in
order to make this FDD unit 100a a unit. Then, as FDD unit 100a has
been made a unit, upper frame 110b is rotated with rotation pivot
122 as the center so as to open the upper frame slantly against
lower frame 110a of FDD unit 100a. Sub-frame 121 opens in linkage,
but because rotation pivot 123 of sub-frame 121 is inside rotation
pivot 122 of the frame, the angle of opening sub-frame 121 becomes
wider than the opening angle of upper frame 110b. Therefore, the
upper head of read/write head 101 is avoided higher than upper
frame 110b. Next, recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted into
cartridge holder 120. Because the upper head of read/write head 101
is being avoided higher than cartridge holder 120 at this time, it
does not have to make contact with recording medium cartridge 300
being inserted.
[0244] After recording medium cartridge 300 has been inserted into
cartridge holder 120, upper frame 110b gets engaged with lower
frame 110a, thereupon closing the frame. Recording medium 301 is
positioned by spindle shaft 155a and sucked and retained by
chucking magnet 154. At the same time, the upper head of read/write
head 101 is energized by sub-frame 121, engaged with the top
surface of recording medium 301, thereby completing load state.
[0245] According to this embodiment, upper frame 110 is opened in
order to retain recording medium 301. Because its positioning in
relation to recording medium drive actuator 140 is performed by
closing upper frame 110b, the thickness to avoid spindle shaft 155a
is no longer required even when the construction of spindle shaft
155a is the same as the related art. Because of this, even when the
construction of rotor 150a and spindle shaft 155a is as simple as
the related art, FDD unit 100b can be made thinner. Moreover, by
providing sub-frame 121 that engages with upper frame 110b, the
upper head of read/write head 101 can be protected under an unload
state.
[0246] Embodiment 8.
[0247] This embodiment gives a modified example of Embodiment
7.
[0248] Fig. 17, Fig. 18, and Fig. 19 show the construction of FDD
unit 100b in accordance with Embodiment 8. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 show
the unload state, and Fig. 19 shows load state. Fig. 17 is an
illustration of read/write head 101 positioning on the end of inner
circumference of recording medium 301, and Fig. 18 shows that
read/write head 101 is positioned on the end of outer circumference
of recording medium 301.
[0249] In the figure, a modified example of FDD unit 100b,
cartridge holder 120b, and rotation pivot 122b of cartridge holder
120b are shown. The difference from the previous Embodiment 7 is
that the rotation pivot 122b of the upper frame 110b is provided on
the inside of the rotation pivot 123b of the sub-frame 121b.
[0250] Next, operation is explained with reference to figures.
[0251] It is the same as Embodiment 7 in that FDD unit 100b must be
made a unit in order to insert recording medium cartridge 300.
Next, as FDD unit 100a has been made a unit, upper frame 110b is
rotated with rotation pivot 122 as the center so as to open the
upper frame slantly against lower frame 110a of FDD unit 100a.
Cartridge holder 120b opens in linkage. Because rotation pivot 122b
of cartridge holder 120b is inside of rotation pivot 123b at this
time, the angle of opening cartridge holder 120b becomes wider than
the opening angle of sub-frame 121b. Therefore, the upper head of
read/write head 101 is avoided outside of cartridge holder 120b.
Next, recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted into cartridge
holder 120. Because the upper head of read/write head 101 is
avoided outside of cartridge holder 120b at this time, it does not
have to make contact with recording medium cartridge 300 being
inserted.
[0252] After recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted into
cartridge holder 120b, upper frame 110b gets engaged with lower
frame 110a, thereupon closing the frame. Recording medium 301 is
positioned by spindle shaft 155a and sucked and retained by
chucking magnet 154. At the same time, the upper head of read/write
head 101 is energized to lower frame 110b, and engaged with the top
surface of recording medium 301, and the load state has been
complete.
[0253] According to this Embodiment, the effect not only the same
as the Embodiment 7 can be achieved but also the number of parts
can be reduced.
[0254] Embodiment 9.
[0255] An example regarding the invention of the recording medium
drive actuator will be explained.
[0256] Fig. 20A is a top view showing the part of the recording
medium drive actuator. Fig. 20B shows the construction of the
stator core before being bent. Fig. 21 shows a slanted view of the
construction of the stator which is a part of the recording medium
drive actuator.
[0257] In the figures, recording medium drive actuator 140, and
stator core 144 are secured with stator core supporting pin 1441.
The construction of stator 141 has so far been structured with the
teeth and coil. But in this embodiment, stator 141 is divided into
multiple stator elements 145. Coil 146 is wound around coil bobbin
147. Stator element 145 is made up of coil bobbin 147, center core
148 which is the core of coil bobbin 147. When mounting coil bobbin
147 on center core 148, it is mounted by welding, or secured with
caulk. This embodiment shows an example of the recording medium
drive actuator driven by three phases. One block is made up of
three stator elements 145 of phases U, V, and W. The midpoint of
each block of stator core 144, or the vicinity of the supporting
point by stator core supporting pin 1441 is dented to make bending
possible. As stator core 144 is bent in the direction of arrow K
from the state shown in Fig. 20B, stator core 144 in the shape
shown in Fig. 20A can be easily produced. Although not shown in the
figure, the winding of each stator element 145, from the opposite
direction from the direction of inserting coil bobbin 147 into
center core 148, coil bobbin 147 in inserted into the handle (not
shown) of the winding machine so as to enable to perform winding
concurrently with the construction of recording medium drive
actuator 140. Two or more handles are aligned on the winding
machine. By taking wider space between the coil bobbins 147
inserted into the handles, winding can be performed simultaneously
and at high speed for each coil bobbin 147. As a winding method,
the uniform phases of U, V, and W can be performed at the same
time, or they can be sequentially performed in order of U, V, and
W.
[0258] Due to the above construction, recording medium drive
actuator 140 can be made thinner as a whole. In addition, by
winding coils on the coil bobbins, and by mounting these coil
bobbins on the center core, winding of coils becomes easier.
Moreover, pitches between each stator of recording medium drive
actuator 140 can be made shorter than the distance incapable of
automatic winding when automatic winding machine is used for
winding coils directly on the teeth. Therefore, compact and high
output recording medium drive actuator 140 is realized.
[0259] Embodiment 10.
[0260] This embodiment shows another example of the construction of
stator element 145 of recording medium drive actuator 140 set forth
in Embodiment 9.
[0261] Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 show another example of Fig. 21. In the
previous embodiment 9, the cross section of coil bobbin 147 is
presented as a square cylinder. However, coil bobbin 147b
illustrated in Fig. 22 is provided with a slit which is connected
in horizontal direction from one end to the other of the square
cylinder type of coil bobbin. In this case, center core 148b is
shaped so that it gets engaged with coil bobbin 147b. Coil bobbin
147b shaped in this way is advantageous because it can be
manufactured easily from the magnetic material sheet using the
sheet metal press.
[0262] It is also possible to use cylindrical coil bobbin 147c as
shown in Fig. 23. Similarly to the case of Fig. 22, center core
148c is formed so that it gets engaged with coil bobbin 147c.
Cylindrical coil bobbin 147c is advantageous in obtaining stator
element 145c of stable quality because it is easy to keep wire
tension uniform in winding coil in this way.
[0263] Embodiment 11.
[0264] This embodiment explains another example regarding the
construction of the recording medium drive actuator.
[0265] Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view of FDD unit 100. The
construction of the recording medium drive actuator of this example
is instead of spindle shaft 48, which works as positioning means
and supporting shaft in the related art of Fig. 81, a cylindrical
bearing 170 is provided as the supporting shaft. Spindle part 155
is placed on the inner circumference to freely rotate. A hole is
provided in the center of this spindle part 155. Centering ball 158
which is the positioning means and ball preload spring 159 are
mounted on the hole. In this example, the spindle part 155 is
connected with rotor yoke 152 by means of a, for instance, caulk,
and so on.
[0266] According to this embodiment, because a hole is provided in
the center of spindle part 155, centering ball 158 which is the
positioning means and ball preload spring 159 shown, for instance,
in Embodiment 1 can be placed in the center.
[0267] Embodiment 12.
[0268] This embodiment shows another example concerning the
construction of the recording medium drive actuator.
[0269] Fig. 25 is a cross sectional view of FDD unit 100. In the
figure, an another example of rotor 150c, another example of rotor
yoke 152c, and another example of spindle part 155c are shown. The
difference from Embodiment 11 is in that rotor yoke 152c is
combined with the part material (material 155a in Fig. 24) for
securing it on the rotating side 170a of the bearing part (bearing
170), placing spindle part 155c inside combined rotor yoke
152c.
[0270] According to this embodiment, because rotor yoke 152c is
placed so as to freely rotate against the bearing, rotor yoke 152c
can be rotated without setting spindle part 155c inside rotor yoke
152c, thus enabling a unit testing to be performed only for this
rotor yoke 152c.
[0271] Embodiment 13.
[0272] This embodiment shows an example of the head drive actuator
of this invention.
[0273] Fig. 26 is a slanted view showing part of step motor 106
which is a main part of head drive actuator 105. Fig. 27 shows a
top view omitting a shield cover shown in Fig. 26, and shows the
construction of the rotor and stator. In addition, Fig. 28 is a
cross sectional view seen from A-A point shown in Fig. 27 to the
direction of arrow. Fig. 29 is a cross sectional view seen from B-B
point in Fig. 27 to the direction of arrow. Fig. 30 is a cross
sectional view seen from C-C point shown in Fig. 27 to the
direction of arrow. Fig. 31 is a cross sectional view seen from D-D
point shown in Fig. 27 to the direction of arrow.
[0274] In the figure, stator 161 is made up of coil 162, a first
stator yoke 163, and a second stator yoke 164. As shown in Fig. 28
through Fig. 31, three teeth are provided to the opposite side of
rotor 165, which is discussed later. The position of these teeth
differs from phase angle of 90.degree., namely 11.25.degree. in
machine angle. Furthermore, coil U and coil U bar of coil 162 shown
in Fig. 27 are formed with coils having the phase angle different
in 180.degree.. Similarly, coil V and coil V bar are formed with
coils having the phase angle different in 180.degree.. Also, rotor
165 is magnetized at different poles on one end and the other in
the horizontal direction. Namely, rotor magnet 166 is bipolared as
a whole and four rotor yokes 167 having eight radial convexities on
one end and the other of this rotor magnet make up the rotor. Four
rotor yokes 167 are all the same form. But rotor yoke 167 on the
side shown in Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 and rotor yoke 167 on the side
shown in Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 are structured so as to differ by
180.degree. in phase angle, namely 22. 5.degree. in terms of
machine angle. Based on the above construction, the drive method is
unipolar method, and a step motor that drives at step angle
11.25.degree. at the time of driving one phase excitation can be
achieved.
[0275] According to this embodiment, because coil 162 is placed on
both sides of rotor 165, the turns of the coil can be increased.
This is advantageous in outputting torque required to perform
carriage drive and in making the head drive actuator itself thinner
than 5. 0 mm, the PCMCIA standard type-2. Furthermore, rotor magnet
166 used for this embodiment is bipolared, and a magnet like this
can be produced at relatively low cost, thereby enabling the entire
cost of head drive actuator to be lowered.
[0276] Embodiment 14.
[0277] This embodiment shows another example of the head drive
actuator described in Embodiment 13. Fig. 32 shows a top view of
step motor 106b of this embodiment with shield cover 169 removed,
and indicates the construction of the rotor and the stator.
Furthermore, Fig. 33 is a cross sectional view seen from E-E point
shown in Fig. 32 to the direction of arrow. Fig. 34 is a cross
sectional view seen from F-F point shown in Fig. 32 to the
direction of arrow. Fig. 35 is a cross sectional view seen from G-G
point shown in Fig. 32 to the direction of arrow. Fig. 36 is a
cross sectional view seen from H-H point shown in Fig. 32 to the
direction of arrow.
[0278] In the figure, stator 161b is made up of coil 162, and a
first stator yoke 163b, and a second stator yoke 164b. First stator
yoke 163b and second stator yoke 164b are provided with two teeth
on the surface opposite to rotor 165b which is explained later as
shown in Fig. 33 through Fig. 36. The position of teeth of stator
yoke 163b in Fig. 33 and that of stator yoke 163b in Fig. 35 are
symmetrically arranged. Similarly, the teeth of stator yoke 164b of
Fig. 34 and those of stator yoke 164b in Fig. 36 are arranged
symmetrically. Therefore, first stator yoke 163b differs from
second stator yoke 164b by 180.degree. in phase angle and
45.degree. in machine angle. Stator yoke 163b in Fig. 33 differs
from stator yoke 164b in Fig. 34 by 90.degree. in phase angle and
by 22. 5.degree. in machine angle because they are arranged to be
symmetrical when they are reversed. Unlike rotor 165 of Embodiment
13, rotor 165b is radially magnetized at 8 polers toward the
direction of circumference. Among coils 162 shown in Fig. 32, coil
U and coil V are not shown in the figure, but coil U bar and coil V
bar having a phase angle different by 180.degree. from each other
can be formed by running reverse current to them. Based on the
construction explained above, the drive method of Embodiment 14 is
a bipolar method and a step motor driven at 22. 5.degree. in step
angle at the time of driving with one phase excitation can be
achieved.
[0279] According to this embodiment, because coils 162 are arranged
on both sides of rotor 165b similarly to Embodiment 13, the turns
of the coil can be increased. It is therefore advantageous in that
the torque required to perform carriage drive is outputted and the
head drive actuator itself can be made thinner. Moreover, because
the step motor of this embodiment applies a general bipolar method
as its drive method, a drive circuit on the market can be
employed.
[0280] Embodiment 15.
[0281] This embodiment shows one example of the recording medium
cartridge of this invention.
[0282] Fig. 37A and Fig. 37B show the state in which a shutter is
being closed. Fig. 37A gives its top view and Fig. 37B is the side
view. Fig. 38A and Fig. 38B show the opening state of the shutter.
Fig. 38A is the top view, and Fig. 38B is the side view.
[0283] In the figures, an opener band 306, an opener latch 307,
guide rollers 308 and 309 are shown. Although not shown in the
figures, this construction is possible to apply tension to at least
one point of opener band 306. Opener band 306 is connected with
shutter 304 on its both ends and connected with opener latch 307 in
halfway. As shown in Fig. 38A, when recording medium cartridge 300
is inserted into the direction of X, opener latch 307 is moved
toward the direction of -X by the lever provided to the storage
device. As this opener latch 307 and shutter 304 connected with
each other by opener band 306 are pulled in the -Y direction,
window 305 is released, thereupon exposing recording medium 301. At
this time, no part material for cartridge case 302 nor part
material for shutter 304 exist in area S. In order to pull out
recording medium cartridge 300 in the opposite direction, opener
latch 307 is moved in the X direction by the lever of the storage
device, and shutter 304 is moved in the Y direction by the
connected opener band 306, and window 305 closes.
[0284] According to this embodiment, shutter 304 can be opened or
closed by opener band 306. When shutter 304 is in the opened state
or closed state, by keeping this state with opener latch 307,
malfunction of shutter opening and closing can be prevented. In
addition, when shutter 304 is in the opened state, area S is
exposed entirely, thus making it possible to reduce the avoidance
operation of the read/write head of the FDD using this recording
medium cartridge. It is therefore advantageous in getting thinner
FDDs. On top of that, effects indicated above can be achieved by
means of relatively simple construction so far set forth.
[0285] The FDD of this invention is a device which is compatible
with a card type storage that can be inserted into and removed from
an information processing device. The recording medium or recording
medium cartridge are to be replaced. The FDD of the present
invention is characterized by the recording medium drive actuator
to rotate the recording medium, the head to read or write data on
the recording medium, the carriage on which to mount the heads, the
head drive actuator to determine the moving position of the heads,
the mechanism to insert or remove the recording medium from the
storage, the circuit to control the read/write operation and the
recording medium drive actuator, and so on, and the connector that
connects or disconnects the storage.
[0286] Another prime characteristics is that the thickness and the
width of the device are less than 5 mm and 54. 1 mm,
respectively.
[0287] Moreover, the recording medium is characterized in that it
is contained in the cartridge of less than 1.8" in diameter, less
than 2 mm in thickness, and less than 54 mm in width.
[0288] In addition, the recording medium or recording medium
cartridge is loaded or unloaded by inserting or removing it in the
same direction to the FDD.
[0289] With respect to the center of the rotor of the recording
medium drive actuator, it has a function of centering the recording
medium and determining the rotation center. It is supported by
springs, and so on, and preloaded, and has one or more balls which
can be floated or sunk or rotated. The rotor has a chucking magnet
to suck the hub supporting the recording medium, and the hub is
provided with taper surface on its outer circumference. The rotor
has the hole or dent to be connected to the ball in the center.
[0290] With respect to the vicinity of the rotor center of the
recording medium drive actuator, it is provided with three or more
balls or needles having the function of centering the recording
medium and determining the rotation center. There is also a
retainer which retains and engages rotating balls or needles
freely. The center of the rotor is provided with a chucking magnet
to suck the hub connected with the recording medium.
[0291] With respect to the rotor of the recording medium drive
actuator, it has a spring material with a projection or a hole
having the function of centering the recording medium or
determining the rotation center, and the space for the displacement
of spring materials and so on. The recording medium has the hole or
projection which engages with the above mentioned projection or
hole.
[0292] Part of the carriage can be rotated. At the end of the
carriage, the head is held by means of the arm, which rotates in
line with the insertion or removal of the recording medium or
recording medium cartridge. The head, therefore, touches or leaves
from the recording medium. That is, the head touches the recording
medium when the recording medium or recording medium cartridge is
inserted, and the head leaves from the recording medium when the
recording medium or recording medium cartridge is removed.
[0293] In addition, it is characterized in that the recording
medium or recording medium cartridge is inserted or removed from
the recording medium cartridge holder which opens or closes slantly
against the cabinet of the storage device.
[0294] Moreover, it is characterized in that it is provided with
the recording medium cartridge holder which contains the recording
medium cartridge to be inserted slantly and works as a protective
cover of the storage, and the sub cover which covers the recording
medium cartridge holder from the top surface.
[0295] Furthermore, the recording medium cartridge holder and the
sub cover have their independent rotation pivots. The rotational
radius of the sub cover is smaller than the rotational radius of
the recording medium cartridge holder. The rotational pivot of the
sub cover is inside the rotational pivot of the recording medium
cartridge holder, and it rotates in line with the rotation of the
recording medium cartridge holder. When the recording medium is
inserted, a space is created between the sub cover and the
recording medium cartridge holder so that the avoidance of the head
is made possible.
[0296] It is also characterized in that the rotation radius of the
sub cover is larger than the rotation radius of the medium holder,
as the rotation pivot of the sub cover is outside of the rotation
pivot of the recording medium cartridge holder. The sub cover
rotates in line with the rotation of the medium holder. When the
recording medium is inserted, a space is created between the
recording medium cartridge holder and the sub cover so that the
avoidance of the head can be made possible.
[0297] In addition, part of the carriage on which to mount the
read/write head can be rotated. The arm is provided according to
the rotation of the recording medium cartridge holder, and the head
is provided at the end of the arm by means of spring materials and
so on.
[0298] In addition, the recording medium drive actuator of this
invention is characterized in that it is provided with the stator,
drive coil wound around the teeth of the stator, and the rotor,
where, the coil is wound by bobbins of magnetic material and
fixedly inserted to the stator.
[0299] It is also characterized in that the stator is provided with
one block or more, one block being made up of the teeth the number
of which is equivalent to the number of drive phases. The coil is
wound by bobbins of magnetic material and fixedly inserted to the
stator.
[0300] The bobbins are characterized in that they are shaped in the
abbreviated form of Japanese katakana ko, or ro, or abbreviated
circular.
[0301] The bearing of the recording medium drive actuator is
characterized in that it is placed on the outer circumference of
the rotor connected with the rotor yoke supporting the rotor
magnet, and an avoidance space is created at the rotor center for
the centering balls.
[0302] The bearing of the recording medium drive actuator is
characterized in that it is made up of the cylinder with a built-in
part of the rotor yoke supporting the rotor magnet, and the balls
or the ball bearing.
[0303] The head drive actuator of this invention is made up of the
rotor of abbreviated cylinder magnet supported for free rotation or
the rotor consisted of the magnet and the rotor yoke, the stator
yoke provided horizontally as opposed to the rotation shaft of the
rotor as the symmetry shaft, and drive coil, to perform a step
drive by a certain angle.
[0304] The head drive actuator of this invention is characterized
in that it has the lead screw having spiral grooves that connect
and slide against the cylindrical needles set on the carriage on
which to mount the head, and the rotor connected with the lead
screw, and the pivot bearing that accepts the end of the lead screw
at the end of the lead screw, and the spring that provides preload
from the other end of the lead screw. By performing a step rotation
by a certain angle, the drive position of the carriage is
determined.
[0305] The head drive actuator of this invention is characterized
in that it has the thickness of less than 5 mm.
[0306] It is also characterized in that it has the rotor magnet
magnetized in the direction of rotation shaft of the rotor, and the
rotor yoke, and the stator yoke that opposes these rotor yokes from
a certain gap.
[0307] The rotor magnet is also characterized in that it is
magnetized in the radial direction of the rotation shaft.
[0308] The stator and rotor are characterized in that they are
constructed by paired parts or more.
[0309] The recording medium cartridge of this invention is
characterized in that it has the case and the shutter, and the
shutter is set to open and close in the direction perpendicular to
the insertion of the cartridge into the storage, and the latch for
opening and closing the shutter is provided on the side of the
cartridge, and the latch and the shutter are connected with a
band.
[0310] The recording medium cartridge is characterized in that the
insertion direction side, or part of materials of the outer
circumference of the shutter for opening or closing the window
through which the read/write head makes an access and the cartridge
case into the storage, are removed.
[0311] Embodiment 16.
[0312] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 39 shows a
perspective view of an external sight of the FDD unit 100. Fig. 40
shows a perspective view of the structure of the internal of the
FDD unit 100 in which the upper cover 113a is removed. Fig. 41
shows a perspective view of the FDD unit 100 in which the upper
cover 103a is removed and the recording medium cartridge 300 is
mounted. Fig. 42 shows a part of the cross sectional side view of
the FDD unit 100.
[0313] In the figure, a frame 110 supports the whole of the FDD
unit 100. In the frame 110, a cartridge receiving face 110s is a
face to mount the recording medium cartridge 300 horizontally. Side
wall parts 111a and 111b extend in the longish direction of the
unit and are mounted in the vertical direction to the cartridge
receiving face 110s. The frame 110 is opened forwardly and a taper
face 110c is provided so that the recording medium cartridge 300 is
inserted easily. An insertion and ejection port 180 of the
cartridge protects the internal of the frame 110 and the FDD unit
100. The insertion and ejection port 180 is composed of the upper
cover 113a mounted on the top face of the FDD unit 100. The center
of the cartridge receiving face 110s has a circular center hole
110d. On the other side of the insertion and ejection port 180 from
the center hole 110d, a rectangular head access portion 110e which
extends in the longish direction is provided. The frame 110 is
sandwitched between the upper cover 113a and the lower cover 113b.
The external shape of the FDD unit 100 covered by both of the
covers 113a and 113b is in accordance with type 2 of PCMCIA. Under
the frame 110, the recording medium drive actuator 140 for rotating
and driving the recording medium 301 in the recording medium
cartridge 300 is located. The recording medium drive actuator 140
is composed of a dishing shape of rotor 150, the chucking magnet
154 to absorb a metal hub, not shown in the figure, fixed in the
recording medium 301 the centering ball 158 which is the center of
rotation of the rotor 150 and so on. The centering ball 158 and the
chucking magnet 154 are facing to the upper side of the cartridge
receiving face 110s through the center hole 110d of the frame
110.
[0314] Fig. 43 shows an enlargement of the outskirts of the head
access portion 110e of the frame 110 and a perspective view seen
from the top face of the FDD unit 100. Fig. 44 shows a side cross
sectional view of unload state in which the read and write
procedure cannot be performed and the head 101 is unloaded. Fig. 45
shows a side cross sectional view of the load state in which
read/write procedure is possible. Fig. 46 shows a perspective view
of a head unload mechanism. Fig. 46 shows a perspective view seen
from the top face of the FDD unit 100. Fig. 47 shows a perspective
view of the FDD unit 100 wherein the frame 110, head frames 104a
and 104b in Fig. 46 are removed and only the head unload mechanism
is left.
[0315] In the figure, at the head access portion 110e, a read/write
head 101 is located to read and write the information for the
recording medium 301. An upper head 101a is situated on the side of
the cartridge receiving face 110s and a lower head 101b is situated
on the side of the bottom. Further, both of the heads 101a and 101b
are positioned respectively against each of the ends of the upper
arm 104a and the lower arm 104b extending in the longish direction.
The other ends of the arms 104a and 104b are situated on the
carriage 102. With the carriage 102, both of the arms 104a and 104b
move back and forth by the head drive actuator (not shown in the
figure). The end of the upper arm 104a is fixed on the carriage 102
and the lower arm 104b has a rotation support at the carriage 102.
By using the lower arm spring 400 composed of flexible plate
material whose end is fixed at the carriage 102, the lower arm 104b
is always given a tension in the direction of being shut with the
upper arm 104a. The carriage 102 has a peaking shape of arm stopper
102a, which regulates the rotation angle of the lower arm 104b
toward the side of the upper arm 104a. The lower arm 104b is
restricted to rotate within a range of a defined angle. A head
lifter 402 is composed of a lifter 402a, an unload lever 402b, a
rotating force receiver 402c, and a tension receiver 402d. In order
to make the lower head 101b enter to the load state or the unload
state, the lifter part 402a rotates when the unload lever 402b
rotates. Then, by moving the lower arm 104b up and down, the load
state or the unload state is achieved. The unload lever 402b is
supported to be rotatable freely by a lever supporter 110g. The
lever supporter 110g is mounted on the frame and sticking out from
the frame 110.
[0316] The other end of the lifter 402a of the head lifter 402 has
the rotating force receiver 402c. The rotating force receiver 402c
receives the transmission force from the eject shaft 403 and
rotates the unload lever 402b. An tension receiver 402d is
positioned a little nearer the lifter part 402a than the rotating
force receiver 402c and always give the rotating force to the
unload lever 402b. The tension receiver 402d receives the tension
from almost U-shaped rotating force spring 404 whose end is fixed
on the frame 110. By giving the force in the direction to which
both faces of the U-shape encounters are separating, the tension
receiver 402d always tends to rotate to the side of the upper cover
113a, namely, in the direction of an arrow A in the figure. The
rotating force receiver 402c is located in the side wall part 111a
of the frame 110. The rotating force receiver 402c has a top bent
on the side of the lower cover 113b. The top contacts an end part
403a of the eject shaft 403.
[0317] Fig. 48 shows an external perspective view of the eject
shaft 403. The eject shaft 403 is able to slide in the longish
direction in the side wall part 111a of the frame 110. An eject
button 405 is fixed at an end of the eject shaft 403 on the side of
the insertion and ejection port 180. The other end is a terminate
part 403a by decreasing the thickness of the eject shaft 403 to the
end part. The eject shaft 403 has a spring stopper 406a at almost
center part of the longish body. The spring stopper 406 engages
with a coil spring around the eject shaft 403.
[0318] Fig. 49 shows a perspective view of the side wall part 111a
having a notch 110k. The notch 110k gives an open port from
outside. In the notch 110k, the eject shaft 403, the spring stopper
406 and a coil spring 407 are exposed. The eject shaft 403 is
placed inside of the coil spring 407. An end of the coil spring 407
contacts the spring stopper 406. The other end of the coil spring
407 contacts the spring stopper face 110m of the frame 110 on the
opposite side of the insertion and ejection port 180. The length of
the open port of the notch 110k is more than the length for which
the coil spring 407 can heap extension operation. Therefore, the
coil spring 407 extends from the spring stopping face 110m as a
base position and always gives the tension to the eject shaft 403
in the direction of the insertion and ejection port 180 through the
spring stopper 406.
[0319] Fig. 50 shows a perspective view of the shaft barb stopper
408. The shaft barb stopper 408 controls the movement in the
longish direction of the eject shaft 403 by insertion and ejection
of the recording medium cartridge 300. The shaft barb stopper 408
is composed of flexible plate material having an elastic force. An
end of the shaft barb stopper 408 forms a curved convexity 408a and
the other end is fixed on the frame 110. The convexity 408a of the
shaft barb stopper 408 is engaged with a barb stopper notch 403e.
The barb stopper notch is notched in the longish direction of the
eject shaft 403. The convexity 408a is possible to be bent to the
side of the lower cover 113b so as to release the engage state of
the shaft barb stopper 408 and the barb stopper notch 403e.
[0320] Next, an explanation is made for the operation of the head
unload mechanism when the recording medium cartridge 300 is
inserted in the FDD unit 100. In this operation, the unload state,
in which read and write procedure is impossible, changes to the
load state, in which read and write procedure is possible. Fig. 51
shows a perspective view of the head unload mechanism under the
unload state. In the figure, the frame 110 is not shown.
[0321] The recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted from the
insertion and ejection port 180 and slides on the cartridge
receiving face 110s and comes in contact with the convexity 408a of
the shaft barb 408. The convexity 408a bends by being pressed by
the recording medium cartridge 300 to the side of the lower cover
113b. Then, the engage state of the barb stopper notch 403e of the
eject shaft 403 is released. The eject shaft 403 is forced to slide
to the side of the insertion and ejection port 180 by the coil
spring 407. As a result, the eject shaft 403 moves in the direction
of the insertion and ejection port 180 until the spring stopper 406
contacts the frame side wall 111a on the opposite side of the
spring stopper face 110m. The eject button 405 comes out from the
frame 110. Under the unload state, the rotating force receiver 402c
contacts the higher face 403c of the taper face 403b of the eject
shaft 403, which is on the side of the insertion and ejection port
180. With the eject shaft 403 moving, the taper face 403b slides.
The rotating force receiver 402c slides down the taper face 403b
and contacts the lower face 403d which is on the opposite side of
the insertion and ejection port 180. The rotating force receiver
402c rotates around the unload lever 402b. When the rotating force
receiver 402c rotates, due to the tension of the rotating force
spring 404, the unload lever 402b rotates in the direction of the
arrow A in the figure. With the rotation of the rotating force
receiver 402a, the lifter part 402a rotates in the same direction.
When the lifter part 402a is rotated and separated from the lower
arm 104b, the lower arm 104b rotates until it comes in contact with
the arm stopper 102a. When the lower arm 104b contacts the arm
stopper 102a, the recording medium 301 is sandwitched between the
lower head 101b and the upper head 101a. Then, the load state in
which read and write procedure is possible is completed.
[0322] Next, an explanation will be made for the operation in a
case where the load state moves to the unload state and the lower
head 101b is unloaded. Fig. 52 shows a perspective view of the head
unload mechanism under the load state. In the figure, the frame 110
is not shown. Under the load state, the eject button 405 continues
to be come out from the frame 110.
[0323] When the eject button 405 is pressed against the extension
force caused by the coil spring 407 of the eject shaft 403, the
eject shaft 403 is moved. The rotating force receiver 402c being
contacted to the lower face 403d under the load state slides on the
taper face 403b when the eject shaft 403 slides and moves contacted
portion to the higher face 403c. When the rotating force receiver
402c moves from the lower face 403d to the higher face 403c, the
unload lever 402b rotates in the opposite direction of rotation
shown by an arrow B when the unload state changes to the load
state. According to the rotation of the unload lever 402b, the
lifter part 402a rotates. When the lifter part 402a contacts the
lower arm 104b, the lower arm 104b rotates in the direction of
separating from the upper arm 104a. Accordingly, both heads 101a
and 101b are separated and the sandwich state of the recording
medium 301 is released. After released, the recording medium
cartridge 300 is ejected up to the position not to be contacted
with the shaft barb stopper 408. The shaft barb stopper 408 being
bended on the side of the lower cover 113b becomes the unload state
due to the elastic force. The convexity 408a engages with the barb
stopper notch 403e.
[0324] Embodiment 17
[0325] In this embodiment, there is shown another embodiment
related to the structure of the rotating force spring 404 and the
outskirts structure.
[0326] Fig. 53 shows a part of cross sectional side view of the
rotating force receiver 402c which is fixed or unified in the
unload lever 402b.
[0327] In the figure, an upper cover 113a covers the top face of
the FDD unit 100. A rotating force receiver 402c can rotate around
the shaft center of the unload lever 402b as well as the unload
lever 402b and the lifter part 402a not shown in the figure. A
pressure foot 113d, wherein a part of the upper cover 113a is cut
and pushed down, is situated on the top of the rotating force
receiver 402c.
[0328] The pressure foot 113d gives a pressure to the rotating
force receiver 402c so that the rotating force receiver 402c always
contacts either of the higher face 403c, the taper face 403b or the
lower face 403d of the eject shaft 403.
[0329] Thus, by providing the pressure foot 113d on the upper cover
113a, the rotating force spring 404 in Embodiment 16 and the
tension receiver 402d do not need to be mounted and the number of
components can be reduced.
[0330] Embodiment 18
[0331] Fig. 54 shows a perspective view of the position setting
mechanism for positioning the recording medium cartridge 300 on the
FDD unit 100. It shows an unload state where the position setting
is released. Fig. 55 shows a perspective view of the position
setting mechanism under the load state. Fig. 56 shows a perspective
view of the engage state with the recording medium cartridge
300.
[0332] In the figures, a latch lever 410 is a position setting
member for holding the load state which read and write procedure is
possible in the FDD unit 100. The latch lever is composed of the
pole shaped stopper 410a and the almost U - shaped hook spring 410b
in the plain of the cartridge receiving face 110s. The hook spring
410b is placed in a concave 110p of the frame 110. When the
recording medium cartridge 300 is loaded in the FDD unit 100, the
hook spring 410b is hidden under the recording medium cartridge 300
by the concave 110p.
[0333] The eject shaft 403 has a lock notch 403f to which the
stopper 410a moves under the unload state. The lock notch 403f is
provided to contact with the pole side of the stopper 410a of the
latch lever. The stopper 410a is always forced to contact with the
lock notch 403f by the hook spring 410b.
[0334] The side of the recording medium cartridge 300 has a
semicircular stopper notch 300a. When the recording medium
cartridge 300 is completely inserted to the FDD unit 100, the pole
side of the stopper 410a is engaged with the stopper notch
300a.
[0335] Thus, the latch lever 410 is mounted to engage with the
stopper notch 300a of the recording medium cartridge 300.
Accordingly, the position of the recording medium cartridge 300
both in the longish direction and the shortish direction is
set.
[0336] There is shown the operation of the cartridge position
setting mechanism wherein the recording medium cartridge 300 is
inserted to the FDD unit 100 changing the unload state to the load
state.
[0337] The recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted from the
insertion and ejection port 180 and slides on the cartridge
receiving face 110s so as to be inserted to the inside of the FDD
unit 100. In case of insertion, the latch lever 410 is placed on
the side of the eject shaft 403 by the hook spring 410b. Therefore,
the latch lever contacts the lock notch 403f. This avoids bothering
to insert the recording medium cartridge 300. When the recording
medium cartridge 300 is completely inserted, according to the
unload mechanism of the read/write head 101, the eject shaft 403
moves to the side of the insertion and ejection port 180. At the
same time, the lock notch 403f moves on the side of the insertion
and ejection port 180. The latch lever 410 being contacted the lock
notch 403f moves out in the inside of the FDD unit 100 along the
lock notch 403f. When the recording medium cartridge 300 is
completely inserted and the movement of the eject shaft 403
finishes, the stopper 410a and the stopper notch 300a of the latch
lever 410 are engaged and the recording medium cartridge 300 is set
to the load state.
[0338] There is shown the operation of the cartridge position
setting mechanism wherein the recording medium cartridge 300 is
ejected to the outside of the FDD unit 100 changing the load state
to the unload state.
[0339] The load state changes to the unload state according to the
head unload mechanism. When the eject button 405 is pressed, the
eject shaft 403 moves to the side of the insertion and ejection
port 180. The lock notch 403f also moves. According to the notched
shape of the lock notch 403f, the latch lever 410 retracts in the
direction of the eject shaft 403. The engage state between the
latch lever 410 and the stopper notch 300a is released. The
recording medium cartridge 300 positioned in the inside of the FDD
unit 100 by the latch lever 410 is released. As a result, the
recording medium cartridge 300 is enabled to be ejected and the
unload state is set. Based on such configuration, the recording
medium cartridge 300 is positioned in the FDD unit 100.
[0340] Embodiment 19
[0341] This embodiment shows another embodiment related to the
cartridge position setting mechanism.
[0342] Fig. 57 shows a perspective view of the configuration of the
cartridge position setting mechanism of the present embodiment. In
the figure, a cartridge receiver face 110s is provided in the frame
110. A side wall part 111a is provided in the frame 110. A lock
notch 403f is provided in the eject shaft 403. A latch lever 410 is
composed of a pole shaped stopper 410a and a plate lever 410c. The
latch lever 410 is engaged with a pin 411. The pin 411 is the
stopper of the latch lever 410 in the direction of thickness of the
FDD unit 100. The pin 411 also serves as a rotation shaft so that
the latch lever 410 can rotate.
[0343] The latch lever 410 is not always forced to contact to the
lock notch 403f. However, by the recording medium cartridge 300
being inserted, the inserting top of the recording medium cartridge
300 forces the stopper 410a to retract toward the lock notch 403f.
When the position setting mechanism enters the load state, the
stopper 410a is pushed out from the lock notch 403f and is engaged
with the stopper notch 300a of the recording medium cartridge 300.
When the recording medium cartridge 300 is ejected, with the
ejecting operation of the recording medium cartridge 300, the eject
shaft 403 moves on the side of the insertion and ejection port 180.
The stopper 410a can be retracted in the inside of the lock notch
403f. According to the movement of the recording medium cartridge
300, the stopper 410a returns in the inside of the lock notch
403f.
[0344] Embodiment 20
[0345] Fig. 58 shows a part of cross sectional side view when the
recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted to the FDD unit 100.
Fig. 59 shows a whole perspective view of the upper cover 113a.
[0346] In the upper cover 113a, bend pieces 113c are provided. The
bend pieces 113c press the recording medium cartridge 300 in the
direction of thickness of the FDD unit 100 when the recording
medium cartridge 300 is inserted to the FDD unit 100. By an
elasticity of the bend piece 113c, the top face of the recording
medium cartridge 300 is pressed down and therefore the recording
medium cartridge 300 is firmly fixed in the FDD unit 100.
[0347] Thus, by pressing the recording medium cartridge 300 with
the bend piece 113c of the upper cover 113a, it is possible to
perform stable read and write operation.
[0348] As has been described, the unload lever rotates by moving
the eject shaft and the head lifter contacts and rotates the arm
according to the rotation of the unload lever. Accordingly, the
recording medium cartridge can be inserted in the plane direction.
The movement in the vertical direction is not needed. As a result,
it is effective in that the structure can be simplified and the FDD
unit can be made thinner.
[0349] Since the eject spring whose one end on the side of the
insertion and ejection port contacts the eject shaft and the other
end contacts the frame, the eject shaft comes to be always forced
toward the side of the insertion and ejection port. As a result, it
is possible to simplify the mechanism related to the eject shaft
and obtain the FDD unit at a low cost.
[0350] Furthermore, the shaft barb stopper whose one end is engaged
with the notch of the eject shaft and the other end is fixed on the
frame is provided. When the recording medium cartridge is inserted
and reaches to the position, the barb position of the shaft barb
stopper is come down by the recording medium cartridge. Then, the
engage state with the eject shaft is released and it is possible to
move the eject shaft on the side of the insertion and ejection
port. As a result, it is possible to make the FDD unit thinner.
[0351] Since the touching part of the eject shaft contacting the
unload lever has a taper shape and the unload lever rotates by
moving the eject shaft, it is possible to simplify the head unload
mechanism and obtain the FDD unit at a low cost.
[0352] Since the unload lever whose one end contacts the unload
lever and the other end contacts or fixed to the frame is provided,
it is possible to simplify the head unload mechanism and obtain the
FDD unit at a low cost.
[0353] Since the pressure foot for giving the pressure to the
unload lever in a predetermined direction is mounted, it is
possible to simplify the head unload mechanism and obtain the FDD
unit at a low cost.
[0354] By moving the eject shaft, the latch lever is rotated or
displaced. Accordingly, the latch lever can be engaged with the
notch of the recording medium cartridge. Therefore, it is possible
to determine the position of the recording medium cartridge and
simplify the positioning mechanism of the recording medium
cartridge. As a result, it is possible to obtain the FDD unit at a
low cost.
[0355] Since the bend piece for pressing the recording medium
cartridge to the side of the recording medium drive actuator is
provided on the cover, it is possible to pressure the recording
medium cartridge and reduce the number of parts. As a result, it is
possible to obtain the FDD unit at a low cost.
[0356] Embodiment 21
[0357] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to this invention will
be described with reference to the attached figures.
[0358] Fig. 60 shows a plan view of the recording medium cartridge.
Fig. 61 shows a side view of the cartridge.
[0359] Figs. 60 and 61 show a condition that a shutter 304 is
opened. Fig. 62 shows a cross sectional view of the recording
medium cartridge. Fig. 63 shows an A-A cross sectional view of Fig.
62 to the direction of the arrows.
[0360] Further, Fig. 64 shows a part of a plan view of FDD unit
according to the present invention. Fig. 65 shows a B-B cross
sectional view of Fig. 64 to the direction of the arrows. Fig. 65
shows the FDD unit and the recording medium cartridge at the time
when the recording medium is under the load state.
[0361] A cartridge case 302 is composed of a resinous upper shell
302a and a resinous lower shell 302b. The cartridge case 302
carries a disk shaped recording medium 301 fixed on the hub 303. An
opener band 306 is provided in the cartridge case 302. The end of
the opener band 306 is fixed to an opener latch 307 and the other
end of the opener band 306 is fixed to a shutter 304. As shown in
Fig. 60, when the recording medium cartridge 300 is inserted into
the FDD unit 100 in the X direction, the opener latch 307 is moved
in the - X direction by the opener lever 324 mounted on the FDD
unit 100. Simultaneously, the shutter 304 is pulled in the - Y
direction and the window 305 is opened. Then, the recording medium
301 is exposed. Here, an area S has no parts on no members of the
cartridge case 302 and the shutter 304. On the other hand, when the
recording medium cartridge 300 is pulled out from the FDD unit 100,
the opener latch 307 is moved in the X direction by the opener
lever 324. Simultaneously, the shutter 304 is moved in the Y
direction and a window 305 is closed.
[0362] A slide member 310 is used to recognize the writing
prohibition state wherein information once recorded in the
recording medium 301 is not erased. A conductive metal piece 311 of
yoked type is fixed on the slide member 310 based on such as an
integral structure. The conductive metal piece 311 is composed of
an elastic plate of a flat spring. The lower shell 302b fixes two
conductive metal plates 312a and 312b separately as shown in Figs.
62 and 63 based on such as an integral structure. Further, portions
of the metal plates 312a and 312b are exposed under the lower shell
302b.
[0363] In Figs. 64 and 65, a frame 110 supports the FDD unit.
Terminals 115a and 115b are parts of a write protect switch which
recognizes the writing prohibition state. Each of terminals 115a
and 115b is composed of flat spring of the conductive metal. Each
of the terminals 115a and 115b is fixed at the departed position
not to be contacted to the other terminal by the switch holder 116.
The switch holder 116 is made of noncurrent substance like resin
and fixed on the frame 110.
[0364] The ends of the terminals 115a and 115b are connected to the
circuit board, not shown in the figure, in the FDD unit by the
cable. When the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the
FDD unit 100 and the load state is set, terminals 115a and 115b are
respectively contacted to the two metal plates 312a and 312b
exposed from the lower shell 302b.
[0365] The operation of the write protect switch will now be
described. Fig. 66 shows a cross sectional view in the direction of
plan of the recording medium cartridge 300. Fig. 66 shows a
condition that the metal piece 311 fixed on the slide member 310
comes in contact with only metal plate 312b fixed on the lower
shell 302b. Fig. 67 shows a cross sectional view in the direction
of plan of the recording medium cartridge 300. The metal piece 311
shows a condition that the metal piece 311 contacts two metal
plates 312a and 312b.
[0366] When the recording medium cartridge 300 is set under the
load state in which read and write procedure is possible, write
protect switch terminals 115a and 115b on the side of the FDD unit
respectively contacts metal plates 312a and 312b fixed on the lower
shell 302b. As shown in Fig. 66, when the metal piece 311 contacts
only the metal plate 312b, the terminals 115a and 115b connected to
the circuit board are not conducted. On the other hand, as shown in
Fig. 67, in a case where the metal piece 311 contacts both of the
metal plates 312a and 312b, there occurs a conducting state between
the terminals 115a and 115b. The circuit board judges whether the
writing is prohibited or not by checking the conducting state.
[0367] In this way, when the part of the function of the write
protect switch is provided in the recording medium cartridge 300, a
thinner type of FDD unit than a conventional one is configurated.
It is possible to obtain the FDD unit 100 having thickness of below
5.0 mm, which is able to be inserted to the standard slot defined
by the PCMCIA type specification.
[0368] Embodiment 22
[0369] Fig. 68 shows a top view when the recording medium cartridge
300 is mounted on the FDD unit 100 under the load state in which
read and write procedure is possible. Fig. 69 shows a side view of
Fig. 68 and a C-C cross sectional view of Fig. 68 to the direction
of an arrow.
[0370] In the figures, an interface connector 181 is a connector in
accordance with PCMCIA type 2 specification. A slide member 310 is
used for recognizing writing prohibition state of the recording
medium. A recording medium cartridge 300 is composed of the
recording medium 301, the upper shell 302a, the lower shell 302b,
the slide member 310 and so on.
[0371] When the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted to the
FDD unit 100 and the load state is set in which read and write
procedure is possible, the slide member 310 is situated on the
outside of the FDD unit 100. In order to move the slide member 310
in the Y direction, the upper shell 302a has a hole to expose the
slide member. Then, the slide member is moved through the hole. The
center of the top of the recording medium cartridge 300 has another
hole 300h. When the recording medium cartridge 300 is pulled out
from the FDD unit 100, the hole 300h can be used.
[0372] When the slide member 310 used for recognizing the writing
prohibition state of the recording medium is positioned on the
outside of the FDD unit 100 and is facing to the top side to make
the operation easy. Therefore, it is possible to set or reset the
writing prohibition state unless the recording medium cartridge 300
is set to the unload state.
[0373] Embodiment 23
[0374] Fig. 70 shows a cross sectional view in the direction of
plan when the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the FDD
unit 100 in a case where the recording medium cartridge 300 is
under the load state. Fig. 71 shows a D-D cross sectional view seen
in the direction of the arrows.
[0375] In the figures, a frame 110 supports the FDD unit 100. A
head drive actuator 105, a circuit board 114 and a lower shell 302b
are provided. The loading member 130 loads the recording medium
cartridge 300 on the FDD unit and sets the position. A conductive
metal plate 320 is used as a disk-in-switch for checking whether
the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the FDD unit 100
or not. A portion of the metal plate 320 is exposed and fixed on
the surface of the lower shell 302b based on such as integral
structure. Two disk-in-switch terminals 117 and 118 are fixed on
the circuit board 114 by using such as a method of soldering.
[0376] The disk-in-switch terminals 117 and 118 has a spring
characteristic. The terminal end portions 117a and 118a are always
pressed in the direction of top of the FDD unit, namely in the
direction of thickness of the cartridge 300. The terminal end
portions 117a and 118a are arranged to get in touch with the
exposed portion of the metal plate 320 fixed on the lower shell
302b when the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the FDD
unit 100 and the load state is set.
[0377] When the recording medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the
FDD unit 100, both of the top portions 117a and 118a of the
disk-in-switch terminals 117 and 118 come in contact with the metal
plate 320 on the recording medium cartridge 300. Then, the
disk-in-switch terminals 117 and 118 becomes the conducting state.
When the circuit board 114 detects the conducting state, it is
possible to judge that the recording medium cartridge 300 has been
under the load state in which read and write procedure is possible
in the FDD unit 100.
[0378] Thus, the metal plate 320 is provided for the disk-in-switch
at the bottom of the cartridge, namely, the lower shell 302b. The
portion of the metal plate is then exposed on the surface of the
recording medium cartridge 300. Further, by mounting the
disk-in-switch terminals 117 and 118 from the circuit board 114,
the structure of the disk-in-switch for detecting that the
recording medium cartridge 300 is under the load state on the FDD
unit 100 is simplified and the FDD unit 100 can be made
thinner.
[0379] Embodiment 24
[0380] In this embodiment, there is shown another embodiment
related to the structure of the disk-in-switch. Fig. 72 shows a
cross sectional view in the direction of plan when the recording
medium cartridge 300 is mounted on the FDD unit 100 and the load
state is set. Fig. 73 shows an E-E cross sectional view of Fig. 72
seen in the direction of the arrows.
[0381] In the figures, the frame 110 supports the FDD unit. The
head drive actuator 105, the circuit board 114 and the recording
medium cartridge 300 are provided. The upper shell 302a is a top
side case of the recording medium cartridge 300. The slide member
310 is used for write protection. The shutter 304 is provided in
the recording medium cartridge 300. The interface connector 181 is
the connector in accordance with PCMCIA type 2 specification.
[0382] The circuit board 114 has a connector 331 having more than
two (five in Fig. 72) terminals 332 to be a standard of position
detecting when the recording medium cartridge 300 tries to be the
load state. The recording medium cartridge 300 has a connector
contact 330. The connector contact 330 has a plurality of contacts
to contact with each of the terminals 332. So that there might be
at least two conducting points, at least two contacts 330 are
connected each other by using a method of soldering or a cable.
Fig. 72 shows a conducting state between the contacts 330a and
330b.
[0383] According to the present embodiment, by detecting the
conducting state based on the connection of the connectors and
terminals, it is possible to detect the position of the recording
medium cartridge 300 and obtain the stable thin disk-in-switch.
[0384] Embodiment 25
[0385] Fig. 74 shows a top view of the recording medium cartridge
300. In the figure, there is shown a condition that the shutter 304
is opened. Fig. 75 shows an F-F cross sectional view of Fig. 74
seen in the direction of the arrows.
[0386] The recording medium 301 and the hub 303 are bonded by using
such as a double coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape and
carried in the recording medium cartridge 300 to be rotatable. A
case of the recording medium cartridge 300 is composed of the upper
shell 302a and the lower shell 302b. The inside of the upper shell
302a corresponding to the position a little shifted from the center
hole 303a of the hub 303 has an index sensor 340 to detect a
predefined position in one rotation. The index censor 340 is a
reflection type of photo sensor.
[0387] The hub 303 is made of stainless material and its color is
normally silver. So that a predefined position of the recording
medium 301 or the hub 303 is detected by using a reflection type of
photo sensor, a face 303b of the hub 303 facing to the index sensor
340 has a marker 350 of black color, for example, in order to be an
opposite color of silver. As a result, when the recording medium
301 and the hub 303 rotate, the output signal of the index sensor
340 changes according to the black marker 350 on a part of the hub
303. Then, it is possible to obtain the index signal from the
changed signal.
[0388] An index censor 340 is connected to a flexible print cable
(hereinafter, referred to as FPC) 341. Each contacts of the
connector contact 330 at the connector socket 333 mounted on the
side of the shutter 304 of the recording medium cartridge 300 are
connected to FPC 341 by using a method of soldering and so forth.
Accordingly, the index signal obtained by the index sensor 340 is
output to the circuit board 114 of the FDD unit 100 through the FPC
341 and the connector contact 330.
[0389] Thus, by mounting the index censor 340 in the recording
medium cartridge 300, it is possible to make the FDD unit 100
smaller and thinner.
[0390] Embodiment 26
[0391] This embodiment shows another embodiment of the recording
medium cartridge described in Embodiment 25.
[0392] Fig. 76 shows an F-F cross sectional view of Fig. 74 which
is a top view of the recording medium cartridge, similar to the
view of Fig. 75.
[0393] In the figure, the upper shell 302a, the lower shell 302b,
the hub 303 and the recording medium 301 are provided. The index
sensor 340 uses the magnetic resistance device here. On the face
303b of the hub 303 facing to the index sensor 340, a sheet magnet
351 which has N and S magnetic poles in the direction of plan is
bonded by using adhesive and so on. As a result, when the recording
medium 301 and the hub 303 rotate, the magnetic field of the magnet
351 fixed on a part of the hub 303 is detected by the magnetic
resistance device of the index sensor 340. Then, it is possible to
obtain the index signal.
[0394] Thus, by using the magnetic resistance device as the index
sensor, it is possible to detect a predefined position in one
rotation and to obtain the index signal as in Embodiment 25.
[0395] Embodiment 27
[0396] Fig. 77 shows a plan view of the lower shell 302b of the
recording medium cartridge 300. Fig. 78 shows a part of the cross
sectional plan view when the recording medium cartridge 300 is set
under the load state where read and write procedure is possible in
the FDD unit 100. Fig. 79 shows a G-G cross sectional view of Fig.
78 seen in the direction of the arrows.
[0397] In the figures, the lower shell 302b, the shutter 304 and
the recording medium 301 are provided. A part of a disk
circumference of the recording medium 301 has a notch 301a. The
lower shell 302b has a hole 300b to be able to inspect the notch
301a. In Fig. 77, the hole 300b is exposed only when the shutter
304 is opened. When the shutter 304 is shut, the hole 300b is
covered by the shutter 304. Therefore, the hole 300b is not seen
from the surface of the recording medium cartridge 300. However,
the hole 300b does not need to locate at a place covered by the
shutter 304.
[0398] In the FDD unit 100, the index sensor 340 for detecting a
predefined position in one rotation is mounted at a corresponding
position the hole 300b of the lower shell 302b when the recording
medium cartridge 300 is set under the load state where the read and
write is possible. The index sensor 340 here uses the reflection
type of photo sensor.
[0399] There is shown a description of how the index signal is
obtained by the index sensor 340.
[0400] When the recording medium cartridge 300 is set under the
load state on the FDD unit 100, the recording medium 301 is
detected by the above mentioned disk-in-switch. Then, the recording
medium drive actuator 140 rotates and simultaneously the recording
medium 301 and the hub 303 rotates. Under the load state, since the
position in which the index sensor 340 is mounted matches the
position of the hole 300b placed on the lower shell 302b, it is
possible to detect the notch 301a of the recording medium 301 by
the index sensor 340 using the reflection type of photo sensor.
Thus, it is possible to obtain the index signal.
[0401] By making the notch at the part of the circumference of the
recording medium 301 and providing the index sensor 340 using a
reflection type of photo sensor on the FDD unit 100, it is possible
to detect a predefined position in one rotation and to obtain the
index signal. The mounting position of the index sensor does not
need to be adjusted finely.
[0402] As has been described, the medium exchange type storage unit
has at least two metal plates in the recording medium cartridge and
the slide member a fixed another metal piece. The writing
prohibition state is judged whether the slide member gets in touch
with one metal plate or both metal plates. It is possible to make
the writing prohibition switch thinner.
[0403] Since the conductive metal plate is exposed on the lower
shell, it is possible to make the writing prohibition switch or
make the disk-in-switch thinner.
[0404] Since the slide member is placed at the outside upper
surface exposed from the storage unit under the condition that the
recording medium cartridge is mounted on the storage unit, it is
possible to obtain the storage unit whose operation is easy.
[0405] Furthermore, since the conductive metal plates are exposed
on the surface of the recording medium cartridge and circuit board
carried in the storage unit has conductive terminals of two poles,
it is possible to make the disk-in-switch thinner.
[0406] Furthermore, by mounting the part of the index sensor for
detecting the predefined position in one rotation to the recording
medium storage, it is possible to make the storage unit
thinner.
[0407] Furthermore, by mounting the reflection type of photo sensor
for detecting a predefined position in one rotation in the
recording medium in the recording medium cartridge, it is possible
to obtain the storage unit providing a well qualified index
signal.
[0408] Furthermore, by mounting the magnetic resistance device for
detecting a predefined position in one rotation of the recording
medium, it is possible to obtain the storage unit providing a well
qualified index signal.
[0409] Furthermore, since a part of a circumference of the
recording medium is partly notched, it is possible to obtain the
index signal by the photo sensor and to obtain the storage unit
whose reliability is high.
[0410] Furthermore, by mounting the photo sensor in the vertical
direction of the partly notched recording medium, it is possible to
obtain the index signal and to obtain the storage unit whose
quality is high.
[0411] Having thus described several particular embodiments of the
invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements
will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,
modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this
disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of
the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of
example only, and not intended to be limiting. The invention is
limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalents
thereto.
* * * * *