Magnetic disk cartridge having a flexible disk anti-drift mechanism

[0002] This invention relates to a cartridge based data storage system in which a flexible magnetic disk is disposed within a cartridge shell. More particularly, the invention relates to a hub for containing lateral movement of the flexible disk within the cartridge shell.

[0003] Microprocessors and supporting computer technologies are rapidly increasing in speed and computing power while decreasing in cost and size. These factors have led to the broad application of microprocessors to an array of electronic products, such as hand-held computers, digital cameras, cellular phones and the like. All of these devices have, in effect, become computers with particular application-specific attributes. For this new breed of computer products, enormous flexibility is gained by the ability to exchange data files and store computer software.

[0004] A variety of proprietary storage devices have been used in computer products. For example, hand-held computers have used integrated circuit memory cards (“memory cards”) as the primary information storage media. Memory cards include memory storage elements, such as static random access memory (SRAM), or programmable and erasable non-volatile memory, such as “flash” memory. Memory cards each are typically the size of a conventional credit card and are used in portable computers in place of hard disk drives and floppy disk drives. Furthermore, memory cards enhance the significant advantages of the size, weight, and battery lifetime attributes of the portable computer and increase portability of the storage media. However, because of the limited memory density attainable in each memory card and the high cost of the specialized memory chips, using memory cards in hand-held computers imposes limitations not encountered in less portable computers, which typically use more power-consuming and heavier hard and floppy disk drives as their primary storage media.

[0005] Other of these computer products, such as the digital camera, have employed miniature video disks as the storage media. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,175 issued Nov. 12, 1985 to Baumeister discloses a digital camera configured to store information on a magnetic disk. In Baumeister, a signal processor receives signals representative of a picture from a photo sensor. Those signals are recorded on a magnetic disk for later processing. Unfortunately, the video disk storage product provides limited storage capacity. For that and other reasons (e.g., power consumption and cost), the video disk has not been used in other computer products. As a result, interchanging data from one of these digital cameras with other computer products, such as a hand-held computer, is not readily achieved.

[0006] Similar to a standard size cartridge, the miniature cartridge contains a flexible magnetic disk diposed within a hard outer shell. Such a standard size cartridge is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,157 (Takahashi). The Takahashi patent is generally directed to a disk cassette that contains a flexible magnetic disk having a center core (i.e., a hub) and an apparatus for reading and recording information on the flexible magnetic disk. The disk cassette comprises a flexible disk attached to a hub. The disk and hub assembly are sandwiched between an upper cover and a lower cover. To constrain the movement of the flexible disk within the cover, the hub has a center hollow which mates with a projection from the upper cover of the cassette. Unfortunately, while this approach may effective constrain the flexible disk's lateral movement within the cartridge, it requires that the hub have enough thickness to accept the projection. Accordingly, the cartridge cannot be made thinner without affecting the performance of this containment approach.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for an improved disk constraint mechanism

[0008] In accordance with the present invention a mini-cartridge is provided for mini drives in a plurality of hand-held devices which generate signals representing different functions performed by different classes of the devices. For example, the devices include digital cameras, electronic books, global positioning systems, personal digital systems, portable games and cellular phones. Each of these devices has a mini drive for writing signals and reading signals representing the functions to and from a magnetic medium in the mini-cartridge. In this way, signals representing the diverse functions performed by the different classes of devices are recorded on the mini-cartridge. The hand-held devices incorporating the present invention provide and create a single means of capturing, moving and storing information across multiple products.

[0009] The mini-cartridge can be inserted into the mini drive of other devices. For example, a reporter could snap a photograph with a digital camera having a mini drive of the present invention, use a mini drive to save and transport the image to a mini drive equipped cell phone and then transmit the image to a news bureau, anywhere in the world.

[0010] The mini-cartridge from that cell phone can then be operated upon by a personal computer.

[0011] As further example of the uses and advantages of the present invention, the mini-cartridge can be used in digital cameras similar to the way film is used in a traditional camera, capturing up to 70-80 images on a single disk at a low cost per disk. Currently, consumers must pay hundreds of dollars for a flash memory card holding the same number of images.

[0012] The mini drive and cartridge can be used to quickly transfer a phone number list from a PDA to a cell phone, or save a fax on a mini-cartridge and use it in a cell phone to transmit it wirelessly.

[0013] Hand-held gaming devices equipped with mini drives can also be an ideal means of distributing games for hand-held gaming devices at lower costs. There is an additional possibility of updating games via the Internet, saving the new version on a mini-cartridge and then using it in a hand-held game player.

[0014] GPS (global positioning systems) using a mini drive can download maps from the Internet, or a local map on a mini-cartridge can be purchased for use in a GPS system, while hiking or in a car equipped with a GPS device.

[0015] A PDA (personal digital assistant) with a mini drive is an affordable storage technology for PC companions and hand-held devices. They also serve as a high-capacity, affordable means to save and move applications to/from a PC and PDA.

[0016] The present invention is designed to provide high capacity at a low cost for hand-held devices. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following more detailed description and appending claims.

[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the interchangeable mini-cartridge of the present invention, including a plurality of devices each having a mini disk drive, and including a caddy to adapt the mini-cartridge to a full-size drive of a host computer;

[0019] FIG. 2A shows a top view of the mini-cartridge with the shutter retracted exposing a magnetic medium;

[0020] FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of the mini-cartridge with the shutter retracted exposing the magnetic medium;

[0021] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the magnetic medium;

[0022] FIG. 2D shows a cut-away side view of a second embodiment of the mini-cartridge assembly;

[0023] FIG. 3A shows the mini-cartridge seated in the mini disk drive with the read/write heads retracted;

[0024] FIG. 3B shows the mini disk drive without the mini-cartridge;

[0025] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D show the mini-cartridge at progressive stages of insertion into the mini disk drive;

[0026] FIG. 4E shows the mini-cartridge fully translated horizontally into the mini disk drive in an elevated, unseated position;

[0027] FIG. 4F shows the mini-cartridge seated in operational position in the mini disk drive with the heads engaging the magnetic medium;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows the top of the mini disk drive exterior;

[0029] FIG. 6A shows the male camming surface and the cartridge lock fully seated into the female camming surface and the cartridge lock mating surface, respectively; and

[0030] FIG. 6B shows the sled tab engagement with the eject tab.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a plurality of devices 10-15 which generate signals representing different functions performed by different classes of the devices. For example, the global positioning system 10 can generate signals representing navigational position. Electronic book 11, digital camera 12, personal digital assistant (PDA/Palmtop) 13, portable game 14, cellular phone 15, and laptop computer 16 each generate signals representing the function performed by that particular device.

[0032] In accordance with the present invention, each of these devices has a mini drive 20 for writing the signals and reading the signals from a magnetic recording medium so that diverse functions performed by different classes are recorded on the devices. Each device has a mini drive 20, i.e. a mini drive 20ffor the global positioning system 10, a mini drive 20gfor the electronic book 11, a mini drive 20afor the digital camera 12, a mini drive 20bfor the portable game 13, a mini drive 20cfor the PDA/palmtop 14, a mini drive 20dfor the cellular phone 15 and a mini drive 20efor the laptop computer 16.

[0033] A mini-cartridge 30 has a magnetic recording medium on which the signals from the devices are recorded. The mini-cartridge 30 is compatible with the mini drives 20. Standard file formats maintain compatibility between devices. In the preferred embodiment, mini drives 20 have a PCMCIA 3 form factor. This form factor is commonly used in portable personal computers. For example, this form factor could be used for the modem port of a notebook computer. The PCMCIA 3 form factor is quite small so the mini drive 20 readily fits into all of the portable, hand-held devices shown in FIG. 1. The mini-drive 20 is insertable into and removable from the device just as the PCMCIA modem is insertable into and removable from the PCMCIA slot of a notebook computer. Alternatively, the drive 20 could be hard wired into the device. In both cases, the device generates a digital function signal which is connected to the magnetic heads of the drive so that the digital function signal can be written on the magnetic medium of the mini-cartridge 30. As an example, a digital function signal representing a picture taken in a digital camera 12 is recorded on a mini-cartridge 30. This digital function signal can be read by other classes of devices when the cartridge 30 is inserted into other devices.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B a mini-cartridge 30 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. FIG. 2A presents an isometric top view of mini-cartridge 30, and FIG. 2B presents an isometric bottom view of mini-cartridge 30. Mini-cartridge 30 is fabricated from a magnetic medium 29 disposed between a top shell portion 41 and a bottom shell portion 34. Top shell portion 41 has four integrally formed pads 42, one at each comer. Bottom shell portion 34 attaches to top shell portion 41 within pads 42 and is formed from a substantially rigid materially, such as sheet steel. Both the top shell portion 41 and the bottom shell portion 34 have cut-outs such that aperture 60 is formed in one end of cartridge 30 when the shell halves are brought together.

[0035] Shutter 39 is connected over the aperture end of the mini-cartridge 30 to close the aperture and protect the magnetic medium 29 whenever cartridge 30 is outside of a mini drive 20. As such, shutter 39 slides to a first position indicated by line B, revealing magnetic media 29, and slides to a second position indicated by line A, closing the aperture and protecting magnetic media 29 from contamination and the like. When shutter 39 is closed (i.e., moved to the position as indicated by line A), shutter latch 62 engages the slot 64 and locks shutter 39 in place. Thus, in order to move shutter 39 to the open (B) position, the latch 62 must first be depressed to unlock shutter 39. Four cam openings 59 are formed through the corresponding pads 42 of the top shell portion 41 and two cartridge lock cut-outs 57 are also formed in the top shell. Additionally, the top shell portion 41 has a through hole to allow a thinner mini-cartridge 30 while accommodating a drive spindle (not shown). As such, a seal 36, made of substantially thinner material than the material used to form top shell portion 41, is attached to the shell to cover the hole. Magnetic medium 29, as indicated by the dashed line in FIGS. 2A and 2B, is sandwiched between the shell portions 41, 34 and is allowed to float unattached to either shell portion.

[0036] Magnetic medium 29 is best described with reference to FIG. 2C. As shown, magnetic medium 29 is substantially circular in shape. Additionally, medium 29 is made from a single piece of flexible material, such as Mylar. As is well-known in the floppy disk arts, a magnetic coating is placed over both sides of the Mylar, making it susceptible to storing data in the form of magnetically readable and erasable signals. A circular hub 32 is attached to the medium 29 and provides the mechanism for connecting the magnetic medium 29 to the drive spindle. Hub 32 is stamped from a single piece of ferrous material, such as sheet steel, forming circular lip 32a.Hub 32 and magnetic medium 29 are permanently bonded together with a hot melt adhesive, such as bynel adhesive resin manufactured by DuPont Corp.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2A in conjunction with FIG. 2C, the circular lip 32 engages the top shell portion 41 via the through hole to constrain lateral movement of magnetic media 29. FIG. 2D shows a cut-away side view of a second embodiment of magnetic medium 29 and hub 32. In the second hub embodiment, the center of the hub is lowered. This allows the cartridge to be made thinner and moves hub 32 closer to the spindle so that less vertical translation of cartridge 30 is necessary during cartridge mounting. The seal 36 over the through hole forms a retaining well in the top shell portion of cartride 30. Circular lip 32aprojects into the through hole for engagement with the retaining well. As a result, as the magnetic medium 29 translates laterally, the raised circular lip 32aengages the sides of the retaining well to keep the lateral movement of magnetic medium 29 restrained to a predefined range of movement. Although circulatr lip 32ais shown as having a top opening, other embodiments could perform as effectively. For example, the circular lip could be formed of a tapered hollow, or could be closed at the top end.

[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a mini drive 20 with the top cover removed. FIG. 3A shows the mini drive with a mini-cartridge 30 inserted and in an operating position in the drive. FIG. 3B, by contrast, shows mini drive 20 without a cartridge 30, revealing many of the internal drive components. Toward the back portion of the drive, a voice coil actuator 40 is coupled to drive platform 37. Actuator 40 has two arms 42aand 42bthat move linearly in the X axis direction in response to an electrical signal. A read/write head (not shown) is coupled to the distal end of each arm 42a, 42b. Thus, when a mini-cartridge 30 is inserted into the drive (as shown in FIG. 3A), the heads in conjunction with arms 42a, 42bmove over the surface of magnetic medium 29 reading and writing data.

[0039] The remaining internal components are best described with reference to FIG. 3B. As shown, spindle 49 is disposed toward the front of the drive platform 37 and is centered about the width (i.e. the Y axis) of drive platform 37. As with many disk drive spindles, spindle 49 provides the rotational interface between the mini disk drive 20 and the magnetic medium 29. As such, spindle 49 has an alignment pin 49athat engages the center of hub 32, ensuring a consistent alignment of the medium 29 in the mini disk drive 20. Additionally, spindle 49 has a magnetic top surface 41bthat magnetically couples hub 32 to spindle 49. To derive its rotational force, spindle 49 is fixed to the drive motor rotor 50. Thus as the motor (only rotor portion shown) provides the rotational force to the motor rotor 50, spindle 49 also rotates, causing inserted magnetic medium 29 to rotate.

[0040] Motor rotor 50 is magnetically coupled to the motor, which is a bushing type pancake motor. That is, motor rotor 50 can be removed from the motor merely by overcoming the magnetic force that holds the motor rotor to its associated motor. Moreover, as stated above, mini-cartridge 30 is magnetically coupled to spindle 49. As a result, removal of mini-cartridge 30 from the drive 20 could cause motor rotor 50 to lift from the motor before the mini-cartridge 30 decouples from spindle 49. Motor hold-down wings 48, coupled to platform 37, prevent motor rotor decoupling. Accordingly, hold-down wings 48 overhang motor rotor 50. Clearance is provided between the overhanging hold-down wings 48 and the motor rotor 50 to allow motor rotor 50 to spin freely during normal operation. When a mini cartridge 30 is ejected from drive 20, hold-down wings 48 will hold motor rotor 50 while hub 32 separates from spindle 49.

[0041] A load/eject sled 45 is slidably disposed on drive platform 37 to facilitate cartridge loading and ejection in cooperation with other drive components. Cams 58 are attached to or, alternatively, integrally formed with, load/eject sled 45. The entire sled 45, in tandem with cams 58, slides on drive platform 37 in a direction substantially parallel to the X axis. Initially in a no-cartridge condition, sled 45 and cams 58 are in the proximate position indicated by the line C. After a mini-cartridge 30 is inserted, sled 45 and cams 58 move to a proximate position indicated by line D. During cartridge 30 ejection, eject button 46 is pushed by a user and, as a result of the force supplied by the user, moves sled 45 from a position proximate to the line indicated by D to a position proximate to the line indicated by C. Accordingly, cams 58 are likewise forced to move to the position proximate to the line indicated by C. As is described more fully below, this movement of cams 58 causes a mini-cartridge 30 to eject from the drive 20. Additionally, as is described more fully below, cartridge locks 56 are fixed on both sides of the drive platform 37 and are used to engage and lock a mini-cartridge 30 to drive platform 37 during the cartridge insertion process. These cartridge locks 56 cooperate with cams 58 to provide cartridge 30 insertion and ejection.

[0042] A head protect lever 52 is pivotally mounted at its proximate end to drive platform 37 and secures the read/write heads when no cartridge is in the drive 20. Pivot pin 54 is connected to the proximate end of head protect lever 52 and rides in head release slot 51 of load/eject sled 45. When no cartridge 30 is in the drive, head release slot 51 allows a spring to actuate head protect lever 52 rearwardly via pivot pin 54. As a result, arms 42 are retracted. On the other hand, when a cartridge 30 is inserted into drive 20, head release slot 51 forces head protect lever 52 forward, releasing arms 42 and enabling them to move over medium 29.

[0043] A cartridge eject lever 47 is pivotally mounted proximately in the back of the drive platform 37 in front of actuator 40. As is described more fully below, lever 47 provides two functions: Opening shutter 39 during cartridge 30 insertion; and ejecting cartridge 30 during cartridge ejection.

[0044] The insertion of a mini-cartridge 30 into mini drive 20 is best described with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4F and 5. Starting with FIG. 4A, a mini-cartridge 30 is outside of drive 20 (with the cover and front panel removed for clarity) prior to insertion. At that moment, cams 58 are proximate to the position indicated by line C. Head protect lever 52 has arms 42 in a retracted position. Eject lever 47 is biased in a counter-clockwise position. And, sled 45 is locked into the position proximate to line C, via eject lever tab 47 engaging sled tab 53, and spring loaded by sled spring 66 (best viewed in FIG. 3B).

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4B, as mini-cartridge 30 enters drive 20, it rides along the top of the forward set of male cams 58c,58d.Front female cam openings 59a,59bin mini-cartridge 30 are sized and located such that they do not match-up with the first set of male cams 58c,58dencountered by the mini-cartridge 30. As a result, male cams 58c, 58dlift cartridge 30, ensuring that it enters above and clears spindle 49 during mini-cartridge 30 insertion into drive 20.

[0046] Referring next to FIG. 4C, as mini-cartridge 30 enters further into drive 20, nose 47aof eject lever 47 enters shutter slot 64 and contacts the mini-cartridge shutter latch 62. As mini-cartridge 30 is urged yet further into drive 20, eject lever 47 pivots clockwise and moves shutter 39 away from media aperture 60, exposing the magnetic medium 29 disposed within the mini-cartridge shell. Meanwhile, spring 43 provides a counter-clockwise bias on eject lever 47. Thus, simultaneous to eject lever 47 opening shutter 39, eject lever 47 is spring loaded. Additionally, as eject lever is rotated clockwise, eject lever tab 47a,which is integrally formed with eject lever 47, also begins to rotate clockwise.

[0047] FIG. 4D shows mini-cartridge 30 in the most forward position in drive 20. At that moment, shutter 39 is fully open and eject lever 47 is pivoted fully clockwise and loaded against spring 43. However, cartridge 30 is not yet seated on spindle 49 and head protect lever 52 has not yet released the heads. Eject lever tab 47ais now fully rotated clockwise, away from sled tab 53 (see FIG. 6B for best view of eject lever tab 47aand sled tab 53 engagement).

[0048] FIG. 4E shows the release of sled 45 and forward movement of sled 45. After the eject lever tab 47ahas moved away from sled tab 53. The sled is free to move from a position proximate to line C to a position proximate to line D. With the sled now free, spring 66 provides the bias to move sled 45 accordingly. As a result of the sled movement, cams 58 are moved to the D position, providing proper alignment with corresponding cam openings 59 and head protect slot 51 moves forward engaging pin 54 and releasing head protect lever 52.

[0049] FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 4F, illustrates the final mini-cartridge 30 loading step. Referring first to FIG. 5, cantilever springs 55 are shown extending downwardly from drive cover 22. These cantilever springs 55, force mini-cartridge 30 down as cartridge 30 fully enters drive 20. However, cartridge 30 is forced by cams 58 to a raised position until cam openings 59 on the mini-cartridge 30 are properly aligned with the matching male cams 58 on the sled 45. At that moment, the cantilever springs 55 urge mini-cartridge 30 downwardly onto male cams 58, as shown in FIG. 4F. Substantially simultaneous to the cam engagement, drive spindle 49 enters the corresponding circular lip 32aon the mini-cartridge 30 and magnetically engages hub 32.

[0050] According to an aspect of the invention, wedge locks 56 engage the corresponding wedge cut-outs 57 on the mini-cartridge shell. FIG. 6A provides an expanded view of the interlocking of wedge 56bwith cut-out 57bin cartridge 30. Wedges 56 provide a ramped surface on their front side and an acute angled surface on their back sides. The angled surface, as indicated by the angle α, is about 80° in the present embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other angles could be substituted for 80 degrees while still providing satisfactory results. Eject lever 47 (shown in FIG. 4F) applies a translational bias to cartridge 30, urging cartridge 30 outwardly. As a result, wedges 56 in cooperation with eject lever 47 lock cartridge 30 into place in drive 20. Mini-cartridge 30 is now ready for access by the read/write heads.

[0051] When a user desires to eject a cartridge 30 from the drive, the process is substantially reversed. The user begins by pushing the eject button 46. The force of this action causes cams 58 to move from their location proximate to the line indicated by D toward a point proximate to the line indicated by C. As best understood in conjunction with FIG. 6A, such lateral translation causes cams 58 to engage the corresponding female cammed surfaces 59. As cams 58 move further toward a position proximate to the D line, cartridge 30 begins to lift vertically from drive 20 (in the Z axis direction). When cams 58 are moved substantially to the D line, the bottom of cartridge 30 lifts above the top of spindle 49 and the top of wedges 56. Simultaneously, sled tab 53 is also moved toward the rear of the drive once sled 45 has moved to a position. At that moment, spring 43 pivots the eject lever 47 counter-clockwise, simultaneously ejecting the cartridge 30 and closing shutter 39.

[0052] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other embodiments and modifications will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art which fall within the scope of the appended claims.