EP0722606A1

EP0722606A1 - Removable cartridge disk drive with a 1.8 inch form factor

Info

Publication number: EP0722606A1
Application number: EP94922524A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Syed H. Iftikar; Herbert E. Thompson; Teong-Hoe Kay; Albert J. Guerini
Original assignee: Syquest Technology Inc
Current assignee: Syquest Technology Inc
Priority date: 1993-07-23
Filing date: 1994-07-11
Publication date: 1996-07-24
Also published as: GB2280300A; EP0722606A4; KR960704316A; JPH09500754A; GB9414199D0; AU7359794A; WO1995003607A1; FR2708131A1; CA2167595A1

Abstract

A disk drive (30) for receiving a removable cartridge (200) having a recess (266, 270) formed in an exterior surface thereof, and an engaging surface of the disk assembly mounting mechanism (56) is located in that recession. The drive possesses a handle (58) having a lever (70) which extends into the recess to contact the engaging surface of the disk assembly mounting mechanism, whereby further movement of the handle causes the mounting mechanism to move in such a manner that a disk assembly within the removable cartridge is positioned over a spindle motor (54) of the drive for mounting thereto. Other features such as position sensors and enhanced cartridge positioning mechanisms are also provided.

Description

REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE DISK DRIVE WITH A 1.8 INCH FORM FACTOR

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/977,262 which was filed on November 13, 1992, and assigned to SyQuest Technology., Inc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disk drives and, in particular, disk drives where data is stored on hard disks.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART The present assignee holds a number of patents describing removable cartridge disk drives and cartridges therefore. By way of example, these patents include U.S. Patent No. 4,503,474 issued March 5, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,504,879 issued March 12, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,717,981 issued January 5, 1988; U.S. Patent No. 4,683,506 issued July 28, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,722,012 issued January 26, 1988;

U.S. Patent No. 4,870,518 issued September 26, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,965,685 issued October 23, 1990; and U.S. Patent No. 4,864,452 issued September 5, 1989. All of these references are incorporated herein by reference. These patents are directed to a removable cartridge disk drive which can receive a cartridge containing a hard disk upon which can be stored substantial amounts of data comparable, in some cases, to that stored on fixed disk drives.

In reviewing these patents, it is evident that design challenges reside in accurately receiving the cartridge into the disk drive cartridge receiver and settling the hub of the cartridge repeatedly and accurately onto the spindle shaft of a spindle motor. The spindle motor causes the disk contained in the cartridge to rotate at the appropriate operating speed. Design challenges also reside in the ability of the head and head arm assembly, located in the disk drive, to be positioned through a door in the cartridge in order to be loaded onto the disk contained in the cartridge for the read/write operations. Further, the design feature of reliably ejecting the cartridge from the disk drive once the read/write operations have been concluded is addressed.

A removable cartridge disk drive is highly useful for a number of reasons. The first reason is that a substantial amount of data can be stored on the cartridge, removed, and, if desired, conveniently ship to another location. With the requirement to transport ever increasing amounts of data, as for example found in graphics files, the removable cartridge can store a substantial amount of data which would otherwise require a multitude of floppy disks. The data can thus be conveniently sent to, for a example, a publisher for publishing the graphics. A second reason for such designs is that removable cartridge disk drives have an infinite capacity. Once a cartridge is filled with data, the cartridge can be replaced with a blank cartridge. Unlike with fixed drives, there is no need to trade up to a higher capacity disk drive or to purge lesser used documents from the hard disk drive.

A third reason is that if confidential or secret information is contained on the disk, the disk can be removed from the disk drive and secured in a safe location so that the data cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

The trend in the computer market, and in particular the personal computer market, is to develop smaller, higher capacity and less expensive hardware. Thus, what used to be acceptable as far as performance and capacity in a desk top computer is now required for a notebook computer but at a substantially reduced size. Accordingly, there is a need to provide computer hardware, and for example, a removable cartridge disk drive and removable cartridge which is smaller, easier to manufacturer, as for example, having fewer parts, and with higher data capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to providing a removable cartridge disk drive having a smaller form factor, which can be produced more economically, as for example with fewer parts, and with a higher data capacity.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a removable cartridge disk drive and cartridge which has a form factor of 1.8 inches and smaller.

Within this form factor, cartridges containing 40, 60 and 80 megabytes and more of storage can be configured. The invention includes a system of a disk drive and a removable cartridge which are designed in such a way in order to minimize the size of the disk drive and cartridge. Such advantages are achieved by, for example, limiting the number of parts, designing the parts to perform multiple functions and designing the drive and cartridge system such that spaces in the system perform multiple functions such that when the disk in the cartridge is accurately positioned on a spindle motor for access by a read/write head, there is no unwasted space other than the space required for clearances.

The invention further includes a disk drive which is slidably into a docking port for immediate connection to, for example, a notebook or laptop computer.

The invention includes a cartridge which has a disk which is movable within the cartridge in order to appropriately position the hub which mounts the disk onto a spindle motor and also to appropriately position the disk so that the disk can be accessed by a read/write heads of the disk drive.

The invention further includes the ability to move the disk into clearance space in the cartridge preparatory to positioning the hub of the cartridge onto a spindle motor and then positioning the disk out of the clearance space and the appropriate distance between the walls of the cartridge for allowing the spindle motor to spin the disk at operating speeds. The invention includes the cartridge having a hub which is extendable past the envelope of the cartridge in order to allow the disk to be positioned within the cartridge. The invention includes a disk drive operating handle which performs multiple functions in order to allow a' cartridge to be received and registered in a disk drive, allow the read/write heads of the disk drive to access the disk in the cartridge and allow the cartridge to be ejected from the disk drive. Such a multiple function handle provides for a compact design which can be provided on a 1.8 inch form factor. The invention includes a head arm ramp of the disk drive which allows the position of the head to be accurately controlled and allows the head arm to be efficiency, smoothly and dynamically loaded onto the spinning disk as well as allows the head to be removed from the spinning disk.

The invention includes a disk drive cover which is easy and convenient to assemble to the drive base.

The invention further includes the cartridge having one or more projections extended therefrom for operating with the disk drive in order to register the cartridge with respect to the disk drive and to position the disk contained in the cartridge so that the disk can be properly accessed by the read/write heads of the drive.

The invention includes a cartridge design which protects the projection on the cartridge which are used to interface the cartridge with the disk drive. In keeping with the space reduction criteria of the design, these projections perform additional functions such as (1) ensuring that the cartridge is correctly inserted into the drive, and (2) operating the multifunction handle of the drive. As part of the innovative cartridge registration design, the screw nut of the cartridge is accurately and repeatedly positioned both axially and radially with respect to a receiver in the disk drive to accurately position the cartridge in the drive. Additionally, the cartridge includes a device for preventing the disk from rattling when the cartridge is removed from the disk drive.

A further invention of the cartridge includes the cartridge door and the door opening mechanism.

In addition to the reasons for having a disk drive with a reduced form factor as specified above, is the fact that with a 1.8 inch form factor cartridge, a single project can be assigned to a single cartridge and thus multiple projects can conveniently be stored and transported on multiple cartridges. This allows greater flexibility for use of such drivers with notebook computers. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the overall height or "profile" of the cartridge is reduced by recessing the location of the tang of a disk assembly mounting mechanism. The tang is engaged by a lever which can selectively extend above the surface of a multifunction handle. Movement of the tang by the extended lever causes rotation of a cartridge screw from which the tang extends. Rotation of the cartridge screw causes a disk assembly located within the cartridge to be positioned over a spindle motor for mounting thereto.

The cartridge also includes a slot which is engaged by a cartridge positioning mechanism of the drive. The slot is provided across the direction of insertion of the cartridge into the disk drive and provides enhanced locking, positioning and ejecting capabilities.

A sensor-emitter arrangement is provided to indicate correct positioning of the multifunction handle and a cartridge in the drive.

Other important inventions, features and objects of the disk drive and removable cartridge are described herein and in the claims and figures. It is to be understood that the invention is multifaceted and that there is no requirement that the various aspects of the invention described hereinabove and herein throughout be associated with each other, for the advantages of the invention to be gained. Thus, there is no requirement that any particular grouping of the above aspects of the invention be made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the disk drive of the invention.

Figures 2a and 2b depict plan and side views of an embodiment of the disk cover of the invention of Figure 1.

Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d depict an embodiment of the disk drive of the invention of Figure 1 with disk drive in non-operational, intermediate and operational modes.

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d depict an embodiment of the multifunction operating handle of the disk drive of the invention of Figure 1.

Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of the baseplate of the invention of Figure 1. Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d depict an embodiment of the ramp of the invention of Figure 1 with the head arm assembly and head positioned relative to the ramp in Figures 6c and 6d. Figure 7 depicts a cross-sectional view through Figure 8, showing the cartridge mounted on the spindle motor of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 8 depicts a cartridge of the invention received in the embodiment of the disk drive of the invention of Figure 1 with the cartridge door fully opened.

Figure 9 depicts a top perspective view of the cartridge of the invention.

Figure 10 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of the invention.

Figures lla and lib depict an embodiment of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9 with the cover removed to reveal the door and link mechanisms of other inventive features. Figure 12a depicts a bottom view of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9.

Figure 12b depicts the cartridge screw and cartridge nut of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 9 and 12a. Figure 13a depicts a front edge view of an embodiment of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9.

Figure 13b depicts a side edge view of the embodiment of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9.

Figure 14 depicts the inside of the bottom of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9, showing the location of the cartridge nut of Figure 12b. Figures 15a, 15b and 15c depict cross- sectional views of the cartridge of Figure 9, revealing specifically the cartridge screw, cartridge nut, the cartridge bottom and the disk in operation, non-operation and intermediate positions.

Figures 16a, 16b and 16c depict views of the cartridge screw of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 9. Figure 16c depicts the entire peripheral edge of the screw as shown in Figure 16a which edge has been placed on a flat surface.

Figures 17a, 17b and 17c depict the inventive interaction between the embodiment of the cartridge screw of the embodiment of Figure 9 and the embodiment of the disk drive handle of the disk drive embodiment of Figure 1.

Figures 18, 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d depict the inventive interactions of the embodiment of the disk drive handle of the invention in Figure 1 with an embodiment of the cartridge of the invention of Figure 9.

Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22 depict an alternative preferred embodiment of the disk drive of the invention in non-operational, intermediate and operational modes. Figure 23a,b, 24a,b, 25a,b and 26a,b depict the inventive interaction between the embodiment of the cartridge screw and disk drive handle of the alternative preferred embodiment of Figure 19.

Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30 depict the inventive interaction of the embodiment of the disk drive handle of the invention of Figure 19 with the embodiment of the cartridge of Figure 35. Figure 31 depicts the inside surface of the bottom portion of the housing of the cartridge of Figure 35.

Figure 32 depicts the cartridge screw and tang of an embodiment of the cartridge of Figure 35.

Figure 33 depicts a plan view of the multifunction handle of the embodiment of Figure 19.

Figure 34 depicts the cartridge positioning cam follower of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 19.

Figure 35 depicts a perspective view of an alternative preferred cartridge of the invention.

Figure 36 depicts a plan view of the embodiment of the cartridge of Figure 35. Figure 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d depict front edge, back edge, and right and left edges of the embodiment of the cartridge of Figure 35.

Figure 38 depicts a bottom view of the cartridge of Figure 35. Figure 39 depicts a view of the inside of the bottom of the housing of the cartridge of Figure 35 with additional details revealing spiral fins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Removable Cartridge and Cartridge Housing:

It is to be understood that in a preferred embodiment, that the height of the disk drive 30 is 10.5 millimeters and that the disk drive is configured to take a cartridge with a disk having a diameter of approximately 1.8 inches. In a specific embodiment, the diameter of the disk is about 1.890 inches. By way of comparison, the cartridge 200 of the invention as shown in Figure 9 has a width across the front side of the cartridge where the door is located of approximately 1.968 inches (49.98 millimeters) and a length or depth of 2.03 inches (51.56 millimeters). The height or thickness of the cartridge is .222 inches (5.64 millimeters).

The removable cartridge 200 of the invention (Figure 9) includes a top coyer 202 which is mated to a base 204 (Figure 10) . The top cover can be made of molded engineering plastic or metal and can be secured to the base using snap fits 207, adhesive bonding or by screws. The base 204 can be comprised of, for example, a molded engineering plastic.

Viewing Figure 10, it is evident that mounted through the base is a cartridge screw 206 with a tang 208 projecting therefrom. Base 204 includes a substantially planar surface 210 with first and second projections 212, 214 extending therefrom. The tang 208 also extends away from the planar surface 210. Surrounding the tang 208 and the first and second projections 212, 214, and protecting same from damage, is a peripheral rail 216. As shown in Figure 10, the peripheral rail 216 extends above the planar surface 210 and about three of the four peripheral edges of the base 204. The one peripheral edge 218 from which the peripheral rail does not extend is the leading side 218 of the cartridge (Figure 13a) which defines a cartridge port through which the heads can be projected in order to access the hard disk 220 contained in the cartridge 200. As will be explained more fully hereinbelow, the cartridge screw 206 includes, in a preferred embodiment, three screw threads 224 (embodied as grooves in this configuration) which mate with cartridge nut threads 222 which are defined in the cartridge base 204 (Figures 12b, 14) . Thus movement of the tang 208 causes the cartridge screw 206 to move relative to the cartridge nut 221 of cartridge base 204. Mounted in the center of the cartridge screw

206 is the cartridge hub 226 onto which is mounted the disk 220 (Figure 15a) . The cartridge hub 226 includes a spindle nose engagement mechanism 228 which is used to accurately and repeatedly cause the hub 226 to be engaged and positioned on the spindle nose 56 of the spindle motor 54. The spindle motor engagement mechanism 228 includes, in a preferred embodiment, includes first and second contact points or bosses 230, 232. The engagement mechanism 228 further includes an elongated groove 234 within which is disposed a stiff spring locator 236. With spindle motor engagement mechanism 228 positioned over the spindle motor nose 56, the spring locator 236 is displaced causing the spindle motor nose 56 to be located by essentially three points defined by the two contact point 230, 232 and a point on the spring locator 236.

Cartridge Screw: A more detailed view of the cartridge screw

206 can be seen in Figures 16a, 16b and 16c. In Figure 16a a plan view of the cartridge screw 206 is depicted. It can be seen that the cartridge screw 206 includes screw threads 224. In a preferred embodiment, the screw threads 224 are specified as follows. The thread form is 60° stub as viewed normal to the pitch helix. The pitch angle is 30° with a left handed thread being specified. The pitch diameter is .733 - .000 + .003 with a lead of 1.330. The thread pitch is .065 normal to the pitch helix. Three equally spaced thread starts are provided. Reference is further called to the American Standard Bl-3-1941. A similar mating thread is defined by a nut thread 222 in the base 204 (Figure 10) of the cartridge housing.

As can be seen in Figure 15a, the disk 220 is secured to the hub 226 by methods known in the art such as by use of appropriate adhesives and/or mechanical techniques. The cartridge screw 206 is retained between a flange 238 projecting from the hubs 26 and a retainer ring 240 which can be positioned in an annular groove 242 of the hub after positioning the cartridge screw 206 adjacent the flange 238. It is noted that there is substantial leeway between the flange 238 and the retainer 240 so that the cartridge screw 206 can alternatively urge against the flange 238 and retainer ring 240 in order to position the disk 220 in the cartridge 200 while also allowing the cartridge screw to be spaced from both the flange 238 and the retainer 240 during read/write operations as will be described hereinbelow. Also positioned in the cartridge 200 is a cartridge door pivot 274 and spacer 244.

In Figure 15a, the cartridge hub is positioned engaging the spindle nose 56. This is the position that the hub 226 and disk 220 would occupy with the disk being rotated at an operating speed by the spindle motor and with the disk having the appropriate clearances between the cartridge top cover 202 and the cartridge base 204. In this configuration, the hub 226 is spaced an appropriate distance from the cartridge door pivot and spacer 244 with the cartridge screw 206 spaced between the flange 238 and the retainer 240 without touching either. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 15a, in the operational position, both the nut 206 and the hub 226 project below the plane of the planar surface 210 of the cartridge base 204.

Figure 15b depicts a cross-section as the cartridge would appear when the cartridge is external to disk drive. In this figure, it can be seen that the hub 226 is pushed up against the cartridge door pivot and spacer 224 by the cartridge screw 206 being urged against the flange 238 of the hub 226 pursuant to the urging of a spring 258 (Figure 12b) . This is an anti-rattle configuration of the hub and thus the disk is retained in a stationary position relative to the cartridge housing.

In Figure 15c, the cartridge screw 206 is urging against the retainer 240 as the spindle nose engagement mechanism 228 begins to engage the spindle nose 56. As can be seen in Figure 15c the spring locator 236 is just beginning to engage the spindle nose 56. The magnetic ring 57 on the spindle motor then proceeds to draw the hub 226 into contact with the spindle motor with the hub 226 fully seated on the spindle nose 56 as shown in Figures 7 and 15a.

Cartridge Base:

Figure 14 depicts an inner surface 246 of the base 204 without any parts of the cartridge assembled thereto. As can be seen in Figure 14, the base includes a central port 248 which defines the cartridge nut 221 and the nut threads 222. The nut threads 222 mate to the screw threads 224 of the cartridge screw 206. The cartridge screw 206 is held in position relative to the cartridge base 204 by a key 250 (Figure 12b) . Key 250 is positioned in a slot 252 of the cartridge screw 206. The key 250 includes a tab 254 which extends into a slot 256 defined by the cartridge base 204. The tab 254 of the key 250 allows ^•the key 250 and the cartridge screw 206 to have limited rotational movement with respect to the cartridge base 204 with the tab 254 moving from one end to the other of the slot 256. The key 250 is biased in the first position, shown in Figure 12b, by a spring 258. In this first position, the tang 208 is in a position which is properly aligned for reception by the drive 30 as will be described hereinbelow. In order for the disk to be properly positioned within the cartridge, preparatory to bring the disk up to operating speed, the tang, as will be described hereinbelow, is moved approximately 13.5° in order to reposition the disk. The slot 256 is approximately 15° wide allowing for variations and backlash.

As can be seen in Figure 14, an upstanding spiral wall 260 extends from the base 204 and spirals from the central port 248 to the side of the cartridge. The spiral wall 260 is used to move air toward the cartridge filter which is located in space 262 so that the air can be exhausted through port 264. Defined in the cartridge base 204 are recesses 266, 270. These recesses are used to accommodate the portion of the head arm assembly which mounts the head 68 as the cartridge is inserted into the disk drive and as the head arm assembly is being ramped down onto a spinning disk so that the head 68 can be loaded onto the disk 220.

Cartridge Door: Turning to Figures lla and lib, the cartridge door 272 is depicted in an open position (Figure lla) and a closed position (Figure lib) . Door 272 is pivotally mounted at pivot point 274 to the cartridge door pivot and spacer 244 as can be seen in Figure 15a. Pivotally secured to the cartridge door 272 at pivot point 276 there is a door opener link 278. The door opener link 278 includes a first section 280 and a second section 282 which is angled with respect to the first section 280 and disposed to ride in a groove 284 defined by the cartridge base 204. At the end of the second section 282 is a downwardly dependent tab 286. A coil spring 288 is captured between the downwardly dependent tab 286 and the back of the groove 284. A finger 170 (Figure 3a) from the disk drive is inserted through port 290 to urge the tab 286 against the spring 288, thereby urging the door opener link 278 rearwardly causing the door to pivot about pivot point 274 from the closed position of Figure lib to the open position of Figure lla. When finger 170 is removed from port 290, the spring 288 causes the tab 286 to move forward towards the leading side 218 of the cartridge urging the door 272 to pivot to the closed position of Figure lib.

Figure 8 depicts an outline of an cartridge fully received within the drive. A finger 170 projects through the port in the cartridge in order to urge rearwardly the door opener link 278 thus causing the door to pivot to the open position as shown in Figure 8. This action occurs on initial insertion of the cartridge into the drive as the heads even in a parked position (due to compactness of the drive) are immediately received within the enclosure of the cartridge even before they are unloaded onto the disk. Figure 8 depicts the internal mechanisms of the drive in the same position as Figure 3d.

The cartridge has been specially designed for the above functions and additionally has been designed so that it cannot be inadvertently inserted into the receiver of the disk drive in an improper orientation. By way of example only, handle 58 which extend up from the baseplate 32 of the disk drive, would hit against the rail 216 of the cartridge or the cover 202 of the cartridge (if the cartridge is upside down) if the rear side 292 or the lateral sides 294 296 were urged into the disk drive cartridge receiver instead of the leading side 218. Whether the cartridge is right side up or upside down if other than the leading side 218 is inserted into the cartridge receiver of the disk drive, the handle 58 would interfere with the passage of the cartridge and thus protect the heads. Further, should the leading side 218 be inserted first, but the cartridge be upside down, the cover 202 of the cartridge would prevent the cartridge from being fully received in the disk drive cartridge receiver as the cover would interfer with the handle 58. Only when the cartridge is properly inserted does the absence of a rail downwardly depending adjacent to leading side 218 allow the cartridge to clear the handle 58 so that the cartridge can be properly registered within the drive. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 located in the drive receiver 53., As can be seen in this figure and Figure lla, the cartridge door 272 is substantially "L" shaped in cross-section with a wedge shaped radial arm portion 298 from which a downwardly dependent arcuate side 300 extends. Side 300 is disposed in part in groove 302 defined in the cartridge base 204. Groove 302 defines a track for arcuate side 300. The door 272 seals the disk 220 from the outside by being disposed across the cartridge door port 205.

In Figure 7 the retainer 62 is depicted with a chamfered head 63 and the cartridge screw 206 is also depicted with a chamfered or beveled edge 207. Chamfered edge 207 for the cartridge screw can additionally be seen in Figures 15a, 15b and 15c. These two chamfered edges come in sliding engagement with each other as the cartridge screw is being lowered toward the spindle motor by the handle 58. As this occurs, the cartridge screw is accurately positioned both axially and radially with respect to the retainer 62 as can be seen in Figure 7 in the final resting position. The chamfered edges 62, 207 cause the cartridge screw 206 to be initially engaged and properly centered with the retainer 62 as the cartridge screw 206 is being urged down toward the retainer 62 by the handle 58. A distinct advantage of this arrangement is that as the cartridge screw is engaged in a thread of the nut of the cartridge base 204, the cartridge base 204 is in effect rigidly positioned with respect to the cartridge screw 206. Thus, with the cartridge screw 206 both axially and radially positioned by the retainer 62, the cartridge itself is accurately positioned with respect to the retainer 62 and the cartridge receiver of the disk drive. This provides an inventive apparatus and method of registering the cartridge with respect to the disk drive so that the heads can be accurately unloaded.

Disk Drive and Disk Drive Housing:

Referring to the figures and, in particular, to Figure 1, an embodiment of the removable cartridge disk drive of the invention is depicted and identified by the numeral 30. The disk drive 30 includes a disk drive base 32, which in a preferred embodiment, can be cast from aluminum or other suitable material. The base cover 34 is secured onto the base 32. The base 32 defines base rails 36, 38 which can be used to cause the disk 30 to be slidably received into a PC MCIA interface such that the disk drive is slidable into and out of use with appropriate notebook, laptop or palmtop computers. The disk drive includes appropriate docking connectors 40 which communicate power, data, addresses and other signals between the disk drive 30 and the microprocessor or other computing means which requires data to be stored on the disk drive 30. The disk drive 30 includes a spring biased door 88 which is pivotally mounted to base 32.

Figures 2a and 2b depict the plan and side view of the base cover 34 of the invention which provide for ease of connection of the cover to the base and to limit the space required. The cover includes "J" shaped fingers 42 projecting from the sides 44 of the cover 34 adjacent to front end 46 of the cover. Through the upper surface of the rear portion of the cover are disposed bores 48 through which screws can be provided in order to secure the disk drive cover 34 to the base 32. In practice, the "J" shaped fingers 42 are positioned in the disk drive base openings 48 defined in the base 32 and locked under the base 32, with screws positioned through bores 48 received in the threaded bores 52 (Figure 3a) defined in the base 32. Such an arrangement can conveniently hold the disk drive onto the base while minimizing the number and size of fasteners required.

Disk Drive Multifunction Handle Arrangement: Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d depict an embodiment of the disk drive of the invention of

Figure 1 with the disk cover 34 removed to reveal the internal operating mechanisms of the invention. Figure 3a depicts the disk drive 30 preparatory to the insertion of cartridge 200 into the disk drive. Figure 3b depicts the position on the mechanisms with the cartridge registered and the cartridge hub not as yet unloaded onto the spindle motor of the disk drive. Figure 3c depicts the position of the mechanism of the drive with the cartridge hub engaging the nose of the spindle motor. Figure 3d depicts the internal mechanism with the heads unloaded onto the disk contained in the cartridge.

Describing the internal mechanisms of the disk drive in greater detail, Figure 3a depicts a spindle motor 54 which, in a preferred embodiment, is affixed to the base 32 and stationary with respect to said base 32. The spindle motor 54 includes a spindle motor shaft or nose 56. Positioned about the spindle motor 54 is the multifunction handle 58. The multifunction handle 58 is shown by itself in Figures 4a through 4d. This multifunction handle 58 includes a central opening 60 which is retained by a handle retainer 62 so that the handle 58 can be pivoted about the spindle motor 54 during the operation of seating the cartridge 200 onto the spindle nose 56, and unlocking the head arm assembly so that it can be unloaded down ramp 66 with the head or transducer 68 unloaded onto the spinning disk 220.

The multifunction handle 58 includes an operator lever 70 and a cartridge engaging lever 72. Cartridge engaging lever 72 can be engaged by the first and second projections 212, 214 which are downwardly depending from the cartridge base 204 as will be described more fully hereinbelow. The multifunction handle 58 includes a central annular body 74. Defined in the annular body 74, adjacent the operator lever 70, is cartridge tang engagement mechanism 76. This mechanism 76 includes a passageway 78 for initially receiving the tang 208 of the cartridge 200. As is evident from Figure 10, upon insertion of the cartridge into the drive, the tang 208 trails the spindle nose engagement mechanism 228 of the cartridge 200 so that when the spindle nose engagement mechanism 228 is essentially above the spindle nose 56, the tang 208 is disposed in passageway 78 of the cartridge tang engagement mechanism 76 as can be seen represented schematically in Figure 17a.

The cartridge tang engagement mechanism 76 further includes a cartridge seating tab 80 and a cartridge unseating tab 82. Immediately below the cartridge seating tab 80 is a groove 84 which can receive the tang 208 as described hereinbelow. Inserting the cartridge fully into the drive, causes the cartridge engaging lever 72 to be engaged by the first cartridge projection 212 which, in a preferred embodiment, is essentially parallel to a radius of the disk 220 (Figure 18a) . Thus, insertion of the cartridge 200 into the cartridge receiver 86 through the disk drive door 88 causes the operator level 70 to be rotated by the first projection 212 pushing against the cartridge engaging lever 72, in a preferred embodiment, approximately 18° to the position shown in Figures 3b and 18b. At this point the operator can easily access the operator lever 70 and as shown in Figure 17a the tang 208 is engaged by the cartridge seating tab 80.

Once the operator lever 70 extends from the drive 30, the operator can urge the operator lever 70 to the position shown in Figures 3c and 18c which is approximately 13.5° from the position shown in Figures 3b and 18b for a total of approximately 31.5° from the non-operational cartridge unload position of the handle (Figures 3a and 18a) . During the rotation of the operator lever 70, the incremental 13.5° from the position of Figures 3b and 18b to the position of Figures 3c and 18c, the disk and the hub of the cartridge are urged downwardly toward the spindle motor by the cartridge screw acting against the threads on the cartridge nut located in the cartridge base. As the hub approaches the spindle motor, the hub begins to engage the spindle nose, and the spindle magnetic ring 57 pulls the hub fully onto the nose in order to securely position the hub of the cartridge onto the spindle nose (Figure 7) . As can be seen in Figure 17b, as this occurs, the tang 208 moves downwardly between tabs 80 and 82 to rest in the lower position as shown in Figure 17b. At this point, the cartridge is fully seated onto the spindle motor. The operator lever 70 can then be urged by the operator up to an additional 18.5° (including 2° for backlash) to the fully closed position in order to allow the heads to be unloaded onto the disk as will be described hereinbelow. When this occurs, the tang 208 remains stationary and is locked into the groove 84 as the tab 80 passes over the tang 208. This overtravel allows for the multifunction handle 58 to perform a function of unlocking the head arm assembly 64 and other functions described below without effecting the position of the cartridge hub secured to the spindle motor and the disk in the cartridge. Thus during overtravel, the handle 58 moves to the final operational position shown in Figures 3d and 18d which, as will be described below, allows the head arm assembly to be released.

Prior to cartridge ejection, the cartridge unseating tab 82 is moved clockwise to apply force on the tang to unseat the hub from the spindle motor.

This occurs as the operator lever is moved clockwise from the position of Figures 3c and 18c to the position of Figures 3b and 18b.

As can be determined by viewing Figures 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, the insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiver causes the first projection 212, extending from the cartridge base 204, to engage the cartridge engaging lever 72 urging the lever to the position shown in Figure 18b. It is noted that the second projection 214 slides past the cartridge engaging lever 72 with the operator lever in the non- operational, most leftward position as shown in Figures 3a and 18a. Upon cartridge ejection, the first cartridge projection 212 urges against the cartridge engaging lever 72 to eject the cartridge as the operator lever 72 is moved from the position of Figures 3b and 18b to the position of Figures 3a and 18a. As discussed elsewhere, if the operator lever 70 is not fully seated in the non-operational position of Figures 3a and 18a, then the second cartridge projection 214 which is, in a preferred embodiment, substantially perpendicular to the first cartridge projection 212, engages lever 72 to urge the operator lever 70 to the position of Figures 3a and 18a.

Disk Drive Handle Cartridge Ejection Function:

The multifunction handle 58 further performs a cartridge ejection function. The handle includes a groove 90 within which is disposed a spring 92 (Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) . A pin 94 is upstanding from the base 32 of the disk drive 30 and is disposed in the groove 90. As the operator lever 70 is moved approximately 18.5° from the position of Figure 3c and 18c to the position of Figures 3d and 18d wherein the handle 58 overrides the tang 208 of the cartridge screw 206, the spring 92 is compressed between the pin 94 and the end of the groove 90. The multifunction handle 58 is locked in this position by the latch 124 as will be discussed hereinbelow. When read/write operations have ceased, the latch 124 releases the handle 58 and the spring 92 causes the operator lever 70 to extend out of drive to the position shown in Figures 3c and 18c. At this point, the operator can urge the lever to the left to the position of Figures 3a and 18a. By so doing, this action unseats the hub of the cartridge from the spindle nose, and then the cartridge engaging lever 72 engages the first projection 212 which extends from the cartridge base in order to urge the cartridge out of the drive. Should the operator lever 70 not be fully pushed to the leftmost, non-operational position as shown in Figures 3a and 18a, the second projection 214 will come in contact with the cartridge engaging lever 72 to urge the handle 58 in a counter-clockwise motion insuring that the operator lever 70 is fully to the leftmost, non-operational position. So positioned, the operator lever is concealed in the drive so that it cannot be inadvertently actuated prior to a cartridge being inserted into the drive. Additionally the heads and head arm assembly loaded on the ramps are not damaged by being prematurely unloaded onto the cartridge receiver 86 without the cartridge received therein.

Handle Overcenter and Head Arm Assembly Lock Function:

The multifunction handle 58 performs a number of other functions. Engaging a groove 98 in a periphery of the multifunction handle 58 is an overcenter link 100 which pivots about pin 102 which upstanding from the drive base 32. The overcenter link 100 defines a groove in which is loaded the pin 102 and a spring 104. As the multifunction handle is rotated in a counter-clockwise manner from the position of Figure 3a to the position of Figure 3c, a finger projection 106 of overcenter link 100 which is engaged in the groove 98 of the multifunction handle 58, is urged in a counter-clockwise manner from the position of Figure 3a to the position of Figure 3c. As this occurs, the spring 104 is compressed as the overcenter position is reached. The purpose of the overcenter link 100 is to lock the multifunction handle 58 in the non-operational position as shown in Figure 3a and can also be used to assist in ejecting the cartridge 200 from the drive 30. It is to be understood that the cartridge can be ejected by the handle 58. However, in some embodiments, the overcenter link 100 can be used to urge against the handle to assist with the cartridge ejection. Inserting the cartridge 200 into the disk drive 30 and having the operator actuate the operator lever in a counter-clockwise motion overcomes the overcenter link 100 in order to unlock the multifunction handle 58. Adjacent to the groove 98 is a second groove 108 defined in the periphery of handle 58. A push link crank 110 is pivotally mounted to the disk drive base 32 at pivot point 112 such that the crank 110 can pivot from the position shown in Figure 3a to the position shown in Figure 3d thus pivoting in a clockwise manner as the multifunction handle 58 is urged in a counter-clockwise manner. The crank 110 includes a cam follower 114 which follows a peripheral edge of the handle 58 until it resides the groove 108 as can be seen in Figure 3d. This occurs at the end of the overtravel motion of the handle 58. As this occurs, an arm push link 116 which is pivotally secured at pivot point 118 to an extension of the crank 110 is moved toward the spindle motor 54, releasing the head arm assembly 64. In a preferred embodiment, a pin 120 extends downwardly from the head arm assembly 64 and is engaged by the push arm link 116. Causing the multifunction handle 58 to rotate in a clockwise direction causes the crank 110 to move in a counter-clockwise direction urging the link 116 against the pin 120 to cause the head arm assembly to be lifted off the disk 220 and urged up the ramp 66.

Handle Latch:

Preceding in a counter-clockwise manner about the handle 58 another groove 122 is defined in the periphery of the handle. This groove is designed to mate with the latch 124 in order to lock the handle in the operational position shown in Figures 3d and

18d with the cartridge fully received in the cartridge receiver, the cartridge hub mounted on the spindle motor nose, and the head arm assembly unlocked. The latch 124 pivots about pivot point 126 and a spring biases the latch toward the handle 58 so that it will be urged into groove 122 when groove 122 presents itself to the projection 128 from the latch 124. As this occurs, a spring biased interposer 130 is urged downwardly towards the door opening side 132 of the disk drive. A projection 134 on the interposer then falls into a slot 136 defined in the latch to retain the latch in a locked position. In an emergency situation with power removed from the disk drive, a small diameter wire can be inserted through a port 138 in the door opening side 132 of the disk drive 30 in order to urge the interposer to become disengaged from the latch, so that spring 92 contained in the handle 58 will urge the handle 58 to extend from the disk drive (Figures 3c and 18c) so that the operator can manually turn the operator lever clockwise from the position of Figures 3c and 18c to the position of Figures 3a and 18a in order to cause the cartridge to be ejected from the disk drive.

In normal operation, the latch 124 is disengaged from the groove 122 of the handle by use of the solenoid 140 which pulls up on the solenoid link 142 and which in turn pulls up on the interposer 130 to release the latch 124.

It is to be understood that alternatively, the latch 124 can be replaced with a solenoid which would have a plunger which would engage groove 122 of the handle. An appropriate emergency release mechanism which can be manually operated from the door opening side 132 would release the handle should power to the disk drive cease with a cartridge locked in the disk drive cartridge receiver.

Disk Drive Ramp:

In Figure 3a, the head arm assembly 64 is pivotally mounted at pivot point 144 and is actuated by a voice coil motor 146. As previously indicated the head arm assembly 64 can be loaded onto the disk 220 from the ramp 66. As seen in Figures 6a through 6d, the ramp 66 is of an innovative design and includes upper and lower head arm landing surfaces 148, 150. The ramp 66 is secured to the base by appropriate fastening means at point 152 with a pin 154 upstanding from the base received in a slot 156 of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, the arm loading surfaces 148, 150 terminate in a landing ridge 158, 160. In a preferred embodiment, the head arm loading surfaces 148, 150 slope downwardly from the ridges 158, 160 at approximately a 2.74° slope. The head arm assembly 64 includes an arm 164, a leafspring 166, a load beam 168 and a gimble mount 169 to which the read/write head 68 is mounted. As can be seen in

Figure 6c, a lower corner 162 of the head arm loading surface 148 is first to engage a portion of the load beam 168 of the head arm assembly 64. In the position with the head arm assembly fully received on the ramp 66, the load beam 168 is supported by the ridge 158 nearly adjacent to the gimble mount 169 and read/write head 68. The reason for this arrangement is that the ramp 66 needs to be able to remove the head from the disk at a point well before the portion of head arm assembly 64 adjacent the head can be picked up by the ramp 66. Thus, the ramp picks up a portion of the load beam 168 well removed from the head 68 as can be seen in Figure 6c. It is further to be understood that due to the confined spacing, as the cartridge is received into the disk drive, that the cartridge door is opened and the heads, fully loaded on the ramp 66, are received in the cartridge. Accordingly, there is a need to exactly control the position of the heads so that they are not damaged by the cartridge as the cartridge is urged into the disk drive. Thus, as seen in Figure 6d, the ramp 66 needs to accurately control the load beam 168 adjacent to the head. Once the disk is properly positioned within the cartridge due to the motion of the cartridge screw, the load beam can move down the arm loading surfaces 148, 150 so that the heads are unloaded onto the spinning disk.

As can be seen in the present embodiment, the ramp 66 picks up and first engages the load beam 168 at a point which is distance from the location where the head is mounted and, in fact, as shown in Figure 6c is adjacent to the leafspring 166. As the voice coil motor rotates the head arm assembly 64, the load beam 168 moves up the ramp such that the head 68 is positioned accurately by the ridge 158 of the ramp 66 which contacts the load beam 168 substantially adjacent to the location where the head is mounted. Thus, a substantial portion of the load beam is traversed by the ramp as the load beam moves relative to the ramp.

The disk drive and cartridge can be made of a number of materials as are known in the trade. Some of these materials are disclosed in the above prior art references. By way of example only, the cartridge cover can be made of aluminum with the bottom of the cartridge made of plastic such as polycarbonate. The base of the disk drive can be made of cast aluminum with the top made of formed aluminum. Other plastics which can be used for the parts in addition to polycarbonate and include Delrin^®, Nylon^® and the like. These parts can include graphite and nylon composites and other composites and in addition have Teflon^® composites in order to increase lubricity.

Industrial Applicability:

The operation and further advantages of the invention are as follows. First it is evident from the above that the above design accomplishes a removable cartridge disk drive and removable cartridge that successfully fits within a 1.8 inch form factor wherein the disk is approximately 1.8 inches in diameter and the height of the drive is 10.5 millimeters. In this form factor, 40, 60 and 80 megabyte and greater capacity cartridges can be used. The ability of the drive to conform to the 1.8 inch form factor is attributable to a number of factors taken separately, which separate factors also offer additional advantages taken together. These factors include the fact that the disk drive and the removable' cartridge act as a system, which minimize the number of parts and which has a highly inventive system interface for allowing the cartridge to be received, the disk to be properly positioned and the remaining functions of the disk drive to be carried out. In particular, in order to accomplish the 1.8 inch form factor the cartridge, has been designed so that the disk and the hub on which the disk is mounted can be relocated relative to the housing of the cartridge in order to have the hub clear the spindle motor and spindle motor nose as the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving mechanism of the disk drive. This results in an efficiency of utilization of space so that after the hub is mounted on the spindle motor there is no unnecessary dead space above or below the cartridge that does not have a purpose. That is to say that the disk and the hub are movable in the normal clearance space required by the disk when it is spinning relative to the housing walls. Movable within this clearance space, the disk and hub can be engaged with the spindle motor nose and once this engagement has occurred, the disk is properly spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the cartridge housing. In this configuration, the hub extends from the envelope of the cartridge housing. Such an arrangement accordingly does not require that the cartridge be moved in the drive in order to properly position the hub on the spindle motor or that the spindle motor be moved in order to engage the hub of the cartridge, both activities potentially creating wasted space once the drive is actually operating.

Further, with respect to the cartridge and disk drive interface, the cartridge has several projections extending therefrom which can engage the internal mechanisms of the disk drive in order to ensure proper operation of the disk drive once the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving mechanism. This interface assists in limiting the number of moving parts required in the disk drive, allowing the parts to have multifunctions and assisting in accomplishing the 1.8 inch form factor design. By way of example, the cartridge screw includes a tang extending therefrom. The engagement of the tang with the multifunction handle of the disk drive causes the repositioning of the disk within the cartridge and assists in locking the tang and thus the cartridge to the disk drive during disk drive operation. Further, the cartridge projections assist in positioning the multifunction handle. The projections further provide a compact mechanism for allowing the cartridge to be ejected from the drive and also ensuring that the operator level in the full non-operational position once the cartridge has been removed from the drive. The cartridge includes a rail which protects the tang and projections from damage. This rail has an additional function of preventing the cartridge from being incorrectly inserted in the drive. It is noted that there are other multifunction purpose of the cartridge screw and cartridge design. When the cartridge is removed from the disk drive and for example being transported, the hub is urged up against a spacer in order to place the disk in a stationary position relative to the housing so that there is no rattle of the disk in the cartridge. A spring mechanism within the cartridge urges the cartridge screw to the a position so that the hub butts up against the spacer to accomplishing the anti-rattle function. The spacer also provides a mount for pivotally mounting the cartridge door.

A further aspect which allows the disk drive to be compact, efficient and meet the 1.8 inch form factor and also smaller form factors is the design of the arm ramp which allows for the exact positioning of the heads so that as the cartridge is inserted into the drive, the ramp and heads simultaneously come within the envelope of the cartridge housing and prior to the cartridge hub being seated on the spindle motor. This arrangement allows the disk drive to be shorter in length, and also allows the heads, parked in a stationary position loaded on the ramps, to be positioned as close as possible to the disk. This allows, for example, for the head to be tangent with more of the tracks resulting in greater recording efficiencies.

Further the above design allows the entire disk drive to be slidable and dockable in a port provided on a notebook or other computing device.

The above compactness is in addition attributed to the multifunction handle located within the disk drive and adjacent to the cartridge receiving mechanism. The handle performs the functions of (1) engaging the cartridge and locking the cartridge in position, (2) positioning the hub and disk so that the hub engages the spindle motor nose and the disk is properly positioned within the cartridge, (3) ejecting the cartridge when desired, (4) releasing the head arms assembly so that they can be unloaded from the ramp onto the disk for read/write operations, (5) pivoting an overcenter link in order to lock the handle in the non-operational position and (6) allowing a mechanism to lock the handle in a fully operational position.

Even the disk drive cover affords compactness in design in that it has appropriate catches for engaging the base of the disk drive and only requires a minimal number of fasteners to secure to disk drive base.

In addition to the above, the cartridge further includes an internal spiral wall for assisting and directing air within the cartridge to exit the cartridge through a filter. The cartridge additionally has recesses formed in the internal surface of the housing in order to accommodate the heads and ramp prior to the heads being loaded onto the disk.

Alternative Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Fig. 19-39, an alternative preferred embodiment of a disk drive 300 and removable cartridge 450 therefor is shown. An essential aspect of this embodiment is a reduction in the overall thickness of the cartridge. This is achieved, in one aspect, by removing the two protrusions 212 and 214, and the peripheral rail 216, and by recessing the tang 208 of the embodiment of Fig. 10. Since the tang is recessed in the alternative preferred embodiment, a member such as a lever pivotally secured to the disk drive (described in more detail below) , must selectively extend up into the recessed portion of the cartridge and engage the tang.

The cartridge screw 400 (Fig. 32) , to which the tang 402 is attached is described first followed by sequential discussions of the drive, the manner in which the tang is engaged by the drive, seating of a cartridge in the drive and the specifics of the cartridge itself.

Referring to Fig. 32, a plan view of a cartridge screw 400 and tang 402 are shown. The cartridge screw 400 has threads 405 much like those of the cartridge screw 206 discussed above. Movement of the tang 402 causes the screw 400 to rotate which causes the threads 405 of the screw 400 to engage the complimentary arranged threads 408 (Fig. 31) of the bottom portion of the cartridge housing 420, thereby causing the screw 400 to move outwardly from the cartridge. Movement of the disk assembly with movement of the screw 400 causes the disk assembly to be mounted onto a spindle motor of the disc drive. Thus, the cartridge screw 400 functions in an analogous manner to that of cartridge screw 206 of the first embodiment.

Note that Fig. 31 is an interior view of the bottom portion of the housing 420 of a cartridge 450. A recessed portion 410 is shown extending outwardly from the interior central opening 412 of the housing 420. Since Fig. 31 is an interior view, the recessed portion 410 would actually protrude out of the plane of the paper on which Fig. 31 appears, i.e., the recession is formed on the exterior side of the housing 420. In this embodiment, screw 400 fits into opening 412 with tang 402 received in recess 410.

Thus, unlike the first preferred embodiment, the tang 402 does not extend from the exterior surface of the bottom portion of the cartridge 450 (Fig. 38) , but in an initial position is held level with or below the exterior surface of the bottom portion of the cartridge 450. Thus as explained more fully below, there is a need for a lever or other mechanism from the disk drive 300 to extend into the recess 410 of the cartridge 450 in order to engage tang 402. Referring to Fig. 19, a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a disk drive 300 is shown. This cutaway view illustrates the voice coil motor 380, head/arm assembly 375, positioning mechanisms 330-332, ejecting switch mechanisms 320 and other components. The cartridge screw 400 of Fig. 32 is imposed over the drive 300 to illustrate how the recessed tang 402 is engaged by the drive. Figs. 19- 22 illustrate four sequential positions of a multifunction handle 340 and the effect that movement of the multifunction handle 340 has on the other components in the drive 300.

The drive 300 has a housing 302 in which are mounted the above-referenced voice coil motor 380 and head arm assembly 375. A spindle motor 312 is mounted on the bottom surface 304 of the housing 302. The multifunction handle 310 is formed about the spindle motor 312. The spindle motor 312 has a plurality of magnets 313 for attracting and holding a disk assembly and a .spindle nose 314 for centering a disk assembly which is mounted thereon. A solenoid 316 is provided on the bottom surface 304 of the housing 302. The solenoid serves to lock the multifunction handle 310 in its fourth position (see Fig. 22) . Moving counter¬ clockwise about the multifunction handle 310 from the solenoid 316, an ejecting switch mechanism 320 is provided. This mechanism 320 includes a release lever 321 biased by a spring 322 and a sensor-LED arrangement 323 described below.

A cartridge positioning cam follower 330 is mounted about pivot 331 for movement of and by the multifunction handle 310. The cam 330 has a pin 332 upstanding therefrom which can selectively engage a slot 430 (Fig. 38) in cartridge 450.

An arm push link 350 mounted about pivot 351 is also provided for loading and unloading the head arm assembly 375 in response to the position of the multifunction handle 310. The loading and unloading of the head arm assembly 375 takes place in much the same manner as described above for the head arm assembly 64.

Referring more specifically to the multifunction handle 310, the multifunction handle 310 includes both a user lever 340 which extends out of the drive 300 for movement by the fingers of a user and an engaging lever 341 (Fig. 23b) which protrudes above a planer surface of the multifunction handle 310 to engage the recessed tang 402 of the cartridge screw 400. The engaging lever 341 is pivotally mounted to the handle 310 at pivot 342. The lever 341 is mounted on a bearing 343 which forces the lever 341 upward, out of the plane of the multifunction handle 310 as a result of contact with a ramp 346 in the handle mounting surface 347. This is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 23-26.

Fig. 19 illustrates the drive 300 and multifunction handle 310 in its first position, where a cartridge is not inserted into the drive and the lever 341 has not contacted the cartridge screw 400 or tang 402.

Referring to Fig. 20, the multifunction handle 310 has been rotated to its second position, where the lever 341 has been extended out of the plane of the multifunction handle 310 (Fig. 24b) to engage the recessed tang 402 of the cartridge screw 400.

Initial movement of the multifunction handle 310 is caused by insertion of a cartridge 450 into the drive 300. A slot 430 (Fig. 38) is provided in the cartridge exterior, which slot can engage the pin 332 of the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 (Fig. 19) . As the cartridge 450 is pushed into the drive 300, the slot 430 engages the pin 332 and pushes the pin in the direction of arrow A from the position shown in Fig. 19 to that of Fig. 20. Movement of the handle 310 in this manner causes the user lever 340 to rotate from a position approximately flush with the exterior of the drive 300 in Fig. 19 to the position shown in Fig. 20 where it extends from the drive. From this extended vantage, a user may move the lever into the third and fourth positions, described below, which results in mounting the disk assembly onto the spindle motor, locking the cartridge in an appropriate position and releasing the head arm assembly 375.

The cartridge ejecting switch mechanism 320 and the arm push link 350 are not impacted by movement of the handle from the first position shown in Fig. 19 to the second position shown in Fig. 20. It is to be understood that the four positions of user lever 340 in Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22 are substantially the same as the four positions of the first embodiment (Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) .

Referring to Fig. 21, the drive 300 is shown with the multifunction handle 310 in the third position. In this position, the engaging lever 341 remains engaged with the recessed tang 402 (Fig. 25b) and pushed to the right causing the cartridge screw 400 to rotate (downward from the perspective of Fig. 21) which in turn causes the disk assembly inside the cartridge to be moved to a position for proper seating over the spindle nose 314 and for attraction by the attraction magnets of the spindle motor 313. In this position the cartridge screw has been fully rotated.

In the third position, the handle 310 also exerts a force on the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 such that pin 332 is moved to a final cartridge locking position which locks the cartridge in the drive. How the pin 332 engages the cartridge 450 is described in more detail below. Another aspect of the handle 310 in the third position is that cam surface 354 (Fig. 21) of the multifunction handle 310 comes into initial contact with a toe 355 of the arm push link 350.

A further aspect of the multifunction handle 310 in the third position concerns spring 368 which provides a bias in the direction of arrow C. In the first, second and third positions, this spring is not compressed. Further movement of the handle 310 into the fourth position causes the spring 368 to be compressed which in turn causes a forced to be exerted on the handle 310 causing it to be biased in the direction of arrow C in the same manner as for the first embodiment. The solenoid 316 and eject switch mechanism 320 are not impacted by positioning the handle 310 in the third position (Fig. 21) .

Referring to Fig. 22, the drive 300 is shown with the multifunction handle 310 in the fourth position. In this position, the cartridge screw 400 is maintained in the fully rotated position (Fig. 26b) . As the handle 310 is urged into the fourth position, the lever 341 moves over the top of the tang 402. Thus in this position, the cartridge screw is locked in the fully rotated position with the disk assembly appropriately seated over the spindle motor 312 such that the disk assembly may be rotated by rotation of the spindle motor 312.

An outer periphery 311 of the multifunction handle 310 continues to bias the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 as it was in Fig. 21.

Rotation of the handle 310 into the fourth position causes the cam surface 354 to rotate the arm push link 350 in the direction of arrow D (see Figs. 21 and 22) causing the link 358 to be pulled away from the head/arm assembly 375, thereby releasing the head/arm assembly so that head/arm assembly 375 can be loaded on to a disk inside the cartridge. Loading and unloading of the head arm assembly 375 takes places in an analogous manner to loading and unloading of the head/arm assembly 64 in the first embodiment.

The spring 368 (Fig. 22) is compressed and therefore exerts a force on the handle 310 urging handle 310 toward the third position. The handle 310 is, however, maintained in the fourth position by a solenoid 316 which extends from the bottom surface 304 of the housing 302 to contact a beveled undersurface 318 of the multifunction handle 310. The surface is beveled to ensure that a constant force is provided against the handle 310 to hold it securely in the fourth position and to minimize undesirable vibration on the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 and arm push link 350.

Furthermore, with the handle in the fourth position, a sensor cut-out 325 is lined up over the sensor-emitter arrangement 323. The sensor-LED arrangement 323 operates as follows. A cartridge 450 has a piece of reflector material 481 (Fig. 38) positioned such that when cartridge 450 is correctly seated the reflector material is located over the sensor-emitter arrangement 323. Thus, when the handle 410 is in the fourth position, and the cartridge 450 is correctly seated within the drive 300, a signal transmitted by the LED passes vertically upward through the sensor cut-out 325, reflects off of the cartridge reflector 481 and returns to the sensor indicating that both the handle 310 and the cartridge 450 are in the correct position. If the cut-out 325 is not positioned as shown in figure 22, over the sensor-emitter arrangement, the spindle motor cannot be powered up.

Ejection of the cartridge is achieved by pushing on the ejecting lever 321 which causes interrupt member 324 to be positioned over the sensor-emitter (such as an LED) arrangement 323, and immediately adjacent to sensor cut-out 325, interrupting the path of a positioning signal from the emitter to the cartridge and back to the sensor. Interruption of the positioning signal causes an interruption signal to be generated and propagated to the drive controlling electronics, which in part includes communication and power cable 301, which causes the spindle motor 312 to be powered down and releases the solenoid 316, such that the solenoid piston retracts towards the bottom surface 304 of the housing 302, causing the handle 310 to rotate back to the third position (Fig. 21) due to the bias of spring 368. From the third position, the handle 310 may be contacted by a user via lever 340 and pushed back through the second to first position. This action of the handle causes the cartridge to be ejected from the disk drive. It is to be understood that the drive will not operate unless both (1) the handle 310 is positioned with the cut-out over sensor- emitter arrangement 323 and (2) interrupt member 324 is positioned so as not to block the sensor-emitter arrangement.

As the handle 310 is moved from the third position (Fig. 21) to the second position (Fig. 20) , a cam surface 336 engages a toe 337 of the cartridge positioning cam follower 330. Referring to Fig. 19, further movement of the handle to the first position causes the cam surface 336 to apply a force on the toe 337 which turns the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 in the direction of arrow E causing the pin 332 to exert a force on a cartridge 450 in a direction opposite to that of arrow A of Fig. 20, causing the cartridge 450 to be ejected from the drive 300.

Referring to Figs. 23a,b through Figs. 26a,b the interaction between the tang 402 and the multifunction handle 310 is illustrated in each of the first through fourth positions of the handle 310.

Referring more specifically to Fig. 23a, the multifunction handle 310 includes the lever 341, pivot 342 and bearing 343. The handle 310 also includes the sensor cut-out 325 as well as cam surfaces 336 and 354 and a depression 359 to accommodate movement of the arm push link 350 (see Fig. 22) . The cartridge screw 400 and tang 402 are shown positioned over the multifunction handle 310.

Referring to Fig. 23b, with the handle 310 in the first position, the bearing 343 is in a recess 345 below surface 347. In this position, the lever 341 is generally within the plane of the handle 310. Referring to Figs. 24a and 24b, as the handle 310 is rotated to the second position, the bearing 343 is edged against a ramp surface 346 which causes the lever 341 to be raised above the plane of the multifunction handle 310 so that it can engage the tang 402.

Referring to Figs. 25a and 25b, further rotation of the handle 310 causes the tang 402 to be moved as shown, causing the cartridge screw to rotate and in turn, causing the cartridge screw to move downward moving the disk assembly in operable association with the spindle motor. As indicated above, in the third position the cartridge hub is seated on the spindle motor.

Referring to Figs. 26a and 26b, the handle is shown in the fourth position. In this position, the cartridge screw 400 and tang 402 maintain substantially the same position as shown in figures 25a,b with the lever 341 and in particular the member 348 which extends therefrom slid over tang 402 in order to hold tang 402 in place. As the member 384 slides over tang 402, this action allows the handle 310 to release the arm push link and thereby release the head/arm assembly. Otherwise the operation of the cartridge screw 400 is similar to that of the first embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 27-30, the insertion of a cartridge 450 into the drive 300 is shown. Referring to Fig. 27, when a cartridge is first inserted, the handle 310 is in the first position and a slot 430 in the bottom exterior surface of the cartridge 450 receives the pin 332 of the cartridge positioning cam follower 330. Further movement of the cartridge 450 into the drive 300 causes the cartridge to exert a force on the pin 332 via slot 430 which causes the pin to rotate in the direction of arrow A of Fig. 20 discussed above, thereby causing the user lever 340 to be pushed out of the drive as the handle 310 is moved from the first to second position.

The slot 430 has a first and second portion. The first portion 431 extends rearwardly from the front edge of the cartridge and then is generally diagonal, being formed at a predefined angle from the exterior front edge of the cartridge 450 and it is configured for movement of the pivoting pin 332 therein. The second part of the slot 432 has an arcuate shape and is used subsequently in the cartridge locking operation. The effect of this groove or slot 430, which is itself directed across the direction of insertion of the cartridge into the drive, is that the groove or slot 430 urges the pin 332 to move across the direction of insertion of the cartridge into the disk drive. It is to be noted that though the particular shape of slot 430 is preferred, other shapes of slots or grooves which are directed across the direction of insertion of the cartridge into the disk drive can be implemented.

The cartridge of Fig. 27 also illustrates finger depressions 455 in the cartridge 450. These depressions 455 are provided to facilitate grasping of the cartridge 450 by a user. Referring to Fig. 28, the drive 300 with a cartridge 450 inserted therein and with the handle 310 in the second position is shown. The position of components within the drive 300 are as shown in Fig. 20. From the prospective of Fig. 28, it is possible to see the pin 332 in the slot 430 of the cartridge 450 with the cartridge fully inserted. The pin 332 has traversed the diagonal portion 431 of the slot 430 and poised to enter the arcuate portion 432. The lever 341 initially contacts the tang 402 in the second position of the handle 310 as discussed with reference to Fig. 20.

Referring to Fig. 29, the handle 310 has been moved from the second to the third position. Movement of the handle in this manner, causes the tang 402 to be moved substantially by the lever 341 and further causes the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 to be rotated such that pin 332 moves within the arcuate portion 432 of the slot 430 thereby securely locking the cartridge 450 and the drive 300. The function of the other components of the drive is as discussed with reference to Fig. 21.

Referring to Fig. 30, the drive 300 is shown with the cartridge 450 seated therein and the handle 310 in the fourth position. In this position, the lever 341 and in particular member 348 thereof, has moved .over the tang 402. The position of the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 is essentially as it was in Fig. 29. The arm push link 350 is moved into a position which releases the head/arm assembly 375. The spring 368 is compressed and the solenoid 316 protrudes such that it contacts beveled surface 318 biasing and maintaining the handle 310 in the fourth position. These features are described in more detail with reference to Fig. 22 above.

It can be seen in Figs. 27-30 that as the handle is moved from the fourth through the third and second to the first position, the pin 332 traverses first through the arcuate portion 432 of the slot 430 until pin 332 contacts an interior wall of the slot 430 in the diagonal portion 431 thereof. Continued movement of the handle 310 by a user applying force to lever 340 causes the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 to rotate thereby causing the pin 332 to exert a force on the diagonal portion 431 of the slot 430. This force causes the cartridge 450 to be ejected from the drive 300 such that a position not unlike that shown in Fig. 27 is achieved, whereby a user may grasp the cartridge 450 by the finger depressions 455 or other surface grooves and remove the cartridge 450 from the drive 300.

Figs. 31-32 were described substantially above both independently and with reference to Figs. 19-30. It should also be appreciated that the key 250, slot 252, tab 254 and slot 256 arrangement of the first embodiment (Fig. 12b) , for limiting movement of the cartridge screw 206 within the cartridge 200, is also provided in the alternative embodiment 450 in region 449.

Referring to Fig. 33, a plan view of the multifunction handle 310 is shown. The lever 341 is mounted at pivot 342 to the multifunction handle 310. The bearing 343 is formed integrally with lever 341. Member 348 is shown protruding from the lever 341 as in Figs. 19-30.

A plurality of components are provided about the periphery of the multifunction handle 310. These include the user lever 340 which extends from the drive 300 for operation by a user. Moving counter¬ clockwise, an sensor-emitter cut-out 325 is provided. Further counter-clockwise, the cam surfaces 336 and 354 are shown. A spring groove 367 is arranged circumferentially in the handle 310 for housing the spring 368 described with reference to Fig. 22, among other figures. The bevelled surface 318 which is contacted by the solenoid 316 is also shown. Referring to Fig. 34, an isolated view of the cartridge positioning cam follower 330 having the upstanding cartridge positioning pin 332 mounted thereon is shown. A spring 338 is provided between the pivot 331 and the toe 337. The spring is retained at one end in follower 330 adjacent toe 337 and at the other end in a sleeve 333 which pivots about pivot 331. Rotating handle 310 urges toe 337 and follower 330 toward sleeve 333 compressing spring 338. This arrangement provides an over-center function much like over-center link 100 described with reference to Fig. 3a. The over-center function occurs as the handle is moved between the positions of Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. The cam follower 330 thus becomes a multi-function over-center link.

Referring to Figs. 35-39, a cartridge 450 for use with the drive 300 is illustrated. The cartridge 450 is substantially similar to the cartridge 200 of the first embodiment. In the following description, the similarities between the cartridge 200 and 450 are to a large extent not discussed to avoid unnecessary repetition. Differences, however, between the cartridge 200 of the first embodiment and the cartridge 450 of the second (alternative) embodiment are discussed herein below.

Referring to Fig. 35, a perspective view of the cartridge 450 is shown. The cartridge 450 contains a door 460 which operates in the same manner as door 272 of the first embodiment discussed above with reference to, Figs. 9 and 11. The door 460 is located on a front exterior side 447 of the cartridge 450. In that same side is provided the slot 430 discussed above, through which can be seen the beginning of the diagonal portion 431 of the slot 430. An opening 457 is also provided in the front exterior side 447 of the cartridge 450 and it provides the same function as opening 290, described above with reference to Fig. 11. A pivotally mounted shaft that is connected to the door 460 and described above with reference to Fig. 11 is accessible through opening 457. The finger depressions 455 are also visible from the perspective of Fig. 35. Referring to Fig. 36, a plan view of the cartridge 450 is shown. Space is provided on the top surface 452 of the cartridge 450 for affixation of a label and for surface features, such as a plurality of parallel grooves 453 which provide an enhanced surface for gripping the cartridge 450 and provide ornamentation. Referring to Fig. 37a, a view of the front exterior side 447 of the cartridge 450 is shown. This view illustrates the door 460, the slot 430 with the beginning of the diagonal portion 431 thereof, and the opening 457 through which the door 460 opening shaft is activated. Figure 37b depicts a rear exterior side of the cartridge 450. Figures 37c and 37d depict right and left exterior sides of the cartridge.

Referring to Fig. 38, a bottom view of the cartridge 450 is shown. The slot 430 can be seen running from the front exterior side 447 backwardly through the bottom surface 456 of the cartridge 450. A first portion 431 of slot or groove 430 runs substantially backwardly and then diagonally from the front exterior side 447 to where it meets the arcuate shaped portion 432. This slot 430 is disposed substantially across the direction of insertion of the cartridge into disk drive 300. It is to be understood that in another embodiment, the arcuate portion of the slot could also be substantially straight but wider in order to accommodate the arcuate motion of the upstanding pin, as long as the beginning and ending portions are substantially the same. The operation of the slot 430 and positioning pin 332 is discussed above with reference to Figs. 27-30.

The cartridge screw 400 is arranged about a hub 429 having a center hole 428 for receiving the nose

314 of a spindle motor. The tang 402 of the cartridge screw 400 is positioned in a recess 410 in the bottom surface 456. The threads 405 of the cartridge screw 400 engage the thread 408 of the cartridge 450 and allows rotation of the cartridge screw 400 by movement of the tang 402. The finger depressions 455 are also evident from the perspective of Fig. 38. A deflector 481 is mounted as to be located over the sensor- emitter arrangement 323 (of Figs. 19-22) when the cartridge 450 is correctly seated in the disk drive 300. Tabs 454 hold the top 452 and four sides (illustrated in Figs. 37a-d) to the bottom 456 of the cartridge 450.

Referring to Fig. 39, an interior view of the bottom portion 470 of the cartridge 450 is shown with more detail. A plurality of spiraling fins 471 are arranged on the interior surface of this bottom portion 470. The fins 471 cause air within the cartridge 450 to move towards a center thereof, whereupon the air passes through a filter (not shown) and then is recirculated by the disk to its outer diameter. A fin arrangement analogous to that shown in Fig. 39 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,218,503, by Martin, S.R., and assigned to SyQuest Technology, Inc.

It is to be understood that other objects, aspects and inventive features can be obtained from a review of the figures and claims. Further, it is to be understood that embodiments other than those presented herein can be fabricated and come within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein. Incorporated herein by reference is a U.S. Design Patent Application filed simultaneously herewith entitled "THIN CARTRIDGE WITH A 1.8 INCH FORM FACTOR FOR A REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE DISK DRIVE. " This application lists Syed H. Iftikar, Herbert E. Thompson and Albert J. Guerini as inventors.

Claims

We Claim

1. A disk drive comprising: means adapted for receiving a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein; motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly; means for selectively and operably engaging a disk assembly in a removable cartridge to facilitate mounting of a disk assembly onto said motor means for rotation thereby.

2. The disc drive of claim 1 further comprises: a housing; and handle means having a member protruding from said housing and adapted for engagement by a user; wherein movement of said handle causes said engaging means to move into engagement with a disk assembly.

3. The disk drive of claim 2 wherein said engaging means is mounted to said handle means.

4. The disk drive of claim 2 further comprises: means for mounting a disk assembly onto a motor; and wherein movement of said handle means causes said engaging means to move into engagement with a disk assembly which in turn positions a disk assembly within a removable cartridge to be acted upon by said mounting means for mounting a disk assembly to said motor means.

5. The disk drive of claim 4 wherein said mounting means includes magnets for attracting a disk assembly in a removable cartridge to said motor means and for holding a disk assembly securely thereon.

6. The disk drive of claim 1 wherein said engaging means is adapted for selectively extending into a recess defined in a removable cartridge in order to cause the repositioning of the disk assembly inside of a removable cartridge.

7. A disk drive comprising: a housing; means for receiving a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein into a received position; motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly; means for extending into a recess of a removable cartridge in said received position for engaging a disk assembly mounting mechanism of a removable cartridge which facilitates mounting of a disk assembly onto said motor means for rotation thereby; and handle means having an operating member protruding from said housing for engagement by a user, wherein movement of said handle means causes said extending means to engage a disk assembly mounting mechanism of a removable cartridge in said received position.

8. The disk drive of claim 7 wherein said extending means is mounted to said handle means.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprises: means for mounting a disk assembly onto said motor means; and wherein movement of said handle means causes said extending means to move a disk assembly within a removable cartridge to be acted upon by said mounting means for mounting that disk assembly to said motor means.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said mounting means includes magnets.

11. A disk drive comprising: means for receiving a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein; motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly; and means for protruding into a recess of a removable cartridge to engage a tang therein which releases a disk assembly in a removable cartridge for mounting to said motor means.

12. A disk drive, comprising: a housing; means for receiving a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein into a received position; motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly; means for extending into a recess of a removable cartridge in said received position for engaging a disk assembly mounting mechanism therein which facilitates mounting of a disk assembly onto said motor means for rotation thereby; and handle means having a member protruding from said housing for engagement by a user; wherein movement of said handle means causes said extending means to move into engagement with a disk assembly mounting mechanism which positions a disk assembly for mounting onto said motor means.

13. The disk drive of claim 12 further comprises: means for locking a removable cartridge in said received position.

14. A disc drive adapted for receiving a removable cartridge comprising; a housing; a motor; means for receiving a removable cartridge in a received position; an operating handle which includes means for positioning media within a removable cartridge onto said motor for rotation thereby; and signal generating and receiving means mounted to said housing for determining when said handle is in a particular position relative to said housing.

15. The disk drive of claim 14 further comprises: means for spinning down said motor means, which means is responsive to an indication by said signal generating and receiving means that said handle is not located in a predefined position or when a removable cartridge is in the received position.

16. The disk drive of claim 14 wherein said signal generating and receiving means further comprises: means for determining when a removable cartridge is not located in a predefined position.

17. The disk drive of claim 16 wherein said determining means further comprises means for spinning down said motor means and for ejecting a removable cartridge.

18. A disk drive and removable cartridge system comprising: a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein and a recess in an exterior surface thereof through which operable engagement of said disk assembly is achieved; a disk drive having means for extending into said recess of said removable cartridge for operably engaging said disk assembly.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein movement of said disk assembly causes said disk assembly to be positioned for mounting to means for causing rotation of said disk assembly.

20. The system of claim 18 further comprises: handle means having a member protruding from a housing of said disk drive for engagement by a user; wherein movement of said handle causes said extending means to move into operable engagement with said disk assembly in said removable cartridge.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein said extending means is mounted to said handle means.

22. The system of claim 20 wherein further movement of said handle causes said extending means to move said disk assembly to a position where said disk assembly is positioned for mounting to a means for causing rotation of said disk assembly.

23. A disk drive comprising: means for receiving a cartridge; cartridge positioning means for positioning a cartridge received in said housing; motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly located inside a cartridge; handle formed about said motor means and having a camming surface arranged about a periphery of said handle that is in communication with said cartridge positioning means; and wherein movement of said handle causes said camming surface to assert a force on said cartridge positioning means causing said cartridge positioning means to engage a cartridge received in said drive and position a cartridge into a received position.

24. The disk drive of claim 23 wherein said cartridge positioning means includes a pin for engaging a cartridge positioning slot in an exterior surface of a cartridge.

25. A disk drive comprising: motor means adapted for rotating a disk assembly; and means adapted for selectively engaging a disk assembly mounting mechanism of a removable cartridge for mounting that disk assembly to said motor means.

26. A disk drive comprising: means adapted for receiving a removable cartridge having a disk assembly therein; and means for selectively and operably engaging a disk assembly in a removable cartridge in order to cause the repositioning of a disk assembly inside of a removable cartridge.

27. The disk drive of claim 26 wherein said engaging means is adapted for selectively extending into a recess defined in a removable cartridge in order to cause the repositioning of the disk assembly inside of a removable cartridge.

28. A disk drive and removable cartridge system comprising: said disk drive having means for receiving said cartridge inside of a housing; said disk drive having means for positioning said cartridge; motor means for rotating a disk assembly located in said cartridge; said disk drive having a handle formed about said motor means and having a camming surface arranged about a periphery of said handle that is in communication with said cartridge positioning means; said cartridge having a groove; and wherein movement of said handle causes said camming surface to assert a force on said cartridge positioning means causing said cartridge positioning means to engage said groove in said cartridge and position said cartridge into a received position.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein: said cartridge groove is disposed across the direction of insertion of said cartridge into said disk drive.

30. The disk drive of claim 1 wherein: said disk drive has a 1.8 form factor.