Combination load ramp and unlatching mechanism for a removable disk cartridge

摘要

A latch system for a removable cartridge and disk drive is provided. The cartridge is hinged at the back so as to pivot apart about an axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the disk. A pair of latches are disposed on opposing sides of the cartridge outboard of a labyrinth seal. Each of the latches includes an upper and a lower protrusion that acts as a catch that are insertable into corresponding apertures in the cartridge. The latches a spring-loaded toward a closed position. A load ramp for loading and unloading heads is fixed in the drive and contacts and engages a first latch, and a second unlatching member is fixed in the drive and contacts and engages the second latch. Employing the load ramp to unlatch one side of the cartridge conserves space within the cartridge.