Compact apparatus having bidirectional motion for loading/unloading an information recording medium

摘要

An information recording medium loading/unloading apparatus includes a holder for detachably holding a casing containing the medium. Two pairs of first pins project out from both side surfaces of the holder, each pair being spaced apart from each other in the mounting/removed locus of the casing to the holder. A rocking member is rotatably connected to each first pin, and a second pin projects out from the rocking member at a position spaced apart from the first pin. Two guide members are arranged on both outer sides of the holder and each guide member includes first and second guide slots into which one first pin and one second pin associated thereto on one rocking member. Each guide slot has an inverted L shape with its intersection between a horizontal and vertical extending portions thereof being constituted by a circular curve. The first and second pins in each of the first and second slot are so arranged that the first pin is closer to the vertical portion than the second pin. A driving unit is arranged at least one of the side surfaces of the holder and moves the second center pins provided on the side of the one side surface of the holder, along the horizontal portions of the first and second guide slots.