DATA TRANSFER APPARATUS FOR USE WITH A FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC DISK OR THE LIKE

摘要

A data transfer apparatus for use with a disklike record medium such as a flexible magnetic disk (44), comprising a disk drive mechanism (18) and a disk clamp mechanism (20) mounted within a housing (10) which has defined therein an entrance slot (12) for the insertion and withdrawal of the record medium to and away from a predetermined data transfer position. A disk loading handle (40) is pivotally mounted adjacent the entrance slot for manipulation between an open position for holding the entrance slot open, and a closed position for blocking the entrance slot. In order to prevent the clamp mechanism from clamping the record medium inserted incompletely in the entrance slot, the loading handle is connected to the clamp mechanism via a lost motion linkage (42) which functions to hold the clamp mechanism unactuated while the record medium is being pushed fully into the entrance slot by the loading handle during its pivotal motion from the open toward the closed position. Only after the loading handle has pushed the record medium fully into the entrance slot does the lost motion linkage allow the clamp mechanism to clamp the record medium.