JPH10247369A - Adapter for magnetic disk cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure the interchangeability of magnetic disk cartridges by housing a small-sized magnetic disk cartridge in an adapter for holding it and making mountable to a drive device so as to be capable of magnetically recording/ reproducing directly, in a magnetic disk drive device widely used large-sized magnetic disk cartridge, and to facilitate the positioning of the small-sized magnetic disk cartridge to the adapter and the ejection from the adapter. SOLUTION: A cover member 60 covering a small-sized magnetic disk cartridge housing part 3 of the adapter 1 so as to be capable of opening/closing is provided freely pivotally movably. On this cover member 60, a restraining member 63 for positioning the small-sized magnetic disk cartridge 30 to the adapter in accordance with the closing operation of the cover member 60, and a projected member 64 for ejecting the small-sized magnetic disk cartridge 30 mounted on the adapter 1 in accordance with the opening operation of the cover member 60 are formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small magnetic disk cartridge incorporating a small magnetic disk medium.
The present invention relates to an adapter for a magnetic disk cartridge which is mounted on a magnetic disk drive for driving a large magnetic disk cartridge incorporating a larger magnetic disk medium larger than this and which can directly record and reproduce on a small magnetic disk medium by using its magnetic head. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, magnetic layers are formed on both sides of a disk-shaped base made of a flexible polyester sheet or the like, and magnetic recording and reproduction are performed on the magnetic layers by a magnetic head while being driven to rotate. A magnetic disk cartridge in which a medium (a so-called floppy disk) is accommodated in a flat case is provided, and is mainly used as a recording medium for a computer because of its advantages such as easy handling and low cost.

The magnetic disk cartridge is provided with a magnetic head insertion window through which a magnetic head for magnetic recording and reproduction is brought into and out of both sides of the magnetic disk medium for external contact or close proximity. The portion is provided with a shutter member for preventing the intrusion of dust and the like when not in use.

[0004]

A recording medium using a magnetic disk cartridge as described above is used not only in a computer but also in various small devices (small systems) such as a digital camera to record image information and the like. Therefore, a magnetic disk cartridge having a reduced size is desired for the small system. With the advent of such small magnetic disk cartridges, digital cameras and the like have been reduced in size and spread.

In a magnetic disk cartridge that is widely used, that is, a large magnetic disk cartridge, the recording capacity is increased by improving the recording method and the magnetic disk medium. If this technology is applied, the magnetic disk cartridge can be reduced in size. Is feasible,
With this small magnetic disk cartridge, recording and reproduction can be performed only by a small magnetic disk drive device set for exclusive use.

On the other hand, for example, when processing image information or the like photographed and recorded by a digital camera by a computer, when a small magnetic disk cartridge cannot be loaded in a magnetic disk drive of the computer, the computer and a small system such as a digital camera are generally used. Must be connected by a cable, and processing such as transferring recorded information to the computer side must be performed. However, the operation of transferring information by connecting such a cable is complicated and troublesome.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a large magnetic disk cartridge which is capable of directly performing magnetic recording and reproduction on the small magnetic disk cartridge as described above in a magnetic disk drive for a large magnetic disk cartridge which is widely used. However, it is an object of the present invention to store and hold a small magnetic disk cartridge by the same adapter and to load it into a large-sized magnetic disk drive device, thereby simplifying operability and the like and enabling quick information transfer.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily attach and detach a small magnetic disk cartridge to and from the adapter as described above.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The magnetic disk cartridge adapter of the present invention, which has solved the above-mentioned problems, has an external dimension almost identical to that of a large magnetic disk cartridge. It has a storage portion that is mountable and detachably stores and holds a small magnetic disk cartridge containing a small magnetic disk medium. Also, this adapter is located at the position corresponding to the center core hole of the small magnetic disk cartridge stored in the storage section,
The magnetic disk drive device has a first opening into which a rotary drive member of the magnetic disk drive device can be inserted, and is located at a position corresponding to the magnetic head insertion window of the small magnetic disk cartridge stored in the storage portion. A second opening through which the provided magnetic head can be inserted, and a cover member that covers the storage unit so as to be openable and closable.

The cover member is provided with positioning means for positioning the small magnetic disk cartridge on the adapter with the closing operation of the cover member, and the small magnetic disk cartridge mounted on the adapter with the opening operation of the cover member. And an ejecting means for ejecting.

The positioning means engages with the trailing side end face in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge in accordance with the closing operation of the cover member after the small magnetic disk cartridge is inserted into the accommodating portion of the adapter, and the small magnetic disk cartridge is closed. The disk cartridge can be configured by a locking member that locks the disk cartridge at a predetermined position in the storage section.

The ejecting means is constituted by a projecting member which presses the leading end face in the direction of insertion of the small magnetic disk cartridge in the direction opposite to the insertion direction in accordance with the opening operation of the cover member and projects the small magnetic disk cartridge. can do.

The cover member may be provided with a pocket for accommodating a small magnetic disk cartridge corresponding to the accommodating portion of the adapter, instead of the positioning means and the ejecting means. In this case, the small magnetic disk cartridge is positioned on the adapter by the closing operation of the cover member after the small magnetic disk cartridge is stored in the pocket portion, and the small magnetic disk mounted on the adapter is opened by the opening operation of the cover member. The disk cartridge is ejected by the pocket.

[0014]

According to the magnetic disk cartridge adapter of the present invention having the above-described structure, the external dimensions of the adapter are almost the same as those of the large magnetic disk cartridge, so that the adapter can be loaded into a large magnetic disk drive. To hold a small magnetic disk cartridge,
When loaded into the magnetic disk drive, the adapter has a first opening for inserting a rotary drive member and a second opening for inserting a magnetic head, so that the magnetic disk medium of the small magnetic disk cartridge rotates. It can be driven and recorded and reproduced directly by the magnetic head.
By ensuring compatibility, it is possible to eliminate the need for a cable connection, thereby improving the operability of information processing, enabling quick processing, and increasing the versatility of the small magnetic disk cartridge.

Further, by providing the cover member that can open and close the storage portion, the magnetic head insertion window of the small magnetic disk cartridge can be covered, so that dust can be prevented from entering.

Further, the cover member is provided with positioning means for positioning the small magnetic disk cartridge to the adapter with the closing operation of the cover member, and the small magnetic disk mounted on the adapter with the opening operation of the cover member. With the provision of the ejecting means for ejecting the cartridge, the insertion and removal of the small magnetic disk cartridge with respect to the adapter can be reliably performed by a simple operation.

In this case, the small magnetic disk cartridge is engaged with the trailing side end face in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge with the closing operation of the cover member after the small magnetic disk cartridge is inserted into the accommodating portion of the adapter. By positioning a locking member for locking the small magnetic disk cartridge at a predetermined position in the storage portion as a positioning means, protruding from the cover member, the positioning of the small magnetic disk cartridge with respect to the adapter can be performed with a very simple configuration.

Further, with the opening operation of the cover member when the small magnetic disk cartridge is mounted on the adapter, the leading end face in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge is pressed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. By protruding the projecting member for ejecting the small magnetic disk cartridge from the cover member as an ejecting means, it is possible to eject the small magnetic disk cartridge from the adapter with an extremely simple configuration.

Further, the cover member has a pocket portion for accommodating the small magnetic disk cartridge corresponding to the accommodating portion, and the closing operation of the cover member after accommodating the small magnetic disk cartridge in this pocket portion allows the small magnetic disk cartridge to be closed. When the small magnetic disk cartridge mounted on the adapter is ejected by the pocket part by positioning the cover on the adapter and opening the cover member, the insertion and removal of the small magnetic disk cartridge from the adapter is extremely It will be easier.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention together with a small magnetic disk cartridge. In addition, in each figure, in order to clarify the structure, the thickness and the like of each part are shown in a ratio different from the actual size.

The adapter 1 is formed so that the planar outer shape and thickness of the substantially flat main body 2 formed of a synthetic resin substantially coincide with the large-sized magnetic disk cartridge 50 shown in FIG. It is provided so that it can be inserted into a large-sized magnetic disk drive (not shown) in the insertion direction d. The adapter 1 is provided with a storage section 3 for detachably storing and holding a small magnetic disk cartridge 30 loaded in a digital camera or the like. The storage section 3 is formed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the adapter 1 from the side surface toward the center.

The above-described large magnetic disk cartridge 50
Is a flat case 52 as shown in FIGS.
A disk-shaped magnetic disk medium 54 held by a center core 53 is rotatably accommodated in a (hard case), and liners 58 are interposed above and below the disk-shaped magnetic disk medium 54. The magnetic disk medium 54 is formed by forming a magnetic layer on one or both sides of a disk-shaped support made of a flexible polyester sheet or the like.

The case 52 is formed by fixing the inner surfaces of two shell halves in a lid-like manner. A window 56 for inserting a magnetic head is provided on the front end surface of the case 52. In the center of the lower surface of the case 52, a center core hole 57 for driving a magnetic disk medium, which exposes the center core 53, is opened in a circular shape. The large magnetic disk cartridge 50 is inserted into the magnetic disk drive in the insertion direction D with the front end face forward.

Further, a shutter member 59 slidable in an opening / closing direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D is mounted on the case 52 to open and close the magnetic head insertion window 56. When the magnetic head insertion window 56 is opened, the magnetic head is inserted into the magnetic disk medium 54. The shutter member 59 has a substantially U-shaped cross section.
A window 59 a is provided in the case 52 and can communicate with the magnetic head insertion window 56 of the case 52.

The magnetic disk cartridge 50
Although not shown, the magnetic disk drive device which has a magnetic head at the back and a drive unit below is provided, and the drive unit is inserted into the center core 53 of the magnetic disk medium 54 of the inserted magnetic disk cartridge 50. The magnetic disk medium 54 passes through the magnetic head insertion window 56 of the case 52 from the window 59a of the shutter member 59 in which the magnetic head is opened and the rotary drive member (spindle) is engaged and rotationally driven.
The recording and reproduction are performed in close proximity to the recording surface.

On the other hand, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30
1 and 2, the diameter of the magnetic disk medium 54 of the large magnetic disk cartridge 50 is smaller than that of the magnetic disk medium 54 of the large magnetic disk cartridge 50 in a flat case 32 (hard case) thinner than the case 52 of the large magnetic disk cartridge 50. And a small magnetic disk medium 34 having a small size. The magnetic disk medium 34 has the center core 3
3 and rotatably accommodated therein, and liners 38 are interposed above and below it. This magnetic disk medium 34
Is a disk-shaped support made of a flexible polyester sheet or the like, on which magnetic layers are formed on both sides.

The case 32 is formed by fixing the inner surfaces of two shell halves in a lid-like manner.
2 is provided with a magnetic head insertion window 36 cut out so as to communicate from the front end surface to the upper and lower surfaces. The center core 33 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the case 32.
The center core hole 37 for driving the magnetic disk medium is exposed in a circular shape, and the annular projection 4 projecting downward is formed on the inner surface of the case 32 above the center core hole 37.
0 is formed and inserted inside the center core 33 to regulate the movement of the magnetic disk medium 34 in the radial direction.

Further, a shutter member 39 which is slidable in an opening / closing direction orthogonal to the insertion direction d is attached to the case 32 to open and close the magnetic head insertion window 36, and the sliding range of the shutter member 39 is adjusted. For example, a shallow sliding groove or the like is formed on the surface of the case 32. Then, when the shutter member 39 moves in the opening direction and the magnetic head insertion window 36 opens, the magnetic head can be approached to the magnetic disk medium 34.

The shutter member 39 is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section. The shutter member 39 is provided so as to cover the upper surface, the front end surface, and the lower surface of the magnetic head insertion window portion 36 at the closed position. The window 36 for inserting a magnetic head provided in the case 32 is opened.

Next, the adapter 1 has a storage portion 3 for detachably storing and holding the small magnetic disk cartridge 30, and a position corresponding to the center core hole 37 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 stored in the storage portion 3. A first opening 5 into which the rotary drive member of the magnetic disk drive can be inserted, and a position corresponding to the magnetic head insertion window 36 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 housed in the housing 3. And a second opening 6 into which a magnetic head can be inserted. Therefore, the adapter 1 is loaded in a magnetic disk drive device with the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 stored in the storage section 3 so that recording and reproduction can be performed on the magnetic disk medium 34 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 by a magnetic head.

The first opening 5 opens in a circular shape at the center of the bottom surface 3 a of the storage section 3, and opens at the same position and the same shape as the center core hole 57 of the large-sized magnetic disk cartridge 50. . Further, the second opening 6 is provided in the main body 2.
Is formed in a tunnel shape rearward from the rectangular opening of the front end face 2a toward the storage section 3, and the rear end section is formed on the front face 3b of the storage section 3.
It is open to. The opening shape of the front end face 2a of the main body 2 in the second opening 6 is provided at least in the same position and in the same shape as the opening shape of the magnetic head insertion window 56 of the large magnetic disk cartridge 50.

The accommodating portion 3 of the adapter 1 inserts and holds the small-sized magnetic disk cartridge 30 from a side surface direction orthogonal to the inserting / loading direction d into the magnetic disk drive. 3,
Convex part 1 for shutter opening and closing as shutter opening and closing means
1 is provided. The projection 11 for opening and closing the shutter
Opens the shutter member 39 for opening and closing the magnetic head insertion window 36 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 in accordance with the insertion operation of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30, and holds the shutter member 39 in the open state when the insertion is completed. Then, the shutter member 39 is operated to be closed in accordance with the take-out operation. Further, the storage section 3 may include a holding projection 12 as guide means for guiding the inserted small magnetic disk cartridge 30 to the storage holding position.

In this case, the front end face of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is provided with a concave groove 41 extending in the direction of insertion into the adapter 1, and the rear end face is formed with an engagement step 42 also extending in the insertion direction. . On the other hand, on the front surface 3b of the storage section 3, the shutter opening / closing projection 11 is provided on one side of the second opening 6, and the holding projection 1 is provided on the opposite side.
2 are provided so as to extend in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 and engage with the concave grooves 41 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30. The shutter opening / closing projection 11 can be engaged with one end of the shutter member 39 through the concave groove 41 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30.
At the time of insertion into the storage section 3, the shutter member 39 is locked and opened. A holding step 13 is provided on the rear surface 3c of the storage section 3 so as to extend in the lateral direction and engage with the engaging step 42 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30.

Then, the small magnetic disk cartridge 3
0, the front and rear concave grooves 41 and the engaging step portions 42, and the storage portion 3
The engagement between the shutter opening / closing projection 11, the holding projection 12 and the holding step 13 on the front and rear surfaces of the
The small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is inserted into the storage section 3 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 to prevent the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 from coming out of the storage section 3. A function to prevent incorrect insertion in the direction is obtained.

The adapter 1 may be provided with a shutter member 10 for opening and closing the second opening 6 in the front end face. The shutter member 10 corresponds to a shutter member 59 for opening and closing the magnetic head insertion window 56 in the large-sized magnetic disk cartridge 50. Similarly, the shutter member 10 responds to the insertion operation by a shutter opening / closing mechanism installed in the magnetic disk drive. It is opened and closed.

Here, a cover member 60 for covering the storage section 3 is attached to the adapter 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. The cover member 60 is formed of, for example, a plate-shaped body made of a transparent synthetic resin. As is clear from FIG. 5 showing a closed state in a sectional view and FIG. The rear end is pivotally supported by a pin 61 and, as shown in FIG. 1, is biased by a spring 62 in a closing direction.

On the lower surface 60a of the cover member 60, a locking member 63 as a means for positioning the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 with respect to the adapter 1 is provided at a predetermined position near the free end 60b of the cover member 60. Projecting in a direction parallel to the insertion direction d of the adapter 1,
In addition, on the lower surface 60a near the pivot end of the cover member 60,
A projecting member 64 as ejecting means for ejecting the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 from the storage section 3 is provided so as to project in a direction parallel to the insertion direction d of the adapter 1 of the cover member 60. 5 and 6, the internal structure of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is omitted. The locking member 63 and the projecting member 6
The cover member 4 and the cover member 9 may be formed integrally or separately. Further, the cover member 60 may be provided over the entire width in a direction parallel to the insertion direction d of the adapter 1, or may be provided at at least one place at an appropriate interval.

When the cover member 60 is open, the locking member 63 is attached to the storage section 3 from the right in FIGS.
With the closing operation of the cover member 60 after the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is inserted therein, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 engages with the trailing side end surface 30a in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 to store the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 in the storage portion 3. It has the function of locking at a predetermined position in the inside. Then, in order to improve the positioning function, the engaging member 63 may be formed with an inducing tapered surface 63a. Further, it is more preferable that the locking member 63 has a structure having elasticity to facilitate positioning.

The projecting member 64 causes the leading side end face 30b of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 to be inserted in the direction opposite to the direction in which the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is inserted (see FIGS. 5 and 5). 6 to the right) to eject the small magnetic disk cartridge 30.

Next, the operation of the adapter 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. A small magnetic disk cartridge 30 which is loaded into a drive of a small system such as a digital camera and records information such as a photographed image is used. When a computer or the like equipped with a magnetic disk drive device using the large magnetic disk cartridge 50 for processing image information or the like is read, the cover member 60 of the adapter 1 is opened, and the Insert the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 from the side in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction d into the magnetic disk drive device,
When the cover member 60 is closed, the locking member 63 protruding from the lower surface 60 a of the cover member 60 is provided on the trailing side end surface 30 a in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 with the closing operation of the cover member 60. Are engaged, and the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is stored and held at a predetermined position in the storage section 3 as shown in FIG.

Along with this storage, the center core 33 of the magnetic disk medium 34 matches the first opening 5 on the bottom surface 3a of the storage part 3, and the shutter member 39 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 opens and closes the shutter. The magnetic head insertion window 36 is opened and connected to the second opening 6 in a state where the magnetic head insertion window 36 is opened. Also, the stored small magnetic disk cartridge 3
0 is held at a predetermined position with respect to the bottom surface (reference surface) of the main body 2, and the position in the height direction of the magnetic disk medium 34 and the rotation center thereof are
0, the magnetic disk medium 54 is held in conformity with the reference height and center position of the magnetic disk medium 54.

When the adapter 1 containing the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is loaded into a large magnetic disk drive, the drive member (spindle) of the drive unit is moved from the first opening 5 of the adapter 1 to the small magnetic disk cartridge 30. The magnetic disk medium 34 of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is chucked by the center core 33 of the magnetic disk medium 34 and drives the magnetic disk medium 34 to rotate.
The recording / reproduction such as reading of information recorded on the magnetic disk medium 34 or writing of information is performed directly by approaching the recording surface 4.

The used adapter 1 is removed from the magnetic disk drive, and when the cover member 60 of the adapter 1 is opened, the cover member 60 is opened as shown in FIG. Lower surface 60 of
Since the projecting member 64 protruding from the portion a presses the leading end face 30b in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 and projects from the storage section 3, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 can be taken out of the storage section 3. And the small magnetic disk cartridge 3
The 0 shutter member 39 is returned to the closed state.

The magnetic disk cartridge adapter 1 having the above-described configuration has almost the same outer dimensions as the large magnetic disk cartridge 50 and can be mounted in a large magnetic disk drive. When the cartridge 30 is stored and loaded into a magnetic disk drive, the adapter 1 has a first opening 5 for inserting a rotary drive member and a second opening 6 for inserting a magnetic head, thereby reducing the size. The magnetic disk medium 34 of the magnetic disk cartridge 30 is driven to rotate, and recording and reproduction can be performed directly by the magnetic head. By ensuring compatibility, cable connection is not required, so that operability of information processing is excellent, and quick processing is possible, and compactness is possible. The versatility of the magnetic disk cartridge 30 can be improved.

Further, since the cover member 60 is provided so as to open and close the storage section 3, the window 36 for inserting the magnetic head of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 can be covered, thereby preventing entry of dust and the like. Can be.

Further, the cover member 60 includes a locking member 63 for positioning the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 on the adapter 1 with the closing operation of the cover member 60,
With the projection member 64 for ejecting the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 mounted on the adapter 1 with the opening operation of the cover member 60, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 can be easily inserted into and taken out of the adapter 1. Operation can be performed reliably.

Further, the cover member 60 is
, The cover member 60 can be kept in the closed position at all times, so that the cover member 60 does not become an obstacle when the adapter 1 is loaded in the magnetic disk drive. Has a number of advantages.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the adapter of the embodiment together with a small magnetic disk cartridge. A feature of the present embodiment is that the cover member has a pocket portion for accommodating the small magnetic disk cartridge corresponding to the adapter storage portion, and the cover member is closed after the small magnetic disk cartridge is stored in the pocket portion. The small magnetic disk cartridge is positioned on the adapter by the operation, and the small magnetic disk cartridge mounted on the adapter is ejected by the pocket by the opening operation of the cover member. Other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The main body 2 of the adapter 1 has substantially the same outer shape as that of the first embodiment, and a storage portion 3 for storing a small magnetic disk cartridge is formed on the upper surface thereof. The small magnetic disk cartridge 30
Is the same.

The adapter 1 has a first opening 5 into which a rotary drive member of a magnetic disk drive can be inserted.
And a second opening 6 into which the magnetic head can be inserted. The groove 41 on the front and rear surfaces of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 and the opening and closing of the shutter on the front and rear surfaces of the storage portion 3 engaged with the engaging step 42 are provided. , The holding protrusion 12 and the holding step 13 are not provided.

The cover member 70 has on its lower surface a pocket 71 for accommodating the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 corresponding to the accommodating section 3 of the adapter 1. Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, the pocket 71 is provided with a shutter opening / closing convex portion and a retaining convex portion which engage with the concave groove 41 and the engaging step portion 42 on the front and rear surfaces of the small magnetic disk cartridge 30. Section and a holding step section are provided,
When the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is inserted into the pocket portion 71, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 is stored in the pocket portion 71 with the shutter member 39 opened, and the closing operation of the cover member 70 causes the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 to close. Are positioned in the storage section 3 of the adapter 1. When the cover member 71 is opened, the small magnetic disk cartridge 30 mounted on the adapter 1 is ejected by the pocket 71.

The adapter 1 of the present embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of a magnetic disk cartridge adapter according to the present invention, together with a small magnetic disk cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a small magnetic disk cartridge taken along line AA of FIG. 1;
Sectional view along the line

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a large magnetic disk cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the small magnetic disk cartridge is mounted on the adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the small magnetic disk cartridge is ejected from the adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a second embodiment of a magnetic disk cartridge adapter according to the present invention, together with a small magnetic disk cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Adapter 2 Main body 3 Storage part 5 1st opening 6 2nd opening 11 Shutter opening / closing convex part 12 Holding convex part 13 Holding step part 30 Small magnetic disk cartridge 32 Case 34 Magnetic disk medium 36 Window part for magnetic head insertion Reference Signs List 39 Shutter member 41 Groove 42 Engaging step 50 Large magnetic disk cartridge 60, 70 Cover member 62 Spring 63 Locking member (positioning means) 64 Projecting member (ejecting means) 71 Pocket part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A small-sized magnetic disk cartridge having an external dimension almost identical to that of a large-sized magnetic disk cartridge, which can be loaded into a magnetic disk drive device in which the large-sized magnetic disk cartridge is loaded, and which has a built-in small-sized magnetic disk medium. An adapter having a storage portion for storing and holding the storage device, wherein the adapter has a rotary drive member of the magnetic disk drive device inserted into a position corresponding to a center core hole of the small magnetic disk cartridge stored in the storage portion. A magnetic head provided in the magnetic disk drive device can be inserted into a position corresponding to the magnetic head insertion window of the small magnetic disk cartridge housed in the housing part, having a possible first opening. A cover having a second opening and covering the storage portion so as to be openable and closable; A cover member, the cover member comprising: positioning means for positioning the small magnetic disk cartridge on the adapter with the closing operation of the cover member; and the small magnetic disk mounted on the adapter. An ejecting means for ejecting the cartridge in response to the opening operation of the cover member. 2. The positioning means engages with the trailing side end face in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge with the closing operation of the cover member after the small magnetic disk cartridge is inserted into the storage section. 2. The magnetic disk cartridge adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a locking member provided on the cover member for locking the small magnetic disk cartridge at a predetermined position in the storage portion. 3. The ejecting means causes the leading side end face in the insertion direction of the small magnetic disk cartridge to move in accordance with the opening operation of the cover member when the small magnetic disk cartridge is stored in the storage section. 3. The magnetic disk cartridge adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a projecting member provided on the cover member for projecting the small magnetic disk cartridge by pressing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. 4. A small-sized magnetic disk cartridge which has a size substantially the same as that of a large-sized magnetic disk cartridge, can be loaded in a magnetic disk drive device in which the large-sized magnetic disk cartridge is loaded, and has a built-in small-sized magnetic disk medium. An adapter having a storage portion for storing and holding the storage device, wherein the adapter has a rotary drive member of the magnetic disk drive device inserted into a position corresponding to a center core hole of the small magnetic disk cartridge stored in the storage portion. A magnetic head provided in the magnetic disk drive device can be inserted into a position corresponding to the magnetic head insertion window of the small magnetic disk cartridge housed in the housing part, having a possible first opening. A cover having a second opening and covering the storage portion so as to be openable and closable; The cover member is provided with a pocket portion for accommodating the small magnetic disk cartridge, and the closing operation of the cover member after the small magnetic disk cartridge is accommodated in the pocket portion. The magnetic disk wherein the small magnetic disk cartridge mounted on the adapter is ejected by the pocket by the opening operation of the cover member. Adapter for cartridge.