Abstract: A method to automatically detect and rectify a tray block in a disk drive comprising detecting an occurrence of a tray block in a disk drive upon receiving a tray-out command or a tray-in command by determining whether the tray is in an intermediate position for a predetermined time period, the intermediate position being a position between a first position within a casing of the disk drive and a second position projecting completely outwards from the casing, the tray arranged to receive a record carrier when in the second position and being supported for movement between the first position and the second position. The detected tray block is rectified by cleaning a brush-commutator interface of a tray motor arranged to move the tray between the first position and the second position and is useful for optical recorders and/or players which have a design of a tray open/close mechanism.

Abstract: A method (1000) to automatically detect and rectify a tray block in a disk drive (100) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting an occurrence of a tray block in a disk drive (100) upon receiving a tray-out command or a tray-in command by determining whether the tray (108) is in an intermediate position for a predetermined time period, the intermediate 5 position being a position between a first position within a casing of the disk drive (100) and a second position projecting completely outwards from the casing, the tray arranged to receive a record carrier (110) when in the second position and being supported for movement between the first position and the second position. The detected tray block is rectified by cleaning a brush-commutator interface of a tray motor (102), the tray motor being arranged to 10 move the tray (108) between the first position and the second position. The technique is useful for CD, DVD and BD recorders and for players which have the design of tray open/close mechanism.

Abstract: A turntable for an optical storage drive comprises a fitting member (4) consisting of a stationary yoke and a movable yoke (40) carrying a sliding cam (40a). A plurality of inwardly directed, equally spaced, resiliently deformable fingers (12) extend from a disc setting surface (3) at a location radially inward from the periphery of the turntable. In the rest position, there is no contact between the sliding cam (40a) and the fingers (12). However, after a disc (101) has been positioned on the turntable, the movable yoke is lifted and the sliding cam (40a) provides a locking effect on the fingers (12), thereby improving the centering force thereof.

Abstract: A turntable for an optical storage drive comprises a fitting member (4) consisting of a stationary yoke and a movable yoke (40) carrying a sliding cam (40a). A plurality of inwardly directed, equally spaced, resiliently deformable fingers (12) extend from a disc setting surface (3) at a location radially inward from the periphery of the turntable. In the rest position, there is no contact between the sliding cam (40a) and the fingers (12). However, after a disc (101) has been positioned on the turntable, the movable yoke is lifted and the sliding cam (40a) provides a locking effect on the fingers (12), thereby improving the centering force thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disk drive unit for a disk (D) to be used in a device for reading and/or writing the disk at high rotational speeds of the disk. It comprises a turntable (5) and a clamping mechanism (7, 11) to hold the disk firmly on the turntable. A clamper (7) thereof is adapted to be provided on a side of the disk (D) facing away from the turntable (4) and includes at least one magnetizable portion. A magnet (11) is provided in the turntable and is movable in a direction to and away from the magnetizable portion of the clamper A centrifugal operating mechanism (16-21) is adapted to cause the magnet to move towards and away from the magnetizable portion of the clamper in dependence of the rotational speed of the turntable.

Abstract: A disk drive unit for a disk includes a mounting plate, a spindle motor assembly, a slide mechanism provided with a slide, a pickup unit mounted on the slide, a first transmission member operatively connected with the slide, and a second transmission member. The first transmission member is positioned such that it is in engagement with the second transmission member when the pickup unit is in its read and/or write position, and such that the first transmission member is out of engagement with the second transmission member when the pickup unit is in its home position. In order to bring the first and second transmission members into engagement, the transmission members are provided with engagement members. As a result, a limit switch assembly is no longer necessary.