Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an optical disc apparatus of a slot loading type, including a photosensor disposed near a disc insertion port and configured to change an output therefrom when an optical disc is inserted, a memory configured to record an output signal from the photosensor, and a controller configured to estimate a transparent clamp area of the optical disc based on the output signal, estimate a position of a center hole part of the optical disk based on the estimated clamp area, and detect presence of a foreign matter in the center hole part when a light-blocking percentage in the center hole part indicated by the output signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: There is provided a reproducing device in which a recording medium cartridge is directly inserted into a mechanical deck and placed on a chassis of the mechanical deck for reproduction. The mechanical deck includes an erroneous insertion-preventing portion which conforms to the curved shape of a front surface of the recording medium cartridge in the insertion direction thereof at the time of the insertion in a normal posture.

Abstract: A stopper 60 is provided which detects a projected part formed on an upper cartridge case of a shield type cartridge so as to prevent the shield type cartridge from being inserted. Accordingly, mechanical lock caused by the insertion of the shield type cartridge can be prevented.

Abstract: There is provided a reproducing device in which a recording medium cartridge is directly inserted into a mechanical deck and placed on a chassis of the mechanical deck for reproduction. The mechanical deck includes an erroneous insertion-preventing portion which conforms to the curved shape of a front surface of the recording medium cartridge in the insertion direction thereof at the time of the insertion in a normal posture.

Abstract: A loading motor control device of an optical device, which controls a loading motor to move a tray for loading or unloading a disc, and to raise and lower a pickup deck. The loading motor control device includes an optical sensor that has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, which are separated by a predetermined space and are face with each other; and a shutter that is provided on a sliding cam to move back and forth in the predetermined space, and that has a plurality of opening holes, through which a light beam emitted from the light-emitting portion passes, wherein the loading motor is controlled in multiple modes corresponding to the respective positions of the plurality of opening holes. The loading motor can be controlled adequately and correctly in multiple modes and with a simple structure.

Abstract: During an ejecting or unloading operation of an information recording medium by a conveying roller, if detection signals are output from detecting sensors indicating that the object being ejected or unloaded has already been discharged from an insertion hole although it has not, then the insertion hole is closed by the door. If, for some reasons, the door fails to close the insertion hole within a predetermined time, the conveying roller performs a forcible ejecting operation, whereby the object left inside is forcibly ejected to the outside. Thus, ejection or unloading of a medium is carried out without failure.

Abstract: A device for accommodating a cartridge including a holder supported at one end thereof by a pivot on a chassis and positionable as inclined upward with respect to the chassis for the cartridge to be inserted thereinto. A fitting pin is provided on the chassis and is fittable into a positioning cutout formed in a front end portion of the cartridge and opened as at opening on a front side thereof. The fitting pin has a top end positioned below the path L of movement of the upper end of the opening when the cartridge is inserted into the holder and positioned above the point X of intersection of the fitting pin with the path M of movement of the lower surface of the cartridge.