Disc loading device

Abstract

A disc loading device loads a disc in position on a turntable for reading information on either face of the disc. A clamp plate having one disc centering member clamps the disc to the turntable having a second disc centering member. The centering member corresponding to the disc face to be read is used to center the disc. The clamp and a carriage are driven in synchronism through a slider plate having multiple cam portions and which is adapted to move only horizontally under control of a motor, gear, track, horizontal slots on a fixed plate, and pins which are attached to the track and a fixed plate and pass thru the horizontal slots. As the motor rotates, its direction and amount of rotation is transferred to movement of the slider plate. Cam slots on the slider plate receive pins connected to the carriage and the clamp member, the latter pins passing through vertical slots in the fixed plate such that horizontal movement of the slider plate causes vertical movement of the carriage and clamp member. In this way, the motor direction and rotational angle causes relative vertical movement of the carriage and the clamp member to cause the same to clamp the disc to the turntable. The two centering members respond to the vertical position of the clamp member to determine which centering member centers the disc.