Shutter mechanism undergoing rotational and translational movements for use in recording medium and/or reproducing apparatus using card-like medium

Abstract

A shutter mechanism for use in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a guide slot through which a record card is inserted/discharged. The mechanism includes a shutter blade arranged behind the guide slot, shafts secured to side walls of the blade, and contact members, with inclined surfaces, disposed on the rear surface of the blade. The shafts are inserted into U-shaped recesses formed in supporting members so as to move rotatably and up and down. A first coiled spring biases the blade to rotate to close the guide slot, and second and third coiled springs press the blade downward to close the guide slot. During insertion of the card, the blade is pushed by the front edge of the card to rotate the blade about the shafts against the force of the first spring to open the guide slot. After full insertion of the card, the blade is returned to an upright position to close the guide slot. During discharge of the card, the rear edge of the card is urged against the inclined surfaces of the contact members to generate a force for moving the blade upward against the force of the second and third springs. After discharge of the card, the blade is moved downward by the force of the second and third springs. The contact members are secured to the rear surface of the blade rotatably in an opposite direction in which the blade is rotated by the card during insertion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.