Disk cartridge ejection mechanism and method

An information recording and reproducing apparatus, comprising:

• a disk cartridge ejection mechanism for moving a disk cartridge from a loaded position in which information is recorded in and reproduced from a recording medium inside the disk cartridge, to a removal position in which the disk cartridge can be taken out from the information recording and reproducing apparatus, the disk cartridge ejection mechanism comprising:
• a cartridge engagement device for engaging with the disk cartridge to inhibit the disk cartridge from moving beyond the removal position, while the disk cartridge is moved from the loaded position to the removal position;
• a cartridge engagement assistance device movable between a release position at which a release of an engagement of the cartridge engagement device with the disk cartridge is allowed, and a prevention position at which the release of the engagement of the cartridge engagement device with the disk cartridge is prevented,
• wherein while the disk cartridge is moved from the loaded position to the removal position, the cartridge engagement assistance device is situated in the prevention position;
• and
• a releasing device for moving the cartridge engagement assistance device from the prevention position to the release position, after the disk cartridge is moved from the loaded position to the removal position.