JPH11185435A - Magnetic tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely clamp the tip part of a magnetic tape to a leader pin by constituting the leader pin of a base part that has engagement parts for engaging with a tape-leading mechanism of a recording/reproduction device at both the ends, and a clamp member that is fitted from a side to the base part and clamps the tip part of a magnetic tape between the clamp member and the base. SOLUTION: A leader pin is constituted of a base part consisting of a shaft 15 where a narrow diameter part 12 and flanges 13 and 14 are provided in one piece at each of both ends, and a clamp member 16 with elasticity that is fitted to the outer periphery of the shape 15 from a side and constitutes a tape clamp part with the shaft 15. The clamp member 16 has a slit 16a extending in a shaft direction over the entire length and a C-shaped section shape, is elastically fitted to the outer periphery of the shaft 15 via the slit 16a while a magnetic tape 10 is included between the inner-periphery surface and the outer-periphery surface of the shaft 15, and elastically clamps the tip part of the magnetic tape 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic tape cartridge in which a single reel on which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatably accommodated in a cartridge case, and more particularly, to a leader pin attached to a leading end of a magnetic tape. It is about structure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a magnetic tape cartridge used as a recording medium used in an external storage device such as a computer has a single reel on which a magnetic tape is wound, which includes an upper shell and a lower shell. Some are rotatably housed in a flat cartridge case having a substantially square planar shape. This magnetic tape cartridge is used for storing data in a computer or the like.

Conventional magnetic tape cartridges of this type include, for example, two types, one of which is attached to the end of the magnetic tape in a state where the magnetic tape is completely wound on a reel when not in use. A leading end portion of a leader tape (means for a recording / reproducing apparatus using a magnetic tape cartridge to introduce a magnetic tape into a predetermined tape running path in the apparatus) covers a tape pull-out opening formed in one corner of a cartridge case. As described above.

In another type, a lid which can be opened and closed in a cartridge plane direction is spring-biased toward a closed position in a tape drawing-out opening formed in one side wall of a cartridge case. The leading end of the leader tape is locked by a hook incorporated in the tape withdrawal opening.

When a magnetic tape cartridge having such a structure is set in a recording / reproducing device of a corresponding external storage device, the drive teeth of the device are driven by the engaging teeth of the reel exposed at the center of the lower shell. In the former case, the leader block is pulled out together with the leader tape by the tape pull-out mechanism in the former case, and in the latter case, the leader block is pulled out earlier by the tape pull-out mechanism in the device side. After the hook is opened, the hook is pulled out together with the leader tape, whereby the leader tape is pulled into a predetermined position on the tape running path, and writing / reading of data to / from the magnetic tape becomes possible.

[0006]

Recently, it has been mainly requested from the apparatus side to use a leader pin having a thickness of about 3 mm in place of the leader block or hook conventionally used. However, it has been difficult to reliably clamp the leading end of the leader tape against such a thin leader pin.

In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape cartridge provided with a leader pin capable of securely clamping the leading end of the leader tape.

In the following description, a magnetic tape and a leader tape attached to the end of the magnetic tape will be collectively referred to as a "magnetic tape".

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a magnetic tape cartridge in which a single reel on which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatably accommodated in a cartridge case. When the magnetic tape cartridge is set in the recording / reproducing apparatus, a base is provided at both ends which has an engaging portion that engages with the tape pull-out mechanism of the apparatus, and the base is fitted to the base from the side and is provided between the base. And a clamp member for clamping a leading end portion of the magnetic tape.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the base is formed of a core rod, and the clamp member is fitted around the core rod.

In this case, the clamp member can be made of an elastic material that elastically clamps the leading end of the magnetic tape to the core rod. Can be made of a shape memory alloy that is clamped to a core rod.

Further, a sheet-shaped member may be interposed between the tip portion of the magnetic tape disposed along the outer periphery of the core rod and the clamp member. Also, knurls may be engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the core rod.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the base comprises a hollow cylinder having a slit extending in an axial direction on an outer periphery thereof, and the clamp member is inserted into the hollow cylinder through the slit. The lever is fitted on the inner periphery of the hollow cylindrical body.

In this case, the clamp member may clamp the leading end of the magnetic tape between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical body, or
The clamping member is bisected in a plane passing through its axis;
The leading end of the magnetic tape may be clamped at least between the two divided portions.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the base has a slit-like groove extending in the axial direction, and the tip of the magnetic tape is pressed into the groove together with the thin plate-shaped clamp member. .

[0016]

According to the present invention, the tip of the magnetic tape can be reliably clamped with a very simple structure. In particular, when a sheet-shaped member is interposed between the tip of the magnetic tape and the clamp member disposed along the outer periphery of the core bar, the tip of the magnetic tape is more reliably clamped, and the core is clamped. Even when both the rod and the clamp member are made of metal, the sheet-like member functions as a cushion to protect the magnetic tape.
Further, when the knurl is engraved on the outer periphery of the core bar, the tip portion of the magnetic tape can be more securely clamped.

Further, the base portion is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having a slit extending in the axial direction on the outer periphery, and the clamp member is inserted into the hollow cylindrical body through the slit and fits on the inner circumference of the hollow cylindrical body. Even when the magnetic tape is configured to be attached, the leading end of the magnetic tape can be reliably clamped.

Further, when the base is provided with a slit-like groove extending in the axial direction, and the distal end portion of the magnetic tape is press-fitted into this groove together with the thin plate-shaped clamp member, the structure becomes simpler. There are advantages.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a magnetic tape cartridge according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a closed state of the slide door, and FIG. 2 shows an open state of the slide door.

The magnetic tape cartridge includes an upper shell 1a.
And a lower shell 1b in the cartridge case 1,
A single reel on which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatably accommodated. On one side wall of the cartridge case 1, a tape pull-out opening 2 for pulling out one end of the magnetic tape is formed across the upper shell 1a and the lower shell 1b and close to a corner portion. A slide door 3 for opening and closing the tape pull-out opening 2 is slidably provided. The slide door 3 is the cartridge case 1
Inside, it is urged toward the closed position by a spring interposed between the cartridge case 1 and the rear end surface of the slide door 3, and is held at the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a leader pin 4 which clamps a tip portion of a magnetic tape is accommodated inside the tape pull-out opening 2, and the magnetic tape cartridge corresponds to an external storage device or the like. Is set in the recording / reproducing apparatus, the rotating drive means on the apparatus side engages with the engaging teeth of the reel (not shown) exposed at the opening at the center of the lower shell 1b, and the tape pulling mechanism on the apparatus side The front end face 3a of the slide door 3 is pushed to open the slide door 3, and the leader pin 4 is clamped by the tape pull-out mechanism and drawn into the apparatus together with the magnetic tape, whereby the magnetic tape is set on the apparatus side. Thus, data can be written / read to / from the magnetic tape.

On one side of the cartridge case 1,
A rotary operation knob 5 for preventing erasure and double writing of the magnetic tape is exposed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the leader pin 4 is provided between a tape clamp portion 11 for clamping the front end portion of the magnetic tape 10 and two flanges 13 and 14 at the upper and lower ends of the tape clamp portion 11, respectively. A small diameter portion 12 formed, and when the magnetic tape cartridge is set in the recording / reproducing device, the small diameter portion 12 constitutes an engaging portion that engages with a tape pull-out mechanism on the device side; The flanges 13, 13 serve as engaging portions of the leader pin 4 inside the tape pull-out opening 2 of the cartridge case 1 with the accommodating portion. Tape clamp unit 11
Has a length corresponding to the magnetic tape 10 having a width of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view and a cross sectional view showing the first embodiment of the leader pin. The leader pin 4 has a base made of a relatively thick metal or hard plastic core rod 15 integrally provided with a small-diameter portion 12 and flanges 13 and 14 at both ends, and the core rod 15.
And a metal or hard plastic resilient clamp member 16 which is fitted from the side to the outer periphery and constitutes the tape clamp portion 11 together with the core rod 15. The clamp member 16 has a slit 16a extending in the axial direction over its entire length, has a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, and has the magnetic tape 10 interposed between its inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the core rod 15. In this manner, the magnetic tape 10 is elastically fitted to the outer periphery of the core rod 15 through the lit 16a so as to elastically clamp the leading end of the magnetic tape 10.

With such a configuration, the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 can be reliably clamped at the tape clamp portion 11. In addition, this clamp member 16
Instead of being formed of an elastic material as described above, it may be formed of a shape memory alloy. In this case, after the clamp member 16 is fitted to the core rod 15 together with the magnetic tape 10 in a heated state, the temperature is returned to room temperature, so that the diameter of the clamp member 16 is reduced by the shape memory effect. Fifteen
Can be clamped on the outer periphery of

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view and a cross sectional view showing a second embodiment of the leader pin. The metal or hard plastic core rod 15 that forms the base of the leader pin 4 has flanges 13 and 13 and a small diameter section 1.
A knurl 15a extending in the axial direction is engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 12 having only the second and second ends 12 and 12 at both ends. Further, a groove 15b is provided in a ring shape at a portion corresponding to each flange 14.

On the other hand, a metal or hard plastic clamp member 17 fitted to the outer periphery of the core rod 15 is provided in FIG.
As in the case of the clamp member 16 of this embodiment, it has a slit 17a extending in the axial direction and has a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, but has flanges 14 and 14 integrally at both ends thereof and corresponds to the slit 17a of each flange 14. A radial groove 14a is formed at a position where
In the groove 15a.

Further, in the present embodiment, a flexible sheet-like member 18 is interposed between the tip portion of the magnetic tape 10 disposed along the outer periphery of the core rod 15 and the clamp member 17. The tip of the magnetic tape 10 is sandwiched between the core rod 15 and the sheet-like member 18,
It is configured to be clamped by the clamp member 17.

Therefore, in this embodiment, since the flexible sheet-like member 18 is interposed between the core rod 15 and the clamp member 17, both the core rod 15 and the clamp member 17 are made of metal. Even if the sheet-like member 1
8 serves as a cushion to protect the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 and to provide several types of sheet-like members 1 having different thicknesses.
8, a sheet member having a thickness that can obtain an optimum clamping state can be selected. In addition, since the knurls 15a are engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the core bar 15, there is an advantage that the clamping of the leading end portion of the magnetic tape 10 can be more reliably performed.

The sheet member 18 is interposed between the core bar 15 of the leader pin 4 and the clamp member 16 shown in FIG. It may be sandwiched between the member 18.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view and a cross sectional view showing a third embodiment of the leader pin.

In the present embodiment, the leader pin 4
Does not have the core rod 15 but instead comprises a base made of a hollow cylindrical body 20 and a cylindrical clamp member 21 which is pressed into the hollow cylindrical body 20 together with the tip of the magnetic tape 10.

The hollow cylindrical body 20 is provided with the clamp member 1 shown in FIG.
7 is formed of a metal material or a hard plastic material having a C-shaped cross-section with a slit 20a extending in the axial direction as in the case of 7, but with a magnetic tape cartridge set at both ends in the recording / reproducing apparatus. , A small-diameter portion 1 that forms an engagement portion that engages with a tape pull-out mechanism on the device side
2, the flanges 13 and 14 are provided integrally with each other. The cylindrical clamp member 21 is made of a material having elasticity, and the clamp member 21 press-fit into the hollow cylindrical body 20 through the slit 20a together with the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical body 20. And the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 is clamped.

With such a configuration, the magnetic tape 1
0 can be securely clamped at the tape clamp portion 11. As shown in FIG. 7, a radial slit 21c is formed in the clamp member 21 in the axial direction, and the magnetic tape 10 is formed in the slit 21c.
By pressing the clamp member 21 into the hollow cylindrical body 20 with the tip of the magnetic tape 10 inserted, the tip of the magnetic tape 10 may be clamped in the slit 21c.

As shown in FIG. 8, the clamp member 21 is divided into two parts by a plane passing through the axis thereof, and the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 is clamped between the divided two parts 21a and 21b. Then, the clamp member 21 is connected to the hollow cylindrical body 2.
Alternatively, the tip of the magnetic tape 10 may be clamped by press-fitting into the inside of the tape. In this case, if the leading end portion of the magnetic tape 10 goes around the outer peripheral surface of the clamp member 21, the leading end portion of the magnetic tape 10 can be more securely clamped.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the leader pin. In the present embodiment, a slit-shaped groove 22a extending in the axial direction is provided in the cylindrical body 22 based on a cylindrical body 22 having a flange 13 and a small-diameter portion 12 at both ends, and a magnetic field is formed in the groove 22a. The leading end of the tape 10 may be pressed together with the thin plate-shaped clamp member 23 to clamp the leading end of the magnetic tape 10 to the cylindrical body 22. In this case, in order to protect the tape, it is preferable to form a round shape at the entrance of the groove 22a of the cylindrical body 22.

Further, the clamp member press-fit into the slit-like groove 22a formed in the cylindrical body 22 together with the tip of the magnetic tape 10 is shown in FIG. 10 instead of the thin plate-like clamp member 23 shown in FIG. A clamp member 24 made of an elastic body having such a U-shaped cross section may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetic tape cartridge according to the present invention with its sliding door closed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the magnetic tape cartridge of FIG. 1 with its sliding door opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of a leader pin.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the leader pin.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the leader pin.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the leader pin.

7 is a perspective view showing a modification of the clamp member of FIG. 6, and a cross-sectional view of a leader pin using the clamp member.

8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the clamp member of FIG. 6, and a cross-sectional view of a leader pin using the clamp member.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the leader pin.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the clamp member of FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cartridge case 1a Upper shell 1b Lower shell 2 Tape pull-out opening 3 Slide door 4 Leader pin 10 Magnetic tape 11 Tape clamp part 12 Small diameter part 13,14 Flange 15 Core rod 16,17,21,23,24 Clamp member 18 Sheet-shaped member 20 Hollow cylindrical body 22 Cylindrical body

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic tape cartridge in which a single reel on which a magnetic tape is wound is rotatably accommodated in a cartridge case, wherein a leader pin attached to a tip portion of the magnetic tape is used for recording the magnetic tape cartridge. A base provided at both ends with an engagement portion that engages with a tape pull-out mechanism of the device when set in the playback device; and a tip of the magnetic tape between the base fitted to the base from the side and A magnetic tape cartridge comprising a clamp member for clamping a portion. 2. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said base portion is made of a core rod, and said clamp member is fitted around the core rod. 3. The magnetic tape device according to claim 1, wherein the base has a slit-shaped groove extending in the axial direction, and the tip of the magnetic tape is pressed into the groove together with the thin plate-shaped clamp member to clamp the tip of the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: