KR20050023391A - Releasably latchable leader block in tape threading apparatus for data storage systems and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The reader block in the read / write recording device includes a latch member and a body member that move relative to each other to receive, engage and retain the leader pins on the tape medium. The leader block includes a finger type coupling structure. The catch piece can be deflected towards the closed position and include the ramp to the initial position of the leader pin.

Description

RELEASABLY LATCHABLE LEADER BLOCK IN TAPE THREADING APPARATUS FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHOD THEREFOR}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing and retrieving data on a tape medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tape threading apparatus of a tape conveying apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to a leader block that is securely locked to the leader pin of a tape transfer medium. The invention also relates to a method of threading a tape medium to a tape conveying device using such a leader block.

The advent of computers has already had a profound impact on human society, and the effects of processing technology are expected to increase. Indeed, the desire to store information for later retrieval is currently growing exponentially. Thus, various types of data storage devices have been developed for the purpose of recording as well as online.

In online processing where data is readily available, significant improvements have been made with the advent of magnetic disk storage arrays. One or more magnetic disks are provided, and a read / write writehead is used to retrieve information or data for use by a computer processor, as well as writing information to the disk. The ability to increase the density of data stored on such magnetic disk arrays has advanced significantly. To further increase the density of online data, optical discs have been developed. This device records data based on a very small wavelength of light, whereby high density is realized by this technique. Laser light is used to read information or data stored on the optical disc.

Prior to the advent of computer, magnetic disk and optical disk storage assemblies, data was typically stored on magnetic tape such as reel to reel tapes and cassettes. In magnetic tape storage, a magnetic coil was used as a transducer to magnetically imprint data on a moving band of magnetic film, which was then read and passed to the coprocessor when the film passed through the transducer. It was retyped. Magnetic tape can be erased and rewritten several times and has the advantage of being inexpensive.

If quick access is not very important and cost is important, magnetic tape is still a very desirable means of data storage. However, when a vast amount of data must be stored, these tapes can be enlarged due to the physical number required to store a certain amount of data. Of course, the capacity of a tape to store data depends on the number of "tracks" that can be placed independently across the width of the tape.

The ability to quickly write data on a magnetic tape film and the ability to access data read from the film are a function of two variables. That is, it is a function of (1) the density of the storage and (2) the speed at which the tape medium is transferred and read / written correctly by the transducer. Thus, for example, a magnetic tape read / write system capable of reading and writing nine data tracks on one tape strip accommodates 4.5 times more data than a system using only two tracks. Thus, efforts to increase the data storage capacity of magnetic tapes have included efforts to increase the number of tracks that can be written to magnetic tape bands.

In the system described above, a tape storage reel of flanged or flangeless type (eg, as used in cartridges) is mounted to the machine in use. The threading assembly engages with the free end of the tape and passes it through the machine. Typically, the tape is threaded across a pneumatic bearing to a take-up hub or reel past the transducer. Thereafter, the tape of a predetermined length passes through the machine so that the information is imprinted on or retrieved from the tape. In this process, the tape of predetermined length is conveyed to a winding reel or hub which is part of the machine itself contained in the cartridge or mounted to and detached from the machine. After being transported through the machine, the tape can be rewound with a storage reel and removed from the machine.

As described in U.S. Patent No. 5,777,823, filed July 1, 1998, the lateral edges of the tape moving in the feed direction are properly matched along a reference plane called a datum so that the data It is important to ensure that the data can be correctly retrieved and entered from the tape medium. Therefore, the support of the tape in the conveying process is very important, and typically use guide rollers, air bearings and the like known in the art. Improved air bearings are the subject matter of U.S. Patent No. 5,777,823 and U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 111,728 filed April 26,2002 (priority: October 28, 1999), which are incorporated herein by reference. . It is also important that the read / write head can be positioned accurately. Representative structures for such positioning are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,078,478, incorporated herein by reference.

Typically, the reel is configured to have a central hub with an annular flange and a width slightly larger than the width of the tape. It is also known to use flangeless hubs in winding tape media. In all cases, the hub rotates about a central winding axis, and a tape of a predetermined length is wound around the hub.

Many tape drives use a tape source in the form of a cartridge, which can be mounted or detached from a recording and reading device. Typically, these cartridges include a spool of tape media on which information can be stored. The tape medium is transported across the read / write write head and is overlaid on existing data as in the case of " write " Search for the information you are doing. In all cases, the tape is typically attached to a leader pin that is joined by a leader block that is part of the threading mechanism. The threading mechanism engages with the leader pins by the reader block and then mechanically threades the tape across the air bearings disposed on one side of the read / write write head. The threading mechanism delivers the leader block to the take-up hub.

Conventional leader blocks engage the leader pins of the tape medium from the sides, ie laterally. Thus, conventional leader blocks rely on a constant tension of the tape medium to maintain a mating relationship. This causes many problems. On the other hand, if the leader pin is improperly positioned in the tape cartridge, the leader block will not be able to engage the leader pin to eject the tape from the cartridge. If the leader block starts pulling the tape from the cartridge without engaging the leader pin, mismatch of the leader pin in the leader block may result in the leader block dropping the leader pin during the threading process. . If the leader pin is lost, it will not be found by the threading device and therefore the equipment must be repaired or replaced. Not only is this expensive in terms of maintenance time and replacement, but lost reader pins can damage the read / write device.

Even when the leader block is properly engaged with the leader pin, in some cases there is still a risk of releasing the tension of the tape medium. For example, if a power outage occurs, tension is lost and the leader pin may be pulled out of the leader block. As a result, as described above, repair is necessary and damage may occur.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved leader block assembly that can selectively releasably engage a leader pin in a secure manner. There is a need for leader blocks that can reliably engage with the leader pins of virtually any type of threading assembly, and the use of such leader blocks in tape feeders. The present invention fulfills these needs.

1 is a perspective view of a tape drive device according to the present invention incorporating a threading assembly and a leader block of the present invention in which the tape device receives a tape source in the form of a tape cartridge,

2 is a perspective view of the tape drive device of FIG. 1 with the tape cartridge removed;

3 is a plan view showing the inside of the tape source, that is, the tape cartridge shown in FIG.

4A is a cross-sectional view of the leader pins in the tape cartridge of FIG. 3 showing a state registered or "parked" with the tape cartridge, FIG.

4B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4A showing typical misalignment of the leader pins.

5 is a partial cutaway perspective view showing a leader block engaging with the leader pin according to the prior art,

6A and 6B are perspective views showing a leader block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6A shows a leader block in a closed position, and FIG. 6B shows a leader block in an open position.

7 is an exploded perspective view showing a leader block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a perspective view of the leader block of FIG. 7 showing a closed position advancing on the leader pin, FIG.

9 is a perspective view of the leader block of FIG. 8 moving to an open position to partially engage the river pin;

10 is a perspective view of a lever actuator used in a threading assembly according to the present invention,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cam assembly used to operate the leader block of FIGS. 6 to 9;

12 is an exploded perspective view of the cam assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the cam assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14A is a side view showing the lever actuator of FIG. 10 and the cam assembly of FIGS. 11 through 13 in an inoperative state relative to the lever actuator and leader block and FIG. 14B is a top view of FIG. 14A,

FIG. 15A is a side view showing the cam actuator in operation with respect to the lever actuator and the leader block, FIG. 15B is a top view of FIG. 15A,

16 is a perspective view of a tape cartridge housing and tape threading assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

17 is a perspective view of a threading plate of the present invention with a threading channel shown in dashed lines,

18 is a cross-sectional view showing a leader block of the present invention with threading channels coupled thereto.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful leader block that can be used in a threading assembly on a tape conveying device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful method of threading a tape medium from a tape source via a read / write recording device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a leader block and method for actively fastening the leader pin onto the free end of the tape from a tape source such as a tape cartridge.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a leader block releasably fastened to the leader pin so that the leader pin does not fall in the event of a loss of tension of the tape during tape threading operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a leader block releasably fastened to a leader pin which can be controlledly disconnected from the leader block only while the leader pin is only mechanically driven.

Yet another object of the present invention is to assist in relocating the leader pins in the tape cartridge prior to tightening, thereby providing a leader block in which sure latching of the leader pins can be achieved by the leader block.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a leader block assembly which is structurally simple and easy to manufacture, but which actively engages the leader pins throughout the threading operation.

According to the invention, the leader block is adapted to travel in a first direction to engage the leader pin on the tape medium. In general, the leader block includes a body member and a latch member disposed over the body member. The tape member includes a catch piece that is relatively moveable with respect to the body member between an open position that allows engagement and disengagement with the leader pin and a closed position that holds the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged. The leader pin according to the invention can be incorporated into a threading assembly, which in turn can be incorporated into a read / write device. Threading assemblies and read / write devices form an additional aspect of the present invention.

Whether viewed as a single leader block or in combination with a threading assembly or as a combination with a recording / reading device, the leader block of the present invention has a leading edge portion that includes a pair of spaced apart fastening structures that operate to engage the leader pins. can do. The latch member then includes a pair of catch pieces each associated with the fastening structure. Whether one catch piece is provided or multiple are provided, they are biased relative to the closed position. The fastening structure can include one or more stop fingers. Here, each catch piece cooperates with each finger which forms the closed area when the open area with the inflow path in the open position has not yet been formed in the closed position. However, the fastening structure preferably comprises a stop finger pair defining a slot therein.

In order to facilitate fastening the catch piece to the leader pin, the catch piece operates to approach the leader pin as the leader block is moved in the first direction to move the leading ramp portion to move the catch piece in the open position. Include. Thereafter, due to the deflection there, the catch piece is snap locked in the closed position with respect to the leader pin. The catch pin may comprise an arcuate trailing edge portion, such that when it is in the closed position, the catch piece cannot be released from the leader pin until active actuation of the catch piece occurs.

In more detail, the leader block of the present invention includes a latch member in the form of a channel-like piece into which the body member is inserted. The body member includes first and second spatially separated fastening structures disposed at the leading edge portion with respective fastening structures formed by a pair of stop fingers with slots therebetween. The latch member is pivotally disposed over the body member and includes first and second arms, which terminate at the catch piece with respective catch pieces associated with each one of the first and second fastening structures. The latch member is movable relative to the body member between open positions that allow each catch piece to interact with each finger that engages and disengages from the leader pin. In the open position the latch member is spring biased relative to the closed position with a restoring force. In the closed position, the leader pin is held in the leader block.

The latch member may comprise a central panel piece such as extending between the first and second arms to form a channel structure and into which the body member is inserted. The spring piece may be formed as a wing extending from the center panel piece and may be bent when the latch member pivots to the open position facing the body member. The first and second arms, the center panel piece and the wing are preferably formed as an integrally formed single piece structure of a spring spill or other metal structure. The latch member is pivoted relative to the body member by an axial pin, the axial pin receiving tubular mounts above each of the first and second arms. The latch member may comprise an actuator tab that is actuated by an actuator force to pivot the latch member from the closed position to the open position against the restoring force.

The threading assembly according to the present invention comprises one or more leaderblock structural elements described above. Additionally, the threading assembly includes a first guide track and an elastic conveyor member received at the first guide track. At this time, the motor operates to drive the conveyor member in the reverse direction in the first and second directions. The leader block is fixed to the conveyor member. In an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor member is selected from the group consisting of a chain and a belt. The threading assembly according to the invention may also comprise a second guide track formed symmetrically with the first guide track. The second guide track receives a portion of the leader pin therein for sliding movement when the conveyor member is driven in the first and second directions.

The threading assembly according to the invention also includes an actuator operative to engage the latch member of the leader block. The actuator is movable between an operating position where the actuator moves the catch piece into the open position and an inactive position where the restoring force of the latch member moves the catch piece into the closed position. As an example, the actuator may be a lever that is pivotally moveable between an operating position and a non-operating position, which is a throw distance. The working distance is optionally adjustable. In order to advance the actuator from the non-operating area to the operating area, a cam is provided to pivot the actuator, supporting the actuator tab above the latch member such that the prong portion of the actuator lever pivots the first and second arms into the open position.

The present invention is also a read / write device adapted to receive a spool of tape media, such as a cartridge, and is operable to perform a read / write function thereon as the tape media advances in the preceding direction. The read / write device according to the present invention includes a read / write write head and first and second bearing members located upstream and downstream of the read / write write head to support the tape medium as it advances across. The read / write device includes a winding mechanism including a hub having an outer surface on which the tape medium can be wound. The rotatable drive then operates to rotate the hub so that the tape medium is wound thereon. The read / write device includes a threading assembly that includes a leader block adapted to engage the free end of the tape member. While the leader block is configured as described above, the threading assembly may be as mentioned above or may be another known threading assembly.

Finally, the present invention relates to a method of threading a tape medium from a tape source via a read / write recording device, wherein the tape medium has an associated leader pin. The method of the present invention broadly includes advancing a releasably latchable leader block into a joint with a leader pin and engaging the leader pin and the leader block. The method includes securing the leader pin to the leader block and then advancing the leader block to the take-up hub. The hub rotates to wind the tape media on the hub. The method includes after the portion of the tape medium is wound around the hub, rotating the hub to unwind the tape medium from the winding surface and rewind the tape medium with the tape source. The leader block is returned to a position adjacent to the tape source and the leader pin is then unlatched from the leader block. In addition to this step, the exemplary method may also include pressing the leader block against the leader pin to snap lock the leader block to perform latching with the leader block to secure the leader pin. Unlatching the leader pin may be accomplished by advancing the actuator relative to a portion of the leader block such that the leader pin pivots the latching portion from the engagement portion.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily understood by considering the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention is widely related to tape conveying devices used in the data storage industry. Such tape transport apparatus applies a tape medium on which data can be arranged. Typically the tape medium is housed in a storage reel, which may be in the form of a cartridge. When the storage reel is mounted on the tape conveying device, the tape conveying device is operated to convey the tape medium in the conveying direction across the read / write converter to arrange or access data on the tape. Although the present invention specifically addresses magnetic tape media, it should be understood that the principles described herein may be applied to other types of media without limitation. For example, the present invention can be used for optical tapes other than magnetic tapes. Moreover, the term “read / write converter” as used herein should be understood to refer to a write converter read converter or a converter capable of performing both read and write functions.

Automatic threading assemblies are usually coupled to such equipment to properly mount the tape media in the read / write device. This threading assembly functions to engage the leader pin secured to the leading portion of the tape. The threading assembly engages the leader pin and advances the leader pin in a first direction to grip the hub or reel. During this operation, the threading assembly typically advances the tape medium across the air bearing and read / write transducer. Once threaded, the tape is adjusted to advance to the desired position by rotation of the winding hub and tape source. When the read / write operation is complete, the process is reversed and the threading device returns the tape and leader pins to a tape source such as a cartridge housing. The present invention relates in particular to a threading assembly for a tape conveying device, and in particular to the new and useful leader block used for engaging the leader pin.

1 and 2, a typical tape carrying or read / write device 10 is shown. The device 10 includes a read / write transducer 12 with an upstream air bearing 14 and a downstream air bearing 16 on the side of the read / write transducer when the tape 18 is carried in the read / write transducer. Located. The additional air bearing 15 can be applied if necessary. The tape 18 is advanced in the direction of arrow "T" and the tape is threaded to engage the winding reel 22. The winding reel 22 is rotatably journaled on a frame 24 that is rotated by a winding motor as is known in the art. After performing the desired read / write function, the tape pre-wound as a tape pack on take reel 22 can be rewound in cartridge 20 by a rewind motor as is known in the art.

3, a conventional tape cartridge 20 is shown according to the prior art. The cartridge 20 here comprises a housing 26 having an entrance door 28 shown in the open position. Tape 18 is shown wound on spool 21, which may be referred to as a "tape pack." The free end 19 of the tape 18 is tightened to the leader pin 30 and the leader pin 30 is normally parked and held in place by the spring clip 32.

The engagement of the leader pin 30 and the spring clip 32 according to the prior art is shown in FIG. 4A. Here, it can be seen that the spring clip 32 is mounted to the support 34 formed in the upper and lower panels 36 and 38 of the housing 26. The spring clip 32 is C-shaped and accommodates the head portion 40 of the leader pin 30. To this end, the leader pin 30 typically comprises a cylindrical main body 42 with the head 40 actually positioned by the neck 44 on the cylindrical main body.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a problem may occur when the leader pin 30 is not matched with respect to the spring clip 32. In this figure, the leader pin 30 may be partially misfit to the spring clip 32 and misaligned in a tilted manner so that it is not properly parked in the spring clip 32. This situation arises, for example, when the threading assembly of the read / write device 10 does not properly return the leader pin 30 to the cartridge 20, but in this case more often occurs when the tape cartridge is inadvertently dropped. The tape cartridge may be excessively creaking, as may be generated.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a typical leader block used for leader pin 20 is shown. Here, the leader block 46 is shown to be mounted to the threading arm 48 (shown in dashed lines). Leader block 46 includes a pair of hooks 50, which hooks are adapted to partially extend around the leader block and be received in neck 44. Such structures rely on tape tension to maintain bonding. With this assembly, it is not difficult to engage the leader pin 30 when the leader pin is properly parked in the cartridge 20 as shown in FIG. 4A. However, when the leader pin is misaligned as shown in FIG. 4B, it is very difficult when the leader block 46 is not impossible to engage with the leader pin 30. This causes problems for manual systems as well as automated tape library systems. Moreover, when one of the hook portions 50 is successful in engaging the leader pin 30, when the leader pin 30 is initially misaligned as shown in FIG. 4B, often the other hook portion 50 does not engage. Do not. When this happens, during the threading operation, the leader pin 30 may be detached from the threading assembly, causing damage to the equipment and costly repair may be required. This problem results in the fact that the leader block 46 of the prior art must engage the leader pin 30 from the side. When the leader block 30 is not properly parked, proper matching may occur by chance. In addition, release of leader block 46 from leader pin 30 often occurs when power is lost during threading or unthreading operation, when tension on tape 18 is lost.

The present invention is intended to eliminate some of the problems inherent in proper engagement with the leader pin. This is accomplished by the improved leader block 60, which is well illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. In these figures, the leader block 60 includes a body member 62 and a latch member 64, which latch member is disposed on the body member 62 and is oriented by an axial pin 66 to the body. Maintained on the member. A mounting member in the form of a rod 68 is provided to connect the leader block 60 to the threading assembly. 6-9, the body member 62 has a leading edge portion 70 comprising a pair of spaced apart coupling structures 72, the coupling structure being operative to engage the leader pin, In particular, it can be seen that it is coupled to the neck portion 44 of the leader pin. Each coupling structure 72 includes one or more fastening fingers, but as can be seen in the figures, each coupling structure 72 has a pair of parallel and opposing slots with a slot 78 therebetween. Formed by the fingers 74, 76 forming. Slot 78 has a width slightly larger than the diameter of neck 44 of leader pin 30. The coupling structure 72 loosely couples the leader pin 30 and allows the leader pin 30 to move through the inlet into and out of the open area of the slot 78.

In order to selectively retain and release the leader pin 30, the latch member 64 has an open position that allows engagement and disengagement with the leader pin and a closure for retaining the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged with the slot 78. It is provided with at least one, preferably two catch pieces, which can move relative to the body member 62 between positions. Referring to FIG. 7, a pair of arms 80 and coupled to each other by the center panel piece 84 to form a channel structure in which the body member 62 overlaps, for example as shown in FIG. 6A. The latch member 64 includes 82. To this end, FIG. 7 having an opening 88 aligned with the bore 90 in the body member 62 such that the axial pin 66 is interfitted to secure the latch member 64 to the body member 62. Each arm portion 80 includes a neck mount, such as the neck mount 86 shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that the neck mount 86 is formed on the arm 82 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 7 with respect to the arm 80.

Each arm 80 and 82 has catch pieces in the form of ends 90 and 92 arranged in triangles on their respective arms 80 and 82. Each triangular end 90 and 92 includes a leading ramp portion or edge 94 and an arcuate distal edge portion 96, the function of which distal edge portion being described below. 6A and 6B, each catch piece formed by triangular ends 90 and 92 moves relative to the body member 62 between the closed position shown in FIG. 6A and the open position shown in FIG. 6B. It can be confirmed that. When in the open position, leader block 60 will engage and disengage from leader pin. When in the closed position, the leader pin 30 is held by the leader block 60. To understand this, each catch piece formed by triangular ends 90 and 92 is deflected to the closed position. Here, the latch member 64 has a flexible resilient wing piece 85 which faces the body member 62 when in the first position as shown in FIGS. 6A and 8. You're in the way. However, in order to pivot the latch member 64 onto the body member 62 by means of the axial pin 66, the arms 80 and 82 close the catch piece in the form of the ends 90 and 92 with the open position. The latch member 64 will pivot to move between positions. When moved to the open position as shown in FIGS. 6B and 9, the wing 85 moves the latch member 64 toward the first position to deflect or deflect the catch piece into the closed position. Add. Arms 80 and 82, center panel piece 84 and wing 85 are formed as an integral piece of spring steel.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that each coupling structure comprises one or more, preferably two locking fingers. Each catch piece in the form of ends 90 and 92 of arms 80 and 82 that form an enclosed area in cooperation with the securing fingers when in the closed position defines an open area with an inlet when in the open position. . When in the open position, leader pin 30 may be coupled to or detached from slot 78. However, when in the closed position, the catch piece prevents the leader pin 30 from inadvertently detaching from the leader block 60. To this end, each catch piece is operated to close the inlet of each slot 78 when in the closed position. As such, the arcuate distal edge portion 96 of the ends 90 and 92 forms a circumference of the closed area when in the closed position. Thus, even when the tape tension is lost, the threading leader pin 30 will remain engaged.

It will now be appreciated that the leading ramp portion 94 on the ends 90 and 92 facilitates initial engagement of the leader block 60 with the leader pin 30. As best shown in FIG. 8, as the leader block 60 proceeds toward the leader pin 30 along the arrow “B”, the ramp portion 94 has a neck portion on the leader pin 30 ( 44). For the angled configuration of the ramp portion 94, the latch member 64 will move towards the open position, thereby causing the wing 85 to bend relative to the body member 62. When the neck portion 44 passes through the apices of the catch pieces, the restoring force provided by the wing 85 will cause the latch member 64 to move to the closed position, thus the arcuate edge portion ( 96 closes the entrance to the open area provided by slot 78. Thus, as the leader block moves along the first direction indicated by arrow "B", ramp portion 94 approaches the leader pin.

In such a situation, the leader block 60 may not be coupled to the leader pin 30 from the side as in the case of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 5, but rather by direct linear access to the leader pin 30. 30 will be understood. Because of this, if leader pin 30 is to be removed as shown in FIG. 4B, leader block 60 is parked again in the proper direction as shown in FIG. 4A as it progresses toward leader pin 30. Will act to press the leader pin (30). In this case, the lamp 94 approaches the neck 44 and engagement of the leader pin 30 occurs. When the leader block 60 is retracted along the second direction opposite to the arrow "B", the leader pin 30 is captured and detached from the cartridge 20 to be screwed through the tape transfer device 10. will be.

During return for repositioning the leader pin 30 into the cartridge 20, the leader block 60 securely engages the head portion 40 of the leader pin 30 in the spring clip 32. In this position, however, it is necessary to mechanically separate the catch piece formed by the ends 90 and 92 of the arms 80 and 82 from the leader pin. For this purpose, an actuator tab 100 is arranged on the arm 80 at the end opposite the triangular end 90. As shown in Figs. 14B and 15B, by pressing the actuator tab 100 laterally, the latch 64 is mechanically moved to the open position.

Thus, there is a need to provide the lead / light device 10 and its associated threading assembly, along with a mechanical actuator that can interact with the actuator tab 100 to perform the function. As shown in FIGS. 10, 14 and 15, an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is a lever 102 comprising an L-shaped base 104 comprising a mounting bore 106 at the end of one leg. ) Form. The lever 102 is pivotally fixed to the frame 24 by a suitable bearing bolt 108 extending through the opening 106. The upright 110 of the lever 102 includes a prong portion 112 disposed at and protruding from the distal end of the second leg of the L-shaped base 104. The throw adjusting screw 114 is threadedly received in the L-shaped base 102 on the side edge, which adjust screw 114 has a cam follower as described in more detail below. to provide. When the leader block 60 is in a position where mechanical detachment of the leader pin 30 is required, the prong portion 112 faces the actuator tab 100 so that the prong portion 112 with respect to the actuator tab 100 is positioned. Mechanical advance pivots the latch member 64 to the open position.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide the actuation force to the lever 102. For this purpose, a cam assembly is provided, which is best shown in FIGS. 11-13. 1 and 2, the cam assembly is shown mounted to the frame 24. Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the cam assembly 120 is disposed adjacent to the lever 102 supported on the frame 24 and pivotally fixed to the cam assembly. When the leader block 60 is in the release position of the leader pin 30, it is adjacent to the actuator lever 102, as shown in FIG. 2. It should be understood that the cam assembly 120 performs many of the operations necessary for the mechanical operation of the lead / light device 10, one of which functions is to move the latch member 64 to the open position. For example, the cam assembly 120 may be used to mount the cartridge 20 into the lead / light device 10 and to separate it from the lead / light device 10.

In any case, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the cam assembly 120 mounts a gear box 122 mounted with an annular gear 126 and a cam element 124 on the axial pin 128. Include. Pawl element 130 includes a first cam follower 132 at one end. The second finger 134 is located on the detent 80. A plate 136 is mounted to the gear box 122 to securely rotate the axial pin 128 between the appropriate bearings 142 so that the cam element 124 and the detent element inside the gear box 122. Secure 130. Plate 136 includes a slot 140 that is adapted to engage second finger 134. The second finger 134 is such that once the second finger 134 is mounted in the read / write device 10, the tape cartridge 20 moves the tape cartridge 20 between the extended position and the retracted position. The portion of the second finger 134 is sized to sufficiently protrude from the slot 140 to engage with the cartridge handling slot of. In order to mechanically drive the cam element 124, a drive motor 144 is provided that engages with the worm gear 146, which engages with the annular gear 126. The worm gear 146 operates to rotate the annular gear 126, thereby rotating the cam element 124 fixed to the annular gear 126 by a screw 148.

As described above, the cam assembly 120, in particular the cam element 124, performs a number of functions when docking the cartridge with the read / write device 10. For the present invention, the cam assembly 120 and the cam element 124 interact with the actuator lever 102 to move the leader block 60 to the open position as well. To this end, as shown in FIG. 13, a cam lobe 150 is disposed at the edge of the cam element 120, which operation of the cam lobe 150 is more complete with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Can be understood. 14A and 14B, it can be seen that the lobe 150 of the cam element 124 is in an initial position not engaged with the adjusting screw / cam follower 114. In this initial position, the lever 102 is spring biased away from the leader block 60 so that the prong portion 112 does not engage the actuator tab 100. However, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when cam element 120 rotates, lobe 150 engages screw 114 to pivot actuator lever 102 in the direction of arrow “X”. . Thus, screw 114 functions as a cam follower. As the actuator lever 102 rotates, the prong portion 112 of the lever 102 exerts an action force against the actuator tab 100, latching it from the closed position shown in FIG. 14B to the open position shown in FIG. 15B. The member 64 is moved. That is, the arms 80 and 82 of the latch member 64 move to the open position in the direction of the arrow "Y". The screw 114 is adjustable in relation to the relative height relative to the lever 102 such that the working distance of the lever 102 can be selectively adjustable. The cam pause of lobe 150 is about 70 ° rotation in this embodiment.

While the leader block and actuator structure have been described so far, it should be understood that the present invention also relates to a threading assembly for the tape transport apparatus 10, which threading assembly operates to engage the leader pins on the tape medium. The threading assembly of the present invention preferably uses a flexible conveyor member, which is either a chain drive or a belt drive, but the belt drive is believed to have a better configuration since the chain drive generates increased friction. . Threading assemblies may be best understood with respect to FIGS. 2 and 16-18. In these figures, the threading assembly includes a motor 160, which drives the continuous loop conveyor 164 and the sprocket 162 in the form of a chain. The chain 164 extends across the slippery bearing 166, which is provided with mounting slots 168 to be fixed to the subframe by screws 170, so that the bearing faces 171, 172. By means of suitable tension on the chain 164. The chain 164 extends through the threading channel 180 shown in phantom in FIG. 17, which forms a serpentine path in the guide plate. As shown in FIG. 18, the threading channel 180 in the guide plate 174 is sized to accommodate a carriage piece 182 that can follow the circumference of the guide plate 174. The carriage piece 182 is mounted on the rod 68 of the leader block 60 so that, during the reciprocating movement of the chain 164, the leader block 60 is reversibly taped in the first and second directions. You can also go round-trip through. A secondary guide track 190 is formed as a mirror image of the primary guide track in the form of the threading channel 180, and the secondary guide track has a mirror image of the threading channel 180. This secondary guide track 190 is shown in FIG. 2, and when the chain 164 is advanced in the tape feeder 10, the secondary guide track 190 is moved by the leader pin 30 for sliding movement. It should be understood that the head portion 40 can be accommodated.

Thus, the chain 164 advances the leader block 60 connected to the leader pin 30, which crosses the read / write head 12 and the air bearings 14, 15, 16. A tape is inserted around the circumference to engage the tape with the take up hub 22. Thereafter, the tape medium is wound on the winding hub 22 so that the information is transferred to or transferred to the tape 18 as the tape 18 passes over the read / write head 112. . After the read / write operation is completed, the tape 18 is released from the take-up hub 22, and then the end of the tape 12 is reversed through the threading channel 180 to return to the position shown in FIG. 2, where The lever actuator 102 can be operated to release the leader pin 30 from the leader block 60.

The threading assembly preferably includes a flexible conveyor member for driving the leader block 60, but any tape currently known or later developed for advancing the leader block 60 during helixing and disengaging operations. Conventional threading assemblies of may be used as well. Thus, for example, leader block 60 may be used with threading arm 48 shown in FIG. 5 or other similar structures apparent to those skilled in the art.

From the foregoing, it is also clearly understood that the present invention relates to a read / write device, which read / write device is adapted to receive a spool of tape medium, and on the tape medium as the tape medium advances forward. Operate to execute read / write function. The read / write device here comprises at least first and second bearing members and read / write write heads, such as head 12, located at upstream and downstream positions respectively with respect to the read / write write head. A winding mechanism, such as hub 22, is then provided, which hub 22 has an outer surface on which the tape medium is wound, and the rotatable drive carries the tape medium on the outer surface of the hub 22. It operates to rotate the hub 22 to wind up. Such a read / write device further comprises a threading assembly of the type described above.

It is also understood that the invention relates to a method of spirally coupling a tape medium through a read / write recording device from a tape source, where the tape medium has leader pins connected together. Such a method according to the invention may comprise several of the original steps in the mechanical structure described above. In particular, the method includes a first step of engaging the leader block releasably locked in contact with the leader pin and engaging the lead block with the leader pin. This leader block is locked to capture the leader pin therein, after which the leader block is advanced to the winding hub. This winding hub rotates to wind the tape medium thereon. After a portion of the tape medium is wound on the hub, the hub rotates to release the tape medium from the winding side and roll the tape medium back onto the tape source. The leader block is returned to a position adjacent to the tape source, after which the leader pin is unlocked from the leader block.

This broad method described above can be accomplished by the locking of the leader block by pressing the leader block against the leader pin to snap lock the leader pin therein. Further, unlocking the leader pin from the leader block may be accomplished by advancing the actuator against a portion of the leader block to disengage the leader pin and pivot the latch portion.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described in terms of some specificity relating to exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the following claims, which are interpreted in light of the prior art, and that changes or modifications to the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the inventive concept contained herein. do.

Claims (56)

A leader block that advances in a first direction and engages with leader pins on a tape medium, (A) a body member, and (B) a latch member having a catch piece that is relatively movable relative to the body member between an open position capable of engaging and disengaging with the leader pin and a closed position holding the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged therein Including, Leader block. The method of claim 1, The catch piece is biased towards the closed position, Leader block. The method of claim 1, Wherein the body member has a leading edge portion having a pair of spaced coupling structures that enable engagement with the leader pin, the latch member comprising a pair of catch pieces each associated with the coupling structure; Leader block. The method of claim 3, wherein Each engaging structure includes one or more anchoring fingers, wherein each catch piece cooperates with the respective fingers to form a closed area when in the closed position and to form an open area for the passageway when in the open position. , Leader block. The method of claim 4, wherein Each of the coupling structures includes a pair of fastening fingers defining a slot therebetween, Leader block. The method of claim 1, The catch piece includes a reading ramp portion operative to violate the leader pin when the leader block is moved in the first direction to move the catch piece to an open position, Leader block. The method of claim 6, Wherein the catch piece comprises an arched distal edge portion, Leader block. The method of claim 1, The latch member is formed as a channel-shaped component into which the body member can be nested, Leader block. The method of claim 8, The latch member is pivotally mounted to the body member between a first position and a second position such that the catch pieces are in the closed and open positions, respectively, and the latch member is in the first and second positions. A flexible resilient wing component, operative to exert a biasing force to move the latch member toward the first position to deflect the catch piece into the closed position and abut against the body member, Leader block. The method of claim 1, The latch member includes an actuator tab that is moveable under actuation force to move the catch piece from a closed position to an open position, Leader block. A leader block advanced by a threading assembly inside the tape transport apparatus in a first direction that engages and separates with a leader pin on a tape medium and in a second direction that threades the tape media through the tape transport apparatus, (A) a body member for supporting a mounting member to fix the threading assembly and the leading edge portion; (B) a latch member pivotally arranged on the body member, and (C) a spring component operative to bias the latch member toward the closed position with a restoring force, The body member includes first and second spaced apart coupling structures operative to engage the leader pin when the body member advances in the first direction and are arranged on the leading edge portion, the respective coupling structures Includes one or more fingers protruding from the body member, The latch member includes first and second arms terminated in a catch piece engaged with the lower and lower portions of the first and second coupling structures, respectively, and the catch piece engages with each finger to engage and disengage the leader pin. Relative moveable relative to the body member between an open position that enables interaction and a closed position that holds the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged therein, Leader block. The method of claim 11, Each catch piece cooperates with the finger respectively to form a closed area when in a closed position and an open area when in an open position; Leader block. The method of claim 12, Each of the coupling structures includes a pair of opposing fingers that form a slot therebetween and a passage inside the slot, wherein the slot is sized to receive a portion of the leader pin therein; The catch pieces of the work in the closed position to close the passage of each slot, Leader block. The method of claim 12, Wherein each catch piece has an arched edge that forms a perimeter for the closed area when in the closed position, Leader block. The method of claim 11, The catch piece includes a reading ramp portion operative to move the catch piece toward an open position against a restoring force by invading the leader pin when the leader block moves in a first direction; Leader block. The method of claim 11, The latch member comprises a central panel component extending between a first arm and a second arm to form a channel in which the body member is nested therein; Leader block. The method of claim 16, The spring part is formed as a wing extending from the center panel part, Leader block. The method of claim 17, The first arm, the second arm, the center panel part and the wing are formed as a unitary unitary structure, Leader block. The method of claim 11, An axial pin arranged on the body member, wherein the first and second arms each include a trunnion mount operative to secure to the axial pin; Leader block. The method of claim 11, The latch member includes an actuator tab that operates under an actuation force that pivots the latch member from a closed position to an open position against a restoring force; Leader block. A threading assembly for a tape conveying device operable to engage a leader pin with a tape medium, (A) the first guide track, (B) a flexible conveyor member accommodated in said first guide track, (C) a motor operative to backdrive the conveyor member in first and second directions, and (D) a leader block secured to said conveyor member, said reader block having a body member and a latch member arranged on said body member, A catch piece relative to the body member between an open position that allows the latch member to engage and disengage with the leader pin and a closed position that holds the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged therein; doing, Threading assembly. The method of claim 21, The conveyor member is selected from the group consisting of chain and belt, Threading assembly. The method of claim 21, And a second guide trek formed in mirror symmetry with the first guide trek, the second guide trek receiving a portion of the leader pin therein for sliding movement when the conveyor member is driven in the first and second directions. doing, Threading assembly. The method of claim 21, The body member includes a pair of spaced coupling structures operative to engage the leader pin, and the latch member includes a pair of catch pieces each coupled with the coupling structure; Leader block. The method of claim 24, Each engaging structure includes one or more anchoring fingers, wherein each catch piece cooperates with the respective anchoring finger to form a closed area when in a closed area and an open area with a passage when in an open position. doing, Leader block. The method of claim 21, The catch piece is biased into the closed position by a restoring force, Threading assembly. The method of claim 26, An actuator operative to engage the latch member movable between the actuator position to move the catch piece toward the open position and an inoperative position to move the catch piece toward the closed position by the restoring force; Threading assembly. The method of claim 26, The latch member includes an actuator tab that operates under actuation force to move the catch piece from a closed position to an open position against a restoring force; Threading assembly. The method of claim 28, An actuator movable between an operating position that engages the actuator tab to move the catch piece toward the open position and an inoperative position that moves the catch piece toward the closed position by the restoring force, Threading assembly. The method of claim 29, A cam operative to advance the actuator from an inoperative position to an operating position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 29, The actuator is configured as a lever that is pivotable over an operating distance between the operating position and the non-operating position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 31, wherein The working distance is optionally adjusted, Threading assembly. A threading assembly for a tape transfer device for coupling a leader pin to a tape medium, (A) the first guide track, (B) a flexible conveyor member accommodated in said first guide track, (C) a motor for driving the conveyor member backward in the first and second directions, and (D) a leader block mechanically coupled to the conveyor member, (1) a body member supporting a mounting member secured to said flexible conveyor member and having a leading edge portion, said body member including first and second spaced engagement structures disposed on said leading edge portion, wherein said body member comprises said first member; A body member engaging the leader pin when advanced in a direction, each of the coupling structures having one or more fingers protruding from the body member; (2) a latch member pivotally disposed on the body member, each of the catch pieces including first and second arms terminating in a catch piece engaged with one of the first and second coupling structures, respectively. A latch member that is movable relative to the body member between an open position that allows the user to interact with each finger to engage and disengage the leader pin and a closed position that retains the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged ; And (3) a leader block comprising a spring portion for biasing the latch member to the closed position with a restoring force, Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein The conveyor member is selected from the group consisting of chain and belt, Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein A second guide track formed as a mirror image of the first guide track, the second guide track receiving a portion of the leader pin therein for sliding movement when the conveyor member is driven in the first and second directions, Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein An actuator for engaging said latch member movable between an actuated position and an inoperative position, wherein said actuator moves said latch member to said open position in said actuated position, and wherein said restoring force causes said catch piece to An actuator for moving to the closed position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 36, The latch member includes an actuator tab for moving the latch member from the closed position to the open position against the restoring force, under an actuation force; Threading assembly. The method of claim 37, An actuator coupled to the actuator tab to move the actuator between an actuated and non actuated position for moving the catch piece to the open position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 38, A cam for moving the actuator from the non-operation position to the operation position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 38, The actuator is configured as a lever pivotally movable between an operating position and a non-operating position over an operating distance, Threading assembly. The method of claim 40, The working distance is optionally adjustable, Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein Each catch piece cooperates with each of the fingers to form a closed area when in the closed position, and to form an open area when in the open position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 42, Each of the coupling structures forms a slot between the coupling structures and includes a pair of opposing fingers and an inlet in the slot, wherein the slot is sized to receive a portion of the leader pin therein, each of the The catch piece operates to close the inlet of each slot in the closed position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein The catch piece includes a leading ramp portion that acts to violate the leader pin as the leader block is moved in the first direction to move the catch piece to the open position against the restoring force; Threading assembly. The method of claim 33, wherein The latch member comprising a center panel portion extending between the first and second arms and forming a channel structure in which the body member is received; Threading assembly. The method of claim 45, The spring portion is formed as a wing portion extending from the center panel portion, Threading assembly. A read / write device for receiving a spool of tape medium and executing a read / write function on the spool as the tape medium proceeds in a forward direction, (A) read / write write head, (B) a first bearing member located at an upper position relative to the read / write write head and a second bearing member located at a lower position relative to the read / write write head, (C) a winding mechanism comprising a hub having an outer surface on which the tape medium is wound; (D) a rotary drive for rotating the hub to wind the tape medium on the hub, and (E) a threading assembly comprising a leader block for engaging the free end of the tape medium and carrying the free end of the winding mechanism when the spool is mounted on the read / write device, (1) a body member, and (2) disposed relative to the body member, relative to the body member between an open position allowing engagement or disengagement with the leader pin and a closed position holding the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged; A threading assembly comprising a possible catch piece, Read / write device. A read / write device for receiving a spool of tape medium and executing a read / write function on the spool as the tape medium proceeds in a forward direction, (A) read / write write head, (B) a first bearing member located at an upper position relative to the read / write write head and a second bearing member located at a lower position relative to the read / write write head, (C) a winding mechanism comprising a hub having an outer surface on which the tape medium is wound; (D) a rotary drive for rotating the hub to wind the tape medium on the hub, and (E) a threading assembly comprising a leader block for engaging the free end of the tape medium and carrying the free end of the winding mechanism when the spool is mounted on the read / write device, (1) a first supporting member having a leading edge fixed to said flexible conveyor member and disposed on said leading edge portion engaging said leader pin when said body member is advanced in said first direction; A body member comprising a second spacing coupling structure, each of the coupling structures including one or more fingers protruding from the body member, (2) a first and second arms pivotally disposed on the body member, each of which terminates in a catch piece associated with one of each of the first and second engagement members, wherein each of the catch pieces A latch movable relative to the body member between an open position that engages with the leader pin and interacts with each finger that is disengaged from the leader pin and a closed position that holds the leader pin when the leader pin is engaged Absence, and (3) a threading assembly comprising a spring portion for biasing said latch member to said closed position with a restoring force, Read / write device. The method of claim 47, The conveyor member is selected from the group consisting of chain and belt, Read / write device. The method of claim 47, And a second guide track formed as a mirror image of the first guide track, the second guide track having an inner portion of the leader pin for sliding movement as the conveyor member is driven in the first and second directions. To accommodate some, Read / write device. The method of claim 47, An actuator for engaging said latch member movable between an actuated position and an inoperative position, wherein said actuator moves said latch member to said open position in said actuated position, and wherein said restoring force causes said catch piece to An actuator for moving to the closed position, Threading assembly. The method of claim 51, wherein A cam for moving the actuator from the non-operation position to the operation position, Read / write device. The method of claim 52, wherein The actuator is configured as a lever pivotally movable between an operating position and a non-operating position over an operating distance, Read / write device. A method of threading a tape medium from a tape source with leader pins associated through a read / write recording device, the method comprising: (A) advancing a release latched leader block adjacent to the leader pin and engaging the leader pin with the leader block, (B) latching the leader block to capture the leader pin therein, (C) advancing the leader block to a winding hub, (D) rotating the hub to wind the tape medium on the hub, (E) after a portion of the tape medium is wound on the hub, rotating the hub to rewind the tape medium from the winding side and winding the tape medium back to the tape source, (F) returning the leader block to a position adjacent the tape source, and (G) unlatching the leader pin from the leader block, Tape media threading method. The method of claim 54, wherein Latching the leader block to capture the leader pin is performed by pressing the leader block against the leader pin to snap-lock the leader pin therein, Tape media threading method. The method of claim 55, Unlatching the leader pin from the leader block is performed by advancing an actuator relative to a portion of the leader block to pivot the latch portion from engagement with the leader pin. Tape media threading method.