JP2006031741A - Tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tape cartridge capable of suppressing tape damage caused by the inclination of a leader block caused by drop impact and ensuring proper chucking operation. <P>SOLUTION: A leader block 32 is elastically held by a spring member 31, including a first engaging projection 31A1 which is engaged into a first engaging groove 32A1 on an upper surface 32A of the leader block, and a second engaging projection 31B1 which is engaged into a second engaging groove 32B1 on a lower surface 32B of the leader block, in which the second engaging groove 32B1 and the second engaging projection 31B1 comprise, respectively guide faces 31G and 32G for returning the leader block 32 to its original proper position, when inclining the leader block 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape cartridge having a tape reel on which a magnetic tape is wound inside a cartridge case. More specifically, the leader block connected to one end of the magnetic tape can be stably held inside the cartridge case. The present invention relates to a tape cartridge having a structure.

  For example, conventionally, a recording / reproducing apparatus is known that records and reproduces information by pulling out a magnetic tape from a tape cartridge containing a single tape reel wound with a magnetic tape as a tape-shaped recording medium. This type of recording / reproducing apparatus is often used for data backup of a system that handles a large amount of data such as a computer server.

  There are various types of tape cartridges described above. For example, the tape cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has a configuration as shown in FIGS. FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of this type of conventional tape cartridge 100, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of the tape cartridge 100 when the upper shell is removed.

  A conventional tape cartridge 100 is configured such that a single tape reel 105 around which a magnetic tape 104 is wound is rotatably housed in a cartridge case 103 formed by coupling an upper shell 101 and a lower shell 102. Yes. An opening 106 for drawing out the tape is formed in the front surface of the cartridge case 103, and a leader block 107 is accommodated in the cartridge case inward of the opening 106.

  One end of a transparent leader tape 109 bonded to the feeding end of the magnetic tape 104 is connected to one side surface of the leader block 107 via a clamper 110. In use, the leader block 107 functions to guide the magnetic tape 104 into the recording / reproducing apparatus by engaging with a chuck pin (not shown) on the recording / reproducing apparatus side, and an important interface for connecting the cartridge and the recording / reproducing apparatus. It has become.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is not used, the magnetic tape 104 is completely wound around the tape reel 105, and the rotation of the tape reel 105 is restricted by a pair of reel lock members 111, 111. The reel lock member 111 engages with a reel lock gear 112 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tape reel 105 to perform a reel lock function, and is rotatably assembled to a support shaft 113 erected on the inner surface of the lower shell 102. It has been.

  When the cartridge is not used, the leader block 107 is disposed in a storage portion 108 formed inside the opening 106 of the cartridge case 103. The storage unit 108 is provided with a spring member 114 that detachably holds the leader block 107.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the spring member 114 has a substantially U shape, and a first arm 114 </ b> A that engages with the upper surface 107 </ b> A of the leader block 107 and a second arm that engages with the lower surface 107 </ b> B of the leader block 107. The arm 114B includes a base portion 114C that connects the first arm 114A and the second arm 114B. The form of the leader block 107 shown in the figure shows a state in which the clamper 110 is not attached, and reference numeral 116 shows a recess in which the clamper 110 is attached.

  The tip of the first arm 114A of the spring member 114 has a first engagement convex portion 114A1 that engages with a substantially V-shaped first engagement groove 107A1 formed on the upper surface 107A of the leader block 107. In the vicinity of the tip of the second arm 114B, there is a second engagement convex portion 114B1 that engages with a substantially trapezoidal second engagement groove 107B1 formed on the lower surface 107B of the leader block 107.

  The base portion 114 </ b> C is caulked and welded to a mounting wall portion 115 that stands on the inner surface of the lower shell 102 and defines the storage portion 108. As a result, the leader block 107 is elastically clamped in the vertical direction by the spring member 114. Specifically, the leader block 107 is pressed against the lower shell 102 side by the first arm 114A, and the posture thereof is maintained.

  The leader block 107 held by the spring member 114 is pulled out from the storage portion 108 in the process shown in FIGS. After the chuck pin on the recording / reproducing apparatus (not shown) is engaged with the leader block 107, the leader block 107 is moved upward by a predetermined amount against the urging force of the first arm 114A of the spring member 114, and the leader block 107 The engagement between the second engagement groove 107B1 of the lower surface 107B and the second engagement protrusion 114B1 of the spring member 114 is released (FIG. 14A).

  Then, the leader block 107 is pulled out of the housing portion 108 with a pulling force large enough for the first engagement convex portion 114A1 of the spring member 114 to get over the first engagement groove 107A1 of the leader block upper surface 107A, and the spring member 114 is pulled out. The holding action of the leader block 107 is released (FIG. 14B).

  As described above, when the leader block 107 is pulled out of the storage portion 108, the first arm 114A of the spring member 114 that holds the leader block 107 is elastically deformed upward. Therefore, a gap G for ensuring a certain amount of elastic deformation of the first arm 114A is formed between the upper inner wall surface of the cartridge case 103 (the inner surface of the upper shell 102) and the first arm 114A of the spring member 114. Provided (FIG. 14A).

JP 2004-87092 A

  In the tape cartridge 100, the leader block 107 is positioned inside the cartridge case 103 so that when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus, an appropriate chucking operation of the leader block 107 inside the recording / reproducing apparatus is performed. Is very important in ensuring.

  However, when an impact is applied to the cartridge case 103, the leader block 107 is held by the spring member 114 inside the storage portion 108 and swings in the vertical direction within the range of the size of the gap G. Then, when an extreme external force such as a drop impact is instantaneously applied to the cartridge or the leader block 107, depending on the magnitude of the impact, the first engagement groove 107 </ b> A <b> 1 and the first engagement groove 107 </ b> A <b> 1 are formed inside the storage portion 108 as shown in FIG. 15. The leading end side of the leader block 107 may be largely tilted toward the upper shell 101 with the engaging portion with the engaging convex portion 114A1 as a fulcrum.

  In this case, the second engagement groove 107B1 and the second engagement protrusion 114B1 are disengaged on the leader block lower surface 107B side, and the state is continued, so that the inclination posture of the leader block 107 remains unchanged. Will be retained. As a result, the edge of the leader tape or magnetic tape connected to the leader block 107 in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the upper and lower flanges of the tape reel may be damaged or excessive tension may be applied to the tape. May develop into a problem. In addition, since the posture of the leader block 107 in the storage unit 108 is inappropriate, the chucking operation of the leader block by the chuck pins cannot be performed properly in the recording / reproducing apparatus, and the tape drawing operation may be hindered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a tape cartridge that can suppress tape damage due to tilting of a leader block due to a drop impact or the like, and further can ensure an appropriate chucking operation. .

  In solving the above problems, a tape cartridge of the present invention is formed by joining an upper shell and a lower shell, and has a cartridge case having an opening for drawing out a tape, and is rotatably accommodated in the cartridge case. A tape reel wound with a magnetic tape, a leader block which is disposed in the housing portion inside the cartridge case so as to close the opening, and is connected to one end of the tape wound around the tape reel, and the leader A spring member that detachably holds the block in the storage unit, and the spring member is supported by the cartridge case, a first arm that elastically contacts the upper surface of the leader block, a second arm that elastically contacts the lower surface of the leader block, and And a base portion for connecting the first arm and the second arm, and the upper surface of the leader block has a first arm. The tape cartridge is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the second arm and a second engaging portion that engages with the second arm on the lower surface of the leader block. A guide portion for returning the leader block tilted with the first engaging portion as a fulcrum inside the case to the original position is provided.

  With this configuration, even if a strong external force such as a drop impact acts on the cartridge and the leader block is tilted about the first engagement portion in the storage portion, the guide portion provided on the second engagement portion Thus, the tilted leader block is returned to the original proper position. This avoids damage caused by contact of the edge of the width direction of the magnetic tape or the tape reel with the flange outer periphery of the tape reel due to the tilt of the leader block, and suppresses overloading of the tape due to increased tape tension. Protect the tape. Furthermore, the proper posture of the leader block is maintained, and an appropriate chucking operation can be performed to ensure a highly reliable tape loading operation.

  The second engagement portion of the leader block according to the present invention includes an engagement groove formed on the lower surface portion of the leader block and an engagement formed on the second arm of the spring member so as to engage with the engagement groove. The guide portion is a guide surface that is provided in the engagement groove and / or the engagement protrusion and that positions the engagement protrusion in the engagement groove when the leader block is at the maximum inclination. Can be formed. With this configuration, when the leader block is inclined, the leader block can be easily returned to the initial appropriate position via the guide action between the engaging groove and the engaging convex portion by the guide surface.

  According to the tape cartridge of the present invention, for example, even if a strong external force such as a drop impact acts and the leader block tilts in the storage portion, the leader block is provided by the guide portion provided in the second engaging portion of the leader block. Since the tilted position of the tape is returned to the original proper position, the magnetic tape or the leader tape can be protected, and the proper chucking operation of the leader block in the recording / reproducing apparatus can be ensured. The reliability of the cartridge can be increased.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a magnetic tape cartridge for data storage used for computer data backup will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tape cartridge C according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The tape cartridge C of the present embodiment is a single unit in which a magnetic tape 20 is wound in a cartridge case 13 formed by joining an upper shell 11 and a lower shell 12 made of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate resin. One tape reel 14 is rotatably accommodated.

  The tape reel 14 includes a hub 15A on which a magnetic tape 20 having a transparent leader tape 21 connected at one end is wound with the magnetic surface facing inward, an upper flange 15B joined to the upper end of the hub 15A, a hub And a lower flange 15C integrally formed at the lower end of 15A.

  The tape reel 14 has a ring-shaped bearing 16 that is press-fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the hub 15 </ b> A, and is provided between a bearing cap 17 that covers the bearing 16 and a central portion of the inner surface of the upper shell 11. The reel spring 18 is pressed against the lower shell 12 side. The reel spring 18 is formed of a cylindrical coil spring.

  A chucking gear (not shown) that meshes with the reel rotation drive shaft of the recording / reproducing apparatus is formed in an annular shape at the center of the lower surface of the tape reel 14, and the chucking gear is formed at the center of the lower shell 12. It is exposed to the outside through the formed opening 30.

  When the tape cartridge C is not used, the tape reel 14 cannot be rotated by the pair of reel lock members 25 and 26 urged by the reel lock springs 23 and 24. In other words, the tape reel 14 is made non-rotatable by the meshing portions 25a and 26a formed on the reel lock members 25 and 26 meshing with the reel lock gear 27 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lower flange 15C. ing. The reel lock springs 23 and 24 and the reel lock members 25 and 26 are rotatably attached to support shafts 28 and 29 erected on the inner surface of the lower shell 12, respectively.

  When not in use, the magnetic tape 20 is completely wound on the tape reel 14. The leading end of the leader tape 21 has a clamper 36 on one side of the leader block 32 that is disposed so as to close the tape drawing opening 35 formed on the front surface of the cartridge case 13 from the inner side of the cartridge case 13. Connected through. The leader block 32 is positioned in the storage portion 37 inside the opening 35 while being elastically supported by a substantially U-shaped spring member (leader block spring) 31.

  On the other hand, when the tape cartridge C is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus, the tape reel 14 is lifted to the approximately center position in the thickness direction of the cartridge case 13 by the rise of the rotating shaft on the recording / reproducing apparatus side, and The reel lock release plug on the side is inserted into the reel lock release hole of the cartridge case 13, whereby the reel lock members 25 and 26 are unlocked and the tape reel 14 can be rotated. Then, the leader block 32 is pulled out from the opening 35 by the chuck pin on the recording / reproducing apparatus side, and the magnetic tape 20 is drawn out of the cartridge case 13 while contacting the cartridge pin 22 and receiving a guide action.

  The tape cartridge C is provided with a safety tab 33 for preventing erroneous recording and erroneous erasure on the magnetic tape 20. The safety tab 33 is slidably provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 13 opposite to the surface on which the opening 35 is formed. In addition, a memory substrate 34 mounted with a non-contact type IC memory is accommodated inside the back surface of the cartridge case 13, and reading / reading of information related to contents recorded on the magnetic tape 20, for example, by communication with the recording / reproducing apparatus side. Writing is performed.

  In the tape cartridge C of the present embodiment, transparent window members 38A and 38B for detecting the tape end are provided on the side surface of the cartridge case 13 facing in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction to the recording / reproducing apparatus. Each is provided.

  2 and 3 show the configuration of the leader block 32. The leader block 32 is made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal (POM), and an insertion portion 32a into which a chuck pin of the recording / reproducing apparatus is inserted is provided on the front portion thereof. A guide groove 32g for guiding the entrance of the chuck pin is formed in the insertion portion 32a. Further, an engagement recess 32f that engages with a take-up reel (not shown) of the recording / reproducing apparatus is formed on the tip end side of the upper surface 32A of the leader block 32.

  On the upper surface 32A and the lower surface 32B of the leader block 32, there are formed a first engagement groove 32A1 and a second engagement groove 32B1 for engaging a first arm 31A and a second arm 31B of a spring member 31 described later, respectively. . The first and second engagement grooves 32A1 and 32B1 are formed in a direction intersecting with the drawing direction of the magnetic tape (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to both side surfaces of the leader block 32).

  The first engaging groove 32A1 has an inverted triangular cross section. The second engagement groove 32B1 has a trapezoidal shape in which the cross section is asymmetric in the front-rear direction (lateral direction in FIG. 3B). That is, the surface on the rear end side of the leader block 32 of the second engaging groove 32B1 having an asymmetric trapezoidal shape in the front-rear direction is formed with a gentler inclination angle than the surface on the front end side of the leader block 32. In the embodiment, the surface of the second engagement groove 32B1 having the gentle inclination angle is the guide surface 32G according to the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the state where the leader block 32 is positioned and held in the storage portion 37 with the upper shell removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the leader block 32 configured as described above is positioned and held in the storage portion 37 so as to close the opening portion 35 of the cartridge case 13. Positioning of the leader block 32 with respect to the storage portion 37 is performed by a spring member 31 fixed to the storage portion 37.

  5 and 6A and 6B show the configuration of the spring member 31. FIG. The spring member 31 is formed by pressing a stainless steel plate spring having a plate thickness of, for example, about 0.2 mm into a substantially U shape. The spring member 31 includes a first arm 31A that elastically contacts the upper surface 32A of the leader block 32, a second arm 31B that elastically contacts the lower surface of the leader block 32, and a base portion that connects the first arm 31A and the second arm 31B. 31C.

  The base portion 31C is formed with a recess 31f that bulges to the rear side (right side in FIG. 6B), and a long hole-shaped through hole 31g is provided in the substantially central portion of the recess 31f. . Further, a tongue-like portion 31h and a tongue-like portion 31k are respectively formed at one corner at the upper end and one corner at the lower end of the base portion 31C. Further, a notch 31m for adjusting the spring pressure of the first arm 31A is provided at the substantially central portion in the width direction of the spring member 31 from the first arm 31A to the base portion 31C.

  The first arm 31A is formed with a first engagement protrusion 31A1 that engages with the first engagement groove 32A1 of the leader block 32. The first arm 31B is formed with a second engagement convex portion 31B1 that engages with the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32. The first engaging convex portion 31A1 and the second engaging convex portion 31B1 are formed to be bent inward from each other. One of the first engaging convex portions 31A1 is substantially V-shaped, and its protrusion angle is, for example, 80 degrees. More than 120 degrees.

  On the other hand, 2nd engagement convex part 31B1 has a trapezoid shape asymmetrical in the front-back direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 6B). That is, the surface on the rear end side (base portion 31C side) of the spring member 31 of the second engagement convex portion 31B1 having an asymmetric trapezoidal shape in the front-rear direction is the front end side (front end side of the second arm 31B) of the spring member 31. In this embodiment, the surface of the second engaging convex portion 31B1 having such a gentle inclination angle is used as the guide surface 31G according to the present invention.

  Next, FIG. 7 is an inner view of the lower shell 12 inside the cartridge case 13 and corresponding to the storage portion 37 for positioning and holding the leader block 32, and FIG. 8 shows the storage portion 37. It is an internal view of the upper shell 11 of the site | part corresponding to these.

  The storage portion 37 includes a screw hole boss portion 40 (screw screw hole 50) to which one of a plurality of screw members 40A (FIG. 1) for connecting the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12 is mounted, and the cartridge pin 22. Wall portions 37wa, 37wb, and 37wc that are formed in an area between the pin engaging portion 41 (51) that supports and extends inwardly of the lower shell 12 from the opening edge of the opening portion 35, and the wall portion 37wb and the wall part 37wc, and it is divided by the positioning wall part 37wd which prescribes | regulates the rear end of the accommodating part 37. As shown in FIG. Note that wall portions 47wa, 47wb, 47wc, and 47wd corresponding to these wall portions 37wa to 37wd are also provided on the upper shell 11 side (FIG. 8).

  The positioning wall portion 37wd on the lower shell 12 side is formed at a position facing the rear end of the leader block 32, and includes a fitting portion 37t into which the recess 31f of the spring member 31 is fitted. Further, a caulking pin 37p that is fitted into the through hole 31g of the spring member 31 is provided upright on the bottom of the fitting portion 37t. Further, a groove 37m for accommodating the tongue-like portion 31k of the spring member 31 is formed on the wall portion 37wc side of the positioning wall portion 37wd. Similarly, a groove 47m in which the tongue portion 31h of the spring member 31 is accommodated is formed on the upper shell 11 side and on the wall portion 47wc side of the positioning wall portion 47wd.

  Further, on the inner surface of the upper shell 11 and the inner surface of the lower shell 12 corresponding to the upper surface and the bottom surface of the storage portion 37, the tips of the first and second arms 31A, 31B of the spring member 31 fixed to the positioning wall portion 37wd are provided. Step portions 47s and 37s for ensuring elastic deformation are formed, respectively.

  Further, the inner surface of the lower shell 12 and the inner surface of the upper shell 11 corresponding to the bottom surface and the upper surface of the storage portion 37, and the chuck pins (not shown) of the recording / reproducing apparatus are disposed in the storage portion 37. A thin-walled portion 39 and a notch portion 49 are provided for allowing the material to enter.

  The spring member 31 is positioned in the state where the first and second arms 31A and 31B are opposed to each other in the vertical direction and directed toward the opening 35 with respect to the storage portion 37 configured as described above. The wall portion 37wd is fitted into the fitting portion 37t. Further, the tongue-shaped portion 31 k of the spring member 31 is accommodated in the groove 37 m of the accommodating portion 37. Thus, the spring member 31 is positioned with respect to the positioning wall portion 37wd.

  Thereafter, the spring member 31 is fixed to the positioning wall portion 37wd by thermally welding the tip of the caulking pin 37p that passes through the through hole 31g of the base portion 31C and protrudes into the recess 31f. Then, after various components such as the tape reel 14 and the reel lock members 25 and 26 are incorporated in the lower shell 12, the upper shell 12 is overlapped, and the shells are screwed and connected by a plurality of screw members 40A. When the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12 are joined, the tongue portion 31h on the other side of the spring member 31 is accommodated in the groove 47m on the upper shell 12 side.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state in which the leader block 32 is stored in the storage part 37 of the cartridge case 13. Note that the form of the leader block 32 shown in the figure shows a state in which the clamper 36 is not attached, and reference numeral 43 shows a recess to which the clamper 36 is attached. It is assumed that the leading end of the leader tape 21 is fixed by the clamper 36.

  In the state shown in FIG. 9, the leader block 32 is elastically held in the vertical direction by the spring member 31 and is pressed against the lower shell 12 by the first arm 31 </ b> A to maintain its posture.

  Specifically, the posture with respect to the storage portion 37 is regulated by the engaging action of the second engaging portion formed by the second engaging groove 32B1 of the leader block 32 and the second engaging convex portion 31B1 of the spring member 31. And holding the leader block 32 with respect to the storage portion 37 by the engaging action of the first engaging portion formed by the first engaging groove 32A1 of the leader block 32 and the first engaging convex portion 31A1 of the spring member 31. Power is given. As a result, the leader block 32 is positioned and held in the cartridge case 13 in an oblique direction (about 45 degrees in the present embodiment) with respect to the insertion direction into the recording / reproducing apparatus (FIG. 4).

  When the tape cartridge C configured as described above is loaded into a recording / reproducing apparatus (not shown), a chuck pin (not shown) is inserted into the insertion portion 32a (FIG. 3A) of the leader block 32 so that the leader block 32 is chucked. Is done. When the leader block 32 is pulled out by the chuck pins, the leader block 32 is moved upward by a predetermined amount against the urging force of the first arm 31A of the spring member 31, and the second engagement groove of the leader block 32 is moved. The engagement between 32B1 and the second engagement protrusion 31B1 of the spring member 31 is released. Then, the leader block 32 is pulled out from the storage portion 37 with a pulling force sufficient for the first engagement convex portion 31A1 of the spring member 31 to get over the first engagement groove 32A1 of the leader block 32. The holding action of the leader block 32 is released.

  As described above, when the leader block 32 is pulled out from the storage portion 37, the first arm 31A of the spring member 31 that holds the leader block 32 is elastically deformed upward. Therefore, a gap G for securing a certain amount of elastic deformation of the first arm 31A is formed between the upper inner wall surface of the cartridge case 103 (the inner surface of the upper shell 11) and the first arm 31A of the spring member 31. (FIG. 9).

  Now, in the tape cartridge C of the present embodiment, in the non-use state, as shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 31B of the spring member 31 is in the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block lower surface 32B. The second engaging convex portion 32 </ b> B <b> 1 is engaged, and the position of the leader block 32 is regulated with respect to the storage portion 37. At this time, the guide surface 32G of the second engagement groove 32B1 and the guide surface 31G of the second engagement convex portion 31B1 face each other and contact each other.

  In this state, when a strong external force such as a drop impact is applied to the cartridge case 13, the leader block 32 swings in the vertical direction while being held by the spring member 31 inside the storage portion 37. Then, depending on the magnitude of the impact, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the leader block with the engaging portion of the first engaging groove 32A1 and the first engaging convex portion 31A1 as a fulcrum, as shown in FIGS. In some cases, the tip end side of 32 is largely tilted toward the upper shell 12 in the gap G.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the leader block 32 tilted with respect to each of the second engagement convex portion 31B1 of the spring member 31 and the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32 is brought to the original position shown in FIG. Since the guide surfaces 31G and 32G are provided as the guide portions to be restored, even if the leader block 32 is tilted as shown in FIG. 10A, the leader block 32 is urged against the biasing force of the spring member 31 (pressing against the leader block upper surface 32A). 9), the guide surfaces 31G and 32G are returned to the original proper positions shown in FIG.

  In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the guide surfaces 31 </ b> G and 32 </ b> G have the second engagement of the spring member 31 at the maximum inclination until the upper surface 32 </ b> A of the leader block 32 contacts the inner surface of the upper shell 11. The convex portion 31B1 is formed so as to be positioned in the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32.

  The inclination angles of the guide surfaces 31G and 32G can be appropriately set according to the maximum inclination angle of the leader block 32, the spring force of the spring member 31, and the like. In the present embodiment, when the leader block 32 is at the maximum inclination, the second engagement protrusion 31B1 of the spring member 31 is clearly located in the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32 as shown in FIG. 10B. The guide surfaces 31G and 32G are formed so that the guide surface 31G of the second engagement convex portion 31B1 and the guide surface 32G of the second engagement groove 32B1 are substantially parallel to each other. As a result, the return operation of the leader block 32 to the original proper position becomes easy and reliable.

  Note that the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 15 is provided by providing the guide surfaces 31G and 32G having the above-described configuration with respect to the second engagement convex portion 31B1 of the spring member 31 and the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32, respectively. As compared with the above, the leader block 32 is relatively easily tilted in the storage portion 37. Therefore, if the spring force of the spring member 31 is set to be relatively higher than the conventional one, it is possible to greatly contribute to a quick return operation during tilting while maintaining an appropriate holding force of the leader block 32. The adjustment of the spring force of the spring member 31 can be arbitrarily set according to the plate thickness and material of the spring or the size and shape of the above-described notch 31m (FIG. 5).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if a strong external force such as a drop impact is applied and the leader block 32 tilts in the storage portion 37, the leader block 32 is easily returned to the initial appropriate position. Therefore, tape damage due to contact between the edge of the magnetic tape 20 or the leader tape 21 due to the inclination of the leader block 32 and the reel flanges 15B and 15C can be reduced, and the leader in the recording / reproducing apparatus can be reduced. The proper chucking operation of the block can be ensured, and the reliability of the tape cartridge can be improved.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, both the second engagement protrusion 31B1 of the spring member 31 and the second engagement groove 32B1 of the leader block 32 are used as guide portions for returning the tilted leader block 32 to the original proper position. On the other hand, the guide surfaces 31G and 32G are formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide surface may be provided only on one of the second engagement convex portion 31B1 and the second engagement groove 32B1.

  In the above embodiment, the guide surfaces 31G and 32G are formed as planar tapered surfaces. Instead, the guide surfaces are formed such that the contact surfaces of the guide surfaces are arcuate or curved. It is also possible to change the shapes of 31G and 32G.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the tape cartridge C by embodiment of this invention. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire leader block 32. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the leader block 32, A is a top view, B is a side view. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a leader block 32 is housed and disposed in the housing portion 37 of the lower shell 12. It is a perspective view which shows the whole spring member 31 holding a leader block. It is a figure which shows the structure of the spring member 31, A is a front view, B is a side view. FIG. 6 is an inner surface view of the lower shell 12 corresponding to a storage portion 37. FIG. 7 is an inner surface view of the upper shell 11 corresponding to a storage portion 37. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which a leader block 32 is stored in a storage unit 37. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a main part showing a tilted state of the leader block 32 in the storage part 37, A is a view showing the whole leader block 32, and B is an enlarged view of the main part. It is a whole perspective view of the conventional tape cartridge. It is a top view when the upper shell of the conventional tape cartridge is removed and seen. In the conventional tape cartridge, it is a principal part sectional side view which shows the state by which the leader block was accommodated and arrange | positioned in the accommodating part. It is principal part sectional drawing explaining the drawer | drawing-out operation | movement of a leader block. It is principal part side sectional drawing explaining the problem of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Upper shell, 12 ... Lower shell, 13 ... Cartridge case, 14 ... Tape reel, 20 ... Magnetic tape, 21 ... Leader tape, 31 ... Spring member, 31A ... 1st arm, 31A1 ... 1st engagement convex part, 31B ... 2nd arm, 31B1 ... 2nd engagement convex part, 31C ... Base part, 31G ... Guide surface, 32 ... Leader block, 32A1 ... First engagement groove, 32B1 ... Second engagement groove, 32G ... Guide surface , 35 ... opening, 37 ... storage part, C ... tape cartridge.

Claims (4)

A cartridge case formed by joining an upper shell and a lower shell and having an opening for drawing out a tape, a tape reel that is rotatably accommodated in the cartridge case and wound with a magnetic tape, and the cartridge case A leader block which is arranged in one storage section so as to close the opening and is connected to one end of the tape wound around the tape reel, and a spring member which detachably holds the leader block in the storage section And
The spring member includes a first arm that elastically contacts the upper surface of the leader block, a second arm that elastically contacts the lower surface of the leader block, and the first arm and the second arm supported by the cartridge case. A base portion to be coupled,
A first engagement portion that engages with the first arm is provided on the upper surface portion of the leader block, and a second engagement portion that engages with the second arm is provided on the lower surface portion of the leader block. In the tape cartridge that
The tape cartridge, wherein the second engaging portion is provided with a guide portion for returning the leader block tilted with the first engaging portion as a fulcrum to the original position inside the cartridge case. . The second engaging portion includes an engaging groove formed on a lower surface portion of the leader block and an engaging convex portion formed on the second arm of the spring member so as to engage with the engaging groove. The guide portion is provided in the engagement groove and / or the engagement convex portion, and the guide surface positions the engagement convex portion in the engagement groove when the leader block is at a maximum inclination. The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein 3. The tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the engagement groove has a substantially trapezoidal cross section, and the guide surface is positioned on a leader block rear end side of the engagement groove. 3. The tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the engagement convex portion has a substantially trapezoidal cross section, and the guide surface is located on a spring member rear end side of the engagement convex portion.

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