JP2007052830A - Reel and recording tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reel and a recording tape cartridge capable of stably pulling out a recording tape without damaging the edge portion of the recording tape. <P>SOLUTION: A flange part 60 is formed in the upper end of a hub 40, an annular rib 64 is drooped from an upper flange 48, an elastically deformable engaging part 66 is disposed in the annular rib 64, the flange part 60 is held between the upper flange 48 and the engaging part 66, and the upper flange 48 is fixed to the hub 40. Thus, the upper flange 48 is positioned with respect to the lower flange 46, and the edge part of the magnetic tape T is surely held by the upper and lower flanges 48 and 46. As the upper flange 48 is movable in the axial direction of the hub 40, with the lower flange 46 set as a reference, when an abutting force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the upper flange 48 by the magnetic tape T, the upper flange 48 is moved in the axial direction of the hub 40 to release the abutting force. Accordingly, the magnetic tape T is stably traveled without damaging the edge of the traveling magnetic tape T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reel and a recording tape cartridge around which a recording tape such as a magnetic tape is wound.

  As an external recording medium such as a computer, for example, a recording tape cartridge in which a reel on which a magnetic tape is wound is accommodated in a case is known. The reel includes a hub that forms an axial center of the reel and on which the magnetic tape is wound around the outer periphery, and an upper flange and a lower flange that project radially outward from both ends in the axial direction of the hub.

  Various techniques have been developed for welding the upper flange or the lower flange to the hub. For example, in Patent Document 1, as a method for accurately defining the height of the upper flange or the lower flange at the time of welding, when a welding contact surface is erected on the end surface of the hub and the welding margin is melted by ultrasonic vibration, The upper flange or the lower flange is in contact with the welding contact surface.

However, when the upper flange or the lower flange is welded to the hub by ultrasonic welding in this way, the upper flange or the lower flange is fixed so as not to move with respect to the hub, and the separation distance between the upper flange and the lower flange is It will be decided. For this reason, when the running recording tape is wound with a slight shift, the edge portion of the recording tape may be damaged.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-25649

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a reel and a recording tape cartridge capable of stably pulling out the recording tape without damaging the edge portion of the recording tape in consideration of the above facts.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, in the reel, a hub around which the recording tape is wound, a first flange provided on one end side of the hub, and the other end side of the hub A second flange that holds the recording tape together with the first flange, a projecting portion that projects from the other end of the hub to the center of the hub, and a second flange that is formed on the second flange. And a mounting portion that sandwiches the overhanging portion, and pressing means that elastically presses the mounting portion away from the overhanging portion toward the one end side of the hub.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion provided at the other end portion of the hub together with the second flange is sandwiched by the mounting portion formed on the second flange, so that the first welding can be performed without ultrasonic welding. Two flanges can be attached to the hub.

  Moreover, the second flange can be reliably brought into contact with the overhanging portion by pressing the mounting portion away from the overhanging portion toward the one end side of the hub by the pressing means. The flange is positioned, and the edge portion of the recording tape can be securely held by the first flange and the second flange. In addition, since the second flange is reliably brought into contact with the overhanging portion, the surface deflection of the second flange is small.

  In addition, the second flange can be moved relative to the axial direction of the hub by elastically pressing the mounting portion by the pressing means, and the second flange can be moved to the second flange by the recording tape based on the first flange. When a contact force greater than a predetermined value is applied, the second flange can be moved along the axial direction of the hub to escape. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a stable running of the recording tape without damaging the edge portion of the running recording tape.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the reel according to the first aspect, the projecting portion is a collar portion formed in an annular shape, and a notch portion through which the mounting portion can pass is formed in the collar portion. And the mounting portion is formed in an annular rib suspended from the second flange, an engagement piece projecting outward from an end portion of the annular rib, and a connecting portion of the annular rib and the engagement piece. And an incision portion formed.

  In the invention described in claim 2, a notch portion through which the mounting portion can pass is formed in the collar portion formed in an annular shape. On the other hand, the annular rib is suspended from the second flange, and the engagement piece is projected outward from the end of the annular rib. A cut portion is formed in the connecting portion between the engagement piece and the annular rib so that the mounting portion can be elastically deformed.

  When the second flange is rotated relative to the hub in a state in which the engagement piece is passed through the notch and the second flange is in contact with the flange and restricted in movement, between the second flange and the engagement piece. The collar portion is clamped and the second flange is attached to the hub.

  Here, as the pressing means, a spring member may be arranged between the engagement piece and the flange portion, and the mounting portion may be separated from the flange portion toward one end of the hub. By forming the cut portion in the portion, the engagement piece itself can have an elastic force. Thereby, a spring member becomes unnecessary and cost reduction can be aimed at.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the reel according to the first or second aspect, an engagement convex portion is formed on the flange portion, and the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement piece. A recess is formed.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the engaging convex portion is formed on the collar portion, and the engaging concave portion is formed on the engaging piece to engage the engaging convex portion. When the engagement piece is passed through the notch and the second flange is in contact with the flange and the movement is restricted, the second flange is rotated relative to the hub, and the engagement protrusion of the flange engages. Engages in the engagement recess of the piece. As a result, the second flange is positioned in the circumferential direction of the hub.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a recording tape cartridge includes the reel according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the effect described in any one of claims 1-3.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, the second flange can be attached to the hub without ultrasonic welding in the inventions according to claims 1 and 4. Further, by pressing the mounting portion away from the overhanging portion toward the one end side of the hub by the pressing means, the second flange can be reliably brought into contact with the other end portion of the hub. The second flange is positioned, and the edge portion of the recording tape can be securely held by the first flange and the second flange. In addition, since the second flange is reliably brought into contact with the overhanging portion, the surface deflection of the second flange is small. In addition, the second flange can be moved relative to the axial direction of the hub by elastically pressing the mounting portion by the pressing means, and the second flange can be moved to the second flange by the recording tape based on the first flange. When a contact force greater than a predetermined value is applied, the second flange can be moved along the axial direction of the hub to escape. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a stable running of the recording tape without damaging the edge portion of the running recording tape.

  In the invention according to claim 2, as the pressing means, a spring member may be arranged between the engaging piece and the flange portion, and the mounting portion may be separated from the flange portion toward one end side of the hub. By forming the cut portion in the connecting portion between the piece and the annular rib, the engagement piece itself can be provided with an elastic force. Thereby, a spring member becomes unnecessary and cost reduction can be aimed at.

  In the third aspect of the invention, when the engagement piece is passed through the notch and the second flange is rotated relative to the hub while the second flange is in contact with the flange and restricted in movement, The engaging convex part of the part engages with the engaging concave part of the engaging piece. As a result, the second flange is positioned in the circumferential direction of the hub.

  A reel 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the substantially entire configuration of the recording tape cartridge 12 to which the reel 10 is applied will be described, and then the reel 10 will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, the loading direction of the recording tape cartridge 12 to the drive device indicated by the arrow A is the front direction (front side), and the arrow B and arrow C directions orthogonal to the arrow A are the right direction and the upward direction, respectively.

(Configuration of recording tape cartridge)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the recording tape cartridge 12. The recording tape cartridge 12 is configured by rotatably accommodating a single reel 10 around which a magnetic tape T as a recording tape, which is an information recording / reproducing medium, is wound in a substantially rectangular case 14 in plan view. Yes.

  An opening 16 for drawing the magnetic tape T out of the case 14 is provided at the front end of the right side wall of the case 14. The opening 16 is closed by a door 18 when the recording tape cartridge 12 (magnetic tape T) is not used, and is opened within the drive device when the recording tape cartridge 12 is used.

  A leader pin 20 as a leader member is attached to the tip of the magnetic tape T. The leader pin 20 is formed in a small columnar shape, and flange portions 20A provided at both longitudinal ends projecting up and down from the widthwise end portion of the magnetic tape T are hooked on the drawing member of the drive device. Thus, the magnetic tape T is pulled out from the case 14.

  The case 14 is configured by joining an upper case 22 and a lower case 24. The upper case 22 is configured by a substantially frame-shaped peripheral wall 22B erected along the outer edge of the top plate 22A having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the lower case 24 is a bottom plate having a shape substantially corresponding to the top plate 22A. A peripheral wall 24B is erected along the outer edge of 24A. The case 14 has a substantially box-like shape in which the upper case 22 and the lower case 24 are joined by ultrasonic welding, screwing or the like with the opening end of the peripheral wall 22B and the opening end of the peripheral wall 24B abutting each other. Is formed.

  The opening 16 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view, and opens rightward at the front end of the right side wall 14A (the right side wall of the case 14 including the peripheral wall 22B and the peripheral wall 24B) along the arrow A direction in the case 14. Yes. The top plate 22A and the bottom plate 24A are provided with pin receiving recesses 26 for receiving the flange portions 20A of the upright leader pins 20, respectively. Each pin receiving recess 26 is also opened rightward in the vicinity of the front end of the opening 16 so that the leader pin 20 can enter and leave the case 14 via the opening 16.

  Further, a leaf spring 28 is attached near the front end of the case 14, and the leaf spring 28 is provided with a pair of upper and lower arms 28 </ b> A. The leaf spring 28 is configured to hold the leader pin 20 against the case 14 by engaging the tip of each arm 28 </ b> A with the flange portion 20 </ b> A of the leader pin 20. This holding state is configured to be released by pulling the leader pin 20 rightward with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  The door 18 for opening and closing the opening 16 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape capable of closing the opening 16 alone. The upper and lower ends of the door 18 slidably enter guide grooves 30 provided on the top plate 22A and the bottom plate 24A along the open surface of the opening 16 and the right side wall 14A.

  Thus, the door 18 is configured to be able to selectively take a closed position for closing the opening 16 and an open position for opening the opening 16 by sliding in the front-rear direction while being guided by the guide groove 30. . The door 18 is biased forward by a coil spring 32 which is a biasing member provided between the case 14 and is normally positioned at the closed position by this biasing force. At the front end of the door 18, an operation portion 18 </ b> A is provided so as to protrude rightward, and the door 18 is moved to the open position against the urging force of the coil spring 32 by pressing the operation portion 18 </ b> A rearward. Can be done.

  Further, a gear opening 34 for exposing a reel gear 50 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, of the reel 10 is provided at the center of the bottom plate 24A of the case 14. The reel 10 is configured to be driven to rotate in a non-contact manner in the case 14 by rotating a drive gear of a drive device meshed with the reel gear.

  Further, the case 14 is provided with a guide regulating wall 36 that is partially erected from the top plate 22A and the bottom plate 24A along a circumference coaxial with the gear opening 34 and is configured to abut the upper and lower ends. . The guide regulating wall 36 is configured to prevent the dust 10 and the like from entering the installation area of the reel 10 while suppressing the rattling of the reel 10 and having the end portions continuous to the peripheral walls 22B and 24B.

  Further, a memory board M in which various information is stored for each recording tape cartridge 12 is installed in the right rear corner of the case 14. In order to enable each communication between the memory board M and the drive device that communicates from the lower surface side and the library device that communicates from the rear surface side, the upper edge that is the support surface is a predetermined angle (45 ° in this embodiment) in front. The pair of inclined support ribs 38 are supported with an inclination of approximately 45 ° with respect to the bottom plate 24A.

(Reel configuration)
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the reel 10. The reel 10 includes a substantially cylindrical hub 40 that forms an axial center portion. The hub 40 has a cylindrical portion 42 around which the magnetic tape T is wound, and a bottom portion 44 (the other end side of the hub 40) that closes the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 42, and the upper portion is open. . From the outer periphery of the bottom 44 of the hub 40, a lower flange 46 as a first flange projects coaxially and integrally outward in the radial direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an annular flange 60 projects inward from the upper end portion (one end side of the hub 40) that is the opening side of the hub 40. Are formed with four notches 62 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. An upper flange 48 (second flange) that faces the lower flange 46 faces the flange 60.

  The upper flange 48 has an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the lower flange 46, a hole 48A is formed in the center, and an annular rib 64 is suspended from the peripheral edge of the hole 48A. The annular rib 64 is sized to be able to be inserted into the flange portion 60, and an engaging portion 66 projects from the outer peripheral surface of the annular rib 64 substantially perpendicularly to the annular rib 64 toward the outside.

  Here, the separation distance between the engaging portion 66 and the upper flange 48 is slightly longer than the thickness of the flange portion 60. In addition, a notch 66A is recessed in the upper part of the base of the engaging portion 66, and is thin. Thereby, the engaging portion 66 is provided with a spring property, and the engaging portion 66 can be elastically deformed in the arrow direction with the base portion as a fulcrum. Further, an engagement recess 66B is formed on the upper surface of the engagement portion 66 so that it can be engaged with an engagement projection 60A protruding from the lower surface of the flange portion 60.

  The engaging portion 66 is inserted into the notch portion 62, and the upper flange 48 is rotated relative to the hub 40 in a state where the lower surface of the upper flange 48 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the flange portion 60 and restricted in movement. When the engaging portion 66 faces the engaging convex portion 60 </ b> A, the engaging portion 66 is elastically deformed, and the upper flange 48 and the engaging portion 66 sandwich the flange 60, and the engaging portion 66 is engaged. The concave portion 66B is engaged with the engaging convex portion 60A of the flange portion 60, and the upper flange 48 is attached to the hub 40.

  In this state, the engaging portion 66 is slightly urged in the direction of the arrow, and a moment with the base of the engaging portion 66 as a fulcrum is obtained by this urging force, and a pressing force that presses the upper flange 48 toward the flange 60 side is obtained. Is granted. Therefore, the state in which the lower surface of the upper flange 48 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the flange portion 60 is maintained, and the upper flange 48 is positioned with respect to the lower flange 46.

  The lower flange 46 and the upper flange 48 regulate displacement of the magnetic tape T wound around the hub 40 in the width direction (axial direction of the hub 40), and as shown in FIGS. 10, the magnetic tape T can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 42 (hub 40) between the lower flange 46 and the upper flange 48.

  On the other hand, an annular reel gear 50 is provided near the outer periphery of the outer surface (lower surface) of the bottom portion 44 of the hub 40. The reel gear 50 is exposed from the gear opening 34 of the case 14 and moves relative to the rotation shaft of the drive device along the axial direction, thereby engaging and releasing the engagement with the drive gear provided at the tip of the rotation shaft. Is possible.

  A reel plate 52 made of a magnetic material is integrally provided by insert molding on the inner side in the radial direction of the reel gear 50 on the lower surface of the bottom portion 44. The reel plate 52 is configured to be attracted and held in a non-contact manner by a magnet provided at the tip of the rotating shaft.

  Further, a lock mechanism (not shown) for preventing the reel 10 from rotating when the magnetic tape T is not used is provided inside the hub 40. The lock mechanism has a lock member that is prevented from rotating with respect to the case 14, and supports the lock member so as to be able to contact and separate from the bottom 44 of the reel 10. Further, the lock member engages with an engagement portion (not shown) of the bottom portion 44 by contacting and separating with respect to the bottom portion 44, and releases the rotation lock position where the rotation of the reel 10 with respect to the case 14 is prevented. Thus, the release position allowing the rotation of the reel 10 can be taken. For this reason, the bottom portion 44 is provided with an engaging portion with which the lock member is engaged, and an operation hole 54 is formed for the lock release member of the drive device to operate the lock member from the outside. In this embodiment (FIG. 1), the configuration in which the operation hole 54 is provided in the formation portion of the reel gear 50 is illustrated, but the operation hole 54 may be provided in the axial center portion of the bottom portion 44, for example.

  As described above, the bottom portion 44 of the hub 40 engages the lock member with the function of forming the reel gear 50 and transmitting the rotational force from the drive device, the function of closing the gear opening 34 of the case 14 when not in use. Each of the reels 10 functions to prevent rotation of the reel 10 with respect to the case 14.

  In this way, the bottom portion 44 that performs various functions closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion 42 (extends radially inward from the lower end). The lower end side has a higher strength (high rigidity) than the winding pressure of the magnetic tape T.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The reel 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a case 14 when a recording tape cartridge 12 is loaded into a drive device when information is recorded on the magnetic tape T or when information recorded on the magnetic tape T is reproduced. The rotation lock is released, and the rotation shaft with the drive gear engaged with the reel gear 50 rotates to rotate in the case 14.

  At this time, the leader pin 20 already taken out from the opening 16 is held on the take-up reel of the drive device, and the take-up reel rotates in synchronism with the reel 10 so that the magnetic tape T is sequentially drawn out from the case 14. It is. A recording / reproducing head arranged along a predetermined tape path writes information on the magnetic tape T or reads information recorded on the magnetic tape T. After use of the magnetic tape T, the reel 10 returns to the initial state of winding the magnetic tape T.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a flange 60 is formed at the upper end of the hub 40, and an annular rib 64 is suspended from the upper flange 48, and the annular rib 64 can be elastically deformed. The engaging portion 66 is provided, the flange portion 60 is sandwiched between the upper flange 48 and the engaging portion 66, and the upper flange 48 is attached to the hub 40.

  That is, the upper flange 48 can be attached to the hub 40 without ultrasonic welding. In addition, by applying a pressing force that presses the upper flange 48 toward the lower flange 46, the lower surface of the upper flange 48 can be reliably brought into surface contact with the upper surface of the flange portion 60. Positioning is achieved, and the edge portion of the magnetic tape T can be securely held by the upper flange 48 and the lower flange 46. In addition, since the lower surface of the upper flange 48 is surely brought into surface contact with the upper surface of the flange portion 60, the surface deflection of the upper flange 48 is reduced.

  Further, since the upper flange 48 is movable with respect to the axial direction of the hub 40, when a contact force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the upper flange 48 by the magnetic tape T with reference to the lower flange 46, The upper flange 48 can be moved along the axial direction to escape. Thereby, stable running of the magnetic tape T can be obtained without damaging the edge portion of the running magnetic tape T.

  Here, the annular rib 64 is suspended from the upper flange 48, and the engaging portion 66 is projected from the annular rib 64. However, the annular rib 64 is not always necessary, for example, although not shown, it is L-shaped. The engaging piece may be suspended from the upper flange 48.

  Further, although the engaging portion 66 itself is elastically deformed, it is sufficient that the upper flange 48 is pressed toward the lower flange 46 and the upper flange 48 can be moved along the axial direction of the hub 40. A spring may be provided between the portion 60 and the engaging portion 66.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the lower flange 46 is integrally formed with the hub 40 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lower flange 46 formed separately from the hub 40 is provided as the hub 40. It is good also as a structure fixed to the lower end part of this.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the reel 10 is applied to the recording tape cartridge 12 configured by housing a single reel in the case 14 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, The reel 10 may be applied to a two-reel type recording tape cartridge in which two reels are accommodated in a case.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing an overall configuration of a recording tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the reel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the reel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale which show the reel which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

12 Recording tape cartridge 10 Reel 40 Hub 46 Lower flange (first flange)
48 Upper flange (2nd flange)
60 Buttocks (overhang)
60A Engaging convex part 62 Notch part (overhang part)
64 annular rib (mounting part)
66 Engagement part (engagement piece, mounting part)
66A cutting part (mounting part)
66B engagement recess

Claims (4)

A hub around which recording tape is wound;
A first flange provided on one end of the hub;
A second flange mounted on the other end of the hub and holding the recording tape together with the first flange;
An overhanging portion projecting from the other end of the hub to the center of the hub;
A mounting portion formed on the second flange and sandwiching the protruding portion together with the second flange;
Pressing means for elastically pressing the mounting portion away from the overhanging portion toward one end of the hub;
A reel comprising: The overhanging portion is a collar portion formed in an annular shape, and a notch portion through which the mounting portion can pass is formed in the collar portion,
The mounting portion is formed in an annular rib suspended from the second flange, an engagement piece projecting outward from an end portion of the annular rib, and a connecting portion of the annular rib and the engagement piece. The reel according to claim 1, wherein the reel is configured by a notch.   The reel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an engagement convex portion is formed on the flange portion, and an engagement concave portion on which the engagement convex portion is engaged is formed on the engagement piece.   A recording tape cartridge comprising the reel according to claim 1.

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