JP2584979Y2 - Tape cassette - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

In the present invention, a rear cover is suspended from a front cover of a tape cassette via a connecting plate, a front surface of the magnetic tape is protected by the front cover, and a back surface of the magnetic tape is connected to the connecting plate by a connecting plate. The present invention relates to a tape cassette configured to be protected by a rear cover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a tape cassette used in a magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus such as a video tape recorder, for example, a VHS tape cassette having a tape width of 1/2 inch or an 8 mm tape cassette having a tape width of 8 mm is used. This is well known. FIG. 8 (A),
FIG. 9B is a view for explaining the configuration and the opening operation of the conventional VHS tape cassette, and FIGS.
It is a figure for explaining composition and a lid opening operation of a mm type tape cassette.

First, the VHS shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B
The mold tape cassette 100 has a pair of reels 103 on which a magnetic tape T is wound in a cassette housing 100A assembled into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by an upper half member 101 and a lower half member 102.
, 104, and the VHS tape cassette 1
The recording and / or reproduction is performed by a magnetic recording and / or reproducing device (not shown) using 00. VH
Supply reel 10 stored inside S-type tape cassette 100
A magnetic tape T is wound between the reel 3 and the take-up reel 104, and the magnetic tape T wound on the supply reel 103 passes through the supply-side guide pole 105 and passes through the opening 102a of the lower half member 102. while stretched along the rear surface of the front cover 106 provided in the _{1 ~102a 3} side, further, the take-up side guide poles 107, 108
Through the take-up reel 104. Also, so that the opening 102a ₁ ~102a ₃ of the lower half member 102 are opened by the back surface forwardly to lightening may be a tape loading member of the apparatus (not shown) enters. The front cover 106 is a front surface (magnetic surface) of the magnetic tape T.
Is provided to protect the device from dust and fingers. The front lid 106 is a pair of shafts 10 integrally formed on the inside of the left and right side surfaces.
Although it is supported on the left and right side surfaces of the cassette housing 100A so as to be openable and closable about 6a and 106a (only one side is shown), it is locked and closed by a front lid lock member 109 provided on the left side surface.

[0004] Then, as shown in FIG.
Only when the mold tape cassette 100 is inserted into a magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown), the front cover lock member 109 is released by the cover opening means on the apparatus side, and the shaft 106a formed on the front cover 106 is rotated. The position shown in the two-dot chain line as the center (front lid
The front cover 106 is opened up to a cover opening angle θ ₁ ) of 106.
Thereafter, when the front lid 106 is open lid, an opening 102a ₁ ~102a
Tape loading member (not shown) inserted into ₃
As a result, the magnetic tape T is loaded along a predetermined tape path in the apparatus.

[0005] In addition, the 8 mm shown in FIGS.
Type tape cassette 200 is the VHS type tape cassette described above.
It has a configuration almost equivalent to 100, and the upper and lower half members 201,
Cassette housing 2 assembled in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by 202
Although a supply reel 203 and a take-up reel 204 around which a magnetic tape T is wound are provided in 00A, a magnetic tape is further provided in an opening 202a opened in the lower half member 202 and behind a front cover 205. A rear cover 206 is provided to protect the rear surface of the T opposite the front surface. This 8mm tape cassette
No. 200 is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-168979. Here, only the vicinity of the front cover 205 and the rear cover 206 will be briefly described, and a magnetic tape stretched between the front cover 205 and the rear cover 206 will be described. T is protected with both lids 205 and 206 covering the front and back of the magnetic tape T.

That is, the front lid 205 is supported on the left and right side surfaces of the upper and lower half members 201 and 202 so as to be openable and closable about a pair of shafts 205a and 205a integrally formed on the inside of the left and right side surfaces. Also, a pair of projecting pieces 205b, 20
5b is suspended downward, and a rear lid 206 formed in a "substantially T-shape" on the pair of projections 205b, 205b is rotatably supported via a pair of shafts 206a, 206a integrally formed therewith. ing. A pair of guide bosses 206b, 206b integrally formed at the lower ends of the left and right side surfaces of the rear lid 206 are
A pair of guide grooves formed on the left and right near the opening 202a of 202
202b, 202b.

[0007] Then, as shown in FIG.
Only when the m-type tape cassette 200 is inserted into a magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown), the front cover 205 is formed by a cover opening means on the apparatus side around a shaft 205a formed on the front cover 205 as a two-dot chain line as a center of rotation. The lid 205 and the rear lid 206 cooperate to be integrally opened. Here, in cooperation with the opening operation of the front cover 205, the rear cover 206 is integrally opened to a position (opening angle θ ₂ of the front cover 106) above the upper surface 201 a of the upper half member 201. . That is, the guide boss portion 206b projecting from the rear lid 206 is formed.
Are opened upward while rotating along a guide groove 202b formed in the lower half member 202 and about a shaft 206a serving as a rotation center of the rear cover 206. At this time, the rear lid 206 cooperating with the front lid 205 must be opened to a position where it does not come into contact with the tape loading member for drawing out the magnetic tape T into the apparatus, and the rotation center of the rear lid 206 is a pair. Axis 206a,
Because there is only 206a, there is no freedom in the opening operation of the rear lid 206,
Inevitably, the front cover 205 is greatly opened.

[0008]

By the way, in recent years, high-density, high-quality recording and / or reproduction on a magnetic tape T has been required, and for example, at the present stage when digital recording and / or reproduction has become possible, When dust or the like adheres to the magnetic tape T, or when a fingerprint of a hand arrives, it is considered that recording and / or reproducing performance is significantly deteriorated. In the VHS type tape cassette 100, the front and the back side opposite the magnetic tape T is not protected, or adhering dust is on the back of the magnetic tape T through the opening 102a ₁ ~102a _3, or openings 10
2a _{1 to} 102a When a fingerprint or the like is applied from ₃ to ₃ , when the magnetic tape T is wound around the supply reel 103 and the take-up reel 104, the back surface of the magnetic tape T comes into close contact with the front surface (magnetic surface) of the magnetic tape T. Therefore, there is a possibility that an adverse effect occurs. Of course, it would damage the magnetic tape even when inserted foreign objects through the opening 102a ₁ ~102a _3.

Therefore, it has been considered that the VHS type tape cassette 100 is provided with a member equivalent to the rear cover (206) in the same configuration as disclosed in the above-mentioned 8 mm type tape cassette 200. However, a magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown) employing the VHS tape cassette 100 has already been widely spread in the world. Considering the compatibility of the VHS tape cassette 100 and the apparatus, the 8 mm tape cassette 20 is required.
If the configuration of No. 0 is used as it is, the following problems will occur and the user will be troubled very much. Therefore, the member equivalent to the rear lid (206) should be used with the configuration as it is. It is difficult. . When the member corresponding to the rear lid (206) constituted by the above-mentioned 8 mm tape cassette 200 is applied to the VHS tape cassette 100 as it is, the opening / closing operation of the member corresponding to the rear lid (206) which opens and closes in cooperation with the front lid 106. However, in order to improve this, it is conceivable to suspend a member equivalent to the rear lid (206) on the front lid 106 via connecting means. Must be completely obscured. . Since the VHS tape cassette 100 has a larger outer dimension than the 8 mm tape cassette 200, a member corresponding to the rear cover (206) that opens and closes integrally with the front cover 106 is formed to be long in the width direction of the cassette housing. Rear lid (206) integral with front lid 106
When the corresponding member is opened to the predetermined opening position, the rear lid (20
6) The corresponding member bends or twists, causing the rear lid (206)
It is also conceivable that the corresponding member undergoes permanent deformation and the opening / closing operation becomes uneasy.

Therefore, the rear lid is connected to the front lid via the connecting plate, and the rear surface of the magnetic tape T is completely protected by the rear lid and the connecting plate, and the rear lid cooperating with the front lid is fully opened. There is a demand for a tape cassette having a structure in which the rear cover can be reliably opened without permanently deforming the rear cover when the cover is closed.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and accommodates a pair of reels around which a magnetic tape is wound in a cassette housing, which can be opened and closed in front of the cassette housing. A connecting plate provided with the front surface of the magnetic tape protected by the front cover while stretching the magnetic tape along the back surface of the provided front cover, and provided with the magnetic tape sandwiched on the back surface side of the front cover; A tape cassette that protects the back surface of the magnetic tape with a back cover, a locking portion formed at a front portion of a top plate portion of the cassette housing for opening the back cover, and a tape cassette above the back surface of the front cover. A connection that is provided and is rotatably supported via a shaft on a connection plate supporting portion formed on the back surface of the top plate portion of the front cover, and protects an upper portion of the back surface of the magnetic tape when the front cover is closed. A plate, provided below the connecting plate on the back surface of the front lid, A guide boss that cooperates with the opening and closing operation of the front lid, is rotatably suspended via an axis on an arm formed on the connecting plate, and the magnetic tape is closed when the front lid is closed. Protects the lower portion from the upper rear surface of the rear cover, and abuts against the locking portion for opening the rear cover when the front cover is opened and is locked at a predetermined opening position. A rear cover formed with a locking portion, a guide groove formed in the cassette housing, which is fitted into a guide boss portion of the rear cover, and guides the rear cover in the opening and closing direction; and closing the front cover. A first urging means for urging in a direction, and a second urging means for urging the connecting plate toward the back surface of the top plate portion of the front lid to move the rear lid suspended on the connecting plate in the opening direction. Urging means, and a rear lid regulating means for regulating the opening of the rear lid urged in the opening direction by the second urging means when the front lid is closed. There is provided a tape cassette, characterized in that Bei was.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a tape cassette according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 in terms of <tape cassette construction> and <tape cassette opening operation> in the order of items.

<Structure of Tape Cassette> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a tape cassette according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a front cover and a rear cover which are main parts of the tape cassette and the vicinity of a connecting plate. Partially broken exploded perspective view,
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a locking portion for opening the rear lid of the cassette housing and a locked portion for opening the rear lid of the rear lid, which are main portions in the tape cassette. FIG. 4A shows a state in which a rear cover that opens and closes integrally with the front cover is closed, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the rear cover is opened to a predetermined open position, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a state where the rear lid and the connecting plate are attached to the lid, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an assembling order of the tape cassette.
(A) shows the state where the rear lid and the connecting plate are attached to the front lid, (B) shows the state where the front lid is attached to the upper half member, and (C) shows the state where the upper half member with the front lid attached is lowered. FIG. 6 is a partially broken perspective view showing a state where the rear lid of the tape cassette and the front lid to which the connecting plate is attached are assembled to the cassette housing.

The exterior of the tape cassette 1 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is formed into an upper half member 2 and a lower half member 3 using a resin material or the like, and the outer peripheral portion of the upper half member 2 is formed. The outer half of the lower half member 3 is assembled with the lid to assemble a substantially rectangular cassette housing 1A. A magnetic tape T is wound between a supply reel 4 and a take-up reel 5 that constitute a pair of reels housed inside the cassette housing 1A. The magnetic tape T wound around the supply reel 4 is after passing through the supply side of the guide poles 6a, the opening 3a ₁ to 3 a for tape loading member enter that opens the back surface forward of the lower half member 3 and lightening
₃ is a stretched forward with take-up-side guide pole 6b,
It is wound on the take-up reel 5 via 6c.

Further, on a rear surface of the lower half member 3, in addition to the opening _3a 1 to 3 A _3, hole 3b facing the supply reel 4 and the take-up reel 5, 3c are bored, further, the tape cassette Positioning holes 3d for positioning 1 in the device,
A hole 3f or the like is provided for receiving a light emitting element (not shown) for detecting a mounting state of the magnetic tape 3e and the magnetic tape T.

The front cover 7 provided at the front of the cassette housing 1A so as to be openable and closable is formed to be long in the width direction of the cassette housing 1A using a resin material. A pair of shafts 7a ₁ , 7b integrally formed inside left and right side surfaces 7a, 7b of the front lid 7
₁ is supported on the left and right side surfaces of the cassette housing 1A so as to be openable and closable, and before being inserted into the apparatus, the front cover 7 is locked and closed by a front cover lock member 12 provided on the left side surface 3g of the lower half member 3. It is in the lid state. The opening operation of the front lid 7 is performed only when the tape cassette 1 is inserted into a magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown), and the front lid locking member 12 is released by the front lid opening means on the apparatus side. Although the front lid 7 can be opened, its detailed description is omitted.

The openings _3a 1 on the back side of the front lid 7 to 3 A
₃ , a magnetic tape T stretched along the back surface of the front lid 7.
The rear cover 8 is suspended via a connecting plate 9 with the rear cover 8 interposed therebetween, and the rear cover 8 and the connecting plate 9 can be freely opened and closed integrally in cooperation with the front cover 7. When the front cover 7 is closed, the magnetic tape T
Is covered and protected by a front lid 7.
At the same time, the upper portion of the back surface of the magnetic tape T is covered and protected by the connecting plate 9, and the lower portion than the upper portion of the back surface is covered and protected by the rear cover 8. Therefore, the rear lid 8 and the connecting plate 9
Opening _3a which is hollowed opening the lower half member 3 1 to 3 A ₃
In addition to protecting the magnetic tape T from adhering dust and the like from the back surface, the opening 3a ₁
3a ₃ to protect the magnetic tape T from being damaged even if a finger, foreign matter, or the like is inserted.

The tape cassette 1 according to the present invention, which has been schematically described above, is constructed so as to maintain compatibility with a well-known VHS tape cassette in the embodiment. It is also applied to the W-VHS tape cassette announced on the day. The W-VHS tape cassette employs a metal tape as the magnetic tape T and is configured to simultaneously record and / or reproduce video signals with high quality on two tracks according to the W-VHS recording format. . The tape cassette 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the VHS tape cassette and the W-VHS tape cassette, but can be applied to a tape cassette having an appropriate shape.

Here, the main components of the tape cassette 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, the upper half member 2 and the lower half member 3, the height H ₁ of the cover 7 before being formed in the tape cassette 1 approximately the same height, substantially half the outer peripheral portion except for a portion It is divided formed separately at half height H _2, respectively.

In front of the middle portion of the top plate 2a of the upper half member 2, front edges 2a ₁ and 2a ₂ are spaced forward from each other and have a suitable plate thickness and a suitable width toward the front. The projection is formed. _On the back surfaces of these front edges 2a ₁ , 2a ₂ , locking recesses 2a ₁₁ , 2a ₂₁ {partially enlarged in FIG. 5B} are formed in a concave shape, and the locking recesses 2a are formed.
₁₁ , 2a ₂₁ are projecting portions 3p,
Guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q formed by opening the upper end in 3q
Matched with ₁ . Thereby, as will be described later, after the front lid 7 to which the rear lid 8 is connected is temporarily assembled to the upper half member 2, the temporarily assembled upper half member 2 is connected to the lower half member 3.
When assembling the upper half member 2
The guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d ₂ formed near the lower end of the rear lid 8 described later are temporarily locked to the a ₁₁ , 2a ₂₁ and the front edges 2a ₁ , 2a ₂ of the upper half member 2 are fixed. The guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q ₁ that are in contact with the upper ends of the protrusions 3p, 3q formed on the lower half member 3 and whose upper ends are open are temporarily locked while being closed by the locking recesses 2a ₁₁ , 2a _21. Guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d ₂
Guided to p ₁ , 3q ₁ .

The left front edge 2a of the upper half member 2
Between ₁ and the right front edge 2a _2, and, in front of the top plate portion 2a, the connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃ is protruded in a tapered shape toward the front. This connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃
The cam portion 9a provided on the back surface of a connecting plate 9 described later supported by the front lid 7 is freely movable. And the shaft 7a ₁
Urging means 1 which fits into the first urging member and urges the front lid 7 in the closing direction.
0 (hereinafter referred to as torsion spring 10), the second urging means 11 (hereinafter referred to as torsion spring 11) for urging the connecting plate 9 toward the back surface of the top plate 7d of the front lid 7 when the front lid 7 is closed. The connection plate 9 is urged in the cover opening direction by the connection plate guide portion 2 a ₃ of the upper half member 2.
The cam portion 9a of the connecting plate 9 abuts and regulates the rotation of the connecting plate 9. Therefore, the opening of the connecting plate 9 is restricted, and the connecting plate 9 rotates in the closing direction while resisting the urging force of the torsion spring 11. At the same time, the rear lid 8 suspended on the connecting plate 9 is also urged in the lid opening direction by the urging force of the torsion spring 11.
Is closed while resisting the urging force of the torsion spring 11. Therefore, the connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃ formed on the upper half member 2 and the cam portion 9a provided on the rear lid 8
These constitute rear lid regulating means for regulating the opening of the rear lid 8 via the connecting plate 9 when the front lid 7 is closed.

Further, in front of the top plate portion 2a of the upper half member 2, locking portions 2a ₄ and 2a ₅ for opening the rear lid are locked portions for opening the rear lid 8 described below. Projections are formed at positions opposing to 8e ₁ and 8e ₂ with an appropriate plate thickness and an appropriate width. In this embodiment, the locked portion 2 for opening the left rear cover is used.
a ₄ is provided on the left side of the front edge 2a ₁ of the left, the locking portion 2a ₅ for when lid lid opening after the right is provided on the right side of the front edge 2a ₂ of the right side. The locking portions 2a ₄ and 2a ₅ for opening the rear lid are essential parts of the present invention, and the front lid 7 is moved from the closed position shown in FIG. When the lid is opened to the open position shown in FIG.
The rear lid 8 which opens and closes integrally with the rear lid 8 is also opened to a predetermined lid opening position.
The rear lid-opening locked portions 8e ₁ , (8e ₂ ), which are integrally formed so as to project in a “substantially L-shape” from the lower end of the rear surface of the rear lid 8 opposite to the side toward the reel, Locking part 2a for lid opening
₄ , (2a ₅ ), by contacting the back surface, the vicinity of the left and right ends of the rear cover 8 cannot be pulled up further than a predetermined open position, so that the rear cover 8 does not bend or twist. The lower end of the rear cover 8 is substantially straight in the width direction, so that permanent deformation of the rear cover 8 at a predetermined open position of the rear cover 8 can be prevented.

Returning to FIG. 2, the left and right side surfaces 3 of the lower half member 3
g, 3h of the front height H ₁ from the slightly lower height H of the front lid 7
₃ are formed, these left and right side surfaces 3g, behind the 3h is formed in a half-height H _2. Then, when supporting the front lid 7 by combining the upper half member 2 and the lower half member 3, after fitting the torsion spring 10 in the axial 7a ₁ of the front lid 7,
The shaft 7a ₁ and the shaft 7b ₁ of the front lid 7 are
g and 2h, the front lid 7 is temporarily supported by the upper half member 2 by being fitted into the insertion holes (2g ₁ ) and 2h _{1 from} the front, and then the outer peripheral portion of the upper half member 2 and the lower half member 3 The front lid 7 is openable and closable in front of the cassette housing 1A by abutting the outer peripheral portion.

Furthermore, on both sides near the front substantially central opening 3a ₂ of the lower half member 3, the tape guide portion 3i for guiding the back surface side of the magnetic tape T, 3j are separated apart, and a half It is projectingly formed integrally with flat to slightly higher above the level H _2. These tape guide portions 3i and 3j are provided on the back cover 8 of the rear surface of the magnetic tape T due to static electricity.
And, it is prevented from being in close contact with the connecting plate 9. These tape guide portion 3i, notches 8c 1 formed in the lid 8 of the later by concatenating the deeper the _3j, 8c ₂ a recess 3m crotch causes, 3n are formed.

Furthermore, recess 3m on both sides deeper forward substantially central opening 3a ₂ of the lower half member 3, and connected to 3n, a pair of projecting portions 3p, 3q are separated left and right spacing, and the front lid 7
It is projectingly formed integrally upward in the slightly lower height H ₃ than the height H ₁ of the. These pair of protrusions 3p, 3q
Guide bosses 8 d ₁ , 8 formed near the lower end of rear lid 8
guide grooves 3p _1, 3q ₁ for guiding the opening and closing of d ₂ is away lateral spacing is formed on the counter to "substantially boots like" each other. At this time, the guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q ₁ are
The lower end is closed with respect to the closing direction, while the upper end is opened with respect to the opening direction of the rear cover 8.

[0026] Thus, during assembly of the rear lid 8, the guide grooves _3p 1, since the upper end portion of 3q ₁ is opened, the guide bosses _8d 1, 8d ₂ of the rear lid 8 guide grooves _3p 1,
3q ₁ becomes easy to insert, and after insertion, the guide groove 3p
₁ , 3q ₁ have front ends 2a ₁ ,
With confidence rear lid 8 so blocked by 2a ₂ it is made to be able to sufficiently open lid. Furthermore, since the formation of the guide grooves _3p 1, 3q ₁ for guiding the guide boss portion _8d 1, 8d ₂ formed on the rear lid 8 on both sides deeper forward substantially central opening 3a ₂ of the lower half member 3, apparatus The rear lid 8 and the connecting plate 9 can be opened and closed while maintaining the rear lid 8 and the connecting plate 9 substantially parallel to the front lid 7 without any influence on the tape loading member.

On the bottom surface on the front side of the lower half member 3,
Holes _3r 1 _{~3r 3} for attaching the guide pole 6 a to 6 c (FIG. 1) is bored, these holes _3r 1 _{~3r 3}
When the guide poles 6a to 6c are attached to the magnetic tape T, the magnetic tape T is stretched between the guide poles 6a to 6c by a tape path shown by a two-dot chain line.

Next, between the left and right side surfaces 7a and 7b of the front lid 7,
Is formed on the front plate portion 7c and the top plate portion 7d and is connected substantially at a right angle "inverted L-shape", further, triangular portion 7c ₁ is very little on the back side at the lower end of the front plate portion 7c It is formed to protrude toward the back. The triangular portion 7c ₁ has a function to wrap tightly sealed at a front lower end portion 8b ₁ of the lid 8 after below the lower end of the magnetic tape T which is stretched along the rear surface of the front lid 7 when closed, the magnetic tape T the protecting while isolated from the opening _3a 1 _{~3a 3.}

On the back side of the front cover 7 and on the back side of the top plate 7d of the front cover 7, connecting plate support portions 7d ₁ and 7d ₂ hang down at least two places with a left-right interval. ing. These two or more connection plate support portions 7d ₁ , 7
The d _2, hole 7d _11, 7d ₂₁ for supporting the coupling plate 9 for connecting the rear lid 8 to the front lid 7 rotatably are drilled horizontally.

Next, the connecting plate 9, which is a main part of the present invention, is provided above the back surface of the front cover 7 and sandwiches the magnetic tape T stretched along the back surface of the front cover 7 so as to sandwich the back surface of the magnetic tape T. It has a function to cover and protect the upper part. The connecting plate 9 is made of a resin material, and has a width direction that is substantially as long as a rear lid 8 to be described later, and a height direction that is a front surface 9b facing the rear surface of the front lid 7.
The side is formed in a “substantially inverted shape”.

The above-described cam portion 9a is formed on the upper surface of the rear surface of the connecting plate 9 so as to protrude therefrom.
Lightening portion in the vicinity of the central portion, and the right end is released the hollow portions and the spacing, horizontal axis 9c _1, 9c ₂ is rightward are projectingly formed integrally. And the left axis 9
The c ₁ is fitted and supported in the hole _{7d 11} of the connecting support part 7d ₁ of the front cover 7 is fitted is torsion spring 11, and the holes of the connecting support part 7d ₂ of the right shaft 9c ₂ is the front lid 7 Since the connecting plate 9 is fitted and supported by the 7d ₂₁ , the connecting plate 9 can be supported rotatably substantially in parallel along the back surface of the front lid 7. At this time, the torsion spring 1
1 end is hooked to the connecting support part 7d ₁ of the front lid 7 and the other end is hooked to the rear surface of the connecting plate 9, the biasing force of the torsion spring 11 is front connection plate 9 as described above The lid 7 is urged to rotate in the direction of the back surface of the top plate 7d, and the rear lid 8 suspended on the connecting plate 9 is urged in the opening direction. The hollow portion near the center of the connecting plate 9 is formed with a U-shaped reinforcing frame toward the upper rear.

At the lower left side of the connecting plate 9 and at the lower right end spaced apart from the notch, the arms 9d ₁ and 9d ₂ are provided with the front lid 7 obliquely downward. It protrudes left and right at least two places on the back side. These two or more arms 9d ₁ , 9d ₂ have a rear lid 8 described later.
Shaft 8 that is formed to project horizontally from the upper part in an "inverted L-shape"
hole _9d 11 for supporting the a _1, 8a ₂ rotatably, 9d
₂₁ is drilled horizontally. Next, the rear lid 8 which is a main part of the present invention is provided below the connecting plate 9 on the back surface of the front lid 7,
The magnetic tape T has a function of protecting the magnetic tape T by covering the lower part of the upper surface of the back surface of the magnetic tape T with the magnetic tape T stretched along the back surface of the front cover 7 therebetween. The rear lid 8 is approximately the length of the width direction using a resin material covering the openings 3a ₁ to 3 A ₃ enters into between the openings 3a ₁ to 3 A ₃ of the lower half member 3 is formed in an elongated In the height direction, the front surface 8b facing the back surface of the front lid 7 is formed in a "substantially inverted letter shape".

In the vicinity of both upper portions of the rear lid 8, a shaft 8a is provided.
₁ and 8a ₂ are formed to protrude horizontally in an “inverted L-shape”, and these shafts 8a ₁ and 8a ₂ are connected to the arm portions 9 of the connecting plate 9.
When is fitted to d _1, hole _9d formed in 9d ₂ 11, _{9d 21,} the rear lid 8 are parallel along the back surface of the front cover 7, and,
It is rotatably supported while being suspended by the connecting plate 9.

Notches 8c ₁ and 8c ₂ are formed in the lower left and right middle portions of the rear lid 8 at intervals.
These notches 8c _1, 8c guide bosses 8d 1 in _2, 8d ₂ is horizontally and are projected integrally formed symmetrically toward each side. These guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d ₂ are fitted into the guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q ₁ formed in the protrusions 3p, 3q of the lower half member 3 described above. At this time, the notch portions 8c ₁ , 8c of the rear lid 8
₂ is a concave portion 3 of the lower half member 3 described above.
m, with have become retractably within 3n, before during closing of the lid 7 notches _8c 1, 8c ₂ excluding the front lower portion 8b ₁ is the opening _3a 1 to 3 A ₃ of the lower half member 3 Of the front cover 7 and the triangular portion 7c ₁ formed at the lower end of the front lid 7
, So that the lower end of the magnetic tape T is wrapped and protected.

Further, the magnetic tape T stretched on the front side of the rear lid 8 does not hinder the rear lid 8 in the vicinity of the left and right ends and at the lower end of the rear face, as described above, the locked part for opening the rear lid. 8e ₁ , 8e
₂ are formed in a “substantially L-shape” so as to project toward the reel. The locked portions 8e ₁ , 8e ₂ for opening these rear lids
When the rear lid 8 which is opened integrally with the front lid 7 is opened to a predetermined opening position, the rear lid opening locking portion 2a for opening the rear half of the upper half member 2 is opened.
₄ , 2a ₅ to prevent the rear lid 8 from being bent or twisted by being in contact with the back surface of the rear lid 8. In the embodiment, the locked portions 8e ₁ , 8e ₂ for opening the rear lid are near the left and right ends at positions away from the guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d ₂ which are fitted into the guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q _1. However, when the rear cover 8 is opened to a predetermined opening position, the locked portion for opening the rear cover is located at an appropriate position so that permanent deformation due to bending or twisting of the rear cover 8 does not occur. A locking portion for opening the rear lid of the upper half member 2 may be provided at a position corresponding to this.

Then, the rear lid 8 is connected to the front lid 7 via the connecting plate 9.
When connected to the front cover 7 and the connecting plate 9
c ₁ , 9c ₂ ), a rotation axis (8a) between the connecting plate 9 and the rear lid 8
₁ , 8a ₂ ), the rear cover 8 has two degrees of freedom in the link mechanism, and the rear cover 8 and the connecting plate 9 cooperate with the front cover 7. The opening and closing operation can be smoothly and smoothly performed substantially in parallel with the front lid 7.

Next, the order of assembling the tape cassette 1 with the main constituent members will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (A) to 5 (C), the reference numerals of the respective components of the tape cassette 1 indicate the reference numerals at the left side from the center of the cassette housing 1A, and the right side parts are substantially symmetric with the left side parts. Is omitted.

[0038] First, as shown in FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5 (A), the front after fitting the torsion spring 10 in the axial 7a ₁ of the lid 7, is fitted a torsion spring 11 in the axial 9c ₁ of the connecting plate 9, the shaft 9c ₁
The rotatably supported to the connecting plate supporting portion 7d ₁ of the front lid 7, pivotally attached to the shaft 8a ₁ of the rear lid 8 further arms 9d ₁ of the connecting plate 9,
By suspending the rear lid 8 on the connecting plate 9, the rear lid 8 is connected to the front lid 7.
Connect to

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the front lid 7 to which the rear lid 8 is connected is temporarily assembled to the upper half member 2. Here, the shaft 7 of the front lid 7 is inserted into the insertion hole 2 g ₁ of the upper half member 2.
The a ₁ is inserted from the front, is held by a hand to open lid to upward while resisting the front cover 7 to the torsion spring 10 about the shaft 7a _1. Along with this operation, the rear since the lid 8 is also moved upward, the locking recess 2a formed in the rear surface of the front edge portion 2a ₁ of the upper half member 2 the guiding boss portion 8d ₁ of the rear lid 8
₁₁ and guide boss 8d by hand or the like.
_The front cover 7 is temporarily assembled to the upper half member 2 by temporarily locking the front cover 7 to the locking recesses 2 a ₁₁ .

Next, as shown in FIG.
Of the guiding boss portion 8d ₁ remains to engage with the engaging recesses 2a ₁₁ of the upper half member 2, assembling the upper half member 2 from above the lower half member 3. At this time, the lower half member 3
Since the magnetic tape T is stored in advance, the magnetic tape T is attached to the front lid 7 and the rear lid 8 which are positioned above in the opened state.
Are not in contact with each other, so that the tape cassette 1 can be assembled reliably and securely.

[0041] Here, the leading edge portion 2a ₁ of the half member 2 is in contact with the upper end portion of the protruding portions 3p formed on the lower half member 3,
And, locking recesses _{2a 11} of the front edge 2a ₁ projecting portion 3p
It meets the upper end portion of the guide groove 3p ₁ formed in. Thus, the upper half member temporarily locked guide boss while closing the guide grooves 3p ₁ of the lower half member 3 opening the top end by the locking recess 2a ₁₁ formed in the front edge portion 2a ₁ of 2 Since 8d ₁ is guided in the guide groove 3p ₁ ,
It is possible to perform the assembling operation of the tape cassette 1 securely and quickly, without the guide boss portion 8d ₁ of the rear lid 8 comes out upward from the guide grooves 3p ₁ before the time of lid opening of the lid 7, before the lid 7 and The rear cover 8 can be sufficiently opened with a sense of security, which contributes to the improvement of the reliability and quality of the tape cassette 1.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, FIG.
When release the hand from the state to release the engagement of the guide bosses 8d ₁ of the locking recess 2a _11, together with the front cover 7 is closed by lowering the urging force of the torsion spring 10, the front lid 7
The guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d _{2 of} the rear lid 8 descend along the guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q ₁ in cooperation with, so that the tape cassette 1 reaches an assembly completed state. In this assembled state, the magnetic tape T is wound on the back side of the closed front lid 7 via the supply-side guide pole 6a along the front of the tape guide portions 3i, 3j formed on the lower half member 3. It is suspended on the guide pole 6b on the take-off side. And
When the front cover 7 is closed, the front surface of the magnetic tape T is covered and protected by the front cover 7, the upper back surface of the magnetic tape T is covered and protected by the connecting plate 9, and is lower than the upper back surface of the magnetic tape T. Is protected by being covered by a rear lid 8.

[0043] At this time, the cam portion 9a provided before the rear surface of the connecting plate 9 which is supported by the lid 7, the connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃ projecting tapered forwardly of the upper half member 2 is in contact with Therefore, the rotation of the connecting plate 9 is restricted, and the connecting plate 9 is held in a closed state while resisting the urging force of the torsion spring 11. Further, the guide bosses 8d ₁ , 8d ₂ of the rear lid 8 suspended on the connecting plate 9 are connected to the projections 3p, 3 of the lower half member 3.
It reaches the lower ends of the guide grooves 3p ₁ , 3q ₁ formed in q, and the rear lid 8 keeps the closed state by following the closed state of the connecting plate 9. The right and left movements of the rear cover 8 and the connecting plate 9 relative to the front cover 7 in the width direction are restricted by the respective connected states.

<Tape Cassette Opening Operation> Here, the tape cassette opening operation according to the present invention with the above configuration is shown in FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), 6 and 7 (A)-(C). This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are longitudinal sectional views for explaining the opening operation of the tape cassette according to the present invention. FIG. 7A shows the closed state of the front cover, the rear cover and the connecting plate, and FIG. (C) shows an open state in which the front cover is opened and the guide boss of the rear cover reaches near the upper end of the guide groove. I have. FIG. 7 (A)
The reference numerals of the respective components of the tape cassette 1 shown in (C) show the reference numerals of the left part from the center of the cassette housing 1A, and the description of the right part which is substantially symmetric with the left part will be omitted.

The state shown in FIG. 7A is the same as the state in which the front cover 7 of the tape cassette 1 described above with reference to FIG. Tape T is stretched. The coupling plate 9 is rotated supported through a shaft 9c ₁ the connecting support part 7d ₁ on the back side of the front cover 7,
The rear lid 8 to the arm portion 9d ₁ below the connecting plate 9 is suspended through a shaft 8a _1, the front cover 7 is biased in the closed direction by a torsion spring 10. Further, the protruding portion 3 of the guide boss portion 8d ₁ formed in the vicinity of the lower end of the rear lid 8 is lower half member 3
It has reached the closed lower end while fitted into the guide grooves 3p ₁ formed in the p. Also, previous front lower portion 8b ₁ of the rear lid 8 to the triangular portion 7c ₁ formed in the lower end of the lid 7 is in contact, wraps the lower end of the magnetic tape T in a sealed state, opening 3a ₁
From 3a ₃ (FIG. 6), dust, fingerprints of hands, and the like are prevented from adhering to the magnetic tape T. Then, the front surface of the magnetic tape T is covered and protected by the front lid 7, and the magnetic tape T
Is protected by being covered with a connecting plate 9 and below the upper part of the back is covered with a rear lid 8. Therefore, when the front lid 7 is closed, that is, before the magnetic tape T is inserted into the magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown), the magnetic tape T is completely protected by the front lid 7, the rear lid 8, and the connecting plate 9. Have been. The cam portion 9a provided on the rear surface of the connecting plate 9 which is supported on the front lid 7 is coupled Since connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃ projecting tapered forwardly of the upper half member 2 is in contact with plate 9 Of the rear cover 8 and the connecting plate 9 are kept closed while resisting the urging force of the torsion spring 11. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, the locked portions 8e ₁ , (8e) formed on the rear surface side of the rear lid 8 when the rear lid is opened.
₂ ) is separated from the rear lid opening locking portions 2a ₄ and (2a ₅ ) formed in front of the top plate 2a of the upper half member 2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (B), the clockwise around the tape cassette 1 is inserted into the magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus (not shown), the front cover 7 is an axial 7a ₁ The cover is opened in the direction (arrow direction). Here, as the front lid 7 is opened while resisting the urging force of the torsion spring 10, the cam portion 9 of the connecting plate 9 pivotally supported on the back side of the front lid 7.
a linking plate 9 while in contact with the connecting plate guide portion 2a ₃ of the upper half member 2 is moved upward by the urging force of the torsion spring 11,
In addition, the rear lid 8 suspended by the connecting plate 9 is connected to the shaft 8a.
Since lifted upward while rotating around the _1, guide bosses 8d ₁ formed on the rear lid 8 is guide grooves 3p ₁
Move up along. Therefore, in cooperation with the opening operation of the front lid 7, the rear lid 8 suspended from the front lid 7 via the connecting plate 9.
Although also opened cover, the two pivot axes at the time of lid opening operation of the back cover 8 (8a 1, _{9c 1)} Thus the rear lid 8 and the connecting plate 9 front cover 7
The lid can be smoothly and smoothly opened in parallel with the rear end, and the rear lid 8 has two degrees of freedom in the link mechanism. Also, the front lid 7
When the rear lid 8 is opened, the triangular portion 7 at the lower end of the front lid 7
c ₁ is opened cover so away from the front of the magnetic tape T,
On the other hand, the front lower end portion 8b ₁ of the rear lid 8 is guiding boss portion 8d
₁ because it is guided by the guide grooves 3p _1, are open lid without touching the back surface of the magnetic tape T.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (C), when the front lid 7 is opened cover More further clockwise (arrow) Figure 7 (B) about the axis 7a _1, the front cover 7 Guide bosses 8d ₁ of the lid 8 after cooperating reaches the upper end portion of the guide groove 3p _1,
And guide grooves 3p ₁ of the locking recess 2a formed in the rear surface of the front edge portion 2a ₁ of the upper half member 2 closes the upper end
The guide boss 8d ₁ of the rear lid 8 comes into contact with _11,
The rear lid 8, which has cooperated with the front lid 7, cannot reach any further open position and reaches a predetermined open position. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), when the rear cover 8 is opened via the connecting plate 9 integrally with the front cover 7, the rear cover 8 is pulled upward by the connecting plate 9, Guide bosses 8d ₁ of the lid 8 has a guide groove 3
order to receive the power to stop reached the upper end of the p ₁ at the same time,
The rear lid 8 is to be deformed so as to be lifted further upward. Here, the rear lid opening locked parts 8e ₁ , (8e) protruding from the lower rear end near the left and right ends of the rear lid 8. ₂ )
Abuts on the rear lid opening locking portions 2a ₄ and (2a ₅ ) formed at the front portion of the top plate 2a of the cassette housing 1A, so that the rear lid 8 is locked at a predetermined open position. You. Therefore, since the rear cover 8 is not pulled up further than a predetermined opening position, the lower end of the rear cover 8 is substantially straight in the width direction without bending or twisting of the rear cover 8, This can prevent permanent deformation of the rear cover 8 at a predetermined opening position of the rear cover 8 and contribute to improvement in reliability and quality of the tape cassette 1. At the same time, since no guide boss portion 8d ₁ formed on the rear lid 8 comes out of the guide grooves 3p ₁ by the front edge 2a ₁ of the upper half member 2 upwards, sufficiently with confidence front lid 7 and the rear lid 8 The lid can be opened, which can contribute to improvement in reliability and quality of the tape cassette 1.

The closing operation of the front lid 7, the rear lid 8, and the connecting plate 9 is performed by the reverse of the above-described operation, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (C) and 7 (B). Return to 7 (A).

[0050]

According to the tape cassette according to the present invention described in detail above, before the tape cassette is inserted into the magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus, the tape cassette is mounted on the back of the front lid which is openably and closably provided in front of the cassette housing. While the front of the magnetic tape can be protected by the front lid while stretching the magnetic tape along,
The upper part of the back of the magnetic tape can be protected by the connecting plate, and
Since the lower part of the lower surface of the magnetic tape can be protected by the rear lid, the magnetic tape T can be completely protected from the adhesion of dust and fingerprints of the hand, and the magnetic tape can be completely protected even if foreign matter is inserted through the opening. . Also, when the rear lid is opened via the connecting plate integrally with the front lid, the locked part for opening the rear lid formed on the rear lid is formed at the front part of the top plate part of the cassette housing. The rear lid is locked at the predetermined opening position by contacting the locking portion for opening the lid, so that the rear lid is not pulled up further than the predetermined opening position, and the rear lid is bent. The lower end of the rear lid is substantially straight in the width direction without being twisted or twisted, thereby preventing the rear lid from being permanently deformed at a predetermined opening position of the rear lid and improving the reliability of the tape cassette. And quality can be improved. Also, when the tape cassette was inserted into the magnetic recording and / or reproducing apparatus, the rear lid was suspended from the front lid via the connecting plate, so that the rear lid was directly suspended from the front lid like a conventional 8 mm tape cassette. The opening / closing operation of the rear lid and the connecting plate cooperating with the front lid has a greater degree of freedom than the above case, namely, the rotation axis between the front lid and the connecting plate, the rotation axis between the connecting plate and the rear lid, The rear lid has two degrees of freedom in the link mechanism, and the opening / closing operation of the rear lid and the connecting plate cooperating with the front lid is easily and substantially parallel to the front lid. Can be smooth.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire configuration of a tape cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a front cover, a rear cover, and the vicinity of a connecting plate which are main parts of the tape cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a locking portion for opening the rear lid of the cassette housing and a locking portion for opening the rear lid of the rear lid, which are main portions, in the tape cassette according to the present invention; It is.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette according to the present invention, in which a front cover and a connecting plate are attached to a front cover;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view for explaining an assembling order of the tape cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a state in which the rear lid of the tape cassette according to the present invention and the front lid to which the connecting plate is attached are assembled to the cassette housing.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining the opening operation of the tape cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a configuration and a cover opening operation of a conventional VHS type tape cassette.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a configuration and a cover opening operation of a conventional 8 mm tape cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... tape cassette, 1A ... cassette housing, 2 ... upper half member, 2a ... top plate portion, 2a 3 _... connecting plate guide portions, 2a
₄ , 2a ₅ ... locking part for opening the rear lid, 3 ... lower half member,
3p, 3q ... protruding portion, _3p 1, 3q 1 _... guide groove, 4 ...
Supply reel, 5 ... take-up reel, 7 ... front lid, 7d ... top plate portion, _7d 1, 7d 2 _... connecting support part, 8 ... rear cover, 8
a ₁ , 8a ₂ ... shaft, 8d ₁ , 8d ₂ ... guide boss,
8e ₁ , 8e ₂ ... locked part for opening the rear lid, 9 ... connecting plate,
9a ... cam portion, _9c 1, _9c 2 _{... shaft,} 9d _1, 9d ₂ ...
Arm part, 10 ... first biasing means (torsion spring), 11 ... second
Energizing means (torsion spring), 2a ₃ , 9a: rear lid regulating means, T: magnetic tape.

Claims (1)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. A pair of reels wound with a magnetic tape are housed in a cassette housing, and the magnetic tape is stretched along a back surface of a front cover which can be opened and closed in front of the cassette housing. A tape cassette that protects a front surface of a magnetic tape with the front cover, and protects a back surface of the magnetic tape with a connecting plate and a rear cover provided with the magnetic tape on the back surface side of the front cover, A locking portion for opening the rear cover formed at a front portion of the top plate portion of the cassette housing; and a connecting plate provided above the back surface of the front cover and formed on the back surface of the top plate portion of the front cover. A connecting plate rotatably supported by a support portion via a shaft and protecting an upper portion of the back surface of the magnetic tape when the front cover is closed, and provided below the connecting plate on the back surface of the front cover; and,
A guide boss that cooperates with the opening and closing operation of the front lid, is rotatably suspended via an axis on an arm formed on the connecting plate, and a back surface of the magnetic tape when the front lid is closed. Protects the lower part from the upper part, and abuts against the locking part for opening the rear lid when opening the front lid and is locked at a predetermined opening position. A guide groove formed in the cassette housing and fitted with a guide boss of the rear cover to guide the rear cover in the opening / closing direction; and First urging means for urging, and second urging means for moving the rear lid suspended on the connecting plate in the opening direction by urging the connecting plate toward the rear surface of the top plate portion of the front lid. And a rear lid regulating means for regulating the opening of the rear lid urged in the opening direction by the second urging means when the front lid is closed. Tape cassette characterized by doing.