JP3723969B2 - Cartridge containing magnetic recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention accommodates, for example, a recording medium equipped with optical path changing means such as a prism for optically detecting the end of a magnetic tape in a magnetic tape cartridge for digital data storage (DDS). This relates to the cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, as magnetic tape cartridges equipped with this kind of prism, (1) a prism attached separately and (2) one formed integrally with the upper shell are known. The former (1) For attaching a separate prism, for example, one having a structure as shown in FIG. 7 is a well-known technique. And in this kind of cartridge, the shell main body is comprised by uniting the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, The magnetic tape 3 wound inside the shell main body is accommodated so that driving | running | working is possible. Prisms 4 for optically detecting the end of the magnetic tape 3 are respectively attached to required positions on the upper shell 1 side, for example, left and right on the front side of the shell body.
[0003]
The prism 4 has a bowl shape as a whole, and has an entrance transmission surface 4a through which detection light from the outside is incident at one end, and the first reflection surface 4b and the second reflection at the other end. And an exit transmission surface 4d for emitting the light reflected by the second anti-slope 4c. A light guide 4e exists between the entrance transmission surface 4a and the first anti-slope 4b, and efficiently guides light incident from the entrance transmission surface 4a to the first anti-slope 4b, The light path is changed by 90 degrees on the first anti-slope 4b, reflected, and directed toward the second reflecting surface 4c. The light reflected by changing the angle of 90 degrees on the second anti-slope 4c is reflected from the exit transmission surface 4d. It is configured to be emitted to the outside.
[0004]
When the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded into a predetermined drive (drive device), the detection light 6 irradiated from the light emitting element 5a (external light source) of the optical detection means 5 provided on the drive side is incident on the entrance transmission surface of the prism 4. 4a is incident on the inside, passes through the light guide 4e, is reflected by the first reflecting surface 4b and the second reflecting surface 4c, and exits from the exit transmitting surface 4d as exiting light 6a. The exiting light 6a is magnetic. The light receiving element 5b receives light through the tape 3 to detect end information of the magnetic tape 3.
[0005]
In this case, both ends of the magnetic tape 3 are connected to a hub that is rotationally driven via a transparent leader tape, and the difference in light transmittance between the magnetic tape 3 and the leader tape, that is, the light receiving element 5b. By detecting the light amount difference of the emitted light 6a, the magnetic tape and the leader tape are clearly distinguished, and the end of the magnetic tape 3 can be detected.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 8, the prisms 4 formed separately are respectively attached to the left and right of the front side of the upper shell 1, and one of the prisms 4 is attached using FIGS. 9 to 11. An example will be described.
[0007]
A plurality of caulking bosses 7 are provided at the mounting position on the upper shell 1 side, and flange portions 9 having holes 8 through which the caulking bosses 7 are inserted protrude from both sides of the prism 4 so as to be integrated. Is formed.
[0008]
Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the prism 4 is set by inserting the caulking boss 7 into the hole 8, and, for example, by caulking the caulking boss 7 using the ultrasonic welding horn 10, As shown in FIG. 11, it is attached in a state of being pressed against the upper shell 1.
[0009]
The latter prism (2) formed integrally with the upper shell has the configuration shown in FIG. That is, when the window member 11 corresponding to the window portion 1a of the upper shell 1 is simultaneously molded with the upper shell 1 with a transparent resin, the prism portion 14 is integrally formed through the support portion 12 extended from the window member 11. What is called two-color molding.
[0010]
In the case of this two-color molding, because of its structure, the gate (gate position) for injecting the transparent resin is substantially the center of the window member 11, so that the prism portion 14 is at a relatively far position. This is a site where molding defects are likely to occur. If the molding time is lengthened in order to improve the molding defects, there is a problem that the production efficiency is lowered and the unit price per molded product is increased.
[0011]
Therefore, if the prism is molded as a separate part, the molding time is short, the cost is low, the molding conditions are easy to control, and the quality of the prism is stable. It is advantageous that it is formed and attached to the upper shell later by ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or the like, and is often employed.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of mounting and fixing by ultrasonic welding or heat welding, the vibration and heat of the welding horn 10 may be propagated to places other than the fixing portion such as the caulking boss 7, and the prism 4 and the upper shell 1. May be melted and welded, that is, the contact surface C between the upper shell 1 and the light guide portion 4e.
When the contact surface C is melted and welded in this manner, the welded surfaces become rough surfaces as a whole, and the light passing through the light guide portion 4e is irregularly reflected due to the presence of the rough surfaces. The attenuation rate of the transmitted light is increased, the light amount difference in the detection light is relatively reduced, and erroneous detection is caused.
[0013]
Therefore, in the conventional magnetic tape cartridge, when a prism formed as a separate article is retrofitted, the adverse effect of welding is prevented, the light transmittance is maintained high, and optical detection can be performed with high accuracy. Have problems that must be solved.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a specific means for solving the problems of the conventional example, the present invention is provided with a prism made of transparent resin in the shell body, and changes the optical path of incident light that enters the shell body from the external light source via the prism. A cartridge containing a recording medium that can detect various types of information by emitting the light out of the shell body and detecting the emitted light, wherein the prism transmits the incident light. Surface, a light guide portion of light transmitted through the entrance transmission surface, first and second reflection surfaces that change the optical path of light transmitted through the light guide portion by 90 degrees, and reflection reflected by these reflection surfaces An exit transmission surface that transmits light, and on the shell body side, a concave shape having a length substantially along the light guide portion is formed at a portion where the light guide portion of the prism faces. It won't contact the shell body It is intended to provide a cartridge containing a magnetic recording medium, characterized in that disposed.
[0015]
Further, in the present invention, the shell body is equipped with a prism made of transparent resin, and the optical path of incident light that enters the shell body from the external light source through the prism is changed and emitted outside the shell body. A cartridge containing a recording medium capable of detecting various kinds of information by detecting emitted light, wherein the prism transmits an entrance transmissive surface that allows the incident light to pass through, and transmits through the entrance transmissive surface. A first light guiding portion for changing the optical path of the light transmitted through the light guiding portion by 90 degrees, and an exit transmitting surface for transmitting the reflected light reflected by these reflecting surfaces. A magnetic recording medium , wherein a portion facing the shell main body is formed in a concave shape on the light guide portion side of the prism, and the light guide portion is disposed so as not to contact the shell main body. Stowed It is intended to provide the cartridges.
[0016]
In the cartridge containing the magnetic recording medium according to the present invention, when the prism formed separately is attached to the shell body (mainly the upper shell), the light guide portion is prevented from coming into contact with the shell. Even if the fixing means by heat welding is performed, the light guide part will not melt and weld, so the irregular reflection due to the rough surface will be eliminated, and the optical transmittance will be maintained with high light transmittance. It can be done with high accuracy.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to illustrated embodiments. For ease of understanding, the same parts as those in the conventional example will be described with the same reference numerals.
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a cartridge to which the present invention is applied. In this cartridge, a shell body is formed by an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 2, and the shell body is made of at least a magnetic medium. A wound magnetic tape 3 is stored so as to be able to run, and a prism 4 for optically detecting the end of the magnetic tape 3 has a required position on the upper shell 1 side, for example, left and right on the front side of the shell body. It has the structure attached to each position.
[0018]
Both ends of the magnetic tape 3 are connected to the hubs 20 and 21 via transparent leader tapes 22, respectively, and can be wound around the hubs 20 and 21 sequentially. The hubs 20 and 21 are driven by driving means from the outside, and the magnetic tape 3 is wound around one of the hubs by the driving, so that the magnetic tape 3 travels in the shell body.
[0019]
An upper sheet 23 and a lower sheet 24 for supporting the magnetic tape 3 from above and below are disposed in the shell body, and a hub block member 25 for locking the hubs 20 and 21 when not in use. Is arranged. The hub block member 25 is urged in one direction by a spring 26 to maintain a locked state so that the hubs 20 and 21 do not rotate inadvertently. Is released so that the hubs 20 and 21 can rotate.
[0020]
Further, a slider 27 is disposed outside the lower shell 2, is slidably engaged with the lower shell 2 via a slide groove 28, is urged in one direction via a slider spring 29, and does not detach. It is supported by. The slider 27 opens and closes the holes 2a and 2b provided in the lower shell. The slider 27 is provided with holes 27a and 27b corresponding to the holes, and the holes 2a and 2b of the lower shell 2 are used only when in use. It slides so that the holes 27a and 27b of the slider 27 coincide with each other, and is urged in one direction by the slider spring 29 so that these holes do not coincide when not in use. The slider 27 is locked by a lock spring 30 so as not to slide easily when not in use via an appropriate tongue member. In the figure, 31 is a safety tab.
[0021]
For each of these components, the conventional technology can be applied as it is. Then, by incorporating these components, the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 are combined, and the lid 32 is disposed on the front side of the upper and lower shells so that the lid 32 can be opened and closed, and the lid 32 is closed by the lid spring 33. In this state, the upper and lower shells are integrally coupled by a plurality of tapping screws 34.
[0022]
In the present invention, the cartridge is characterized by the prism 4 mounting structure. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the length direction of the prism 4, i. A recess 35 having a length substantially along the light guide is provided.
[0023]
The prism 4 to be attached has the same structure as the conventional example. That is, it has the entrance transmitting surface 4a at one end, the first reflecting surface 4b and the second anti-slope 4c on the other end, and the light reflected by the second anti-slope 4c. It has an exit transmission surface 4d that emits light. Further, a light guide portion 4e exists between the entrance transmission surface 4a and the first anti-slope 4b, and a flange portion having holes 8 through which the caulking bosses 7 are inserted on both sides of the light guide portion 4e. 9 is integrally formed.
[0024]
A caulking boss 7 is provided at the attachment portion on the upper shell 1 side as in the conventional example. When the prism 4 is disposed so that the caulking boss 7 is inserted into the hole 8 of the flange portion 9, The light guide 4e of the prism 4 is positioned along the recess 35 and the flange 9 is positioned so as to straddle the recess 35. In this state, the caulking boss 7 is used using an ultrasonic welding horn or the like as in the conventional example. The prism 4 is attached in a stable state by caulking.
[0025]
In this case, even if the caulking boss 7 is caulked with an ultrasonic welding horn, the light guide 4e is not in contact with the upper shell 1 due to the recess 35, so that the upper shell is not easily affected by the ultrasonic wave. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion 4e is maintained in a smooth state as manufactured.
[0026]
When the magnetic tape cartridge of the present invention configured as described above is loaded into a predetermined drive (driving device) as in the conventional example, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical detection means 5 provided on the drive side. The detection light 6 irradiated from the light emitting element 5a (external light source) enters the inside from the entrance transmission surface 4a of the prism 4 and passes through the light guide portion 4e between the first reflection surface 4b and the second reflection surface 4c. The light is reflected and emitted from the exit transmission surface 4d as outgoing light 6a, and the outgoing light 6a is received by the light receiving element 5b through the magnetic tape 3, whereby the end information of the magnetic tape 3 can be detected.
[0027]
In this detection, since the outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion 4e is maintained in a smooth state, the detection light 6 incident from the entrance transmission surface 4a is not diffusely reflected on the first anti-slope 4b. Therefore, the light transmittance can be maintained at a high level without attenuation of the amount of light, and the luminous intensity of the outgoing light 6a from the exit transmission surface 4d can be increased, whereby the magnetic tape 3 and the leader tape 22 are detected on the detection side. Therefore, the difference in brightness of the transmitted light can be made large, and optical detection can be performed with high accuracy.
[0028]
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, a recess is provided on the upper shell 1 side. However, in the second embodiment, a recess 36 is provided on the prism 4 side along the light guide portion 4e. Thus, the light guide 4e is prevented from coming into contact with the upper shell 1.
[0029]
In particular, the conventional upper shell 1 can be used as it is, and the same parts as those in the cartridge of the first embodiment can be used as they are and the same processes can be assembled only by improving the prism 4 as a part. In addition, the same effect as the cartridge, that is, optical detection can be performed with high accuracy.
[0030]
Further, the prism 4 is structurally different in that, in the attached state, a concave portion 36 is provided on the outer surface of the light guide portion 4e located on the upper shell 1 side along the length direction of the light guide portion 4e. There are other features, that is, having the entrance transmission surface 4a, the first reflection surface 4b and the second anti-slope 4c, the exit transmission surface 4d, and on both sides of the light guide 4e, The flange portion 9 having the hole 8 through which the caulking boss 7 is inserted is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0031]
As in the first embodiment, even if the caulking boss 7 is caulked with an ultrasonic welding horn, the light guide 4e is not in contact with the upper shell 1 due to the presence of the recess 36. Since the light guide 4e is not welded to the upper shell 1, the surface of the recess 36 is maintained in a smooth state as manufactured, and irregular reflection does not occur inside. .
[0032]
In any of the embodiments, the light guide portion of the prism attached to the shell main body is configured so as not to contact the shell main body (concave shape). It is not easily affected by the vibration of sound waves or heat, so it avoids the situation of welding with the shell body, eliminates distortion, surface roughness or opacification, and emits incident detection light without attenuation, optical detection Is performed with high accuracy.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the cartridge according to the present invention, the shell body is provided with the prism made of transparent resin, and the optical path of the incident light entering the shell body from the external light source through the prism is changed to change the outside of the shell body. And a cartridge containing a recording medium capable of detecting various kinds of information by detecting the emitted light, wherein the prism includes an entrance transmission surface through which the incident light passes, The light guide part of the light transmitted through the entrance transmission surface, the first and second reflection surfaces that change the optical path of the light transmitted through the light guide part by 90 degrees, and the reflected light reflected by these reflection surfaces are transmitted. An exit transmission surface, and on the shell body side, a concave shape having a length substantially along the light guide portion is formed at a portion facing the light guide portion of the prism, or on the light guide portion side of the prism The shell book A portion facing the formed into a concave shape, by the light guide portion having a configuration which is disposed so as not to contact with the shell body, the attachment of the prism, perform fixing means by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding However, it is less affected by vibration and heat, and the light guide is not melted and welded to the shell body, so that irregular reflection due to the rough surface of the light guide is eliminated and light is transmitted. This provides an excellent effect that optical detection can be performed with high accuracy while maintaining a high rate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing only a prism mounting portion in the embodiment.
3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view schematically showing a situation in which the end portion of the magnetic tape is detected by mounting the cartridge in the same embodiment in a predetermined drive.
6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing a prism mounting state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing a state in which a cartridge of a conventional example is mounted in a predetermined drive and an end portion of a magnetic tape is detected.
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an upper shell showing a prism mounting portion in the conventional cartridge.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged main part of a prism mounting portion in the conventional cartridge.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the mounting state of the prism of the conventional example.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a mounting state of the prism of the conventional example.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of only a main part in which a prism formed by other means of a conventional example is exploded and shown.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 upper shell; 2 lower shell; 2a, 2b, 8, 27a, 27b holes;
3 magnetic tape; 4 prism; 4a entrance transmission surface; 4b first reflection surface 4c second reflection surface; 4d exit transmission surface; 4e light guide;
5 optical detection means; 5a light emitting element; 5b light receiving element; 6 detection light;
6a outgoing light; 7 boss for caulking; 9 flange; 20, 21 hub;
22 Leader tape; 23 Upper sheet; 24 Lower sheet;
25 Havelock member; 26 Spring; 27 Slider;
28 Slide groove; 29 Slider spring;
30 lock spring; 31 safety tab; 32 lid;
33 Lid spring; 34 Tapping screw; 35, 36 Recess;
C Contact surface

Claims (2)

The shell body is equipped with a prism made of transparent resin, and by changing the optical path of incident light entering the shell body from the external light source via the prism, the light is emitted out of the shell body, and this emitted light is detected. A cartridge containing a recording medium capable of detecting various types of information,
The prism includes an entrance transmission surface that allows the incident light to pass through, a light guide portion of light that has passed through the entrance transmission surface, and first and second light paths that change the light path of light that has passed through the light guide portion by 90 degrees. And an exit transmission surface that transmits the reflected light reflected by these reflection surfaces,
On the shell body side, a concave shape having a length substantially along the light guide portion is formed at a portion where the light guide portion of the prism faces.
A cartridge containing a magnetic recording medium, wherein the light guide section is disposed so as not to contact the shell body. The shell body is equipped with a prism made of transparent resin, and by changing the optical path of incident light entering the shell body from the external light source via the prism, the light is emitted out of the shell body, and this emitted light is detected. A cartridge containing a recording medium capable of detecting various types of information,
The prism includes an entrance transmission surface that allows the incident light to pass through, a light guide portion of light that has passed through the entrance transmission surface, and first and second light paths that change the light path of light that has passed through the light guide portion by 90 degrees. And an exit transmission surface that transmits the reflected light reflected by these reflection surfaces,
On the light guide side of the prism, a portion facing the shell body is formed in a concave shape,
The light guide is disposed so as not to contact the shell body.
A cartridge containing a magnetic recording medium characterized by the above.

Images