JPH06208776A - Tape cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a tape cassette which can use both metal shutter and resin shutter in which problems caused by a thick resin shutter are solved. CONSTITUTION:In a tape cassette where the opening 7 of a cassette body 2 is opened/closed by means of a front cover 10 and a shutter 30, a reference plane 41 for determining the cassette height is formed on the bottom face of the cassette body while a reference face 40 for sliding the shutter 30 is formed thereabout and the shutter 30 is formed of a resin. A pair of reel base insertion holes 33 of the shutter 30 are formed into right circles and inclining faces 60, 61 are formed at the peripheral face of the reel base insertion hole 33 and at the peripheral part 61 of the hub part 6a each of the pair of tape reels 6.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape cassette such as a digital audio tape (DAT) cassette.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a DAT cassette capable of recording and reproducing by using a digital signal is known. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31. In FIG. 29, reference numeral 100 denotes a DAT cassette (tape cassette), which is a casing type cassette body 1 made of synthetic resin upper and lower shells.
Has 01. A pair of tape reels 1 each having a magnetic tape (not shown) wound inside the cassette body 101.
02 and 102 are rotatably housed. A front lid (lid) 103 for opening and closing an opening (not shown) formed on the front side of the cassette body 101 is supported rotatably upward from the horizontal direction.

The bottom surface 10 of the cassette body 101 is also
On the front surface 1a, a shutter 104 of a synthetic resin-made front-faced type is slidably supported in the front-rear direction. This shutter 1
A pair of reel stand insertion holes 104a, 10
4a is formed, and a pair of long grooves 104b, 104b having a concave cross section is formed on the bottom surface thereof from the position near each reel base insertion hole 104a to the front end. A pair of engaging holes 104c and 104d are formed at two positions near the rear end and the front end of each long groove 104b. Notches 103a and 103a are formed in the lower edge of the front lid 103 facing the pair of long grooves 104b and 104b. Also,
The pair of long grooves 104b, 10 of the shutter 104 when closed
On the bottom surface 101a of the cassette body 101 facing the engaging holes 104c on the rear end side of the base plate 4b, the elastic piece 1 having elasticity by the slits 101b each having a flat U-shape in the front and rear direction.
01c is formed. A claw portion 101d is integrally projectingly formed on the outer end of each elastic piece 101c. And
Claw portion 10 of each elastic piece 101c of the cassette body 101
1d engages with the engagement hole 104c on the rear end side of each long groove 104b of the shutter 104, whereby the shutter 10
The closed state of No. 4 is locked, and the open state of the shutter 104 is locked by engaging with the engagement hole 104d on the front end side of each long groove 104b.
The shutter 104 is always biased in the closing direction by an elastic means such as a spring (not shown).

[0004]

However, in the conventional DAT cassette 100, the open state of the shutter 104 is locked by the claw portions 101d of the pair of elastic pieces 101c, 101c integrally formed on the bottom surface 101a of the cassette body 101. Therefore, each of the claw portions 101d causes each of the engagement holes 104d on the front end side of the pair of long grooves 104b, 104b of the shutter 104 due to vibration or the like when the DAT cassette 100 is attached to a recording / reproducing apparatus such as a digital VTR. There is a risk that the shutter 104 may be closed because the vehicle easily gets over the vehicle. Further, each long groove 104 is formed in the shutter 104.
Since the thickness for forming b is indispensable, the thickness of the shutter 104 becomes large, which hinders the reduction of the thickness of the cassette body 101. Further, when the shutter 104 is made of synthetic resin, the design flexibility of the entire cassette becomes narrow. In addition, the lock of the opening and closing of this metal shutter,
It is difficult to apply the structure to the claw portion of the elastic piece of the cassette body 101 or the long groove of the shutter 104 made of synthetic resin, and the cassette body 101 made of synthetic resin may be changed due to the edge portion of the metal shutter 104. It is necessary to solve various problems such as not being scraped off.

Therefore, according to the present invention, both the shutter made of metal and the shutter made of resin can be used and the degree of freedom in design can be greatly expanded. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tape cassette which solves various problems caused by the above.

[0006]

A pair of tape reels around which a tape is wound are rotatably accommodated in a casing type cassette body, and an opening for exposing the tape is formed on the front side of the cassette body. , The top side and the front side of the opening can be opened and closed by a lid, and a shutter for opening and closing the bottom side of the opening according to the opening and closing operation of the lid can be slid on the bottom side of the cassette body. In the tape cassette, wherein the bottom side of the opening is closed by the shutter when the lid is closed, and the tape exposed in the opening is completely closed by the lid and the shutter. Form the cassette height determination reference surface on the bottom,
A position where a slide reference surface on which the shutter slides is formed around the cassette height determining reference surface, the shutter is made of resin, and faces the hub portions of the pair of tape reels of the resin shutter. A pair of perfect circular hole reel stand insertion holes are formed in the.

Further, the tape reel is biased toward the bottom side of the cassette body by a reel pressing spring.
Further, the peripheral surface of the reel stand insertion hole is formed as an inclined surface. Furthermore, a peripheral edge portion where the bottom surface and the side surface of the hub portion of the tape reel contact each other is formed as an inclined surface.

Further, a recess is formed on the inner surface of the shutter, which is continuous from the portion of the tape reel facing the hub portion when the shutter closes the opening to the reel base insertion hole. Further, a dustproof rib is provided in a portion of the reel base insertion hole formed in the bottom surface of the cassette body facing the bottom surface of each hub portion of each tape reel when the shutter closes the opening portion and located in the recess. Each is formed.

[0009]

Since the cassette height determining reference surface is formed on the bottom surface of the cassette body and the slide reference surface on which the shutter slides is formed around the cassette height determining reference surface, the overall size of the cassette body can be maintained. Various types of shutters having different wall thicknesses are used. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the cassette body is greatly expanded. Also,
Even if the thickness of the shutter is changed, the opening of the cassette body is surely opened and closed by the shutter, and there is no problem even if the same recording / reproducing apparatus is mounted with the cassette bodies having the respective shutters having different thicknesses. Even if the shutter is made of resin, the reel base insertion holes of a pair of perfect circular holes are formed at the positions facing the hub portions of the pair of tape reels. good.

Further, since the tape reel is urged toward the bottom surface of the cassette body, it is resistant to vibrations and the like, and the tape cassette can be smoothly attached to the recording / reproducing apparatus. Further, since the peripheral surface of the reel stand insertion hole or the peripheral portion of the hub portion of the tape reel is formed as an inclined surface, the shutter slides smoothly.

Further, a concave portion extending to each reel stand insertion hole of the shutter when closed is formed at a position of the inner surface of the resin shutter facing the respective reel stand insertion holes of the bottom surface of the cassette body, and the bottom face of the cassette body. Since ribs projecting into the recesses of the shutter are formed around the reel base insertion holes, the shutter opening / closing operation is performed smoothly, and the opening of the cassette body and the reel base insertion holes are surely opened / closed. It As a result, when the shutter is closed, the inside of the cassette body is in a substantially completely sealed state, and dust is reliably prevented.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 13 show a first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a DAT cassette (tape cassette), and its cassette body 2 is formed in a casing type by upper and lower shells 3 and 4 made of synthetic resin. A pair of tape reels 6 and 6 around which a magnetic tape 5 is wound is rotatably housed in the casing type cassette body 2. The magnetic tape 5 has an opening 7 formed on the front side of the cassette body 2.
Part of it is exposed. This opening 7 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the lower shell 4 is formed by a partition wall 8 which is erected in the approximate center of the front side of the lower shell 4 so as to be recessed rearward, and most of the upper surface side is the front side of the substantially plate-shaped upper shell 3. Is covered. Front end portions 8a, 8a of both side walls of the partition wall 8 serve as a tape inlet / outlet for the opening portion 7 integrally formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

The upper surface and the front surface side of the opening 7 are opened and closed by a front cover (cover) 10. This front lid 10 is made of synthetic resin, and its both sides 10a, 1
Support shafts 10 that are integrally projecting from the inner surfaces of
b and 10b are fitted into the insertion holes 4b 'and 4b' formed on the front sides of the side walls 4b and 4b of the lower shell 4, respectively. As a result, the front lid 10 has the pair of support shaft portions 10
By swinging upward from the horizontal direction around b and 10b, the opening 7 is opened and closed except for the bottom side. Further, the front lid 10 has at least one of the support shaft portions 1
The torsion coil spring 11 wound around 0b is always biased in the closing direction. The cassette body 2 is a pair of reel stands 51 on the chassis 50 of the recording / reproducing apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 10, when one side part 10a of the front lid 10 is lifted by the lid opening / closing pin 52 arranged at a predetermined height on the chassis 50 when it is mounted on the cassette 51 via the cassette holder 56, as shown in FIG. The front lid 10 is opened against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 11.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower shell 4 is
Is formed in a box-like shape in which the upper surface side is opened by the partition wall 8 integrally formed on the front side of the bottom wall 4A, both side walls 4b, 4b, and the rear wall 4c, and is formed in the approximate center of the bottom wall 4A. A pair of reel holder insertion springs 12, 1 welded to the pair of reel stand insertion holes 12, 12 and a pair of bosses 3a, 3a of the upper shell 3.
The hub portions (reel base receiving portions) 6a of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 are rotatably supported between the hubs 3 and 3, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, when the cassette body 2 is mounted on the chassis 50 of the recording / reproducing apparatus, the lower portion of each hub portion 6a of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 has the chassis 5
A pair of reel stands 51, 51 rotatably supported on
It is designed to be fitted to. Further, a plurality of tooth portions 6c, 6c, ... Are formed on the outer peripheral portion of each lower flange 6b of the pair of tape reels 6, 6.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bottom wall 4 is provided at the center of the bottom wall 4A of the lower shell 4 on the rear wall 4c side.
A pair of guide walls 4d, 4d are integrally projected from A. A reel lock member 14 is slidably arranged in the front-rear direction between the pair of guide walls 4d. The reel lock member 14 is formed of a synthetic resin in a generally U-shape, and a pair of locking claws 1 which are engaged with and disengaged from the tooth portions 6c of the flanges 6b of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 are provided on the front side thereof.
It has 5,15. Also, this reel lock member 1
A compression coil spring (biasing means) 16 as a reel lock spring is interposed between the rear wall 4 and the rear wall 4c. The compression coil spring 16 urges the pair of locking claws 15, 15 of the reel lock member 14 so as to always lock with the tooth portions 6c of the lower flanges 6b of the pair of tape reels 6, 6. Accordingly, the rotation of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 in the feeding direction of the magnetic tape 5 is restricted. A rectangular reel lock release hole 17 is formed in the bottom wall 4A of the lower shell 4 facing the recess 14a of the reel lock member 14. Through this release hole 17, a reel lock release claw (reel lock release member) 53, which is erected on the chassis 50 of the recording / reproducing apparatus and has a tapered upper rear side, is inserted, and the reel lock release portion 53a on the upper side thereof is connected to the reel. The reel lock member 14 is inserted into the recess 14a of the lock member 14 and retracts against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 16. As a result, the pair of locking claws 15, 15 of the reel lock member 14 are separated from the tooth portions 6c of the lower flanges 6b of the pair of tape reels 6, 6. As shown in FIG. 2, an IC memory terminal 18 is embedded in the center of the bottom surface 4a of the bottom wall 4A of the lower shell 4 between the pair of reel base insertion holes 12, 12.

Further, the bottom side of the opening 7 of the cassette body 2 is opened and closed by a metal (sheet metal) shutter 20. The shutter 20 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is formed in a substantially square front shape with a bottom piece portion 21 and both side piece portions 22, 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the two side pieces 22, 22 of the shutter 20 slide in the front-rear direction along the respective shutter receiving surfaces 19, 19 which are formed with steps on both side surfaces of the cassette body 2. It is supposed to do. The engaging projection 22a formed at the center of each side piece 22 slides along the guide groove 19a of each shutter receiving surface 19 and is bent and formed inward at the upper edge of each side piece 22. The engaging piece portion 22b is inserted and engaged with the elongated groove 19b formed in the upper portion of each shutter receiving surface 19.

Both corners on the rear side of the bottom piece 21 of the shutter 20 are notched, and a shutter receiving surface (dotted in FIG. 6) is formed on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 of the cassette body 2 as a slide reference surface. (Shown by) 40 is slidable. The shutter receiving surface 40 of the lower shell 4 has a cassette height determining reference surface 41 (see FIG. 6) formed at each corner portion thereof.
(Shown with diagonal lines) is a surface that projects slightly outward. A pair of front and rear cassette positioning reference holes 42, 42 and 43, 43 having a long hole shape and a round hole shape are formed on the respective cassette height determining reference surfaces 41 on the front side and the rear side of each corner portion. The front and rear cassette height determining reference surfaces 41 of the respective corners are formed at the same height, but a pair of front and rear positioning pins 54, 54 on the chassis 50 of the recording / reproducing apparatus and By changing the heights of 55 and 55, the position height surfaces of the front and rear cassette height determining reference surfaces 41 may be changed respectively in the front and rear.

Further, at a position corresponding to the pair of reel base insertion holes 12, 12 of the bottom piece 21 of the shutter 20, the IC memory terminal 18, and the reel lock release hole 17,
A pair of reel stand insertion holes 23, 23, an elliptical hole 24, and a rectangular engaging hole 25 are formed respectively. The reel lock releasing claw 53 is inserted and engaged in the engaging hole 25, and a bent portion 25a is formed in a portion of the reel lock releasing claw 53 with which the shutter lock portion 53b abuts. On the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 facing the bent portion 25a of the engagement hole 25, there is formed an escape groove portion 4e extending in the front-rear direction across the reel lock release hole 17. Further, on both sides of the front edge of the bottom piece portion 21 of the shutter 20, a pair of cutout portions 26, 26 and a pair of locked piece portions 27, in that order from the outside.
27 and a pair of shutter pressing pieces 28, 28 are formed respectively. The narrowed portions 26a are formed around the pair of notches 26, 26 to reduce the gap between the lower shell 4 and the bottom surface 4a. The shutter 20 is biased by a shutter return torsion coil spring 29 so as to always close the bottom side of the opening 7.

A pair of elastic pieces 4 are formed on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 so as to face the pair of cutout portions 26, 26 and the pair of locked piece portions 27, 27 of the shutter 20 on both front sides.
5 and 45 are integrally projected. Each elastic piece 45 is divided into a portion facing the cutout portion 26 and the locked piece 27 through a slit 44 having a substantially C-shape, and is arranged in a row at a position facing the cutout portion 26 in order from the front side. , A mountain-shaped first cam surface portion 46 having front and rear inclined surfaces 46a and 46b, and a mountain-shaped second cam surface portion 47 having front and rear inclined surfaces 47a and 47b, respectively, are formed integrally with each other, and A triangular block-shaped first lock portion 48 having inclined surfaces 48b on the rear side in order from the front side in a row at a position facing the lock piece portion 27.
And a second triangular block having a slanted surface 49a on the front side.
The lock parts 49 are integrally formed by projecting. The elastic pieces 45 are elastically deformed upward when the trapezoidal release projections 57 of the cassette holder 56 of the recording / reproducing apparatus are brought into contact with the cam surface portions 46 and 47 of the elastic pieces 45.
At this time, each shutter pressing piece 58 of the cassette holder 56 presses each shutter pressed piece 28 of the shutter 20, so that the shutter 20 is moved in the opening direction against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 29. ing.

A pair of groove portions 4f, 4f are formed on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 at positions facing the pair of cutout portions 26, 26 of the shutter 20.
A pair of groove portions 4g, 4g are formed at positions opposed to the pair of shutter pressed piece portions 28, 28. A pair of cutouts 10c, 10c are formed at positions of the shutter 20 of the front lid 10 that face the pair of cutouts 26, 26, and a pair of shutter-pressed pieces 28, 28 of the shutter 20 are pressed. A pair of notches 10d, 1 at a position facing each other.
0d is formed.

According to the DAT cassette 1 of the first embodiment and the recording / reproducing apparatus such as digital audio using the cassette 1, when the DAT cassette 1 is inserted into the cassette holder 56 of the recording / reproducing apparatus, a pair of cassette holders 56 are inserted. The unlocking projections 57, 57 unlock the shutter 20 in the closed state. That is, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the first of the pair of elastic pieces 45, 45 of the cassette body 2
A pair of locked piece portions 27, 27 of the shutter 20 are locked to the front end 48a of the lock portion 48 so that the opening portion 7 opens the shutter 2.
When the cassette body 2 is inserted into the cassette holder 56 in the closed lock state closed by 0, the pair of release projections 57, 57 of the cassette holder 56 causes the cassette holder 56 to move as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, each of the elastic pieces 45 is pushed upward to release the closed lock state. Then, when the cassette body 2 is further inserted into the cassette holder 56, the pair of shutter pressing pieces 5 of the cassette holder 56 are inserted.
8, 58, a pair of shutter-pressed piece portions 2 of the shutter 20.
By pressing 8, 28, the shutter 20 slides on the shutter receiving surface 40 on the bottom surface 4a side of the cassette body 2 to open the bottom surface side of the opening 7.

When the shutter 20 opens the opening 7, the open lock state of the shutter 20 is as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13C.
As shown in FIG. 6, each locked piece portion 27 of the shutter 20 is held by being brought into contact with and locked to the rear end 49b of the second lock portion 49 of each elastic piece 45 of the cassette body 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, each locked piece portion 27 of the shutter 20 is pressed against the rear end 49b side of the second lock portion 49 of each elastic piece 45 of the cassette body 2 by the biasing force of the shutter return torsion coil spring 29. At the same time, each shutter pressing piece 28 of the shutter 20 is in contact with each shutter pressing piece 58 of the cassette holder 56.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cassette body 2
From the state where the bottom surface side of the opening 7 of the cassette is opened by the shutter 20, the cassette holder 56 is placed on the chassis 50, and
When descending to the 1,51 side, the chassis 5
Reel lock releasing part 5 of reel lock releasing claw 53 on 0
The reel lock member 14 is fixed to the compression coil spring 16 by 3a.
It is moved backward in the cassette body 2 against the compressive force of. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pair of locking claws 15 and 15 of the reel lock member 14 are disengaged from the tooth portions 6c of the lower flanges 6b of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6, respectively. The locked state of the reels 6 and 6 is released.

The cassette body 2 is provided on the chassis 50 with a pair of front and rear positioning pins 54, 54 and 55, 55.
Immediately before being positioned and attached to the shutter lock portion 53b, the shutter lock portion 53b of the reel lock release claw 53 pushes the bent portion 25a of the engagement hole 25 of the shutter 20 slightly rearward so that the shutter 20 is unlocked as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, it is slightly moved backward from the state. In this state, the shutter 20 is locked in the open state on the chassis 50 side of the recording / reproducing apparatus (this chassis 50
In the open lock state of the shutter 20 on the side, the positioning pins 54 and 55 are inserted into the positioning reference holes 42 and 43 of the cassette body 2 so that the cassette body 2 cannot move in the left-right direction shown in FIG. ).

In the open lock state of the shutter 20 by the reel lock release claw 53 of the recording / reproducing apparatus, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
7, 27 and a pair of shutter pressed piece portions 28, 28 are
The pair of elastic pieces 45, 45 of the cassette body 2 are slightly separated from the rear ends 49b, 49b of the second lock portions 49, 49 and the pair of shutter pressing pieces 58, 58 of the cassette holder 56, and the pair of elastic pieces of the cassette body 2 are separated. The shutter 20 is not locked by the second lock portions 49, 49 of the pieces 45, 45. As a result, when the recording / reproducing apparatus of the cassette body 2 is mounted, the pair of elastic pieces 4 made of synthetic resin is used.
Since the pair of locked pieces 27, 27 of the metal shutter 20 does not apply a force to the parts 5, 5, 45, the pair of elastic pieces 45, 45 made of the synthetic resin are easily deformed due to temperature change.
The thermal deformation of can be reliably prevented.

As described above, since the reel lock release claw 53 on the recording / reproducing apparatus side holds the open lock state of the shutter 20, the cassette body 2 is attached to the recording / reproducing apparatus side.
It is possible to reliably prevent the shutter 20 from being closed due to an impact or the like after the mounting. Further, since the shutter 20 is formed of a metal plate, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the shutter 20. Furthermore, an engaging hole 25 into which the reel lock releasing claw 53 is inserted and engaged is formed in the metallic shutter 20, and the shutter lock portion 53b of the reel lock releasing claw 53 of the engaging hole 25 is abutted. Since the bent portion 25a is formed in the contacting portion or the escape groove portion 4e is formed on the bottom surface 4a side of the synthetic resin cassette main body 2 facing the bent portion 25a, the metal shutter 20 allows the synthetic resin cassette main body to be formed. 2 is never scraped off.

Further, the reel lock release claw 53 has
A reel lock releasing portion 53a for releasing the locked state of the pair of tape reels 6, 6 and a shutter lock portion 53b for holding the open locked state of the shutter 20 are provided, and one reel lock releasing claw 53 has the above two functions. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced by that amount, and the structure of the entire recording / reproducing apparatus can be further simplified and the cost can be further reduced.

14 to 20 show a DAT cassette 1'of the second embodiment. The cassette body 2 of this DAT cassette 1'is formed to have the same overall size as the cassette body 2 of the first embodiment. The bottom surface side of the opening 7 of the cassette body 2 is opened and closed by a shutter 30 made of synthetic resin. The shutter 30 is formed by molding resin molding and has a bottom piece portion 31 and both side piece portions 32, 32 formed in a generally square front shape. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 19, the both side pieces 32 and 32 of the shutter 30 made of synthetic resin are formed along the respective shutter receiving surfaces 19 and 19 formed with steps on both side surfaces of the cassette body 2. It is designed to slide back and forth. An engaging piece portion 32b formed integrally with the upper edge of each side piece portion 32 so as to vertically project inward.
Is an elongated groove 19 formed on the top of each shutter receiving surface 19.
It is inserted and engaged with b.

Both corners on the rear side of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 are notched, and as shown in FIG. 18, a shutter as a slide reference surface formed on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 of the cassette body 2. It is slidable on the receiving surface 40. The shutter receiving surface 40 of the lower shell 4 has a cassette height determining reference surface 41 (see FIG. 1) formed at each corner portion thereof.
8 is indicated by a one-dot chain diagonal line). The height from the upper surface of the upper shell 4 of the shutter receiving surface 40 of the cassette body 2 and the cassette height determining reference surface 41 is the cassette height reference surface of the cassette body 2 of the first embodiment shown by hatching in FIG. It is formed at the same height (common) as the height of 41.
As in the first embodiment, the cassette height determining reference surfaces 41 on the front and rear sides of the respective corners are provided with a pair of front and rear cassette positioning reference holes 42, 4 in the shape of an elongated hole or a round hole.
2 and 43, 43 are formed respectively. Further, at the positions corresponding to the pair of reel base insertion holes 12, 12 of the lower shell 4 of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30, the IC memory terminal 18, and the reel lock release hole 17, as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of reel stand insertion holes 33, 33, an elliptical hole 34, and a rectangular engaging hole 35 are formed.

Each reel stand insertion hole 3 of this shutter 30
Similar to the first embodiment, 3 and 33 are true circular holes, and are provided at positions facing the respective hub portions 6a of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 in the shutter open state. Therefore, when the shutter 30 is closed, the reel base insertion hole 12,
Twelve are completely closed. In addition, the peripheral surface of each reel stand insertion hole 33, 33 and each tape reel 6, 6
The bottom surface of the hub portion 6a and the peripheral edge portion contacting the side surface are both formed by the inclined surfaces 60 and 61.

Therefore, when the resin shutter 30 is used, the bottom surface of the lower shell 4 is formed to be thin, and in the open state, the lower portion of the hub portion 6a of the tape reels 6, 6 protrudes from the reel base insertion holes 12, 12. However, when the shutter 30 shifts from the open state to the closed state, the inclined surface 60 of the shutter 30 abuts on the inclined surface 61 of the hub portion 6a and the reel pressing spring 13 is pressed.
By lifting the hub portion 6a against the spring force of, the slide smoothly. In the second embodiment, both the shutter 30 and the hub portion 6a are provided with the inclined surfaces 60 and 61.
However, one of them may be formed on the inclined surface.

The reel lock releasing claw 53 of the recording / reproducing apparatus is inserted and engaged in the engaging hole 35 as in the first embodiment, and the shutter lock portion 53b of the reel lock releasing claw 53 is used in the first embodiment. Similarly, the open lock state of the shutter 30 made of synthetic resin is maintained. Further, a pair of notches 36, 36, a pair of locked pieces 37, 37, and a pair of shutter pressed portions 38, 38 are formed on both sides of the front edge of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 in this order from the outside. is there. The shutter 30 is always biased by a shutter return torsion coil spring 39 in a direction to close the bottom surface side of the opening 7. Since the other construction is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

In the DAT cassettes 1, 1'of the first and second embodiments, the cassette height determining reference surface 41 of each cassette body 2, 2 and each cassette positioning reference hole 4 are provided.
2, 43, each elastic piece 45 for locking and releasing the shutter open / closed state, each reel stand 51 on the recording / reproducing apparatus side using each of the DAT cassettes 1 and 1 ′, the reel lock releasing claw 53, and the like are made common. Therefore, both the shutters 20 and 30 of the metal shutter 20 and the synthetic resin shutter 30 having different wall thicknesses are not changed without changing the overall dimensions of the cassette bodies 2 and 2 of the DAT cassettes 1 and 1 '. It is possible to use both DAT cassettes 1 and 1'in one recording / reproducing apparatus. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing each cassette body 2 can be greatly expanded. Further, even with the shutters 20 and 30 having different wall thicknesses, the opening 7 on the front side of each cassette body 2 and the pair of reel base insertion holes 12 and 12 can be opened and closed surely, and one recording / reproducing apparatus can be provided. Even if each cassette body 2 is attached, no trouble occurs.

As described above, since both the metal shutter shutter 20 and the resin shutter shutter 30 having different wall thicknesses can be used without changing the overall size of each cassette body 2, a high-class feeling can be obtained. Metal shutter 20 if you want
When it is desired to reduce the price, the resin shutter 30 can be used properly. Further, when the metal shutter 20 is used, the throttle portions 26a for filling the gap with the bottom surface 4a side of the cassette body 2 are integrally formed at the edges of the pair of notches 26, 26 on both sides of the front end thereof. Outside air is less likely to enter through the gap between the bottom surface 4a of the cassette body 2 and the shutter 20 made of metal, and dust and the like can be reliably prevented from attaching to the magnetic tape 5.

21 to 28 show a DAT cassette 1 "of the third embodiment. The cassette body 2 of the DAT cassette 1" is formed to have the same overall size as the cassette body 2 of the first embodiment. There is. The bottom surface side of the opening 7 of the cassette body 2 is opened and closed by a shutter 30 made of synthetic resin. The shutter 30 is formed by molding resin molding and has a bottom piece portion 31 and both side piece portions 32, 32 formed in a generally square front shape. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 27, the both side pieces 32 and 32 of the shutter 30 made of synthetic resin are formed along the respective shutter receiving surfaces 19 and 19 formed with steps on both side surfaces of the cassette body 2. It is designed to slide back and forth. An engaging piece portion 32b formed integrally with the upper edge of each side piece portion 32 so as to vertically project inward.
Is an elongated groove 19 formed on the top of each shutter receiving surface 19.
It is inserted and engaged with b.

Both corners on the rear side of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 are notched, and as shown in FIG. 26, the shutter serving as a slide reference surface formed on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 of the cassette body 2. It is slidable on the receiving surface 40. The shutter receiving surface 40 of the lower shell 4 has a cassette height determining reference surface 41 (FIG. 2) formed at each corner portion thereof.
6 is indicated by a one-dot chain diagonal line). The height from the upper surface of the upper shell 4 of the shutter receiving surface 40 of the cassette body 2 and the cassette height determining reference surface 41 is the cassette height reference surface of the cassette body 2 of the first embodiment shown by hatching in FIG. It is formed at the same height (common) as the height of 41.
As in the first embodiment, the cassette height determining reference surfaces 41 on the front and rear sides of the respective corners are provided with a pair of front and rear cassette positioning reference holes 42, 4 in the shape of an elongated hole or a round hole.
2 and 43, 43 are formed respectively. Further, the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 is located at a position corresponding to the pair of reel base insertion holes 12, 12 of the lower shell 4, the IC memory terminal 18, and the reel lock release hole 17 as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of reel stand insertion holes 33, 33, an elliptical hole 34, and a rectangular engaging hole 35 are formed.

Each reel stand insertion hole 3 of this shutter 30
Similar to the first embodiment, 3 and 33 are true circular holes and are formed at positions facing the respective hub portions 6a of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 in the shutter open state. Therefore, when the shutter 30 is closed, the reel stand insertion holes 12, 12 on the bottom surface 4a of the cassette body 2 are completely closed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, when the shutter 30 closes the opening 7 of the cassette body 2, the portions of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 that face the hub portions 6a, that is, the lower portion of the cassette body 2 are shown. Recesses 70 are formed on the inner surface 31a of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30, which is continuous from the pair of reel base insertion holes 12, 12 formed on the bottom surface 4a of the shell 4 to each reel base insertion hole 33. Further, the hub portions 6a of the pair of tape reels 6 and 6 when the shutter 30 closes the opening 7 of the cassette body 2.
A bottom surface 71 of the cassette main body 2 is formed on the bottom surface 4a of the reel base insertion hole 12 on the periphery of the reel base insertion hole 33 of the shutter 30 to the inner surface of each recess 70 in a substantially semi-circular shape. The extending dustproof ribs 72 are formed integrally with each other.

Therefore, when the resin shutter 30 is used, the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 is formed to be thin, and in the open state, the bottom surface 71 of each hub portion 6a of the pair of tape reels 6, 6 has a pair of reels. Although it projects out from the table insertion holes 12 and 12, when the shutter 30 shifts from the open state to the closed state,
The recess 70 formed on the inner surface 31a of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 allows the shutter 30 to slide smoothly without hitting the inner surface 31a. The gap between the recess 70 of the shutter 30 and the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4 of the cassette body 2 is defined by the reel base insertion holes 1 on the bottom surface 4a of the lower shell 4.
The ribs 72 projecting to the periphery of 2 ensure dust protection.

The reel lock releasing claw 53 of the recording / reproducing apparatus is inserted and engaged in the engaging hole 35 as in the first embodiment, and the shutter lock portion 53b of the reel lock releasing claw 53 is used in the first embodiment. Similarly, the open lock state of the shutter 30 made of synthetic resin is maintained. Further, a pair of notches 36, 36, a pair of locked pieces 37, 37, and a pair of shutter pressed portions 38, 38 are formed on both sides of the front edge of the bottom piece 31 of the shutter 30 in this order from the outside. is there. The shutter 30 is always biased by a shutter return torsion coil spring 39 in a direction to close the bottom surface side of the opening 7. Since the other construction is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

Also in the DAT cassette 1 "of the third embodiment, similar to the DAT cassettes 1 and 1'of the first and second embodiments, the cassette height determining reference surface 41 of each cassette main body 2, Each cassette positioning reference hole 42, 43,
Each elastic piece 45 for locking and releasing the shutter open / closed state
And reel bases 51 and reel lock release claws 5 on the recording / reproducing apparatus side using the respective DAT cassettes 1, 1 ', 1 "
Since 3 and the like are made common, the metal shutter 20 and the synthetic resin shutter 30 having different wall thicknesses can be used without changing the overall size of each cassette body 2 of the DAT cassettes 1, 1 ', 1 ". Both shutters 20 and 30 can be used respectively, and both DAT cassettes 1, 1'and 1 "can be used in one recording / reproducing apparatus. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing each cassette body 2 can be greatly expanded. Further, even with the shutters 20 and 30 having different wall thicknesses, the opening 7 on the front side of each cassette body 2 and the pair of reel base insertion holes 12 and 12 can be opened and closed surely, and one recording / reproducing apparatus can be provided. Even if each cassette body 2 is attached, no trouble occurs.

As described above, since both the metal shutter shutter 20 and the resin shutter shutter 30 having different wall thicknesses can be used without changing the overall size of each cassette body 2, a high-class feeling is obtained. Metal shutter 20 if you want
When it is desired to reduce the price, the resin shutter 30 can be used properly. Further, when the metal shutter 20 is used, the throttle portions 26a for filling the gap with the bottom surface 4a side of the cassette body 2 are integrally formed at the edges of the pair of notches 26, 26 on both sides of the front end thereof. Outside air is less likely to enter through the gap between the bottom surface 4a of the cassette body 2 and the shutter 20 made of metal, and dust and the like can be reliably prevented from attaching to the magnetic tape 5.

Further, the bottom piece 31 of the resin shutter 30 is used.
Bottom wall 4 of lower shell 4 of cassette body 2 on inner surface 31a of
A recess 70 extending to each reel stand insertion hole 33 of the shutter 30 when closed is formed at a position facing each reel stand insertion hole 12 of the bottom face 4a of A, and the bottom surface 4a of the bottom wall 4A of the lower shell 4 is formed. Since the ribs 72 projecting into the recess 70 of the shutter 30 are integrally formed around the reel base insertion holes 12, the opening and closing operations of the shutter 30 can be smoothly performed, and the opening 7 of the cassette body 2 and Each reel stand insertion hole 12 can be surely opened and closed. As a result, the ribs 72 reliably prevent dust and the like from entering the cassette body 2 from the reel stand insertion hole 12 side of the cassette body 2 through the recess 70 of the shutter 30 when the shutter 30 is closed. Can be dustproof.

Although the DAT cassette has been described in each of the above embodiments, the tape cassette is not limited to the DAT cassette, and a tape cassette such as a so-called 8 mm tape cassette as a video tape cassette is used in each of the above embodiments. May be applied. Further, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the lid body is composed of the front lid, but the lid body may be composed of the front lid and the upper lid.

[0045]

As described above, according to the present invention, a pair of tape reels around which a tape is wound are rotatably housed in a casing type cassette body, and the tape is placed on the front side of the cassette body. An opening is formed to be exposed, and the upper surface side and the front surface side of the opening are opened and closed by a lid, and the shutter for opening and closing the lower surface of the opening is opened and closed according to the opening and closing operation of the lid. A tape that is slidably provided on the bottom surface side of the lid, and the lower surface side of the opening is closed by the shutter when the lid is closed so that the tape exposed in the opening is completely closed by the lid and the shutter. In the cassette, the cassette height determining reference surface is formed on the bottom surface of the cassette body, and the slide reference surface on which the shutter slides is formed around the cassette height determining reference surface. Different variety of the shutter of thickness without changing the overall dimensions can be used. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the cassette body can be greatly expanded. Further, even if the thickness of the shutter is changed, the opening portion of the cassette main body can be opened and closed with certainty, and even if the cassette main body having the shutters of different thicknesses are mounted on the same recording / reproducing apparatus, no trouble will occur. It never happens. Further, since the pair of reel stand insertion holes are formed as true circular holes, even if the shutter is made of resin, the sealing property in the cassette main body is good in the shutter closed state, so that there is an effect that the dustproof property is improved.

Further, since the tape reel is urged toward the bottom surface of the cassette body, there is an effect that it is resistant to vibrations and the like, and that the tape cassette can be smoothly attached to the recording / reproducing apparatus. Further, since the peripheral surface of the reel stand insertion hole or the peripheral portion of each hub portion of the tape reel is formed as the inclined surface, there is an effect that the shutter made of resin slides smoothly.

Further, a concave portion extending to each reel stand insertion hole of the shutter when closed is formed at a position of the inner surface of the resin shutter facing the respective reel stand insertion holes of the bottom surface of the cassette body, and the bottom face of the cassette body. Since the ribs projecting into the recesses of the shutter are provided around the reel base insertion holes, the opening and closing operations of the shutter can be performed smoothly, and the opening of the cassette body and the reel base insertion holes can be reliably secured. It can be opened and closed. As a result, the inside of the cassette main body can be kept in a substantially completely closed state when the shutter is closed, dust and the like can be reliably prevented from entering, and the dustproof property can be further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a DAT cassette according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cassette.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cassette.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cassette.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a metal shutter used in the cassette.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a cassette height determination reference surface of the cassette and a slide reference surface of the shutter.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a locked state of a pair of tape reels of the cassette.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a lock release state of a pair of tape reels of the cassette.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view before mounting the cassette.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view after mounting the cassette.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing an open lock state of the shutter of the cassette.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing an open lock state of the shutter by the reel lock releasing claw on the recording / reproducing apparatus side.

13A to 13D are explanatory views showing the opening / closing operation of the shutter.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a DAT cassette according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the cassette.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the cassette.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the cassette.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of a cassette height determination reference surface of the cassette and a slide reference surface of the shutter.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the cassette.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view before mounting the cassette.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a DAT cassette according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the cassette.

23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the cassette.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the cassette.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of a cassette height determining reference surface of the cassette and a slide reference surface of the shutter.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the cassette.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view before mounting the cassette.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a conventional DAT cassette.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the conventional cassette seen from the bottom side.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged explanatory view of a portion that locks the shutter of the conventional cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ′, 1 ″ ... DAT cassette (tape cassette) 2 ... Cassette body 4a ... Bottom surface 5 ... Magnetic tape (tape) 6, 6 ... Pair of tape reels 6a ... Hub portion 7 ... Opening portion 10 ... Front lid (lid body) 12, 12 ... Pair of reel stand insertion holes 13 ... Reel pressing spring 30 ... Shutter made of resin 33, 33 ... Pair of reel stand insertion holes 40 ... Shutter receiving surface (slide reference surface) 41 ... Cassette height determining reference surface 60 , 61 ... Inclined surface 70 ... Recessed portion 71 ... Bottom surface 72 ... Dust-proof rib

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A pair of tape reels around which a tape is wound are rotatably housed in a casing type cassette body, and an opening for exposing the tape is formed on the front side of the cassette body. A lid is provided on the bottom side of the cassette body so that the top side and the front side of the cassette can be opened and closed by a lid, and the bottom side of the opening is opened and closed according to the opening and closing operation of the lid. When the body is closed, the bottom side of the opening is closed by the shutter so that the tape exposed in the opening is completely closed by the lid and the shutter. And a slide reference surface around which the shutter slides, and the shutter is made of resin. Tape cassette, characterized in that the formation of the reel base insertion holes of the pair of a true circular holes in positions facing the hub portion of the pair of tape reels of the shutter. 2. The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein the tape reel is biased toward the bottom surface side of the cassette body by a relay pressing spring. 3. The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein a peripheral surface of the reel stand insertion hole is formed as an inclined surface. 4. The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein a peripheral portion where the bottom surface and the side surface of the hub portion of the tape reel contact each other is formed as an inclined surface. 5. A recess is formed on the inner surface of the shutter, the recess extending from a portion of the tape reel facing the hub portion to the reel base insertion hole when the shutter closes the opening. The tape cassette according to claim 1. 6. The reel base insertion hole formed in the bottom surface of the cassette body facing the bottom surface of each hub portion of each tape reel when the shutter closes the opening portion, the portion located in the recessed portion. 6. The tape cassette according to claim 5, wherein dustproof ribs are respectively formed.