JPH11317043A - Composite tape cassette and magnetic recording/ reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite tape cassette and a magnetic recording/ reproducing device easy to access and convenient for the portable use. SOLUTION: Two single tape cassettes TC1, TC2 individually constituted by using cassette casings 5, 6 which are provided with freely openable/closable cassette covers 11, 12 at the parts facing to a magnetic film of the magnetic tape spread over through a guide member between a supply reel furnished with a reel hub connectable to the supply reel base and a take-up reel furnished with a reel hub connectable to the take-up reel base, are connected by a hinge member 13 so as changeable to the state in which the opening part sides 5b, 6b of the reel hubs on the two single tape cassettes are laid over oppositely facing each other and the state in which they occupy different positions on the same plane. When a cassette housing mounting the composite tape cassette thereon is set on the start position for loading, the magnetic tape is loaded into an individual recording/reproducing mechanism by an individual loading mechanism so as to start the recording/reproducing operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite tape cassette for performing a recording / reproducing operation using a magnetic tape, for example, a VCR (video cassette recorder) or a streamer, and a composite tape cassette using the composite tape cassette. The present invention relates to a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus that performs a recording / reproducing operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information signals to be recorded / reproduced using a magnetic tape, a tape recorder capable of recording / reproducing an audio signal using a magnetic tape is known. And a video tape recorder capable of recording and reproducing a video signal (or a video signal and an audio signal accompanying the video signal)
(VTR), a streamer for storing data for a computer, and the like have been conventionally used. The magnetic tape is housed in a container having a special structure in order to facilitate the operation of attaching / detaching the magnetic tape to / from the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus such as the tape recorder, VTR, and streamer, and to ensure the protection of the magnetic tape. It has been widely practiced to use cartridge tapes and cassette tapes in such a state.

As described above, a video cassette recorder configured to perform a recording / reproducing operation by using a cassette tape, for example, conforms to the VHS (registered trademark) standard widely known worldwide. There are a VCR configured according to a standard of a so-called 8 mm video system, a VCR configured according to a standard of a so-called DV (DVC) system, and the like. VCR mentioned above
Rotating a rotating drum provided with a pair of rotating magnetic heads having opposite azimuth angles at 180-degree symmetric positions at a predetermined number of rotations, and at least a part of the peripheral surface of the drum. The magnetic tape traveling at a predetermined traveling speed in a state where the position of the reference edge of the magnetic tape wound obliquely is regulated by the guide portion provided on the drum is alternately and sequentially turned by the pair of rotating magnetic heads. The helical scan type of the helical scan type has a configuration in which, when the helical scan is performed, a sequential recording mark can be sequentially formed adjacent to the magnetic tape in a state corresponding to the rotation of each rotary magnetic head every 180 degrees. It is configured as a magnetic recording / reproducing device.

[0004] Tape cassettes each having a specific configuration according to the above-mentioned individual standards for each system are provided with a predetermined format used for recording and reproducing information signals to be recorded and reproduced. A reel lock mechanism that locks the reel when the long magnetic tape is to be wound and the reel is not used when the reel is not in use, in order to release the locked state of the reel by the reel lock mechanism. And a tape cassette housing having a bottom provided with a reel lock release hole into which the reel lock release member is to be inserted.

[0005] By the way, the most common recording format in a recorded magnetic tape on which a plurality of programs are recorded in series on a time axis by a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in which recording / reproducing operations are performed using a magnetic tape is as follows. The recording area of each program in the program is arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape.
Therefore, in the conventional magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, when a specific program is selected and reproduced from a recorded magnetic tape on which a plurality of programs are recorded, the first part of the specific program is recorded. In order to perform reproduction from a portion, it is necessary to fast forward or rewind the magnetic tape at a high speed to perform cueing. Therefore, it is difficult to select a specific program from a plurality of programs in a short time. Naturally, it has not been possible to confirm the contents of the plurality of programs in a short time. The above problem is widely known as a problem when recording and reproducing information signals using a magnetic tape.

As means for solving the above problems, a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of rapidly reading specific information from recorded information, for example, a semiconductor memory or various disks is used. Various recording / reproducing devices are used as auxiliary recording / reproducing devices, and only a head portion of each program in a plurality of programs to be reproduced by a magnetic recording / reproducing device (VCR) used as a main recording / reproducing device is described above. In the case where the VCR takes over the reproduction in advance by the auxiliary recording / reproducing apparatus and the reproduction of the part following the head of the program is performed, the address information recorded on the magnetic tape is used. By switching between the reproduction output from the auxiliary recording / reproduction device and the reproduction output from the VCR, a specific program can be selectively reproduced in a short time. To so that, as solving means Hei 4-16079, JP-A No. 7-2 1233
No. 46, for example.

[0007]

In the above-mentioned solution, a magnetic tape of a VCR and a semiconductor memory are used in combination. However, since only a small memory capacity can be used as the semiconductor memory attached to the tape cassette housing, there is a problem that the head portion of many numbers cannot be stored. In addition, since the VCR magnetic tape and the semiconductor memory are used in combination as described above, the operating power for operating the semiconductor memory installed in the tape cassette housing is supplied by a battery or a recording medium. The power must be supplied from the playback apparatus main body, and it is necessary to provide a connector for supplying power for operation to the semiconductor memory in the tape cassette housing, which causes a problem that the cost increases. In the above-mentioned solution, in addition to using the VCR magnetic tape and the semiconductor memory in combination,
The recording / reproducing apparatus is also configured using a storage device using a disk medium.

However, it is difficult to combine a storage device using a disk medium and a recording / reproducing device using a magnetic tape to form an integrated recording / reproducing device.
Therefore, if the storage device using the disk medium and the recording / reproducing device using the magnetic tape are configured separately, there arises a problem that the usability is poor and the management is difficult. A recording / reproducing device for a disk medium;
Since it is composed of a VCR using a magnetic tape as a recording medium, there is a problem that the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus is complicated, large, and expensive. The above point is
The same applies whether a storage device using a hard disk is used as a disk medium or a storage device using an optical disk is used as a disk medium.

[0009] Therefore, the present applicant company has firstly provided a first magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus (first VCR) for recording / reproducing only a head portion of each program in a plurality of programs to be reproduced.
And a second section for recording / reproducing a portion subsequent to a head portion of a program reproduced earlier by the first magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus.
Proposed a recording / reproducing apparatus using the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus (second VCR), and the first and the second recording / reproducing operations performed by using two magnetic recording / reproducing apparatuses as described above. A recording / reproducing apparatus has been proposed in which a recording / reproducing operation is performed using a tape cassette in which a second two magnetic tapes are accommodated in a single cassette housing.

The recording / reproducing apparatus proposed by the applicant company can select and reproduce a desired program from a plurality of programs serially recorded on a magnetic tape in a short time. Needless to say, the recording operation is performed continuously while alternately rewinding the first and second magnetic tapes, so that the recording operation substantially similar to the recording operation using the endless tape is also possible. In addition to the first and second
The two magnetic recording / reproducing devices for recording / reproducing magnetic tapes are operated synchronously to perform recording / reproducing operations of a plurality of channel signals, so that recording / reproducing of signals having a large amount of information can be performed easily. This is suitable for dubbing between the second magnetic tapes and recording and reproduction in various other usage modes.

However, a straight line connecting the supply reel for winding the first magnetic tape and the reel axis of the take-up reel is connected to a reel axis of the supply reel for winding the second magnetic tape and the take-up reel. In a state where the straight line is parallel to the
Since the tape cassette in which the first and second two magnetic tapes are stored in one cassette housing has a large planar shape, it is necessary to store the tape cassette or carry the tape cassette. It became a problem to feel inconvenience with others. Further, when the above-described magnetic recording / reproducing device is used for a monitoring device, for example, the amount of the magnetic tape to be used is, of course, such that the tape cassette can be used for a long time. In such a case, the portability when the tape cassette is not used and the storage capacity on the storage shelf are good, and the information content recorded on the two magnetic tapes is good. It has been desired to develop a tape cassette having a configuration in which two closely related magnetic tapes can be stored well without being dissipated.

[0012]

According to the present invention, a guide member is provided between a supply reel having a reel hub connectable to a supply reel base and a take-up reel having a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel base. Two independent tape cassettes, each of which is individually configured using a cassette housing provided with an openable and closable cassette lid, at the portion facing the magnetic film of the magnetic tape stretched through, are bent. What is claimed is: 1. A composite tape cassette which is constructed by being connected in a free state, wherein the surfaces of the two single tape cassettes on the opening side of the reel hub face each other and overlap each other, and the two single tapes described above. The two single tapes described above are changed so that the surface on the opening side of the reel hub of the cassette can be changed to a state in which the reel occupies different positions on the same plane without facing each other. A composite tape cassette configured by connecting the cassettes with a butterfly plate member, and between a supply reel having a reel hub connectable to a supply reel table and a take-up reel including a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel table. In the magnetic tape stretched via a guide member, a portion of the magnetic tape facing the magnetic film is provided with a cassette housing having an openable and closable cassette lid. A state in which the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub in the tape cassette face each other and overlap each other; and a state in which the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub in the two single tape cassettes do not face each other and occupy different positions on the same plane. A composite tape cassette comprising the two single tape cassettes connected in a bendable state so that When the surfaces of the two single tape cassettes on the opening side of the reel hub in the two single tape cassettes do not face each other and occupy different positions on the same plane, the cassette lids of the two single tape cassettes may A composite tape cassette formed by connecting the two single tape cassettes with a butterfly plate member so as to be able to bend so that they are arranged on the same side, and a reel hub that can be connected to a supply reel base are provided. A cassette lid that can be opened and closed is provided at a portion facing the magnetic film of the magnetic tape stretched via a guide member between the supply reel and a take-up reel having a reel hub that can be coupled to the take-up reel base. The surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub of the two single tape cassettes which are individually configured using the provided cassette housing are opposed to each other. The two tape cassettes can be changed to a state in which the two tape cassettes overlap one another and a state in which the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub of the two single tape cassettes occupy different positions on the same plane without being opposed to each other. A composite tape cassette in which single tape cassettes are flexibly connected with a butterfly plate member, wherein the two single tape cassettes are flush with each other in a state where surfaces on the opening side of each reel hub are not opposed to each other. Are occupied in different positions, the reel hubs of the respective reels in the two single tape cassettes are arranged in series, and the cassette lids of the two single tape cassettes are the same. A composite tape cassette formed by connecting the above two single tape cassettes with a butterfly plate member so as not to be lined up with the side. Magnetic tape stretched through a guide member between a supply reel having a reel and a reel hub connectable to the supply reel table and a take-up reel having a reel hub connectable to the take-up reel table. The two single tape cassettes which are individually configured using a cassette housing provided with a cassette lid which can be opened and closed at a portion facing the magnetic film in the above-mentioned two single tape cassettes In a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub oppose and overlap each other, and a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub in the two single tape cassettes occupy different positions on the same plane without opposing each other. A cassette housing in which a composite tape cassette formed by connecting the two single tape cassettes with a butterfly plate member so as to be freely bent is mounted. Means for displacing the cassette housing and setting the magnetic tapes in the individual tape cassettes of the two individual tape cassettes constituting the composite tape cassette to a predetermined loading start position, respectively. When,
Provided is a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus including magnetic recording / reproducing mechanisms each of which is configured such that magnetic tapes in individual tape cassettes of two single tape cassettes are loaded by respective loading mechanisms.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific contents of a composite tape cassette and a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information signals using the composite tape cassette will be described in detail below. I do. FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7 are perspective views for explaining different embodiments of the composite tape cassette of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a schematic configuration of a part of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus used when recording / reproducing information signals using the composite tape cassette of the present invention exemplified in FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a recording / reproducing operation, and FIG.
A diagram for explaining a schematic configuration and a recording / reproducing operation of a part of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus used when recording / reproducing an information signal using the composite tape cassette of the present invention exemplified in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a part of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus used when recording / reproducing an information signal using the composite tape cassette of the present invention illustrated in FIG. FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a part of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

In each of the figures, CTC is the overall code of the composite tape cassette of the present invention. The composite tape cassette CTC is stretched via a guide member between a supply reel provided with a reel hub connectable to a supply reel table and a take-up reel provided with a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel table. Two individual tape cassettes (TC1) each constituting an individual single tape cassette using a cassette housing provided with a cassette lid that can be opened and closed on a portion of the magnetic tape facing the magnetic film. , TC
2), the two single tape cassettes (T
C1, TC2) occupy different positions on the same plane in a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub oppose and overlap with each other, and in a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub in the two single tape cassettes do not oppose each other. In order to be able to change to the state, the two single tape cassettes described above are configured to be flexibly connected by a butterfly plate member. In the following description, two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC1 used to constitute the composite tape cassette CTC will be described.
When C2 can be described without having to be distinguished, it may be described as a single tape cassette TC.

The two single tape cassettes TC used to form the composite tape cassette CTC include, for example, a tape cassette in a VHS or S-VHS VCR, a DVC standard tape cassette, and the like. Like many types of tape cassettes that have been used in the past, the cassette housing for storing the magnetic tape wound on the supply reel and the take-up reel is composed of an upper cassette half and a lower cassette half. The cassette housing may be provided with a cassette lid that is opened when used or an insertion opening for a loading guide (see FIG. 11).

Each of the individual tape cassettes TC used to construct the composite tape cassette CTC has a reel lock mechanism for locking the reel when not in use, and the reel lock mechanism. A reel unlocking hole into which a reel unlocking member for unlocking the reel locked state is to be inserted is provided at the bottom, and an erroneous insertion preventing mechanism provided on a cassette housing provided in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. It is a desirable embodiment that the erroneous insertion prevention groove, the direction regulating groove, and the like corresponding to are configured (see FIG. 11).

In the individual tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 shown in the respective drawings, for simplification of the illustration, the illustration of their specific constitutions is omitted, but FIG. The single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 shown in FIGS.
The winding reel, the magnetic tape, the guide pole, and the cassette housing are indicated by reference numerals in the drawings. 3, 4, 6, and 8, reference numerals 1 and 3 are supply reels, 2 and 4 are take-up reels, 5 and 6 are cassette housings, and T
1, T2 is a magnetic tape, 7 to 10 are guide poles, 1
Reference numerals 1 and 12 denote cassette lids, and 19 denotes an erroneous recording prevention claw.

The single tape cassette TC1 described above is
A supply member 1, a take-up reel 2, and a guide member (guide pole 7,
8) and the first magnetic tape T1 wound around the supply reel and the take-up reels 1 and 2 via the guide members (guide poles 7 and 8) between the supply reel and the take-up reels 1 and 2, The cassette housing 5 is configured to be stretched facing one open side surface of the cassette housing 5 opened and closed by the cassette lid 11. In addition, a single tape cassette TC2
Are a supply member 3, a take-up reel 4, a guide member (guide poles 9, 10) provided between the two reels 3, 4, and a guide member (guide pole) between the two reels 9, 10. 9, 10), the second magnetic tape T2 wound around the supply reel and the take-up reels 3, 4
The cassette housing 6 is opened and closed by the cassette lid 12 and is configured to be stretched facing one open side surface of the cassette housing 6.

The two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 are arranged such that the surfaces of the reel hubs on the opening side [see FIG. 11B] face each other and overlap each other. Tape cassette TC1, TC2
So that the surface on the opening side of the reel hub can occupy different positions on the same plane.
The single tape cassette is flexibly connected by the butterfly plate member 13 so that the composite tape cassette C
It is configured as TC. 1, 2, 5, 7, etc. show a combined form of two single tape cassettes TC 1, TC 2 used as components of the composite tape cassette TCT, and two single tape cassettes TC 1, TC 1 T
A composite tape cassette CTC according to a different embodiment, in which the swash plate member 13 for connecting C2 is differently configured, is shown.

The above two single tape cassettes TC used as components of the composite tape cassette CTC
1 and TC2, the magnetic tapes T1 and T2 to be wound between the respective supply reels and the take-up reels are magnetic tapes of the same length or magnetic tapes of different lengths. You may. In addition, the aforementioned 2
Even if the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 are configured by using cassette housings 5 and 6 of the same size, or cassette housings 5 and 5 of different sizes.
6 may be used. FIG.
(A) shows a single tape cassette TC (TC1, TC1).
FIG. 11B is a perspective view when 2) is viewed from the upper cassette half side, and FIG. 11B shows a single tape cassette TC.
It is a top view when (TC1, TC2) is seen from the lower cassette half side. In FIG. 11B, the reel hubs 22 and 23 and the openings 20 and 21 for the reel hubs 22 and 23 are shown.

Further, the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 used as components of the composite tape cassette CTC are configured by using cassette housings 5 and 6 of the same size. Even if there is, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, as a single tape cassette (TC2), a cassette housing 6 ′ smaller than the cassette housing 6 in the cassette housing 6 thereof. Inside the supply reel 3, the take-up reel 4, the magnetic tape T2,
A configuration in which a small tape cassette including the guide poles 9 and 10 can be detachably mounted may be used.

The composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG.
The two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 face each other on the side opposite to the side on which the respective cassette lids 11 and 12 are provided in each single tape cassette, and the single tape Cassette TC
Surface 5b on the opening side of reel hub of cassette housing 5
And the surface 6b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 6 of the single tape cassette TC2 on the same plane, and the surface 5b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 5 described above, The housing 6 is configured to be flexibly connected to a surface 6b on the opening side of the reel hub by a hinge member 13 (see FIG. 1A).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cassette housings 5, 6 of two single tape cassettes TC1, TC2 are provided.
The composite cassette CTC constituted by connecting the surfaces 5b and 6b on the opening side of the reel hub with a bendable hinge member 13 is composed of the two unitary tapes by the bendable hinge member 13 described above. Cassette TC1, TC
When the surfaces 5b and 6b on the opening side of the reel hub in FIG. 2 are bent so as to face each other and overlap with each other, a state shown in FIG. The hinge member 13 in the composite tape cassette CTC illustrated in FIG. 1 (the same applies to the hinge member 13 in the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 described later) is one that can be cut by many bending operations. A thin plate (flake) of a polymer material that does not cause any undesired deformation due to the bending operation is used. For example, one surface of a thin plate (flake) of urethane rubber or other synthetic rubber is used. The hinge member 13 having the configuration provided with the adhesive layer is a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows respective cassette lids 11, 1 of two single tape cassettes TC1, TC2.
It is composed of components 13a, 13b inserted with the side of the side opposite to the side provided with 2 at the head, and a hinge 13c that flexibly connects the components 13a, 13b described above. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a composite tape cassette CTC configured by connecting two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 using a hinge member 13 that is present. The hinge member 13 used in the embodiment of the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 2 is used in the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 1 described above and FIGS. 5 and 7 described later. Hinge member 13
This is of a different configuration. FIG. 2 (a)
FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a state before two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 are connected by using a hinge member 13. In this exploded view, a constituent part 13b of the hinge member 13 is located above the tape cassette TC1 and TC2. The parts 13a, 1 in the hinge member 13 are shown by crushing the parts.
The configuration of 3b is made clear.

FIG. 2B shows the respective cassette lids 1 of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2.
By moving the rear part facing the front face provided with the front parts 1 and 12 toward the arrows 16 and 17 in FIG.
a and 13b, the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 to form a composite tape cassette are inserted into the corresponding ones of the respective cassette lids 1 of the single tape cassettes.
The surface 5b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 5 of the unitary tape cassette TC1 and the unitary surface of the unitary tape cassette TC2 With the surface 6b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 6 on the same plane, the surface 5b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 5 and the opening on the reel hub opening of the cassette housing 6 described above. 10 shows a composite tape cassette CTC formed by connecting a side surface 6b with a hinge member 13 to bend freely.

The two components 13a, 1 of the hinge member 13
3b, two unitary tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 to be inserted and mounted, respectively, are springs mounted inside the respective top plates of the two components 13a and 13b of the hinge member 13 described above. By being pressed by the plate, the hinge members 13 are housed in the two components 13a and 13b without any play. The two components 13a, 1 of the hinge member 13 described above.
3b, a single tape cassette TC1, TC2
Is provided with a notch at a portion corresponding to the opening of the reel hub for passing the reel base provided on the recording / reproducing apparatus side. The single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 illustrated in FIG. 2 are provided with contact portions 24 and 25 of an ID board on the rear surface opposite to the front surface on which the respective cassette lids 11 and 12 are provided. It is said that it is of a certain configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2 (b), two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 are
3, the composite cassette CTC connected by
By the above-mentioned bendable hinge member 13, the surfaces 5b and 6b of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 on the opening side of the reel hub are bent so as to face each other and overlap each other, which is convenient for carrying. The state is as shown in FIG. Reference numerals 14 and 15 denote spacers. The spacers 14 and 15 are used as single tape cassettes TC1 and TC1, respectively.
Contact part 2 of ID board provided in TC2
4 and 25, the connector of the ID board provided on the recording / reproducing apparatus side is connected to two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC constituting the composite tape cassette CTC.
Between the two. In addition, as the spacers 14 and 15, an adhesive cloth (magic tape ... registered trademark) may be used.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the composite tape cassette CTC having the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted on the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus and the recording / reproducing operation is performed. 3, a single tape cassette T constituting the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG.
In C1, a two-dot chain line connecting between the guide poles 7 and 8 provided between the supply reel 1 and the take-up reel 2 indicates that the tape cassette TC1 is not used, that is, the composite tape cassette CTC is connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus. The path of the magnetic tape T1 in a state where it is not mounted is shown. Further, in a single tape cassette TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 3, a connection 2 connects the guide poles 9 and 10 provided between the supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 4. The dotted line indicates the magnetic tape T when the tape cassette TC2 is not used, that is, when the composite tape cassette CTC is not mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus.
2 shows the second route.

The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 has first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM attached to a chassis of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in a predetermined facing arrangement.
1 and RPM2. The cassette housing 18 used for mounting the composite tape cassette CTC to the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus includes the cassette lid 1 of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2.
Composite tape cassette C provided with both sides 1 and 12
After the TC is mounted, it is displaced in a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 3 or a direction indicated by an arrow Y in FIG. 3, so that two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC1 used in the configuration of the composite tape cassette CTC are provided. The first magnetic tape T1 and the second magnetic tape T2 individually housed in the TC2 are set to their respective loading start positions.

The first individual tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 of the composite tape cassette CTC mounted on the cassette housing 18 are individually stored.
The first magnetic tape T1 of the magnetic tape T1 and the second magnetic tape T2 are moved to a first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1 of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus by a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). Loaded in a predetermined manner, and the second
The magnetic tape T2 is loaded in a predetermined manner to the second recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus by a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 3, the running path of the magnetic tape after the above-described loading operation is completed is indicated by a solid line.

At the time of the above-mentioned loading operation, the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1,
The operation of the RPM 2 is controlled by the control unit 29 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion for controlling the operation of each unit of the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 (the same applies to recording / reproducing apparatuses shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 described later). An input terminal 27 for data to be reproduced and an output terminal 27 for output data from the recording / reproducing apparatus. Reference numeral 28 denotes a supply terminal for a control input supplied from an operation unit having an input device for setting various operation modes of the recording / reproducing apparatus, and other control inputs. Reference numeral 29 denotes a control unit (and a signal processing unit) of the recording / reproducing apparatus which includes, for example, a microprocessor, a read-only memory, a random access memory, and the like. (And a signal processing unit) 29 performs a control operation of the entire recording and reproducing apparatus and an input / output signal processing operation.

That is, prior to the start of the recording / reproducing operation of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 3B is inserted into the cassette housing 18 in the direction of arrow X in FIG. A composite tape cassette C is inserted into the cassette housing 18 by a sensor (not shown).
When it is detected that the TC has been inserted, the control unit 29 supplies operating power to a loading motor (not shown) based on the output signal of the sensor, and firstly, the state where the tape cassette TC is mounted is described. Of the cassette housing 18 by the lifting mechanism (arrow Y in FIG. 3).
Direction).

During the lowering operation of the cassette housing 18, the cassette lid 1 of each of the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC.
1 and the cassette lid 12 are opened as shown in FIG. The mechanism for opening the cassette lid 11 and the cassette lid 12 of the tape cassette described above can be arbitrarily selected from those having a known configuration in the mechanism for opening the cassette lid of the tape cassette. Cassette housing 1
8 is completed, the individual tape cassettes TC1 and TC1 in the composite tape cassette CTC
The brake on each of the reels 1 to 4 provided separately in C2 is released, and the first and second recording / reproducing mechanism units RPM1 and RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus have:
The supply reel table and the take-up reel table which are individually provided are individually provided for each of the reels 1 to 4 provided in each single tape cassette TC1 and TC2 in the composite tape cassette CTC. The corresponding specific reel is mechanically coupled.

In the above-described state, the loading mechanism of the first recording / reproducing mechanism RPM1 is loaded into the insertion opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T1 side of the cassette housing 5 of the single tape cassette TC1 in the composite tape cassette CTC. A guide roller and an inclined pole provided on the pole are inserted, and a single tape cassette T in the composite tape cassette CTC is inserted.
The insertion opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T2 side of the cassette housing 6 of C2 has a second recording / reproducing mechanism RPM2.
The guide roller and the inclined pole provided on the loading pole of the loading mechanism are inserted. Next, a loading operation is performed on the magnetic tape T1 of the single tape cassette TC1 by the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in the first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1, and the magnetic tape T1 of the single tape cassette TC2 is operated. The tape T2 has a second recording / reproducing mechanism R
The loading operation is performed by the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in PM2.

After the completion of the loading operation as described above, the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1 and RPM2 of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus perform control operations in accordance with operation mode information input to an operation unit (not shown). Under the control of the control unit 29 that performs the predetermined operations, predetermined operations such as a recording operation and a reproducing operation are performed. The above-described composite tape cassette CTC
The operation of detaching the composite tape cassette CTC from the magnetic recording / reproducing device is performed by the reverse operation of the operation of mounting the composite tape cassette CTC on the magnetic recording / reproducing device. Since the above description can be easily understood from the description of the loading operation, the detailed description is omitted here.

The input / output signal processing operation of the control unit (and the signal processing unit) 29 is a recording / reproducing circuit that converts an information signal to be recorded into a recording signal suitable for the recording operation during the recording operation. And performs a signal processing operation such as inversely converting a reproduction signal reproduced from a magnetic tape to an original information signal during a reproduction operation. When the recording / reproducing apparatus is a digital VTR, the input / output signal processing operations of the control unit and the signal processing unit 29 include AD conversion, formation of a DCT block, DCT operation processing, quantization and variable length coding, and error correction. It performs code addition, waveform equalization signal processing, error correction, variable length decoding, inverse DCT operation processing, and other necessary digital signal processing.

The tracking control operation in the magnetic tape running system is performed, for example, using a signal for tracking control recorded on a magnetic tape, or using a dedicated fixed control head for tracking control.
Any other well-known technical means may be appropriately selected and used. The rotation control of the drum is performed based on the control data supplied from the control unit (and the signal processing unit) 29,
As is well known, this is performed by controlling the number of rotations and the rotation phase of the rotating drums Du1 and Du2.

The control of the running state of the magnetic tape in the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1 and RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is provided separately for the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1 and RPM2. This is performed by the tape running control circuit. The tape running control circuit performs capstan control so that the magnetic tapes T1 and T2 run at a predetermined tape running speed during a recording operation, and performs a tracking operation recorded on a magnetic tape during a reproducing operation, for example. The capstan control is performed based on the information so that the magnetic tape runs at a tape running speed at which the rotating magnetic head can track the recording trace of the magnetic tape.

One of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 formed by using cassette housings 5 and 6 of the same size forming the composite tape cassette CTC. TC2) includes a supply reel 3, a take-up reel 4, a magnetic tape T2, and guide poles 9 and 10 in a cassette housing 6 'smaller than the cassette housing 6 in the cassette housing 6 thereof. The magnetic recording / reproducing operation shown in FIG. 4 is configured to perform the recording / reproducing operation using a composite tape cassette CTC in which a small tape cassette configured as described above is mounted in a detachable manner. The recording / reproducing operation in the device is the same as the recording / reproducing operation in the magnetic recording / reproducing device described above with reference to FIG.

Next, the composite tape cassette CT shown in FIG.
C represents two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2,
The front surfaces of the single tape cassettes on which the respective cassette lids 11 and 12 are provided are arranged on the same side, and the surface 5b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 5 of the single tape cassette TC1. And the surface 6b on the opening side of the reel hub of the cassette housing 6 of the single tape cassette TC2 is on the same plane, and the short side end of the cassette housing 5 and the cassette housing 6 is connected by a hinge member 13 so as to be able to bend with the short side end. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, two single tape cassettes TC1, TC2
The composite cassette CTC in which each side end of each of the cassette housings 5 and 6 is connected by a bendable hinge member 13 is composed of the two single units by the bendable hinge member 13. Tape cassette TC1, TC
When the surfaces 5b, 6b on the opening side of the reel hub in FIG. 2 are bent so as to face each other and overlap each other, a state as shown in FIG. 5B which is convenient to carry, that is, two single tape cassettes TC1 , TC2, the one supply reel and the other take-up reel are bent so as to face each other and overlap each other.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the composite tape cassette CTC having the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 5 is mounted on the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus to perform the recording / reproducing operation. In the single tape cassette TC1 constituting the shown composite tape cassette CTC, the two-dot chain line connecting between the guide poles 7 and 8 provided between the supply reel 1 and the take-up reel 2 is a tape cassette. This shows the path of the magnetic tape T1 when the TC1 is not used, that is, when the composite tape cassette CTC is not mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus. Further, in a single tape cassette TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 6, guide poles 9, 10 provided between the supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 4.
The two-dot chain line connecting between them indicates the path of the magnetic tape T2 when the tape cassette TC2 is not used, that is, when the composite tape cassette CTC is not mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus.

The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 6 has first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM attached to a chassis of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in a predetermined facing arrangement.
1 and RPM2. The cassette housing 18 used for mounting the composite tape cassette CTC to the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus includes the cassette lid 1 of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2.
Composite tape cassette C in which 1, 12 are provided on one side
After the TC is mounted, two single tape cassettes TC used in the configuration of the composite tape cassette CTC
1, magnetic tape T1 individually stored in TC2
And the magnetic tape T2 are set at the respective loading start positions.

The magnetic tapes T1 individually stored in the individual tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 of the composite tape cassette CTC mounted on the cassette housing 18 are subjected to a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). The first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is loaded in a predetermined manner into the first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1.
Is loaded into the second recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in a predetermined manner by a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 6, the running path of the magnetic tape after the above-described loading operation is completed is indicated by a solid line.

The first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1, RPM1 of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus at the time of the loading operation described above.
The control of the operation of the RPM 2 is performed by the control unit 29 shown in FIG. 9, but the specific contents are the same as those of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus described above with reference to FIG. Detailed description here is omitted. Prior to the start of the recording / reproducing operation of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 6 is inserted into the cassette housing 18, and the sensor (not shown) inserts the composite tape cassette CTC into the cassette housing 18. When the operation is detected, the control unit 29 supplies operating power to a loading motor (not shown) based on the output signal of the sensor, and first, the tape cassette T
The descent of the cassette housing 18 in the state in which C is mounted by the elevating mechanism is started.

During the lowering operation of the cassette housing 18, the cassette lid 1 of each of the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC.
1 and the cassette lid 12 are opened. At the time when the lowering operation of the cassette housing 18 is completed, each single tape cassette TC in the composite tape cassette CTC is
1 and TC2, the brakes on the respective reels 1 to 4 provided separately are released, and the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1 and RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus are released.
And a supply reel table provided individually,
The take-up reel base is the composite tape cassette CT described above.
The specific reels corresponding to the individual reels among the reels 1 to 4 provided in each of the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 in C are mechanically connected.

In the above-described state, the loading mechanism of the first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1 has the loading opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T1 side of the cassette housing 5 of the single tape cassette TC1 in the composite tape cassette CTC. A guide roller and an inclined pole provided on the pole are inserted, and a single tape cassette T in the composite tape cassette CTC is inserted.
The insertion opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T2 side of the cassette housing 6 of C2 has a second recording / reproducing mechanism RPM2.
The guide roller and the inclined pole provided on the loading pole of the loading mechanism are inserted.

Next, the aforementioned single tape cassette T
A first recording / reproducing mechanism RP is provided on the magnetic tape T1 of C1.
The loading operation is performed by the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in M1, and the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in the second recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM2 is performed on the magnetic tape T2 of the single tape cassette TC2. Performs a loading operation. After completion of the loading operation as described above, the first and second recording / reproducing mechanism units RPM1 and RPM in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus are used.
2 performs a predetermined operation such as a recording operation and a reproduction operation under the control of the control unit 29 which performs a control operation according to the operation mode information input to an operation unit (not shown).

The operation of detaching the composite tape cassette CTC from the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is performed by the reverse operation of the operation of mounting the composite tape cassette CTC on the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. The detailed description in is omitted. The input / output signal processing operation in the control unit (and the signal processing unit) 29, the tracking control operation in the magnetic tape traveling system, the rotation control operation of the drum, and the like are also performed by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus described with reference to FIG. Since this is the same as the case, the detailed description is omitted here.

Next, the composite tape cassette CT shown in FIG.
C represents two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2,
The front surface of the single tape cassette on which the respective cassette lids 11 and 12 are provided is the opposite side, and the surface 5b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 5 of the single tape cassette TC1. And the surface 6b on the reel hub opening side of the cassette housing 6 of the single tape cassette TC2 is on the same plane, and the short side end of the cassette housing 5 and the cassette housing It is configured such that the side end portion on the short side of the body 6 is flexibly connected by a hinge member 13.

As shown in FIG. 7A, each of the cassette housings 5, 6 of the two single tape cassettes TC1, TC2.
The composite cassette CTC, which is configured by connecting a short side end of the cassette housing 5 and a short side end of the cassette housing 6 by a hinge member 13 in a flexible manner,
When the above-mentioned bendable hinge member 13 is bent so that the surfaces 5b and 6b on the opening side of the reel hub of the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 face each other and overlap each other, it is convenient for carrying. 7 (b), that is, two single tape cassettes T
In C1 and TC2, one supply reel and the other take-up reel are bent so as to face each other and overlap each other.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the composite tape cassette CTC having the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 7 is mounted on the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus to perform the recording / reproducing operation. In the single tape cassette TC1 constituting the shown composite tape cassette CTC, the two-dot chain line connecting between the guide poles 7 and 8 provided between the supply reel 1 and the take-up reel 2 is a tape cassette. This shows the path of the magnetic tape T1 when the TC1 is not used, that is, when the composite tape cassette CTC is not mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus. Further, in a single tape cassette TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 8, guide poles 9, 10 provided between the supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 4.
The two-dot chain line connecting between them indicates the path of the magnetic tape T2 when the tape cassette TC2 is not used, that is, when the composite tape cassette CTC is not mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus.

The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 has first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM attached to a chassis of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in a predetermined facing arrangement.
1 and RPM2. A composite tape in which cassette lids 11 and 12 of two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 are provided on opposite sides of a cassette housing 18 used for mounting the composite tape cassette CTC on a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. Cassette CT
After the C is mounted, the two single tape cassettes TC1, TC1 used in the configuration of the composite tape cassette CTC
The magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2 housed individually in the TC2 are set at their respective loading start positions.

The magnetic tapes T1 individually stored in the individual tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 of the composite tape cassette CTC mounted on the cassette housing 18 are subjected to a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). The first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is loaded in a predetermined manner into the first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1.
Is loaded into the second recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus in a predetermined manner by a tape loading operation by a loading mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 8, the running path of the magnetic tape after the above-described loading operation is completed is indicated by a solid line.

The first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1, RPM1 of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus at the time of the loading operation described above.
The control of the operation of the RPM 2 is performed by the control unit 29 shown in FIG. 9, but the specific contents are the same as those of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus described above with reference to FIG. Detailed description here is omitted. Prior to the start of the recording / reproducing operation of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, the composite tape cassette CTC shown in FIG. 8 is inserted into the cassette housing 18, and the composite tape cassette CTC is inserted into the cassette housing 18 by a sensor (not shown). When the operation is detected, the control unit 29 supplies operating power to a loading motor (not shown) based on the output signal of the sensor, and first, the tape cassette T
The descent of the cassette housing 18 in the state in which C is mounted by the elevating mechanism is started.

During the lowering operation of the cassette housing 18, the cassette lid 1 of each of the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 constituting the composite tape cassette CTC.
1 and the cassette lid 12 are opened. At the time when the lowering operation of the cassette housing 18 is completed, each single tape cassette TC in the composite tape cassette CTC is
1 and TC2, the brakes on the respective reels 1 to 4 provided separately are released, and the first and second recording / reproducing mechanisms RPM1 and RPM2 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus are released.
And a supply reel table provided individually,
The take-up reel base is the composite tape cassette CT described above.
The specific reels corresponding to the individual reels among the reels 1 to 4 provided in each of the single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 in C are mechanically connected.

In the above-described state, the loading mechanism of the first recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM1 has the loading opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T1 side of the cassette housing 5 of the single tape cassette TC1 in the composite tape cassette CTC. A guide roller and an inclined pole provided on the pole are inserted, and a single tape cassette T in the composite tape cassette CTC is inserted.
The insertion opening of the loading guide on the magnetic tape T2 side of the cassette housing 6 of C2 has a second recording / reproducing mechanism RPM2.
The guide roller and the inclined pole provided on the loading pole of the loading mechanism are inserted.

Next, the aforementioned single tape cassette T
A first recording / reproducing mechanism RP is provided on the magnetic tape T1 of C1.
The loading operation is performed by the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in M1, and the operation of the tape loading mechanism provided in the second recording / reproducing mechanism unit RPM2 is performed on the magnetic tape T2 of the single tape cassette TC2. Performs a loading operation. After completion of the loading operation as described above, the first and second recording / reproducing mechanism units RPM1 and RPM in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus are used.
2 performs a predetermined operation such as a recording operation and a reproduction operation under the control of the control unit 29 which performs a control operation according to the operation mode information input to an operation unit (not shown).

The operation of detaching the composite tape cassette CTC from the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is performed by the reverse operation of the operation of mounting the composite tape cassette CTC on the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. The detailed description in is omitted. The input / output signal processing operation in the control unit (and the signal processing unit) 29, the tracking control operation in the magnetic tape traveling system, the rotation control operation of the drum, and the like are also performed by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus described with reference to FIG. Since this is the same as the case, the detailed description is omitted here.

The composite tape cassette CTC mounted on the cassette housing 18 has the magnetic tapes T1 and T2 stored in the two single tape cassettes TC1 and TC2 as described above. in case of,
For example, a plurality of pieces of program information are sequentially recorded on the magnetic tape T1 as illustrated in FIG.
Also, at the beginning of the recording area of the magnetic tape T2, FIG.
(B), the management data (for example, the management data of the entire tape, the start address of the recording area for each program information on each magnetic tape T1, T2, the title of each program information, the recording date and time, Others) are recorded, and each one of a plurality of pieces of program information recorded on the magnetic tape is recorded.
Each time one of the data is reproduced, the management data recorded at the head of the magnetic tape T2 is read and used, or when the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus is started, the data recorded on the magnetic tape T2 is read. The management data is reproduced and stored in the memory of the control unit and the signal processing unit 29 in the recording / reproducing apparatus, and the management data can be used in the subsequent operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus. According to the latter method, the search time can be reduced as compared with the former method. Following the recording area of the management data on the magnetic tape T2, a start portion in the sequential program information is sequentially recorded.

In the example of FIG. 10, the magnetic tape T1 has 6
Assuming that the magnetic tape T1 has a tape length capable of continuous recording over a period of time (360 minutes), one hour of program information can be sequentially recorded for six programs on the magnetic tape T1. Assuming that the recording / reproducing apparatus is capable of fast-forwarding (rewinding) at a speed of 120 times, the entire magnetic tape T1 can be rewound in about 3 minutes. Therefore, as exemplified in FIG. 10B, the three-minute information at the start of each of the six pieces of program information to be recorded on the magnetic tape T1 is recorded on the magnetic tape T1.
2 is recorded successively following the recording area of the management data in FIG. 2 and recorded on the magnetic tape T1 for 57 minutes each except for the 3-minute portion of the start portion of each program to be recorded on the magnetic tape T2 as described above. Are sequentially recorded for six programs (total of 342 minutes).

In the above example, the six pieces of one-hour program information are composed of a magnetic tape T1 having a tape length of 342 minutes and a magnetic tape T2 having a tape length of 18 minutes. And can be recorded. The magnetic tape T2 whose recording time (same as the normal reproduction time) is 18 minutes has, for example, a tape length corresponding to a recording time of 20 minutes including the recording time of the management data of 2 minutes. Even if the entire recording area for 20 minutes is rewound at 120 times speed, the required time is about 10 seconds. That is, in the case of only the magnetic tape T1 recorded for 360 minutes as in the above example, the running speed of the magnetic tape is 12
Even if fast-forwarding (rewinding) at 0x speed is possible, it is anticipated that an access time for any program information recorded on the magnetic tape T1 will require a time of about 3 minutes or more. Must be put in place.

However, as described above, for each start portion of each program information, the program information of, for example, three minutes corresponding to the entire rewind time of the magnetic tape T1 is stored in the management data recording area on the magnetic tape T2. , The program information is reproduced for 3 minutes from the magnetic tape T2, and the program information is reproduced from the magnetic tape T2 for three minutes. The program information desired to be reproduced during T1 is searched, and the program information desired to be reproduced is set to a standby state for starting the reproducing operation. After the start of the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T2, the magnetic tape T1 is read. By smoothly switching the program information to be reproduced and reproducing it, the access time to arbitrary program information can be reduced to 10 seconds.

As described above, in order to smoothly switch and reproduce the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T1 following the start portion of the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T2, for example, An information identification signal (for example, the information identification signal is switched between a reproduction signal from the magnetic tape T2 and a reproduction signal from the magnetic tape T1 for the same program information, at the boundary of the recording area of the sequential program information on the tapes T1 and T2). The same address is assigned to the portion), and the switching reproduction between the reproduction signal from the magnetic tape T2 and the reproduction signal from the magnetic tape T1 is performed by reproducing the information identification signal from each magnetic tape. What is necessary is just to be performed in the position which is performed.

Following the start of the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T2, following the start of the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T2, the program information reproduced from the magnetic tape T2 is smoothly switched. Is recorded also in the first part of the program information to be reproduced from the magnetic tape T1, and a reproduction signal of the same contents in the same program information can be obtained from both the magnetic tape T2 and the magnetic tape T1. During the period, both the magnetic tape T2 and the magnetic tape T1 may be run to perform the switching operation of the two.

Next, the recording operation on the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2 described above is sequentially and alternately repeated without any cuts, so that the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2 are The whole will be used in the same state as the endless tape.
That is, in a state where the recording operation is performed on one of the two magnetic tapes, the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2, the other magnetic tape is wound to the winding start end by the rewinding operation. The magnetic tape is put into a standby state so that the recording operation can be started from the position where the magnetic tape is wound, and when the recording operation is performed up to the end of the one magnetic tape, the recording operation on the magnetic tape is started. The recording operation such as suspending and starting the recording operation on the other magnetic tape in a standby state is sequentially and alternately repeated on the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2, so that the magnetic tape T1 The tape T2 can be used in the same state as the endless tape as a whole.

The above-described magnetic tape T1 and magnetic tape T2
The recording operation is repeated alternately for the information identification signals (for example, addresses) recorded near the respective ends of the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2.
Is performed by the control unit and the signal processing unit 29 in the recording / reproducing apparatus. A recording / reproducing apparatus using the magnetic tape T1 and the magnetic tape T2 stored in the composite tape cassette CTC in the same state as the endless tape as described above is suitable as a recording apparatus for a monitoring apparatus, for example. It can be effectively used as a reproducing apparatus of a recorded recording medium for demonstration in a store. In the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, it goes without saying that the recorded contents of one of the two magnetic tapes in the composite tape cassette CTC can be easily dubbed to the other magnetic tape.

[0067]

As is apparent from the above description, the composite tape cassette and the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention have the disadvantage that even if a large storage capacity can be obtained at a low cost, the access is slow. For example, management information is recorded on one magnetic tape of two magnetic tapes, and the information is efficiently used for access so that recording and reproduction can be performed in a state in which access is quicker by using two of them. Or program information for each time length corresponding to the time required to rewind the other magnetic tape stored in the composite tape cassette in the recording area of the management data in the one magnetic tape. Then, the program information is sequentially recorded, and no matter which program information is desired to be reproduced, first, each program information is reproduced from the one magnetic tape and the one magnetic tape is reproduced. During the time during which the reproduction operation of each program information is being performed from the tape, the reproduction desired program information in the other magnetic tape is searched, and the reproduction desired program information is set to a standby state for starting the reproduction operation. ,
Subsequent to the start of the program information reproduced from the one magnetic tape, the program information reproduced from the other magnetic tape is smoothly switched and reproduced, so that any program information can be accessed. When there is a close relationship between the information contents recorded on the two magnetic tapes, such as when the time can be reduced, the two magnetic tapes can be dissipated without being dissipated. Even if the size of the composite tape cassette is large, it can be folded and made portable so that it can be easily stored and carried. While a recording operation is being performed on one of the two magnetic tapes stored, the other magnetic tape is wound by a rewind operation. The magnetic tape is rewound to the end, and the magnetic tape is set in a standby state so that the recording operation can be started from the position at which the magnetic tape starts to be wound. By stopping the recording operation on the tape and starting the recording operation on the other magnetic tape in a standby state, the recording operation such that the magnetic tape and the magnetic tape are alternately repeated, so that the magnetic tape By using the entire tape and magnetic tape in the same state as the endless tape, it can be effectively applied to monitoring devices, etc., can also be used effectively as a large-capacity memory device, and can be stored in a composite tape cassette. Dubbing operation between two magnetic tapes, or when stored in two tape cassettes attached to a cassette housing Dubbing operation between two magnetic tapes that is also easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a composite tape cassette.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a composite tape cassette.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the recording / reproducing apparatus in a state where the recording / reproducing operation of the composite tape cassette is being performed.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the recording / reproducing apparatus in a state where the recording / reproducing operation of the composite tape cassette is performed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the composite tape cassette.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the recording / reproducing apparatus in a state where the recording / reproducing operation of the composite tape cassette is performed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a composite tape cassette.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the recording / reproducing apparatus in a state where the recording / reproducing operation of the composite tape cassette is being performed.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recording mode of a plurality of program information.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view and a plan view of an example of a single tape cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

TC1, TC2: Single tape cassette, CTC: Composite tape cassette, T1, T2: Magnetic tape (tape recording medium), Du1, Du2: Rotating drum, 1, 3: Supply reel, 2, 4: Take-up reel, 5, 6 ... single tape cassette housing, 6 to 10 ... guide members, 11, 12 ...
Cassette lid, 13 hinge member, 18 cassette housing, 26 input terminal, 27 output terminal, 28 external control signal, 29 control unit and signal processing unit of recording / reproducing device, 3
0: external buffer memory, RPM1, RPM2: magnetic recording / reproducing mechanism

Claims (4)

[Claims] A magnetic member stretched via a guide member between a supply reel having a reel hub connectable to a supply reel table and a take-up reel having a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel table. Two separate tape cassettes that are individually configured using a cassette housing that has a cassette lid that can be opened and closed on the portion of the tape that faces the magnetic film are connected in a bendable state. Wherein the surfaces of the two single tape cassettes on the side of the opening of the reel hub oppose and overlap each other, and the state of the two single tape cassettes on the side of the opening of the reel hub. The two single tape cassettes are linked by a butterfly plate member so that the two tape cassettes can be changed to a state where they occupy different positions on the same plane without facing each other. Composite tape cassette that is tied. 2. A magnetic member stretched via a guide member between a supply reel provided with a reel hub connectable to a supply reel base and a take-up reel provided with a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel base. The surface on the reel hub opening side of two single tape cassettes that are individually configured using a cassette housing with a freely openable and closable cassette lid on the part facing the magnetic film of the tape is opposed to each other. So that the two single tape cassettes can be changed to a state in which the two tape cassettes occupy different positions on the same plane in a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub do not face each other. A composite tape cassette constituted by connecting the tape cassettes in a bendable state, wherein the reel cassette of the two single tape cassettes is provided. When the openings on the opening side of the tape cassette do not face each other and occupy different positions on the same plane, the cassette lids of the two single tape cassettes are aligned on the same side. A composite tape cassette in which the two single tape cassettes are flexibly connected by a butterfly member. 3. A magnetic member stretched via a guide member between a supply reel having a reel hub connectable to a supply reel base and a take-up reel having a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel base. The surface on the reel hub opening side of two single tape cassettes that are individually configured using a cassette housing with a freely openable and closable cassette lid on the part facing the magnetic film of the tape is opposed to each other. So that the two single tape cassettes can be changed to a state in which the two tape cassettes occupy different positions on the same plane in a state where the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub do not face each other. A tape cassette, wherein the tape cassettes are flexibly connected by a butterfly plate member, wherein each reel in the two single tape cassettes described above is provided. When the surfaces on the opening side of the hub do not face each other and occupy different positions on the same plane, the reel hubs of the reels in the two single tape cassettes are arranged in series, and A composite tape formed by connecting the two single tape cassettes with a butterfly plate member so that the cassette lids of the two single tape cassettes are not aligned on the same side; cassette. 4. A magnetic member stretched via a guide member between a supply reel having a reel hub connectable to a supply reel table and a take-up reel having a reel hub connectable to a take-up reel table. The two single tape cassettes which are individually configured using a cassette housing provided with an openable and closable cassette lid on a portion facing the magnetic film of the tape are replaced with the two single tapes described above. A state in which the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub of the cassette are opposed and overlap with each other, and a state in which the surfaces on the opening side of the reel hub in the two single tape cassettes occupy different positions on the same plane without facing each other. A cassette housing in which a composite tape cassette, which is formed by connecting the two single tape cassettes with a butterfly plate member so as to be able to freely change, is mounted. 2 and the cassette housing is displaced to form a composite tape cassette.
Means for individually setting the magnetic tapes in the individual tape cassettes of the two single tape cassettes to the predetermined loading start position, and the magnetic tapes in the individual tape cassettes of the two single tape cassettes, respectively. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: an individual magnetic recording / reproducing mechanism that is loaded by an individual loading mechanism.