WO2003023780A1 - Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction - Google Patents

Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003023780A1
WO2003023780A1 PCT/US2001/027678 US0127678W WO03023780A1 WO 2003023780 A1 WO2003023780 A1 WO 2003023780A1 US 0127678 W US0127678 W US 0127678W WO 03023780 A1 WO03023780 A1 WO 03023780A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tape reel
tape
hub
flange
winding core
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/027678
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William J. Vanderheyden
John D. Willems, Jr.
Original Assignee
Quantum Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Quantum Corporation filed Critical Quantum Corporation
Priority to PCT/US2001/027678 priority Critical patent/WO2003023780A1/en
Publication of WO2003023780A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003023780A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
    • G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
    • G11B23/08—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends
    • G11B23/107—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends using one reel or core, one end of the record carrier coming out of the magazine or cassette
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
    • G11B23/037—Single reels or spools

Definitions

  • the invention relates to tape reels, such as single reel tape cartridges that are used in tape drive data storage devices, and in particular, to a tape reel that deflects in the radial direction in a uniform manner in response to the pressure applied thereto by the winding of the magnetic tape media on the tape reel.
  • the pressure on the tape reel hub is a function of hub stiffness and therefore a slightly compliant hub, deformable in a radial direction, is desirable to reduce the pressure on the magnetic tape.
  • Existing single reel tape cartridges fail to provide a high degree of uniformity, from top to bottom, in the radial deflection of the hub, resulting in either a "tapering" or "hour-glassing" of the hub.
  • Tapering means that the deflection at one end of the hub is greater than at the other end of the hub.
  • Hour glassing means that the hub deflects more in the center than at the top and bottom, which results in bowing of the hub that causes the hub to have an hour glass shape.
  • This non-uniform deflection of the hub results in a tension gradient across the width of the magnetic tape as the magnetic tape leaves the tape reel.
  • the tension gradient across the width of the magnetic tape causes variation in the head-to-tape spacing across the width of the magnetic tape and therefore reduces the error margins in reading and writing data on the magnetic tape.
  • the present tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection overcomes the problems outlined above and advances the art by providing a hub that deflects uniformly from top to bottom in response to the pressure generated by winding of the magnetic tape media on the hub.
  • the tape reel is fabricated as two components that are joined together.
  • the winding core, circular engagement surface and the top flange are formed to be integral to a first component, termed the hub.
  • the second component is the bottom flange.
  • the hub therefore has an integral top flange on one end of the winding core to provide stiffness to the top of the winding core and an integral circular engagement surface on the other end of the winding core to provide stiffness to the bottom of the winding core.
  • the winding core, top flange, and circular engagement surface are sized for uniform deflection of the hub. When assembled, the bottom flange has little effect on the radial stiffness of the hub.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection
  • Figures 2 & 3 illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side cross-section view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection.
  • the traditional tape reel comprises a circular-shaped top flange connected to a top portion of a cylindrical-shaped tape reel hub and a cylindrical-shaped bottom flange connected to a bottom portion of the tape reel hub.
  • the tape reel hub could be a conventional tape reel hub that connects to the tape drive in a conventional manner.
  • the top and bottom flanges are connected to the tape reel hub in a parallel relationship and form a magnetic tape media containment section on the tape reel.
  • the tape media containment section guides the magnetic tape media around the tape reel hub during operation of the tape drive.
  • a drive chuck of the tape drive engages a drive engagement surface on the tape reel, such as drive teeth formed on the bottom of the tape reel, to thereby enable the tape drive to rotate the tape reel to wind and unwind the magnetic tape.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a side view
  • Figures 2 & 3 illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side cross-section view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection.
  • the tape reel 400 uses a unique structure that comprises a winding core 401 , two flanges 402, 403 and circular engagement surface 404.
  • the tape reel 400 is fabricated as two components that are joined together.
  • the winding core 401 , circular engagement surface 404 and the top flange 403 are formed to be integral to a first component, termed the hub H.
  • the second component F is bottom flange 402.
  • the two components are assembled together using existing joining technology, such as ultrasonic welding, gluing, and the like.
  • the hub H consists of the cylindrical winding core 401 that has a wall thickness WT and integral top flange 403 of thickness TT formed on the top of the winding core 401.
  • This top flange 403 provides stiffness at the top of the winding core 401 causing it to deflect less here than along the rest of the winding core 401.
  • a circular engagement surface 404 of thickness ET extends inward from the winding core 401 in a radial direction.
  • This circular engagement surface 404 contains a set of teeth which are used to couple the tape reel 400 to the drive chuck (not shown) of the tape drive motor.
  • the circular engagement surface 404 not only serves to engage the drive chuck, but also provides radial stiffening at the bottom of the winding core 401 that balances the stiffness provided by the top flange 403 at the top of the winding core 401.
  • the bottom flange 402 of said second component F includes a circular aperture formed axially therein and sized to circumscribe said circular engagement surface 404.
  • the bottom flange 402 and the circular engagement surface 404 are formed with mating features 405 to enable precise and solid interconnection of these elements. For example, a lip is formed in the bottom surface of the bottom flange 402 and a corresponding slot is formed in the top surface of the circular engagement surface 404.
  • the bottom flange 402 When assembled, the bottom flange 402 has little effect on the radial stiffness of the tape reel 400 and, in particular the hub H.
  • the radial stiffness of the hub H is very nearly the same as the radial stiffness of the assembled reel 400.
  • Tape reels typically have the outer diameter to winding core diameter ratio of approximately two to one.
  • the thickness WT of the winding surface (winding core 401 ) should be approximately 50% greater than the thickness TT of the top flange and 25% greater than the thickness ET of the circular engagement surface 404 so that the top and bottom of the winding core 401 deflect the same amount in a radial direction in response to the pressure generated by the winding of the magnetic tape on the hub H.
  • “tapering” or “hour-glassing” of the hub is avoided.

Landscapes

  • Storage Of Web-Like Or Filamentary Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The present tape reel provides a hub that deflects uniformly from top to bottom in response to the pressure generated by winding of the magnetic tape media on the hub. The winding core, circular engagement surface and the top flange are formed to be integral to a first component, termed the hub. The second component is the bottom flange. The winding core, top flange, and circular engagement surface are sized for uniform deflection of the hub. When assembled, the bottom flange has little effect on the radial stiffness of the hub.

Description

TAPE REEL HAVING A HUB THAT UNIFORMLY DEFLECTS IN A RADIAL DIRECTION
Field of the Invention The invention relates to tape reels, such as single reel tape cartridges that are used in tape drive data storage devices, and in particular, to a tape reel that deflects in the radial direction in a uniform manner in response to the pressure applied thereto by the winding of the magnetic tape media on the tape reel.
Problem It is a problem in the field of single reel tape cartridges that are used in tape drive data storage devices to provide uniform radial deflection of the tape reel hub in response to the winding of the magnetic tape media on the hub. The hub of the tape reel is subject to pressure from the magnetic tape as it is wound into the hub, which pressure increases as the number of wraps increases. With the thinner thickness magnetic tapes presently in use, the data storage capacity of the single reel tape cartridge increases, but so does the number of wraps of magnetic tape wound on the tape reel and the associated pressure on the hub. When the pressure on the tape reel hub is great enough, the hub can deform. The pressure on the tape reel hub is a function of hub stiffness and therefore a slightly compliant hub, deformable in a radial direction, is desirable to reduce the pressure on the magnetic tape. Existing single reel tape cartridges fail to provide a high degree of uniformity, from top to bottom, in the radial deflection of the hub, resulting in either a "tapering" or "hour-glassing" of the hub. Tapering means that the deflection at one end of the hub is greater than at the other end of the hub. Hour glassing means that the hub deflects more in the center than at the top and bottom, which results in bowing of the hub that causes the hub to have an hour glass shape. This non-uniform deflection of the hub results in a tension gradient across the width of the magnetic tape as the magnetic tape leaves the tape reel. The tension gradient across the width of the magnetic tape causes variation in the head-to-tape spacing across the width of the magnetic tape and therefore reduces the error margins in reading and writing data on the magnetic tape.
Solution The present tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection overcomes the problems outlined above and advances the art by providing a hub that deflects uniformly from top to bottom in response to the pressure generated by winding of the magnetic tape media on the hub. The tape reel is fabricated as two components that are joined together. The winding core, circular engagement surface and the top flange are formed to be integral to a first component, termed the hub. The second component is the bottom flange. The hub therefore has an integral top flange on one end of the winding core to provide stiffness to the top of the winding core and an integral circular engagement surface on the other end of the winding core to provide stiffness to the bottom of the winding core. The winding core, top flange, and circular engagement surface are sized for uniform deflection of the hub. When assembled, the bottom flange has little effect on the radial stiffness of the hub.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection;
Figures 2 & 3 illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection; and
Figure 4 illustrates a side cross-section view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
For purposes of illustration and not of limitation, various features and advantages of the present invention are described within the context of a single reel tape cartridge.
It is to be understood that the following description with respect to a tape cartridge is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention could be easily applied to other tape reel formats and/or the take up reel located within the tape drive. The traditional tape reel comprises a circular-shaped top flange connected to a top portion of a cylindrical-shaped tape reel hub and a cylindrical-shaped bottom flange connected to a bottom portion of the tape reel hub. The tape reel hub could be a conventional tape reel hub that connects to the tape drive in a conventional manner. The top and bottom flanges are connected to the tape reel hub in a parallel relationship and form a magnetic tape media containment section on the tape reel. The tape media containment section guides the magnetic tape media around the tape reel hub during operation of the tape drive. A drive chuck of the tape drive engages a drive engagement surface on the tape reel, such as drive teeth formed on the bottom of the tape reel, to thereby enable the tape drive to rotate the tape reel to wind and unwind the magnetic tape.
Figure 1 illustrates a side view, Figures 2 & 3 illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, and Figure 4 illustrates a side cross-section view of the tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial deflection. The tape reel 400 uses a unique structure that comprises a winding core 401 , two flanges 402, 403 and circular engagement surface 404. The tape reel 400 is fabricated as two components that are joined together. The winding core 401 , circular engagement surface 404 and the top flange 403 are formed to be integral to a first component, termed the hub H. The second component F is bottom flange 402. The two components are assembled together using existing joining technology, such as ultrasonic welding, gluing, and the like.
The hub H consists of the cylindrical winding core 401 that has a wall thickness WT and integral top flange 403 of thickness TT formed on the top of the winding core 401. This top flange 403 provides stiffness at the top of the winding core 401 causing it to deflect less here than along the rest of the winding core 401. At the bottom of the hub H, a circular engagement surface 404 of thickness ET extends inward from the winding core 401 in a radial direction. This circular engagement surface 404 contains a set of teeth which are used to couple the tape reel 400 to the drive chuck (not shown) of the tape drive motor. Other coupling mechanisms can be used, such as frictional coupling, bolts (in the case of a take-up reel), or the use of other types of drive chuck engagement features. The circular engagement surface 404 not only serves to engage the drive chuck, but also provides radial stiffening at the bottom of the winding core 401 that balances the stiffness provided by the top flange 403 at the top of the winding core 401. The bottom flange 402 of said second component F includes a circular aperture formed axially therein and sized to circumscribe said circular engagement surface 404.
The bottom flange 402 and the circular engagement surface 404 are formed with mating features 405 to enable precise and solid interconnection of these elements. For example, a lip is formed in the bottom surface of the bottom flange 402 and a corresponding slot is formed in the top surface of the circular engagement surface 404. When assembled, the bottom flange 402 has little effect on the radial stiffness of the tape reel 400 and, in particular the hub H. The radial stiffness of the hub H is very nearly the same as the radial stiffness of the assembled reel 400.
Tape reels typically have the outer diameter to winding core diameter ratio of approximately two to one. When this is the case, the thickness WT of the winding surface (winding core 401 ) should be approximately 50% greater than the thickness TT of the top flange and 25% greater than the thickness ET of the circular engagement surface 404 so that the top and bottom of the winding core 401 deflect the same amount in a radial direction in response to the pressure generated by the winding of the magnetic tape on the hub H. Thus, "tapering" or "hour-glassing" of the hub is avoided. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations of the above-described embodiment that fall within the scope of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples and illustrations discussed above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is Claimed:
1. A tape reel that is configured to enable a tape drive to access a magnetic tape media that is wound on the tape reel, the tape reel comprising: a first component comprising a cylindrical winding core having an integral flange formed on a top of the winding core and a circular engagement surface formed on a bottom of the winding core for engaging a drive chuck located in the tape drive to enable rotation of said drive chuck to cause rotation of said tape reel; and a second component connectable to said first component and comprising a flange connected to a bottom of the winding core in a parallel relationship with the integral flange of the first component, wherein the integral flange of the first component and the second component define a tape containment section between said integral flange of the first component and said second component.
2. The tape reel of claim 1 wherein said second component further comprises: a circular aperture formed axially in said flange of said second component and sized to circumscribe said circular engagement surface.
3. The tape reel of claim 2 wherein said second component further comprises: a feature formed in a lower surface thereof for mating with a corresponding feature formed in said first component.
4. The tape reel of claim 1 wherein said first component further comprises: said winding core having a thickness of approximately 50% greater than the thickness of the top flange.
5. The tape reel of claim 1 wherein said first component further comprises: said winding core having a thickness of approximately 25% greater than the thickness of the circular engagement surface.
6. The tape reel of claim 1 wherein said first component further comprises: a plurality of teeth formed in said circular engagement surface for engaging a drive chuck located in the tape drive.
7. A tape reel that is configured to enable a tape drive to access a magnetic tape media that is wound on the tape reel, the tape reel comprising: a tape reel hub comprising a cylindrical winding core having an integral cylindrical- shaped top flange formed on a top of the winding core and a circular engagement surface formed on a bottom of the winding core for engaging a drive chuck located in the tape drive to enable rotation of said drive chuck to cause rotation of said tape reel; and a cylindrical-shaped bottom flange connectable to said tape reel hub at said bottom of the winding core in a parallel relationship with said top flange, wherein said top flange and said bottom flange define a tape containment section between said top flange and said bottom flange.
8. The tape reel of claim 7 wherein said cylindrical-shaped bottom flange further comprises: a circular aperture formed axially in said cylindrical-shaped bottom flange and sized to circumscribe said circular engagement surface.
9. The tape reel of claim 8 wherein said cylindrical-shaped bottom flange further comprises: a feature formed in a lower surface thereof for mating with a corresponding feature formed in said circular engagement surface.
10. The tape reel of claim 7 wherein said tape reel hub further comprises: said winding core having a thickness of approximately 50% greater than the thickness of said top flange.
11. The tape reel of claim 7 wherein said tape reel hub further comprises: said winding core having a thickness of approximately 25% greater than the thickness of said circular engagement surface.
12. The tape reel of claim 7 wherein said tape reel hub further comprises: a plurality of teeth formed in said circular engagement surface for engaging a drive chuck located in the tape drive.
PCT/US2001/027678 2001-09-05 2001-09-05 Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction WO2003023780A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2001/027678 WO2003023780A1 (en) 2001-09-05 2001-09-05 Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2001/027678 WO2003023780A1 (en) 2001-09-05 2001-09-05 Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003023780A1 true WO2003023780A1 (en) 2003-03-20

Family

ID=21742816

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/027678 WO2003023780A1 (en) 2001-09-05 2001-09-05 Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2003023780A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5074487A (en) * 1988-12-23 1991-12-24 Tdk Corporation Tape reel for tape cassette
EP0588219A2 (en) * 1992-09-14 1994-03-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Single reel cartridge with narrow width, windowed flange
JPH1125644A (en) * 1997-07-03 1999-01-29 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Reed welding for magnetic tape cartridge and welding device
WO2000030111A1 (en) * 1998-11-12 2000-05-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Reel of magnetic tape cartridge
EP1083564A2 (en) * 1999-09-07 2001-03-14 TDK Corporation Tape cartridge

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5074487A (en) * 1988-12-23 1991-12-24 Tdk Corporation Tape reel for tape cassette
EP0588219A2 (en) * 1992-09-14 1994-03-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Single reel cartridge with narrow width, windowed flange
JPH1125644A (en) * 1997-07-03 1999-01-29 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Reed welding for magnetic tape cartridge and welding device
WO2000030111A1 (en) * 1998-11-12 2000-05-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Reel of magnetic tape cartridge
EP1148500A1 (en) * 1998-11-12 2001-10-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Reel of magnetic tape cartridge
EP1083564A2 (en) * 1999-09-07 2001-03-14 TDK Corporation Tape cartridge

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 04 30 April 1999 (1999-04-30) *

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7156336B2 (en) Reel
EP0537714B1 (en) Magnetic tape cartridge
US7300016B2 (en) Tape reel assembly with stiff winding surface for a tape drive system
US6257519B1 (en) Three-piece tape reel assembly for a data storage tape cartridge
US7578464B2 (en) Tape reel and information recording apparatus
US6315230B1 (en) Tape reel assembly with washer guard for a data storage tape cartridge
EP0905697B1 (en) Single reel tape cartridge with locking leader block
US6062500A (en) High speed reel
US5400981A (en) Single reel cartridge reel with weld design
EP0070616A1 (en) Improved cassette hub locking mechanism
US6474582B2 (en) Three-piece tape reel assembly with integrated driving teeth and metal flanges
WO2003023780A1 (en) Tape reel having a hub that uniformly deflects in a radial direction
US6386470B1 (en) Takeup reel for single reel tape drives
US6427934B1 (en) Tape reel for minimizing print through
JP2002150640A (en) Combination for use with cartridge and tape drive, drive leader, tape library including tape drive, and method for manufacturing this combination
US7556215B2 (en) Data storage tape cartridge and system including storage tape having a transition tape
US7195192B2 (en) Tape cartridge
EP1168335B1 (en) Recording-media tape reel
US5803389A (en) Take-up reel for magnetic tape data systems
US6216970B1 (en) Method for reducing mechanical distortion on magnetic tape
JP2007328855A (en) 1-reel tape cartridge and its manufacturing method
US6739538B2 (en) Tape reel assembly with self-adjusting flange for a data storage tape cartridge
US6955322B1 (en) Uniform deflecting hub
US5207395A (en) Tether band and interconnector for videotape cartridge adaptor
JP2005108409A (en) Tape reel assembly with radially symmetricaly deforming tape winding surface

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PH PL PT RO SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UG US UZ VN YU ZA

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP