U.S. patent application number 10/369605 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for magnetic tape cartridge.
Invention is credited to Albrecht, Thomas, Heinze, Robert Ralph, Ishihara, Yusuke, McAllister, Jeffrey S., Morita, Kiyoo, Shiga, Hideaki, Takahashi, Daisuke, Tsuyuki, Seiji.
Application Number | 20030123188 10/369605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18450458 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030123188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morita, Kiyoo ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Magnetic tape cartridge
Abstract
A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing and a
single reel which is contained in the cartridge casing for
rotation. The reel has a reel hub in the form of a cylindrical
member which has a bottom wall and is provided with an opening and
a stopper gear formed on the bottom wall. A brake member is
provided with a brake gear and is movable up and down between an
operative position where the brake gear is brought into engagement
with the stopper gear to prevent rotation of the reel and a
retracted position where the brake gear is disengaged from the
stopper gear to permit rotation of the reel. The brake member is
normally urged toward the operative position and moved to the
retracted position by a pusher member of a tape drive system which
acts on the brake member through the opening in the reel hub when
the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive system. A
continuous wall portion is erected around the opening in the reel
hub, and the brake member includes a horizontal portion and a
continuous skirt portion which extends downward from the horizontal
portion and is in contact with the continuous wall portion of the
reel hub to close the opening together with the horizontal portion.
The brake member is moved between the operative position and the
retracted position with the skirt portion kept in contact with the
continuous wall portion of the reel hub.
Inventors: |
Morita, Kiyoo;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Shiga, Hideaki;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Takahashi, Daisuke;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Ishihara, Yusuke;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Tsuyuki, Seiji;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; McAllister, Jeffrey S.;
(Boise, ID) ; Albrecht, Thomas; (San Jose, CA)
; Heinze, Robert Ralph; (San Clemente, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Family ID: |
18450458 |
Appl. No.: |
10/369605 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10369605 |
Feb 21, 2003 |
|
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|
10086245 |
Mar 4, 2002 |
|
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|
6563671 |
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10086245 |
Mar 4, 2002 |
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09220336 |
Dec 24, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
360/132 ;
G9B/23.052; G9B/23.077 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 23/107 20130101;
G11B 23/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
360/132 |
International
Class: |
G11B 023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 1997 |
JP |
356722/1997 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A magnetic tape cartridge comprising a cartridge casing, a
single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is
contained in the cartridge casing for rotation, and a brake means
which is movable between an operative position where it prevents
rotation of the reel and a retracted position where it permits
rotation of the reel, wherein the improvement comprises that the
brake means comprises a brake member which is movable between an
operative position where it engages with the reel to prevent
rotation of the reel and a retracted position where it is
disengaged from the reel to permit rotation of the reel, an urging
means which urges the brake member toward the operative position,
and a brake release member which is disposed in the cartridge
casing to be rotated together with the reel and moves the brake
member to the retracted position in response to chucking operation
of a tape drive mechanism of a tape drive system, the reel is
provided with a reel gear which is brought into mesh with a drive
gear of the tape drive mechanism and a through hole through which a
push rod extending from the brake release member projects to be
brought into abutment against the drive gear of the tape drive
mechanism so that the brake release member moves the brake member
to the retracted position, and the through hole opens in an area
including at least a pair of opposed flanks of the reel gear which
form a valley of the reel gear.
2. A magnetic tape cartridge as defined in claim 1 in which the
brake release member is formed of fiber reinforced resin such as
long-fiber reinforced resin, carbon fiber reinforced resin and the
like.
3. A magnetic tape cartridge as defined in claim 1 in which at
least one of the brake release member and the brake member is
formed of synthetic resin containing therein lubricant selected
from the group consisting of molybdenum, polytetrafluoroethylene,
graphite, potassium titanate whisker, and silicone formed of
dimethyl polysiloxane of various grades and modifications
thereof.
4. A magnetic tape cartridge as defined in claim 1 in which the
brake release member is formed by stamping out a development of the
brake release member from a sheet metal and bending the development
into the brake release member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/086,245, filed Mar. 4, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/220,336, filed Dec. 24, 1998; the above
noted prior applications are all hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a magnetic tape cartridge, and
more particularly to a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a
cartridge casing and a single reel around which a magnetic tape is
wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for
rotation.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There has been known a single reel magnetic tape cartridge,
comprising a cartridge casing and a single reel around which a
magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge
casing for rotation, as a recording medium for an external storage
for a computer and the like. Such a single reel magnetic tape
cartridge is used for retaining important data of a computer or the
like and accordingly is arranged so that trouble such as tape
jamming does not occur and the magnetic tape is not accidentally
drawn out.
[0006] The reel is provided with a cylindrical reel hub having a
closed bottom and stopper gear teeth are formed in a circle and a
brake member provided with a brake gear which is adapted to be
brought into engagement with the stopper gear teeth is disposed to
be movable in the direction of thickness of the cartridge casing
along the axis of rotation of the reel. The brake member is urged,
for instance, by a coiled spring toward a position where the
stopper gear teeth are engaged with the break gear to prevent
rotation of the reel when the magnetic tape cartridge is not used.
When the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in a recording and
reproducing system, a brake release spindle of the recording and
reproducing system pushes upward the brake member to disengage the
stopper gear teeth from the brake gear.
[0007] However if a space is formed between the brake member and
the reel hub when the brake member is moved upward, dust and dirt
can enter the inside of the cartridge casing through the space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing observations and description, the
primary object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic
tape cartridge in which dust and dirt can be prevented from
entering the inside of the cartridge casing when the brake member
is moved upward to permit rotation of the reel.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a cartridge casing, a single
reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained
in the cartridge casing for rotation, the reel having a reel hub in
the form of a cylindrical member which has a bottom wall and is
provided with an opening and a stopper gear formed on the bottom
wall, and a brake member which is provided with a brake gear and is
movable up and down between an operative position where the brake
gear is brought into engagement with the stopper gear to prevent
rotation of the reel and a retracted position where the brake gear
is disengaged from the stopper gear to permit rotation of the reel,
the brake member being normally urged toward the operative position
and moved to the retracted position by a pusher member of a tape
drive system which acts on the brake member through the opening in
the reel hub when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the tape
drive system,
[0010] wherein the improvement comprises that
[0011] a continuous wall portion is erected around the opening in
the reel hub, and
[0012] the brake member comprises a horizontal portion which is
disposed above the opening in the reel hub and receives force from
the pusher member when the brake member is moved to the retracted
position and a continuous skirt portion which extends downward from
the horizontal portion and is in contact with the continuous wall
portion of the reel hub, thereby closing the opening together with
the horizontal portion, the brake member being moved between the
operative position and the retracted position with the skirt
portion kept in contact with the continuous wall portion of the
reel hub.
[0013] It is preferred that the brake member comprises a first
member and a second member which abuts against the first member
from above and is movable up and down together with the first
member, said horizontal portion and the skirt portion are formed on
the first member and the brake member is urged toward the operative
position by a spring means which acts on the second member.
[0014] The skirt portion may be fitted either on or in the
continuous wall portion.
[0015] In the case where the brake member comprises the first and
second members, it is preferred that the first and second members
abut against each other by way of a projection and the first and/or
second members be formed of low friction hardwearing material.
[0016] In the magnetic tape cartridge of the present invention, the
skirt portion is kept in contact with the continuous wall portion
on the reel hub to keep the opening closed even when the brake
member is in the retracted position, entrance of dust and dirt into
the cartridge casing through the opening can be prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic tape
cartridge in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention,
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first member of the brake
member,
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the second member of the brake
member,
[0020] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing an
important part of the magnetic tape cartridge of the first
embodiment,
[0021] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a
modification of the first embodiment,
[0022] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing another
modification of the first embodiment,
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic tape
cartridge in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention in a state where the magnetic tape cartridge is not
used,
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing 15 the reel
stopper mechanism of the magnetic tape cartridge,
[0025] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional showing the magnetic
tape cartridge in a state where it is used,
[0026] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional showing a
modification of the magnetic tape cartridge of the second
embodiment,
[0027] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the reel
stopper mechanism in a magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention,
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic tape
cartridge in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present
invention in a state where the magnetic tape cartridge is not
used,
[0029] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the reel
stopper mechanism of the magnetic tape cartridge,
[0030] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross-sectional showing the
magnetic tape cartridge in a state where it is used,
[0031] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing an
example of the through hole and the push rod employed in the fourth
embodiment,
[0032] FIGS. 16A and 16B are fragmentary cross-sectional views
showing another example of the through hole and the push rod
employed in the fourth embodiment,
[0033] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing still
another example of the through hole employed in the fourth
embodiment,
[0034] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing still
another example of the through hole and the push rod employed in
the fourth embodiment,
[0035] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing still
another example of the through hole employed in the fourth
embodiment,
[0036] FIGS. 20 and 21 show modifications of the brake release
member,
[0037] FIGS. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views showing
modifications of the shapes of the push rod and the through
hole,
[0038] FIGS. 23A and 23B are cross-sectional views showing
modifications of the shapes of the push rod and the through
hole,
[0039] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic tape
cartridge in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present
invention in a state where the magnetic tape cartridge is not
used,
[0040] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the reel
stopper mechanism of the magnetic tape cartridge,
[0041] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic tape
cartridge in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present
invention in a state where the magnetic tape cartridge is not used,
and
[0042] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the reel
stopper mechanism of the magnetic tape cartridge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] In FIG. 1, a magnetic tape cartridge 1 in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention comprises a single reel 4
around which a magnetic tape 20 is wound and is contained for
rotation in a cartridge casing 7. The reel 4 is formed by bonding
together a lower reel half 5 and an upper reel half 6 by ultrasonic
welding. The cartridge casing 7 is formed by fastening together
upper and lower casing halves 2 and 3 by screws and the like.
[0044] The lower reel half 5 comprises a cylindrical hub 23 and a
flange 24 which are integrally molded from synthetic resin. A reel
plate 8 for magnetically connecting a drive mechanism of a
recording and reproducing system is mounted on the outer bottom
surface of the hub 23. Further on the inner bottom surface of the
hub 23, is formed a stopper gear 23A which is brought into
engagement with a brake gear 32A formed on a brake member 30 to be
described later and prevents rotation of the reel 4 when the
magnetic tape cartridge 1 is not used. The hub 23 is provided with
an opening 23B, through which a brake release spindle in the
recording and reproducing system is inserted to push upward the
brake member 30. An annular groove 23C in which the brake member 30
is fitted is formed around the opening 23B.
[0045] The brake member 30 comprises a first member 31 having an
annular protrusion 31A (FIG. 2) which is fitted in annular groove
23C of the reel hub 23 and a second member 32 having an annular
protrusion which is projected downward as shown in FIG. 3. The
brake gear 32A is formed on the lower end face of the annular
protrusion of the second member 32. A projection 31B is formed on
the upper surface of the first member 31 and the second member 32
rests on the projection 31B as shown in FIG. 4. Further an exposed
portion 31C which is exposed outward through the opening 23B of the
reel hub 23 as shown in FIG. 4 is formed on the lower surface of
the first member 31. A projection 32B which is like a cross in
cross-section and is normally held in a groove 2A which is like a
cross in cross-section and is formed on the inner surface of the
upper casing half 2 is provided on the upper surface of the second
member 32.
[0046] The brake member 30 is urged downward by a coiled spring 10
fitted on the projection 32B and is positioned in the cartridge
casing 7 with the annular protrusion 31A of the first member 31
received in the annular groove 32C of the reel hub 23, with the
brake gear 32A and the stopper gear 23A in mesh with each other and
with the projection 32B received in the groove 2A as shown in FIG.
4. The height of the first member 31 (the distance between the
lower end face of the annular protrusion 32A and the top of the
projection 31B) is set so that the second member 32 rests on the
projection 31B of the first member 31 and the brake gear 32A and
the stopper gear 23A are in mesh with each other so long as the
second member 32 is in a position as urged by the coiled spring 10.
Further the height of the annular protrusion 31A of the first
member 31 and the depth of the annular groove 23C of the reel hub
23 are set so that the annular protrusion 31A is still in the
annular groove 23C even if the first member 31 is lifted to its
uppermost position. The first member 31 and/or the second member 32
is formed of low friction, hardwearing material such as
polyoxymethylene, resin added with molybdenum or the like.
[0047] In this state, rotation of the reel 4 is prevented by
engagement between the brake gear 32A and the stopper gear 23A.
When the magnetic tape cartridge 1 is loaded in the recording and
reproducing system, the brake release spindle of the recording and
reproducing system pushes upward the exposed portion 31C of the
brake member 30, whereby the first and second members 31 and 32 of
the brake member 30 are moved upward overcoming the force of the
coiled spring 10 and the gears 32A and 23A are disengaged from each
other to permit rotation of the reel 4. At this time, though the
annular protrusion 31A of the first member 31 is moved upward
relative to the annular groove 23C of the reel hub 23, the
protrusion 31A is not drawn out of the groove 23C as described
above.
[0048] A tape outlet opening 26 through which the magnetic tape 20
is drawn out is formed in a side wall of the cartridge casing 7.
The tape outlet opening 26 is closed and opened by a slide door 27
which is slidable in the directions of double-headed arrow A and is
urged in the closing position by a spring not shown.
[0049] A leader pin 21 is fixed to the leading end of the magnetic
tape 20 and when the magnetic tape cartridge 1 is not used, the
magnetic tape 20 is entirely wound around the reel 4 with the
leader pin 21 held in a recess 28 formed near the tape outlet
opening 26.
[0050] When the magnetic tape cartridge 1 is loaded in a recording
and reproducing system, the gears 23A and 32A of the hub 23 and the
brake member 30 are disengaged from each other to permit rotation
of the reel 4 in the manner described above and the drive mechanism
of the recording and reproducing system holds the reel plate 8
under magnetic force and rotates the reel 4. At the same time, the
slide door 27 is opened and the leader pin 21 is brought to a
predetermined position in a tape running path, thereby recording or
reproduction becomes feasible. In this state, since the annular
protrusion 31A of the first member 31 is still in the annular
groove 23C, dust cannot enter the cartridge casing 7 through the
opening 23B of the reel hub 23.
[0051] Since the annular protrusion 31A is fitted in the annular
groove 23C, the first member 31 is sometimes rotated relative to
the second member 32 in response to rotation of the reel 4. In this
particular embodiment, since the first member 31 is in contact with
only at the projection 31B, sliding resistance is small and
generation of wear tailings can be reduced. Further since the first
member 31 and/or the second member 32 is formed of low friction,
hardwearing material such as polyoxymethylene, sliding resistance
is smaller and generation of wear tailings can be more reduced.
[0052] Though, in the first embodiment described above, the groove
23C is formed in the reel hub 23 and the protrusion 31A of the
first member 31 is fitted in the groove 23C, an annular wall
portion 23D may be formed around the opening 23B as shown in FIG.
5, and the annular protrusion 31A may be fitted on the annular wall
portion 23D. Otherwise an annular wall portion 23E may be formed
around the opening 23B and the annular protrusion 31A may be fitted
in the annular wall portion 23E as shown in FIG. 6. In this case,
it is preferred that an annular flange 23F be provided to project
inward from the annular wall portion 23E, thereby preventing the
first member 31 from falling down through the opening 23B.
[0053] Further, though, in the first embodiment described above,
the first member 31 is in abutment against the second member 32 at
the projection 31B formed on the first member 31, such a projection
may be formed on the second member 32 or on each of the first and
second members 31 and 32.
[0054] A magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with a 20 second
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, hereinbelow.
[0055] In FIG. 7, the magnetic tape cartridge 101 of the second
embodiment comprises a single reel 102 around which a magnetic tape
(not shown) is wound and is contained for rotation in a cartridge
casing 103. The cartridge casing 103 is formed by fastening
together upper and lower casing halves 131 and 132 by screws and
the like. The lower casing half 132 is provided with a central
opening 132a. Further the magnetic tape cartridge 101 is provided
with a reel stopper means 110 which prevents rotation of the reel
102 when the magnetic tape cartridge 101 is not used and permits
rotation of the reel 102 when the magnetic tape cartridge 101 is
used.
[0056] The reel 102 comprises a reel hub 121 which is a cylindrical
member having a bottom wall 121a and doughnut-shaped lower and
upper flanges 122 and 123 extending outward from the lower and
upper ends of the reel hub 121. The reel hub 121 and the lower
flange 122 are formed integrally with each other by molding of
synthetic resin and the upper flange 123 is fixed to the reel hub
121, for instance, by ultrasonic welding. Gear teeth (reel gear)
124 for driving the reel 102 are formed in a circle on the lower
surface of the bottom wall 121a of the reel hub 121 and an annular
reel plate 125 of magnetic metal is mounted on the lower surface of
the bottom wall 121a inside the reel gear 124. The reel gear 124
and the reel plate 125 are exposed outside through the central
opening 132a in the cartridge casing 132. The reel 102 is urged
downward by an urging member 105 to be described later.
[0057] A reel drive means 111 of a tape drive system comprises a
rotary spindle 112 provided with a drive gear 113 formed on the
upper end face of the rotary spindle 112 and a magnet disposed on
the upper end face of the same. When the magnetic tape cartridge
101 is loaded in the tape drive system, the rotary spindle 111 is
moved upward toward the magnetic tape cartridge 101 and the drive
gear 113 is brought into mesh with the reel gear 124 while the
magnet attracts the reel plate 125 to hold the drive gear 113 in
mesh with the reel gear 124.
[0058] The reel stopper means 110 comprises a brake member 104
which is movable up and down away from and toward the reel 102, an
urging member 105 which urges the brake member 104 toward the reel
102 and a brake release member 106 which moves the brake member
away from the reel 102.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, three through holes 126 are formed in
the bottom wall 121a of the reel hub 121 at regular intervals on a
circle to extend through the bottom wall 121a at the portion where
the reel gear 124 is formed. Further three engagement projections
127 are erected from the upper surface of the bottom wall 121a at
regular intervals on a circle in positions angularly spaced from
the through holes 126. The number of the through holes 126 and the
engagement projections 127 need not be limited to three but for or
more through holes 126 and engagement projections 127 may be
formed. The upper end portion of each engagement projection 127 is
shaped like a gear tooth and may be shaped like a plurality of gear
teeth. In FIG. 8, only the bottom wall 121a of the reel hub 121 is
shown as the reel 102.
[0060] The brake member 104 is a substantially disc-like member and
is disposed in the reel hub 121 opposed to the bottom wall 121a of
the reel hub 121. A plurality of gear teeth 141 (stopper gear) are
annularly formed on the lower surface of the brake member 104 and
are adapted to be brought into engagement with the engagement
projections 127. A straight protrusion 142 extends upward from the
upper surface of the brake member 104 and is fitted in a guide
groove formed in a guide portion 131a projecting downward from the
inner surface of the upper casing half 131, whereby the brake
member 104 is able to be moved toward and away from the bottom wall
121a of the reel hub 121 without rotating relative to the reel hub
121. The protrusion 142 and the groove in the guide portion 131a
may be like a cross in cross-section.
[0061] An urging member 105 in the form of a coiled spring
compressed between the upper surface of the brake member 104 urges
the brake member 104 toward the operative position where the
stopper gear 141 and the engagement projections 127 are engaged
with each other to prevent rotation of the reel 104.
[0062] The brake release member 106 is disposed between the brake
member 104 and the bottom wall 121a of the reel 25 hub 121 to be
movable up and down. As shown in FIG. 8, the brake release member
106 comprises a central disc portion 161 and three arms 162
extending radially outward from the central disc portion 161. A
rectangular push rod 163 extends downward from the free end of each
arm 162 and is inserted for up and down movement into one of the
through holes 126 formed in the bottom wall 121a of the reel hub
121 with its lower end projected into teeth portion of the reel
gear 124 on the lower surface of the reel hub 121. The engagement
projections 127 are positioned between the arms 162.
[0063] In the lowermost position of the brake release member 106
shown in FIG. 7, the lower end face of each push rod 163 is
positioned substantially flush with the tips of the teeth of the
reel gear 124 and, in response to chucking action of the rotary
spindle 111 of the tape drive system for bringing the drive gear
113 into mesh with the reel gear 124, the push rods 163 are pushed
upward to move upward the brake release member 106 by a
predetermined amount, thereby disengaging the engagement projection
127 from the stopper gear 141 to permit rotation of the reel 102 as
shown in FIG. 9. Since the push rods 163 are inserted into the
through holes 126 in the reel hub 121, the brake release member 106
is rotated integrally with the reel 102.
[0064] The brake member 104 is urged downward by the 25 urging
means 105 so that the lower surface thereof abuts against the upper
surface of the brake release member 106. A spherical projection 164
is formed on the upper surface of the central disc portion 161
coaxially with the axis of rotation of the brake release member
106, and a recess 143 having a curved bottom is formed on the lower
surface of the brake member 104 so that the tip of the spherical
projection 164 abuts against the center of the recess 143. Further
an annular protrusion 165 is formed on the upper surface of the
brake release member 106 around the spherical projection 164 and
the lower surface of the brake member 104 abuts against the upper
surface of the protrusion 165. Thus the brake member 104 and the
brake release member 106 contact each other over a limited area,
whereby the resistance to rotation of the reel 102 is reduced and
generation of wear tailings can be suppressed.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of slits 165a are formed in
the annular protrusion 165 at predetermined intervals. Wear
tailings generated between the contact surfaces of the brake member
104 and the brake release member 106 are gathered in the slits 165a
so that the wear tailings are not held between the contact surfaces
to promote wear.
[0066] Though, in the embodiment described above, the projection
164 and the protrusion 165 are formed on the brake release member
106, they may be formed on the brake member 104. Further only one
of the projection 164 and the protrusion 165 may be formed. Since
the peripheral speed increases toward the outer periphery of the
central disc portion 161, it is preferred that the annular
protrusion 165 be formed nearer to the center of the disc portion
161.
[0067] In the modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
10, the brake release member 106 contacts the brake member 104 at a
ball 150 which is press-fitted in a recess formed on the upper
surface of the brake release member 106 and is received in a recess
144 formed in the lower surface of the brake member 104. It is
preferred that the ball 150 be formed hardwearing material such as
steel or ceramics.
[0068] It is preferred that at least one of the brake member 104
and the brake release member 106 be formed of low friction,
hardwearing material. For example, the brake member 104 is formed
of polyoxymethylene while the brake release member 106 is formed of
polycarbonate resin, polycarbonate resin added with graphite, ABS
resin, ABS resin added with graphite, or nylon resin added with
molybdenum.
[0069] Further, as clearly shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 142
extends long substantially across the upper surface of the brake
member 104 and accordingly the coiled spring 105 fitted on the
protrusion 142 is large in diameter. That is, the coiled spring 105
acts on the brake member 104 at a portion near the outer periphery
of the brake member 104. Accordingly the coiled spring 105 acts on
the brake member 104 at a portion near the push rods 163 which are
pushed upward by the rotary spindle 111 of the tape drive system.
With this arrangement, deformation of the brake member 104,
especially of the arms 162, can be suppressed, whereby the brake
member 104 can be smoothly lifted without friction between the
outer surface of the push rod 163 and the inner surface of the
through hole 126. Since the thickness of the brake member 104,
especially of the arms 162, is restricted, the brake member 104 is
apt to be deformed when the working point at which the coiled
spring 105 acts on the brake member 104 is remote from the working
point at which the upward force transmitted from the rotary spindle
111 by way of the push rods 163 acts on the brake member 104. When
the brake member 104 is deformed, the outer surface of the push
rods 163 brought into contact with the inner surface of the through
holes 126 and friction therebetween adversely affects the brake
release operation.
[0070] A magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 11, hereinbelow.
[0071] The magnetic tape cartridge of the third embodiment is
substantially the same as the second embodiment, and accordingly
the elements analogous to those in the second embodiment are given
the same reference numerals and only the difference from the second
embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 11 is a view similar to
FIG. 8 but showing the reel stopper mechanism in the third
embodiment.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, rotation of the
reel 102 is prevented by engagement of an external bevel gear 141'
which is formed on the brake member 104 to conically taper toward
the reel hub 121 and an internal bevel gear 127' which is formed on
the reel hub 121 to conically flare toward the brake member 104.
The internal bevel gear 127' is partly cut away and the through
holes 126 into which the push rods 163 of the brake release member
106 are inserted are formed at the cutaway portions.
[0073] In this embodiment, since rotation of the reel 102 is
prevented by engagement of the conical gears 141' and 127' and the
former is pressed against the latter by the urging means, the brake
member 104 is centered with respect to the reel hub 121 so that the
center of the brake member 104 is on the axis of rotation of the
reel 102 and the gears 141' and 127' are engaged with each other
under a uniform pressure over the entire periphery thereof, whereby
rotation of the reel 102 can be surely prevented. Further for the
same reason, the brake member 104 can be lifted keeping the
horizontal position by the spherical projection 164 when the push
rods 163 are pushed downward and the gear 141' can be surely
disengaged from the gear 127' over the entire periphery
thereof.
[0074] Rotation of the reel 102 may be prevented by pressing a high
friction conical surface on the brake member 104 against a high
friction conical surface on the reel hub 121.
[0075] A magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present invention will be described,
hereinbelow.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, the magnetic tape cartridge 201 of the
fourth embodiment comprises a single reel 202 around which a
magnetic tape (not shown) is wound and is contained for rotation in
a cartridge casing 203. The cartridge casing 203 is formed by
fastening together upper and lower casing halves 231 and 232 by
screws and the like. The lower casing half 232 is provided with a
central opening 232a. Further the magnetic tape cartridge 201 is
provided with a reel stopper means 210 which prevents rotation of
the reel 202 when the magnetic tape cartridge 201 is not used and
permits rotation of the reel 202 when the magnetic tape cartridge
201 is used.
[0077] The reel 202 comprises a reel hub 221 which is a 20
cylindrical member having a bottom wall 221a and doughnut-shaped
lower and upper flanges 222 and 223 extending outward from the
lower and upper ends of the reel hub 221. The reel hub 221 and the
lower flange 222 are formed integrally with each other by molding
of synthetic resin and the upper flange 223 is fixed to the reel
hub 221, for instance, by ultrasonic welding. Gear teeth (reel
gear) 224 for driving the reel 202 are formed in a circle on the
lower surface of the bottom wall 221a of the reel hub 221 and an
annular reel plate 225 of magnetic metal is mounted on the lower
surface of the bottom wall 221a inside the reel gear 224. The reel
gear 224 and the reel plate 225 are exposed outside through the
central opening 232a in the cartridge casing 232. The reel 202 is
urged downward by an urging member 205 to be described later.
[0078] When the magnetic tape cartridge 201 is loaded in the tape
drive system, the rotary spindle 111 is moved upward toward the
magnetic tape cartridge 201 and the drive gear 113 is brought into
mesh with the reel gear 224 while the magnet attracts the reel
plate 225 to hold the drive gear 113 in mesh with the reel gear
224.
[0079] The reel stopper means 210 comprises a brake member 204
which is movable up and down away from and toward the reel 202, an
urging member 205 which urges the brake member 204 toward the reel
202 and a brake release member 206 which moves the brake member 204
away from the reel 202.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, three through holes 226 are formed in
the bottom wall 221a of the reel hub 221 at regular intervals on a
circle to extend through the bottom wall 221a at the portion where
the reel gear 224 is formed. Further three engagement projections
227 are erected from the upper surface of the bottom wall 221a at
regular intervals on a circle in positions angularly spaced from
the through holes 226. In FIG. 13, only the bottom wall 221a of the
reel hub 221 is shown as the reel 202.
[0081] The brake member 204 comprises a disc-like member 241
disposed in the reel hub 221 opposed to the bottom wall 221a of the
reel hub 221. A plurality of gear teeth 242 (stopper gear) are
annularly formed on the lower surface of the disc-like member 241
and are adapted to be brought into engagement with the engagement
projections 227. The lower surface of the disc-like member 241 is
bulged downward at a central portion thereof and the central
portion is brought into abutment against the central portion of the
upper surface of a central disc portion (to be described later) of
the brake release member 206.
[0082] A protrusion 244 extends upward from the upper surface of
the disc-like member 241 of the brake member 204 and an engagement
groove 245 shaped like a cross in cross-section is formed in the
protrusion 244. An engagement projection 233 projecting downward
from the inner surface of the upper casing half 231 is inserted
into the engagement groove 245, whereby the brake member 204 is
able to be moved toward and away from the bottom wall 221a of the
reel hub 221 without rotating relative to the reel hub 221.
[0083] An urging member 205 in the form of a coiled spring
compressed between the upper surface of the brake member 204 urges
the brake member 204 toward the operative position where the
stopper gear 242 and the engagement projections 227 are engaged
with each other to prevent rotation of the reel 204.
[0084] The brake release member 206 is disposed between the brake
member 204 and the bottom wall 221a of the reel hub 221 to be
movable up and down. As shown in FIG. 13, the brake release member
206 comprises a central disc portion 261 and three arms 262
extending radially outward from the central disc portion 261. A
rectangular push rod 263 extends downward from the free end of each
arm 262 and is inserted for up and down movement into one of the
through holes 226 formed in the bottom wall 221a of the reel hub
221 with its lower end projected into teeth portion of the reel
gear 224 on the lower surface of the reel hub 221. The engagement
projections 227 are positioned between the aims 262. The push rod
263 may be circular or ellipsoidal in cross-section. The brake
release member 206 may be shaped like a triangle with the push rods
263 formed to extend downward at the corners of the triangle.
[0085] In the lowermost position of the brake release member 206
shown in FIG. 12, the lower end face of each push rod 263 is
positioned substantially flush with the tips of the teeth of the
reel gear 224 and, in response to chucking action of the rotary
spindle 111 of the tape drive system for bringing the drive gear
113 into mesh with the reel gear 224, the push rods 263 are pushed
upward to move upward the brake release member 206 by a
predetermined amount, thereby disengaging the engagement projection
227 from the stopper gear 241 to permit rotation of the reel 202 as
shown in FIG. 14. Since the push rods 263 are inserted into the
through holes 226 in the reel hub 221, the brake release member 206
is rotated integrally with the reel 202.
[0086] The brake member 204 is urged downward by the urging means
205 so that the bulged central portion of the lower surface thereof
is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the brake release
member 206.
[0087] Each of the through holes 226 formed in the reel hub 221
opens downward at the portion of the lower surface of the reel hub
221 at which the reel gear 224 is formed in an area including at
least a pair of opposed flanks of the reel gear 221 which form a
valley of the reel gear 224. The through hole 226 may be of a
rectangle, circle or ellipsoid or the like according to the
cross-sectional shape of the push rod 263.
[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the through hole 226 opens
in a width of one pitch of the reel gear 224 by cutting away a pair
of flanks 224a between the tips 224a of a pair of adjacent teeth.
In this example, the opposed 25 flanks 224a are inclined at the
same angle and the center of the push rod 263 coincides with the
center of the valley formed by the flanks 224a and with the tip of
a tooth of the drive gear 113 in mesh with the reel gear 224.
[0089] The through hole 226 should cover at least one valley and
when each valley of the reel gear 224 is small because of a small
diameter of the reel gear 224 or a small number of teeth, the
through hole 226 is extended on one side or opposite sides of the
valley as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 to be described later.
[0090] With this arrangement, even if the phase of the drive gear
113 is shifted from the phase of the reel gear 224 within one pitch
when the former is brought into mesh with the latter, the tip of a
tooth of the drive gear 113 can be surely brought into abutment
against the lower end face of the push rod 263, whereby the push
rod 263 can be surely lifted to disengage the stopper gear 242 from
the engagement projections 227.
[0091] A recess 263a which is adapted to be engaged with the tip of
a tooth of the drive gear 113 may be formed on the lower surface of
the push rod 263 as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.
[0092] The tips 224a of the teeth on opposite sides of the through
hole 226 may be cut flat at shown in FIG. 17. Otherwise such tips
may be rounded or chamfered.
[0093] With this arrangement, generation of sharp edges by 25
cutting away a part of the reel gear 224 can be avoided, which
facilitates formation of the mold for molding the reel hub 221 and
facilitates molding of the reel hub 221.
[0094] In the modification shown in FIG. 18, the through hole 226
is wider than one pitch of the reel gear 224 and is formed by
cutting away a pair of adjacent teeth from the root thereof with a
pair of flat surfaces 24c formed on opposite sides of the through
hole 226.
[0095] In the modification shown in FIG. 19, the tip 224a of each
tooth of the reel gear 224 is flat on the outer portion and sharp
on the inner portion and the height of the tooth becomes smaller
toward the inner periphery. Further the inclinations of the flanks
on opposite sides of each valley differ from each other. The
through hole 226 is wider than one pitch of the reel gear 224 and
is formed by cutting away a pair of adjacent teeth from the root
thereof with a pair of flat surfaces 24c formed on opposite sides
of the through hole 226.
[0096] FIGS. 20 and 21 show modifications of the brake release
member 206. In these modifications, a blank in the form of a
development of the brake release member 206 is stamped out from a
sheet metal and the blank is bent into the brake release member
206. In the modification shown in FIG. 20, the blank has push rod
portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the portions
forming the arms 262 and the push rod portions are bent downward by
90.degree. to form the push rods 263. The tip portion of each of
the push rod portions is further bent to form an abutment portion
263b on the lower end of the push rod 263. In the modification
shown in FIG. 21, the blank has push rod portions extending
laterally from the ends of the portions forming the arms 262 and
the push rod portions are bent downward by 90.degree. to form the
push rods 263. The tip portion of each of the push rod portions is
further bent to form an abutment portion 263b on the lower end of
the push rod 263.
[0097] By thus forming the brake release member 206 of sheet metal,
the brake release member 206 can be sufficiently rigid for its
thickness.
[0098] It is preferred that the push rod 263 be arranged so that
the push rod 263 contacts with the inner surface of the through
hole 226 at fine protrusions formed on the outer surface of the
push rod 263 or on the inner surface of the through hole 226 to
extend in the longitudinal direction of the push rod 263 in order
to reduce the contact area therebetween.
[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 22A, the push rod 263 is square
in cross-section and a plurality of protrusions 226a are formed on
the inner surface of the through hole 226 to extend in the
longitudinal direction of the push rod 263, whereby the push rod
263 contacts with the inner surface of the through hole 226 only at
the protrusions 226a. In the example shown in FIG. 22B, a plurality
of protrusions 263d are formed on the outer surface of the push rod
263 to extend in the longitudinal direction of the push rod
263.
[0100] In the examples shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the push rod 263
is circular in cross-section, a plurality of protrusions 226a are
formed on the inner surface of the through holes 226.
[0101] In the examples shown in FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A and 23B, the
protrusions 226a and 263d are about several tens .mu.m though
exaggerated in the drawings.
[0102] A magnetic tape cartridge 301 in accordance with a 10 fifth
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, hereinbelow. The magnetic tape
cartridge 301 of this embodiment differs from that of the second
embodiment mainly in the structure of the reel stopper means, and
accordingly only the structure of the reel stopper means will be
mainly described.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in this embodiment, the reel
stopper means 310 comprises a brake member 304 which is movable up
and down away from and toward the reel 302, an urging member 305
which is formed integrally with the brake member 304 and urges the
brake member 304 toward the reel 302 and a brake release member 306
which moves the brake member away from the reel 302.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 25, three through holes 326 are formed in
the bottom wall 321a of the reel hub 321 at regular intervals on a
circle to extend through the bottom wall 321a at the portion where
the reel gear 324 is formed. Further three engagement projections
327 are erected from the upper surface of the bottom wall 321a at
regular intervals on a circle in positions angularly spaced from
the through holes 326. The upper end portion of each engagement
projection 327 is tapered. In FIG. 8, only the bottom wall 321a of
the reel hub 321 is shown as the reel 302.
[0105] The brake member 304 is formed by a plate material and has a
central disc portion 341 convex upward and concave downward and
three arms 342 extending radially outward from the disc portion
341. The free end portion of each arm 342 is bent downward to form
a pair of engagement portions 343 which forms an engagement recess
in which the tip of the engagement projection 327 is fitted to
prevent rotation of the reel 302. Three spring plates 305 extend
radially outward from the disc portion 341 between the arms
342.
[0106] An annular holding portion 333 extends downward from the
inner surface of the upper casing half 331. Three first recesses
333a are formed on the lower end face of the holding portion 333 at
regular intervals and three second recesses 333b are formed on the
lower end face of the holding portion 333 between the first
recesses 333a. The first recesses 333a are deeper than the second
recesses 333b and the free end portions of the arms 342 are
inserted into the first recesses 333a to be movable up and down.
The free end portions of the plate springs 305 are engaged in the
second recesses 333b.
[0107] With this arrangement, the brake member 304 is able to be
moved toward and away from the bottom wall 321a of the reel hub 321
without rotating relative to the reel hub 321, and is urged toward
the reel hub 304 by the plate springs 305.
[0108] The brake release member 306 is disposed between the brake
member 304 and the bottom wall 321a of the reel hub 321 to be
movable up and down. As shown in FIG. 25, the brake release member
306 comprises a central disc portion 361 and three arms 362
extending radially outward from the central disc portion 361. A
rectangular push rod 363 extends downward from the free end of each
arm 362 and is inserted for up and down movement into one of the
through holes 326 formed in the bottom wall 321a of the reel hub
321 with its lower end projected into teeth portion of the reel
gear 324 on the lower surface of the reel hub 321. The engagement
projections 327 are positioned between the arms 362.
[0109] A spherical projection 364 is formed on the upper surface of
the central disc portion 361 and is in contact with the lower
concave surface of the central disc portion 341.
[0110] In the lowermost position of the brake release member 306
shown in FIG. 24, the lower end face of each push rod 363 is
positioned substantially flush with the tips of the teeth of the
reel gear 324 and, in response to chucking action of the rotary
spindle 111 of the tape drive system for bringing the drive gear
113 into mesh with the reel gear 324, the push rods 363 are pushed
upward to move upward the brake release member 306 by a
predetermined amount, thereby disengaging the engagement projection
327 from the engagement portions 343 to permit rotation of the reel
302. Since the push rods 363 are inserted into the through holes
326 in the reel hub 321, the brake release member 306 is rotated
integrally with the reel 302.
[0111] In this embodiment, since the brake member 304 and the
urging means 305 are integral with each other, the number of parts
can be reduced and assembly of the magnetic tape cartridge is
facilitated.
[0112] A magnetic tape cartridge 401 in accordance with a sixth
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, hereinbelow. The magnetic tape
cartridge 401 of this embodiment differs from that of the second
embodiment mainly in the structure of the reel stopper means, and
accordingly only the structure of the reel stopper means will be
mainly described.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, in this embodiment, the reel
stopper means 410 comprises a brake release member 404 which is
rotatable integrally with the reel 402 and is movable up and down
away in response to chucking operation of the rotary spindle 111 of
the tape drive system, a brake member 405 which is fixed to the
cartridge casing 403 and is brought into engagement with a part of
the brake release member 404 to prevent rotation of the reel 402,
and urging members 406 which urges the brake release member 404
toward the position where it engages with the brake member 405.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 27, three through holes 426 are formed in
the bottom wall 421a of the reel hub 421 at regular intervals on a
circle to extend through the bottom wall 421a at the portion where
the reel gear 424 is formed. Further three spring retainer
projections 427 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the
reel hub 421 at regular intervals in positions angularly spaced
from the through holes 426 as shown in FIG. 26. Each spring
retainer portion 427 is provided with a recess into which the base
portion of a plate spring 406 (urging member) is inserted as will
be described later. In FIG. 27, only the bottom wall 421a of the
reel hub 421 is shown as the reel 402.
[0115] The brake member 405 comprises a disc portion 451. 20 A
stopper gear 452 is formed on the upper surface of the disc portion
451 along the outer periphery thereof and a projection 453 extends
upward at the central portion of the disc portion 451. The
projection 453 is fixed in an annular recess 431a formed on the
inner surface of the upper casing half 431, whereby the brake
member 405 is fixed to the cartridge casing 403 not to be
rotatable. The brake member 405 is disposed inside the reel hub 421
opposed to the bottom wall 421a thereof.
[0116] The brake release member 404 comprising an annular portion
441 provided with a central opening. A brake gear 442 (FIG. 26)
which is adapted to be engaged with the stopper gear 452 is formed
on the lower surface of the annular portion 441. The brake release
member 404 is disposed above the brake member 405 to be movable up
and down with the projection 453 of the brake member 405 extending
through the central opening of the annular portion 441. Three
rectangular push rods 443 extend downward from the outer periphery
of the annular portion 441 and are inserted for up and down
movement into the through holes 426 formed in the bottom wall 421a
of the reel hub 421 with its lower end projected into teeth portion
of the reel gear 424 on the lower surface of the reel hub 421.
[0117] Each of the plate springs 406 comprises a vertical base
portion and a curved resilient arm portion. The plate spring 406 is
mounted on the reel hub 421 by inserting the base portion into the
spring retainer portion 427 with the resilient arm portion in
abutment against the upper surface of the annular portion 441 of
the brake release member 404.
[0118] In the lowermost position of the brake release member 404
shown in FIG. 26, the lower end face of each push rod 443 is
positioned substantially flush with the tips of the teeth of the
reel gear 424 and, in response to chucking action of the rotary
spindle 111 of the tape drive system for bringing the drive gear
113 into mesh with the reel gear 424, the push rods 443 are pushed
upward to move upward the brake release member 404 by a
predetermined amount, thereby disengaging the stopper gear 452 from
the brake gear 442 to permit rotation of the reel 402. Since the
push rods 443 are inserted into the through holes 426 in the reel
hub 421, the brake release member 404 is rotated integrally with
the reel 402. In this embodiment, since the brake release member
404 is rotated without contacting the brake member 405, resistance
to rotation of the reel 402 is reduced and generation of wear
tailings is prevented.
[0119] In the embodiments described above, it is preferred that the
brake release member be formed of fiber reinforced resin such as
long-fiber reinforced resin, carbon fiber reinforced resin and the
like. Such fiber reinforced resin comprises polyamide resin,
polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, ABS resin, polybutylene
terephthalate and the like added with glass fiber, carbon fiber,
boron fiber, silicon carbide fiber, alumina fiber and the like.
[0120] Further it is preferred that the brake member and/or the
brake release member be formed of synthetic resin containing
therein lubricant such as molybdenum, polytetrafluoroethylene,
graphite, potassium titanate whisker, silicone formed of dimethyl
polysiloxane of various grades and modifications thereof and the
like.
[0121] In addition to the lubricant listed above, amide oleate
lubricant, ercuamide lubricant, amide stearate lubricant,
bis-aliphatic acid lubricant, nonionic surface active agent
lubricant, hydrocarbon lubricant, aliphatic acid lubricant, ester
lubricant, alcohol lubricant, metal soap and the like may be
added.
[0122] As the synthetic resin, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene,
PPS, aliphatic polyamide such as nylon 6, nylon 66(6,6;6/6) and the
like, aromatic polyamide, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene,
isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polystyrene, and hardwearing
resin having an imide group such as polyimide, polyamide-imide,
polyether imide and the like are preferred.
* * * * *