JPH11191279A - Tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give a magnetic recording medium prescribed tension. SOLUTION: A magnetic tape housed into a cartridge main body 2 is prolonged into a recording/reproducing recessed part 10 notching the cartridge main body 2 to be opened. Then, a support member 9 arranged on the surface of this recording/reproducing recessed part 10 is abutted on the rear surface side of the magnetic tape 3, and the prescribed cension is given to the magnetic tape 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a tape cartridge accommodating a magnetic recording medium used in an information processing apparatus and the like, and a method of maintaining a contact state of the magnetic recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A tape cartridge houses a magnetic recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as a magnetic tape) on which recording and / or reproduction (hereinafter, referred to as recording and reproduction) of information signals and the like is performed in a cartridge body, and is, for example, a computer. It is detachably used for information processing devices, video tape recorders, audio tape recorders, and the like.

[0003] A conventional tape cartridge includes a cartridge main body and a magnetic tape housed in an internal space of the cartridge main body.

[0004] In the cartridge body, a pair of tape reels is disposed in an internal space formed by combining an upper half and a lower half. The pair of tape reels is rotatably disposed in a reel recess provided in the lower half. Both ends of the magnetic tape are fixed to the pair of tape reels, respectively. The magnetic tape is wound and stored on at least one tape reel.
The pair of tape reels function as an unwind reel and a take-up reel with respect to the magnetic tape by rotating in the same direction.

[0005] The magnetic tape moves along a specific path inside the cartridge body from the unwinding reel to the take-up reel as the pair of tape reels rotates. Specifically, the magnetic tape is sent out from the unwinding reel along with the rotation of the pair of tape reels, and slides around the pair of corner pins provided at both corners on one side inside the cartridge body. , And wound on a take-up reel.

The cartridge main body is provided with a recording / reproducing concave portion which is opened by cutting out a part of the cartridge main body. For tape cartridges,
The magnetic tape accommodated in the internal space of the cartridge main body is guided to the recording / reproducing concave portion by the above-mentioned pair of corner pins, and is exposed to the outside of the cartridge main body at the position of the recording / reproducing concave portion.

Further, the cartridge body is provided with a shutter member for closing the recording / reproducing concave portion. The shutter member can freely open and close the recording / reproducing concave portion by an opening / closing mechanism such as a door type mechanism or a slide type mechanism. The tape cartridge is configured such that the recording / reproducing concave portion is closed by a shutter member when recording / reproducing is not performed on the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape is protected from dust and the like.

When the tape cartridge is used by being mounted on an information processing device, a video tape recorder, an audio tape recorder, or the like, a shutter member is opened, and recording / reproducing means (hereinafter, referred to as a magnetic head) of these devices.
Is brought into contact with the magnetic tape from the recording / reproducing concave portion.
Then, a pair of reels are rotationally driven by driving means of these devices, and signals are recorded / reproduced on / from a magnetic tape on which a magnetic head of these devices runs.

[0009]

By the way, in the tape cartridge, when the magnetic tape moves from the unwinding reel to the take-up reel as described above, tension is inevitably applied to the magnetic tape. .

In a conventional tape cartridge, the largest tension is applied to a magnetic tape passing through a recording / reproducing concave portion when the same amount of magnetic tape is wound on a pair of tape reels. Then, in the conventional tape cartridge, in a state where the magnetic tape is wound around one of the pair of tape reels, the tension applied to the magnetic tape passing through the recording / reproducing concave portion decreases,
Tension sufficient to maintain a stable contact state between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head cannot be obtained.

As described above, in a state where the tension applied to the magnetic tape is insufficient, in other words, in a state where the magnetic tape and the magnetic head cannot maintain stable contact, it is difficult to accurately record and reproduce signals. turn into. That is, the conventional tape cartridge has a problem that it is difficult to stably record a signal on a magnetic tape and to accurately reproduce a recorded signal.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a tape cartridge in which the tension applied to a magnetic recording medium is kept within a predetermined range.
Another object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a method for maintaining the tension applied to a magnetic recording medium within a predetermined range.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tape cartridge according to the present invention comprises a cartridge main body, a magnetic recording medium housed in an internal space of the cartridge main body, and a cartridge main body. A recording / reproducing concave portion which is opened in a chipped manner and exposes the magnetic recording medium to the magnetic head, and a support member which is disposed on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion and applies a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium. And the support member holds a contact state between the magnetic recording medium and the recording / reproducing means.

In the tape cartridge according to the present invention configured as described above, the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is
At a position of the recording / reproducing concave portion, a predetermined range is maintained by the support member.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tape cartridge according to the present invention comprises a cartridge main body, a magnetic recording medium housed in an internal space of the cartridge main body, and an opening formed by cutting out the cartridge main body. A recording / reproducing concave portion for allowing the magnetic recording medium to face the magnetic head; and a supporting means disposed on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion for applying a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium.

In the tape cartridge according to the present invention configured as described above, the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is
At a position of the recording / reproducing concave portion, a predetermined range is maintained by the support means.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
According to a method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic recording medium according to the present invention, a magnetic recording medium is housed in an internal space of a cartridge main body, and the magnetic recording medium is recorded from a recording / reproducing concave portion opened by notching the cartridge main body. Face the means of reproduction,
By the support member arranged on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion,
A predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic recording medium to maintain a contact state between the magnetic recording medium and the recording / reproducing means.

According to the method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic recording medium according to the present invention configured as described above, the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is maintained within a predetermined range at the position of the recording / reproducing concave portion. It is.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a tape cartridge according to the present invention has a cartridge body, a magnetic recording medium housed in an internal space of the cartridge body, and an opening formed by cutting out the cartridge body. A recording / reproducing concave portion that exposes the magnetic recording medium to recording / reproducing means, and is fixed outside the recording / reproducing concave portion,
A support member extending to the recording / reproducing concave portion and applying a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium, wherein the support member maintains a contact state between the magnetic recording medium and the recording / reproducing means. Become.

In the tape cartridge according to the present invention configured as described above, the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is
At a position of the recording / reproducing concave portion, a predetermined range is maintained by the support means.

Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
According to a method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic recording medium according to the present invention, a magnetic recording medium is housed in an internal space of a cartridge main body, and the magnetic recording medium is recorded from a recording / reproducing concave portion opened by notching the cartridge main body. Face the means of reproduction,
A predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic recording medium by a support member fixed to the outside of the recording / reproducing concave portion and extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion. Is maintained.

According to the magnetic recording medium contact state maintaining method of the present invention configured as described above, the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is maintained within a predetermined range at the position of the recording / reproducing concave portion. It is.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a tape cartridge according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Hereinafter, a belt-driven tape cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 1 will be described. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the belt-driven tape cartridge, but can be easily applied to any tape cartridge that stores a tape-shaped magnetic recording medium.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 2 and a magnetic tape 3 housed in the internal space of the cartridge body 2. The tape cartridge 1 is detachable from a recording / reproducing device (not shown). Tape cartridge 1
When mounted on a recording / reproducing apparatus, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus is brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 to record / reproduce a signal.

The magnetic tape 3 has a width of, for example, 1/4 inch. For this reason, the tape cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 1 is usually called a QIC (Quarter Inch Cassete). A transparent start and end tapes (not shown) are connected to the start and end of the magnetic tape 3. The start and end of the magnetic tape 3 are detected by detecting the transparent start and end tapes by a tape start and end detection mechanism on the recording / reproducing apparatus side, as described later.

The cartridge body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape by combining the upper half 4 and the lower half 5. The cartridge body 2 includes a pair of tape reels 6.
a, 6b, a belt drive mechanism 7, a shutter member 8,
And a support member 9. The cartridge body 2 is provided with a recording / reproducing concave portion 10 for allowing the magnetic tape 3 to face outward.

The upper half 4 is provided with an erroneous recording preventing member 11 for inhibiting recording on the magnetic tape 3 and an end detecting mirror 12 for the recording / reproducing device to detect the end of the magnetic tape 3. Have been. Also, in the upper half 4,
A detection window 13 for guiding detection light to an end detection mirror 12
Is provided.

The erroneous recording prevention member 11 is provided at a corner portion on the outer surface side of the upper half 4 and is fitted in a recess provided in the upper half 4 so as to be slidable by a predetermined distance. I have. In the tape cartridge 1, by reading the position of the erroneous recording prevention member 11 by the recording / reproducing device, it is possible to inhibit erasure and recording of signals on the magnetic tape 3.

The end detecting mirror 12 is provided to enable the recording / reproducing device to detect the start and end of the magnetic tape 3.
It is provided on the opposite side of the detection window 13 via the magnetic tape 3. When the tape cartridge 1 is mounted on a recording / reproducing apparatus, detection light is emitted from a light emitting unit of the recording / reproducing apparatus through a detection window 13. In the tape cartridge 1, when the transparent start or end tape of the magnetic tape 3 reaches the detection window 13, the detection light of the recording / reproducing device is reflected by the end detecting mirror 12, and Detected by the light receiving unit. Thus, the tape cartridge 1 enables the recording / reproducing device to detect the start and end of the magnetic tape 3.

The lower half 5 has guide pins 14 for guiding the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic tape 3 is provided with the recording / reproducing recess 1.
0, a pair of guide pins 15 for guiding them to extend to zero, a pair of reels 16 for rotatably supporting the pair of tape reels 6a and 6b, and a belt driving roller 19 to be described later rotatably. A belt driving roller support shaft 17 for supporting and a pair of guide roller support shafts 18 for rotatably supporting a guide roller 20, which will be described later, are provided.

The guide pins 14 are erected integrally with the lower half 5 and a plurality of guide pins 14 are provided so that the magnetic tape 3 runs along a predetermined route.

A pair of guide pins 15 are provided near both corners of the lower half 5 where the recording / reproducing recess 10 is formed.
Each is provided.

The pair of reel shafts 16 are located in the central region of the lower half 5, are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge body 2, and are erected integrally with the lower half 5. 6b is rotatably supported.

Each of the pair of tape reels 6a and 6b is composed of a reel hub around which the magnetic tape 3 is wound, and a flange plate integrally formed so as to extend from above the reel hub. Reel hub is magnetic tape 3
Is formed in a cylindrical shape having a height substantially equal to the width of the cylinder. In addition, the reel shaft 16 of the lower half 5 is provided on the reel hub.
Are provided with reel holes.

The pair of tape reels 6a and 6b are respectively provided with a pair of reel shafts 1 through a reel hole provided in a reel hub.
6, the cartridge 6 is rotatably supported in the internal space of the cartridge body 2. The pair of tape reels 6a and 6b are rotationally driven by the belt drive mechanism 7 to drive the magnetic tape 3 to travel.

The belt driving mechanism 7 includes the belt driving roller 1
9, a pair of guide rollers 20, and a drive belt 21.

The belt drive roller 19 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by an elastic material having excellent wear resistance. The belt driving roller 19 has a driving flange, which is located at an upper edge portion thereof, and which is in contact with a driving roller on the recording / reproducing apparatus side to transmit a rotational force, and is formed to protrude around the circumference. The belt driving roller 19 is provided in the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the lower half 5.
It is rotatably mounted on a belt drive roller support shaft provided in the central region on the side. In the central region of the belt drive roller 19, a drive belt engaging portion is provided.

A pair of guide rollers 20 are rotatably mounted on a pair of guide roller support shafts 18 provided at a corner of the lower half 5 opposite to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 side. The guide roller 20 is provided in the cartridge body 2.
Has a height that is slightly smaller than the height of the first member, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

The drive belt 21 is hung on the pair of guide rollers 20 inside the cartridge body 2 and is hung on the belt drive roller 19 via the central space of the pair of tape reels 6a and 6b. . Therefore, the drive belt 21 is connected to the pair of tape reels 6.
a, 6b to contact the outer peripheral portion of the magnetic tape 3 and transmit the rotational driving force to the cartridge body 2;
The vehicle travels along a substantially convex-shaped traveling path.

The shutter member 8 is rotatably mounted on a shutter pin (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the lower half 5 so as to be rotatable. For example, the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 is closed by a torsion spring or the like. It is urged and supported in a cantilevered state in the lid closing direction. Accordingly, the shutter member 8 protects the magnetic tape 3 extending to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 from contamination and damage when recording / reproducing a signal to / from the magnetic tape 3 is not performed.

The recording / reproducing concave portion 10 is formed by cutting out one side of the cartridge body 2. The recording / reproducing concave portion 10 has an opening dimension enough to allow a magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus side into which the tape cartridge 1 is attached / detached to enter.

The support member 9 is formed of a heat-resistant material into a substantially flat plate shape, and has a pair of convex portions 9a formed at one end in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 9 is inserted between a pair of pillars 4a that are provided integrally with the upper half 4 in the vicinity of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and a pair of convex portions 9a is provided. And is fixed by fitting to the column portion 4a.

The support member 9 is fixed by a pair of pillars 4a provided near the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, rises toward the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and extends to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. The magnetic tape 3 is supported from below, and a predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic tape 3. Thus, in the tape cartridge 1, the magnetic tape 3 can maintain a sufficient contact pressure with the magnetic head on the recording / reproducing apparatus side. Therefore, in the tape cartridge 1, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can maintain a stable contact state. Therefore, in the tape cartridge 1, signals can be stably recorded on the magnetic tape 3, and the recorded signals can be accurately reproduced.

Since the support member 9 is formed of a heat-resistant material, the support member 9 is deformed by heat generated inside the recording / reproducing apparatus when the tape cartridge 1 is used by being mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus. There is no such thing as. The present invention does not limit the formation of the support member 9 from a heat-resistant material. For example, the support member 9 may be formed using the same material as the upper half 4.

Further, the support member 9 is provided with a pair of projections 9a, so that a pair of pillars 4a of the upper half 4 are provided.
Can be securely fitted and fixed. The present invention does not limit the provision of the pair of protrusions 9a on the support member 9. For example, the support member 9 and the column 4a
For example, it may be fixed with an adhesive or a screw.

The support member 9 is inserted into and fixed to a pair of pillars 4a provided on the upper half 4, so that the support member 9 has sufficient mechanical strength in the direction in which the magnetic tape 3 slides. Have. Thus, the support member 9 does not deform or break in the direction in which the magnetic tape 3 slides. The present invention does not limit that the support member 9 is inserted into and fixed to the pair of pillars 4a. For example, one end of the support member 9 is formed in a T-shape, and for example, an adhesive or the like is used. You may fix with a screw etc.

The support member 9 is desirably formed using a polyacetal (trade name: Delrin, manufactured by EIduPont de Nemours & Co. Inc.) as a heat-resistant material. Thereby, the support member 9
Can obtain sufficient heat resistance.

The support member 9 has a tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 of, for example, 0.3 to 3.5 ounce weight (about 8.5 to 9 ounces).
9.2 grams weight). In the tape cartridge 1, when the tension applied by the support member 9 to the magnetic tape 3 is less than 0.3 ounce weight, it is difficult to maintain a stable contact state between the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head. . In the tape cartridge 1, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 by the support member 9 is 3.
When the weight exceeds 5 ounces, there are problems that it is difficult for the magnetic tape 3 to slide smoothly with respect to the magnetic head and that the wear amount of the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head increases.

The support member 9 has a tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 of, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 oz.
4.2 to 42.5 grams weight). Thereby, in the tape cartridge 1, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can maintain a more favorable contact state.

As described above, the support member 9 is not fixed between the pair of pillars 4a provided on the upper half 4, but is fixed on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. Is also good. Thereby, in the tape cartridge 1,
There is no need to provide a pair of pillars 4a to fix the support member 9, and the mounting of the support member 9 is facilitated.

As described above, when the support member 9 is fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing recess 10, it is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, and extends from the surface of the recording / reproducing recess 10 to the recording / reproducing recess 10. The magnetic tape 3 is formed so as to rise toward the magnetic tape 3 and is fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 with, for example, an adhesive or a screw. And the support member 9
By contacting the magnetic tape 3, a predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic tape 3. Thus, in the tape cartridge 1, the magnetic tape 3 can maintain a sufficient contact pressure with the magnetic head on the recording / reproducing apparatus side. Therefore, in the tape cartridge 1, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can maintain a stable contact state. Therefore, in the tape cartridge 1, signals can be stably recorded on the magnetic tape 3, and the recorded signals can be accurately reproduced.

It is desirable that the support member 9 is formed of an elastic material having heat resistance. As a result, the support member 9 can be prevented from being deformed by the heat generated inside the recording / reproducing device as described above, and the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 by elastic deformation can be a predetermined value. Can be controlled so that That is, the support member 9 is used for the tape cartridge 1.
When the magnetic tape 3 is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus and the magnetic head comes into contact with the magnetic tape 3, the magnetic head 3 is appropriately elastically deformed, so that the contact state between the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can be stably maintained.

In this case, it is desirable that the support member 9 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Thereby, the support member 9 can have sufficient heat resistance and sufficient elastic characteristics.

In this case, the supporting member 9 is made of polyfluoroethylene fiber (trade name: Teflon, EIduPont d.
e Nemours & Co. Inc.). Thereby, the support member 9 can have sufficient heat resistance and sufficient elastic characteristics.

As described above, the tape cartridge 1 configured as described above can be used even in a state where the magnetic tape 3 is biased and wound around one of the pair of tape reels 6a and 6b by the support member 9. Recording and reproducing recess 10
In this position, a sufficient tension can be applied to the magnetic tape 3.

Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the above-described supporting member is attached to a tape cartridge in which a sufficient tension is not applied to the magnetic tape so that the magnetic tape and the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus are kept in contact with each other. The following tape cartridges include QIC (Quarter In
ch Cassete) type tape cartridge was used. Further, in the tape cartridge described below, the same or equivalent parts as those of the above-described tape cartridge 1 will not be described in detail, and will be described with the same reference numerals.

In the first tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. In the first tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 in the process of moving the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b is 0.25 oz. 7.09 grams), which was not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a curved support member 30 was attached to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge main body 2 for the first tape cartridge. The support member 30 includes a substantially flat leg that is adhered and fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and a rising portion that rises from one end of the leg in a substantially semicircular shape. Then, by contacting the rising portion with the back surface side of the magnetic tape 3 extending to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10,
A predetermined tension was applied to the magnetic tape 3. With the support member 30 attached to the first tape cartridge,
The tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured by the same method as described above.

As a result, in the first tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is 0.9.
The weight was 4 ounces (approximately 26.6 grams), which was enough to keep the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head in good contact.

In the second tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3, and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. In the second tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 in the process of moving the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b is 0.23 ounce weight (approximately 0.23 ounces). 6.52 gram weight), which was not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 40 was attached to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge main body 2 for the second tape cartridge. Support member 40
Is composed of a substantially plate-like leg that is adhered and fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and a rising portion formed to protrude from one end of the leg. Then, a predetermined tension was applied to the magnetic tape 3 by bringing the rising portion into contact with the back surface side of the magnetic tape 3 extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. With the support member 40 attached to the second tape cartridge, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured by the same method as described above.

As a result, in the second tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is 0.8
The weight was 7 ounces (about 24.7 grams weight), which was enough to keep the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head in a good contact state.

In the third tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. In the third tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 during the movement of the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b is 0.27 ounce weight (about 7 .65 gram weight), which was not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the support member 50 was attached to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge body 2 for the third tape cartridge. Support member 50
A first leg portion having a substantially flat plate shape adhered and fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10; a rising portion formed to protrude from one end of the first leg portion; First
And a second leg connected to the opposite end. Then, the first leg and the second leg are adhesively fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and the rising portion abuts on the back surface side of the magnetic tape 3 extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. Thereby, a predetermined tension was applied to the magnetic tape 3. With the support member 50 attached to the third tape cartridge, by the same method as described above,
The tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured.

As a result, in the third tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is 0.8
The weight was 8 ounces (about 24.9 grams), which was enough to keep the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head in a good contact state.

In the fourth tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. In the fourth tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 during the movement of the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b is 0.28 ounce weight (about 7 .94 g weight), which was not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, a support member 60 was attached to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge main body 2 for the fourth tape cartridge. Support member 60
Is composed of a substantially flat plate-like leg portion adhered and fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and a pair of rising portions formed to protrude from both ends of the leg portion. Then, a predetermined tension was applied to the magnetic tape 3 by bringing the pair of rising portions into contact with the back surface side of the magnetic tape 3 extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. With the support member 60 attached to the fourth tape cartridge, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured by the same method as described above.

As a result, in the fourth tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is 1.0
The weight was 3 ounces (approximately 29.2 grams), which was enough to keep the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head in good contact.

In the fifth tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. In the fifth tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 in the process of moving the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b is 0.29 ounce weight (about 8 .22 gram weight), which was not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a support member 70 was attached to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge main body 2 for the fifth tape cartridge. Support member 70
Is composed of a substantially plate-like leg that is adhered and fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, and a rising portion formed to protrude from one end of the leg. Then, the rising portion is attached to the back surface side of the magnetic tape 3 extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 so as to be inclined and abutted in the central region of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10, thereby providing the magnetic tape 3.
A predetermined tension was applied to. With the support member 70 attached to the fifth tape cartridge, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured by the same method as described above.

As a result, in the fifth tape cartridge, the minimum value of the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is 0.6
The weight was 0 ounce weight (about 17.0 gram weight), which was enough to keep the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head in a good contact state.

In the sixth tape cartridge, first, the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus was brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3 and the pressure applied to the magnetic head was measured. The sixth tape cartridge is not enough for the magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on the magnetic tape 3 in the process of moving the magnetic tape 3 from one tape reel 6a to the other tape reel 6b. Was.

Next, with respect to the sixth tape cartridge, as shown in FIG.
The supporting member 80 formed in a substantially flat plate shape as in the case of
The cartridge body 2 was inserted and attached to a pair of pillars (not shown) provided near the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge body 2. The support member 80 has a pair of protrusions 8 at one end on the side to be inserted into the pillar.
0a is provided, and the pair of protrusions 80a is fixed by fitting to the pillar. And the support member 8
The end opposite to the side on which the pair of convex portions 80a are formed is brought into contact with the back side of the magnetic tape 3 extended to the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 so that the magnetic tape 3 has a predetermined shape. Tension was applied. With the support member 80 attached to the sixth tape cartridge, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 was measured by the same method as described above.

As a result, in the sixth tape cartridge, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is
And the magnetic head were kept in good contact with each other.

In the sixth tape cartridge, the supporting member 80a of the supporting member 80 is fitted not to a pair of pillars but to another member provided in the cartridge body 2 so as to be supported. 80 may be fixed. Further, the support member 80 may be fixed such that the convex portion 80a of the support member 80 goes around at least one of the pair of column portions.

Next, a method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic tape according to the present invention will be described. In the following, a method for holding a contact state of a magnetic tape applied to the above-described tape cartridge 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a contact state holding method) will be described.

In the contact state holding method according to the present invention, the magnetic tape 3 is housed in the internal space of the cartridge body 2. Then, the magnetic tape 3 is attached to the cartridge main body 2.
Are exposed to the magnetic head of the recording / reproducing apparatus side from the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 opened by notching. Further, a predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic tape 3 by the support member 9 disposed on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 to maintain a contact state between the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head.

Thus, according to the contact state maintaining method of the present invention, the magnetic tape 3 can maintain a sufficient contact pressure with the magnetic head on the recording / reproducing apparatus side. Therefore, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can be maintained in a stable contact state. Therefore, according to the contact state holding method according to the present invention, it is possible to stably record a signal on the magnetic tape 3 and accurately reproduce the recorded signal.

At this time, the support member 9 is fixed to the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 of the cartridge body 2 by a fixing means such as an adhesive or a screw, and is directed from the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 to the back side of the magnetic tape 3. It may be formed so as to stand up.

It is desirable that the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 be 0.3 to 3.5 ounce weight (about 8.5 to 99.2 g weight). When the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is less than 0.3 ounce weight, it is difficult to stably maintain the contact state between the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head. Further, when a tension exceeding 3.5 ounces is applied to the magnetic tape 3, it becomes difficult for the magnetic tape 3 to slide smoothly with respect to the magnetic head, or the magnetic tape 3 or the magnetic head 3 The problem arises that the amount of abrasion increases.

Further, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 is set to 0.5 to 1.5 ounce weight (about 14.2 to 42.5 ounces).
Gram weight). Thereby, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can be maintained in a more favorable contact state.

In the contact state maintaining method according to the present invention, it is desirable that the above-mentioned support member 9 is formed of an elastic material having heat resistance. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the supporting member 9 from being deformed by heat generated inside the recording / reproducing apparatus, and to prevent the supporting member 9 from being deformed.
Is elastically deformed, the tension applied to the magnetic tape 3 can be controlled to be a predetermined value. That is, when the tape cartridge 1 is mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus and the magnetic head is brought into contact with the magnetic tape 3, the support member 9 is appropriately elastically deformed, so that the contact between the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head is caused. The state can be kept stable.

In this case, it is desirable that the support member 9 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Thereby, the support member 9 can be formed so as to have sufficient heat resistance and sufficient elastic characteristics.

In this case, the support member 9 is made of a polyfluorinated ethylene fiber (trade name: Teflon, EIduPont d.
e Nemours & Co. Inc.).
Thereby, the support member 9 can be formed so as to have sufficient heat resistance and sufficient elastic characteristics.

Further, in the contact state holding method according to the present invention, as described above, the support member 9 is not disposed on the surface of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 but is fixed outside the recording / reproducing concave portion 10. A predetermined tension may be applied to the magnetic tape 3 by extending the recording / reproducing concave portion 10.

In this case, as in the case described above, the magnetic tape 3 can maintain a sufficient contact pressure with the magnetic head on the recording / reproducing apparatus side. Therefore, the magnetic tape 3 and the magnetic head can be maintained in a stable contact state. Therefore, even in this case, according to the contact state maintaining method according to the present invention, it is possible to stably record a signal on the magnetic tape 3 and accurately reproduce the recorded signal.

In this case, it is desirable that the support member 9 is formed of a heat-resistant material. This prevents the tape cartridge 1 from being deformed by heat generated inside the recording / reproducing apparatus when the tape cartridge 1 is used by being mounted on the recording / reproducing apparatus.

The supporting member 9 is preferably formed using a polyacetal (trade name: Delrin, manufactured by EIduPont de Nemours & Co. Inc.) as a heat-resistant material. Thereby, the support member 9
Can obtain sufficient heat resistance.

In the case described above, the supporting member 9 is provided in the vicinity of the recording / reproducing concave portion 10 with a pair of pillar portions 4a.
It is desirable to insert and fix between them. This allows
The support member 9 has sufficient mechanical strength in the direction in which the magnetic tape 3 slides. Therefore, the support member 9 does not deform or break in the direction in which the magnetic tape 3 slides.

In this case, at least one projection 9a provided on the support member 9 allows the support member to be connected to the pair of pillars 4a.
It is desirable to fit and fix between them. Thus, the support member 9 can be securely fitted and fixed to the pair of pillars 4a.

[0091]

As described above, in the tape cartridge according to the present invention, the support member provided in the recording / reproducing concave portion applies a predetermined tension to the magnetic tape so that the magnetic tape is The contact state with the magnetic head on the recording / reproducing apparatus side is maintained. Thus, in such a tape cartridge, a signal can be stably recorded on the magnetic tape 3 and the recorded signal can be accurately reproduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an upper half of the tape cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the tape cartridge according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tape cartridge, 2 cartridge body, 3
Magnetic tape, 4 upper half, 5 lower half, 6 tape reel, 7 belt mechanism, 8 shutter member, 9 support member, 10 recording / reproducing recess

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A cartridge main body, a magnetic recording medium housed in an internal space of the cartridge main body, and a recording and / or reproducing apparatus which is opened by notching the cartridge main body and exposes the magnetic recording medium to recording and / or reproducing means. And / or a reproducing concave portion, and a support member provided on the surface of the recording and / or reproducing concave portion to apply a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium. A tape cartridge for maintaining a contact state between the recording medium and the recording and / or reproducing means. 2. The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium by the support member is 0.3 to 3.5 ounces. 3. The tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium by the support member is 0.5 to 1.5 ounces. 4. The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said support member is formed of an elastic material having heat resistance. 5. The tape cartridge according to claim 4, wherein said support member is formed of polyethylene terephthalate. 6. The tape cartridge according to claim 4, wherein said support member is made of Teflon. 7. A cartridge main body, a magnetic recording medium housed in an internal space of the cartridge main body, and a recording and / or reproducing apparatus which cuts open the cartridge main body and exposes the magnetic recording medium to recording and / or reproducing means. A tape cartridge comprising: a concave portion for reproduction; and a support means disposed on a surface of the concave portion for recording and / or reproduction and applying a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium. 8. A magnetic recording medium is housed in an internal space of a cartridge main body, and the magnetic recording medium is recorded and / or reproduced from a recording and / or reproducing concave portion opened by cutting out the cartridge main body.
Alternatively, a predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic recording medium by a support member disposed on the surface of the recording and / or reproducing concave portion so as to face recording / reproducing means. A method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic recording medium for maintaining a contact state with a means. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is 0.3 to 3.5 ounces. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the tension applied to the magnetic recording medium is 0.5 to 1.5 ounces. 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the support member is formed of an elastic material having heat resistance. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the elastic material is made of polyethylene terephthalate.
The method for maintaining a contact state of a magnetic recording medium according to the above. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the elastic material is formed of Teflon. 14. A cartridge main body, a magnetic recording medium accommodated in an internal space of the cartridge main body, and a recording and / or reproducing apparatus which cuts and opens the cartridge main body to expose the magnetic recording medium to recording and / or reproducing means. And / or a reproduction recess, fixed to the outside of the recording and / or reproduction recess, and extended to the recording and / or reproduction recess to apply a predetermined tension to the magnetic recording medium. A tape cartridge for maintaining a contact state between the magnetic recording medium and recording and / or reproducing means. 15. The tape cartridge according to claim 14, wherein said support member is formed of a heat-resistant material. 16. The tape cartridge according to claim 14, wherein said heat resistant material is made of Delrin. 17. The cartridge body is provided with a pair of pillars adjacent to the recording and / or reproducing recess, and the support member is inserted and fixed between the pair of pillars. The tape cartridge according to claim 14, wherein 18. The tape cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the support member is provided with at least one projection that fits into the pair of pillars. 19. A magnetic recording medium is housed in an internal space of a cartridge main body, and the magnetic recording medium is recorded and / or reproduced from a recording and / or reproducing concave portion opened by cutting out the cartridge main body.
Alternatively, a predetermined tension is applied to the magnetic recording medium by a support member fixed to the outside of the recording and / or reproducing concave portion and extending to the recording and / or reproducing concave portion. And a contact state holding method for the magnetic recording medium, wherein the contact state between the magnetic recording medium and the recording and / or reproducing means is maintained. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the support member is formed of a heat-resistant material. 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the heat-resistant material is formed of Delrin. 22. The magnetic recording medium according to claim 19, wherein a supporting member is inserted and fixed between a pair of pillar portions provided adjacent to the recording and / or reproducing concave portion. How to maintain contact. 23. The magnetic recording medium according to claim 22, wherein the support member is fitted and fixed between the pair of pillars by at least one projection provided on the support member. State holding method.