JP2005228463A - Tape drive - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tape drive capable of receiving and securely holding a tape cartridge in such a manner that it cannot be moved up and down even when tape cartridges of different case thicknesses are loaded.
Inside a tape drive (D), a loading frame 28 for supporting tape cartridges (40A) and (40B) of different case thicknesses, and a holder for holding the tape cartridges (40A) and (40B) by pressing. 29. A pair of upper and lower sensors 34 and 35 are provided on the side wall 31 of the loading frame 28 in order to identify the size of the loaded tape cartridge. Based on the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34 and 35, the holder 29 is displaced to a height position that matches the loaded tape cartridge (40A, 40B).
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape drive that can be applied to recording / reproducing in common with thin and thick tape cartridges having different upper and lower thickness dimensions.

  In recent years, as a recording medium of an external storage device for a computer, it is suitable for backing up small and medium-sized data, and is smaller and lower-cost digital data storage (hereinafter simply referred to as a tape cartridge) than other recording media. ) Is frequently used. The tape cartridge is specialized for computer data. Efforts are being made to increase the recording capacity by increasing the tape length by reducing the tape thickness or improving the recording format. As part of this, a thick tape cartridge having a tape width larger than that of a conventional thin tape cartridge is being used. Thick tape cartridges have a thicker case than the thin tape cartridges, but the thickness of the case increases, but other basic configurations, including the front and rear and left and right case dimensions, differ from the thin tape cartridges. There is no.

  As described above, tape cartridges with different upper and lower thickness dimensions generally read and write information with a dedicated tape drive, but information can be read and written with any one of the tape cartridges having different external shapes with only one device. A tape drive device is known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707. There, a plurality of tape drives corresponding to tape cartridges having different external shapes are incorporated in the drive body, and a tape cartridge to be read / written is processed by a suitable tape drive.

  The present invention is to provide a tape drive that can be read and written in common to both the thin tape cartridge and the thick tape cartridge. However, making the tape cartridge compatible in this way is disclosed in Patent Document 2. It is known.

  Further, in the tape drive, it is known in Patent Document 3 that the loading port of the tape cartridge is closed by the door, and the door is retracted and swung inward of the tape drive in conjunction with the loading operation of the tape cartridge. In that case, it is also known in Patent Document 4 that the loading port is opened and closed by a plurality of doors. However, the drive device in this case is configured so that the loading port can be opened and closed by a plurality of doors in order to prevent erroneous loading of disk cartridges having different thicknesses.

  In the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned patent document 2, in order to absorb the difference in thickness between the large and small tape cartridges, a recess is provided on the bottom surface of the thick tape cartridge, and the thin and thick tape cartridges are loaded in the tape drive. In the thick tape cartridge, the concave portion is used as the positioning reference, and in the thin tape cartridge, the bottom surface of the lower case is used as the positioning reference, so that the tape height of the thin and thick tape cartridges in the tape drive is kept constant. The top and bottom positions of the tape running path are standardized.

  In the tape cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 5, the memory element provided in each of the thin and thick tape cartridges is separated from the previous reference position by the same dimension with the running center of the tape inside the tape drive as the reference position. Placed in position. The memory element stores tape specifications and characteristics, or device setting data at the time of shooting.

  In the present invention, a tape loading pocket having upper and lower surfaces and a front surface opened is provided in the center of the front surface of the main body case. The pocket is opened and closed by a shutter that slides back and forth along the lower surface of the main body case and a front lid that is swingably supported by the main body case. A tape cartridge that employs this type of pocket opening / closing system is known as a DAT tape cartridge in Patent Documents 6 to 8, and the like. The front lid includes a front plate that covers the front surface of the opening of the pocket over the left and right sides, and a connecting piece that is integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate to the rear of the case. Around the support shaft projecting inwardly on the inner surface of the pocket, the upper position is between the closed position that closes the pocket and the open position that is located further above the upper surface of the pocket and opens the front face of the pocket It is supported rotatably.

JP 2002-15492 A (paragraph number 0015, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-250841 (paragraph number 0024, FIG. 1) JP-A-8-315473 (paragraph number 0030, FIG. 6) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-98913 (paragraph number 0020, FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-6558 (paragraph number 0020, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-7342 (paragraph number 0024, FIG. 1) JP-A-9-7344 (paragraph number 0011, FIG. 7) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-273301 (paragraph number 0015, FIGS. 2 and 5)

  According to the tape drive device in which a plurality of tape drives are incorporated inside the drive main body and the tape cartridge to be read / written is processed by a suitable tape drive, any tape can be used with a mixture of tape cartridges having different external dimensions. Information signals can be read from and written to the cartridge. However, since it is necessary to prepare a dedicated tape drive for each standard tape cartridge, a carrier mechanism for transporting each tape cartridge between the storage position and each tape drive becomes indispensable, and the overall apparatus becomes complicated. , The overall cost increases.

  The above-mentioned problems can be solved by making it possible for a single tape drive to commonly read and write large and small tape cartridges having different case thicknesses. In this case, the size of the tape cartridge storage section needs to be larger than that of the thick tape cartridge. In that case, when the thin tape cartridge is loaded, the thin cartridge is stored. There is a risk of moving up and down within the department. In addition, the rotational width of the front lid that opens and closes the tape loading pocket, or the height position of the entrance end for the tape end detection light and the advancement entrance differs depending on the size of the tape cartridge. If operated, it may cause serious accidents such as equipment failure and tape cartridge damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a tape drive that can securely hold a tape cartridge that cannot be moved up and down, regardless of whether a large or small size tape cartridge having a different case thickness is loaded. .
A second object of the present invention is to provide a tape drive that can perform the opening / closing operation of the front lid and the detection operation of the tape end without any trouble even when a tape cartridge of any size is loaded. .

  When tape cartridges having different case thicknesses can be read and written in common by one tape drive, the loading port inevitably needs to be opened largely with reference to a large-sized tape cartridge. This is expected to cause the following problems. It cannot be determined whether the tape cartridge loaded in the tape drive is a large-size tape cartridge or a small-size tape cartridge. Even if you specify the size of the tape cartridge in advance and let the tape drive recognize the size of the tape cartridge to be loaded in the future, there is a possibility that the tape cartridge is loaded with the front and back reversed by mistake, I can't determine that. In any case, if the tape drive is operated as it is, a serious accident such as equipment failure or destruction of the tape cartridge will be caused.

Accordingly, a third object of the present invention is to ensure that the tape drive can be operated only when a tape cartridge of a suitable size is loaded, and that the tape cartridge is loaded with the front and back reversed by mistake. The object is to provide a tape drive that can be prevented.
A fourth object of the present invention is to specify the size of the tape cartridge in advance, so that only a specified size of the tape cartridge can be loaded, and the operation of the tape drive can be regulated when a tape cartridge of a different size is loaded. Is to make it.

  The fifth object of the present invention is to automatically determine the thickness of the case of the tape cartridge loaded in the loading frame from the loading slot and adapt the state of the tape drive to the tape cartridge. The object is to provide a tape drive that can read and write appropriately and simply without having to be aware of the difference in size.

  When the tape cartridge described in the above-mentioned patent documents 6 to 8 is inserted and loaded into the tape drive, the front plate of the front lid is pushed up by the vertically moving pin on the tape drive side, and the front lid is changed from the closed position to the open position. Transition displacement. The problem is that if the thickness of the tape cartridge differs between the thick and thin types, the vertical width of the front plate (the vertical height when in the closed position) differs accordingly. Since the arc-shaped movement locus drawn around the support shaft is greatly different between the thick tape cartridge and the thin tape cartridge, there is a limit to downsizing the tape drive. That is, in the thick tape cartridge, the rotation protrusion width of the front lid defined by the movement trajectory of the front plate and the outer surface of the front lid in the closed position is significantly different from that of the thin tape cartridge. Therefore, it is necessary to make the standby position of the read head and the recording head large in accordance with the rotation protrusion width of the thick tape cartridge, and there is a limit to downsizing the tape drive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a sixth object of the present invention is to provide a tape drive that accepts both thin and thick tape cartridges with different case thicknesses, and shows the movement trajectory around the spindle of the front cover of the thick tape cartridge. The purpose is to make the tape drive compact by making it almost the same as that of the tape cartridge.
The seventh object of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost by sharing the case parts in a compatible tape cartridge capable of recording and reproducing thin and thick tape cartridges having different case thicknesses with the same tape drive. It is to suppress the rise of.

  In order to achieve the first and second objects of the present invention, the present invention as defined in claim 1 is a thin and thick tape cartridge (40A) having different case thicknesses as shown in FIGS. In the tape drive to which 40B) can be commonly applied, a loading frame 28 that receives and supports the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) inserted and loaded from the loading port 27 into the tape drive (D), and a loading frame 28 A holder 29 is provided in cooperation to hold the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) from above. The loading frame 28 is formed so as to rise upward from the left and right ends of the bottom wall 30 that receives the lower surface of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and swings the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) in the left-right direction. And the side wall 31 to be regulated. The holder 29 is in contact with the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B) as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 8, and holds the thick tape cartridge (40B) in a pressed position, and FIG. ) And the upper side of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as shown in FIG. 2) and can be moved up and down between the lower position where the thin tape cartridge (40A) is pressed and held. Located in position.

  The side wall 31 of the loading frame 28 is provided with a pair of upper and lower sensors 34 and 35 for identifying the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B). The action point of the sensor 35 located below is located below the reference height with the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as the reference height, and the action point of the sensor 34 located above is the reference height. Located above the high. When only the lower sensor 35 is turned on by the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) inserted and loaded from the loading port 27, the holder 29 is moved from the upper position as shown in FIG. The thin tape cartridge (40A) can be pressed and held so as not to move up and down by being displaced and moved downward as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) includes a shutter 8 that slides back and forth along the lower surface of the case, and a main body case, in a tape loading pocket 5 provided at the front portion of the main body case 1. 1 is opened and closed with a front lid 7 supported so as to swing freely. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 9A, the tape drive according to the second aspect of the present invention has a stroke width of the pin 36 that pushes up the front lid 7 to open the front lid 7, Based on the output signal corresponding to the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34 and 35, the size is changed so as to be suitable for the loaded tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) has a tape end detection light entrance port 16 and an advance port 17 opened on the side wall 15 of the main body case 1, respectively. Yes. In addition, the present invention according to claim 3 is the tape drive according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting element 22 irradiates the detection light corresponding to the entrance port 16 and the entrance port 17, and the detection light. And a light receiving element 23 for receiving the tape end, and a tape end detecting section 24 is provided. Based on an output signal corresponding to the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34 and 35, as shown in FIGS. The detection unit 24 can be displaced to a height that matches the loaded tape cartridge (40A / 40B).

  In order to achieve the third and fourth objects of the present invention, the present invention as claimed in claim 4 has a common use of thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) having different case thicknesses. In the applicable tape drive (D), as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a loading frame 28 for receiving and supporting the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) inserted and loaded from the loading port 27 inside the tape drive (D), as shown in FIGS. A holder 29 for holding and holding the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) in cooperation with the loading frame 28 and a shield 55 for switching the opening height of the loading port 27 between the fully open position and the limit position are provided. As shown in FIG. 12, the loading frame 28 is provided with a protrusion 32 that engages with the groove 12 provided on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) and discriminates the front and back of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B). . The operation panel (15a) of the tape drive (D) is provided with a select switch 56 for selecting the tape cartridge size as shown in FIG. 11, and an output corresponding to the tape cartridge size selected by the select switch 56 is provided. Based on the signal, the shield 55 and the holder 29 are moved up and down to change the opening height of the loading port 27 and the height of the holder 29 to a height suitable for the newly loaded tape cartridge (40A / 40B). It can be operated.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the shutter 8 for opening and closing the drive shaft insertion hole 10 and the loading pocket 5 on the main body case 1 side from the lower surface side is provided on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) according to the fourth aspect. As shown in FIG. 12, a guide groove 12 is formed on the lower surface side of the shutter 8 to be slid and guided by the lock release piece 32 on the tape drive side. The guide groove 12 also serves as the groove, and the lock release piece. 32 also serves as the protrusion.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the tape drive (D) according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the shield 55 is provided with a sensor 57 for detecting the case thickness of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B).

  In order to achieve the fifth object of the present invention, the present invention according to claim 7 is a tape to which thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) having different case thicknesses can be applied in common. In the drive (D), as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, a loading port 27 for the tape cartridge is opened facing the loading frame 28 provided inside the tape drive (D). The first door 43 and the second door 44 are provided adjacent to each other inside and outside. The first door 43 and the second door 44 can be oscillated and displaced between a position where the loading port 27 is shielded and a retracted position where the first door 43 and the second door 44 swing inward in conjunction with the loading operation of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B). Thus, it is oscillated and biased so as to shield the loading port 27. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the vertical distance (H1) between the first door 43 and the opening lower edge of the loading port 27 is larger than the vertical thickness of the thin tape cartridge (40A), and the thick tape cartridge (40B ) Is set smaller than the vertical thickness dimension. The vertical distance (H2) between the second door 44 and the opening lower edge of the loading port 27 is set smaller than the vertical thickness dimension of the thin tape cartridge (40A). Thus, the sizes of the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) loaded in the loading frame 28 can be determined based on the output signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 that detect the retreating and swinging operation of the doors 43 and 44. It is characterized by that.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the tape drive according to the seventh aspect, the first and second sensors 45 and 46 are interlocked with the retracting and swinging operation of the first and second doors 43 and 44. The first and second doors 43 and 44 have an operation cam 43a for switching the first and second sensors 45 and 46 as shown in FIG. 44a is provided.

  In the ninth aspect of the present invention, a holder 29 for holding the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) in cooperation with the loading frame 28 is provided inside the tape drive (D) according to the seventh or eighth aspect. The tape cartridge (40A, 40B) can be held and fixed in the use posture by lowering the holder 29 based on the output signals from the first and second sensors 45, 46.

  In the tape drive according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the opening surface of the loading port 27 when not in use is shielded by the second door 44 as shown in FIG.

  In order to achieve the sixth object of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, the present invention according to claim 11 is a thin and thick tape cartridge having different upper and lower thickness dimensions. 40A and 40B) can be applied in common, and the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are provided in the center of the front side of the main body case 1, and the lower surface and the front surface are opened. The tape loading pocket 5, the shutter 8 sliding back and forth along the outer lower surface of the main body case 1 to open and close the lower surface of the pocket 5, and the main body case 1 to swing to open and close the front surface of the pocket 5. And a front lid 7 that is movably supported. As shown in FIG. 21, the front lid 7 includes a front plate 62 that covers the front surface of the pocket 5 across the left and right sides, and a connecting piece 63 that is integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate 62 to the rear of the case. Including. The front lid 7 has a closed posture in which the pocket 5 is closed around a support shaft (7a) projecting inwardly on the inner surface of the connecting piece, and is positioned further above the upper surface of the pocket 5 It is supported so as to be able to open upward and rotate between the opening posture of opening the front surface of the opening. As shown in FIG. 22, the front plate 62 of the thick tape cartridge (40 </ b> B) has a horizontally long main surface wall 66 that occupies most of the front plate 62 and a connection formed inwardly on the inner surface of the connection piece 63. A sub surface wall 67 is pivotally connected around the shaft 68 so as to be rotatable relative to the main surface wall 66. The sub-surface wall 67 has a serial posture that is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall 66 as shown in FIG. 22, and a bent posture that is bent inward substantially at right angles to the main surface wall 66 as shown in FIG. A torsion coil spring 69 that is rotatably supported around the connecting shaft 68 and fitted to the connecting shaft 68 is urged to rotate in the bending posture. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when the front lid 7 is in the closed position, the sub-surface wall 67 is in a serial position in which the outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall 66, and the front lid 7 is opened from the closed position. When shifting to the posture, the displacement is shifted to a bending posture as shown in FIG. 18B.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tape drive according to the eleventh aspect, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), the main surface wall 66 is drawn in an arcuate shape about the support shaft (7a) as the front lid 7 is opened and closed. The rotation protrusion width (Wb) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) defined by the movement trajectory of the front plate 62 and the outer surface of the front plate 62 in the closed posture is the thin tape shown in FIG. The main surface wall 66 and the sub surface wall have substantially the same dimensions with respect to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) defined by the movement locus of the front lid 7 of the cartridge (40A) and the outer surface of the front plate 62 in the closed posture. 67 vertical width dimensions are set.

  In order to achieve the sixth object of the present invention, the present invention as set forth in claim 13 is commonly applied to thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) having different upper and lower thickness dimensions. A thin and thick tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is provided in the center of the front side of the main body case 1, and a tape loading pocket 5 having an open bottom surface and front surface, and this pocket A shutter 8 that slides back and forth along the outer lower surface of the main body case 1 to open and close the lower surface of the main body case 5, and a front lid 7 that is swingably supported by the main body case 1 to open and close the front surface of the pocket 5. including. As shown in FIG. 21, the front lid 7 includes a front plate 62 that covers the front surface of the pocket 5 across the left and right sides, and a connecting piece 63 that is integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate 62 to the rear of the case. A closed posture for closing the pocket 5 around a support shaft (7a) projecting inwardly on the inner surface of the connecting piece 63, and positioned further above the upper surface of the pocket 5, The pocket 5 is supported so as to be able to open upward and rotate between the opening posture of opening the front surface of the pocket 5. In addition, the thickness defined by the arc-shaped movement trajectory drawn by the front lid 7 around the support shaft (7a) as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c) and the outer surface of the front lid 7 in the closed posture. The rotation protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 of the shaped tape cartridge (40B) is centered on the support shaft (7a) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as shown in FIG. The thick tape cartridge (40B) is supported so that it has substantially the same size as the rotation protrusion width (Wd) defined by the arc-shaped movement locus drawn as follows and the outer surface of the front lid 7 in the closed position. The installation position of the shaft (7a) has been adjusted.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tape drive according to the thirteenth aspect, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the longitudinal distance between the outer surface of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed position ( D8) and the installation position of the support shaft (7a) of the thick tape cartridge (40B) defined by the vertical distance (D4) between the lower surface of the main body case 1 and the support shaft (7a), As shown in FIG. 23 (a), the longitudinal distance (D7) between the outer surface of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed position, and the lower surface of the main body case 1 and the support shaft (7a). The thin and thick tape cartridges (40A) are located at the same position as the support shaft (7a) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) defined by the vertical distance (D3).・ The trajectory of the front lid 7 drawn around the spindle (7a) of 40B) is the same. It is set in such a way that.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 (b), (c) and FIG. 24, the present invention described in FIG. 15 is provided at the inner corner of the upper end surface 71 and the front end surface 72 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) according to claim 14. An escape recess 73 that allows the front lid 7 to open is cut out in a stepped shape.

  In order to achieve the seventh object of the present invention, the present invention as set forth in claim 16 is the tape drive according to claims 11 to 15, wherein the main body case 1 has a lower case (1b) as shown in FIG. The upper case (1a) is joined in a lid-like manner, and in the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A, 40B), the lower case (1b) shares the same thickness dimension, The upper case (1a) has different thickness dimensions in the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B).

  In the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the tape drive (D) receives and supports the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) inside the tape drive (D), and the tape cartridge (40A in cooperation with the loading frame 28). A holder 29 for holding 40B) is provided. Further, sensors 34 and 35 for detecting the size of the tape cartridge are provided on the side wall 31 of the loading frame 28. Based on the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34 and 35, the tape cartridge (with the holder 29 loaded) 40A and 40B) can be displaced to a height that matches.

  Therefore, according to the tape drive (D) of the present invention described in claim 1, there is no need to prepare a dedicated tape drive (D) for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) having a different case thickness, and each tape The cartridges (40A and 40B) can be commonly applied to one tape drive (D), and a carrier mechanism for transporting each tape cartridge (40A and 40B) is not required.

  In correspondence with the thick tape cartridge (40B) with a large case thickness, the thin tape cartridge (40A) with a small case thickness can be loaded with the holder 29 positioned at the upper position. When the mechanism and the signal read / write mechanism are driven, the thin tape cartridge (40A) is not held and held by the holder 29, so that the tape drive (D) falls into trouble. In this regard, in the present invention described in claim 1, the sensors 34 and 35 are provided on the side wall 31 of the loading frame 28, and the thickness of the case of the tape cartridge (40A and 40B) inserted and loaded into the tape drive (D) by this sensor. , And the height position of the holder 29 is displaced to a height that matches the loaded tape cartridge (40A / 40B), so that each size of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) is moved in the vertical direction. Therefore, the information signal can be read and written appropriately.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the holder 29 according to the first aspect of the present invention is normally in contact with the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B) and is located at an upper position to hold and hold the sensor 35. Thus, only when it is determined that the loaded tape cartridge is a thin tape cartridge (40A), it is displaced to the lower position as shown in FIG. That is, the holder 29 is configured to be movable in two stages, upper and lower. The holder 29 is normally at a position higher than the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B). Therefore, the holder 29 is displaced to the respective height positions of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) detected by the sensors 34, 35. Compared with the case of adopting the transition configuration, the drive configuration of the holder 29 can be simplified and the tape drive (D) can be made compact.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the pair of upper and lower sensors 34 and 35 for identifying the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are provided on the side wall 31 of the loading frame 28. As shown in FIG. 1, the operating point of the sensor 35 positioned is located below the reference height with the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as the reference height, and the operating point of the sensor 34 positioned above is In this case, a form that is located above the reference height is adopted. Therefore, the size of the loaded tape cartridge can be reliably detected with a simple configuration.

  In the tape drive according to the second aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) in which the stroke width of the pin 36 that pushes up the front lid 7 to open is detected by the sensors 34/35. The pin 36 can be shared by large and small tape cartridges (40A, 40B).

  In the third aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the tape end detection unit 24 on the tape drive (D) side can be shared by large and small tape cartridges (40A, 40B). The structure for detecting the end of the tape to be provided in () can be simplified. In this respect as well, the overall cost of the tape drive can be reduced and the size can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the loading frame 28 for receiving and supporting the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) having different thicknesses in the tape drive (D) as shown in FIGS. 28 is provided with a holder 29 for holding the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) and a shield 55 for switching the opening height of the loading port 27 between the fully open position and the limit position. The loading frame 28 is provided with a protrusion 32 that is engaged with the groove 12 provided on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) and discriminates the front and back of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel (15a) on the tape drive (D) side is provided with a select switch 56 for selecting the tape cartridge size, and the shield 55 is based on the output signal designated by the select switch 56. The holder 29 is moved up and down so that the opening height of the loading port 27 and the height of the holder 29 can be displaced to a height that matches the newly loaded tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  Therefore, according to the tape drive (D) of the present invention described in claim 4, there is no need to prepare a dedicated tape drive (D) for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) having a different case thickness, and each tape The cartridges (40A and 40B) can be commonly applied to one tape drive (D), and a carrier mechanism for transporting each tape cartridge (40A and 40B) is not required.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the size of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) to be loaded is designated in advance by the select switch 56, and the shield 55 and the holder 29 are operated up and down, thereby the loading port. Since the opening height of 27 and the height of the holder 29 are displaced to a height compatible with the newly loaded tape cartridge (40A / 40B), each tape cartridge (40A / 40B) is erroneously loaded. Can be well prevented. In addition, the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are reliably prevented from being loaded with the front and back being reversed in an inadvertent manner, resulting in serious failure such as equipment failure of the tape drive (D) due to erroneous loading or destruction of the tape cartridge. Can wipe out accidents.

  According to the present invention of claim 5, as shown in FIG. 10, the lock release piece 32 on the tape drive (D) side also serves as a protrusion for discriminating the front and back of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B). There is no waste in structure, and the internal structure of the tape drive can be simplified correspondingly, and the reliability can be further improved.

  In the present invention according to claim 6, the thin tape cartridge (40A) can be loaded in a state where the shield 55 and the loading port 27 are located at the fully open position corresponding to the thick tape cartridge (40B). When the drive mechanism and the signal read / write mechanism are driven in this state, the tape drive (D) falls into trouble because the thin tape cartridge (40A) is not held by the holder 29. In this regard, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the sensor 57 is provided in the lower part of the inner surface of the shield 55, and the case thickness of the tape cartridge currently loaded is set to the select switch 56. The tape drive (D) can be operated only when a tape cartridge (40A / 40B) of a suitable size is loaded by determining whether or not it matches the tape cartridge specified in (1). Even when there is an erroneous loading due to a misunderstanding, the tape drive (D) can be prevented from being broken and an information signal can be appropriately read from and written to each size tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  In the tape drive according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the loading opening 27 for the tape cartridge is shielded by the first door 43 and the second door 44, and the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) is shielded. ), And the vertical gaps (H1) and (H2) between the doors 43 and 44 and the opening lower edge of the loading port 27 are different from each other, and the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are loaded. When loading from the port 27, one or both of the doors 43 and 44 are retracted and swung. Then, the retracting and swinging movements of the doors 43 and 44 are detected by the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46, and the tape cartridge (40A) loaded in the loading frame 28 is detected based on the output signals from the sensors 45 and 46. -The size of 40B) can be automatically determined.

  Therefore, according to the tape drive of the present invention described in claim 7, the case thickness of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) loaded in the loading frame 28 is automatically determined. The state of the tape drive (D) can be adapted to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B), for example, adapted to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B).

  In the present invention described in claim 8, as shown in FIG. 16, the first and second sensors 45 and 46 are configured by switches, and when both the first and second doors 43 and 44 are retracted and swung, The sensors 45 and 46 are switched on by operating cams (43a) and (44a) provided on the doors 43 and 44, respectively. Therefore, both sensors 45 and 46 can be directly displaced by the operation cams (43a) and (44a) to be switched between an on state and an off state. Surely without being influenced by the situation.

  In the present invention described in claim 9, the holder 29 is lowered based on the output signals from the first and second sensors 45 and 46, so that the tape cartridge (40A and 40B) is loaded into the loading frame 28 and the holder 29. It was possible to hold and fix it in the use posture. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically change the lowered position of the holder 29 for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) having a different case thickness, and to hold and fix each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) in an appropriate use posture. Prior to loading the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) into the loading port 27, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the type of the tape cartridge.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the unused state, the opening surface of the loading port 27 is shielded by the second door 44 as shown in FIG. Intrusion into the interior of 26 can be well prevented.

  In this type of compatible tape cartridge (40A, 40B), the installation position of the support shaft (7a) of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is set to the thin tape cartridge (40A). It is possible to make it the same as that. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the vertical distance (D1) between the upper end surface of the main body case 1 and the support shaft (7a), the front plate 62 of the front lid 7 in the closed position and the support shaft (7a). It is conceivable that the installation position of the support shaft (7a) defined by the longitudinal distance (D2) between the thin tape cartridge and the thick tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is the same. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), in the thick tape cartridge (40B), the front plate 62 has an arc shape drawn around the support shaft (7a) as the front lid 7 opens and closes. The rotational protrusion width (Wc) of the front lid 7 defined by the movement trajectory and the outer surface of the front plate 62 in the closed posture is the rotation of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A) shown in FIG. It is inevitable that the width will be extremely larger than the dynamic protrusion width (Wa).

  In this regard, in the present invention described in claim 11, as shown in FIGS. 18 (b) and 22, the front plate 62 constituting the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) includes the main surface wall 66 and the main surface wall 66. The sub-surface wall 67 is connected to the surface wall 66 so as to be rotatable relative to the surface wall 66. According to this, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the main surface wall 66 draws around the support shaft (7a) as the front lid 7 is opened and closed, and the front plate 62 in the closed posture. The rotation protrusion width (Wb) of the front lid 7 defined by the outer surface of the thin tape cartridge (40A) can be as close as possible to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A).

  According to the present invention described in claim 12, the rotation protrusion width (Wb) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) as shown in FIG. 18 (b) is thin as shown in FIG. 18 (a). The vertical width dimension of the main surface wall 66 and the sub surface wall 67 (the length in the vertical direction of the main surface wall 66 and the sub surface wall 67 in the closed posture) so as to be approximately the same size as the rotational protrusion width (Wa) of the tape cartridge (40A). (Sizing) should be set. In any case, the rotation protrusion width can be reduced as compared with the form of the front lid 7 having the single front plate 62 as shown in FIG.

  When determining the installation position of the support shaft (7a) of the thick tape cartridge (40B) according to the present invention as set forth in claim 13, for example, as shown in FIG. The distance (D6 ′) from the end surface 71 to the support shaft (7a) is the same as the distance (D3 ′) from the upper end surface 71 of the upper case (1a) to the support shaft (7a) in the thin tape cartridge (40A). It can be considered. However, even in this case, as shown in FIG. 23 (d), the rotational protrusion width (Wg) of the front lid 7 in the thick tape cartridge (40B) is equal to the thin tape cartridge (40A) shown in FIG. It is unavoidable that the rotation protrusion width (Wd) is extremely large.

  In this regard, according to the present invention, the thick tape cartridge (40B) as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c) is adjusted by adjusting the installation position of the support shaft (7a) with respect to the side wall of the main body case 1. The rotation protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 is set to be substantially the same as the rotation protrusion width (Wd) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A). Also in this case, the rotation protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 is made as close as possible to the rotation protrusion width (Wd) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A). Therefore, the standby position of the reading head and recording head on the tape drive (D) side can be brought closer to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) side.

  Particularly, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 14, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the longitudinal distance (D8) between the outer surface of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed position, and the main body case 23 (a) shows the installation position of the support shaft (7a) of the thick tape cartridge (40B) defined by the vertical distance (D4) between the lower surface of 1 and the support shaft (7a). As shown, the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A) are set at the same position as the support shaft (7a) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) defined by the corresponding distance (D7, D3). The movement trajectory of the front lid 7 in 40B) can be made completely the same.

  In the form shown in FIG. 23 (c), the vertical distance (D5) between the lower surface of the main body case 1 and the support shaft (7a), and the front outer surface of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed posture. ) And the corresponding distance (D3, D7) in the thin tape cartridge (40A) of FIG. 23 (a) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) of FIG. 23 (d). ) Is set to an intermediate value with the corresponding distance (D6, D10). Even when such a configuration is adopted, the rotation protrusion width (Wf) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) can be reduced as compared with the configuration shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 (b), (c) and FIG. 24, the present invention according to the fifteenth aspect is such that the front lid 7 is provided at the inner corner of the upper end surface 71 and the front end surface 72 of the thick tape cartridge (40A). Since the relief recess 73 that allows the opening and turning movement is cut out in a stepped shape, the front plate 62 is well prevented from coming into contact with the upper end surface 71 of the main body case 1 in the open position, and the front cover can be easily prevented. 7 can be opened and rotated. Further, the front plate 62 can be accommodated in the open state with less bulk with respect to the main body case 1 as compared with the embodiment of FIG.

  In the present invention described in claim 16, in each of the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A, 40B) as shown in FIG. 20, each lower case (1b) is made into a common part. As compared with the case where the lower case (1b) is different in 40B), the types of components can be reduced.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 9 show a tape drive (D) according to the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3 and a first embodiment of a tape cartridge applied to the tape drive (D). . There are two types of tape cartridges: a thin tape cartridge (40A) as shown in FIG. 1 and a thick tape cartridge (40B) in which the tape width is set to double that of the thin tape cartridge. The tape drive (D) allows these tape cartridges (40A and 40B) to be loaded into one loading port, and can read and write information signals of each tape cartridge (40A and 40B). The tape width of the thin tape cartridge (40A) is nominally 4 mm.

  2 and 3, the thin tape cartridge (40A) has the same structure as a commercially-available DAT dedicated to recording digital audio signals, and has a unique information signal recording format, read / write speed, and the like. Since only the differences are different, only the schematic structure will be described. The thin tape cartridge (40A) has hubs 3 and 3 for winding the tape (magnetic tape) 2 on the left and right sides of the thin rectangular box-shaped main body case 1, and is a tape fed out from one hub 3. 2 is guided to the other hub 3 through a pair of left and right tape guides 4. The tape guides 4 and 4 are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the loading pocket 5 on the front surface of the case, thereby holding the tape 2 in a state of crossing the front surface of the loading pocket 5 left and right.

  In order to protect the tape 2 when not in use, the front surface and the upper surface of the loading pocket 5 are covered with a front lid 7, and the lower surface side of the loading pocket 5 is covered with a shutter 8. The front lid 7 is pivotally supported on the main body case 1 so as to swing upward and can be opened and closed only when the shutter 8 is opened. In a normal state, it is closed and urged by a spring not shown, and is received and supported by the shutter 8 so as not to be opened. The front lid 7 can be opened and closed around the left and right support shafts (7a) over a position where the front surface of the loading pocket 5 is closed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 and an upper open position as shown in FIGS. Yes, it can be opened by pushing it up with a pin 36 provided on the tape drive (D) side. Using the opening operation of the front lid 7, the hub block provided in the main body case 1 is unlocked to bring the hubs 3 and 3 into a rotatable state.

  The stroke width of the pin 36 for opening the front lid 7 can be changed in two steps, large and small, so as to fit each tape cartridge (40A, 40B). That is, in the case of the thin tape cartridge (40A), as shown in FIG. 7A, a small setting with a small stroke width is selected in accordance with the rotational width of the front lid 7, and the thick tape cartridge (40B) is selected. In this case, a large setting with a large stroke width as shown in FIG. 9A is selected.

  In FIG. 3, the shutter 8 is disposed on the outer lower surface of the main body case 1 and is supported by the main body case 1 so as to be slidable back and forth. In a non-use state, the shutter 8 is locked and held by the lock claw 9 provided in the main body case 1 so that it cannot be opened. The shutter 8 when not in use covers the lower surface side of the loading pocket 5 and at the same time covers the drive shaft insertion hole 10 opened in the lower surface of the main body case 1.

  When the lock claw 9 is unlocked and the shutter 8 is opened to the rear of the case, the loading pocket 5 and the drive shaft insertion hole 10 can be opened. For this opening operation, a notch 11 is formed on the left and right of the lower end of the front wall of the front lid 7, and a guide groove 12 for unlocking continuous with the notch 11 is formed on the bottom wall of the shutter 8. The previous lock claw 9 is engaged with an engagement hole provided near the rear end of the guide groove 12 and protrudes into the guide groove 12. Reference numeral 13 denotes an opening for opening the drive shaft insertion hole 10.

  The start and end of the tape 2 and the hubs 3 and 3 are connected via transparent leader tapes 14 as shown in FIGS. In order to detect the tape end by using this transparent leader tape 14, the tape travel path set between the tape guide 4 and the left and right hubs 3 and 3 is sandwiched inside and outside the tape. An end detection structure is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 2, an upper entrance port 16 is provided on the left and right side walls 15 of the main body case 1 facing the tape travel path between the left and right tape guides 4 and the left and right hubs 3. , The advancement opening 17 below this is open. Separately, an optical path reversing body 18 facing the pair of openings 16 and 17 with the tape running path in between is disposed in the main body case 1 (see FIG. 4). In FIG. 2, the entrance port 16 is formed as a square opening on the upper case (1a) side. The advancement opening 17 was cut out as a horizontally long rectangular opening in the joint surface of the upper and lower cases (1a) and (1b).

  The optical path reversal body 18 is a prism formed from a highly transparent plastic material such as acrylic resin. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical path reversing body 18 is provided with a horizontal lateral light guide 19 having one end continuous with the inner surface of the entrance port 16 and a downward projecting continuous with the inner end of the lateral light guide 19. A vertical vertical light guide 20 is integrally provided. On the upper and lower sides of the inner surface of the vertical light guide 20, reflecting surfaces 21 are formed that are inclined 45 degrees with respect to the vertical and horizontal light guides 19 and 20, respectively. The center position of the lower reflecting surface 21 is located near the center of the vertical width of the tape 2. The optical path reversing body 18 is engaged and fixed to the inner surface of the upper wall of the upper case (1a) via the lateral light guide path 19, and is fixed by adhesion.

  On the tape drive (D) side, a light emitting element 22 for irradiating detection light and a light receiving element 23 for receiving the detection light are provided corresponding to the entrance port 16 and the advance port 17. The light emitting element 22 and the light receiving element 23 are unitized as a tape end detection unit 24. The tape end detection unit 24 is driven to move up and down by an operation mechanism (not shown), and is displaced to a height suitable for each tape cartridge (40A and 40B).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the thin tape cartridge (40A) is positioned at a low position corresponding to the height positions of the entrance port 16 and the advance port 17, and FIG. As shown in a) and (b), the tape end detection operation is performed at a high position for the thick tape cartridge (40B). The tape end detector 24 is normally positioned at a high position as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIG. 7A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the detection light irradiated from the light emitting element 22 to the lateral light guide 19 through the entrance port 16 is directed downward on the upper reflecting surface 21, and then reflected on the lower side. The surface 21 is guided to turn sideways toward the outside of the case. The direction-detected detection light is in a positional relationship across the traveling path of the tape 2, so that the detection light is received by the light receiving element 23 via the advancing opening 17 only when the leader tape 14 crosses the traveling path. Detected. That is, by detecting the detection light with the light receiving element 23, it is possible to know the start or end of the tape 2 in the tape cartridge, and the tape feeding operation, rewinding operation, Fast feed operation can be stopped automatically.

  Near the left and right ends of the lower end of the lower case 1b (near the right end in the figure), the type information unique to the tape cartridge, such as the type of the tape 2, the length of the tape 2, the size of the tape cartridge, and the type of the tape cartridge. Are arranged in the left-right direction in parallel with the tape drive (D). The depth dimension of each identification hole 25 is set to be large or small according to the corresponding type information. By detecting the depth dimension of these identification holes 25 on the tape drive (D) side, the type information of the tape cartridge is obtained. Can be obtained on the tape drive side.

  On the tape drive (D) side, an identification hole detection unit 38 provided with four identification pins 37 corresponding to each identification hole 25 is provided. Each pin 37 is configured to be extendable and contracted, and the depth dimension of each identification hole 25 is detected when the pin 37 contacts the inner surface of the identification hole 25.

  As described above, the thick tape cartridge (40B) shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has the double width of the tape 2 compared to the thin tape cartridge (40A). The thickness of the main body case 1 and the thickness of the hub 3 are set large. Similarly, the thickness dimensions of the front lid 7 and the hub block are set to be large. Others are the same as those of the thin tape cartridge (40A), so the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The tape drive (D) has a rectangular box-like case 26 with a loading mechanism for loading the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) in common, and both the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are driven to rotate. A driving mechanism that pulls out the tape 2 from the loading pocket 5, and a signal read / write mechanism that reads and writes information signals in common with the tape 2, a control circuit that controls each mechanism, and the like. 1 and 6, a loading port 27 for inserting and loading each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is opened on the front surface of the case 26.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a loading frame 28 that receives and supports each tape cartridge (40 </ b> A, 40 </ b> B) inserted and loaded from the loading port 27 is provided inside the loading port 27, and cooperates with the loading frame 28. A holder 29 for holding each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is provided. The loading frame 28 is formed so as to rise upward from the left and right ends of the bottom wall 30 that receives the lower surface of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) swings in the left-right direction. It is a metal molded product having a U-shaped cross section integrally provided with side walls 31 and 31 for regulating the above.

  On the left and right sides of the upper surface of the bottom wall 30 of the loading frame 28, the lock claw 9 is unlocked by engaging with the guide groove 12 provided on the lower surface of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and at the same time the shutter 8 is closed. An unlocking piece 32 that is relatively slid open is provided.

  The holder 29 is driven to move up and down by an operation mechanism (not shown) and is displaced to a height suitable for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the holder 29 abuts on the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B) and holds it, and FIGS. 1 (b) and 7 (a). ) ・ As shown in (b), it is configured to be able to move up and down between the lower position where it abuts the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge (40A) and holds it, and is normally located at the upper position. doing. Note that the upper position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is the same as the height position of the holder 29 in FIG. A leaf spring 33 for pressing and holding the upper surface of the main body case 1 is fixed to the lower surface of the holder 29.

  When the holder 29 is in the upper position, since the opening height defined by the facing distance between the holder 29 and the bottom surface 30 of the loading frame 28 is large, the thin tape cartridge (40A) is placed in the tape drive (D). Can be loaded. However, the thin tape cartridge (40A) cannot be pressed and held by the holder 29. If the drive mechanism or the signal read / write mechanism is driven in this state, the tape drive (D) will break down. In addition, in the thin tape cartridge (40A) and the thick tape cartridge (40B), the height positions of the detection light entrance 16 and the advancement passage 17 for detecting the tape end, and the front lid 7 also has a different rotation width, and in this respect, if the drive mechanism or the like is driven without discriminating the size of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B), the tape drive (D) may be damaged.

  In order to avoid such a failure, the side wall 31 of the loading frame 28 is provided with a pair of sensors 34 and 35 for detecting the case thickness of the loaded tape cartridge, and both the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A) are provided. -It is possible to determine whether or not 40B) is loaded.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operating point of the sensor 35 located below is located below the reference height with the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as the reference height, and the sensor located above. The point of action 34 is located above the reference height. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the thin tape cartridge (40A) is loaded, only the sensor 35 positioned below is turned on, and the tape cartridge loaded thereby is the thin tape cartridge. It can be determined that it is a cartridge (40A).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the thick tape cartridge (40B) is loaded, the upper and lower sensors 34 and 35 are both turned on, and the loaded tape cartridge is now the thick tape cartridge (40B). ). As these sensors 34 and 35, a micro switch, a proximity switch, an optical sensor, or the like can be applied. In short, it is sufficient that their action points have the above-described positional relationship with respect to the reference height.

  The operation of the tape drive (D) configured as above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, when the thin tape cartridge (40A) is inserted and loaded from the loading port 27 along the bottom wall 30 of the loading frame 28, the unlocking pieces 32 provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall 30 are guided by the guide grooves. 12, the lock claw 9 (FIG. 3) is released, and then the shutter 8 is relatively slid from the closed position as shown in FIG. 1B. At this time, since the holder 29 is in the upper position, the thin tape cartridge 40A can be loaded into the tape drive D without any trouble.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, when the thin tape cartridge (40A) reaches the mounting position of the sensors 34 and 35 and only the lower sensor 35 is turned on, the tape drive is loaded with the thin tape cartridge. The tape cartridge (40A) is determined, and the holder 29 is displaced from the upper position to the lower position, and the upper surface of the main body case 1 is pressed and held by the leaf spring 33. At the same time, the stroke width of the pin 36 is set to a small setting, and the front lid 7 is pushed up with the stroke width to perform the opening operation.

  Further, the tape end detection unit 24 moves from the normal high position as shown in FIG. 7A to the entry port 16 and the advance passage of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as shown in FIG. 7B. The displacement shifts to a low position corresponding to the height position of the mouth 17. Next, the identification hole detection unit 38 moves upward, the identification pin 37 is inserted into the identification hole 25, and the depth dimension of each identification hole 25 is detected. (D) Identify on the side. Then, based on the tape type information obtained by the detection unit 38, a drive mechanism, a signal read / write mechanism, and the like are driven to read / write information signals from / to the tape 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the thick tape cartridge (40B), the holder 29 is in the upper position, so that the plate spring 33 is slightly bent while being slightly bent, so that the thick tape cartridge (40B) is thickened via the loading port 27. The tape cartridge (40B) can be inserted and loaded into the tape drive (D). When the thick tape cartridge (40B) reaches the attachment position of the sensors 34 and 35, both the sensors 34 and 35 are turned on, so that the tape drive (D) is loaded with the thick tape cartridge (40B). 40B).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, the stroke width of the pin 36 is set to a large value, and the front lid 7 is pushed up and opened by the stroke width. Since the holder 29 is in an upper position where the thick tape cartridge (40B) can be pressed and held in advance, there is no need to move it. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the tape end detection unit 24 is preliminarily positioned at a high position corresponding to the entrance port 16 and the advance port 17 of the thick tape cartridge (40B). Therefore, it is not necessary to move the detection unit 24. Other operations, such as the operation of the identification hole detection unit 38, and the operation of the drive mechanism and the signal read / write mechanism are the same as those of the thin tape cartridge (40A).

  According to the tape drive (D) configured as described above, the holder 29 is moved up and down based on the detection signal corresponding to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) detected by the sensors 34/35. Thus, the height of the holder 29 can be displaced to a height suitable for the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) to be loaded. Therefore, even when the thin tape cartridge (40A) is loaded, it can be securely held by the holder 29 so that it cannot move up and down, and the thin tape cartridge (40A) swings up and down to thereby move the tape drive. (D) can be reliably prevented from falling into a failure.

  In addition, the holder 29 is normally in contact with the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B) and is positioned at an upper position to hold and hold it, and the tape cartridge loaded by the sensor 35 is the thin tape cartridge ( Only when it is determined that it is 40A), the holder 29 is configured to be capable of shifting in two stages so as to shift to a lower position. Therefore, the holder 29 is normally at a position higher than the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge (40B), and is displaced to the respective height positions of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) detected by the sensors 34, 35. Compared with the case where a multi-stage transferable configuration is adopted, the present invention can simplify the drive configuration of the holder 29, reduce the overall cost of the tape drive (D), and can be made compact.

  Further, if the thickness dimension of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) can be reliably detected by the pair of upper and lower sensors 34, 35 as described above, the thickness dimension of the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) can be determined by a mechanical mechanism. Compared to the detection mode, the overall cost of the tape drive (D) can be reduced.

  If the tape end detection unit 24 on the tape drive (D) side and the pin 36 that pushes up the front lid 7 to be opened can be shared by large and small tape cartridges (40A and 40B), the tape drive (D) Since the structure for detecting the tape end to be provided on the head and the structure for opening and closing the front lid 7 can be simplified, the overall cost of the tape drive can be reduced and the size can be reduced.

  In addition to the tape cartridge described in the above embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to a tape drive (D) for other types of compatible tape cartridges in which the thickness of the main body case 1 is different.

Second Embodiment FIGS. 10 to 13 show a second embodiment of a tape drive (D) according to the present invention corresponding to claims 4 to 6. The thin tape cartridge (40A) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) to be applied are as described above. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the thin tape cartridge (40A) with the front lid 7 closed as viewed from above.

  The tape drive (D) of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is loaded in common inside the rectangular box-shaped case 26. A loading mechanism, a drive mechanism that rotates both the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) in common, a signal read / write mechanism that pulls out the tape 2 from the loading pocket 5 and reads / writes information signals from / to the tape 2 in common, A control circuit for controlling each mechanism is provided. One loading port 27 is opened in the operation panel (15a) on the front surface of the case for inserting and loading each tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  Below the loading port 27, operating tools such as a take-out switch 58, a select switch 56, and an input switch 59 are arranged, and a liquid crystal display 48 for displaying the operation status of the tape drive and the like is arranged next to the operating tools. Reference numeral 49 denotes a power switch.

  In FIG. 10, inside the loading port 27, a loading frame 28 that receives and supports each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) inserted and loaded from the loading port 27, and each tape cartridge (40A, 40B in cooperation with the loading frame 28). ) And a shield 55 for switching the opening height of the loading port 27 between the fully open position and the limit position.

  As described above, the loading frame 28 can be driven up and down to the upper standby position and the operation position descending from the standby position, and the hubs 3 and 3 of the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) are utilized by using the lowering operation. In addition, a drive shaft (not shown) can be engaged and connected. On the left and right sides of the upper surface of the loading frame 28, the lock claw 9 is unlocked by engaging with the guide groove 12 provided on the bottom surface of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and at the same time, the shutter 8 is relatively moved from the closed position. An unlocking piece 32 for performing a slide opening operation is provided. As will be described later, this unlocking piece 32 also serves as a protrusion for discriminating the front and back of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  The holder 29 and the shield 55 are moved and driven simultaneously in the vertical direction by an operation mechanism (not shown), and are displaced to a height suitable for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B). The shield 55 can switch the opening height of the loading port 27 between a fully opened position and a restricted position. In the fully opened position shown in FIG. 12, the thick tape cartridge (40B) can be inserted and loaded. In the limit position shown, only loading of the thin tape cartridge (40A) is allowed. The holder 29 and the shield 55 are switched up and down according to the signal contents specified by the previous select switch 56.

  When the shield 55 and the loading port 27 are in the fully open position, the opening height of the loading port 27 is large, so that the thin tape cartridge (40A) can be loaded. However, the thin tape cartridge (40A) cannot be held by the holder 29. If the drive mechanism or the signal read / write mechanism is driven in this state, the tape drive (D) will break down. In order to surely avoid such a failure, a sensor 57 is provided in the lower part of the inner surface of the shield 55, and whether the case thickness of the tape cartridge currently loaded matches the case thickness of the tape cartridge designated by the select switch 56 or not. Can be determined. This sensor 57 can also determine that when a non-target tape cartridge type tape cartridge is loaded. As the sensor 57, a micro switch, a proximity switch, an optical sensor, or the like can be applied.

  The take-out switch 58 is provided for taking out each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) loaded in the tape drive (D), and the select switch 56 is either a thin or thick tape cartridge to be loaded. It is provided to specify. The input switch 59 is provided for designating necessary parameters and recording items according to the display on the liquid crystal display 48.

  The unlocking pieces 32 are provided on the left and right sides of the loading frame 28 corresponding to the guide grooves 12 of the shutter 8, and engage with the guide grooves 12 when each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is inserted into the loading port 27 and loaded. After the lock claw 9 is unlocked, the shutter 8 is slid relative to the closed position. The unlocking piece 32 is a protrusion for confirming whether or not the loading posture of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is appropriate, and specifically, whether or not it is loaded with the front and back of the main body case 1 being reversed. Also works. For example, when the thin tape cartridge (40A) is loaded with the front and back being reversed, the front lid 7 is received by the unlocking piece 32, so that the main body case 1 cannot be inserted any more and loaded. It is possible to make the user recognize that the posture is not appropriate.

  According to the tape drive (D) of the second embodiment configured as described above, based on the output signal corresponding to the tape cartridge selected by the select switch 56, the shield 55 and the holder 29 are moved to the fully open position and the limit position. Up and down, the opening height of the loading port 27 and the height of the holder 29 can be displaced to a height suitable for the tape cartridge to be loaded. Therefore, only when a tape cartridge of a suitable size is loaded. Can operate the tape drive. Moreover, it is possible to reliably prevent the tape cartridge from being loaded while the front and back sides are reversed.

  In the second embodiment, the holder 29 is moved up and down simultaneously with the shield 55, but the holder 29 and the shield 55 may move up and down independently. The grooves and protrusions can be provided as a dedicated structure for discriminating between the front and back sides, separately from the guide grooves 12 and the lock release pieces 32. In particular, in the case of a tape cartridge not provided with the shutter 8, at least a pair of grooves and protrusions can be provided at corresponding positions. In that case, the protrusion may be provided on the tape cartridge and the holder 29 may be provided with a groove.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 14 to 17 show a third embodiment of the tape drive (D) of the present invention corresponding to claims 7 to 10. FIG. The thin tape cartridge (40A) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) to be applied are as described above.

  The tape drive (D) of the third embodiment includes a loading mechanism for performing a loading operation for each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) in a rectangular box-like case 26, and both tape cartridges (40A, 40B). A drive mechanism that rotates in common, a signal read / write mechanism that reads / writes information signals from / to the tape 2 drawn out from the loading pocket 5, and a control circuit that controls each mechanism are provided. In FIG. 15, a single loading port 27 is opened in the operation panel (15a) on the front surface of the case so that the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) can be inserted and loaded in common. A plurality of control buttons (corresponding to the take-out switch 58, the select switch 56, and the input switch 59 in the second embodiment) are arranged below the loading port 27, and the operation status of the tape drive is displayed next to the control buttons. A liquid crystal display 48 for display is arranged. Reference numeral 49 denotes a power switch.

  14 and 15, the case 26 has a loading frame 28 for receiving and supporting each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and a holder for holding the tape cartridge (40A, 40B) in cooperation with the loading frame 28. 29. A first door 43 for closing the loading port 27 is provided on the inner surface side of the loading port 27, and a second door 44 is provided adjacent to the inner surface side of the first door 43.

  The loading frame 28 is fixedly supported with respect to the case 26. By moving the drive shaft provided on the lower surface side of the loading frame 28 upward, the drive shaft can be engaged and connected to the hub 3 of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and the front lid 7 is moved by the operation pin that rises together with the drive shaft. Can be opened. On the left and right sides of the upper surface of the loading frame 28, the lock claw 9 is unlocked by engaging with the guide groove 12 provided on the bottom surface of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B), and at the same time, the shutter 8 is relatively moved from the closed position. An unlocking piece 32 for performing a slide opening operation is provided. This unlocking piece 32 is also useful for discriminating the front and back of each tape cartridge (40A, 40B).

  In FIG. 16, the first door 43 and the second door 44 are supported so as to be openable and swayable around the door shafts 51 and 52 that are pivotally supported by the case 26, and a position that blocks the loading port 27. In conjunction with the loading operation of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B), it can be swung to a retracted position that swings inward of the case 26, and swings toward a position where the loading port 27 is shielded by a spring (not shown). It is energized.

  In order to detect the case thickness of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) using the open / closed state of the first door 43 and the second door 44, as shown in FIG. The vertical distance (H1 · H2) from the lower edge is different. Further, it can be detected by the first and second sensors 45 and 46 whether or not the doors 43 and 44 are operated to swing open.

  Specifically, the vertical distance (H1) between the first door 43 and the opening lower edge of the loading port 27 is larger than the vertical thickness dimension of the thin tape cartridge (40A), and the upper and lower distances of the thick tape cartridge (40B). It is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension. The vertical distance (H2) between the second door 44 and the opening lower edge of the loading port 27 is set smaller than the vertical thickness dimension of the thin tape cartridge (40A). In other words, when the thin tape cartridge (40A) is loaded from the loading port 27, only the second door 44 is swinged open, and when the thick tape cartridge (40B) is loaded from the loading port 27, Both the first and second doors 43 and 44 are rocked open.

  Each of the first and second sensors 45 and 46 is configured by a switch that switches to an on state in conjunction with the retreat swinging operation of the first and second doors 43 and 44. Operation cams (43a) and (44a) for switching the sensors 45 and 46 are provided at the rocking base ends of the doors 43 and 44, respectively. These operation cams (43a and 44a) switch the sensors 45 and 46 to the ON state when the doors 43 and 44 are retracted and swung by a predetermined angle, and maintain the state. When the doors 43 and 44 return to the shielding state, the sensors 45 and 46 return to the off state.

  The holder 29 can be moved up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown), and when the sensors 45 and 46 are turned on, and the tape cartridge is completely inserted and loaded by another sensor, it is a thin tape. The tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is cooperated with the loading frame 28 by being lowered to either the height suitable for holding the cartridge (40A) or the height suitable for holding the thick tape cartridge (40B). And hold it fixed. For this purpose, the leaf spring 33 for pressing and holding the upper surface of the main body case 1 is fixed to the lower surface of the holder 29.

  When the thin tape cartridge (40A) is loaded from the loading port 27 in the use state, only the second door 44 is retreated and swung from the second sensor 46 as shown in FIG. Upon receiving this detection signal, the control circuit determines that the loaded tape cartridge is a thin tape cartridge (40A), waits for an output signal from a sensor for detecting the complete loading, and moves the holder 29 to a lower position. The main body case 1 is held and fixed in the use posture.

  In the case of the thick tape cartridge (40B), as shown in FIG. 17, both the first and second doors 43 and 44 are retreated, and an ON signal is sent from both the first and second sensors 45 and 46. Is output. Upon receipt of this detection signal, the control circuit determines that the loaded tape cartridge is a thick tape cartridge (40B), and waits for an output signal from a sensor for detecting the complete loading, and then lowers the holder 29. The body case 1 is held and fixed in the use posture. Note that the holder 29 in a non-use state is held on standby at the upper standby position.

  According to the tape drive (D) of the third embodiment, the case thickness of the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) loaded from the loading port 27 is automatically determined, and the holding position of the holder 29 is set to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B). ). Therefore, even with the tape cartridges (40A and 40B) having different case thicknesses, it is possible to obtain the tape drive (D) that can be easily read and written without having to be aware of the difference in size.

  The front lid 7 is opened by operating pins 36 that rise with the drive shaft, but the opening stroke of the front lid 7 in each tape cartridge (40A, 40B) is different. Therefore, in the case of the thick tape cartridge (40B), the push-up stroke of the operation pin 36 is preferably increased based on the ON signal from both the sensors 45 and 46.

  In the third embodiment, a gap is provided between the lower end of the second door 44 and the lower opening edge of the loading port 27, but the lower end of the second door 44 is joined to the lower opening edge of the loading port 27. The loading port 27 when not in use may be completely shielded. When the loading port 27 is completely shielded by the second door 44 in this way, dust and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the case 26 from the loading port 27 when not in use.

  In the third embodiment, the case where each of the first and second sensors 45 and 46 is a micro switch has been described. However, each sensor 45 and 46 includes various commercially available switches such as a proximity switch, a magnetic switch, and an optical sensor. The sensor can be applied. When it is desired to identify two or more types of tape cartridges, a door corresponding to the number of the cartridges may be provided at the loading port 27.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 18 to 22 show a fourth embodiment of the tape drive (D) of the present invention corresponding to claims 11 to 16. FIG. The thin tape cartridge (40A) has hubs 3 and 3 for winding the tape (magnetic tape) 2 on the left and right sides of the thin rectangular box-shaped main body case 1, and is a tape fed out from one hub 3. 2 is guided to the other hub 3 through a pair of left and right tape guides 4. By providing the tape guides 4 and 4 on the front left and right of the loading pocket 5 on the front surface of the case, the tape 2 is held in a state of crossing the front of the pocket 5 left and right. The main body case 1 is formed in a hollow box shape formed by joining an upper case (1a) and a lower case (1b), which are divided into two vertically, in a cover-like manner.

  In order to protect the tape 2 when not in use, the front surface and upper surface of the pocket 5 are covered with a front lid 7, and the lower surface side of the pocket 5 is covered with a shutter 8. As shown in FIG. 21, the front lid 7 includes a front plate 62 that covers the front surface of the pocket 5 across the left and right sides, and a connecting piece 63 that is integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate 62 to the rear of the case. Become. Support shafts (7a) project from the inner surfaces of the left and right connecting pieces 63 so as to face inward, and these support shafts (7a) are provided on the left and right side walls (15) of the upper case (1a). The shaft hole is supported rotatably. Accordingly, the entire front lid 7 is closed as shown in FIG. 21 and close to the upper surface of the pocket 5 as shown in FIG. It can be pivoted up and open between the open position and the open position. The front lid 7 is normally closed and urged by a spring (not shown), and is received and supported by the shutter 8 so that it cannot be opened.

  19 and 21, the shutter 8 is disposed on the lower surface of the main body case 1 and is supported by the main body case 1 so as to be slidable back and forth. When not in use, the shutter 8 is provided on the main body case 1 side. It is locked with a nail so that it cannot be released. When not in use, the shutter 8 covers the lower surface side of the pocket 5 and at the same time covers the drive shaft insertion hole opened in the lower surface of the main body case 1 corresponding to the mounting position of the hubs 3 and 3. When the lock claw is unlocked and the shutter 8 is opened to the rear of the case, the loading pocket 5 and the drive shaft insertion hole can be opened. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 13 denotes an opening for opening the drive shaft insertion hole, and in FIG. 21, reference numeral 64 denotes an erroneous erasure prevention piece configured to be slidable with respect to the body case 1.

  As described above, the thick tape cartridge (40B) shown in FIG. 18 (b) and FIG. 22 has the width of the tape 2 twice that of the thin tape cartridge (40A). The thickness of the main body case 1 and the thickness of the hub 3 are set larger by that amount.

  In addition, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 22, the front plate 62 of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) occupies most of the front plate 62. Attention is focused on the fact that the main surface wall 66 is located on the leading end side (lower end side) of the main surface wall 66 and is connected to the main surface wall 66 so as to be rotatable relative to the main surface wall 66. It is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the sub surface wall 67 is pivotally connected to an inner surface of a connection piece 63 corresponding to the tip portion of the main surface wall 66 by a connection shaft 68 projecting inwardly. The sub-surface wall 67 has a serial posture that is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall 66 as shown in FIG. 22, and a bent posture that is bent inward substantially at right angles to the main surface wall 66 as shown in FIG. , And can be rotated around the connecting shaft 68. In FIG. 18B and FIG. 22, reference numeral 69 denotes a torsion coil spring fitted to the connecting shaft 68. By this spring 69, the sub surface wall 67 is urged to rotate in a bending posture as shown in FIG. Thus, when the front lid 7 is in the closed position of FIG. 22, the sub-surface wall 67 is in a serial position in which the outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall 66, and the front lid 7 rotates upwardly from the closed position. If it does, it will shift to a bending attitude | position by the rotation biasing force of the spring 69, and will shift.

  In the thin tape cartridge (40A) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) in the present embodiment, the installation position of the support shaft (7a) when viewed from the upper end surface of the upper case (1a) and the outer end surface of the front lid 7 as a reference. Are the same. That is, in the thick tape cartridge (40B) of FIG. 18B, the vertical distance connecting the upper end surface of the upper case (1a) and the support shaft (7a) is (D1), and FIG. ), The length distance in the front-rear direction between the outer surface of the front end of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed posture indicated by the phantom line is defined as (D2). In that case, the corresponding distances (D1, D2) in the thin tape cartridge (40A) of FIG. 18 (a) are set to the same dimensions as the distances (D1, D2) of the thick tape cartridge (40B). Therefore, the installation position of the support shaft (7a) defined by these distances (D1, D2) is the same for the large and small tape cartridges (40A, 40B). FIG. 18C shows a thick tape cartridge (40B) having a single front plate 62 cited as a comparative example of the present invention, and the distances (D1, D2) are also thin tapes. The form set to the same dimension as those in the cartridge (40A) is shown.

  As described above, the front plate 62 constituting the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) includes the main surface wall 66 and the sub surface wall 67 connected to the main surface wall 66 so as to be rotatable relative to the main surface wall 66. Since the rotation protrusion width (Wb) of the front lid 7 can be made as close as possible to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) in the two-divided configuration, the tape drive It can contribute to the downsizing of (D). That is, in the conventional thick tape cartridge (40B) having a single front plate 62 as shown in FIG. 18 (c), the front plate 62 is supported by the support shaft (7a) as the front lid 7 is opened and closed. The rotation protrusion width (Wc) of the front lid 7 defined by the arc-shaped movement locus drawn around the center and the outer surface of the front plate 62 in the closed position is a thin tape cartridge (FIG. 18A). 40A) is extremely large compared to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) of the tape cartridge. Therefore, the standby position of the read head or recording head on the tape drive side is matched with the rotation protrusion width (Wc) of the thick tape cartridge (40B). Therefore, it has been a major obstacle to downsizing the tape drive.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, when the front plate 62 constituting the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is a two-part welfare of the main surface wall 66 and the sub surface wall 67, Since the rotation protrusion width (Wb) of the front lid 7 can be close to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) shown in FIG. The depth dimension of the tape drive (D) can be reduced by the difference (W1 = Wc−Wb), which contributes to the miniaturization and compactness of the tape drive (D). Since the installation position of the support shaft (7a) in the thick tape cartridge (40B) is the same as that in the conventional form (FIG. 19 (c)), there is no need to change the design of the upper case (1a). This is also advantageous in that it can contribute to cost reduction of the cartridge (40A / 40B).

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b), the thin and thick tape cartridges (40A and 40B) share the lower case (1b) there, and the upper case Only (1a) adopts a different thickness dimension. Thus, when the lower case (1b) is made into a common part in the large and small tape cartridges (40A, 40B), compared to the case where the lower case (1b) is made different in each tape cartridge (40A, 40B). By reducing the number of components, a compatible tape cartridge can be manufactured at a lower cost.

  FIG. 18B of the fourth embodiment shows a form in which the rotation protrusion widths (Wa and Wb) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) are substantially the same. It is more preferable to set the width dimension of the main surface wall 66 so that these dimensions (Wa · Wb) are completely the same.

Fifth Embodiment FIGS. 23 and 24 show a fifth embodiment by modifying the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 23, FIG. 23 (a) shows a thin tape cartridge (40A) according to this embodiment, and FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c) show a thick tape cartridge (40B) according to this embodiment. FIG. 23 (d) shows a thick tape cartridge (40B) according to a comparative example.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c), the front lid 7 is defined by an arc-shaped movement locus drawn around the support shaft 7a and the outer surface of the front lid 7 in the closed posture. The rotation protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is equal to the pivot (7a) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A) as shown in FIG. ) Around the arcuate movement trajectory and the outer width of the front lid 7 in the closed position, and the support of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is approximately the same size as the rotation protrusion width (Wd). The mounting position of the shaft (7a) has been adjusted. Thus, the rotational protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is approximately the same as the rotational protrusion width (Wc) of the front lid 7 of the thin tape cartridge (40A). Since the standby position of the reading head and recording head on the tape drive (D) side can be brought closer to the tape cartridge (40A / 40B) side, the depth dimension of the tape drive (D) can be reduced. Thus, the tape drive (D) can be reduced in size and size.

  That is, when the installation position of the support shaft (7a) of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is determined, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 (d), the support shaft (7a) is simply moved from the upper end surface 71 of the upper case (1a). It is conceivable that the distance (D6 ') to the same distance as the distance (D3') from the upper end surface 71 of the upper case (1a) to the support shaft (7a) in the thin tape cartridge (40A) is considered. However, in this case, the rotation protrusion width (Wg) of the front lid 7 must be extremely larger than the rotation protrusion width (Wa) of the thin tape cartridge (40A) shown in FIG. Therefore, the standby position of the reading head and recording head on the tape drive (D) side needs to be set large in accordance with the rotational protrusion width (Wg) of the thick tape cartridge (40B), and the tape drive (D) Was a major obstacle to downsizing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c), the rotation protrusion width (We · Wf) of the front lid 7 of the thick tape cartridge (40B) is the thin tape cartridge (40A). If the mounting position of the support shaft (7a) is adjusted so as to be approximately the same size as the rotation protrusion width (Wd) of the tape drive (D), the tape drive (D) can be reduced in size by reducing the depth dimension of the tape drive (D). Contributes to downsizing and downsizing.

  Specifically, in the form shown in FIG. 23B, the length distance (D4) in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the main body case 1 (the lower surface of the shutter 8) and the support shaft (7a), and the front lid in the closed posture The length distance (D8) in the front-rear direction between the outer surface of the tip 7 and the support shaft (7a) is set to the same dimension as the corresponding distance (D3, D7) in the thin tape cartridge 40A of FIG. Thus, the rotation protrusion width (We) of the front lid 7 is set to have the same dimension as the rotation protrusion width (Wd) of the thin tape cartridge (40A).

  In the form shown in FIG. 23 (c), the vertical distance (D5) between the lower surface of the main body case 1 and the support shaft (7a), and the front outer surface of the front lid 7 and the support shaft (7a) in the closed posture. The distance (D9) in the front-rear direction is equal to the distance (D3, D7) corresponding to the thin tape cartridge (40A) in FIG. 23 (a) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) in FIG. 23 (d). An intermediate value with the corresponding distance (D6, D10) is set. Also in this case, the rotation protrusion width (Wf) of the front lid 7 can be brought close to the rotation protrusion width (Wd) of the thin tape cartridge (40A), thereby contributing to miniaturization and compactness of the tape cartridge. 23B to 23D, the thickness dimension (D4 ′ + D4, D5 ′ + D5, D6 ′ + D6) of the tape cartridge 40B from the upper end surface 71 of the main body case 1 to the lower surface of the shutter 8 is the same dimension. Needless to say, it is set to.

  In the form of the thin tape cartridge (40A) shown in FIG. 23 (a) and the thick tape cartridge (40B) shown in FIG. 23 (d), the front plate 62 in the open position is above the upper end surface 71 of the main body case 1. Therefore, the front plate 62 does not come into contact with the upper end surface 71 of the main body case 1, and the front lid 7 can be opened and rotated without any trouble. On the other hand, in the form of the thick tape cartridge (40B) shown in FIGS. 23 (b) and 23 (c), the position of the support shaft (7a) is moved downward, so that the front position in the open position is increased. Since the face plate 62 comes to a low position, the front plate 62 may come into contact with the upper end surface of the main body case 1 and the front lid 7 cannot be opened and rotated.

  Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, a relief recess 73 that allows the front lid 7 to open and rotate is formed at the inner corner where the upper end surface 71 and the front end surface 72 of the main body case 1 (upper case 1a) intersect. The front plate 62 is prevented from coming into contact with the upper end surface 71 of the main body case 1 in the open posture so that the front lid 7 can be opened and rotated without any trouble. Further, as compared with the embodiment of FIG. 23 (d), the front plate 62 can be accommodated in the open state with less bulk with respect to the main body case 1, which can contribute to downsizing of the tape drive (D) side. As shown in FIGS. 23B and 23C, the front-rear width of the relief recess 73 can be adjusted to be large or small according to the front plate 62 in the open posture.

  In addition to the tape cartridges of the tape cartridges described in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the present invention can also be applied to other types of compatible tape cartridges having different main body case 1 thickness dimensions.

A longitudinal side view showing a state in which a thin tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the first embodiment. The perspective view which looked at the thin tape cartridge of 1st Example from the upper surface side. The perspective view which looked at the thin tape cartridge of 1st Example from the lower surface side Internal plan view of the thin tape cartridge of the first embodiment 1 is a longitudinal front view of a main part showing a tape end detection mechanism in the thin tape cartridge of the first embodiment. Internal plan view of the tape drive of the first embodiment A longitudinal side view showing a state in which a thin tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the first embodiment. Longitudinal side view showing a state where a thick tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the first embodiment. Longitudinal side view showing a state where a thick tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the first embodiment. Vertical side view showing the peripheral structure of the loading port of the tape drive of the second embodiment Front view of the tape drive of the second embodiment Longitudinal side view showing a state when a thick tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the second embodiment The perspective view of the thin tape cartridge applied to 2nd Example Longitudinal side view showing a state where a thin tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the third embodiment. Front view of the tape drive of the third embodiment Longitudinal side view around the loading port when the tape drive of the third embodiment is not used Longitudinal side view showing a state where a thick tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive of the third embodiment. Side view for explaining the movement of the front lid of the tape cartridge of the fourth embodiment Internal plan view showing a thin tape cartridge applied to the fourth embodiment 19 is a longitudinal front view taken along line AA in FIG. The perspective view which shows the thin tape cartridge applied to 4th Example Longitudinal side view showing a thick tape cartridge applied to the fourth embodiment Side view for explaining the movement of the front lid of the large and small tape cartridge in the fifth embodiment Longitudinal side view showing a thick tape cartridge applied to the fifth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body case 5 Loading pocket 7 Front cover 8 Shutter 16 Tape end detection light entrance port 17 Tape end detection light entrance port 22 Light emitting element 23 Light receiving element 24 Tape end detection unit 27 Loading port 28 Loading frame 29 Holder 30 Loading frame bottom wall 31 Loading frame side wall 34 Sensor (upper)
35 Sensor (downward)
36 pin 40A thin tape cartridge 40B thick tape cartridge 43 first door 44 second door 45 first sensor 46 second sensor 55 shutoff body 56 select switch 62 front cover front plate 63 connecting piece 66 main wall of the front plate 67 Subsurface wall 68 of front plate Connection shaft 69 Spring 71 Upper end surface 72 of main body case Front end surface 73 of main body case Escape recess H1 Vertical distance H1 between first door and loading port Vertical distance D between second door and loading port D Tape drive

Claims (16)

A tape drive to which thin and thick tape cartridges of different case thicknesses can be applied in common,
Inside the tape drive, a loading frame for receiving and supporting the tape cartridge inserted and loaded from a loading port, and a holder for holding the tape cartridge from above in cooperation with the loading frame are provided,
The loading frame includes a bottom wall that receives a lower surface of the tape cartridge, and a side wall that rises upward from left and right ends of the bottom wall and restricts the swing of the tape cartridge in the left-right direction,
The holder is in contact with the upper surface of the thick tape cartridge to hold the thick tape cartridge in an upper position, and the holder is in contact with the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge to hold the thin tape cartridge. It is configured to be movable up and down between the lower position, and is normally located at the upper position,
A pair of upper and lower sensors for identifying the thin and thick tape cartridges are provided on the side wall of the loading frame,
The action point of the sensor located below is located below the reference height with the upper surface of the thin tape cartridge as the reference height, and the action point of the sensor located above is located above the reference height. Located
When only the sensor located below is turned on by the tape cartridge inserted and loaded from the loading port, the holder is displaced from the upper position to the lower position to hold the thin tape cartridge in a state where it cannot be moved up and down. A tape drive characterized by that. The tape cartridge opens and closes a tape loading pocket provided at the front of the main body case with a shutter that slides back and forth along the lower surface of the case and a front lid that is swingably supported by the main body case. And
It has a pin that pushes up the front lid to open the front lid, and the stroke width of the pin is adapted to the loaded tape cartridge based on the output signal corresponding to the tape cartridge size detected by the sensor The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein the tape drive is changed to a larger or smaller size. On the side wall of the main body case, the entrance for the tape end detection light and the entrance for advancement are opened,
The tape drive is provided with a tape end detection unit including a light emitting element that emits detection light and a light receiving element that receives the detection light, corresponding to the entrance opening and the advancement opening. ,
3. The tape end detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the tape end detection unit can be displaced to a height suitable for the loaded tape cartridge based on an output signal corresponding to a tape cartridge size detected by the sensor. Tape drive. A tape drive to which thin and thick tape cartridges of different case thicknesses can be applied in common,
Inside the tape drive, a loading frame that receives and supports the tape cartridge inserted and loaded from a loading port, a holder that holds the tape cartridge in cooperation with the loading frame, and an opening height of the loading port. A shield that switches between the fully open position and the limit position is provided,
The loading frame is provided with a protrusion that is engaged with a groove provided on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge and discriminates the front and back of the tape cartridge.
A select switch for selecting a tape cartridge size is provided on the operation panel of the tape drive,
Based on the output signal corresponding to the tape cartridge size selected by the select switch, the shield and the holder are moved up and down to newly load the loading port opening height and the holder height. A tape drive characterized in that it can be displaced to a height compatible with the tape cartridge. On the bottom surface of the tape cartridge, a shutter for opening and closing the drive shaft insertion hole and the loading pocket on the main body case side from the lower surface side is provided,
On the lower surface side of the shutter, a guide groove that is slidably guided by the unlocking piece on the tape drive side is formed,
The tape drive according to claim 4, wherein the guide groove also serves as the groove, and the unlocking piece also serves as the protrusion.   The tape drive according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a sensor for detecting a case thickness of the tape cartridge is provided on the shield. A tape drive to which thin and thick tape cartridges of different case thicknesses can be applied in common,
Facing a loading frame provided inside the tape drive, a loading port for the tape cartridge is opened, and a first door and a second door are provided adjacent to the inside and outside of the loading port. And
The first door and the second door are respectively supported so as to be swingable and displaceable between a position that shields the loading port and a retracted position that swings inward in conjunction with the loading operation of the tape cartridge. And oscillating biased in a direction to shield the loading port,
The vertical distance between the first door and the opening lower edge of the loading port is set to be larger than the vertical thickness dimension of the thin tape cartridge and smaller than the vertical thickness dimension of the thick tape cartridge,
The vertical distance between the second door and the opening lower edge of the loading port is set smaller than the vertical thickness dimension of the thin tape cartridge,
A tape drive characterized in that the size of the tape cartridge loaded in the loading frame can be determined on the basis of output signals from a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the retreat swinging motion of the doors. . The first and second sensors are composed of switches that are turned on in conjunction with the retreating swinging operation of the first and second doors;
8. The tape drive according to claim 7, wherein the first and second doors are each provided with an operation cam for switching the first and second sensors. A holder for holding and holding the tape cartridge in cooperation with the loading frame is provided inside the tape drive,
The tape drive according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the holder is lowered based on output signals from the first and second sensors to hold and fix the tape cartridge in a use posture.   The tape drive according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein an opening surface of the loading port when not in use is shielded by the second door. A tape drive capable of commonly applying thin and thick tape cartridges having different upper and lower thickness dimensions,
The thin and thick tape cartridges are provided in the center of the front side of the main body case, and have a tape loading pocket with an open bottom surface and a front surface, and an outside of the main body case for opening and closing the bottom surface of the pocket. A shutter that slides back and forth along the lower surface, and a front lid that is swingably supported by the body case to open and close the front surface of the pocket,
The front lid includes a front plate that covers the opening front of the pocket across the left and right sides, and a connecting piece integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate to the rear of the case,
The front lid has a closed position in which the pocket is closed around a support shaft projecting inwardly facing the inner surface of the connecting piece, and a front surface of the opening of the pocket positioned further above the upper surface of the pocket. It is supported so that it can be opened and rotated freely between the open posture and
The front plate of the thick tape cartridge has a horizontally long main surface wall that occupies most of the front plate, and a connecting shaft formed inwardly facing the inner surface of the connecting piece, with respect to the main surface wall. It consists of a sub-surface wall that is pivotally connected so as to be relatively rotatable,
The sub-surface wall is rotatably supported around the connecting shaft between a serial posture that is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall and a bent posture that is bent inward substantially at right angles to the main surface wall. And is urged to rotate to the bending posture by a torsion coil spring fitted to the connecting shaft,
When the front cover is in the closed position, the sub-surface wall is in a serial position in which the outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the main surface wall, and the front cover is shifted from the closed position to the open position. The tape drive is adapted to shift to the bending posture. The front cover of the thick tape cartridge is defined by an arc-shaped movement locus drawn by the main surface wall about the support shaft as the front cover is opened and closed and an outer surface of the front plate in the closed position. The rotation protrusion width (Wb) of
The main surface wall has substantially the same size with respect to the rotation protrusion width (Wa) defined by the movement trajectory of the front lid of the thin tape cartridge and the outer surface of the front plate in the closed position. 12. The tape drive according to claim 11, wherein the vertical width dimension of the sub-surface wall is set. A tape drive capable of commonly applying thin and thick tape cartridges having different upper and lower thickness dimensions,
The thin and thick tape cartridges are provided in the center of the front side of the main body case, and have a tape loading pocket with an open bottom surface and a front surface, and an outside of the main body case for opening and closing the bottom surface of the pocket. A shutter that slides back and forth along the lower surface, and a front lid that is swingably supported by the body case to open and close the front surface of the pocket,
The front lid includes a front plate that covers the opening front of the pocket across the left and right sides, and a connecting piece integrally connected so as to extend from the left and right ends of the front plate to the rear of the case,
The front lid has a closed position in which the pocket is closed around a support shaft projecting inwardly facing the inner surface of the connecting piece, and is positioned further above the top surface of the pocket. It is supported so as to be able to open and rotate freely between the open posture that opens the front,
Rotational protrusion width (We ·) of the front lid of the thick tape cartridge, which is defined by an arcuate movement locus drawn by the front lid about the support shaft and an outer surface of the front lid in the closed posture. Wf)
With respect to the rotation protrusion width (Wd) defined by the arc-shaped movement locus drawn around the support shaft of the front cover of the thin tape cartridge and the outer surface of the front cover in the closed position. The tape drive, wherein the installation position of the spindle of the thick tape cartridge is adjusted so as to have the same dimensions. It is defined by a longitudinal distance (D8) between the outer surface of the front lid and the support shaft in the closed posture and a vertical distance (D4) between the lower surface of the main body case and the support shaft. The installation position of the spindle of the thick tape cartridge is
It is defined by a longitudinal distance (D7) between the outer surface of the front lid and the support shaft in the closed posture and a vertical distance (D3) between the lower surface of the main body case and the support shaft. Is located at the same position as the support shaft of the thin tape cartridge,
14. The tape drive according to claim 13, wherein the movement trajectories of the front lid drawn around the support shaft of the thin and thick tape cartridges are set to be the same.   The tape drive according to claim 14, wherein an escape recess for allowing the front lid to open is cut into a stepped shape at an inner corner between the upper end surface and the front end surface of the thick tape cartridge. The main body case is formed by joining a lower case and an upper case together in a lid shape.
In the thin and thick tape cartridges, the lower case shares the same thickness dimension,
16. The tape drive according to claim 11, wherein the upper case has different thickness dimensions in the thin and thick tape cartridges.

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