Patent ID: 6885018
Filing Date: 2005-04-26
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A reel rotation and detection mechanism for a video cassette deck comprising: a light emitting element for emitting light used to detect at least the leading end and the entraining end of a magnetic tape within a cassette arranged within the video cassette deck; a light guiding member for guiding the light from the light emitting element into the cassette for detecting the leading and entraining ends of a magnetic tape, and for directly guiding a portion of the light onto the side of the reel for detection of the reel; at least a first light receiving element for receiving the light guided onto the side of the reel; a light passing portion and a light screening portion provided on the reel so as to cross the light path reaching from the light guiding member to the first light receiving element through the rotation of the reel; the light emitting element and the first light receiving element are provided under a deck chassis for mounting main components including the reel of the video cassette deck; and the light guiding member guiding at least the light from the light emitting element below the deck chassis to a point above the deck chassis and thereafter to the first light receiving element under the deck chassis by way of the light passing portion provided on the reel when aligned with an opening portion on the deck chassis.