Patent ID: 6585183
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A loading mechanism for use in a tape drive comprising a supply reel motor for driving a supply reel in a tape cartridge and a chassis supporting said supply reel motor fixed thereto, said loading mechanism being for engaging a rotor of said supply reel motor with said supply reel, said loading mechanism comprising:a drive hub fixed to said rotor; a drive gear arranged coaxially with said rotor to be movable in an axial direction, said drive gear being engaged with said drive hub and said supply reel in a rotating direction when said drive gear is moved towards one direction in said axial direction; a spring urging said drive gear towards said one direction in said axial direction; and a control mechanism for controlling the movement of said drive gear in said axial direction; said control mechanism comprising: a ring cam arranged coaxially with said rotor to be rotatable and having a plurality of cam grooves, N in number, formed on its peripheral surface; a cylindrical member formed coaxially with said rotor by bending a part of said chassis towards the other direction in said axial direction and having a plurality of guide slits, N in number, extending in said axial direction; and a drive ring having a plurality of engaging pins, N in number, engaged with said cam grooves through said guide slits, said drive ring being engaged with said drive gear in said axial direction against the urging force of said spring.