Tape cartridge employing tape guides with upper and lower flanges secured to the tape guide by deforming ends of the tape guide

In a tape cartridge in which a magnetic tape wound around a pair of tape reels is driven by a drive belt and in which a traveling of the tape is guided by a tape guide, PA1 there is arranged a construction which has upper and lower flanges each of which is a generally circular plate and has a center opening at a center portion and a tape guide, the tape guide including an upper fixing portion which passes through the center opening of the upper flange for having the upper flange secured thereto through caulking, a tape guide portion which guides traveling of the tape and a lower fixing portion which passes through both the center opening of the lower flange and a fixing bore of the base plate for having both the lower flange and the base plate secured thereto through caulking, so that the tape guide is stood on the base plate and guides at the tape guide portion the magnetic tape which runs between the pair of tape reels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to tape cartridges which are used as an 
external data storage for computers, and the like. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
There is known a tape cartridge wherein a magnetic tape wound around a pair 
of tape reels is frictionally driven by a drive belt. In the tape 
cartridge, the movement of the magnetic tape is guided by tape guides 
standing on a base plate. As is shown in FIG. 32, the tape guide of the 
tape cartridge comprises a shaft portion 101 which has an outer 
cylindrical surface serving as a tape running surface 101a, upper and 
lower flanges 102, 103 which are arranged on upper and lower ends of the 
shaft portion 101 to restrict upward and downward displacement of the 
magnetic tape (not shown) which is running on the tape running surface 
101a, and a leg portion (pressfitted portion), 104 used for its standing. 
By press-fitting the leg portion 104 into a guide standing opening 106 
formed in a base plate 105, the tape guide is stands on the base plate 105 
for practical use. 
In general, for production of the above-mentioned conventional tape guide, 
a cutting work is applied to a metal rod for shaping the shaft portion 
101, the upper and lower flanges 102 and 103 and the leg portion 104, and 
then a polishing work is applied to the outer cylindrical surface of the 
shaft portion 101 for shaping a smoothed tape running surface 101a. 
Since, as is described hereinabove, the above-mentioned conventional tape 
guide is produced by applying a cutting work to a metal rod for formation 
of the shaft portion 101, the upper and lower flanges 102 and 103 and then 
applying a polishing work to the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 
portion 101 for formation of the tape running surface 101 a, the 
production has the following drawbacks. 
(1) Because of interference by the upper and lower flanges 102 and 103, the 
work of polishing the outer surface of the shaft portion 101 is 
complicated, which causes an increase in cost of the tape guide. 
(2) Because of the integrated structure, it is impossible to produce the 
shaft portion 101 and the upper and lower flanges 102, 103 of different 
materials. For example, an idea in which, for weight reduction of the tape 
guide, the upper and lower flanges 102 and 103 are produced of a plastic 
can not be practically carried out. 
In order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, an idea may be thought out 
in which parts of the tape guide, which are the shaft portion 101 and the 
upper and lower flanges 102, 103, are separately produced and thereafter 
they are assembled into the tape guide. However, in this case, the work of 
assembling the parts and that of connecting the assembled tape guide to 
the base plate are complicated. 
Thus, a tape cartridge which employs the tape guide having the 
above-mentioned drawbacks has the same drawbacks. 
The present invention is provided for the purpose of solving the 
above-mentioned drawbacks. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
According to the present invention, there is provided a tape cartridge in 
which a magnetic tape wound around a pair of tape reels is frictionally 
driven by a drive belt, the tape cartridge comprising: 
a base plate; 
the pair of tape reels around which the magnetic tape is wound, the tape 
reels being rotatably supported by respective reel shafts standing on the 
base plate; 
upper and lower flanges each being a generally circular plate and having a 
center opening at a center portion; a tape guide including an upper fixing 
portion which passes through the center opening of the upper flange for 
having the upper flange secured thereto through caulking, a tape guide 
portion which guides the traveling of the tape and a lower fixing portion 
which passes through both the center opening of the lower flange and a 
fixing bore formed in the base plate for having both the lower flange and 
the base plate secured thereto through caulking, the tape guide standing 
on the base plate and guiding, at the tape guide portion, the magnetic 
tape traveling between the pair of tape reels; 
the drive belt guided by a plurality of belt rollers rotatably held by 
respective roller shafts standing on the base plate, the drive belt 
frictionally driving the magnetic tape wound around the pair of tape 
reels; 
a cover connected to the base plate in such a manner as to cover the 
magnetic tape on the base plate; and 
a lid portion arranged to selectively open and close a head insertion 
opening of the cover in such a manner as to enable a magnetic head to 
contact the magnetic tape whose traveling is guided by the tape guide. 
According to the present invention, there is further provided a tape 
cartridge in which a magnetic tape wound around a pair of tape reels is 
frictionally driven by a drive belt, the tape cartridge comprising: 
a base plate; 
the pair of tape reels around which the magnetic tape is wound, the tape 
reels being rotatably supported by respective reel shafts standing on the 
base plate; 
upper and lower flanges each being a generally circular plate and having a 
center opening at a center portion; a tape guide including a cylindrical 
guide which guides traveling of the magnetic tape and an insertion pin 
which has at its upper end an engaging portion whose diameter is greater 
than the center opening of the upper flange and at its lower end a fixing 
portion, the insertion pin passing through the center opening of the upper 
flange causing the engaging portion to engage the upper flange, the fixing 
portion being caulked after passing through a hollow portion of the 
cylindrical guide, the center opening of the lower flange and a fixing 
bore formed in the base plate, resulting in that the tape guide is 
standing on the base plate to guide, by the cylindrical guide, the 
magnetic tape traveling between the pair of tape reels; 
the drive belt guided by a plurality of belt rollers rotatably held by 
respective roller shafts standing on the base plate, the drive belt` 
frictionally driving the magnetic tape wound around the pair of tape 
reels; 
a cover connected to the base plate in such a manner as to cover the 
magnetic tape on the base plate; and 
a lid portion arranged to selectively open and close a head insertion 
opening of the cover in such a manner as to enable a magnetic head to 
contact the magnetic tape whose traveling is guided by the tape guide.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
In the following, the present invention will be described with reference to 
FIGS. 1 to 31. 
FIGS. 1 to 4 show a tape cartridge 1 which is a first embodiment. 
The tape cartridge 1 comprises a base plate 2, a pair of tape reels 5 and 6 
rotatably supported by a pair of reel shafts 3 and 4 which are put on the 
base plate 2, a magnetic tape 7 which is wound around the tape reels 5 and 
6, and tape guides 8 and 9 which guide traveling of the magnetic tape 7, a 
drive belt 17 which is guided by first, second and third belt rollers 14, 
15 and 16 rotatably supported by first, second and third roller shafts 11, 
12 and 13 put on the base plate 2 and which frictionally drives the 
magnetic tape 7 wound around the paired tape reels 5 and 6, a cover 21 
which is mounted to the base plate 2 in a manner to cover the magnetic 
tape 7 on the base plate 2, a lid member 23 which is arranged to 
selectively open and close a head inserting opening 22 which is formed in 
the cover 21 in such a manner as to enable a magnetic head to contact the 
magnetic tape 7 whose traveling is guided by the tape guides 8 and 9, and 
a spring 24 which biases the lid member 23 in a direction to close the 
head inserting opening 22. 
As is shown in FIG. 2, the tape guides 8 and 9 each comprise a shaft 
portion 31 and ring-shaped upper and lower flanges 32 and 33 which are 
connected to upper and lower ends of the shaft portion 31 to restrict 
upward and downward displacement of the magnetic tape 7, each tape guide 
being in the shape of a circular plate and having at a center portion a 
center opening 32a or 33a. 
The shaft portion 31 is constructed of nonmagnetic stainless steel 
material, brass coated with a hard layer such as chrome or aluminum alloy 
treated with alumite, and the upper and lower flanges 32 and 33 are 
constructed of the same materials. 
The shaft portion 31 is shaped to have a diameter which is smaller than an 
outer diameter D1 of the upper and lower flanges 32 and 33 and larger than 
an inner diameter D2 of them. The shaft portion comprises a tape guide 
portion 34 which guides the movement of the magnetic tape 7, and upper and 
lower fixing portions 35 and 36 which are integrally formed on upper and 
lower end portions of the tape guide portion 34, the diameter of the upper 
and lower fixing portions being smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the 
upper and lower flanges 32 and 33. 
As is shown in FIG. 3, the upper fixing portion 35 is formed at its leading 
end with a flange forming portion 37 which can form a flange portion 
(caulking portion) by which the upper flange 32 is pressed against an 
upper end surface 34a of the tape guide portion 34. 
The length L1 of the upper fixing portion 35 is slightly larger than the 
thickness T1 of the upper flange 32, and by providing the leading end with 
a conical recess 38, the above-mentioned flange forming portion 37 is 
produced. 
The lower fixing portion 36 is formed at its leading end with a flange 
forming portion 39 which can form a flange portion (caulking portion) by 
which the lower flange 33 and the base plate 2 are pressed against a lower 
end surface 34b of the tape guide portion 34. 
The length L2 of the lower fixing portion 36 is slightly larger than the 
sum of the thickness T2 of the lower flange 33 and the depth T3 of a 
fixing bore (guide standing bore) 25 formed in the base plate 2, and by 
providing the leading end with a conical recess 40, the above-mentioned 
flange forming portion 39 is produced. In assembling the tape guides 8 and 
9 to the base plate 2, at first, as is seen from FIG. 4(A), the upper 
fixing portion 35 is lightly pressed into the center opening of the upper 
flange 32 and the lower fixing portion 36 is lightly pressed into the 
center opening of the lower flange 33, and thereafter, the lower fixing 
portion 36 is inserted into the fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2. 
Then, the leading end of the upper fixing portion 35 and that of the lower 
fixing portion are pressed by using a punch or die (both not shown). With 
this, as is seen from FIG. 4(B), the flange forming portion 37 provided at 
the leading end of the upper fixing portion 35 is pressed or caulked to 
provide an enlarged flange portion 41, so that the flange portion 41 and 
the upper end surface 34a of the tape guide portion 34 hold between them 
the upper flange 32. 
Similar to the above, the flange forming portion 39 provided at the leading 
end of the lower fixing portion 36 is pressed or caulked to provide an 
enlarged flange portion 42, so that the flange portion 42 and the lower 
end surface 34b of the tape guide portion 34 hold between them both the 
lower flange 33 and the base plate 2. Thus, connection of the lower flange 
33 to the tape guide portion 34 and that of the tape guide portion 34 to 
the base plate 2 can made at the same time. 
FIGS. 5 to 7 show a tape guide installed in a tape cartridge, which is a 
second embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the second embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except for the paired tape guides 8 and 9 standing on the base plate 2. 
Thus, description on the same portions will be omitted from the following. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 are an exploded perspective view and a sectional view of the 
tape guide employed in the tape cartridge of the second embodiment. 
The tape guides 8 and 9 each comprise a shaft portion 51 and ring-shaped 
upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 which are connected to upper and lower 
ends of the shaft portion 51 to restrict upward and downward displacement 
of the magnetic tape 7, each flange being in the shape of a circular plate 
and having at a center portion a center opening 52a or 53a. 
The shaft portion 51 comprises a cylindrical guide 54 whose diameter is 
smaller than an outer diameter D1 of the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 
and larger than an inner diameter D2 of them, and an insertion pin 55 
which is inserted into the cylindrical guide in such a manner that upper 
and lower end portions thereof are projected from the upper and lower end 
portions of the cylindrical guide 54. 
The cylindrical guide 54 is constructed of a plastic or a metal. If made of 
plastic POM (polyacetal) having a high sliding ability, and having a 
filler dispersed therein may be used. A mixed plastic material including 
two or more than two thermoplastic resins, and a mixed plastic material 
having a filler dispersed therein or a filler-dispersed mixed plastic 
material coated with a nickel or chrome may be used to increase the 
durability of the tape running surface. If made of metal, a pipe of 
stainless steel, brass or aluminum, which has been cut to have a given 
length and whose outer surface has been treated with a barrel finishing or 
coated with nickel or chrome or applied with alumite treating, may be 
used, which has the tape running surface formed thereon. 
The hollow insertion pin 55 is constructed of a metal, such as stainless 
steel, aluminum alloy or the like and is cylindrical. 
The insertion pin 55 is shaped to be longer than the above-mentioned 
cylindrical guide 54, so that upon insertion of the pin into the 
cylindrical guide 54, the upper and lower end portions of the pin are 
extending from the upper and lower end portions of the cylindrical guide 
54. 
The insertion pin 55 is formed at its upper end with an engaging portion 56 
whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical guide 
54 and the inner diameter D2 of the upper flange 52, and the insertion pin 
is formed at its lower end with a connecting portion 57 which, with an aid 
of the above-mentioned engaging portion 56, holds the upper and lower 
flanges 52 and 53, the cylindrical guide 54 and the base plate 2. 
The upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 are constructed of the same material 
as the above-mentioned shaft portion 51. 
The upper flange 52 is formed at its lower surface with an annular rib 58 
which is lightly thrust into the upper end portion of the cylindrical 
guide 54. 
The lower flange 53 is formed at its upper surface with an annular rib 59 
which is lightly thrust into the lower end portion of the cylindrical 
guide 54. 
The tape cartridge of the second embodiment has the above-mentioned 
structure. 
Thus, as is seen from FIG. 7(A), at first, the annular rib 58 formed on the 
lower surface of the upper flange 52 is thrust into the upper end portion 
of the cylindrical guide 54 and the annular rib 59 formed on the upper 
surface of the lower flange 53 is thrust into the lower end portion of the 
cylindrical guide 54, so that the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 and 
the cylindrical guide 54 are united. 
Then, the insertion pin 55 is inserted into the cylindrical guide 54 by 
such a degree that the engaging portion 56 of the upper end of the 
insertion pin 55 contacts the upper surface of the upper flange 52 and the 
lower end portion of the pin is inserted into the fixing bore 25 of the 
base plate 2 causing the connecting portion 57 of the leading end of the 
insertion pin 55 to be projected to the lower surface side of the base 
plate 2. 
Thereafter, with the engaging portion 56 of the upper end of the insertion 
pin 55 held by a tool (not shown), a diameter increasing member 61 is 
inserted into the cylindrical guide 54 from the lower end of the same, and 
then the diameter increasing member 61 is pulled upward. 
When, as is seen from FIG. 7(B), the diameter increasing member 61 is 
pulled up to a certain position, the lower end portion of the insertion 
pin 55 is enlarged in diameter by a larger diameter portion 62 formed on a 
lower end of the diameter increasing member 61, so that the connecting 
portion 57 formed on the lower end of the pin becomes enlarged and in 
contact with the lower surface of the base plate 2. 
Accordingly, between the engaging portion 56 of the upper end of the 
insertion pin 55 and the connecting portion 57 of the lower end of the 
same, the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 and the base plate 2 are 
tightly sandwiched, so that the shaft portion 51 and the upper and lower 
flanges 52 and 53 are assembled as a tape guide standing on the base plate 
2. 
FIGS. 8 to 11 show a tape guide installed in a tape cartridge which is a 
third embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the third embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, an annular rib 58 on the lower surface of the upper 
flange 52 and an annular rib 59 on the upper surface of the lower flange 
53 have a function to achieve a tack connection between the cylindrical 
guide 54 and the insertion pin 55. 
As is shown in FIG. 9, the annular ribs 58 and 59 of the upper and lower 
flanges 52 and 53 are thrust into a clearance between the cylindrical 
guide 54 and the insertion pin 55 in such a manner that the outer surfaces 
of them contact intimately an inner surface of the cylindrical guide 54 
and the inner surfaces of the ribs contact intimately the outer surface of 
the insertion pin 55 to make a tack connection between the cylindrical 
guide 54 and the insertion pin 55 and thus providing an easy means by 
which the tape guides 8 and 9 are mounted to the base plate 2. 
As is shown in FIG. 9, the diameter D1 at a root portion of the annular rib 
58 or 59 of th6 upper or lower flange 52 or 53 is smaller than the inner 
diameter D2 of the cylindrical guide 54, and the diameter D3 at a leading 
end portion of the ribs is greater than the inner diameter D2 of the 
cylindrical guide 54, and the leading end portion of the ribs is formed 
with a generally U-shaped slit 58a or 59a. 
As is shown in FIG. 10, when the annular rib 58 or 59 is thrust into the 
cylindrical guide 54, the leading end portion of the annular rib 58 or 59 
is forced to reduce its diameter and is thus flexed toward the insertion 
pin 55. 
As is shown in FIG. 11, the insertion pin 55 is formed with first and 
second annular grooves 55a or 55b. 
Accordingly, when the annular rib 58 or 59 is flexed in such a manner as 
has been described hereinabove, an inner surface of the leading end 
portion of the annular rib 58 or 59 comes into engagement with the first 
or second annular groove 55a or 55b, so that parts of the tape guide, 
which are the cylindrical guide 54, the insertion pin 55, the upper and 
lower flanges 52 and 53 and the like, are united. By caulking the lower 
end portion of the insertion pin 55, the unit is fixed to the base plate. 
FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, the cylindrical guide 54 is connected to the insertion 
pin 55 in a manner not to permit relative rotation therebetween. 
The cylindrical guide 54 is produced by rounding a metal plate. 
The cylindrical guide 54 produced by rounding a metal plate inevitably has 
an opposed ends contacting part (contacting portion) 54a where opposed 
edges contact. 
If such a contacting part 54a is present on the magnetic tape running 
surface, the magnetic tape would be damaged. Accordingly, for suppressing 
the contacting portion 54a from taking a position on the magnetic tape 
running surface, it is necessary to arrange the cylindrical guide 54 in a 
manner not to permit a rotation thereof. 
For this purpose, the contacting portion 54a is formed at its upper and 
lower ends with respective cuts 54b and 54c, and a rotationsuppression 
positioning portions 60 (or portion) provided by both or at least one of 
the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 are engaged with the cuts 54b and 
54c, thereby to suppress rotation of the cylindrical guide 54 relative to 
the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53. 
The insertion pin 55 is shaped to have a polygonal cross section. 
Center bores 52a and 53a of the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53, into 
which the abovementioned polygonal insertion pin 55 is inserted, are 
polygonal in cross section, so that the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 
can be fixedly connected to the insertion pin 55 and at the same time the 
insertion pin 55 can be fixedly fitted in the polygonal fixing bore 25 of 
the base plate 2. 
The assembling work for the tape guide is same as that of the third 
embodiment. 
FIG. 13 shows a tape guide of a fifth embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment wherein the lower 
end portion of the insertion pin 55 has the larger connecting portion 57, 
the lower end portion of the insertion pin 55 is not enlarged and is used 
as a fixing portion forming portion. That is, for forming a fixing 
portion, the lower end portion is curved by a curve shaping member 71. 
The lower end portion of the curve shaping member 71 is formed with a 
larger diameter portion 72 which is not disengaged from a lower end 
surface 55c of the insertion pin 55. The curve shaping member 71 is 
formed, at a position away from the larger diameter portion 72 by a given 
distance (which is equal to the length of the insertion pin 55), with a 
stem 73 at which the member 71 is easily cut. 
Similar to the case of the second embodiment, with the engaging portion 56 
of the upper end of the insertion pin 55 held by a tool (not shown), the 
curve shaping member 71 is pulled upward. With this, the curve shaping 
member 71 is slid `in the insertion pin 55, and as is shown in FIG. 13(B), 
the lower end portion of the insertion pin 55 is expanded outward to form 
the flange-like fixing portion 57. 
Thereafter, the curve shaping member 71 is cut at the stem 73. With this, 
similar to the case of the second embodiment, between the engaging portion 
56 of the upper end of the insertion pin 55 and the connecting portion 57 
of the lower end of the same, the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53, the 
cylindrical guide 54 and the base plate 2 are tightly sandwiched, so that 
a tape guide is assembled and at the same time the tape guide is stood on 
the base plate 2. 
The remaining structure is substantially the same as that of the second 
embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same numerals and 
description of the same parts is omitted. 
FIGS. 14 to 15 show a sixth embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the sixth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, the shaft portion 51 of the tape guide 8 or 9 comprises 
a cylindrical guide 54 and a hollow insertion pin 55. 
The insertion pin 55 is longer than the cylindrical guide 54. 
As is seen from FIG. 15(A), the annular rib 58 on the lower surface of the 
upper flange 52 is lightly pressed into the upper end portion of .about.he 
cylindrical guide 54, and the annular rib 59 on the upper surface of the 
lower flange 53 is lightly pressed into the lower end portion of the 
cylindrical guide 54 thereby to assemble and unite the upper and lower 
flanges 52 and 53 and the cylindrical guide 54 and to stand the unit on 
the fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2. 
Thereafter, as is seen from FIG. 15(B), upper and lower connecting members 
81 and 82 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the insertion pin 
55, thereby to hold the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53, the cylindrical 
guide 54 and the base plate 2 therebetween. 
Each of the upper and lower connecting members 81 and 82 is shaped like a 
mushroom and comprises a flange portion 83 whose diameter is greater than 
the center opening of the upper or lower flange 52 or 53, and a 
press-fitted portion 84 which is to be pressed into the upper or lower 
open end of the insertion pin 55. By pressing the press-fitted portions 84 
into the upper and lower open ends of the insertion pin 55 or by pressing 
the press-fitted portions into the open ends with an adhesive applied to 
the press-fitted portions, the upper and lower connecting members are 
secured to the upper and lower ends of the insertion pin 55 thereby to 
sandwich the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 and the cylindrical guide 
54 therebetween. 
If desired, one of the upper and lower connecting members 81 and 82, that 
is, for example, the upper connecting member 81 may be integrally formed 
on the upper end of the insertion pin 55. 
FIGS. 16 to 19 show a seventh embodiment. 
The tape cartridge of the seventh embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
FIGS. 16 to 19 are an exploded perspective view of the tape guide and views 
showing the process for assembling the tape guide. 
As is shown in FIG. 16, the tape guide 8 or 9 comprises a shaft portion 51, 
and upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 arranged on end portions of the 
shaft portion 51. 
The shaft portion 51 comprises a cylindrical guide 54 and a hollow 
insertion pin 55 which is inserted into the cylindrical guide 54. 
The upper flange 52 is integrally formed on the insertion pin 55. The upper 
flange 52 and the insertion pin 55 are constructed of a metal or a 
plastic. 
If made of metal, stainless steel (SUS), brass or aluminum may be used. 
If made of plastic, PP, ABS or the like may be used. 
In case wherein the upper flange 52 and the insertion pin 55 are 
constructed of a metal, such as a stainless steel, an aluminum which has 
been treated with alumite or the like, a cutting process and a forging 
process are applied to the stainless steel rod or aluminum rod for shaping 
the upper flange 52 and the insertion pin 55 from the rod. 
An inner surface of the upper flange 52 to which contacts an edge of the 
magnetic tape is polished with a polishing process, so that the edge of 
the magnetic tape is protected from damaging. 
In the case wherein the upper flange 52 and the insertion pin 55 are 
constructed of a plastic, the upper flange 52 and the insertion pin 55 are 
integrally molded through an injection molding. In the case wherein the 
upper flange 52 is constructed of a plastic, the surface of the upper 
flange 52 to which contacts the edge of the magnetic tape tends to be 
abrasive. 
Accordingly, a chrome or nickel coating or ceramic film coating is applied 
to the plastic thereby to form the contact surface, to which the edge of 
the magnetic tape contacts, by the metal coating or ceramic film coating. 
With this, abrasion by the contact surface is suppressed. 
The cylindrical guide 54 is constructed of a metal or a plastic. 
If made of a stainless steel, brass or aluminum may be used. 
If made of plastic, PP, ABS or the like may be used. 
In the case wherein the cylindrical guide is constructed of a metal, such 
as a stainless steel, an aluminum or the like, an elongate metal pipe is 
produced from the above-mentioned metal, and after being subjected to an 
alumite treating, or applied with chrome or nickel coating, the metal pipe 
is cut into a piece having a desired length, and thereafter a barrel 
polishing and a centerless polishing are applied to tlf6 surfaces and the 
outer surface of the metal pipe piece. In place of the metal coating, a 
ceramic film may be applied to the pipe piece. 
In the case wherein the cylindrical guide is constructed of a plastic, an 
elongate plastic pipe is constructed from the above-mentioned plastic 
material, and the pipe is cut into a piece having a desired length and 
thereafter a barrel polishing and a centerless polishing are applied to 
the end surfaces and the outer surface of the plastic pipe piece. The 
polished pipe piece is then applied with chrome (hard chrome) or nickel 
coating, and then a centerless polishing is applied to the outer surface 
of the pipe piece. In place of the metal coating, a ceramic film may be 
applied to the pipe piece. 
The outer diameter D1 of the insertion pin 55 is somewhat greater than the 
inner diameter D2 of the cylindrical guide 54, so that the pin can be 
inserted into the cylindrical guide 54 without play. 
The length L1 of the insertion pin 55 is greater than the sum of the length 
L2 of the cylindrical guide 54, the thickness T1 of the lower flange 53 
and the depth T2 of the fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2. 
Accordingly, when the insertion pin 55 is inserted into the cylindrical 
guide 54 to assume a position wherein the upper flange 52 is in contact 
with one end of the cylindrical guide 54, the end portion of the insertion 
pin 55 extends from the other end of the cylindrical guide 54. 
The portion of the insertion pin 55, which projectes from the cylindrical 
guide 54, constitutes both a flange connecting portion 55d to which the 
lower flange 53 is to be connected, and an inserting portion 55e which is 
to be inserted into the fixing bore 25 (see FIG. 18). 
A lower end surface of the insertion pin 55 is formed with a recess 55f 
which is used for forming a caulked portion. 
The lower flange 53 is constructed of the same material as that of the 
upper flange 52, and the surface contacting with the edge of the magnetic 
tape is polished. 
The lower flange 53 is shaped like a ring. 
The outer diameter D3 of the lower flange 53 is substantially the same as 
the outer diameter D4 of the upper flange. 
The inner diameter D5 of the lower flange 53 is smaller than the outer 
diameter D6 of the cylindrical guide 54, and somewhat larger than the 
outer diameter D1 of the insertion pin 55. 
An inner surface 53b of the lower flange 53 is shaped rough due to presence 
of a plurality of axially extending ridges or a plurality of projections 
and depressions thereon, so that the lower flange can be lightly pressed 
onto and engaged with the flange connecting portion 55d of the insertion 
pin 55 by only the manipulating fingers of an operator. 
Accordingly, as is shown in FIG. 18, when the insertion pin 55 is inserted 
into the cylindrical guide 54, the upper flange 52 formed on one end of 
the insertion pin 55 is brought into contact with one end portion of the 
cylindrical guide 54, and the flange connecting portion 55d and the 
inserting portion 55e, which are formed on the other end portion of the 
insertion pin 55, are projected outward from the other end portion of the 
cylindrical guide 54. 
By pressing the lower flange 53 onto the flange connecting portion 55d of 
the insertion pin 55, which flange connecting portion is projected outward 
from the cylindrical guide 54, the insertion pin 55 and the upper and 
lower flanges 52 and 53 are connected to the cylindrical guide 54. 
Thereafter, as is shown in FIG. 18, the inserting portion 55e of the 
insertion pin 55 is inserted into the fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2, 
so that the lower surface of the insertion pin 55 is projected to the 
lower side of the base plate 2. 
Then, as is seen from FIG. 19, with the upper surface of the upper flange 
52 kept pressed by a pressure member 85, a caulking member 86 is pressed 
into the caulked portion forming recess 55f formed in the lower surface of 
the insertion pin 55. With this, a peripheral portion of the lower end of 
the insertion pin 55 is enlarged and thus caulked to form a flange portion 
87. Thus, the tape guide 8 or 9 comprising the cylindrical guide 54, the 
insertion pin 55 and the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 can take such a 
position standing on the base plate 2. 
FIGS. 20 to 22 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
The tape cartridge of the eighth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, the insertion pin 55 has at one end an upper flange 52 
and at the other end a leg portion (press-fitted portion) 88 used for its 
standing. 
The upper flange 52 and the leg portion 88 are integrally formed on the 
insertion pin 55. 
The length L1 of the insertion pin 55 is generally equal to the sum of the 
length L2 of the cylindrical guide 54 and the thickness T1 of the lower 
flange 53. 
Accordingly, when the insertion pin 55 is inserted into the cylindrical 
guide 54 to such an extent that the upper flange 52 contacts one end 
portion of the cylindrical guide 54, the end portion of the insertion pin 
55 and the leg portion 88 are projected outward from the other end of the 
cylindrical guide 54. 
The portion of the insertion pin 55, which projects outward from the 
cylindrical guide 54, constitutes the flange connecting portion 55d (see 
FIG. 21). 
The outer diameter D7 of the leg portion 88 is smaller than the outer 
diameter D1 of the insertion pin 55, but slightly larger than the diameter 
D8 of the fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2. 
The length L3 of the leg portion 88 is greater than the depth T2 of the 
fixing bore 25, but smaller than the thickness T3 of the base plate 2. 
The upper flange 52 is formed on its upper surface with a conical punch 
receiving surface 89 which can receive a punch of a press device for 
standing the tape guide on the base plate. 
Accordingly, when, as is seen from FIG. 22, the insertion pin 55 is 
inserted into the cylindrical guide 54 to such an extent that the upper 
flange 52 formed on one end of the insertion pin 55 contacts the end of 
the cylindrical guide 54, the flange connecting portion 55d and the leg 
portion 88, which are formed on the other end portion of the insertion pin 
55, project outward from the other end of the cylindrical guide 54. 
By pressing the lower flange 53 onto the flange connecting portion 55d of 
the insertion pin 55, which flange connecting portion projects outward 
from the cylindrical guide 54, the cylindrical guide 54, the insertion pin 
55 and the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53 are assembled. 
With the leg portion 88 placed in an upper end of the fixing bore 25 of the 
base plate 2, a punch 91 of a guide pin standing press device is led into 
the conical punch receiving surface 89 to tap against the punch receiving 
surface 89 with its tip, the leg portion 88 is pressed into the fixing 
bore 25 of the base plate 2, so that the tape guide 8 or 9 is stood on the 
base plate 2. 
The punch 91 is formed at its tip with a conical pressing portion 92 which 
is identical in shape with the punch receiving surface 89. 
Accordingly, in case wherein the insertion pin 55 is pressed by the punch 
91, the pressing portion 92 is intimately received in the punch receiving 
surface and the pressing is made keeping the insertion pin 55 in alignment 
with the punch 91. Thus, the leg portion 88 can be assuredly pressed into 
the fixing bore 25. 
FIGS. 23 to 24 show a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
The tape cartridge of the ninth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, one end of the insertion pin 55 is formed with a 
projection 93 which is used for welding. 
With the projection 93 pressed against and contacted to the base plate 2, 
an electric current is applied between the insertion pin 55 and the base 
plate 2 to heat and melt the projection 93 thereby to weld the insertion 
pin 55 to the base plate 2. 
Accordingly, both the insertion pin 55 and the base plate 2 are constructed 
of a metal which enables an electric welding. 
The remaining construction is generally the same as that of the eighth 
embodiment. 
FIGS. 25 to 27 show a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
The tape cartridge of the tenth embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
In this embodiment, the insertion pin 55 cylindrical and shaped hollow. 
The inner diameter D9 of the insertion pin 55 is smaller than the inner 
diameter D5 of the lower flange 53. 
The insertion pin 55 is integral with the upper flange 52. 
The length L1 of the insertion pin 55 is generally equal to the sum of the 
length L2 of the cylindrical guide 54 and the thickness T1 of the lower 
flange 53. 
Accordingly, when the insertion pin 55 is inserted into the cylindrical 
guide 54 to such a position that the upper flange 52 contacts one end of 
the cylindrical guide 54, one end of the insertion pin 55 projects outward 
from the other end of the cylindrical guide 54. 
The portion of the insertion pin 55, which projects outward from the 
cylindrical guide 54, constitutes the flange connecting portion 55d to 
which the lower flange 53 is connected. 
Accordingly, when the insertion pin 55 is inserted into the cylindrical 
guide 54, and when, with the flange connecting portion 55d on one end of 
the cylindrical pin 55 projecting from the end portion of the cylindrical 
guide 54, the lower flange 53 is pressed onto the flange connecting 
portion 55d, the cylindrical guide 54, the insertion pin 55 and the upper 
and lower flange portions 52 and 53 are assembled. 
Then, as is seen from FIG. 26, with the insertion pin 55 placed in the 
fixing bore 25 of the base plate 2, and with the upper surface of the 
upper flange 52 pressed, a fixing member 95 is pressed into the lower end 
portion of the insertion member 55 from the lower side of the base plate 
2. Thus, the tape guide 8 or 9 is stood on the base plate 2. 
The fixing member 95 comprises a flange portion 95b and a pressed-in 
portion 95a. 
The flange portion 95a is formed larger in diameter than the fixing bore 25 
of the base plate 2. 
The pressed-in portion 95b is formed smaller in diameter at the top than 
the fixing bore 25 and is conical, the diameter gradually increasing 
towards the flange portion 95b. 
By pressing the leading end of the pressed-in portion 95b into the hollowed 
lower end portion of the insertion pin 55, the tape guide 8 or 9 can stand 
on the base plate 2. 
The remaining structure is substantially the same as that of the 
above-mentioned embodiments. 
FIGS. 28 to 31 show an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
The tape cartridge of the eleventh embodiment is substantially the same in 
construction as the tape cartridge of the above-mentioned first embodiment 
except that a pair of tape guides standing on the base plate are different 
in construction from those of the first embodiment. Thus, description of 
the same parts will be omitted from the following description. 
Unlike the above-mentioned seventh to tenth embodiments wherein the upper 
flange 52 is integrally formed on the insertion pin 55, in this 
embodiment, the lower flange 53 is integrally formed on the insertion pin 
55. 
The insertion pin 55 is integrally formed at one end portion (lower end 
portion) with the lower flange 53 and a pressed-in portion 96 and at the 
other end portion (upper end portion) with a caulking fixing portion 97. 
The length L1 of the insertion pin 55 is generally equal to the length L2 
of the cylindrical guide 54. 
The lower flange 53 is shaped to have an outer diameter of D3 and a 
thickness of T4. 
The lower end of the lower flange 53 is formed with a pressed-in portion 96 
whose diameter D10 is greater than the diameter D3 of the lower flange. 
The thickness T5 of the pressed-in portion 96 is about 1/2 to 1/3 of the 
thickness T3 of the base plate 2. 
The length L4 of the caulking fixing portion 97 is greater than the depth 
T6 of the center bore of the upper flange 52, and the upper surface of the 
fixing portion is formed with a recess 98 which is used for forming a 
caulked portion. 
As is shown in FIG. 29, the base plate 2 is formed with a fixing bore 25 
which is used for standing a guide thereon. The fixing bore 25 comprises a 
flange engaging bore 25a with which the lower flange 53 is engaged and a 
pressed portion engaging bore 25b. 
The remaining structure is substantially the same as that of the 
above-mentioned embodiments. 
Accordingly, when, as is shown in FIG. 29, the insertion pin 55 is inserted 
from the lower side of the base plate 2, the lower flange 53 becomes 
engaged with the flange engaging bore 25a and the pressed-in portion 96 
becomes engaged with the pressed portion engaging bore 25b. 
Thereafter, as is shown in FIG. 30, the upper flange 52 is received onto 
the caulking fixing portion 97. 
Then, as is seen from FIG. 31, by practically using the recess 98 (FIG. 30) 
formed on the upper surface of the caulking fixing portion 97, the 
caulking fixing portion 97 is enlarged thereby to form a caulked portion 
99, so that between the caulked portion 99 and the pressed-in portion 96, 
there are sandwiched the upper and lower flanges 52 and 53, the 
cylindrical guide 54 and the insertion pin 55 permitting the tape guide 8 
or 9 to stand on the base plate 2. 
If desired, the cylindrical guide 54 and the insertion pin 55 may be 
provided through forging. 
Since the tape cartridge of the present invention has the above-mentioned 
structure, it can be easily produced as compared with a conventional tape 
cartridge which uses a tape guide produced by applying a cutting work to a 
metal rod, and thus production cost can be reduced. 
Furthermore, by changing the material of the shaft portion and the upper 
and lower flanges of the tape guide, the tape guide and/or the tape 
cartridge can be lightened.