Tape cartridge including reel lock member

A tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present technology includes: a tape reel; a cartridge case; and a reel lock member. The tape reel includes a reel hub having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a tape having been wound on the reel hub. The cartridge case includes a first protruding portion and a plurality of second protruding portions, the first protruding portion protruding toward a center of a bottom portion of the reel hub, the plurality of second protruding portions being arranged around the first protruding portion. The reel lock member is disposed inside the reel hub. The reel lock member includes a first tubular portion and a plurality of second tubular portions, the first tubular portion fitting with the first protruding portion, the plurality of second tubular portions fitting with the plurality of second protruding portions. The reel lock member is movable in a direction of the one axis between a lock position and a lock release position, the reel lock member engaging with the bottom portion of the reel hub at the lock position, engagement between the reel lock member and the bottom portion of the reel hub being released at the lock release position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to, for example, a tape cartridge that rotatably houses a reel on which a magnetic tape is wound.

BACKGROUND ART

As a magnetic tape cartridge used as an external recording medium for a computer or the like, there has been known in the past a magnetic tape cartridge that rotatably houses a single tape reel on which a magnetic tape has been wound in a cartridge case. This type of magnetic tape cartridge is used for storing data of a computer or the like, records important an enormous amount of information, and thus, needs to have a structure that does not become unusable due to impact such as dropping.

The above-mentioned single-reel-type magnetic tape cartridge is provided with a reel lock mechanism for suppressing rotation of a tape reel in order to prevent a magnetic tape from loosening due to rotation of the tape reel inside a cartridge case when the cartridge is not used. This reel lock mechanism has a different structure depending on the type of the magnetic tape cartridge. For example, an LTO type magnetic tape cartridge (linear tape open cartridge) has a reel lock mechanism inside a reel hub of a tape reel (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the above-mentioned existing magnetic tape cartridge, when the tape reel is caused to rotate in a tape loosening direction or vibration or impact during transportation is applied, a reel lock mechanism is momentarily released, which causes unexpected tape loosening to occur in some cases.

In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of the present technology to provide a tape cartridge capable of preventing a tape from loosening due to vibration or impact.

Solution to Problem

A tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present technology includes: a tape reel; a cartridge case; and a reel lock member.

The tape reel includes a reel hub having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a tape having been wound on the reel hub.

The cartridge case includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell includes a first protruding portion and a plurality of second protruding portions, the first protruding portion protruding toward a center of a bottom portion of the reel hub, the plurality of second protruding portions being arranged around the first protruding portion. The lower shell is coupled to the upper shell. The cartridge case rotatably houses the tape reel around one axis.

The reel lock member is disposed inside the reel hub. The reel lock member has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a first tubular portion and a plurality of second tubular portions, the first tubular portion fitting with the first protruding portion, the plurality of second tubular portions fitting with the plurality of second protruding portions, the second surface being capable of engaging with the bottom portion of the reel hub. The reel lock member is movable in a direction of the one axis between a lock position and a lock release position, the second surface engaging with the bottom portion of the reel hub at the lock position, engagement between the second surface and the bottom portion of the reel hub being released at the lock release position.

In the above-mentioned tape cartridge, the accuracy for positioning the reel lock member with respect to the upper shell is improved, and the tape reel is stably held at the lock position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tape from loosening due to vibration during transportation or drop impact.

Each of the first protruding portion and the plurality of second protruding portions may have a cylindrical shape, and each of the first tubular portion and the plurality of second tubular portions may have a rectangular tube shape.

The plurality of second tubular portions may include four tubular portions arranged around the first tubular portion at equal angular intervals.

The first tubular portion may have four side surfaces, and each of the four side surfaces may form one corresponding side surface of the four tubular portions.

Each of the first protruding portion and the plurality of second protruding portions may have the same outer diameter.

The first protruding portion may include a plurality of ribs projecting toward the respective side surfaces of the first tubular portion.

The first tubular portion may include a plurality of protrusions facing the plurality of ribs.

Tips of the plurality of second protruding portions may each have a tapered shape with an angle of 15° or less between the corresponding tip and the direction of the one axis.

The tape cartridge may further includes a coil spring.

The coil spring is disposed between the upper shell and the reel lock member and urges the reel lock member to the lock position. The reel lock member further includes a plurality of projecting portions that is arranged around the plurality of second tubular portions and faces an inner diameter portion of the coil spring.

The reel lock member may further include an annular rib that is disposed around the plurality of projecting portions and faces an outer diameter portion of the coil spring.

The tape cartridge may further include a reel lock release member. The reel lock release member is disposed between the reel lock member and the bottom portion of the reel hub and is capable of causing the reel lock member to move to the lock release position against a biasing force of the coil spring.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is an overall perspective view of a tape cartridge1according to an embodiment of the present technology, where Part A is a perspective view as viewed from an upper surface (upper shell2) side and Part B is a perspective view as viewed from a lower surface (lower shell3) side.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of the tape cartridge1,FIG. 3is an exploded side cross-sectional view thereof, andFIG. 4is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the tape cartridge1as viewed when the upper shell is removed. InFIG. 4, only the outer shape of the lower shell3is schematically shown.

The tape cartridge1according to this embodiment is configured as a magnetic tape cartridge conforming to the LTO standard. The tape cartridge1has a configuration in which a single tape reel5on which a magnetic tape22is wound is rotatably housed inside a cartridge case4formed by coupling the upper shell2and the lower shell3with a plurality of screw members43.

The tape reel5includes a reel hub6having a bottomed cylindrical shape, an upper flange7joined to the upper end (open end) of the reel hub6, and a lower flange8integrally formed at the lower end of the reel hub6, and they are each formed of an injection molded body of a synthetic resin material.

A chucking gear9that engages with a reel rotation drive shaft of a tape drive device is annularly formed at the center of the lower surface of the tape reel5, and exposed to the outside via an opening10provided at the center of the lower shell3as shown in Part B ofFIG. 1. On the inner peripheral side of this chucking gear9, an annular metal plate11that is magnetically attracted to the above-mentioned reel rotation drive shaft is fixed to the bottom outer surface of the reel hub6by insert molding.

A reel spring15, a reel lock member13, and a reel lock release member14are arranged between the inner surface of the upper shell2and the tape reel5, which constitute a reel lock mechanism for suppressing rotation of the tape reel5when the tape cartridge1is not used. Note that details of this reel lock mechanism will be described below.

One side wall26of the cartridge case4is provided with an outlet27for pulling out one end of the magnetic tape22to the outside. A slide door29that opens and closes the outlet27is disposed inside the side wall26. The slide door29is configured to slide in a direction of opening the outlet27against the biasing force of a torsion spring57by engaging with a tape loading mechanism (illustration omitted) of the tape drive device.

A leader pin31is fixed to one end of the magnetic tape22. The leader pin31is configured to be attachable/detachable to/from a pin holding portion33provided on the inner side of the outlet27. The pin holding portion33is attached to the inner surface of the upper shell2and the inner surface of the lower shell3, and is configured to be capable of elastically holding the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the leader pin31.

Then, in addition to a safety tab53for preventing erroneous erasure of information recorded on the magnetic tape22, a cartridge memory54capable of reading/writing the content relating to the information recorded on the magnetic tape22in a non-contact manner is provided inside the cartridge case4. The cartridge memory54is configured by a non-contact communication medium in which an antenna coil, an IC chip, and the like are mounted on a substrate.

Subsequently, details of the reel lock mechanism will be described.

As shown inFIG. 3, a reel lock mechanism for suppressing rotation of the tape reel5when the tape cartridge1is not used is provided inside the reel hub6. The reel lock mechanism includes a plurality of gear forming walls12erected on the upper surface of a bottom portion60of the reel hub6, the reel lock member13including an engaging teeth13athat engage with a gear portion12aformed on the upper surface of the gear forming wall12, the reel lock release member14for releasing the engagement between the gear forming wall12and the reel lock member13, and the reel spring15provided between the inner surface of the upper shell2and the upper surface of the reel lock member13. The reel spring15is a coil spring, and urges the tape reel5toward the lower shell3side via the reel lock member13.

The gear forming walls12each have an arc shape, and are formed at three places at equal intervals on the upper surface of the bottom portion60of the reel hub6and on the same circumference around the axis of the reel hub6. The engaging teeth13aof the reel lock member13, which faces the gear portion12aof the gear forming wall12, are formed in an annular shape on the lower surface of the reel lock member13, and receive the reel spring15to be constantly urged in a direction to engage with the gear portion12a. A fitting portion130described below is formed on the upper surface of the reel lock member13, and a protrusion group2athat fits with the fitting portion130is formed in a substantially central portion of the inner surface of the upper shell2.

The reel lock release member14has a substantially triangular shape, and is disposed between the bottom portion60of the reel hub6and the reel lock member13. On the lower surface of the reel lock release member14, a total of three legs14aare formed so as to project downward from the vicinity of respective apexes of the substantially triangular shape. These legs are position between the gears of the chucking gear9via insertion holes6aformed in the bottom portion60of the reel hub6when the cartridge is not used.

Each of the legs14aof the reel lock release member14pressed upward by the reel rotation drive shaft of the tape drive device that engages with the chucking gear9when the cartridge is used, thereby causing the reel lock member13to move to the lock release position against the biasing force of the reel spring15. Then, together with the tape reel5, each of the legs14ais configured to be capable of rotating with respect to the reel lock member13. A support surface14bthat supports a sliding contact portion13bhaving an arc-shaped cross section, which is formed to project in a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the reel lock member13, is formed in a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the reel lock release member14.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [V]-[V] inFIG. 4, where Part A shows the state in which the tape cartridge1is not used and Part B shows the state where the tape cartridge1is used.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [VI]-[VI] inFIG. 4, where Part A shows the state in which the tape cartridge1is not used and Part B shows the state where the tape cartridge1is used.

In the tape cartridge1according to this embodiment, when not in use, the reel lock member13is a the lock position shown in Part A ofFIG. 5and Part A ofFIG. 6, the tape reel5is pressed toward the lower shell3side by the biasing force of the reel spring15, and the engaging teeth13ais caused to engage with the gear portion12aof the gear forming walls12to suppress rotation of the tape reel5.

Meanwhile, when the tape cartridge1is used, the reel rotation drive shaft of the tape drive device (not shown) engages with the chucking gear9, and thus, the legs14aof the reel lock release member14facing between the gears of this chucking gear are pushed up toward the inside of the cartridge case4. As a result, the reel lock member13moves to the lock release position shown in Part B ofFIG. 5and Part B ofFIG. 6against the biasing force of the reel spring15, and thus, the engagement between the gear portion12aand the engaging teeth13ais released.

Then, the tape reel5unifies with the reel rotation drive shaft by the magnetic attraction effect between the metal plate11and the reel rotation drive shaft, and the tape reel5is rotationally driven via the chucking gear. At this time, the rotation operation of the reel lock member13is restricted by the fitting operation of the fitting portion130thereof and the protrusion group2aof the upper shell, and the reel lock release member14rotates together with the tape reel5through a sliding contact operation of the support surface14bof the upper surface and the sliding contact portion13bof the reel lock member13in a point contact state.

Subsequently, details of the reel lock member13will be described.

FIG. 7is an overall view of the reel lock member13, where Part A is a top view, Part B is a side view, and Part C is a bottom view.FIG. 8is a side cross-sectional view of the reel lock member13, where Part A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [VIIIa]-[VIIIa] inFIG. 7and Part B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [VIIIb]-[VIIIb] inFIG. 7.FIG. 9is an enlarged plan view of the fitting portion130of the reel lock member13.

The reel lock member13is an injection molded body formed of a synthetic resin material and has a disc shape as a whole. The synthetic resin material is not particularly limited, and the reel lock member13is formed of, for example, a resin material having excellent slidability such as POM (polyacetal). The reel lock member13includes a disc-shaped component body13s. The component body13shas a front surface13s1(first surface) and a back surface13s2(second surface). The fitting portion130is provided on the front surface13s1, and the annular engaging teeth13aand the sliding contact portion13blocated at the center thereof are provided on the back surface13s2.

The protrusion group2athat fits with the fitting portion130is provided in the central portion of the inner surface of the upper shell2.FIG. 10is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the protrusion group2a, where Part A is a plan view of the protrusion group2aas viewed from an inner surface side of an upper shell2and Part B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [Xb]-[Xb] in Part A. As shown in Part A and Part B ofFIG. 10, the protrusion group2aincludes a first protruding portion201and a plurality of second protruding portions202. An annular rib203provided around the protrusion group2ais for positioning the upper end of the reel spring15. The protrusion group2aand the rib203are integrally formed with the upper shell2, and are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate.

The first protruding portion201projects from the inner surface of the upper shell2toward the center of the bottom portion60of the reel hub6. The plurality of second protruding portions202is arranged around the first protruding portion201. In this embodiment, the plurality of second protruding portions202includes four tubular portions arranged on the circumference concentric with the axis of the first protruding portion201at intervals of 90°. The first protruding portion201and the second protruding portion202each independently project from the inner surface of the upper shell2at the same height, and are each formed in a cylindrical shape having the same outer diameter. The tip portion of each of the first protruding portion201and the second protruding portion202is formed in a tapered shape, and thus, it is possible to improve the assemblability with the fitting portion130.

The fitting portion130is provided in a central portion of the front surface13s1of the component body13s. The fitting portion130includes a first tubular portion131and a plurality of second tubular portions132arranged therearound.

The first tubular portion131has an axis passing through the center of the bottom portion of the reel hub6, and fits with the first protruding portion201. The plurality of second tubular portions132is arranged around the first tubular portion131and respectively fit with the plurality of second protruding portions202. The plurality of second tubular portions132include four tubular portions arranged on the circumference concentric with the axis of the first tubular portion131at intervals of 90°.

The first tubular portion131positions the reel lock member13in a horizontal direction with respect to the upper shell2by the fitting operation with the first protruding portion201. The second tubular portion132positions the reel lock member13around the axis with respect to the upper shell2by the fitting operation with the second protruding portion202. Since the first and second tubular portions131and132are configured to respectively fit the first and second protruding portions201and202independently as described above, it is possible to suppress rattling of the reel lock member13with respect to the upper shell2and more stably keep the rotation restricted state (locked state) of the tape reel5as compared with the case where single recessed and projecting structure portions are caused to fit with each other (see Part A and Part B ofFIG. 14) as described below.

Subsequently, details of the fitting portion130of the reel lock member13will be described.

As described above, the fitting portion130includes the first tubular portion131and the four second tubular portions132. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, the four second tubular portions132are connected to each other via a plurality of connecting portions W. Each of the connection portions W forms a part of the side surface of the fitting portion130.

The first tubular portion131is provide between the four second tubular portions132. In this embodiment, each of the first tubular portion131and the second tubular portion132is formed in a rectangular tube shape having four side surfaces, and the four side surfaces of the first tubular portion131each form one side surface on the inner side of the respective four second tubular portions132. As a result, since the configuration of the fitting portion130can be simplified, it is possible to achieve the moldability and reduction in resin material to be used. Further, since the distance between the first tubular portion131and the second tubular portion132and the distance between the four second tubular portions132can be minimized, it is possible to minimize the fitting portion130.

Further, groove portions V are provided at the four corners of the inner surface of the first tubular portion131. As a result, it is possible to suppress molding defects (sinks) due to the presence of a region where the resin thickness is locally large, and improves the dimension accuracy of the first and second tubular portions131and132.

Further, since the first and second tubular portions131and132that fit with the first and second protruding portions201and202, which are each formed in a rectangular tube shape, are each formed in a rectangular tube shape, the assemblability is improved. Further, as shown inFIG. 9, the contact point between the first tubular portion131and the first protruding portion201after fitting and the contact point between the second tubular portion132and the second protruding portion202are stably determined. As a result, it is possible to reduce rattling of the reel lock member13with respect to the upper shell2.

In order to improve the accuracy for positioning the reel lock member13in a horizontal direction with respect to the upper shell2, it is favorable that the gap between the first tubular portion131and the first protruding portion201is smaller. In this regard, in this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, the first protruding portion201includes a plurality of ribs201pthat projects toward the inner wall surface of the first tubular portion131. The plurality of ribs201pis provided on the peripheral surface of the first protruding portion201at intervals of 90°. The plurality of ribs201pprojects toward the respective inner wall surfaces of the first tubular portion131, and thus, the gap with the first tubular portion131is reduced. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily improve the dimension accuracy as compared with the case where the first protruding portion201is molded so that the outer diameter thereof matches the internal dimension of the first tubular portion131.

Note that a plurality of protrusions P that faces respective ribs201pof the first protruding portion201may be provided similarly also on the inner wall surface of the first tubular portion131(seeFIG. 9). As a result, it is possible to further reduce the clearance between the first tubular portion131and the first protruding portion201. The height of each of the protrusions P is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set in accordance with the height of the rib201pof the first protruding portion201.

A tapered surface T that guides the second protruding portion202to the inside of the second tubular portion132is provided at the opening of the second tubular portion132. As a result, the second protruding portion202can be easily fitted with the second tubular portion132, and it is possible to improve the assemblability of the reel lock member13with respect to the upper shell2.

The reel lock member13further includes a plurality of projecting portions133that supports the reel spring15, and an annular rib134.

The plurality of projecting portions133is arranged around the fitting portion130, and is integrally provided on the front surface13s1of the component body13s. As shown in Part A ofFIG. 7, each of the projecting portions133faces the inner diameter portion of the reel spring15. The plurality of projecting portions133is arranged around the fitting portion130at equal angular intervals. In this embodiment, the plurality of projecting portions133includes four projecting portions arranged on the circumference concentric with the axis of the first tubular portion131at intervals of 90°. The number of the projecting portions is not limited thereto, and only needs to be two or more, or favorably three or more.

The annular rib134is disposed around the plurality of projecting portions133, and is integrally provided on the front surface13s1of the component body13s. The annular rib134has a circular shape concentric with the fitting portion130. As shown in Part A ofFIG. 7, the annular rib134faces the outer diameter portion of the reel spring15. The annular rib134is formed so that the maximum height thereof is the diameter of the metal wire forming the reel spring15or around the diameter.

FIG. 11is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of the reel lock member13, which indicates the relationship between the projecting portion133, the annular rib134, and the reel spring15. As shown in the figure, the distance between the projecting portion133and the annular rib134is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the metal wire forming the reel spring15and less than twice the diameter. As a result, since two or more metal wires do not enter between the projecting portion133and the annular rib134, the spring end portions are prevented from shifting and overlapping even in the case where a force in the lateral direction is applied due to vibration during transportation or drop impact.

The projecting portion133has a height dimension larger than that of the annular rib134. As a result, the reel spring15is stably positioned with respect to the reel lock member13. The side surface on the outer peripheral side of each of the projecting portions133is a tapered surface that is inclined downward. This tapered surface functions as a guide surface that guides the reel spring15to the outer peripheral side of the projecting portion133.

The reel lock member13is configured to be movable in the direction of the axis of the tape reel5between a lock position and a lock release position, the engaging teeth13aengaging with the gear forming walls12(gear portion12a) of the bottom portion60of the reel hub6at the lock position, engagement between the engaging teeth13aand the gear portion12abeing released at the lock release position.

Here, in this type of tape cartridge, when the tape reel is caused to rotate in a tape loosening direction or vibration or impact during transportation is applied, the reel lock mechanism is momentarily released, which causes unexpected tape loosening to occur in some cases.

For example, in the case where the cartridge is subjected to drop impact, the tape reel receives an inertial force in the axial direction or around the axis thereof and unstably swings inside the tape cartridge. Then, if a force of such a magnitude that the gear portion of the reel lock member gets over the gear portion of the reel hub acts on the tape reel even momentarily, the tape reel cannot be prevented from moving in the rotation direction. In recent years, with the progress of thinner magnetic tapes, the tape length is becoming longer and longer and also the weight of the tape reel on which the magnetic tape is wound tends to increase. As a result, the inertial mass of the tape reel increases, and thus, the above-mentioned problem becomes more remarkable.

In accordance with this embodiment, since the first and second tubular portions131and132are configured to respectively fit with the first and second protruding portions201and202independently as described above, it is possible to suppress rattling of the reel lock member13with respect to the upper shell2and more stably keep the rotation restricted state (locked state) of the tape reel5as compared with the case where single recessed and projecting structure portions are caused to fit with each other.

For example, a configuration of a tape cartridge101including a reel lock member113according to a Comparative Example is shown inFIG. 12andFIG. 13.FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view of the tape cartridge101.FIG. 13is an exploded side perspective view of the tape cartridge101. Note that in each drawing, the components corresponding to those inFIG. 2andFIG. 3are denoted by the same reference symbols and details thereof will be omitted.

In the tape cartridge101according to the Comparative Example, a fitting portion113cof the reel lock member113has a single projecting structure surface. Meanwhile, a fitting wall portion102athat fits with the fitting portion113cof the reel lock member113is provide in the central portion of the inner surface of the upper shell2. As shown inFIG. 13, the fitting wall portion102ais formed in annular shape so as to be capable of covering the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion113c.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the magnetic tape cartridge according to the Comparative Example, where Part A is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the planar shape of the fitting wall portion102aand Part B is a side cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the fitting wall portion102aand the fitting portion113c.

As shown in Part A ofFIG. 14, the fitting wall portion102ahas a peripheral surface including recessed and projecting portions having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the fitting portion113c, and four recessed and projecting fitting structures F provided at intervals of 90° between the fitting wall portion102aand the fitting portion113c. In the Comparative Example, the reel lock member113and an upper shell102are relatively positioned by the fitting operation of single structure portions of the fitting portion113cand the fitting wall portion102a.

However, the fitting operation of the single structure portions cannot ensure high dimensional accuracy due to a molding problem and the reel lock member113is inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to the upper shell102in the fitted state in some cases. In this case, the reel lock member113tilts in a cartridge case104when being subjected to vibration during transportation or drop impact, and a gear portion113aof the reel lock member113easily gets over the gear portion12aof the reel hub6when a force is applied in the rotation direction of the tape reel5. As a result, the tape reel5cannot be prevented from rotating, which induces loosening of the magnetic tape22.

On the other hand, in the tape cartridge1according to this embodiment, the fitting portion130(first and second tubular portions131and132) of the reel lock member13and the protrusion group2a(first and second protruding portions201and202) of the upper shell2are relatively positioned by the fitting operations of a plurality of structure portions. For this reason, the accuracy for positioning the reel lock member13with respect to the upper shell2is improved, and it is possible to stably hold the tape reel5at the lock position while preventing the reel lock member13from tilting with respect to the upper shell2. Further, even if the tape reel5receives an inertial force in the rotation direction due to vibration during transportation or drop impact, the stable rotation restriction is ensured b the plurality of fitting structures between the second tubular portion132and the second protruding portion202, and thus, the tape is prevented from loosening due to vibration or impact.

In the case where the reel lock member13is at the lock position, the rotation restricting force of the tape reel5in the witting structure between the second tubular portion132and the second protruding portion202can be adjusted also by the shape of the contact portion between the second tubular portion132and the second protruding portion202. For example, the fitting relationship between the second tubular portion132and the second protruding portion202in the case where the reel lock member13is at the lock position is schematically shown inFIG. 15.

As shown inFIG. 15, in the case where the second protruding portion202is at the lock position, a tapered tip portion202tis in contact with or close to the lower end of the tapered surface T of the second tubular portion132. In the case where a rotational moment acts on the reel lock member13in this state, a stress F1parallel to the rotation direction acts on the tip portion202tof the second protruding portion202as shown in FIG.16, and a reaction force F2perpendicular to the stress F1acts on the second tubular portion132. The reaction force F2corresponds to the stress that urges the second tubular portion132downward, i.e., toward the lock position. The reaction force F2can be adjusted by an inclination angle α of the tip portion202tof the second protruding portion202with respect to the vertical direction (rotational axis direction of the tape reel).

The angle α is favorable 15° or less, and is, for example, 10°. As a result, even if the reel lock member13receives a rotational moment, the rotational moment can be converted into a pressing force toward the lock position, and thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the tape reel5from unnecessarily rotating.

Modified Example

For example, although the first and second tubular portions131and132of the reel lock member13are each formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape having a quadrangular cross section in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present technology is not limited thereto and the first and second tubular portions131and132may each be formed in another tubular shape such as a cylindrical shape.

Similarly, although the first and second protruding portions201and202of the upper shell2are each formed in a cylindrical shape, the present technology is not limited thereto and the first and second protruding portions201and202may each be formed in another axial shape such as a columnar shape and a prismatic shape.

Each of the four side surfaces of the first tubular portion does not necessarily need to be configured by a side surface of a part of the second tubular portion, and may have a side surface independent of the second tubular portion.

The number of the second tubular portions132and the number of the second protruding portions202are not limited to four, and only need to be two or more.

Although the magnetic tape cartridge incorporating the tape reel on which the magnetic tape is wound has been described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present technology can be similarly applied to a cleaning tape cartridge, incorporating a tape real on which a cleaning tape is wound.

Although the tape cartridge conforming to the LTO standard has been described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present technology is not limited thereto and can be similarly applied to a reel lock mechanism in a tape cartridge conforming to another standard.

It should be noted that the present technology may take the following configurations.

a tape reel that includes a reel hub having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a tape having been wound on the reel hub;

a cartridge case that includes an upper shell and a lower shell and rotatably houses the tape reel around one axis, the upper shell including a first protruding portion and a plurality of second protruding portions, the first protruding portion protruding toward a center of a bottom portion of the reel hub, the plurality of second protruding portions being arranged around the first protruding portion, the lower shell being coupled to the upper shell; and

a reel lock member disposed inside the reel hub, the reel lock member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a first tubular portion and a plurality of second tubular portions, the first tubular portion fitting with the first protruding portion, the plurality of second tubular portions fitting with the plurality of second protruding portions, the second surface being capable of engaging with the bottom portion of the reel hub, the reel lock member being movable in a direction of the one axis between a lock position and a lock release position, the second surface engaging with the bottom portion of the reel hub at the lock position, engagement between the second surface and the bottom portion of the reel hub being released at the lock release position.

(2) The tape cartridge according to (1) above, in which

each of the first protruding portion and the plurality of second protruding portions has a cylindrical shape, and

each of the first tubular portion and the plurality of second tubular portions has a rectangular tube shape.

(3) The tape cartridge according to (2) above, in which

the plurality of second tubular portions includes four tubular portions arranged around the first tubular portion at equal angular intervals.

(4) The tape cartridge according to (3) above, in which

the first tubular portion has four side surfaces, and

each of the four side surfaces forms one corresponding side surface of the four tubular portions.

(5) The tape cartridge according to any one of (2) to (4) above, in which

each of the first protruding portion and the plurality of second protruding portions has the same outer diameter.

(6) The tape cartridge according to any one of (2) to (5) above, in which

the first protruding portion includes a plurality of ribs projecting toward the respective side surfaces of the first tubular portion.

(7) The tape cartridge according to (6) above, in which

the first tubular portion includes a plurality of protrusions facing the plurality of ribs.

(8) The tape cartridge according to any one of (1) to (7) above, in which

tips of the plurality of second protruding portions each have a tapered shape with an angle of 15° or less between the corresponding tip and the direction of the one axis.

(9) The tape cartridge according to any one of (1) to (8), further including

a coil spring that is disposed between the upper shell and the reel lock member and urges the reel lock member to the lock position, wherein

the reel lock member further includes a plurality of projecting portions that is arranged around the plurality of second tubular portions and faces an inner diameter portion of the coil spring.

(10) The tape cartridge according to (9) above, in which

the reel lock member further includes an annular rib that is disposed around the plurality of projecting portions and faces an outer diameter portion of the coil spring.

(11) The tape cartridge according to (9) or (10) above, further including

a reel lock release member that is disposed between the reel lock member and the bottom portion of the reel hub and is capable of causing the reel lock member to move to the lock release position against a biasing force of the coil spring.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST