Cartridge tray and magnetic tape device

Abstract

One of the objectives is to provide technology that can assist in detecting physical abnormalities in magnetic tape cartridges. [Solution] A cartridge tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing for housing an inserted magnetic tape cartridge, and a movable member installed in the housing, wherein at least a part of the movable member, the bottom, is located inside the housing, and the movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted in the housing and the bottom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge tray and a magnetic tape device.

Background Art

[0002] A magnetic tape is a recording medium using a magnetic material. The magnetic tape is handled in a state of being stored in a case. The magnetic tape stored in the case is also referred to as a cartridge. For example, when the cartridge is inserted into a magnetic tape device, data is read or written.

[0003] There is a technique for detecting damage to such a magnetic tape cartridge. Patent Document 1 discloses inserting a magnetic tape cartridge into a diagnostic magnetic tape device and causing the diagnostic magnetic tape device to execute a diagnostic operation on the magnetic tape cartridge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When an impact such as dropping is applied to the cartridge, physical abnormalities such as damage and deformation may occur in the cartridge. Inserting a cartridge with an abnormality into a magnetic tape device may lead to a failure of the magnetic tape device or the loss of data recorded on the magnetic tape.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, in order to detect damage, it is necessary to wind the magnetic tape from the cartridge inserted into the diagnostic magnetic tape device into the head, and then rewind the wound magnetic tape back into the cartridge. Therefore, depending on the nature of the abnormality in the cartridge, the diagnostic operation may cause malfunctions or data loss.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology that can assist in the detection of physical abnormalities in magnetic tape cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A cartridge tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing for housing an inserted magnetic tape cartridge, and a movable member installed in the housing, wherein at least a portion of the movable member, the bottom, is located inside the housing, and the movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted in the housing and the bottom.

[0009] A magnetic tape device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cartridge tray comprising: a storage section for housing an inserted magnetic tape cartridge; a movable member installed in the storage section, wherein at least a portion of the movable member, the bottom portion, is located inside the storage section, and the movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted in the storage section and the bottom portion; and a sensor for detecting the amount of movement of the movable member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] It can assist in detecting physical abnormalities in magnetic tape cartridges. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a cartridge tray of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 showing an example of a magnetic tape cartridge of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 showing an example of a magnetic tape cartridge of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 showing an example of a magnetic tape device of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 showing an example of a configuration including a cartridge tray of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 showing an example of a cartridge tray of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 6 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 showing an example of a magnetic tape device of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 showing an example of a configuration including a cartridge tray of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 explaining a movable example of a movable member of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. explaining a movable example when a normal cartridge of the present disclosure is inserted. [Figure 19] FIG. explaining a movable example when a cartridge with an abnormality of the present disclosure is inserted.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> The outline of the cartridge tray according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0014] The cartridge tray is a tray into which a magnetic tape cartridge can be inserted. Hereinafter, the magnetic tape cartridge may be simply referred to as a cartridge. For example, the cartridge tray may be a member used in a magnetic tape device. The magnetic tape device is a device that reads data recorded on a magnetic tape or writes data to the magnetic tape. In this case, when the cartridge tray is fitted into the magnetic tape device, the cartridge inserted into the cartridge tray engages with the magnetic tape device. The state in which the cartridge and the magnetic tape device are engaged is referred to as a mount. Thus, the cartridge tray may be a member used when mounting the cartridge. Note that the cartridge tray is not limited to this example. For example, the cartridge tray may simply be a member that serves as a case for the cartridge. The cartridge tray may be any member that can accommodate the cartridge.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of the cartridge tray. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the cartridge tray 1. The cartridge tray 1 includes a housing portion 2 and a movable member 3.

[0016] The housing portion 2 houses the cartridge. In the example of FIG. 1, an insertion port exists on the +x direction side of the housing portion 2. In this case, the cartridge is inserted from the insertion port in the -x direction. When the cartridge is inserted, the cartridge is housed in the housing portion 2. Thus, the housing portion 2 houses the inserted magnetic tape cartridge.

[0017] The movable member 3 is installed in the housing 2. At least a portion of the movable member 3 is located inside the housing 2. In the example shown in Figure 1, the housing 2 has an opening on the +z side. For example, at least a portion of the movable member 3 is located inside the housing 2 through the opening. The movable member 3 moves by contact with the cartridge inserted into the housing 2.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of a movable member. Specifically, Figure 2 shows an example of the movable member 3 in Figure 1 viewed from the -y direction. As shown in Figure 2, the movable member 3 has a bottom. The bottom is at least a part of the movable member 3. For example, the bottom is located inside the housing 2. Thus, the bottom, which is at least a part of the movable member, is located inside the housing 2.

[0019] For example, a cartridge is inserted into the storage section 2 in the -x direction. At this time, the movable member 3 moves due to contact between the cartridge and the bottom. In the example in Figure 1, when the cartridge and the bottom come into contact, the cartridge pushes the movable member 3 upward in the +z direction. As a result, the movable member 3 rotates in the +z direction with its shaft as the pivot point. In this way, the movable member 3 moves due to contact between the cartridge inserted into the storage section 2 and the bottom.

[0020] Note that the configuration of the cartridge tray 1 is not limited to the example in Figure 1. For example, the entire movable member 3 may be located inside the housing 2. Also, the movable member 3 may be configured to move in the z-direction or the -x-direction by contact with the cartridge.

[0021] Thus, the cartridge tray 1 of the first embodiment comprises a housing section 2 for housing the inserted magnetic tape cartridge, and a movable member 3 installed in the housing section 2. At this time, at least a part of the movable member 3, the bottom portion, is located inside the housing section 2. The movable member 3 moves due to contact between the cartridge inserted in the housing section 2 and the bottom portion.

[0022] The movable member 3 moves in response to the insertion of a cartridge. If the cartridge is deformed, the amount of movement of the movable member 3 changes. For example, if a cartridge is inserted in a swollen state, the movable member 3 will move more than when a normal cartridge is inserted. Also, if a cartridge is inserted in a crushed state, the movable member 3 will move less than when a normal cartridge is inserted. By checking this amount of movement, it is possible to detect physical abnormalities in the cartridge. In other words, the cartridge tray 1 can assist in detecting physical abnormalities in magnetic tape cartridges.

[0023] <Second Embodiment> Next, a cartridge tray of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the cartridge tray described in the first embodiment will be described in more detail. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, an example in which the cartridge tray is a component used in a magnetic tape device will be described. Note that some explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0024] First, the magnetic tape cartridge in this embodiment will be described. One example of magnetic tape is LTO (Linear Tape-Open). Hereafter, an example where the magnetic tape is LTO will be described, but the example of magnetic tape is not limited to this.

[0025] Figure 3 is the first diagram showing an example of a magnetic tape cartridge. In the example in Figure 3, the magnetic tape is located inside the case 21 of the cartridge 20. In this example, the surface of the case 21 in the +z direction is referred to as the top surface, and the surface of the case 21 in the -z direction is referred to as the bottom surface. Figure 4 is the second diagram showing an example of a magnetic tape cartridge. In the example in Figure 4, the bottom surface of the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 3 is shown. As shown in Figure 4, the cartridge 20 is provided with a cartridge gear 22. Inside the case 21, there is a file reel for winding the magnetic tape, etc.

[0026] Case 21 is made of plastic, for example, but is not limited to this example. Case 21 may be made of metal, resin, or the like. Case 21 may have a structure divided into an upper member and a lower member. Specifically, the upper member is bonded to the lower member which houses the magnetic tape. For example, the upper member and the lower member may be bonded together by welding techniques such as ultrasonic heat welding.

[0027] If the cartridge 20 is subjected to impact, the bonded parts may detach. For example, if the bonded parts detach, a gap may form between the top and bottom components. On the other hand, if the cartridge 20 is subjected to impact, the case 21 may be crushed. If the cartridge 20 is deformed or damaged in this way, its size will change compared to when it is normal.

[0028] Figure 5 is the first diagram showing an example of a magnetic tape device. Specifically, Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a single-reel magnetic tape device 30. However, the type of magnetic tape device 30 envisioned in this disclosure is not limited to a single-reel type. Furthermore, the configuration of the magnetic tape device 30 is not limited to the configuration described below.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 5, the magnetic tape device 30 comprises a deck base 31, a machine reel 32, a machine reel motor 33, a file reel motor 34, a file reel motor gear 35, a magnetic head 36, a guide roller 37, and a cartridge tray 10.

[0030] The machine reel 32 is the component on which the magnetic tape is wound. The machine reel motor 33 rotates the machine reel 32. The file reel motor 34 rotates the file reel of the cartridge 20. The magnetic head 36 reads and writes to the magnetic tape. The guide roller 37 guides the magnetic tape to the magnetic head 36. In this example, there are multiple guide rollers 37. The cartridge tray 10 is used to mount the cartridge 20 to the file reel motor after insertion. The deck base 31 holds each component in place.

[0031] The cartridge tray 10, into which the cartridge 20 is inserted, is fitted into the magnetic tape device 30. This engages the cartridge gear 22 and the file reel motor gear 35. In this example, mounting indicates the state in which the cartridge gear 22 and the file reel motor gear 35 are engaged. When the cartridge 20 is mounted, the magnetic tape in the case 21 is pulled out. The pulled-out magnetic tape is guided to the magnetic head 36 by the guide roller 37 and wound onto the machine reel 32. The rotation control of the machine reel motor 33 and the file reel motor 34 causes the magnetic tape to reciprocate around the magnetic head 36. This enables reading and writing of data on the magnetic tape.

[0032] Figure 6 is the first diagram showing an example of a configuration including a cartridge tray. The cartridge tray 10 comprises a storage section 12 and a movable member 13. When a cartridge 20 is inserted through the insertion opening of the cartridge tray 10, the cartridge is stored in the storage section 12. In this example, as the cartridge tray 10 containing the cartridge 20 descends in the -z direction, the cartridge gear 22 and the file reel motor gear 35 engage.

[0033] The housing 12 has a shaft portion 121 and an opening 122. The opening 122 only needs to have a hole that penetrates the housing 12. In the example in Figure 6, the opening 122 is shown as a rectangular space with the insertion direction of the cartridge 20 as the longitudinal direction. The shaft portion 121 is a member that rotatably supports the movable member 13. In the example in Figure 6, the shaft portion 121 is provided parallel to the short direction of the opening 122. The movable member 13 is installed in the housing 12. Specifically, at least a part of the movable member 13 is supported by the shaft portion 121. In this example, the shaft portion 121 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane including the insertion direction of the cartridge and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. One end of the movable member 13 is supported by the shaft portion 121. In this case, the movable member 13 is rotatable with the shaft portion 121 as the pivot axis. In other words, one end of the movable member 13 is supported by the shaft portion 121 so that the movable member 13 can rotate.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 6, the other end of the movable member 13 is in contact with the upper surface (the surface on the +z direction side) of the housing 12. Hereafter, the other end of the movable member 13 will also be referred to as the tip. Because the tip is in contact with the upper surface of the housing 12, the movable member 13 rotates in the +z direction from the state shown in Figure 6, but does not rotate in the -z direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the movable member 13 penetrates the opening 122. In this example, one end and the tip of the movable member are located outside the housing 12. The bottom of the movable member 13 is located between the one end and the tip. The bottom of the movable member 13 is located inside the housing 12 through the opening 122. In other words, at least a portion of the movable member 13 is located inside the housing 12, and at least a portion of the movable member 13 is located outside the housing 12.

[0036] Next, an example of the movement of the movable member 13 will be described. Figure 7 is the first diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. More specifically, Figure 7 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 6, before the cartridge 20 is inserted, as seen from the -y direction. Note that in the example of Figure 7, the file reel motor gear 35 is omitted. Also, the part of the housing section 12 on the -y direction side that overlaps with the movable member 13 when viewed from the -y direction is omitted from the description.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 7, the bottom is located inside the housing 12. The movable member 13 is supported by the shaft 121. The tip of the movable member 13 is in contact with the upper surface of the housing 12.

[0038] Figure 8 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. More specifically, Figure 8 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 6, viewed from the -y direction, when the cartridge 20 is inserted. Similar to Figure 7, Figure 8 omits the description of the file reel motor gear 35 and the -y direction portion of the housing 12 that overlaps with the movable member 13. As shown in Figure 8, when the cartridge 20 is inserted in the direction of the arrow (-x direction), the cartridge 20 and the bottom of the movable member 13 come into contact. In this example, the cartridge 20 pushes up the bottom. As a result, the tip moves outward (+z direction) of the housing 12. That is, the movable member 13 rotates in the +z direction around the shaft 121 as its pivot axis. In other words, the movable member 13 rotates around the shaft 121 as its pivot axis in response to the contact between the cartridge 20 inserted into the housing 12 and its bottom.

[0039] When the movable member 13 moves, the height of the tip end varies depending on the state of the cartridge 20. For example, when a normal cartridge 20 is inserted, let the height from the upper surface of the housing portion 12 to the tip end be h1. Also, assume that there is a gap between the member on the upper surface side and the member on the bottom surface side in the case 21 of the cartridge 20. The cartridge 20 with such a gap may, for example, be in a state where the case 21 is swollen. When the cartridge 20 in a state where the case 21 is swollen is inserted, let the height from the upper surface of the housing portion 12 to the tip end be h2. At this time, h2 may become higher due to the generated gap. That is, h1 < h2. On the other hand, when the cartridge 20 in a state where the case 21 is crushed is inserted, let the height from the upper surface of the housing portion 12 to the tip end be h3. At this time, h3 becomes lower due to the crushing. That is, h1 > h3. Thus, in this example, an abnormality of the cartridge 20 can be detected based on the height of the tip end when the cartridge 20 is inserted.

[0040] As described above, the cartridge tray 10 of the second embodiment includes a housing portion 12 that houses the inserted magnetic tape cartridge 20, and a movable member 13 installed in the housing portion 12. At this time, the bottom portion, which is at least a part of the movable member 13, exists inside the housing portion 12. The movable member 13 moves due to contact between the cartridge 20 inserted into the housing portion 12 and the bottom portion.

[0041] The movable member 13 moves in response to the insertion of the cartridge 20. At this time, if the cartridge 20 is deformed, the amount of movement of the movable member 13 changes. For example, when the cartridge 20 is inserted in a swollen state, the movable member 13 moves more largely compared to when a normal cartridge 20 is inserted. Also, when the cartridge 20 is inserted in a crushed state, the movable member 13 moves less compared to when a normal cartridge 20 is inserted. By confirming this amount of movement, a physical abnormality of the cartridge 20 can be detected. That is, the cartridge tray 10 can assist in detecting a physical abnormality of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0042] Furthermore, in the cartridge tray 10, the storage section 12 has an opening 122, and the movable member 13 may pass through the opening 122. In this case, the bottom is located inside the storage section 12 through the opening 122, and at least a part of the movable member 13 may be located outside the storage section 12. This allows the movement of the movable member 13 to be observed from outside the cartridge tray 10. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to observe the movement of the movable member 13.

[0043] Furthermore, in the cartridge tray 10, the storage section 12 may have an opening 122 and a shaft portion 121 extending in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge 20. Also, one end of the movable member 13 may be rotatably supported by the shaft portion 121. Moreover, the other end of the movable member 13, the tip portion, may be in contact with the outside of the storage section 12. In this case, the movable member 13 may pass through the opening 122, and its bottom portion may be located between the one end and the tip portion, and be located inside the storage section 12 via the opening 122. The movable member 13 rotates as the tip portion moves outward from the storage section in response to contact between the cartridge 20 inserted into the storage section 12 and the bottom portion. This allows the rotation of the movable member 13 to be observed from outside the cartridge tray 10.

[0044] [Example 1] In the example described above, the movable member 13 rotates around the shaft portion 121 as the pivot axis. The mechanism by which the movable member 13 moves is not limited to the example described above.

[0045] Figure 9 is a second diagram showing an example of a cartridge tray. In the example of Figure 9, the cartridge tray 10 also comprises a storage section 12 and a movable member 13. Also, similar to the example of Figure 6, the storage section 12 has a shaft section 121 and an opening 122. The opening 122 is a rectangular space with the insertion direction of the cartridge 20 as its longitudinal direction. In this example, the movable member 13 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the opening 122. The shaft section 121 is substantially parallel to the transverse direction of the opening 122 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge 20.

[0046] The movable member 13 has a guide hole 131. The movable member 13 is supported by a shaft portion 121. At this time, the shaft portion 121 is inserted into the guide hole 131. The guide hole 131 may or may not penetrate the movable member 13. In this example, it is sufficient that the guide hole 131 into which the shaft portion 121 can be inserted is located on the -y direction side surface and the +y direction side surface of the movable member 13. That is, the shaft portion 121 may or may not penetrate the movable member 13. For example, the shaft portion 121 on the -y direction side and the shaft portion 121 on the +y direction side may each be hooked into the guide hole 131.

[0047] Figure 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. More specifically, Figure 10 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 9, before the cartridge 20 is inserted, as viewed from the -y direction. In the example of Figure 10, the portion of the housing 12 on the -y direction side that overlaps with the movable member 13 when viewed from the -y direction has been omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 10, the bottom is located inside the housing 12. The movable member 13 is supported by the shaft 121 in the guide hole 131. Here, the guide hole 131 is longer in the z direction than in the x direction. Here, the x direction in the guide hole 131 is referred to as the short direction, and the z direction in the guide hole 131 is referred to as the long direction. Thus, the guide hole 131 extends in the long direction, and its length in the long direction is longer than its length in the short direction.

[0049] Figure 11 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. More specifically, Figure 11 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 9, viewed from the -y direction, when the cartridge 20 is inserted. Similar to Figure 10, Figure 11 also omits the description of the portion of the housing 12 on the -y direction side that overlaps with the movable member 13. As shown in Figure 11, when the cartridge 20 is inserted in the direction of the arrow (-x direction), the cartridge 20 and the bottom of the movable member 13 come into contact. In this example, the cartridge 20 pushes up the bottom. As a result, the movable member 13 moves along the longitudinal direction of the guide hole 131. In this example, the movable member 13 moves in the +z direction.

[0050] Thus, in the cartridge tray 10, the storage section 12 has a shaft portion 121 that is substantially parallel to the opening 122 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge 20, and the movable member 13 may have a guide hole 131 into which the shaft portion 121 can be inserted. In this case, the guide hole 131 extends in the longitudinal direction, and the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length in the short direction of the guide hole 131. Then, the movable member 13 moves along the longitudinal direction of the guide hole 131 in response to the bottom of the cartridge 20 inserted into the storage section 12 coming into contact with it.

[0051] Furthermore, the cartridge tray 10 may have a different structure. For example, the cartridge tray 10 may have a structure in which the movable member 13 is pushed out in the insertion direction by the inserted cartridge 20.

[0052] Figure 12 is a fifth diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. For example, as shown in Figure 12, one end of the movable member 13 is supported by a projection provided on the housing 12, and the other end is supported outside the housing 12. One end of the movable member 13 is located higher in the +z direction than the other end. The bottom of the movable member 13 is located inside the housing 12 through the opening 122.

[0053] Figure 13 is the sixth diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. More specifically, Figure 13 shows the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 12 when the cartridge 20 is inserted. As shown in Figure 13, the movable member 13 is pushed out in the -x direction by the inserted cartridge 20. Then, the movable member 13 also rises in the +z direction due to the projection. For example, if the cartridge has a bulge, the tip moves in the -z direction as the bottom is pushed by the cartridge even after the bottom contacts the projection. Not limited to this, it may also be possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred by changing the appearance of the +z side surface of the movable member 13 when viewed from the +x side due to the deformation of the cartridge.

[0054] Thus, the structure of the cartridge tray 10 can be realized in various forms.

[0055] [Differentiation 2] The movable member 13 may have predetermined information inscribed on it. Specifically, the movable member 13 may have visual information such as colors, symbols, and letters inscribed on it. For example, in the example in Figure 8, the -y-direction side of the movable member 13 is colored. In this case, the color may differ as it approaches the tip. This causes the color to appear differently to the user depending on the amount the movable member 13 moves. Therefore, the user can check whether or not there is a problem with the cartridge based on how the color appears.

[0056] Thus, visual information including at least one of a color, a symbol, and a letter may be inscribed between the tip, which is the end of the movable member 13 and is at least a part of the movable member 13 located outside the housing 12, and the bottom. In this case, the visual information may be inscribed in different ways depending on the distance between the position where the visual information is inscribed and the tip.

[0057] <Third Embodiment> Next, a configuration including a cartridge tray of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example of detecting the amount of movement of a movable member will be described. In the third embodiment, the movable member is assumed to be the same as the example shown in Figures 6 to 8. However, even in the third embodiment, the movable member is not limited to this example. Note that some explanations will be omitted for content that overlaps with the first and second embodiments.

[0058] Figure 14 is a second diagram showing an example of a magnetic tape device. The magnetic tape device 40 shown in Figure 14 differs from the magnetic tape device 30 in Figure 5 in that it is equipped with a sensor 38. The sensor 38 is a sensor that detects the amount of movement of the movable member 13. Note that the arrangement of sensors in the magnetic tape device 40 is not limited to the example in Figure 14.

[0059] An example of the sensor 38 is a photointerrupter. A photointerrupter is a sensor that can detect the presence or absence of an object and its position by blocking the light between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part when the object blocks the light. For example, the movement of the movable member 13 may be detected by the photointerrupter.

[0060] Another example of the sensor 38 is an imaging device such as a camera. In this case, the imaging device is capturing images of the movable member 13. For example, the amount of movement of the movable member 13 may be detected based on changes in the area of ​​the movable member 13 on the captured image.

[0061] The sensor 38 is not limited to this example. The sensor 38 only needs to be capable of detecting the amount of movement of an object. The sensor 38 may also be connected to an output device (not shown) in a communicative manner. For example, the output device may be a display, speaker, lamp, etc. The output device may be provided by the magnetic tape drive 40. Alternatively, the output device may be an information processing terminal with output capabilities, such as a personal computer or a smartphone. The sensor 38 may output the detected result to the output device.

[0062] Figure 15 is a second diagram showing an example of a configuration including a cartridge tray. In this example, the movable member 13 is not shown. The sensor 38 may be placed on the cartridge tray 10, for example. In the example of Figure 15, an example is shown where the sensor 38 is a photointerrupter. For example, the movement of the movable member 13 is detected when the movable member 13 enters the detection range of the photointerrupter.

[0063] Figure 16 is the fifth diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. Specifically, Figure 16 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 15, before the cartridge 20 is inserted, as viewed from the -y direction. In the example of Figure 16, the portions of the housing 12 and the sensor 38 on the -y direction side that overlap with the movable member 13 when viewed from the -y direction are omitted. As shown in Figure 16, the tip of the movable member 13 is located between the +y direction side and the -y direction side of the sensor 38. Figure 16 shows the optical axis of the sensor 38 indicating the detection range of the sensor 38.

[0064] Figure 17 is the sixth diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the movable member. Specifically, Figure 17 shows a side view of the cartridge tray 10 shown in Figure 15, as viewed from the -y direction, when the cartridge 20 is inserted. In Figure 17 as well, the portions of the housing 12 and the sensor 38 on the -y direction side that overlap with the movable member 13 when viewed from the -y direction have been omitted. As shown in Figure 17, the tip of the movable member 13 moves in the +z direction when the cartridge 20 pushes up the bottom. As a result, the movable member 13 crosses the optical axis, and the sensor 38 detects the movement of the movable member 13. At this time, if the sensor 38 is performing detection by camera, the sensor 38 may detect the height of the tip (i.e., the amount of movement).

[0065] Next, we will explain the difference in height of the tip of the movable member 13 when a normal cartridge 20 is inserted and when a defective cartridge 20 is inserted. This will be explained using Figures 18 and 19.

[0066] Figure 18 illustrates an example of operation when a normal cartridge is inserted. Figure 19 illustrates an example of operation when a defective cartridge is inserted. In the examples of Figures 18 and 19, the cartridge tray 10 is not shown. Note that in the example of Figure 19, a gap is created between the top and bottom members on the -x direction side of the case 21 of the cartridge 20.

[0067] Let a be the distance from the bottom surface of a normal cartridge 20 to the bottom surface of the tip. Let b be the distance from the bottom surface of an abnormal cartridge 20 to the bottom surface of the tip. Let c be the gap distance. Let d be the distance from the center of the shaft portion 121 to the bottom surface of the movable member 13 (the contact surface between the bottom and the cartridge 20). Let e ​​be the distance from the bottom surface of the movable member 13 to the tip of the cartridge 20. In this case, the relationship between each of these distances can be expressed as shown in Equation 1 below.

[0068]

number

[0069] In this way, by detecting the height of the tip of the movable member 13 when the cartridge 20 is inserted, the size of the gap created in the cartridge 20 can be determined, for example. Therefore, if the sensor 38 detects a tip height that causes the size of the gap to exceed a predetermined threshold, the output device may output an alert. In this way, the sensor 38 may detect the amount of movement of the movable member 13.

[0070] As described above, the magnetic tape device 40 of the third embodiment may include a cartridge tray 10 and a sensor 38. The cartridge tray 10 includes a housing section 12 for housing the inserted magnetic tape cartridge 20, and a movable member 13 installed in the housing section 12. At this time, at least a part of the movable member 13, the bottom, is located inside the housing section 12. The movable member 13 moves due to contact between the cartridge 20 inserted in the housing section 12 and the bottom. The sensor 38 detects the amount of movement of the movable member 13. The sensor 38 may be a photo interrupter or an imaging device.

[0071] This allows the user to understand whether or not there is an abnormality in the cartridge 20 and the extent of the abnormality based on the detected amount of movement of the movable member 13.

[0072] <Note> Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0073] [Note 1] A housing section for accommodating the inserted magnetic tape cartridge, The housing includes a movable member installed in the housing, At least a part of the movable member, the bottom portion, is located inside the housing portion. The movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom. Cartridge tray.

[0074] [Note 2] The aforementioned housing section has an opening, The movable member penetrates the opening, The bottom portion is located inside the housing through the opening. At least a portion of the movable member is located outside the housing, The cartridge tray as described in Appendix 1.

[0075] [Note 3] The aforementioned housing portion has a shaft portion, The movable member is partially supported by the shaft so as to be rotatable, The movable member rotates around the shaft portion as a pivot axis in response to the cartridge inserted into the housing portion and the bottom portion coming into contact. The cartridge tray as described in Appendix 1.

[0076] [Note 4] The housing portion has an opening and a shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the opening and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge. One end of the movable member is rotatably supported on the shaft, The other end of the movable member, which is the tip, is located so as to be able to contact the outside of the housing portion. The movable member penetrates the opening, The bottom portion is located between the one end and the front end, and is located inside the housing portion through the opening. The movable member rotates as its tip moves outward from the housing in response to contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom portion. The cartridge tray as described in Appendix 3.

[0077] [Note 5] The housing portion has a shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the opening and has a shaft portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge. The movable member has a guide hole into which the shaft portion can be inserted, The guide hole extends in the longitudinal direction, and its length in the longitudinal direction is longer than its length in the short direction. The movable member moves along the longitudinal direction of the guide hole in response to the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom coming into contact with each other. The cartridge tray as described in Appendix 2.

[0078] [Note 6] Between the tip, which is the end of the movable member and is at least a part of the movable member located outside the housing, and the bottom, visual information including at least one of a color, a symbol, and a letter is inscribed. The visual information is described in different ways depending on the distance between the position where the visual information is described and the tip. The cartridge tray as described in Appendix 2.

[0079] [Note 7] A housing section for accommodating the inserted magnetic tape cartridge, The housing includes a movable member installed in the housing, At least a part of the movable member, the bottom portion, is located inside the housing portion. The movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom. Cartridge tray and The system includes a sensor for detecting the amount of movement of the movable member, Magnetic tape drive.

[0080] [Note 8] The aforementioned sensor is a photointerrupter. The magnetic tape device described in Appendix 7.

[0081] [Note 9] The aforementioned sensor is an imaging device. The magnetic tape device described in Appendix 7.

[0082] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 6, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 above, may also be subordinate to Appendices 7 to 9 in the same way as Appendices 2 to 6. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1 and 7, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to structures that can be adopted within the scope that does not deviate from each of the embodiments described above.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made within the scope of the present invention as can be understood by those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. 10 Cartridge Tray 2, 12 containment section 3.13 Movable Members 20 cartridges 21 cases 22 Cartridge gears 30, 40 Magnetic tape drives 31 Deck Base 32 Machine Reels 33 Machine Reel Motor 34 File Reel Motor 35 File Reel Motor Gear 36 Magnetic Heads 37 Guide rollers 38 sensors 121 Shaft 122 Opening 131 Guide hole

Claims

1. A housing section for accommodating the inserted magnetic tape cartridge, The housing includes a movable member installed in the housing, At least a part of the movable member, the bottom portion, is located inside the housing portion. The movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom. Cartridge tray.

2. The aforementioned housing section has an opening, The movable member penetrates the opening, The bottom portion is located inside the housing through the opening. At least a portion of the movable member is located outside the housing, The cartridge tray according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned housing portion has a shaft portion, The movable member is partially supported by the shaft so as to be rotatable, The movable member rotates around the shaft portion as a pivot axis in response to the cartridge inserted into the housing portion and the bottom portion coming into contact. The cartridge tray according to claim 1.

4. The housing portion has an opening and a shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the opening and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge. One end of the movable member is rotatably supported on the shaft, The other end of the movable member, which is the tip, is located so as to be able to contact the outside of the housing portion. The movable member penetrates the opening, The bottom portion is located between the one end and the front end, and is located inside the housing portion through the opening. The movable member rotates as its tip moves outward from the housing in response to contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom portion. The cartridge tray according to claim 3.

5. The housing portion has a shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the opening and has a shaft portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cartridge. The movable member has a guide hole into which the shaft portion can be inserted, The guide hole extends in the longitudinal direction, and its length in the longitudinal direction is longer than its length in the short direction. The movable member moves along the longitudinal direction of the guide hole in response to the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom coming into contact with each other. The cartridge tray according to claim 2.

6. Between the tip, which is the end of the movable member and is at least a part of the movable member located outside the housing, and the bottom, visual information including at least one of a color, a symbol, and a letter is inscribed. The visual information is described in different ways depending on the distance between the position where the visual information is described and the tip. The cartridge tray according to claim 2.

7. A housing section for accommodating the inserted magnetic tape cartridge, The housing includes a movable member installed in the housing, At least a part of the movable member, the bottom portion, is located inside the housing portion. The movable member moves by contact between the cartridge inserted into the housing and the bottom. Cartridge tray and The system includes a sensor for detecting the amount of movement of the movable member, Magnetic tape drive.

8. The aforementioned sensor is a photointerrupter. The magnetic tape device according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned sensor is an imaging device. The magnetic tape device according to claim 7.

Images