Tape reels and tape cartridges

Abstract

To prevent the movement of a tape in a width direction and prevent damage on the tape in a state in which the tape is wound around a tape reel.SOLUTION: A tape reel has: a cylindrical part around which a tape is wound; a first flange which extends annularly outward from the cylindrical part in a radial direction of the cylindrical part; and a second flange which separates from the first flange in an axial direction of the cylindrical part and extends annularly outward from the cylindrical part in the radial direction, wherein a gap between the first flange and the second flange becomes narrower toward the outside in the radial direction, and a bending modulus of the first flange is smaller than a bending modulus of the second flange.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a tape reel and a tape cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tape reel having a hub that includes a bottom portion and a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the bottom portion.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a recording tape cartridge including a reel hub, magnetic tape wound around the reel hub, and a lower flange and an upper flange provided opposite each other at both axial ends of the reel hub. When the magnetic tape is fully wound around the reel hub, the magnetic tape is biased toward the upper flange, and the edge clearance between the lower end of the outermost periphery and the lower flange is 0.18 mm or more and 0.46 mm or less. The rate of increase in the gap between the lower flange and the upper flange increases toward the outer periphery.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a tape reel in which an upper flange and a lower flange are provided at the upper and lower ends of a cylindrical hub on which a magnetic tape is wound. As the magnetic tape is wound around the hub, the dimension between the upper and lower flanges on the outer periphery side of the hub gradually decreases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-44845 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-248253 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-251859 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the technology disclosed herein provides a tape reel and a tape cartridge that can prevent the tape from moving in the width direction when the tape is wound around the tape reel and can prevent the tape from being damaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a tape reel having a cylindrical portion around which a tape is wound, a first flange that extends in an annular shape radially outward from the cylindrical portion, and a second flange that is spaced from the first flange in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion and also extends in an annular shape radially outward from the cylindrical portion, wherein the distance between the first flange and the second flange becomes narrower as it extends radially outward, and the bending modulus of the first flange is smaller than the bending modulus of the second flange.

[0008] A second aspect of the disclosed technique is the tape reel according to the first aspect, in which the gap between the radially outer end of the first flange and the radially outer end of the second flange is narrower than the width of the tape.

[0009] A third aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the tape reel according to the first or second aspect, in which the flexural modulus of the first flange is smaller than the flexural modulus of the tape.

[0010] A fourth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the tape reel according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the flexural modulus of the second flange is smaller than the flexural modulus of the tape.

[0011] A fifth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the tape reel according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the second flange is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the tape reel according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the first flange is separate from the cylindrical portion.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a tape reel according to the sixth aspect, in which the first flange is inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed radially, and the second flange protrudes along the perpendicular direction when viewed radially.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a tape cartridge having a tape reel of any one of the first to seventh aspects, and a case that rotatably supports the tape reel and houses the tape reel and a tape wound around the tape reel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tape cartridge equipped with a tape reel according to a first embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tape cartridge provided with a tape reel according to a first embodiment, as seen from below. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape cartridge including a tape reel according to a first embodiment in a state in which the reel is locked from rotating. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape cartridge including a tape reel according to a first embodiment, with the reel rotation lock released. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape reel according to a first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape reel according to a first embodiment as viewed from above; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a tape reel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape reel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tape reel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a tape reel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the upper flange member of the tape reel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an upper flange and a lower flange of the tape reel according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an upper flange and a lower flange of the tape reel according to the first embodiment in a state where the lower flange is bent. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape reel according to a comparative example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape reel according to a first modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tape reel according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the tape cartridge 11 has a case 12. One tape reel 10 (see FIG. 3) is housed inside the case 12. A recording tape T is wound around the tape reel 10. Details of the case 12 and the tape reel 10 will be described later. The case 12 is an example of a "case" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The tape reel 10 is an example of a "tape reel" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The tape cartridge 11 is an example of a "tape cartridge" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0018] The tape cartridge 11 is inserted into a drive device (not shown). Inside the drive device, the recording tape T is unwound from the tape cartridge 11, and information is written to and read from the recording tape T. As an example, the recording tape T has a structure in which a magnetic material is applied in layers to a strip-shaped base film made of resin. The flexural modulus of the recording tape T is, for example, 6750 MPa or more and 9500 MPa or less.

[0019] In the drawings, the loading direction of the tape cartridge 11 into the drive device is indicated by arrow A. The direction indicated by arrow A is the forward direction of the tape cartridge 11. The direction indicated by arrow B, which is perpendicular to arrow A, is the rightward direction of the tape cartridge 11, and the direction indicated by arrow C, which is perpendicular to arrows A and B, is the upward direction of the tape cartridge 11 and the tape reel 10. In the following, the radial and circumferential directions of the tape reel 10 may be simply referred to as the "radial direction" and the "circumferential direction." The above-mentioned forward, rightward, and upward directions are defined for convenience and do not limit the orientation of the tape cartridge according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the case 12 is formed in a flat, rectangular box shape. The case 12 has an upper case 14 and a lower case 16. Specifically, the upper case 14 has a rectangular top plate 14A in a plan view and a frame-shaped peripheral wall 14B extending along the outer edge of the top plate 14A. The lower case 16 has a rectangular bottom plate 16A in a plan view and a peripheral wall 16B extending along the outer edge of the bottom plate 16A. The case 12 is formed in a box shape by joining the upper case 14 and the lower case 16 by ultrasonic welding and / or screw fastening, etc., with the open ends of the peripheral walls 14B and 16B butting against each other. The upper case 14 and the lower case 16 are made of resin, such as polycarbonate (PC), for example.

[0021] An opening 18 is formed in the case 12. The opening 18 is formed in a corner on the leading side in the loading direction of the case 12 into the drive device. Specifically, the opening 18 is formed by cutting out each of the top plate 14A, the peripheral wall 14B, the bottom plate 16A, and the peripheral wall 16B. The opening 18 is inclined with respect to the loading direction of the case 12 into the drive device. The recording tape T wound around the tape reel 10 can be pulled out through the opening 18.

[0022] A circular gear opening 20 is provided in the center of the bottom plate 16A of the lower case 16, penetrating the bottom plate 16A. A reel gear 62, which will be described later, is exposed through the gear opening 20. The reel gear 62 exposed through the gear opening 20 is engaged with a drive gear 108 (see FIG. 3) formed on a rotating shaft 100 of the drive device (see FIG. 4). The reel gear 62 is then driven to rotate by the drive gear 108, causing the tape reel 10 to rotate relative to the case 12 within the case 12. An annular rib 22 is provided on the edge of the gear opening 20 in the bottom plate 16A, protruding inward of the case 12 (see FIG. 3). The annular rib 22 positions the tape reel 10 within the case 12, as will be described later.

[0023] Positioning holes 24 and 26 are formed on the front end side of the outer surface of the bottom plate 16A. The positioning holes 24 and 26 are recessed from the bottom plate 16A toward the inside of the case 12. The positioning holes 24 and 26 are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the case 12 is loaded into the drive device. Of the positioning holes 24 and 26, the positioning hole relatively close to the opening 18 is positioning hole 24, and the positioning hole relatively far from the opening 18 is positioning hole 26.

[0024] The positioning hole 24 is square in bottom view and circumscribes the positioning pin of the drive device. The positioning hole 26 is rectangular in bottom view, and the direction perpendicular to the loading direction of the case 12 into the drive device (the direction of arrow B) is the longitudinal direction of the positioning hole 26.

[0025] The width of the positioning hole 26 is set to a width that allows the positioning pin of the drive device to circumscribe it. As a result, when the tape cartridge 11 is loaded into the drive device and the positioning pins are inserted into the positioning holes 24 and 26, respectively, the tape cartridge 11 is positioned in the directions of arrows A and B within the drive device.

[0026] The portions of the bottom plate 16A surrounding the positioning holes 24 and 26 are positioning surfaces 24A and 26A. The positioning surfaces 24A and 26A are relatively smoother than other portions of the bottom plate 16A. When the positioning pins of the drive device are inserted into the positioning holes 24 and 26, the positioning surfaces 24A and 26A come into contact with the positioning surfaces of the drive device provided around the positioning pins. This also positions the tape cartridge 11 vertically (in the direction of arrow C) within the drive device.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, one tape reel 10 is rotatably housed within the case 12. A recording tape T is wound around the tape reel 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a leader block 30 is attached to the tip of the recording tape T. When the tape cartridge 11 is not in use, the leader block 30 is housed inside the opening 18 of the case 12. In this state, the leader block 30 closes the opening 18, preventing dust and other debris from entering the case 12.

[0028] An engagement recess 30A is formed at the tip of the leader block 30. A pull-out member that engages with the engagement recess 30A is provided inside the drive device. Inside the drive device, the recording tape T is pulled out from the case 12 by the pull-out member that is engaged with the engagement recess 30A, and is guided to the take-up reel of the drive device.

[0029] The tape cartridge 11 has a brake member 32. The brake member 32 is a member that prevents the tape reel 10 from rotating when the tape cartridge 11 is not in use.

[0030] The brake member 32 has a disk-shaped disk portion 34. A braking gear 36 is formed facing downward on the periphery of the disk portion 34. A cross projection 38 is formed facing upward from the axial center of the disk portion 34, and a sliding contact projection 35 is formed facing downward from the axial center of the disk portion 34.

[0031] The cross-shaped protrusion 38 has an insertion groove 38A that is cross-shaped in plan view, corresponding to the shape of the cross-shaped protrusion 38. A cross-shaped rib 40 formed on the top plate 14A is inserted into the insertion groove 38A so as to be able to move (slide) relative to the case 12 in the vertical direction. With the cross-shaped rib 40 inserted into the insertion groove 38A, the brake member 32 cannot rotate with respect to the case 12, but can be displaced relative to the case 12 in the vertical direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an engagement gear 52 is formed on the tape reel 10. As shown in Figure 4, the engagement gear 52 protrudes upward from the bottom plate 48. When the brake gear 36 of the brake member 32 is engaged with the engagement gear 52, rotation of the tape reel 10 relative to the case 12 is prevented. Then, as the brake member 32 moves in the vertical direction (i.e., in the axial direction of the tape reel 10) relative to the case 12, the engagement and disengagement of the brake gear 36 with the engagement gear 52 is switched. When the brake gear 36 is engaged with the engagement gear 52, it is in a rotation-locked position, and when the engagement is disengaged it is in a rotation-permitted position.

[0033] The tape cartridge 11 is provided with a compression coil spring 42. The compression coil spring 42 urges the brake member 32 toward the bottom plate 48. The braking gear 36 of the brake member 32 is urged by the compression coil spring 42 and is thereby brought into mesh with the engagement gear 52.

[0034] The tape cartridge 11 has a clutch member 44. The clutch member 44 is a member for releasing the state in which the rotation of the tape reel 10 relative to the case 12 is locked by the brake member 32.

[0035] The clutch member 44 has a main body 44A formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of guide pieces 44B that extend radially outward and upward from the outer periphery of the upper part of the main body 44A.

[0036] The main body 44A of the clutch member 44 is inserted into a boss 54 (described later) that is provided at the axial center of the tape reel 10. The guide pieces 44B of the clutch member 44 are inserted into guide slits 64 (described later). By inserting the main body 44A into the boss 54 and the guide pieces 44B into the guide slits 64, the clutch member 44 is supported by the tape reel 10 in a state where it cannot drop off downward or rotate relative to the tape reel 10 and where relative displacement in the axial direction is permitted.

[0037] A sliding contact protrusion 35 is formed at the axial center of the brake member 32. The sliding contact protrusion 35 is pressed against the upper end surface of the main body 44A of the clutch member 44 by the biasing force of a compression coil spring 42.

[0038] With the sliding contact protrusion 35 pressed against the upper end surface of the main body 44A, the lower end of the main body 44A of the clutch member 44 is exposed from the axial center of the tape reel 10 to the outside (lower side) of the case 12. By being exposed to the outside of the case 12, the lower end surface of the main body 44A can be operated from the outside.

[0039] In the tape cartridge 11, the lower end surface of the main body 44A is pressed upward to move the clutch member 44 upward, which causes the brake member 32 to move upward together with the clutch member 44. As the brake member 32 moves upward, the engagement between the braking gear 36 and the engaging gear 52 is released, and the brake member 32 reaches the rotation-permitting position.

[0040] In this embodiment, a drive gear 108 is provided on the rotating shaft 100 of the drive device, and a pressing portion 110 is further provided in the center of the rotating shaft 100. As the drive gear 108 meshes with a reel gear 62 (described below), the lower end surface of the main body portion 44A of the clutch member 44 is pressed upward by the pressing portion 110. Then, the clutch member 44 moves the brake member 32 from the braking position to the release position against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 42.

[0041] The rotating shaft 100 has a rotating table 104. The rotating table 104 is fixed to the upper end of the rotating shaft 102. A drive gear 108 is formed on the periphery of the rotating table 104, facing upward. The drive gear 108 can mesh with a reel gear 62 (described later) of the tape reel 10. When the drive gear 108 meshes with the reel gear 62, the rotating shaft 100 moves upward relative to the case 12, and the drive gear 108 meshes with the reel gear 62. A disk-shaped magnet 106 is disposed on the rotating table 104 radially inward of the drive gear 108. The magnetic force of the magnet 106 attracts the reel plate 66 of the tape reel 10 to the rotating table 104.

[0042] In the tape cartridge 11, the recording tape T is pulled out or wound up by the rotation of the tape reel 10. While the tape reel 10 is rotating, relative rotation occurs between the sliding contact protrusion 35, which does not rotate with respect to the case 12, and the clutch member 44, which rotates together with the tape reel 10. The relative rotation between the sliding contact protrusion 35 and the clutch member 44 causes the tip (lower end) of the sliding contact protrusion 35 and the upper surface of the clutch member 44 to come into sliding contact with each other.

[0043] (Reel configuration) 5 to 8, the tape reel 10 has a hub 45. The hub 45 forms the axial center of the tape reel 10.

[0044] The hub 45 has a cylindrical wall 46 and a bottom plate 48. The cylindrical wall 46 is an example of a "cylindrical portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 46 is a tape winding surface 46A around which the recording tape T is wound. The bottom plate 48 is a bottom portion that closes the lower part of the cylindrical wall 46.

[0045] The upper end of the cylindrical wall 46 of the hub 45 is an open end 46B. An upper flange 50 is formed at the open end 46B. The upper flange 50 projects annularly from the open end 46B radially outward from the cylindrical wall 46. The upper flange 50 is formed coaxially with and integral with the cylindrical wall 46. The upper flange 50 is an example of a "second flange" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0046] In this embodiment, the hub 45 and the upper flange 50 are made of resin and are integrally formed by injection molding, for example. The hub 45 and the upper flange 50 form an upper flange member 51. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of gate marks Gm (three in the illustrated example) are formed on the bottom plate 48, which are marks of gates for injecting resin into a mold when injection molding the upper flange member 51.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the recording tape T is not wound around the tape reel 10, the upper flange 50 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46 when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. Therefore, in the cross sections shown in Figures 7 and 8, the angle θ2 formed between the cylindrical wall 46 and the upper flange 50 is a right angle. The end face on the opening end 46B side of the cylindrical wall 46 and the upper surface of the upper flange 50 are flush, i.e., in the same plane.

[0048] A circular center hole 48A is formed in the axial center of the bottom plate 48 of the hub 45. Furthermore, a window portion 48B is formed in the bottom plate 48. As will be described later, an engagement gear 52 is provided in the center portion 58 of the lower flange member 60. The window portion 48B causes the engagement gear 52 to protrude above the upper surface of the bottom plate 48. A plurality of window portions 48B (three sets of two in the illustrated example) are provided along a circumference coaxial with the hub 45.

[0049] In this embodiment, the upper flange member 51 is formed by injection molding of fiber reinforced plastic. The fiber reinforced plastic is a material in which 10 mass % of glass fiber as a reinforcing fiber is mixed into polycarbonate as a thermoplastic resin.

[0050] In this embodiment, the flexural modulus of the upper flange 50 is smaller than the flexural modulus of the recording tape T. As an example, the flexural modulus of the upper flange 50 is 3300 MPa or more and 6700 MPa or less.

[0051] Furthermore, the tape reel 10 has a lower flange 56. The lower flange 56 is spaced apart from the upper flange 50 in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46 and protrudes in an annular shape radially outward from the cylindrical wall 46. The lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 face each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. The lower flange 56 is an example of a "first flange" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0052] In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, the position of the radially outer end 56T (end of the outer periphery) of the lower flange 56 is aligned with the position of the radially outer end 50T (end of the outer periphery) of the upper flange 50.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the recording tape T is not wound around the tape reel 10, the lower flange 56 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46 when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. Specifically, the lower flange 56 approaches the upper flange 50 as it moves from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side. Therefore, in the cross section shown in Figure 8, the angle θ1 formed between the cylindrical wall 46 and the lower flange 56 is an acute angle.

[0054] And the distance between the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 gradually narrows from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side in the state before the recording tape T is wound around the tape reel 10 (i.e., the unwound state). Here, let the distance between the radially outer ends of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 be D1, and the distance between the radially inner ends be D2. Also, let the width of the recording tape T be W1. In this embodiment, the relationship D1 < W1 < D2 holds. As an example, when the width W1 of the recording tape T is 12.65 mm, the distance D1 between the radially outer ends is within the range of 12.55 ≦ D1 < 12.65 mm, and the distance D2 between the radially inner ends is within the range of 12.65 < D2 ≦ 12.75 mm, and the relationship D1 < W1 < D2 holds.

[0055] An annular center portion 58 is joined to the bottom plate 48 of the hub 45. The lower flange 56 projects radially outward from the center portion 58. And the lower flange 56 is fixed to the hub 45 via the center portion 58. The lower flange 56 and the center portion 58 constitute a lower flange member 60. The lower flange member 60 is separate from the cylindrical wall 46. Therefore, the lower flange 56 is also separate from the cylindrical wall 46.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, a reel gear 62 is formed downward on the center portion 58 of the lower flange member 60. As shown in FIG. 4, the reel gear 62 can mesh with the drive gear 108 of the rotating shaft 100 of the drive device. The reel gear 62 is configured with a plurality of teeth arranged so as to form an annular shape that is coaxial with the lower flange member 60 as a whole.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, an engagement gear 52 is formed upward from the upper surface side of the center portion 58. The engagement gear 52 can mesh with the braking gear 36 of the brake member 32. That is, as described above, the engagement gear 52 meshes with the braking gear 36 of the brake member 32 when the brake member 32 is in the braking position, and the meshing with the braking gear 36 of the brake member 32 is released when the brake member 32 is in the release position.

[0058] When the engagement gear 52 is disengaged from the brake gear 36, the tape reel 10 is allowed to rotate about its own axis. In this embodiment, a plurality of engagement gears 52 (six in the example shown in FIG. 6) are provided along a circumference coaxial with the hub 45. Each of the engagement gears 52 can pass through a corresponding window portion 48B of the hub 45 described above.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, a boss portion 54 projects upward from the axial center of the center portion 58. The boss portion 54 is cylindrical and can be fitted into the center hole 48A of the hub 45. A plurality of guide slits 64 are provided at the top of the boss portion 54, spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the hub 45. Each guide slit 64 opens upward and radially inward. The guide piece 44B (see FIG. 4) of the clutch member 44 described above is inserted into each guide slit 64. By inserting the guide piece 44B into the guide slit 64, the clutch member 44 functions as a guide in the axial direction, a stopper in the axial direction (a function to prevent it from falling off), and a rotation stop function relative to the tape reel 10.

[0060] Each part of the lower flange member 60, including the lower flange 56, center portion 58, engagement gear 52, boss portion 54, and reel gear 62, is made of resin and is integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. The lower flange member 60 is made of, for example, the same resin material as the material that constitutes the hub 45 and upper flange 50 (for example, the above-mentioned glass fiber-containing polycarbonate).

[0061] In this embodiment, the flexural modulus of the lower flange 56 is smaller than that of the recording tape T. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexural modulus of the lower flange 56 is smaller than that of the upper flange 50. As an example, the flexural modulus of the lower flange 56 is 1000 MPa or more and 2400 MPa or less.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5 and 9, a reel plate 66 is fixed to the lower surface of the center portion 58 of the lower flange member 60. The reel plate 66 is a metal plate. The reel plate 66 is formed in a circular disk shape with a through hole 66A in its axial center, and is disposed coaxially radially inside the reel gear 62. The reel plate 66 is attracted to the rotating shaft 100 of the drive device in a non-contact manner by the magnetic force of a magnet 106 provided on the rotating shaft 100.

[0063] The reel plate 66 is fixed to the center portion 58, i.e., the lower flange member 60. Specifically, the reel plate 66 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) small holes 66B formed therethrough in the plate thickness direction. The small holes 66B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along an imaginary circle coaxial with the through-hole 66A. Each small hole 66B has an enlarged diameter portion on the underside of the reel plate 66, forming a so-called spigot-joint shape. The reel plate 66 is fixed to the lower flange member 60 by cooling and solidifying the resin material filled in each small hole 66B during the molding stage. The reel plate 66 may also be fixed to the lower flange member 60 by crimping or the like.

[0064] The tape reel 10 is constructed by welding a lower flange member 60 to the bottom plate 48 of the hub 45 at the center portion 58. Specifically, an energy director 65, which is a welding protrusion, protrudes from the underside of the bottom plate 48 before welding. With the energy director 65 abutting against the upper surface of the center portion 58, ultrasonic vibrations are applied, whereby the hub 45 and the lower flange member 60 are ultrasonically welded together at the weld portion W1 (see FIG. 9).

[0065] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] 8 and 12, in the present embodiment, when the recording tape T is not wound around the tape reel 10, the distance between the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 narrows from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. Therefore, compared to when the distance between the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 is constant, or when the distance widens from the radially inner side to the radially outer side, when the recording tape T is wound around the hub 45, for example, the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 can prevent the recording tape T from moving in the width direction of the recording tape T.

[0067] In particular, in this embodiment, the distance D1 at the radially outer ends of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 is narrower than the width W1 of the recording tape T. Here, Figure 14 shows a tape reel 80 of a comparative example. In Figure 14, the same components as those in the tape reel 10 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0068] In the tape reel 80 of the comparative example, when the recording tape T is not wound around the tape reel 10, the distance between the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50 narrows from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side. The distance D3 at the radially outer end is wider than the width W1 of the recording tape T.

[0069] In the tape reel 80 of the comparative example, when the recording tape T is wound around the hub 45, one or both of the widthwise edges of the recording tape T are separated from the upper flange 50 or the lower flange 56.

[0070] In contrast to this, in the tape reel 10 of this embodiment, the distance D1 on the radially outer side of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 is narrower than the width W1 of the recording tape T, and therefore, as shown in Figure 13, when the recording tape T is wound around the hub 45, both end edges in the width direction of the recording tape T come into contact with the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, respectively. For this reason, compared to when both end edges in the width direction of the recording tape T are separated from both the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, or when they are separated from either one of them, in this embodiment, movement of the recording tape T in the width direction can be suppressed by the lower flange 56 and the upper flange 50.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance D2 at the radially inner ends of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 is wider than the width W1 of the recording tape T. Therefore, compared to when the distance D2 at the radially inner ends of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 is narrower than the width W1 of the recording tape T, in the radially inner portions of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, i.e., the portions wound around the cylindrical wall 46, one or both of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 are out of contact with the recording tape T. Because one or both of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 are out of contact with the recording tape T, no force is applied from one or both of the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 in the width direction of the recording tape T, and therefore it is possible to prevent the recording tape T from being deformed by a force in the width direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the flexural modulus of the upper flange 50 and the flexural modulus of the lower flange 56 are smaller than the flexural modulus of the recording tape T. Therefore, when the recording tape T is in contact with the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 are more likely to bend than the recording tape T. In other words, even if the recording tape T is in contact with the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, it is possible to prevent the recording tape T from being deformed by a force in the width direction and the recording tape T from being damaged by a force from the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56.

[0073] In particular, in this embodiment, the bending modulus of the lower flange 56 is smaller than the bending modulus of the upper flange 50. For this reason, when the recording tape T is in contact with both the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56, the lower flange 56 is more likely to bend than the upper flange 50. Therefore, compared to when the bending modulus of the lower flange 56 is the same as the bending modulus of the upper flange 50, and when the bending modulus of the lower flange 56 is larger than the bending modulus of the upper flange 50, when the recording tape T comes into contact with the lower flange 56, it is possible to prevent the recording tape T from being deformed by a force in the width direction from the lower flange 56, and to prevent the recording tape T from being damaged by a force from the lower flange 56.

[0074] Furthermore, the bending modulus of the upper flange 50 is greater than the bending modulus of the lower flange 56. Therefore, compared to when the bending modulus of the upper flange 50 is the same as the bending modulus of the lower flange 56, and when the bending modulus of the upper flange 50 is smaller than the bending modulus of the lower flange 56, the upper flange 50 can suppress movement of the recording tape T in the width direction when the recording tape T is in contact with the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56.

[0075] In this embodiment, the bending modulus of the lower flange 56 is smaller than the bending modulus of the recording tape T. For this reason, compared to when the bending modulus of the lower flange 56 is larger than the bending modulus of the recording tape T, the lower flange 56 is more likely to deform than the recording tape T when the recording tape T is in contact with the lower flange 56, so damage to the recording tape T by the lower flange 56 can be suppressed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the bending modulus of the upper flange 50 is smaller than the bending modulus of the recording tape T. Therefore, compared to when the bending modulus of the upper flange 50 is larger than the bending modulus of the recording tape T, the upper flange 50 is more likely to deform than the recording tape T when the recording tape T is in contact with the upper flange 50, so damage to the recording tape T by the upper flange 50 can be suppressed.

[0077] In this embodiment, the upper flange 50 is formed integrally with the cylindrical wall 46. Therefore, compared to when the upper flange 50 is separate from the cylindrical wall 46, the number of parts is reduced.

[0078] In this embodiment, the lower flange 56 is separate from the cylindrical wall 46. Therefore, compared to when the lower flange 56 is integral with the cylindrical wall 46, there are fewer restrictions on the shape of the lower flange 56, making it easier to form the lower flange 56.

[0079] Furthermore, since the lower flange 56 is separate from the cylindrical wall 46, there are fewer restrictions on the shape of the lower flange 56 compared to when they are integral, and the bending elastic modulus of the lower flange 56 can be set with greater freedom.

[0080] The technology disclosed herein may also employ a structure in which the lower flange 56, when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, and the upper flange 50, when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. In this embodiment, the upper flange 50, when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. The lower flange 56, when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46. Therefore, for example, compared to a case in which the upper flange 50 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, when the upper flange member 51 is formed by injection molding, the upper flange member 51 can be easily removed from the mold, and the tape reel 10 can be easily molded.

[0081] In this embodiment, an example is given in which, as viewed in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall 46, the position of the radially outer end 56T of the lower flange 56 is aligned with the position of the radially outer end 50T of the upper flange 50. In this way, a structure in which the positions of the end 50T and the end 56T are not aligned but differ in the radial direction, that is, a structure in which the diameter of the lower flange 56 and the diameter of the upper flange 50 are different, may also be used.

[0082] If the position of end 56T and the position of end 50T are different in the radial direction, the position of the end of the small diameter flange whose end is relatively radially inward can be set as the flange spacing D1 on the radially outer side.

[0083] 15 is an example in which the upper flange 50 has a smaller diameter than the lower flange 56, and the end 50T of the upper flange 50 is located radially inward of the end 56T of the lower flange 56. In this case, it is sufficient that the distance D1 between the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 at the position of the end 50T of the upper flange 50 is smaller than the width W1 of the recording tape T.

[0084] 16 is an example in which the lower flange 56 has a smaller diameter than the upper flange 50, and the end 56T of the lower flange 56 is located radially inward of the end 50T of the upper flange 50. In this case, it is sufficient that the distance D1 between the upper flange 50 and the lower flange 56 at the position of the end 56T of the lower flange 56 is smaller than the width W1 of the recording tape T.

[0085] In the description of this specification, "parallel" refers to parallelism in the sense of including a tolerance that is generally accepted in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, in addition to completely parallelism. In the description of this specification, "perpendicular" refers to perpendicularity in the sense of including a tolerance that is generally accepted in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, in addition to completely perpendicularity. In the description of this specification, "equally spaced" refers to equidistant spacing in the sense of including a tolerance that is generally accepted in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, in addition to completely equal spacing. In the description of this specification, "matched" refers to matching in the sense of including a tolerance that is generally accepted in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, in addition to completely equal spacing.

[0086] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0087] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0088] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0089] The present application further discloses the following additional notes: (Appendix 1) a cylindrical portion around which the tape is wound; a first flange that annularly protrudes from the cylindrical portion radially outward of the cylindrical portion; a second flange spaced from the first flange in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion and extending annularly from the cylindrical portion outward in the radial direction; and a gap between the first flange and the second flange narrows toward the radially outer side before the tape is wound around the cylindrical portion, The flexural modulus of the first flange is smaller than the flexural modulus of the second flange. Tape reel. (Appendix 2) Between the radially outer end of the first flange and the radially outer end of the second flange, the spacing is narrower than the width of the tape. 1. A tape reel as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The first flange has a flexural modulus smaller than that of the tape. 10. The tape reel of claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The second flange has a flexural modulus lower than that of the tape. 4. The tape reel according to claim 1. (Appendix 5) The second flange is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion. 5. The tape reel according to claim 1. (Appendix 6) The first flange is separate from the cylindrical portion. 6. The tape reel according to claim 1. (Appendix 7) the first flange is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed from the radial direction, The second flange protrudes along the orthogonal direction when viewed from the radial direction. 6. A tape reel as described in claim 6. (Appendix 8) A tape reel according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7; a case that rotatably supports the tape reel and accommodates the tape reel and a tape wound around the tape reel; A tape cartridge having: [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 tape reels 11 Tape cartridge 12 Cases (Examples of Cases) 45 Hub 46 Cylindrical wall (an example of a cylindrical part) 46A Tape winding surface 46B Open end 48 Bottom plate 48A center hole 48B window section 50 Upper flange (example of second flange) 50T Upper flange end 56 Lower flange (example of first flange) 56T End of lower flange

Claims

1. a cylindrical portion around which the tape is wound; a first flange that annularly protrudes from the cylindrical portion radially outward of the cylindrical portion; a second flange spaced from the first flange in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion and extending annularly from the cylindrical portion outward in the radial direction; and a gap between the first flange and the second flange that narrows toward the radially outer side before the tape is wound around the cylindrical portion; The flexural modulus of the first flange is smaller than the flexural modulus of the second flange. Tape reel.

2. Between the radially outer end of the first flange and the radially outer end of the second flange, the spacing is narrower than the width of the tape.

2. The tape reel according to claim 1.

3. The first flange has a flexural modulus smaller than that of the tape.

2. The tape reel according to claim 1.

4. The second flange has a flexural modulus lower than that of the tape.

2. The tape reel according to claim 1.

5. The second flange is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion.

2. The tape reel according to claim 1.

6. The first flange is separate from the cylindrical portion.

2. The tape reel according to claim 1.

7. the first flange is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed from the radial direction, The second flange protrudes along the orthogonal direction when viewed from the radial direction.

7. The tape reel according to claim 6.

8. The tape reel according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a case that rotatably supports the tape reel and accommodates the tape reel and a tape wound around the tape reel; A tape cartridge having:

Images