The present invention relates to a device for preventing a tape cassette from erroneous insertion into a tape deck. More particularly, the invention relates to such device for preventing a digital audio tape cassette from being erroneously inserted into a take deck.
In a conventional analog audio equipment using a tape cassette, normal and reverse modes are provided for sound reproduction. Therefore, in case of insertion of the tape cassette in its lontidutinal direction into the audio equipment such as a take deck, the tape cassette can be inserted into the tape deck even if the tape is loaded upside down. Accordingly, a user only draws his attention to right and left sides of the tape (tape running or exposed side and opposite side) when inserting the tape into the deck. Further, in the analog audio tape cassette, cross-sectional configuration at the right side of the tape is different from that at the left side thereof, and the tape deck is provided with a cassette insertion hole whose configuration is in conformance with the right and left cross-sectional shapes of the tape cassette. Therefore, the user can easily insert the tape cassette into the tape deck by simply checking right and left side orientation of the tape cassette. As a result, erroneous tape insertion into the tape deck can be avoided.
In case of a digital audio tape cassette, there are provided a lid member at one side (for example right side) of the cassette and a slider at a bottom portion thereof. The lid member is pivotally provided for selectively exposing a running surface of a tape, and the slider is adapted for moving the lid member. The slider locks the lid member at its tape covering posture when the tape cassette is not loaded on a tape deck, and the slider is movable for releasing the locking state of the lid member in order to expose the running surface of the tape when the tape cassette is loaded on the deck.
Some of the conventional digital audio tape deck is designed to allow the tape cassette to be inserted in a direction parallel with the extending direction of the lid member, i.e., the tape cassette is inserted in longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, reproduction by the DAT cassette is performed only by the normal running direction, i.e., no reverse mode is provided because of the tape threading contact with a head drum. Therefore, it is necessary to insert the tape cassette in a correct orientation. More specifically, if the tape is inserted upside down, or if the tape is inserted reversely in right and left sides, the cassette cannot be correctly loaded onto the tape deck.
Further, the DAT cassette has a generally rectangular cross-section in which right and left sides have similar configuration to each other. Therefore, there is a likelihood that a user may reversely insert the tape cassette with respect to right and left sides thereof. If the tape cassette is loaded on the tape deck in erroneous orientation, various mechanical breakdown may occur.
Further, in the conventional DAT cassette, if the lid member is not commpletely closed at non-service period, the exposed tape may be contaminated with dusts or foreign objects or may be damaged.