TAPE CARTRIDGE RECORDING/REPRODUCING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a correctly inserted tape cartridge to pass but rejects the insertion of an erroneously inserted tape cartridge. SOLUTION: In a tape cartridge misinsertion prevention mechanism 500, a misinsertion prevention key 501 is supported in a tape cartridge guiding hollow column 122, and pressed counterclockwise by a spring 510. The misinsertion prevention key 501 includes a center cylinder 502, an arm 503 extending from the center cylinder 502, a platelike claw 504 in the tip of the arm 503, and a triangular prism-like block 508. The triangular prism-like block 508 is positioned lower than the claw 504, and includes first and second slopes 505 and 507 and a corner. Thus, the tape cartridge is not prevented from pressing the first slope 505 to move the platelike claw 504 in a horizontal direction, and passing through a mail slot. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT