JP2000268359A - Method for processing magnetic tape and magnetic tape- processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make stably producible tapes with no damage by making laser beams of a visible range and laser beams of an ultraviolet range incident on the back layer of the magnetic tape while transferring the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, processing the back layer thereby forming recessed parts, and bringing a cooling member into contact with the magnetic tape thereby cooling the magnetic tape. SOLUTION: While a magnetic tape T is positioned at a predetermined processing position and transferred by a tape transfer means 24 in the longitudinal direction, a processing line is formed of laser beams projected from a light source 12 by an optical system to the tape T. The laser beams of an ultraviolet range and a visible range having outputs that can process a back layer of the tape T are used, reflected to a predetermined direction by a mirror 16, and made incident on a beam expander 18. The intensity distribution of the laser beams is uniformed by a shaping device 20. The laser beams are sent into a multiple lens 22, divided into many laser beams and made incident on the predetermined processing position to form images. After the processing, cooling rods 42a and 42b come into contact with the tape T and cool the tape without damaging the tape.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a DDS (digital d
It belongs to the technical field of magnetic tapes such as ata storage) and DAT (digital audio tape) .Specifically, even if the magnetic tape is conveyed at high speed in the manufacturing process of the magnetic tape, no slip occurs, and the magnetic field caused by this does not occur. The present invention relates to a magnetic tape processing method and a processing apparatus capable of preventing damage to a tape and disorder of winding.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Magnetic tapes used for DAT and DDS are basically made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
A base layer which is a film such as a base layer, a magnetic layer formed on one surface of the base layer, and a back formed on the opposite surface of the magnetic layer of the base layer for the purpose of improving transport stability and strength. It has a layer and the like.

In the process of manufacturing such a magnetic tape, the magnetic tape (hereinafter referred to as a tape) is subjected to various processes such as cutting by a slitter and cleaning of a surface by a blade while being transported in a longitudinal direction. And then rolled up in a hub or the like to make pancakes or cassettes and sent to the next process or delivery destination. In recent years, in order to improve productivity, various processes (such as manufacturing equipment such as blade machines and winder machines) ) Tends to increase the speed (speed) of the tape.

[0004] In general, the tape is conveyed by winding the tape around a capstan roller and rotating the capstan roller. However, when the transport speed of the tape is increased, in a manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine, the tape entrains air, and the tape floats on a capstan roller or the like, thereby causing the tape to slip, thereby preventing normal transport. There are cases.

As a result, the tape becomes a capstan roller,
When the tape hits or improperly contacts the guide roller, blade blade, etc., the tape or tape edge is broken, and the tape is damaged such as abrasion or peeling of the magnetic material layer.
It will be inappropriate as a product. A roller for measuring the length of the tape (measurement roller) is attached to the tape manufacturing device as necessary. If the tape slips with this roller, an error occurs in the measurement of the tape length. As a result, there is also a problem that production management cannot be performed properly. For this reason, it has been difficult to increase the tape transport speed in tape manufacturing so as to favorably meet the required production efficiency.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. In a magnetic tape manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine and a winder machine, the tape transport speed is increased. Also, no tape slip occurs in the capstan rollers, etc., so that high-speed and accurate transport can be performed, and under proper production control, magnetic tapes without damage can be stably manufactured with high production efficiency, and ,
Good production of magnetic tapes that can be wound onto winders and pancakes without loose winding, have beautiful winding appearance, and have no adhesion of dust etc. on the magnetic tape surface, and have excellent properties. It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic tape processing method and a processing apparatus which can be manufactured efficiently.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a magnetic tape processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that a magnetic tape is transported in a longitudinal direction while at least one of a visible region laser beam and an ultraviolet region laser beam. Is incident on a back layer of the magnetic tape, the back layer is processed to form a concave portion, and then a cooling member is brought into contact with the magnetic tape to cool the magnetic tape.

[0008] The magnetic tape processing apparatus of the present invention comprises:
A light source that emits at least one of a visible region laser beam and an ultraviolet region laser beam, and an optical system that causes the laser beam emitted from the light source to enter a predetermined processing position,
At the processing position, a transport unit that transports the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction with the back layer facing the upstream side of the laser beam optical path, and at the processing position, the flatness of the magnetic tape transported by the transport unit is reduced. A magnetic tape processing apparatus, comprising: a securing unit; and a cooling member that is disposed downstream of the processing position in the transport direction of the magnetic tape by the transport unit and that contacts and cools the magnetic tape. .

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a magnetic tape processing method and a processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The magnetic tape usable in the present invention is PET.
Layer (base film) made of amide or aramid resin
Layer structure having a magnetic layer on one side and a back layer (back coat layer) on the other side of the base layer, or further having an overcoat layer (protective layer) and an undercoat layer According to the present invention, according to the present invention, a concave portion in the back layer, preferably a groove (a processing line or a processing line segment) extending in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape, and a direction oblique to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape ( Hereafter, at least one of the grooves extending obliquely is formed.

FIG. 1 conceptually shows an example of a back layer of a magnetic tape (hereinafter, referred to as a tape) processed by the processing method (processing apparatus) of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality of linear processing lines a extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape are formed on the back layer of the tape. The example shown in FIG. 1B is an example in which the processing of the back layer is intermittently performed and the processing line is divided (processed line segment b) in the example shown in FIG. 1A. In this example, the length of the processing line segment b is not particularly limited. Further, the lengths of the processing line segments may all be the same, but line segments having different lengths may be mixed. Further, the example shown in FIG.
This is an example in which a processing line segment c is formed in an oblique direction. In this example, the angle and length of the processing line segment c are not particularly limited.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the processing line a and the processing line segment b may be formed in a wave shape. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 1C, the interval between the processing line segments c may be adjusted continuously or randomly. When the tape is wound, if the processing lines and the processing line segments are stacked, the magnetic material layer may be adversely affected. However, according to these methods, the period of the corrugation and the interval of the processing line segments are selected. Thus, this disadvantage can be avoided.

[0013] As shown in FIG.
Preferably, the tape having a processing line (processing line segment) reduces the entrainment of air by the tape even when the tape is transported (running) at a high speed in a tape manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine or a winder machine. , Can be suitably removed from the processing line. Therefore, according to the tape processed according to the present invention, even when the tape is transported at a high speed, the tape is not lifted and slipped by the capstan roller or the like of the manufacturing apparatus, and the tape is damaged and the transport length is reduced. Since there is no error, accurate and high-speed tape transport can be performed, and a magnetic tape of appropriate quality can be stably and efficiently manufactured under appropriate production control. Also, at the time of winding, since the air between the tapes escapes suitably,
Prevents loose winding and beautiful appearance when wound on a cartridge or pancake.

Further, this tape having a concave portion in the back layer also has less cupping, which is curl in the width direction of the tape, as compared with the conventional tape. Damage and the like can be reduced as compared with the conventional tape, so that the appearance deterioration, head contact, and magnetic tape edge damage due to cupping can be reduced.

In the present invention, the formation state (formation pattern) of the concave portion is not limited to the illustrated example, and various types can be used, and may be appropriately set according to the slipping state and the cupping state of the tape. For example, a processing line extending in the width direction of the tape may be formed, and a large number of circular or rectangular concave portions may be formed. When the grooves are formed in the width direction or in the oblique direction, the grooves may be formed so as to penetrate the end in the width direction of the tape, or may be formed so as to cross the tape. Further, two or more processing lines extending in the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the oblique direction may be mixed, and in this case, the grooves may intersect.

The shape (cross-sectional shape) of the concave portion is not particularly limited. For example, a rectangular shape as shown in FIG.
A triangular shape as shown in FIG. 2B, a semicircle (bow shape) as shown in FIG. These shapes can be realized by adjusting the intensity distribution (profile) of the beam spot of the laser beam for processing the back layer.

In the present invention, the depth of the concave portion is not limited. Generally, the deeper the concave portion, the better the prevention of slip and cupping during tape conveyance, but the deeper the concave portion, the lower the strength of the tape. In severe cases, the magnetic layer is adversely affected. Therefore, the depth of the concave portion is determined by the tape width, the material and thickness of the back layer, the material and thickness of the base layer, and the load (transport speed) applied to the tape in the steps after the concave portion formation and processing at the user site. , Tension, etc.) may be appropriately determined according to the required tape strength, slip condition, and the like. Therefore, if sufficient strength can be ensured, a concave portion having a depth (removing the back layer) reaching the base layer may be formed. According to the study of the present inventors, in order to obtain an excellent slip prevention effect and the like,
The depth of the recess is preferably at least 0.1 μm, particularly preferably at least 0.2 μm. In the case where a plurality of concave portions are provided, their depths may be the same or different from each other.

The size (line width) and formation density of the concave portion are not particularly limited. Similarly, the larger the formation density or size, the higher the effect of preventing slip and cupping, but the strength is reduced. In some cases, the magnetic layer may be adversely affected. Therefore, the formation density and size of the concave portion are also different from the tape width,
It may be appropriately determined according to the material and thickness of the back layer, the material and thickness of the base layer, the load applied to the tape, the required tape strength, the state of slip, and the like. For example,
FIG. 1A and FIG.
In the case of forming a processing line extending in the longitudinal direction as shown in (B), it is preferable to form a width of about 3 μm to 10 μm and several to about 100 processing lines in the width direction. .

FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of a processing apparatus of the present invention for producing such a (magnetic) tape by using the processing method of the present invention. The processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a processing line extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape is formed, and a light source 12 for emitting a laser beam, a pulse modulator 14, and a mirror 1
6, an optical system having a beam expander 18, a beam profiler 20 and a multi-lens lens 22, and a tape transport means 24. Further, the tape transport means 24 includes a cooling rod 42 (42a and 42b) for cooling the tape T on which the processing line or the like is formed and removing dust and the like attached to the tape T, and cleaning the surface of the cooling rod 42. Cleaning tape 44 (44a and 44b) is disposed.

In such a processing apparatus 10, the (magnetic) tape T is emitted from the light source 12 while being transported in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of the arrow x in the drawing) while the (magnetic) tape T is positioned at a predetermined processing position by the tape running means 24. The laser beam is incident on the processing position by an optical system to form a processing line on the tape. Dust and the like generated by the formation of the processing lines and the like adhere to the back layer and the magnetic layer of the tape T on which the processing lines and the like are formed. Etc. can be easily removed.

The light source 12 is not particularly limited, and may be of various types as long as it can emit at least one of an ultraviolet laser beam and a visible laser beam having an output capable of processing the back layer of the tape T. Laser transmitter) is available. In terms of workability, a laser beam having a short wavelength is more preferable, and a laser beam in the ultraviolet region is the best, but a laser beam in the visible region is preferable in terms of cost, safety, workability, and the like. Specifically, 488 nm
Or 515 nm (514.5 nm) argon (ion)
Laser and YAG laser are SHG (Second Harmonic Gener
53 Second-order harmonic generation) 53
A light source that emits a 2 nm laser beam is exemplified.

As described above, in the illustrated processing apparatus 10, the optical system includes the pulse modulator 14, the mirror 16, the beam expander 18, the beam profile shaper 20, and the multi-lens 22. The pulse modulator 14 corresponds to FIG.
The laser beam is pulse-modulated to form a processing line segment as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the light source 12 can directly perform pulse modulation or when only the processing line as shown in FIG. 1A is formed, the pulse modulator 14 is unnecessary. As the pulse modulator 14, known modulation means such as an AOM (acoustic optical modulator) can be used. Also, by adjusting the modulation period,
The length of the processing line segment may be adjusted.

The laser beam is reflected by the mirror 16 in a predetermined direction, and then enters the beam expander 18. The processing device 10 splits one laser beam,
Although the processing line is formed on the tape T, it is preferable that the processing line can be formed on the entire surface in the width direction corresponding to the tape T having various widths. However, in general, the diameter of the laser beam emitted from the light source is about 1 mm, and the tape T
Cannot be processed over the entire surface of the tape T in the width direction as it is. Therefore, in the processing apparatus 10, the beam expander 18 is arranged, and the light source 1
The diameter of the laser beam emitted from 2 is expanded. For example, when the diameter of the laser beam emitted from the light source 12 is 1 mm and the width of the tape T is 0.5 in, the magnification is 15 to 20 times.
What is necessary is just to expand the diameter of the laser beam about twice. Further, the diameter expansion rate of the laser beam in the beam expander 18 may be adjustable.

The laser beam expanded in diameter by the beam expander 18 is then transmitted to a beam profiler 20.
(Hereinafter, referred to as a molding device 20). Molding machine 20
Is to make the intensity of the laser beam almost uniform over the entire beam spot, that is, to make the intensity distribution of the laser beam almost uniform. Normally, the laser beam emitted from the light source 12 has an intensity distribution such as a Gaussian distribution. Therefore, when the tape T is processed with this laser beam, the depth of the processing line varies depending on the intensity distribution. Therefore, by disposing the molding device 20, the intensity distribution of the laser beam can be made uniform, and the depth of the processing line to be formed can be made uniform. Note that various optical filters can be used as the molding device 20.

On the contrary, if necessary, the molding machine 20
The laser beam may have an intensity distribution, and the depth of each processing line may be appropriately adjusted (selected). Also, molding machine 2
Instead of providing 0, a processing line having a depth corresponding to the intensity distribution of the laser beam may be formed.

The laser beam is then applied to the multi-lens 22
Incident on. The multi-lens lens 22 is formed by arranging a large number of microball lenses and selfoc lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis with its optical axis parallel to the laser beam. The light beam is divided, incident on a predetermined processing position, and imaged. Thus, the back layer of the tape T is processed by the laser beam to form a processing line or the like (recess).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the structure viewed from the optical axis direction. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the multi-lens lens in the illustrated example is a 5 × 5 micro-ball lens or a selfoc lens (hereinafter, both are collectively referred to as a lens) in a dense state. As shown in FIG. 4B, the lenses are arranged in such a manner that the lens arrangement line indicated by a dashed line is slightly inclined with respect to the transport direction x of the tape T. As a result, the tape T is transported only once (one pass) in the longitudinal direction, and the tape T extends in the longitudinal direction.
Five processing lines a can be formed. Also, the pulse generator 14
, 25 rows of processing line segments b can be formed.

Here, the distance between the processing lines a can be adjusted by adjusting the angle between the transport direction x and the lens arrangement line, but in order to form the processing lines efficiently,
This angle is the optical axis of each lens (the center of the beam waist)
Must be set so as not to overlap in the transport direction x.
As shown in FIG. 5, when paying attention to the lens arrangement line in the A direction, if the number of multi-lens lenses in a row is N; and the angle between the transport direction x and the arrangement line is θ ₁ ; When satisfied, the optical axes of the lenses do not overlap in the transport direction x. sin [(2π / 3) + θ ₁ ] ≧ N · sin θ ₁ Therefore, the angle θ _{1 at} which the optical axes of the lenses do not overlap is θ ₁ ≦ tan ⁻¹ [｛sin (2π / 3)} / ｛N-cos (2π /
3)｝]

Similarly, when attention is paid to the lens arrangement line in the B direction, if the angle θ ₂ formed between the direction perpendicular to the transport direction x (y direction) and the lens arrangement line satisfies the following equation: The optical axes of the lenses do not overlap in the transport direction x. θ ₂ ≦ tan ⁻¹ [｛sin (π / 3)} / ｛N-cos (π /
3)｝]

In the present invention, the lens arrangement of the multi-lens is not limited to the fine state shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and various types can be used. For example, a grid pattern as shown in FIG. It may be one in which lenses are arranged in a shape,
Alternatively, one or a plurality of rows of lenses may be arranged in a direction having an angle with respect to the transport direction x. FIG.
As shown in the figure, when the lenses are arranged in a grid pattern, if the angle θ between the transport direction x (or Y direction) and the lens arrangement line satisfies the following equation, the optical axis of the lens in the transport direction x Do not overlap. θ ≦ tan ⁻¹ (1 / N) If necessary, one processing line may be formed by a plurality of laser beams by overlapping the optical axis of the lens in the transport direction x to increase the processing strength. Good.

In the processing device 10, the tape T is transported in the longitudinal direction by the transport device 24, with the back layer side (back surface side) positioned at a predetermined processing position toward the upstream of the laser beam optical path ( The sheet is conveyed in a predetermined direction so that the conveying direction x matches the longitudinal direction). The transport means 24
Transport driving means such as a capstan roller, a rewinder, and a winder (not shown), guide rollers 26 and 28,
Tape flattener 30 and cooling rod 42 as a cooling means
And a cleaning tape 44.

The tape flattener 30 abuts on the side of the magnetic layer of the tape T to be conveyed, and positions (holds) the tape T at a predetermined processing position. The tape T is fed to the tape flattener 3 by guide rollers 26 and 28 arranged in the transport direction x with the tape flatner 30 interposed therebetween.
A transport path passing below 0 is formed. As a result, the tape T is pressed and supported by the tape flattener 30, and is positioned at the processing position.

Here, in the present invention, the processing by the laser beam is a fine processing as shown in the above-mentioned example of the tape T having a width of 0.5 inch (width of 3 μm to 10 μm). The diameter of the incident beam spot is small, that is, the allowable range of the beam waist is very narrow. For this reason, the tape flattener 30 has high accuracy in the depth of focus direction of the multi-lens 22, and preferably has an error of 1
It is required that the tape T be positioned with an accuracy of 0 μm or less.

As a preferable tape flattener 30 for realizing this, as shown in FIG. 7A, a triangular prism (blade blade type) that supports the tape T at a side (side edge) is used.
An example in which two or more sides are arranged in the transport direction x with the side sides orthogonal to the transport direction x is illustrated. In addition to this, FIG.
(B), a tape flattener in which a plurality of semicircular (D-shaped) column supporting members that support the tape T on the side surface are arranged in a similar manner, and a tape on the side surface, as shown in FIG. A tape flattener in which a plurality of cylindrical support members for supporting T are similarly arranged, and a plate (rectangular parallelepiped) -type tape flattener as shown in FIG. 7D are also preferably exemplified.

As described above, the light is emitted from the light source 12 at the processing position, modulated by the pulse modulator 14 as necessary, reflected by the mirror 16, expanded by the beam expander 18, and expanded by the forming device 20. The intensity distribution is made uniform, and the laser beam divided and adjusted by the multi-lens lens 22 enters and forms an image. Therefore, by transporting the tape T in the longitudinal direction while being positioned at the processing position by the tape flattener 30 in a state where the back layer is directed to the upstream of the laser beam optical path by the transport device 24, the tape T Are formed with processing lines (recesses) extending in the longitudinal direction, and in the case of the above-described example, 25 processing lines are formed by one transfer. In the present invention using a laser beam in the visible or ultraviolet range, it is considered that both the thermal processing of the laser beam and the processing by ablation (dissociation and separation) by the laser beam occur in a combined manner, and the back layer is processed. Can be

As described above, when forming the corrugated processing line or the processing line segment, the multi-lens 22 should be moved in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction x of the tape T (the width direction of the tape T or less, ) And transport means 24 (guide rollers 26 and 28 and tape flattener 30).
Using a means to reciprocate in the width direction, continuous reciprocation in the width direction of the laser beam imaging position at the processing position,
What is necessary is just to perform the reciprocation of the tape T in the width direction at the processing position by the reciprocation of the conveyance means 24 in the width direction.

Downstream of the processing position (tape flattener 30) in the transport direction of the tape T (hereinafter, simply referred to as downstream),
A cooling rod 42a that contacts the back layer of the tape T and a cooling rod 42b that contacts the magnetic layer are disposed as cooling means. The cooling rod 42 is engaged with a rotary drive source (not shown) such as a motor and a worm gear, and rotates the cooling rod 42 at a speed corresponding to the transport speed of the tape T.

The tape T by the laser beam as described above
Processing, some dust such as dust is generated. If dust or the like adheres to the magnetic layer of the tape T, it causes a dropout when recording or reproducing magnetic information.
Further, if dust adheres or further accumulates on the guide roller 28 or the like, it causes damage to the magnetic layer and the back layer. In the processing apparatus 10 in the illustrated example, the cooling rod 44 is brought into contact with the cooling rod 44 after the processing to rapidly cool the tape T, thereby cooling dust and the like adhered to the magnetic layer and the back layer of the tape T. As a result, dust and the like are very easily separated from the tape T, adhere to the cooling rod 44, and clean the surface of the tape T. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the tape T and the guide roller, and to solve the above-mentioned inconvenience. As means for removing such deposits, means using a roller having a sticky surface or the like is also known, but the present invention is much more effective than these methods in terms of long-term effectiveness, maintainability, and the like. Excellent.

The cooling rod 42 is preferably formed of a material having good heat conductivity such as a metal. The means for cooling the cooling rod 42 is not particularly limited, and the cooling rod 42 (cooling means)
A known cooling means may be used depending on the forming material, shape, and the like. In the present invention, the cooling rod 42 (cooling means)
It is more effective to remove dust and the like as soon as possible after processing, so that the cooling rod 42 is preferably disposed downstream of the processing position and as close to the processing position as possible. Then, it is preferable to arrange it upstream of a member (in the illustrated example, the guide roller 28) that comes into contact with the tape T next.

In the present invention, the cooling means which contacts the tape T and rapidly cools it after processing is not limited to the cooling rod 42 shown in the drawing, and is, for example, a member having a smooth surface and a curved surface, that is, a member having a curved surface. A member that has a shape that does not cause damage even when it comes into contact with the tape T, and that can be cooled without contacting the tape T without damaging it, such as a member having a jacket structure through which a refrigerant can pass If,
Various components are available. The cooling temperature of the tape T is not particularly limited. However, since the temperature of the deposit itself such as dust is about several hundred degrees Celsius, the temperature of the cooling means such as a cooling rod is about 10 ° C. to 30 ° C. Is preferred. If the temperature of the cooling means is too low, the cooling means itself will condense,
Not preferred.

In the processing apparatus 10 shown in the drawing, as a preferred embodiment, cleaning tapes (abrasive tapes) 44a and 44b for removing dust adhering and accumulating on the cooling rod 42 and cleaning the cooling rod 42 are arranged. . By having such a cleaning means of the cooling rod 42 (cooling means), the cleaning ability of the cooling rod 42 on the surface of the tape T is improved.
It can be suitably maintained. The cleaning means of the cooling means is not limited to the cleaning tape, but may be a wide and general one.Also, a spare cooling means is prepared, and the cooling means is appropriately replaced according to contamination of the cooling means. You may.

In the present invention, a duct is provided,
It is preferable that suction be performed uniformly in the width direction of the tape T at a flow rate that does not adversely affect the flatness of the tape T, and dust generated by processing and dust adhering to the tape T be sucked. Thereby, it is possible to more suitably prevent dust due to processing from adhering to the tape T, the guide roller, and the like. In addition,
The position of the duct is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the duct is located in the vicinity of the processing position, and that the duct is disposed downstream of the processing position and upstream of the member that comes into contact with the tape T next (that is, the cooling rod 42). Is preferred. Further, the duct may be arranged upstream from the processing position as long as the suction force reaches the processing position.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the laser beam is divided using the multi-lens lens 22 to form an image at the processing position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is available.

For example, instead of the multi-lens lens 30, FIG.
A method utilizing an AOM (acousto-optic modulator) 32 and an imaging lens 34 as shown in FIG. In addition,
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the tape T is transported in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In this example, the AOM 32 is used as a laser beam splitting unit, and a plurality of frequency signals (or a frequency signal is continuously applied) are input to the AOM 32 by the driver 36. As a result, a large number of black diffractions occur, and a laser beam is emitted at a large number of black angles. By forming the plurality of laser beams into light beams parallel to each other by the imaging lens 34 and forming an image at a processing position, a plurality of processing lines extending in the longitudinal direction can be formed as in the above-described example. .

FIG. 9 shows another example. In this example,
In the processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3, the dividing means 38 and the imaging lens 40 are used instead of the multi-lens lens 22. Also in this example, the tape T is transported in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. The dividing means 38 applies a coating for reflecting the laser beam on the inside of the parallel plane substrate 38a made of glass, and divides the laser beam using multiple reflection. The laser beam, as shown by arrow a,
As shown in the drawing, the light is incident on the dividing means 38 (parallel plane substrate 38a), and as shown in the figure, under the action of the coated reflection film 38b and the surface 38c facing the reflection film 38b, reflection is repeated within the parallel plane substrate 38a. The laser beam is emitted according to the reflectivity of the surface 38c and is divided. Therefore, the number of divisions can be set by the incident angle of the laser beam on the parallel plane substrate 38a. The laser beam emitted from the emission port 38c is imaged at the processing position by the imaging lens 40. Thereby, similarly to the above, a plurality of processing lines extending in the longitudinal direction can be formed on the back layer of the tape T.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the intensity of the emitted laser beam may be adjusted by adjusting the reflectance of the parallel plane substrate 38a. The adjustment of the reflectance of the surface 38c may be performed on the entire surface or only in a region where the laser beam may enter. Further, by irradiating a plurality of laser beams in the transport direction x or irradiating a plurality of laser beams having different angles of incidence on the parallel plane substrate 38a, as in the above-described example, it is possible to improve the formation density of processing lines, Improvement of the processing strength may be measured.

FIG. 10 shows that the back layer of the tape T
Another example of the processing apparatus of the present invention for forming a processing line (line segment) extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape T as shown in (A) and (B) is shown. Although the transporting means is not shown in FIG. 10, the transporting means may be the same as the processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 in this example. Also in FIG. 10, the tape T is transported in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

A processing apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 10 includes an LD array 52 in which laser diodes (LD = Laser Diode) for emitting a laser beam in the visible or ultraviolet range, preferably a blue laser beam, and an LD array 52 And a lens array 54 formed by arranging lenses for imaging each laser beam emitted from each LD at a processing position.
The LD array 52 and the lens array 54 are arranged such that the arrangement direction has an angle with respect to the transport direction x. Using such an optical system, the tape T is conveyed in the longitudinal direction by the conveying means while a large number of laser beams are incident on the processing position. Can be formed into layers.

The lenses constituting the lens array 54 include a microball lens and a selfoc lens (GR).
IN lens) and the like. Also, the LD array 52
(Furthermore, the lens array 54) is not limited to one in which the LDs are arranged in a line, and may be arranged in a plurality in the transport direction. And processing lines may be formed at a higher density.

In FIG. 11, as shown in FIG.
Processing line (line segment) extending at an angle to the longitudinal direction
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a processing apparatus for forming. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 11, many members are processed by the processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and the description will mainly be given to different parts.

The processing apparatus 60 shown in FIG.
2, a pulse modulator 14, a mirror 16, an x-direction scanning element 62, a y-direction scanning element 64, and a converging lens 66.
And transport means 24 having a cooling rod 42. That is, the processing device 60 includes the beam expander 18, the molding device 20, and the multi-lens 22 of the processing device 10.
Instead of x-direction scanning element 62, y-direction scanning element 64
And a converging lens 66 are arranged.
The laser beam emitted from the light source 12 is pulse-modulated by the pulse modulator 14 if necessary, deflected by the mirror 16, and enters the x-direction scanning element 62.

The x-direction scanning element 62 is an optical scanning element that deflects and scans the laser beam in the same direction as the transport direction x. On the other hand, the y-direction scanning element 64 is an optical scanning element that deflects the laser beam scanned by the x-direction scanning element 62 in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction x (hereinafter, referred to as y-direction). The processing apparatus 60 in the illustrated example scans the laser beam in an oblique direction by including the optical scanning element that deflects and scans the laser beam in directions orthogonal to each other. The optical scanning element is not particularly limited, for example,
Various known optical deflectors such as a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, and an AOD (acoustic optical deflector) can be used.

The laser beam obliquely deflected is represented by x
A convergent lens 66 such as an fθ lens having a sufficient area for a laser beam deflection scanning region by the directional scanning element 62 and the y-direction scanning element 64 and having lens power (refractive power) in both x and y directions. At a predetermined scanning position corresponding to the processing position with a predetermined beam spot diameter, and forms an image to define a scanning line. Here, as described above, the tape T is transported in the longitudinal direction while being positioned at the processing position with the back surface facing the upstream side of the laser beam optical path by the transporting unit 24.
Processing lines extending in an oblique direction as shown in FIG. 1C are continuously formed, and a large number of processing lines are formed in an oblique direction only by transporting the tape T once in the longitudinal direction. The tape T can be manufactured.

Further, in the processing apparatus 50 of the illustrated example,
The conveying means 24 is provided with a cooling rod 42 (42a and 42b) and a cooling rod 4 downstream of the processing position (tape flattener).
Cleaning tape 44 (44a and 44a)
4b) is disposed, and the tape on which the processing line segment c is formed by the laser beam is contacted with the cooling rod 42 and rapidly cooled,
The adhered dust and the like are removed, and the surface is cleaned.
Also in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a duct and perform uniform suction in the width direction to suck dust and the like so as not to adversely affect the flatness of the tape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the optical scanning element is x
The present invention is not limited to the one having the light deflecting element in both the direction and the y direction, and may have only the light deflecting element for deflecting the laser beam in the y direction or the oblique direction.
As described above, since the tape T is transported in the longitudinal direction (x direction) at the processing position, if the laser beam scans in the y direction and enters, the transport speed of the tape T and the scanning speed of the laser beam will be different. As a result, oblique scanning lines are eventually defined on the tape T, and processing lines extending in the oblique direction can be formed. In addition, the scanning direction is the same direction (for example,
By using a plurality of optical systems having different scanning directions (right to left, left to right, etc.) as the y direction), FIG.
A processing line segment as shown in (C) may be formed.

The above-described processing of the tape T according to the present invention may be performed at any time during the manufacturing process of the magnetic tape as long as the back layer is formed. For example, before the tape is cut into a product width by a slitter. Or after cutting.

Although the magnetic tape processing method and processing apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. May go.

[0058]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in a magnetic tape manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine or a winder machine, even if the transport speed is increased, the tape is not slipped by the capstan roller or the like. Therefore, high-speed and accurate conveyance can be performed, and less cupping occurs.
A magnetic tape having excellent characteristics can be obtained efficiently. Further, by providing the cooling means, dust generated by processing the concave portion can be suitably removed from the tape surface. By using this magnetic tape, under proper production control, there is no adhesion or damage of foreign matter such as dust,
High quality magnetic tape can be stably manufactured with high production efficiency.
Moreover, the appearance of the roll when wound on a cartridge or pancake can be beautiful, and loose winding can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are conceptual diagrams each showing an example of a processing line (recess) formed in a back layer of a magnetic tape according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 (A), (B) and (C) are conceptual diagrams each showing a shape of a processing line (recess) formed in a back layer of a magnetic tape according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an example of a magnetic tape processing device according to the present invention.

4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams for explaining a multi-lens used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a multi-lens used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of a multi-lens used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are conceptual diagrams of an example of a tape flattener used in the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the optical system used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the optical system used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of another example of the magnetic tape processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of another example of the magnetic tape processing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 50, 60 Processing device 12 Light source 14 Pulse modulator 16 Mirror 18 Beam expander 20 (Beam profile) forming device 22 Multi-lens lens 24 Transport means 26, 28 Guide roller 30 Tape flatner 32 AOM 34, 40 Imaging lens 36 Driver 38 Dividing means 42 (42a, 42b) Cooling rod 44 (44a, 44b) Cleaning tape 52 LED array 54 Lens array 62 X-direction scanning element 64 Y-direction scanning element 66 Convergent lens

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Satoru Hayakawa 2-2-1-1, Ogimachi, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroo Inami 2-2-1-1, Ogimachi, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa Fuji Photo film Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5D112 AA08 AA22 GA02 GA19 GB01 KK02

Claims (2)

[Claims] At least one of a visible region laser beam and an ultraviolet region laser beam is incident on a back layer of the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is transported in a longitudinal direction, and the back layer is processed to form a concave portion. And then cooling the magnetic tape by contacting the cooling member with the magnetic tape. 2. A light source for emitting at least one of a visible region laser beam and an ultraviolet region laser beam, an optical system for projecting a laser beam emitted from the light source to a predetermined processing position, and: Conveying means for conveying the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction with the back layer facing the upstream side of the laser beam optical path, and at the processing position,
Means for ensuring the planarity of the magnetic tape conveyed by the conveying means, and a cooling member that is disposed downstream of the processing position in the conveying direction of the magnetic tape by the conveying means and that contacts and cools the magnetic tape. A magnetic tape processing device comprising: