JP2002025023A - Head device, information processor using the same, and method for cleaning head - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a tape from being damaged by a pointed part formed in a head after cleaning. SOLUTION: When the type of an inserted tape is identified and the cassette of a cleaning tape is inserted, an operation mode is changed to a cleaning mode. The cleaning tape is loaded on the tape traveling system of Fig. 1. Cleaning conditions including a proper drum rotating speed, cleaning time, and the like corresponding to the cleaning tape, are set by a user. A drum 1 having a head is rotated at a rotational speed based on the set conditions, and slid on the cleaning tape. After the sliding of the drum for the time based on the set conditions, the rotation of the drum 1 is stopped, and the cassette of the cleaning tape is ejected. The cleaning conditions are automatically set according to the identified type of the cleaning tape.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a head device for sliding a predetermined cleaner and a head to each other when cleaning a sliding surface of a head with a recording medium, an information processing apparatus using the same, and a head cleaning. More particularly, in a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of a head with a magnetic tape, a head device for sliding a predetermined cleaning tape and a head to each other, and a VTR using the same
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a head cleaning method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A VTR (Video Tape Recorder) for recording and reproducing images and sounds using a magnetic tape having a magnetic layer formed on the surface of a tape-like support such as polyester.
r) is a means of recording and playing back moving images for business and home use.
Currently widely used.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a tape running mechanism of a VTR device. The tape running mechanism of FIG.
It has a drum 1, a magnetic tape 10, a supply reel 2, a take-up reel 3, tape guides 41 to 48, a tape blade 5, a capstan 6, and a pinch roller 7.

The drum 1 is provided with a head (not shown) for reproducing and recording information on the magnetic tape 10 on a curved surface on the side of the drum. In the operation mode such as the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, the magnetic tape 10 rotates in the direction of arrow a1 and travels from the tape guide 44 to the tape guide 45.
The head is sliding. The head is a magnetic tape 10
Read information such as images and sounds recorded in
Alternatively, information such as images and sounds is written on the magnetic tape 10.

The supply reel 2 has a magnetic tape 10 wound thereon. The supply reel 2 rotates in the direction of arrow a2 in the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, and supplies the magnetic tape 10 in the direction of the take-up reel 3. In the case of the reverse playback mode or the rewind mode, the arrow a2
, And the operation of winding the magnetic tape 10 from the take-up reel 3 is also performed. The take-up reel 3 rotates in the direction of arrow a3 in the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, and winds up the magnetic tape 10 sent from the supply reel 2. Further, in the case of the reverse playback mode or the rewind mode, the magnetic tape 1 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow a3 to the supply reel 2.
The operation of sending 0 is also performed. The tape guides 41 to 48
A traveling path of the magnetic tape 10 traveling between the supply reel 2 and the take-up reel 3 is formed. The tape blade 5 removes dust adhering to the surface of the magnetic tape 10 just before the drum 1.

The capstan 6 sandwiches the magnetic tape 10 between itself and the pinch roller 7, rotates in the direction of arrow a6, and controls the traveling speed of the magnetic tape 10 traveling from the supply reel 2 to the take-up reel 3. ing.
The pinch roller 7 moves in the direction of arrow a7 in the recording mode, the reproduction mode, or the like, sandwiches the magnetic tape 10 with the capstan 6, and rotates in accordance with the pinch roller 7. In the case of a standby mode in which operations such as recording and reproduction are stopped, the operation moves in the direction of arrow a8,
The pinch of the magnetic tape 10 is released. This is to prevent the magnetic tape 10 and the pinch roller 7 from being deformed due to continuous pressing of the same portion for a long time.

The traveling speed of the magnetic tape 10 is mainly controlled by the capstan 6. The tension of the running magnetic tape 10 is controlled to an appropriate size by a tape guide 42 movable in the directions of arrows a4 and a5. For example, when the tape guide 42 is pulled in the direction of arrow a4 by a constant spring force, the tape guide 42 moves in the direction of arrow a4 when the tension of the magnetic tape 10 is small, and moves in the direction of arrow a5 when the tension is large. I do.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control section of the VTR shown in FIG. The control unit of the VTR device shown in FIG.
2, servo controller 13, supply motor drive circuit 14, supply motor 15, capstan motor drive circuit 16, capstan motor 17, drum motor drive circuit 18, drum motor 19, drum 1, playback amplifier 21, time code reader 22, It has a take-up motor drive circuit 23, a take-up motor 24, a tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, and a sensor 26.

The system controller 11 receives a control signal S11 from an external interface device (not shown) for controlling the entire VTR device, shifts to each operation mode such as a normal reproduction mode and a standby mode, and performs servo control via a signal S13. The controller 13 is controlled to control the operation of each motor described below according to each operation mode specified by the control signal S11. Program memory 12
Stores the operation program of the system controller 11 and each parameter, and outputs these stored values in response to a request from the system controller 11. The servo controller 13 supplies the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, and the drum motor 1 according to each operation mode designated via the signal S13 from the system controller 11.
9. The take-up motor 24 and other motors related to the tape running mechanism are controlled. In addition, the sensor 26
And processes information relating to the tape tension and the type and position of the cassette obtained by receiving the signal from
Output to

The supply motor drive circuit 14 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the supply motor 15. The supply motor 15
The supply reel 2 shown in FIG. 1 is rotated at a rotation speed according to the drive signal received from the supply motor drive circuit 14. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal is generated by the servo controller 13 such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the supply reel 2 captured from the pulse signal and the target value of the servo controller 13 approach each other. 15 is input.

The capstan motor drive circuit 16 outputs a drive signal corresponding to a signal from the servo controller 13 to the capstan motor 17. The capstan motor 17 rotates the capstan 6 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to the drive signal received from the capstan motor drive circuit 16. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. The rotation speed and rotation speed of the capstan 6 captured from this pulse signal,
A drive signal that causes the rotation angle to approach the target value of the servo controller 13 is generated by the servo controller 13 and input to the capstan motor 17 via the capstan motor drive circuit 16.

The drum motor drive circuit 18 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the drum motor 19. The drum motor 19 rotates the drum 1 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to a drive signal received from the drum motor drive circuit 18. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the drum 1 obtained from the pulse signal approaches the target value of the servo controller 13 is generated.
3 and input to the drum motor 19 via the drum motor drive circuit 18.

A reproduction amplifier 21 amplifies and shapes a reproduction signal output from the head of the drum 1 and outputs the amplified signal to a time code reader 22. The time code reader 22 reads a time code from a reproduction signal output from the reproduction amplifier and outputs the time code to the system controller 11. The time code is a signal indicating where information on each frame of the image recorded on the magnetic tape 10 is recorded on the tape, and is recorded on the magnetic tape 10 together with the image signal.

The take-up motor drive circuit 23 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the take-up motor 24. The take-up motor 24 rotates the take-up reel 3 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to a drive signal received from the take-up motor drive circuit 23. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the take-up reel 3, which is obtained from the pulse signal, approaches the target value of the servo controller 13.
Generated by the take-up motor drive circuit 23
Is input to the take-up motor 24 via the.

The tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 is a mechanism relating to the tape traveling system, such as a mechanism (tape loading mechanism) for pulling out a tape stored in a cassette and winding it around a drum, or a mechanism for pinching a pinch roller between capstans. These mechanisms are used to drive the respective motors, and these mechanisms are controlled by signals output from the servo controller 13.

The sensor 26 is a sensor for detecting the type and position of the cassette, the tension of the tape, and the like, and outputs a detection signal to the servo controller 13.

The operation of the VTR device having the above-described configuration will be described by taking the case of the normal reproduction mode as an example.

When the cassette containing the magnetic tape is inserted into the VTR device, the inserted cassette is detected by the sensor 26, and a signal indicating that the cassette has been inserted is sent to the system controller 11 via the servo controller 13. Can be Upon receiving this signal, the system controller 11 controls the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 via the servo controller 13, so that the cassette is loaded into the tape traveling system, and the tape contained in the cassette is pulled out. It is wound around the drum 1.

In this state, a signal S11 for instructing the start of the normal reproduction mode from an interface circuit (not shown).
Is input to the system controller 11, the pinch roller 7 in FIG. 1 moves in the direction of the capstan 6, and the magnetic tape 10 is sandwiched between the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7.

Next, the drum motor 19 is controlled via the drum motor drive circuit 18 and the drum 1 starts rotating. When the drum reaches a predetermined rotation speed, the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, the take-up motor 24 Is driven by the servo controller 13 via each drive circuit, and the supply reel 2, the capstan 6, and the take-up reel 3 rotate at a predetermined speed. As a result, the magnetic tape 10 wound around the supply reel 2 has the tape guides 41, 42, 43,
It is guided to 44 and sent to the drum 1. The magnetic tape 10 sent to the drum 1 is slid on a surface on which magnetic information is recorded by a head (not shown) arranged on the circumference of the drum 1 rotating in the direction of arrow a1. Recording and reproduction of target information are performed. The magnetic tape 10 sent from the drum 1 is guided from the tape guides 45 and 46 to the tape guides 47 and 48 via the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7 and is wound up by the take-up reel 3.

The tension of the running magnetic tape 10 is detected by a sensor 26, and each motor is controlled so that the tension value becomes an appropriate value.

In the process in which the magnetic tape 10 slides on the drum 1, the head (not shown) of the drum 1
An electric signal is generated from the image data and the time code recorded in 0, and is amplified and shaped by the reproduction amplifier 21. The image data is sent to an image reproducing system (not shown) and reproduced into an image signal of a predetermined format.
The time code is separated from the output signal of the reproduction amplifier 21 by the time code reader 22 and input to the system controller 11, where the position of the currently reproduced image on the tape is grasped.

A head for accessing information while in contact with the magnetic tape is not suitable for the magnetic tape due to dirt attached to the magnetic tape, dust generated by friction with the magnetic tape 10, and an oxide film generated on the surface. , And the performance is liable to be deteriorated. Therefore, in order to remove these contaminants generated on the surface of the head and maintain the performance, it is necessary to periodically clean the head according to the use condition.

For cleaning the head, a dedicated tape (cleaning tape) for cleaning the head is generally used. This cleaning tape is
Compared to ordinary magnetic tapes, mechanical properties such as buckling strength, stiffness in the tensile direction, and stiffness in the bending direction are formed to be almost the same, while the polishing power on the surface is enhanced. The increased abrasive power removes contaminants on the head surface slid on the cleaning tape.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a conventional head cleaning method. Steps P201 to P209 in FIG. 12 indicate the steps of the program stored in the program memory 12 of the VTR device.

In step P201, when the cassette containing the tape is inserted into the VTR device, the insertion of the cassette is detected by the sensor 26, and information on the inserted cassette is detected. The detected information is input to the system controller 11 via the servo controller 13. For example, a DV-type cassette widely used as a digital VTR standard for home use now has an MIC that stores information such as the type and thickness of a tape.
(Memory in IC) chip,
The VTR device can detect such information on the cassette by accessing the MIC terminal of the inserted cassette.

Next, the processing shifts to step P202.
It is determined whether the detected cassette type is a predetermined cleaning tape. When it is determined that the tape is a predetermined cleaning tape, the cleaning mode is started, and when it is determined that the tape is another tape, the process is shifted to another mode.

Then, the process shifts to step P203 where a signal S13 for instructing tape loading is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and the servo controller 13 receives the signal S13 and the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 and the supply motor drive circuit. 1
4. A drive signal is supplied to the take-up motor drive circuit 24 and the drum motor drive circuit 18 to execute tape loading.

In tape loading, a cleaning tape is pulled out of a cassette, and the cleaning tape is wound around a rotated drum. At this time, the supply motor 15 is driven so that the rotation is stopped, and the take-up motor 24 is driven in the direction in which the cleaning tape is wound so that the tension of the cleaning tape is constant. Further, the rotation speed of the drum is the same as that of the normal reproduction mode, for example, 150 Hz.
It is controlled so that

Next, the processing shifts to step P204, where a signal S13 for instructing the movement of the pinch roller is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13. In response to this, the pinch roller mechanism (not shown) is driven by the servo controller 13 via the tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, and the pinch roller 7
And the pinch roller 7 and the capstan 6
And a cleaning tape is sandwiched therebetween. At the same time, a timer (not shown) for measuring the cleaning time is started. This timer is constituted by, for example, a counting circuit for counting clocks in the system controller 11.

Next, the processing shifts to step P205 where a signal S13 for instructing the tape to run is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13,
The capstan motor drive circuit 16 and the supply motor drive circuit 1
4. A drive signal is supplied to the take-up motor drive circuit 23. As a result, the cleaning tape runs from the supply reel 2 toward the take-up reel 3. At this time, the tension of the cleaning tape supplied from the supply reel 2 to the drum 1 is detected by the sensor 26.
This tension is determined to be a predetermined magnitude, for example, 9 g, which is the same tension value as in the normal reproduction mode.
Each motor is controlled so that

Next, the process shifts to step P206 to determine whether or not the time counted by the timer started in step P204 has reached a predetermined cleaning time, for example, 10 seconds. If the time measured by the timer is less than the cleaning time, step P2
At 06, the timer time is continuously monitored,
If it is determined that the cleaning time has been reached, the process proceeds to the next Step P207.

In step P207, a signal S13 for instructing to stop the capstan is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and upon receiving the signal S13, the drive signal to the capstan motor drive circuit 16 is stopped by the servo controller 13. Then, the rotation of the capstan 6 is stopped. Next, the processing shifts to Step P208 where the pinch roller mechanism (not shown) is driven via the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25, and the pinch roller 7 is moved in the direction of arrow a8. Thus, the cleaning tape held between the pinch roller 7 and the capstan 6 is released.

Then, the process shifts to step P209 where a signal S13 for instructing a tape eject is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and the servo controller 13 receiving the signal S13 drives the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 and the supply motor drive. Circuit 1
4. A drive signal is supplied to the take-up motor drive circuit 24 and the drum motor drive circuit 18 to execute tape ejection.

In the tape ejection, similarly to the tape loading, the supply motor 15 is driven so as to stop the rotation, and the take-up motor 24 is operated so that the cleaning tape tension is constant in the winding direction of the cleaning tape. Is driven. Then, the cleaning tape is separated from the rotating drum while maintaining this constant tension, and is stored again in the cassette. Thereafter, the drive to the drum motor 19 is stopped, and the rotation of the drum is stopped.

As described above, in the cleaning mode, the head is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed (150 Hz).
It is slid with the cleaning tape for a predetermined time (10 sec). Contaminants adhering to the head surface are removed by sliding on a cleaning tape, which has an enhanced abrasive power compared to a magnetic tape.

[0037]

The above-mentioned conventional head cleaning method has the following problems.

First, the structure of a general head used in a VTR device will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the head 50 used in the VTR device. The head 50 shown in FIG. 3 includes a magnetic material 51 such as ferrite, a nonmagnetic material 52 such as glass, an alloy 53 such as sendust, and a coil 5.
4.

A magnetic material 5 such as ferrite, which is formed in a tapered shape so that the tip is equal to a predetermined track width TW.
A thin film made of an alloy 53 such as sendust is formed on the surface of the first magnetic material 51, and two magnetic bodies 51 are arranged to face each other such that a front end thereof has a predetermined gap. Glued. The two bonded magnetic bodies 51 are cut in a direction perpendicular to the gap, and the cut surface serves as a sliding surface with the magnetic tape. A coil 54 having a predetermined number of turns is wound around each of the two magnetic bodies 51.

The magnetic flux generated by the signal current flowing through the coil 54 passes through the inside of the magnetic body 51 having high magnetic permeability, and leaks to the space outside the magnetic body 51 in the gap. When the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape is magnetized by the leakage magnetic flux, information is recorded on the magnetic tape. Also, the magnetic flux generated on the recording surface of the magnetic tape is moved from the gap by the magnetic material 51.
The information is guided inside, and the change of the magnetic flux is converted into a current by the coil 54, thereby reproducing the information from the magnetic tape.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a head having the structure of FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the tape sliding surface of the head, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the gap. The same reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 indicate the same components. In FIG. 4, the contact width TH indicates the width of the ferrite 50 in contact with the magnetic tape.
It is about 60 um. The track width TW indicates the width of the gap for recording on the magnetic tape, and is approximately 15 μm.
m.

When the head and the tape shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 slide with respect to each other, physical deformation occurs in the head and the tape. That is, the sliding surface of the head used for a long period of time is worn out, and the tape is also scratched by sliding with the head. In particular, scratches on the magnetic tape cause damage to the recorded information,
It is desirable to be as small as possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing scratches on the magnetic tape applied by sliding with the head. This image is obtained by photographing, using an optical microscope, a portion of a scratch applied to a ME-type magnetic tape (Metal Evaporated: ME tape) by a head having the structure shown in FIGS. FIG.
3A shows a scratch caused by the head worn out by sliding with the ME tape for a predetermined time, and FIG. 2B shows a scratch caused by the head immediately after cleaning by the conventional method.

As can be seen from FIG. 5 (a), the width of the scratches caused by the head worn out by sliding with the ME tape for a certain period of time is equal to the hit width TH, whereas the conventional method is used. The width of the scratch due to the head immediately after the cleaning is equal to the track width TW.

FIG. 6 shows an analysis of the scratches on the tape shown in FIG. 5 (b). In FIG. 6, FIG. 6A is an image obtained by analyzing the ME tape developed by immersion in a developer containing small magnetic powder, and shows only a magnetized portion on the recording surface of the ME tape. . Also, FIG.
Is a diagram in which a cross section in the direction indicated by BB ′ in FIG. 7A is analyzed, in which the vertical axis indicates the depth direction of the flaw, and the horizontal axis indicates the width direction. However, arrow g1 and arrow g in FIG.
The peak indicated by 2 is caused by the difference in the concentration of the magnetic powder in the developer affecting light interference, and does not exist on the actual tape surface.

As can be seen from FIG. 5B and FIG. 6, the head immediately after the cleaning by the conventional method causes a scratch substantially equal to the track width TW on the recording surface of the ME tape.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an analysis of the head immediately after cleaning by the conventional method. As cleaning conditions, the rotation speed of the drum is set to 150 Hz, and the cleaning time is set to 10 seconds. In FIG. 7, FIG. 7A is a diagram in which the head portion shown in FIG. 4B is analyzed three-dimensionally. 4B is a diagram in which a cross section in the direction of AA ′ shown in FIG. 4B is analyzed. The vertical axis indicates the vertical direction with respect to the head surface, and the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal direction. ing.

As can be seen from the analysis image of FIG. 7, the sendust 52 is recessed as compared with the ferrite 50. this is,
This is because sendust 52 is softer than ferrite 50. In FIG. 7B, the ferrite 50
Is sharply pointed. The width of this pointed portion is in good agreement with the width of the scratch made on the recording surface of the ME tape.

As can be seen from the above analysis results, in the conventional head cleaning method, "sharpness" occurs in the gap portion corresponding to the track width of the head, and this sharp portion slides on the tape. There is a problem that the tape is damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a head device and a head cleaning method for preventing a sharpened portion from being generated on a head surface due to sliding between a head and a cleaner. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus having the head device.

[0051]

In order to achieve the above object, a head device according to the present invention comprises a head, a sliding means for sliding a supplied cleaner and the head relative to each other,
In the cleaning mode for cleaning the sliding surface of the head, a cleaning condition signal is input, and the cleaner and the head are slid on the sliding means at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal. And a control means for measuring a sliding time with the cleaner and stopping the sliding of the sliding means on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal. Preferably, the control means shifts to the cleaning mode when the supply of the cleaner is detected.

According to the head device of the present invention having the above configuration, when the supply of the cleaner is detected by the control means, the operation mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, first, the cleaning condition signal is input. Then, in the sliding means, the cleaner and the head are slid at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal, and the control means measures a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner. . The sliding of the sliding means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal.

Further, the head device of the present invention comprises:
A sliding means for sliding the supplied cleaner and the head relative to each other, and when the supply of the cleaner is detected, the type of the detected cleaner is determined, and the cleaner and the head are connected to the sliding means. The sliding is performed at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, the sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaner is measured, and the condition is that the sliding time reaches the predetermined time according to the determined type. Control means for stopping the sliding of the sliding means.

According to the head device of the present invention having the above configuration, when the supply of the cleaner is detected by the control means, the type of the detected cleaner is determined. Then, in the sliding means, the cleaner and the head are slid at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, and the control means measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner. Is done.
The sliding of the sliding means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type.

Further, the head device of the present invention has a cleaning head in a cleaning mode in which a rotating head around which the supplied cleaning tape is wound, a head rotating means for rotating the rotating head, and a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the rotating head. Inputting a condition signal, rotating the rotary head to the head rotating means at a rotation speed according to the cleaning condition signal, measuring a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape, and measuring the sliding time. Control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotating means on condition that a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal is reached. Preferably, the control means shifts to the cleaning mode when detecting supply of the cleaning tape. In the cleaning mode, the control means controls the tape running means to run the cleaning tape, and the sliding time is a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal. The traveling of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that the tape traveling means is reached.

According to the head device of the present invention having the above structure, when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected, the operation mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, first, the cleaning condition signal is input. Then, in the head rotating means, the rotary head is rotated at a rotational speed according to the cleaning condition signal, and the cleaning tape is run in the tape running means. Further, the control unit measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape. On condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal, the rotation of the head rotating means is stopped and the running of the tape running means is stopped.

Also, the head device of the present invention comprises a rotating head around which the supplied cleaning tape is wound, a head rotating means for rotating the rotating head, and, when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected, detecting the supply of the cleaning tape. Determining the type, rotating the rotary head at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type to the head rotating means, measuring the sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaning tape, and measuring the sliding time. Control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotating means on condition that a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type is reached. The cleaning device may further include a tape running unit that runs the cleaning tape, wherein the control unit causes the tape running unit to run the cleaning tape at a speed according to the determined type in the cleaning mode, Stops the running of the tape running means on condition that the time corresponding to the determined type is reached.

According to the head device of the present invention having the above configuration, when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected by the control means, the type of the detected cleaner is determined. In the head rotating means,
The rotating head is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type, and the cleaning tape is running at a speed according to the determined type in the tape running means. Further, the control means measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape. On condition that this sliding time reaches a predetermined time according to the type determined above,
The rotation of the head rotating means is stopped, and the running of the tape running means is stopped.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for processing information on a recording medium, comprising: a head for accessing the recording medium; an information processing means for processing information accessed by the head; A cleaning means for sliding the recording medium or cleaner and the head relative to each other, and a cleaning mode signal for cleaning a sliding surface of the head; and inputting a cleaning condition signal to the sliding means. The head is slid at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal, a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner is measured, and the condition is that the sliding time reaches a time according to the cleaning condition signal. And control means for stopping the sliding of the sliding means. Preferably,
The control means shifts to the cleaning mode when the supply of the cleaner is detected.

According to the information processing apparatus having the above configuration, the recording medium supplied to the information processing apparatus is accessed for information by the head. The accessed information is processed by the information processing means. When the supply of the cleaner is detected by the control means, the operation mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, first, the cleaning condition signal is input. Then, in the sliding means, the cleaner and the head are slid at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal, and the control means measures a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner. .
The sliding of the sliding means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for processing information on a recording medium, comprising: a head for accessing the recording medium; and an information processing means for processing information accessed by the head. A means for sliding the supplied recording medium or cleaner and the head relative to each other; and, when the supply of the cleaner is detected, the type of the detected cleaner is determined, and the cleaner is provided to the sliding means. And the head are slid at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner is measured, and the sliding time is a predetermined time according to the determined type. And control means for stopping the sliding of the sliding means, on condition that the pressure of the sliding means is reached.

According to the information processing apparatus having the above configuration, the recording medium supplied to the information processing apparatus is accessed for information by the head. The accessed information is processed by the information processing means. When the supply of the cleaner is detected by the control means, the type of the detected cleaner is determined. Then, in the sliding means, the cleaner and the head are slid at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, and the control means measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner. Is done. The sliding of the sliding means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for processing information on a tape-shaped recording medium, wherein the supplied tape-shaped recording medium or cleaning tape is wound around the tape-shaped recording medium. A rotating head for accessing, information processing means for processing information accessed by the rotating head, head rotating means for rotating the rotating head, and a cleaning condition signal in a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the rotating head. And rotating the rotating head to the head rotating means at a rotation speed according to the cleaning condition signal, measuring the sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaning tape, and measuring the sliding time according to the cleaning condition. Control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotating means on condition that a time corresponding to the signal is reached. Preferably, the control means shifts to the cleaning mode when detecting supply of the cleaning tape. In the cleaning mode, the control means controls the tape running means to run the cleaning tape, and the sliding time is a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal. The traveling of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that the tape traveling means is reached.

According to the information processing apparatus having the above configuration, the tape-shaped recording medium supplied to the information processing apparatus is accessed for information by the head. The accessed information is processed by the information processing means. When the supply of the cleaning tape is detected, the operation mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, first, the cleaning condition signal is input. Then, in the head rotating means, the rotary head is rotated at a rotational speed according to the cleaning condition signal, and the cleaning tape is run in the tape running means. Further, the control unit measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape. On condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal, the rotation of the head rotating means is stopped and the running of the tape running means is stopped.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus for processing information on a tape-shaped recording medium, wherein the supplied tape-shaped recording medium or cleaning tape is wound around the tape-shaped recording medium. A rotating head for accessing, an information processing means for processing information accessed by the rotating head, a head rotating means for rotating the rotating head, and a supply of the cleaning tape when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected. The type is determined, the head rotating means rotates the rotary head at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type, the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape is measured, and the sliding time is measured. The rotation of the head rotating means is stopped on condition that a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type is reached. And a control means for causing. In addition, the apparatus has a tape running unit that runs the cleaning tape, and the control unit is configured to perform the cleaning mode,
The cleaning tape is caused to travel on the tape traveling means at a speed corresponding to the determined type, and the traveling of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the determined type. .

According to the information processing apparatus having the above configuration, the tape-shaped recording medium supplied to the information processing apparatus is accessed for information by the head. The accessed information is processed by the information processing means. When the supply of the cleaning tape is detected by the control means, the type of the detected cleaner is determined. In the head rotating means, the rotary head is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type, and in the tape running means, the cleaning tape runs at a speed according to the determined type. ing. Further, the control means measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape. On condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type, the rotation of the head rotating means is stopped and the running of the tape running means is stopped.

The head cleaning method of the present invention is a head cleaning method for cleaning the head by sliding the cleaner and the head to be supplied to each other, comprising: a first step of detecting the supply of the cleaner; A second step of specifying a speed and a time for sliding the head and the cleaner, and sliding the head and the cleaner at the speed specified in the second step; And a third step of stopping the sliding on condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step.

According to the head cleaning method having the above steps, the supply of the cleaner is detected in the first step, and the speed and time for sliding the head and the cleaner in the second step are designated. Is done. In the third step, the head and the cleaner are slid at the speed specified in the second step, and a sliding time between the head and the cleaner is measured. Then, the sliding between the head and the cleaner is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step.

Further, the head cleaning method of the present invention is a head cleaning method for cleaning the head by sliding the supplied cleaner and the head with each other, wherein the supply of the cleaner is detected, and A first step of determining the type of cleaner, and sliding the head and the cleaner at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, measuring the sliding time between the head and the cleaner, And a second step of stopping the sliding on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time according to the type determined above.

According to the head cleaning method having the above steps, the supply of the cleaner is detected in the first step. Then, the type of the detected cleaner is determined. In the second step, the head and the cleaner are slid at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, and a sliding time between the head and the cleaner is measured. Then, the sliding between the head and the cleaner is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type.

A head cleaning method according to the present invention is a head cleaning method for cleaning the rotary head by rotating a rotary head around which the supplied cleaning tape is wound. Step 1, a second step of designating the speed and time for rotating the rotary head, and rotating the rotary head at the speed specified in the second step, and sliding the head with the cleaning tape. And a third step of measuring the moving time and stopping the rotation on condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step. Preferably, in the third step, the cleaning tape is run, and the running is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step.

According to the head cleaning method having the above steps, the supply of the cleaning tape is detected in the first step, and the speed and time for rotating the rotary head are designated in the second step. Is done. In the third step, the rotary head is rotated at the speed specified in the second step, and the cleaning tape is run.
Further, a sliding time between the head and the cleaning tape is measured. Then, provided that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step, the rotation of the rotary head and the running of the cleaning tape are stopped.

A head cleaning method according to the present invention is a head cleaning method for cleaning a rotary head by rotating a rotary head around which a supplied cleaning tape is wound, wherein the supply of the cleaning tape is detected.
First type for determining the type of the detected cleaning tape
Step and rotating the rotary head at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, measuring the sliding time between the head and the cleaning tape, and determining the sliding time according to the determined type. And a second step of stopping the rotation on condition that a predetermined time is reached. Preferably, in the second step, the cleaning tape is run, and the running is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type.

According to the head cleaning method having the above steps, the supply of the cleaning tape is detected in the first step. Then, the type of the detected cleaning tape is determined. In the second step, the rotary head is rotated at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, and the cleaning tape runs. Further, a sliding time between the head and the cleaning tape is measured.
The rotation of the rotary head and the running of the cleaning tape are stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type.

[0075]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a VTR device will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a tape running mechanism of a VTR apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 includes a drum 1, a magnetic tape 10, a supply reel 2, a take-up reel 3, tape guides 41 to 48,
It has a tape blade 5, a capstan 6, and a pinch roller 7.

The drum 1 has a head (not shown) for reproducing and recording information on the magnetic tape 10 on a curved surface on the side of the drum. In the operation mode such as the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, the magnetic tape 10 rotates in the direction of arrow a1 and travels from the tape guide 44 to the tape guide 45.
The head is sliding. The head is a magnetic tape 10
Read information such as images and sounds recorded in
Alternatively, information such as images and sounds is written on the magnetic tape 10.

The supply reel 2 has the magnetic tape 10 wound thereon. The supply reel 2 rotates in the direction of arrow a2 in the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, and supplies the magnetic tape 10 in the direction of the take-up reel 3. In the case of the reverse playback mode or the rewind mode, the arrow a2
, And the operation of winding the magnetic tape 10 from the take-up reel 3 is also performed. The take-up reel 3 rotates in the direction of arrow a3 in the recording mode or the normal reproduction mode, and winds up the magnetic tape 10 sent from the supply reel 2. Further, in the case of the reverse playback mode or the rewind mode, the magnetic tape 1 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow a3 to the supply reel 2.
The operation of sending 0 is also performed. The tape guides 41 to 48
A traveling path of the magnetic tape 10 traveling between the supply reel 2 and the take-up reel 3 is formed. The tape blade 5 removes dust adhering to the surface of the magnetic tape 10 just before the drum 1.

The capstan 6 sandwiches the magnetic tape 10 between itself and the pinch roller 7 and rotates in the direction of arrow a6 to control the traveling speed of the magnetic tape 10 traveling from the supply reel 2 to the take-up reel 3. ing.
The pinch roller 7 moves in the direction of arrow a7 in the recording mode, the reproduction mode, or the like, sandwiches the magnetic tape 10 with the capstan 6, and rotates in accordance with the pinch roller 7. In the case of a standby mode in which operations such as recording and reproduction are stopped, the operation moves in the direction of arrow a8,
The pinch of the magnetic tape 10 is released. This is to prevent the magnetic tape 10 and the pinch roller 7 from being deformed due to continuous pressing of the same portion for a long time.

The running speed of the magnetic tape 10 is mainly controlled by the capstan 6. The tension of the running magnetic tape 10 is controlled to an appropriate size by a tape guide 42 movable in the directions of arrows a4 and a5. For example, when the tape guide 42 is pulled in the direction of arrow a4 by a constant spring force, the tape guide 42 moves in the direction of arrow a4 when the tension of the magnetic tape 10 is small, and moves in the direction of arrow a5 when the tension is large. I do.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the VTR device shown in FIG. The control unit of the VTR device shown in FIG.
2, servo controller 13, supply motor drive circuit 14, supply motor 15, capstan motor drive circuit 16, capstan motor 17, drum motor drive circuit 18, drum motor 19, drum 1, playback amplifier 21, time code reader 22, It has a take-up motor drive circuit 23, a take-up motor 24, a tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, and a sensor 26.

The system controller 11 receives a control signal S11 from an external interface device (not shown) for controlling the entire VTR device, shifts to each operation mode such as a normal reproduction mode and a standby mode, and performs servo control via a signal S13. The controller 13 is controlled to control the operation of each motor described below according to each operation mode specified by the control signal S11. Program memory 12
Stores the operation program of the system controller 11 and each parameter, and outputs these stored values in response to a request from the system controller 11. The servo controller 13 supplies the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, and the drum motor 1 according to each operation mode designated via the signal S13 from the system controller 11.
9. The take-up motor 24 and other motors related to the tape running mechanism are controlled. In addition, the sensor 26
And processes information relating to the tape tension and the type and position of the cassette obtained by receiving the signal from
Output to

The supply motor drive circuit 14 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the supply motor 15. The supply motor 15
The supply reel 2 shown in FIG. 1 is rotated at a rotation speed according to the drive signal received from the supply motor drive circuit 14. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal is generated by the servo controller 13 such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the supply reel 2 captured from the pulse signal and the target value of the servo controller 13 approach each other. 15 is input.

The capstan motor drive circuit 16 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the capstan motor 17. The capstan motor 17 rotates the capstan 6 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to the drive signal received from the capstan motor drive circuit 16. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. The rotation speed and rotation speed of the capstan 6 captured from this pulse signal,
A drive signal that causes the rotation angle to approach the target value of the servo controller 13 is generated by the servo controller 13 and input to the capstan motor 17 via the capstan motor drive circuit 16.

The drum motor drive circuit 18 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the drum motor 19. The drum motor 19 rotates the drum 1 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to a drive signal received from the drum motor drive circuit 18. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the drum 1 obtained from the pulse signal approaches the target value of the servo controller 13 is generated.
3 and input to the drum motor 19 via the drum motor drive circuit 18.

The reproduction amplifier 21 amplifies and shapes the reproduction signal output from the head of the drum 1 and outputs the amplified signal to the time code reader 22. The time code reader 22 reads a time code from a reproduction signal output from the reproduction amplifier and outputs the time code to the system controller 11. The time code is a signal indicating where information on each frame of the image recorded on the magnetic tape 10 is recorded on the tape, and is recorded on the magnetic tape 10 together with the image signal.

The take-up motor drive circuit 23 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the signal of the servo controller 13 to the take-up motor 24. The take-up motor 24 rotates the take-up reel 3 shown in FIG. 1 at a rotation speed according to a drive signal received from the take-up motor drive circuit 23. Further, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is fed back to the servo controller 13. A drive signal such that the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the rotation angle of the take-up reel 3, which is obtained from the pulse signal, approaches the target value of the servo controller 13.
Generated by the take-up motor drive circuit 23
Is input to the take-up motor 24 via the.

The tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 is a mechanism relating to the tape traveling system, such as a mechanism (tape loading mechanism) for pulling out a tape stored in a cassette and winding it around a drum, or a mechanism for pinching a pinch roller between capstans. These mechanisms are used to drive the respective motors, and these mechanisms are controlled by signals output from the servo controller 13.

The sensor 26 detects the type and position of the cassette and the tension of the tape, and outputs a detection signal to the servo controller 13.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the head 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Head 50 shown in FIG.
Is a magnetic material 51 such as ferrite and a non-magnetic material 5 such as glass.
2. It is composed of an alloy 53 such as sendust and a coil 54.

A magnetic material 5 such as ferrite, which is formed in a tapered shape so that the tip is equal to a predetermined track width TW.
A thin film made of an alloy 53 such as sendust is formed on the surface of the first magnetic material 51, and two magnetic bodies 51 are arranged to face each other such that a front end thereof has a predetermined gap. Glued. The two bonded magnetic bodies 51 are cut in a direction perpendicular to the gap, and the cut surface serves as a sliding surface with the magnetic tape. A coil 54 having a predetermined number of turns is wound around each of the two magnetic bodies 51.

The magnetic flux generated by the signal current flowing through the coil 54 passes through the inside of the magnetic body 51 having high magnetic permeability, and leaks to the space outside the magnetic body 51 in the gap. When the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape is magnetized by the leakage magnetic flux, information is recorded on the magnetic tape. Also, the magnetic flux generated on the recording surface of the magnetic tape is moved from the gap by the magnetic material 51.
The information is guided inside, and the change of the magnetic flux is converted into a current by the coil 54, thereby reproducing the information from the magnetic tape.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a head having the structure of FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the tape sliding surface of the head, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the gap. The same reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 indicate the same components. In FIG. 4, the contact width TH indicates the width of the head 50 that comes into contact with the magnetic tape.
Is about 60 um. Also, the track width T
W indicates the width of the gap for recording on the magnetic tape, which is about 15 μm in the example of FIG.

Note that embodiments of each component of the present invention,
Correspondence with each component of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is as follows. The embodiment of the head of the present invention corresponds to the head 50 of FIG. An embodiment of the sliding means of the present invention
1 corresponds to the drum 1, the supply reel 2, the take-up reel 3, the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7, and the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, the drum motor 19, the drum 1, and the take-up motor 24 in FIG. . Embodiments of the rotary head of the present invention include the drum 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the head 50 of FIG.
Corresponding to The embodiment of the head rotating means of the present invention corresponds to the drum motor 19 in FIG. The embodiment of the tape running means of the present invention corresponds to the supply reel 2, the take-up reel 3, the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7 of FIG. 1, and the supply motor 15, the take-up motor 24 and the capstan motor 17 of FIG. I do. The embodiment of the tension means of the present invention corresponds to the tape guide 42 of FIG. The embodiment of the control means of the present invention includes a system controller 11, a program memory
2. servo controller 13, supply motor drive circuit 14, capstan motor drive circuit 16, drum motor drive circuit 18, take-up motor drive circuit 2.
3. Corresponds to the tape running mechanism drive circuit 25 and the sensor 26. The embodiment of the information processing means of the present invention corresponds to the reproduction amplifier 21 and the time code reader 22.

The operation of the VTR device having the above-described configuration will be described by taking a case of a normal recording and reproducing mode as an example.

First, the cassette containing the magnetic tape is VT
When the cassette is inserted into the R device, the inserted cassette is detected by the sensor 26, and a signal indicating that the cassette has been inserted is sent to the system controller 11 via the servo controller 13. Upon receiving this signal, the system controller 11 controls the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 via the servo controller 13, so that the cassette is loaded into the tape traveling system, and the tape contained in the cassette is pulled out. It is wound around the drum 1.

In this state, a signal S11 for instructing the start of the normal reproduction mode is issued from an interface circuit (not shown).
Is input to the system controller 11, the pinch roller 7 in FIG. 1 moves in the direction of the capstan 6, and the magnetic tape 10 is sandwiched between the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7.

Next, the drum motor 19 is controlled via the drum motor drive circuit 18 and the drum 1 starts rotating. When the drum reaches a predetermined rotation speed, the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, the take-up motor 24 Is driven by the servo controller 13 via each drive circuit, and the supply reel 2, the capstan 6, and the take-up reel 3 rotate at a predetermined speed. As a result, the magnetic tape 10 wound around the supply reel 2 has the tape guides 41, 42, 43,
It is guided to 44 and sent to the drum 1. The magnetic tape 10 sent to the drum 1 is slid on a surface on which magnetic information is recorded on a head 50 arranged on the circumference of the drum 1 rotating in the direction of arrow a1, whereby the magnetic tape 10 is moved. Recording and reproduction of information are performed. The magnetic tape 10 sent from the drum 1 is guided from the tape guides 45 and 46 to the tape guides 47 and 48 via the capstan 6 and the pinch roller 7 and is wound up by the take-up reel 3.

The tension of the running magnetic tape 10 is detected by a sensor 26, and the rotational speeds of the supply motor 15, the capstan motor 17, and the take-up motor 24 are controlled so that the tension value becomes an appropriate value.

In the process in which the magnetic tape 10 slides on the drum 1, an electric signal is generated from the image data and the time code recorded on the magnetic tape 10 by the head 50 on the drum 1. Be shaped. The image data is sent to an image reproducing system (not shown) and reproduced into an image signal of a predetermined format. Also,
The time code is read by the time code reader 22 and the playback amplifier 2
1 from the system controller 11
And the position of the currently reproduced image on the tape is grasped by the system controller 11.

Next, a head cleaning method according to the present invention will be described. The difference between the cleaning method of the present invention and the conventional method is that the setting of the cleaning conditions can be changed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a head cleaning method according to the embodiment of the present invention. Steps P101 to P110 in FIG.
Each step of the program stored in the program memory 12 of the VTR device is shown.

In step P101, when the cassette containing the tape is inserted into the VTR device, the insertion of the cassette is detected by the sensor 26, and information on the inserted cassette is detected. The detected information is input to the system controller 11 via the servo controller 13. For example, a DV-type cassette widely used as a digital VTR standard for home use now has an MIC that stores information such as the type and thickness of a tape.
(Memory in IC) chip,
The VTR device can detect such information on the cassette by accessing the MIC terminal of the inserted cassette.

Next, the processing shifts to Step P102.
It is determined whether the detected cassette type is a predetermined cleaning tape. When it is determined that the tape is the predetermined cleaning tape, the cleaning mode is started, and when it is determined that the tape is another tape, the processing is switched to another mode.

Next, in step P103, cleaning conditions are set. Two embodiments will be described as a method of setting the cleaning conditions in Step P103.

In the first embodiment, the set values of the cleaning conditions are input to the system controller 11 from an external interface (not shown) through a signal S11. For example, a set value of an arbitrary cleaning condition is input to the system controller 11 from an external interface by a user. When the input of each set value of the cleaning condition is completed, the process proceeds to Step P104. As the cleaning conditions, the rotation speed of the drum 1 and the sliding time between the cleaning tape and the head are set. Further, in addition to these, for example, a running speed and a tension value of the cleaning tape may be set.

In the second embodiment, the set value of the cleaning condition is selected from predetermined set values stored in the program memory 12 according to the type of the cleaning tape detected in step P102. That is, the set value of the optimum cleaning condition according to the type of the cooling tape is stored in the program memory 12 in advance, and the set value of the cleaning condition corresponding to the type of the cooling tape detected in step P102 is It is selected and read from the program memory 12. After the set values of the cleaning conditions are read, the process proceeds to Step P104. As the cleaning conditions, the rotation speed of the drum 1 and the sliding time between the cleaning tape and the head are set as in the first embodiment. Further, in addition to these, for example, a traveling speed and a tension value of the cleaning tape may be set.

After the cleaning conditions are set in this manner, the process proceeds to step P104, where a signal S13 for instructing tape loading is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and the servo controller 13 having received the signal S13 receives the signal S13. Tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, supply motor drive circuit 14, take-up motor drive circuit 24, drum motor drive circuit 1
8, a drive signal is supplied, and tape loading is performed.

In the tape loading, the cleaning tape is pulled out from the cassette, and the cleaning tape is wound around the rotated drum. At this time, the supply motor 15 is driven so that the rotation is stopped, and the take-up motor 24 is driven in the direction in which the cleaning tape is wound so that the tension of the cleaning tape is constant. Further, the rotation speed of the drum is controlled to be the rotation speed set in Step P103.

Then, the process shifts to step P105 where a signal S13 for instructing the movement of the pinch roller is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13. In response to this, the pinch roller mechanism (not shown) is driven by the servo controller 13 via the tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, and the pinch roller 7
And the pinch roller 7 and the capstan 6
And a cleaning tape is sandwiched therebetween. At the same time, a timer (not shown) for measuring the cleaning time is started. This timer is constituted by, for example, a counting circuit for counting clocks in the system controller 11.

Then, the process shifts to step P106 where a signal S13 for instructing the tape to run is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13,
The capstan motor drive circuit 16 and the supply motor drive circuit 1
4. A drive signal is supplied to the take-up motor drive circuit 23. As a result, the cleaning tape runs from the supply reel 2 toward the take-up reel 3. Each motor is controlled so that the running speed of the tape becomes the speed set in Step P103.
At this time, the tension of the cleaning tape supplied from the supply reel 2 to the drum 1 is detected by the sensor 26, and each motor is controlled such that the tension has the magnitude set in Step P103.

Then, the process shifts to step P107 to determine whether or not the time counted by the timer started in step P105 has reached the sliding time set in step P103. If the time measured by the timer is less than the sliding time, the time measured by the timer is continuously monitored in step P107, and if it is determined that the sliding time has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step P108. You.

In step P108, a signal S13 for instructing to stop the capstan is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and upon receiving the signal S13, the drive signal to the capstan motor drive circuit 16 is stopped by the servo controller 13. Then, the rotation of the capstan 6 is stopped. Next, the processing shifts to Step P109 where the pinch roller mechanism (not shown) is driven via the tape running mechanism drive circuit 25, and the pinch roller 7 is moved in the direction of arrow a8. Thus, the cleaning tape held between the pinch roller 7 and the capstan 6 is released.

Then, the process shifts to step P110 where a signal S13 for instructing tape ejection is output from the system controller 11 to the servo controller 13, and the servo controller 13 receives the signal S13 and drives the tape traveling mechanism drive circuit 25 and the supply motor. Circuit 1
4. A drive signal is supplied to the take-up motor drive circuit 24 and the drum motor drive circuit 18 to execute tape ejection.

In the tape ejection, similarly to the tape loading, the supply motor 15 is driven so that the rotation is stopped, and the take-up motor 24 is operated so that the tension of the cleaning tape becomes constant in the direction of winding the cleaning tape. Is driven. Then, the cleaning tape is separated from the rotating drum while maintaining this constant tension, and is stored again in the cassette. Thereafter, the drive to the drum motor 19 is stopped, and the rotation of the drum is stopped.

Next, a change in the shape of the head due to the cleaning conditions will be described based on a specific example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an analysis of a head slid for 20 minutes with a new ME tape after cleaning by a conventional method. 8, FIG. 8A is a diagram obtained by three-dimensionally analyzing the head portion shown in FIG. 8B. 4B is a diagram in which a cross section in the direction of AA ′ shown in FIG. 4B is analyzed. The vertical axis indicates the vertical direction with respect to the head surface, and the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal direction. ing.

As can be seen from the analysis image of FIG. 8, the portion indicated by the arrow g4 in FIG. 8B has a duller shape than the portion indicated by the arrow g3 in FIG. 7B. ing. This is because the ferrite indicated by the arrow g3 was cut by sliding with the new ME tape.
However, in this case, at the same time as the head is scraped by the sliding, the ME tape is also scratched as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an analysis of a head slid for 2 seconds with a wrapping tape after cleaning by a conventional method and further slid for 20 minutes with a new ME tape. The wrapping tape is a tape having a higher polishing force than a cleaning tape, and is a tape for polishing a head. In FIG. 9, FIG. 9A is a diagram obtained by three-dimensionally analyzing the head portion shown in FIG. Also, FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram in which a cross section in the direction of AA ′ shown in FIG. 4B is analyzed. The vertical axis indicates the vertical direction to the head surface, and the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal direction.

As can be seen from the analysis image of FIG. 9, the shape of the portion indicated by the arrow g5 in FIG. 9B is duller than the portion indicated by the arrow g4 in FIG. 8B. ing. This is because the head was strongly polished with a lapping tape having a stronger polishing force than the cleaning tape. If the head is strongly polished with the wrapping tape in this manner, the sharp portion shown by the arrow g3 in FIG. 7B is eliminated, so that the tape is not damaged. However, since the lapping tape is a tape for polishing the head, if the head is polished with the wrapping tape every time cleaning is performed daily, the consumption of the head increases.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an analysis of the head when the rotation speed of the drum is set to 1.25 times the cleaning speed in FIG. 7 by the cleaning method of the present invention. The sliding time is the same as the cleaning method of FIG. 7, and is set to 10 seconds. In FIG. 10, FIG. 10A is a diagram obtained by three-dimensionally analyzing the portion of the head shown in FIG. 4B. Also, FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram in which a cross section in the direction of AA ′ shown in FIG. 4B is analyzed. The vertical axis indicates the vertical direction to the head surface, and the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal direction.

As can be seen from the analysis image of FIG. 10, the shape of the portion indicated by the arrow g5 in FIG. 10B is duller than that of the portion indicated by the arrow g3 in FIG. 7B. The shape is almost the same as that of the lapping tape shown in FIG. This is because the polishing power of the cleaning tape was increased by increasing the rotation speed of the drum. In this way, if the head is strongly polished by increasing the rotation speed, the same head shape as that obtained by polishing with the wrapping tape can be obtained even when the cleaning tape is used, and the tape is prevented from being damaged by the head. Can be.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the cleaning mode, the cleaning conditions such as the rotation speed of the head, the sliding time, the tape speed and the tension can be arbitrarily set. In addition, appropriate cleaning conditions can be set according to the type of the cleaning tape. Thus, the tape can be prevented from being damaged by the polished head in the cleaning mode.

Further, the type of the tape or the like can be read from the cassette of the cleaning tape, and appropriate cleaning conditions can be automatically set according to the type.
The setting of the cleaning conditions in the cleaning mode can be simplified, and the operability can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the VTR device, but can be applied to other head devices that clean the sliding surface of the head by sliding the head and the cleaner.

[0126]

According to the present invention, when the head is cleaned by sliding the cleaner, the cleaning conditions such as the rotation speed of the head, the sliding time, the tape speed, and the tension can be arbitrarily set. The user can set an appropriate cleaning condition according to the type of the cleaner. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the tape from being damaged by the cleaned head. Also, determine the type of cleaner,
Appropriate cleaning conditions can be automatically set according to this type. This simplifies the setting of the cleaning conditions and improves operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tape running mechanism of a VTR device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the VTR device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a gap portion of the head shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing scratches on the ME tape surface caused by sliding with a head.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an analysis of a scratch on the surface of the ME tape shown in FIG. 5 (b).

FIG. 7 is a diagram in which a head immediately after cleaning by a conventional method is analyzed.

FIG. 8 shows a new M after cleaning by a conventional method.
It is the figure which analyzed the head slid by E tape for 20 minutes.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an analysis of a head slid for 2 seconds with a wrapping tape after cleaning by a conventional method, and further slid for 20 minutes with a new ME tape.

FIG. 10 shows the rotation speed of the drum set to 1.25 of the cleaning method in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an analysis of a head when the head is set to double.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a head cleaning method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a conventional head cleaning method.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: drum, 50: head, 19: drum motor, 2
... Supply reel, 3 ... Take-up reel, 6 ... Capstan, 7 ... Pinch roller, 15 ... Supply motor, 24 ... Take-up motor, 17 ... Capstan motor, 41-48 ... Tape guide, 11 ... System controller, 12 ... Program memory, 13 ... Servo controller, 14 ... Supply motor drive circuit, 16
... Capstan motor drive circuit, 18 ... Drum motor drive circuit, 23 ... Take-up motor drive circuit, 2
5: tape driving mechanism drive circuit, 26: sensor, 21: reproduction amplifier, 22: time code reader.

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A head, a sliding means for sliding a supplied cleaner and the head relative to each other, and a cleaning condition signal input in a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the head; Then, the cleaner and the head are slid at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal, a sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner is measured, and the sliding time is set to a time according to the cleaning condition signal. A head unit having a control unit for stopping the sliding of the sliding unit on condition that the sliding condition is reached. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means shifts to the cleaning mode when the supply of the cleaner is detected.
The head device according to item 1. 3. A head, a sliding means for sliding the supplied cleaner and the head relative to each other, and when the supply of the cleaner is detected, a type of the detected cleaner is determined, and the sliding means is provided. Then, the cleaner and the head are slid at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner is measured, and the sliding time is determined according to the determined type. A control unit for stopping the sliding of the sliding unit on condition that a predetermined time is reached. 4. A rotary head around which a supplied cleaning tape is wound; a head rotating means for rotating the rotary head; and a cleaning mode signal for inputting a cleaning condition signal in a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the rotary head. The rotating head is rotated by a head rotating means at a rotation speed according to the cleaning condition signal, a sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaning tape is measured, and the sliding time is a time according to the cleaning condition signal. And a control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotation means on condition that the rotation of the head rotation means is reached. 5. The head device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit shifts to the cleaning mode when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected. 6. A rotary head around which the supplied cleaning tape is wound, a head rotating means for rotating the rotary head, and when the supply of the cleaning tape is detected, the type of the detected cleaner is determined, and the head is determined. The rotating means rotates the rotary head at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type, measures the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape, and determines the sliding time according to the determined type. A head device having control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotating means on condition that a predetermined time is reached. 7. A tape running means for running the cleaning tape, wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape in the cleaning mode, and the sliding time corresponds to the cleaning condition signal. 5. The head device according to claim 4, wherein the travel of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that a corresponding time is reached. 8. A tape running means for running the cleaning tape, wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal in the cleaning mode. 5. The head device according to claim 4, wherein the travel of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that a sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal. 9. A tape running means for running the cleaning tape, wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape at a speed according to the determined type in the cleaning mode, 7. The head device according to claim 6, wherein the travel of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the determined type. 10. The cleaning device according to claim 4, further comprising a tension unit that applies tension to the cleaning tape, wherein the control unit controls the magnitude of the tension by the tension unit in the cleaning mode in accordance with the cleaning condition signal. The head device according to any one of the preceding claims. 11. The cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising a tension unit that applies tension to the cleaning tape, wherein the control unit controls the magnitude of the tension by the tension unit in the cleaning mode in accordance with the determined type. The head device according to any one of the preceding claims. 12. An information processing apparatus for processing information on a recording medium, comprising: a head for accessing the recording medium; an information processing means for processing information accessed by the head; In a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the head, a cleaning condition signal is input, and a cleaning condition signal is input to the cleaning device, and the cleaning condition is applied to the cleaning device. Slide at a speed according to the signal, measure the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaner, and on the condition that the sliding time reaches the time according to the cleaning condition signal, the sliding means An information processing apparatus having a control unit for stopping sliding. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit shifts to the cleaning mode when the supply of the cleaner is detected. 14. An information processing apparatus for processing information on a recording medium, comprising: a head for accessing the recording medium; an information processing means for processing information accessed by the head; A sliding means for sliding the cleaner and the head relative to each other; and when the supply of the cleaner is detected, the type of the detected cleaner is determined, and the cleaner and the head are determined by the sliding means. Slide at a predetermined speed according to the type, measure the sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaner, and on the condition that the sliding time reaches the predetermined time according to the determined type, An information processing apparatus having control means for stopping sliding of the sliding means. 15. An information processing apparatus for processing information on a tape-shaped recording medium, comprising: a rotary head around which the supplied tape-shaped recording medium or cleaning tape is wound and which accesses the tape-shaped recording medium; An information processing means for processing information accessed by the head; a head rotating means for rotating the rotary head; and a cleaning condition signal input in a cleaning mode for cleaning a sliding surface of the rotary head. Rotating the rotating head at a rotation speed according to the cleaning condition signal, measuring a sliding time between the rotating head and the cleaning tape, and determining that the sliding time reaches a time according to the cleaning condition signal. A control unit for stopping the rotation of the head rotating unit on condition that: 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said control means shifts to said cleaning mode when detecting supply of said cleaning tape. 17. An information processing apparatus for processing information on a tape-shaped recording medium, comprising: a rotary head around which the supplied tape-shaped recording medium or cleaning tape is wound and which accesses the tape-shaped recording medium; Information processing means for processing information accessed by the head; head rotating means for rotating the rotary head; and detecting the supply of the cleaning tape, determining the type of the detected cleaning tape, and rotating the head. Means for rotating the rotary head at a predetermined rotation speed according to the determined type, measuring the sliding time between the rotary head and the cleaning tape, and determining the sliding time according to the determined type. Control means for stopping the rotation of the head rotating means on condition that the time is reached. Information processing device. 18. A cleaning device, comprising: a tape running means for running the cleaning tape; wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape in the cleaning mode, and the sliding time is set to the cleaning condition signal. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the travel of the tape traveling means is stopped on condition that the time reaches a corresponding time. 19. A tape running means for running the cleaning tape, wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape at a speed according to the cleaning condition signal in the cleaning mode. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the travel of the tape traveling unit is stopped on a condition that a sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the cleaning condition signal. 20. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a tape running means for running the cleaning tape; wherein the control means causes the tape running means to run the cleaning tape at a speed corresponding to the determined type in the cleaning mode. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the travel of the tape traveling unit is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a time corresponding to the determined type. 21. A cleaning apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising tension means for applying tension to said cleaning tape, wherein said control means controls a magnitude of tension by said tension means in said cleaning mode in accordance with said cleaning condition signal. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 22. A cleaning apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising tension means for applying tension to said cleaning tape, wherein said control means controls the magnitude of tension by said tension means in said cleaning mode in accordance with said determined type. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 23. A head cleaning method for cleaning the head by sliding the cleaner and the head to be supplied to each other, comprising: a first step of detecting the supply of the cleaner; A second step of designating a speed and time for sliding the head, and sliding the head and the cleaner at the speed designated in the second step, and measuring a sliding time between the head and the cleaner. And a third step of stopping the sliding on condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step. 24. A head cleaning method for cleaning the head by sliding the supplied cleaner and the head relative to each other, comprising: detecting a supply of the cleaner; and determining a type of the detected cleaner. And the step of sliding the head and the cleaner at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, measuring the sliding time between the head and the cleaner, and determining the sliding time by the determined type. A second step of stopping the sliding on condition that a predetermined time corresponding to the time is reached. 25. A head cleaning method for cleaning a rotating head by rotating a rotating head around which a supplied cleaning tape is wound, wherein a first step of detecting the supply of the cleaning tape; A second step of designating a speed and a time for rotating the rotating head; rotating the rotary head at the speed designated in the second step; measuring a sliding time between the head and the cleaning tape; A third step of stopping the rotation on condition that the moving time reaches the time specified in the second step. 26. The third step, wherein the cleaning tape is run, and on the condition that the sliding time reaches the time specified in the second step.
The head cleaning method according to claim 25, wherein the traveling is stopped. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the second step specifies a speed at which the cleaning tape runs, and the third step causes the cleaning tape to run at the speed specified in the second step. The described head cleaning method. 28. The second step specifies the magnitude of the tension to be applied to the cleaning tape, and the third step applies the tension of the magnitude specified in the second step to the cleaning tape. A head cleaning method according to claim 25. 29. A head cleaning method for cleaning a rotary head by rotating a rotary head around which a supplied cleaning tape is wound, comprising detecting the supply of the cleaning tape and determining the type of the detected cleaning tape. A first step of determining, rotating the rotary head at a predetermined speed according to the determined type, measuring a sliding time between the head and the cleaning tape, and determining the sliding time. A second step of stopping the rotation on condition that a predetermined time according to the type is reached. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, in the second step, the cleaning tape is run, and the running is stopped on condition that the sliding time reaches a predetermined time corresponding to the determined type. The described head cleaning method. 31. The head cleaning method according to claim 30, wherein in the second step, the cleaning tape is caused to run at a predetermined speed according to the determined type. 32. The head cleaning method according to claim 29, wherein the second step applies a predetermined magnitude of tension to the cleaning tape in accordance with the determined type.