JP2004355766A - Magnetic head cleaning method and magnetic tape with cleaning function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic head cleaning method capable of preventing the write-in/read-out failure of a magnetic tape, and to provide the magnetic tape with a cleaning function. <P>SOLUTION: The magnetic tape adopts such a constitution that abrasive tape parts 34 for cleaning the magnetic head and cleaning effect confirmation parts 33 capable of optically confirming the cleaning effect of the abrasive tape part 34 are alternately arrayed, and the cleaning is carried out by the running of tape while optically detecting a dirt of the magnetic head. Since the dirt of the magnetic head is optically detected by a transparent leader tape 30 capable of confirming the dirt of the magnetic head before the read/write of the tape, the wear of the magnetic tape or magnetic head is prevented. Also, a cleaning information recording part 32 is provided for recording the frequency passing through the abrasive tape parts 34, or the like at the cleaning operation, and the cleaning state of the magnetic head is confirmed and recorded so that the cleaning operation of the next time can be carried out neither too much nor too little. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a magnetic head cleaning method and a magnetic tape with a cleaning function, and more particularly to a magnetic head cleaning method and a magnetic tape with a cleaning function for preventing a write / read failure of the tape before it occurs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a magnetic tape device using a magnetic tape as a recording medium, the magnetic tape slides over the magnetic head, so that the magnetic material and the binder component (the adhesive used when applying the magnetic material to the tape) are removed from the magnetic tape over time. (Collectively). The separated magnetic material and binder component adhere to the magnetic head (especially the gap portion) and cause a read / write error. Therefore, cleaning of the magnetic head is indispensable.
[0003]
Therefore, the magnetic tape device needs to issue a cleaning request to the operator before a read / write error occurs. However, the conventional magnetic tape device has a problem in that the magnetic tape has run for a certain period of time or has a certain error rate. The cleaning request is issued only when the number exceeds the limit.
[0004]
Conventionally, cleaning of a magnetic head is generally performed by loading a cleaning tape having an abrasive property, but the cleaning tape is simply run for a certain period of time. However, this conventional technique has the following problems.
[0005]
The first problem is that if read / write is not actually performed, it is not known whether or not cleaning is necessary, and if an adhered substance adheres to the magnetic head, the magnetic tape itself is damaged. That is. In this case, even if the magnetic head becomes normal by the subsequent cleaning, there is an error factor on the magnetic tape side, which repeatedly causes a failure. We want to confirm the necessity of cleaning before performing read / write.
[0006]
The second problem is that in response to a cleaning request from the magnetic tape device, the cleaning tape is loaded once, and if the cleaning tape runs for a certain time, the cleaning request is temporarily stopped, but the magnetic head is completely stopped. It cannot be determined until cleaning has been completed. In this case, if any deposits remain on the magnetic head, a read / write error will occur again. By immediately checking the cleaning result, it is desired to perform cleaning without excess and deficiency and to prevent repetitive failures.
[0007]
An example of the technology for cleaning magnetic heads has been introduced.
[0008]
For example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 uses an optical means provided in addition to a magnetic head portion, and a polishing tape in which light transmitting portions and light non transmitting portions are alternately arranged in the tape direction. By detecting the traveling distance of the magnetic head, excessive polishing of the magnetic head due to misuse by the operator is prevented.
[0009]
However, this technique only detects the traveling distance and does not detect and remove the dirt on the magnetic head itself, and thus cannot overcome the second problem. In addition, since it is not intended to pursue the necessity of cleaning, it does not overcome the first problem.
[0010]
Further, the technology described in Patent Document 2 directly detects the presence and degree of contamination on the surface of the magnetic head, and appropriately determines the time to clean the magnetic head before erroneous processing occurs due to deterioration of the characteristics of the magnetic head. In order to be able to make a judgment, a configuration for evaluating the output voltage of the light receiving element is adopted.
[0011]
However, this technology only determines when to clean the magnetic head.Detecting the dirt on the magnetic head, judging the degree of dirt, and removing the dirt to ensure proper and sufficient cleaning. It is not to overcome the first and second problems described above.
[0012]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-194712 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-321915
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a magnetic head cleaning method and a magnetic tape with a cleaning function, which can determine the quality of a magnetic head before actual writing and reading operations.
[0014]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic head cleaning method and a magnetic tape with a cleaning function that can determine whether clogging of a gap portion of a magnetic head has been eliminated by performing cleaning when cleaning with a tape portion having abrasiveness. And
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a magnetic head that performs an operation of writing and reading information on a magnetic tape, and a light emitting unit that emits a light beam is provided inside a gap portion of the magnetic head. The light receiving means, which receives the light beam from the light emitting means, is located at an opposite portion of the light emitting means, and performs optical detection for detecting contamination of the magnetic head by determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means. This is a magnetic head cleaning method in which the magnetic tape is cleaned by the magnetic tape being brought into contact with and slid by the polishing portion of the magnetic tape. The method further comprises a pre-traveling optical detection step in which the optical detection is performed through the first light transmitting portion.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic head for writing and reading information to and from a magnetic tape, and a light emitting unit for emitting a light beam is located inside a gap of the magnetic head. The light receiving means for receiving the light beam is located at the opposite portion of the light emitting means, and by determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting dirt on the magnetic head is performed. A magnetic head cleaning method in which the magnetic head is cleaned by being brought into contact with and sliding on the magnetic head by a polishing portion having the magnetic head, wherein the magnetic tape is provided with a second light transmitting portion for cleaning the magnetic head. It has an alternate arrangement structure in which the polishing unit is arranged alternately. When the cleaning of the magnetic head is performed, the cleaning process by the polishing unit and the magnetic tape And having a second cleaning during optical detection step in which the said optical detection through the light transmission portion performed sequentially for.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic head for writing and reading information to and from a magnetic tape, and a light emitting unit for emitting a light beam is located inside a gap portion of the magnetic head. The light receiving means for receiving the light beam is located at the opposite portion of the light emitting means, and by determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting dirt on the magnetic head is performed. A magnetic head cleaning method when the magnetic head is cleaned by being brought into contact with and sliding on the magnetic head by a polishing portion having the first light transmitting portion of the magnetic tape before the start of running of the magnetic tape. A pre-running optical detection step in which the optical detection is performed via a magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape has a second light transmitting portion and a polishing portion for cleaning the magnetic head. It is characterized by that the tape is run to the position having the alternating structure when the contamination of the magnetic head is detected by the optical detection step before running, wherein the tape is run. A cleaning optical detection step is provided, in which a cleaning process by a polishing unit and the optical detection through the second light transmitting unit of the magnetic tape are sequentially performed when the cleaning is performed.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the magnetic tape further includes a cleaning information recording unit positioned before the magnetic tape runs with respect to the interleaved structure, The recording unit is characterized by recording position information indicating the position of the start of the cleaning process, and the number of times information indicating the number of times the cleaning process has been performed by the polishing unit, the magnetic tape, by the optical detection process before running When contamination of the magnetic head is detected, the tape is run to a cleaning processing start position based on the position information, and when the cleaning processing is completed by the cleaning optical detection step, the cleaning information recording unit stores the tape. An information recording step of recording the number-of-times information is provided.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic head for writing and reading information to and from a magnetic tape, wherein a light emitting means for emitting a light beam is located inside a gap portion of the magnetic head. The light receiving means for receiving the light beam is located at the opposite portion of the light emitting means, and by determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, the optical detection for finding the contamination of the magnetic head is performed. A magnetic tape with a cleaning function of cleaning the magnetic head by contacting and sliding with the magnetic head, which assists tape running at the start of magnetic tape running and is used at the time of the optical detection. A light transmitting portion, a polishing portion in which a material having an effect of polishing the magnetic head is applied on a magnetic tape when cleaning the magnetic head, and a magnetic head. A cleaning unit that checks a polishing effect of the polishing unit when performing cleaning, and has a second light transmitting unit that is used for the optical detection. The polishing unit and the second light transmitting unit are magnetic. It is characterized by having an alternating arrangement structure alternately arranged on a tape.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising a cleaning information recording unit located on the magnetic tape before running the magnetic tape with respect to the alternating arrangement structure, The cleaning information recording unit records position information indicating a position where cleaning processing is started and frequency information indicating the number of times cleaning processing has been performed by the polishing unit.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is possible.
[0022]
<Structure>
Referring to FIG. 1, a magnetic tape device 1 includes a magnetic head 11 for writing and reading information to and from a magnetic tape, a tape driving unit 12 for running the magnetic tape, a display element 17 for transmitting information of the device to an operator, and It has a device control unit 10 for managing the entire device.
[0023]
The magnetic head 11 has a light emitting element 13 therein, and emits light to the gap portion 14 of the magnetic head 11 according to a light emission signal of the device control unit 10. A light receiving element 15 for detecting emitted light is provided at a portion opposite to the light emitting element 13, and is connected to the apparatus control section 10 via an amplifier 16 for amplifying a signal.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head unit 11, the light emitting element 14, and the light receiving element 15 in the present embodiment.
[0025]
The magnetic head 11 has the light emitting element 13 inside the gap part 14 and irradiates light to the light receiving element 15 provided in the facing part.
[0026]
The light emitted from the light emitting element 13 is detected by the light receiving element 15 when the magnetic tape 20 does not pass therethrough or when the transparent part of the magnetic tape passes therethrough. However, if the deposits are deposited and clogged, it is not detected.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the magnetic tape with a cleaning function according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
This tape includes a leader tape 30 (transparent portion) for assisting the running of the tape, a magnetic tape unit 31 for writing and reading information, and a cleaning information recording unit 32 for managing the number of times of cleaning and the like. The portions 33 (transparent portions) and the polishing tape portions 34 are provided alternately. A material having a polishing effect for removing dust such as a magnetic substance and a binder component adhered to the magnetic head 11 is adhered to the polishing tape portion 34. 11 is performed.
[0029]
<Operation>
The operation of the magnetic tape device 1 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0030]
When a magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device 1, a light emission signal is sent to the light emitting element 13 at the position of the leader tape 30, and the light emitting element 13 emits light (S1). When the light receiving element 15 detects the light, for example, when the output from the light emitting element 13 is 50% or more of the state where there is no obstruction (hereinafter, referred to as normal) (Yes in S2), the magnetic head 11 Then, the tape drive unit 12 is operated to perform control so as to perform writing and reading operations of the magnetic tape (S3).
[0031]
At this time, if an adhering substance is present in the gap portion 14 of the magnetic head 11, the output of the light receiving element 15 decreases. For example, if the output from the light receiving element 15 is less than 50% (No in S2), an abnormality Therefore, the device control unit 10 does not perform the writing and reading operations of the magnetic tape (S4). In this case, the display element 17 is turned on to notify the operator that the magnetic head 11 is being cleaned, and at the same time, the tape is moved to the cleaning information recording section 32 provided behind the magnetic tape (S5), and the cleaning operation is started. The process proceeds to (S6). The cleaning information recording unit 32 records the position information indicating the end of the magnetic tape unit 31, the number of times the cleaning operation has been performed, and the like.
[0032]
After being positioned at the cleaning information recording section 32, the tape is run while the light emitting element 13 emits light (S7). At this time, the device control unit 10 operates the tape drive unit 12 when the output of the light receiving element 15 is less than 50% of the normal state, and operates the tape drive unit 12 when the output of the light receiving element 15 is 50% or more of the normal state. Is controlled to stop.
[0033]
Since the polishing tape portion 34 and the cleaning effect confirmation portion 33 (transparent portion) are alternately arranged on the tape, when the deposit on the gap portion 14 is removed by sliding of the polishing tape portion 34, the cleaning effect is removed. In the checking unit 32, the output of the light receiving element 15 becomes 50% or more (Yes in S8), and the cleaning operation is stopped (S9). Conversely, if the output of the light receiving element 15 at this time is less than 50% of the normal state (No in S8), it is determined that the deposit on the gap 14 has not been removed, and the cleaning operation is continued again ( S10). The cleaning operation is continued until the clogging of the gap portion 14 is eliminated, and the output of the light receiving element 15 becomes 50% or more in the cleaning effect check section 32.
[0034]
When the output of the light receiving element 15 becomes 50% or more in the cleaning effect check unit 32 and the cleaning operation is completed, the number of times the cleaning has been performed is recorded in the cleaning information recording unit 32 (S11), and then up to the head of the tape. Rewind (S12). Generally, when a polishing tape is used, the polishing effect gradually decreases. Therefore, a certain use limit is defined. At the next cleaning operation, the number of times recorded in the cleaning information recording unit 32 is compared with the use limit. If the usage limit is exceeded, the display device 17 is turned on and off, and the operator is requested to change the tape.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
From the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
[0036]
The first effect is that the quality of the magnetic head can be determined before the actual writing and reading operations, and the operator can be notified before an error occurs. Thus, unnecessary repetitive operations are prevented, and wear of the magnetic tape and the magnetic head due to excessive repetition is prevented.
[0037]
The second effect is that it is possible to determine whether clogging of the gap portion of the magnetic head has been eliminated by performing the cleaning at the time of cleaning with the polishing tape portion. This can prevent repetitive failures due to insufficient cleaning.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a magnetic tape device 1;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the magnetic head 11;
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a magnetic tape with a cleaning function.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 magnetic tape device 10 device control unit 11 magnetic head 12 tape drive unit 13 light emitting element 14 gap unit 15 light receiving element 16 amplifier 17 display element 20 magnetic tape 30 leader tape 31 magnetic tape unit 32 cleaning information recording unit 33 cleaning effect confirmation unit 34 Polishing tape section

Claims (6)

There is a magnetic head that writes and reads information to and from a magnetic tape,
Light emitting means for emitting a light beam is located inside the gap portion of the magnetic head,
The light receiving means for receiving the light beam by the light emitting means is located at a facing portion of the light emitting means,
By determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting contamination of the magnetic head is performed,
A magnetic head cleaning method in which the magnetic head is cleaned by the magnetic tape being brought into contact with the magnetic head by the polishing portion of the magnetic tape and sliding.
A magnetic head cleaning method comprising: a pre-running optical detection step in which the optical detection is performed via a first light transmitting portion of the magnetic tape before the start of running of the magnetic tape. There is a magnetic head that writes and reads information to and from a magnetic tape,
Light emitting means for emitting a light beam is located inside the gap portion of the magnetic head,
The light receiving means for receiving the light beam by the light emitting means is located at a facing portion of the light emitting means,
By determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting contamination of the magnetic head is performed,
A magnetic head cleaning method in which the magnetic head is cleaned by the magnetic tape being brought into contact with the magnetic head by the polishing portion of the magnetic tape and sliding.
The magnetic tape adopts an alternate arrangement structure in which the second light transmitting portions and the polishing portions are alternately arranged for cleaning the magnetic head,
A cleaning optical detection step in which a cleaning process by a polishing unit and the optical detection through a second light transmitting unit of the magnetic tape are sequentially performed when the cleaning of the magnetic head is performed. Magnetic head cleaning method. There is a magnetic head that writes and reads information to and from a magnetic tape,
Light emitting means for emitting a light beam is located inside the gap portion of the magnetic head,
The light receiving means for receiving the light beam by the light emitting means is located at a facing portion of the light emitting means,
By determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting contamination of the magnetic head is performed,
A magnetic head cleaning method in which the magnetic head is cleaned by the magnetic tape being brought into contact with the magnetic head by the polishing portion of the magnetic tape and sliding.
Before the start of magnetic tape travel, the optical detection through the first light transmission portion of the magnetic tape is performed optical detection step is performed before travel,
The magnetic tape has an alternately arranged structure in which second light transmitting portions and polishing portions are alternately arranged for cleaning the magnetic head, and contamination of the magnetic head is detected by the optical detection process before running. When, the tape is run to a position having the alternating arrangement structure,
A cleaning optical detection step in which a cleaning process by a polishing unit and the optical detection through a second light transmitting unit of the magnetic tape are sequentially performed when the cleaning of the magnetic head is performed. Magnetic head cleaning method. The magnetic tape further includes a cleaning information recording unit that is located before the magnetic tape travels with respect to the alternating arrangement structure,
The cleaning information recording unit is characterized by recording position information indicating the position of the cleaning process start, and count information indicating the number of times the cleaning process has been performed by the polishing unit,
The magnetic tape is characterized in that when the contamination of the magnetic head is detected by the pre-running optical detection step, the tape is run to a cleaning processing start position based on the position information,
4. The magnetic head cleaning method according to claim 3, further comprising an information recording step of recording the number-of-times information in the cleaning information recording unit when the cleaning process is completed in the cleaning optical detection step. There is a magnetic head that writes and reads information to and from a magnetic tape,
Light emitting means for emitting a light beam is located inside the gap portion of the magnetic head,
The light receiving means for receiving the light beam by the light emitting means is located at a facing portion of the light emitting means,
By determining the output of the light beam received by the light receiving means, optical detection for detecting contamination of the magnetic head is performed,
A magnetic tape with a cleaning function of cleaning the magnetic head by being brought into contact with and sliding with the magnetic head by its own polishing part,
At the start of magnetic tape running, assists tape running, a first light transmitting portion used at the time of the optical detection,
At the time of cleaning the magnetic head, a polishing section in which a material having a polishing effect of the magnetic head is applied on the magnetic tape,
When performing the cleaning of the magnetic head, confirm the polishing effect of the polishing unit, having a second light transmission unit used at the time of the optical detection,
A magnetic tape with a cleaning function, wherein the polishing part and the second light transmitting part have an alternately arranged structure alternately arranged on a magnetic tape. On the magnetic tape, further has a cleaning information recording unit located before the magnetic tape running for the alternating arrangement structure,
6. The cleaning function according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning information recording unit records position information indicating a position at which the cleaning process is started and frequency information indicating the number of times the cleaning process has been performed by the polishing unit. Magnetic tape.

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