JP2005050447A - Manufacturing method of magnetic tape cartridge and winding device of leader tape for magnetic tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method of the magnetic tape cartridge which simplifies device structure, reduces equipment costs, and secures a stable winding posture with a high neatly winding effect and also with excellent quality. <P>SOLUTION: A leader tape winding process and a magnetic tape winding process to a tape reel 14 are independently performed and the processes are performed outside a cartridge case, namely, by an outside winding method. Then, drying process of alcohol used for connection between the tape reel and the leader tape is provided between the leader tape winding process and the magnetic tape winding process. Thus, adhesion of the alcohol to the magnetic tape is prevented, a sufficient neatlt winding effect using a permanent magnet is obtained in the magnetic tape winding process and configuration flexibility of a facility for automatic winding of the leader tape to the tape reel is further enhanced by adoption of the outside winding method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge in which a first leader tape, a magnetic tape, and a second leader tape are wound in order on a reel hub of a tape reel that is rotatably housed inside a cartridge case, and a magnetic tape cartridge. The present invention relates to a device for winding a leader tape.

  For example, in a single reel type magnetic tape cartridge for data storage, a first leader tape, a magnetic tape, and a second leader tape are sequentially wound around a reel hub of a tape reel that is rotatably housed in a cartridge case. In addition, there is a type in which a leader block for pulling out the tape is fixed to the tip of the second leader tape.

  These first and second leader tapes are made of transparent tape. When the first leader tape is fed out of the magnetic tape, and the second leader tape is taken up of the tape reel when the magnetic tape is taken up. It is used to control the rotational drive.

  In the manufacture of the magnetic tape cartridge having such a configuration, conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a first leader tape, a magnetic tape, and a second leader tape are sequentially wound around a tape reel in a cartridge case. Devices for doing so are known. This discloses a method of connecting the first leader tape end to the reel hub using a surfactant such as alcohol (see Patent Document 2 below).

  Further, in the recent winding of magnetic tape, in order to enhance the winding effect, as described in Patent Document 3 below, a permanent magnet is disposed in the magnetic tape winding portion and the magnetic tape is placed under a constant magnetic field. A method of winding around a tape reel is known.

JP 2003-22648 A JP-A-6-124442 JP-A-9-167465

  However, the conventional magnetic tape cartridge manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1 below has the following problems.

  First, in the conventional method for manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge described in Patent Document 1, after the first leader tape is connected to the tape reel, the magnetic tape is wound immediately. There is a problem that alcohol that has not been volatilized may adhere to the magnetic tape. Depending on the type of the magnetic tape, the surface property is deteriorated by the adhering alcohol, and the durability and reliability are lowered.

  Second, in the conventional method for manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge described in Patent Document 1, since the tape reel is disposed inside the cartridge case, the application of alcohol to the reel hub of the tape reel and the second application to the reel hub are performed. It is necessary to connect the end of the leader tape 1 through a small opening for pulling out the tape of the cartridge case. For this reason, the alcohol application unit, the transport unit for transporting the leader tape end to the reel hub, etc. must be configured to be limited to the size and shape of the opening of the cartridge case. However, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in design and layout is low, and the complexity of the device configuration and control and the increase in equipment cost cannot be avoided due to these.

  Thirdly, in the conventional method for manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge described in Patent Document 1, since the tape reel is disposed inside the cartridge case, the effect of winding by the permanent magnet disposed in the winding portion is weak. There is a problem that it is difficult to secure a stable winding posture. In particular, along with the recent increase in recording density and performance of magnetic tapes, the magnetic tapes are becoming thinner due to the thinner magnetic layers. However, as the magnetic tapes become thinner, This method makes it very difficult to ensure a stable winding posture. Further, if an electromagnet is used to obtain a higher magnetic force, the apparatus becomes remarkably large and the equipment cost increases, which cannot be adopted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can simplify the apparatus configuration and reduce the equipment cost, can ensure a stable winding posture with a high winding effect, and can be used for a magnetic tape cartridge excellent in quality. It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method and a winding device for a leader tape for a magnetic tape cartridge.

  In solving the above problems, the method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge of the present invention includes a step of connecting a reel hub to one end of a leader tape via a surfactant and a leader block to the other end, and the surfactant Drying the tape, dividing the leader tape to form first and second leader tapes, and winding the magnetic tape around a tape reel in a constant magnetic field between the first and second leader tapes; Incorporating the tape reel into the cartridge.

  In the present invention, without winding the leader tape and the magnetic tape at once on the tape reel, first, one end of the leader tape is connected to the reel hub of the tape reel using a surfactant, and the leader block is fixed to the other end. Semi-finished product. The leader tape is wound around the tape reel before the tape reel is assembled into the cartridge case. The connected leader tape is taken out to the outside in a state of being wound around a tape reel, for example.

  Next, in the drying process, the surfactant between the leader tape end and the reel hub is sufficiently dried. This drying process can be selected according to the production amount of the magnetic tape cartridge, such as being left at room temperature, blowing hot air, and loading into a drying furnace. Preferably, the drying step is performed in a transition process from a leader tape winding step to a magnetic tape winding step, which will be described later. As the surfactant, any surfactant can be used as long as it can add the adsorptivity to the end of the leader tape on the surface of the reel hub, and alcohol, water, and the like correspond to this.

  In the winding process of the magnetic tape, the outer winding method is adopted similarly to the winding process of the leader tape. In the winding of the magnetic tape, the leader tape connected to the tape reel is divided to form the first and second leader tapes, and the magnetic tape is wound around the tape reel between the first and second leader tapes. . For winding a magnetic tape, the magnetic tape is wound around a tape reel under a constant magnetic field. The application of a magnetic field to the magnetic tape can be realized by, for example, a permanent magnet disposed around the take-up shaft that supports the tape reel. In the present invention, since the magnetic tape is wound by the outer winding method, the tape reel can be arranged close to the permanent magnet, and the conventional method (inner winding method) for winding the magnetic tape inside the cartridge case is used. In comparison, a higher winding effect can be obtained by applying a larger magnetic force to the magnetic tape.

  After the tape reel on which the magnetic tape is wound, the magnetic tape cartridge manufacturing process is completed through a process of incorporating the tape reel into the cartridge case.

  On the other hand, a winding device for a leader tape for a magnetic tape cartridge according to the present invention includes a winding unit that rotatably supports a tape reel, a coating unit that applies a surfactant to the reel hub of the tape reel, and the leader tape to the reel hub. The application unit and the conveyance unit are arranged at positions where they can enter from different radial positions with respect to the tape reel on the winding unit.

  As described above, in the present invention, the leader tape is wound around the tape reel by the external winding method, so that the degree of freedom of the layout of the coating unit and the transport unit can be increased and the shape of the unit can be increased. As a result of reducing the limitation of the configuration, the above configuration can be obtained. Thereby, simplification of the apparatus structure of the leader tape winding equipment and reduction of equipment cost can be achieved. Furthermore, the magnetic tape manufacturing equipment can be specially configured for leader tape winding equipment and magnetic tape winding equipment, respectively, so that it is excellent in maintainability, has few failures, and has excellent durability and reliability. A tape cartridge manufacturing facility can be constructed.

  As described above, according to the method for manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge of the present invention, the magnetic tape is wound after the surfactant used for connecting the leader tape is sufficiently dried. A high-quality magnetic tape cartridge can be manufactured without degrading the quality of the tape.

  In addition, since the winding process of the magnetic tape is performed by external winding, it is easy to obtain a winding effect by magnetic force, and the desired tape winding posture can be sufficiently coped with the thinning of the magnetic tape. Can be secured.

  According to the leader tape winding device for the magnetic tape cartridge of the present invention, the degree of freedom of configuration of the surfactant coating unit and the leader tape transport unit for the tape reel is increased, and the equipment control is simplified and the equipment cost is reduced. Reduction can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Cartridge configuration)
First, a configuration example of a data storage magnetic tape cartridge (hereinafter referred to as “tape cartridge”) applied to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The tape cartridge C of this embodiment is a single tape reel 14 in which a magnetic tape 20 is wound in a cartridge case 13 formed by joining an upper shell 11 and a lower shell 12 made of a synthetic resin material. Is configured to be rotatably housed.

  The tape reel 14 is wound with a magnetic tape 20 to which a transparent second leader tape 21 is connected at one end. A first leader tape (not shown) is connected between the reel hub of the tape reel 14 and the magnetic tape 20.

  The tape reel 14 has a ring-shaped bearing 16 that is press-fitted and fixed in a circular recess 15 formed at the center, and between the bearing cap 17 that covers the bearing 16 and the center of the inner surface of the upper shell 11. The reel spring 18 is pressed against the lower shell 12 side.

  In addition, a chucking gear that meshes with the rotation shaft of the tape drive device is formed at the center of the lower surface of the tape reel 14, and the chucking gear passes through an opening 30 formed in the center of the lower shell 12. Exposed to the outside.

  When the tape cartridge C is not loaded in the tape drive device, the tape reel 14 cannot be rotated by the pair of reel lock members 25 and 26 biased by the reel lock springs 23 and 24 when not in use. That is, the tape reel 14 is made non-rotatable by the meshing portions 25a and 26a formed on the reel lock members 25 and 26 meshing with the reel lock gear 27 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lower flange. Yes. The reel lock springs 23 and 24 and the reel lock members 25 and 26 are rotatably attached to support shafts 28 and 29 erected on the inner surface of the lower shell 12, respectively.

  When not in use, the magnetic tape 20 is completely wound on the tape reel 14. The tip of the second leader tape 21 has a clamper 36 attached to a leader block 32 that is disposed so as to close the tape drawing opening 35 formed on the front surface of the cartridge case 13 from the inner side of the cartridge case 13. (Fig. 10). The leader block 32 is positioned in the storage portion 37 inside the opening 35 while being elastically supported by the substantially U-shaped leader block spring 31.

  A safety tab 33 is slidably provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 13 opposite to the surface on which the opening 35 is formed to prevent erroneous recording and erroneous erasure on the magnetic tape 20. Transparent window members 38A and 38B for detecting the tape end are respectively provided on the side surfaces of the cartridge case 13 facing in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tape drive device.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the tape cartridge C configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the tape cartridge C. The manufacturing process of the tape cartridge C of the present embodiment mainly includes:
(1) connecting the tape reel 14 to one end of the leader tape via alcohol and connecting the leader block 32 to the other end (step S100);
(2) a step of drying alcohol (step S200);
(3) dividing the leader tape to form first and second leader tapes, and winding the magnetic tape 20 around the tape reel 14 in a constant magnetic field between them (step S300);
(4) a step of incorporating the tape reel 14 into the cartridge case 13 (step S400).

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

(Leader tape winding device configuration)
FIG. 3 shows the entire leader tape winding device around the tape reel 14.
For easy understanding of the explanation, the upper flange of the tape reel 14 is not shown in the drawings after FIG.

  On the base plate 41 of the leader tape winding device 40, a supply portion 42 for the leader tape LT and a winding portion 43 that rotatably supports the tape reel 14 are installed.

  The supply unit 42 includes an unwinding shaft 44 that rotatably supports an original roll of the leader tape LT cut to the product width. The winding unit 43 presses the winding shaft (not shown) connected to the winding motor and the bearing cap 17 (see FIG. 1) of the tape reel 14 to press the tape reel 14 toward the winding shaft. And a reel holding arm 45.

  On the base plate 41, an application unit 46 for applying alcohol to the surface of the reel hub 14A of the tape reel 14 supported by the winding unit 43 is disposed. The application unit 46 is disposed on the lower left side of the winding unit 43 in FIG.

  The coating unit 46 includes a coating arm 47 having a coating portion 48 made of felt or the like that can be impregnated with alcohol on the top surface of the tip portion. The coating arm 47 has a shape capable of entering a gap between the upper flange and the lower flange of the tape reel 14 and is movable from a standby position shown in FIG. 4A to a position directly below the tape reel 14 shown in FIG. 4B. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 4C, the application portion 48 can be moved from the position shown in FIG. The application unit 46 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of alcohol to the application part 48 via the inside of the application arm 47 in the state shown in FIG. 4C.

  On the base plate 41, a transport unit 50 for transporting the leader tape LT to the surface of the reel hub 14A of the tape reel 14 supported by the winding unit 43 is disposed. The transport unit 50 is disposed on the upper right side of the winding unit 43 in FIG.

  The transport unit 50 includes a transport arm 51 having a suction portion 52 that can vacuum-suck a leader tape at the tip. The suction part 52 is opposed to the suction surface of the suction block 54 that sucks and holds the leader tape LT at a position directly above the winding part 43, and as shown in FIGS. The leader tape LT on the suction block 54 is received along with the movement. The transport arm 51 has a shape capable of entering the gap between the upper flange and the lower flange of the tape reel 14, and as shown in FIGS. It is comprised so that it may convey on the surface of.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, the position of the suction block 54 is determined so that a straight line passing through the suction surface of the suction block 54 becomes a tangent to the reel hub 14A. The advance / retreat amount control of the transfer arm 52 is simplified by setting the advance / retreat amount of the arm 52 and the advance / retreat amount of the transfer arm 52 relative to the reel hub 14A to the same amount.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the suction block 54 is positioned on a tape path where the leader tape LT delivered from the supply unit 42 is guided to the tape reel 14 on the winding unit 43 via a plurality of guide rollers 49. The leader tape LT is arranged so as to be vacuum-sucked while being suspended in a substantially vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the suction block 54 has a first and a second pair of suction block portions 56A and 56B arranged in parallel with each other with a predetermined gap G with respect to one side surface of the base block portion 55. It becomes. The suction surfaces of the first and second suction block portions 56A and 56B are on the same straight line, and a cutter (not shown) that cuts the leader tape LT sucked between the two block portions can advance and retreat with respect to the gap G. Is arranged.
The configuration of the suction block 54 described above corresponds to the “cutting unit” according to the present invention.

  A chamber unit 90 for applying a tape tension to the leader tape LT is disposed on the tape path between the supply unit 42 and the suction block 54. The chamber unit 90 includes a chamber 91 whose upper end is opened, a vacuum suction hole 92 formed near the bottom of the chamber 91, a blow hole 93, a first sensor 94, a second sensor 95, and a third sensor 96. And. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted here, the vacuum suction hole 93 is connected with the negative pressure generation unit, and the blow hole 93 is connected with the air ejection unit.

  The chamber 91 has a volume that can accommodate the leader tape LT having a predetermined winding length with respect to the tape reel 14, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the leader tape LT in the chamber 91 by the negative pressure generated by the suction action from the vacuum suction hole 92. Apply the tape tension. Here, the chamber unit 90 is not configured to continuously apply the tape tension to the leader tape LT, but is configured to apply the tape tension only after the leader tape LT is wound to some extent by the tape reel 14.

  The arrangement interval between the first sensor 94 and the third sensor 96 is determined in accordance with the winding length of the leader tape LT with respect to the tape reel 14. The first sensor 94 is a sensor that detects the lowest point of the leader tape LT introduced into the chamber 91, and is disposed above the positions where the vacuum suction holes 92 and the blow holes 93 are formed. The chamber 91 is always evacuated from the vacuum suction hole 92. However, as long as the winding of the tape reel 14 is started and the leader tape LT is between the first and second sensors 94, 95, air is blown from the blow hole 93. Is introduced and adjusted so that the tape tension is substantially zero. Then, when the leader tape LT passes through the second sensor 95, the introduction of air from the blow hole 93 is stopped and the tape tension is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the leader tape cutting end LT <b> 2 held by the second suction block portion 56 </ b> B is transferred to the second suction block portion 56 </ b> B of the suction block 54 to the leader block assembly unit 60. Adsorption part 59 of transfer unit 58 is arranged adjacent.

  The transfer unit 58 is configured to be rotatable around the take-up shaft of the take-up portion 43 by driving a rotary actuator, for example, and the suction portion 59 is directly above the tape reel 14 as indicated by an arrow P in FIG. It is configured to be able to turn approximately 180 degrees from the position (standby position) to the position (transfer position) directly below the tape reel 14 in the clockwise direction. Note that the standby position and the transfer position of the transfer unit 58 are regulated by stoppers 57A and 57B, respectively (FIGS. 7 and 8).

  The leader block assembly unit 60 is disposed at a position directly below the winding unit 43 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the leader block assembling unit 60 has a leader block holding part 62, a clamper supply part 63, and a support block 61 attached to the base plate 41 so as to be movable up and down. A push cylinder 64 is provided.

  The leader block holding part 62 is disposed at the upper left part of the support panel 61 and holds the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32 facing rightward in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10A, the leader block 32 is fitted in a recess 65 of the leader block holding portion 62, and an engagement member 66 erected in the recess 65 is fitted to the tip recess of the leader block 32. 32a is held in an engaged state.

  In the support panel 61, the leader tape cut end LT2 vacuum-sucked by the suction part 59 of the transfer unit 58 is located in a predetermined region on the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32 held by the leader block holding part 62. In this way, it is positioned with respect to the base plate 41.

  The clamper supply unit 63 is disposed below the leader block holding unit 62 and includes a supply arm 68 having a holding block 67 for holding the clamper 36 at the tip. A rotation shaft 69 is fixed at a substantially central portion of the supply arm 68, and is configured to be capable of rotating approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise by driving a rotary actuator, for example, with respect to the support panel 61 (FIGS. 8 and 9). ).

  The amount of rotation of the supply arm 68 is regulated by a stopper 70 that contacts the other end of the supply arm 68 (FIG. 9). When the rotation by the stopper 70 is restricted, the clamper 36 held by the holding block 67 is placed in the leader tape in the clamper built-in recess 33 of the leader block 32 held by the leader block holding portion 62 as shown in FIG. 10A. It is stopped at a position where a predetermined amount is inserted through the cutting end LT2.

  In FIG. 8, the pushing cylinder 64 is disposed at a position facing the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32 held by the leader block holding portion 62. The pushing cylinder 64 is provided with a pushing block 71 that can move forward and backward toward the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32, and the rear end of the rod member 72 attached to the supply arm 68 in a direction perpendicular thereto. Is pressed at a predetermined pressure.

  Here, the rod member 72 is disposed so as to penetrate both the distal end of the supply arm 68 and the holding block 67, and receives the pressing force from the pressing block 71 as shown in FIG. 9 and presses the back surface of the clamper 36. have. As a result, the clamper 36 held by the holding block 67 is fitted into the clamper built-in recess 33 of the leader block 32 with the cut end of the leader tape LT interposed therebetween as shown in FIG. 10B. Yes.

(Step S100: Leader tape winding process)
Next, operation | movement of the leader tape winding apparatus 40 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

  First, as a preparation step, the tape reel 14 is attached to the winding unit 43. The tape reel 14 is attached to the take-up portion 43 by engaging the chucking gear on the lower surface of the tape reel 14 with the take-up shaft and mounting the reel holding arm 45 on the bearing cap 17 on the upper surface of the tape reel 14. As a result, the tape reel 14 is rotatably supported on the take-up portion 43 under the pressing action of the reel holding arm 45.

  Further, the leader tape LT is pulled out from the supply unit 42 and is sucked to the suction block 54 via the plurality of guide rollers 49 and the chamber unit 90. At this time, the leader tape LT is sucked and held at a position where the drawing end is hooked on the suction portion 59 of the transfer unit 58, for example. It is for performing the subsequent tape cutting process reliably. The leader tape LT in the chamber unit 90 forms a loop at the installation position of the first sensor 94 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the leader block assembling unit 60, the leader block 32 is set in the recess 65 of the leader block holding part 62, and the clamper 36 is put on the holding block 67 of the clamper supply part 63 in the non-operating position shown in FIG. set.

  Through the above preparation steps, the operation of the leader tape winding device 40 is started. By operating the operation switch of the apparatus, the leader tape winding apparatus 40 operates according to a predetermined sequence.

  First, the winding shaft of the winding unit 43 rotates at a predetermined number of rotations. Next, the coating unit 46 operates. As a result, the coating arm 47 horizontally moves (FIG. 4B) between the upper and lower flanges of the tape reel 14 from the standby position (FIG. 4A) and then moves upward by a predetermined amount to move the coating portion 48 of the reel hub 14A. Press against the surface. At the same time, alcohol is supplied from the coating unit 46 to the coating portion 48 through the inside of the coating arm 47, and the alcohol is applied to the surface of the reel hub 14A.

  In this embodiment, since the alcohol is applied to the reel hub 14A while the tape reel 14 is rotated, the alcohol is easily applied to the entire surface of the reel hub 14A in a short time immediately below the tape reel 14. Can do.

  Next, in the suction block 54, a cutter (not shown) moves back and forth with respect to the gap G between the first and second suction block portions 56A and 56B to cut the leader tape LT. The leader tape cutting end LT1 sucked by the first suction block portion 56A is transferred to the suction portion 52 of the transport arm 51 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, and then rotated as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The tape is lowered from a position directly above the reel 14 to the position facing the reel hub 14A, and the leader tape cutting end LT1 is conveyed toward the reel hub 14A. As a result, the leader tape LT is wound around the reel hub 14A.

  It is assumed that the leader tape cut end adsorbed on the second adsorption block portion 56B of the adsorption block 54 is subsequently removed at the time of manufacturing the first product.

  In this way, the leader tape LT can be easily wound around the surface of the reel hub 14A on which alcohol has been applied in advance simply by transporting the leader tape cutting end LT1 to the reel hub 14A of the rotating tape reel 14.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the leader tape LT is wound around the tape reel 14 by a so-called external winding method. It is possible to arrange them differently, and the alcohol coating process and the leader tape cutting end LT1 application process on the rotating tape reel can be performed at a short process interval. It is also possible to do this.

  Now, in the chamber unit 90, the tape tension is made substantially zero by exhausting and blowing air through the vacuum suction hole 92 and the blow hole 93. After the leader tape cutting end LT1 is attached to the reel hub 14A, the leader tape LT is wound up by the tape reel 14 from the chamber unit 90. When the leader tape LT passes through the second sensor 95, the blowing action from the blow hole 93 is stopped and the tape is wound around the tape reel 14 with the tape tension applied. When the leader tape LT reaches the third sensor 96 in the chamber unit 90, the rotation of the tape reel 14 is stopped, and the leader tape LT on the tape path is sucked by the suction block 54.

  According to the present embodiment, since the tape tension is set to zero at the beginning of winding of the leader tape LT, it is possible to ensure proper sticking and winding action of the leader tape LT on the reel hub 14A of the tape reel 14. Moreover, since the tape tension is applied from the middle, the tape can be wound stably. Furthermore, since the winding length of the tape is detected in the chamber unit 90, the leader tape LT can always be wound around the tape reel 14 with an appropriate length.

  A known method can be applied to detect the winding length of the leader tape LT. For example, the tape winding length may be monitored based on the rotation amount of the tape reel 14 or the winding time.

  Next, the cutter again moves forward and backward in the suction block 54, and the leader tape LT is cut between the first and second suction block portions 56A and 56B. Then, the leader tape cutting end LT2 sucked by the second suction block portion 56B is transferred to the leader block assembling unit 60 by the transfer unit 58 (FIG. 7).

  In this transfer process, first, the suction portion 59 of the transfer unit 58 is operated to vacuum-suck the leader tape LT, and then the suction operation by the second suction block portion 56B is released. Thereafter, the transfer unit 58 is rotated about 180 degrees clockwise around the rotation center of the tape reel, and the cut end LT2 of the leader tape LT is placed on the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32 held by the leader block holding portion 62. Are opposed to each other (FIG. 8).

  In this state, the supply arm 68 of the clamper supply unit 63 rotates approximately 90 degrees from the non-operating position shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 to the operating position shown by the one-dot chain line, and the clamper 36 held by the holding block 67 is moved to the leader block 32. A predetermined amount is inserted into the built-in recess 33 (FIG. 10A). Accordingly, the leader tape cutting end LT2 is sandwiched between the built-in recess 33 of the leader block 32 and the clamper 36.

  Thereafter, the pushing cylinder 64 is operated, and the pushing block 71 moves to the position indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 9 to push the rod member 72, whereby the rod member 72 is clamped via the supply arm 68 and the holding block 67. The back surface of 36 is pressed, and the clamper 36 is fitted into the built-in recess 33 of the leader block 32. As a result, the leader tape cutting end LT2 is fixed to the tape fixing surface of the leader block 32.

  As described above, the connection process of the tape reel 14 and the leader block 32 to the leader tape LT is completed. Subsequently, a drying process of alcohol used for connection to the tape reel 14 is performed.

(Step S200: drying process)
In this drying process, the alcohol applied between the leader tape LT and the reel hub 14A is volatilized and dried. The purpose is to prevent the alcohol from adhering to the magnetic tape in the next magnetic tape winding step.

  The drying process can be performed in a state where the leader tape LT is wound around the tape reel 14. The drying method can be selected according to the production amount of the magnetic tape cartridge, such as being left at room temperature, spraying warm air, and loading into a drying furnace. In the present embodiment, the drying process is performed in the product transfer process from the above-described leader tape winding process to the magnetic tape winding process described later.

(Step S300: Magnetic tape winding process)
Subsequently, a magnetic tape winding process is performed. In this magnetic tape winding process, for example, a magnetic tape winding device 75 schematically shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is used.

  In the magnetic tape take-up device 75, the raw roll 76 of the magnetic tape 20 cut into the product width is installed in the supply unit 77 (78), and the magnetic tape 20 fed out from here is a plurality of guide rollers 79, tension control. It is wound around the tape reel 14 on the winding unit 83 via the roller 80, the measuring roller 82, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a winding shaft 85 that is connected to a winding motor and rotationally drives the tape reel 14 is installed in the winding unit 83. A chucking member 86 that is engaged with the chucking gear on the lower surface of the tape reel 14 is fixed to the winding shaft 85. Further, an annular permanent magnet 87 is disposed on the outer periphery of the chucking member 85.

  The winding procedure of the magnetic tape 20 will be described. First, the leader tape LT is drawn out from the tape reel 14 installed in the winding section 83 by a predetermined length, cut by the tape splice unit 81, and the first and second leaders. The tape is divided and formed. Among these, the second leader tape LT (21) on the side to which the leader block 32 is fixed is sucked and held by the suction block 84, and on the first leader tape LT on the side connected to the tape reel 14, The magnetic tape 20 is joined. Then, the winding shaft 85 is rotated, and the magnetic tape 20 is wound around the tape reel 14 for a predetermined length in a constant magnetic field by the permanent magnet 87.

  In the present embodiment, since the winding process of the magnetic tape 20 around the tape reel 14 is performed by a so-called outer winding method, the tape reel 14 is arranged closer to the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 87 than the conventional inner winding method. In addition, since there is no cartridge case (indicated by CC in FIG. 12) between the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 87 and the tape reel 14, the magnetic force wound around the tape reel 14 can be reduced. A higher winding effect can be obtained by applying a stronger magnetic force to the tape 20. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently cope with the thinning due to the high performance of the magnetic tape.

  After the winding of the predetermined length of the magnetic tape 20 is completed, the magnetic tape 20 is cut by the tape splice unit 81, and the second leader tape LT (21) is joined to the end of the tape reel 14 side.

(Step S400: cartridge assembly process)
Finally, the tape cartridge C is completed by incorporating various components including the tape reel 14 around which the leader tape LT and the magnetic tape 20 are wound into the cartridge case 13.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of reel lock springs 23 and 24 and reel lock members 25 and 26 are mounted on support shafts 28 and 29 on the lower shell 12, respectively. The tape reel 14, the safety tab 33, and the window members 38A and 38B, to which the magnetic tape 20 is wound and the leader block 32 is connected, are respectively assembled at predetermined positions. The leader block 32 is disposed in the storage portion 37 by being engaged with a leader block spring 31 that is integrated with the lower shell 12 in advance. The upper shell 11 is combined with the lower shell 12 via a reel spring 18 and coupled by a plurality of screw members (not shown).

  As described above, the tape cartridge C of the present embodiment is manufactured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, after the first leader tape (LT), the magnetic tape 20 and the second leader tape 21 (and the leader block 32) are wound around the tape reel 14. The tape reel 14 is assembled in the cartridge case 13 together with other components. The leader tape LT and the magnetic tape 20 are wound around the tape reel 14 in independent processes.

  Thereby, the alcohol used for the connection between the tape reel 14 and the leader tape LT can be sufficiently dried in the alcohol drying step set between the leader tape winding step and the magnetic tape winding step. Deterioration of the magnetic tape 20 due to adhesion of alcohol can be prevented, and a high-quality magnetic tape cartridge can be manufactured.

  Moreover, by performing the magnetic tape winding process by the outer winding method, a high winding effect can be obtained by winding in a magnetic field, and a desired winding posture of the magnetic tape 20 can be ensured.

  Furthermore, since the leader tape winding process can also be performed by the outer winding method, the alcohol coating unit 46 and the leader tape transport unit 50 with respect to the tape reel 14 can be arranged so as to be able to enter from different radial directions of the tape reel 14, thereby The degree of freedom in design can be increased, the failure can be reduced, and the leader tape winding device 40 can be configured at low cost.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the method for manufacturing the magnetic tape cartridge of the form shown in FIG. 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of single reel type magnetic tape cartridges are, of course, The present invention can also be applied to a tape cartridge that houses a pair of tape reels.

  In the above embodiment, the alcohol application process to the reel hub 14A is performed by the sliding contact of the application part 48 impregnated with alcohol. However, the application is not limited to this, and other application methods such as a spray method are used. May be adopted.

  Further, in the leader tape winding device 40, the entry direction of the coating arm 47 and the entry direction of the transport arm 51 with respect to the tape reel 14 are configured to be downward and upward, respectively. Not limited to this, the tape reel 14 may be configured to enter from another radial direction.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the tape cartridge C applied to embodiment of this invention. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the tape cartridge C. FIG. It is a front view of the leader tape winding apparatus 40. It is process drawing explaining the alcohol application | coating process with respect to 14 A of reel hubs. FIG. 10 is a process diagram illustrating a transfer process of the leader tape LT from the suction block 54 to the transport arm 51. It is process drawing explaining the conveyance process of the leader tape LT from the conveyance arm 51 to the reel hub 14A. It is a front view explaining a structure and an effect | action of the transfer unit 58 which transfers the leader tape cutting | disconnection end LT2 to the leader block built-in unit 60. FIG. It is a front view explaining a structure and an effect | action of the leader block assembly | attachment unit 60. FIG. It is a front view explaining a structure and an effect | action of the leader block assembly | attachment unit 60. FIG. FIG. 6 is a process diagram for explaining an assembly process of the clamper 36 to the leader block 32. It is the schematic of the magnetic tape winding apparatus 75 applied to this Embodiment. 3 is a side sectional view of a main part of a winding unit 83 in a magnetic tape winding device 75. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Cartridge case, 14 ... Tape reel, 14A ... Reel hub, 20 ... Magnetic tape, 21 ... (2nd) leader tape, 32 ... Leader block, 35 ... Opening, 36 ... Clamper, 40 ... Leader tape winding apparatus , 43 ... Winding unit, 45 ... Reel holding arm, 46 ... Application unit, 47 ... Application arm, 48 ... Application unit, 50 ... Conveying unit, 51 ... Conveying arm, 52 ... Adsorption unit, 54 ... Adsorption block (cutting) Unit), 58 ... transfer unit, 59 ... suction part, 60 ... leader block assembly unit, 62 ... leader block holding part, 63 ... clamper supply part, 64 ... push cylinder, 68 ... supply arm, 71 ... push block, 72 ... Rod member, 75 ... Magnetic tape take-up device, 81 ... Tape splice unit, 83 ... Winding part, 85 ... Winding shaft, 87 Permanent magnet, C ... tape cartridge.

Claims (9)

In a method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge in which a first leader tape, a magnetic tape, and a second leader tape are wound in order on a tape reel rotatably accommodated inside a cartridge case.
Connecting the tape reel to one end of a leader tape via a surfactant and connecting the leader block to the other end;
Drying the surfactant;
Dividing the leader tape to form the first and second leader tapes, and winding the magnetic tape around a tape reel in a constant magnetic field between the first and second leader tapes;
And a step of incorporating the tape reel into the cartridge. The step of connecting one end of the leader tape to the tape reel includes a step of applying the surfactant to a reel hub of the tape reel, and a step of attaching one end of the leader tape to the reel hub and rotating the tape reel. The method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the step of applying the surfactant to the reel hub is performed while the reel hub is rotated. 2. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant application unit and the leader tape application unit enter the tape reel from different radial directions of the tape reel. 3. Manufacturing method. The method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the step of drying the surfactant is performed in a transition process from the connecting step of the leader tape to the connecting step of the magnetic tape. In a winding device for a leader tape for a magnetic tape cartridge in which a leader tape is wound around a tape reel,
A winding unit for rotatably supporting the tape reel;
An application unit for applying a surfactant to the reel hub of the tape reel;
A transport unit for transporting the leader tape to the tape reel,
The apparatus for winding a leader tape for a magnetic tape cartridge, wherein the coating unit and the transport unit are disposed at positions where the tape reel on the winding section can enter from different radial positions. . A cutting unit for cutting the leader tape and a leader block mounting unit for fixing the leader block to the cutting end of the leader tape are arranged around the tape reel on the winding unit. The winding device of the leader tape for magnetic tape cartridges of Claim 6. The transfer unit for transferring the cut end of the leader tape from the cutting unit to the leader block mounting unit is provided to be rotatable around the winding portion. Leader tape winding device for magnetic tape cartridges. A chamber unit for applying a tape tension to the leader tape;
The apparatus for winding a leader tape for a magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the chamber unit includes means for detecting a winding length of the leader tape with respect to the tape reel and adjusting a tape tension.

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