JPH02260218A - Tracking control device for magnetic recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain highly accurate and large capacity magnetic recording and reproducing by executing feedback control so that both the outputs of a pair of light receiving elements corresponding to prescribed tracks satisfy fixed relation. CONSTITUTION:The light receiving elements Da1 to Da6 on the one end part side light receiving element group 5 and the light receiving elements Db1 to Db6 on the other end part side light receiving element group 6 have individually corresponding relation and each pair of corresponding light receiving elements has the corresponding relation with a prescribed corresponding track out of tracks T1 to Tn. The elements Da1 to Da6 of the group 5 and the elements Db1 to Dbn of the group 6 are arranged so that outputs from a pair of light receiving elements corresponding to an optional track position out of the tracks T1 to Tn have the fixed relation when a magnetic head is moved to the optional track T. Thereby, a head driving means executes feedback control so that the outputs from the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to the prescribed track T satisfy the fixed relation by incident light from a light emitting means 8 through both the end parts of the magnetic tape 1 in the width direction when the magnetic head of a combination head 3 is moved to the prescribed track position T. Consequently, highly accurate and large capacity magnetic recording and reproducing can be attained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a tracking control device used in a multi-track magnetic recording/reproducing device that uses magnetic tape as a recording medium. The present invention relates to a tracking control device for a magnetic recording and reproducing device that performs high-density and large-capacity recording and reproducing.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, magnetic recording and reproducing devices used as audio devices, except for those equipped with a rotating head, usually have a configuration in which the number of tracks and the number of heads are equal. The number of tracks mentioned above refers to the total number of data tracks formed parallel to the tape running direction, and the number of heads refers to the total number of data tracks formed in parallel to the tape running direction, and the number of heads refers to the total number of data tracks formed in parallel to the tape running direction. This refers to the number of magnetic heads, and the same applies hereinafter. The magnetic recording/reproducing device described above is equipped with a tape head relative position regulating means for regulating the relative position between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head, and is composed of a pair of flanges that guide the upper and lower ends of the magnetic tape. The most common method is to provide a guide post or the like on the tape running path.

On the other hand, multi-track magnetic recording and reproducing devices, which are backup storage devices for information processing systems and are generally called cassette streamers, use a recording method called the serpentine method, which has a configuration where the number of heads is smaller than the number of recording tracks. ing. The serpentine system is equipped with at least two sets of recording and reproducing heads, one for the forward direction of the tape and one for the reverse direction, and each recording and reproducing head can correspond to multiple tracks. When recording information on a tape, information is not recorded on multiple tracks at the same time, but the magnetic tape is run in the forward and reverse directions and recorded one track at a time sequentially. During this operation, tracks are switched by moving the two sets of magnetic heads in the tape width direction, and the magnetic heads are positioned at desired track positions. As this head/tape relative position regulating means, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-183
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 019, in addition to the above-mentioned regulation using flanges, a head positioning technique using open loop control using a stepping motor is known.

Furthermore, in recent years, with the development of thin-film magnetic heads, combination heads with a large number of heads have been developed, and multi-track magnetic recording/reproducing devices can now be made even more dense. Such an apparatus can perform recording with a narrow track width, and the allowable off-track amount is also small.

Therefore, the tape head relative position regulating means includes, in addition to the aforementioned flange regulating structure, means for detecting the relative position of the magnetic head and the magnetic tape or track, and head driving means for moving the magnetic head in the tape width direction. Therefore, a configuration is adopted in which the magnetic head is controlled to follow the waving of the magnetic tape.

An example of such a device is a fixed radio digital audio recorder with an equal number of heads and tracks. In this device, for example, the Confucian wave layer EA83-5
6. Confucian wave layer EA81-64 and sharp wave layer 198
4-28, a servo-dedicated track recorded on a magnetic tape is traced by two playback heads arranged in parallel in the tape width direction, and the playback outputs are compared and follow-up control is performed. In this way, the relative position between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape is regulated.

Another example of tape head relative position regulating means is a configuration that optically or magnetically detects the relative position between the magnetic tape end and the magnetic head in a magnetic recording/reproducing device in which the number of heads and the number of tracks are equal. , Special Public Service 1986-1964
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 811.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the tape head relative position regulating means using a guide post having a flange, the vertical movement of the magnetic tape is prevented by bringing the upper and lower ends of the magnetic tape into contact with the flanges of the guide post. When a magnetic tape with a width wider than the distance travels, mechanical stress is applied to the top and bottom ends of the magnetic tape.
There is a risk of damaging the upper and lower ends. Therefore, with the above-described restriction means, the restriction width is limited to about several tens of micrometers because damage to the ends of the magnetic tape must be avoided. Therefore, in a high-density magnetic recording/reproducing device in which the allowable off-track amount is about ten to several tens of micrometers, it is not sufficient to restrict the fluctuation of the magnetic tape using the flanges mentioned above.

Next, in conventional multi-track magnetic recording and reproducing devices such as fixed-radial digital audio tape recorders, the track pitch was approximately several hundred micrometers, so by adopting a thin film head, recording that corresponds to multiple tracks of magnetic tape is possible. It was possible to construct a combination head in which a playback head and a playback head were integrated.

However, when increasing the recording density, it is possible to narrow the track width by narrowing the gap width of the magnetic head, but there is a limit to the integration of thin film heads, so it is difficult to reduce the track pitch beyond a certain point. cannot be made smaller.

Furthermore, increasing the number of heads leads to an increase in circuit scale, leading to an increase in costs. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a high-density magnetic recording/reproducing device with a track pitch of several tens of micrometers and a number of tracks ranging from several tens to several hundred with a configuration in which the number of heads and the number of tracks are equal.

Next, multi-track magnetic recording and reproducing devices such as those found in serpentine cassette streamers have a structure in which a small number of magnetic heads move in the width direction of the tape to record and play back to many tracks, so the track pitch is small. Therefore, even if the number of tracks increases, it is possible to cope with the increase by moving the magnetic head many times. Therefore, there is no obstacle to the integration of thin film heads.

However, for example, when the track pitch is several tens of micrometers, the track width is naturally also several tens of micrometers, and the allowable off-track amount is also about ten to several micrometers. In this case, the tape head relative position regulating means using the flanges and the stamping motor open loop control cannot cope with the above-mentioned allowable off-track amount.

Therefore, it is conceivable to perform tracking control by feedback control using a relative position sensor between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape and a head driving means to solve the problem of the above-mentioned allowable off-track amount.

However, in a configuration with a large number of tracks (with a small number of heads), movement of several hundred μm to several cylinders is required during track switching operation, and tracking control requires a relative position sensor with a resolution of several μm.

For this reason, feedback servo based on tape edge detection, such as that employed in the above-mentioned fixed digital audio tape recorder, requires a sensor dynamic range of approximately 60 dB, which is difficult to implement in terms of cost and accuracy.

In addition, in order to perform tracking control using servo tracks, a large number of servo tracks are required, and recording to the servo trunk becomes a problem, so this method also supports higher density recording. It is something that cannot be done.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above problem, a tracking control device for a magnetic recording and reproducing device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a combination head having a magnetic head whose number is smaller than the number of tracks of a magnetic tape, , a head drive means for moving the magnetic tape in the width direction of a magnetic tape in which a number of tracks are formed parallel to the tape running direction, and the combination head is moved by the head drive means to perform a plurality of track switching operations. In a magnetic recording/reproducing device that performs recording or reproduction on all tracks, the combination head has a number of light-receiving elements equal to the number of tracks of the magnetic tape corresponding to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head. The light receiving elements of the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements of the other end side light receiving element group have a corresponding relationship with each other in the tape width direction. The corresponding pairs of light-receiving elements have a corresponding relationship with a predetermined track of the magnetic tape, and the light-receiving elements of one end-side light-receiving element group and the light-receiving elements of the other end-side light-receiving element group The element is provided so that when the magnetic head moves to an arbitrary track position, the outputs of a pair of light-receiving elements corresponding to this track have a certain relationship with each other. A light emitting means is provided at a position facing the light receiving element through the tape, and the head driving means emits light through both ends in the tape width direction when the magnetic head of the combination head is moved to a predetermined track position. It is characterized in that feedback control is performed using the incident light from the means so that the outputs of the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to the predetermined track satisfy a certain relationship.

In order to solve the above problem, a tracking control device for a magnetic recording and reproducing device according to the invention of claim 2 includes a combination head having a magnetic head whose number is smaller than the number of tracks of a magnetic tape, and a combination head having a magnetic head whose number is smaller than the number of tracks of a magnetic tape. , head driving means for moving the magnetic tape in the width direction of a magnetic tape in which a plurality of tracks are respectively formed parallel to the tape running direction, and a combination head is moved by the head driving means to perform a plurality of track switching operations. In a magnetic recording/reproducing device that performs recording or reproduction on all tracks, a slit plate is integrally provided with the above-mentioned combination head, and this slit plate has a magnetic tape that corresponds to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head. A number of windows equal to the number of tracks are formed on one end side and the other end side in the tape width direction,
On the opposite side of the slit plate from the magnetic tape side, light receiving elements corresponding to the above-mentioned good intentions are fixed separately from the combination head, and the windows of the window group on one end side of the slit plate and the other end thereof are fixed. The windows of the side window group are arranged in parallel in the tape width direction with individual correspondence, and each pair of these corresponding windows has a correspondence with a predetermined track of the magnetic tape, and one end The windows in the end side window group and the windows in the other end side window group are such that when the magnetic head moves to an arbitrary track position, the window passes through a pair of windows corresponding to that track and both ends in the tape width direction. The outputs of the light-receiving elements due to the incident light are provided in a certain relationship, and light-emitting means are provided at both ends of the magnetic tape in the width direction and at positions facing the light-receiving elements via the slit plate. When the magnetic head of the combination head is moved to a predetermined track position, the driving means generates light emitted from the light emitting means through the pair of windows corresponding to the predetermined track and both end portions in the tape width direction. , so that the outputs of the side windows and the corresponding light receiving elements satisfy a certain relationship,
It is characterized by performing feedback control.

[For production]

According to the structure of claim 1, for example, when reproducing a predetermined track of a magnetic tape, the combination head is driven by the head driving means, and the predetermined magnetic head of the combination head plays a predetermined track of the magnetic tape. Move to position. Along with this, a plurality of light receiving elements provided integrally with the combination head also move simultaneously.

Due to this movement, the outputs of the pair of light receiving elements of the one end side light receiving element group and the other end side light receiving element group corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined track are received by the light receiving surface being blocked by both ends in the width direction of the magnetic tape. The amount changes.

Here, the light receiving elements of the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements of the other end side light receiving element group have a corresponding relationship, and
Each pair of corresponding light receiving elements has a corresponding relationship with a predetermined track on the magnetic tape. Furthermore, when the magnetic head moves to an arbitrary track position, the outputs of the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to this track are the same as the light receiving elements of the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements of the other end side light receiving element group. are provided so that they have a certain relationship. Therefore, when the head driving means moves the magnetic head of the combination head to a predetermined track position, the head driving means uses the incident light from the light emitting means through both ends of the magnetic tape in the width direction.
Feedback control is performed so that the outputs of the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to the predetermined track satisfy a certain relationship.

As a result, the relative positions of the magnetic head and the track are tracked and each relative position between the two is maintained at an accurate position.

With the above configuration, it is possible to perform track following control of several micrometers and track switching operation of several hundred micrometers to several cylinders with a single head drive means, and the track pitch is several tens of micrometers and the number of tracks can be controlled. It is possible to realize high-precision, large-capacity magnetic recording and reproducing in which the magnetic field is in the order of tens to hundreds.

Note that there is no problem with the positioning accuracy of each light receiving element because these light receiving elements are manufactured using semiconductor technology, and a highly accurate position sensor can be obtained.

According to the structure of claim 2, when a predetermined track of a magnetic tape is reproduced, when the combination head is driven and the predetermined magnetic head moves to a predetermined trunk position, the combination head and the The slit plate provided in the is also moved at the same time. Due to this movement, the plurality of windows formed in the slit plate also move, and the light receiving corresponding to these windows is transmitted through the pair of windows of one end side window group and the other end side window group corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined track. Light enters the element.

Here, the windows of one end side window group and the windows of the other end side window group have an individual correspondence relationship, and each corresponding pair of windows has a correspondence relationship with a predetermined track of the magnetic tape. There is. Furthermore, the windows in one end side window group and the windows in the other end side window group refer to a pair of windows corresponding to the track and both ends in the tape width direction when the magnetic head moves to a desired track position. The outputs of the light-receiving elements due to the light incident through the sides have a certain relationship. Therefore, when the head driving means moves the combination magnetic head to a predetermined track position, the light emitting means emit light from the light emitting means through the pair of windows corresponding to the predetermined track and both end sides in the tape width direction. Feedback control is performed so that the outputs of the light receiving elements corresponding to the side windows satisfy a certain relationship based on the incident light. As a result, the relative positions of the magnetic head and the track are tracked and each relative position between the two is maintained at an accurate position.

With the above configuration, it is possible to realize high-precision, large-capacity magnetic recording and reproducing similar to the above-described magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus.

Note that there is no problem with the positioning accuracy of the plurality of windows in the slit plate because these windows are manufactured by etching technology, and a highly accurate position sensor can be obtained.

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

This magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus uses a serpentine method in which recording and reproducing are performed using fewer magnetic heads than the number of tracks on a magnetic tape. First, an outline of the method will be explained with reference to FIG. In the figure, the running direction of the magnetic tape 21 is X, and the width direction of the magnetic tape 21 is Y. magnetic tape 2
1, a track group 22 is formed, and this track group 22
is 16 tracks T with equal pitch a in the X direction, '%=
T.

have. A combination head 23 having four recording heads W+"'W4" and a reproducing head Rl"Ra is disposed for each of the track groups 22. The recording heads W1 to W4 are arranged at equal pitches. b (b=4a) and are arranged in parallel in the X direction, and each reproducing head R1 to R4 forms a pair with a corresponding recording head W1 to W4 and is arranged in parallel in the X direction or -X direction.

These pairs of recording heads W1 to W4 and reproduction head R1
-R4 are arranged alternately in a state where they are replaced at each arrangement position in the X direction.

During a recording or reproducing operation, the combination head 23 is first driven to the position shown in FIG. That is, the centers of the recording head WI and the reproducing head R coincide with the center of the track T1, and similarly, the centers of the recording head W2, the reproducing head R2, and the track T, the recording head W, the reproducing head R3, and the track T coincide with each other. , and the centers of the recording head W4, the reproducing head R4, and the track Tlff coincide with each other. Next, while maintaining this relative position, in the case of recording, the magnetic tape 21 is run in the X direction, and tracks T and T are simultaneously recorded by the recording heads W1 and W3.

After recording to the end of the tape, the magnetic tape 21 is run in the -X direction, and the nodes W2 and W are moved to recording.
4, tracks T and TI3 are simultaneously recorded. After recording to the end of the tape, the combination head 23 is moved in the -Y direction by a distance, and the center of the throat WI and playback head R1 is set at the track T2.
Place it so that it coincides with the center of the While maintaining this relative position, the magnetic tape 21 is again run in the
Record to ゜. After recording to the tape end, the magnetic tape 21 is run in the -X direction, and the recording heads W2 and W4 record tracks T6 and T14.
record. Similarly, all tracks T1
Recording is performed for ~T16. In the above example, since the number of tracks is 16 and the number of reproducing heads and recording heads is 4 each, the relative positions between the magnetic tape 21 and the combination throat 23 are 4 positions.

Next, a tracking control device for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The magnetic recording/reproducing device is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 (a) and (b).
As shown in FIG. 2, a combination head 3 for recording and reproducing information on a magnetic tape 1 is provided, and a light-receiving element holding member 4 is integrally provided on this combination head 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic tape 1 described above has 48 tracks T1 to 'I' formed at equal pitches in the X direction.
It has a track group 2 consisting of 4a.

In this embodiment, the width C of the magnetic tape 1 is 1/41n.
ch, the track pitch is set to 120 μm.

This waving of the magnetic tape 1 is ± of the magnetic tape 1.
±
It is suppressed to 50 μm.

The combination head 3 includes eight recording heads W1 to W8 and reproduction throats R1 to R1, which are integrally formed. Each recording head W1 to W8 has 720
Each reproducing head RI-R is arranged in parallel in the X direction at a μm pitch.
The recording heads a are arranged in pairs with the corresponding recording heads W, -W8 in the X direction or in the -X direction. These pairs of recording heads W1 to W8 and reproduction heads R9 to R6 are arranged alternately at each arrangement position in the Y direction. In such a combination head 3, when the magnetic tape 1 is running in the X direction, the four recording heads W, -W, ・W, ・W7 perform recording.
When the magnetic tape 1 is running in the -X direction, 4
The configuration is such that recording is performed using recording heads W2, W4, W6, and W8. Furthermore, each time the magnetic tape 1 makes one reciprocation, the combination head 3 is driven in the -Y force direction.
By taking six positions relative to the magnetic tape 1,
Recording and reproduction can be performed on all 48 tracks TI-'T48. Further, the light receiving element holding member 4 has six light receiving elements Da, .

A light-receiving element group 5 as one end-side light-receiving element group is provided, and similarly, in a portion corresponding to the -Y direction end portion,
A light receiving element group 6 is provided as the other end side light receiving element group consisting of six light receiving elements Db and -Db6. The six light-receiving elements of the light-receiving element groups 5 and 6 correspond to the track T I-T in the range in which, for example, a pair of recording head WI and reproducing head R of the combination head 3 can move.
It corresponds to the bO number. Light receiving element Da, ~Da6 ・D
b.

~Db, the output level per unit light receiving area is the same, and the light receiving element holding member 4 is the combination head 3.
Since it is provided integrally with the combination, it moves along with the movement of the rad 3 in the ±Y force direction. Light-receiving element Datsuta~Da6 ・Db, ~Db,
The light-receiving surfaces of are each formed to have a width e in the Y direction that can accommodate the waving of the magnetic tape 1, and a width f in the X direction that is appropriate for obtaining a sufficient output. ° In this example, the above width e is 100 μm
is set to . Light receiving element Da, xDa6・Db1~
In Db6, the light receiving elements Da, -Db are provided on the end side in the -Y direction, and the light receiving elements Daz~Da&・Db2~Db&
is the same pitch d() as the track pitch of the magnetic tape 1.
d=120 μm) and are provided in one row in the +Y force direction. Further, the light receiving element Da and the light receiving element Db are arranged at positions shifted in the Y direction by 174 inches, which is the width of the magnetic tape 1, and the combination head 3, for example, the recording head WI and the reproducing head RI, Truck T3
In this position, the center of the light receiving element Da, -1) bl is arranged at a position that coincides with the edge of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±Y force direction.

The above light receiving element Da+ "'Dab ・Db+ ~D
b6 is connected to a head drive means (not shown).

When moving the combination head 3 to each relative position between the recording head W+"Wa, the reproducing heads R1 to R8, and the track TI"-'T48, the head driving means moves the light receiving elements Da+"-Da, . . . Db, -
The combination head 3 is driven in the ±Y force direction of the magnetic tape 1 by feedback control, and the relative position between the magnetic tape 1 and the combination head 3 is adjusted so that the difference in output between the corresponding light receiving elements with respect to Db6 becomes zero. It is configured to be held at a predetermined constant position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2(a), a sufficient amount of light is received at the portions of the magnetic tape 1 facing the above-mentioned light receiving element groups 5 and 6 through the ends in the ±Y direction. Element group 5・
Light emitting means 8, 8 capable of emitting light in six directions are provided.

In the above configuration, for example, during a reproducing operation of a magnetic recording/reproducing device, the tracks T, ・T13・T25・
When reproducing all the tracks T1 to T48 starting with T37, the combination head 3 is driven by the head driving means, and the combination head 3 is driven by the head driving means to reproduce the reproduction head R3 and track TI, the reproduction head R3 and track TI3, the reproduction head R3 and track T23, and the reproduction head R3 and track TI3. The head R7 and the track T37 move to their corresponding positions relative to the magnetic tape 1. At this time, the head driving means controls the light receiving element Da by feedback control.

The combination head 3 is moved so that the difference between the output of the light-receiving element Db and the output of the light-receiving element Db becomes zero, and the combination head 3 is caused to follow the waving of the magnetic tape 1, thereby adjusting the relative position between the magnetic tape 1 and the combination head 3. The combination head 3 is driven so that the position is held constant. Therefore, the relative position between the combination head 3 and the Gtl tape 1 is maintained at an accurate position. In this state, when the magnetic tape 1 is run in the X direction, the tracks T I' T T3, 'r'zs, and T37 are reproduced by the reproducing heads R1, R3, R5, and R1. When the reproduction to the end of the magnetic tape 1 is completed, the magnetic tape 1 is then run in the -X direction, and the reproduction heads R2, R1, R4, and R6 play back the tracks T, T19, T31-T43. be exposed.

When one round-trip reproduction is completed in this way, the combination head 3 is moved by the head driving means to the reproduction head R, track Tz1, reproduction head R3, and track TI4.
, the reproducing head R6 and the track T26, and the reproducing head R1 and the tracks T and 8 are moved to their respective relative positions with respect to the magnetic tape 1.

At this time, the head driving means controls the output of the light receiving element Da and the light receiving element Db by feedback control.

The combination head 3 is moved so that the difference between the output E and the output E becomes zero. In this state, when the magnetic tape 1 is run in the X direction, the reproducing heads R, -R3, R3,
Track T2 ・TI 4・Tt&・73 by R1
B is played back. After that, the magnetic tape 1 is run in the -X direction to track T8, TZO, T3□, T44.
is played.

Similarly, track T3・'rts・T2.・T3
9 and track T, ・T2. - When reproducing T33 and T4S, the light receiving element Da= -Output difference of Db3, track T4'T+b'Tza' When reproducing tracks T, -T, -T34 and T46, the light receiving element Da.

・Db4 output difference, track T, ・'r'+t・TZ9
-T4+ and track Tll -T23/T3.・T
When reproducing 47, the output difference between the light receiving elements Da, Db,
Track T6 ・TlB・T,.・When reproducing T4□ and trunk T, 2, T24, T, 6, T'as, the output is transferred to the combination after one round trip at each track position so that the output difference between the light receiving elements Dab and Db becomes zero. By moving the RAD 3, track switching operations and track following operations are performed, and reproduction of all tracks T and -%-T4B is completed. The above operation is similar to the recording operation.

Note that the output of light-receiving elements such as photodiodes and light-emitting means such as light-emitting diodes generally tends to fluctuate due to the influence of ambient temperature, but in this tracking control device, the output difference between two predetermined light-receiving elements is taken and the output is calculated. Since the configuration is such that control is performed so that the difference is zero, stable position control can be performed without being affected by temperature.

[Example 2] Another example of the present invention will be described below based on FIGS. 4 and 5. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted.

The magnetic recording/reproducing device is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 (a) and (b).
As shown in FIG. 2, a combination head 3 for recording and reproducing information on a magnetic tape 1 is provided, and a slit plate 7 is integrally provided on this combination head 3. The configurations of the magnetic tape 1 and combination head 3 are the same as in the first embodiment. The waving of the magnetic tape 1 is suppressed to ±50 μm by flanges (not shown) that restrict the ends of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±Y direction.

Separately from the combination head 3 and the slit plate 7, on the side opposite to the magnetic tape 1 side of the slit plate 7,
A light receiving element holding member 4 is fixedly provided.

This light-receiving element holding member 4 has six light-receiving elements D at positions corresponding to the ends of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±Y direction.
i,=Di, · Light receiving element groups 9 and 10 consisting of Dj+ to Djb are provided. Light receiving elements Di, ~Di
, ・Dj+ to Djb have light receiving elements Di, ・Dj+ provided at the ends in the +X direction, and are sequentially arranged in a row in the −X direction at a pitch g, and the center of each Y direction is at ± of the magnetic tape 1. It coincides with the edge in the Y force direction. These light receiving elements Di
, ~Di6 ・Dj+ ~Dj6 is ±Y of magnetic tape 1
Direction end side and condition Si, xSi6 ・Sj+ described later
The light passing through Sjb is individually received. Light receiving elements Di1 to Di6, Dj, to Dj
The width Pv in the X direction of the light receiving surface of a is the window Si1 to Sib
The width e in the X direction of −3jl to S L is set to be wider than the width e in the X direction, and the width l in the X direction is set to an appropriate width narrower than the above pitch g. In addition, the light receiving elements Di+ to Di6 ・D j
+ to D j b have the same output level per unit light-receiving area.

The slit plate 7 has six windows St and xSt at positions corresponding to the light receiving elements Di1 to Di6.

A window group 11 as one end side window group is formed, and a window group 11 as the other end side window group consisting of six windows Sj+""Sj6 is similarly formed at a portion corresponding to the light receiving element Dj+-Djb. 12 are formed. The number of these six windows corresponds to, for example, a pair of recording heads W of the combination head 3.
, and the track T within the range in which the playback head R1 can move.
It corresponds to the numbers 1 to T6. Window St,~Si6・S
Since the slit plate 7 is provided integrally with the combination head 3, the elements j+ to Sj6 move as the combination head 3 moves in the ±YX directions. Goodwill Si, xSi.

・Sj+ to Sjb are respectively widths e (e=100
μm), and the width in the X direction is the light receiving element Di, -yD
The width f is set to an appropriate value that allows sufficient output to be obtained from i, ·D j + to Dj. Window Si, ~S
t, ・Sj+~Sja is window Si1 ・Sjl is +
Provided on the end side in the X direction and the end side in the -Y direction, a window St,
〜St, ・Sjz〜S J b are respectively +Y
The same pitch d as the track pitch of the X-direction magnetic tape 1
(d=120 μm), and are sequentially arranged in parallel at a pitch g in the −X direction. Furthermore, the light receiving element D i 1 =D
i b and the light receiving elements Dj1 to Dj6 are arranged at positions shifted in the X direction by 1/4 inch corresponding to the width of the magnetic tape 1. Further, in this embodiment, when the recording head W1 and the reproducing head R1 of the combination head 3 are at the track T1 position, the windows Si+ and Sj
The centers of the magnetic tapes 1 in the X direction are set to coincide with the center positions of the light receiving elements Di1 and Dj+, that is, with the edges of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±Y direction.

The above light receiving element D i+ −D ib −D L −
D ja is connected to a head driving means (not shown).

When the combination head 3 is moved to each relative position between the recording heads W, -W, and the reproducing heads Ri to R8 and the track 'r+' -T4B, the light receiving element Di+ -Di6 and the light receiving element Element D j
Feedback ff1lJ is applied so that the difference in output between a pair of light receiving elements corresponding to + to D jb becomes zero.
'<By wholesaler, combination head 3 and magnetic tape 1
The magnetic tape 1 and the combination head 3 are driven in the ±YX directions to maintain the relative position between the magnetic tape 1 and the combination head 3 at a predetermined constant position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5(a), a sufficient amount of light is provided at the ends of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±Y direction and at the portions facing the above-mentioned light receiving element groups 9 and 10 via the slit plate 7. light emitting means 8 capable of emitting light in the direction of the light receiving element groups 9 and 10;
・8 is provided.

In the above configuration, for example, during the reproducing operation of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, the tracks T, -T, .Tz5, T37
When reproducing all the tracks T to T4B starting with , the combination head 3 is driven by the head driving means to reproduce the reproduction head R1 and track TI, the reproduction head R3 and track T13, and the reproduction head R2 and track 'T'.
"25. The reproducing head R1 and the track T3ff move to their corresponding positions relative to the magnetic tape 1. At this time, the head driving means moves the windows Si and Sj+ of the slit plate 7 and the magnetic tape by feedback control. ± of 1
The output difference between the light receiving element Di and the light receiving element D j + due to the incident light from the light emitting means 8 through the end side in the Y direction is calculated, and the combination head 3 is adjusted so that this output difference becomes zero. drive Therefore, the combination head 3 moves following the waving of the magnetic tape 1,
The relative positions of both are maintained at accurate positions. In this state, when the magnetic tape 1 is run in the X direction, the track T is
When I -T13・TzS・T ff7 is reproduced and the magnetic tape 1 is run in the -X direction, the reproduction head R2
・Track T by R4・R6Ra, ・T19・T31
- 'I'41 is played back.

When one round-trip playback is completed in this way, tracks T2, T14, T2, .・T38 and track T8 ・T2゜・T3□・T When playing back T44,
Window St2 - Output difference of the light receiving elements Diz and Djz due to incident light through the window Sjz and the end side in the ±YY direction of the magnetic tape 1, track T3 - TIS and TZ? When reproducing ・T39 and trunk T, ・Tz+・T33・T4S, the light receiving element Di,
・Output difference of D j 3, track T4 ・'r+i
.

・Tzs・T4゜and track T,.・T2□・T3
4. When reproducing T46, the output difference between the light receiving element Di4 and D J a due to the incident light through the window Sia and the window Sj4 and the end side of the magnetic tape 1 in the Y direction, and the track T
5 ・TIT・TtQ・Ta l and track T1
1・TZ3・T3t,・When playing T47, window St,
・Output difference of the light receiving elements Di, ・D j s due to the incident light through the window Sjs and the end side in the ±Y direction of the magnetic tape 1, the track T, ・T18・T,. - When playing T42 and tracks T1□, T24, T36, and T''4s, the window Si.

・By moving the combination head 3 so that the output difference of the light receiving element Di6 ・Djb by the incident light through the window SJb and the end side of the magnetic tape 1 in the ±YY direction becomes zero, the track Switching operation and track following operation are performed, and all tracks T1 to T
Regeneration of 4a is completed. The above operation is similar to the recording operation.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the slit plate 7 moves integrally with the throat 3 to the combination.
Compared to the configuration of the first embodiment, the weight of the moving section can be reduced.

Further, like the configuration of the first embodiment, stable position control can be performed without being affected by temperature.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the tracking control device for a magnetic recording and reproducing device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a combination head having a smaller number of magnetic heads than the number of tracks of a magnetic tape, and a combination head that has a plurality of tracks. is provided with a head drive means for moving the magnetic tape in the width direction of the magnetic tape formed parallel to the tape running direction, and by multiple track switching operations by moving the combination head by the head drive means, all tracks are In a magnetic recording/reproducing device that performs recording or reproducing, the combination head has a number of light receiving elements equal to the number of tracks of the magnetic tape corresponding to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head on one end side in the tape width direction. and the other end, and the light receiving elements of the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements of the other end side light receiving element group are arranged in parallel in the tape width direction with individual correspondence. In addition, each of these corresponding pairs of light receiving elements has a corresponding relationship with a predetermined tiger shift of the magnetic tape,
In addition, when the magnetic head moves to an arbitrary track position, the outputs of the light receiving elements in the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements in the other end side light receiving element group correspond to each other. A light emitting means is provided at a position opposite to the light receiving element through both end sides in the width direction of the magnetic tape, and the head driving means moves the magnetic head of the combination head to a predetermined track. When the tape is moved to the desired position, the outputs of the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to the predetermined track satisfy a certain relationship by the incident light from the light emitting means through both ends in the tape width direction. , and is configured to perform feedback control.

Therefore, it has a low-cost configuration and is not affected by fluctuations in relative position detection output due to temperature changes.
It becomes possible to detect each relative position between the magnetic tape and the combination head with high accuracy, and highly accurate tracking control is possible. Therefore, it is possible to realize high-precision, large-capacity magnetic recording and reproduction.

As described above, the tracking control device for a magnetic recording and reproducing device according to the invention of claim 2 includes a combination head having a smaller number of magnetic heads than the number of tracks of a magnetic tape, and a combination head that is connected to a plurality of tracks. is provided with a head drive means for moving the magnetic tape in the width direction of the magnetic tape formed parallel to the tape running direction, and by multiple track switching operations by moving the combination head by the head drive means, all tracks are In a magnetic recording/reproducing device that performs recording or reproducing, the above-mentioned combination head is integrally provided with a slit plate, and this slit plate has a number of tracks equal to the number of tracks on the magnetic tape corresponding to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head. A number of windows are formed on one end side and the other end side in the tape width direction, and on the side of the slit plate opposite to the magnetic tape side, a light receiving element corresponding to the above-mentioned good intentions is installed separately from the combination head. The windows of the one end side window group and the windows of the other end side window group of the slit plate are arranged in parallel in the tape width direction with individual correspondence, and these correspondences are Each pair of windows corresponds to a predetermined track on the magnetic tape, and the windows in one end side window group and the windows in the other end side window group are used to detect when the magnetic head has moved to an arbitrary track position. Sometimes, a pair of windows corresponding to the track and the outputs of the light-receiving element due to the light incident through both ends of the tape in the width direction have a certain relationship with each other, and both ends of the magnetic tape in the width direction are A light emitting means is provided at a position facing the light receiving element through the side and the slit plate, and the head driving means is arranged to correspond to the predetermined track when the magnetic head of the combination head is moved to a predetermined track position. A configuration in which feedback control is performed so that the outputs of the light receiving elements corresponding to the side windows satisfy a certain relationship by the incident light from the light emitting means through the pair of windows and both ends in the tape width direction. It becomes.

Therefore, the same effect as the structure of claim 1 can be obtained, and the structure in which the combination head and the slit plate move together allows the moving part to be This has the advantage that it is possible to realize high-precision, large-capacity magnetic recording and reproducing with reduced weight.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 3 show one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the positional relationship between a magnetic tape, a combination head, and a light receiving element. FIG. 2(a) is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the magnetic tape, the combination head, and the light receiving element holding member. FIG. 2(b) shows the same front view. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a magnetic tape and a combination head used to explain the recording and reproducing method of the present magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus. 4 and 5 show other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the positional relationship among the magnetic tape, the combination head, the light-receiving element, and the dots formed on the slit plate. FIG. 5(a) is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship among the magnetic tape, the combination head, the light receiving element holding member, and the slit plate. FIG. 5(b) shows the same front view. 1 is a magnetic tape, 2 is a track group, 3 is a combination head, 4 is a light receiving element holding member, 5 is a light receiving element group (one end side light receiving element group), 6 is a light receiving element group (other end side light receiving element group) , 7 is a slit plate, 8 is a light emitting means, 11 is a window group (
one end side window group), 12 is a window group (other end side window group), Da,
~Da6 ・Db, ~Db, ・Di1~Di6 ・
Dj+ to Dj6 are light receiving elements, Si, =Si, ・Sj
+~Sj6 is window, TI %T4B is truck, W, ~W
8 is a recording head, and R and -R are playback heads. Patent applicant Sharp Corporation Figure (a)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A combination head having a smaller number of magnetic heads than the number of tracks on a magnetic tape, and a combination head in the width direction of a magnetic tape in which a plurality of tracks are formed parallel to the tape running direction. In a magnetic recording/reproducing device, the magnetic recording/reproducing device is equipped with a head driving means for moving the combination head, and performs recording or reproduction on all tracks by multiple track switching operations by moving the combination head by the head driving means. The head is provided with a number of light receiving elements equal to the number of tracks of the magnetic tape corresponding to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head on one end side and the other end side in the tape width direction, and these one end side light receiving elements The light-receiving elements of the group and the light-receiving elements of the other-end side light-receiving element group are arranged in parallel in the tape width direction with individual correspondence, and each pair of these corresponding light-receiving elements is arranged in a predetermined position on the magnetic tape. The light receiving elements in the one end side light receiving element group and the light receiving elements in the other end side light receiving element group have a correspondence relationship with the track, and when the magnetic head moves to an arbitrary track position,
The outputs of the pair of light receiving elements corresponding to this track are provided so as to have a certain relationship with each other, and a light emitting means is provided at a position facing the light receiving element across both ends of the magnetic tape in the width direction. When the magnetic head of the combination head is moved to a predetermined track position, the driving means generates a pair of light-receiving units corresponding to the predetermined track by the incident light from the light emitting means via both ends in the tape width direction. A tracking control device for a magnetic recording/reproducing device, characterized in that it performs feedback control so that the outputs of the elements satisfy a certain relationship. 2. A combination head having a smaller number of magnetic heads than the number of tracks on the magnetic tape, and a head drive means for moving this combination head in the width direction of a magnetic tape on which a plurality of tracks are formed parallel to the tape running direction. In a magnetic recording/reproducing device which performs recording or reproduction on all tracks by multiple track switching operations by moving the combination head using a head driving means, the above-mentioned combination head has a slit plate. The slit plate is integrally provided with a number of windows equal to the number of tracks of the magnetic tape corresponding to a predetermined magnetic head of the combination head, formed on one end side and the other end side in the tape width direction, On the opposite side of the slit plate from the magnetic tape side, light receiving elements individually corresponding to each of the above windows are fixed separately from the combination head, and the windows of the above one end side window group and the other end of the slit plate The windows of the side window group are arranged in parallel in the tape width direction in a corresponding relationship with each other, and each pair of these corresponding windows has a corresponding relationship with a predetermined track of the magnetic tape, and The windows in one end side window group and the windows in the other end side window group mean that when the magnetic head moves to a desired track position, the magnetic head passes through a pair of windows corresponding to that track and both end sides in the tape width direction. light-emitting means are provided so that the outputs of the light-receiving elements due to the light incident thereon have a certain relationship with each other, and light-emitting means are provided at both ends of the magnetic tape in the width direction and at positions facing the light-receiving elements via the slit plate; When the head driving means moves the magnetic head of the combination head to a predetermined track position, the head driving means receives incident light from the light emitting means through a pair of windows corresponding to the predetermined track and both ends in the tape width direction. A tracking control device for a magnetic recording/reproducing device, characterized in that feedback control is performed so that the outputs of the light-receiving elements corresponding to both windows satisfy a certain relationship.