WO2001020606A1

WO2001020606A1 - Method and device for stabilizing magnetic tape conveying and magnetic tape processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2001020606A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/006356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Minoru Araki; Hirokazu Ishii; Hisashi Suzuki
Original assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-09-16
Filing date: 2000-09-18
Publication date: 2001-03-22
Also published as: JP2001084669A

Abstract

A magnetic-tape-conveying stabilizing method and device, for stabilizing magnetic tape conveying by vacuumizing portions in front of and at the back of a magnetic tape support, by bringing the magnetic tape to the support by a magnetic force, and by providing an escaping groove for a tape-carried air layer in a support surface or by removing the carried air layer by a support edge. The method and the device for stabilizing width-direction conveying by urging a curved magnetic tape in its width direction or by using a collared roller, crown roller or concave roller. The method and the device for stabilizing vertical-direction conveying by detecting and correcting the vertical position of the magnetic tape, and by using a roller having a specified rotation accuracy or urging a magnetic-tape-conveying guiding portion to a reference position. Whereby, a magnetic tape processing device can process magnetic tape with a high accuracy by stabilizing magnetic conveying.

Description

Description Magnetic tape transport stabilization method and apparatus, and magnetic tape processing apparatus

The present invention belongs to the technical field of magnetic tapes used for information recording and Z reproduction, and more specifically, in the manufacturing process of a magnetic tape, even if the magnetic tape is transported at a high speed, no slip occurs, and The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, which can prevent damage to the tape and disorder of the winding shape, and preferably can stably transfer the magnetic tape with reduced cupping. The present invention relates to a magnetic tape processing apparatus that produces a magnetic tape that does not cause slippage and has small cutting even when the magnetic tape is transported at a high speed in a tape manufacturing process and the like. Background art

A magnetic tape used for recording and reproducing information basically includes a base layer which is a film such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a magnetic layer formed on one surface of the base layer, For the purpose of improving transport stability and strength, the base layer is composed of a back layer and the like formed on the surface opposite to the magnetic layer. In the manufacturing process of such a magnetic tape, the magnetic tape (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “tape”) is subjected to various processes such as cutting by a slit or cleaning of a surface by a blade while being conveyed in a longitudinal direction. And rolled up in a hub etc. Set as a set and sent to the next process or delivery destination. In recent years, in order to improve productivity, the tape transfer speed in various processes (manufacturing equipment such as blade machines and winders) has been increasing.

In general, the tape is transported by winding a tape around a capstan roller and rotating the capstan roller.

However, when the transport speed of the tape is increased, the tape entrains air (entrained air) in various types of manufacturing equipment such as a blade machine, causing the tape to float with a capstan roller or the like, thereby causing the tape to slip. As a result, normal conveyance may not be possible.

As a result, the tape collides with or improperly contacts the capstan roller, guide roller, blade blade, etc. in various manufacturing equipment, causing the tape or tape edge to be broken, the tape to be worn or peeled off the magnetic layer, etc. Damage will occur and the resulting tape will be unsuitable as a product. Also, the tape manufacturing equipment is equipped with a roller (measurement roller) to measure the length of the tape as necessary. There is also a problem in that an error occurs in the length measurement, and production control cannot be performed properly.

For this reason, it has become difficult to increase the tape transport speed in tape manufacturing so that the required production efficiency can be met satisfactorily.

By the way, in order to improve the suitability for high-speed transport of the tape as described above, it can be improved by adjusting the formulation of the backing layer, etc., but there are limits to the improvement due to various problems in the formulation. is there.

Specifically, by changing the formulation of the back layer of the tape, the characteristics as a magnetic tape May fluctuate and the desired performance may not be obtained. In other words, adjusting the prescription of the back layer and improving the suitability for high-speed transport of the tape while preventing the performance from deteriorating is a very time-consuming task. Disadvantageous in that.

In addition, it is conceivable to eliminate the effect of air entrained in the back layer of the magnetic tape by creating an “escape route” in the back layer of the magnetic tape. When processing such a magnetic tape into the back layer, it is necessary to accurately position the magnetic tape at the processing position.In this case, however, the above-mentioned entrained air has an adverse effect, and the accurate positioning is required. There is a problem that can not be.

Therefore, it is effective to position the magnetic tape in the width direction using, for example, a technique called EPC (edge position control), but in the conventional EPC technology, a web such as a tape is transported. In this case, the so-called steering effect is used by changing the angle of at least one roller, and this method has another problem that the structure is complicated and a large space is required. Resulting in.

As another problem of the magnetic tape, the above-mentioned cutting is known. Cutting is the curl (curvature) of the magnetic tape in the width direction, which is mainly caused by the difference in the shrinkage of the binder used between the magnetic layer and the back layer.

When cutting occurs, the appearance of the magnetic tape as a product deteriorates; the contact of the magnetic tape with the recording head and the reading head becomes poor, which may cause a recording error or a reading error; Damage is likely to occur and durability is reduced; various problems occur. Such cupping can be improved by increasing the thickness of the magnetic layer, thinning the back layer, adjusting the prescription of the magnetic layer or the back layer, and the like. There are limits to improvement due to the various issues mentioned above.

Specifically, the recording density of magnetic tapes has been increasing in recent years. To achieve this, the thickness of the magnetic material layer is becoming thinner and the thickness of the backing layer is reduced. The strength is reduced, causing problems in practical durability. Also, if the prescription of the magnetic layer or the back layer is changed, the characteristics of the magnetic tape may fluctuate, and the desired performance may not be obtained. In other words, adjusting the prescription of the magnetic layer and the back layer while reducing the performance while preventing reduction in power is a very time-consuming task. Disadvantageous in this respect.

As another method, it is conceivable to provide recesses (grooves) in the back layer of the magnetic tape. However, when this method is adopted, in the actual manufacturing process, a laser beam or the like is applied to the back layer of the magnetic tape. Injecting to form recesses (grooves) When processing, in order to maintain processing accuracy, it is necessary to position the magnetic tape to be processed at the focal position of the processing laser beam very accurately. It is.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is that no slip occurs even when a magnetic tape is conveyed at high speed, resulting in damage to the magnetic tape or damage to the magnetic tape. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape and a device therefor, which can prevent the winding form from being disturbed. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a second object of the present invention is that no slip or the like occurs even when a magnetic tape is conveyed at a high speed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape and a device therefor, which can prevent damage to the tape and disorder of the winding shape, and also enable accurate positioning in the width direction of the tape.

More specifically, a second object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape processing apparatus that can be suitably applied to a magnetic tape processing apparatus, has a simple configuration, and can position the magnetic tape in the width direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for chemical conversion and a device therefor. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a third object of the present invention is to irradiate a back layer of a magnetic tape with a laser beam or the like so that a concave portion ( To provide a magnetic tape transport stabilization method and an apparatus for effectively stabilizing a magnetic tape to be processed at a focal position of a processing laser beam very accurately, for example, when performing processing for forming a groove). It is in. A fourth object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. In a magnetic tape manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine or a winder machine, even if the tape transport speed is increased, the capstan An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape processing apparatus capable of producing a magnetic tape having excellent characteristics without causing tape slippage on rollers or the like and having small cutting, with good production efficiency. In order to achieve the first object, a first aspect of the present invention is to remove or remove a magnetic force by removing at least a part of an air layer accompanying the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is transported in a longitudinal direction. By using at least one of them, the lifting of the magnetic tape from the magnetic tape support is prevented, and the conveyance of the magnetic tape is stabilized. And stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape. That is, in the first mode of the present embodiment, at the time of transporting the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, at least the upstream portion of the support of the magnetic tape in the transport direction is set to a negative pressure, and the transport of the magnetic tape is stabilized. It is intended to provide a method for stabilizing the conveyance of a magnetic tape characterized by the above.

In a second mode of the present aspect, when the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, the support of the magnetic tape is formed of a magnetic material, and the magnetic tape is adhered to the support by a magnetic force. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape, characterized by stabilizing the transport of the tape.

Further, in a third mode of the present embodiment, when the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, a relief groove of an air layer accompanying the magnetic tape is provided on the surface of the support of the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape is entrained by the magnetic tape. A method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, comprising stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape by reducing the thickness of an air layer by the grooves.

In a fourth mode of the present aspect, when the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, the support of the magnetic tape has a shape having an edge on the upstream side, and the air layer entrained by the magnetic tape is formed by the edge. And stabilizing the transport of the magnetic tape by providing a method for stabilizing the transport of the magnetic tape. Further, in order to achieve the first object, a first aspect of the present invention is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the magnetic tape from the magnetic tape support is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device characterized by having a floating preventing means for preventing the tape from floating. That is, a first mode of the present embodiment is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, and at least a means for applying a negative pressure to an upstream portion of the magnetic tape support in the transport direction. It is intended to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device characterized by having the following.

Further, a second mode of the present aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the support of the magnetic tape is formed of a magnetic material. Is provided.

A third aspect of the present invention is a transport stabilizing apparatus for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a stabilizing device for evacuating an air layer accompanying the magnetic tape to a surface of a support of the magnetic tape. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device characterized by having grooves.

A fourth mode of the present aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the support of the magnetic tape has a shape having an edge on an upstream side thereof. It is intended to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device. Further, in order to achieve the second object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a method for moving a magnetic tape in a width direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is transported in a longitudinal direction. To stabilize the transport of the magnetic tape by providing a method for stabilizing the transport of the magnetic tape.

That is, in the first mode of the present embodiment, when the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, the magnetic tape is urged in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction while being curved along the traveling direction. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape, characterized by the above feature. Here, the biasing is preferably performed by a magnetic force or a spring force. New

According to a second mode of the present aspect, when the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, the magnetic tape transport guide portion for guiding the magnetic tape is integrally moved in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the magnetic tape. In addition, the present invention provides a method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape, wherein the transport of the magnetic tape is stabilized. Here, it is preferable that the moving amount of the magnetic tape conveyance guide portion is determined based on a detection result of a moving state of the magnetic tape in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the magnetic tape.

Further, a third mode of the second aspect is a transport stabilizing method for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the magnetic tape is transported by a roller transport unit, and the roller transport unit is The present invention provides a method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, characterized in that the positioning is performed by the widthwise transfer stabilizing means of the magnetic tape. Here, the positioning by the width-direction conveyance stabilizing means is based on the width-direction position regulating collar of the roller conveyance means or by a self-correcting function of the roller conveyance means. preferable. Further, it is preferable that the roller conveying means is a crown roller having a large diameter at the center or a concave roller having a small diameter at the center.

In order to achieve the second object, a second aspect of the present invention is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, the transport stabilizing device being orthogonal to a traveling direction of the magnetic tape. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device, comprising a width direction movement adjusting means for adjusting the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction. That is, a first mode of the present embodiment is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a holding device that curves the magnetic tape along a traveling direction thereof. And a biasing means for biasing the magnetic tape locked by the holding means in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the magnetic tape. It is. Here, it is preferable that the urging unit is a unit that urges by a magnetic force or a spring.

Further, a second mode of the present aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a magnetic tape transport guide portion for guiding the magnetic tape is integrally swingable. In addition, the present invention provides a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device, further comprising means for moving the magnetic tape transport guide portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape.

In a preferred embodiment of the present aspect, the magnetic tape transport stabilizing device further includes a magnetic tape position detecting unit, and the movement amount of the magnetic tape transport guide portion is determined by the position of the magnetic tape. It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device characterized in that it is determined based on a result of detection of a moving state in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of a magnetic tape detected by a detecting means.

Further, a third mode of the second aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the transport stabilizing device includes a roller transport unit that transports the magnetic tape, and the roller transport unit includes: The present invention provides a magnetic tape conveyance stabilizing device, comprising: a width direction conveyance stabilizing means for positioning the magnetic tape conveyed by the roller conveying means in a width direction. Here, it is preferable that the width direction conveyance stabilizing unit is a collar for positioning the magnetic tapes at both ends of the roller conveyance unit in the width direction, or a self-correcting function of the roller conveyance unit itself. . Further, the interval between the collars provided at both ends of the roller conveying means, Preferably, it is slightly narrower than the width of the magnetic tape. Preferably, the roller conveying means having the self-correcting function is a crown roller having a large diameter at the center or a convey roller having a small diameter at the center.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, a third aspect of the present invention is directed to a magnetic method comprising: adjusting a vertical position of the magnetic tape when conveying the magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for stabilizing the conveyance of a tape.

That is, a first mode of the present embodiment is a transport stabilizing method for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, comprising detecting a vertical position of the magnetic tape, and detecting a vertical position of the magnetic tape. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, wherein the position of the magnetic tape in the vertical direction is corrected based on a detection result.

A second mode of the third aspect is a transport stabilization method for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a portion of the magnetic tape that requires positional accuracy in a vertical direction is rotated by a predetermined amount. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, characterized by using a roller transfer means having accuracy.

A third mode of the third aspect is a transport stabilizing method for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a magnetic tape transport guide portion for guiding the magnetic tape is directed to a reference position. And a method for stabilizing the transport of the magnetic tape, wherein the magnetic tape is transported via the biased magnetic tape transport guide portion.

In order to achieve the third object, a third aspect of the present invention is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, comprising: It is intended to provide a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device, which has a vertical position adjusting means for adjusting a positional change in the direction.

That is, a first mode of the present embodiment is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, comprising: a magnetic tape position detecting means for detecting a vertical position of the magnetic tape; Magnetic tape position correcting means for correcting the vertical position of the magnetic tape based on the result of detecting the vertical position of the magnetic tape by the tape position detecting means. Equipment is provided. Here, the magnetic tape position detecting means is preferably a displacement measuring means using a laser. In addition, it is preferable that the magnetic tape position correcting means integrally moves a predetermined unit in an apparatus for handling the magnetic tape.

A second aspect of the third aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein a predetermined position of the magnetic tape in a vertical direction is required before and after a portion requiring vertical position accuracy. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape conveyance stabilizing device provided with roller conveyance means having rotation accuracy. Here, the magnetic tape transport stabilizing device is used for a magnetic tape processing device that performs laser processing on the magnetic tape, and the rotation accuracy of the roller transporting unit is such that the magnetic tape is laser-processed. It is preferable that the magnetic tape be placed within a range where the attenuation of the power of the laser beam used for the laser processing at the processing position is within 5% of its maximum value.

A third aspect of the third aspect is a transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, wherein the device for handling the magnetic tape is a magnetic tape transporting device. The inner portion is made swingable, and the magnetic tape transport guide portion is configured to be urged toward a predetermined reference position of a device that handles the magnetic tape. An apparatus is provided. Here, the predetermined reference position of the device that handles the magnetic tape is preferably a processing stage for performing a predetermined process on the magnetic tape. Further, it is preferable that the magnetic tape transport guide portion includes at least a tape supporting means for supporting the magnetic tape.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides an optical system for projecting one or more laser beams for processing a back layer of a long magnetic tape into a predetermined processing position, Conveying means for conveying the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, an axis in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the magnetic tape, and supporting the magnetic tape on the side surface, so that the back layer is on the laser beam incident side. A support having a cylindrical portion for holding the magnetic tape at the processing position toward the processing position, and a flange portion provided on the cylindrical portion and abutting against an end of the magnetic tape to regulate a position in a width direction of the magnetic tape. And a magnetic tape processing device having a drum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the first embodiment of the magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the second embodiment of the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the third embodiment of the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3B is a side view showing a configuration of a main part of FIG. 3, and FIG. 3B is a top view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which a fourth embodiment of the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing a main configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the fifth embodiment of the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the sixth embodiment of the present embodiment is applied.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show processing lines (recesses) formed on a back layer of a magnetic tape by a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the method and apparatus for stabilizing magnetic tape transport according to the second embodiment of the present invention are applied. It is a top view which shows an example.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show the processing formed on the back layer of the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the method and apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape according to the second embodiment of the present invention are applied. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional shape of a line (recess).

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the magnetic tape positioning method of the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. .

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a multi-lens used in the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of the configuration of the tape positioning unit according to the first embodiment of the magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus of the present embodiment incorporated in the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the side view and top view shown.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are tape positives according to the second embodiment of the present embodiment, respectively. It is the side view and top view which show the example of a structure of a shocking part.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a side view and a top view, respectively, showing a configuration example of a tape positioning unit according to a third example of the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a side view and a top view, respectively, showing a configuration example of a tape positioning section according to a fourth embodiment of the present embodiment, and a side sectional view of a movable tape guide. is there.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a side view and a top view, respectively, showing a configuration example of a tape positioning unit according to a fifth example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a magnetic tape transfer control unit of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the method and apparatus for stabilizing transfer of a magnetic tape according to the third embodiment of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the magnetic tape positioning method of the magnetic tape transporting method and apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 18 is a side view showing a configuration example of a tape positioning unit according to a first embodiment of the magnetic tape transport stabilization device of the present embodiment incorporated in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a side view of one embodiment of a flanged roller used in the tape positioning section shown in FIG.

FIG. 2OA is a side view showing the initial state of the brim roller, and FIG. 20B is a side view showing the worn state.

FIG. 21A shows a configuration example of the tape positioning unit according to the second example of the present embodiment. FIG. 21B is a side view showing an embodiment of a crown roller used for this.

FIG. 22A is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a tape positioning unit according to a third example of the present embodiment, and FIG. 22B is a side view illustrating a conscape roller used for the tape positioning unit.

FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a magnetic tape transfer control unit of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the method and apparatus for stabilizing transfer of a magnetic tape according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 24 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the method and apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing a configuration example of a magnetic tape transport control unit according to one embodiment of the magnetic tape transport stabilizing device of the present embodiment incorporated in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 26A is a schematic conceptual diagram of one embodiment of the magnetic tape processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 26B is a schematic view of the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG. 26A. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram when a holding drum is viewed from a tape transport direction.

FIG. 27 is a schematic conceptual diagram of one embodiment of a beam splitting optical system used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 28 is a schematic conceptual diagram of another embodiment of the beam splitting optical system used in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 26A.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are schematic diagrams for explaining another embodiment of the magnetic tape processing apparatus of the present embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape and a magnetic tape processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

First, a method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, a magnetic tape to which the magnetic tape transport stabilization method according to the first aspect of the present invention can be applied and a magnetic tape used for a magnetic tape transport stabilization apparatus are made of a base made of PET, aramid resin, or the like. The magnetic layer has a magnetic layer on one side of the layer, a back layer on the other side, or an overcoat layer (protective layer) or an undercoat layer. Any tape is acceptable.

As described above, when the transport stabilizing method apparatus according to this aspect is applied, even when the tape is transported at high speed in a blade machine, a winder, or another tape manufacturing apparatus, air entrapment by the tape is reduced. be able to.

In addition, even when the tape is transported at high speed, the tape is not lifted and slipped by the capstan rollers, etc., and there is no damage to the tape or errors in the transport length, resulting in high-speed and accurate tape transport. In this way, magnetic tapes of the appropriate quality can be manufactured stably and efficiently under appropriate production management.

FIG. 1 shows a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which a first embodiment of a magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus for performing a tape transport stabilizing method according to a first mode of the first aspect of the present invention is applied. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of one embodiment.

In the illustrated example, a magnetic tape processing device (hereinafter simply referred to as a processing device) 10 is a magnetic tape processing device. A suitable processing is performed in the longitudinal direction of the tape T (hereinafter simply referred to as a tape). A processing unit 12, a rewinder 14 that supplies the tape T to the processing unit 12, and a tape T that has been processed 16a, 18b, and tape supports 18a, 18b for positioning the tape T at a predetermined position with respect to the processing section 12, and the tape supports 18a, 18 It has suction means 20a and 2Ob arranged near b. Here, 22 is a guide roller, and 24 is a capstan roller.

In such a processing apparatus 10, while the position of the tape T is regulated to a predetermined processing position by the tape supports 18 a and 18 b, the processing is performed while transporting the tape T in the longitudinal direction (the arrow X direction in the figure). A predetermined process is performed on the tape T by the unit 12. Here, the tape T is transported with its magnetic layer facing upward in the figure. The processing performed on the tape T in the processing unit 12 is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, and 8C described below, Various kinds of processing using laser light can be given. The details of these processings will be described later.

The tape supports 18a and 18b come into contact with the back surface (back layer side) of the tape T to be conveyed, and position the tape T at a predetermined position (particularly in the height direction in the figure). Control). Further, the suction means 20a, 2Ob arranged near the tape supports 18a, 18b apply a pressure lower than the surrounding pressure, as shown in FIG. The bodies 18a and 18b are located immediately before the upstream side in the tape transport direction.

The suction means 20a and 2Ob arranged in this way are connected to a suction pump (not shown) and generate a pressure lower than the surrounding pressure. The action of pressing against the tape supports 18a and 18b is shown. As a result, an abnormal situation such that the tape is lifted from the tape supports 18a and 18b and cannot be normally conveyed does not occur.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of another embodiment of the processing apparatus to which the second embodiment (second embodiment) of the present embodiment is applied.

The processing apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment is characterized in that at least portions of the tape supports 18c and 18d that come into contact with the tape are made of a magnetic material. With such a configuration, the suction means 20a and 2Ob shown in the processing apparatus 10 to which the first embodiment of FIG. 1 is applied become unnecessary. Other components of the processing device 10a shown in FIG. 2 are the same as those of the processing device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. However, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The tape supports 18c and 18d according to the present embodiment can be formed of various magnetic materials at least in the tape contact portion or in whole. As the magnetic material, specifically, a permanent magnet made of iron, cobalt, nickel, or an alloy or oxide thereof can be suitably used.

According to the present embodiment, with such a configuration, an abnormal condition such that the tape crests float from the tape supports 18c and 18d and cannot be normally conveyed does not occur. .

3A and 3B show a schematic configuration of a main part of another embodiment of the processing apparatus to which the third embodiment (third embodiment) of the present embodiment is applied, respectively. FIG. 3A is a side view, and FIG. 3B is a top view. In the processing apparatus 1 Ob according to the present embodiment, the tape support 18 e is formed as one large block, and the surface thereof (the upper surface in the figure, the surface in contact with the tape T) is provided with the tape T. A plurality of grooves 26a in the same direction as the traveling direction are provided.

Also in this configuration, the suction means (reference numerals 20a and 20b in FIG. 1) as shown in the first embodiment is unnecessary. Other components are the same as those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3B, only a uniform linear groove is shown as the groove 26a provided on the surface of the tape support 18e. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A groove having a variable width and depth may be provided.

Regarding the cross-sectional shape of the groove 26a, various shapes such as V-shaped, U-shaped, square or semicircular are effective. Further, the size and number of the grooves may be appropriately determined according to the width of the tape T, the transport speed, and the like.

According to the present embodiment, with such a configuration, an abnormal situation in which the tape T rises from the tape support 18e and cannot be transported normally cannot occur.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of another embodiment of the processing apparatus to which the fourth embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the present embodiment is applied.

In the processing apparatus 10c according to the present embodiment, the tape supports 18f and 18g are formed as edges having an acute angle formed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the tape T. The angle of the edge is preferably, for example, within 45 degrees. It is preferable that the tips of the tape supports 18 f and 18 g are polished so as not to damage the tape T. Also in this configuration, the suction means (reference numerals 20a and 20b in FIG. 1) as shown in the first embodiment is unnecessary. Other components are the same as those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The tape supports 18f and 18g described above have the sharp edges that act to separate the air layer moving along with the tape from the tape T.

Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the air layer between the tape T and the tape supports 18 f and 18 g can be made thinner, and the tape T floats from the tape supports 18 f and 18 g. As a result, a situation in which normal transport cannot be performed does not occur.

The material constituting the tape supports 18f and 18g is not particularly limited, and any material having sufficient abrasion resistance can be used. In addition, by forming the above-described groove in the contact surface of the tape supports 18f and 18g with the tape T, it is possible to obtain both effects in combination. Further, suction means 20a and 20b as shown in FIG. 1 may be used together.

As described above, a more reliable tape transport is realized by using a combination of a plurality of types of means for peeling or removing the air layer moving accompanying the tape T from the tape T shown in each of the above-described embodiments. It becomes possible.

Various means described below can be used in addition to the means described in the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of another embodiment of a processing apparatus to which another embodiment of the present aspect is applied.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is an improvement of the groove 26a provided on the surface of the tape support 18e of the processing apparatus 10b of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Instead of the tape support 18 e having the groove 26 a, the groove provided on the tape support 18 h is replaced with an inclined groove 26 b extending toward the downstream side in the tape transport direction. The suction means 20c and 20d are arranged at each end of 26b, that is, on both side surfaces of the tape support 18h.

With such a configuration, in the processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the air between the tape support 18 h and the tape T is separated by suction means 2 disposed on both side surfaces of the tape support 18 h. Since the tape T is eliminated from 0c20d, the tape T is transported in sufficient contact with the tape support 18h, and the effect that transport problems such as slippage can be prevented beforehand. can get.

Here, the shape (inclination angle, etc.) and dimensions (width, depth, etc.) of the inclined groove 26 b may be determined as appropriate within a range based on the purpose of the present embodiment.

Here, the suction means 20c and 20d are not necessarily provided, and the shape (inclination angle, etc.) and dimensions (width, depth, etc.) of the above-mentioned inclined groove 26b are appropriately set. In many cases, sufficient effects can be obtained.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of another embodiment of a processing apparatus to which another embodiment of the present embodiment is applied.

The processing apparatus 10d according to the present embodiment is obtained by partially changing the configuration of the processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and an air layer accompanying the tape T is formed by a suction drum. By 28, the suction is removed.

According to this embodiment as well, an effect is obtained that transport troubles such as slipping of the tape T can be prevented.

It should be noted that each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present embodiment, and the present invention It should not be limited to these.

In addition, as described above, more effective tape stabilization can be achieved by freely combining various components and means of the various types of processing apparatuses shown in the above embodiments within a range that does not compete with each other. It is also possible to realize.

The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7A to 8C, a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention are applied, and a fourth embodiment of the present invention The magnetic tape processed by the magnetic tape processing apparatus described above will be described. Here, the magnetic tape applicable to each embodiment of the present invention has a magnetic layer on one surface of a base layer (base film) made of PET, an aramide resin, or the like as described above, and has a magnetic layer on the other surface of the base layer. Any magnetic tape having a normal layer structure, which has a back layer (back coat layer) or further has an overcoat layer (protective layer) and an undercoat layer, may be used. In the following description, it is assumed that a magnetic tape processing apparatus performs a process of forming the above-described “escape route” of entrained air, which is formed of a concave portion (preferably a groove), on the back layer of the magnetic tape.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, simply referred to as a processing apparatus). Is shown.

In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of processing lines a extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape T are formed on the back layer of the tape T.

In the example shown in Fig. 7B, the back layer is intermittently processed in the example shown in Fig. 7A. This is an example in which the processing line is divided into lines (indicated by the processing line segment b). Here, the length of the processing line segment b is not particularly limited. Further, the lengths of the processing line segments b may be all the same, or line segments having different lengths may be mixed.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the tape T having the concave portion (processed line a, processed line segment b) in the back layer has a cutting force that is a curl in the width direction of the tape T as compared with the conventional tape. The reduction in appearance due to cutting, deterioration of head contact, and damage to the tape edge are also greatly reduced as compared with conventional tapes.

Although the reason why cutting can be reduced by forming a concave portion in the back layer is not clear, stress generated in the width direction of the tape due to the difference in the shrinkage ratio of the binder is cut at the concave portion. It is considered that the force generated in the width direction is reduced as a whole, and as a result, cutting can be prevented.

Furthermore, even when the tape is conveyed at a high speed in a tape manufacturing device such as a blade machine or a winder, even if the air is entrapped by the tape or the air entanglement is small, Air can be preferably removed from the processing line (recess).

For this reason, even when the tape is transported at high speed by a tape manufacturing device such as a blade machine, the tape does not rise and slip due to the capstan rollers or the like of the manufacturing device. There is no length error. Therefore, by using this tape, it is possible to carry out high-speed and accurate tape conveyance, and to manufacture magnetic tape of proper quality stably and efficiently under proper production control.

In addition, such a tape T can be used to remove air between the tapes during winding. The rolled shape when rolled up into a cartridge or pancake is also beautiful.

There is no particular limitation on the shape (cross-sectional shape) of the concave portion described above. For example, a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 8A, a triangular shape as shown in FIG. 8B, a semicircle as shown in FIG. 8C ( Bow type) and the like. These shapes can be realized by adjusting the intensity distribution (profile) of the beam spot of the laser beam used when processing the back layer.

There is also no particular limitation on the depth of the recess, and in general, the width of the tape, the forming material and thickness of the back layer, the forming material and thickness of the base, the process after forming the recess, and the user's application. In consideration of the load on the tape (transport speed, tension, etc.) due to the tape processing, etc., it may be appropriately determined according to the required tape strength and the like. As an example, the depth of the recess is preferably at least 0.1 // m, more preferably at least 0.2 wm.

Furthermore, the size (line width) and the formation density of the concave portion are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined according to the strength and width (size) of the tape. For example, a tape having a width of 0.5 inch is used. In addition, when forming processing lines extending in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the width is about 3 m to 10 and several to 100 in the width direction. It is preferable to form a processing line of the order.

Next, a method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to the first and second embodiments of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15B. In the embodiments described below, the method and apparatus for stabilizing the transport of the magnetic tape of the present invention are performed by irradiating the laser beam or the like described above onto the back layer of the magnetic tape. The case where the present invention is applied to a tape conveying means of a magnetic tape processing apparatus for forming a concave portion (groove) in the back layer will be described as a typical example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a magnetic tape processing apparatus to which a magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus for performing the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to the first and second embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention is applied. FIG. The processing device 30 shown in FIG. 9 is a processing device for manufacturing the magnetic tape T as described above using a processing method using a laser beam.

The processing apparatus 30 in the illustrated example forms a processing line a and a processing line segment b extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape T as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B described above. An optical system including a light source 32 for emitting light, a pulse modulator 34, a mirror 36, a beam expander 38, a beam profiler 40, and a multi-lens lens 42, and a tape transport means 44 .

In such a processing apparatus 30, the (magnetic) tape T is ejected from the light source 32 while being transported in the longitudinal direction (the arrow X direction in the figure) while the tape T is being positioned at a predetermined processing position by the tape transport means 44. The processed laser beam is incident on the processing position by an optical system to form a processing line on the tape. Here, the tape T is conveyed with its back layer facing upward (toward the laser beam incidence side), so that the back layer of the tape τ is processed by the laser beam.

As the light source 32, any light source (laser oscillator) can be used as long as it has an output capable of processing the back layer of the tape T. Preferably, at least one of an ultraviolet region or a visible region laser beam is used. What can emit light is used. In addition, From the viewpoint of workability, a laser beam having a short wavelength is preferable, and a laser beam in the ultraviolet region is the best, but a laser beam in the visible region is preferable in terms of cost, safety, workability, and the like.

Specifically, 532 nm and 515 nm argon (ion) lasers and YAG lasers are converted to wavelengths by SHG (second harmonic generation) second harmonic generation (SHG) devices. A light source that emits a laser beam is exemplified.

The pulse modulator 34 modulates a laser beam with a pulse to form a processing line segment b as shown in FIG. 7B. Therefore, the pulse modulator 34 is unnecessary when the light source 32 can directly perform pulse modulation or when only a processing line as shown in FIG. 7A is formed.

As the pulse modulator 34, a known modulation means such as an AOM (acoustic optical modulator) can be used. Also, by adjusting the modulation period, the length of the processing line segment b can be adjusted. Further, the processing line segment b may be patterned by modulation. The laser beam is reflected in a predetermined direction by the mirror 36, and then enters the beam spreader 38.

The processing apparatus 30 shown in the present embodiment divides one laser beam and forms a processing line on the tape, but the processing line is formed on the entire surface in the width direction corresponding to the tape T having various widths. Is preferably formed. However, in general, the diameter of the laser beam emitted from the light source is about 1 mm, and the width of the tape T is wider than that. Therefore, the entire surface of the tape T in the width direction cannot be processed as it is.

Therefore, in the processing apparatus 30, the beam expander 38 is arranged to expand the diameter of the laser beam emitted from the light source 32. For example, light emitted from light source 3 2 If the beam diameter is l mm and the width of the tape T is 0.5 inch, the diameter of the laser beam may be expanded to about 15 to 20 times. Further, it is preferable that the diameter expansion ratio of the laser beam in the beam expander 38 can be adjusted.

The laser beam expanded by the beam expander 38 then enters a beam profile shaper (hereinafter simply referred to as a shaper) 40. The shaper 40 makes the intensity of the laser beam substantially uniform over the entire beam spot, that is, makes the intensity distribution of the laser beam substantially uniform.

Normally, the laser beam emitted from the light source 32 has an intensity distribution such as a Gaussian distribution. Therefore, when processing the tape T with this laser beam, the processing line a and the processing line segment b ( (Hereinafter, these are simply referred to as processing lines.) Therefore, by disposing the molding device 40, the intensity distribution of the laser beam can be made uniform, and the depth of the processing line to be formed can be made uniform.

As the shaping device 40, various optical filters, an aperture having the same diameter as a laser beam for shaping a beam profile using Fresnel diffraction, a multi-lens lens, and the like can be used.

The laser beam then enters the multi-lens lens 42.

The multi-lens lens 42 is made up of a number of microball lenses or self-occurring lenses, the optical axis of which is parallel to the laser beam, and arranged in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. Then, it is incident on a predetermined processing position and forms an image. As a result, the back layer of the tape T is processed by the laser beam to form a processing line or the like (recess).

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the multi-lens lens 42 when viewed from the optical axis direction. The multi-lens lens 42 in the illustrated example is, for example, a microball lens or a selfoc lens (hereinafter, both are collectively referred to as a lens) in which 5 × 5 lenses are arranged in a close-packed state. As shown in (1), the lens array line indicated by the one-dot chain line is arranged with a slight inclination with respect to the transport direction X and the width direction of the tape T. This makes it possible to form a total of 25 (rows) processing lines a extending in the longitudinal direction only by transporting the tape T once (one pass) in the longitudinal direction.

Here, by adjusting the angle between the transport direction X and the lens arrangement line, the interval between the additional lines a can be adjusted.However, in order to efficiently form a processing line, this angle is The optical axis of the lens (the center of the beam waist) must be set so that it does not overlap in the transport direction X.

For example, when paying attention to the lens arrangement line in the width direction of the tape T, if the number of multi-lens lenses in a row is N, and the angle between the transport direction X and the arrangement line is ；, the following equation is satisfied. The optical axes of the lenses do not overlap in the transport direction X.

s in [(2 π / 3) + θ ≥Νsin θ

The lens array of the multi-lens lens 42 is not limited to the close-packed state shown in FIG. 10, and various types can be used.

In the processing device 30 shown in FIG. 9, the tape Τ is moved to a predetermined processing position by turning the back layer side (back side) toward the upstream side (laser beam incident side) of the laser beam optical path by the tape transport means 44. It is conveyed in the longitudinal direction while being regulated (that is, the conveying direction X is made to coincide with the longitudinal direction). The tape transport means 44 includes transport drive means (not shown) such as a capstan roller, a rewinder, and a winder (for example, see FIG. 1), guide rollers 46 and 48, and a tape flattener 501. And power! Is done.

The tape flattener 50 abuts on the surface (magnetic layer side) of the tape T to be conveyed, and holds the tape T at a predetermined processing position (position regulation).

The transport path of the tape T is formed below the tape flattener 50 by the guide rollers 46 and 48 arranged in the transport direction X with the tape flatner 50 interposed therebetween. As a result, the tape T is pressed and supported by the tape flattener 50, and its position is regulated at the processing position.

In the tape processing apparatus 30 shown in the present embodiment, the processing by the laser beam is performed as fine as 3 m to 10 m in width, as shown in the example of the tape T having a width of 0.5 inches described above. Since it is processing, the beam spot diameter incident on the processing position is small, that is, the allowable range of the beam waist is very narrow.

Therefore, the tape flattener 50 is required to position the tape T with high precision, preferably with an error of 10 or less, in the depth of focus direction of the multi-lens 42.

As described above, the processing position is emitted from the light source 32, modulated by the pulse modulator 34 if necessary, reflected by the mirror 36, and expanded by the beam expander 38. Thus, the intensity distribution is made uniform by the molding machine 40, and the laser beam divided and modulated by the multi-lens lens 42 is incident and forms an image.

Therefore, the tape T is transported in the longitudinal direction while being positioned at the processing position by the tape flattener 50 in a state where the back surface is directed upstream of the laser beam optical path by the tape transport means 44. A processing line (recess) extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the back layer. In the case of the above example, 25 processing lines are obtained by one transfer. Is formed.

In the present embodiment, the importance of transport stability in the width direction is as described below.

Also, in the tape processing apparatus, there are many cases in which processing residue and gas such as dust are generated by processing the back layer of the tape T.

Therefore, it is preferable to provide a removal means for removing the above-mentioned processing residue and gas in the vicinity of the processing position. For example, a means for spraying ion wind and dust which is separated and suspended by the ion wind It is desirable to provide a dust removing means composed of a suction means for inhaling and the like. Further, it is preferable to provide a cleaning means downstream of the processing position to remove foreign matter attached to at least the back surface (back layer surface), preferably the front and back surfaces of the tape T.

In FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the tape processing apparatus 30, means for positioning (positioning) the tape T conveyed by the tape conveying means 44 to a predetermined processing position (hereinafter referred to as “tape positioning”). A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11A is a side view showing the winding state of the tape T around the tape supports 50a and 50Ob of the tape flattener 50 in FIG. 9, and FIG. It is a top view. In the figures, 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c are tape guides that regulate one end of the tape T, 54 a and 54 b are tapes T, and the tape guides 52 a, 52 b, 5 2 Magnet to be attracted in the c direction.

As shown in both figures, the tape positioning section 51a according to the present embodiment is configured such that the tape T is wound around the tape supports 50a and 50b at an angle of a certain degree or more. , The tape T in FIG. (Magnets 54a and 54b directions). In this way, by winding the tape T around the tape supports 50a and 50Ob at an angle of a certain degree or more, the tape T is not deformed in the width direction, but is only moved in the width direction. It becomes possible.

According to the configuration of the tape positioning section 51a shown in the above embodiment, the magnetic tape can be positioned at a fixed position in the width direction with a simple configuration, which can be suitably applied to various processing apparatuses for processing a magnetic tape. A magnetic tape transport stabilization device capable of performing the above can be realized.

As the magnets 54a and 54b in the tape positioning section 51a of the processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, various magnetic materials, specifically, iron, cobalt, nickel, and alloys thereof. A permanent magnet made of an oxide can be suitably used.

The tape guides 52a, 52b and 52c are made of a material having good abrasion resistance and slipperiness, for example, made (or covered) of plastic such as Teflon or polyethylene. Can be suitably used. The tape supports 50a and 50Ob are not particularly limited as long as they are wear-resistant materials, and examples thereof include sapphire blades.

12A and 12B show a second embodiment of the tape positioning section 51b.

FIG. 12A is a side view showing the winding state of the tape T around the tape supports 50a and 50Ob of the tape flattener 50 in FIG. 9, and FIG. It is a top view. In the figure, 52 is a tape guide that regulates one end of the tape T. Denotes a magnet for attracting the tape T in the direction of the tape guide 52. As shown in both figures, the tape positioning unit 51b according to the present embodiment is different from the tape positioning unit 51a according to the first embodiment in that the tape guide and the magnet, which are divided into a plurality of parts, are arranged. In the state where the tape T is wound around the tape supports 50a and 50b at an angle of a certain degree or more, the tape T is lifted upward in FIG. It is configured to urge the magnet (4 directions).

By wrapping the tape T around the tape supports 50a and 50 at a certain angle, the tape T can be moved only in the width direction without deforming the tape T in the width direction. And The effect obtained by the configuration according to the present embodiment is that, in addition to the fact that the magnetic tape can be positioned at a fixed position in the width direction as in the first embodiment, the configuration of the positioning mechanism can be further simplified. It is in.

As the magnet 54 used in the above embodiment, various magnetic materials, specifically, iron, cono- lt, nickel, and the like, like the magnets 54a and 54b shown in the first embodiment. Permanent magnets made of the above alloys or oxides can be suitably used.

The tape guide 52 is made of Teflon or polyethylene which has the same abrasion resistance and slipperiness as the tape guides 52a, 52b and 52c shown above (or is covered). What was done can be used suitably.

Although the tape guide 52 and the magnet 54 are shown as separate members in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the tape guide 52 may have a built-in magnet, for example. Uniting and standardizing, that is, having magnetism It is also possible to use as a tape guide. With this configuration, the configuration of the tape positioning unit 5 lb can be further simplified.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a third embodiment of the tape positioning unit 51c.

Fig. 13A is a side view showing the winding state of the tape T around the tape guide rollers 56a and 56b before and after the tape flattener 50 in Fig. 9, and Fig. 13B is the above tape guide. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of rollers 56a and 56b. In the figure, reference numeral 57 denotes the main shaft of the tape guide rollers 56a and 56b, and 58 denotes the movable flange 59 in the direction of the stepped portion of the main shaft 57 (a reference surface when pressing the tape T). , And 60 denotes a stopper.

In the tape positioning section 51c according to this embodiment, the tape T is moved in the width direction of the tape T by the movable flanges 59 of the tape guide rollers 56a and 56b having the built-in springs 58. The feature is that it is configured to be pressed in the direction of the stepped portion of the main shaft 57 having a guide function for regulating the position. With such a configuration, effects similar to those obtained by the first and second examples of the first and second embodiments of the present embodiment can be obtained.

The tape guide rollers 56a and 56b shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B have a built-in weak spring 58, and can be pushed through this weak spring 58. The tape T is pressed by the movable flange 59 that is provided. As a material for forming the movable flange 59, Teflon-Polyethylene having good slipperiness can be suitably used.

Figure 14-8, Figure 14B and Figure 14C show the tape positioning section 5 1 dffi 4— The following shows an example.

Fig. 14A shows the movable tape guides (pushers) 62a and 62b provided so as to be extrapolated to the tape supports 50a and 50Ob of the tape flattener 50 in Fig. 9. FIG. 14B is a top view of the same part, showing the winding state of the tape T, and FIG. 14C is a side sectional view of the movable tape guides 62a and 62b. The movable tape guides (pushers) 62a and 62b are fixed to the tape supports 50a and 50ob so as to be extrapolated to the tape supports 50a and 50b.

In Fig. 14A, Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C, 52 is a (fixed) tape guide, 63 is a movable tape guide (pusher), 62a and 62b stoppers, and 64 is a flange-shaped A spring for pressing the movable guide 65 against the spindle tape guide 52 is shown.

In the tape positioning section 51d according to the present embodiment, the tape T is moved in the direction of the tape guide 52 by the movable guides 65 of the movable tape guides (pushers) 62a and 62b having the built-in springs 64. The feature is that it is configured to be pressed against. With such a configuration, the same effects as those obtained by the above-described first to third embodiments of the first and second embodiments of the present embodiment can be obtained.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a fifth embodiment of the tape positioning unit 51 e.

In the tape positioning section according to the present embodiment, the tape flattener 50 in FIG. 9 and the tape guide rollers 69a and 69b before and after the tape flattener 50 are integrated into The tape T is configured to be movable, and a sensor for detecting an edge position in this direction (width direction) of the tape T is provided. It is.

As the tape guide rollers 69a and 69b, a roller with a flange as shown in FIG. 15B, that is, a roller having a rib for regulating the position at both ends of the tape conveying surface is preferable. Can be used. Here, the two flanges provided at both ends of the tape guide rollers 69a and 69b have a height of about lmm to 3mm, and a distance between them (that is, the surface length of the rollers). Is preferably slightly smaller than the width of the tape T in order to realize stable conveyance.

FIG. 15E is a side view of the tape positioning unit 51 e according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a top view of the same. In the figure, reference numeral 66 denotes an optical head of the laser displacement meter, which includes a light emitting unit 66a and a light receiving unit 66b. The optical head 66 is adjusted so as to detect the position of the object (tape T) by receiving the laser beam emitted from the light projecting unit 66 a at the light receiving unit 66 b. A control unit 67 controls the optical head 66 and outputs a control signal for controlling a tape transport unit position correcting unit 68 described later based on the light receiving result of the light receiving unit 66 b. Unit.

The tape transport unit position correcting means 68 is a tape flattener that supports the tape T.

The pedestal 68 a that supports 50 and the moving mechanism part 68 c that moves the pedestal 68 a in the width direction of the tape T (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) by the screw shaft 68 b. It is configured. Two screw shafts are installed in this moving mechanism section 6 8c.

A motor drive mechanism for positioning the tape T at a predetermined position by moving the pedestal 68 a in the width direction of the tape T by rotating the 68 b synchronously is provided. In the tape positioning section 51 e of the present embodiment configured as described above, the laser beam emitted from the light projecting section 66 a of the optical head 66 of the laser displacement meter 66 b The control unit 67 obtains information on the position of the tape T on the basis of the degree of light received by the control unit 67, and controls the tape transport unit position correcting means 68 on the basis of this position information.

That is, when the tape T is at the predetermined position, no particular control operation is required. However, when the position of the tape T deviates from the predetermined position, the deviation amount is detected and corrected (that is, the tape T). A signal is sent to the above-described moving mechanism section 68c so that the T is positioned at a predetermined position, and the base 68a is moved in the width direction of the tape T via the screw shaft 68b.

By performing such control, even if the position of the tape T fluctuates, the tape positioning unit 51 e of the present embodiment can quickly correct the fluctuation. Here, it is considered that the largest cause of the change in the position of the tape T is the abrasion of the tape flattener 50 due to the continuous transport of the tape T at a high speed. However, the tape positioning unit 51 e of the present embodiment can cope with whatever the cause of the position variation of the tape T.

It should be noted that each of the embodiments described above is an example of the first and second embodiments of the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

For example, the various tape positioning sections 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d and 51 e shown in the above embodiments and various means used for them, as long as they do not compete, Combining them as appropriate to make them more effective It is also possible to stabilize the transport of the tape.

The method and apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to the first and second embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, a method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to the first embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. In the examples described below, the transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the present embodiment are also applied to the back layer of the magnetic tape by irradiating the laser beam or the like as described above with a concave portion (groove). The case where the present invention is applied to a tape transport control unit of a magnetic tape processing apparatus for performing a process for forming the above will be described as a typical example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus for performing the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to the first mode of the third aspect of the present invention is a tape transporting means 44 of a processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. It can be applied as a transport control unit.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape transport control unit applied to the processing device 30 shown in FIG.

By the way, as described above, in the processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 9, a laser beam is incident on the back layer of the tape T, and the concave portion (groove, processing line a or processing line segment b (FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) When processing to form), it is necessary to regulate the position of the tape T to be processed to the focal position of the laser beam very accurately in order to maintain the processing accuracy.

In addition, the tape positioning units 51 a to 51 e which are the examples of the first and second embodiments of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11A to FIG. When the position of the tape T conveyed by the magnetic tape T is regulated to a predetermined processing position, the conveyance stability of the magnetic tape T in the width direction is secured. The third aspect of the present invention shown in FIG. 16 The magnetic tape transport controller 70 according to the embodiment of the first embodiment is for ensuring the transport stability of the tape T in the vertical direction (the focal direction of the laser beam) in the figure.

In the tape transport controller 70 shown in FIG. 16, reference numeral 72 denotes an optical head of the laser displacement meter, which includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The optical head 72 is adjusted so that the laser beam emitted from the light projecting unit and reflected by the object (tape T) is received by the light receiving unit. A control unit 74 performs measurement control of the optical head 72 and outputs a control signal for controlling a tape transport unit position correcting means 76 described later based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit. Is shown.

The tape transport unit position correcting means 76 includes a pedestal 76a for supporting the tape flattener 50 for supporting the tape T, and the pedestal 76a is vertically moved by four screw shafts 76b. It is composed of a lift mechanism 76c. Although not shown, the four screw shafts 76b are rotated in synchronization with the lift mechanism 76c to move the pedestal 76a up and down. A motor drive mechanism for positioning the tape T at a predetermined position is provided.

The tape transport control unit 70 of the present embodiment configured as described above receives the laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit of the optical head 72 of the laser displacement meter and reflected by the tape T at the light receiving unit. The control unit obtains information on the position of the tape T based on, for example, positional information of the received laser light on the light receiving surface, and based on this information, It controls the tape transport section position correcting means 76.

That is, when the tape T is at the above-mentioned processing position, no particular control operation is required. However, when the position of the tape T is out of the above-mentioned processing position, the deviation amount is detected and corrected ( In other words, a signal is sent to the above-described lift mechanism 76c so that the tape T is positioned at a predetermined position, and the base 76a is moved up and down via the screw shaft 76b.

By performing such a control operation, even if the position of the tape T fluctuates, the tape transport control unit 70 according to the present embodiment can quickly correct the fluctuation. Here, it is considered that the largest cause of the change in the position of the tape T is the abrasion of the tape flattener 50 due to the continuous transport of the tape T at a high speed. However, the tape transport controller 70 according to the present embodiment can cope with any change in the position of the tape T. According to the above embodiment, when the tape T is processed while being transported in the longitudinal direction, the tape position correction function of the tape transport control unit is operated to constantly monitor the change in the position of the tape T at the processing position. However, there is an effect that the position fluctuation can be corrected based on the result of this.

In the above embodiment, the force to which the tape position correcting function is applied is substantially limited to the tape flattener 50. This is appropriate for the size (may be called mass) as the control object. The present invention should not be limited to this. In addition, since the movement distance of the tape flattener 50 is extremely small in practice, the front and rear tape guide rollers do not need to be changed.

Each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present invention. It should not be limited to these.

For example, the tape position detecting means for monitoring the change in the position of the tape T is not limited to the one based on the position at which the reflected laser light is received as shown in the embodiment, but may be highly utilizing the interference between the projected light and the reflected light. Means for performing position detection with accuracy can be used. The position (position) for monitoring the change in the position of the tape T is not limited to the upstream side of the processing position W as shown in FIG. 16, but may be the downstream side, or the tapes may be detected simultaneously at both positions. May be.

Various alternative means such as a correction mechanism using another position adjustment method other than the lift mechanism shown in the embodiment can be used for the tape transport unit position correction means for correcting the position of the tape T. It goes without saying that these configuration changes may be freely made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the first mode of the third aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, a method and an apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to a third embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22B. In the examples described below, the transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the present embodiment are also configured such that a laser beam or the like as described above is incident on a back layer of a magnetic tape, and a concave portion ( A case where the present invention is applied to a tape transport means of a magnetic tape processing apparatus for performing processing for forming a groove will be described as a typical example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 17 shows a conceptual diagram of a processing apparatus for manufacturing such a magnetic tape by using a processing method using a laser beam.

The processing device 80 shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing device 30 shown in FIG. The same components have the same configuration except that a tape flatner 82 is provided in place of the tape flatner 50 forming the steps 4 4, so that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The reference numerals are used, and the detailed description is omitted.

The processing device 80 shown in FIG. 17 is similar to the processing device 30 shown in FIG. 9 in that the processing line a or the processing line extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. A light source 32 that emits a laser beam, a pulse modulator 34, a mirror 36, a beam expander 38, a beam profile shaper 40, and a multi-lens lens 42 It has an optical system and a not-shown transport drive means such as a capstan roller, a rewinder and a winder, and a tape transport means 44 composed of guide rollers 46 and 48 and a tape flatner 82.

The tape flatner 82 is composed of high-precision flanged rollers 82a and 82b as described later. The tape flatner 82 comes into contact with the surface (magnetic layer side) of the tape T to be conveyed. T is positioned (held) at a predetermined processing position.

In the tape T, the guide rollers 46 and 48 arranged in the transport direction X with the collar rollers 82a and 82b therebetween form a transport path below the tape flatner 82. Is done. As a result, the tape T is pressed and supported by the tape flattener 82, and is regulated (attached) to the processing position.

In the processing apparatus 80 shown in the present embodiment, similarly to the processing apparatus 30, the processing by the laser beam is performed in the width 3 im to l0 as described in the example of the tape T having a width of 0.5 inches described above. Because of such fine processing, the beam spot diameter incident on the processing position is small, that is, the allowable range of the beam waist is very narrow. For this reason, the tapered rollers 8 2 a and 8 2 b constituting the tape flattener 82 are provided with high precision in the direction of the depth of focus of the multilens lens 42, preferably with an error of about l O im. It is required to position T.

As described above, the processing position is emitted from the light source 12, modulated by the pulse modulator 14 as necessary, reflected by the mirror 16, and expanded by the beam expander 18. The intensity distribution is made uniform by the molding device 20, and the laser beam divided and modulated by the multi-lens lens 22 enters and forms an image.

Therefore, with the back side facing the upstream of the laser beam optical path by the tape conveying means 24, the position is regulated at the processing position by the flanged rollers 8 2a and 8 2b constituting the tape flatner 82. While the tape T is conveyed in the longitudinal direction, a processing line (concave) extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the back layer of the tape T. In the transfer, 25 processing lines are formed. In the present embodiment, as described below, the transport stability in the width direction is important.

FIG. 18 shows a first embodiment of the tape positioning unit for regulating (positioning) the position of the tape T at a predetermined processing position in the processing apparatus 80 shown in FIG. The tape positioning section 81a shown in FIG. 18 is constituted by the tape flatner 82 itself, and the tape flatner 82 is constituted by flanged rollers 82a and 82b.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the ribbed rollers 82a and 82b constituting the tape flattener 82 shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 83 denotes a flange with a height of about 1 mm to 3 mm provided at the end of the 付き _8 2 at 8 2 b 麵 Is shown.

The flanged rollers 82a and 82b each have a width (surface length) slightly smaller than the width of the tape T, and have both ends curved as shown in FIG. Part 84. The curvature of the curved surface processing portion 84 is appropriately determined based on the type and thickness of the tape T.

Regarding the surface length of the above-mentioned flanged rollers 82a and 82b, this is slightly narrower (specifically, for example, about 1%) than the tape width. When the surface length of the attached rollers 82a and 82b is the same as the tape width, as shown in Fig. 2OA and Fig. 20B, the initially flat roller surface (Fig. The OA flanged roller 85) wears, causing dents 87, 87 at both ends due to wear (see the flanged roller 86 in Fig. 20B), which can cause damage to the tape T. This is to prevent

Also, as shown in Fig. 19, the surface shape of both ends of the rimmed rollers 82a and 82b is processed into a curved surface so that the rimmed roller 82m is narrower than the width of the tape T. , 82b, the effect of improving the familiarity of the tape T between the brims at both ends.

According to the configuration of the tape positioning section 81a shown in the above embodiment, the magnetic tape can be applied to various processing apparatuses for processing a magnetic tape, etc. A magnetic tape transport stabilization device capable of positioning can be realized.

FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show a second embodiment of the tape positioning unit 81b. The tape positioning unit 81b shown in FIG. 21A is the same as the tape positioning unit 81a shown in FIG. Instead of the guide roller 26 on the upstream side, a tape flattener 50 (see FIG. 9) composed of tape supports 50a and 50b, each consisting of a sapphire blade, etc., and the preceding stage (upstream side) Roller whose center is enlarged as a so-called crown roller.

(Refer to Fig. 21B) It is characterized in that two of eight are used in combination. As is well known, the crown roller 88 has a diameter at the center portion larger than the diameter at both end portions, that is, D i> d, so that when the web is conveyed, If it is used, it will automatically correct this deviation even when the positional deviation (meandering) in the horizontal direction of the web occurs. Here, only one crown roller 88 may be used, but in order to further ensure the effect, it is preferable to use at least two crown rollers in pairs.

As shown in both figures, the tape positioning unit 8 1b according to the present embodiment has a crown roller 88 instead of the ribbed rollers 8 2a and 8 2b shown in the first embodiment. As a result, in addition to being able to position the magnetic tape at a fixed position in the width direction as in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that the configuration of the positioning mechanism can be further simplified.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show a third example of the tape positioning unit 81c.

The tape positioning section 8 1c shown in FIG. 22A is replaced by a tape support instead of the two crown rollers 88 of the tape positioning section 8 1b shown in FIG. 21A. A roller whose center is reduced in diameter (refer to Fig. 22B, called a convey roller) 8 9 as a guide roller in front of the tape flattener 50 composed of 50a and 50b It is characterized in that it is configured to be used in combination.

The con Cape roller 8 9 also, as is well known, the diameter of the central portion is smaller than the diameter of both ends, i.e., which is configured to D ₂ <d _2, when conveying a web When this is used, even if a positional deviation (meandering) in the horizontal direction of the web occurs, this deviation is automatically corrected. Although only one convey roller 89 may be used, it is preferable to use at least two pairs in order to further ensure the effect.

The same effects as those obtained by the first and second embodiments described above can also be obtained by the tape positioning unit 81c according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the tape positioning units 81a, 81b and 81c shown in the first, second and third embodiments, their components and their various means should be set within a range that does not conflict with each other. It goes without saying that they may be used in appropriate combinations. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the third mode of the second aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, a magnetic tape transport stabilization method and apparatus according to a second embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that, similarly to the first embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention, in the embodiment of the third embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention described below, The above-described laser beam or the like is incident on the back layer of the magnetic tape, and is applied to a tape transport control unit of a magnetic tape processing apparatus for forming a recess (groove) in the back layer of the tape. The following is a typical example, but the present invention is not limited to this. A magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus for performing the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to the second mode of the third aspect of the present invention is provided in a tape transport means 44 of a processing apparatus 80 shown in FIG. It is applied as a tape transport control unit.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a magnetic tape transport control unit applied to the processing apparatus 80 shown in FIG.

By the way, as described above, in the processing apparatus 80 shown in FIG. 17 as well, the laser beam is incident on the back layer of the tape T, and the concave portion (the groove, the processing line a or the processing line segment b (FIG. 7A And Fig. 7B) When performing processing to form), it is necessary to regulate the position of the tape T to be processed to the focal position of the laser beam very accurately in order to maintain processing accuracy.

The tape positioning units 81 a to 81 c of the third embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention shown in FIGS. 18 to 22B are transported by a tape transport unit 44. When the position of the tape T is regulated to a predetermined processing position, the transport stability in the width direction of the magnetic tape T, which is important when securing the position of the tape T, is ensured. The magnetic tape transport controller 90 according to the embodiment of the present embodiment is for ensuring the transport stability of the tape T in the vertical direction (the focal direction of the laser beam) in the figure.

In the tape transport control unit 90 shown in FIG. 23, reference numeral 72 denotes an optical head of the laser displacement meter, which includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The optical head 72 is adjusted so that the laser beam emitted from the light projecting portion and reflected by the object (tape T) is received by the light receiving portion, and is provided at least on one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the processing position. It is good. Reference numeral 74 controls the measurement of the optical head 72, and measures the position of the tape T. The figure shows a control unit that outputs the result to display means (not shown). As the optical head 72 and the control unit 74 used in the tape transport controller 90, those used in the tape transport controller 70 shown in FIG. 16 can be used. Further, as described above, the flanged rollers 82a and 82b constituting the tape flatner 82 have a height of about 1 mm to 3 mm at both ends as shown in FIG. It is a special roller that has flanges 83 and 83, has a width (surface length) slightly smaller than the width of the tape T, and has curved end portions 84 at both ends.

The rotation accuracy (axis run-out) has the accuracy described below.

First, the surface lengths of the flanged rollers 82a and 82b are made slightly smaller (specifically, for example, about 1%) than the tape width. As described above, this is to minimize the cause of damage to the tape T.

Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the surface shape of both ends of the rimmed rollers 82a and 82b is processed into a curved surface, so that the rimmed rollers 82a and 82b are narrower than the width of the tape T. As described above, there is an effect that the familiarity of the tape T can be improved between the flanges on both side ends of the 8 2 b.

On the other hand, in the laser processing of the tape T as described above, the focal position of the laser beam is, in practical use, centered on the position where the laser power reaches its maximum value, and before and after the position where the laser power reaches its maximum value. It is possible to consider including the range of 95% or more. The depth of the focus position of the practical laser beam changes depending on the spot diameter of the laser beam. For example, when the spot diameter of the laser beam is 10, the depth of the focus position is about 30 m. Become. ― Therefore, the ribbed rollers 82a and 82b constituting the tape flatner 82 need to be formed so as to clear this accuracy. More specifically, the axial runout of the flanged rollers 82a and 82b corresponds to, for example, the range where the attenuation of the power of the processing laser light (laser beam) is within 5% of the maximum value. Any size may be used.

The tape transport controller 90 of the present embodiment configured as described above controls the position in the width direction by the flanged rollers 82a and 82b, and also controls the flanged rollers 82a and 82b themselves. Since the position in the height direction is regulated by the rotation accuracy of the tape T, when applied to an apparatus for performing laser processing of the tape T, it has an effect that extremely stable transport of the tape T can be realized.

In the tape transport controller 90 of the present embodiment, the laser beam emitted from the light projecting unit of the optical head 72 of the laser displacement meter and reflected by the tape T is received by the light receiving unit, and the control unit 7 In step 4, by outputting the position information of the received laser beam on the light receiving surface, for example, to a display device, it is possible to monitor changes in the shaft runout of the flanged rollers 82a and 82b. Based on the results, appropriate measures such as replacement can be taken.

In other words, if the tape T is at the above-mentioned processing position, no special treatment is necessary.However, if the position of the tape T is out of the above-mentioned processing position, the flanged rollers 8 2 a and 8 2 b are removed. Actions such as replacing with new ones can be taken. At this time, it is also possible to notify the operator of the situation where replacement is necessary, by sound or by turning on a warning lamp.

According to the example of 旆室室, when the tape Τ is processed while being transported to the length: ^] Since the tape position can be maintained at a predetermined level by the flanged rollers 82a and 82b of the tape transport control unit 90, when performing processing such as laser processing, accurate positioning accuracy is achieved. It has the effect that it can be put out.

Each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention should not be limited to these.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a tape processing apparatus using laser processing has been described. However, the present invention can be widely applied to other apparatuses that involve tape transport.

Further, for example, the height and thickness of the flanges of the flanged rollers 82a and 82b, the curvature of the curved surface processed portions at both ends, and the like may be appropriately determined according to the type and thickness of the tape T. Further, as for the method of checking the shaft runout state of the flanged rollers 82a and 82b by monitoring the position of the tape T, other position monitoring methods other than the means described in the embodiment may be used. Needless to say.

The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the second mode of the third aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, a magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to a third embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the examples described below, the method and apparatus for stabilizing the conveyance according to the present embodiment are also applied to the back layer of the magnetic tape by irradiating the laser beam or the like to the back layer of the magnetic tape. A case where the present invention is applied to a tape transport control unit of a magnetic tape processing device for performing processing for forming (grooves) will be described as a representative example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 24 shows the magnetic tape used to manufacture the magnetic tape described above. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a processing apparatus.

The processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 24 is different from the processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 9 in that the tape flattener 50 and the tape flattener 50 constituting the tape transporting means 44 are replaced with a tape flattener 102 and a tape transporter. Except for having the bearing portion 104, they have the same configuration, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The processing device 100 shown in FIG. 24 is similar to the processing device 30 shown in FIG. 9 in that the processing line a and the processing line a extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. An optical system having a laser light source 32, a pulse modulator 34, a mirror 36, a beam expander 38, a beam profile shaper 40, and a multi-lens lens 42; A transporting means such as a capstan roller, a rewinder, and a winder (not shown), guide rollers 46, 48, a tape flattener 102, and a tape transporting support 104, which are not shown. And

Here, the tape flattener 102 and the tape transport support 104 are provided with a magnetic tape transport stabilizing device for performing the magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to the third embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. Is configured.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the magnetic tape transport control unit 101 applied to the processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

By the way, as described above, in the processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 24, the laser beam is made incident on the back layer of the tape T, and the concave portion (the groove, the processing line a or the processing line segment b (FIG. 7A And Fig. 7B)). When processing to form), the focal point of the laser beam dome, which is an object to be processed, must be extremely accurate. It is necessary to regulate the position accurately.

In the tape transport control unit 101 shown in FIG. 25, the tape transport support unit 104 supports the tape flatner 102, and supports the tape flatner 102 via at least four springs 104a. Although not shown, a position regulating means for maintaining a constant planar positional relationship between the tape flattener 102 and the base of the tape transport support 104 is also provided.

Here, the tape flattener 102 includes rollers 102 a and 102 b supporting the tape T and a base 102 c supporting the rollers 102 a and 102 b. The rollers 102a and 102b are urged by the above-mentioned spring 104a via the tape T so as to abut against the rollers 106a and 106b fixed to the apparatus body. Have been (biasing: ").

Here, in FIG. 25, the force of pressing down the tape flattener 102 by the tension of the tape _T is f _T , and the force applied to the rollers 106 a and 106 b from the tape flattener 102 by the spring 104 a is f _B ( f _B = f _a - If f _T) to, f _a> f _T and,, f if _a f _T, f B 0, and the force applied from the tape flattener 102 on roller 106 a, 106 b is extremely The wear of rollers 106a and 106b, which is small and determines the height of the tape, is negligible.

The tape transport control unit 101 of the present embodiment configured as described above always contacts the rollers 106 a. 106 b fixed to the apparatus main body, although the tape flattener 102 is under a small force. So that some sort of Even if the position of the rollers 102a and 102b supporting the tape T of the tape flattener 102 fluctuates due to the cause, the function of maintaining the position of the tape cutter constant regardless of the fluctuation. It has.

That is, the tape transport control unit 101 of the present embodiment, for example, continuously transports the tape T at a high speed, and thereby the tape flattener 102 (specifically, the rollers 102 a, 1 Even when 0 2 b) is worn, it is possible to eliminate the need to control the position of the tape T.

There are other possible causes of the change in the position of the tape T, but the tape transport controller 101 according to the present embodiment corresponds to whatever the cause of the change in the position of the tape T. be able to.

According to the above-described embodiment, when the tape T is processed while being transported in the longitudinal direction, the tape position automatic correction function of the tape transport control unit 101 is actuated, so that the position of the tape T at the processing position can be adjusted. This has the effect that fluctuations can always be automatically corrected.

In the above embodiment, the target to which the tape position correcting function is applied is substantially limited to the tape flattener 102. However, the size of the control target (may be called mass) is appropriate. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to this. In addition, since the movement distance of the tape flattener 102 is extremely small in practice, there is no need to change the front and rear tape guide rollers.

It should be noted that each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present embodiment, and the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments.

For example, in the tape transport control unit for automatically correcting the position of the tape T, Regarding the correction function, various alternative means such as a correction mechanism using an automatic position adjustment method other than the push-up method using the spring shown in the embodiment can be used, and the correction function is provided within a range that does not change the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, these configuration changes may be made freely. Specifically, the rollers 102a, 102b and 106a, 106b are used as fixed guides or a combination of rollers and fixed guides.

The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method and apparatus according to the third mode of the third aspect of the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Next, a magnetic tape processing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 26A to 29B.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are conceptual diagrams of the processing apparatus of the present invention for producing a (magnetic) tape having the above-described concave portions.

The illustrated processing apparatus 110 includes an optical system including a light source 112, a pulse modulator 114, a mirror 116, and a beam splitting optical system 118, and a tape transport device 120. .

In such a processing device 110, the tape T is transported (running) in the longitudinal direction (arrow X direction in the figure) by the tape transport device 120 while the tape T is positioned at the predetermined processing position W, The beam is incident on the processing position W by the optical system.

Here, since the tape T is transported with its back layer facing upward (the laser beam incident side), the back layer of the tape T is processed by the laser beam, and the tape T is moved in the longitudinal direction of the tape T as described above. Extending recesses and the like (processing line a (see FIG. 7A) and processing line segment b (see FIG. 7B), hereinafter also collectively referred to as processing lines) are formed. Here, the light source 1 1 2, the pulse modulator 1 1 4 and the mirror 1 1 16 are respectively the light source 1 2, the pulse modulator 1 4 and the mirror 1 constituting the processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 6 can be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The laser beam emitted from the light source 112 is pulse-modulated by the pulse modulator 114, reflected by the mirror 116 in a predetermined direction, and then enters the beam splitting optical system 118.

In addition, between the mirror 116 and the beam splitting optical system 118, a beam expander for expanding the beam diameter of the laser beam, and the intensity of the laser beam as needed, Various optical members such as a beam profiler for making the laser beam almost uniform, that is, for making the intensity distribution of the laser beam almost uniform may be arranged. The beam splitting optical system 1 18 splits one laser beam into a plurality of laser beams arranged in the width direction of the tape T (in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction), and places each split laser beam at the processing position. It is incident on W.

As such a beam splitting optical system 118, various types of optical systems can be used as long as they have such an effect. As a preferable example, the one shown in FIG. 27 is exemplified. .

The beam splitting optical system 118 includes a beam waist position adjusting means 122, a beam splitter 124, and a converging lens 126. FIG. 27 shows this optical system as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tape T. Therefore, the tape T is conveyed at a processing position W in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

In the beam splitting optical system 1 18 shown in FIG. 27, the laser beam is adjusted after the beam waist position is adjusted by the beam waist position adjusting means 122. Then, the beam is split into a plurality of laser beams (beam No. 1 to beam O. N) arranged in the width direction of the tape according to the number of processing lines to be formed by the beam splitters 124. The split laser beam is converged and imaged by the converging lens 126 and is incident on the back layer of the tape T conveyed in the longitudinal direction while being held at the processing position W by the tape conveying device 120.

As a result, each laser beam processes the back layer, and according to the number of laser beams incident on the back layer of the tape T, a plurality of processing lines (recesses) extending in the longitudinal direction of the tape T are formed. Formed in layers.

Here, in this optical system, the laser beam does not form an image at the processing position W (that is, the processing position W is not the converging position of the laser beam by the converging lens 126), and the beam waist position is adjusted. The light is adjusted by means 122 so that the beam waist position comes to the processing position W.

As shown in FIG. 27, since the optical path lengths of the laser beams split by the beam splitters 124 are substantially equal, the beam waist position W of each laser beam is substantially on the same plane.

The beam waist position adjusting means 122 is a known waist position adjusting means for a laser beam. For example, a means for adjusting the position of the beam waist based on the calculation based on the ABCD matrix derived by H. Koji 1 nik using a group of lenses whose position on the optical axis and the distance between them can be adjusted is exemplified. .

There is no particular limitation on the beam splitter 124, and various known types can be used as long as one laser beam can be divided into a plurality of beams arranged in one direction, such as a beam splitter using a dielectric multilayer film. It is possible. FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of the beam splitting optical system.

The beam splitting optical system 1 28 shown in FIG. 28 uses a rod lens 130, a cylindrical lens 13 2, and an aperture plate 1 34 having a large number of apertures in place of the beam splitter 124. In the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 28, the laser beam that has been divided and modulated so that the power processing position W becomes the beam waist is applied to the back of the tape T held at the processing position W. It is incident on the layer to form a processing line.

That is, the laser beam whose beam waist position has been adjusted by the beam waist position adjusting means 122 is expanded in the width direction of the tape T by the rod lens 130, and then collimated by the cylindrical lens 132. (Made into a sheet-like laser beam).

The sheet-like laser light is then incident on an aperture plate 1334 having a large number (N) of apertures (holes) arranged in the width direction of the tape T, and the laser light passing through the holes is , As a laser beam divided into N beams arranged in the width direction, enters the converging lens 126, converges and enters the processing position W, and forms a processing line on the back layer of the tape T .

In this beam splitting optical system, the method of converting the laser beam into a sheet-like laser beam is not limited to the method using the rod lens 130 and the cylindrical lens 132, and various known methods can be used. It is.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, the optical system for processing the back layer by irradiating the laser beam to the processing position W (the back layer of the tape) is not limited to the above example, and one optical system is provided at a predetermined processing position. Above laser beam, preferably multiple lasers A beam, more preferably a plurality of laser beams obtained by splitting a single laser beam, can be incident and imaged (or the beam waist position and the processing position coincide with each other) to process the back layer. For example, various optical systems are available. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 28, the beam waist position adjusting means 122 is not used, and a number of lenses are arranged in the width direction instead of the aperture plate 134 and the converging lens 126. An optical system using a multi-lens lens 42 as shown in FIG. 10 is exemplified.

In this optical system, the laser light sheet-shaped by the cylindrical lens 132 is incident on the multi-lens lens. The laser light incident on each lens of the multi-lens is imaged on the back layer of the tape T located at the processing position W by each lens, so that a plurality of laser beams arranged in the width direction are formed. Then, the back layer is processed.

As described above, the tape T is moved in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow X) while being positioned at the processing position W, with the back layer facing upward (the laser beam incident side) by the tape transport device 120. Conveyed (conveyed with the longitudinal direction and conveyance direction coincide). Therefore, a plurality of processing lines extending in the longitudinal direction (N in the above example) and a plurality of tapes extending in the width direction by the plurality of laser beams incident on the processing position W and arranged in the width direction. Formed on T back layer.

The tape transport device 120 is configured by appropriately combining a capstan roller, a pinch roller, a winder, a rewinder, a guide roller (142, 144), etc., and transports the tape T in the longitudinal direction. It is configured to include a known tape transport means (details omitted) and a support drum 136. As shown in FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B, the support drum 1336 is disposed on a cylindrical portion 1338 having an axis in the width direction of the tape cutter, and on both end surfaces of the cylindrical portion 138. It is composed of disc-shaped flanges 140 and 140 whose centers coincide with the cylindrical portion 113 and which have a large diameter.

In the illustrated example, the holding drum 1336 is disposed such that the uppermost portion of the side surface of the cylindrical portion 1338 is at the processing position W.

The tape T is guided upward by the guide rollers 14 2, is supported from below by the side surface of the cylindrical portion 1 38 of the holding drum 1 36, passes through the processing position W, and is guided downward by the guide rollers 144. Then, it is transported to the next process. Further, the tape T does not move in the width direction by a predetermined amount or more at the processing position W because the tape edge (end) abuts on the flange 140.

In other words, in the processing apparatus 110 of this embodiment, the tape T abuts the tape edge at the position in the depth of focus direction (the direction of laser beam travel) by the side surface of the cylindrical portion 138 having an axis in the width direction. The position in the width direction is regulated by the flange portion 140, and a part of the back layer is processed while being conveyed in the longitudinal direction while being positioned at the processing position W with high accuracy.

In this embodiment, if the tape T is in contact with and supported by the cylindrical portion 138 according to the state of winding of the tape T around the cylindrical portion 138, the cylindrical portion is not necessarily required. It is not necessary that the uppermost part of the part 1 38 be the processing position W of the tape T.

In terms of processing accuracy and processing density, the cylindrical part 1338 and the optical system are positioned so that the laser beam is perpendicularly incident on the tape T (so that the laser beam is directed to the axis of the cylindrical part). Is preferably set. The support drum 1336 may be engaged with a drive source and rotate by itself according to the transport speed of the tape T, or may be rotatably supported by bearings or the like to transport the tape Τ. May be used as a drive source to rotate.

The diameter of the cylindrical portion 138 is not particularly limited, either, depending on the transport path, the size (width) of the tape する to be processed, and the device configuration at the processing position W (members arranged in the vicinity). It may be determined appropriately.

The width w of the flange 140 is based on the width of the tape テープ to be processed, based on the width of the tape する to be processed (variation in width), and the processing accuracy (width of the processing line) required for the processing apparatus of this embodiment. The position may be determined as appropriate according to the direction accuracy, etc., and may be larger or smaller than the width of the tape. The width of the tape Τ is various and cannot be particularly specified, but usually, the interval w is about ± 0.005 mm to ± 0.1 mm of the width of the tape Τ.

There is also no particular limitation on the height h of the flange portion 140 (the level difference from the cylindrical portion 138), and the height at which the position in the width direction of the tape T can be appropriately regulated by contacting the tape edge. It should be about 2 mm to 5 mm.

Further, the flange portion 140 may be a flat surface (linear shape) orthogonal to the circumferential portion 1380 (the side surface), or may have a curvature (round). It may be one that has a flat surface that is ground by use and becomes orthogonal. The orthogonal plane can increase the positional accuracy in the width direction of the tape T, but increases the possibility of causing damage to the tape edge. Therefore, it may be appropriately determined according to the required accuracy and the like.

In the illustrated example, the flange portion 140 is located at both ends of the cylindrical portion 1338. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed so as to protrude from the side surface of the cylindrical portion 138. Further, the cylindrical portion 1338 and the flange portion 140 may be formed integrally or may be formed by combining different members to form the support drum 1336.

Further, as long as the desired positional accuracy in the width direction of the tape T can be achieved, the flange portion 140 is intermittent in the circumferential direction even if it is not formed over the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 1380. May be formed.

By the way, in the processing apparatus of this embodiment using a laser beam, both the thermal processing of the laser beam and the processing by abrasion (dissociation and release) with the laser beam occur in a combined manner, and the back layer is processed. it is conceivable that. Therefore, processing residue (dust etc.) and harmful gas may be generated by processing the back layer.

In the processing apparatus of this embodiment, in order to prevent contamination of the working environment and damage and dirt on the front and back surfaces of the tape due to the above, an adhesive for cleaning the surface of the tape T downstream of the processing position W (in the direction of transport of the tape T). Cleaning means (such as tape) or a duct for sucking gas may be provided.

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B schematically show another embodiment of the (magnetic tape) processing apparatus of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 29A, a plurality of the processing apparatuses 110 shown in FIG. 26A are arranged in the transport direction of the tape T, and each processing apparatus is adjusted by, for example, adjusting the position of the optical system. The processing lines (concave portions) formed by 110 are shifted from each other in the width direction. With such a configuration, the processing density of the processing line formed on the back layer of the tape can be improved.

Further, the example shown in FIG. 29B shows that the light source It has a configuration in which a plurality of optical systems each composed of 1 12 and a beam splitting optical system 1 18 are arranged, and processing lines formed by each optical system are shifted in the width direction as in the previous example. . Also in this configuration, similarly, the processing density of the processing line formed on the back layer can be improved.

Alternatively, the laser beam emitted from one optical system may be divided in the transport direction of the tape T and made incident on different positions in the width direction to improve the processing density of the processing line.

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

The magnetic tape processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is basically configured as described above.

As mentioned above, the method and the apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape and the apparatus for processing the magnetic tape according to the present invention have been described in detail with respect to the above-mentioned various embodiments by using the above-mentioned various embodiments. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the various embodiments, and various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Industrial applicability

As described above in detail, according to the method and apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, in the apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic tape such as a blade machine or a winder, the transfer speed is reduced. Even with high speed capstan rollers There is no slip, so that high-speed and accurate transport can be performed. Further, according to the method and apparatus for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape according to the third aspect of the present invention, a concave portion (groove) is formed in the back layer of the magnetic tape by irradiating a laser beam or the like to the back layer of the magnetic tape. When the forming process is performed, it is possible to extremely accurately regulate (position) the magnetic tape to be processed at the focal position of the processing laser beam.

Further, according to the magnetic tape processing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, even if the transport speed is increased, no slip is caused by the capstan roller or the like, and therefore, high-speed and accurate transport can be performed. Moreover, a magnetic tape with less cutting and excellent characteristics can be obtained efficiently.

By using the magnetic tape manufactured by the processing apparatus of this embodiment, high-speed and accurate tape conveyance can be performed in a magnetic tape manufacturing apparatus such as a blade machine, and as a result, appropriate production management can be achieved. Under the conditions, magnetic tapes without damage can be manufactured stably with high production efficiency, and the appearance of the rolls when wound on cartridges and pancakes can be made beautiful. Deterioration and tape edge damage can be prevented.

Claims

1. When the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, at least one of removing at least a part of an air layer entrained by the magnetic tape or using magnetic force, the magnetic tape from the magnetic tape support. A method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, comprising stabilizing the transfer of the magnetic tape by preventing floating of the magnetic tape.

2. The lifting of the magnetic tape from the magnetic tape support may be at least a negative pressure in an upstream portion of the magnetic tape support in the transport direction, or the magnetic tape support may be made of a magnetic material, The magnetic tape is brought into close contact with the magnetic tape support, or a relief groove for an air layer accompanying the magnetic tape is provided on the surface of the magnetic tape support, so that the air layer accompanying the magnetic tape escapes. At least one of thinning by a groove or forming the upstream side of the magnetic tape support into a shape having an edge, and removing the air layer entrained by the magnetic tape by the edge. 2. The method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the method is prevented.

3. A transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, the device comprising a floating prevention unit for preventing the magnetic tape from floating from the magnetic tape support. Device.

4. The floating prevention means is provided at least in an upstream portion of the magnetic tape support in the transport direction of the support, and a suction means for applying a negative pressure to the upstream portion; a portion of the magnetic tape support which contacts at least the magnetic tape. A magnetic material constituting the magnetic material At least one of a shape having a relief groove for an air layer accompanying the magnetic tape and an edge provided on the upstream side of the magnetic tape support provided on the surface of the tape support. 4. A device for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to claim 3, wherein

5. When the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction, the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the magnetic tape is adjusted to stabilize the transport of the magnetic tape. A method for stabilizing the transport of magnetic tape.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment of the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction is performed at a processing position where the magnetic tape is processed.

7. Adjustment of the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction is performed by urging the magnetic tape in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction while bending the magnetic tape along the traveling direction. 7. The method for stabilizing transport of a magnetic tape according to claim 5, wherein the method is characterized in that:

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the urging is performed by a magnetic force or a spring force.

9. Adjustment of the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction is performed by integrally moving a magnetic tape conveyance guide portion for guiding the magnetic tape in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the magnetic tape. 7. The method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape according to claim 5, wherein

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the amount of movement of the magnetic tape transport guide portion is determined based on a detection result of a state of movement of the magnetic tape in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the magnetic tape. A method for stabilizing the transport of magnetic tape.

11. Adjustment of the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction is performed by conveying the magnetic tape by a roller conveyance unit and positioning the magnetic tape by a width conveyance stabilization unit of the roller conveyance unit. 7. The method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to claim 5, wherein:

12. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to claim 11, wherein the positioning by the widthwise transport stabilizing means is performed by a widthwise position regulating collar of the roller transporting means.

13. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing method according to claim 11, wherein the positioning by the widthwise transport stabilizing means is performed by a self-correction function of the roller transporting means.

14. The method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to claim 13, wherein the roller transfer means is a crown roller having a large diameter at the center thereof or a concave roller having a small diameter at the center thereof.

15. A transport stabilizing device for transporting a magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, comprising a width direction movement adjusting means for adjusting the movement of the magnetic tape in a width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the magnetic tape. A magnetic tape transport stabilizing device, characterized in that:

16. The magnetic tape according to claim 15, wherein the width direction movement adjusting means adjusts the movement of the magnetic tape in the width direction at a processing position where the magnetic tape is processed. Transport stabilization device.

17. The width direction movement adjusting means includes: holding means for bending the magnetic tape along the traveling direction; and moving the magnetic tape locked by the holding means in the width direction. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising an urging means for urging.

18. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the urging means is a member which is urged by a magnetic force or a spring.

19. The width direction movement adjusting means is configured to integrally swing a magnetic tape transport guide portion for guiding the magnetic tape, and to move the magnetic tape transport guide portion in the width direction of the magnetic tape. 17. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: means for moving the magnetic tape.

20. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to claim 19, further comprising a magnetic tape position detecting unit, wherein the moving amount of the magnetic tape transport guiding portion is determined by the position detecting unit. The stabilization of the transport of the magnetic tape is determined on the basis of the result of detection of the detected moving state of the magnetic tape in the width direction.

21. The width direction movement adjusting means is provided with a roller conveyance means for conveying the magnetic tape, and a width direction conveyance provided in the roller conveyance means for positioning the magnetic tape conveyed by the roller conveyance means in the width direction. 17. The magnetic tape conveyance stabilizing device according to claim 15, further comprising a stabilizing unit.

22. The widthwise transport stabilizing means is a collar for positioning a magnetic tape at both ends of the roller transporting means in the widthwise direction, or a self-correcting function of the roller transporting means itself. 4. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to claim 1.

23. The magnetic tape transport stabilization according to claim 22, wherein a distance between the collars provided at both ends of the roller transport means is slightly smaller than a width of the magnetic tape.

24. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the roller transporting means having the self-correcting function is a crown roller having a large diameter at the center thereof or a conceal roller having a small diameter at the center thereof. .

25. A method for stabilizing the transport of a magnetic tape, comprising: adjusting the vertical position of the magnetic tape when transporting the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the adjustment of the vertical position fluctuation of the magnetic tape is performed at a processing position where the magnetic tape is applied.

27. The adjustment of the vertical position fluctuation of the magnetic tape is performed by detecting the vertical position of the magnetic tape, and detecting the vertical position of the magnetic tape based on the vertical position detection result of the magnetic tape. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the method is performed by correcting the position.

28. The adjustment of the vertical position fluctuation of the magnetic tape is performed by using a roller conveying means having a predetermined rotational accuracy for a portion requiring the vertical position accuracy of the magnetic tape. The method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to claim 25 or 26, wherein

29. The adjustment of the vertical position fluctuation of the magnetic tape is performed by urging the magnetic tape transport guide portion within the magnetic tape toward a reference position, and the biased magnetic tape transport guide portion. 27. The method for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape according to claim 25, wherein the method is performed by transferring the magnetic tape via a magnetic tape.

30. A transport stabilizing device for transporting the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, An apparatus for stabilizing the transfer of a magnetic tape, comprising a vertical position adjusting means for adjusting a vertical position change of the magnetic tape.

31. The magnetic tape according to claim 30, wherein the vertical position adjusting means adjusts the vertical position fluctuation of the magnetic tape at a processing position where the magnetic tape is processed. Transport stabilization device.

32. The vertical position adjusting means includes: a magnetic tape position detecting means for detecting a vertical position of the magnetic tape; and a vertical tape position detecting result by the magnetic tape position detecting means. 32. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising: a magnetic tape position correcting unit configured to correct a vertical position of the magnetic tape.

33. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the magnetic tape position detecting means is a displacement measuring means using a laser.

34. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to claim 32, wherein the magnetic tape position correcting means integrally moves a predetermined unit in a device for handling the magnetic tape.

35. The vertical position adjusting means is a roller conveying means having a predetermined rotational accuracy, provided before and after a portion of the magnetic tape requiring vertical position accuracy. 31. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to 0 or 31.

36. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 35, which is used in a magnetic tape processing apparatus that performs laser processing on the magnetic tape, wherein the rotation accuracy of the roller transport unit is such that the magnetic tape is laser-driven. The laser processing at the processing position to be processed Characterized in that the magnetic tape is placed within a range where the attenuation of the power of the laser beam used in the laser is within 5% of its maximum value.

37. The vertical position adjusting means makes the magnetic tape transport guide portion of the device for handling the magnetic tape swingable, and moves the magnetic tape transport guide portion to a predetermined reference position of the device for handling the magnetic tape. 31. The magnetic tape transport stabilization according to claim 30, wherein the magnetic tape is configured to be biased toward the magnetic tape.

38. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the predetermined reference position of the device that handles the magnetic tape is a processing stage for performing a predetermined process on the magnetic tape.

39. The magnetic tape transport stabilizing device according to claim 37, wherein the magnetic tape transport guide portion includes at least a tape supporting means for supporting the magnetic tape.

40. An optical system for processing one or more laser beams for processing a back layer of a long magnetic tape at a predetermined processing position, a transport unit for transporting the magnetic tape in a longitudinal direction, and a transport direction of the magnetic tape A backing layer is provided on the cylindrical portion for holding the magnetic tape at the processing position with the back layer facing the laser beam incident side by supporting the magnetic tape on the side surface, and having an axis in a direction orthogonal to And a supporting drum having a flange portion for restricting a position in a width direction of the magnetic tape by contacting an end of the magnetic tape.