WO2002093566A1

WO2002093566A1 - Lubricant coating device and lubricant coating method for recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2002093566A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/004007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuichiro Itai; Masaki Katayama; Yoshiharu Kasamatsu
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2001-05-15
Filing date: 2001-05-15
Publication date: 2002-11-21

Abstract

A magnetic disk (24) is dipped into a cleaning liquid phase (42) and a lubricant-containing liquid phase (41) in succession with the contact of the disk (24) with the atmosphere completely cut off when it is transferred from the liquid phase (42) to the liquid phase (41). The disk (24) has its surfaces kept clean, because there is no entry of contaminants in the air to between the surfaces of the disk (24) and lubricant films. In addition, since the disk (24) leaves the liquid phase (41) to directly enter a gas phase (43), almost no liquid stain develops on the surfaces of the disk (24) after coated with a lubricant.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention Apparatus and method for applying lubricant to recording medium

The present invention relates to a lubricant application device and a lubricant application method for applying a lubricant to a surface of a recording medium represented by, for example, a magnetic disk, and more particularly to a lubricant for cleaning a surface of a recording medium prior to applying a lubricant. The present invention relates to an agent application device and a lubricant application method. Background art

For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-27367, there is known a lubricant applying method in which a recording medium is immersed successively in a cleaning liquid and a lubricant-containing liquid. According to such a lubricant application method, contaminations such as acidic substances and silicon-based organic substances can be removed from the surface of the recording medium in the cleaning liquid, that is, in the water. Moreover, since the contact between the recording medium and the air is completely avoided when the process shifts from the cleaning process to the lubricant application process, the contaminants enter between the surface of the recording medium and the lubricant film. Never.

However, in the lubricant application method described in the above-mentioned publication, the recording medium has to go underwater again after the formation of the lubricant film. When the recording medium pulled out of the water dries in this way, liquid stains occur on the surface of the recording medium due to the effect of water droplets adhering to the surface of the recording medium. When such a recording medium is incorporated in, for example, an eighteen-disk drive, the liquid stain causes a collision of a flying head slider and an unstable flying posture. In addition, when the recording medium dives underwater again, there is a concern that the contaminants remaining in the water will re-attach to the surface of the recording medium. Disclosure of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a lubricant application apparatus and a lubricant application method for a recording medium capable of simultaneously reducing contamination and reducing liquid stains. With the goal. In order to achieve the above object, according to the first invention, a step of dipping a recording medium in a cleaning liquid phase, a step of dipping a recording medium in a lubricant-containing liquid phase, And a step of detaching the recording medium.

According to such a lubricant application method, the recording medium is immersed one after another in the cleaning liquid phase and the lubricant-containing liquid phase, so that when the recording medium shifts from the cleaning liquid phase to the lubricant-containing liquid phase, the recording medium contacts the atmosphere. Is completely avoided. A clean surface is maintained on the recording medium. No airborne contamination enters between the surface of the recording medium and the lubricant film. In addition, the recording medium separates directly from the lubricant-containing liquid phase into the gas phase. Therefore, almost no liquid stain occurs on the surface of the recording medium after applying the lubricant. On the other hand, if the recording medium is pulled up from the lubricant-containing liquid phase to the gas phase via the washing liquid phase as in the past, many liquid stains will occur on the surface of the recording medium after applying the lubricant. It was confirmed that it would.

At this time, it is desired that the specific gravity of the cleaning liquid is smaller than the specific gravity of the lubricant-containing liquid. According to such a cleaning liquid and a lubricant-containing liquid, the cleaning liquid phase and the lubricant-containing liquid phase can be relatively easily established.

As the lubricant, for example, a perfluoro-ether compound may be used. When the perfluoro-ether compound is dissolved in a volatile solvent such as a fluorine-based solvent, a lubricant-containing liquid can be prepared. The concentration of the lubricant may be set to, for example, about 0.01 to 0.05% by weight.

The cleaning liquid may include a polar liquid such as water or methanol, ethanol, or acetone. Such a polar liquid can wash out hydrophilic ionic contamination such as nitrate ion, phosphate ion, sulfate ion, and oxalate ion from the surface of the recording medium. In this way, when the adhesion of the ion-based composition is reduced, corrosion of the recording medium can be avoided as much as possible. The durability of the recording medium is improved.

In addition, the cleaning liquid may be an organic solvent such as toluene or hexane. Such an organic solvent can wash out hydrophobic organic contaminants such as a silicon-containing organic compound from the surface of the recording medium. This organic When the contamination is removed, for example, the attraction force can be reduced on the surface of the recording medium. When such a recording medium is combined with a so-called flying head slider, attraction between the flying head slider and the recording medium can be prevented as much as possible. In particular, organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone have polarity at the same time. Therefore, if such a polar organic solvent is used for the cleaning solution, it will be very useful for removing not only ionic contaminants but also organic contaminants. In addition, a mixture of a polar liquid and an organic solvent may be used as the cleaning liquid, or a multiphase separation liquid of the polar liquid and the organic solvent may be used. According to the second aspect of the present invention, when realizing the above lubricant applying method, a liquid reservoir, a first passage extending upward from the liquid reservoir and having a first opening at an upper end, and separated from the first passage. A second passage extending upward from the liquid reservoir and having a second opening at an upper end, and a transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium from the first opening to the second opening via the liquid reservoir. An apparatus for applying a lubricant to a recording medium is provided.

In such a lubricant applying device, for example, a lubricant-containing liquid having a large specific gravity is poured into the liquid reservoir. Thereafter, when the cleaning liquid is poured into the first passage, a lubricant-containing liquid phase and a cleaning liquid phase can be established in the first passage. At this time, for example, if the atmosphere is secured in the second passage, the lubricant-containing liquid phase and the gas phase can be established in the second passage. Therefore, if the recording medium moves from the first opening to the second opening via the liquid reservoir, the above-described lubricant applying method can be realized.

For example, the lubricant applying device includes a surrounding wall surrounding the first and second passages without interruption on the liquid reservoir, and a partition wall disposed inside the surrounding wall and separating the first and second passages from each other. You may. According to such a configuration, the first and second passages can be relatively easily partitioned based on one container constituting the liquid reservoir. In such a case, the transport mechanism includes a first member extending along an arbitrary reference plane, a medium holding member disposed at a position apart from the reference plane at a distance larger than the thickness of the partition wall, and What is necessary is just to provide a first member and a second member that connects the medium holding member while forming the bent portion. At this time, the distance measured from the bent portion to the medium holding member along the reference plane may be set to be longer than the length of the second passage. The first member and the second member may be formed from one bar. In such a lubricant applying device, a purifier may be connected to the first passage. Such a purifier is used, for example, for purifying the cleaning liquid stored in the first passage. According to such a purifier, deterioration of the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be reliably avoided.

A heater may be connected to the first passage. Such a heater can heat the washing liquid in the first passage. As a result, the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be enhanced. Further, an ultrasonic oscillator may be connected to the first passage. Such an ultrasonic oscillator can transmit ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the first passage. The cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be further enhanced.

In addition, in realizing the above-mentioned lubricant applying method, according to the third invention, the liquid storage tank, the liquid receiver for receiving the liquid overflowing from the liquid storage tank, and the liquid storage tank connected to the liquid storage tank, The present invention provides a lubricant application device for a recording medium, comprising: a storage tank for transferring a liquid between them.

In such a lubricant applicator, when the lubricant-containing liquid and the cleaning liquid are poured into the liquid reservoir, the lubricant-containing liquid phase, the washing liquid phase, and the gas phase are superimposed sequentially in the liquid reservoir. be able to. At this time, when the lubricant-containing liquid is supplied from the storage tank to the liquid storage tank, the interface of the lubricant-containing liquid phase and the interface of the cleaning liquid phase rise. With this rise, the recording medium can be successively immersed in the cleaning liquid phase and the lubricant-containing liquid phase.

When the liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid phase further rises, the cleaning liquid overflows from the reservoir. The overflowing cleaning liquid is stored in the liquid receiver. When the cleaning liquid completely moves from the reservoir to the reservoir, the interface of the lubricant-containing liquid phase that directly contacts the gas phase is established in the reservoir. Thereafter, the lubricant-containing liquid is delivered from the liquid storage tank to the storage tank. This transfer lowers the interface of the lubricant-containing liquid phase in the liquid storage tank. In this way, the recording medium can be separated from the lubricant-containing liquid phase into the gas phase in the liquid reservoir according to the descent.

A single wave path may be connected between the liquid storage tank and the storage tank. If the transfer of the lubricant-containing liquid is realized through such a liquid path, the configuration of the lubricant applying device can be simplified. Also, pour the liquid in the liquid receiver toward the liquid reservoir. Liquid return pipe may be connected. According to such a liquid return pipe, the cleaning liquid overflowing from the liquid storage tank can be relatively easily reused. In such a lubricant applying device, a purifier may be connected to the liquid receiver, similarly to the aforementioned lubricant applying device. Such a gasifier is used, for example, for purifying a cleaning liquid stored in a liquid receiver. According to such a purifier, deterioration of the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be reliably avoided.

As described above, a heater may be connected to the liquid reservoir. These heaters can warm the cleaning liquid in the reservoir. As a result, the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be enhanced. Further, an ultrasonic oscillator may be connected to the liquid reservoir. These ultrasonic oscillators can transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning liquid in the reservoir. The cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be further enhanced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a structure of a lubricant applying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the first and second passages schematically showing the shapes of the first and second passages.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the lubricant applying apparatus that simply shows the position of the jig.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the structure of the jig in detail.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a lubricant application device schematically showing a relationship between a lubricant-containing liquid phase, a cleaning liquid phase, and a gas phase.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a process of dipping a magnetic disk in a cleaning liquid phase.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a process of dipping a magnetic disk in a lubricant-containing liquid phase. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a step of separating a magnetic disk from a lubricant-containing liquid phase to a gas phase.

FIG. 9 is a bar graph showing the adhesion amount of the ion-based composition.

FIG. 10 is a bar graph showing the number of liquid stains.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the structure of a lubricant application device according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a structure of a lubricant applying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a lubricant applying apparatus schematically showing a relationship between a liquid phase containing a lubricant, a cleaning liquid phase, and a gas phase.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a process of dipping a magnetic disk in the cleaning liquid phase.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a lubricant applying apparatus schematically showing a relationship between a lubricant-containing liquid phase and a gas phase.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a structure of a lubricant application device according to a modification of the second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

FIG. 1 schematically shows the structure of a lubricant application device 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lubricant application device 11 includes a liquid tank 13 that divides a liquid storage space 12. The liquid tank 13 includes a bottom plate 14 and a peripheral wall 15 rising from a peripheral edge of the bottom plate 14. The peripheral wall 15 continuously surrounds the liquid storage space 13 on the bottom plate 14. The liquid storage space 12 may be partitioned into, for example, a cylindrical shape, or may be partitioned into a square pillar or another polygonal pillar shape.

A surrounding wall 17 rising from the top surface 15 a of the peripheral wall 15 is connected to the liquid tank 13. The surrounding wall 17 is continuous from the peripheral wall 15 of the liquid tank 13 without a seam. That is, the liquid tank 13 and the surrounding wall 17 are configured as one container. Inside the surrounding wall 17, there is a first passage 19 extending upward from the liquid storage space 12 and having a first opening 18 at the upper end, and similarly extending upward from the liquid storage space 12 to the upper end. A second passage 21 having a second opening 20 is defined. The first and second passages 19 and 21 are separated from each other by a partition wall 22 disposed inside the surrounding wall 17. The first passageway 19, the liquid storage space 12 and the second passageway 21 connected in this way form a transfer space extending from the first opening 18 to the second opening 20. A lid 23 is attached to the upper end of the second passage 21 to open and close the second opening 20. Here, it is clear from FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. As described above, the shapes (for example, cross-sectional shapes) of the first and second passages 19 and 21 defined by the surrounding wall 17 and the partition wall 22 may be arbitrarily set.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the lubricant application device 11 includes a transport mechanism 25 that transports the recording medium, that is, the magnetic disk 24, from the first opening 19 to the second opening 21 along the aforementioned transport space. . The transport mechanism 25 includes a jig 26 for holding the magnetic disk 24 and a drive mechanism 27 for moving the jig 26. The driving mechanism 27 includes, for example, a z-axis driving device 28 that moves the jig 26 in the vertical direction of the liquid tank 13, that is, a vertical direction, and an X-axis driving device 29 that moves the jig 26 in the horizontal direction. It should be done. As shown in FIG. 3, when the jig 26 is positioned at, for example, the first position, that is, the standby position SP, the magnetic disk 24 is held above the first opening 18. When the jig 26 is positioned at the second position, ie, the lowermost position LP, the magnetic disk 24 is held in the liquid storage space 12. Further, when the jig 26 is positioned at the third position, ie, the separation position OP, the magnetic disk 24 can be held above the second opening 20.

Here, the structure of the jig 26 will be described in detail. The jig 26 includes a first member 32 extending along an arbitrary reference plane 31 as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The first member 32 is connected to the drive mechanism 27 described above. The first member 32 is arranged on the front side of the reference plane 31.

The second member 33 is disposed on the back side of the reference surface 31. The second member 33 is connected to the lower end of the first member 32, and has a bent portion 33a rising from the reference surface 31 and a straight line extending upward from the bent portion 33a on the back side of the reference surface 31. Part 3 3b. By the function of the bent portion 33a, an interval larger than the thickness of the partition wall 22 described above is established at least between the reference plane 31 and the straight portion 33b. When the jig 26 is positioned at the detachment position OP as described above, the partition wall 22 described above can be received between the reference plane 31 and the straight portion 33b.

To the upper end of the second member 33, for example, a medium holding member 34 extending in the horizontal direction is connected. The medium holding member 34 can support, for example, a plurality of magnetic disks 24. For this support, the medium holding member 34 may be inserted into the center hole of each magnetic disk 24. As a result, each magnetic disk 24 is held in a vertical position. be able to.

The medium holding member 34 is arranged at a distance d from the reference plane 31 at an interval d larger than the thickness of the partition wall 22 described above. Therefore, even when the jig 26 moves from the lowermost position LP to the release position OP, or conversely, when the jig 26 moves from the release position OP to the lowermost position LP, the reference surface 31 and the medium holding member Compartment wall mentioned above between 3 and 4

2 2 can be accepted.

In the jig 26, the distance L measured from the bent portion 33 a of the second member 33 to the medium holding member 34 along the reference plane 31 is the length of the second passage 21, that is, the partition wall 2 2 Is set higher than the height of According to such a setting, even when the magnetic disk 24 is held above the second opening 20 at the separation position 0P of the jig 26 as described above, the gap between the partition wall 22 and the bent portion 3 3a Contact can be reliably avoided. 1st member

32, the second member 33, and the medium holding member 34 may be formed of, for example, one bar.

Next, the operation of the lubricant applying device 11 will be described. First, a lubricant-containing liquid and a cleaning liquid are prepared. The lubricant-containing liquid is composed of a lubricant applied to the magnetic disk 24 and a volatile solvent that dissolves the lubricant. As the lubricant, for example, a perfluoroether compound may be used. At this time, for example, a fluorine-based solvent may be used as the volatile solvent. The concentration of the lubricant may be set to, for example, about 0.01 to 0.05% by weight.

As the cleaning liquid, for example, a liquid that does not dissolve in a lubricant-containing liquid, that is, a volatile solvent, and has a higher specific gravity than the lubricant-containing liquid is selected. As described above, when a fluorinated solvent is used as the solvent for the lubricant, water or a polar liquid such as methanol, ethanol, or acetone may be used.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a lubricant-containing liquid is poured into the liquid tank 13 and the inside of the surrounding wall 17. The liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid is set above the lower end of the partition wall 22. Thus, the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 is established inside the liquid tank 13 and the surrounding wall 17. The lower ends of the first and second passages 19, 21 are closed with a lubricant-containing liquid. At this time, the second opening 20 of the second passage 21 is closed by the lid 23. Volatilization of the lubricant-containing liquid through the second opening 20 can be avoided as much as possible. Subsequently, the cleaning liquid is gently poured into the first passage 19 from the first opening 18. Since the specific gravity of the cleaning liquid is significantly smaller than the specific gravity of the lubricant-containing liquid, and the cleaning liquid and the lubricant-containing liquid are not mutually soluble, the cleaning liquid is stored in the first passage 19. Thus, the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 and the cleaning liquid phase 42 are established in the first passage 19. By the action of the cleaning liquid, the volatilization of the lubricant-containing liquid through the first opening 18 can be prevented. The depth of the cleaning liquid may be set to be larger than the diameter of the magnetic disk 24, for example. Here, for example, the atmosphere is secured in the second passage 21, so that the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 and the gas phase 43 are established in the second passage 21.

When the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41, the cleaning liquid phase 42, and the gas phase 43 are established inside the liquid tank 13 and the surrounding wall 17 in this way, the operation of applying the lubricant to the magnetic disk 24 is started. You. At the start of the coating operation, the jig 26 is positioned at the standby position SP. Subsequently, for example, a plurality of magnetic disks 24 are mounted on the medium holding member 34 of the jig 26.

Next, the drive mechanism 27 lowers the jig 26 toward the lowermost position LP. The magnetic disk 24 is introduced from the first opening 18 into the first passage 19. As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic disk 24 is immersed in the cleaning liquid phase 42. The washing liquid phase 42 is for washing out the hydrophilic ionic contaminants attached to the surface of the magnetic disk 24. Thus, the surface of the magnetic disk 24 is cleaned.

When the jig 26 further descends toward the lowermost position LP, the magnetic disk 24 enters the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41, for example, as shown in FIG. The lubricant contained in the lubricant-containing liquid adheres to the surface of the magnetic disk 24. When the magnetic disk 24 is completely accommodated in the liquid storage space 12 at the lowermost position LP of the jig 26, the surface of the magnetic disk 24 is covered evenly with the lubricant.

Thereafter, the driving mechanism 27 raises the jig 26 from the lowermost position LP toward the detached position OP. The magnetic disk 24 enters the second passage 21 from the liquid storage space 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic disk 24 separates from the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 to the gas phase 43. When the magnetic disk 24 enters the gas phase 43 in this manner, the solvent in the lubricant-containing liquid evaporates from the surface of the magnetic disk 24. The lubricant remains. Thus, a lubricant film is formed on the surface of the magnetic disk 24. Open / close lid 2 3 Then, the magnetic disk 24 is taken out from the second opening 20. The magnetic disk 24 is removed from the medium holding member 34.

As described above, since the magnetic disk 24 is immersed in the cleaning liquid phase 42 and the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 one after another, the magnetic disk 24 is moved from the cleaning liquid phase 42 to the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41. Contact between 4 and the atmosphere is completely avoided. The magnetic disk 24 maintains a clean surface. No airborne contamination enters between the surface of the magnetic disk 24 and the lubricant film. As is evident from Fig. 9, the amount of adhering ionic contaminants such as nitrate ions, phosphate ions, sulfate ions, and oxalate ions is significantly reduced as compared with the case where no cleaning solution is used. confirmed. When the adhesion of the ionic contamination is reduced in this way, the corrosion of the magnetic disk 24 can be avoided as much as possible. The durability of the magnetic disk 24 is improved.

In addition, in the lubricant application method as described above, the magnetic disk 24 is directly lifted from the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 to the gas phase 43. Therefore, almost no liquid stain occurs on the surface of the magnetic disk 24 after the application of the lubricant. As is clear from Fig. 10, when the magnetic disk 24 is lifted from the lubricant-containing liquid phase 41 to the gas phase via the cleaning liquid phase 42, a large amount of liquid is applied to the surface of the magnetic disk after the lubricant is applied. It was confirmed that stains would occur. When the magnetic disk is pulled up from the cleaning liquid phase in this way, there is a concern that the ionic contaminants washed out in the cleaning liquid may reattach to the surface of the magnetic disk.

As the cleaning liquid, an organic solvent such as toluene or hexane may be used instead of the above-described polar liquid. Such an organic solvent can wash out a hydrophobic organic compound such as a silicon-containing organic compound from the surface of the magnetic disk 24. When such organic contaminants are removed, the attraction force between the head slider and the magnetic disk 24 can be reduced, for example, when the head slider falls. In a magnetic disk drive in which such a magnetic disk 24 is incorporated, the operation can be stabilized.

In particular, organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone have polarities at the same time. Therefore, if such a polar organic solvent is used in the cleaning solution, It is very useful for removing organic contaminants as well as on contaminants. In addition, a mixture of a polar liquid and an organic solvent may be used as the cleaning liquid, or a multiphase separation liquid of the polar liquid and the organic solvent may be used.

The aforementioned lubricant applying device 11 may further include a purifier 45 for purifying the cleaning liquid, as shown in FIG. 11 for example. Such a purifier 45 is, for example, a pipe 46 for establishing a circulation path with the first passage 19, and is incorporated in the circulation path to remove ionic compounds from the cleaning liquid and organic matter components. A filter 47 for removing evening minerals may be provided. As the filter 47, an ion exchange resin or the like that chemically removes contaminants may be used, in addition to a filter that physically filters contaminants. According to such a function of the purifier 45, deterioration of the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be reliably avoided. The circulation of the cleaning liquid may be realized by, for example, a pressure pump (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 11, a heater 48 may be connected to the first passage 19. Such a heater 48 can heat the cleaning liquid in the first passage 19. As a result, the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be enhanced. Further, an ultrasonic oscillator 49 may be connected to the surrounding wall 17 and the liquid tank 13. Such an ultrasonic oscillator 49 can transmit ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the first passage 19. The cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid can be further enhanced.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the structure of a lubricant application device 51 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The lubricant applying device 51 includes a liquid storage tank 53 that partitions a liquid storage space 52. The liquid storage tank 53 includes a bottom plate 54 and a peripheral wall 55 rising from the periphery of the bottom plate 54. The peripheral wall 55 surrounds the liquid storage space 52 without interruption on the bottom plate 54. An inlet / outlet opening 56 is defined at the upper end of the liquid reservoir 53. A lid 57 is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall 55 so as to be able to open and close freely and to close the opening 56.

A medium holding member 58 is disposed inside the liquid storage tank 53. The medium holding member 58 may be fixed at a predetermined height from the bottom plate 54, for example, to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 55. The medium holding member 58 can support, for example, a plurality of magnetic disks 61. In supporting, the medium holding member 58 may be inserted into the center hole of each magnetic disk 61. As a result, each magnetic disk 61 can be maintained in the vertical position. Wear.

A storage tank 62 that partitions the storage space is connected to the liquid storage tank 53. The storage tank 62 includes, for example, a bottom plate 63 and a peripheral wall 64 rising from the periphery of the bottom plate 63. The peripheral wall 64 surrounds the storage space without interruption on the bottom plate 63. At the upper end of the peripheral wall 64, a closing lid 65 for sealing the storage space inside the peripheral wall 64 is attached.

The liquid storage space and the storage section are connected to each other. In this connection, one pipe 67 is disposed between the bottom plate 54 of the liquid storage tank 53 and the bottom plate 63 of the storage tank 62. The pipe 67 forms a single flow path 68 extending from the first opening that opens at the bottom of the liquid reservoir 53 to the second opening that opens at the bottom of the storage tank 62. For example, a pump 69 is installed in the middle of the pipe 67. The pump 69 can move the liquid from the liquid storage space to the storage space, and can move the liquid from the storage space to the liquid storage space. Thus, liquid is transferred between the liquid storage tank 53 and the storage tank 62. At this time, between the liquid storage tank 53 and the storage tank 62, when the pump 69 is operated, a pressure release pipe 70 for balancing the pressure of the liquid storage space and the pressure of the storage space is provided. Good.

The liquid storage tank 53 is further connected to a liquid receiving tank 71 that defines a liquid receiving space. The liquid receiving space in the liquid receiving tank 71 is connected to the liquid storing space in the liquid storing tank 53 at an overflow port 72 formed in the peripheral wall 55 of the liquid storing tank 53 above the medium holding member 58. Is done. As a result of this force, if the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 53 continues to rise, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 53 overflows from the overflow port 72 to the liquid receiving tank 71. The overflowing liquid can be stored in the liquid receiving tank 71.

A liquid return pipe 73 is further disposed between the liquid storage tank 53 and the liquid receiving tank 71. The liquid return pipe 67 forms a flow path extending from the first opening that opens on the bottom surface of the liquid receiving tank 71 to the second opening that opens on the peripheral wall 55 of the liquid storage tank 53. In the middle of the liquid return pipe 73, for example, a pump 74 is incorporated. The pump 74 can flow the liquid from the liquid receiving space toward the liquid storage space. Thus, the liquid in the liquid receiving tank 71 can be completely returned to the liquid storage tank 53.

Next, the operation of the lubricant applying device 51 will be described. First, as described above, a specified amount of the lubricant-containing liquid and a specified amount of the cleaning liquid are prepared. The prepared lubricant-containing liquid is a reservoir It is poured into tank 53. Subsequently, the level of the lubricant-containing liquid is lowered. To realize such a lowering of the liquid level, the pump 69 transfers the lubricant-containing liquid from the liquid storage tank 53 to the storage tank 62. When the level of the lubricant-containing liquid reaches the specified minimum level, the lowering of the liquid level is stopped.

Next, the cleaning liquid is poured into the liquid storage tank 53. As described above, the specific gravity of the cleaning liquid is significantly smaller than the specific gravity of the lubricant-containing liquid, and the cleaning liquid and the lubricant-containing liquid do not dissolve each other. The washing liquid is stored on the liquid surface. The depth of the cleaning liquid is set to be larger than the diameter of the magnetic disk 61, for example. However, the level of the cleaning liquid is set lower than the magnetic disk 61 mounted on the medium holding member 58. Thus, in the liquid storage tank 53, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a lubricant-containing liquid phase 76, a cleaning liquid phase 77 and a gas phase 78 are sequentially stacked.

When the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76, the cleaning liquid phase Ί 7, and the gas phase 78 are established in the liquid storage tank 53 in this manner, a plurality of magnetic sheets are attached to the medium holding member 58 according to the opening and closing of the lid 57. Disk 61 is mounted. The magnetic disk 61 is accommodated in a gas phase 78. Thereafter, the lubricant containing liquid is gradually supplied from the storage tank 62 to the liquid storage tank 53 by the operation of the pump 69. In accordance with the supply of the lubricant-containing liquid, the liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid, that is, the interface of the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76, rises in the liquid reservoir 53. Similarly, the level of the cleaning liquid, that is, the interface of the cleaning liquid phase 77, rises. When the cleaning liquid phase 77 rises, the magnetic disk 61 is immersed in the cleaning liquid phase 77 as shown in FIG. The washing liquid phase 7 7 removes contamination adhering to the surface of the magnetic disk 61. Thus, the surface of the magnetic disk 61 is cleaned.

When the liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 further rises, the magnetic disk 61 enters the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 from the cleaning liquid phase 77. The lubricant contained in the lubricant-containing liquid adheres to the surface of the magnetic disk 24. When the magnetic disk 61 is completely contained in the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 as the liquid level rises, the surface of the magnetic disk 61 is covered with the lubricant evenly. As described above, since the magnetic disk 61 is submerged in the cleaning liquid phase 77 and the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 one after another, a clean surface of the magnetic disk 61 is maintained as described above. The space between the surface of the magnetic disk 61 and the lubricant Evening illumination does not enter.

When the liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid phase 6 further rises, the cleaning liquid phase 77 is pushed up toward the overflow port 72. As shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning liquid overflows from the overflow port 72 toward the liquid receiving tank 71. The overflowing washing liquid is stored in the liquid receiving tank 71. When the cleaning liquid completely moves from the liquid storage tank 53 to the liquid receiving tank 71, the supply of the lubricant-containing liquid to the liquid storage tank 53 is stopped. In this way, in the liquid reservoir 53, the interface of the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 that directly contacts the gas phase 78 is established. To achieve the complete transfer of the cleaning liquid, the liquid containing the lubricant may flow into the liquid receiving tank 71 at the same time.

Thereafter, the lubricant-containing liquid is returned from the liquid storage tank 53 to the storage tank 62 again. Thus, the liquid level of the lubricant-containing liquid in the liquid storage tank 53 is lowered. As the liquid level falls, the magnetic disk 61 separates from the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76 to the gas phase 78. When the magnetic disk 61 enters the gas phase 78 in this way, a lubricant film is formed on the surface of the magnetic disk 61 as described above. As described above, since the magnetic disk 61 directly enters the gas phase 78 from the lubricant-containing liquid phase 76, almost no liquid stain is generated on the surface of the magnetic disk 61 as described above. When the level of the lubricant-containing liquid reaches the specified minimum level, the lowering of the liquid level is stopped. When the lowering of the liquid level is stopped, the magnetic disk 61 is removed from the medium holding member 58 in response to opening and closing of the lid 57. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is returned from the liquid receiving tank 71 to the liquid storage tank 53. The returned washing liquid may contain a lubricant-containing liquid. Due to the action of gravity, a lubricant-containing liquid phase 76, a cleaning liquid phase 77 and a gas phase 78 are established again in the liquid reservoir 53. As a result, the subsequent coating process is ready.

In the second embodiment, a cleaning liquid may be selected as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the lubricant application device 51 according to the second embodiment includes a purifier 81 and a heater 8 connected to a liquid reservoir tank 53, similarly to the first embodiment. 2. An ultrasonic oscillator 83 may be further provided.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A step of immersing the recording medium in the cleaning liquid phase, a step of immersing the recording medium in the lubricant-containing liquid phase, and a step of desorbing the recording medium from the lubricant-containing liquid phase to the gas phase. A method for applying a lubricant to a recording medium.

2. The method for applying lubricant to a recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the specific gravity of the cleaning liquid is smaller than the specific gravity of the lubricant-containing liquid.

3. The method for applying a lubricant to a recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning liquid contains an organic solvent.

4. The method for applying lubricant to a recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the organic solvent has polarity.

5. The method for applying a lubricant to a recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning liquid contains a polar liquid.

6. The method for applying a lubricant to a recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lubricant-containing liquid contains a perfluoroether-based compound. Method of applying lubricant to the medium.

7. A reservoir, a first passage extending upward from the reservoir and having a first opening at an upper end, and a second passage separated from the first passage and extending upward from the reservoir and having a second opening at an upper end. And a transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium from the first opening to the second opening via the liquid reservoir.

8. The lubricant applying apparatus for a recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the surrounding wall surrounds the first and second passages without interruption on the liquid reservoir, and is disposed inside the surrounding wall, A device for applying lubricant to a recording medium, comprising: a partition wall separating the first and second passages from each other.

9. The lubricant applying apparatus for a recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the transport mechanism includes a first member extending along an arbitrary reference surface, and a reference member having an interval larger than a thickness of the partition wall. A medium holding member arranged at a position distant from the surface, and a second member connecting the first member and the medium holding member while forming a bent portion, and measuring from the bent portion to the medium holding member along the reference plane The distance applied is set to be longer than the length of the second passage.

10. The lubricant applying apparatus for a recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the first member and the second member are formed from a single rod. apparatus.

11. The lubricant application device for a recording medium according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a purifier for purifying a liquid is connected to at least the first passage. A lubricant application device for a recording medium.

12. The lubricant application device for a recording medium according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a heater is connected to at least the first passage. Lubricant application equipment.

13. The apparatus for applying lubricant to a recording medium according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein an ultrasonic oscillator is connected to at least the first passage. Medium lubricant application device.

1 4. Liquid reservoir, liquid reservoir to catch liquid overflowing from liquid reservoir, and liquid reservoir A lubricant application device for a recording medium, comprising: a storage tank connected to and receiving liquid from a liquid storage tank.

15. The lubricant application device for a recording medium according to claim 14, wherein the liquid reservoir and the reservoir are connected by a single wave path. Coating device.

16. The recording medium lubricant applying device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the liquid receiver is configured to return the liquid in the liquid receiver toward a liquid storage tank. A lubricant application device for a recording medium, wherein a piping is connected.

17. The lubricant applying apparatus for a recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the liquid receiver is connected to a purifier for purifying a liquid in the liquid receiver. An apparatus for applying a lubricant to a recording medium, comprising:

18. The apparatus for applying a lubricant to a recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein a heater is connected to the liquid storage tank. Lubricant application device.

19. The apparatus for applying lubricant to a recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein an ultrasonic oscillator is connected to the liquid storage tank. Medium lubricant application device.