JPH08249763A - Magnetic tape unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] The present invention relates to a magnetic tape device, which improves reliability of the device by eliminating damage to the magnetic tape.
In addition, the object is to reduce the number of parts and realize the downsizing and cost reduction of the device. Constitution: A controller 30 drives a reel motor at a predetermined time interval during recording / reproduction processing standby to intermittently move a magnetic tape, a means to drive a reel motor to rotate at a low speed to run a magnetic tape at a low speed, at the start of standby. A means for unloading the magnetic tape after a lapse of a certain time from was provided. Further, the tape thread mechanism is provided with a tape pull-out arm 18, a drive arm 19, a support block to which the arm is fixed, a threader motor, and a transmission gear 63. An elliptical hole 65 is provided in the transmission gear 63, and a support pin 62 is projected on the support block. Set up,
The support pin 6 of the support block is inserted into the oval hole 65 of the transmission gear 63.
2 is loosely fitted to provide a play (play) between the transmission gear 63 and the arm.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic tape device for recording / reproducing various signals on / from a magnetic tape. In particular, the present invention relates to a magnetic tape device provided with an air escape groove for improving the contact between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape. The present invention also relates to a magnetic tape device having an improved tape threader mechanism of a magnetic tape loading system.

[0002]

23 to 27 are views showing a conventional example. In FIGS. 23 to 27, 2 is a base, 3 is a machine reel motor, 4 is a file reel motor, 5 is a guide roller, and 6 is a guide roller. Is a magnetic head, 7 is an air pump, 8 is a lifter solenoid, 11 is a machine reel, and 12 is a file reel.

Reference numeral 14 is a magnetic tape cartridge, 1
5 is a magnetic tape, 18 is a tape pulling arm, 19 is a drive arm, 20 is a threader motor, 21 is a leader block, 22 is an arm position detecting first sensor, 23 is an arm position detecting home sensor, and 24 is an arm position detecting second sensor. Indicates.

(Description of Conventional Example 1) FIG. 23 is an explanatory view of the internal mechanism of a magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 1, FIG.
The figure is a plan view.

As shown in the drawing, a base 2 is provided in the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device, and the machine reel motor 3, the file reel motor 4, the guide roller 5, the magnetic head 6, the air pump 7, are provided on the base 2. A lifter solenoid (electromagnetic valve) 8 and the like are provided. A machine reel 11 is fixed to the machine reel motor 3, and a file reel 12 of a magnetic tape cartridge 14 can be engaged with the file reel motor 4.

In order to improve the contact of the magnetic tape, the magnetic head 6 is formed with an air escape groove on the contact surface with the magnetic tape, and an air pump is provided at the center of the magnetic head 6. A space for blowing the air sent from 7 to the magnetic tape side is formed.

After loading the magnetic tape cartridge 14 into the magnetic tape device, when loading the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape cartridge 14 to the magnetic tape 15 are loaded.
And the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 through the guide roller 5 and the magnetic head 6. In this state, the machine reel motor 3 or the file reel motor 4 is rotationally driven to run the magnetic tape 15 to record / reproduce signals.

By the way, the magnetic tape 15 is on the magnetic head 6 at the time of recording / reproducing standby after the loading of the magnetic tape, and when the standby time is long, the operating environment of the apparatus is high temperature / high humidity, the magnetic tape 15 is used. The magnetic tape 15 and the magnetic head 6 are attracted to each other when the surface thereof is worn due to running.

Further, in order to improve the contact between the magnetic tape 15 and the magnetic head 6, the magnetic head 6 having an air escape groove formed on the contact surface with the magnetic tape 15 is used.
When the standby time is long, the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head 6 is transferred onto the magnetic tape 15,
A convex portion is generated on the upper side, and this convex portion causes a signal recording / reproducing error.

Therefore, in the conventional magnetic tape device, when the magnetic tape 15 is left in contact with the magnetic head 6, the air passage is switched by the lifter solenoid 8 which is an electromagnetic valve, so that the central portion of the magnetic head 6 is changed. The air supplied by the air pump 7 is blown from the gap provided in.

By blowing this air, the magnetic tape 1
The contact between the magnetic tape 5 and the magnetic head 6 is avoided, and the attraction of the magnetic tape 15 and the magnetic head 6 and the transfer of the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head 6 are prevented.

(Description of Conventional Example 2) §1: Description of tape thread mechanism ... FIGS. 24 and 25
Reference FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 2, and FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the tape thread mechanism components of Conventional Example 2.

The internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device is provided with a tape thread mechanism which constitutes a loading system for the magnetic tape 15. The tape thread mechanism is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

The tape thread mechanism includes a tape pull-out arm 18, a drive arm 19, and a threader motor 2.
0, an arm position detecting first sensor 22, an arm position detecting home sensor 23, an arm position detecting second sensor 24, a support block 26 and the like are provided.

In this case, the tape pull-out arm 18
And one end of the drive arm 19 are rotatably connected by a shaft 28, and the other end of the drive arm 19 is connected to the support block 26.
It is fixed to. Also, the tape pull-out arm 1
The other end (tip) of 8 is provided with a threader pin 27 for hooking the leader block 21 of the magnetic tape 15.

Further, the support block 26 includes a gear 25.
Are integrally formed and rotate together. The gear 25 is rotated by receiving the driving force from the threader motor 20, and the support block 26 is also rotated together with the rotation. Further, the drive arm 19 and the tape pull-out arm 18 are also configured to move as the support block 26 rotates.

§2: Operation explanation of tape thread mechanism
-See Figs. 24 and 25. The magnetic tape cartridge 1 inserted in the magnetic tape device.
When the magnetic tape is pulled out from the magnetic tape 4 and loaded with the tape, the threader pin 27 is hooked on the leader block 21 of the magnetic tape, and the drive arm 19 is moved by the driving force of the threader motor 20. It is carried to the machine reel 11 via 6.

Then, by inserting and fixing the leader block 21 into the machine reel 11, the magnetic tape 1
The tip of 5 is wound around the machine reel 11. At this time, when the machine reel 11 is rotated by the rotation of the machine reel motor, the magnetic tape 15 is sequentially wound on the machine reel 11.

When ejecting the magnetic tape cartridge 14 from the magnetic tape device, it is necessary to rewind and unload the magnetic tape 15 on the file reel of the magnetic tape cartridge 14.

In this case, the file reel motor is rotated to wind the magnetic tape 15 onto the file reel, and when the magnetic tape 15 on the machine reel 11 side reaches the end, the threader motor 20 is rotated to move the drive arm 19. As a result, the leader block is pulled out from the machine reel 11 and conveyed to the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the threader pin 27 provided on the tape pull-out arm 18.

When the leader block 21 provided on the magnetic tape 15 is housed in the magnetic tape cartridge 14 in this way, the threader pin 27 is removed from the leader block 21. In this state, the magnetic tape cartridge can be ejected.

In the above operation, the timing for moving the drive arm 19 and the tape pull-out arm 18,
That is, the following method has been used to recognize that the magnetic tape 15 on the machine reel 11 side is at the end.

First, the magnetic tape 15 is rewound on the file reel on the magnetic tape cartridge 14 side with a constant tension, and after the file reel is locked at the end of the magnetic tape 15, the machine reel 11 is further rotated to the same side (overrun). By doing so, the file reel of the magnetic tape cartridge 14 rotates in the reverse direction because it is wound in the reverse direction on the machine reel 11 side this time.

With this operation, the tacho sensor provided on the file reel side detects a boundary where a reverse rotation signal is generated, and recognizes that the magnetic tape 15 is at the end. By the way, the tape thread mechanism is provided with three sensors. In this case, one arm position detection second sensor 24 is provided on the machine reel 11 side, and the magnetic tape cartridge side (on the file reel side). Two sensors including an arm position detection first sensor 22 and an arm position detection home sensor 23 are provided at the detection position).

The arm position detecting second sensor 24 is used to confirm that the leader block 21 conveyed by the tape pulling arm 18 is accommodated in the machine reel 11. The arm position detection home sensor 23 is used to detect the presence of the threader pin 27 at the home position where the leader block is normally housed in the magnetic tape cartridge 14.

The arm position detecting first sensor 22 performs an operation of overrunning from the home position by about 2 mm in order to surely push the leader block 21 into the magnetic tape cartridge 14, and the threader pin 27 at this time.
Used to detect the position of.

§3: Operational explanation when ejecting magnetic tape cartridge--See FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 26 is an operational explanatory diagram of Conventional Example 2 and FIG. 27 is an operational explanatory diagram 2 of Conventional Example 2. 26 and 27,
Indicates the order of transmission of tension applied to the magnetic tape.

As described above, the magnetic tape cartridge 1
When ejecting No. 4 from the magnetic tape device, it is necessary to rewind and unload the magnetic tape 15 on the file reel of the magnetic tape cartridge 14.

In this case, the magnetic tape 15 is rewound on the file reel on the magnetic tape cartridge 14 side with a constant tension (see FIG. 26), and after the file reel is locked at the end of the magnetic tape, the machine reel 11 is further moved to the same side. When it is rotated (overrun), the file reel of the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is rotated in the reverse direction because it is wound in the opposite direction to the machine reel 11 side this time (see FIG. 27).

In the above operation, the magnetic tape 15 is tensioned in the order of (1) to (3) shown in the figure. Also,
In the above operation, even when the magnetic tape 15 is wound up on the file reel and reaches the end of the tape, the tape pull-out arm 18 and the drive arm 19 still operate in the threader motor 2.
Since it is locked by 0, the arm position detection second sensor 24 remains in the ON state (arm detection state).

Therefore, conventionally, the machine reel 11 is overrun, and the tachometer provided on the file reel side detects the boundary at which the tape is rotated again on the feed side to confirm that it is the end of the tape.

However, even when the above-mentioned movement is caused by sticking of the magnetic tape 15 or the like, the machine reel 1
It is also possible that the magnetic tape 15 remains on the disk 1. Therefore, if the magnetic tape 15 is unthreaded due to this erroneous recognition, the magnetic tape 15 will be severely damaged, such as being cut.

[0033]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned conventional device has the following problems. (1): When the recording / playback standby after loading the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape is on the magnetic head, and when the standby time takes a long time, the operating environment of the device is high temperature / high humidity,
When the surface of the magnetic tape is worn due to running, the magnetic tape and the magnetic head stick to each other. Therefore, the magnetic tape may be damaged and damaged.

When a magnetic head having air escape grooves formed on the contact surface with the magnetic tape is used to improve the contact between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head, the standby time may be long. The shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head is transferred onto the magnetic tape, and a convex portion is formed on the magnetic tape to damage and damage the magnetic tape. Such damage to the magnetic tape causes a signal recording / reproducing error.

(2): In the magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 1, an air pump, a lifter solenoid, etc. are mounted in order to prevent adsorption of the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and transfer of the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head. There is.

However, the air pump is large and expensive. Therefore, with the downsizing and cost reduction of the device, it becomes impossible to mount an expensive and large air pump. Therefore, it is becoming difficult to eliminate damage to the magnetic tape.

(3): In the device of Conventional Example 2, the machine reel is intentionally overrun in order to confirm that it is the end of the tape. If this operation is performed, it is unnecessary to eject the magnetic tape cartridge. Takes a long time. Also, 2
When the rotation direction of the two reels changed, extra tension was applied to the magnetic tape, which was strongly pressed against the magnetic head and damaged the magnetic tape.

(4): In the conventional example 2, the arm position detection sensor is divided into two systems, the machine reel side and the file reel side, and the printed board on which the sensor is arranged is also two.
The number of sheets required and the cost was high.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, to prevent damage to the magnetic tape by preventing damage to the magnetic tape, and to improve the reliability of the apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts and achieve miniaturization and cost reduction of the magnetic tape device without using expensive and large parts for the tape thread mechanism.

[0041]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has a magnetic tape device configured as follows.

(1): A magnetic head 6 for recording / reproducing a signal to / from the magnetic tape 15, means for keeping the magnetic tape 15 in contact with the magnetic head 6, and driving the magnetic tape 15. In a magnetic tape device including a reel motor (machine reel motor, file reel motor) for controlling the magnetic head, a reel motor, and the like, the controller 30 includes a signal recording / reproducing device after tape loading. A tape intermittent movement control means for moving only in the winding direction or only in the rewinding direction during the processing standby is provided.

In this case, as a means for constantly contacting the magnetic tape 15 with the magnetic head 6, a method using a tension spring may be used, or a torque is calculated from the number of rotations of the file reel motor and the machine reel motor. It can be realized by a control means that gives tension.

(2): A magnetic head 6 for recording / reproducing a signal to / from the magnetic tape 15, means for keeping the magnetic tape 15 in contact with the magnetic head 6, and driving the magnetic tape 15. In a magnetic tape device including a reel motor (machine reel motor, file reel motor) for controlling the magnetic head, a reel motor, and the like, the controller 30 includes a signal recording / reproducing device after tape loading. A tape low speed running control means is provided for driving the reel motor to rotate at a low speed during processing standby to run the magnetic tape 15 at a lower speed than during normal running.

(3): A magnetic head 6 for recording / reproducing a signal on / from the magnetic tape 15, a means for constantly bringing the magnetic tape 15 into contact with the magnetic head 6, and a drive for the magnetic tape 15. In a magnetic tape device including a reel motor (machine reel motor, file reel motor) for controlling the magnetic head, a reel motor, and the like, the controller 30 includes a signal recording / reproducing device after tape loading. Equipped with standby unload control means for measuring elapsed time during processing standby and rewinding and unloading the magnetic tape 15 after a certain time has elapsed from the start of standby.

(4): In a magnetic tape device having a tape thread mechanism for threading / unthreading the magnetic tape 15, an arm (tape drawer) for moving the leader block of the magnetic tape 15 to the tape thread mechanism. Arm 18, drive arm 19), a support block to which the arm is fixed, a threader motor, and a transmission gear 63 that is rotatably fixed to the support block and that transmits the driving force of the threader motor to the support block.
The transmission gear 63 is provided with an elliptical hole 65, the support block 62 is provided with a protrusion on the support block, and the support pin 62 of the support block is loosely fitted into the elliptical hole 65 of the transmission gear 63 to transmit the transmission. A play (play) was provided between the gear 63 and the arm.

(5): In the magnetic tape device of (4), the tape thread mechanism has an arm position detection first sensor 22 for detecting the tape thread start position of the arm.
And an arm position detecting second sensor 24 for detecting the tape thread end position of the arm, and an arm position detecting home sensor 23 for detecting the home position of the arm. The second detection sensor 24 and the arm position detection home sensor 23 are mounted on the same substrate.

(6): The magnetic tape device of the above (4) is provided with a control unit 30 for controlling the tape thread mechanism and the like, and the control unit 30 includes a threader motor and a magnetic tape 15
By rotating the arm in the winding direction (FWD) of the magnetic tape 15 to insert and fix the leader block of the magnetic tape 15 into the machine reel 11, and the leader block is inserted into the machine reel 11. After being fixed, a threader motor minute movement control means for moving the threader motor in a minute section in the rewinding direction (BWD) of the magnetic tape 15 was provided.

(7): The magnetic tape device of the above (4) is provided with a control unit 30 for controlling the tape thread mechanism and the like, and the control unit 30 uses the tape when winding the magnetic tape 15 from the machine reel 11. The tape tension at the trailing end detects that the arm has moved by the amount of play (play) between the transmission gear 63 and the arm, and recognizes that the tape is at the trailing end. The tape thread mechanism is provided with an unthread control means for starting the unthread operation of the tape by rotating the tape thread mechanism (BWD).

(8): In the magnetic tape device of the above (5), the arm position detecting home sensor 23 is omitted, and the arm position detecting second sensor 24 also functions as the arm position detecting home sensor 23.

(9): A magnetic head 6 for recording / reproducing signals on / from the magnetic tape 15, and the magnetic tape 1
Means for always bringing the magnetic head 5 into contact with the magnetic head 6,
A reel motor for driving the magnetic tape 15,
In the magnetic tape device including a control unit that controls the magnetic head 6, the reel motor, and the like, the control unit includes a tape shift unit that shifts the magnetic tape 15 at predetermined time intervals.

[0052]

The operation of the present invention based on the above construction will be described with reference to FIG. (A): Operation of the above configurations (1) and (9) When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device, the control unit 30 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism to start tape loading. Then, when the tape loading is completed, the magnetic tape 15 is guided on the tape bus and comes into contact with the magnetic head 6. In this state, the control unit 3
0 stands by until the signal recording / reproducing command is received.

The control unit 30 records / records signals in the standby state.
When the reproduction command is not received, an internal timer is started and the elapsed time is measured to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, the control unit 30 controls the tape movement when a certain time has elapsed without receiving the signal recording / reproducing command.

Under the above control, the reel motor is driven to move the magnetic tape 15 by a predetermined distance. The movement of the magnetic tape 15 causes the magnetic head 6 and the magnetic tape 15 to move.
Change the position of. After that, the control unit 30 controls the magnetic tape 1
The movement of 5 is stopped, the internal timer is cleared, and this is repeated until the signal recording / reproducing command is received. In this way, the magnetic tape 15 is moved at regular intervals during standby.

As described above, the control unit 30 drives the reel motor at a predetermined time interval set inside to move the magnetic tape 15 intermittently while waiting for the signal recording / reproducing process after the tape loading.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the magnetic tape 15 from being attracted by the magnetic head 6 and the magnetic tape 15 being left in contact with each other, and the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head 6 is transferred to the magnetic tape 15. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the magnetic tape 15 and prevent errors during signal recording / reproduction.

It should be noted that, in a small-sized apparatus which does not use an air pump and records / reproduces / travels while the magnetic tape is always in contact with the magnetic head, the magnetic tape is attracted to the magnetic head when the magnetic tape is stopped for a long time. Or the shape of the magnetic head is transferred to the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape is easily damaged.

Further, in recent years, the magnetic tape is becoming thinner, and the above-mentioned danger is becoming larger. In such a device, the suction head type transfer can be effectively prevented by shifting the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is stopped.

(B): Operation of the configuration (2) The control unit 30 controls the low speed running of the magnetic tape 15 when it does not receive a signal recording / reproducing command in the standby state. With this control, the reel motor is driven at a low speed to drive the magnetic tape 15 at a speed lower than the normal speed. By moving the magnetic tape 15 at this time, the magnetic head 6 is moved.
And the position of the magnetic tape 15 is changed. In this way, the control unit 30 continues the low speed running of the magnetic tape 15 until it receives the signal recording / reproducing command.

As described above, while the signal recording / reproducing process is on standby after the tape loading, the reel motor is driven to rotate at a low speed so that the magnetic tape 15 runs at a speed lower than that during normal running.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the magnetic tape 15 from sticking to the magnetic tape 6 caused by leaving the magnetic head 6 and the magnetic tape 15 in contact with each other, and to prevent the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head 6 from being transferred to the magnetic tape 15. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the magnetic tape 15 and prevent errors during signal recording / reproduction.

(C): Operation of the configuration (3) When the control unit 30 does not receive a signal recording / reproducing command in the standby state, it starts an internal timer to measure the elapsed time. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the standby. In this way, if a certain time has elapsed without receiving a signal recording / reproducing command, the control unit 3
0 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism, the reel motor, etc. to unload the magnetic tape 15.

In this way, the elapsed time is measured while waiting for the signal recording / reproducing process after tape loading,
The magnetic tape 15 is rewound and unloaded after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the standby.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the magnetic tape 15 from being attracted by the magnetic head 6 and the magnetic tape 15 being left in contact with each other, and to prevent the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head 6 from being transferred to the magnetic tape 15. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the magnetic tape 15 and prevent errors during signal recording / reproduction.

(D): Operation of the above configurations (4) to (8) When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device, the tape pull-out arm 18 is at the home position, so the arm position detection home sensor 23 is turned on, The arm position detection first sensor 22 is on, and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is off.

At the time of loading the magnetic tape 15, the tape thread mechanism is driven under the control of the control unit 30 so that the leader block is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the threader pin of the arm.

In this case, the threader motor is rotated in the tape winding direction (FWD) and the arm (drive arm 1
9 and the tape pull-out arm 18). Therefore, the arm position detecting first sensor 22 is off, the arm position detecting home sensor 23 is off, and the arm position detecting second sensor is off.
The sensor 24 is turned off.

After that, the tape thread mechanism is further driven to move the arm threader pin to the machine reel 11 side along the base track 69. In this case, the threader motor drives in the FWD direction.

The threader pin of the arm is attached to the machine reel 11
When the leader block is moved to the side and the leader block is inserted into the leader block insertion groove of the machine reel 11, the arm position detection second sensor 24 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the threader motor is stopped. Next, by driving the machine reel motor, the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 several times (winding in the FWD direction).

After the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 several times as described above, the threader motor is rotated in the rewinding direction (BWD) direction of the minute section magnetic tape (reverse direction), and then the threader motor is rotated. Stop.

In this operation, after the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 and the leader block is fixed, the threader motor is rotated in the minute section BWD direction.
Since there is play between the transmission gear 63 and the arm, the position of the arm does not change at this point (the arm is in the free state).

In this case, since the arm is fixed to the center of the machine reel 11 when the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11, the threader motor is returned in a minute section so that the arm and the transmission gear 63 are separated from each other. You can play (play).

When the control section 30 receives an unload command after performing the JOB processing in the above state, the control section 30 rotates the file reel motor in the BWD direction, and the magnetic tape 15 wound around the machine reel 11 is rotated. Is wound around the file reel 12 side. At this time, the threader motor has stopped rotating.

When the magnetic tape 15 wound on the machine reel 11 disappears due to the tape winding and reaches the end of the magnetic tape 15, the magnetic tape 15 is further pulled by the rotation of the file reel motor. The leader block is pulled out from the block insertion groove by a very small distance. By this operation, the arm moves, so that the arm position detection second sensor 24 is turned off.

In this operation, the magnetic tape 15 is completely removed from the machine reel 11, and the magnetic tape 15 is further pulled on the file reel 12 side, so that the arm moves by the play (the amount of play in the elliptical hole). Therefore, the arm position detection second sensor 24 is automatically turned off, and the control unit 3
It can be recognized that 0 is the end of the tape from the signal of the sensor. Therefore, the subsequent unthreading operation can be started.

As described above, when the arm position detecting second sensor 24 is turned off, the controller 30 controls the tape unthreading operation and controls the tape threading mechanism to rotate the threader motor in the BWD direction. And
The leader block is moved to the file reel side by moving the threader pin of the arm on the base locus 69.

Thereafter, the leader block is inserted into the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the threader pin of the arm. In this state, the arm moves to the magnetic tape cartridge 14 side, and the arm position detection first sensor 22 is turned on. Therefore, the control unit 30 stops the rotation of the threader motor.

After the arm position detection first sensor 22 is turned on, the control section 30 controls the threader motor to move slightly again (BWD direction) to position the arm at the home position. When the arm returns to the home position by this operation, the arm position detection home sensor 23 is turned on. Therefore, the control unit 30 stops the rotation of the threader motor and stops the device operation.

As described above, when the magnetic tape 15 on the machine reel 11 side reaches the end, the arm is moved by the force (tape tension) for winding the magnetic tape 15 by the file reel. At this time, the arm position detection second sensor 2
When 4 is turned off, the unthreading operation of the magnetic tape can be immediately started. Therefore, damage to the magnetic tape 15 can be eliminated and damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented. As a result, the reliability of the device can be improved.

Further, without using expensive and large parts for the tape thread mechanism, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and achieve miniaturization and cost reduction of the magnetic tape device.

[0081]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 2 to 22 are views showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 2 to 22, the same parts as those in FIGS. 23 to 27 are designated by the same reference numerals. 29 is a tape cleaner, 3
7 is MTC (magnetic tape controller), 38 is magnetic tape unit (MTU), 39 is MPU (microprocessor), 40 is write circuit, 41 is read circuit, 42 is servo circuit, 45 is upper cover, 46 is lower A cover, 47 is a front panel, 49 is a cartridge loading / unloading port, 50 is a display window, 51 is a switch button, 52 is a door, 53 is an operator panel printed circuit board, 54 is a controller printed circuit board, 55 is a tape thread mechanism, and 56 is A power supply unit, 57 is a cooling fan, 58 is a loader, 59 is a leader block insertion groove, 61 is a coil spring, 62 is a support pin,
63 is a transmission gear, 64 is a base, 65 is an oval hole, 68 is a shaft, 69 is a base locus, and 70, 71 and 72 are flags.

(Explanation of Embodiment 1) §1: Description of the structure of the magnetic tape device--see FIG. 2 FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device of Embodiment 1, FIG. Is a plan view.

As shown in the figure, a base 2 is provided in the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device, and a machine reel motor 3, a file reel motor 4, a guide roller 5, a magnetic head 6 and the like are provided on the base 2. is there. A machine reel 11 is fixed to the machine reel motor 3, and a file reel of the magnetic tape cartridge 14 can be engaged with the file reel motor 4. The magnetic head 6 is provided with an air escape groove on the contact surface with the magnetic tape 15 in order to improve the contact of the magnetic tape.

Further, the magnetic tape device is provided with a tape thread mechanism that constitutes a tape loading system, and the tape thread mechanism is configured to perform threading / unthreading of the magnetic tape 15.

When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device to load the magnetic tape,
The leader block of the magnetic tape 15 is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the tape thread mechanism,
The magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 via the guide roller 5 and the magnetic head 6.

In this state, the machine reel motor 3 is rotationally driven to run the magnetic tape 15 to record / reproduce signals. Further, when the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is ejected, the file reel motor 4 is driven to wind the magnetic tape wound on the machine reel 11 onto the file reel, and the tape unthread operation is performed by the tape thread mechanism to perform the leader block. After being inserted into the magnetic tape cartridge 14, the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is ejected.

The magnetic tape 15 is attached to the magnetic head 6.
As a means for constantly abutting on the disk, a method using a tension spring may be used, or it can be realized by a control means or the like for applying a tape tension by calculating torque from the number of rotations of the file reel motor and the machine reel motor.

§2: Description of Control System in Magnetic Tape Unit (MTU)-See FIG. 3 FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the control system in the magnetic tape unit of the first embodiment. The control system in the magnetic tape unit (MTU) will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, in operation, the magnetic tape unit (MTU) 38 is operated by the MTC (magnetic tape control unit) 3.
Connected to 7. The magnetic tape device (M
The control system in the TU) 38 includes an MPU 39 and a write circuit 4
0, a read circuit 41, a servo circuit 42, etc. are provided.

The MPU 39 is a processor that performs various controls in the magnetic tape device 38, and the write circuit 40 is a circuit that performs a data write process. Lead circuit 41
Is a circuit for reading data, and the servo circuit 42 is a circuit for controlling the machine reel motor 3, the file reel motor 4, the tape thread mechanism, and the like according to an instruction from the MPU 39. Further, the write circuit 40 and the read circuit 41 perform switching control of the magnetic head 6,
Data is written or read.

The signals and the like in the figure are as follows. "WT
ENB ": write enable signal (write enable signal) output from the MPU 39 to the write circuit 40," WP1 ":
A head selection signal from the MPU 39, "PRTC
“T”: protect signal detected from the file reel 12, “WTDT”: write data, “ALERT”: M
A signal for reporting abnormality detection from the PU 39 to the MTC 37 (abnormality reporting signal by interruption), “RDDAT
“A”: read data, “FTACA,“ FTACB ”:
Tachometer output signal, "PH1ON", "PH2O"
"N": power supply inspection signal, "MOVE": operation command signal,
"FWD": Forward command signal, "MVERR": Error signal, "CMDOUT": Command out, "DA
TA ”: data.

§3: Description of processing example (1) ... FIG. 4
Reference FIG. 4 is a process flowchart 1 of the first embodiment. Less than,
A processing example (No. 1) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in FIG. 4, S1 to S10 indicate processing steps.

When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device 38, the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism according to an instruction from the MPU 39 to start tape loading (S1). After that, when the tape loading is completed (S2), the magnetic tape 15 is guided on the tape bus and comes into contact with the magnetic head 6. In this state, the MPU 39 waits until it receives a signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37.

Next, the MPU 39 determines whether or not the signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37 has been received (S3), and if the command is not received, an internal timer is activated to measure the elapsed time. A certain time has passed (T = X)
It is determined whether or not (S4). In this way, when a certain time (T = X) has passed without receiving the signal recording / reproducing command, the MPU 39 gives the servo circuit 42 an instruction to move the tape.

The servo circuit 42 drives the reel motor (machine reel motor 3 or file reel motor 4) according to the instruction to move the magnetic tape by a predetermined distance (S5). The movement of the magnetic tape changes the positions of the magnetic head and the magnetic tape.

Further, the present MPU 39 calculates the torque of both reels from the number of rotations of the machine reel motor 3 and the file reel motor 4, and controls so that the magnetic tape is always in contact with the magnetic head. In this case, the means for keeping the magnetic tape constantly in contact with the magnetic head can also be realized by a tape tension mechanism using a spring or the like.

After that, the MPU 39 clears the internal timer (T = 0) (S6) and repeats this until the signal recording / reproducing command is received from the MTC 37 (S3). In this way, the magnetic tape is moved at regular intervals during standby. As an example, the fixed time is 10 minutes and the moving distance is 1 cm (the magnetic tape is moved by 1 cm at intervals of 10 minutes).

After that, when the MPU 39 receives the signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37 (S3), it issues a write or read instruction to the write circuit 40 or the read circuit 41 to perform the recording / reproducing process (S7). When the recording / reproducing process is completed (S8), it is determined whether or not an unload command is received (S9).

Then, the process waits until the unload instruction is received. After that, when the unload command is received (S
9), the MPU 39 gives an instruction to the servo circuit 42, and the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism, the file reel motor 4 and the like to perform unloading (S10).

§4: Description of processing example (No. 2) ... FIG.
Reference FIG. 5 is a process flowchart 2 of the first embodiment. Less than,
A processing example (No. 2) of the first embodiment will be described based on FIG. Note that, in FIG. 5, S21 to S28 indicate processing steps.

When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device 38, the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism according to an instruction from the MPU 39 to start tape loading (S21). After that, when the tape loading is completed (S22), the magnetic tape 15 is guided on the tape bus and comes into contact with the magnetic head 6. In this state, the MPU 39 waits until it receives a signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37.

Next, the MPU 39 judges whether or not the signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37 is received (S23),
When the above instruction is not received, the MPU 39 gives the servo circuit 42 an instruction to run the magnetic tape at a low speed.

Further, the present MPU 39 calculates the torque of both reels from the number of revolutions of the machine reel motor 3 and the file reel motor 4, and controls so that the magnetic tape is always in contact with the magnetic head. In this case, the means for keeping the magnetic tape constantly in contact with the magnetic head can also be realized by a tape tension mechanism using a spring or the like.

The servo circuit 42 drives the reel motor (machine reel motor 3 or file reel motor 4) to run at a low speed in response to the instruction, and runs the magnetic tape 15 at a speed lower than the normal running speed (S24). By this movement of the magnetic tape, the positions of the magnetic head 6 and the magnetic tape 15 are changed. In this way, the MPU 39 makes the MTC
The low speed running of the magnetic tape 15 is continued until the signal recording / reproducing command from 37 is received.

After that, when the MPU 39 receives the signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37 (S23), the write or read instruction is issued to the write circuit 40 or the read circuit 41 to perform the recording / reproducing processing (S25). Record /
When the reproduction process is completed (S26), it is determined whether or not an unload command is received (S27).

Then, it waits until the unload instruction is received. After that, when the unload command is received (S
27), the MPU 39 gives an instruction to the servo circuit 42, and the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism, the file reel motor 4 and the like to perform unloading (S28).

§5: Description of Processing Example (Part 3) When the magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device 38, the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism according to an instruction from the MPU 39 to start tape loading. . After that, when tape loading is completed,
The magnetic tape 15 is guided on the tape bus and contacts the magnetic head 6. In this state, the MPU 39 waits until it receives a signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37.

Next, the MPU 39 judges whether or not the signal recording / reproducing command from the MTC 37 is received. If the command is not received, the internal timer is started to measure the elapsed time, It is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the start of standby. In this way, if a certain time elapses without receiving a signal recording / reproducing command, the MPU3
Reference numeral 9 gives an instruction to the servo circuit 42 for unloading control. According to the instruction, the servo circuit 42 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism, the file reel motor 4 and the like to perform unloading.

During the waiting, the MPU 39 makes the MTC3
When the signal recording / reproducing command from 7 is received, the write or read instruction is issued to the write circuit 40 or the read circuit 41 to perform the recording / reproducing process, and when the recording / reproducing process is completed, the unload command is received. Determine whether or not.

Then, the process waits until the unload instruction is received. After receiving the unload command, M
The PU 39 issues an instruction to the servo circuit 42, and the servo circuit 4
2 drives and controls the tape thread mechanism, the file reel motor 4 and the like to perform unloading.

(Explanation of Embodiment 2) §1: Explanation of the overall construction of the magnetic tape device--FIGS. 6 to 8
Reference FIG. 6 is an external view of the magnetic tape device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the magnetic tape device, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of the magnetic tape device. The configuration of the entire magnetic tape device will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The appearance of the magnetic tape unit (MTU) 38 is as shown in FIG. 6, and an upper cover 45, a lower cover 46 and a front panel 47 are provided. And the front panel 47
On the side, a cartridge loading / unloading port 49, a display window 50,
A switch button 51 and the like are provided.

The inside of the magnetic tape device is as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the controller printed board 54, the tape thread mechanism 55, the power supply unit 56, and the loader 5 are provided.
8, cooling fan 57, magnetic head 6, machine reel 1
1, a door 52, an operator panel printed circuit board 53, etc. are provided.

In addition to the above-mentioned respective mechanisms, each mechanism (file reel motor,
(Threader motor, etc.), control unit, etc. are provided. In the above configuration, the machine reel 11 is coupled to a machine reel motor and driven to rotate, and the machine reel 11 is provided with a leader block insertion groove 59 for inserting a leader block fixed to a magnetic tape. is there.

§2: Description of tape thread mechanism ... See FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tape thread mechanism, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of each part of the tape thread mechanism. The tape thread mechanism will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The tape thread mechanism 55 has a base 6
4 is provided, and various parts constituting the tape thread mechanism are attached to the base 64 as shown in the figure. In this case, one end of the tape pull-out arm 18 and one end of the drive arm 19 are rotatably connected by a shaft 28, and the other end of the drive arm 19 is fixed to the support block 26 via a coil spring 61. The support block 26 is attached to the base 64.

A threader pin 27 for hooking the leader block of the magnetic tape is provided at the other end (tip) of the tape pull-out arm 18. Further, the tape pull-out arm 18 is provided with three flags 70, 71, 72.

In order to detect the flag, the base 64 has an arm position detecting first sensor 22, an arm position detecting home sensor 23, and an arm position detecting second sensor 2.
4 is provided. That is, the arm position detection first sensor 22 is configured to detect the flag 71, the arm position detection home sensor 23 is configured to detect the flag 70, and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is configured to detect the flag 72.

Each of the sensors is composed of, for example, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and is arranged such that the light from the light emitting portion is reflected by a flag (reflector), and then the reflected light is received by the light receiving portion. There is. If there is no flag (reflector), no light enters the light receiving unit.

Therefore, when the flag is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, the light from the light emitting portion is reflected by the flag and the reflected light is incident on the light receiving portion, so that the light receiving portion receives the reflected light. The sensor is turned on.

If the flag is not inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, the light from the light emitting portion is not reflected and does not enter the light receiving portion, so that the sensor is turned off. With such a sensor configuration, the positions of the tape pull-out arm 18 and the threader pin 27 can be detected.

A base locus 69 is provided on the base 64, and when the drive arm 19 is driven by the threader motor, the threader pin 27 provided at the tip of the tape pull-out arm 18 moves along the base locus 69. It is configured.

The transmission gear 63 is the shaft 68 of the support block 26.
It is attached to and is rotatably attached on the same core. Further, the support block 26 has a cylindrical support pin 62.
2 are protruding, and the transmission gear 63 has two oval holes 6
5 is provided. The two support pins 62 of the support block 26 are loosely fitted in the elliptical holes 65 of the transmission gear 63.

As described above, the support pin 62 is loosely fitted in the elliptical hole 65 so as to be freely movable, and the support block 26 and the transmission gear 63 are individually rotatable in the range of the elliptical hole 65. There is play (play) in it.

The tape thread mechanism is provided with a threader motor (not shown), and the transmission gear 63 is rotationally driven by the driving force of this threader motor. That is, the rotation of the threader motor is transmitted to the transmission gear 63, and the rotation of the transmission gear 63 drives the drive arm 19 and the tape pull-out arm 18.

§3: Description of Control System in Magnetic Tape Unit (MTU)-See FIG. 11 FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the control system in the magnetic tape unit of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, based on FIG. 11, a magnetic tape unit (MTU)
The internal control system will be described.

As shown, a magnetic tape unit (MTU)
38 is connected to an MTC (magnetic tape controller) 37. The control system of the magnetic tape unit (MTU) 38 includes an MPU 39, a write circuit 40, and a read circuit 4.
1, a servo circuit 42, etc. are provided.

The MPU 39 is a processor that performs various controls in the magnetic tape device 38, and the write circuit 40 is a circuit that performs data write processing. Lead circuit 41
Is a circuit for reading data, and the servo circuit 42 is a machine reel motor 3 and a file reel motor 4
Etc. while controlling the arm position detection first sensor 2
2. The sensor signals from the arm position detection home sensor 23 and the arm position detection second sensor 24 are fetched and drive control of the threader motor 20 and the like are performed.

Further, the present MPU 39 calculates the torque of both reels from the number of revolutions of the machine reel motor 3 and the file reel motor 4, and controls so that the magnetic tape is always in contact with the magnetic head. In this case, the means for keeping the magnetic tape constantly in contact with the magnetic head can also be realized by a tape tension mechanism using a spring or the like.

Further, the write circuit 40 and the read circuit 41.
Is for performing switching control of the magnetic head 6 to write or read data. The signals of the respective parts are the same as those in the first embodiment.

§4: Operation explanation of tape thread mechanism
-Refer to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG. 12 is a time chart during operation, FIG. 13 is an operation state explanatory diagram 1, and FIG. 14 is an operation state explanatory diagram 2. Below, Figure 1
The operation of the tape thread mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 12, the operation sequence of the magnetic tape device is (insertion of the magnetic tape cartridge 14).
(Tape thread) → (JOB processing) → (Tape unthread) → (Ejection of magnetic tape cartridge 14) →
(Operation stopped).

In the above operation, the threader motor 20 moves in the FWD (Forward Drive) direction and the BWD (Backward Drive) direction.
ve) direction and stop. Further, the arm position detecting home sensor 23, the arm position detecting first sensor 22, and the arm position detecting second sensor 24 are turned on / off in accordance with the above operation. The sensors are turned on when the flags 70, 71 and 72 are inserted in the sensor, and turned off when the flags 70, 71 and 72 are removed.

The operation sequence will be described in more detail below in the order of A to M. A: The magnetic tape cartridge 38 in the magnetic tape device 38
(Insert CTG). At this time, since the tape pull-out arm 18 is at the home position, the arm position detection home sensor 23 is on, the arm position detection first sensor 22 is on, and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is off.

B: When a thread start command is issued from the MPU 39, the tape thread mechanism 55 is driven by the control of the servo circuit 42 and the leader block is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the threader pin 27.

In this case, the threader motor 20 is rotated in the FWD direction to move the drive arm 19 and the tape pull-out arm 18. Therefore, the flags 70 and 71 are removed from the arm position detection home sensor 23 and the arm position detection first sensor 22, and the flags are turned off. Further, the flag 72 is not inserted in the arm position detection second sensor 24, so that it is off.

C: After that, the tape thread mechanism 55 is further driven to move the threader pin 27 along the base track 69 to the machine reel 11 side. In this case, the threader motor 20 drives in the FWD direction.

D: Threader pin 27 to machine reel 11
When the leader block is moved to the side and inserted into the leader block insertion groove 59 of the machine reel 11, the flag 72 is inserted into the arm position detecting second sensor 24 and the arm position detecting second sensor 24 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the threader motor 20 is stopped.

E: Next, by driving the machine reel motor, the magnetic tape is wound around the machine reel 11 several times (winding in the FWD direction). F: The magnetic tape 15 is machine reel 1 as described above.
After winding around 1 several times, the threader motor 20 is rotated in the minute section BWD direction (returned to the reverse direction), and then the rotation of the threader motor 20 is stopped.

In this operation, the threader motor 20 is rotated in the minute section BWD direction after the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 and the leader block is fixed. However, since there is looseness between the transmission gear 63 and the arm, The position of the arm does not change at this point (the arm is free).

The state of F is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11, the arm is fixed to the center of the machine reel 11. Therefore, by returning the threader motor 20 to a minute section, the arm is placed between the arm and the transmission gear 63. You can play (play).

G: JOB processing is performed in the above state. In this case, the MPU 39 issues a write or read instruction to the write circuit 40 or read circuit 41 to perform write / read processing. In this case, the MPU 39 uses the servo circuit 42
And the servo circuit 42 rotationally drives the machine reel motor 3, the file reel motor 4 or the like to perform write / read processing.

H: After the JOB processing is completed, the MPU 39 receives the unload instruction. I: Based on the unload command, the MPU 39 gives an instruction to the servo circuit 42 to rotate the file reel motor 4 in the BWD direction under the control of the servo circuit 42, so that the magnetic tape 15 wound around the machine reel 11 is rotated. Take it up to the file reel 12 side. At this time, the threader motor 2
0 has stopped rotating.

J: When the magnetic tape 15 wound on the machine reel 11 disappears due to the winding of the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape 15 reaches the end, the file reel motor 4
Since the magnetic tape 15 is further pulled by the rotation of
The leader block is pulled out from the leader block insertion groove 59 by a minute distance. By this operation, the tape pull-out arm 18 is moved, so that the flag 72 inserted in the arm position detection second sensor 24 is pulled out to the outside and disappears, and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is turned off.

In the above operation, since the magnetic tape 15 is completely removed from the machine reel 11 and the magnetic tape 15 is further pulled on the file reel side, the amount of backlash generated by moving the threader motor 20 in the operation of F (in the elliptical hole) The tape pull-out arm 18 moves by the amount of the play.
Therefore, the arm position detection second sensor 24 is automatically turned off, and the MPU 39 can recognize the end of the tape by the signal of the sensor.

The state of J is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the file reel 12 and the magnetic tape 15 on the machine reel 11 side reaches the end, the arm is pulled out from the machine reel 11 by a play (play) with the transmission gear 63. . Therefore, the arm position detecting second sensor 24 is turned off as described above,
The MPU 39 can recognize that it is the end of the tape. Therefore, the subsequent unthreading operation can be started.

K: As described above, when the arm position detecting second sensor 24 is turned off, the MPU 39 gives the servo circuit 42 an instruction to perform the tape unthreading operation. The servo circuit 42 controls the tape thread mechanism according to the instruction, and drives the threader motor 20 to rotate in the BWD direction.

Then, the threader pin 27 is moved to the base locus 6
The leader block is moved to the file reel side by moving it on 9. L: After that, the leader block is inserted into the magnetic tape cartridge 14 by the threader pin 27. In this state, the tape pull-out arm 18 moves the magnetic tape cartridge 1
The flag 71 is inserted into the arm position detecting first sensor 22 and the arm position detecting first sensor 22 is turned on. Therefore, the servo circuit 42 stops the rotation of the threader motor 20.

M: After the arm detection first sensor 22 is turned on, the servo circuit 42 controls the threader motor 20 to slightly move again (BWD direction) to position the arm at the home position. When the arm returns to the home position by this operation, the flag 70 is inserted into the arm position detection home sensor 23, and the arm position detection home sensor 23 is turned on.

Therefore, the servo circuit 42 stops the rotation of the threader motor 20. Then, the MPU 39 stops the device operation. §5: Description of operation sequence ... See FIGS. 15 to 20. FIG. 15 is an operation explanatory diagram 1, FIG. 16 is an operational explanatory diagram 2, and FIG.
Is an operation explanatory diagram 3, FIG. 18 is an operational explanatory diagram 4, FIG. 19 is an operational explanatory diagram 5, and FIG. 20 is an operational explanatory diagram 6. Below, FIG.
20. Based on FIG. 20, the operation will be described according to the operation sequence of A to M. The magnetic tape is not shown in FIGS.

(1): Operation of A → C ... See FIG. 15 FIG. 15 shows the operation state of A → C. In this behavior,
The magnetic tape cartridge 14 is inserted into the magnetic tape device 38, and the leader block 21 is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 14.

At this time, the transmission gear 63 rotates in the direction of arrow a in the figure, and the tip of the threader pin 27 causes the leader block 21 to move.
And pull out the magnetic tape 15 from the magnetic tape cartridge 14, and follow the base track 69 along the arrow b.
Move in the direction. Then, the leader block 21 is moved to the position of the machine reel 11.

(2): Operation of D → E ... See FIG. 16 FIG. 16 shows the operation state of D → E. As described above, the leader block 21 is moved to the position of the machine reel 11, and the leader block 21 is inserted into the leader block insertion groove 59 of the machine reel 11 and fixed. Then, the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 several times (F
WD direction).

In this state, the flag 72 is detected by the arm position detection second sensor 24, and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is detected.
The sensor 24 is turned on. Therefore, the MPU 39 recognizes that the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 by detecting the ON signal of the arm position detection second sensor 24.

(3): F → G operation ... See FIG. 17 FIG. 17 shows the F → G operation state. After the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 several times as described above, the threader motor 20 is rotated in the minute section BWD direction (rotated in the opposite direction). At this time, the transmission gear 63 is rotated by a slight angle in the direction of arrow c in the figure.

In this operation, after the magnetic tape 15 is wound around the machine reel 11 and the leader block 21 is fixed to the center of the machine reel 11, the threader motor 20 is rotated in the minute section BWD direction, but the transmission gear 63 and the support block are used. Since there is some play (play) with 26, the position of the arm does not change at this point.

Therefore, when rotated in the minute section BWD direction, the support pin 62 comes to be positioned in the central portion of the oval hole 65, and can move to both sides of the oval hole 65 by a minute distance (playing). The support pin 62 can be moved by the amount of
become. JOB processing is performed in this state.

(4): H → J operation ... See FIG. 18 FIG. 18 shows the H → J operation state. When the unload command is issued after the end of the JOB processing, the file reel 12 is rotationally driven to the BWD side and the rewinding of the magnetic tape 15 is started. At this time, the threader motor 20 is not driven.

After that, all the magnetic tape 15 disappears from the machine reel 11, and the magnetic tape 15 is further pulled in the direction of the arrow d in the figure on the file reel 12 side. Therefore, the amount of backlash caused by the movement of the threader motor 20 in the operation of F ( The arm moves only for the amount of play. Therefore, the arm position detection second sensor 24 is automatically turned off, and it can be recognized that the tape is at the end.

(5): K → L operation ... See FIG. 19 The K → L operation state is shown in FIG. Magnetic tape 15
Are all removed from the machine reel 11, and when the arm moves further by the amount of backlash and the arm position detection second sensor 24 is automatically turned off, the threader motor 20 is driven in the BWD direction to move the leader block 21.

When the leader block 21 is inserted into the magnetic tape cartridge 14, the first arm position detection sensor 22 detects the flag 71 and turns on. (6): Operation of M ... See FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows the operation state of the M. After the arm position detection first sensor 22 detects the flag 71 and is turned on, when the threader motor 20 further rotates in the BWD direction, the arm position detection home sensor 23 detects the flag 70 and is turned on. In this state, the driving of the threader motor 20 is stopped.

§6: Description of sensor mounting state ... FIG.
1 and FIG. 22. FIG. 21 is a sensor mounting state explanatory diagram 1, and FIG. 22 is a sensor mounting state explanatory diagram 2. The sensor mounting state will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

(1): Example 1 In this example, the tape thread mechanism 55 has an arm position detection first for detecting the tape thread start position of the arm.
A sensor 22, a second arm position detection sensor 24 for detecting the tape thread end position of the arm, and an arm position detection home sensor 23 for detecting the home position of the arm are provided.

In this case, the arm position detecting first sensor 22, the arm position detecting second sensor 24, and the arm position detecting home sensor 23 are mounted on the same substrate. In this way, the number of substrates is reduced, and the device can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

(2): Example 2 In this example, the arm position detecting home sensor 23 of Example 1 is used.
The arm position detection second sensor 24 also serves as the arm position detection home sensor 23. Also in this case, the arm position detecting first sensor 22 and the arm position detecting second sensor 24 are mounted on the same substrate. In this way, the number of substrates is reduced, and the device can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

[0166]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1): The magnetic tape is on the magnetic head during recording / playback processing after loading the magnetic tape. If the standby time is long, the environment of the device is high temperature / high humidity, the surface of the magnetic tape is When worn due to running, the magnetic tape and the magnetic head stick to each other. Therefore, the magnetic tape may be damaged and damaged.

If a magnetic head having air escape grooves formed on the contact surface with the magnetic tape is used in order to improve the contact between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head, the standby time may be long. The shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head is transferred onto the magnetic tape, and a convex portion is formed on the magnetic tape to damage and damage the magnetic tape. Such damage to the magnetic tape causes a signal recording / reproducing error.

However, in the present invention, while the signal recording / reproducing process is on standby, the magnetic tape is run at a constant time interval, the magnetic tape is running at a speed lower than the normal running speed, The tape is unloaded after a certain period of time.

Therefore, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time. Therefore, the attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and the transfer in the shape of the air escape groove are avoided, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated and the damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented.

Incidentally, in a small device for recording / reproducing / traveling in a state where the air pump is removed and the magnetic tape is always in contact with the magnetic head, the magnetic tape is attracted to the magnetic head when the stop time of the magnetic tape becomes long. Or the shape of the magnetic head is transferred to the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape is easily damaged.

Further, in recent years, the magnetic tape is becoming thinner, and the danger is increasing. In such a device, the suction head type transfer can be effectively prevented by shifting the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is stopped.

(2): The magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 1 is equipped with an air pump, a lifter solenoid, etc. in order to prevent adsorption of the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and transfer of the shape of the air escape groove of the magnetic head. ing.

However, the air pump is large and expensive. Therefore, with the downsizing and cost reduction of the device, it becomes impossible to mount an expensive and large air pump. Therefore, it has become difficult to prevent the magnetic tape from adhering to the magnetic head and the transfer of the air escape groove shape of the magnetic head.

However, according to the present invention, the magnetic tape is run at a constant time interval or the signal recording / reproducing process waits during the signal recording / reproducing process standby without mounting an expensive and large one such as an air pump. The damage to the magnetic tape is eliminated by running the magnetic tape at low speed and unloading the tape after a certain period of time.

Therefore, even if a large part such as an air pump is not mounted, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time, and the magnetic tape and the magnetic head are attracted to each other and the air is not absorbed. Transfer of the shape of the escape groove is avoided, and damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented. Further, since an expensive and large one such as an air pump is not mounted, the device can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

(3): In the device of Conventional Example 2, the machine reel is intentionally overrun in order to confirm that it is the end of the tape. If this operation is performed, it is unnecessary to eject the magnetic tape cartridge. Takes a long time. Also, 2
When the rotation direction of the two reels changed, extra tension was applied to the magnetic tape, which was strongly pressed against the magnetic head and damaged the magnetic tape.

However, in the present invention, since the play (play) is provided between the transmission gear and the arm, when the tape on the machine reel reaches the end in the rewinding operation of the tape, the file reel is The arm moves due to the force of winding the tape, and the second arm position detection sensor is turned off.

Therefore, it is possible to immediately start the unthreading operation of the tape by recognizing that the second arm position detecting sensor has been turned off, so that the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated. That is, in the tape unloading operation, the end of the tape can be detected reliably and quickly, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated.

Further, since the above operation can be performed only by mounting simple parts on the tape thread mechanism, it is possible to realize the downsizing and cost reduction of the device. (4): In Conventional Example 2, the arm position detection sensor is divided into two systems, the machine reel side and the file reel side, and two printed boards on which the sensor is arranged are also required. Therefore, the number of parts is increased and the cost is increased.

However, according to the present invention, since the sensor is mounted on one substrate, the number of parts is reduced, and the size and cost of the device can be reduced. In addition to the above effects, there are the following effects corresponding to each claim.

(5) In the present invention, the control section drives the reel motor at a predetermined time interval during the signal recording / reproducing processing standby state after the tape loading to intermittently move the magnetic tape. Equipped with control means.

Therefore, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time. Therefore, the attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and the transfer of the shape of the air escape groove are avoided, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated and the damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented.

(6): In the present invention, the control section drives the reel motor to rotate at a low speed while the signal recording / reproducing process is on standby after the tape is loaded, so that the magnetic tape runs at a speed lower than that during normal running. It is provided with a low speed traveling control means.

Therefore, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time. Therefore, the attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and the transfer of the shape of the air escape groove are avoided, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated and the damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented.

(7): In the present invention, the control section measures the elapsed time during the signal recording / reproducing processing standby after tape loading, and rewinds the magnetic tape after a certain time has elapsed from the start of the standby. It is provided with a standby unload control means for unloading by means of standby.

Therefore, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time. Therefore, the attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and the transfer of the shape of the air escape groove are avoided, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated and the damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented.

(8) In claim 4, the tape thread mechanism has an arm for moving the leader block of the magnetic tape, a support block to which the arm is fixed, and a threader motor for generating a driving force of the tape thread mechanism. The transmission block is rotatably fixed to the support block and includes a transmission gear for transmitting the driving force of the threader motor to the support block, the transmission gear is provided with an elliptical hole, and the support block is provided with a support pin. By loosely fitting the support pin of the support block into the oval hole of the transmission gear, a play (play) was provided between the transmission gear and the arm.

Therefore, in the tape unload operation,
The end of the tape can be detected reliably and quickly, and damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated. Further, since the above operation can be performed only by mounting simple parts on the tape thread mechanism, it is possible to realize downsizing and cost reduction of the device.

(9) According to a fifth aspect, the tape thread mechanism has an arm position detecting first sensor for detecting a tape thread start position of the arm and an arm position detecting arm for detecting a tape thread end position of the arm. Position detection second
A sensor and an arm position detection home sensor for detecting the home position of the arm are provided, and the arm position detection first sensor, the arm position detection second sensor, and the arm position detection home sensor are mounted on the same substrate.

Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced,
The device can be downsized and the cost can be reduced. (10): In claim 6, the control unit rotates the threader motor in the winding direction (FWD) of the magnetic tape to move the arm, thereby inserting and fixing the leader block of the magnetic tape into the machine reel. The thread control means and the threader motor minute movement control means for moving the threader motor in a minute section in the rewinding direction (BWD) of the magnetic tape after the leader block is inserted and fixed in the machine reel are provided.

Therefore, in the tape rewinding operation,
When the tape on the machine reel side reaches the end, the arm can be reliably moved by the force of the file reel to wind the tape. Therefore, the arm position detection second sensor can be turned off, and the subsequent unthreading operation of the tape can be started quickly. As a result, damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated.

(11) According to the seventh aspect, when winding the magnetic tape from the machine reel, the control section causes the arm to move by the amount of backlash (play) between the transmission gear and the arm due to the tape tension at the end of the tape. An unthread control means for detecting the movement and recognizing the end of the tape and rotating the threader motor in the rewinding direction (BWD) of the magnetic tape to start the unthread operation of the tape is provided.

Therefore, the operation from the detection of the end of the tape to the unthreading operation of the tape is performed reliably and quickly, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated. (12): In claim 8, the arm position detection home sensor is omitted, and the arm position detection second sensor also has the function of the arm position detection home sensor. Therefore, the number of parts is reduced, and the size and cost of the device can be reduced.

(13): In claim 9, for the magnetic tape,
A magnetic head for recording / reproducing signals, a means for constantly bringing the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, and a reel motor for driving the magnetic tape,
In the magnetic tape device including a control unit that controls the magnetic head, the reel motor, and the like, the control unit includes a tape shift unit that shifts the magnetic tape at predetermined time intervals.

Therefore, the magnetic tape is not in contact with the magnetic head at the same place for a long time. Therefore, the attraction between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head and the transfer of the shape of the air escape groove are avoided, and the damage to the magnetic tape can be eliminated and the damage to the magnetic tape can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a control system in the magnetic tape device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart 1 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart 2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an external view of a magnetic tape device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic tape device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of the magnetic tape device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tape thread mechanism according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of each part of the tape thread mechanism according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a control system in the magnetic tape device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a time chart of the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram 1 of an operation state of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram 2 of an operation state of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram 3 of the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an operation explanatory diagram 4 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram 5 of the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an operation explanatory diagram 6 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram 1 of a sensor mounting state of the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram 2 of a sensor mounting state according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the internal mechanism of the magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 1.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an internal mechanism of a magnetic tape device of Conventional Example 2.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a tape thread mechanism component of Conventional Example 2.

FIG. 26 is an operation explanatory diagram 1 of Conventional Example 2.

FIG. 27 is a diagram 2 for explaining the operation of the second conventional example.

[Description of Reference Signs] 5 Guide Roller 6 Magnetic Head 11 Machine Reel 12 File Reel 14 Magnetic Tape Cartridge 18 Tape Drawout Arm 19 Drive Arm 22 Arm Position Detection First Sensor 23 Arm Position Detection Home Sensor 24 Arm Position Detection Second Sensor 30 Control Part 62 Support pin 63 Transmission gear 65 Elliptical hole 69 Base locus

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiko Fujii 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Within Fujitsu Limited (72) Akira Takano 654 Kawawa-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Fujishikasei Within the corporation

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic head for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, a unit for constantly bringing the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, and a reel motor for driving the magnetic tape. And a magnetic tape device including a control unit that controls the magnetic head, the reel motor, and the like, the control unit drives the reel motor at a predetermined time interval during a signal recording / reproducing process standby state after tape loading. And a tape intermittent movement control means for intermittently moving the magnetic tape only in the winding direction or only in the rewinding direction. 2. A magnetic head for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, means for constantly bringing the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, and a reel motor for driving the magnetic tape. A magnetic tape device including a control unit that controls the magnetic head, the reel motor, and the like, the control unit drives the reel motor to rotate at a low speed during a signal recording / reproducing process standby state after tape loading. A magnetic tape device comprising a tape low speed running control means for running the magnetic tape at a speed lower than that during normal running. 3. A magnetic head for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, means for constantly bringing the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, and a reel motor for driving the magnetic tape. And a control unit for controlling the magnetic head, the reel motor, and the like, the control unit measures elapsed time while waiting for signal recording / reproduction processing after tape loading, and A magnetic tape device comprising a standby unload control means for rewinding and unloading a magnetic tape after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of standby. 4. A magnetic tape device comprising a tape thread mechanism for threading / unthreading a magnetic tape, wherein an arm for moving a leader block of the magnetic tape and the arm are fixed to the tape thread mechanism. A supporting block, a threader motor that generates a driving force of the tape thread mechanism, a transmission gear that is rotatably fixed to the supporting block and that transmits the driving force of the threader motor to the supporting block, and the transmission gear has an elliptical shape. A hole is provided, a support pin is provided on the support block, and the support pin of the support block is loosely fitted in the elliptical hole of the transmission gear. ) Has a magnetic tape device. 5. An arm position detection first sensor for detecting a tape thread start position of the arm, and an arm position detection second sensor for detecting a tape thread end position of the arm in the tape thread mechanism. An arm position detection home sensor for detecting a home position of the arm, wherein the arm position detection first sensor, the arm position detection second sensor, and the arm position detection home sensor are mounted on the same substrate. The magnetic tape device according to claim 4. 6. A control unit for controlling the tape thread mechanism or the like is provided, wherein the control unit rotates a threader motor in a magnetic tape winding direction (FWD) to move the arm to move the magnetic tape. A thread control means for inserting and fixing the leader block into the machine reel, and a threader motor minute movement for moving the threader motor in a minute section in the rewinding direction (BWD) of the magnetic tape after the leader block is inserted and fixed in the machine reel. The magnetic tape device according to claim 4, further comprising control means. 7. A control section for controlling the tape thread mechanism and the like is provided, wherein the control section, when winding a magnetic tape from a machine reel, causes the arm to move between the transmission gear and the arm by tape tension at the tape end. It detects that the tape is the end by detecting the amount of movement (play) between them, recognizes the end of the tape, and rotates the threader motor in the magnetic tape rewinding direction (BWD) to cause the tape thread mechanism to unthread the tape. 5. The magnetic tape device according to claim 4, further comprising unthreading control means for starting the operation. 8. The magnetic tape device according to claim 5, wherein the arm position detecting home sensor is omitted, and the arm position detecting second sensor also has a function of the arm position detecting home sensor. 9. A magnetic head for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, means for constantly bringing the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, and a reel motor for driving the magnetic tape. And a magnetic tape device including a control unit that controls the magnetic head, the reel motor, and the like, wherein the control unit includes a tape shift unit that shifts the magnetic tape at predetermined time intervals. Tape device.