Cleaning enabling device, cleaning device, and magnetic tape device

In order to reduce the possibility of occurrence of retraction of a cleaning member during cleaning of a magnetic head and the possibility of the cleaning member not being able to return to a retraction position due to stopping part way, the cleaning enabling device is provided with: a holding member having a first surface capable of holding the cleaning member for cleaning the magnetic head, and a second surface capable of lifting a magnetic tape from the magnetic head; a transmission part which transmits a first driving force for driving a first driving member; and a first force application part which applies, to the holding member, a first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position when the cleaning member is in the retraction position and releases the first force when the cleaning member is drawn away from the retraction position.

This application is a National Stage Entry of PCT/JP2020/005022 filed on Feb. 10, 2020, which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application 2019-025180 filed on Feb. 15, 2019, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cleaning of a magnetic head.

BACKGROUND ART

A magnetic tape device causes a magnetic tape to travel on a magnetic head at a time of data recording and reproduction. At this occasion, the magnetic head and the magnetic tape are worn, and abrasion powder remains on a surface of the magnetic tape. The abrasion powder deteriorates data recording and reproduction performance of the magnetic head. The performance deterioration is recoverable by cleaning of the magnetic head with a brush and the like. Generally, it is often the case that cleaning of a magnetic head is performed when performance deterioration of the magnetic head is detected during data reading and writing. However, in a case where cleaning is performed in a state that a magnetic tape is accommodated (unthreaded) in a cartridge, cleaning of a magnetic head is required to be performed by interrupting data recording and reproduction for a long time at a time of detecting performance deterioration of the magnetic head during data reading and writing. In view of the above, it is desirable that cleaning of the magnetic head can be performed also in a threading state in which the magnetic tape is drawn out of the cartridge.

PTL 1 discloses an example of a technique for cleaning a magnetic head in a threading state. In the method of PTL 1, a magnetic tape separation mechanism moves a recording magnetic tape away from a magnetic head in a thickness direction, and a cleaning device cleans the magnetic head in a state that the magnetic tape is moved away from the magnetic head.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In an information recording system of PTL 1, a mechanism for moving a magnetic tape away from a magnetic head, and a mechanism for moving a cleaning member of the magnetic head to a cleaning position are independent of each other. Therefore, the information recording system of PTL 1 has a problem that a mechanism for enabling cleaning of the magnetic head is complicated. The complicated mechanism results in an increase in production cost and an increase in size of a device in a magnetic tape device.

As a method capable of solving this problem, a method is conceived in which a magnetic tape is moved away from a magnetic head by a surface of a holder for installing a cleaning member, the surface being a surface on which the cleaning member is not installed, and cleaning of the magnetic head is performed by the cleaning member. In the above-described method, a structure is conceived in which retraction of a holder is performed by a restoring force of a spring. In this case, the holder may not return to a retraction position, and stop on a way in a case where sliding performance is deteriorated due to repeated use, and the like. In this case, an unintended retracting operation of the holder may occur by a spring force. When the unintended retracting operation occurs during cleaning of the magnetic head, cleaning is not properly performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning enabling device and the like which enable reducing a possibility that retraction of a cleaning member occurs, and a possibility that the cleaning member fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way, during cleaning of a magnetic head.

Solution to Problem

A cleaning enabling device according to the present invention includes: a holding member including a first surface capable of holding a cleaning member for cleaning a magnetic head, and a second surface capable of lifting a magnetic tape from the magnetic head when the cleaning member is at a cleaning position at which the cleaning can be performed, the holding member being movable between the cleaning position and a retraction position; a transmission unit that transmits a first driving force for driving a first driving member included in a mechanism for performing threading of the magnetic tape, as a second driving force for the movement to the retraction position; and a first force application unit that applies, to the holding member, a first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position when the cleaning member is at the retraction position, and releases the first force when the cleaning member is drawn away from the retraction position.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A cleaning enabling device according to the present invention is able to reduce a possibility that retraction of a cleaning member occurs and a possibility that the cleaning member fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way, during cleaning of a magnetic head.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

A magnetic tape device according to a present example embodiment applies, to a holder of a cleaning member for cleaning a magnetic head, an elastic force for causing the cleaning member to remain in a retraction position, when the holder is at the retraction position. On the other hand, the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment does not apply an elastic force in a direction toward the retraction position of the holder, when the holder is at a cleaning position at which the cleaning member cleans the magnetic head. The magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment performs the above operation by making an angle at which a pin which applies the elastic force to a holder via an arm unit and the like comes into contact with a contact surface different from each other between a time when the holder is at a cleaning position and a time when the holder is at a retraction position (seeFIGS.7to9). The contact surface is included in a gear for moving the holder. In the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment, it is assumed that an angle of a first contact surface when a holder is at a retraction position is set to an angle at which a pin presses the contact surface by an elastic force in a circumferential direction. On the other hand, it is assumed that an angle of a second contact surface when the holder is at a cleaning position is set to an angle at which the pin cannot press the contact surface by the elastic force in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment, a pin does not apply, to a contact surface, an elastic force which causes a gear to rotate for retracting a holder, when a cleaning member is at a cleaning position. Thus, in the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment, unintended retraction of a cleaning member does not occur during cleaning of a magnetic head.

In the following, details of the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment are described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a magnetic tape device9, which is an example of the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment.FIG.2is a perspective conceptual diagram illustrating a state that a cartridge97is received in the magnetic tape device9, and a magnetic tape within the cartridge97is wound by a reel91. The above state is a state that threading is completed.

In the following description on the drawings, a plus direction (arrow direction) of X, Y, and Z illustrated in each drawing indicates a same direction. It is assumed that a plus Z direction is an upper direction.

In the following description, a portion other than a portion relating to a cleaning enabling unit96relates to a known configuration and operation. Therefore, detailed description of these is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the magnetic tape device9includes the reel91and a reel92, a loading unit93, a threading unit94, a magnetic head unit95, and the cleaning enabling unit96.

When the cartridge97is received, the loading unit93transports the cartridge97into the magnetic tape device9. Further, the loading unit93engages an unillustrated gear provided at a bottom portion of the cartridge97with a gear provided on the reel92.

The threading unit94moves a threading arm71into the cartridge97illustrated inFIG.2by transmitting a rotational driving force of a driving portion such as an unillustrated motor via a cam gear7. Then, the threading unit94holds an unillustrated pin provided at a leading end of a magnetic tape10illustrated inFIG.2. When the pin is held, the threading unit94moves the threading arm71to a center of the reel91, while towing the magnetic tape10. The magnetic tape10towed to the center of the reel91by the threading arm71is wound into the magnetic tape device9from inside the cartridge97by rotation of the reels91and92, or wound back in a reverse direction. At this occasion, the reels91and92are rotated in association with each other in such a way as to pull each other for applying a certain tension to the magnetic tape10.

The magnetic head unit95is disposed in such a way that the magnetic tape10in a tensioned state comes into contact with a front surface of an unillustrated magnetic head for enabling recording and reproduction of data recorded on the magnetic tape10. Then, the magnetic head records or reads a plurality of data strings on or from the magnetic tape10by winding of the magnetic tape10.

The cleaning enabling unit96moves an unillustrated cleaning member (such as a brush) for cleaning the magnetic head, and a holder which holds the cleaning member by utilizing a driving force of the threading unit94. Then, the cleaning enabling unit96keeps on moving the holder toward a cleaning position at which cleaning of the magnetic head by the cleaning member can be performed, while keeping (lifting) the magnetic tape10away from the magnetic head in a state that the magnetic tape10is wound into the device and a tension is applied. Then, the cleaning enabling unit96simultaneously completes lifting of the magnetic tape10and movement of the cleaning member to the cleaning position.

Although details of a configuration and an operation of the cleaning enabling unit96are described later with reference toFIGS.3to9,FIG.1illustrates that a part of each of an arm unit4, a cam plate6, the cam gear7, and a latch unit8is viewable among components included in the cleaning enabling unit96. The cam gear7is a common component included in the threading unit94and the cleaning enabling unit96.

Although details of the arm unit4and the latch unit8are described later with reference toFIG.6,FIG.1illustrates that a guide arm404, a joint shaft407, and a guide shaft408are viewable among components included in the arm unit4illustrated inFIG.6.FIG.1illustrates that a latch gear401, a latch spring406, and a screw416are viewable among components included in the latch unit8illustrated inFIG.6.

On the other hand,FIG.2illustrates that a part of each of the arm unit4, the cam plate6, and the cam gear7is viewable among components included in the cleaning enabling unit96. Although details of the arm unit4are described later with reference toFIG.6,FIG.2illustrates that the guide arm404, the joint shaft407, and the guide shaft408are viewable among components included in the arm unit4illustrated inFIG.6.

The latch unit8is hidden inFIG.2because a rotational position of the cam gear7is different from that inFIG.1as a result of threading of the magnetic tape10by the threading unit94.

FIG.3is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of the cleaning enabling unit96illustrated inFIG.2.FIG.3also illustrates a part of a configuration of the threading unit94.FIG.4is a conceptual diagram assuming that a configuration illustrated inFIG.3is viewed from below.

The cleaning enabling unit96includes a base5, the cam gear7, the arm unit4, and the cam plate6. The cam gear7, the arm unit4, and the cam plate6are installed on the base5.

The cam gear7is a gear for driving the threading arm71that performs transportation of the magnetic tape10illustrated inFIG.2. The cam gear7is also a supply source of a driving force for moving the arm unit4.

The arm unit4is a link mechanism for moving a cleaning member2installed on a holder3between a front position of a magnetic head1and a retraction position. Herein, a direction of a front side of the magnetic head1is a minus direction of an X-axis. Details of the arm unit4are described later with reference toFIG.6.FIG.3illustrates that the guide arm404, the joint shaft407, and the guide shaft408included in the arm unit4illustrated inFIG.6are viewable through a hole901formed in the cam plate6.

Although the cleaning member2is, for example, a brush-like member, as far as the cleaning member2can clean a magnetic head, anything can be used.

The cam plate6is configured to form a guide groove61along which movement of the cleaning member2illustrated inFIG.4is properly guided. The guide groove61is an oblong hole. The guide shaft408included in the arm unit4is received in the guide groove61. The guide shaft408defines a moving path along which the cleaning member2and the holder3illustrated inFIG.2are moved to a position of the magnetic head and a retraction position by moving the guide shaft408along the guide groove61. A specific example of an operation associated with the movement is described later with reference toFIGS.7to9. The hole901is formed in the cam plate6. The hole901is configured to prevent the guide arm404and the joint shaft407of the arm unit4from coming into contact with the cam plate6.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the cleaning member2is mounted on a leading end portion404aof the arm unit4via the holder3which holds the cleaning member2. The leading end portion404ais a portion located below the base5(minus direction of a Z-axis) of the guide arm404illustrated inFIG.6. As illustrated inFIG.4, the guide arm is bent at a position911. By the bending, an upper surface (surface directed in a plus direction of the Z-axis) of the leading end portion404ais kept in parallel to a lower surface (upper surface directed in the minus direction of the Z-axis) of the base5.

Although illustration is omitted, a surface on a side opposite to a surface of the holder3on which the cleaning member2is held has a smooth shape and a surface configuration capable of slidably moving the magnetic tape10without damaging the magnetic tape10, when the magnetic tape10illustrated inFIG.2is moved relative to the cleaning member2in contact therewith.

The cam gear7is pivotally mounted clockwise and counterclockwise around a cam gear shaft51which is press-fitted into the base5. The cam gear7is rotated while a driving force from a driving portion such as an unillustrated motor is transmitted from another gear and the like. The cam gear7also holds the threading arm71via an OD spring72on the threading side and an OD spring73on the unthreading side. Herein, OD is abbreviation of overdrive. The cam gear7drives the threading arm71.

The OD spring72on the threading side is elastically deformed when the threading arm71driven by counterclockwise rotation of the cam gear7is further driven from a position where the threading arm71is abutted against a threading stopper74which defines a threading completion position. By the elastic deformation, the OD spring72on the threading side allows the cam gear7to further rotate from the threading completion position.

The OD spring73on the unthreading side is elastically deformed when the threading arm71driven by clockwise rotation of the cam gear7is further driven from a position where the threading arm71is abutted against an unillustrated unthreading stopper which defines an unthreading completion position. By the elastic deformation, the OD spring73on the unthreading side allows the cam gear7to be further driven beyond the unthreading completion position.

Since the threading arm71, and a configuration in which the magnetic tape10illustrated inFIG.2is drawn out of the cartridge97and towed by the threading arm71are known as a threading method, detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG.5is a top plan view of a portion illustrated inFIG.3in which a portion below the cam gear7is perspectively viewed through the cam gear7. InFIG.5, a configuration other than the cam gear7is not perspectively viewed. InFIG.5, the threading arm71, the OD spring72on the threading side, and the OD spring73on the unthreading side illustrated inFIG.3are not illustrated.

Details of the arm unit4are described later with reference toFIG.6.FIG.5illustrates that the latch gear401, a swing gear402, a swing arm403, the guide arm404, and the latch unit8are viewable among components of the arm unit4illustrated inFIG.6. The latch gear401and the swing gear402respectively have a tooth421and a tooth422being partial teeth. The tooth421and the tooth422mesh with each other.

The swing gear402and the swing arm403are connected via a buffer spring405. The swing gear402and the swing arm403are rotatable in the same directions as each other by transmission of a rotational force via the buffer spring405.

A latch lever801is biased counterclockwise by a latch spring406. By the biasing, the latch lever801presses a latch cam unit409provided on an outer periphery of the latch gear401.

A cam gear pressing unit410is formed in the latch gear401, as a concave shape recessed downward. A latch gear pressing unit75is formed on a lower surface of the cam gear7, as a convex shape protruding downward.

An end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410is pressed against the latch gear pressing unit75, when the cam gear7is rotated counterclockwise to a predetermined rotational position (rotational position overdriven beyond a threading completion rotational position) after threading is completed. By the pressing, the latch gear401is rotated counterclockwise. Consequently, the swing gear402, and the arm unit4connected to the swing gear402are rotated clockwise. By the rotation, the cleaning member2fixed to the arm unit4and illustrated inFIGS.3and4reaches a cleaning position at which the cleaning member2comes into contact with the magnetic head1illustrated inFIG.3while facing the magnetic head1. A restriction mechanism which restricts counterclockwise rotation of the cam gear7is provided to prevent the latch gear pressing unit75from excessively pressing the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410by further counterclockwise rotation of the cam gear7. The restriction mechanism is, for example, a mechanism for detecting a stopper which stops rotation of the cam gear7, and a rotational angle of the cam gear7, and stopping rotation of an unillustrated motor which drives the cam gear7.

Herein, rotation of the cam gear7is stopped, and the arm unit4and the cleaning member2fixed thereto are held at a cleaning position. In this state, the head1is moved up and down by an unillustrated elevation mechanism, and cleaned by the cleaning member2.

When cleaning is finished, an end portion922of the cam gear pressing unit410is rotated clockwise from a rotational position at which the cam gear7is overdriven, and pressed against the latch gear pressing unit75at a time of returning to a rotational position where threading is completed. By the pressing, the latch gear401is rotated clockwise. Consequently, the swing gear402, and the arm unit4connected to the swing gear402are rotated counterclockwise. Then, the cleaning member2fixed to the arm unit4is moved to a retraction position. After the pressing, the latch gear pressing unit75is disengaged from the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410by further clockwise rotation of the cam gear7, and rotated further clockwise. A shape of the latch gear pressing unit75and the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410is set to such a shape that the latch gear pressing unit75is disengaged from the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410by the clockwise rotation of the cam gear7.

FIG.6is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of the arm unit4and the latch unit8.FIG.6illustrates as if a portion of the arm unit4and the latch unit8below the latch gear401and the swing gear402are perspectively viewed. An operation of the arm unit4and the latch unit8incorporated in the magnetic tape device is described later with reference toFIGS.7to9.

The latch unit8includes the latch gear401, the latch spring406, a latch lever801, and a latch pin802.

The latch lever801is connected to a shaft803in such a way as to be pivotable around the shaft803fixed to the base5. The latch pin802is provided in a vicinity of a position935of the latch lever801. The latch pin802protrudes upward of the latch lever801.

The latch spring406is installed coaxially with the latch gear401at a lower portion of the latch gear401by the screw416.

A vicinity of a position936of the latch spring406is supported by a vertical bending portion432of the latch lever801. The vertical bending portion432protrudes upward of the latch lever801. A vicinity of a position937of the latch spring406is supported by an unillustrated member fixed to the base5. The member is, for example, a part of the cam plate6illustrated inFIG.5.

By the above configuration, the latch spring406is elastically deformed. In a case where a counterclockwise rotational driving force is not transmitted from the cam gear7to the latch gear401, and the holder3is at a retraction position, the latch pin802presses a surface811of the latch cam unit409formed on an outer periphery of the latch gear401by a restoring force of the elastic deformation. Herein, a case where the holder3is at a retraction position is equivalent to a case ofFIG.7to be described later.

On the other hand, in a case where a counterclockwise rotational driving force is transmitted from the cam gear7to the latch gear401(case ofFIGS.8and9to be described later), although the case is not illustrated inFIG.7, the latch gear401is rotated counterclockwise. Therefore, the surface811does not come into contact with the latch pin802. In this case, pressing of the surface811by the latch pin802is not performed.

As described above, the latch gear401includes the tooth421. The tooth421is in mesh with the tooth422of the swing gear402. Therefore, rotation of the latch gear401in a certain rotational direction generates rotation of the swing gear402in a reverse rotational direction.

On the other hand, the arm unit4includes the cleaning member2, the holder3, the swing gear402, the swing arm403, the guide arm404, and the buffer spring405.

As described above, the swing gear402includes the tooth422. The tooth422is in mesh with the tooth421of the latch gear401. Therefore, the swing gear402is rotated in a reverse rotational direction by rotation of the latch gear401in a certain rotational direction.

The guide arm404serves as the leading end portion404aby being bent downward from a root portion404band being bent downward again in a vicinity of a position911(seeFIG.4). The root portion404band the leading end portion404aare in parallel to each other.

The holder3(seeFIG.4) is fixed to a vicinity of a position931of the leading end portion404aby a screw417. The cleaning member2is fixed to a front surface (left surface) of the holder3(seeFIG.4).

The guide shaft408is press-fitted in the root portion404b. The press-fitted guide shaft408protrudes upward of the root portion404b. The protrusion of the guide shaft408is the guide shaft408illustrated inFIGS.2,3, and5, and is a portion assumed to be received in the guide groove61. The protrusion is formed into a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter slightly narrower than a width of the guide groove61. Therefore, the guide arm404is configured in such a way that the guide shaft408is movable along the guide groove61. A shape of the guide groove61is formed in such a way that the cleaning member2and the holder3are moved while avoiding structural parts of the magnetic tape device, and the cleaning member2is allowed to come into contact with the magnetic head1.

The joint shaft407is press-fitted in a vicinity of a position932of the guide arm404. The joint shaft407is received in such a way that the joint shaft407is rotatable and does not come out of a hole formed in a vicinity of a position933of the swing arm403.

The swing arm403is coaxially supported with the swing gear402at a vicinity of a position934by a screw415.

The buffer spring405is coaxially provided between the swing gear402and the swing arm403. The buffer spring405is provided in such a way that a vicinity of an end portion405ais hooked at a position938of the swing gear402, and an end portion405bis hooked at a vertical bending unit431of the swing arm403, by a restoring force of elastic deformation. A rotational force to be transmitted from the cam gear7illustrated inFIG.5to the swing gear402via the latch gear401is transmitted to the swing arm403via the buffer spring405. Then, by the rotational force, the swing arm403is rotated and driven. The rotational force of the swing arm403is transmitted to the guide arm404via the joint shaft407. Therefore, the guide arm404is also driven in association with the swing arm403. As described above, the driving is performed in such a way that the guide shaft408moves along the guide groove61illustrated inFIGS.2,3, and5.

As will be described later with reference toFIGS.8and9, by the driving of the guide arm404, the guide shaft408is abutted against an end portion of the guide groove61. When a driving force is further applied to the swing arm403in the same direction, the buffer spring405is further elastically deformed by receiving the driving force. The buffer spring405avoids that the arm unit4and the like are locked by the elastic deformation, as will be described later.

Next, a cleaning enabling operation of a magnetic head by the arm unit4and the latch unit8illustrated inFIG.6is described with reference toFIGS.7to9.

FIG.7is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state of the arm unit4and the latch unit8in a case where the arm unit4illustrated inFIG.6is in a standby state.FIGS.7to9illustrate as if a portion of the arm unit4and the latch unit8below the cam gear7and the cam plate6are also perspectively viewed. Only an outer shape of the guide groove61in the cam plate6is illustrated. The threading arm71, the OD spring72on the threading side, the OD spring73on the unthreading side, the threading stopper74, and other components of the magnetic tape device9are not illustrated.

The state illustrated inFIG.7is equivalent to the state of the magnetic tape device9illustrated inFIG.2. In this state, the threading arm71towing the magnetic tape10from the cartridge97illustrated inFIG.2comes into contact with the threading stopper74, and completes threading. The magnetic tape10illustrated inFIG.7is a lateral surface in the state (in a film thickness direction). A shape of the magnetic tape10is formed by applying a tension to the magnetic tape10in a state that a surface of the magnetic tape10is in contact with an unillustrated guide. The magnetic tape10is at a same height position as the cleaning member2and the magnetic head1. The height position is below the cam gear7and the cam plate6which is further below the cam gear7.

In the state illustrated inFIG.7, the latch gear pressing unit75formed on the cam gear7, and the cam gear pressing unit410formed on the latch gear401are not in contact with each other. On the other hand, the latch cam unit409of the latch gear401is pressed against the latch pin802of the latch unit8biased by the latch spring406.

The surface811of the latch cam unit409in contact with the latch pin802is formed in such a way that an angle in a radial direction of the latch gear401is equal to an angle701. Therefore, a clockwise rotational force is applied to the latch gear401by a pressing force of the latch pin802. Then, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the swing gear402in mesh with the latch gear401. Then, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the swing arm403and the guide arm404. Therefore, the guide shaft408provided on the guide arm404is abutted and held at a position941being a start position of the guide groove61. Thus, the cleaning member2is held at a predetermined retraction position.

FIG.8is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state of the arm unit4and the latch unit8, when the cam gear7is overdriven counterclockwise from the state illustrated inFIG.7. As described above, overdrive means that the cam gear7is rotated beyond a threading completion rotational position.

In the state illustrated inFIG.8, the latch gear pressing unit75of the cam gear7presses the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410of the latch gear401counterclockwise of the cam gear7. Therefore, the latch gear401is rotated counterclockwise. Then, the swing gear402in mesh with the latch gear401is rotated clockwise. Therefore, a clockwise rotational force is applied from the swing gear402to the swing arm403and the guide arm404. Consequently, the swing arm403and the guide arm404are rotated clockwise. The rotation of the guide arm404is performed in such a way that the guide shaft408moves along the guide groove61. Then, the guide shaft408provided on the guide arm404is abutted against a position942being a peripheral end position of the guide groove61.

At a time of the movement of the holder3, the magnetic tape10is present on a moving path of the holder3. A certain tension is applied to the magnetic tape10by an unillustrated magnetic tape winding motor. The holder3is moved, while pushing away the magnetic tape10against the tension by a back surface of a cleaning member holding unit (surface on a side opposite to a surface of the holder3illustrated inFIG.4, on which the cleaning member2is installed). As described above, since the back surface has a smooth shape and a surface configuration capable of slidably moving the magnetic tape10without damaging the magnetic tape10, the magnetic tape10is not damaged by the movement.

By the pushing-away, the magnetic tape10in contact with the magnetic head1inFIG.7is set to a state that the magnetic tape10is pushed away from the magnetic head1, as illustrated inFIG.8. Simultaneously, the cleaning member2reaches a cleaning position, and comes into contact with the magnetic head1from the front side. By moving the magnetic head1in an up-down direction (Z direction) in this state, for example, the magnetic head1is cleaned. A portion which holds the magnetic head1is provided with an unillustrated mechanism for the elevational movement.

By counterclockwise rotation of the latch gear401, a surface of the latch cam unit409in contact with the latch pin802shifts from the surface811to an arc-shaped surface812concentric with a rotational axis of the latch gear401. In this state, a pressing force applied from the latch pin802to the latch gear401acts in a circumferential direction of the rotational axis of the latch gear401, and only a frictional force generated from a reaction force of the pressing force acts in a rotational direction. Therefore, a counterclockwise rotational force for moving the cleaning member2to a retraction position is not applied to the swing gear402, the swing arm403, and the guide arm404.

FIG.9is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state of the arm unit4and the latch unit8, when the cam gear7is overdriven further counterclockwise from the state illustrated inFIG.8. By the further overdrive of the cam gear7, the end portion921of the cam gear pressing unit410is continued to be pressed by the latch gear pressing unit75of the cam gear7, and the latch gear401is further rotated counterclockwise.

Therefore, the swing gear402in mesh with the latch gear401is further rotated clockwise. By the rotation, a rotational force for further rotating the swing arm403and the guide arm404clockwise is generated via the buffer spring405.

However, in this state, the guide shaft408is abutted at the position942being an end position of the guide groove61, and cannot be moved any more. Therefore, the swing arm403and the guide arm404cannot be rotated clockwise any more.

Since the swing gear402is rotated clockwise, and the swing arm403is not rotated, the buffer spring405provided therebetween is deformed. By the deformation, a restoring force of the deformation is accumulated in the buffer spring405.

In this state, the cam gear7stops its rotation. As described above, the stopping is by an unillustrated restriction mechanism which restricts rotation of the cam gear7. As described above, the restriction mechanism is, for example, a mechanism for detecting a stopper which stops excessive rotation of the cam gear7, and a rotational angle of the cam gear7, and stopping rotation of an unillustrated motor which drives the cam gear7.

In this way, the buffer spring405is elastically deformed to thereby prevent that an excessive force is applied to the cam gear7, the latch gear401, the swing gear402, the swing arm403, and the guide arm404by overdrive of the cam gear7. When an excessive force is applied to these members, these members may be damaged, broken, and the like. The buffer spring405prevents damage, breakage, and the like of these members by elastic deformation.

Since rotation of the cam gear7is stopped, a restoring force of the buffer spring405accumulated by overdrive of the cam gear7acts on the swing arm403and the guide arm404in a direction for guiding the cleaning member2to a cleaning position. Therefore, the buffer spring405also functions to prevent a play between the swing arm403and the guide arm404, and between the guide shaft408and the guide groove61at a time of cleaning.

Advantageous Effect

A magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment performs retraction of a cleaning member to a retraction position by a rotational driving force of a cam gear being a rotational member for driving a threading arm. Since the magnetic tape device does not perform retraction of a cleaning member by a restoring force of a spring, there is no likelihood that a holder fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way in a case where sliding performance is deteriorated due to repeated use like a case where retraction is performed by a restoring force of a spring. Specifically, the magnetic tape device is able to reduce a possibility that a holder fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way.

The tape device causes a latch unit to apply, to the arm unit, a force which acts in a direction for retracting a cleaning member and maintains retraction of the cleaning member only when the cleaning member is at a retraction position. As described in the section of Technical Problem, even in a mechanism in which a mechanism for the lifting and a mechanism for the movement are not independently provided, a case may occur in which unintended retraction of a cleaning member is performed depending on a structure of the mechanism. Such a mechanism is, for example, a case where a restoring force by a spring may act in a direction for retracting a cleaning member at a cleaning position. Since the magnetic tape device according to the present example embodiment applies a force in a direction that causes a cleaning member to retract only when the cleaning member is at a retraction position, it is possible to prevent such unintended retraction of the cleaning member.

Further, the magnetic tape device includes, in an arm unit, a buffer spring between a swing gear and a swing arm. When an excessive force is applied between a driving portion of a cam gear and a guide arm, the buffer spring alleviates the force by elastic deformation. Therefore, the buffer spring prevents damage and the like generated in a configuration between the driving portion and the guide arm due to application of an excessive force between the cam gear and the guide arm.

The magnetic tape device moves a cleaning member for magnetic head cleaning to a magnetic head cleaning position in a state that threading is completed and a tension is applied to a magnetic tape. The magnetic tape device performs the movement by lifting the magnetic tape from a magnetic head by a holder which holds the cleaning member without unthreading the magnetic tape or loosening the tension to the magnetic tape. Thus, the magnetic tape device is able to clean the magnetic head, while maintaining a traveling state or a stopping state of the magnetic tape.

In the magnetic tape device, lifting of a magnetic tape from a magnetic head, and movement of a cleaning member to a cleaning position are performed by a latch unit and an arm unit having a simple structure. Herein, the latch unit is a portion which transmits, to the arm unit, a driving force for allowing the magnetic tape device to perform threading and unthreading, and achievable by a simple configuration constituted of a latch lever, a latch gear, and a latch spring. The arm unit is a portion which moves a cleaning member between a retraction position and a cleaning position, and achievable by a simple configuration constituted of a swing gear, a lock prevention spring, a swing arm, a guide arm, a holder, and the cleaning member. Therefore, the magnetic tape device provides an advantageous effect that cleaning of a magnetic head can be performed by a simple mechanism without unthreading a magnetic tape.

The magnetic tape device performs both of the lifting and the movement by combination of an arm unit and a latch unit. Specifically, the magnetic tape device is not independently provided with a mechanism for the lifting and a mechanism for the movement. Therefore, the magnetic tape device is able to suppress an increase in the production cost, and an increase in a device size.

The magnetic tape device employs a common cam gear and driving portion thereof for a cleaning unit which performs the lifting and the movement, and a threading unit which performs threading and unthreading of a magnetic tape. Therefore, the magnetic tape device is able to achieve further simplification or miniaturization of a driving mechanism. Thus, the magnetic tape device is able to further suppress an increase in the production cost and an increase in the device size.

FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning enabling device96xbeing a minimum configuration of a cleaning enabling device according to an example embodiment.

The cleaning enabling device96xincludes a holding member3x, a transmission unit851x, and a first force application unit856x.

The holding member3xincludes a first surface capable of holding a cleaning member for cleaning a magnetic head, and a second surface capable of lifting a magnetic tape from the magnetic head when the cleaning member is at a cleaning position at which the cleaning can be performed, and is movable between the cleaning position and a retraction position.

The transmission unit851xtransmits a first driving force for driving a first driving member included in a mechanism for performing threading of the magnetic tape, as a second driving force for the movement to the retraction position.

The first force application unit856xapplies, to the holding member, a first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position when the cleaning member is at the retraction position, and releases the first force when the cleaning member is drawn away from the retraction position.

The cleaning enabling device96xperforms retraction of a cleaning member to a retraction position by a first driving force for driving the first driving member. Since the cleaning enabling device96xdoes not perform retraction of a cleaning member by a restoring force of a spring, there is no likelihood that a holder fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way in a case where sliding performance is deteriorated due to repeated use like a case where retraction is performed by a restoring force of a spring, and the like.

Specifically, the cleaning enabling device96xis able to reduce a possibility that a holder fails to return to a retraction position and stops on a way.

The cleaning enabling device96xreleases the first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position, when the cleaning member is at the cleaning position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a possibility that retraction of a cleaning member occurs during cleaning of a magnetic head.

Thus, the cleaning enabling device96xprovides, by the above-described configuration, an advantageous effect described in the section of [Advantageous Effect of Invention].

The cleaning enabling device96xis, for example, the cleaning enabling unit96illustrated inFIGS.1to6.

The transmission unit851xis, for example, combination of the latch gear401, the swing gear402, the buffer spring405, the swing arm403, and the guide arm404illustrated inFIG.6.

The first force application unit856xis, for example, combination of the latch spring406, the latch lever801, and the latch pin802.

The magnetic head is, for example, the magnetic head1illustrated inFIGS.7to9.

The cleaning member is, for example, the cleaning member2illustrated inFIGS.4, and6to9.

The first surface is, for example, a surface illustrated inFIG.4, on which the cleaning member2is provided.

The second surface is, for example, a back surface illustrated inFIG.4, of the surface on which the cleaning member2is provided.

The magnetic tape is, for example, the magnetic tape10illustrated inFIGS.2, and7to9.

The cleaning position is, for example, a position illustrated in FIGS.8and9, at which the cleaning member2is present.

The retraction position is, for example, a position illustrated inFIG.7, at which the cleaning member2is present.

The mechanism is, for example, the threading unit94illustrated inFIGS.1to5.

The first driving member is, for example, the cam gear7illustrated inFIGS.1to5, andFIGS.7to9.

In the foregoing, example embodiments according to the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example embodiment, and further modification, replacement, and adjustment can be added within the scope of the basic technical idea of the present invention. For example, a configuration of an element illustrated in each drawing is one example for aiding understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to a configuration illustrated in these drawings.

A part or all of the above-described example embodiment may also be described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

A cleaning enabling device including:

a holding member including a first surface capable of holding a cleaning member for cleaning a magnetic head, and a second surface capable of lifting a magnetic tape from the magnetic head when the cleaning member is at a cleaning position at which the cleaning can be performed, the holding member being movable between the cleaning position and a retraction position;

a transmission unit that transmits a first driving force for driving a first driving member included in a mechanism for performing threading of the magnetic tape, as a second driving force for the movement to the retraction position; and

a first force application unit that applies, to the holding member, a first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position when the cleaning member is at the retraction position, and releases the first force when the cleaning member is drawn away from the retraction position.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 1, further including a path defining unit that determines a path of the movement.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 1 or 2, further including:

a first arm being rotatably connected to a first shaft at a first position, and being rotatably connected to a third position of a second arm at a second position; and

a second arm including the cleaning member at a fourth position, wherein

the first driving member is a first rotational member being rotatable around a second shaft,

the first driving force is a first rotational force for rotating the first rotational member around the second shaft, and

the second driving force is a second rotational force for driving the first arm around the first shaft.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 3, wherein

the transmission unit includes:

a first gear being rotatable around a third shaft; and

a second gear being in mesh with the first gear and being rotatable around the first shaft,

the first gear transmits the second rotational force to the second gear, as a third rotational force around the first shaft, and

the second gear transmits the third rotational force to the first arm, as the second rotational force.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 4, wherein

the first force application unit includes a combination of a rotational member being rotatable around a fourth shaft and having a vicinity of a fifth position in contact with a predetermined rotational surface of the first gear, and a first elastic member, and

the rotational member generates the first force by a first elastic force of the first elastic member.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 5, wherein the rotational member has a lever shape.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 5 or 6, wherein the first elastic member is a first spring.

The cleaning enabling device according to any one of supplementary notes 5 to 7, wherein

the rotational surface includes a first rotational lateral surface in which an angle with respect to a radial direction of rotation of the first gear around the fourth shaft is a first angle, and a second rotational lateral surface in which the angle is a second angle smaller than the first angle, and,

when a vicinity of the fifth position is in contact with the second rotational lateral surface, the first force is applied to the holding member, and when a vicinity of the fifth position is in contact with the first rotational lateral surface, the first force is released.

The cleaning enabling device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8, further including a second elastic member that transmits the first driving force between the first driving member and the holding member, as the second driving force.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 9, wherein when an excessive force is applied between the holding member and a component included in the mechanism, the second elastic member alleviates the excessive force by deformation of the second elastic member.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 9 or 10, wherein the second elastic member is a second spring.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 4, further including a second elastic member that transmits the third rotational force between the second gear and the first arm, as the second rotational force.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 12, wherein when an excessive force is applied between the holding member and a component included in the mechanism, the second elastic member alleviates the excessive force by deformation of the second elastic member.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 12 or 13, wherein the second elastic member is a second spring.

The cleaning enabling device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 14, further including the cleaning member.

The cleaning enabling device according to supplementary note 15, wherein the cleaning member has a brush shape.

A cleaning device including: the cleaning enabling device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 16; and a cleaning mechanism that performs the cleaning.

The cleaning device according to supplementary note 17, wherein the cleaning mechanism moves the magnetic head while keeping the cleaning member at the cleaning position in contact with the magnetic head at a time of the cleaning.

A magnetic tape device including the cleaning device according to supplementary note 17 or 18.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2019-025180, filed on Feb. 15, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

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