Method and apparatus for positioning of a magnetic head

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a magnetic head relative to a magnetic tape includes a platform for coarsely positioning the magnetic head, roughly to a desired track of the magnetic tape. A piezoelectric element is provided for fine positioning the magnetic head. The piezoelectric element is arranged between a bottom of the platform and the magnetic head.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a magnetic head with respect to various tracks of a magnetic tape in a streamer. The magnetic head is coarsely stepped to a desired track of the tape, and then finely positioned by at least one piezoelectric element. Description of the Related Art Conventional arrangements for positioning a magnetic head over various tracks of a magnetic tape can include the use of a comparator for determining the actual position of a read/write head, and a stepper motor for positioning the read/write head with respect to a particular track of a magnetic tape. Such an arrangement is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,679,104 to Dahlerud. However, such a conventional arrangement is only suitable for a limited number of tracks, for example 20 tracks, on the same magnetic tape. However, where a magnetic tape contains as many as 144 data tracks and 24 servo tracks, travelling from the upper edge of the tape to the lower edge of the tape with the a single channel magnetic head is extremely difficult, given spatial constraints. EP 0 050 524 discloses a system for correcting tracking errors in video reproducing apparatuses using magnetic heads. These magnetic heads are situated on a rotating head and can be moved in the direction of the axis of rotation. The magnetic heads are mounted on leaves having piezoelectric elements. Therefore, they can be coarsely positioned by rotation of the head and fine positioned by using the piezoelectric elements. In this arrangement, the magnetic heads are continuously rotated on the rotating head along the respective tracks on the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape is provided with tracks having an oblique angle and, accordingly, the magnetic heads are positioned obliquely to the moving direction of the magnetic tape to be aligned with the tracks on that tape. JP-A-6 221 2915 discloses a system for rapidly adjusting the position of a magnetic head and the angle of the magnetic head with respect to the magnetic tape. This construction features at least three piezoelectric elements arranged between two metal plates, which are each connected to one perpendicular metal plate. By differentially applying electric voltage to the piezoelectric elements arranged between two parallel metal plates, the total distance of the two metal plates, and, additionally their respective angle can be varied, leading to an according motion of the attached perpendicular metal sheets. Actuators apart from piezoelectric elements arranged between two metal plates are not disclosed herein. US 3,524,196 provides a complex system having both mechanical means and piezoelectric elements for adjusting recording heads. The embodiments realize an arrangement, wherein a mechanically driven positioning apparatus interacts with piezoelectric elements, arranged in a right angle thereto, both being attached to a common lever transmitting angular movements to a magnetic head. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for positioning a magnetic head to any of a number of tracks of a magnetic tape with at least one piezoelectric element. The magnetic head can be coarsely stepped, roughly to a desired track of the tape, and then finely positioned by the piezoelectric element. The above object is achieved by an apparatus and by a method defined in claims 1 and 20, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a side-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a front-sectional view taken generally along the line III-III of Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates a side-sectional view of a second embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates a front-sectional view taken generally along the line V-V of Figure 4. Figure 6 illustrates a side-sectional view of a third embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a front-sectional view taken generally along the line VII-VII of Figure 6. Figure 8 illustrates a side-sectional view of a fourth embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates a front-sectional view taken generally along the line IX-IX of Figure 8. Figure 10 illustrates a top-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 8. Figure 11 illustrates a side-sectional view of a fifth embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 12 illustrates a front-sectional view taken generally along the line XII-XII of Figure 11. Figure 13 illustrates a top-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 11. Figure 14 is a partial side-sectional view of a sixth embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, illustrating a platform having an integral pair of leafsprings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus of the present invention includes a magnetic head 10. A head positioning platform 12 is also provided. Preferably, the platform 12 is generally C-shaped. The platform 12 includes a generally horizontal top 14 and a generally horizontal bottom 16. A generally vertical cylindrical aperture 18, adapted to receive a bushing, or other suitable device for coarse movement, is also provided. A piezoelectric element 20 is arranged between the magnetic head 10 and the bottom 16 of the platform 12, for fine positioning the magnetic head 10 with respect to a particular track of a magnetic tape 22. A flexible holder 32 is provided for connecting the piezoelectric element 20 to the magnetic head 10. The flexible holder 32 need only be perpendicularly flexible with respect to the central axis of the aperture 18. The apparatus can also include a pair of leaf springs 24 connected along one side to the top 14 and bottom 16 of the platform 12, respectively, and connected along another side to a top 26 and a bottom 28 of the magnetic head 10, respectively. As illustrated in Figure 2, the platform 12 can be coarsely positioned by a suitable device 30, arranged in the aperture 18 of the platform 12. When the magnetic head 10 moves either up or down, relative to the platform 2, the distance from the front of the magnetic head 10 to the central axis of the aperture 18 varies slightly due to the leaf springs 24. A link (not shown) for connecting the flexible holder 32 to the piezoelectric element 20 preferably provides flexibility for slight movements of the magnetic head 10. As illustrated in Figure 3, a generally rectangular piezoelectric element 20 can be provided for fine positioning the magnetic head 10 with respect to the magnetic tape 22. Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. The piezoelectric element 20 is arranged between the read/write head 10 and the head positioning platform 12. The head positioning platform 12 coarsely adjusts the magnetic head 10 by means of a suitable device 30, arranged in the aperture 18. The piezoelectric element 20 is provided for fine positioning of the magnetic head 10. As illustrated in Figure 5, a generally rectangular piezoelectric element 20 is provided for fine positioning the magnetic head 10 Figure 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. A rigid holder 34 is biased against the piezoelectric element 20 by a push spring 36. The piezoelectric element 20 is glued with a slightly flexible glue tc the rigid holder 34 and to the bottom 16 of the platform 12 to provide for movement of the piezoelectric element 20. The platform 12 can be coarsely positioned by a suitable device 30, arranged in the aperture 18 of the platform 12, as in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 7, a generally rectangular piezoelectric element 20 can be provided for fine positioning the magnet head 10 with respect to the magnetic tape 22. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, three piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 are arranged between the rigid holder 34 and the bottom 16 of the platform 12. The piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 (illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10) can be glued to the rigid holder 34 and to the bottom 16 of the platform 12. Piezoelectric element 40 is provided for adjusting the zenith angle of the magnetic head 10. Thus, both azimuth and zenith angles of the magnetic head 10 can be adjusted simultaneously in this embodiment, and the resulting position of the magnetic head 10 can be stored in a memory. Mechanical tolerances in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 8 are compensated for by applying different voltages to each of the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 until the azimuth and zenith angles of the magnetic head 10 are adjusted within defined tolerance limits. Such mechanical tolerances indude tolerances in the magnetic head 10, in the head mounting on the platform 12, and in the platform mounting relative to cartridge references in the drive. Additionally, positioning errors can arise from the tape cartridges. One such error is known as tape slope error, and refers to the angle the centerline of the magnetic tape describes relative to the cartridge reference plane. The tape slope error can be compensated for by adjusting the alignment of the read channel relative to the write channel of the magnetic head 10. Azimuth and alignment tolerances are discussed in U.S.-A-4,866,548. The azimuth and zenith angles must remain constant when fine positioning the magnetic head 10. Thus, tolerance and error adjustments must be made either prior or subsequent to fine positioning the magnetic head 10. In order to fine position the magnetic head 10, the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 are simultaneously activated by uniformly increasing or decreasing the voltage level of the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 such that the voltage differences between the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 are maintained to compensate for tolerances and errors during fine positioning. The azimuthal adjustment of the magnetic head 10 is also provided for, as illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 10 illustrates the relative positions of the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42. As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the holder 34 can be spring biased against the piezoelectric elements 38, 40, 42 by a push spring 36. The push spring 36 is arranged between the holder 34 and a screw, or other suitably attached device 44. Figure 13 illustrates the location of the holder 34 relative to the platform 12, as defined by the position of piezoelectric elements 38, 42. Piezoelectric element 40 is substantially conical at a top end 48, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, and is disposed against a flat surface of the holder 34. Piezoelectric elements 38, 42 are substantially conical at top ends 46, 50, respectively. The top end 50 of piezoelectric element 42 is arranged in a conical recess of the holder 34. The top end 46 of piezoelectric element 38 is arranged in a conical recess, having a substantially elliptical, or other suitable geometric cross-section, of the holder 34. The geometry of the cross-section of the conical recess in which the top end 46 is arranged compensates for tolerance limits on the distance between the piezoelectric elements and the recesses. As illustrated in Figure 14, the platform 12 can be formed in whole or in part of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic or other suitable material, with leafsprings 24 integrally formed in the platform 12. Thus, it is contemplated that at least one piezoelectric element is used to fine position the magnetic head with respect to a particular track of the magnetic tape. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a pair of leaf springs connecting the top and bottom of the platform to the top and bottom of the magnetic head, respectively. However, any suitable number of leaf springs having a suitable geometry can be provided. An apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides at least one piezoelectric element for adjusting a magnetic head within the range of ± 20 µ m. The at least one piezoelectric element can be generally rectangular, or any other suitable shape for fine adjusting the magnetic head.

Claims: An apparatus for positioning a magnetic head (10) with respect to a magnetic tape (22) having longitudinal tracks, comprising magnetic head positioning means for positioning said magnetic head (10) with respect to said magnetic tape (22), said positioning means comprising piezoelectric operated positioning means; characterized in that said magnetic head positioning means is a combination of mechanical positioning means (30) for coarsely moving a magnetic head system (12) carrying said magnetic head (10) with respect to said magnetic tape (22) into a desired position and said piezoelectric operated positioning means (20, 38, 40, 42) wherein said piezoelectric operated positioning means are carried on said mechanically positionable magnetic head system (12), for finely adjusting the position of said magnetic head (10) with respect to said magnetic tape (22), wherein said piezoelectric operated positioning means (20, 38, 40, 42) provide a mere translatory motion to said magnetic head and only in a direction perpendicular to a tape running direction during a fine positioning operation of said magnetic head while the tape is running. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical magnetic head positioning means for coarsely positioning said magnetic head (10) comprises a platform (12); and wherein said fine positioning means comprises: at least one piezoelectric means (20), arranged between said platform (12) and said magnetic head (10), for fine positioning said magnetic head (10) relative to said platform (12). An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, said magnetic head positioning means (30) comprising a generally C-shaped head positioning platform (12) having a top (14), a bottom (16), and a cylindrical aperture (18) adapted to receive a bushing, said piezoelectric means comprising at least one piezoelectric element (20) arranged between said magnetic head (10) and said bottom (16) of said generally C-shaped head positioning platform (12). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one pair of leaf springs (24) connected to said top (14) and to said bottom (16) of said generally C-shaped platform (12), respectively, said magnetic head (10) being arranged between said pair of leaf springs (24). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one pair of flexible leaf springs (24) integrally formed in said top (14) and said bottom (16) of said generally C-shaped platform (12). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said piezoelectric means (20, 38, 40, 42) adjusts said magnetic head (10) within the range ± 20 µm. An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible holder (32) disposed between said piezoelectric operated means (20, 38, 40, 42) and said magnetic head (10). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible holder (32) disposed between said piezoelectric means (20, 38, 40, 42) and said magnetic head (10). An apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 7, further comprising a rigid holder (34) disposed between said piezoelectric operated means (20, 38, 40, 42) and said magnetic head (10). An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising push spring means (36) for biasing said rigid holder (34) against said piezoelectric operated means (20, 38, 40, 42). An apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 7, further comprising a rigid holder (34) disposed between said piezoelectric operated means (20, 38, 40, 42) and said magnetic head (10) and push spring means (36) for biasing said rigid holder (34) against said piezoelectric operated means (20, 38, 40, 42). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said piezoelectric operated means comprises a generally rectangular piezoelectric element (20). An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said piezoelectric operated means comprises three piezoelectric elements (38, 40, 42), said piezoelectric elements being arranged to provide for fine positioning of said magnetic head in said direction perpendicular to said tape running direction and/or azimuth and zenith angle adjustment of said magnetic head for compensation of tolerances and errors, wherein said adjustment is maintained during a fine positioning operation by uniformly varying the voltage levels applied to all piezoelectric elements (38, 40, 42). An apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a rigid holder (34) disposed between said magnetic head (10) and said piezoelectric elements (38, 40, 42). An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising push spring means (36) for biasing said rigid holder (34) against said piezoelectric elements (38, 40, 42). An apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a screw (44) arranged through an aperture in said rigid holder (34) and through an aperture (18) in said platform (12), said push spring means (36) disposed between said screw (44) and said rigid holder (34). An apparatus according to claim 16, said rigid holder (34) further comprising a substantially conical recess and a substantially conical recess having an elliptical cross-section, and wherein at least two (38, 42) of said piezoelectric elements have substantially conical top ends (46, 50) arranged in said recesses to provide for movement of said rigid holder (34) with respect to said magnetic head (10). An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said platform (12) includes a generally horizontal top (14), a generally horizontal bottom (16), and a generally vertical cylindrical aperture (18) adapted to receive a bushing, said piezoelectric means (20, 38, 40, 42) comprising at least one piezoelectric element (20) arranged between said bottom (16) of said platform (12) and said magnetic head (10), said apparatus further comprising a first leaf spring (24) connecting said generally horizontal top (14) and said magnetic head (10), and a second leaf spring (24) connecting to said generally horizontal bottom (16) and said magnetic head (10). An apparatus according to one of the claims 2 to 18, wherein said at least one piezoelectric means (20) adjusts said magnetic head (10) within a range of ± 20 µm. A method for positioning a magnetic head (10) with respect to a magnetic tape (20) having longitudinal tracks comprising a positioning of said magnetic head (10) with respect to said magnetic tape (22) by piezoelectric operated positioning means; characterized in that said magnetic head positioning is carried out by a combination of mechanically positioning a magnetic head system (12), carrying said magnetic head, coarsely with respect to said magnetic tape (22) into a desired position and finely positioning of said magnetic head (10) with respect to said magnetic tape (22) by said piezoelectric operated positioning means (20, 38, 40, 42), wherein said piezoelectric operated positioning means (20, 38, 40, 42) provide a mere translatory motion to said magnetic head and only in a direction perpendicular to a tape running direction during said fine positioning of said magnetic head while the tape is running.

Inventors: GUTTORM RUDI, GUTTORM, RUDI
Applicants: TANDBERG DATA, TANDBERG DATA ASA
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G11B5
IPC codes: G11B5