U.S. patent application number 11/057178 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for inspection device of winding appearance of tape and improvement processing method for the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hayashi, Yoichi, Tada, Nobuyuki.
Application Number | 20050145742 11/057178 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31191859 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050145742 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayashi, Yoichi ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Inspection device of winding appearance of tape and improvement
processing method for the same
Abstract
To provide a winding appearance inspection device of a tape
capable of gathering a line speed in an inspection process, as well
as capable of inspecting a winding appearance of the tape wound on
a roll body core, even in a reel having a flange formed in a roll
body core (a roll body core). Winding appearance inspection device
10 serves as a device that evaluates the winding appearance of the
tape such as film T or the like wound on roll body core H,
comprising light projector 12 that irradiates a light along winding
surface S of the tape such as film T or the like that at least
partially passes near the roll body core H, and receiver 13 that
receives the light.
Inventors: |
Hayashi, Yoichi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Tada, Nobuyuki; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
31191859 |
Appl. No.: |
11/057178 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11057178 |
Feb 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
10446136 |
May 28, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/534 ;
G9B/15.002; G9B/15.049; G9B/15.084; G9B/23.069 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 71/02 20130101;
B29K 2067/00 20130101; G11B 15/02 20130101; G11B 15/66 20130101;
G11B 15/44 20130101; B29L 2017/008 20130101; G11B 23/0875 20130101;
G11B 15/16 20130101; G11B 15/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/534 |
International
Class: |
B65H 026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2002 |
JP |
2002-153805 |
Sep 18, 2002 |
JP |
2002-270871 |
Sep 18, 2002 |
JP |
2002-270873 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A winding appearance improvement processing method in a winding
appearance inspection device of a tape, wherein the tape is
subjected to heat-treatment for a predetermined time at a
temperature just below a glass transition temperature of a material
used for a support base of the magnetic tape, so that a natural
curl may be effectively formed.
6. The winding appearance improvement processing method of the tape
as described in claim 5, wherein the temperature just below a glass
transition temperature is set to be lower than a glass transition
temperature by 5 to 10 degrees C.
7. The winding appearance improvement processing method as
described in claim 5, wherein after taking up the tape on a reel
for the tape, the winding appearance of the tape taken up on the
reel for the tape is inspected, and when the inspection result is a
failure, the tape for the tape is rewound on the reel for the tape,
then the take-up posture of the tape for the tape is inspected
again.
8. The winding appearance improvement processing method of the tape
as described in claim 7, wherein the winding appearance inspection
device of the tape as described in claim 1 is used.
9. The winding appearance improvement processing method as
described in claim 7, wherein the magnetic tape is rewound at lower
taking-up speed than the first taking-up speed.
10. The winding appearance improvement processing method as
described in claim 8, wherein the magnetic tape is rewound under
decompressed state.
11. The winding appearance improvement processing method as
described in claim 7, wherein the magnetic tape is subjected to
heat-treatment at a temperature just below a glass transition
temperature of the material used for a support base of the magnetic
tape, so that a natural curl may be effectively formed.
12. The winding appearance improvement processing method as
described in claim 11, wherein the temperature just below a glass
transition temperature is set to be lower than a glass transition
temperature by 5 to 10 degrees C.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an inspection device of a tape
that inspects a winding appearance such as a magnetic tape or web
wound on a roll body core, and an improvement processing method
capable of improving a disturbed winding of the tape taken up on a
tape reel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, a tape in a belt-like form of paper, plastic
film, or metal foil, is shipped in a state of taken up on a tape
reel. As for the tape thus taken up on the tape reel, when a
winding appearance is not in good state, the magnetic tape of good
appearance is not obtained, and also the projecting part of the
tape from a winding surface formed by tape edges may be damaged
when dropped. Therefore, inspection about the winding appearance
has been performed conventionally.
[0003] The conventional inspection device of the winding appearance
is disclosed in JP-A-2000-337827. In the inspection device, the
winding appearance is inspected in such a way that light is
irradiated from obliquely upward onto a tape winding surface of a
printing film or the like wound on a roll body core having no
flange, to thereby perform image processing of the reflected
light.
[0004] Also, the conventional inspection device of the winding
appearance of the magnetic tape is disclosed in JP-A-10-269567. The
inspection device is installed near the winding surface of the
magnetic tape wound on a roll body core having no flange, and
absorb the accompanying air flowing at the time of travel winding
of the tape along the winding surface, to thereby measure pressure
of the air. Namely, in the inspection device, when the magnetic
tape projects from the winding surface, for example, the magnetic
tape functions so as to resist to the flow of the air. Therefore,
by measuring low pressure due to the air resistance, it is
clarified that the magnetic tape projects from the winding
surface.
[0005] In addition, FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are views showing one example
of the magnetic tape which is wound on a tape reel, FIG. 1 is a
perspective view showing one example of the tape reel, FIG. 2 is a
sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a
sectional view showing a disturbed winding generated in the tape
reel shown in FIG. 2.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, tape reel R is constituted
including cylindrical roll body core H, a pair of disk-shaped upper
flange F1 and lower flange F2 which are fixed in a mutually facing
manner to the lower end H2 and upper end H1 of the roll body core
H, wherein the magnetic tape MT is wound on outer periphery H3 of
the roll body core H.
[0007] Here, the interval of the upper flange F1 and the lower
flange F2 is set a little bit wider than the width of magnetic tape
MT, so as to prevent a damage caused by one tape edge E1 or the
other tape edge E2 of the magnetic tape MT by abutting on inner
surface F11 of upper flange F1, or inner surface F2 of lower flange
F2. For this reason, the so-called "disturbed winding", presenting
the uneven tape edge E1 (or E2), may arise (see FIG. 3).
[0008] However, in an inspection device that inspects a winding
appearance disclosed in JP-A-2000-337827, the inspection of the
winding appearance is enabled when the flange formed in the roll
body core is transparent, whereas, when the flange is opaque, it is
impossible to inspect the winding appearance of the magnetic tape.
On the other hand, in an inspection device that inspects the
winding appearance disclosed in JP-A-10-269567, it is necessary to
be installed near the winding surface of the magnetic tape.
Therefore, when the flange is provided in the roll body core, the
winding appearance of the magnetic tape cannot be inspected.
Moreover, in this device, it takes time for the measuring device to
be approached to the magnetic tape or spaced apart therefrom, or it
takes time for the pressure to be stabilized after suction of the
air is performed. Therefore, line speed in the process of the
winding appearance inspection is decelerated.
[0009] Moreover, when the tape is taken up on the tape reel already
incorporated in the cassette, in order to improve disturbed
winding, a method for mitigating the disturbed winding by using an
endless belt and a touch roll cannot be used. In addition, even if
the winding appearance of the tape is improved by using the endless
belt or the touch roll, the disturbance may be generated while
repeatedly using the tape. That is, there is involved a problem
such that the winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT can not be
maintained in a fixed winding appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A first object of this invention is to provide an inspection
device of a winding appearance of a tape (magnetic tape) capable of
gathering a line speed in the inspection process, as well as
capable of inspecting a winding appearance of a tape wound on the
roll body core, even in a reel having a flange formed in the roll
body core.
[0011] In addition a second object of this invention is to provide
a winding appearance improvement processing method of the magnetic
tape capable of maintaining the winding appearance of the magnetic
tape in a fixed winding appearance.
[0012] In order to overcome the first problem, the winding
appearance inspection device of the tape as described in claim 1
that inspects the winding appearance of the tape wound on the roll
body core, comprises a light projector that irradiates a light that
partially passes near the roll body core at least along the winding
surface of the tape, and a receiver that receives the light from
the light projector.
[0013] Here, "winding surface" means the surface formed at the edge
of the width direction of the tape wound on the roll body core,
that is, the winding surface serving as a reference value set up
beforehand by assuming the ideal wound state of the tape on the
roll body core.
[0014] According to one exemplified aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a winding appearance inspection device
of the tape, for example. When the winding appearance of the tape
wound on the roll body core having an opaque flange is inspected,
by irradiating the light from the light projector along the winding
surface of the tape, the light arrives at the receiver passing
through between the winding surface and the flanges. Here, the
light partially passes near the roll body core, and when the tape
projects from the winding surface, the light is certainly
interrupted by this projected tape, and the quantity of the light
received by the receiver decreases compared with a regular state
without the projected tape. Accordingly, even if the tape is wound
on the roll body core having an opaque flange formed, the winding
appearance can be inspected certainly.
[0015] Also, in order to overcome the first problem, in the above
winding appearance inspection device of the tape that inspects the
winding appearance of the tape wound on the roll body core, the
position where the light is received by the receiver, the quantity
of the light, or time that takes the light to arrive at the
receiver from the light projector is measured, to thereby recognize
the position of the tape that projects from the winding
surface.
[0016] According to the above exemplified aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an inspection device of the winding
appearance of the tape. Wherein when the winding appearance of the
tape wound on the roll body core having an opaque flange is
inspected, by irradiating the light along the winding surface of
the tape from the light projector, the light arrives at the
receiver passing through between the winding surface and the
flange, and when the tape projects from the winding surface, the
light arrives at the receiver by being reflected by the tape. Then
the position where the light is received by the receiver, the
quantity of the light, or time that takes the light to arrive at
the receiver from the light projector is measured, to thereby
recognize the position of the tape projecting from the winding
surface.
[0017] According to another exemplified aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a winding appearance inspection device
of the tape. Wherein when the winding appearance of the tape wound
on the roll body core having a flange is inspected, by irradiating
the light along the winding surface of the tape from the light
projector, the light passes through between the winding surface and
the flange, and when the tape projects from the winding surface,
the light shines upon this tape. Then focalizing the image pick-up
device in relation to the tape upon which the light shines, the
position of the tape is recognized by computing distance from the
tape that projects from the winding surface based on the focal
distance at that time.
[0018] According to another exemplified aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an inspection device of the winding
appearance of the tape, wherein for example, when the winding
appearance of the tape wound on the roll body core having a flange
is inspected, and when the winding appearance is in a regular
state, then if light is irradiated along the winding surface of the
tape from the light projector, the light passes through between the
winding surface and the flange to be irradiated onto the roll body
core. And the light reflected by the roll body core is dispersed by
the coarseness of the surface of the roll body core and imaged by
the image pick-up device as a light serving as big width. On the
other hand, when the tape projects from the winding surface, the
light irradiated from the light projector shines upon the tape.
Here, when this tape is a magnetic tape, for example, the surface
is formed in a mirror surface state. Therefore, the light reflected
by the tape is not dispersed but imaged by the image pick-up device
as a light with small width. Therefore, the winding appearance of
the tape can be inspected by differentiating the surface coarseness
of the roll body core and the tape. In addition, the surface
coarseness of the roll body core and the tape does not necessarily
need to be differed. For example, even if the coarseness of the
surface is substantially the same, it is distinguishable whether
the light is from the roll body core, or from the projected tape,
by the direction of the light irradiated onto the image pick-up
device.
[0019] In order to overcome the second problem, in the winding
appearance improvement processing method of the magnetic tape,
after predetermined quantity of the magnetic tape is taken up on
the roll body core of the tape reel, predetermined time heat
treatment of the magnetic tape is applied at a temperature just
below a glass transition temperature of the material used for a
support base of the magnetic tape, so that a natural curl may be
effectively formed.
[0020] According to another exemplified aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a winding appearance improvement
processing method of the magnetic tape. Wherein after predetermined
quantity of the magnetic tape is taken up on the roll body core of
the tape reel, predetermined time heat treatment of the magnetic
tape is applied at a temperature just below a glass transition
temperature of the material used for a support base of the magnetic
tape, so that a natural curl may be effectively formed in the
winding appearance of the magnetic tape taken up on the tape reel.
Thus, the winding appearance of the magnetic tape can always be
maintained in a good winding appearance. Consequently, the
disturbed winding appearance of the magnetic tape taken up on the
tape reel is avoided, when using the magnetic tape cartridge
constituted including the tape reel.
[0021] The temperature just below a glass transition temperature in
the above winding appearance improvement processing method of the
magnetic tape, is set to be lower than a glass transition
temperature by about 5 to 10.degree. C.
[0022] In addition, according to the exemplified aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a winding appearance
improvement processing method of the magnetic tape. Wherein
predetermined time heat treatment of the magnetic tape is applied
at a temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the
material used for the support base of the magnetic tape by 5 to
10.degree. C., so that a natural curl may be effectively formed.
Especially when polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene
naphthalate (PEN) are used for the support base of the magnetic
tape, by applying the heat-treatment onto the magnetic tape at a
temperature just below a glass transition temperature, the natural
curl may be more effectively obtained.
[0023] In another example of the winding appearance improvement
processing method, after taking up the magnetic tape on a roll body
core of the tape reel, the winding appearance of the magnetic tape
taken up on the tape reel is inspected. And when an inspection
result is a failure, after the magnetic tape is un-wound on the
tape reel, the taken-up posture of the magnetic tape is inspected
again.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of a tape
reel.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.
20.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing disturbance that is
generated in the tape reel shown in FIG. 21.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an inspection device of
a winding appearance according to a first embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the inspection device of FIG.
1.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the inspection device of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the inspection device
according to the second embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a major structure of a winding appearance
inspection device of FIG. 4 by way of enlarged view, showing a
state for inspecting a position of a magnetic tape that projects
from a winding surface.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a graph that compares the result detected by the
winding appearance inspection device of FIG. 4 and an actual
measurement value.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a winding appearance
inspection device according to a third embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a major structure of the winding appearance of
FIG. 7 by way of enlarged view showing an imaging state of the
magnetic tape that projects from the winding surface.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a view showing an image which is imaged by the
CCD camera of FIG. 7, wherein image of OK is shown in FIG. 9A, and
image of NG is shown in FIG. 9B.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the result of the subsequent
inspection on the basis of the image of O.K.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing other embodiment of the
winding appearance inspection device according to this
invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a substantial
constitution of a magnetic tape cartridge.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a front view conceptionally showing a tape
winder.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing one
portion of the magnetic tape MT.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an environmental test
device.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a graph showing an experiment result of after
heat treatment is applied onto the magnetic tape.
[0043] FIG. 20A is a sectional view showing a state of a magnetic
tape taken up on a reel which is formed by inclining roll body
core, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view showing a state of the
magnetic tape taken up on a reel which is formed by a lower flange
that is gradually inclining from inner side to outer side, so as to
be closed to the lower flange side.
[0044] FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a natural curl of tape
edges of a magnetic tape that is formed so as to be curved in the
same direction uniformly.
[0045] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when
a winding appearance improvement processing method of the magnetic
tape of this invention is applied to a manufacturing process of a
magnetic tape cartridge.
PREFERRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Preferred embodiment of an inspection device of a winding
appearance according to this invention will be explained in
conjunction with FIGS. 4 to 5.
First Embodiment
[0047] By applying the present invention, this embodiment shows a
winding appearance inspection device of film T (tape) wound on roll
body core H (roll body core) of tape reel R. Wherein upper flange
F1 and lower flange F2 are formed on both ends of the roll body
core (roll body core) H.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, winding appearance inspection device 10
of this invention mainly includes a main body 11, a light
transmissive device 12, and a receiver 13. The main body 11 mainly
includes a base part 11a formed in a nearly rectangular form in
plan view, a reel installation part 11b for installing the tape
reel R, a light transmissive device installation part 11c for
installing the light transmissive device 12, and a light receiver
installation part 11d for installing the light receiver 13.
[0049] The reel installation part 11b is formed so that it may
project from nearly the center of the base part 11a. The face gear,
which is not shown, for receiving rotation driving force is formed
on the undersurface of the tape reel R. On the upper surface of the
reel installation part 11b, face gear 11e meshing with the face
gear of the tape reel R is formed. In addition, a suction hole 11f
for suction of the tape reel R so as to be fixed is formed. Namely,
by way of suitable suction by a suction device, which is not shown,
formed in the lower part of the suction hole 11f, the tape reel R
is detachably secured on the upper surface of the reel installation
part 11b.
[0050] Light projector installation part 11c is formed in one angle
part of the base part 11a so as to project, and light projector 12
is fixed to its upper surface. Moreover, the receiver installation
part 11d is formed in one angle part of the base part 11a so as to
project similarly to the light projector installation part 11c, and
on its upper surface, the receiver 13 is fixed. And the light
projector installation part 11c and the receiver installation part
11d are formed in a facing manner interposing the reel installation
part 11b therebetween. More specifically, the light projector
installation part 11c and the receiver installation part 11d are
formed in a facing manner interposing a position shifted from the
center of the reel installation part 11b by a prescribed distance.
Moreover, the light projector installation part 11c and the
receiver installation part 11d are formed more highly than the
upper surface of the reel installation part 11b by a predetermined
distance. Namely, when the tape reel R is installed on the upper
surface of the reel installation part 11b, the installation parts
11b to 11d are formed, so that the light irradiated from the light
projector 12 may pass along the winding surface S of the film T in
the tape reel R.
[0051] The light projector 12 serves as a device that irradiates a
light toward the receiver 13, and as shown in FIG. 5, irradiates a
parallel light of width that passes the range covering from the
roll body core H to the outermost layer of the film T. Also, as
shown in FIG. 6, the light projector 12 irradiates the light of
height that passes the range covering from the winding surface S
which is formed by the film T in the tape reel R installed in the
reel installation part 11b to the upper flange F1, along the
winding surface S. Incidentally, the light projector 12, as shown
in FIG. 4, may not irradiate the light in the shape of a curtain,
but may irradiate the light in the shape of spot, if irradiating
the light at least toward the portion near the roll body core H of
the gap between the upper flange F1 and the winding surface S.
[0052] The receiver 13 receives the light from the light projector
12, the quantity of the light received is detected and its signal
is outputted to a controller which is not shown. And the position
of film T' that projects from the winding surface S is recognized
by the controller.
[0053] Next, the winding appearance inspection method by using the
winding appearance inspection device 10 will be explained.
[0054] First, as shown in FIG. 4, the tape reel R around which the
film T is wound one-sidely toward the lower flange F2 is installed
in the reel installation part 11b. And as shown in FIG. 6, if the
light is irradiated from the light projector 12 along the winding
surface S, the light passes through between the winding surface S
and the upper flange F1, then arrives at the receiver 13. At this
time, if the film T' projects from the winding surface S, the light
is partially interrupted by this projected film T'. Therefore, the
quantity of the light received by the receiver 13 is decreased
compared with the quantity of the light in a regular state without
the projected film. And when the signal detected by the
light-receiver 13 is outputted to the controller, the position of
the film T' that projects from the winding surface S is computed by
the controller. Here, projecting film T' and the quantity of light,
as shown in FIG. 5, is related in such a way that the more the
position of the projected film T' separates from the roll body core
H in the radius direction, the more the quantity of the light
received by the light receiver 13 is decreased. Therefore, based on
the quantity of the light received by the light-receiver 13, the
position of the film T' is computed by the controller.
[0055] Incidentally, when spot-like light is irradiated only to the
place near the roll body core H, when projecting film T' exists,
the light is interrupted by the film T', a weak light is received
or not received by the light receiver 13. Therefore, the existence
of film T' projected based on the quantity of the light received by
the light-receiver 13 is detected.
[0056] According to the above, the following effects can be
obtained in the first embodiment.
[0057] According to this embodiment, even in the tape reel R having
flanges F1 and F2 formed in the roll body core H, the light may be
irradiated between the upper flange F1 and the winding surface S of
the film T. Therefore, the winding appearance of the film T wound
on the roll body core H can be inspected. Also, in order to inspect
the winding appearance, what is necessary is just to irradiate the
light. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the device or wait
until pressure is stabilized as conventionally performed. Thereby,
the line speed in the inspection process can be gathered.
Second Embodiment
[0058] This embodiment presents an inspection device that inspects
a winding appearance of magnetic tape cartridge C having two tape
reels R of the first embodiment. The components and portions of the
same designation as those in the drawings used for the explanation
for the first embodiment are designated the same numerals and
signs, omitting and simplifying the overlapping explanation.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, a winding appearance inspection device
20 mainly includes a light projector 21 that irradiates light along
the winding surface S of the magnetic tape (tape) toward roll body
core H, and a receiver 22 that receives the light from the light
projector 21 which is reflected by projecting magnetic tape MT'.
The light projector 21 is installed so that the light may be
irradiated from the exterior of magnetic tape cartridge C to roll
body core H of inside. Therefore, the light projector 21 is
installed in the position where the roll body core H of inside can
be examined with opening lid L of the magnetic tape cartridge C.
Namely, the light irradiated from the light projector 21 passes
through gap C1 for outwardly extracting the magnetic tape MT of the
tape reel R, heading toward the roll body core H as passing
outwardly extracted magnetic tape MT and the upper side of the
winding surface S of the magnetic tape MT.
[0060] In order to receive the light from the light projector 21
which is reflected by the roll body core H of inside of the
magnetic tape cartridge C, or by magnetic tape MT' that projects
from the winding surface S, the light projector 21 is installed in
the position where the inside of the roll body core H can be
examined with opening the lid L of the magnetic tape cartridge C.
Namely, the light reflected by the roll body core H, or the
magnetic tape MT' that projects from the winding surface S passes
through the gap C1 of the magnetic cartridge C, heading toward the
receiver 22 as passing the upper side of the winding surface S and
the magnetic tape MT which is extracted outside. In addition, the
receiver 22 has a predetermined width so as to be capable of
receiving even the light reflected from the magnetic tape MT' that
projects in the outermost layer of the magnetic tape MT.
[0061] The receiver 22 receives and detects the light and detects
the position of the light, then output the light to the controller
which is not shown. And the distance to the magnetic tape MT' that
projects from the winding surface S is computed based on the
position of the light obtained by the controller, and the position
is recognized.
[0062] Next, the winding appearance inspection method by using the
winding appearance inspection device 20 will be explained.
[0063] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic tape cartridge C is
set to a predetermined position capable of inspecting by using the
winding appearance inspection device 20. And when the magnetic tape
MT' does not project from the winding surface S at this time, the
light irradiated from the light projector 21 along the winding
surface S is reflected by the roll body core H and received in a
predetermined position of the receiver 22. On the other hand, when
the magnetic tape MT' projects from the winding surface S, as shown
in FIG. 8, the light irradiated from the light projector 21 to the
roll body core H is reflected by the magnetic tape MT' and received
at a predetermined position of the receiver 22. And when the
position of the light received by the receiver 22 is outputted to
the controller as signal, the distance from the winding surface S
to the projecting magnetic tape MT' is computed by the controller
based on the signal, and the position is recognized.
[0064] Here, the position of the light and the projecting magnetic
tape MT' are related in such a way that the more the position of
the magnetic tape MT' approaches the outermost layer, the further
position from the position of the light reflected by the roll body
core H is detected. Thereby, based on the position of the light
detected by the receiver 22, the position of the magnetic tape MT'
is computed by the controller. The result thus computed by the
controller is shown in a graph of FIG. 9. In the graph shown in
FIG. 9, the value obtained by converting the result detected by the
receiver 22 into the distance from the roll body core H by the
controller is shown by the vertical axis. The result obtained by
measuring the distance to the magnetic tape MT' that projects from
the roll body core H, removing the flange F1 by scale is shown by
the horizontal axis. Thereby, the value detected by the receiver 22
and the actual position are nearly matched, therefore the position
of the projecting magnetic tape MT' is certainly recognizable by
the winding appearance inspection device 20. In addition, OK/NG is
distinguishable by determining OK when the light is reflected on
the surface of the roll body core H, and determining NG when the
light is reflected on the other place.
[0065] Incidentally, not applying only to the position of the
light, the position of the roll body core H or the projecting
magnetic tape MT' may be measured by measuring the time from
projecting the pulse light by the light projector 21 to receiving
the pulse light by the receiver 22.
[0066] According to the above, the following effects can be
obtained in the second embodiment. According to this embodiment,
the position of the magnetic tape MT' that projects from the
winding surface S is recognizable from the position of the
reflected light, therefore the diameter of a light irradiated from
the light projector 21 can be made small. Therefore, the winding
appearance can be inspected, without decomposing the magnetic tape
cartridge C from the narrow gap C1 formed in the magnetic tape
cartridge C having two tape reels R.
Third Embodiment
[0067] This embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, presents an inspection
device of the winding appearance of the magnetic tape cartridge C
of the second embodiment. Therefore, the components and portions of
the same designation as those in the drawings used for the
explanation for the second embodiment are designated the same
numerals and signs, omitting and simplifying the overlapping
explanation.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, an winding appearance inspection device
30 mainly includes a lighting device 31 (light projector) that
irradiates the light heading for the roll body core H along the
winding surface S of the magnetic tape MT, and a CCD camera
(imaging device) 32 that images the light from the lighting device
31 reflected by the magnetic tape MT' that projects from the roll
body core H and the winding surface S. Lighting device 31 is a
small device using an optical fiber. Therefore, if only a
luminescence portion is pulled out by a suitable method and fixed,
the installation to a narrow place is possible. Moreover, the
lighting device 31 is installed so that its optical axis may head
for the roll body core H through the gap C1 opened when opening the
lid L of the magnetic tape cartridge C.
[0069] In order to image the light reflected by the magnetic tape
The CCD camera 32 is installed in the position capable of seeing
the roll body core H of inside with opening the lid L of the
magnetic tape cartridge C. That is, the light reflected by the roll
body core H, or the magnetic MT' that projects from the winding
surface S, passes the gap C1 of the magnetic tape cartridge C, and
imaged by the CCD camera 32.
[0070] Also, the CCD camera 32 outputs the imaged picture (size and
position of the light) to the image processing device (not shown)
as a signal. And by this image processing device, the existence of
the magnetic tape MT' that projects from the winding surface S, and
the position of the projecting magnetic tape MT' are recognized
based on the size and the position of the light.
[0071] Next, the winding appearance inspection method by using the
winding appearance inspection device 30 will be explained.
[0072] First, as shown in FIG. 10, the tape cartridge C is set up
to the predetermined position capable of inspecting by using the
winding appearance inspection device 30. And in case of having no
magnetic tape MT' projecting from the winding surface S, by the
light irradiated along the winding surface S from the lighting
device 31, the light is reflected by the roll body core H and
imaged by the CCD camera 32. On the other hand, in case of having
the magnetic tape MT' that projects from the winding surface S, as
shown in FIG. 11, the light irradiated from the lighting device 31
to the roll body core H, is reflected by the magnetic tape MT' and
imaged by the CCD camera 32.
[0073] In the above way, in the picture imaged by the CCD camera
32, as shown in FIG. 12A, in case of having no magnetic tape
projecting from the winding surface S, the light reflected by the
roll body core H is dispersed by the surface of the roll body core
H having more coarseness than the magnetic tape MT', producing a
light image of large width. On the other hand, in case of having
the magnetic tape MT' projecting from the winding surface S, the
light is not dispersed due to the surface of the magnetic tape MT'
which is formed in a mirror surface state, and as shown in FIG.
12B, producing a light image of comparatively small width. That is,
when imaging the light of large width, the winding appearance is
regarded as a regular posture (regarded as OK). On the other hand,
when imaging the light of small width, the projecting state of the
magnetic MT' (regarded as NG) is recognized by the image processing
device.
[0074] In addition, based on a predetermined position of the ranges
of the light in the image regarded as OK. And OK-NG can also be
distinguished by measuring how much the imaged light is shifted in
range by the image processing device. Thus, the result of the
subsequent inspection based on the image regarded as OK is shown in
a graph of FIG. 13. In the graph of FIG. 13, the sample of the
result of inspecting the winding appearance of the magnetic tape is
shown as a horizontal axis, and a reflective position (solid line)
is plotted as a left-hand side vertical axis, while correlation
(broken line) is plotted as a right-hand side vertical axis.
Incidentally, the correlation means the value obtained by
calculating the correlation between the imaged picture regarded as
OK serving as a reference, and the imaged picture of a sample,
showing that higher value of the correlation means the more
approximating state with the image regarded as OK. In addition, as
for the reflective position, the more the reflective light is
shifted to right in relation to the imaged picture serving as a
reference regarded as OK, the larger value is plotted.
[0075] As shown in this graph, OK/NG is distinguishable by
comparing both of the position of the light imaged on the picture
and the correlation. That is, when the reflective position is
within a predetermined range (about 0 to 2 mm), and the correlation
is beyond a predetermined value (about 70%), the image may be
regarded as OK, and the other image may be regarded as NG.
[0076] According to the above, the following effects can be
obtained in the third embodiment.
[0077] According to this embodiment, the winding appearance of the
magnetic tape MT' can be inspected by the image processing, and the
whole size of the winding appearance inspection device 30 may be
compact, by employing the lighting device 31 using an optical
fiber. That is, even in the magnetic tape cartridge with narrow
opening for applying light to a reel, the inspection of the winding
appearance is possible.
[0078] Incidentally, the winding appearance inspection device of a
tape according to this invention is not limited to the embodiments,
but may be modified and applied in various ways.
[0079] (1) In the second embodiment, the position of the magnetic
tape MT' that projects from the winding surface S is computed based
on the position of the light reflected, however this invention is
not limited thereto. For example, the position of the magnetic tape
MT' that projects from the winding surface S may be computed by
measuring the time taken by the light irradiated from the light
projector 21 of the second embodiment to arrive at the receiver
22.
[0080] (2) Also, as shown in FIG. 14, as a winding appearance
inspection device 40, for example, a device including laser
irradiation device (light projector) 41 that irradiates the light
along the winding surface S of the magnetic tape MT, and a receiver
42 that receives the light when focusing on the target object to be
irradiated by the laser irradiation device 41, may be adopted.
[0081] Specifically, the winding inspection device 40 includes a
half mirror 43 formed in a mirror surface state in one side so as
to partially transmit the light and partially reflect the light, a
pinhole plate 44, lenses 45 and 46, and a tuning fork 47, in
addition to the laser irradiation device 41 and the receiver 42.
And when laser beam is irradiated from the laser irradiation device
41, the laser beam transmits the half mirror 43 and the lenses 45
and 46, to be reflected by the roll body core H or the projecting
magnetic tape MT' on the same optical path. The reflected light
transmits the lenses 45 and 46, to be reflected by the half mirror
43 in a predetermined direction, and pass the pinhole of the
pinhole plate 44 to be measured in the quantity of the light by the
receiver 42.
[0082] At this time, the relative position of the lenses 45 and 46
is varied when necessary by high-speed oscillation caused by the
tuning fork. Therefore, the quantity of the light received by the
receiver 42 is also varied when necessary accordingly. And when the
quantity of the light becomes the maximum, that is, when focalized,
the relative position of the lenses 45 and 46 are converted into
voltage, and the position of the magnetic tape MT' that projects in
the controller that is not shown is computed based on the signal.
Therefore, by the winding appearance inspection device 40 also,
based on the relative distance (focal distance) of the lenses 45
and 46 when focalized, the winding appearance of the magnetic tape
MT' that projects from the winding surface S is recognized, to
thereby inspect the winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT
wound on the roll body core H having a flange.
[0083] Furthermore, in the winding appearance device 40, an optical
axis is made into one by using the half mirror 43, therefore even
if the gap where the roll body core of the tape cartridge of the
inspection target can be examined is narrow, the inspection in a
good state is possible. In addition, in the winding appearance
inspection device 40, the tuning fork 47 is used for oscillating
the lenses 45 and 46. However, this invention is not limited
thereto, For example, the lenses 45 and 46 may be oscillated by a
piezo-electric element or a motor, etc also.
[0084] Moreover, the receiver 42, the half mirror 43, the pinhole
board 44, lenses 45 and 46, and the tuning fork 47 in the winding
appearance inspection device 40 are corresponding to the "image
pick-up device" as described in the claims.
[0085] (3) In the first embodiment, the winding appearance in the
independent tape reel R was inspected. However, this invention is
not limited thereto, and similarly to the second and third
embodiment, the magnetic tape cartridge C having two reels or the
tape cartridge having one reel built therein may be inspected.
[0086] Also, in case of inspecting the magnetic tape cartridge C
having two tape reels R as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a mechanism
that releases a reel lock mechanism for locking the tape reel R may
be provided in each winding appearance inspection device 20 and 30
at the time of not using the magnetic tape cartridge C. Thus, by
having the mechanism that releases the lock mechanism, the tape
reel R, which is a target object is not shifted from a
predetermined measuring position by being urged by the lock
mechanism, to allow a good inspection to be performed. Moreover,
two sets of light projector 12 and the receiver 13 may be arranged
at upside and downside respectively, so as to allow inspection even
when the winding position of a tape approaches the center or upside
of the roll body core.
[0087] (4) The winding appearance inspection device of the tape
according to this invention is applicable not only to magnetic tape
but all tapes, such as a microfilm, a paper streamer, and an
adhesion tape.
[0088] Next, preferred embodiment of the magnetic tape winding
appearance processing method according to this invention will be
explained referring to FIG. 15 to FIG. 22.
Fourth Embodiment
[0089] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a predetermined
quantity of the magnetic tape MT supplied from pancake is taken up
on a tape reel which is a composition part of a magnetic tape
cartridge.
[0090] First, a manufacturing process of the magnetic tape
cartridge to which the magnetic tape winding appearance improvement
processing method is applied, will be explained referring to FIG.
15 and FIG. 16. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an outline of
the constitution of a magnetic tape cartridge 50. In addition, FIG.
16 is a front view showing a tape winder 51 conceptionally.
[0091] Usually, in a manufacturing process of the magnetic tape
cartridge 50, a predetermined quantity of the magnetic tape MT
supplied from the unprocessed magnetic tape MT is taken up on the
tape reel R, as shown in FIG. 15, which is a composition part of
the magnetic tape cartridge 50, in a following way.
[0092] First, the unprocessed broad magnetic tape manufactured
through a color toning process, a coating process, a surface
treatment process, is cut into a specified tape width by the
standard of the product (magnetic tape cartridge 50), and the
so-called "pancake" is manufactured.
[0093] And as shown in FIG. 16, using the magnetic tape take-up
device of the exclusive use called tape winder 51, a predetermined
quantity of the magnetic tape MT which is fed out from a pancake 52
is taken up on the tape reel R, and cut.
[0094] Next, the magnetic tape, to which the winding appearance
improvement processing method of the magnetic tape of this
invention is applied, will be explained referring to FIG. 14. FIG.
17 is an enlarged sectional view showing some part of the magnetic
tape MT.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 17, in the magnetic tape MT, the magnetic
layer 54 is formed on non-magnetic base (base film) 53. The
magnetic layer 54 is formed by coating magnetic paint prepared by
mixing magnetic powder, bonding agent, and an organic solvent until
the magnetic powder is dispersed uniformly, on the support 53. Or
the magnetic layer 54 is formed by coating ferromagnetic materials,
such as metal and an alloy, on the support base 53 by means of
vacuum vapor deposition and sputtering. In addition, additive
agents, such as a dispersant, lubricant, an antistatic agent, a
plasticizer, a stabilizer, and a rust preventing agent, are added
to the magnetic paint.
[0096] As the magnetic powder, for example, a ferromagnetic iron
oxide particle, a ferromagnetic iron oxide powder and chromium
dioxide, a ferromagnetic metal particle composed of the metal such
as Fe, Co, and Ni, and an alloy containing the above metals, and a
hexagonal plate-like hexagonal system ferrite particles can be
used.
[0097] In addition, as the bonding agent, polymers, such as
urethane, vinyl chloride, acetic acid vinyl, vinyl alcohol,
vinylidene chloride, acrylic acid ester, styrene, butadiene, and
acrylonitrile, or the copolymer obtained by combining two or more
sorts of the above elements, or polyester resin, and an epoxy
resin, etc. can be used.
[0098] In addition, as the organic solvent, ether, ester, ketone,
aromatic hydrocarbon, aliphatic hydrocarbon, chlorination
hydrocarbon, etc. can be used.
[0099] And as the material of the support base 53, for example,
polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene
naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin such as polypropylene, cellulose
derivatives such as nitroglycerine cellulose, high polymers such as
polyamide, the polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, and polycarbonate
aramid can be used.
[0100] As the support base 53, polyester, excellent in
processability and machine characteristic at low cost, is
preferably used. In addition, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) with
intensity, rigidity, and heat resistance, which are higher than
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is further preferably used.
Moreover, aramid is preferably used when heat resistance is not
required.
[0101] Next, the winding appearance improvement processing method
of the magnetic tape of this invention is applied to the
manufacturing process of the magnetic tape cartridge 50, wherein a
predetermined quantity of magnetic tapes MT fed out from the
pancake is taken up on the roll body core H of the tape reel
serving as a composition part of the magnetic tape cartridge 50 as
shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, said process will be explained
below.
[0102] First, as shown in FIG. 16, the magnetic tape MT fed out
from the pancake 52 is taken up on the tape reel R by tape winder
51. At this time, the magnetic tape MT is taken up on the roll body
core H of the tape reel R in good winding appearance as shown in
FIG. 21. Therefore, take-up of the magnetic tape MT is performed at
low speed of 2 to 3 m/s. Also, in order to prevent losing air
between the magnetic tapes MT, the take-up of the magnetic tape MT
is performed under decompression of -85 kPa or less, preferably -95
kPa or less, further preferably -100 to -101 kPa.
[0103] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, when a predetermined quantity
of the magnetic tape MT is taken up on the tape reel R by the tape
winder 51, the magnetic tape MT can be taken up on the roll body
core H of the tape reel R in a good winding appearance as shown in
FIG. 22, when the winding appearance improvement method of the
magnetic tape using an endless belt, or the winding appearance
improvement method of the magnetic tape using a touch roll. Also,
if taking up the magnetic tape, by drawing the magnetic tape in one
direction by a magnet, further good winding appearance can be
obtained.
[0104] And the tape reel R taken up in a good winding appearance as
shown in FIG. 2, is placed into environmental test device 55 as
shown in FIG. 18. Then, fixed time heat treatment of the magnetic
tape MT under a predetermined environmental temperature is applied,
to thereby obtain a natural curl formed in a winding appearance of
the magnetic tape MT when taken up on the tape reel R, that is, a
good winding appearance as shown in FIG. 22. Incidentally, inside
of the environmental test device 55 is kept in an environment of
low humidity, so that the magnetic tape MT may not be extended by
absorbing humidity.
[0105] In this embodiment, the environmental test device 55 is
used, however a greenhouse or a booth, or the like may be used as
long as the fixed time heat treatment of the magnetic tape MT under
a predetermined environmental temperature is possible. If the
greenhouse and the booth are arranged in the manufacturing process
of the magnetic tape cartridge in this case, the productivity of
the magnetic tape cartridge can be raised.
[0106] Environmental temperature of the environmental test device
55 is set at a temperature just below a glass transition
temperature of the material used in the support base 53 of the
magnetic tape MT. Specifically, it is set at a temperature lower
than a glass transition temperature of the material used in the
support base 53 by 0 to 10 degrees C. For example, a glass
transition temperature of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is about
60-70 degrees C., therefore when the polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) with glass transition temperature of 69 degrees C. is used
for the material of the support base 53, environmental temperature
of environmental test device 55 is set to 40-60 degrees C.,
preferably set to 50-65 degrees C. Moreover, a glass transition
temperature of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) is about 110-120
degrees C., therefore when the polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) with
glass transition temperature of 113 degrees C. is used for the
material of the support base 53, the environmental temperature of
the environmental test device 55 is set to 40-113 degrees C. In
addition, it is hard to distinguish a glass transition temperature
of aramid clearly, however when the aramid is used for the material
of the support base 53, the environmental temperature of the
environmental test device 55 is set to 100-120 degrees C. In
addition, if the environmental temperature of the environmental
test device 55 is set to 100-120 degrees C., processing speed and
productivity can preferably be raised.
[0107] Thus, the fixed time heat treatment of the magnetic tape MT
under a predetermined environmental temperature is applied, to
thereby obtain a natural curl of the magnetic tape MT formed in a
winding appearance of when taken up on the tape reel R, that is, a
good winding appearance as shown in FIG. 21. Especially, when
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)
are used for the support base 53 of the magnetic tape MT, the
magnetic tape MT is subjected to heat treatment under the
environmental temperature just below a glass transition
temperature, to thereby form effectively a natural curl. This
controls extreme heat contraction by heat-treating the material
that constitutes the support base 53 at a temperature just below a
glass transition temperature, and at the same time, an amorphous
portion is eased so as to be easy to form a moderate curl as
reducing residual stress.
[0108] As described above, in the manufacturing process of the
magnetic tape cartridge 50, after a predetermined quantity of the
tape reel R is taken up on the tape reel R, the tape reel R that
takes up the magnetic tape MT is placed in the environmental test
device 55, as shown in FIG. 18, then the magnetic tape MT is
subjected to a heat treatment for a fixed time under a
predetermined environmental temperature. Thereby, the magnetic tape
MT can be formed effectively in a natural curl into a winding
appearance of when the magnetic tape MT is taken up on the tape
reel R, that is, into a good winding appearance as shown in FIG. 2.
Accordingly, the winding appearance of the magnetic tape can be
always maintained satisfactorily, to thereby reduce a disturbed
winding appearance of the magnetic tape at the time of using the
magnetic tape cartridge 50 constituted including the tape reel
R.
[0109] Moreover, in this embodiment, in a manufacturing process of
the magnetic tape cartridge 50, the case where the magnetic tape MT
supplied from the pancake 52 is taken up on the tape reel R was
taken for example for explanation. However, the winding appearance
improvement processing method of the magnetic tape of this
invention is also applied to "Slit process" in which broad
unprocessed magnetic tape is cut into the width regulated by the
standard of the magnetic tape cartridge 50 and taken up to
manufacture a pancake. As described above, when the winding
appearance improvement processing method of the magnetic tape of
this invention is applied to the slit process, the natural curl is
effectively formed in dozens of volumes of the magnetic tapes MT at
once, therefore it is very efficient.
[0110] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the magnetic tape MT is
subjected to heat-treatment, the heat-treatment may be applied with
a state of the magnetic tape MT taken up on the reel R1 having roll
body core H that inclines at a predetermined angle from upper end
H1 to lower end H2. In the above way, when the magnetic tape MT
taken up on the reel R1 is subjected to the heat-treatment, as
shown in FIG. 21, a natural curl of the magnetic tape MT can be
effectively formed so that tape edges E1 and E2 may be curved
uniformly in the same direction. In FIG. 21, a natural curl of the
magnetic tape MT is formed so as to be curved toward the tape edge
E2.
[0111] Also, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the magnetic tape MT is
subjected to heat-treatment, the magnetic tape MT may be in a state
of taken up on the reel 50 having lower flange F2 that is gradually
inclined from the inner side to the outer side, biasing toward the
lower flange F2. When the magnetic tape MT thus taken up on the
reel 50 is subjected to heat-treatment, as shown in FIG. 21, a
natural curl of the magnetic tape MT can be effectively formed so
that tape edges E1 and E2 may be curved uniformly in the same
direction.
[0112] As described above, if a natural curl of the magnetic tape
MT can be effectively formed so that tape edges E1 and E2 may be
curved uniformly in the same direction, the magnetic tape MT is
taken up on the tape reel R, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a
state of high tension. Therefore, the magnetic tape MT can be taken
up in a state of biasing toward the lower flange F2. That is,
disturbed winding can be reduced.
[0113] In addition, when the magnetic MT with tape edges E1 and E2
thus having a natural curl that is curved uniformly in the same
direction (the magnetic tape MT travels in a state of biasing in
the same direction (toward the tape edge E2) all the time.
Therefore, the magnetic tape MT can be correctly slid on a magnetic
head, for example.
[0114] The experiment is performed in such a way that the magnetic
tape MT using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for the material of
the support base 53 is subjected to a fixed time of heat-treatment
under a predetermined environmental temperature. And the example of
this experiment will be explained. FIG. 19 is a graph showing an
experiment result in which the magnetic tape is subjected to
heat-treatment.
[0115] First, the magnetic tape MT is taken up on the roll body
core H of the tape reel R in a good winding appearance shown in
FIG. 21 by using tape winder 51 shown in FIG. 19 at low winding
speed of 2 m/s, under decompression of -90 kPa.
[0116] Subsequently, the tape reel R taken up on the magnetic tape
MT is placed in an environmental test device 55 as shown in FIG.
18, to be subjected to heat-treatment for a fixed time. Here, a
processing period (days) was set in four cases of zero day
(heat-treatment is not applied), one day, two days, and three days.
In addition, the environmental temperature of heat-treatment
applied to the magnetic tape MT was set to 40 degrees C., and 50
degrees C.
[0117] Next, the magnetic tape MT subjected to heat-treatment by
the environmental test device 55 was un-wound once from the tape
reel R by the general driving device, then taken-up on the tape
reel again.
[0118] And the winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT taken-up
on the tape reel R is inspected visibly. The inspection of the
winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT was performed in such a
manner that the unevenness of the tape edges of the magnetic tape
MT was examined, and when no projection of the magnetic tape was
occurred it was graded as "5", when a minute projection of 0.05 mm
or less was occurred, it was graded as "4", when about 0.2 mm of
projection was occurred at the position of 1/3 of the roll body
core H side, it was graded as "3", when the projection of 0.3 mm or
more was occurred, it was graded as "2", when three or more of
projections of 0.3 mm or more was occurred, it was graded as "1",
and in case of "3" or more, it was regarded as success.
[0119] As shown in a graph of FIG. 19, the inspection of the
magnetic tape MT subjected to heat-treatment at environmental
temperature of 40 degrees C. in such a manner that when the number
of processing dates was zero day, it was set as "1.8", when the
number of processing dates were one day, it was set as "2.5", when
the number of processing dates were two days, it was set as "3.2"
and the number of processing dates were three days, it was set as
"3.6". This clarified that when the magnetic tape MT is subjected
to heat-treatment at environmental temperature of 40 degrees C., at
least 2 days or more, preferably three days or more of processing
days are required.
[0120] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the inspection of the magnetic
tape MT subjected to heat-treatment at environmental temperature of
50 degrees C., when the number of processing dates were zero day,
it is set as "1.8", when the number of processing dates were one
day, it is set as "2.9", when the number of processing dates were
two days, it is set as "3.8", and when the number of processing
dates were three days, it is set as "4.2". This clarified that the
magnetic tape MT is subjected to heat-treatment at environmental
temperature of 50 degrees C., at least one day or more, preferably
two days or more of processing days are required.
Fifth Embodiment
[0121] In this embodiment, a processing procedure of the wincing
posture improvement processing method of the magnetic tape of this
invention that is applied to the manufacture process of the
magnetic tape cartridge 50, will be explained referring to a flow
chart of FIG. 22. Incidentally, here, it is assumed that a case
where a predetermined quantity of the magnetic tape MT is taken up
on the roll body core H of the tape reel R, which is the
composition parts of the magnetic tape cartridge 50 as shown in
FIG. 20.
[0122] First, in step S1, as shown in FIG. 16, a predetermined
quantity of magnetic tape MT fed out from the pancake 52 is taken
up on the tape reel R by the tape winder 51. At this time, the
magnetic tape MT is taken up at a high taking-up speed of 10 to 20
m/s.
[0123] In the next step S2, the inspection of the winding
appearance of the magnetic tape MT taken up on the tape reel R is
performed visibly. Incidentally, the inspection of the winding
appearance of the magnetic tape MT can also be conducted by an
optical sensor, ultrasonic wave, X-rays, or the like besides
viewing. The winding appearance inspection of the magnetic tape MT
is conducted in such a way that when examining the unevenness of
the tape edges of the magnetic tape MT to find 0.3 mm or more of
projection from the tape edge, it is regarded as "failure", and in
the other case, it is regarded as "success". And when the
inspection result obtained by step S2 was "success", it is
progressed to step S3, and when the inspection result was
"failure", it is progressed to step S4.
[0124] In step S3, the magnetic tape MT is subjected to
heat-treatment at a temperature just below a glass transition
temperature of the material used for a support base 53 (see FIG.
14) of the magnetic tape MT, so that a natural curl may be
effectively formed in a state of the winding appearance when taken
up on the tape reel R. After the natural curl of the magnetic tape
MT is formed by step S3, the whole processes are completed.
[0125] In step S4, the magnetic tape MT is un-wound on the tape
reel R in a good winding appearance as shown in FIG. 2, at low
taking-up speed of 2 to 3 m/s. At this time, in order to prevent
air from mixing in between the magnetic tapes MT, the take-up of
the magnetic tape MT is preferably performed under decompression of
85 to 100 Kpa.
[0126] And in the next step S5, the winding appearance of the
magnetic tape MT taken up on the tape reel R is inspected visibly
again. The inspection of the step S5 is performed in the same way
as the inspection of the step S2. Then, when the inspection result
obtained by step S5 was "Success", it is progressed to the next
step S6, and when the inspection result is "Failure", the magnetic
tape MT is regarded as inferior goods and the whole processes are
completed.
[0127] In step S6, similarly to the step S3, the magnetic tape MT
is subjected to heat-treatment at a temperature just below a glass
transition temperature of the material used for a support base 53
(see FIG. 14) of the magnetic tape MT, so that a natural curl may
be effectively formed in a state of the winding appearance when
taken up on the tape reel R. And after the natural curl is formed
in the magnetic tape MT by step S6, the whole processes are
completed.
[0128] As described above, after taking up a predetermined quantity
of the magnetic tape MT on the tape reel R by the tape winder 51,
the winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT taken up on the tape
reel R is inspected, to thereby sort out a good winding appearance
of the magnetic tape MT. In addition, even when the inspection
result is "Failure", after the magnetic tape MT is un-wound on the
tape reel R at lower taking-up speed than the first taking-up
speed, the winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT taken up on
the tape reel R is inspected again, to thereby sort oute a good
winding appearance of the magnetic tape MT.
[0129] Therefore, pluralities of magnetic tapes MT formed in a good
winding appearance can be sorted out compared with the conventional
winding appearance. And by the time such magnetic tapes MT are
delivered to users, the good winding appearance of the magnetic
tapes MT is obtained. Therefore, when a user uses such magnetic
tape MT, stable traveling of the magnetic tape MT is achieved, to
thereby keep a record reproduction feature of the magnetic tape MT
in a good state.
[0130] And when the inspection result is "Success", the magnetic
tape MT is subjected to heat-treatment at a temperature just below
a glass transition temperature of the material used for a support
base 53 of the magnetic tape MT, so that a natural curl may be
effectively formed in a state of the winding appearance when taken
up on the tape reel R. Accordingly, the winding appearance of the
magnetic tape MT is maintained satisfactorily as shown in FIG. 21
all the time, therefore when using the tape cartridge 50
constituted including the tape reel R, the occurrence of
disturbance in traveling of the tape MT is avoided.
[0131] Moreover, in this embodiment, the magnetic tape MT is
subjected to heat-treatment at a temperature just below a glass
transition temperature of the material used for a support base 53
of the magnetic tape MT, so that a natural curl may be effectively
formed in a state of the winding appearance when taken up on the
tape reel R. However, the heat-treatment is not necessarily
applied. Especially, as for the magnetic tape MT capable or
obtaining a good winding appearance even when taken up at high
speed, there is no necessity of heat-treating. However, by applying
the heat-treatment, the good winding appearance is obtained.
[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, the inspection of the
winding appearance is performed visibly. However, the inspection is
not limited thereto, the winding appearance inspection device of a
tape as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment
may also be used.
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