Magnetoelectric disc, magnetoelectric memory and data storage system

Abstract

The invention provides a magnetoelectric disk, a magnetoelectric memory and a data storage system. The magnetoelectric disc comprises a magnetic tape and a tape winding disc used for winding the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape comprises a data tape and non-data tapes arranged on the two sides of the data tape in the length direction of the data tape, and the non-data tape on at least one side of the data tape is provided with a magnetic head brush. When the magnetic head brush passes through the magnetic head, the magnetic head brush can be used for cleaning the magnetic head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to magnetoelectric disks, magnetoelectric storage devices, and data storage systems. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetoelectric storage devices (MEDs) typically consist of a head module and a magnetoelectric disk, and are economical, reliable, high-capacity, and high-speed storage and backup devices. By driving the magnetic head in the head module to move relative to the magnetic tape in the magnetoelectric disk, the magnetic head performs electromagnetic conversion to sequentially record or read data from the magnetic tape. The surface of the magnetic tape is coated with magnetic powder. During relative movement between the tape and the magnetic head, some magnetic powder wears off and falls off. Over time, this magnetic powder accumulates on the surface of the magnetic head, reducing magnetic flux, affecting read / write accuracy, increasing the error rate, and even rendering the head unreadable or unwriteable. Therefore, regular cleaning of the magnetic head is necessary. Currently, there are two cleaning methods: one is to clean the magnetic head using a cleaning tape without disassembling the magnetic head and magnetic tape; the other is to clean the magnetic head after disassembling the magnetic tape and magnetic head. For integrated MEDs where the magnetic head and magnetoelectric disk are not removable, the first method is ineffective, and the second method is not feasible. Therefore, for integrated MEDs, a new cleaning structure needs to be developed to effectively clean the magnetic head without disassembling the magnetic head and magnetic tape. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a magnetoelectric disk, a magnetoelectric memory, and a data storage system. For an integrated magnetoelectric memory, the purpose of effectively cleaning the magnetic head can be achieved without disassembling and separating the magnetic head and magnetic tape.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a magnetoelectric disk, which includes a magnetic tape and a reel for winding the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape includes a data tape and non-data tapes disposed on both sides of the data tape along the length direction of the data tape. At least one side of the non-data tape of the data tape is provided with a magnetic head brush.

[0005] The magnetoelectric disk of this application has magnetic head brushes on both sides of the non-data band of the data band. During the read and write process, when the magnetic head brushes pass over the magnetic head, they can be used to clean the magnetic head. For non-removable integrated magnetoelectric memory, effective cleaning of the magnetic head can be achieved without disassembly.

[0006] In one alternative implementation, the non-data strip includes a guide strip, and a magnetic head brush is provided on the surface of the guide strip on at least one side of the data strip, or a magnetic head brush is provided between at least one end of the data strip and the end of the guide strip away from the data strip. This arrangement of the magnetic head brush facilitates assembly.

[0007] In one optional implementation, the surface of the guide strip on both sides of the data tape is provided with the magnetic head brush. Providing magnetic head brushes at both ends of the magnetic tape improves cleaning efficiency, ensuring the accuracy of data reading and writing on the data tape located in the middle.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the head brush is disposed on the surface of the guide strip, and the total thickness of the head brush and the guide strip is greater than the thickness of the data strip, so that the head brush contacts the head and cleans the magnetic powder on the head surface.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the non-data strip further includes a cleaning strip disposed between the data strip and the guide strip. By providing the cleaning strip, whose surface is free of magnetic powder, the cleaning strip can perform a coarse cleaning of the magnetic head as it passes through the read / write head before reading or writing.

[0010] In an alternative implementation, the magnetic brush head can also be provided on the surface of the cleaning belt. Providing the magnetic brush head on the surface of the cleaning belt can further improve the cleaning effect.

[0011] In one optional implementation, a connecting band is further provided between the data band and the cleaning band, and between the cleaning band and the guide band. The connecting band improves the connection stability of the cleaning band. In another implementation, on one side of the data band, the data band, the connecting band, the cleaning band, the connecting band, and the guide band are connected end-to-end in sequence.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, the thickness of the cleaning tape is greater than or equal to the thickness of the data tape, but less than the total thickness of the head brush and the guide tape. The cleaning tape's thickness, being greater than or equal to the data tape's thickness, allows it to remove magnetic powder from the head surface through contact with the head. The cleaning tape's thickness is less than the total thickness of the magnetic tape brush and the guide tape to prevent it from becoming too thick and forming protrusions after winding.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the reel's core has a clearance opening, and the magnetic head brush wound around the core surface is located within the clearance opening. Because the magnetic head brush is relatively thick, directly winding it onto the core would cause localized bulges in the wound magnetic tape. This could lead to vibration during high-speed operation of the magnetodisc. By providing a clearance opening on the core, the magnetic head brush, located inside the core, is positioned within the clearance opening after winding, thereby improving the stability of the magnetodisc during operation.

[0014] Secondly, this application provides a magnetoelectric memory, which includes a magnetic head and a magnetoelectric disk of this application. The magnetoelectric memory has a cleaning state, which includes a coarse cleaning state and a fine cleaning state. In the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush is in contact with the magnetic head.

[0015] The magnetoelectric memory of this application includes the magnetoelectric disk of this application. When the magnetoelectric memory is in a fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush contacts the magnetic head to clean the magnetic head.

[0016] In one optional implementation, a limiting member is provided at the magnetic head, and in the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush is located in the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member; the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member is less than the thickness of the magnetic head brush or the total thickness of the magnetic head brush and the guide strip.

[0017] In the magnetoelectric memory implemented in this application, when the magnetoelectric memory is in a fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush is located between the magnetic head and the limiting member. Since the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member is smaller than the thickness of the magnetic head brush or the total thickness of the magnetic head brush and the guide strip, when the magnetic head brush passes through the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member, an interference fit connection can be formed, so that the magnetic head brush is tightly attached to the surface of the magnetic head to achieve cleaning of the magnetic head.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, during the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head of the magnetoelectric memory reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the guide strip under the drive of the drive mechanism. This reciprocating motion of the magnetic head further improves the cleaning effect.

[0019] In one optional implementation, during the read / write state of the magnetoelectric memory, the magnetic tape in the magnetoelectric disk is read and written through the read / write area of ​​the magnetic head. Each magnetoelectric disk has at least one opportunity to clean the magnetic head before or after the data read / write process, thus ensuring the accuracy of the read / write data for each magnetic tape.

[0020] In one optional implementation, during the read / write state, the data strip passes through the read / write area between the magnetic head and the limiting member; wherein the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member is greater than the thickness of the data strip. This larger gap allows the data strip to pass smoothly during data reading, preventing excessive magnetic powder from adhering to the surface of the magnetic head.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a data storage system, which includes at least one magnetoelectric memory of this application.

[0022] When a data storage system includes multiple magnetoelectric memories, large-capacity data storage can be achieved. Since the data storage system of this application includes the magnetoelectric memories of this application, its effects are similar to those of the second aspect of this application, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric disk according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic tape structure in another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic tape structure in another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tape reel according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a magnetoelectric memory according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 10-Magnetic tape; 11-Data tape; 12-Non-data tape; 13-Head brush; 14-Guide tape; 15-Cleaning tape; 16-Connecting tape; 17-Guide element;

[0032] 20-Reel reel; 21-Core; 211-Allowing opening; 22-Baffle; 31-Magnetic head; 32-Guide wheel; 33-Limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0036] Magnetoelectric storage devices (MEDs) enable large-capacity data storage and high-speed data retrieval. However, during the data retrieval process, magnetic powder often accumulates on the surface of the magnetic head. If this magnetic powder is not cleaned in time, it will affect the reading function of the magnetic head and may even lead to a failure to read data.

[0037] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a magnetoelectric disk. A magnetoelectric memory with this magnetoelectric disk can clean the magnetic head without disassembling the magnetoelectric disk and the magnetic head module, and the cleaning effect is better.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric disk according to one embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the magnetoelectric disk of this embodiment includes a magnetic tape 10 and a reel 20. The magnetic tape 10 is wound on the reel 20.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape according to one embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic tape 10 includes a data tape 11 and non-data tapes 12 disposed on both sides of the data tape 11 along its length. Magnetic powder is provided on one side surface of the data tape 11. When the data tape 11 passes through the read / write area of ​​the magnetoelectric memory, data can be read and written on the data tape 11 using the magnetoelectric effect of the magnetic head 31. The data tape 11 occupies a relatively high proportion along the entire length of the magnetic tape 10, for example, more than 95%, or a higher proportion; no specific limitation is made here. Figure 2 As shown, the non-data tape 12 may include a guide tape 14. The data tape 11 occupies the middle area of ​​the magnetic tape 10, and guide tapes 14 are provided at both ends along its length. The guide tapes 14 can ensure the normal transmission of the data tape 11 and prevent the data tape 11 from jittering in the width direction during transmission.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, a guide tape 14 is connected to both ends of the data tape 11. In addition to the data tape 11 and the guide tape 14, the magnetic tape 10 also includes a head brush 13. The head brush 13 is used to clean the magnetic head 31. During the cleaning process, the head brush 13 can contact the magnetic head 31 to remove magnetic powder from its surface.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a magnetic head brush 13 can be disposed on the surface of at least one guide tape 14. For example, magnetic head brushes 13 are disposed on the guide surfaces on both sides of the data tape 11. Distributing magnetic head brushes 13 at both ends of the magnetic tape 10 improves the cleaning effect, ensuring the accuracy of data reading and writing on the data tape 11 located in the middle. The magnetic head brush 13 can be adhered to the surface of the guide tape 14, simplifying operation. When the magnetic head brush 13 is disposed on the surface of the guide tape 14, the total thickness of the magnetic head brush 13 and the guide tape 14 is greater than the thickness of the data tape 11, so that the magnetic head brush 13 contacts the magnetic head 31, cleaning the magnetic powder on the surface of the magnetic head 31.

[0042] remove Figure 2 In addition to the structure shown, the magnetic head brush 13 may also be disposed between at least one side of the data tape 11 and the end of the guide tape 14 away from the data tape 11. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic tape structure according to another embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic head brush 13 is disposed between the data tape 11 and the guide tape 14, and the two ends of the magnetic head brush 13 along the length direction of the magnetic tape 10 are connected to the data tape 11 and the guide tape 14 respectively.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic tape structure according to another embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the non-data band 12 on at least one side of the data band 11 may include two guide bands 14, referred to as the first guide band 141 and the second guide band 142 respectively, and the magnetic head brush 13 may be disposed between the first guide band 141 and the second guide band 142.

[0044] It is understood that the above-described configuration of the magnetic head brush 13 is merely an illustrative example. The specific configuration of the magnetic head brush 13 can be varied and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the magnetic head brush 13 can be an ultra-thin magnetic head brush 13. The specific thickness of the brush can be determined according to its relative position with the magnetic head 31 during the transmission process, as long as it can make contact with the magnetic head 31. The length of the magnetic head brush 13 can be designed according to the size of the magnetic head 31 of the magnetoelectric memory, for example, its length can be the circumference of the magnetic head 31.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 5As shown, the non-data band 12 may include a guide band 14 and a cleaning band 15. The cleaning band 15 is disposed between the data band 11 and the guide band 14, and the head brush 13 is disposed on the surface of the guide band 14. The surface of the cleaning band 15 is coated with magnetic powder. When the cleaning band 15 passes through the head 31 before reading and writing, it can be used to perform a rough cleaning of the head 31. When the non-data band 12 includes the cleaning band 15, the head brush 13 may be disposed on the surface of the cleaning band 15 in addition to the guide band 14. When the head brush 13 is also disposed on the surface of the cleaning band 15, the cleaning effect on the head 31 can be further improved.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the non-data band 12 may further include a connecting band 16. A connecting band 16 may be provided between the data band 11 and the cleaning band 15, and also between the cleaning band 15 and the guide band 14. For example, on one side of the data band 11, the data band 11, connecting band 16, cleaning band 15, connecting band 16, and guide band 14 are connected end-to-end in sequence. The surface of the connecting band 16 is not covered with magnetic powder, and it can serve as a transition area between the guide band 14 and the cleaning band 15, and between the cleaning band 15 and the data band 11, providing a buffer area for data reading and cleaning of the magnetic head 31. The connecting band 16 may have a certain overlap area with the adjacent guide band 14, cleaning band 15, and data band 11 to improve the connection reliability between the guide band 14, cleaning band 15, and data band 11.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 The thickness of the cleaning tape 15 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the data tape 11, but less than the total thickness of the head brush 13 and the guide tape 14. The cleaning tape 15, being greater than or equal to the thickness of the data tape 11, allows it to contact the head 31 and remove magnetic powder from its surface. The thickness of the cleaning tape 15 must be less than the total thickness of the magnetic tape 10 brush and the guide tape 14 to prevent the cleaning tape 15 from becoming too thick and forming protrusions after winding. (Continue referring to...) Figure 5 In one embodiment, the magnetic tape 10 may further include a guide 17. The guide 17 serves to secure the magnetic tape 10.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tape reel 20 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the reel 20 includes a core 21 and baffles 22. The baffles 22 are disposed on both sides of the core 21 in the axial direction. (See also...) Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The magnetic tape 10 is wound around the outer periphery of the core 21. Since the end of the magnetic tape 10 is equipped with a magnetic head brush 13, the total thickness of the magnetic head brush 13 and the guide tape 14 is greater than the thickness of the data tape 11. To prevent localized bulging of the magnetic tape 10 after it is wound around the core 21, a clearance opening 211 can be provided on the outer periphery of the core 21. When the magnetic tape 10 is wound around the core 21, the magnetic head brush 13 is located within the clearance opening 211 of the core 21. By providing the clearance opening 211 on the core 21, the magnetic head brush 13 is positioned within the clearance opening 211 after winding, thereby improving the stability of the magnetodisc during operation.

[0050] The shape of the clearance opening 211 can match the shape of the magnetic head brush 13. The size of the clearance opening 211 can be slightly larger than the size of the magnetic head brush 13 so that the magnetic head brush 13 is completely placed inside the clearance opening 211.

[0051] The structure of the magnetoelectric disk has been explained above. The structure of the magnetoelectric memory will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a magnetoelectric memory according to one embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the magnetoelectric memory includes a magnetic head assembly and the magnetoelectric disk of this application.

[0053] The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head 31, and may also include a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the movement of the magnetic head 31, and an auxiliary unit (not shown) for providing electromagnetic control for the magnetic head 31. During data reading and writing on the magnetic tape 10, the magnetic tape 10 in the magnetoelectric disk passes through the read / write area of ​​the magnetic head 31. Before or after the data reading / writing process on each magnetoelectric disk, there is at least one opportunity to clean the magnetic head 31 using the head brush 13, thus ensuring the accuracy of data reading and writing on each magnetic tape 10. During the transmission of the magnetic tape 10, the guide wheel 32 can be used to assist in fixing the running path of the magnetic tape 10.

[0054] In addition to the magnetic head 31, drive structure, and auxiliary units, the magnetic head assembly may also include a limiting member 33. The limiting member 33 may be located at the magnetic head 31 and positioned opposite to it. The limiting member 33 may be cylindrical or plate-shaped and can be fixed by means of crimping, riveting, pinning, screw connection, etc. There may be one or multiple limiting members 33. When there are multiple limiting members 33, their lower edges are located on the same plane. The lower edges of the multiple limiting members 33 face towards the magnetic head 31.

[0055] When the magnetoelectric memory is in read / write mode, the data strip 11 passes through the read / write area between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33; wherein, the gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33 is greater than the thickness of the data strip 11. The gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33 being greater than the thickness of the data strip 11 allows the data strip 11 to pass smoothly during data reading and prevents excessive magnetic powder from adhering to the surface of the magnetic head 31.

[0056] The magnetoelectric memory also has a cleaning state, which includes a coarse cleaning state and a fine cleaning state. When the magnetoelectric memory is in the fine cleaning state, the head brush 13 contacts the head 31. The head brush 13 is used to clean the head 31 to remove magnetic powder from its surface.

[0057] In the fine cleaning state, a limiting member 33 can be provided at the magnetic head 31 to ensure the cleaning effect. When the magnetoelectric memory is in the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush 13 is located in the gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33. The gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33 is less than the thickness of the magnetic head brush 13 or the total thickness of the magnetic head brush 13 and the guide strip 14. Therefore, when the magnetic head brush 13 passes through the gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33, an interference fit connection is formed, allowing the magnetic head brush 13 to fit tightly against the surface of the magnetic head 31, thereby achieving cleaning of the magnetic head 31.

[0058] Furthermore, when the magnetoelectric memory is in a fine cleaning state, the magnetic head 31 reciprocates along the direction of the vertical guide belt 14 under the drive of the drive mechanism, squeezing the magnetic head brush 13. The squeezing of the magnetic head brush 13 by the reciprocating motion of the magnetic head 31 can further improve the cleaning effect on the magnetic head 31.

[0059] In the coarse cleaning state, the cleaning tape 15 of the magnetic tape 10 passes between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33 to clean the magnetic head 31. The thickness of the cleaning tape 15 can be greater than or equal to the thickness of the data tape 11. When there is little magnetic powder on the surface of the magnetic head 31, and the thickness of the cleaning tape 15 is greater than the gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33, the cleaning tape 15 can contact the surface structure of the magnetic head 31 to remove the magnetic powder. When there is a lot of magnetic powder on the surface of the magnetic head 31, and the thickness of the cleaning tape 15 is less than the gap between the magnetic head 31 and the limiting member 33, the cleaning tape 15 can also contact the magnetic powder on the surface of the magnetic head 31 and remove it. Since the cleaning tape 15 cannot guarantee contact with the magnetic head 31 during the cleaning process, coarse cleaning of the magnetic head 31 can be achieved using the cleaning tape 15.

[0060] For the same technical purpose, this application provides a data storage system including at least one magnetoelectric memory of this application. When the data storage system includes multiple magnetoelectric memories, large-capacity data storage can be achieved.

[0061] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A magnetoelectric disk, characterized in that, The device includes a magnetic tape and a reel for winding the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape includes a data tape and non-data tapes disposed on both sides of the data tape along its length. At least one side of the non-data tape of the data tape is provided with a magnetic head brush.

2. The magnetoelectric disk according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-data strip includes a guide strip, and a magnetic head brush is provided on the surface of the guide strip on at least one side of the data strip, or a magnetic head brush is provided between at least one end of the data strip and the end of the guide strip away from the data strip.

3. The magnetoelectric disk according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic head brush is provided on the surface of the guide strip on both sides of the data strip.

4. The magnetoelectric disk according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The non-data band also includes a cleaning band, which is located between the data band and the guide band.

5. The magnetoelectric disk according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the cleaning belt is also provided with the magnetic brush head.

6. The magnetoelectric disk according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The core of the reel is provided with a clearance opening, and the magnetic head brush wound on the surface of the core is located within the clearance opening.

7. A magnetoelectric memory, characterized in that, The magnetic storage device includes a magnetic head and a magnetoelectric disk as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the magnetoelectric storage device is provided with a cleaning state, which includes a coarse cleaning state and a fine cleaning state; In the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush is in contact with the magnetic head of the magnetoelectric storage device.

8. The magnetoelectric memory according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic head is provided with a limiting member. In the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head brush is located in the gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member. The gap between the magnetic head and the limiting member is less than the thickness of the magnetic head brush or the total thickness of the magnetic head brush and the guide strip.

9. The magnetoelectric memory according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the fine cleaning state, the magnetic head of the magnetoelectric memory reciprocates along a direction perpendicular to the guide strip under the drive of the drive mechanism.

10. A data storage system, characterized in that, It includes at least one magnetoelectric memory as described in any one of claims 7-9.

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