Tape drive, magnetic tape, and storage system

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of computers, and discloses a tape drive, a magnetic tape, and a storage system. The tape drive comprises a first tape reel and a second tape reel which rotate about respective rotation axes of the first tape reel and the second tape reel and are stacked, and a tape body is wound on each of the first tape reel and the second tape reel; the rotation axes of the first tape reel and the second tape reel coincide or do not coincide with each other; when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body is driven to be transmitted to the second tape reel from the first tape reel; a magnetic head and a roller structure are arranged on the path where the tape body is transmitted from the first tape reel to the second tape reel; the magnetic head executes a read operation or a write operation on a magnetic tape; the roller structure supports the tape body. The tape reels are stacked, the tape reels wound with the tape bodies are stacked in the direction of the rotation axes, and the tape reels are arranged in the vacant area of the tape drive, so that the space utilization rate of the tape drive is improved; and compared with a tape drive of the same space size, the storage capacity density of the tape drive provided by the present application is effectively improved, that is, the storage capacity of the tape drive is increased.

Description

Tape drives, tapes, and storage systems

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on May 31, 2023, with application number 202310648112.7 and application name “A magnetic tape”. This application also claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on August 24, 2023, with application number 202311077106.7 and application name “Tape drive, magnetic tape and storage system”. All of these contents are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of computers, and in particular to a tape drive, a magnetic tape, and a storage system. Background Art

[0003] Currently, tape storage is still widely used for long-term offline archiving due to its low cost and low energy consumption. Based on Linear Tape Open (LTO) tape storage technology, as the tape moves between the tape reel and the reel in the tape drive, the magnetic head moves across the width of the tape to perform read and write operations. Because the magnetic head's range of motion is much greater than the width of the tape, the tape drive contains unused areas not covered by the tape, resulting in low space utilization and reduced capacity density.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a tape drive, a magnetic tape, and a storage system, thereby improving the capacity density of the tape drive by improving the space utilization of the tape drive.

[0006] In a first aspect, a magnetic tape drive is provided, comprising a first tape reel and a second tape reel that rotate about respective rotational axes, the first and second tape reels being stacked, with tape wound on the first and second tape reels; the tape on the first reel being capable of rotating about the first rotational axis, and the tape on the second reel being capable of rotating about the second rotational axis, with the first and second rotational axes being coincident or non-coincident; the first and second tape reels rotating, driving the tape to be transferred from the first reel to the second reel; a magnetic head and a roller structure being provided along the path of the tape being transferred from the first reel to the second reel, the magnetic head being configured to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape, and the roller structure being configured to support the tape. The roller structure is further configured to gradually change the height of the tape so that the height of the tape is adapted to the first and second reels.

[0007] Compared to a tape drive in which the first and second tape reels are laid out flat, the first and second tape reels rotate about two rotation axes, respectively, and the magnetic head moves relative to the width of the tape. This results in a tape drive with vacant areas not covered by the tape, leading to lower space utilization. The solution provided by the present application stacks the first and second tape reels, rotating them about their respective rotation axes. This stacking arrangement, or stacking the tape reels in the direction of their rotation axes, utilizes the vacant areas within the tape drive to arrange the tape reels. This reduces the size of the tape drive and improves its space utilization. Furthermore, the reduced size of the tape drive increases its storage capacity per unit volume, thereby increasing its capacity density. That is, compared to tape drives of the same size, the tape drive provided by the present application effectively increases its capacity density, i.e., its storage capacity.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis coincide with each other, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are arranged along the first rotation axis, and the first reel belt and the second reel belt are capable of rotating around the first rotation axis. Understandably, the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate around the same rotation axis, and the first tape reel and the second tape reel are completely stacked together. Compared to the first tape reel and the second tape reel arranged flat in the tape drive, which need to occupy the space of two tape reels in the tape drive, the solution provided by the present application is that the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotating around the same rotation axis only need to occupy the space of one tape reel in the tape drive, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the tape drive and improving the space utilization of the tape drive.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis do not overlap, and the first reel tape can rotate about the first rotation axis, and the second reel tape can rotate about the second rotation axis. Understandably, although the first and second reels rotate about two rotation axes, the first and second reels are partially stacked together. Compared to the flat layout of the first and second reels in the tape drive, which requires occupying the space of two reels in the tape drive, the solution provided by the present application still reduces the space occupied by the first and second reels in the tape drive, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the tape drive and improving the space utilization of the tape drive.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the roller structure includes a first roller structure and a second roller structure. Along the first rotational axis, the first roller structure is disposed on one side of the magnetic head; the second roller structure is disposed on the other side of the magnetic head. The first roller structure supports the portion of the tape between the magnetic head and the first tape reel; the second roller structure supports the portion of the tape between the magnetic head and the second tape reel.

[0011] Alternatively, the first roller structure is provided on one side of the head on the path where the tape is transported by the first and second take-up reels, and the second roller structure is provided on the other side of the head on the path where the tape is transported by the first and second take-up reels.

[0012] Since the tape body is supported by the roller structure, the magnetic head can perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body, thereby preventing the tape body from being loosened and causing failure to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body normally.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the first roller structure includes at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis, and at least one roller arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis.

[0014] Therefore, when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body is moved along the first rotation axis during the process of being transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, so that the magnetic head can normally perform read or write operations on the tape body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rollers arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis include a first roller and a second roller. The rotation axis of the first roller and the rotation axis of the second roller are parallel. The belt body includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, the first surface being closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface; the first roller supports the first surface; and the second roller supports the second surface. Alternatively, the first roller supports the first surface closer to the first rotation axis, while the second roller supports the second surface farther from the first rotation axis.

[0016] In some other embodiments, the rollers arranged parallel to the first rotation axis include a third roller and a fourth roller. The first roller and the second roller are located between the third roller and the fourth roller. The third roller supports the first surface; and the fourth roller supports the first surface.

[0017] In another possible implementation, at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis is disposed around the first rotation axis, and at least one roller arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis is disposed around the first rotation axis. The heights of the at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis are sequentially increased or decreased.

[0018] For example, the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the fourth roller are arranged around the first rotation axis. The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the fourth roller are arranged along the first rotation axis. It is understood that if the first take-up reel is located above the second take-up reel, or if the first take-up reel is stacked above the second take-up reel, the height of the third roller is higher than the height of the fourth roller; if the first take-up reel is located below the second take-up reel, or if the second take-up reel is stacked above the first take-up reel, the height of the third roller is lower than the height of the fourth roller. The height of the first roller and the height of the second roller are between the heights of the third roller and the fourth roller.

[0019] Thus, by winding the belt body around the double parallel rollers and the parallel rollers having an inclined angle with the first rotation axis, when the first take-up reel and the second take-up reel rotate, the belt body is driven to be transferred from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, so that the belt body can move along the first rotation axis direction, thereby realizing the transfer of the belt body from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the belt includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, the first surface being closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface; the second surface is provided with magnetic powder; the first roller structure and the second roller structure each include a plurality of rollers; and the number of rollers supporting the first surface is greater than the number of rollers supporting the second surface. The belt is supported by the roller structure, with the first surface of the belt being closer to the first and second take-up reels than the second surface. Alternatively, the number of rollers supporting the surface not provided with magnetic powder exceeds the number of rollers supporting the surface provided with magnetic powder, i.e., the number of rollers supporting the surface provided with magnetic powder is less than the number of rollers supporting the surface not provided with magnetic powder.

[0021] Therefore, by changing the orientation of the magnetic powder coated surface, the number of rollers in contact with the magnetic powder coated surface is reduced, thereby reducing belt wear.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the tape drive also includes a head driver, which is connected to the magnetic head and is used to drive the magnetic head to move along a first direction, which is parallel to the width direction of the tape body; the magnetic head is arranged on the second surface; and the head driver is arranged on the first surface.

[0023] Alternatively, the tape body is disposed between the magnetic head driver and the magnetic head; and the magnetic head driver is disposed on the first surface.

[0024] By separating the head driver and the magnetic head and arranging them on two sides of the tape body, the layout limitation of arranging both the head driver and the magnetic head on the magnetic powder coated surface is overcome, the volume of the tape drive is reduced, and the space utilization of the tape drive is improved.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the tape drive also includes: a shell, a first tape reel, a second tape reel, a tape body, a magnetic head and a roller structure are arranged in the shell; the roller structure includes a first roller structure and a second roller structure; multiple corners are formed in the shell; the first roller structure is located in the shell near the first corner; the second roller structure is located in the shell near the second corner.

[0026] Therefore, by making full use of the space in the tape drive housing to set the tape reel, tape body, magnetic head and roller structure, the size of the tape drive can be further reduced, the tape drive can be miniaturized, and the capacity density in the tape drive can be improved.

[0027] In another possible implementation, the tape drive further includes a first motor and a second motor; the first motor is used to drive the first tape reel to rotate; and the second motor is used to drive the second tape reel to rotate.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the first tape reel is a hollow structure, and the first motor is located in the first tape reel; the second tape reel is a hollow structure, and the second motor is located in the second tape reel.

[0029] Therefore, by locating the motor in the reel, the space of the tape drive occupied by the motor is saved, the size of the tape drive is reduced, the tape drive is miniaturized, and the capacity density in the tape drive is improved.

[0030] In a second aspect, a magnetic tape is provided, comprising a first tape reel capable of rotating about a first rotation axis, wherein the first tape reel is used to wind a tape body; the tape body is used to record data, the tape body comprising a fixed end and a movable end, wherein the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first tape reel, and the movable end is used to connect to a second tape reel in the tape drive when the magnetic tape is placed in the tape drive.

[0031] In one possible implementation, when a magnetic tape is disposed in a tape drive, a first tape reel and a second tape reel are stacked, and the tape drive includes a second tape reel, a magnetic head, and a roller structure. The first tape reel and the second tape reel are stacked. The second tape reel is configured to: wind the tape body after the movable end is connected to the second tape reel, and the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate. The magnetic head is disposed on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the magnetic head is configured to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body. The roller structure is disposed on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the roller structure is configured to support the tape body. The roller structure is also configured to gradually change the height of the tape body so that the height of the tape body is adapted to the first tape reel and the second tape reel.

[0032] In a third aspect, a tape drive is provided, comprising a tape loading port, a second tape reel, a magnetic head, and a roller structure; the tape loading port is used to load a tape into the tape drive or remove a tape from the tape drive, the tape comprising a first tape reel and a tape body; wherein the first tape reel is capable of rotating about a first rotation axis, and the first tape reel is used to wind the tape body; the tape body is used to record data, and the tape body comprises a fixed end and a movable end, wherein the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first tape reel, and the movable end is used to connect to the second tape reel when the tape is placed in the tape drive When the magnetic tape is set in the tape drive, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are stacked in a stacked arrangement. The second tape reel is used to: wind the tape body after the movable end is connected to the second tape reel, and the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate. The magnetic head is arranged on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the magnetic head is used to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body. The roller structure is arranged on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the roller structure is used to support the tape body. The roller structure is also used to gradually change the height of the tape body so that the height of the tape body is adapted to the first tape reel and the second tape reel.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, a storage system is provided, which includes a processor and a tape drive as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a tape drive as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, the processor is used to generate data, and the tape drive is used to store data processed by the processor.

[0034] The technical effects brought about by any design method in the second to fourth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by the first aspect or different possible implementation methods of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a tape drive provided by the prior art;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a tape reel stacking layout provided in the present application;

[0038] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the rotation direction of a tape reel provided in the present application;

[0039] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a tape drive provided by the present application;

[0040] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the position of a magnetic powder coating surface provided by the present application;

[0041] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the position of a motor provided in this application;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another tape drive provided by the present application;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another tape reel stacking layout provided by the present application;

[0044] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a computer device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] To facilitate understanding, the main terms involved in this application are first explained.

[0046] Tape storage: A persistent storage method that uses magnetic tape as a data storage device.

[0047] Tape: A non-volatile storage medium, a strip of material with a magnetic layer, used to record sound, images, numbers, text, or other signals. Typically, tape is packaged in a rolled-up state. Due to its sequential access characteristics, tape is used for traditional storage and backup, as well as for sequentially reading and writing large amounts of data. A tape can also be referred to as a tape body. Alternatively, a tape can be a device consisting of a tape body and a reel around which the tape body is wound. The following explanation uses the tape body as an example.

[0048] A tape header is a component that reads and writes magnetic media on a tape based on magnetic principles. It consists of a write head and a read head. The write head records data by magnetizing the magnetic media and changing its magnetic field. The read head reads data from the magnetic media by sensing its magnetic field.

[0049] Magnetic powder is a hard magnetic, single-domain particle. Magnetic powder, combined with a binder and solvent to form a magnetic slurry, is then coated onto a plastic or metal substrate (support) to create magnetic recording materials such as magnetic tapes, disks, and magnetic cards. Magnetic powder is the core component of magnetic coatings and the primary factor determining the magnetic properties of magnetic recording media. Magnetic powder influences the properties of magnetic recording materials. Commonly used magnetic powders include oxide magnetic powders and metal magnetic powders.

[0050] A tape drive is an economical, reliable, high-capacity, and fast storage device. A tape drive is a single-drive product. It consists of a tape drive, a magnetic head, and a tape cartridge. The drive drives the tape cartridge, allowing the magnetic head to read and write to the magnetic media on the tape cartridge.

[0051] For example, FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a tape drive provided by the prior art. FIG1(a) shows a top view of a tape drive provided by the prior art. The tape drive 100 includes a tape cassette 110, a reel 120, a reel 130, a magnetic head structure 140, and a support member 150. The magnetic head structure 140 includes a magnetic head driver 141 and a magnetic head 142. The tape cassette 110 is a single-reel tape cassette. When the tape cassette 110 is loaded into the tape drive 100, the reels 120 and 130 rotate, causing the tape 111 in the tape cassette 110 to be wound onto the reel 130. As the tape 111 moves, the magnetic head driver 141 drives the magnetic head 142 to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape 111. FIG1(b) shows a front view of a tape drive provided by the prior art. The magnetic head 142 moves along the width of the tape 111, performing a read operation or a write operation on the tape 111.

[0052] As a result, the tape moves around the two reels respectively, and the magnetic head moves relative to the width of the tape, resulting in the magnetic head's movement range being much larger than the width of the tape. The tape drive includes an empty area that is not covered by the tape, reducing the space utilization of the tape drive.

[0053] For example, as shown in Figure 1(b), the tape drive is approximately 40 millimeters thick, the tape body is 12.7 mm wide, and the unused area of ​​the tape drive not covered by the tape body is approximately 27.3 mm. Therefore, the space utilization of the tape drive in the thickness direction is approximately 32%. For a tape drive with two reels, the space utilization is less than 16%. Because the movement of the magnetic head is the determining factor in the thickness of the tape drive, it is impossible to reduce the thickness of the tape drive, resulting in low space utilization. Improving space utilization to increase storage capacity per unit area is therefore impossible.

[0054] Stacking layout: refers to a layout in which the tapes are stacked along the width of the tape.

[0055] To address the issues of low space utilization and low capacity density of tape drives, the present application provides a tape drive, namely a tape drive with a dual-tape stacking layout, which can double the space utilization of the tape drive and provide an architectural innovation for exponentially increasing the capacity density of integrated tape drives. The tape drive includes a first tape reel and a second tape reel that rotate about respective rotational axes. The first and second tape reels are stacked, and a tape body is wound around the first and second tape reels. The first reel tape can rotate about a first rotational axis, and the second reel tape can rotate about a second rotational axis. The first and second rotational axes may or may not overlap. When the first and second reels rotate, the tape body can be transferred from the first reel to the second reel. A magnetic head and a roller structure are provided along the path of the tape body from the first and second reels. The magnetic head is used to perform read or write operations on the tape body, and the roller structure is used to support the tape body. The roller structure is also used to gradually adjust the height of the tape body so that the height of the tape body is adapted to the height of the first and second reels.

[0056] Compared to a tape drive in which the first and second tape reels are laid out flat, the first and second tape reels rotate around two rotation axes respectively, and the magnetic head moves relative to the width of the tape body. The tape drive contains an empty area that is not covered by the tape body, resulting in a solution with low space utilization of the tape drive. The solution provided by the present application is to stack the first and second tape reels in a stacked layout, and rotate the first and second tape reels around their respective rotation axes, that is, to stack the tape reels that wind the tape body, or to stack the tape reels that wind the tape body in the direction of the rotation axis, and utilize the empty area in the tape drive to set the tape reels, thereby reducing the size of the tape drive and improving the space utilization of the tape drive. Compared to tape drives of the same space size, the tape drive provided by the present application effectively improves the capacity density of the tape drive, that is, improves the storage capacity of the tape drive.

[0057] The tape drive provided in this application can be applied to any form of computer equipment, including but not limited to: personal computers (PCs), cabinet servers, rack servers, tower servers, blade servers, servers that provide high-performance computing and servers that provide reliable storage in cluster networks (such as high-performance computing (HPC) networks and high-availability (HA) networks).

[0058] The implementation of the tape drive provided in this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The present application provides a tape drive, which includes a first tape reel, a second tape reel, a tape body, a magnetic head, and a roller structure.

[0060] The first and second tape reels are arranged along a first rotational axis, and the first and second tape reels are capable of rotating about the first rotational axis. It is understood that the first and second tape reels are both perpendicular to the same rotational axis. Alternatively, the diameter of the first and second tape reels can be perpendicular to the same rotational axis. The first and second tape reels are stacked in the direction of the first rotational axis, that is, the first and second tape reels are stacked in the direction of the first rotational axis, thereby achieving a stacked arrangement of the first and second tape reels. For example, the first tape reel is located above the second tape reel. In another example, the second tape reel is located above the first tape reel. The size of the first and second tape reels can be the same or different. It is understood that when the size of the first and second tape reels is the same, the diameter of the first and second tape reels is the same; when the size of the first and second tape reels is different, the diameter of the first and second tape reels is different.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG2 , a schematic diagram of a tape reel stacking layout provided by the present application is shown. The size of the tape reel 210 in FIG2 (a) to (c) is equal to the size of the tape reel 220. FIG2 (a) shows a front view of the tape reel stacking layout. The tape reels 210 and 220 are arranged along a first rotation axis 230. The tape reels 210 and 220 are capable of rotating about the first rotation axis, with the tape reel 210 located above the tape reel 220. The tape reels 210 and 220 are wound around a tape body 240. FIG2 (b) shows a top view of the tape reel stacking layout. FIG2 (c) shows a side view of the tape reel stacking layout. For ease of understanding, the size of the tape reel 210 in FIG2 (d) to (f) is smaller than the size of the tape reel 220. FIG2 (d) shows a front view of the tape reel stacking layout. The tape 240 wound around the take-up reel 210 is smaller than the tape 240 wound around the take-up reel 220. FIG2(e) shows a top view of the stacked take-up reels. The circular ring of tape 240 wound around the take-up reel 210 is smaller than the circular ring of tape 240 wound around the take-up reel 220. FIG2(f) shows a side view of the stacked take-up reels.

[0062] Compared to a flat layout where the first and second reels rotate about two rotational axes, the flat layout of the first and second reels in the tape drive requires the space of two reels. However, when the first and second reels are stacked, they only require the area of ​​one reel. Therefore, the stacked layout utilizes the height space in the tape drive, reduces the area occupied by the plane perpendicular to the height space, improves the space utilization of the tape drive, reduces the size of the tape drive, and realizes a miniaturized tape drive.

[0063] In addition, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are used to wind the tape body. When the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, that is, the tape body in the first tape reel is wound into the second tape reel.

[0064] For example, if the first tape reel is stacked on the second tape reel, the first tape reel can be referred to as the upper tape and the second tape reel can be referred to as the lower tape. The tape body is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, which can be referred to as the tape body is transferred from the upper tape to the lower tape.

[0065] For example, if the second tape reel is stacked on the first tape reel, the first tape reel can be referred to as the lower tape reel and the second tape reel can be referred to as the upper tape reel. The tape body is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, which can refer to the tape body being transferred from the lower tape reel to the upper tape reel.

[0066] In some embodiments, the belt body can be transferred from the upper roll to the lower roll, or from the lower roll to the upper roll. The present application does not limit the running direction of the belt body between the upper roll and the lower roll.

[0067] The following description will be made by taking an example where the size of the first tape reel is equal to the size of the second tape reel.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first tape reel is stacked on top of the second tape reel. When the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate along direction A, the tape body is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, that is, the tape body in the first tape reel is wound into the second tape reel; when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate along direction B, the tape body is transferred from the second tape reel to the first tape reel, that is, the tape body in the second tape reel is wound into the first tape reel. Direction A and direction B are opposite directions to each other.

[0069] Thus, when the tape is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, the second tape reel can be wound into the tape in time, and when the tape is transferred from the second tape reel to the first tape reel, the first tape reel can be wound into the tape in time, thereby preventing the tape from being loosened and causing the tape to be unable to be read or written normally.

[0070] Alternatively, in the initial state of the tape, the tape is wound on the first take-up reel and there is no tape to be unwound from the second take-up reel. As the first and second take-up reels rotate, the tape is transferred from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel. For example, assuming that no data is recorded on the tape, as the first and second take-up reels rotate, the tape is transferred from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, and a write operation can be performed on the tape. Assuming that data is recorded on the tape, as the first and second take-up reels rotate, the tape is transferred from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, and a read operation can be performed on the tape.

[0071] Optionally, in the initial state of the tape, the tape is wound around the second take-up reel, and there is no tape to be unwound on the first take-up reel. When the first take-up reel and the second take-up reel rotate, the tape is transferred from the second take-up reel to the first take-up reel.

[0072] Optionally, in the initial state of the tape, both the first tape reel and the second tape reel are wound around the tape, and when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, or vice versa.

[0073] In addition, a magnetic head and roller structure are arranged on a path where the tape is transported between the first and second tape reels. The magnetic head is used to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape. The roller structure is used to support the tape.

[0074] In some embodiments, the magnetic head moves along a first direction to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape. The first direction is parallel to the width of the tape. For example, the magnetic head's trajectory is shown in FIG1(b). The specific manner in which the magnetic head performs a read operation or a write operation on the tape can be referenced in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] In other embodiments, the roller structure is further configured to gradually change the height of the tape so that the height of the tape is adapted to the first and second take-up reels. It is understood that during the process of transferring the tape from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, the roller structure can support the tape from the first take-up reel to the center position, thereby facilitating the magnetic head to perform a read or write operation on the tape. The tape is then transferred from the center position to the second take-up reel and wound onto the second take-up reel.

[0076] Alternatively, during the process of transferring the tape from the second take-up reel to the first take-up reel, the roller structure can support the tape from the position of the second take-up reel to the center position, so that the magnetic head can perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape, and then the tape is transferred from the center position to the position of the first take-up reel and wound into the first take-up reel.

[0077] The center position may refer to the position of the tape when the magnetic head is able to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape. For example, the center position may be a position parallel to the center of the thickness of the tape drive, or the center position may be a position equidistant from the surfaces of the first and second tape reels. The surfaces of the first and second tape reels include the surfaces where the first and second tape reels are adjacent to each other.

[0078] Thus, when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, while the tape body is being transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, or while the tape body is being transferred from the second tape reel to the first tape reel, the tape body is supported by the roller structure so that the magnetic head can perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body, thereby preventing the tape body from becoming loose and causing an inability to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body normally.

[0079] In some embodiments, the roller structure includes a first roller structure and a second roller structure. Along the first rotational axis, the first roller structure is disposed on one side of the magnetic head; the second roller structure is disposed on the other side of the magnetic head. Alternatively, the first roller structure is disposed on one side of the magnetic head in the path where the tape is transported between the first and second tape reels, and the second roller structure is disposed on the other side of the magnetic head in the path where the tape is transported between the first and second tape reels.

[0080] The first roller structure supports the portion of the tape between the magnetic head and the first take-up reel. The second roller structure supports the portion of the tape between the magnetic head and the second take-up reel. For example, the tape located in the transmission path between the first and second take-up reels is divided into a first portion and a second portion by the magnetic head. The first roller structure supports the first portion, and the second roller structure supports the second portion.

[0081] As the tape is transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel, or from the second tape reel to the first tape reel, the positional relationship between the first roller structure supporting the tape and the first roller structure remains unchanged, and the positional relationship between the second roller structure supporting the tape and the second roller structure remains unchanged.

[0082] The first roller structure includes at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis, and at least one roller arranged at an angle relative to the first rotation axis. It is understood that the rotation axis of the at least one roller included in the first roller structure is parallel to the first rotation axis. The rotation axis of the at least one roller included in the first roller structure is at an angle to the first rotation axis.

[0083] For example, the rollers disposed obliquely relative to the first rotation axis include a first roller and a second roller. The rotation axis of the first roller and the rotation axis of the second roller are both disposed obliquely relative to the first rotation axis. The positional relationship between the first roller and the second roller can vary. For example, in some examples, the rotation axis of the first roller and the rotation axis of the second roller are parallel, or the rotation axis of the first roller and the rotation axis of the second roller are non-parallel.

[0084] The rotation axis of the first roller is parallel to the rotation axis of the second roller. It can be understood that the rotation axis of the first roller has a first angle with the first rotation axis, and the rotation axis of the second roller has a second angle with the first rotation axis, and the magnitude of the first angle is the same as the magnitude of the second angle.

[0085] The rotation axis of the first roller is not parallel to the rotation axis of the second roller. Understandably, the size of the first angle is different from the size of the second angle.

[0086] For another example, the first roller is closer to the first rotation axis than the second roller, or the second roller is closer to the first rotation axis than the first roller.

[0087] Thus, by designing a roller with an inclined angle relative to the first rotation axis, the tape can be transferred from the first take-up reel to the center, then from the center to the second take-up reel, and wound onto the second reel; or, alternatively, from the second take-up reel to the center, then from the center to the first take-up reel, and wound onto the first reel. This ensures that the tape does not deform, allowing the magnetic head to perform read or write operations on the tape, and preventing the magnetic head from being unable to perform read or write operations on the tape due to tape deformation.

[0088] For another example, the rollers arranged parallel to the first rotation axis include a third roller and a fourth roller. The rotation axes of the third roller and the fourth roller are both parallel to the first rotation axis. The rotation axes of the third roller and the fourth roller are parallel to each other.

[0089] Optionally, the third roller is closer to the first rotation axis than the fourth roller, or the fourth roller is closer to the first rotation axis than the third roller.

[0090] The positional relationship between the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the fourth roller can be various and is not limited. For example, in some examples, the first roller and the second roller are located between the third roller and the fourth roller.

[0091] Therefore, by designing a roller supporting the belt body parallel to the first rotation axis, the stability of the belt body is further improved during the process of transferring the belt body from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, or during the process of transferring the belt body from the second take-up reel to the first take-up reel, so that the relative position of the belt body and the magnetic head is fixed, ensuring that the belt body does not deform.

[0092] Furthermore, the belt body includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, with the first surface being closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface. The positional relationship between the multiple rollers of the first roller structure and the first and second surfaces of the belt body is not limited. The multiple rollers of the first roller structure can support the same surface, or they can support different surfaces. For example, the first roller supports the first surface; the second roller supports the second surface; the third roller supports the first surface; and the fourth roller supports the first surface.

[0093] Therefore, according to the different ways in which the multiple rollers support the belt body, different winding methods of the belt body on the multiple rollers are realized, ensuring that the belt body does not deform during the process of being transferred from the first take-up reel to the second take-up reel, or during the process of being transferred from the second take-up reel to the first take-up reel.

[0094] It should be noted that the first, second, third, and fourth rollers are arranged around the first rotation axis. The first, second, third, and fourth rollers are arranged along the first rotation axis. It is understood that the first, second, third, and fourth rollers may have different lengths along the first rotation axis. If the first tape reel is located below the second tape reel, the third roller is closer to the first tape reel, and the fourth roller is closer to the magnetic head, the length of the third roller is less than the length of the fourth roller; if the fourth roller is closer to the first tape reel and the third roller is closer to the magnetic head, the length of the fourth roller is less than the length of the third roller. This allows the first and second tape reels to rotate, and the tape is transferred from the first tape reel to the center position during the transfer from the first tape reel to the second tape reel. Alternatively, when the first and second tape reels rotate, and the tape is transferred from the second tape reel to the first tape reel, the tape is transferred from the center position to the first tape reel and wound onto the first tape reel.

[0095] It is understandable that the second roller structure also includes multiple rollers. The positional relationship between the multiple rollers and the first rotation axis and the positional relationship between the multiple rollers in the second roller structure can be referred to the above description of the first roller structure and will not be repeated here.

[0096] Optionally, the position of the first roller structure is symmetrical to the position of the second roller structure. That is, the multiple rollers included in the first roller structure and the multiple rollers included in the second roller structure can be symmetrically arranged.

[0097] The present application does not limit the number of rollers included in the above-mentioned first roller structure, the number of rollers included in the second roller structure, the positional relationship between the multiple rollers and the first rotation axis, and the positional relationship between the multiple rollers. The various implementation methods described above can be arbitrarily combined to solve the above-mentioned problems, ensure that the belt body does not deform, and the magnetic head can perform read operations or write operations on the belt body, avoiding the magnetic head being unable to perform read operations or write operations on the belt body due to belt body deformation.

[0098] Next, a tape drive is described with an example. FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tape drive provided by this application. The structure of the tape drive is described from different angles. FIG4(a) shows a front view of the tape drive. The tape drive 400 includes a tape reel 410, a tape reel 420, a tape body 430, a roller structure 440, a roller structure 450, and a magnetic head 460.

[0099] The tape reel 410 and the tape reel 420 are arranged along the first rotation axis 470 and are rotatable about the first rotation axis 470. In other words, the tape reel 410 and the tape reel 420 are stacked. The tape reel 410 and the tape reel 420 are stacked together in the direction of the first rotation axis 470.

[0100] The tape body 430 is wound around the take-up reel 410 and the take-up reel 420 .

[0101] When the tape reel 410 and the tape reel 420 rotate in direction A, the tape body 430 can be transferred from the tape reel 410 to the tape reel 420, that is, the tape body 430 in the tape reel 410 is wound into the tape reel 420. When the tape reel 410 and the tape reel 420 rotate in direction B, the tape body 430 can be transferred from the tape reel 420 to the tape reel 410, that is, the tape body 430 in the tape reel 420 is wound into the tape reel 410.

[0102] The magnetic head 460 , the roller structure 440 , and the roller structure 450 are disposed on a path where the tape body 430 is transported between the tape reels 410 and 420 .

[0103] The roller structure 440 and the roller structure 450 are used to support the belt body 430 .

[0104] The roller structure 440 includes rollers ① to ④.

[0105] The rotational axes of rollers ① and ④ are both parallel to first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers ① and ④ are parallel. Roller ① is closer to the first rotational axis than roller ④. Figure 4(b) shows a top view of the tape drive. Figure 4(c) shows a side view of the tape drive. The rotational axes of rollers ① and ④ are both parallel to first rotational axis 470.

[0106] The rotational axes of rollers ② and ③ are both inclined relative to first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers ② and ③ each form the same angle with first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers ② and ③ are parallel to each other. Roller ② is closer to first rotational axis 470 than roller ③. As shown in Figures 4(b) and (c), the rotational axes of rollers ② and ③ both intersect with first rotational axis 470.

[0107] Roller ② and roller ③ are located between roller ① and roller ④.

[0108] The belt body 430 includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, wherein the first surface is closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface. Rollers ①, ②, and ④ all support the first surface. Roller ③ supports the second surface.

[0109] The roller structure 450 includes rollers ⑤ to ⑧.

[0110] The rotational axes of rollers 5 and 8 are both parallel to first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers 5 and 8 are parallel to each other. Roller 5 is closer to first rotational axis 470 than roller 8. As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG4 , the rotational axes of rollers 5 and 8 are both parallel to the first rotational axis.

[0111] The rotational axes of rollers ⑥ and ⑦ are both inclined relative to first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers ⑥ and ⑦ form the same angle with first rotational axis 470. The rotational axes of rollers ⑥ and ⑦ are parallel to each other. Roller 7 is closer to first rotational axis 470 than roller ⑥. As shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the rotational axes of rollers ⑥ and ⑦ intersect with first rotational axis 470.

[0112] Roller ⑥ and roller ⑦ are located between roller ⑤ and roller ⑧. Roller ⑤, roller ⑦, and roller ⑧ all support the first surface. Roller ⑥ supports the second surface.

[0113] The heights of rollers ① to ⑧ may decrease in sequence. The height of roller ① is higher than the height of roller ④. The heights of rollers ④ and ⑤ may be the same. The height of roller ⑤ is higher than the height of roller ⑧.

[0114] Roller 1 supports the first surface of the tape 430 near the take-up reel 410, ensuring that the angles between the tape 430 supported by rollers 1 and 2 and roller 1 and roller 2 remain constant despite changes in the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410. As shown in Figure 4(b), the angles 1 and 3 between the tape 430 and roller 1, and the angle 2 between the tape 430 and roller 2, are constant. As can be seen, as the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410 decreases, the angle 3 between the tape 430 and roller 1 decreases, while as the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410 increases, the angle 3 between the tape 430 and roller 1 increases. However, the angles 1 and 2 between the tape 430 and roller 1 and roller 2 remain constant despite changes in the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410.

[0115] As shown in FIG4(c), rollers ② and ③ enable the tape body 430 to be transferred from the position of the tape reel 410 to the center position when transferring from the tape reel 410 to the tape reel 420, or to be transferred from the center position to the position of the tape reel 410 when transferring from the tape reel 420 to the tape reel 410, and to be wound into the tape reel 410. For example, the distance between the center position and both surfaces of the housing is 20 mm. In practical applications, other lengths are also possible.

[0116] Roller ④ and roller ⑤ support the belt body 430, so that the position of the belt body 430 between roller ③ and roller ④, and the position of the belt body 430 between roller ⑤ and roller ⑥ are fixed, and the relative position between the belt body 430 and the magnetic head 460 is also fixed, ensuring that the magnetic head 460 stably performs read operations or write operations on the belt body 430.

[0117] Correspondingly, the functions of roller ⑧ and roller ①, roller ⑦ and roller ②, roller ⑥ and roller ③, and roller ④ and roller ⑤ are the same, which can realize the transfer of the tape body 430 from the tape reel 410 to the tape reel 420, or the transfer of the tape body 430 from the tape reel 420 to the tape reel 410.

[0118] Roller ⑧ supports the first surface of the tape 430 near the take-up reel 420, ensuring that the angles between the tape 430 supported by rollers ⑧ and ⑦ and roller ⑧, as well as the angle between roller ⑦, remain unchanged despite changes in the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 420. As shown in FIG4(b), the angles 4 and 6 between the tape 430 and roller ⑧, and the angle 5 between the tape 430 and roller ⑦, are unchanged. It can be understood that as the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410 decreases, the angle 6 between the tape 430 and roller ⑧ decreases, while as the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410 increases, the angle 6 between the tape 430 and roller 8 increases. However, the angles 4 and 5 between the tape 430 and roller 8 and roller 7 remain unchanged despite changes in the radius of the tape 430 on the take-up reel 410.

[0119] As shown in FIG4( b ), rollers 7 and 6 can transfer the tape 430 from the center position to the position of the tape reel 420 and wind it onto the tape reel 420 when transferring it from the tape reel 410 to the tape reel 420, or transfer the tape 430 from the position of the tape reel 420 to the center position when transferring it from the tape reel 420 to the tape reel 410. The magnetic head 460 performs a read operation or a write operation on the tape 430 along the width direction of the tape 430.

[0120] Thus, the two tape reels are rotated around the same rotation axis, and the arrangement of the tape reels wound around the tape body is realized by stacking the tape reels (as shown in (a) to (c) in Figure 4), that is, stacking the tape reels wound around the tape body in the direction of the rotation axis, and setting the tape reels using the vacant area in the tape drive, while keeping the magnetic head moving along the width direction of the tape body to perform read operations or write operations on the tape body, thereby effectively improving the space utilization rate of the tape drive. Compared with tape drives of the same space size, the tape drive provided by the present application effectively improves the capacity density of the tape drive, that is, improves the storage capacity of the tape drive.

[0121] In other embodiments, the belt includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, with the first surface being closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface. The second surface is coated with magnetic powder. Both the first and second roller structures include multiple rollers; the number of rollers supporting the first surface is greater than the number of rollers supporting the second surface. Thus, by changing the orientation of the magnetic powder-coated surface, the number of rollers in contact with the magnetic powder-coated surface is reduced, thereby reducing belt wear.

[0122] For example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the position of the magnetic powder coating surface provided in this application. As shown in (a) in Figure 5, if the first surface is provided with magnetic powder, roller ①, roller ②, roller ④, roller ⑤, roller ⑦ and roller ⑧ are all in contact with the first surface, that is, roller ①, roller ②, roller ④, roller ⑤, roller ⑦ and roller ⑧ are all in contact with the magnetic powder coating surface. As shown in (b) in Figure 5, if the second surface is provided with magnetic powder, only roller ③ and roller ⑥ are in contact with the second surface, that is, roller ③ and roller ⑥ are in contact with the magnetic powder coating surface, and roller ①, roller ②, roller ④, roller ⑤, roller ⑦ and roller ⑧ are not in contact with the magnetic powder coating surface, effectively reducing belt wear.

[0123] Optionally, the tape drive further includes a head drive connected to the magnetic head and configured to drive the magnetic head to move in a first direction parallel to the width of the tape. The head drive is disposed on the first surface, and the magnetic head is disposed on the second surface; alternatively, the tape is disposed between the head drive and the magnetic head. By separating the head drive and the magnetic head and arranging them on opposite surfaces of the tape, the layout limitations of arranging both the head drive and the magnetic head on the magnetic powder-coated surface are overcome, thereby improving the flexibility of the magnetic head layout and the space utilization of the tape drive.

[0124] For example, as shown in FIG. 5( b ), the magnetic head driver 461 is connected to the magnetic head 460 . The magnetic head driver 461 is disposed on the first surface, and the magnetic head 460 is disposed on the second surface.

[0125] In some other embodiments, the tape drive further includes a first motor and a second motor, wherein the first motor is used to drive the first tape reel to rotate, and the second motor is used to drive the second tape reel to rotate.

[0126] Optionally, the first tape reel is hollow, and the first motor is located in the first tape reel. The second tape reel is hollow, and the second motor is located in the second tape reel. For example, as shown in FIG6 , tape drive 400 further includes a motor 480 located in the first tape reel. It is understood that since the first and second tape reels are stacked together, only one motor 480 is shown here. In actual applications, a motor is disposed in the hollow space of each of the two tape reels.

[0127] Therefore, by locating the motor in the hollow center of the tape reel, the space of the tape drive occupied by the motor is saved, the size of the tape drive is reduced, the tape drive is miniaturized, and the capacity density of the tape drive is improved.

[0128] In other embodiments, the tape drive also includes: a shell, a first tape reel, a second tape reel, a tape body, a magnetic head and a roller structure are arranged in the shell; the roller structure includes a first roller structure and a second roller structure; multiple corners are formed in the shell; the first roller structure is located in the shell near the first corner; the second roller structure is located in the shell near the second corner.

[0129] For example, as shown in FIG7 , tape drive 400 further includes a square housing 490. Rollers ①, ②, and ③ are located at a first corner of housing 490; rollers ⑥, ⑦, and ⑧ are located at a second corner of housing 490. Rollers ④, ⑤, and magnetic head 460 are located at a third corner of housing 490.

[0130] Therefore, the positions of the four corners are fully utilized to set the magnetic head and roller structure, further reducing the size of the tape drive, making the tape drive miniaturized, and improving the capacity density of the tape drive.

[0131] It should be noted that the above embodiment is an example of a tape drive, and the tape drive may further include other structural components, for example, the tape drive may further include a controller to control the rotation of the tape reel and the rotation of the roller in the roller structure.

[0132] In other embodiments, the first and second tape reels rotate about two rotational axes, respectively. Specifically, the first and second tape reels are arranged in a partially stacked arrangement, with the first and second tape reels partially stacked. The first tape reel is capable of rotating about the first rotational axis, and the second tape reel is capable of rotating about the second rotational axis. The first and second rotational axes do not coincide. The size of the first and second tape reels can be the same or different.

[0133] For example, FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another tape reel stacking layout provided by the present application. The size of the tape reel 210 in FIG8 (a) to (c) is equal to the size of the tape reel 220. FIG8 (a) shows a front view of the tape reel stacking layout. The tape reel 210 is arranged along a first rotation axis 230 and is capable of rotating about the first rotation axis 230. The tape reel 220 is arranged along a second rotation axis 240 and is capable of rotating about the first rotation axis 240. The tape reel 210 is located above the tape reel 220. The tape reel 210 and the tape reel 220 are wound around a tape body 250. FIG8 (b) shows a top view of the tape reel stacking layout. FIG8 (c) shows a side view of the tape reel stacking layout. For ease of understanding, the size of the tape reel 210 in FIG8 (d) to (f) is smaller than the size of the tape reel 220. FIG8( d ) shows a front view of the stacked reels. Reel 210 has fewer tapes 250 wound around it than reel 220. FIG8( e ) shows a top view of the stacked reels. The circular ring of tape 250 wound around reel 210 is smaller than the circular ring of tape 250 wound around reel 220. FIG8( f ) shows a side view of the stacked reels.

[0134] The arrangement of the two tape reels described in FIG8 can also be applied to the tape drive 400 described in the above embodiment. Other related explanations can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0135] In other embodiments, the magnetic tape in the tape drive and the tape drive can be separated. Understandably, magnetic tape can be loaded into or taken out from the tape drive to increase the storage capacity of the tape drive so as to change the magnetic tape.

[0136] For example, the magnetic tape includes a first take-up reel, which can rotate around a first rotation axis, wherein the first take-up reel is used to wind a tape body; the tape body is used to record data, and the tape body includes a fixed end and a movable end, wherein the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first take-up reel, and the movable end is used to connect to the second take-up reel in the tape drive when the magnetic tape is placed in the tape drive.

[0137] In one possible implementation, when a magnetic tape is disposed in a tape drive, a first tape reel and a second tape reel are stacked, and the tape drive includes a second tape reel, a magnetic head, and a roller structure. The first tape reel and the second tape reel are stacked. The second tape reel is configured to: wind the tape body after the movable end is connected to the second tape reel, and the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate. The magnetic head is disposed on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the magnetic head is configured to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body. The roller structure is disposed on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the roller structure is configured to support the tape body. The roller structure is also configured to gradually change the height of the tape body so that the height of the tape body is adapted to the first tape reel and the second tape reel.

[0138] The present application also provides a tape drive, comprising a tape loading port, a second tape reel, a magnetic head, and a roller structure; the tape loading port is used to load a magnetic tape into the tape drive or remove a magnetic tape from the tape drive, the magnetic tape comprising a first tape reel and a tape body; wherein the first tape reel is capable of rotating about a first rotation axis and is used to wind the tape body; the tape body is used to record data, and the tape body comprises a fixed end and a movable end, wherein the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first tape reel, and the movable end is used to connect to the second tape reel when the magnetic tape is placed in the tape drive; When a magnetic tape is set in a tape drive, a first tape reel and a second tape reel are stacked. The second tape reel is configured to: wind the tape body after a movable end is connected to the second tape reel, and the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel when the first and second tape reels rotate. A magnetic head is arranged on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first and second tape reels, and the magnetic head is configured to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body. A roller structure is arranged on the path where the tape body is transferred between the first and second tape reels, and the roller structure is configured to support the tape body. The roller structure is also configured to gradually change the height of the tape body so that the height of the tape body is adapted to the first and second tape reels.

[0139] For a detailed explanation of the tape and the tape drive, please refer to the description of the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0140] This application does not limit the tape loading method. For example, manual loading may involve manually winding the tape around a first reel and manually winding it around a second reel to facilitate movement of the tape from the first reel to the second reel, or alternatively, the tape wound around the second reel and then moved from the second reel to the first reel. Another example is automatic loading, where a tape is wound around a first reel and a controller controls a robotic arm to wind the tape around the first reel and then the second reel.

[0141] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device 900 provided in this application. As shown in FIG9 , computer device 900 includes a processor 910, a bus 920, a memory 930, a communication interface 940, a memory 950 (also referred to as a main memory unit), and a tape drive 960. Processor 910, memory 930, memory unit 950, and communication interface 940 are connected via bus 920.

[0142] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the processor 910 may be a CPU, but may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), ASICs, FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0143] The processor may also be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU), a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0144] The communication interface 940 is used to implement communication between the computer device 900 and external devices or components.

[0145] The bus 920 may include a path for transmitting information between the above-mentioned components (such as the processor 910, the memory 950, and the storage 930). In addition to the data bus, the bus 920 may also include a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, various buses are labeled as bus 920 in the figure. The bus 920 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, a unified bus (Ubus or UB), a compute express link (CXL), a cache coherent interconnect for accelerators (CCIX), etc. The bus 920 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc.

[0146] As an example, computer device 900 may include multiple processors. The processor may be a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or computing units for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0147] It is worth noting that FIG9 only takes the computer device 900 including one processor 910 and one memory 930 as an example. Here, the processor 910 and the memory 930 are respectively used to indicate a type of device or equipment. In a specific embodiment, the number of each type of device or equipment can be determined according to business requirements.

[0148] Memory 950 may be a volatile memory pool or a non-volatile memory pool, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0149] The memory 930 may be a disk, such as a mechanical hard disk or a solid-state drive.

[0150] The tape drive 960 may be an integrated tape drive as described in the above embodiments.

[0151] The computer device 900 may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. For example, the computer device 900 may be an edge device (e.g., a box carrying a chip with processing capabilities). Alternatively, the computer device 900 may be a server or other device with computing capabilities.

[0152] The present application provides a storage system, which includes a processor and the tape drive described in the above embodiment. The processor is used to generate data, and the tape drive is used to store data.

[0153] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiments of the present application is performed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instruction can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc (DVD); it can also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state drive (SSD). The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A tape drive, characterized in that: include: a first tape reel and a second tape reel, wherein the first tape reel and the second tape reel are arranged in a stacked arrangement, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are capable of rotating about respective rotation axes, the first tape reel is capable of rotating about a first rotation axis, the second tape reel is capable of rotating about a second rotation axis, and the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis may coincide or not coincide; A tape body, wherein the first tape reel and the second tape reel are used to wind the tape body, and when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel; A magnetic head, arranged on a path where the tape body is located on the transmission path of the first tape reel and the second tape reel, the magnetic head being used to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body; A roller structure is arranged on the path where the belt body is located on which the first and second belt reels transmit. The roller structure is used to support the belt body. The roller structure is also used to gradually change the height of the belt body so that the height of the belt body is adapted to the first and second belt reels.

2. The tape drive according to claim 1, characterized in that The roller structure comprises a first roller structure and a second roller structure; Along the direction of the first rotation axis, the first roller structure is arranged on one side of the magnetic head; the second roller structure is arranged on the other side of the magnetic head; The first roller structure is used to support the portion of the tape body located between the magnetic head and the first tape reel; The second roller structure is used to support the portion of the tape body located between the magnetic head and the second tape reel.

3. The tape drive according to claim 2, characterized in that The first roller structure includes at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis, and at least one roller arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis.

4. The tape drive according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rollers arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis include a first roller and a second roller; The rotation axis of the first roller is parallel to the rotation axis of the second roller; The belt body comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, wherein the first surface is closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface; The first roller supports the first surface; The second roller supports the second surface.

5. The tape drive according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rollers arranged parallel to the first rotation axis include a third roller and a fourth roller; The first roller and the second roller are located between the third roller and the fourth roller; The third roller supports the first surface; The fourth roller supports the first surface.

6. The tape drive according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: At least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis is arranged around the first rotation axis, and at least one roller arranged obliquely relative to the first rotation axis is arranged around the first rotation axis.

7. The tape drive according to claim 6, characterized in that: The height of at least one roller arranged parallel to the first rotation axis increases or decreases sequentially.

8. The tape drive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The belt body comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, wherein the first surface is closer to the first rotation axis than the second surface; The second surface is provided with magnetic powder; The first roller structure and the second roller structure each include a plurality of rollers; The number of rollers supporting the first surface is greater than the number of rollers supporting the second surface.

9. The tape drive according to claim 8, characterized in that The tape drive further comprises a head driver, the head driver is connected to the magnetic head, and the head driver is used to drive the magnetic head to move along a first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the tape body; The magnetic head is arranged on the second surface; The magnetic head driver is arranged on the first surface.

10. The tape drive according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The tape drive also includes: A housing, wherein the first tape reel, the second tape reel, the tape body, the magnetic head and the roller structure are all arranged in the housing; the roller structure comprises a first roller structure and a second roller structure; A plurality of corners are formed in the housing; The first roller structure is located in the housing near a first corner; The second roller structure is located in the housing near the first corner.

11. The tape drive according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The tape drive also includes a first motor and a second motor; The first motor is used to drive the first tape reel to rotate; The second motor is used for driving the second tape reel to rotate.

12. The tape drive according to claim 11, characterized in that The first tape reel is a hollow structure, and the first motor is located in the first tape reel; The second tape reel is a hollow structure, and the second motor is located in the second tape reel.

13. A magnetic tape, characterized in that: include: a first tape reel, the first tape reel being rotatable about a first rotation axis, wherein the first tape reel is used for winding a tape body; The tape body is used to record data, and the tape body includes a fixed end and a movable end, wherein the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first tape reel, and the movable end is used to connect to the second tape reel in the tape drive when the tape is placed in the tape drive.

14. The magnetic tape according to claim 13, characterized in that When the magnetic tape is arranged in a magnetic tape drive, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are arranged in a stacked manner, and the magnetic tape drive comprises a second tape reel, a magnetic head and a roller structure; The second tape reel is used to: wind the tape body after the mobile end is connected to the second tape reel, and when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel; The magnetic head is arranged on a path where the tape body is located on the transmission path of the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the magnetic head is used to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body; The roller structure is arranged on a path where the belt body is located on which the first belt reel and the second belt reel are transmitted, and the roller structure is used to support the belt body.

15. A tape drive, characterized in that: The tape drive comprises a tape loading port, a second tape reel, a magnetic head and a roller structure; The tape loading port is used to load a tape into the tape drive or take the tape out of the tape drive, wherein the tape comprises a first tape reel and a tape body; wherein the first tape reel can rotate around a first rotation axis, and the first tape reel is used to wind the tape body; The tape body is used to record data, and the tape body includes a fixed end and a movable end, wherein: the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first tape reel, and the movable end is used to connect to the second tape reel when the tape is placed in the tape drive; When the magnetic tape is arranged in the magnetic tape machine, the first tape reel and the second tape reel are arranged in a stacked manner; The second tape reel is used for: the mobile end is connected to the second tape reel and then the tape body is wound around the mobile end, and when the first tape reel and the second tape reel rotate, the tape body can be transferred from the first tape reel to the second tape reel; The magnetic head is arranged on a path where the tape body is located on the transmission path of the first tape reel and the second tape reel, and the magnetic head is used to perform a read operation or a write operation on the tape body; The roller structure is arranged on a path where the belt body is located on which the first belt reel and the second belt reel are transmitted, and the roller structure is used to support the belt body.

16. A storage system, characterized in that: The storage system comprises a processor and a tape drive according to any one of claims 1-12 and 15, wherein the processor is used to generate data, and the tape drive is used to store the data.

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