Disk device

Abstract

An embodiment provides a disk device capable of suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy of a magnetic head relative to a recording medium. The disk device of one embodiment includes a plurality of recording media, a plurality of magnetic heads, a spoiler, and a housing. The recording media each have a recording surface, are rotatable around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction intersecting the recording surface, and are arranged in the axial direction. The magnetic head is configured to read and write information to the plurality of recording media. The spoiler includes a plurality of first blades located in a plurality of gaps provided between the plurality of recording media. The housing is provided with an inner chamber for accommodating the plurality of recording media, the plurality of magnetic heads, and the spoiler. The number of the plurality of first blades is less than the number of the plurality of gaps.

Description

[0001] Related Application

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-49569 (filing date: March 24, 2021), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a disk device. Background Art

[0004] A disk drive, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), includes multiple recording media, multiple magnetic heads, and a spoiler housed in a housing. The magnetic heads read and write information from the recording media. The spoiler has fins positioned between the recording media to improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic heads relative to the recording media.

[0005] For example, it is sometimes difficult to arrange blades in all gaps between a plurality of recording media. In this case, for example, if the spoiler is omitted, the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head relative to the recording medium may be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a disk device capable of suppressing a decrease in the positioning accuracy of a magnetic head relative to a recording medium.

[0007] A disk device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of recording media, a plurality of magnetic heads, a spoiler, and a housing. The recording media each have a recording surface, are rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction intersecting the recording surface, and are arranged in the axial direction. The magnetic head is configured to read and write information from the plurality of recording media. The spoiler includes a plurality of first blades located in a plurality of gaps provided between the plurality of recording media. The housing is provided with an inner chamber for accommodating the plurality of recording media, the plurality of magnetic heads, and the spoiler. The number of the plurality of first blades is less than the number of the plurality of gaps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing a hard disk drive (HDD) according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is an exemplary perspective view showing the housing and the spoiler according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an illustrative plan view showing the housing, magnetic disk, and spoiler according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 The housing, disk and spoiler of the first embodiment are arranged along Figure 3An exemplary cross-sectional view is shown along line F4-F4.

[0012] Figure 5 The housing, disk and spoiler of the first embodiment are arranged along Figure 3 An exemplary cross-sectional view is shown along line F5-F5.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exemplary perspective view showing a housing and a spoiler according to a second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a housing, a magnetic disk, and a spoiler according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] (First embodiment)

[0016] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment is described. In this specification, components of an embodiment and descriptions of those components may sometimes be described using multiple expressions. These components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited to the descriptions in this specification. Components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing a hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to the first embodiment. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device and can also be called an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a magnetic disk device.

[0018] As shown in the drawings, in this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined for convenience. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is located along the width of the HDD 10. The Y-axis is located along the length of the HDD 10. The Z-axis is located along the thickness of the HDD 10.

[0019] In this specification, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X-axis, including the +X direction indicated by the arrow on the X-axis and the -X direction, which is the opposite direction of the X-axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y-axis, including the +Y direction indicated by the arrow on the Y-axis and the -Y direction, which is the opposite direction of the Y-axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z-axis, including the +Z direction indicated by the arrow on the Z-axis and the -Z direction, which is the opposite direction of the Z-axis arrow.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, HDD 10 includes a housing 11, multiple magnetic disks 12, a spindle motor 13, multiple magnetic heads 14, an actuator assembly 15, a voice coil motor (VCM) 16, a ramp loading mechanism 17, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 18, and a spoiler 19. The magnetic disks 12 are an example of a recording medium. The magnetic heads 14 can also be called sliders. The actuator assembly 15 is an example of an actuator.

[0021] Figure 2 1 is an illustrative perspective view showing the housing 11 and the spoiler 19 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 11 is formed in a rectangular box shape extending in the Y direction and open in the +Z direction. The housing 11 has a bottom wall 21, a peripheral wall 22, and an intermediate wall 23. The intermediate wall 23 is an example of a wall.

[0022] The bottom wall 21 is formed into a generally rectangular (quadrilateral) plate extending along the XY plane. The peripheral wall 22 projects from the edge of the bottom wall 21 in the generally +Z direction and is formed into a generally rectangular frame. The middle wall 23 projects from the bottom wall 21 in the generally +Z direction and is continuous with the peripheral wall 22. The bottom wall 21, peripheral wall 22, and middle wall 23 are integrally formed from a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0023] An inner chamber 25 is provided inside the housing 11. The inner chamber 25 is opened at the end 11a of the housing 11 in the +Z direction. The inner chamber 25 is formed (defined, divided) by, for example, a bottom wall 21 and a peripheral wall 22. The peripheral wall 22 surrounds the inner chamber 25. Figure 1 As shown, the inner chamber 25 accommodates a plurality of magnetic disks 12 , a spindle motor 13 , a plurality of magnetic heads 14 , an actuator assembly 15 , a VCM 16 , a ramp loading mechanism 17 , an FPC 18 , and a spoiler 19 .

[0024] Figure 3 It is an illustrative plan view showing the housing 11 , the magnetic disk 12 , and the spoiler 19 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The housing 11, magnetic disk 12 and spoiler 19 of the first embodiment are arranged along Figure 3 An exemplary cross-sectional view is shown along the F4-F4 line. Figure 4 As shown, the HDD 10 further includes a cover 27 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 28. The PCB 28 is an example of a substrate.

[0025] The cover 27 is formed of, for example, aluminum alloy into a substantially plate-like shape extending along the XY plane. Alternatively, the cover 27 may be made of other materials. The cover 27 is attached to the end 11 a of the housing 11 by, for example, welding. Thus, the cover 27 covers the inner chamber 25 .

[0026] The cover 27 of this embodiment seals the inner chamber 25 in a substantially airtight manner. The inner chamber 25 is filled with a gas different from air. For example, a low-density gas having a lower density than air, or an inert gas having low reactivity, may be filled into the inner chamber 25. In this embodiment, helium is filled into the inner chamber 25. Alternatively, other fluids may be filled into the inner chamber 25. Furthermore, the inner chamber 25 may be maintained at a vacuum, a low pressure close to a vacuum, or a negative pressure below atmospheric pressure.

[0027] The PCB 28 is, for example, a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate, a multi-layer substrate, a build-up substrate, etc. The PCB 28 is located outside the housing 11 and is mounted on the bottom wall 21 by screws, for example.

[0028] An interface connector for connecting to a host and a connector for connecting to the FPC 18 are mounted on the PCB 28. In addition, various memories such as a controller, RAM, ROM, and buffer memory, and other electronic components are mounted on the PCB 28.

[0029] Figure 1 The plurality of magnetic disks 12 shown are each formed into a disk shape extending along the XY plane. The diameter of the magnetic disk 12 is, for example, 3.5 inches, but is not limited to this example. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 each have, for example, at least one recording surface 12a and an outer edge 12b.

[0030] The recording surface 12a is provided on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, each of the multiple recording surfaces 12a is a surface of the magnetic disk 12 facing approximately the +Z direction or a surface of the magnetic disk 12 facing approximately the -Z direction. The recording surface 12a is a generally flat surface extending along the XY plane. The magnetic recording layer of the magnetic disk 12 is provided on the recording surface 12a. Alternatively, a portion of the recording surface 12a may not be provided with a magnetic recording layer. The outer edge 12b is the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic disk 12.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of magnetic disks 12 are stacked at intervals in the Z direction. Therefore, gaps G are provided between the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The spindle motor 13 has a hub that supports the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are held on the hub of the spindle motor 13 by, for example, clamp springs.

[0032] The spindle motor 13 rotates the plurality of magnetic disks 12 about a rotation axis Ax. The rotation axis Ax is a virtual axis serving as the center of rotation of the spindle motor 13 and is also the central axis of the magnetic disks 12 and the hub of the spindle motor 13. Furthermore, the central axis of the disk-shaped magnetic disks 12 and the central axis of the hub of the spindle motor 13 may be offset from the center of rotation of the spindle motor 13.

[0033] In this specification, the terms axial, radial, and circumferential are defined. The axial direction is the direction along the rotation axis Ax, including both one and another direction along the rotation axis Ax. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax, including multiple directions perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. The circumferential direction is the direction of rotation around the rotation axis Ax, including both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0034] The rotation axis Ax extends generally in the Z direction. That is, in this embodiment, the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax is generally in the Z direction, including the +Z direction and the -Z direction. Furthermore, the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax is perpendicular to (intersecting) the recording surface 12a. The magnetic disks 12 are rotatable about the axially extending rotation axis Ax and are arranged in the axial direction.

[0035] The outer edge 12b of the magnetic disk 12 is the end surface of the magnetic disk 12 radially outward from the rotation axis Ax and extends around the rotation axis Ax. In other words, the outer edge 12b extends circumferentially about the rotation axis Ax. The outer edge 12b faces radially outward. The diameter of the outer edge 12b is substantially constant. Furthermore, the center of the outer edge 12b may be offset from the rotation axis Ax.

[0036] Figure 1 The magnetic head 14 shown records and reproduces information on the recording surface 12a of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, the magnetic head 14 reads and writes information on the magnetic disk 12. The magnetic head 14 is mounted on an actuator assembly 15.

[0037] The actuator assembly 15 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 31 disposed at a position away from the magnetic disk 12. The support shaft 31 extends, for example, from the bottom wall 21 of the housing 11 in a substantially +Z direction. That is, the support shaft 31 extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis Ax.

[0038] The VCM 16 rotates the actuator assembly 15 to a desired position. When the magnetic head 14 moves to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 12 due to the rotation of the actuator assembly 15 by the VCM 16 , the ramp load mechanism 17 holds the magnetic head 14 at a position away from the magnetic disk 12 .

[0039] The actuator assembly 15 has an actuator block 35, a plurality of arms 36, and a plurality of head suspension assemblies 37. The head suspension assembly 37 can also be referred to as a head gimbal assembly (HGA).

[0040] The actuator block 35 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 31 via a bearing, for example. A plurality of arms 36 protrude from the actuator block 35 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support shaft 31. Alternatively, the actuator assembly 15 may be divided, with the arms 36 protruding from each of the plurality of actuator blocks 35.

[0041] The arms 36 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Each arm 36 is formed in a plate shape capable of entering the gap G between adjacent magnetic disks 12. The arms 36 extend substantially in parallel.

[0042] The actuator block 35 and the plurality of arms 36 are integrally formed of, for example, an aluminum alloy. Note that the materials of the actuator block 35 and the arms 36 are not limited to this example.

[0043] The voice coil of the VCM 16 is provided on a protrusion protruding from the actuator block 35 to the opposite side of the arm 36. The VCM 16 includes a pair of yokes, a voice coil disposed between the yokes, and a magnet provided on the yokes.

[0044] As described above, the VCM 16 rotates the actuator assembly 15. In other words, the VCM 16 rotates (moves) the actuator block 35, the arm 36, and the head gimbal assembly 37 integrally.

[0045] The head gimbal assemblies 37 are attached to the top ends of the corresponding arms 36 and protrude from the arms 36. As a result, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies 37 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of head gimbal assemblies 37 includes a base plate 41, a load rod 42, and a flexure 43.

[0046] The base plate 41 and the charging rod 42 are made of, for example, stainless steel. However, the materials of the base plate 41 and the charging rod 42 are not limited to this example. The base plate 41 is formed into a plate shape and is attached to the top end of the arm 36. The charging rod 42 is attached to the top end of the base plate 41 and protrudes from the base plate 41.

[0047] The flexible member 43 is formed into a long, narrow strip. The shape of the flexible member 43 is not limited to this example. The flexible member 43 is a laminated plate having a metal plate (backing layer) such as stainless steel, an insulating layer formed on the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and constituting a plurality of wirings (wiring patterns), and a protective layer (insulating layer) covering the conductive layer.

[0048] The flexure 43 is attached to the substrate 41 and the load rod 42. One end of the flexure 43 has a universal joint (elastic support portion) that is located on the load rod 42 and can be displaced. The magnetic head 14 is mounted on this universal joint. The flexure 43 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 14.

[0049] The actuator assembly 15 is rotated by the VCM 16, and the magnetic head 14 mounted on the gimbal portion of the actuator assembly 15 also moves around the support shaft 31. Thus, the actuator assembly 15 and the VCM 16 move the magnetic head 14 along the recording surface 12a of the magnetic disk 12.

[0050] The FPC 18 includes a mounting portion 18a and a flexible portion 18b. The mounting portion 18a is provided at one end of the FPC 18. The mounting portion 18a is attached to the bottom wall 21 of the housing 11, for example, using screws. The flexible portion 18b is formed into a generally strip-like shape and extends from the mounting portion 18a. The end of the flexible portion 18b is attached to the actuator block 35 of the actuator assembly 15, for example, using screws.

[0051] The mounting portion 18a is electrically connected to a connector of the PCB 28 via a connector provided on the bottom wall 21. The flexible portion 18b is connected to the flexure 43 of the actuator assembly 15. Thus, the FPC 18 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 14 via the flexure 43.

[0052] Hereinafter, the structure of the HDD 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 2 As shown, the inner chamber 25 includes a first chamber 25a and a second chamber 25b. The first chamber 25a is, for example, a substantially cylindrical portion of the inner chamber 25 centered on the rotation axis Ax. The second chamber 25b is the portion of the inner chamber 25 excluding the first chamber 25a. The inner chamber 25 is not limited to this example.

[0053] The first chamber 25a and the second chamber 25b are arranged in the Y direction and communicate with each other. For example, the second chamber 25b is spaced apart from the center of the first chamber 25a, i.e., the rotation axis Ax, in the -Y direction. The end of the second chamber 25b in the +Y direction communicates with the end of the first chamber 25a in the -Y direction. Both the first chamber 25a and the second chamber 25b are open at the end 11a of the housing 11.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the first chamber 25a houses a plurality of magnetic disks 12 and a spindle motor 13. The second chamber 25b houses a VCM 16, a ramp loading mechanism 17, an FPC 18 including a mounting portion 18a and a flexible portion 18b, and a spoiler 19. For example, the magnetic head 14 and the actuator assembly 15 can move across the first chamber 25a and the second chamber 25b.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 11 has an inner peripheral surface 22a and an inner surface 22b. The inner peripheral surface 22a is an example of a second inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface 22a and the inner surface 22b are continuous with each other and face the inner chamber 25.

[0056] The inner peripheral surface 22a is an arc-shaped curved surface extending around the rotation axis Ax. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 22a is arranged substantially concentrically (coaxially) with the outer edge 12b of the magnetic disk 12. The center of the inner peripheral surface 22a may be offset from the rotation axis Ax.

[0057] The inner peripheral surface 22a is interrupted at approximately the center of the housing 11 in the Y direction and is formed into a substantially C-shape. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 22a has two ends 22c and 22d in the circumferential direction. The inner surface 22b is connected to the ends 22c and 22d of the inner peripheral surface 22a.

[0058] Figure 5 The housing 11, magnetic disk 12 and spoiler 19 of the first embodiment are arranged along Figure 3 An exemplary cross-sectional view is shown along the F5-F5 line. Figure 5 As shown, the middle wall 23 of the housing 11 includes an inner peripheral surface 23a and a support surface 23b. The inner peripheral surface 23a is an example of a first inner peripheral surface.

[0059] The inner peripheral surface 23a is an arc-shaped curved surface extending around the rotation axis Ax. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 23a is arranged approximately concentrically (coaxially) with the outer edge 12b of the magnetic disk 12 and the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22. In addition, the center of the inner peripheral surface 23a may be offset from the rotation axis Ax.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22. The inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 extends continuously from the end 22c of the inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 23a extends from the inner circumferential surface 22a around the rotation axis Ax.

[0061] The length of the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 in the Z direction is shorter than the length of the inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 in the Z direction. Therefore, a portion of the inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 is interrupted at the end 22c, and another portion of the inner circumferential surface 22a is continuous with the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23.

[0062] The support surface 23b is provided at the end of the middle wall 23 in the +Z direction. The support surface 23b is formed to be substantially flat and faces the +Z direction (axial direction). The support surface 23b is not limited to this example. The support surface 23b is closer to the end 11a of the housing 11 than the bottom wall 21. Furthermore, the bottom wall 21 may have a portion closer to the end 11a than the support surface 23b.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall 21 has a first bottom surface 21a, a second bottom surface 21b, a first outer surface 21c, and a second outer surface 21d. The first bottom surface 21a and the second bottom surface 21b face the interior of the housing 11. The first outer surface 21c and the second outer surface 21d face the exterior of the housing 11.

[0064] The first bottom surface 21a is the bottom surface of the first chamber 25a in the Z direction. The first bottom surface 21a is formed into a substantially flat, generally annular shape, facing the +Z direction. The second bottom surface 21b is the bottom surface of the second chamber 25b in the Z direction. Furthermore, the first bottom surface 21a and the second bottom surface 21b may also have concave and convex portions.

[0065] The first bottom surface 21a faces the magnetic disk 12 housed in the first chamber 25a. The mounting portion 18a of the FPC 18 is mounted on the second bottom surface 21b via, for example, a boss or a spacer. A connector connected to the FPC 18 is provided on the second bottom surface 21b.

[0066] In the axial direction, the distance between the first bottom surface 21a and the end 11a of the housing 11 is longer than the distance between the second bottom surface 21b and the end 11a of the housing 11. That is, the first chamber 25a is recessed deeper from the end 11a of the housing 11 than the second chamber 25b.

[0067] The first outer surface 21c is located opposite the first bottom surface 21a. The second outer surface 21d is located opposite the second bottom surface 21b. The second outer surface 21d is recessed from the first outer surface 21c in the +Z direction, for example. Therefore, the second outer surface 21d is closer to the end 11a of the housing 11 than the first outer surface 21c.

[0068] The first bottom surface 21a of the bottom wall 21, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22, the inner peripheral surface 23a of the middle wall 23, and the cover 27 form (define, partition) a first chamber 25a of the inner chamber 25. Therefore, the first chamber 25a is surrounded by the inner peripheral surfaces 22a and 23a.

[0069] The second bottom surface 21b of the bottom wall 21, the inner surface 22b of the peripheral wall 22, and the cover 27 form (define, partition) the second chamber 25b of the inner chamber 25. Therefore, the second chamber 25b is surrounded by the inner surface 22b.

[0070] The PCB 28 covers the second outer surface 21d of the bottom wall 21. Radially, the PCB 28 is spaced apart from the first outer surface 21c of the bottom wall 21. The PCB 28 is housed in a portion of the housing 11 that is recessed in the +Z direction from the first outer surface 21c. Consequently, the PCB 28 is radially spaced apart from the plurality of magnetic disks 12. In other words, when viewed from above in the axial direction, the PCB 28 is positioned offset from the magnetic disks 12.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the spoiler 19 includes a cylindrical portion 51, a wall portion 52, a plurality of fins 53, and a plurality of filters 54. The cylindrical portion 51, the wall portion 52, and the fins 53 are, for example, integrally formed.

[0072] The cylindrical portion 51 is attached to the middle wall 23 of the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 further includes a mounting shaft 56 for attaching the cylindrical portion 51. The mounting shaft 56 is an example of a shaft. The mounting shaft 56 is attached to the middle wall 23 so as to protrude from the support surface 23b and extend in the axial direction. For example, the end of the mounting shaft 56 is inserted into a hole opened in the support surface 23b. The axial length (height) of the middle wall 23 is set so that the inner surface of the hole can retain the mounting shaft 56.

[0073] The cylindrical portion 51 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. Thus, an axially extending hole 51a is provided inside the cylindrical portion 51. By fitting a mounting shaft 56 into the hole 51a, the cylindrical portion 51 is rotatably mounted to the center wall 23 about the mounting shaft 56. The spoiler 19 is not limited to this example and may also be mounted to the housing 11 using other means such as adhesive.

[0074] The wall portion 52 extends from the cylindrical portion 51 around the rotation axis Ax. Axially, the wall portion 52 is located between the support surface 23b of the middle wall 23 and the cover 27. The cylindrical portion 51 and the wall portion 52 are supported by the support surface 23b of the middle wall 23. The support surface 23b thus supports the spoiler 19. The wall portion 52 and the plurality of magnetic disks 12 are adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax, with a gap therebetween.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the wall portion 52 has an inner peripheral surface 52a. The inner peripheral surface 52a is an example of a side surface. The inner peripheral surface 52a is an arc-shaped curved surface extending around the rotation axis Ax. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 52a is arranged approximately concentrically (coaxially) with the outer edge 12b of the magnetic disk 12, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22, and the inner peripheral surface 23a of the middle wall 23. In addition, the center of the inner peripheral surface 52a may deviate from the rotation axis Ax. In addition, the inner peripheral surface 52a may also be formed in other shapes.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 52a of the wall portion 52 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22. Figure 4 As shown, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23. Alternatively, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 52a may be different from the diameters of the inner circumferential surfaces 22a and 23a. The diameters of the inner circumferential surfaces 22a, 23a, and 52a of the peripheral wall 22, middle wall 23, and wall portion 52 are each slightly longer than the diameter of the outer edges 12b of the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0077] The inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 and the inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52 are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax. Figure 3As shown, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 and the inner peripheral surface 52a of the wall portion 52 are arranged with a gap therebetween in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis Ax. Alternatively, the inner peripheral surfaces 22a and 52a may be adjacent to each other without a gap.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of blades 53 protrude from the inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52. The plurality of blades 53 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax. The intervals between the plurality of blades 53 in the axial direction are substantially equal to the intervals between the plurality of magnetic disks 12 in the axial direction.

[0079] Each of the plurality of blades 53 is formed in a substantially plate-like shape, for example, extending along the XY plane. The blades 53 are arranged substantially parallel to the magnetic disk 12. The blades 53 are not limited to this example.

[0080] Figure 2 The plurality of filters 54 shown are provided on the inner peripheral surface 52a of the wall portion 52. The plurality of filters 54 are located between the plurality of blades 53 in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax. The filters 54 collect dust in the inner chamber 25, for example.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the HDD 10 of this embodiment includes, for example, ten magnetic disks 12 and nine blades 53. However, the HDD 10 is not limited to this example and may include more or fewer magnetic disks 12 than ten. Furthermore, the HDD 10 may include more or fewer blades 53 than nine.

[0082] In this embodiment, the ten magnetic disks 12 include nine first magnetic disks 61 and one second magnetic disk 62. The first magnetic disk 61 is an example of a plurality of first recording media, and the second magnetic disk 62 is an example of a second recording medium.

[0083] The second magnetic disk 62 is one of the ten magnetic disks 12. The first magnetic disk 61 is the remaining magnetic disk 12. The magnetic disk 12 may include a plurality of second magnetic disks 62.

[0084] The nine first magnetic disks 61 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax. The second magnetic disk 62 is spaced apart from the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 in the -Z direction. In other words, the second magnetic disk 62 is spaced apart from the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 in the axial direction. Furthermore, if the magnetic disk 12 includes a plurality of second magnetic disks 62, the plurality of second magnetic disks 62 are also spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0085] The second magnetic disk 62 is located between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the bottom wall 21. That is, the second magnetic disk 62 includes one of the plurality of magnetic disks 12 that is closest to the bottom wall 21.

[0086] The first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disk 62 are identical magnetic disks 12. Therefore, the first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disk 62 each have a recording surface 12a and an outer edge 12b. Alternatively, the first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disk 62 may be different from each other.

[0087] In this embodiment, nine gaps G are provided between the ten magnetic disks 12. The nine gaps G include eight first gaps G1 and one second gap G2. The first gaps G1 are gaps provided between the nine first magnetic disks 61, among the plurality of gaps G. The second gap G2 is a gap provided between the second magnetic disk 62 and the one of the plurality of gaps G that is closest to the bottom wall 21 among the plurality of first magnetic disks 61.

[0088] In the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the lengths (widths) of the plurality of first gaps G1 and the second gaps G2 are substantially equal. The distance between the second magnetic disk 62 and the bottom wall 21 is shorter than the first gaps G1 and the second gaps G2.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 faces the outer edges 12b of the multiple magnetic disks 12. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 22a faces the outer edges 12b of the nine first magnetic disks 61 and the outer edge 12b of the single second magnetic disk 62. The inner circumferential surface 22a covers the outer edges 12b of the multiple magnetic disks 12 from the outside in the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface 22a extends slightly away from the outer edges 12b of the multiple magnetic disks 12.

[0090] The inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 functions as a so-called shroud. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 22a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the first and second magnetic disks 61, 62, thereby suppressing turbulence in the helium gas. The distance between the inner circumferential surface 22a and the outer edges 12b of the first and second magnetic disks 61, 62 is set so that the inner circumferential surface 22a can suppress turbulence.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 faces the outer edge 12b of one second magnetic disk 62 and the second gap G2. The inner circumferential surface 23a covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 from the outside in the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface 23a is slightly spaced apart from the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 and extends along the outer edge 12b. Meanwhile, in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the inner circumferential surface 23a is spaced apart from the outer edges 12b of the nine first magnetic disks 61 and the first gap G1.

[0092] The inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 functions as a shield. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the second magnetic disk 62, thereby suppressing turbulence of the helium gas. The distance between the inner circumferential surface 23a and the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 is set so that the inner circumferential surface 23a can suppress turbulence.

[0093] In the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the length of the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 is longer than the length (width) of one of the plurality of gaps G. In the present embodiment, in the axial direction, the length of the inner circumferential surface 23a is longer than the sum of the width of one of the plurality of gaps G and the length (thickness) of one of the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0094] The inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52 faces the outer edges 12b of the nine first magnetic disks 61 and the first gap G1. The inner circumferential surface 52a covers the outer edges 12b of the first magnetic disks 61 from the outside in the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface 52a is slightly spaced apart from the outer edges 12b of the first magnetic disks 61 and extends along these edges. Meanwhile, in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the inner circumferential surface 52a is spaced apart from the outer edge 12b of the single second magnetic disk 62 and the second gap G2.

[0095] The inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52 functions as a shield. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 52a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the first magnetic disk 61, thereby suppressing turbulence of the helium gas. The distance between the inner circumferential surface 52a and the outer edge 12b of the first magnetic disk 61 is set so that the inner circumferential surface 52a can suppress turbulence.

[0096] In this embodiment, the nine blades 53 include eight first blades 65 and one second blade 66. In other words, the spoiler 19 includes the first blade 65 and the second blade 66. The first blade 65 is an example of a first blade and a blade.

[0097] The second blade 66 is one of the nine blades 53. The first blade 65 is the remaining blade 53. Both the first blade 65 and the second blade 66 protrude from the inner peripheral surface 52a of the wall portion 52. The blade 53 may also be configured without the second blade 66.

[0098] The eight first blades 65 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax. The second blade 66 is spaced apart from the plurality of first blades 65 in the +Z direction. In other words, the second blade 66 is spaced apart from the plurality of first blades 65 in the axial direction.

[0099] The eight first blades 65 are located in eight first gaps G1 of the nine gaps G. In other words, a corresponding one of the eight first blades 65 is positioned in each of the eight first gaps G1. Thus, the plurality of first blades 65 are located in the plurality of gaps G. Meanwhile, the eight first blades 65 do not enter the second gaps G2 and are located outside the second gaps G2.

[0100] The eight first blades 65 have substantially the same shape. Therefore, the lengths of the first blades 65 in the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax are substantially the same. Alternatively, the shapes of the first blades 65 may be different from each other.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, the second blade 66 is located between the cover 27 and the plurality of magnetic disks 12. On the other hand, the second blade 66 does not enter the gap G between the plurality of magnetic disks 12 and is located outside the gap G. In the radial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the length of the second blade 66 is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of first blades 65. The shape of the second blade 66 is not limited to this example.

[0102] As described above, the first blade 65 enters the first gap G1 of the gaps G but does not enter the second gap G2. Furthermore, the second blade 66 does not enter any of the gaps G. Therefore, the number of blades 53 entering the gaps G, i.e., the number of first blades 65 (8), is less than the number of gaps G (9). Alternatively, the number of first blades 65 (8) is equal to or less than the number (10-2) obtained by subtracting 2 from the number of disks 12 (10).

[0103] As described above, the number of magnetic disks 12 is 10, and the number of first blades 65 disposed between the magnetic disks 12 is 8. In other words, if the number of magnetic disks 12 is n, the number of first blades 65 is (n-2) or less. Note that (n-2) refers to the number of first blades 65 disposed between the magnetic disks 12 and does not include the number of second blades 66 located outside the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0104] The first blade 65, located in the first gap G1, regulates the flow of helium gas within the inner chamber 25 within the first gap G1, suppressing turbulence in the helium gas. This suppresses disk flutter, the shaking of the first magnetic disk 61. Furthermore, the first blade 65 prevents the flow of helium gas from colliding with the magnetic head 14 located in the first gap G1. This improves the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the first magnetic disk 61.

[0105] On the other hand, none of the multiple blades 53 are located in the second gap G2 adjacent to the second magnetic disk 62. However, the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23, acting as a shield, covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 from the radially outward direction of the rotation axis Ax. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a regulates the flow of helium gas around the second magnetic disk 62, suppressing the generation of turbulent helium gas flow. Consequently, the inner circumferential surface 23a suppresses disk vibration caused by the shaking of the second magnetic disk 62, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62.

[0106] In the inner chamber 25 filled with helium, the effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 achieved by the inner peripheral surface 23a (shield) is sometimes greater than the effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 achieved by the first blade 65. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can omit the arrangement of the blade 53 in the second gap G2 while improving the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to all the magnetic disks 12.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the spoiler 19 is mounted to the housing 11, for example, as follows. First, the mounting shaft 56 is inserted into the hole 51a of the cylindrical portion 51 of the spoiler 19, and the cylindrical portion 51 is supported on the supporting surface 23b of the middle wall 23. At this time, the plurality of blades 53 are located outside the gap G. Next, the spoiler 19 is rotated around the mounting shaft 56, and the plurality of first blades 65 are inserted into the plurality of first gaps G1. As a result, the first blades 65 are arranged in the first gaps G1, and the wall portion 52 is supported on the supporting surface 23b of the middle wall 23. In this state, the spoiler 19 is fixed to the housing 11, for example, by screws. In addition, the spoiler 19 can also be mounted to the housing 11 by other methods.

[0108] In the HDD 10 of the first embodiment described above, the spoiler 19 includes a plurality of first blades 65 located in the gaps G between the multiple disks 12. The rotation of the disks 12 generates a flow of the fluid (helium) within the inner chamber 25. The first blades 65 of the spoiler 19 suppress turbulence in the gaps G between the multiple disks 12, thereby reducing disk wobble caused by the disks 12. Furthermore, the first blades 65 prevent the fluid from impacting the magnetic head 14 located between the multiple disks 12. This improves the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the disks 12. On the other hand, for example, when the number of disks 12 is large, the number of first blades 65 also increases, and the axial length of the spoiler 19 also increases. However, the axial dimension of the HDD 10 may sometimes be limited, for example by specifications. Therefore, when the number of disks 12 is large, it may be difficult to arrange the first blades 65 in all the gaps G, depending on the structure of the spoiler 19 and the housing 11. For example, in order to support the mounting shaft 56, the middle wall 23 has a predetermined length in the axial direction. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface 52a of the spoiler 19 will be separated from the second gap G2, and the first blade 65 protruding from the inner circumferential surface 52a will be difficult to be arranged in the second gap G2. In contrast, in the HDD 10 of this embodiment, the number of the plurality of first blades 65 is less than the number of the plurality of gaps G. In other words, the first blade 65 is not arranged in at least one of the plurality of gaps G. However, the first blade 65 is arranged in the remaining plurality of gaps G. Therefore, the HDD 10 can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the desired first disk 61 among the plurality of disks 12 by using the first blade 65 without significantly changing the structure of the spoiler 19 and the housing 11. On the other hand, the HDD 10 can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second disk 62 by using other structures.

[0109] The spoiler 19 has an inner circumferential surface 52a facing the outer edges 12b of the plurality of first magnetic disks 61. A plurality of first blades 65 protrude from the inner circumferential surface 52a and are located in a plurality of first gaps G1 disposed between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61, and outside a second gap G2 disposed between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and at least one second magnetic disk 62, among the plurality of gaps G. The housing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 23a axially aligned with the inner circumferential surface 52a, extending about the rotation axis Ax, and facing the outer edge 12b of at least one second magnetic disk 62. Specifically, the first blades 65 are disposed in the plurality of first gaps G1, but not in the second gaps G2. The positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 can be improved by having the plurality of first blades 65 disposed in the plurality of first gaps G1. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential surface 23a extending about the rotation axis Ax faces the second magnetic disk 62. That is, the inner circumferential surface 23a is an arc-shaped curved surface that is approximately concentric with the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 and covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a functions as a so-called shield, thereby regulating the flow of fluid near the second magnetic disk 62 and suppressing the generation of turbulence. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a can suppress disk vibration of the second magnetic disk 62. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface 23a can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62. As described above, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62 without arranging the first blade 65 in the second gap G2.

[0110] The housing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 22a that extends about the rotation axis Ax and faces the outer edges 12b of the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and at least one second magnetic disk 62. An inner circumferential surface 23a extends from the inner circumferential surface 22a about the rotation axis Ax. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 23a facing the second magnetic disk 62 and the inner circumferential surface 22a facing both the first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disk 62 are continuous and uninterrupted. Consequently, the inner circumferential surface 23a and the inner circumferential surface 22a can more effectively suppress fluid flow disturbances near the second magnetic disk 62.

[0111] The housing 11 includes a middle wall 23 having an inner circumferential surface 23a and an axially extending mounting shaft 56. The middle wall 23 has an axially oriented support surface 23b that supports the spoiler 19. The mounting shaft 56 is mounted on the middle wall 23 so as to protrude from the support surface 23b. The spoiler 19 is provided with an axially extending hole 51a, and the mounting shaft 56 is inserted into the hole 51a so as to be rotatable about the mounting shaft 56. Thus, the spoiler 19 can easily insert the plurality of first blades 65 into the plurality of gaps G by rotating about the mounting shaft 56. Furthermore, since the middle wall 23 has a thickness sufficient to form the inner circumferential surface 23a, it can reliably support the mounting shaft 56.

[0112] In the axial direction, the length of the inner circumferential surface 23a is longer than the length of one of the plurality of gaps G. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a can face the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 and the second gap G2. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 23a can cover the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62 and the second gap G2, thereby stably suppressing turbulence in the flow of the fluid near the second magnetic disk 62.

[0113] The number of the plurality of magnetic disks 12 is 10 or more. As described above, when the number of magnetic disks 12 is large, it may be difficult to arrange the first blades 65 in all of the gaps G depending on the structure of the spoiler 19 and the housing 11. However, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the desired first magnetic disk 61 among the plurality of magnetic disks 12 by using the first blades 65 without significantly changing the structure of the spoiler 19 and the housing 11.

[0114] The inner chamber 25 is filled with helium. By filling the inner chamber 25 with helium, the shield such as the inner peripheral surface 23 a can suppress the disk vibration of the magnetic disk 12 more effectively than when the inner chamber 25 is filled with air.

[0115] The PCB 28 is located outside the housing 11 and spaced apart from the multiple magnetic disks 12 in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. In other words, the PCB 28 does not overlap with the multiple magnetic disks 12 in the axial direction and avoids the multiple magnetic disks 12 in the radial direction. This allows the maximum number of magnetic disks 12 to be arranged within the wider range of the axial dimensions of the HDD 10. In other words, the HDD 10 can prevent the number of magnetic disks 12 from being restricted by the PCB 28.

[0116] The inner chamber 25 includes a first chamber 25a for accommodating multiple disks 12, and a second chamber 25b that accommodates the spoiler 19 and the mounting portion 18a for the FPC 18 and is connected to the first chamber 25a. The housing 11 includes an axial end 11a where the first and second chambers 25a, 25b, are open, a first bottom surface 21a of the first chamber 25a axially facing the multiple disks 12, and a second bottom surface 21b of the second chamber 25b axially mounted with the mounting portion 18a. In the axial direction, the distance between the first bottom surface 21a and the end 11a is longer than the distance between the second bottom surface 21b and the end 11a. In other words, the first chamber 25a is deeper than the second chamber 25b. This allows the first chamber 25a to accommodate a larger number of disks 12.

[0117] The spoiler 19 includes second blades 66 positioned between the cover 27 and the plurality of magnetic disks 12. In a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax, the lengths of the plurality of first blades 65 are equal, and the lengths of the second blades 66 are shorter than the lengths of the plurality of first blades 65. This prevents the second blades 66 from interfering with the cover 27. Furthermore, the plurality of first blades 65 can equally suppress the generation of turbulent flow in the gaps G between the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0118] (Second embodiment)

[0119] Below, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same functions as components already described are assigned the same reference numerals as those already described, and their descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, multiple components assigned the same reference numerals do not necessarily all share the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties depending on the embodiment.

[0120] Figure 6 It is an exemplary perspective view showing the housing 11 and the spoiler 19 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the housing 11, the magnetic disk 12, and the spoiler 19 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the HDD 10 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, ten magnetic disks 12 and eight blades 53 .

[0121] In the second embodiment, the ten magnetic disks 12 include eight first magnetic disks 61 and two second magnetic disks 62. Hereinafter, the two second magnetic disks 62 are sometimes separately referred to as second magnetic disks 62A and 62B. Second magnetic disk 62A is an example of a second recording medium. Second magnetic disk 62B is an example of both a second recording medium and a third recording medium.

[0122] The second magnetic disks 62 are two adjacent magnetic disks among the ten magnetic disks 12. The two second magnetic disks 62 are spaced apart in the -Z direction (axial direction) from the plurality of first magnetic disks 61. The second magnetic disk 62B is located between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the second magnetic disk 62A.

[0123] The first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B are identical magnetic disks 12. Therefore, the first magnetic disk 61 and the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B each have a recording surface 12a and an outer edge 12b.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the nine gaps G include seven first gaps G1, one third gap G3, and one fourth gap G4. The third gap G3 is an example of a second gap and an example of a third gap.

[0125] The third gap G3 is a gap provided between the second magnetic disk 62B and one of the first magnetic disks 61 closest to the bottom wall 21 . The fourth gap G4 is a gap provided between the second magnetic disk 62A and the second magnetic disk 62B .

[0126] In the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the lengths (widths) of the plurality of first gaps G1, the lengths (widths) of the third gaps G3, and the lengths (widths) of the fourth gaps G4 are substantially equal. Furthermore, the distance between the second magnetic disk 62A and the bottom wall 21 is shorter than the first gaps G1, the third gaps G3, and the fourth gaps G4.

[0127] The inner circumferential surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22 faces the outer edges 12b of the eight first magnetic disks 61 and the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B. The inner circumferential surface 22a functions as a so-called shield. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 22a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the first magnetic disks 61 and the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B, suppressing turbulence.

[0128] The inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23 faces the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62A and the fourth gap G4. Meanwhile, in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the inner circumferential surface 23a is spaced away from the outer edges 12b of the eight first magnetic disks 61 and the second magnetic disk 62B. The inner circumferential surface 23a functions as a shield. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the second magnetic disk 62A, suppressing turbulence.

[0129] The inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52 faces the outer edges 12b of the eight first magnetic disks 61 and the single second magnetic disk 62B, the first gap G1, and the third gap G3. Meanwhile, in the axial direction of the rotation axis Ax, the inner circumferential surface 52a is spaced apart from the outer edge 12b of the single second magnetic disk 62A. The inner circumferential surface 52a functions as a shield. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 52a regulates the flow of helium gas in the inner chamber 25 near the first magnetic disks 61 and the second magnetic disks 62B, suppressing the generation of turbulence.

[0130] In the second embodiment, the eight blades 53 include seven first blades 65 and one second blade 66. The seven first blades 65 are located in seven first gaps G1 of the nine gaps G. On the other hand, the seven first blades 65 do not enter the third gap G3 or the fourth gap G4. The first blade 65 is located outside the third gap G3 and outside the fourth gap G4.

[0131] As described above, the first blade 65 enters the first gap G1 of the gaps G, but does not enter the third gap G3 or the fourth gap G4. Furthermore, the second blade 66 does not enter any of the gaps G. Therefore, the number of blades 53 entering the gaps G, i.e., the number of first blades 65 (7), is less than the number of gaps G (9). Furthermore, assuming the number of magnetic disks 12 is n, the number of first blades 65 is less than (n-2).

[0132] None of the multiple blades 53 are located in the fourth gap G4 adjacent to the second magnetic disk 62A. However, the inner circumferential surface 23a of the middle wall 23, acting as a shield, covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62A from the radially outward direction of the rotation axis Ax. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 23a regulates the flow of helium gas around the second magnetic disk 62A, suppressing turbulence and, in turn, disc vibration caused by the shaking of the second magnetic disk 62A. Consequently, the inner circumferential surface 23a improves the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62A.

[0133] Furthermore, none of the multiple blades 53 are located in the third gap G3 and the fourth gap G4 adjacent to the second magnetic disk 62B. However, the inner circumferential surface 52a of the wall portion 52, acting as a shield, covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62B from the radially outward direction of the rotation axis Ax. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 52a regulates the flow of helium gas around the second magnetic disk 62B, suppressing turbulence and, consequently, disc vibration caused by the shaking of the second magnetic disk 62B. Consequently, the inner circumferential surface 23a improves the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62B.

[0134] like Figure 6 As shown, in the second embodiment, a portion of the wall portion 52 extends from the cylindrical portion 51 toward the peripheral wall 22. The inner peripheral surface 52a of the wall portion 52 is adjacent to the inner peripheral surface 22a of the peripheral wall 22, either without a gap or with a slight gap therebetween. Thus, the spoiler 19 can prevent the gap between the inner peripheral surfaces 22a and 52a from reducing the shield's ability to suppress disc vibration.

[0135] In the HDD 10 of the second embodiment described above, the spoiler 19 has an inner circumferential surface 52a that extends about the rotation axis Ax and faces the outer edges 12b of the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the at least one second magnetic disk 62B. A plurality of first blades 65 protrude from the inner circumferential surface 52a and are located in the plurality of first gaps G1, which are provided between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61, and outside the third gaps G3, which are provided between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the at least one second magnetic disk 62B. Specifically, the first blades 65 are located in the plurality of first gaps G1, but not in the third gaps G3. The plurality of first blades 65 located in the plurality of first gaps G1 can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the plurality of first magnetic disks 61. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential surface 52a, which extends about the rotation axis Ax, faces the second magnetic disk 62B. That is, the inner circumferential surface 52a is an arc-shaped curved surface that is approximately concentric with the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62B and covers the outer edge 12b of the second magnetic disk 62B. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 52a functions as a so-called shield, regulating the flow of fluid near the second magnetic disk 62B and suppressing the generation of turbulent flow. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 52a can suppress disk vibration of the second magnetic disk 62B. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface 52a can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62B. As described above, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disk 62B without configuring the first blade 65 in the third gap G3.

[0136] The spoiler 19 has an inner circumferential surface 52a extending about the rotation axis Ax and facing the outer edges 12b of the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the at least one second magnetic disk 62B. A plurality of first blades 65 protrude from the inner circumferential surface 52a and are located outside the plurality of first gaps G1 between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61, outside the third gap G3 between the plurality of first magnetic disks 61 and the at least one second magnetic disk 62B, and outside the fourth gap G4 between the at least one second magnetic disk 62A and the at least one second magnetic disk 62B. The housing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 23a axially aligned with the inner circumferential surface 52a, extending about the rotation axis Ax and facing the outer edge 12b of the at least one second magnetic disk 62A. Specifically, the first blades 65 are located in the plurality of first gaps G1, but not in the third gap G3 or the fourth gap G4. The multiple first blades 65, by being located in the multiple first gaps G1, can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the multiple first magnetic disks 61. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential surface 52a extending around the rotation axis Ax faces the second magnetic disk 62B. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 23a extending around the rotation axis Ax faces the second magnetic disk 62A. The inner circumferential surfaces 23a and 52a function as so-called shields, regulating the flow of fluid near the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B and suppressing turbulence. Thus, the inner circumferential surfaces 23a and 52a can suppress disk vibration of the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B. Therefore, the inner circumferential surfaces 23a and 52a can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B. As described above, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head 14 relative to the second magnetic disks 62A and 62B without arranging the first blades 65 in the third gap G3 and the fourth gap G4.

[0137] According to at least one embodiment described above, a disk drive includes multiple recording media, multiple magnetic heads, a spoiler, and a housing. The recording media each have a recording surface and are rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction intersecting the recording surface, and are arranged in the axial direction. The magnetic head is configured to read and write information from the multiple recording media. The spoiler includes multiple first blades located in multiple gaps between the multiple recording media. The housing includes an inner chamber for accommodating the multiple recording media, the multiple magnetic heads, and the spoiler. The number of the multiple first blades is smaller than the number of the multiple gaps. The rotation of the disk-shaped recording media generates a flow of fluid within the inner chamber. The first blades of the spoiler suppress turbulence in the fluid flow in the gaps between the multiple recording media, thereby suppressing disk vibration caused by shaking of the recording media. Furthermore, the first blades suppress the fluid flow from impinging on the magnetic head located between the multiple recording media. Consequently, the first blades improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head relative to the recording media. On the other hand, for example, when the number of recording media is large, the number of first blades also increases, and the length of the spoiler in the axial direction also increases. However, the axial dimensions of a disk device such as a hard disk drive are sometimes restricted by specifications, for example. Therefore, when there are many recording media, it is sometimes difficult to arrange the first blade in all gaps, depending on the structure of the spoiler and the housing. In contrast, in the disk device of this embodiment, the number of the plurality of first blades is less than the number of the plurality of gaps. That is, the first blade is not arranged in at least one of the plurality of gaps. Therefore, without significantly changing the structure of the spoiler and the housing, the first blade can be used to improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head relative to a desired recording medium among the plurality of recording media.

[0138] In the above description, "inhibit" is defined as, for example, preventing a phenomenon, action, or influence from occurring or reducing the extent of a phenomenon, action, or influence. Furthermore, in the above description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0139] While some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways and can be omitted, replaced, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A disk device comprising: a plurality of recording media, each having a recording surface, rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction intersecting the recording surface, and arranged in the axial direction; a plurality of magnetic heads configured to read and write information from the plurality of recording media; a spoiler having a plurality of first blades located in a plurality of gaps provided between the plurality of recording media; and The housing is provided with an inner chamber for accommodating the plurality of recording media, the plurality of magnetic heads and the spoiler, The number of the plurality of first blades is smaller than the number of the plurality of gaps. The plurality of recording media include a plurality of first recording media arranged in the axial direction and at least one second recording medium spaced apart from the plurality of first recording media in the axial direction. The plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium each have an outer edge extending around the rotation axis. The spoiler has a side surface facing the outer edge of the plurality of first recording media. The plurality of first blades protrude from the side surface and are located in a plurality of first gaps provided between the plurality of first recording media among the plurality of gaps, and are located outside a second gap provided between the plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium among the plurality of gaps. The housing has a first inner peripheral surface that is aligned with the side surface in the axial direction, extends around the rotation axis, and faces the outer edge of the at least one second recording medium.

2. The disk device according to claim 1, The side surface of the spoiler further extends around the rotation axis and faces the outer edge of the at least one second recording medium.

3. The disk device according to claim 1, The plurality of recording media further includes at least one third recording medium located between the plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium. The at least one third recording medium has an outer edge extending around the rotation axis, The side surface of the spoiler further extends around the rotation axis and toward the outer edge of the at least one third recording medium. The plurality of first blades are further located outside a third gap between the plurality of first recording media and the at least one third recording medium, and outside a fourth gap between the at least one second recording medium and the at least one third recording medium.

4. The disk device according to claim 1 or 3, The housing has a second inner peripheral surface extending around the rotation axis and facing the outer edges of the plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium. The first inner peripheral surface extends from the second inner peripheral surface around the rotation axis.

5. The disk device according to claim 1 or 3, The housing includes a wall having the first inner peripheral surface and a shaft extending in the axial direction. The wall has a supporting surface facing the axial direction and supporting the spoiler, The shaft is mounted on the wall in a manner protruding from the supporting surface. The spoiler is provided with a hole extending in the axial direction, and is mounted on the wall rotatably around the axis by fitting the shaft into the hole.

6. The disk device according to claim 1 or 3, In the axial direction, the length of the first inner peripheral surface is longer than the length of one of the plurality of gaps.

7. The disk device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The number of the plurality of recording media is 10 or more.

8. The disk device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The inner chamber is filled with helium.

9. The disk device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A substrate is further provided, which is located outside the housing and spaced apart from the plurality of recording media in a radial direction orthogonal to the rotation axis.

10. The disk device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: an actuator configured to move the plurality of magnetic heads along the recording surface; and a flexible printed wiring board having a mounting portion mounted on the housing and a flexible portion extending from the mounting portion and connected to the actuator, The inner chamber includes a first chamber for accommodating the plurality of recording media and a second chamber for accommodating the spoiler and the mounting portion and communicating with the first chamber. The housing has an end portion in the axial direction at which the first chamber and the second chamber are opened, a first bottom surface of the first chamber in the axial direction facing the plurality of recording media, and a second bottom surface of the second chamber in the axial direction to which the mounting portion is mounted. In the axial direction, a distance between the first bottom surface and the end portion is longer than a distance between the second bottom surface and the end portion.

11. The disk device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cover is also provided which is mounted on the housing and covers the inner chamber. The spoiler has a second blade located between the cover and the plurality of recording media. In a radial direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the lengths of the plurality of first blades are equal to each other, and the length of the second blade is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of first blades.

12. A disk device comprising: case; a plurality of recording media, each having a recording surface and supported rotatably within the housing; a plurality of magnetic heads configured to read and write information from and to the plurality of recording media; and a spoiler having a plurality of blades disposed between the plurality of recording media, The number of the plurality of recording media is n, The number of the plurality of blades is (n-2) or less, The plurality of recording media include a plurality of first recording media arranged in an axial direction intersecting the recording surface and at least one second recording medium spaced apart from the plurality of first recording media in the axial direction. The plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium each have an outer edge extending around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The spoiler has a side surface facing the outer edge of the plurality of first recording media. The plurality of blades protrude from the side surface and are located in a plurality of first gaps provided between the plurality of first recording media among the plurality of gaps provided between the plurality of recording media, and are located outside a second gap provided between the plurality of first recording media and the at least one second recording medium among the plurality of gaps. The housing has a first inner peripheral surface that is aligned with the side surface in the axial direction, extends around the rotation axis, and faces the outer edge of the at least one second recording medium.

Images