Zero skew disk drive with dual actuators

Abstract

The present invention relates to a zero-skew disk drive with a dual actuator. The data storage device includes: a stack of multiple disks, a first arm and a second arm, a first head and a second head, a first linear drive and a second linear drive, and an elevator. Each of the multiple disks includes a read / write surface. The first arm has a first head end that is movable relative to the stack. The first head is configured to interact with a selected one of the read / write surfaces. The first linear drive is configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in an x-y plane defined by the one of the read / write surfaces. The elevator is configured to move the first arm in the z direction. The second arm has a second head end that is movable relative to the stack and supports the second head. The second linear drive is configured to move the second arm along a second straight line in the x-y plane.

Description

Summary of the invention

[0001] In one embodiment, a data storage device includes: a stack of multiple data storage disks, a first arm and a second arm, a first head and a second head, a first linear drive and a second linear drive, and an elevator. Each of the multiple data storage disks includes a read / write surface. The first arm has a first head end that is movable relative to the stack. The first head is supported by the first head end of the first arm, and the first head is configured to interact with a selected one of the read / write surfaces. The first linear drive is configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in an xy plane defined by the one of the read / write surfaces. The elevator is configured to move the first arm in the z direction. The second arm has a second head end that is movable relative to the stack. The second head is supported by the second head end of the second arm. The second linear drive is configured to move the second arm along a second straight line in the xy plane.

[0002] In another embodiment, a data storage device includes: a data storage disk, a first arm and a second arm, a first head and a second head, a first ramp and a second ramp, and a first linear drive and a second linear drive. The data storage disk has a read / write surface defining an xy plane. The first arm has a first head end movable relative to the data storage disk. The first head is supported by the first head end of the first arm, and the first head is configured to interact with the read / write surface. The first ramp is configured to support the first head close to the outer diameter of the data storage disk. The first linear drive is configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in the xy plane between the first ramp and the inner diameter of the data storage disk. The second arm has a second head end movable relative to the data storage disk. The second head is supported by the second head end of the second arm, and the second head is configured to interact with the read / write surface. The second ramp is configured to support the second head close to the outer diameter of the data storage disk. The second linear drive is configured to move the second arm along a second straight line in the xy plane between the second ramp and the inner diameter of the data storage disk, the second straight line being parallel to the first straight line.

[0003] In yet another embodiment, a method includes supporting a first head with a first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with a first read / write surface of a data storage disk defining an xy plane; moving the first arm relative to the data storage disk along a first straight line in the xy plane; moving the first arm in a z direction; supporting a second head with a second arm; moving the second arm relative to the data storage disk along a second straight line in the xy plane, the second straight line being parallel to the first straight line; and moving the second arm in the z direction.

[0004] Other features and advantages that characterize embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and reviewing the associated drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a data storage device.

[0006] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a data storage device with two actuator arms on different disk surfaces.

[0007] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a portion of a data storage device.

[0008] Figure 2B and Figure 2A Similarly, wherein the actuator arm is in the second position.

[0009] Figure 2C and Figure 2A Similarly, wherein the actuator arm is in a third position.

[0010] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a data storage device.

[0011] Figure 3B In different configurations Figure 3A Schematic diagram of a data storage device.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3B A perspective view of a portion of a data storage device.

[0013] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a data storage device including a first exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system.

[0014] Figure 6 and Figure 5 Similar, but showing the actuator arm of a data storage device in a read / write position.

[0015] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a data storage device including a second exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system.

[0016] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a data storage device, showing Figure 7 Slope activated system.

[0017] Figure 9 and Figure 7 Similar, but showing the actuator arm in the read / write position.

[0018] Figure 10 is a top plan view of a brake assembly suitable for use on a slope activated system, with the brakes deactivated.

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top plan view of the brake assembly with the brake activated.

[0020] Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of a data storage device including a third exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system.

[0021] Figure 13 and Figure 12 Similar, but showing the actuator arm in the read / write position.

[0022] Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a data storage device having a ramp activation system.

[0023] Figure 15A yes Figure 14 A top plan view of a portion of a data storage device.

[0024] Figure 15B yes Figure 14 A top view of a portion of a data storage device, wherein Figure 15A Compared to the configuration of , the movable ramp portion pivots about its axis.

[0025] Figure 15C yes Figure 14 A top plan view of a portion of a data storage device with an actuator arm in a read / write position.

[0026] Figure 15D yes Figure 14 A top plan view of a portion of a data storage device in which a movable ramp portion pivots about its axis to allow the actuator arm to assume a read / write position at the extreme outer diameter of the disk.

[0027] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a data storage device having an elevator selectively attachable to an actuator arm, with the actuator arm in a raised position above a disk.

[0028] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of a data storage device with the actuator arm in a raised position and away from the disk.

[0029] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of a data storage device with the actuator arm in a lowered position and away from the disk.

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of a data storage device with the actuator arm in a lowered position and above the disk.

[0031] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary linear inchworm motor.

[0032] Figure 21 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for using the described system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure generally relates to data storage devices utilizing magnetic storage media, such as hard disks. The storage capacity of hard disk drives (HDDs) has steadily increased due to increased areal density resulting from technological advances such as perpendicular recording, shingled magnetic recording (SMR), heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), interleaved magnetic recording (IMR), microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR), and helium filling.

[0034] One way to address the need for higher HDD performance is to utilize multiple read / write heads in parallel. This parallelism can increase the rate of input / output operations (IOPS), thereby speeding up certain operations. Using read / write heads that operate simultaneously can provide other options; for example, an HDD can be configured with regions with different throughput levels and capacity levels, and multiple heads can be operated in different modes to increase throughput in certain regions while increasing capacity (or other performance parameters) in other regions. In some aspects, the two actuator arms can be operated independently so that they can interact at different locations on the disk stack and / or with different disk surfaces.

[0035] In the embodiments described below, a hard disk drive includes multiple heads driven by separate linear actuators that can read from one or more disks and / or write to one or more disks simultaneously. The illustrated embodiment shows two actuator arm assemblies that can operate with a single disk stack, each of which supports one or more heads. However, it is contemplated that more than two actuator arm assemblies can be used with a disk stack. Simultaneous activation of the heads can be used to increase data rates or for other purposes (such as, for example, to increase reliability or to serve different requests in parallel). In order to allow multiple heads to write to or read from the same disk surface simultaneously, the signal processing circuit system of the drive may include parallel processing paths. For example, the processing circuit system may include multiple read / write channels for processing (e.g., decoding and / or encoding) user and control data. The processing circuit system may also include multiple servo control logic sections that allow data from each reader to be used to servo control one or more heads embedded in the reader. The servo logic also provides timing signals used by the signal processing logic.

[0036] Generally, in order to keep the read / write head from landing on one or more disks in a hard disk drive, for example when the HDD is powered off, and to prevent the head from colliding with the outer edge of the disk during loading and unloading operations, a head support ramp is provided near the outer diameter (OD) of one or more disks. In current HDDs, the number of heads is equal to the number of disk surfaces, and the heads are rotated to be positioned above their corresponding disk surfaces. There is usually no up / down movement of the heads in such HDDs. However, for example, in a "lift" drive, the number of heads employed is less than the number of disk surfaces, and a head stack assembly (HSA) including a smaller number of heads moves up and down to enable a single head to read from multiple disk surfaces. Although a specific description of an elevator is included, it should be understood that other elevator configurations may also be used, such as those described in the following commonly owned patent applications and patents, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 233,818, filed on April 19, 2021, entitled “Zero Skew Elevator System”; and U.S. Patent No. 10,269,380, “Disk drive having multiple disks accessible by a reduced number of read / write heads”. This up / down movement is possible when the HSA is rotated or otherwise moved so that the heads are away from the disks and supported on the ramp. A conventional ramp is a single unit with the ramp edge above the OD of the disk. This ramp design prevents the ramp from moving up / down with the HSA because the ramp edge above the OD may collide with the disk during the up / down movement of the ramp.

[0037] Some embodiments of the present disclosure employ a split ramp that includes a first ramp portion adjacent to the OD of the disk and a vertically movable ramp portion adjacent to the first ramp portion. To achieve up / down movement of the HSA, the HSA is first moved away from the disk and the first ramp (if present), and the HSA is positioned so that the head is supported on the movable ramp portion. Then, the HSA and the movable portion of the ramp are moved in unison by an elevator in the HDD. Although a specific embodiment of a movable ramp is shown in the figures, it should be understood that other ramp configurations may be used, such as those described in the following commonly owned patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Application No. 16 / 863,287, filed on April 30, 2020, entitled "Split Ramp for Data Storage Devices"; and U.S. Application No. 17 / 163,983, filed on February 1, 2021, entitled "Ramp Activation Systems for an Elevator Drive". Additionally, a retractable ramp can be used to allow the disk 104 to be removed from the spindle 105.

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate illustrative operating environments in which certain embodiments disclosed herein may be combined. The operating environments shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular operating environment. The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustratively practiced in any number of different types of operating environments.

[0039] It should be noted that the same reference numerals (or reference numerals indexed in increments of one hundred, for example, such as 148, 248, 348) are used for the same or similar elements in different drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, all descriptions of element are also applicable to all other versions of the element. It should be understood that the term used herein is only for the purpose of describing the embodiment, and the term is not intended to be limited. Unless otherwise indicated, ordinal numbers (for example, first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps, and do not provide sequence or numerical value restrictions for the elements or steps of its embodiments. For example, "first", "second" and "third" elements or steps do not need to appear in this order, and its embodiments are not necessarily limited to three elements or steps. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, any labels such as "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "forward", "opposite", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "upper", "lower", or other similar terms such as "above", "below", "trailing", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "proximal", "distal", "middle", etc. are used for convenience and are not intended to indicate, for example, any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. It should also be understood that the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to another element, the element may be directly connected, coupled, or attached to the other element, or the element may be indirectly connected, coupled, or attached to the other element in which there may be intervening elements or intermediate elements. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "directly attached" to another element, there are no intervening elements. The accompanying drawings illustrate direct connections, couplings, or attachments between elements, and also include embodiments in which elements are indirectly connected, coupled, or attached to each other.

[0041] Figure 1A and Figure 1B1 is a schematic diagram of a data storage device (DSD) including a data storage medium, a head for reading data from the data storage medium and / or writing data to the data storage medium, and a split ramp for supporting the head. In the data storage device 100A, the head 102 can be positioned above the storage medium 104 to read data from the data storage medium 104 and / or write data to the data storage medium 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the data storage medium 104 is a rotatable data storage disk stacked on a spindle 105, wherein each disk 104 has an opposing surface used as a data storage surface. For read and write operations, a spindle motor 106 (schematically shown) rotates the medium 104, as shown by arrows 107. A linear actuator assembly 220 positions the head 102 relative to a data track 114 between an inner diameter (ID) 108 and an outer diameter (OD) 109 on the rotating medium 104. Both the spindle motor 106 and the linear actuator assembly 220 are connected to and operated by the driver circuit system 112 (schematically shown).

[0042] Each of the heads 102 is coupled to its corresponding linear actuator assembly 220 via a suspension assembly that includes a load beam 120 on an actuator arm assembly 122 connected to the mechanism 220. The linear actuator assembly 220 is coupled to a frame or base plate 144. The linear actuator assembly 220 moves the head 102 in a cross-track direction as indicated by a radius 218. Each of the heads 102 includes one or more transducer elements (not shown) coupled to the head circuitry 132 (such as through a flex circuit). Since there are two heads 102 that can interact with the disk surface, advantages include, for example, enabling read after write (RAW) without burning a full revolution, using two heads with different functions on the same surface (such as writing with one head and reading with the other head), reducing head duty cycle, and improving reliability, throughput, and redundancy.

[0043] Generally, in order to prevent the read / write head 102 from falling on the disk 104 in the data storage device when, for example, the data storage device is powered off, and to prevent the head 102 from colliding with the outer edge of the disk 104 during loading and unloading operations, a head support ramp assembly 136 is provided near the OD 109 of the disk 104. In the data storage device, the number of heads 102 is less than the number of disk 104 surfaces. Figure 1AIn the particular embodiment shown in , the data storage device 100A includes four disks 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D with a total of 8 data storage surfaces. In the exemplary embodiment, two heads 102 are coupled to respective linear actuator assemblies 220 via a suspension assembly, which includes a load beam 120 connected to an actuator arm assembly 122. The linear actuator assembly 220, the load beam 120, and the actuator arm 122 are collectively referred to as a head stack assembly (HSA) 138.

[0044] exist Figures 1A - 2C In the data storage device 100A, the actuator arm assembly 122 can be moved to different positions along the vertical rail 456 under the power of the elevator 140. Figure 2B In the highest position shown in FIG. 1 , the two heads 102 interact with the upper and lower data storage surfaces of the disk 104A. At other positions below the highest position (such as Figure 2C ), the same two heads interact with the data storage surfaces of disks 104B, 104C, and 104D.

[0045] In order to achieve the up / down movement of the actuator arm assembly 122, in some embodiments, the head support ramp 136 is designed as a split ramp having a stationary portion 136a and a movable portion 136b. In order to move the actuator arm assembly 122 from the upper position to the lower position or from the lower position to the upper position, the HSA 138 is first moved in the xy plane until the head end 142 of the HSA 138 is supported on the movable portion 136b of the head support ramp assembly 136. Then, the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable portion 136b are moved along the vertical guide rail 456 ( Figures 2A - 2C ) (such as vertically or in the z-direction). For example, the entire ramp 136 or a portion of the ramp 136 can also be moved away from the disk stack in the xy plane, such as by retracting, bending, or rotating. In some embodiments, the elevator is operatively connected to both the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp portion to move both in the z-direction in unison. In other embodiments, the movable ramp portion is not operatively connected to the elevator; instead, it is physically connected to the actuator arm so that it moves with the arm, and only the arm is operatively connected to the elevator (see Figures 5 - 14 ).

[0046] In one embodiment, the base of the elevator 140 can be driven up and down by coils and magnets (not shown) and has hard stops at both ends that limit the range of up and down movement of the actuator arm assembly 122. In general, any suitable drive mechanism can be used to move the elevator 140 up and down. Exemplary drives for Z-direction movement of the elevator 140 include ball screws with internal motors, voice coil motors, inchworm brake tracks, linear motors, shape memory alloy-based actuators, and combinations of the above.

[0047] When the actuator arm assembly 122 is moved away from the data storage disk(s) 104, the head support ramp assembly 136 supports the head end 142 of the actuator arm assembly 122. In some embodiments, the head support ramp assembly 136 includes a first ramp portion 136a adjacent to the OD 109 of the data storage disk(s) 104 and a second ramp portion 136b adjacent to the first ramp portion 136a. In some embodiments, the first ramp portion 436 can be moved away from the OD 109. As further described below, Figures 14 - 15D In the embodiment of the present invention, the first ramp portion 436 can be rotatably moved about the pivot 458.

[0048] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments of the zero skew disk drive system, the actuator arm assembly 122 includes an upper arm 122a and a lower arm 122b separated by a channel 148, the channel 148 being sized so that the arms 122a, 122b fit over and under the disk 104 without physically contacting the disk 104. The upper and lower load beam portions 120a, 120b carry the head 102 for reading and writing on the top and bottom surfaces of the disk 104. When the disk drive storage device is in a closed or non-operating state, a lift tab 446 extends from the load beam 120 to rest on the head support ramp assembly 136. To use the head 102 for reading and writing data relative to the disk 104, the actuator 220 is activated to slide the actuator arm assembly 122, thereby moving the head end 142 of the actuator arm assembly 122 away from the head support ramp assembly 136 and toward the disk 104. In some illustrations, the movable ramp portion is not shown, but the movable ramp portion can be used with any embodiment of the disk storage device. For example, the movable ramp portion can be moved in the vertical z direction, or can be moved in the xy plane, such as by rotating or retracting.

[0049] return Figure 1A and Figure 1B, an exemplary embodiment of a zero skew disk drive system is shown as a data storage device 100A. The data storage device 100A uses a pair of linear actuator assemblies 220 arranged on opposite sides of the disk stack. Each linear actuator assembly 220 allows for zero skew (or fixed skew) throughout the travel of the head stack assembly 138. This allows for increased data storage density compared to devices with a rotating arm 122. For example, by configuring the slider to have zero skew throughout the travel of the head 102 at the head end 142 of the HSA 138, the head 102 may be able to read data immediately after writing the data. In contrast, in a conventional skew configuration, the angle of the head 102 relative to the data track 114 (such as the angle resulting from the travel extending along an arc around the actuator arm pivot) may not allow for reading immediately after writing.

[0050] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn the zero skew configuration shown in , the read and / or write pole located at the head 102 on the head end 142 moves linearly along the radius 218 and is therefore positioned with no skew or angular offset from the centerline of the track 114 . Additional information related to high performance of disk drives is provided in the following commonly owned patent applications and patents, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Application No. 17 / 172,684, filed on February 10, 2021, entitled “Adjusting HGA Z-height via HSA Elevator Using Head / Actuator Feedback”; U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004 / 0257710, entitled “Hard drive actuator arm with reduced skew variation”; U.S. Patent No. 6,987,637, entitled “Magnetic recording system which eliminates skew angle effect”; U.S. Patent No. 9,361,919, entitled “Disk drive with parallel head actuation”; U.S. Patent No. 10,836,979, entitled “Read-after-write methodology using multiple actuators moveable over the No. 10,249,339, entitled “A write-after-read method using multiple actuators movable on the same magnetic media”; and No. 10,818,317, entitled “Multi-actuator data storage system.”

[0051] The linear actuator assembly 220 of the data storage device 100A may include one or more rails 230 extending along a rail axis 235 (or parallel rail axes in the case of more than one rail 230). In an exemplary embodiment, the rail axis 235 is parallel to a radius 218 of the disk 104 on which the head travels. The rail 230 may define any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a square, a rectangle, a circle, or an ellipse. In addition, the rail 230 may include or be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, stainless steel or titanium.

[0052] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown in , in an exemplary data storage device system 100A, two head stack assemblies including linear actuator assemblies 220, actuator arms 122, and load beams 120 are positioned on radially opposite sides of a stack of disks 104. Thus, the radial travel of the heads 102 along opposing radii 218 is aligned along a single diameter dimension of the disks 104. In one method of operation, the two head stack assemblies are operated synchronously so that the driver circuit system 112 controls the two sets of head circuit systems 132 and the two elevators 140 in series. Thus, the two actuator arms 122 travel up and down the disk stack and in and out across the disk surface in a synchronized manner. Although two elevators 140 are schematically shown, it is contemplated that in embodiments where the two linear actuator assemblies 220 operate simultaneously in the same manner, the data storage device may include only a single elevator 140 operatively connected to the two actuator arms 122. In another method of operation, as Figure 1B As shown in , the two head stack assemblies operate independently. Independent operation of the head circuit system 132 and the elevator 140 allows one actuator arm 122 to position its head to interact with different disk surfaces and to be located at different locations on the disk relative to the other actuator arm assembly 122.

[0053] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , another exemplary embodiment of a zero skew disk drive system is shown as a data storage device 100B. The data storage device 100B uses a pair of linear actuator assemblies 220 arranged on a common side of the disk stack. With both linear actuator assemblies 220 off one side of the disk stack, the storage device is no wider than the diameter of the disk 104. The heads 102 of the two load beams 120 can be positioned to interact with the disks in close proximity to each other, such as relative to a single data track 114 or two data tracks 114 in close proximity to each other. For example, a write operation can be performed by a head on one actuator arm assembly 122, and a read operation can be performed by a second head on a second actuator arm assembly 122 almost immediately thereafter.

[0054] The arm axis 245 of each actuator arm assembly 122 is at a fixed angle θ (θ) to the track axis 235 of the slide rail 230. In an exemplary embodiment, θ is between about 20 degrees and about 80 degrees. In certain embodiments, θ is between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. The load beam 120 pivots relative to the actuator arm assembly 122 to align with the disk track 114 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). Figure 3A Two head ends 142 of the load beam 120 are shown proximate the inner diameter 108 of the disk 104 . Figure 3BOne arm 122 is shown slid to the left such that the head end 142 of one load beam 120 rests on the ramp assembly 136. Each linear actuator assembly 220 allows for zero deflection (or fixed deflection) throughout the travel of the head stack assembly 138.

[0055] The actuator arm assembly 122 is movably attached to the rail 230 such that movement in the xy plane is limited to sliding movement along the rail 230. In other words, the actuator arm assembly 122 can be movably attached to the rail 230 so that the actuator arm assembly 122 and, therefore, the at least one head 102 also moves linearly relative to the recording medium 104. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the disk drive system 110B shown in FIG. 1 , in most positions of the actuator arm assembly 122 on the disk 104, there is some skew between the arm axis 245 and the true track orientation of the track 114. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the load beam 120 is rotated relative to the actuator arm assembly 122 at the pivot 128 to eliminate (or substantially eliminate) any skew angle and align the head 102 with the selected track 114. Figures 3A - 4 As shown in , the HGA 138 is capable of positioning the head 102 at a selected cross-disk position relative to the disk 104 by sliding along the track 230. By rotating the load beam 120 about the pivot 128 relative to the actuator arm assembly 122, a corrected zero-skew orientation of the head 102 relative to any particular track 114 is provided. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pivot bearing 146 connects the upper load beam portion 120a to the upper load arm 122a and the lower load beam portion 120b to the lower load arm 122b. Suitable pivot pins or other connectors are not shown so as not to obscure the view of the components in question.

[0056] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the actuator arm assembly 122 moves in a linear direction across the disk 104. In the case where the head 102 scans very close to the disk radius, the angle α (α) of the load beam axis 130 relative to the actuator arm axis 245 ( Figure 4 ) remains substantially constant between the inner diameter 108 and the outer diameter 109 for the entire travel of the head 102. Thus, the pivot pin can be fixed to maintain a set angle α of the system 100B so that the head 102 is aligned with the selected data track 114 with little or no deflection.

[0057] In another case, if the head 102 is scanned farther from the disk radius, the angle of the head 102 over its travel between the inner diameter 108 and the outer diameter 109 may need to be corrected to maintain alignment with different data tracks 114. In this case, in an exemplary embodiment, an actuator at the pivot bearing 146 (e.g., such as a MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) based actuator or a VCM based actuator or a piezoelectric actuator) is used to control and change the angle α of the load beam 120 relative to the actuator arm assembly 122 to align the head 102 with the selected data track 114 with little or no skew, as described in commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 233,818, filed on April 19, 2021, and entitled “Zero Skew Elevator System.”

[0058] The description of the linear actuator assembly 220 is applicable to all descriptions of the data storage systems 100A and 100B in this specification. Figures 2A - 2C As shown in , the actuator arm assembly 122 is movably coupled to the track 230 via the elevator 140B, which is in turn mounted on one or more sliding brackets 225, 226. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 - 19 As shown in , the actuator arm assembly 122 is movably coupled to the rail 230 via a bracket 452, which in turn is mounted on one or more sliding brackets 225, 226; the bracket 452 is selectively engageable to the elevator 140C. As shown, the top sliding bracket 225 is movably attached to the top rail 230, and the bottom sliding bracket 226 is movably attached to the bottom rail 230. However, in one or more embodiments, the data storage device system can include any number of rails and sliding brackets that movably attach the elevator 140 to the rail 230.

[0059] The actuator arm assembly 122 is coupled to the elevator 140 in a manner that allows z-direction movement of the actuator arm assembly 122 relative to the stack of recording media so that the head end 142 of the HSA 138 can access different disks 104 of the stack. By limiting the movement of the actuator arm assembly 122 to only xy plane movement parallel to the rail axis 235, and by limiting the movement of the actuator arm assembly 122 to only z plane movement perpendicular to the xy movement, this arrangement stabilizes the actuator arm assembly 122 even when it is allowed to reach any desired position on the recording media. In other words, the actuator arm assembly 122 is prevented from moving in other rotational or directional ways (such as tilting, for example).

[0060] exist Figures 2A - 2CIn the exemplary embodiment shown in , the linear actuator assembly 220 of the data storage device includes a linear motor 451 adapted to move the lift 140B and the actuator arm assembly 122 connected thereto relative to the track 230. The linear motor 451 may include any suitable type of motor that linearly moves the actuator arm assembly 122 along the track 230. For example, the linear motor 451 may include a linear stepper motor, an inchworm motor, a linear voice coil motor, a ball screw, and a gear motor, to name a few.

[0061] In the case where the linear motor 451 includes a linear stepper motor, an alternating permanent magnet is fixed to a driver base extending parallel to the track 230. For example, the alternating permanent magnet can alternate polarity along the length of the alternating permanent magnet. The elevator 140B can include two or more dynamic magnets (e.g., electromagnets) that interact with the alternating permanent magnet. For example, the system can send a signal to the dynamic magnet to change polarity (such as opening and closing) so that the dynamic magnet on the elevator 140B moves along the alternating permanent magnet extending along the track 230 and between the tracks 230 due to the attraction and repulsion formed therebetween.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the linear motor 451 may include an inchworm motor 170, such as Figure 20 The inchworm motor 170 can be coupled to the actuator arm ( Figure 20 171) to linearly move the actuator arm on and / or parallel to the shaft 176 and the track 230. For example, the inchworm motor 170 can be movably coupled to the shaft 176 extending along the longitudinal axis 171. The shaft 176 can be coupled to the base plate 144 parallel to the track 230. When the inchworm motor 170 moves along the shaft 176, the actuator arm assembly 122 coupled to the inchworm motor 170 also moves linearly along the longitudinal axis 171.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the inchworm motor 170 includes one or more lateral piezoelectric actuators 174 extending and retracting along the longitudinal axis 171, and one or more piezoelectric clutch actuators 526 extending and retracting in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 171. In an exemplary embodiment, the inchworm motor 170 includes a first grip 180 having a first piezoelectric clutch 526 and a second grip 184 having a second piezoelectric clutch 526.

[0064] When the first piezoelectric clutch 526 is extended (such as along the axis 173), the fingers 181, 182 of the first grip 180 move closer together to contact the axis 176. When the first piezoelectric clutch 562 is retracted (such as along the axis 173), the fingers 181, 182 of the first grip 180 move further apart to be spaced away from the axis 176. Similarly, when the second piezoelectric clutch 562 is extended, the fingers 185, 186 of the second grip 184 move closer together to contact the axis 176, and when the second clutch piezoelectric is retracted, the fingers 185, 186 of the second grip 184 move further apart to be spaced away from the axis 176. In addition, one or more lateral piezoelectric actuators 174 expand to move the first grip 180 and the second grip 184 away from each other, and one or more lateral piezoelectric actuators 174 retract to move the first grip 180 and the second grip 184 closer to each other.

[0065] For the inchworm motor 170 to move relative to the shaft 176, the actuators act in a specific sequence to create linear movement along the shaft 176. The process begins by actuating the piezoelectric clutch that is farthest from the desired direction of movement. For example, the first piezoelectric clutch 172 extends so that the first grip 180 contacts the shaft 176. Next, the lateral piezoelectric actuator 174 extends to move the first grip 180 relative to the second grip 184, thereby increasing the distance therebetween. The second piezoelectric clutch 172 extends so that the second grip 184 contacts the shaft 176, and the first piezoelectric clutch 172 retracts to release the first grip 180 from contact with the shaft 176. Next, the lateral piezoelectric actuator 174 retracts to move the first grip 180 relative to the second grip 184, thereby decreasing the distance therebetween. Thereafter, the first piezoelectric clutch 172 is extended so that the first grip 180 contacts the shaft 176, and the second piezoelectric clutch is retracted to release the contact of the second grip 184 with the shaft 176. This process is repeated multiple times to move the piezoelectric inchworm motor 170 (and the actuator arm assembly 122 attached thereto) relative to the shaft 176 in the direction from the first grip 180 to the second grip 184. To move in the opposite direction, the first and second piezoelectric clutches can be switched in the above process.

[0066] In another case, the linear motor 451 includes a linear voice coil motor having alternating permanent magnets that are fixed to a driver base extending parallel to the track 230. For example, the alternating permanent magnets can alternate polarity along the length of the alternating permanent magnets. Brackets 225, 226 are attached to the voice coil that interacts with the alternating permanent magnets. For example, the system can send a signal to the voice coil to change polarity so that the voice coil moves along the alternating permanent magnets due to the attractive and repulsive forces formed therebetween. In addition, the voice coil can surround the alternating permanent magnets. In another embodiment, the alternating permanent magnets and the voice coil can be arranged differently than described.

[0067] Regardless of the mechanism used in the linear motor 451, its movement moves the carriages 225, 226 along the track 230. The carriages 225, 226 are attached to the elevator 140B, which in turn carries the actuator arm assembly 122. Thus, activation of the linear motor 451 causes the actuator arm assembly 122 and its head 102 to move linearly along the track 230 along with the carriages 225, 226. Thus, as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in the comparison between , at least one head 102 positioned at the distal end 142 of the actuator arm assembly 122 moves radially in a straight line over the recording medium 104. Thus, for the entire travel of motion along radius 218, no skew is introduced between the head 102 and the disk track (one of which track 114 is an example).

[0068] like Figure 2A As shown in , when the head end 142 of the actuator arm assembly 122 rests on the ramp 136 , in embodiments where the ramp 136 is vertically movable, the elevator 140B is actuated to move the actuator arm assembly 122 vertically up and down the stack of disks 104 . Figure 2C A configuration is shown in which the elevator 140B has the actuator arm assembly 122 lowered in the z-direction, and the linear motor 451 also moves the actuator arm assembly 122 along the track 230 so that the read / write head can access the track on the lower disk of the stack.

[0069] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a first embodiment of a ramp activation system for use with a lift drive, an actuator arm assembly 122 includes an upper arm 122a and a lower arm 122b separated by a channel 148. The upper load beam portion 120a and the lower load beam portion 120b carry the head 102 for reading and writing on the top and bottom surfaces of the disk 104. When the disk drive storage device is in a closed or non-operating state, the lifting tab 446 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bracket 448 is attached to the movable ramp 136b and is configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the actuator arm assembly 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable ramp 136b is engaged with the actuator arm assembly 122 by inserting the end portion 450 of the bracket 448 into the channel 148 of the actuator arm assembly 122, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator arm assembly 122 is separated from the movable ramp 136b by sliding the actuator arm on the guide rail 230 so that its channel 148 is disengaged from the end portion 450 of the bracket 448, as shown in FIG. Figure 6In the exemplary embodiment, the movable ramp 136 b includes a linear slider 152 mounted on a vertical guide post 156 together with a linear bearing 154 .

[0070] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated engagement configuration between the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp 136b, when the elevator 140 is activated to raise and lower the actuator arm assembly 122, the movable ramp 136b connected to the actuator arm assembly 122 via the bracket 448 moves up and down along the vertical guide column 156 with the actuator arm assembly 122. Thus, even though there is no direct connection between the elevator 140 and the movable ramp 136b, unified movement of the actuator arm assembly 122 and the head assembly 102 thereon, as well as the movable ramp 136b on which the head end 142 rests, is achieved.

[0071] To use the head 102 for reading and writing data relative to the disk 104, the actuator 220 is activated to slide the actuator arm assembly 122 on the rail 230, thereby moving the head end 142 of the HSA 138 away from the head support ramp assembly 136 and toward the disk 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 . The bracket 448 is thereby separated from the channel 148 of the actuator arm assembly 122, and the brake assembly 158 (schematically shown) is used to hold the movable ramp 136b in the last reached position. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portion 450 of the bracket 448 is located at one end of the movable ramp 136b, and the vertical guide post 156 is located at the opposite end of the movable ramp 136b.

[0072] Figures 7 - 9 A second exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system for a data storage device 100A, 100B is shown. A bracket 248 is attached to the movable ramp 136b and is configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the actuator arm assembly 122. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement of the movable ramp 136b with the actuator arm assembly 122 is achieved by inserting a portion of the actuator arm assembly 122 into a gap 258 between the fingers 260 of the end portion 250 of the bracket 248, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator arm assembly 122 is separated from the movable ramp 136b by sliding the actuator arm on the guide rail 230 to disengage the end portion 250 of the bracket 248, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment, the movable ramp 136b with bracket 248 includes a cylindrical linear (vertical) slider 252 that is mounted on a vertical guide post 256 with a cylindrical bearing 254.

[0073] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8In the engagement configuration between the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp 136b shown in FIG, when the elevator 140 is activated to raise and lower the actuator arm assembly 122, the movable ramp 136b connected to the actuator arm assembly 122 through the bracket 248 moves up and down along the vertical guide column 256 with the actuator arm assembly 122. Therefore, even if there is no direct connection between the elevator 140 and the movable ramp 136b, the actuator arm assembly 122 and the head component 102 thereon and the movable ramp 136b on which the head end 142 rests can achieve unified movement.

[0074] To use the head 102 for reading and writing data relative to the disk 104, the actuator 220 is activated to slide the actuator arm assembly 122 on the rail 230, thereby moving the head end 142 of the HSA 138 away from the head support ramp assembly 136 and toward the disk 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 The bracket 248 is thereby separated from the actuator arm assembly 122, and the brake assembly 158 is used to hold the movable ramp 136b in the last reached position.

[0075] The bracket 248 is attached to the movable ramp 136b to move up and down on the cylindrical linear slider 252 along the vertical guide column 256 including the cylindrical bearing 254. In the exemplary embodiment, the end portion 250 of the bracket 248 is configured with a gap 258 between two horizontal fingers 260. The actuator arm assembly 122 is engaged with the bracket 248 by inserting the upper arm 122a and the lower arm 122b into the gap 258 between the fingers 260.

[0076] In the illustrated configuration, the vertical guide post 256 is located between the end portion 250 and the movable ramp 136b. In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket 248 is not substantially straight. Instead, the bracket portion 262 near the movable ramp 136b and the bracket portion 264 near the end portion 250 intersect at a non-linear angle around the vertical guide post 256. This configuration allows more space between the load beam 120 and the nearby vertical guide post 256, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 is shown in the “parked” configuration of the

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown in , the brake assembly 158 generally includes a first clamp arm 522 located generally at one end of a base portion 521, and a second clamp arm 523 located at an opposite end of the base portion 521. The first clamp arm 522 and the second clamp arm 523 extend from the base portion 521 in the same direction such that they define an opening 524 between the first clamp arm 522 and the second clamp arm 523. When the brake assembly 158 is mounted on the vertical guide post 156, 256, 356, the vertical guide post 156, 256, 356 resides within the opening 524.

[0078] The base portion 521 includes a recess 525 in which an actuator element 526 is arranged that is configured to move the arms 522, 523 when activated. The actuator elements referred to herein may include any type of device capable of moving the arms 522, 523. For simplicity, this detailed description refers to the actuator element as a piezoelectric element, which is a suitable actuator element that changes size when activated, thereby moving the arms 522, 523. However, it should be understood that many other types of actuator elements are also suitable, such as magnetic or shape memory alloys or bimetals. The piezoelectric element 526 can be designed and sized so that it has approximately the same length as the recess 525 when it is not activated (such as Figure 10 In this way, when the piezoelectric element 526 is activated to expand in size, such as in Figure 11 The piezoelectric element 526 extends in the length direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 , and pushes the base portion 521 at the end of the groove 525 .

[0079] As described above, movement of the piezoelectric element 526 relative to the end of the groove 525 allows the terminal ends of the first clamping arm 522 and the second clamping arm 523 to move closer. In some embodiments, this movement of the terminal ends of the clamping arms 522, 523 in response to the expansion of the piezoelectric element is based on the clamping arms 522, 523 being connected to the base portion 521 at the bending points or hinges 527a, 527b. When the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356 are arranged in the opening 524, the terminal ends of the clamping arms 522, 523 move together to apply a clamping force to the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As discussed in more detail below, this clamping force allows the brake assembly 158 to be locked in place at any z position along the length of the vertical guide column 156, 256, 356.

[0080] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the piezoelectric element 526 is in an inactive (eg, non-expanded) state. The piezoelectric element 526 abuts against the base portion 521 at the end of the groove 525, but does not push against the end of the groove 525. Figure 10As shown in the illustration of , the terminal ends of the clamping arms 522 are spaced apart from the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356 so as not to physically contact the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356. The overall dimensions of the clamping arms 522, 523 are designed so that when the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356 are arranged in the openings 524 and the piezoelectric element 526 is not activated, the terminal ends of the first clamping arms 522 and the second clamping arms 523 do not push, contact, or reside on the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356. The clamping arms 522, 523 are connected to the base portion 521 via bending points 527a, 527b. The clamping arms 522, 523 can bend / pivot at the bending points 527a, 527b without being disconnected from the base portion 521. The bend points 527a, 527b may be designed so that when no force is applied to the clamping arms 522, 523, they remain in a Figure 10 , for example, not contacting or pushing against the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356. Therefore, it can be considered that the bending points 527a, 527b are oriented toward Figure 10 The state bias shown in .

[0081] Figure 11 526 is activated and expands, the clamping arms 522, 523 move. More specifically, when the piezoelectric element 526 expands, it pushes against the base portion 521 at the end portion of the groove 525. This outward movement of the base portion 521 effectively causes the arms 522, 523 to pivot inward at the bend points 527a, 527b, so that the terminal ends of the arms 522, 523 are closer together and push against the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in the illustration of FIG. 1 . As long as the piezoelectric element 526 is activated, the arms 522, 523 remain pivoted inward and continue to exert a clamping force on the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356. This clamping force allows the brake assembly 158 to maintain the associated bracket 248, 348, 448 in a desired z position along the corresponding vertical guide post 156, 256, 356 when the brake assembly 158 is stationary. When the piezoelectric element 526 is deactivated, its size is reduced and it no longer pushes outward against the base portion 521, and the biasing of the flex points 527a, 527b causes the arms to return to Figure 10 , thereby removing the clamping force from the vertical guide column 156, 256, 356. Therefore, when the elevator 140 moves the actuator arm assembly 122 physically engaged with the bracket 248, 348, 448, the brake assembly 158 fixed to the bracket 248, 348, 448 can move freely up and down on the vertical guide column 156, 256, 356.

[0082] although Figure 10 and Figure 11An embodiment is shown in which the brake assembly 158 includes flex points 527a, 527b to allow the terminal ends of the clamping arms 522, 523 to move together and apply a clamping force to the vertical guide posts 156, 256, 356, but it should be understood that other mechanisms for the movement of the clamping arms to apply the clamping force, such as springs, for example, may also be used. In such embodiments, the arms can move toward and away from the base parallel to each other without pivoting. In embodiments using springs, the clamping arm set can be designed and sized so that when the piezoelectric element is deactivated, the clamping arms apply a clamping force to the vertical guide posts. When the piezoelectric element is activated, it moves in the same manner as described above with respect to Figure 11 The expansion of the piezoelectric element in this embodiment is similar to that described above. However, in this embodiment, the expansion of the piezoelectric element pushes the clamping arm away from the base portion. When the clamping arm is pushed away from the base portion, the terminal end of the clamping arm is separated from the vertical guide post and the clamping force is thereby removed from the vertical guide post. When the piezoelectric element is deactivated to reduce its size, the arm is pulled back toward the base portion via the spring. The spring rebounds sufficiently to return the clamping arm to the base portion and reapply the clamping force to the vertical guide post.

[0083] Figure 10 and 11 Generally, embodiments of clamp arm pairs are shown in which one piezoelectric element is used per pair of clamp arms. However, it should be understood that more than one piezoelectric element may be used per pair of clamp arms to increase the range and type of clamping possible. Furthermore, when multiple piezoelectric arms are incorporated into a clamp arm pair, the multiple piezoelectric elements may be identical in their expansion rate and type, or may be different types of piezoelectric elements such that each piezoelectric element provides a different type or degree of motion. Similarly, while Figure 10 and Figure 11 While generally shown are pairs of clamp arms, each pair comprising two arms, and wherein each clamp arm is substantially an identical mirror image of the opposing arm, it is understood that each pair of clamp arms may comprise more or less than two arms, and that all arms need not be identical.

[0084] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A third exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system for a data storage device 100A, 100B is shown. The movable ramp 136b is attached to a bracket 348. The end portion 350 of the bracket 348 includes a ferrous metal portion 358 that is configured to be selectively attracted by an electromagnetic portion 360 fixed to the actuator arm assembly 122. In order to physically engage the movable ramp 136b to the actuator arm assembly 122 with the bracket 348, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown in FIG. 1 , the electromagnetic portion 360 is energized by an electric current to promote its attraction to the portion 358 of the end portion 350. The portion 358 is suitably formed of a ferrous metal or another material that is attracted to a magnet. When the current is turned off, the ferrous metal and the electromagnetic portions 358, 360 are not attracted to each other, and the actuator arm assembly 122 can move freely independently of the bracket 348, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 . In an embodiment, portion 358 is a magnet or an electromagnet. To separate portions 358, 360, the polarity of one of the electromagnets can be reversed to separate portions 358, 360, thereby separating bracket 348 and movable ramp 136b from actuator arm assembly 122. In the illustrated embodiment, two vertical guide posts 356a and 356b are used to provide additional structural support for bracket 348. In the illustrated embodiment, a middle portion 366 of bracket 348 is disposed between portion 362 proximate movable ramp 136b and portion 364 proximate end portion 350.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment, the movable ramp 136b with bracket 348 includes a linear (vertical) cylindrical slider 352 mounted on each of the vertical guide posts 356a, 356b together with a cylindrical bearing 354. Figure 12 In the engagement configuration between the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp 136b shown in FIG, when the elevator 140 is activated to raise and lower the actuator arm assembly 122, the movable ramp 136b connected to the actuator arm assembly 122 through the bracket 348 moves up and down along the vertical guide columns 356a, 356b with the actuator arm assembly 122. Therefore, even if there is no direct connection between the elevator 140 and the movable ramp 136b, the actuator arm assembly 122 and the head component 102 thereon and the movable ramp 136b on which the head end 142 rests can achieve unified movement.

[0086] To use the head 102 for reading and writing data relative to the disk 104, the linear actuator 220 is activated to slide the actuator arm assembly 122 on the rail 230, thereby moving the head end 142 away from the head support ramp assembly 136 and toward the disk 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 The bracket 348 is thereby separated from the actuator arm assembly 122, and the brake assembly 158 is used to hold the movable ramp 136b in the last reached position.

[0087] Figures 14 - 15DA fourth exemplary embodiment of a ramp activation system for a data storage device 100A, 100B is shown. The movable ramp 136b includes a rotatable portion 436 that pivots about an axis 458 to move away from the path of the outer diameter 109 of the disk 104. Therefore, in this fourth embodiment, no stationary ramp is used. A rotary actuator 460 (shown schematically) is used to rotate the movable ramp 436 about the axis 458. Such actuators 460 can be of various types, including shape memory alloys (SMA), motors, solenoids, and bimetallic types. The axis 458 is substantially parallel to the main axis 105 that defines the rotation axis of the disk 104 in the direction 107.

[0088] The rotating ramp system can also use a pancake motor to move the movable ramp 436 in the z-direction and rotate the movable ramp 436 about the axis 458. The operational change between linear z-direction movement and rotational movement can be achieved using a clutch system, a brake system, or a physical stop (not shown). Feedback for alignment can be achieved optically or using other sensor technology.

[0089] The upper load beam portion 120a and the lower load beam portion 120b carry the head 102 for reading and writing on the top and bottom surfaces of the disk 104. When the disk drive storage device is in a closed or non-operating state, a lifting tab 446 extends from the load beam 120 to rest on the rotatable portion 436 of the movable ramp 136b. A bracket 448 is attached to the movable ramp 136b and is configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the actuator arm assembly 122. In an exemplary embodiment, engagement of the movable ramp 136b with the actuator arm assembly 122 is achieved by inserting an end portion 450 of the bracket 448 into the channel 148 of the actuator arm assembly 122, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator arm assembly 122 is separated from the movable ramp 136b by sliding the actuator arm on the guide rail 230 so that its channel 148 is disengaged from the end portion 450 of the bracket 448, as shown in FIG. Figure 15C and Figure 15D In the exemplary embodiment, the movable ramp 136 b includes a linear slider 152 mounted on a vertical guide post 156 together with a linear bearing 154 .

[0090] exist Figure 14 , Figure 15A and Figure 15BIn the engagement configuration between the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp 136b shown in FIG, when the elevator 140 is activated to raise and lower the actuator arm assembly 122, the movable ramp 136b connected to the actuator arm assembly 122 through the bracket 448 moves up and down along the vertical guide column 156 with the actuator arm assembly 122. Therefore, even if there is no direct connection between the elevator 140 and the movable ramp 136b, the actuator arm assembly 122 and the head component 102 thereon and the movable ramp 136b on which the head end 142 rests can achieve unified movement.

[0091] To use the head 102 for reading and writing data relative to the disk 104, the linear actuator 220 is activated to slide the actuator arm assembly 122 on the track 230, thereby moving the head end 142 away from the rotatable portion 436 and toward the disk 104, as shown. Figure 15C and Figure 15D . The bracket 448 is thereby separated from the channel 148 of the actuator arm assembly 122, and the brake assembly 158 (schematically shown) is used to hold the movable ramp 136b in the last reached position. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portion 450 of the bracket 448 is located on one side of the movable ramp 136b, and the vertical guide post 156 is located on the opposite side of the movable ramp 136b.

[0092] Figure 15A The lifting tab 446 is shown resting on the rotatable portion 436 of the movable ramp 136b. Figure 15C As shown in , by sliding the actuator arm assembly 122 on the track 230, the transducer head 102 can be moved in a radial cross-track direction so that the load beam 120 slides off the rotatable portion 436 of the movable ramp 136b, passes the edge 137, and slides to the disk 104. Figure 15D As shown in , in order to enable the head 102 (on the lifting tab 446 ) to access the extreme OD track near the OD 109 , the rotary actuator 460 moves the rotatable portion 436 clockwise, allowing the head 102 to have additional clearance in close proximity to the OD 109 .

[0093] During normal use / operation of the data storage device, the first ramp portion 136a, 436 is positioned with its edge 137 located above the OD 109. This enables the head end 142 of the actuator arm assembly 122 to move in the radial direction 218 (when the actuator arm assembly 122 slides on the rail 230) to move between a read / write position at the disk 104 and a parked position of the head support ramp assembly 136. However, when the first ramp portion 136a, 436 is positioned with its edge located above the OD 109, one or more disks 104 cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, as Figure 15B, to enable replacement of one or more disks 104, the first ramp portion 436 can be rotated about the pivot 458 to clear the edge ramp 137 from the OD 109. It should be noted that if the actuator arm assembly 122 or any portion thereof is located above / below the disk 104, the actuator arm assembly 122 also moves along the track 230 until the head end 142 is supported on the ramp portions 136b, 436.

[0094] The head end 142 of the HSA 138 is supported on the ramp portion 436 and is in the Figure 15B , one or more disks 104 can be easily lifted and replaced from the spindle 105. Such an embodiment enables the replacement and addition of one or more disks 104 without the need to disassemble the HSA 138. Another position in which the ramp portion 436 leaves the disk 104 can be achieved by rotating the ramp portion 436 further counterclockwise so that the edge 137 passes over the disk and leaves again to the left. This is very useful when a hard stop method is used and the actuation system is used for rotation, especially when the actuation system is a motor. Since there are hard stops on both sides, the rotatable ramp portion 436 can be rotated using an actuator / motor and still have it move up and down as in a screw system.

[0095] Although about Figures 14 - 15D The above disclosure of describes the head support actuator primarily as a rotary actuator 460, but in some embodiments a linear actuator may be used instead. In some embodiments, a split ramp (having separate first and second portions 136a, 136b, 436) may be used in a "jukebox" data storage device, where a portion of the split ramp may be retracted / rotated to mount any of a plurality of optional disks onto the spindle. After the disk is properly mounted, the split ramp may be moved back to its non-retracted / non-rotated original position to prepare the device for read / write operations.

[0096] Figures 16 - 19 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an elevator system for a linear actuator assembly 220 for use in any of the data storage devices 100A, 100B. Since the elevator 140C does not move linearly with the actuator arm assembly 122, the load on the linear drive or motor 451 is greater than that on the linear actuator or motor 451. Figures 2A - 2C The load in the elevator system is small. In addition, there is less concern about the weight of the elevator 140C, so it can be relatively robust. Additionally, where the ramp 136 has a movable ramp portion 136b, 436, the elevator 140C can be operatively connected to move both the actuator arm assembly 122 and the movable ramp portion 136b, 436 in unison.

[0097] Figure 16 The actuator arm assembly 122 is shown in a raised position and wherein the actuator arm assembly 122 has been linearly slid along the track 230 to a position that places the head end 142 of the HSA 138 above the tray 104 . Figure 17 The actuator arm assembly 122 is shown in a raised position with the head end 142 of the HSA 138 clear of the disk 104 and resting on the ramp 136. A vertical rail 456 extends between the top slide bracket 225 and the bottom slide bracket 226 of the linear actuator assembly 220. The coupler bracket 452 connects the actuator arm assembly 122 to the vertical rail 456 in a manner that allows the coupler bracket 452, and thereby the actuator arm assembly 122, to move the vertical rail 456 up and down in the z-direction. The coupler bracket 452 is selectively engageable with the elevator 140C. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler bracket 452 includes a gap or groove 454 between flanges 462. The elevator bracket 459 is moved up and down by the power of the elevator 140C, and the elevator bracket 459 has a complementary protrusion 461. As shown Figure 7 , the coupler bracket 452 is engaged with the elevator bracket 459 by inserting the protrusion 461 into the groove 454. Although a specific bracket configuration is shown and described, it is contemplated that other coupling mechanisms, such as clamps, may also be used. The selective coupling and decoupling of the elevator 140C and the arm 122 is also referred to as "clamping", but may not involve strong frictional engagement.

[0098] like Figure 18 As shown in , with the brackets 452, 459 thus physically connected, activating the elevator 140C to lower or raise the elevator bracket 459 will also lower or raise the coupling bracket 452 and the attached actuator arm assembly 122. Thus, the head end 142 of the HSA 138 can be moved up and down in the z-direction to access different disks 104 in the disk stack using the elevator 140C, which is connected to the actuator arm assembly 122 only when it is necessary to affect the vertical movement of the arm 122. When the actuator arm assembly 122 has reached the desired vertical position, any type of braking mechanism (e.g., such as the brake assembly 158) can be used to hold the coupler bracket 452 in the desired vertical position on the vertical rail 456. Then, the linear motor 451 is activated, as shown in FIG. Figure 940C to move the brackets 225, 226 and the vertical rails 456 along the track 230. This xy motion thereby disengages the grooves 454 from the protrusions 461 and allows the actuator arm assembly 122 to slide between the lower disks in the stack, thereby positioning the head end 142 to read / write the desired track. Although a particular coupling mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the actuator arm assembly 122 to and from the elevator 140C is described, it should be understood that other mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic and other forms of physical connection and disconnection may be used.

[0099] In many respects, systems 100A and 100B are similar to each other, and descriptions of one system or method are applicable to related aspects of the other system and method. Figure 21 is a simplified flow chart of a method 600 of using a zero-skew disk drive system with dual actuators according to an exemplary embodiment. The method may be combined with Figures 1A - 20 The method begins at 602 and continues to 604, which includes selecting whether to control the dual linear actuator assembly 220 synchronously or independently. The selection at this step determines whether the head circuit system 132, the driver circuit system 112, the elevator 140 and other components are utilized in a synchronous manner or an asynchronous manner. In either case, the method moves to 606, which includes activating the elevator 140 for each HSA 148 to move the actuator arm assembly 122 in the z direction to a desired position relative to the disk stack.

[0100] The method continues to 608 where the actuator arm assembly 122 slides along the track 230 in a straight line in the xy plane to place the head 102 in a desired read / write position relative to the disk surface. At 610, a query is made to inquire whether the head 102 is substantially aligned with the data track 114 of the disk 104. If so, as in Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment of , the method continues to 614. If not, such as may be Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the method continues to 612 where the load beam is rotated about the pivot 128 to eliminate the deflection between the head 102 and the track 114 to place the head 102 in a desired read / write position relative to the disk surface.

[0101] Then at 614, a read / write operation is performed by the head 102 of the load beam 120 on the disk 104. At 616, after the read / write operation is completed, the actuator arm assembly 122 is slid along the track 230 to move the load beam 120 away from the disk 104 and to a parked position on the ramp assembly 136. To read / write with respect to another disk 104, the method can return to 606, where the load beam 120 is positioned to rest on the ramp assembly 136 so that the elevator can move the arm 122 and the movable ramp portion 136b in unison.

[0102] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features in the elements and features of the devices and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. The features described with respect to any embodiment are also applicable to any other embodiment. Upon reviewing this disclosure, many other embodiments may be obvious to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are only representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0103] One or more embodiments of the present invention may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention", for convenience only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. For those skilled in the art, after reviewing the above description, the combination of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein are obvious. All patent documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference.

[0104] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to comply with 37 CFR §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of linking the present disclosure together. This disclosure should not be interpreted to reflect an intention that the claimed embodiments employ more features than those expressly recited in the claims. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the present invention may involve less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments.

[0105] The subject matter disclosed above is intended to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments. Therefore, in order to obtain the maximum scope allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest interpretation allowed by the appended claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0106] Further examples:

[0107] Example 1. A data storage device comprising:

[0108] a stack, the stack comprising a plurality of data storage disks, each data storage disk of the plurality of data storage disks comprising a read / write surface;

[0109] a first arm having a first head end portion movable relative to the stack;

[0110] a first head supported by the first head end of the first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with a selected one of the read / write surfaces;

[0111] a first linear actuator configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in an xy plane defined by the one of the read / write surfaces;

[0112] a first elevator configured to move the first arm in a z-direction;

[0113] a second arm having a second head end movable relative to the stack;

[0114] a second head supported by the second head end of the second arm; and

[0115] A second linear actuator is configured to move the second arm along a second line in the xy plane.

[0116] Example 2. The data storage device of Example 1, comprising a second elevator configured to move the second arm in the z direction.

[0117] Example 3. The data storage device of Example 2, wherein the first elevator and the second elevator operate independently of each other.

[0118] Example 4. The data storage device of Example 1, wherein the first straight line is parallel to the second straight line.

[0119] Example 5. The data storage device of Example 1, wherein the first head end portion of the first arm moves along a first radius of a data storage disk of the plurality of data storage disks.

[0120] Example 6. The data storage device as described in Example 5 is characterized in that the second head end portion of the second arm moves along a second radius of the one data storage disk among the multiple data storage disks, wherein the first radius and the second radius constitute the diameter of the disk.

[0121] Example 7. The data storage device of Example 1, comprising:

[0122] a first ramp configured to support the first head end portion of the first arm; and

[0123] A second ramp is configured to support the second head end of the second arm.

[0124] Example 8. The data storage device of Example 7, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp are positioned on radially opposite sides of the stack.

[0125] Example 9. The data storage device of Example 7, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp are positioned on a common side of the stack.

[0126] Example 10. The data storage device of Example 1, wherein the first arm has a first longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the first straight line.

[0127] Example 11. The data storage device of Example 1, wherein the first arm has a first longitudinal axis that is inclined at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 80 degrees relative to the first straight line.

[0128] Example 12. A data storage device as described in Example 11, characterized in that the first load beam has a selectively pivotable attachment to the first arm, and wherein the first load beam is aligned with a data track of the one of the read / write surfaces.

[0129] Example 13. The data storage device of Example 1, wherein the first linear drive and the second linear drive operate independently of each other.

[0130] Example 14. A data storage device comprising:

[0131] a data storage disk having a read / write surface defining an xy plane;

[0132] a first arm having a first head end portion movable relative to the data storage disk;

[0133] a first head supported by the first head end of the first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with the read / write surface;

[0134] a first ramp configured to support the first head proximate an outer diameter of the data storage disk;

[0135] a first linear actuator configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in the xy plane between the first ramp and an inner diameter of the data storage disk;

[0136] a second arm having a second head end portion movable relative to the data storage disk;

[0137] a second head supported by the second head end of the second arm, wherein the second head is configured to interact with the read / write surface;

[0138] a second ramp configured to support the second head proximate the outer diameter of the data storage disk; and

[0139] A second linear actuator configured to move the second arm along a second line in the xy plane between the second ramp and the inner diameter of the data storage disk, the second line being parallel to the first line.

[0140] Example 15. The data storage device of Example 14, wherein the first linear drive and the second linear drive operate independently of each other.

[0141] Example 16. The data storage device of Example 14, comprising:

[0142] a first elevator configured to move the first arm in a z-direction; and

[0143] a second elevator configured to move the second arm in the z-direction;

[0144] Wherein the first elevator and the second elevator operate independently of each other.

[0145] Example 17. A method comprising:

[0146] supporting a first head with a first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with a first read / write surface defining an xy plane of a data storage disk;

[0147] moving the first arm relative to the data storage disk along a first line in the xy plane;

[0148] moving the first arm in the z direction;

[0149] Support the second head with the second arm;

[0150] moving the second arm relative to the data storage disk along a second line in the xy plane, the second line being parallel to the first line; and

[0151] The second arm is moved in the z-direction.

[0152] Example 18. The method of Example 17, comprising moving the first arm independently of moving the second arm.

[0153] Example 19. The method of Example 17, wherein:

[0154] the first head interacts with the first read / write surface; and

[0155] The second head interacts with a second read / write surface that is different from the first read / write surface.

[0156] Example 20. The method of Example 17, wherein the data storage disk is one of a plurality of data storage disks stacked on a spindle, wherein:

[0157] The first head interacts with a first disk of the plurality of data storage disks; and

[0158] The second head interacts with a second disk of the plurality of data storage disks that is different from the first disk.

Claims

1. A data storage device, include: a stack, the stack comprising a plurality of data storage disks, each data storage disk of the plurality of data storage disks comprising a read / write surface; a first arm having a first head end portion movable relative to the stack; a first head supported by the first head end of the first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with a selected one of the read / write surfaces; a first linear actuator configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in an xy plane defined by the one of the read / write surfaces; a first elevator configured to move the first arm in a z-direction; a second arm having a second head end movable relative to the stack; a second head, the second head being supported by the second head end portion of the second arm; as well as A second linear actuator is configured to move the second arm along a second line in the xy plane.

2. The data storage device of claim 1, comprising a second elevator configured to move the second arm in the z-direction.

3. The data storage device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The first elevator and the second elevator operate independently of each other.

4. The data storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first straight line is parallel to the second straight line.

5. The data storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first head end portion of the first arm moves along a first radius of a data storage disk of the plurality of data storage disks.

6. The data storage device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The second head end portion of the second arm moves along a second radius of the one of the plurality of data storage disks, wherein the first radius and the second radius constitute a diameter of the disk.

7. The data storage device according to claim 1, include: a first ramp configured to support the first head end portion of the first arm; as well as A second ramp is configured to support the second head end of the second arm.

8. The data storage device according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The first ramp and the second ramp are positioned on radially opposite sides of the stack.

9. The data storage device according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The first ramp and the second ramp are positioned on a common side of the stack.

10. The data storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first arm has a first longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the first straight line.

11. The data storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first arm has a first longitudinal axis that is inclined at an angle between 20 and 80 degrees relative to the first straight line.

12. The data storage device according to claim 11, It is characterized in that A first load beam has a selectively pivotable attachment to the first arm, and wherein the first load beam is aligned with a data track of the one of the read / write surfaces.

13. The data storage device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first linear drive and the second linear drive operate independently of each other.

14. A data storage device, include: a data storage disk having a read / write surface defining an xy plane; a first arm having a first head end portion movable relative to the data storage disk; a first head supported by the first head end of the first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with the read / write surface; a first ramp configured to support the first head proximate an outer diameter of the data storage disk; a first linear actuator configured to move the first arm along a first straight line in the xy plane between the first ramp and an inner diameter of the data storage disk; a second arm having a second head end portion movable relative to the data storage disk; a second head supported by the second head end of the second arm, wherein the second head is configured to interact with the read / write surface; a second ramp configured to support the second head proximate the outer diameter of the data storage disk; as well as A second linear actuator configured to move the second arm along a second line in the xy plane between the second ramp and the inner diameter of the data storage disk, the second line being parallel to the first line.

15. The data storage device according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The first linear drive and the second linear drive operate independently of each other.

16. The data storage device of claim 14, include: a first elevator configured to move the first arm in a z-direction; as well as a second elevator configured to move the second arm in the z-direction; Wherein the first elevator and the second elevator operate independently of each other.

17. A method for data storage, include: supporting a first head with a first arm, wherein the first head is configured to interact with a first read / write surface defining an xy plane of a data storage disk; moving the first arm relative to the data storage disk along a first line in the xy plane; moving the first arm in the z direction; Use the second arm to support the second head; moving the second arm relative to the data storage disk along a second line in the xy plane, the second line being parallel to the first line; as well as The second arm is moved in the z-direction.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising moving the first arm independently of moving the second arm.

19. The method of claim 17, Features: the first head interacts with the first read / write surface; and The second head interacts with a second read / write surface that is different from the first read / write surface.

20. The method of claim 17, It is characterized in that The data storage disk is one of a plurality of data storage disks stacked on a spindle, wherein: The first head interacts with a first disk of the plurality of data storage disks; and The second head interacts with a second disk of the plurality of data storage disks that is different from the first disk.

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