Suspension for disk drive

Abstract

A suspension for a magnetic disk device according to an embodiment includes a load beam, a flexure superposed on the load beam, the flexure having a tongue carrying a slider, and an overhang connected to the tongue, and a damping material adhered to the load beam and the overhang, the damping material being a single layer structure having a viscoelastic body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application 2021-205870, filed in Japan on December 20, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a suspension for disk drives, such as hard disk drives. Background Technology

[0004] Hard disk drives (HDDs) are used in information processing devices such as personal computers. A hard disk drive includes a disk that rotates around a spindle, a carriage that rotates around a pivot, and so on. The carriage has an actuator arm and rotates around the pivot in the direction of the disk's track width via a positioning motor, such as a voice coil motor.

[0005] The actuator arm is equipped with a suspension for the disk drive (hereinafter referred to as the suspension). The suspension includes a load-bearing beam and a flexure superimposed on the load-bearing beam. A slider constituting a read / write head is provided on a universal joint formed near the front end of the flexure. The slider has access elements (converters) for example, for reading or writing data. These load-bearing beams, flexures, and sliders constitute the read / write head universal joint assembly.

[0006] The aforementioned universal joint includes a tongue-shaped component that mounts a slider and a pair of outriggers formed on both sides of the tongue-shaped component. Each outrigger has a shape that extends outwards towards both sides of the flexible component. Near each end of each outrigger in the longitudinal direction is fixed to a load-bearing beam by means such as laser welding. Each outrigger can bend like a spring in the thickness direction, playing a crucial role in ensuring the universal joint movement of the tongue-shaped component.

[0007] To increase disk recording density, the head gimbal assembly needs to be miniaturized and positioned on the disk's recording surface with higher precision. Therefore, while ensuring the required movement of the head gimbal assembly, the wobble of the flexure needs to be minimized as much as possible. As described in, for example, US6967821B2, JP2006-221726A, and JP2010-86630A, a scheme of locally incorporating damping material in the suspension is proposed to suppress flexure wobble.

[0008] Increasing the area of ​​the damping material bonded to the overhang can improve vibration suppression. However, as the area increases, the stiffness of the flexural element, which is crucial for the universal joint's motion, also changes significantly. Therefore, ideally, the damping material should be locally bonded to the overhang area where vibration can be effectively suppressed. However, typical damping materials have a laminated structure of a soft viscoelastic layer and a rigid limiting plate (limiting layer). Since the limiting plate is not easily deformable, the bondable area is limited. Therefore, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve both vibration suppression of the flexural element and good rigidity. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a suspension for a disk drive that can effectively suppress the vibration of the flexure and achieve good rigidity of the flexure.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a suspension for a disk drive includes a load-bearing beam, a tongue-shaped member on which a slider is mounted, an extension bracket connected to the tongue-shaped member, a flexural member superimposed on the load-bearing beam, and a damping material adhered to the load-bearing beam and the extension bracket. Furthermore, the damping material has a viscoelastic single-layer structure.

[0011] The load-bearing beam has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The overhanging bracket has a third surface at least partially facing the second surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a side surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface. Damping material is, for example, adhered to the second surface, the fourth surface, and the side surface, respectively.

[0012] The second surface may include a curved surface formed at the edge of the load-bearing beam. In this case, the damping material may also be adhered to the curved surface.

[0013] The damping material can be positioned at the intersection of the extended support and the edge portion when viewed from above.

[0014] The flexural member may be fixed to the front end of the load-bearing beam. In this case, the damping material can be adhered to both the overhang and the front end, and also to the area of ​​the load-bearing beam located between the overhang and the front end in plan view.

[0015] The damping material has a fifth surface attached to the load-bearing beam and the overhanging bracket, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface. The sixth surface can be exposed to the surrounding air of the damping material.

[0016] In at least a portion of the area where the load-bearing beam, the overhanging bracket, and the damping material overlap, a gap may be formed between the overhanging bracket and the load-bearing beam.

[0017] The damping material can also be adhered to both the first surface and the third surface. In this case, the load-bearing beam can have an opening extending between the first surface and the second surface, through which the damping material can be adhered to the third surface.

[0018] According to the present invention, a suspension for a disk drive device can be provided that can effectively suppress the vibration of the flexure to achieve good flexure rigidity.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, some of which will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. These objects and advantages of the invention may be obtained and achieved by the means and combinations specified below. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the above description of the invention and the following specific embodiments, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 A simplified perspective view of an example of a disk drive according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a disk drive according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a simplified perspective view of the suspension according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the front end of the suspension of the first embodiment, viewed from the slider side.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a simplified top view of the area near the front end of the suspension in the first embodiment, viewed from the slider side.

[0026] Figure 6 For suspension edge Figure 5 A simplified sectional view of line F6-F6 in the middle.

[0027] Figure 7 For suspension edge Figure 6 A simplified sectional view of line F7-F7 in the middle.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a simplified sectional view of the suspension based on the comparative example.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a graph that shows the results of evaluating the differences in vibration characteristics based on the presence or absence of damping materials.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a graph showing the results of evaluating the differences in vibration characteristics based on the presence or absence of a damping material limiting plate.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a simplified top view showing a portion of the suspension according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 For suspension edge Figure 11 A simplified sectional view of line F12-F12 in the middle.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a simplified perspective view of the suspension according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the suspension according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] [First Embodiment]

[0037] Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view showing an example of a disk drive (HDD) 1. The disk drive 1 includes a housing 2, a plurality of disks 4 rotating about a spindle 3, a carriage 6 rotating about a pivot 5, and a positioning motor (voice coil motor) 7 for driving the carriage 6. The housing 2 is sealed by a cover (not shown).

[0038] Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of disk device 1 is shown. (As shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bracket 6 is provided with multiple arms (bracket arms) 8. Suspension 10 is mounted on the front end of each arm 8. The slider 11 constituting the magnetic head is provided at the front end of each suspension 10. When the disk 4 rotates at high speed, air flows between the disk 4 and the slider 11, forming an air bearing.

[0039] When the positioning motor 7 drives the bracket 6 to rotate, the suspension 10 moves radially along the disk 4, thereby moving the slider 11 to the desired track of the disk 4.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a simplified perspective view of the suspension 10 according to this embodiment. The suspension 10 includes an arm 8 (e.g., fixed to the bracket 6) Figure 1 and 2 The base plate 20, the supporting beam 21, and the flexural member 22 are shown. A boss 20a is formed on the base plate 20, which inserts into a hole 8a formed in the arm 8. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the flexural member 22 is installed along the load-bearing beam 21.

[0041] In the following description, the length direction X, width direction Y, and thickness direction Z of the suspension 10, the load-bearing beam 21, and the flexure 22 are defined as follows: Figure 2 As shown. Furthermore, the sway direction S is defined as being near the front end 21a of the supporting beam 21, as indicated by the arc-shaped arrow.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the front end of the suspension 10, viewed from the slider 11 side. The load-bearing beam 21 has... Figure 3 The lower surface BF1 (first surface) and shown Figure 4 The upper surface UF1 (second surface) is shown. Upper surface UF1 is the surface on which the flexible element 22 is mounted. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the damping material 25 can be disposed on the lower surface BF1.

[0043] Furthermore, the load-bearing beam 21 has a pair of edge portions ED1 and ED2. Edge portions ED1 and ED2 are inclined relative to the length direction X and the width direction Y. The distance between edge portions ED1 and ED2 along the width direction Y gradually decreases as they approach the front end 21a of the load-bearing beam 21. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the supporting beam 21 is bent at the edges ED1 and ED2 to protrude toward the lower surface BF1 (making the lower surface BF1 the inner side).

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, an MR element or other component 28 capable of converting magnetic signals and electrical signals is provided at the front end of the slider 11 that constitutes the magnetic head. These components 28 are used to access the disk 4, such as writing or reading data. The slider 11, the support beam 21, the flexure 22, etc. constitute the head gimbal assembly.

[0045] The flexural member 22 has a metal base 40 made of a thin stainless steel sheet and a pair of wiring portions 41 disposed along the metal base 40. The pair of wiring portions 41 are arranged in the width direction Y and extend in the length direction X while bending. The thickness of the metal base 40 is less than the thickness of the supporting beam 21. The thickness of the metal base 40 is preferably 12-25 μm, and in one example is 20 μm. The thickness of the supporting beam 21 is, for example, 30 μm. A portion of the wiring portion 41 is electrically connected to the element 28 of the slider 11 via a terminal 42.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a simplified top view of the area near the front end of the suspension 10, viewed from the side of the slider 11. The flexure 22 has a tongue-shaped member 45, a first extension bracket 51, and a second extension bracket 52. The slider 11 is mounted on the tongue-shaped member 45. The first extension bracket 51 and the second extension bracket 52 are respectively provided on both sides of the tongue-shaped member 45 in the width direction Y.

[0047] The first protruding bracket 51 and the second protruding bracket 52 have a shape that protrudes outward on both sides of the tongue-shaped member 45 in the width direction. The tongue-shaped member 45, the first protruding bracket 51 and the second protruding bracket 52 are all part of the metal base 40 and are formed, for example, by etching.

[0048] Figure 6 It is suspension 10 along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6. The load-bearing beam 21 has a recess 55 protruding into the tongue-shaped member 45. The front end 55a of the recess 55 contacts the tongue-shaped member 45. The tongue-shaped member 45 can swing around the front end 55a of the recess 55 to perform the required universal joint movement. The universal joint portion 56 is composed of the tongue-shaped member 45, the first extended bracket 51, the second extended bracket 52, the recess 55, etc.

[0049] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the first extended bracket 51 is disposed on the outer side of one side of the tongue-shaped member 45 and extends along the length direction X. The second extended bracket 52 is disposed on the outer side of the other side of the tongue-shaped member 45 and extends along the length direction X.

[0050] The first extended support 51 has a first base end portion 51a, a first base end arm 51b, a first front end arm 51c, and a first connecting portion 51d. The first base end portion 51a is fixed to the load-bearing beam 21 by a fixing portion 61. The first base end arm 51b extends from the first base end portion 51a toward a side portion of the tongue-shaped member 45. One end of the first front end arm 51c is connected to the first base end arm 51b, and the other end is connected to the front end portion 22a of the flexible member 22. The first connecting portion 51d connects the front end portion of the first base end arm 51b and a side portion of the tongue-shaped member 45. The front end portion 22a is fixed near the front end of the load-bearing beam 21 by a fixing portion 62. The fixing portions 61 and 62 are formed, for example, by laser spot welding.

[0051] The first base arm 51b has a first bend 51e. Between the first base end portion 51a and the first bend 51e, the first base arm 51b extends toward the center C in the width direction Y of the suspension 10. On the other hand, the first base arm 51b extends away from the center C between the first bend 51e and the first front arm 51c.

[0052] The second extended support 52 has the same shape as the first extended support 51. That is, the second extended support 52 has a second base end 52a, a second base end arm 52b, a second front end arm 52c, a second connecting portion 52d, and a second bending portion 52e. The second base end 52a is fixed to the load-bearing beam 21 by a fixing portion 63 formed, for example, by laser spot welding.

[0053] As described above, the two ends of the first extended bracket 51 in the longitudinal direction X are supported by fixing portions 61 and 62. Similarly, the two ends of the second extended bracket 52 in the longitudinal direction X are supported by fixing portions 62 and 63. Therefore, the portion of the first extended bracket 51 located between fixing portions 61 and 62, and the portion of the second extended bracket 52 located between fixing portions 62 and 63, can be bent in the thickness direction Z. Thus, the tongue-shaped member 45, elastically supported by the first extended bracket 51 and the second extended bracket 52, can swing about the recess 55 as a fulcrum.

[0054] The first micro-actuator element 65 and the second micro-actuator element 66 are mounted on the universal joint portion 56. These micro-actuator elements 65 and 66 are both made of piezoelectric material and are disposed on both sides of the slider 11 in the width direction Y. The two ends 65a and 65b of the first micro-actuator element 65 are respectively fixed to the actuator supports 70 and 71 of the tongue-shaped member 45. The two ends 66a and 66b of the second micro-actuator element 66 are respectively fixed to the actuator supports 72 and 73 of the tongue-shaped member 45.

[0055] Miniature actuator elements 65 and 66 have the ability to cause the tongue 45 to move along the oscillation direction S ( Figure 3 (As shown) The function of rotation. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and 5 A limiter member 75 is disposed between one side of the tongue-shaped member 45 and the first extension bracket 51 to suppress excessive wobbling of the tongue-shaped member 45. A limiter member 76 is also disposed between the other side of the tongue-shaped member 45 and the second extension bracket 52.

[0056] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the suspension 10 includes a first damping material 80 and a second damping material 90 to suppress the vibration of the flexure 22. The first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are bonded to the load-bearing beam 21 and the flexure 22.

[0057] Specifically, the first damping material 80 is adhered to the area where, when viewed from above, the first base arm 51b intersects with the edge portion ED1. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the second damping material 90 is adhered to the area where, when viewed from above, the second base arm 52b intersects with the edge portion ED2.

[0058] The first damping material 80 is located between the first bend 51e and the first front arm 51c in the length direction X. The second damping material 90 is located between the second bend 52e and the second front arm 52c in the length direction X.

[0059] exist Figure 5In the example, the first damping material 80 covers not only the portion of the first base arm 51b facing the load-bearing beam 21, but also the portion protruding from the edge ED1 in top view (the portion not facing the load-bearing beam 21). Similarly, the second damping material 90 covers not only the portion of the second base arm 52b facing the load-bearing beam 21, but also the portion protruding from the edge ED2 in top view.

[0060] A pair of wiring portions 41 have protrusions 41a that protrude toward the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90, respectively. These protrusions 41a and the damping members 80 and 90 are arranged separately from each other in the width direction Y.

[0061] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 taken along line F7-F7. The first overhanging bracket 51 (first base arm 51b) has a lower surface BF2 (third surface) that at least partially faces the upper surface UF1 of the load-bearing beam 21 and an upper surface UF2 (fourth surface) opposite to the lower surface BF2, and a pair of side surfaces SF1, SF2 connecting the lower surface BF2 and the upper surface UF2. The first damping material 80 has a lower surface BF3 (fifth surface) facing the upper surfaces UF1 and UF2 and an upper surface UF3 (sixth surface) opposite to the lower surface BF3.

[0062] The upper surface UF1 includes the flat surface FT, which involves most of the load-bearing beam 21, and the curved surface CV formed by the curved edge portion ED1. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the cross-section, in at least a portion of the region where the load-bearing beam 21, the first extended support 51, and the first damping material 80 overlap in the thickness direction Z, a gap is formed between the load-bearing beam 21 and the base arm 51b. In this region, the load-bearing beam 21 and the first base arm 51b can be in integral contact with each other without forming a gap G.

[0063] The first damping material 80 has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic material. That is, the first damping material 80 in this embodiment does not have a so-called limiting plate. As a viscoelastic material, a material that is viscous and can exert viscous resistance when deformed can be used, such as a polymer material such as acrylic resin.

[0064] exist Figure 7In the example, the thickness of the first damping material 80 is less than the thickness of the supporting beam 21 and the thickness of the first base arm 51b. This enhances the following of the first damping material 80 to the location where it is attached. However, from the viewpoint of achieving good vibration suppression, the thickness of the first damping material 80 is preferably 10 μm or greater. The thickness of the first damping material 80 can be equal to or greater than the thickness of the supporting beam 21 and the thickness of the first base arm 51b.

[0065] The lower surface BF3 of the first damping material 80 is adhesively adhered to the upper surface UF1 of the supporting beam 21 and the upper surface UF2 of the first base arm 51b. Furthermore, the lower surface BF3 is bonded to at least one of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the first base arm 51b, or as... Figure 7 As shown, attach it to both side surfaces.

[0066] More specifically, the first damping material 80 includes a first portion P1 bonded to the flat surface FT, a second portion P2 bonded to the curved surface CV, a third portion P3 bonded to the first base arm 51b, a fourth portion P4 bonded to the side surface SF1, and a fifth portion P5 bonded to the side surface SF2.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, part 3, P3, is located between part 1, P1, and part 2, P2. Furthermore, part 4, P4, is located between part 1, P1, and part 3, P3, and part 5, P5, is located between part 2, P2, and part 3, P3. The lower surface BF3 is exposed to gap G in a portion of parts 4, P4, and part 5, P5.

[0068] The upper surface UF3 of the first damping material 80 does not contact other components. That is, the upper surface UF3 is exposed as a whole to the surrounding air of the first damping material 80. It can also be said that the upper surface UF3 is in overall contact with the air layer.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower surface BF2 of the first base arm 51b does not contact the first damping material 80. However, the first damping material 80 can be adhered to a portion of the lower surface BF2. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the first damping material 80 is attached to the outer portion of the protruding edge portion ED1 of the first base arm 51b, the first damping material 80 can be attached to the lower surface BF2 of that portion.

[0070] The cross-sectional structure including the second damping material 90 and the second overhang bracket 52 (second base arm 52b) and including Figure 7 The first damping material 80 and the first extension bracket 51 shown have the same cross-sectional structure. That is, the second damping material 90 also has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic body.

[0071] The function of the suspension 10 according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0072] In the suspension 10 according to this embodiment, the first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52 are respectively bonded to the load-bearing beam 21 via a first damping material 80 and a second damping material 90. When energy causing the flexure 22 to vibrate is input from the outside, this vibrational energy is transferred to the damping materials 80 and 90. At this time, the damping materials 80 and 90, which are viscoelastic bodies, deform, and internal resistance is generated due to the friction of the molecules constituting the viscoelastic body. Therefore, the vibrational energy is converted into heat energy, and the swaying of the flexure 22 can be suppressed.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10X according to the comparative example. The cross-sectional view includes and Figure 7 The same load-bearing beam 21, first outrigger 51 (first base arm 51b) and damping material 80X.

[0074] In the suspension 10X, the damping material 80X has a viscoelastic body 81 and a limiting plate 82. The viscoelastic body 81 is bonded to the upper surface UF1 of the load-bearing beam 21 and the upper surface UF2 of the first overhang bracket 51. The limiting plate 82 is made of a material harder than the viscoelastic body 81 and completely covers the viscoelastic body 81.

[0075] The damping material 80X with such a limiting plate 82 is less prone to deformation and more difficult to bend than the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 according to this embodiment. Therefore, it is difficult to cover the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 with the damping material 80X. In addition, it is difficult to attach it to non-flat parts such as curved surfaces CV.

[0076] On the other hand, since the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 in this embodiment have a single-layer structure of viscoelasticity, they exhibit high deformation capacity. Therefore, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can adhere well to the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the first extension bracket 51 and the second extension bracket 52, as well as the curved surfaces CV of the edges ED1 and ED2. If the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are adhered to most of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 and the curved surface CV, the effect of suppressing the vibration of the flexural member 22 is enhanced.

[0077] Therefore, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be adhered even in areas with significant undulations, thus increasing the flexibility in choosing the adhesion location. Consequently, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be adhered at locations suitable for suppressing the vibration of the flexural member 22, unaffected by variations in the adhesion location. Therefore, the adhesion area of ​​the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be minimized, achieving good rigidity of the flexural member 22 while effectively suppressing its vibration.

[0078] In this embodiment, the portion of the load-bearing beam 21 to which the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are bonded serves essentially the same function as the limiting plate. Therefore, the same effect of suppressing the vibration of the flexural member 22 as that of the suspension 10X in the comparative example can be obtained.

[0079] The upper surfaces of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are exposed to the surrounding air. When the suspension 10 is mounted on the disk drive 1, these exposed upper surfaces can attract particles from inside the housing 2. Therefore, defects in the disk drive 1 caused by particles are suppressed, and the reliability of the disk drive 1 is improved.

[0080] The inventors verified the effectiveness of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 in suppressing the vibration of the flexural member 22. The structure of the suspension 10, which was the subject of this verification, is similar to... Figures 2 to 7 The structures shown are the same.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the results of evaluating the differences in vibration characteristics based on the presence or absence of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90. The horizontal axis of the graph is frequency [kHz], and the vertical axis is gain [dB]. The multiple thin lines in the graph represent the measurement results of several suspension samples without the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90. The multiple thick lines in the graph represent the measurement results of several suspension samples including the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90.

[0082] exist Figure 9 In the curves, the gain of the suspension excluding the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 fluctuates greatly around 14kHz and varies significantly between samples. Conversely, the gain of the suspension 10 including the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 is generally stable with little variation between samples. This demonstrates that incorporating the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 effectively suppresses the vibration of the flexural member 22.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the differences in vibration characteristics based on the presence or absence of a limiting plate. The horizontal axis of the graph is frequency [kHz], and the vertical axis is gain [dB]. The multiple thin lines in the graph represent, for example,... Figure 8The figures show measurement results for several samples of suspensions with first and second damping materials containing a limiting plate, which are the same as the damping materials shown. The multiple thick lines in the figure represent measurement results for several samples of suspension 10 with first damping material 80 and second damping material 90 excluding the limiting plate.

[0084] based on Figure 10 The graphs show that the gain is generally stable regardless of whether the damping material includes a limiting plate. It also shows that vibrations from 10 kHz to 12 kHz are suppressed more effectively when the damping material does not include a limiting plate compared to when it does.

[0085] Based on the above verification, it is confirmed that the suspension 10 according to this embodiment, including the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90, can effectively suppress the vibration of the flexural member 22.

[0086] [Second Embodiment]

[0087] The second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the bonding positions of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are different from those in the first embodiment. Descriptions of configurations identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0088] Figure 11 This is a schematic top view showing a portion of the suspension 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 In the example, the first damping material 80 is bonded to the first front arm 51c, the front end 22a of the flexure 22, and region A1 between the first front arm 51c and the front end 22a of the load-bearing beam 21 in a top view. The second damping material 90 is bonded to the second front arm 52c, the front end 22a, and region A2 of the load-bearing beam 21 located between the second front arm 52c and the front end 22a in a top view.

[0089] Figure 12 It is suspension 10 along Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view along line F12-F12. The first outrigger 51 (first front arm 51c) has a lower surface BF21 that at least partially faces the upper surface UF1 of the load-bearing beam 21, an upper surface UF21 opposite to the lower surface BF21, and a side surface SF21 connecting the lower surface BF21 and the upper surface UF21. The front end 22a has a lower surface BF22 that at least partially faces the upper surface UF1 of the load-bearing beam 21, an upper surface UF22 opposite to the lower surface BF22, and a side surface SF22 connecting the lower surface BF22 and the upper surface UF22. The side surfaces SF21 and SF22 are opposite to each other.

[0090] exist Figure 12In the example, both lower surfaces BF21 and BF22 are in contact with the upper surface UF1. As another example, at least one of the lower surfaces BF21 and BF22 may form a gap with the upper surface UF1.

[0091] The lower surface BF3 of the first damping material 80 is adhered to the upper surfaces UF21 and UF22, and is also adhered to the upper surface UF1 in region A1. Furthermore, the lower surface BF3 is adhered to at least one of the side surfaces SF21 and SF22, or in… Figure 2 In the example, it is pasted onto both side surfaces.

[0092] More specifically, the first damping material 80 has a first portion P21 adhered to the upper surface UF1, a second portion P22 adhered to the upper surface UF21, a third portion P23 adhered to the upper surface UF22, a fourth portion P24 adhered to the side surface SF21, and a fifth portion P25 adhered to the side surface SF22. Figure 12 In the example, part 1 P21 is located between part 2 P22 and part 3 P23. The upper surface UF3 of the first damping material 80 is the same as in the first embodiment and does not contact other components.

[0093] The cross-sectional structure including the second damping material 90 and the second extension bracket 52 (second front arm 52c) and including Figure 12 The first damping material 80 and the first extension bracket 51 shown have the same cross-sectional structure. Figure 11 In the example, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are spaced apart, but these damping materials 80 and 90 can be made of a continuous viscoelastic body.

[0094] If the damping material, including the viscoelastic body and the limiting plate, is configured to cover the small gap (slit of the flexural member 22) between the front end 22a and the first front end arm 51c or between the front end 22a and the second front end arm 51c, the viscoelastic body may not be able to adhere to the upper surface UF1 of the load-bearing beam 21 in regions A1 and A2 due to the difficulty in deforming the damping material. Conversely, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90, which have a single-layer structure of viscoelastic body as in this embodiment, can adhere well to the upper surface UF1 and the side surfaces SF21 and SF22 in regions A1 and A2.

[0095] [Third Embodiment]

[0096] The third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the bonding method of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 is different from that in the above embodiments. Descriptions of structures identical to those in the above embodiments are omitted.

[0097] Figure 13This is a schematic perspective view of the suspension 10 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the load-bearing beam 21 has a first opening AP1 and a second opening AP2. A first damping material 80 is adhered to the lower surface BF1 of the load-bearing beam 21 and overlaps with the first opening AP1. A second damping material 90 is adhered to the lower surface BF1 and overlaps with the second opening AP2.

[0098] exist Figure 13 In the example, the first damping material 80 completely blocks the first opening AP1, and the second damping material 90 completely blocks the second opening AP2. As another example, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 may each only block a portion of the first opening AP1 and the second opening AP2, respectively.

[0099] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 in the region including the first damping material 80 and the first opening AP1. The first opening AP1 extends between the lower surface BF1 and the upper surface UF1. The load-bearing beam 21 has a pair of side surfaces SF31 and SF32 opposite to each other at the first opening AP.

[0100] exist Figure 14 In this configuration, a portion of the first base arm 51b of the first extended support 51 (e.g., the first bend 51e) overlaps with the first opening AP1. For example, the first base arm 51b traverses the first opening AP1 in the length direction X.

[0101] The upper surface UF3 of the first damping material 80 adheres to the lower surface BF1 of the supporting beam 21 and the lower surface BF2 of the first base arm 51b due to its adhesiveness. Furthermore, the upper surface UF3 is bonded to at least one of the side surfaces SF31 and SF32, or as... Figure 14 As shown, it is pasted onto both SF31 and SF32 side surfaces.

[0102] More specifically, the first damping material 80 includes a first portion P31 and a second portion P32 adhered to the lower surface BF1, a third portion P33 adhered to the lower surface BF2, a fourth portion P34 adhered to the side surface SF31, and a fifth portion adhered to the side surface SF32. Furthermore, the first damping material 80 has a sixth portion P36 and a seventh portion P37 on the lower surface BF3 and the upper surface UF3, which are not adhered to any component.

[0103] exist Figure 14 In the example, part 3, P33, is located between part 1, P31, and part 2, P32; part 4, P34, is located between part 1, P31, and part 3, P33; and part 5, P35, is located between part 2, P32, and part 3, P33. Furthermore, part 6, P36, is located between part 3, P33, and part 4, P34; and part 7, P37, is located between part 3, P33, and part 5, P35.

[0104] The lower surface BF3 of the first damping material 80 does not contact other components. That is, the lower surface BF3 is entirely exposed to the surrounding air of the first damping material 80. Alternatively, it can be said that the lower surface BF3 is entirely in contact with the air layer.

[0105] The cross-sectional structure including the second damping material 90, the second opening AP2, and the second overhanging support 52 (the second base arm 52b) and as shown in the figure Figure 14 The cross-sectional structures shown, including the first damping material 80, the first opening AP1, and the first outrigger 51, are identical. Figure 13 In the example, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 are separate, but these damping materials 80 and 90 can be composed of a continuous viscoelastic body.

[0106] If a damping material comprising a viscoelastic body and a limiting plate is bonded to the first base arm 51b and the second base arm 52b through the first opening AP1 and the second opening AP2, the viscoelastic body may not adhere to these base arms 51b and 52b because the damping material is not easily deformable. Conversely, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90, which have a single-layer structure with a viscoelastic body as in this embodiment, are able to adhere well to the first base arm 51b and the second base arm 52b through the first opening AP1 and the second opening AP2 because of their high deformability.

[0107] In addition, although Figure 14 An example is shown where the first damping material 80 is directly bonded to the first base arm 51b, but a shim can also be placed between the first damping material 80 and the first base arm 51b. Similarly, a shim can be placed between the second damping material 90 and the second base arm 52b. Using this structure, the deformation of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be suppressed, allowing the damping materials 80 and 90 to adhere well to the first base arm 51b and the second base arm 52b, respectively.

[0108] Furthermore, the first base arm 51b can also be bent in the thickness direction Z near the first opening AP1, with a portion of the first base arm 51b located within the first opening AP1. Similarly, the second base arm 52b can be bent in the thickness direction Z near the second opening AP2, with a portion of the second base arm 52b located within the second opening AP2. Even with this structure, the deformation of the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be suppressed, allowing the damping materials 80 and 90 to adhere well to the first base arm 51b and the second base arm 52b.

[0109] When implementing the invention disclosed in the above embodiments, various modifications can be made to specific aspects of the elements constituting the suspension for the disk drive, in addition to specific aspects such as the shape of the load-bearing beam and the flexural member, and the configuration of the first damping material and the second damping material. For example, the first damping material 80 and the second damping material 90 can be provided in a suspension without microactuator elements 65 and 66.

Claims

1. A suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus, comprising: a load beam, a flexure having a tongue carrying a slider and an overhang connected to the tongue, the flexure overlapping the load beam, and a damping material adhered to the load beam and the overhang, the damping material having a single layer structure of a viscoelastic body, the load beam having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the overhang having a third surface facing at least a part of the second surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a side surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the damping material being adhered to the second surface, the fourth surface, and the side surface, respectively, the second surface including a curved surface formed at an edge portion of the load beam, and the damping material being attached to the curved surface.

2. The suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the damping material is disposed at a position where the overhang and the edge portion intersect each other in a plan view.

3. A suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus, comprising: a load beam, a flexure having a tongue carrying a slider and an overhang connected to the tongue, the flexure overlapping the load beam, and a damping material adhered to the load beam and the overhang, the damping material having a single layer structure of a viscoelastic body, the flexure having a front end portion fixed to the load beam, the damping material being adhered to the overhang and the front end portion while being adhered to a region of the load beam between the overhang and the front end portion in a plan view, the region being located between the tongue and the front end portion in a length direction of the load beam.

4. The suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the damping material has a fifth surface attached to the load beam and the overhang, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, the sixth surface being exposed to air around the damping material.

5. The suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a gap is formed between the overhang and the load beam in at least a part of an overlapping region of the load beam, the overhang, and the damping material.

6. A suspension for a magnetic disk apparatus, comprising: a load beam, a flexure having a tongue carrying a slider and an overhang connected to the tongue, the flexure overlapping the load beam, and a damping material adhered to the load beam and the overhang, the damping material having a single layer structure of a viscoelastic body, the load beam having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, an opening penetrating between the first surface and the second surface, and a side surface inside the opening, the overhang having a third surface facing at least a part of the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the damping material being adhered to the first surface and adhered to the third surface and the side surface through the opening. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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