Suspension for disk drive

Abstract

A suspension for a magnetic disk device includes a plate member, an actuator, and a flexure. The plate member includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first through-hole that penetrates the first surface and the second surface, and a second through-hole that penetrates the first surface and the second surface and is disposed apart from the first through-hole. The actuator is disposed on the second surface and has an electrode located in the first through-hole. The flexure has an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode. The electrode connection portion has a first region and a second region having a thickness smaller than the first region. In a thickness direction of the flexure, the second region overlaps the second through-hole.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference

[0002] This application is based on a prior application (Japan Patent Application No. 2022-032762) filed on March 3, 2022, and enjoys priority over all matters described in that prior application. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a suspension for a disk drive. 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 and a carriage that rotates around a pivot. The carriage has arms that rotate around the pivot in the direction of the disk's track width via a positioning motor, such as a voice coil motor.

[0005] The arm is equipped with a disk drive suspension (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.

[0006] The slider has elements (converters) for accessing data, such as reading or writing data. These supporting beams, flexural elements, and sliders constitute the head universal joint assembly.

[0007] To increase the recording density of a disk, it is necessary to further reduce the size of the head gimbal assembly and improve the positioning accuracy of the slider on the recording surface of the disk.

[0008] To improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head, DSA (Dual Stage Actuator) suspension, which uses both a positioning motor (voice coil motor) and an actuator mounted on the base plate side, and TSA (Triple Stage Actuator) suspension, which has an actuator mounted on the magnetic head side, are known.

[0009] When the base plate is connected to the arm using ball joint riveting or is subjected to vibration, the stress generated by the actuator mounted on the side of the base plate is prone to increase. When a certain or greater stress occurs, the actuator may develop cracks or other problems.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 8,797,689 discloses a disk drive head suspension assembly with piezoelectric element stress relaxation characteristics. The disk drive head suspension assembly features an etched area containing a through-hole in the portion where the actuator is mounted.

[0011] Even in the disk drive head suspension assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,797,689, there is still room for various improvements to enhance suspension reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a suspension for disk drives that can improve reliability.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a suspension for a disk drive includes a plate member and a flexure member. The plate member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first through portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second through portion spaced apart from the first through portion and penetrating the first surface and the second surface. The flexure member is disposed on the second surface and has an actuator having an electrode in the first through portion and an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode.

[0014] The electrode connection portion includes a first region and a second region with a thickness smaller than the first region. In the thickness direction of the flexural member, the second region overlaps with the second through portion.

[0015] The flexural element includes a metal base superimposed on the first surface and a wiring portion superimposed on the metal base. In the first region, the metal base may have a wiring reinforcement portion.

[0016] In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located at the front end of the flexible member, and in the same longitudinal direction, the wiring reinforcement portion may be located between the first through portion and the second through portion.

[0017] In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located at the front end of the flexible member, which is longer than the first through portion. In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion may also be located between the wiring reinforcement portion and the first through portion.

[0018] The flexural member may further include a flexural member body portion connected to the electrode connection portion, wherein the wiring reinforcement portion is separate from the metal base in the flexural member body portion. The flexural member may further include a flexural member body portion connected to the electrode connection portion, wherein the wiring reinforcement portion extends from the metal base in the flexural member body portion. It may also include an adhesive disposed between the plate member and the actuator, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second through portion.

[0019] The reliability of disk drives can be improved by using a suspension system with this structure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing summary description and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments help to explain the nature of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view of an example of a disk device.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a simplified cross-sectional view showing a portion of the disk drive.

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

[0024] Figure 4 This is a simplified plan view of the suspension according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A simplified enlarged view of part V in the image.

[0026] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The simplified sectional view is shown by the VI-VI line.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a simplified plan view of a comparative example of the suspension according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a simplified enlarged partial view of the suspension according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a simplified enlarged partial view of the suspension according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a simplified enlarged partial view of the suspension according to the fourth embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0031] The various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To make the description clearer, the dimensions and shapes of the various parts are schematically shown in the drawings, and these can be modified through actual embodiments.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a disk drive (HDD) 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, the disk device 1 includes a housing 2, a plurality of disks (hereinafter simply referred to as 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).

[0034] Figure 2 This is a simplified cross-sectional view showing a portion of disk device 1. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, multiple (e.g., 3) arms 8 are provided in the bracket 6. The number of arms 8 provided in the bracket 6 is not limited to the example above.

[0035] Each of the multiple arms 8 has a suspension 10 mounted on its front end. Each suspension 10 has a slider 11, which forms the magnetic head, mounted on its front end. When the disk 4 rotates at high speed, air flows between the disk 4 and the slider 11, forming an air bearing. When the bracket 6 rotates via the positioning motor 7, the suspension 10 moves radially along the disk 4, and the slider 11 moves to the desired track on the disk 4.

[0036] Figure 3 and 4 This is a simplified plan view of the suspension 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 From Figure 3 The suspension 10 is viewed from the opposite side. In this embodiment, as an example of the suspension 10, a TSA suspension is disclosed, wherein the actuators are mounted on the head side and the base plate side, respectively.

[0037] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the suspension 10 includes an arm 8 (such as...) Figure 2 The suspension 10 is connected to a base plate 20, a load-bearing beam 30, and a flexural member 40. The base plate 20, the load-bearing beam 30, and the flexural member 40 all extend along the longitudinal direction of the suspension 10.

[0038] Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load-bearing beam 30 and flexure 40 is defined as longitudinal direction X. In the longitudinal direction X, with base plate 20 as the reference, the side on which the slider constituting the magnetic head is mounted is sometimes referred to as the front end side.

[0039] The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is defined as the transverse direction Y of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load-bearing beam 30, and flexure 40. The direction intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y is defined as the thickness direction Z of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load-bearing beam 30, and flexure 40. Hereinafter, the length along the thickness direction Z will sometimes be referred to as the thickness. Furthermore, the direction S is defined as shown by the arc-shaped arrow near the front end of the load-bearing beam 30.

[0040] The base plate 20 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. The thickness of the base plate 20 is, for example, less than 100 μm, but not limited thereto. The base plate 20 is provided with an arm 8 (e.g., for mounting the suspension 10 to the bracket 6) for mounting the bracket 6. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The boss portion 21 (as shown).

[0041] The load-bearing beam 30 is formed of a metallic material such as stainless steel. The thickness of the load-bearing beam 30 is, for example, 30 to 80 μm. The load-bearing beam 30 has a tapered shape that tapers towards the front end.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, in the welded section W, the load-bearing beam 30 is fixed to the base plate 20, for example, by laser spot welding. The load-bearing beam 30 is elastically supported on the base plate 20 by a spring section 31. The load-bearing beam 30 has a surface 30A (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown) and the opposite side of surface 30A, surface 30B (as shown) Figure 4 (As shown). Surface 30A is the surface on the side where the flexural member 40 is placed.

[0043] The flexural member 40 is disposed along the base plate 20 and the supporting beam 30. In the welded section W, the flexural member 40 is fixed to the base plate 20 and the supporting beam 30, for example, by laser spot welding. The flexural member 40 has a rearward orientation towards the base plate 20. Figure 3 and 4 (The right side of the middle) extended portion.

[0044] The flexural member 40 includes a metal base 41 made of a thin stainless steel sheet and a wiring portion 50 superimposed on the metal base 41. The thickness of the metal base 41 is less than the thickness of the supporting beam 30. The thickness of the metal base 41 is, for example, 15 to 20 μm. The metal base 41 is superimposed on the surface 30A.

[0045] The wiring portion 50 includes a base insulating layer 51, a conductor layer 52 superimposed on the base insulating layer 51, and a cover insulating layer 53 superimposed on the conductor layer 52. The base insulating layer 51 and the cover insulating layer 53 are formed, for example, of an electrically insulating resin material (such as polyimide).

[0046] Conductor layer 52 is formed of a highly conductive metallic material (such as copper). Conductor layer 52 has, for example, multiple wirings. For example, the multiple wirings include wirings for reading and writing. The multiple wirings are covered by a covering insulating layer 53.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, near the front end of the suspension 10, the flexure 40 further includes a tongue 42 and a pair of outriggers 43 and 44. The tongue 42 includes a slider 11 that forms a magnetic head. The front end of the slider 11 is provided with an element that can convert magnetic signals and electrical signals, such as an MR element.

[0048] The wiring section 50 is electrically connected to the components of the slider 11 via the terminals of the slider 11. These components allow access to the disk 4 for writing or reading data.

[0049] The slider 11, the load-bearing beam 30, and the flexural member 40 are equipped with head gimbal assemblies. The outriggers 43 and 44 are respectively located on both sides of the tongue-shaped member 42 in the transverse Y direction.

[0050] The protruding supports 43 and 44 are shaped to extend outwards from the tongue-shaped member 42 in the transverse Y direction. The tongue-shaped member 42, the protruding supports 43 and 44 are all part of the metal base 41, and their respective contours are formed by, for example, etching.

[0051] Near the front end of the load-bearing beam 30, a recess 45 protruding towards the tongue-shaped member 42 is formed (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The front end of the recess 45 contacts the tongue 42. The tongue 42 swings around the front end of the recess 45, allowing for the desired universal joint movement. The tongue 42, a pair of outriggers 43 and 44, and the recess 45 together form the universal joint section 46.

[0052] Universal joint 46 is equipped with a pair of actuators 61 and 62 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). Actuators 61 and 62 have the function of rotating the tongue-shaped member 42 along the swing direction S. Actuators 61 and 62 are, for example, micro-actuator elements formed of piezoelectric materials such as lead titanate (PZT).

[0053] Actuators 61 and 62 are disposed on both sides of slider 11 in the transverse direction Y. Actuators 61 and 62 are fixed to tongue member 42 by conductive adhesive.

[0054] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the suspension 10 also includes an actuator mounting portion 70. The actuator mounting portion 70 is located, for example, at the portion of the base plate 20 and the load-bearing beam 30 that overlaps with the thickness direction Z.

[0055] The actuator mounting section 70 includes a base plate 20, a support beam 30, and a pair of actuators 63 and 64. The actuators 63 and 64 are, for example, micro-actuator elements formed of piezoelectric materials such as lead titanate (PZT).

[0056] The base plate 20 includes a fixed portion 22 forming a boss portion 21, a movable portion 23 located further forward of the suspension 10 than the fixed portion 22, and a connecting portion 24 connecting the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23. The movable portion 23 is a portion that can be moved along the swing direction S by, for example, a pair of actuators 63 and 64. The connecting portion 24 extends along the longitudinal direction X.

[0057] The base plate 20 is defined with a fixed portion 22, a movable portion 23, and a pair of openings 25 and 26 through a connecting portion 24. The openings 25 and 26 are sized to accommodate actuators 63 and 64. In the longitudinal direction X, the openings 25 and 26 are located between the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23. The connecting portion 24 is sandwiched between the openings 25 and 26, which are arranged in the transverse direction Y.

[0058] The load-bearing beam 30 has a portion that overlaps with the base plate 20. Hereinafter, the portion overlapping with the base plate 20 is referred to as the plate member 32. In this embodiment, the plate member 32 is integrally formed with the load-bearing beam 30, but this is not a limited example.

[0059] The plate member 32 includes a surface 32A (first surface) and a surface 32B (second surface) opposite to surface 32A. Surface 32A corresponds to surface 30A of the load-bearing beam 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown), surface 32B corresponds to surface 30B of the load-bearing beam 30 (as shown). Figure 4 (as shown). Surface 32A faces the flexural member 40, and surface 32B faces the base plate 20.

[0060] The plate member 32 includes a fixed part 33, a movable part 34 located further forward of the suspension 10 than the fixed part 33, and a connecting part 35 connecting the fixed part 33 and the movable part 34. The fixed part 33 is formed at a position corresponding to the fixed part 22, the movable part 34 is formed at a position corresponding to the movable part 23, and the connecting part 35 is formed at a position corresponding to the connecting part 24.

[0061] The fixing part 33 and the movable part 34 of the plate member 32 are respectively fixed to the fixing part 22 and the movable part 23 of the base plate 20 in the welding part W. Figure 3 and 4 In the example shown, the length of the movable part 34 in the lateral direction Y is longer than the length of the movable part 23 in the lateral direction Y. The movable part 34 and the spring part 31 are connected from the other side of the connecting part 35.

[0062] The plate member 32 includes a pair of first through portions 36 and 37, and a pair of second through portions 38 and 39. The first through portions 36 and 37 and the second through portions 38 and 39 penetrate surfaces 32A and 32B.

[0063] The first through portions 36 and 37 are defined by a fixed portion 33, a movable portion 34, and a connecting portion 35. A portion of the first through portions 36 and 37 opens in the transverse direction Y. In the thickness direction Z, the first through portions 36 and 37 overlap with openings 25 and 26.

[0064] In the longitudinal direction X, the first through portions 36 and 37 are located between the fixed portion 33 and the movable portion 34. The connecting portion 35 is sandwiched between the first through portions 36 and 37, which are arranged in the transverse direction Y. Figure 3 In the example shown, the sizes of the first through portions 36 and 37 are smaller than the sizes of the openings 25 and 26. From another perspective, the plate member 32 has portions that overlap with the openings 25 and 26 in the thickness direction Z.

[0065] The second through portions 38 and 39 are provided to alleviate the stress generated by the actuators 63 and 64. The second through portions 38 and 39 are located on the movable portion 34. From another angle, in the longitudinal direction X, the second through portions 38 and 39 are located further to the front end of the flexible member 40 than the first through portions 36 and 37. The second through portions 38 and 39 are provided at a distance from the first through portions 36 and 37.

[0066] The second through portions 38 and 39 are formed into elongated slit shapes extending in the transverse direction Y. The second through portions 38 and 39 include portions extending from the movable portion 23 in the transverse direction Y. The two ends of the second through portions 38 and 39 in the transverse direction Y are formed into arc shapes.

[0067] The longitudinal X length of the second through portions 38 and 39 is less than the longitudinal X length of the movable portion 34. The shape of the second through portions 38 and 39 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the second through portions 38 and 39 may consist of a plurality of through holes arranged in the transverse Y direction. The welded portion W located on the movable portion 34 is located on the front end side of the suspension 10 than the second through portions 38 and 39.

[0068] Actuators 63 and 64 are respectively housed in openings 25 and 26 and disposed on surface 32B. Actuator mounting portion 70 further includes adhesive 81. Figure 4 In the image, it is shown as adhesive 81 with dots. Adhesive 81 primarily secures actuators 63, 64 and plate member 32. Adhesive 81 is an electrically insulating resin adhesive, such as epoxy resin.

[0069] Actuators 63 and 64 include an electrode 65 disposed on one side of the surface in the thickness direction Z (the surface facing surface 32B) and an electrode 66 disposed on the other side of the surface in the thickness direction Z.

[0070] For example, electrodes 65 and 66 are formed into flat electrode surfaces by sputtering or electroplating. Electrode 65 is positioned corresponding to the first through portions 36 and 37. From another angle, electrode 65 is exposed from the first through portions 36 and 37.

[0071] Electrode 65 passes through terminal portions 54 and 55 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown) is connected to the wiring portion 50 of the flexible member 40. Electrode 66, via conductive paste 82 (such as... Figure 4 As shown), such as silver paste, is electrically connected to the movable part 23 of the base plate 20 on the ground side.

[0072] exist Figure 4 In the image, it is shown as dots on conductive paste 82. Conductive paste 82 is, for example, an adhesive containing an organic resin (such as epoxy resin) and silver particles mixed in the adhesive as conductive particles.

[0073] The flexural member 40 includes a flexural member body portion 47 extending along the load-bearing beam 30, and electrode connection portions 48 and 49 connected to the flexural member body portion 47. The electrode connection portion 48 extends toward the first through portion 36, and the electrode connection portion 49 extends toward the first through portion 37.

[0074] Electrode connection portion 48 has a terminal portion 54 connected to electrode 65 of actuator 63, and electrode connection portion 49 has a terminal portion 55 connected to electrode 65 of actuator 64. Terminal portions 54 and 55 have a structure that can supply power to actuators 63 and 64.

[0075] In terminals 54 and 55, the conductor layer 52 is exposed to the electrode 65 through through-holes formed in the substrate insulating layer 51. The exposed portions of the conductor layer 52 are protected by electroplating. Terminals 54 and 55 are fixed to the electrode 65 by a conductive adhesive, such as silver paste.

[0076] Figure 5 Briefly enlarged display Figure 3 The V part in [the text]. Figure 5 The image shows a portion including the electrode connection part 48. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 In this version, the conductor layer 52 and the covering insulation layer 53 located on the base insulation layer 51 of the wiring section 50 are partially omitted.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the electrode connection portion 48 bends from the flexural body portion 47 and extends to the electrode 65 located in the first through portion 36. Figure 5 As shown, in the thickness direction Z, a portion of the electrode connection portion 48 overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0078] Metal bases 41 are respectively disposed on the main body portion 47 of the flexural member and the electrode connection portion 48. The metal bases 41 include a main metal base 91 disposed in the main body portion 47 of the flexural member and a wiring reinforcement portion 92 disposed in the electrode connection portion 48.

[0079] For example, the thickness of the main metal base 91 is approximately equal to the thickness of the wiring reinforcement 92. In the transverse direction Y, the main metal base 91 has an end portion 93 located on the side of the first through portion 36.

[0080] In the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement 92 is disposed between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. Viewed from another angle, the wiring reinforcement 92 is located in the second through portion 38, which is further than the second through portion 38. The wiring reinforcement 92 extends along the second through portion 38 in the transverse direction Y.

[0081] In the lateral direction Y, there is a gap between the wiring reinforcement 92 and the main metal base 91. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement 92 appears to be separate from the main metal base 91, and is independent. Figure 5 In the example shown, the wiring reinforcement 92 is spaced from the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38, respectively. From another perspective, in the thickness direction Z, the wiring reinforcement 92 does not overlap with the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38.

[0082] The wiring reinforcement 92 includes an end portion 94 located on the side of the main metal base 91, a side portion 95 on the side of the second through portion 38, and a side portion 96 on the opposite side of the side portion 95 (the side of the first through portion 36). Figure 5 In the example shown, the end 93 of the main metal base 91 and the end 94 of the wiring reinforcement 92 define a gap G1. The gap G1 extends longitudinally X. The length of the gap G1 in the transverse direction Y is at least 0.025 mm or more. For example, the length of the gap G1 in the transverse direction Y is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm.

[0083] Along the longitudinal direction X, there is a gap between the side portion 95 and the second through portion 38, and a gap between the side portion 96 and the first through portion 36. A gap G2 is formed between the first through portion 36 and the side portion 96. For example, the distance between the first through portion 36 and the side portion 96 is at least 0.025 mm or more. For example, the distance between the second through portion 38 and the side portion 95 is at least 0.025 mm or more.

[0084] Wiring portions 50 are respectively provided on the flexible body portion 47 and the electrode connection portion 48. The wiring portion 50 includes a main wiring portion 97 provided in the flexible body portion 47 and a branch wiring portion 98 provided in the electrode connection portion 48. The branch wiring portion 98 is connected to the main wiring portion 97. The branch wiring portion 98 includes a base insulating layer 51, a conductor layer 52 and a cover insulating layer 53.

[0085] A terminal section 54 is provided at one end of the branch wiring section 98. Figure 5 In the example shown, the size of the wiring reinforcement 92 is smaller than the size of the branch wiring portion 98. From another angle, the entire wiring reinforcement 92 overlaps with the branch wiring portion 98.

[0086] The electrode connection portion 48 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2, the thickness of which is smaller than that of the first region A1. Figure 5 In the diagram, region A1 is indicated by a diagonal line. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the diagonal line in the first region A1. Figure 5 As shown, the first region A1 includes a wiring reinforcement portion 92. Since the second region A2 does not include the wiring reinforcement portion 92, the thickness of the second region A2 is less than the thickness of the first region A1, and the difference is equivalent to the thickness of the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0087] The size of the first region A1 is approximately equal to the size of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. In the electrode connection portion 48, the region other than the first region A1 corresponds to the second region A2. In this embodiment, the second region A2 does not include the terminal portion 54, but the second region A2 may include the terminal portion 54.

[0088] In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48, including the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is also formed between the first region A1 and the terminal portion 54.

[0089] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A simplified sectional view shown by the VI-VI line. Figure 6 In the image, only the base insulation layer 51 of the branch wiring section 98 is shown.

[0090] like Figure 5 The second region A2 does not have a wiring reinforcement portion 92. Therefore, the distance from the plate member 32 in the thickness direction Z to the electrode connection portion 48 (substrate insulating layer 51) in the second region A2 is greater than the distance from the plate member 32 in the thickness direction Z to the electrode connection portion 48 (wiring reinforcement portion 92) in the first region A1.

[0091] exist Figure 6 In the position shown, the wiring reinforcement 92 is in contact with the surface 32A of the plate member 32, but a gap may also be formed between the surface 32A of the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement 92.

[0092] In region A2, a thickness T30 is formed between the electrode connection portion 48 (substrate insulating layer 51) and the plate member 32. Figure 6 The air layer 99 (as shown) is located at the front end of the suspension 10, where the air layer 99 is located compared to the wiring extension 92 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0093] For example, the thickness T30 of the air layer 99 corresponds to the thickness of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. For example, the thickness T30 is 15 to 20 μm, and 18 μm is an example. In the thickness direction Z, the air layer 99 overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0094] The thickness T30 of the air layer 99 is greater than the gap formed between the surface 32A of the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement 92. The base insulation layer 51 in the second region A2 corresponds to the thickness T30 and is located away from the plate member 32.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the adhesive 81 described above is designed between the plate member 32 and the actuator 63. Figure 6In the example shown, the adhesive 81 includes a portion 84 disposed between the inner surfaces 38a of the second through portion 38, and a portion 85 disposed between the end face 67 of the actuator 63 and the surface 23a of the movable portion 23. The portion 85 fixes the end face 67 of the actuator 63 and the surface 23a of the movable portion 23.

[0096] At least a portion of the adhesive 81 is disposed in the second through portion 38. Viewed from another angle, a portion of the second through portion 38 has the adhesive 81. In the thickness direction Z, portion 84 contacts the air layer 99 and does not overlap with the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a simplified plan view showing a comparative example of the suspension 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 The enlarged view shows the portion including the electrode connection part 48.

[0098] In the flexure member 40 of the suspension 100, which is a comparative example of the suspension 10, the first region A1 of the electrode connection portion 48 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The first region A1 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 and includes the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0099] In the suspension 100 according to the comparative example, the wiring reinforcement 92 overlaps with the second through portion 38. Therefore, in the suspension 100 according to the comparative example, no air layer corresponding to the aforementioned air layer 99 is formed. From the perspective of the adhesive 81, the portion 84 disposed between the inner surfaces 38a of the second through portion 38 of the adhesive 81 overlaps with the wiring reinforcement 92.

[0100] When the plate member 32 and the actuator 63 are fixed by the adhesive 81, a portion of the adhesive 81 may flow from the surface 32B side to the surface 32A side through the second through-hole 38. When the distance from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection 48 in the thickness direction Z is small, the adhesive 81 diffuses on the surface 32A through capillary action between the plate member 32 and the electrode connection 48.

[0101] When the adhesive 81 diffused on surface 32A cures, the stiffness of the suspension 100 changes at the location of the cured adhesive 81, which may affect the vibration characteristics and load characteristics of the suspension 100. These changes may lead to a decrease in the reliability of the suspension 100.

[0102] In the suspension 10 configured as described above, the electrode connection portion 48 of the flexure 40 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2 with a thickness less than that of the first region A1. The second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38 in the thickness direction Z.

[0103] like Figure 6The electrode connection portion 48 in the second region A2 corresponds to a thickness T30 and is located away from the plate member 32. An air layer 99 is formed between the electrode connection portion 48 and the plate member 32 in the second region A2. Since no wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided in the second region A2, the air layer 99 with a thickness T30 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the air layer 99 overlaps with the portion 84 provided between the inner surface 38a of the second through portion 38 of the adhesive 81.

[0104] In this embodiment, even if the adhesive 81 flows from surface 32B to surface 32A through the second through-hole 38, capillary action between the plate member 32 and the electrode connection 48 is difficult to occur because the electrode connection 48 in the second region A2 is far from the plate member 32. Therefore, it is difficult for the adhesive 81 to spread on surface 32A. From another perspective, the area of ​​adhesive 81 spreading on surface 32A can be reduced.

[0105] Therefore, through the curing of the adhesive 81 diffused onto surface 32A, changes in the stiffness of the suspension 10 are difficult to occur, and the influence on the vibration characteristics, load characteristics, and other properties of the suspension 10 can be suppressed. As a result, a suspension 10 with improved reliability can be provided.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the wiring reinforcement 92 is provided in the electrode connection portion 48, the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 is difficult to reduce. Furthermore, since the wiring reinforcement 92 is located between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38, the size of the second region A2 adjacent to the terminal portion 54 can be reduced in the electrode connection portion 48. From another perspective, the distance between the terminal portion 54 and the wiring reinforcement 92 can be reduced. Therefore, the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 near the terminal portion 54 can be improved.

[0107] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction X, the air layer 99 is located at the front end of the suspension 10 compared to the wiring reinforcement 92. Since the electrode connection 48 is far from the plate member 32, the adhesive 81 is difficult to diffuse towards the front end of the suspension 10.

[0108] The wiring reinforcement section 92 is separately installed from the main metal base 91. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the gap G1 is defined by the end 93 of the main metal base 91 and the end 94 of the wiring reinforcement 92. The distance from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection 48 in the gap G1 is greater than the distance from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection 48 (wiring reinforcement 92) in the first region A1 in the thickness direction Z.

[0109] Therefore, even if the adhesive 81 spreads between the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement 92, it is difficult for the adhesive 81 to spread from the wiring reinforcement 92 side to the main metal base 91 side. Even if the adhesive 81 spreads between the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement 92, it is difficult for the adhesive 81 to extend to a larger area than the wiring reinforcement 92.

[0110] According to this embodiment, a suspension 10 that improves reliability can be provided. In addition to the above, various suitable effects can be obtained from this embodiment.

[0111] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the other embodiments and variations described below, the same structural elements as in the first embodiment described above may be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0112] Example 2

[0113] Figure 8 This is a simplified partial enlarged view of the suspension 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the position of the wiring reinforcement 92 differs from that in the first embodiment.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, in the longitudinal direction X, the second through portion 38 is disposed between the wiring reinforcement portion 92 and the first through portion 36. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located at the front end of the suspension 10 compared to the second through portion. In the lateral direction Y, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is spaced from the main metal base 91. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is separate from the main metal base 91 and is independent.

[0115] In the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement 92 is spaced from the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38, respectively. From another angle, in the thickness direction Z, the wiring reinforcement 92 does not overlap with the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38.

[0116] The electrode connection portion 48 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2 with a thickness less than that of the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 and includes the region overlapping with the second through portion 38. In the longitudinal direction X, the second region A2 is formed from the second through portion 38 toward the first through portion 36.

[0117] In the configuration of the suspension 10 in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment. In the suspension 10 of the second embodiment, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located on the front end side of the suspension 10 compared to the second through portion 38.

[0118] Since the wiring reinforcement 92 is located on the front end side of the suspension 10, it is not situated between the first through-section 36 and the second through-section 38. The terminal portion 54 can easily move in the thickness direction Z from the surface 32A side to the surface 32B side within the first through-section 36. From another angle, the terminal portion 54 can easily approach the electrode 65 of the actuator 63.

[0119] Therefore, the terminal 54 and the electrode 65 of the actuator 63 can be easily connected, and the connection between the terminal 54 and the electrode 65 of the actuator 63 is more stable. Thus, a suspension 10 with improved reliability can be provided.

[0120] 3rd Embodiment

[0121] Figure 9 This is a simplified partial enlarged view of the suspension 10 according to the third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the connection between the wiring reinforcement 92 and the main metal base 91 differs from that in the above embodiments.

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, in the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement 92 is disposed between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement 92 is located on the side of the first through portion 36, which is closer to the second through portion 38.

[0123] The wiring reinforcement 92 extends from the main metal base 91. The wiring reinforcement 92 extends along the second through portion 38 in the transverse Y direction. The wiring reinforcement 92 is connected to the main metal base 91 and is not separated from it. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement 92 and the main metal base 91 are integrally formed.

[0124] The electrode connection portion 48 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2 with a thickness smaller than that of the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 and includes the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0125] In the configuration of the suspension 10 of the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the embodiments described above. In the suspension 10 of the third embodiment, the wiring reinforcement 92 extends from the main metal base 91. Therefore, the suspension 10 according to this embodiment can improve the stiffness of the electrode connection portion 48 in the lateral direction Y compared to the suspension 10 according to the embodiments described above.

[0126] Example 4

[0127] Figure 10 This is a simplified partial enlarged view of the suspension 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the position of the wiring reinforcement 92 differs from that in the third embodiment.

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown, in the longitudinal direction X, the second through portion 38 is disposed between the wiring reinforcement portion 92 and the first through portion 36. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located on the front end side of the suspension 10 compared to the second through portion 38.

[0129] The wiring reinforcement 92 extends from the main metal base 91. The wiring reinforcement 92 extends along the second through portion 38 in the transverse Y direction. The wiring reinforcement 92 is connected to the main metal base 91 and is not separated from it. From another angle, the wiring reinforcement 92 and the main metal base 91 are integrally formed.

[0130] The electrode connection portion 48 includes a first region A1 and a second region A2 with a thickness less than that of the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 and includes the region overlapping with the second through portion 38. In the configuration of the suspension 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the embodiments described above.

[0131] When implementing the invention disclosed in the above embodiments, various modifications can be made to the specific aspects of each element constituting the suspension 10 for the disk drive, starting from specific aspects such as the shape of the base plate 20, the load-bearing beam 30, and the flexural member 40.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided on either the front end side of the suspension 10 or the fixing portion 22 side of the base plate 20, compared to the second through portion 38. However, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 may also be provided on both sides of the suspension 10 and the fixing portion 22 side of the base plate 20, compared to the second through portion 38. Therefore, the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 can be further improved. Thus, a suspension 10 with improved reliability can be provided.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the wiring reinforcement 92 may have a portion that protrudes beyond the branch wiring portion 98. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement 92 may have a portion that does not overlap with the branch wiring portion 98. The protruding portion, relative to the branch wiring portion 98, may protrude longitudinally (X) or along the shorter direction (Y).

[0134] In the above embodiments, as an example of suspension 10, it can be applied to the disclosed TSA suspension, and also to DSA suspension where the actuator is not mounted on the head side. In the above embodiments, although a pair of actuators are mounted on the bottom plate side, the number of actuators mounted is not limited to the examples described above.

Claims

1. A suspension for a disk drive, including A plate member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first through portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second through portion spaced apart from the first through portion and penetrating both the first surface and the second surface. An actuator, disposed on the second surface, has an electrode located in the first through portion. A flexible member having an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode. The electrode connection portion has a first region and a second region with a thickness smaller than the first region. In the thickness direction of the flexural member, the second region overlaps with the second through portion.

2. The suspension for a disk drive according to claim 1, The flexible member includes a metal base superimposed on the first surface and a wiring portion superimposed on the metal base. In the first region, the metal base has a wiring reinforcement section.

3. The suspension for a disk drive according to claim 2, In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located on the front end side of the flexible member compared to the first through portion. In the longitudinal direction, the wiring reinforcement portion is located between the first through portion and the second through portion.

4. The suspension for a disk drive according to claim 2, In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located on the front end side of the flexible member compared to the first through portion. In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located between the wiring reinforcement portion and the first through portion.

5. The suspension for a disk drive according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The flexural member also has a flexural member main body portion that connects to the electrode connection portion. The metal base includes a main metal base disposed in the main body of the flexural member and a wiring reinforcement portion located in the electrode connection portion, and The wiring reinforcement is separated from the main metal base in the lateral direction of the flexure.

6. The suspension for a disk drive according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The flexural member also has a flexural member main body portion that connects to the electrode connection portion. The wiring reinforcement extends from the metal base of the flexural body.

7. The suspension for a disk drive according to claim 1, It also includes an adhesive disposed between the plate member and the actuator. At least a portion of the adhesive is disposed in the second through portion.

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