Disc device and manufacturing method of disc device

Abstract

Provided is a disk device capable of reducing the number of times a gas is filled. Embodiments relate to a disk device including a housing, a seal, and a piercing member. The housing has a base, a first cover, and a second cover covering the first cover. A first space in which a disk is housed is provided in the base. The first cover is positioned between the second cover and the first space to close the first space. A second space is provided between the first cover and the second cover. The first cover is provided with a first hole that communicates the first space and the second space. The seal is attached to the first cover and is provided with a second hole that communicates the first hole and the first space or the second space. The piercing member has an attachment portion attached to the second cover in the second space and a needle that protrudes from the attachment portion toward the second hole.

Description

[0001] This application enjoys priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-148605 (filed on September 16, 2022). This application incorporates the entire contents of the basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a disc device and a method for manufacturing a disc device. Background Technology

[0003] Disk drives such as hard disk drives (HDDs) have a housing that houses various components such as disks. The housing, for example, has a base and an inner cover and an outer cover mounted on the base. The interior of the housing is filled with a gas such as helium.

[0004] For example, gas is sometimes filled into the interior of the housing multiple times, including after the inner cover is installed in the base and after the outer cover is installed in the base. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a disc device capable of reducing the number of times gas is filled and a method for manufacturing the disc device.

[0006] One embodiment of the disk device includes a disk, a housing, a seal, and a piercing member. The housing has a base, a first cover mounted on the base, and a second cover engaged with the base to cover the first cover. A first space accommodating the disk is disposed in the base. The first cover is located between the second cover and the first space, thus closing the first space. A second space is disposed between the first cover and the second cover. The first cover has a first hole communicating with the first space and the second space. The seal is mounted on the first cover and has a second hole communicating with either the first space or the second space and the first hole. The piercing member has a mounting portion in the second space mounted on the second cover and a needle protruding from the mounting portion toward the second hole. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing the hard disk drive (HDD) according to the first embodiment disassembled.

[0008] Figure 2 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a portion of the HDD of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the seal and puncture member of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the outer cover adhered to the inner cover according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the puncture member of the puncture seal according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an illustrative cross-sectional view showing a portion of the HDD involved in the second embodiment.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0014] 10…Hard disk drive (HDD), 11…Casing, 12…Disk, 21…Base, 22…Inner cover, 23…Outer cover, 47…Ventilation port, 47a…Edge, 52…Desiccant filter, 53…Seal, 54…Piercing member, 61…Fixed part, 62…Movable part, 83…Metal layer, 83a…Thin part, 83b…Thick part, 86…Adhesive layer, 87…Hole, 88…Removal hole, 91…Mounting part, 92, 201…Pin, 92a, 201a…Front end, 96a…Abutting surface, S1…Accommodation space, S2…Small space. Detailed Implementation

[0015] (First Embodiment)

[0016] The following is for reference Figures 1-5 The first embodiment will be described below. Furthermore, in this specification, the constituent elements involved in the embodiments and their descriptions are sometimes described using multiple expressions. The constituent elements and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited to the expressions in this specification. Constituent elements can also be identified by names different from those used in this specification. Additionally, constituent elements can also be described using expressions different from those used in this specification.

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

[0018] As shown in the accompanying figures, for convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined in this specification. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is set along the width of the HDD10. The Y-axis is set along the length of the HDD10. The Z-axis is set along the thickness of the HDD10.

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

[0020] The HDD10 has a housing 11, multiple disks 12, a spindle motor 13, multiple heads 14, a head stack assembly (HSA) 15, a voice coil motor (VCM) 16, a ramp loading mechanism 17, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 18, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 19. The heads 14 can also be referred to as sliders.

[0021] The housing 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23. The inner cover 22 is an example of a first cover. The outer cover 23 is an example of a second cover. The base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 are made of metals such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 may also be made of other materials.

[0022] The base 21 is a container with a bottom, having a bottom wall 25 and side walls 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed as a generally rectangular (quadrilateral) plate extending along the XY plane. The side walls 26 project from the edge of the bottom wall 25 in a generally +Z direction.

[0023] The inner cover 22 is mounted to the end of the side wall 26 in the +Z direction, for example, by screws 27. The outer cover 23 is hermetically joined to the end of the side wall 26 in the +Z direction, for example, by welding, to cover the inner cover 22.

[0024] The interior of housing 11 is sealed. Inside housing 11 are the disk 12, spindle motor 13, read / write head 14, HSA 15, VCM 16, ramp loading mechanism 17, and FPC 18.

[0025] The disk 12 is, for example, a disk-shaped recording medium having a magnetic recording layer with recording surfaces 12a disposed on the upper and lower surfaces. Figure 1 In this example, disk 12 has a diameter of, for example, 3.5 inches. Disk 12 is not limited to this example.

[0026] A spindle motor 13 supports and rotates a plurality of disks 12 that are spaced apart and overlapped in the Z direction toward the recording surface 12a. The disks 12 are held in place by, for example, clamping springs to the hub of the spindle motor 13. The HDD 10 of this embodiment has 10 disks 12 arranged in the Z direction. However, the number of disks 12 is not limited to this example.

[0027] The read / write head 14 records and reproduces information on the recording layer of the disk 12. In other words, the read / write head 14 reads and writes information on the disk 12. The read / write head 14 is mounted on the HSA 15.

[0028] HSA15 is rotatably mounted on base 21 at a position separated from disk 12 in a direction approximately orthogonal to the Z direction. VCM16 rotates HSA15, positioning it in the desired position. Ramp loading mechanism 17 moves the read / write head 14, which is moved to the outermost periphery of disk 12, and holds it in the unloaded position separated from disk 12.

[0029] One end of FPC18 is connected to the flexible element included in HSA15. FPC18 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 14 via this flexible element. The other end of FPC18 is connected to a connector provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0030] PCB19 is disposed outside housing 11 and mounted on the outside of bottom wall 25 of base 21. PCB19 houses various electronic components, including a relay connector that connects to the connector on bottom wall 25, an interface (I / F) connector for connecting to the host computer, and a controller for controlling the operation of HDD10. The relay connector is electrically connected to FPC18 via the connector on bottom wall 25.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an illustrative cross-sectional view showing a portion of the HDD10 according to the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, a receiving space S1 is provided inside the housing 11. The receiving space S1 is an example of the first space.

[0032] The receiving space S1 is located inside the base 21. The receiving space S1 opens to the outside of the base 21 in a generally +Z direction. The inner cover 22 installed on the base 21 closes the receiving space S1. That is, the receiving space S1 is a space formed (defined, demarcated) by the base 21 and the inner cover 22.

[0033] The housing S1 accommodates multiple disks 12, spindle motors 13, multiple read / write heads 14, HSA 15, VCM 16, ramp loading mechanism 17, and FPC 18. Additionally, other components may also be accommodated in the housing S1.

[0034] The sidewall 26 of the substrate 21 has an end face 26a, a mounting surface 26b, an inner surface 26c, and an intermediate surface 26d. The end face 26a is located at the end of the sidewall 26 in the +Z direction. The end face 26a is formed to be generally flat and faces generally in the +Z direction. The end face 26a is formed to be a generally rectangular ring. In other words, the end face 26a is formed to be jointless.

[0035] In the projection plane when projected in the Z direction, the mounting surface 26b is surrounded by the end face 26a. In other words, when viewed in the Z direction, the mounting surface 26b is located inside the end face 26a. The mounting surface 26b is located near the end face 26a in the Z direction and is closer to the bottom wall 25 than the end face 26a. In other words, the mounting surface 26b is recessed from the end face 26a in approximately the -Z direction.

[0036] The mounting surface 26b is generally flat and faces approximately the +Z direction. The mounting surface 26b is formed in a generally rectangular annular shape. However, the mounting surface 26b is not limited to this example. A plurality of threaded holes 31 are provided on the mounting surface 26b.

[0037] The inner surface 26c is disposed between the inner edge of the mounting surface 26b and the bottom wall 25. The inner surface 26c faces the inner side of the receiving space S1. The intermediate surface 26d is disposed between the inner edge of the end face 26a and the outer edge of the mounting surface 26b.

[0038] The inner cover 22 is located inside the intermediate surface 26d of the side wall 26. The inner cover 22 is separate from the intermediate surface 26d. The inner cover 22 has an inner surface 22a and an outer surface 22b. The inner surface 22a faces the receiving space S1 and the mounting surface 26b of the side wall 26. The outer surface 22b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 22a and faces the outer cover 23.

[0039] The inner cover 22 has an outer peripheral portion 41, an inner peripheral portion 42, and a recess 43. The outer peripheral portion 41, the inner peripheral portion 42, and the recess 43 are each part of the inner cover 22 having a part of an inner surface 22a and a part of an outer surface 22b.

[0040] The outer peripheral portion 41 is formed, for example, as a seamless section along the mounting surface 26b of the sidewall 26. The outer peripheral portion 41 is supported on the mounting surface 26b of the sidewall 26 by a seamless gasket 45. The gasket 45 is made, for example, of a synthetic rubber with low helium permeability. Alternatively, the gasket 45 may be made of other materials.

[0041] A plurality of through holes 46 are provided on the outer peripheral portion 41. Each of the plurality of through holes 46 passes through the outer peripheral portion 41 in a generally Z direction and has openings on the inner surface 22a and the outer surface 22b of the outer peripheral portion 41. A screw 27 is inserted into a threaded hole 31 in the sidewall 26 through the through hole 46. Thus, the screw 27 detachably mounts the inner cover 22 to the mounting surface 26b of the base 21. The gasket 45 is compressed between the mounting surface 26b of the sidewall 26 and the inner surface 22a of the outer peripheral portion 41, sealing the gap between the mounting surface 26b and the inner surface 22a in an airtight manner.

[0042] The inner peripheral portion 42 is located inside the outer peripheral portion 41 and is connected to the outer peripheral portion 41. The outer surface 22b of the inner peripheral portion 42 is closer to the outer cover 23 than the outer surface 22b of the outer peripheral portion 41. The recess 43 is recessed from the inner peripheral portion 42 in a generally -Z direction. The outer surface 22b of the recess 43 is farther from the outer cover 23 than the outer surface 22b of the outer peripheral portion 41, and farther from the outer cover 23 than the outer surface 22b of the inner peripheral portion 42.

[0043] A vent 47 is provided in the recess 43. The vent 47 extends through the recess 43 in a generally Z direction and opens on the inner surface 22a and the outer surface 22b of the recess 43. Therefore, the vent 47 is connected to the receiving space S1.

[0044] The outer cover 23 has an inner surface 23a and an outer surface 23b. The inner surface 23a is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately -Z. The inner surface 23a faces the end face 26a of the sidewall 26 and the outer surface 23b of the inner cover 22. The outer surface 23b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 23a. The outer surface 23b is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately +Z.

[0045] The inner surface 23a of the outer cover 23 abuts against the end face 26a of the side wall 26. The outer cover 23 is hermetically joined to the end face 26a of the side wall 26, for example, by welding. Thus, the outer cover 23 is joined to the base 21 in a manner that covers the inner cover 22.

[0046] The outer cover 23 is joined to the jointless end face 26a all around the circumference. Generally, the welded joint 23c between the outer cover 23 and the side wall 26 seals the gap between the outer cover 23 and the side wall 26 in an airtight manner than the gasket 45.

[0047] The outer cover 23 is at least partially separated from the inner cover 22. Therefore, a small space S2 is provided between the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23. The small space S2 is an example of a second space. The inner cover 22 is located between the outer cover 23 and the receiving space S1. A vent 47 provided in the inner cover 22 connects the receiving space S1 and the small space S2. In other words, the receiving space S1 and the small space S2 are interconnected through the vent 47.

[0048] The joint portion 23c of the outer cover 23 is adjacent to the small space S2. The joint portion 23c will seal the gap between the outer cover 23 and the end face 26a of the side wall 26 so that the small space S2 and the outside of HDD10 are connected.

[0049] HDD10 also includes double-sided tape 51, a desiccant filter 52, a seal 53, and a piercing member 54. The desiccant filter 52 is an example of a filter.

[0050] Double-sided tape 51 is positioned between the outer surface 22b of the inner periphery 42 of the inner cover 22 and the inner surface 23a of the outer cover 23. The double-sided tape 51 secures the outer cover 23 to the inner periphery 42 of the inner cover 22. Furthermore, the double-sided tape 51 seals the gap between the inner periphery 42 of the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23. That is, the double-sided tape 51 fills a portion of the small space S2, reducing the volume of the small space S2. Alternatively, an adhesive can be used instead of double-sided tape 51 to attach the outer cover 23 to the inner cover 22.

[0051] The outer cover 23 has a fixed part 61 and a movable part 62. The fixed part 61 and the movable part 62 are each part of the inner cover 22, which has a part of the inner surface 23a and a part of the outer surface 23b of the outer cover 23.

[0052] The fixed part 61 is a portion of the outer cover 23 that is fixed to the inner cover 22 by double-sided tape 51. The movable part 62 is a portion of the outer cover 23 that is surrounded by the fixed part 61. The movable part 62 is not fixed to the inner cover 22 by double-sided tape 51 and is separate from the inner cover 22. The inner surface 23a of the movable part 62 faces the outer surface 22b of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22 with a gap between them.

[0053] The desiccant filter 52 is located in the receiving space S1. The desiccant filter 52 has a housing 71, a desiccant 72, a trapping member 73, and double-sided adhesive tape 74. Furthermore, the desiccant filter 52 is not limited to this example.

[0054] The outer casing 71 has an upper surface 71a and a lower surface 71b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces are defined as follows: Figure 2 The configuration of HDD10 in this article is based on the standard and is a convenient name. It does not limit the location, orientation, or usage.

[0055] The upper surface 71a is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately the +Z direction. The upper surface 71a faces the inner surface 22a of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22. The lower surface 71b is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 71a. The lower surface 71b is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately the -Z direction. The lower surface 71b faces the bottom wall 25 with a gap between it and the bottom wall 25.

[0056] The housing 71 is provided with a drying chamber 75, a flow path 76, and a connecting hole 77. The drying chamber 75 is a bottomed hole provided on the lower surface 71b of the housing 71. The drying chamber 75 communicates with the receiving space S1. The flow path 76 is a groove provided on the upper surface 71a and extends in a generally Y direction. The connecting hole 77 connects the drying chamber 75 and the flow path 76. In a direction orthogonal to the Z direction, the connecting hole 77 is separated from the vent 47.

[0057] The desiccant 72 is made of a material such as silica gel that can absorb moisture from the gas. The desiccant 72 is housed in the drying chamber 75. The trapping member 73 is a filter capable of trapping dust. The trapping member 73 seals the drying chamber 75 in a manner that allows gas to pass through. The desiccant 72 is located in the drying chamber 75 between the trapping member 73 and the connecting hole 77.

[0058] Double-sided tape 74 is used to attach the upper surface 71a of the outer casing 71 to the inner surface 22a of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22. Thus, the desiccant filter 52 is installed on the inner cover 22. The desiccant filter 52 covers the vent 47 in such a way that the flow path 76 connects the vent 47 and the connection hole 77.

[0059] The seal 53 is located in the small space S2. Alternatively, the seal 53 may be located in the receiving space S1. The seal 53 is attached to the inner cover 22 either by partially covering the vent 47 or by surrounding the vent 47.

[0060] Figure 3 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the seal 53 and the piercing member 54 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the seal 53 has, for example, two resin layers 81, 82, a metal layer 83, and three adhesive layers 84, 85, 86. However, the seal 53 is not limited to this example.

[0061] Resin layers 81 and 82 are made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Resin layers 81 and 82 are each formed as sheets extending along the XY plane. The two resin layers 81 and 82 are separated from each other in approximately the Z direction.

[0062] The metal layer 83 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The metal layer 83 is formed as a sheet extending along the XY plane. The metal layer 83 is located between two resin layers 81 and 82. The resin layers 81 and 82 inhibit the oxidation of the metal layer 83.

[0063] The metal layer 83 has a thin portion 83a and a thick portion 83b. The thin portion 83a is an example of the first part. The thick portion 83b is an example of the second part. The thin portion 83a is located approximately at the center of the metal layer 83 along the XY plane. The thick portion 83b surrounds the thin portion 83a. The thick portion 83b is thicker than the thin portion 83a. Alternatively, the thickness of the metal layer 83 can also be approximately the same.

[0064] Adhesive layer 84 is located between resin layer 81 and metal layer 83, bonding resin layer 81 and metal layer 83 together. Adhesive layer 85 is located between resin layer 82 and metal layer 83, bonding resin layer 82 and metal layer 83 together.

[0065] The adhesive layer 86 is attached to the resin layer 82 and also to the outer surface 22b of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22. In other words, the adhesive layer 86 is disposed between the metal layer 83 and the inner cover 22. Thus, the seal 53 is mounted on the outer surface 22b of the inner cover 22.

[0066] A hole 87 is provided in the seal 53. The hole 87 is an example of a second hole. The hole 87 penetrates the seal 53 in the generally Z direction, connecting the small space S2 and the vent 47. Furthermore, when the seal 53 is located in the receiving space S1, the hole 87 connects the receiving space S1 and the vent 47. The hole 87 is located approximately at the center of the seal 53. Therefore, the hole 87 is provided in the thin portion 83a of the metal layer 83.

[0067] In this embodiment, the diameter of the hole 87 is shorter than the diameter of the vent 47. Therefore, the seal 53 covers a portion of the vent 47. Alternatively, the diameter of the hole 87 may be larger than the diameter of the vent 47. In this case, the seal 53 does not cover the vent 47, but rather surrounds it.

[0068] A removal hole 88 is provided in the adhesive layer 86. The removal hole 88 is an example of a third hole. The removal hole 88 penetrates approximately the center of the adhesive layer 86 in the approximately Z direction. In other words, the removal hole 88 is the portion of the seal 53 where the adhesive layer 86 is not provided. The removal hole 88 exposes a portion of the resin layer 82.

[0069] The removal hole 88 communicates with the vent 47 and the hole 87. Therefore, the hole 87 communicates with the vent 47 through the removal hole 88. Alternatively, the removal hole 88 may not be provided in the adhesive layer 86, and the hole 87 may pass through the adhesive layer 86.

[0070] The containment space S1 is connected to the small space S2 through the desiccant filter 52, the vent 47, the removal hole 88, and the hole 87. That is, the gas inside the housing 11 can move between the containment space S1 and the small space S2.

[0071] The interior of the casing 11, which includes the containing space S1 and the smaller space S2, is filled with a gas different from air. The gas filling the interior of the casing 11 may be, for example, a low-density gas with a lower density than air, or an inert gas with low reactivity. For example, helium is filled inside the casing 11. Alternatively, other gases may also be filled inside the casing 11.

[0072] In this embodiment, trace amounts of air, or molecules that constitute air such as nitrogen and oxygen, are present inside the casing 11. However, the amount of helium inside the casing 11 is greater than the amount of air.

[0073] The piercing member 54 is located in the small space S2 and is mounted on the outer cover 23. The piercing member 54 has a mounting part 91 and a needle 92. The mounting part 91 and the needle 92 are integrally formed. However, the mounting part 91 and the needle 92 can also be different parts.

[0074] The mounting portion 91 has a base 95 and a step 96. The base 95 is formed in a generally disk-shaped manner extending along the XY plane. Furthermore, the shape of the base 95 is not limited to this example. The base 95 has an upper surface 95a and a lower surface 95b.

[0075] The upper surface 95a is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately the +Z direction. The upper surface 95a faces the inner surface 23a of the outer cover 23. The lower surface 95b is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 95a. The lower surface 95b is formed to be generally flat and faces approximately the -Z direction.

[0076] The upper surface 95a is mounted to the inner surface 23a of the movable part 62 of the outer cover 23, for example, by means of double-sided tape 98. That is, the mounting part 91 of the piercing member 54 is mounted to the movable part 62 of the outer cover 23 in the small space S2.

[0077] Step 96 protrudes from the lower surface 95b of the base 95 in a generally Z-direction. Step 96 is formed, for example, as a generally cylindrical shape extending in a generally Z-direction. Furthermore, the shape of step 96 is not limited to this example. Step 96 has an abutment surface 96a.

[0078] The abutment surface 96a is located at the end of the step 96 in the -Z direction. The abutment surface 96a is formed to be generally flat and faces generally in the -Z direction. The abutment surface 96a faces the outer surface 22b of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22, the vent 47 and the seal 53 with a gap.

[0079] The diameter of the contact surface 96a, which is a generally circular plane, is larger than the diameter of the vent 47. Therefore, at least a portion of the contact surface 96a faces the outer surface 22b of the inner cover 22, for example, through the seal 53.

[0080] The needle 92 protrudes approximately in the -Z direction from the abutment surface 96a of the step 96. The length of the needle 92 in the Z direction is longer than the length of the hole 87 in the Z direction. For example, the length of the needle 92 in the Z direction is set to the sum of the maximum value of the thickness of the seal 53 and the dimensional tolerance of the needle 92. That is, the length of the needle 92 in the Z direction is set in such a way that the needle 92 can penetrate the seal 53.

[0081] In this embodiment, the central axis of the vent 47, the central axis of the mounting portion 91, and the central axis of the needle 92 are substantially aligned. Therefore, the needle 92 protrudes from the mounting portion 91 toward the vent 47. In other words, the tip 92a of the needle 92 faces the vent 47.

[0082] The needle 92 has a cylindrical portion 92b and a conical portion 92c. The cylindrical portion 92b is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and extends from the abutment surface 96a of the step 96 in a generally -Z direction. The conical portion 92c is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 92b in the -Z direction. The conical portion 92c is formed in a conical shape that tapers towards the generally -Z direction. The front end 92a is located at the end of the conical portion 92c in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the needle 92 is not limited to this example.

[0083] The diameter of the column portion 92b and the maximum diameter of the conical portion 92c are shorter than the diameter of the vent 47. Therefore, the projection surface of the needle 92 in the Z direction is smaller than the projection surface of the vent 47. Moreover, the projection surface of the needle 92 in the Z direction is smaller than the projection surface of the thin portion 83a and smaller than the projection surface of the removal hole 88.

[0084] The needle 92 is separated from the seal 53 in a generally +Z direction and is located outside the hole 87. Alternatively, the tip 92a of the needle 92 may be located inside the hole 87. However, the needle 92 does not contact the seal 53 but is separated from it.

[0085] The piercing member 54 is made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Therefore, the needle 92 is made of metal. Moreover, the Vickers hardness of the metal layer 83 of the seal 53 is lower than that of the needle 92.

[0086] The following is an example of a part of the manufacturing method of HDD10. However, the manufacturing method of HDD10 is not limited to the following method, and other methods may also be used. First, a plurality of disks 12, a spindle motor 13, a plurality of read / write heads 14, an HSA 15, a VCM 16, a ramp loading mechanism 17, and an FPC 18 are accommodated in the receiving space S1 inside the substrate 21. The disks 12, spindle motor 13, read / write heads 14, HSA 15, VCM 16, ramp loading mechanism 17, FPC 18, and PCB 19 are assembled in a manner that enables them to operate as HDD10.

[0087] Next, the inner cover 22, on which the desiccant filter 52 is installed, is attached to the base 21 by screws 27. Thus, the inner cover 22 seals the receiving space S1. However, the receiving space S1 is connected to the outside through the desiccant filter 52 and the vent 47.

[0088] Next, the air in the containing space S1 is extracted through the desiccant filter 52 and the vent 47. Furthermore, helium is filled into the containing space S1 through the vent 47 and the desiccant filter 52. Alternatively, air can be discharged from the containing space S1 by filling it with helium.

[0089] Next, a seal 53 is installed on the inner cover 22. This seal 53 seals the vent 47. The vent 47 is airtightly sealed by the seal 53. Furthermore, the gap between the base 21 and the inner cover 22 is airtightly sealed by the gasket 45. This, at least temporarily, prevents helium from leaking from the containment space S1.

[0090] Next, the operation of HDD10 is tested. For example, power is supplied to HDD10 through the I / F connector of PCB19, and HDD10 performs normal write and read operations, or performs pre-stored test operations. However, the testing of HDD10's operation is not limited to this example.

[0091] If the test result is unsatisfactory, repair HDD10. For example, remove the inner cover 22 from the base 21 and repair the component housed in the housing space S1. The inner cover 22 can be easily removed from the base 21 by removing the screws 27.

[0092] Figure 4 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the outer cover 23 attached to the inner cover 22 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, if the test results are qualified, the outer cover 23 with the piercing component 54 is attached to the inner cover 22 by double-sided tape 51.

[0093] When the outer cover 23 is attached to the inner cover 22, the needle 92 separates from the seal 53. Alternatively, when the outer cover 23 is attached to the inner cover 22, the tip 92a of the needle 92 may pierce the seal 53. However, the needle 92 does not penetrate the seal 53. Therefore, the seal 53 still seals the vent 47.

[0094] Next, the outer cover 23 is joined to the end face 26a of the side wall 26 of the base 21, for example, by welding. Thus, the outer cover 23 covering the inner cover 22 is fixed to the base 21. Moreover, the gap between the outer cover 23 and the end face 26a of the side wall 26 is airtightly sealed by the joint portion 23c.

[0095] The outer cover 23 is attached to the base 21, forming a small space S2 between the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23. A small amount of air is present in the small space S2. In addition, a shielding gas, such as that used in welding, may also be present in the small space S2.

[0096] Figure 5 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the puncture member 54 of the puncture seal 53 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, next, for example, a tool outside the housing 11 applies a load in the approximate -Z direction to the movable part 62 of the outer cover 23. As a result, the movable part 62 is pressed in the approximate -Z direction and elastically deforms.

[0097] The movable part 62 is not fixed to the inner cover 22 and is separate from the inner cover 22. Therefore, the movable part 62, on which the piercing member 54 is mounted, can deform in a manner that allows the piercing member 54 to move in approximately the Z direction.

[0098] The movable part 62 is deformed by being pressed in a generally -Z direction, thus approaching the vent 47 and the seal 53. As a result, the piercing member 54 approaches the seal 53, and the needle 92 pierces the seal 53. The needle 92 penetrates the seal 53, forming a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0099] The needle 92 penetrates the thin portion 83a of the seal 53. Therefore, compared to penetrating the thick portion 83b, the needle 92 can easily penetrate the metal layer 83. Furthermore, the needle 92 passes through the removal hole 88 provided in the adhesive layer 86. Therefore, compared to penetrating the adhesive layer 86, the needle 92 can easily penetrate the seal 53.

[0100] If the needle 92 penetrates the seal 53, the abutment surface 96a of the mounting portion 91 abuts against the outer surface 22b of the recess 43 of the inner cover 22 or the seal 53. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 96a abuts against the seal 53 and is supported on the outer surface 22b via the seal 53. Thus, the abutment surface 96a restricts further deformation of the movable portion 62 and further movement of the piercing member 54 in the -Z direction.

[0101] When the contact surface 96a abuts against the inner cover 22 or the seal 53, the tip 92a of the needle 92 is located inside the vent 47. That is, the needle 92 does not penetrate the vent 47. Alternatively, the needle 92 may penetrate the vent 47, with the tip 92a located in the flow path 76 of the desiccant filter 52.

[0102] Next, the load acting on the movable part 62 is released. As a result, the deformation of the movable part 62 is relieved, and the needle 92 is pulled out from the hole 87 of the seal 53. The hole 87 after the needle 92 is pulled out connects the receiving space S1 and the small space S2. As a result, helium flows from the receiving space S1 to the small space S2.

[0103] On the other hand, a small amount of air flows from the small space S2 into the receiving space S1. This air may sometimes carry fragments of the seal 53, generated by the needle 92 piercing the seal 53, toward the receiving space S1. However, the small amount of air passes through the trapping member 73 of the desiccant filter 52. Thus, the trapping member 73 traps the fragments of the seal 53, preventing the fragments from intruding into the receiving space S1.

[0104] Next, check if helium is leaking from the HDD10. For example, after evacuating the air from the chamber containing the HDD10, check if helium is present in that chamber.

[0105] Generally, in the event of a poor weld on the outer cover 23, gas in the small space S2 may leak from the joint 23c of the outer cover 23. For example, if the containing space S1 and the small space S2 are not interconnected, air may be present in the small space S2, but helium may be almost absent. In this case, the gas leaking from the joint 23c is air. Therefore, it is possible that helium and the poor weld on the outer cover 23 may not be detected during inspection.

[0106] On the other hand, in the HDD10 of this embodiment, the accommodating space S1 and the small space S2 are interconnected through the vent 47 of the inner cover 22 and the hole 87 of the seal 53. Therefore, in the event of poor welding of the outer cover 23, helium in the small space S2 leaks out from the joint portion 23c and is detected during inspection.

[0107] If a helium leak is detected, the HDD10 is repaired or discarded as a defective product. If no helium leak is detected and the inspection results are satisfactory, the manufacturing of the HDD10 is complete.

[0108] In the HDD 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the housing 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22 mounted on the base 21, and an outer cover 23 joined to the base 21 to cover the inner cover 22. A receiving space S1 for accommodating the disk 12 is provided in the base 21. The inner cover 22 is located between the outer cover 23 and the receiving space S1, thus closing the receiving space S1. A small space S2 is provided between the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23. A vent 47 is provided in the inner cover 22 to communicate with the receiving space S1 and the small space S2. A hole 87 is provided in the sealing member 53 mounted on the inner cover 22 to communicate with the receiving space S1 or the small space S2 and the vent 47. The piercing member 54 has a mounting portion 91 and a needle 92. The mounting portion 91 is mounted on the outer cover 23 in the small space S2. The needle 92 protrudes from the mounting portion 91 toward the hole 87. That is, the piercing member 54 installed in the small space S2 on the outer cover 23 has a needle 92 that can form a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0109] The HDD 10, equipped with the piercing member 54, can be assembled as follows: First, the disk 12 is housed in the housing space S1. Next, the housing space S1 is sealed by the inner cover 22 installed on the base 21. Next, a gas different from air is filled into the housing space S1 through the vent 47. Next, the vent 47 is sealed by the seal 53 installed on the inner cover 22. Next, the operation of the HDD 10 is tested. Based on the test results, the inner cover 22 may be removed from the base 21 and the components of the housing space S1 may be repaired. Next, the inner cover 22 is covered by the outer cover 23 by engaging it with the base 21. Next, the outer cover 23 is deformed by piercing the seal 53 with the needle 92 of the piercing member 54, forming a hole 87 in the seal 53. As a result, the gas in the housing space S1 flows into the small space S2 through the vent 47 and the hole 87. That is, the gas is present not only in the containment space S1, but also in the small space S2 adjacent to the joint portion 23c where the base 21 and the outer cover 23 are joined. Therefore, it is possible to check whether the joint portion 23c is causing gas leakage.

[0110] Conventionally, for example, after testing the operation of HDD10, the seal 53 is peeled off from the inner cover 22. After the outer cover 23 is attached to the base 21, gas is refilled into the receiving space S1 through the hole and vent 47 provided in the outer cover 23, and the hole of the outer cover 23 is sealed by other seals. Thus, in conventional HDD10, the seal 53 is peeled off once, and gas is filled into the receiving space S1 more than twice. On the other hand, with the HDD10 of this embodiment, gas leakage from the joint portion 23c can be checked only once when gas is filled into the receiving space S1. That is, the HDD10 of this embodiment can reduce the number of times gas is filled into the receiving space S1 and can be easily manufactured. Moreover, the HDD10 of this embodiment can reduce the number of times the seal 53 is attached and peeled off, can be easily manufactured, and can reduce costs.

[0111] The needle 92 is made of metal. Therefore, the needle 92 can easily form a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0112] The seal 53 has a metal layer 83 and an adhesive layer 86 disposed between the metal layer 83 and the inner cover 22 and attached to the inner cover 22. Generally, the metal layer 83 does not allow gas to pass through as easily as synthetic resin and fibers. Therefore, the seal 53 can more airtightly seal the vent 47.

[0113] The Vickers hardness of the metal layer 83 is lower than that of the needle 92. Therefore, the needle 92 can easily form a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0114] The metal layer 83 has a thin portion 83a with a hole 87 and a thick portion 83b surrounding the thin portion 83a and being thicker than the thin portion 83a. That is, the portion of the metal layer 83 that is pierced by the needle 92 is formed thin. Therefore, the needle 92 can easily form a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0115] A removal hole 88 communicating with the vent 47 is provided in the adhesive layer 86. In other words, a portion of the adhesive layer 86 is removed by forming the removal hole 88. As a result, the HDD 10 can reduce the cost of the seal 53. Moreover, by providing the removal hole 88, a portion of the seal 53 becomes thinner. Therefore, the needle 92 can easily form a hole 87 in the seal 53.

[0116] The desiccant filter 52 is located in the receiving space S1 and is installed on the inner cover 22 to cover the vent 47. The seal 53 is located in the small space S2. Thus, when the needle 92 forms a hole 87 in the seal 53, the desiccant filter 52 can trap debris from the seal 53. Therefore, the desiccant filter 52 can prevent the receiving space S1 containing the disk 12 from being contaminated by debris from the seal 53.

[0117] The piercing member 54 has an abutment surface 96a facing the inner cover 22. When the abutment surface 96a abuts against the inner cover 22 or the seal 53 located in the small space S2, the tip 92a of the needle 92 is located inside the hole 87. As described above, by deforming the outer cover 23, the needle 92 of the piercing member 54 pierces the seal 53, forming a hole 87 in the seal 53. The abutment surface 96a limits further deformation of the outer cover 23 by abutting against the inner cover 22 or the seal 53. At this time, the tip 92a of the needle 92 does not completely pass through the vent 47, but remains inside the vent 47. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can stabilize the operation of forming the hole 87 using the needle 92, and can prevent the needle 92 from intruding into the receiving space S1 and damaging components such as the desiccant filter 52.

[0118] The projection surface of the needle 92 in the Z direction through the vent 47 and the inner cover 22 is smaller than the projection surface of the vent 47. This suppresses interference between the needle 92, which punctures the seal 53, and the inner cover 22.

[0119] The outer cover 23 has a fixing part 61 fixed to the inner cover 22 and a movable part 62 separate from the inner cover 22 and on which a piercing member 54 is mounted. The movable part 62 can deform in a manner that approaches the vent 47. As a result, by deforming the movable part 62, the needle 92 of the piercing member 54 pierces the seal 53, forming a hole 87 in the seal 53. Moreover, by fixing it to the inner cover 22 by the fixing part 61, the volume of the small space S2 is reduced. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of air flowing from the small space S2 into the receiving space S1.

[0120] A gas different from air is filled into the accommodating space S1. As a result, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce, for example, the vibration of the disk 12 caused by wind and the power consumption of the spindle motor that rotates the disk 12, depending on the characteristics of the gas.

[0121] The gas in the containment space S1 contains helium. Helium has a lower density than air. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can, for example, reduce the vibration of the disk 12 caused by wind and the power consumption of the spindle motor that rotates the disk 12.

[0122] (Second Implementation)

[0123] The following is for reference Figure 6 The second embodiment will now be described. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, components having the same function as those already described are labeled with the same reference numerals, and sometimes the description is omitted. Additionally, multiple components labeled with the same reference numerals may not necessarily share all functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties corresponding to each embodiment.

[0124] Figure 6 This is an illustrative cross-sectional view showing a portion of the HDD10 according to the second embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the mounting portion 91 of the second embodiment has a base 95 but no step 96. Alternatively, the mounting portion 91 of the second embodiment may also have a step 96.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the piercing member 54 replaces the needle 92 and has a needle 201. The needle 201 is substantially the same as the needle 92 in the first embodiment, except for the points described below. The needle 201 in the second embodiment is formed in a generally conical shape and protrudes from the lower surface 95b of the base 95 of the mounting portion 91 in a generally -Z direction. The tip 201a of the needle 201 faces the vent 47. The needle 201 has a conical surface 201b.

[0126] The conical surface 201b is the outer surface of the conical needle 201. The front end 201a is located at the end of the conical surface 201b in the -Z direction. The maximum diameter of the conical surface 201b is longer than the diameter of the vent 47. Furthermore, the conical surface 201b is not limited to this example.

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown by the double-dotted line, during the manufacture of HDD10, the movable part 62 is pressed in approximately the -Z direction. This causes the movable part 62 to deform towards the vent 47 and the seal 53, and the needle 201 pierces the seal 53. The needle 201 penetrates the seal 53, forming a hole 87 in the seal 53. In the second embodiment, the diameter of the hole 87 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the vent 47.

[0128] If the needle 201 penetrates the seal 53, the conical surface 201b of the needle 201 abuts against the edge 47a in the +Z direction of the vent 47. The conical surface 201b extends approximately the entire circumference and is supported by the edge 47a. Thus, the conical surface 201b restricts further deformation of the movable part 62 and further movement of the piercing member 54 in the -Z direction.

[0129] When the conical surface 201b abuts against the edge 47a of the vent 47, the tip 201a of the needle 201 is located inside the vent 47. That is, the needle 201 does not penetrate the vent 47. Alternatively, the needle 201 may penetrate the vent 47, with the tip 201a located in the flow path 76 of the desiccant filter 52.

[0130] In the HDD10 of the second embodiment described above, when the needle 201 abuts against the edge 47a of the vent 47, the tip 201a of the needle 201 is located inside the vent 47. As described above, by deforming the outer cover 23, the needle 201 of the piercing member 54 pierces the sealing member 53, forming a hole 87 in the sealing member 53. The needle 201 restricts further deformation of the outer cover 23 by abutting against the edge 47a of the vent 47. At this time, the tip 201a of the needle 201 does not completely pass through the vent 47, but remains inside the vent 47. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can stabilize the operation of forming the hole 87 using the needle 201, and can prevent the needle 201 from intruding into the receiving space S1 and damaging components such as the desiccant filter 52.

[0131] In the above description, suppression is defined, for example, as preventing the occurrence of an event, effect, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, effect, or influence. Similarly, in the above description, restriction is defined, for example, as preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond that predetermined range.

[0132] While some embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and / or variations thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A disk device comprising: disk; A housing has a base, a first cover mounted on the base, and a second cover joined to the base such that it covers the first cover. A first space for accommodating the disk is disposed in the base. The first cover is located between the second cover and the first space and closes the first space. A second space is disposed between the first cover and the second cover. The first cover has a first hole that communicates the first space and the second space. A sealing element, installed on the first cover, is provided with a second hole communicating with the first space or the second space and the first hole; and The piercing member has a mounting portion installed in the second space on the second cover and a needle protruding from the mounting portion toward the second hole.

2. The disk device according to claim 1, The needle is made of metal.

3. The disk device according to claim 2, The seal has a metal layer and an adhesive layer disposed between the metal layer and the first cover and attached to the first cover.

4. The disc device according to claim 3, The Vickers hardness of the metal layer is lower than that of the needle.

5. The disk device according to claim 3, The metal layer has a first portion having the second hole and a second portion surrounding the first portion and being thicker than the first portion.

6. The disk device according to claim 3, A third hole communicating with the first hole is provided in the adhesive layer. The second hole is connected to the first hole through the third hole.

7. The disk device according to claim 1, It also includes a filter located in the first space and installed on the first cover in a manner that covers the first hole. The seal is located in the second space.

8. The disk device according to claim 1, The piercing member has an abutment surface facing the first cover. When the contact surface abuts against the first cover or the seal located in the second space, the tip of the needle is located inside the first hole.

9. The disk device according to claim 8, The projection surface of the needle in the direction through the first hole to the first cover is smaller than the projection surface of the first hole.

10. The disk device according to claim 1, When the needle abuts against the edge of the first hole, the tip of the needle is located inside the first hole.

11. The disk device according to claim 1, The second cover has a fixing part that is fixed to the first cover and a movable part that is separate from the first cover and on which the piercing member is installed. The movable part can deform in a manner that approaches the first hole.

12. The disk device according to claim 1, The first space is filled with a gas different from air.

13. The disk device according to claim 12, The gas contains helium.

14. A method for manufacturing a disc device, comprising: The step of accommodating the disk in the first space of the substrate; The step of sealing the first space by installing the first cover on the substrate; The step of filling the first space with a gas different from air by providing a first hole in the first cover; The step of sealing the first hole by installing a seal on the first cover; The step of covering the first cover by attaching the second cover to the substrate; and The step of deforming the second cover so that a piercing member installed on the second cover in the second space between the first cover and the second cover pierces the seal, thereby forming a second hole in the seal that connects the first space and the second space.

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