Suspension assembly and disk device

Abstract

The invention provides a suspension assembly capable of preventing poor joint in a joint part and short circuit between terminals, and a disc device provided with the suspension assembly. A suspension assembly according to an embodiment includes: a support plate; a head supported by the support plate; and a wiring member provided on the support plate, the wiring member comprising a laminate including a first insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a second insulating layer. The wiring member includes: a front end portion electrically connected to the head; the connecting end part extends towards the outer side of the supporting plate; and a plurality of wires extending between the front end portion and the connection end portion. The connection end portion includes: an opening extending in the first direction; a plurality of connection terminals each formed of a conductive layer and arranged side by side in the first direction at the opening; and a partition wall provided on the connection terminal and protruding from the second insulating layer side.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-137937 (filing date: August 28, 2023) as a basic application. The present application incorporates all the contents of the basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a suspension assembly for a disk device and a disk device including the suspension assembly. Background Art

[0003] As a disk device, for example, a magnetic disk device generally includes a magnetic disk arranged in a base, a spindle motor for supporting and rotating the magnetic disk, and a head actuator. The head actuator has a plurality of suspension assemblies each supporting a magnetic head. Each suspension assembly includes a suspension mounted on the front end of an arm of the head actuator and a wiring member (flexible member, wiring trace) disposed on the suspension. The magnetic head is supported at the universal joint portion of the wiring member to form a head suspension assembly. A plurality of connection terminals are disposed at the connection end of the wiring member. These connection terminals are electrically connected to the magnetic head via the wiring of the wiring member. Furthermore, the connection terminal at the connection end is soldered to the connection pad of the flexible printed wiring substrate (FPC) disposed on the actuator block.

[0004] In the magnetic disk device of the above structure, when the connection end of the head suspension assembly and the connection pad of the FPC are misaligned, the solder of the joint may short-circuit each other. As the number of magnetic disks and magnetic heads increases, the function of the magnetic heads increases and the number of connection terminals increases, the spacing between the terminals becomes smaller, and the risk of short-circuit increases.

[0005] Furthermore, when there is a misalignment in the positioning between the connection end of the head gimbal assembly and the connection pad of the FPC, the solder is biased and the solder cannot sufficiently spread to the connection terminal side, resulting in a problem of poor bonding. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly capable of preventing a joining defect at a joining portion and a short circuit between terminals, and a disk device including the suspension assembly.

[0007] The suspension assembly according to the embodiment comprises: a support plate; a head supported by the support plate; and a wiring member, which is composed of a laminate and is provided on the support plate, wherein the laminate includes: a first insulating layer, a conductive layer provided on the first insulating layer and having wiring and connection terminals formed thereon, and a second insulating layer formed overlapping the conductive layer and the first insulating layer. The wiring member includes: a front end portion electrically connected to the head; a connection end portion extending to the outside of the support plate; and a plurality of wirings extending between the front end portion and the connection end portion. The connection end portion includes: an opening extending in a first direction; a plurality of connection terminals respectively formed by the conductive layer and arranged in the opening along the first direction; and a partition wall provided at the connection terminal and protruding from the second insulating layer side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view of the hard disk drive (HDD) according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an actuator assembly and a substrate unit (FPC unit) of the HDD.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a suspension assembly of the actuator assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view showing the actuator block of the actuator assembly, the joint portion of the FPC unit (FPC joint portion), and the tail connection end portion of the flexure.

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of a joint portion of the FPC unit.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible member.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a top view of the tail connection end of the flexible member.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a top view showing a part of the tail connection end portion in an enlarged manner.

[0016] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the tail connection end along line AA.

[0017] Fig.10 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the tail connection end of line BB.

[0018] Fig.11is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the tail connection end portion and the FPC bonding portion.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of the tail connection end portion and the joint portion joined by solder.

[0020] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of the tail connection end portion and the joint portion.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a plan view showing a part of the tail connection end portion in an enlarged manner in the HDD according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the tail connection end and the joining portion along line DD.

[0023] Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, a part of a tail connection end portion in a HDD according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Description of symbols

[0025] 10 housing; 12 base; 12a bottom wall; 12b side wall; 14 top cover;

[0026] 18 disk; 17 head; 19 spindle motor;

[0027] 21FPC unit; 22actuator assembly;

[0028] 30 suspension assembly; 48 flexible member (wiring member);

[0029] 48c connection end (tail connection end); 50 connection terminal; 51 side edge; 64 joint portion;

[0030] 72 connection pad group; 73 connection pad; 76 groove; 78 solder layer;

[0031] 86a base insulating layer; 86b conductive layer; 86c cover insulating layer;

[0032] 90, 91 openings; PW1, PW2 partition walls. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, a disk device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] In addition, the disclosure is only an example, and appropriate changes that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art while maintaining the gist of the invention are of course also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings sometimes schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared with the actual method, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals are marked for the same elements as those described in the drawings that have already appeared, and the detailed description is sometimes appropriately omitted.

[0035] (First embodiment)

[0036] A hard disk drive (HDD) according to the first embodiment will be described in detail as a disk device.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the HDD according to the first embodiment, shown with the top cover removed.

[0038] The HDD has a flat, generally rectangular housing 10. The housing 10 has a rectangular box-shaped base 12 with an open upper surface and a top cover 14. The base 12 has a rectangular bottom wall 12a that is opposite to the top cover 14 with a gap therebetween and a plurality of side walls 12b that are erected along the periphery of the bottom wall 12a, and is integrally formed of, for example, aluminum. The top cover 14 is formed into a rectangular plate shape, for example, of stainless steel. The top cover 14 is screwed onto the side wall 12b of the base 12 by a plurality of screws 13 to close the upper opening of the base 12.

[0039] A plurality of magnetic disks 18 as recording media and a spindle motor 19 as a driving unit for supporting and rotating the magnetic disks 18 are provided in the housing 10. The spindle motor 19 is disposed on the bottom wall 12a. Each magnetic disk 18 is formed in the shape of a disk with a diameter of 96 mm (3.5 inches), for example, and has a substrate formed of a non-magnetic body, such as glass or aluminum, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the substrate. The magnetic disks 18 are coaxially engaged with the unillustrated hub of the spindle motor 19 and clamped by a clamp spring 20. The magnetic disks 18 are supported in a state substantially parallel to the bottom wall 12a of the base 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 18 are rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the spindle motor 19. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, five magnetic disks 18 are accommodated in the housing 10, but the number of magnetic disks 18 is not limited thereto.

[0040] A plurality of magnetic heads 17 for recording and reproducing information on a magnetic disk 18 and an actuator assembly (slide assembly) 22 for supporting the magnetic heads 17 so that the magnetic heads 17 can move freely relative to the magnetic disk 18 are provided in the housing 10. In addition, a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM) 24 for rotating and positioning the actuator assembly 22, a ramp loading mechanism 25 for holding the magnetic head 17 at an unloading position away from the magnetic disk 18 when the magnetic head 17 moves to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 18, and a substrate unit (FPC unit) 21 on which electronic components such as a conversion connector are mounted are provided in the housing 10. The actuator assembly 22 and the VCM 24 constitute a head actuator.

[0041] A printed circuit board (not shown) is screwed onto the outer surface of the bottom wall 12 a of the base 12 . The printed circuit board constitutes a control unit that controls the operation of the spindle motor 19 and controls the operations of the VCM 24 and the magnetic head 17 via the board unit 21 .

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an actuator assembly and an FPC unit, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the suspension assembly. Figure 2 As shown, the actuator assembly 22 includes: an actuator block 29 having a through hole 31, a bearing unit (unit bearing) 28 disposed in the through hole 31, a plurality of arms 32, for example, six arms 32 extending from the actuator block 29, a suspension assembly 30 mounted on each arm 32, and a magnetic head 17 supported by the suspension assembly 30. The actuator block 29 is supported by the bearing unit 28 so as to be rotatable around a support shaft (pivot) 26 disposed upright on the bottom wall 12a. The magnetic head 17 includes a read head, a write head, an auxiliary element, a heater, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the actuator block 29 and the six arms 32 are integrally formed of aluminum or the like to form a so-called E-block. The arm 32 is formed, for example, in the shape of an elongated flat plate, and extends from the actuator block 29 in a direction perpendicular to the support shaft 26. The six arms 32 are arranged in parallel with gaps therebetween.

[0044] The actuator assembly 22 has a support frame 36 extending from the actuator block 29 in a direction opposite to the arm 32, and the voice coil 34 is supported by the support frame 36. Figure 1 As shown, the voice coil 34 is located between a pair of yokes 38 , one of which is fixed to the base 12 , and the VCM 24 is formed together with the yokes 38 and a magnet fixed to one of the yokes.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the actuator assembly 22 includes 10 suspension assemblies 30 each supporting a magnetic head 17, and these suspension assemblies 30 are respectively mounted on the front end portion 32a of each arm 32. The plurality of suspension assemblies 30 include an upward head suspension assembly that supports the magnetic head 17 upward and a downward head suspension assembly that supports the magnetic head 17 downward. These upward head suspension assemblies and downward head suspension assemblies are configured by changing the vertical orientation of the suspension assemblies 30 of the same structure.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the suspension assembly 30 includes a substantially rectangular base plate 44, an elongated leaf spring-shaped load beam 46, and an elongated belt-shaped flexible member (wiring member) 48. The base end of the load beam 46 is arranged to overlap with the front end of the base plate 44, and multiple locations are fixed to the base plate 44 by welding. The load beam 46 extends from the base plate 44 and is formed to taper toward the extension end. The base plate 44 and the load beam 46 are formed of, for example, stainless steel, and constitute a support plate (suspension).

[0047] The base plate 44 has a circular opening at its base end and an annular protrusion 45 located around the opening. The base plate 44 is fastened to the front end 32a of the arm 32 by fitting the protrusion 45 of the base plate 44 into the rivet hole 40 formed in the front end 32a of the arm 32 and riveting the protrusion 45 (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0048] The flexure 48 of the suspension assembly 30 includes a metal plate (backing layer) such as stainless steel as a base and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) provided on the metal plate, and forms a long and narrow belt-shaped laminate.

[0049] The flexible member 48 has a front end portion 48a and a base end portion 48b. The front end portion 48a is attached to the load beam 46 and the base plate 44. The base end portion 48b extends outward from the side edge of the base plate 44 and further extends along the arm 32 to the base end portion of the arm 32 (actuator block 29).

[0050] The front end side portion 48a of the flexible member 48 has a front end portion located on the load beam 46 and a universal joint portion (elastic support portion) 52 formed on the front end portion and capable of freely displacing. The magnetic head 17 is mounted on the universal joint portion 52. In addition, a pair of piezoelectric elements 53 constituting a microactuator are mounted on the universal joint portion 52 and are arranged on both sides of the magnetic head 17. The front end portion of the flexible member 48 is electrically connected to the read head element, write head element, heater, auxiliary element, HDI sensor, other components and piezoelectric element 53 of the magnetic head 17 via wiring and connection pads not shown.

[0051] The flexible member 48 has a connection end (tail connection end) 48c provided at one end of the base end side portion 48b. The connection end 48c is formed into an elongated rectangular shape. The connection end 48c is bent approximately at a right angle relative to the base end side portion 48b and is located at a position approximately perpendicular to the arm 32. A plurality of, for example, 13 connection terminals 50 are provided at the connection end 48c. These connection terminals 50 are respectively connected to the wiring of the flexible member 48. That is, the plurality of wirings of the flexible member 48 extend over the substantially entire length of the flexible member 48, one end of which is electrically connected to the magnetic head 17, and the other end is connected to the connection terminal (connection pad) 50 of the connection end 48c.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the FPC unit 21 integrally includes a substantially rectangular base portion 60, a thin and long strip-shaped relay portion 62 extending from one side edge of the base portion 60, and a substantially rectangular joint portion (equivalent to a wiring substrate) 64 provided continuously to the front end portion of the relay portion 62. The base portion 60, the relay portion 62, and the joint portion 64 are formed of a flexible printed wiring substrate (FPC).

[0053] On one surface (outer surface) of the base 60, electronic components such as a conversion connector not shown and a plurality of capacitors 63 are mounted and electrically connected to wiring not shown. Two metal plates 70 and 71 that function as reinforcing plates are attached to the other surface (inner surface) of the base 60. The base 60 is arranged on the bottom wall 12a of the housing 10 and is screwed to the bottom wall 12a by two screws. The conversion connector on the base 60 is connected to a control circuit substrate arranged on the bottom side of the housing 10.

[0054] The relay portion 62 extends from the base portion 60 toward the actuator assembly 22. The joint portion 64 provided at the extended end of the relay portion 62 is formed into a rectangular shape having a height and a width substantially equal to the side surface (installation surface) of the actuator block 29. The joint portion 64 is attached to the installation surface of the actuator block 29 via a liner plate formed of aluminum or the like, and is screwed and fixed to the installation surface by a fixing screw.

[0055] The connection ends 48c of the ten flexible members 48 are connected to the plurality of connection parts of the joint part 64 and are electrically connected to the wiring of the joint part 64. The plurality of connection ends 48c are arranged in a direction parallel to the support shaft 26. In addition, a head IC (head amplifier) ​​54 is mounted on the joint part 64. The head IC 54 is connected to the connection end 48c and the base part 60 via the wiring of the FPC. In addition, the joint part 64 has a pair of connection pads 55, and the voice coil 34 is connected to these connection pads 55.

[0056] The ten magnetic heads 17 of the actuator assembly 22 are electrically connected to the base 60 through the wiring of the flexible member 48, the connection end 48c, the joint 64 of the FPC unit 21, and the relay 62. The base 60 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board on the bottom side of the housing 10 via the conversion connector.

[0057] The wiring structure of the bonding portion 64 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a side view showing the joint portion 64 and a plurality of connection end portions assembled to the actuator block, Figure 5 1 is a side view showing the joint portion 64 before the connection end portions are joined.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the joint portion 64 of the FPC has 10 connection pad groups 72 corresponding to the connection end portion 48c of the suspension assembly 30. Each connection pad group 72 includes a plurality of, for example, 13 connection pads 73 arranged in a row. Each connection pad 73 is electrically connected to the head IC 54 or the base portion 60 via wiring. The 13 connection pads 73 of each connection pad group 72 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in a direction substantially parallel to the arm 32. In addition, the 10 connection pad groups 72 are arranged substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals in a direction parallel to the support shaft 26, that is, in the height direction of the actuator block 29. These connection pads 73 are located in a strip-shaped groove 76 formed in the cover insulating layer of the joint portion 64 described later, and are exposed to the outside through the groove 76. In addition, a solder layer 78 is formed on each connection pad 73 in a state before the connection end portion 48c is joined.

[0059] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the joint portion 64 of the FPC is fixed to the installation surface of the actuator block 29 via the backing plate. The connection end portion 48c of the flexible member 48 is arranged to overlap with each connection pad group 72 of the joint portion 64. The connection terminals 50 of the connection end portion 48c are respectively in contact with the corresponding connection pads 73 via the solder layer 78. As described later, the solder layer 78 is melted by laser irradiation, for example, so that each connection terminal 50 is mechanically and electrically soldered to the corresponding connection pad 73.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the flexible member 48 and the detailed configuration of the tail connecting end portion 48 c will be described.

[0061] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of the flexible member 48, Figure 7 It is a top view showing an enlarged connection end of the flexible member.

[0062] like Figure 6As shown, the flexible part 48 has a metal plate (liner) 80 such as stainless steel that serves as a base layer and a flexible printed wiring substrate (FPC) 82 formed on the metal plate. In the present embodiment, an adhesive layer (insulating layer) 84 is provided between the metal plate 80 and the FPC 82. In addition, the FPC 82 is composed of a laminate having a base insulating layer (first insulating layer) 86a, a conductive layer 86b stacked on the base insulating layer 86a, and a cover insulating layer (second insulating layer) 86c stacked overlapping the base insulating layer 86a and the conductive layer 86b. The base insulating layer 86a and the cover insulating layer 86c are formed of polyimide, for example. The conductive layer 86b is formed of, for example, copper foil, and a plurality of wirings, connection terminals, and connection pads are formed by patterning the copper foil. The film thickness of the conductive layer (copper foil) 86b is, for example, formed to be less than 9 μm. Furthermore, the FPC 82 is not limited to a single-layer structure, and a multi-layer structure FPC having a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of cover insulating layers may be used. In addition, the adhesive layer (heat insulating layer) 84 may be omitted.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection end (tail connection end) 48c of the flexible member 48 is formed into a substantially elongated rectangular shape having a predetermined length and width. The connection end 48c includes a metal plate 80, a base insulating layer (first insulating layer) 86a provided on the metal plate 80, a conductive layer 86b provided on the base insulating layer 86a and forming wiring and connection terminals, and a cover insulating layer (second insulating layer) 86c formed overlapping the conductive layer 86b and the base insulating layer 86a. Figure 7 , the bottom layer represents the cover insulating layer 86c, and the top layer represents the metal plate 80. The cover insulating layer 86c side is assumed to abut against the joint portion 64 of the FPC unit. In addition, in the following figure, the length direction of the connection end portion 48c is defined as the first direction X, and the width direction of the connection end portion 48c, that is, the direction orthogonal to the first direction X, is defined as the second direction Y.

[0064] The covering insulating layer 86c has a rectangular opening 90 formed in the central portion thereof. The opening 90 is formed, for example, so that the length L in the longitudinal direction (the first direction X) is less than 6 mm, and the width W in the second direction Y is 0.5 mm. The aforementioned 13 connecting terminals 50 are respectively arranged opposite to the opening 90, and are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the opening 90. Each connecting terminal 50 has, for example, a rectangular shape, extending from one end in the width direction of the covering insulating layer 86c to the other end. The central portion of the connecting terminal 50 in the longitudinal direction is located in the opening 90, constituting a flying lead (flying lead) that becomes a joint. The two end portions of the connecting terminal 50 in the longitudinal direction are located at a position overlapping with the covering insulating layer 86c.

[0065] In the cover insulating layer 86 c , a plurality of wirings S are distributed and provided in regions on both sides of the opening 90 in the width direction. Each connection terminal 50 is connected to the wiring S. Thus, the 13 connection terminals 50 are electrically connected to the connection pads at the front end of the flexible member 48 via the wirings S.

[0066] The base insulating layer 86a and the metal plate 80 are provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the cover insulating layer 86c, the 13 connection terminals 50, and the wiring S. The base insulating layer 86a and the metal plate 80 have a substantially rectangular opening 91 formed in the center thereof. The opening 91 is formed to have a length and width sufficiently larger than the opening 90 of the cover insulating layer 86c. Thus, the metal plate 80 covers the outer peripheral edge and the base end of the connection end portion 48c.

[0067] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a top view showing a portion of the connecting end portion 48c in an enlarged manner. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the width (interval between a pair of side edges) WT of the central portion of each connection terminal 50 exposed in the openings 90 and 91 of the connection end portion 48c is formed to be, for example, 0.2 mm. The interval WS between the connection terminals 50 is set to be greater than 0.15 mm. A interval WS or a gap is provided between one end of the opening 90 in the first direction X and the connection terminal 50, and between the other end of the opening 90 in the first direction X and the connection terminal 50. In addition, in this embodiment, "exposed" means not covered by an insulating film.

[0068] The intervals between the connection terminals 50 may also be set uniformly, but in this embodiment, wide intervals (e.g., 0.3 mm) are set every three connection terminals 50 from the extension end side of the connection end portion 48c. These wide intervals 90a are provided for setting a jig when the connection terminals 50 are soldered.

[0069] A through hole 50a is provided in the center of each connection terminal 50. The through hole 50a has a substantially rectangular shape in one example. The through hole 50a has a width smaller than the width WT of the connection terminal 50 and a length smaller than the width W2 of the opening 90. The through hole 50a communicates with the openings 90 and 91.

[0070] The ratio of the area of ​​all the connection terminals 50 (including the through-hole portion) to the area of ​​the opening 90 is 40% or more, for example, 43%.

[0071] In this embodiment, the 13 connection terminals 50 are arranged in the following order. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , in one example, four connection terminals 50 (R) for a read head, two connection terminals 50 (S) for an HDI sensor, two connection terminals 50 (A) for an auxiliary element (a high-frequency auxiliary element or a thermal auxiliary element), two connection terminals 50 (H) for a heater, two connection terminals 50 (W) for a write head, and finally one connection terminal 50 (G) for a gimbal microactuator (GMA) (piezoelectric element 53) are arranged in this order from the extension end side of the connection end portion 48c. That is, the connection terminal 50 (A) for the auxiliary element is arranged in the center portion (the sixth and seventh from the base end side) in the arrangement direction, the connection terminal 50 (W) for the write head is arranged on the base end side of the connection end portion 48c, and the connection terminal 50 (H) for the heater is provided between the connection terminal 50 (A) for the auxiliary element and the connection terminal 50 (W) for the write head. The head connection terminal 50 (R) is disposed on the front end side of the connection end portion 48 c , and the HDI sensor connection terminal 50 (S) is provided between the auxiliary element connection terminal 50 (A) and the head connection terminal 50 (R).

[0072] The arrangement of the connection terminals 50 is not limited to the above arrangement, and may be another arrangement. In order to avoid crosstalk, the connection terminals for the write head and the connection terminals for the read head may be arranged so as not to be adjacent to the connection terminals for the auxiliary element.

[0073] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connection end 48c along line AA, Fig.10 is along Figure 8 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connection end portion 48c taken along line BB.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, each connection terminal 50 has a pair of side edges 51 that are substantially parallel to each other. The pair of side edges 51 extend in a direction intersecting the first direction X (longitudinal direction). In the present embodiment, the pair of side edges 51 extend in the second direction Y across the opening 90 .

[0075] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown, two partition walls PW1 and PW2 are erected on the surface of each connection terminal 50 on the side of the cover insulating layer 86c. The partition walls PW1 and PW2 are arranged along a pair of side edges 51 of the connection terminal 50, and each extends along the second direction Y over substantially the entire length of the width W of the opening 90. The partition walls PW1 and PW2 protrude downward (toward the FPC joint portion 64 side described later) from the connection terminal 50 across the cover insulating layer 86c.

[0076] In one example, the width WP of the partition walls PW1 and PW2 in the first direction X is formed to be 1 / 6 to 1 / 4 of the width WT of the connection terminal 50, for example, 0.03 to 0.06 mm, and the protrusion height T1 is formed to be about 0.04 to 0.1 mm. The length of the partition walls PW1 and PW2 in the second direction Y is formed to be the groove 76 of the aforementioned joint portion 64 (see Figure 5 ) is about 1 / 2 to 1 / 1 of the width.

[0077] In the present embodiment, each of the partition walls PW1 and PW2 is formed by laminating a plurality of, for example, four, insulating layers Id. The number of laminations can be appropriately changed depending on the height of the partition walls.

[0078] Fig.11 1 is a three-dimensional diagram schematically showing the tail connection end portion 48c and the joint portion 64 on the FPC side during the joint. As shown in the figure, when the joint is joined, each connection end portion 48c is arranged to overlap with the connection pad group 72 of the joint portion 64. The connection end portion 48c is arranged in a direction opposite to the joint portion 64 with the covering insulating layer 86c. At this time, each connection terminal 50 of the connection end portion 48c is opposite to the corresponding connection pad 73 and the solder 78. A pair of partition walls PW1 and PW2 of each connection terminal 50 protrudes toward the joint portion 64, and is located on both sides of the solder 78 in the first direction X. Moreover, a pair of partition walls PW1 and PW2 are opposite to the groove 76 of the joint portion 64.

[0079] Fig.12 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection end and the joint portion that have been brazed together. Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view of the connection end portion and the joint portion that are joined by brazing.

[0080] like Fig.12 As shown, when joining, 13 connection terminals 50 are arranged to overlap with the corresponding connection pads 73 and solder layers 78 of the joint portion 64 via the openings 90. In this state, laser is irradiated from the connection end portion 48c side to the connection end portion 48c and the joint portion 64. The laser is irradiated to the connection terminal 50 and the solder layer 78 through the opening 91 of the connection end portion 48c. The connection terminal 50 and the solder layer 78 absorb heat, the solder layer 78 melts, and the connection terminal 50 and the connection pad 73 are soldered together. At this time, the molten solder layer 78 is blocked by the partition wall PW1 or PW2, preventing the infiltration and extension to the adjacent connection pad 73 and the solder layer 78. Therefore, even if a positional deviation in the first direction X occurs between the connection terminal 50 and the connection pad 73, a short circuit between adjacent connection terminals 50 can be prevented.

[0081] like Fig.11 and Fig.13As shown, in the present embodiment, the joint portion 64 has a groove 76, and the connection pad group 72 is arranged in the groove 76. In addition, the partition walls PW1 and PW2 of the connection terminal 50 engage with the groove 76 to limit the movement and positional deviation of the connection end portion 48c in the second direction Y. In addition, it is preferred that the width of the groove 76 is substantially consistent with the length of the partition walls PW1 and PW2 in the second direction Y. Thus, the connection end portion 48c is positioned in the second direction Y relative to the connection pad group 72. A plurality of connection terminals 50 are soldered together in a state where they are positioned at predetermined positions relative to the corresponding connection pads 73. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor bonding due to the offset of the solder caused by positional deviation or the insufficient distribution of the solder.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, when the actuator assembly 22 and the FPC unit 21 constructed as described above are installed in the base 12, the actuator assembly 22 is supported in a manner that it can rotate freely around the support shaft 26. Each magnetic disk 18 is located between two suspension assemblies 30. When the HDD is in operation, the magnetic head 17 supported by the suspension assembly 30 is respectively opposite to the upper surface and the lower surface of the magnetic disk 18. The base portion 60 of the FPC unit 21 is fixed to the bottom wall 12a of the base 12.

[0083] According to the suspension assembly and HDD constructed as described above, the connection end 48c of the flexible member 48 has partition walls PW1 and PW2 erected on each connection terminal 50. When the connection end 48c is soldered to the joint portion 64 of the FPC, the molten solder is blocked by the partition wall PW1 or PW2, preventing it from wetting and spreading to the adjacent connection pads 73 and the solder layer 78. Therefore, even if a positional deviation in the first direction X occurs between the connection terminal 50 and the connection pad 73, a short circuit between adjacent connection terminals 50 can be prevented. In addition, in the present embodiment, the joint portion 64 has a groove 76, and the connection pad group 72 is arranged in the groove 76. The partition walls PW1 and PW2 of the connection terminal 50 engage with the groove 76, limiting the movement and positional deviation of the connection end 48c in the second direction Y. As a result, the connection end 48c is positioned relative to the connection pad group 72 in the second direction Y. The plurality of connection terminals 50 are soldered together in a state where they are positioned at predetermined positions with respect to the corresponding connection pads 73. Therefore, soldering can be performed without causing a bonding failure.

[0084] The effects of the present embodiment described above are more effectively exerted in a flexible member with an increased number of connection terminals and a narrow arrangement pitch as the number of magnetic disks increases and the functions of the magnetic head increase.

[0085] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a suspension assembly capable of preventing a poor joining at a joining portion and a short circuit between terminals, and a disk device including the suspension assembly.

[0086] Next, HDDs and suspension assemblies according to other embodiments are described. In the other embodiments described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified, and descriptions are mainly focused on parts different from the first embodiment.

[0087] (Second embodiment)

[0088] Fig.14 is a plan view showing a portion of a connection end portion of a flexible member in an HDD according to a second embodiment. Fig.15 The figure shows a state where the connection end of the flexible member and the connection pad group of the joint portion are arranged to overlap each other. Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of line DD.

[0089] like Fig.14 , Fig.15 As shown, according to the second embodiment, each connection terminal 50 of the connection end portion 48c has only one partition wall PW1, and the other partition wall PW2 is omitted.

[0090] The partition wall PW1 extends along one side edge of the connection terminal 50 (at Fig.14 The partition wall PW1 is provided along the side edge 51 on the same side (the left side in the figure) for all the connection terminals 50. The shape, size, etc. of the partition wall PW1 are set to be the same as the partition wall PW in the first embodiment. The other structures of the suspension assembly are common to the suspension assembly in the first embodiment described above.

[0091] like Fig.15 As shown, in the second embodiment, the flow of the solder can be restricted by the partition wall PW1, and the positional deviation of the connection end portion 48c in the second direction can be restricted by the engagement between the partition wall PW1 and the groove 76. That is, in the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the second embodiment, by reducing the number of partition walls, the structure of the connection end portion can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the partition wall may be provided at a common position for all the connection terminals, and is not limited to the left side edge, but may be provided along the right side edge.

[0093] (Third embodiment)

[0094] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view of a connection end portion of a flexible member in an HDD according to a third embodiment.

[0095] As shown in the figure, according to the third embodiment, the partition wall PW1 of the connection end portion 48c is integrally formed with other insulating layers constituting the connection end portion 48c. For example, the partition wall PW1 is integrally formed with the cover insulating layer 86c via an insulator.

[0096] The other structures of the suspension assembly are the same as those of the suspension assembly in the first embodiment described above. In the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the other configurations of the connection end portion 48c are the same as those of the connection end portion 48c in the first embodiment. Even in the fourth embodiment having 14 connection terminals, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0098] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0099] For example, the number of disks is not limited to 5, and may be less than 4 or more than 6. The number of suspension assemblies and the number of magnetic heads may be increased or decreased according to the number of disks. In the connection end of the suspension assembly, the shape and size of the connection terminal are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made as needed. The number, type, and function of the connection terminal are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made according to the functions of the magnetic head and the suspension assembly.

Claims

1. A suspension assembly comprising: Support plate; A head supported on the support plate; as well as a wiring member, which is composed of a laminate and is disposed on the support plate, wherein the laminate includes: a first insulating layer, a conductive layer disposed on the first insulating layer and having wiring and connection terminals formed thereon, and a second insulating layer formed to overlap the conductive layer and the first insulating layer, The wiring member includes: a front end portion electrically connected to the head; a connection end portion extending to the outside of the support plate; and a plurality of wirings extending between the front end portion and the connection end portion. The connection end portion includes: an opening extending in a first direction; a plurality of connection terminals respectively formed of the conductive layer and arranged in the opening along the first direction; and a partition wall provided at the connection terminal and protruding from the second insulating layer side.

2. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, Each of the connection terminals has a pair of side edges extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The partition wall is provided along one side edge of the connection terminal.

3. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, In each of the plurality of connection terminals, the partition wall is provided along a side edge on the same side of the pair of side edges.

4. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, Each of the connection terminals has a pair of side edges extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The connection end portion includes the partition wall provided along one side edge of the connection terminal and a partition wall provided along the other side edge of the connection terminal and protruding from the second insulating layer side.

5. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The partition wall extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is formed to have a size that is within a width of the opening in the second direction.

6. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The partition wall is composed of a plurality of insulating layers stacked on the connection terminal.

7. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The partition wall is formed integrally with the second insulating layer through an insulator.

8. A disk device comprising: a disc-shaped recording medium; and A head actuator comprising a rotatable actuator block, a plurality of arms extending from the actuator block, the suspension assembly according to claim 1 fixed to the arms, a wiring substrate having a plurality of connection pads arranged in an array and arranged to overlap with a mounting surface of the actuator block, and solder provided on the connection pads, The connection end portion of the wiring member is arranged on the wiring substrate so as to overlap with the connection pad and the solder, and the plurality of connection terminals are joined to the connection pad via the solder.

9. The disk device according to claim 8, The wiring substrate has a groove extending in a first direction, the plurality of connection pads are arranged in the groove, and the partition wall of the connection end portion is engaged with the groove.

Images