Suspension assembly and disk device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a suspension assembly and a disk device. A suspension assembly according to one embodiment is provided with a wiring member. The tail connection portion of the wiring member has a base layer, a cover layer, and a conductive layer disposed between the base layer and the cover layer. The cover layer is provided with a groove. The conductive layer has a first wiring, a second wiring, and a connection terminal extending across the groove between the first wiring and the second wiring. The base layer has a first base portion covering the first wiring, a second base portion covering the second wiring, and a pair of first protruding portions protruding from the first base portion and partially covering the connection terminals. And a pair of second protruding portions that protrude from the second base portion, partially cover the connection terminals, and are separated from the pair of first protruding portions.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-062954 (Filing Date: April 9, 2024). This application incorporates by reference the entire contents of the priority application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to a suspension assembly and a disk device. BACKGROUND

[0003] A disk device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) has, for example, a controller, a suspension assembly, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), and a magnetic disk. The controller controls a magnetic head of the suspension assembly to read and write information to the magnetic disk through the FPC.

[0004] The suspension assembly has a wiring member that connects the FPC and the magnetic head. The wiring member has a conductive layer disposed between two insulating layers. A connection terminal of the conductive layer is joined to a land of the FPC by a solder. In a case where the connection terminal is a free air ball, for example, the connection terminal is also thinned by making the conductive layer thin. The insulating layers can cover the connection terminal to strengthen it. However, the insulating layers can hinder the attachment of the solder to the connection terminal. SUMMARY

[0005] A suspension assembly of one embodiment has a support plate, a wiring member, and a magnetic head. The wiring member has a mounting portion disposed on the support plate, and a tail connecting portion that departs from the support plate. The magnetic head is mounted on the mounting portion. The tail connecting portion has an insulating base layer, an insulating cover layer, a conductive layer disposed between the base layer and the cover layer, and a backing layer mounted on the base layer. The cover layer has a first cover portion and a second cover portion that departs from the first cover portion, and a groove is provided between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. The conductive layer has at least one first wiring portion disposed on the first cover portion and electrically connected to the magnetic head, at least one second wiring portion disposed on the second cover portion, and at least one connection terminal that extends between the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion across the groove. The base layer has a first base portion that covers the first wiring portion, a second base portion that covers the second wiring portion, at least one pair of first protruding portions that each protrude from the first base portion and partially cover the connection terminal and depart from the second base portion, and at least one pair of second protruding portions that each protrude from the second base portion and partially cover the connection terminal and depart from the first base portion and the pair of first protruding portions.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present application, a suspension assembly and a disk device that can improve the reliability of connection of a connection terminal can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view that schematically shows the HDD of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view that shows the HGA of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view that schematically shows a portion of the carriage, the FPC, and the flexure of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view that shows the tail joint of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view that shows a portion of the tail joint of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view that shows the tail joint of the first embodiment along the F6-F6 line of Figure 5

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view that shows the tail joint and the joint of the first embodiment along the F7-F7 line of Figure 5

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view that shows the tail joint and the joint deviating from the predetermined configuration of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view that shows a portion of the tail joint of the second embodiment.

[0016] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0017] 10...hard disk drive (HDD); 12...disk; 36...head gimbal assembly (HGA); 37...flexible printed circuit board (FPC); 52...head; 55...support plate; 65...gimbal; 66...tail joint; 67...connection terminal; 67c, 67d...edge; 75...pad; 91...base layer; 92...cover layer; 93...conductive layer; 94...backing layer; 101, 102...side portion; 105...cover layer groove; 107, 108...protrusion; 111, 112...wiring; 115...hole; 121, 122...side portion; 127, 128...protrusion; S...solder; G1, G2...gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] (First Embodiment)

[0019] Hereinafter, with respect to the first embodiment, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 8 ​​The present application relates to a hard disk drive (HDD) and a method of manufacturing the same. The present application also relates to a head stack assembly (HSA) and a method of manufacturing the same. The present application further relates to a head gimbal assembly (HGA) and a method of manufacturing the same. The present application still further relates to a head suspension and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0020] In the following description, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing occurrence of a phenomenon, an action, or an influence, or reducing a degree of the phenomenon, the action, or the influence. In addition, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the hard disk drive (HDD) 10 of the first embodiment disassembled. 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 magnetic disk device.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the HDD 10 has a case 11, a plurality of magnetic disks 12, a spindle motor 13, a head stack assembly (HSA) 14, a voice coil motor (VCM) 15, a ramp load mechanism 16, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 17. Note that the HDD 10 is not limited to this example. Figure 1

[0023] The case 11 houses the magnetic disks 12, the spindle motor 13, the HSA 14, the VCM 15, and the ramp load mechanism 16. The case 11 has a base portion 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23.

[0024] The base portion 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open to one direction. The base portion 21 has a bottom wall 25 and a side wall 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular (quadrangular) plate shape. The side wall 26 protrudes from an edge of the bottom wall 25 and is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape.

[0025] The inner cover 22 is attached to an end portion of the side wall 26, for example, by a screw, and closes a space inside the base portion 21. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22 and is attached to an end portion of the side wall 26, for example, by welding. An air vent 27 is provided in the inner cover 22. An air vent 28 is provided in the outer cover 23.

[0026] ​After the internal components are installed in the base portion 21, and the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23 are installed to the base portion 21, the air inside the casing 11 is extracted from the air vents 27, 28. Further, a gas different from the air is filled into the inside of the casing 11.

[0027] The gas filled into the inside of the casing 11 is, for example, a low-density gas having a low density compared to the air, an inert gas having a low reactivity, or the like. For example, helium gas is filled into the inside of the casing 11. Further, another fluid can be filled into the inside of the casing 11.

[0028] The air vent 28 of the outer cover 23 is closed by a seal 29. The seal 29 hermetically seals the air vent 28, and restricts the fluid filled into the inside of the casing 11 from leaking out of the air vent 28.

[0029] The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are formed in a substantially disc shape. A magnetic recording layer is provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the magnetic disk 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are overlapped with intervals.

[0030] The spindle motor 13 supports the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The spindle motor 13 rotates the plurality of magnetic disks 12 around a center axis Axd of the spindle motor 13. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are held to a hub of the spindle motor 13, for example, by a clamp spring.

[0031] The HSA 14 is supported by a support shaft 31 so as to be rotatable. The support shaft 31 is provided at a position away from the magnetic disks 12 in a direction orthogonal to the center axis Axd. The support shaft 31 protrudes from the bottom wall 25 of the casing 11.

[0032] The HSA 14 is rotatable around a center axis Axh. The center axis Axh is an imaginary axis extending substantially in parallel with the center axis Axd of the magnetic disks 12. The center axis Axh is, for example, a center of rotation of the HSA 14, and is also a center axis of the support shaft 31.

[0033] The HSA 14 has a carriage 35, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGAs) 36, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 37. The HGA 36 is an example of a suspension assembly, and can also be referred to as a head suspension. The FPC 37 is an example of a substrate.

[0034] The carriage 35 is made of metal, for example. The carriage 35 has an actuator block 41, a plurality of arms 42, and a frame 43.

[0035] The actuator block 41 is supported by the shaft 31 so as to be rotatable, for example, via a bearing. A plurality of arms 42 protrude from the actuator block 41 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central axis Axh. Also, the carriage 35 can be divided, and the arms 42 protrude from each of the plurality of actuator blocks 41.

[0036] The plurality of arms 42 extend substantially in parallel and are arranged at intervals along the central axis Axh. The arms 42 are each formed as a plate that can enter a gap between adjacent two of the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0037] A frame 43 protrudes from the actuator block 41 on the opposite side of the arm 42. The voice coil of the VCM 15 is mounted to the frame 43. The VCM 15 has the voice coil, a pair of yokes, and a magnet provided to the yokes.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the HGA 36 of the first embodiment. A plurality of HGAs 36 are mounted to the front end of a corresponding one of the plurality of arms 42. Thus, the plurality of HGAs 36 are arranged at intervals along the central axis Axh. As shown in Figure 2 Each of the plurality of HGAs 36 has a suspension 51 and a magnetic head 52. The magnetic head 52 can also be referred to as a slider.

[0039] The suspension 51 supports the magnetic head 52. The suspension 51 has a support plate 55 and a flexure 56. The flexure 56 is an example of a wiring member. The support plate 55 has a base plate 57 and a load beam 58. Also, the support plate 55 is not limited to this example, and can be one member, for example.

[0040] The base plate 57 is formed as a plate and is mounted to the front end of the arm 42. The load beam 58 is formed as a plate thinner than the base plate 57. The load beam 58 is mounted to the base plate 57 in a manner protruding from the base plate 57.

[0041] The flexure 56 is a kind of flexible printed wiring board formed as an elongated tape. The flexure 56 has a front portion 61 and a rear portion 62, for example. Also, the front portion 61 and the rear portion 62 are called for convenience and do not limit the position, direction, and use state.

[0042] The front portion 61 is arranged on the support plate 55. The front portion 61 is mounted to the support plate 55 at a plurality of positions, for example, by spot welding. The front portion 61 has a gimbal 65. The gimbal 65 is an example of a mounting portion.

[0043] A gimbal 65 is provided at one end of the flexible member 56. The magnetic head 52 is mounted to the gimbal 65. The gimbal 65 is mounted to the load beam 58 in such a manner that the magnetic head 52 is rotatable.

[0044] The rear portion 62 extends along the arm 42 from the front portion 61 toward the actuator block 41. The rear portion 62 is away from the support plate 55. The rear portion 62 has a tail connection portion 66. The tail connection portion 66 is provided at the other end of the flexible member 56.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the carriage 35, the FPC 37, and a part of the flexible member 56 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3 The tail connection portion 66 is formed in a band shape, and has a plurality of connection terminals 67. The connection terminals 67 can also be referred to as electrodes.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1 The FPC 37 is formed in a band shape, for example. The FPC 37 has two joint portions 71, 72 and a flexible portion 73. The joint portion 71 is provided at one end of the FPC 37, and is mounted to the actuator block 41. The joint portion 72 is provided at the other end of the FPC 37, and is mounted to the bottom wall 25 of the base portion 21. The flexible portion 73 is provided between the joint portion 71 and the joint portion 72, and elastically bends according to the rotation of the HSA 14.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3 The joint portion 71 has a surface 71a. The surface 71a is a plane formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and as a whole faces a direction substantially orthogonal to the center axis Axh. Further, the surface 71a is not limited to this example, and can have a concave-convex, and can be partially curved.

[0048] Hereinafter, for convenience, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are defined. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other. The X axis is provided along the width of the surface 71a. The Y axis is provided along the length of the surface 71a. The Z axis is provided orthogonally to the surface 71a.

[0049] Further, in the present specification, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes a +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X axis, and a -X direction which is a direction opposite to the arrow of the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes a +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y axis, and a -Y direction which is a direction opposite to the arrow of the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes a +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis, and a -Z direction which is a direction opposite to the arrow of the Z axis. The surface 71a faces the +Z direction.

[0050] A plurality of pads 75 are provided at the joint portion 71. The pads 75 are also called electrodes or lands. The plurality of pads 75 are formed in a plurality of columns arranged in the substantially X direction. In each of the plurality of columns, the plurality of pads 75 are arranged in the substantially Y direction. The number of the columns of the pads 75 is equal to the number of the HGAs 36. The tail connecting portions 66 of the HGAs 36 extend in the substantially Y direction along the columns of the pads 75, covering the columns of the pads 75.

[0051] The HGA 36 also has a plurality of solder materials S. The plurality of solder materials S join the plurality of connecting terminals 67 of the flexible member 56 and the plurality of pads 75 of the FPC 37. Thereby, the flexible member 56 electrically connects the FPC 37 and the magnetic head 52.

[0052] Figure 1 The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 around the center axis Axh. By the rotation of the carriage 35 around the center axis Axh, the magnetic head 52 moves to a desired position on the disk 12.

[0053] The magnetic head 52 has a read element that reproduces information from a recording layer of the disk 12, and a write element that records information to the recording layer. The magnetic head 52 reads and writes information to and from the disk 12. The magnetic head 52 can also have other devices such as a laser diode that heats the disk 12.

[0054] If the magnetic head 52 moves to the outermost periphery of the disk 12 by the rotation of the carriage 35 based on the VCM 15, the ramp load mechanism 16 holds the HGA 36. While the HGA 36 is held by the ramp load mechanism 16, the magnetic head 52 is away from the disk 12.

[0055] The PCB 17 is arranged outside the housing 11, and is mounted to the bottom wall 25 of the base portion 21. The PCB 17 has, for example, a printed wiring board (PWB) 81, a relay connector 82, an interface (I / F) connector 83, and a controller 84.

[0056] The PWB 81 is, for example, a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate, and is a multilayer substrate or a build-up substrate. The relay connector 82, the I / F connector 83, and the controller 84 are mounted to the PWB 81.

[0057] The relay connector 82 is electrically connected to the joint portion 72 of the FPC 37, for example, by a connector provided to the bottom wall 25 of the housing 11. The I / F connector 83 is connected to a host computer. The controller 84 is, for example, an electronic component such as a system on a chip, and controls the operation of the HDD 10.

[0058] The controller 84 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 52 via the PWB 81, the relay connector 82, the FPC 37, and the flexible member 56. The controller 84 reads and writes information to and from the magnetic disk 12 using the magnetic head 52.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view showing the tail connecting portion 66 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 It is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the tail connecting portion 66 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the tail connecting portion 66 according to the first embodiment is shown along line F6 - F6 .

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the flexible member 56 includes a base layer 91, a cover layer 92, a conductive layer 93, and a backing layer 94. Therefore, the tail connector 66, which is a part of the flexible member 56, also partially includes the base layer 91, the cover layer 92, the conductive layer 93, and the backing layer 94. The base layer 91 and the cover layer 92 may also be referred to as insulating layers.

[0061] The base layer 91 and the cover layer 92 are insulating thin films, for example, made of polyimide (PI). In addition, the base layer 91 and the cover layer 92 may be made of other materials or different materials.

[0062] At the tail connection portion 66, the base layer 91 has two surfaces 91a and 91b. Surface 91a is generally flat and generally faces the +Z direction. Surface 91b is located on the opposite side of surface 91a. Surface 91b is generally flat and generally faces the -Z direction. Surface 91b of the base layer 91 faces surface 71a of the joint portion 71. A cover layer 92 covers surface 91b of the base layer 91.

[0063] Conductive layer 93 is made of a metal such as copper foil. Conductive layer 93 is provided on surface 91b of base layer 91. A portion of conductive layer 93 is covered by cover layer 92. That is, conductive layer 93 is disposed between base layer 91 and cover layer 92.

[0064] The backing layer 94 is, for example, a stainless steel metal plate. However, the backing layer 94 is not limited to this example. The backing layer 94 is attached to the surface 91a of the base layer 91. The backing layer 94 has a higher rigidity than the base layer 91, the cover layer 92, and the conductive layer 93.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover layer 92 at the tail connection portion 66 is formed into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The cover layer 92 has two side portions 101 and 102 and two end portions 103 and 104. The side portion 101 is an example of a first cover. The side portion 102 is an example of a second cover.

[0066] Side portions 101 and 102 each extend generally in the Y direction. Side portion 102 is spaced apart from side portion 101 in the +X direction. The +X direction is an example of a first direction. End portion 103 is connected to the ends of side portions 101 and 102 in the +Y direction. End portion 104 is connected to the ends of side portions 101 and 102 in the -Y direction. Therefore, end portion 104 is spaced apart from end portion 103 in the -Y direction.

[0067] The cover layer 92 is provided with a cover layer groove 105. The cover layer groove 105 is an example of a groove. The cover layer groove 105 is a hole that penetrates the cover layer 92 substantially in the Z direction. The cover layer groove 105 is not limited to this example and may be, for example, a notch.

[0068] The cover layer groove 105 is defined, for example, by the side portions 101, 102 and the end portions 103, 104. Therefore, the cover layer groove 105 is located between the two side portions 101, 102 and between the two end portions 103, 104. The cover layer groove 105 extends substantially in the Y direction.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, side portion 101 has an edge 101a. Edge 101a is located at the end of side portion 101 in the +X direction and extends generally in the Y direction. Side portion 102 has an edge 102a. Edge 102a is located at the end of side portion 102 in the -X direction and extends generally in the Y direction. Edges 101a and 102a face each other and define a cover layer groove 105.

[0070] Cover layer 92 further includes multiple pairs of protrusions 107 and 108. Protrusion 107 is an example of a third protrusion. Protrusion 108 is an example of a fourth protrusion. Multiple pairs of protrusions 107 protrude from edge 101a of side portion 101 toward side portion 102 in a generally positive X direction. Protrusions 107 are spaced apart from side portion 102. Multiple pairs of protrusions 108 protrude from edge 102a of side portion 102 toward side portion 101 in a generally negative X direction. Protrusions 108 are spaced apart from side portion 101 and protrusions 107.

[0071] At the tail connection portion 66, the conductive layer 93 has a plurality of wirings 111 and 112 and a plurality of connection terminals 67. The wiring 111 is an example of a first wiring. The wiring 112 is an example of a second wiring. The wirings 111 and 112 may also be referred to as signal lines.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the wiring 111 is provided on the surface 91b of the base layer 91 and is arranged between the base layer 91 and the side portion 101. In other words, the wiring 111 is arranged on the side portion 101. The plurality of wirings 111 extend substantially in parallel on the side portion 101.

[0073] The wiring 111 extends between the side portion 101 and the gimbal 65. At least one of the plurality of wirings 111 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 52 via the gimbal 65. At least another of the plurality of wirings 111 may be electrically connected to another component such as a piezoelectric element, may be floating, or may be electrically connected to the backing layer 94.

[0074] The wiring 112 is provided on the surface 91b of the base layer 91 and is arranged between the base layer 91 and the side portion 102. In other words, the wiring 112 is arranged on the side portion 102. The plurality of wirings 112 extend substantially in parallel on the side portion 102.

[0075] Each of the plurality of wirings 112 is electrically connected to, for example, the magnetic head 52, the piezoelectric element, or the backing layer 94. At least one wiring among the plurality of wirings 112 may be floated.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of connection terminals 67 extend in the approximately +X direction from the plurality of wirings 111 toward the plurality of wirings 112. That is, the plurality of connection terminals 67 each extend in the approximately X direction between one wiring 111 and one wiring 112 across the coverlay groove 105 and are formed in a beam shape.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the plurality of connection terminals 67 has two surfaces 67a and 67b. Surface 67a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the +Z direction. Surface 67b is located on the opposite side of surface 67a and faces substantially in the -Z direction.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, each of the plurality of connection terminals 67 further includes a pair of edges 67c and 67d. Edge 67c is provided at the end of the connection terminal 67 in the +Y direction and extends generally in the X direction. Edge 67d is provided at the end of the connection terminal 67 in the -Y direction and extends generally in the X direction. In other words, the pair of edges 67c and 67d are located on opposite sides of each other. Furthermore, edges 67c and 67d may have concave and convex portions or may be curved.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the protrusions 107 and 108 of the covering layer 92 partially cover the surface 67b of the connecting terminal 67. Figure 5 As shown, for example, a pair of protrusions 107 covers a pair of edges 67c and 67d of the connection terminal 67. In other words, the pair of protrusions 107 each extend in the Y direction across edge 67c or edge 67d. A pair of protrusions 108 also covers a pair of edges 67c and 67d of the connection terminal 67. Alternatively, the protrusions 107 and 108 may extend away from the edges 67c and 67d.

[0080] Each of the plurality of connection terminals 67 of the conductive layer 93 is provided with a hole 115. The hole 115 passes through the connection terminal 67 substantially in the Z direction and opens on both surfaces 67a and 67b. The hole 115 is formed, for example, in an oblong shape extending in the X direction. The shape of the hole 115 is not limited to this example.

[0081] Hole 115 is provided at the center of connection terminal 67. In other words, hole 115 is provided at a position located at the center of connection terminal 67 in the X direction and at the center of connection terminal 67 in the Y direction. Furthermore, as long as a portion of hole 115 is located at the center of connection terminal 67, the center of hole 115 may be offset from the center of connection terminal 67. Furthermore, hole 115 may be offset from the center of connection terminal 67.

[0082] The plurality of connection terminals 67 are spaced apart in the Y direction (+Y direction). The +Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the +X direction and is an example of a second direction. The spacing between two adjacent connection terminals 67 is greater than the width of the connection terminal 67. The width of the connection terminal 67 is the distance between a pair of edges 67c and 67d in the Y direction. The spacing between the connection terminals 67 is not limited to this example.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the base layer 91 at the tail connection portion 66 is formed into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The base layer 91 has two side portions 121 and 122 and two end portions 123 and 124. The side portion 121 is an example of a first base portion. The side portion 122 is an example of a second base portion.

[0084] Side portions 121 and 122 each extend substantially in the Y direction. Side portion 121 covers side portion 101 of cover layer 92 and multiple wirings 111. Side portion 122 covers side portion 102 of cover layer 92 and multiple wirings 112. Therefore, side portion 122 is spaced apart from side portion 121 in the +X direction.

[0085] The end portion 123 is connected to the ends of the side portions 121 and 122 in the +Y direction. The end portion 123 covers the end portion 103 of the cover layer 92 and the plurality of wirings 111 and 112 arranged on the end portion 103 .

[0086] End 124 is connected to the ends of side portions 121 and 122 in the −Y direction. Therefore, end 124 is separated from end 123 in the −Y direction. End 124 covers end 104 of cover layer 92 and the plurality of wirings 111 and 112 arranged on end 104.

[0087] The base layer 91 is provided with a base layer groove 125. The base layer groove 125 is a hole that penetrates the base layer 91 substantially in the Z direction. The base layer groove 125 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a notch.

[0088] The base layer groove 125 is defined by, for example, the side portions 121 and 122 and the end portions 123 and 124. Therefore, the base layer groove 125 is located between the two side portions 121 and 122 and between the two end portions 123 and 124. The base layer groove 125 extends substantially in the Y direction.

[0089] Base layer groove 125 communicates with cover layer groove 105. Cover layer groove 105 and base layer groove 125 expose surfaces 67a and 67b of multiple connection terminals 67. Specifically, multiple connection terminals 67 are portions of conductive layer 93 exposed through cover layer groove 105 and base layer groove 125, forming suspended leads. However, connection terminals 67 are not limited to this example.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, side portion 121 has an edge 121a. Edge 121a is located at the end of side portion 121 in the +X direction and extends generally in the Y direction. Side portion 122 has an edge 122a. Edge 122a is located at the end of side portion 122 in the -X direction and extends generally in the Y direction. Edges 121a and 122a face each other and define a base layer groove 125.

[0091] The base layer 91 further includes multiple pairs of protrusions 127 and 128. Protrusion 127 is an example of a first protrusion. Protrusion 128 is an example of a second protrusion. Multiple pairs of protrusions 127 protrude from edge 121a of side portion 121 toward side portion 122 in a generally positive X direction. Protrusions 127 are spaced apart from side portion 122. Multiple pairs of protrusions 128 protrude from edge 122a of side portion 122 toward side portion 121 in a generally negative X direction. Protrusions 128 are spaced apart from side portion 121 and protrusions 127.

[0092] The pairs of protrusions 127 and 128 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. That is, one of the pair of protrusions 127 is spaced apart from each other in the +Y direction. One of the pair of protrusions 128 is also spaced apart from each other in the +Y direction.

[0093] The protrusions 127 and 128 each partially cover the surface 67a of the connection terminal 67. For example, the pair of protrusions 127 cover the pair of edges 67c and 67d of the connection terminal 67. In other words, the pair of protrusions 127 each extend in the Y direction across edge 67c or edge 67d. The pair of protrusions 128 also cover the pair of edges 67c and 67d of the connection terminal 67. Alternatively, the protrusions 127 and 128 may extend away from the edges 67c and 67d.

[0094] The plurality of protrusions 127 each have a front end 127a. The front end 127a is provided at the end of the protrusion 127 in the +X direction. The plurality of protrusions 128 also each have a front end 128a. The front end 128a is provided at the end of the protrusion 128 in the -X direction. The front ends 127a, 128a each extend in the substantially Y direction. Further, the front ends 127a, 128a are not limited to this example. The front end 127a and the front end 128a face each other.

[0095] A gap G1 is provided between the front end 127a of one of the pair of protrusions 127 and the front end 128a of one of the pair of protrusions 128. The gap G1 is an example of a first gap. The gap G1 extends in the substantially Y direction. The facing protrusions 127, 128 are divided by the gap G1.

[0096] A gap G2 is provided between the front end 127a of the other of the pair of protrusions 127 and the front end 128a of the other of the pair of protrusions 128. The gap G2 is an example of a second gap. The gap G2 extends in the substantially Y direction. The facing protrusions 127, 128 are divided by the gap G2.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the gaps G1, G2 are provided at the center of the connection terminal 67 in the X direction (+X direction). Therefore, the gap G1 and the gap G2 are aligned in the Y direction (+Y direction). Further, as long as a portion of the gaps G1, G2 is located at the center of the connection terminal 67 in the X direction, the center of the gaps G1, G2 can also be offset from the center of the connection terminal 67 in the X direction. In addition, the gaps G1, G2 can also be offset from the center of the connection terminal 67 in the X direction.

[0098] In the Y direction (+Y direction), the hole 115 is located between the pair of protrusions 127 and between the pair of protrusions 128. The hole 115 is offset from the protrusions 127, 128 and from the gaps G1, G2.

[0099] The plurality of protrusions 127 each taper at least partially forward as they go toward the side portion 122. For example, the protrusions 127 each have two edges 127b, 127c. The edge 127b extends in the substantially X direction, offset from the connection terminal 67. The edge 127c is located on the opposite side of the edge 127b. The edge 127c extends obliquely with respect to the edge 127b on the surface 67a of the connection terminal 67. The distance between the edges 127b, 127c decreases as they go toward the side portion 122.

[0100] The plurality of protrusions 128 each taper at least partially forward as they go toward the side portion 121. For example, the protrusions 128 each have two edges 128b, 128c. The edge 128b extends in the substantially X direction away from the connecting terminal 67. The edge 128c is located on the opposite side of the edge 128b. The edge 128c extends obliquely with respect to the edge 128b on the surface 67a of the connecting terminal 67. The distance between the edges 128b, 128c decreases as they go toward the side portion 122. The edges 127c, 128c face the hole 115.

[0101] In the X direction (+X direction), the length of each of the protrusions 127, 128 is 25% or more of the length of the connecting terminal 67. In the X direction (+X direction), the hole 115 is longer than the gap Gl and the gap G2. Furthermore, the length of the protrusions 127, 128 and the hole 115 is not limited to this example. For example, the hole 115 can also be shorter than at least one of the gaps Gl, G2.

[0102] The protrusion 107 of the cover layer 92 covers the protrusion 127 of the base layer 91. In the X direction, the protrusion 107 of the cover layer 92 is shorter than the protrusion 127 of the base layer 91. That is, the protrusion 107 of the cover layer 92 protrudes shorter than the protrusion 127 of the base layer 91 from the side portion 101.

[0103] The protrusion 108 of the cover layer 92 covers the protrusion 128 of the base layer 91. In the X direction, the protrusion 108 of the cover layer 92 is shorter than the protrusion 128 of the base layer 91. That is, the protrusion 108 of the cover layer 92 protrudes shorter than the protrusion 128 of the base layer 91 from the side portion 102.

[0104] In the X direction, the length of each of the protrusions 107, 108 is shorter than 25% of the length of the connecting terminal 67. Therefore, in the X direction, the gap between the two protrusions 107, 108 facing each other is longer than the hole 115. Furthermore, the length of the protrusions 107, 108 is not limited to this example.

[0105] At the tail connecting portion 66, the backing layer 94 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The backing layer 94 is provided with a through-hole 131. The through-hole 131 penetrates the backing layer 94 in the substantially Z direction, and communicates with the base layer groove 125. The through-hole 131 is larger than the base layer groove 125. The through-hole 131 exposes the connecting terminal 67 and the protrusions 127, 128.

[0106] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tail connecting portion 66 and the joint portion 71 of the first embodiment, taken along the F7-F7 line. Figure 5 Figure 7 ​As shown, the solder S adheres to the pad 75 of the joint 71. The solder S also adheres to the surface 67b of the connection terminal 67 and adheres to the surface 67a through the hole 115. Thus, the solder S joins the connection terminal 67 and the pad 75.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, a large number of wirings 111 and 112 are provided in the tail connector 66. By making the conductive layer 93 thinner, the width of the wirings 111 and 112 can also be reduced, thereby enabling a greater number of wirings 111 and 112 to be provided in the tail connector 66. For example, the thickness of the conductive layer 93 is set to 8 μm or less. However, the thickness of the conductive layer 93 is not limited to this example.

[0108] As described above, connection terminal 67 forms a suspended lead. Therefore, by thinning conductive layer 93, connection terminal 67 is also thinner. In this embodiment, protrusions 127 and 128 of base layer 91 cover more than half of connection terminal 67 in the X direction. Therefore, protrusions 127 and 128 can reinforce thin connection terminal 67. Furthermore, even if the length of protrusions 127 and 128 is less than half the length of connection terminal 67, protrusions 127 and 128 can still reinforce connection terminal 67.

[0109] In manufacturing the flexible member 56 , a sheet is formed containing a plurality of flexible members 56 . The sheet is pulled between the ends of a roll, for example. That is, the flexible member 56 is pulled in a direction along the surfaces 91 a and 91 b of the base layer 91 , for example.

[0110] The thin connection terminal 67 is also pulled in the direction along the surfaces 91a and 91b by the flexible member 56 being pulled. However, the protrusions 127 and 128 reinforce the connection terminal 67, so damage to the connection terminal 67 is suppressed.

[0111] Protrusions 127 and 128 reduce the length of the portion of connecting terminal 67 not covered by base layer 91 in the X direction. Therefore, even if the portion of connecting terminal 67 not covered by base layer 91 is pulled in the X direction, it is less likely to be damaged. In other words, protrusions 127 and 128 also enhance the strength of the portion of connecting terminal 67 not covered by protrusions 127 and 128.

[0112] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing tail connectors 66 and joints 71 that deviate from the intended arrangement of the first embodiment. In the manufacture of HGA 36, for example, solder paste S is applied to pads 75 by printing, and then tail connectors 66 are arranged on a row of pads 75. Laser irradiation of the plurality of tail connectors 66 melts the solder S, allowing it to wet and spread to the connection terminals 67.

[0113] The tail connecting portion 66 is positioned more accurately in the X direction, for example, by a jig. However, sometimes the tail connecting portion 66 deviates from the predetermined arrangement in the Y direction, for example, due to the flexure of the rear portion 62.

[0114] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, sometimes the tail connecting portion 66 deviates from the predetermined arrangement in the +Y direction. In this case, the position of the connecting terminal 67 deviates from the positions of the corresponding pad 75 and the solder S in the Y direction. For example, the center of the surface 67b between the hole 115 and the edge 67d faces the center of the pad 75. Figure 8

[0115] The gap G2 exposes the surface 67b and the edge 67d of the connecting terminal 67 between the two protrusions 127, 128. Therefore, the solder S adheres to the surface 67b through the hole 115, and adheres to the surface 67b around the periphery of the edge 67d. Thus, the contact area of the solder S with the connecting terminal 67 becomes large enough. That is, the reliability of the connection of the connecting terminal 67 with the pad 75 is improved. In addition, the molten solder S can move on the connecting terminal 67 toward the predetermined arrangement by the surface tension.

[0116] In contrast to the present embodiment, in a case where the protrusions 127, 128 are connected to each other and the protrusions 127, 128 continuously cover the connecting terminal 67 between the two side portions 121, 122, the gaps G1, G2 are not provided. Therefore, the contact area of the solder S with the surface 67b of the connecting terminal 67 is small. In addition, the solder S is difficult to spread wetting on the base layer 91 made of PI. In other words, the base layer 91 repels the solder S. Therefore, the molten solder S can flow on the protrusions 127, 128 to approach other connecting terminals 67, reducing the margin. However, the protrusions 127, 128 of the present embodiment are separated from each other, thereby making it possible to sufficiently adhere the solder S to the connecting terminal 67 while suppressing the approach of the solder S to other connecting terminals 67.

[0117] ​In the HDD 10 of the first embodiment described above, the flexure 56 has a gimbal 65 disposed on the support plate 55, and a tail connection portion 66 that is apart from the support plate 55. The head 52 is mounted on the gimbal 65. The tail connection portion 66 has an insulating base layer 91, an insulating cover layer 92, a conductive layer 93, and a backing layer 94. The conductive layer 93 is disposed between the base layer 91 and the cover layer 92. The backing layer 94 is mounted on the base layer 91. The cover layer 92 has a side portion 101 and a side portion 102 that is apart from the side portion 101. A cover layer groove 105 is provided between the side portion 101 and the side portion 102. The conductive layer 93 has at least one wiring 111, at least one wiring 112, and at least one connection terminal 67. The wiring 111 is disposed on the side portion 101, and is electrically connected to the head 52. The wiring 112 is disposed on the side portion 102. The connection terminal 67 extends between the wiring 111 and the wiring 112, across the cover layer groove 105. The base layer 91 has a side portion 121, a side portion 122, at least one pair of protrusions 127, and at least one pair of protrusions 128. The side portion 121 covers the wiring 111. The side portion 122 covers the wiring 112. The pair of protrusions 127 respectively protrude from the side portion 121, partially cover the connection terminal 67, and are apart from the side portion 122. The pair of protrusions 128 respectively protrude from the side portion 122, partially cover the connection terminal 67, and are apart from the side portion 121 and the pair of protrusions 127.

[0118] In a case where the base layer 91 does not cover the connection terminals 67 across the groove 105 of the cover layer, the connection terminals 67 such as a thin metal foil are fragile, and a damage such as a breakage, a crack, or the like can occur in manufacturing. On the other hand, in a case where the base layer 91 continuously covers the connection terminals 67 between the side portion 121 and the side portion 122, the solder S that joins the connection terminals 67 comes into contact with, for example, one surface 67b of the connection terminal 67, but hardly comes into contact with the other surface 67a of the connection terminal 67 covered by the base layer 91. Thus, the contact area of the solder S with the connection terminal 67 can be small. In addition, the wettability of the solder S at the base layer 91 is small. In other words, the contact angle of the solder S with respect to the base layer 91 is large. Thus, if the position of the solder S with respect to the connection terminal 67 deviates from a predetermined arrangement, the solder S can flow along the surfaces 91a, 91b of the continuous base layer 91 to approach other connection terminals 67. However, in the base layer 91 of the present embodiment, the pair of protrusions 127 and the pair of protrusions 128 partially cover the connection terminals 67 and are apart from each other. Thus, the connection terminals 67 are reinforced by the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128, and a case where the connection terminals 67 are damaged can be suppressed. That is, the HGA 36 of the present embodiment can be easily manufactured. Moreover, the solder S can be attached to the surface 67a of the connection terminal 67 exposed between the protrusion 127 and the protrusion 128. Thus, even if the position of the solder S with respect to the connection terminal 67 deviates from the predetermined arrangement, the solder S is attached to the surface 67a of the connection terminal 67 exposed between the protrusion 127 and the protrusion 128, so that the solder S can be sufficiently attached to the connection terminal 67, and a case where the solder S approaches other connection terminals 67 can be suppressed. As described above, the HGA 36 can improve the reliability of the connection of the connection terminals 67.

[0119] The conductive layer 93 is provided with a hole 115 that penetrates the connection terminal 67. The hole 115 exposes, for example, the solder S that joins the connection terminal 67. Thus, for example, the solder S can be efficiently melted by irradiating the solder S with a laser through the hole 115. Moreover, the solder S can be attached to one surface 67b of the connection terminal 67 and spread to the other surface 67a through the hole 115. Thus, the solder S can be sufficiently attached to the connection terminal 67.

[0120] The connection terminal 67 extends in the +X direction from the wiring 111 toward the wiring 112. One of the pair of protrusions 127 is apart from the other direction, the +Y direction, which is orthogonal to the +X direction. One of the pair of protrusions 128 is apart from the other direction, the +Y direction. In the +Y direction, the hole 115 is located between the pair of protrusions 127 and is located between the pair of protrusions 128.

[0121] In a case where the pair of protrusions 127 and the pair of protrusions 128 are arranged between the hole 115 and one edge 67c of the connection terminal 67, the area where the connection terminal 67 is exposed is biased. Thus, there is a possibility that the solder S is attached to the area covered by the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128, that is, the position of the solder S and the connection terminal 67 deviates from the predetermined arrangement. In this case, the contact area of the solder S and the connection terminal 67 becomes small. However, in the present embodiment, the hole 115 is located between the pair of protrusions 127 and between the pair of protrusions 128. That is, in the vicinity of the hole 115, the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128 are arranged more evenly. Thus, regardless of the direction in which the connection terminal 67 deviates with respect to the solder S, the solder S can be stably attached to the connection terminal 67.

[0122] A gap G1 is provided between one of the pair of protrusions 127 and one of the pair of protrusions 128. A gap G2 is provided between the other of the pair of protrusions 127 and the other of the pair of protrusions 128. In the +X direction, the hole 115 is longer than at least one of the gap G1 and the gap G2.

[0123] By providing the hole 115, in the vicinity of the hole 115, the connection terminal 67 is divided into two beam-like portions. Thus, in the vicinity of the hole 115, there is a possibility that the strength of the connection terminal 67 decreases. However, the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128 are formed long in such a manner that the gap G1 and the gap G2 become small. Thus, the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128 can reinforce the connection terminal 67 more strongly.

[0124] The hole 115 is provided at the center of the connection terminal 67. For example, in a case where the hole 115 is away from the center of the connection terminal 67, there is a possibility that the solder S is attached to the connection terminal 67 at a position away from the hole 115, that is, the position of the solder S and the connection terminal 67 deviates from the predetermined arrangement. In this case, there is a possibility that the solder S does not pass through the hole 115, and the contact area of the solder S and the connection terminal 67 becomes small. However, in the present embodiment, the hole 115 is provided at the center of the connection terminal 67. Thus, regardless of the direction in which the connection terminal 67 deviates with respect to the solder S, the solder S easily flows through the hole 115, and can be stably attached to the connection terminal 67.

[0125] Connecting terminal 67 has a pair of edges 67c and 67d located on opposite sides of each other. A pair of protrusions 127 covers these edges 67c and 67d. A pair of protrusions 128 covers these edges 67c and 67d. In other words, protrusions 127 and 128 can extend transversely across edges 67c and 67d. Therefore, protrusions 127 and 128 can be formed larger, further reinforcing connecting terminal 67.

[0126] Gap G1 and gap G2 are aligned in the +Y direction. For example, if the position of gap G1 and gap G2 differs in the +X direction, there is a possibility that the solder S will adhere to the connection terminal 67 at a position separated from gaps G1 and G2. In this case, the contact area between the solder S and the connection terminal 67 is reduced. However, in this embodiment, gap G1 and gap G2 are arranged at approximately the same position in the +X direction. As a result, the solder S can stably adhere to the connection terminal 67 regardless of the direction in which the connection terminal 67 deviates from the solder S.

[0127] Gap G1 and Gap G2 are provided at the center of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction. If gap G1 and Gap G2 are spaced from the center of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction, there is a possibility that the position of the solder S and the connection terminal 67 may deviate from the predetermined configuration, such as the solder S adhering to the area covered by the protrusion 127 or the protrusion 128. In this case, the contact area between the solder S and the connection terminal 67 is reduced. However, in this embodiment, gap G1 and Gap G2 are provided at the center of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction. In other words, the protrusion 127 and the protrusion 128 are more evenly arranged around the center of the connection terminal 67. As a result, the solder S can be stably attached to the connection terminal 67 regardless of the direction in which the connection terminal 67 deviates from the solder S.

[0128] In the +X direction, the length of each of the pair of protrusions 127 and the pair of protrusions 128 is at least 25% of the length of the connection terminal 67. In other words, each protrusion 127 and each protrusion 128 covers at least 50% of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction. Therefore, the protrusions 127 and 128 can further reinforce the connection terminal 67.

[0129] The pair of protrusions 127 each taper at least partially forward as they go toward the side 122. The pair of protrusions 128 each taper at least partially forward as they go toward the side 121. Thus, the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128, for example, can bypass the hole 115 provided in the connection terminal 67. In other words, in the vicinity of the hole 115, the protrusions 127 and the protrusions 128 can expose a wider area of the connection terminal 67. Thus, the solder S can stably adhere to the connection terminal 67.

[0130] The cover layer 92 has at least one pair of protrusions 107 and at least one pair of protrusions 108. The pair of protrusions 107 each protrude from the side 101 shorter than the pair of protrusions 127, partially covering the connection terminal 67. The pair of protrusions 108 each protrude from the side 102 shorter than the pair of protrusions 128, partially covering the connection terminal 67, and apart from the pair of protrusions 107. Thus, the protrusions 107 and the protrusions 108 can reinforce the connection terminal 67. Also, generally, the surface 67b of the connection terminal 67 covered by the cover layer 92 adheres the solder S. Since the protrusions 107 and the protrusions 108 are short, it is possible to suppress a case where the connection terminal 67 is hindered from adhering the solder S. In other words, the solder S can stably adhere to the connection terminal 67.

[0131] The conductive layer 93 has a plurality of wirings 111, a plurality of wirings 112, and a plurality of connection terminals 67. The plurality of connection terminals 67 extend in the +X direction from the plurality of wirings 111 toward the plurality of wirings 112. The base layer has a plurality of pairs of protrusions 127 and a plurality of pairs of protrusions 128. The plurality of connection terminals 67 are arranged apart in the +Y direction.

[0132] If the position of the solder S with respect to the predetermined arrangement deviates from the connection terminal 67, sometimes the solder S adhering to one connection terminal 67 can flow toward an adjacent other connection terminal 67. However, in the HGA 36 of the present embodiment, the solder S can stably adhere to the connection terminal 67, so it is possible to suppress a case where the connection terminal 67 is close to the adjacent other connection terminal 67.

[0133] (Second Embodiment)

[0134] Hereinafter, with respect to the second embodiment, description will be made with reference to Figure 9 In addition, in the description of the following embodiments, sometimes, a constituent element having the same function as the already described constituent element is labeled with the same reference numeral as the already described constituent element, and further, the description is omitted. In addition, the plurality of constituent elements labeled with the same reference numeral are not necessarily all common in the function and the property, and can have different functions and properties corresponding to each embodiment.

[0135] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the tail connecting portion 66 of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the base layer 91 of the second embodiment has a plurality of pairs of protrusions 201 and a plurality of pairs of protrusions 202 instead of the plurality of pairs of protrusions 127 and the plurality of pairs of protrusions 128. The protrusions 201 are substantially the same as the protrusions 127, and the protrusions 202 are substantially the same as the protrusions 128, except for aspects described below. Figure 9

[0136] One of the pair of protrusions 201 is longer than the other and protrudes from the edge 121a of the side portion 121. One of the pair of protrusions 202 is longer than the other and protrudes from the edge 122a of the side portion 122.

[0137] The leading end 127a of the protrusion 201 of the shorter one of the protrusions 201 faces the leading end 128a of the protrusion 202 of the longer one of the protrusions 202 with a gap G21 therebetween. That is, the gap G21 is provided between the protrusion 201 of the shorter one of the protrusions 201 and the protrusion 202 of the longer one of the protrusions 202. The gap G21 is an example of the first gap.

[0138] In the X direction, the length of the protrusion 202 of the longer one of the protrusions 202 is 25% or more of the length of the connecting terminal 67. Also, in the X direction, the total of the length of the protrusion 201 of the shorter one of the protrusions 201 and the length of the protrusion 202 of the longer one of the protrusions 202 is 50% or more of the length of the connecting terminal 67. Note that the lengths of the protrusions 201, 202 are not limited to this example.

[0139] The leading end 127a of the protrusion 201 of the longer one of the protrusions 201 faces the leading end 128a of the protrusion 202 of the shorter one of the protrusions 202 with a gap G22 therebetween. That is, the gap G22 is provided between the protrusion 201 of the longer one of the protrusions 201 and the protrusion 202 of the shorter one of the protrusions 202. The gap G22 is an example of the second gap.

[0140] In the X direction, the length of the protrusion 201 of the longer one of the protrusions 201 is 25% or more of the length of the connecting terminal 67. Also, in the X direction, the total of the length of the protrusion 201 of the longer one of the protrusions 201 and the length of the protrusion 202 of the shorter one of the protrusions 202 is 50% or more of the length of the connecting terminal 67. Note that the lengths of the protrusions 201, 202 are not limited to this example.

[0141] In the X direction (+X direction), the gap G21 is disposed at a position different from the gap G22. Therefore, the plurality of gaps G21, G22 are not aligned in the Y direction (+Y direction) but are disposed offset from each other.​

[0142] In the HDD 10 of the second embodiment described above, in the +X direction, the gap G21 is arranged at a different position from the gap G22. That is, the shapes of the pair of protrusions 201 are different from each other. The shapes of the pair of protrusions 202 are also different from each other. Therefore, at the connection terminal 67 reinforced by both the protrusions 201 and the protrusions 202, the stress is easily dispersed. In addition, at the center of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction, the protrusion 201 of the pair of protrusions 201 that is longer and the protrusion 202 of the pair of protrusions 202 that is longer are arranged. That is, the center of the connection terminal 67 in the +X direction is reinforced by both the protrusions 201 and the protrusions 202. In addition, the portion of the connection terminal 67 in which the gap G21 and the gap G22 are provided is weak, but is not arranged. As described above, the protrusions 201 and the protrusions 202 can more strongly reinforce the connection terminal 67.

[0143] Several embodiments of the present application have been described above, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the application. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the application, and are included in the scope of the application and equivalents thereof recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A suspension assembly comprising: Support plate; a wiring member having a mounting portion disposed on the support plate and a tail connection portion separated from the support plate; and A magnetic head mounted on the mounting portion, The tail connecting portion includes an insulating base layer, an insulating cover layer, a conductive layer disposed between the base layer and the cover layer, and a backing layer mounted on the base layer. The cover layer includes a first cover and a second cover spaced apart from the first cover, and a groove is provided between the first cover and the second cover. The conductive layer includes at least one first wiring disposed on the first cover and electrically connected to the magnetic head, at least one second wiring disposed on the second cover, and at least one connection terminal extending between the first wiring and the second wiring across the groove. The base layer has a first base portion covering the first wiring, a second base portion covering the second wiring, at least one pair of first protrusions each protruding from the first base portion and partially covering the connecting terminal and away from the second base portion, and at least one pair of second protrusions each protruding from the second base portion and partially covering the connecting terminal and away from the first base portion and the pair of first protrusions.

2. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The conductive layer is provided with a hole through which the connection terminal passes.

3. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, The connection terminal extends in a first direction from the first wiring toward the second wiring. One of the pair of first protrusions is spaced apart from the other of the pair of first protrusions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. One of the pair of second protrusions is away from the other of the pair of second protrusions in the second direction, In the second direction, the hole is located between the pair of first protrusions and between the pair of second protrusions.

4. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, The connection terminal extends in a first direction from the first wiring toward the second wiring. A first gap is provided between one of the pair of first protrusions and one of the pair of second protrusions, A second gap is provided between the other of the pair of first protrusions and the other of the pair of second protrusions. In the first direction, the hole is longer than at least one of the first gap and the second gap.

5. The suspension assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The hole is provided at the center of the connection terminal.

6. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The connecting terminal has a pair of edges located on opposite sides of each other, The pair of first protrusions covers the pair of edges, The pair of second protrusions covers the pair of edges.

7. The suspension assembly according to claim 6, The connection terminal extends in a first direction from the first wiring toward the second wiring. One of the pair of first protrusions is spaced apart from the other of the pair of first protrusions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. One of the pair of second protrusions is away from the other of the pair of second protrusions in the second direction, A first gap is provided between one of the pair of first protrusions and one of the pair of second protrusions, A second gap is provided between the other of the pair of first protrusions and the other of the pair of second protrusions. The first gap and the second gap are aligned in the second direction.

8. The suspension assembly according to claim 7, The first gap and the second gap are provided at the center of the connection terminal in the first direction.

9. The suspension assembly according to claim 7 or 8, In the first direction, the length of each of the pair of first protrusions and the pair of second protrusions is equal to or greater than 25% of the length of the connection terminal.

10. The suspension assembly according to claim 6, The connection terminal extends in a first direction from the first wiring toward the second wiring. A first gap is provided between one of the pair of first protrusions and one of the pair of second protrusions, A second gap is provided between the other of the pair of first protrusions and the other of the pair of second protrusions. In the first direction, the first gap is arranged at a position different from that of the second gap.

11. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The pair of first protrusions each have a tip tapered at least partially as it approaches the second base portion. Each of the pair of second protrusions is at least partially tapered toward the first base portion.

12. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The covering layer has at least one pair of third protrusions each protruding from the first cover shorter than the pair of first protrusions and partially covering the connecting terminal, and at least one pair of fourth protrusions each protruding from the second cover shorter than the pair of second protrusions and partially covering the connecting terminal and separated from the pair of third protrusions.

13. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, The conductive layer includes the plurality of first wirings, the plurality of second wirings, and the plurality of connection terminals extending in a first direction from the plurality of first wirings toward the plurality of second wirings. The base layer has a plurality of pairs of the first protrusions and a plurality of pairs of the second protrusions. The plurality of connection terminals are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

14. A disk device comprising: The suspension assembly of claim 1; disk; a substrate provided with pads; and A solder material is used to bond the connection terminal to the pad.

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