Disk device and head gimbal assembly

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a disc device and a head gimbal assembly. An HGA of a disk device according to one embodiment has a carrier bar. The carrier bar has two side rails, a plate between the two side rails, a first plane of the plate, a lift piece protruding from an end of the plate, and a protrusion protruding from the first plane and supporting a slider. Each edge of the two side rails has a first edge, a second edge extending from the first edge to the lifting piece, and a third edge extending from the second edge to the lifting piece in a manner of being close to the first plane and inclined relative to the first plane. The end of the slider is located at the same position as the end of the third edge or is farther from the lift piece than the end of the third edge.

Description

[0001] This application enjoys priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-082341 (filed on May 21, 2024). This application incorporates the entire contents of that basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a disc device and a head universal joint assembly. Background Technology

[0003] A disk drive (HDD) is a disk device that has, for example, multiple disks, multiple headgimbal assemblies (HGAs), and a ramp. The HGA moves between a loaded position where its slider is on the surface of the disk and an unloaded position where the HGA is held on the ramp.

[0004] The load beam of an HGA has a lift tab at its front end and side rails to enhance its rigidity. In the unloading position, the lift tab is supported by a ramp, causing the load beam to tilt such that the lift tabs of adjacent HGAs are close to each other. Due to this tilt, the side rails of the two HGAs may interfere with each other near the lift tab. Conversely, if the width of the side rails is reduced, the rigidity of the load beam will decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the disk assembly includes a plurality of disks, a ramp, and a plurality of head gimbal assemblies. Each of the plurality of head gimbal assemblies has a slider configured to read and write information to one of the plurality of disks, and a support beam supporting the slider, and is movable between a loading position in which the slider is positioned on the one of the plurality of disks, and an unloading position in which the support beam is supported by the ramp. The support beam has: two side rails, a plate disposed between the two side rails, a first plane of the plate configured to face the one of the plurality of disks in the loading position, a lifting piece configured to protrude from the end of the plate in a first direction along the first plane and be supported by the ramp in the unloading position, a second plane of the plate connected to the end of the first plane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inclined relative to the first plane, and a protrusion protruding from the first plane and supporting the slider. The edges of the two side rails are connected to the plate in a third direction toward the first plane. Each of the two side rails has the following edges in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction: a first edge farther from the first plane than the first plane, a second edge extending from the first edge toward the lifter, and a third edge extending from the second edge at an angle relative to the first plane, close to the first plane, toward the lifter. The second edge extends parallel to the first plane or at an angle relative to the first plane, close to the first plane, toward the third edge. In the second direction, the end of the slider is located at the same position as the end of the third edge or farther from the lifter than the end of the third edge.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a disc device and a head universal joint assembly are provided that can suppress interference between the two head universal joint assemblies during unloading and can reduce the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing the HDD decomposition according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the disk, HSA, and ramp loading mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an exemplary plan view showing the HGA and arm of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is an exemplary side view showing the disk and the HGA of the loading location in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5This is an exemplary side view of the HGA showing the ramp loading mechanism and unloading position of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 The HGA of the first embodiment is along Figure 3 The F6-F6 line represents an illustrative sectional view.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an exemplary side view showing the ramp loading mechanism and unloading position of the HGA according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0015] 10 Hard Disk Drive (HDD); 12 Disk; 16 Ramp Loading Mechanism; 36, 36U, 36L Head Universal Frame Assembly; 52 Bearing Beam; 54 Slider; 54a End; 61 Plate; 61a First Plane; 61b Second Plane; 63 Lifting Plate; 63b Edge; 64 Protrusion; 64a End; 65 Side Rail; 71 Lower Edge; 72 Upper Edge; 73 Side; 75 First Edge; 76 Second Edge; 76b Inclined Edge; 77 Third Edge; 77a End; 78 Corner; 79 Recess; Pl Loading Position; Pu Unloading Position; Df Forward Direction; Db Rear Direction; Dd Downward Direction; Du Upward Direction. Detailed Implementation

[0016] (First Embodiment)

[0017] The following is for reference Figures 1-6 The first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in this specification, the constituent elements involved in the embodiments and their descriptions are sometimes described in various ways. The constituent elements and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited to the descriptions in this specification. Constituent elements may also be identified by names different from those used in this specification. Additionally, constituent elements may also be described using expressions different from those used in this specification.

[0018] In the following description, "suppression" is defined, for example, as preventing the occurrence of an event, effect, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, effect, or influence. Additionally, in the following description, "restriction" is defined, for example, as preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond that predetermined range.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing the hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to the first embodiment in exploded view. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device, and may also be referred to as an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a disk device.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, HDD10 includes a housing 11, multiple 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. However, HDD10 is not limited to this example. The ramp load mechanism 16 is one example of a ramp.

[0021] The housing 11 houses the disk 12, spindle motor 13, HSA 14, VCM 15, and ramp loading mechanism 16. The housing 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23.

[0022] The substrate 21 is formed as a generally rectangular box with one-way open shape. The substrate 21 has a bottom wall 25 and side walls 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed as a generally rectangular (quadrilateral) plate. The side walls 26 protrude from the edge of the bottom wall 25, forming a generally rectangular frame.

[0023] The inner cover 22 is installed to the end of the side wall 26, for example, by screws, sealing the space inside the base 21. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22 and is installed to the end of the side wall 26, for example, by welding. A vent 27 is provided in the inner cover 22. And a vent 28 is provided in the outer cover 23.

[0024] After the components are installed inside the base 21 and the inner cover 22 and outer cover 23 are installed on the base 21, the air inside the housing 11 is extracted through the vents 27 and 28. Furthermore, a gas different from air is filled into the housing 11.

[0025] The gas filled inside the casing 11 may be a low-density gas with a density lower than air, or an inert gas with low reactivity. For example, helium may be filled inside the casing 11. Alternatively, other fluids may be filled inside the casing 11.

[0026] The vent 28 of the outer cover 23 is sealed by a seal 29. The seal 29 airtightly seals the vent 28, preventing fluid filling the interior of the housing 11 from leaking out of the vent 28.

[0027] Multiple disks 12 are formed in a generally disk-like shape. A magnetic recording layer is disposed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of each disk 12. The multiple disks 12 are overlapped at intervals. For example, the HDD 10 of this embodiment has twelve disks 12. However, the number of disks 12 is not limited to this example.

[0028] Spindle motor 13 supports multiple disks 12. Spindle motor 13 causes the multiple disks 12 to rotate about the central axis Axd of spindle motor 13. The multiple disks 12 are held in the hub of spindle motor 13, for example by clamping springs.

[0029] HSA14 is supported in a rotatable manner by support shaft 31. Support shaft 31 is positioned away from disk 12 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis Axd. Support shaft 31 protrudes from the bottom wall 25 of housing 11.

[0030] HSA14 is capable of rotating about its central axis Axh. The central axis Axh is an imaginary axis that extends approximately parallel to the central axis Axd of disk 12. The central axis Axh is, for example, the center of rotation of HSA14 and also the central axis of support axis 31.

[0031] HSA14 has a carriage 35, multiple head gimbal assemblies (HGA) 36, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 37. The carriage 35 has an actuator block 41 and multiple arms 42.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the disk 12, HSA 14, and ramp loading mechanism 16 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the actuator block 41 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 31, for example via bearings. Multiple arms 42 protrude from the actuator block 41 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis Axh. Alternatively, the carriage 35 can be divided, with arms 42 protruding from multiple actuator blocks 41 respectively.

[0033] Multiple arms 42 extend generally parallel and are spaced apart along the central axis Axh. Each arm 42 is formed as a plate capable of entering the gap between two adjacent disks 12 of the plurality of disks 12.

[0034] The voice coil of VCM15 is mounted on actuator block 41. Support shaft 31 is located between arm 42 and voice coil. VCM15 has the voice coil, a pair of yokes, and magnets disposed on the yokes.

[0035] Multiple HGA36s are each mounted at the front end of a corresponding arm 42. Thus, the multiple HGA36s are arranged at intervals along the central axis Axh. Two HGA36s are mounted on one arm 42.

[0036] Each HGA36 has a base plate 51, a supporting beam 52, a flexure 53, a slider 54, and two micro actuators (MA) 55. The slider 54 can also be called a head slider or a magnetic head.

[0037] The base plate 51 and the load-bearing beam 52 are made of, for example, stainless steel. Alternatively, the base plate 51 and the load-bearing beam 52 can also be made of other materials such as aluminum alloy.

[0038] The base plate 51 is formed, for example, in a generally rectangular plate shape. The base plate 51 is mounted to the front end of the arm 42, for example, by riveting. The load-bearing beam 52 is formed as a plate thinner than the base plate 51. The load-bearing beam 52 is mounted to the base plate 51 in a manner that protrudes from the base plate 51.

[0039] The flexible element 53 is a flexible printed wiring board formed in the shape of a thin strip. The flexible element 53 may have, for example, a metal backing layer, an insulating substrate layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating cover layer.

[0040] A universal joint 58 with a flexible member 53 is provided at the front end of the HGA36. A slider 54 is mounted on the universal joint 58. The universal joint 58 is mounted to the load-bearing beam 52 in such a way that the portion of the universal joint 58 in which the slider 54 is mounted can rotate.

[0041] MA55 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. MA55 is mounted on the gimbal 58. The two MA55 extend and retract by applying voltage, causing the portion of the gimbal 58 in which the slider 54 is mounted to rotate.

[0042] FPC37, for example, is formed in a strip shape. Figure 1 As shown, one end of the FPC37 is mounted to the actuator block 41 and connected to the flexible members 53 of the plurality of HGA36. The other end of the FPC37 is mounted to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21. The FPC37 elastically bends between the two ends in response to the rotation of the HSA14.

[0043] VCM15 causes the carriage 35 to rotate about the central axis Axh. For example... Figure 2 As shown, VCM15 rotates the carriage 35, thereby moving multiple HGA36 between the loading position Pl and the unloading position Pu.

[0044] At the loading position P1, multiple sliders 54 are each positioned on the magnetic recording layer of a corresponding disk 12 among the multiple disks 12. The sliders 54 are lifted (floated) from the disk 12 by the airflow generated by the rotation of the disk 12.

[0045] At load position P1, slider 54 records and reproduces information on the magnetic recording layer of disk 12. In other words, slider 54 reads and writes information to disk 12.

[0046] In the unloading position Pu, slider 54 is further away from the central axis Axd than the outermost periphery of disk 12, and ramp loading mechanism 16 supports load-bearing beam 52. Slider 54 in unloading position Pu is further away from disk 12 along the central axis Axd than slider 54 in loading position Pl.

[0047] Figure 1 The PCB 17 is, for example, a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy board, or a multilayer substrate or a laminated substrate. The PCB 17 is disposed outside the housing 11 and mounted on the bottom wall 25 of the substrate 21.

[0048] Various electronic components, such as relay connectors for connecting to FPC37, interface (I / F) connectors for connecting to the host, and controllers for controlling the operation of HDD10, are mounted on PCB17. The relay connectors are electrically connected to FPC37, for example, via connectors provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0049] PCB17 is electrically connected to slider 54 and MA55 via FPC37 and flexible element 53. The controller on PCB17 controls slider 54 to read and write information to disk 12.

[0050] Figure 3 This is an exemplary plan view showing the HGA36 and arm 42 of the first embodiment. The load-bearing beam 52 is formed, for example, by stamping or bending. Figure 3 As shown, the load-bearing beam 52 has a plate 61, a leaf spring 62, a lifting plate 63, a protrusion 64, and two side rails 65. The protrusion 64 can also be called a dimple.

[0051] Figure 4 This is an exemplary side view showing the disk 12 and the HGA36 at the load position P1 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, plate 61 is formed into a plate shape that is bent by bending portion 67. Plate 61 has a first plane 61a, a second plane 61b, a third plane 61c, and a fourth plane 61d.

[0052] At the loading position P1, the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b face a corresponding disk 12 among the plurality of disks 12. A bend 67 is provided between the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b. That is, the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b are surfaces that are bent at the bend 67.

[0053] As shown in the figures, for convenience, this specification defines the following directions for the following purposes: forward (Df), backward (Db), left (Dl), right (Dr), downward (Dd), and upward (Du). Furthermore, the names Df, Db, Dl, Dr, Dd, and Du are for ease of reference and do not limit the orientation, position, or usage of the HGA36. Forward (Df) is an example of the first direction. Rearward (Db) is an example of the second direction. Downward (Dd) is an example of the third direction. Upward (Du) is an example of the fourth direction.

[0054] The forward direction Df, the rearward direction Db, the leftward direction Dl, and the rightward direction Dr are along the first plane 61a. The forward direction Df and the rearward direction Db are approximately aligned with the longitudinal direction of the load-bearing beam 52. HGA36 extends approximately forward in the direction Df from the arm 42, and the load-bearing beam 52 extends approximately forward in the direction Df from the base plate 51. The rearward direction Db is opposite to the forward direction Df. The leftward direction Dl and the rightward direction Dr are orthogonal to the forward direction Df and the rearward direction Db.

[0055] The downward direction Dd and the upward direction Du are directions orthogonal to the first plane 61a. The downward direction Dd is the direction in which the first plane 61a faces. That is, the disk 12 moves away from the first plane 61a at the loading position P1 in the downward direction Dd. The upward direction Du is the opposite direction to the downward direction Dd.

[0056] The forward direction (Df), backward direction (Db), downward direction (Dd), and upward direction (Du) of each HGA36 are different. Moreover, for example, through the movement and deformation of the HGA36, the forward direction (Df), backward direction (Db), left direction (Dl), right direction (Dr), downward direction (Dd), and upward direction (Du) change.

[0057] The second plane 61b connects to the first plane 61a at its rearward end in the direction Db. The bend 67 extends to the left in the direction Dl and to the right in the direction Dr between the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b. The second plane 61b is inclined relative to the first plane 61a about the bend 67. Therefore, the direction in which the second plane 61b faces is inclined relative to the downward direction Dd.

[0058] The third plane 61c is located on the opposite side of the first plane 61a. The third plane 61c faces upwards (Du). The fourth plane 61d is located on the opposite side of the second plane 61b. The curved portion 67 is located between the third plane 61c and the fourth plane 61d.

[0059] like Figure 3As shown, dampers 68 can be installed on the third plane 61c and the fourth plane 61d. The damper 68, for example, has a constraint layer and a viscoelastic body. The viscoelastic body is located between the constraint layer and the third plane 61c, and between the constraint layer and the fourth plane 61d. Thus, the damper 68 attenuates the vibration of the HGA36.

[0060] Leaf spring 62 protrudes from the rearward end of plate 61 towards Db and is mounted on base plate 51. Leaf spring 62 elastically deforms between base plate 51 and plate 61. In the loaded position P1, leaf spring 62 uses elastic force to press slider 54 against disk 12.

[0061] Plate 61 extends from leaf spring 62 in a generally forward direction Df in a gradually tapering manner. For example, the first plane 61a and the third plane 61c are formed into a generally triangular or generally trapezoidal shape that gradually tapers in the forward direction Df. The second plane 61b and the fourth plane 61d are formed into a generally trapezoidal shape that gradually tapers in the forward direction Df. Furthermore, the shape of plate 61 is not limited to this example.

[0062] The lifting plate 63 protrudes approximately forward in the direction Df from the end of the plate 61 in the forward direction. That is, the plate 61 is located between the leaf spring 62 and the lifting plate 63. The lifting plate 63 is located at the front end of the HGA36. In other words, the lifting plate 63 is located at the end of the HGA36 in the forward direction Df.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the lifting piece 63 has a bottom surface 63a and an edge 63b. The bottom surface 63a is a generally boat-shaped curved surface. In the loading position P1, the bottom surface 63a faces the disk 12 as a whole. The bottom surface 63a is connected to the first plane 61a of the plate 61. The edge 63b is the edge of the lifting piece 63 in the upward direction Du.

[0064] Figure 5 This is an exemplary side view showing the ramp loading mechanism 16 and the unloading position Pu of the first embodiment, HGA36. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, in the unloading position Pu, the bottom surface 63a of the lifting plate 63 is supported by the ramp loading mechanism 16.

[0065] The protrusion 64 protrudes from the first plane 61a. The protrusion 64 is formed, for example, generally hemispherical. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 64 is not limited to this example. The protrusion 64 of the supporting beam 52 supports the slider 54 in a rotatable manner via the flexible member 53 or directly. Therefore, the slider 54 can rotate around the protrusion 64 together with the universal joint 58.

[0066] Figure 6 The HGA36 of the first embodiment is along Figure 3 The F6-F6 line represents an illustrative sectional view. For example... Figure 6As shown, two side rails 65 extend approximately upwards towards Du from the ends of the plate 61 in the left direction Dl and the right direction Dr. In other words, the side rails 65 extend from the ends of the third plane 61c and the fourth plane 61d of the plate 61 in the left direction Dl and the right direction Dr. Therefore, the plate 61 is positioned between the two side rails 65.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the side rail 65 extends from near the leaf spring 62 to the lifting plate 63. Therefore, the distance between the two side rails 65 decreases in the forward direction Df. Figure 6 As shown, each of the two side rails 65 has a lower edge 71, an upper edge 72, and a side surface 73.

[0068] The lower edge 71 is the edge of the side rail 65 in the downward direction Dd. The lower edge 71 is connected to the plate 61. The upper edge 72 is located on the opposite side of the lower edge 71. That is, the upper edge 72 is the edge of the side rail 65 in the upward direction Du. The upper edge 72 can also be referred to as the end face. Figure 5 As shown, the upper edge 72 has a first edge 75, a second edge 76 and a third edge 77.

[0069] The first edge 75 is a portion of the upper edge 72 that is further away from the lifting piece 63 than the first plane 61a. That is, the first edge 75 is a portion of the upper edge 72 of the lifting piece 63 that is further away from the curved portion 67 than the upper edge 72 of the lifting piece 63 in the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db). In the longitudinal direction, the end of the first edge 75 in the forward direction Df is located at approximately the same position as the curved portion 67, or moves away from the curved portion 67 in the rearward direction Db.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, most of the first edge 75 extends substantially parallel to the second plane 61b. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 75 is approximately constant. Furthermore, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 75 may also be shorter near the end of the side rail 65 in the rearward direction Db than in other portions. The first edge 75 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the second edge 76 extends from the first edge 75 toward the lifting piece 63. That is, the second edge 76 is directly connected to the first edge 75. In this embodiment, the second edge 76 has, for example, a parallel edge 76a and an inclined edge 76b. Figure 5 The positions of the boundaries of the first edge 75, the parallel edge 76a, the slanted edge 76b, and the third edge 77 are schematically indicated by double-dotted lines.

[0072] Parallel edge 76a extends from the first edge 75 and the first plane 61a approximately parallel to the third edge 77. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the parallel edge 76a is approximately constant. Alternatively, the plate 61 may be bent by the bending portion 67, whereby the parallel edge 76a of the first edge 75 and the second edge 76 bends near the bending portion 67.

[0073] The inclined edge 76b extends obliquely from the parallel edge 76a to the third edge 77 in a manner close to the first plane 61a. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the inclined edge 76b decreases in the forward direction Df.

[0074] The second edge 76 can also be a parallel edge 76a. Alternatively, the second edge 76 can also be a slanted edge 76b. The second edge 76 can also have multiple slanted edges 76b that are inclined at each other. The slanted edges 76b can also be curved.

[0075] The second edge 76 extends generally parallel to or at an angle relative to the first plane 61a to the third edge 77. In other words, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the second edge 76 does not decrease in the rearward direction Db.

[0076] The third edge 77 extends obliquely from the inclined edge 76b of the second edge 76 to the lifting piece 63 in a manner close to the first plane 61a. That is, the third edge 77 is located between the second edge 76 and the lifting piece 63, and is directly connected to both the second edge 76 and the lifting piece 63.

[0077] The distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 decreases in the forward direction Df. The shortest distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 is, for example, greater than half the distance between the lower edge 71 and the parallel edge 76a. Furthermore, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 is not limited to this example.

[0078] The angle between the inclined edge 76b and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. Therefore, the second edge 76 is inclined relative to the third edge 77.

[0079] For example, the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a is approximately 3°. The angle between the inclined edge 76b and the first plane 61a is greater than 0° and less than 3°. Furthermore, the third edge 77 and the inclined edge 76b are not limited to this example.

[0080] The second edge 76 has a parallel edge 76a that is substantially parallel to the first plane 61a and an inclined edge 76b that is slightly inclined relative to the first plane 61a. Therefore, the angle between the second edge 76 and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a.

[0081] As described above, the upper edge 72 has a portion that is inclined relative to the first plane 61a (inclined edge 76b and third edge 77). The angle between this portion of the upper edge 72 and the first plane 61a increases in the forward direction Df.

[0082] The edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 is continuous with the third edge 77. That is, at least at the boundary between edge 63b and the third edge 77, edge 63b and the third edge 77 are arranged on the same plane. Furthermore, edge 63b is not limited to this example. Edge 63b may be uneven or curved.

[0083] The third edge 77 is located at the end of the side rail 65 in the forward direction Df, closer to the lifting piece 63 than the second plane 61b. In the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db), the end 54a of the slider 54 in the rearward direction Db is further away from the lifting piece 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77 in the rearward direction Db. Alternatively, in the longitudinal direction, the end 54a of the slider 54 may also be located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0084] In this embodiment, in the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db), the end 64a of the protrusion 64 in the rearward direction Db is farther away from the lifting piece 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the end 64a of the protrusion 64 may also be located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, the side surface 73 is disposed between the upper edge 72 and the plate 61. That is, the side surface 73 extends between the first edge 75 and the fourth plane 61d, between the second edge 76 and the third plane 61c, and between the third edge 77 and the third plane 61c.

[0086] In this embodiment, the side rail 65 extends from the plate 61 at an angle relative to the first plane 61a. Therefore, the direction in which the side surface 73 faces is inclined relative to the left direction D1 and the right direction Dr. Additionally, the direction in which the upper edge 72 faces is inclined relative to the upward direction Du. Furthermore, the upper edge 72 may also be parallel to the first plane 61a in the upward direction Du.

[0087] Because the side rail 65 is inclined, the angle 78 between the third edge 77 and the side surface 73 is located at the end of the third edge 77 in the upward direction Du. A recess 79 is provided at the angle 78. Therefore, the recess 79 opens at both the third edge 77 and the side surface 73.

[0088] For example, before forming the support beam 52 by stamping or bending, the side surface 73 forms the surface of the metal sheet that serves as the material for the support beam 52. Additionally, the upper edge 72 forms the edge of the metal sheet. The surface of the metal sheet (side surface 73) is partially cut (dissolved), for example, by partial etching, thereby forming a recess 79. After forming the recess 79, the metal sheet is bent by stamping or bending to form the support beam 52. Furthermore, the method of forming the recess 79 is not limited to this example.

[0089] In this embodiment, the recess 79 is not provided on the first edge 75 and the second edge 76. That is, the first edge 75 and the second edge 76 are directly connected to the side surface 73. Alternatively, the recess 79 may be provided on at least one of the first edge 75 and the second edge 76.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, the multiple HGA36s include two HGA36Us and two HGA36Ls. HGA36U is one of the multiple HGA36s and is an example of the first gimbal assembly. HGA36L is the other of the multiple HGA36s and is an example of the second gimbal assembly.

[0091] The HGA36U and 36L are located between two adjacent disks 12. The two HGA36U and 36L are configured approximately mirror-symmetrically and are adjacent to each other. Figure 5 The forward direction Df, backward direction Db, upward direction Du, and downward direction Dd of HGA36U are shown, while the forward direction Df, backward direction Db, upward direction Du, and downward direction Dd of HGA36L are omitted.

[0092] As HGA36 moves from the loading position Pl to the unloading position Pu, the bottom surface 63a of the lifting plate 63 abuts against the inclined surface of the ramp loading mechanism 16. As HGA36 moves, the lifting plate 63 moves along the inclined surface of the ramp loading mechanism 16, and the slider 54 disengages from the disk 12.

[0093] As HGA36 moves toward the unloading position Pu, the ramp of the ramp loading mechanism 16 lifts the lifting plate 63. Consequently, the two load-bearing beams 52 bend around the leaf spring 62 in a manner that brings them closer together. That is, HGA36U and 36L tilt in such a manner that the distance between the two load-bearing beams 52 decreases in the forward direction Df.

[0094] At the unloading position Pu, near the lift plate 63, HGA36U and HGA36L are closest to each other. For example, the two third edges 77 are closest to each other at HGA36U and 36L. The two lift plates 63 can also be closest to each other at HGA36U and 36L.

[0095] In the unloading position Pu, the third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L are configured approximately parallel. That is, in the unloading position Pu, the angle between the third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L is smaller than the angle between the second edge 76 of HGA36U and the second edge 76 of HGA36L. The third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L may also be tilted relative to each other.

[0096] Additionally, at the unloading position Pu, the edges 63b of the lifting plate 63 of HGA36U and HGA36L are also configured approximately parallel. The edges 63b of the lifting plate 63 of HGA36U and HGA36L may also be tilted relative to each other.

[0097] At the unloading position Pu, the lifting plates 63 of HGA36U and 36L and the third edge 77 are arranged approximately parallel, thus a certain gap (margin) is provided between HGA36U and HGA36L. For example, the distance between the two third edges 77 is set to 60 μm or more. Therefore, mutual interference between HGA36U and 36L can be suppressed.

[0098] On the other hand, due to the formation of the third edge 77, the width of the side rail 65 (the distance between the lower edge 71 and the upper edge 72) is reduced. This reduction in width could potentially decrease the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52, including the side rail 65, thus reducing the impact resistance and resonance characteristics of the HGA36. However, the third edge 77 is located near the slider 54 and the lifting plate 63. That is, the width of the side rail 65 is reduced at the position where the HGA36U and 36L are closest to each other. However, the other parts of the side rail 65 have a larger width. Therefore, the HGA36 is able to mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0099] For example, in HGA36, the heavier sliders 54 and MA55 are supported by the load-bearing beam 52 near the lifting plate 63. The sliders 54 and MA55 cause the load to act on the front end of the load-bearing beam 52, which is supported on the base plate 51 like a cantilever beam.

[0100] The side rail 65 has a predetermined width between the periphery of the slider 54 and MA55 and the periphery of the base plate 51 supporting the load-bearing beam 52. Therefore, HGA36 can prevent the load-bearing beam 52 from unexpectedly deforming due to the load of the slider 54 and MA55.

[0101] On the other hand, between the lifting plate 63 and the protrusion 64, the loads of the slider 54 and MA55 are difficult to exert strongly on the load-bearing beam 52. Therefore, the formation of the third edge 77 makes it difficult to reduce the strength of the load-bearing beam 52 against the loads of the slider 54 and MA55.

[0102] In this embodiment, the angles 78 of the two supporting beams 52 are closest to each other at HGA36U and 36L. By providing recesses 79 at the angles 78, the distance between HGA36U and HGA36L in the supporting beams 52 can be increased. Therefore, interference between HGA36U and 36L can be suppressed.

[0103] For example, due to impact, the load-bearing beam 52 may sometimes bend around the leaf spring 62, causing HGA36U and 36L to approach each other. However, at the position away from the lifting plate 63, inclined edges 76b are provided at HGA36U and 36L. Therefore, HGA36U and 36L can maintain the distance between them and suppress mutual interference. The inclination of the inclined edge 76b is smaller than that of the third edge 77. Therefore, the formation of the inclined edge 76b, compared with the extension of the third edge 77, can reduce the decrease in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0104] In the HDD 10 described in the first embodiment above, each of the plurality of HGA 36 has a slider 54 configured to read and write information to one of the plurality of disks 12, and a support beam 52 supporting the slider 54. The HGA 36 is movable between a loading position P1 where the slider 54 is positioned on one of the plurality of disks 12, and an unloading position Pu where the support beam 52 is supported by a ramp loading mechanism 16. The support beam 52 has two side rails 65, a plate 61, a first plane 61a of the plate 61, a lifting piece 63, a second plane 61b of the plate 61, and a protrusion 64. The plate 61 is disposed between the two side rails 65. The first plane 61a is configured to face one of the plurality of disks 12 at the loading position P1. The lifting piece 63 is configured to protrude from the end of the plate 61 in the forward direction Df along the first plane 61a and is supported by the ramp loading mechanism 16 at the unloading position Pu. The second plane 61b connects to the first plane 61a at its end in the rearward direction Db, opposite to the forward direction Df, and is inclined relative to the first plane 61a. A protrusion 64 protrudes from the first plane 61a and supports the slider 54. The two side rails 65 have their lower edges 71 in the downward direction Dd, facing the first plane 61a, connected to the plate 61. Each side rail 65 has a first edge 75, a second edge 76, and a third edge 77 at its upper edge 72 in the upward direction Du, opposite to the downward direction Dd. The first edge 75 is further away from the first plane 61a than the lifting piece 63. The second edge 76 extends from the first edge 75 toward the lifting piece 63. The third edge 77 extends from the second edge 76 inclined relative to the first plane 61a toward the lifting piece 63. The second edge 76 extends parallel to or obliquely relative to the first plane 61a to the third edge 77. In the rearward direction Db, the end 54a of the slider 54 is located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77, or further away from the lifting piece 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0105] The side rails 65 of one HGA36U and the adjacent side rails 65 of another HGA36L extend close to each other. Furthermore, at the unloading position Pu, supported by the ramp loading mechanism 16 via the lifting plates 63, the load-bearing beam 52 is inclined to bring the lifting plates 63 of the two HGA36U and 36L close to each other. However, a third edge 77 is provided on the side rail 65, connected to the lifting plate 63 and inclined close to the first plane 61a. Thus, the third edge 77 of one HGA36U and the third edge 77 of the adjacent HGA36L can be made approximately parallel near the lifting plate 63. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGA36U and 36L during unloading. The third edge 77 is located near the lifting plate 63, closer than the end 54a of the slider 54. That is, the length of the third edge 77 is specifically set. Furthermore, the second edge 76 does not extend obliquely from the third edge 77 relative to the first plane 61a in a manner close to the first plane 61a. That is, the width of the side rail 65 does not decrease toward the base plate 51 supporting the load-bearing beam 52. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0106] The edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 in the upward direction Du is continuous with the third edge 77. That is, the third edge 77 does not protrude beyond the edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 in the upward direction Du towards the other HGA 36. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGA 36U and 36L during unloading. In addition, the third edge 77 does not recede from the edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 in the upward direction Du. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0107] The second edge 76 is inclined relative to the third edge 77. The angle between the second edge 76 and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. That is, the second edge 76 is inclined more gently than the third edge 77 near the lifting piece 63, in a manner close to the first plane 61a. As a result, the HDD10 of this embodiment can mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0108] At the unloading position Pu, the angle between the third edge 77 of HGA36U (one of the plurality of HGA36) and the third edge 77 of HGA36L (an adjacent HGA36) is smaller than the angle between the second edge 76 of HGA36U and the second edge 76 of HGA36L. That is, the third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L can be made approximately parallel. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGA36U and 36L during unloading.

[0109] The second edge 76 has a sloping edge 76b. The sloping edge 76b extends obliquely relative to the first plane 61a to the third edge 77, close to the first plane 61a. The angle between the first plane 61a and the sloping edge 76b is smaller than the angle between the first plane 61a and the third edge 77. That is, even at a position farther away from the lifting piece 63 than the third edge 77, the sloping edge 76b of one HGA36U can be made approximately parallel to the sloping edge 76b of the adjacent HGA36L. Therefore, even if, for example, an impact is applied to the HGA36 during unloading, the HDD10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGA36U and 36L.

[0110] In the rearward direction Db, the end 64a of the protrusion 64 is located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77, or further away from the lifting plate 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77. That is, the third edge 77 is positioned near and shorter than the end 64a of the protrusion 64. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0111] A recess 79 is provided at the upper end of the third edge 77 in the direction of Du. That is, a recess 79 is provided in the portion of the third edge 77 of one HGA36U that is closest to the adjacent HGA36L. Thus, the HDD10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGA36U and 36L during unloading.

[0112] Each of the two side rails 65 has a side surface 73 disposed between the upper edge 72 and the plate 61. A recess 79 is disposed at the corner 78 between the third edge 77 and the side surface 73. For example, before the load-bearing beam 52 is stamped or bent, the side surface 73 is partially cut, for example by partial etching, thereby providing the recess 79 at the corner 78. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can easily have the recess 79 provided.

[0113] The first edge 75 and the second edge 76 are directly connected to the side surface 73. That is, the recess 79 is not provided at the corner between the first edge 75 and the side surface 73, nor at the corner between the second edge 76 and the side surface 73. As a result, the HDD10 of this embodiment can reduce the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52 caused by the provision of the recess 79.

[0114] (Second Implementation)

[0115] The following is for reference Figure 7The second embodiment will now be described. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, components having the same function as those already described are labeled with the same reference numerals, and sometimes the description is omitted. Additionally, multiple components labeled with the same reference numerals are not limited to having all the same functions and properties; they may also have different functions and properties corresponding to each embodiment.

[0116] Figure 7 This is an illustrative side view showing the ramp loading mechanism 16 and the unloading position Pu of the second embodiment, HGA36. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, in the second embodiment, the upper edge 72 has a first edge 201 and a second edge 202 instead of a first edge 75 and a second edge 76. The first edge 201 and the second edge 202 are substantially equivalent to the first edge 75 and the second edge 76 except for the aspects described below.

[0117] In the second embodiment, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, and the third edge 77 of the side rail 65 are continuous with the edge 63b of the lifting piece 63. That is, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, the third edge 77, and the edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 are arranged on the same plane. Furthermore, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, the third edge 77, and the edge 63b of the lifting piece 63 are not limited to this example.

[0118] The first edge 201 extends obliquely relative to the second plane 61b from near the base plate 51 to the second edge 202. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 201 decreases in the forward direction Df. Furthermore, the first edge 201 is not limited to this example.

[0119] The second edge 202 extends obliquely from the first edge 201 relative to the first plane 61a to the third edge 77, approximately close to the first plane 61a. In the second embodiment, the angle between the second edge 202 and the first plane 61a is equal to the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. Furthermore, the angle between the second edge 202 and the first plane 61a may also be different from the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a.

[0120] At the unloading position Pu, the distance between the first edge 201 of HGA36U and the first edge 201 of HGA36L is greater than the distance between the third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L. Furthermore, at the unloading position Pu, the distance between the second edge 202 of HGA36U and the second edge 202 of HGA36L is greater than the distance between the third edge 77 of HGA36U and the third edge 77 of HGA36L.

[0121] In the HDD10 of the second embodiment described above, the second edge 202 extends obliquely from the first edge 201 to the third edge 77, close to the first plane 61a. That is, compared to the case where the second edge 202 is partially or entirely parallel to the first plane 61a, the width of the side rail 65 is increased towards the base plate 51. Therefore, the second edge 202 can compensate for the reduction in the width of the side rail 65 caused by the formation of the third edge 77. Therefore, the HDD10 of this embodiment can mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load-bearing beam 52.

[0122] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided 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 modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A disc device, It features multiple disks, ramps, and multiple head gimbal assemblies. Each of the plurality of gimbal assemblies has a slider configured to read and write information to one of the plurality of disks, and a support beam supporting the slider, and is movable between a loading position where the slider is configured on one of the plurality of disks and an unloading position where the support beam is supported by the ramp. The load-bearing beam has: two side rails; a plate disposed between the two side rails; a first plane of the plate configured to face one of the plurality of disks at the loading position; a lifting piece configured to protrude from the plate at an end along a first direction of the first plane and be supported by the ramp at the unloading position; a second plane of the plate connected to the end of the first plane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inclined relative to the first plane; and a protrusion protruding from the first plane and supporting the slider. The two side rails are connected to the plate at their edges in the third direction facing the first plane. Each of the two side rails has the following edges in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction: a first edge farther from the first plane than the first plane, a second edge extending from the first edge toward the lifter, and a third edge extending obliquely from the second edge relative to the first plane toward the lifter in a manner close to the first plane. The second edge extends to the third edge parallel to or close to the first plane, inclined relative to the first plane. In the second direction, the end of the slider is located at the same position as the end of the third edge or further away from the lifting piece than the end of the third edge.

2. The disk device according to claim 1, The edge of the lifting plate in the fourth direction is continuous with the third edge.

3. The disk device according to claim 1, The second edge is inclined relative to the third edge, and the angle between the second edge and the first plane is smaller than the angle between the third edge and the first plane.

4. The disc device according to claim 3, At the unloading position, the angle between the third edge of the first head universal joint, which is one of the plurality of head universal joint assemblies, and the third edge of the second head universal joint, which is adjacent to the first head universal joint, is smaller than the angle between the second edge of the first head universal joint and the second edge of the second head universal joint.

5. The disk device according to claim 3 or claim 4, The second edge has a sloping edge that extends obliquely relative to the first plane to the third edge in a manner close to the first plane, and the angle between the sloping edge and the first plane is smaller than the angle between the third edge and the first plane.

6. The disk device according to claim 1, The second edge extends obliquely from the first edge to the third edge in a manner close to the first plane.

7. The disk device according to claim 1, In the second direction, the end of the protrusion is located at the same position as the end of the third edge or further away from the lifting piece than the end of the third edge.

8. The disk device according to claim 1, A recess is provided at the end of the third edge in the fourth direction.

9. The disk device according to claim 8, Each of the two side rails has a side surface disposed between the edge of the two side rails and the plate in the fourth direction. The recess is located at the corner between the third edge and the side surface.

10. The disk device according to claim 9, The first edge and the second edge are directly connected to the side surface.

11. A head universal joint assembly, Equipped with sliders and load-bearing beams, The supporting beam has: two side rails, a plate disposed between the two side rails, a first plane of the plate, a lifting piece protruding from the plate at one end along a first direction of the first plane, a second plane of the plate connected to the end of the first plane in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inclined relative to the first plane, and a protrusion protruding from the first plane and supporting the slider. The two side rails are connected to the plate at their edges in the third direction facing the first plane. Each of the two side rails has the following edges in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction: a first edge farther from the first plane than the first plane, a second edge extending from the first edge toward the lifter, and a third edge extending obliquely from the second edge relative to the first plane toward the lifter in a manner close to the first plane. The second edge extends to the third edge parallel to or close to the first plane, inclined relative to the first plane. In the second direction, the end of the slider is located at the same position as the end of the third edge or further away from the lifting piece than the end of the third edge.

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