Deflection member for a hard disk drive suspension and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

In one embodiment, the flexural element for a hard disk drive suspension includes a metal base having a first surface facing a load beam and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The metal base has a first and second limiter arranged along its width direction, and a first and second opposing portions facing the first and second limiters, respectively. The first and second limiters are spaced apart along the thickness direction of the metal base and are positioned relative to the first and second opposing portions, and in a top view, their control portions are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the metal base.

Description

[0001] Patent priority application

[0002] This application is based on an earlier application filed in Japan on December 24, 2024 (Patent Application No. 2024-227649) and claims priority to all contents disclosed in that earlier application. Background Technology

[0003] This invention relates to a flexural element for a hard disk drive suspension and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0004] Hard disk drives (HDDs) are used in information processing devices such as computers. An HDD consists of a disk that rotates about a spindle and a carriage that rotates about a pivot. The carriage has an arm structure and is driven by a positioning motor (such as a voice coil motor) to rotate about a pivot along the width of the disk tracks.

[0005] The hard disk drive suspension (hereinafter referred to as the suspension) is mounted on the arm structure. The suspension includes a base plate connected to the arm structure, a load beam, and a flexure arranged along the load beam. The slider constituting the read / write head is mounted on a universal joint near the end of the flexure.

[0006] The slider is equipped with elements (sensors) for accessing the disk (e.g., reading or writing data). The load beam, flexure, and slider together constitute the head universal joint assembly.

[0007] To accommodate higher disk recording densities, the size of the head gimbal assembly needs to be further reduced, and the positioning accuracy of the slider relative to the disk recording surface needs to be improved.

[0008] The demand for higher recording density necessitates increased recording capacity in hard disk drives (HDDs), leading to efforts to increase the number of disks installed in a single drive (i.e., multi-disk configurations). This results in a need for thinner suspensions. Furthermore, it is necessary to prevent excessive deformation or damage to the suspension during installation and removal when the HDD is subjected to external impacts. Several solutions have been proposed to address this need (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-140843).

[0009] However, even considering the solutions in the aforementioned patent documents, there is still room for improvement in the limiter structure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a flexural element for a hard disk drive suspension and a method thereof for manufacturing the same, so as to prevent a decrease in reliability.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flexure for a hard disk drive suspension is a flexure placed on the load beam of the hard disk drive suspension. The flexure includes a metal base having a first surface facing the load beam and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The metal base includes a first and a second limiter arranged along its width direction, and a first and a second opposing portion facing the first and second limiters respectively in a relative position. The first and second limiters have control portions that maintain a certain gap with the first and second opposing portions along the thickness direction of the metal base and are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the metal base in a plan view.

[0012] The metal base may further include a first base and a second base, with a first limiter and a second limiter connected to the first base; and a second base that is further distal than the first base in the longitudinal direction, with a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion connected to the second base. The control portion may maintain a certain gap with the first surface of the second base in the thickness direction. The control portions of the first limiter and the second limiter may be tilted so that they gradually approach each other in the longitudinal direction in a plan view.

[0013] The metal base may further include a first base, a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion connected to the first base; and a second base, the second base being longitudinally adjacent to an end of the first base and connected to a first limiter and a second limiter. A control portion may have a gap in the thickness direction with a second surface of the first base. The control portions of the first limiter and the second limiter may be tilted so that they are longitudinally separated in a top view.

[0014] Viewed in the width direction, the thickness distance between the first and second limiters and between the first and second opposing portions can remain substantially constant in the longitudinal direction. The side of the control portion can be substantially parallel to the first and second opposing portions. The metal base may also include a third base located near the end of the second base, connected to the second base, and fixed to the load beam. According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a flexural member includes: placing a workpiece having first and second extensions (for setting the first and second limiters) extending in the width direction on a first mold having first and second corners, which are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction in a top view; clamping the workpiece between the first and second molds to fix the workpiece; and moving the third mold relative to the first and second molds such that the first and second extensions bend through the first and second corners. The placement process includes adjusting the position of the first and second corners relative to the first and second extensions in the width direction. The adjustment process may include moving the workpiece relative to the first mold in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] Using the above structure, a flexure for a hard disk drive suspension can be provided, which can suppress the decrease in reliability, and a method for manufacturing the flexure is also provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, in conjunction with the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of these preferred embodiments, help to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an example hard drive.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a hard disk drive.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the suspension according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the metal base according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the metal base according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view of the metal base according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic side view of the metal base according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing process for the limit switch of the flexible component.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic plan view of the metal base before the limiter is formed.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a flexural component manufacturing apparatus.

[0027] Figure 11A This is one of the example diagrams illustrating the method of adjusting the position of the curved line in the second direction.

[0028] Figure 11B This is one of the example diagrams illustrating the method of adjusting the position of the curved line in the second direction.

[0029] Figure 11C This is one of the example diagrams illustrating the method of adjusting the position of the curved line in the second direction.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base based on the comparative example.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic side view of the flexible metal base according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic plan view of the flexible metal base according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings may depict the dimensions, shapes, and other features of the components in schematic form, and may differ from the actual embodiments.

[0039] First Embodiment

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of example hard disk drive 1 (HDD). Figure 1 In the example shown, the hard disk drive 1 includes a housing 2, a plurality of disks (hereinafter referred to as disks 4) that rotate about a spindle 3, a carriage 6 that rotates about a pivot 5, and a positioning motor (voice coil motor) 7 for driving the carriage 6. The housing 2 is sealed by a cover (not shown).

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of hard disk drive 1. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the bracket 6 is provided with multiple (e.g., three) arm structures 8. The number of arm structures 8 provided on the bracket 6 is not limited to the example above.

[0042] Each arm structure 8 is connected to a hard disk drive suspension (hereinafter referred to as suspension 10) at its end. Each suspension 10 is provided with a slider 11 that constitutes a magnetic head at its end.

[0043] When disk 4 rotates at high speed, air flows between disk 4 and slider 11, forming an air bearing. When positioning motor 7 rotates bracket 6, suspension 10 moves radially along disk 4, driving slider 11 to move to the target track on disk 4.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the suspension 10 according to this embodiment. The suspension 10 includes components connected to the arm structure 8 (such as...). Figure 2 The base plate 20, load beam 30, and flexural member 40 (as shown) are shown.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the subsequent figures, the X, Y, and Z axes are depicted as mutually perpendicular. The direction along the X-axis is defined as the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is defined as the third direction Z. Viewing the elements parallel to the third direction Z is sometimes called a plan view.

[0046] Here, the first direction X corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the suspension 10, the base plate 20, the load beam 30, and the flexure 40. In the first direction X, with reference to the base plate 20, the side on which the slider constituting the magnetic head is mounted is sometimes referred to as the tip side.

[0047] Furthermore, the second direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the suspension 10, the base plate 20, the load beam 30, and the flexure 40, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the suspension 10, the base plate 20, the load beam 30, and the flexure 40. The length along the third direction Z is referred to as the thickness. Additionally, a swing direction S is defined near the end of the load beam 30, indicated by an arc-shaped arrow.

[0048] The base plate 20 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The base plate 20 has a cylindrical boss 21 for connecting the arm structure 8 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0049] The load beam 30 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel. The thickness of the load beam 30 is, for example, 30 to 80 μm. The load beam 30 tapers along its length towards the ends.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the load beam 30 is connected to the base plate 20 via multiple weld points W, for example, by laser spot welding. Specifically, the load beam 30 is elastically supported on the base plate 20 by a pair of springs 31 including the multiple weld points W. The load beam 30 has a surface 30A on which a flexural member 40 is disposed.

[0051] The flexure 40 is disposed along the base plate 20 and the load beam 30. The flexure 40 covers the surface 30A of the load beam 30. A portion of the flexure 40 extends rearward beyond the base plate 20.

[0052] The flexural element 40 includes a metal base 41 and a wiring portion 50 covering the metal base 41. The metal base 41 is made of, for example, a thin stainless steel sheet. The thickness of the metal base 41 is less than the thickness of the load beam 30. For example, the thickness of the metal base 41 is 15 to 20 μm.

[0053] The metal base 41 is fixed to the base plate 20 and the load beam 30 by multiple weld points W, for example, by laser spot welding. The metal base 41 has a surface 411 facing the load beam 30 and a surface 413 opposite to the surface 411. The surface 411 faces a direction opposite to the third direction Z, and the surface 413 faces the third direction Z. The surface 413 corresponds to the surface where the wiring section 50 is arranged.

[0054] The wiring section 50 includes a base insulating layer, a conductive layer covering the base insulating layer, and a cover insulating layer covering the conductive layer. The conductive layer includes, for example, read lines and write lines. Multiple wirings are covered by the cover insulating layer.

[0055] The metal base 41 also includes a tongue portion 42, a frame portion 43, and a fixing portion 44 near the top of the suspension 10. The tongue portion 42, the frame portion 43, and the fixing portion 44 are all part of the metal base 41, and their outlines are formed, for example, by etching.

[0056] The tongue portion 42, the frame portion 43, and the fixing portion 44 all include the aforementioned surfaces 411 and 413. Surfaces 411 and 413 may be, for example, unetched surfaces (rolled surfaces).

[0057] The center of the tongue portion 42 in the second direction Y approximately coincides with the center of the fixing portion 44 in the second direction Y. The centers of the tongue portion 42 and the fixing portion 44 in the second direction Y approximately coincide with the center of the suspension 10 in the second direction Y.

[0058] The slider 11, which constitutes the magnetic head, is mounted on a portion of the tongue portion 42. The tongue portion 42 includes a portion overlapping with the slider 11 and an adjacent portion. Figure 3 In the diagram, slider 11 is represented by a dashed line. The top of slider 11 is equipped with a component capable of converting magnetic signals into electrical signals, such as a magnetorheological element.

[0059] Wiring section 50 is electrically connected to components of slider 11 via terminals of slider 11. For simplicity, the terminals of slider 11 are omitted from the figure. These components are used to access disk 4 (such as...). Figure 2(As shown), for example, writing or reading data. The slider 11, load beam 30, and flexure 40 constitute the head universal joint assembly. The frame portion 43 is arranged to surround the tongue portion 42. The frame portion 43 includes legs 45A and 45B and a connecting portion 46. Legs 45A and 45B are located on both sides of the tongue portion 42 in the second direction Y. Legs 45A and 45B are connected by the connecting portion 46, which is positioned further forward than the tongue portion 42.

[0060] The fixing part 44 is located in front of the tongue part 42 and the connecting part 46, in the first direction X. The tongue part 42, the connecting part 46 and the fixing part 44 are arranged in this order along the first direction X. The metal base 41 is fixed to the load beam 30 at the fixing part 44 by a weld point W.

[0061] The fixing part 44 is connected to the connecting part 46 along the first direction X via the intermediate part 47. The width of the intermediate part 47 in the second direction Y is smaller than the width of the connecting part 46 and the fixing part 44 in the second direction Y.

[0062] A groove is formed on the load beam 30. Figure 3 (As shown by the dashed line), the groove protrudes toward the tongue portion 42. The tip of the groove 32 contacts the surface 411 of the tongue portion 42.

[0063] The tongue portion 42 can swing around the tip of the groove 32, thereby achieving the required universal joint movement. The tongue portion 42, the legs 45A and 45B, the groove 32, etc. constitute the universal joint portion 48.

[0064] Actuators 60A and 60B are mounted on the universal joint portion 48. Actuators 60A and 60B cause the tongue portion 42 to rotate in the swing direction S. Actuators 60A and 60B can be, for example, piezoelectric elements made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or similar materials.

[0065] Actuators 60A and 60B are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y on surface 411. Actuators 60A and 60B, metal base 41, and slider 11 are arranged in this order along the third direction Z. Actuators 60A and 60B are fixed to the tongue portion 42 by adhesive or other means. Legs 45A and 45B are positioned further outward than actuators 60A and 60B.

[0066] The metal base 41 of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the region near the tip of the flexure 40. Note that the following figures primarily show a portion of the tip side of the metal base 41.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the metal base 41 in this embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view of the metal base 41 in this embodiment. Figure 7This is a schematic side view of the metal base 41 in this embodiment. Figure 6 In the middle, the observation direction of the metal base 41 is the same as... Figure 5 The observation direction is opposite. Figure 7 In the image, the metal base 41 is viewed along the second direction Y, and the legs 45A are omitted.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the metal base 41 has a tongue portion 42, a frame portion 43, and a fixing portion 44. (As...) Figure 4 As shown, the tongue portion 42 has a base 421, the position of which is greater than that of the slider 11 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown) The installation position is closer to the tip side.

[0069] The base 421 is located between the slider 11 and the connecting portion 46 and extends along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the base 421 corresponds to the portion of the tongue portion 42 that does not overlap with the slider 11.

[0070] The connecting portion 46 is not connected to the base 421. A gap G1 is formed between the base 421 and the connecting portion 46 along the first direction X. The gap G1 is formed along the second direction Y.

[0071] The connecting portion 46 is elongated along the second direction Y. The width of the connecting portion 46 along the second direction Y is, for example, approximately equal to the width of the base 421 along the second direction Y. Furthermore, the width of the connecting portion 46 along the first direction X is, for example, smaller than the width of the base 421 along the first direction X. The intermediate portion 47 extends from the center of the connecting portion 46 along the first direction X. The metal base 41 also has limiters 70A and 70B, and opposing portions 80A and 80B opposite to the limiters 70A and 70B. In this embodiment, the limiters 70A and 70B are connected to the base 421, and the opposing portions 80A and 80B are connected to the connecting portion 46. At this time, the limiters 70A and 70B and the opposing portions 80A and 80B are arranged in this order along the third direction Z.

[0072] Specifically, limiters 70A and 70B are connected to both ends of the base 421 along the second direction Y, and opposing portions 80A and 80B are respectively connected to both ends of the connecting portion 46 along the second direction Y. For example, opposing portions 80A and 80B are integrally formed with the connecting portion 46.

[0073] Limiters 70A and 70B are arranged along the second direction Y. Both limiters 70A and 70B can be formed, for example, by bending a portion of the base 421. The shape of limiter 70A is symmetrical with respect to an imaginary straight line extending along the first direction X.

[0074] like Figure 5As shown, both limiters 70A and 70B include portions 71, 73, and 75. Portions 71, 73, and 75 can be integrally formed. Portions 71, 73, and 75 have surfaces 411 and 413, respectively.

[0075] Part 71 is connected to base 421. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the portion 71 of the limiter 70A extends from the base 421 in a direction opposite to the second direction Y, and the portion 71 of the limiter 70B extends from the base 421 in the second direction Y.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, portion 73 is inclined relative to the first direction X in the top view. Specifically, portion 73 of limiter 70A extends along direction D1, which intersects the first direction X counterclockwise at an acute angle (e.g., angle θ1). Portion 73 of limiter 70B extends along direction D2, which intersects the first direction X clockwise at an acute angle (e.g., angle θ1). Angle θ1 is, for example, 5 degrees to 45 degrees. In one example, angle θ1 is 25 degrees. It should be noted that at angle θ1, the angles of directions D1 and D2 are equal, but the angles of directions D1 and D2 can be different.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B are inclined in the top view, gradually approaching each other along the first direction X. Along the second direction Y, the distance W1 between two adjacent portions 73 gradually decreases along the first direction X. Figure 7 As shown, focusing on the opposing portions 80A and 80B, the portion 73 of the limiter 70A faces the opposing portion 80A, and the portion 73 of the limiter 70B faces the opposing portion 80B. The portions 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B are aligned with the surfaces 411 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B along the third direction Z through a gap G3.

[0078] Here, "relative" includes not only the case where there are no other components between the parts, but also the case where there are other components between the parts. Furthermore, "relative" includes not only the case where the parts are parallel to each other, but also the case where one component of each part is tilted relative to another component. For example, portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B is substantially parallel to the opposing portions 80A and 80B. Figure 7 As shown, the portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B includes an edge portion 731 facing the opposing portions 80A and 80B.

[0079] In the top view, the edge portion 731 of the limiter 70A extends along direction D1, and the edge portion 731 of the limiter 70B extends along direction D2. Specifically, the edge portion 731 of the portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B is substantially parallel to the surface 411 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B.

[0080] In this case, "basically parallel" includes the case where the tilt angle of part 73 (edge ​​part 731) relative to the opposing parts 80A and 80B is between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. Furthermore, when viewed along the third direction Z, the distance W3 between the edge part 731 and the opposing parts 80A and 80B remains substantially constant in the first direction X.

[0081] In this context, "remaining essentially unchanged" also includes cases where the distance W3 changes slightly with respect to its position in the first direction X.

[0082] Part 75 connects to parts 71 and 73. Part 75 is along the load-bearing beam 30 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) it extends in the direction shown. For example, the construction of part 75 is such that part 73 is substantially parallel to the opposing parts 80A and 80B. The direction of extension of part 75 is different from the directions of parts 71 and 73. It should be noted that the shape of part 75 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, part 75 can be formed as a straight line or an arc. In addition, part 73 can be directly connected to part 71.

[0083] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the flexible element 40 will be described. The following mainly describes the formation process of the limiters 70A and 70B of the metal base 41.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of the limiters 70A and 70B of the flexible component 40. Figure 9 The schematic plan view shows the metal base 41 before the limiters 70A and 70B are formed.

[0085] exist Figure 9 In this context, the metal base 41 preceding the formation of limiters 70A and 70B is referred to as the workpiece WP. For example, the workpiece WP is attached to a frame (not shown). There may be only one workpiece WP on the frame, or multiple workpiece WPs may be chained together. The workpiece WP does not necessarily have to be mounted on the frame.

[0086] exist Figure 8 Before steps S1 to S3, the aforementioned workpiece WP needs to be prepared. The process of forming workpiece WP includes: forming a wiring portion 50 on a metal base 41, forming a flexible blank by etching or other methods, and installing actuators 60A and 60B. Figure 9 As shown, the workpiece WP has extensions 700A and 700B.

[0087] Extensions 700A and 700B include portions 71, 73, and 75. Extensions 700A and 700B extend from the base 421 along a second direction Y and in a direction opposite to the second direction Y, respectively. Specifically, extension 700A includes a straight portion 710A extending in a direction opposite to the second direction Y, and extension 700B includes a straight portion 710B extending along the second direction Y.

[0088] The limiters 70A and 70B of the metal base 41 are formed by bending the extensions 700A and 700B at predetermined positions. Figure 9 In the middle, lines L1A and L1B are curved lines, indicating the curved positions of extensions 700A and 700B.

[0089] Line L1A extends along direction D1, and line L1B extends along direction D2. Furthermore, portion 73 of extension 700A extends along direction D1, and portion 73 of extension 700B extends along direction D2. That is, lines L1A and L1B are parallel to portions 73 of extensions 700A and 700B, respectively.

[0090] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus 1000 for a flexural member 40. The manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes a metal mold 100. The metal mold 100 includes a die 101, a pad 103, and a punch 105. Although not shown, the manufacturing apparatus 1000 may also include mechanisms for driving the pad 103 and the punch 105, mechanisms for conveying the workpiece WP to the metal mold 100, etc. The metal mold 100 may also include other components, or other components may be used instead of the aforementioned components.

[0091] First, place the workpiece WP on the surface F1 of the mold 101. Figure 8 (Step S1) Use a fixture (e.g., locating pin, guide rail, etc.) to properly position the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101.

[0092] Next, fix the workpiece WP ( Figure 8 Step S2 in the process. Specifically, as shown in step S2. Figure 10 As shown, the surface F1 of the mold 101 supports the surface 411 of the workpiece WP, and the surface F2 of the gasket 103 presses the surface 413 of the workpiece WP from above, clamping and fixing the workpiece WP between the mold 101 and the gasket 103.

[0093] At this time, at least a portion of the straight sections 710A and 710B of the extensions 700A and 700B are not located between the mold 101 and the gasket 103. The straight sections 710A and 710B located between the mold 101 and the gasket 103 correspond to the portions 71 of the limiters 70A and 70B.

[0094] Next, the extensions 700A and 700B are bent. Figure 8 (Step S3 in the process). Here, the punch 105 moves relative to the mold 101 and the shim 103. For example, the punch 105 descends in the direction of the extensions 700A and 700B. Figure 10 The example shown illustrates the state of the punch 105 before it descends. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the example shown, the dashed line represents the state of the extension 700A after it has been bent.

[0095] For example, the punch 105 descends at a constant speed and applies a predetermined force to the extensions 700A and 700B. For example, the punch 105 has curved tip surfaces F3A and F3B. The tip surfaces F3A and F3B contact the extensions 700A and 700B and slide on the surfaces 413 of the extensions 700A and 700B, while bending along the corners C1A and C1B of the die 101.

[0096] Extensions 700A and 700B are bent to a predetermined angle. Straight lines L1A and L1B are formed based on the positions of corners C1A and C1B. The bending radius of extensions 700A and 700B is appropriately set according to the material, workpiece thickness, and target bending angle. For example, the bending angle θ2 is 95 degrees or more or 115 degrees or less. The bending angle is the angle between the base 421 and the limiters 70A and 70B.

[0097] exist Figure 10 middle, Figure 8 The extensions 700A and 700B after step S3 are marked with dashed lines. Then, the punch 105 is lifted, completing the bending process of extensions 700A and 700B. Through the above steps S1 to S3, the desired result is obtained. Figure 3 The flexural element 40 shown.

[0098] Next, an example of a method for adjusting the positions of lines L1A and L1B in the second direction Y will be described. Figures 11A to 11C This is a view used to illustrate an example of a method for adjusting the positions of lines L1A and L1B in the second direction Y.

[0099] Mold 101 has corner portions C1A and C1B. For example... Figure 11A As shown in the top view, corner C1A of mold 101 extends along direction D1, and corner C1B extends along direction D2. Corner C1A and C1B are inclined along the first direction X and are close to each other.

[0100] The mold 101 also has sides F5A and F5B connected to corners C1A and C1B. Sides F5A and F5B face opposite directions. Like corners C1A and C1B, sides F5A and F5B are also inclined relative to the first direction X in the top view. Sides F5A and F5B extend along directions D1 and D2, respectively.

[0101] For example, by adjusting the positions of the corners C1A and C1B of the mold 101 relative to the extensions 700A and 700B in the second direction Y, the positions of lines L1A and L1B in the second direction Y can be changed. Specifically, the position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101 moves along the first direction X. As a result, the positions of the corners C1A and C1B in the second direction Y change.

[0102] Here, we assume that the workpiece WP moves relative to the mold 101. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 1000 may further include an adjustment mechanism 107. For example, the adjustment mechanism 107 may be configured to move the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101 along a first direction X and in a direction opposite to the first direction X. The adjustment mechanism 107 may be configured as part of a conveying mechanism for the workpiece WP, or it may be configured as a separate mechanism from the conveying mechanism.

[0103] As described above, corners C1A and C1B are inclined so that they are close to each other in the first direction X. Here, Figure 11A The position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101 is shown as the first position P1. For example, as shown... Figure 11B As shown, when workpiece WP moves from the first position P1 along the first direction X, the position of workpiece WP changes to the second position P2. At this time, compared with the first position P1, the position of corner C1A in extension 700A moves in the opposite direction to the second direction Y, while the position of corner C1B in extension 700B moves along the second direction Y.

[0104] Therefore, the positions of lines L1A and L1B are away from the center along the second direction Y. In this case, execution... Figure 8 In step S3, the length W7 of part 71 is less than Figure 11A Example in the text. Note the gap G3 (as shown). Figure 7 As shown), the distance W3 is greater than Figure 11A Examples are shown in the text.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 11CAs shown, when workpiece WP moves from the first position P1 in a direction opposite to the first direction X, the position of workpiece WP changes to the third position P3. In this case, compared with the first position P1, the position of corner C1A of extension 700A moves along the second direction Y, while the position of corner C1B of extension 700B moves in a direction opposite to the second direction Y.

[0106] Therefore, the positions of lines L1A and L1B are away from the center along the second direction Y. In this case, execution... Figure 8 In step S3, the length of part 71 is greater than... Figure 11A The example in the image is longer. Observe the gap G3 (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown), the distance to W3 is greater than Figure 11A The examples in the text are shorter.

[0107] Thus, by moving the position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101 along the first direction X, the bending positions of the extensions 700A and 700B can be adjusted. In other words, by moving the position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101 along the first direction X, the positions of the upper lines L1A and L1B in the second direction Y can be adjusted.

[0108] Limiters 70A and 70B prevent the tongue 42 from moving too far from the groove 32, or from experiencing excessive universal joint movement when the suspension 10 is subjected to external impact. Specifically, part 73 of limiters 70A and 70B contacts the opposing parts 80A and 80B, thereby limiting the movement of the tongue 42. This prevents deformation and damage to the suspension 10.

[0109] Figure 12 This is a schematic plan view of the metal base 410 of the flexible member shown in the comparative example. The metal base 410 has limiters 90A and 90B. Viewed from the second direction Y, the limiters 90A and 90B are generally L-shaped. The portions 91 of the limiters 90A and 90B extend along the first direction X. In other words, the distance between adjacent portions 91 in the second direction Y remains substantially constant in the first direction X. In terms of their relationship to the opposing portions 80A and 80B, in the plan view, each portion 73 is perpendicular to the opposing portions 80A and 80B.

[0110] To accommodate thinner suspensions, the space for the limiter is limited, making it difficult to increase its size. Therefore, the limiter in the comparative example cannot effectively suppress suspension deformation.

[0111] In this embodiment, the portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B in the oblique top view can be embedded into the opposing portions 80A and 80B. This makes the contact area between the limiters 70A and 70B and the opposing portions 80A and 80B larger than in the comparative example.

[0112] In this embodiment, the contact area between the limiters 70A and 70B and the opposing portions 80A and 80B is larger than in the comparative example, thereby ensuring that the limiters 70A and 70B can reliably perform their function of suppressing deformation. This makes it easier to suppress the deformation of the suspension 10. Therefore, this embodiment can prevent a decrease in the reliability of the hard disk drive. Furthermore, compared to the comparative example, by increasing the contact area with the opposing portions 80A and 80B, the force acting on the limiters 70A and 70B can be distributed across the entire surface, thereby suppressing the deformation of the limiters 70A and 70B themselves.

[0113] Furthermore, using the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the distance W3 can be adjusted by moving the position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101. In other words, the height of the limiters 70A and 70B can be easily adjusted by moving the position of the workpiece WP relative to the mold 101.

[0114] For example, by reducing the height of limiters 70A and 70B, their impact on the thickness of suspension 10 can be reduced, thereby enabling the hard disk drive to accommodate more circuit boards.

[0115] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of this embodiment eliminates the need to prepare multiple molds in advance based on the distance W3. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the metal base 41 and the mold management cost.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting structure is composed of limiters 70A and 70B and opposing portions 80A and 80B. Since limiters 70A and 70B and opposing portions 80A and 80B are all components of the metal base 41, the limiting structure is easy to form. For example, the degree of overlap between portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B and opposing portions 80A and 80B can be easily adjusted.

[0117] When the limiting structure consists of a load beam and a flexure, the limiter of the flexure needs to hook onto a part of the load beam during assembly, which can sometimes lead to poor hooking or deformation.

[0118] This embodiment minimizes the impact of the assembly accuracy of the load beam 30 and the flexible member 40 on the limiting structure. In other words, this embodiment makes the assembly of the flexible member 40 and the load beam 30 more convenient.

[0119] The flexure 40 configured as described above, and the suspension 10 including the flexure 40, can suppress the decrease in reliability. Furthermore, this embodiment can achieve a variety of other advantageous effects.

[0120] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the other embodiments described below, components similar to those in the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted or simplified.

[0121] Second Embodiment

[0122] Figure 13 This is a schematic plan view showing the metal base 41 of the flexure 40 according to this embodiment. Figure 14 This is a schematic side view showing the metal base 41 of the flexure 40 according to this embodiment. Figure 15 The schematic plan view shows the metal base 41 of the flexural member 40 in this embodiment. Figure 15 The state of the extensions 700A and 700B before bending is shown.

[0123] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the limiters 70A and 70B are connected to the connecting portion 46, while the opposing portions 80A and 80B are connected to the base 421. Specifically, the limiters 70A and 70B are connected to both ends of the connecting portion 46 along the second direction Y, and the opposing portions 80A and 80B are connected to both ends of the base 421 along the second direction Y.

[0124] The limiters 70A and 70B can be formed, for example, through a portion of the bent connecting portion 46. The opposing portions 80A and 80B are integrally formed, for example, with the base 421. In this case, the arrangement of the limiters 70A and 70B and the opposing portions 80A and 80B differs from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the third direction Z, the opposing portions 80A and 80B and the limiters 70A and 70B are arranged in this order.

[0125] like Figure 13 As shown, both limiters 70A and 70B include portions 71, 73, and 75. Portion 71 is connected to the connecting portion 46. Specifically, as... Figure 13 As shown, part 71 of limiter 70A extends from the connecting part 46 in a direction opposite to the second direction Y, and part 71 of limiter 70B extends from the connecting part 46 in the second direction Y.

[0126] like Figure 13 As shown, in the top view, portion 73 is inclined relative to the first direction X. Specifically, for example, portion 73 of limiter 70A extends in a direction opposite to direction D2. Furthermore, for example, portion 73 of limiter 70B extends in a direction opposite to direction D1.

[0127] As can be seen from the plan view, the portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B are inclined along the first direction X and are far apart from each other. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the distance W1 between adjacent parts 73 in the second direction Y increases along the first direction X.

[0128] Focusing on the opposing sections 80A and 80B, such as Figure 14As shown, the portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B intersects with the surface 413 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B along the third direction Z, with a gap G3 between them.

[0129] like Figure 14 As shown, the portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B include edge portions 731 facing the opposing portions 80A and 80B. As can be seen from the plan view, the edge portion 731 of limiter 70A extends in the direction opposite to direction D2, and the edge portion 731 of limiter 70B extends in the direction opposite to direction D1. The portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B are, for example, substantially parallel to the opposing portions 80A and 80B. Specifically, the edge portion 731 of the portions 73 of limiters 70A and 70B is substantially parallel to the surface 413 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B.

[0130] Part 75 connects to portions 71 and 73. Part 75 extends in a direction away from the load-bearing beam 30 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The construction of part 75 is such that part 73 is substantially parallel to the opposing parts 80A and 80B. The extending direction of part 75 is different from the extending directions of parts 71 and 73. Part 75 can be, for example, straight or curved. Part 73 can also be directly connected to part 71.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, regarding extensions 700A and 700B, line L1A extends along direction D2, and line L1B extends along direction D1. In this case, from the metal mold 100 (e.g. Figure 10 From the angle shown, corner C1A of mold 101 extends along direction D2, and corner C1B extends along direction D1. Corners C1A and C1B of mold 101 are inclined and move away from each other along the first direction X.

[0132] The structure of this embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0133] Third Embodiment

[0134] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a schematic plan view of the metal base 41 of the flexural member 40 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the structures of the limiters 70A and 70B are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0135] As shown in the figure, Figure 17 As shown, extensions 700A and 700B are generally L-shaped in the top view. In this embodiment, extensions 700A and 700B are curved as in the first embodiment.

[0136] In this embodiment, the positioning of the limiters 70A and 70B increases the gap between them and the opposing portions 80A and 80B along the first direction X. The focal portion 73 has an edge 731 that is inclined, causing it to move away from the surface 411 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B along the first direction X. In this embodiment, Figure 17 The tilt angles of the midlines L1A and L1B relative to the first direction X are... Figure 16 The middle edge portion 731 corresponds to the tilt angle relative to the first direction X. This angle is, for example, 0 to 50 degrees.

[0137] This embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. Specifically, by tilting portion 73 of the limiters 70A and 70B relative to the first direction X in the plan view, portion 73 can be deeply inserted into the opposing portions 80A and 80B. This makes the engagement depth between the limiters 70A and 70B and the opposing portions 80A and 80B more than... Figure 12 The comparison example shown is larger.

[0138] Fourth embodiment

[0139] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a schematic plan view of the metal base 41 of the flexible member 40 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the structures of the limiters 70A and 70B are different from those in the second embodiment.

[0140] like Figure 19 As shown, the extensions 700A and 700B are generally L-shaped in the plan view. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the extensions 700A and 700B are curved.

[0141] In this embodiment, the limiters 70A and 70B are configured such that the gap between them and the opposing portions 80A and 80B decreases as they move along the first direction X. Taking portion 73 as an example, its edge 731 is inclined, causing it to approach the surface 413 of the opposing portions 80A and 80B when moving along the first direction X. In this embodiment, Figure 19 The tilt angles of the midlines L1A and L1B relative to the first direction X are... Figure 18 The middle edge portion 731 corresponds to the tilt angle relative to the first direction X. This angle is, for example, 0 degrees to 50 degrees.

[0142] In this embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0143] The manufacturing apparatus 1000 and manufacturing method disclosed in the first embodiment can also be applied to the metal base 41 of the flexural member 40 in the second to fourth embodiments. However, the structure of the metal mold 100 can be appropriately adjusted according to the tilt angles of lines L1A and L1B. Furthermore, although the above embodiments disclose an example of the metal base 41 having two limiters, the number of limiters is not limited to the above example.

[0144] In the above embodiments, surface 411 of the metal base 41 is an example of a first surface, surface 413 of the metal base 41 is an example of a second surface, limiters 70A and 70B are examples of a first limiter and a second limiter, respectively, and opposing portions 80A and 80B are examples of a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion, respectively. Furthermore, portion 73 is an example of a control portion, base 421 is an example of a first base, connecting portion 46 is an example of a second base, fixing portion 44 is an example of a third base, edge portion 731 is an example of a side portion, and extension portions 700A and 700B are examples of a first extension and a second extension, respectively. Furthermore, mold 101 is an example of a first mold, gasket 103 is an example of a second mold, punch 105 is an example of a third mold, and corner portions C1A and C1B of mold 101 are examples of a first corner and a second corner, respectively.

[0145] When implementing the above embodiments, the specific aspects of the various components constituting the hard disk drive, including the specific aspects of the load beam, the flexural element, etc., can be modified in various ways.

[0146] Various embodiments can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, certain components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0147] The markings in the accompanying drawings include:

[0148] 1. Disk drive; 2. Housing; 3. Spindle; 4. Disk; 5. Pivot; 6. Bracket; 7. Positioning motor; 8. Arm structure; 10. Suspension; 11. Slider; 20. Base plate; 30. Load beam; 32. Groove; 40. Flexural member; 41. Metal base; 42. Tongue part; 43. Frame part; 44. Fixing part; 46. Connecting part; 48. Universal joint part; 60A, 60B. Actuator; 70A, 70B. Limiter; 80A, 80B. Opposing part; 100. Metal mold; 1000. Manufacturing device; W. Weld point; WP. Workpiece.

Claims

1. A flexure for a hard disk drive suspension, placed on a load beam, comprising, characterized by: A metal base having a first surface facing the load beam and a second surface opposite the first surface, the metal base further comprising, characterized in that: The first and second limiters are arranged along the width direction of the metal base. Facing the first opposing portion and the second opposing portion of the first limiter and the second limiter. The first and second limiters face the first and second opposing portions across the gap in the thickness direction of the metal base, and in the top view, the first and second limiters include a control portion that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the metal base.

2. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 1, The metal base further includes, characterized in that: A first base, to which the first limiter and the second limiter are connected. The second base is located further away from the first base in the longitudinal direction, and the first opposing portion and the second opposing portion are connected to the second base.

3. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 2, characterized in that: There is a gap between the control unit and the first surface of the second base in the thickness direction.

4. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control sections of the first and second limiters are inclined relative to each other in the longitudinal direction in the top view.

5. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 1, wherein the metal base further comprises: A first base portion, a first opposing portion, and a second opposing portion are connected to the first base portion. The second base is located further away from the first base in the longitudinal direction, and the first limiter and the second limiter are connected to the second base.

6. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 5, characterized in that: There is a gap between the control unit and the second surface of the first base along the thickness direction.

7. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control sections of the first and second limiters are tilted so that they are far apart from each other longitudinally in the plan view.

8. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When viewed from the width direction, the thickness direction distance between the first limiter and the second limiter, as well as between the first opposing portion and the second opposing portion, is basically constant in the longitudinal direction.

9. The flexural member for a hard disk drive suspension according to claim 8, characterized in that: The side of the control unit is substantially parallel to the first opposing part and the second opposing part.

10. The flexure for a hard disk drive suspension of claims 2 or 5, wherein: The metal base also has a third base located at the far end of the second base, connected to the second base and fixed to the load beam.

11. The method for manufacturing a flexible component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workpiece is placed on a first mold having a first corner and a second corner extending in the width direction for accommodating first and second limiters. To fix the workpiece, it is clamped between the first mold and the second mold. The third mold is moved relative to the first and second molds, causing the first and second extensions at the first and second corners to bend. The placement includes adjustment, adjusting the position of the first extension and the second extension relative to the first corner and the second corner in the width direction.

12. The method for manufacturing a flexible component according to claim 11, characterized in that: The adjustment also includes moving the position of the workpiece relative to the first mold in the longitudinal direction.

Images