Connector and disk device

Abstract

To provide a connector which can be prevented from being contaminated.SOLUTION: A connector according to an embodiment includes a housing and a plurality of leads. The housing has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite sides to each other and has a through-hole in the first surface and in the second surface. The leads each have a first terminal stored in the through-hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector and a disk drive. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector electrically connects two components. For example, in a disk device such as a hard disk drive, a connector is mounted on a substrate such as a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects between a controller and a magnetic head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-123714 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Substances such as flux can contaminate devices such as disk drives in which the connector is mounted. For this reason, cleaning can remove substances that may contaminate the device. Substances that may contaminate the device may remain, for example, inside the connector or in the gap between the connector and the board.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a connector and a disk drive that can suppress contamination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes a housing and a plurality of leads. The housing has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and is provided with through holes that open to the first surface and the second surface. Each of the plurality of leads has a first terminal accommodated in the through hole. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a HDD according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view that illustrates the FPC of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the relay connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view illustrating the relay connector of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the FPC and the relay connector of the first embodiment taken along line F5-F5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary perspective view illustrating a relay connector according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary plan view illustrating the relay connector of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the FPC and the relay connector according to the second embodiment taken along line F8-F8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing an FPC and a relay connector according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary plan view illustrating a relay connector according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view showing a relay connector according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a relay connector according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In this specification, components according to the embodiment and their descriptions may be described in a number of ways. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] In the following description, "inhibit" is defined as, for example, preventing the occurrence of an event, action, or effect, or reducing the magnitude of an event, action, or effect.

[0010] 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to the first embodiment. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device, and may also be called an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a magnetic disk device. Note that the disk device is not limited to the HDD 10.

[0011] 1, the HDD 10 includes a case 11, a plurality of magnetic disks 12, a spindle motor 13, a head stack assembly (HSA) 14, a voice coil motor (VCM) 15, a ramp load mechanism 16, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 17. The magnetic disks 12 may also be called disks, media, or platters.

[0012] The case 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23. Note that the case 11 is not limited to this example. The base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 are each made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. Note that the materials of the base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 may be different from each other.

[0013] The base 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open in one direction and accommodates the magnetic disks 12, the spindle motor 13, the HSA 14, the VCM 15, and the ramp load mechanism 16.

[0014] The base 21 has a bottom wall 25 and side walls 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular (quadrilateral) plate shape. The side walls 26 protrude from the edge of the bottom wall 25 and are formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape.

[0015] The inner cover 22 is attached to an end of the side wall 26 by, for example, screws, and closes the base 21. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22, and is attached to an end of the side wall 26 by, for example, welding.

[0016] An air vent 27 is provided in the inner cover 22. Furthermore, an air vent 28 is provided in the outer cover 23. After components are attached inside the base 21 and the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23 are attached to the base 21, air inside the case 11 is evacuated through the air vents 27, 28. Furthermore, the inside of the case 11 is filled with a gas other than air.

[0017] The gas filled inside the case 11 is, for example, a low-density gas having a density lower than air, an inert gas having a low reactivity, or the like. For example, helium is filled inside the case 11. Note that other fluids may be filled inside the case 11. Furthermore, the inside of the case 11 may be kept at a vacuum, a low pressure close to a vacuum, or a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0018] The vent hole 28 of the outer cover 23 is closed by a seal 29. The seal 29 air-tightly seals the vent hole 28 and restricts the fluid filled inside the case 11 from leaking from the vent hole 28 to the outside of the case 11.

[0019] The magnetic disks 12 are formed in a disk shape and arranged substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The magnetic disks 12 are arranged at intervals. The HDD 10 of this embodiment has, for example, ten or more magnetic disks 12. Note that the number of magnetic disks 12 is not limited to this example.

[0020] The spindle motor 13 supports the multiple magnetic disks 12. The multiple magnetic disks 12 are held on a hub of the spindle motor 13 by, for example, clamp springs. The spindle motor 13 rotates the multiple magnetic disks 12.

[0021] A support shaft 31 is provided in the case 11 and is spaced apart from the magnetic disk 12. The support shaft 31 extends, for example, from the bottom wall 25 of the case 11. The HSA 14 is supported by the support shaft 31 so as to be rotatable.

[0022] The HSA 14 includes a carriage 35, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGA) 36, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 37. The FPC is an example of a substrate. The carriage 35 includes an actuator block 41 and a plurality of arms 42.

[0023] The actuator block 41 and the arms 42 are integrally formed from, for example, an aluminum alloy. However, the materials of the actuator block 41 and the arms 42 are not limited to this example.

[0024] The actuator block 41 is supported by the support shaft 31 via a bearing so as to be rotatable around the support shaft 31. A plurality of arms 42 protrude from the actuator block 41 in approximately parallel relation.

[0025] The arms 42 are arranged at intervals. Each of the arms 42 can enter a gap between two adjacent magnetic disks 12 among the magnetic disks 12.

[0026] The VCM 15 has a voice coil attached to the carriage 35, a pair of yokes, and a magnet provided on the yoke. The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 around the support shaft 31.

[0027] The HGA 36 has a base plate 45, a load beam 46, a flexure 47, and a magnetic head 48. The base plate 45 is attached to the tip of the arm 42. The load beam 46 is formed to be thinner than the base plate 45, and extends from the base plate 45.

[0028] The flexure 47 is formed in a long and narrow strip shape. The shape of the flexure 47 is not limited to this example. The flexure 47 is a type of flexible printed circuit board (FPC) having a metal plate (backing layer) such as stainless steel, an insulating layer (base layer) formed on the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and constituting a plurality of wirings (wiring patterns), and an insulating layer (cover layer) covering the conductive layer.

[0029] A gimbal portion (elastic support portion) that is located on the load beam 46 and is displaceable is provided at one end of the flexure 47. The magnetic head 48 is mounted on the gimbal portion of the flexure 47. The magnetic head 48 records and reproduces information on the recording layer of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, the magnetic head 48 reads and writes information from and to the magnetic disk 12.

[0030] The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 to position the magnetic head 48 at a desired position on the magnetic disk 12. When the magnetic head 48 moves to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 12, the ramp load mechanism 16 holds the magnetic head 48 at an unload position separated from the magnetic disk 12.

[0031] The FPC 37 is connected to the other end of the flexure 47. For example, a plurality of flexures 47 are connected to the FPC 37. As a result, the FPC 37 is electrically connected to a plurality of magnetic heads 48 via the wiring of the plurality of flexures 47.

[0032] The PCB 17 is, for example, a rigid board such as a glass epoxy board, and is a multi-layer board or a build-up board. The PCB 17 is disposed outside the case 11 and attached to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21. The PCB 17 is attached to the bottom wall 25 by, for example, a plurality of screws.

[0033] The HDD 10 further includes, for example, an interface (I / F) connector 51, a controller 52, and a relay connector 53. The I / F connector 51, the controller 52, and the relay connector 53 are mounted on a PCB 17. In addition, other components may be mounted on the PCB 17.

[0034] The I / F connector 51 is a connector conforming to an interface standard such as Serial ATA (SATA) and is connected to an I / F connector of a host computer. The controller 52 is, for example, a system on chip (SoC) and includes a read / write channel (RWC), a hard disk controller (HDC), and a processor.

[0035] The relay connector 53 is electrically connected to various components arranged inside the case 11, for example, through a connector provided on the bottom wall 25. As a result, the PCB 17 is electrically connected to the spindle motor 13, the VCM 15, the FPC 37, and the magnetic head 48 arranged inside the case 11.

[0036] 2 is an exemplary plan view that illustrates the FPC 37 of the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the FPC 37 is formed in a substantially L-shaped belt shape in a natural state in which it is detached from other components and no external force is acting on it. The shape of the FPC 37 is not limited to this example. The FPC 37 has a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, and an intermediate portion 63.

[0037] The first connection portion 61 is provided, for example, at one end of the FPC 37 in the extension direction of the FPC 37. The first connection portion 61 is attached to the actuator block 41 by, for example, a screw. The first connection portion 61 is electrically connected to the flexure 47.

[0038] The second connection portion 62 is provided, for example, at the other end of the FPC 37 in the extension direction of the FPC 37. The second connection portion 62 is attached to the bottom wall 25 by, for example, a screw. The second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53 through a connector provided on the bottom wall 25, for example.

[0039] The intermediate portion 63 is provided between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The intermediate portion 63 extends in a strip shape, and bends between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 in response to the rotation of the actuator block 41.

[0040] As shown in each drawing, for convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined in this specification. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis is set along the width of the intermediate portion 63 in the natural state. The Y-axis is set along the length of the intermediate portion 63 in the natural state. The Z-axis is set along the thickness of the FPC 37 in the natural state.

[0041] Furthermore, in this specification, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes a +X direction indicated by an arrow on the X axis, and a -X direction opposite to the direction of the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes a +Y direction indicated by an arrow on the Y axis, and a -Y direction opposite to the direction of the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes a +Z direction indicated by an arrow on the Z axis, and a -Z direction opposite to the direction of the Z axis arrow.

[0042] The first connection portion 61 is connected to an end of the intermediate portion 63 in the +Y direction and extends from that end in the +Y direction. The second connection portion 62 is connected to an end of the intermediate portion 63 in the -Y direction and extends from that end in the +X direction. Note that the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 are not limited to this example.

[0043] The HDD 10 further includes a plurality of preamplifiers 65, a relay connector 66, and a plurality of reinforcing plates 67. The relay connector 66 is an example of a connector. The preamplifiers 65 and the relay connector 66 are mounted on the FPC 37.

[0044] The preamplifier 65 is mounted on the first connection portion 61. The preamplifier 65 is electrically connected to the flexure 47, for example, via the wiring and pads of the FPC 37. The preamplifier 65 amplifies a write signal and transmits it to the magnetic head 48, and also amplifies a read signal received from the magnetic head 48.

[0045] The relay connector 66 is mounted on the second connection portion 62. The relay connector 66 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53, for example, through a connector provided on the bottom wall 25. This electrically connects the second connection portion 62 to the PCB 17. Note that the relay connector 66 may be directly connected to the relay connector 53.

[0046] The reinforcing plate 67 is made of, for example, a metal such as aluminum or a synthetic resin, and is formed into a plate shape. Note that the reinforcing plate 67 is not limited to this example. The multiple reinforcing plates 67 are attached to the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62.

[0047] The reinforcing plate 67 has a higher rigidity than the FPC 37. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 67 improves the rigidity of the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62. The middle portion 63 is not attached to the reinforcing plate 67 and can bend.

[0048] Fig. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing the relay connector 66 of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exemplary plan view showing the relay connector 66 of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 of the first embodiment along the line F5-F5 in Fig. 4.

[0049] 5, the FPC 37 has a mounting surface 71, a back surface 72, and a number of pads 73. The pads 73 may also be referred to as lands or electrodes. The mounting surface 71 is one surface of the FPC 37 and faces approximately in the +Z direction. The back surface 72 is located on the opposite side of the mounting surface 71 and is attached to the reinforcing plate 67.

[0050] The pads 73 are provided on the mounting surface 71. The mounting surface 71 is formed, for example, by a part of a conductive layer that forms the pads 73, and an insulating cover layer that partially covers the conductive layer. Note that the mounting surface 71 is not limited to this example. The pads 73 are arranged, for example, in two rows in the Y direction.

[0051] At least one of the multiple pads 73 is electrically connected to the preamplifier 65 via wiring of the conductive layer. Note that the pads 73 are not limited to this example. For example, at least one of the multiple pads 73 may be electrically connected to the VCM 15 or the ground plane.

[0052] A hole 75 is provided in the FPC 37. The hole 75 is located between the multiple pads 73 forming one row and the multiple pads 73 forming the other row in the X direction. The hole 75 penetrates the FPC 37 and opens to the mounting surface 71 and the back surface 72. A hole 76 is also provided in the reinforcing plate 67. The hole 76 penetrates the reinforcing plate 67 and communicates with the hole 75 of the FPC 37.

[0053] The relay connector 66 has a housing 81 and a plurality of leads 82 and 83. The leads 82 and 83 may also be referred to as terminals. In this embodiment, the lead 82 is a specific example of a lead. Note that the lead 83 may also be a specific example of a lead.

[0054] The housing 81 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing 81 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped extending in the Y direction. That is, the Y direction is the longitudinal direction of the housing 81. Note that the shape of the housing 81 is not limited to this example.

[0055] The housing 81 has a bottom surface 91, a top surface 92, and two side surfaces 93 shown in Fig. 5, and two end surfaces 94 shown in Fig. 4. The bottom surface 91 is an example of a first surface. The top surface 92 is an example of a second surface. The side surfaces 93 are examples of a third surface and a fourth surface. The end surfaces 94 are an example of a fifth surface.

[0056] Each of the lower surface 91, the upper surface 92, and the two side surfaces 93 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction, that is, the Y direction. Note that the shapes of the lower surface 91, the upper surface 92, and the side surfaces 93 are not limited to this example.

[0057] 5, the lower surface 91 is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially in the -Z direction. Note that the lower surface 91 may be provided with projections and recesses. The lower surface 91 of the housing 81 and the mounting surface 71 of the FPC 37 face each other with a gap G therebetween. Furthermore, the lower surface 91 faces the hole 75 of the FPC 37.

[0058] The upper surface 92 is located on the opposite side to the lower surface 91. The upper surface 92 is farther away from the FPC 37 than the lower surface 91. The upper surface 92 is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the +Z direction. In the X direction, the length (width) of the upper surface 92 is longer than the length (width) of the lower surface 91. Note that the widths of the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 are not limited to this example.

[0059] The two side surfaces 93 are provided on both ends of the housing 81 in the X direction. The two side surfaces 93 extend substantially in the -Z direction from both ends of the top surface 92 in the X direction. The two side surfaces 93 are formed substantially flat.

[0060] One side surface 93 faces approximately in the +X direction. The other side surface 93 faces approximately in the -X direction. That is, the side surface 93 faces in a direction different from the -Z direction in which the lower surface 91 faces. The side surface 93 may face in a direction different from the X direction.

[0061] A notch 95 is provided at the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93. In other words, the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93 are connected via the notch 95. Therefore, the side surface 93 is provided between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. In this embodiment, the notch 95 is provided over almost the entire area of ​​the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93, and extends in the Y direction. Note that the notch 95 may be provided in a part of the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93.

[0062] The notch 95 is recessed in an arc shape toward the inside of the housing 81. By providing the notch 95, a concave surface 96 that is a substantially cylindrical curved surface recessed toward the inside of the housing 81 is provided between an end of the lower surface 91 in the X direction and an end of the side surface 93 in the -Z direction. The concave surface 96 forms (defines, defines) the notch 95.

[0063] The notch 95 and the concave surface 96 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the concave surface 96 may be a chamfer that extends obliquely with respect to the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93, or may be a substantially cylindrical curved surface that protrudes toward the outside of the housing 81.

[0064] 4, the two end faces 94 are provided on both ends of the housing 81 in the Y direction. The two end faces 94 are formed to be approximately flat. One end face 94 faces approximately in the +Y direction. The other end face 94 faces approximately in the -Y direction.

[0065] 5, the housing 81 is provided with two through holes 101 and 102 and a plurality of fixing holes 103. In this embodiment, the through hole 101 is a specific example of the through hole. Note that the through hole 102 may also be a specific example of the through hole.

[0066] The two through holes 101, 102 are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are formed in mirror symmetry with each other. Each of the two through holes 101, 102 has a pin insertion portion 105 and a connector insertion portion 106.

[0067] The pin insertion portion 105 opens on the lower surface 91. The pin insertion portion 105 extends, for example, from the lower surface 91 in approximately the +Z direction. The connector insertion portion 106 opens on the upper surface 92. The connector insertion portion 106 extends, for example, from the upper surface 92 in approximately the -Z direction.

[0068] An end of the pin insertion portion 105 in the +Z direction and an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Z direction are connected to each other. As a result, the through holes 101 and 102 penetrate the housing 81 so as to open to the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92, respectively.

[0069] Each of the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106 extends in the Y direction. In other words, the length of the pin insertion portion 105 in each of the X direction and the Z direction is shorter than the length of the pin insertion portion 105 in the Y direction. Also, the length of the connector insertion portion 106 in each of the X direction and the Z direction is shorter than the length of the connector insertion portion 106 in the Y direction.

[0070] The housing 81 further has a bottom surface 106a, two inner side surfaces 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d. The bottom surface 106a, the two inner side surfaces 106b, the two inner end surfaces 106c, and the protrusion 106d form (define, partition) connector insertion portions 106 of the two through holes 101, 102.

[0071] The bottom surface 106a is provided at an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Z direction. The bottom surface 106a is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. The bottom surface 106a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the +Z direction.

[0072] The two inner sides 106b extend in approximately the +Z direction from both ends of the bottom surface 106a in the X direction. One inner side 106b is provided at an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the +X direction and faces approximately the -X direction. The other inner side 106b is provided at an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -X direction and faces approximately the +X direction. The two inner sides 106b face each other.

[0073] The two inner end faces 106c extend in approximately the +Z direction from both ends of the bottom face 106a in the Y direction. One inner end face 106c is provided at an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the +Y direction and faces approximately in the -Y direction. The other inner end face 106c is provided at an end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Y direction and faces approximately in the +Y direction. The two inner end faces 106c face each other.

[0074] The protrusion 106d protrudes from the bottom surface 106a in approximately the +Z direction at a position spaced apart from the two inner side surfaces 106b and the two inner end surfaces 106c. An end of the protrusion 106d in the +Z direction is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. Note that the end of the protrusion 106d in the +Z direction may be in the same position as the upper surface 92 in the Z direction, or may be farther away from the lower surface 91 than the upper surface 92.

[0075] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 101 is formed (defined, partitioned) by a bottom surface 106a, one inner side surface 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d. The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 102 is formed by a bottom surface 106a, the other inner side surface 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d.

[0076] The connector insertion portions 106 of the two through holes 101, 102 communicate with each other between the inner end surface 106c and the protrusion 106d. The connector insertion portions 106 of the two through holes 101, 102 also communicate with each other between the upper surface 92 and the protrusion 106d. The two through holes 101, 102 may be separated from each other.

[0077] Pin insertion portion 105 opens to bottom surface 106a. The cross-sectional area of ​​pin insertion portion 105 opening to bottom surface 106a is smaller than that of bottom surface 106a. The cross-sectional area of ​​pin insertion portion 105 and the size of bottom surface 106a may be set to be the same, and pin insertion portion 105 and connector insertion portion 106 may be integrated.

[0078] Each of the multiple fixing holes 103 penetrates the housing 81 substantially in the Z direction so as to open to the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. The multiple fixing holes 103 are aligned in two rows in the Y direction. The two through holes 101, 102 are located in the X direction between the multiple fixing holes 103 forming one row and the multiple fixing holes 103 forming the other row.

[0079] A cross section of each of the multiple fixing holes 103 is smaller than a cross section of the pin insertion portion 105 and is smaller than a cross section of the connector insertion portion 106. In this embodiment, the cross section of the fixing holes 103 is formed in a square or circular shape. However, the cross section of the fixing holes 103 is not limited to this example.

[0080] The multiple leads 82, 83 are made of a conductor such as metal. The multiple leads 82 and the multiple leads 83 are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are formed in mirror symmetry with each other. Each of the multiple leads 82, 83 has an external pin 111, an internal pin 112, and a press-fit pin 113. The external pin 111 is an example of a second terminal and an external terminal. The internal pin 112 is an example of a first terminal and an internal terminal. The press-fit pin 113 is an example of a fixing portion.

[0081] The external pins 111 are located outside the housing 81. Specifically, the external pins 111 are located outside the through holes 101, 102, and are at least partially located between the housing 81 and the FPC 37. Therefore, the lower surface 91 of the housing 81 faces the external pins 111. Note that a portion of the external pins 111 may be located inside the housing 81.

[0082] The external pin 111 has a base portion 115, a joint portion 116, and an inclined portion 117. The joint portion 116 is an example of a second portion. The inclined portion 117 is an example of a third portion. The entire base portion 115 is located between the housing 81 and the FPC 37. However, the base portion 115 is not limited to this example.

[0083] The base 115 has a first connection portion 115a, a second connection portion 115b, and an intermediate portion 115c. The second connection portion 115b is an example of a first portion. The first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend substantially in the X direction. That is, the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend along the lower surface 91 of the housing 81.

[0084] The first connection portion 115a is closer to the pin insertion portion 105 than the second connection portion 115b. The second connection portion 115b is closer to the notch 95 and the fixing hole 103 than the first connection portion 115a. Furthermore, the first connection portion 115a is farther away from the lower surface 91 of the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b. That is, the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend approximately parallel to each other. The intermediate portion 115c extends obliquely with respect to the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b between one end of the first connection portion 115a and one end of the second connection portion 115b.

[0085] The joint portion 116 is farther away from the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b of the base portion 115. Specifically, the joint portion 116 is farther away from the center of the housing 81 in the X direction than the second connection portion 115b. Furthermore, the joint portion 116 is farther away from the housing 81 in the Z direction than the second connection portion 115b. Furthermore, the joint portion 116 is farther away from the housing 81 in the Z direction than the first connection portion 115a. The joint portion 116 is located at an end of the relay connector 66 in the -Z direction.

[0086] The joint portion 116 extends substantially in the X direction. Therefore, the joint portion 116 extends substantially parallel to the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b of the base portion 115. The inclined portion 117 is provided between the other end of the second connection portion 115b and one end of the joint portion 116, and extends obliquely with respect to the second connection portion 115b and the joint portion 116.

[0087] 4, in a direction perpendicular to top surface 92 (the -Z direction in FIG. 4), external pin 111 extends across notch 95. In this projection, notch 95 is located between at least a portion of base 115 and at least a portion of joint 116.

[0088] Furthermore, in a projection view seen in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 92, the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 are spaced apart from the lower surface 91. In other words, the lower surface 91 does not overlap the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117. In this embodiment, the base portion 115 overlaps the lower surface 91. Note that the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 may overlap the lower surface 91.

[0089] 5, the internal pin 112 protrudes from the other end of the first connection portion 115a in approximately the +Z direction. In other words, the internal pin 112 and the first connection portion 115a are connected to each other.

[0090] The internal pin 112 of the lead 82 is accommodated in the through hole 101 of the housing 81. The internal pin 112 of the lead 83 is accommodated in the through hole 102. The internal pin 112 passes through the pin insertion portion 105. In the connector insertion portion 106, the internal pin 112 extends along the protrusion 106d. Note that the internal pin 112 is not limited to this example.

[0091] The press-fit pin 113 protrudes from the second connection portion 115b in approximately the +Z direction. That is, the press-fit pin 113 protrudes from the base portion 115 at a position spaced apart from the internal pin 112. In other words, the press-fit pin 113 is connected to the base portion 115 at a position spaced apart from the internal pin 112.

[0092] The internal pin 112 and the press-fit pin 113 protrude approximately parallel to each other from the base 115. In the Z direction, the length of the internal pin 112 protruding from the base 115 is longer than the length of the press-fit pin 113 protruding from the base 115. Note that the lengths of the internal pin 112 and the press-fit pin 113 are not limited to this example.

[0093] The press-fit pins 113 of the multiple leads 82, 83 are press-fitted into the multiple fixing holes 103. As a result, the press-fit pins 113 are fixed to the housing 81. The leads 82, 83 are attached to the housing 81 such that the bases 115 are spaced apart from the housing 81. The bases 115 may be in contact with the housing 81.

[0094] The multiple leads 82 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The Y direction is a direction along the top surface 92 and is an example of a first direction. The press-fit pins 113 of the multiple leads 82 are press-fitted into the fixing holes 103 that form one row.

[0095] 4, the internal pins 112 of the multiple leads 82 are housed in one through hole 101. Therefore, the internal pins 112 of the multiple leads 82 are arranged inside one through hole 101 in the Y direction with gaps between them.

[0096] The internal pins 112 of the leads 82 are surrounded by an edge 105a of the pin insertion portion 105 provided on the lower surface 91. The edge 105a is a single endless edge. In other words, in the vicinity of the lower surface 91, the pin insertion portion 105 is a single undivided hole. The internal pins 112 of the leads 82 extend through the undivided pin insertion portion 105.

[0097] The multiple leads 83 are aligned in the Y direction at intervals. The press-fit pins 113 of the multiple leads 83 are press-fitted into the fixing holes 103 that form the other row. The internal pins 112 of the multiple leads 83 are housed in one through-hole 102.

[0098] 5, external pins 111 of the multiple leads 82, 83 are joined to the multiple pads 73 by, for example, solder S. In this way, the relay connector 66 is mounted on the FPC 37. The external pins 111 are electrically connected to, for example, the preamplifier 65 via the wiring of the FPC 37.

[0099] The connector provided on the bottom wall 25 is connected to the relay connector 66, thereby bringing the terminals into contact with the internal pins 112. As a result, the relay connector 66 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53 mounted on the PCB 17 via the connector provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0100] Below, some examples of methods for mounting the relay connector 66 on the FPC 37 will be described. Note that the method for mounting the relay connector 66 on the FPC 37 is not limited to the following method, and other methods may be used. First, solder paste (solder S) is supplied to the pads 73 by, for example, printing or coating. Then, the relay connector 66 is mounted on the pads 73.

[0101] Next, the FPC 37 is heated in a reflow furnace to melt the solder paste, thereby bonding the joints 116 of the relay connector 66 to the pads 73. At this time, the flux that is mixed into the solder S or supplied separately may flow out of the solder S.

[0102] Next, the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 are cleaned, for example, by ultrasonic cleaning. For example, the FPC 37 is placed in a tank filled with cleaning liquid C. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, the cleaning liquid C flows into, for example, the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81.

[0103] The external pins 111 are located outside the housing 81 and are interposed between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. Therefore, the external pins 111 expand the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. The cleaning liquid C can flow smoothly through the gap G.

[0104] The notches 95 expose a greater portion of the outer pins 111. Thus, a greater portion of the outer pins 111 is exposed to the cleaning fluid C. Additionally, the notches 95 encourage the cleaning fluid C to flow into the gaps G.

[0105] Furthermore, the notch 95 prevents a narrow wedge-shaped gap from being formed between the housing 81 and the inclined portion 117. In general, the flux approaches the housing 81 along the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 due to, for example, surface tension. In other words, the flux creeps up the inclined portion 117. The flux that has entered the wedge-shaped gap is difficult to remove. However, in this embodiment, the formation of the wedge-shaped gap is prevented, and therefore the flux is prevented from remaining.

[0106] The cleaning liquid C flows from the pin insertion portion 105 into the through holes 101 and 102. The pin insertion portion 105 is formed large enough to accommodate the internal pins 112 of the multiple leads 82 or the multiple leads 83. This allows the cleaning liquid C to flow smoothly into the through holes 101 and 102.

[0107] Substances such as flux that can contaminate the HDD 10 may exist inside the through holes 101, 102 or may adhere to the internal pins 112. However, the cleaning liquid C that flows smoothly through the through holes 101, 102 can more reliably remove the substances. The cleaning liquid C that has cleaned the inside of the housing 81 is discharged to the outside of the housing 81, for example, from the connector insertion portion 106.

[0108] The cleaning liquid C may be discharged from the gap G through the holes 75, 76 of the FPC 37 and the reinforcing plate 67. The flow of the cleaning liquid C is not limited to the above description or the arrows in Figures 3 and 5. For example, the cleaning liquid C may flow from the connector insertion portion 106 into the through holes 101, 102, or may flow into the gap G from the holes 75, 76.

[0109] When the ultrasonic cleaning is completed, the FPC 37 is removed from the cleaning liquid C. At this time, the cleaning liquid C is discharged through at least one of the gap G, the through holes 101, 102, and the holes 75, 76.

[0110] For example, the cleaning liquid C transmits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves float the flux adhering to the leads 82 and 83 or present inside the housing 81. The cleaning liquid C is then discharged together with the flux as described above. With the above steps, mounting of the relay connector 66 on the FPC 37 is completed.

[0111] In the HDD 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the housing 81 has a lower surface 91 and an upper surface 92 located on the opposite side to the lower surface 91. The housing 81 is provided with a through hole 101 that opens to the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. Each of the leads 82 has an internal pin 112 that is accommodated in the through hole 101. That is, the internal pins 112 of the leads 82 are accommodated in one through hole 101. This makes the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 101 larger than when the internal pin 112 of one lead 82 is accommodated in one through hole 101. Therefore, for example, when the relay connector 66 is attached to the FPC 37 so that the lower surface 91 faces the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 is then cleaned with the cleaning liquid C, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly through the through hole 101. Compared to a case where the flow of the cleaning liquid C in the through hole 101 is hindered, the cleaning liquid C can more reliably clean, for example, the inside of the through hole 101, the gap between the lead 82 and the housing 81, and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can prevent, for example, the inside of the relay connector 66 and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81 from being contaminated by substances such as remaining flux.

[0112] In this embodiment, the HDD 10 is a large-capacity HDD having ten or more magnetic disks 12. The inside of the case 11 is hermetically sealed and filled with a gas other than air, such as helium. In such an HDD 10, if the inside of the case 11 is contaminated with a substance such as flux, the operation of the magnetic head 48 may be hindered by the substance. However, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can more reliably suppress contamination, thereby suppressing the operation of the magnetic head 48 from being hindered.

[0113] The multiple leads 82 each have an external pin 111 located outside the through hole 101 and connected to an internal pin 112. The bottom surface 91 faces the external pin 111. That is, the external pin 111 is interposed between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 on which the relay connector 66 is mounted. As a result, the housing 81 is spaced apart from the FPC 37 compared to when the external pin 111 is embedded inside the housing 81. Therefore, the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 is enlarged, and the cleaning liquid C can clean the gap G more reliably. For example, even if the bottom surface 91 has an uneven surface, the cleaning liquid C can clean the uneven surface of the bottom surface 91 more reliably.

[0114] The housing 81 has a side surface 93 facing the X direction different from the -Z direction in which the lower surface 91 faces. A notch 95 is provided at the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93. The external pin 111 extends across the notch 95 in a projection view seen in the Z direction perpendicular to the upper surface 92. This allows the external pin 111 to be exposed to a greater extent than when the housing 81 does not have the notch 95. In other words, the gap between the external pin 111 and the housing 81 where a substance such as flux is likely to remain is reduced. Furthermore, the housing 81 can make it easier for the cleaning liquid C used to clean the relay connector 66 to enter the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 than when the notch 95 is not provided. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of this embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0115] The external pin 111 has a second connection portion 115b, a joint portion 116, and an inclined portion 117. The second connection portion 115b extends along the lower surface 91. The joint portion 116 is farther away from the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b. The inclined portion 117 is provided between the second connection portion 115b and the joint portion 116 and extends obliquely with respect to the second connection portion 115b. The joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 are spaced apart from the lower surface 91 in a projection view seen in the Z direction perpendicular to the upper surface 92. For example, if the inclined portion 117 extending obliquely overlaps with the lower surface 91, there is a risk of a tapered gap being formed between the inclined portion 117 and the lower surface 91, in which a substance such as flux is likely to accumulate. However, in the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment, the inclined portion 117 is spaced from the lower surface 91, so the occurrence of such a gap can be suppressed, and thus contamination by substances such as flux can be more reliably suppressed. Furthermore, flux generally creeps up the inclined portion 117 that extends diagonally. However, the housing 81 is spaced from the inclined portion 117 by providing the notch 95. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can suppress the flux from penetrating into the inside of the housing 81, and therefore contamination by flux can be more reliably suppressed.

[0116] The external pins 111 are spaced apart from the housing 81. This increases the gap between the external pins 111 and the housing 81, making it easier for the cleaning liquid C to flow through the gap. Furthermore, when the external pins 111 are joined to the FPC 37, the distance between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 increases. This allows the cleaning liquid C to flow more smoothly through the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37, thereby more reliably cleaning the relay connector 66.

[0117] The FPC 37 has an attachment surface 71 facing the lower surface 91, and a plurality of pads 73 provided on the attachment surface 71 and connected to a plurality of leads 82. Therefore, when the relay connector 66 is attached to the FPC 37 and then the relay connector 66 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid C, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly through the through hole 101 as described above. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can prevent, for example, the inside of the relay connector 66 and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81 from being contaminated by substances such as remaining flux.

[0118] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Also, components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0119] Fig. 6 is an exemplary perspective view showing a relay connector 66 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exemplary plan view showing the relay connector 66 of the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 of the second embodiment along the line F8-F8 in Fig. 7.

[0120] 8, the relay connector 66 of the second embodiment has a housing 201 instead of the housing 81. The housing 201 is substantially the same as the housing 81, except for the points described below.

[0121] Two first branch holes 205 and two second branch holes 206 are provided in the housing 201. Note that either the first branch hole 205 or the second branch hole 206 may be provided in the housing 201. Also, the number of the first branch holes 205 and the second branch holes 206 is not limited to this example.

[0122] One of the first branch holes 205 opens to one side surface 93 and one inner side surface 106b, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 101. The other first branch hole 205 opens to the other side surface 93 and the other inner side surface 106b, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 102. That is, the first branch hole 205 communicates with the outside of the housing 81 at a position farther away from the FPC 37 than the lower surface 91.

[0123] Each of the two first branch holes 205 extends in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the length of the first branch hole 205 is longer than the length of the row formed by the multiple leads 202. Note that the dimensions of the first branch hole 205 are not limited to this example.

[0124] The first branch hole 205 is spaced apart from the lower surface 91, the upper surface 92, and the notch 95. The first branch hole 205 communicates with the multiple fixing holes 103. Note that the first branch hole 205 may be separated from the fixing holes 103.

[0125] 7, one second branch hole 206 opens to one end face 94 and one inner end face 106c, and communicates with the connector insertion portions 106 of the through holes 101, 102. The other second branch hole 206 opens to the other end face 94 and the other inner end face 106c, and communicates with the connector insertion portions 106 of the through holes 101, 102.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the protrusion 106d is connected to the inner end surface 106c. Furthermore, the cross section of the second branch hole 206 is approximately equal to the cross section of the connector insertion portion 106 of the through holes 101, 102. Therefore, the second branch hole 206 is integral with the connector insertion portion 106. In other words, the through holes 101, 102 in the second embodiment are also open to the end surface 94. Note that the cross section of the second branch hole 206 may be different from the cross section of the connector insertion portion 106.

[0127] 8, in the second embodiment, each of the multiple leads 82, 83 has a press-fit pin 211 instead of the press-fit pin 113. The press-fit pin 211 is substantially identical to the press-fit pin 113, except as described below.

[0128] In the Z direction, the length of the press-fit pin 211 protruding from the base 115 is longer than the length of the internal pin 112 protruding from the base 115. The tip of the press-fit pin 211 is located inside the fixing hole 103.

[0129] The press-fit pins 211 of the multiple leads 82, 83 penetrate the first branch hole 205 approximately in the Z direction. In other words, some of the press-fit pins 211 of the multiple leads 82 are aligned in the Y direction at intervals in one of the first branch holes 205. Furthermore, some of the press-fit pins 211 of the multiple leads 83 are aligned in the Y direction at intervals in the other of the first branch holes 205. Note that, when the leads 82, 83 have press-fit pins 113, the press-fit pins 113 may be spaced apart from the first branch hole 205.

[0130] When the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 are ultrasonically cleaned, a part of the cleaning liquid C passes through the first branch hole 205 and is discharged from the through holes 101 and 102. Another part of the cleaning liquid C passes through the second branch hole 206 and is discharged from the through holes 101 and 102. Note that the flow of the cleaning liquid C is not limited to this example.

[0131] In the HDD 10 of the second embodiment described above, the multiple leads 82 are arranged in the Y direction along the upper surface 92. The housing 201 has a side surface 93 extending in the Y direction and provided between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. The housing 201 is provided with a first branch hole 205 that opens to the side surface 93 and communicates with the through hole 101. This allows the cleaning liquid C to flow through the first branch hole 205 in addition to the through hole 101, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of this embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0132] Each of the leads 82 has a press-fit pin 211. The press-fit pin 211 is connected to the external pin 111 at a position spaced apart from the internal pin 112 and fixed to the housing 201. In the Z direction in which the upper surface 92 faces, the press-fit pin 211 is longer than the internal pin 112. Therefore, the housing 201 is more likely to be fixed to the press-fit pin 211 at a position spaced apart from the external pin 111 than when the press-fit pin 211 is short. As a result, when the external pin 111 is joined to the FPC 37, the distance between the housing 201 and the FPC 37 is increased. As a result, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly through the gap G between the housing 201 and the FPC 37, and the relay connector 66 can be more reliably cleaned.

[0133] The multiple leads 82 are arranged in the Y direction along the top surface 92. The housing 201 has an end surface 94 provided at an end of the housing 201 along the Y direction. The housing 201 is provided with a second branch hole 206 that opens to the end surface 94 and communicates with the through hole 101. This allows the cleaning liquid C to flow through the second branch hole 206 in addition to the through hole 101, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of this embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0134] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing an FPC 37 and a relay connector 66 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the relay connector 66 of the third embodiment has a housing 301 instead of the housing 201. The housing 301 is substantially the same as the housing 201, except for the points described below.

[0135] The housing 301 further has a protrusion 311. The protrusion 311 protrudes from the lower surface 91 in approximately the −Z direction. At least a portion of the protrusion 311 is located between the multiple leads 82 and the multiple leads 83 in the X direction.

[0136] The protruding portion 311 has a lower end surface 315. The lower end surface 315 is an example of a sixth surface. The lower end surface 315 is provided at an end of the protruding portion 311 in the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the lower end surface 315 is located at an end of the housing 81 in the -Z direction.

[0137] The bottom end surface 315 is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially in the -Z direction. The bottom end surface 315 at least partially contacts the attachment surface 71 of the FPC 37. On the other hand, the bottom surface 91 is spaced apart from the FPC 37 more than the bottom end surface 315.

[0138] In the HDD 10 of the third embodiment described above, the housing 301 has a bottom end surface 315 that contacts the FPC 37. The bottom surface 91 is farther away from the FPC 37 than the bottom end surface 315 is. That is, the through hole 101 that opens in the bottom surface 91 is not blocked by the FPC 37. Therefore, the cleaning liquid C can flow through the through hole 101 more smoothly.

[0139] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an exemplary plan view showing a relay connector 66 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the relay connector 66 of the fourth embodiment has a housing 401 instead of the housing 201. The housing 401 is substantially the same as the housing 201, except for the points described below.

[0140] The housing 401 is provided with four through holes 411, 412, 413, and 414 instead of the two through holes 101 and 102. The through hole 411 is an example of a through hole. The through holes 411, 412, 413, and 414 are substantially identical to the through holes 101 and 102, except as described below.

[0141] The through holes 411, 412 are arranged side by side with a gap in the Y direction. The through holes 413, 414 are also arranged side by side with a gap in the Y direction. The through holes 411, 412 and the through holes 413, 414 are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are formed in mirror symmetry with each other.

[0142] The housing 401 further has two ribs 421, 422. The rib 421 is provided between the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 411 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 412. In other words, the rib 421 separates the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 411 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 412 from each other.

[0143] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 411 and the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 412 communicate with each other. Note that the rib 421 may separate the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 411 and the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 412 from each other.

[0144] The rib 422 is provided between the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 413 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 414. The rib 422 separates the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 413 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 414 from each other.

[0145] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 413 and the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 414 communicate with each other. Note that the rib 422 may separate the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 413 and the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 414 from each other.

[0146] Half of the multiple leads 82 are housed in through hole 411. The remaining half of the multiple leads 82 are housed in through hole 412. Half of the multiple leads 83 are housed in through hole 413. The remaining half of the multiple leads 83 are housed in through hole 414. Note that the numbers of leads 82 and 83 housed in through holes 411, 412, 413 and 414 are not limited to this example.

[0147] In the HDD 10 of the fourth embodiment described above, the two through holes 411, 412 are aligned in the Y direction. The internal pins 112 of the multiple leads 82 are housed in the through hole 411. The internal pins 112 of the other multiple leads 82 are housed in the through hole 412. The housing 401 has a rib 421 that separates the two through holes 411, 412. This improves the strength of the housing 401.

[0148] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is an exemplary perspective view showing a relay connector 66 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the relay connector 66 of the fifth embodiment.

[0149] The relay connector 66 of the fifth embodiment has a housing 501 instead of the housing 201. The housing 501 is substantially the same as the housing 201, except for the points described below.

[0150] Each of the through holes 101, 102 provided in the housing 501 has a pin insertion portion 511 and a connector insertion portion 512 instead of the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106. The pin insertion portion 511 and the connector insertion portion 512 are substantially the same as the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106, except as described below.

[0151] The housing 501 further has a bottom surface 511a, two inner side surfaces 511b, two inner end surfaces 511c, and a protrusion 511d, instead of the bottom surface 106a, the inner side surface 106b, the inner end surface 106c, and the protrusion 106d. The bottom surface 511a, the inner side surface 511b, the inner end surface 511c, and the protrusion 511d are substantially equal to the bottom surface 106a, the inner side surface 106b, the inner end surface 106c, and the protrusion 106d, except as described below.

[0152] The bottom surface 511a is provided at an end of the pin insertion portion 511 in the +Z direction. The bottom surface 511a is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. The bottom surface 511a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the -Z direction.

[0153] The two inner side surfaces 511b extend in the approximately -Z direction from both ends of the bottom surface 511a in the X direction. The two inner end surfaces 511c extend in the approximately -Z direction from both ends of the bottom surface 511a in the Y direction.

[0154] The protrusion 511d protrudes from the bottom surface 511a in the approximately -Z direction at a position spaced apart from the two inner side surfaces 511b. The protrusion 511d is connected to the inner end surface 511c. An end of the protrusion 511d in the -Z direction forms a part of the lower surface 91.

[0155] The pin insertion portion 511 of the through hole 101 is formed (defined, partitioned) by a bottom surface 511a, one inner side surface 511b, and a protrusion 511d. The connector insertion portion 512 of the through hole 102 is formed by the bottom surface 511a, the other inner side surface 511b, and the protrusion 511d.

[0156] The pin insertion portions 511 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are separated from each other by a protrusion 511d. Furthermore, the connector insertion portions 512 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are separated from each other.

[0157] The connector inserting portion 512 opens to the bottom surface 512a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connector inserting portion 512 opening to the bottom surface 512a is substantially equal to that of the bottom surface 512a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connector inserting portion 512 and the size of the bottom surface 512a may be different.

[0158] The first branch hole 205 opens to the inner side surface 511b and communicates with the pin insertion portion 511. The second branch hole 206 opens to the inner end surface 511c and communicates with the pin insertion portion 511. The cross section of the second branch hole 206 is approximately equal to the cross section of the pin insertion portion 511. Therefore, the second branch hole 206 is integral with the pin insertion portion 511.

[0159] The internal pin 112 is accommodated in the pin insertion portion 511. In the pin insertion portion 511, the internal pin 112 extends along the protrusion 511d. A terminal of a connector provided on the bottom wall 25 passes through the connector insertion portion 512 and comes into contact with the internal pin 112 of the pin insertion portion 511. Note that the internal pin 112 may be partially accommodated in the connector insertion portion 512.

[0160] In the housing 501, the area of ​​the substantially flat upper surface 92 is larger than the area of ​​the substantially flat lower surface 91. Therefore, when the relay connector 66 is mounted on the pad 73, the mounter can easily suck and hold the upper surface 92.

[0161] In the HDD 10 of the fifth embodiment described above, the area of ​​the flat upper surface 92 is larger than the area of ​​the flat lower surface 91. This allows the relay connector 66 to be easily held when mounted on the FPC 37.

[0162] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 10...hard disk drive (HDD), 37...flexible printed circuit board (FPC), 66...relay connector, 71...mounting surface, 73...pad, 81,201,301,401,501...housing, 82...lead, 91...lower surface, 92...upper surface, 93...side, 94...end surface, 95...notch, 101,411...through hole, 111...external pin, 112...internal pin, 113,211...press-fit pin, 115b...second connection portion, 116...joint portion, 117...inclined portion, 205...first branch hole, 206...second branch hole, 315...lower end surface.

Claims

1. a housing having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface, the housing being provided with a through hole opening into the first surface and the second surface; a plurality of leads each having a first terminal received in the through hole; A connector comprising:

2. The plurality of leads are arranged in a first direction along the second surface, the housing has a third surface between the first surface and the second surface and extending in the first direction, and a first branch hole is provided that opens into the third surface and communicates with the through hole; The connector of claim 1.

3. each of the plurality of leads has a second terminal located outside the through hole and connected to the first terminal; The first surface faces the second terminal. The connector of claim 1.

4. the housing has a fourth surface facing in a direction different from the direction in which the first surface faces, and a notch is provided at a corner between the first surface and the fourth surface; the second terminal extends across the notch in a projection view seen in a direction perpendicular to the second surface; The connector of claim 3.

5. the second terminal has a first portion extending along the first surface, a second portion located farther away from the housing than the first portion, and a third portion provided between the first portion and the second portion and extending obliquely with respect to the first portion; the second portion and the third portion are spaced apart from the first surface in a projection view seen in a direction perpendicular to the second surface; The connector of claim 4.

6. each of the plurality of leads has a fixed portion connected to the second terminal at a position spaced from the first terminal and fixed to the housing; The fixed portion is longer than the first terminal in a direction in which the second surface faces. The connector of claim 3.

7. The second terminal is spaced apart from the housing. The connector of claim 3.

8. The plurality of leads are arranged in a first direction along the second surface, the housing has a fifth surface provided at an end of the housing in the first direction, and a second branch hole is provided that opens into the fifth surface and communicates with the through hole; The connector of claim 1.

9. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a substrate having an attachment surface facing the first surface and a plurality of pads provided on the attachment surface and to which the plurality of leads are joined; A disk device comprising:

10. the housing has a sixth surface in contact with the substrate; The first surface is farther from the substrate than the sixth surface.

10. The disk device according to claim 9.

11. Housing and a plurality of leads, each of which has an external terminal located outside the housing, an internal terminal protruding from the external terminal and accommodated in the housing, and a fixed portion protruding from the external terminal at a position spaced apart from the internal terminal and fixed to the housing, the length of the fixed portion protruding from the external terminal being longer than the length of the internal terminal protruding from the external terminal; A connector comprising:

Images