Disk device

Abstract

To provide a disk device capable of preventing a resonance property of a slider from being deteriorated.SOLUTION: A disk device according to one embodiment comprises a slider, a suspension, and a first adhesive for attaching the slider to the suspension. A flexure of the suspension comprises: a metal plate outer face to which the first adhesive adheres; and an insulator that surrounds the first adhesive, that is provided on the outer face. The insulator comprises: two first walls approaching each other toward a revolving shaft of a carriage; a second wall separated from the first walls while extending at a position located more apart from the revolving shaft than the first walls; and a third wall that is shorter than the second wall in a circumferential direction, that is located at a center of the insulator in the circumferential direction, and is located between the first walls each and the second wall. A distance between the second wall and the third wall is shorter than a distance between the first walls each and the third wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a disk device. [Background technology]

[0002] A disk device, such as a hard disk drive, has a suspension flexure and a slider mounted on the flexure, the slider being attached to the flexure, for example by adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,774,305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the slider is attached to the suspension, the adhesive is compressed and spread between the slider and the flexure, and the way the adhesive spreads can affect the resonance characteristics of the slider.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a disk drive capable of suppressing deterioration of the resonance characteristics of the slider. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A disk drive according to one embodiment includes a magnetic disk, a slider, a carriage, a suspension, and a first adhesive. The slider is configured to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk. The carriage is configured to rotate about a rotation axis. The suspension is attached to the carriage. The first adhesive attaches the slider to the suspension. The suspension includes a base plate attached to the carriage, a load beam attached to the base plate, and a flexure attached to the load beam. The flexure includes a metal plate, an outer surface of the metal plate to which the first adhesive is attached, and an insulator provided on the outer surface and surrounding at least a portion of the first adhesive. The insulator has two first walls extending toward each other toward the rotation axis, a second wall extending across a center of the insulator in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis at a position farther away from the rotation axis than the two first walls and farther away from the two first walls, and a third wall located at least partially at a center of the insulator in the circumferential direction, located between the two first walls and the second wall, and shorter than the second wall in the circumferential direction, the distance between the second wall and the third wall being shorter than the distance between each of the two first walls and the third wall. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of an HDD according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view showing the magnetic disk and the HSA of the above embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary plan view showing a portion of the HGA of the above embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view partially showing the magnetic disk and HGA of the above embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a portion of the HGA of the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary plan view showing a part of the flexure of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. 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, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing the occurrence of an event, action, or influence, or reducing the severity of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0010] 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to this 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.

[0011] 1, the HDD 10 includes a housing 11, a plurality of magnetic disks 12, a spindle motor 13, a head stack assembly (HSA) 14, a voice coil motor (VCM) 15, a ramp load mechanism 16, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 17. Note that the HDD 10 is not limited to this example.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, in this specification, for convenience, a Z axis and a Z direction are defined. The Z axis is virtually set along the thickness of the HDD 10. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes a +Z direction and a -Z direction. The +Z direction is the direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis. The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction.

[0013] The housing 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23. The base 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open in the +Z direction. The multiple magnetic disks 12, the spindle motor 13, the HSA 14, the VCM 15, and the ramp load mechanism 16 are housed inside the base 21.

[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 arranged substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The side walls 26 protrude from the edge of the bottom wall 25 in substantially the +Z direction and are formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape.

[0015] The inner cover 22 is attached to an end of the side wall 26 in the +Z direction by, for example, screws. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22, and is attached to an end of the side wall 26 in the +Z direction 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 housing 11 is evacuated through the air vents 27, 28. Furthermore, the inside of the housing 11 is filled with a gas other than air.

[0017] The gas filled inside the housing 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 housing 11. Note that other fluids may be filled inside the housing 11. Furthermore, the inside of the housing 11 may be kept at a vacuum, a low pressure close to a vacuum, or a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0018] The ventilation hole 28 of the outer cover 23 is closed by a seal 29. The seal 29 air-tightly seals the ventilation hole 28, and prevents the fluid filled inside the housing 11 from leaking out through the ventilation hole 28.

[0019] The multiple magnetic disks 12 are formed into disk shapes and arranged perpendicular to the Z direction. A magnetic recording layer is provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the magnetic disks 12. The multiple magnetic disks 12 are stacked with gaps in between in the Z direction.

[0020] The spindle motor 13 supports the multiple magnetic disks 12. The spindle motor 13 rotates the multiple magnetic disks 12 around a central axis Ax1 of the spindle motor 13. The central axis Ax1 extends in the Z direction. The multiple magnetic disks 12 are held on a hub of the spindle motor 13 by, for example, a clamp spring.

[0021] Fig. 2 is an exemplary plan view showing the magnetic disk 12 and the HSA 14 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the HSA 14 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 31. The support shaft 31 is provided at a position spaced apart from the magnetic disk 12 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax1. The support shaft 31 extends, for example, from the bottom wall 25 of the housing 11 substantially in the +Z direction.

[0022] The HSA 14 can rotate around a central axis Ax2. The central axis Ax2 is an example of a rotation axis and is a virtual axis extending in the Z direction. The central axis Ax2 is, for example, the center of rotation of the HSA 14 and is also the central axis of the support shaft 31.

[0023] Hereinafter, for convenience, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction are defined. The axial direction is a direction along the central axis Ax2. In this embodiment, the central axis Ax2 extends in the Z direction. Therefore, the axial direction includes the +Z direction and the -Z direction. The radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax2, and includes a plurality of directions perpendicular to the central axis Ax2. The circumferential direction is a direction around the central axis Ax2, and includes a clockwise rotation direction and a counterclockwise rotation direction around the central axis Ax2.

[0024] The HSA 14 has a carriage 35, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGA) 36, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 37. The carriage 35 has an actuator block 41 and a plurality of arms 42.

[0025] The actuator block 41 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 31 via, for example, a bearing. This allows the carriage 35 to rotate around the central axis Ax2. The arms 42 protrude in the radial direction from the actuator block 41. Note that the carriage 35 may be divided, and the arms 42 may protrude from each of the actuator blocks 41.

[0026] For convenience, an X-axis and a Y-axis are further defined in this specification. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The Y-axis is provided along the arm 42. Furthermore, an X-direction and a Y-direction are further defined in this specification. 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 arrow on the X-axis. 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 arrow on the Y-axis.

[0027] The multiple arms 42 are projected in the +Y direction from the actuator block 41. Therefore, the Y direction is the longitudinal direction of the arms 42. The Y direction is also included in the radial direction. The X direction is the lateral direction of the arms 42. The X and Y directions change as the carriage 35 rotates around the central axis Ax2.

[0028] The arms 42 are spaced apart in the axial direction. Each of the arms 42 is formed in a plate shape that can enter a gap between two adjacent ones of the magnetic disks 12. The arms 42 extend substantially in parallel.

[0029] The voice coil of the VCM 15 is attached to the actuator block 41. The support shaft 31 is located between the arm 42 and the voice coil. The VCM 15 has the voice coil, a pair of yokes, and a magnet provided in the yokes.

[0030] The multiple HGAs 36 are attached to an end in the +Y direction of a corresponding one of the multiple arms 42. The HGA 36 protrudes approximately in the +Y direction from the corresponding arm 42. This allows the multiple HGAs 36 to be arranged at intervals in the axial direction.

[0031] Fig. 3 is an exemplary plan view showing a part of the HGA 36 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the multiple HGAs 36 has a suspension 45, a slider 46, and two microactuators (MA) 47. The slider 46 may also be referred to as a magnetic head. Fig. 3 shows the slider 46 virtually with a two-dot chain line.

[0032] 2, the suspension 45 has a base plate 51, a load beam 52, and a flexure 53. The base plate 51 and the load beam 52 are made of, for example, stainless steel. However, the materials of the base plate 51 and the load beam 52 are not limited to this example.

[0033] The base plate 51 is formed in a plate shape, and is attached to an end of the arm 42 in the +Y direction. In this way, the base plate 51 of the suspension 45 is attached to the carriage 35.

[0034] The load beam 52 is formed in a plate shape that is thinner than the base plate 51. The load beam 52 is attached to the base plate 51 so as to protrude from the base plate 51 approximately in the +Y direction.

[0035] 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view partially illustrating the magnetic disk 12 and the HGA 36 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the load beam 52 has a bottom surface 52a. The bottom surface 52a is formed to be substantially flat. The bottom surface 52a of each of the multiple HGAs 36 faces the magnetic disk 12 corresponding to the HGA 36.

[0036] The load beam 52 further has a lift tab 55 and a dimple 56. The lift tab 55 is provided at an end of the load beam 52 in the +Y direction. The dimple 56 protrudes from the bottom surface 52a at a position closer to the central axis Ax2 than the lift tab 55. The dimple 56 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The dimple 56 may be formed in another shape.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a part of the HGA 36 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the flexure 53 has a backing plate 61, a base layer 62, a cover layer 63, and a conductive layer 64. That is, the flexure 53 is a kind of FPC in which an insulating layer and a conductive layer are laminated. The backing plate 61 is an example of a metal plate. The base layer 62 is an example of a first insulating layer. The cover layer 63 is an example of a second insulating layer.

[0038] The backing plate 61 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The backing plate 61 has two surfaces 61a and 61b. The surface 61b is an example of an outer surface. The surface 61a is formed to be substantially flat and faces the bottom surface 52a of the load beam 52. The dimple 56 is in contact with the surface 61a. The surface 61b is located on the opposite side to the surface 61a.

[0039] The base layer 62 and the cover layer 63 are made of an insulator such as polyimide (PI). The base layer 62 is provided on the surface 61b of the backing plate 61. The shape of the backing plate 61 and the shape of the base layer 62 are different from each other. That is, a part of the base layer 62 does not cover the surface 61b of the backing plate 61, and is provided at a position separated from the backing plate 61. The cover layer 63 covers the base layer 62. Therefore, the base layer 62 is located between the backing plate 61 and the cover layer 63.

[0040] The conductive layer 64 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The conductive layer 64 has various conductor patterns such as wiring patterns, pads (lands), and a ground plane. The conductive layer 64 is located between the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63.

[0041] 2, the flexure 53 is formed in a long and thin strip shape. The flexure 53 has a gimbal portion 65 (elastic support portion). The gimbal portion 65 is provided at an end of the flexure 53 in the +Y direction.

[0042] 3, the gimbal portion 65 has a frame portion 71, a mounting portion 72, and two connecting portions 73. The frame portion 71 and the connecting portion 73 have at least a portion of the backing plate 61. The mounting portion 72 has a portion of each of the backing plate 61, the base layer 62, the cover layer 63, and the conductive layer 64.

[0043] The frame portion 71 surrounds, for example, the mounting portion 72 and the connecting portion 73. The frame portion 71 is attached to the bottom surface 52a of the load beam 52 by, for example, welding. That is, the flexure 53 is attached to the load beam 52. The mounting portion 72 is located inside the frame portion 71. The two connecting portions 73 connect the frame portion 71 and the mounting portion 72 together.

[0044] 4, the mounting portion 72 is supported by the dimple 56. Therefore, the mounting portion 72 can rotate around the apex of the dimple 56. When the mounting portion 72 rotates, the connecting portion 73 elastically deforms between the frame portion 71 and the mounting portion 72.

[0045] 3, in the mounting portion 72, the conductive layer 64 has a plurality of pads 75. The plurality of pads 75 are arranged in the X direction. Each of the plurality of pads 75 is exposed to the outside of the flexure 53 through a hole provided in the cover layer 63.

[0046] An exposure hole 76 is provided in the mounting portion 72. The exposure hole 76 penetrates the base layer 62, the cover layer 63, and the conductive layer 64. Therefore, the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 is exposed to the outside of the flexure 53 through the exposure hole 76. The exposure hole 76 is located between the pad 75 and the central axis Ax2.

[0047] 2, an end of the flexure 53 in the -Y direction is connected to one end of the FPC 37, for example, on the actuator block 41. The other end of the FPC 37 is connected to a connector provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0048] 3, the slider 46 is mounted on the mounting portion 72 of the gimbal portion 65. The slider 46 is located between the pad 75 and the central axis Ax2, and covers the exposure hole 76. As shown in FIG 4, the slider 46 has a slider body 81 and a head element 82.

[0049] The slider body 81 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block shape. The shape of the slider body 81 is not limited to this example. The slider body 81 has a mounting surface 81a, a floating surface 81b, a trailing end 81c, and a leading end 81d. The floating surface 81b may also be referred to as an air bearing surface (ABS).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting surface 81a faces the flexure 53. The mounting surface 81a faces the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 through the exposure hole 76. The floating surface 81b is located on the opposite side of the mounting surface 81a. The floating surface 81b is formed to be substantially flat. Note that the floating surface 81b may be provided with a hole, a recess, or a notch. The outflow end 81c is an end of the slider body 81 in the +Y direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the inflow end 81d is an end of the slider body 81 in the -Y direction.

[0051] The head element 82 is attached to the slider body 81 or built into the slider body 81. The head element 82 is provided at the trailing end 81c of the slider body 81. The head element 82 records and reproduces information on a corresponding one of the multiple magnetic disks 12. That is, the slider 46 reads and writes information from and to the magnetic disk 12.

[0052] The head element 82 includes, for example, a write element that records information on the magnetic disk 12 and a read element that reproduces information from the magnetic disk 12. The magnetic recording layer of the magnetic disk 12 is magnetized in a predetermined direction by a magnetic field generated by the write element, thereby recording information. The information recorded on the magnetic disk 12 is read by the read element. At least when the head element 82 reads or writes information from the magnetic disk 12, the floating surface 81b faces the magnetic disk 12 via a minute gap.

[0053] The electrodes of the head element 82 of the slider 46 are joined to the pads 75 by, for example, solder S. As a result, the FPC 37 is electrically connected to the head element 82 via the flexure 53.

[0054] The slider 46 is supported by the dimple 56 via, for example, the mounting portion 72. The slider 46 and the mounting portion 72 can rotate integrally around the apex of the dimple 56 with respect to the frame portion 71.

[0055] The MA47 in FIG. 3 is, for example, a bulk type piezoelectric element. The MA47 may be a bulk laminated type or a thin film type piezoelectric element. Each of the two MA47 is mounted on the mounting portion 72. The MA47 expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage. When the two MA47 expand and contract individually, the mounting portion 72 is elastically deformed, and the slider 46 rotates.

[0056] 1 rotates the carriage 35 about the central axis Ax2. When the carriage 35 rotates, the HGA 36 attached to the arm 42 also rotates. That is, the suspension 45 including the base plate 51, the load beam 52, and the flexure 53, and the slider 46 rotate about the central axis Ax2. When the carriage 35 rotates about the central axis Ax2, it moves the slider 46 to a desired position on the magnetic disk 12.

[0057] When the slider 46 moves to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 12 by the rotation of the carriage 35 by the VCM 15, the ramp load mechanism 16 holds the HGA 36. When the HGA 36 is held by the ramp load mechanism 16, the slider 46 is separated from the magnetic disk 12.

[0058] 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, etc. The PCB 17 is disposed outside the housing 11 and attached to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21.

[0059] Various electronic components are mounted on the PCB 17, such as a relay connector connected to the FPC 37, an interface (I / F) connector connected to a host computer, and a controller that controls the operation of the HDD 10. The relay connector is electrically connected to the FPC 37 via a connector provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0060] The PCB 17 is electrically connected to the slider 46 and the MA 47 through the FPC 37 and the flexure 53. The controller of the PCB 17 causes the head element 82 of the slider 46 to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk 12. Furthermore, the controller of the PCB 17 expands and contracts the MA 47 to adjust the position of the head element 82.

[0061] Fig. 6 is an exemplary plan view showing a part of the flexure 53 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the flexure 53 further has a PI pattern 90. The PI pattern 90 is an example of an insulator. Note that the material of the insulator is not limited to PI.

[0062] In this embodiment, the PI pattern 90 is formed as a part of the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63 during the manufacture of the flexure 53. That is, when the base layer 62 is formed, a part of the PI pattern 60 is formed simultaneously with another part of the base layer 62. Furthermore, when the cover layer 63 is formed, another part of the PI pattern 60 is formed simultaneously with another part of the cover layer 63.

[0063] As described above, the PI pattern 90 includes at least one of a part of the base layer 62 and a part of the cover layer 63. The PI pattern 90 is made of PI, like the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63. In this manner, the PI pattern 90 is included in at least one of the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63. The PI pattern 90 may be different from the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63.

[0064] The PI pattern 90 is provided on the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 exposed by the exposure hole 76. In other words, the PI pattern 90 protrudes from the surface 61b of the backing plate 61. The PI pattern 90 is spaced apart from other parts of the base layer 62 and other parts of the cover layer 63. Note that the PI pattern 90 may be formed integrally with at least one of the other parts of the base layer 62 and the other parts of the cover layer 63.

[0065] The PI pattern 90 has two first walls 91, a second wall 92, a third wall 93, multiple fourth walls 94, a base 95, and multiple protrusions 96. Note that the PI pattern 90 is not limited to this example. The two first walls 91 and multiple fourth walls are an example of multiple walls. The base 95 is an example of a sixth wall.

[0066] The two first walls 91 extend toward each other toward the central axis Ax2. In this embodiment, an end 91a of one first wall 91 in the -Y direction and an end 91a of the other first wall 91 in the -Y direction are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The ends 91a of the two first walls 91 may be connected to each other. An end 91b of one first wall 91 in the +Y direction and an end 91b of the other first wall 91 in the +Y direction are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The distance between the two first walls 91 at the ends 91a is shorter than the distance between the two first walls 91 at the ends 91b. That is, the two first walls 91 are formed in a substantially V-shape.

[0067] In this embodiment, each of the two first walls 91 extends linearly. However, the two first walls 91 may extend curvedly or may be bent at least at one point. The two first walls 91 may extend partially substantially parallel to each other.

[0068] In this embodiment, each of the two first walls 91 has a plurality of partition walls 99. The plurality of partition walls 99 are an example of a plurality of fifth walls and a plurality of walls. In each of the first walls 91, the plurality of partition walls 99 are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the first wall 91 extends. Note that the first wall 911 may not be divided into a plurality of partition walls 99 and may extend linearly between the end 91a and the end 91b.

[0069] The second wall 92 is disposed at a position farther away from the central axis Ax2 than the two first walls 91. The second wall 92 extends substantially in the X direction, crossing the center Cn of the PI pattern 90 in the circumferential direction.

[0070] The center Cn is approximately equal to the center of the PI pattern 90 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the center Cn is approximately equal to the center of the load beam 52 in the X direction and is also approximately equal to the center of the gimbal portion 65 in the X direction.

[0071] The second wall 92 extends between a vicinity of an end 91b of one first wall 91 and a vicinity of an end 91b of the other first wall 91. However, the second wall 92 is spaced apart from the two first walls 91. A gap G is provided between the end 92a of the second wall 92 and the end 91b of the first wall 91 in the X direction. That is, two gaps G are provided in the PI pattern 90.

[0072] The two first walls 91 and the second wall 92 are arranged in a substantially triangular shape. Therefore, a substantially triangular region Ri is provided inside the two first walls 91 and the second wall 92. The region Ri is a part of the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 that is surrounded by the two first walls 91 and the second wall 92. The region Ri communicates with the outside of the region Ri through the gap G.

[0073] The third wall 93 is provided in the region Ri. Therefore, the third wall 93 is located between the two first walls 91 and the second wall 92. The third wall 93 is at least partially located at the center Cn. In this embodiment, the third wall 93 extends substantially in the X direction across the center Cn. Note that the third wall 93 is not limited to this example, and may extend substantially in the Y direction at the center Cn, for example.

[0074] In the circumferential direction, the third wall 93 is shorter than the second wall 92. In other words, in the X direction, the third wall 93 is shorter than the second wall 92. Both end portions 93a of the third wall 93 are located between both end portions 92a of the second wall 92 in the X direction.

[0075] The third wall 93 is located near the second wall 92. Therefore, the distance between the second wall 92 and the third wall 93 is shorter than the distance between each of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93. The third wall 93 may be connected to the second wall 92.

[0076] The plurality of fourth walls 94 are provided in the region Ri and are spaced apart from the two first walls 91, the second wall 92, and the third wall 93. Furthermore, the plurality of fourth walls 94 are spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of fourth walls 94 is located near the two first walls 91 and extends along a corresponding one of the two first walls 91.

[0077] A gap Cl is provided between two adjacent ones of the plurality of fourth walls 94. Furthermore, a gap Cl is also provided between each of the plurality of fourth walls 94 and a corresponding one of the two first walls 91. Moreover, a gap Cl is also provided between two adjacent ones of the plurality of partition walls 99.

[0078] The gap Cl is relatively narrow and bent at multiple points. Therefore, when a fluid such as an adhesive before solidification flows into the gap Cl, resistance is generated in the flow of the fluid, and the fluid is restricted from passing through the gap Cl. That is, the first wall 91 and the fourth wall 94 form a labyrinth seal Ls by forming the gap Cl. In other words, the PI pattern 90 has a labyrinth seal Ls that restricts the passage of a fluid such as an adhesive before solidification in the gap Cl between the two first walls 91, the multiple fourth walls 94, and the multiple partition walls 99.

[0079] The base 95 is provided in the region Ri and is spaced apart in the -Y direction from the second wall 92 and the third wall 93. Therefore, the base 95 is located between the two first walls 91. As shown in Fig. 5, in the approximate Z direction perpendicular to the surface 61b of the backing plate 61, the thickness of the base 95 is smaller than the thickness of each of the two first walls 91 and smaller than the thickness of the second wall 92.

[0080] 6, the multiple protrusions 96 are provided in the region Ri and are spaced apart from the second wall 92 in the -Y direction. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 96 are located between the two first walls 91. Each of the protrusions 96 protrudes from the surface 61b of the backing plate 61. In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 96 are formed integrally with the base 95.

[0081] The multiple protrusions 96 are spaced apart from each other and from the two first walls 91, the second wall 92, and the multiple fourth walls 94. In this embodiment, each of the multiple protrusions 96 is cross-shaped. Note that the shape of the protrusions 96 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a hemispherical shape, a linear shape, or another shape. Note that the protrusions 96 are not limited to this example.

[0082] 4, each of the multiple HGAs 36 further includes two adhesives 101 and 102. The adhesive 101 is an example of a first adhesive and an adhesive. The adhesive 102 is an example of a second adhesive. The adhesives 101 and 102 attach the slider 46 to the flexure 53 of the suspension 45.

[0083] 5, the adhesive 101 adheres to the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 exposed by the exposure hole 76, and also adheres to the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81. In this way, the adhesive 101 adheres the slider 46 to the surface 61b of the backing plate 61. At least a portion of the adhesive 101 is present between the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 and the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81.

[0084] 6, the adhesive 101 is attached to the region Ri. Therefore, the PI pattern 90 surrounds at least a part of the adhesive 101. Specifically, a first wall 91 and a second wall 92 arranged in a substantially triangular shape surround at least a part of the adhesive 101.

[0085] The adhesive 101 spreads in a generally V-shape along the two first walls 91, the second wall 92, and the third wall 93. For example, the adhesive 101 has a first portion 105, a second portion 106, and a third portion 107.

[0086] The first portion 105 is located between the two first walls 91. In this embodiment, the first portion 105 is attached to at least one of the two first walls 91, attached to at least one of the plurality of fourth walls 94, attached to the base 95, and attached to the plurality of protrusions 96. The first portion 105 covers the base 95 and the plurality of protrusions 96.

[0087] The first portion 105 is partially interposed between the base 95 and the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81. In addition, the first portion 105 is partially interposed between the protrusions 96 and the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81. Therefore, the first portion 105 attaches the slider 46 to the base 95 and the multiple protrusions 96 of the flexure 53.

[0088] The second portion 106 protrudes from the first portion 105 in an oblique direction between the +X direction and the +Y direction. Therefore, the second portion 106 is located between one of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93. A part of the second portion 106 may protrude outside the region Ri through the gap G.

[0089] The third portion 107 protrudes from the first portion 105 in an oblique direction between the -X direction and the +Y direction. Therefore, the third portion 107 is located between the other of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93. A part of the third portion 107 may protrude outside the region Ri through the gap G.

[0090] The third wall 93 is located between the second portion 106 and the third portion 107. In other words, the second portion 106 and the third portion 107 are separated from each other in the X direction by the third wall 93.

[0091] The adhesive 101 has a recess 108 that opens toward the second wall 92. The recess 108 is located between the second portion 106 and the third portion 107. Note that a part of the adhesive 101 may cover the third wall 93 to connect the second portion 106 and the third portion 107.

[0092] In other words, the adhesive 101 has two extensions 109. The two extensions 109 extend toward each other toward the central axis Ax2. Each of the two extensions 109 has an end 109a in the -Y direction and an end 109b in the +Y direction. The end 109a is an example of a first end. The end 109b is an example of a second end.

[0093] One end 109a of the two extensions 109 and the other end 109a of the two extensions 109 are connected to each other. One end 109b of the two extensions 109 and the other end 109b of the two extensions 109 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In other words, the ends 109b of the two extensions 109 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. In this way, the two extensions 109 spread out in a substantially V-shape.

[0094] The third wall 93 is located between one end 109b of the two extension portions 109 and the other end 109b of the two extension portions 109. In other words, the one end 109b of the two extension portions 109 and the other end 109b of the two extension portions 109 are separated from each other in the X direction by the third wall 93.

[0095] The adhesive 101 is spaced apart from the multiple pads 75 in the -Y direction. In this embodiment, the second wall 92 is located between the multiple pads 75 and the adhesive 101. In addition, the third wall 93 is also located between the multiple pads 75 and the adhesive 101. Note that a part of the adhesive 101 may be located closer to the pad 75 than the second wall 92 and the third wall 93.

[0096] 4, the adhesive 102 is spaced in the -Y direction from the PI pattern 90 and the adhesive 101. For this reason, the adhesive 102 is closer to the central axis Ax2 than the PI pattern 90 and the adhesive 101.

[0097] The adhesive 102 adheres to the mounting portion 72 and also adheres to the attachment surface 81a of the slider body 81. As a result, the two adhesives 101, 102 individually adhere the slider 46 to the mounting portion 72 of the flexure 53. The volume of the adhesive 101 is larger than the volume of the adhesive 102. Note that the adhesive 102 may be omitted.

[0098] Below, some examples of mounting methods of the slider 46 will be described. Note that the mounting method of the slider 46 is not limited to the following method, and other methods may be used. First, for example, a dispenser applies adhesive 101 to the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 exposed by the exposure hole 76. FIG. 6 shows the adhesive 101 applied to the backing plate 61 imaginarily by a two-dot chain line. Furthermore, the dispenser applies adhesive 102 to the mounting portion 72. The adhesives 101, 102 may be applied to the attachment surface 81a of the slider body 81.

[0099] Next, for example, a mounter places the slider 46 on the flexure 53. As a result, the adhesives 101 and 102 are attached to the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81.

[0100] The mounter presses the slider 46 toward the flexure 53. As a result, a part of the adhesive 101 is crushed between the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 and the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81. Furthermore, another part of the adhesive 101 is crushed between the base 95 or the protrusion 96 and the mounting surface 81a. The adhesive 102 is crushed between the mounting portion 72 and the mounting surface 81a. The adhesives 101 and 102 spread along the mounting surface 81a.

[0101] A portion of the adhesive 101 spreads toward the pads 75. However, a third wall 93 is located between the adhesive 101 and the pads 75. Thus, when the adhesive 101 reaches the third wall 93, the third wall 93 stops or slows the flow of the adhesive 101 toward the pads 75.

[0102] A portion of the adhesive 101 spreads in the X direction along the third wall 93. Another portion of the adhesive 101 spreads toward the gap G. However, the second wall 92 is located between the adhesive 101 and the pad 75. Therefore, when the adhesive 101 reaches the second wall 92, the second wall 92 stops or slows down the flow of the adhesive 101 toward the pad 75.

[0103] The adhesive 101 is applied to the center Cn of the PI pattern 90 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, a portion of the adhesive 101 located at the center Cn approaches the pad 75 earlier than the other portion. However, the third wall 93 stops or slows the flow of the adhesive 101 along the center Cn. Therefore, the third wall 93 prevents the adhesive 101 from reaching the pad 75 along the center Cn.

[0104] A part of the adhesive 101 may reach the gap G or flow out from the gap G to the outside of the PI pattern 90. The volume of the adhesive 101 is set so as to prevent the adhesive 101 from reaching the pad 75 even if the adhesive 101 flows out from the gap G to the outside of the PI pattern 90.

[0105] The space between the base 95 and the mounting surface 81a of the slider body 81 is narrower than the space between the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 and the mounting surface 81a. Therefore, a portion of the adhesive 101 attached to the base 95 flows into the relatively wide space between the surface 61b and the mounting surface 81a. In other words, at least a portion of the adhesive 101 attached to the base 95 flows toward the multiple pads 75. The flow of the adhesive 101 is stopped or delayed by the third wall 93 and the second wall 92 as described above.

[0106] Another part of the adhesive 101 attached to the base 95 flows toward the central axis Ax2. However, a plurality of fourth walls 94 are located between the adhesive 101 and the central axis Ax2. Therefore, when the adhesive 101 reaches the fourth walls 94, the fourth walls 94 stop or slow down the flow of the adhesive 101 toward the central axis Ax2.

[0107] A part of the adhesive 101 flows into the gap Cl. In this case, the adhesive 101 in the gap Cl is less likely to pass through the gap Cl. That is, the labyrinth seal Ls stops or slows the flow of the adhesive 101, which is a fluid, before it solidifies.

[0108] The adhesive 101 attached to the multiple protrusions 96 tends to remain on the surfaces of the protrusions 96 due to, for example, surface tension. Also, a part of the cross-shaped protrusion 96 extends in a direction intersecting the flow of the adhesive 101. Therefore, the protrusions 96 stop or slow down the flow of the adhesive 101.

[0109] As described above, the PI pattern 90 restricts the adhesive 101 from flowing toward the pad 75 and the central axis Ax2. On the other hand, the PI pattern 90 allows the adhesive 101 to flow toward the two gaps G. Therefore, a larger portion of the adhesive 101 spreads in the approximate X direction near the second wall 92 and the third wall 93.

[0110] Next, multiple solders S (solder paste) are applied to the electrodes of the head element 82 and the pads 75 by, for example, a dispenser. Next, the slider 46 and the flexure 53 are heated, whereby the adhesives 101, 102 are hardened and the solder S joins the electrodes of the head element 82 to the pads 75. In this manner, the slider 46 is mounted on the flexure 53.

[0111] In the HDD 10 according to the present embodiment described above, the adhesive 101 attaches the slider 46 to the suspension 45. The flexure 53 of the suspension 45 has a backing plate 61, a surface 61b of the backing plate 61 to which the adhesive 101 is attached, and a PI pattern 90 provided on the surface 61b and surrounding at least a part of the adhesive 101. The PI pattern 90 has two first walls 91, a second wall 92, and a third wall 93. The two first walls 91 extend toward the central axis Ax2 of the carriage 35 so as to approach each other. The second wall 92 extends across a center Cn of the PI pattern 90 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax2 at a position farther away from the central axis Ax2 than the two first walls 91, and is spaced apart from the two first walls 91. The third wall 93 is at least partially located at the center Cn of the PI pattern 90 in the circumferential direction, between the two first walls 91 and the second wall 92, and is shorter in the circumferential direction than the second wall 92. The distance between the second wall 92 and the third wall 93 is shorter than the distance between each of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93.

[0112] When the slider 46 is attached to the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 by the adhesive 101, the adhesive 101 is compressed and spread between the slider 46 and the surface 61b. The PI pattern 90 limits the spread of the adhesive 101. That is, the PI pattern 90 suppresses the adhesive 101 from spreading beyond the PI pattern 90. Generally, if the adhesive 101 for fixing the slider 46 spreads widely, the slider 46 is firmly attached to the flexure 53, but the resonance characteristics (e.g., frequency response) of the slider 46 deteriorate. In the HDD 10 of this embodiment, the spread of the adhesive 101 is limited, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the resonance characteristics of the slider 46. Furthermore, the adhesive 101 adheres to the PI pattern 90, so that the adhesion area between the adhesive 101 and the flexure 53 is increased. Therefore, the slider 46 is more firmly attached to the flexure 53, and thus, the slider 46 can be prevented from falling off the flexure 53. This improves the durability of the slider 46 against shocks in the HDD 10. Furthermore, the HDD 10 makes it easier to mount the slider 46 during manufacturing, thereby improving yields.

[0113] Because the space between the two first walls 91 narrows toward the central axis Ax2, the adhesive 101 flows toward the second wall 92. In general, the more the adhesive 101 that fixes the slider 46 is present near the trailing end 81c of the slider 46, the better the resonance characteristics of the slider 46. In the HDD 10 of this embodiment, the adhesive 101 flows toward the trailing end 81c of the slider 46, thereby preventing the resonance characteristics of the slider 46 from deteriorating.

[0114] The adhesive 101 at the center Cn in the circumferential direction approaches the second wall 92 before the adhesive 101 at both ends in the circumferential direction. However, the third wall 93 located at the center Cn of the PI pattern 90 in the circumferential direction prevents the adhesive 101 from flowing. Therefore, the adhesive 101 is branched by the third wall 93 and flows toward the gap G between the first wall 91 and the second wall 92. That is, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can prevent the adhesive 101 at the center Cn in the circumferential direction from spreading beyond the second wall 92 and the third wall 93. As described above, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can prevent the resonance characteristics of the slider 46 from deteriorating.

[0115] In addition, the second wall 92 is separated from the two first walls 91, and a gap G is provided in the PI pattern 90. This allows the adhesive 101 to flow out from the space inside the PI pattern 90 to the outside. Therefore, the HDD 10 can suppress the variation in the amount of adhesive 101 from causing the variation in the distance between the surface 61b of the backing plate 61 and the slider 46.

[0116] The PI pattern 90 has a plurality of fourth walls 94 and a labyrinth seal Ls. The plurality of fourth walls 94 are spaced apart from the two first walls 91, the second wall 92, and the third wall 93, and are spaced apart from each other. The labyrinth seal Ls restricts the passage of the adhesive (e.g., the adhesive 101 before solidification) at the interval Cl between the two first walls 91 and the plurality of fourth walls 94. This allows the adhesive 101 to easily flow toward the second wall 92. In the HDD 10 of this embodiment, the adhesive 101 flows toward the trailing end 81c of the slider 46, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the resonance characteristics of the slider 46.

[0117] Each of the two first walls 91 has a plurality of partition walls 99 spaced apart from each other. The labyrinth seal Ls restricts the passage of the adhesive at the intervals Cl between the two first walls 91, the plurality of fourth walls 94, and the plurality of partition walls 99. This allows the adhesive 101 to easily flow toward the second wall 92.

[0118] The flexure 53 has a plurality of pads 75 bonded to the slider 46. The second wall 92 is located between the adhesive 101 and the plurality of pads 75. This allows the second wall 92 to prevent the adhesive 101 from reaching the plurality of pads 75.

[0119] The third wall 93 is located between the adhesive 101 and the multiple pads 75. The third wall 93 impedes the flow of the adhesive 101 and branches the adhesive 101. This allows the third wall 93 to suppress a portion of the adhesive 101 at the center Cn in the circumferential direction from spreading beyond the second wall 92.

[0120] The adhesive 101 has a first portion 105, a second portion 106, and a third portion 107. The first portion 105 is located between the two first walls 91. The second portion 106 protrudes from the first portion 105 and is located between one of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93. The third portion 107 protrudes from the first portion 105 and is located between the other of the two first walls 91 and the third wall 93. The third wall 93 is located between the second portion 106 and the third portion 107. That is, the PI pattern 90 forms the adhesive 101 in a substantially V-shape tapered toward the central axis Ax2. As a result, the PI pattern 90 can arrange a larger portion of the adhesive 101 in the vicinity of the outflow end 81c of the slider 46 and can suppress the adhesive 101 from spreading beyond the second wall 92.

[0121] The adhesive 102 is spaced apart from the adhesive 101 and the PI pattern 90 and is closer to the central axis Ax2 than the adhesive 101 and the PI pattern 90, and attaches the slider 46 to the suspension 45. This allows the slider 46 to be attached to the suspension 45 more firmly, and thus prevents the slider 46 from falling off the flexure 53.

[0122] The volume of the adhesive 101 is larger than the volume of the adhesive 102. This results in a relatively small spread of the adhesive 102. Therefore, the adhesive 102 can suppress the resonance characteristics of the slider 46 from deteriorating.

[0123] The PI pattern 90 has a plurality of protrusions 96. The plurality of protrusions 96 protrude from the surface 61b between the two first walls 91. As a result, the plurality of protrusions 96 restrict the adhesive 101 from flowing toward the two first walls 91. Therefore, the adhesive 101 is more likely to flow toward the second wall 92.

[0124] Each of the multiple protrusions 96 is cross-shaped. Therefore, at least a part of the protrusions 96 extends in a direction intersecting the flow of the adhesive 101. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 96 can restrict the flow of the adhesive 101 more effectively.

[0125] The PI pattern 90 has a base 95. The base 95 is located between the two first walls 91 and is spaced apart from the second wall 92. In the Z direction perpendicular to the surface 61b, the thickness of the base 95 is smaller than the thickness of each of the two first walls 91. That is, the base 95 makes the space between the base 95 and the slider 46 narrower than the space between the surface 61b and the slider 46. This makes it easier for the adhesive 101 to flow toward the second wall 92.

[0126] The flexure 53 has a base layer 62 provided on the surface 61b, a cover layer 63 covering the base layer 62, and a conductive layer 64 located between the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63. The PI pattern 90 is included in at least one of the base layer 62 and the cover layer 63. As a result, the PI pattern 90 is formed in at least one of the steps of forming the base layer 62 and forming the cover layer 63. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can prevent an increase in the number of manufacturing steps, and can be easily manufactured.

[0127] The adhesive 101 attaches the slider 46 to the suspension 45. The flexure 53 of the suspension 45 has a backing plate 61, a surface 61b of the backing plate 61 to which the adhesive 101 is attached, and a PI pattern 90 provided on the surface 61b and surrounding at least a part of the adhesive 101. The adhesive 101 has two extensions 109 that extend toward each other toward the central axis Ax2 of the carriage 35. Each of the two extensions 109 has an end 109a and an end 109b that is farther away from the central axis Ax2 than the end 109a. One end 109a and the other end 109a of the two extensions 109 are connected to each other. One end 109b and the other end 109b of the two extensions 109 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax2.

[0128] The adhesive 101 is formed in a generally V-shape tapered toward the central axis Ax2. As a result, a larger portion of the adhesive 101 is disposed near the outflow end 81c of the slider 46. The PI pattern 90 also limits the spread of the adhesive 101. As a result, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can prevent the resonance characteristics of the slider 46 from deteriorating. Furthermore, by the adhesive 101 adhering to the PI pattern 90, the slider 46 is more firmly attached to the flexure 53, and thus can be prevented from falling off the flexure 53.

[0129] A part of the PI pattern 90 (the third wall 93) is located between one end 109b and the other end 109b of the two extensions 109. That is, the PI pattern 90 forms the adhesive 101 into a substantially V-shape tapered toward the central axis Ax2. This enables the PI pattern 90 to dispose a larger portion of the adhesive 101 in the vicinity of the outflow end of the slider 46, and also prevents the adhesive 101 from spreading beyond the second wall 92.

[0130] The PI pattern 90 has a plurality of walls (a first wall 91, a fourth wall 94, and a dividing wall 99) spaced apart from one another, and a labyrinth seal Ls. The labyrinth seal Ls limits the passage of the adhesive at the intervals Cl between the plurality of walls. This allows the HDD 10 to guide the spread of the adhesive 101 in a desired direction. Note that the direction in which the labyrinth seal Ls guides the spread of the adhesive 101 is not limited to the direction in this embodiment.

[0131] 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]

[0132] 10...hard disk drive (HDD), 12...magnetic disk, 35...carriage, 45...suspension, 46...slider, 51...base plate, 52...load beam, 53...flexure, 61...backing plate, 61b...surface, 62...base layer, 63...cover layer, 64...conductive layer, 75...pad, 90...PI pattern, 91...first wall, 91a, 91b...end, 92...second wall, 93...third wall, 94...fourth wall, 95...base, 96...projection, 99...dividing wall, 101, 102...adhesive, 105...first portion, 106...second portion, 107...third portion, 109...extension, 109a, 109b...end, Ax2...center axis, Cn...center, Cl...spacing, Ls...labyrinth seal.

Claims

1. A magnetic disk; a slider configured to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk; a carriage configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a suspension attached to the carriage; a first adhesive that attaches the slider to the suspension; Equipped with the suspension includes a base plate attached to the carriage, a load beam attached to the base plate, and a flexure attached to the load beam; the flexure includes a metal plate, an outer surface of the metal plate to which the first adhesive is attached, and an insulator provided on the outer surface and surrounding at least a portion of the first adhesive; the insulator has two first walls extending toward each other toward the rotation axis, a second wall extending across a center of the insulator in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis at a position farther away from the rotation axis than the two first walls and farther away from the two first walls, and a third wall located at least partially in a center of the insulator in the circumferential direction, located between the two first walls and the second wall, and shorter than the second wall in the circumferential direction, a distance between the second wall and the third wall is shorter than a distance between each of the two first walls and the third wall; Disk device.

2. the insulator has a plurality of fourth walls spaced apart from the two first walls, the second wall, and the third wall and spaced apart from each other; and a labyrinth seal configured to restrict passage of adhesive in spaces between the two first walls and the plurality of fourth walls.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the two first walls has a plurality of fifth walls spaced apart from one another; the labyrinth seal is configured to limit the passage of adhesive in spaces between the two first walls, the plurality of fourth walls, and the plurality of fifth walls; 3. The disk device according to claim 2.

4. the flexure has a plurality of pads joined to the slider, the second wall is located between the first adhesive and the plurality of pads.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

5. the third wall is located between the first adhesive and the plurality of pads.

5. The disk device according to claim 4.

6. the first adhesive has a first portion located between the two first walls, a second portion protruding from the first portion and located between one of the two first walls and the third wall, and a third portion protruding from the first portion and located between the other of the two first walls and the third wall, the third wall is located between the second portion and the third portion.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

7. a second adhesive spaced apart from the first adhesive and the insulator and closer to the rotation axis than the first adhesive and the insulator, the second adhesive attaching the slider to the suspension; 2. The disk drive of claim 1, further comprising:

8. The volume of the first adhesive is greater than the volume of the second adhesive.

8. The disk device according to claim 7.

9. the insulator has a plurality of projections extending from the outer surface between the two first walls; 2. The disk device according to claim 1.

10. Each of the plurality of protrusions is cross-shaped.

10. The disk device according to claim 9.

11. the insulator has a sixth wall located between the two first walls and spaced apart from the second wall; a thickness of the sixth wall in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface is smaller than a thickness of each of the two first walls; 2. The disk device according to claim 1.

12. the flexure has a first insulating layer provided on the outer surface, a second insulating layer covering the first insulating layer, and a conductive layer located between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, The insulator is included in at least one of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

13. A magnetic disk; a slider configured to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk; a carriage configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a suspension attached to the carriage; an adhesive that attaches the slider to the suspension; Equipped with the suspension includes a base plate attached to the carriage, a load beam attached to the base plate, and a flexure attached to the load beam; the flexure includes a metal plate, an outer surface of the metal plate to which the adhesive is attached, and an insulator provided on the outer surface and surrounding at least a portion of the adhesive; The adhesive has two extending portions that extend toward each other toward the rotation shaft, Each of the two extensions has a first end and a second end that is farther away from the rotation axis than the first end, The first end of one of the two extensions and the first end of the other of the two extensions are connected to each other, The second end portion of one of the two extension portions and the second end portion of the other of the two extension portions are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis. Disk device.

14. a portion of the insulator is located between the second end of one of the two extensions and the second end of the other of the two extensions; The disk drive according to claim 13.

15. A magnetic disk; a slider configured to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk; a carriage configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a suspension attached to the carriage; an adhesive that attaches the slider to the suspension; Equipped with the suspension includes a base plate attached to the carriage, a load beam attached to the base plate, and a flexure attached to the load beam; the flexure includes a metal plate, an outer surface of the metal plate to which the adhesive is attached, and an insulator provided on the outer surface and surrounding at least a portion of the adhesive; the insulator having a plurality of spaced apart walls and a labyrinth seal configured to limit the passage of adhesive in spaces between the plurality of walls. Disk device.

Images