Suspension assembly and disk device

The suspension assembly in HDDs addresses the challenge of achieving consistent magnetic head tilt by using a support plate with regions of different heights, allowing for stable and reliable operation.

JP2025043657APending Publication Date: 2025-04-01KK TOSHIBA +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023151076
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-19
Publication Date
2025-04-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing suspension assemblies in hard disk drives (HDDs) face challenges in consistently achieving the desired tilt of the magnetic head during loading operations, leading to potential contact with the recording medium.

Method used

The suspension assembly incorporates a support plate with a head mounting surface and regions of different heights, featuring a wiring member and a slider with a medium-facing surface. The magnetic head is inclined so that its medium-facing surface is lowered to a second region, allowing for stable tilt adjustment.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables stable and consistent tilt of the magnetic head, reducing the risk of contact with the magnetic disk during loading operations and enhancing the reliability of the HDD.

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Abstract

To provide a suspension assembly capable of stably providing tilt for a magnetic head and a disk device having the same.SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, a suspension assembly includes: a wiring member provided on a support plate and having the support plate, a head mounting surface, and a support convex portion provided on the head mounting surface and including a first region having a first height and a second region having a second height lower than the first height; and a magnetic head that includes a slider having a mounting surface and a medium facing surface facing the mounting surface, and a head portion provided on the slider, in which the mounting surface is fixed to the head mounting surface overlapped on the support convex portion, and the medium facing surface is tilted so that second region side is lower than the head mounting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a suspension assembly and a disk drive including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] As a disk device, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) comprises a plurality of magnetic disks rotatably arranged within a housing, a plurality of magnetic heads for reading and writing information from and to the magnetic disks, and a head actuator for supporting the magnetic heads movably relative to the magnetic disks. The head actuator has a suspension with a displaceable gimbal portion. The magnetic heads are mounted on the slider mounting surface of the gimbal portion. In addition, the HDD typically comprises a ramp load mechanism for holding the magnetic heads in an unload position when the HDD is not in operation. When the HDD is in operation, the magnetic heads are moved from the ramp of the ramp load mechanism to a load position on the magnetic disks.

[0003] In HDDs equipped with a ramp load mechanism, the attitude of the magnetic head needs to be tilted slightly in the roll direction during loading to reduce the risk of contact between the magnetic head and the recording medium during loading. For this reason, the gimbal part of the suspension is bent so that the slider mounting surface is tilted in the roll direction. However, in bending where the bending direction is tilted toward the roll direction, the average value is likely to deviate from the target value, making it difficult to obtain the desired tilt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 10,720,179 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 9,953,666 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,619 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a suspension assembly capable of stably providing tilt of a magnetic head, and a disk drive including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, a suspension assembly includes a support plate, a head mounting surface, a first region having a first height and a second region having a second height lower than the first height, and a support protrusion provided on the head mounting surface, a wiring member provided on the support plate, a slider having a mounting surface and a medium facing surface facing the mounting surface, and a head portion provided on the slider, the mounting surface being placed on the support protrusion and fixed to the head mounting surface, and the medium facing surface being inclined so that the side of the second region is lower than the head mounting surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hard disk drive (HDD) according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an actuator assembly of the HDD. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an actuator assembly installation area of ​​the HDD. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one head suspension assembly of the actuator assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the head suspension assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a tip portion of the head suspension assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a tip portion of the head suspension assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the magnetic head and the head support part, (b) is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 9] 9A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a second embodiment, FIG. 9B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 9C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 10] 10A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 10C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 11] 11A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 11B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 11C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 12] 12A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a fifth embodiment, FIG. 12B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 12C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 13] 13A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a sixth embodiment, FIG. 13B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 13C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 14] 14A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a seventh embodiment, FIG. 14B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 14C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 15] 15A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to an eighth embodiment, FIG. 15B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 15C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). [Figure 16]16A is a plan view showing a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a ninth embodiment, FIG. 16B is a side view seen from the Y direction (roll direction), and FIG. 16C is a side view seen from the X direction (pitch direction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A disk device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that are within the spirit of the invention and that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may be shown in schematic form in terms of the size, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous drawings may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) As a disk device, a hard disk drive (HDD) according to a first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an HDD according to a first embodiment with a top cover removed. As shown in the figure, the HDD has a rectangular housing 10. The housing 10 has a rectangular box-shaped base 12 with an open top, and a top cover (not shown). The base 12 has a rectangular bottom wall 12a and a side wall 12b standing along the periphery of the bottom wall 12a, and is integrally molded from aluminum, for example. The top cover is formed into a rectangular plate shape from stainless steel, for example, and is screwed onto the side wall 12b of the base 12 with a plurality of screws.

[0010] In the housing 10, a plurality of magnetic disks 18 are provided as disk-shaped recording media, and a spindle motor 19 that supports and rotates the magnetic disks 18. The spindle motor 19 is disposed on the bottom wall 12a. Each magnetic disk 18 has a substrate formed in a disk shape having a diameter of 95 mm (3.5 inches) and made of a non-magnetic material, such as glass or aluminum, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the upper surface (first surface) and lower surface (second surface) of the substrate. The magnetic disks 18 are coaxially fitted to a hub (not shown) of the spindle motor 19, and are further clamped by a clamp spring 20. As a result, the magnetic disks 18 are supported in a state in which they are positioned parallel to the bottom wall 12a of the base 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 18 are rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the spindle motor 19. In this embodiment, for example, four magnetic disks 18 are arranged inside the housing 10, but the number of magnetic disks 18 is not limited to this, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0011] Within the housing 10 are provided a plurality of magnetic heads 17 which record and reproduce information on the magnetic disks 18, and an actuator assembly 22 which supports these magnetic heads 17 so that they can move freely relative to the magnetic disks 18. Also provided within the housing 10 are a voice coil motor (VCM) 24 which rotates and positions the actuator assembly 22, a ramp load mechanism 25 which holds the magnetic heads 17 at an unload position separated from the magnetic disks 18 when the magnetic heads 17 move to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disks 18, and a board unit (FPC unit) 21 on which electronic components such as a conversion connector are mounted. A printed circuit board (not shown) is screwed to the outer surface of the bottom wall 12a of the base 12. The printed circuit board configures a control unit that controls the operation of the spindle motor 19 and also controls the operation of the VCM 24 and the magnetic head 17 via the board unit 21.

[0012] 2 is a perspective view showing the actuator assembly 22. As shown in the figure, the actuator assembly 22 includes an actuator block 29 having a through hole 26, a bearing unit (unit bearing) 28 provided in the through hole 26, a plurality of arms 32 (for example, five arms) extending from the actuator block 29, a suspension assembly 30 attached to each arm 32, and a magnetic head 17 supported by the suspension assembly 30. The actuator block 29 is supported by the bearing unit 28 so as to be rotatable around a support shaft (pivot) 31 erected on the bottom wall 12a.

[0013] In this embodiment, the actuator block 29 and the five arms 32 are integrally formed from aluminum or the like to form a so-called E block. The arms 32 are formed, for example, in the shape of a long, thin plate, and extend from the actuator block 29 in a direction perpendicular to the support shaft 31. The five arms 32 are provided in parallel with gaps between each other. The actuator assembly 22 has a support frame 33 extending from the actuator block 29 in the opposite direction to the arm 32. A voice coil 35 constituting a part of the VCM 24 is supported by the support frame 33. As shown in Fig. 1, the voice coil 35 is located between a pair of yokes 37, one of which is fixed to the base 12, and constitutes the VCM 24 together with these yokes 37 and magnets fixed to the yokes.

[0014] 2, the actuator assembly 22 includes eight suspension assemblies 30, each supporting a magnetic head 17. These suspension assemblies 30 are attached to the tip 32a of each arm 32. The suspension assemblies 30 include an up-head suspension assembly that supports the magnetic head 17 facing upward, and a down-head suspension assembly that supports the magnetic head 17 facing downward. The up-head suspension assembly and the down-head suspension assembly are formed by arranging suspension assemblies 30 of the same structure with the up-down orientation changed. 2, in this embodiment, the down head suspension assembly 30 is attached to the uppermost arm 32, and the up head suspension assembly 30 is attached to the lowermost arm 32. The up head suspension assembly 30 and the down head suspension assembly 30 are attached to each of the three intermediate arms 32.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the area of ​​the HDD on the actuator assembly side. 1 and 3, with the actuator assembly 22 and the FPC unit 21 assembled into the base 12, the actuator assembly 22 is supported rotatably around a support shaft 31. The support shaft 31 is erected on the bottom wall 12a of the base 12. Each magnetic disk 18 is positioned between two suspension assemblies 30. The board unit 21 integrally includes a substantially rectangular base portion 58, a long and narrow strip-like relay portion 57 extending from the base portion 58, and a wiring board 51 provided continuously with the tip of the relay portion 57. The base portion 58, the relay portion 57, and the wiring board 51 are formed of a flexible printed wiring board (FPC). The base portion 58 is disposed on the bottom wall 12a of the base 12, and the wiring board 51 is attached to the installation surface of the actuator block 29.

[0016] The ramp load mechanism 25 has a ramp 60 installed on the base 12 and a tab 40 that can engage with the ramp 60. As described above, the tab 40 is provided at the tip of the load beam 38 of the suspension assembly 30. The ramp 60 is fixed to the bottom wall 12a of the base 12, and is located near the peripheral edge of the magnetic disk 18. The ramp 60 has a ramp body 62 formed in a block shape. Eight guide surfaces (guide portions) 64 that support and guide the tabs 40 provided on the eight suspension assemblies 30 are formed on one side of the ramp body 62.

[0017] 3, the direction radially inward toward the center of the magnetic disk 18 is defined as the inward direction ID, and the direction radially outward is defined as the outward direction OD. When the HDD is in operation, the actuator assembly 22 is rotated in the inward direction ID around the support shaft 31 by the VCM 24, and the magnetic heads 17 are moved to desired seek positions while facing the surfaces of the magnetic disks 18. When the HDD is not in operation, the actuator assembly 22 is rotated in the outward direction OD to an unload position where the magnetic heads 17 are positioned outside the outermost circumference of the magnetic disks 18, and the tabs 40 of the suspension assemblies 30 ride on the guide surfaces 64 of the corresponding ramps 60. As a result, the magnetic heads 17 are held in the unload position away from the magnetic disks 18 by the ramps 60.

[0018] Next, an example of the suspension assembly 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the suspension assembly, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the suspension assembly, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the tip portion of the suspension assembly. 4 and 5, each suspension assembly 30 has a suspension 34 extending from an arm 32, and the magnetic head 17 is attached to the tip of this suspension 34. The magnetic head 17 and the suspension assembly 30 that supports it are collectively referred to as a head suspension assembly. The suspension 34, which functions as a support plate, has a rectangular base plate 36 made of a metal plate several hundred microns thick, and a long, thin, leaf-spring-like load beam 38 made of a metal plate several tens of microns thick. The base end of the load beam 38 is placed over the tip end of the base plate 36, and is fixed to the base plate 36 by welding at a number of points. The tip end of the load beam 38 constitutes the tip end of the support plate, and the base end of the load beam 38 and the base plate 36 constitute the base end of the support plate. The width of the base end of the load beam 38 is formed to be substantially equal to the width of the base plate 36. A rod-shaped tab 40 protrudes from the tip of the load beam 38.

[0019] The base plate 36 has a circular opening 36a at its base end and an annular protrusion 36b located around the opening 36a. The base plate 36 is fastened to the tip end 32a of the arm 32 by fitting the protrusion 36b into a circular crimping hole (not shown) formed in the crimping seat surface of the arm 32 and crimping the protrusion 36b. The base end of the base plate 36 may be fixed to the tip end 32a of the arm 32 by laser welding, spot welding, or adhesive bonding. The suspension assembly 30 has a long and thin strip-shaped flexure (wiring member) 42 for transmitting a recording signal, a reproducing signal, and a driving signal for the piezoelectric element, and a pair of piezoelectric elements (e.g., PZT elements) 50 mounted on the flexure 42. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the flexure 42 has a tip side portion 42a disposed on the load beam 38 and the base plate 36, a base side portion 42b extending outward from the side edge of the base plate 36 and extending along the side edge of the arm 32 to the actuator block 29, and a connection end portion 42c extending from the base side portion 42b. The connection end portion 42c has a plurality of connection pads (electrode pads) 43 arranged side by side. These connection pads 43 are electrically connected to connection terminals of a wiring board 51 mounted on the actuator block 29.

[0020] 4 and 5, the tip of the flexure 42 is located on the tip of the load beam 38 and constitutes a gimbal portion 44 that functions as an elastic support portion. The magnetic head 17 is placed on and fixed to the gimbal portion 44, and is supported by the load beam 38 via the gimbal portion 44. A pair of piezoelectric elements 50 serving as driving elements are mounted on the gimbal portion 44 and disposed in the vicinity of the magnetic head 17.

[0021] The flexure 42 has a thin metal plate (metal plate) 46 such as stainless steel as a base, and a strip-shaped laminate member (flexible printed circuit board: FPC) 48 attached or fixed on the thin metal plate 46, forming a long and narrow laminate plate. The laminate member (FPC) 48 has a base insulating layer (first insulating layer) most of which is fixed to the thin metal plate 46, a conductive layer (wiring pattern) formed on the base insulating layer and constituting a plurality of signal wirings, drive wirings, and a plurality of connection pads, and a cover insulating layer (second insulating layer) laminated on the base insulating layer to cover the conductive layer. At the tip side portion 42a of the flexure 42, the thin metal plate 46 is attached to the surfaces of the load beam 38 and the base plate 36, or spot-welded at a plurality of welding points.

[0022] In the gimbal portion 44, the metal sheet 46 is integrally provided with a substantially rectangular tongue portion (support portion) 44a located at the tip side, a substantially rectangular base end portion 44b located at the base end side with a space between the tongue portion 44a, and a pair of elastically deformable outriggers (link portions) 44c each connecting the base end portion 44b and the tongue portion 44a. The fixing pad portion 44e is located between the connecting frame 44d and the tongue portion 44a.

[0023] 4, 5, and 6, the tongue portion 44a is formed in a size and shape that allows the magnetic head 17 to be placed thereon, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape. That is, one surface of the tongue portion 44a constitutes a head mounting surface (hereinafter referred to as the mounting surface) MS on which the magnetic head 17 is mounted. The tongue portion 44a is disposed so that its central axis in the width direction coincides with the central axis C of the suspension 34 (see FIG. 6). Support protrusions (sometimes referred to as standoffs) ST1 and ST2, which will be described later, are provided on the mounting surface MS. The other surface (back surface) of the tongue portion 44a is in contact with a dimple 47 protruding from the tip of the load beam 38 at approximately its center. The tongue portion 44a can be displaced in various directions with the dimple 47 as a fulcrum due to elastic deformation of the pair of outriggers 44c. This allows the tongue portion 44a and the magnetic head 17 mounted on the tongue portion 44a to flexibly follow surface fluctuations of the magnetic disk 18 and displace in the roll direction or pitch direction, thereby maintaining a minute gap between the surface of the magnetic disk 18 and the magnetic head 17.

[0024] In the gimbal portion 44, the laminated member 48 of the flexure 42 is disposed on the metal plate 46 and extends from the base end 44b to above the tongue portion 44a along the central axis C1. That is, the laminated member 48 has a base end 48a attached onto the base end 44b, a tip end 48b attached to the tongue portion 44a, and a pair of band-shaped bridge portions 48c extending in a bifurcated manner from the base end 48a to the tip end 48b. A plurality of connection pads (electrode pads) 54 are provided on the tip portion 48b in a line in the width direction. A plurality of connection pads (electrode pads) 55 for connecting the piezoelectric elements 50 are also provided on the tip portion 48b. The laminated member 48 has a plurality of signal wirings W1 that extend from the connection pads 54 around both side edges of the tip portion 48b to the base end portion 48a side, and a plurality of drive wirings W2 that extend from the connection pads 55 to the base end portion 48a side. These signal wirings W1 and drive wirings W2 extend over substantially the entire length of the laminated member 48 and are connected to the connection pads 43 of the connection end portion 42c.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a head mounting portion at the tip of the suspension assembly. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the magnetic head 17 has a substantially rectangular head slider 17a and a head section 16 provided on the head slider 17a. The head section 16 has a recording element (write head), a read element (read head), a heater, and the like, which are configured by laminating metal films. The head slider 17a has an upper surface (medium-facing surface or air bearing surface (ABS)) 17b facing the surface of the magnetic disk 18, a back surface (corresponding to a mounting surface) 17c on the opposite side, an outflow end 17d located on the tip side of the load beam 38, and an inflow end 17e that enters the base end side of the load beam 38. The head section 16 is provided at the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. The magnetic head 17 has a plurality of connection pads PT provided at the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. These connection pads PT are electrically connected to the recording element, read element, heater, and the like of the head section 16.

[0026] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c of the head slider 17a facing the mounting surface MS of the tongue 44a, and is fixed to the tongue 44a with an adhesive Ad. The magnetic head 17 is arranged so that the central axis of the longitudinal direction X coincides with the central axis C of the suspension 34, and the approximate center of the magnetic head 17 is located on the dimple 47. At the same time, the back surface 17c of the head slider 17a abuts against the two support protrusions ST1 and ST2, and the head slider 17a is supported by the support protrusions ST1 and ST2. That is, the back surface 17c of the slider 17a is spaced (standoff) from the mounting surface MS by the height of the support protrusions ST1 and ST2. The support protrusions ST1 and ST2 are formed using the first insulating layer, the conductive layer, and the second insulating layer that constitute the laminated member (FPC) 48. The connection pads PT of the magnetic head 17 are electrically connected to a plurality of connection pads 54 on the tip portion 48b by a conductive adhesive Sd (see FIG. 7) such as solder or silver paste. As a result, the magnetic head 17 is connected to the signal wiring W1 of the laminate member 48 via the connection pads 54.

[0027] 6, the pair of piezoelectric elements 50 are, for example, rectangular plate-shaped thin film piezoelectric elements (PZT elements). The piezoelectric elements 50 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction (expansion / contraction direction) is parallel to the central axis C1 of the suspension 34. The two piezoelectric elements 50 are arranged on both sides of the width direction Y of the magnetic head 17, and are arranged parallel to each other. Both longitudinal ends of each piezoelectric element 50 are mounted and electrically connected to connection pads 55 of the tip portion 48b. As a result, the piezoelectric elements 50 are connected to the drive wiring W2 of the laminated member 48 via the connection pads 55. The piezoelectric element 50 is not limited to a PZT element, and other piezoelectric elements may be used. Furthermore, the driving element is not limited to a piezoelectric element, and other driving elements that can expand and contract when a current is applied may be used.

[0028] Next, the mounting structure of the magnetic head 17 will be described in detail. In Figure 8, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the magnetic head and the head support part, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). As shown in the figure, according to this embodiment, two supporting protrusions ST1 and ST2 are provided on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. As described above, the supporting protrusions ST1 and ST2 are formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape by the insulating layer and the conductive layer in the same layer as the laminate member (FPC) 48.

[0029] The support protrusions ST1 and ST2 corresponding to the first and second support protrusions are provided at positions facing two corners on the outflow end 17d side of the head slider 17a. The support protrusions ST1 and ST2 are arranged side by side in the width direction Y (roll direction Y) and spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y. The support protrusions ST1 and ST2 are provided on both sides of the central axis C in the width direction Y. The heights d1 and d2 (heights in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface MS) of the support protrusions ST1 and ST2 are different from each other. The height (second height) d2 of the support protrusion ST2 located on the inner direction ID side is smaller (lower) than the height (first height) d1 of the support protrusion ST1 located on the outer direction OD side (d1>d2). The difference between the heights d1 and d2 (d1-d2) is set to a value that gives the head slider 17a a desired tilt angle θ.

[0030] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. Two corners of the back surface 17c of the head slider 17a on the trailing end 17d side are in contact with the support protrusions ST1 and ST2. That is, the two corners of the head slider 17a on the trailing end 17d side are placed on and supported by the support protrusions ST1 and ST2. The head slider 17a is bonded to the tongue 44a by an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0031] By placing the magnetic head 17 on the support protrusions ST1 and ST2 having different heights, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined at the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18. The inclination angle θ can be set preferably in the range of -1 to +1 deg, and is set to -0.2 deg in one example. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of the magnetic head 17 coming into contact with the surface of the magnetic disk when the magnetic head 17 is moved in the inward direction ID and loaded onto the surface of the magnetic disk 18 from the ramp 60.

[0032] As described above, according to the suspension assembly and HDD of the first embodiment, at least one support protrusion ST1, ST2 having different heights is provided on the slider mounting surface of the suspension. The support protrusions ST1, ST2 are arranged at the end of the head slider 17a on the inner direction D side and the end of the head slider 17a on the outer direction OD side, and have different heights d1, d2. By placing the head slider 17a on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, the disk-facing surface of the head slider is inclined at an inclination angle θ in the roll direction with respect to the mounting surface MS. By adjusting the height of the support protrusions ST1, ST2, the desired inclination angle θ can be easily and stably fixed. That is, with the above configuration, it is possible to stably provide the magnetic head 17 with a tilt in the roll direction by the supporting protrusions without bending a part of the suspension, for example, the tongue portion. This reduces the risk of the magnetic head 17 coming into contact with the surface of the magnetic disk 18 when the magnetic head 17 is loaded onto the surface of the magnetic disk, and makes it possible to improve the reliability of the HDD. As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a suspension assembly capable of stably providing tilt of a magnetic head, and a disk drive including the same.

[0033] Next, a magnetic head mounting structure of a suspension assembly for an HDD according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified, and only components different from those in the first embodiment will be described in detail. For example, in the magnetic head mounting structure, the shape, number, and location of the supporting protrusions are not limited to those in the first embodiment described above, and can be modified in various ways as described below.

[0034] Second embodiment In Figure 9, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to the second embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, the two support protrusions ST1 and ST2 erected on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a are each formed in a long and thin rectangular column shape. One support protrusion ST1 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST1 extends in the width direction (roll direction) Y, and extends from the vicinity of the side edge on the outward direction OD side of the head slider 17a to the vicinity of the side edge on the inward direction ID side. In addition, the support protrusion ST1 has a height d1 of an end (first region) ea on the outward direction OD side and a height d2 of an end (second region) eb on the inward direction ID side that are different. That is, the height d2 of the end eb is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the end ea (d1>d2). As a result, the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion ST1 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the roll direction Y.

[0035] The other support protrusion ST2 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the inflow end 17e of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST2 extends in the width direction (roll direction) Y, and extends from the vicinity of the side edge on the outward direction OD side of the head slider 17a to the vicinity of the side edge on the inward direction ID side. The support protrusion ST2 has a height d1 of an end (first region) ea on the outward direction OD side and a height d2 of an end (second region) eb on the inward direction ID side that are different. The height d2 of the end eb is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the end ea (d1>d2). As a result, the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion ST2 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the roll direction Y. The heights d1 and d2 of the support protrusion ST1 and the heights d1 and d2 of the support protrusion ST2 are formed to be the same.

[0036] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The end of the back surface 17c of the head slider 17a on the outflow end 17d side and the end of the inflow end 17e side are in contact with the upper end surfaces of the support protrusions ST1 and ST2, respectively. That is, the outflow side and inflow side ends of the head slider 17a are placed on the support protrusions ST1 and ST2 and are supported by the support protrusions ST1 and ST2. Furthermore, the head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by the adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0037] By placing the head slider 17a on the inclined upper end faces of the supporting protrusions ST1, ST2, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18.

[0038] In the second embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the second embodiment using the columnar support protrusions extending in the width direction Y, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0039] Third embodiment In FIG. 10, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to the third embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). As shown in the figures, in the third embodiment, the two support protrusions ST1 and ST2 erected on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a are each formed in a long and narrow rectangular column shape. One support protrusion ST1 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the side edge on the outward direction OD side of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST1 extends in the longitudinal direction (pitch direction) X, and extends from the vicinity of the inflow end 17e of the head slider 17a to the vicinity of the outflow end 17d. The protrusion height d1 of the support protrusion ST1 is constant over the entire length.

[0040] The other support protrusion ST2 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the side edge on the inward direction ID side of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST2 extends in the longitudinal direction (pitch direction) X, and extends from the vicinity of the inflow end 17e to the vicinity of the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. The protrusion height d2 of the support protrusion ST2 is constant over the entire length. The height d1 of the supporting protrusion ST1 is different from the height d2 of the supporting protrusion ST2. That is, the height d2 of the supporting protrusion ST2 is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the supporting protrusion ST1 (d1>d2). The difference between the heights d1 and d2 (d1-d2) is set to a value that provides a desired tilt angle θ to the head slider 17a.

[0041] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The outward end OD and inward end ID of the back surface 17c of the head slider 17a are in contact with the upper end surfaces of the supporting protrusions ST1 and ST2, respectively. That is, the head slider 17a is placed on the supporting protrusions ST1 and ST2 and is supported by the supporting protrusions ST1 and ST2. Furthermore, the head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0042] By placing the head slider 17a on the upper end faces of the support protrusions ST1 and ST2, which have different heights, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18. In the third embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the third embodiment using the columnar support protrusions ST1 and ST2 extending in the longitudinal direction X, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0043] (Fourth embodiment) In FIG. 11, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a fourth embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). In the mounting structure of the magnetic head, the number of supporting protrusions is not limited to two, but may be at least one, or three or more. As shown in the figure, in the fourth embodiment, for example, three cylindrical supporting protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 are provided upright on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a.

[0044] The support protrusions ST1, ST2 are provided at positions facing two corners on the outflow end 17d side of the head slider 17a. The support protrusions ST1, ST2 are provided side by side in the width direction Y (roll direction Y) and spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y. The support protrusions ST1, ST2 are provided on both sides of the central axis C in the width direction Y. The support protrusion (third support protrusion) ST3 is provided at a position facing the central axis C in the center of the head slider 17a in the longitudinal direction X. The heights d1, d2, d3 of the support protrusions ST1, ST2, ST3 (heights perpendicular to the mounting surface MS) are different from one another. The height d2 of the support protrusion ST2 located on the inner side ID, the height (third height) d3 of the support protrusion ST3 located in the center of the width direction Y, and the height d1 of the support protrusion ST1 located on the outer side OD are increased in that order (d1>d3>d2). The difference between the heights d1 and d2 (d1-d2) is set to a value that gives the head slider 17a a desired tilt angle θ.

[0045] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The back surface 17c of the head slider 17a abuts against the three support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. That is, the head slider 17a is placed on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 and is supported by the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. The head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0046] By placing the magnetic head 17 on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 of different heights, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18. In the fourth embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, by increasing the number of supporting protrusions, it is possible to support the magnetic head more stably.

[0047] Fifth embodiment In FIG. 12, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a fifth embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). In the mounting structure of the magnetic head, the position at which the supporting protrusion is provided can be changed in various ways. As shown in the figure, in the fifth embodiment, for example, three cylindrical supporting protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 are provided upright on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a.

[0048] The support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction X of the head slider 17a. More specifically, the support protrusion ST1 is provided at a position facing one corner (on the outward direction OS side) of the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST2 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the side edge on the inward direction ID side of the head slider 17a and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X from the support protrusion ST1. The support protrusion ST3 is provided at a position facing the central axis C at the center of the width direction Y of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST3 is provided at a distance from the support protrusion ST2 on the inflow end 17e side in the longitudinal direction X. The heights d1, d2, d3 of the support protrusions ST1, ST2, ST3 (heights perpendicular to the mounting surface MS) are different from one another. The height d2 of the support protrusion ST2 located on the inner side ID increases in the order of the height d3 of the support protrusion ST3 located in the center of the width direction Y, and the height d1 of the support protrusion ST1 located on the outer side OD (d1>d3>d2). The difference between the heights d1 and d2 (d1-d2) is set to a value that gives the head slider 17a a desired tilt angle θ.

[0049] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The back surface 17c of the head slider 17a abuts against the three support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. That is, the head slider 17a is placed on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 and is supported by the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. The head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0050] By placing the magnetic head 17 on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 of different heights, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18.

[0051] Sixth embodiment In Figure 13, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to a sixth embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). As shown in the figure, in the sixth embodiment, for example, three cylindrical supporting protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 are provided upright on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a.

[0052] The support protrusion ST1 is provided near the side edge of the head slider 17a in the outward direction OD, and is located at a position shifted toward the inflow end 17e side from the center in the longitudinal direction X. The support protrusion ST2 is provided near the side edge of the head slider 17a in the inward direction ID, and is located at a position shifted toward the inflow end 17e side from the center in the longitudinal direction X. The support protrusions ST1 and ST2 are aligned in the width direction (roll direction) Y of the head slider 17a. The supporting protrusion ST3 is disposed on the central axis C in the vicinity of the trailing end 17d of the head slider 17a.

[0053] The heights d1, d2, d3 of the support protrusions ST1, ST2, ST3 (heights perpendicular to the mounting surface MS) are different from one another. The height d2 of the support protrusion ST2 located on the inner side ID increases in the order of the height d3 of the support protrusion ST3 located in the center of the width direction Y, and the height d1 of the support protrusion ST1 located on the outer side OD (d1>d3>d2). The difference between the heights d1 and d2 (d1-d2) is set to a value that gives the head slider 17a a desired tilt angle θ.

[0054] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The back surface 17c of the head slider 17a abuts against the three support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. That is, the head slider 17a is placed on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 and is supported by the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3. The head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0055] By placing the magnetic head 17 on the support protrusions ST1, ST2, and ST3 of different heights, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. That is, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue portion 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18.

[0056] In the fifth and sixth embodiments described above, other configurations of the HDD are similar to those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0057] Seventh embodiment In Figure 14, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to the seventh embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). In the support structure for the magnetic head, the number of supporting protrusions is not limited to two or more, and it is sufficient that at least one supporting protrusion is provided.

[0058] As shown in the figure, in the seventh embodiment, one support protrusion ST1 is erected on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. The support protrusion ST1 is formed, for example, in a long and thin rectangular column shape. The support protrusion ST1 is provided at a position facing the vicinity of the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST1 extends in the width direction (roll direction) Y, and extends across the central axis C from the vicinity of the side edge on the outward direction OD side of the head slider 17a to the vicinity of the side edge on the inward direction ID side. The support protrusion ST1 is formed to include a plurality of regions with different heights. In detail, the support protrusion ST1 has a height d1 of an end portion (first region) ea on the outward direction OD side and a height d2 of an end portion (second region) eb on the inward direction ID side that are different. The height d2 of the end portion eb is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the end portion ea (d1>d2). As a result, the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion ST1 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the roll direction Y.

[0059] The magnetic head 17 is placed on the tongue 44a with the back surface 17c facing the mounting surface MS. The end of the head slider 17a on the trailing end 17d side of the back surface 17c abuts against the upper end surface of the supporting protrusion ST1. That is, the end of the head slider 17a on the trailing side is placed on the supporting protrusion ST1 and is supported by the supporting protrusion ST1. Furthermore, the head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a by the adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS.

[0060] By placing the head slider 17a on the inclined upper end surface of the support protrusion ST1, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue 44a. The head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by the angle θ in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID approaches the tongue 44a, in other words, in a direction in which the end on the inner side ID moves away from the surface of the magnetic disk 18.

[0061] In the seventh embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the seventh embodiment using a single supporting protrusion, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0062] Eighth embodiment In FIG. 15, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to an eighth embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction). In the support structure for the magnetic head, the support protrusion may be formed in a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the longitudinal direction X.

[0063] As shown in the figure, in the eighth embodiment, one support protrusion ST1 is erected on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a. The support protrusion ST1 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The support protrusion ST1 has a short side located near the outflow end 17d of the head slider 17a and extending in the width direction Y, a short side located near the inflow end 17e and extending in the width direction Y, a long side located near the side edge on the outward direction OD side and extending in the longitudinal direction X, and a long side located near the side edge on the inward direction ID side and extending in the longitudinal direction X. Each of the pair of short sides extends a predetermined length in the width direction Y across the central axis C of the head slider 17a.

[0064] The support protrusion ST1 is formed to include a plurality of regions of different heights. In detail, the support protrusion ST1 has a height d1 of an end ea on the outward direction OD side and a height d2 of an end eb on the inward direction ID side that are different. The height d2 of the end eb is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the end ea (d1>d2). As a result, the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion ST1 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the roll direction Y.

[0065] The magnetic head 17 is supported by the support protrusion ST1 with its back surface 17c placed on the upper end surface of the support protrusion ST1. The head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a with an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS. By placing the head slider 17a on the inclined upper end surface of the support protrusion ST1, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue 44a.

[0066] In the eighth embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. Also in the eighth embodiment using a single supporting protrusion, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0067] Ninth embodiment In Figure 16, (a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a magnetic head and a head support part of an HDD according to the ninth embodiment, (b) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the Y direction (roll direction), and (c) is a side view of the magnetic head and the head support part as viewed from the X direction (pitch direction).

[0068] As shown in the figure, in the eighth embodiment, the support protrusion ST1 provided on the mounting surface MS of the tongue portion 44a is formed in a rectangular shape. The support protrusion ST1 is formed to have a larger width in the width direction Y than the support protrusion ST1 in the above-mentioned eighth embodiment. As a result, a pair of long sides of the support protrusion ST1 are located adjacent to a pair of side edges of the head slider 17a. The support protrusion ST1 is formed to include a plurality of regions of different heights. In detail, the support protrusion ST1 has a height d1 of an end ea on the outward direction OD side and a height d2 of an end eb on the inward direction ID side that are different. The height d2 of the end eb is smaller (lower) than the height d1 of the end ea (d1>d2). As a result, the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion ST1 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the roll direction Y.

[0069] The magnetic head 17 is supported by the support protrusion ST1 with its back surface 17c placed on the upper end surface of the support protrusion ST1. The head slider 17a is adhered to the tongue 44a with an adhesive Ad filled between the back surface 17c and the mounting surface MS. By placing the head slider 17a on the inclined upper end surface of the support protrusion ST1, the head slider 17a and the disk-facing surface 17b are inclined by an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the mounting surface MS of the tongue 44a. In the ninth embodiment, other configurations of the HDD are the same as those of the HDD according to the first embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the ninth embodiment, the area of ​​the support surface (upper end surface) of the support protrusion that supports the head slider 17a is increased, making it possible to more stably support the magnetic head in an inclined state.

[0070] 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 embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention as well as the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. For example, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of the elements constituting the suspension assembly are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be variously changed as necessary. The support protrusions are not limited to a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, a rectangular shape, etc., and various other shapes can be applied. In the disk device, the number of magnetic disks is not limited to four, but may be three or less, or six or more, and the number of suspension assemblies and the number of magnetic heads may be increased or decreased according to the number of magnetic disks installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10: housing; 12: base; 12a: bottom wall; 12b: side wall; 17: magnetic head; 17a...head slider, 17b...disk facing surface (ABS), 17d...outflow end, 17e: inlet end; 17c: rear surface; 18: magnetic disk; 19: spindle motor; 22...actuator assembly, 30...suspension assembly, 42... flexure (wiring member), 44... gimbal portion, 44a... tongue portion, 48...Laminated member (FPC), ST1, ST2, ST3...Support protrusion, MS...Mounting surface, Ad…Adhesive

Claims

1. A support plate; a head mounting surface, a support protrusion including a first region having a first height and a second region having a second height lower than the first height, the support protrusion being provided on the head mounting surface; and a wiring member provided on the support plate; a magnetic head including a slider having a mounting surface and a medium facing surface facing the mounting surface, and a head portion provided on the slider, the mounting surface being placed on the support protrusion and fixed to the head mounting surface, the medium facing surface being inclined with respect to the head mounting surface such that the second region side is lower; A suspension assembly comprising:

2. When the direction parallel to the central axis of the slider is defined as the longitudinal direction and the direction intersecting the central axis is defined as the width direction, 2. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region of the support protrusion are located on either side of the central axis in the width direction.

3. 3. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, wherein the support protrusions include a first support protrusion that defines the first region and a second support protrusion that defines the second region.

4. The suspension assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the first support protrusion and the second support protrusion are arranged side by side in the width direction.

5. The suspension assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the first support protrusion and the second support protrusion are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

6. 4. The suspension assembly of claim 3, wherein the support protrusion further includes a third support protrusion provided between the first support protrusion and the second support protrusion in the width direction, the third support protrusion having a third height lower than the first height and higher than the second height.

7. 3. The suspension assembly according to claim 2, wherein the support protrusion includes a columnar first support protrusion having one end forming the first region and an other end forming the second region and extending in the width direction across the central axis.

8. the support protrusion includes a columnar second support protrusion having one end portion that forms the first region and the other end portion that forms the second region and extending in the width direction across the central axis, The suspension assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the second support protrusion and the first support protrusion are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

9. The suspension assembly according to claim 7 , wherein each of the first support protrusions has a pair of long sides extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of short sides extending in the width direction.

10. A disk-shaped recording medium; A suspension assembly according to claim 1; A disk device comprising:

Citation Information

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