Disk device and ramp

Abstract

To provide a disk device capable of easily manufacturing ramps even when the number of magnetic disks is large.SOLUTION: A disk device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of head gimbal assemblies, a ramp, and a plurality of magnetic disks. The ramp has a plurality of protrusions arranged with gaps in an axial direction. Each of the plurality of protrusions has a first surface that faces the gap, a second surface opposite the first surface, a side surface, and a limiter that protrudes from the side surface. Each of the first surface and the second surface has a first inclined region, a first flat region, and a first intermediate region provided between the first inclined region and the first flat region. The limiter is located between two of the first flat regions. The width between the two first intermediate regions is less than the width between the two first flat regions and is at least partially shorter than the width between the two first flat regions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a disk device and a lamp.

Background Art

[0002] A disk device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) has, for example, a plurality of magnetic disks, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGAs), and a ramp. The HGA rotates between a load position where the slider of the HGA is positioned on the surface of the magnetic disk and an unload position where the HGA is held by the ramp.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The thickness of the HDD is restricted by, for example, standards. When the number of magnetic disks is large, each element of the HDD is, for example, thinned or placed closer together in order to be arranged within the restricted thickness. For this reason, it may become difficult to manufacture the ramp.

[0005] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a disk device capable of facilitating the manufacture of a ramp even when the number of magnetic disks is large, and a ramp that is easy to manufacture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A disk device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of head gimbal assemblies, a lamp, and a plurality of magnetic disks. The plurality of head gimbal assemblies are rotatable about a first rotation axis. The lamp has a wall and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the wall toward the first rotation axis and are arranged along the axial direction of the first rotation axis with a gap therebetween. The plurality of magnetic disks are rotatable about a second rotation axis spaced from the plurality of protrusions in a first rotation direction about the first rotation axis. Each of the plurality of protrusions has a first surface facing the gap, a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, a side surface provided between the first surface and the second surface and facing the first rotation axis, and a limiter protruding from the side surface. The first surface and the second surface each have a first inclined region provided at an end of the plurality of protrusions in the first rotation direction, a first flat region spaced from the first inclined region in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and a first intermediate region provided between the first inclined region and the first flat region. The limiter is located between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface. The first inclined regions of the first surface and the second surface extend so as to taper in the first rotation direction from the first intermediate region. The width between the first intermediate regions of the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to the width between the first flat regions of the first surface and the second surface and is at least partially shorter than the width between the first flat regions of the first surface and the second surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In this specification, the components according to the embodiment and the description of the components may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may 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 degree 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] FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to this embodiment disassembled. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device and may also be referred to as an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a magnetic disk device. The HDD 10 of this embodiment is a 3.5-inch HDD. Note that the HDD 10 may be another HDD such as a 2.5-inch HDD.

[0011] As shown in each drawing, for convenience, the Z-axis is defined in this specification. The Z-axis is provided along the thickness of the HDD 10. Further, in this specification, the Z-direction is defined. The Z-direction is the direction along the Z-axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z-axis and the -Z direction opposite to the arrow of the Z-axis. The +Z direction or the -Z direction is an example of the first direction.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 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 lamp load mechanism 16, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 17. The magnetic disk 12 can also be referred to as a disk, a medium, or a platter. The lamp load mechanism 16 is an example of a lamp.

[0013] An internal space S is provided in the housing 11. The housing 11 houses the plurality of magnetic disks 12, the spindle motor 13, the HSA 14, the VCM 15, and the lamp load mechanism 16 in the internal space S. The housing 11 includes a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23. Note that the housing 11 is not limited to this example.

[0014] The base 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is open in the +Z direction. The base 21 has a bottom wall 25 and side walls 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular (quadrilateral) plate shape. The side walls 26 project from the edge of the bottom wall 25 in the substantially +Z direction and are formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The internal space S is provided inside the frame-shaped side walls 26.

[0015] The inner cover 22 is attached to the side walls 26 by, for example, screws and closes the internal space S. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22 and is attached to the end of the side walls 26 in the +Z direction by, for example, welding.

[0016] The internal space S is filled with a gas different from air. For example, the internal space S is filled with gas through the vent 27 of the inner cover 22 and the vent 28 of the outer cover 23, and the vent 28 is sealed by a seal.

[0017] The gas filled in the internal space S is, for example, a low-density gas having a lower density than air or an inert gas having low reactivity. For example, helium is filled in the internal space S. Note that other fluids may be filled in the internal space S.

[0018] The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are formed in a disk shape arranged substantially parallel to the bottom wall 25. The diameter of the magnetic disk 12 is, for example, about 96 mm. Also, the thickness of the magnetic disk 12 is, for example, 0.5 mm. Note that the diameter and thickness of the magnetic disk 12 are not limited to this example.

[0019] The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are arranged in the Z direction with an interval of, for example, 1.4 mm therebetween. Note that the interval between the magnetic disks 12 is not limited to this example. A spacer ring is interposed between two adjacent magnetic disks 12. The spacer ring maintains the gap between the two magnetic disks 12.

[0020] The HDD 10 of the present embodiment has, for example, eleven magnetic disks 12. Note that the number of magnetic disks 12 may be twelve or more, or may be ten or less. Each of the above dimensions may vary according to the number of magnetic disks 12.

[0021] The spindle motor 13 supports the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are held, for example, by a clamp spring on the hub of the spindle motor 13. The spindle motor 13 rotates the plurality of magnetic disks 12 around the central axis Axd. The central axis Axd is an example of a second rotation axis.

[0022] The central axis Axd is a virtual central axis of the rotation of the magnetic disk 12 and extends substantially in the Z direction. The central axis Axd is the central axis of the magnetic disk 12 and also the central axis of the spindle motor 13. Note that the central axis Axd is not limited to this example.

[0023] A support shaft 31 separated from the magnetic disk 12 is provided on the housing 11. The support shaft 31 extends, for example, in the substantially +Z direction from the bottom wall 25 of the housing 11. The HSA 14 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 31 so as to be rotatable around the central axis Axh. The central axis Axh is an example of a first rotation axis.

[0024] The central axis Axh is the virtual central axis of the rotation of the HSA 14 and extends substantially in the Z direction. That is, the central axis Axh extends substantially parallel to the central axis Axd. The central axis Axh is the central axis of the support shaft 31. Note that the central axis Axh is not limited to this example.

[0025] In this specification, the axial direction, the radial direction, and the circumferential direction are defined. The axial direction is the direction along the central axis Axh. The axial direction in this embodiment is equal to the Z direction. The radial direction is the direction orthogonal to the central axis Axh and includes a plurality of directions orthogonal to the central axis Axh. The circumferential direction is the direction of rotation around the central axis Axh and includes the clockwise direction Dac around the central axis Axh and the counterclockwise direction Daa opposite to the clockwise direction Dac. The clockwise direction Dac is an example of the second rotation direction and the fourth direction. The counterclockwise direction Daa is an example of the first rotation direction and the third direction. The clockwise direction Dac and the counterclockwise direction Daa are orthogonal (intersect) to the axial direction.

[0026] The HSA 14 has a carriage 35, a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGAs) 36, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 37. The carriage 35 has an actuator block 41 and a plurality of arms 42.

[0027] The actuator block 41 is supported by the support shaft 31 via a bearing so as to be rotatable around the support shaft 31, for example. The plurality of arms 42 project radially from the actuator block 41 substantially in parallel.

[0028] The plurality of arms 42 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of arms 42 can enter the gap between two adjacent magnetic disks 12 among the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0029] The VCM 15 has a voice coil attached to the carriage 35, a pair of yokes, and a magnet provided on the yoke. The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 around the central axis Axh.

[0030] Each of the plurality of HGA36s has a base plate 45, a load beam 46, a flexure 47, and a slider 48. The base plate 45 is attached to the tip of the arm 42. The load beam 46 is formed thinner than the base plate 45 and extends from the base plate 45.

[0031] The flexure 47 is formed in an elongated strip shape. Note that the shape of the flexure 47 is not limited to this example. The flexure 47 is a kind of FPC having a metal plate (backing layer) such as stainless steel, an insulating layer (base layer) formed on the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and constituting a plurality of wirings (wiring patterns), and an insulating layer (cover layer) covering the conductive layer.

[0032] A gimbal part (elastic support part) 47a is provided at one end of the flexure 47. The gimbal part 47a is located on the load beam 46 and is formed rotatable with respect to the load beam. The slider 48 is mounted on the gimbal part 47a.

[0033] The slider 48 has a head element for recording and reproducing information with respect to the recording layer of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, the slider 48 reads and writes information to and from the magnetic disk 12.

[0034] The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 to rotate the HGA36 around the central axis Axh. The HGA36 rotates between the load position and the unload position. At the load position, the slider 48 is located on the magnetic disk 12. At the unload position, the slider 48 moves away from the magnetic disk 12, and the HGA36 is held by the lamp load mechanism 16.

[0035] The FPC 37 is connected to the other end of the flexure 47. For example, a plurality of flexures 47 are connected to the FPC 37. Thereby, the FPC 37 is electrically connected to the plurality of sliders 48 via the wirings of the plurality of flexures 47.

[0036] The PCB 17 is disposed outside the housing 11 and attached to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21. Various components such as, for example, an interface (I / F) connector, a controller, and a relay connector are mounted on the PCB 17. The PCB 17 is electrically connected to the FPC 37 through the relay connector.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an exemplary front view showing the lamp loading mechanism 16 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the lamp loading mechanism 16 has a wall 51 and a plurality of protrusions 52.

[0038] The wall 51 and the plurality of protrusions 52 are integrally formed with each other and made of, for example, a synthetic resin. Note that the wall 51 and the protrusions 52 may be different members from each other or made of other materials.

[0039] The wall 51 is formed, for example, in a plate shape intersecting the radial direction. The wall 51 has a side surface 51a. The side surface 51a faces the central axis Axh. The side surface 51a is, for example, a curved surface extending around the central axis Axh or a plane substantially orthogonal to the radial direction. Note that the side surface 51a is not limited to this example.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an exemplary front view showing a part of the lamp loading mechanism 16 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a part of the lamp loading mechanism 16 of the present embodiment along line F4-F4 in FIG. 3.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the radial direction includes an inner direction Dri and an outer direction Dro. The inner direction Dri is an example of the second direction. The inner direction Dri is one direction orthogonal to the central axis Axh. That is, the inner direction Dri is orthogonal (intersects) to the Z direction (+Z direction and -Z direction) and the circumferential direction (clockwise direction Dac and counterclockwise direction Daa). The side surface 51a faces the inner direction Dri. That is, the inner direction Dri is on the inner side of the radial direction. The outer direction Dro is the opposite direction of the inner direction Dri and is on the outer side of the radial direction.

[0042] Each of the plurality of protrusions 52 protrudes inward in the direction Dri from the side surface 51a of the wall 51. That is, the plurality of protrusions 52 protrude substantially parallel to the wall 51 and toward the central axis Axh. The plurality of protrusions 52 are arranged in the axial direction (+Z direction and -Z direction) with a gap G therebetween. The number of protrusions 52 is equal to the number of magnetic disks 12.

[0043] The plurality of protrusions 52 are formed, for example, in a block shape or a plate shape extending substantially in the circumferential direction. The plurality of protrusions 52 have substantially the same shape as each other. Note that the shape of the plurality of protrusions 52 is not limited to this example.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of protrusions 52 has an upper surface 61, a lower surface 62, a side surface 63, and a limiter 64. The limiter 64 may also be referred to as a slider limiter. Note that the names of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 are for convenience based on FIGS. 2 to 4 and do not limit the orientation, position, and usage mode. One of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is an example of a first surface. The other of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is an example of a second surface.

[0045] The upper surface 61 faces substantially in the +Z direction as a whole. The lower surface 62 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 61 and faces substantially in the -Z direction as a whole. Note that the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 may partially face in other directions.

[0046] The lower surface 62 of one protrusion 52 located at the +Z-direction end in the column formed by the plurality of protrusions 52 faces one gap G. In the said protrusion 52, the lower surface 62 is an example of a first surface.

[0047] The upper surface 61 of one protrusion 52 located at the -Z-direction end in the column formed by the plurality of protrusions 52 faces one gap G. In the said protrusion 52, the upper surface 61 is an example of a first surface.

[0048] In the row formed by the plurality of protrusions 52, the upper surfaces 61 and lower surfaces 62 of the plurality of protrusions 52 that are not located at the +Z-direction end and the -Z-direction end each face a single gap G. In the protrusion 52, the upper surface 61 or the lower surface 62 is an example of the first surface. The upper surface 61 of one protrusion 52 and the lower surface 62 of another protrusion 52 face each other through the gap G.

[0049] Hereinafter, one of two adjacent protrusions 52 is referred to as protrusion 52A, and the other is referred to as protrusion 52B. The protrusion 52B is spaced apart from the protrusion 52A in the +Z direction. For this reason, the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B face each other through the gap G.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the side surface 63 is provided between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62. The side surface 63 faces the inner direction Dri. In other words, the side surface 63 faces the central axis Axh. Note that the side surface 51a of the wall 51 and the side surface 63 of the protrusion 52 do not have to be parallel. For example, one of the side surface 51a of the wall 51 and the side surface 63 of the protrusion 52 may be a curved surface extending in the circumferential direction, and the other may be a plane substantially orthogonal to the radial direction.

[0051] The limiter 64 protrudes from the side surface 63 in the inner direction Dri. The limiter 64 is spaced apart from the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62. For example, the limiter 64 is located at approximately the center of the protrusion 52 in the axial direction. The limiter 64 is formed in a thin plate shape extending in a substantially circumferential direction. Note that the limiter 64 is not limited to this example.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, a notch 65 is provided in each of the plurality of protrusions 52. The notch 65 is provided at the end of the protrusion 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. A part of the magnetic disk 12 is disposed in the notch 65.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 each have an inclined region 71, 72, a flat region 73, and intermediate regions 74, 75. Note that the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 are not limited to this example. The inclined region 71 is an example of a first inclined region and can also be referred to as a slope. The inclined region 72 is an example of a fourth inclined region. The flat region 73 is an example of a first flat region and can also be referred to as a flat portion or a retreat region. The intermediate region 74 is an example of a first intermediate region. The intermediate region 75 is an example of a second intermediate region.

[0054] The inclined region 71 is provided at the end of the protrusion 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. The inclined region 72 is provided at the end of the protrusion 52 in the clockwise direction Dac. The flat region 73 is separated from the inclined region 71 in the clockwise direction Dac and from the inclined region 72 in the counterclockwise direction Daa.

[0055] The intermediate region 74 is provided between the inclined region 71 and the flat region 73. The intermediate region 74 has flat regions 81, 82 and inclined regions 83, 84. The flat region 81 is an example of a second flat region. The flat region 82 is an example of a third flat region. The inclined region 83 is an example of a second inclined region. The inclined region 84 is an example of a third inclined region.

[0056] The flat region 81 is connected to the end of the inclined region 71 in the clockwise direction Dac. The flat region 82 is located between the flat region 73 and the flat region 81. The inclined region 83 is provided between the flat region 73 and the flat region 82. The inclined region 84 is provided between the flat region 81 and the flat region 82.

[0057] The intermediate region 75 is provided between the inclined region 72 and the flat region 73. The intermediate region 75 has a flat region 91 and an inclined region 92. The flat region 91 is an example of a fourth flat region. The inclined region 92 is an example of a fifth inclined region. The flat region 91 is connected to the end of the inclined region 72 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. The inclined region 92 is provided between the flat region 73 and the flat region 91.

[0058] The flat regions 73, 81, 82, 91 are substantially parallel planes. The flat regions 73, 81, 82, 91 on the upper surface 61 face in the substantially +Z direction. The flat regions 73, 81, 82, 91 on the lower surface 62 face in the substantially -Z direction.

[0059] The flat region 73 and the flat region 81 are at the same position in the axial direction. In other words, the flat region 73 and the flat region 81 are arranged on substantially the same plane. The flat region 73 and the flat region 81 are located at the outermost side of the protrusion 52 in the axial direction. The flat regions 73, 81 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A are the parts closest to the protrusion 52B. Note that the flat regions 73, 81 are not limited to this example.

[0060] The flat region 82 and the flat region 91 are at the same position in the axial direction. In other words, the flat region 82 and the flat region 91 are arranged on substantially the same plane. The flat regions 82, 91 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A are spaced farther from the protrusion 52B than the flat regions 73, 81.

[0061] The flat region 73 is located between the flat region 82 and the flat region 91. Further, in the circumferential direction, the flat region 82 is located between the flat region 81 and the flat region 73. That is, the flat regions 73, 81 close to the other protrusion 52 and the flat regions 82, 91 far from the other protrusion 52 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0062] The width between the intermediate region 74 on the upper surface 61 and the intermediate region 74 on the lower surface 62 is equal to or less than the width W1 between the flat region 73 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 73 on the lower surface 62. Further, the width between the intermediate region 74 on the upper surface 61 and the intermediate region 74 on the lower surface 62 is at least partially shorter than the width W1.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the width W2 between the flat region 82 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 82 on the lower surface 62 is shorter than the width W1. Further, the width W2 is shorter than the width W3 between the flat region 81 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 81 on the lower surface 62. The width W3 is substantially equal to the width W1.

[0064] The width between the intermediate region 75 of the upper surface 61 and the intermediate region 75 of the lower surface 62 is shorter than the width W1. For example, the width W4 between the flat region 91 of the upper surface 61 and the flat region 91 of the lower surface 62 is shorter than the width W1.

[0065] The inclined regions 71, 72, 83, 84, 92 are planes inclined with respect to the flat regions 73, 81, 82, 91. Note that at least one of the inclined regions 71, 72, 83, 84, 92 may be a curved surface.

[0066] The inclined region 71 of the upper surface 61 and the inclined region 71 of the lower surface 62 extend from the intermediate region 74 so as to taper in the counterclockwise direction Daa. In other words, the inclined region 71 of the upper surface 61 and the inclined region 71 of the lower surface 62 extend so as to approach each other in the counterclockwise direction Daa. A notch 65 is located between the inclined region 71 of the upper surface 61 and the inclined region 71 of the lower surface 62. The inclined region 72 of the upper surface 61 and the inclined region 72 of the lower surface 62 extend from the intermediate region 75 so as to taper in the clockwise direction Dac.

[0067] The angle between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 83 is smaller than the angle between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 71. The angle between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 84 is smaller than the angle between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 71. The angle between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 92 is smaller than the angle between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 71.

[0068] The angle between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 83, the angle between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 84, and the angle between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 92 are each 10° or less, for example, about 5°. The angle between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 71 and the angle between the flat region 91 and the inclined region 72 are each 14° to 20°. Note that the various angles described above are not limited to the above examples.

[0069] About the central axis Axh, the length L1 of the flat region 81 is shorter than the length L2 of the flat region 82. Further, about the central axis Axh, the length L3 of the flat region 73 is longer than the length L2 of the flat region 82. About the central axis Axh, the length L4 of the flat region 91 is shorter than the length L3 of the flat region 73.

[0070] The limiter 64 is located between the flat region 73 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 73 on the lower surface 62. About the central axis Axh, the length L3 of the flat region 73 is longer than the length L5 of the limiter 64. The length L3 is, for example, about 2.5 mm. The length L5 is, for example, about 2 mm. Note that the various lengths described above are not limited to the above examples.

[0071] The distance D1 between the flat region 73 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 73 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B is narrower than the distance D2 between the flat region 82 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 82 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B. Also, the distance D3 between the flat region 81 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 81 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B is narrower than the distance D2.

[0072] The distance D1 is narrower than the distance D4 between the flat region 91 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 91 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B. That is, the gap G in the flat region 73 is narrower than the gap G in the flat region 82 and also narrower than the gap G in the flat region 91.

[0073] The distance D3 is narrower than the distance D4. That is, the gap G in the flat region 81 is narrower than the gap G in the flat region 82 and also narrower than the gap G in the flat region 91. In other words, the gap G is narrow in the flat regions 73 and 81 and wide in the flat regions 82 and 91.

[0074] The distance D1 and the distance D3 are each, for example, about 0.222 mm. The distance D2 and the distance D4 are each, for example, about 0.322 mm. In the axial direction (+Z direction and -Z direction), the distance D5 between the flat region 73 and the flat region 82, and the distance D6 between the flat region 81 and the flat region 82 are each 20 μm to 80 μm, for example, about 50 μm. Note that the distances D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 are not limited to the above examples.

[0075] The central axis Axd of the magnetic disk 12 is spaced apart from the plurality of protrusions 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. Note that in the radial direction, the position of the central axis Axd may be spaced apart from the extension line of the protrusion 52 in the circumferential direction.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the load beam 46 has a lift tab 46a. The lift tab 46a is provided at the tip of the load beam 46. The slider 48 is closer to the central axis Axh than the lift tab 46a. When the HGA 36 is in the unload position, the protrusion 52 supports the lift tab 46a.

[0077] For example, when the HGA 36 is in the load position, the slider 48 is located on the magnetic disk 12, and the lift tab 46a is spaced apart from the protrusion 52. When the HGA 36 moves from the load position to the unload position, the HGA 36 rotates in the clockwise direction Dac.

[0078] As schematically shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 4, when the HGA 36 rotates in the clockwise direction Dac, the lift tab 46a abuts against the inclined region 71. When the HGA 36 further rotates in the clockwise direction Dac, the lift tab 46a moves along the inclined region 71 and moves away from the magnetic disk 12 in the axial direction.

[0079] When the lift tab 46a moves away from the magnetic disk 12 by a predetermined distance in the axial direction, the slider 48 also moves away from the magnetic disk 12 in the axial direction. That is, the slider 48 is peeled off from the magnetic disk 12. Before the lift tab 46a reaches the flat region 81, the slider 48 moves away from the magnetic disk 12.

[0080] As HGA36 further rotates in the clockwise direction Dac, the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 81. That is, the flat region 81 is provided immediately after the inclined region 71. The lift tab 46a passes through the flat region 81, the inclined region 84, the flat region 82, and the inclined region 83 and reaches the flat region 73. HGA36 stops rotating at the position (home position) where the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 73 and completes the movement to the unload position.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 4, when the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 73, the limiter 64 is positioned between the two sliders 48. The limiter 64 is spaced apart from the two sliders 48. For example, when HGA36 vibrates axially due to an external force, the two sliders 48 may approach each other. However, since the limiter 64 is positioned between the two sliders 48, the movement of the slider 48 in the axial direction can be restricted, and it is possible to prevent the two sliders 48 from interfering with each other.

[0082] When the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 73, the limiter 64 axially covers the dimple 46b of the load beam 46. The dimple 46b is a substantially hemispherical protrusion and rotatably supports the gimbal portion 47a. In the radial direction, the length of the limiter 64 is longer than the distance between the side surface 51a of the wall 51 and the dimple 46b when the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 73.

[0083] The limiter 64 is not limited to the above example. For example, the limiter 64 may be positioned between the two gimbal portions 47a. When the two sliders 48 approach each other, the limiter 64 abuts against the gimbal portion 47a, thereby preventing the two sliders 48 from interfering with each other.

[0084] The dimensions of the HDD 10 in the axial direction are restricted, for example, by standards. For example, in the technical field of HDDs, the Small Form Factor Committee has established SFF-8300, which is the form factor of a 3.5-inch HDD. SFF-8300 sets a plurality of maximum dimensions for the dimensions of the HDD in the axial direction.

[0085] While the dimensions of the HDD 10 in the axial direction are restricted, the HDD 10 has a number of magnetic disks 12. Also, the HDD 10 has a number of HGAs 36 and a number of protrusions 52 according to the number of magnetic disks 12. That is, the dimensions and arrangements of the protrusions 52 in the axial direction are also restricted. However, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can suppress the impairment of the function of the lamp loading mechanism 16 and facilitate the manufacture of the lamp loading mechanism 16.

[0086] For example, the length of the inclined region 71 in the axial direction is also restricted. The inclined region 71 is arranged at a position where it can contact the lift tab 46a that moves from the load position to the unload position. However, due to dimensional variations, there may be variations in the relative position between the lift tab 46a and the inclined region 71 in the axial direction. The longer the inclined region 71 is in the axial direction, the more reliably it can contact the lift tab 46a.

[0087] In the present embodiment, since the distance D3 is set to be narrower than the distances D2 and D4, the inclined region 71 can be made longer in the axial direction compared to the case where the distance D3 is set wider. Therefore, when the HGA 36 moves from the load position to the unload position, the inclined region 71 can contact the lift tab 46a more reliably.

[0088] The thickness of the limiter 64 in the axial direction is also restricted. The limiter 64 is arranged at a position spaced apart from the slider 48 when the lift tab 46a is supported on the flat region 73. However, when the number of the HGA 36 and the protrusions 52 is large, the distance between the slider 48 and the limiter 64 may become short. The limiter 64 can be separated from the slider 48 by being thinned in the axial direction. However, there are limits to the thickness of the limiter 64 in the axial direction, for example, due to manufacturing equipment and materials.

[0089] In the present embodiment, since the distance D1 is set to be narrower than the distances D2 and D4, the distance between the limiter 64 and the flat region 73 in the axial direction can be made longer than when the distance D1 is set to be wide. Therefore, the lift tab 46a supported on the flat region 73 and the slider 48 that moves following the lift tab 46a can be further separated from the limiter 64.

[0090] Each gap G is passed through by two lift tabs 46a. For this reason, the narrow distances D1 and D3 are set so as to suppress the two lift tabs 46a from interfering with each other. For example, the tolerances of the distances D1 and D3 are set to be narrow, and the flat regions 73 and 81 are formed with high precision. On the other hand, the tolerances of the distances D2 and D4 are set to be wide, and the dimensional accuracy of the flat regions 82 and 91 can be set to be relatively low.

[0091] As described above, the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 are partially set with high precision. For this reason, the protrusions 52 can be more easily formed than when a wider area of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is set with high precision.

[0092] In the HDD 10 according to the embodiment described above, the HGA 36 is rotatable about the central axis Axh. The lamp loading mechanism 16 includes a wall 51 and a plurality of protrusions 52 that protrude from the wall 51 toward the central axis Axh and are arranged with a gap G therebetween in the axial direction along the central axis Axh. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are rotatable about a central axis Axd spaced apart from the plurality of protrusions 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa about the central axis Axh. Each of the plurality of protrusions 52 has an upper surface 61, a lower surface 62, a side surface 63, and a limiter 64. The upper surface 61 faces the gap G. The lower surface 62 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 61. The side surface 63 is provided between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 and faces the central axis Axh. The limiter 64 protrudes from the side surface 63. The upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 each have an inclined region 71, a flat region 73, and an intermediate region 74. The inclined region 71 is provided at the end of the plurality of protrusions 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. The flat region 73 is spaced apart from the inclined region 71 in the clockwise direction Dac opposite to the counterclockwise direction Daa. The intermediate region 74 is provided between the inclined region 71 and the flat region 73. The limiter 64 is located between the flat region 73 of the upper surface 61 and the flat region 73 of the lower surface 62. The inclined regions 71 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 extend so as to taper toward the counterclockwise direction Daa from the intermediate region 74. The width between the intermediate regions 74 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is equal to or less than the width W1 between the flat regions 73 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 and is at least partially shorter than the width W1.

[0093] In addition, the lamp loading mechanism 16 has a wall 51 and a plurality of protrusions 52. The plurality of protrusions 52 are arranged in the axial direction (+Z direction or -Z direction) with a gap G therebetween, and protrude from the wall 51 in the inward direction Dri intersecting the axial direction. Each of the plurality of protrusions 52 has an upper surface 61, a lower surface 62, a side surface 63, and a limiter 64. The upper surface 61 faces the gap G. The lower surface 62 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 61. The side surface 63 is provided between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 and faces the inward direction Dri. The limiter 64 protrudes from the side surface 63. The upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 each have an inclined region 71, a flat region 73, and an intermediate region 74. The inclined region 71 is provided at the end of the plurality of protrusions 52 in the counterclockwise direction Daa intersecting the axial direction and the inward direction Dri. The flat region 73 is spaced apart from the inclined region 71 in the clockwise direction Dac opposite to the counterclockwise direction Daa. The intermediate region 74 is provided between the inclined region 71 and the flat region 73. The limiter 64 is located between the flat region 73 of the upper surface 61 and the flat region 73 of the lower surface 62. The inclined regions 71 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 extend so as to taper from the intermediate region 74 in the counterclockwise direction Daa. The width between the intermediate regions 74 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is equal to or less than the width W1 between the flat regions 73 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 and is at least partially shorter than the width W1.

[0094] Since the lower surface 62 is located on the opposite side of the upper surface 61, in most of the plurality of protrusions 52, the lower surface 62 also faces the gap G. That is, the upper surface 61 of one protrusion 52A and the lower surface 62 of another protrusion 52B face each other across the gap G. Also, the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 facing the gap G can each support the lift tab 46a of the HGA 36. When one lift tab 46a of the HGA 36 is supported by the flat region 73 of the upper surface 61 and another lift tab 46a of the HGA 36 is supported by the flat region 73 of the lower surface 62, the limiter 64 can be positioned between the two sliders 48 of the two HGAs 36 to prevent the two sliders 48 from contacting each other. That is, the flat region 73 supports the lift tab 46a when the HGA 36 is in the unload position. The dimension of the HDD 10 in the axial direction is restricted by, for example, a standard. When the number of magnetic disks 12 is large while the dimension of the HDD 10 in the axial direction is restricted, each element of the HDD 10 is arranged within the restricted dimension, so it becomes thinner or closer in the axial direction. For example, the limiter 64 and the slider 48 are likely to approach each other. However, in the present embodiment, the width W1 is set long. Thereby, the limiter 64 can be separated from the slider 48 and prevented from interfering with the slider 48. In other words, in the HDD 10 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to thin the limiter 64 in the axial direction, and for example, the formation of the limiter 64 in injection molding can be facilitated.

[0095] On one hand, when the width W1 is set to be long, the distance D1 between the flat region 73 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 73 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B becomes short. However, the distance between the intermediate region 74 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the intermediate region 74 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B is at least partially longer than the distance D1. For this reason, even if there are variations in the positions and dimensions of the two intermediate regions 74, the distance between the two intermediate regions 74 is at least partially longer than the distance D1. Therefore, compared with the case where the intermediate region 74 is continuous as an integrated plane with the flat region 73, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the possibility that the two lift tabs 46a interfere with each other between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62. Furthermore, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can facilitate the management of the distance between the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B.

[0096] From the above, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can facilitate the manufacture of the ramp load mechanism 16 that can reliably retract the HGA 36 to the unloading position even when the number of magnetic disks 12 is large. Therefore, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can increase the number of magnetic disks 12, and thus can increase the storage capacity. Furthermore, the HDD 10 can suppress the decrease in yield.

[0097] The intermediate region 74 has a flat region 81 and a flat region 82. The flat region 81 is connected to the inclined region 71. The flat region 82 is located between the flat region 81 and the flat region 73. The width W2 between the flat region 82 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 82 on the lower surface 62 is shorter than the width W1, and is shorter than the width W3 between the flat region 81 on the upper surface 61 and the flat region 81 on the lower surface 62.

[0098] When the HGA36 moves from the load position to the unload position, the lift tab 46a of the HGA36 abuts against the inclined region 71. When the width W3 is set to be long, the inclined region 71 becomes long in the axial direction. Thereby, even if there are variations in the positions and dimensions of the HGA36 and the protrusion 52 in the axial direction in the HDD10 of the present embodiment, the lift tab 46a can be more reliably brought into contact with the inclined region 71, and the slider 48 can be more reliably peeled off from the surface of the magnetic disk 12.

[0099] On the other hand, when the width W3 is set to be long, the distance D3 between the flat region 81 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the flat region 81 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B becomes short. However, the distance D2 is longer than the distance D3. For this reason, the distance D2 becomes longer than the distance D3 even if there are variations in the positions and dimensions of the two flat regions 82. Therefore, the HDD10 of the present embodiment can reduce the possibility that the two lift tabs 46a interfere with each other due to the gap G between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 as compared with the case where the flat region 82 is continuous as an integral plane with the flat region 81. Further, the HDD10 of the present embodiment can easily manage the distance between the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B.

[0100] As described above, the HDD10 of the present embodiment can facilitate the manufacture of the ramp load mechanism 16 that can reliably retract the HGA36 to the unload position even when the number of magnetic disks 12 is large. Therefore, the HDD10 of the present embodiment can increase the number of magnetic disks 12, and thus can increase the storage capacity. Further, the HDD10 can suppress a decrease in yield.

[0101] The flat region 73 and the flat region 81 are in the same position in the axial direction. Thereby, the HDD10 of the present embodiment can maximize the distance between the limiter 64 and the slider 48 and can maximize the length of the inclined region 71 in the axial direction.

[0102] The intermediate region 74 has an inclined region 83 and an inclined region 84. The inclined region 83 is provided between the flat region 73 and the flat region 82. The inclined region 84 is provided between the flat region 81 and the flat region 82. The angle (about 5°) between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 83 is smaller than the angle (14° to 20°) between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 71. The angle (about 5°) between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 84 is smaller than the angle (14° to 20°) between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 71. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the sliding resistance of the lift tab 46a during movement between the flat regions 73, 81, 82.

[0103] The angle (about 5°) between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 83 and the angle (about 5°) between the flat region 81 and the inclined region 84 are each 10° or less. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the sliding resistance of the lift tab 46a during movement between the flat regions 73, 81, 82.

[0104] In the axial direction, the distance between the flat region 73 and the flat region 82 and the distance between the flat region 81 and the flat region 82 are each 20 μm to 80 μm. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the sliding resistance of the lift tab 46a during movement between the flat regions 73, 81, 82. Further, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can prevent the two sliders 48 from interfering with each other when the lift tab 46a is supported by the flat region 82.

[0105] The flat region 81 is shorter than the flat region 82 around the central axis Axh. That is, the gap G between the two flat regions 82 has a long distance D2 in the axial direction and a relatively long length L2 around the central axis Axh. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can further reduce the possibility of the two lift tabs 46a interfering with each other.

[0106] In the circumferential direction about the central axis Axh, the flat region 73 is longer than the flat region 81. That is, although the gap G between the two flat regions 81 has a short axial distance D3, the length L1 in the circumferential direction about the central axis Axh is relatively short. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can further reduce the possibility that the two lift tabs 46a interfere with each other between the two flat regions 81. Further, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can more reliably position the HGA 36 at the home position even if the stop position of the HGA 36 in the circumferential direction about the central axis Axh varies due to, for example, inertia, by setting the flat region 73 to be relatively long in the circumferential direction about the central axis Axh.

[0107] In the circumferential direction about the central axis Axh, the flat region 73 is longer than the limiter 64. Thereby, the slider 48 can be separated from the limiter 64 before the lift tab 46a supported by the flat region 73 reaches the intermediate region 74. Therefore, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can suppress the slider 48 from interfering with the limiter 64.

[0108] The upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 each have an inclined region 72 and an intermediate region 75. The inclined region 72 is provided at the ends of the plurality of protrusions 52 in the clockwise direction Dac. The intermediate region 75 is provided between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 72. The inclined regions 72 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 extend so as to taper from the intermediate region 75 in the clockwise direction Dac. The width between the intermediate regions 75 of the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62 is shorter than the width W1.

[0109] When the width W1 is set to be long, the distance D1 becomes short. However, the distance between the intermediate region 75 on the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the intermediate region 75 on the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B is longer than the distance D1. For this reason, even if there are variations in the positions and dimensions of the two intermediate regions 75, the distance between the two intermediate regions 75 is at least partially longer than the distance D1. Therefore, compared with the case where the intermediate region 75 is continuous as a plane integral with the flat region 73, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the possibility that the two lift tabs 46a interfere with each other between the upper surface 61 and the lower surface 62. Furthermore, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can facilitate the management of the distance between the upper surface 61 of the protrusion 52A and the lower surface 62 of the protrusion 52B.

[0110] The intermediate region 75 has a flat region 91 and an inclined region 92. The flat region 91 is connected to the inclined region 72. The inclined region 92 is provided between the flat region 73 and the flat region 91. The angle (about 5°) between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 92 is smaller than the angle (14° to 20°) between the flat region 73 and the inclined region 71. Thereby, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the sliding resistance of the lift tab 46a in the movement between the flat region 73 and the flat region 91.

[0111] Although several 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0112] 10…Hard disk drive (HDD), 12…Magnetic disk, 16…Lamp loading mechanism, 51…Wall, 52, 52A, 52B…Protrusion, 61…Upper surface, 62…Lower surface, 63…Side surface, 64…Limiter, 71, 72, 83, 84, 92…Inclined region, 73, 81, 82, 91…Flat region, 74, 75…Intermediate region, Axd, Axh…Central axis, Dri…Inner direction, Dac…Clockwise direction, Daa…Counterclockwise direction, G…Gap, W1, W2, W3, W4…Width.

Claims

1. A plurality of head gimbal assemblies rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a wall, and a lamp having a plurality of protrusions that project from the wall toward the first axis of rotation and are arranged with a gap therebetween in an axial direction along the first axis of rotation, a plurality of magnetic disks rotatable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the plurality of protrusions in a first rotational direction about the first axis of rotation, comprising: each of the plurality of protrusions has a first surface facing the gap, a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, a side surface provided between the first surface and the second surface and facing the first axis of rotation, and a limiter protruding from the side surface; each of the first surface and the second surface has a first inclined region provided at an end of the plurality of protrusions in the first rotational direction, a first flat region spaced apart from the first inclined region in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and a first intermediate region provided between the first inclined region and the first flat region; the limiter is located between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface; the first inclined region of the first surface and the first inclined region of the second surface extend so as to taper from the first intermediate region in the first rotational direction; the width between the first intermediate region of the first surface and the first intermediate region of the second surface is less than or equal to the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface, and is at least partially shorter than the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface; a disk device.

2. the first intermediate region has a second flat region connected to the first inclined region and a third flat region located between the second flat region and the first flat region; the width between the third flat region of the first surface and the third flat region of the second surface is shorter than the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface, and is shorter than the width between the second flat region of the first surface and the second flat region of the second surface; the disk device according to Claim 1.

3. the first flat region and the second flat region are at the same position in the axial direction; the disk device according to Claim 2.

4. The first intermediate region has a second inclined region provided between the first flat region and the third flat region, and a third inclined region provided between the second flat region and the third flat region. The angle between the first flat region and the second inclined region is smaller than the angle between the second flat region and the first inclined region. The angle between the second flat region and the third inclined region is smaller than the angle between the second flat region and the first inclined region. The disk device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The angle between the first flat region and the second inclined region and the angle between the second flat region and the third inclined region are each 10° or less. The disk device according to claim 4.

6. In the axial direction, the distance between the first flat region and the third flat region and the distance between the second flat region and the third flat region are each 20 μm to 80 μm. The disk device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

7. The second flat region is shorter than the third flat region around the first rotation axis. The disk device according to claim 2.

8. The first flat region is longer than the second flat region around the first rotation axis. The disk device according to claim 2.

9. The first flat region is longer than the limiter around the first rotation axis. The disk device according to claim 1.

10. The first surface and the second surface each have a fourth inclined region provided at an end of the plurality of protrusions in the second rotation direction, and a second intermediate region provided between the first flat region and the fourth inclined region. The fourth inclined region of the first surface and the fourth inclined region of the second surface extend so as to taper from the second intermediate region in the second rotation direction. The width between the second intermediate region of the first surface and the second intermediate region of the second surface is shorter than the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface. The disk device according to claim 1.

11. The second intermediate region has a fourth flat region connected to the fourth inclined region, and a fifth inclined region provided between the first flat region and the fourth flat region. The angle between the first flat region and the fifth inclined region is smaller than the angle between the first flat region and the first inclined region. The disk device according to claim 10.

12. A wall, A plurality of protrusions arranged with a gap in a first direction and protruding from the wall in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Comprising: Each of the plurality of protrusions has a first surface facing the gap, a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, a side surface provided between the first surface and the second surface and facing the second direction, and a limiter protruding from the side surface. The first surface and the second surface each have a first inclined region provided at an end of the plurality of protrusions in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, a first flat region spaced from the first inclined region in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and a first intermediate region provided between the first inclined region and the first flat region. The limiter is located between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface. The first inclined region of the first surface and the first inclined region of the second surface extend so as to taper from the first intermediate region in the third direction. The width between the first intermediate region of the first surface and the first intermediate region of the second surface is equal to or less than the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface, and is at least partially shorter than the width between the first flat region of the first surface and the first flat region of the second surface. Lamp.

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