Disk device and head gimbal assembly

Abstract

To provide a disk device that can suppress interference between two HGAs during unloading and reduce decrease in rigidity of a load beam.SOLUTION: An HGA of a disk device according to one embodiment includes a load beam. The load beam has two side rails, a plate between the two side rails, a first plane of the plate, a lift tab protruding from the end of the plate, and a protrusion protruding from the first plane to support a slider. Each edge of the two side rails has a first edge, a second edge extending from the first edge toward the lift tab, and a third edge extending from the second edge to the lift tab at an angle relative to the first plane to approach the first plane. The end of the slider is positioned either in the same place as the end of the third edge or farther from the lift tab than the end of the third edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a disk drive and a head gimbal assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] A disk device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) includes, for example, multiple magnetic disks, multiple head gimbal assemblies (HGAs), and a ramp. The HGA moves between a load position where a slider of the HGA is positioned above 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] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0086207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The load beam of an HGA has a lift tab located at the tip of the load beam and side rails that increase the rigidity of the load beam. In the unload position, the lift tab is supported by a ramp, tilting the load beam so that the lift tabs of two adjacent HGAs approach each other. This tilting of the load beam can cause the side rails of the two HGAs to interfere with each other near the lift tabs. Meanwhile, shortening the width of the side rails reduces the rigidity of the load beam.

[0005] One example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a disk drive and a head gimbal assembly that can suppress interference between two head gimbal assemblies during unloading and reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, a disk drive device includes a plurality of magnetic disks, a ramp, and a plurality of head gimbal assemblies. Each of the head gimbal assemblies includes a slider configured to read and write information from and to one of the magnetic disks and a load beam supporting the slider, and the head gimbal assemblies are movable between a load position where the slider is positioned over one of the magnetic disks and an unload position where the load beam is supported by the ramp. The load beam includes two side rails, a plate disposed between the two side rails, a first flat surface of the plate configured to face the one of the magnetic disks in the load position, a lift tab protruding from an end of the plate in a first direction along the first flat surface and configured to be supported by the ramp in the unload position, a second flat surface of the plate connected to an end of the first flat surface in a second direction opposite the first direction and tilted relative to the first flat surface, and a protrusion protruding from the first flat surface and supporting the slider. The edges of the two side rails in a third direction, in which the first plane faces, are connected to the plate. The edges of each of the two side rails in a fourth direction opposite the third direction have a first edge farther from the lift tab than the first plane, a second edge extending from the first edge toward the lift tab, and a third edge extending from the second edge to the lift tab at an angle relative to the first plane to approach the first plane. The second edge extends to the third edge parallel to the first plane or at an angle relative to the first plane to approach the first plane. In the second direction, the end of the slider is flush with the end of the third edge or farther from the lift tab than the end of the third edge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing an exploded HDD according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view schematically illustrating the magnetic disk, the HSA, and the ramp load mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary plan view showing the HGA and the arm according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary side view showing the magnetic disk and the HGA in the load position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary side view showing the ramp load mechanism and the HGA in the unload position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the HGA of the first embodiment taken along line F6-F6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary side view showing the ramp load mechanism and the HGA in the unload position according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this specification, components according to the embodiment and descriptions of the components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, the components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] In the following description, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the severity of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0010] 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view showing a hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to the first embodiment. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device, and may also be called an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a magnetic disk device.

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

[0012] The housing 11 accommodates the magnetic disk 12, the spindle motor 13, the HSA 14, the VCM 15, and the ramp load mechanism 16. The housing 11 has a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover .

[0013] The base 21 is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box that is open in one direction. The base 21 has a bottom wall 25 and side walls 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular (quadrilateral) plate. The side walls 26 protrude from the edges of the bottom wall 25 and are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular frame.

[0014] The inner cover 22 is attached to the end of the side wall 26 by, for example, screws, and closes the space inside the base 21. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22 and is attached to the end of the side wall 26 by, for example, welding. A vent 27 is provided in the inner cover 22. Furthermore, a vent 28 is provided in the outer cover 23.

[0015] After components are attached inside base 21 and inner cover 22 and outer cover 23 are attached to base 21, the air inside housing 11 is evacuated through vent holes 27 and 28. Furthermore, the inside of housing 11 is filled with a gas other than air.

[0016] The gas filled inside the housing 11 is, for example, a low-density gas having a density lower than that of air, an inert gas having low reactivity, etc. For example, helium is filled inside the housing 11. Note that the housing 11 may also be filled with other fluids.

[0017] The vent hole 28 in the outer cover 23 is closed by a seal 29. The seal 29 airtightly seals the vent hole 28 and restricts the fluid filled inside the housing 11 from leaking out through the vent hole 28.

[0018] The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are formed in a substantially circular disk shape. A magnetic recording layer is provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the magnetic disks 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are stacked with a gap between them. The HDD 10 of this embodiment has, for example, twelve magnetic disks 12. Note that the number of magnetic disks 12 is not limited to this example.

[0019] The spindle motor 13 supports the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The spindle motor 13 rotates the plurality of magnetic disks 12 around a central axis Axd of the spindle motor 13. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are held on a hub of the spindle motor 13 by, for example, a clamp spring.

[0020] The HSA 14 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 31. The support shaft 31 is provided at a position spaced apart from the magnetic disk 12 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Axd. The support shaft 31 protrudes from the bottom wall 25 of the housing 11.

[0021] The HSA 14 can rotate around a central axis Axh. The central axis Axh is an imaginary axis that extends substantially parallel to the central axis Axd of the magnetic disk 12. The central axis Axh is, for example, the center of rotation of the HSA 14 and also the central axis of the support shaft 31.

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

[0023] 2 is an exemplary plan view schematically illustrating the magnetic disk 12, the HSA 14, and the ramp load mechanism 16 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator block 41 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 31 via a bearing, for example. A plurality of arms 42 protrude from the actuator block 41 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Axh. Alternatively, the carriage 35 may be divided, and an arm 42 may protrude from each of the plurality of actuator blocks 41.

[0024] The arms 42 extend substantially parallel to one another and are spaced apart along the central axis Axh. Each arm 42 is formed in a plate shape that can enter the gap between two adjacent ones of the magnetic disks 12.

[0025] The voice coil of the VCM 15 is attached to the actuator block 41. The support shaft 31 is located between the arm 42 and the voice coil. The VCM 15 has the voice coil, a pair of yokes, and a magnet provided in the yokes.

[0026] Each of the multiple HGAs 36 is attached to the tip of a corresponding one of the multiple arms 42. As a result, the multiple HGAs 36 are arranged at intervals along the central axis Axh. Two HGAs 36 are attached to one arm 42.

[0027] Each of the plurality of HGAs 36 includes a base plate 51, a load beam 52, a flexure 53, a slider 54, and two microactuators (MA) 55. The slider 54 may also be called a head slider or a magnetic head.

[0028] The base plate 51 and the load beam 52 are made of, for example, stainless steel, although the base plate 51 and the load beam 52 may also be made of other materials such as an aluminum alloy.

[0029] The base plate 51 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. The base plate 51 is attached to the tip of the arm 42 by, for example, crimping. The load beam 52 is formed in the shape of a plate that is thinner than the base plate 51. The load beam 52 is attached to the base plate 51 so as to protrude from the base plate 51.

[0030] The flexure 53 is a type of flexible printed wiring board formed in a long, thin strip shape, and includes, for example, a metal backing layer, an insulating base layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating cover layer.

[0031] A gimbal 58 of a flexure 53 is provided at the tip of the HGA 36. A slider 54 is mounted on the gimbal 58. The gimbal 58 is attached to the load beam 52 so that the portion of the gimbal 58 on which the slider 54 is mounted is rotatable.

[0032] The MA 55 is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The MA 55 is mounted on the gimbal 58. The two MA 55 expand and contract when a voltage is applied, and rotate the portion of the gimbal 58 on which the slider 54 is mounted.

[0033] The FPC 37 is formed, for example, in a strip shape. As shown in Fig. 1, one end of the FPC 37 is attached to the actuator block 41 and connected to the flexures 53 of the multiple HGAs 36. The other end of the FPC 37 is attached to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21. The FPC 37 elastically bends between both ends in response to the rotation of the HSA 14.

[0034] The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 around the central axis Axh. As shown in Fig. 2, the VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 to move the multiple HGAs 36 between a load position Pl and an unload position Pu.

[0035] At the load position Pl, each of the sliders 54 is positioned above a corresponding magnetic recording layer of one of the magnetic disks 12. The airflow generated by the rotation of the magnetic disk 12 causes the slider 54 to float above the magnetic disk 12.

[0036] At the load position P1, the slider 54 records and reproduces information on the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, the slider 54 reads and writes information from and to the magnetic disk 12.

[0037] At the unload position Pu, the slider 54 is spaced further from the central axis Axd than the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 12, and the ramp load mechanism 16 supports the load beam 52. The slider 54 at the unload position Pu is spaced further from the magnetic disk 12 along the central axis Axd than the slider 54 at the load position Pl.

[0038] 1 is, for example, a rigid board such as a glass epoxy board, and is a multi-layer board or a build-up board, etc. The PCB 17 is disposed outside the housing 11 and attached to the bottom wall 25 of the base 21.

[0039] Various electronic components are mounted on the PCB 17, such as a relay connector connected to the FPC 37, an interface (I / F) connector connected to a host computer, and a controller that controls the operation of the HDD 10. The relay connector is electrically connected to the FPC 37 via a connector provided on the bottom wall 25, for example.

[0040] The PCB 17 is electrically connected to the slider 54 and the MA 55 through the FPC 37 and the flexure 53. A controller on the PCB 17 controls the slider 54 to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk 12.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an exemplary plan view showing the HGA 36 and the arm 42 of the first embodiment. The load beam 52 is formed, for example, by pressing or bending. As shown in FIG. 3, the load beam 52 has a plate 61, a leaf spring 62, a lift tab 63, a protrusion 64, and two side rails 65. The protrusion 64 may also be referred to as a dimple.

[0042] 4 is an exemplary side view showing the magnetic disk 12 and the HGA 36 at the load position P1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the plate 61 is formed in a plate shape bent at a curved portion 67. The plate 61 has a first flat surface 61a, a second flat surface 61b, a third flat surface 61c, and a fourth flat surface 61d.

[0043] At the load position Pl, the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b face a corresponding one of the multiple magnetic disks 12. A curved portion 67 is provided between the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b. That is, the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b are a single surface bent at the curved portion 67.

[0044] As shown in the drawings, for convenience, the present specification defines the forward direction Df, rearward direction Db, left direction Dl, right direction Dr, downward direction Dd, and upward direction Du. Note that the names forward direction Df, rearward direction Db, left direction Dl, right direction Dr, downward direction Dd, and upward direction Du are names for convenience and do not limit the direction, position, or usage manner of the HGA36. The forward direction Df is an example of a first direction. The rearward direction Db is an example of a second direction. The downward direction Dd is an example of a third direction. The upward direction Du is an example of a fourth direction.

[0045] The forward direction Df, rearward direction Db, leftward direction Dl, and rightward direction Dr are directions along the first plane 61a. The forward direction Df and rearward direction Db are approximately equal to the longitudinal direction of the load beam 52. The HGA 36 extends from the arm 42 approximately in the forward direction Df, and the load beam 52 extends from the base plate 51 approximately in the forward direction Df. The rearward direction Db is the direction opposite to the forward direction Df. The leftward direction Dl and rightward direction Dr are directions perpendicular to the forward direction Df and rearward direction Db.

[0046] The downward direction Dd and the upward direction Du are directions perpendicular to the first plane 61a. The downward direction Dd is the direction in which the first plane 61a faces. That is, the magnetic disk 12 is spaced in the downward direction Dd from the first plane 61a at the load position Pl. The upward direction Du is the opposite direction to the downward direction Dd.

[0047] The forward direction Df, rearward direction Db, downward direction Dd, and upward direction Du are different for each of the multiple HGAs 36. Furthermore, the forward direction Df, rearward direction Db, leftward direction Dl, rightward direction Dr, downward direction Dd, and upward direction Du change due to, for example, movement and deformation of the HGAs 36.

[0048] The second plane 61b is connected to an end of the first plane 61a in the rearward direction Db. The curved portion 67 extends in the leftward direction Dl and the rightward direction Dr between the first plane 61a and the second plane 61b. The second plane 61b is inclined with respect to the first plane 61a around the curved portion 67. Therefore, the direction in which the second plane 61b faces is inclined with respect to the downward direction Dd.

[0049] The third plane 61c is located opposite the first plane 61a. The third plane 61c faces the upward direction Du. The fourth plane 61d is located opposite the second plane 61b. The curved portion 67 is located between the third plane 61c and the fourth plane 61d.

[0050] 3, a damper 68 may be attached to the third flat surface 61c and the fourth flat surface 61d. The damper 68 includes, for example, a constraining layer and a viscoelastic body. The viscoelastic body is positioned between the constraining layer and the third flat surface 61c, and between the constraining layer and the fourth flat surface 61d. This allows the damper 68 to damp vibrations of the HGA 36.

[0051] The leaf spring 62 protrudes from the end of the plate 61 in the rear direction Db and is attached to the base plate 51. The leaf spring 62 elastically deforms between the base plate 51 and the plate 61. At the load position Pl, the leaf spring 62 presses the slider 54 toward the magnetic disk 12 by its elastic force.

[0052] The plate 61 extends from the leaf spring 62 so as to taper approximately in the forward direction Df. For example, the first flat surface 61a and the third flat surface 61c are formed in a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape tapering in the forward direction Df. The second flat surface 61b and the fourth flat surface 61d are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape tapering in the forward direction Df. Note that the shape of the plate 61 is not limited to this example.

[0053] The lift tab 63 protrudes substantially in the forward direction Df from the end of the plate 61 in the forward direction Df. That is, the plate 61 is located between the leaf spring 62 and the lift tab 63. The lift tab 63 is located at the tip of the HGA 36. In other words, the lift tab 63 is provided at the end of the HGA 36 in the forward direction Df.

[0054] 4, the lift tab 63 has a bottom surface 63a and an edge 63b. The bottom surface 63a is a generally boat-shaped curved surface. At the load position Pl, the bottom surface 63a faces the magnetic disk 12 as a whole. The bottom surface 63a is connected to the first flat surface 61a of the plate 61. The edge 63b is the edge of the lift tab 63 in the upward direction Du.

[0055] 5 is an exemplary side view showing the ramp load mechanism 16 and the HGA 36 at the unload position Pu according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, at the unload position Pu, the bottom surface 63a of the lift tab 63 is supported by the ramp load mechanism 16.

[0056] The protrusion 64 protrudes from the first flat surface 61a. The protrusion 64 is formed, for example, in a substantially hemispherical shape. However, the shape of the protrusion 64 is not limited to this example. The protrusion 64 of the load beam 52 rotatably supports the slider 54 either directly or via the flexure 53. Therefore, the slider 54 can rotate around the protrusion 64 together with the gimbal 58.

[0057] 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the HGA 36 of the first embodiment taken along line F6-F6 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the two side rails 65 extend from the ends of the plate 61 in the left direction Dl and the right direction Dr, approximately in the upward direction Du. In other words, the side rails 65 extend from the ends of the third flat surface 61c and the fourth flat surface 61d of the plate 61 in the left direction Dl and the right direction Dr. Therefore, the plate 61 is provided between the two side rails 65.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the side rails 65 extend from near the leaf springs 62 to the lift tabs 63. Therefore, the distance between the two side rails 65 decreases in the forward direction Df. As shown in Fig. 6, each of the two side rails 65 has a lower edge 71, an upper edge 72, and a side surface 73.

[0059] The lower edge 71 is the edge of the side rail 65 in the downward direction Dd. The lower edge 71 is connected to the plate 61. The upper edge 72 is located opposite the lower edge 71. That is, the upper edge 72 is the edge of the side rail 65 in the upward direction Du. The upper edge 72 may also be referred to as an end surface. As shown in FIG. 5 , the upper edge 72 has a first edge 75, a second edge 76, and a third edge 77.

[0060] The first edge 75 is a part of the upper edge 72 that is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the first plane 61a. That is, the first edge 75 is a part of the upper edge 72 that is farther away from the lift tab 63 in the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db) than the curved portion 67. In the longitudinal direction, the end of the first edge 75 in the forward direction Df is at approximately the same position as the curved portion 67 or is farther away from the curved portion 67 in the rearward direction Db.

[0061] 4, most of the first edge 75 extends substantially parallel to the second plane 61b. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 75 is approximately constant. Note that the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 75 may be shorter near the end of the side rail 65 in the rear direction Db than in other portions. The first edge 75 is not limited to the above example.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 5, the second edge 76 extends from the first edge 75 toward the lift tab 63. That is, the second edge 76 is directly connected to the first edge 75. In this embodiment, the second edge 76 has, for example, a parallel edge 76a and an inclined edge 76b. Fig. 5 schematically shows the positions of the boundaries between the first edge 75, the parallel edge 76a, the inclined edge 76b, and the third edge 77 using dashed double-dashed lines.

[0063] The parallel edge 76a extends from the first edge 75 toward the third edge 77, generally parallel to the first plane 61a. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the parallel edge 76a is generally constant. Note that the plate 61 may be bent at the curved portion 67, so that the first edge 75 and the parallel edge 76a of the second edge 76 may be bent near the curved portion 67.

[0064] The inclined edge 76b extends from the parallel edge 76a to the third edge 77, inclined relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the inclined edge 76b decreases in the forward direction Df.

[0065] The entire second edge 76 may be a parallel edge 76a. Alternatively, the entire second edge 76 may be an inclined edge 76b. The second edge 76 may have a plurality of inclined edges 76b that are inclined to one another. The inclined edges 76b may be curved.

[0066] The second edge 76 generally extends parallel to the first plane 61a or inclined relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a, to the third edge 77. In other words, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the second edge 76 does not decrease in the rearward direction Db.

[0067] The third edge 77 extends from the inclined edge 76b of the second edge 76 to the lift tab 63, inclined relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a. In other words, the third edge 77 is located between the second edge 76 and the lift tab 63, and is directly connected to the second edge 76 and the lift tab 63.

[0068] The distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 decreases in the forward direction Df. The shortest distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 is, for example, greater than half the distance between the lower edge 71 and the parallel edge 76a. Note that the distance between the lower edge 71 and the third edge 77 is not limited to this example.

[0069] The angle between the inclined edge 76b and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. Therefore, the second edge 76 is inclined with respect to the third edge 77.

[0070] For example, the angle between the third edge 77 and the first flat surface 61a is approximately 3°. The angle between the inclined edge 76b and the first flat surface 61a is greater than 0° and less than 3°. Note that the third edge 77 and the inclined edge 76b are not limited to this example.

[0071] The second edge 76 has a parallel edge 76a that is substantially parallel to the first plane 61a and an inclined edge 76b that is slightly inclined with respect to the first plane 61a. Therefore, the angle between the second edge 76 and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a.

[0072] As described above, the upper edge 72 has portions (the inclined edge 76b and the third edge 77) that are inclined with respect to the first plane 61a. The angle between the portions of the upper edge 72 and the first plane 61a increases in the forward direction Df.

[0073] The edge 63b of the lift tab 63 is continuous with the third edge 77. That is, at least at the boundary between the edge 63b and the third edge 77, the edge 63b and the third edge 77 are arranged on the same plane. Note that the edge 63b is not limited to this example. The edge 63b may have an uneven surface or may be curved.

[0074] The third edge 77 is provided at the end of the side rail 65 in the forward direction Df and is closer to the lift tab 63 than the second plane 61b. In the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db), the end 54a of the slider 54 in the rearward direction Db is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77 in the rearward direction Db. Note that, in the longitudinal direction, the end 54a of the slider 54 may be located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0075] In this embodiment, in the longitudinal direction (forward direction Df and rearward direction Db), the end 64a of the protrusion 64 in the rearward direction Db is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77. Note that, in the longitudinal direction, the end 64a of the protrusion 64 may be located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0076] 6, the side surface 73 is provided between the upper edge 72 and the plate 61. That is, the side surface 73 extends between the first edge 75 and the fourth flat surface 61d, between the second edge 76 and the third flat surface 61c, and between the third edge 77 and the third flat surface 61c.

[0077] In this embodiment, the side rails 65 extend from the plate 61 so as to be inclined with respect to the first plane 61a. Therefore, the direction in which the side surfaces 73 face is inclined with respect to the left direction Dl and the right direction Dr. Furthermore, the direction in which the upper edges 72 face is inclined with respect to the upward direction Du. Note that the upper edges 72 may be parallel to the first plane 61a so as to face the upward direction Du.

[0078] Because the side rail 65 is inclined, the corner 78 between the third edge 77 and the side surface 73 is located at the end of the third edge 77 in the upward direction Du. A recess 79 is provided in the corner 78. Therefore, the recess 79 opens to the third edge 77 and the side surface 73.

[0079] For example, before the load beam 52 is formed by pressing or bending, the side surface 73 forms the surface of the sheet metal that is the material of the load beam 52. The upper edge 72 forms the edge of the sheet metal. The surface (side surface 73) of the sheet metal is partially removed (melted) by, for example, partial etching, to form the recess 79. After the recess 79 is formed, the sheet metal is bent by pressing or bending to form the load beam 52. Note that the method of forming the recess 79 is not limited to this example.

[0080] In this embodiment, the recess 79 is not provided on the first edge 75 or the second edge 76. That is, the first edge 75 and the second edge 76 are directly connected to the side surface 73. Note that the recess 79 may be provided on at least one of the first edge 75 and the second edge 76.

[0081] 5, the plurality of HGAs 36 includes two HGAs 36U and 36L. The HGA 36U is one of the plurality of HGAs 36 and is an example of a first head gimbal assembly. The HGA 36L is the other of the plurality of HGAs 36 and is an example of a second head gimbal assembly.

[0082] The HGAs 36U and 36L are located between two adjacent magnetic disks 12. The two HGAs 36U and 36L are arranged in approximately mirror symmetry and adjacent to each other. Figure 5 shows the front direction Df, rear direction Db, upper direction Du, and lower direction Dd of the HGA 36U, and omits the front direction Df, rear direction Db, upper direction Du, and lower direction Dd of the HGA 36L.

[0083] When the HGA 36 moves from the load position Pl toward the unload position Pu, the bottom surface 63a of the lift tab 63 abuts against the slope of the ramp load mechanism 16. As the HGA 36 moves, the lift tab 63 moves along the slope of the ramp load mechanism 16, and the slider 54 moves away from the magnetic disk 12.

[0084] When the HGA 36 moves toward the unload position Pu, the slope of the ramp load mechanism 16 lifts the lift tab 63. As a result, the two load beams 52 bend around the leaf spring 62 so as to approach each other. That is, the HGAs 36U and 36L tilt forward in the direction Df so that the distance between the two load beams 52 decreases.

[0085] At the unload position Pu, the HGA 36U and HGA 36L are closest to each other near the lift tab 63. For example, the two third edges 77 are closest to each other on the HGAs 36U and 36L. The two lift tabs 63 may also be closest to each other on the HGAs 36U and 36L.

[0086] At the unloading position Pu, the third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L are disposed substantially parallel to each other. That is, at the unloading position Pu, the angle between the third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L is smaller than the angle between the second edge 76 of the HGA 36U and the second edge 76 of the HGA 36L. The third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L may be inclined relative to each other.

[0087] Furthermore, at the unload position Pu, the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 of the HGA 36U and the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 of the HGA 36L are also disposed substantially parallel to each other. The edge 63b of the lift tab 63 of the HGA 36U and the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 of the HGA 36L may be inclined relative to each other.

[0088] At the unload position Pu, the lift tabs 63 and the third edges 77 of the HGAs 36U and 36L are arranged substantially parallel to each other, providing a certain gap (margin) between the HGAs 36U and 36L. For example, the distance between the two third edges 77 is set to 60 μm or more. This prevents the HGAs 36U and 36L from interfering with each other.

[0089] On the other hand, the formation of the third edge 77 reduces the width of the side rail 65 (the distance between the lower edge 71 and the upper edge 72). This reduction in width reduces the rigidity of the load beam 52, including the side rail 65, and may reduce the strength and resonance characteristics of the HGA 36 against impact. However, the third edge 77 is provided near the slider 54 and the lift tab 63. That is, the side rail 65 reduces in width at the position where the HGAs 36U and 36L are closest to each other. However, other portions of the side rail 65 have a large width. Therefore, the HGA 36 can mitigate the reduction in the rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0090] For example, in the HGA 36, the relatively heavy slider 54 and MA 55 are supported by the load beam 52 near the lift tab 63. The slider 54 and MA 55 apply a load to the tip of the load beam 52, which is supported by the base plate 51 like a cantilever beam.

[0091] The side rails 65 have a predetermined width between the periphery of the slider 54 and MA 55 and the periphery of the base plate 51 that supports the load beam 52. Therefore, the HGA 36 can prevent the load beam 52 from being unexpectedly deformed by the load of the slider 54 and MA 55.

[0092] On the other hand, the load of the slider 54 and MA 55 is unlikely to act strongly on the load beam 52 between the lift tab 63 and the protrusion 64. Therefore, the formation of the third edge 77 is unlikely to reduce the strength of the load beam 52 against the load of the slider 54 and MA 55.

[0093] In this embodiment, the corners 78 of the two load beams 52 are closest to each other in the HGAs 36U and 36L. The load beam 52 has recesses 79 at the corners 78, which increases the distance between the HGAs 36U and 36L. This prevents the HGAs 36U and 36L from interfering with each other.

[0094] For example, an impact may cause the load beam 52 to bend around the leaf spring 62, bringing the HGAs 36U and 36L closer to each other. However, the inclined edges 76b are provided on the HGAs 36U and 36L at positions spaced apart from the lift tab 63. This allows the HGAs 36U and 36L to maintain a distance from each other, preventing them from interfering with each other. The inclination of the inclined edges 76b is smaller than the inclination of the third edges 77. Therefore, forming the inclined edges 76b can reduce the reduction in rigidity of the load beam 52 compared to extending the third edges 77.

[0095] In the HDD 10 according to the first embodiment described above, each of the multiple HGAs 36 includes a slider 54 configured to read and write information from and to one of the multiple magnetic disks 12, and a load beam 52 supporting the slider 54. The HGA 36 is movable between a load position Pl, where the slider 54 is positioned above one of the multiple magnetic disks 12, and an unload position Pu, where the load beam 52 is supported by a ramp load mechanism 16. The load beam 52 includes two side rails 65, a plate 61, a first flat surface 61a of the plate 61, a lift tab 63, a second flat surface 61b of the plate 61, and a protrusion 64. The plate 61 is disposed between the two side rails 65. The first flat surface 61a is configured to face one of the multiple magnetic disks 12 at the load position Pl. The lift tab 63 protrudes from an end of the plate 61 in the forward direction Df along the first plane 61a and is configured to be supported by the ramp load mechanism 16 at the unload position Pu. The second plane 61b is connected to an end of the first plane 61a in the rearward direction Db opposite the forward direction Df and is inclined relative to the first plane 61a. The protrusion 64 protrudes from the first plane 61a and supports the slider 54. Lower edges 71, which are edges of the two side rails 65 in the downward direction Dd toward which the first plane 61a faces, are connected to the plate 61. Upper edges 72, which are edges of the two side rails 65 in the upward direction Du opposite the downward direction Dd, have a first edge 75, a second edge 76, and a third edge 77. The first edge 75 is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the first plane 61a. The second edge 76 extends from the first edge 75 toward the lift tab 63. The third edge 77 extends from the second edge 76 to the lift tab 63 at an angle relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a. The second edge 76 extends to the third edge 77 either parallel to the first plane 61a or at an angle relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a. In the rearward direction Db, the end 54a of the slider 54 is at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77 or is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77.

[0096] The side rails 65 of one HGA 36U and the side rails 65 of the adjacent HGA 36L extend toward each other. Furthermore, at the unload position Pu, the lift tabs 63 are supported by the ramp load mechanism 16, tilting the load beam 52 so that the lift tabs 63 of the two HGAs 36U and 36L approach each other. However, the side rails 65 are provided with third edges 77 that are connected to the lift tabs 63 and tilt toward the first plane 61a. This allows the third edges 77 of one HGA 36U and the third edges 77 of the adjacent HGA 36L to be approximately parallel to each other near the lift tabs 63. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGAs 36U and 36L during unloading. The third edges 77 are located closer to the lift tabs 63 than the end 54a of the slider 54. In other words, the length of the third edges 77 is limited. Furthermore, the second edge 76 does not extend from the third edge 77 toward the first plane 61a at an angle relative to the first plane 61a. That is, the width of the side rail 65 does not decrease toward the base plate 51 that supports the load beam 52. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0097] The edge 63b of the lift tab 63 in the upward direction Du is continuous with the third edge 77. That is, the third edge 77 does not protrude beyond the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 in the upward direction Du toward the other HGA 36. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGAs 36U and 36L during unloading. Furthermore, the third edge 77 does not recess from the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 in the upward direction Du. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0098] The second edge 76 is inclined relative to the third edge 77. The angle between the second edge 76 and the first plane 61a is smaller than the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. That is, the second edge 76 is inclined so as to approach the first plane 61a more gradually than the third edge 77 near the lift tab 63. This allows the HDD 10 of this embodiment to reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0099] At the unload position Pu, the angle between the third edge 77 of an HGA 36U, which is one of the multiple HGAs 36, and the third edge 77 of an HGA 36L, which is adjacent to the HGA 36U, is smaller than the angle between the second edge 76 of the HGA 36U and the second edge 76 of the HGA 36L. That is, the third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L can be made approximately parallel. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGAs 36U and 36L during unloading.

[0100] The second edge 76 has an inclined edge 76b. The inclined edge 76b is inclined relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a and extends to a third edge 77. The angle between the first plane 61a and the inclined edge 76b is smaller than the angle between the first plane 61a and the third edge 77. That is, even at a position farther away from the lift tab 63 than the third edge 77, the inclined edge 76b of one HGA 36U and the inclined edge 76b of the adjacent HGA 36L can be made approximately parallel. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can suppress interference between the two HGAs 36U and 36L even if an impact is applied to the HGA 36 during unloading, for example.

[0101] In the rear direction Db, the end 64a of the protrusion 64 is located at the same position as the end 77a of the third edge 77, or is farther away from the lift tab 63 than the end 77a of the third edge 77. That is, the third edge 77 is located closer to the lift tab 63 than the end 64a of the protrusion 64, and is shorter. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0102] A recess 79 is provided at the end of the third edge 77 in the upward direction Du. That is, the recess 79 is provided at the portion of the third edge 77 of one HGA 36U that is closest to another adjacent HGA 36L. This allows the HDD 10 of this embodiment to suppress interference between the two HGAs 36U, 36L during unloading.

[0103] Each of the two side rails 65 has a side surface 73 provided between the upper edge 72 and the plate 61. A recess 79 is provided at a corner 78 between the third edge 77 and the side surface 73. For example, before the load beam 52 is pressed or bent, the side surface 73 is partially removed by, for example, partial etching, to provide the recess 79 at the corner 78. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can easily provide the recess 79.

[0104] The first edge 75 and the second edge 76 are directly connected to the side surface 73. That is, the recess 79 is not provided at the corner between the first edge 75 and the side surface 73, nor at the corner between the second edge 76 and the side surface 73. This allows the HDD 10 of this embodiment to reduce a decrease in the rigidity of the load beam 52 caused by providing the recess 79.

[0105] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. In the following description of the embodiment, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Furthermore, multiple components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0106] 7 is an exemplary side view showing the ramp load mechanism 16 and the HGA 36 at the unload position Pu according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper edge 72 of the second embodiment has a first edge 201 and a second edge 202 instead of the first edge 75 and the second edge 76. The first edge 201 and the second edge 202 are substantially equal to the first edge 75 and the second edge 76, except as described below.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, and the third edge 77 of the side rail 65 and the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 are continuous with each other. That is, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, the third edge 77, and the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 are arranged on the same plane. However, the first edge 201, the second edge 202, the third edge 77, and the edge 63b of the lift tab 63 are not limited to this example.

[0108] The first edge 201 extends from the vicinity of the base plate 51 to the second edge 202, inclined relative to the second plane 61b so as to approach the second plane 61b. That is, the distance between the lower edge 71 and the first edge 201 decreases in the forward direction Df. Note that the first edge 201 is not limited to this example.

[0109] The second edge 202 extends from the first edge 201 to the third edge 77, inclined relative to the first plane 61a so as to approach the first plane 61a. In the second embodiment, the angle between the second edge 202 and the first plane 61a is equal to the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a. Note that the angle between the second edge 202 and the first plane 61a may be different from the angle between the third edge 77 and the first plane 61a.

[0110] At the unload position Pu, the distance between the first edge 201 of the HGA 36U and the first edge 201 of the HGA 36L is equal to or greater than the distance between the third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L. Also, at the unload position Pu, the distance between the second edge 202 of the HGA 36U and the second edge 202 of the HGA 36L is equal to or greater than the distance between the third edge 77 of the HGA 36U and the third edge 77 of the HGA 36L.

[0111] In the HDD 10 of the second embodiment described above, the second edge 202 extends from the first edge 201 to the third edge 77, tilting toward the first plane 61a. That is, the second edge 202 increases the width of the side rail 65 toward the base plate 51 compared to when the second edge 202 is partially or entirely parallel to the first plane 61a. Therefore, the second edge 202 can compensate for the reduction in width of the side rail 65 caused by the formation of the third edge 77. Therefore, the HDD 10 of this embodiment can reduce the reduction in rigidity of the load beam 52.

[0112] 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 embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10...hard disk drive (HDD), 12...magnetic disk, 16...ramp load mechanism, 36, 36U, 36L...head gimbal assembly, 52...load beam, 54...slider, 54a...edge, 61...plate, 61a...first flat surface, 61b...second flat surface, 63...lift tab, 63b...edge, 64...protrusion, 64a...edge, 65...side rail, 71...lower edge, 72...upper edge, 73...side surface, 75...first edge, 76...second edge, 76b...sloped edge, 77...third edge, 77a...edge, 78...corner, 79...recess, Pl...load position, Pu...unload position, Df...front direction, Db...rear direction, Dd...downward direction, Du...upward direction.

Claims

1. a plurality of magnetic disks; Lamp and a plurality of head gimbal assemblies, each of which has a slider configured to read and write information from and to one of the plurality of magnetic disks and a load beam supporting the slider, and which are movable between a load position where the slider is disposed above the one of the plurality of magnetic disks and an unload position where the load beam is supported by the ramp; Equipped with the load beam has two side rails, a plate provided between the two side rails, a first flat surface of the plate configured to face one of the plurality of magnetic disks in the load position, a lift tab protruding from an end of the plate in a first direction along the first flat surface and configured to be supported by the ramp in the unload position, a second flat surface of the plate connected to an end of the first flat surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inclined with respect to the first flat surface, and a protrusion protruding from the first flat surface and supporting the slider; Edges of the two side rails in a third direction in which the first plane faces are connected to the plate; edges of each of the two side rails in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction include a first edge that is farther from the lift tab than the first plane, a second edge that extends from the first edge toward the lift tab, and a third edge that extends from the second edge to the lift tab at an angle with respect to the first plane so as to approach the first plane, the second edge extends to the third edge parallel to the first plane or inclined relative to the first plane so as to approach the first plane; In the second direction, the end of the slider is at the same position as the end of the third edge or is farther from the lift tab than the end of the third edge. Disk device.

2. an edge of the lift tab in the fourth direction is continuous with the third edge; 2. The disk device according to claim 1.

3. the second edge is inclined relative to the third edge, and the angle between the second edge and the first plane is smaller than that between the second edge and the third edge; 2. The disk device according to claim 1.

4. at the unload position, an angle between the third edge of a first head gimbal assembly that is one of the plurality of head gimbal assemblies and the third edge of a second head gimbal assembly that is adjacent to the first head gimbal assembly among the plurality of head gimbal assemblies is smaller than an angle between the second edge of the first head gimbal assembly and the second edge of the second head gimbal assembly; 4. The disk device according to claim 3.

5. The second edge has an inclined edge that is inclined with respect to the first plane so as to approach the first plane and extends to the third edge, and the angle between the second edge and the first plane is smaller than that of the third edge.

5. The disk device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The second edge extends from the first edge to the third edge at an angle relative to the first plane so as to approach the first plane.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

7. In the second direction, an end of the protrusion is at the same position as an end of the third edge or is farther from the lift tab than the end of the third edge.

2. The disk device according to claim 1.

8. a recess is provided at an end of the third edge in the fourth direction; 2. The disk device according to claim 1.

9. each of the two side rails has a side surface provided between the edge of the two side rails in the fourth direction and the plate; The recess is provided at a corner between the third edge and the side surface.

9. The disk device according to claim 8.

10. the first edge and the second edge are directly connected to the side surface; 10. The disk device according to claim 9.

11. A slider and a load beam having two side rails, a plate provided between the two side rails, a first flat surface of the plate, a lift tab protruding from an end of the plate in a first direction along the first flat surface, a second flat surface of the plate connected to an end of the first flat surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction and inclined relative to the first flat surface, and a protrusion protruding from the first flat surface and supporting the slider; Equipped with Edges of the two side rails in a third direction in which the first plane faces are connected to the plate; edges of each of the two side rails in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction include a first edge that is farther from the lift tab than the first plane, a second edge that extends from the first edge toward the lift tab, and a third edge that extends from the second edge to the lift tab at an angle with respect to the first plane so as to approach the first plane, the second edge extends to the third edge parallel to the first plane or inclined relative to the first plane so as to approach the first plane; In the second direction, the end of the slider is at the same position as the end of the third edge or is farther from the lift tab than the end of the third edge. Head gimbal assembly.

Images