Disk drive suspension

Abstract

To provide a suspension for a disk device whose reliability can be improved.SOLUTION: A suspension for a disk device according to one embodiment includes: a plate member which has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first penetration part penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second penetration part provided in a gap formed with the first penetration part and penetrating the first surface and the second surface; an actuator which is provided on the second surface and has an electrode located at the first penetration part; and a flexure which has an electrode connection part connected to the electrode. The electrode connection part has: a first region; and a second region with a smaller thickness than that of the first region, and the second region is superposed on the second penetration part in a thickness direction of the flexure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension for a disk drive. [Background technology]

[0002] Hard disk drives (HDDs) are used in information processing devices such as personal computers. Hard disk drives include a magnetic disk that rotates around a spindle and a carriage that rotates around a pivot shaft. The carriage has an arm that rotates around the pivot shaft in the track width direction of the disk using a positioning motor such as a voice coil motor.

[0003] A disk drive suspension (hereinafter simply referred to as the suspension) is attached to the arm. The suspension includes a load beam and a flexure placed on the load beam. A slider that constitutes a magnetic head is mounted on a gimbal portion formed near the tip of the flexure.

[0004] The slider is provided with an element (transducer) for accessing the disk, such as reading or writing data. The load beam, flexure, and slider constitute a head gimbal assembly.

[0005] To accommodate the increasing recording density of disks, it is necessary to further miniaturize the head gimbal assembly and to position the slider with higher precision relative to the recording surface of the disk.

[0006] To improve the positioning accuracy of the magnetic head, various suspensions are known, including the DSA (Dual Stage Actuator) suspension, which uses both a positioning motor (voice coil motor) and an actuator mounted on the base plate, and the TSA (Triple Stage Actuator) suspension, which has an actuator mounted on the magnetic head side.

[0007] For example, when the base plate is attached to the arm using a crimping process using balls or when it is subjected to vibrations, the stress generated in the actuator mounted on the base plate side is likely to become large, and if the stress generated exceeds a certain level, cracks may occur in the actuator.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a disk drive head suspension assembly having piezoelectric stress relief properties, in which an etched area containing a through hole is provided in the portion where the actuator is mounted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,797,689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Even with the disk drive head suspension assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving the reliability of the suspension.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disk drive suspension that can improve reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In one embodiment, a suspension for a disk drive device comprises a plate member having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first through-portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second through-portion spaced apart from the first through-portion and penetrating the first surface and the second surface, an actuator provided on the second surface and having an electrode located at the first through-portion, and a flexure having an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode.

[0013] The electrode connection portion has a first region and a second region having a thickness smaller than that of the first region, and the second region overlaps with the second through portion in the thickness direction of the flexure.

[0014] The flexure may have a metal base overlaid on the first surface and a wiring portion overlaid on the metal base, and the metal base may have a wiring reinforcing portion in the first region.

[0015] In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion may be located closer to the tip of the flexure than the first through portion, and the wiring reinforcement portion may be located between the first through portion and the second through portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion may be located closer to the tip of the flexure than the first through portion, and the second through portion may be located between the wiring reinforcement portion and the first through portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] The flexure may further include a flexure body to which the electrode connection portion is connected, and the wiring reinforcement portion may be spaced from the metal base of the flexure body. The flexure may further include a flexure body to which the electrode connection portion is connected, and the wiring reinforcement portion may extend from the metal base of the flexure body. The flexure may further include an adhesive provided between the plate member and the actuator, and at least a portion of the adhesive may be provided in the second penetration portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disk drive suspension that can improve reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a disk device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the disk device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the suspension according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the suspension according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged partial view showing part V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a comparative example of the suspension according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial enlarged view of the suspension according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a suspension according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a suspension according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of the description, the size, shape, etc. of each part in the drawings may be changed from that of the actual embodiment.

[0021] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a disk drive (HDD) 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the disk drive 1 includes a case 2, a plurality of magnetic disks (hereinafter simply referred to as disks 4) that rotate around a spindle 3, a carriage 6 that can rotate around a pivot shaft 5, and a positioning motor (voice coil motor) 7 for driving the carriage 6. The case 2 is sealed with a lid (not shown).

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the disc device 1. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the carriage 6 is provided with a plurality of (for example, three) arms 8. The number of arms 8 provided on the carriage 6 is not limited to the above example.

[0023] A suspension 10 is attached to the tip of each of the multiple arms 8. A slider 11 constituting a magnetic head is provided at the tip of each suspension 10. When the disk 4 rotates at high speed, air flows between the disk 4 and the slider 11, forming an air bearing. When the positioning motor 7 rotates the carriage 6, the suspension 10 moves in the radial direction of the disk 4, and the slider 11 moves to the desired track on the disk 4.

[0024] 3 and 4 are schematic plan views of the suspension 10 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 4, the suspension 10 is viewed from the opposite side to that in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, as an example of the suspension 10, a TSA suspension is disclosed in which actuators are mounted on the magnetic head side and the base plate side.

[0025] 3 and 4, the suspension 10 includes a base plate 20 connected to the arm 8 (shown in FIG. 2), a load beam 30, and a flexure 40. The base plate 20, the load beam 30, and the flexure 40 all extend in the longitudinal direction of the suspension 10.

[0026] Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load beam 30, and flexure 40 is defined as the longitudinal direction X. In the longitudinal direction X, the side on which the slider constituting the magnetic head is mounted, relative to the base plate 20, may be referred to as the tip side.

[0027] The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is defined as the lateral direction Y of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load beam 30, and flexure 40. The direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y is defined as the thickness direction Z of the suspension 10, base plate 20, load beam 30, and flexure 40. Hereinafter, the length along the thickness direction Z may be referred to as the thickness. Furthermore, a sway direction S is defined as indicated by an arc-shaped arrow near the tip of the load beam 30.

[0028] The base plate 20 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. The thickness of the base plate 20 is, for example, 100 μm or less, but is not limited to this example. The base plate 20 is provided with a boss portion 21 for attaching the suspension 10 to the arm 8 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the carriage 6.

[0029] The load beam 30 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The thickness of the load beam 30 is, for example, 30 to 80 μm. The load beam 30 has a shape that tapers toward the tip.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, the load beam 30 is fixed to the base plate 20 at a welded portion W by, for example, spot welding using a laser. The load beam 30 is elastically supported on the base plate 20 via a spring portion 31. The load beam 30 has a surface 30A (shown in Fig. 3) and a surface 30B (shown in Fig. 4) opposite to the surface 30A. The surface 30A is the surface on which the flexure 40 is disposed.

[0031] The flexure 40 is disposed along the base plate 20 and the load beam 30. The flexure 40 is fixed to the base plate 20 and the load beam 30 at a weld W by, for example, spot welding using a laser. The flexure 40 has a portion that extends rearward (toward the right in FIGS. 3 and 4) beyond the base plate 20.

[0032] The flexure 40 has a metal base 41 made of, for example, a thin stainless steel plate, and a wiring part 50 superimposed on the metal base 41. The thickness of the metal base 41 is smaller than the thickness of the load beam 30. The thickness of the metal base 41 is, for example, 15 to 20 μm. The metal base 41 is superimposed on the surface 30A.

[0033] The wiring section 50 has a base insulating layer 51, a conductor layer 52 overlaid on the base insulating layer 51, and a cover insulating layer 53 overlaid on the conductor layer 52. The base insulating layer 51 and the cover insulating layer 53 are formed of an electrically insulating resin material such as polyimide.

[0034] The conductor layer 52 is formed of a metal material with high conductivity, such as copper. The conductor layer 52 has, for example, a plurality of wirings. The plurality of wirings includes, for example, a wiring for reading and a wiring for writing. The plurality of wirings is covered with a cover insulating layer 53.

[0035] 3, near the tip of the suspension 10, the flexure 40 further has a tongue 42 and a pair of outriggers 43 and 44. A slider 11 constituting a magnetic head is mounted on the tongue 42. An element capable of converting magnetic signals and electric signals, such as an MR element, is provided at the tip of the slider 11.

[0036] The wiring section 50 is electrically connected to elements of the slider 11 via terminals for the slider 11. Access to the disk 4, such as writing or reading data, is performed by these elements.

[0037] A head gimbal assembly is configured by the slider 11, the load beam 30, the flexure 40, etc. The outriggers 43 and 44 are disposed on both sides of the tongue 42 in the lateral direction Y, respectively.

[0038] The outriggers 43 and 44 are shaped to protrude outward on both sides of the tongue 42 in the short-side direction Y. The tongue 42 and the outriggers 43 and 44 are all part of the metal base 41, and their respective contours are formed by, for example, etching.

[0039] A dimple 45 (shown in FIG. 4) protruding toward the tongue 42 is formed near the tip of the load beam 30. The tip of the dimple 45 is in contact with the tongue 42. The tongue 42 swings around the tip of the dimple 45, thereby performing a desired gimbal movement. A gimbal portion 46 is formed by the tongue 42, the pair of outriggers 43 and 44, the dimple 45, etc.

[0040] A pair of actuators 61, 62 (shown in FIG. 3) are mounted on the gimbal portion 46. The actuators 61, 62 have the function of rotating the tongue 42 in the sway direction S. The actuators 61, 62 are, for example, microactuator elements, and are formed from a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0041] The actuators 61 and 62 are disposed on both sides of the slider 11 in the short-side direction Y. The actuators 61 and 62 are each fixed to the tongue 42 by a conductive adhesive or the like.

[0042] 3 and 4, the suspension 10 further includes an actuator mounting portion 70. The actuator mounting portion 70 is located, for example, at a portion where the base plate 20 and the load beam 30 overlap in the thickness direction Z.

[0043] The actuator mounting portion 70 includes a base plate 20, a load beam 30, and a pair of actuators 63 and 64. The actuators 63 and 64 are, for example, microactuator elements, and are made of a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0044] The base plate 20 has a fixed portion 22 on which a boss portion 21 is formed, a movable portion 23 located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the fixed portion 22, and a connecting portion 24 connecting the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23. The movable portion 23 is a portion that can be moved in a sway direction S by, for example, a pair of actuators 63, 64. The connecting portion 24 extends in the longitudinal direction X.

[0045] A pair of openings 25, 26 are defined in the base plate 20 by the fixed portion 22, the movable portion 23, and the connecting portion 24. The openings 25, 26 are large enough to accommodate the actuators 63, 64. In the longitudinal direction X, the openings 25, 26 are located between the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23. The openings 25, 26 are aligned in the lateral direction Y, with the connecting portion 24 sandwiched between them.

[0046] The load beam 30 has a portion that overlaps with the base plate 20. Hereinafter, the portion that overlaps with the base plate 20 will be referred to as a plate member 32. In this embodiment, the plate member 32 is formed integrally with the load beam 30, but this is not limiting.

[0047] The plate member 32 has a surface 32A (first surface) and a surface 32B (second surface) opposite to the surface 32A. The surface 32A corresponds to a part of the surface 30A (shown in FIG. 3) of the load beam 30, and the surface 32B corresponds to a part of the surface 30B (shown in FIG. 4) of the load beam 30. The surface 32A faces the flexure 40, and the surface 32B faces the base plate 20.

[0048] The plate member 32 has a fixed portion 33, a movable portion 34 located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the fixed portion 33, and a connecting portion 35 that connects the fixed portion 33 and the movable portion 34. The fixed portion 33 is formed at a position corresponding to the fixed portion 22, the movable portion 34 is formed at a position corresponding to the movable portion 23, and the connecting portion 35 is formed at a position corresponding to the connecting portion 24.

[0049] The fixed portion 33 and the movable portion 34 of the plate member 32 are fixed to the fixed portion 22 and the movable portion 23 of the base plate 20, respectively, at welded portions W. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the length of the movable portion 34 in the short-side direction Y is longer than the length of the movable portion 23 in the short-side direction Y. The spring portion 31 is connected to the movable portion 34 from the side opposite to the connection portion 35.

[0050] The plate member 32 further has a pair of first through-portions 36, 37 and a pair of second through-portions 38, 39. The first through-portions 36, 37 and the second through-portions 38, 39 penetrate through the surface 32A and the surface 32B.

[0051] The first through portions 36, 37 are defined by the fixed portion 33, the movable portion 34, and the connecting portion 35. Parts of the first through portions 36, 37 open in the short-side direction Y. In the thickness direction Z, the first through portions 36, 37 overlap with the openings 25, 26.

[0052] In the longitudinal direction X, the first through portions 36, 37 are located between the fixed portion 33 and the movable portion 34. The first through portions 36, 37 are aligned in the short direction Y with the connecting portion 35 sandwiched therebetween. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the size of the first through portions 36, 37 is smaller than the size of the openings 25, 26. From another perspective, the plate member 32 has portions that overlap with the openings 25, 26 in the thickness direction Z.

[0053] The second through portions 38, 39 are provided for the purpose of alleviating stress generated in the actuators 63, 64. The second through portions 38, 39 are located in the movable portion 34. From another perspective, the second through portions 38, 39 are located closer to the tip end of the flexure 40 than the first through portions 36, 37 in the longitudinal direction X. The second through portions 38, 39 are provided at an interval from the first through portions 36, 37.

[0054] The second through portions 38, 39 are formed in the shape of elongated slits extending in the short-side direction Y. The second through portions 38, 39 include portions that extend in the short-side direction Y further than the movable portion 23. Both ends of the second through portions 38, 39 in the short-side direction Y are formed in an arc shape.

[0055] The length of the second through portions 38, 39 in the longitudinal direction X is smaller than the length of the movable portion 34 in the longitudinal direction X. The shape of the second through portions 38, 39 is not limited to the above example. The second through portions 38, 39 may be formed, for example, by a plurality of through holes aligned in the short direction Y. The welded portion W located on the movable portion 34 is located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the second through portions 38, 39.

[0056] The actuators 63 and 64 are housed in the openings 25 and 26, respectively, and are provided on the surface 32B. The actuator mounting portion 70 further has an adhesive material 81. In FIG. 4, the adhesive material 81 is indicated by dots. The adhesive material 81 mainly fixes the actuators 63 and 64 to the plate member 32. The adhesive material 81 is, for example, an electrically insulating resin adhesive material such as an epoxy resin.

[0057] The actuators 63 and 64 have an electrode 65 provided on one surface in the thickness direction Z (the surface opposite to the surface 32B) and an electrode 66 provided on the other surface in the thickness direction Z.

[0058] The electrodes 65, 66 have flat electrode surfaces formed by, for example, sputtering or plating. The electrode 65 is provided at a position corresponding to the first through-holes 36, 37. From another perspective, the electrode 65 is exposed from the first through-holes 36, 37.

[0059] The electrode 65 is connected to the wiring portion 50 of the flexure 40 via terminal portions 54, 55 (shown in FIG. 3). The electrode 66 is electrically connected to the movable portion 23 of the base plate 20, which is on the ground side, by a conductive paste 82 such as silver paste (shown in FIG. 4).

[0060] 4, dots are added to the conductive paste 82. The conductive paste 82 contains a binder of organic resin such as epoxy resin, and silver particles as conductive particles mixed in the binder.

[0061] The flexure 40 has a flexure body 47 extending along the load beam 30, and electrode connection portions 48 and 49 connected to the flexure body 47. The electrode connection portion 48 extends toward the first through-portion 36, and the electrode connection portion 49 extends toward the first through-portion 37.

[0062] The electrode connection portion 48 has a terminal portion 54 connected to an electrode 65 of the actuator 63, and the electrode connection portion 49 has a terminal portion 55 connected to an electrode 65 of the actuator 64. The terminal portions 54, 55 have a structure that allows power to be supplied to the actuators 63, 64.

[0063] In the terminal portions 54, 55, the conductor layer 52 is exposed toward the electrode 65 through a through-hole formed in the insulating base layer 51. The exposed portion of the conductor layer 52 is protected by plating. The terminal portions 54, 55 are fixed to the electrode 65 with a conductive adhesive material. The conductive adhesive material is, for example, silver paste.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a schematic partial enlarged view showing part V in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a part including electrode connection part 48. Fig. 5 also omits part of conductor layer 52 and cover insulating layer 53 located on base insulating layer 51 of wiring part 50.

[0065] 3, the electrode connection portion 48 extends in a bent manner from the flexure body 47 toward the electrode 65 located in the first through-hole 36. As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the electrode connection portion 48 overlaps with the second through-hole 38 in the thickness direction Z.

[0066] The metal base 41 is provided on each of the flexure body 47 and the electrode connection portion 48. The metal base 41 has a main metal base 91 provided on the flexure body 47 and a wiring reinforcement portion 92 provided on the electrode connection portion 48.

[0067] The thickness of the main metal base 91 is, for example, approximately equal to the thickness of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. In the short-side direction Y, the main metal base 91 has an end portion 93 located on the first penetrating portion 36 side.

[0068] In the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided so as to be located between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located closer to the first through portion 36 than the second through portion 38. The wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends in the short direction Y along the second through portion 38.

[0069] In the short-side direction Y, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is spaced apart from the main metal base 91. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is separated and independent from the main metal base 91. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is spaced apart from the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 does not overlap with the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38 in the thickness direction Z.

[0070] The wiring reinforcement portion 92 has an end portion 94 located on the main metal base 91 side, a side portion 95 on the second through-hole 38 side, and a side portion 96 on the opposite side to the side portion 95 (the first through-hole 36 side). In the example shown in FIG. 5, a gap G1 is defined by the end portion 93 of the main metal base 91 and the end portion 94 of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. The gap G1 extends along the longitudinal direction X. The length of the gap G1 in the lateral direction Y is at least 0.025 mm or more. As an example, the length of the gap G1 in the lateral direction Y is 0.05 mm or more.

[0071] In the longitudinal direction X, the side portion 95 is spaced apart from the second through portion 38, and the side portion 96 is spaced apart from the first through portion 36. A gap G2 is formed between the first through portion 36 and the side portion 96. For example, the length between the first through portion 36 and the side portion 96 is at least 0.025 mm or more. For example, the length between the second through portion 38 and the side portion 95 is at least 0.025 mm or more.

[0072] The wiring portion 50 is provided on each of the flexure body 47 and the electrode connection portion 48. The wiring portion 50 has a main wiring portion 97 provided on the flexure body 47 and a branch wiring portion 98 provided on the electrode connection portion 48. The branch wiring portion 98 is connected to the main wiring portion 97. The branch wiring portion 98 has a base insulating layer 51, a conductor layer 52, and a cover insulating layer 53.

[0073] A terminal portion 54 is provided at one end of the branch wiring portion 98. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the size of the wiring reinforcing portion 92 is smaller than the size of the branch wiring portion 98. From another perspective, the entire wiring reinforcing portion 92 overlaps with the branch wiring portion 98.

[0074] The electrode connection portion 48 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 that is thinner than the first region A1. In Fig. 5, the first region A1 is shaded. As shown in Fig. 5, the first region A1 includes a wiring reinforcement portion 92. Because the second region A2 does not include the wiring reinforcement portion 92, the thickness of the second region A2 is smaller than the thickness of the first region A1 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0075] The size of the first region A1 is approximately equal to the size of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. In the electrode connection portion 48, the region other than the first region A1 corresponds to the second region A2. In the present embodiment, the second region A2 does not include the terminal portion 54, but the second region A2 may include the terminal portion 54.

[0076] In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 so as to include the region overlapping with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is also formed between the first region A1 and the terminal portion 54.

[0077] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, only the insulating base layer 51 of the branch wiring portion 98 is shown.

[0078] 5, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is not located in the second region A2. Therefore, the length in the thickness direction Z from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection portion 48 (base insulating layer 51) in the second region A2 is greater than the length in the thickness direction Z from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection portion 48 (wiring reinforcement portion 92) in the first region A1.

[0079] In the position shown in FIG. 6, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is in contact with the surface 32A of the plate member 32, but there may be a gap between the surface 32A of the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0080] An air layer 99 having a thickness T30 (shown in FIG. 6) is formed between the electrode connecting portion 48 (base insulating layer 51) in the second region A2 and the plate member 32. In the longitudinal direction X, the air layer 99 is located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the wiring reinforcing portion 92.

[0081] A thickness T30 of the air layer 99 corresponds to, for example, the thickness of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. The thickness T30 is, for example, 15 to 20 μm, and is 18 μm as an example. In the thickness direction Z, the air layer 99 overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0082] The thickness T30 of the air layer 99 is larger than the gap formed between the surface 32A of the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement portion 92. The insulating base layer 51 in the second region A2 is spaced apart from the plate member 32 by an amount equivalent to the thickness T30.

[0083] 6, the above-mentioned adhesive 81 is provided between the plate member 32 and the actuator 63. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the adhesive 81 includes a portion 84 provided between the inner surfaces 38a of the second penetrating portions 38, and a portion 85 provided between the end surface 67 of the actuator 63 and the surface 23a of the movable portion 23. The portion 85 fixes the end surface 67 of the actuator 63 and the surface 23a of the movable portion 23 together.

[0084] At least a portion of the adhesive 81 is provided in the second through portion 38. From another perspective, the adhesive 81 is located in a portion of the second through portion 38. In the thickness direction Z, the portion 84 is in contact with the air layer 99 and does not overlap with the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0085] 7 is a schematic plan view showing a comparative example of the suspension 10 according to the first embodiment, in which a portion including the electrode connection portion 48 is shown in an enlarged manner.

[0086] In the flexure 40 of the suspension 100, which is a comparative example of the suspension 10, the first region A1 of the electrode connecting portion 48 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The first region A1 is formed in the electrode connecting portion 48 so as to include the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0087] In the suspension 100 according to the comparative example, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 overlaps with the second through portion 38. Therefore, an air layer corresponding to the above-described air layer 99 is not formed in the suspension 100 according to the comparative example. From the viewpoint of the adhesive 81, a portion 84 of the adhesive 81 provided between the inner surfaces 38a of the second through portions 38 overlaps with the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0088] When the plate member 32 and the actuator 63 are fixed with the adhesive 81, some of the adhesive 81 may flow from the surface 32B side to the surface 32A side through the second through-hole 38. If the length from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection portion 48 in the thickness direction Z is small, the adhesive 81 spreads over the surface 32A due to capillary action between the plate member 32 and the electrode connection portion 48.

[0089] When adhesive 81 spread over surface 32A hardens, the rigidity of suspension 100 changes at the position of hardened adhesive 81, which may affect the vibration characteristics, load characteristics, and other characteristics of suspension 100. This may result in a decrease in the reliability of suspension 100.

[0090] In the suspension 10 configured as described above, the electrode connection portion 48 of the flexure 40 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 that is thinner than the first region A1, and the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38 in the thickness direction Z.

[0091] As described with reference to Figure 6, the electrode connection portion 48 in the second region A2 is separated from the plate member 32 by an amount corresponding to the thickness T30. An air layer 99 is formed between the electrode connection portion 48 in the second region A2 and the plate member 32. Because no wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided in the second region A2, the air layer 99 of the thickness T30 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the air layer 99 overlaps with a portion 84 of the adhesive 81 provided between the inner surfaces 38a of the second penetration portions 38.

[0092] In this embodiment, even if adhesive 81 flows from surface 32B to surface 32A through second through-hole 38, electrode connection portion 48 in second region A2 is separated from plate member 32, and therefore capillary action does not occur between plate member 32 and electrode connection portion 48, so adhesive 81 is less likely to spread over surface 32A. From another perspective, the area of ​​adhesive 81 that spreads over surface 32A can be reduced.

[0093] This makes it difficult for the adhesive 81 spread on the surface 32A to harden, thereby reducing the effect on the rigidity of the suspension 10 and on the vibration characteristics, load characteristics, and other characteristics of the suspension 10. As a result, it is possible to provide a suspension 10 that can improve reliability.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided in the electrode connection portion 48, and therefore the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 is less likely to decrease. Furthermore, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38, and therefore the size of the second region A2 adjacent to the terminal portion 54 in the electrode connection portion 48 can be reduced. From another perspective, the distance between the terminal portion 54 and the wiring reinforcement portion 92 can be reduced. This can improve the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 in the vicinity of the terminal portion 54.

[0095] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction X, the air layer 99 is located closer to the tip of the suspension 10 than the wiring reinforcement portion 92. Since the electrode connection portion 48 is farther from the plate member 32 than the second through portion 38 on the tip side of the suspension 10, the adhesive 81 is less likely to spread toward the tip side of the suspension 10.

[0096] The wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided separately from the main metal base 91. As described with reference to Fig. 5, a gap G1 is defined by an end portion 93 of the main metal base 91 and an end portion 94 of the wiring reinforcement portion 92. The length from the plate member 32 to the electrode connection portion 48 in the gap G1 is greater than the length from the plate member 32 in the thickness direction Z to the electrode connection portion 48 (wiring reinforcement portion 92) in the first region A1.

[0097] As a result, even if the adhesive 81 spreads between the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement portion 92, the adhesive 81 is less likely to spread from the wiring reinforcement portion 92 side toward the main metal base 91 side. Even if the adhesive 81 spreads between the plate member 32 and the wiring reinforcement portion 92, the adhesive 81 is less likely to spread over an area wider than the size of the wiring reinforcement portion 92.

[0098] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a suspension 10 that can improve reliability. In addition to the above, this embodiment provides various other preferable effects.

[0099] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the other embodiments and modifications described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted or simplified.

[0100] [Second embodiment] 8 is a schematic partial enlarged view of the suspension 10 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position where the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided.

[0101] 8, the second through-hole portion 38 is provided so as to be located between the wiring reinforcement portion 92 and the first through-hole portion 36 in the longitudinal direction X. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the second through-hole portion 38. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is spaced apart from the main metal base 91 in the lateral direction Y. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is separated from and independent of the main metal base 91.

[0102] In the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is spaced apart from the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. From another perspective, in the thickness direction Z, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 does not overlap with the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38.

[0103] The electrode connection portion 48 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 that is thinner than the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 so as to include the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38. In the longitudinal direction X, the second region A2 is formed from the second through portion 38 toward the first through portion 36.

[0104] The configuration of the suspension 10 of the second embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In the suspension 10 of the second embodiment, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located closer to the tip of the suspension 10 than the second through portion 38.

[0105] Because the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the second through portion 38, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is not located between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. The terminal portion 54 can be easily moved within the first through portion 36 from the surface 32A side toward the surface 32B side in the thickness direction Z. From another perspective, the terminal portion 54 can be easily moved closer to the electrode 65 of the actuator 63.

[0106] This makes it possible to easily connect the terminal portion 54 to the electrode 65 of the actuator 63, and also to more stably connect the terminal portion 54 to the electrode 65 of the actuator 63. As a result, it is possible to provide a suspension 10 that can improve reliability.

[0107] [Third embodiment] 9 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a suspension 10 according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that a wiring reinforcement portion 92 is connected to a main metal base 91.

[0108] 9, in the longitudinal direction X, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided so as to be located between the first through portion 36 and the second through portion 38. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located closer to the first through portion 36 than the second through portion 38.

[0109] The wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends from the main metal base 91. The wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends in the short direction Y along the second through portion 38. The wiring reinforcement portion 92 is connected to the main metal base 91 and is not separated from the main metal base 91. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is formed integrally with the main metal base 91.

[0110] The electrode connection portion 48 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 that is thinner than the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 so as to include the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38.

[0111] The configuration of the suspension 10 of the third embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments. In the suspension 10 of the third embodiment, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends from the main metal base 91. Therefore, the suspension 10 of this embodiment can improve the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48 in the short direction Y compared to the suspension 10 of the above-described embodiments.

[0112] [Fourth embodiment] 10 is a schematic partial enlarged view of the suspension 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the position where the wiring reinforcing portion 92 is provided.

[0113] 10 , in the longitudinal direction X, the second through portion 38 is provided so as to be located between the wiring reinforcement portion 92 and the first through portion 36. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is located closer to the tip end of the suspension 10 than the second through portion 38.

[0114] The wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends from the main metal base 91. The wiring reinforcement portion 92 extends in the short direction Y along the second through portion 38. The wiring reinforcement portion 92 is connected to the main metal base 91 and is not separated from the main metal base 91. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is formed integrally with the main metal base 91.

[0115] The electrode connection portion 48 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 that is thinner than the first region A1. In the thickness direction Z, the second region A2 overlaps with the second through portion 38. The second region A2 is formed in the electrode connection portion 48 so as to include the region that overlaps with the second through portion 38. The configuration of the suspension 10 of the fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

[0116] When implementing the invention disclosed in the above embodiments, the specific aspects of each element constituting the disk drive suspension 10, including the specific aspects such as the shapes of the base plate 20, the load beam 30, and the flexure 40, can be modified in various ways.

[0117] In the above-described embodiments, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 is provided either closer to the tip of the suspension 10 than the second through portion 38 or closer to the fixed portion 22 of the base plate 20. However, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 may be provided both closer to the tip of the suspension 10 than the second through portion 38 and closer to the fixed portion 22 of the base plate 20. This can further improve the rigidity of the electrode connection portion 48. As a result, it is possible to provide a suspension 10 that can improve reliability.

[0118] In each of the above-described embodiments, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 may have a portion that protrudes beyond the branch wiring portion 98. From another perspective, the wiring reinforcement portion 92 may have a portion that does not overlap with the branch wiring portion 98. The protruding portion may protrude in the longitudinal direction X or in the lateral direction Y relative to the branch wiring portion 98.

[0119] In the above-described embodiments, a TSA suspension is disclosed as an example of the suspension 10, but the present invention can also be applied to a DSA suspension in which no actuator is mounted on the magnetic head side. In the above-described embodiments, a pair of actuators is mounted on the base plate side, but the number of actuators mounted is not limited to the above-described examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...disk device, 10...suspension for disk device, 32...plate member, 32A...surface (first surface), 32B...surface (second surface), 36...first through-hole, 38...second through-hole, 40...flexure, 48...electrode connection portion, 63...actuator, 65...electrode, A1...first region, A2...second region.

Claims

1. a plate member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first through-portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second through-portion spaced apart from the first through-portion and penetrating the first surface and the second surface; an actuator provided on the second surface and having an electrode located in the first penetration portion; a flexure having an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode, the electrode connection portion has a first region and a second region having a thickness smaller than that of the first region, The second region overlaps with the second penetration portion in the thickness direction of the flexure. Suspension for disk drives.

2. the flexure has a metal base overlaid on the first surface and a wiring portion overlaid on the metal base, In the first region, the metal base has a wiring reinforcement portion.

2. The disk drive suspension according to claim 1.

3. In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located closer to the tip end of the flexure than the first through portion, In the longitudinal direction, the wiring reinforcement portion is located between the first through portion and the second through portion.

3. The disk drive suspension according to claim 2.

4. In the longitudinal direction, the second through portion is located closer to the tip end of the flexure than the first through portion, In the longitudinal direction, the second penetration portion is located between the wiring reinforcement portion and the first penetration portion.

3. The disk drive suspension according to claim 2.

5. the flexure further includes a flexure body to which the electrode connection portion is connected, the wiring reinforcement portion is spaced apart from the metal base of the flexure body portion; 5. The disk drive suspension according to claim 2.

6. the flexure further includes a flexure body to which the electrode connection portion is connected, the wiring reinforcement portion extends from the metal base of the flexure body portion.

5. The disk drive suspension according to claim 2.

7. an adhesive material provided between the plate member and the actuator; At least a portion of the adhesive is provided in the second penetrating portion.

7. The disk drive suspension according to claim 1.

Images