JP2002503863A - Shock, vibration and maneuverable load beam suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A suspension assembly for use in a disk drive, the load beam, the gimbal, and a read designed to make the suspension assembly more resistant to shock and vibration. / Write head. The load beam includes a load beam window that cooperates with an extension tab portion at the end of the gimbal to reduce vertical movement of the gimbal and head assembly. The air gap between the extension tab portion and the load beam window acts to limit movement of the flexible body during impacts, such as occur during head loading and unloading processes. Thus, the heads mounted on the flexible body cannot impact each other outside of the range permitted by the load beam window or impact any other element. Further, the load beam cooperates with the flexible bridge portion of the gimbal to secure the head and gimbal assembly to the flexible body by flexing or rotating in response to a force acting on the suspension assembly. To allow complete free movement with the head. Finally, the side rails of the load beam extend to strengthen the tip of the suspension, reduce the motion of the head due to vibrations, and help prevent damage to the head during handling.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to computer data storage systems such as, for example, disk drives. In particular, the present invention relates to a disk drive for use in a disk drive.
Regarding suspension.

[0002] Microprocessors and supporting computer technologies are rapidly increasing in speed and computing power, while decreasing in cost and size. These factors make microprocessors widely applicable to arrays of electronic products, such as, for example, handheld computers, digital cameras, cellular phones, and the like. All of these devices have actually become computers with specific application specific attributes. For such new forms of computer products, the ability to exchange data files and store computer software offers tremendous flexibility.

Various proprietary storage devices have been used in computer products. For example, handheld computers have used integrated circuit memory cards ("memory cards") as their primary information storage medium. The memory card includes, for example, a static RAM or a programmable and erasable non-volatile storage such as, for example, "flash" memory. Memory cards are typically the size of a conventional credit card and are used in portable computers instead of hard disk drives or floppy disk drives. In addition, memory cards enhance the important advantages of the size, weight, and battery life characteristics of portable computers, and enhance the portability of storage media. However, due to the limited achievable storage density in each memory card by using memory cards in portable computers and the high cost of specialized memory chips, they typically consume more power and It adds unprecedented limitations in portable, less expensive computers that use heavy hard disk drives and floppy disk drives as primary storage media.

[0004] The use of disk drives in these portable computing devices places significant design limitations on the components within the disk drive. For example, a disk drive needs to be both small and durable. The design of disk drives in compact portable computers is constantly striving to reduce the size of elements within the drive, reduce the height of the drive, or the Z dimension, while at the same time improving the performance of the components of the disk drive. . In order to further enhance the portability of these disk drive devices, new designs require that the disk drive be lightweight and capable of withstanding severe mechanical shocks and vibrations. These design limitations require new element designs not found in previous disk drive subsystems.

SUMMARY The present invention is directed to a suspension assembly for use in a disk drive that satisfies the need to provide a lightweight, compact configuration capable of withstanding severe mechanical shock and vibration. A suspension assembly having features of the present invention includes a load beam, a gimbal coupled to the load beam, and a read / write head coupled to the gimbal.

The load beam includes a generally flat body, a proximal end, and a base at the proximal end for securing the suspension assembly to the actuator arm of the disk drive.
A distal end, a bottom, a top, two sides, stamped along the longitudinal axis into the top of the load beam body and located near the distal end, the bottom of the load beam; And a recess forming a convex surface at A gimbal is coupled to or integral with the load beam, a flexible hinge connection floating against the convex surface of the load beam recess, and a gimbal connecting the main body to the gimbal. At least one flexible bridge portion that connects to the hinge connection portion. The read / write head is coupled to the gimbal's flexible hinge connection for self-adjustment with respect to the media surface. The flexible hinge connection of the gimbal and the read / write head are located in an area near the indentation of the load beam.

[0007] The load beam further includes one or more long rail sections. This long rail portion serves to strengthen the load beam and support the distal end of the load beam. These long rail sections are bent perpendicular to the plane of the plane of the body of the load beam and away from the plane of the media in the disk drive, or
Alternatively, it is preferable to be wound. The long rail portion also extends substantially the entire length of the load beam and extends at least partially over the gimbal and the head assembly.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the suspension assembly has a restraining means disposed at a distal end thereof. The restraining means further includes a load beam having an extension located at its distal end. This extension is bent perpendicular to the plane defined by the load beam in a direction toward the surface of the media in the disk drive. This bend saves space in the z-dimension by adding the feature of withstanding severe mechanical shocks and vibrations, while at the same time not requiring any extra height, and a smaller and more durable disk drive. Towards the medium to provide. The bent portion has an opening for forming a load beam window. This load beam window acts as a restraint at the distal end of the load beam window. The load beam window can be of various shapes, but is preferably rectangular. The gimbal has an extension tab portion extending generally in the same plane as the gimbal and distally from a distal end of a hinged portion of the gimbal. The tab portion is adapted to engage a load beam window. The load beam window acts as a restraint that limits the vertical and horizontal movement of the gimbal tab portion. The air gap between the flexible tab portion and the load beam window acts to limit the movement of the gimbal flexible tab portion during impacts that may occur, for example, during the head loading or unloading process. I do.

According to another aspect of the invention, the load beam has a generally flat body on which at least one receiving space is located. The gimbal has a main body portion coupled to or integrally formed with the load beam. The gimbal is
It also has a hinge connection that is connected to and supports the read / write head. The gimbal has at least one flexible bridge portion connecting the main body portion to the hinge connection portion. Preferably, the number of flexible bridge portions of the gimbal corresponds to the number of accommodation spaces in the body of the load beam. The flexible bridge portion of the gimbal is located near the load beam receiving space so that when the flexible portion flexes, a gap is provided between the flexible bridge portion of the gimbal and the load beam receiving space. It is located in. Preferably, the body of the load beam has two receiving spaces and two flexible bridge portions of the gimbal. The receiving space allows complete free movement of the flexible bridge portion, so that the fixed head reduces the movement of the head relative to the media.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To illustrate the present invention, while the drawings show currently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methods and means disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a suspension assembly for use in a disk drive. The present invention will be described with reference to the example of a disk drive through the following description. However,
The mechanism of the invention should not be limited to the particular disk drive embodiment shown, as the invention is contemplated for application to other types and forms of drives. For example, while a disk drive indicates a rotary actuator, the present invention
It can also be used for a linear actuator type disk drive. Further, the following description focuses on embodiments where only one suspension is employed to read on one side of the media in a disk drive.
The present invention also contemplates that one suspension read / write head reads / writes at the top of the media and the other suspension read / write head reads / writes at the bottom of the media. It should be understood that this also covers applications employing multiple suspensions and read / write heads, such as embodiments using two suspensions in position.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disk drive device 50 and the disk cartridge 10. The drive device 50 can be detachably connected to the computer device, or can be built in the computer device. Disk drive device 50
Has a shape factor that can be adapted for use with PCMCIA connections (Type III or preferably Type II). The disk drive device 50 includes an upper case 11 and a lower case 1 forming an internal space for receiving the disk cartridge 10.
2 can be provided. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are preferably formed from a sheet material. The lower case 12 has a bottom surface and side surfaces, and the upper case 11 is formed so as to cover the top of the lower case 12. The upper case 11 has a raised surface 11 a, which protrudes upward over the width W of the upper case 11. The width W of the raised surface 11a is between about 48 mm and 51 mm. Therefore, a space for accommodating the disk cartridge 10, the disk drive mechanism, and the electronic device is obtained in the case 13. A storage medium 14 is disposed inside the disk cartridge 10.

The connector 15 (shown in FIG. 2) is provided at one end of the protective case 13. As described above, the outer dimensions of the protective case 13 are in accordance with the PCMCIA standard, preferably the type II.
Is the shape corresponding to. According to the standard, the shape factor should correspond to a length of about 85.6 mm, a width of about 54 mm and a thickness of about 5 mm. By conforming to this standard, the drive device 50 may be inserted into a PCMCIA port, for example of the type commonly found in computers (not shown). Further, when the disk drive device 50 is inserted into the PCMCIA port of the computer or built into the computer device, the connector 15 is joined to the corresponding connector (not shown) in the computer, so that the power signal and The electric signal is transmitted between the disk drive device 50 and the computer and can be received.

FIG. 3 shows the disk drive 5 with the top cover removed for clarity.
0 is a top view. Disk drive 50 accepts a removable disk cartridge 10 (shown in dashed lines) for reading and storing digital information. The drive 50 further includes a chassis 57, an actuator 56, a load ramp 52, a spindle motor 53 and a spindle 40. Actuator 5
6 includes a suspension assembly 48 including an opposing pair of load beams 44 having a read / write head 54 at the end of each load beam. The disk cartridge 10 is inserted into the drive 5 through the opening 16 in the direction indicated by the arrow 55.
It can be inserted into or removed from the front part 51 of the zero. During insertion, cartridge 10 slides linearly along the top surface of chassis 57 and along the spindle motor to engage media 14 with read / write head 54.

FIG. 4 shows the load beam 44, the gimbal 39 and the read / write head 5.
4 shows a part of the suspension assembly 48 made up of the suspension assembly 48 shown in FIG. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a portion of suspension assembly 48 in detail (read / write head 54 is not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for clarity). As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the load beam 44 includes a generally flat body 45, a proximal end 46, and the proximal end for securing a suspension 48 to an actuator arm 56 of a disk drive 50. The base 47 at 46, the distal end 49, the top 42 and the two sides 3
4 and a recess 31 stamped along the longitudinal axis into the top 42 of the load beam body 45 and located near the distal end 49. Recess 31 forms a convex surface on bottom 41 of load beam 44 and provides a pivot point for gimbal 39.

The load beam further includes at least one long rail section 32. Long rail portions 32 are provided to add rigidity to the load beam to support gimbal 39 and read / write head 54. Long rail part 32
May be formed integrally with the load beam 44 or separately from the load beam and then coupled to the beam. Long rail section 32 preferably comprises two long rail sections 32 located along side 34 of load beam 44. These long rail portions 32 are preferably bent or wound relatively perpendicular to the plane of the load beam body 45 and away from the plane of the media 14 in the disk drive 50. Alternatively, the long rail portion 32 initially sinks below the plane of the load beam body 45 and then extends upward away from the surface of the media 14 in the disk drive so that no additional height is added. Just do it. The long rail 32 may also be bent, bent, or extended in a direction toward the surface of the medium 14 in the disk drive 50. The long rail 32 also preferably extends the entire length of the load beam 44 and at least a portion of the gimbal 39 and the head assembly 54.

According to another aspect of the invention, the load beam 44 further has an extension 33 located at a distal end 49. This extension portion 33 is used for the medium 1 in the disk drive 50.
4 is bent downward perpendicular to the plane defined by the plane of the load beam 44 in the direction toward the plane of FIG. This downward folding saves space in the Z dimension and is directed towards the media 14 so that no extra drive height is required. This downward bending is significant because previous drives disclosed a design in which the components of the disk drive were bent away from the plane of the media. When designing a disk drive, it is common to bend sharp edges away from the media so that the media is not damaged by contact with any sharp edges. These features make the disk drive design smaller,
It is becoming increasingly important to continue to demand configurations that are more durable and withstand severe shocks and vibrations.

Disk drive manufacturers are turning sharp edges when metal edges come into contact with the media 14 resulting in severe damage and concomitant loss of data. A sharp metal edge is about to be separated from the disk (media 14). The sharp metal edge of load beam 44 is directed to media 14 by bending extension 33 toward media 14. If arbitrarily designed, most designers and disk manufacturers will bend the gimbal 39 upwards, provide a window cutout therein, and extend the load beam 44 through the window. In this way, the sharp metal edge points away from the media 14.

Conversely, the downwardly bent extension 33 of the load beam 44 according to the invention is
An opening is formed which is bent towards 4 and forms a load beam window 35. The downwardly bent extension 33 forms a plane which is not coplanar with the plane of the load beam 44 and which is not coplanar to it. The plane defined by the load beam window 35 is the load beam body 45
Generally perpendicular to the plane defined by Load beam window 3
5 can take various shapes including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, circular, rhombic, triangular, semi-circular, oval, and the like. Further, the load beam window 35 may be formed integrally with the body 45 of the load beam 44, or may be formed separately from the load beam window 35, and then connected to the load beam 44.

The load beam window 35 allows for limited movement of the gimbal 39 and the read / write head 54, while at the same time acting as a restraint at the distal end 49 of the load beam 44. The restraining member restrains movement of the gimbal end 39d relative to the load beam distal end 49. This restraining property of extension 33 prevents damage to these elements by restraining extreme movement of gimbal 39 and head 54 during impact.

Apart from keeping the metal edge away from the media 14, there is another important advantage that departs from the teachings of the present invention, but places the window 35 on the gimbal 39. During a vertical impact, the gimbal 39 bends as it resists the forces generated by the accelerated mass of the head 54. As the gimbal 39 bends, the length in the plane direction is effectively shortened. If the window 35 is located on the gimbal 39, during a vertical impact, the gimbal 39 will be reduced in planar length and the gimbal 39 will increase engagement with the extension of the load beam 44 passing through the window 35. Let it. (
(Because the load beam 44 is two to three times thicker than the gimbal 39, the load beam extension tab 37 bends only slightly during impact, as compared to the gimbal 39.)

Conversely, when the window 35 is positioned on the load beam 44, during a vertical impact, the gimbal 39 is shortened and the gimbal extension tab 37 is less engaged with the load beam 44. For the shock level required by the preferred drive 50, the gimbal extension tab 37 can be short enough to be completely disengaged from the load beam window 35, and careful selection (optimization) of the elements. Is not taken into account, the drive 50 is rendered useless.

In order to correct the shortening of the plane length of the gimbal, the extension tab 37 needs to be as wide and long as possible. However, the length of the tab 37 is limited by the small width form factor of the drive 50, and the width of the tab 37 is limited by the gap between the extension tab 37 and the window opening 35. In order to allow movement of the head 54 (pitch and roll), the gimbal extension tab 37 cannot contact the inside of the load beam window 35 during operation. Conversely, if the window 35 is formed into the gimbal 39, as in a conventional manner, the load beam extension tab cannot contact the inside of the gimbal.

However, due to the limited Z height in the Type II form factor drive 50, the window 35 must be formed in the load beam 44 and then bent toward the media 14. Since the distance from the load beam 44 to the window 35 is very short, the window 35 needs to be very small. Since the window 35 needs to be very small, the extension tab 37 from the gimbal 39 needs to be very narrow so that the gimbal extension 37 does not contact the inside of the load beam window 35 during operation. The narrow gimbal 39 allows the gimbal to move in its vertical direction (
The tendency to shorten in the planar direction during the impact (z-axis) is increased. This also departs from the configuration according to the invention. With the Z-height available, an obvious solution to this problem is to bend the window 35 upwards from the gimbal 39 in a conventional manner.

By carefully selecting the shape of the extension of the gimbal tab 37 and the size of the opening in the load beam window 35, the drive 50 is activated and deactivated when intended to be used as a rugged mobile disk drive 50. Meets requirements.

For example, in one presently preferred embodiment, a requirement for drive 50 is that actuator 56 (head, load beam, gimbal, coil assembly) does not contact media 14 when media 14 is not rotating. . This is called a standby state. Another requirement is that the heads 54 cannot contact each other at any time. Therefore, the head 54 needs to be separated by some part called the load ramp 52 as it moves away from the edge of the medium 14. In this preferred drive 50, the separation of head 54 by load ramp 52 is about 1.4 millimeters. The overall Z height between chassis 57 and cover 13 is about 2.5 millimeters. Therefore, the distance between the top of the load ramp 52 and the cover 13 and the distance between the bottom of the load ramp 52 and the chassis 57 is about 0.55 mm. Load beam 44 occupies approximately 0.4 millimeters of this space at the top and bottom. This leaves a gap of about 0.15 mm at the top and bottom. Thus, there is not enough room to position the window 35 on the gimbal 39, and the problem of positioning the window 35 on the load beam 4 is to carefully select the shape of the extension tab 37 and the opening size of the window 35. Need to be addressed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the gimbal 39 is connected to the end 3 of the hinge connection portion 39c.
It includes an extension tab portion 37 extending from 9d. Extension tab portion 37 is adapted to engage load beam window 35. The extension tab portion 37 extends in the same plane as the gimbal 39. Load beam window 35 is gimbal 3
9 acts as a restraining member that limits the movement of the tab portion 37. Load beam
Window 35 is configured to allow free movement of read / write head 54 coupled to hinge connection 39c within a limited range of motion. This range of motion will depend on the particular application and on the characteristics of the individual components of the suspension assembly 48. The range of vertical movement is limited to prevent plastic deformation of the gimbal 39 and to prevent the opposing heads 54 from touching each other or the heads 54 from contacting other elements within the disk drive 50. It is desirable. The load beam window 35 is also designed to suppress horizontal movement of the head 54 due to excessive shock or vibration.

According to another aspect of the invention, load beam 44 has a generally flat body 45 forming at least one receiving space. Further, a gimbal 39 having at least one flexible bridge portion 39a is formed. The receiving space 30 allows the flexible bridge portion 39a of the gimbal 39 to access the receiving space 30 and flex or twist without contacting the receiving space 30 or the sides of the load beam 44. It is dimensioned so that there is enough space for it.

The receiving space 30 can be of various shapes, and in a preferred embodiment the receiving space 30 is rectangular. Further, the receiving space 30 can be any shape that provides a means for allowing the flexible bridge portion 39a to flex freely into the receiving space 30. For example, the receiving space 30 may include a depression or cavity formed in the load beam body 45, or the receiving space 30 may include an opening or a through hole formed in the load beam body 45. The use of openings or through holes as the configuration of the receiving space 30 allows the flexible bridge portion 39a to flex freely, and at the same time reduces the weight of the load beam structure 44.

As shown in FIG. 4, the load beam 44 preferably has two receiving spaces in the form of rectangular openings. As shown in FIG. 4, the two accommodation spaces 30 are located in the load beam 44 such that the longitudinal length of the load beam 44 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the accommodation space 30. I have. The first receiving space 30 is located in a region between the center line of the load beam 44 and one side of the load beam 44, and the second receiving space 30 is located between the center line of the load beam 44 and the load beam 44. It is located on the other side of the center line in the area between the other side of the center line 44. Both accommodation spaces 30 are located in the area between the proximal end 46 of the load beam 44 and the recessed area.

Gimbal 39 couples head 54 to load beam 44. 5 and 6
As shown, the gimbal 39 includes a main body portion 39e, at least one flexible bridge portion 39a, a hinge connection portion 39c, and an end 39d located at a distal end of the hinge connection portion 39c. Gimbal 39 may be coupled to or integrally formed with load beam 44. The main body portion 39e is mechanically mounted on the load beam 4.
4. In the preferred embodiment, main body portion 39e is welded to load beam 44 near point 70 (see FIG. 5). The gimbal 39 is also connected to and supports a read / write head 54 with a hinge connection 39
c. The hinge connection 39c is generally free to tilt along the longitudinal axis of the load beam 44 and is allowed to float about the depression 31. The gimbal 39 is located on the recess 31 such that the gimbal 39 is free to move and adjust the head 54 relative to the surface of the medium (not shown). Gimbal 39 preferably comprises a thin flexible material, such as a thin sheet material.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at least one flexible bridge portion 39 a connects the main body portion 39 e to the hinge connection portion 39 c of the gimbal 39. When the flexible portion 39a flexes, the flexible portion 39a of the gimbal 39
The load beam 44 is located in the vicinity of the accommodation space 30 so as to form a gap between the storage space 30 and the storage space 30. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, there are preferably two bridge portions 39a located in the load beam 44 near the accommodation space 30.

The read / write head 54 is coupled to the gimbal 39 so that the head 54 can automatically adjust with respect to the surface of the medium 14. Read / write head 54
Is preferably connected to the flexible hinge connection 39c of the gimbal 39 so that the head / gimbal assembly can pivot about the convex surface of the depression 31 of the load beam 44.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, suspension assembly 48 includes an opposing pair of load beams 44, a gimbal 39 coupled to each load beam 44, and a read / write head coupled to each gimbal 39. 54. One read / write head 54 contacts the top of the medium 14 and the other read / write head reads / writes the bottom of the medium 14.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Due to the increased flexibility and reduced weight provided by the containment space 30, the elongated rail portion 32 extends substantially the entire length of the load beam 44, providing a more rigid and impact resistant suspension assembly 48. The long rail portion 32 of the load beam 44 extends substantially the entire length of the load beam 44 and preferably extends at least over a portion of the gimbal 39 and the head assembly 54. The long rails 32 strengthen the load beam 44 in the vicinity of the depression 31 and thus increase the value for bending vibration modes out of natural plane. As a result, the enhanced tip also reduces positioning errors resulting from this mode of resonance. In addition, the long rails 32 help protect the head 54 during handling.

According to another aspect of the invention, the head 54 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Due to the sufficient flexibility, the housing space 30 is loaded with the bridge portion 39a.
Provide additional air gap to flex without contacting beam 44. Accommodation space 3
This additional space provided by the gimbal 39 or the head assembly 5
4 provides the freedom of movement necessary to adjust head 54 relative to the plane of the media (not shown) without impacting load beam 4. Preferably, the number of flexible bridge portions of the gimbal 39 opposes the number of storage spaces 30. Load beam 44
Preferably has two housing spaces 30 located in the body of the load beam 44. Thus, in the embodiment described above with two receiving spaces 30, the gimbal 39 will have two flexible bridge portions 39a connecting the main body portion 39e to the hinge connection portion 39c of the gimbal 39. The two flexible portions 39a of the gimbal 39 are such that when the flexible portion 39a flexes, a gap is provided between the flexible bridge portion 39a of the gimbal 39 and the receiving space 30 of the load beam 44. Are located near the two accommodation spaces 30 of the load beam 44. For example, as the gimbal 39 rotates in the direction of arrow 61 (see FIG. 4), the bridge portion 39a
One rotates away from the load beam 44 and the other bridge portion 3
9a rotates towards the load beam 44. Storage space 3 in load beam 44
If there is no zero, the bridge portion 39 a rotated toward the load beam 44 may collide with the load beam 44. Accordingly, suppression of movement and flexibility of the gimbal 39 is undesirable. The receiving space 30 reduces the movement of the head 54 relative to the medium 14 by allowing the flexible bridge portion 39a and the fixed head 54 to be completely free to move.

The hinge connection 39 c of the gimbal 39 is not mounted on the load beam 44 and is therefore free to move. The movable end 39d at the distal end of the hinged portion 39c causes the gimbal 39 to bend downward in the direction of arrow 60 (see FIG. 4) due to excessive impact on the drive 50 along the vertical axis. there is a possibility. Excessive bending of the gimbal 39 can cause the gimbal 39 to plastically deform, resulting in permanent damage. In order to prevent such undesirable consequences, means are provided between the load beam 44 and the gimbal 39 to reduce the relative movement between the distal ends of these two structures.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the load beam 44 has an extension 33 located at a distal end 49. Preferably, the extension 33 is bent perpendicularly to a plane defined by the plane of the load beam 44 in a direction toward the plane of the medium 14 in the disk drive 50. In contrast to conventional designs, this bend is made toward the media 14 so that no extra drive height is required. Such a feature saves dimension in the Z-direction and becomes even more important as a design requirement for drives of the type requiring smaller, more durable configurations for use in hand-held and portable devices. Drive height is an important design criterion to ensure that the drive 50 of these devices is as compact and lightweight as possible and still withstand severe shock and vibration.

The downwardly bent extension 33 has an opening therein defining a load beam window 35. The load beam window 35 acts as a restraint at the distal end 49 of the load beam 44. Gimbal 39 preferably has an extended tab portion 37 extending from hinged portion 39c. Extension tab portion 37 is adapted to engage load beam window 35. The extended tab portion 37 of the gimbal 39 protrudes through the load beam window 35 of the load beam 44 to suppress the vertical movement of the gimbal 39. In addition, this window type configuration of the load beam window 35 also provides a gimbal 39
And assists in suppressing horizontal movement of the head assembly 54, i.e., lateral movement.
The air gap between the flexible tab portion 37 and the load beam window 35 may be reduced by the flexible tab portion 37 of the gimbal 39 during an impact, such as may occur during the head loading or unrotating process. Acts to limit movement.
Thus, the head 54 mounted on the flexible tab portion 39c may not impact the head of any other opposing suspension assembly or any other element outside of the range permitted by the load beam window 35. Can not. The suppression of the flexible tab portion 37 by the load beam window 35 also helps protect the head 54 from damage during handling. As can be seen from FIGS. 4 to 6, as the tab portion 37 moves downward, the load beam window 35 captures the gimbal 39 and prevents excessive vertical movement.

The above description of the preferred embodiments is not intended to implicitly limit the scope of the claims. Thus, the claims are not limited to applications involving removable cartridge drive disk systems, except where expressly limited, for example.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disk drive device and a disk cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the disk drive device and the disk cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the disk drive device shown in FIG. 1 with a disk cartridge mounted on the disk drive device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suspension assembly used in the drive shown in FIG.

5 is a bottom view of the suspension assembly shown in FIG.

6 is a bottom view of the suspension assembly shown in FIG.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── [continuation of summary] extends to enhance the tip of the suspension, reduce the movement of the head due to vibration, and to help prevent damage to the head during handling.

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A suspension assembly for use in a disk drive, comprising: a generally flat body, a load beam having two sides, a bottom, a proximal end, and a distal end; A gimbal having a body portion, the main body portion being near the proximal end of the load beam such that the hinged portion is movable relative to a distal end of the load beam. A gimbal coupled to the bottom of the beam; a read / write head coupled to the gimbal; and at least one long rail disposed along a body of the load beam, the load beam comprising: A rail extending substantially the length of the beam. 2. The disk drive wherein the at least one long rail is located along a side of the load beam body and is perpendicular to a plane defined by the load beam body. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly is bent away from a surface of the medium in the interior. 3. The media surface in the disk drive, wherein the rail is located along a side of the load beam body and in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the load beam body. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly is bent in a direction toward. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one long rail comprises two long rails, one of the two long rails extending along each side of the load beam. The suspension assembly according to claim 1. 5. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one long rail extends through at least a portion of said gimbal and said read / write head. . 6. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein said gimbal is mechanically mounted on said load beam. 7. The suspension assembly according to claim 6, wherein said main body portion of said gimbal is welded to said load beam. 8. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein said gimbal is formed integrally with said load beam. 9. At least one receiving space formed in the load beam body, and at least one flexible member disposed between the main body portion and the hinge connection portion of the gimbal to connect them. A flexible bridge portion, wherein the receiving space provides an area within which the flexible bridge portion can flex.
The suspension assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one flexible bridge portion located proximate the storage space. 10. An extension located at a distal end of the load beam, the extension extending downwardly with respect to a plane defined by the load beam body in a direction toward a surface of a medium in the disk drive. Further comprising an extension portion bent and forming an opening defining a load beam window; and an elongate tab portion disposed at a distal end of a gimbal end of the hinged portion. The suspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein: 11. A suspension assembly for use in a disk drive, the load beam being located at a distal end and having an extension, wherein the extension is directed toward a surface of a medium in the disk drive. At an angle with respect to the plane defined by the load beam body, the extension forming an opening, and the bent extension generally with respect to the plane of the load beam. A load beam defining a vertical plane; and a gimbal coupled to the load beam, wherein the gimbal is spaced from the distal end of the gimbal in a plane generally the same as the plane defined by the gimbal. A gimbal having an extending extension tab portion, the extension tab portion adapted to engage an aperture formed in the load beam; A read / write head coupled to the gimbal. 12. The suspension assembly according to claim 11, wherein said opening defines a load beam window adapted to act as a restraining member and to capture said extension tab portion. . 13. The suspension assembly according to claim 12, wherein said load beam window is rectangular. 14. When the disk drive is impacted, the extension tab portion extends into and engages the opening formed by the extension portion of the load beam. The suspension assembly according to claim 11, wherein: 15. The load beam, wherein the extension located at the distal end of the load beam is generally rectangular, and once the extension is bent down, the rectangular shape facilitates forming the load beam window. A conical or V-shaped portion having a cavity and wherein the extended tab portion of the gimbal extends through the load beam window such that the side of the tab does not contact the side of the window. The suspension assembly of claim 11, having a body, wherein the extension tab portion is vertically movable within the load beam window. 16. The apparatus further comprising at least one long rail disposed along the load beam, at least a portion of the at least one rail connecting at least a portion of the gimbal and the read / write head. The suspension assembly of claim 11, wherein the rail extends through substantially the length of the load beam so as to extend therethrough. 17. At least one receiving space formed in the load beam, and at least one flexible bridge portion disposed between and connecting the main body portion and the hinge connection portion. Further comprising at least one flexible bridge portion positioned proximate to the storage space such that the storage space provides a space into which the flexible bridge portion can flex. The suspension assembly according to claim 11, wherein: 18. A suspension assembly for use in a disk drive, comprising: a load beam having a generally flat body and at least one receiving space in the body; and at least one load beam coupled to the load beam. A gimbal having a plurality of flexible bridges, wherein the flexible bridge portion is located near the housing space such that the housing space provides an area in which the flexible bridge portion can flex. And a read / write head coupled to the gimbal. 19. The suspension set of claim 18, wherein said at least one storage space comprises an opening formed in said load beam near said at least one flexible bridge portion. Three-dimensional. 20. The load beam body, wherein the at least one receiving space comprises a recess in the load beam body near the flexible bridge portion, the recess being away from the flexible bridge portion. 19. The suspension assembly according to claim 18, wherein said suspension assembly extends into said suspension assembly. 21. The suspension assembly according to claim 18, wherein said receiving space is substantially rectangular. 22. The gimbal is disposed on a main body portion coupled to the load beam, a hinge connection at the distal end of the gimbal, and between the main body portion and the hinge connection. The suspension assembly of claim 18, further comprising: at least one flexible bridge portion connecting them. 23. The load beam, wherein a longitudinal length of the receiving space is parallel to a longitudinal length of the load beam, and each receiving space is located between a proximal end of the load beam and a recessed area. Two receiving spaces located in the load beam body so as to be located between different sides of the load beam and a center line in an area, wherein the gimbal contacts the receiving space or the load beam. The two flexible bridge portions are sized large enough to allow the flexible bridge portion to bend and flex into the receiving space without having to do so, and located near the two receiving spaces. 19. The suspension assembly according to claim 18, comprising a flexible bridge portion. 24. At least one member disposed along the load beam body.
A long rail of the book, the long rail extending substantially the length of the load beam such that at least a portion of the long rail extends through at least a portion of the gimbal and the head. The suspension assembly according to claim 18, wherein 25. An extension located at the distal end of the load beam, which is downwardly with respect to a plane defined by the load beam body in a direction toward a surface of a medium in the disk drive. An extended portion bent and forming an opening; and an extended tab portion disposed at a distal end of the gimbal, wherein the extended tab portion comprises:
20. The suspension assembly of claim 18, further comprising an extension tab portion adapted to engage said aperture of a beam. 26. A suspension assembly for use in a disk drive, wherein the load beam is a generally flat body having two sides, a bottom, a proximal end, and a distal end. At least one rail disposed and extending substantially the length of the load beam body; at least one receiving space formed in the body; and at a distal end of the load beam. An extension that is bent downwardly with respect to the plane defined by the load beam in a direction toward the surface of the media in the disk drive to form an opening, wherein the opening is
A load beam including an extension defining a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the beam; a gimbal; a hinge connection; and the hinge connection in a plane substantially the same as the plane defined by the gimbal. An extension tab portion extending away from a distal end of the portion, wherein the extension tab portion is adapted to engage an opening formed in the load beam; and A main body portion coupled to a bottom of the load beam near a proximal end of the load beam for movement relative to a distal end of the load beam; a hinged portion and the main body; At least one flexible bridging portion disposed between and connecting the flexible bridging portion to the flexible bridging portion, wherein the receiving space provides an area where the flexible bridging portion can flex therein. Wherein at least one flexible bridge portion is positioned in the vicinity of the receiving space and a gimbal including suspension assembly which comprises a read / write head coupled to said gimbal to. 27. The suspension assembly according to claim 26, wherein said gimbal is made from thin flexible sheet metal. 28. The suspension assembly according to claim 26, wherein said suspension assembly is part of a removable cartridge disk drive. 29. A disk drive cooperating with a removable data storage disk cartridge, comprising: a chassis; a spindle and a spindle motor assembly movably coupled to the chassis for receiving and rotating the disk cartridge. An actuator assembly coupled to the chassis and having a suspension assembly, the actuator assembly having a body, a distal end, a proximal end, and a load beam proximate the distal end. A load beam having a recess, at least one long rail portion, a load beam window, and at least one receiving space formed therein; a main body portion coupled to the load beam; A hinged connection floating near the depression of the load beam; Arranged between the portion and the hinge connection portion, and at least one flexible bridge portion connecting them,
A disk drive, comprising: a gimbal having an extended tab portion at a distal end of the hinged portion; and an actuator assembly including a read / write head coupled to the gimbal.