JP2010218674A - Head gimbal assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a head gimbal assembly capable of avoiding having a significant impact on floating characteristics of a slider, and avoiding complicating design of a slider even when a mark part is provided in a magnetic recording head gimbal assembly using a near field. <P>SOLUTION: The head gimbal assembly comprises a slider that floats on a recording medium with the wind pressure from a rotating recording medium, and has a near field light-generating part for generating near field light, and a light guiding section for introducing light used for generating near field light to the near field light generating part. The slider has a spacial structure that generates wind pressure, and a flat section disposed next to the spacial structure, which contributes to the floating of the slider less than the spacial structure. The flat section and the light guiding section have a flat section-side mark part and a light guiding section-side mark part used for positioning the near field light-generating part and the light guiding section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a head gimbal assembly that records and reproduces various types of information on a recording medium using spot light that is focused light.

  In recent years, a recording medium such as a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as a disk) in a computer device has been required to have a higher density in response to a need for recording and reproducing a larger amount of high-density information. As the recording density increases, the influence of adjacent magnetic domains and the influence of thermal fluctuations are significantly affected. Therefore, a recording medium with a strong coercive force is required. However, when such a recording medium is used, a magnetic field required for recording also increases. The upper limit of the magnetic field generated by the recording head is determined by the saturation magnetic flux density, but its value approaches the material limit and cannot be expected to increase dramatically.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the above-described problems, the coercive force is temporarily reduced by locally heating the magnetic domain using spot light that has collected light, or near-field light that has collected light, In the meantime, an information recording / reproducing apparatus of a hybrid magnetic recording system for performing writing on a disk is provided. In particular, when near-field light is used, it is possible to handle optical information in a region that is less than or equal to the wavelength of light, which is a limit in conventional optical systems. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a higher recording bit density than conventional optical information recording / reproducing apparatuses.

Various types of information recording / reproducing apparatuses based on the hybrid magnetic recording system described above are provided, and as one of them, by supplying light for generating near-field light to the near-field light head, There is known an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of generating sufficiently large near-field light from a minute aperture and achieving super-high resolution reproduction / recording, high-speed recording / reproduction, and high SN ratio. In this information recording / reproducing apparatus, a slider provided with a near-field optical head is scanned over the disk, and the slider is arranged at a desired position on the disk. Thereafter, information can be recorded on the disk by cooperating the near-field light emitted from the light source and the recording magnetic field generated from the slider.

  Here, as a configuration for generating light from a light source as near-field light, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an optical deflection element that deflects light emitted from a waveguide such as an optical fiber, and further, A head gimbal assembly having a waveguide layer having a function of reducing the spot diameter of light before being converted to near-field light is provided, and a configuration for generating near-field light through the waveguide layer is known. It has been.

  In the case of the configuration as in Patent Document 1, in order to increase the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light deflection element, the light emission port of the light deflection element and the light incident port of the waveguide layer are aligned with high accuracy. There is a need.

  On the other hand, the head gimbal assembly disclosed in Patent Document 2 is provided with a mark portion for aligning both of the optical deflection element and the waveguide layer. Thus, by moving one of the optical deflection element and the waveguide layer so that the end faces of the mark portions provided on the optical deflection element and the waveguide layer are provided at the same position, the optical deflection element And the waveguide layer can be aligned.

  In addition, the light deflection element in the head gimbal assembly disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a mark portion on a lower surface that emits light toward a waveguide constituting a part of the slider. The alignment between the optical deflection element and the waveguide can also be performed by using the mark portion.

JP 2009-4021 A JP 2007-335028 A JP 2008-293580 A

  An ABS (Air Bearing Surface) is provided on the lower surface of the slider. ABS uses a wind pressure from a rotating recording medium to generate a pressure that separates the slider from the recording medium and a pressure that pulls the slider toward the recording medium, thereby floating the slider on the recording medium. Used. Here, since the near-field light has a distance dependency in which the near-field light is rapidly attenuated as it is separated from the generation source, the slider that emits the light must fly from the recording medium at the nano level. Accordingly, the ABS surface provided on the bottom surface of the slider is designed to have a shape that can realize the nano-level flying.

  In the case of Patent Document 2, an alignment mark portion is provided on both the slider having the waveguide layer and the unit having the optical deflection element. The concave / convex shape of the ABS is usually provided up to the tip of the bottom surface of the slider. However, as described above, the ABS in the slider is a part where the flying characteristics at the time of recording / reproducing are very important. Therefore, depending on the positional relationship between the concave / convex shape of the ABS and the mark portion for alignment, the flying of the slider This may affect the characteristics and make recording and reproduction difficult. In this case, in order to perform normal recording / reproduction, it is necessary to design the concave / convex shape of the ABS in consideration of the mark portion, which complicates the slider design. Further, by processing the mark portion on the surface opposite to the surface where the ABS of the slider exists, the entire slider is subjected to processing stress and deformed, which may greatly affect the flying characteristics.

  In the case of Patent Document 3, as described above, only an optical element having an optical deflection function is provided with a mark portion used for alignment between the optical deflection element and a waveguide constituting a part of the slider. Similar to Patent Document 2, even in Patent Document 3, depending on the positional relationship between the mark portion and the ABS surface of the slider, the flying characteristics of the slider may be affected.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and even if the mark portion is provided, the flying characteristics of the slider can be prevented from being greatly affected, and the design of the slider is not complicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a head gimbal assembly that can be configured as described above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.

  A head gimbal assembly according to the present invention includes a slider including a near-field light generating unit that floats on the recording medium and generates near-field light using wind pressure from a rotating recording medium, and the near-field light A head gimbal assembly including a light guide unit that introduces light used for light generation into the near-field light generation unit, wherein the slider includes the three-dimensional structure unit that generates the wind pressure, and the three-dimensional structure unit. A flat portion that is provided next to the slider and that contributes less to the flying of the slider than the three-dimensional structure portion, and the flat portion and the light guide portion include the near-field light generating portion, the light guide portion, The flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part used for the alignment of are provided.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat part and the light guide part have the flat part side mark part and the light guide part mark part used for alignment of the near-field generating part and the light guide part. Positioning of the optical part and the near-field generating part can be facilitated. Furthermore, the slider-side mark part is provided in a flat part that does not contribute to the flying of the slider more than the three-dimensional structure part that generates wind pressure, so that the slider can be stably levitated without greatly affecting the flying characteristics of the slider. In addition, the design of the slider can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  Here, by avoiding a large influence on the flying characteristics of the slider, it is possible to stably supply near-field light generated from the slider and abruptly attenuated from the generation source to the recording medium. Like light, the recording magnetic field and the reproducing magnetic field generated from the slider can be generated at an appropriate distance from the recording medium, so that recording and reproduction can be performed normally. In addition, this eliminates the need to complicate the three-dimensional structure that generates the wind pressure.Therefore, without complicating the design of the entire slider including the slider, the slider including the near-field generating unit and the light guide unit are provided. A head gimbal assembly can be realized.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are provided on a surface where the flat part and the light guide part face each other. It is.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, a positional relationship between the near-field light generating unit and the light guide unit is provided on the same plane as the near-field light generating unit and the light guide unit to be aligned. Can be determined with high accuracy, and the alignment accuracy of the flat portion and the light guide portion can be increased. That is, it is possible to realize a head gimbal assembly that can stably float the slider and that does not complicate the design of the slider.

  Further, in the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are provided on each side surface of the flat part and the light guide part, and the flat part side mark And the light guide part side mark part are provided so that respective ends of the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part face each other.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion are provided at positions close to each other on the side surfaces of the flat portion and the light guide portion, so that they can be confirmed from the outside. Therefore, the position of the flat portion and the light guide portion can be easily aligned.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part have different refractive indexes from the flat part and the light guide part. is there.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part have different refractive indexes from the flat part and the light guide part, respectively. Since the positions of the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part can be confirmed from the outside of both using the difference in refractive index, the flat part and the light guide part can be easily aligned.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion are notched portions.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are notched parts, so that the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are formed of a special material. Since it is not necessary, the flat portion and the light guide portion can be aligned using a simple structure.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion are disposed on both sides of the light guide portion and the near-field light generating portion. Is.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are arranged on both sides of the light guide part and the near-field light generating part, thereby achieving alignment. The accuracy can be increased. That is, it is possible to realize a head gimbal assembly that can stably float the slider and that does not complicate the design of the slider.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, one of the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion includes a convex portion, and the other of the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion. Is provided with a concave portion into which the convex portion is fitted.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the concave portion and the convex portion provided in each of the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion are simply moved by moving one of the flat portion and the light guide portion with respect to the other. Since the portion is fitted, the flat portion and the light guide portion can be easily aligned.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the convex portion and the concave portion are formed such that the outer shape of the tip of the convex portion is smaller than the outer shape of the opening of the concave portion.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, since the outer shape of the tip of the convex portion is formed smaller than the outer shape of the opening of the concave portion, the tip of the convex portion can be easily fitted into the opening of the concave portion. Can be easily fitted. Therefore, it is possible to easily align the flat portion and the light guide portion.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a columnar shape.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a columnar shape, so that the resistance against the lateral force is difficult to disperse in the vertical direction, so that the lateral displacement is prevented with a strong resistance. Thus, the alignment accuracy of the flat portion and the light guide portion can be increased. That is, a head gimbal assembly with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a shape in which a cross-sectional area decreases from the convex portion toward the concave portion.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the convex portion and the concave portion have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the convex portion toward the concave portion, so that the convex portion is recessed while being guided by the side wall of the concave portion. Therefore, the flat portion and the light guide portion can be easily aligned.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a conical shape.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the convex portions and the concave portions are formed in a conical shape, the cross-sectional area decreases toward the top and bottom surfaces of the convex portions and the concave portions, and the side surfaces of the convex portions and the concave portions are gradually increased. After the tip of the convex portion is fitted into the opening of the concave portion, the side surfaces that are narrowed together serve as a guide function, and the concave portion and the convex portion can be easily fitted together. Therefore, alignment can be performed easily.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions are provided.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the plurality of convex portions and the concave portions are provided, so that the positional accuracy of the flat portion and the light guide portion can be improved from a single number.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the length of the convex portion is longer than that of the concave portion.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, since the length of the convex portion is longer than the concave portion, the distance between the flat portion and the light guide portion can be set to a desired length. The degree of freedom of the arrangement position can be improved.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that each of the convex portions has a different length.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the angle of the light guide part can be easily adjusted by adjusting the length of the convex part fitted into the concave part with respect to the depth of the concave part. That is, since the light emission angle from the light guide unit can be easily adjusted, the degree of freedom of the arrangement positions of the flat part and the light guide unit can be improved.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the light guide portion side mark portion includes a transparent member formed in the thickness direction of the light guide portion, and one end portion and the other end portion of the transparent member are guided by the light guide. It is exposed from the part.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, even when the light guide portion side mark portion and the flat portion side mark portion are provided on the surface where the light guide portion and the slider face each other, which cannot be confirmed from the side surface, Position alignment can be performed while confirming both mark portions. Therefore, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the mark portions can be improved, and the alignment in the track width direction and the direction perpendicular thereto can be performed at a time.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that all of the light guide section is a laser.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the light guide unit and the flat part can be easily aligned even in the case of the light guide unit in the case where the light guide function and the light collecting function are incorporated in the laser. be able to.

  Further, the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that a part of the light guide portion is a laser.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the light guide part and the flat part can be easily aligned even in the light guide part in which the light guide function and the light collection function are connected to the laser. .

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the light guide is provided on a slider.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, even when the light guide unit provided with the laser is provided on the slider, the light guide unit and the flat part can be easily aligned.

  The head gimbal assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the laser portion of the light guide portion is provided at a position separated from the slider.

  In the head gimbal assembly according to the present invention, the light guide portion and the flat portion can be easily aligned even when the laser is provided at a position separated from the slider.

  According to such a feature of the present invention, even if the slider is provided with a mark portion, the flying characteristics of the slider can be prevented from being greatly affected, and the slider design can be prevented from being complicated. .

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of the head gimbal assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head gimbal assembly shown in FIG. 2. The upper part is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the slider shown in FIG. The lower part is an enlarged bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. The upper part is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the slider shown in FIG. The lower part is an enlarged bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. The upper part shows the slider, the middle part shows the light guide part, and the lower part shows the slider and light guide part superimposed. The upper part shows the slider, the middle part shows the light guide, and the lower part shows the slider and the light guide superimposed. It is sectional drawing of the head gimbal assembly in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the cross section and bottom surface of the slider shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ in FIG. 9. It is a perspective view of the slider and light guide part in a 3rd embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slider and light guide part similar to FIG. It is a perspective view of the slider and light guide part similar to FIG. It is an enlarged view of the section and bottom of a slider in a 4th embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the BB 'line | wire of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the part enclosed by the dotted line C shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C in which the structure of the mark portion shown in FIG. 15 is different. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C shown in FIG. 15 in which the structure of the mark portion is different in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure similar to FIG. 18 from which the structure of a mark part differs. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C shown in FIG. 15 in which the structure of the mark portion is different in the sixth embodiment. It is the same figure as FIG. 20 from which the structure of a mark part differs. It is the same figure as FIG. 20 from which the structure of a mark part differs. It is a perspective view of the slider and light guide part in a 7th embodiment. It is a figure of the slider and light guide part in 8th Embodiment. The upper part shows the slider, the middle part shows the light guide part, and the lower part shows the slider and light guide part superimposed. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the slider in 9th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the head gimbal assembly in 10th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the slider and light guide part in 11th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the head gimbal assembly in 12th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the head gimbal assembly in 13th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the head gimbal assembly in a 14th embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the head gimbal assembly in 15th Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
(Information recording / reproducing device)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. Note that the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for writing on a disc (recording medium) D having a vertical recording layer by a vertical recording method.

  The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is formed on a carriage 11, a laser light source 20 that supplies a light beam from the base end side of the carriage 11, and a tip end side of the carriage 11. A head gimbal assembly (HGA) 12 composed of the slider 2, an actuator 6 for scanning the head gimbal assembly 12 in the XY directions parallel to the surface of the disk D, and the disk D rotated in a predetermined direction. A spindle motor 7 to be connected to the laser light source 20 via the wiring 4, and a control unit 5 for supplying a current modulated in accordance with information to the slider 2, and a housing for accommodating these components inside. (Not shown).

  The housing has a box shape having an upper opening made of a metal material such as aluminum. (Not shown). And the recessed part which accommodates each component mentioned above etc. is formed in the inner side enclosed by the surrounding wall. In FIG. 1, the peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the housing is omitted for easy understanding. Further, a lid (not shown) is detachably fixed to the housing so as to close the opening of the housing. The spindle motor 7 described above is attached to substantially the center of the bottom portion 9, and the disk D is detachably fixed by fitting the center hole into the spindle motor 7.

  The actuator 6 described above is attached to the outside of the disk D, that is, the corner of the bottom 9. A carriage 11 is attached to the actuator 6 so as to be rotatable about the pivot shaft 10 in the XY directions. The carriage 11 includes an arm portion 14 extending along the surface of the disk D from the base end portion toward the tip portion, and a base portion 15 that supports the arm portion 14 in a cantilever manner via the base end portion. These are integrally formed by machining or the like. The base 15 is supported so as to be rotatable around the pivot shaft 10. That is, the base portion 15 is connected to the actuator 6 via the pivot shaft 10, and the pivot shaft 10 is the rotation center of the carriage 11.

The arm portion 14 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from the base end portion toward the tip end portion, and is arranged so that the disk D is sandwiched between the arm portions 14. That is, the arm portion 14 and the disk D are arranged so as to alternate with each other, and the arm portion 14 can be moved in a direction parallel to the surface of the disk D (XY direction) by driving the actuator 6. The carriage 11 and the head gimbal assembly 12 are retracted from the disk D by driving the actuator 6 when the rotation of the disk D is stopped.
(Head gimbal assembly)
The head gimbal assembly 12 generates near-field light by guiding the light flux from the laser light source 20 to the slider 2 which is a near-field light head having a near-field light generating unit 40 (see FIG. 4) described later. Various information is recorded on and reproduced from the disk D using light.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head gimbal assembly 12 with the slider 2 facing upward. The head gimbal assembly 12 according to the present embodiment has a function of floating the slider 2 described above from the disk D. The head gimbal assembly 12 is formed in a thin plate shape with the slider 2 and a metal material, and is parallel to the surface of the disk D. The suspension 3 is movable in the direction. The suspension 3 fixes the slider 2 so as to be rotatable about two axes (X axis, Y axis) parallel to the surface of the disk D and perpendicular to each other, that is, twistable about the two axes. The gimbal 17 is provided.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the tip portion of the head gimbal assembly 12 of FIG. 2 as viewed from the X direction. In the head gimbal assembly 12, the light guide portion 32 for guiding the light beam from the laser light source 20 to the slider 2 is connected adjacent to the slider 2, and the gimbal 17 for fixing the slider 2 with the sandwiched portion is provided. It has been. The gimbal 17 is provided on the load beam 24 via the protrusion 19.
(Slider)
The slider 2 is supported between the disk D and the suspension 3 with the gimbal 17 sandwiched between the lower surface of the suspension 3. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the cross section when the slider 2 is viewed from the X direction and the bottom surface when the slider 2 is viewed from the Z direction, respectively. The slider 2 is arranged to face the disk D in a state of floating a predetermined distance from the surface of the disk D (see FIG. 1), and has a slider substrate 60 having a floating surface 2a facing the surface of the disk D, and a tip surface 60c thereof. The recording element 42, the near-field light generator 40, and the reproducing element 41 are provided.

  Here, the arrangement of the recording element 42, the near-field light generator 40, and the reproducing element 41 is not limited to this. FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, in which the cross section when the slider 2 is viewed from the X direction and the bottom surface when the slider 2 is viewed from the Z direction are enlarged and shown in the upper and lower views, respectively. It is. However, the arrangement of the reproducing element 41, the recording element 42, and the near-field light generating unit 40 is different from that in FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, the reproducing element 41 may be disposed on the front end surface 60c of the slider substrate 60, the recording element 42 adjacent to the reproducing element 41, and the near-field light generating unit 40 adjacent thereto.

  The reproducing element 41 is a magnetoresistive film whose electric resistance is converted according to the magnitude of the magnetic field leaking from the disk D. A bias current is supplied to the reproducing element 41 from the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1) via the electric wiring 31 (see FIG. 2). As a result, the control unit 5 can detect a change in the magnetic field leaking from the disk D as a change in voltage, and can reproduce a signal from the change in voltage.

  The recording element 42 is connected to the auxiliary magnetic pole 43 via the auxiliary magnetic pole 43 and the magnetic circuit 44, and generates a recording magnetic field perpendicular to the disk D between the auxiliary magnetic pole 43 and the magnetic circuit 44. And a coil 46 wound around the magnetic circuit 44 in a spiral shape. Further, the coil 46 is disposed so that there is a gap between adjacent coil wires, between the magnetic circuit 44 and between the magnetic poles 43 and 45 so as not to be short-circuited. Molded.

  The near-field light generating unit 40 is a substantially plate-like element that reduces the spot diameter of the light beam introduced from the proximal end side and emits near-field light from the distal end side to the outside. The near-field light generator 40 includes a near-field light generator core 48 and a near-field light generator cladding 49. The near-field light generating unit 40 configured in this way is fixed adjacent to the main magnetic pole 45 with the proximal end facing upward (Z-axis upward) of the slider 2 and the distal end facing the disk D side. In addition, spot light is generated in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole 45. The near-field light generating section cladding 49 is made of a material having a refractive index lower than that of the near-field light generating section core 48 and is in close contact with the near-field light generating section core 48 to seal the near-field light generating section core 48. Is. Then, the light beam supplied from the light guide unit 32 is guided to the end surface on the tip side under the total reflection condition due to the difference in refractive index between the near-field light generation unit core 48 and the near-field light generation unit cladding 49. It has become.

  Further, the bottom surface of the slider 2 (slider substrate 60) is the air bearing surface 2a facing the surface of the disk D as described above. The air bearing surface 2a is a surface that generates pressure for ascending from the viscosity of the air flow generated by the rotating disk D, and is called an ABS (Air Bearing Surface). Specifically, the flying surface 2a of the slider 2 has a low three-dimensional structure 80 that protrudes toward the surface of the disk D, and a high three-dimensional structure that protrudes further toward the surface of the disk D than the low three-dimensional structure 80. Structure 81 is provided. The low three-dimensional structure 80 and the high three-dimensional structure 81 are strictly designed so that a positive pressure for separating the slider 2 from the surface of the disk surface D and a negative pressure for attracting the slider 2 to the surface of the disk D can be adjusted. Yes. Further, the slider 2 receives a force pressed against the disk D side by the suspension 3. Therefore, the slider 2 floats at an appropriate distance from the surface of the disk D by the balance between the positive pressure, the negative pressure, and the pressing force.

  Here, the three-dimensional structure constituting the air bearing surface 2a of the slider 2 does not have to be two steps, and may be a one-step three-dimensional structure or a more complicated three-dimensional structure.

  Here, the slider 2 is divided into two parts, a part where the low three-dimensional structure 80 and the higher three-dimensional structure 81 constituting the air bearing surface 2a are provided, and a part where they are not provided. Can do. That is, the three-dimensional structure portion 202 includes a surface having a three-dimensional structure that particularly affects the flying characteristics of the floating surface 2a, and the three-dimensional structure portion 202, and the floating surface 2a has a surface that hardly affects the floating characteristics. It can be divided into a flat portion 201 having a thickness of about 10 to 20 μm including a flat surface. The three-dimensional structure 202 is a part including the recording element 42 and the reproducing element 41, and the flat part 201 is a part including the near-field light generating unit 40. Normally, the low three-dimensional structure 80 and the high three-dimensional structure 81 constituting the flying surface 2a of the slider 2 are provided up to the tip of the bottom surface of the slider 2, but the feature of this embodiment is that the flying characteristics are affected. The flat part 201 which is few and is very thin and does not have the low three-dimensional structure 80 and the high three-dimensional structure 81 is provided.

(suspension)
As shown in FIG. 2, the suspension 3 includes a base plate 22 formed in a substantially square shape in a top view, a load beam 24 having a substantially triangular shape in a plan view connected to a tip side of the base plate 22 via a hinge plate 23, and a flexure. 25.

  The base plate 22 is made of a thin metal material such as stainless steel, and an opening 22a penetrating in the thickness direction is formed on the base end side. The base plate 22 is fixed to the tip of the arm portion 14 (see FIG. 1) through the opening 22a. A sheet-like hinge plate 23 made of a metal material such as stainless steel is disposed on the lower surface of the base plate 22. The hinge plate 23 is a flat plate formed over the entire lower surface of the base plate 22. A load beam 24 is connected to the tip of the hinge plate 23.

  The load beam 24 is made of a thin metal material such as stainless steel like the base plate 22, and the base end thereof is connected to the hinge plate 23 with a gap between the base plate 22 and the tip end of the base plate 22. . As a result, the suspension 3 bends about between the base plate 22 and the load beam 24 and is easily bent in the Z direction perpendicular to the surface of the disk D.

  The flexure 25 is a sheet-shaped member made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is configured to be able to bend and deform in the thickness direction by being formed in a sheet shape. The flexure 25 is fixed to the distal end side of the load beam 24, and has a gimbal 17 whose outer shape is formed in a substantially pentagonal shape when viewed from above, a narrower width than the gimbal 17, and extends along the suspension 3 from the base end of the gimbal 17. It is comprised with the support body 18 extended.

  The support 18 is in the form of a sheet integrally formed with the gimbal 17 and extends on the suspension 3 toward the arm portion 14 (see FIG. 1). That is, the support 18 is configured to follow the deformation of the suspension 3 when the suspension 3 is deformed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a projection 19 that protrudes toward the approximate center of the gimbal 17 and the slider 2 is formed at the tip of the load beam 24. The tip of the projection 19 is rounded. The protrusion 19 is brought into point contact with the surface (upper surface) of the gimbal 17 when the slider 2 floats to the load beam 24 side by the wind pressure received from the disk D. That is, the protrusion 19 supports the slider 2 via the gimbal 17 and the light guide 32 and applies a load to the slider 2 toward the surface of the disk D (in the Z direction). Yes.

(Light guide)
As shown in FIG. 1, a light guide 32 that guides the light beam emitted from the laser light source 20 to the slider 2 is connected to the emission side of the laser light source 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, one light guide portion 32 and one set of electrical wiring 31 are connected to the slider 2. The light guide 32 and the electrical wiring 31 are arranged together on the above-described support 18 of the flexure 25 on the suspension 3, and are routed to the tip of the suspension 3 with the support 18 sandwiched therebetween. Has been.

  At the branch point, the electric wiring 31 is bent toward the outer peripheral portion of the gimbal 17 and is routed from the outside of the outer peripheral portion of the gimbal 17. The electrical wiring 31 routed from the outside of the gimbal 17 is connected to the end face side of the slider 2. That is, the electrical wiring 31 is directly connected from the outside of the slider 2 to each of the reproducing element 41 and the recording element 42 described above provided on the front end surface side of the slider 2.

  On the other hand, the light guide 32 and the electrical wiring 31 are branched at the tip of the suspension 3, that is, at the intermediate position of the gimbal 17. The light guide portion 32 extends from the branch point along the longitudinal direction of the gimbal 17 and is directly connected to the proximal end side of the slider 2. The light guide portion 32 is separated from the lower surface of the gimbal 17 at the branch point, and extends in a slightly floating state from the gimbal 17 toward the proximal end side of the slider 2 from the branch point.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the light guide portion 32 includes a light guide portion core 35 and a light guide portion clad 34. Further, the leading end portion of the light guide portion 32 is formed by expanding the light guide portion clad 32 in the width direction (X direction), and is formed to be equal to the outer shape of the upper surface (XY plane) of the slider 2.

  Here, the enlarged distal end portion of the light guide portion 32 may not be formed integrally with the light guide portion clad 32 and may be embedded in a material formed to be equivalent to the outer shape of the upper surface of the slider 2. .

  The front end surface 32a of the light guide part 32 is an inclined surface having an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The distal end surface 32 a has a mirror function, and deflects the light propagating through the light guide unit 32 by reflecting the light at the distal end surface 32 a and guides it to the near-field light generating unit 40. Needless to say, the distal end surface 32a is not limited to having a mirror function, and may be provided in the light guide section 32.

(Alignment mark)
As shown in FIG. 4, the light guide unit 32 and the near-field light generating unit 40 are arranged on the surfaces facing each other, with the light guide unit side mark unit 50 for positioning the light guide unit 32 and the near-field light generating unit 40. And a near-field light generating part side mark part (flat part side mark part) 70.

  FIG. 6 shows the slider 2 on the upper stage, the light guide 32 in the middle, and the slider 2 and the light guide 32 superimposed on the lower. The upper part is a view of the surface 2d (see FIG. 4) facing the light guide part 32 of the slider 2 as viewed from above. The middle part is a view of the surface 32d (see FIG. 4) facing the slider 2 of the light guide 32 as seen from above. Further, in the lower stage, on the slider 2 shown in the upper figure, a part of the light guide part 32 shown in the middle figure is connected to the light guide part side mark part 50 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 70. It is the figure which looked at the light guide part 32 from the suspension 3 side in the mounted state so that it may match | combine.

  The near-field light generating part side mark part 70 is provided on both sides of the near-field light generating part core 48 of the near-field light generating part 40 and is a substantially flat square mark part. The near-field light generating unit side mark unit 70 is provided on the upper surface (the surface facing the light guide unit 32) of the flat unit 201 that does not easily affect the flying characteristics of the slider 2. As a result, the flying height of the slider 2 with respect to the disk D during recording and reproduction can be kept stable, and information can be normally recorded and reproduced. Alternatively, the head gimbal assembly 12 can be realized without complicating the structural design of the slider 2 including the three-dimensional structure 202. On the other hand, when the mark portion is processed in the three-dimensional structure portion 202 having the low three-dimensional structure 80 or the high three-dimensional structure 81, the whole three-dimensional structure portion 202 may be deformed, which may have a significant influence on the floating characteristics. The flat portion 201 is a portion having a function of generating near-field light and does not include the recording element 42 and the like. Therefore, even if the flat part 201 is processed in order to provide the near-field light generating part side mark part 70, the parts such as the recording element 42 and the reproducing element 41 are not affected by processing stress, alteration or deformation caused by the processing stress.

  Similarly, the light guide portion side mark portions 50 are provided at both ends of the light guide portion 32, and are substantially flat rectangular mark portions having the same shape as the near-field light generating portion side mark portion.

  Here, the light guide portion side mark portion 50 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 70 do not have to be substantially flat mark portions, and may be both convex or concave. . Alternatively, one of the light guide portion side mark portion 50 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 70 may be substantially flat and the other may be a convex shape or a concave shape.

  FIG. 7 shows the slider 2 in the upper stage, the light guide 32 in the middle, and the slider 2 and the light guide 32 in the lower stage, as in FIG. However, the positions of both the light guide unit side mark unit 51 and the near field light generation unit side mark unit 71 and the shape of the near field light generation unit side mark unit are different from those in FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, the light guide portion side mark portion 51 may be provided only on one side with the light guide portion core 35 as the center. Similarly, the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 71 facing the light guide unit side mark unit 51 may be provided on one side with the near-field light generating unit core 48 as the center.

  Moreover, the light guide part side mark part 51 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 71 may be one set or two or more sets.

In addition, the light guide unit side mark unit 51 and the near field light generation unit side mark unit 71 do not have to be the same shape. For example, the light guide unit side mark unit 51 is square and the near field light generation unit side mark unit 71 is A circular shape inscribed in the light guide portion side mark portion 51 may be used.
(Assembly method)
Next, an assembly procedure of the head gimbal assembly 12 configured as described above will be described below. Basically, the assembly procedure is the same as before. However, the use efficiency of the light emitted from the light guide unit 32 is greatly affected by the accuracy of alignment between the near-field light generating unit 40 and the light guide unit 32 provided in the slider 2. When assembling the light guide part 32, it is necessary to accurately align the near-field light generating part core 48 of the slider 2 and the light guide part core 35.

When assembling the slider 2 and the light guide unit 32, the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 70 and the light guide unit side mark unit 50 are used to align the cores of the two. The near-field light generating unit side mark unit 70 is provided on the flat part 201 spaced from the near-field light generating unit core 48 so that the near-field light generating unit core 48 and the light guide unit core 35 can be accurately aligned. It has been. Similarly, the light guide unit side mark unit 50 is located at a position facing the near field light generation unit side mark unit 70 so that the near field light generation unit core 48 and the light guide unit core 35 can be accurately aligned. The light guide 32 is provided at a place other than the light guide core 35. The position of the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 70 is acquired as coordinate information by an image recognition device or the like, so that the opposing light guide unit side mark unit 50 matches the coordinates of the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 70. The positions of the slider 2 and the light guide unit 32 are adjusted. Accordingly, when aligning the light guide core 35 and the near-field light generating core 48, light is introduced into the light guide 32 at the assembly stage and introduced from the light guide 32 into the near-field light generating core 48. Since the process of adjusting the position of the near-field light generating unit 40 so that the light use efficiency is the highest is not necessary, the light guide unit 32 and the slider 2 can be easily assembled. Further, since the near-field light generating part side mark part 70 is provided on the flat part 201 of the slider 2, when the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 performs recording / reproduction, the flying characteristics of the slider 2 may be affected. rare. Therefore, stable recording / reproduction can be performed, and the reliability of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 can be improved. Further, it is not necessary to complicate the design of the slider 2 including the three-dimensional structure 202 of the slider 2.
(Information recording and playback method)
Next, a procedure for recording and reproducing various kinds of information on the disk D by the head gimbal assembly 12 assembled in this way will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the spindle motor 7 is driven to rotate the disk D in a predetermined direction. Next, the actuator 6 is operated to rotate the carriage 11 about the pivot shaft 10 as a rotation center, and the head gimbal assembly 12 is scanned in the XY directions via the carriage 11. As a result, the slider 2 can be positioned at a desired position on the disk D. At this time, the slider 2 is supported by the suspension 3 and pressed against the disk D with a predetermined force. At the same time, since the air bearing surface 2a faces the disk D, the slider 2 receives a force that rises under the influence of wind pressure generated by the rotating disk D. Due to the balance between the two forces, the slider 2 is in a state of being floated away from the disk D. Further, when wind pressure in the XY direction is applied to the slider 2 due to unevenness or undulation of the disk D, the slider 2 and the gimbal 17 are twisted about the X axis and the Y axis around the protrusion 19. It is like that. As a result, displacement in the Z direction (displacement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the disk D) due to the undulation of the disk D can be absorbed, and the posture of the slider 2 is stabilized.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when recording information, the control unit 5 operates the laser light source 20 (see FIG. 1) and supplies a current modulated according to the information to the coil 46 to record the information. 42 is activated. First, the light beam from the laser light source 20 is incident on the light guide portion 32 to guide the light beam to the slider 2. The light beam emitted from the laser light source 20 travels in the light guide core 35 of the light guide 32 toward the front end (outflow end), is reflected by the front end surface 32a, and is emitted from the near field light generation unit 40. It is introduced into the generator core 48. The light beam introduced into the near-field light generator core 48 is repeatedly reflected between the near-field light generator core 48 and the near-field light generator cladding 49 toward the other end located on the disk D side. It propagates and emits near-field light from the front end surface of the near-field light generator 40. Then, the disk D is locally heated by the near-field light, and the coercive force temporarily decreases.

  On the other hand, when a current is supplied to the coil 46 by the control unit 5 (see FIG. 1), a current magnetic field is generated in the magnetic circuit 44 by the principle of an electromagnet, and therefore, between the main magnetic pole 45 and the sub magnetic pole 43. A recording magnetic field perpendicular to the disk D can be generated. As a result, information can be recorded by a hybrid magnetic recording method in which near-field light and recording magnetic fields generated by both magnetic poles 43 and 45 cooperate. Furthermore, since the recording is performed by the vertical recording method, it is difficult to be affected by the thermal fluctuation phenomenon and the like, and stable recording can be performed. Therefore, writing reliability can be improved. Furthermore, the peak position of the heating temperature can be set at a position where the recording magnetic field acts locally. Accordingly, recording can be performed reliably, reliability can be improved, and high density recording can be achieved.

  Next, when reproducing the information recorded on the disk D, the reproducing element 41 fixed adjacent to the near-field light generating unit 40 receives the magnetic field leaking from the disk D and increases its magnitude. The electrical resistance changes accordingly. Therefore, the voltage of the reproducing element 41 changes. Thereby, the control part 5 (refer FIG. 1) can detect the change of the magnetic field leaked from the disk D as a change of a voltage. And the control part 5 can reproduce | regenerate information by reproducing | regenerating a signal from the change of this voltage.

  In this way, various information can be recorded and reproduced on the disk D using the slider 2.

Here, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the near-field light generating part side mark part 70 is provided in the flat part 201 of the slider 2. According to this structure, the near-field light generating unit core 48 and the light guide unit core 35 can be accurately aligned, and the flying of the slider 2 during recording and reproduction can be kept stable. As a result, information can be recorded and reproduced normally and stably.
(Second embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the tip portion of the head gimbal assembly 12, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a cross section when the tip of the head gimbal assembly 12 in the second embodiment is viewed from the X direction. In the slider 102 of the present embodiment, the light emitting end 37 of the light guide unit 32 and the near-field light generating unit core 48 are not in contact with each other, and a lens 82 is formed on the near-field light generating unit core 48. . The light guide 32 and the slider 102 are connected via the gimbal 17.

  FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the cross section and the bottom of the slider 102 in FIG. The lens 82 is formed at the base end portion of the near-field light generating portion core 48 of the near-field light generating portion 40 of the slider 102 immediately below the light emitting end 37 of the light guide portion 32. As a result, the light emitted from the light guide unit 32 propagates in the air, is collected by the lens 82, and enters the near-field light generating unit core 48.

  The near-field light generating part side mark part 72 is substantially flat and is provided on the surface of the flat part 201 of the slider 102 facing the light guide part 32. Similarly, the light guide unit side mark unit 52 is substantially flat and is provided in the light guide unit 32 at a position facing the near field light generation unit side mark unit 72. Therefore, the light guide part side mark part 52 provided in the light guide part 32 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 72 provided in the flat part 201 are not in contact with each other.

  When the slider 102 and the light guide unit 32 are assembled, the positions of the slider 102 and the light guide unit 32 are adjusted by using the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 72 and the light guide unit side mark unit 52 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  When recording information, a light beam is incident on the light guide 32 from the laser light source 20 (see FIG. 1), and the light beam is guided to the slider 102. The light beam emitted from the laser light source 20 travels in the core 35 of the light guide 32 toward the tip (outflow end) side, is reflected by the tip surface 32a, and propagates in the air until it reaches the lens 82. The light is condensed by the lens 82 and introduced into the near-field light generator core 48 of the near-field light generator 40. The light introduced into the near-field light generating unit core 48 is narrowed down toward the tip and generates near-field light on the tip surface. Therefore, the same effect as the first embodiment can be achieved.

  Here, the operation of matching the near-field light generating part side mark part 72 and the light guide part side mark part 52 is not necessarily performed when the information recording apparatus 1 is assembled, for example, during information recording. In addition, an image recognition device or the like that can recognize the position provided in the light guide unit side mark unit 52 always recognizes the position of the near field light generation unit side mark unit 72 and performs alignment so as to follow. Good.

  In addition, here, the light guide part side mark part 52 may not be substantially flat, and both mark parts may be in contact with each other. Similarly, the near-field light generating part side mark part 72 may not be substantially flat, and the two mark parts may be in contact with each other. That is, either one or both of the near-field light generating part side mark part 72 and the light guide part side mark part 52 may be convex. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ when the light guide portion side mark portion 52 of FIG. 9 has a convex shape. As shown in this figure, for example, the light guide portion side mark portion 53 is convex, the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 73 is substantially flat, and the light guide portion 32 is interposed via the light guide portion side mark portion 53. The head gimbal assembly 12 may be such that the flat portion 201 is in contact with the head gimbal assembly 12.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the light guide portion side mark portion 54 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 74, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slider 2 and the light guide unit 32 according to the third embodiment viewed with the air bearing surface 2a of the slider 2 facing downward. The light guide portion side mark portion 54 of this embodiment is provided on the side surface 32 b of the light guide portion 32, and one end portion thereof is in contact with the slider 2. Further, the light guide portion side mark portion 54 is formed of a paint having a color different from that of the light guide portion cladding 34. Similarly, the near-field light generating part side mark part 74 of the present embodiment is provided on the side surface 2b of the flat part 201 of the slider 2 and is positioned at a position facing the light guide part side mark part 54 and one end thereof is guided. It is provided in contact with the optical part side mark part 54. Further, the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 74 is formed of a paint having a color different from that of the side surface 2 b of the slider 2. Thus, since the light guide part side mark part 74 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 54 are provided on the side surfaces, their positions can be recognized from the outside. Matching can be performed easily.

  When the slider 2 and the light guide unit 32 are assembled, the position adjustment of both is performed by an optical device capable of recognizing an image. The position of the light guide unit side mark unit 54 is recognized and fixed, and the light guide unit side mark unit 54 is fixed. The position of the slider 2 is shifted while recognizing the image immediately below the light beam, and is fixed when the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 74 comes directly below the light guide portion side mark portion 54.

  Here, the light guide unit side mark unit 54 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 74 may be provided on the side surfaces, and may not necessarily be provided on the light guide unit side surface 32b and the slider side surface 2b. Good. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the light guide 32 and the slider 2 with the air bearing surface 2a of the slider 2 facing downward, as in FIG. However, the positions of the light guide portion side mark portion 55 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 75 are different from those in FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, the light guide portion side mark portion 55 is provided on the distal end surface 32a, and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 75 faces the light guide portion side mark portion 55 and has one end thereof. It may be provided on the side surface 2c of the flat part 201 of the slider 2 so that the parts come into contact with each other.

  Further, here, the light guide portion side mark portion 55 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 75 do not have to be formed of paint, and are formed of a resist having a different refractive index from the periphery thereof. Also good. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the light guide 32 and the slider 2 with the air bearing surface 2a of the slider 2 facing downward, as in FIG. However, the structures of the light guide portion side mark portion 56 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 76 are different. As shown in this figure, the light guide portion side mark portion 56 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 76 may be notched. Moreover, the light guide part side mark part 56 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 76 may have a three-dimensional structure with unevenness.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, the light guide unit side mark unit 56 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 76 are respectively connected to the light guide unit 32. By being provided on the side surface of the flat part 201, the positions of the two mark parts can be recognized from the outside, and therefore the two mark parts can be easily aligned.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the light guide unit side mark unit 57 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 77, and the other configuration is substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the cross section when the slider 2 is viewed from the X direction and the bottom surface when the slider 2 is viewed from the Z direction in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line B-B ′ of FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the light guide part side mark part 57 of the present embodiment is provided on each side of the light guide part core 35 of the light guide part 32, and has a columnar convex shape. Yes. On the other hand, the near-field light generating part side mark part 77 is a position facing the light guide part side mark part 57 and is provided on both sides of the near-field light generating part core 48 of the flat part 201, and has a columnar concave shape. It has become. The convex shape of the light guide portion side mark portion 57 and the concave shape of the near field side mark portion 77 are formed so as to fit with each other.

  Thereby, alignment of the light guide part side mark part 57 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 77 can be easily performed. In the first to third embodiments, since the mark portions are not formed so as to fit each other, when aligning the light guide portion side mark portion 57 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 77, Position adjustment using an apparatus capable of image recognition was necessary. However, in the present embodiment, such a device is not necessary.

  Here, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C in FIG. However, the structure of both mark portions is different from that in FIG. As shown in this figure, the light guide portion side mark portion 58 may be formed in a concave shape, and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 78 may be formed in a convex shape.

  Here, FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C in FIG. 15 as in FIG. However, the structures of both mark portions are different from those in FIGS. As shown in this figure, the height h of the convex light guide part side mark part 59 may be so high that it protrudes from the depth d of the concave near field light generation part side mark part 79. Conversely, the tip of the convex light guide part side mark part 59 may be so short that it does not reach the base end of the concave near field light generation part side mark part 79.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, the light guide unit side mark unit 59 and the near-field light generating unit side mark formed so that the concavo-convex shape is fitted. By providing the portion 79, the light guide portion side mark portion 59 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 79 can be easily aligned.
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. The present embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in the configuration of the light guide unit side mark unit 510 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 710, and is otherwise substantially the same as the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  18 is an enlarged view similar to FIGS. 16 and 17 of a portion surrounded by a dotted line C in FIG. However, the structures of the light guide unit side mark unit 510 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 710 are different from those in FIGS. The outer shape of the tip of the light guide unit side mark unit 510 of the present embodiment is formed smaller than the outer shape of the opening of the near field light generation unit side mark unit 710. Accordingly, when the light guide unit side mark unit 510 and the near field light generation unit side mark unit 710 are fitted to each other, the convex shape of the light guide unit side mark unit 510 becomes the concave type of the near field light generation unit side mark unit 710. It is easy to fit, and the convex mold can be easily fitted into the concave mold. When assembling the slider 2 and the light guide portion 32, both mark portions are aligned in the X direction after the concave and convex shapes of the light guide portion side mark portion 510 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 710 are fitted together. The positioning can be performed by fixing the side surface 510a of the light guide unit side mark unit 510 and the side surface 710a of the near field light generation unit side mark unit 710 so as to contact each other.

  Here, both the convex light guide part side mark part 510 and the concave near field light generation part side mark part 710 do not need to be columnar. FIG. 19 is a view of the same part as FIG. However, the structures of the light guide portion side mark portion 511 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 711 are different from those in FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, the light guide portion side mark portion 511 is formed in a multi-stage convex shape, and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 711 fits the light guide portion side mark portion 511. It may be formed in a multi-stage concave shape. When the slider 2 and the light guide portion 32 are assembled, the mark portions are aligned with one of the openings of the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 711 at the first stage of the convex tip of the light guide portion side mark portion 511. After fitting in the step, slide in the X direction and fit the second step from the convex tip of the light guide unit side mark unit 511 into the second step of the opening of the near field light generation unit side mark unit 711. Thus, alignment can be performed easily.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment described above, the outer shape of the tip of the convex light guide unit side mark unit 511 has a concave near-field light generating unit side mark. By being formed small with respect to the outer shape of the opening of the portion 711, the both mark portions can be easily fitted, and the both mark portions can be more easily aligned.
(Sixth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in the configuration of the light guide unit side mark unit 512 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 712, and is otherwise substantially the same as the fifth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is an enlarged view similar to FIGS. 16 to 19 of the portion surrounded by the dotted line C in FIG. However, the structures of the light guide portion side mark portion 512 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 712 are different from those in FIGS. 15 to 19. The convex light guide part side mark part 512 and the concave near-field light generating part side mark part 712 of this embodiment are both formed in a conical shape. Accordingly, when the convex shape of the light guide portion side mark portion 512 and the concave shape of the near field light generation portion side mark portion 712 are fitted to each other, the convex shape of the light guide portion side mark portion 512 becomes the near field light generation portion side mark. It is easy to fit into the concave shape of the portion 712, and the side surfaces of the light guide portion side mark portion 512 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 712 serve as a guide, and the projection-like uneven shape can be easily fitted. Therefore, it is possible to easily align both mark portions.

  Here, the convex light guide portion side mark portion 512 and the concave near-field light generating portion side mark portion 712 do not have to be conical. FIG. 21 is a diagram of the same part as FIG. However, the structures of the light guide portion side mark portion and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion are different from those in FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, a convex light guide part side mark part 513 formed with a hemispherical side surface and a concave near-field light generating part side mark part formed with a hemispherical side surface. 713 may be used.

  Further, here, the concave near-field light generating part side mark part 713 does not have to be congruent to the convex light guide part side mark part 513. FIG. 22 is a diagram of the same part as FIG. However, the structure of the near-field light generating part side mark part 714 is different from that of FIG. For example, as shown in this figure, the convex light guide portion side mark portion 512 has a conical shape similar to the shape shown in FIG. 20, whereas the concave near field light generation portion side mark portion 714 has a bottom surface. It may be formed in a trapezoidal shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the fifth embodiment described above, both the convex light guide unit side mark unit 512 and the concave near field light generation unit side mark unit 714, Alternatively, one side is formed so that the side surface of the mark part becomes a guide, such as a cone shape or a spherical shape, so that the both mark parts can be easily fitted and the both mark parts can be more easily aligned. It can be carried out.
(Seventh embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. This embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in the configuration of the light guide unit side mark unit 515 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 715, and is otherwise substantially the same as the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the slider 2 and the light guide unit 32 according to the seventh embodiment as viewed with the air bearing surface 2a of the slider 2 facing down. Two convex light guide part side mark parts 515 of the present embodiment are provided on both sides of the light guide part core 35. On the other hand, two concave near-field light generating part side mark parts 715 are provided on both sides of the near-field light generating part core 48 of the flat part 201 so as to face the light guide part side mark part 515. The height h1 of the convex light guide portion side mark portion 515 is formed higher than the depth d1 of the concave near field light generation portion side mark portion 715. This prevents the surface 32d of the light guide 32 facing the slider 2 from completely contacting the surface 2d of the slider 2 facing the light guide 32. Therefore, the height h1 of the four sets of convex light guide portion side mark portions 515 and the depth d1 of the concave near field light generation portion side mark portion 715 are adjusted to each other, so that the light guide portion with respect to the slider 2 is adjusted. For example, the angle of light emitted from the light guide core 35 incident on the near-field light generator core 48 can be adjusted by inclining 32.

  Here, the number of sets of the light guide unit side mark unit 515 and the near-field light generating unit side mark unit 715 is not necessarily four, and may be four or less. Also, four or more sets may be used.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment described above, the height h1 of the four sets of convex light guide section side mark sections 515 and the concave near-field light generating section By adjusting the depths d1 of the side mark portions 715 to each other, it is possible to freely adjust the emitted light of the light guide portion 32 that is incident on the near-field light generating portion core 48.

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of each embodiment has been described on the premise that the information is written on the disk D having the vertical recording layer by the vertical recording method. It may be an apparatus for writing on a disk D having a recording layer by a horizontal recording method.
(Eighth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The present embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in the configuration of the light guide portion side mark portion 516 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 716, and is otherwise substantially the same as the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 24 shows the slider 2 on the upper stage, the light guide section 32 on the middle stage, and the slider 2 and the light guide section 32 superimposed on the lower stage, as in FIG. However, the positions and shapes of the light guide part side mark part 516 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 716 are different from those in FIG. The light guide unit side mark unit 516 is formed in a concave shape with a circle having the same center as that of the light guide unit core 35. Similarly, the near-field light generating part side mark part 716 is formed in a convex shape with a circle whose center is the same as that of the near-field light generating part core 48.

According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, by fitting and aligning the concave and convex shapes of the light guide portion side mark portion 516 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 716, the light efficiency is further improved. High head gimbal assembly 12 can be realized.
(Ninth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the tip portion of the head gimbal assembly 12, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a cross section when the tip of the slider 2 in the ninth embodiment is viewed from the X direction. In the present embodiment, the vicinity of the exit of the near-field light generating portion 85 has a shape slightly protruding from the bottom surface of the flat portion by a length l.

According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the near-field light generated from the near-field light generator 85 can be brought close to the recording element 42, and information recording can be performed more stably. it can.
(Tenth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the tip portion of the head gimbal assembly 12, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the distal end portion of the head gimbal assembly 12 in the tenth embodiment as viewed from the X direction. The flat portion 203 in the present embodiment is provided in a state where it is cut slightly obliquely by an angle θ from the surface on which the three-dimensional structure 80 having a low bottom surface and the high three-dimensional structure 81 are provided. When recording / reproducing is performed, the slider 2 operates in a state where it is slightly inclined with respect to the disk D toward the flat portion 203 side.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the flat portion 203 without the low three-dimensional structure 80 or the high three-dimensional structure 81 does not collide with the disk D when recording / reproducing is performed stably. Recording and reproduction can be performed.
(Eleventh embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the light guide portion 92, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the light guide 92 and the tip of the slider 2 as viewed from the X direction. The light guide 92 in the present embodiment is a transparent member so that even if the light guide part side mark part 50 and the near-field light generating part side mark part 70 are viewed via the light guide part 92, the shape can be confirmed. It consists of

According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the light guide portion side mark portion 50 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 70 are made to coincide, the positions where both the mark portions cannot be seen from the side surface Even in the case where the light guide unit 92 is provided, the alignment can be easily performed while confirming with the image recognition device or the like from the light guide unit 92 side in a state where the light guide unit 92 is disposed on the slider 2. Also, when aligning in the track width direction, the light guide portion side mark portion 50 and the near-field light generating portion side mark portion 70 can be used.
(Twelfth embodiment)
Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the light guide section 93, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the distal end portion of the head gimbal assembly 12 in the twelfth embodiment as viewed from the X direction. The light guide unit 93 in the present embodiment is entirely composed of a laser 8, and light emitted from the laser 8 is directly incident on the slider 2.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, mounting the laser 8 on the slider 2 eliminates the need for optical components such as optical fibers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
(13th Embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the light guide portion 94, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the tip end portion of the head gimbal assembly 12 in the thirteenth embodiment as viewed from the X direction. The light guide section 94 in this embodiment includes a laser 98 and a light guide section inner lens 88, and the entire light guide section 94 is placed on the surface opposite to the air bearing surface 2 a of the slider 2. The laser 98 is provided in contact with the gimbal 17, and the light guide inner lens 88 is provided in contact with the laser 98 and provided on the side opposite to the gimbal 17. The light emitted from the laser 98 is adjusted in its spot diameter via the light guide inner lens 88 and is incident on the slider 2. Here, the in-light guide lens 88 may have a function of condensing the light emitted from the laser 98 or may have a function of emitting parallel light without condensing. Good.

According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even in the laser 98 that emits in the direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface 2 a of the slider 2, the light guide part inner lens 88 is provided in the light guide part 94. Therefore, the light emitted from the laser 98 can be efficiently incident on the slider 2. Therefore, the head gimbal assembly 12 with high light efficiency can be realized.
(14th Embodiment)
Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the light guide unit 95, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the head gimbal assembly 12 with the slider 2 facing upward. The light guide unit 95 in this embodiment includes a laser 8 in a part thereof, and the laser 8 is disposed at a position away from the slider 2 on the support 18. The light emitted from the laser 8 is diffracted in the direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface 2 a of the slider 2 through the optical fiber 33 and incident on the slider 2.

According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the slider 2 is not easily affected by the heat generated from the laser 8 because the laser 8 is disposed away from the slider 2. In addition, the influence on the flying characteristics due to heat can be avoided, and recording and reproduction can be performed stably.
(Fifteenth embodiment)
Next, the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the light guide unit 96, and is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the distal end portion of the head gimbal assembly 12 in the fifteenth embodiment as viewed from the X direction. The light guide unit in this embodiment includes a laser 99 and a lens 89 in the light guide unit. The light guide inner lens 89 is disposed inside the laser 99 and is integrally formed with the laser 99 in advance. The laser 99 has a portion that is not partially installed from the installation surface of the slider 2.

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even if the light emitted from the laser 99 is parallel to the flying surface 2a of the slider 2, the light from the laser 99 is efficiently transmitted to the slider 2. Therefore, the head gimbal assembly 12 with high light efficiency can be realized. Further, since the laser 99 and the light guide inner lens 89 are integrally formed, the optical alignment process between the laser 99 and the light guide inner lens 89 can be reduced when the head gimbal 12 is assembled. Further, since the entire laser 99 is not in contact with the entire installation surface of the slider 2, a part of the heat emitted from the laser 99 can be released into the air. Therefore, the influence of the heat emitted from the laser 99 can be reduced, the influence of the heat on the flying characteristics can be reduced, and recording and reproduction can be performed more stably.

  According to such a feature of the present invention, even if the slider is provided with a mark portion, the flying characteristics of the slider can be prevented from being greatly affected, and the slider design can be prevented from being complicated. .

D: Disc (recording medium)
h, h1: Height d of the light guide part side mark part, d1: Depth of the near field light generation part side mark part l: Length of the protruding part of the tip of the near field light generation part θ: Length of the tip of the flat part Inclination angle 1: Information recording / reproducing apparatus 2: Slider 2a: Flying surface 2b, 2c, 2d: Slider side surface 3: Suspension 4: Wiring 5: Control unit 6: Actuator 7: Spindle motor 8, 98, 99: Laser 9: Housing Bottom 10: Pivot shaft 11: Carriage 12: Head gimbal assembly 14: Arm 15: Base 17: Gimbal 18: Support 19: Protrusion 22: Base plate 22a: Opening 23: Hinge plate 24: Load beam 25: Flexure 31: Electrical wiring 32, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96: light guide 33: optical fiber 32a: tip surfaces 32b, 32c, 32d: light guide side surfaces 34, 90: light guide Cladding 35, 91: Light guide core 36: Flat plate portion 37: Light emitting end 40, 85: Near-field light generator 41: Reproducing element 42: Recording element 43: Sub magnetic pole 44: Magnetic circuit 45: Main magnetic pole 46: Coil 47: insulator 48, 83: near-field light generating core 49, 84: near-field light generating cladding 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 510, 511, 512 513, 514, 515, 516: Light guide portion side mark portion 510a: Side surface of light guide portion side mark portion 60: Slider substrate 60c: Slider substrate tip surface 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 78, 79, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716: Near-field light generating part side mark part (flat part side mark part)
710a: Side surface 80 of the near-field light generating part side mark part 80: Low three-dimensional structure 81: High three-dimensional structure 82: Lens 88, 89: In-light guide lens 201, 203: Flat part 202: Three-dimensional structure part

Claims (23)

Using a wind pressure from a rotating recording medium, the slider includes a near-field light generating unit that floats on the recording medium and generates near-field light;
A light guide that introduces light used to generate the near-field light into the near-field light generator;
A head gimbal assembly comprising:
The slider has a three-dimensional structure that generates the wind pressure;
It is provided next to the three-dimensional structure part, and includes a flat part that contributes less to the flying of the slider than the three-dimensional structure part,
The flat part and the light guide part include a flat part side mark part and a light guide part side mark part used for alignment of the near-field light generating part and the light guide part. .   2. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion are provided on a surface where the flat portion and the light guide portion face each other.   The flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are provided on the respective sides of the flat part and the light guide part, and the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are: 2. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 1, wherein ends of the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are provided so as to face each other.   4. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 3, wherein the flat portion side mark portion and the light guide portion side mark portion have different refractive indexes from the flat portion and the light guide portion. 5.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 3, wherein the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part are notched parts.   The flat part side mark part is provided on both sides of the near-field light generating part, and the light guide part side mark part is provided on both sides of the light guide part. 6. The head gimbal assembly according to any one of items 5.   One of the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part includes a convex part, and the other of the flat part side mark part and the light guide part side mark part includes a concave part into which the convex part is fitted. The head gimbal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and claim 6.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 7, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are formed such that an outer shape of a tip of the convex portion is smaller than an outer shape of an opening of the concave portion.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 7, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a columnar shape.   The said convex part and the said recessed part are formed in the shape where cross-sectional area reduces as the said convex part is fitted in the said recessed part toward the said recessed part from the said convex part. Head gimbal assembly as described in.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 10, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in a conical shape.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of the convex portions and the concave portions are provided.   The head gimbal assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein a height of the convex portion is longer than a depth of the concave portion.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of the convex portions has a height different from each other. The light guide is
An opposing surface facing the flat portion side mark portion; and an opposing surface opposite to the opposing surface; a transparent member having translucency from the opposing surface to the opposing surface;
The light guide part side mark part is
The head gimbal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the head gimbal assembly is provided in the transparent member.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 1, wherein all of the light guide portions are lasers.   The head gimbal assembly according to claim 1, wherein a part of the light guide is a laser.   18. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 16, wherein the entire light guide is provided on a surface opposite to the air bearing surface of the slider.   18. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 17, wherein the laser portion is provided at a distance from the slider.   18. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 17, wherein the light guide unit includes a lens that adjusts a spot of light emitted from the laser.   17. The head gimbal assembly according to claim 16, wherein the laser includes a lens that adjusts a spot of emitted light.   The head gimbal according to any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein the lens is arranged so that an optical axis of light passing through the lens is in a direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the slider. assembly.   The head gimbal according to any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein the lens is arranged so that an optical axis of light passing through the lens is in a direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the slider. assembly.

Images