JP3798565B2 - Inertia latch mechanism of actuator and information recording / reproducing apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inertia latch mechanism of an actuator and an information recording / reproducing apparatus including the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in electronic devices such as personal computers, for example, magnetic disk devices are widely used as large-capacity information recording / reproducing devices. In general, a magnetic disk device includes a magnetic disk disposed in a case, a spindle motor that supports and rotates the magnetic disk, a head actuator that supports the magnetic head, a voice coil motor that drives the head actuator, and a substrate. It comprises a unit and the like.
[0003]
In recent years, small portable personal computers have become widespread, and magnetic disk devices mounted on this type of personal computer are required to have improved reliability against impacts when carried.
[0004]
Thus, a mechanism having a ramp load mechanism is provided as a mechanism for holding the magnetic head when the magnetic disk device is not operated. The ramp loading mechanism includes a ramp provided outside the magnetic disk. When the magnetic disk device is not in operation, the head actuator is rotated to a retracted position located on the outer periphery of the magnetic disk, and the suspension rides on the ramp. As a result, the magnetic head is held at a retracted position separated from the surface of the magnetic disk, and collision with the magnetic disk is prevented when an impact is received.
[0005]
Further, as this type of magnetic disk apparatus, one provided with an inertia latch mechanism is provided in order to further improve the shock resistance. The inertia latch mechanism engages with the head actuator and restricts its rotation when an impact is applied to the magnetic disk device when not operating, and holds the head actuator in the retracted position.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In general, the inertia latch mechanism does not perform a latch operation at all in a normal state and operates only when an impact acceleration is applied from the outside. That is, when the head actuator tries to move from the retracted position due to impact acceleration from the outside, for example, the latch claw of the inertia latch mechanism is actuated by the inertial force, engages and latches with the head actuator, and restrains the movement. .
[0007]
However, in the inertia latch mechanism having such a configuration, when the latch claw is engaged with the head actuator or another member that regulates the operation range thereof, the lever clashes with the head actuator or the above member and rebounds, and is deviated from the latch position. There is a case. In this case, the head actuator cannot be latched at the retracted position, which may cause damage to the magnetic disk or the magnetic head.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inertia latch mechanism for an actuator that can reliably latch an actuator and an information recording / reproducing apparatus including the same. is there.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an actuator latch mechanism according to the present invention supports a head movably with respect to a disk-shaped recording medium, and moves to a predetermined retreat position and an information processing position on the recording medium. In the inertia latch mechanism of the actuator that latches the movable actuator to the predetermined retracted position when receiving an external force ,
A latch position for latching the actuator in the retracted position engaged with said actuator, a release position for releasing the latch away from the actuator, was between et disposed rotatably about a first pivot latch A member, a first pressing portion that is rotatably provided around a second pivot extending in parallel with the first pivot, and engageable with one side of the latch member; and the other side of the latch member A drive member that rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction according to the direction of the external force that acts, and presses the latch member to the latch position; and the latch member Shock absorbing means for attenuating the impact of the latch member at the latch position when it moves from the release position to the latch position, and preventing rebounding from the latch position toward the release position. To have.
[0010]
An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a disk-shaped recording medium, a driving unit that supports and rotationally drives the recording medium, a head that performs information processing on the recording medium,
The head is provided on a base and supports the head movably with respect to the recording medium, and can move to a predetermined retreat position located on the outer peripheral side of the recording medium and an information processing position on the recording medium. An actuator, a ramp load mechanism that holds the head away from the recording medium when the actuator moves to the retracted position, and an inertia that latches the actuator that has moved to the retracted position when an external force is received. A latch mechanism,
The inertia latch mechanism is rotatable around a first pivot between a latch position where the actuator is engaged and latched in the retracted position, and a release position where the actuator is released away from the actuator. wherein the latch member al is provided, wherein with are provided rotatably about a first pivot and a second pivot extending parallel, and one side can be engaged first pressing portion of the latch member A driving member that has a second pressing portion that can be engaged with the other side of the latch member, and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise according to the direction of the acting external force to press the latch member to the latch position; when the latch member is moved to the latched position from the release position, to attenuate the impact of the latch member in the latched position, the shock absorbing means for preventing rebound of the release position direction from the latched position It is characterized by having a.
[0011]
According to the inertia latch mechanism and the information recording / reproducing apparatus configured as described above, when a large external impact is applied to the actuator as an external force, for example, the latch member of the inertia latch mechanism moves from the release position to the latch position. To engage the actuator and latch the actuator in the retracted position. At this time, the impact of the latch member at the latch position is attenuated by the impact absorbing means. Therefore, the latch member is prevented from rebounding from the latch position toward the release position, and the actuator can be reliably latched.
[0012]
As the shock absorbing means, an elastic member provided in at least one of the engaging portion of the actuator, the latch member, and the restricting portion for restricting the movement of the latch member is used.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a magnetic disk device will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic disk device has a rectangular box-shaped case 10 with an open top surface, and a top cover (not shown) that is screwed to the case with a plurality of screws to close the upper end opening of the case. ing.
[0015]
In the case 10, there are a magnetic disk 16 as a recording medium, a spindle motor 12 as a driving means for supporting and rotating the magnetic disk, a plurality of magnetic heads for writing and reading information to and from the magnetic disk, and these magnetic heads. A head actuator 18 that movably supports the head with respect to the magnetic disk 16, a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM) 20 that rotates and positions the head actuator, and the magnetic head has moved to a retracted position on the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk. In this case, a ramp load mechanism 24 that holds the magnetic head in a position away from the magnetic disk, an inertia latch mechanism 70 that holds the head actuator in the retracted position, and a substrate unit 60 having a head IC and the like are housed.
[0016]
The magnetic disk 16 is formed with a diameter of 65 mm (2.5 inches) and has magnetic recording layers on the upper surface and the lower surface. The magnetic disk 16 is coaxially fitted to the hub 14 of the spindle motor 12 and is held by a clamp spring 13. The magnetic disk 16 is rotationally driven by the spindle motor 12 at a predetermined speed.
[0017]
The head actuator 18 includes a bearing assembly 26 fixed on the bottom wall of the case 10 functioning as a base, and two arms 28 (which are attached to the bearing assembly and extend from the bearing assembly). A support frame 34 attached to the bearing assembly and extending in the opposite direction to the arm 28. An elongated plate-like suspension 30 that can be elastically deformed is fixed to the extending end of each arm 28, and a magnetic head 32 is attached to the tip of the suspension via a gimbal portion (not shown).
[0018]
The head actuator 18 is rotatable about the bearing assembly 26, and the pair of magnetic heads 32 supported by the two arms 28 via the suspension 32 is rotated integrally with the arm and the suspension. In addition, it can be moved to any information processing position on the magnetic disk 16 and a later-described retreat position.
Each magnetic head 32 is electrically connected to the substrate unit 60 via a flexible cable 62.
[0019]
On the other hand, the support frame 34 of the head actuator 18 is formed of synthetic resin, and a voice coil 36 is integrally embedded in the support frame. The voice coil 36 is positioned between a pair of yokes 40 (only one is shown) fixed on the bottom wall of the case 10 and constitutes the VCM 20 together with these yokes and 42 fixed to one of the yokes. Yes. When the voice coil 52 is energized, the head actuator 18 is rotated, and the magnetic head 32 is moved and positioned on a desired track of the magnetic disk 16.
[0020]
The ramp loading mechanism 24 includes a ramp 50 provided on the bottom wall of the case 10 and positioned on the outer peripheral side of the magnetic disk 16, and tabs 52 respectively protruding from the two suspensions 30 of the head actuator 18. . The ramp 50 has two guide surfaces (only one is shown) 54 that guides and supports the tabs 52 that function as engaging portions. These guide surfaces 54 are arranged according to the level of the corresponding suspension 30, extend in the radial direction of the magnetic disk 16 to the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the magnetic disk, and are arranged on the movement path of the tab 52. Has been. Each guide surface is formed with a plurality of inclined portions for holding the tab 52 at a predetermined position.
[0021]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inertia latch mechanism 70 that latches the head actuator 18 when an external force such as an impact is applied to the magnetic disk device when not in operation is separated from the support frame 34 of the head actuator 18. On the other hand, there is provided an engagement protrusion 37 protruding radially with respect to the bearing assembly 26. A cap-like elastic member 38 made of, for example, a viscoelastic material such as synthetic rubber is covered on the engaging protrusion 37 that functions as the engaging portion in the present invention.
[0022]
The inertia latch mechanism 70 includes a latch member 72 and a drive member 74 provided on the yoke 40 in the vicinity of the support frame 34 of the head actuator 18. The latch member 72 is formed in an elongated arm shape extending substantially parallel to the upper surface of the yoke 40, and is supported so as to be rotatable around a first pivot 75 extending perpendicular to the yoke surface. The latch member 72 is opposite to the latch pawl 77 with respect to the first pivot 75 and the latch pawl 77 and the rotation restricting projection 78 positioned on the engagement projection 37 side of the support frame 34. And a hook portion 80 positioned laterally. The distance between the first pivot 75 and the latch claw 77 is sufficiently longer than the distance between the first pivot and the hook portion 80.
[0023]
The latch member 72 is rotatable around the first pivot 75 between a release position shown in the drawing and a latch position where the latch claw 77 can engage with the engagement protrusion 37 via the elastic member 38. It has become. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rotation restricting projection 78 is inserted into a restricting window 41 formed on the yoke 40 and functioning as a restricting portion, and the amount of turning is restricted by the restricting window. . When an external force such as an impact is applied to the case 10, the latch member 72 is rotated from the release position to the latch position by the inertial force, whereby the latch claw 77 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 37 of the head actuator 18. Latch the head actuator.
[0024]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive member 74 is formed in an elongated arm shape extending substantially parallel to the upper surface of the yoke 40, and is adjacent to the latch member 72 on the opposite side to the head actuator 18. Are arranged. The drive member 74 is supported so as to be rotatable around a second pivot 76 extending perpendicularly to the surface of the yoke 40. The second pivot 76 is located near one end of the drive member 74 and is provided adjacent to the latch claw 77 of the latch member 72.
[0025]
At the other end of the drive member 74, a first pressing pin 82 is formed which is located between the latch member 72 and the head actuator 18 and can be engaged with the hook portion 80 of the latch member. Further, in the driving member 74, a second pressing pin 84 is formed at an intermediate portion between the second pivot 76 and the first pressing pin 82, and the second pressing pin is connected to the latch member 72 on the opposite side of the head actuator 18. It faces and is located on the opposite side of the first pressing pin 82 with respect to the first pivot 75 of the latch member.
[0026]
When an external force such as an impact is applied to the case 10, the drive member 74 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the second pivot 76 according to the direction in which the external force is applied, and the first or second pressing force is applied. The latch member 72 is pressed via the pins 82 and 84 to rotate in the latch position direction.
[0027]
According to the magnetic disk apparatus configured as described above, during the normal operation, the head actuator 18 is rotated by the VCM 20 so that the magnetic head 32 is moved onto a desired track of the magnetic disk 16 and is moved to the magnetic disk. Information is recorded or reproduced.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the head actuator 18 is rotated from the operating position toward the retracted position by the VCM 20 when the magnetic disk device shifts to the non-operating state, the magnetic head 32 is moved to the magnetic disk 16. Move from the inner periphery toward the outermost periphery. When the magnetic head 32 moves to the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the magnetic disk 16, the tabs 52 extending from the suspensions 30 protrude outward from the outer peripheral edge of the magnetic disk 16, respectively, on the corresponding guide surfaces 54 of the ramp 50. Get on. Thereby, the magnetic head 32 is unloaded in a state of being separated from the surface of the magnetic disk 16. Further, the movement of each tab 52 is restricted by the inclined surface formed on the guide surface 54, and the head actuator 18 is held at the retracted position.
[0029]
On the other hand, in the non-operating state of the magnetic disk device, for example, when a large external force such as an external impact is applied to the case 10, the inertia latch mechanism 70 is actuated by the inertial force to latch the head actuator 18. This prevents the head actuator 18 from rotating from the retracted position to the magnetic disk 16 side.
[0030]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, when an impact is applied to the case 10, the latch member 72 of the inertia latch mechanism 70 is independently rotated from the release position to the latch position by the inertial force. As a result, the latch claw 77 engages with the engagement protrusion 37 of the head actuator 18 via the elastic member 38 and restricts the rotation of the head actuator. Alternatively, the driving member 74 rotates counterclockwise around the second pivot 76 due to inertial force, and the first pressing pin 82 presses the hook portion 80 of the latch member 72. As a result, the latch member 72 rotates to the latch position, and the head actuator 18 is latched.
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when an impact in a different direction is applied, the driving member 74 is rotated clockwise around the second pivot 76 by the inertial force, and the latch member 72 is pressed by the second pressing pin 84. To do. As a result, the latch member 72 rotates to the latch position, and the head actuator 18 is latched.
[0032]
Thus, when the head actuator 18 is latched by the latch member 72, the latch claw 77 of the latch member 72 collides with the head actuator 18 via the elastic member 38 and engages with the engagement protrusion 37. Therefore, the impact generated when the latch claw 77 collides with the head actuator 18 is attenuated by the elastic member 38, and the rebound of the latch member 72 from the latch position toward the release position can be prevented. Thereby, the latch member 72 stays at the latch position for a sufficiently long time, and the head actuator 18 can be reliably latched.
[0033]
When the external force acting on the magnetic disk device is released, the latch mechanism 70 is returned to the latch release state by a return means (not shown), and the latch member 72 is maintained at the release position.
[0034]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the elastic member 38 is provided on the engagement protrusion 37 of the head actuator 18 with which the latch claw 77 engages at the time of latching, thereby preventing the latch member 72 from rebounding. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable inertia latch mechanism capable of performing a reliable latch operation and a magnetic disk device including the same.
[0035]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of the engagement projection 37 side of the head actuator 18, the latch claw 77 of the latch member 72 may be covered with a cap-like elastic member 88 made of synthetic rubber. . Also in this configuration, when the latch member 72 moves from the release position to the latch position, the latch pawl 77 contacts the engagement protrusion 37 of the actuator 18 via the elastic member 88. Therefore, during the latching operation, the impact acting on the latch member 72 is attenuated by the elastic member 88, and the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0036]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an elastic member 45 may be provided in the restriction window 41 that restricts the movement range of the latch member 72 to prevent the latch member 72 from bouncing back. That is, according to the present embodiment, the elastic member 45 is formed in a plate shape with synthetic rubber or the like, and is provided on the latch position side of the latch member 72 in the restriction window 41. In the latch operation, when the latch member 72 is rotated from the release position to the latch position, the latch claw 77 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 37 of the head actuator 18 and the rotation restricting protrusion 78 of the latch member 72 is an elastic member. 45 abuts. Therefore, during the latching operation, the impact acting on the latch member 72 is attenuated by the elastic member 45, and the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0037]
In each embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. .
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the magnetic disk device, but can be applied to other information recording / reproducing devices such as an optical disk device.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a highly reliable actuator capable of securely latching an actuator by preventing the impact of the latch member at the time of latching and preventing rebounding toward the release position. An inertia latch mechanism and an information recording / reproducing apparatus including the inertia latch mechanism can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a magnetic disk device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inertia latch mechanism incorporated in the magnetic disk device.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a latch member and a restriction window of the inertia latch mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a latch operation of the inertia latch mechanism.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a latch operation of the inertia latch mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an inertia latch mechanism of a magnetic disk device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an inertia latch mechanism of a magnetic disk device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Case 12 ... Spindle motor 16 ... Magnetic disk 18 ... Head actuator 20 ... Voice coil motor 24 ... Ramp load mechanism 32 ... Magnetic head 37 ... Engagement protrusion 38, 45, 88 ... Elastic member 41 ... Restriction window 50 ... Lamp 70 ... Inertia latch mechanism 72 ... Latch member 74 ... Drive member 75 ... First pivot 76 ... Second pivot 77 ... Latch claw 78 ... Rotation restricting projection

Claims (9)

When an external force is applied to an actuator that supports the head movably with respect to the disk-shaped recording medium and is movable to a predetermined retraction position and an information processing position on the recording medium, the predetermined retraction position In the inertia latch mechanism of the actuator that latches to
A latch position for latching the actuator in the retracted position engaged with said actuator, a release position for releasing the latch away from the actuator, was between et disposed rotatably about a first pivot latch A member,
A first pressing portion that is rotatable about a second pivot extending in parallel with the first pivot and engageable with one side of the latch member and engageable with the other side of the latch member. A driving member that rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction according to the direction of the acting external force and presses the latch member to the latch position.
Shock absorbing means for attenuating impact of the latch member at the latch position when the latch member moves from the release position to the latch position, and preventing rebound from the latch position toward the release position;
An inertia latch mechanism for an actuator, comprising: An engaging portion that is provided on the head actuator and engages with the latch member moved to the latch position;
2. The inertia latch mechanism for an actuator according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing means includes an elastic member provided in the engaging portion and abutting on the latch member moved to the latch position. An engaging portion that is provided on the head actuator and engages with the latch member moved to the latch position;
2. The inertia latch mechanism for an actuator according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing means includes an elastic member provided on the latch member and abutting against the engaging portion at the latch position. A restriction portion for restricting movement of the latch member;
2. The inertia latch mechanism for an actuator according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing means includes an elastic member that is provided in the restricting portion and abuts against a latch member that has moved to the latch position. A disk-shaped recording medium;
Driving means for supporting and rotating the recording medium;
A head for performing information processing on the recording medium;
The head is provided on a base and supports the head movably with respect to the recording medium, and can move to a predetermined retreat position located on the outer peripheral side of the recording medium and an information processing position on the recording medium. An actuator,
A ramp loading mechanism that holds the head away from the recording medium when the actuator moves to a retracted position; and
An inertia latch mechanism that latches the actuator that has moved to the retracted position when receiving an external force;
The inertia latch mechanism is
A latch position for latching the actuator in the retracted position engaged with said actuator, a release position for releasing the latch away from the actuator, was between et disposed rotatably about a first pivot latch A member,
A first pressing portion that is rotatable about a second pivot extending in parallel with the first pivot and engageable with one side of the latch member and engageable with the other side of the latch member. A driving member that rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction according to the direction of the acting external force and presses the latch member to the latch position.
Shock absorbing means for attenuating impact of the latch member at the latch position when the latch member moves from the release position to the latch position, and preventing rebound from the latch position toward the release position;
An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: The inertia latch mechanism includes an engagement portion that is provided on the head actuator and engages with the latch member moved to the latch position.
6. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the shock absorbing means includes an elastic member that is provided in the engaging portion and contacts the latch member that has moved to the latch position. An engaging portion that is provided on the head actuator and engages with the latch member moved to the latch position;
6. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the shock absorbing means includes an elastic member provided on the latch member and abutting on the engagement portion at the latch position. The inertia latch mechanism includes a restricting portion that restricts movement of the latch member,
6. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the shock absorbing means includes an elastic member provided in the restricting portion and abutting against a latch member moved to the latch position. The latch member is provided around the first pivot so as to be rotatable between the latch position and the release position.
The inertia latch mechanism is provided rotatably about the second pivot, and includes a drive member that pivots about the second pivot and presses the latch member to the latch position in response to an acting external force. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:

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