JP5864135B2 - Pneumatically controlled linkage assembly - Google Patents

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 12 / 328,517 filed on December 4, 2008 and US Patent Publication No. US 2009/0113738 published on May 7, 2009, US Patent Publication No. US2009 / 0113738 is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 11 / 349,508 filed February 7, 2006, which is a provisional patent. No. 7,467,479, claiming priority of application 60 / 651,561 and now expired, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to testing hard disk components of a computer, and more particularly to a system for placing and securing a head stack that is part of a hard disk assembly in a head stack tester. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus relating to a pneumatic coupling element or component.

  Modern computers have hard disk drives made in the form of a head stack (or multiple stacked heads) and a stack of hard disks (or a stack of hard disks). A head stack is an assembly that includes one or more read and write heads stacked in a manner that operates in conjunction with a pack of hard disks. These devices are well known in the art and are used in many data storage applications (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Head stacks are manufactured by many companies, including SAE Magnetics, Western Digital (Read-Rite), Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (IBM), and Seagate. The head stack is generally attached to the shaft by means of a bearing so that the head stack can freely rotate on the shaft. During data storage operations (read or write), the magnetic heads are rotated on the shaft so that they are positioned relative to the hard disk.

  A magnetic head and disk tester is an instrument used to test magnetic head and disk characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio and track characteristics. The tester simulates these movements of the head relative to the disk at the same speed as the actual hard disk drive is operating. Each tester consists of two components: a mechanical element, commonly referred to as a spinstand, that performs the movement of the head relative to the disk, and an electronic element that performs the calculation and analysis of the measured and measured signals. Yes. A spinstand is also a mechanical element of a servo writer, which is an instrument used to write servo information on a magnetic disk, and a flying surface, an instrument used to measure the flying height of a head over a disk. It is also a component of a high tester.

  1 and 2 show prior art examples of heads and disk testers. The spin stand 100 includes a fixed base plate 110 that supports the walls 112a, 112b, and 112c. The walls 112a, 112b, and 112c support the spindle 113 for holding the disk pack DP disposed in the cylinder-shaped disk pack area. The disk pack DP has a diameter D and includes one or more magnetic disks 114 disposed coaxially about the disk pack axis DPA. The spindle 113 and the disk 114 are rotated about the rotation axis SA by the spindle motor 115.

  The base plate 110 further supports first and second slide motors (not shown). The first slide motor moves the slide 116 in the Y direction along the rails 117a and 117b (see FIG. 2). Mounted on the slide 116 are two additional rails 118a, 118b. The second slide motor moves the second slide 119 along the rails 118a and 118b in the X direction. The first and second motors cooperate to position the head stack 120 mounted on the head stack locator 121 of the slide 119 at a specific position relative to the center of the spindle 113. The head stack 120 holds the magnetic head 122 and positions the magnetic head 122 with respect to the disk 114.

  Other examples of prior art head and disk tester spinstands are the Gagic V2002 XY-Positioninig Spinstand, available from the assignee Gazic Technical Enterprises (www.guzik.com), and the Gagic S-1701 Series Micro Includes Positioning Spinstand. A prior art for positioning the magnetic head on the magnetic head is also described in Patent Document 2 and the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-326105 (FIG. 1) JP 2000-353369 A US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 328,517 US Patent Publication US2009 / 0113738 US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 349,508 US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 651,561 US Pat. No. 7,467,479

  As the density of magnetic recording increases, additional information tracks are compressed for any disc area. The reduction in track size increases the demand for improved accuracy for head positioning. Similarly, in order to shorten the access time, the rotational speed of the magnetic disk is also increasing. In addition, more disks have been added to the disk stack to provide additional storage.

  As the disk rotates, these vibrations, which induce vibrations on both the disk and the magnetic head, cause track misalignment or misalignment. In some cases, the misalignment between the desk and the magnetic head reaches an unacceptable level, making the operation of the spinstand unreliable.

Accordingly, a new and improved apparatus and method for placing and securing a head stack on a spinstand is desired. Such new and improved apparatus and methods are desired to quickly and accurately position and fix the head stack to the spinstand for testing while maintaining the reliability and stability of conventional methods.
Conventionally, a connecting element is generally used in a head stack or a spin stand, but there is a need for an apparatus and a method for reciprocally connecting various elements to each other and reversibly.

  The present invention relates to a head stack locator assembly for placing and securing a head stack on a spinstand, and relates to a new and improved head stack locator assembly that remedies the limitations and problems of the prior art described above. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a new and improved head stack locator assembly includes a head stack locator housed in a fixed locator. A fixed locator (hereinafter referred to as a fixed locator) is permanently fixed to the spinstand, and the head stack locator is connected or coupled to the head stack. A vacuum is used to press the head stack locator against the fixed locator for head stack testing. After the test is complete, the head stack locator is removed from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly.

  In one form, the fixed locator includes a fixed locator bushing and a pin receiving opening. The fixed locator bushing is arranged around the fixed locator shaft and extends laterally from the fixed locator shaft. The fixed locator bushing also has an upper surface that extends transversely to the fixed locator axis.

  The pin receiving opening extends from the fixed locator bushing along the fixed locator axis. The pin receiving opening has a contour with a circular cross section with a radius that monotonically decreases from the top surface of the fixed locator bushing. The pin receiving opening extends from a region adjacent to the top surface of the fixed locator bushing to the port. The port is configured to receive a vacuum application and a positive pressure application.

  The head stack locator extends along the head stack locator axis and includes a head stack locator bushing and a locating pin. The head stack locator bushing has an upper surface and a lower surface, is disposed around the head stack locator axis, and extends laterally with respect to the head stack locator axis. The lower surface of the head stack locator bushing extends in a direction transverse to the head stack locator axis. The head stack locator bushing has a coupling assembly on its upper surface for receiving a head stack having a head stack axis so that the head stack axis is coaxial with the head stack locator axis.

  The positioning pins extend from the lower surface of the head stack locator bushing along the head stack locator axis. The locating pin has an outer contour with a circular cross-section with a monotonically decreasing radius from the lower surface. The locating pin profile is substantially complementary to the pin receiving aperture profile.

  The head stack mounting assembly further includes a sleeve extending along the sleeve axis. The sleeve extends from the peripheral surface of the fixed locator bushing. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve extends from the peripheral surface of the head stack locator bushing. In these embodiments, the sleeve shaft is coaxial with a corresponding one of the fixed locator shaft and the head stack locator shaft, and the other of the fixed locator bushing and the head stack locator bushing is when the pin is disposed within the pin receiving opening. The fixed locator shaft, the head stack locator shaft, and the sleeve shaft can be arranged in the sleeve.

  In a preferred form of the invention, the head stack mounting assembly further includes a seal disposed on one of the peripheral surface of the stationary locator bushing and the peripheral surface of the head stack locator bushing. This seal hermetically separates the area between the upper surface of the fixed locator bushing and the head stack locator bushing within the sleeve. The seal also connects this area to an area outside the head stack mounting assembly when positive pressure is applied to the port.

  In use, when a locating pin is placed in the pin receiving opening and a vacuum is applied to the port, the static pressure in that area will cause the head stack locator bushing to respond in response to the applied vacuum and ambient pressure outside the assembly. Bias (or press) in the direction of the fixed locator bushing, thus connecting the head stack locator to the fixed locator.

  When the head stack locator is coupled to the fixed locator in this manner, positive pressure may be applied to disengage the head stack locator from the fixed locator. Thereby, the static pressure in the region biases (or pulls away) the head stack locator bushing from the fixed locator bushing in response to the positive pressure and the ambient pressure outside the assembly, and thus the head stack locator is fixed locator. Disconnect from.

  In a preferred form of the invention, the seal is a U-cup wiper seal placed in a groove on the peripheral surface of the fixed locator bushing. In an alternative embodiment, the seal is a U-cup wiper seal located in a groove on the peripheral surface of the head stack locator bushing.

  In one form of the invention, the channel (or conduit) extends from the port through the fixed locator bushing to a region adjacent to the top surface of the fixed locator bushing. In this manner, the material that forms the distal end of the locating pin is more resilient than the material that forms the pin receiving aperture, thus minimizing wear of the locating pin and pin receiving aperture due to prolonged use. May be.

  In another form of the invention, the channel (or conduit) is located within the locator pin from the distal end of the locator pin, along the head stack locator axis, in the region adjacent to the top surface of the fixed locator bushing. Extend to the direction port.

  The new and improved head stack mounting assembly of the present invention quickly and accurately positions and secures the test head stack to the spinstand.

The present invention is generally beneficial in many applications where it is desired to reversibly connect and disconnect elements from each other. The head stack and spin stand described above are just examples of their use.
The invention may also be described as an assembly for releasably assembling the first element to the second element. The assembly includes a first element surface disposed on the first element, a second element surface disposed on the second element, and a port.

  In the general configuration, the first element defines a cylindrical portion that is arranged around a cylinder axis perpendicular to the surface of the first element. The cylindrical portion extends toward a cylinder end surface that crosses the cylinder axis. The cylindrical portion has a cylinder side surface that is disposed around the cylinder axis and extends from the cylinder end surface.

The second element includes a piston, which is disposed about a piston axis orthogonal to the second element surface. The piston has a piston side surface extending about the piston axis and extending from the piston end surface, with the piston side surface extending toward the piston end surface crossing the piston axis.
(I) the first element surface is complementary to the second element surface, or (ii) the cylinder end face is complementary to the piston end face. The assembly includes fluid passages extending from the port, either (a) from the piston to the piston end face, and (b) from the cylindrical portion to the cylinder end face. A resilient seal is extended from either the piston side wall or the cylinder side wall.

The piston extends under the condition that it is concentric with or offset with respect to the piston shaft, the piston end surface is opposed to the cylinder end surface, and the seal extends between the piston side surface and the cylinder side surface. Under the condition, the dimension is such that it can be positioned in the cylindrical part. The seal forms a pneumatic seal at a portion between the piston end surface and the cylinder end surface, and thus the portion is pneumatically isolated from each external position.
The first element surface and the second element surface are sized to be disposed on the first element and the second element, respectively, and at least a portion of the first element surface when the piston is at least partially disposed in the cylindrical portion. Opposite at least a portion of the surface of the second element.
Still another aspect of the present invention includes three pads, each pad comprising (i) one of the first element surface and cylinder end face and (ii) one of the second element surface and piston end face facing portions. Is distracted from.

In one aspect of the invention, each pad is equal in height. In other embodiments, the height of at least two pads is different. In another aspect, the height of at least one pad is adjustable.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first element surface and the second element surface is flat, and in other aspects both the first element surface and the second element surface are flat.
In one aspect of the present invention, the assembly of the present invention includes an alignment assembly, the alignment assembly extending from one of the first element surface and the cylinder end surface along a first alignment axis parallel to the cylinder axis. A component and a second component extending from one of the second element surface and the piston end surface along a second alignment axis parallel to the piston axis.

In this configuration, when the piston enters the cylindrical portion at least partially under a state in which the piston shaft is substantially coaxial with the cylinder shaft and has a predetermined angular direction with respect to the piston shaft and the cylinder shaft, The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are substantially coaxial. The first component and the second component are shaped to serve as an interface when the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are substantially coaxial.
In one aspect of the invention, when the piston axis and the cylinder axis are coaxial, the first element surface is parallel to the second element surface, the first element surface includes a cylinder end face, and the second element surface is a piston end face. including.

  In another aspect of the present invention, when the piston axis and the cylinder axis are coaxial, the first element surface is parallel to the second element surface, and the first element surface is opposite the cylinder end surface of the cylindrical portion. The second element surface is extended outward from the piston end opposite to the piston end face.

  The invention includes in one embodiment three pads, each pad extending from an opposing portion of (i) one of the first element surface and cylinder end face and (ii) one of the second element surface and piston end face. And a controller for selectively applying a negative pressure related to the ambient pressure and a positive pressure related to the ambient pressure to the port. In this configuration, when the first element and the second element are positioned so that the surface of the first element faces the surface of the second element, the piston is at least partially disposed in the cylindrical portion, and negative pressure is applied to the port. The first element surface and the second element surface are attracted to each other in response to the applied negative pressure, and each of the three pads engages one of the first element surface and the second element surface under interference. Thus, the surfaces are maintained in a separated state, and the first element and the second element are connected. In this configuration, the first element and the second element are positioned under the condition that the first element surface faces the second element surface, the piston is at least partially disposed within the cylindrical portion, and three pads are provided on each surface. When a positive pressure is applied to the port under conditions that maintain the separated state, the first element surface and the second element surface are spaced apart from each other in response to the applied positive pressure, thus the first element and the second element. The element is decoupled.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a conventional spin stand. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the spin stand of FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view including a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment as an example of an assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention for placing and securing a head stack on a spinstand, including a head stack housed in a stationary locator. It is. FIG. 4 is a side view of the head stack locator of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the head stack locator of FIG. 6 is a side view of the fixed locator of FIG. 3 including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the fixed locator of FIG. 3 including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 is a side view of the bushing of the head stack locator of FIG. FIG. 9 is a top view of the bushing of the head stack locator of FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of the bushing of the fixed locator of FIG. FIG. 11 is a top view of the bushing of the fixed locator of FIG. 12 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 3 showing a fixed locator secured to the spinstand slide and a head stack locator prior to being received in the fixed locator. FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the assembly of FIG. 3, including a partial cross-sectional view, showing the head stack locator housed in the fixed locator and secured to the fixed locator via application of a vacuum to the fixed locator. is there. 14 is an exploded side view of the assembly of FIG. 3, including a partial cross-sectional view, showing the head stack locator housed in the fixed locator and disconnected from the fixed locator via application of pressure to the fixed locator. It is. FIG. 15 shows the head stack locator housed in a fixed locator and fixed to the fixed locator via application of a vacuum, of the assembly of FIG. 3 shown with the head stack fixed to the head stack locator. FIG. 3 is an exploded side view including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of an assembly configured in accordance with the present invention for placing and securing a head stack on a spinstand, including a head stack housed in a stationary locator. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the head stack locator of FIG. 16 in an assembled state. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an assembly configured in accordance with the present invention for placing and securing a head stack on a spinstand, including a head stack housed in a stationary locator. FIG. FIG. 19 is an assembled side view of the head stack locator of FIG. 18 including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the first and second elements of the assembly in one embodiment of the coupling assembly of the present invention from an upper position offset from the assembly. FIG. 20B is a side view of the first and second elements of the assembly in one embodiment of the coupling assembly of the present invention. FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the assembly in one embodiment of the coupling assembly of the present invention from a lower position offset from the assembly of the first element and the second element.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 12-15, an exemplary embodiment of an assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention for placing and securing a head stack to a spinstand is shown. The assembly 10 includes a head stack locator 12 housed in a fixed locator 14. While the fixed locator 14 is permanently fixed to the spinstand slide 119 (eg, as shown in FIG. 15), the head stack locator 12 connects or couples to the head stack 120. A vacuum is then used to press the head stack locator 12 against the fixed locator 14 for testing the head stack 120. After the test is complete, the head stack locator 12 is decoupled from the fixed locator 14 by applying positive pressure to the assembly 10.

  The new and improved assembly 10 of the present invention quickly and accurately positions and secures the test head stack to the spinstand.

  Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the main components of the head stack locator 12 include a piston ring 16 that houses a bushing 18 that houses a locating pin 20 through its central opening. The positioning pin 20 includes connection means for a head stack at one end. In the exemplary embodiment, the means includes a threaded portion 22. The threaded portion 22 is screwed into a pivot bearing 121 to secure the head stack to the head stack locator 12, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12-15, the other end of the locating pin 20 easily guides and accurately places the head stack locator 12 into the fixed locator 14 (without restraint). Used to do. The bushing 18 is secured to the piston ring 16 in any suitable manner, such as a pressure fit. The piston ring 16 functions as a seal / bearing surface between the head stack locator 12 and the fixed locator 14 as shown in FIG.

  The head stack locator 12 also includes an O-ring 24 that provides a seal between the locating pin 20 and the bushing 18. The positioning pin 20 is held accordingly by two holding clips 26 that clamp the bushing 18 in place of the positioning pin 20. The positioning pin can be rotated by using the O-ring 24 and the holding clip 26 which place the positioning pin on the head stack bushing. This configuration prevents over-tightening of the locating pins that can damage the head stack. In an alternative embodiment, the locating pin can be fixed to the bushing 18 without being capable of rotating in the head stack bushing 18 by press fitting or bonding. This alternative embodiment may not use O-rings or retaining clips.

  In order to protect the connecting surface of the plastic button 28 positioning pin 20 and the fixed locator 14, it is glued (or adhered) to the tip of the positioning pin. A part of the positioning pin 20 is thinned in the vicinity of the distal end portion in order to easily guide it to the hole of the fixed locator 14 without connecting the positioning pin 20.

  The bushing 18 of the head stack locator 12 is also illustrated in FIGS. The bushing 18 of the head stack locator 12 includes an annular cup 36 on the top surface 38 of the bushing to accommodate the head stack 120, as shown in FIG. As best shown in FIG. 9, the bushing 18 also has pads 30 equally spaced on the bottom surface 32 thereof. The pad 30 defines the height and parallelism of the head stack locator 12 with respect to the upper surface 54 of the bushing 40 of the fixed locator 14. The pad 30 is received in the upper annular surface of the bushing 40 of the fixed locator 14. By using the pads 30 that are evenly arranged instead of the flat surface, the risk of shaking due to scratches or imperfections on the connecting surface of the head stack locator 12 is reduced. In one embodiment, the head stack locator 12 includes pads 30 that are equally spaced. In an alternative embodiment, the bushing 18 of the head stack locator 12 may be provided with an annular surface and the stationary locator 14 may be provided with a pad 30.

  As will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, the fixed locator 14 is fixed to the spin stand slide 119 with a bolt 64 or the like, for example. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the fixed locator 14 includes a bushing 40, a wiper seal 42, a pneumatic barb fitting 44, and a washer seal 46 for a pneumatic barb fitting. The bushing 40 includes a head portion 48 and a neck portion 50. The barb fitting 44 is screwed into the neck 50 of the bushing 40. The fitting is aerated, and a positive pressure is applied to the lumen 52 disposed in the center of the bushing 40 of the fixed locator 14. The central lumen 52 extends to the upper surface 54 of the bushing 40 and provides two functions: a means for transmitting negative and positive pressure to the upper surface 54 of the bushing 40; and a socket that houses the positioning pins 20 of the head stack locator 12 . The head portion 48 and neck portion 50 of the bushing 40 also define two lateral ports 56 that penetrate from the top surface 54 to the central lumen 52. Port 56 allows uniform vacuum / pressurization across top surface 54.

  In the alternative embodiment 300 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the bushing head 48 and neck 50 do not have two ports that penetrate from the top surface 54 to the central lumen 52. The assembly 300 has an alternative locating pin 320 that defines a central port 324 extending upward from the pin tip. (Pin 320 also includes a threaded portion 322 at the top for attachment to the head stack.) Pin 320 also defines two lateral ports 326 that penetrate to the central port 324. Ports 324 and 326 transmit positive and negative air pressure from barb fitting 44 to a space disposed between bushing 18 and bushing 40.

  The wiper seal 42 is accommodated in a circumferential groove 58 on the side wall of the head portion 48 of the bushing 40 of the fixed locator 14. The wiper seal 42 forms a seal between the side wall of the bushing 40 and the inner surface of the piston ring 16 of the head stack locator 12. In the illustrated example embodiment, the wiper seal includes a U-cup wiper seal 42. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and FIGS. 12 to 14, the U cup wiper seal 42 has a Y-shaped cross section and includes a base portion 60 and two arms 62 extending from the base portion. When the head stack locator 12 is received on the fixed locator, one of the arms 62 is biased (or pressed) against the circumferential groove 58 of the head portion 48 of the bushing 40 of the fixed locator 14 and the arm 62 The other is biased (or pressed) against the piston ring 16 of the head stack locator 12.

  The arm 62 is configured to fix the head stack locator 12 to the fixed locator 14 by hermetically sealing between the head stack locator 12 and the fixed locator 14 when a vacuum is applied to the fixed locator 14. The arm 62 is also configured to break the seal between the head stack locator 12 and the fixed locator 14 and remove the head stack locator 12 from the fixed locator 14 when positive pressure is applied to the fixed locator 14. When the arm 62 of the seal 42 is crushed, the friction between the seal 42 and the piston ring 16 decreases. With this configuration, the number of particles generated by the friction of the seal 42 is reduced. In an alternative embodiment 400, the seal 42 may be located on the head stack locator 12 and the piston ring 16 may be located on the stationary locator 14, as shown in FIGS.

  The head stack locator 12 functions as a quick and accurate interface between the head stack and the spinstand test apparatus. The fixed locator 14 functions as an accurate positioning device for the head stack locator 12. Negative pressure (vacuum) and positive pressure are used to fix the head stack locator 12 to the fixed locator 14 and to release it from the fixed locator, respectively. In normal operation, the head stack locator 12 is attached to the head stack. Then, the head stack locator 12 positioning pin 20 is inserted into the fixed locator 14 by guiding it into the central lumen of the fixed locator 14. The U-cup wiper seal 42 is designed so that the piston sleeve 16 can easily slide into the U-cup / wiper seal 42 under ambient pressure. The application of vacuum to the fixed locator 14 is started, and the head stack locator 12 is fixed to the fixed locator 14 by the vacuum application. The application of vacuum to the fixed locator 14 is illustrated in FIG.

  When the vacuum application is stopped, it is difficult to remove the head stack locator 12 from the fixed locator 14. To remove the head stack locator 12, the head stack locator 12 is lifted from the fixed locator 14 and positive pressure is applied via the fixed locator 14 so that the operator can easily remove the head stack locator 12. Is done. This air flow is controlled so that the head stack locator 12 is safely removed from the fixed locator 14 without being completely removed. The application of positive pressure to the fixed locator 14 is illustrated in FIG.

In summary, the assembly 10 of FIGS. 3 and 12-15 is an assembly that releasably couples the first element 12 to the second element 14. The assembly 10 includes a first element 12, a second element 14, and a port 44. The first element 12 defines a cylindrical portion C that is disposed about the cylinder axis CA and extends toward the cylinder end surface 32 that crosses the cylinder axis CA. The first element 12 is disposed about the cylinder axis CA and extends from the cylinder end surface 32. A cylinder side surface 16 is provided.
The second element 12 is arranged around the piston axis PA and defines a piston 40 extending in the direction of the piston end face 54 that crosses the piston axis PA. The second element 12 is arranged around the piston axis PA and is located at the piston end face 58. And has a piston side surface 58 that extends toward the end.
Preferably, but not limited to, the cylinder end face 32 is complementary to the piston end face 54. The first element 14 has a fluid passage 56 extending from the port 44, and any one of the fluid passages 56 (a) from the piston 40 to the piston end surface 54 and (b) from the cylindrical portion C to the cylinder end surface 32. including.

The piston 40 includes an elastic seal 42 that extends from one of the piston sidewall 58 and the cylinder sidewall 16.
The piston 40 is in a state where the piston axis PA is coaxial with or offset with respect to the cylinder axis CA, in a state where the piston end surface 54 faces the cylinder end surface 32, and the elastic seal 42 is connected to the piston side surface 54 and the cylinder. Dimensioned to be positioned within the cylindrical portion C under the condition of extending between the end surfaces 32, thus pneumatically isolating the portion between the piston end surface 54 and the cylinder end surface 32 from the outside of the intermediate portion. Form a pneumatic seal.

The first element 14 and the second element 12 are dimensioned such that at least a portion of the piston end surface 54 faces at least a portion of the cylinder end surface 32 when the piston 40 is at least partially disposed within the cylindrical portion C. .
In other embodiments, assembly 10 further includes three pads 30, each pad extending from an opposing portion at either (i) cylinder end surface 32 and (ii) piston end surface 54.
20A, 20B, and 20C illustrate another embodiment of the general coupling assembly 10A of the present invention, where the first element 14A and the second element 12A of the assembly are viewed from above in FIG. 20A. As a perspective view, FIG. 20B shows a side view, and FIG. 20C shows a perspective view from below. 20A, 20B, and 20C, a symbol A is added to each element corresponding to those in FIGS. 3 and 12 to 15.

  20A, 20B, and 20C, the first element 14A includes an inner cylindrical portion C having an open end, and the cylindrical portion C includes the elements 16 and 18 of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 12-15. Corresponds to the cylindrical part defined by The cylindrical portion C is bounded by a cylinder side wall 16A disposed around the cylinder axis CA. 20A, 20B, and 20C, the cylindrical portion C extends from the first element surface 800 toward the cylinder end surface 32A. The positioning pin 20A extends from the cylinder end surface 32A along the cylinder axis CA.

  The second element 12A includes a piston 40A corresponding to that defined by the element 40 in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 12-15. The piston 40A is bounded by a piston side wall 58A arranged around the piston axis PA. 20A, 20B, and 20C, the piston 40 extends from the second element surface 810 toward the piston end surface 54A. A hole 52A for receiving the positioning pin 20A extends from the piston end surface 54A along the piston axis PA. A seal 42A is disposed around the piston sidewall 58A. A fluid passage 56A extends from the piston end face 54A through the second element 12A to the port 44A. Three pads 30A extend from the second element surface 810. In FIG. 20A, only one of the pads 30A is illustrated because one of them is hidden by the piston 40A and cannot be seen.

  20A, 20B, and 20C, the key element 840 extends outward from the cylinder end surface 32A in the direction of the cylinder axis CA. The key element has a predetermined shape having, for example, three segments as illustrated, which traverse the cylinder axis CA. The piston 40A also includes a key portion 860 that extends inward from the piston end surface 54A in the direction of the piston axis PA. The key portion has a predetermined shape with three gaps as illustrated which are complementary to the shape of the key element 840, for example, across the piston axis PA. Due to this configuration, the piston 40A can be tightly fitted with the cylindrical portion C only when the piston 40A is in an angular direction such that the key element 840 and the key portion 860 are aligned.

  In use, assembly 10A operates in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to assembly 10. The first element 14A and the second element 12A are brought close to each other, and the piston 40A is positioned in the cylindrical portion CA. A negative pressure is then introduced at the port 44A position. The negative pressure is connected to a portion between the piston end surface 54A and the cylinder end surface 32A via the fluid passage 56A, and thus a differential pressure is generated in the portion with respect to the outer portion of the assembly 10A, and the piston is drawn into the cylindrical portion CA. It is. The elastic / flexible seal 42A allows the first element 14 and the second element 12 to be connected under the condition that the piston axis PA is angularly offset with respect to the cylinder axis CA.

In each embodiment that includes a pad 30A, the first element is drawn in the direction of the second element until each pad engages an element portion opposite each of the three pads. When all three pads engage each opposing portion of the element, the connection of the first element and the second element is stabilized.
If the first and second element surfaces are flat and all three pads 30A are at the same height, the first and second elements have surfaces 800 and 810 parallel and the piston axis PA and cylinder axis. The CA is connected in a coaxial state. In each embodiment including the key element 840 and the key portion 860, the second element 12A and the first element 14A can be rotated and aligned, and the elements can be coupled when the key element 840 and the key portion 860 are in an interference fit, Otherwise, it cannot be linked.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications can be made within the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Head stack locator assembly 12 Head stack locator 14 Fixed locator 16 Piston ring 18 Head stack bushing 20 Positioning pin 22 Threaded part 24 O-ring 26 Retaining clip 28 Plastic button 30 Pad 36 Ring cup 38 Bushing upper surface 40 Bushing 42 U cup wiper seal 44 Pneumatic barb fitting 46 Washer seal 48 Bushing head portion 50 Bushing neck portion 52 Central lumen 54 Bushing upper surface 56 Port 58 Circumferential groove 60 Base portion 62 Arm 64 Bolt 100 Spin stand 110 Base plate 112 Wall portion 113 Spindle 114 Magnetic disk 115 Spindle motor 116 Slide 117 Rail 11 Rail 119 Slide 120 Head stack 121 Pivot bearing 122 Magnetic head 300 Head stack locator assembly 320 Positioning pin 322 Threaded portion 324 Central port 326 Port 400 Head stack locator assembly 400 Example 800 First element surface 810 Second element surface 840 Key element 860 key part

Claims (18)

The first element An assembly you connected to release its own resident to the second element:
A. A first element surface disposed on the first element;
B. A second element surface disposed on the second element;
C. Port,
Including
The first element is a cylinder-shaped portion disposed around a cylinder axis orthogonal to the surface of the first element, and defines a cylinder-shaped portion extending in a cylinder end surface direction across the cylinder axis. And a cylinder side surface extending from the cylinder end surface.
The second element includes a piston extending about a piston end surface transverse to the piston axis, the piston being centered on a piston axis orthogonal to the surface of the second element, and is disposed about the piston axis; A piston side surface extending from the piston end surface; (i) the first element surface is complementary to the second element surface; and (ii) the cylinder end surface is complementary to the piston end surface. And at least one of
D. In the fluid passage extending from the port, and (a) from the piston until the piston end face, and (b) from the cylinder-shaped portion to the cylinder end faces, one of the fluid passages,
E. An elastic seal extending from one of the piston side wall and the cylinder side wall ;
Including
The piston is under a state in which the piston shaft is coaxial with or offset with respect to the cylinder shaft, and under a state in which the piston end surface is opposed to the cylinder end surface, and the piston side surface and the cylinder side surface In the state where the elastic seal extends between the piston end surface and the cylinder, the size is positioned within the cylindrical portion, and thus a pneumatic seal is formed between the piston end surface and the cylinder end surface. The part between the end faces is pneumatically isolated from the outer part of the part,
The first element surface and the second element surface are such that at least a portion of the first element surface is at least a portion of the second element surface when the piston is at least partially disposed within the cylindrical portion. An assembly disposed and dimensioned on each first and second element under opposing conditions.   Three pads are provided, and each pad extends from an opposing portion of either (i) the first element surface or the cylinder end face, and (ii) any of the second element surface or the piston end face 3. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising one pad.   The assembly of claim 2, wherein the height of each pad is equal.   The assembly of claim 2 wherein at least two pads have different heights.   The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first element surface and the second element surface is flat.   The assembly of claim 1 wherein both the first element surface and the second element surface are flat.   The assembly of claim 2 wherein the height of at least one pad is adjustable. With an alignment assembly
i) a first component extending from one of the first element surface and the cylinder end surface along a first alignment axis parallel to the cylinder axis;
ii) further comprising an alignment assembly having a second component extending from one of the second element surface and the piston end surface along a second alignment axis parallel to the piston axis;
The piston is disposed at least partially within the cylindrical portion with the piston shaft substantially coaxial with the cylinder shaft and has a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the piston shaft and the cylinder shaft. The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are substantially coaxial;
The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are configured to interface when the first and second alignment axes are substantially coaxial. When the piston axis and the cylinder axis are coaxial, the first element surface is parallel to the second element surface;
The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first element surface comprises a cylinder end face and the second element surface comprises a piston end face. The first element surface is parallel to the second element surface when the piston axis and the cylinder axis are coaxial;
The surface of the first element extends outward from the end of the cylindrical portion opposite to the cylinder end surface;
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the second element surface extends outwardly from an end of the piston opposite the piston end face. A controller for selectively applying a negative pressure related to the ambient pressure and a positive pressure related to the ambient pressure to the port;
The first element and the second element are under a condition in which the surface of the first element faces the surface of the second element, and under a condition in which the piston is at least partially disposed in the cylindrical part, and When positioned under a condition in which a negative pressure is applied to the port, the first element surface and the second element surface are drawn toward each other in response to the applied negative pressure, and each of the three pads is Engaging one of the first element surface and the second element surface under interference to maintain the first and second element surfaces in a separated state , thus connecting the first element and the second element;
The first element and the second element are under a condition in which the surface of the first element faces the surface of the second element, and under a condition in which the piston is at least partially disposed in the cylindrical part; When the three pads are positioned under conditions that maintain the first element surface and the second element surface in a separated state, the first element surface and the second element in response to positive pressure applied to the port The assembly of claim 2, wherein surfaces are pulled apart from each other, and thus the first and second elements are decoupled. An assembly for releasably connecting the first element to the second element,
A. A first element;
B. A second element;
C. Port,
Including
A cylinder in which the first element extends from the surface of the first element and has a cylinder-like portion disposed around the cylinder axis that crosses the surface of the first element , and extends toward the cylinder end surface that crosses the cylinder axis A cylinder side surface that is disposed about the cylinder axis and extends from the cylinder end surface;
Said second element, defining a piston and the piston disposed around the piston axis transverse to distracted and the second surface of the element from the second surface of the element, extending toward the piston end face transverse to the piston axis And a piston having a piston side surface disposed around the piston shaft and extending from the piston end surface;
Including
The cylinder end surface is complementary to the piston end surface;
D. In the fluid passage extending from the port, and (a) from the piston until the piston end face, and, (b) from the cylinder-shaped portion to the cylinder end faces, one of the fluid passages,
E. An elastic seal extending from one of the piston side wall and the cylinder side wall ;
Including
The piston is under a state in which the piston shaft is coaxial with or offset with respect to the cylinder shaft, and under a state in which the piston end surface is opposed to the cylinder end surface, and the piston side surface and the cylinder side surface In the state where the elastic seal extends between the piston end surface and the cylinder, the size is positioned within the cylindrical portion, and thus a pneumatic seal is formed between the piston end surface and the cylinder end surface. The part between the end faces is pneumatically isolated from the outer part of the part,
Said first element and second element, when the piston is at least partially disposed in the cylindrical portion, at least a portion of the first surface of the element is at least a portion facing the second surface of the element An assembly that is dimensionally shaped.   13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising three pads, each pad extending from an opposing portion of any of (i) a cylinder end face and (ii) a piston end face.   14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the height of each pad is the same. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein at least two of the pads have different heights.   14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the height of at least one of the pads is adjustable. With an alignment assembly
i) a first component extending from a cylinder end surface along a first alignment axis parallel to the cylinder axis;
ii) further comprising a alignment assembly having a second component extending from a piston end surface along a second alignment axis parallel to the piston axis;
The piston is disposed at least partially within the cylindrical portion with the piston shaft substantially coaxial with the cylinder shaft and has a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the piston shaft and the cylinder shaft. The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are substantially coaxial;
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first component and the second component are shaped to interface when the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are substantially coaxial.   13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cylinder end face is parallel to the piston end face when the piston axis and the cylinder axis are coaxial.

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