Separator plate with head load/unload

#The claimed invention relates generally to the field of fluidic control devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus for controlling an access element adjacent a rotatable surface, such as a data transducing head and recording disc in a data storage device.

#Digital data storage devices are used to store and retrieve large amounts of user data in a fast and efficient manner. A typical data storage device uses an actuator assembly to support an array of vertically aligned data transducing heads adjacent recording surfaces in a disc stack.

#The disc stack is rotated at a relatively high rotational velocity by a spindle motor. An actuator motor (such as a voice coil motor, VCM) pivots the actuator assembly to align the transducers with data tracks defined on the recording surfaces to write data to the tracks and retrieve previously written data from the tracks. The heads are typically hydrodynamically supported adjacent the recording surfaces by fluidic currents established by rotation of the disc stack.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a data storage device which utilizes separator plates (windage plates) to effect head positioning control during operational and deactivated modes in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the windage plate of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with some preferred embodiments.

#While the claimed invention has utility in any number of different applications, FIG. 1 has been provided to illustrate a particularly suitable environment in which the claimed invention can be advantageously practiced.

#FIG. 1 provides a top plan view of a data storage device 100 of the type configured to magnetically store and transfer digital data with a host device. The device 100 includes a base deck 102 which mates with a top cover 104 (shown in partial cut-away) to form a sealed housing.

#A spindle motor 106 rotates a number of axially aligned, magnetic recording discs 108 at a constant high speed during device operation. An actuator assembly 110 supports a corresponding array of data transducing heads 112.