US 7,460,339 B2 · Inertial latch that restricts actuator rotation in a first direction but not in a second direction

Abstract

A rotating disk storage device has a mechanism for latching an actuator head suspension assembly (AHSA) positively in a retraction area upon occurrence of an external shock or runaway. In one embodiment, a latch mechanism comprises an AHSA which is supported pivotably, an elastic member which restricts a pivotal movement of the AHSA in a pivot direction A1 of the AHSA, an inertia member adapted to move pivotally in a corresponding pivot direction B2 when the AHSA moves pivotally in the pivot direction A1 while deforming the elastic member elastically, and a latch member having an engaging portion and adapted to move pivotally in a direction A2 opposite from the corresponding pivot direction B2 upon receipt of torque from the inertia member, thereby causing the engaging portion to move to a latching position. The AHSA has two to-be-engaged portions, i.e., a first to-be-engaged portion and a second to-be-engaged portion. Even in the event the engaging portion cannot engage the first to-be-engaged portion, it can engage the second to-be-engaged portion.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A rotating disk storage device comprising:

a rotating disk storage medium;
an actuator head suspension assembly with a head/slider mounted thereon and having a plurality of adjacent to-be-engaged portions, said actuator head suspension assembly being pivotable in both first and second directions;
a member configured to restrict a pivoting range of said actuator head suspension assembly in the first direction;
an inertia member configured to operate upon exertion of a shock on said rotating disk storage device;
and
a latch member having a single engaging portion configured to latch either of said plural to-be-engaged portions in a retraction area to restrict a pivotal movement of said actuator head suspension assembly in the second direction, said latch member being configured to operate upon receipt of force from the moving inertia member and cause said engaging portion to move up to a latching position,
wherein each of the plural to-be-engaged portions open at an angle in the pivoting direction of said actuator head suspension assembly;
wherein said actuator head suspension assembly is able to pivotally move in the first direction even while engaged with the latch member.

5 more elements

A rotating disk storage device comprising:

a rotating disk storage medium;
an actuator head suspension assembly with a head/slider mounted thereon and having a plurality of adjacent to-be-engaged portions, said actuator head suspension assembly being pivotable in both first and second directions;
a member configured to restrict a pivoting range of said actuator head suspension assembly in the first direction;
an inertia member configured to move upon receipt of force from said actuator head suspension assembly;
and
a latch member having a single engaging portion configured to latch either of said plural to-be-engaged portions in a retraction area to restrict a pivotal movement of said actuator head suspension assembly in the second direction, said latch member being configured to move upon receipt of force from said inertia member and cause said engaging portion to move up to a latching position,
wherein each of the plural to-be-engaged portions open at an angle in the pivoting direction of said actuator head suspension assembly;
wherein said actuator head suspension assembly is able to pivotally move in the first direction even while engaged with the latch member.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inertial latch that restricts actuator rotation in a first direction but not in a second direction

Life of this patent

Inertial latch that restricts actuator rotation in a first direction but not in a second direction

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20