Latch mechanism for disk drives
US5216662A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B33/14
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A latch mechanism for locking an actuator arm in a disk drive includes a latch pivotably supported in the disk drive for engaging the actuator arm and an electromagnet for capturing and holding the latch to disengage the latch from the actuator arm. A spring is provided to bias the latch to engage with the actuator arm. A swivel plate is provided on the actuator arm and the electromagnet captures the swivel plate; in particular, the electromagnet has two poles and the swivel plate contacts one of the poles and an air gap exists between the swivel plate and the other pole. The air gap allows the electromagnet to release the swivel plate. The swivelling action of the swivel plate causes the swivel plate to seat with the entire surface of the one pole of the electromagnet, increasing the ability of the electromagnet to hold the swivel plate once the swivel plate has been captured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.