Disk drive actuator latch
US5363261A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/54
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic bistable latch mechanism for latching the actuator of a disk drive in a parked position is described. The latch comprises a magnetically detented latch lever which engages and latches a latch arm in a parked position. The latch arm is part of actuator motor structure and accordingly latches the actuator motor. The latch lever is held in either the latched or unlatched position by magnetic attraction and resists shocks and impacts that otherwise would move the actuator. The latch lever is shifted from one position t the other by the actuator motor eliminating the need for additional circuitry or mechanisms to control the latch. Additionally, the latch does not consume any electrical power in either the latched or unlatched condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.