Compact hard disk drive head positioner latch
US5982586A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/54
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A new and improved latching method and assembly for positively latching a positioner carrying a read/write head of a hard disk drive in a drive landing zone during non-power conditions. The assembly includes a vertically movable latching pin which is movable along a rectilinear path of travel into and out of the horizontal path of travel of the positioner carrying the drive unit read/write head. A retention spring mounted to a support column in proximity to the landing zone engages one of two grooves disposed in the latching pin to secure the pin in a latched position or in an unlatched position. The positioner impacts the retention spring to disengage it from an associated groove on the latch pin at appropriate times so bias exerted thereon by a thermal spring will move the latch pin in a desired direction. In this regard, as the thermal spring heats, it pulls the latch pin away from the latched position and, as it cools, it urges the pin back towards the latched position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.