Disk apparatus having a latch mechanism for holding the actuator arm during non-operation
US6445548B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/6005
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A disk apparatus has a rotatable actuator adapted to magnetically latch in a predetermined stop position when the disk apparatus is not operating. The actuator rotates about a rotating or swinging shaft and includes a coil arm having a latch magnet. The coil arm is adapted to pass between opposing permanent magnets when the actuator rotates about the rotating or swinging shaft. When the actuator is in the stop position, the latch magnet is outside of the area between the permanent magnets, therefore generating a repulsive force between the latch magnet and permanent magnets, inducing the actuator to magnetically latch. When the disk apparatus is operating, the latch magnet travels between the permanent magnets, resulting in opposing repulsive magnetic forces having equal magnitudes which cancel each other, maintaining the actuator's attitude without rotating it. In this manner, the latch magnet does not interfere with the operation of the actuator, and locks the actuator in a stop or park condition when the disk apparatus is not operating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.