U.S. patent application number 15/927758 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-26 for multi-actuator interconnector.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seagate Technology LLC. Invention is credited to Maxwell Reese Kraus, Michael Allen Mewes, Andrew R. Motzko, Roger A. Resh.
Application Number | 20190295578 15/927758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67983708 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190295578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kraus; Maxwell Reese ; et
al. |
September 26, 2019 |
MULTI-ACTUATOR INTERCONNECTOR
Abstract
According to some embodiments, a storage device includes a first
actuator and a second actuator rotatable around a common axis. The
storage device further includes a first electrical connector
configured to communicate electrical signals to and from the first
actuator, and a second electrical connector configured to
communicate electrical signals to and from the second actuator and
to communicate electrical signals to and from the first electrical
connector. The storage device includes a hermetically-sealed body,
the hermetically-sealed body including a base deck and a top cover,
wherein the second electrical connector is configured to send and
receive electrical signals to and from the first actuator and the
second actuator through a single aperture in the
hermetically-sealed body.
Inventors: |
Kraus; Maxwell Reese;
(Shakopee, MN) ; Resh; Roger A.; (Shakopee,
MN) ; Motzko; Andrew R.; (Delano, MN) ; Mewes;
Michael Allen; (Belle Plaine, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seagate Technology LLC |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67983708 |
Appl. No.: |
15/927758 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 5/4813 20130101;
G11B 5/5578 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G11B 5/55 20060101
G11B005/55; G11B 5/48 20060101 G11B005/48 |
Claims
1. A storage device comprising: a first actuator and a second
actuator rotatable around a common axis; a first electrical
connector configured to communicate electrical signals to and from
the first actuator; a second electrical connector configured to
communicate electrical signals to and from the second actuator and
to communicate electrical signals to and from the first electrical
connector; a first support member and a second support member, the
first and second support members are coupled to and configured to
secure the first and second electrical connectors; and a spacing
member located between the first support member and the second
support member.
2. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a
hermetically-sealed body, the hermetically-sealed body including a
base deck and a top cover, wherein the second electrical connector
is configured to send and receive electrical signals to and from
the first actuator and the second actuator through a single
aperture in the hermetically-sealed body.
3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein the hermetically-sealed
body is filled with an inert gas.
4. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the second electrical
connector is configured to communicate electrical signals to and
from the first electrical connector via a flex circuit.
5. The storage device of claim 4, wherein the flex circuit is
configured to flex around the support member.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the first electrical
connector is configured to communicate a first volume of electrical
signals and wherein the second electrical connector is configured
to communicate a second volume of electrical signals, the second
volume being at least twice the first volume.
9. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the second electrical
connector is configured to separate electrical signals to and from
the second actuator from electrical signals to and from the first
electrical connector.
10. A storage device comprising: a body; a first actuator within
the body, the first actuator being rotatable around a first axis; a
first electrical connector within the body, the first electrical
connector being configured to communicate electrical signals to and
from the first actuator via a first flex circuit coupled between
the first electrical connector and the first actuator; a second
actuator within the body, the second actuator being rotatable
around the first axis; and a second electrical connector within the
body, the second electrical connector being configured to
communicate electrical signals to and from the second actuator via
a second flex circuit coupled between the second electrical
connector and the second actuator and the first electrical
connector via a third flex circuit coupled between the first
electrical connector and the second electrical connector.
11. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the second electrical
connector is configured to communicate electrical signals to and
from the second actuator, the first electrical connector, and
circuitry located outside of the body through a single aperture in
the body.
12. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the first actuator
operates independently of the second actuator.
13. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the first actuator and
the first electrical connector are configured to be removed from
the body without removing the second actuator.
14. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the first actuator and
the first electrical connector are configured to be removed from
the body without removing the second electrical connector.
15. The storage device of claim 10, further comprising at least one
securement member located adjacent at least the first electrical
connector, the at least one securement member being configured to
resist compressive forces.
16. The storage device of claim 15, wherein the at least one
securement member is further configured to maintain a spacing
between the first electrical connector and the second electrical
connector.
17. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the first actuator is
located at a different elevation than the second actuator and
wherein the first electrical connector is located at a different
elevation than the second electrical connector.
18. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the first actuator is
part of a first dynamic loop, wherein the second actuator is part
of a second dynamic loop, and wherein the first dynamic loop is
independent of the second dynamic loop.
19. An electrical connector assembly for a hard drive employing at
least two actuators, the electrical connector assembly comprising:
a first electrical connector configured to communicate electrical
signals to and from a first actuator through a first dynamic loop;
and a second electrical connector separate from but in a stacked
arrangement with the first electrical connector, the second
electrical connector configured to communicate electrical signals
to and from a second actuator through a second dynamic loop, the
second electrical connector being further configured to communicate
electrical signals to and from the first actuator via the first
electrical connector and the first dynamic loop.
20. The electrical connector assembly of claim 19, further
comprising a support assembly coupled to the first electrical
connector and the second electrical connector, the support assembly
being configured to secure the first electrical connector and the
second connector.
21. The electrical connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the
second electrical connector includes more conductive pins for
communicating the electrical signals than the first electrical
connector.
22. The electrical connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the
second electrical connector has a larger footprint than the first
electrical connector.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a
storage device includes a first actuator and a second actuator
rotatable around a common axis. The storage device further includes
a first electrical connector configured to communicate electrical
signals to and from the first actuator, and a second electrical
connector configured to communicate electrical signals to and from
the second actuator and to communicate electrical signals to and
from the first electrical connector. The storage device includes a
hermetically-sealed body, the hermetically-sealed body including a
base deck and a top cover, wherein the second electrical connector
is configured to send and receive electrical signals to and from
the first actuator and the second actuator through a single
aperture in the hermetically-sealed body.
[0002] In some variations, the hermetically-sealed body is filled
with an inert gas.
[0003] In some variations, the second electrical connector is
configured to communicate electrical signals to and from the first
electrical connector via a flex circuit.
[0004] In some variations, the flex circuit is configured to flex
around a support member that is configured to support the first
electrical connector.
[0005] In some variations, the storage device includes a first
support member and a second support member, the first and second
support members are coupled to and configured to secure the first
and second electrical connectors.
[0006] In some variations, the storage device further includes a
spacing member located between the first support member and the
second support member.
[0007] In some variations, the first electrical connector is
configured to communicate electrical signals at a first rate and
wherein the second electrical connector is configured to
communicate a volume of electrical signals at a second rate that is
at least twice the first rate.
[0008] In some variations, the second electrical connector is
configured to separate electrical signals to and from the second
actuator from electrical signals to and from the first electrical
connector.
[0009] According to another embodiment, a storage device comprises
a body; a first actuator within the body, the first actuator being
rotatable around a first axis; a first electrical connector within
the body, the first electrical connector being configured to
communicate electrical signals to and from the first actuator; a
second actuator within the body, the second actuator being
rotatable around the first axis; and a second electrical connector
within the body, the second electrical connectors being configured
to communicate electrical signals to and from the second actuator,
the first electrical connector, and control circuitry located
outside of the body.
[0010] In some variations, the second electrical connector is
configured to communicate electrical signals to and from the second
actuator, the first electrical connector, and circuitry located
outside of the body through a single aperture in the body.
[0011] In some variations, the first actuator operates
independently of the second actuator.
[0012] In some variations, the first actuator and the first
electrical connector are configured to be removed from the body
without removing the second actuator.
[0013] In some variations, the first actuator and the first
electrical connector are configured to be removed from the body
without removing the second electrical connector.
[0014] In some variations, the storage device further comprises at
least one securement member located adjacent at least the first
electrical connector, the at least one securement member being
configured to resist compressive forces.
[0015] In some variations, the at least one securement member is
further configured to maintain a spacing between the first
electrical connector and the second electrical connector.
[0016] In some variations, the first actuator is located at a
different elevation than the second actuator and wherein the first
electrical connector is located at a different elevation than the
second electrical connector.
[0017] In some variations, the first actuator is part of a first
dynamic loop, wherein the second actuator is part of a second
dynamic loop, and wherein the first dynamic loop is independent of
the second dynamic loop.
[0018] In another embodiment, an electrical connector assembly for
a hard drive employing at least two actuators includes: a first
electrical connector configured to communicate electrical signals
to and from a first actuator through a first dynamic loop; and a
second electrical connector configured to communicate electrical
signals to and from a second actuator through a second dynamic
loop, the second electrical connector being further configured to
communicate electrical signals to and from the first actuator via
the first electrical connector and the first dynamic loop.
[0019] In some variations, the electrical connector assembly
further comprises a support assembly coupled to the first
electrical connector and the second electrical connector, the
support assembly being configured to secure the first electrical
connector and the second connector.
[0020] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of a hard drive,
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a hard drive, in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of box A in FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a cut-away perspective view of a portion of the
hard drive of FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a cut-away side view of a portion of the hard
drive of FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a first electrical
connector and surrounding components, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a cut-away perspective view showing a first
electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and
surrounding components in accordance with certain embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of two actuators, a
multi-actuator interconnector, and surrounding components in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a multi-actuator interconnector
and surrounding components in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a side view of two actuators, a multi-actuator
interconnector, and surrounding components in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an upper assembly in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 12A shows an unfolded view of an electrical circuit for
the upper assembly of FIG. 11.
[0033] FIG. 12B shows an electrical diagram of the electrical
circuit of FIG. 12A.
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a lower assembly in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 14A shows an unfolded view of an electrical circuit for
the lower assembly of FIG. 13.
[0036] FIG. 14B shows an electrical diagram of the electrical
circuit of FIG. 14A.
[0037] FIG. 15 shows a top view of a hard drive, in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 16 shows an expanded view of box B in FIG. 15.
[0039] FIG. 17 shows a cut-away perspective view of a portion of
the hard drive of FIG. 15.
[0040] FIG. 18 shows a cut-away side view of a portion of the hard
drive of FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 19 shows a cut-away perspective view of a first
electrical connector and surrounding components, in accordance with
certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 20 show a cut-away perspective view showing a first
electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and
surrounding components in accordance with certain embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of two actuators, a
multi-actuator interconnector, and surrounding components in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 22 shows a side view of a multi-actuator interconnector
and surrounding components in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 23 shows a side view of two voice coil motor
assemblies, a multi-actuator interconnector, and surrounding
components in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an individual assembly
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 25A shows an unfolded view of an electrical circuit for
the assembly of FIG. 24.
[0048] FIG. 25B shows an electrical diagram of the electrical
circuit of FIG. 25A.
[0049] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The
intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular
embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and
as shown in FIG. 1, a hard drive 100 includes a base deck 102 and
top cover 104. Together, the base deck 102 and top cover 104 form a
body 105 for the hard drive 100. The hard drive 100 includes
magnetic recording discs 106 coupled to a spindle motor 108 by a
disc clamp 110. The hard drive 100 also includes an actuator 112
coupled to a suspension assembly 114 that suspends read/write heads
116 over the magnetic recording discs 106. The read/write heads 116
may include multiple transducers, including write elements that
write data to data tracks of the magnetic recording discs 106 and
read elements that read data from the data tracks of the magnetic
recording discs 106. In operation, the spindle motor 108 rotates
the magnetic recording discs 106 while the actuator 112 is driven
by a voice coil motor assembly 124 that rotates the actuator 112
around a pivot bearing 126. The actuator 112 may also include a
microactuator positioned at least partially on or between the
suspension assembly 114 and the read/write head 116. The hard drive
100 further includes a servo control system that controls the voice
coil motor assembly 124 and the microactuator to position the
read/write heads 116 over a desired track on the magnetic recording
discs 106 for reading and writing operations.
[0051] Electrical signals representing the information to be
written to or read from the magnetic recording discs 106, as well
as electrical signals for instructing the voice coil motor assembly
124 are transmitted through an electrical connection assembly 130,
which serves as a portal for communicating information between
components inside the base deck (e.g., actuator 112) and components
outside the base deck 102 (e.g., control circuitry mounted on a
printed circuit board (PCB)). In particular, the electrical
connection assembly 130 includes a flexible conductive ribbon 132
that connects the actuator 112 and voice coil motor assembly 124 to
an electrical connector 134. That electrical connector 134 connects
to components outside the base deck 102 in order to communicate
electrical signals (e.g., control signals or data signals) through
the base deck 102.
[0052] As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments the
actuator 112 can be an actuator assembly having two independent
actuators that rotate on a common axis (e.g., a pivot bearing). In
those embodiments, an electrical connection assembly includes
multiple electrical connectors arranged to provide particular
benefits. For example, FIG. 2 shows a hard drive 200 having a base
deck 202 as part of the body 205 for the hard drive 200. The hard
drive 200 includes magnetic recording discs 206 coupled to a
spindle motor 208 by a disc clamp 210. The hard drive 200 also
includes an actuator assembly 212 formed of multiple actuators. As
better shown in, e.g., FIGS. 4, 11, and 13, the actuator assembly
212 includes a first actuator 212A and a second actuator 212B.
These actuators (212A, 212B) suspend read/write heads over the
magnetic recording discs 206. In operation, the spindle motor 208
rotates the magnetic recording discs 206 while the actuators 212A,
212B are driven by a voice coil motor assembly (VCMA) 224 around a
common pivot bearing 226. As better shown in, e.g., FIG. 10, the
VCMA 224 includes a first VCMA 224A, which drives the first
actuator 212A, and a second VCMA 224B, which drives the second
actuator 212B. Thus, in some embodiments, the first VCMA 224A and
the first actuator 212A operate independently of the second VCMA
224B and the second actuator 212B. This increases the data
input/output speed of the hard drive 200 compared to single
VCMA/actuator systems. The first VCMA 224A and the first actuator
212A may be referred together jointly as an assembly, and the
second VCMA 224B and the second actuator 212B may also be referred
together jointly as an assembly. As discussed below in more detail,
the first VCMA 224A and the first actuator 212A can be positioned
above the second VCMA 224B and the second actuator 212B, such that
the first VCMA 224A and the first actuator 212A may be referred to
as an upper assembly while the second VCMA 224B and the second
actuator 212B may be referred to as a lower assembly.
[0053] However, many dual-actuator systems require two
communication ports, one for each VCMA/actuator pairing or
assembly, which can significantly increase the risk of developing
leaks within the base deck, among other issues. Developing leaks is
particularly problematic if the drive enclosure of the base deck is
filled with helium or other inert gases. To address that issue, in
some embodiments electrical signals representing the information to
be written to or read from the magnetic recording discs 206, as
well as electrical signals for instructing the VCMA 224 (including,
e.g., VCMA 224A and VCMA 224B) are transmitted through a single
electrical connection assembly 230. In this manner, the electrical
connection assembly 230 serves as a single communications port
between components internal to the base deck 202 (e.g., the VCMAs
and actuators) and components external to the base deck 202 (e.g.,
control circuitry on a PCB). The electrical connection assembly 230
can also be referred to as a multi-actuator interconnector. One
advantage of this configuration is that the electrical connection
assembly or multi-actuator interconnector 230 can communicate
signals for both VCMAs and actuators using a single aperture, thus
reducing the risk of leaks.
[0054] For example, in some embodiments, and as shown in, e.g.,
FIG. 4, the electrical connection assembly 230 includes two
flexible conductive ribbons 232A, 232B. The first flexible
conductive ribbon 232A connects the first actuator 212A and the
first VCMA 224A to a first electrical connector 234A. The second
flexible conductive ribbon 232B connects the second actuator 212B
and the second VCMA 224B to a second electrical connector 234B. The
second electrical connector 234B connects to the first electrical
connector 234A via a flex circuit 240. The second electrical
connector 234B connects to external components (e.g., control
circuitry on a PCB) located outside the base deck 202, using a
single aperture in the base deck 202.
[0055] In this configuration, the second electrical connector 234B
transmits electrical signals from electrical components external to
the base deck 102 (e.g., control circuitry mounted on a PCB) to
both VCMAs and actuators. Stated differently, the second electrical
connector 234B is configured to communicate a set of electrical
signals needed for the first VCMA 224A and the first actuator 212A,
as well as a second set of electrical signals needed for the second
VCMA 224B and the second actuator 212B. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the second electrical connector 234B handles at least
twice the volume of electrical communications as the first
electrical connector 234A in the same amount of time. This can be
accomplished by using additional pins or channels in the second
electrical connector or the like.
[0056] As shown in, e.g., FIG. 11, the first flexible conductive
ribbon 232A forms a first dynamic loop with the first VCMA 224A,
the first actuator 212A, and the first electrical connector 234A.
As shown in, e.g., FIG. 13, the second flexible conductive ribbon
232B forms a second dynamic loop with the second VCMA, 224B the
second actuator 212B, and the second electrical connector 234B.
Because the second connector 234B transmits a distinct set of
signals to the first electrical connector 234A and to the second
VCMA 224B and second actuator 212B, the first dynamic loop is
independent from the second dynamic loop. This reduces the
potential for interference and can be required for independent
actuator operation.
[0057] As also shown in, e.g., FIGS. 8, 11, and 13, support members
242A and 242B (also called flex clamps) secure the first and second
electrical connectors (234A, 234B) and provide resistance to
flexing forces. In this manner the support members 242A, 242B can
prevent compressive forces from bowing other components. In
particular, a first support member 242A is located above the first
electrical connector 234A. A second support member 242B is located
below the first electrical connector 234A and above the second
electrical connector 234B. These support members are made of a
relatively stiff material, such as plastic or the like, in order to
resist flexing forces exerted on the connection assemblies. These
support members may also include a metallic layer, such as
aluminum, which provides increased support and attachability and
enables accurate placement. The support members include apertures
244 that receive securement members 246, such as screws, posts, or
the like. The securement members 246 align and compress the support
members 242A, 242B to retain the electrical connectors 234A, 234B
in place and to maintain electrical connectivity.
[0058] In some embodiments, a flex circuit 240 electrically
connects the first electrical connector 234A to the second
electrical connector 234B. As shown in, e.g., FIG. 13, the flex
circuit 240 wraps around the second support member 242B, contacting
pins 252A or other electrical conduits on the bottom of the first
electrical connector 234A (as best seen in FIG. 6) and pins 252B or
other electrical conduits on the top end of the second electrical
connector 234B (as best seen in FIG. 7).
[0059] As best seen in FIG. 7, the second electrical connector 234B
communicates signals through a single aperture 260 in the base deck
202. Sealing elements, such as gaskets or the like (e.g., 362 in
FIG. 19), connector housing 262, which isolates and protects the
electrical conduits in the connector, and electrical conduits 264
may be used to hermetically seal the aperture 260 while enabling
communications with external components (e.g., control circuitry
266 on a PCB 268). As discussed above, communicating signals for
both VCMAs and actuators through a single aperture reduces the
likelihood of leaks and other such problems.
[0060] In these configurations, the first VCMA 224A is located at a
different, higher elevation than the second VCMA 224B. Similarly,
the first actuator 212A is located at a different, higher elevation
than the second actuator 212B. The first electrical connector 234A
is located at a different, higher elevation than the second
electrical connector 234B. The first flexible conductive ribbon
232A is located at a different, higher elevation than the second
conductive ribbon 232B. In some embodiments, spacing elements
(e.g., spacing element 270 in FIG. 10 and/or the support members
242A, 242B) can separate the two VCMAs and/or the two electrical
connectors. As discussed below in more detail, these arrangements
facilitate easier installation and/or repair. Arranging some or all
of these components in this fashion further reduces the footprint
required within the base deck. Arranging some or all of these
components in this fashion also enables better use of the
elevational space within the base deck.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 15-25, in some embodiments the electrical
connectors can have a similar or substantially identical profile
for easier manufacturing and installation. Those electrical
connectors can also be stacked vertically to reduce the footprint
with the base deck. In particular, FIG. 15 shows a hard drive 300
having a base deck 302 as part of the body 305 for the hard drive
300. The hard drive 300 includes magnetic recording discs 306
coupled to a spindle motor 308 by a disc clamp 310. The hard drive
300 also includes an actuator assembly 312 formed of multiple
actuators. As better shown in, e.g., FIG. 21, the actuator assembly
312 includes a first actuator 312A and a second actuator 312B.
These actuators (312A, 312B) suspend read/write heads over the
magnetic recording discs 306. In operation, the spindle motor 308
rotates the magnetic recording discs 306 while the actuators 312A,
312B are driven by a voice coil motor assembly (VCMA) 324 around a
common pivot bearing 326. As better shown in, e.g., FIG. 23, the
VCMA 324 includes a first VCMA 324A, which drives the first
actuator 312A, and a second VCMA 324B, which drives the second
actuator 312B. Thus, in this embodiment, the first VCMA 324A and
the first actuator 312A operate independently of the second VCMA
324B and the second actuator 312B. This increases the data
input/output speed of the hard drive 300 compared to single
VCMA/actuator systems.
[0062] However, many dual-actuator systems require two
communication ports, one for each VCMA/actuator pairing, which can
significantly increase the risk of developing leaks within the base
deck, among other issues. Developing leaks can be particularly
problematic if the base deck is filled with helium or other inert
gases. To address that issue, in some embodiments electrical
signals representing the information to be written to or read from
the magnetic recording discs 306, as well as electrical signals for
instructing the VCMA 324 (including, e.g., VCMA 324A and VCMA 324B)
are transmitted through a single electrical connection assembly
330. In this manner, the electrical connection assembly 330 serves
as a single communications port between components internal to the
base deck 302 (e.g., the VCMAs and actuators) and components
external to the base deck (e.g., control circuitry on a PCB). One
advantage of this configuration is that the electrical connection
assembly 330 can communicate signals for both VCMAs and actuators
using a single aperture, thus reducing the risk of leaks.
[0063] For example, in some embodiments, and as shown in, e.g.,
FIG. 21, the electrical connection assembly 330 includes two
flexible conductive ribbons 332A, 332B. The first flexible
conductive ribbon 332A connects the first actuator 312A and the
first VCMA 324A to a first electrical connector 334A. The second
flexible conductive ribbon 332B connects the second actuator 312B
and the second VCMA 324B to a second electrical connector 334B. The
second electrical connector 334B to the first electrical connector
334A via a flex circuit 340B. Another flex circuit 340A is located
above the first electrical connector 334A. The second electrical
connector 334B connects to external components (e.g., control
circuitry on a PCB) located outside the base deck 302, using a
single aperture in the base deck 302.
[0064] In this configuration, the second electrical connector 334B
transmits electrical signals from electrical components external to
the base deck 102 (e.g., control circuitry mounted on a PCB) to
both VCMAs and actuators. Stated differently, the second electrical
connector 334B is configured to communicate a set of electrical
signals needed for the first VCMA 324A and the first actuator 312A,
as well as a second set of electrical signals needed for the second
VCMA 324B and the second actuator 312B. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the second electrical connector 334B handles at least
twice the volume of electrical communications as the first
electrical connector 334A in the same amount of time. This can be
accomplished by using additional pins or channels in the second
electrical connector or the like.
[0065] As shown in, e.g., FIG. 21, the first flexible conductive
ribbon 332A forms a first dynamic loop with the first VCMA 324A,
the first actuator 312A, and the first electrical connector 334A.
As shown in, e.g., FIG. 21, the second flexible conductive ribbon
332B forms a second dynamic loop with the second VCMA, 324B the
second actuator 312B, and the second electrical connector 334B.
Because the second connector 334B transmits a distinct set of
signals to the first electrical connector 334A and to the second
VCMA 324B and second actuator 312B, the first dynamic loop is
independent from the second dynamic loop. This reduces the
potential for interference.
[0066] As also shown in, e.g., FIG. 17, support members 342A and
342B (also called flex clamps) secure the first and second
electrical connectors (334A, 334B) and provide resistance to
flexing forces. In particular, a first support member 342A is
located above the first electrical connector 334A. A second support
member 342B is located below the first electrical connector 334A
and above the second electrical connector 334B. These support
members are made of a relatively stiff material, such as plastic or
the like, in order to resist flexing forces exerted on the
connection assemblies. In some embodiments, portions of the support
members may also serve to limit compression and maintain separation
between components. The support members include apertures 344 that
receive securement members 346, such as screws, posts, or the like.
The securement members 346 compress the support members 342A, 342B
to align and retain the electrical connectors 334A, 334B in place
and to maintain electrical connectivity.
[0067] In some embodiments, a flex circuit 340B is used to
electrically connect the first electrical connector 334A to the
second electrical connector 334B. Another flex circuit 340A may
also be added. As shown in, e.g., FIG. 17, the flex circuit 340B
wraps around the second support member 342B, contacting pins 352A
or other electrical conduits on the bottom end of the first
electrical connector 334A (as best seen in FIG. 19) and pins 352B
or other electrical conduits on the top end of the second
electrical connector 334B. In other embodiments, the second support
member 342B could be configured with pins or channels to connect
the first and second electrical connectors through the middle of
the support member rather than using a flex circuit that wraps
around the external surface of the second support member.
[0068] As best seen in FIG. 20, the second electrical connector
334B communicates signals through a single aperture 360 in the base
deck 302. Sealing elements 362 and electrical conduits 364 may be
used to hermetically seal the aperture 360 while enabling
communications with external components (e.g., control circuitry on
a PCB). As discussed above, communicating signals for both VCMAs
and actuators through a single aperture reduces the likelihood of
leaks and other problems.
[0069] In these configurations, the first VCMA 324A is located at a
different, higher elevation than the second VCMA 324B. Similarly,
the first actuator 312A is located at a different, higher elevation
than the second actuator 312B. The first electrical connector 334A
is located at a different, higher elevation than the second
electrical connector 334B. The first flexible conductive ribbon
332A is located at a different, higher elevation than the second
conductive ribbon 332B. In some embodiments, spacing elements
(e.g., spacing element 370 in FIG. 17, spacing element 371 in FIG.
17, and/or the support members 342A, 342B) can separate the two
VCMAs and/or the two electrical connectors. As discussed below in
more detail, these arrangements facilitate easier installation
and/or repair. Arranging some or all of these components in this
fashion further reduces the footprint required within the base
deck. Arranging some or all of these components in this fashion
also enables better use of the elevational space within the base
deck.
[0070] Several of the embodiments discussed herein facilitate easy
assembly and repair operations. For example, in some embodiments a
hard drive is assembled by placing a lower VCMA and a lower
actuator in a base deck. This lower VCMA and lower actuator may be
the second VCMA 224B and the second actuator 212B discussed above.
A lower electrical connector (e.g., the second electrical connector
234B) and a lower flexible conductive ribbon (e.g., the flexible
conductive ribbon 232B) are added to the base deck and placed in
electrical communication. As discussed above, this configuration
forms a dynamic loop and enables external circuitry to communicate
signals with the lower VCMA and the lower actuator through the
lower electrical connector. In some embodiments, this step may
include adding a lower support member that supports the electrical
connector.
[0071] With those components in place, an upper dynamic loop can be
added to the base deck with an upper VCMA (e.g., the first VCMA
224A), an upper actuator (e.g., the first actuator 212A), an upper
flexible connector ribbon (e.g., the flexible conductive ribbon
232A), and an upper connector (e.g., the first electrical connector
234A). This step may also include adding an upper support member
(e.g., the first support member 242A) and a flex circuit (flex
circuit 240). The two electrical connectors are placed in
electrical communication, with the lower electrical connector
separately communicating signals for the lower VCMA and lower
actuator as well as signals for the other electrical connector (for
the upper VCMA and upper actuator). In this manner, two independent
dynamic loops are used for independent operations. Securement
members can fix the support members in place as well as strengthen
the electrical connection between the two electrical
connectors.
[0072] Should the upper VCMA, the upper actuator, the upper
flexible connector ribbon, and/or the upper electrical connector
need to be repaired and/or replaced, some or all of those
components may be removed from the base deck and/or replaced within
the base deck without needing to move or remove the lower VCMA, the
lower actuator, the lower flexible connector ribbon, and/or the
lower electrical connector. This stackable configuration also
allows each VCMA to be constructed in a top-down manner.
[0073] As discussed herein, the design in some embodiments is
generally smaller than configurations that fit two connectors
side-by-side. Size requirements are further reduced as power pins
are shared between actuators. Furthermore, in some embodiments each
head stack assembly can be fabricated individually using existing
assembly methods for single actuator designs, and then configured
at drive assembly to be a dual actuator design.
[0074] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of
the present invention. For example, the various electrical
connectors described above can be used with multi-actuator
configurations where the actuators do not rotate around a common
axis. While the embodiments described above refer to particular
features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments
having different combinations of features and embodiments that do
not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope
of the present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the
scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
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