Inner diameter disk drive head/slider load/unload device

Abstract

A load/unload device to remove the slider from the proximity of the magnetic recording surface of a disk in a disk drive whenever the disk is to be stopped. The load/unload device is a ramp-like wedge which extends generally radially from the center of the magnetic disk and to the magnetic recording surface of the magnetic disk. When the slider is moved toward the center of the disk by an actuator mechanism, the end of the load arm supporting the slider, referred to as a tang, will engage the inclined plane of the wedge and lift the slider from the surface of the magnetic disk as the slider is translated closer to the center of the disk. Once the slider has been removed from close proximity of the disk, the tang may engage a trough-like surface on the structure supporting the wedge and will effectively detent the position of the slider through the forces exerted on the tang by the load beam of the actuator. Thus the disk will be protected from undesirable and damaging impacts of the slider against the magnetic recording surface of the disk thereby prolonging disk utility.