Voice-coil integrated non-contacting magnetic latch for a disc drive actuator assembly

Abstract

Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a head parking assembly for a disc drive assembly. In preferred embodiments, the head parking assembly comprises a voice coil motor and a non-contacting magnetic latch mechanism, wherein the voice coil motor comprises a plurality of backirons, a plurality of permanent magnets, a coil, a conductive standoff and a nonconductive standoff. The permanent magnets are disposed on the backirons and the standoffs reside at opposite ends of the backirons being disposed substantially perpendicularly thereto. The coil is located in the gap between the permanent magnets, such that when an electric field is passed through the coil, the resulting magnetic field in the coil operates in conjunction with the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets to control the movement of the head across the disc. A preferred embodiment of a non-contacting magnetic latch mechanism includes a pair of non-contacting magnetic latch pins, wherein the pins reside adjacent the nonconductive standoff and provide a conduit for the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets. The pins are positioned in a spaced relation, such that a gap is created inbetween the pins, wherein the magnetic field from the permanent magnets is defined through the pins and across the gap and operate in conjunction with a head-arm assembly for securing or parking a disc head.