HK1034350B - Support mechanism for recording/reproducing head, and recording/reproducing device - Google Patents

Description

Write/read head support mechanism and write/read system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a write/read head support mechanism for a write/read system such as a hard disk drive (hereinafter abbreviated HDD) or an optical disk drive, and a write/read system including such a write/read head support mechanism.

Background

A related-art head support mechanism used with an HDD generally consists of a slider with an electromagnetic sensor element, a suspension for supporting the slider, and an interconnection pattern connected to the electromagnetic sensor element.

The electromagnetic sensor element includes a magnetic pole and a coil for converting an electric signal into a magnetic signal (or vice versa), a magnetoresistance effect element for converting a magnetic signal into a voltage signal, and the like, each being manufactured by a thin film process, an assembly process, and the like. The slider is made of a non-magnetic ceramic, such as Al₂O₃TiC or CaTiO₃Or of a magnetic material, such as ferrite, and generally has a cubic shape. The surface of the slider (air bearing surface) opposite the disk medium is shaped to generate a pressure to fly the slider across the disk medium with a small clearance. The suspension for supporting the slider is formed by bending, stamping, or otherwise machining a resilient stainless steel plate.

When the slider is used for practical use, static electricity is generated on the slider. Such static electricity is generated due to sliding between the flying surface of the slider and the surface of the disk medium at the Contact Start Stop (CSS), due to contact between the flying surface of the slider and the surface of the disk medium caused by very small flying of the slider relative to the surface of the disk medium rotating at high speed, due to friction between the slider and air, and the like.

When static electricity is generated on the slider, the static electricity often causes electrostatic breakdown of the electromagnetic sensor element. To avoid this, most sliders of magnetic heads are connected to the ground (e.g., JP-A2-61810, JP-A2-244419 and JP-A8-111015). The above-mentioned JP-A2-61810 discloses a thin film magnetic head in which a conductor is electrically connected to a magnetic core mounted on a slider, and the conductor is bonded to a gimbal portion of a suspension at ground potential with a conductive adhesive. The above-mentioned JP-A2-244419 discloses joining the side of the slider to the suspension with a conductive adhesive. The above-mentioned JP-A8-111015 discloses a magnetic head system in which a ground electrode is mounted on a flexible wiring substrate provided on a suspension, and then the ground electrode is electrically connected to a slider.

On the other hand, the HDD is increasingly required to be downsized as the recording density is higher and higher, and therefore, the HDD has higher and narrower track density and track width. In order to improve the track accuracy in a high-density recording HDD, it is effective to provide a magnetic head with an actuator to achieve a micro displacement of an electromagnetic sensor element or a slider with respect to a suspension. Such actuators are disclosed in, for example, JP-A6-259905, JP-A6-309822 and JP-A8-180623.

Summary of The Invention

In a magnetic head with an actuator, when the actuator drives a slider, the slider is displaced relative to a suspension. It is therefore possible that the wires connecting the suspension side and the slider side could impair this displacement.

However, the above publications each disclose the preparation of an actuator without any mention about the connection of the slider to the ground. Thus, or of course, these publications do not disclose any means of connecting the slider to ground so as not to impair the displacement capability of the actuator when such means are provided.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a write/read head support mechanism for a magnetic disk system or an optical disk system having an actuator for generating a micro-displacement of an electromagnetic sensor element or a slider, wherein any electrostatic breakdown of the electromagnetic sensor element or optical component is prevented without impairing the displacement capability of the actuator.

Such an object can be achieved by the following structure.

(1) A write/read head support mechanism comprising a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensing element or an optical unit and a suspension on which said slider is supported by an actuator for moving said slider, and

the suspension has a ground region electrically connected to the slider by an electrical connection member which is movable and/or deformable by the actuator in a displacement direction of the slider.

(2) The write/read head support mechanism according to the above (1), wherein the suspension is made of an electrically conductive material, and the suspension itself serves as the ground region.

(3) The write/read head support mechanism according to the above (1), wherein said suspension is provided with a ground electrode on a surface thereof, serving as said ground region.

(4) A write/read head support mechanism comprising a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensing element or an optical unit and a suspension on which said slider is supported by an actuator for moving said slider, and

at least a part of the actuator is provided with a conductive area through which the suspension has a ground region electrically connected to the slider, wherein a ground electrode for driving the actuator is used as the conductive area.

(6) A write/read head support mechanism comprising a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensor element or an optical component and a suspension, wherein said slider is supported on said suspension by an actuator for moving said slider, and the write/read head support mechanism comprises an interconnection pattern comprising a line electrically connected to said electromagnetic sensor element or said optical component and a ground line electrically connected to said slider, said interconnection pattern comprising a close contact line in close contact with said suspension and a floating line extending away from said suspension to said slider and being movable and/or deformable in a displacement direction of said slider by said actuator.

(7) A write/read head support mechanism includes a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensing element or an optical assembly, and a suspension on which the slider is supported by an actuator for moving the slider,

the front end portion of the suspension includes a flexible region which turns or bends to the slider side and is movable and/or deformable in the slider displacement direction by the actuator, and

an interconnection pattern is in intimate contact with a surface of the flexible region, the interconnection pattern including a line for electrical connection to the electromagnetic sensing element or the optical assembly, and a ground line for electrical connection to the slider.

(8) The write/read head support mechanism according to the above (6) or (7), wherein the suspension is made of an electrically conductive material, and the ground line led out from the interconnection pattern is electrically connected to the suspension.

(9) A write/read system comprising the write/read head support mechanism as recited in any one of (1) to (8) above.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to a first aspect of the present invention in which a slider is mounted on a suspension by an actuator.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the first aspect, in which a slider is mounted on a surface of a suspension opposing a medium by an actuator.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating yet another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the first aspect, in which a slider is mounted on a suspension by an actuator.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating an exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to a second aspect of the present invention in which a slider is mounted on a suspension by an actuator.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the second aspect in which a slider is mounted on a suspension by an actuator.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating yet another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the second aspect in which a slider is mounted on a suspension by an actuator.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to a third aspect of the present invention, in which a slider is mounted on a surface of a suspension opposing a medium via an actuator.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the third aspect, in which a slider is mounted on a surface of a suspension opposing a medium via an actuator.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating yet another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the third aspect, in which a slider is mounted on a surface of a suspension opposing a medium via an actuator.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating still another exemplary structure of a magnetic head according to the third aspect, in which a slider is mounted on a surface of a suspension opposing a medium via an actuator.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary structure of a head support mechanism.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

A write/read head support mechanism according to the present invention includes a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensor element or an optical component, and a suspension on which the slider is mounted with a mover for moving the slider interposed therebetween. The present invention will now be explained with reference to a magnetic head with an electromagnetic sensing element mounted on a slider.

First, typical structures of the suspension, the actuator, and the slider will be explained.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary structure of a head support mechanism including an actuator. The head support mechanism is constituted by a slider 2 equipped with an electromagnetic sensor element 1 and a suspension 3 for supporting the slider 2, the suspension 3 having an actuator 4 interposed between the slider 2 and the suspension 3.

The actuator 4 is provided to cause a minute displacement of the slider 2 with respect to the suspension 3, and is fixed by engaging with the gimbal block 3a at one end portion of the suspension 3. The gimbal block 3a is constructed by providing grooves in the suspension member by etching, punching, or other similar methods so that the slider can follow the surface of the disk medium. It is noted here that the head is provided with a main actuator (VCM or other similar means) for driving the entire suspension.

The actuator 4 includes a fixed portion 43 and a movable portion 44, and further includes two rod-like displacement generating mechanisms 41 and 41. Each displacement generating mechanism 41 is provided with at least one piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer having electrode layers on both sides and is constructed in such a manner that it elongates and contracts in accordance with a voltage applied to the electrode layers. The piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer is made of a piezoelectric or electrostrictive material and extends and contracts depending on the inverse piezoelectric effect or the electrostrictive effect. One end of the displacement generating mechanism 41 is coupled to the suspension through a fixed portion 43, and the other end of the displacement generating mechanism 41 is coupled to the slider through a movable portion 44. In accordance with the extension and contraction of the displacement generating mechanism 41, the slider is moved so that the electromagnetic sensor element is moved circularly. This in turn causes the electromagnetic sensor element to traverse the recording track on the disk medium.

When the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer sandwiched between the electrode layers in the displacement generating mechanism 41 of the actuator 4 is formed of a so-called piezoelectric material such as PZT, the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer is usually subjected to a polarization treatment in order to improve its displacement capability. The polarization direction by this polarization treatment is the thickness direction of the actuator. When the direction of an electric field according to a voltage applied to the electrode layers is aligned with the polarization direction, the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer between the two electrode layers elongates in its thickness direction (longitudinal piezoelectric effect) and shortens in its planar direction (transverse piezoelectric effect). On the other hand, when the direction of the electric field is opposite to the polarization direction, the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer is shortened in its thickness direction (longitudinal piezoelectric effect) and is elongated in its planar direction (transverse piezoelectric effect). When a contraction-induced voltage is alternately applied to one displacement generating mechanism and the other displacement generating mechanism, the length ratio between the one displacement generating mechanism and the other displacement generating mechanism changes, so that the two displacement generating mechanisms are deflected in the same direction in the plane of the actuator. By this deflection, the movable portion 44 produces roll and pitch relative to the fixed portion 43 in the direction shown by the arrow in fig. 11, centered on the roll and pitch motion defined by the position of the movable portion 44 in the absence of a voltage. This rolling and pitching motion allows the movable portion 44 to move annularly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation and contraction of the displacement generating mechanism 41, and the direction of this rolling and pitching motion lies in the plane of the actuator. However, the electromagnetic sensing elements also produce roll and pitch within the circular track. At this time, there is no fear of the decrease of the polarization because the voltage direction is in line with the polarization direction. It is noted that similar roll and pitch motions occur even when the two displacement generating mechanisms are elongated by voltages alternately applied thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, the voltage may be applied simultaneously to both displacement generating mechanisms in such a manner that their displacements are opposite to each other. In other words, the alternating voltage may be applied to both displacement generating means simultaneously in such a way that one lengthens and the other shortens, and vice versa. At this time, the center of roll and pitch motion of the movable portion 44 is defined by the position of the movable portion 44 in the absence of a voltage. Assuming that the same excitation voltage is used here, the amplitude of roll and pitch motions is about twice as large as the case where the voltage is applied alternately. Thus, the one-side displacement generating mechanism of the roll and pitch motions in this case is elongated so that the direction of the excitation voltage is opposite to the polarization direction. Therefore, the polarization of the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer may be attenuated when a high voltage is applied or when a voltage is continuously applied. It is thus required to apply a constant direct-current bias in the same direction as the polarization direction and to superimpose the aforementioned alternating voltage on the bias to obtain an excitation voltage, thereby excluding the possibility that the direction of the excitation voltage is opposite to the polarization direction. In this case, the center of the roll and pitch motions is defined by the state of the displacement generating mechanism when the bias is applied thereto alone.

The illustrated actuator has a structure in which the displacement generating mechanism 41, and the fixed and movable portions 43 and 44 are separate parts integrated with the tool groove by punching a thin sheet-like piezoelectric or electrostrictive material member having an electrode layer formed at a given section. It is therefore possible to improve the rigidity and dimensional accuracy of the actuator without fear of errors in assembly. Furthermore, no adhesive is used for the production of the actuator, since it is very unreliable to attach any adhesive layer at the location of the actuator where stress is generated by deformation of the displacement generating mechanism. It is also pointed out that problems such as transmission loss and change in adhesive strength with time due to the adhesive layer are absolutely unlikely to occur.

As used herein, "piezoelectric or electrostrictive material" refers to a material that can elongate or contract due to the reverse piezoelectric effect or electrostrictive effect. Any desired piezoelectric or electrostrictive material can be used as long as it can be applied to the actuator displacement generating mechanismFor use. However, for reasons of high hardness, it is generally preferred to use ceramic piezoelectric or electrostrictive materials, such as PZT [ Pb (Zr, Ti) O₃〕、PT(PbTiO₃)、PLZT〔(Pb，La)(Zr，Ti)O₃And barium titanate (BaTiO)₃). When the actuator is made of ceramic piezoelectric or electrostrictive material, it can be easily produced using thick film processes such as thin layer processing or printing methods. It is noted that the actuator may also be produced in a thin film process. When the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material has a crystallographic structure, it may be either a polycrystalline structure or a single crystal structure.

No particular limitation is imposed on how the electrode layer is formed; a suitable choice may be made from various processing methods such as printing, firing, sputtering, and drying of the conductive paste, while taking into consideration how to form the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer.

The actuator may have any configuration in which at least one layer of piezoelectric or electrostrictive material having electrode layers on both sides is present on the displacement generating mechanism. However, it is preferred to use a multilayer structure in which two or more such layers of piezoelectric or electrostrictive material are superimposed on one another. The amount of extension and contraction of the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer is proportional to the strength of the electric field. However, the aforementioned multilayer structure makes it possible to make the piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer so thin that a desired electric field strength can be obtained at a low voltage, so that an excitation voltage can be reduced. The amount of elongation and contraction can become much larger using the same excitation voltage as for the single layer structure. The thickness of the layer of piezoelectric or electrostrictive material is not critical and can therefore be determined depending on various conditions, such as the excitation voltage, the total amount of elongation and contraction required, and the ease of manufacture. However, a thickness of about 5 μm to about 50 μm is generally preferred in the practice of the present invention. Also, the upper limit of the number of piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layers superimposed on each other is not critical, and thus can be determined in such a manner that a displacement generating mechanism having a desired thickness can be obtained. It is noted that the layer of coated piezoelectric or electrostrictive material is typically disposed on the outermost electrode layer.

The slider 2 is made of a ceramic having a relatively low electrical resistance, e.g. Al₂O₃-TiC or Mn-Zn ferrite. The slider 2 is provided with a magnetic core or coil on one side thereof through an insulating layer to form the electromagnetic sensor element 1.

Although not illustrated, the suspension 3 is provided with an interconnection pattern for energizing the actuator 4 and an interconnection pattern connected to the electromagnetic sensor element 1 on its surface according to circumstances. The suspension 3 may also be provided with a head-driving IC chip (read/write IC) on its surface. If a signal processing IC is mounted on the suspension, it is possible to reduce the length of the interconnection pattern from the electromagnetic sensor element to the signal processing IC, so that the signal frequency can be increased due to the reduction of the inductance component.

Although the present invention is applicable to the case of using the actuator of the integral structure shown in fig. 11, it is to be understood that the present invention is also applicable to various actuators having an assembled structure using piezoelectric elements, actuators applying electrostatic force, and various cases where electromagnetic force is applied.

The suspension 3 is typically constructed of a resilient metallic material, such as stainless steel. It is also acceptable to construct the suspension 3 from an insulating material such as resin. On the other hand, a portion thereof has a general structure for an interconnection pattern in which a resin-coated wire is brought into close contact with a suspension surface. No particular limitation is imposed on how to form the interconnection pattern having such a structure; it is preferable to use a method in which an insulating resin film is formed on the surface of the suspension 3 and then a wire is formed on the resin film by forming another resin film thereon as a protective film, and a method in which an interconnection film (flexible wiring substrate) having a multilayer structure including such resin film and wire is bonded to the suspension 3.

In the head support mechanism constructed according to the present invention as described above, the slider is grounded so as to prevent electrostatic breakdown of the electromagnetic sensor element. How the slider is grounded according to the present invention will now be specifically described.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a ground region of the suspension is electrically connected to the slider by an electrical connection member which is movable and/or deformable by the actuator in the displacement direction of the slider.

An exemplary structure of the first aspect of the present invention is shown in fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating a slider 2 attached to a suspension 3 by an actuator 4. The adhesive 7a is used to bond the fixed portion 43 of the actuator 4 to the suspension 3 and to bond the movable portion 44 of the actuator 4 to the slider 2. The suspension 3 is made of a conductive material, such as metal, and is held at ground potential. Thus, the suspension 3 itself provides the above-described ground region. The slider 2 and the suspension 3 are electrically connected together with highly flexible leads 8 so that electrostatic energy generated on the slider 2 flows to the suspension 3 through the leads 8. Note here that the lead 8 is bonded to the slider 2 and the suspension 3 with conductive adhesives 7b and 7b, respectively.

Another exemplary structure of the first aspect of the present invention is shown in fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the slider 2 attached to the suspension 3 via the actuator 4, as viewed from the side of the suspension 3 opposite to the medium. As shown in fig. 2, the suspension 3 is provided on its surface with a ground wire 90, one end of which is connected to a ground electrode 91 defining the above-described ground area. The other end of the ground wire 90 is connected to an electrical conductor (HDD case or the like) at ground potential. The ground electrode 91 and the slider 2 are electrically connected together with a highly flexible lead wire 8, that is, the slider 2 is grounded. Note here that the lead 8 is bonded to the slider 2 and the suspension 3 with conductive adhesives 7b and 7b, respectively. In fig. 2, reference numeral 52 denotes an actuator drive wire assembly which includes two signal wires and one ground wire and is arranged in close contact with the surface of the suspension 3. Reference numeral 51 denotes a signal line electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensor element. The signal line extends from the rear surface of the suspension 3 and returns around the front end of the suspension 3, terminating at the connection with the terminal electrode group in the electromagnetic sensor element provided on the slider 2.

According to the configuration of fig. 1 and 2, in which the lead wires 8 used are highly flexible, the actuator 4 can be displaced without disturbance under the ground of the slider 2. In addition, the position where the lead 8 is bonded to the slider 2 can be selected relatively freely. According to the structure shown in fig. 2, the slider 2 can be grounded even when the suspension 3 is made of an insulating material.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of yet another configuration of the first aspect of the present invention. In fig. 1, the actuator 4 is located on the back side of the slider 2, i.e. the surface of the slider 2 opposite the suspension 3. In fig. 3, however, the actuator 4 is arranged at the side of the slider 2 in order to keep the overall height of the structure low. Otherwise, the structure of fig. 3 is the same as that of fig. 1. In all aspects encompassed within the first aspect of the invention, the slider is positioned relative to the actuator as shown in either of fig. 1 and 3.

According to a second aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the actuator is provided with a conductive region through which the ground region of the suspension is electrically connected to the slider.

An exemplary structure of the second aspect of the invention is shown in fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a side view illustrating the slider 2 attached to the suspension 3 by the actuator 4. The suspension 3 is made of a conductive material such as metal, and is held at a ground potential. The actuator is provided on its surface with a ground conductor 9 which takes the shape of the above-mentioned conductive area in such a way that the fixed part 43 and the movable part 44 are connected. The fixed portion 43 of the actuator 4 is bonded to the suspension 3 and the movable portion 44 of the actuator 4 is bonded to the slider 2 using conductive adhesives 7b and 7b, respectively. These adhesives 7b and 7b cover one end and the other end of the above-described ground conductor 9. Thus, the slider 2 is grounded.

Although depending on the type of actuator used, it is noted that the entire or surface portions of the actuator may be made of an electrically conductive material. In this case, the entire or surface portion of the actuator may serve as the above-described conductive region to connect the slider with the ground.

Another exemplary structure of the second aspect of the present invention is shown in fig. 5. The actuator 4 shown in fig. 5 is a multilayer piezoelectric actuator as described above. As already described, the multilayer piezoelectric actuator has a structure in which a piezoelectric or electrostrictive material layer is sandwiched between a pair of electrode layers. In the structure of FIG. 5, the ground electrode (ground conductor 9 shown in FIG. 5) is one of the pair of electrode layers, which serves as the conductive region described above to connect the slider 2 to ground. Further, both ends of the ground conductor 9 are exposed at the side of the actuator 4. Then, the conductive adhesives 7b and 7b are used, respectively, so that one end of the conductor 9 is electrically connected to the suspension 3 and the other end is electrically connected to the slider 2, thereby connecting the slider 2 to the ground. Otherwise, the structure of fig. 5 is the same as that of fig. 4.

According to the structures shown in fig. 4 and 5, when the actuator 4 is bonded to the suspension 3 and the slider 2, a conductive adhesive is used instead of the conventional adhesive, respectively. When manufacturing the actuator 4, it is only necessary to form or expose the ground conductor 9 to connect the slider 2 to ground. The displacement capability of the actuator 4 is therefore not compromised at all when the slider 2 is connected to ground. In addition, the number of steps for connecting the slider 2 to the ground can be reduced.

In the structures of fig. 4 and 5, only a conductive adhesive is utilized. In some cases, however, conductive adhesives are less tacky than conventional adhesives. This is because the conductive adhesive generally includes an adhesive resin in which a conductive material, such as silver foil or carbon powder, is dispersed. If desired, it is therefore acceptable to use a conductive adhesive in combination with such a general adhesive.

Yet another structure of the second aspect of the invention is shown in fig. 6. As shown, an interconnect pattern is provided that includes a flexible wiring substrate including a signal line electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensing element on slider 2. This interconnection pattern is constituted by a close contact line 5A in close contact with the surface of the suspension 3, and a floating line 5B extending from the suspension 3 to the slider 2. Note here that a drive line of the actuator is not shown.

The interconnection pattern includes a close contact line 5A and a floating line 5B, which are formed by forming a close contact line including a flexible wiring substrate on a surface of the suspension 3 opposed to the medium, and then removing a front end portion of the suspension 3, thereby putting a part of the close contact line in a floating state. In the illustrated structure, a terminal electrode group electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensor element is formed in advance on the front end portion of the suspension 3. Then, a part of the front end portion of the suspension 3 is removed so that the vicinity of the terminal electrode group remains as the terminal electrode plate 32. Subsequently, the floating wire 5B is turned or bent to the slider 2 side so that one surface of the terminal electrode plate 32 is bonded to the slider 2 and the other surface is bonded to the actuator 4 while connecting the terminal electrode plate to the terminal electrode group on the slider 2. The removal of a part of the suspension 3 can be achieved, for example, by stamping or wet etching.

The structure of fig. 6 is similar to that of fig. 5 in that the ground conductor 9 of the actuator 4 serves as the above-mentioned conductive region to connect the slider 2 to ground. However, in the structure of fig. 6, at the side of the movable portion 44 of the actuator 4, the ground conductor 9 is connected to one surface of the terminating electrode plate 32 with the conductive adhesive 7b, and the slider 2 is connected to the other surface of the terminating electrode plate 32 with the conductive adhesive 7 b. The terminating electrode plate 32 is made of the same conductive material as that of the suspension 3 so that the slider 2 can be electrically connected to the suspension 3.

In the structure of fig. 5 and 6, the conductive suspension 3 and the ground conductor 9 are connected together with conductive adhesives 7b and 7b so that the slider 2 can be connected to ground through them. Alternatively, the ground conductor 9 may be connected to a ground line, which in turn extends to the suspension 3 side. For example, as shown in fig. 2, an actuator drive line 52 including a ground line may be used. In this case, the ground wire may be connected to the conductive suspension 3 or an electric conductor (HDD case or the like) at ground potential. In the former case, a ground line drawn from somewhere in the interconnection pattern may be connected to the suspension 3, as in the case of the ground line 90 of fig. 10. In the latter case, the suspension 3 does not have to be an electrical conductor. If a ground line is used, it is possible to minimize the change in the manufacturing process for connecting the slider 2 to ground. In addition, since the bonding of the actuator 4 and the suspension 3 can be performed with a general adhesive, it is possible to achieve higher adhesive strength than with a conductive adhesive.

A magnetic head according to a third aspect of the present invention includes an interconnection pattern including a line electrically connected to an electromagnetic sensing element and a ground line connected to a slider. The interconnection pattern includes a close contact line in close contact with the suspension, and a floating line extending from the suspension to the slider. The line of intimate contact may be displaced and/or deformed by the actuator in the direction of displacement of the slider.

An exemplary structure of the third aspect of the present invention is shown in fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the slider 2 attached to the suspension 3 by the actuator 4, as seen from the side of the suspension 3 opposite to the medium.

As shown in FIG. 7, an interconnection pattern is provided which includes a flexible wiring substrate 51 including a signal line electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensor element on the slider 2. This interconnection pattern is constituted by a close contact line 5A which is in close contact with the surface of the suspension 3, and a floating line 5B which extends from the suspension 3 to the slider 2 side. In fig. 7, reference numeral 52 denotes an actuator drive line, which is arranged in close contact with the surface of the suspension 3.

The interconnection pattern includes a close contact line 5A and a floating line 5B, which are formed by forming the close contact line including a flexible wiring substrate on the surface of the suspension 3 opposed to the medium, and then removing the front end portion of the suspension 3, thereby putting a part of the close contact line in a floating state. In the illustrated structure, a terminal electrode group 94 of four terminal electrodes is formed in advance on the front end portion of the flexible wiring substrate and included. Then, a part of the front end portion of the suspension 3 is removed so that the vicinity of the terminal electrode group 94 remains as the terminal electrode plate 32. Subsequently, the floating wire 5B is turned or bent to the slider 2 side so that the terminal electrode plate 32 is bonded to the rear surface of the slider 2, and the terminal electrode group 94 is connected to the terminal electrode group on the slider 2. Note, however, that it is not necessarily required to form the terminating electrode plate 32, that is, it is acceptable to connect the floating line 5B directly to the terminating electrode group on the slider 2. The removal of a part of the suspension 3 can be achieved, for example, by stamping or wet etching.

In fig. 7, the floating wire 5B is formed so that it can be connected to the terminal electrode group on the slider 2, and when set in such a connected state, can be moved and/or deformed in the displacement direction of the slider 2 by the actuator 4. Therefore, the floating wire 5B does not impair the displacement capability of the actuator 4.

The interconnection pattern including the close contact line 5A and the floating line 5B includes a ground line 90 in addition to the signal line 51 electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensor element. The ground wire 90 is connected at one end to a ground electrode 91 and at the other end to an electric conductor (HDD case or the like) at ground potential, and the ground electrode 91 is juxtaposed to a terminal electrode group 94 formed on the floating wire 5B. The ground electrode 91 is electrically connected to the slider 2 by a conductive adhesive, gold ball or other similar means, i.e. the slider 2 can be connected to ground.

In the structure of fig. 7, the ground electrode 91 on the floating line 5B is electrically connected to the surface of the slider 2 on which the electromagnetic sensor element is formed. However, as shown in FIG. 8, when the low-resistance ceramic material, such as Al, is not exposed on the surface₂O₃TiC, it can be attached to the side of the slider 2 where the low resistance ceramic material is exposed by changing the position of the ground electrode 91. As shown in fig. 9, if the ground electrode 91 on the floating line 5B is connected to the ground through the lead wire 8, it is possible to select the position to be connected to the slider in a relatively free manner.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the slider 2 is connected to the ground using the flex line like the floating line 5B, the displacement capability of the actuator 4 is hardly impaired when the slider 2 is connected to the ground. When the slider 2 is connected to ground, it is not necessary to change the structure of the actuator 4. This aspect can be implemented with a more reduced number of steps than other aspects, and is therefore most suitable for automation.

Another exemplary structure of the third aspect of the present invention is shown in fig. 10. As shown in fig. 10, the end of the ground wire 90 drawn out from the close contact wire 5A is fixed to the suspension 3 with a conductive adhesive 7 b. In this structure, the suspension 3 is made of a conductive material. Otherwise, the structure of fig. 10 is the same as that of fig. 8.

According to still another structure of the third aspect of the present invention, the close contact line 5A may be formed on the surface of the suspension 3 facing the back medium. The floating line 5B abutting this close contact line 5A is then allowed to bypass the suspension 3 and terminate at the slider 2.

In the magnetic head according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the front end portion of the suspension turns or bends toward the slider side, and it has a flexible region that can be moved and/or deformed in the displacement direction of the slider by the actuator. An interconnection pattern arranged in intimate contact with a surface of the flexible region includes a line electrically connected to the electromagnetic sensing element and a ground line electrically connected to the slider.

The magnetic head according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can be manufactured by applying a process similar to that of the magnetic head according to the third aspect of the present invention. Referring back to fig. 7, which illustrates a third aspect of the invention, the termination electrode pads 32 are completely separated from the suspension 3. However, when the magnetic head according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is manufactured, it is acceptable to bring the terminal electrode pads 32 into partial contact with the suspension 3, thereby allowing the above-described interconnection pattern to be in close contact with the area of partial contact. Then, the front end portion of the suspension is turned or bent such that the terminating electrode plate bypasses the actuator 4 and reaches the slider 2 as in the case of the terminating electrode plate 32 shown in fig. 7. With this structure, it is required that the front end portion of the suspension is sufficiently low in rigidity to turn or bend as described above and can be displaced and/or deformed in the displacement direction of the slider by the actuator. The flexible region having such low rigidity may be formed by etching both ends of the front end portion of the suspension after forming the close contact line as described above. Alternatively, it is acceptable to use a suspension of such a shape that is constructed in advance, which has a front end portion with reduced rigidity. Further, as in the case of the third aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessarily required to form the terminal electrode sheet 32.

Although the present invention is described with reference to an HDD head among write/read heads, it is to be understood that the present invention is also applicable to optical disk systems. Conventional optical disc systems utilize an optical pickup that includes an optical assembly that includes at least one lens. The optical pickup is designed such that the lens can be mechanically adjusted to focus on the recording surface of the optical disc. In recent years, near field recording has been proposed in order to achieve ever higher recording densities for optical discs [ see "nikkeieletrocnics", 1997.6.16(No.691), page 99 ]. This near field recording utilizes a flying head similar to that used for flying magnetic heads. Mounted inside the slider is an optical assembly that includes a hemispherical lens called a solid immersion lens or SIL, a magnetic field modulation recording coil, and a prefocusing lens. Another type of flying head for near field recording is disclosed in U.S. patent No.5,497,359. With higher recording densities, such a suspension head is increasingly required to have higher tracking accuracy as in the case of an HDD head. Thus, the micro-displacement actuator is also effective for the suspension head. Therefore, the present invention is also applicable to such a write/read head (optical head) for an optical recording medium.

More generally, an optical head to which the present invention is applicable includes a slider similar to that in the magnetic head described above, and in which an optical component is built-in or which itself is constituted by the optical component. The optical assembly includes at least one lens with a lens actuator and a magnetic field generating coil incorporated therein, if desired. Such an optical head includes, for example, not only a flying head for near-field recording as described immediately above but also an optical head in which a slider is slidable on a surface of a recording medium, i.e., a pseudo-contact type or a contact type optical head. In order to make it easy to understand the case where the present invention is applied to an optical head, the electromagnetic sensor element in the foregoing description should be read out as an optical head. It will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to a quasi-contact or contact type head.

Conceptually, the term "write/read head" as used herein shall include write/read heads, write-only heads, and read-only heads. Also, the term "write/read system" as used herein is intended to include write/read systems, write-only systems, and read-only systems. The term "recording medium" as used herein shall also include read-only media, such as read-only optical discs, in addition to recordable media.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the write/read head support mechanism of the present invention, the slider can be connected to the ground without impairing the displacement capability of the actuator, and therefore any electrostatic breakdown of the electromagnetic sensor element or the optical component can be prevented without sacrificing their positioning accuracy.

Claims (2)

1. A write/read head support mechanism comprising a slider provided with an electromagnetic sensing element or an optical unit and a suspension on which said slider is supported by an actuator for moving said slider, and

at least a part of the actuator is provided with a conductive area through which the suspension has a ground region electrically connected to the slider, wherein a ground electrode for driving the actuator is used as the conductive area.

2. A write/read system comprising the write/read head support mechanism according to claim 1.