GB2178585A - Storage media transducer loading/unloading and carriage lock mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A transducer 16 is mounted on cantilevered beam 18 extending from carriage (20) which positions the transducer relative to the tracks on a magnetic hard disc 12, a hinged plate 30 selecting between working and idle conditions. A bevelled edge 40 of plate 30 lifts beam 18 to distance the transducer from the disc. Plate 30 also acts as a stop maintaining carriage 20 in its fully retracted position. When plate 30 is swung to the broken line position, the transducer drops onto the disc and the carriage is permitted to move in radially relative to the disc. The plate (30) is held in its two positions by a spring-loaded latch mechanism. A separation element formed by a rotatable cylinder with oblique angled surfaces may be provided. A plurality of transducers may be loaded/unloaded (Fig. 5), and the separator element may be operated by a trigger member (50) (Figs. 6, 7, 8) or solenoid operated pin. Rate of carriage movement may control rate of head loading/unloading. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Storage media transducer loading/unloading and carriage lock mechanism BACKGROUND This invention relates to the field of disk drives used with computer systems for the storage of information, and more particularly to a method and apparatus which provides for the loading/unloading of a magnetic transducer from an associated storage medium, and the further locking of a head carriage mechanism at a selected position.

With the increased use of computers, and in particular microprocessors fabricated as integrated circuits, there has been a growing demand for devices which provide for the permanent storage of information for use therewith. In the past, there has been wide use of a magnetic medium comprised of a flexible magnetic disc, generally referred to as a floppy disk. While such a medium does provide for the permanent storage of information, both significantly improved amounts of storage as well as decreased access times have been made possible through the use of a rigid disk medium rotating at a relative high rate of speed.Broadly speaking, such a rigid disk storage apparatus is typically comprised of one or more rigid disks coated with a material having selected magnetic properties, permanently mounted in a sealed enclosure containing not only the rigid disks, but also the magnetic transducers to effect the transfer of information onto and off of the surface of the rigid disks. In normal operation, the magnetic transducers "ride" or "fly" above the surface of the rigid disk on a thin layer of air created by the rotation of the rigid disk. The magnetic transducers are consequently only in contact with the surface of the rigid disk when the rigid disk is not rotating at the desired operational speed, i.e., when the rigid disk is either turned off, or is in a transitional phase of either coming up to speed in response to being turned on, or is slowing down subsequent to being turned off.With continual refinements in the associated technology, the price and physical size of rigid disk storage devices has steadily decreased, with a corresponding increase in storage capacity and reliability. There has consequently been a growing trend toward the increased use of rigid disk media for the permanent storage of information, particularly in connection with microprocessor devices.

While the rigid disk storage devices have provided an attractive solution for the permanent storage of large amounts of information, there has nevertheless been a number of long standing problems associated with the use thereof. In particular, as the magnetic transducers associated therewith are in contact with the surface of the rigid disk medium when the apparatus is first turned on, they consequently present a significant resistance to the rotation of the rigid disk. This resistance continues until the rotational speed of the rigid disk is sufficient to generate the necessary air foil on which the magnetic transducers "fly" above the surface of the rigid disk. In designs of rigid disk ilnits employing multiple rigid disks, there is typically a magnetic transducer associate with each side of each disk.This presents a number of undesirable situtations. In particular, the presence of the magnetic transducers on the surfaces of the rigid disk media results in a requirement of a significantly greater force to rotate the rigid disk media. Once the magnetic transducers are no longer in contact with the surface of the rigid'disk, the necessary force to rotate the rigid disks is significantly reduced. The requirement for greater starting torque necessarily results in greater power required by the rigid disk to reach the desired operational speed.

However, while reduced starting power requirements is an important consideration, particularly with respect to portable devices employing rigid disks storage devices which operate from a battery supply, of more significance is the undesirable abrasive contact which takes place between each surface of the rigid disk and the associated magnetic transducer during both the start up and shut down phases. Such abrasive contact is clearly undesirable, as such not only could result in damage to the surface of the rigid disk, and consequent loss of information stored thereon, but also results in undesirable wear of the magnetic transducers.

While the foregoing illustrates one situtation in which undesirable contact is made with the surface of the rigid disk, there are yet other ways, particularly with respect to the typical mechanical relationship which exist between the magnetic transducers and the rigid disk media.

In a rigid disk storage device, the associated magnetic transducer is typically mounted at one end of a cantilever positioning arm, in such a fashion that the magnetic transducer may be positioned at selected radial positions across the surface of the rigid disk by the radial movement of the cantilevered positioning arm. While such an arrrangement does provide the necesesary radial positioning function, movement of the magnetic transducer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the rigid disk may occur in response to unexpected physical movement of the rigid disk enclosure. Such perpendicular motion may cause the magnetic transducer to strike the surface of the rigid disk, resulting in damage to either the magnetic transducer, the surface of the rigid disk, or both.

In addition thereto, uncontrolled motion of the magnetic transducer may occur across the surface of the rigid disk in a radial fashion when the rigid disk apparatus is in a power down state. As the positioning motor employed to position the magnetic transducer with respect to the surface of the rigid disk is permanently coupled to the magnetic transducers through the cantilevered positioning arm, the operational characteristics of the head positioning motor in a power down status will in part determine potential movement characteristics of the heads across the surface of the rigid disk. In the past, stepper motors have been widely used to effect the required positioning of the magnetic transducers.As stepper motors typically have a residual cogging torque in a power down state which tends to oppose the rotation of the shaft thereof, such cogging torque acts to inhibit motion of the magnetic transducers across the surface of a rigid disk to a limited degree. In this regard, it is to be understood that such residual cogging torque is typically not sufficient to insure the complete absence of the undesirable radial motion. However, with increasing storage densities of rigid disks, the distance between adjacent tracks on the surface of rigid disks has steadily decreased, to the point that stepper motors frequently do not provide sufficient resolution in positioing accuracy.

Consequently, different types of positioning motors are now being used, e.g., Voice Coil and D.C. motors. Unfortunately, the types of motors typically used in newer designs do not provide a residual cogging torque in the power down state. Consequently, the possibility for undesired radial motion of the magnetic transducers is significantly greater in designs employing such motors.

There have been a number of approaches taken in the past to reduce the risk of damage from the foregoing discussed factors. With respect to the rigid disk media itself, improved materials used in the manufacture thereof have resulted in rigid disk surfaces which are less susceptible to damage resulting from either an undesirable direct or abrasive contact with the magnetic transducers. In a similar fashion, improvements in-the design of the magnetic transducers have likewise improved not only the ruggedness of the transducers, but have likewise reduced the possibility of damage to the rigid disk media. In this regard, it is to be understood that such improvements have operated to only reduce the risks of damage, rather than eliminate it completely.

In another approach to reduce the risk of damage, prior to removing power from the rigid disk apparatus, the magnetic transducers are first positioned over an area on the rigid disk which is not used for the storage of information, e.g., the inner perimeter of the rigid disk. As a consequence thereof, contact between the magnetic transducers and the surface of the rigid disk is restricted to the surface of the rigid disk where information is not stored. While such an approach does offer some degree of reduction in the risk of damage to information stored on the rigid disk, a number of undesirable aspects are necessarily associated with this technique. In particular, a portion of the surface of the rigid disk is required, thereby reducing the surface available for the storage of information. In addition, a risk of damage to the magnetic transducer still exists.In addition, there is typically not a provision to restrict the radial motion of the magnetic transducers across the surface of the disk during the power down state. Consequently undesirable mechanical shock or vibration could result in movement of the magnetic transducers to an area on the surface of the rigid disk used for the storage of information.

Another technique employed in the past involves the physical lifting and subsequent holding of the magnetic transducers away from the surface of the rigid disk. This process is referred to as "unloading" the magnetic transducers. Thereafter, the magnetic transducers may be lowered toward the surface of the rigid disk. This process is referred to as "loading" the magnetic transducers. The loading and unloading of the magnetic transducers is typically performed by an associated mechanism.

In the past, loading and unloading of magnetic transducers has been typically accomplished through geometric design characteristics of the cantilevered beam to which the magnetic heads are attached, in conjunction with a statically positioned separating element.

The magnetic transducers are unloaded in response to being positioned radially outward past a selected peripherial point. In a similar fashion, the magnetic transducers may be loaded by being positioned radially inward past the selected peripherial point. While such an approach does provide for the loading and unloading of the magnetic transducers, such a design typically requires a longer head carriage stroke, and must incorporate a separate mechanism to prevent radial motion of the head carriage assembly.

With increased emphasis on portability of microprocessor based devices, and the use of rigid disks as storage devices in connection therewith, the aforedescribed conditions become even more significant.

In addition to the foregoing, advances in the technology relating to storage media are expected to likewise require either a non-contacting or a closely controlled contacting relationship between the storage mdium and associated transducers.

There is consequently a significant need for a method and apparatus which provides for the unloading of magnetic trandsucers from an associated storage media, as well as a means to restrict undesirable radial motion of the magnetic transducers across the surface of thereof.

SUMMARY In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus are disclosed which provide for the selective loading and unloading of one or a plurality of magnetic transducers, while simultaneously inhibiting radial motion of the magnetic transducers across the surface of an associated storage medium. Broadly stated, a separator element is configured for motion in close proximity to the cantilevered members onto which the magnetic transducers are affixed. In a first position of the separator element, normal operation of the head carriage assembly may occur, i.e., the magnetic transducers are in a loaded state, and radial motion of the magnetic transducers is not inhibited.In a second position of the separator element, however, the magnetic transducers are unloaded from the rigid disk medium, and an associated carriage assembly is locked in a selected position, thereby inhibiting radial motion of the magnetic transducers. The transition between the two positions of the separator element operates to perform the unloading/loading of the magnetic transducers.

The separator element has a one or a plurality of selectively angled surfaces which, when brought into contact with a portion of a cantilevered beam associated with a magnetic head by the rotational travel between the aforegoing described two positions, operates to effect vertical movement of the magnetic transducers affixed to the cantilevered beam. In particular, when the separator element is moved from the first position toward the second position, the selectively angled surface on the separator element is brought into contact with the cantilevered beam in such a manner that continued rotation of the separator element toward the second position operates to effect vertical displacement of the cantilevered beam, and consequently vertical displacement of the magnetic head, in a direction perpendicular to, and away from, the surface of the storage medium.In a similar fashion, movement of the separator element from the second position toward the first position operates to effect vertical displacment of the cantilevered beam, and consequently vertical displacment of the magnetic head, in a direction perpendicular to, and toward the surface of the storage medium. Consequently, motion of the separator element between the first and second positions operates to effect vertical motion of an associated magnetic head either toward or away from the storage medium. Positioning of the separator element in the second position further operates to inhibit radial motion of the magentic transducers by preventing motion of the head carriage assembly.

A further feature of the present invention provides for the effective locking of the separator element in both the first and second positions.

In addition to the foregoing, the energy necessary to effect motion of the separator element from the first position to the second position is stored in a spring device. As a consequence thereof, it is only necessary to trip a trigger element to effect the unloading of the the magnetic transducers from the rigid disk media, and the locking of the head carriage mechanism in a selected position. In particular, according to the method and apparatus of the present invention, displacement of a point of connection of the spring to the separator element from an axis of rotation thereon toward the desired direction of rotation produces a stored torque acting about the axis of rotation of the separator element.The second point of connection of the spring to the trigger element is in such a fashion that the trigger element is drawn against the separator element in abutting contact thereto to inhibit the movement thereof. Consequently, stored energy in the spring operates to maintain the separator element in the first position. Movement of the trigger element in such a fashion to separate the abutting contact between the separator element and the trigger element operates to release the restraining force provided thereby, allowing the energy stored in the spring to effect rotation of the separator element into the aforedescribed second position.

Movement of the separator element from the first position to the second position effects the unloading the magnetic transducers. Location of the separator element in the second position operates to prevent radial motion of the magnetic transducers by producing a restraining force inhibiting motion of the head carriage assembly.

Once the separator has reached the second position, restoring the trigger element to its original position operates to lock the separator element in the aforedescribed second position through a geometric locking relation between a surface on the separator element and the trigger element.

Broadly stated, the separator element is returned to the first position by moving the trigger element in such a manner to release the aforedescribed geometric locking relation there between. Motion of the head carriage assembly then operates to move the separator element back toward the first position. Thereafter, release of the trigger element operates to complete the return of the separator element to the first position.

Once the separator element has returned to the first position, the trigger element functions to maintain the separator element in the first position by providing a continuous torque thereon.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, motion of the head carriage assembly may be combined with the operation of the trigger element to effect unloading of the magnetic head in a selected, controlled manner.

A further feature of the present invention are the operational requirements of the separator element: In particular, it is only necessary to temporarily remove the contact between the trigger element and the separator element to effect the unloading of the magnetic heads and locking of the head carriage mechanism.

In a similar manner, it is only necessary to again temporarily remove the contact between the trigger element and the separator element, and subsequent motion of the head carriage assembly, to effect the loading of the magnetic heads, the un-locking of the head carraige mechanism, and the return of the separator element to the aforedescribed first position. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, energy is only required to effect transitions between the two positions of the separator element. It should be particulary noted that energy is not required to maintain the separator element in either the first or second positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a functional illustration of a rigid disk with associated magnetic transducer, cantilevered beam and carriage assembly.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a functional illustration of an embodiment of a hinged separator element in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top view of a functional illustration of an embodiment of a hinged separator element in accordance with the present invention, in conjunction with a rigid disk, magnetic transducer and head carriage assembly.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a functional illustration of an embodiment of a hinged separator element in accordance with the present invention, in conjunction with a rigid disk, magnetic transducer and head carriage assembly.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a functional illustration of an alternate embodiment of a hinged separator element in accordance with the present invention, in conjunction with a rigid disk, magnetic transducer and head carriage assembly.

Figure 6 is a functional side view of the alternate embodiment of the hinged separator element of Figure 5, with an associated trigger element in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 6, illustrating the hinged separator element in the first position.

Figure 8 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 6, illustrating the hinged separator element in the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invetion, a method and apparatus is disclosed which provides not only for the loading and unloading of magnetic transducers from an associated storage medium, but also for inibiting the radial motion of magnetic transducers across the storage medium by preventing motion of a head carriage mechanism.

For the purpose of illustrating the operation of the present invention, a storage medium comprising a rigid disk will be used. It is however to be understood that such is not to be in anyway interpreted as limiting the application of the present invention to use with rigid disk type of storage devices. To the contrary, application of the present invention to other types of storage devices would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 1 broadly illustrates several of the functional elements of a typical rigid disk storage system 10. Referring to Figure 1, a Rigid Disk 12 is coupled to a Motor 14, which operates to rotate Rigid Disk 12. Magnetic Transducer 16 mounted at one end of a Cantilevered Beam 18 operates to effect the transfer of information to and from the Rigid Disk 12. Cantilevered Beam 18 is coupled to a Carriage 20 which is configured to move in one dimemsion by a motion means (not shown). Magnetic Transducer 16 is moved in a radial fashion across the surface of Rigid Disk 12 by the motion of Carriage 20. For the purposes of the present discussion, Magnetic Transducer 16, Cantilevered Beam 18 and Carriage 20 will be hereinafter referred to collectively as the Head Carriage Assembly.

While the foregoing illustrates the fundamental elements in a rigid disk storage system, it will be understood that there are many alternate methods by which the functions of the foregoing elements may be achieved, including magnetic transducer positioning apparatus which operates to position magnetic transducers in an arc, rather than in a radial fashion, across the surface of the rigid disk. Consequently, the following description of the inventive concepts of the present invention are not to be considered as limited in application to a rigid disk system comprised of elements which function as above described.

Referring now to Figure 2, in accordance with the present invention, a Separator Element 30 is hinged for rotation along one end 32 thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the function of the hinge is achieved through the use of pins 34 and 36 which function not only to provide a means for mounting Separator Element 30 to a desired structure 38, but also provide for the hinged rotation thereof. It is again to be understood that while the preferred embodiment employes a pin arrangement to effect the desired rotation of Separator Element 30 about one end 32 thereof, many other configurations would likewise be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Consequently, the particular manner choosen to effect the above described rotation of the separator element is not to be considered in a manner so as to limit the present invention to the use of pins to achieve the desired rotation.

Separator Element 30 has further associated therewith a surface 40 which is at an oblique angle to the direction of rotation of Separator Element 30.

Figure 3 broadly illustrates, from an overhead perspective, the positional relationships between Separator Element 30, the Head Carriage Assembly and Rigid Disk 12 previously discussed with respect to Figure 1. Figure 3 is similar to Figures 1 and 2, and corresponding elements have been given like reference designators. Referring now to Figure 3, Separator Element 30 may be rotated bewteen a first position 42, illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 3, and a second position 44, illustrated in solid lines in Figure 3. In the first position 42, Separator Element 30 is positioned out of the path of travel of the Head Carriage Assembly, and adjacent to a support wall 43 parallel to the surface of Separator Element 30. Consequently, movement of Carriage 20 operates to position Magnetic Transducer 16 in a radial fashion across the surface of Disk 12.However, first positioning Carriage 20 such that Magnetic Transducer 16 is positioned over the outer periphery of Disk 12, and subsequent movement of Separator Element 30 into the second positon 44, operates to place a portion of Separator Element 30 in the line of travel of the Head Carriage Assembly, thereby restricting the radial motion of Magnetic Transducer 16 across the surface of Disk 12.

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 3. Corresponding elements have again been given like reference designators. Referring now to Figure 4, as Separator Element 30 is moved from the first position 42 to the second position 44, oblique angled surface 40 will be brought into contact with the surface of Cantilevered Beam 18. In particular, movement of Separator Element 30 into the path of the Head Carriage Assembly will operate to unload Magnetic Transducer 16 up off of the surface of Rigid Disk 12 by the movement of oblique angled surface 40 along the surface of Cantilevered Beam 18. In a similar fashion, movement of Separator Element 30 from the second position 44 back to the first position 42 will, in a similar manner, operates to load Magnetic Transducer 16 onto the surface of Rigid Disk 12.It should be particularly noted that the rate at which Magnetic Transducer 16 is loaded onto the surface of Rigid Disk 12 may be directly controlled through the rate at which Carriage 20 advances toward Rigid Disk 12. It will be further noted that movement of Separator Element 30 from the second position 44 to the first position 42 also operates to remove Separator Element 30 from the path of travel of Carriage 20. Consequently, Magnetic Transducer 16 may again be moved in a radial fashion across the surface of Rigid Disk 12 by motion of Carriage 20.

In the preferred embodiment, surface 40 is at an angle of approximately 75 degrees with respect to the plane of Separator Element 30.

While the apparatus of Figure 4 illustrates the operation of Separator Element 30 with respect to a single Magnetic Transducer 16 and an associated single surface of Rigid Disk 12, it will be understood that the foregoing described inventive concepts may be easily extended to a plurality of magnetic transducers and associated surfaces of rigid disk storage media, as broadly illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a side persepctive view of a plurality of rigid disks, magnetic transducers with associated cantilevered beams, carriage and separator element configured for a plurality of cantilevered beams. The magnetic transducers and associated cantilevered beam in Figure 5 are illustrated in their loaded state by dotted lines, and in their unloaded state by solid lines.Referring now to Figure 5, Rigid Disk 12A has associated therewith Magnetic Transducers 16A and 16B, mounted at the end of Cantilevered Beams 18A and 18B, respectively. In a similar fashion, Rigid Disk 12B has associated therewith magnetic Transducers 16C and 16D, mounted at the end of Cantilevered Beams 18C and 1 so, respectively. Cantilevered Beams 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D are coupled to Carriage 20. Consequently, Magnetic Heads 16A, 16C, 16B and 16D may be moved in a radial fashion across the upper and lower surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B, respectively, by the motion of Carriage 20. Separator Elrment 31 is similar to Separator Element 30 previously discussed with respect to Figures 2, 3 and 4, and corresponding portions thereon have been given like reference designators.Separator Element 31, however, instead of having a single oblique angled surface 40 as was the case with respect to Separator Element 30, has a plurality of oblique angled surfaces 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D; i.e., an obliqued angled surface for each side of the rigid disk, and associated magnetic transducers and cantilevered beams.

In a similar fashion as was previously discussed with respect to Separator Element 30, Separator Element 31 may be moved between the first position 42, illustrated in Figure 3 in dotted lines, and the second position 44, illustrated in Figure 5 in solid lines. In the first position 42, Separator Element 31 is not in the line of travel of Carriage 20, and is adjacent to support wall 43 (not shown), paralled to the surface of Separator Element 30. In the second position 44, Separator Element 31 is in the line of travel of Carriage 20, thereby preventing the motion thereof.As was the case with respect to a single cantilevered beam previously discussed with respect to Figure 4, movement of Separator Element 31 from the first position 42 toward the second position 44 will bring each of the oblique angled surfaces into contact with a corresponding cantilevered beam: oblique angled surface 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D will be brought into contact with cantilevered beams 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D, respectively. Thereafter, continued movement of Separator Element 31 toward the second position 44 will vertically remove Magnetic Transducers 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D from the respective surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B.As was the case with respect to Separator Element 30, when Separator Element 31 reaches the second position 44, radial motion of Magnetic Transducers 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D across the surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B, respectively, will be inhibited by the presence of Separator Element 31 in the line of travel of Carriage 20. Consequently, when Separator Element 31 is in the second position 44, the magnetic transducers will be removed from the surface of the respective rigid disks, and radial motion of the respective magnetic transducers across the surfaces will be inhibited.

In a similar fashion as was discussed with respect to Figure 4, movement of Separator Element 31 from the second position 44 toward the first position 42 will operate to position Magnetic Transducers 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D onto the respective surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B. In addition, radial movement of Magnetic Transducers 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D across the respective surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B will again be enabled by the movement of Separator Element 31 out of the line of travel of Carriage 20.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that while Separator Elements 30 and 31 previously discussed were implemented as a single plane having surfaces oblique to the direction of travel, that the aforedescribed function of such a separator element may be implemented in yet other configurations, including a rotatable cylinder having surfaces at an oblique angle to the surface of Rigid Disk 12.

It is consequently to be understood that the foregoing described preferred embodiment is for illustration of the operation of apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention, and other implementations which perform the same or similar function are to be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Turning now to the rotational characteristics of the separator element, Figure 6 broadly illustrates a side view of Separator Element 31 previously discussed with respect to Figure 5, and wherein corresponding elements have been given like reference designators. Referring now to Figure 6, Separator Element 31 has a Trigger Element associated therewith.

The Trigger Element is in abutting contact with a surface on the Separator Element when the Separator Element is in either the aforedescribed first or second positions. In the preferred embodiment, the functions of the Trigger Element were implemented through the use of a pivoted member, i.e., Trigger Member 50. Trigger Member 50 may be positioned between a first position 54, indicated in solid lines in Figure 6, and a second position 56, indicated in dashed lines in Figure 6. In the first position 54, Edge 58, of Trigger Member 50 is in abutting contact with Edge 60 of Separator Element 31. In the second position 56, Edge 58 of Trigger Member 50 is not in abutting contact with Edge 60 of Separator Element 31. Edges 58 and 60 of Trigger Member 50 are more fully illustrated and discussed with respect to Figure 7 hereinafter.

Separator Element 31 is coupled to Trigger Merrlber 50 by a Spring 61. Spring 61 is configured between Spring Coupling Point 62 on Separator Element 31, and Spring Coupling Point 64 on Trigger Member 50. Spring 61 consequently operates to keep Trigger Member 50 in abutting relation with Separator Element 31. While Trigger Element 50 will, due to the influence of Spring 60, maintain the previously discussed abutting relation with Separator Element 31, Trigger Element 50 may be moved to the second position 56 by the application of a Trigger Force 66, as more fully discussed hereinafter. For the purposes of the following discussion, Axis Of Rotation 68 indicates the axis about which Separator Element 31 rotates in moving between the previously discussed first and second positions 44 and 46, respectively.

Figure 7 is a top view of Separator Element 31 and Trigger Member 50 previously discussed with respect to Figure 6. Figure 7 further illustrates relational position information of Spring Coupling Point 62 with respect to Axis of Rotation 68, as well as further details relating to the nature of the abutting surfaces between Separator Element 31 and Trigger Member 50. Referring now to Figure 7, it will be observed that the plane in which the force acting through Spring Coupling Point 62 on Separator Element 31 is displaced from Axis of Rotation 68 by a perpendicular distance of D1. Consequently, Spring 60 will produce a rotational torque on Separator Element 31 about Axis of Rotation 68 of Separator Element 31 proportional to the distance D1.

Referring now to the relation between Edge 60 of Separator Element 31 and Edge 58 of Trigger Member 50 previously referenced, Edge 60 of Separator Element 31 is parallel to the Axis of Rotation 68, at an oblique angle to the plane of Separator Element 31, and adjacent to support wall 43. In the preferred embodiment, Edge 60 is at an angle of approximately 50 degrees with respect to the plane of Separator Element 31. Edge 58 of Trigger Member 50 is likewise paralled to Axis of Rotation 68, at an oblique angle to the plane of Separator Element 31. In the pre ferred embodiment, the oblique angle of Edge 58 is different from the oblique angle of Edge 60 of Separator Element 31. In particular, the oblique angle of Edge 58 is greater than the oblique angle of Edge 60 of Separator Element 31, as more fully discussed hereinafter.Edge 58 of Trigger Member 50 is in abutting contact with Edge 60 of Separator Element 31 at Point 59. As Spring 61 is coupled to Trigger Member 50 at Spring Coupling Point 64 as previously discussed, the abutting contact with Edge 60 of Separator Element 31 at Point 59 produces a torque about Axis of Rotation 68 of Separator Element 31 in a direction opposite to that previously discussed with respect to distance D1. The perpendicular distance between the plane in which the force resulting from the aforedescribed abutting contact between Point 59 and Edge 60 from Axis of Rotation 68 is distance D2. Consequently, Spring 60 will produce a rotational torque on Separator Element 31 proportional to the distance D2.As distance D2 is greater than distance D1 in the preferred embodiment, there is a net torque produced about Axis of Rotation 68 of Separator Element 31 in such a fashion to maintain Separator Element 31 in the first positiion 42, adjacent to support wall 43. In the preferred embodiment, Point 59 was positioned in such a manner to achieve the maximum possible distance D2 to maximize the aforedescribed net torque. In further addition, the oblique angle of Edge 58 is greater than the oblique angle of Edge 60 to minimize displacement of Trigger Member 50 in moving between the two aforedescribed positions associated therewith.

The function of support wall 43 is to inhibit the rotation of Separator Element 31 in response to the aforedescribed net torque, thereby maintaining Separator Element 31 in the first positin 42.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that there are many other ways to achieve the same or similar functions previously discussed. Consequently, the description of the particular implementation described in the preferred embodiment herein is not to be considered as limiting the present invention thereto.

To the contrary, many other implementations which may differ from the foregoing description, but have the same or similar function would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and are to be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Separator Element 31 and Trigger Member 50 each have yet further angled surfaces 63, 65 and 67, 69, as more fully discussed hereinafter.

In response to an application of Force 66 to Trigger Element 50, Trigger Element 50 will rotate about Pivot Point 52 thereby removing the torque produced by Trigger Element 50 about Axis of Rotation 68 on Separator Element 31. Thereafter, the torque produced by Spring 60 acting on Separator Element 31 through Spring Contact Point 62 will effect the rotation of Separator Element 31 from the first position 42 toward the second position 44. During the course of travel of Separator Element 31 toward the second position 44, oblique angled surfaces 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D will come into contact with Cantilevered Beams 18A, 188, 18C and 18D previously discussed with respect to Figure 5, and Magnetic Transducers 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D will be removed from the corresponding surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B.Separator Element 31 will continue its rotational travel until it reaches the second position 46 wherein further rotational travel thereof will be inhibited by Stopping Surface 70 of Separator Element 31 (Figure 6) coming into contact with Carriage 20. It should be particularly noted that during the course of travel of Separator Element 31 from position 42 to position 44, the torque acting through Spring Coupling Point 62 thereon will increase. When Separator Element 31 reaches second position 44, the torque produced by Spring 60 on Separator Element 31 acting through Spring Coupling Point 62 on Carriage 20, will act to hold Separator Element 31 firmly against Carriage 20.Consequently, Separator Element 31 is firmly held in second position 44, thereby maintaining Magnetic Heads 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D in an unloaded state, while likewise inhibiting the radial travel thereof across the corresponding surfaces of Rigid Disks 12A and 128 through the presence of Separator Element 31 in the path of travel of Carriage 20. Thereafter, Force 66 may be removed from Trigger Element 50.

Figure 8 illustrates the relationships between Separator Element 31 and Trigger Element 50 when Separator Element 31 is in second position 44, and Force 66 has been removed from Trigger Member 50. Referring now to Figure 8, subsequent to Separator Element 31 achieving the placement of position 44, and the removal of Force 66 from Trigger Member 50, Surfaces 63 and 65 of Separator Element 31 will be parallel to and in abutting relationship with Surfaces 67 and 69, respectively, of Trigger Member 50. Trigger Member 50 is once again held in abutting relationship with Separator Element 31 through the influence of Spring 60 between Spring Contact 62 on Separator Element 31 and Spring Contact 64 on Trigger Member 50.However, rotation of Separator Element 31 in a direction opposite to the torque acting thereon is inhibited by the parallel and abutting relation between surface 63 of Separator Element 31 and Surface 67 of Trigger Member 50. As a consequence thereof, Magnetic Heads 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D (Figure 5) are prevented from moving in a radial fashion across the surface of Rigid Disks 12A and 12B by Stopping Surface 70 of Separator Element 31 against Carriage 20 held in place by the aforedescribed relation between Surfaces 63 and 65 of Separator Element 31, and the corresponding Surfaces 67 and 69 of Trigger Member 50.

Broadly stated, Magnetic Heads 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D may be returned to a loaded condition with respect to Rigid Disks 12A and 12B by the re-application of Force 66 to Trigger Member 50 (Figure 6), the subsequent motion of Carriage 20 against Stopping Surface 70 in such a fashion to restore Separator Element 31 once again to position 42, and the subsequent release of Force 66. In particular, the re-application of Force 66 will operate to remove the parallel and abutting relationship between Surfaces 63 and 65 of Separator Element 31, and the corresponding surfaces 67 and 69 of Trigger Member 50 (Figure 8). Thereafter, motion of Carriage 20 against Stopping Surface 70 of Separator Elememt 31 will result in the rotation of Separator Element 31 toward position 42, and the concurrent loading of Magnetic Heads 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D onto Rigid Disks 12A and 12B.It should be noted with respect to the return of Separator Element 31 to the first position 44, that the operation of Carriage 20 against Separator Element 31 does not effect the return of Separator Element 31 to the first position 31, but rather the movement of Separator Element 31 toward first position 42.

Subsequent to the aforedescribed motion of Carriage 20, the release of Trigger Force 66 from Trigger Member 50 operates to re-establish the previously described abutting relation between corresponding surfaces of Trigger Element 50 and Separator Element 31, i.e., Surfaces 58 and 60, respectively (Figures 6 and 7), thereby again establishing a net rotational torque about Axis of Rotation 68 on Separator Element 31 in a direction opposite to the torque produced by Spring 61 operating through Spring Coupling Point 62. The aforedescribed net torque effects the return of Separator Element 31 to the first position 42.

While the foregoing has described the functions of the Trigger Element in terms of an implementation employing a pivoted member, i.e., Trigger Member 50, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other implementations differing from the particular embodiment employed in the preferred embodiment described herein may likewise be employed; such alternate implementations performing the same or similar functions as those heretofore described. By way of illustration, a solenoid operated pin providing the same or similar function with respect to the abutting surfaces between Separator Element and the Trigger Element could easily be conceived and implemented.Consequently, as was the case with respect to a particular implementation of the Separator Element, such alternate implementation of the functions of the Trigger Ele ment are to be considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

While the foregoing will effect the loading and unloading of magnetic transducers from an associated rigid disk, as well as inhibiting the radial motion thereof, a more controlled loading and unloading of the magnetic trandsucers may be achieved through operation of the Trigger Element in conjuction with control of the rate of motion of the Carriage 20. In particular, Carriage 20 is first moved to a selected position wherein the Separator Element will, in response to operating the Trigger Element, effect the motion of the Separator Element to a position wherein the Separator Element will be in contact with the Carriage 20, but prior to the point of contact between the oblique angled surfaces therein coming into contact with the Cantilevered Beams associated with the Magnetic Transducers.Thereafter, by controlling the rate at which the Carriage 20 is withdrawn, the rate at which the Magnetic Transducers are unloaded form the surface of the associated Rigid Disk may be directly controlled.

In a similar fashion, the manner in which the Magnetic Transducers are loaded may be likewise controlled. In particular, subsequent to the operation of the Trigger Element from a condition wherein the Magnetic Transducers are in an unloaded state as previously described, control of the rate at which the Carriage 20 is advanced will directly control the rate at which the loading of the Magnetic Transducers is performed.

While the foregoing has described a particular configuration employed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many changes or modifications may be made to the foregoing described configuration to achieve the same or similar results. Consequently, the foregoing described configuration is not to be interpreted in a manner so as to limit the inventive concept embraced herein thereto, and all such changes or modifications are to be considered with the spirit and scope of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. Apparatus for loading and unloading a magnetic transducer from a surface of a storage medium, the magnetic transducer being mounted on a cantilevered member coupled to a carriage means, configured for motion across the surface of the storage medium, comprising: separator means, moveable between a first and a second position, wherein said separator means communicates with the cantilevered member in the second position to effect the unloading of the magnetic transducer from the storage medium; motion means coupled to said separator means, for selectively effecting motion of said separator means between the first and second positions.

2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means further comprises cantilevered motion means for effecting motion of the cantilevered member in a direction essentially perpendicular to the surface of the storage medium in response to said separator means moving between the first and second positions.

3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said cantilevered motion means comprises a surface at an oblique angle to the direction of motion of said separator means between the first and second

4. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said cantilevered motion means comprises a surface at an oblique angle to the surface of the storage medium.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means further comprises a plane having a selected width, configured to rotate about a hinge associated therewith, between the first and second position.

6. Apparatus as recited in claim 5 further comprising a surface associated therewith at an oblique angle to the direction of motion between the first and second positions, whereby in the second position the oblique angled surface effects the unloading of the magnetic transducer from the storage medium through contact with the cantilevered member.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means comprises a rotatable cylinder having a surface thereon at an oblique angle to the surface of the storage medium.

8. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means further comprises a surface associated therewith positioned, responsive to the presence of said separator means in the second position, in a direction of travel of the carriage means.

9. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means further comprises a plane having a selected width, configured to rotate about a hinge associated therewith between a first and a second position, having a surface at an oblique angle to the surface of the storage medium, contacting and displacing the cantilevered member in the second position.

10. Apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising a surface contacting the carriage means in the second position.

11. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said separator means further comprises a plane having a selected width, configured to rotate about an axis of rotation through a hinge associated therewith, between a first and a second position, having a surface at an oblique angle to the surface of the storage medium communicating with the cantilevered member between the first and second positions to effect motion of the magnetic transducers in a direction essentially perpendicular to the surface of the storage medium, and further comprising trigger means responsive to an external command, for enabling motion of said separator means between the first and second positions

12.Apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said trigger means is moveable, responsive to the external command, between a trigger means first position wherein said trigger means is in abutting contact with said separator means, and a trigger means second position wherein said trigger means is not in abutting contact with said separator means.

13. Apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said separator means further comprises a first separator means surface parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator meahs, and at an oblique angle to the plane of the separator means, and said trigger means further comprises a first trigger means surface parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means, at an oblique angle to the plane of the separator means when said separator means is in said first position.

14. Apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said first trigger means surface is in abutting contact with said first separator means surface in response to said trigger means being in the first trigger means position and exerts a force on said first separator means surface producing a torque upon the separator means about the axis of rotation of the separator means in a direction opposite to the torque produced by said motion means which is greater than the torque produced by said motion means.

15. Apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the oblique angle of the first trigger means surface is greater than the angle of the first separator means surface.

16. Apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said separator means further comprises second and third separator means surfaces parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means, and at oblique angles to the plane of the separator means, the trigger means further comprises second and third trigger means surfaces, parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means, said second and third trigger means surfaces being parallel to the second and third separator means surfaces, and in abutting contact therewith, responsive to said separator means being in the first position and said trigger means being in the first trigger means position, and the second separator means surface is perpendicular to the third separator means surface.

17. Apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said motion means comprises a spring.

18. Apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said spring is coupled between said separator means and said trigger means, the spring being coupled to said separator means at a point displaced from the axis of rotation of said separator means.

19. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the separator means comprises a plane having a selected width, configured to rotate about an axis of rotation associated therewith between a first and a second position, having a first surface at an oblique angle to the surface of the storage medium, contacting and displacing the cantilevered member in the second position, a first separator means surface parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means at an oblique angle to the plane of said separator means, a second and third separator means surface parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means and at oblique angles to the plane of said separator means, the second and third separator means surfaces being perpendicular, and further comprising trigger means, moveable, responsive to an external command, between a trigger means first position and a trigger means second position, comprising a first trigger means surface parallel to the axis of rotation of the separator means at an oblique angle to the plane of the separator means when said separator means is in said first position, and in abutting contact with the first surface of said separator means when said separator means is in the first position and producing a force about said axis of rotation of said separator means, and a second and third trigger means surfaces, parallel to the axis of rotation of said separator means, said second and third trigger means surfaces parallel to second and third separator means surfaces, and in abutting contact therewith, responsive to said separator means being the second position and said trigger means being in the first position, and still further comprising spring means, coupled between said trigger means and a point displaced from the axis of rotation of said separator means.

20. Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said separator means further comprises a surface associated therewith positioned, responsive to the presence of said separator means in the second position, in a direction of travel of the carriage means.