JP3314731B2 - Sliding magnetic head slider - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sliding type magnetic head slider, and more particularly to a sliding type magnetic head slider provided with a magnetic head and capable of operating recording and reproducing operations on and from a magnetic disk in a state of contacting the magnetic disk. The present invention relates to a sliding magnetic head slider.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The recording density of a magnetic disk drive is mainly
In recent years, it has been significantly improved by improving the magnetic properties of the magnetic head and the recording medium and shortening the distance from the tip of the gap of the magnetic head to the surface of the magnetic layer of the recording medium (so-called magnetic spacing).

[0003] In the case of a floating head slider on which a magnetic head is mounted and an air film floats, the magnetic spacing has a laminated structure of an air bearing surface protective film, a protective film on a medium surface, a lubricating film, and the like. Surface roughness is 40 ~
It is set to about 50 [nm].

FIG. 13 shows an example of a conventional floating head slider (center pad type) which has been widely used. In the floating head slider shown in FIG.
While moving from the leading recess 101, which is a cutout portion (or a step) provided on the air inflow side, to the second air bearing surface 104, which is the head mounting portion on the air outflow side,
The air is compressed by a wedge effect on the first air bearing surface 104 and the second air bearing surface 104 to generate a positive pressure. Here, reference numeral 105 denotes a recording / reproducing magnetic head mounted on the downstream side end face of the second air bearing surface 104.

[0005] The first air bearing surface 103 is formed along the leading recess 101 to move the slider body 1.
And a bearing surface extending portion 103B extending in a U-shape toward the downstream side from both ends thereof so as to surround a central portion thereof. (ABS surface) generates a positive pressure.

On the other hand, on the downstream side of the first air bearing surface 103, the air flow velocity is sharply reduced, and further, due to the viscous effect of the air flow, a portion of the main recess surface 102 surrounded by the first air bearing surface 103 is formed. A situation occurs where air molecules are sucked out, which reduces the pressure in that area and creates a negative pressure.

In the actual floating state, the positive pressure is generated by the sum of the pressing load of the suspension and the negative pressure, and furthermore, it is designed to stably float in a posture in which the pressure pitch and the moment in the roll direction are balanced.

In general, the purpose of utilizing a negative pressure is to obtain flying uniformity over the entire circumference of a magnetic medium, to increase the rigidity of an air film to ensure flying stability, and to suppress sinking of a slider during a seek operation. And suppression of the height dependence of the flying height of the slider. The characteristics of the negative pressure slider are indispensable in order to use recording / reproducing separation heads such as a recording inductive head and a reproducing MR head and satisfy the current specifications of the magnetic disk drive.

On the other hand, with the progress of high recording density in recent years, 10 to 20 Gb / sq.
Alternatively, in order to achieve a recording density that is higher than that, it is necessary to reduce the magnetic spacing to 20 [nm] or less.

As a technique for reducing the magnetic spacing to 20 [nm] or less, a sliding magnetic recording method has recently been proposed in which recording and reproduction are performed while contacting and sliding on a recording medium surface. According to this method, the distance between the magnetic head and the surface of the magnetic layer of the recording medium can be made theoretically zero (for example, H. Hamilton: Jornal of Magn.
eticSociety of Japan vol.15, Supplement No.S2 (199
1) 483).

The sliding magnetic recording system includes a complete contact system. In the complete contact system, there are a slider body provided with one pad (contact pad) that comes into contact with a magnetic head as a recording medium, and a slider body provided with three or more pads in consideration of support stability. Here, the magnetic head is mounted on a pad portion provided at the center of the end of the slider body.

In this case, since the contact pad receives all the pressing load by the suspension, it is necessary to reduce the wear of the contact pad.
Ｍｇ300 [mgf] or less.

By the way, in the slider body provided with each contact pad, the frictional force accompanying the rotation of the magnetic recording medium (magnetic disk) excites the rotational moment in the pitch direction and the roll direction, so that the frictional force fluctuates. Therefore, it is easy to induce a jump of the contact pad from the medium surface due to this. For this reason, it is difficult to secure running stability.

On the other hand, there is another tail-drag method as a sliding magnetic recording method. This tail-drag type usually has a structure in which an air bearing surface is provided on an air inflow side of a slider and a contact pad is provided on an air outflow side, and only a pad for mounting a magnetic head is a magnetic medium (magnetic disk). ) And the air bearing surface floats.

FIG. 14 shows an outline of the operation state. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 120 indicates a magnetic recording medium (magnetic disk), and reference numeral 121 indicates a sliding magnetic head slider. In FIG. 12, the symbol θp indicates a pitch angle, and the symbol P indicates a direction in which the sliding magnetic head slider 121 is likely to cause a slider pitch motion.

FIG. 15 shows a sliding type magnetic head slider 12.
1 shows a state in which roll movement 1 is observed (as viewed from the downstream side of the airflow). Here, reference numeral 115 indicates a magnetic head, and symbol R indicates a roll movement direction R of the sliding magnetic head slider 121. The symbol θr indicates a roll angle.

In this tail drag system, the air bearing surface supports a considerable load, and thus has a structure in which an air spring having a small frictional force and a high rigidity is formed.
Therefore, jumping due to frictional force can be reduced, running stability can be relatively easily ensured, and a suspension with a higher load can be used.

However, this tail drag type is
On the other hand, since the position, area, and load of the contact portion vary considerably depending on the attitude of the portion floating on the air film, there is a drawback that the contact state is easily affected by manufacturing tolerances.

[0019]

The biggest problems in the sliding type magnetic head slider are to reduce the wear of the slider in contact with the magnetic medium and to ensure the stability during the sliding operation. On the other hand, a floating type magnetic head slider which has been widely known is designed to improve a CSS (contact start / stop) characteristic, prevent corrosion of a magnetic head, and prevent electrostatic breakdown of an MR reproducing head. A DLC (diamond-like carbon) film is formed on the surface facing.

On the other hand, on the surface of the magnetic medium, a texture (intentionally roughened roughness) is formed on the surface of the magnetic film for the purpose of reducing the frictional force with the slider and avoiding attraction. A protective film (mainly carbon) is formed thereon, and a lubricant is further applied thereon. By the synergistic effects of each other, the friction and wear characteristics in the sliding state of the head and the medium other than the CSS state are improved.

On the other hand, in the case of using a sliding type magnetic head slider, the greatest advantage is that the magnetic spacing can be reduced. Unless the protective film thickness, the medium lubricating film thickness and the medium surface roughness are made as small as possible and equal to or less than that of the floating system, the advantages cannot be realized.

Normally, the frictional force is most greatly affected by the surface roughness of the magnetic medium as well as the contact force and the contact pad shape, and the smaller the surface roughness of the magnetic medium, the smaller the frictional force. On the other hand, with respect to abrasion, on the other hand, as the surface roughness increases, abrasion at the contact portion tends to progress. Further, the contact force needs to be reduced in order to suppress friction and wear. However, if the contact force is too small, there is a disadvantage that the medium followability of the slider deteriorates.

With respect to the pad shape, when the contact area of the slider is increased, the surface pressure is reduced, which is advantageous for abrasion. However, the followability to the magnetic medium is also deteriorated. The area of the contact pad of the slider is usually about 0.01 square millimeter or less, and this area is 1 / 100,000 or less with respect to the surface of the magnetic disk. Exposed to more severe conditions. That is, the abrasion of the protective film on the contact surface of the head slider is relatively greater than the abrasion of the protective film on the surface of the magnetic storage medium. And considering the above parameters,
As a result, the contact load between the contact pad of the head slider and the surface of the magnetic storage medium must be maintained at least in the order of several tens of mgf.

Here, in the case of the perfect contact type in the sliding type magnetic head slider, in order to realize the above-mentioned contact load, the pressing load applied to the slider is 200 to 300.
It must be less than milligrams. Since this load is less than half of the suspension load currently used for the levitation system, a gimbal suspension that flexibly supports the movement of the slider in the roll pitch direction must have extremely flexible support rigidity. No.

The reason is that if the gimbal suspension stiffness is high with respect to the load, the assembly tolerance at the time of assembling into the apparatus cannot be absorbed, which causes inconvenience such as a one-sided contact. As a result, the torsional and bending vibration frequencies of the suspension are reduced, so that the control band of the positioning actuator cannot be increased and the positioning accuracy is reduced.

Further, with the recent expansion of the market for portable information devices, magnetic disk devices capable of recording and reproducing a large amount of information have been actively mounted in order to increase the added value of products. For the introduction to portable equipment, the impact resistance is the most important issue in improving the reliability as well as the size and power saving of the magnetic disk device.

When the apparatus is in an operating state (ie, a state in which the magnetic medium is rotating), only the meniscus force of the lubricating film and the load of the suspension are the forces that suppress the movement of the slider jumping from the medium due to the impact force. Since the meniscus force when the device is stopped is a so-called attraction force, a relatively large jump deterrent can be expected. On the other hand, since the meniscus force during the rotation is a considerably small value, the suspension load is the only jump suppression force that can be effectively expected.

The slider jumps from the magnetic medium due to the impact when an impact equal to or greater than the acceleration obtained by dividing the load by the equivalent mass of the slider / suspension system is applied to the relative position between the magnetic medium and the slider. Therefore, in order to improve the shock resistance of the slider, the load must be increased or the equivalent mass of the slider / suspension system must be reduced.

As described above, in the case of complete contact, increasing the load deteriorates the wear characteristics of the slider contact pad. Therefore, the equivalent mass of the slider / suspension system is actually reduced by at least two minutes with respect to the flying system. Must be 1 or less.

Further, in reducing the weight of the slider, improvement in running stability and reduction in cost of the magnetic head can be expected particularly when the thickness is reduced. For this reason, its development is being promoted, but it is not easy to reduce the size and weight of the suspension while maintaining the current control performance and ease of assembly.

When the slider is loaded on the magnetic medium even when the apparatus is stopped, there is not much difference from the operation time when the slider is retracted from the surface of the medium by the head load / unload mechanism. Although no damage is caused, the gimbal spring supporting the slider is flexible, so that it is likely to undergo plastic deformation upon impact.

On the other hand, in the tail drag method of the sliding magnetic head slider, it is possible to use a considerably high suspension load, so that the impact resistance is improved. As the area becomes smaller, the contact load increases considerably.

In order to avoid this, a method is adopted in which the load point is moved to the vicinity of the air inflow end. However, since a large rotational movement occurs in the slider movement at the time of the impact jump, the portion that collides with the medium is the air bearing surface or the like. There is a high possibility that the contact pad becomes an edge of the contact pad, and there is a concern that data may be destroyed due to a dent of the medium and reliability of the head disk interface may be degraded.

[0034]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve the disadvantages of the prior art and to enable the use of a high-load suspension for improving the shock resistance of a magnetic disk drive.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding magnetic head slider capable of increasing the areal recording density on a magnetic disk and performing highly reliable recording and reproduction.

[0035]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a slider body disposed to face a magnetic recording medium, and a surface of the slider body facing the magnetic recording medium (opposing surface). A first air bearing surface provided along an end on the air inflow side and both ends extending downstream, and a corner of the end on the air inflow side in the first air bearing surface And a second air bearing surface provided at the center of the air outflow side end of the opposing surface described above. Further, a magnetic head mounting area is provided at the downstream end of the second air bearing surface.

In the slider body, a partial pressure air bearing surface having a predetermined size is provided at the center of the main recess surface surrounded by the above-described first air bearing surface.

Therefore, in the present invention, for example, by providing the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 shown in FIG. 1 at the center of the slider, the positive pressure increase and the negative pressure decrease can be performed without moving the load point of the suspension. , The moment in the slider pitch direction can be balanced. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the load to be supported by the head second air bearing surface 4 while suppressing an increase in the pitch angle in the normal posture.

As described above, according to the present invention, the contact load can be reduced without increasing the contact surface pressure, and a sliding magnetic head slider having excellent wear resistance can be obtained. Here, a cut groove along the air flow may be provided at the center of the above-mentioned partial pressure air bearing surface, whereby the partial pressure air bearing surface may be divided into a plurality. In this case, the number of divisions may be two, three, or four. Although it is preferable to divide the image symmetrically, it is not always necessary to symmetrically divide the image as long as the right and left sides are balanced. Furthermore, the partial pressure air bearing surface may be divided into four symmetrically by providing a cut groove along the air flow and a cut groove orthogonal to the cut surface at the center of the above-mentioned partial pressure air bearing surface.

In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, by providing the divided pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B which are divided into right and left, the deviation of the high pressure generation region can be prevented by the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B.
Since it occurs at the edges of A and 2B in the same direction, the bias of the positive pressure distribution as a whole can be reduced, so that the above-described deterioration of the wear characteristics and the setting between the magnetic head and the magnetic storage medium can be achieved. It is possible to reliably suppress the increase in the distance. The same applies to the case of four divisions.

The slider body may be formed in a square shape, and the above-mentioned partial pressure air bearing surface may be formed in a square shape. Further, the above-mentioned partial pressure air bearing surface may be disposed in a region surrounded by the first air bearing surface. In this way, the positive pressure and the negative pressure can be generated in a well-balanced manner on the disk-facing surface, so that a sliding magnetic head slider with stable operation can be obtained.

Here, the height of the partial pressure air bearing surface may be set to the same height as the first air bearing surface.
Further, the depth of the cutout portion formed at the end of the slider body on the air inflow side is set to 1 with respect to the height of the first air bearing surface.
[Μm] or less. Further, the height of the first and second air bearing surfaces with respect to the aforementioned main recess surface is set to 6
[Μm] or less. By doing so, it can be experimentally confirmed that the flying height on the air inflow side is set appropriately, and the operation is stable and convenient.

Further, an annular groove (partial pressure recess) having a predetermined width surrounding the partial pressure air bearing surface may be provided in the main recess surface around the above-mentioned partial pressure air bearing surface. In this case, it is preferable to set the depth of the annular groove (partial pressure recess) to 1 [μm] or less.

In this manner, the partial pressure recess basically corresponds to the leading recess 11 disclosed in FIG.
In the steady floating state, the air flow is efficiently compressed to provide a sufficient wedge effect, and at the time of the pressure change rate, the air flow is formed in the concave groove of the partial pressure recess. Thus, the pressure change is reduced, and the operation can be stabilized.

Further, the partial pressure air bearing surface and the first
The air bearing surface may be arranged in a range inside a straight line connecting the left and right rising portions on the downstream side of the second air bearing surface and the center portion of the slider body.

With this arrangement, the roll motion of the center pad type slider tends to rotate about a straight line connecting both sides of the slider air inflow end and the position of the magnetic head. Here, if the first air bearing surface 3) is present, even if the possibility that the portion comes into contact with the medium increases, this can be effectively avoided.

Further, recessed pads having a concave cross section and a predetermined shape may be provided at the left and right corners at both end corners on the downstream side of the facing surface of the slider body. Further, in this case, the recess pad may be symmetrically provided at both ends of the second air bearing surface of the slider body and at a position deviated upstream from the second air bearing surface.

The depth of the recess pad is preferably set to 1 [μm] or less. Further, the shape of the recess pad may be square, circular, or another shape. In addition, about this recess pad,
It is preferable to arrange them symmetrically, but it is not always necessary to be symmetrical as long as the left and right sides are balanced.

With this arrangement, the recess pad is recessed during normal rotation and has a small positive pressure due to the action of the recess pad, so that it hardly comes into contact with the magnetic storage medium, and the slider roll state at the time of impact jump or load / unload. Works as an air bearing surface only when the media surface is close to
It is easy to obtain the damping effect of the air film, and it is possible to avoid the medium contact at the slider edge, and it is possible to secure a stable operation at the time of recording or reproduction with a highly reliable magnetic head.

A cut groove is provided in the center of the first air bearing surface in the air inflow direction, and the cut portion (leading recess) and a part of the disk facing surface are formed through the cut groove. The main recessed surface may be connected.

In this way, the area of the positive pressure generating surface on the air inflow side of the slider main body is reduced, so that the generation of the positive pressure is somewhat suppressed, and the pitch angle of the slider main body is correspondingly increased. It is surely suppressed. At the same time, the dependency of the pitch angle on the peripheral speed of the medium can be suppressed. Therefore, the contact area of the second air bearing surface can be kept constant over the entire circumference of the magnetic disk (magnetic recording medium), and smooth operation can be stably continued.

[0051]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, FIG. 1 shows a surface of a tail-drag type sliding magnetic head slider 1 facing a magnetic disk (magnetic recording medium). The sliding magnetic head slider 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called center pad type negative pressure slider (floating type head slider).
In contrast, a partial pressure air bearing surface 2 is added near the center of the slider body 1A, and only the air outflow edge portion of the second air bearing surface 4 on which the magnetic head is mounted is placed on the surface of the magnetic recording medium (magnetic disk). By sliding, the other air bearing surface (first air bearing surface 3) generates a positive pressure to float.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the sliding type magnetic head slider 1 includes a slider body 1A disposed to face a magnetic recording medium and the above-described magnetic material of the slider body 1A. A first air bearing surface 3 which is provided along an end on the air inflow side of a facing surface (disk facing surface) facing a recording medium (magnetic disk) and has both ends extending downstream; A leading recess 11 as a cut-off portion having a predetermined depth uniformly formed at a corner of an end on the air inflow side of the first air bearing surface 3, and an end on the air outflow side of the disk facing surface described above. A second air bearing surface 4 provided at the center.

At the downstream end of the second air bearing surface 4, a magnetic head mounting area 5A is provided. Furthermore,
A partial pressure air bearing surface 2 of a predetermined size is provided at the center of the main recess surface 6 surrounded by the above-described first air bearing surface 3 of the slider body 1A.

The slider body 1A is formed in a rectangular shape having a predetermined thickness, and a leading recess 11 for inflow of air as a cut portion having a predetermined depth with a corner portion cut at a right angle in a cross section at one end thereof. Is provided. The leading recess 11 is provided at the corner of the disk facing surface as described above. In the present embodiment, the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 is formed in a square shape, but may have another shape.

On the disk facing surface of the slider body 1A,
A first air bearing surface 3 for generating a positive pressure is formed in connection with the leading recess 11. The first air bearing surface 3 includes a bearing surface transverse portion 3A formed in parallel along the leading recess 11 and a slider body 1 from both ends.
A is formed by two bearing surface extending portions 3B, 3B extending downstream so as to surround the central portion of A. Each of the bearing surface extending portions 3B has a distal end portion at the slider body 1A.
Extends somewhat downstream from the central portion of the vehicle. Here, the above-described leading recess 11 is cut in a stepped shape, and the depth thereof is set to the first air bearing surface 3 in the present embodiment.
Is set to about 1 [μm] or less on the basis of the position of the surface.

The aforementioned partial pressure air bearing surface 2 is located at the center of the slider body 1A and is surrounded by the bearing surface extending portions 3B, 3B of the first air bearing surface 3 (main recess surface 6).
It is arranged in. The height of the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 with respect to the aforementioned main recess surface 6 is set to 6 [μm] or less, and the height is set to be equal to the height of the first air bearing surface 3 described above. Is set. Here, the main recessed surface 6
Has a disk facing surface except for the bearing surfaces 2, 3, and 4.

Further, as described above, the second air bearing surface 4 is provided at the center of the end opposite to the leading recess 11 on the disk facing surface of the slider main body 1A. A magnetic head (not shown) for recording / reproducing is mounted on the downstream end face of the second air bearing surface 4 as in the case of FIG. Code 5
A indicates a magnetic head mounting area.

In the sliding type magnetic head slider 1 shown in FIG. 1, while the air flow moves from the leading recess 11 to the second air bearing surface 4 which is the air outflow side, the first air bearing The air is compressed by the wedge effect on the surface 3 and the second air bearing surface 4 to generate a positive pressure.

On the other hand, the first air bearing surface 3 for generating a positive pressure
On the downstream side, the air flow velocity sharply decreases, and furthermore, the viscous effect of this air flow causes a state in which air molecules at the main recess surface 6 surrounded by the first air bearing surface 3 are sucked out,
As a result, the pressure in that portion decreases, and a negative pressure is generated. In the actual floating state, a positive pressure is generated by the sum of the pressing load of the suspension and the negative pressure, and furthermore, the suspension floats stably in a posture in which the moments in the pitch direction and the roll direction of the pressure are balanced.

The air bearing surface of the floating head slider (conventional example) shown in FIG. 11 has rigidity to the vertical movement, roll movement and pitch movement of the slider body in order to enhance the medium followability of the magnetic head slider. It is fundamentally arranged at the four corners of the slider with the aim of increasing as much as possible.

The case where the air bearing surfaces are connected back and forth along the flow is the so-called two-rail type, and the shape in which the air bearing surfaces are arranged at a total of three corners at the front two corners and the rear center is the so-called center pad type. When forming a slider capable of handling a high load, it is common to increase the area of the air bearing surface disposed at the four or three corners.

On the other hand, in the case of a sliding magnetic head slider,
Since it is intended to suppress the floating of the second air bearing surface 3 and to reduce the contact load, the second air bearing area 3
The smaller the better.

When the area of the first air bearing surface 3 corresponding to the two front corners is increased, the flying height on the leading recess 11 side increases, and the pitch angle increases. In this case, the air bearing area of the second air bearing surface 4 increases, and the effect of reducing the contact load can be expected. However, since the contact area is reduced, the contact surface pressure is increased and the wear may be promoted. Will be higher.

When the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided at the center of the slider, when the load point of the suspension is maintained substantially at the center of the slider body 1A without moving, the positive pressure increase and the negative The balance of the moment in the slider pitch direction is not significantly impaired with the pressure drop. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load to be supported by the head-mounted air bearing surface 4 while suppressing an increase in the pitch angle in the normal posture.

As described above, in the first embodiment, since the contact load can be reduced without increasing the contact surface pressure, it is possible to obtain a sliding magnetic head slider having excellent wear resistance. . Further, by changing the area, the contact load can be adjusted without significantly changing the contact area.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is different from the above-described embodiment of FIG. 1 in that a cutting groove 3D is provided to divide the horizontal bearing surface portion 3A of the first air bearing surface 3 into left and right, thereby leading It is characterized in that the central portion of the recess 11 communicates with the main recess surface 6. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1 described above.

In this case, in addition to having the same function and effect as the embodiment of FIG. 1 described above, the area of the positive pressure generating surface on the air inflow side of the slider body 1A is further reduced, so that the positive pressure is reduced. The generation of pressure is somewhat suppressed, and the increase in the pitch angle of the slider main body 1A is correspondingly suppressed. At the same time, the dependency of the pitch angle on the peripheral speed of the medium can be suppressed. Therefore, the contact area of the second air bearing surface 4 can be kept constant over the entire circumference of the magnetic disk (magnetic recording medium), and smooth operation can be stably continued.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the divided pressure air bearing surface 2 provided in the above-described embodiment of FIG. 1 is divided into two symmetrically by cutting grooves 2a as shown in FIG. The feature is that the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B are provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment shown in FIG.

Incidentally, it is known that the positive pressure generated on the air bearing surface is higher on the air outflow side than on the air inflow side. In the case of a magnetic disk drive, since many positioning actuators adopt a rotary type, the yaw angle (Yaw angle), that is, the angle between the airflow direction and the longitudinal direction of the slider is determined by the magnetic storage device in which the slider body 1A moves. It varies along the radius of the medium. At this time, when the yaw angle is zero, even if the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B are not divided, the high pressure generation region is symmetrical and the medium contact portion of the head mounted air bearing surface 3 is symmetrical. Only a certain area is secured.

On the other hand, when the yaw angle is formed, when the partial pressure air bearing surface 5 has a shape like a single plate shown in FIG.
When the slider main body 1A is inclined at a predetermined angle, the high-pressure generating portion may be biased toward one of the air outflow side edges, and the slider main body 1A easily rolls.

When the slider body 1A rolls, the position of contact with the medium is biased to one of the edges of the air bearing surface 3 on the air outflow side, so that the contact area decreases and the surface pressure increases. Deteriorates wear characteristics. At the same time, when the slider body 1A rolls, the distance between the magnetic head and the medium also increases, so that a predetermined recording density cannot be maintained.

On the other hand, by providing the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A, 2B divided into right and left as shown in FIG. 3, the bias of the high pressure generation region is reduced by the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A, 2B.
Of the positive pressure distribution as a whole, it is possible to reduce the bias of the positive pressure distribution as a whole, thereby deteriorating the wear characteristics described above and reducing the distance set between the magnetic head and the magnetic storage medium. The increase can be reliably suppressed.

Here, in this embodiment, the case where the partial pressure air bearing surface is divided into two to form the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B is illustrated, but it may be divided into three. In addition, if the left and right balance is maintained aerodynamically, the division of the partial pressure air bearing surface need not be symmetrical.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is different from the above-described embodiment of FIG. 3 in that a cutting groove 3D is provided which divides the horizontal bearing surface portion 3A of the first air bearing surface 3 into left and right portions. It is characterized in that the central portion of the recess 11 communicates with the main recess surface 6. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 3 described above.

In this case, in addition to having the same operation and effect as the embodiment of FIG. 3 described above, the area of the positive pressure generating surface on the air inflow side of the slider body 1A is further reduced. The generation of pressure is somewhat suppressed, and the increase in the pitch angle of the slider main body 1A is correspondingly suppressed. At the same time, the dependency of the pitch angle on the peripheral speed of the medium can be suppressed.

Therefore, the contact area of the second air bearing surface 4 can be kept constant over the entire circumference of the magnetic disk (magnetic recording medium), and smooth operation can be stably continued. That is, according to the fourth embodiment,
It is possible to obtain an apparatus having both the advantages of the second and third embodiments.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the divided air bearing surface 2 is divided into four parts instead of the divided air bearing surface 2.
The feature is that a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are provided in a grid pattern. Reference numerals 2E and 2F indicate kerfs for four divisions, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment shown in FIG.

In this case, the same operation and effect as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained. In addition, even if a slight rolling occurs due to the yaw angle fluctuation, the divided pressure air bearing is divided into four parts. There is an advantage that the pressure difference can be escaped by the groove between the surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, so that the bias of the positive pressure distribution can be prevented in a more stable state that is naturally corrected.

In this embodiment, the divided pressure air bearing surface is divided into four parts to divide the divided pressure air bearing surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
Although the above example is described, it may be divided into five or more.
If the left and right balance is maintained aerodynamically, the division of the partial pressure air bearing surface need not be symmetrical.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 differs from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the divided air bearing surface 2 is divided into four parts instead of the divided air bearing surface 2.
The feature is that a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are provided in a grid pattern. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described second embodiment shown in FIG.

In this case, the same operation and effect as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 can be obtained. In addition, even if a slight rolling occurs due to the yaw angle change, the divided air bearing is divided into four parts. There is an advantage that the pressure difference can be escaped by the groove between the surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, so that the bias of the positive pressure distribution can be prevented in a more stable state that is naturally corrected. That is, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the one having both the advantages of the second and fifth embodiments.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is different from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the partial pressure recess 2E as an annular recess having a depth of 1 [μm] or less around the partial pressure air bearing surface 2. The feature is that the point provided.
Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described second embodiment shown in FIG.

This partial pressure recess 2E has basically the same operation and effect as the leading recess 11 disclosed in FIG. 2 described above, and in a steady floating state, compresses the air flow efficiently and produces a sufficient wedge. In addition to the effect, at the time of the pressure change rate, an action of reducing the pressure change by forming a flow of air in the groove of the partial pressure recess 2E is performed, so that stable operation can be ensured.

Further, since the operation is stable, the effect of increasing the flying speed at the time of starting the apparatus can be expected.
A sliding magnetic head slider having excellent CSS resistance can be obtained.

Here, in the seventh embodiment, a cutting groove 3D is provided to divide the bearing surface lateral portion 3A of the first air bearing surface 3 left and right.
The case where the central part of is communicated with the main recessed surface 6 is illustrated,
The cut groove 3D does not need to be particularly provided. In this manner, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above, the yaw angle can be appropriately increased, and the stability of the operation at the time of starting and stopping can be advantageously increased.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that a depth equivalent to that of the above-described partial pressure recess in FIG. 7 is provided around each of the partial pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B. It is characterized in that partial pressure recesses 2Ea and 2Eb of 1 [μm] or less are provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described second embodiment shown in FIG.

In this case, in addition to having the same operation and effect as the above-described second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the slide having the same operation and effect as the above-described seventh embodiment shown in FIG. A dynamic magnetic head slider can be obtained. That is, according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to obtain a sliding magnetic head slider having both the advantages of the second and fifth embodiments described above.

Here, in the eighth embodiment, a kerf 3D is provided to divide the laterally extending bearing surface portion 3A of the first air bearing surface 3 into left and right portions.
The case where the central part of is communicated with the main recessed surface 6 is illustrated,
The cut groove 3D does not need to be particularly provided. In this manner, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 described above, the yaw angle can be appropriately increased, and the stability of the operation at the time of starting and stopping can be advantageously increased.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 and the first air bearing surface 3 disclosed in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are replaced with the second air bearing surface described above. 4 is a straight line L connecting the left and right rising portions on the downstream side of FIG.
1, L2 has a structural feature at a point disposed inside. Other configurations are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above.

Here, the characteristics of the roll motion of the center pad type slider will be described. The center pad type slider has a small air bearing area disposed on the left and right sides of the two-rail type, so the rigidity in the roll direction is low, and The rotation axis of the movement tends to rotate not about the center axis of the slider but about a straight line connecting both sides of the slider air inflow end and the position of the magnetic head.

The roll direction vibration is generated during the normal operation of the apparatus mainly during the seek operation. Further, during the seek operation, the apparent yaw angle increases and decreases, and the flying height may decrease. At that time, if an air bearing surface portion (here, the first air bearing surface 3) exists outside the above-described rotating shaft, the possibility that the portion comes into contact with the medium increases.

The ninth embodiment is intended to remedy such inconvenience, and the air bearing surface is arranged inside the effective roll rotation shaft (and outside the roll rotation shaft). If it is necessary to provide an air bearing surface, the recess should be made as shallow as possible), thereby obtaining a sliding magnetic head slider having a highly reliable head medium interface.

The partial pressure air bearing surface 2 and the first air bearing surface 3 are separately provided at the left and right rising portions on the downstream side of the second air bearing surface 4 and at the center of both side surfaces of the slider body 1A. In this embodiment, the structure in which the structure is arranged inside the straight lines L1 and L2 connected to the first embodiment is exemplified in the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above. Each of the embodiments shown in FIG. 8) may be applied.

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, it is characterized in that it is divided into two parts, left and right, to form divided pressure air bearing surfaces 2A and 2B. Other configurations are the same as those of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG.

In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the main parts of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, that is, the partial pressure air bearing surface 2 and the first air bearing surface 3 are replaced with the second air bearing. The technical idea of disposing inside the straight lines L1 and L2 respectively connecting the left and right rising portions on the downstream side of the surface 4 and the center portions on both side surfaces of the slider body 1A is shown in the above-described fourth embodiment shown in FIG. It shows a case where the embodiment is implemented.
In this case, in addition to the same operation and effect as the ninth embodiment in FIG. 9 described above, it is possible to obtain the one having the operation and effect of the embodiment shown in FIG.

(Eleventh Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 described above, a depth 1 (μm) is provided at both corners on the downstream side in the main recess surface 6 on the air outflow end side. It is characterized in that the following recessed rectangular recess pads 12A and 12B are provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described second embodiment shown in FIG.

When the recess pads 12A and 12B are provided, the effect is exerted particularly at the time of impact jump or when the head is unloaded. More specifically, first, the center pad type slider usually has low rigidity in the roll direction due to the small area of the air bearings arranged on the left and right sides of the two-rail type, and the roll rotation axis is the slider as described above. Instead of rotating around the center axis, the magnetic head tends to rotate about a straight line connecting both sides of the slider air inflow end and the position of the magnetic head.

On the other hand, at the time of impact jump and at the time of unloading, the roll stiffness is further weakened because a sufficient air film is not formed. At this time, in the case of the shape as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 described above, since there is no air bearing surface on both sides of the air outflow end, when the slider approaches the medium in a rolled state, an effective air film damping effect is obtained. Since it cannot be obtained, the possibility of contact with the medium at the edge of the slider increases.

On the other hand, the recess pads 12A, 12A
When B is provided, the positive pressure is small due to the recess at the time of steady rotation, so that it hardly comes into contact with the magnetic storage medium, and the approach of the medium surface in the state of the slider roll at the time of impact jump or load / unload. Only in the state, it works as an air bearing surface, so it is easy to obtain the damping effect of the air film,
Media contact at the slider edge can be avoided, and a highly reliable head medium interface can be obtained.

Here, the recess pads 12A, 12B
Can be applied to other embodiments other than the embodiment of FIG. 2 as described above, and the same operation and effect can be obtained. Also, the recess pad 12
The shape of A and 12B is not necessarily limited to a square shape, but may be a circular shape or another shape.

(Twelfth Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is different from the fourth embodiment in FIG. 4 described above in that it is close to both sides of the second air bearing surface 4 and upstream of the second air bearing surface 4 ( The recess pad 12A in FIG.
It is characterized in that recessed pads 13A and 13B having a recessed section equivalent to that of 12B and having a depth of 1 (μm) or less are provided symmetrically. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described fourth embodiment in FIG.

With this arrangement, the same operation and effect as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be obtained.
It also has the functions and effects of the eleventh embodiment in FIG. 11 described above. Here, even if the recess pads 13A and 13B are applied to the other embodiments other than the embodiment of FIG.

[0104]

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to the present invention, even if the magnetic disk drive is equipped with the same and the load applied by the suspension is a conventional high load, the partial pressure By the action of the air bearing surface, the contact load on the magnetic storage medium (magnetic disk) can be effectively suppressed, and the friction and wear on the magnetic storage medium can be effectively suppressed, and at the same time, the durability can be improved. Thus, it is possible to provide an unprecedented excellent sliding magnetic head slider capable of improving the shock resistance and reliability of the entire magnetic head device equipped with the slider.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding type magnetic head slider according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding type magnetic head slider according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a disk facing surface of a sliding magnetic head slider according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view showing a shape of an air bearing surface of a conventional example (a floating system negative pressure center pad type slider).

FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory view showing a flying attitude of the slider of the sliding magnetic head slider.

FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory view showing the direction of the roll motion and the flying attitude of the slider of the sliding magnetic head slider.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A Slider body 2A, 2B, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Partial pressure air bearing surface 2C, 2E, 2F Cut groove 2E, 2Ea, 2Eb Partial pressure recess as an annular recess 3 First air bearing surface 4 Second air Bearing surface 5A Magnetic head mounting area 6 Main recess surface 11 Leading recess 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B as a cutout recess pad

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A slider main body disposed to face a magnetic recording medium, and both ends of the slider main body are provided along an air-inflow-side end of a surface of the slider main body facing the magnetic recording medium. A first air bearing surface extending downstream, a cutout portion having a predetermined depth uniformly formed at a corner of an end of the first air bearing surface on the air inflow side; A second air bearing surface provided at the center of the air outflow side end of the opposing surface, and a magnetic head mounting area at a downstream end of the second air bearing surface. In a head slider, a partial pressure air bearing surface having a predetermined size is provided at a central portion of a main recess surface surrounded by the first air bearing surface of the slider main body. Slider. 2. The sliding type magnetic head slider according to claim 1, wherein a cut groove is provided on the partial pressure air bearing surface along the air flow to divide the partial pressure air bearing surface into a plurality. . 3. The sliding device according to claim 1, wherein a cut groove is provided on the partial pressure air bearing surface along the air flow, and the partial pressure air bearing surface is bilaterally symmetric and divided into a plurality. Type magnetic head slider. 4. The partial pressure air bearing surface is divided into two parts symmetrically by providing a cut groove along the air flow and a cut groove perpendicular to the cut groove at the center of the partial pressure air bearing surface. The sliding magnetic head slider according to claim 1. 5. The partial pressure air bearing surface is divided into four parts symmetrically by providing a cut groove along the air flow and a cut groove orthogonal to the cut groove at the center of the partial pressure air bearing surface. The sliding magnetic head slider according to claim 1. 6. The sliding type magnet according to claim 1, wherein said slider main body is formed in a square shape, and said partial pressure air bearing surface is formed in a square shape. Head slider. 7. The partial pressure air bearing surface is disposed in a region surrounded by the first air bearing surface. Sliding type magnetic head slider. 8. The height of the partial pressure air bearing surface is set to the first
8. A sliding magnetic head slider according to claim 1, wherein the height is set to be equal to the height of the air bearing surface. 9. A depth of a cut portion formed at an end of the slider body on an air inflow side is set to 1 μm or less based on a height of the first air bearing surface. The sliding magnetic head slider according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. 10. A height of the first and second air bearing surfaces with respect to the main recess surface is set to 6 μm or less. 6,7,
10. The sliding magnetic head slider according to 8 or 9. 11. A main recess surface around the partial pressure air bearing surface is provided with an annular groove having a predetermined width surrounding the partial pressure air bearing surface. 4,5,
11. The sliding magnetic head slider according to 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. 12. The annular groove has a depth of 1 μm.
m] The following is set:
A sliding magnetic head slider according to any of the preceding claims. 13. The partial pressure air bearing surface and the first air bearing surface are straight lines that individually connect left and right rising portions on the downstream side of the second air bearing surface and central portions on both side surfaces of the slider body. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and tenth parts are disposed within said inner area.
13. The sliding magnetic head slider according to 1 or 12. 14. The slider body according to claim 1, wherein recessed pads having a concave cross section and a predetermined shape are provided at left and right corners at both end corners on the downstream side of the facing surface of the slider body.
The sliding magnetic head slider according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13. 15. A recess pad having a concave cross section and a predetermined shape is provided symmetrically at both ends of the second air bearing surface of the slider body and at positions deviated upstream of the second air bearing surface. Claims 1, 2, 3,
A sliding magnetic head slider according to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. 16. The sliding magnetic head slider according to claim 14, wherein said recess pad is formed in a square shape. 17. The recess pad has a depth of 1 μm.
17. The sliding type magnetic head slider according to claim 16, wherein: 18. A cut groove is provided at a central portion of the first air bearing surface along an air inflow direction, and the cut portion and a main recess surface which is a part of an opposing surface are formed through the cut groove. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the connection is made.
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 1
18. The sliding magnetic head slider according to 6 or 17.