Patent ID: 6327119
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An inertial latch apparatus for maintaining an actuator arm in a disc drive in a predetermined position, the drive having a baseplate, a data storage disc, a spin motor mounted to the baseplate for rotating the data disc, an actuator assembly supported from the baseplate positioned adjacent the data disc for rotating the actuator arm in a plane parallel to a plane of rotation of the data disc and positioning the actuator arm over a surface of the data disc, the inertial latch apparatus comprising:an elongated inertial beam member pivotally mounted in the disc drive for rotation in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the actuator arm; anda latch member for preventing movement of the actuator arm from the predetermined position when the disc drive is subjected to an external shock load, the latch member being pivotally mounted in the disc drive for rotation between a disengaged position permitting movement of the actuator arm when the latch member is in the disengaged position and an engaged position in interference relation to a portion of the actuator arm to prevent movement of the actuator arm from the predetermined position, wherein latch member rotation in one direction occurs in response to rotation of the beam member in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from a neutral position, and wherein only one of the beam member or the latch member pivots about an axis that is parallel to the axis of disc rotation.