Head slider for magnetic disks that prevents adhesion of dust

A head slider for magnetic disks is lifted above a magnetic disk by airflow generated by rotation of the magnetic disk. The head slider includes an airflow guide part. The airflow guide part guides the airflow along a disk-facing surface of the head slider toward the sides of the disk-facing surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to head sliders for magnetic disks, and more particularly, to a head slider for magnetic disks that prevents dust that comes off of a lubricant layer formed on a surface of a magnetic disk from adhering to an end of a magnetic head.

2. Description of the Related Art

A head slider for magnetic disks used in a hard disk apparatus holds a magnetic head such that the magnetic head can perform magnetic recording/reproducing while the magnetic head is aerodynamically lifted closely above a surface of a magnetic disk. The magnetic head is lifted by a lifting force (pressure) created by airflow on the surface of the magnetic disk. The airflow is generated by rotation of the magnetic disk.

A lubricant layer is formed on the surface of the magnetic disk by applying a lubricant thereon. The lubricant layer prevents the disk surface from being scratched by reducing friction that is caused when the head slider contacts the disk surface (surface of the magnetic disk).

When the head slider contacts the surface of the magnetic disk, minute dust particles may come off the lubricant layer (minute dust includes, for example, dust adhering to a surface of the lubricant layer and dust created by peeling off a part of the lubricant layer). The dust that comes off the lubricant layer is blown off by airflow generated by rotation of the magnetic disk. Hence, there is a possibility that the dust may adhere to a surface of the head slider as contamination.

In a conventional head slider for magnetic disks, for example, a front shallow ditch and a pair of front pads are provided on the inflow end of the slider. An outflow pad shallow ditch and a triangle outflow pad surface are provided in the middle of the outflow end of the slider. The outflow pad surface includes two sidewalls crossing at a top that is positioned at the leading edge of the outflow pad surface. The two side walls are each formed at an angle of 5-75 degrees with respect to the center line along the longitudinal direction of the slider (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-266323).

In the head slider for magnetic disks configured as mentioned above, when the slider is lifted with respect to a magnetic disk, there is a possibility that minute dust or the like may adhere to the outflow pad surface of the slider.

The two sidewalls crossing at the top of the outflow pad surface are each formed at angles of 5-75 degrees with respect to the center line. Thus, dust entering the space between a disk-facing surface (a surface facing the magnetic disk) of the slider and the surface of the magnetic disk is discharged toward the downstream from an outflow-side end along the sidewalls of the outflow pad surface that is formed into a triangle-like shape.

However, in the head slider for magnetic disks configured as mentioned above, since the triangle outflow pad surface is provided in the middle of the outflow end of the slider, airflow is dispersed to pass along both sides of the outflow pad surface and passes through the outflow-side end.

Hence, on the surface of the magnetic disk, when minute dust comes off the lubricant layer, there is a possibility that the dust of the lubricant layer is moved by airflow along the disk-facing surface of the slider and adheres to the outflow-side end of the slider.

The head slider for magnetic disks is held at a slant so that the outflow-side end having the magnetic head approaches the magnetic disk at a minute distance. Hence, when viscous dust of the lubricant layer adheres, as contaminant, to the outflow-side end that approaches the magnetic disk, a problem occurs in that the contaminant causes the outflow-side end to stick to the magnetic disk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful head slider for magnetic disks in which one or more of the above-mentioned problems are eliminated.

It is another and more specific object of the present invention to provide a head slider for magnetic disks that prevents dust of a lubricant layer from adhering to an outflow-side end of the slider by guiding to both sides of the slider the dust entering the space between a disk-facing surface (a surface facing a magnetic disk) of the slider and a surface of the magnetic disk.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head slider for magnetic disks lifted above a magnetic disk by airflow generated by rotation of the magnetic disk, the head slider including:

an airflow guide part that guides the airflow along a disk-facing surface of the head slider toward sides of the disk-facing surface.

According to the above-mentioned aspect of the present invention, dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk is discharged toward the sides of the slider by the airflow guided toward the sides of the disk-facing surface by the airflow guide part. Hence, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end of the slider.

In the head slider for magnetic disks according to the present invention, the airflow guide part may be formed to extend in directions each inclined at an angle with respect to the direction of the airflow.

Accordingly, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk toward the sides of the slider.

In addition, the airflow guide part may include a capturing part that captures dust included in the airflow.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end of the slider by capturing the dust that enters the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk by the capturing part of the airflow guide part.

Additionally, the airflow guide part may include:

a first guide part formed to extend from the vicinity of the center of the disk-facing surface to both sides of the disk-facing surface; and

a pair of second guide parts formed on opposing side surfaces of the slider and continuing with the first guide part.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end of the slider by discharging dust that enters the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk toward the sides of the slider and further discharging the dust toward the outflow side from the side surface of the slider.

Further, the first and second guide parts may be formed to extend in respective directions each inclined at an angle with respect to the direction of the airflow.

Accordingly, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk toward the side of the slider and to further discharge the dust toward the outflow side from the side surface of the slider.

In addition, one of the first and second guide parts may include a capturing part that captures dust included in the airflow.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end of the slider by capturing the dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk by the capturing part of one of the first and second guide parts.

Additionally, the airflow guide part may include:

a first guide groove formed to extend from the vicinity of the center of the disk-facing surface toward both sides of the disk-facing surface; and

a second guide groove formed on a side surface of the head slider and communicating with the first guide groove.

Accordingly, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface and the magnetic disk toward the sides of the slider and further discharge the dust toward the outflow side from the side of the slider by the first and second guide grooves.

Further, one of the first and second guide grooves may include a capturing groove that captures dust included in the airflow, and the capturing groove may be formed deeper than the first and second guide grooves.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface, facing a surface of a magnetic disk, and the magnetic disk from adhering to the outflow-side end of the slider by capturing the dust with the capturing groove of one of the first and second guide grooves.

In addition, in the first guide groove, an inflow-side wall along which the air flowing along the disk-facing surface enters the first guide groove may be an inclined surface, and an outflow-side wall along which the air flowing along the disk-facing surface is discharged may be a vertical surface.

Accordingly, since the inflow-side wall of the first guide groove is an inclined surface, the air flowing along the disk-facing surface can easily flow into the first guide groove. Hence, it is possible to positively discharge dust that is moved by the airflow toward the sides of the slider along the first guide groove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will now be given of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a head slider for magnetic disks according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Ais a front elevational view,FIG. 2Bis a bottom plan view, andFIG. 2Cis a side elevational view showing the structure of the head slider shown inFIG. 1.

A head slider for magnetic disks (hereinafter referred to as a “slider”)10shown inFIG. 1is formed by ceramics such as alumina, titanium, and carbide. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2Athrough2C, in the slider10, a magnetic head16is mounted in the vicinity of an outflow-side end14. Air flowing along a disk-facing surface12, facing a magnetic disk, flows out from the outflow-side end14. Connection pads18are formed on the outflow-side end14. The connection pads18are electrically connected to respective terminals of the magnetic head16.

As shown inFIG. 3, the slider10is held at an end of a suspension22that is formed into an arm-like shape via a gimbal plate24. The slider10is held at a slant so that the magnetic head16approaches a surface of a magnetic disk26that is rotated at a high speed. The magnetic head16performs magnetic recording on a magnetic layer of the magnetic disk26in a recording mode. In a reproducing mode, the magnetic head16reads information that is magnetically recorded on the magnetic disk26.

When the magnetic disk26is rotated, airflow28is generated on the surface of the magnetic disk26in the direction indicated by arrows inFIG. 3. As a result, a lifting force is exerted on the disk-facing surface12by air pressure created while the airflow28passes along the disk-facing surface12. The lifting force is exerted on the disk-facing surface12in the separating direction from the magnetic disk26. In the slider10, negative pressure is exerted on concave portions formed on the disk-facing surface12, and positive pressure is exerted on protrusions formed on the disk-facing surface12. Hence, the slider12is lifted to a position separated from the surface of the magnetic disk26by a minute distance by balance between the positive pressure and the negative pressure that are created by the shape of the disk-facing surface12.

A lubricant layer26ais formed on the surface of the magnetic disk26by applying a lubricant thereon. The lubricant layer26aprevents the disk surface from being damaged by reducing friction caused when the slider10contacts the disk surface.

When the slider10contacts the surface of the magnetic disk26, there is a case where minute dust particles come off the lubricant layer26a. The dust that comes off the lubricant layer26ais blown off by the airflow28that is generated by rotation of the magnetic disk26.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2Athrough2C again, a description will be given of the shape of the disk-facing surface12.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2Athrough2C, a front rail32, a flow path34, and rear rails36through38are formed on the disk-facing surface12. The front rail32extends in the width direction of the slider10in the vicinity of an inflow-side end30from which the airflow28flows in. The airflow28passes through the flow path34. The rear rails36through38are arranged on the downstream side of the flow path34. The front rail32is formed into a U-shape when seen from the bottom surface, and includes extending portions32aand32b.

In addition, the front rail32is provided with a pair of front pads40and42and a pair of stick prevention pads44and46near the left and right sides of the front rail32, respectively. The rear rails36through38are provided with rear pads48through50, respectively. The airflow28flows into the flow path34by passing between the front pads40and42. Since the flow path34is separated from the magnetic disk26, a negative pressure attracting the slider10to the magnetic disk26is exerted thereon.

On the other hand, the front pads40and42and the rear pads48through50are more protruding than the flow path34so as to approach the magnetic disk26. Hence, positive pressure separating the slider10from the magnetic disk26is exerted on the front pads40and42and the rear pads48through50.

The flow path34is a flat surface formed approximately in the center of the disk-facing surface12. An airflow guide part52extending in a V-like shape is formed in the flow path34. The airflow guide part52includes a left guide groove52aand a right guide groove52bthat are formed continuously. The left guide groove52aextends toward the left side of the disk-facing surface12from approximately the center thereof, and the right groove52bextends toward the right side of the disk-facing surface12from approximately the center thereof, when the slider10is seen from the bottom surface with the inflow-side end30facing down. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the slider is placed as mentioned above when referring to “left” and “right”.

The left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52bare formed symmetrically in relation to the center line O of the slider10shown as a one-dot chain line inFIG. 2B. Hence, variation in negative pressure is balanced on the left and right sides of the slider10. Accordingly, lifting characteristics of the slider10are not greatly influenced by the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52b.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52bare formed to extend in respective symmetric directions each inclined at an angle θ (in this embodiment, θ=approximately 120 degrees) with respect to the center line O that extends in the flow direction of the airflow28. Thus, the airflow28entering the flow path34by passing between the front pads40and42flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part52as indicated by arrows A inFIG. 2B. Then, the airflow28is discharged toward the left and right side surfaces of the slider10along the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52bas indicated by arrows B inFIG. 2B.

Thus, dust (including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) moved by the airflow28flow into the center portion of the airflow guide part52and is discharged to the left and right side surfaces of the slider10. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14and the magnetic head16of the slider10. Further, it is also possible to prevent the outflow-side end14from sticking to the magnetic disk26via dust that comes off the lubricant layer26.

It should be noted that the angle of inclination θ of the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52bis set to an arbitrary angle in accordance with the depth of the grooves, the flow rate of the airflow28, and the like. Thus, θ=120 degrees is an example.

Referring toFIG. 2C, the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52bare formed such that an inflow-side wall52dand an outflow-side wall52eare perpendicular to a bottom surface52c.In addition, the roughness of the bottom surface52cis greater than that of the surface of the flow path34. For example, assuming that the average surface roughness Ra1of the flow path34is Ra1=10-15 nm, then the average surface roughness Ra2of the bottom surface52cis Ra2=approximately 30 nm. For this reason, while passing through the flow-path34, the airflow28moving along the disk-facing surface12is attracted by and flows into the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52b,each having a surface roughness greater than that of the flow path34. Also, dust moved by the airflow28positively flows into the left guide groove52aand the right guide groove52band is discharged from the left and right side surfaces, respectively, of the slider10in lateral directions.

A description will now be given of modifications of the present invention.

FIG. 4is a perspective view showing the structure of a slider according to Modification1of the present invention.FIG. 5Ais a front elevational view,FIG. 5Bis a bottom plan view, andFIG. 5Cis a side elevational view showing the structure of the slider shown inFIG. 4. InFIGS. 4 and 5Athrough5C, those parts that are the same as those corresponding parts in the above-mentioned embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5Athrough5C, an airflow guide part62of a slider60according to Modification1includes a first guide groove62A and a pair of second guide grooves62B. The first guide groove62A is formed on the bottom surface of the slider60. The second guide grooves62B are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the slider60. The first guide groove62A includes a left bottom surface guide groove62aand a right bottom surface guide groove62b. The left bottom surface guide groove62aextends toward the left side from approximately the center of the disk-facing surface12. The right bottom surface guide groove62bextends toward the right side from approximately the center of the disk-facing surface12. The second guide grooves62B includes a left side surface guide groove62cprovided on the left side surface of the slider60and a right side surface guide groove62dprovided on the right side surface of the slider60. The above-mentioned grooves62athrough62dof the airflow guide part62are formed continuously so that the grooves62athrough62dcommunicate with each other.

It should be noted that each of the angles of inclination θ and α is set to an arbitrary angle in accordance with the depths of the grooves, the flow rate of the airflow28, and the like. The value 120 degrees is an example.

Hence, the airflow28entering the flow path34by passing between the front pads40and42flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part62as indicated by the arrows A inFIG. 5B. Then, the airflow28is moved toward the left and right side surfaces along the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b, respectively. Further, as indicated by an arrow C inFIGS. 5C and 6, the airflow28is discharged upward by passing through the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62d.

Accordingly, dust (including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) moved by the airflow28flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part62and is moved toward the left and right sides of the slider60. Then, the dust passes through the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62dand is discharged upward. Hence, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14and the magnetic head16of the slider60. Further, it is also possible to prevent the outflow-side end14from sticking to the magnetic disk26via dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a.

FIG. 7is a bottom plan view of a slider according to Modification2of the present invention. InFIG. 7, those parts that are the same as those corresponding parts in the above-mentioned embodiment and Modification1are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 7, in a slider70according to Modification2, capturing grooves72aand72bextending in the flow direction (toward the downstream side) of the airflow28are formed in the inner walls of the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b,respectively. The capturing grooves72aand72bare formed to communicate with the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62bin approximately the middle positions in the longitudinal directions of the grooves62aand62b,respectively. In addition, the capturing grooves72aand72bare formed deeper than the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b.

Hence, in the capturing grooves72aand72b, negative pressure greater than that in the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62bis generated and acts to bring the airflow28therein.

The capturing grooves72aand72bare formed symmetrically. Thus, variation in the negative pressure is balanced on the left and right sides of the slider70. Accordingly, lifting characteristics of the slider70are not greatly influenced by the capturing grooves72aand72b.

In the slider70according to Modification 2 configured as mentioned above, the airflow28entering the flow path34by passing between the front pads40and42flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part62as indicated by the arrows A inFIG. 7. Then, the airflow28is moved toward the left and right side surfaces of the slider70along the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b.Further, dust included in the airflow28flows into and is captured by the capturing grooves72aand72bas indicated by arrows D inFIG. 7.

Accordingly, the dust moved by the airflow28(including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part62and is captured by the capturing grooves72aand72bwhile the dust is being moved toward the left and right sides, respectively, of the slider70. Thus, the dust adheres to inner walls of the capturing grooves72aand72b.Hence, according to Modification2, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14and the magnetic head16by capturing dust with the capturing grooves72aand72b.Further, it is also possible to prevent the outflow-side end14from sticking to the magnetic disk26via dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a.

FIG. 8is a side elevational view of a slider according to Modification3of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, in a slider75according to Modification3, a capturing groove76acommunicating with the left side surface guide groove62cis formed. The capturing groove76ais formed to communicate with the left side surface guide groove62cin approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface guide groove62c. In addition, similarly, a capturing groove76bcommunicating with the right side surface guide groove62dis formed in the slider75, though illustration thereof is omitted. The capturing groove76bis formed to communicate with the right side surface guide groove62din approximately the middle position of the longitudinal direction of the right side surface guide groove62d.The capturing grooves76aand76bare formed deeper than the left side surface guide grooves62cand the right side surface guide groove62d.

Hence, in the capturing grooves76aand76b,negative pressure greater than that in the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62dis generated.

In the slider75according to Modification3configured as mentioned above, the airflow28entering the flow path34flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part62. Then, the airflow28is moved toward the left and right side surfaces of the slider75along the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b. Further, the dust included in the airflow28flows into the capturing grooves76aand76bwhile the airflow28is being discharged upward by passing through the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62d.

Accordingly, the dust moved by the airflow28(including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) flows into the capturing grooves76aand76bwhile being moved along the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62d, respectively. Then, dust adheres to and is captured by inner walls of the capturing grooves76aand76b.

FIG. 9is a bottom plan view of a slider according to Modification4of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 9, in a slider80according to Modification4, an airflow guide part82that is curved in an arc-like shape is formed in the flow path34on the bottom surface. The airflow guide part82includes a left bottom surface guide groove82acurving toward the left side from the center of the airflow guide part82and a right bottom surface side groove82bcurving toward the right side from the above-mentioned center. Also, in the slider80, the left side surface guide groove62cand the right side surface guide groove62dare formed as in the above-mentioned sliders60,70, and75.

The airflow guide part82may be formed into the above-mentioned V-like shape or other shapes (for example, a parabola-like shape).

FIG. 10Ais a bottom plan view andFIG. 10Bis a side elevational view showing the structure of a slider according to Modification5of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, in a slider90according to Modification5, the cross-section of an airflow guide part92is formed into a trapezoid-like shape. The inflow-side inner walls of the left and right bottom surface guide grooves62aand62bare inclined surfaces92aand92b, respectively. In this manner, since the inflow-side inner walls of the left and right bottom surface guide grooves62aand62bare the inclined surfaces92aand92b, respectively, the airflow28smoothly flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part92along the inclined surfaces92aand92b, as indicated by arrows A inFIG. 10A. Then, the airflow28is discharged toward the left and right side surfaces of the slider90along the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b, respectively, as indicated by arrows B inFIG. 10A.

Accordingly, dust moved by the airflow28(including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part92and is discharged to the left and right sides of the slider90.

FIG. 11Ais a bottom plan view andFIG. 11Bis a side elevational view showing the structure of a slider according to Modification6of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, a slider100according to Modification6includes the above-mentioned airflow guide part92and an airflow guide part102. The airflow guide part102is formed to extend along the outflow-side inner walls of the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62band protrude higher than the flow path34.

The airflow guide part102includes a left bottom surface guide protrusion102aand a right bottom surface guide protrusion102b. The left bottom surface guide protrusion102aand the right bottom surface guide protrusion102bextend parallel to the outflow-side inner walls of the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide groove62b, respectively.

In this manner, the left bottom surface guide protrusion102aand the right bottom surface guide protrusion102bare protruding from the outflow-sides of the left and right bottom surface guide grooves62aand62b, respectively. Accordingly, the airflow28smoothly flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part92along the inclined surfaces92aand92bas indicated by arrows A inFIG. 11A. Then, the flow direction of the airflow28is guided by the left bottom surface guide protrusion102aand the right bottom surface guide protrusions102bto the flow direction along the left bottom surface guide groove62aand the right bottom surface guide grooves62b, respectively. Thus, the airflow28is discharged toward the left and right sides of the slider100.

Accordingly, the dust moved by the airflow28(including dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a) flows into the center portion of the airflow guide part92and is discharged to the left and right side surfaces of the slider100by the left bottom surface guide protrusion102aand the right bottom surface guide protrusion102b.

The head slider for magnetic disks according to the present invention may be applied to any type of hard disk apparatus as well as a CSS (Contact Start Stop) type hard disk apparatus and a load/unload type hard disk apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention, dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk26is discharged toward the sides of the slider10(60,70,75,80,90,100) by the airflow guided toward the sides of the disk-facing surface12by the airflow guide part52(62,82,92). Hence, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14of the slider10(60,70,75,80,90,100). Accordingly, it is also possible to prevent the outflow-side end14of the slider10(60,70,75,80,90,100) from sticking to the magnetic disk26via dust that comes off the lubricant layer26a.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the airflow guide part52(62,92) may be formed to extend in directions each inclined at an angle (θ) with respect to the flow direction of the airflow28. Accordingly, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk26toward the sides of the slider10(60,70,75,90,100). Thus, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14of the slider70(75) by capturing dust included in the airflow28by the capturing parts72aand72b(76aand76b) of the airflow guide part.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present invention, the airflow guide part62(92) may include: the first guide part62A formed to extend from the vicinity of the center of the disk-facing surface12to both sides of the disk-facing surface12; and the second guide parts62B formed on opposing side surfaces of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100) and continuing with the first guide part62A. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100) by discharging dust that enters the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk26toward the sides of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100) and further discharging dust toward the outflow side from the side surfaces of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100).

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second guide parts62A and62B may be formed to extend in respective directions each inclined at an angle (θ, α) with respect to the flow direction of the airflow28. Accordingly, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk toward the sides of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100) and to further discharge the dust toward the outflow side from the side surfaces of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100).

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14by capturing dust with the capturing parts72aand72b(76aand76b) of one of the first and second guide parts62A and62B.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14of the slider70(75) by capturing dust that enters the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk26with the capturing parts72aand72b(76aand76b) of one of the first and second guide parts62A and62B.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to positively discharge dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface12and the magnetic disk26toward the sides of the slider60(70,75,80,90,100) and further discharge the dust toward the outflow side from the sides of the slider by the first and second guide grooves62A and62B. Hence, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent dust entering the space between the disk-facing surface12, facing the surface of the magnetic disk26, and the magnetic disk26from adhering to the outflow-side end14of the slider by capturing the dust with the capturing grooves72aand72b(76aand76b) of one of the first and second guide grooves62A and62B.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, since the inflow-side wall92aof the first guide groove62A is the inclined surface92a, the airflow28flowing along the disk-facing surface12can easily flow into the first guide groove62A. Hence, it is possible to positively discharge dust that is moved by the airflow28toward the sides of the slider90(100) along the first guide groove62A. Thus, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the outflow-side end14.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the-scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on Japanese priority application No. 2002-331039 filed on Nov. 14, 2002, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.