Printed circuit board assembly with power cover

A printed circuit board assembly (120) for a peripheral is disclosed. Components of the printed circuit board assembly (120) include a printed circuit board (122), a power connector plug (124) having a first cavity (158) with a plurality of power pins (162), and a cover (174) that is disposed within the first cavity (158). There is an interference fit or the like between an the outer perimeter of the cover (174) and a connector housing (128) of the power connector plug (124). Each of the power pins (162) is disposed within a corresponding hole (206) on a first end (182) of the cover (174) that is preferably sized so that the pins (162) do not contact the cover (174). Each such hole (206) has a closed end such that the cover (174) individually encloses at least an end portion of each power pin (162).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of printed circuit board assemblies that may be installed in a peripheral and, more particularly, to a cover for a connector plug of such a printed circuit board assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of computer peripherals (e.g., disk drives, floppy drives, CD-ROMs) may use what may be characterized as a printed circuit board assembly of some type. Components of such a printed circuit board assembly include a printed circuit board and at least one connector that is appropriately mounted on the printed circuit board. This connector may include a plurality of pins that are electrically connected with electrical contacts and/or traces that are formed on the printed circuit board, and thereby such is commonly referred to as a “plug.” Another connector (commonly referred to as a “receptacle” when it has the female electrical contacts) may be interconnected with the plug, for instance to provide power from a power supply to the printed circuit board.

It is common at least in the disk drive industry to assemble a printed circuit board assembly at one location, and then ship the printed circuit board assembly to a different location for incorporation into a disk drive. One or more of the pins of the printed circuit board assembly may become damaged during handling and/or shipment of the printed circuit board assembly. Personnel that handle these printed circuit board assemblies also may be injured by coming into contact with the pins as well. Some printed circuit board assembly connectors may include a number of sets of pins. One or more of these sets may not be used at certain times.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a cover for a connector plug having a plurality of pins. One application of the invention is in the form of a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board, the noted connector plug, and the noted cover. Although the present invention will be discussed with regard to this particular application, it should be appreciated that the various features to be discussed herein regarding the cover, or the combination of the cover and the connector plug, may be presented for any application or presented independently of any particular application.

A first aspect of the present invention is embodied by a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board, a connector plug (e.g., power connector plug) that is appropriately mounted on the printed circuit board, and a cover that interfaces with the connector plug. The connector plug includes a connector housing, a first cavity that intersects with an exterior surface or outer perimeter of the connector housing and that extends within the connector housing, and a plurality of pins (e.g., power pins) that are at least partially disposed in the first cavity. The cover is at least partially disposed in the first cavity and is engaged by at least a portion of the connector housing. None of the pins of the connector plug are contacted by the cover. That is, the entirety of the pins is separated from the cover by an open space when the cover and connector plug are interconnected in the case of the first aspect.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The printed circuit board may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, may include any type and arrangement of electrical components, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The connector plug may be mounted on the printed circuit board in any appropriate manner, may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The focus of the first aspect is more on the relationship between the cover and connector plug.

The cover is preferably detachably or removably interconnected with the connector plug in the case of the first aspect. That is, the cover may be installed within the connector plug or removed as desired/required. There a number of characterizations that may be made in relation to the interface between the cover and the connector plug when fully interconnected. One is that there is an interference fit between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing. Another is that there is a snap-lock interconnection between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing. Yet another is that the cover is compressed between opposing portions of the connector housing when installed in the first cavity of the connector plug. In any case, preferably the cover does not “rattle” when the cover and connector plug are fully interconnected. That is, preferably the cover is maintained in a stationary position relative to the connector plug when fully interconnected, including when moving or shaking the connector plug by hand.

Each of the above-noted characterizations of the interface between the connector plug and cover are encompassed by the cover including at least one recess on its outer perimeter, and by the connector housing including a protrusion for each such recess. Each such protrusion may extend from the connector housing within the first cavity, may be disposed/seated within a corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover, and may exert a force on the outer perimeter of the cover by being in contact with the cover. One way in which this may be done is by having the connector housing at least generally elastically deflect when the cover is being directed within the first cavity. The resulting attempt by the connector housing to return to its undeformed or undeflected state may then provide the forces that are exerted on the cover by the connector housing. Preferably, the connector housing remains elastically deformed when each protrusion of the connector housing is seated within its corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment, at least one recess is formed on both the top and bottom of the cover, and a corresponding protrusion of the connector housing is disposed in each such recess. Preferably, each recess on the top of the cover is vertically aligned with a recess on the bottom of the cover such that opposing forces are exerted on the top and bottom of the cover to place the cover in compression.

Although the cover could include a single cavity for collectively receiving each of the pins of the connector plug in the case of the first aspect, preferably the cover instead includes a plurality of individual and discrete holes for receiving at least an end portion of each of these pins. A first end of the cover may include such a plurality of holes, and preferably the opposite end of each such hole is closed. Stated another way, each such hole preferably does not extend all the way to a second end of the cover that is located opposite of the first end. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends of the cover are in the form of a planar surfaces, with the plurality of holes intersecting with the first end, but not the second end. Another way of characterizing the cover having such a plurality of holes is that the cover is in the form of a solid body, and that the only internal cavities within this solid body are the plurality of holes for accommodating receipt of a corresponding pin of the connector plug. Another characterization is that a volume of the cover extending between the top and bottom of the cover at a location between each adjacent pair of holes is occupied by a material that defines the cover, preferably along the entire length of each such hole. Yet another characterization is that both the top and bottom of the cover extend at least the full length of each of the plurality of holes, and there are no open spaces in the cover between any adjacent pair of holes along the entire length dimension of each such hole.

The cover is preferably in the form of a rigid body that does not deflect to any substantial degree when being engaged by the connector plug in the case of the first aspect. This facilitates using compressive forces of the above-noted type as the primary forces to retain the interconnection between the cover and connector plug. Although the cover may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials, in one embodiment the cover is in the form of a polymer.

The cover may be directed into the first cavity such that it is flush with the end of the connector housing having the first cavity or recessed inwardly of this end in the case of the first aspect (i.e., preferably, the cover does not protrude beyond the connector plug after being installed). As such, it would be at least difficult, if not impossible, to remove the cover by hand. In this regard, the outer perimeter of the cover may be adapted to facilitate the removal of the cover from the connector plug. For instance, a tool may be inserted into a space between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing and then manipulated to deflect the connector housing, and thereby displace one or more of the above-noted protrusions of the connector housing out of their corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment, a slot is formed on the top of the cover, the bottom of the cover, or both, for receiving an appropriate tool (e.g. a flat tip screwdriver) that may be used to remove the cover from the connector plug. Any such slot may be of any appropriate size and/or configuration for increasing the size of the gap between the cover and the connector plug to the desired degree for receipt of a cover removal tool. In one embodiment, each such slot extends from the above-noted second end of the cover at least toward the above-noted first end of the cover, but in any case preferably at least along the entire length of each such hole. Another positional feature is that each such slot may be centrally located between adjacent pairs of holes on the top and/or bottom of the cover in the lateral dimension, although the slot and the corresponding pair of holes may and more typically will be offset in the vertical dimension.

The cover may be configured such that it may be positioned within the connector plug in either of first or second orientations in accordance with the first aspect. That is, the cover may be installed in the connector plug “right side up” or may be installed within the connector plug “upside down.” In one embodiment, the connector housing includes a pair of chamfered corners, and each of the four corners of the connector housing are chamfered or beveled to accommodate multiple orientations of the cover within the connector plug. Stated another way, the cover may have an upper half that is the mirror image of the lower half to accommodate the cover being disposed in the connector plug either with its top being disposed above its bottom, or with its bottom being disposed above its top.

A second aspect of the present invention is embodied by a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board, a connector plug (e.g., power connector plug) that is appropriately mounted on the printed circuit board, and a cover that interfaces with the connector plug. The connector plug includes a connector housing, a first cavity that intersects with an exterior surface or outer perimeter of the connector housing and that extends within the connector housing, and a plurality of pins (e.g., power pins) that are at least partially disposed in the first cavity. The cover is at least partially disposed in the first cavity, and an interference fit exists between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing. A majority of the forces that retain the interconnection between the cover and connector plug are provided by the above-noted interference fit.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the second aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the second aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The printed circuit board may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, may include any type and arrangement of electrical components, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The connector plug may be mounted on the printed circuit board in any appropriate manner, may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The focus of the second aspect is more on the relationship between the cover and connector plug.

The cover is preferably detachably or removably interconnected with the connector plug in the case of the second aspect. That is, the cover may be installed within the connector plug or removed as desired/required. There a number of characterizations that may be made in relation to the above-noted interference fit between the cover and connector plug. One is that about 100% of the forces that retain the cover relative to the connector plug may be provided by the noted interference fit. Another is that there may be a snap-lock interconnection between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing. Yet another is that the cover may be compressed between opposing portions of the connector housing when installed in the first cavity of the connector plug. In any case, preferably the cover does not “rattle” when the cover and connector plug are fully interconnected. That is, preferably the cover is maintained in a stationary position relative to the connector plug when fully interconnected, including when moving or shaking the connector plug by hand.

Each of the above-noted characterizations of the interface between the connector plug and cover are encompassed by the cover including at least one recess on its outer perimeter, and by the connector housing including a protrusion for each such recess. Each such protrusion may extend from the connector housing within the first cavity, may be disposed/seated within a corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover, and may exert a force on the outer perimeter of the cover by being in contact with the cover. One way in which this may be done is by having the connector housing at least generally elastically deflect when the cover is being directed within the first cavity. The resulting attempt by the connector housing to return to its undeformed or undeflected state may then provide the forces that are exerted on the cover by the connector housing. Preferably, the connector housing remains elastically deformed when each protrusion of the connector housing is seated within its corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment, at least one recess is formed on both the top and bottom of the cover, and a corresponding protrusion of the connector housing is disposed in each such recess. Preferably, each recess on the top of the cover is vertically aligned with a recess on the bottom of the cover such that opposing forces are exerted on the top and bottom of the cover to place the cover in compression.

Although the cover could include a single cavity for collectively receiving each of the pins of the connector plug in the case of the second aspect, preferably the cover instead includes a plurality of individual and discrete holes for receiving at least an end portion of each of these pins. A first end of the cover may include such a plurality of holes, and preferably the opposite end of each such hole is closed. Stated another way, each such hole preferably does not extend all the way to a second end of the cover that is located opposite of the first end. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends of the cover are in the form of a planar surfaces, with the plurality of holes intersecting with the first end, but not the second end. Another way of characterizing the cover having such a plurality of holes is that the cover is in the form of a solid body, and that the only internal cavities within this solid body are the plurality of holes for accommodating receipt of a corresponding pin of the connector plug. Another characterization is that a volume of the cover extending between the top and bottom of the cover at a location between each adjacent pair of holes is occupied by a material that defines the cover, preferably along the entire length of each such hole. Yet another characterization is that both the top and bottom of the cover extend at least the full length of each of the plurality of holes, and there are no open spaces in the cover between any adjacent pair of holes along the entire length dimension of each such hole.

The cover is preferably in the form of a rigid body that does not deflect to any substantial degree when being engaged by the connector plug in the case of the second aspect. This facilitates using compressive forces of the above-noted type as the primary forces to retain the interconnection between the cover and connector plug. Although the cover may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials, in one embodiment the cover is in the form of a polymer.

The cover may be directed into the first cavity such that it is flush with the end of the connector housing having the first cavity or recessed inwardly of this end in the case of the second aspect (i.e., preferably, the cover does not protrude beyond the connector plug after being installed). As such, it would be at least difficult, if not impossible, to remove the cover by hand. In this regard, the outer perimeter of the cover may be adapted to facilitate the removal of the cover from the connector plug. For instance, a tool may be inserted into a space between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing and then manipulated to deflect the connector housing, and thereby displace one or more of the above-noted protrusions of the connector housing out of their corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment, a slot is formed on the top of the cover, the bottom of the cover, or both, for receiving an appropriate tool (e.g. a flat tip screwdriver) that may be used to remove the cover from the connector plug. Any such slot may be of any appropriate size and/or configuration for increasing the size of the gap between the cover and the connector plug to the desired degree for receipt of a cover removal tool. In one embodiment, each such slot extends from the above-noted second end of the cover at least toward the above-noted first end of the cover, but in any case preferably at least along the entire length of each such hole. Another positional feature is that each such slot may be centrally located between adjacent pairs of holes on the top and/or bottom of the cover in the lateral dimension, although the slot and the corresponding pair of holes may and more typically will be offset in the vertical dimension.

The cover may be configured such that it may be positioned within the connector plug in either of first or second orientations in accordance with the second aspect. That is, the cover may be installed in the connector plug “right side up” or may be installed within the connector plug “upside down.” In one embodiment, the connector housing includes a pair of chamfered corners, and each of the four corners of the connector housing are chamfered or beveled to accommodate multiple orientations of the cover within the connector plug. Stated another way, the cover may have an upper half that is the mirror image of the lower half to accommodate the cover being disposed in the connector plug either with its top being disposed above its bottom, or with its bottom being disposed above its top.

A third aspect of the present invention is embodied by a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board, a connector plug (e.g., power connector plug) that is appropriately mounted on the printed circuit board, and a cover that interfaces with the connector plug. The connector plug includes a connector housing, a first cavity that intersects with an exterior surface or outer perimeter of the connector housing and that extends within the connector housing, and a plurality of pins (e.g., power pins) that are at least partially disposed in the first cavity. The cover is at least partially disposed in the first cavity, and includes: 1) a top and a bottom that are oppositely disposed; 2) first and second sides that are oppositely disposed; and 3) first and second ends that are oppositely disposed. The first end of the cover includes a plurality of holes that extend within the cover to a closed end. Both the top and bottom of the cover include at least one recess. The connector housing includes a protrusion for each such recess, and each protrusion extends within the first cavity, is disposed in its corresponding recess, and contacts the cover. The retention force collectively provided by the engagement between the various protrusions and the cover is greater than any collective force provided by each pin that may be in engagement or contact with the cover.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the third aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the third aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The printed circuit board may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, may include any type and arrangement of electrical components, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The connector plug may be mounted on the printed circuit board in any appropriate manner, may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, and may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. The focus of the third aspect is more on the relationship between the cover and connector plug.

The cover is preferably detachably or removably interconnected with the connector plug in the case of the third aspect. That is, the cover may be installed within the connector plug or removed as desired/required. There a number of characterizations that may be made in relation to the interface between the cover and connector plug. One is that about 100% of the forces that retain the cover relative to the connector plug may be provided by the protrusions of the connector housing being engaged with the outer perimeter of the cover while being disposed within their corresponding recess. Another is that there may be an interference fit between the protrusions of the connector housing and an outer perimeter of the cover. Yet another is that the cover may be compressed between opposing portions of the connector housing when installed in the first cavity of the connector plug. In any case, preferably the cover does not “rattle” when the cover and connector plug are fully interconnected. That is, preferably the cover is maintained in a stationary position relative to the connector plug when fully interconnected, including when moving or shaking the connector plug by hand.

Each protrusion of the connector housing in the case of the third aspect may extend from the connector housing within the first cavity, may be disposed/seated within a corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover, and may exert a force on the outer perimeter of the cover by being in contact with the cover. One way in which this may be done is by having the connector housing at least generally elastically deflect when the cover is being directed within the first cavity. The resulting attempt by the connector housing to return to its undeformed or undeflected state may then provide the forces that are exerted on the cover by the connector housing. Preferably, the connector housing remains elastically deformed when each protrusion of the connector housing is seated within its corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. Moreover, preferably, each recess on the top of the cover is vertically aligned with a recess on the bottom of the cover such that opposing forces are exerted on the top and bottom of the cover to place the cover in compression.

Although the cover could include a single cavity for collectively receiving each of the pins of the connector plug in the case of the third aspect, preferably the cover instead includes a plurality of individual and discrete holes for receiving at least an end portion of each of these pins. A first end of the cover may include such a plurality of holes, and preferably the opposite end of each such hole is closed. Stated another way, each such hole preferably does not extend all the way to a second end of the cover that is located opposite of the first end. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends of the cover are in the form of a planar surfaces, with the plurality of holes intersecting with the first end, but not the second end. Another way of characterizing the cover having such a plurality of holes is that the cover is in the form of a solid body, and that the only internal cavities within this solid body are the plurality of holes for accommodating receipt of a corresponding pin of the connector plug. Another characterization is that a volume of the cover extending between the top and bottom of the cover at a location between each adjacent pair of holes is occupied by a material that defines the cover, preferably along the entire length of each such hole. Yet another characterization is that both the top and bottom of the cover extend at least the full length of each of the plurality of holes, and that there are no open spaces in the cover between any adjacent pair of holes along the entire length dimension of each such hole. In any case, preferably none of the pins contact any portion of the cover. That is, preferably the entirety of each pin is disposed in spaced relation to the cover.

The cover is preferably in the form of a rigid body that does not deflect to any substantial degree when being engaged by the connector plug in the case of the third aspect. This facilitates using compressive forces of the above-noted type as the primary forces to retain the interconnection between the cover and connector plug. Although the cover may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials, in one embodiment the cover is in the form of a polymer.

The cover may be directed into the first cavity such that it is flush with the end of the connector housing having the first cavity or recessed inwardly of this end in the case of the third aspect (i.e., preferably, the cover does not protrude beyond the connector plug after being installed). As such, it would be at least difficult, if not impossible, to remove the cover by hand. In this regard, the outer perimeter of the cover may be adapted to facilitate the removal of the cover from the connector plug. For instance, a tool may be inserted into a space between the outer perimeter of the cover and the connector housing and then manipulated to deflect the connector housing, and thereby displace one or more of the above-noted protrusions of the connector housing out of their corresponding recess on the outer perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment, a slot is formed on the top of the cover, the bottom of the cover, or both, for receiving an appropriate tool (e.g. a flat tip screwdriver) that may be used to remove the cover from the connector plug. Any such slot may be of any appropriate size and/or configuration for increasing the size of the gap between the cover and the connector plug to the desired degree for receipt of a cover removal tool. In one embodiment, each such slot extends from the above-noted second end of the cover at least toward the above-noted first end of the cover, but in any case preferably at least along the entire length of each such hole. Another positional feature is that each such slot may be centrally located between adjacent pairs of holes on the top and/or bottom of the cover in the lateral dimension, although the slot and the corresponding pair of holes may and more typically will be offset in the vertical dimension.

The cover may be configured such that it may be positioned within the connector plug in either of first or second orientations in accordance with the third aspect. That is, the cover may be installed in the connector plug “right side up” or may be installed within the connector plug “upside down.” In one embodiment, the connector housing includes a pair of chamfered corners, and each of the four corners of the connector housing are chamfered or beveled to accommodate multiple orientations of the cover within the connector plug. Stated another way, the cover may have an upper half that is the mirror image of the lower half to accommodate the cover being disposed in the connector plug either with its top being disposed above its bottom, or with its bottom being disposed above its top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A disk drive10that may be adapted to include a printed circuit board assembly with a power plug cover is illustrated inFIGS. 1–4. The disk drive10generally includes a disk drive housing16of any appropriate configuration that defines an enclosed space for the various disk drive components. Here the housing16includes a base plate14that is typically detachably interconnected with a cover12. A suitable gasket13may be disposed between the cover12and the base plate14to enhance the seal therebetween.

The disk drive10includes one or more data storage disks18of any appropriate computer-readable data storage media. Typically both of the major surfaces of each data storage disk18include a plurality of concentrically disposed tracks for data storage purposes. Each disk18is mounted on a hub by a disk clamp22, and the hub is rotatably interconnected with the disk drive base plate14and/or cover12. A spindle motor rotates the hub and attached clamp22about a shaft24of the spindle motor to simultaneously spin the data storage disk(s)18at an appropriate rate.

The disk drive10also includes a head positioner assembly26, that in turn includes an actuator27. The actuator27is in the form of an actuator body28having one or more individual rigid actuator arms30extending therefrom. This actuator body28is mounted on a pivot bearing34. Each actuator arm30pivots about the pivot bearing34, which in turn is rotatably supported by the base plate14and/or cover12. Multiple actuator arms30are disposed in vertically spaced relation, with one actuator arm30typically being provided for each major data storage surface of each data storage disk18of the disk drive10. Other actuator configurations could be utilized as well, such as an “E” block having one or more rigid actuator arm tips or the like that cantilever from a common structure, or one or more rigid actuator arms that are each mounted on the pivot bearing34.

Movement of the head positioner assembly26is provided by an appropriate head stack assembly drive, such as a voice coil motor62or the like. The voice coil motor62may be characterized as a rotary drive. The voice coil motor62is a magnetic assembly that controls the movement of the head positioner assembly26under the direction of control electronics66. Typical components of the voice coil motor62are a coil63that may be mounted on the head positioner assembly26, and a separate voice coil motor magnet assembly, (“VCM Assembly”)64that is disposed above and below this coil63(the upper VCM assembly64being “exploded away” inFIG. 1). The VCM magnet assemblies64will typically be mounted on the housing16in a fixed position, with the upper VCM assembly64being appropriately supported above the lower VCM assembly. Any appropriate head positioner assembly drive type may be utilized by the disk drive10, including a linear drive (for the case where the head positioner assembly26is interconnected with the base plate14and/or cover12for linear movement versus the illustrated pivoting movement about the pivot bearing34), as well as other types of rotational/pivoting drives.

A head-gimbal assembly or HGA36is interconnected with each actuator arm30and includes a load beam or suspension38that is attached to the free end of each actuator arm30or actuator arm tip, and cantilevers therefrom. All HGAs36are part of the head positioner assembly26. Typically the suspension38of each HGA36is biased at least generally toward its corresponding disk18by a spring-like force. A slider42is disposed at or near the free end of each suspension38. What is commonly referred to in the art as the “head”44(e.g., at least one transducer) is appropriately mounted on the slider42and is used in disk drive read/write operations. Various types of read/write technologies may be utilized by the head44on the slider42. In any case, the biasing forces exerted by the suspension38on its corresponding slider42thereby attempt to move the slider42in the direction of its corresponding disk18. Typically this biasing force is such that if the slider42were positioned over its corresponding disk18, without the disk18being rotated at a sufficient velocity, the slider42would be in contact with the disk18.

Each head44is interconnected with the control electronics66of the disk drive10by a flex cable70that is typically mounted on the head positioner assembly26. Signals are exchanged between the head44on the slider42and its corresponding data storage disk18for disk drive read and/or write operations. In this regard, the voice coil motor62pivots the actuator arm(s)30to simultaneously move each head44on its slider42“across” the corresponding data storage disk18to position the head44at the desired/required radial position on the disk18(i.e., at the correct track on the data storage disk18) for disk drive read/write operations.

When the disk drive10is not in operation, the head positioner assembly26is pivoted to a “parked position” to dispose each slider42in a desired position relative to its corresponding data storage disk18. The “parked position” may be at least generally at or more typically beyond a perimeter of its corresponding data storage disk18or at a more interior location of the corresponding disk18, but in any case typically in vertically spaced relation to its corresponding disk18. This is commonly referred to in the art as being a dynamic load/unload disk drive configuration. In this regard, the disk drive10may include a ramp assembly that is disposed beyond a perimeter of the data storage disk18to typically both move the corresponding slider42vertically away from its corresponding data storage disk18and to also exert somewhat of a retaining force on the corresponding actuator arm30. Any configuration for the ramp assembly that provides the desired “parking” function may be utilized. The disk drive10could also be configured to be of the contact start/stop type, where each actuator arm30would pivot in a direction to dispose the slider(s)42typically toward an inner, non-data storage region of the corresponding data storage disk18. Terminating the rotation of the data storage disk(s)18in this type of disk drive configuration would then result in the slider(s)42actually establishing contact with or “landing” on their corresponding data storage disk18, and the slider42would remain on the disk18until disk drive operations are re-initiated. In either configuration, it may be desirable to at least attempt to retain the actuator arm(s)30in this parked position if the disk drive10is exposed to a shock event. In this regard, the disk drive10may include an actuator arm assembly latch that moves from a non-latching position to a latching position to engage an actuator arm30so as to preclude the same from pivoting in a direction which would tend to drag the slider(s)42across its corresponding data storage disk18.

The slider42of the disk drive10may be configured to “fly” on an air bearing during rotation of its corresponding data storage18at a sufficient velocity. This is schematically illustrated inFIG. 3where a lower surface54of the slider42would include an appropriate air-bearing-surface (ABS) system (not shown). Here the direction of the rotation of the disk18relative to the slider42is represented by the arrow, while the fly height of the slider42is represented by reference numeral58(measured from a reference plane of the mean of the surface roughness of the disk18). InFIG. 3, the slider42is disposed at a pitch angle such that its leading edge46of the slider42is disposed further from its corresponding data storage disk18than its trailing edge50. The transducer(s)44would typically be incorporated on the slider42at least generally toward its trailing edge50since this is positioned closest to its corresponding disk18. Other pitch angles could be utilized for flying the slider42. The disk drive10could also be configured for contact or near-contact recording (not shown).

FIG. 4illustrates a simplified electrical component block diagram of the disk drive10ofFIG. 1. The control electronics66in this case includes a controller90and a servo control unit86. The disk drive10inFIG. 4also includes a channel82, as well as an interface94for interconnecting the disk drive10with a host computer98. During operation of the disk drive10, the data storage disk18rotates. Data is stored on the data storage disk18in substantially concentric tracks. Data may be read from or written to the data storage disk18by moving the slider42and its head44to the desired track and performing the desired communication operation (i.e., a read or write operation). In one embodiment, the data storage disk18includes a magnetic media having concentric read/write tracks and the head44includes at least one transducer that is capable of communicating with this magnetic data storage disk18.

The voice coil motor62receives servo control information from the servo control unit86to cause the voice coil motor62to move each actuator arm30and its corresponding head44when repositioning of the head(s)44is desired/required. In this regard, the head(s)44may periodically read positioning information from the surface of the corresponding data storage disk18and transmit the positioning information to the servo control unit86via the channel82. The servo control unit86compares the present position of the head(s)44to a desired position, with movement of the actuator arm(s)30being made as required for proper track alignment.

The channel82receives a number of inputs for processing so that data may be manipulated by the devices internal- and external, such as the host computer98, which is again interconnected with the disk drive10via the interface94. One operation of the channel82is to receive an analog signal from the head(s)44and to convert the analog signal to a digital signal recognized by the host computer98. In addition, the channel82facilitates the storage of information from the host computer98to the data storage disk(s)18by encoding data signals from the host computer98and creating a write signal, from the encoding data, which is transmitted to the head(s)44for storage on the corresponding data storage disk18.

The controller90controls the timing and operation of other elements of the disk drive10. The controller90receives input/output requests from the host computer98via the interface94. Based on the input to the controller90, the controller90delivers appropriate commands to the servo control unit86and the channel82. For example, in a read operation, the controller90commands the servo control unit86to move the head(s)44to the desired track on the corresponding data storage disk18such that the data written on the disk18may be transferred to the host computer98. Accordingly, the servo control unit86moves the head(s)44to the desired track on the corresponding data storage disk18using the servo positioning information read from the data storage disk18by the corresponding head44. In turn, the head(s)44reads the information from the corresponding data storage disk18and transmits information to the channel82that converts the information so that it may be interpreted by the host computer98.

FIG. 5illustrates a printed circuit board assembly104that is installed on a base plate100at least generally of the type used by the disk drive10ofFIGS. 1–4, and that may be adapted to include a power plug cover. The disk drive components discussed above in relation toFIG. 1would be located on the opposite side of the base plate100from that of the printed circuit board assembly104. Any way of mounting the printed circuit board assembly104to the base plate100may be utilized. Preferably, the printed circuit board assembly104is maintained in a fixed position relative to the base plate100.

The printed circuit board assembly104includes a printed circuit board108and a connector112. The connector112includes a plurality of pins116for establishing a desired/required electrical connection with electrical components, contacts, and/or traces (not shown) on the printed circuit board108. These pins116may be arranged in one or more groups to provide a specific function (e.g., to provide electrical power to the printed circuit board108). A “mating” connector may interface with one or more of these pins116, for instance to electrically interconnect the printed circuit board108with a power supply (not shown).

FIGS. 6–7illustrate one embodiment of a printed circuit board assembly120. The printed circuit board assembly120may be installed on a base plate of a disk drive at least generally in the manner presented inFIG. 5, and may be for serial ATA. Any way of mounting the printed circuit board assembly120to a disk drive base plate may be utilized. In fact, the printed circuit board assembly120may be installed on any appropriate peripheral and in any appropriate manner. For instance, the printed circuit board assembly120also may be appropriate for use in a floppy drive, a CD-ROM (e.g., ATAPI), and DVD-ROMS. It should be appreciated that one or more features of the printed circuit board assembly120may need to be modified in some manner, depending upon the relevant requirements of the peripheral with which it is to be used.

The printed circuit board assembly120includes a printed circuit board122, a power connector plug124, and a power plug cover174. Generally, the power plug cover174is configured to be installed in the power connector plug124to capture or “enclose” at least the end portion of each of the power pins162of the power connector plug124, but without actually contacting the pins162. The interface between the power plug connector124and the outer perimeter of the power plug cover174retains the power plug cover174in a stationary position relative to the power plug connector124, or stated another way this interface maintains the “mating” connection between the power plug cover174and the power connector plug124.

The printed circuit board122may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, and may include any appropriate number and arrangement of electrical components. The power connector plug124may be mounted on the printed circuit board122in any appropriate manner, but preferably such that the power connector plug124remains in a fixed position relative to the printed circuit board122. The power connector plug124is referred to as such since it includes the “male” components for the electrical connection with a power supply connector that may be interconnected with the power connector plug124to provide power from a power supply to the printed circuit board122. The power supply connector of the power supply that would typically be connected with the power connector plug124is commonly referred to as the power connector receptacle since it includes the “female” components for the electrical connection with the power connector plug124.

The power connector plug124generally includes a connector housing128that may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration, and may be formed from any appropriate material. Typically, the connector housing128will be in the form of a polymer. In any case, the connector housing128includes at least a first cavity158for receiving a mating connector receptacle. The connector housing128may include one or more additional cavities, such as a second cavity170that is illustrated in dashed lines inFIGS. 6–7. A plurality of power pins162(electrical conductors) are disposed in the first cavity158, while a plurality of pins168(electrical conductors) are disposed in the second cavity170. Power may be provided to the printed circuit board122either through the set of power pins162or through the set of pins168. However, the pins162,168may be used for any appropriate purpose. Any number of pins162,168may be utilized, they may be of any appropriate size and configuration, and they may be disposed in any appropriate relative orientation/arrangement. There are four power pins162in the illustrated embodiment, and each of the pins162have their respective centers disposed in a common reference plane. The power connector plug124may in fact be configured to include only the pins162(not shown).

Additional views of the power connector plug124, more specifically its first cavity158, are illustrated inFIGS. 8A–B. It should be noted that the orientation of the power connector plug124is inverted inFIGS. 8A–Bcompared toFIGS. 6–7. The first cavity158is externally accessible on a first housing end132of the connector housing128, and is an open space that is collectively defined by an end wall136(on/through which the pins162extend), a pair of side walls142, an upper wall146, a lower wall150, and a pair of chamfered corner walls154of the connector housing128.

Each chamfered corner wall154of the connector housing128extends from the lower wall150to one of the side walls142, and is disposed at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the lower wall150. In one embodiment, each chamfered corner wall154is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the lower wall150. Other angular orientations may be utilized. Generally, the chamfered corner walls154provide a “registration feature” for the above-noted power connector receptacle that may be disposed within the first cavity158to provide power from a power supply to the pins162, and thereby the printed circuit board122. That is, such a power connector receptacle can only be installed in one orientation in the first cavity158of the power connector plug124, as it typically includes corresponding registration features such that it cannot be installed “upside down” within the first cavity158. Any appropriate registration features or features may be used by the power connector plug124.

The connector housing128includes a plurality of protrusions166that extend into the first cavity158. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of protrusions166are formed on both the upper wall146and lower wall150, and extend within the first cavity158. Any number of protrusions166may be utilized on the upper wall146and/or lower wall150. These protrusions166interface with a corresponding recess formed on the above-noted power connector receptacle when installed within the first cavity158to provide electrical power to the printed circuit board122through the pins162. Although the interaction between these protrusions166and the recesses formed on the power connector receptacle may provide for some retention force between the power connector plug124and the power connector receptacle, the majority (greater than 50%, and more typically on the order of at least about 90%) of the retention forces between the power connector plug124and the power connector receptacle are the interaction of the male power pins162of the power connector plug124with the “female contacts” on the power connector receptacle. That is, the power pins162of the power connector plug124are in contact with the female contacts of the power connector receptacle not only to provide an electrical interconnection, but also such that each female contact is forcibly retained on its corresponding power pin162to maintain the interconnection between the power connector plug124and the power connector receptacle (e.g., the female contacts are “spring loaded”). That is, the female contacts of the power connector receptacle in effect “grip” their corresponding power pin162. In contrast, these protrusions166provide the majority of the retention forces (greater than 50%, and more typically 100%) that maintain the mating relation between the power connector plug124and the power plug cover174.

The power plug cover174may be installed over the power pins162of the power connector plug124at any time when the above-noted power connector receptacle is not interconnected with the power connector plug124and for any purpose. For instance, the power plug cover174may be installed to reduce the potential for damaging the power pins162in some manner when the power connector receptacle and power connector plug124are not interconnected (e.g., during shipping of the printed circuit board assembly120for installation on the relevant peripheral). The power connector plug174may also be installed to reduce the potential for injuring any personnel that may be handling the printed circuit board assembly120at a time when the power connector receptacle and power connector plug124are not interconnected.

Additional views of the power plug cover174of the printed circuit board assembly120are presented inFIGS. 9A–F. The power plug cover174is in the form of a solid, one-piece body in the illustrated embodiment that may be formed from any appropriate material. In one embodiment, the power plug cover174is formed from an appropriate polymer. The cover174includes a first end surface or a first end182and an oppositely disposed second end surface or second end186, a top surface or top194and an oppositely disposed bottom surface or bottom198, a pair of oppositely disposed side surfaces or sides190, and four chamfered corner surfaces or corners202extending between each side190and each of the top194and bottom198. The upper half and lower half of the power plug cover174are preferably the mirror image of each other. As such, the power plug cover174may be installed in the first cavity158with either the top194or bottom198disposed adjacent to the upper wall146of the connector housing128of the power connector plug124. Stated another way, the power plug cover174may be installed in the first cavity158of the power connector plug124in either a first orientation or a second orientation (one where the top194is located above the bottom198, and another where the bottom198is located above the top194by inverting the cover174). Therefore, the cover174may be installed on the power connector plug124“right side up” or “upside down.” Once again, the above-noted power connector receptacle can be installed on the power connector plug124in only one orientation.

The first end182of the cover174includes a plurality of power pin holes206that extend within, but not to, the second end186. As such, the end of each power pin hole206that is on the first end182is open, while its opposite end is closed. One power pin hole206is included on the power plug cover174for each power pin162used by the power connector plug124, and the power pin holes206are arranged in the same manner as the pins162of the power connector plug124. That is, each power pin162of the power plug connector124will be aligned with one power pin hole206on the cover174. There are thereby four power pin holes206in the illustrated embodiment, with the center of each power pin hole206being disposed within a common plane. Again, the relative arrangement of the holes206will be selected to match the arrangement of the pins162.

None of the power pin holes206in the cover174intersect. Moreover, the material that defines the cover174occupies the volume between adjacent holes206. A rib218extends from the top194of the cover174to the bottom198of the cover174between each adjacent pair of holes206, and between each side190and the adjacent-most hole206. Each such rib218extends the entire distance between the first end182and the second end186of the cover174in the illustrated embodiment as well. This provide structural integrity for the cover174, particularly in view of the manner in which the cover174is forcibly retained within the power connector plug124as will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover174is a solid body, with the only interior openings being the power pin holes206. There are no holes or open spaces between adjacent holes206along their entire progression through the cover174.

Each power pin hole206is larger than its corresponding power pin162. As such, when the power plug cover174is installed in the first cavity158of the power connector plug124, there is no contact between any of the power pins162and the power plug cover174. That is and for the installed position illustrated inFIG. 7, there is an open space between each power pin162of the power connector plug124and the entirety of the power plug cover174. Therefore, the power pins162do not provide any retention forces, or forces that maintain the interconnection between the power connector plug124and the cover174. Moreover, having the cover174configured to avoid contacting the pins162reduces the potential for corrosion of the pins162.

An interference fit or snap-lock connection exists between the connector housing128and the exterior of the cover174. In this regard, the power plug cover174includes a corresponding recess210for each protrusion166used by the power connector plug124. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of recesses210are formed on both the top194and bottom198of the power plug cover174.FIG. 10illustrates the interface between one of the protrusions166of the power connector plug124and one of the recesses210of the power plug cover174. Each protrusion166is preferably in the form of an arcuate surface. Less than the entirety of this arcuate surface is engaged by its corresponding recess210on the power plug cover174in the illustrated embodiment. This is subject to a number of characterizations. One is that the width of each recess210(corresponding with dimension D1inFIG. 10), is less than the width of each protrusion166(dimension D2). Another is that each recess210only engages the apex of its corresponding protrusion166. In one embodiment, the width of each recess210(again, corresponding with dimension D1inFIG. 10), is no more than about 1.87 mm, while the depth of each such recess210is on the order of no more than about 0.15 mm.

Engagement of the protrusions166of the power connector plug124with the corresponding recess210of the power plug cover174provide a snap-lock interconnection or interference fit between the power plug cover174and the outer perimeter of the power connector plug124in the installed position ofFIG. 7. Specifically, the cover174is compressed between the protrusions166that are disposed in the recesses210on the top194and bottom198of the cover174, and that are in engagement with the outer perimeter of the cover174. Preferably, an audible indication is generated when the protrusions166become seated in their corresponding recess210(e.g., a “clicking” sound). Generally, the upper wall146and lower wall150of the connector housing128will deflect away from each other (e.g., elastically) as the cover174is being installed. That is, when the protrusions166engage portions of the top194and bottom198of the cover174at locations other than the recesses210during the installation, the upper wall146and lower wall150of the connector housing128will deflect a certain amount at least generally away from each other. When the protrusions166become aligned with their corresponding recess210on the cover174, the upper wall146and lower wall150will attempt to move back toward their original, undeflected state. This creates the noted “clicking” sound. Preferably, the upper wall146and lower wall150are still somewhat deflected when the protrusions166are disposed in their corresponding recess210to provide the desired interference fit. In any case, a “tight” interface exists between the cover174and the power connector plug124. Typically the contact between the cover174and the connector housing128will be limited to those portions of the protrusions166that contact the exterior of the cover174within the corresponding recess210. As such, a small space or gap will typically exist between the remainder of the exterior of the cover174and the power connector housing128(i.e., a gap will exist between the connector housing128and the outer perimeter of the cover174, except where contacted by the protrusions166). In any case, the cover174remains in a fixed position (i.e., stationary) relative to the power connector plug124, including while moving the power connector plug124. Stated another way, the cover174does not “rattle” when installed in the power connector plug124and while “shaking” the power connector plug124by hand.

The majority (i.e., greater than 50%) of the forces that maintain the interconnection between the power connector plug124and the cover174are based upon the engagement of the protrusions166with the outer perimeter of the cover174. Preferably, 100% of the retention forces are due to the engagement of the protrusions166on the outer perimeter of the cover174since the pins162of the power connector plug124are again preferably spaced from the cover174. If there was to be some inadvertent contact between any of the pins162and the cover174, the retention force collectively provided by the engagement of the protrusions166with the outer perimeter of the cover176would still be greater than any collective retention force provided by each pin162that was in contact with the cover176.

When the cover174is fully installed in the power connector plug124, the second end186of the power plug cover174is either flush with or recessed relative to the first housing end132of the connector housing128of the power connector plug124(FIG. 7). Stated another way, the power plug cover174does not extend beyond the first housing end132in a direction that is away from the plurality of power pins162when the power plug cover174is fully interconnected with the power connector plug124. This reduces the potential for being able to remove the cover176by hand. Moreover, having the second end186being in the form of a flat surface provides a desired “shield” for the pins162as well, particularly considering the close fit between the outer perimeter of the cover174and the connector housing128.

Preferably, the power plug cover174cannot be removed by hand from the power connector plug124. The second end186of the power plug cover174also preferably does not project beyond the first housing end132of the power connector plug124as noted above. In this regard, the power plug cover174includes at least one slot214on both its top194and bottom198. Generally, these slots214each provide a space of increased size between the connector housing128and the outer perimeter of the cover174in which an appropriate tool (e.g., screwdriver tip) may be inserted between the power plug cover174and the connector housing128to “pry” or “pop” each of the protrusions166of the power connector plug124out of their corresponding recess210on the power plug cover174. In the illustrated embodiment, a tool may be used to deflect the upper wall146of the connector housing128to move the protrusions166on the upper wall146out of their corresponding recess210on the power plug cover174. Similarly, a tool may be used to deflect the lower wall150of the connector housing128to move the protrusions166on the lower wall150out of their corresponding recess210on the power plug cover174. Any size, shape, and configuration may be utilized for the slots214to accommodate the particulars of the cover removal tool or tools. It should be appreciated that the configurations of the power plug cover174and/or power connector plug124may be adapted for other “locking” interconnections between these components and/or to provide for “unlocking” this interconnection.

The slot214on the upper surface194is centrally disposed between the recesses210on the top194, as well as centrally between a pair of the power pin holes206in the lateral dimension (although the slot214is vertically offset from the corresponding holes206). Similarly, the slot214on the bottom198is centrally disposed between the recesses210on the lower surface198, as well as centrally between a pair of the power pin holes206in the lateral dimension. This disposes each slot214centrally between the side walls142of the connector housing128, which maximizes the ability to deflect the upper wall146and lower wall150of the connector housing128out of their corresponding recess210on the cover174during removal of the power plug cover174from the power connector plug124. Both slots214extend from the second end186at least toward the first end182of the cover174(the slot214may extend all the way to the first end182). Each slot214extends beyond its corresponding recess210in the direction of the first end surface182in the illustrated embodiment. The end of each slot214is actually disposed a distance D3from the first end182. The end of its corresponding recess210that is located furthest in the direction of the second end186is disposed a distance D4from the first end182, and the distance D3should be at least as great as the distance D4.

A step216exists at the end of each slot214at its intersection with the second end186in the illustrated embodiment. Each step216is recessed relative to its corresponding top194or bottom198, but is not as deep as the corresponding slot214. The steps216provide the function of allowing room for an extraction tool of some sort to be inserted.

An alternative embodiment of a power plug cover is illustrated inFIGS. 11A–B, is similar to the power plug cover174ofFIGS. 9A–E, and is thereby identified by reference numeral174′ as well, but with a “single prime” designation. The “single prime” designation in relation to the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A–Bindicates that there is at least one difference from theFIGS. 9A–Eembodiment. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same reference numeral, and a “single prime” designation is used in relation to those components that differ in at least some respect. The primary difference between these two embodiments is that the cover174′ only utilizes a pair of chamfered corners202(between the two sides190′ and the top194′), versus at all four corners as in the case of the power plug cover174ofFIGS. 9A–E. Therefore, the power plug cover174′ thereby can only be inserted in the power connector plug124in a single orientation. All other aspects of the power plug cover174′ are the same as the power plug cover174.