MAGNETIC LATCH FOR DISK DRIVE ACTUATOR

摘要

A limit stop/latching assembly in a disk storage system includes a crash stop for limiting travel of the actuator carriage at a fixed stop position. The assembly has a carriage latch incorporated with the crash stop. A magnetic latch actuator plate extends from the actuator carriage and is movable with the actuator carriage in a path of travel of the actuator carriage to abut the stop position. The carriage latch has a magnet and a pair of magnetic pole pieces abutting the magnet wherein the distance between the pole pieces defines a fist gap and the distance between the pole pieces and the latch actuator plate defines a second gap. The latch is moved between a latched position, wherein said pole pieces are in magnetic contact with the latch plate, and a free position, wherein the actuator carriage is pivoted such that the second gap is greater than the first gap whereby magnetic flux is channeled substantially through the first gap to enable the latch plate to move remote from the crash stop. WSF24.1