Test fixture for air bearing magnetic head suspension assembly

摘要

A fixture (10) for testing a head/gimbal assembly (11) before installion into a disk file functions to load and unload the assembly onto and from a rotating disk (12). The fixture comprises a mounting block (15) for attaching the fixture to a stationary frame (16) to position the fixture in a predetermined position relative to a rotating disk and to permit adjustment of the fixture to selected vertical positions relative to the disk surface. A platform (25) which carries a head/gimbal clamping device (30) is pivotally attached to the mounting block to move a clamped head/gimbal assembly in an arc in a plane normal to the disk surface during loading and unloading. The clamping device comprises a base (31) having a surface which mates with the surface of the head/gimbal and is clamped by a spring-biased element (32) having tooth-type extensions (37) for clamping the head/gimbal against the mating surface of the base. The spring biased element is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the platform and a thumb lever (33) is provided for the operator to release the clamp to readily replace the assembly. The external loading/unloading force is applied directly to the platform and not the assembly.