Zero skew elevator system

Abstract

In one aspect, a data storage device includes a disc, an arm, a head, a linear driver, and an elevator. The disc has a read/write surface defining an x-y plane. The arm has a head end that is movable relative to the disc. The head is configured to interact with the read/write surface. The linear driver is configured to move the arm along a substantially straight line in the x-y plane. The elevator is configured to move the arm in a z direction. In another aspect, rather than a linear driver, the data storage device includes a rotary actuator and a pivot actuator. The arm includes a first portion and a load beam. The rotary actuator is configured to move the first portion about a first pivot axis; the pivot actuator is configured to move the load beam about a second pivot axis relative to the first portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A data storage device comprising:
 a data storage disc having a read/write surface defining an x-y plane;   an arm that is movable relative to the disc, the arm comprising a first portion and a load beam;   a head supported by the load beam, wherein the head is configured to interact with the read/write surface;   a rotary actuator configured to move the first portion of the arm about a first pivot axis in the x-y plane;   a pivot actuator configured to move the load beam about a second pivot axis relative to the first portion of the arm in the x-y plane; and   an elevator configured to move the arm in a z direction.   
     
     
         2 . The data storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator comprises a piezoelectric crawler. 
     
     
         3 . The data storage device of  claim 1 , comprising a movable ramp that is configured to move in unison with the arm in the z direction. 
     
     
         4 . The data storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator comprises a brake. 
     
     
         5 . The data storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator is fixed to the arm. 
     
     
         6 . The data storage device of  claim 1 , comprising a fine positioning system configured to move the elevator to adjust a z-height between the load beam and the read/write surface. 
     
     
         7 . A method comprising:
 supporting a load beam on a moveable ramp that is positioned proximate to an outer diameter of a data storage disc, the load beam being connected to an actuator arm portion, and the load beam carrying a head that is capable of interacting with the data storage disc;   activating an elevator to move the actuator arm portion and the moveable ramp in unison in a z direction; and   moving the load beam in an x-y plane to position the head with zero skew relative to a track of the disc.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  comprising:
 rotating the actuator arm portion in the x-y plane about a first pivot axis; and 
 rotating the load beam in the x-y place about a second pivot axis relative to the actuator arm portion. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising physically connecting the elevator to the actuator arm portion. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising using a fine positioning system to move the elevator to adjust a z-height between the load beam and a surface of the disc. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , including using feedback circuitry connected to at least one transmitter and at least one receiver to control the fine positioning system. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 providing a data storage disc having a read/write surface defining an x-y plane;   providing an arm that is movable relative to the disc, the arm comprising a first portion and a load beam;   providing a head supported by the load beam, wherein the head is configured to interact with the read/write surface;   enabling the first portion of the arm to be moveable about a first pivot axis in the x-y plane;   enabling the load beam to be moveable about a second pivot axis relative to the first portion of the arm in the x-y plane; and   enabling the arm to be moveable in a z direction.