An actuator latch apparatus for a data storage device includes a latch
lever installed on a base plate of the data storage device capable of
pivoting and having a first latch portion provided at one end portion of
the latch lever, a spring connected to the other end portion of the latch
lever and made of a shape memory alloy to allow the latch lever to pivot
in a predetermined direction by being deformed according to application
of electric power, and a second latch portion provided at an end portion
of an actuator moving a read/write head to a predetermined position of a
disk. When the rotation of the disk is stopped and the actuator is parked
at a parking position, the spring allows the latch lever to pivot in one
direction so that the first latch portion interferes with the second
latch portion, thus locking the actuator not to rotate, and when the disk
rotates, the spring allows the latch lever to pivot in the opposite
direction so that the first latch portion is separated from the second
latch portion, thus allowing the actuator to rotate. Thus, a reliable
operation of the actuator latch apparatus is available due to the
characteristic of the shape memory alloy and the structure of the
actuator latch apparatus is simplified.