Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor assembly is described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a shaft, a sleeve configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and a counterplate attached to the sleeve. The counterplate includes a radial section and a axial section, which is attached to the radial section and partially defines a labyrinth to remove bearing fluid from a region between the shaft and the axial section.

Abstract: A disc drive design comprising a shaft and sleeve supported for relative rotation by a journal type fluid dynamic bearing utilizing grooves on one of the shaft or sleeve surfaces. At least a part of the shaft is generally conical in cross-section, so that a downward force component is developed to balance upward pressure on end of shaft; this conical region typically includes a fluid dynamic bearing (grooves being on either the shaft or sleeve). A grooved pattern of a design similar to that usually found on a thrust plate may be defined on an axial end surface of the shaft or the counterplate facing the axial end of the shaft, so that thrust is created to maintain separation of the end of the shaft and the facing counterplate plate during relative rotation. A diamond-like coating (DLC) may be applied to the counterplate surface or to the end of the shaft; further, either the counterplate or shaft may be made out of ceramic material to enhance this performance.

Abstract: A hub and shaft are provided which are mounted for relative rotation by providing two conical bearings spaced apart along the shaft, and a bearing seat facing each conical bearing. Fluid is maintained in the gap between each cone and the facing bearing seat, supporting the cone and seat for relative rotation. The outer surface of the bearing seat is insulated from the remainder of the motor by a thermal insulator which extends at least part way along the outer surface of the seats. This insulator is effective at keeping the bearings warm even in a relatively low temperature environment in which the motor may be used. The insulator may comprise a cylindrical ceramic or similar low thermal conductivity material extending at least part way along the axial distance outside of the bearing cones. Alternatively, an air space may be defined in the outer surface of the bearing seat, extending at least part way between the bearing cones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a conical bearing is provided having a seal shield having an angle supported from the hub or sleeve which surrounds the shaft, and extending at an angle toward the outer surface of the shaft and spaced slightly away from the upper angular surface of the cone. As the cone and seal shield rotate relative to one another, fluid is drawn toward the lower inner region of the reservoir. However, due to shock or the like, some fluid may reach the radial gap between the end of the shield and the outer surface of the shaft, therefore, a ring is either incorporated into the upper end of the cone or pressed against the axial outer end of the cone, defining an axial gap which is smaller than the radial gap. In a preferred form of the invention, the ratio is about 1:3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fluid dynamic bearings. Specifically, the present invention provides a secondary fluid reservoir for the fluid used in a fluid dynamic bearing in a high-speed spindle motor assembly.

Abstract: A motor is provided comprising a rotor, a stationary sleeve disposed about the rotor, a fluid dynamic bearing between the rotor and sleeve, and a limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor relative to the stationary sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fluid dynamic bearings. Specifically, the present invention provides a secondary fluid reservoir for the fluid used in a fluid dynamic bearing in a high-speed spindle motor assembly.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing design is provided featuring a rotating shaft with at least one conical bearing formed integrally thereon. The shaft is disposed through a stationary sleeve, and a fluid separates the shaft and sleeve surfaces.

Abstract: A hub and shaft are provided which are mounted for relative rotation by providing two conical bearings spaced apart along the shaft, and a bearing seat facing each conical bearing. Fluid is maintained in the gap between each cone and the facing bearing seat, supporting the cone and seat for relative rotation. The outer surface of the bearing seat is insulated from the remainder of the motor by a thermal insulator which extends at least part way along the outer surface of the seats. This insulator is effective at keeping the bearings warm even in a relatively low temperature environment in which the motor may be used. The insulator may comprise a cylindrical ceramic or similar low thermal conductivity material extending at least part way along the axial distance outside of the bearing cones. Alternatively, an air space may be defined in the outer surface of the bearing seat, extending at least part way between the bearing cones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a conical bearing is provided having a seal shield having an angle supported from the hub or sleeve which surrounds the shaft, and extending at an angle toward the outer surface of the shaft and spaced slightly away from the upper angular surface of the cone. As the cone and seal shield rotate relative to one another, fluid is drawn toward the lower inner region of the reservoir. However, due to shock or the like, some fluid may reach the radial gap between the end of the shield and the outer surface of the shaft, therefore, a ring is either incorporated into the upper end of the cone or pressed against the axial outer end of the cone, defining an axial gap which is smaller than the radial gap. In a preferred form of the invention, the ratio is about 1:3.

Abstract: A simplified spindle motor assembly is disclosed, in which the need for scrap or rework of the motor as it is being assembled is reduced, and a protective shield for the magnet protects the magnet from bumping into the sharp edges of the stator when the sleeve of the motor which supports the magnet is being assembled into the base of the disc drive. In addition, the simplified device for aligning the magnet axially along the sleeve properly aligns the magnet axially with the stator which is separately supported from the base when the sleeve and shaft are assembled into the base.