Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device in which an introducing minimum clearance for causing capillary phenomenon is formed from the location in the proximity of the opening of a communicating path to the open end of the bearing hole in between the cover and the end face on the open end of the sleeve so that the operating fluid from the communicating path in the sleeve flows into the bearing hole by the capillary phenomenon; a vent hole leading to the outside air is formed on the cover; a fluid storage space for storing the operating fluid is formed on the inside surface of the cover or the end face on the open end of the sleeve to communicate the introducing minimum clearance and the vent hole in the circumferential direction; and the air bubbles separated at the fluid storage space are exhausted outward from the vent hole.

Abstract: In a spindle motor utilizing dynamic-pressure bearings having a full-fill structure, a bearing configuration that balances and sustains at or above atmospheric pressure the internal pressure of the bearing oil. Thrust and radial bearing sections are configured within oil-filled bearing clearances in between the rotor, the shaft, and a shaft-encompassing hollow bearing member. A communicating passage one end of which opens on, radially inwardly along, the thrust bearing section is formed in the bearing member. Either axial ends of the bearing clearance in between the bearing member and shaft communicate through the passage. The communicating passage enables the oil to redistribute itself within the bearing clearances. Pressure difference between the axial upper and lower ends of the oil retained in between the bearing member and the shaft is compensated through the communicating passage, preventing incidents of negative pressure within the oil and of over-lift on the rotor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid dynamic bearing in which a stopper is fixed by welding. The bearing comprises a hub, a shaft erected on the hub, a sleeve, a cylindrical wall erected on the hub, and the stopper mounted on the cylindrical wall. The method comprises a first step to hold oil in the bearing gap, and a second step to locate the stopper on the peripheral wall being apart from the interface of the oil to fix the stopper by LASER welding.

Abstract: Spindle motor utilizing a dynamic-pressure bearing device having a full-fill structure and capable of discharging air bubbles from the lubricating oil after it is charged into the bearing device, as well as air bubbles appearing in the oil due to cavitation in handling. Thrust and radial bearing sections are configured within bearing clearances in between the rotor, the shaft, and a shaft-encompassing hollow bearing member. A communicating passage enabling the oil to redistribute itself within the bearing clearances is formed in the bearing member. At least one ray-like groove that reaches from the radially inward edge of dynamic-pressure-generating grooves in the thrust bearing section to the rim of the shaft-encompassing hollow is furnished in the bearing member. When the motor rotates the air bubbles are stirred and minced by the ray-like groove, and migrate toward release at the single oil-air interface.

Abstract: Spindle motor utilizing a dynamic-pressure bearing device having a full-fill structure and capable of discharging air bubbles from the lubricating oil after it is charged into the bearing device, as well as air bubbles appearing in the oil due to cavitation in handling. Thrust and radial bearing sections are configured within bearing clearances in between the rotor, the shaft, and a shaft-encompassing hollow bearing member. A communicating passage enabling the oil to redistribute itself within the bearing clearances is formed in the bearing member. At least one ray-like groove that reaches from the radially inward edge of dynamic-pressure-generating grooves in the thrust bearing section to the rim of the shaft-encompassing hollow is furnished in the bearing member. When the motor rotates the air bubbles are stirred and minced by the ray-like groove, and migrate toward release at the single oil-air interface.

Abstract: In a spindle motor utilizing dynamic-pressure bearings having a full-fill structure, a bearing configuration that balances and sustains at or above atmospheric pressure the internal pressure of the bearing oil. Thrust and radial bearing sections are configured within oil-filled bearing clearances in between the rotor, the shaft, and a shaft-encompassing hollow bearing member. A communicating passage one end of which opens on, radially inwardly along, the thrust bearing section is formed in the bearing member. Either axial ends of the bearing clearance in between the bearing member and shaft communicate through the passage. The communicating passage enables the oil to redistribute itself within the bearing clearances. Pressure difference between the axial upper and lower ends of the oil retained in between the bearing member and the shaft is compensated through the communicating passage, preventing incidents of negative pressure within the oil and of over-lift on the rotor.