Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary sleeve and a shaft operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. A hub rotates with respect to the stationary sleeve in response to the shaft rotating. A mechanically adjustable gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and radially extends between the hub and a base. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component forms a radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component is mechanically adjustable in an axial direction with respect to the stationary sleeve. The hub dynamically adjusts the radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component during rotation of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary sleeve and a shaft operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. A hub rotates with respect to the stationary sleeve in response to the shaft rotating. A mechanically adjustable gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and radially extends between the hub and a base. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component forms a radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component is mechanically adjustable in an axial direction with respect to the stationary sleeve. The hub dynamically adjusts the radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component during rotation of the hub.

Abstract: A fluid bearing motor. The fluid bearing motor includes a stationary sleeve, a backiron, a hub coupled to the backiron, and a gap forming component. The hub is operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. The gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and forms a gap between the stationary sleeve and the backiron. The size of the gap dynamically changes in response to changes in temperature.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a motor includes a shaft positioned adjacent a sleeve for relative rotation. The sleeve includes a first radial recirculation channel. The shaft and sleeve form first and second gaps. The first gap is configured to form a pump seal, is positioned above the first radial recirculation channel, and has a width measured between the shaft and sleeve. The second gap is configured to form a journal bearing, is positioned below the first radial recirculation channel, and has a width measured between the shaft and sleeve. The width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

Abstract: In one example, an FDB motor having a shield member is provided. In one example, the method includes disposing a first member and a second member for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. An annular shield member is attached to the first member, the shield member disposed adjacent a fluid reservoir for containing a bearing fluid. The reservoir is filled through an aperture (e.g., a fill hole) in the shield member. Thereafter, the aperture is at least partially sealed. The aperture may be hermetically sealed via one or more laser pulses. In other examples, a two piece shield is provided for shielding a reservoir without a fill hole.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided having relatively rotatable facing surfaces that are reliably lubricated. A radial gap is defined between the relatively rotatable facing surfaces, wherein a first axial end of a fluid dynamic bearing has a larger radial gap as compared to a central region of the fluid dynamic bearing. In an aspect, a fluid recirculation passageway is established between the first axial end and the central region of the fluid dynamic bearing. In an aspect, a fluid reservoir is formed axially above the first axial end of the fluid dynamic bearing. Robustness of the FDB motor is increased, and sensitivity to external loads or mechanical shock events is reduced. Dry surface-to-surface contact of bearing surfaces and reduced performance or failure of the motor or disc drive components is averted. The use of diamond-like coating on relatively rotatable fluid bearing surfaces may also be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: In one example, an FDB motor having a shield member is provided. In one example, the method includes disposing a first member and a second member for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. An annular shield member is attached to the first member, the shield member disposed adjacent a fluid reservoir for containing a bearing fluid. The reservoir is filled through an aperture (e.g., a fill hole) in the shield member. Thereafter, the aperture is at least partially sealed. The aperture may be hermetically sealed via one or more laser pulses. In other examples, a two piece shield is provided for shielding a reservoir without a fill hole.

Abstract: A fluid bearing motor. The fluid bearing motor includes a stationary sleeve, a backiron, a hub coupled to the backiron, and a gap forming component. The hub is operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. The gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and forms a gap between the stationary sleeve and the backiron. The size of the gap dynamically changes in response to changes in temperature.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid dynamic bearing motor having a shield member is provided. In one example, the method includes disposing a first member and a second member for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. An annular shield member is attached to the first member, the shield member disposed adjacent a fluid reservoir for containing a bearing fluid. The reservoir is filled through an aperture (e.g., a fill hole) in the shield member. Thereafter, the aperture is at least partially sealed. The aperture may be hermetically sealed via one or more laser pulses. In other examples, a two piece shield is provided for shielding a reservoir without a fill hole.

Abstract: A component for restricting relative movement of a rotor and a shaft is disclosed. A motor may include a shaft and a rotor, where the rotor is disposed for relative rotation with respect to said shaft. A component is operable to restrict relative movement of the rotor and the shaft, where the component includes a first surface operable to receive a fluid.

Abstract: A component for restricting relative movement of a rotor and a shaft is disclosed. A motor may include a shaft and a rotor, where the rotor is disposed for relative rotation with respect to said shaft. A component is operable to restrict relative movement of the rotor and the shaft, where the component includes a first surface operable to receive a fluid.

Abstract: In one example, a FDB motor having a top-cover attached, EM biased bearing system is provided. The motor includes a shaft and rotor disposed for relative rotation, and an axial limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor with respect to the shaft, wherein the axial limiter is wet or lubricated during contact. The limiter is spatially fixed with respect to one of the shaft or the rotor and disposed with an axial end surface opposing a surface portion spatially fixed with respect to the other of the shaft or the rotor to form a gap therebetween. The gap may be filled with a fluid such as bearing lubricant, thereby providing a lubricated or wet contact surface to restrict axial movement of the shaft and rotor. Additionally, one or both surfaces may include a groove or slot to provide circulation of fluid through the gap.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided having relatively rotatable facing surfaces that are reliably lubricated. A radial gap is defined between the relatively rotatable facing surfaces, wherein a first axial end of a fluid dynamic bearing has a larger radial gap as compared to a central region of the fluid dynamic bearing. In an aspect, a fluid recirculation passageway is established between the first axial end and the central region of the fluid dynamic bearing. In an aspect, a fluid reservoir is formed axially above the first axial end of the fluid dynamic bearing. Robustness of the FDB motor is increased, and sensitivity to external loads or mechanical shock events is reduced. Dry surface-to-surface contact of bearing surfaces and reduced performance or failure of the motor or disc drive components is averted. The use of diamond-like coating on relatively rotatable fluid bearing surfaces may also be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: In one example, a FDB motor having a top-cover attached, EM biased bearing system is provided. The motor includes a shaft and rotor disposed for relative rotation, and an axial limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor with respect to the shaft, wherein the axial limiter is wet or lubricated during contact. The limiter is spatially fixed with respect to one of the shaft or the rotor and disposed with an axial end surface opposing a surface portion spatially fixed with respect to the other of the shaft or the rotor to form a gap therebetween. The gap may be filled with a fluid such as bearing lubricant, thereby providing a lubricated or wet contact surface to restrict axial movement of the shaft and rotor. Additionally, one or both surfaces may include a groove or slot to provide circulation of fluid through the gap.

Abstract: In one example, a FDB motor having a top-cover attached, EM biased bearing system is provided. The motor includes a shaft and rotor disposed for relative rotation, and an axial limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor with respect to the shaft, wherein the axial limiter is wet or lubricated during contact. The limiter is spatially fixed with respect to one of the shaft or the rotor and disposed with an axial end surface opposing a surface portion spatially fixed with respect to the other of the shaft or the rotor to form a gap therebetween. The gap may be filled with a fluid such as bearing lubricant, thereby providing a lubricated or wet contact surface to restrict axial movement of the shaft and rotor. Additionally, one or both surfaces may include a groove or slot to provide circulation of fluid through the gap.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing having a hub, a sleeve, and a sealing arrangement comprising a first capillary seal substantially retaining a first fluid and a second capillary seal comprising a second fluid. The second capillary seal is located between the first capillary seal and an opening between the hub and the sleeve.

Abstract: A robust spindle motor is provided having added shock resistance for fluid containment. In an aspect, a high-speed centrifugal capillary seal contains a fluid reservoir extending between similarly rotatable components. Fluid is recirculated through the motor and substantially around a counterplate. Proper axial positioning of motor components and stiffness is maintained in motors supporting heavy loads such as a disk drive memory system having a weighty disc pack. In an aspect, two separate thrust surfaces provide oppositely directed axial forces acting on motor components. In an aspect, a single thrust plate that is comparatively small is utilized, reducing power consumption. Also, a thrust bearing situated inboard of a capillary seal forms a comparatively small diameter thrust plate gap. The comparatively small diameter thrust plate gap increases efficiency and characteristics including surface flatness, run out and perpendicularity are improved.

Abstract: The cone which is pressed onto or otherwise affixed to the shaft to cooperate with the sleeve to form a conical hydrodynamic bearing is modified to provide a flat surface at the axially outer end of the cone most distant from the conical surface which is used to form the conical bearing in cooperation with the bearing seat of the sleeve and the intervening fluid. The sleeve surface facing the second angled surface of the bearing cone is modified to diverge more sharply away from the second surface of the cone, or to simply be spaced further away. In this way, a larger reservoir is formed, diminishing the possibility of oil evaporation and oil loss. Finally, a relatively flat shield is supported from the sleeve overlying the flat upper surface of the cone. The divergence of the upper bearing cone surface from the surrounding sleeve also allows for filling the bearing before the shield is installed.

Abstract: A disc drive spindle motor having improved acoustic properties for use in a disc drive data storage system is provided. In one embodiment, the disc drive spindle motor a base, a stationary member, a rotor and a stator. A bearing interconnects the rotor with the stationary member and allows the rotor to rotate about the stationary member. The stator includes a plurality of teeth extending from a back iron. At least one stiffening member is coupled to the stator, joining the teeth at an end opposite the back iron. The stiffening member substantially reduces vibrations in the stator thereby reducing acoustic noise generated by the motor.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is provided comprising a shaft having a pair of spaced apart conical bearings supporting a surrounding sleeve for rotations. The sleeve comprises a single piece rather than the two-piece design separated by a rubber expansion joint of the prior art. Instead upper and lower slots are cut into the sleeve, and the rings are pressed or otherwise tightly fitted into each slot. The single piece sleeve which also incorporates the bearing seats for the conical bearings on the shaft, is made of aluminum, while each ring is made of steel (as is the shaft and bearing cones). As the temperature rises at which the hydrodynamic bearing is operated, the sleeve expands axially putting the bearing seat closer to the cone, effectively compensating for the thinning of the fluid which supports the bearing seat and sleeve for rotation relative to the cone. Meanwhile, the steel ring, being of the same material as the shaft, prevents the aluminum sleeve from expanding radially away from the cone.