Abstract: A turbomachine includes a compressor section, a turbine section, and a rotary component. The rotary component is attached to and rotatable with a portion of at least one of the compressor section and the turbine section. The turbomachine additionally includes a seal having a gas bearing. The gas bearing defines an inner surface along a radial direction of the turbomachine, a high pressure end, and a low pressure end. The gas bearing supports the rotary component and also prevents an airflow from the high pressure end to the low pressure end between the rotary component and the inner surface of the gas bearing.

Abstract: Provided is a bearing structure for a turbocharger including a turbine and a compressor provided at both ends of a rotation shaft and supporting the rotation shaft to a housing, including: a first radial bearing of an oil lubrication type provided on the side of the turbine of the rotation shaft; a second radial bearing corresponding to an air bearing provided on the side of the compressor of the rotation shaft; a gas seal portion provided in the periphery of the rotation shaft between the first radial bearing and the turbine; and a thrust bearing corresponding to an air bearing provided on the side of the compressor of the rotation shaft.

Abstract: A rotary machine for an aeronautical device includes a thrust generator. The rotary machine additionally includes a rotary component rotatable with the thrust generator. Moreover, the rotary machine of the present disclosure includes a plurality of gas bearings, with the plurality of gas bearings substantially completely supporting the rotary component of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A fluid machine and method of operating the same includes a pump portion having a pump impeller chamber, a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a turbine portion having a turbine impeller chamber, a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet and a shaft extending between the pump impeller chamber and the turbine impeller chamber. The fluid machine also includes a first bearing and a second bearing spaced apart to form a balance disk chamber. A balance disk is coupled to the shaft and is disposed within the balance disk chamber and a turbine impeller coupled to the impeller end of the shaft disposed within the impeller chamber. A first thrust bearing is formed between the balance disk and the first bearing. The thrust bearing receives fluid from at least one of the pump outlet or the turbine inlet.

Abstract: Provided is a bearing structure, including: a thrust bearing surface having a through hole for allowing a shaft to be inserted therethrough; a plurality of land portions, which are formed on the thrust bearing surface, and are separated apart from each other in a rotation direction of the shaft; a tapered portion, which is formed between the plurality of land portions on the thrust bearing surface, and has a projection height in an insertion direction of the shaft which becomes higher toward a forward side in the rotation direction; and a thrust groove, which is formed in the tapered portion, and extends from the through hole to a radially inner side of an outer peripheral end of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A slide surface of a thrust bearing includes a planar portion, a taper portion, and a pocket portion. The pocket portion includes a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The first side surface is formed on the side of the taper portion. The second side surface is formed on a side opposed to the first side surface. A depth from the plane of the planar portion to the thinnest portion of the taper portion is between 10 ?m and 80 ?m. A first angle that is an angle between a virtual surface obtained by extending the bottom surface and the second side surface is between 90° and 120°. And a second angle that is an angle between a virtual surface obtained by extending the first side surface and the tapered surface is between 60° and 120°.

Abstract: A self-metering hydrostatic thrust bearing for a small gas turbine engine. The thrust bearing can provide thrust capacity in the fore and aft directions of a hydrostatic thrust bearing using a single source of air. The air supply is directed towards the loaded bearing and away from the unloaded bearing by the self-metering mechanism operated by the thrust load.

Abstract: A parallel axis gear configuration constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a first gear having a first gear tooth that includes a lead crowning across a face width thereof. The lead crowning can include (i) a first lead crown defined from a centerline to a transition point and (ii) a second lead crown defined from the transition point to a first end point. The lead crowning can include a drop-off magnitude that is greater at the second lead crown than the first lead crown.

Abstract: A thrust control assembly for use in a horizontal pumping system includes a thrust bearing chamber that is filled with a fluid lubricant, a thrust bearing assembly contained within the thrust bearing chamber, a first radial bearing chamber, a first radial bearing assembly contained within the first radial bearing chamber and a first metering assembly. The first metering assembly controls the flow of lubricant from the thrust bearing chamber to the first radial bearing chamber. The first metering assembly may include an orifice plate.

Abstract: A thrust bearing which is disposed to face a thrust collar provided in a rotation shaft is disclosed. The thrust bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a base plate. The back foil includes a plurality of back foil pieces which are arranged in a circumferential direction of the base plate, and the top foil includes a plurality of top foil pieces which are respectively disposed on the back foil pieces. An inner peripheral recessed portion is formed at a portion which supports an inner peripheral side end of the back foil piece in a surface supporting the back foil in the base plate.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing parts that includes a base having therein one or more motors, an electrical power input port and a connector for connection to a general purpose programmable controller, and including a removable part holding and aligning (or presenting) fixture which can hold and rotate one or more parts to a specific location. The machine can include a tool for performing a process on a part. The machine can include a programmed general purpose controller that can control the operation of the machine during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A hydrostatic axial piston machine (1) utilizing a bent-axis construction has a driveshaft (4) with a drive flange (3) rotatable around an axis of rotation (Rt) inside a housing (2). A cylinder barrel (7) has pistons (10) fastened in an articulated manner to the drive flange (3). The drive flange (3) is supported on a housing-side slide face (101) by an axial bearing (100) in the form of a hydrostatically relieved sliding bearing (102) having a plurality of slippers (105). Each of the slippers (105) is mounted in an articulated manner in the drive flange (3) so that when the drive flange (3) rotates, a compensating force (FFR) acts on the slipper (105) which is in the opposite direction to the centrifugal force (FF) acting on the slipper (105). The point of application (AP) of the compensating force (FFR) on the slipper (105) is selected so that there is no tipping moment on the slipper (105) or to compensate for some or all of any tipping moment that does occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller (1) of a centrifugal pump apparatus, in particular of a blood pump apparatus, comprising a discoidal body (1) rotatable around an axis (2) of rotation, the body (1) comprising an upper surface (3), a lower surface (4), a central channel (5) extending in the direction of the axis (2) of rotation between the upper and lower surface (3, 4) for guiding fluid, in particular blood through the body (1) in axial direction when the body (1) is rotated in a pump chamber of a pump and several blades (6) supported by the upper surface (3) for pumping fluid, in particular blood, when the body (1) is rotated in a pump chamber of a pump, several spiral grooves (7) in the lower surface (4), each groove (7) having a bottom (7a) and two sidewalls (7b, 7c) and being open in an axial direction, merging into a circumferential surface (8) of the body (1) and extending from this circumferential surface (8) to the central channel (5) at least for providing a pumping action of fluid, in particular

Abstract: A bearing housing (1) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger 2, having an oil guide to at least one bearing point (5) in the bearing housing (1). The oil guide is formed by at least one of bores and cutouts in the bearing housing (1). There is formed in the oil guide a siphon (10) which is integrated into the bearing housing (1).

Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller including an impeller shell, a turbine including a turbine shell and a stator axially between the turbine and the impeller. A first fluid flow is generated between the impeller and the stator and a second fluid flow is generated between the turbine and the stator. The torque converter further includes a thrust bearing axially between the impeller and the stator or axially between the turbine and the stator. The thrust bearing includes a bearing surface arranged for maintaining a hydrodynamic film thereon in a region of the first fluid flow or the second fluid flow during operation of the torque converter. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A thrust foil air bearing includes a bottom plate comprising a coupling portion protruding toward a rotating portion, an intermediate plate arranged above an upper surface of the bottom plate and comprising a bump foil that is elastically deformable and a first through-hole through which the coupling portion passes, and a top plate arranged above an upper surface of the intermediate plate, facing the rotating portion, and comprising a top foil arranged above the bump foil and contactable with the rotating portion and a second through-hole, through which the coupling portion passes, formed at a position corresponding to the first through-hole. The coupling portion couples the bottom plate, the intermediate plate, and the top plate to one another by passing through the first through-hole and the second through-hole. Thus, the thrust foil air bearing may be rapidly assembled without a complicated process such as welding.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic axial bearing is provided with segments arranged on a circular ring on axial bearings, wherein a plurality of pressure fields are built up. The length of the individual segments is defined in the circumferential direction, between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge delimits the wedge surface of the segments. In fast-rotating bearings, the ratio of segment width to segment length has a decisive influence on the attainable load-bearing capacity and resulting friction losses. The load-bearing capacity and friction losses are improved by increasing the segment length more intensely with increasing radius. The first edge does not run straight but rather has steps, is arcuate or has linear portions with different gradients.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor (2) which has a compressor wheel (3) in a compressor housing (4); a turbine (5) which has a turbine wheel (6) in a turbine housing (7); and a bearing housing (8) which holds a stationary bearing bush (9) for a rotor shaft (10) and which has, at the compressor side, a bearing housing cover (11). The bearing bush (9) is provided with axial bearing surfaces (12, 13) and is fixed in the bearing housing (8) in a non-positively locking fashion.

Abstract: A compressor housing of an exhaust-gas turbocharger is formed as a pressure-die-cast housing to achieve cost reduction in relation to permanent-mold-cast housings. Since it is not possible in a pressure-die-cast housing to realize round transitions of the spiral in the direction of the housing rear side because this would prevent removal from a mold, the bearing-housing-side diffuser wall is formed as a separate component.

Abstract: A thrust bearing structure is equipped with a thrust collar having a collar pad, and a thrust bearing having a bearing pad at a position corresponding to the collar pad on a surface facing the thrust collar. The bearing pad has a tapered section, and a land section continuously formed on the outer edge of the tapered section. Assuming that oil droplets are supplied between the bearing pad and the collar pad, and assuming that the rotation speed of a rotor shaft is constant, the tapered section would have a sloping surface formed in such a manner that a wall thickness gradually becomes thicker toward the downstream side along the trajectory of given oil droplets based on the centrifugal forces acting on the droplets due to the rotation of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, including a stationary component; a rotatable component, wherein the stationary component and the rotatable component are positioned for relative rotation; a first sealing means positioned in a radial channel at a first axial end of the rotatable component; a second sealing means positioned in an axial channel at a second axial end of the rotatable component; and a fluid reservoir adjacent to the first sealing means and extending radially outward from the first sealing means, wherein the fluid reservoir is positioned radially outward from the pump seal, and wherein the fluid reservoir extends radially outward from the pump seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic axial bearing is provided with segments arranged on a circular ring on axial bearings, wherein a plurality of pressure fields are built up. The length of the individual segments is defined in the circumferential direction, between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge delimits the wedge surface of the segments. In fast-rotating bearings, the ratio of segment width to segment length has a decisive influence on the attainable load-bearing capacity and resulting friction losses. The load-bearing capacity and friction losses are improved by increasing the segment length more intensely with increasing radius. The first edge does not run straight but rather has steps, is arcuate or has linear portions with different gradients.

Abstract: A rotating assembly adapted for use in turbines and pumps is provided. The rotating assembly includes a shroud that rotates around a central axis and a disk seated in a recess in the shroud so that the disk rotates with the shroud, the disk being oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The rotating assembly also includes a stationary element in which at least one surface of the disk contacts a fluid so that when the fluid flows under pressure, the surface of the disk resists the generation of drag between the surface and the stationary element of the rotating assembly. A shroud is provided that includes a circular recess with a cavity on an outer perimeter extending away from the fixed assembly. A method of manufacturing a rotating assembly is provided.

Abstract: There is provided a spindle motor including: a shaft including a body portion having a fixing recess formed on a lower portion thereof, a flange portion extending in an outer radial direction from an upper portion of the body portion, and a first insertion portion extending downwardly from the flange portion in an axial direction; a lower thrust member including a fixed portion inserted into the fixing recess, a disk portion extending from the fixed portion in an outer radial direction, and first and second protrusion portions extending from the disk portion in the axial direction; a base member coupled to the second protrusion portion; and a rotating member forming a bearing clearance with the shaft and provided to be rotatable with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing system having pressure-generating surface patterns that comprises at least two bearing parts that are rotatable with respect to one another and form a bearing gap filled with bearing fluid between associated bearing surfaces. The surface patterns are disposed on at least one bearing surface that is defined by a first rim and a second rim, hydrodynamic pressure being built up within the bearing gap on rotation of the bearing parts with respect to one another. At least parts of the surface patterns extend from the first rim to the second rim of the bearing surface.

Abstract: Provided herein, is an apparatus that includes a stationary component, a rotatable component, and an upper journal bearing and a lower journal bearing. The upper journal bearing and the lower journal bearing are defined in a gap between the stationary component and the rotatable component, and the stationary component and rotatable component are configured for relative rotation. A thrust bearing is disposed between the upper journal bearing and the lower journal bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerostatic air bearing. The disclosed aerostatic air bearing includes: an aerostatic nut, said aerostatic nut including a housing having an air inlet disposed therein, a helical plenum chamber disposed in said housing, said helical plenum chamber being fluidly connected to the air inlet and fluidly interconnecting a plurality of openings, said openings being disposed in a helical pattern, and a plurality of porous media, each of said porous media being disposed in one of the plurality of openings respectively; and a lead screw coupled to said aerostatic nut, said lead screw including a threaded surface separated from each of the plurality of porous media.

Abstract: There is provided a spindle motor including: upper and lower thrust parts fixedly installed on a shaft; a reception part formed in the rotor hub to thereby receive an end portion of the upper thrust part and form an oil interface together with the upper thrust part; and a clamp fixing part inserted into the reception part while having a clearance with the upper thrust part, and guiding a position of a clamp for fixing the recording medium.

Abstract: A bearing assembly and wind generator. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments defining a sliding member and a bearing body, with the sliding member and bearing body being joined together, and the plurality of bearing segments being coupled together to define an annular bearing structure. Also, a wind generator includes a wind rotor supported upon a tower, a hydraulic pump coupled to the wind rotor, and with rotation of the hydraulic pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump, and an electrical generator driven by the hydraulic motor to produce electrical energy.

Abstract: There are provided a spindle motor and a hard disk drive including the same. The spindle motor includes a sleeve fixedly installed on a base member and including a circulation hole formed in an axial direction; a shaft rotatably inserted into the sleeve; a rotor hub fixedly installed on an upper end portion of the shaft; and a thrust member installed in an installation groove formed in an upper portion of the sleeve in the axial direction and forming a connection part allowing the circulation hole to be in communication with a sealing part formed by the sleeve and the rotor hub and having a liquid-vapor interface, wherein the connection part is formed between the sleeve and the thrust member in a circumferential direction, and a gap on any one side of the connection part in a radial direction is larger than a gap on the other side thereof.

Abstract: There are provided a spindle motor and a hard disk drive including the same. The spindle motor includes: a sleeve installed on a base member and having a circulation hole; a shaft inserted into the sleeve; a rotor hub installed on an upper end portion of the shaft; and a thrust member installed in an installation groove formed in an upper portion of the sleeve and forming a connection part, the connection part allowing the circulation hole to be in communication with a sealing part formed by the sleeve and the rotor hub and having a liquid-vapor interface disposed therein, wherein the connection part is formed between the sleeve and the thrust member in a circumferential direction, and at least any one part of the connection part has a radial gap wider than that of another part thereof in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, is an apparatus including a plastic component; a stationary component including a thrustplate; a rotatable component including the plastic component affixed to a sleeve; and at least a first fluid dynamic bearing formed between the thrustplate and an opposing surface of the rotatable component.

Abstract: In order to effect a seal a porous material which comprises one side of two opposing surfaces is used to restrict and evenly distribute externally pressurized gas, liquid, steam, etc. between the two surfaces, exerting a force which is opposite the forces from pressure differences or springs trying to close the two faces together and so may create a non-contact seal that is more stable and reliable than hydrodynamic seals currently in use. A non-contact bearing is also disclosed having opposing surfaces with relative motion and one surface issuing higher than ambient pressure through a porous restriction, wherein the porous restriction is part of a monolithic porous body, or a porous layer, attached to lands containing a labyrinth, the porous restriction and lands configured to not distort more than 10% of a gap created from differential pressure between each side of the porous restriction.

Abstract: A method for axial support of a pump or compressor rotor shaft during start-up or shut-down of a vertical fluid displacement module for subsea operation including a motor and a pump or compressor. Lubrication fluid is momentarily supplied for hydrostatic operation of hydrodynamic thrust bearing(s) from a topside or land-based fluid supply via a flow control module arranged in conjunction with a subsea pressure control unit configured for controlling the supply and discharge of barrier and lubrication fluids to/from the fluid displacement module.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic axial sliding bearing is disclosed. The bearing includes a substantially planar sliding surface. The bearing includes a bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface separated by a lubricating gap with at least one annularly arranged segment in at least two coaxial ring zones, and wherein each segment comprising a wedge surface and an engagement surface.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface, and a second bearing assembly including a second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface. The second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface generally opposes the first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface.

Abstract: A bearing assembly and wind generator. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments defining a sliding member and a bearing body, with the sliding member and bearing body being joined together, and the plurality of bearing segments being coupled together to define an annular bearing structure. Also, a wind generator includes a wind rotor supported upon a tower, a hydraulic pump coupled to the wind rotor, and with rotation of the hydraulic pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump, and an electrical generator driven by the hydraulic motor to produce electrical energy.

Abstract: A dry gas thrust bearing is provided for use in rotating equipment and more particularly, this thrust bearing is designed to support compressor/turbine thrust loads in an improved arrangement which does not require oil lubrication and which is designed to support necessary shaft thrust loading by the utilization of a dry gas film. The bearing includes a shaft rotor between two axially movable stators and relies on a dry gas film to separate the rotor and stators. The stators are axially loaded by a double spring package arranged in series wherein a lightly loaded spring engages the stator during zero thrust applications, and as the shaft begins to rotate and encounter axial thrust, a heavier stiffer spring, greater than the thrust load, quickly engages.

Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.

Abstract: An axial bearing between a first part and a second part that presses with an axial load against the first part and can rotate around a rotation axis relative to the first part comprising a circular or arc-shaped ridge on the first part centered around the rotation axis, a pressure source for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid on a first side of the circular or arc-shaped ridge, an adjustable gap between the circular or arc shaped ridge and a bearing surface on the second part, wherein the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through the adjustable gap to a second side of the circular or arc-shaped ridge. In accordance with the invention the circular or arc-shaped ridge or the bearing surface include a ridge chamber for locally creating a larger adjustable gap between the circular or arc-shaped ridge and the bearing surface.

Abstract: An air or gas bearing supports a moving mass on a thin column of gas which is partially constrained in a pressurized cavity. The gas to the cavity is supplied through a fluidic amplifier. Pressure in the thin supporting column above the bearing pad, or the position of the mass surface relative to the open end of the pressurized cavity, is sensed. The resulting feedback pressure signal is dynamically compensated to produce a pressure signal to the input ports of the fluidic amplifier which is a function of the velocity of the mass. The compensation network consists of orifices, or flow resistors, and volume cavities, or compressible fluid capacitors. The compensated feedback pressure is amplified by the fluidic amplifier to provide an output pressure to the bearing cavity which is indicative of and nearly proportional to the mass velocity perpendicular to the bearing pad and achieve a high degree of damping without use of extremely small orifices or complicated electromechanical damping means.

Abstract: A thrust bearing structure is equipped with a thrust collar having a collar pad, and a thrust bearing having a bearing pad at a position corresponding to the collar pad on a surface facing the thrust collar. The bearing pad has a tapered section, and a land section continuously formed on the outer edge of the tapered section. Assuming that oil droplets are supplied between the bearing pad and the collar pad, and assuming that the rotation speed of a rotor shaft is constant, the tapered section would have a sloping surface formed in such a manner that a wall thickness gradually becomes thicker toward the downstream side along the trajectory of given oil droplets based on the centrifugal forces acting on the droplets due to the rotation of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: Methods for adhering parts together using part gap spacers are provided herein. Part gap spacers are formed in a selected pattern and a selected height on a surface of at least one surface of two parts to be oppositely disposed. When disposed opposite each other, at least some of the part gap spacers contact the opposite surface, and establish a standoff distance that is generally uniform, and thereby creating voids. Adhesive is disposed in at least some of the voids to adhere the part surfaces to each other. Further methods comprise forming part gap spacers on multiple sides of a third part to be disposed intermediate two surfaces. The part gap spacers can be formed in a variety of shapes, including bumps, tapers, ribs, and flange edges.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of gaps. Each gap is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed bearing assemblies.

Abstract: There are provided a hydrodynamic bearing assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes: an oil sealing part formed between a fixed member and a rotating member; and a silicon containing diamond-like-carbon (Si-DLC) or tungsten carbide (W-Carbide) coating layer formed on at least one surface of the fixed member and the rotating member. The silicon containing diamond-like-carbon (Si-DLC) or tungsten carbide (W-Carbide) coating layer is formed on the at least one surface of the fixed member and the rotating member, whereby abrasion of the fixed member and the rotating member due to friction therebetween may be prevented.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface, and a second bearing assembly including a second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface. The second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface generally opposes the first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface.

Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid dynamic bearing device in which an assembly of a bearing sleeve to a housing is facilitated and which has excellent moment rigidity. A fluid dynamic bearing device (1) includes radial bearing parts (R1 and R2) and thrust bearing parts (T1 and T2). Thrust bearing surfaces (C and D) are respectively provided to first and second step surfaces (2d and 2e) of a housing (2), and the thrust bearing parts (T1 and T2) are respectively formed between the thrust bearing surfaces (C and D) and end surfaces (6b and 7b) of seal members (6 and 7) provided while protruding to an outer diameter side of a shaft member (5).

Abstract: The present invention has an object of improving wear resistance of a thrust bearing portion. A pressure is generated by a dynamic pressure effect of a lubricating oil in a thrust bearing gap between a thrust bearing surface including dynamic pressure generating grooves and a smooth thrust receiving surface so as to rotatably support a shaft member in an axial direction. The thrust receiving surface is formed as a flat surface, whereas an inclined plane is provided on the thrust bearing surface so as to provide a reduced portion having a decreasing axial width in a radially outward direction in the thrust bearing gap.

Abstract: A disk drive device includes a rotating body, a fluid dynamic bearing unit that rotatably supports the rotating body, and a drive unit. The fluid dynamic bearing unit has: a lubricant holding portion in which lubricant is held; a first thrust dynamic pressure groove with which a first thrust dynamic pressure generating portion for generating the dynamic pressure in the pump-in direction, which is oriented toward the inside of the lubricant holding portion, is structured; and a second thrust dynamic pressure groove with which a second thrust dynamic pressure generating portion for generating at least the dynamic pressure in the pump-out direction, is structured.