Abstract: A fluid dynamic pressure bearing has an annular dynamic pressure generating face having a dynamic pressure generating groove, which draws a working fluid toward a midway position in the radial direction from the inside and outside of a thrust bearing plate in the radial direction when a shaft and a housing are rotated relative to each other. The dynamic pressure generating groove is provided on thickness direction end faces of the thrust bearing plate or on an inner surface of the housing, and an inner groove section is located on an inner peripheral side of the dynamic pressure generating face on the end faces and is recessed more than the dynamic pressure generating face in the thickness direction. A through-hole extends through the thrust bearing plate in the thickness direction so as to open to the dynamic pressure generating face, and a communicating cavity connects the opening portion of the through-hole and the inner groove section.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing is provided having a first surface having at least a first groove pattern formed therein; and the second surface having at least a second groove pattern formed therein; wherein one of the surfaces is configured to be rotated relative to the other surface. The groove patterns may be conventional patterns or patterns described herein. Further, the patterns discussed herein may be disposed wholly on each surface or may be divided between the two surfaces. The groove design is intended to be useable in either a journal, thrust or other fluid bearing design.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device which can improve reliability by stabilizing a balance of dynamic pressures generated at a thrust bearing portion. The spindle motor 1 includes a hydrodynamic bearing device 4 including a shaft 41, a sleeve 42, first and second thrust flanges 41b and 41c, first and second thrust bearing portions 72 and 73 and thrust dynamic pressure generating grooves 72a and 73a. The thrust dynamic pressure generating grooves 72a and 73a are formed such that a plurality of groove portions are connected without being isolated from each other, and the groove depth becomes greater from the inner periphery toward the outer periphery.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device is provided for use with a spindle motor. The hydrodynamic bearing device has a sleeve made of a sintered metal that is obtained by sintering a sintering material that is iron, an iron alloy, copper, a copper alloy or a mixture thereof. This sintered metal has independent pores, which do not communicate with each other, by selecting conditions for forming a desired sintered body within a predetermined range. The conditions includes a grain size of powdered metal of a material for the sintered metal, a molding pressure when the molded body is formed, sintering temperature and sintering period in the sintering step.

Abstract: In a disclosed fluid dynamic bearing motor, and a disc drive employing the same, variations in motor performance due to a change in viscosity of a bearing fluid caused by a temperature change is canceled. The fluid dynamic bearing includes a sleeve with a shaft insertion hole in it. A shaft is rotatably inserted into the shaft insertion hole. A bearing fluid is disposed between an internal surface of the shaft insertion hole and the shaft. The shaft is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, iron alloy material, aluminum alloy material, and copper alloy material. The sleeve is made of titanium material.

Abstract: This invention introduces a new category of engineered surfaces and corresponding production processes for better wear resistance and lower friction loss. The structured surfaces can be applied on many automobile components with frictional surfaces. The composite structure settles the usual conflicts between surface functions and stresses. Two sets of multiple-step processes are introduced to achieve high production efficiency and low cost. Unlike traditional surface technologies that generate single and uniform layers on the whole part surface, the new technology processes the part surface selectively for more effective surfaces with versatile functions.

Abstract: A thrust dynamic pressure bearing with high inclination-resistant rigidity against axis runout and additionally low bearing loss torque is implemented. Herringbone grooves (131) having intermediate bends (132) are provided on rotating-side bearing surface (11) provided on the rotating-side bearing member. When rotating-side bearing surface (11) rotates in direction A (clockwise), lubricating oil generates dynamic pressure in an area centering on intermediate bend (132) along radially outer part (133) and radially inner part (134) of herringbone groove (131). As a result that groove width (G) of a dynamic pressure generating groove and width (L) of a land adjacent to the dynamic pressure generating groove holds G>L at an arbitrary radius (2) position, a thrust dynamic pressure bearing with high inclination-resistant rigidity and additionally low bearing loss torque is provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic dynamic bearing has a rotor comprised of a flanged shaft having a thrust ring portion and a cylinder portion, a hub attached to the flanged shaft, and a rotor magnet attached to an inner peripheral face of a skirt portion of the hub. A stator rotatably supports the rotor and comprises a bearing sleeve to which are attached stator coils, and a stator base plate that supports the sleeve. A gap exists between confronting surfaces of the flanged shaft and the bearing sleeve, and lubricating oil is sealed in the gap. Thrust dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed in one or both faces of the thrust ring, and the grooves are in the form of a herringbone pattern having radial inner groove sections and outer groove sections. The depth of the inner groove sections is shallower than that of the outer groove sections, and the depths of both groove sections are constant. The optimum inner-to-outer groove depth ratio is 0.6 to 0.7.

Abstract: A flange on a shaft of a fluid dynamic bearing unit is to be provided with a hole connecting an outer periphery of the flange and an outer periphery of the shaft. A radial groove is provided on a surface of two flange half pieces, and a vertical groove communicating with the radial groove is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the flange half pieces. Upon combining the two flange half pieces with the grooves facing each other and attaching them to the shaft, a path connecting an outer periphery of the flange and an outer periphery of the shaft is formed. The groove may be formed in a desired cross-sectional shape such as a semicircle, triangle or rectangle. The groove may be formed only on either of the flange half pieces, and the groove can be formed by a simple process such as pressing.

Abstract: The invention relates to 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. According to the invention, at least parts of the surface patterns extend from the first rim to the second rim of the bearing surface.

Abstract: The invention is related to a fluid dynamic bearing design, wherein inner wall of bearing or surface of shaft is made with inner grooves having self-lubricating functions to effect radial pressure waves according to stable bearing operating requirements as well as working and assembly methods. Embodiments of said inner grooves include seal, open and re-circulation types, wherein seal type inner grooves reduces overflow of lubricants, while open type rifling grooves and re-circulation type grooves allows for recirculation of lubricating fluid to promote rotational stability of the shaft.

Abstract: An axial plain bearing assembly includes a thrust ring provided for common rotation with a rotary component. The thrust ring has a radial seal face on an end face thereof for co-operating with a radial seal face of a non-rotational seal ring of a gas-lubricated mechanical face seal assembly for sealing said rotary and stationary components against each other. A plurality of peripherally spaced gas-pumping grooves is formed in at least one of the radial seal faces of the thrust and non-rotational seal rings. A mass ring connected with the thrust ring is provided at an axial distance from the thrust ring. The mass ring is configured and adapted to exert a balancing force on the thrust ring under centrifugal forces acting on the mass ring during common rotation of the mass and thrust rings to compensate for thermal distortion of the thrust ring during operation.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves are used for generating hydrodynamic pressure. Each of the grooves includes an upper branch (344) and a lower branch (342) coupled to the upper branch. The upper branch has a larger angle (?1) of divergence from the groove than that (?2) of the lower branch.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing (300) has a bearing surface adapted for receiving a shaft to rotate thereon. The bearing surface has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves are used for generating hydrodynamic pressure. A depth of each of the grooves is changed in a sloping trend along the extension direction of the groove.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing (300) has a bearing surface adapted for receiving a shaft to rotate thereon. The bearing surface has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves for generating hydrodynamic pressure each has at least one interior surface (3421). The at least one interior surface has a sloping surface along a circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic bearing.

Abstract: An oscillating disc cutter including a cutting disc and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft to effect eccentric oscillation of the cutting disc and a radial bearing disposed to permit relative rotation between the drive shaft and the cutting disc. The cutter further including a hydrostatic axial bearing disposed to react axial forces while accommodating induced rotation of the cutting disc when operatively engaged and to induce a rotational drag thereby limiting rotational peed of the cutting disc when free running. A water pressurized fluid bearing induces a predetermined axial load in the hydrostatic bearing such that a predetermined maximum running clearance in the hydrostatic bearing is maintained.

Abstract: A spindle motor having a hydrodynamic pressure bearing includes a stator, a rotor, and a dynamic pressure generating unit including a sleeve having an upper plate disposed opposite to the rotor and at least one thrust dynamic pressure groove formed either at the upper plate of the sleeve or at the rotor. Inside width from a neutral radius to an innermost radius of the thrust dynamic pressure groove is larger than outside width from the neutral radius to an outermost radius of the thrust dynamic pressure groove such that the neutral radius is biased to the outside of the thrust dynamic pressure groove. Dynamic pressure at the inside width of the thrust dynamic pressure groove is higher than dynamic pressure at the outside width of the thrust dynamic pressure groove such that fluid supplied into the thrust dynamic pressure groove is guided to the outer diameter side.

Abstract: A device for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine (camshaft adjuster (1)) having a pressure medium distributor (21) arranged within a camshaft (11) is provided. The pressure medium distributor (21) is provided at its front end with a radially extending shoulder (42), this shoulder (42) forming part of the camshaft axial mounting.

Abstract: A high-accuracy, long-life hydrodynamic bearing that does not cause oil film breakage in bearing clearances and a disc rotation apparatus using the bearing is disclosed. Oil film breakage is avoided as negative pressure is prevented from generating between the shaft and sleeve of the hydrodynamic bearing. Herringbone shaped dynamic pressure generating grooves, located on the thrust bearing section and the radial bearing section of the hydrodynamic bearing, are oil filled and have optimum shapes. The optimum shapes prevent the generation negative pressure and thus prevents the coagulation of air bubbles that can cause oil film breakage. The disc rotation apparatus, that holds a reproduction/recording disc, is concentrically secured to the hydrodynamic bearing and rotated. The disc is put into contact with magnetic or optical heads while rotating in the disc rotation apparatus. Both the hydrodynamic bearing and the disc rotation apparatus experience high reliability.

Abstract: A high-accuracy, long-life hydrodynamic bearing that does not cause oil film breakage in bearing clearances and a disc rotation apparatus using the bearing is disclosed. Oil film breakage is avoided as negative pressure is prevented from generating between the shaft and sleeve of the hydrodynamic bearing. Herringbone shaped dynamic pressure generating grooves, located on the thrust bearing section and the radial bearing section of the hydrodynamic bearing, are oil filled and have optimum shapes. The optimum shapes prevent the generation negative pressure and thus prevents the coagulation of air bubbles that can cause oil film breakage. The disc rotation apparatus, that holds a reproduction/recording disc, is concentrically secured to the hydrodynamic bearing and rotated. The disc is put into contact with magnetic or optical heads while rotating in the disc rotation apparatus. Both the hydrodynamic bearing and the disc rotation apparatus experience high reliability.

Abstract: In order to prevent lubricating oil leakage due to bubbles in a thrust dynamic pressure bearing having herringbone grooves, and to stabilize the bearing performance, and enhance the reliability and durability, auxiliary grooves deeper than pump-in type herringbone grooves for generating dynamic pressure are provided. The bearing inner periphery and bearing outer periphery are linked by a pressure gradient descending slowly, and therefore bubbles present in the bearing inner periphery can be guided to the bearing outer periphery through the auxiliary grooves, and discharged outside of the bearing from the air-liquid interface, so that lubricating oil leakage due to bubbles can be prevented.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a thrust bearing assembly having only three thrust flanges in total. One portion of the thrust bearing assembly comprises a main bearing having an arcuate bearing shell with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. A thrust washer having hydrodynamic features abuts one of the edges of the main bearing and extends radially outwardly from the outer surface thereof forming a thrust surface. The other of the edges of the main bearing is free of a flange. The free edge of the main bearing is preferably spaced inward from other thrust surfaces and the edge has a substantially narrower width than the other thrust surfaces.

Abstract: An improved torque converter that results in greater fuel efficiency and more horsepower with a lower failure rate. The improved torque converter has a greater lock-up surface area than an original equipment torque converter to reduce slippage. The lock-up surface area can be provided from a wider friction lining material, a floating clutch, and/or a floating clutch plate. An improved stator contributes to fuel efficiency. In one aspect, the torque converter has a novel thrust washer that has parabolic shaped grooves to facilitate lubrication and reduce failure of the bearing thrust washer. In one aspect the torque converter uses brazed blades to reduce vibration and strengthen the blades to make them more resistant to distortion and failure.

Abstract: In a thrust bearing supporting a load in a thrust direction in a rotary portion, a size of a curved surface in the forward side of a lubricating groove with respect to a relative rotating direction of an opposing sliding member is set to be larger than a size of a curved surface in the rearward side of the lubricating groove with respect to the relative rotating direction, and a depth of the lubricating groove is set to be deeper than a starting point in the side of a groove bottom of the curved surface formed in the groove shoulder in the forward side of the lubricating groove with respect to the rotating direction, so that a lubricating effect and a cooling effect are increased.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic pressure bearing apparatus includes a radial dynamic pressure bearing formed in a gap portion between a bearing member and a shaft member. The apparatus also includes a thrust dynamic pressure bearing having a first thrust bearing portion formed between a top surface of the thrust plate and a first facing member opposing thereto in the axial direction and a second thrust bearing portion formed between a bottom surface of the thrust plate and a second facing member opposing thereto in an axial direction. Dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed on the radial dynamic pressure bearing and the thrust dynamic pressure bearing.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing device includes a dynamic pressure bearing member, a rotary member that is rotatable with respect to the dynamic pressure bearing member, a thrust dynamic pressure bearing section provided in a thrust opposing region that is between an end surface in an axial direction of the dynamic pressure bearing member and an end surface in the axial direction of the rotary member, and a pumping device provided in the thrust opposing region. The thrust dynamic pressure bearing section rotatably supports the rotary member in the axial direction of the rotary member, and the pumping device provided in the thrust opposing region pressurizes a lubricating fluid inside the thrust opposing region inwardly in a radial direction, wherein the pumping device generates an inward pressurizing force larger than a rotational centrifugal force applied to the lubricating fluid within the thrust opposing region during rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic gas mounting of a motor spindle, with a rotating shaft 2 which is gas-mounted in a housing 3 in the radial and axial direction, at least one radial gas bearing 4 being present for radial mounting along the shaft 2 and at least two axial gas bearings 5, 6 being present for the axial mounting of the shaft 2, and the two axial gas bearings 5, 6 having different surface profiles 12 for generating a flow of the bearing gas in the axial direction 14 of the shaft 2 in order to vent the mounting.

Abstract: An engine bearing for an internal combustion engine has a pair of separately constructed bearing halves comprising a pair of arcuate shells having a pair of laterally spaced flanges extending generally radially outwardly from each shell. Each pair of laterally spaced flanges comprises a pair of thrust faces facing generally away from one another with one of the thrust faces comprising an undulating contoured surface and the other thrust face having a generally planar non-contoured surface. The engine bearing is assembled having the contoured surface of one engine bearing half abutting the non-contoured surface of the other engine bearing half so that the engine bearing has generally opposite sides comprising both contoured and non-contoured surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided comprising a base, a counter plate fixed to the base, a stationary sleeve fixed to the base and supported on the counter plate, a rotating shaft axially disposed through the sleeve, and a fluid dynamic bearing disposed between the shaft and the sleeve and between a free end of the shaft and a first surface of the counter plate, wherein at least one of the free end of the shaft and the first surface of the counter plate comprises a single spiral-shaped groove formed thereon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thrust plate for a dynamic pressure bearing in which the upper and lower end surfaces thereof have a highly precise perpendicular angle relative to the central axis thereof. The thrust plate has an annular shape, and a central hole is formed therein in which is fitted a shaft body. Thrust surfaces that form a portion of thrust bearing units are formed at both end surfaces of the thrust plate. The method of manufacturing the thrust plate includes a blanking step in which a plate-like work piece is press-cut to obtain an annular blank intermediate, an end surface polishing step in which both end surfaces of the blank intermediate are polished, and a shaving step in which an inner hole and an outer periphery of the polished blank intermediate are simultaneously press-cut to shave off surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing of this invention comprises a body having a load-bearing surface comprising an oil supply channel and an oil return channel positioned along respective inside and outside body diameters. A number of thrust pads are positioned along the surface that each include an oil supply groove, positioned adjacent a leading edge/upstream portion of each thrust pad and extending radially a distance from the oil supply channel, and an oil return groove, positioned adjacent a trailing edge/downstream portion of each thrust pad and extending radially a distance from the oil return channel. The oil supply grooves are separate from the oil return grooves, and the thrust pads each comprise a series arrangement of three differently configured land or pad sections. Configured in this manner, oil is provided onto the series of land sections by the oil supply groove and is collected after passing over the series of land sections by the separate oil collection groove.

Abstract: An axial plain bearing assembly includes a thrust ring provided for common rotation with a rotary component, and a counter ring provided for mounting non-rotationally on a stationary component. The thrust and counter rings comprise bearing surfaces facing each other, between which a friction-minimizing oil film can be formed during operation. The thrust ring further comprises a radial seal face on an end face thereof remote from the counter ring for cooperating with a radial seal face of a non-rotational seal ring of a mechanical face seal assembly for forming a seal between said thrust and non-rotational seal rings. Accordingly the thrust ring is multi-functional in that it provides for an axial support of the rotary component and simultaneously acts as a rotating seal ring of a mechanical face seal assembly.

Abstract: A pair of thrust hydrodynamic bearing portions are made to communicate with each other to form fluid circulating passages for equalizing a pressure imbalance between both thrust hydrodynamic bearing portions. Even in a case where a pressure imbalance has occurred in a lubricating fluid inside the thrust hydrodynamic bearing portions due to such a cause as the deformation of a thrust plate, the lubricating fluid is allowed to move between the pair of upper and lower thrust hydrodynamic bearing portions through the fluid circulating passages so as to overcome the pressure imbalance, thereby making it possible to stably obtain the amount of floatation in the thrust hydrodynamic bearing portions.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing has a shaft (11) fitted in a sleeve (12) for rotation, with a fluid filled therebetween. The shaft (11) and/or sleeve (12) is formed with a pattern consisting of grooves (111g) and lands for generating a pressure distribution in the fluid and then covered with a diamond-like carbon film (11c) over the surface of the grooves and the surface of the lands.

Abstract: A thrust dynamic pressure bearing apparatus includes a shaft member and a thrust plate having a fixing hole that is provided with chamfered sections Ca and Cb at the fixing hole. The shaft member is shrink fitted or pressure inserted in the fixing hole of the thrust plate. The chamfered sections Ca and Cb have axial lengths La and Lb in the axial direction. Dimensional relations of the axial lengths La and Lb in the chamfered sections Ca and Cb are set to be within a specified range to evenly distribute the bonding force of the thrust plate applied to the shaft member along the axial direction.

Abstract: A hydro dynamic gas bearing having a sleeve with one end closed and connected to a front end of a shaft supported at its proximal end relative to a base on a fixed side, a plurality of hydro dynamic pressure generating grooves on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve opposite the outer peripheral surface, and a through hole communicating with the outside of the base extending from the front end to the proximal end of the shaft, the through hole having an air vent for adjusting pressure between the shaft and the sleeve for adjustment of discharge air so that the sleeve rotates in a contactless fashion relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic washer or spacer is used to reduce friction between a planet gear and the planet carrier. The washer has a top side and a bottom side, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A mating profile extends from the inner diameter to the outer diameter along the bottom side adjacent the planet gear. The top side has a pumping land, pressure pocket, and bearing surface arranged from the inner diameter to the outer diameter respectively. The pumping land extends from the inner diameter outward radially to the pressure pocket. The pressure pocket is recessed relative to the pumping land and extends from the pumping land outward radially to a containment edge. The containment edge is raised relative to the pressure pocket and pumping land. Extending from the containment edge to the outer diameter is a bearing surface that is also raised relative to the pressure pocket and pumping land. As the washer rotates, the surrounding fluid is subject to centrifugal forces.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic axial bearing (10), a rotating body (13) is mounted radially in a radial bearing (17) of a bearing body (18). The rotating body (13) comprises a shaft (16), with its shaft journal (14) mounted in the radial bearing (17), and a bearing collar (20) which is connected fixedly to the shaft (16) and corotates with the shaft (16). A floating disk (12) is arranged in an annular-groove-shaped space (28) between a wall (26) of the fixed bearing body (18) and a projection (22) of the corotating bearing collar (20). The floating disk (12) has a central circular orifice (30) which is designed as an integrated hydrodynamic radial bearing (32). By means of this radial bearing (32), the floating disk (12) is mounted radially on a fixed bearing element (38) concentrically surrounding the rotating body (13) on a portion (29).

Abstract: In order to manufacture a dynamic pressure bearing device, there are provided a shaft member, and a thrust plate formed with a press-fitting portion into which the shaft member is press-fitted. At least two relief portions are formed in at least one of the press-fitting portion of the thrust plate and a part of the shaft member which corresponds to the press-fitting portion. The shaft member is press-fitted with the press-fitting portion such that the thrust plate extends perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft member, while making the relief portions absorb press-fitting stress.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a thrust dynamic pressure bearing in which complex small holes or the like are not disposed so that the production cost is not increased, and negative-pressure suction which may be caused at start of rotation is prevented from occurring, thereby enabling the bearing to correctly function as a thrust dynamic pressure bearing. In solving means for the above, a rotor 1 in which thrust dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed in an end face, and a housing 2 which accommodates the rotor 1 in a hermetically sealed state with forming small gaps 3 and 4 therebetween are disposed. The gaps are filled with a working fluid L for generating a dynamic pressure. Pockets (1p, 2P) which serve as spaces for accumulating the working fluid are formed in the end face 1a of the rotor 1 and an end face 2a of the housing 2 that is opposed to the end face 1a, respectively.

Abstract: In a thrust dynamic-pressure bearing that through pump-in type spiral grooves generates dynamic pressure, a simple configuration to eliminate at the bearing exterior air bubbles liable to build up nearby the central portion of the bearing, yielding stabilized axial bearing force. The configuration lends superior endurance and reliability to the thrust bearing, and to a spindle motor furnished with the bearing. The configuration makes the circularly symmetrical dynamic pressure distribution, created by spiral grooves formed circularly symmetrical with respect to the bearing axial center, asymmetrical by the addition of an asymmetrical auxiliary groove(s). Air bubbles building up near the center of the spiral grooves are thus shifted to the area where the spiral grooves are formed. In the area where the spiral grooves are formed, the more inward the oil the higher the dynamic pressure.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing having a series arrangement of three differently configured land sections across the bearing axial surface that are separated by an oil supply groove (on one side) and an oil return or collection grove (on an opposite side). Configured in this manner, oil is provided onto the series of land sections by the oil supply groove and is collected after passing over the series of land sections by the separate oil collection groove. The use of separate oil supply and collection grooves acts to minimize mixing, of input oil with the heated return oil, thereby reducing oil film temperature and increasing bearing thrust load capacity.

Abstract: A crank shaft thrust bearing half includes a semi-cylindrical bearing shell carrying a pair of radially outwardly projecting thrust flanges having outer thrust surfaces. Radial grooves are formed in the thrust face to divide the surface into thrust pads. Each thrust pad has hydrodynamic contours which provide a hydrodynamic wedging action during rotation of the shaft to support high thrust loads. The thrust pad at the trailing end of the flange has an elevated land area spaced about 30° away from the trailing end and includes a long relief area from the land to the end to provide a no contact zone of the flange. Locating the land away from the trailing end and providing the relief zone shifts the peak pressure location away from the end and toward the middle of the bearing to relieve the trailing end from stress. Having radially oriented oil grooves with suitable width enables adequate oil supply and improved hydrodynamic oil film generating capability.

Abstract: Fluid bearing equipment which is free from lockup or seizure which may occur due to a deficiency of a lubricating fluid when the equipment is operated at a high rotation speed in a high temperature environment. The fluid bearing equipment is arranged such that maximum pressure generating portions 23 of dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 16 provided in a thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion are located closer to the outer circumference of a stationary thrust plate 9 than a radially middle position of the thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion. With this arrangement, the lockup and seizure of a motor can be prevented which may otherwise occur due to a deficiency of the lubricating fluid when the equipment is operated at a high rotation speed in a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic pressure-type thrust bearing unit which is excellent in abrasion resistance and also has accurate dynamic pressure-generating grooves through easy manufacturing processes. According to a method for manufacturing a dynamic pressure-type thrust bearing unit of the present invention, dynamic pressure-generating grooves (2) are formed on a surface (1a) of a thrust plate (1). The dynamic pressure-generating grooves (2) are formed by pressing with a pattern which produces a width ratio of approximately 1:1 between groove portions (12) and non-groove portions (13) in the direction of arrangement of the adjacent dynamic pressure-generating grooves (2) [in the direction of arrow A].

Abstract: In order to allow lubricant to move from the outside into the inside of a thrust bearing easily, an escape is provided in a base and a circumferential recess in a plate. As a result, a hub with magnetic disks mounted thereon can rapidly float up in a correct position at start-up of rotation thereby to perform correct recording and reproduction of information.

Abstract: A main shaft bearing lubricating apparatus for a sealing-type reciprocating compressor having a rotor provided to a rotary shaft and rotating about the rotary shaft with respect to a main shaft bearing with a trust washer between, and a reciprocating piston connected to one front end of the rotary shaft through a crank, including a plurality of lubricating grooves formed on the main shaft bearing's front section and each having an intake point and an outlet point that are disposed on different positions by a given angle with respect to the main shaft bearing's center of rotation.

Abstract: A spindle motor unit having a hydrodynamic bearing that retains a necessary amount of lubricant in the thrust bearing even when rotating and stopping operations are frequently repeated, and ensures reliability of the bearing, and allows correct recording and reproducing operations is obtained by reducing the clearance formed between the inner diameter surfaces 11d and 11e of base 11 and the outer diameter surface of flange 13.

Abstract: Fluid bearings, vacuum chucks and methods for producing these devices. One example of a method for forming a fluid bearing includes forming a plate having a face surface and a bonding surface, coupling a first side of a body to the bonding surface, placing the face surface of the plate against a predetermined surface, and generating a pressure difference to conform the face surface to the predetermined surface. One example of a fluid bearing of the invention includes a plate support and a flexible bearing plate having a bonding surface which is attached to the plate support with an adhesive which is flexible before hardening. The flexible bearing plate conforms to a predetermined surface during a portion of the time that the adhesive hardens. Examples of vacuum chucks, and methods for forming vacuum chucks, and other aspects of the invention are described.

Abstract: A fluid bearing apparatus having a strengthened force for supporting a rotating member, which includes a herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section and a spiral dynamic pressure generating section. A portion of the herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section or the spiral dynamic pressure generating section is interrupted, or the spiral dynamic pressure generating section is connected to an end of the herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section in order to prevent an operational fluid for generating a fluid pressure from counterflowing due to high speed rotation of the operational fluid.