Floating electrical contact for spindle motor
US5454724A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K5/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for providing a controlled resistance electrical path from one moving element of an electrical device to second or subsequent element. An electrically conductive media is introduced between the rotating and static element of an electrical device. The media, e.g. conductive grease, may be introduced into the bearings of the device. Alternatively, a housing may be disposed upon one of the elements. Into this housing is introduced a quantity of electrically conductive media and a contact element. The contact element is integral with, or is preloaded against, one end of the shaft of the second element, thereby forming an electrical path from the shaft, through the media to the housing and thence to the first element of the device. The contact element may be seen therefore to be floating in contact with the conductive media, thereby forming a controlled-resistance rotary electrical connector. Physical contact between the contact element and the housing may be implemented or not, as the particular application requires. This rotary connection methodology is especially applicable to the controlled grounding of the rotor of a disc drive electric motor with respect to th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.