Actuator assembly having labyrinth seal
US5482381A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An actuator assembly for a computer disk drive includes a pivot shaft which defines a pivot axis for the actuator assembly, a pivotable actuator which encircles the pivot shaft, a bearing assembly disposed between the pivot shaft and the actuator, and a labyrinth seal adjacent to a lower edge of the bearing assembly. The labyrinth seal is incorporated into the pivot shaft and includes an axially extending ridge which is disposed in facing relation to a lower edge of the bearing assembly. The labyrinth seal also includes a reservoir disposed radially inwardly of the axially extending ridge, and a flange which extends radially outwardly of the axially extending ridge. The flange includes both axially and radially-facing surfaces which are disposed in facing relation to oppositely facing surfaces of the actuator. Very small air gaps are maintained between the labyrinth seal and the actuator assembly, on the order of 0.003 to 0.005 inch, in order to eliminate or minimize any actuator bearing lubricant migration or out-gassing into the disk drive assembly. An actuator shaft washer seal is provided adjacent to the upper edge of the bearing assembly. The actuator shaft washer seal is fixe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.