Lubricant retention design for disk drive fluid dynamic bearing spindle motor
US6851861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lubricant retention design for a fluid dynamic bearing design in a spindle motor utilizes a labyrinth gap that is formed between the sleeve and the shaft of the bearing. The gap is used in conjunction with a barrier film to impede the flow of lubricant into the lateral and axial vent holes during non-operational vibration, such as shipping and handling of the end product. In another version, a plug is located in the lateral vent hole. The plug has a very small passage that permits air to pass therethrough for atmospheric pressure equalization, but prevents the escape of lubricant into the vent holes. Alternatively, the plug may be formed from a non-wettable material such as porous foam or sintered material and provided with a larger opening. Yet another solution utilizes a combination of both the labyrinth and plug designs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.