High-speed centrifugal seal for a spindle motor
US7224552B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robust spindle motor is provided having added shock resistance for fluid containment. In an aspect, a high-speed centrifugal capillary seal contains a fluid reservoir extending between similarly rotatable components. Fluid is recirculated through the motor and substantially around a counterplate. Proper axial positioning of motor components and stiffness is maintained in motors supporting heavy loads such as a disk drive memory system having a weighty disc pack. In an aspect, two separate thrust surfaces provide oppositely directed axial forces acting on motor components. In an aspect, a single thrust plate that is comparatively small is utilized, reducing power consumption. Also, a thrust bearing situated inboard of a capillary seal forms a comparatively small diameter thrust plate gap. The comparatively small diameter thrust plate gap increases efficiency and characteristics including surface flatness, run out and perpendicularity are improved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.