Lubricated limiter for fluid dynamic bearing motor

US7626783B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Seagate Technology LLC · US

Inventors

• Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc · Capitola, US
• Robert A. Nottingham · Santa Cruz, US
• Troy M. Herndon · San Jose, US
• Norbert Steven Parsoneault · Watsonville, US
• Lynn Bich-Quy Le · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 12, 2008
• Grant date: Dec 1, 2009
• Expiry date: May 12, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C2370/12
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In one example, a FDB motor having a top-cover attached, EM biased bearing system is provided. The motor includes a shaft and rotor disposed for relative rotation, and an axial limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor with respect to the shaft, wherein the axial limiter is wet or lubricated during contact. The limiter is spatially fixed with respect to one of the shaft or the rotor and disposed with an axial end surface opposing a surface portion spatially fixed with respect to the other of the shaft or the rotor to form a gap therebetween. The gap may be filled with a fluid such as bearing lubricant, thereby providing a lubricated or wet contact surface to restrict axial movement of the shaft and rotor. Additionally, one or both surfaces may include a groove or slot to provide circulation of fluid through the gap.