Fluid dynamic bearing apparatus arranged to discharge air bubbles generated therein and a spindle motor and a disk drive apparatus including the same
US8472132B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes a first minute gap, a second minute gap, a third minute gap, a fourth minute gap, and a fifth minute gap. A flow of a lubricating oil from the fifth minute gap to the fourth minute gap is caused by a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves arranged within the fluid dynamic bearing apparatus. This flow causes air bubbles mixed in the lubricating oil within the fifth minute gap to flow toward the third minute gap and be discharged to an outside through the third minute gap. In addition, a flow of the lubricating oil into the third minute gap caused by a centrifugal force accompanying rotation is inhibited.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.