U.S. patent application number 13/775475 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for bearing mechanism, motor, and disk drive apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIDEC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is NIDEC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Daisuke FUKUOKA, Akihiro KIMURA, Akihisa MORIGUCHI, Kunio SAKURADA, Akinobu SUMIJI.
Application Number | 20130321946 13/775475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49640771 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130321946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIMURA; Akihiro ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
BEARING MECHANISM, MOTOR, AND DISK DRIVE APPARATUS
Abstract
A bearing mechanism includes a shaft portion, a sleeve portion,
and an opposing portion including a surface arranged opposite to an
end surface of the sleeve portion on one of upper and lower sides
with a thrust gap defined therebetween. The thrust gap includes a
thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion defined therein. The sleeve
portion includes a sleeve body and a thrust plate fixed to an end
portion of the sleeve body on the one of the upper and lower sides.
The sleeve body includes an annular surface arranged opposite to
the thrust plate, and an annular body projecting portion arranged
to project in an axial direction inside of the annular surface. An
outer circumferential surface of the body projecting portion and an
inner circumferential surface of the thrust plate are arranged to
be in direct or indirect contact with each other.
Inventors: |
KIMURA; Akihiro; (Kyoto,
JP) ; SUMIJI; Akinobu; (Kyoto, JP) ; SAKURADA;
Kunio; (Kyoto, JP) ; FUKUOKA; Daisuke; (Kyoto,
JP) ; MORIGUCHI; Akihisa; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIDEC CORPORATION |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIDEC CORPORATION
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
49640771 |
Appl. No.: |
13/775475 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
360/71 ; 310/90;
384/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 17/107 20130101;
F16C 2370/12 20130101; F16C 32/0633 20130101; F16C 33/1085
20130101; F16C 33/745 20130101; F16C 33/107 20130101; H02K 5/165
20130101; H02K 5/1675 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
360/71 ; 310/90;
384/107 |
International
Class: |
F16C 32/06 20060101
F16C032/06; H02K 5/16 20060101 H02K005/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2012 |
JP |
2012-123007 |
Jan 17, 2013 |
JP |
2013-005903 |
Claims
1. A bearing mechanism comprising: a shaft portion centered on a
central axis extending in a vertical direction, and including a
cylindrical outer circumferential surface; a sleeve portion
including a sleeve body and an annular thrust plate, and arranged
to be rotatable about the central axis relative to the shaft
portion, the sleeve body including a through hole in which the
shaft portion is accommodated, and the thrust plate being fixed to
an end portion of the sleeve body on one of upper and lower sides;
and an opposing portion arranged to extend radially outward from an
end portion of the shaft portion on the one of the upper and lower
sides, and including a surface arranged axially opposite to an end
surface of the sleeve portion on the one of the upper and lower
sides with a thrust gap defined therebetween; wherein the outer
circumferential surface of the shaft portion and an inner
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion are arranged to
together define a radial gap therebetween, the radial gap including
a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion defined therein; the
thrust gap includes a thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion
defined therein; a seal gap is continuously defined with an outer
circumferential portion of the thrust gap, the seal gap including a
seal portion defined therein; the sleeve body includes: an annular
surface arranged to extend radially around the central axis, and
arranged opposite to the thrust plate; and an annular body
projecting portion arranged to project in an axial direction inside
of the annular surface; an outer circumferential surface of the
body projecting portion and an inner circumferential surface of the
thrust plate are arranged to be in direct contact with each other
or in indirect contact with each other with another member
intervening therebetween; the sleeve portion includes: a first
communicating channel including a mouth portion arranged to be open
in the annular surface, and arranged to be in communication with an
end portion of the radial gap on another one of the upper and lower
sides; and a second communicating channel defined between the
sleeve body and the thrust plate, and arranged to define at least a
portion of a channel extending from the mouth portion to the seal
gap; the mouth portion is arranged to axially overlap with the
thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion; a circulation channel
including the thrust gap, the radial gap, the first communicating
channel, and the second communicating channel is arranged to be in
communication with the seal gap; and the circulation channel and
the seal gap are filled with a lubricating oil.
2. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a surface of
the thrust plate which is opposed to the annular surface includes a
height changing portion, a radially outer portion arranged radially
outside the height changing portion, and a radially inner portion
arranged radially inside the height changing portion; the radially
outer portion is arranged axially farther away from the annular
surface than the radially inner portion; at least a portion of the
radially outer portion is arranged opposite to the mouth portion;
and the second communicating channel is defined between the sleeve
body and the radially outer portion.
3. The bearing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the radially
inner portion is arranged to be in contact with the annular
surface.
4. The bearing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the height
changing portion is arranged to extend over an entire
circumferential extent of the thrust plate.
5. The bearing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the height
changing portion includes a height changing surface which is a
slanting surface arranged between the radially inner portion and
the radially outer portion.
6. The bearing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the height
changing surface is convex relative to the annular surface.
7. The bearing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the height
changing surface is concave relative to the annular surface.
8. The bearing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the height
changing surface includes different height portions defined by a
plurality of shoulders.
9. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve
body includes an annular body recessed portion that is recessed in
the axial direction inside of the annular surface; and the thrust
plate includes a plate projecting portion arranged to project into
the body recessed portion around an inner circumferential surface
thereof.
10. A bearing mechanism comprising: a shaft portion centered on a
central axis extending in a vertical direction, and including a
cylindrical outer circumferential surface; a sleeve portion
including a sleeve body and an annular thrust plate, and arranged
to be rotatable about the central axis relative to the shaft
portion, the sleeve body including a through hole in which the
shaft portion is accommodated, and the thrust plate being fixed to
an end portion of the sleeve body on one of upper and lower sides;
and an opposing portion arranged to extend radially outward from an
end portion of the shaft portion on the one of the upper and lower
sides, and including a surface arranged axially opposite to an end
surface of the sleeve portion on the one of the upper and lower
sides with a thrust gap defined therebetween; wherein the outer
circumferential surface of the shaft portion and an inner
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion are arranged to
together define a radial gap therebetween, the radial gap including
a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion defined therein; the
thrust gap includes a thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion
defined therein; a seal gap is continuously defined with an outer
circumferential portion of the thrust gap, the seal gap including a
seal portion defined therein; the sleeve body includes: an annular
surface arranged to extend radially around the central axis, and
arranged opposite to the thrust plate; an annular body recessed
portion that is recessed in an axial direction inside of the
annular surface; and an annular body projecting portion arranged to
project in the axial direction inside of the body recessed portion;
the thrust plate includes a plate projecting portion arranged to
project into the body recessed portion around an inner
circumferential surface thereof, the plate projecting portion being
annular and having the body projecting portion arranged inside
thereof; an outer circumferential surface of the plate projecting
portion and a side surface of the body recessed portion are
arranged to be in direct contact with each other or in indirect
contact with each other with another member intervening
therebetween; the sleeve portion includes: a first communicating
channel including a mouth portion arranged to be open in the
annular surface, and arranged to be in communication with an end
portion of the radial gap on another one of the upper and lower
sides; and a second communicating channel defined between the
sleeve body and the thrust plate, and arranged to define at least a
portion of a channel extending from the mouth portion to the seal
gap; the mouth portion is arranged to axially overlap with the
thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion; a circulation channel
including the thrust gap, the radial gap, the first communicating
channel, and the second communicating channel is arranged to be in
communication with the seal gap; and the circulation channel and
the seal gap are filled with a lubricating oil.
11. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the thrust
gap has an axial width smaller than an axial width of a gap defined
between the body projecting portion and the opposing portion.
12. The bearing mechanism according to claim 11, wherein a
difference between the axial width of the thrust gap and the axial
width of the gap defined between the body projecting portion and
the opposing portion is greater than a depth of a dynamic pressure
groove of the thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion and smaller
than an axial width of the second communicating channel.
13. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second
communicating channel is arranged to be open radially outwardly in
the sleeve portion.
14. The bearing mechanism according to claim 13, wherein an outer
circumferential surface of the thrust plate is arranged radially
inward of an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve body.
15. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising
an outer annular portion whose position relative to the opposing
portion is fixed, and including a cylindrical or substantially
cylindrical inner circumferential surface arranged to surround at
least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve
portion, wherein a portion of the seal gap is defined between the
outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion and the inner
circumferential surface of the outer annular portion.
16. The bearing mechanism according to claim 15, wherein, at the
portion of the seal gap, a portion of the outer circumferential
surface of the sleeve portion is a cylindrical surface centered on
the central axis.
17. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner
circumferential surface of the thrust plate and the outer
circumferential surface of the body projecting portion are adhered
to each other through an adhesive.
18. The bearing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner
circumferential surface of the thrust plate and the outer
circumferential surface of the body projecting portion are welded
to each other.
19. A motor comprising: the bearing mechanism of claim 1; a
stationary portion including a stator; and a rotating portion
including a rotor magnet, and supported by the bearing mechanism to
be rotatable with respect to the stationary portion.
20. A disk drive apparatus comprising: the motor of claim 19
arranged to rotate a disk; an access portion arranged to perform at
least one of reading and writing of information from or to the
disk; and a housing arranged to contain the disk, the motor, and
the access portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a bearing mechanism used in
a motor.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Some known motors used in disk drive apparatuses include a
bearing mechanism using fluid dynamic pressure. In a spindle motor
disclosed in FIG. 1 of JP-A 2009-136143, a bottom plate 10, a first
bearing component 16, a second bearing component 18, and a fixed
shaft 12 are stationary components. Radial fluid dynamic pressure
bearing portions 22a and 22b are defined between the fixed shaft 12
and a rotor component 14. A thrust fluid dynamic pressure bearing
portion (i.e., a thrust bearing portion) 26 is defined between the
first bearing component 16 and the rotor component 14. A pumping
seal 36 is defined between the second bearing component 18 and the
rotor component 14. The rotor component 14 includes a circulation
channel 28 defined therein. The circulation channel 28 is arranged
to join a radially outer region of the thrust bearing portion 26
and a radially inner region of the pumping seal 36 to each other. A
seal gap 34 is arranged radially outside the thrust bearing portion
26.
[0005] In the case where, as in the spindle motor disclosed in JP-A
2009-136143, a mouth of a communicating channel, i.e., a
circulation channel, and a thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion
overlap with each other, a sufficient dynamic pressure may not be
easily obtained. Also, if the thrust dynamic pressure bearing
portion is provided so as to avoid the mouth of the communicating
channel, the thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion has to be
small, and a sufficient dynamic pressure may also not be obtained.
As a result, a rotating portion may not be sufficiently lifted, and
abrasion may easily occur on opposing surfaces of the rotating
portion and a stationary portion.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a demand for a structure which enables
a large thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion to be provided
easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A bearing mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention includes a shaft portion, a sleeve portion,
and an opposing portion. The shaft portion is centered on a central
axis extending in a vertical direction, and includes a cylindrical
outer circumferential surface. The sleeve portion includes a sleeve
body and an annular thrust plate, and is rotatable about the
central axis relative to the shaft portion. The sleeve body
includes a through hole in which the shaft portion is accommodated.
The thrust plate is fixed to an end portion of the sleeve body on
one of upper and lower sides. The opposing portion is arranged to
extend radially outward from an end portion of the shaft portion on
the one of the upper and lower sides, and includes a surface
arranged axially opposite to an end surface of the sleeve portion
on the one of the upper and lower sides with a thrust gap defined
therebetween. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft
portion and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve portion
are arranged to together define a radial gap therebetween, the
radial gap including a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion
defined therein. The thrust gap includes a thrust dynamic pressure
bearing portion defined therein. A seal gap is continuously defined
with an outer circumferential portion of the thrust gap, and the
seal gap includes a seal portion defined therein. The sleeve body
includes an annular surface and a body projecting portion. The
annular surface is arranged to extend radially around the central
axis, and is arranged opposite to the thrust plate. The body
projecting portion is annular, and is arranged to project in an
axial direction inside of the annular surface. An outer
circumferential surface of the body projecting portion and an inner
circumferential surface of the thrust plate are arranged to be in
direct contact with each other or in indirect contact with each
other with another member intervening therebetween. The sleeve
portion includes a first communicating channel and a second
communicating channel. The first communicating channel includes a
mouth portion arranged to be open in the annular surface, and is
arranged to be in communication with an end portion of the radial
gap on another one of the upper and lower sides. The second
communicating channel is defined between the sleeve body and the
thrust plate, and is arranged to define at least a portion of a
channel extending from the mouth portion to the seal gap. The mouth
portion is arranged to axially overlap with the thrust dynamic
pressure bearing portion. A circulation channel including the
thrust gap, the radial gap, the first communicating channel, and
the second communicating channel is arranged to be in communication
with the seal gap. The circulation channel and the seal gap are
filled with a lubricating oil.
[0008] A bearing mechanism according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes a shaft portion, a
sleeve portion, and an opposing portion. The shaft portion is
centered on a central axis extending in a vertical direction, and
includes a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The sleeve
portion includes a sleeve body and an annular thrust plate, and is
rotatable about the central axis relative to the shaft portion. The
sleeve body includes a through hole in which the shaft portion is
accommodated. The thrust plate is fixed to an end portion of the
sleeve body on one of upper and lower sides. The opposing portion
is arranged to extend radially outward from an end portion of the
shaft portion on the one of the upper and lower sides, and includes
a surface arranged axially opposite to an end surface of the sleeve
portion on the one of the upper and lower sides with a thrust gap
defined therebetween. The outer circumferential surface of the
shaft portion and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve
portion are arranged to together define a radial gap therebetween,
the radial gap including a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion
defined therein. The thrust gap includes a thrust dynamic pressure
bearing portion defined therein. A seal gap is continuously defined
with an outer circumferential portion of the thrust gap, and the
seal gap includes a seal portion defined therein. The sleeve body
includes an annular surface, a body recessed portion, and a body
projecting portion. The annular surface is arranged to extend
radially around the central axis, and is arranged opposite to the
thrust plate. The body recessed portion is annular, and is recessed
in an axial direction inside of the annular surface. The body
projecting portion is annular, and is arranged to project in the
axial direction inside of the body recessed portion. The thrust
plate includes a plate projecting portion arranged to project into
the body recessed portion around an inner circumferential surface
thereof. The plate projecting portion is annular, and includes the
body projecting portion arranged inside thereof. An outer
circumferential surface of the plate projecting portion and a side
surface of the body recessed portion are arranged to be in direct
contact with each other or in indirect contact with each other with
another member intervening therebetween. The sleeve portion
includes a first communicating channel and a second communicating
channel. The first communicating channel includes a mouth portion
arranged to be open in the annular surface, and is arranged to be
in communication with an end portion of the radial gap on another
one of the upper and lower sides. The second communicating channel
is defined between the sleeve body and the thrust plate, and is
arranged to define at least a portion of a channel extending from
the mouth portion to the seal gap. The mouth portion is arranged to
axially overlap with the thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion. A
circulation channel including the thrust gap, the radial gap, the
first communicating channel, and the second communicating channel
is arranged to be in communication with the seal gap. The
circulation channel and the seal gap are filled with a lubricating
oil.
[0009] The preferred embodiments of the present invention enable a
large thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion to be provided
easily.
[0010] The above and other elements, features, steps,
characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a disk drive apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a motor according to the
above preferred embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to the above preferred embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve body according
to the above preferred embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lower opposing portion according
to the above preferred embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an upper thrust plate according to
the above preferred embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower
horizontal communicating channel and its vicinity according to the
above preferred embodiment in an enlarged form.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a lower thrust plate according to
the above preferred embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper
horizontal communicating channel and its vicinity according to the
above preferred embodiment in an enlarged form.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the lower thrust plate and
its vicinity in a simplified form.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the lower thrust plate and
its vicinity in a simplified form.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the lower thrust plate and
its vicinity in a simplified form.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a lower thrust plate according to
a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to another modification of the above preferred
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a lower thrust plate and a
sleeve body according to a modification of the above preferred
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a lower thrust plate and a
sleeve body according to a modification of the above preferred
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the bearing mechanism
according to the above modification of the above preferred
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a motor according to a
modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism
according to a modification of the above preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and
modifications thereof will now be described with reference to the
drawings. It is assumed herein that a vertical direction is defined
as a direction in which a central axis of a motor extends, and that
an upper side and a lower side along the central axis of the motor
are referred to simply as an upper side and a lower side,
respectively. It should be noted, however, that the above
definitions of the vertical direction and the upper and lower sides
are not meant to indicate relative positions or directions of
different members or portions when they are actually installed in a
device. Also note that directions parallel to or substantially
parallel to the central axis are referred to by the term "axial
direction", "axial", or "axially", that radial directions centered
on the central axis are simply referred to by the term "radial
direction", "radial", or "radially", and that a circumferential
direction about the central axis is simply referred to by the term
"circumferential direction", "circumferential", or
"circumferentially".
[0043] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a disk drive
apparatus 1 including a spindle motor (hereinafter referred to
simply as a "motor") 12 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The disk drive apparatus 1 is preferably a
so-called hard disk drive apparatus. The disk drive apparatus 1
preferably includes, for example, three disks 11, the motor 12, an
access portion 13, and a housing 14. The motor 12 is arranged to
rotate the disks 11. The access portion 13 is arranged to perform
at least one of reading and writing of information from or to the
disks 11.
[0044] The housing 14 preferably includes a first housing member
141 and a plate-shaped second housing member 142. The second
housing member 142 is fitted to the first housing member 141 to
define the housing 14. The housing 14 is arranged to contain the
disks 11, the motor 12, and the access portion 13. An interior
space of the disk drive apparatus 1 is preferably a clean space
with no, or only an extremely small amount of, dirt or dust. In the
present preferred embodiment, air is arranged in the interior space
of the disk drive apparatus 1. Note that the interior space of the
disk drive apparatus 1 may be filled with any of a helium gas, a
hydrogen gas, or a mixture of either or both of these gases and
air.
[0045] The three disks 11 are fixed to a rotor hub 31 of the motor
12 through a clamper 151 and spacers 152 such that the disks 11 are
arranged at regular or substantially regular intervals in a
direction parallel or substantially parallel to a central axis J1
of the motor 12. The access portion 13 preferably includes six
heads 131, six arms 132, and a head actuator mechanism 133, for
example. Each of the heads 131 is arranged in close proximity to
one of the disks 11 to magnetically perform the reading and/or
writing of information from or to the disk 11. Each of the arms 132
is arranged to support an associated one of the heads 131. The head
actuator mechanism 133 is arranged to actuate each of the arms 132
to move an associated one of the heads 131 relative to an
associated one of the disks 11. The above mechanism enables the
head 131 to access to a desired location on the rotating disk 11
with the head 131 being arranged in close proximity to the disk 11.
Note that the number of disks 11 is not limited to three, but may
be any of one, two, or more than three if so desired.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the motor 12.
The motor 12 is preferably an outer-rotor motor. The motor includes
a stationary portion 2, which is a stationary assembly, a rotating
portion 3, which is a rotating assembly, and a bearing mechanism 4.
The rotating portion 3 is supported by the bearing mechanism 4 such
that the rotating portion 3 is rotatable about the central axis J1
with respect to the stationary portion 2.
[0047] The stationary portion 2 preferably includes a base plate
21, which is a base portion, and a stator 22. The base plate 21 and
the first housing member 141 illustrated in FIG. 1 are preferably
defined by a single monolithic member. The base plate 21 is a
portion of the housing 14. The stator 22 is fixed to a
circumference of a cylindrical holder 211 included in the base
plate 21. The bearing mechanism 4 is fixed to a hole portion
defined inside the holder 211. Note that the base plate 21 and the
first housing member 141 may alternatively be defined by separate
members if so desired.
[0048] The rotating portion 3 includes the rotor hub 31 and a rotor
magnet 32. The rotor hub 31 preferably includes a cover portion 311
and a cylindrical portion 312. The cover portion 311 is arranged to
extend radially outward from an upper portion of the bearing
mechanism 4. The cylindrical portion 312 is arranged to extend
downward from an outer edge portion of the cover portion 311. The
rotor magnet 32 is fixed to an inside of the cylindrical portion
312. The rotor magnet 32 is arranged radially opposite to the
stator 22. A torque is produced between the stator 22 and the rotor
magnet 32.
[0049] A magnetic center of the stator 22 is preferably arranged at
an axial height lower than an axial height of a magnetic center of
the rotor magnet 32. In the motor 12, magnetic action which
attracts the rotor magnet 32 downward is produced between the rotor
magnet 32 and the stator 22. Note that this is not essential to the
present invention and it is also possible for the magnetic center
of the stator 22 to be arranged at the same axial height as that of
the magnetic center of the rotor magnet 32.
[0050] The cover portion 311 preferably includes screw holes 314
used to fix the clamper 151, which is arranged to clamp the disks
11 illustrated in FIG. 1. Each screw hole 314 is arranged above the
stator 22, and passes through the cover portion 311 in the vertical
direction. Referring to FIG. 1, when the clamper 151 is attached to
the motor 12, screws 153 are inserted into through holes of the
clamper 151 and the screw holes 314, such that the clamper 151 is
fixed onto an upper surface of the cover portion 311.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the bearing mechanism in an
enlarged form. The bearing mechanism 4 preferably includes a shaft
portion 41, a lower opposing portion 42, an upper opposing portion
43, a lower outer annular portion 44, a sleeve portion 45, a cap
46, and a lubricating oil 47. Each of the shaft portion 41, the
lower opposing portion 42, the upper opposing portion 43, and the
lower outer annular portion 44 may be regarded as a portion of the
stationary portion 2. Each of the sleeve portion 45 and the cap 46
may be regarded as a portion of the rotating portion 3.
[0052] The shaft portion 41 is centered on the central axis J1, and
includes a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The shaft
portion 41 is preferably, for example, press fitted and thus fixed
to a hole portion defined inside the lower opposing portion 42, so
that the shaft portion 41 is oriented in the vertical direction
along the central axis J1. The shaft portion 41 is preferably made
of, for example, stainless steel or the like. An upper portion of
the shaft portion 41 preferably includes a fastening hole 412.
Referring to FIG. 1, a fastener 154 (such as a screw, for example)
is preferably inserted into a through hole defined in a central
portion of the second housing member 142 and the fastening hole 412
such that the second housing member 142 is fixed to the motor
12.
[0053] The lower opposing portion 42 is preferably made of, for
example, copper, high-strength brass, or the like. The lower
opposing portion 42 is arranged to extend radially outward from a
lower end portion of the shaft portion 41. An upper surface of the
lower opposing portion 42 is arranged axially opposite to a lower
end surface of the sleeve portion 45. The lower outer annular
portion 44 is arranged to extend upward from an outer edge portion
of the lower opposing portion 42. Accordingly, the position of the
lower outer annular portion 44 relative to the lower opposing
portion 42 is fixed. The lower outer annular portion 44 is arranged
outside an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45.
An inner circumferential surface of the lower outer annular portion
44 is preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, and is
arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45. The upper
opposing portion 43 is arranged to extend radially outward from an
upper end portion of the shaft portion above the sleeve portion 45.
A lower surface of the upper opposing portion 43 is arranged
axially opposite to an upper end surface of the sleeve portion 45.
The cap 46 is fixed on an upper side of the sleeve portion 45. The
cap 46 is preferably arranged above the upper opposing portion
43.
[0054] The shaft portion 41 is arranged inside the sleeve portion
45. The sleeve portion 45 is supported by the shaft portion 41 such
that the sleeve portion 45 is rotatable about the central axis J1.
The sleeve portion 45 preferably includes a sleeve body 451, a
lower thrust plate 452, an upper thrust plate 453, and a flange
portion 454. The sleeve body 451 is preferably made of, for
example, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or the like. The sleeve
body 451 includes a through hole in which the shaft portion 41 is
accommodated. The sleeve body 451 preferably includes a vertical
communicating channel 541 arranged to extend in the vertical
direction as a first communicating channel. The sleeve body 451 is
arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft
portion 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the lower outer
annular portion 44.
[0055] The flange portion 454 is arranged to project radially
outward from an upper portion of the sleeve body 451. The flange
portion 454 is preferably defined together with the cover portion
311 as a single monolithic member, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The
flange portion 454 and the sleeve body 451 may be defined by
separate members if so desired. The cover portion 311 and the
flange portion 454 may also be defined by separate members if so
desired.
[0056] The cap 46 is preferably plated-shaped or substantially
plate-shaped and in the shape of a circular or substantially
circular ring. An outer circumferential portion of the cap 46 is
fixed to an upper portion of the flange portion 454. An inner
circumferential portion of the cap 46 is arranged above the upper
opposing portion 43. An inner circumferential end portion of the
cap 46 is arranged to bend downward. An upper portion of the upper
opposing portion 43 includes an annular recessed portion 431
recessed downward. A lower end of the inner circumferential end
portion of the cap 46 is preferably arranged inside the recessed
portion 431.
[0057] The lower thrust plate 452 is annular. The lower thrust
plate 452 is fixed to a lower end portion of the sleeve body 451. A
lower surface of the lower thrust plate 452 is a lower surface of
the sleeve portion 45. A lower horizontal communicating channel 542
is preferably defined between the sleeve body 451 and the lower
thrust plate 452 as a second communicating channel. The lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 is arranged to extend from a
lower end of the vertical communicating channel 541 to the outer
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45. The lower thrust
plate 452 preferably enables the lower horizontal communicating
channel 542 to be easily defined.
[0058] The upper thrust plate 453 is annular. The upper thrust
plate 453 is fixed to the upper portion of the sleeve body 451. An
upper surface of the upper thrust plate 453 is an upper surface of
the sleeve portion 45. An upper horizontal communicating channel
543 is preferably defined between the sleeve body 451 and the upper
thrust plate 453 as a third communicating channel. The upper
horizontal communicating channel 543 is preferably arranged to
extend from an upper end of the vertical communicating channel 541
to an outer circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate 453.
The upper thrust plate 453 preferably enables the upper horizontal
communicating channel 543 to be easily defined. The sleeve portion
45 includes the communicating channels as described above, and the
communicating channels are defined by the vertical communicating
channel 541, the lower horizontal communicating channel 542, and
the upper horizontal communicating channel 543.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve body 451. In
FIG. 4, a portion of the sleeve body 451 beyond a section of the
sleeve body 451 is also depicted. An inner circumferential surface
of the sleeve body 451, that is, an inner circumferential surface
of the sleeve portion 45, preferably includes dynamic pressure
grooves defined therein. Referring to FIG. 3, a radial dynamic
pressure bearing portion 51a is thereby defined in a radial gap 51
defined between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft
portion 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve
portion 45. The radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 51a is
defined by an upper radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 511 and
a lower radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 512. The upper
radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 511 includes an upper
radial dynamic pressure groove array 611 arranged in a herringbone
pattern. The lower radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 512
includes a lower radial dynamic pressure groove array 612 arranged
in a herringbone pattern. An upper portion of each of dynamic
pressure grooves of the upper radial dynamic pressure groove array
611 preferably has an axial dimension greater than that of a lower
portion thereof. An upper portion of each of dynamic pressure
grooves of the lower radial dynamic pressure groove array 612
preferably has an axial dimension equal to that of a lower portion
thereof.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the lower opposing portion 42. The
upper surface of the lower opposing portion 42 preferably includes
a lower thrust dynamic pressure groove array 621 arranged in a
spiral pattern as a dynamic pressure generating groove array.
Referring to FIG. 3, a lower thrust dynamic pressure bearing
portion 52a is defined in a lower thrust gap 52 defined between the
lower end surface of the sleeve portion 45 and the upper surface of
the lower opposing portion 42. In other words, the upper surface of
the lower opposing portion 42 is arranged axially opposite to the
lower end surface of the sleeve portion 45 with the lower thrust
gap 52 intervening therebetween.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the upper thrust plate 453. The
upper surface of the upper thrust plate 453 preferably includes an
upper thrust dynamic pressure groove array 622 arranged in a spiral
pattern as a dynamic pressure generating groove array. Referring to
FIG. 3, an upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a is
defined in an upper thrust gap 53 defined between the upper end
surface of the sleeve portion 45 and the lower surface of the upper
opposing portion 43. In other words, the lower surface of the upper
opposing portion 43 is arranged axially opposite to the upper end
surface of the sleeve portion with the upper thrust gap 53
intervening therebetween. A lower seal portion 56a is preferably
defined in a lower seal gap defined between the outer
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45 and the inner
circumferential surface of the lower outer annular portion 44. Note
that the lower seal gap 56 may be only a portion of a gap defined
between the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45
and the inner circumferential surface of the lower outer annular
portion 44. The lower outer annular portion 44 enables the lower
seal gap 56 to be easily defined. Although the lower seal gap 56
may be provided at a different location, it is preferable that the
lower seal gap 56 should be arranged radially outward of the lower
thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a.
[0062] While the upper surface of the upper thrust plate 453
includes the thrust dynamic pressure groove array, the lower
surface of the lower thrust plate 452 preferably includes no thrust
dynamic pressure groove array. This contributes to preventing
confusion between the upper and lower thrust plates 453 and 452
when the bearing mechanism 4 is assembled.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 and its vicinity in an
enlarged form. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower thrust plate 452.
An upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452 preferably includes
a height changing portion 641. The height changing portion 641 is
arranged to extend over an entire circumferential extent of the
upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452. A portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially outer portion") of the upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially outside the
height changing portion 641 is arranged at an axial height lower
than an axial height of a portion (hereinafter referred to as a
"radially inner portion") of the upper surface of the lower thrust
plate 452 which is arranged radially inside the height changing
portion 641. The radially outer portion and a lower portion of the
sleeve body 451 are arranged to together define the lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 therebetween. Use of the
height changing portion 641 enables the lower horizontal
communicating channel 542 to be easily defined. Since the height
changing portion 641 is arranged to extend over the entire
circumferential extent of the upper surface of the lower thrust
plate 452, it is possible to attach the lower thrust plate 452 to
the sleeve body 451 without having to pay attention to the
orientation of the lower thrust plate 452. This eliminates a need
to provide the lower thrust plate 452 with a mark or a cut which
makes the orientation of the lower thrust plate 452 recognizable,
making it possible to easily secure a sufficient size of the lower
thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a. The radially inner
portion of the upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452
preferably includes a plurality of adhesive grooves 642 each of
which is arranged to extend in a radial direction.
[0064] The sleeve body 451 preferably includes a lower annular
surface 461 arranged to extend radially around the central axis J1,
and arranged opposite to the upper surface of the lower thrust
plate 452. The lower annular surface 461 is a portion of a lower
surface of the sleeve body 451. The vertical communicating channel
541 preferably includes a lower mouth portion 544 arranged to be
open in the lower annular surface 461. At least a portion of the
radially outer portion, i.e., the portion of the upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially outside the
height changing portion 641 illustrated in FIG. 8, is arranged
axially opposite to the lower mouth portion 544. The radially outer
portion is arranged axially farther away from the lower annular
surface 461 than the radially inner portion, i.e., the portion of
the upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged
radially inside the height changing portion 641. The radially inner
portion is arranged to be in contact with the lower annular surface
461. This enables the axial position of the lower thrust plate 452
to be easily determined at the time of assemblage.
[0065] An inner circumferential portion of the lower portion of the
sleeve body 451 includes a lower projecting portion 456, which is a
body projecting portion arranged to project downward. The lower
projecting portion 456 is arranged radially inside the lower
annular surface 461, and is arranged in the shape of a ring
centered on the central axis J1. The lower projecting portion 456
is inserted in the lower thrust plate 452. The lower projecting
portion 456 preferably enables the lower thrust plate 452 to be
easily attached to a desired location.
[0066] The lower thrust plate 452 preferably has an outside
diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the lower portion of
the sleeve body 451. In other words, the sleeve body 451 includes a
large diameter portion in the lower portion thereof, while the
lower thrust plate 452 is a small diameter portion. A lower portion
of the sleeve portion 45 preferably includes the large diameter
portion and the small diameter portion arranged below the large
diameter portion and having a diameter smaller than that of the
large diameter portion. Meanwhile, an outer circumferential portion
of the lower opposing portion 42 includes an outer circumferential
projecting portion 421 arranged to project upward. The outer
circumferential projecting portion 421 is arranged inside the lower
outer annular portion 44. The outer circumferential projecting
portion 421 is arranged radially outside the lower thrust plate
452. That is, the outer circumferential projecting portion 421 is
arranged radially opposite to an outer circumferential surface of
the small diameter portion. A vertical gap 551 extending in an
axial direction is preferably defined between an outer
circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate 452 and an inner
circumferential surface of the outer circumferential projecting
portion 421. An upper end of the vertical gap 551 is joined to an
outer circumferential portion of the lower horizontal communicating
channel 542. A lower end of the vertical gap 551 is joined to an
outer circumferential portion of the lower thrust gap 52.
[0067] The outer circumferential projecting portion 421 is arranged
axially opposite to the lower portion of the sleeve body 451. That
is, an upper surface of the outer circumferential projecting
portion 421 is arranged axially opposite to a lower surface of the
large diameter portion. A horizontal gap 552 is defined between the
upper surface of the outer circumferential projecting portion 421
and the lower annular surface 461 of the sleeve body 451. The
horizontal gap 552 is arranged to extend radially. An inner
circumferential portion of the horizontal gap 552 is joined to the
outer circumferential portion of the lower horizontal communicating
channel 542. An outer circumferential portion of the horizontal gap
552 is joined to a lower end of the lower seal gap 56.
[0068] As a result of the lower horizontal communicating channel
542 being defined by the lower thrust plate 452, the lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 defines at least a portion of
a channel extending from the lower mouth portion 544 to the lower
seal gap 56. The lower horizontal communicating channel 542
essentially joins the lower mouth portion 544 of the vertical
communicating channel 541 and the lower seal gap 56 to each other.
Therefore, the horizontal gap 552 may be regarded as a portion of
the lower seal portion 56a. Also, the lower seal gap 56 essentially
connects with the outer circumferential portion of the lower thrust
gap 52. The lower mouth portion 544 of the vertical communicating
channel 541 and the lower thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion
52a are arranged to axially overlap with each other. This enables
the lower thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a to be easily
increased in size which further enables the lower thrust dynamic
pressure bearing portion 52a to easily produce a sufficient lifting
force for the rotating portion 3. In the sleeve portion 45, the
lower horizontal communicating channel 542 is arranged to be open
radially outwardly. This makes it easy to secure a sufficient size
of the lower thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a.
[0069] The axial width of the lower thrust gap 52 is preferably
smaller than the axial width of a gap defined between the lower
projecting portion 456 and the lower opposing portion 42. As a
result, a thrust dynamic pressure is obtained stably. A difference
between the axial width of the lower thrust gap 52 and the axial
width of the gap defined between the lower projecting portion 456
and the lower opposing portion 42 is preferably greater than the
depth of each dynamic pressure groove of the lower thrust dynamic
pressure bearing portion 52a and smaller than the axial width of
the lower horizontal communicating channel 542. As a result, the
thrust dynamic pressure is more stably obtained. The "width of the
lower thrust gap 52" mentioned here refers to the width of the
lower thrust gap 52 when the motor 12 is rotating at a constant
rotational speed. When the motor 12 is in a stopped state, the
lower thrust gap 52 may be nonexistent, that is, the lower thrust
plate 452 and the lower opposing portion 42 may be in contact with
each other.
[0070] The lower seal portion 56a is preferably a pumping seal
portion, and includes a pumping portion 561 and a buffer portion
562. A lower end of the pumping portion 561 is joined to the outer
circumferential portion of the horizontal gap 552. The buffer
portion 562 is arranged above the pumping portion 561, and is
joined to an upper end of the pumping portion 561. The lower seal
gap 56 preferably is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in
the pumping portion 561. The inner circumferential surface of the
lower outer annular portion 44 preferably includes grooves in a
spiral pattern arranged in the pumping portion 561. A force that
presses the lubricating oil 47 downward is produced in the pumping
portion 561 by rotation of the sleeve portion 45.
[0071] In the buffer portion 562, the outer circumferential surface
of the sleeve portion 45 is preferably angled radially inward with
increasing height. In the buffer portion 562, the radial width of
the lower seal gap 56 gradually increases with increasing height. A
surface of the lubricating oil 47 is defined in the buffer portion
562 when the sleeve portion 45 is in a stationary state. Once the
sleeve portion 45 rotates, the lubricating oil 47 flows from the
buffer portion 562 to the pumping portion 561, lowering the surface
of the lubricating oil 47. Note that the surface of the lubricating
oil 47 may also be defined in the pumping portion 561.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the upper
horizontal communicating channel 543 and its vicinity in an
enlarged form. A lower surface of the upper thrust plate 453 is
preferably identical or substantially identical to the upper
surface of the lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in the plan view
of FIG. 8. That is, the lower surface of the upper thrust plate 453
preferably includes a height changing portion. The height changing
portion is arranged to extend over an entire circumferential extent
of the lower surface of the upper thrust plate 453. A portion
(hereinafter referred to as a "radially outer portion") of the
lower surface of the upper thrust plate 453 which is arranged
radially outside the height changing portion is arranged at an
axial height higher than an axial height of a portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially inner portion") of the lower surface of
the upper thrust plate 453 which is arranged radially inside the
height changing portion. The radially outer portion and the upper
portion of the sleeve body 451 are preferably arranged to together
define the upper horizontal communicating channel 543 therebetween.
Since the height changing portion is arranged to extend over the
entire circumferential extent of the lower surface of the upper
thrust plate 453, it is possible to attach the upper thrust plate
453 to the sleeve body 451 without paying attention to the
orientation of the upper thrust plate 453. The radially inner
portion, i.e., the portion of the lower surface of the upper thrust
plate 453 which is arranged radially inside the height changing
portion, includes a plurality of adhesive grooves, each of which is
arranged to extend in the radial direction in a manner similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0073] The sleeve body 451 preferably includes an upper annular
surface 462 arranged to extend radially around the central axis J1,
and arranged opposite to the lower surface of the upper thrust
plate 453. The upper annular surface 462 is preferably a portion of
an upper surface of the sleeve body 451. The radially inner
portion, i.e., the portion of the lower surface of the upper thrust
plate 453 which is arranged radially inside the height changing
portion, is arranged to be in axial contact with the upper annular
surface 462. The vertical communicating channel 541 preferably
includes an upper mouth portion 545 arranged to be open in the
upper annular surface 462. At least a portion of the radially outer
portion, i.e., the portion of the lower surface of the upper thrust
plate 453 which is arranged radially outside the height changing
portion, is arranged axially opposite to the upper mouth portion
545.
[0074] An inner circumferential portion of the upper portion of the
sleeve body 451 preferably includes an upper projecting portion
459, which is a body projecting portion arranged to project upward.
The upper projecting portion 459 is inserted in the upper thrust
plate 453. The upper projecting portion 459 enables the upper
thrust plate 453 to be easily attached at a desired position in a
direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the
central axis J1. An upper end of the upper projecting portion 459
is arranged at an axial height higher than an axial height of the
upper surface of the upper thrust plate 453. In addition, a portion
of the radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 51a is arranged to
radially overlap with the upper thrust plate 453. That is, the
upper projecting portion 459 contributes to arranging the radial
dynamic pressure bearing portion 51a to extend to a higher
position. This brings a center of the radial dynamic pressure
bearing portion 51a closer to a center of the rotating portion 3,
and contributes to reducing vibrations.
[0075] Providing the upper horizontal communicating channel 543 by
using the upper thrust plate 453 enables the upper mouth portion
545 and the upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a to
axially overlap with each other. This enables the upper thrust
dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a to be increased in size.
[0076] An inner circumferential portion of the flange portion 454
is arranged to project upward from an outer circumferential portion
of the sleeve body 451 to surround a radially outer side of the
upper opposing portion 43. That is, a cylindrical or substantially
cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 454
is arranged to surround at least a portion of an outer
circumferential surface of the upper opposing portion 43 from
radially outside. The inner circumferential surface of the flange
portion 454 is arranged radially opposite to the outer
circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate 453 as well. The
inner circumferential portion of the flange portion 454 will be
hereinafter referred to as an "upper outer annular portion 455".
The upper outer annular portion 455 is a portion whose position
relative to the sleeve portion 45 is fixed.
[0077] An upper seal gap 57 is preferably defined between an inner
circumferential surface of the upper outer annular portion 455 and
the outer circumferential surface of the upper opposing portion 43.
The upper horizontal communicating channel 543 is arranged to join
the upper mouth portion 545 and the upper seal gap 57 to each
other. An upper seal portion 57a is defined in the upper seal gap
57. A vertical gap 553 extending in the axial direction is defined
between the outer circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate
453 and the inner circumferential surface of the upper outer
annular portion 455. An upper end of the vertical gap 553 connects
with both a lower end of the upper seal gap 57 and an outer
circumferential portion of the upper thrust gap 53. That is, the
upper seal gap 57 connects with the upper thrust gap 53. A lower
end of the vertical gap 553 is joined to an outer circumferential
portion of the upper horizontal communicating channel 543.
[0078] The radial width of the upper seal gap 57 is arranged to
increase with increasing height. At the upper seal portion 57a, the
outer circumferential surface of the upper opposing portion 43 is
angled radially inward with increasing height, and the inner
circumferential surface of the upper outer annular portion 455 is
also angled radially inward with increasing height. The upper seal
portion 57a is thus angled radially inward with increasing height.
This enables any air bubbles generated in the lubricating oil 47 to
be efficiently discharged using a centrifugal force acting on the
lubricating oil 47.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, a circulation channel 50 preferably
including, as main portions thereof, the lower thrust gap 52, the
radial gap 51, the upper thrust gap 53, the vertical gap 553, the
upper horizontal communicating channel 543, the vertical
communicating channel 541, the lower horizontal communicating
channel 542, and the vertical gap 551 is defined. The circulation
channel 50 is filled with the lubricating oil 47. The circulation
channel 50 and the lower seal gap 56 are arranged to be in
communication with each other. The circulation channel 50 and the
upper seal gap 57 are also arranged to be in communication with
each other. The lubricating oil 47 is arranged to fill an area
extending from the circulation channel to the lower seal gap 56,
and also fill an area extending from the circulation channel 50 to
the upper seal gap 57. That is, the horizontal gap 552, which
extends from a radially outer opening end of the lower horizontal
communicating channel 542 to the lower seal gap 56, is filled with
the lubricating oil 47. The vertical gap 553, which extends from a
radially outer opening end of the upper horizontal communicating
channel 543 to the upper seal gap 57, is also filled with the
lubricating oil 47.
[0080] The lower thrust plate 452 and the upper thrust plate 453 of
the motor 12 are arranged to contribute to increasing a
load-carrying capacity of the motor 12, and reducing a
lift-starting rotation rate of the motor 12. Moreover, a time in
which surfaces are in sliding contact with each other at each
thrust bearing when the motor 12 is started or stopped is reduced,
which leads to an improved life of the motor 12. The improvement in
the performance of each thrust bearing makes it possible to
increase the diameter of the shaft to reduce radial bearing damping
and thus to reduce vibration response at high frequencies. Each of
the lower and upper thrust plates 452 and 453 is preferably
produced by, for example, press working, cutting, or the like. Each
of the lower and upper thrust plates 452 and 453 may be made of,
for example, either a solid material or a sintered material.
[0081] As described above, the upper portion of each of the dynamic
pressure grooves of the upper radial dynamic pressure groove array
611 preferably has an axial dimension greater than that of the
lower portion thereof, while the upper portion of each of the
dynamic pressure grooves of the lower radial dynamic pressure
groove array 612 preferably has an axial dimension equal to that of
the lower portion thereof. A dynamic pressure which presses the
lubricating oil 47 axially downward is thus produced in the radial
dynamic pressure bearing portion 51a. This dynamic pressure is used
to cause the lubricating oil 47 to flow downward in the radial gap
51 of the circulation channel 50 during the rotation of the sleeve
portion 45. This contributes to easily eliminating the possibility
that a negative pressure will be produced in the lower seal portion
56a, which is the pumping seal portion.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the lower thrust plate 452
and its vicinity in a simplified form. In FIG. 10 and similar
figures referenced below, parallel oblique lines for sections are
omitted. During manufacture of the bearing mechanism 4, the
lubricating oil 47 is injected into the bearing mechanism 4 through
the upper seal gap 57. Because the sleeve body 451 and the flange
portion 454 are preferably defined by a single continuous
monolithic member, it is substantially impossible to inject the
lubricating oil 47 into the bearing mechanism 4 through the lower
seal gap 56. At the time of injection of the lubricating oil 47,
the lower surface of the lower thrust plate 452 is in axial contact
with the upper surface of the lower opposing portion 42 as
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0083] Accordingly, a portion of the lubricating oil 47 which flows
through the vertical communicating channel 541 and the lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 at the time of the injection
of the lubricating oil 47 may be stopped by surface tension of the
lubricating oil 47 at a side mouth portion 546, which is an exit of
the lower horizontal communicating channel 542. The side mouth
portion 546 is arranged to be open at a boundary between the lower
thrust plate 452 and the lower portion of the sleeve body 451, that
is, a boundary between the large diameter portion and the small
diameter portion. In the present preferred embodiment, the side
mouth portion 546 is arranged at the outer circumferential surface
of the lower thrust plate 452. Here, in the bearing mechanism 4,
the outer circumferential projecting portion 421 is arranged to
project toward the side mouth portion 546 to bring a portion of the
lubricating oil 47 which has arrived at the side mouth portion 546
into contact with the outer circumferential projecting portion 421
so that the lubricating oil 47 can be easily directed into the
vertical gap 551, the horizontal gap 552, and the lower seal gap
56.
[0084] When the sleeve portion 45 is in the stationary state, that
is, in a situation in which the lower surface of the sleeve portion
45 and the upper surface of the lower opposing portion are in axial
contact with each other, a minimum radial distance 72 between the
outer circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate 452 and the
inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential
projecting portion 421, and a minimum axial distance 73 between a
lower surface of the lower portion of the sleeve body 451 and the
upper surface of the outer circumferential projecting portion 421,
are both preferably equal to or shorter than the axial width 71 of
a radially outer mouth portion of the lower horizontal
communicating channel 542.
[0085] More preferably, in a section including the central axis J1,
a straight line 76 which joins an outer edge of the lower surface
of the lower thrust plate 452 and an outer edge of the lower
surface of the lower portion of the sleeve body 451 crosses the
outer circumferential projecting portion 421. This enables the
filling of the lubricating oil 47 to be achieved more easily. Note
that it is assumed here that the "outer edge of the lower surface"
does not include a chamfer portion.
[0086] The above-described structure is particularly suitable for
the case where an upper portion of an outer circumferential portion
of the sleeve portion 45 is arranged to spread radially outward
beyond the lower seal portion 56a, making it practically impossible
to inject the lubricating oil 47 through the lower seal portion
56a.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the lower thrust plate 452
and its vicinity in an enlarged form. The lower thrust plate 452 is
preferably adhered to the sleeve body 451 through an adhesive 78.
Use of the adhesive 78 makes it possible to fit the lower thrust
plate 452 to the lower projecting portion 456 in a clearance-fit
condition, eliminating or substantially minimizing the possibility
that deformation of the lower thrust plate 452 will be caused, such
as is the case with press fitting. After the adhesive 78 is applied
to the lower surface of the sleeve body 451 or the upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452, the lower thrust plate 452 is attached
to the sleeve body 451. The adhesive 78 is arranged in at least a
portion of an inside of each adhesive groove 642 of the lower
thrust plate 452. The adhesive grooves 642 enable the adhesive 78,
which is applied in a circumferential direction, to be easily
spread radially. As a result, a sufficient adhesive strength is
secured. The adhesive 78 is preferably, for example, a
thermosetting adhesive, and exhibits a decrease in viscosity before
hardening of the adhesive 78 through heating occurs.
[0088] The adhesive 78 normally runs slightly off a radially outer
end portion of each adhesive groove 642. A height changing surface
640 of the height changing portion 641 of the lower thrust plate
452 is angled radially inward with increasing height. A portion of
the adhesive 78 which has run off the radially outer end portion of
each adhesive groove 642 is preferably held between the height
changing surface 640 and the lower annular surface 461 of the
sleeve body 451. If the height changing portion 641 were defined by
a shoulder not including a slanting surface, a portion of the
adhesive 78 which has run off a radially outer edge of the radially
inner portion of the upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452
might become unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction.
If this happens, unbalanced load resistance of the bearing
mechanism 4 becomes uneven in the circumferential direction.
However, when the height changing surface 640 is a slanting
surface, the portion of the adhesive 78 which has run off the
radially outer edge of the radially inner portion of the upper
surface of the lower thrust plate 452 easily becomes evenly
distributed in the circumferential direction, and even unbalanced
load resistance and stabilized quality of the bearing mechanism 4
are achieved. In addition, the amount of the adhesive applied can
be increased to improve the unbalanced load resistance.
[0089] Moreover, a sufficient rigidity of the lower thrust plate
452 is preferably easily secured by the height changing portion 641
including the height changing surface 640 as a slanting surface
arranged between the radially inner portion and the radially outer
portion of the upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452 which
are arranged, respectively, radially inside and radially outside
the height changing portion 641. In particular, a sufficient
rigidity of the lower thrust plate 452 against an unbalanced load
on the motor 12 is easily secured thereby. The thickness of the
lower thrust plate 452 cannot be much increased because of a
constraint on the axial dimension of the bearing mechanism 4.
Therefore, an improvement in the rigidity of the lower thrust plate
452 by the slant of the height changing surface 640 is
important.
[0090] A portion of the adhesive 78 which has run off a radially
inner edge of each adhesive groove 642 is arranged between an outer
circumferential surface 458 of the lower projecting portion 456 and
an inner circumferential surface 644 of the lower thrust plate 452.
A gap defined between the outer circumferential surface 458 of the
lower projecting portion 456 and the inner circumferential surface
644 of the lower thrust plate 452 will be hereinafter referred to
as a "vertical adhesive gap 781". A lower portion of the outer
circumferential surface 458 is a slanting surface angled radially
inward with decreasing height. The adhesive 78 is thus held stably.
That is, a lower portion of the vertical adhesive gap 781
preferably includes an adhesive holding gap 782 whose radial width
gradually increases with decreasing height.
[0091] The inner circumferential surface 644 of the lower thrust
plate 452 may be angled radially outward with decreasing height.
That is, at the adhesive holding gap 782, the outer circumferential
surface 458 of the lower projecting portion 456 is arranged to be
angled radially inward with decreasing height, while the inner
circumferential surface 644 of the lower thrust plate 452 is
parallel or substantially parallel to the central axis J1 or to be
angled radially outward with decreasing height. Moreover, at the
adhesive holding gap 782, an angle defined by the outer
circumferential surface 458 of the lower projecting portion 456
with the central axis J1 is preferably greater than an angle
defined by the inner circumferential surface 644 of the lower
thrust plate 452 with the central axis J1. This arrangement makes
it possible to easily secure a sufficient size of the lower thrust
dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a while defining the adhesive
holding gap 782.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 12, the axial depth 74 of each adhesive
groove 642 is preferably smaller than the axial width 71 of the
lower horizontal communicating channel 542. A minimum radial width
75 of the vertical adhesive gap 781 is also preferably smaller than
the width 71. This arrangement enables a portion of the adhesive 78
which has run into the lower horizontal communicating channel 542
to be drawn into the adhesive grooves 642 and the vertical adhesive
gap 781 through capillary action, preventing the adhesive 78 from
closing the vertical communicating channel 541. Note that the
number of adhesive grooves 642 may be only one, if so desired. The
minimum radial width 75 is actually very minute, and the position
of the lower thrust plate 452 in the direction perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the central axis J1 is easily
determined as a result of the lower projecting portion 456 being
inserted in the lower thrust plate 452 as described above. The same
is also true of the upper thrust plate 453. This enables the thrust
dynamic pressure bearing portion to easily have a large size.
[0093] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a lower thrust plate 452 according
to a modification of the above-described preferred embodiment of
the present invention. The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in
FIG. 13 includes a height changing portion 641 arranged to extend
over only a portion of its circumferential extent. That is, only a
portion of an outer edge portion of the lower thrust plate 452
which extends over only a portion of its circumferential extent is
recessed downward. The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG.
13 is otherwise similar in structure to the lower thrust plate 452
illustrated in FIG. 8. When the bearing mechanism 4 is assembled,
the lower thrust plate 452 is preferably attached to the lower
portion of the sleeve body 451 such that a portion of an upper
surface of the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially
outside the height changing portion 641 axially overlaps with the
lower mouth portion 544 of the vertical communicating channel
541.
[0094] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a lower thrust plate
452 according to another modification of the above-described
preferred embodiment of the present invention. An upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 14 preferably
includes a height changing portion 643. A portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially inner portion") of the upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially inside the
height changing portion 643 is preferably arranged at an axial
height lower than an axial height of a portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially outer portion") of the upper surface of
the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially outside the
height changing portion 643. In addition, at least a portion of the
radially inner portion of the upper surface of the lower thrust
plate 452 is arranged to axially overlap with the lower mouth
portion 544 of the vertical communicating channel 541. The upper
surface of the lower thrust plate 452 preferably includes a groove
646 arranged to extend from the height changing portion 643 to an
outer circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate 452. The
groove 646 and the lower surface of the sleeve body 451 are
arranged to together define a lower horizontal communicating
channel 542 therebetween as a result of the lower thrust plate 452
being attached to the sleeve body 451. A gap between the outer
circumferential surface of the lower projecting portion 456 of the
sleeve body 451 and an inner circumferential surface of the lower
thrust plate 452 is preferably sealed with the adhesive 78. The
above-described structure also enables the lower horizontal
communicating channel 542 to be easily defined.
[0095] Note that a depressed portion of the upper surface of the
lower thrust plate 452, which is positioned at an axial height
lower than an axial height of another portion of the upper surface
of the lower thrust plate 452, may be defined in a variety of
shapes as long as the depressed portion axially overlaps with the
lower mouth portion 544 of the vertical communicating channel 541.
For example, the depressed portion may be defined in a radially
middle portion of the lower thrust plate 452. In this case, another
recessed portion, such as, for example, a groove, extending from
the depressed portion to the outer circumferential surface of the
lower thrust plate 452 may be defined to define the lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 in the sleeve portion 45.
[0096] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a lower thrust plate 452
and a sleeve body 451 according to another modification of the
above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention. In
the modification illustrated in FIG. 15, a lower surface of the
sleeve body 451 preferably includes a height changing portion 645.
A portion (hereinafter referred to as a "radially outer portion")
of the lower surface of the sleeve body 451 which is arranged
radially outside the height changing portion 645 is arranged at an
axial height higher than an axial height of a portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially inner portion") of the lower surface of
the sleeve body 451 which is arranged radially inside the height
changing portion 645. The height changing portion 645 may be either
defined only in the vicinity of a lower mouth portion of a vertical
communicating channel 541, or arranged to extend over an entire
circumferential extent of the lower surface of the sleeve body 451.
An upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452 is flat. An adhesive
groove extending in the radial direction may be defined in the
upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452. A lower horizontal
communicating channel 542 extending radially is defined between the
radially outer portion, i.e., the portion of the lower surface of
the sleeve body 451 which is arranged radially outside the height
changing portion 645, and the upper surface of the lower thrust
plate 452 as a result of the lower thrust plate 452 being attached
to a lower portion of the sleeve body 451. Also in the modification
illustrated in FIG. 15, the lower horizontal communicating channel
542 can be easily defined. Moreover, according to the modification
illustrated in FIG. 15, simplification of the shape of the lower
thrust plate 452 is achieved.
[0097] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a bearing mechanism 4
according to a modification of the above-described preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The bearing mechanism 4
illustrated in FIG. 16 preferably does not include an upper thrust
dynamic pressure bearing portion. The bearing mechanism 4
illustrated in FIG. 16 is otherwise similar in structure to the
bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, members or
portions that have their equivalents in FIG. 3 are denoted by the
same reference numerals as those of their equivalents in FIG.
3.
[0098] In the bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 16, a
vertical communicating channel 541 is preferably angled radially
inward with increasing height. An upper surface of a sleeve body
451 is arranged opposite to a lower surface of an upper opposing
portion 43. Hereinafter, a gap defined between the upper surface of
the sleeve body 451 and the lower surface of the upper opposing
portion 43 will be referred to as an "upper thrust gap 58". That
is, the lower surface of the upper opposing portion 43 is arranged
axially opposite to an upper end surface of a sleeve portion 45
with the upper thrust gap 58 intervening therebetween. Note that
the upper thrust gap 58 is preferably a simple gap, and is not
arranged to define the upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing
portion.
[0099] An upper mouth portion of the vertical communicating channel
541 is arranged to axially overlap with the lower surface of the
upper opposing portion 43. An upper seal gap 57 is preferably
defined between an outer circumferential surface of the upper
opposing portion 43 and an inner circumferential surface of an
upper outer annular portion 455. A lubricating oil 47 is held in
the upper seal gap 57, and an upper seal portion 57a is defined
therein. The upper seal portion 57a is angled radially inward with
increasing height. This enables any air bubble generated in the
lubricating oil 47 to be efficiently discharged out of the upper
seal portion 57a. The vertical communicating channel 541 is
essentially continuous with the upper seal gap 57 as well. Also in
the bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 16, as in the bearing
mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 3, the vertical communicating
channel 541 is preferably continuous with an upper portion of a
radial gap 51.
[0100] A magnetic force is used to apply a downward force to the
sleeve portion 45. The sleeve portion 45 is axially supported only
by a lower thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 52a. A
circulation channel 50 including, as main portions thereof, a lower
thrust gap 52, the radial gap 51, the upper thrust gap 58, the
vertical communicating channel 541, a lower horizontal
communicating channel 542, and a vertical gap 551 is defined in a
manner similar to that in which the circulation channel 50
illustrated in FIG. 3 is defined. The circulation channel 50 is
filled with the lubricating oil 47. The circulation channel 50 and
the upper seal gap 57 are arranged to be in communication with each
other, and the circulation channel 50 and the upper seal gap 57 are
filled with the lubricating oil 47. An outer circumferential
portion of the upper thrust gap 58 is preferably joined to the
upper seal gap 57. The lubricating oil 47 is caused to flow
downward in the radial gap 51 of the circulation channel 50 during
rotation of the sleeve portion 45.
[0101] The structures of a lower thrust plate 452 and its vicinity
and a manner of filling of the lubricating oil 47 are preferably
similar to those in the case of the above-described preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 or a modification thereof. The
filling of the lubricating oil 47 is thus accomplished easily.
[0102] FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 are diagrams
illustrating a lower thrust plate 452 according to modifications of
the above-described preferred embodiment. The upper thrust plate
453 may also be modified in a manner similar to that of any of the
lower thrust plates 452 according to these modifications, the
modification illustrated in FIG. 15, and yet other modifications
described below. The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 17
preferably does not include a height changing portion 641. The
lower projecting portion 456 of the sleeve body 451 is preferably,
for example, press fitted to the lower thrust plate 452. The lower
thrust plate 452 may alternatively be fixed to the lower projecting
portion 456 through an adhesive. The lower horizontal communicating
channel 542 can be defined by the above structure as well.
[0103] The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 18 preferably
includes a height changing surface 640 parallel or substantially
parallel to the central axis J1. The height changing surface 640
may not necessarily be a slanting surface, as in this modification.
Although an inner circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate
452 and the outer circumferential surface of the lower projecting
portion 456 are in contact with each other in FIG. 18, the inner
circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate 452 and the outer
circumferential surface of the lower projecting portion 456 may be
slightly spaced from each other, as described above. The same is
true of other similar figures. An outer circumferential portion of
the lower thrust plate 452 according to the modification
illustrated in FIG. 18 may be arranged to include the height
changing portion 643 and the groove 646 as illustrated in FIG.
14.
[0104] In the lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 19, a
portion of the lower thrust plate 452 which is arranged radially
inside a height changing portion 641 is arranged inside a sleeve
body 451. Specifically, the sleeve body 451 preferably includes a
body recessed portion 457, whereas the lower thrust plate 452
includes a plate projecting portion 460 arranged to project into
the body recessed portion 457. The body recessed portion 457 is
annular and centered on the central axis J1, and is recessed in the
axial direction inside of a lower annular surface 461. The plate
projecting portion 460 is also annular, and is arranged to project
into the body recessed portion 457 around an inner circumferential
surface of the lower thrust plate 452. The lower thrust plate 452
illustrated in FIG. 19 is otherwise similar in structure to the
lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0105] In the modification illustrated in FIG. 19, the position of
the lower thrust plate 452 in the direction perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the central axis J1 is determined as
a result of an outer circumferential surface of a lower projecting
portion 456 and the inner circumferential surface of the lower
thrust plate 452 being brought into direct contact with each other
or into indirect contact with each other with an adhesive or
another member intervening therebetween, as in the case of the
modification illustrated in FIG. 18. However, referring to FIG. 20,
the position of the lower thrust plate 452 in the direction
perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central axis J1
may be determined as a result of an outer circumferential surface
of the plate projecting portion 460 and a radially outer side
surface of the body recessed portion 457 being brought into direct
radial contact with each other or into indirect radial contact with
each other with another member intervening therebetween. Even in
this case, the lower thrust plate 452 is preferably fixed to the
lower projecting portion 456 through, for example, an adhesive or
through press fitting. The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in
FIG. 20 is otherwise similar in structure to the lower thrust plate
452 illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0106] The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 21 preferably
includes a height changing surface 640 that is convex to the lower
annular surface 461. In FIG. 21, an adhesive 78 is indicated by
parallel oblique lines. The same is true of FIGS. 22 and 23. The
height changing surface 640 is arranged to become gradually more
distant from the lower annular surface 461 in the axial direction
with increasing distance from the central axis J1. To be more
precise, the height changing surface 640 preferably has a section
substantially in the shape of a circular arc. The lower thrust
plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 22 preferably includes a height
changing surface 640 that is concave relative to the lower annular
surface 461. The height changing surface 640 is arranged to become
gradually more distant from the lower annular surface 461 in the
axial direction with increasing distance from the central axis J1.
To be more precise, the height changing surface 640 preferably has
a section substantially in the shape of a circular arc. As
described above, the shape of the height changing surface 640 may
be modified in a variety of manners in accordance with a desired
amount of the adhesive 78 to be held between the height changing
surface 640 and the lower annular surface 461.
[0107] The lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 23 preferably
includes a height changing surface 640 arranged to cause changes in
height through a plurality of shoulders. In FIG. 23, the height
changing surface 640 is arranged to become more distant from the
lower annular surface 461a plurality of times at regular intervals
with increasing distance from the central axis J1. The height
changing surface 640 having this shape contributes to securing a
sufficient rigidity of the lower thrust plate 452, and enabling the
adhesive 78 to be easily held.
[0108] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a lower thrust plate 452
and a sleeve body 451 according to a modification of the
above-described preferred embodiment. The lower thrust plate 452 is
similar to the lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 18. A
radially outer portion of the sleeve body 451 preferably includes
an outer projecting portion 463 arranged to project from a lower
annular surface 461 toward the lower thrust plate 452. The outer
projecting portion 463 is arranged to be in axial contact with an
outer edge portion of the lower thrust plate 452. The outer
projecting portion 463 includes a horizontal through hole 464
passing radially therethrough. A sleeve portion 45 according to
this modification is otherwise similar in structure to a sleeve
portion according to the modification illustrated in FIG. 18. The
outer edge portion of the lower thrust plate 452 is axially
supported by the outer projecting portion 463. Meanwhile, the
horizontal through hole 464 is arranged to connect a lower
horizontal communicating channel 542 with a lower seal gap.
[0109] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a lower thrust plate 452
according to another modification of the above-described preferred
embodiment. The lower thrust plate 452 preferably includes a height
changing surface 640 arranged to become gradually more distant from
the lower annular surface 461 with increasing distance from the
central axis J1. The height changing surface 640 has a large radial
width. A portion of an upper surface of the lower thrust plate 452
which is arranged radially outside a height changing portion 641 is
extremely small. Note that the height changing surface 640 may be
arranged to extend up to an outer circumferential edge of the lower
thrust plate 452.
[0110] The structures of the lower thrust plates 452 and the sleeve
bodies 451 according to the modifications illustrated in FIGS. 17
to 25 are also applicable to upper thrust plates according to other
preferred embodiments of the present invention described below.
That is, to express in general terms, a thrust plate is fixed to an
end portion of a sleeve body on one of upper and lower sides, and
an opposing portion is arranged to extend radially outward from an
end portion of a shaft portion on the one of the upper and lower
sides, and includes a surface arranged axially opposite to an end
surface of a sleeve portion on the one of the upper and lower sides
with a thrust gap defined therebetween.
[0111] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a bearing mechanism 4 used
in a disk drive apparatus 1 and a motor 12 according to a
modification of the above-described preferred embodiment. The disk
drive apparatus 1 and the motor 12 are substantially similar in
structure to those illustrated in FIG. 1 except in the bearing
mechanism 4. The bearing mechanism 4 includes a shaft-rotating
structure. In FIG. 26, parallel oblique lines for sections are
omitted, and components arranged around the bearing mechanism 4 are
represented by chain double-dashed lines.
[0112] The bearing mechanism 4 preferably includes a shaft portion
41, an upper opposing portion 43, an upper outer annular portion
485, a sleeve portion 45, and a lubricating oil 47. Each of the
upper opposing portion 43 and the upper outer annular portion 485
is a portion of a rotor hub 31. The shaft portion 41 is centered on
a central axis J1 extending in the vertical direction. The shaft
portion 41 includes a cylindrical outer circumferential surface.
The shaft portion 41 is preferably, for example, press fitted to a
center of the rotor hub 31. The upper opposing portion 43 is
arranged above the sleeve portion 45. The upper opposing portion 43
is arranged axially opposite to the sleeve portion 45. The upper
outer annular portion 485 is arranged to extend downward from an
outer circumference of the upper opposing portion 43 in the
vicinity of an outer circumference of the sleeve portion 45. A
shaft plate 413 is arranged at a lower end of the shaft portion 41.
The shaft plate 413 is arranged to extend radially outward in the
shape of a disk at the lower end of the shaft portion 41.
[0113] The sleeve portion 45 is fixed to a base plate 21. The shaft
portion 41 is rotatable about the central axis J1 with respect to
the sleeve portion 45. The sleeve portion 45 preferably includes a
sleeve body 481, a seal cap 482, and an upper thrust plate 483. The
sleeve body 481 is substantially cylindrical and is centered on the
central axis J1. The sleeve body 481 preferably includes a through
hole in which the shaft portion 41 is accommodated. The seal cap
482 is substantially in the shape of a disk, and is arranged to
close a bottom opening of the sleeve body 481. The shaft plate 413
is accommodated in a space defined between the seal cap 482 and the
sleeve body 481.
[0114] The upper thrust plate 483 is arranged on an upper side of
the sleeve body 481. The structures of the upper thrust plate 483
and its vicinity of the bearing mechanism 4 are substantially the
same as the structures of the lower thrust plate 452 and its
vicinity illustrated in FIG. 10 turned upside down.
[0115] The upper thrust plate 483 is preferably similar to the
lower thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly,
reference will be appropriately made to reference numerals used for
the lower thrust plate 452. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the upper thrust plate 483 and its vicinity in an
enlarged form. The upper thrust plate 483 is annular and centered
on the central axis J1. The upper thrust plate 483 is fixed to an
upper end portion of the sleeve body 481. The sleeve body 481
includes an upper annular surface 462 and an upper projecting
portion 459, which is a body projecting portion. The upper annular
surface 462 is arranged opposite to a lower surface of the upper
thrust plate 483. The upper annular surface 462 is arranged to
extend radially around the central axis J1. The upper projecting
portion 459 is annular. The upper projecting portion 459 is
arranged to project in the axial direction inside of the upper
annular surface 462.
[0116] The lower surface of the upper thrust plate 483 includes a
height changing portion 641. The height changing portion 641 is
arranged to extend over an entire circumferential extent of the
lower surface of the upper thrust plate 483. A portion (hereinafter
referred to as a "radially outer portion") of the lower surface of
the upper thrust plate 483 which is arranged radially outside the
height changing portion 641 is arranged at an axial height higher
than an axial height of a portion (hereinafter referred to as a
"radially inner portion") of the lower surface of the upper thrust
plate 483 which is arranged radially inside the height changing
portion 641. That is, the radially outer portion is arranged
axially farther away from the upper annular surface 462 than the
radially inner portion. As in the case of the lower thrust plate
452 illustrated in FIG. 11, a height changing surface of the height
changing portion 641 is a slanting surface such that an improvement
in rigidity of the upper thrust plate 483 and stable holding of an
adhesive 78 are achieved. The radially inner portion of the lower
surface of the upper thrust plate 483 includes a plurality of
adhesive grooves each of which is arranged to extend in the radial
direction.
[0117] The upper projecting portion 459 is arranged inside of the
upper thrust plate 483. An outer circumferential surface of the
upper projecting portion 459 and an inner circumferential surface
of the upper thrust plate 483 are arranged to be in indirect
contact with each other through the adhesive 78. The upper
projecting portion 459 may be press fitted in the upper thrust
plate 483. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the upper
projecting portion 459 and the inner circumferential surface of the
upper thrust plate 483 are arranged to be in direct contact with
each other or in indirect contact with each other with another
member intervening therebetween. The position of the upper thrust
plate 483 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis J1 is
thus easily determined.
[0118] A lower surface of the upper opposing portion 43 is arranged
to extend radially outward from an upper end portion of the shaft
portion 41, and is arranged axially opposite to an upper end
surface of the sleeve portion 45 with an upper thrust gap 53
defined therebetween. The upper thrust gap 53 preferably includes
an upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a defined
therein. A radial gap 51 is defined between the outer
circumferential surface of the shaft portion 41 and an inner
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45, and the radial
gap 51 includes a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion 51a
defined therein.
[0119] The axial width of the upper thrust gap 53 is preferably
smaller than the axial width of a gap defined between the upper
projecting portion 459 and the upper opposing portion 43. A thrust
dynamic pressure is thus obtained stably. The same is true of other
preferred embodiments of the present invention described below. The
"width of the upper thrust gap 53" mentioned here refers to the
width of the upper thrust gap 53 when the motor 12 is rotating at a
constant rotational speed. When the motor 12 is in a stopped state,
the upper thrust gap 53 may be nonexistent, that is, the upper
thrust plate 483 and the upper opposing portion 43 may be in
contact with each other. The same holds true in the following
description as well. In the present modification of the
above-described preferred embodiment, an upper end surface of the
upper projecting portion 459 is arranged at an axial height lower
than an axial height of an upper surface of the upper thrust plate
483, and the lower surface of the upper opposing portion 43 is
flat.
[0120] The sleeve portion 45 preferably includes a vertical
communicating channel 541 and an upper horizontal communicating
channel 543. The vertical communicating channel 541 and the upper
horizontal communicating channel 543 correspond to the vertical
communicating channel 541 and the lower horizontal communicating
channel 542, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, in FIG.
27, the vertical communicating channel 541 is the first
communicating channel, while the upper horizontal communicating
channel 543 is the second communicating channel.
[0121] The vertical communicating channel 541 preferably includes
an upper mouth portion 545 arranged to be open in the upper annular
surface 462. The vertical communicating channel 541 is arranged to
be in indirect communication with a lower end portion of the radial
gap 51. The upper horizontal communicating channel 543 is defined
between the sleeve body 481 and the upper thrust plate 483. To be
more precise, the upper horizontal communicating channel 543 is
defined between the upper annular surface 462 of the sleeve body
451 and the radially outer portion, i.e., the portion of the lower
surface of the upper thrust plate 483 which is arranged radially
outside the height changing portion 641. At least a portion of the
radially outer portion is arranged axially opposite to the upper
mouth portion 545. The upper horizontal communicating channel 543
is thus easily defined. In the present modification of the
above-described preferred embodiment, the entire upper mouth
portion 545 is arranged axially opposite to the radially outer
portion of the lower surface of the upper thrust plate 483.
[0122] A difference between the axial width of the upper thrust gap
53 and the axial width of the gap defined between the upper
projecting portion 459 and the upper opposing portion 43 is
preferably greater than the depth of each dynamic pressure groove
of the upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a and
smaller than the axial width of the upper horizontal communicating
channel 543. The thrust dynamic pressure is thus obtained more
stably.
[0123] The radially inner portion of the lower surface of the upper
thrust plate 483 is arranged to be in axial contact with the upper
annular surface 462. Both the axial position of the upper thrust
plate 483 and the axial width of the upper horizontal communicating
channel 543 are thus easily determined.
[0124] An inner circumferential surface of the upper outer annular
portion 485 preferably is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical
and is arranged to surround at least a portion of an outer
circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45. The position of
the upper outer annular portion 485 relative to the upper opposing
portion 43 is fixed. A portion of an upper seal gap 74 is defined
between the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45
and the inner circumferential surface of the upper outer annular
portion 485. The upper seal gap 74 is continuous with an outer
circumferential portion of the upper thrust gap 53. The upper seal
gap 74 includes an upper seal portion 74a defined therein. The
upper seal portion 74a is thus easily defined. The upper horizontal
communicating channel 543 preferably defines at least a portion of
a channel extending from the upper mouth portion 545 to the upper
seal gap 74. Although the position of the upper seal gap 74 may be
modified in a variety of manners, it is preferable that the upper
seal gap 74 should be arranged radially outward of the upper thrust
dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a.
[0125] The upper thrust gap 53, the radial gap 51, a gap defined
between an upper surface of the shaft plate 413 and a surface of
the sleeve body 481 which is opposed to the upper surface of the
shaft plate 413, the vertical communicating channel 541, the upper
horizontal communicating channel 543, and so on together define a
circulation channel 50. The circulation channel 50 and the upper
seal gap 74 are arranged to be in communication with each other.
The circulation channel 50 and the upper seal gap 74 are filled
with the lubricating oil 47. Note that, in the case of the
modification illustrated in FIG. 26, an upper end of the upper seal
gap 74 is arranged on a lateral side of the upper thrust gap 53,
unlike the structure of an area near the lower thrust plate 452
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0126] The upper mouth portion 545 is arranged to axially overlap
with the upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a. This
enables the upper thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion 53a to be
increased in size without avoiding the upper mouth portion 545.
[0127] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a bearing mechanism
according to another modification of the above-described preferred
embodiment. In the bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 28, an
upper thrust plate 483 is arranged to extend up to a space
positioned above an outer edge portion of a sleeve body 481. The
bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 28 is otherwise similar in
structure to the bearing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 26. In a
sleeve portion 45, an upper horizontal communicating channel 543 is
arranged to be open radially outwardly. This makes it easy to
secure a sufficient size of an upper thrust dynamic pressure
bearing portion 53a. In the case of the modification illustrated in
FIG. 28, the upper horizontal communicating channel 543 is joined
to an upper end of an upper seal gap 74, similarly to the structure
illustrated in FIG. 7. The upper thrust plate 483 illustrated in
FIG. 28, which is increased in size, may be adopted as the lower
thrust plate 452 illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0128] In the case where the upper horizontal communicating channel
543 is arranged to be open radially outwardly in the sleeve portion
45, an outer circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate 483
is preferably arranged radially inward of an outer circumferential
surface of the sleeve body 481. This makes it possible to easily
prevent the upper thrust plate 483 from making contact with a
member positioned outside thereof. The same is true of the case
where a large thrust plate is adopted as the lower thrust plate 452
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0129] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a motor 12
including the bearing mechanism 4 as illustrated in FIG. 28 for use
in a disk drive apparatus according to a specific preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 29, a
vertical communicating channel 541 is preferably angled radially
outward with increasing height, and a height changing surface of an
upper thrust plate 483 is parallel or substantially parallel to a
central axis J1. As described above, details of the structures of
the bearing mechanisms 4 illustrated in FIGS. 26, 28, and so on may
be modified in a variety of manners in accordance with processing,
assemblage, surrounding structures, and so on.
[0130] FIGS. 30 and 31 are diagrams illustrating modifications of
the modifications illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 28, respectively, in
which the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve portion 45
includes a cylindrical surface 465 centered on the central axis J1
at a portion of the upper seal gap 74. In FIG. 30, the cylindrical
surface 465 is preferably arranged at an upper portion of the outer
circumferential surface of the sleeve body 481. In FIG. 31, the
cylindrical surface 465 is preferably arranged at the outer
circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate 483 and the upper
portion of the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve body
481. As in the modifications above, the outer circumferential
surface of the sleeve body 481 may not necessarily be angled
throughout the entire upper seal gap 74.
[0131] While the disk drive apparatuses 1, the motors 12, and the
bearing mechanisms 4 according to preferred embodiments of the
present invention and modifications thereof have been described
above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the above-described preferred embodiments and
modifications, and that a variety of additional modifications are
possible.
[0132] For example, the radial dynamic pressure groove arrays may
be defined in the outer circumferential surface of the shaft
portion 41. Similarly, the lower thrust dynamic pressure groove
array 621 may be defined in the lower surface of the lower thrust
plate 452, and the upper thrust dynamic pressure groove array 622
may be defined in the lower surface of the upper opposing portion
43.
[0133] The inner circumferential surface of the lower thrust plate
452 and the inner circumferential surface of the upper thrust plate
453 or 483 may be fitted to the outer circumferential surface of
the lower projecting portion 456 of the sleeve body 451 and the
outer circumferential surface of the upper projecting portion 459,
respectively, through, as described above, press fitting, a
combination of press fitting and adhesion, welding, crimping, or
the like. That is, the outer circumferential surfaces of the lower
projecting portion 456 and the upper projecting portion 459 are
arranged to be in direct contact with the inner circumferential
surfaces of the lower thrust plate 452 and the upper thrust plate
453 or 483, respectively, or in indirect contact therewith with
other members intervening therebetween. The other members are not
limited to the adhesives. In the case of the modification
illustrated in FIG. 20, the outer circumferential surface of the
plate projecting portion 460 and the radially outer side surface of
the body recessed portion 457 are arranged to be in direct contact
with each other or in indirect contact with each other with another
member intervening therebetween.
[0134] The lower seal portion 56a is not limited to a pumping seal.
For example, the lower seal portion 56a may be arranged to have a
structure similar to that of the upper seal portion 57a. The upper
seal portion 57a may be a pumping seal.
[0135] The motor 12 may be an inner-rotor motor, for example. The
motor 12 is usable not only in the hard disk drive apparatus, but
also in other disk drive apparatuses, such as an optical disk drive
apparatus, a magneto-optical disk drive apparatus, or the like, and
also as a motor for applications other than the disk drive
apparatuses. For example, the motor 12 is also usable as a polygon
scanner motor of a laser beam printer, a color wheel drive motor of
a projector, or the like.
[0136] In the motor illustrated in FIG. 29, a magnetic center of a
stator is arranged at an axial height lower than an axial height of
a magnetic center of a rotor magnet. Magnetic action which attracts
the rotor magnet downward is thereby produced between the rotor
magnet and the stator.
[0137] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
applicable to bearing mechanisms of motors used for a variety of
applications. Moreover, preferred embodiments of the present
invention are also applicable to bearing mechanisms used in devices
other than motors.
[0138] Features of the above-described preferred embodiments and
the modifications thereof may be combined appropriately as long as
no conflict arises.
[0139] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described above, it is to be understood that variations and
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The
scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined
solely by the following claims.
* * * * *