Synektron Corporation

Robert J Hensel

A construction for a fluid bearing in a rotary spindle apparatus includes a spindle having first and second ends, and at least one thrust plate coupled to a shaft which is surrounded by a hub having an enclosing sleeve. The sleeve surrounding the thrust plate and shaft defines several gap regions where bearing fluid resides. A first radial gap region is defined between the shaft and sleeve and a second radial gap region is defined between the outer diameter of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A first axial gap region is defined by an upper surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve, and a second axial gap region exists between the lower surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A bearing fluid is disposed within these gap regions and forms capillary seals at first and second ends of the spindle. The thrust plate includes holes or pressure compensation ports which connect the first and second axial gap regions. The pressure compensation ports allow the bearing fluid to flow between the upper and lower thrust plate surfaces so that ambient pressure is maintained near the inner diameter of the thrust plate.

Fluid bearing construction employing thrust plate with pressure

An electric motor construction includes a rotor housing and sleeve which surrounds a shaft/thrust plate. The thrust plate is enclosed in a dead end cavity and is surrounded by a fluid which forms a fluid bearing. The shaft has asymmetrical grooves which create a net pressure gradient from a capillary seal formed near the bottom of the shaft toward the dead end cavity. This helps maintain the capillary seal and reduce the risk of cavitation.

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Gaston, OR, United States of America

Robert J Hensel