Patent ID: 6345913
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A kinetic pressure fluid bearing apparatus having a rotary shaft positioned to rotate within a through hole of a sleeve that is mounted on a bearing bracket and a thrust bearing having a surface facing an end of said shaft, said thrust bearing having a first kinetic pressure generating groove on a surface thereof which faces said end of said shaft; the improvement comprising a clearance supporting element formed between said kinetic pressure generating groove and said end of said shaft to maintain a minimum clearance between said kinetic pressure generating groove and said end of said shaft even when said shaft is not rotating, so that said thrust bearing and said shaft are prevented from directly contacting,wherein said clearance supporting element comprises a clearance supporting means for supporting said end of said shaft away from said first kinetic pressure generating groove even in the absence of rotation of said shaft, wherein said clearance supporting means provides a clearance of several &mgr;m between said end of said shaft and said thrust bearing surface when said shaft is not rotating, wherein said clearance supporting means comprises a first ball inserting groove formed on one of the surface of said thrust bearing and said end of said shaft, and a ball inserted into said first ball inserting groove.