Abstract:
A positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing comprises a stationary bearing member, a movable bearing member mounted for rotation relative to the stationary bearing member, dynamic pressure generating grooves having first and second ends and formed in one of confronting surfaces of the stationary bearing member and the movable bearing member, a self-switch valve connected to the movable bearing member for rotation therewith, and conducting holes having first and second ends and formed in the movable bearing member. During rotation of the movable bearing member in a first direction of rotation, a high dynamic pressure is generated at central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves, and a valve body of the self-switch valve moves toward a lower space of a valve case of the self-switch valve to close the second ends of the conducting holes. During rotation of the movable member in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation, a high dynamic pressure is generated at the first and second ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves so that the valve body moves toward an upper space of the valve case to close a through-bore of the valve case and to open the second ends of the conducting holes to allow air taken in by air taking holes of the self-switch valve to be supplied to the central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves through the conducting holes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing, a spindle motor, and a rotator device which are able to open and close a conducting hole to generate a lubricating function of a pump-out effect without an electromagnetic switching valve, and which are able to decrease run out because dynamic pressures generating at dynamic pressure generating grooves arranged equally toward a circumference direction during rotation and generating a lubricating function of a pump-in effect to close the conducting hole are all equal. 
     A positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing is a gas dynamic pressure bearing which generates a lubricating function of a pump-in effect to increase dynamic pressure at central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves taking in lubricating gas from both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves during rotation in one of positive and negative rotations, and which generates a lubrication function of a pump-out effect to increase dynamic pressure at both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves and to receive a supply of lubricating gas from the central portions middle of the dynamic pressure generating grooves during rotation in the other of the positive and negative rotations. 
     As conventional positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearings, two articles are disclosed: “Positive and negative rotation herringbone journal gas bearing using both of pump-in type and pump-out type”, Vol. 58, No. 555 in collection published by Mechanical Society of Japan (article No. 92-0550, Article 1, hereafter), and “Positive and negative rotation gas lubrication disc thrust dynamic pressure group bearing”, Vol. 59, No. 568 in collection published by Mechanical Society of Japan (article No. 93-0465, Article 2, hereafter.) 
     In Article 1, a plurality of herringbone dynamic pressure generating grooves which are substantially V-shaped and shallow are formed with equal arrangement toward a circumference direction at an outer circumference surface of a shaft constituting a rotation bearing member. Three conducting holes are bored at a sleeve constituting a bearing stationary member supporting the shaft and are disposed at center portions of herringbone dynamic pressure generating grooves at intervals of 120 degrees, and the conducting holes become supplying paths of the air outside when the three conducting holes generate a lubricating function of a pump-out effect. 
     In Article 2, herringbone dynamic pressure generating grooves which are substantially L-shaped are formed with equal arrangement toward a circumference direction at an annular plate shape thrust bearing stationary member. Conducting holes passing through the thrust bearing stationary member are bored at center portions of herringbone dynamic pressure generating grooves at intervals of 120 degrees, and the conducting holes become supplying paths of the air outside when the conducting holes generates a lubricating function of a pump-out effect. 
     In both of Article 1 and Article 2, since as an electromagnetic switching valve shielding the conductive hole, a sensor detecting positive rotation and negative rotation, and a switch circuit switching open and closing operations of the electromagnetic switching valve by signal of the sensor are needed, there is a weak point that manufacturing cost is high and maintenance is needed comparing one direction rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing, a spindle motor, and a rotator device having a bearing construction generating a lubricating function of a pump-in effect increasing dynamic pressure at central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves taking in lubricating gas from both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves during rotation in one of positive and negative rotations, and during rotation of in the other of positive and negative rotations generating a lubricating function of a pump-out effect increasing dynamic pressure at both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves supplying lubricating gas to central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves through the conducting hole. Particularly, by rotating with the bearing movable member and by forming a self-switch valve opening and shutting the conducting hole taking in air depending on the rotation direction, the electromagnetic switching valve, the sensor, and the switch circuit are not needed. Dynamic pressures generating at dynamic pressure generating grooves equally arranged toward a circumference direction are all equal during rotation generating a lubricating function of a pump-in effect by that the self-switch valve shuts the conducting hole so as to decrease run out of rotation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is to provide a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing having a bearing stationary member and bearing movable member, and dynamic pressure generating grooves being equally arranged toward a circumference direction at one facing surface of one of the bearing stationary member and the bearing movable member, and further comprising: air taking holes formed in a wall of a valve case at nearly tangential angle about a circumference of the wall, an inner space of which is separated by a valve body freely coming up and down, so as to conduct all the time; an interconnected porosity bored at an upper side space of the valve body, and closed by the valve body during coming up of the valve; and self-switch valve rotating coaxially and in one body with the bearing movable member about the center of the valves, wherein each one end of a plural of independent conducting holes are equally arranged toward a circumference direction at an inner portion of the bearing movable member and corresponds to a position where high dynamic pressure of the same number of dynamic pressure generating grooves are equally arranged toward a circumference direction, and each other end of the independent conducting holes is closed during coming up and down of the valve body of the self-switch valve; and wherein the valve body of the self-switch valve closes the independent conducting hole when the bearing movable member rotates toward a rotation direction where a pump-in effect generating high dynamic pressure generates at central portions of dynamic pressure generating grooves, and the valve body of the self-switch valve opens the independent conducting hole so that lubricating gas is supplied to the central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves through the independent conducting hole during rotation of the bearing movable member toward a rotation direction where a pump-out effect generating high dynamic pressure generates at both ends of the central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves. 
     The present invention is to provide a spindle motor, wherein a spindle thereof is supported by a spindle supporting member through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing, the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing having a bearing stationary member and a bearing movable member, forming dynamic pressure generating grooves being equally arranged toward a circumference direction at one facing surface among the bearing stationary member and the bearing movable member, and further comprising: air taking holes bored at a nearly tangential about a circumference wall of a valve case, an inner space of which is separated by a valve body freely coming up and down, so as to conduct all the time; and interconnected porosity bored at an upper side space of the valve body, and closed by the valve body during coming up of the valve; and a self-switch valve rotating coaxially and in one body with the bearing movable member about the center of the valve; wherein each one of a plurality of independent conducting holes are equally arranged toward a circumference direction at an inner portion of the bearing movable member corresponds to a position where high dynamic pressure of the same number of dynamic pressure generating grooves being equally arranged toward circumference direction generates, and each other end of the independent conducting holes is closed during coming up and down of the valve body of the self-switch valve; and wherein the valve body of the self-switch valve closes the independent conducting hole when the bearing movable member rotates toward a rotation direction where pump-in effect generating high dynamic pressure generates at central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves, and the valve body of the self-switch valve open the independent conducting hole so that lubricating gas is supplied to central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves through the independent conducting hole when the bearing movable member rotates toward a rotation direction where a pump-out effect generating high dynamic pressure generates at both ends of middle of the central portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves. 
     The present invention is also directed to a rotator device wherein a rotated body such as polygon mirror, a magnetic disc, an optical disc or the like is attached to a spindle of the spindle motor. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a first embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention: FIG. 1A is a center longitudinal sectional view; and FIG. 1B is a horizontal sectional view of a self-switch valve. 
     FIG. 2 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a rotator device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a center longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of a rotator device of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention will be described. In the spindle motor SM 1 , a spindle  2  is supported by a spindle supporting member  1  through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing A having both a radial bearing function and a thrust bearing function, and the motor undergoes positive and negative rotation (i.e., rotation in opposite directions) by means of a permanent magnet  6  and motor coil  8 . 
     Particularly, the spindle supporting member  1  has a supporting shaft  1   d  at a center portion thereof and an attaching flange  1   c  having bored thread holes  1   b.  The spindle  2  has a brim  2   a  at a lower end thereof supporting the permanent magnet  6 . 
     The positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing A comprises bearing stationary members  10 ,  11  and  12  inserted outside of and fixed to the supporting shaft  1   d  formed at the center portion of the spindle supporting member  1 , a substantially cup-shaped bearing supporting member  13  inserted inside of and fixed to the spindle  2 , a bearing movable member  14  inserted inside of and fixed to the bearing supporting member  13 , and a self-switch valve  5 . 
     The bearing stationary members  10 ,  11 , and  12  and the bearing movable member  14  are all made of ceramic or other wear resisting material. 
     Twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  having herringbone grooves are equally arranged toward a circumference direction at each of an upper surface, an inner circumference surface, and a lower surface of the bearing movable member  14 . The dynamic pressure generating grooves may be other than herringbone grooves, and may be formed at a surface of the bearing stationary members  10 ,  11  and  12  facing the bearing movable member  14 . 
     The self-switch valve  5  is fixed at an upper surface portion of the spindle  2  for rotation therewith and coaxially about a center of the valve. 
     The self-switch valve  5  has a valve case  5   a  and a valve body  5   b.  The valve body  5   b  is movable up and down freely and separates the inside space of the valve case  5   a  in upper and lower spaces. As shown in FIG. 1B, there are three air taking holes  5   a   1  bored at a nearly tangential angle about the circumference wall of the valve case  5   a,  the holes  5   a   1  being equally arranged toward a circumference direction so as to be in continuous communication with the lower space of the valve body  5   b.  A through-bore  5   a   2  is disposed at a central part of an upper surface portion of the valve case  5   a  and communicates with the upper space of the valve body  5   b.  The air taking holes  5   a   1  are formed so as to be equally arranged toward a circumference direction in order to maintain a dynamic balance. 
     In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the lower space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  13   a  (only one is shown in the figure) bored at the bearing supporting member  13  and three independent conducting holes  14   d  (only one is shown in the figure) bored at the bearing supporting member  14 . 
     Similarly in the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   b,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the lower space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  13   b  and three independent conducting holes  14   e.  In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   c,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the lower section of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  13   c  and three independent conducting holes  14   f.    
     The spindle  2  rotates by means of the permanent magnet  6  and the motor coil  8 , and when the self-switch valve  5  rotates in the direction of arrow X as shown in FIG. 1B, the air taking holes  5   a   1  take lubricating gas (air) into the lower section of the valve body  5   b,  and the valve body  5   b  rises by pressure of the lubricating gas. The high pressure lubricating gas flows to the center bending portions of the dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  through the independent conducting holes  13   a  and  14   d,    13   b  and  14   e,  or  13   c  and  14   f  so as to show lubricating function of pump-out effect generating high pressure at both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c.    
     When the spindle  2  rotates in the opposite direction and the self-switch valve  5  rotates in the opposite direction of arrow X, as the air taking holes  5   a   1  do not take in lubricating gas and the valve body  5   b  closes the independent conducting holes  13   a,    13   b,  and  13   c  by falling under the action of gravity, lubricating gas is taken from both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  so as to show lubricating function of pump-in effect generating high dynamic pressure at the center bending portion of the dynamic pressure generating grooves. At this time, as the dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  conducting the independent conducting holes do not conduct each other through the independent conducting holes, dynamic pressures of twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  14   a,    14   b,  and  14   c  do not interfere each other and run out of rotation decreases. 
     FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     In the spindle motor SM 2 , a spindle  2  is supported by a spindle supporting member  1  through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B having both of a radial bearing function and a thrust bearing function, and the motor undergoes positive and negative rotation by means of a permanent magnet  6  and motor coil  8 . 
     The positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B comprises a bearing stationary member  15  inserted inside and fixed at a cylindrical wall  1   a  of the spindle supporting member  1 , bearing movable members  16 ,  17 , and  18  inserted outside and fixed by a supporting shaft  2   b  coming down from a central part of an upper surface portion of the spindle  2 , and a self-switch valve  5 . 
     Twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  16   a,    16   b,  and  16   c  having herringbone grooves are equally arranged in a circumference direction at a lower space surface of the bearing movable member  16 , an inner circumference surface of the bearing movable member  17 , and an upper surface of the bearing movable member  18 , respectively. 
     The self-switch valve  5  is inserted in a space formed in the spindle supporting member  1  and is fixed to the bearing movable member  18 . 
     There are three air taking holes  5   a   1  bored at a nearly tangential angle about the circumference wall of the valve case  5   a  being equally arranged toward a circumference direction so as to be in continuous communication with a lower space of the valve body  5   b.  There are two through-bores  5   a   2  at a central part of an upper surface portion of the valve case which communicate with an upper space of the valve body  5   b.  The air taking holes  5   a   2  are formed so as to be equally arranged toward a circumference direction in order to maintain a dynamic balance. 
     In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  16   a,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  17   b,    16   b  (only one is shown in the figure) bored at the bearing movable members  17  and  16 . 
     Similarly, in the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  17   a,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  17   c.  In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  18   a,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  18   b.    
     The spindle  2  rotates by means of the permanent magnet  6  and the motor coil  8 , and the self-switch valve  5  rotates with the spindle  2 . When the valve body  5   a  of the self-switch valve  5  closes the independent conducting hole by being lifted by the pressure of lubricating gas (air) taken in by the air taking holes  5   a   1  and occupying the lower space of the valve body  5   b,  the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B shows lubricating function of pump-in effect. When the spindle  2  rotates in the opposite direction, the air taking holes  5   a   1  do not take in lubricating gas and the valve body  5   b  falls under the action of gravity away from the independent conducting hole, and thus the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B shows lubricating function of pump-out effect. 
     At showing lubricating function of pump-in effect, as the dynamic pressure generating grooves  16   a,    17   a,  and  18   a  communicating with the independent conducting holes do not communicate with each other through the independent conducting holes, the dynamic pressures of the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  16   a,    17   a,  and  18   a  do not interfere each other and, therefore, run out of rotation decreases. 
     FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     In the spindle motor SM 3 , a spindle  2  is supported by a spindle supporting member  1  through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B having both of a radial bearing function and a thrust bearing function, and the motor undergoes positive and negative rotation by means of a permanent magnet  19  inserted inside and fixed at the spindle  2 . A motor coil  21  is disposed within a slot of a stator  20  inserted outside and fixed at a cylindrical wall  1   a  of the spindle supporting member  1 . 
     Comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 2, the only difference between both spindly motors relates to the permanent magnet  19 , the stator  20 , and the motor coil  21 . In all other respects, positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B in FIG. 3 is the same as the bearing shown in FIG.  2 . Accordingly, similar reference symbols in FIGS. 2 and 3 correspond to the same structure and further description thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     In the spindle motor SM 4 , a spindle  2  is supported by a spindle supporting member  1  through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing C having both of radial bearing function and a thrust bearing function, and the motor undergoes positive and negative rotation by means of a permanent magnet  19  and a motor coil  21 . 
     Comparing FIG. 4 with FIG. 3, the difference between the two spindle motors is in the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing C. The positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure hearing C comprises bearing stationary members  22 ,  23 , and  24  inserted inside and fixed to a cylindrical wall  1   a  of the spindle supporting member  1 , a bearing movable member  25  inserted outside and fixed by a supporting shaft  2   b  coming down from a central part of an upper surface portion of the spindle  2 , and a self-switch valve  5 . 
     Twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  25   a,    25   b,  and  25   c  having herringbone grooves are equally arranged in a circumference direction at each of a lower surface, an outer circumference surface, and an upper surface of the bearing movable member  25 . 
     The self-switch valve  5  has substantially same construction and function as the self-switch valve shown in FIG.  2  and is inserted inside and fixed to the bearing movable member  25 . 
     There are three air taking holes  5   a   1  bored at a nearly tangential angle about a circumference wall of the valve case  5   a  being equally arranged toward a circumference direction so as to be in continuous communication with a lower space of the valve body  5   b.  There is a through-bore  5   a   2  at a central part of an upper surface portion of the valve case  5   a  which communicates with an upper space of the valve body  5   b.    
     In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  25   a,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  25   d,    2   b   2  (only one is shown in the figure) bored at the bearing movable member  25  and the supporting shaft  2   b.    
     Similarly in the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  25   b,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through three independent conducting holes  25   e,    2   b   3 . In the twelve dynamic pressure generating grooves  25   c,  each center bending portion of three dynamic pressure generating grooves placed at a position divided circumferentially into three equal parts and the upper space of the valve body  5   b  are joined independently through the independent conducting holes  25   e  and  2   b   4 . 
     Therefore, as the self-switch valve  5  is disposed below the independent conducting hole similarly to the self-switch valve shown in FIG. 2, the self-switch valve has the same function as the self-switch valve  5  shown in FIG.  2 . When the valve body  5   a  is lifted and closes the independent conducting hole, the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing C shows lubricating function of pump-in effect. When the valve body  5   b  falls under the action of gravity away from the independent conducting hole, the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing C shows lubricating function of pump-out effect. 
     FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a spindle motor of the present invention. 
     In the spindle motor SM 5 , a spindle  2  is supported by a spindle supporting member  1  through a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing D having both of a radial bearing function and a thrust bearing function, and the motor undergoes positive and negative rotation by a permanent magnet  19  and motor coil  21 . 
     Comparing FIG. 5 with FIG. 4, the difference in structure is in the supporting shaft  2   b  coming down from the central part of the upper surface portion of the spindle  2  and in the self-switch valve  5  of the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing D being formed at an upper side. 
     In the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing D, by forming the self-switch valve  5  at the upper side of the spindle motor, as described above for the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing B of FIG. 1, when the valve body  5   b  opens by being lifted, the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing D shows lubricating function of pump-out effect. When the valve body  5   b  falls under the action of gravity and closes the independent conducting hole, the positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing D shows lubricating function of pump-in effect. 
     In FIGS. 4 and 5, the same symbols correspond to the same elements, and thus further description is omitted. 
     FIG. 6 shows a rotator device adopting a spindle motor of the present invention. In the rotator device, the spindle  2  of the spindle motor SM 4  of FIG. 4 is covered by a polygon mirror  26 , and a spindle supporting member  1  of the spindle motor SM 4  is fixed to a bottom plate of a mirror case  27 . 
     FIG. 7 shows a rotator device of the present invention adopting any of the spindle motors according to the embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 5 . The rotator device is a disc driving device, and in the device, a plurality of rotational discs  28 , such as magnetic discs or optical discs, are attached to a spindle of spindle motors SM 1  to SM 5 . 
     The rotator devices shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 have the function, operation, and advantages of the bearings according to the present invention. 
     As described above, a positive and negative rotation gas dynamic pressure bearing, a spindle motor, and a rotator device generate lubricating function of pump-in effect increasing dynamic pressure at middle of the dynamic pressure generating grooves taking lubricating gas from both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves during any rotation among positive and negative rotations. During other rotation among positive and negative rotations, the bearing device, the spindle motor, and the rotator device generate lubricating function of pump out effect increasing dynamic pressure at both ends of the dynamic pressure generating grooves supplying lubricating gas through the conducting hole to middle of the dynamic pressure generating grooves. 
     By forming a self-switch valve rotating with the bearing movable member and by opening and closing the conducting hole which takes in air depending on the direction of rotation, a switch for switching the electromagnetic valve and a sensor are not required. During rotation generating lubricating function of pump-in effect because the self-switch valve closes the conducting hole, all of dynamic pressure generating the dynamic pressure generating grooves equally arranged toward circumference direction are equal and run out of rotation can be decreased.