Motor assembly with multifunctional components

#The present invention relates to the field of motor assemblies, and in particular to motor assemblies having multifunctional components for electronic memory systems, such as disc drive memory systems.

#Disc drive memory systems have been used in computers for many years for storage of digital information. Information is recorded on concentric memory tracks of a magnetic disc medium, the actual information being stored in the form of magnetic transitions within the medium. The discs themselves are mounted on a hub that is rotatably mounted on a fixed spindle. The information is accessed by means of read/write heads generally located on a pivoting arm that moves radially over the surface of the disc. The read/write heads or transducers must be accurately aligned with the storage tracks on the disc to ensure proper reading and writing of information.

#During operation, the discs are rotated at very high speeds within an enclosed housing by means of an electric motor generally located inside the hub that supports the discs. One type of motor in common use is known as an in-hub or in-spindle motor. Such in-spindle motors typically have a spindle mounted by means of ball or fluid dynamic bearing systems to a fixed motor shaft (spindle) disposed in the center of the hub. Generally, such motors include a stator formed in a base of the assembly, comprising a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle. Each of the teeth supports coils or windings that may be sequentially energized to polarize the stator. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in alternating polarity on an inside rim of the hub, adjacent the stators. As the coils disposed on the stators are sequentially energized in alternating polarity, the magnetic attraction and repulsion of each stator to the adjacent magnets cause the hub to rotate, thereby rotating the disc and passing the information storage tracks across the head.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a disk drive assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled, cross-sectional diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

#Common reference numbers among the drawings refer to common features of the embodiments.

#The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use various aspects of the inventions. Descriptions of specific materials, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. For example, aspects and examples may be employed in a variety of motors, including motors for use in disc storage drives. Motors for disc storage drives may be designed and may operate in a number of ways. The exemplary motors and other exemplary subject matter provided herein are for illustrating various aspects and are not intended to limit the range of motors and devices in which such examples and aspects may be applied.

#During operation, the discs can be rotated at very high speeds within an enclosed housing by means of an electric motor generally located inside the hub that supports the discs. In some embodiments, the motor is known as an in-hub or in-spindle motor. Such in-spindle motors can have a spindle mounted by means of ball or fluid dynamic bearing systems to a fixed motor shaft (spindle) disposed in the center of the hub. In some embodiments, such motors include a stator formed in a base of the assembly, comprising a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle. Each of the teeth can support coils or windings that may be sequentially energized to polarize the stator. In some embodiments, a plurality of permanent magnets can be disposed in alternating polarity on an inside rim of the hub, adjacent the stators. As the coils disposed on the stators are sequentially energized in alternating polarity, the magnetic attraction and repulsion of each stator to the adjacent magnet can cause the hub to rotate, thereby rotating the disc and passing the information storage tracks across the head.