초록 ▼

A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the centr

A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the central opening of the discs. One or more spring elements are utilized with each disc, and assembly tooling is used to bend the spring elements so that the discs, with the opening of the C-shaped springs engaging the inner diameter of the discs, can fit over the hub of the spindle motor. The assembly tooling is then removed to allow the spring elements to partially straighten, firmly engaging the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in the radial direction. In a first embodiment of the invention, alternative mechanisms are disclosed for establishing the axial positions of the discs. In a second embodiment, a plurality of annular grooves are provided in the spindle motor hub and the spring elements engage both the discs and annular grooves in the spindle motor hub to fixedly locate the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in both the radial and axial directions. Fabrication of the spring elements from a shape-memory alloy is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disc drive including one or more discs mounted to a hub of a spindle motor and a disc mounting system for mounting the discs to the spindle motor hub comprising:one or more spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section and formed as an arc of a ci

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disc drive including one or more discs mounted to a hub of a spindle motor and a disc mounting system for mounting the discs to the spindle motor hub comprising:one or more spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section and formed as an arc of a circle, having a curvature along their lengths, at an outer radial contact surface thereof, both before and after final assembly, greater than or equal to the radius of the inner diameter of the discs, mounted to the inner diameter of the discs with at least a portion of the open C-shaped axial cross section axially overlapping the inner diameters of the discs,the spring elements also including an inner radial surface near middle portions of the spring elements bearing directly against the spindle motor hub and the out radial contact surface near end portions of the spring elements bearing directly against the inner diameter of the discs to radially position the discs relative to the spindle motor hub.