The present invention generally relates to a motor and a method of assembling the same.
Mobile computing and/or communication devices are becoming smaller thereby driving the weight and size of data storage devices down, while requiring large storage capacity in the terabyte range and low power consumption. For example, many mobile computing devices are assuming a thin profile and small form factor for ease of transport and universal operationability. Traditional data storage devices for storing large amounts of data, such as disk drives, have a thickness which is incompatible for such applications.
Thus, what is needed is a light-weight, ultra thin data storage device with a small form factor and yet be capable of large storage capacities at low power consumption levels. At the same time, the data storage device needs to be easily assembled. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.
In various embodiments, a motor may be provided. The motor may include a base, a first rotor, a second rotor and a stator arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor, the stator including an alignment member for aligning the stator to the base.
In various embodiments, a method for assembling a motor is provided. The method may include providing a base, a first rotor, a second rotor and a stator. The method may further provide assembling the base, the first rotor, the second rotor and the stator such that the stator is arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor and the stator is aligned to the base by an alignment member of the stator.
In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.
The word “over” used with regards to a deposited material formed “over” a side or surface, may be used herein to mean that the deposited material may be formed “directly on”, e.g. in direct contact with, the implied side or surface. The word “over” used with regards to a deposited material formed “over” a side or surface, may be used herein to mean that the deposited material may be formed “indirectly on” the implied side or surface with one or more additional layers being arranged between the implied side or surface and the deposited material.
It is proposed to provide a motor, in particular but not limited to a motor for a product such as a data storage device. The product can be a mobile consumer electronic device which can be operable in various orientations, and thus it should be understood that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “down”, “sideways”, “downwards” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of the motor or the product incorporating the motor.
Various aspects of this disclosure provide a motor that is able to address at least partially some of the abovementioned challenges.
The motor may include a first rotor 202, a stator 204, and a second rotor 206. The stator 204 may be arranged between the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206. In various embodiments, the stator 204 arranged between the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206 may include that the projection of the stator 204 onto the axis 201 is between the projection of the first rotor 202 onto the axis 201 and the projection of the second rotor 206 onto the axis 201. The projections of the first rotor 202, the stator 204 and the second rotor 206 may lie sequentially along the axis 201, wherein parts of the projections may or may not coincide with each other. In various embodiments, the stator 204 arranged between the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206 may include that the stator 204 is surrounded by the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206. In various embodiments, the stator 204 arranged between the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206 may include that at least a portion of the stator 204 may be arranged over at least a portion of the first rotor 202 and at least a portion of the second rotor 206 may be arranged over at least a portion of the stator 204.
The first rotor 202, the stator 204 and the second rotor 206 in such an arrangement may be referred to as a motor sub-assembly 210. In other words, the stator 204, the first rotor 202 and the second rotor 206 may form a motor sub-assembly 210. The motor sub-assembly 210 may also further include a bias ring 208.
The motor may further include a base 212. The motor sub-assembly 210 may be on the base 212. The motor sub-assembly 210 may be mounted on the base 212. The stator 204 may be attached to the base 212. In various embodiments, the stator 204 may be attached to the base 212 by a fastener or fasteners. In various embodiments, the stator 204 may be attached to the base 212 by an adhesive such as epoxy.
The motor may further include an adaptor 214. The adapter 214 may be configured to supply current to the stator 204. The adapter 214 may be configured for operable coupling with a contact of the stator 204.
In various embodiments, the base 212 may form at least a portion of a housing.
In various embodiments, the various components such as the first rotor 202, the stator 204 and the second rotor 206 may be fully assembled and mounted on a part of the device such as the housing 216 of the device. In various embodiments, the stator 204 may be fixedly coupled or secured to the part of the device, e.g. to the housing of the device.
According various embodiments, the motor may further include a bias ring 208 coupled to the stator 204. In various embodiments, the bias ring 208 may be arranged on the stator 204. In various embodiments, the bias ring 208 may be embedded in the stator 204, or may be formed as an integral part of the stator 204.
In an embodiment, the second rotor 206 may include a hub coupled with at least one fluid dynamic bearing. The bias ring 208 may be attached to the base 212 such that interaction with magnets provided in the motor (e.g. provided in the second rotor 206) creates a desired magnetic bias force such as between the second rotor 206 (e.g. the hub of the second rotor 206) and the base 212.
It is understood that the bias ring 208 may be optionally included in the motor when necessary, e.g. when fluid dynamic bearings are used in the motor 200.
For example, the armature winding 318 may be formed by six coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f. The six coils may be divided into three pairs. Coils 320a and 320b may form a first pair. Coils 320b and 320e may form a second pair. Coils 320c and 320f may form a third pair. The coils in each pair may be of the same electrical degree (or phase) at any point in time. One pair may differ from another pair by 120 electrical degrees. The armature winding 318 may be described as a “120 electrical degrees” concentrated winding. In various embodiments where the armature winding 318 may be described as “120 electrical degrees” concentrated winding, the winding 318 utilises fundamental or the second order electromagnetic field harmonics in spindle motor operations.
In various embodiments, the stator 304 may including a plurality of openings 324. The plurality of openings 324 may also be used for alignment of the stator to the base. Each coil of the plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may form a spiral pattern. Each coil may surround one of the plurality of openings 324. Each coil of the plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may be arranged in a spiral manner around each opening of the plurality of openings 324.
In various embodiments, the plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may be distributed between an inner edge 326 of the substrate 322 and an outer edge 328 of the substrate 324. The plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may be in a plane defined by the substrate 322.
The substrate may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may be on different layers of the plurality of layers. For instance, the substrate 322 may include a first layer and a second layer. Coils 320a, 320d may be on a first surface of the first layer. Coils 320b, 320e may be between a second surface of the first layer (opposite the first surface of the first layer) and a first surface of a second layer. The second surface of the first layer may be in contact with the first surface of the second layer. Coils 320c, 320f may be on a second surface of the second layer (opposite the first surface of the second layer). The plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f may form a two dimensional multi phase winding. In other words, the armature winding 318 may be a two dimensional winding. The winding 318 (or plurality of coils 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f) in different surfaces or layers may be electrically connected by conductive vias.
The effective length of the winding 322 lies in a radial directions that extends from the inner edge 326 of the substrate 322 to the outer edge 328 of the substrate 322. The winding may be arranged such that the effective length of the winding is increased without increasing the length of the winding oriented circumferentially (“end windings”). Only the effective length may contribute to the power generated by the motor.
The motor sub-assembly 410 and a base 412 may be presented to each other in a top-down fashion for assembly. The base 412 may form at least a part or portion of a housing. The motor sub-assembly 410 and the base 412 may be arranged together such that the first rotor 402 is received in a motor cavity 440 in the base 412. In other words, the motor cavity 440 may be configured to receive the first rotor 402. The base may further include a step. The step may be formed adjacent to the motor cavity 440. The step may include a side wall 442 of the motor cavity 440 and a rest 444 substantially perpendicular to the side wall 442 of the motor cavity 440. The step may further include a side surface 446. The rest 444 may be configured to receive the stator 404. The stator 404 may be coupled to the base 412, preferably by adhering the outer edge or circumferential side 448 of the stator 404 to the complementary side surface 446. The stator 404 may be attached to the base 412. The stator 404 may be attached to the base 412 using an adhesive such as epoxy. Alternatively, the stator 404 may be attached to the base 412 by means or fasteners. The stator may be partially exposed. In various embodiments, forces may be applied in a top-down fashion to the exposed part 450 of the stator 404, to abut the stator 404 to the rest 444, thereby achieving a predetermined height of the stator 404 relative to the base and to facilitate coupling between the stator 404 to the base 412. Concurrently, a desired spacing between the stator 404 and the first rotor 402 and a desired spacing between the stator 404 and the second rotor 406 may be achieved.
The motor may further include an adaptor 414. The adapter 414 may be configured to supply current to the stator 404. The adapter 414 may be configured for operable coupling with a contact of the stator 404.
The first rotor 402 or the second rotor 406 or both the first rotor 402 and the second rotor 406 may contain one or more permanent magnets 452. In other words, one or more permanent magnets 452 may be provided on one or both sides of the stator 404 having an armature winding.
The base 412 may include a receiving member 454 (e.g. a complementary recess) for receiving an alignment member (e.g. a radial extension such as a tab) of the stator 404. The base 412 may include a plurality of receiving members 454 for receiving a plurality of alignment members of the stator 404. Each of the plurality of receiving members 454 may be configured to receive one of the plurality of alignment members. While
The contact 532 may be electrically coupled to the armature winding 518. In various embodiments, the winding portion 534 may be substantially annular. In various embodiments, the winding portion 534 may be adjacent to an inner edge 526. In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 536 may be substantially annular. In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 536 may be adjacent to an outer edge 528.
In various embodiments, at least a portion of the non-winding portion 536 may be the exposed part of the stator for the purpose of motor assembly.
In various embodiments, the radial extension (such as a tab) may include the contact 632. In various alternate embodiments, the radial extension may be free of the contact 632. In various embodiments, one or more of the plurality of radial extensions (such as tabs) may include the contact 632.
In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 636 may include the radial extension e.g. a tab. The radial extension (e.g. tab) may include the contact. In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 636 may include the plurality of radial extensions e.g. tabs. In various embodiments, one or more of the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs) may include the contact 632.
The stator 704 may include a winding portion 734. The winding portion 734 may include an armature winding. The stator 704 may further include a non-winding portion 736. In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 736 may include the contact 732. The contact 732 may be for operable coupling with an adaptor. The stator 704 may be the stator 204 shown in
In various embodiments, the non-winding portion 736 may include the only one radial extension or tab. The only one radial extension (e.g. tab) may include the contact.
In various embodiments, a motor may be provided. The motor may include a base, a first rotor, a second rotor and a stator arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor, the stator including an alignment member for aligning the stator to the base.
Various embodiments may provide a motor with a low profile and at the same time is easy to assemble due to the alignment member.
In various embodiments, the stator may include a plurality of alignment member for aligning the stator to the base.
In various embodiments, the base may include a receiving member configured to receive the alignment member. The base may include a plurality of receiving members configured to receive a plurality of alignment members. Each receiving member may be configured to receive one of the plurality of alignment members.
The stator may include an armature winding.
The stator may include a plurality of openings.
The armature winding may include a plurality of coils. Each coil of the plurality of coils may be arranged in a spiral manner around each opening of the plurality of openings.
In various embodiments, the alignment member may include a radial extension of the stator. The radial extension may be or may include a tab. In various embodiments, the alignment member may include a protrusion.
In various embodiments, the base may include a recess configured to receive the radial extension.
In various embodiments, the receiving member may include a recess.
The base may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs) Each recess may be configured to receive one of the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs).
In various embodiments, the stator may include a contact. The contact may be an electrical contact. The contact may be an electrical pin or an electrical pad.
In various embodiments, the radial extension may include the contact. The tab may include the contact.
One or, more of the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs) may include the contact. The contact may be an electrical pin or an electrical pad.
In various embodiments, the stator may include only one aligning member for aligning the stator to the base. The only one aligning member may include the contact.
In various embodiments, the stator includes a winding portion including the armature winding. The stator may further include a non-winding portion including the contact. The contact may be electrically coupled to the armature winding.
The non-winding portion may include the radial extension. The radial extension may be or include the contact.
The winding portion may be substantially annular and adjacent to an inner edge of the stator.
The non winding portion may be substantially annular and adjacent to an outer edge of the stator.
The stator, the first rotor and the second rotor may form a motor sub-assembly.
The motor sub-assembly may be on the base.
A bias ring may be coupled to the stator.
In various embodiments, the base may form at least a portion of a housing. The housing may contain a data storage device in which the motor is a part.
The stator is attached to the base. The stator may be attached to the base using an adhesive. The stator may be attached to the base using fasteners.
In various embodiments, a method for assembling a motor is provided.
The stator may include an armature winding.
The stator may include a plurality of openings.
The armature winding may include a plurality of coils. Each coil of the plurality of coils may be arranged in a spiral manner around each opening of the plurality of openings.
In various embodiments, the alignment member may include a radial extension of the stator. The radial extension may be or may include a tab. The alignment member may include a protrusion.
In various embodiments, the base may include a recess configured to receive the radial extension.
In various embodiments, the receiving member may include a recess.
The base may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs) Each recess may be configured to receive one of the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs).
In various embodiments, the stator may include a contact. The contact may be an electrical contact.
In various embodiments, the radial extension may include the contact. The tab may include the contact.
One or more of the plurality of radial extensions (e.g. tabs) may include the contact. The contact may be an electrical pin or an electrical pad.
In various embodiments, the stator may include only one aligning member for aligning the stator to the base. The only one aligning member may include the contact.
In various embodiments, the stator includes a winding portion including the armature winding. The stator may further include a non-winding portion including the contact. The contact may be electrically coupled to the armature winding.
The non-winding portion may include the radial extension. The radial extension may be or include the contact.
The winding portion may be substantially annular and adjacent to an inner edge of the stator.
The non winding portion may be substantially annular and adjacent to an outer edge of the stator.
The stator, the first rotor and the second rotor may form a motor sub-assembly.
The motor sub-assembly may be on the base.
The method may further include coupling a bias ring to the stator.
In various embodiments, the base may form at least a portion of a housing. The housing may contain a data storage device in which the motor is a part.
The method may include attaching the stator to the base. The stator may be attached to the base using fasteners. Attaching may include attaching using an adhesive such as epoxy. Attaching may also include attaching using fasteners.
While several exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist, including variations as to the choice of bearings. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that where fluid dynamic bearings are not used, the bias ring may be an optional feature. Also, the step of pre-assembly should be understood to be optional as the bias ring may be embedded or otherwise provided as an integral part of the stator, etc.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/597,870, filed 13 Feb. 2012, the content of it being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/SG2013/000055 | 2/13/2013 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61597870 | Feb 2012 | US |