BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a data storage device constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the disc clamp of the data storage device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the disc clamp of FIG. 2 attached to the motor hub in the clamped mode.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the clamp in the unclamped mode.
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but with the fastener partially advanced.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but in the clamped mode.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps for practicing a method of FIXING AN ARTICLE TO A MOTOR in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings in general, and more particularly to FIG. 1 that shows an isometric view of a data storage device 100 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The device 100 preferably includes a base 102 and a cover 104 (partially cutaway), which together provide a housing for a number of components. The components include a motor to which a clamp 106 is attached for fixing one or more storage mediums 108 in rotation therewith. Adjacent the storage medium 108 is an actuator assembly 112 that pivots around a bearing assembly 114. The actuator assembly 112 includes an actuator arm 116 supporting a load arm 118 that, in turn, supports a head 120 in a data transfer relationship with the adjacent storage medium 108. Each storage medium 108 can be divided into data tracks, and the head 120 is positioned to retrieve data from and store data to the tracks.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an illustrative clamp 106 that is constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The clamp 106 generally has an annular web 172 defining a centrally-disposed opening 174 for passing a fastener therethrough to engage the rotatable motor hub. The web has a centrally-disposed planar surface 176 against which a shoulder portion of the fastener seats to fixingly engage the clamp 106 in rotation with the motor hub. The web 172 extends from the planar surface 176 to define a frusto-conical spring, so that an axial displacement of the planar surface 176, as in when attaching the clamp 106, results in a radial displacement of outer portions of the web 172. This radial displacement is discussed in more detail below.
A peripheral edge of the web 172 defines a downwardly-directed rib 178 that compressingly engages the storage medium 108 in order to fix it in rotation with the motor hub. Openings 180 in the peripheral edge have disposed therein each of a plurality of protuberant members 182 extending away from the web 172. Distal ends of the protuberant members 182 are radially disposed within a concentric ring around the clamp axis of rotation 184. In an unclamped mode of the clamp 106, as shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 below), the distal ends of the protuberant members 182 are radially disposed in a ring that is sized for an interference fit with an outer diameter of the motor hub. The illustrative embodiments of FIG. 2 have three protuberant members 182 equally spaced at 120 degrees apart. In alternative equivalent embodiments more protuberant members 182 can be used. In any event, preferably the features of the clamp 106 and the frusto-conical shape are well-suited for manufacturing the clamp 106 by a stamping process.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the clamp 106 in the clamped mode. By the “clamped mode” it is meant that a predetermined fastening force has been applied to fix the clamp 106 against the storage medium 108, so as to fix them together in rotation. In the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 3 a fastener 190, such as a threaded fastener, has been advanced against the planar surface 176 to contactingly engage an opposing surface of the planar surface 176 against a mating planar surface 192 of the motor hub 194. In the clamped mode of FIG. 3 it will be noted that the protuberant members 182 are disposed adjacent an outer diameter 196 formed in the motor hub 194, around which the storage medium 108 is disposed.
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the manner in which the clamp 106 self-centers around the motor hub 194 during installation. FIG. 4 illustrates the unclamped mode, that is, the arrangement at the time when the clamp 106 is placed to the motor hub 194. This view better illustrates the manner in which the distal ends of the protuberant members 182 (only one shown) are disposed radially within a ring that is sized to provide an interference fit with the outer diameter 196 of the motor hub 194. For example, in successful trials of the present embodiments an interference fit of 0.1 millimeters was employed. Preferably, the distal end of the protuberant member 182 is formed so as to produce a point contact 200 with the motor hub 194. In these illustrative embodiments the motor hub 194 has a chamfered surface 202 to receivingly engage the point contact 200 of the protuberant member 182.
FIG. 5 illustrates the manner that the protuberant member 182 is displaced radially outward from the motor hub 194 as a result of advancing the fastener 190 (FIG.3) during a transitional phase of the installation between the unclamped mode of FIG. 4 and the clamped mode of FIG. 3 (and FIG. 6 below). By configuring the point contact 200 against the chamfered surface 202, the plurality of protuberant members 182 will seek to an aligned position with respect to the motor hub 194 by an equalization of the forces, both radial and axial forces, experienced by the protuberant members 182.
FIG. 6 illustrates the final clamped mode whereat the fastener 190 (FIG. 3) has been advanced to provide a predetermined fastening force against the clamp 106. The clamp 106 by its frusto-conical spring configuration will, in turn, pressingly engage the rib 178 against the storage medium 108 to fix it in rotation with the motor hub 194. Note that in the clamped mode the protuberant member 182 has been displaced radially enough that it clearingly disengages the motor hub 194. That is, the axial force by the fastener 190 effects a radial force against the rib 178 that maintains a separation between the protuberant member 182 and the outer diameter 196. Advantageously, this mechanically disconnects the protuberant members 182 from the motor hub 194, making resonance determinations more predictable and reliable. It also eliminates potential sources of failure, such as noise or debris that can likely result from the protuberant members 182 being in operable contact with the motor hub 194.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of illustrative steps for performing a method 220 of FIXING AN ARTICLE TO A MOTOR HUB in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method 220 begins in block 222 with providing a clamp having protuberant members sized for an interference fit with an outer diameter of the motor hub. Preferably, the protuberant members provide for a point-contact engagement against a chamfered surface of the motor hub. Also preferably, the clamp can be provided by a manufacturing method of stamping.
Control then passes to block 224 where the clamp is placed onto the motor hub, such that the protuberant members contactingly engage the chamfered end of the motor hub in a point-contacting engagement. In block 226 the fastener is passed through the clamp to engage the motor hub. The fastener is then advanced axially, thereby advancing an inner portion of the clamp toward the motor hub, and causing the protuberant members to displace radially away from the motor hub. The protuberant members slidingly engage against the respective chamfered surfaces as the fastener is progressively advanced. The clamp has freedom of movement to displace radially in order to equalize the resultant forces experienced by all of the protuberant members, thereby self-centering the clamp with respect to the motor hub.
In decision block 228 it is determined whether a preselected fastening force has been applied to the fastener. If the determination is no, then control returns to block 226 and advancement of the fastener continues. Otherwise, the fastener is fully installed (“clamped mode”) and the method ends. It will be noted that upon reaching the clamped mode the protuberant members clearingly disengage the motor hub.
As described generally, illustrative embodiments of the present invention contemplate a data storage device having a motor for rotating a storage medium in a data transfer relationship with a transducer, and means for clamping the storage medium to the motor. As described, the term “means for clamping” includes the use of a clamp with protuberant members that align an outer surface of the clamp with an outer surface of motor hub. The “means for clamping” can be advantageously characterized by alignment surfaces that are in contacting engagement in an unclamped mode, and that clearingly disengage in a clamped mode. For purposes of this description and meaning of the appended claims, the term “means for clamping” expressly does not encompass previous attempted solutions that involve an inner surface of the clamp contactingly engaging the motor hub, or surfaces of the clamp that remain contactingly engaged with the motor hub after alignment is achieved.
It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements may vary depending on the devices in which they are incorporated or the particular environment in which they are used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In addition, although the illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a data storage system, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter is not so limited and various other electronic devices can utilize the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
Patent Application
20080019039
