Clamping ring with a radial load and vertical force

摘要

An apparatus and method for securing an information storage disc within a disc drive incorporates a rotatable spindle hub and a clamping ring. The clamping ring is positioned between an inner edge of the information storage disc and the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring is a strip of resilient sheet material and defines a series of serpentine shaped curves that alternatively contact the inner edge of the information storage disc and a sidewall of the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring applies a radial force to the information storage disc. In some cases the clamping ring may define a series of equally spaced apart, radially extending, tabs from the top and bottom edges of the clamping ring. The tabs from the top edge contact the top surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc. The tabs from the bottom edge contact the bottom surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc. Preferably the tabs from the top edge and bottom edge are axially aligned. Tabs provide a vertical clamping load to the information storage disc to accompany the radial load. The clamping ring may extend the entire height of the disc stack and so apply a radial load to the entire disc stack.