A hydrodynamic bearing device which realizes power saving, reduction of a
time period necessary for stabilizing rotation, and enhancement in
durability to startup and halting of the motor at the same time by
accelerating circulation of a lubricant in the vicinity of a flange with
torque loss being kept low is provided. A flange (3) is fixed to one end
of a shaft (2). On an inner surface of one of openings of a sleeve (1), a
step portion (1C) is provided. When the shaft (2) is inserted into the
sleeve (1), the flange (3) is in close vicinity to the step portion (1C).
An inner diameter of the step portion (1C) is smaller in end portions in
an axial direction than in a central portion. Thus, a gap between an
outer surface (3C) of the flange (3) and a surface of the step portion
(1C) which opposes the outer surface (3C) is narrow in the vicinity of
boundaries of the outer surface (3C) of the flange (3) than in the
vicinity the central portion.