Vibration isolator and motor having vibration isolator

Abstract

This vibration isolator comprises an annular elastic body and a metal ring that covers the outer peripheral surface of the elastic body. The metal ring has a divided section in which a circumferential-direction portion of the metal ring is divided. In the divided section, the elastic body has a recessed section in which the outer peripheral surface is recessed. A first end part, which is one circumferential-direction end of the metal ring, is bent so that the distal end thereof is positioned inside the recessed section.

Description

Vibration isolator and motor having the vibration isolator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vibration isolators and motors having vibration isolators.

[0002] Motors are used in a variety of appliances, including household electrical appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines. For example, motors are used as fan motors mounted in the indoor or outdoor units of air conditioners. The motors mounted in the indoor or outdoor units of air conditioners have fans, such as sirocco fans or crossflow fans, attached to the tip of the rotating shaft that protrudes from both sides or one side of the motor.

[0003] The motor is attached to the base of the equipment via a ring-shaped vibration isolator to prevent vibrations generated by the motor from being transmitted to the outside (see Patent Document 1). This prevents vibrations from the motor from being transmitted to the base, thereby achieving quieter equipment.

[0004] The ring-shaped vibration isolator is composed of a thin, cylindrical elastic body and a metal ring made of an annular metal plate surrounding the elastic body. The vibration isolator is attached, for example, to a bracket on a motor body having a rotor and a stator. The motor equipped with the vibration isolator is fixed to the base by setting the vibration isolator on the motor support part of the base and tightening the vibration isolator with a tightening member.

[0005] However, when fixing the motor to the base, the vibration isolator may be overtightened by the tightening member, i.e., the tightening force of the tightening member may become too great, and the vibration isolator may be tightened to a state where it actually does not need to be tightened.

[0006] JP 2018-93564 A

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vibration isolator that can prevent excessive tightening force from being applied, and a motor that includes the vibration isolator.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a vibration-damping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an annular elastic body and a metal ring covering the outer peripheral surface of the elastic body, the metal ring having a divided portion in which a portion of the circumference of the metal ring is divided, the elastic body having a recessed portion in which the outer peripheral surface is recessed at the divided portion, and a first end portion, which is one of the circumferential ends of the metal ring, being bent so that its tip is located inside the recessed portion.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vibration-damping device comprising an annular elastic body and a metal ring covering the outer peripheral surface of the elastic body, and the vibration-damping device has a structure that, when the elastic body is tightened by the metal ring, causes the tightening force received by the elastic body to differ at two circumferential positions.

[0010] A motor according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a vibration damper according to any of the above aspects, a rotor having a rotating shaft, and a bracket having a protrusion in which a bearing supporting the rotating shaft is housed, and the vibration damper is fitted into the protrusion.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a vibration isolator that can prevent excessive tightening force from being applied, and a motor having the same.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of a motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the motor body and vibration isolators are separated in the motor according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a vibration isolator according to an embodiment. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another vibration isolator according to an embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the configuration of a vibration isolator according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the configuration of another vibration isolator according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator taken along line V-V in (c) of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of another vibration isolator according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view of a motor fixed to a pedestal. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a motor fixed to a pedestal. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a motor showing a state in which a tightening member has been removed from the pedestal. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a motor body is fixed to a pedestal using a vibration isolator of a comparative example. FIG. 10 is a side view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 2. Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 3. Fig. 14 is a side view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 4. Fig. 15 is a side view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 5. Fig. 16 is a side view of a vibration isolator according to Modification 6.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure will be described as optional components.

[0014] Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each figure, the same reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as those in other figures, and duplicate explanations are omitted or simplified. In this specification, the terms "up" and "down" do not necessarily refer to the upward direction (vertically upward) and downward direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition.

[0015] (Embodiment) The configuration of a motor 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a side view of the motor 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the motor 1 according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the motor main body 2 and the vibration isolator 3 are separated.

[0016] 1 and 2, the motor 1 includes a motor body 2 and vibration isolators 3 attached to the motor body 2. In this embodiment, two vibration isolators 3 are attached to the motor body 2.

[0017] The motor main body 2 includes a rotor 2a, a stator 2b, a first bearing 2c, a second bearing 2d, a first bracket 2e, and a second bracket 2f. The rotor 2a has a rotating shaft 2a1, which is a metal shaft. The stator 2b generates a magnetic force to rotate the rotor 2a. The first bearing 2c and the second bearing 2d rotatably support the rotating shaft 2a1. The first bracket 2e holds the first bearing 2c. The second bracket 2f holds the second bearing 2d.

[0018] As an example, the motor body 2 is a brushless motor that does not use brushes. The motor body 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which a rotor 2a is arranged inside a stator 2b.

[0019] The motor body 2 is a molded motor. The motor body 2 includes a molded resin 2g that covers the stator 2b. In the motor body 2, the first bracket 2e, the second bracket 2f, and the molded resin 2g form the outer shell of the motor body 2. The first bracket 2e and the second bracket 2f are fixed to the molded resin 2g.

[0020] The first bracket 2e and the second bracket 2f are made of a metal material. Specifically, the first bracket 2e and the second bracket 2f are made of a metal plate. The first bracket 2e and the second bracket 2f are formed into a predetermined shape by performing a press work or the like on the metal plate.

[0021] The first bracket 2e has a protrusion 2e1 that protrudes outward. Specifically, the protrusion 2e1 is formed in a circular convex shape so as to protrude to one side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 2a1. The first bearing 2c is housed in and fixed to the protrusion 2e1.

[0022] The second bracket 2f has a protruding portion 2f1 that protrudes outward. Specifically, the protruding portion 2f1 is formed in a circular convex shape so as to protrude toward the other side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 2a1. The second bearing 2d is housed in the protruding portion 2f1 and fixed to the protruding portion 2f1.

[0023] The two vibration isolators 3 are attached to both sides of the motor body 2 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 2a1. In other words, the two vibration isolators 3 are attached to the motor body 2 so as to sandwich the motor body 2 therebetween.

[0024] One of the two vibration isolators 3 is fixed to the first bracket 2e. Specifically, one of the two vibration isolators 3 is fitted into the protruding portion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e. The other of the two vibration isolators 3 is fixed to the second bracket 2f. Specifically, the other of the two vibration isolators 3 is fitted into the protruding portion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f.

[0025] The vibration isolator 3 is a vibration-damping member that suppresses transmission of vibrations generated in the motor main body 2 to the outside of the motor 1. The vibration isolator 3 is an annular vibration-damping ring. Specifically, the vibration isolator 3 has an overall annular (Baumkuchen-like) shape that is thin in the axial direction and wide in the radial direction.

[0026] The two vibration isolators 3 attached to the motor main body 2 have the same configuration. Here, the detailed configuration of the vibration isolator 3 will be described using Figures 3A, 4A, and 5A, while also referring to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. Figure 4A is a diagram showing the configuration of the vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. In Figure 4A, (a) is a left side view of the vibration isolator 3, (b) is a front view of the vibration isolator 3, and (c) is a right side view of the vibration isolator 3. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the vibration isolator 3 taken along line V-V in (c) of Figure 4A.

[0027] 3A, 4A, and 5A, the vibration isolator 3 includes a rubber material 10, which is an elastic body, and a metal ring 20 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10. The center of the vibration isolator 3 coincides with the axis of the rotating shaft 2a1 of the motor 1.

[0028] The rubber material 10 is an elastic body (elastic rubber) having elasticity. That is, the rubber material 10 has rubber elasticity. The material of the rubber material 10 can be an elastomer resin, a silicone resin, or the like.

[0029] Resin materials such as PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), foam materials such as polystyrene foam, and compression materials such as wood and paper can be used as elastic bodies other than the rubber material 10. When using these resin materials, foam materials, etc., the elasticity can be further improved by sealing a fluid such as water or air inside.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4A , the rubber material 10 has an annular shape. In this embodiment, the rubber material 10 has an annular shape. Specifically, the rubber material 10 has an overall thin annular shape (Baumkuchen-like) that is wide in the radial direction. Therefore, an opening 11 is formed in the center of the rubber material 10. As shown in FIG. 2 , the opening 11 can be fitted into the protruding portion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e (or the protruding portion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f), thereby attaching the vibration isolator 3 to the first bracket 2e (or the second bracket 2f) of the motor main body 2. The shape of the opening 11 in a plan view is the same as the shape of the top surface of the protruding portion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e (or the protruding portion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f). The shape of the top surface of the protruding portion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e (or the protruding portion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f) is circular. Therefore, the shape of the opening 11 in a plan view is circular. The opening diameter of the opening 11 in the rubber material 10 is the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion 2e1 and the diameter of the protrusion 2f1. The shape of the opening 11 in a plan view is not limited to a circle. The shape of the opening 11 in a plan view may be a polygon. The shape of the opening 11 in the rubber material 10 is preferably a shape that fits with the protrusion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e and the protrusion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f.

[0031] 3A and 4A, the rubber material 10 has a recessed portion 12. The recessed portion 12 is formed by recessing the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10 at a divided portion 21 where a portion of the metal ring 20 is divided in the circumferential direction. The recessed portion 12 is a cutout portion formed by cutting out the rubber material 10 so that the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10 is recessed. As shown in (a) and (c) of FIG. 4A, the recessed portion 12 in the rubber material 10 has a pair of rubber end faces 12a, 12b formed as exposed surfaces exposed by the cutout. The pair of rubber end faces 12a, 12b face each other in the circumferential direction of the vibration isolator 3.

[0032] As shown in (a) and (c) of FIG. 4A , the recess 12 is formed so that the opening width gradually narrows toward the inside in the radial direction. In other words, the distance between the pair of rubber end faces 12a gradually decreases toward the inside in the radial direction of the rubber material 10. The recess 12 is recessed so that its shape in side view is triangular. Therefore, the shape of the pair of rubber end faces 12a, 12b in side view is V-shaped. As an example, the shape of the recess 12 in side view is an isosceles triangle in which the bottom of the recess 12 forms a vertex angle. Therefore, the side lengths of the pair of rubber end faces 12a, 12b are the same. The angle of the bottom (vertex angle) of the recess 12 is an acute angle of 90° or less. However, this is not limited to this.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3A, 4A, and 5A, the rubber material 10 has recesses 13 (side surface recesses) formed by recessing the side surface of the rubber material 10. In other words, one of the surfaces of the rubber material 10 located in the axial direction has recesses 13 recessed from the surface. A plurality of recesses 13 are provided along the circumferential direction. Seven recesses 13 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The recesses 13 are provided on only one of the pair of side surfaces of the rubber material 10.

[0034] The opening 11, the depression 12, and the recess 13 may be formed in the rubber material 10 by cutting out the center and outer circumferential surface of a disk-shaped elastic rubber. However, this is not limited to this. For example, instead of cutting out a thin disk-shaped rubber material, the rubber material 10 having the opening 11, the depression 12, and the recess 13 may be formed by resin molding using a mold. Alternatively, the opening 11, the depression 12, and the recess 13 may be formed by cutting out a rubber material of a predetermined shape that has been resin-molded.

[0035] The rubber material may have a hole formed therein that penetrates from one side surface to the other side surface of the rubber material. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of another vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing the configuration of another vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of another vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. The vibration isolator 3 shown in Figs. 3B, 4B, and 5B includes a rubber material 10A. The rubber material 10A has a hole 13A formed therein that penetrates from one side surface to the other side surface of the rubber material 10A. In other words, the rubber material 10A has a hole 13A formed therein that penetrates along the axial direction. A plurality of holes 13A are provided along the circumferential direction. Seven holes 13A are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0036] As described above, by forming the recess 13 in the rubber material 10 or the hole 13A in the rubber material 10A, when the metal ring 20 described later is squeezed, different tightening forces are generated in the rubber material 10 and the rubber material 10A.

[0037] 3A , 4A , and 5A , the metal ring 20 covers the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10. The metal ring 20 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10. The metal ring 20 is an outer peripheral ring that forms the outer shell of the vibration isolator 3.

[0038] The metal ring 20 is an annular ring. As an example, the metal ring 20 has a circular ring shape. For example, the metal ring 20 is formed by bending a thin, long metal plate. The metal ring 20 can be made of an iron-based metal material. The metal material that makes up the metal ring 20 is not limited to iron-based materials.

[0039] The width of the metal ring 20 is the same as or smaller than the width of the rubber material 10. As an example, as shown in Fig. 5A, the width of the metal ring 20 is slightly smaller than the width of the rubber material 10. The outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the rubber material 10 in the width direction are slightly exposed from the metal ring 20.

[0040] 3A and 4A , the metal ring 20 has a divided portion 21 where a portion of the metal ring 20 in the circumferential direction is divided. In other words, the metal ring 20 is annular with a portion of the metal ring 20 that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction. The divided portion 21 creates a gap in the circumferential direction of the metal ring 20. In other words, the divided portion 21 is a slit that forms an opening. The divided portion 21 of the metal ring 20 is located at a position where the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10 is provided.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3A, 4A, and 5A, the metal ring 20 has a groove 22 formed around the entire circumferential direction of the metal ring 20. As shown in Figure 5A, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 22 is rectangular. The groove 22 is formed by performing concave and convex press processing on the metal plate that constitutes the metal ring 20. Therefore, by forming the concave groove 22 in the metal plate, as shown in Figure 5A, a convex rib that protrudes toward the rubber material 10 is formed on the metal plate in correspondence with the groove 22. The rib of the metal ring 20 forms a concave groove on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10.

[0042] 3A and 4A , by forming the dividing portion 21 in the metal ring 20, a first end portion 23a and a second end portion 23b are formed at the circumferential ends of the metal ring 20. The first end portion 23a, which is one circumferential end portion of the metal ring 20, is a bent portion that is bent so that its tip is located inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10. Similarly, the second end portion 23b, which is the other circumferential end portion of the metal ring 20, is a bent portion that is bent so that its tip is located inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10. In other words, both circumferential end portions of the metal ring 20 are bent so that they are located inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10.

[0043] 4A (a) and (c), the first end 23a and the second end 23b are bent so as to extend toward the bottom of the recess 12 of the rubber material 10. The tips of the first end 23a and the second end 23b are not in contact with each other, and a gap exists between the tip of the first end 23a and the tip of the second end 23b. In other words, the tip of the first end 23a and the tip of the second end 23b do not reach the bottom of the recess 12.

[0044] The bent first end 23 a and second end 23 b cover at least a part of the pair of rubber end surfaces 12 a and 12 b. Specifically, the bent first end 23 a is in surface contact with the rubber end surface 12 a, and the bent second end 23 b is in surface contact with the rubber end surface 12 b.

[0045] The metal ring 20 and the rubber material 10 are bonded in close contact with each other. For example, the metal ring 20 and the rubber material 10 can be bonded by vulcanization adhesion. The method of bonding the metal ring 20 and the rubber material 10 is not limited to vulcanization adhesion.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the vibration isolator 3 configured in this manner can be attached to the first bracket 2e of the motor main body 2 by fitting the opening 11 of the rubber material 10 into the protrusion 2e1 of the first bracket 2e. Similarly, the vibration isolator 3 can be attached to the second bracket 2f of the motor main body 2 by fitting the opening 11 of the rubber material 10 into the protrusion 2f1 of the second bracket 2f. In this manner, the motor 1 shown in Figure 1 can be obtained.

[0047] The motor 1 is used, for example, as a fan motor mounted in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. When the motor 1 is used as a fan motor, a rotary fan is attached to the rotary shaft 2a1 of the motor 1.

[0048] When installing the motor 1 in equipment such as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the motor 1 is attached to a base 100, for example, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8. Figure 6 is a side view of the motor 1 fixed to the base 100. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the motor 1 fixed to the base 100. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the motor 1 when the tightening member 200 is removed from the base 100.

[0049] 6 and 7 , the motor 1 is fixed to the base 100 via vibration isolators 3 attached to the motor body 2. Two vibration isolators 3 are attached to the motor 1. As a result, the motor 1 is fixed to the base 100 via the two vibration isolators 3.

[0050] The base 100 is formed into a predetermined shape, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The base 100 is bent so that its cross section has a U-shape. The base 100 has a bottom plate portion and a pair of side plate portions standing upright from the ends of the bottom plate portion. The base 100 is made of, for example, a steel plate. However, the base 100 is not limited to this.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, the base 100 has a motor receiving portion 110 as a portion to which the motor 1 is attached. The motor receiving portion 110 is provided on each of a pair of side plate portions of the base 100. The vibration isolator 3 of the motor 1 is placed on the motor receiving portion 110. The motor receiving portion 110 is an edge of a metal plate that constitutes the base 100. Specifically, the motor receiving portion 110 is an arcuate edge formed by cutting out a portion of a side plate portion of the base 100 in an arcuate shape. When the motor 1 is set on the base 100, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the groove 22 of the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 of the motor 1 is fitted into the motor receiving portion 110.

[0052] The motor 1, with the vibration isolator 3 placed on the motor receiving portion 110 of the base 100, is fixed to the base 100 by fastening the vibration isolator 3 with the fastening members 200. Specifically, the vibration isolator 3 is compressed and deformed by fastening the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 with the fastening members 200. This allows the motor 1 to be fixed to the base 100.

[0053] The fastening member 200 is composed of a metal band 210 made of steel plate and a screw 220. In this case, the motor 1 can be fixed to the base 100 as follows.

[0054] First, as shown in Figure 8, the motor 1 is set on the base 100 with the vibration isolator 3 placed on the motor support portion 110. Specifically, the groove 22 of the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 is fitted into the motor support portion 110 of the base 100, and the motor 1 is set on the base 100.

[0055] Next, the locking holes 211 of the metal band 210 shown in FIG. 8 are locked onto the locking pieces 120 of the base 100, and the metal band 210 is placed over the vibration isolator 3 as shown in FIG.

[0056] Next, screws 220 are inserted through the screw holes 212 (see FIG. 8 ) of the metal band 210 and the screw holes 130 (see FIG. 8 ) of the base 100, and the metal band 210 is fastened with the screws 220. As a result, the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 is fastened with the metal band 210. As a result, the metal ring 20 fastens the rubber material 10.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 7 , when the metal ring 20 is fastened by the rubber material 10, the opening width between the dividing portion 21 of the metal ring 20 and the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10 becomes narrower in accordance with the fastening force of the metal band 210. In other words, the vibration isolator 3 is compressed and deformed in the radial direction. As a result, the vibration isolator 3 is compressed and fixed to the motor support portion 110.

[0058] In this way, the motor 1 can be fixed to the base 100 via the vibration isolator 3, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The screws 220 are bolts or screws. If the screws 220 are bolts, the metal band 210 can be tightened using the bolts and nuts.

[0059] In this way, by fitting the groove 22 of the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 into the motor receiving portion 110 of the base 100, the motor 1 can be easily positioned relative to the base 100. At this time, simply placing the vibration isolator 3 on the motor receiving portion 110 may result in the groove 22 of the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 being misaligned with the motor receiving portion 110, causing the motor 1 to fall off the base 100. However, as in this embodiment, by fastening the vibration isolator 3 with the fastening member 200, the motor 1 can be securely fixed to the base 100. In other words, the motor 1 can be prevented from being misaligned with the motor receiving portion 110 and falling off the base 100. In this way, by using a vibration isolator 3 having a metal ring 20 with the groove 22 formed therein, the motor 1 can be positioned and prevented from falling off.

[0060] The effects of using the vibration isolator 3 according to the embodiment will be described in comparison with the effects of using a comparative vibration isolator 3X shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the state when the motor main body 2 is fixed to the base 100 using the comparative vibration isolator 3X.

[0061] 9(a), the vibration isolator 3X of the comparative example differs from the vibration isolator 3 of the present embodiment in that both circumferential ends of the metal ring 20X at the dividing portion 21 are not bent. That is, in the vibration isolator 3X of the comparative example, the metal ring 20X has a groove 22 (not shown), similar to the vibration isolator 3 of the present embodiment. However, the first end 23Xa, which is one circumferential end of the metal ring 20X, and the second end 23Xb, which is the other circumferential end, are not located inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10.

[0062] 6, 7, and 8 using fastening members 200, the motor 1 having the vibration isolator 3X of the comparative example attached thereto is fastened to the base 100 shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, in the same way as when fastening the motor 1 having the vibration isolator 3 of this embodiment attached thereto, the groove 22 of the metal ring 20X of the vibration isolator 3X is fitted into the motor receiving portion 110 of the base 100, and the vibration isolator 3X is fastened by the fastening members 200. This allows the motor having the vibration isolator 3X attached thereto to be fastened to the base 100.

[0063] In this case, when the vibration-damping device 3X is tightened with the tightening member 200, the opening between the dividing portion 21 of the metal ring 20X of the vibration-damping device 3X and the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10 closes and disappears, and the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb, which are both circumferential ends of the metal ring 20X, may butt against each other.

[0064] At this time, because the metal plate constituting the metal ring 20X is thin, the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb of the metal ring 20X may become misaligned (step off), causing the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb to no longer abut, as shown in FIG. 9B . In this case, the tightening member 200 may further tighten the vibration isolator 3X. In other words, the tightening force of the tightening member 200 may become too great, tightening the vibration isolator 3X to the point where tightening is no longer necessary. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B , when the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb of the metal ring 20X become misaligned, one of the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb (the second end 23Xb in FIG. 9B ) may press into the end face of the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10, causing one of the first end 23Xa and the second end 23Xb to pierce the rubber material 10.

[0065] In contrast, in the vibration-damping device 3, as shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the tips of the first end 23a and the second end 23b, which are both circumferential ends of the metal ring 20, are bent so as to be positioned inside the recess 12 of the rubber material 10.

[0066] With this configuration, when the vibration isolator 3 is tightened by the tightening member 200 and the opening between the divided portion 21 of the metal ring 20 of the vibration isolator 3 and the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10 is closed, bringing the rubber end surface 12a and the rubber end surface 12b into contact (when the gap in the recessed portion 12 becomes zero), even if the first end 23a and the second end 23b, which are both circumferential ends of the metal ring 20, are misaligned, the first end 23a and the second end 23b have a bent structure so that their tips are located inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the first end 23a and the outer peripheral surface of the second end 23b only come into contact. In other words, one of the first end 23a and the second end 23b will not pierce the rubber material 10. Therefore, the vibration isolator 3 can be prevented from receiving excessive tightening force.

[0067] In the present embodiment, both the first end 23 a and the second end 23 b of the metal ring 20 are bent. However, this is not limited to this. Specifically, only one of the first end 23 a and the second end 23 b of the metal ring 20 may be bent. In other words, the tip of only one of the first end 23 a and the second end 23 b of the metal ring 20 may be bent so as to be located inside the recess 12 of the rubber material 10.

[0068] Even if the first end 23a and the second end 23b of the metal ring 20 have a bent structure, there is a possibility that the first end 23a and the second end 23b may become misaligned and step off after the first end 23a and the second end 23b come into contact. Therefore, to prevent the first end 23a and the second end 23b from becoming misaligned and step off after the first end 23a and the second end 23b come into contact, the length of the bent portions of the first end 23a and the second end 23b is preferably three times or more the thickness of the metal plate constituting the metal ring 20. This prevents the first end 23a and the second end 23b from becoming misaligned and step off. However, the length of the bent portions of the first end 23a and the second end 23b is preferably one-third or less of the radius of the rubber material 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in the vibration isolator 3 according to the above embodiment, the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10 has a triangular shape in side view. However, this is not limited to this. FIG. 10 is a side view of a vibration isolator 3A according to Modification 1. For example, as in the vibration isolator 3A shown in FIG. 10, the recessed portion 12A of the rubber material 10 may have a rectangular shape in side view. In this case, the first end 23a and the second end 23b of the metal ring 20A are substantially parallel. Although not shown, the recessed portion 12A of the rubber material 10 may have a quadrangular shape in side view, such as a trapezoid. When the recessed portion 12A has a trapezoidal shape in side view, the recessed portion 12A may be formed so that the opening width gradually narrows toward the inside in the radial direction. This makes it easier for the rubber material 10 to undergo radial compression deformation when the metal ring 20A is tightened by the tightening member 200, just as in the case where the recessed portion 12A has a triangular shape in side view.

[0070] Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator 3 according to an embodiment. In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 22 of the metal ring 20 in the vibration isolator 3 is rectangular, as shown in Fig. 11. That is, a pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22 are parallel to each other. However, this is not limited to this. Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator 3B according to Modification 2. Specifically, as in the vibration isolator 3B shown in Fig. 12, a pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22B of the metal ring 20B may be inclined surfaces that gradually narrow in width toward the bottom of the groove 22B. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 22B of the metal ring 20B is triangular.

[0071] By making the pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22B inclined, the edge of the motor receiving portion 110 of the base 100 abuts both of the pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22B. In other words, in the vibration isolator 3 shown in FIG. 11 , the metal ring 20B and the motor receiving portion 110 are fixed only by the frictional force between the flat bottom surface of the groove 22 and the end surface of the motor receiving portion 110 and the repulsive force due to the rubber elasticity of the rubber material 10. However, in the vibration isolator 3B shown in FIG. 12 , the metal ring 20B and the motor receiving portion 110 are fixed with the pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22B abutting against the motor receiving portion 110. This prevents the vibration isolator 3B from shifting in the width direction of the vibration isolator 3B relative to the motor receiving portion 110 when the vibration isolator 3B is tightened by the tightening member 200. Furthermore, by making the pair of inner surfaces of the groove 22B inclined, the contact area between the motor receiving portion 110 and the groove 22B can be reduced. As a result, even if the tightening force of the tightening member 200 is small, the vibration isolator 3B can be stably held on the motor receiving portion 110. Furthermore, even if there is variation in the shapes of the motor receiving portion 110 and the metal ring 20B, the center of the motor receiving portion 110 and the center of the groove 22B of the metal ring 20B do not change. Therefore, it is easy to determine the position of the motor 1 relative to the base 100.

[0072] Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator 3C according to Modification 3. As in the vibration isolator 3C shown in Fig. 13, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 22C of the metal ring 20C may be trapezoidal. In this case, too, the pair of inner side surfaces of the groove 22C are inclined surfaces that gradually narrow the groove width toward the bottom of the groove 22C. Therefore, the vibration isolator 3C can achieve the same effect as the vibration isolator 3B shown in Fig. 12.

[0073] The pair of inner side surfaces of the groove 22B of the metal ring 20B shown in Fig. 12 and the pair of inner side surfaces of the groove 22C of the metal ring 20C shown in Fig. 13 are flat inclined surfaces. However, this is not limiting. For example, the pair of inner side surfaces of the groove 22B and the groove 22C may be curved inclined surfaces.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a side view of a vibration isolator 3D according to Modification 4. As in the vibration isolator 3D shown in FIG. 14, a rubber material 10D may have a recess 14 provided at a position facing the recess 12 across the center of the vibration isolator 3D. In other words, the recess 14 is provided at a position 180° opposite the recess 12. The recess 14 is an outer peripheral surface recess provided on the outer peripheral surface, not on the side surface of the rubber material 10D. Like the recess 12, the recess 14 is a recess formed by recessing the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10D. The outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10D at the recess 14 has an arc shape in side view. As an example, the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10D at the recess 14 is a cylindrical surface.

[0075] In the vibration isolator 3D, the metal ring 20D has a recess 24 provided at a position facing the dividing portion 21 across the center of the vibration isolator 3D. In other words, the recess 24 is provided at a position 180° opposite the dividing portion 21. The recess 24 is a recessed portion formed by depressing the metal ring 20D. The shape of the metal ring 20D at the recess 24 is an arc shape in a side view. As an example, the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring 20D at the recess 24 is a cylindrical surface. The recess 24 of the metal ring 20D is fitted into the recess 14 of the rubber material 10D.

[0076] According to the vibration isolator 3D configured in this manner, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the vibration isolator 3 in the above embodiment.

[0077] If the metal ring 20D of the vibration-damping device 3D shown in Figure 14 does not have a recess 24 (for example, the configuration of the vibration-damping device 3 in the above embodiment), when the vibration-damping device 3D is tightened by the tightening member 200, the tightening force, etc. may cause variations in the deformation of the metal ring 20D, and the first end 23a and second end 23b of the metal ring 20D may become misaligned.

[0078] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 14 , a vibration isolator 3D has a recess 24 formed at a position 180° opposite the dividing portion 21 of the metal ring 20D. When the vibration isolator 3D is tightened by the tightening member 200, the metal ring 20D deforms with the recess 24 as the fulcrum (starting point). In other words, the provision of the recess 24 reduces variation in the starting point of deformation of the metal ring 20D. Therefore, when the vibration isolator 3D is tightened by the tightening member 200, the recess 24 serves as a specific fulcrum, causing the vibration isolator 3D to deform in a uniform manner. As a result, the metal ring 20D can apply a load stress (tightening force) to a specific position on the rubber material 10D. In other words, when the rubber material 10D is tightened by the metal ring 20D, the tightening force received by the rubber material 10D differs at at least two positions in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the metal ring 20D can apply a load stress concentrated at two locations spaced ±90° apart from the dividing portion 21. In this way, the recess 24 functions as a structure that causes the tightening force that the rubber material 10D receives to differ at at least two positions in the circumferential direction when the rubber material 10D is tightened by the metal ring 20D. As a result, when the vibration isolator 3D is tightened by the tightening member 200, the first end 23a and the second end 23b of the metal ring 20D are aligned without misalignment. Therefore, the vibration isolator 3D can more reliably prevent the rubber material 10D from receiving an excessive tightening force.

[0079] In the vibration isolator 3D shown in FIG. 14 , the first end 23 a and the second end 23 b of the metal ring 20D are bent so that their tips are positioned inside the recessed portion 12 of the rubber material 10D. However, this is not limited to this. FIG. 15 is a side view of a vibration isolator 3E according to Variation 5. Specifically, as in the vibration isolator 3E shown in FIG. 15 , the first end 23 a and the second end 23 b of the metal ring 20E are not bent, and the metal ring 20E may simply have a recess 24 at a position 180° opposite the dividing portion 21. In the vibration isolator 3E shown in FIG. 15 , when tightened by the tightening member 200, the metal ring 20E deforms with the recess 24 as a fulcrum (starting point). This reduces variation in the starting point of deformation of the metal ring 20E, and the metal ring 20E can apply a load stress (tightening force) to a specific position on the rubber material 10D. As a result, when the vibration isolator 3E is fastened by the fastening member 200, the first end 23a and the second end 23b of the metal ring 20E are aligned without misalignment. Therefore, even with the structure of the vibration isolator 3E shown in Fig. 15, it is possible to prevent the vibration isolator 3E from being subjected to excessive fastening force.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vibration isolator 3 according to the above embodiment, the metal ring 20 has a divided portion 21. However, this is not limited to this. FIG. 16 is a side view of a vibration isolator 3F according to Modification 6. Specifically, as in the vibration isolator 3F shown in FIG. 16, the metal ring 20F may have a continuous annular shape without any intermediate divisions. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the metal ring 20F may have an uneven structure in which convex portions and concave portions are repeatedly provided around the entire circumference. For example, the metal ring 20F may be configured to have a jagged structure in which convex portions and concave portions with triangular cross sections are repeatedly provided. The multiple convex portions and multiple concave portions of the metal ring 20F may be equally spaced along the circumferential direction. The metal ring 20F may have six or more convex portions and six or more concave portions. In FIG. 16, the metal ring 20F has ten convex portions and ten concave portions. The height of the convex portions and the depth of the concave portions of the metal ring 20F are preferably at least twice the thickness of the metal plate that constitutes the metal ring 20F. However, the height of the convex portions and the depth of the concave portions of the metal ring 20F are preferably no more than one-third of the radius of the rubber material 10F. As shown in Figure 16, in the vibration isolator 3F, the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 10F is in contact with the metal ring 20F, so that it has the same uneven structure as the metal ring 20F.

[0081] In this way, the vibration isolator 3F including the metal ring 20F having the uneven structure can provide the following effects.

[0082] When a motor using a vibration isolator having a continuous, circular metal ring with no interruptions is fixed to a base 100, when the vibration isolator is tightened by a tightening member 200, the tightening force that the rubber material receives from the metal ring is constant, and the repulsive force of the metal ring due to the tightening force (compression force) cannot be released.

[0083] In contrast, when a motor using a vibration isolator 3F shown in FIG. 16 is fixed to a base 100, the metal ring 20F of the vibration isolator 3F has an uneven structure. Therefore, when the vibration isolator 3F is fastened by the fastening member 200, the fastening force that the rubber material 10F receives from the metal ring 20F is not constant, and the repulsive force of the metal ring 20F due to the fastening force (compression force) can be dispersed and released. Specifically, the repulsive force can be dispersed evenly as many times as the number of convex or concave portions in the uneven structure of the metal ring 20F. In this case, when the rubber material 10F is fastened by the metal ring 20F, the fastening force that the rubber material 10F receives differs at at least two positions in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the fastening force that the rubber material 10F receives differs at the positions of the convex and concave portions in the uneven structure of the metal ring 20F, and load stress can be distributed and applied to the rubber material 10F as many times as the number of convex or concave portions in the uneven structure. In this way, the uneven structure of the metal ring 20F functions as a structure that causes the tightening force that the rubber material 10F receives to differ at at least two positions in the circumferential direction when the rubber material 10F is tightened by the metal ring 20F, thereby preventing the vibration isolator 3F from receiving an excessive tightening force.

[0084] From the viewpoint of vibration-damping effect, i.e., preventing vibrations from the motor body from being transmitted to the outside, it is preferable that the hardness of the rubber material 10F of the vibration isolator 3F be low. However, if the tightening force of the tightening member 200 is increased to prevent the motor from falling, the rubber material 10F may compress and deform, making the rubber material 10F denser, increasing the apparent hardness of the rubber material 10F and reducing the vibration-damping effect. In this regard, in a vibration isolator including a metal ring with a divided portion, tightening by the tightening member 200 may cause the denser portion of the rubber material (portion with increased hardness) to be concentrated in a portion of the 360° circumferential direction. However, in the vibration isolator 3F shown in FIG. 16 , the metal ring 20F is a continuous ring without divided portions and has an uneven structure, so the repulsive force of the metal ring 20F caused by the tightening force of the tightening member 200 can be dispersed and released. As a result, even if the tightening force of the tightening member 200 increases, the density of the rubber material 10F can be made uniform in the 360° circumferential direction, and it is possible to prevent the rubber material 10F from becoming dense in parts. This allows the vibration isolator 3F to achieve a stable vibration damping effect.

[0085] (Modifications) The vibration isolator and motor according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0086] For example, the vibration isolator 3 in the above embodiment has the recessed portion 12 provided in the rubber material 10. However, this is not limited to this. In other words, the rubber material 10 of the vibration isolator 3 may not have the recessed portion 12 and the outer circumferential surface may be perfectly circular.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the motor main body 2 is a molded motor. However, this is not limiting. In this case, one of the first bracket 2 e and the second bracket 2 f may be a cylindrical case with a bottom, and the other of the first bracket 2 e and the second bracket 2 f may be a lid that covers an opening of the case.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the motor body 2 is a brushless motor that does not use brushes. However, this is not limiting. For example, the motor body 2 may be a commutator motor that uses brushes and a commutator.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the motor 1 is used as a fan motor for an air conditioner, but this is not limiting. The motor 1 of the present disclosure may be used in devices other than air conditioners, or as a motor other than a fan motor.

[0090] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments and variations that would occur to a person skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also includes any combination of two or more claims from the multiple claims set forth in the claims at the time of filing, provided that there is no technical contradiction. For example, when a dependent claim set forth in the claims at the time of filing is made into a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite all of the superordinate claims within the scope of the technical contradiction, the present disclosure also includes any combination of all claims included in that multiple claim or multiple multiple claims.

[0091] The technology of the present disclosure can be widely used in various devices equipped with motors.

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Motor 2 Motor body 2a Rotor 2a1 Rotating shaft 2b Stator 2c First bearing 2d Second bearing 2e First bracket 2e1 Protruding portion 2f Second bracket 2f1 Protruding portion 2g Molded resin 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F Vibration isolator 10, 10A, 10D, 10F Rubber material (elastic body) 11 Opening 12, 12A Depressed portion 12a, 12b Rubber end surface 13, 14 Recess 13A Hole 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F Metal ring 21 Divided portion 22, 22B, 22C Groove 23a First end 23b Second end 24 Recess 100 Base 110 Motor support portion 120 Locking piece 130 Screw hole 200 Fastening member 210 Metal band 211 Locking hole 212 Screw hole 220 Screw

Claims

1. An annular elastic body, The elastic body comprises a metal ring covering the outer surface of the elastic body, The metal ring has a divided portion in which a part of the circumferential direction of the metal ring is separated, The elastic body has a recessed portion in which the outer surface is recessed at the divided portion, The first end, which is one end of the metal ring in the circumferential direction, is bent so that its tip is located inside the recess. Anti-vibration equipment.

2. The second end, which is the other circumferential end of the metal ring, is bent so that its tip is located inside the recess. The vibration damping device according to claim 1.

3. A vibration damper, An annular elastic body, The elastic body comprises a metal ring covering the outer surface of the elastic body, The vibration damper has a structure that causes the tightening force on the elastic body to differ at two different positions in the circumferential direction when the elastic body is tightened by the metal ring. Anti-vibration equipment.

4. The metal ring has a divided portion in which a part of the circumferential direction of the metal ring is separated, The elastic body has a recessed portion in which the outer surface is recessed at the divided portion, The metal ring has, as part of its structure, a recess provided at a position opposite the dividing portion with respect to the center of the vibration damper. The vibration damping device according to claim 3.

5. The metal ring has a divided portion in which a part of the circumferential direction of the metal ring is separated, The elastic body has a recessed portion in which the outer surface is recessed at the divided portion, The elastic body has a structure in which a plurality of holes are formed in the axial direction that forms the center of the circumferential direction, extending along the annular direction of the elastic body along the circumferential direction. The vibration damping device according to claim 3.

6. The metal ring has a structure in which convex and concave portions are repeatedly provided along its entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The vibration damping device according to claim 3.

7. The metal ring has grooves formed around its entire circumference, The inner surface of the groove is an inclined surface that slopes such that the groove width gradually narrows towards the bottom of the groove. A vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A vibration damper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A rotor having a rotating shaft, The bracket comprises a protruding portion housing a bearing that supports the rotating shaft, The vibration damper is fitted into the protruding portion, Motor.