Electric motor, blower, and air conditioning device

Abstract

This electric motor comprises a rotor, a stator that surrounds the rotor, a lead wire support component that supports a lead wire, and an outer case that covers the stator and the lead wire support component. The lead wire support component has: a holding part that is attached to the stator and that holds the lead wire; and a lead-out part that is provided so as to partially protrude from the outer case and that is for drawing out the lead wire to the exterior of the outer case. The material forming the lead-out part is more flame retardant than the material forming the holding part.

Description

Electric motors, fans and air conditioners

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric motor, a blower, and an air conditioning device.

[0002] There is known an electric motor in which a stator and a lead wire support member that supports lead wires are covered with an outer casing member such as a molded resin part, and a portion of the lead wire support member protrudes outside the outer casing member to allow the lead wires to be drawn out of the electric motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. WO2014 / 148537 (see FIG. 7)

[0004] The lead wire support member is exposed to the outside of the outer casing member and is therefore made of a highly flame-retardant material, but the high material cost of such a flame-retardant material increases the manufacturing cost of the motor.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the manufacturing costs of electric motors.

[0006] The electric motor of the present disclosure includes a rotor, a stator surrounding the rotor, a lead wire support component supporting lead wires, and an outer casing covering the stator and the lead wire support component. The lead wire support component is attached to the stator and has a holding portion that holds the lead wires, and an outlet portion that protrudes partially from the outer casing and leads the lead wires to the outside of the outer casing. The material that forms the outlet portion has higher flame retardancy than the material that forms the holding portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the manufacturing costs of the electric motor can be reduced by forming the lead wire support component's outlet portion from a highly flame-retardant material and forming the holding portion from a material that is less flame-retardant than the lead wire support portion.

[0008] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric motor according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a molded stator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a top view showing a stator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lead wire supporting component according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lead portion according to the first embodiment (A), and a perspective view showing a state in which the lead portion is separated into two; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an engaging portion between a holding portion and a lead portion according to the first embodiment, and a perspective view showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion are separated; FIG. 7 is a plan view (A) and a side view (B) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion according to the first embodiment are engaged, and a side view (C) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion are separated; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method for the electric motor according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a molding die used in the manufacturing process of the electric motor according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric motor of a comparative example; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a molded stator for an electric motor according to a second embodiment; 1 is a plan view (A) and a side view (B) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion of the lead wire support component of embodiment 2 are engaged, and a side view (C) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion are separated. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the electric motor of embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a molded stator of the electric motor of embodiment 3. FIG. 4 is a plan view (A) and a side view (B) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion of the lead wire support component of embodiment 3 are engaged, and a side view (C) showing a state in which the holding portion and the lead portion are separated. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the electric motor of embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an air conditioning device to which the electric motor of each embodiment can be applied, and a diagram showing an outdoor unit of the air conditioning device.

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of electric motor 1> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric motor 1 in embodiment 1. The electric motor 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a brushless DC motor used in, for example, a blower of an air conditioner.

[0011] The electric motor 1 has a rotating shaft 50, a rotor 6 fixed to the rotating shaft 50, and a molded stator 4 surrounding the rotor 6. The molded stator 4 has a stator 3, a lead wire supporting component 10, and a molded resin part 40 as an outer casing member that covers these components.

[0012] In the following description, the direction of the center of rotation of the rotor 6, i.e., the central axis Ax of the rotating shaft 50, will be referred to as the "axial direction." The circumferential direction centered on the central axis Ax will be referred to as the "circumferential direction." The radial direction centered on the central axis Ax will be referred to as the "radial direction." The central axis Ax will also be referred to as the rotation axis.

[0013] The rotating shaft 50 protrudes from the molded stator 4 to one axial side (the left side in FIG. 1 ), and an impeller of a blower, for example, is attached to the protruding portion. Therefore, the protruding side of the rotating shaft 50 is referred to as the "load side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "anti-load side."

[0014] The rotor 6 has a rotor core 60 fixed to the rotating shaft 50 and a plurality of permanent magnets 62 attached to the rotor core 60. The rotating shaft 50 is fixed by press-fitting or the like into a shaft hole formed in the center of the rotor core 60. However, resin or the like may be provided between the rotating shaft 50 and the rotor core 60.

[0015] The rotor core 60 is a cylindrical member centered on the central axis Ax. The rotor core 60 has a plurality of laminated elements stacked in the axial direction. The plurality of laminated elements are integrated by caulking or the like. The laminated elements are, for example, electromagnetic steel sheets, and have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0016] The rotor core 60 has a plurality of magnet insertion holes 61 along its outer periphery. The magnet insertion holes 61 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of magnet insertion holes 61 corresponds to the number of poles of the rotor 6. The number of poles of the rotor 6 is, for example, 6 poles, 8 poles, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0017] A permanent magnet 62 is inserted into each magnet insertion hole 61. The permanent magnet 62 is made of, for example, a rare earth magnet containing neodymium (Nd), iron (Fe), and boron (B). The permanent magnets 62 in each magnet insertion hole 61 form a magnetic pole.

[0018] The rotating shaft 50 is rotatably supported by bearings 51 and 52. The bearing 51 is disposed on the load side of the rotor 6, and the bearing 52 is disposed on the anti-load side of the rotor 6.

[0019] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the molded stator 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the molded stator 4 has a stator 3, a lead wire supporting component 10, and a molded resin portion 40.

[0020] The molded resin portion 40 is formed of a molded resin, such as a thermosetting resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or an epoxy resin. As an example, the molded resin portion 40 is formed of a bulk molding compound (BMC) in which glass fiber or the like is mixed with an unsaturated polyester resin.

[0021] The molded resin part 40 is an outer shell member that covers the stator 3 and the lead wire supporting component 10. The molded resin part 40 is cylindrical with a bottom, and has an opening 41 on the load side and a bottom 42 on the anti-load side. The rotor 6 is inserted into the molded stator 4 through the opening 41.

[0022] A stepped portion 44 is formed on the load side of the molded resin portion 40 so as to surround the opening 41. A metal bracket 55 (FIG. 1) is attached to the stepped portion 44. As shown in FIG. 1, the bracket 55 holds a bearing 51. A bearing 52 is held on the bottom portion 42 of the molded resin portion 40.

[0023] Here, the molded resin part 40 is provided as an example of the outer casing member, but the outer casing member is not limited to the molded resin part 40 and may be, for example, a metal shell.

[0024] <Configuration of Stator 3> Fig. 3 is a top view showing the stator 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the stator 3 has an annular stator core 30 that surrounds the rotor 6 (Fig. 1), a coil 32 wound around the stator core 30, and an insulating portion 31 provided between the stator core 30 and the coil 32.

[0025] The stator core 30 has a plurality of laminated elements stacked in the axial direction. The plurality of laminated elements are integrally fixed by caulking or the like. The laminated elements are, for example, electromagnetic steel sheets. The thickness of the laminated steel sheets is, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0026] The stator core 30 has a yoke 30a extending annularly in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax, and a plurality of teeth 30b extending radially inward from the yoke 30a. The number of teeth 30b is nine here. However, the number of teeth 30b is not limited to nine, and may be two or more.

[0027] Resin insulating portions 31 are provided to surround the teeth 30b of the stator core 30. The insulating portions 31 are formed of insulating resin, for example, thermoplastic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). The insulating portions 31 are formed by integrally molding the resin with the stator core 30 or by assembling a resin molded body to the stator core 30.

[0028] The insulating portion 31 has an outer peripheral wall 31 a located on the outer periphery of the tooth 30 b and an inner peripheral wall 31 b located on the inner periphery of the tooth 30 b. The outer peripheral wall 31 a and the inner peripheral wall 31 b guide the coil 32 wound around the tooth 30 b from both sides in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The outer peripheral wall 31a of the insulating portion 31 is provided with a plurality of pins 33 that support the lead wire supporting component 10 and terminal portions 34 that are electrically connected to the coil 32. In the example shown in Fig. 3, four pins 33 and three terminal portions 34 are provided, but the number is not limited to these.

[0030] The coils 32 are formed of, for example, magnet wire and are wound around the teeth 30b of the stator core 30 via the insulating portion 31. The ends of the magnet wire constituting the coils 32 are connected to terminal portions 34 provided on the insulating portion 31 by fusing, soldering, or the like (see FIG. 4 described later).

[0031] <Configuration of lead wire support part 10> Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the lead wire support part 10. The lead wire support part 10 shown in Fig. 4 is disposed at one axial end of the stator 3, more specifically, at the end on the anti-load side (see Fig. 1). The lead wire support part 10 supports N lead wires 8 (N is an integer of 1 or more).

[0032] The number N of lead wires 8 is 3 in this example. Specifically, the lead wires 8 are lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c that supply U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase electric power to the coil 32 of the electric motor 1. The lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are bundled together with a cable tie B or the like outside the electric motor 1. The lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c will be referred to as lead wire 8 when there is no need to particularly distinguish between them.

[0033] The lead wire support component 10 has a holding portion 11 that holds the lead wire 8 inside the electric motor 1, and an outlet portion 12 that pulls the lead wire 8 out of the electric motor 1. Both the holding portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 are formed of resin, more specifically, a thermoplastic resin such as PBT.

[0034] The outlet portion 12 is made of a material that is more flame-retardant than the holding portion 11. More specifically, the outlet portion 12 is made of a material that is rated V-0 or higher according to the UL94 standard (i.e., a material rated 5VA, 5VB, or V-0). On the other hand, the holding portion 11 is made of a material that is rated less than V-0 according to the UL94 standard (i.e., a material rated V-1, V-2, or HB). Flame retardancy and the UL94 standard will be described later.

[0035] The lead wires 8 are held in a routed state by the holding portion 11. The holding portion 11 has an annular base 110 that is attached to the stator 3 (FIG. 1). The annular base 110 is formed in an annular shape centered on the central axis Ax.

[0036] The annular base 110 has mounting legs 119 along its outer periphery. Here, four mounting legs 119 are arranged circumferentially, but the number of mounting legs 119 may be one or more. The mounting legs 119 abut against the axial end face of the outer peripheral wall 31 a ( FIG. 3 ) of the insulating portion 31.

[0037] The mounting legs 119 have mounting holes 119a through which the pins 33 (FIG. 3) of the stator 3 are inserted. The pins 33 (FIG. 3) are heat-welded while inserted into the mounting holes 119a, thereby fixing the holding portion 11 to the stator 3.

[0038] Between two of the four mounting legs 119 of the annular base 110, a receiving portion 111 is formed, which is a recess for mounting the lead portion 12.

[0039] A lead wire guide 112 for holding the lead wires 8 is formed radially inside the housing portion 111 of the annular base 110. The lead wire guide 112 has three grooves 112a (FIG. 6A) through which the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c pass in the radial direction.

[0040] The three grooves 112a of the lead wire guide 112 are formed, for example, side by side in the circumferential direction. When the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c pass through the grooves 112a of the lead wire guide 112, the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are held on the holding portion 11.

[0041] Three lead wire end holding portions 116, the same number as the number of lead wires 8 (i.e., N), are arranged on the outer periphery of the annular base 110. Core wire holding portions 117 are arranged circumferentially spaced from each lead wire end holding portion 116. The end portions of the lead wires 8 are held by the lead wire end holding portions 116, and the core wires 80 from which the coating of the lead wires 8 has been stripped are held by the core wire holding portions 117.

[0042] When the lead wire support component 10 is attached to the stator 3, the terminal portion 34 (FIG. 3) of the stator 3 is located between the lead wire end holding portion 116 and the core wire holding portion 117. The core wire 80 of the lead wire 8 held between the lead wire end holding portion 116 and the core wire holding portion 117 is joined to the terminal portion 34 by fusing or soldering.

[0043] Fig. 5(A) is a perspective view showing the lead portion 12. As shown in Fig. 5(A), the lead portion 12 has a lead portion main body 120 that can be accommodated in the accommodation portion 111 (Fig. 4) of the holding portion 11, and a protrusion 125 as a second engagement portion that protrudes radially inward from the lead portion main body 120. The protrusion 125 is provided on both circumferential ends of the lead portion main body 120. The protrusion 125 is formed, for example, as a plate-like piece having a thickness in the axial direction.

[0044] Three holes 123 are formed in the lead portion body 120 to allow the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c to pass through. The holes 123 are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction and all extend radially. When the lead portion 12 is attached to the housing portion 111 (FIG. 4) of the holder 11, the holes 123 in the lead portion body 120 face the lead wire guide 112 (FIG. 4).

[0045] Fig. 5(B) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the lead-out portion 12. As shown in Fig. 5(B), the lead-out portion main body 120 of the lead-out portion 12 is configured to be separable in the axial direction on a plane passing through the three holes 123 into a first portion 121 and a second portion 122.

[0046] The first part 121 and the second part 122 can be fitted to each other. Specifically, the first part 121 has a protrusion 121a, and the second part 122 has a recess 122a into which the protrusion 121a fits. However, this is not limited to the protrusion 121a and the recess 122a, and it is sufficient that the first part 121 and the second part 122 have a part that can be fitted to each other (i.e., a fitting portion).

[0047] When the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 are separated from each other, the hole 123 is divided by the plane, and a groove having a semicircular cross section is formed in each of the first portion 121 and the second portion 122. The lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are aligned with the grooves, and the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 are combined in the axial direction, thereby assembling the lead portion 12.

[0048] The above-described protrusion 125 is formed on the first portion 121. Therefore, the first portion 121 may be attached to the annular base 110 first, the lead wires 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c may be aligned with the grooves of the first portion 121, and then the second portion 122 may be attached to the first portion 121.

[0049] Fig. 6(A) is a perspective view showing the engagement portion between the holding portion 11 and the lead-out portion 12. As shown in Fig. 6(A), recesses 115 are formed on both circumferential sides of the accommodation portion 111 in the annular base 110 of the holding portion 11. The recesses 115 are formed between a first protruding piece 113 and a second protruding piece 114 formed on the annular base 110.

[0050] The protruding pieces 113, 114 protrude radially outward from the annular base 110 and face each other in the axial direction. The second protruding piece 114 is located axially between the first protruding piece 113 and the stator core 30. The recessed portion 115 opens radially outward and engages with the protruding portion 125 of the lead portion 12.

[0051] The projection 125 of the lead portion 12 engages with the recess 115 of the holding portion 11, thereby integrating the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12. The projection amount of the second protruding piece 114 is greater than the projection amount of the first protruding piece 113, so that the projection 125 of the lead portion 12 can be held on the second protruding piece 114.

[0052] Fig. 6(B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 have been separated. As shown in Fig. 6(B), by pulling the lead portion 12 outward in the radial direction, the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11 and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12 is released, and the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are separated. It is desirable that the recess 115 and the protrusion 125 are engaged in an engagement state that allows them to be separated with a relatively light force.

[0053] Fig. 7A is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11 and the lead outlet portion 12 of the lead wire support component 10 are engaged with each other. Fig. 7B is a side view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11 and the lead outlet portion 12 of the lead wire support component 10 are engaged with each other.

[0054] 7A and 7B, the recess 115 of the holding portion 11 engages with the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12, thereby integrating the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 to form the lead wire support component 10. In the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1, the lead wire support component 10 is handled as a single component.

[0055] 7(C) is a side view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 of the lead wire supporting component 10 are separated. As shown in Fig. 7(C), the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are separated by releasing the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11 and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12. When the molded stator 4 is completed, the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are held in the molded resin part 40 in a state in which they are spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0056] Although the case where the holding portion 11 has the recess 115 and the lead portion 12 has the protrusion 125 has been described here, the holding portion 11 may have a protrusion and the lead portion 12 may have a recess. Furthermore, the combination is not limited to a protrusion and a recess, as long as the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 can be engaged with each other.

[0057] In addition, although an example has been described here in which the holding portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 are spaced apart in the axial direction and held by the molded resin portion 40, the holding portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 may also be held by the molded resin portion 40 in contact with each other.

[0058] <Manufacturing Method> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1. First, a plurality of laminated elements are stacked in the axial direction and fixed by caulking or the like to form the stator core 30 (step S101).

[0059] Next, the insulating portion 31 is attached to the stator core 30 or is integrally formed therewith (step S102). Furthermore, the coil 32 is wound around the stator core 30 with the insulating portion 31 interposed therebetween (step S103). In this way, the stator 3 is formed. Steps S101 to S103 correspond to the process of manufacturing the stator 3.

[0060] Next, the lead wires 8 are attached to the lead wire support component 10 (step S104). Specifically, the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are placed in the holder 11 and held by the lead wire guide 112. The lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are routed as shown in FIG. 4, and the ends of the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are fixed to the lead wire end holder 116.

[0061] Before attaching the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c to the holding portion 11, it is desirable to attach the first portion 121 of the lead portion 12 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) to the holding portion 11. In this case, the convex portion 125 of the first portion 121 of the lead wire 12 is engaged with the concave portion 115 of the holding portion 11. Thereafter, the second portion 122 is attached to the first portion 121 so that the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c are accommodated in the holes 123.

[0062] Next, the lead wire support part 10 is attached to the stator 3 (step S105). Specifically, the pins 33 (FIG. 3) of the stator 3 are inserted into the mounting holes 119a (FIG. 4) of the mounting legs 119 of the lead wire support part 10, and the tips of the pins 33 are welded to fix the lead wire support part 10 to the stator 3.

[0063] Furthermore, the lead wires 8a, 8b, and 8c arranged in the holding portion 11 are connected to the terminal portions 34 of the stator 3 (step S106). Specifically, the core wire 80 of the lead wire 8 held between the lead wire end holding portion 116 and the core wire holding portion 117 shown in FIG. 4 is joined to the terminal portions 34 of the stator 3 (FIG. 3) by fusing or soldering.

[0064] Next, the stator 3 and the lead wire supporting part 10 are placed in the molding die 7 for molding (step S107).

[0065] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the molding die 7 and the stator 3 and lead wire supporting component 10 placed therein. As shown in Fig. 9, the molding die 7 has a fixed die 71 which is a lower die and a movable die 72 which is an upper die. The fixed die 71 and the movable die 72 have mating surfaces 71a, 72a which face each other.

[0066] The fixed mold 71 has a cavity 73 which is a molding space, a core 74 formed in the center of the cavity 73, and a supply port 75 for supplying resin to the cavity 73. The stator 3 with the lead wire support part 10 attached is housed in the cavity 73. The core 74 of the fixed mold 71 fits into the inner periphery of the stator 3, holding the stator 3 and the lead wire support part 10.

[0067] The movable mold 72 is provided so as to be movable relative to the fixed mold 71. When the movable mold 72 is in the closed position shown in Fig. 9, the cavity 73 of the fixed mold 71 is closed by the movable mold 72. When the movable mold 72 rises from the position shown in Fig. 9, the cavity 73 of the fixed mold 71 is opened.

[0068] In addition, between the fixed mold 71 and the movable mold 72, there are formed a receiving portion 76 which is a recess that accommodates the outlet portion 12 of the lead wire support component 10, and an extraction hole 77 that extracts the lead wire 8 to the outside of the molding mold 7.

[0069] In step S107 , the movable mold 72 is raised to open the cavity 73 of the fixed mold 71 , and the stator 3 with the lead wire supporting part 10 attached thereto is placed in the cavity 73 .

[0070] 7(C), the lead wire support component 10 is separated into the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12, the lead wire 8 is drawn out through the drawing hole 77, and the lead portion 12 is housed in the receiving portion 76. In other words, the holding portion 11 is left on the stator 3, and the lead portion 12 is held at a position separated from the holding portion 11.

[0071] Next, the stator 3, the holding portion 11, and the lead portion 12 are molded (step S108). That is, the movable mold 72 is lowered to close the cavity 73 of the fixed mold 71. Then, molten molding resin is injected from the supply port 75 of the molding mold 7. The molding resin, such as BMC, fills the cavity 73 and covers the stator 3, the holding portion 11, and the lead portion 12.

[0072] Thereafter, the molding die 7 is heated to the hardening temperature of the molding resin to harden the molding resin, thereby forming the molding resin part 40 shown in Fig. 1. The molding resin part 40 holds the holding part 11 and the lead-out part 12 at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0073] This completes the molded stator 4, in which the stator 3 and the lead wire supporting component 10 are covered with the molded resin portion 40. Steps S101 to S108 correspond to the manufacturing process of the molded stator 4.

[0074] Separately from steps S101 to S108, the rotor 6 is formed. That is, a plurality of laminated elements are stacked in the axial direction and fixed by caulking or the like to form the rotor core 60 (step S109), and permanent magnets 62 are inserted into the magnet insertion holes 61 of the rotor core 60 (step S110). In this way, the rotor 6 is formed. Steps S109 to S110 correspond to the process of manufacturing the rotor 6.

[0075] Thereafter, the rotor 6 is inserted into the molded stator 4 (step S111). Specifically, the rotating shaft 50 is attached to the rotor 6, bearings 51 and 52 are attached to the rotating shaft 50, and the rotor 6 is inserted into the molded stator 4 through the opening 41. In addition, the bracket 55 is attached to the stepped portion 44 of the molded stator 4. This completes the electric motor 1.

[0076] <Configuration for preventing fire spread> A configuration for preventing fire spread in the electric motor 1 of embodiment 1 will be described. First, a comparative electric motor 1C will be described, which is contrasted with the electric motor 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the comparative electric motor 1C. The electric motor 1C has a lead wire support part 10C instead of the lead wire support part 10 of embodiment 1. While the lead wire support part 10 of embodiment 1 has a holding part 11 and an outlet part 12, the lead wire support part 10C is formed integrally.

[0077] The lead wire support part 10C is supported on the stator 3 of the molded stator 4C and protrudes outside the molded resin part 40. In order to prevent the fire from spreading to the outside of the electric motor 1C when the lead wire support part 10C catches fire, the entire lead wire support part 10C is made of a highly flame-retardant material.

[0078] However, highly flame-retardant materials are expensive, and forming the entire lead wire supporting component 10C from a highly flame-retardant material increases the manufacturing cost of the electric motor 1C.

[0079] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are formed of materials with different flame retardancies. That is, the flame retardancy of the material forming the lead portion 12 is higher than the flame retardancy of the material forming the holding portion 11. This allows for a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the electric motor 1 compared to the comparative example in which the entire lead wire supporting component 10C is formed of a highly flame retardant material.

[0080] The UL94 Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances is widely used worldwide as an index representing the flame retardancy of plastics.

[0081] The UL94 standard defines six grades of flame retardancy: 5VA, 5VB, V-0, V-1, V-2, and HB, with 5VA being the most flame retardant and HB being the least flame retardant.

[0082] The flame retardancy of the lead portion 12 is V-0 or higher according to the UL94 standard. That is, the flame retardancy of the lead portion 12 is 5VA, 5VB, or V-0 according to the UL94 standard. On the other hand, the flame retardancy of the holding portion 11 is less than V-0 according to the UL94 standard. That is, the flame retardancy of the lead portion 12 is V-1, V-2, or HB according to the UL94 standard.

[0083] The holding portion 11 and the lead-out portion 12 are made of a resin material, such as PBT. A flame retardant is added to the material forming the lead-out portion 12. As the flame retardant, a commonly known flame retardant such as a halogen-based flame retardant, a phosphorus-based flame retardant, or an inorganic flame retardant can be used.

[0084] On the other hand, no flame retardant is added to the material forming the holding portion 11. Alternatively, a smaller amount of flame retardant may be added to the holding portion 11 than to the outlet portion 12. In either case, the flame retardancy of the material forming the outlet portion 12 is higher than the flame retardancy of the material forming the holding portion 11.

[0085] The lead portion 12 protrudes to the outside of the molded resin portion 40, whereas the holding portion 11 is covered by the molded resin portion 40. Therefore, forming the lead portion 12 from a highly flame-retardant material has the effect of preventing the spread of fire to the outside of the electric motor 1. Furthermore, forming the holding portion 11 from a material with lower flame retardancy than the lead portion 12 can reduce material costs.

[0086] In other words, by forming the outlet portion 12 from a highly flame-retardant material and forming the retaining portion 11 covered by the molded resin portion 40 from a material that is less flame-retardant than the outlet portion 12, it is possible to suppress the spread of fire to the outside of the motor 1 while keeping the manufacturing cost of the motor 1 low.

[0087] In addition to the UL94 standard, there is also the oxygen index, which indicates the minimum oxygen concentration required to sustain combustion when a plastic is exposed to flame, and is specified in JIS K7201. The more flame-retardant a material is, the higher its oxygen index will be.

[0088] The oxygen index of the material forming the outlet portion 12 is higher than the oxygen index of the material forming the holding portion 11. For example, it is desirable that the oxygen index of the material forming the outlet portion 12 is 27 or higher. In general, materials with an oxygen index of 27 or higher are considered to be flame-resistant. On the other hand, the oxygen index of the material forming the holding portion 11 may be lower than 27.

[0089] High flame retardancy is required for molded resin portion 40 because it is an outer casing component of electric motor 1. However, by forming molded resin portion 40 so that the thickness of its thinnest part (i.e., minimum thickness) is 2.5 mm or more, the burning rate can be slowed and the effect of preventing the spread of fire for electric motor 1 as a whole can be obtained.

[0090] 2, the thinnest portion of molded resin portion 40 is between the outer peripheral surface of stator core 30 and the outer peripheral surface of molded resin portion 40. By making the thickness T1 of this portion 2.5 mm or more, the burning speed can be slowed down, and the effect of preventing the fire from spreading throughout electric motor 1 can be obtained.

[0091] Furthermore, molded resin portion 40 has a portion that surrounds holding portion 11 of lead wire supporting component 10. By setting the minimum thickness T2 of molded resin portion 40 that surrounds holding portion 11 to 2.5 mm or more, the burning rate can be slowed down, and the effect of preventing the fire from spreading throughout electric motor 1 can be obtained.

[0092] Furthermore, in the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment, the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are spaced apart, so that the holding portion 11 can be completely covered with the molded resin portion 40. This enhances the effect of preventing the spread of fire to the outside of the electric motor 1.

[0093] Furthermore, since the holding portion 11 and the lead-out portion 12 of the lead wire support component 10 are molded with mold resin, the holding portion 11 and the lead-out portion 12 can be positioned by the mold resin portion 40 .

[0094] Furthermore, since the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are molded with mold resin together with the stator 3, the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 can be positioned using the mold resin portion 40 that covers the stator 3. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1.

[0095] Furthermore, because the holding portion 11 is supported by the stator 3, the stator 3 and the holding portion 11 can be handled as a single component in the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1, simplifying the handling of the components. Furthermore, by integrating the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12, the stator 3, the holding portion 11, and the lead portion 12 can be handled as a single component, further simplifying the handling of the components.

[0096] Furthermore, since the holding portion 11 is supported by the insulating portion 31 of the stator 3 and the insulating portion 31 can be formed by resin molding, it is possible to easily form the support structure for the holding portion 11. Since the insulating portion 31 is covered by the molded resin portion 40, it can be formed from a material that is less flame-retardant than the material from which the lead portion 12 is formed.

[0097] Effect of First Embodiment As described above, the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment includes the rotor 6, the stator 3 surrounding the rotor 6, the lead wire support component 10 supporting the lead wires 8, and the molded resin part 40 as an outer casing member covering the stator 3 and the lead wire support component 10. The lead wire support component 10 has a holding part 11 attached to the stator 3 and supporting the lead wires 8, and an outlet part 12 provided so as to partially protrude from the molded resin part 40 and for leading the lead wires 8 to the outside of the electric motor 1. The material forming the lead part 12 has higher flame retardancy than the material forming the holding part 11.

[0098] In this way, since the flame retardancy of the material forming the outlet portion 12 is higher than that of the material forming the holding portion 11, the spread of fire to the outside of the motor 1 is prevented and the material cost of the lead wire support part 10 is reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the motor 1.

[0099] Furthermore, since the material forming the outlet portion 12 has a flame retardancy of V-0 or higher according to the UL94 standard, and the material forming the holding portion 11 has a flame retardancy of less than V-0 according to the UL94 standard, the flame retardancy of the outlet portion 12 is improved and the material cost of the holding portion 11 can be reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, since the oxygen index of the material forming the outlet portion 12 is higher than the oxygen index of the material forming the retaining portion 11, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring the fire spread prevention effect of the electric motor 1 as a whole.

[0101] Furthermore, since the material forming the outlet portion 12 has an oxygen index of 27 or more, the effect of preventing the spread of fire at the outlet portion 12 can be particularly enhanced.

[0102] Furthermore, since the flame retardancy of the material of the molded resin portion 40, which is the outer casing member, is lower than the flame retardancy of the material forming the outlet portion 12, by setting the minimum thickness of the molded resin portion 40, etc., it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring the fire spread prevention effect of the electric motor 1 as a whole.

[0103] Furthermore, since a flame retardant is added to the material forming the outlet portion 12, the flame retardancy of the outlet portion 12 is improved, and the effect of preventing the spread of fire at the outlet portion 12 can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, since the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 are molded with mold resin, the holding portion 11 and the lead portion 12 can be positioned by the mold resin portion 40 .

[0105] Furthermore, since the holding portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 are molded together with the stator 3 using molded resin, the holding portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 can be positioned using the molded resin portion 40 that molds the stator 3, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1.

[0106] Furthermore, because the holding portion 11 is supported by the stator 3, the stator 3 and the holding portion 11 can be handled as a single component in the manufacturing process of the electric motor 1, simplifying handling of the components. Furthermore, because the holding portion 11 is supported by the insulating portion 31 of the stator 3, the support structure for the holding portion 11 can be easily formed by resin molding or the like.

[0107] Furthermore, since the material forming the insulating portion 31 has lower flame retardancy than the material forming the lead-out portion 12, the material cost of the insulating portion 31 can be reduced.

[0108] Furthermore, molded resin portion 40, which is the outer casing member, is formed so that the thickness of the portion surrounding retaining portion 11 is 2.5 mm or more at its thinnest point, which has the effect of slowing the rate of combustion. Therefore, even if retaining portion 11 is made of a material with relatively low flame retardancy, the effect of preventing the spread of fire can be achieved for electric motor 1 as a whole.

[0109] Furthermore, since the thickness of the thinnest part of the molded resin part 40, which is the outer casing member, is 2.5 mm or more, the burning speed is slowed down, and the effect of preventing the fire from spreading throughout the entire motor 1 can be obtained.

[0110] Embodiment 2. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a molded stator 4A of an electric motor according to embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 11, the electric motor according to embodiment 2 differs from electric motor 1 according to embodiment 1 in that a sensor board 20 is attached to a holding portion 11A of a lead wire supporting component 10A, and two types of lead wires 8 and 9 are drawn out from an outlet portion 12A.

[0111] The sensor board 20 is, for example, a board on which a magnetic sensor for detecting the rotational position of the rotor 6 is mounted. Lead wires 9, which are sensor lead wires for transmitting detection signals of the magnetic sensor to a control circuit external to the electric motor 1, are drawn out from the sensor board 20. The number of lead wires 9 is, for example, five, but is not limited to five.

[0112] The other lead wire 8 is a power supply lead wire electrically connected to the coil 32 of the stator 3 as described in the first embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 12(A) is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A of the lead wire supporting component 10A are engaged with each other in the electric motor of embodiment 2. Fig. 12(B) is a side view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A are engaged with each other.

[0114] 12A and 12B, in the electric motor of the second embodiment, the sensor board 20 is attached to a board attachment portion 131 provided on the holding portion 11A. The board attachment portion 131 is, for example, a recess formed on the surface of the lead wire supporting component 10A, but may be any portion to which the sensor board 20 can be attached.

[0115] Connection terminals 21 to which the lead wires 9 are connected are provided on the surface of the sensor substrate 20. Here, five connection terminals 21, the same number as the number of lead wires 9, are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction. The lead wires 9 connected to the connection terminals 21 are drawn out to the outside through holes 129 formed in the outlet portion 12A.

[0116] As in the first embodiment, the lead wire 8 is held by the lead wire guide 112 provided in the holding portion 11A and is pulled out to the outside through a hole 123 (FIG. 12B) formed in the outlet portion 12A.

[0117] The lead portion 12A has a hole 123 ( FIG. 12(B) ) through which the lead wire 8 passes, and a hole 129 through which the lead wire 9 passes. The holes 123 and 129 are formed at different positions in the axial direction. However, the holes 123 and 129 may be formed at the same axial position. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 5(B) , the lead portion 12A may be made up of multiple components, and the lead wires 8 and 9 may be arranged between the multiple components.

[0118] As described in the first embodiment, the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A are integrated by the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11A and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12A. Note that the protrusion of the holding portion 11A may be engaged with the recess of the lead portion 12A.

[0119] 12(C) is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A of the lead wire supporting component 10A are separated. As shown in FIG. 12(C), the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A are separated by releasing the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11A and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12A. When the molded stator 4 is completed, the holding portion 11A and the lead portion 12A are held in the molded resin portion 40 in a state in which they are spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0120] The materials forming the components of molded stator 4A of embodiment 2 are the same as the materials forming the components of molded stator 4 of embodiment 1. Therefore, the material forming lead portion 12A has higher flame retardancy than the material forming holding portion 11A.

[0121] 13 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the electric motor according to embodiment 2. The manufacturing process of the stator 3 (steps S101 to S103) is the same as that described in embodiment 1.

[0122] Next, the lead wires 8 and 9 are attached to the lead wire support component 10A (step S104). The arrangement of the lead wire 8 in the holding portion 11A is as described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the lead wires 8 and 9 are attached to the lead portion 12A.

[0123] That is, the lead wire 8 is inserted through the hole 123 of the lead portion 12A, and the lead wire 9 is inserted through the hole 129. As described in the first embodiment with reference to Figures 5(A) and (B) , the lead wires 8 and 9 may be accommodated in the holes 123 and 129 by combining multiple portions of the lead portion 12A.

[0124] Next, the lead wire supporting part 10A is attached to the stator 3 (step S105). The method for fixing the lead wire supporting part 10A to the stator 3 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0125] Next, the sensor board 20 is attached to the lead wire supporting part 10A (step S201). Specifically, the sensor board 20 is attached to the board attachment part 131 of the holding part 11A of the lead wire supporting part 10A. The sensor board 20 may be fixed by adhesive or by other methods.

[0126] Furthermore, of the lead wires 8 and 9 arranged on the lead wire supporting part 10A, the lead wire 8 is connected to the terminal portion 34 of the stator 3, and the lead wire 9 is connected to the connection terminal 21 of the sensor board 20 (step S202). As a result, the lead wire 8 is electrically connected to the coil 32 of the stator 3, and the lead wire 9 is electrically connected to the sensor board 20.

[0127] Next, the stator 3 and the lead wire support part 10A are placed in the molding die 7 (FIG. 1) (step S107), and molding is performed (step S108). This completes the molded stator 4, in which the lead wire support part 10A with the sensor substrate 20 attached and the stator 3 are covered with the molded resin part 40.

[0128] The manufacturing process of rotor 6 (steps S109 to S110) and the process of inserting rotor 6 into molded stator 4 (step S111) are the same as those described in embodiment 1. In this way, the electric motor of embodiment 2 is completed.

[0129] Except for the points mentioned above, the electric motor of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment.

[0130] As described above, in the electric motor of embodiment 2, lead wire supporting component 10A has holding portion 11A and lead portion 12A, sensor board 20 is attached to holding portion 11A, and lead portion 12A is made of a material with higher flame retardancy than holding portion 11A, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs while preventing fire from spreading to the outside of the electric motor.

[0131] Embodiment 3. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a molded stator 4B of an electric motor according to embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 14, the electric motor according to embodiment 3 differs from electric motor 1 according to embodiment 1 in that a drive circuit board 25 is attached to a holding portion 11B of a lead wire supporting component 10B.

[0132] The drive circuit board 25 is a board on which, for example, at least a part of an inverter circuit or the like for driving the electric motor 1 is mounted. Lead wires 13 for receiving control signals from an external control circuit are drawn out from the drive circuit board 25. The number of lead wires 13 is, for example, three, but is not limited to three.

[0133] The drive circuit board 25 is also electrically connected to the coil 32 of the stator 3 via the lead wires 8 (FIG. 15B) arranged on the lead wire supporting part 10B.

[0134] Fig. 15(A) is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B of the lead wire supporting component 10B are engaged with each other in the electric motor of embodiment 3. Fig. 15(B) is a side view schematically showing a state in which the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B are engaged with each other.

[0135] 15A and 15B, in the electric motor of the third embodiment, the drive circuit board 25 is attached to a board attachment portion 131 provided on the holding portion 11B. The board attachment portion 131 is, for example, a recess formed in the surface of the lead wire supporting component 10B, but it may be any portion to which the drive circuit board 25 can be attached.

[0136] Connection terminals 26 to which the lead wires 13 are connected are provided on the surface of the drive circuit board 25. Here, three connection terminals 26, the same number as the number of lead wires 13, are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction. The lead wires 13 connected to the connection terminals 26 pass through three holes 123 in the outlet portion 12B and are drawn out to the outside.

[0137] As described in the first embodiment, the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B are integrated by the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11B and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12B. Note that the protrusion of the holding portion 11B may be engaged with the recess of the lead portion 12B.

[0138] 15(C) is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B of the lead wire supporting component 10B are separated. As shown in FIG. 15(C), the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B are separated by releasing the engagement between the recess 115 of the holding portion 11B and the protrusion 125 of the lead portion 12B. When the molded stator 4 is completed, the holding portion 11B and the lead portion 12B are held in the molded resin portion 40 in a state in which they are spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0139] The materials forming the components of molded stator 4B of embodiment 3 are the same as the materials forming the components of molded stator 4 of embodiment 1. Therefore, the material forming lead portion 12B has higher flame retardancy than the material forming holding portion 11B.

[0140] 16 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the electric motor according to embodiment 3. The manufacturing process of the stator 3 (steps S101 to S103) is the same as that described in embodiment 1.

[0141] Next, the lead wire 13 is attached to the lead wire support component 10B (step S104). Specifically, the lead wire 13 is attached to the lead portion 12B. At this time, the lead wire 13 may be inserted through the hole 123 of the lead portion 12B, or, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lead wire 13 may be accommodated in the hole 123 by combining multiple portions of the lead portion 12B.

[0142] Furthermore, the lead wire 8 (FIG. 15A) connecting the coil 32 and the drive circuit board 25 is placed on the holding portion 11B of the lead wire support part 10B and held by the lead wire guide 112.

[0143] Next, the drive circuit board 25 is attached to the lead wire support part 10B (step S301). Specifically, the drive circuit board 25 is attached to the board attachment part 131 of the holding part 11B of the lead wire support part 10B. The drive circuit board 25 may be fixed by adhesive or by other methods. Furthermore, the lead wire 13 is connected to the connection terminal 26 of the drive circuit board 25, and the lead wire 8 is connected to another connection terminal of the drive circuit board 25.

[0144] Next, the lead wire supporting part 10B is attached to the stator 3 (step S105). The method for fixing the lead wire supporting part 10B to the stator 3 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0145] Next, the lead wires 8 are connected to the terminal portions 34 of the stator 3 (step S106). As a result, the drive circuit board 25 is electrically connected to the coils 32 of the stator 3 via the lead wires 8.

[0146] Next, the stator 3 and the lead wire support part 10B are placed in the molding die 7 (FIG. 1) (step S107), and molding is performed (step S108). This completes the molded stator 4 in which the lead wire support part 10B with the drive circuit board 25 attached and the stator 3 are covered with the molded resin part 40.

[0147] The manufacturing process of rotor 6 (steps S109 to S110) and the process of inserting rotor 6 into molded stator 4 (step S111) are the same as those described in embodiment 1. In this way, electric motor 1 is completed.

[0148] Except for the points mentioned above, the electric motor of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment.

[0149] As described above, in the electric motor of embodiment 3, lead wire support component 10B has holding portion 11B and lead portion 12B, drive circuit board 25 is attached to holding portion 11B, and lead portion 12B is made of a material with higher flame retardancy than holding portion 11B, making it possible to reduce manufacturing costs while preventing fire from spreading to the outside of the electric motor.

[0150] <Air Conditioning Apparatus> Next, an air conditioning apparatus to which the electric motor of each embodiment can be applied will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 200 to which the electric motor of embodiment 1 is applied. The air conditioning apparatus 200 includes an outdoor unit 201 and an indoor unit 202. The outdoor unit 201 and the indoor unit 202 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 203.

[0151] The outdoor unit 201 includes an outdoor blower 210 as a blower, a compressor 204, a heat exchanger 205, a pressure reducing device (not shown), and a housing 206 that houses these components. The outdoor blower 210 is, for example, a propeller fan, and includes the electric motor 1 and an impeller 211 fixed to the rotating shaft 50 of the electric motor 1.

[0152] The indoor unit 202 has an indoor fan 220 as a blower, a heat exchanger 222, and a housing 223 that houses these components. The indoor fan 220 is, for example, a crossflow fan, and has an impeller 221 and an electric motor 1M that drives the impeller 221.

[0153] The compressor 204, heat exchanger 205 and pressure reducing device of the outdoor unit 201, and the heat exchanger 222 of the indoor unit 202 are connected by refrigerant piping 203 to form a refrigerant circuit.

[0154] In the outdoor unit 201, the rotation of the motor 1 of the outdoor blower 210 rotates the impeller 211, causing outdoor air to pass through the heat exchanger 205. During heating operation, when the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 204 evaporates in the heat exchanger 205, the air passing through the heat exchanger 205 is cooled by the heat of evaporation being absorbed from it. The cooled air is blown outside by the rotation of the impeller 211.

[0155] In the indoor unit 202, an impeller 221 rotates due to rotation of the motor 1M of the indoor blower 220. During heating operation, air heated when the refrigerant condenses in the heat exchanger 222 is blown into the room by the rotation of the impeller 221.

[0156] In the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve flame retardancy while reducing manufacturing costs, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs and improving operational reliability of the outdoor blower 210. As a result, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs and improve operational reliability of the air conditioning device 200.

[0157] The electric motor of the second or third embodiment may be used instead of the electric motor 1 of the first embodiment. Although the electric motor 1 is used as the drive source for the outdoor blower 210 here, it is sufficient that the electric motor 1 is used as the drive source for at least one of the outdoor blower 210 and the indoor blower 220.

[0158] Furthermore, the electric motor 1 described in each embodiment can also be mounted on electrical equipment other than the fan of an air conditioner.

[0159] Although the preferred embodiments have been specifically described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made.

[0160] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1M Electric motor, 3 Stator, 4, 4A, 4B Molded stator, 6 Rotor, 7, 7B Molding die, 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Lead wire, 9 Lead wire, 10, 10A, 10B Lead wire support part, 11A, 11B Holding part, 12A, 12B Lead outlet part, 13 Lead wire, 20 Sensor board (board), 25 Drive circuit board (board), 30 Stator core, 31 Insulating part, 31a Outer circumferential wall, 31b Inner circumferential wall, 32 Coil, 33 Pin, 34 Terminal, 40 Molded resin part (outer shell member), 50 Rotating shaft, 55 Bracket, 60 Rotor core, 61 Magnet insertion hole, 62 Permanent magnet, 71 Fixed die, 72 Movable die 73 Cavity, 76 Receiving portion, 77 Pull-out hole, 78 Guide surface, 110 Annular base, 111 Storage portion, 112 Lead wire guide, 115 Recessed portion (first engaging portion), 118 Protruding portion (first engaging portion), 120 Outlet portion main body, 121 First portion, 122 Second portion, 123 Hole, 125 Protruding portion (second engaging portion), 128 Recessed portion (second engaging portion), 131 Board mounting portion, 200 Air conditioning apparatus, 201 Outdoor unit, 202 Indoor unit, 210 Outdoor blower (blower), 211 Impeller, 220 Indoor blower (blower), 221 Impeller.

Claims

1. An electric motor comprising: a rotor; a stator surrounding said rotor; a lead wire support part supporting lead wires; and an outer casing covering said stator and said lead wire support part, said lead wire support part having a holding part attached to said stator and holding said lead wires, and an outlet part partially protruding from said outer casing for drawing out said lead wires to the outside of said outer casing, wherein the flame retardancy of a material forming said outlet part is higher than the flame retardancy of a material forming said holding part.

2. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein the material forming the outlet portion has a flame retardancy of V-0 or higher according to the UL94 standard, and the material forming the retaining portion has a flame retardancy of less than V-0 according to the UL94 standard.

3. An electric motor as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the oxygen index of the material forming said outlet portion is higher than the oxygen index of the material forming said holding portion.

4. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material forming the outlet portion has an oxygen index of 27 or more.

5. The electric motor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material forming the outer casing has a lower flame retardancy than the material forming the outlet portion.

6. The electric motor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a flame retardant is added to the material forming the lead portion.

7. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet portion and the holding portion are molded from a resin that becomes the outer casing member.

8. The electric motor according to claim 7, wherein the outlet portion and the holding portion are molded together with the stator from a resin that constitutes the outer casing member.

9. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the holding portion is supported by the stator.

10. The electric motor according to claim 9, wherein the stator has a stator core and an insulating portion provided on the stator core, and the holding portion is supported by the insulating portion of the stator.

11. The electric motor according to claim 10, wherein the material forming said insulating portion has a lower flame retardancy than the material forming said lead portion.

12. An electric motor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outer casing member is formed so that the thickness of the portion surrounding the retaining portion is 2.5 mm or more at its thinnest point.

13. An electric motor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thickness of the thinnest part of the outer casing member is 2.5 mm or more.

14. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a substrate is attached to the holding portion, and the lead wires are connected to the substrate.

15. The electric motor according to claim 14, wherein the substrate is a sensor substrate on which a sensor is mounted.

16. The electric motor according to claim 14, wherein the board is a drive circuit board on which a drive circuit is mounted.

17. A blower comprising: an electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and an impeller rotated by said electric motor.

18. An air conditioning apparatus comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, at least one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit having a blower according to claim 17.

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