Electric motor and air conditioner

Abstract

This electric motor comprises: a rotor having a rotary shaft including a first end part and a second end part on the opposite side to the first end part; a stator that generates a magnetic force acting on the rotor; a sleeve bearing supporting the rotary shaft; a first slinger disposed facing a first end face of the sleeve bearing on the first-end-part side of the rotary shaft and fixed to the rotary shaft; a second slinger disposed facing a second end face of the sleeve bearing on the second-end-part side of the rotary shaft and fixed to the rotary shaft; a first regulating part and a second regulating part that keep the sleeve bearing from moving to the first-end-part side of the rotary shaft; and a third regulating part and a fourth regulating part that keep the sleeve bearing from moving to the second-end-part side of the rotary shaft. The first regulating part, the second regulating part, the third regulating part, and the fourth regulating part are positioned in the above order proceeding from the first end part to the second end part of the rotary shaft. In the axial direction of the rotary shaft, let D1 be the distance between the first regulating part and the second regulating part, let D2 be the distance between the third regulating part and the fourth regulating part, let d1 be the distance between the sleeve bearing and the first slinger, and let d2 be the distance between the sleeve bearing and the second slinger, in which case the relations D2 <d1 and D1 < d2 are satisfied.

Description

Electric motors and air conditioners

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric motor and an air conditioner equipped with the electric motor.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Electric motors are used in a variety of appliances, such as household electrical appliances and industrial electrical appliances. For example, a fan motor having a rotary fan attached to a rotating shaft is known as an electric motor used in an air conditioner.

[0003] The electric motor includes a rotor having a rotating shaft, a stator disposed opposite the rotor, and a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft. Conventionally, electric motors that use sleeve bearings as the rotatably supporting bearings have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In an electric motor equipped with a sleeve bearing, the combined forces of the rotor's own weight, the rotor's magnetic force, and the thrust of the rotating fan attached to the rotating shaft can cause the sleeve bearing to slide in the direction in which the rotating shaft extends (axial direction), which can result in chattering (sliding vibration) of the rotor in the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0005] For this reason, for example, in a double-shaft electric motor, one possible way to suppress rotor chatter in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is to fix a pair of retaining rings to the rotating shaft so as to contact both end faces of the sleeve bearing in the axial direction.In a single-shaft electric motor, one of the axial end faces of the rotating shaft is abutted against the bearing, and then a composite force of the rotor's own weight, the magnetic force of the rotor's magnet, and the thrust of a rotary fan attached to the rotating shaft acts in a direction in which the axial end face of the rotating shaft abuts against the bearing, thereby one possible way to suppress rotor chatter in the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0006] However, these methods involve a structure in which components such as a retaining ring are physically in contact with the sleeve bearing. This creates problems, such as friction loss (mechanical loss) caused by sliding between the sleeve bearing and components such as the retaining ring, reducing the efficiency of the motor and generating noise during operation. Furthermore, when the motor is subjected to an external impact, such as during transportation, the sleeve bearing may directly receive the impact, leaving impact marks on its surface. This can result in abnormal noise when the sleeve bearing slides against components such as the retaining ring, further increasing the noise.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-102210

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and aims to provide an electric motor that can suppress chattering of the rotor relative to the axial direction of the rotating shaft while suppressing a decrease in efficiency and noise generation of the electric motor.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of an electric motor according to the present disclosure includes a rotor having a rotating shaft including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a stator that generates a magnetic force acting on the rotor, a sleeve bearing that supports the rotating shaft, a first slinger that is arranged opposite a first end face of the sleeve bearing on the first end side of the rotating shaft and fixed to the rotating shaft, a second slinger that is arranged opposite a second end face of the sleeve bearing on the second end side of the rotating shaft and fixed to the rotating shaft, and first and second restricting portions that restrict movement of the sleeve bearing toward the first end side of the rotating shaft. and a third regulating portion and a fourth regulating portion that regulate the sleeve bearing from moving toward the second end side of the rotating shaft, wherein the first regulating portion, the second regulating portion, the third regulating portion and the fourth regulating portion are positioned in this order from the first end to the second end of the rotating shaft, and in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, when the distance between the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion is D1, the distance between the third regulating portion and the fourth regulating portion is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing and the first slinger is d1, and the distance between the sleeve bearing and the second slinger is d2, the relationships D2 < d1 and D1 < d2 are satisfied.

[0010] An electric motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft, and a shell part that forms an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, the shell part having a regulating portion sandwiched between the pair of retaining rings via a gap, the first regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of a first retaining ring that is located on the first end side of the pair of retaining rings, the second regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of the regulating portion, the third regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of the regulating portion, and the fourth regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of a second retaining ring that is located on the second end side of the pair of retaining rings.

[0011] An electric motor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a retaining ring fixed to the rotating shaft, and a shell part that forms an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, the shell part having a pair of regulating parts that sandwich the retaining ring via a gap, the first regulating part being a surface on the second end side of the first regulating part that is located on the first end side of the pair of regulating parts, the second regulating part being a surface on the first end side of the retaining ring, the third regulating part being a surface on the second end side of the retaining ring, and the fourth regulating part being a surface on the first end side of the second regulating part that is located on the second end side of the pair of regulating parts.

[0012] An electric motor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft, a first outer part that forms an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, and a second outer part that forms the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, wherein the first outer part has a first regulating portion, the second outer part has a second regulating portion, the first regulating portion is a surface on the second end side of the first retaining ring that is located on the first end side of the pair of retaining rings, the second regulating portion is a surface on the first end side of the first regulating portion, the third regulating portion is a surface on the second end side of the second regulating portion, and the fourth regulating portion is a surface on the first end side of the second retaining ring that is located on the second end side of the pair of retaining rings.

[0013] An electric motor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft, a first outer part that forms an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, and a second outer part that forms the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, wherein the first outer part has a first regulating portion, the second outer part has a second regulating portion, the first regulating portion is a surface on the second end side of the first regulating portion, the second regulating portion is a surface on the first end side of the first retaining ring of the pair of retaining rings that is located on the first end side, the third regulating portion is a surface on the second end side of the second retaining ring of the pair of retaining rings that is located on the second end side, and the fourth regulating portion is a surface on the first end side of the second regulating portion.

[0014] An electric motor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a position regulating member fixed to the rotating shaft and having a pair of position regulating portions, and a shell part that forms an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, the shell part having a regulating portion sandwiched between the pair of position regulating portions via a gap, the first regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of a first position regulating portion that is located on the first end side of the pair of position regulating portions, the second regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of the regulating portion, the third regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of the regulating portion, and the fourth regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of a second position regulating portion that is located on the second end side of the pair of position regulating portions.

[0015] The electric motor of the present disclosure may have a rotary fan attached to the rotary shaft.

[0016] The electric motor of the present disclosure may be configured so that it can be installed in a position in which the rotation shaft extends substantially horizontally.

[0017] One aspect of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes any one of the electric motors described above and a control unit that controls the electric motor.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, chattering of the rotor relative to the axial direction of the rotating shaft can be suppressed while suppressing a decrease in efficiency of the electric motor and the generation of noise.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor according to an embodiment taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a rotating shaft, a first retaining ring, a second retaining ring, and a first housing ring in an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a rotating shaft, a first retaining ring, and a second retaining ring in an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a rotating shaft and a first retaining ring in an electric motor according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view of an electric motor attached to a support base. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an electric motor attached to a support base. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor according to a first modification. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor according to a second modification. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor according to a third modification. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric motor according to a fourth modification. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric motor according to a fifth modification. FIG. 15 is a view showing a first modification of the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second modified example of the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring. Fig. 17 is a model diagram showing an air conditioner using the electric motor according to the embodiment.

[0020] 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 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.

[0021] Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact representation. Therefore, the scales and the like are not necessarily the same in each figure. In all figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote substantially the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0022] 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. In this embodiment, for convenience, the direction in which the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 extends is defined as the up-down direction. However, this up-down direction may differ from the actual up-down direction depending on the usage state of the electric motor 1, etc. In this embodiment, the radial direction of the rotor 10 and the stator 20 is defined as the "radial direction," and the rotation direction of the rotor 10 is defined as the "circumferential direction." In other words, the direction perpendicular to the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 is defined as the "radial direction," and the direction orbiting the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 is defined as the "circumferential direction." The direction in which the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 extends (the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 11) is defined as the "axial direction."

[0023] (Embodiment) The configuration of an electric motor 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section taken along a plane passing through the rotating shaft 11. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Note that the rotating shaft 11 is omitted in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows only the components that appear in the cross-section.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electric motor 1 includes a rotor 10 (rotor) having a rotating shaft 11, a stator 20 (fixed part), a sleeve bearing 30 supporting the rotating shaft 11, a first slinger 41, a second slinger 42, a holder 50, a first housing ring 61, a second housing ring 62, a first retaining ring 71, and a second retaining ring 72.

[0025] The electric motor 1 is a brushless motor that does not use brushes, and is a molded motor in which the stator 20 is covered with a molding resin 80.

[0026] 3 and 4, the electric motor 1 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 10 is disposed inside the stator 20. In other words, the stator 20 is disposed so as to surround the rotor 10. The rotor 10 and the stator 20 are disposed with a gap therebetween.

[0027] The rotor 10 has a configuration in which the north and south poles of the magnets are repeated multiple times along the circumferential direction. The rotor 10 rotates due to the magnetic force generated by the stator 20. The rotor 10 rotates around the axis C of the rotating shaft 11.

[0028] The rotor 10 includes a rotating shaft 11 and a magnet portion 12 that generates a magnetic force acting on the stator 20. The rotor 10 includes a back yoke core 13.

[0029] The rotating shaft 11 is a shaft including an axis C. The rotating shaft 11 is a long, rod-shaped member. As an example, the rotating shaft 11 is a metal rod made of a metal material such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless Steel). The axis C of the rotating shaft 11 serves as the center of rotation when the rotor 10 rotates. The longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 11 is the direction in which the rotating shaft 11 extends (extension direction), and is the direction of the axis C.

[0030] The rotating shaft 11 includes a first end 11a, which is one end in the direction in which the rotating shaft 11 extends, and a second end 11b, which is the other end in the direction in which the rotating shaft 11 extends. The second end 11b is the end opposite the first end 11a. Both ends of the rotating shaft 11, the first end 11a and the second end 11b, protrude outward. Specifically, the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11 protrudes outward from a through hole in the first housing ring 61. The second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11 protrudes outward from a through hole in the second housing ring 62. The portions of the rotating shaft 11 protruding from the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 can be used as an output shaft of the rotating shaft 11.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the magnet section 12 has an overall cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3 , the magnet section 12 is fixed to the rotating shaft 11. The magnet section 12 generates a main magnetic flux in the rotor 10. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical magnet section 12 is an air gap surface that ensures an air gap between the magnet section 12 and the stator 20. The magnet section 12 faces the stator core 21 of the stator 20. The magnet section 12 is configured so that north and south poles alternate on the air gap surface with the stator 20 along the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 11. As shown in FIG. 4 , the magnet section 12 has a plurality of permanent magnets 12 a. The plurality of permanent magnets 12 a are arranged in an annular shape. Specifically, eight permanent magnets 12 a are arranged in an annular shape to form eight poles. The permanent magnets 12 a are, for example, rare earth magnets made of rare earth elements. However, the permanent magnets 12 a are not limited thereto.

[0032] The magnet section 12 may be a cylindrical magnet consisting of a single cylindrical magnet, rather than being composed of multiple permanent magnets 12 a. In this case, the cylindrical magnet is magnetized so that north and south poles alternate along the circumferential direction.

[0033] 3 and 4, the stator 20 is disposed to face the rotor 10. The stator 20 generates a magnetic force acting on the rotor 10. The stator 20 is a field magnet. The stator 20 and the rotor 10 form a magnetic circuit.

[0034] The stator 20 is configured so that multiple north and south poles appear alternately along the circumferential direction to generate magnetic flux on the air gap surface with the magnet portion 12 of the rotor 10. The stator 20 is configured with an electromagnet. The stator 20 has a stator core 21 (iron core) and windings 22 attached to the stator core 21. The windings 22 are shown schematically in Figures 2 to 4.

[0035] The stator core 21 generates a magnetic force for rotating the rotor 10. The stator core 21 is a magnetic body made of a magnetic material. As an example, the stator core 21 is a laminated body in which a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets formed into a predetermined shape are stacked in the direction in which the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 extends (axial direction). The stator core 21 is not limited to a laminated body of electromagnetic steel sheets, but may also be a bulk body made of a magnetic material. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a minute air gap exists between the inner circumferential surface of the stator core 21 and the magnet portion 12 of the rotor 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , the stator core 21 has a plurality of teeth 21 a that generate a main magnetic flux. Each of the plurality of teeth 21 a is a magnetic pole tooth. Each of the plurality of teeth 21 a generates a magnetic force when current is passed through the winding 22. The plurality of teeth 21 a are formed to protrude inward in the radial direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the axis C of the rotating shaft 11. In other words, the plurality of teeth 21 a protrude toward the rotating shaft 11. The plurality of teeth 21 a are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, with slots formed between two adjacent teeth 21 a. The stator core 21 is provided with 12 teeth 21 a. In other words, the stator 20 has 12 slots.

[0037] The windings 22 are winding coils wound around the teeth 21 a of the stator core 21 via insulators 23. The windings 22 are wound around the stator core 21 so as to generate a magnetic force acting on the magnet portion 12 of the rotor 10 when a current flows through them. The windings 22 are, for example, concentrated windings wound around each tooth 21 a via the insulators 23. The windings 22 are housed in slots in the stator core 21. The electric wires constituting the windings 22 are, for example, insulating coated wires. The windings 22 have a core conductive wire made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum, and an insulating film coating the conductive wire. The insulators 23 are made of an insulating resin material or the like. The insulators 23 are arranged between the windings 22 and the stator core 21.

[0038] When current is applied to the windings 22, a magnetic force is generated from each of the multiple teeth 21a. For example, the multiple windings 22 are electrically connected as a three-phase winding so that the rotor 10 rotates as a three-phase synchronous motor. In this case, the multiple windings 22 are composed of unit coils for each of the three phases, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, which are electrically out of phase with each other by 120 degrees. In other words, the windings 22 attached to each tooth 21a are energized and driven by three-phase alternating current that is applied to each of the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase units. This generates a main magnetic flux in each tooth 21a.

[0039] 1 to 4, the stator 20 is a molded stator covered with a molded resin 80. The molded resin 80 covers the outer portion of the stator 20 over the entire circumferential circumference of the stator 20. Specifically, the molded resin 80 covers the outer portions of the stator core 21 and the windings 22.

[0040] 2 and 3 , the molded resin 80 that covers the stator 20 forms a housing that encloses the rotor 10. The molded resin 80 is formed into a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends in the direction in which the rotating shaft 11 extends. One opening of the molded resin 80 is covered by a first housing ring 61. The other opening of the molded resin 80 is covered by a second housing ring 62. The molded resin 80 forms the outer shell of the electric motor 1.

[0041] The mold resin 80 is made of an insulating resin material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as polyester resin or epoxy resin. The mold resin 80 is also made of a thermosetting resin. In this embodiment, the mold resin 80 is made of unsaturated polyester, which is a thermosetting resin. Specifically, the mold resin 80 is made of a white BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) unsaturated polyester resin.

[0042] Although not shown, a circuit board to which the windings 22 of the stator 20 are connected may be embedded in the molded resin 80. In this case, the ends of the windings 22 of each phase are connected at winding connection portions of the circuit board. For example, the circuit board is formed with pattern wiring for electrically connecting the plurality of windings 22 for each of the U, V, and W phases. The ends of the windings 22 of each phase are electrically connected to the pattern wiring of the circuit board by solder or the like.

[0043] The sleeve bearing 30 is a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 11. The sleeve bearing 30 is a sliding bearing. Specifically, the sleeve bearing 30 is a cylindrical sleeve metal bearing made of metal. The sleeve bearing 30 extends along the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11. The sleeve bearing 30 is an oil-impregnated metal bearing. The sleeve bearing 30 is made of sintered metal in which lubricating oil has been impregnated into the sintered metal. Specifically, the sleeve bearing 30 is an impregnated metal bearing in which lubricating oil has been impregnated into the sintered metal. The sintered metal that makes up the sleeve bearing 30 is, for example, a sintered body obtained by molding and sintering metal powder.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the rotating shaft 11 passes through the sleeve bearing 30. The rotating shaft 11 is inserted into a through hole 30a provided in the sleeve bearing 30. The rotating shaft 11 and the inner surface of the through hole 30a of the sleeve bearing 30 are in contact with each other. The sleeve bearing 30 is in contact with the rotating shaft 11 at two locations: the inner circumferential surface at the upper end and the inner circumferential surface at the lower end of the sleeve bearing 30. The rotating shaft 11 is supported by only one sleeve bearing 30. Therefore, one sleeve bearing 30 supports the rotating shaft 11 at two locations. The sleeve bearing 30 is slidable along the rotating shaft 11.

[0045] The sleeve bearing 30 has a first end 31 which is one end in the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11, and a second end 32 which is the other end in the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11. The second end 32 is the end opposite to the first end 31. The first end 31 is the end on the first end 11a side of the rotating shaft 11. The second end 32 is the end on the second end 11b side of the rotating shaft 11.

[0046] The first end 31 of the sleeve bearing 30 has a first end face 31a. The first end face 31a is the end face of the sleeve bearing 30 on the side of the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11. The second end 32 of the sleeve bearing 30 has a second end face 32a. The second end face 32a is the end face of the sleeve bearing 30 on the side of the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11. The first end face 31a is located in the central portion of the rotating shaft 11. The second end face 32a is located in the portion of the rotating shaft 11 where the second housing ring 62 is arranged.

[0047] The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 have the function of preventing the lubricating oil that has flowed out from the sleeve bearing 30 from leaking to the outside. The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 also have the function of collecting the lubricating oil that has flowed out from the sleeve bearing 30 and returning it to the sleeve bearing 30.

[0048] The sleeve bearing 30 is sandwiched with a gap between a first slinger 41 and a second slinger 42. Specifically, the first slinger 41 is disposed opposite a first end surface 31 a of the first end portion 31 of the sleeve bearing 30. The second slinger 42 is disposed opposite a second end surface 32 a of the second end portion 32 of the sleeve bearing 30.

[0049] The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 are fixed to the rotating shaft 11. Therefore, the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 rotate together with the rotating shaft 11. The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 are fixed to the rotating shaft 11 by being press-fitted into the rotating shaft 11. By press-fitting the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 into the rotating shaft 11 in this manner, there is no gap between the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 and the rotating shaft 11, and the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 can be tightly fitted and integrated with the rotating shaft 11. This prevents lubricating oil leaking from the sleeve bearing 30 from passing between the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 and the rotating shaft 11.

[0050] The first slinger 41 is located between the recess of the magnet portion 12 of the rotor 10 and the sleeve bearing 30. The outermost diameter of the first slinger 41 is larger than the outermost diameter of the sleeve bearing 30. The first slinger 41 is in contact with the recess of the magnet portion 12. The first slinger 41 has an annular extension portion 41a extending toward the sleeve bearing 30. The extension portion 41a is provided on the outer circumferential end of the first slinger 41. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 11, the extension portion 41a is located outward of the sleeve bearing 30. The provision of the extension portion 41a on the first slinger 41 makes it less likely that lubricating oil that has leaked out from the sleeve bearing 30 will leak to the outside and makes it easier to collect the lubricating oil that has leaked out from the sleeve bearing 30 and return it to the sleeve bearing 30.

[0051] The second slinger 42 is housed in the holder 50. The second slinger 42 is located between the bottom 52 of the holder 50 and the sleeve bearing 30. The second slinger 42 is annular. The second slinger 42 is provided to cover a through hole 52a formed in the bottom 52 of the holder 50. This makes it possible to prevent lubricating oil from leaking from the sleeve bearing 30.

[0052] The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 are made of a resin material. For example, the first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 are made of a polyacetal resin. The first slinger 41 and the second slinger 42 may also be made of a polyamide resin.

[0053] One or more washers may be disposed between the first slinger 41 and the sleeve bearing 30. One or more washers may also be disposed between the second slinger 42 and the sleeve bearing 30.

[0054] The holder 50 holds the sleeve bearing 30. Specifically, the holder 50 houses the sleeve bearing 30. The holder 50 may be made of a metal material or a resin material. In this embodiment, the holder 50 is a metal holder made of metal. The holder 50 is fixed to a molded resin 80.

[0055] The holder 50 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and includes a cylindrical portion 51 and a flat bottom portion 52 that forms the bottom plate of the holder 50.

[0056] The cylindrical portion 51 contains the sleeve bearing 30. In other words, the sleeve bearing 30 is housed in the cylindrical portion 51. The cylindrical portion 51 has a first cylindrical portion that is a cylinder with a small inner diameter and a second cylindrical portion that is a cylinder with a large inner diameter. The bottom portion 52 is provided to cover one opening of the cylindrical portion 51. Specifically, the bottom portion 52 is located on the second end portion 11b side of the rotating shaft 11. The bottom portion 52 is provided to cover the opening of the cylindrical portion 51. The bottom portion 52 has a circular shape in a plan view. A circular through-hole 52a through which the rotating shaft 11 passes is formed in the bottom portion 52.

[0057] 3 , the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 are fixed to the molded resin 80. The first housing ring 61 is provided so as to close one opening of the molded resin 80. The second housing ring 62 is provided so as to close the other opening of the molded resin 80.

[0058] The rotating shaft 11 passes through the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62. Specifically, the first housing ring 61 has a through hole 61a through which the rotating shaft 11 passes. The second housing ring 62 has a through hole 62a through which the rotating shaft 11 passes. The rotating shaft 11 does not contact the through hole 61a or the through hole 62a.

[0059] The first housing ring 61 has a protruding portion 61b that protrudes outward. The through-hole 61a is provided in the protruding portion 61b. Specifically, the protruding portion 61b is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom so as to protrude toward the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11. The protruding portion 61b has a cylindrical portion and a bottom plate portion. The through-hole 61a is provided in the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b. The main surface of the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b is perpendicular to the axis C of the rotating shaft 11.

[0060] The second housing ring 62 has a protrusion 62b that protrudes outward. The through-hole 62a is formed in the protrusion 62b. Specifically, the protrusion 62b is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom so as to protrude toward the second end 11b of the rotary shaft 11. The protrusion 62b has a cylindrical portion and a bottom plate portion. The through-hole 62a is formed in the bottom plate portion of the protrusion 62b. The main surface of the bottom plate portion of the protrusion 62b is perpendicular to the axis C of the rotary shaft 11.

[0061] The first housing ring 61, the second housing ring 62, and the molded resin 80 are shell parts that form the shell of the electric motor 1. The first housing ring 61 is a first shell part. The second housing ring 62 is a second shell part. The molded resin 80 is a third shell part. The electric motor 1 may also include other shell parts.

[0062] The first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 are made of different materials than the molded resin 80. The rigidity of both the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 is higher than the rigidity of the molded resin 80. In other words, the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 have a higher Young's modulus and are harder than the molded resin 80. The first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 are made of a metal material such as iron. For example, each of the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 is formed into a predetermined shape by pressing a metal plate of a uniform thickness. The first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 are made of the same metal material. However, this is not limited to this, and the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 may be made of different metal materials.

[0063] The first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 are dummy brackets that do not hold the sleeve bearing 30. As described above, the sleeve bearing 30 is held by the holder 50.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft 11, the first retaining ring 71, the second retaining ring 72, and the first housing ring 61. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft 11, the first retaining ring 71, and the second retaining ring 72. FIG. 7 is a view showing the rotating shaft 11 and the first retaining ring 71. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are fixed to the rotating shaft 11 as a pair of retaining rings. Therefore, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 rotate together with the rotating shaft 11. The first retaining ring 71 is the retaining ring that is located on the first end 11a side of the rotating shaft 11, out of the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72. The second retaining ring 72 is the retaining ring that is located on the second end 11b side of the rotating shaft 11, out of the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72.

[0065] 6 and 7 , each of the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 is, for example, an E-ring. The first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 may be made of metal or resin. In this embodiment, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are made of metal.

[0066] 3 and 5 , the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are disposed around the first housing ring 61. A portion of the first housing ring 61 is sandwiched between the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 via a gap. In this embodiment, the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61 b ​​of the first housing ring 61 is sandwiched between the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72.

[0067] 3 and 5 , the electric motor 1 configured as described above includes a restriction mechanism 90 that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30. The restriction mechanism 90 includes a first restriction portion 91 and a second restriction portion 92 that restrict movement of the sleeve bearing 30 toward the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11, and a third restriction portion 93 and a fourth restriction portion 94 that restrict movement of the sleeve bearing 30 toward the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The first restriction portion 91, the second restriction portion 92, the third restriction portion 93, and the fourth restriction portion 94 are located in this order from the first end 11 a toward the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11.

[0068] In the first housing ring 61 , the bottom plate portion of the protrusion 61 b ​​sandwiched between the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 is a restricting portion 95 that functions as a part of the restricting mechanism 90 .

[0069] The first restricting portion 91 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restricting portion 92 is a surface of the restricting portion 95 of the first housing ring 61 facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restricting portion 93 is a surface of the restricting portion 95 of the first housing ring 61 facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restricting portion 94 is a surface of the second retaining ring 72 facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11.

[0070] 3 , if the distance in the direction of the axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1, and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2, the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. In the following description, lubricating oil or lubricating oil droplets may be present between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92, between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94, between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41, and between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42.

[0071] With this configuration, when the sleeve bearing 30 moves in the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11, the bottom plate portion of the protrusion 61b of the first housing ring 61 abuts against the first retaining ring 71 or the second retaining ring 72 before the sleeve bearing 30 abuts against the first slinger 41 or the second slinger 42. This prevents the first slinger 41 or the second slinger 42, which rotates together with the rotating shaft 11, from coming into contact with the sleeve bearing 30, preventing sliding between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 or the second slinger 42. This prevents sliding loss caused by the sliding from reducing the efficiency of the electric motor 1 and noise caused by the sliding during operation of the electric motor 1.

[0072] As described above, with the electric motor 1 according to this embodiment, even if the sleeve bearing 30 slides in the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 due to a combined force of the weight of the rotor 10, the magnetic force of the magnet of the rotor 10, and the thrust of the rotary fan attached to the rotating shaft 11, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the electric motor 1 and the generation of noise. Moreover, it is possible to suppress chattering of the rotor 10 in the direction of the axis C of the rotating shaft 11.

[0073] Furthermore, with the electric motor 1 according to this embodiment, even if the electric motor 1 receives an external impact during transportation, for example, the movement of the rotor 10 and the sleeve bearing 30 is restricted by independent position restriction mechanisms. Therefore, it is possible to prevent impact from being applied to the sleeve bearing 30. This results in a highly reliable electric motor 1. Even if the electric motor 1 receives an external impact during transportation, for example, the sleeve bearing 30 does not come into contact with the first slinger 41 or the second slinger 42. Therefore, no impact marks are left on the surface of the sleeve bearing 30. This also prevents abnormal noise from being generated when the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 or the second slinger 42 slide against each other due to impact marks on the sleeve bearing 30.

[0074] In the electric motor 1, a vibration-damping member 2 is attached to each of the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62. One of the two vibration-damping members 2 is fitted into the cylindrical portion of the protruding portion 61 b ​​of the first housing ring 61. The other of the two vibration-damping members 2 is fitted into the cylindrical portion of the protruding portion 62 b of the second housing ring 62.

[0075] The vibration-isolating member 2 is a vibration-isolating device that suppresses the transmission of vibrations generated in the electric motor 1 during operation to the outside of the electric motor 1. In this embodiment, the vibration-isolating member 2 is an annular vibration-isolating ring. Specifically, the vibration-isolating member 2 has an overall annular (Baumkuchen-like) shape that is thin in the axial direction and wide in the radial direction. The center of the vibration-isolating member 2 coincides with the axis C of the rotating shaft 11 of the electric motor 1.

[0076] The vibration-isolating member 2 includes a rubber material 2a that is an elastic body, and a metal ring 2b that covers the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 2a. The rubber material 2a is an elastic body (elastic rubber) that has elastic force.

[0077] The rubber material 2a can be made of elastomer resin, silicone resin, or the like. The rubber material 2a is annular. Specifically, the rubber material 2a is annular (Baumkuchen-like) with a thin thickness and a wide radial width overall. Therefore, an opening is formed in the center of the rubber material 2a. The vibration-damping member 2 can be attached to the first housing ring 61 or the second housing ring 62 by fitting this opening onto the protrusion 61b of the first housing ring 61 or the protrusion 62b of the second housing ring 62.

[0078] The metal ring 2b covers the outer peripheral surface of the rubber material 2a. The metal ring 2b is an outer peripheral ring that forms the outer shell of the vibration-damping member 2. The metal ring 2b is an annular ring member. The metal ring 2b can be made of, for example, an iron-based metal material. The metal ring 2b has a groove formed around the entire circumferential direction of the metal ring 2b.

[0079] The electric motor 1 configured as described above is used, for example, as a fan motor 312 mounted in an indoor unit 310 of an air conditioner 300 as shown in Fig. 17. When the electric motor 1 is used as the fan motor 312, a rotary fan (load fan) 314 is attached to the rotary shaft 11 of the electric motor 1 as a load.

[0080] When installing the motor 1 in equipment such as the indoor unit 310 of the air conditioner 300, the motor 1 is attached to a support base 100, for example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a side view of the motor 1 attached to the support base 100. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the motor 1 attached to the support base 100.

[0081] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the electric motor 1 is installed with the rotating shaft 11 extending substantially horizontally. That is, the electric motor 1 is configured so that it can be installed with the rotating shaft 11 extending substantially horizontally. Specifically, both ends of the rotating shaft 11 of the electric motor 1 protrude outward. Thus, by supporting the protruding portions on both sides of the rotating shaft 11, the electric motor 1 can be installed with the rotating shaft 11 extending substantially horizontally.

[0082] In this case, the electric motor 1 is supported by a support base 100 with a first housing 61 and a second housing 62 located at both ends of the electric motor 1. The electric motor 1 is supported by the support base 100 via a ring-shaped vibration-isolating member 2 (vibration-isolating ring) attached to the electric motor 1. Two vibration-isolating members 2 are attached to the electric motor 1. Therefore, the electric motor 1 is fixed to the support base 100 via the two vibration-isolating members 2.

[0083] The support base 100 is a base that supports the electric motor 1. The support base 100 is formed into a predetermined shape, for example, by pressing a metal plate. In this embodiment, the support base 100 is bent so that its cross section has a U-shape. The support base 100 has a bottom plate portion and a pair of side plate portions (support plates) that stand upright from the ends of the bottom plate portion. The support base 100 is made of, for example, a steel plate. However, the support base 100 is not limited to this.

[0084] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support base 100 has a motor receiving portion 110 as a portion to which the electric motor 1 is attached. The motor receiving portion 110 is a pair of side plate portions (support plates) of the support base 100. The vibration-damping member 2 of the electric motor 1 is placed on the motor receiving portion 110. In this case, the motor receiving portion 110 is the edge of a metal plate that constitutes the support base 100. Specifically, the motor receiving portion 110 is an arcuate edge formed by cutting out a portion of the side plate portion of the support base 100 in an arcuate shape. When the electric motor 1 is set on the support base 100, the groove of the metal ring 2b of the vibration-damping member 2 of the electric motor 1 is fitted into the motor receiving portion 110.

[0085] The electric motor 1, with the vibration-isolating member 2 placed on the motor receiving portion 110 of the support base 100, is fixed to the support base 100 by fastening the vibration-isolating member 2 with the fastening member 200. Specifically, the vibration-isolating member 2 is compressed and deformed by fastening the metal ring 2b of the vibration-isolating member 2 with the fastening member 200. This allows the electric motor 1 to be fixed to the support base 100.

[0086] The fastening member 200 is composed of a metal band 210 made of steel plate and a screw 220. In this case, the electric motor 1 can be fixed to the support base 100 as follows.

[0087] First, the electric motor 1 is set on the support base 100 so that the vibration-isolating member 2 rests on the motor support portion 110. Specifically, the grooves of the metal ring 2b of the vibration-isolating member 2 are fitted into the motor support portion 110 of the support base 100, and the electric motor 1 is set on the support base 100. Next, the locking holes 211 of the metal band 210 are engaged with the locking pieces 120 of the support base 100, and the metal band 210 is placed over the vibration-isolating member 2. Thereafter, the metal band 210 is tightened with the screws 220. This tightens the metal ring 2b of the vibration-isolating member 2 with the metal band 210. Therefore, the metal ring 2b tightens the rubber material 2a. As a result, the vibration-isolating member 2 is compressed and fixed to the motor support portion 110. In this manner, the electric motor 1 can be fixed to the support base 100 via the vibration-isolating member 2. The screws 220 are bolts or screws. If the screw 220 is a bolt, the metal band 210 can be tightened with a bolt and a nut. In this way, by fixing the electric motor 1 to the support base 100 via the vibration-isolating member 2, the vibrations generated during operation of the electric motor 1 can be suppressed by the vibration-isolating member 2. This makes it possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations generated during operation of the electric motor 1 to the outside of the electric motor 1.

[0088] Next, an air conditioner equipped with the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a model diagram showing an air conditioner 300 using the electric motor 1 according to the embodiment.

[0089] The air conditioner 300 includes an indoor unit 310, an outdoor unit 320, and a communication unit 330 that communicates between the indoor unit 310 and the outdoor unit 320.

[0090] The communication unit 330 includes pipes that constitute the refrigeration cycle, signal lines that transmit electrical signals between the indoor unit 310 and the outdoor unit 320, and the like.

[0091] The indoor unit 310 includes a fan motor 312 which is an electric motor 1, a rotary fan 314, a rotary shaft 11 which connects the fan motor 312 and the rotary fan 314, and a control unit (CONT) 316 which controls the fan motor (M) 312 which is an electric motor 1. The indoor unit 310 has a heat exchanger.

[0092] The outdoor unit 320 includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan motor, and a throttle.

[0093] The compressor provided in the outdoor unit 320 compresses the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 300. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor passes through the heat exchangers and throttles provided in the indoor and outdoor units to form a heat pump.

[0094] (Modification 1) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor 1A according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are arranged around the first housing ring 61. On the other hand, in the electric motor 1A of this modified example, as shown in Fig. 10 , the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are arranged around the second housing ring 62. Specifically, in this modified example, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are arranged so as to sandwich the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62.

[0096] In other words, in the above embodiment, the restriction mechanism 90 that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is made up of the first and second retaining rings 71 and 72 and the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61 b ​​of the first housing ring 61. On the other hand, in the electric motor 1A of this modified example, the restriction mechanism 90A that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is made up of the first and second retaining rings 71 and 72 and the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62 b of the second housing ring 62.

[0097] In the restricting mechanism 90A of this modified example, the first restricting portion 91 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restricting portion 92 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restricting portion 95) of the protruding portion 62 b of the second housing ring 62 facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restricting portion 93 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restricting portion 95) of the protruding portion 62 b of the second housing ring 62 facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restricting portion 94 is a surface of the second retaining ring 72 facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11.

[0098] In this modification, too, if the distance in the direction of axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1, and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2, the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0099] (Modification 2) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor 1B according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 are both arranged around the first housing ring 61. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 , in the electric motor 1B of this modified example, the first retaining ring 71 is arranged around the first housing ring 61. The second retaining ring 72 is arranged around the second housing ring 62. Specifically, the first retaining ring 71 is arranged facing the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 so as to be located outside the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 (on the side of the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11). The second retaining ring 72 is arranged facing the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62 so as to be located outside the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62 (on the side of the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11).

[0101] In other words, in the above embodiment, the restriction mechanism 90 that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is made up of one outer shell part of the first housing ring 61 and a pair of retaining rings, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72. On the other hand, in the electric motor 1B of this modified example, the restriction mechanism 90B that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is made up of a pair of outer shell parts of the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62 and a pair of retaining rings, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72.

[0102] In the restricting mechanism 90B of this modified example, the first restricting portion 91 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 on the side of the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restricting portion 92 is a surface of a bottom plate portion (restricting portion 95) of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61, which is the first outer shell component, on the side of the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restricting portion 93 is a surface of a bottom plate portion (restricting portion 96) of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62, which is the second outer shell component, on the side of the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restricting portion 94 is a surface of the second retaining ring 72 on the side of the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11. The bottom plate portions of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 and the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62 function as a pair of restricting portions in the restricting mechanism 90B. Specifically, the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 is a restricting portion 95 (first restricting portion) of the pair of restricting portions located on the first end 11a side of the rotary shaft 11. The bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62 is a restricting portion 96 (second restricting portion) of the pair of restricting portions located on the second end 11b side of the rotary shaft 11.

[0103] In this modification, too, if the distance in the direction of axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1, and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2, the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0104] (Modification 3) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an electric motor 1C according to Modification 3.

[0105] In the electric motor 1B shown in Fig. 11 , the first retaining ring 71 is disposed on the outside of the first housing ring 61, and the second retaining ring 72 is disposed on the outside of the second housing ring 62. However, this is not limited to this. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12 , in the electric motor 1C according to this modification, the first retaining ring 71 may be disposed facing the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 so as to be located inside the first housing ring 61 (on the side of the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11). The second retaining ring 72 may be disposed facing the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 62b of the second housing ring 62 so as to be located inside the second housing ring 62 (on the side of the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11).

[0106] In this modification, a restriction mechanism 90C that restricts movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is also configured with a first housing ring 61, a second housing ring 62, a first retaining ring 71, and a second retaining ring 72, similar to the electric motor 1B shown in FIG. 11 . Meanwhile, in the restriction mechanism 90C of this modification, the first restriction portion 91 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restriction portion 95) of the protruding portion 61 b ​​of the first housing ring 61, which is the first outer shell component, facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restriction portion 92 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restriction portion 93 is a surface of the second retaining ring 72 facing the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restriction portion 94 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restriction portion 96) of the protruding portion 62 b of the second housing ring 62, which is the second outer shell component, facing the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11.

[0107] In this modification, too, if the distance in the direction of axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1, and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2, the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0108] (Modification 4) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric motor 1D according to Modification 4. In FIG.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the restriction mechanism 90 is composed of one outer part, the first housing ring 61, and a pair of retaining rings, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72. On the other hand, in the electric motor 1D of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the restriction mechanism 90D is composed of one outer part 63D and one first retaining ring 71.

[0110] The outer part 63D is composed of a first housing ring 61 and a cap member 64 fixed to the first housing ring 61. The cap member 64 is a cylindrical metal member with a bottom. The outer part 63D is fixed to the first housing ring 61 by being press-fitted into the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61.

[0111] The first retaining ring 71 is located between the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 and the bottom plate portion of the cap member 64. That is, the first retaining ring 71 is sandwiched between the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 and the bottom plate portion of the cap member 64 via a gap. The bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 and the bottom plate portion of the cap member 64 in the outer shell part 63D function as a pair of restricting members in the restricting mechanism 90D. Specifically, the bottom plate portion of the cap member 64 is a restricting member 95 (first restricting member) located on the first end 11a side of the rotating shaft 11, and the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 is a restricting member 96 (second restricting member) located on the second end 11b side of the rotating shaft 11.

[0112] In the restricting mechanism 90D of this modified example, the first restricting portion 91 is a surface of the restricting portion 95 (first restricting portion) that faces the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restricting portion 92 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 that faces the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restricting portion 93 is a surface of the first retaining ring 71 that faces the second end 11 b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restricting portion 94 is a surface of the restricting portion 96 (second restricting portion) that faces the first end 11 a of the rotating shaft 11.

[0113] In this modification, too, if the distance in the direction of axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1 (not shown), and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2 (not shown), then the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0114] In this modification, the second retaining ring 72 may not be provided. In Fig. 13, the restriction mechanism 90D is composed of an outer part 63D having a first housing ring 61 and a first retaining ring 71. However, this is not limiting. For example, the restriction mechanism may be composed of an outer part having a second housing ring 62 and a retaining ring.

[0115] (Modification 5) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric motor 1E according to Modification 5. In FIG.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the restriction mechanism 90 is made up of the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 14, in the electric motor 1E of this modified example, the restriction mechanism 90E is made up of the position restriction member 73 and the first housing ring 61.

[0117] The position restricting member 73 is fixed to the rotary shaft 11. Therefore, the position restricting member 73 rotates together with the rotary shaft 11. The position restricting member 73 has a first plate portion 73a and a second plate portion 73b that sandwich the bottom plate portion of the protruding portion 61b of the first housing ring 61 with a gap between them. The first plate portion 73a and the second plate portion 73b function as a pair of position restricting portions in the restriction mechanism 90E. Specifically, the first plate portion 73a is a first position restricting portion 97a located on the first end portion 11a side of the rotary shaft 11. The second plate portion 73b is a second position restricting portion 97b located on the second end portion 11b side of the rotary shaft 11.

[0118] In the restriction mechanism 90E of this modified example, the first restriction portion 91 is a surface of the first position restriction portion 97a facing the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11. The second restriction portion 92 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restriction portion 95) of the protrusion 61b of the first housing ring 61 facing the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11. The third restriction portion 93 is a surface of the bottom plate portion (restriction portion 95) of the protrusion 61b of the first housing ring 61 facing the second end 11b of the rotating shaft 11. The fourth restriction portion 94 is a surface of the second position restriction portion 97b facing the first end 11a of the rotating shaft 11.

[0119] In this modification, too, if the distance in the direction of axis C between the first restricting portion 91 and the second restricting portion 92 is D1, the distance between the third restricting portion 93 and the fourth restricting portion 94 is D2, the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the first slinger 41 is d1 (not shown), and the distance between the sleeve bearing 30 and the second slinger 42 is d2 (not shown), then the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0120] In this modification, the first retaining ring 71 and the second retaining ring 72 may not be provided. In Fig. 14, the restriction mechanism 90E is configured with the first housing ring 61 and the position restriction member 73. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the restriction mechanism may be configured with the second housing ring 62 and the position restriction member 73.

[0121] (Other Modifications) The electric motor 1 according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiment and modifications 1 to 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment and modifications 1 to 5 described above.

[0122] For example, in the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the first and second retaining rings 71 and 72 are E-rings. However, this is not limiting. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first retaining ring 71A and a second retaining ring 72A, which are first modifications of the first and second retaining rings 71 and 72, respectively. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first retaining ring 71B and a second retaining ring 72B, which are second modifications of the first and second retaining rings 71 and 72, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, each of the first and second retaining rings 71A and 72A may be a U-ring. As shown in FIG. 16, each of the first and second retaining rings 71B and 72B may be a push nut. The first and second retaining rings 71 and 72 may be other retaining rings, such as a C-ring.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the outer shell part constituting part of the restriction mechanisms 90 to 90E that restrict movement of the sleeve bearing 30 is the first housing ring 61 or the second housing ring 62. However, this is not limited to this.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the electric motors 1 to 1E are double-shaft motors in which both ends of the rotating shaft 11 protrude from the first housing ring 61 and the second housing ring 62, respectively. However, this is not limiting. Specifically, the electric motor 1 may be a single-shaft motor in which only one end of the rotating shaft 11 protrudes from either the first housing ring 61 or the second housing ring 62.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the rotor 10 has eight poles. However, this is not a limitation. In the above-described embodiment, the stator 20 has twelve slots. However, this is not a limitation. Any number of poles can be applied to the rotor 10 and the stator 20.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the windings 22 of the stator 20 are wound around the stator core 21 in a concentrated winding manner. However, this is not limiting. For example, the windings 22 of the stator 20 may be wound around the stator core 21 in a distributed winding manner.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the electric motor 1 is a molded motor. However, this is not limiting. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to motors other than molded motors. In other words, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to motors in which the stator 20 is not covered with mold resin 80.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the electric motor 1 is a brushless motor. However, this is not limiting. The technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a brushed motor that uses brushes.

[0129] In the above embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the electric motor 1 has been described as being applied to a fan motor in an air conditioner, which is an air conditioning device. However, this is not limiting. For example, the electric motor 1 in the above embodiment can be used in various electric devices such as household electric devices and industrial electric devices.

[0130] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments and modifications, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also includes any combination of two or more claims from among the multiple claims set forth in the claims at the time of filing, within the scope of technical compatibility. 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 technical compatibility, the present disclosure also includes any combination of all claims included in that multiple claim or multiple multiple multiple claim.

[0131] The electric motor according to the present disclosure can be widely used in various appliances, including air conditioners.

[0132] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Electric motor 2 Vibration-proof member 2a Rubber material 2b Metal ring 10 Rotor 11 Rotating shaft 11a First end 11b Second end 12 Magnet portion 12a Permanent magnet 13 Back yoke core 20 Stator 21 Stator core 21a Teeth 22 Winding 23 Insulator 30 Sleeve bearing 30a Through hole 31 First end 31a First end face 32 Second end 32a Second end face 41 First slinger 41a Extension portion 42 Second slinger 50 Holder 51 Cylindrical portion 52 Bottom portion 52a Through hole 61 First housing ring 61a, 62a Through hole 61b, 62b Protrusion 62 Second housing ring 63D DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 64 Outer shell part 64 Cap member 71, 71A, 71B First retaining ring 72, 72A, 72B Second retaining ring 73 Position restricting member 73a First plate portion 73b Second plate portion 80 Molded resin 90, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E Restricting mechanism 91 First restricting portion 92 Second restricting portion 93 Third restricting portion 94 Fourth restricting portion 95, 96 Restricting portion 97a First position restricting portion 97b Second position restricting portion 100 Support base 110 Motor receiving portion 120 Locking piece 200 Fastening member 210 Metal band 211 Locking hole 220 Screw 300 Air conditioner 310 Indoor unit 312 Fan motor 314 Rotating fan 316 Control unit 320 Outdoor unit 330 Liaison Department

Claims

1. A rotor having a rotating shaft including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a stator generating a magnetic force acting on the rotor, a sleeve bearing supporting the rotating shaft, a first slinger disposed opposite a first end face of the sleeve bearing on the first end side of the rotating shaft and fixed to the rotating shaft, a second slinger disposed opposite a second end face of the sleeve bearing on the second end side of the rotating shaft and fixed to the rotating shaft, a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion restricting movement of the sleeve bearing toward the first end side of the rotating shaft, and a third restricting portion and a fourth restricting portion restricting movement of the sleeve bearing toward the second end side of the rotating shaft, the first restricting portion, the second restricting portion, the third restricting portion and the fourth restricting portion being positioned in this order from the first end toward the second end of the rotating shaft, an electric motor, wherein, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, when a distance between the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion is D1, a distance between the third regulating portion and the fourth regulating portion is D2, a distance between the sleeve bearing and the first slinger is d1, and a distance between the sleeve bearing and the second slinger is d2, the relationships D2<d1 and D1<d2 are satisfied.

2. An electric motor as described in claim 1, comprising: a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft; and a shell part that constitutes the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, wherein the shell part has a restricting part sandwiched between the pair of retaining rings with a gap between them, wherein the first restricting part is a surface on the second end side of the first retaining ring that is located on the first end side of the pair of retaining rings, the second restricting part is a surface on the first end side of the restricting part, the third restricting part is a surface on the second end side of the restricting part, and the fourth restricting part is a surface on the first end side of the second retaining ring that is located on the second end side of the pair of retaining rings.

3. An electric motor as described in claim 1, comprising: a retaining ring fixed to the rotating shaft; and a shell part that constitutes the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, the shell part having a pair of regulating parts that sandwich the retaining ring with a gap between them, the first regulating part being a surface on the second end side of the first regulating part that is located on the first end side of the pair of regulating parts, the second regulating part being a surface on the first end side of the retaining ring, the third regulating part being a surface on the second end side of the retaining ring, and the fourth regulating part being a surface on the first end side of the second regulating part that is located on the second end side of the pair of regulating parts.

4. An electric motor according to claim 1, comprising: a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft; a first outer part constituting the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes; and a second outer part constituting the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, wherein the first outer part has a first restricting portion, and the second outer part has a second restricting portion, the first restricting portion being a surface on the second end side of the first retaining ring that is located on the first end side of the pair of retaining rings, the second restricting portion being a surface on the first end side of the first restricting portion, the third restricting portion being a surface on the second end side of the second restricting portion, and the fourth restricting portion being a surface on the first end side of the second retaining ring that is located on the second end side of the pair of retaining rings.

5. An electric motor as described in claim 1, comprising: a pair of retaining rings fixed to the rotating shaft; a first outer part constituting an outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes; and a second outer part constituting the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, wherein the first outer part has a first restricting portion, and the second outer part has a second restricting portion, the first restricting portion being a surface on the second end side of the first restricting portion, the second restricting portion being a surface on the first end side of the first retaining ring of the pair of retaining rings that is located on the first end side, the third restricting portion being a surface on the second end side of the second retaining ring of the pair of retaining rings that is located on the second end side, and the fourth restricting portion being a surface on the first end side of the second restricting portion.

6. An electric motor as described in claim 1, comprising: a position regulating member fixed to the rotating shaft and having a pair of position regulating portions; and a shell part constituting the outer shell of the electric motor and through which the rotating shaft passes, the shell part having a regulating portion sandwiched between the pair of position regulating portions via a gap, the first regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of the first position regulating portion located on the first end side of the pair of position regulating portions, the second regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of the regulating portion, the third regulating portion being a surface on the second end side of the regulating portion, and the fourth regulating portion being a surface on the first end side of the second position regulating portion located on the second end side of the pair of position regulating portions.

7. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rotary fan is attached to the rotary shaft.

8. The electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electric motor is configured so that it can be installed in a position in which the rotation shaft extends substantially horizontally.

9. An air conditioner comprising: an electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a control unit that controls the electric motor.

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