Description

AIR CONDITIONER AND MOTOR OF AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Field

[I] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a motor of an air conditioner. [2]

Background Art

[3] In general, an electric motor is an apparatus that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, is installed in various home appliances such as air conditioners and in various non-household equipment, and includes a stator and a rotor.

[4] Depending on the application of its rotor, an electric motor may take many forms, including an inner rotor type motor (in which the rotor rotates within the stator) and an outer rotor type motor (in which the rotor rotates outside the stator.

[5] In detail, the inner rotor type motor has less wire windings and a higher control response, and is suitable for use in devices that repeatedly rotate in forward and reverse directions, and the outer rotor type motor has a structure with a greater number of wire windings, and is suitable for use in devices requiring a constant rotational speed.

[6] Recently, there is a trend to maximize the slimness and lightness of motors installed in washing machines, air conditioners, etc.; however, while the manufacturing cost of a motor that is slimmed and made structurally simpler decreases, so does the performance of the device in which the motor is installed.

[7] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an exemplary motor according to the related art, and Fig.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotor shown in Fig. 1.

[8] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a motor according to the related art includes a stator 500, a rotor 510 rotating by means of the stator 500, a connector 520 connected by a screw 518 to the center of the rotor 510, a shaft 530 coupled to the connector 520 through serrations 528, and a bearing housing 550 to which the stator is fastened with screws and which contains bearings 540 and 542 within that support the shaft 530.

[9] In detail, the stator 500 includes a stator core 502, and a driving coil 504 wound around the stator core 502. A wire 506 that applies a current for driving the driving coil 504 is connected to the stator 500. The wire 506 extends to the outside of the motor through a gap between the bearing housing 550 that is installed on a mounting structure (T) and the stator 506.

[10] The rotor 510 includes a rotor frame 512 with a U-shaped cross section that encloses one side and the outer circumference of the stator 500, and a plurality of magnets 516 disposed around the inner surface of the rotor frame 512.

[II] Specifically, the rotor frame 512 has fastening holes 514 formed therein so that the

connector 520 may be fastened thereto using screws 513. The connector 520 also has fastening holes 522 formed therein corresponding to the fastening holes 514 of the rotor frame 512.

[12] The connector 520 has a hub 524 with serrations 528 formed on the inner surface thereof protruding from the connector 520, and an end of the shaft 530 is coupled with the serrated portion.

[13] The bearing housing 550 is screwed and fastened to the mounting structure (T) of the device on which the motor is installed. The stator 500 is coupled to the rear surface of the bearing housing 550 using screws, and the front surface of the bearing housing 550 is mounted on the mounting structure (T) of the device. For example, when the motor is applied to a washing machine, the bearing housing 550 is mounted on the bottom surface of the tub.

[14] The shaft 530 is coupled at its rear end to the serrated hub 524 of the connector 520, and passes protrudingly through the center of the stator and through the bearing housing 550 to protrude toward the front.

[15] However, in a motor structured as above, because the shaft 530 is coupled with the serrations 522 of the connector 520, and the connector 520 is fastened to the rotor 510 with screws 518, the assembly process of the shaft is complicated, increasing manufacturing cost.

[16] Also, although the assembly process can be made simpler by directly press fitting the shaft 530 into the rotor 510, during the press fitting process, the shaft 530 is prone to be displaced in a lengthwise direction. The shaft may also slip in a rotating direction when the rotor 510 rotates.

[17] Additionally, in a motor according to the related art, the wire 506 is extended to the outside of the motor through a gap between the bearing housing 550 installed on the mounting structure (T) and the rotor 510. Accordingly, the vibration transmitted from the motor causes the wire 506 to shake and possibly interfere with the rotor 510.

[18] Furthermore, in order to extend the wire 506 to the outside of the motor, the stator

506 and the rotor 510 must be spaced a predetermined distance from the bearing housing 550 installed on the mounting structure (T). Therefore, dust and other contaminants may enter the motor through the gap.

[19] Still further, when a hook or similar member is installed on the mounting structure

(T) to which the bearing housing 550 is mounted or on the bearing housing 550, in order to prevent movement of the wire 506, the overall structure of the motor becomes more complicated. Moreover, a further assembling procedure of hooking the wire 506 in the fixing member must be performed.

[20]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[21] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a motor and an air conditioner employing the motor with improved structures that allow a rotor and shaft to be firmly and easily coupled without the use of a separate connector.

[22] Another object of the present invention is to provide a motor with a structure that is improved over that of the related art that prevents an electrical wire connected to the stator from interfering with the rotor, and an air conditioner employing the motor.

[23] A further object of the present invention is to provide a motor with a minimal gap between the stator and the rotor and the motor mount, in order to minimize dust entering the stator and rotor, and an air conditioner employing the motor.

[24]

Technical Solution

[25] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motor including: a stator; a rotor rotating around an outside of the stator; a shaft fixed to the rotor and protruding in a direction opposite to a side at which the stator is received; and a fixing member connecting the rotor and the shaft.

[26] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motor including: a stator; a rotor receiving the stator within; a shaft passing through the rotor and the stator; and a motor mount covering an open side of the rotor, and forming a wire through hole at a side thereof, through which a wire connected to the stator passes.

[27] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner including: a motor including a stator, a rotor rotating around an outside of the stator, a shaft passing through the rotor and having one end protruding farther from a direction opposite to a side at which the stator is received, and a shaft fixing portion protruding in at least one of an inner direction and an outer direction with respect to a center of the rotor and having the shaft inserted therein; a blower fan connected to and rotating with the shaft; a heat exchanger provided in a space adjacent to the blower fan; and a main body for housing the motor, the blower fan, and the heat exchanger.

[28]

Advantageous Effects

[29] An advantage of the above-structured motor and the air conditioner employing the motor according to the present invention is that the assembly process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced, due to the rotor and shaft being directly fastened using a fixing member.

[30] As such, the rotor and shaft can be more firmly fastened compared to press fitting or

using an adhesive. [31] Because a shaft fixing portion in which the shaft is inserted is protrudingly formed on the rotor, during assembly of the shaft, the portion of the shaft to be inserted can easily be discerned, making the process of assembly the shaft easier. [32] Also, because the shaft fixing portion is protrudingly formed to support the shaft, wobbling of the shaft can be minimized. [33] The motor according to the present invention has the shaft fixing portion protruding in an outward direction from the rotor, enabling easy assembly of the shaft and rotor without disassembling the motor. [34] In the motor according to the present invention, when the fixing member is formed as a pin that passes though the shaft fixing portion and the shaft, the fixing of the fixing member is simple, as is the assembling of the shaft. [35] Also, in the motor according to the present invention, the fixing member that connects the shaft and the shaft fixing portion can be easily fixed through a simple process of inserting it into a through hole. [36] Further, in the motor according to the present invention, a through hole is formed through the shaft and shaft fixing portion in a transverse direction to the length of the shaft, so that the shaft is prevented from being displaced in a lengthwise or a rotating direction when it is rotated by the rotor. [37] Because a wire through hole is formed in the motor mount and the wire is passed through the motor mount to extend outward from the motor, interference by the wire with the rotor can be prevented. [38] Because there is no need to dispose the wire between the rotor and the motor mount, the gap between the rotor and motor mount can be minimized, thus preventing infiltration of dust and other foreign particles through the gap. [39] In the motor according to the present invention, the wire through hole is formed in the side of the motor mount, to facilitate wiring of the wire. [40] Also, in the motor according to the present invention, the motor mount includes a plate portion that receives a side of the stator, a flange portion bent at a right angle from an edge of the plate portion in order to cover a gap between the rotor and the plate portion, and an edge portion bent outward from the flange portion. Thus, the flange portion prevents foreign particles from entering through the gap between the rotor and the motor mount, and the edge portion prevents the wire from bending toward the rotor. [41] The wire through hole in the motor according to the present invention is formed in the side of the flange portion, so that the wire is partially confined by the wire through hole, preventing arbitrary movement of the wire using a simple structure. [42] Furthermore, the motor bracket fixed to the stator of the motor according to the

present invention allows various electronic components, bearings, etc. to be installed on the stator. [43] The driver that controls the motor according to the present invention is installed on the motor bracket, so that the motor can be made more compact than when the driver is separately installed outside of the motor. [44] Still further, in the motor according to the present invention, the motor mount is fastened to the motor bracket with a bolt and a nut, making the assembly of the motor mount easy. [45] Moreover, because an avoidance hole for avoiding the bearing housing portion is formed in the motor mount in the motor according to the present invention, the motor mount may be assembled closer to the stator, so that the overall assembly can be compacted. [46] Also, the motor mount of the motor according to the present invention is installed on the mounting bracket so that shock may be absorbed. Thus, even when conditions make it difficult to install the motor mount directly, it may be installed through the mounting bracket. As well, vibration transmitted through the motor mount can be deadened. [47]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[48] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an exemplary motor according to the related art.

[49] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotor shown in Fig. 1.

[50] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [51] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [52] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[53] Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motor in Fig. 3 taken along I-I'.

[54] Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motor in Fig. 3 taken along line H-H'.

[55] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [56] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [57] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [58] Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[59] Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [60] Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [61] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[62] Fig. 15 is a frontal view of the air conditioner in Fig. 14.

[63] Fig. 16 is a side sectional view of the air conditioner in Fig. 14.

[64] Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 14. [65] Fig. 18 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [66] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 18. [67] Fig. 20 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [68] Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 20. [69]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [70] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [71] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [72] Referring to Fig. 3, a motor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a rotor 20, a stator 2 (in Fig. 4) provided within the rotor 20 to generate electric fields when a current is applied thereto, a shaft 30 passing through the stator 2 and connected to the rotor 20, a motor mount 40 to which the stator 2 is fixed, and a mounting bracket 60 to which the motor mount 40 is fixed and coupled. Also, an electrical wire 19 is connected within the motor 1, and electrical power is applied to the stator 2 through the electrical wire 19. When the motor 1 operates, the rotor 20 and the shaft 30 rotate integrally to rotate an object to be rotated that is connected to the shaft 30. [73] A description of the inner structure of the motor 1 according to the above embodiment will be described in further detail below.

[74] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motor in Fig. 3 taken along I-I', and Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motor in Fig. 3 taken along line H-H'.

[75] Referring to Figs. 4 through 7, a motor according to the present invention, as described above, includes a stator 2, a rotor 20, a shaft 30, a motor mount 40, and a mounting bracket 60.

[76] Specifically, the stator 2 generates an electric field that revolves in a circular direction, and includes a stator core 4 with an opening 3 formed in the middle (as shown in Fig. 5), and a driving coil 9 around the stator core 4.

[77] The stator core 4 may be formed as a single annular unit or plates of a predetermined length stacked spirally.

[78] In detail, the stator core 4 includes a round core frame 5, and a plurality of approximately T-shaped teeth 6 protruding radially from the core frame 5. The plurality of teeth 6 are separated by slots 7 of a predetermined width therebetween. The surface of the stator core 4 is coated with an insulator 8 made of a compound resin. The driving coil 9 is wound around the outside of the portions of the insulator 8 around the teeth 6.

[79] A shaft supporter 13 for rotatably supporting the shaft 30 is provided inside the motor 1. That is, the shaft supporter 13 may be provided inside the motor 1, without a separate shaft supporter 13 being provided outside the motor 1, in order to maximally compact the overall dimensions of the motor 1.

[80] More specifically, the shaft supporter 13 includes a plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 fixed to the stator 2, and bearings 16 and 17 installed on the motor brackets 14 and 15 and supporting the shaft 30.

[81] In order to more securely support the shaft 30, the motor brackets 14 and 15 and the bearings 16 and 17 may be provided in a plurality of sets. In the present embodiment, two sets of motor brackets and bearings are provided.

[82] The motor 1 has a first motor bracket 14 fixed to one of the two sides of the stator 2, and a first bearing 16 installed on the first motor bracket 14. Also, a second motor bracket is fixed to the other of the two surfaces of the stator 2, (that is, the side opposite to the side on which the first motor bracket 14 is fixed), and the second bearing 17 is installed on the second motor bracket 15.

[83] The plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 are fastened to the stator 2 with bolts 10 and nuts 11.

[84] The stator 2, as shown in Fig. 5, has bolt through holes 4a and 8a formed therein for the bolts 10 to pass through. The bolt through holes 4a and 8a are formed in alignment

in the stator core 4 and the insulator 8. [85] Specifically, the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 have bolt through holes 141 and 151 formed respectively therein that are aligned with the bolt through holes 4a and

8a of the stator 2. [86] Also, the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 are disposed in opposition at either side of the stator 2, and cover the opening 3 of the stator core 4. The bolt 10 is passed in sequence through one of the bolt through holes 141 and 151 of the motor brackets

14 and 15, the bolt fixing holes 4a and 8a of the stator 2, and the other of the bolt through holes 141 and 151 of the motor brackets 14 and 15, and then coupled to the nut 11. In this way, the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 and the stator 2 are firmly fastened with the bolt 10 and nut 11.

[87] To give each of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 the capacity of a bearing housing, bearing housing portions 142 and 152 are formed in the centers thereof. The bearings 16 and 17 are inserted in the bearing housing portions 142 and 152. [88] Each of the bearing housing portions 142 and 152 protrude in an outward direction of the stator 2, that is, in a direction opposite to the opening 3 of the stator core 4. [89] A shaft through hole 144 for the shaft 30 to pass through is formed in the bearing housing portion 142 of the motor bracket 14 provided in proximity to the rotor 22. [90] A driver 18 for applying a current to a circuit portion (or the driving coil 9) controlling the motor 1 is further included in the motor 1. [91] Specifically, the driver 18 is formed of a printed circuit board (PCB) and various electronic componentry mounted on the PCB. Here, while the driver 18 may be installed outside the motor 1 and connected to the driving coil 9, etc. to apply current to the driving coil 9, the driver 18 may be installed inside the motor 1 in order to maximize the compactness of the motor 1. [92] Also, the driver 18 is connected to the electrical wire 19 that extends outside the motor 1. The driver 18 is disposed between the stator 2 and the motor mount 40. [93] In detail, when the driver 18 is provided between the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15, the gap between one of the motor brackets 15 from the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 and the motor mount 40 is minimized. [94] Also, when the driver 18 is disposed between the stator 2 and the motor mount 40, the structure of the one motor bracket 15 from the plurality of motor brackets 14 and

15 is simplified, so that the wiring of the electrical wire 19 is made easier. Also, the driver 18 is fastened to the motor mount 40 with a screw or other fastening member. The driver 18 in the present embodiment is provided between the stator 2 and the motor mount 40.

[95] Here, the driver 18 is formed in the shape of a circular plate with a hole formed in the center thereof to prevent interference with the shaft 30.

[96] The rotor 20 rotates around the outside of the stator 2 by means of the electric field generated by the stator 2. That is, the rotor 20 includes a rotor frame 22 formed in a sectional U-shape, and magnets 28 attached to the rotor frame 22. The motor 1 is an outer rotor type brushless direct current motor.

[97] The rotor frame 22 forms the exterior of the rotor 20, and may have a rotor yoke injection molded of a compound resin in the inner surface thereof, or may be formed of a metal material without a separate rotor yoke and performing the function of a rotor yoke by itself. The below description is of a rotor frame formed of a metal that performs the function of a rotor yoke.

[98] In detail, the rotor frame 22 includes a disk portion 23 that faces one of the two sides of the stator 2, and a cylinder portion 27 that encloses the circumferential surface of the stator 2. Also, heat radiating holes 231 are formed in the rotor frame 22 to discharge heat generated within the motor to the outside.

[99] The rotor 20 may be formed integrally with the shaft 30 protruding from the rotor frame 22, or a separate fixing member 36 may be used to fix the shaft 30 to the rotor frame 22.

[100] The rotor frame 22 may be press formed from a metal plate or formed through casting. Also, when the rotor frame 22 is cast using a die, the shaft 30 may be pro- trudingly cast together with the rotor frame 22, or the rotor frame 22 may be formed separately from the shaft 30, after which the shaft 30 and the rotor frame 22 are fixed with a fixing member.

[101] In the below embodiments, the shaft 30 is formed separately from the rotor frame 22, after which a fixing member is used to fasten the two pieces.

[102] A shaft fixing portion 24 is formed in the center of the disk portion 23 of rotor frame 22 in order to support the inserted shaft 30. In detail, the shaft fixing portion 24 is formed slightly larger than the shaft 30 to facilitate the insertion of the shaft 30 into the shaft fixing portion 24, and protrudes a predetermined height from the center of the disk portion 23.

[103] Also, the shaft fixing portion 24 is formed to protrude in the center of the rotor 20, so that it may be fastened to the shaft 30 by means of the fixing member 36 within the center of the rotor 20. Below, the shaft 30 is described as fastened by the fixing member 36 outside the rotor 20.

[104] Through holes 25 and 26 are formed in the shaft fixing portion 24, for the fixing member 36 to pass through. The through holes 25 and 26 are formed transversely to the lengthwise direction of the shaft 30.

[105] Also, the magnets 28 are attached to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder portion 24.

[106] In detail, the shaft 30 is a component that relays the rotational force from the rotor 20

to a rotating object such as a blower fan, and may be cylindrically shaped with a hollow interior. The shaft 30 may be thus formed as a hollow cylinder that has a high moment of inertia.

[107] In further detail, through holes 31 and 32 for the fixing member 36 to pass through may be formed in the shaft 30 transversely to the lengthwise direction of the shaft 30.

[108] The shaft 30 passes through the opening 3 of the stator core 4, and is mounted to the center of the motor mount 40.

[109] The portion of the shaft 30 protruding out from the stator 2 will hereinafter be called the outer shaft portion 34, and the portion passing through the opening 3 of the stator 2 will hereinafter be called the inner shaft portion 35.

[110] The inner shaft portion 35 of the shaft 30 is disposed entirely within the motor 1, and the outer shaft portion 34 passes through the stator 2 and is fastened by the fixing mem ber 36.

[Ill] The end of the inner shaft portion 35 is mounted to the bearing housing portion 152 of the second motor bracket 15. The end of the outer shaft portion 34 has a coupling portion 38 formed thereon for coupling to a blower fan or other object to be rotated.

[112] In the configuration of a motor according to the related art, the rotor is installed to the opposite side of the object to be rotated, with respect to the stator, so that the fixing of the stator is insecure. In the present invention, however, the rotor is disposed on the same side as the object to be rotated, so that the stator can be securely fixed. Moreover, because the rotor, motor shaft, and object to be rotated rotate integrally, the problem of the internal components of the rotor (including the stator) interfering with the object to be rotated does not occur. Also, because the object to be rotated and the rotor 20 can be proximally connected, the assembly of the motor and the blower fan can be maximally compacted.

[113] The motor mount 40 is a portion to which the stator 2 is fixed and coupled. In detail, the motor mount 40 acts as a stator cover covering the lower opening of the rotor 10, preventing water or other impurities from infiltrating the stator 2.

[114] In further detail, the motor mount 40 includes a plate portion 401 that covers the stator 2 portion that is exposed and unprotected by the rotor 10, a flange portion 402 that covers the gap between the cylinder portion 27 of the rotor frame 2 and the plate portion 401 by being bent vertically in an axial direction from the outer perimeter of the plate portion 401, and an edge portion 403 that is bent in a radial direction from the end of the flange portion 402.

[115] The plate portion 401 of the motor mount 40 has a stepped portion 42 for raising the stator 2 and at least one 15 of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15. That is, the stepped portion 42 is raised to protrude in a donut shape with the stator 2 mounted thereon.

[116] Specifically, at least one 15 of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 may be raised on the stepped portion 42, so that neither the driving coil 9 nor the stator core 4 directly contacts the motor mount 40.

[117] An opening 44 is formed in the center of the motor mount 40 to insert the bearing housing portion 152 therein. The opening 44 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the bearing housing portion 152, to maximize the compactness of the motor 1.

[118] Here, when the driver 18 is installed between the stator 2 and the motor mount 40, the driver 18 is received in the space S.

[119] A wire through hole 46 is formed in the flange portion 402 of the motor mount 40 to allow the wire 19 connected to the driver 18 to pass therethrough. Specifically, the wire through hole 46 is opened along one side of the circumferential surface of the flange portion 402. In other words, the wire 19 has one end connected to the driver 18, and the other end passed through the wire through hole 46 of the flange portion 402 and extended to one side of the motor mount 40. Thus, the wire 19 passes through the wire through hole 46 and is then confined by the wire through hole 46 so that it does not move circumferentially about the rotor mount 40. Also, the portion of the wire 19 that passes through the wire through hole 46 is confined by the edge portion 403 and prevented from bending toward the rotor 20.

[120] Also, at least one of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 is coupled to the upper surface of the motor mount 40. Both the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 may be coupled to the motor mount 40 using the same bolts 47 and nuts 48.

[121] In detail, the motor brackets 14 and 15 respectively have bolt through holes 143 and 153 formed therein for the bolt 47 to pass through. The motor mount 40 also has a bolt through hole 49 formed therein for the bolt 47 to pass through, and may be formed to align with the bolt through holes 143 and 153. That is, the bolt through hole 49 is formed in the stepped portion 42 of the motor mount 40.

[122] In the above assembly configuration, the bolt 47 passes in turn through the bolt through holes 143 and 153 of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15. The bolt 47 also passes through the bolt through hole 49 of the motor mount 40, and then fastens to the nut 48, thereby firmly assembling the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15 to the motor mount 40.

[123] Of course, the motor mount 40 may be directly installed on an air conditioner, or the motor 1 may be mounted to the air conditioner through a separate motor bracket 60.

[124] Below, a description will be given of a motor 1 installed on a motor mount 40, which is installed on a mounting bracket 60 in a shock absorbing configuration, with the mounting bracket 60 mounted on an air conditioner, etc.

[125] The mounting bracket 60 is formed in an overall three-legged configuration, and includes a discoid central portion 601, and a plurality of legs 602, 603, and 604

extending from the central portion 601 at angles of 120° from each other and having the motor mount 40 mounted thereon.

[126] Also included is an anti- vibration member 50 for absorbing the transfer of vibrations from the motor mount 40 while supporting the motor 1.

[127] In detail, the anti- vibration member 50 includes a rubber 52 installed on the motor mount 40, a spring 56 supporting the rubber 52, and a washer 58 interposed between the spring 56 and the mounting bracket 60. Also, a hole for inserting the rubber 52 is formed in the outer periphery of the motor mount 40. An insert slot 521 is formed into the outer surface of the rubber 52 in order to insert the edge of the hole into the insert slot 521. In this coupling structure, the rubber 52 is fixed in the hole of the motor mount 40. Also, a through hole 522 is formed through the length of the center of the rubber 52 for a fixing member to pass through.

[128] The motor mount 40 is fixed to the mounting bracket 60 by means of a fixing member 54 passing through the anti-vibration member 50. In detail, the fixing member 54 passes through the through hole 522 of the rubber 52, and inserts through the mounting bracket 60. Also, a through hole 63 is formed in the mounting bracket 60, for the fixing member 54 to pass through.

[129] In further detail, the fixing member 54 has a body that inserts in the through holes

522 and 63, and a head that catches on the top surface of the rubber 52. Also, the lower end of the body is attached through welding or other means to the lower surface of the mounting bracket 60.

[130] Below, a detailed description of the assembly process of the motor mount 40 and the mounting bracket 60 will be provided.

[131] First, the insert slot 521 of the rubber 52 is fitted into the hole formed around the outer circumference of the motor mount 40, fixing the rubber 52 to the motor mount 40. In the diagrams, the hole is formed in an extension extending from the outer surface of the motor mount 40.

[132] Next, the washer 58, spring 56, and the motor mount 40 in which the rubber 52 is inserted are positioned in sequence onto a surface of the mounting bracket 60, and the body of the fixing member 54 is inserted in sequence through the rubber 52, spring 56, washer 58, and the through hole 63 of the mounting bracket 60.

[133] Finally, with the head of the fixing member 54 pressed against the upper surface of the rubber 52, the end of the fixing member 54 is directly fixed to the mounting bracket 60 through welding.

[134] The mounting bracket 60 has a separate through hole 68 formed therein, so that a fixing member 66 passing through the through hole 68 can fix the mounting bracket 60 to an air conditioner or other object to be fixed.

[135] As shown in Fig. 4, reference number 88 is a Hall sensor installed on the stator 2 for

sensing the rotation of the rotor 20.

[136] As shown in Fig. 6, reference number 404 is an avoidance hole formed in the motor mount 40 for avoiding the bolt 10 and nut 11 fastening the first and second motor brackets 14 and 15 and the stator 2.

[137] The operation of the above-structured motor will now be described.

[138] First, when a current is applied through the driver 18 to the driving coil 9, an electric field is generated by the stator 2, whereupon the electric field and the magnetic fields of the magnets 28 attached to the rotor 20 interact causing the rotor 20 to rotate. The shaft 30 integrally coupled to the rotor 20 also rotates.

[139] In detail, the shaft 30 rotates the object to be rotated by means of the plurality of bearings 16 and 17 that rotatably support the motor brackets 14 and 15.

[140] Vibration generated by the rotation of the rotor 20 and the shaft 30 is not transferred through the motor mount 40, and is eliminated by the anti- vibration member 50.

[141] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[142] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, a motor according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the driver 18' being disposed between the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15. When the driver 18' is thus disposed between the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15, the motor 1 can be made to be maximally compact.

[143] In detail, in order to pass the wire 19 through one 15 of the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15, the through hole 154 is formed. Also, the driver 18' may be fixed to one of the motor brackets 14 or 15 with a screw of other fastening member. A shaft through hole 181 is formed through the center of the driver 18' for the shaft 30 to pass through. Also, a bolt through hole 182, through which a bolt 47 for fastening the first and second motor brackets 14 and 15 and the motor mount 40 passes, is formed in a predetermined point in the driver 18'.

[144] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[145] Referring to Fig. 10, a motor according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of drivers 18 of which a portion is installed between a plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15, and the remaining portion is disposed between a stator 2 and the motor mount 40. Specifically, the drivers 18 include inner drivers 18a and outer drivers 18b, where the inner drivers 18a are provided between the plurality of motor brackets 14 and 15, and the outer drivers 18b are provided between the stator 2 and the motor mount 40. Also, a wire extending from the inner drivers 18a passes

through a wire through hole 154 and is connected to the outer drivers 18b.

[146] In the above case with a plurality of drivers 18 provided, more electrical components can be integrated, and a circuit can be diversified.

[147] Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[148] Referring to Fig. 11, a motor according to the fourth embodiment includes an anti- vibration member 50 and mounting bracket 60 assembled with a bolt 71 and nut 73.

[149] In detail, the bolt 71 is passed in sequence through a rubber 52, spring 56, and a washer 58, and is then passed through a through hole 63 of the mounting bracket 60. Then, the head of the bolt 71 catches on the rubber 52, and the end of the body of the bolt 71 is coupled to a nut 73. Accordingly, the anti- vibration member 50 and the mounting bracket 60 are firmly coupled using a bolt 71 and nut 73.

[150] In an alternate method, the bolt 71 may be inserted from the mounting bracket 60 towards the motor mount 40 in the opposite direction.

[151] Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[152] Referring to Fig. 12, a motor 1 according to the fifth embodiment includes a shaft fixing portion 24' protruding toward the inside of a rotor frame 22, and a shaft 30 and the shaft fixing portion 24' fixed inside the rotor frame 22 by means of a fixing member 36. Aside from the shaft fixing portion 24' and the fixing structure of the shaft, the structure and operation of the motor are the same as those in the previous embodiment. Thus, description of the same components used will not be repeated.

[153] The motor according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the coupling portion of the rotor frame 22 and the shaft 30 is not exposed to the outside. In other words, the fixing member 36 is disposed within the motor 1, so that dust and other foreign objects do not collect in the coupling portion of the rotor frame 22 and the shaft 30, maintaining a clean state. Also, during transport of the motor, the fixing member 36 can be prevented from being disengaged due to external shocks, etc.

[154] Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[155] Referring to Fig. 13, in a motor according to the sixth embodiment, the shaft fixing portion 24" not only protrudes outward from the rotor frame 22, but also inward. Aside from the structure and operation of the shaft fixing portion 24", the remaining aspects of the motor are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus, a description thereof will not be repeated.

[156] In detail, the shaft fixing portion 24" includes an outer insert portion 24a protruding outward from the rotor frame 22, and an inner insert portion 24b protruding inward from the rotor frame 22.

[157] In the above, because the shaft fixing portion 24" protrudes both outwardly and inwardly with respect to the rotor frame 22, the proportional length of the shaft 30 supported by the shaft fixing portion 24" increases. Accordingly, when the supported length of the shaft 30 increases, the possibility of the shaft warping decreases.

[158] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 15 is a frontal view of the air conditioner in Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a side sectional view of the air conditioner in Fig. 14, and Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 14.

[159] Referring to Figs. 14 through 17, an air conditioner including the motor according to the present invention includes a main body 100 including air inlets 101, 102, and 103 for suctioning indoor air, and air outlets 104, 105, and 106 for discharging air that has exchanged heat with refrigerant and been cooled or heated formed in the main body 100.

[160] In detail, the main body 100 includes a base 109 with an air inlet 103 formed at the front thereof, a cabinet 110 installed above the base 109 and opened at its front and lower surfaces, a top panel 115 mounted to the top surface of the cabinet 110, an upper panel 122 provided at the front upper portion of the cabinet 110 and forming left and right air outlets 104 and 105 and an upper air outlet 106, a left lower panel 140 disposed to the lower left of the upper panel 122 and forming a left air inlet 101, and a right lower panel 150 disposed to the lower right of the upper panel 122 and forming a right air inlet 102.

[161] After the lower end of the cabinet 110 is raised onto the top surface of the base 109, it is coupled vertically to the base 109 by a screw or other fastening means. Also, the front panel 130 is pivotably installed at the front of the main body 100, to allow the inside of the main body 100 to be accessed and checked.

[162] The front panel 130 is pivotably connected to the main body 100 through a hinge bracket 130a installed on the upper panel 72 and the base 109.

[163] Inside the main body 100 are an air conditioning portion 200 for cooling or purifying air within the cabinet 110, and a blower portion 160 for suctioning indoor air through the air inlets 101, 102, and 103, circulating the air through the main body 100, and then discharging the air to the outside through the air outlets 104, 105, and 106.

[164] In detail, the blower portion 160 includes a motor 1 installed on the cabinet 110, a blower fan 162 connected to the shaft 30 of the motor 1, a fan housing 165 installed on the cabinet 110 and housing the blower fan 162 and the motor 1, and an orifice 166 installed on the fan housing 165 to guide air suctioned into the fan housing 165.

[165] Here, the motor 1 is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet 110 so that its shaft 30 protrudes toward the front of the air conditioner.

[166] In detail, the motor mount 40 in the present embodiment is directly mounted to the cabinet together with an anti-vibration member 50, which will be described below. [167] In further detail, the fixing member 54 that passes through the anti- vibration member

50 passes through the cabinet 110, and the end of the fixing member 54 is either fixed to the cabinet 110 through welding or assembled to the cabinet 110 by means of a bolt

71 and nut 73. [168] A through hole 111 is formed in the cabinet 110 for the fixing member 54 or the bolt

71 to pass through. [169] The fan housing 165 encloses the blower fan 162 and forms a suctioning hole 163 at the front surface and a discharging hole 164 at the top surface thereof. [170] Specifically, the orifice 166 includes a flange 167 formed in a plate shape that is pressed and installed against the front surface of the fan housing 165, and a bell mouth

168 provided at the center of the flange 167 to guide the flow of air suctioned by the blower fan 162. [171] The air conditioning portion 200 is at least one of a heat exchanger, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and an air purifier. Below, a description of an air conditioner limited to having a heat exchanger 210 for exchanging heat between air discharged toward the air outlets by the blower portion 160, and an air purifier 220 for purifying the air suctioned by the blower portion 160 will be given. [172] The heat exchanger 210 is disposed at an incline within the main body 100. The air purifier 220 is disposed above the front air inlet 103 of the base 109, and is formed of a plurality of filters. [173] In detail, the plurality of filters includes a lower pre-filter 221 that filters dust from air in a first stage, a Hepa filter 222 installed above the lower pre-filter 221 and filtering fine dust particles from air in a second stage, and a nano filter 223 installed above the Hepa filter 222 and removing odor particles and germs from the air. [174] The air purifier 220 also includes a left pre-filter 224 disposed at the left air inlet 101, and a right pre-filter disposed at the right air inlet 102. [175] The air purifier 220 further includes an electric precipitator 230 removably installed at the front of the orifice 156. Specifically, the electric precipitator 230 ionizes and collects dust and other foreign particles in air. [176] Below, the operation of an air conditioner having the above-structured motor will be described. [177] First, when the rotor 20 of the motor 1 rotates, the shaft 30 rotates together with the rotor 20 to rotate the blower fan 162. Also, when the blower fan 162 rotates, indoor air is suctioned into the main body 50 through the left air inlet 101, the right air inlet 102, and the front air inlet 103. [178] In detail, the indoor air that is suctioned through the left air inlet 101 passes through

the left pre-filter 224 to be filtered of dust, and the indoor air that is suctioned through the right air inlet 102 passes through the right pre-filter 225 to be filtered of dust. Also, the indoor air that is suctioned through the front air inlet 103 passes through the lower pre-filter 221 to be filtered of dust in a first stage, after which the air passes through the Hepa filter 222 to be filtered of fine dust in a second filtering stage. The air then passes through the nano filter 223 to have odor particles, germs, etc. removed therefrom.

[179] The above purified indoor air is then suctioned toward the blower portion 160, or the front of the orifice 166. Then, the foreign particles that have not been removed in the various filters 221-225 are ionized and collected by the electric precipitator 230.

[180] The air that passes through the electric precipitator 230 passes sequentially through the orifice 166 and the fan housing 165, is blown upward from the fan housing 165, and passes through the heat exchanger 210 to exchange heat with refrigerant to be cooled or heated.

[181] A portion of the thus cooled or heated indoor air passes through the upper air inlet 106, and is discharged through the upper front portion of the main body 100. The remaining portion is vented from the front sides of the main body 100 through the front left air outlet 104 and the front right air outlet 105.

[182] Fig. 18 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 18.

[183] Referring to Figs. 18 and 19, an air conditioner including the motor according to the present invention includes a stator 2 and a rotor 20, a shaft 30, a motor mount 40, an anti-vibration member 50, a mounting bracket 60, etc., and the mounting bracket 60 is directly assembled to the cabinet 110 through a fixing member 66. Also, aside from the mounting bracket 60 being directly mounted to the cabinet, the remaining structure and effects are the same as the above embodiments and will therefore not be re-described.

[184] The motor 1 is first formed in an assembly of the stator 2, the rotor 20, the shaft 30, the motor mount 40, and the mounting bracket 60, etc., after which the mounting bracket 60 is assembled to the cabinet 110.

[185] The fixing member 66 may consist of a bolt 661 and a nut 662, or may be a rivet or another fixing member. In the embodiment described below, the fixing member is a bolt 661 and a nut 662 that fixes the mounting bracket 60.

[186] In detail, after the bolt 661 is passed through the through hole 11 of the cabinet 110 and the through hole 68 of the mounting bracket 60, the nut 662 is fastened to the bolt 661 to assemble the motor 1 to the cabinet 110.

[187] Fig. 20 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including a motor according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a fan assembly provided in the air conditioner in Fig. 20.

[188] Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, the air conditioner having the motor according to the present invention has the motor 1 installed on the fan housing 165 or the orifice 166 instead of on the cabinet 110, and the shaft 30 is disposed horizontally toward the rear of the air conditioner.

[189] Aside from the above, the remaining structure and effects of the air conditioner having the motor according to the present invention are the same as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore a repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

[190] Below, a description of the motor 1 with the mounting bracket 60 installed on the orifice will be given.

[191] Specifically, in order for air to pass between the motor mount 40 and the bell mouth

168 of the orifice 166, the motor mount 40, the rotor 20, etc. of the motor 1 are formed smaller than the bell mouth 168 of the orifice 166. Also, when the mounting bracket 60 is installed in front of the orifice 166, the motor mount 40, rotor 20, etc. with the exception of the mounting bracket 60 are located within the inner center of the bell mouth 168.

[192] In order to fasten the mounting bracket 60 with a screw or other fixing member 90 to the orifice 166, a fastening hole 169 is formed in the orifice 166.

[193] In detail, the motor mount 40, rotor 20, etc. are positioned at the center of the bell mouth 168 of the orifice 166, and the through hole 68 of the mounting bracket 60 and the fastening hole 169 of the orifice 166 are aligned. Also, the fixing member 90 is inserted through the through hole 68 of the mounting bracket 60 and the fastening hole

169 of the orifice 166. Then, the shaft 30 is assembled to the orifice 168 to protrude horizontally rearward.

[194] In the air conditioner having the motor according to the present embodiment, when the rotor 20 of the motor 1 rotates, the shaft 30 that protrudes horizontally rearward rotates together with the rotor 20 to rotate the blower fan 162.

[195] Then, when the above blower fan 162 rotates, indoor air is suctioned into the main body 50, and then is concentrated toward the blower portion 160, especially the front of the orifice 166. Then the air that is guided to the front of the orifice 166 passes between the legs 602, 603, and 604 of the mounting bracket 60. Next, the air passes the bell mouth 168 of the orifice 166 and the motor mount 40, and is suctioned into the fan housing 165.

[196] The suctioned air is ventilated upward from the fan housing 165 by the blower fan 162 and the fan housing 165. The air then follows the path of the air conditioner having the motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[197] While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the

spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [198]

Industrial Applicability [199] In the above-structured motor and the air conditioner having the motor according to the present invention, because the rotor and the shaft are directly coupled by a fixing member, the assembly process is simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced, for a high industrial applicability.