Protective structure of pressure compensation element and housing of power transmission unit

Abstract

The utility model provides a protection structure of a pressure compensation element. The protection structure is used for protecting the pressure compensation element installed on the side wall of a shell of a power transmission unit. The protective structure includes a top rib, a bottom left rib, and a bottom right rib projecting vertically from the sidewall. The inner peripheries of the top convex rib, the bottom left convex rib and the bottom right convex rib form a circular contour, and the circle center of the circular contour corresponds to a mounting hole of the pressure compensation element on the side wall. A first fracture is formed between the top convex rib and the bottom left convex rib, a second fracture is formed between the top convex rib and the bottom right convex rib, and a third fracture is formed between the bottom left convex rib and the bottom right convex rib. The connecting line of the centers of the first fracture and the second fracture passes through the circle center of the circular outline and is horizontal, and the connecting line of the center of the third fracture and the circle center is perpendicular to the connecting line of the centers of the first fracture and the second fracture. The utility model further provides the shell of the power transmission unit provided with the protection structure. According to the technical scheme, the pressure compensation element can be well protected against liquid corrosion or flying stone collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a mechanical structure and a housing having the mechanical structure, and particularly to a protection structure for a pressure compensation element and a housing of a power transmission unit provided with the protection structure. Background Art

[0002] In high-power products, such as in a power transmission unit, a pressure compensation element is usually used to balance the internal and external pressures. An O-ring is used to seal between the pressure compensation element and the power transmission unit. To avoid corrosive creep of the O-ring, the pressure compensation element is not installed on the top of the power transmission unit. There is usually no space or it is inconvenient to install the pressure compensation element at the bottom of the power transmission unit. Therefore, the pressure compensation element is generally installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit.

[0003] Since the power transmission unit is usually directly installed on the vehicle frame, it is necessary to prevent the collision damage of the pressure compensation element, so additional protection is needed. However, the protection structures of the pressure compensation elements on the market vary, and there are various defects in performance.

[0004] Figure 1 Several common protection structures of the prior art for the pressure compensation element are shown. For example, a protection structure 11 for a pressure compensation element is a closed rib surrounding the outer periphery of the pressure compensation element. This protection structure is not only inconvenient for the disassembly and assembly of the pressure compensation element, but also easy to accumulate liquid in the closed rib. There are also other protection structures with non-closed ribs having a break, as shown in 12, 13, and 14 in Figure 1 These protection structures still have various defects: the protection structure 12 is easy to accumulate liquid; the protection structures 13 and 14 are easy to let water in; and, the protection structure 14 cannot effectively prevent the collision damage to the pressure compensation element.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a protection structure for a pressure compensation element with good protection performance and easy disassembly and assembly. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to protect the pressure compensation element installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit, prevent the pressure compensation element from being acceleratedly corroded during its life cycle and resulting in seal failure; prevent the pressure compensation element from being knocked and damaged during the transportation and installation of the power transmission unit; and be able to prevent the pressure compensation element from being hit by flying gravel when the vehicle is driving on a gravel road surface.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present utility model provides a protection structure for a pressure compensation element, which is used to protect the pressure compensation element installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit. The protection structure includes a top rib, a bottom left rib, and a bottom right rib that protrude vertically from the side wall. The inner peripheries of the top rib, the bottom left rib, and the bottom right rib form a circular contour, and the center of the circular contour corresponds to the mounting hole of the pressure compensation element on the side wall. There is a first break between the top rib and the bottom left rib, a second break between the top rib and the bottom right rib, and a third break between the bottom left rib and the bottom right rib. The connection line of the centers of the first break and the second break passes through the center of the circular contour and is horizontal, and the connection line of the center of the third break and the center of the circle is perpendicular to the connection line of the centers of the first break and the second break.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, in a state where the pressure compensation element is installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit, the protruding length of any one of the top rib, the bottom left rib, and the bottom right rib from the side wall is higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, in a state where the pressure compensation element is installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit, the protruding length of any one of the top rib, the bottom left rib, and the bottom right rib from the side wall is at least 1 mm higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the protruding lengths of the top rib, the bottom left rib, and the bottom right rib are equal. According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the minimum radial thickness of each of the top rib, the bottom left rib, and the bottom right rib is 2 mm.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the widths of the first break and the second break are each at least 4 mm.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the width of the third break is at least 3 mm.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the protection structure is formed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit by a die-casting process.

[0014] To solve the above technical problems, the present utility model also provides a housing of a power transmission unit. At least one pressure compensation element is mounted on a side wall of the housing, and a seal is provided between the pressure compensation element and the side wall. A protection structure of the aforementioned pressure compensation element is provided on the side wall of the housing corresponding to each of the pressure compensation elements for protecting the pressure compensation element.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, in a state where the pressure compensation element is mounted on the side wall, there is a gap between an inner peripheral contour of the protection structure and an outer peripheral contour of the pressure compensation element.

[0016] The protection structure of the pressure compensation element of the present utility model can provide an installation guide for the pressure compensation element, can protect the pressure compensation element from collision or impact through a plurality of relatively high ribs, can prevent liquid from flowing into the pressure compensation element through a top rib and discharge the liquid through a notch at the bottom, and can disassemble and assemble the pressure compensation element through two radially symmetric notches. Therefore, the use of the protection structure of the present utility model can not only facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the pressure compensation element, but also provide better protection for the pressure compensation element. In addition, due to the provision of the above protection structure, the housing of the power transmission unit of the present utility model can provide good protection for the pressure compensation element mounted thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand the present utility model, the specific embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Among them:

[0018] Figure 1 Illustrates protection structures of pressure compensation elements of several prior arts;

[0019] Figure 2 Is a front view of a protection structure of a pressure compensation element of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the protection structure of the pressure compensation element shown;

[0021] Figure 4 Is Figure 2 A perspective view of the protection structure of the pressure compensation element shown; and

[0022] Figure 5 Illustrates a part of the housing of the power transmission unit of the present utility model, wherein two Figures 2 to 4 The protection structures of the pressure compensation elements shown are arranged on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] To make the present utility model clearer, a specific embodiment of the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0024] It should be noted that the orientation terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "left" and "right" used herein are only for facilitating the description of the structure of the product with reference to the accompanying drawings. The orientations expressed are only the directions shown in the accompanying drawings and do not necessarily represent the actual use directions of the product.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present utility model, a protection structure for a pressure compensation element is provided. This protection structure is used to protect the pressure compensation element installed on the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit from liquid corrosion, flying stone impact or external bumps, and at the same time facilitates the maintenance of the pressure compensation element. Since the power transmission unit is usually located on the vehicle frame, its working environment is harsh. If the pressure compensation element thereon is not protected, the liquid in the environment will corrode the sealing ring between the pressure compensation element and the side wall on which it is installed, resulting in damage to the sealing ring and thus the failure of the pressure compensation element. In addition, the pressure compensation element also needs to be protected from damage caused by flying stone impact or accidental collision. In view of this situation, the inventor of the present utility model invented a protection structure for this pressure compensation element. Specific descriptions will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figures 2 to 4 The front view, cross-sectional view and three-dimensional view of the protection structure 2 of the pressure compensation element 3 are respectively shown. For the purpose of facilitating the description, Figures 2 to 4 the pressure compensation element 3 protected by this protection structure 2 is also shown, and it has been installed on the housing where this protection structure 2 is located.

[0027] The protection structure 2 of the pressure compensation element of the present utility model is used to protect the pressure compensation element 3 installed on the side wall 4 of the housing of the power transmission unit. The protection structure 2 includes a plurality of ribs protruding perpendicularly from the side wall 4: a top rib 21, a bottom left rib 22 and a bottom right rib 23. The inner peripheral contour surrounded by the top rib 21, the bottom left rib 22 and the bottom right rib 23 is circular, and the center of this circle corresponds to the mounting hole of the pressure compensation element 3 on the side wall 4. The pressure compensation element 3 protected by this protection structure 2 is installed in this mounting hole, and its outer peripheral contour is usually also circular. Of course, the outer peripheral contour of the pressure compensation element 3 is not limited. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure compensation element 3 with a generally circular outer peripheral contour is taken as an example for description. The plurality of ribs of the protection structure 2 provide auxiliary guidance for the installation of the pressure compensation element 3 on the side wall 4. This enables the operator to install the pressure compensation element 3 more easily and quickly. Further preferably, after installation, a certain gap is left between the inner peripheral contour of the protection structure 2 and the outer periphery of the pressure compensation element 3. This gap is preferably about 1 millimeter.

[0028] The outer peripheral contour of the protection structure 2 is not limited, but is preferably streamlined to facilitate liquid flow. Considering the ease of processing, it is a preferred embodiment that both the inner and outer peripheral contours are circular. More preferably, the outer peripheral contour of the protection structure 2 and the inner peripheral contour are concentric circles, that is, the radial thickness is substantially the same.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view after installing the pressure compensation element 3 into the protection structure 2. As shown in this figure, after installation, the protruding length of the protection structure 2 protruding from the side wall 4 is higher than the top surface 31 of the pressure compensation element 3, so that the protection structure 2 can well protect the pressure compensation element 3 from being hit by flying stones during use. That is, after assembly, each rib of the protection structure 2 is higher than the top surface 31 of the pressure compensation element 3. In this article, the protruding length of the protection structure 2 refers to the length that the rib of the protection structure 2 protrudes perpendicularly from the wall surface formed thereby (that is, the wall surface of the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit). According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding length of the protection structure 2 is, for example, at least 1 millimeter higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element.

[0030] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 More clearly shown, the top rib 21, the bottom left rib 22, and the bottom right rib 23 of the protection structure 2 of the pressure compensation element 3 of the present utility model together constitute the circular inner peripheral contour of the protection structure 2. In addition, there are three breaks between the three ribs, namely: the first break 24, the second break 25, and the third break 26. To better protect the pressure compensation element 3, these ribs have a certain thickness. In this article, the thickness of the rib is defined as the radial dimension along the circular contour. According to a preferred embodiment, the radial thickness of each rib among the multiple ribs is at least about 2 millimeters. When the outer peripheral contour formed by the multiple ribs is a circular contour concentric with the inner peripheral contour, this radial thickness remains the same. This can ensure that the protection structure 2 hardly deforms or only deforms minimally when accidentally impacted, so as to advantageously protect the pressure compensation element 3. Most of the thickness of the main body of the rib is at least about 2 millimeters. However, the radial thickness will vary with different manufacturing processes.

[0031] Preferably, the protruding lengths of the top rib 21, the bottom left rib 22, and the bottom right rib 23 can be kept the same, and after assembling the pressure compensation element, they are all slightly higher than the top surface 31 of the pressure compensation element 3. Alternatively, the protruding lengths of the three ribs can also be different. For example, the protruding length of the top rib 21 can be made slightly higher than the protruding lengths of the bottom left rib 22 and the bottom right rib 23 to better prevent the intrusion of liquid from the upper part. However, in any case, the protruding length of the lowest rib should be higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element 3.

[0032] Preferably, the protection structure 2 is manufactured by die-casting process. Based on the process requirements, a draft angle and a fillet need to be set, which will cause the radial thickness of the rib of the protection structure 2 formed by die-casting process to be slightly larger at the base connecting the side wall or gradually increase towards the side wall, while being slightly smaller or gradually decreasing towards the outside away from the side wall. Figure 3 This feature is clearly shown. The end of the rib forms a fillet at the fracture. Figure 2 and Figure 4 This feature is clearly shown.

[0033] As Figure 2 shown, the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 among the three fractures are radially opposite, that is, the center line connecting the centers of the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 passes through the center of the inner circumferential circular contour and is generally horizontal. The first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 provide an operating space for the tool for disassembling and assembling the pressure compensation element 3. Therefore, the widths of the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 should be set as small as possible, but slightly larger than the width of the jaws of the operating tool. In this article, the width of the fracture is defined as the distance between the ends of two adjacent ribs defining the fracture. For example, the width of the first fracture 24 is the distance between the adjacent ends of the top rib 21 and the bottom left rib 22, and so on. According to a preferred embodiment, the widths of the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 are equal. According to another preferred embodiment, the widths of both the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 are not less than 4 mm. The widths of the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 can be 6 mm. However, the widths of the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 should not be too large to prevent flying stones from hitting.

[0034] Furthermore, as Figure 2 shown, the third fracture 26 among the three fractures is located at the center of the lower part of the protection structure 2, that is, the line connecting the center of the third fracture 26 and the center of the circular contour is perpendicular to the center line connecting the first fracture 24 and the second fracture 25 which are radially opposite, whereby the lines connecting the centers of the three fractures and the center of the circular rib form a T shape. The third fracture 26 is used to enable the liquid in the pressure compensation element 3 to flow out smoothly. The width of the third fracture 26 should be set as small as possible as long as the liquid can flow out. Considering the properties such as the surface tension and viscosity of the main liquid water, the width of the third fracture 26 is set to be at least 3 mm and can be 4 mm.

[0035] The arrangement of the above three break points causes the circular convex rib to be broken into a top convex rib 21 with a roughly semi-circular arc shape and two bottom left convex ribs 22 and bottom right convex ribs 23 that are slightly smaller than a quarter-circular arc. The top convex rib 21 shields the pressure compensation element 3 like an umbrella, preventing liquid from flowing into the pressure compensation element 3, and thus being able to prevent liquid from penetrating into the sealing ring 32 between the pressure compensation element 3 and the side wall on which it is installed, causing corrosive damage to the sealing ring 32. As mentioned before, the protection structure 3 has a certain protruding length, and its top convex rib 21 has a lateral dimension larger than the diameter of the pressure compensation element 3, so it can shield the pressure compensation element 3 from the top. Additionally, the bottom left convex rib 22 and the bottom right convex rib 23, together with the top convex rib 21, surround the pressure compensation element 3, preventing flying stones from entering the pressure compensation element 3 and preventing the pressure compensation element 3 from failing due to being impacted by flying stones.

[0036] This uniquely designed protection structure provides the following optimal protection for the pressure compensation element 3 installed inside it:

[0037] During the assembly of the pressure compensation element to the side wall of the housing of the power transmission unit, the inner peripheral contour formed by the three convex ribs can provide installation guidance for the pressure compensation element.

[0038] After the assembly is completed, since the protruding length of these convex ribs is higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element, external collisions or impacts by flying stones will first occur on this protection structure, so it can protect the pressure compensation element itself from collisions or impacts.

[0039] The top convex rib of this protection structure has a roughly semi-circular arc shape, basically protecting the pressure compensation element from the inflow of liquid from above. This arc-shaped top convex rib is like an umbrella, covering the maximum lateral contour of the pressure compensation element, so liquid cannot flow into the pressure compensation element.

[0040] The first break point and the second break point of this protection structure are horizontally radially symmetric, facilitating the disassembly, assembly, or repair of the pressure compensation element.

[0041] The third break point of this protection structure is located at the bottom, enabling the smooth discharge of the liquid around the pressure compensation element.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, a housing of a power transmission unit is provided. At least one pressure compensation element 3 is installed on the side wall 4 of the housing. The pressure compensation element 3 is installed in the installation hole on the side wall 4 and a sealing member 32 is provided between the pressure compensation element 3 and the side wall 4 of the housing. A protection structure 2 as described above is formed on the side wall 4 of the housing corresponding to each pressure compensation element 3. The inner peripheral contour formed by the multiple convex ribs of the protection structure 2 provides installation guidance and protection for the pressure compensation element.

[0043] Preferably, as Figure 3 shown, after the pressure compensation element 3 is installed on the side wall 4 of the housing, the protection structure 2 is higher than the top surface 32 of the pressure compensation element, and the height difference between the two is at least 1 mm to protect the pressure compensation element from impact.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment, after the pressure compensation element 3 is installed on the side wall of the power transmission unit, there may be a certain gap between the inner peripheral contour of the protection structure 2 and the outer contour of the pressure compensation element 3. The gap is about 1 mm.

[0045] In addition, in some cases, the power transmission unit may require more than one pressure compensation element 3. At this time, multiple pressure compensation elements 3 can be arranged on the side wall of the power transmission unit. Figure 5 The side wall 4 of the housing of the power transmission unit provided with the protection structure 2 of the present invention is shown, and two protection structures 3 are arranged up and down on the side wall 4. For the purpose of clarity, the pressure compensation element is not shown in this figure.

[0046] The protection structure of the pressure compensation element of the present invention is provided on the housing of the power transmission unit, so that it can provide good protection for the pressure compensation element installed thereon.

[0047] In summary, the protection structure of the present invention can provide an installation guide for the pressure compensation element, can protect the pressure compensation element from being collided or impacted by foreign objects through a plurality of relatively high ribs, can prevent liquid from flowing into the pressure compensation element through the top rib, and discharge the liquid through the break at the bottom, and can disassemble and assemble the pressure compensation element through two radially symmetric breaks. Therefore, the protection structure of the present invention can not only facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the pressure compensation element, but also provide better protection for the pressure compensation element. In addition, the housing of the power transmission unit of the present invention can provide good protection for the pressure compensation element installed thereon due to the adoption of the above protection structure.

[0048] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions fall within the protection scope of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective structure (2) for a pressure compensation element (3), which is used to protect the pressure compensation element (3) installed on the side wall (4) of the housing of a power transmission unit, characterized in that, The protection structure (2) includes a top rib (21), a bottom left rib (22), and a bottom right rib (23) that protrude vertically from the side wall (4), where: The inner peripheries of the top rib (21), the bottom left rib (22), and the bottom right rib (23) enclose a circular contour, and the center of the circular contour corresponds to the mounting hole of the pressure compensation element (3) on the side wall (4); There is a first break (24) between the top rib (21) and the bottom left rib (22), a second break (25) between the top rib (21) and the bottom right rib (23), and a third break (26) between the bottom left rib (22) and the bottom right rib (23); and The line connecting the centers of the first break (24) and the second break (25) passes through the center of the circular contour and is horizontal, and the line connecting the center of the third break (26) and the center of the circle is perpendicular to the line connecting the centers of the first break (24) and the second break (25).

2. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a state where the pressure compensation element (3) is mounted on the side wall (4) of the housing of the power transmission unit, the protruding length of any one of the top rib (21), the bottom left rib (22), and the bottom right rib (23) from the side wall (4) is higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element (3).

3. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a state where the pressure compensation element (3) is mounted on the side wall (4) of the housing of the power transmission unit, the protruding length of any one of the top rib (21), the bottom left rib (22), and the bottom right rib (23) from the side wall (4) is at least 1 millimeter higher than the top surface of the pressure compensation element (3).

4. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding lengths of the top rib (21), the bottom left rib (22), and the bottom right rib (23) are equal.

5. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The minimum radial thickness of each of the top rib (21), the bottom left rib (22), and the bottom right rib (23) is 2 millimeters.

6. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The width of each of the first break (24) and the second break (25) is at least 4 millimeters.

7. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The width of the third break (26) is at least 3 millimeters.

8. The protective structure (2) of the pressure compensation element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The protection structure (2) is formed on the side wall (4) of the housing of the power transmission unit by a die-casting process.

9. A housing of a power transmission unit, at least one pressure compensation element (3) is mounted on a side wall (4) of the housing, and a seal (32) is provided between the pressure compensation element (3) and the side wall (4), characterized in that, On the side wall (4) of the housing, a protection structure (2) for the pressure compensation element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided corresponding to each pressure compensation element (3) to protect the pressure compensation element (3).

10. The housing of the power transmission unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, In a state where the pressure compensation element (3) is mounted on the side wall (4), there is a gap between the inner peripheral contour of the protection structure (2) and the outer peripheral contour of the pressure compensation element (3).

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