STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING A SWITCHING MECHANISM

Abstract

Structure for supporting a shifting mechanism (51) which can change the shift position by actuating a shift and selector lever (12B) of a transmission (12) coupled to the rear of an internal combustion engine (11), by means of a cross member (6) which connects laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members (2, 3) which extend longitudinally from front to rear in the vehicle (1), characterized by the fact that a transfer case (14), to which the power is supplied from the gearbox (12) via a first drive shaft (13), is installed at a location spaced apart from the gearbox (12) to the rear; a differential (17), to which the power is supplied from the transfer case (14) via a second drive shaft (15), is installed at a location spaced forward from the transmission (14) and laterally outwards from the internal combustion engine (11); the shifting mechanism (51) is installed at a point between the gearbox (12) and the transfer case (14) and above the first drive shaft (13); the cross member (6) has a switching bracket (55) which supports the switching mechanism (51); the shift bracket (55) extends from the cross member (6) through a space (31) formed between the first drive shaft (13) and the second drive shaft (15) to the shift mechanism (51); the shift bracket (55) comprises an upper connecting part (55A) which is connected to the shifting mechanism (51), a main bracket part (55B) which extends downwards from the upper connecting part (55A) through the space (31) formed between the first drive shaft (13) and the second drive shaft (15), and a lower connecting part (55C) which extends downwards from the main bracket part (55B) and is firmly connected to the cross member (6); that the shifting mechanism (51), the first drive shaft (13) and the lower connecting part (55C) are located in the same vertical plane of the vehicle (1); the shifting mechanism (51) comprises a shift lever (52) and a shift housing (54) supporting the shift lever (52), wherein the transmission (12) comprises a transmission housing (12A); the shift housing (54) comprises a front connecting part (54b) which is connected to the gearbox housing (12A) and a rear connecting part (54a) which is connected to the upper connecting part (55A) of the shift bracket (55); the rear connecting part (54a) deviates in relation to the axis of rotation of the first drive shaft (13) to the side of the axis of rotation of the second drive shaft (15); the switching housing (54) a holder (54C) which secures the shift lever (52) at its lower end section, a pair of branching extension pieces (54B) which branch off at a section in front of the holder (54C) and extend to tip end sections where the branching extension pieces (54B) of the pair support the front connecting part (54b); the rear connecting part (54a) of the switch housing (54) is located behind the holder (54C) and is equidistantly spaced rearward from a midpoint between the branching branch pieces (54B) of the pair, such that the rear connecting part (54a) and the midpoint are aligned with each other (C3); and the switching housing (54) is arranged such that the rear connecting part (54a) and the center point, which are aligned with each other, are eccentric to a rotation axis of the first drive shaft (13) on the side of a rotation axis of the second drive shaft (15).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for mounting a switching mechanism. [Background of the technology]

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with a shifting mechanism that can change the gear position in a transmission by actuating a shift and selector lever. JP 2001-12 587 A discloses a shifting mechanism and a structure for supporting the shifting mechanism.

[0003] In the known structure for supporting the shifting mechanism, a support holds a shift lever on a gearbox housing. The support comprises an operating element that carries a pivot point of the shift lever, a main support connected to an upper end of the gearbox housing by a direct locking means, and an inclined support connected to a lower end of the gearbox housing by an elastic locking means.

[0004] The gearshift lever has a point of engagement. This point of engagement is connected to the shift and selector lever, which projects rearward from the gearbox housing with a sliding locking mechanism.

[0005] From DE 198 55 464 A1 a mounting structure for a gearshift lever housing in a motor vehicle is known, wherein vibrations that can be transmitted from the body to the gearshift lever can be reduced by means of a mounting bracket between gearbox housing and gearshift lever housing and at the same time assembly inaccuracies of gearbox housing and gearshift lever housing can be compensated.

[0006] From DE 10 2012 111 032 A1, an environmental structure of a suspension frame is known which can efficiently absorb loads and vibrations exerted on a vehicle body, improve the rigidity of the vehicle body and the driving stability of a vehicle, and reduce vibrations and noise in a vehicle interior.

[0007] From DE 10 2012 111 557 A1 a lower vehicle body structure of a vehicle front section is known which is able to effectively distribute a load from the front and a suspension load and to improve stiffness. [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0008] In the structure known from JP 2001-12 587 A for supporting the shifting mechanism, the shift lever is held by the carrier in such a way that it protrudes beyond the area extending rearward from the gearbox housing, so that the shift lever can pivot about a point on the gearbox housing.

[0009] This leads to a concentration of stress at the pivot point of the gearshift lever and to a local deformation of the gearshift lever, thus increasing the likelihood of a reduction in the service life of the gearshift lever.

[0010] In view of the preceding problem, one object of the present invention is to provide a structure for supporting a switching mechanism which is able to prevent a reduction in the service life of the switching mechanism by reducing the vibration of the switching mechanism. [Solution to the task]

[0011] In light of the preceding problem, according to the present invention, a structure for supporting a shifting mechanism, which can change the shift position by actuating a shift and selector lever of a transmission coupled to the rear of an internal combustion engine, is provided by a cross member connecting laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members extending longitudinally from front to rear in the vehicle. The structure is characterized in that: a transfer case, to which power is supplied from the transmission via a first drive shaft, is installed at a location spaced rearward from the transmission; a differential, to which power is supplied from the transfer case via a second drive shaft, is installed at a location spaced forward from the transmission and laterally outward from the internal combustion engine;the shifting mechanism is installed at a location between the transmission and the transfer case and above the first driveshaft; the crossmember has a shifting bracket that supports the shifting mechanism; the shifting bracket extends from the crossmember through a space formed between the first and second driveshafts to the shifting mechanism; the shifting bracket comprises an upper connecting part that is connected to the shifting mechanism, a main bracket part that extends downwards from the upper connecting part through the space formed between the first and second driveshafts, and a lower connecting part that extends downwards from the main bracket part and is rigidly connected to the crossmember; that the shifting mechanism, the first driveshaft, and the lower connecting part are located in the same vertical plane of the vehicle;The shifting mechanism comprises a shift lever and a shift housing supporting the shift lever, the transmission comprising a transmission housing; the shift housing comprising a front connecting part connected to the transmission housing and a rear connecting part connected to the upper connecting part of the shift bracket; the rear connecting part being offset relative to the axis of rotation of the first drive shaft towards the side of the axis of rotation of the second drive shaft; the shift housing comprising a holder securing the shift lever at its lower end section, a pair of branching branch pieces branching off at a section in front of the holder and extending to tip end sections at which the branching branch pieces of the pair support the front connecting part;the rear connecting part of the switch housing is located behind the holder and is equidistantly spaced rearward from a midpoint between the branching branch pieces of the pair, such that the rear connecting part and the midpoint are aligned; and the switch housing is arranged such that the rear connecting part and the midpoint, which are aligned, are eccentric to the side of an axis of rotation of the second drive shaft with respect to an axis of rotation of the first drive shaft. [Advantageous effect of the invention]

[0012] The invention described above prevents a reduction in the service life of the switching mechanism by reducing the vibration of the switching mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle having an embodiment of the structure for supporting a switching mechanism. Fig. 2 is a partial view of the Fig. 1 without the gearshift lever, which represents the environment of a gearbox. Fig. 3 is a section along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partial view of the Fig. 3, which represents the environment of a switch bracket. Fig. 5 is a section along line VV in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a partial view of the Fig. 1 without the gearbox, shifting mechanism and transfer case, which represents the environment of a mounting plate. Fig. 7 is a partial view of the Fig. 1 without the switching mechanism, which represents the environment of the mounting plate and the switch bracket. [Detailed description]

[0013] In the present embodiment, a structure for supporting a shifting mechanism that can change the shift position by actuating a shift and selector lever of a transmission coupled to the rear of an internal combustion engine is provided by a cross member that connects laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members extending longitudinally from front to rear in the vehicle.The structure is characterized by the following: a transfer case, to which power is supplied from the transmission via a first drive shaft, is installed at a location spaced rearward from the transmission; a differential, to which power is supplied from the transfer case via a second drive shaft, is installed at a location spaced forward from the transmission and laterally outward from the internal combustion engine; the shifting mechanism is installed at a location between the transmission and the transfer case and above the first drive shaft; the cross member has a shifting bracket that supports the shifting mechanism; and the shifting bracket extends from the cross member through a space formed between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to the shifting mechanism.

[0014] As previously described, the present embodiment prevents a reduction in the service life of the switching mechanism by reducing the vibration of the switching mechanism. [Version(s)]

[0015] With reference to the attached drawings, the following description relates to an embodiment of the structure for supporting a switching mechanism according to the present invention.

[0016] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Seven are views of the structure. In the views of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 The arrows shown, labelled “UP”, “FRONT”, “RIGHT”, and “LEFT”, indicate directions from the perspective of a vehicle occupant sitting in the driver's seat.

[0017] The description begins with the setup of the embodiment. Referring to the Fig. 1 comprises a vehicle 1 with laterally spaced right and left longitudinal beams 2 and 3 extending longitudinally from the front to the rear of a vehicle 1.

[0018] The vehicle 1 comprises a cross member, in the present embodiment a central cross member 6. The central cross member 6 is arranged between the laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members 2 and 3 at a location spaced rearward from a front cross member 5. The front cross member 5 and the central cross member 6 connect the laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members 2 and 3 to each other. The front and central cross members 5 and 6 extend laterally between the right and left longitudinal members 2 and 3.

[0019] As described, in the present embodiment the central cross member 6 forms the claimed cross member. The longitudinal members 2 and 3, the front cross member 5, the central cross member 6 and the rear cross members 7A, 7B and 7C form part of the body of the vehicle 1.

[0020] The vehicle 1 has a drive train 10. The drive train 10 comprises an internal combustion engine, in the present embodiment in the form of an engine 11. The drive train 10 includes a transmission 12, which can change a speed ratio between an input speed, i.e., a speed of a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 11, and an output speed.

[0021] The engine 11 is a longitudinal engine with a crankshaft whose axis of rotation extends longitudinally in the imaginary vertical plane 11C of the vehicle 1, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1. The transmission 12 comprises a transmission housing 12A and a shift and selector shaft 12B.

[0022] The gearbox housing 12A encloses several pairs of input and output gears (not shown) and the shift and selector shaft 12B. The gearbox 12 changes a shift position by moving the shift and selector shaft 12B axially along an axis and rotating the shift and selector shaft 12B about this axis.

[0023] In Fig. 1 shows the rear part of the shift and selector shaft 12B, which protrudes from the gearbox 12.

[0024] Further referring to the Fig. 5, a first drive shaft, in the present embodiment a drive shaft 13, transmits the power from the transmission 12 to a transfer case 14. The drive shaft 13, the front end of which is connected to the transmission 12, extends longitudinally rearward from the transmission 12 relative to the vehicle 1. The rear end of the drive shaft 13 is connected to the transfer case 14, which is installed at a location spaced rearward from the transmission 12.

[0025] In this configuration, the drive shaft 13 transmits the power from the gearbox 12 to the transfer case 14. As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive shaft 13 forms the claimed first drive shaft.

[0026] A second drive shaft, in the present embodiment a front drive shaft 15, transmits power from the transfer case 14 to a differential, in the present embodiment a front differential 17. The rear end of the front drive shaft 15 and the front end of a rear drive shaft 16 are connected to the transfer case 14. The transfer case 14 is arranged eccentrically to the side of the right longitudinal member 2 with respect to the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0027] The front drive shaft 15 extends from the transfer case 14 longitudinally forward to the vicinity of the side of the drive train 10.

[0028] The front end of the front drive shaft 15 is connected to the front differential 17. The front differential 17 is located at a position that is spaced forward from the transfer case 14 and laterally outward from the engine 11. The front differential 17 transmits power at different speeds from the front drive shaft 15, via right and left front drive axles (not shown), to the right and left drive wheels (not shown).

[0029] As previously described, in the present embodiment the front drive shaft 15 forms the claimed second drive shaft, and the front differential 17 forms the claimed differential.

[0030] The rear end of the rear drive shaft 16 is connected to a rear differential (not shown). The rear differential transmits power at different speeds from the rear drive shaft 16, via right and left rear drive axles (not shown), to the right and left rear wheels (not shown).

[0031] The transfer case 14 transmits power from the input shaft 13 to the rear input shaft 16 at all times. The transfer case 14 has a shift lever (not shown). The driver can use the shift lever to switch the transfer case 14 between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes. When the transfer case 14 is switched to two-wheel drive mode, power is not transmitted from the input shaft 13 to the front input shaft 15. When the transfer case 14 is switched to four-wheel drive mode, power is transmitted from the input shaft 13 to the front input shaft 15.

[0032] This provides part-time four-wheel drive in vehicle 1 by allowing the driver to select either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The transfer case 14 can be locked in four-wheel drive mode. In this case, the transfer case 14 provides full-time four-wheel drive in vehicle 1.

[0033] Referring to the Fig. In this example, the central crossbeam 6 comprises a front crossbeam 24 and a rear crossbeam 25 located behind the front crossbeam 24. The front and rear crossbeams 24 and 25 are made of a circular, tubular material. As previously described, the central crossbeam 6 in this embodiment forms the claimed crossbeam.

[0034] The right end 24a of the front crossmember 24 is connected to the right longitudinal member 2 and the left end 24b of the front crossmember is connected to the left longitudinal member 3. The front crossmember 24 extends obliquely rearward from the right and left ends 24a and 24b and in the direction of the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, such that the front crossmember 24 is curved in such a way that its center point projects rearward.

[0035] The right end 25a of the rear crossmember 25 is connected to the right longitudinal member 2, and the left end 25b of the rear crossmember is connected to the left longitudinal member 3. The rear crossmember 25 extends obliquely forward from its right and left ends 25a and 25b, respectively, in the direction of the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, such that the rear crossmember 25 is located behind the front crossmember 24 and is bent such that its center point projects forward. In the present embodiment, the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, includes the axis of rotation of the engine crankshaft.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the right end 24a and the left end 24b of the front cross member 24 represent the front one end and the other end of the claimed front cross member. The right end 25a and the left end 25b of the rear cross member 25 represent the rear one end and the other end of the claimed rear cross member.

[0037] In a top view of the vehicle 1, the front crossmember 24 is bent such that its tip section 24A (including its previously mentioned center point) projects rearward, and the rear crossmember 25 is bent such that its tip section 25A (including its previously mentioned center point) projects forward. The front crossmember 24 and the rear crossmember 25 extend in an X-shape such that their tip sections 24A and 25A are aligned and opposite each other in the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the protruding tip section 24A of the front cross member 24 is the section of the front cross member 24 that intersects the imaginary vertical plane encompassing the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, and the protruding tip section 25A of the rear cross member 25 is the section of the rear cross member 25 that intersects the imaginary vertical plane encompassing the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0039] A plate element, which in the present embodiment is a mounting plate 26, is attached to the front cross member 24 and the rear cross member 25. Specifically, by welding the mounting plate 26 to the projecting tip sections 24A and 25A, the mounting plate 26 is attached to the front cross member 24 and the rear cross member 25 such that it extends over the projecting tip sections 24A and 25A. As described above, in the present embodiment, the mounting plate 26 constitutes the claimed plate element.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 5 A mounting bracket 28 is attached to the rear of the gearbox 12. The mounting bracket 28 is connected to the mounting plate 26 via the bracket 27.

[0041] The bracket 27 comprises a lower support 27A, an upper support 27B and an elastic body 27C.

[0042] The lower support 27A is attached to the mounting plate 26 by means of mechanical fasteners (not shown), and the upper support 27B is attached to the mounting bracket 28 by means of mechanical fasteners (not shown). The elastic body 27C connects the lower support 27A and the upper support 27B. The elastic body 27C is made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0043] Referring to the Fig. 1. The right side of the motor 11 is supported by the right longitudinal member 2 by means of a motor mount (not shown), and the left side by the left longitudinal member 3 by means of a motor mount (not shown). The motor mounts comprise an elastic body, such as rubber.

[0044] Thus, the drive train 10 is elastically supported by the right and left longitudinal members 2 and 3 by means of the motor mounts, and by the middle cross member 6 by means of the mount 27.

[0045] The vehicle 1 includes a reinforcement bracket 32. The reinforcement bracket 32 ​​connects the section of the rear cross member 25, which is located between the imaginary vertical plane 11C and the right longitudinal member 2, and the right longitudinal member 2.

[0046] The transfer case 14 is arranged eccentrically to the side of the right longitudinal member 2 in relation to the transmission 12, with its front end 14a being located in front of the right end section 25a and the left end section 25b of the rear cross member 25.

[0047] A mounting support 33 is connected to the right side of the transfer case 14, while a mounting support 34 is connected to the left side of the transfer case 14.

[0048] The rear of the mounting support 33 is connected to the right longitudinal beam 2, while the front of the mounting support 33 is connected to a reinforcement bracket 32.

[0049] The reinforcement bracket 32 ​​connects the right longitudinal member 2 to the front of the rear cross member 25.

[0050] The right end of the mounting support 34 is connected to the transfer case 14, while the left end of the mounting support 34 is connected to the left longitudinal member 3.

[0051] Thus, the transfer case 14 is supported by the right longitudinal member 2 and the left longitudinal member 3 by means of the mounting support 33 and the mounting support 34.

[0052] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a shifting mechanism 51 is installed in vehicle 1 at a point between the gearbox 12 and the transfer case 14 and above the drive shaft 13 (see also Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0053] The shifting mechanism 51 includes a shift lever 52. The shift lever 52 can be operated by the driver in the vehicle 1.

[0054] The shift lever 52 is connected to the shift and selector shaft 12 by a connecting element 53. The connecting element 53 has a connecting part 53A at its front end, which is connected to the rear of the shift and selector shaft 12B.

[0055] The connecting link 53 moves along an axis and pivots around the axis together with the movement of the shift lever 52 to cause a movement and pivoting of the shift and select shaft 12B along and around the axis.

[0056] Referring to the Fig. 2, the switching mechanism 51 comprises a switching housing 54. Specifically, the switching housing 54 extends within the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, and includes a receiving part 54A that receives the connecting element 43. The receiving part 54A has a holder in the form of a hub 54C that secures the lower end section of the shift lever 52. As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the hub 54C forms the claimed holder.

[0057] The switching housing 54 comprises a pair of branch pieces 54B that project forward from the receiving part 54A. The pair of branch pieces 54B extends from the receiving part 54A such that the connecting part 53A is located between the branch pieces. The branch pieces 54B of the pair have front ends that carry a mounting hub 54b (see also Fig. 5). The mounting hub 54b is pivotally supported by the gearbox 12.

[0058] The receiving part 54A of the switching housing 54 has a pin 54a at its rear end (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The pin 54a is supported by an elastic body 56 in a hub 55A of a shift bracket 55 in such a way that the pin 54a can move in relation to the hub 55A.

[0059] As in Fig. 2 visible, the pin 54a of the shift housing 54 is located behind the hub 54C and is equidistantly spaced rearward from the midpoint between the branching branch pieces 54B of the pair, so that the pin 54a and the midpoint are aligned along a line C3

[0060] The branching branch pieces 54B of the pair have a front end at which the switching housing 54 is pivotably supported by a mounting hub 54b from the gearbox housing 12A, so that the switching housing 54 is vertically movable relative to the gearbox housing 12A with the mounting hub 54b as a pivot point.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, pin 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side of the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15, relative to the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13. Furthermore, the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13 is arranged eccentrically to the side of the left longitudinal member 3, relative to the rotation axis of the crankshaft or to the imaginary vertical plane 11C, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0062] Referring to the Fig. 4, the switch bracket 55 is attached to the bracket mounting plate 26, so that the switch bracket 55 is attached to the middle cross member 6 via the bracket mounting plate 26.

[0063] The shift bracket 55 extends from the bracket mounting plate 26 through the space 31 formed between the drive shaft 13 and the front drive shaft 15 to the pin 54a of the shift mechanism 51.

[0064] The shift bracket 55 comprises the hub 55A, which is connected to the pin 54a of the shift mechanism 51, the main bracket part 55B, which extends downwards from the upper connecting part 55A through the space 31 formed between the drive shaft 13 and the front drive shaft 15, and the lower bracket connecting part 55C, which extends downwards from the main bracket part 55B and is firmly connected to the bracket mounting plate 26 on the cross member 6.

[0065] As described, the shift housing 54 has at its end the mounting hub 54b connected to the gearbox housing 12A, and the shift housing 54 has at its rear end the pin 54a coupled to the hub 55A of the shift mounting bracket 55.

[0066] The pin 54a slides relative to the hub 55A in one direction along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, so that the switching housing 54 can move along the longitudinal axis 11C of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the pin 54a pivots relative to the hub 55A about its axis, so that the switching housing 54 can pivot.

[0067] Referring to the Fig. 4 The pin 54a of the switching mechanism 51, the drive shaft 13 and the lower connecting part 55C are located in the same vertical plane of the vehicle 1. The drive shaft 13 has the lateral side 13a which is opposite the main support part 55B of the switching bracket 55.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the hub 55A forms a claimed upper connecting part, while the lower connecting part 55C forms a claimed lower connecting part. The mounting hub 54b forms a claimed front connecting part, while the pin 54a forms a claimed rear connecting part.

[0069] As in Fig. 5 visible, the main part 55B of the switch bracket 55 becomes wider in the downward direction within the imaginary vertical plane 11C (of the vehicle 1), which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 5 The lower connecting part 55C of the shift bracket 55 extends laterally downwards from its one lateral side 55d, which is opposite the front drive shaft 15, so that it covers the drive shaft 13 from below until it reaches the tip end 55e, which is further away from the front drive shaft 15 than the other lateral side 13b of the drive shaft 13.

[0071] Thus, in Fig. 7 the tip end 55e visible from above. The shift bracket 55 extends from the cross member 6, through the space 31 between the drive shaft 13 and the front drive shaft 15, to the shift mechanism 51 in such a way that the shift bracket 55 covers the drive shaft 13 from below and from the side.

[0072] Referring to the Fig. 5 the shift lever 52 is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that its upper end 52a, in the neutral position, is located behind its lower end section 52b, so that the shift lever 52 extends from the upper 52a to the lower end section 52b along an oblique line.

[0073] The main part 55B of the shift bracket 55 is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that the hub 55A is located behind the lower connecting part 55C.

[0074] The shift bracket 55 and the shift lever 52 in the neutral position are parallel to each other, so that the main part 55B and the shift lever 52 extend along the inclined line.

[0075] The following section describes the properties of the previously described structure. In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the shifting mechanism 51, the transfer case 14, to which the power is transmitted from the transmission 12 via the drive shaft 13, is installed at a location spaced rearward from the transmission 12.

[0076] In addition to the rear differential, to which the power from the transfer case 14 is transmitted via the rear drive shaft 16, the front differential 17, to which the power from the transfer case 14 is transmitted via the front drive shaft 15, is located at a position that is spaced forward from the transfer case 14 and laterally outwards from the engine 11.

[0077] The shift mechanism 51 is installed at a point between the gearbox 12 and the transfer case 14 and above the drive shaft 13. The cross member 6 has the shift bracket 55, which supports the shift mechanism 51.

[0078] This configuration allows the switching mechanism 51 to be stably supported on the mounting plate 26, which has high rigidity, by means of the switching bracket 55. This provides a path for the transmission of the vibration and load exerted on the switching mechanism 51 by the drive train 10 to the mounting plate 26 via the switching bracket 55.

[0079] Thus, this configuration allows a reduction in the service life of the switching mechanism 51 by reducing the stress concentration that may occur, for example, in a connection area where the shift lever 52 and the connecting element 53 are connected and / or in a connection area where the shift and selector shaft 12B and the connecting part 53 are connected, and by reducing and preventing local deformation of parts, including the shift lever 52 and the connecting element 53.

[0080] On the other hand, the transfer case 14 can divide the power transmitted from the transmission 12 via the drive shaft 13 into a part that is transmitted via the front drive shaft 15 to the front differential 17, and another part that is transmitted via the rear drive shaft 16 to the rear differential 16.

[0081] Thus, the weight fraction on the side where the front drive shaft 15 and the rear drive shaft 16 are connected to the transfer case 14 is greater than the weight fraction on the side where the drive shaft 12 is connected to the transfer case 14.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 4 It should be noted that the transfer case 14 is pulled to the side on which the front drive shaft 15 and the rear drive shaft 16 are connected, i.e. in a direction W, due to the vibrations caused by the vibrations of the drive train 10 in rotational directions around the axis of rotation C1 of the drive shaft 13.

[0083] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the switching mechanism 51, the switching bracket 55 extends from the cross member 6 through the space formed between the drive shaft 13 and the front drive shaft 15 to the switching mechanism 51 in order to solve the problem mentioned above.

[0084] This allows the shift bracket 55 to remain on the side where the load caused by the pull 14 exerted on and transferred to the transfer case 14 is heavier. Thus, the shift bracket 55 can absorb a load that may be exerted by the shifting mechanism 51 when the transfer case 51 is pulled during vibrations of the drivetrain 10, and allow the load to escape towards the central cross member 6.

[0085] Thus, this configuration with increased effectiveness prevents a reduction in the service life of the switching mechanism by reducing the stress concentration that may occur, for example, in a connection area where the shift lever 52 and the connecting element 53 are connected, and / or in a connection area where the shift and selector shaft 12B and the connecting part 53A are connected, and by reducing local deformations of parts, including the shift lever 52 and the connecting element 53.

[0086] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the shifting mechanism, the shifting bracket 55 comprises the hub 55A, which is connected to the pin 54a of the shifting mechanism 51, the main bracket part 55B, which extends downwards from the upper connecting part 55A through the space 31 formed between the drive shaft 13 and the front drive shaft 15, and the lower bracket connecting part 55C, which extends downwards from the main bracket part 55B and is firmly connected to the bracket mounting plate 26 on the cross member 6.

[0087] Furthermore, the shifting mechanism 51, the first drive shaft 13 and the lower connecting part 55C are located in the same vertical plane of the vehicle 1.

[0088] This allows the shifting mechanism 51 and the shifting bracket 55 to be placed near the drive shaft 13, to which the drive train transmits vibrations, thereby reducing the vibration of the shifting mechanism 51 with increased effectiveness, compared to a case in which a shifting mechanism and a shifting bracket are placed at a distance from the drive shaft 13.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the switching mechanism 51, the switching lever 52 and the switching housing 54, which carries the switching lever 52, the switching mechanism 51 comprises the switching mechanism 51, the switching lever 52 and the switching housing 54, which carries the switching lever 52.

[0090] The shift housing 54 comprises the mounting hub 54b connected to the gearbox housing 12A and the pin 54a coupled to the hub 55A of the shift bracket 55. The pin 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side of the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15 relative to the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13.

[0091] This contributes to an increase in the support stiffness of the shift bracket 55, because the gearbox housing 12A can support the front end section of the shift housing 54 and the shift bracket 55 can support the rear end sections of the shift housing.

[0092] This effectively reduces the vibrations of the shifting mechanism 51.

[0093] Furthermore, this configuration reduces the stress concentration that can occur in a connection area where the mounting hub 54b and the gearbox housing 12A are connected, and in a connection area where the pin 54a and the hub 55A of the shift bracket 55 are connected. This prevents a reduction in the service life of the shift housing 54, which in turn prevents a reduction in the service life of the shifting mechanism 51.

[0094] In addition, the pin 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side of the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15 in relation to the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13.

[0095] If the pin 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side of the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15 in relation to the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13, the bending radius of the main support part 55B is made larger than if the pin 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side opposite the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15.

[0096] In addition to effectively reducing the vibration of the shifting mechanism 51 by preventing local deformation of the mounting main part 55B due to a local stress concentration on the mounting main part 55B, the eccentric arrangement of the pin 54a to the side of the front drive shaft 15 prevents a deterioration of the service life of the shifting mount 55.

[0097] On the other hand, if the bending radius of the mounting main part 55B is small, the service life of the switch mounting 55 is likely to be reduced because stresses will concentrate in a section where the bending of the mounting main part 55B is large and the mounting main part 55B is easily deformable.

[0098] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the switching mechanism, one lateral side 13a of the first drive shaft 13 is opposite the main mounting part 55B of the switching bracket 55, while the other lateral side 13b is located on the side of the switching bracket 55 furthest from the main mounting part 55B.

[0099] Furthermore, the lower connecting part 55C of the shift bracket 55 extends laterally downwards from its one lateral side 55d, which is opposite the front drive shaft 15, so that it covers the drive shaft 13 from below until it reaches the tip end 55e, which is further away from the front drive shaft 15 than the other lateral side 13b of the drive shaft 13.

[0100] This allows the lower connecting part 55C, which sits on the mounting plate 26, to cover the drive shaft 13 laterally from below over a sufficiently long side length.

[0101] Thus, the shift bracket 55 can absorb the load caused by the pull of the transfer case 14 in direction A.

[0102] Furthermore, the stiffness of the shift bracket 55 is sufficiently increased to accommodate a reaction to the pull of the transfer case 14 in direction A. As a result, the preceding configuration effectively prevents vibration of the shift mechanism 51.

[0103] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the shifting mechanism 51, the shifting housing 54 comprises the hub 54C, which secures the lower end section of the shift lever 52, and the pair of branching extension pieces 54B, which branch off at a section in front of the hub 54C and extend forward to tip end sections where the branching extension pieces 54B of the pair support the front connecting part 54b.

[0104] Furthermore, the pin 54a of the shift housing 54 is located behind the hub 54C and is equidistantly spaced rearward from the midpoint between the branching branch pieces 54B of the pair, so that the pin 54a and the midpoint are aligned with each other; see the line C2 along which the midpoint and the pin 54a are aligned.

[0105] In the configuration described above, the gearbox housing 12A supports the shift housing 54 at its front end section at two spaced-apart points, while the shift bracket 55 supports the shift housing at its rear end section at one point. This allows the gearbox housing 12A and the shift bracket 55 to support the shift housing 54 at three spaced-apart points.

[0106] This configuration allows for an effective reduction of the vibration of the switching mechanism 51 due to a stable installation of the switching housing 54 in the vehicle 1, in which the center of gravity of the switching housing 54 is placed at a point in an imaginary triangle connecting the two points on the front end section of the switching housing 54 and the single point on the rear end section of the switching housing 54.

[0107] Furthermore, the switching housing 54 is positioned such that the rear connecting part 54a and the center point, which are aligned with each other, are arranged eccentrically to the side of a rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15 in relation to a rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13.

[0108] If the switching housing 54 is arranged eccentrically to the side of the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15 in relation to the rotation axis C1 of the drive shaft 13, the bending radius of the main support part 55B is made larger than if the switching housing 54a is arranged eccentrically to the side opposite the rotation axis C2 of the front drive shaft 15.

[0109] In addition to effectively reducing the vibration of the shifting mechanism 51 by preventing local deformation of the mounting main part 55B due to a local stress concentration on the mounting main part 55B, the eccentric arrangement of the pin 54a to the side of the front drive shaft 15 prevents a deterioration of the service life of the shifting mount 55.

[0110] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the shifting mechanism 51, the shift lever 52 is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that its upper end 42a, in the neutral position, is located behind its lower end section 52b, so that the shift lever 52 extends from the upper end 52a to the lower end section 52b along an inclined line.

[0111] If a driver moves the gearshift lever 52 from the neutral position, which is in Fig. 5, represented by the solid line, pushes into the first gear position, which is in Fig. As indicated by the dashed line, a large force is exerted on the shift lever 52 in the direction in which it is pushed. Therefore, repeated actuation of the shift lever 52 by the aforementioned driver can increase the likelihood of a reduction in the service life of the shift lever 52.

[0112] The main part 55B of the shift bracket 55 is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that the hub 55A is located behind the lower bracket connecting part 55C. The shift bracket 55 and the shift lever 52 in its neutral position are parallel to each other, so that the main part 55B and the shift lever 52 extend along the inclined line.

[0113] This allows the shift bracket 55 to extend in the direction in which the shift lever 52 is pushed when the driver moves the shift lever 52 from the position in Fig. 5 neutral position represented by the solid line in the Fig. The first gear position, represented by the dashed line, is pressed.

[0114] Thus, the shift bracket 55 can effectively absorb the load that occurs when the shift lever 52 is actuated, thereby preventing a reduction in the service life of the shift lever 52 and thus a reduction in the service life of the shift mechanism 51.

[0115] When the gearshift lever 52 has been pushed into the first gear position, the gearshift lever 52 extends in the vertical direction, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. Figure 5 shows that in this position the shift bracket 55 and the central cross member 6 are located below the shift lever 52.

[0116] The shift lever bracket 55 and the central cross member 52 effectively absorb the load generated when the shift lever 52 is pressed downwards during movement from first gear to neutral or to any other shift position. This prevents a reduction in the service life of the shift lever 52.

[0117] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the switching mechanism 51, the central cross member 6 comprises: a front cross member 24, the front one and other ends 24a, 24b of which are connected to the respective longitudinal members 2, 3 and which extends from the front one and other ends 24a, 24b in the direction of an imaginary vertical plane 11C of the vehicle 1, which includes the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, such that the front cross member 24 is bent backwards.

[0118] Furthermore, the rear cross member 25, whose rear ends 25a, 25b are connected to the respective longitudinal members 2, 3 and which extends from the rear ends 25a, 25b in the direction of the imaginary vertical plane 11C of the vehicle 1, is located behind the front cross member 24 and is bent forwards.

[0119] The tip section 24A of the rearwardly bent front cross member 24 and the tip section 25A of the forward-bent rear cross member 25 are aligned with each other and lie opposite each other within the imaginary vertical plane 11C of the vehicle 1.

[0120] The mounting plate 26 is attached to the front cross member 24 and the rear cross member 25 in such a way that it covers the tip section 24A of the front cross member 24 and the tip section 25A of the rear cross member 25, and the switch bracket 55 is attached to the mounting plate 26.

[0121] This allows the stiffness of the middle crossbeam 6 to be improved by forming the middle crossbeam 6 as an integral structure comprising the front crossbeam 24 and the rear crossbeam 25, and by the front crossbeam 24 and the rear crossbeam 25 sharing connection points with the right and left longitudinal beams 2 and 3, as connection points of the middle crossbeam 6.

[0122] Furthermore, the mounting plate 26 can improve the stiffness of the central cross member 6 because the mounting plate 26 is in contact with the curved tip sections 24A and 25A of the front and rear cross members 24 and 25, thus providing an increased contact area between the mounting plate 26 and the central cross member 6 compared to the prior art in which a mounting plate is in contact with only a straight section of a single cross member.

[0123] Because the switching mechanism 51 is supported by the mounting plate 26, the vibration of the switching mechanism 51 along the longitudinal members 2 and 3 is distributed to the longitudinal members 2 and 3 via the front cross member 24 and the rear cross member, as shown in Fig. 7 represented by the arrows “a”, which leads to a more effective reduction of the vibration of the switching mechanism 51.

[0124] In the present embodiment of the structure for supporting the switching mechanism 51, the main part 55B of the switching bracket 55 becomes wider in the downward direction within the imaginary vertical plane 11C (of the vehicle 1), which includes the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1.

[0125] This effectively improves the support stiffness of the switching mechanism 51 by effectively increasing the stiffness of the switching bracket 55.

[0126] Although the disclosure relates to the present embodiment but is not limited to it, it is obvious that a person skilled in the art could make modifications without departing from the claimed scope of the present invention. All possible modifications and equivalents are to be considered as covered by the appended claims. [Description of reference symbols]

[0127] 1...the vehicle, 2...the right longitudinal member, 3...the left longitudinal member, 6...the cross member; in the present embodiment, the middle cross member, 11...the internal combustion engine; in the present embodiment, the engine, 11C...the imaginary vertical plane of the vehicle 1, which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, 12...the transmission, 12A...the transmission housing, 12B...the shift and selector shaft, 13...the first drive shaft; in the present embodiment, the drive shaft, C1...the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 13, 13a...one lateral side, i.e., the one lateral side of the first drive shaft 13 that is opposite the main mounting part 55B, 13b...the other lateral side, i.e., the other lateral side on the side of the first drive shaft 13 furthest from the main mounting part, 14...the transfer case, 15...the second drive shaft; in the present embodiment, the front drive shaft, C2...the axis of rotation of the front drive shaft 15, 17...the differential; in the present embodiment, the front differential, 24... the front crossmember, 24A... the tip section, i.e., the tip section of the curved front crossmember, 24a... one of the two ends of the front crossmember; in the present embodiment, the right end, 24b... the other of the two ends of the front crossmember; in the present embodiment, the left end, 25... the rear crossmember, 24A... the tip section, i.e., the tip section of the curved rear crossmember, 24a... one of the two ends of the rear crossmember; in the present embodiment, the right end, 24b... the other of the two ends of the rear crossmember; in the present embodiment, the left end, 26... the plate element; in the present embodiment, the mounting plate, 51...the shifting mechanism, 52...the shift lever, 52a...the upper end, i.e. the upper end of the shift lever, 52b...the lower end section, i.e., the lower end section of the shift lever, 54B...the pair of branching branch pieces, 54C...the holder; in the present embodiment, the hub, 54a...the rear connecting part; in the present embodiment, the pin, 54b...the front connecting part; in the present embodiment, the holder hub, 55...the shift bracket, 55A...the upper connecting part; in the present embodiment, the hub, 55C...the lower connecting part; in the present embodiment, the bracket-side connecting part; 55d...one side, i.e., one lateral side of the shift bracket opposite the second drive shaft, 55e...the tip section, i.e., the tip section of the extending lower connecting part, C3, the line along which the equidistant midpoint between the branching branch pieces 54B of the pair and the pin 54a are aligned.

Claims

[1] Structure for supporting a shifting mechanism (51) which can change the shift position by actuating a shift and selector lever (12B) of a transmission (12) coupled to the rear of an internal combustion engine (11), by means of a cross member (6) which connects laterally spaced right and left longitudinal members (2, 3) which extend longitudinally from front to rear in the vehicle (1), characterized by , that a transfer case (14), to which the power is supplied from the gearbox (12) via a first drive shaft (13), is installed at a location spaced apart from the gearbox (12) to the rear; a differential (17), to which the power is supplied from the transfer case (14) via a second drive shaft (15), is installed at a location spaced forward from the transmission (14) and laterally outwards from the internal combustion engine (11); the shifting mechanism (51) is installed at a point between the gearbox (12) and the transfer case (14) and above the first drive shaft (13); the cross member (6) has a switching bracket (55) which supports the switching mechanism (51); the shift bracket (55) extends from the cross member (6) through a space (31) formed between the first drive shaft (13) and the second drive shaft (15) to the shift mechanism (51); the shift bracket (55) comprises an upper connecting part (55A) which is connected to the shifting mechanism (51), a main bracket part (55B) which extends downwards from the upper connecting part (55A) through the space (31) formed between the first drive shaft (13) and the second drive shaft (15), and a lower connecting part (55C) which extends downwards from the main bracket part (55B) and is firmly connected to the cross member (6); that the shifting mechanism (51), the first drive shaft (13) and the lower connecting part (55C) are located in the same vertical plane of the vehicle (1); the shifting mechanism (51) comprises a shift lever (52) and a shift housing (54) supporting the shift lever (52), wherein the transmission (12) comprises a transmission housing (12A); the shift housing (54) comprises a front connecting part (54b) which is connected to the gearbox housing (12A) and a rear connecting part (54a) which is connected to the upper connecting part (55A) of the shift bracket (55); the rear connecting part (54a) deviates in relation to the axis of rotation of the first drive shaft (13) to the side of the axis of rotation of the second drive shaft (15); the switching housing (54) a holder (54C) which secures the shift lever (52) at its lower end section, a pair of branching extension pieces (54B) which branch off at a section in front of the holder (54C) and extend to tip end sections where the branching extension pieces (54B) of the pair support the front connecting part (54b); the rear connecting part (54a) of the switch housing (54) is located behind the holder (54C) and is equidistantly spaced rearward from a midpoint between the branching branch pieces (54B) of the pair, such that the rear connecting part (54a) and the midpoint are aligned with each other (C3); and the switching housing (54) is arranged such that the rear connecting part (54a) and the center point, which are aligned with each other, are eccentric to a rotation axis of the first drive shaft (13) on the side of a rotation axis of the second drive shaft (15). [2] Structure according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shift lever (52) is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that its upper end (52a), in the neutral position, is located behind its lower end section (52b), so that the shift lever (52) extends from the upper end (52a) to the lower end section (52b) along an oblique line; the main part (55B) of the switch bracket (55) is inclined backwards relative to the vertical, so that the upper connecting part (55A) is located behind the lower connecting part (55C); and the shift bracket (55) and the shift lever (52) in the neutral position run parallel to each other, so that the main part (55B) and the shift lever (52) extend along the inclined line. [3] Structure according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the cross member (6) comprises: a front cross member (24) whose front one and other ends (24a, 24b) are connected to the respective longitudinal members (2, 3) and which extends from the front one and other ends (24a, 24b) in the direction of an imaginary vertical plane (11C) of the vehicle (1) which includes the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (1), such that the front cross member (24) is bent backwards; and a rear cross member (25) whose rear one and other ends (25a, 25b) are connected to the respective longitudinal members (2, 3) and which extends from the rear one and other ends (25a, 25b) in the direction of the imaginary vertical plane (11C) of the vehicle (1), such that the rear cross member (25) is located behind the front cross member (24) and is bent forwards; a tip section (24A) of the rearwardly bent front cross member (24) and a tip section (25A) of the forward-bent rear cross member (25) are aligned with each other and are opposite each other in the imaginary vertical plane (11C) of the vehicle (1); a plate element (26) is attached to the front cross member (24) and to the rear cross member (25) such that it covers the tip section (24A) of the front cross member (24) and the tip section (25A) of the rear cross member (25); and the switch bracket (55) is attached to the plate element (26). [4] Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the main part (55B) of the switch bracket (55) becomes wider in the downward direction in the imaginary vertical plane (11C) which encompasses the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (1).

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