COVER STRUCTURE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Abstract

Cover structure of an internal combustion engine, comprising: an engine body (7) comprising a crankshaft (15), a camshaft (9, 10) and a variable valve mechanism (51, 53) which changes a relative rotational phase of the camshaft (9, 10) with respect to the crankshaft (15); and a cover component (18) attached to an end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), the cover component (18) comprising a cover section (19) covering the end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), comprising a first side wall section (19A) and a second side wall section (19B) provided in a width direction of the cover section (19) on both sides of the cover section (19) and attached to the end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), and comprising an opening section (19a) formed in the cover section (19) and provided such that a drive device (52) which drives the variable valve mechanism (51, 53) is attached, the cover component (18) includes: a projecting section (30) extending from the cover section (19) towards the motor body (7), wherein the projecting section (30) comprises a fastening projecting section (30A) which is attached with a fastening means (20C) which fastens the cover element (18) to the motor body (7); a first reinforcing section (41) provided on the cover section (19) such that it extends from the fastening projection section (30A) in a direction different from the width direction of the cover section (19), and which is connected to a third side wall section (19u) of the cover section (19) provided at a position different from the positions of the first side wall section (19A) and the second side wall section (19B); and a second reinforcement section (42) which is provided on the cover section (19) such that it extends from the fastening projection section (30A) in the width direction of the cover section (19) and which is connected to the first side wall section (19A), and wherein the opening section (19a) is surrounded by the projection section (30), the first reinforcement section (41), the third side wall section (19u), the first side wall section (19A) and the second reinforcement section (42).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention relates to a cover structure for an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle. [Previous state of the art]

[0002] Among internal combustion engines mounted on vehicles, an internal combustion engine is known which includes a motor drive that has an electric motor for driving a variable valve control device (see JP 2013 - 113 100 A).

[0003] KR 10 1 533 062 B1 discloses a cover structure for an internal combustion engine with a cover component that covers a control unit on one side of an engine block of the internal combustion engine. Sealing material is provided in a groove on a circumferential surface at the edge of the cover component to seal a gap between this circumferential surface and a circumferential surface at the edge of the engine block of the internal combustion engine.

[0004] JP 2008 - 175 153 A discloses an internal combustion engine with a variable valve timing mechanism, wherein an oil pressure control valve is provided on a timing chain case of the internal combustion engine. An oil drain port of the oil pressure control valve opens into the interior of the timing chain case. On the inside of the timing chain case, a first rib and a second rib are provided. The first rib is located below the oil drain port and is inclined downwards from the slack side to the tensioned side of a timing chain. The second rib extends downwards and projects into a space surrounded by the timing chain. Furthermore, the second rib intersects the first rib.

[0005] In JP 2013-113100A, the motor drive comprises an electric motor and a housing attached to an outer surface of a chain housing that covers one side of an internal combustion engine and surrounds the electric motor. The motor drive is attached to the chain housing in such a way that the other end section of the housing is connected to an opening section formed in the chain housing. [Brief description of the invention][Problem to be solved with the invention]

[0006] Because a heavy object, such as an engine drive, is attached to the chain housing with its opening section in a conventional internal combustion engine, the rigidity of the chain housing is reduced. For this reason, there are concerns that the engine drive may vibrate if the chain housing vibrates due to vibrations from the internal combustion engine.

[0007] This invention was conceived with regard to the problems described above, and one object of this invention is to provide a cover structure for an internal combustion engine which can prevent vibration of a cover component due to vibrations of an internal combustion engine and consequently improve the holding stiffness of a drive device and prevent vibration of the drive device. [Means to solve the problem]

[0008] According to aspects of this invention, a cover structure for an internal combustion engine is provided, comprising: an engine body including a crankshaft, a camshaft, and a variable valve mechanism that changes the relative rotational phase of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft; and a cover component attached to an end section of the engine body, wherein the cover component includes a cover section that covers the end section of the engine body, a first side wall section and a second side wall section that are provided in a width direction of the cover section on both sides of the cover section and that are attached to the end section of the engine body, and an opening section formed in the cover section that is provided to accommodate a drive device that drives the variable valve mechanism.wherein the cover component includes a projection section extending from the cover component towards the engine body, the projection section comprising a fastening projection section attached by a fastening means which secures the cover component to the engine body, a first reinforcing section provided in the cover component such that it extends from the fastening projection section in a direction different from the width direction of the cover component, and which is connected to a third side wall section of the cover component provided at a position different from the positions of the first side wall section and the second side wall section, and comprising a second reinforcing section provided in the cover component such thatthat it extends from the projection section in the width direction of the cover section, and is connected to the first side wall section, and wherein the opening section is surrounded by the projection section, the first reinforcement section, the third side wall section, the first side wall section and the second reinforcement section. [Effect of the invention]

[0009] According to this invention, with the configuration described above it is possible to improve the holding stiffness of the drive device and to prevent vibration of the drive device, since it is possible to prevent vibration of the cover component due to vibrations of the internal combustion engine. [Brief description of the characters] [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a front view of a powertrain comprising a cover structure of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of this invention. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a view of a chain cover from the right, which is provided in the cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of this invention. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a left-hand view of the chain cover provided in the cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of this invention, and illustrates a timing chain, a variable valve mechanism and a camshaft provided in an engine body. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the chain cover from the right, which is provided in the cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of this invention, and illustrates a state in which an electric actuator is disconnected. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a view of the chain cover from the left, which is provided in the cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of this invention, and illustrates a state in which the electric actuator is disconnected. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from one direction VI-VI of Fig. 5. [Emphasis(s) of the invention]

[0010] A cover structure of an internal combustion engine according to embodiments of this invention comprises: an engine body comprising a crankshaft, a camshaft, and a variable valve mechanism that changes a relative rotational phase of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft; and a cover component attached to an end section of the engine body, wherein the cover component comprises a cover section that covers the end section of the engine body, a first side wall section and a second side wall section that are provided in the width direction on both sides of the cover section and that are attached to the end section of the engine body, and an opening section formed in the cover section that is provided to accommodate a drive device that drives the variable valve mechanism, wherein the cover component includes a projecting section.which extends from the cover section towards the engine body and which is connected to the engine body, includes a first reinforcing section which is provided in the cover section such that it extends from the projection section in a direction different from the width direction of the cover section, and which is connected to a third side wall section of the cover section which is provided at a position different from the positions of the first side wall section and the second side wall section, and includes a second reinforcing section which is provided in the cover section such that it extends from the projection section in the width direction of the cover section, and which is connected to the first side wall section, and wherein the opening section is separated from the projection section, the first reinforcing section, the third side wall section,is surrounded by the first side wall section and the second reinforcement section.

[0011] Accordingly, it is possible to improve the holding stiffness of the drive device and prevent vibration of the drive device, as it is possible to prevent vibration of the cover component due to vibrations of the combustion engine. [Versions]

[0012] In the following, embodiments of a cover structure for an internal combustion engine according to this invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 are diagrams illustrating a cover structure of an internal combustion engine according to embodiments of this invention. In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6. Directions up, down, forward, backward, left and right are defined such that a vehicle width direction is a direction to the left and right and a vehicle height direction is a direction up and down, where a forward direction of movement is a direction forward and a reverse direction of movement is a direction backward.

[0014] First, a configuration is described.

[0015] In Fig. In Figure 1, a vehicle 1 comprises a left longitudinal member 2L and a right longitudinal member 2R. The left longitudinal member 2L and the right longitudinal member 2R extend forward and backward, respectively, and are separated from each other in the width direction of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle width direction).

[0016] The left longitudinal beam 2L and the right longitudinal beam 2R are provided with a left anti-vibration mounting element 3L and a right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, respectively. The left anti-vibration mounting element 3L and the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R are connected to a drive train 4, and the drive train 4 is elastically held by the left longitudinal beam 2L and the right longitudinal beam 2R via the left anti-vibration mounting element 3L and the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R.

[0017] The drivetrain 4 comprises an engine 5, which is an internal combustion engine, and a transmission 6. The engine 5 and the transmission 6 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, relative to the left longitudinal member 2L and the right longitudinal member 2R, respectively. The engine 5 converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, and the transmission 6 transmits the rotational speed of the engine 5 via gears.

[0018] The engine 5 includes an engine body 7, and the engine body 7 includes a cylinder block 11, a cylinder head 12, a cylinder head cover 13, and an oil pan 14.

[0019] A chain cover 18 (see the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) is attached to right end sections 11a and 12a of the cylinder block 11 and the cylinder head 12 and to a (not shown) right end section of the cylinder head cover 13, and the chain cover 18 covers a timing chain 8 which is provided at the right end section of the engine body 7 from the right side.

[0020] The chain cover 18 of this embodiment forms a cover component of this invention, and the right end sections 11a and 12a of the cylinder block 11 and the cylinder head 12 in the vehicle width direction and the (not shown) right end section of the cylinder head cover 13 form an end section of an engine body of this invention. In the following, reference is made to the right end sections 11a and 12a of the cylinder block 11 and the cylinder head 12 in the vehicle width direction and the right end section of the cylinder head cover 13 as a right end section of an engine body 7.

[0021] The cylinder block 11 is provided with a plurality of cylinders (not shown). A piston (not shown) is held in the cylinder, and the piston moves up and down relative to the cylinder. The piston is connected to a crankshaft 15 by a connecting rod (not shown) (see Fig. 2), and the reciprocating motion of the piston is converted by the connecting rod into a rotary motion of the crankshaft 15.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the rotational axis of the crankshaft 15 as indicated by an imaginary line. The crankshaft 15 extends in the vehicle width direction, and the engine 5 is configured as a transverse engine.

[0023] The cylinder head 12 with a plurality of (not shown) intake ports, a plurality of intake valves 9V (as in Fig. 1 (indicated by an imaginary line), which open and close the intake ports, a plurality of (not shown) exhaust ports, and a plurality of (not shown) exhaust valves, which open and close the exhaust ports. The intake port draws air into the cylinder, and the exhaust port carries exhaust gas, formed by combustion inside the cylinder, out of the cylinder.

[0024] The inlet valve 9V and the exhaust valve are provided at two positions for each cylinder, and the engine 5 of this embodiment is, for example, configured as a four-cylinder engine. Furthermore, the number of cylinders is not limited to four.

[0025] A dynamic valve chamber (not shown) is formed between the cylinder head 12 and the cylinder head cover 13, and an intake camshaft 9 and an exhaust camshaft 10 are accommodated in the dynamic valve chamber, as shown in Fig. 3 illustrated.

[0026] In Fig. 3 is an end section of the crankshaft 15 provided with a crank gear 15A, and end sections of the intake camshaft 9 and the exhaust camshaft 10 are provided with an intake cam gear 9A and an exhaust cam gear 10A respectively.

[0027] The timing chain 8 is wound around the crankshaft sprocket 15A, the intake camshaft sprocket 9A, and the exhaust camshaft sprocket 10A, and the crankshaft 15, the intake camshaft 9, and the exhaust camshaft 10 are connected by the timing chain 8. Accordingly, the power of the crankshaft 15 is transmitted by the timing chain 8 to the intake camshaft 9 and the exhaust camshaft 10.

[0028] The intake camshaft 9 is mounted on the rear side of the exhaust camshaft 10, and the end section of the intake camshaft 9 is provided with an intake-side variable valve mechanism 51. Fig. 2 an electric actuator 52 is attached to the chain cover 18.

[0029] The intake-side variable valve mechanism 51 is driven by the electric actuator 52 in such a way that the relative rotational phase of the intake camshaft 9 with respect to the crankshaft 15 is changed towards the retardation side and the propulsion side, and the opening and closing time of the intake valve 9V is changed towards the propulsion side and the retardation side.

[0030] The final section of the exhaust camshaft 10 is provided with an exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53, and the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 includes a thrust chamber and a retardation chamber (not shown) into which oil is introduced.

[0031] When oil is introduced into the propulsion chamber, the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 changes the relative rotational phase of the exhaust camshaft 10 with respect to the crankshaft 15 towards the propulsion side and changes the opening and closing time of the exhaust valve towards the propulsion side.

[0032] When oil is introduced into the retardation chamber, the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 changes the relative rotational phase of the exhaust camshaft 10 with respect to the crankshaft 15 towards the retardation side and changes the opening and closing time of the exhaust valve towards the retardation side.

[0033] The intake camshaft 9 and the exhaust camshaft 10 of this embodiment form a camshaft of this invention, and the electric actuator 52 forms a drive device of this invention. The intake-side variable valve mechanism 51 forms a variable valve mechanism and an electric variable valve mechanism of this invention, and the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 forms a variable valve mechanism and a hydraulic variable valve mechanism of this invention.

[0034] Oil is contained in an oil pan 14 for lubricating the crankshaft 15 or the piston or for operating the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53.

[0035] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the chain cover 18 includes a cover section 19 and side wall sections 19A and 19B. The cover section 19 covers the right end section of the engine body 7. The side wall sections 19A and 19B are provided in the width direction on both sides of the cover section 19 and extend from the cover section 19 towards the engine body 7.

[0036] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the cover section 19 is provided with an opening section 19a, and the cover section 19 is provided at the periphery of the opening section 19a with an annular outer peripheral edge section 19b (see Fig. 4) The electric actuator 52 is inserted into the opening section 19a and is connected through the opening section 19a to the inlet-side variable valve mechanism 51.

[0037] The electric actuator 52 is attached to the outer peripheral edge section 19b, being inserted into the opening section 19a. That is, the outer peripheral edge section 19b forms a mounting surface for the electric actuator 52.

[0038] In Fig. 4 A plurality of fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e are provided at the periphery of the opening section 19a. The electrical actuator 52 is fastened by means of a screw 20B (see Fig. 2) attached to the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e, so that it is attached to the outer peripheral edge section 19b.

[0039] This means that the electric actuator 52 is attached to the cover section 19 by means of the screw 20B. The screw 20B of this embodiment forms a fastening means of this invention.

[0040] A front end of the chain cover 18, in the direction in which the side wall sections 19A and 19B extend, is fastened to the right end section of the engine body 7 by means of a screw 20A. The side wall section 19A of this embodiment forms a first side wall section of this invention, and the side wall section 19B forms a second side wall section of this invention.

[0041] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 A mounting attachment section 22 is provided on an upper section of a front surface 19f of the cover section 19. In Fig. 1. The mounting section 22 bulges outward from the front surface 19f of the cover section 19 toward the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, and an arm section 3B of the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R is attached to an upper surface of the mounting section 22. The front surface 19f of the cover section 19 is a surface on the side of the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, and a rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 is a surface on the side of the motor body 7.

[0042] In Fig. 1 In the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, an elastic body, such as a (not shown) rubber, is included, and the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R includes a mounting element body 3A, which is attached to the right longitudinal beam 2R, as well as the arm section 3B, which extends from the mounting element body 3A to the mounting attachment section 22 and which is fastened to the mounting attachment section 22 by means of the screw 20B.

[0043] The motor 5 is held elastically by means of the right longitudinal member 2R through the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, and is suspended by means of the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R.

[0044] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a lower section of the chain cover 18 with an oil pump unit 23 provided. The oil pump unit 23 includes a domed section 33 (see Fig. 1), which curves from the front surface 19f of the cover section 19 towards the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, and includes a pump housing 23A attached to the rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 to attach the curved section 33.

[0045] The oil pump unit 23 includes an oil pump 23B (which is located in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 (indicated by an imaginary line), which is rotatably received by the curved section 33 and the pump housing 23A. A connecting surface between the pump housing 23A and the curved section 33 is provided with an inlet and a drain (not shown).

[0046] The oil pump 23B includes an inner rotor (not shown) which is attached to the crankshaft 15 and is set in rotation by the crankshaft 15, and an outer rotor (not shown) which is arranged in the radial direction on the outside so that it surrounds the inner rotor.

[0047] The oil pump 23B, for example, is configured as a trochoid oil pump, and an operating chamber (not shown) in which oil is received is formed between an outer gear and an inner gear when an inner gear formed on the outer rotor is in contact with an outer gear formed on the inner rotor.

[0048] In the oil pump 23B, the power of the crankshaft 15 is transferred to the inner rotor, causing the inner and outer rotors to rotate in the same direction. As the volume of the operating chamber continuously increases and decreases, the oil collected in the oil pan 14 is drawn in through the intake port, and the drawn-in oil is discharged through the drain port.

[0049] In Fig. 5 Oil passage sections 24 and 25 are integrally formed in the chain cover 18. The oil passage section 24 bulges from the front surface 19f of the cover section 19 towards the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R, bulges from the rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 towards the engine body 7 and is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0050] Inside the oil passage section 24 an oil passage 24a is formed, and the oil that is drained from the drain opening of the oil pump unit 23 is introduced into the oil passage 24a.

[0051] The oil passage section 24 extends upwards from the oil pump unit 23 and is connected to the lower section of the mounting attachment section 22. The oil passage section 24 extends along the side wall section 19B at a position adjacent to the side wall section 19B and is offset forwards and backwards towards the front side with respect to the oil pump unit 23.

[0052] The oil passage section 25 bulges outwards from the rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 towards the engine body 7 and is cylindrical in shape. The oil passage section 25 is connected to the upper end of the oil passage section 24 and extends from the upper end of the oil passage section 24 in the width direction of the cover section 19 towards the side wall sections 19A and 19B.

[0053] In particular, the oil passage section 25 extends from a projection section 30, which will be described later, along the mounting attachment section 22 in the width direction of the cover section 19, a front end section 25f in the direction in which it extends is connected to the side wall section 19B by a sensor projection section 31, which will be described later, and an upper end section 25u is connected to the lower end section of the mounting attachment section 22.

[0054] The oil passage section 25 extends from the projection section 30 in the width direction of the cover section 19 on the lower side of the opening section 19a, and a rear end section 25r in the direction in which it extends is connected to the side wall section 19A.

[0055] That is, the oil passage section 25 of this embodiment extends in the width direction of the cover section 19 and connects the side wall section 19A and the side wall section 19B.

[0056] Inside the oil passage section 25, an oil passage 25a is formed, and the oil passage 25a is connected to the oil passage 24a. Accordingly, the oil that is drained from the drain opening of the oil pump unit 23 is supplied to the oil passage 25a via the oil passage 24a. The oil passage section 25 of this embodiment constitutes an oil passage section of this invention.

[0057] The rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 is provided with the projecting section 30. The projecting section 30 extends from the cover section 19 towards the engine body 7, and a front end in the direction in which it projects is connected to the cylinder head 12.

[0058] The projection section 30 is provided with a fastening projection section 30A, which includes a through hole 30a through which a screw 20C is inserted (see Fig. 2) A section in the vicinity of the opening section 19a in the chain cover 18 is attached to the cylinder head 12 in such a way that the screw 20C is inserted through the through-hole 30a and is secured to a screw groove (not shown) of the cylinder head 12. The screw 20C of this embodiment forms a fastening element of this invention.

[0059] The projecting section 30 is provided with an oil inlet projecting section 30B, which includes an oil inlet passage 30b. The oil inlet passage 30b is connected to the oil passage 25a, and the oil flowing through the oil passage 25a is introduced from the oil inlet passage 30b into an oil passage (not shown) formed in the engine body 7. The oil introduced from the oil inlet passage 30b into the oil passage of the engine body 7 is supplied to a part of the engine body 7 requiring lubrication.

[0060] The projection section 30 is provided with control projection sections 30C and 30D, which include exhaust oil passages 30c and 30d. The exhaust oil passage 30c is connected to a cylinder section 27, and the oil supplied to the cylinder section 27 from the oil passage 25a is supplied to the drive chamber of the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 from the exhaust oil passage 30c.

[0061] The exhaust oil passage 30d is connected to the cylinder section 27, and the oil supplied to the cylinder section 27 from the oil passage 25a is supplied to the delay chamber of the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 from the exhaust oil passage 30d.

[0062] The control projection sections 30C and 30D are located in the upward and downward direction between the fastening projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B and are connected to the fastening projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B.

[0063] The control projection section 30D projects towards the side wall section 19A with respect to an outer edge section 30r of the mounting projection section 30A. The through-hole 30a and the oil inlet passage 30b are cylindrical in shape, and the outlet oil passages 30c and 30d are elongated in the direction of inclination, such that they have a diameter larger than the diameters of the through-hole 30a and the oil inlet passage 30b.

[0064] In this way, the projection section 30 of this embodiment includes the fastening projection section 30A, the oil inlet projection section 30B, and the control projection sections 30C and 30D.

[0065] The rear surface 19r of the cover section 19 is provided with ribs 41 and 42. Rib 41 is provided in the width direction of the cover section 19 between the opening section 19a and the mounting section 22.

[0066] The rib 41 extends longitudinally (upwards and downwards) from the projecting section 30 and is connected to an upper wall section 19u of the cover section 19. That is, the rib 41 connects the fastening projecting section 30A of the projecting section 30 and the upper wall section 19u of the cover section 19. The upper wall section 19u of this embodiment forms a third side wall section of this invention.

[0067] The mounting section 22 is connected to the projection section 30. Accordingly, the mounting section 22 is connected to the rib 41 via the projection section 30.

[0068] The rib 42 is located below the opening section 19a and above the oil passage section 25 and extends from the projection section 30 in the lateral direction of the cover section 19. Within the rib 42, a front end section 42f is connected to the mounting projection section 30A, and a rear end section 42r is connected to the side wall section 19A. That is, the rib 42 connects the projection section 30 and the side wall section 19A. Furthermore, the lateral direction of the cover section 19 also includes a lateral direction and a direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction.

[0069] The opening section 19a is formed in the rear upper section of the cover section 19 and is surrounded by the projecting section 30, the rib 41, the upper wall section 19u, the side wall section 19A, and the rib 42. The rib 41 of this embodiment forms a first reinforcing section of this invention, and the rib 42 forms a second reinforcing section of this invention.

[0070] The outer peripheral edge section 19b of the opening section 19a is connected to the ribs 41 and 42. The fastening section 19c is connected to the rib 41, and the fastening section 19e is connected to the rib 42.

[0071] The mounting attachment section 22 is located in the width direction of the cover section 19 with respect to the projection section 30 on the side opposite the opening section 19a, and the upper end section 22u of the mounting attachment section 22 is provided above the cover section 19 with respect to a lower end section 19g of the opening section 19a. The projection section 30 is provided such that it overlaps the opening section 19a in the width direction of the cover section 19 and is connected to the mounting attachment section 22.

[0072] In Fig. 4 The cylinder section 27 is provided in the upper section of the cover section 19. The cylinder section 27 bulges out from the front surface 19f of the cover section 19 towards the side opposite the engine body 7, that is, the side of the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R.

[0073] The mounting section 22 includes a longitudinal side wall 22A located on the side of the opening section 19a and extending in the longitudinal direction, includes an upper wall 22B extending in the width direction of the cover section 19, includes a lower wall 22C located below the upper wall 22B and extending in the width direction of the cover section 19, and includes a longitudinal side wall 22D located on the side of the side wall section 19B and extending in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal side walls 22A and 22D are connected to the upper wall 22B and the lower wall 22C.

[0074] Inside the mounting section 22, a space 22s is provided, which is surrounded by the longitudinal side wall 22A, the upper wall 22B, the lower wall 22C, and the longitudinal side wall 22D, and the space 22s is provided with a horizontal rib 43. The horizontal rib 43 extends in the width direction of the cover section 19 and connects the side wall section 19B and the projection section 30.

[0075] Room 22s is provided with a vertical rib 44, and the vertical rib 44 connects the upper wall 22B and the lower wall 22C. The horizontal rib 43 is provided such that it intersects the vertical rib 44.

[0076] In Fig. 4 The cylinder section 27 is provided on the lower side of the mounting attachment section 22 and is connected to the mounting attachment section 22. A rear end section 27r in the direction in which the cylinder section 27 extends is located below the opening section 19a and overlaps the opening section 19a in the width direction of the cover section 19.

[0077] A hydraulic control valve 28 is inserted into the cylinder section 27. The hydraulic control valve 28 includes a spool valve (not shown) which is inserted into the cylinder section 27, as well as a control unit 28A, such as an electromagnetic solenoid, which protrudes from the cylinder section 27 and actuates the spool valve.

[0078] When the slide valve is actuated by the control unit 28A, the hydraulic control valve 28 supplies the oil supplied to the cylinder section 27 through the oil passages 24a and 25a to the boost chamber or the deceleration chamber of the exhaust-side variable valve mechanism 53 via the exhaust oil passage 30c or the exhaust oil passage 30d. That is, the hydraulic control valve 28 switches one oil supply path to a path in which the oil flows from the cylinder section 27 to the boost chamber and another path in which the oil flows from the cylinder section 27 to the deceleration chamber.

[0079] The oil passage section 25 extends in the direction in which the rib 42 extends, that is, in the width direction of the cover section 19, and connects the oil inlet projection section 30B and the side wall section 19A. As shown in Fig. As indicated by an imaginary line 4, the cylinder section 27 extends in the direction in which the rib 42 extends.

[0080] In Fig. 6. The rib 42 is connected to the oil passage section 25 via the cylinder section 27. Specifically, the rib 42 is located above the oil passage section 25 and is connected to the cylinder section 27. The cylinder section 27 is positioned at the same height as the oil passage section 25 and is connected to the oil passage section 25.

[0081] In Fig. 5 The front end section 42f of the rib 42 is connected to the mounting projection section 30A and the control projection section 30D. The mounting projection section 30A is positioned to penetrate between the rib 42 and the oil passage section 25 and is connected to both. That is, an upper surface of the control projection section 30D is connected to the rib 42, and a lower surface of the control projection section 30D is connected to the oil passage section 25.

[0082] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 A curved section 29 is provided on the front surface 19f of the cover section 19. The curved section 29 extends from the front surface 19f of the cover section 19 towards the right anti-vibration mounting element 3R (see Figure 4). Fig.1) and is connected to the lower section of the cylinder section 27. The curved section 29 extends in the width direction of the chain cover 18 and connects the oil passage section 24 and the side wall section 19A.

[0083] The chain cover 18 is provided with a sensor projection section 31. A sensor 32 is attached to the sensor projection section 31, and the sensor projection section 31 holds the sensor 32. The sensor 32 detects a condition of the oil flowing through the oil passages 24a and 25a, for example, oil temperature, oil pressure, or oil temperature and oil pressure.

[0084] As described above, the chain cover 18 according to the cover structure of this embodiment includes the cover section 19, which covers the right end section of the engine body 7, includes the side wall section 19A and the side wall section 19B, which are provided in the width direction on both sides of the cover section 19 and are attached to the right end section of the engine body 7, and includes the opening section 19a, which is formed in the cover section 19 and to which the electric actuator 52 is attached, which drives the inlet-side variable valve mechanism 51.

[0085] Furthermore, the chain cover 18 includes the projecting section 30, which extends from the cover section 19 towards the engine body 7 and is connected to the engine body 7; includes the rib 41, which is provided on the cover section 19 such that it extends from the projecting section 30 in the longitudinal direction and is connected to the upper wall section 19u of the cover section 19; and includes the rib 42, which is provided on the cover section 19 such that it extends from the projecting section 30 in the width direction of the cover section 19 and is connected to the side wall section 19A.

[0086] Furthermore, the opening section 19a is surrounded by the projection section 30, the rib 41, the upper wall section 19u, the side wall section 19A and the rib 42.

[0087] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the stiffness at the periphery of the opening section 19a, to which the electric actuator 52 is attached, by means of the projecting section 30, the rib 41, the upper wall section 19u, the side wall section 19A, and the rib 42. For this reason, it is possible to prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7 and to improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52.

[0088] In this way, it is possible to prevent vibration of the electric actuator 52 and to stabilize the electric actuator 52 by means of the chain cover 18. As a result, it is possible to drive the inlet-side variable valve mechanism 51 stably by means of the electric actuator 52 and to improve reliability when the inlet-side variable valve mechanism 51 is in operation.

[0089] Furthermore, the cover section 19 at the periphery of the opening section 19a is provided with an outer peripheral edge section 19b according to the cover structure of this embodiment, which forms an attachment surface for the electric actuator 52, and the outer peripheral edge section 19b is connected to the ribs 41 and 42.

[0090] Accordingly, it is possible to reinforce the outer peripheral edge section 19b with the ribs 41 and 42, which have high stiffness, and thus increase the stiffness of the outer peripheral edge section 19b. For this reason, it is possible to more effectively prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7 and to further improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52, even when the electric actuator 52, which is a heavy object, is attached to the opening section 19a.

[0091] For this reason, it is possible to prevent vibration of the electric actuator 52 more effectively and to hold the electric actuator 52 more stably by means of the chain cover 18. Furthermore, it is possible that the outer peripheral edge section 19b is connected only to the rib 41 or the rib 42.

[0092] Furthermore, the cover section 19 is provided at the periphery of the opening section 19a according to the cover structure of this embodiment with the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e, which fasten the electrical actuator 52 to the cover section 19 by means of the screw 20B, the fastening section 19c is connected to the rib 41, and the fastening section 19e is connected to the rib 42.

[0093] Accordingly, it is possible to reinforce the fastening sections 19c and 19e for fastening the electric actuator 52 to the opening section 19a by means of the ribs 41 and 42 and to increase the stiffness of the fastening sections 19c and 19e.

[0094] For this reason, it is possible to more effectively prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7 and to further improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52.

[0095] As a result, it is possible to prevent vibration of the electric actuator 52 more effectively and to keep the electric actuator 52 more stable by means of the chain cover 18.

[0096] Furthermore, one of the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e can only be connected to rib 41 or rib 42. Additionally, one or more of the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e can be attached to rib 41 or rib 42.

[0097] Furthermore, one of the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e can be connected to rib 41 and rib 42. In this case, one of the fastening sections 19c, 19d and 19e is provided in the connection section to which rib 41 and rib 42 are connected.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the cover structure of this embodiment, the cover section 19 includes the oil passage section 25, which extends in the direction in which the rib 42 extends, and includes the oil passage 25a as well as the cylinder section 27, which bulges out from the cover section 19 in a direction opposite to the engine body 7 and into which the hydraulic control valve 28 is inserted, which supplies oil to the engine body 7.

[0099] The projection section 30 includes the oil inlet projection section 30B, which directs the oil flowing through the oil passage 25a into the engine body 7. The oil passage section 25 connects the oil inlet projection section 30B and the side wall section 19A.

[0100] The cylinder section 27 extends in the direction in which the rib 42 extends, and the rib 42 is connected to the oil passage 25a through the cylinder section 27.

[0101] Accordingly, it is possible to reinforce the ribs 41 and 42 for the opening section 19a, to which the electric actuator 52 is attached, by means of the oil inlet projection section 30B, the cylinder section 27 and the oil passage section 25, and to further increase the stiffness of the ribs 41 and 42.

[0102] For this reason, it is possible to further increase the stiffness at the periphery of the opening section 19a, where the electric actuator 52 is attached, by means of the ribs 41 and 42, which have higher stiffness, and to more effectively prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7. As a result, it is possible to further improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52 and to hold the electric actuator 52 more stably by means of the chain cover 18.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the cover structure of this embodiment, the projection section 30 includes the fastening projection section 30A, to which the screw 20C is attached, which fastens the chain cover 18 to the engine body 7, and includes the control projection sections 30C and 30D, which supply oil to the outlet-side hydraulic variable valve mechanism 53, controlled by the hydraulic control valve 28.

[0104] The control projection sections 30C and 30D are located in the upward and downward direction between the mounting projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B and are connected to the mounting projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B. The control projection section 30D projects towards the side wall section 19A with respect to the outer edge section 30r of the mounting projection section 30A.

[0105] Since the projection section 30 includes the fastening projection section 30A, the oil inlet projection section 30B and the control projection sections 30C and 30D, it is accordingly possible to further increase the stiffness of the projection section 30 by increasing the stiffness of the projection section 30 and enlarging the control projection section 30D in the lateral direction (the direction forward and backward) of the cover section 19.

[0106] Furthermore, it is possible to reinforce the ribs 41 and 42 by means of the projection section 30, which has high stiffness, since the rib 41 is connected to the fastening projection section 30A and the front end section 42f of the rib 42 is connected in the direction in which it extends to the fastening projection section 30A and the control projection section 30D.

[0107] For this reason, it is possible to further increase the stiffness at the periphery of the opening section 19a, where the electric actuator 52 is attached, by means of the ribs 41 and 42, which have higher stiffness, and to more effectively prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7. As a result, it is possible to further improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52 and to hold the electric actuator 52 more stably by means of the chain cover 18.

[0108] Since the control projection sections 30C and 30D are located in the upward and downward direction between the mounting projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B, and are connected to the mounting projection section 30A and the oil inlet projection section 30B, it is further possible to connect the rib 42 to a large area of ​​the projection section 30. For this reason, it is possible to further increase the stiffness of the rib 42 and to more effectively increase the stiffness of the cover section 19 at the periphery of the opening section 19a.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the cover structure of this embodiment, the control projection sections 30C and 30D are provided such that they penetrate between the rib 42 and the oil passage 25a and are connected to the rib 42 and the oil passage 25a.

[0110] Accordingly, it is possible to further increase the stiffness of the control projection section 30D, since the control projection section 30D is connected to the oil passage section 25, which has high stiffness. Furthermore, it is possible to further increase the stiffness of the rib 42, since the rib 42 is connected to the control projection section 30D, which has higher stiffness.

[0111] For this reason, it is possible to further increase the stiffness at the periphery of the opening section 19a, where the electric actuator 52 is attached, by means of the ribs 41 and 42, which have higher stiffness, and to more effectively prevent vibration of the chain cover 18 due to vibrations of the motor body 7. As a result, it is possible to further improve the holding stiffness of the electric actuator 52 and to hold the electric actuator 52 more stably by means of the chain cover 18.

[0112] Furthermore, the cover component of this embodiment is configured as the chain cover 18; however, this invention is not limited to the chain cover 18, as long as the cover component covers the end section of the motor body 7.

[0113] Although embodiments of this invention have been described, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications can be made without altering the scope of this invention. The appended claims are intended to encompass any and all such modifications and equivalents. (DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE MARKS)

[0114] 1 ... vehicle, 5 ... engine (internal combustion engine), 7 ... engine body, 9 ... intake camshaft (camshaft), 10 ... exhaust camshaft (camshaft), 11a, 12a ... right end section (end section of engine body), 15 ... crankshaft, 18 ... chain cover (cover component), 19 ... cover section, 19A ... side wall section (first side wall section), 19B ... side wall section (second side wall section), 19a ... opening section, 19b ... outer peripheral edge section, 19c, 19d, 19e ... mounting section, 19u ... upper wall section (third side wall section), 20B ... screw (fastener), 20C ... screw (fastener), 25 ... oil passage section, 25a ... oil passage, 27 ... cylinder section, 28 ... hydraulic control valve, 30 ... Projection section, 30A ... Mounting projection section, 30B ... Oil inlet projection section, 30C, 30D ... Projection section (control projection section), 30r ...outer edge section (outer edge section of the control projection section), 41 ... rib (first reinforcement section), 42 ... rib (second reinforcement section), 51 ... inlet-side variable valve mechanism (variable valve mechanism, electric variable valve mechanism), 52 .. electric actuator (actuator device), 53 ... outlet-side variable valve mechanism (variable valve mechanism, hydraulic variable valve mechanism).

Claims

[1] Cover structure of an internal combustion engine, comprising: an engine body (7) comprising a crankshaft (15), a camshaft (9, 10) and a variable valve mechanism (51, 53) which changes a relative rotational phase of the camshaft (9, 10) with respect to the crankshaft (15); and a cover component (18) attached to an end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), the cover component (18) comprising a cover section (19) covering the end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), comprising a first side wall section (19A) and a second side wall section (19B) provided in a width direction of the cover section (19) on both sides of the cover section (19) and attached to the end section (11a, 12a) of the motor body (7), and comprising an opening section (19a) formed in the cover section (19) and provided such that a drive device (52) which drives the variable valve mechanism (51, 53) is attached, the cover component (18) includes: a projecting section (30) extending from the cover section (19) towards the motor body (7), wherein the projecting section (30) comprises a fastening projecting section (30A) which is attached with a fastening means (20C) which fastens the cover element (18) to the motor body (7); a first reinforcing section (41) provided on the cover section (19) such that it extends from the fastening projection section (30A) in a direction different from the width direction of the cover section (19), and which is connected to a third side wall section (19u) of the cover section (19) provided at a position different from the positions of the first side wall section (19A) and the second side wall section (19B); and a second reinforcement section (42) which is provided on the cover section (19) such that it extends from the fastening projection section (30A) in the width direction of the cover section (19) and which is connected to the first side wall section (19A), and wherein the opening section (19a) is surrounded by the projection section (30), the first reinforcement section (41), the third side wall section (19u), the first side wall section (19A) and the second reinforcement section (42). [2] Cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral edge section (19b) forming a mounting surface for the drive device (52) is provided in the cover section (19) at the periphery of the opening section (19a), and wherein the outer peripheral edge section (19b) is connected to at least one of the first amplification section (41) and the second amplification section (42). [3] Cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover section (19) is provided at the periphery of the opening section (19a) with a fastening section (19c, 19d, 19e) which fastens the drive device (52) to the cover section (19) by means of a fastening means (20B), and the fastening section (19c, 19d, 19e) is connected to at least one of the first reinforcement section (41) and the second reinforcement section (42). [4] Cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover section (19) includes a cylindrical oil passage section (25) extending in the direction in which the second reinforcement section (42) extends, and which includes an oil passage (25a) and a cylindrical section (27) bulging from the cover section (19) in a direction opposite to the engine body (7) and provided such that a hydraulic control valve (28) supplying oil to the engine body (7) is inserted therein, wherein the projection section (30) includes an oil inlet projection section (30B) which directs the oil flowing through the oil passage (25a) into the engine body (7), wherein the oil passage section (25) connects the oil inlet projection section (30B) and the first side wall section (19A), wherein the cylinder section (27) extends in the direction in which the second reinforcing section (42) extends, and wherein the second reinforcement section (42) is connected to the oil passage section (25) via the cylinder section (27). [5] Cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein the variable valve mechanism (51, 53) includes an electrically driven variable valve mechanism (51) driven by the drive device (52) and a hydraulically driven variable valve mechanism (53) driven by oil, wherein the projection section (30) includes a control projection section (30C, 30D) which supplies oil to the hydraulic variable valve mechanism (28), controlled by the hydraulic control valve (53), wherein the control projection section (30C, 30D) is located between the mounting projection section (30A) and the oil inlet projection section (30B) and is connected to the mounting projection section (30A) and the oil inlet projection section (30B), wherein the control projection section (30C, 30D) projects towards the first side wall section (19A) in relation to an outer edge section (30r) of the fastening projection section (30A), and wherein an end section of the second reinforcement section (42) is connected in the direction in which it extends to the fastening projection section (30A) and the control projection section (30C, 30D). [6] Cover structure of the internal combustion engine according to claim 5, wherein the control projection section (30C, 30D) is provided such that it penetrates between the second reinforcement section (42) and the oil passage section (25) and is connected to the second reinforcement section (42) and the oil passage section (25).

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