Power transmission device

Abstract

Power transmission device comprising a housing in which a gearbox connected to a motor (2) is arranged and which has an annular motor mounting section (71) which is to be connected to the motor (2) by motor mounting elements (14), wherein the annular motor mounting section (71) is provided on a front end section of the housing in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle (1), wherein the engine mounting section (71) is equipped with a support bracket mounting flange (82) to which a support bracket (31) is attached by a support bracket fastening element (3b), wherein the support bracket (31) holds an exhaust emission control unit (3) which is arranged on one side of the engine mounting section (71); wherein the support bracket mounting flange (82) projects outwards from a side surface of the housing at a predetermined height and has a predetermined thickness, wherein the support bracket mounting flange (82) is designed such that it extends in a straight line in a vertical direction of the vehicle (1); wherein motor mounting sections (71) through which the motor mounting elements (14) pass are formed in the vertical direction at both ends; wherein a plurality of support bracket mounting hole sections (82c, 82d) through which the support bracket mounting elements (3b) pass are formed in the vertical direction between the motor mounting hole sections (81), wherein the motor mounting hole sections (81) include an upper motor mounting hole section (82a) located in an upper end section in the vertical direction, and a lower motor mounting hole section (82b) located in a lower end section in the vertical direction; wherein the support bracket fixing hole sections (82c, 82d) include an upper support bracket fixing hole section (82c) located on a vertically upper side and a lower support bracket fixing hole section (82d) located on a vertically lower side; wherein a longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper motor mounting hole section (82a) and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower motor mounting hole section (82b) are substantially on the same plane, and wherein at least one of a longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper support mounting hole section (82c) and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower support mounting hole section (82d) lies substantially on the same plane; characterized in that the housing comprises a first housing (61) which is to be attached to the motor (2) and a second housing (62) which is attached to the first housing (61); that the first housing (61) has a fastening section for the second housing (72) which is connected to the second housing (62) by a housing fastening element, wherein the fastening section for the second housing (72) has a plurality of fastening projections (85) formed thereon; and that if one of the fastening projections (85) located closest to the upper support bracket mounting hole section (82c) or an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange is defined as a first fastening projection (85a) and one of the fastening projections (85) located closest to the lower support bracket mounting hole section (82d) or a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange is defined as a second fastening projection (85b), a first rib (73) connecting an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange and the first fastening projection is formed on the first housing (61) and a second rib (74) connecting a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82) and the second fastening projection (85b) is formed on the first housing (61). Housing (61) is formed.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a power transmission device that transmits a force generated by a motor, and more specifically to such a power transmission device that is equipped with a housing in which a gearbox is arranged and which is connected to a motor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As one such type of power transmission device, patent literature 1 suggests, for example, one which is equipped with a gearbox connected to an engine and a housing in which the gearbox is arranged, and which holds an exhaust pipe, located on one side of the housing in a direction the width of a vehicle and extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle, by means of a retaining element on the housing.

[0003] The retaining element consists of a support bracket on the housing side and a support bracket on the exhaust pipe side. The support bracket on the housing side is bent to form a pair of plate sections facing opposite each other. One of the plate sections is fixed to the housing. The support bracket on the exhaust pipe side is bent into a U-shape to hold the exhaust pipe. The support bracket on the exhaust pipe clamps the exhaust pipe, with one end of the pipe being bolted to the other plate section of the support bracket on the housing side, thus securing the exhaust pipe to the housing. The retaining element acts in such a way as to prevent the transmission of vibrations from the housing to the exhaust pipe, thereby reducing stresses acting on the exhaust pipe and the retaining element and improving durability. STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE 1: Japanese patent first publication no. 7-71245 Brief description of the invention; problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] The power transmission device as described in patent literature 1, however, has the disadvantage that the vibration of the exhaust pipe is directly transmitted to an outer surface of the housing in which the gearbox is located, so that stresses are exerted locally on the outer surface of the housing to which the retaining element is attached, thereby generating local deformation therein. There are also risks that the load can act on the outer surface of the housing and that an increase in vibration of the housing can lead to an increase in vibration of parts of an exhaust system that includes the exhaust pipe in the conventional power transmission device.

[0006] Document WO 2014 / 042254A1 discloses a power transmission device in which an exhaust gas purification device and a common rail are arranged on the side where an intake manifold of the engine is installed and an oil pan is arranged at the bottom of the engine, wherein a support body is provided for connecting the exhaust gas purification device to the oil pan and wherein the exhaust gas purification device is supported by the oil pan via the support body.

[0007] The publication EP 1 449 572 B1 discloses a gearbox housing with a lower and an upper section, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, a filter housing connected to the reservoir and having an opening, and a filter assembly that can be inserted into the filter housing through the opening. A filter head is provided, which is connected to the gearbox housing and allows the filter assembly to extend into the reservoir in a projecting manner.

[0008] The invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. One object of the invention is to provide a power transmission device capable of suppressing vibrations of a housing containing a gearbox and of parts of an exhaust system. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the first aspect of the invention comprises a power transmission device comprising a housing in which a gearbox is arranged, which is connected to a motor, and which has an annular motor mounting section to be connected to the motor by motor mounting elements, wherein the annular motor mounting section is provided on a longitudinally forward end region of the housing, wherein the device is designed such that the motor mounting section is equipped with a support bracket mounting flange to which a support bracket is attached by means of a support bracket mounting element, wherein the support bracket holds an exhaust emission control unit arranged on one side of the motor mounting section.that the support bracket mounting flange projects outwards from a side surface of the housing at a predetermined height and has a predetermined thickness, wherein the support bracket mounting flange is designed to extend in a straight line in a vertical direction of the vehicle, that engine mounting sections through which the engine mounting elements pass are formed at both ends in the vertical direction, and that a plurality of support bracket mounting hole sections through which the support bracket mounting elements pass are formed in the vertical direction between the engine mounting hole sections.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the invention, the motor mounting hole sections comprise an upper motor mounting hole section located in a vertically upper end section and a lower motor mounting hole section located in a vertically lower end section, wherein the support bracket mounting hole sections comprise an upper support bracket mounting hole section located on a vertically upper side and a lower support bracket mounting hole section located on a vertically lower side.wherein a longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper motor mounting hole section and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower motor mounting hole section lie substantially on the same plane, and at least one longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper support mounting hole section and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower support mounting hole section lie substantially on the same plane.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the invention, the housing comprises a first housing to be attached to the motor, and a second housing attached to the first housing, wherein the first housing has a mounting section for the second housing which is connected to the second housing by a housing mounting element, and the mounting section for the second housing has a plurality of mounting projections formed thereon, and wherein one of the mounting projections located nearest to the upper support mounting hole section or an upper end section of the support mounting flange is defined as a first mounting projection, and one of the mounting projections located nearest to the lower support mounting hole section or a lower end section of the support mounting flange is defined as a second mounting projection,a first rib, which connects an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange and the first mounting projection, is formed on the first housing, and a second rib, which connects a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange and the second mounting projection, is formed on the first housing.

[0012] The second aspect of the invention consists in the fact that a recess, which is concave, so that it has a predetermined depth from the rear rear side of the support mounting flange, is formed between the upper support mounting hole section and the lower support mounting hole section of the support mounting flange.

[0013] The third aspect of the invention consists in the fact that the exhaust emission control unit is inclined to the rear such that it has a longitudinally rear section which is closer to the engine mounting section than a front section thereof, and that one end section of the support bracket is attached in an extension direction thereof to the rear section of the exhaust emission control unit, while the other end section of the support bracket is attached in the extension direction thereof to the support bracket mounting flange.

[0014] The fourth aspect of the invention consists in the first housing being formed by an upper accessory mounting section for attaching an accessory and a lower accessory mounting section for attaching an accessory thereto. The upper accessory mounting section is located above an upper end section of the support mounting flange and has a projection extending along the first rib. The lower accessory mounting section is located below a lower end section of the support mounting flange and has a projection extending along the second rib.

[0015] The fifth aspect of the invention consists in the fact that a starter is mounted on the upper accessory mounting section or the lower accessory mounting section.

[0016] The sixth aspect of the invention consists in that an accessory mounting projection, to which an accessory is attached at the same height as the predetermined height of the support bracket mounting flange, is formed on a housing mounting section which is provided on the engine and is to be connected to the housing, and that the housing mounting section which includes the accessory mounting projection is positioned at a location which lies in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle opposite the support bracket mounting flange.

[0017] The seventh aspect of the invention consists in the fact that the device comprises an upper planar section extending planarly from the rear rear face of the upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange, and a lower planar section extending planarly from the rear rear face of the lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange, that an upper planar motor mounting hole section, through which the motor mounting element passes, is formed in the upper planar section, and that a lower planar motor mounting hole section, through which the motor mounting element passes, is formed in the lower planar section. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] According to the first aspect of the invention, the mounting flange for the support bracket is designed on the engine mounting section of the housing such that it has the specified height, thickness, and length and projects straight outwards from the side surface of the housing. This results in a reduction of the distance between the exhaust emission control unit and the mounting flange for the support bracket compared to a conventional design, thereby reducing the overall length of the support bracket. Furthermore, the mounting flange for the support bracket projects outwards from the side surface of the housing at the specified height, ensuring sufficient contact area between the mounting flange and the support bracket.

[0019] Furthermore, the support bracket mounting flange is designed to extend in a straight line in the vertical direction of the vehicle, thus enabling a section of the support bracket that is in contact with the support bracket mounting flange to be formed in a straight line, which increases the stiffness of the support bracket.

[0020] In particular, if the mounting flange for the support bracket has a bent or curved shape along the annular motor mounting section, this causes a section of the support bracket in contact with the mounting flange to be bent or curved, which can lead to a decrease in the stiffness of the support bracket. However, the mounting flange for the support bracket of this invention is able to prevent such a decrease in stiffness. This allows the support bracket to be stably attached to the housing, thereby preventing vibrations of a catalytic converter or an exhaust pipe of the exhaust emission control unit.

[0021] The support bracket mounting flange is designed to extend in a straight line in the vertical direction of the vehicle, making it possible to design a section of an annular edge surface of the housing, extending from the support bracket mounting flange to the engine mounting section, in the form of a flat plate, thus avoiding an increase in the size of the housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the vibration of the catalytic converter or the exhaust pipe of the emissions control unit, which is transmitted via the mounting bracket to the mounting bracket flange, is transferred from a connection between the engine and the housing to the engine. Consequently, the vibration of the catalytic converter or the exhaust pipe of the emissions control unit is distributed to the engine, which typically has a high degree of rigidity. This prevents the vibration from being transmitted to the housing itself.

[0023] According to the first aspect, the rear rear faces of the upper end section and the lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange, in which the upper motor mounting hole sections are located, are essentially on the same plane as that on which at least one of the upper rear rear faces and the lower rear rear faces, in which the upper and lower support bracket mounting hole sections are located, lies.

[0024] Specifically, the connection between the housing and the motor is achieved by inserting the motor mounting elements into the lower motor mounting hole section and the lower motor mounting hole section. The stable connection between the support bracket and the support bracket mounting flange is achieved by inserting the support bracket mounting elements into the upper support bracket mounting hole section and the lower support bracket mounting hole section. This prevents vibration of the support bracket.

[0025] According to the first aspect, the first rib and the second rib serve to prevent deformation of the support bracket mounting flange, even when the load supplied to the support bracket by the exhaust emission control unit is exerted on the support bracket mounting flange.

[0026] Furthermore, the fastening section for the second housing of the first housing, on which the first fastening projection and the second fastening projection are formed, the first rib, the retaining support mounting flange, and the second rib enclose the outer edge surface of the first housing, on which the retaining support mounting flange is formed, in a square shape, thereby increasing the stiffness of the retaining support mounting flange and an outer edge section of the first housing to which the retaining support is attached.

[0027] This results in an increase in the stiffness of both the support mounting flange and the outer edge section of the first housing, thereby achieving a stable attachment of the exhaust emission control unit to the first housing, thus preventing vibration of the first housing and the exhaust emission control unit.

[0028] According to the second aspect, an edge section that encloses the recess acts as a rib to increase stiffness. The upper and lower support mounting hole sections can be joined by means of this edge section. This prevents deformation between the upper and lower support mounting hole sections, thus reducing vibration of the support.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to locally reduce the thickness between the upper and lower support mounting hole sections along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This ensures stability by preventing the formation of air pockets between these sections during casting. Additionally, the resulting recess prevents a reduction in the strength of the support mounting flange between the upper and lower support mounting hole sections.

[0030] According to the third aspect, the other end of the retaining bracket is attached, in its direction of extension, to the rear section of the exhaust emission control unit, which is inclined backwards. This reduces the distance between the exhaust emission control unit and the housing, thus allowing the overall length of the retaining bracket to be shortened. This ensures stable securing of the exhaust emission control unit to the housing and reduces the bending load exerted on the retaining bracket mounting flange of the housing, thereby reducing the load acting on the mounting flange.

[0031] According to the fourth aspect, the upper accessory mounting section with the projection extending along the first rib, or the lower accessory mounting section with the projection extending along the second rib, increases the rigidity of the support bracket mounting flange, thereby preventing deformation of the support bracket mounting flange caused by a load applied to it by the exhaust emission control unit. This eliminates vibration of the first housing and the exhaust emission control unit.

[0032] According to the fifth aspect, the rigidity of the upper or lower accessory mounting section is increased by the support bracket mounting flange. The starter is thus held securely by the first housing. This prevents vibration of the starter, which in turn reduces vibration of the entire first housing.

[0033] According to the sixth aspect, the housing mounting section provided on the engine is positioned at a location opposite the support bracket mounting flange, thereby preventing deformation of an area between the upper engine mounting hole section and the lower mounting hole section of the support bracket mounting flange towards the engine, resulting in a stable mounting of the support bracket which holds the exhaust emission control unit to the first housing.

[0034] According to the seventh aspect, the upper flat section, equipped with the upper flat engine mounting hole section, and the lower flat section, equipped with the lower flat engine mounting hole section, serve to reinforce the connection between the engine and the housing. This ensures a stable mounting of the exhaust emission control unit by the engine mounting section of the housing, distributing the load transmitted by the exhaust emission control unit to the side of the engine, thereby reducing the local concentration of vibration on the housing. The stable mounting of the exhaust emission control unit by the housing prevents oscillation of the exhaust emission control unit, thus preventing an increase in housing vibration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a bottom view showing the underside of a vehicle in which a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention is installed. Fig. Figure 2 is a bottom view showing the undersides of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention, a motor and an exhaust emission control unit. Fig. Figure 3 is a rear view showing the rear sides of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention, an engine and an exhaust emission control unit. Fig. 4 is a view of a left side face, showing a section view along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 includes and shows a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention as well as a section of a motor. Fig. Figure 5 is a rear view showing the rear of a first housing of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first housing of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view showing a VII-VII section in Fig. 5 shows. Fig. Figure 8 is a rear view of a modification of a first housing of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a rear view of a further modification of a first housing of a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention. EXECUTIONAL FORM FOR REALIZING THE INVENTION

[0035] The following is with reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 9 describe a power transmission device according to one embodiment of the invention. This embodiment applies the invention to vehicles.

[0036] The construction of the power transmission device according to this embodiment is explained. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 includes an engine 2, an exhaust emission control unit 3, an exhaust pipe 4, a silencer 5, a power transmission device 6, a cardan shaft 7, a differential 8, a left and a right drive shaft 11L and 11R, a left and a right rear wheel 12L and 12R, and a left and a right front wheel 13L and 13R. The vehicle 1 also includes a plurality of bolts 14 as engine mounting elements to connect the power transmission device 6 to the engine 2.

[0037] Vehicle 1 is designed as a so-called FR vehicle (front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle), in which power delivered by the front-mounted engine 2 is transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 12L and 12R via the power transmission device 6, the cardan shaft 7, the differential 8, and the left and right drive shafts 11L and 11R. In this embodiment, the drawings indicate directions "forward and backward," "left and right," and "up and down" by means of arrows such that they correspond to those seen by a driver sitting in the driver's seat of vehicle 1.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the engine 2 includes a cylinder block 21, a cylinder head 22, an oil pan 23, an oil filter 24 as an accessory, an exhaust manifold 25, a starter 26 as an accessory, pistons, a connecting rod and a crankshaft, which are not shown.

[0039] The engine 2 of this embodiment is a transverse inline two-cylinder four-stroke engine in which the piston, not shown, which is arranged in the cylinder block 21, in a time interval in which the piston moves twice within each cylinder 21c, as in Fig. 4 shown, a straight two-cylinder transverse engine moved back and forth, completing a sequence of four strokes: intake, compression, power and exhaust.

[0040] The cylinder block 21 is attached to the vehicle body (not shown) of vehicle 1 by an engine mount. The connecting rod and crankshaft (not shown) are located within the cylinder block 21. The connecting rod is connected to the piston (not shown) to convert a reciprocating motion into a rotary motion of the piston.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cylinder block 21 has a housing mounting section 21t, which will be described later, and which is attached to a first housing 61 of the power transmission device 6. The housing mounting section 21t has accessory mounting projections 21b with screw holes and oil passages that project to the left from the side face of the cylinder block 21. The housing mounting section 21t, which includes the accessory mounting projections 21b, is positioned such that, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it faces a support mounting flange 82 of the first housing 61, as will be described later.

[0042] The cylinder head 22 is mounted on an upper section of the cylinder block 21 and contains an intake camshaft, an exhaust camshaft, intake valves, exhaust valves, and a valve actuation mechanism that actuates the valves. The cylinder head 22 has intake ports, exhaust ports, and combustion chambers (not shown) formed therein.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the oil pan 23 is attached to a lower section of the cylinder block 21 and stores oil for lubricating the interior of the engine 2. The oil in the oil pan 23 is supplied to the interior of the engine 2 by means of a pump (not shown) to lubricate parts and is then returned to the oil pan 23.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the oil filter 24 is connected by bolts (not shown) to the accessory mounting projections 21b of the housing mounting section 21t, which are formed on the cylinder block 21. The oil filter 24 acts by removing foreign matter from the oil supplied from the oil pan 23 and then discharges it to a downstream side.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the exhaust manifold 25 is attached to a left side surface of the cylinder head 22 and is connected to each exhaust port (not shown) formed in the cylinder head 22. The exhaust manifold 25 is equipped with two manifolds 25t through which exhaust gas, as discharged from the exhaust ports, flows, and a collector 25s that bundles the manifolds 25t and is connected to an exhaust emission control unit 3 located on the downstream side.

[0046] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the exhaust emission control unit 3 is located near the downstream side of the exhaust manifold 25. The exhaust emission control unit 3 is implemented as a device that reduces air pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxides, contained in the exhaust gas supplied by the exhaust manifold 25, and which discharges the cleaned exhaust gas to the downstream side. The exhaust emission control unit 3 consists, for example, of a catalytic converter.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the exhaust emission control unit 3 is inclined such that it has a rear section 3k in the longitudinal direction of the exhaust emission control unit 3, which is located closer to an engine mounting section 71 of the power transmission device 6 described later than a front section 3z. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the exhaust emission control unit 3 has a retaining support 31. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining support 31 has an end 31a in the direction in which the retaining support 31 extends. The end 31a is fixed to the rear section 3k of the exhaust emission control unit 3 by bolts 3b, which act as retaining support fastening elements. The other end 31t of the retaining support 31, in the direction of extension of the retaining support 31, is attached to the retaining support mounting flange 82 by the bolts 3b.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the exhaust pipe 4 has an exhaust path through which the exhaust gas flows and is then discharged into the atmosphere. The exhaust pipe 4 is located downstream of the exhaust emission control unit 3 and is held in place by the vehicle body of vehicle 1 (not shown). The silencer 5 is installed in the exhaust pipe 4 and reduces the exhaust noise as it travels from the engine 2 to the exhaust pipe 4.

[0049] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the power transmission device 6 includes a first housing 61, a second housing 62, a plurality of bolts 63 which fasten the second housing 62 to the first housing 61, and a gearbox (not shown) which is arranged inside the first housing 61 and the second housing 62.

[0050] The power transmission device 6 functions by receiving a power input from the crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 2, shifting gears in response to a request from a driver in the vehicle 1, and then transmitting the power to the cardan shaft 7, thereby transferring the power of the engine 2 to the cardan shaft 7. The first housing 61 and the second housing 62 form a housing in the invention. The bolts 63 form a housing fastening element in the invention.

[0051] As in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first housing 61 is cylindrical with open ends to accommodate the gear unit (not shown). The first housing 61 is cast from a metallic material, such as aluminum, magnesium, or iron. As shown in Figure 6, the first housing 61 is cylindrical with open ends to accommodate the gear unit (not shown). Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first housing 61 includes a motor mounting section 71, which is formed in an annular shape on the front end of the same, a mounting section 72 for the second housing, which is formed on the rear end of the same and is attached to the second housing, a first rib 73, a second rib 74 and an upper accessory mounting section 75.

[0052] As in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the motor mounting section 71 is configured to project from the front side face of the first housing 61 and is equipped with a plurality of motor mounting hole sections 81 with through holes 81A and a support bracket mounting flange 82. A bolt 14 is inserted into the through hole 81A of each of the motor mounting hole sections 81 and connected in a bolted connection to the housing mounting section 21t, which is formed on the cylinder block 21 of the motor 2, thereby connecting the first housing 61 to the motor 2.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the support bracket mounting flange 82 is located on the left side of the engine mounting section 71. It is designed to project outwards from the side face of the first housing 61 and has a height h, a thickness t, and a length l. The height h, thickness t, and length l are dimensions that are best suited for the power transmission device 6 of the vehicle 1. The support bracket mounting flange 82 extends in a straight line in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. The height h of the support bracket mounting flange 82 is greater than the height m of the engine mounting section 71 without the support bracket mounting flange 82 and projects outwards from the side face of the first housing 61.

[0054] The support bracket mounting flange 82 has an upper motor mounting hole section 82a, which is formed in the upper end section j thereof and through which the bolt 14 passes, as well as a lower motor mounting hole section 82b, which is formed in the lower end section k and through which the bolt 14 passes. The bolts 14 are inserted into the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b and are connected to them by a bolted connection, thereby attaching the first housing 61 to the motor 2.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the support bracket mounting flange 82 has an upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c formed in the top of the same between the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b, through which the bolt 3b passes, and also has a lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d formed in the bottom of the same, through which the bolt 3b passes.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bolts 3b are inserted into the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d and are connected in a bolted connection. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, this connects the other end 31t of the support 31 in the extension direction of the support 31 with the support mounting flange 82.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a rear rear face s1 of the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and a rear rear face s2 of the lower motor mounting hole section 82b are configured such that they lie substantially on the same plane Su. At least one of a rear rear face s3 of the upper support mounting hole section 82c in its longitudinal direction and a rear rear face s4 of the lower support mounting hole section 82d in its longitudinal direction is configured such that it lies on the plane Su.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, at least one of the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d is formed in an imaginary plane Sv that passes through the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the support bracket mounting flange 82 has a recess 82e which is concave such that it has a depth d1 from the plane Su between the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d. The support bracket mounting flange 82 also has a recess 82f which is concave such that it has a depth d2 from a plane Se on the side of the motor opposite the plane Su.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the mounting section 72 for the second housing has a plurality of mounting projections 85 for the second housing, which project rearward from the rear surface of the first housing 61 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and have screw holes. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the flange section 64, which is formed on the front end section of the second housing 62, is in contact with the mounting section 72 for the second housing. Through holes (not shown) are formed in the flange section 64, which are aligned with the bolt holes formed in the mounting projections 85 for the second housing. The bolts 63 are inserted into the bolt holes (not shown) in the flange section 64 and are secured in a bolted connection with the bolt holes of the mounting projections 85 for the second housing, thereby connecting the second housing to the first housing 61.

[0061] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a first fastening projection 85a, which is one of the fastening projections 85 for the second housing, is formed closest to the upper end section j of the support bracket mounting flange 82. A second fastening projection 85b, which is one of the fastening projections 85 for the second housing, is formed closest to the lower end section k of the support bracket mounting flange 82.

[0062] The first fastening projection 85a can be formed closest to the upper support mounting hole section 82c of the fastening section 72 for the second housing. The second fastening projection 85b can be formed closest to the lower support mounting hole section 82d of the fastening section 72 for the second housing.

[0063] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first rib 73 connects the first fastening projection 85a and the upper end section j of the support mounting flange 82 and projects outwards from the side surface of the first housing 61.

[0064] The second rib 74 connects the second fastening projection 85b and the lower end section k of the support mounting flange 82 in a similar way to the first rib 73 and projects outwards from the side surface of the first housing 61.

[0065] The upper accessory mounting section 75 is annular in shape and projects above the upper end section j of the support mounting flange 82 along the side surface of the first housing 61 to have a cylindrical hole that opens to the rear. Accessory mounting projections 75a and 75b with screw holes 76A and 76B for attaching accessories are formed on the side surface of the upper accessory mounting section 75. Accessory mounting projection 75a extends along the first rib 73. Accessory mounting projection 75b with screw hole 76B is positioned opposite accessory mounting projection 75a, extending across the cylindrical hole.Bolts not shown are connected in a bolted connection to the bolt holes 76A and 76B of the accessory mounting projections 75a and 75b of the upper accessory mounting section 75 to mount the starter 26 thereon, as shown in . Fig. 2 shown.

[0066] The advantageous effects enabled by the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment are described below. The power transmission device 6, which has the structure described above, includes the support mounting flange 82, which is formed on the motor mounting section 71 of the first housing 61 such that it has the height h, the thickness t and the length l, and which projects straight outwards from the side surface of the first housing 61.

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the distance between the exhaust emission control unit 3 and the support bracket mounting flange 82 according to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment is thus reduced compared to the conventional design, thereby reducing the overall length of the support bracket 31. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the retaining support mounting flange 82, according to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment, further projects outwards at a height h from the side surface of the first housing 61, thereby ensuring a sufficient contact area between the retaining support mounting flange 82 and the retaining support 31.

[0068] Furthermore, the support bracket mounting flange 82 according to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment is designed such that it extends in a straight line in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, which makes it possible for a section of the support bracket 31 that is in contact with the support bracket mounting flange 82 to be formed in a straight line, which increases the stiffness of the support bracket 31.

[0069] If the support bracket mounting flange 82 has a bent or curved shape along the annular motor mounting section 71, this generally causes a section of the support bracket 31 in contact with the support bracket mounting flange 82 to be bent or curved, which can lead to a decrease in the stiffness of the support bracket 31. However, as described above, the support bracket mounting flange 82 of this embodiment is able to avoid such a decrease in stiffness. This allows the support bracket 31 of the power transmission device 6 to be attached tightly to the first housing 61, thereby preventing vibrations of parts of the exhaust system, including the exhaust emission control unit 3 and the exhaust pipe 4.

[0070] According to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the support bracket mounting flange 82 is designed such that it extends in a straight line in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, which makes it possible to produce a section of an annular edge surface of the first housing 61, which extends from the support bracket mounting flange 82 to the motor mounting section 71, in the form of a flat plate, thereby avoiding an increase in the size of the first housing 61.

[0071] Furthermore, in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the vibration of the exhaust pipe 4 or the exhaust emission control unit 3, which is transmitted to the support bracket mounting flange 82 via the support bracket 31, is transferred to the engine 2 via a connection between the engine 2 and the first housing 61. Consequently, the vibration of the exhaust emission control unit 3 or the exhaust pipe 4 is distributed to the engine 2, which has a high degree of rigidity, according to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment. This prevents the vibration from being transmitted to the first housing 61 itself in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment.

[0072] According to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the rear rear side s1 of the upper end section j of the support bracket mounting flange 82, in which the upper motor mounting hole section 82a is located, the rear rear side s2 of the lower end section k, in which the lower motor mounting hole section 82b is located, the upper rear rear side s3, in which the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c is located, and the lower rear rear side s4, in which the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d is located, are essentially on the same plane Su, which makes it possible for the support bracket 31 to be firmly attached to the support bracket mounting flange 82.

[0073] Furthermore, in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, at least one of the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d is formed in the imaginary plane Sv, which connects the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b, thereby ensuring stability by preventing deformation of at least one of the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d in the power transmission device 6. This allows the support bracket 31 to be firmly attached to the support bracket mounting section 82.

[0074] In particular, the connection of the first housing 61 to the motor 2 according to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment is achieved by inserting the bolts 14 into the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b. The stable connection of the support bracket 31 to the support bracket mounting flange 82 is achieved by inserting the bolts 3b into the upper support bracket mounting hole section 82c and the lower support bracket mounting hole section 82d. This prevents vibration of the support bracket 31 in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment.

[0075] According to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment, an edge section enclosing the recess 82e acts as a rib to increase stiffness. The upper support mounting hole section 82c and the lower support mounting hole section 82d are joined by the edge section. This prevents deformation between the upper support mounting hole section 82c and the lower support mounting hole section 82d, thus reducing the vibration of the support 31 in the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment.

[0076] Furthermore, the formation of the recess 82e according to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment allows the thickness between the upper support mounting hole section 82c and the lower support mounting hole section 82d to be locally reduced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. This ensures stability by preventing the formation of air inclusions between the upper support mounting hole section 82c and the lower support mounting hole section 82d during the casting of the first housing 61. Moreover, the formation of the recess 82e according to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment prevents a decrease in the strength of the support mounting flange 82 between the upper support mounting hole section 82c and the lower support mounting hole section 82d.

[0077] According to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the other end of the retaining support 31 is attached in its direction of extension to the rear section of the exhaust emission control unit 3, which is inclined backwards. This reduces the distance between the exhaust emission control unit 3 and the first housing 61, thus allowing the overall length of the retaining support 31 to be reduced. This provides stable support for the exhaust emission control unit 3 by the first housing 61 and reduces the bending load exerted on the retaining support mounting flange 82 of the first housing 61, thereby reducing the load acting on the retaining support mounting flange 82 in the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment.

[0078] Even when the load supplied to the support bracket 31 by the exhaust emission control unit 3 is exerted on the support bracket mounting flange 82, the first rib 73 and the second rib 74 according to the force transmission device 6 of this embodiment serve to prevent the deformation of the support bracket mounting flange 82.

[0079] In the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the fastening section 72 for the second housing of the first housing 61, on which the first fastening projection 85a and the second fastening projection 85b are formed, the first rib 73, the support mounting flange 82 and the second rib 74 further enclose the outer edge surface of the first housing 61, on which the support mounting flange 82 is formed, in a square shape, thereby increasing the stiffness of the support mounting flange 82 and an outer edge section of the first housing 61, on which the support 31 is attached, in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment.

[0080] In the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the increase in stiffness of both the support mounting flange 82 and the outer circumferential section of the first housing 61 further results in a stable fastening of the exhaust emission control unit 3 to the first housing 61, thereby preventing vibration of the exhaust emission control unit 3 and the first housing 61.

[0081] According to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the upper accessory mounting section 75 with the accessory mounting projection 75a, which extends along the first rib 73, increases the stiffness of the support bracket mounting flange 82, thereby preventing deformation of the support bracket mounting flange 82 caused by a load being applied to the support bracket mounting flange 82 by the exhaust emission control unit 3. This prevents vibration of the first housing 61 and the exhaust emission control unit 3.

[0082] According to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the rigidity of the upper accessory mounting section 75 is increased by the support mounting flange 82. The starter 26 is stably secured by the upper accessory mounting section 75 via the first housing 61. This prevents vibration of the starter 26, which in the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment leads to a reduction in the vibration of the entire first housing 61.

[0083] According to the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the housing mounting section 21t, which is provided on the motor 2, is positioned at a location opposite the support bracket mounting flange 82, thereby preventing deformation of an area between the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b of the support bracket mounting flange 82 towards the motor, resulting in a stable mounting of the support bracket 31, which holds the exhaust emission control unit 3 to the first housing 61.

[0084] In the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, the accessory mounting projection 21b, which is formed on the housing mounting section 21t, is furthermore positioned at a location opposite the support mounting flange 82, between the upper motor mounting hole section 82a of the support mounting flange 82 and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b, thereby increasing the stiffness of the housing mounting section 21t around the accessory mounting projection 21b. The accessory mounting projection 21b prevents deformation of the support mounting flange 82 towards the motor 2. In the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment, this results in a stable attachment of the retaining support 31, which holds the exhaust emission control unit 3, to the first housing 61.

[0085] The construction of the power transmission device 6 of this embodiment has been described, in which the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b are formed on the support bracket mounting flange 82a, and the bolts 14 are inserted into the upper motor mounting hole section 82a and the lower motor mounting hole section 82b to fasten the first housing 61 to the motor 2. However, the construction can be designed using a different support bracket mounting flange 82.

[0086] The support bracket mounting flange 82 can, for example, be used as a Fig. The support bracket mounting flange 82A shown in Figure 8 is designed as a modification of the embodiment. The support bracket mounting flange 82A is structurally identical to the support bracket mounting flange 82 in the embodiment, except for the upper planar section 91 and the lower planar section 92. Fig. 8 The same reference numerals are used as in the support mounting flange 82 of the embodiment.

[0087] The support bracket mounting flange 82A is designed to have the upper flat section 91 extending flat upwards from the rear rear side s1 of the upper motor mounting hole section 82a, and the lower flat section 92 extending flat downwards from the rear rear side s2 of the lower motor mounting hole section 82b.

[0088] In the upper planar section 91 of the support bracket mounting flange 82A, an upper planar motor mounting hole section 91a is formed through which the bolt 14 passes. In the lower planar section 92, a lower planar motor mounting hole section 92a is formed through which the bolt 14 passes. The connection of the first housing 61 to the motor 2 is achieved by inserting the bolts 14 into the upper planar motor mounting hole section 91a and the lower planar motor mounting hole section 92a.

[0089] The foregoing arrangements of the upper planar section 91 with the upper planar motor mounting hole section 91a and the lower planar section 92 with the lower planar motor mounting hole section 92a further increase the strength of the connection between the motor 2 and the first housing 61.

[0090] This ensures a stable hold for the exhaust emission control unit 3 by the engine mounting section 71 of the first housing 61, thereby distributing the load transmitted from the exhaust emission control unit 3 to the side of the engine, thus reducing a local concentration of vibration on the first housing 61. The stable hold of the exhaust emission control unit 3 by means of the first housing 61 ensures stability by preventing oscillation of the exhaust emission control unit 3 and thus preventing an increase in the vibration of the first housing 61.

[0091] The power transmission device 6 of this embodiment has been described, which is designed such that the upper accessory mounting section 75 of the first housing 61 is located above the upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange 82 and has the projection 75a extending along the first rib 73. However, the device can be constructed using a different accessory mounting section 75 than the upper one.

[0092] For example, the power transmission device 6, as shown in Fig. 9, shown by an imaginary line, is designed to have a lower accessory mounting section 75A located below the lower end section k of the support bracket mounting flange 82. The lower accessory mounting section 75A is annular in shape and projects rearward along the side face of the first housing 61 below the lower end section k of the support bracket mounting flange 82. Accessory mounting projections 75Aa and 75Ab with screw holes are formed on the side face of the lower accessory mounting section 75A for attaching an accessory. The accessory mounting projection 75Aa extends along the second rib 74.

[0093] The accessory mounting projection 75Ab with the screw hole is located opposite the accessory mounting projection 75Aa. The mounting of the in Fig.The connection of the starter 26 shown to the lower accessory mounting section 75A is achieved by fastening bolts, not shown, in the screw holes of the accessory mounting projections 75Aa and 75Ab.

[0094] These arrangements increase the stiffness of the support bracket mounting flange 82 by means of the lower accessory mounting section 75A, on which the accessory mounting projection 75Aa extends along the second rib 74, thereby preventing deformation of the support bracket mounting flange 82 caused by the load being supplied to the support bracket mounting flange 82 by the exhaust emission control unit 3, thus preventing vibration of the first housing 61 and the exhaust emission control unit 3.

[0095] The lower accessory mounting section 75A has the increased rigidity provided by the support mounting flange 82 to hold the starter 26 stably on the first housing 61, thereby preventing vibration of the starter 26, which leads to a reduction in the vibration of the entire first housing 61.

[0096] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiment can be modified without departing from the basic concept of the invention. Therefore, the invention is to be understood as including all possible modifications for the embodiment shown and equivalents in the appended claims. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 vehicle 2 Engine 3 Exhaust emission control unit 3b Bolt (support bracket fastening element) 3k rear section 6 Power transmission device 14 bolts (engine mounting element) 21t Housing mounting section 26 Starter motors (accessories) 31 Support bracket 31a an end section (an end section in the direction of extension) 31t other end section (other end section in direction of extension) 61 first case 62 second case 71 Engine mounting section 72 Mounting section for the second housing 73 first rib 74 second rib 75 upper accessory mounting section 75a Accessory mounting projection (projection extending along a first rib) 75A lower accessory mounting section 75Aa Accessory mounting protrusion (protrusion extending along a second rib) 81 Engine mounting hole section 82, 82A Support bracket mounting flange 82a upper motor mounting hole section 82b lower motor mounting hole section 82c upper support bracket mounting hole section 82d lower support bracket mounting hole section 82e In-depth study 85 Mounting projection for the second housing 85a first fastening projection (fastening projection) 85b second fastening projection (fastening projection) 91 upper planar section 91a upper planar motor mounting hole section 92 lower plan section 92a lower planar motor mounting hole section j upper end section k lower end section s1, s2, s3, s4 rear side Su level

Claims

[1] Power transmission device comprising a housing in which a gearbox connected to a motor (2) is arranged and which has an annular motor mounting section (71) which is to be connected to the motor (2) by motor mounting elements (14), wherein the annular motor mounting section (71) is provided on a front end section of the housing in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle (1), wherein the engine mounting section (71) is equipped with a support bracket mounting flange (82) to which a support bracket (31) is attached by a support bracket fastening element (3b), wherein the support bracket (31) holds an exhaust emission control unit (3) which is arranged on one side of the engine mounting section (71); wherein the support bracket mounting flange (82) projects outwards from a side surface of the housing at a predetermined height and has a predetermined thickness, wherein the support bracket mounting flange (82) is designed such that it extends in a straight line in a vertical direction of the vehicle (1); wherein motor mounting sections (71) through which the motor mounting elements (14) pass are formed in the vertical direction at both ends; wherein a plurality of support bracket mounting hole sections (82c, 82d) through which the support bracket mounting elements (3b) pass are formed in the vertical direction between the motor mounting hole sections (81), wherein the motor mounting hole sections (81) include an upper motor mounting hole section (82a) located in an upper end section in the vertical direction, and a lower motor mounting hole section (82b) located in a lower end section in the vertical direction; wherein the support bracket fixing hole sections (82c, 82d) include an upper support bracket fixing hole section (82c) located on a vertically upper side and a lower support bracket fixing hole section (82d) located on a vertically lower side; wherein a longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper motor mounting hole section (82a) and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower motor mounting hole section (82b) are substantially on the same plane, and wherein at least one of a longitudinally rearward rear side of the upper support mounting hole section (82c) and a longitudinally rearward rear side of the lower support mounting hole section (82d) lies substantially on the same plane; characterized by , that the housing comprises a first housing (61) to be attached to the motor (2) and a second housing (62) to be attached to the first housing (61); that the first housing (61) has a fastening section for the second housing (72) which is connected to the second housing (62) by a housing fastening element, wherein the fastening section for the second housing (72) has a plurality of fastening projections (85) formed thereon; and that if one of the fastening projections (85) located closest to the upper support bracket mounting hole section (82c) or an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange is defined as a first fastening projection (85a) and one of the fastening projections (85) located closest to the lower support bracket mounting hole section (82d) or a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange is defined as a second fastening projection (85b), a first rib (73) connecting an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange and the first fastening projection is formed on the first housing (61) and a second rib (74) connecting a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82) and the second fastening projection (85b) is formed on the first housing (61). Housing (61) is formed. [2] Power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a recess (82e) which is concave, so that it has a predetermined depth from the rear rear side of the support mounting flange (82), is formed between the upper support fixing hole section (82c) and the lower support fixing hole section (82d) of the support mounting flange (82). [3] Power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the exhaust emission control unit (3) is inclined rearward such that it has a longitudinally rearward section (3k) which is located closer to the engine mounting section (71) than a front section thereof; and that one end section of the retaining support (31) is attached in one direction of extension to the rear section (3k) of the exhaust emission control unit (3), while the other end section of the retaining support (31) is attached in the direction of extension to the retaining support mounting flange (82). [4] Power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized by, that a upper accessory mounting section (75) for attaching an accessory thereon and a lower accessory mounting section (75A) for attaching an accessory thereon are formed on the first housing (61), wherein the upper accessory mounting section (75) is located above an upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82) and has a projection (75a) extending along the first rib (73), wherein the lower accessory mounting section (75A) is located below a lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82) and has a projection extending along the second rib (74). [5] Power transmission device according to claim 4, characterized by , that a starter (26) is mounted on the upper accessory mounting section (75) or the lower accessory mounting section (75A). [6] Power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized by , that an accessory mounting projection (75Aa), to which an accessory is attached at the same height as the specified height of the support mounting flange (82), is formed on a housing mounting section (21t) which is provided on the motor (2) and is to be connected to the housing; and that the housing mounting section (21t) which includes the accessory mounting projection (75Aa) is positioned at a location which is in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1) opposite the support mounting flange (82). [7] Power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized by , that it includes an upper planar section (91) extending planarly from the rear rear face of the upper end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82), and a lower planar section (92) extending planarly from the rear rear face of the lower end section of the support bracket mounting flange (82); that an upper planar motor mounting hole section (91a), through which the motor mounting element (14) passes, is formed in the upper planar section (91); and that a lower planar motor mounting hole section (92a), through which the motor mounting element (14) passes, is formed in the lower planar section (92).

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