Patent Description:
As a vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure, a service vehicle transmission case described in <CIT> has been known. Examples of a noise control structure can be found for instance in <CIT> or <CIT>.

The service vehicle transmission case described in <CIT> is a service vehicle transmission case which incorporates a hydraulic continuously variable transmission and has a rear wall portion covering a rear side of the hydraulic continuously variable transmission, including an annular rib which protrudes rearward from the rear wall portion and a closing member which is attached to a rear end face of the annular rib to close an opening thereof, wherein a noise-absorbing member is arranged inside the annular rib.

The service vehicle transmission case described in <CIT> can reduce transmitted noise with the noise-absorbing member arranged inside the annular rib in a closed state.

The conventional service vehicle transmission case described in <CIT>, however, requires a closing member to attach a noise-absorbing member, and the closing member needs to be fixed to an annular rib with a bolt.

For the above-described reason, the number of work man-hours to attach the noise-absorbing member to a hydraulic continuously variable transmission may increase to impair work efficiency of the work of attaching the noise-absorbing member.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has its object to provide a vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure capable of reducing the number of work man-hours to attach a noise-absorbing member to a bracket and enhancing work efficiency of the work of attaching the noise-absorbing member.

The present invention provides a vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure as defined by the independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined in the appended dependent claims.

As described above, according to the aforementioned present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of work man-hours to attach a noise-absorbing member to a bracket and enhance work efficiency of the work of attaching the noise-absorbing member.

A vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure comprising a bracket to attach a vehicle driving device to a vehicle body and a noise-absorbing member attached to the bracket, wherein the noise-absorbing member includes a tubular portion into which the bracket is inserted and an engaging portion being engaged with the bracket.

With the above-described configuration, the vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure according to the one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the number of work man-hours to attach a noise-absorbing member to a bracket and enhance work efficiency of the work of attaching the noise-absorbing member.

A vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> are views showing the vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure according to the one embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG>, up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions are based on a vehicle driving device in a state of being arranged in a vehicle. A vehicle front-rear direction will be referred to as the front-rear direction; a vehicle left-right direction (vehicle width direction) will be referred to as the left-right direction; and a vehicle up-down direction (vehicle height direction) will be referred to as the up-down direction.

A configuration will be described first.

In <FIG>, a vehicle <NUM> includes a left side frame <NUM> and a right side frame <NUM>. The left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> are away from each other in a width direction of the vehicle <NUM> (hereinafter simply referred to as the vehicle width direction) and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

The left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> are connected by a front cross-member <NUM>, a center cross-member <NUM>, and rear cross-members <NUM> and <NUM>. The front cross-member <NUM>, the center cross-member <NUM>, and the rear cross-members <NUM> and <NUM> extend in the vehicle width direction.

The center cross-member <NUM> is formed in an X-shape in plan view.

A power train <NUM> is provided in the vehicle <NUM>. The power train <NUM> has an engine <NUM> which is an internal combustion engine and a transmission <NUM> which changes a rotational speed of a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine <NUM> and produces power output.

The engine <NUM> is longitudinally arranged such that a rotation center axis of the crankshaft extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

A front end of a propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to the transmission <NUM>, and the propeller shaft <NUM> extends from the transmission <NUM> toward the rear of the vehicle <NUM>. A transfer device <NUM> as a vehicle driving device is arranged behind the transmission <NUM>, and a rear end of the propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to the transfer device <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, power of the engine <NUM> which is changed in speed by the transmission <NUM> is transmitted to the transfer device <NUM> via the propeller shaft <NUM>.

The transfer device <NUM> has an input shaft to which the rear end of the propeller shaft <NUM> is connected and an output shaft which is arranged in parallel with the input shaft and is coordinated with the input shaft using gears and the like. The input shaft of the transfer device <NUM> is longitudinally arranged near the middle in the left-right direction of the vehicle <NUM> such that a rotation center axis thereof extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

The output shaft of the transfer device <NUM> is longitudinally arranged to the right of the vehicle <NUM> and between the input shaft and the right side frame <NUM> such that a rotation center axis thereof extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle <NUM>. A rear end of a front propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to a front end of the output shaft of the transfer device <NUM>.

A front end of a rear propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to a rear end of the output shaft of the transfer device <NUM>. For this reason, the mass of the transfer device <NUM> concentrates on a right-side portion where the output shaft is arranged to affect vibration characteristics.

The front propeller shaft <NUM> extends from the transfer device <NUM> toward a lateral of the power train <NUM> to the front of the vehicle <NUM>.

A front end of the front propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to a front differential device <NUM> which is arranged to the right of and below the power train <NUM>. The front differential device <NUM> transmits power of the front propeller shaft <NUM> to front wheels (not shown) via left and right drive shafts (not shown) such that the front wheels are capable of differential rotation.

A rear end of the rear propeller shaft <NUM> is connected to a rear differential device (not shown). The rear differential device transmits power of the rear propeller shaft <NUM> to rear wheels (not shown) via left and right drive shafts (not shown) such that the rear wheels are capable of differential rotation.

The transfer device <NUM> is provided with a selector lever <NUM>. A driver can select among neutral that outputs no driving force, two-wheel drive that drives only the rear wheels, and four-wheel drive that drives the front wheels and the rear wheels by manipulating the selector lever <NUM>. Additionally, a reduction gear ratio can be switched between a high-gear one and a low-gear one.

When the driver manipulates the selector lever <NUM>, and either one of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive is selected, the transfer device <NUM> switches a transmission path between a two-wheel drive state where power transmitted from the propeller shaft <NUM> is not transmitted to the front propeller shaft <NUM> and a four-wheel drive state where power is also transmitted to the front propeller shaft <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, the vehicle <NUM> constitutes a part-time 4WD vehicle capable of switching between the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive. Note that the transfer device <NUM> may be configured so as to have a power transmission path which causes the vehicle <NUM> to be driven with all four wheels full-time, i.e., so as to constitute a full-time 4WD vehicle.

The left side frame <NUM> and the transfer device <NUM> are connected by a left bracket <NUM> made of metal.

The left bracket <NUM> extends leftward from the transfer device <NUM>, and a left end portion 21a thereof is elastically connected to the left side frame <NUM> via a mount member (not shown).

A right end portion 21b of the left bracket <NUM> is fixed to a connecting portion 14B which is formed at a left side surface of a case 14A of the transfer device <NUM> with a bolt. The left end portion 21a of the left bracket <NUM> according to the present embodiment constitutes one end portion of a bracket, and the right end portion 21b of the left bracket <NUM> constitutes the other end portion of the bracket.

As shown in <FIG>, a connecting portion <NUM> is provided at the right end portion 21b of the left bracket <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> has an attachment surface facing to the upper right. The connecting portion <NUM> is attached to the transfer device <NUM> by fixation of the attachment surface to the connecting portion 14B of the case 14A with a bolt (not shown).

In other words, the connecting portion 14B, to which the connecting portion <NUM> of the left bracket <NUM> is to be fixed, is provided at the left side surface of the case 14A of the transfer device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the right side frame <NUM> and the transfer device <NUM> are connected by a right bracket <NUM> made of metal. The right bracket <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction along the right side frame <NUM> to the left of the right side frame <NUM>, and an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction is fixed to the transfer device <NUM>.

A front end portion 22a of the right bracket <NUM> is elastically connected to the right side frame <NUM> via a mount member (not shown), and a rear end portion 22b of the right bracket <NUM> is elastically connected to the right side frame <NUM> via a mount member (not shown).

The left side frame <NUM>, the right side frame <NUM>, and the center cross-member <NUM> according to the present embodiment constitute a vehicle body, and the left bracket <NUM> and the right bracket <NUM> constitute a bracket.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the left bracket <NUM> includes an upper wall 21A, a front wall 21B which extends downward from a front end edge of the upper wall 21A, and a rear wall 21C which extends downward from a rear end edge of the upper wall 21A and is formed in a generally U-shape which opens downward in a section perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, front-rear direction ribs 21D which extend along the vehicle front-rear direction are formed at an inner surface of the left bracket <NUM>. The front-rear direction ribs 21D connect the front wall 21B and the rear wall 21C.

A vehicle-width direction rib 21E which extends along the vehicle left-right direction is formed at the inner surface of the left bracket <NUM>. The vehicle-width direction rib 21E extends in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the front-rear direction ribs 21D at a middle portion in the front-rear direction between the front wall 21B and the rear wall 21C.

The left bracket <NUM> is reinforced with the front-rear direction ribs 21D and the vehicle-width direction rib 21E and thus has high rigidity.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a length in the front-rear direction of the left bracket <NUM> is set shorter on the left side frame <NUM> side (the left end portion 21a side) and longer on the transfer device <NUM> side (the right end portion 21b side) than on the left side frame <NUM> side.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a boss portion 21F is provided on the upper wall 21A of the left bracket <NUM>, and the boss portion 21F protrudes rightward and obliquely upward from the upper wall 21A toward the transfer device <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In other words, a component attachment surface is formed at the boss portion 21F, and the boss portion 21F extends obliquely from the upper wall 21A such that the attachment surface protrudes toward the transfer device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a clamp 41A of a switch cord <NUM> is attached to an upper end of the boss portion 21F. The switch cord <NUM> connects the transfer device <NUM> and a controller (not shown), and the clamp 41A holds the switch cord <NUM> and is attached and fixed to the boss portion 21F using a bolt or the like.

The switch cord <NUM> transmits a signal corresponding to a selector position of the selector lever <NUM> from the transfer device <NUM> to the controller. The boss portion 21F according to the present embodiment constitutes a protruding portion, and the clamp 41A constitutes a predetermined in-vehicle component.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a connecting portion 22F is provided at a left edge portion of a middle portion in the front-rear direction of the right bracket <NUM> so as to protrude upward.

As shown in <FIG>, a connecting portion 14C is provided at a right side surface of the case 14A of the transfer device <NUM>, and the connecting portion 22F of the right bracket <NUM> is fixed to the connecting portion 14C with a bolt (not shown).

As described above, the transfer device <NUM> is elastically supported by the left side frame <NUM> via the left bracket <NUM> and is elastically supported by the right side frame <NUM> via the right bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the right bracket <NUM> has an upper wall 22A, a left wall 22B which extends downward from a left end edge of the upper wall 22A, and a right wall 22C which extends downward from a right end edge of the upper wall 22A and is formed in a generally U-shape which opens downward in a section perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of inclined ribs 22D are formed between the left wall 22B and the right wall 22C at an inner surface (lower surface) of the right bracket <NUM> so as to connect the left wall 22B and the right wall 22C. Each inclined rib 22D is inclined with respect to a direction in which the left wall 22B, the right wall 22C, and the right bracket <NUM> extend.

The inclined ribs 22D are formed to cross in an X-shape in bottom view of the right bracket <NUM>. The X-shaped pairs of inclined ribs 22D are arranged to be continuously lined up in the front-rear direction.

A front-rear direction rib 22E is provided in the middle in the vehicle width direction between the left wall 22B and the right wall 22C at a front-side inner surface (lower surface) of the right bracket <NUM>. The front-rear direction rib 22E extends in the same direction as the direction, in which the right bracket <NUM> extends, so as to connect points where the inclined ribs 22D cross.

As shown in <FIG>, the connecting portion 22F protrudes upward from the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM>. A width in the vehicle width direction of the right bracket <NUM> is formed such that a width on a front side is narrower than a width on a rear side in front of the connecting portion 22F and such that the width on the rear side is wider than the width on the front side.

The width in the vehicle width direction of the right bracket <NUM> is also formed such that a width on a front side is wider behind the connecting portion 22F and such that a width on a rear side is narrower than the width on the front side.

In other words, the width in the vehicle width direction of the right bracket <NUM> is formed widest at a point near the connecting portion 22F and is formed so as to decrease gradually from near the connecting portion 22F toward the front end portion 22a or the rear end portion 22b.

A length in the front-rear direction of the right bracket <NUM> is formed such that a length of a portion behind the connecting portion 22F is shorter than a length of a portion in front of the connecting portion 22F.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a noise-absorbing member <NUM> which is made of an elastic member, such as polyurethane rubber, is attached to the left bracket <NUM>.

The noise-absorbing member <NUM> has an upper wall 23A which is in contact with the upper wall 21A of the left bracket <NUM>, a front wall 23B which extends downward from a front end edge of the upper wall 23A and is in contact with the front wall 21B of the left bracket <NUM>, and a rear wall 23C which extends downward from a rear end edge of the upper wall 23A and is in contact with the rear wall 21C of the left bracket <NUM>.

In other words, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> covers the left bracket <NUM> from above and is in contact with all surfaces to suppress vibration of the left bracket <NUM> and inhibit emission of noise to a space with a passenger compartment above the noise-absorbing member <NUM>. A length in the front-rear direction of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is formed shorter on the left side frame <NUM> side and longer on the transfer device <NUM> side than on the left side frame <NUM> side, as in the left bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a tubular portion <NUM> is provided at a left-side portion of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The tubular portion <NUM> is configured to include a left end portion of the upper wall 23A, a left end portion of the front wall 23B, a left end portion of the rear wall 23C, and a bottom wall 23D which connects a lower end portion of the left end portion of the front wall 23B and a lower end portion of the left end portion of the rear wall 23C.

In other words, the tubular portion <NUM> is configured to include the upper wall 23A, the front wall 23B, the rear wall 23C, and the bottom wall 23D, is arranged to surround an outer peripheral portion on the left end portion 21a side of the left bracket <NUM> and is in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the left bracket <NUM>.

The tubular portion <NUM>, in which the left bracket <NUM> is inserted, is formed such that an inner dimension (open width) on the left end portion 21a side of the left bracket <NUM> is smaller than an inner dimension (open width) on the right end portion 21b side (the transfer device <NUM> side) of the left bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the left bracket <NUM> attached to the transfer device <NUM>, from the left end portion 21a side of the left bracket <NUM>.

The noise-absorbing member <NUM> includes a noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM>. The noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is composed of the upper wall 23A, the front wall 23B, and the rear wall 23C, excluding the tubular portion <NUM>, of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and extends from the tubular portion <NUM> along the left bracket <NUM> to the transfer device <NUM>.

In other words, the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> extends from the tubular portion <NUM> along the left bracket <NUM> in a direction in which the left bracket <NUM> extends.

As shown in <FIG>, the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is formed in a generally U-shape which opens downward in a section perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. The upper wall 23A, the front wall 23B, and the rear wall 23C of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> are in contact with the upper wall 21A, the front wall 21B, and the rear wall 21C of the left bracket <NUM>.

In other words, a lower side of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is open, and a lower surface of the left bracket <NUM> is not covered by the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> even in a state where the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is attached.

In other words, a portion on the right end portion 21b side of the left bracket <NUM> is covered by the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> from above. The contact suppresses vibration of the portion and inhibits emission of noise to the space with the passenger compartment above the portion.

As shown in <FIG>, an exhaust pipe <NUM> is provided in the vehicle <NUM>. The exhaust pipe <NUM> extends rearward from a portion to the left of the engine <NUM> in a left-side portion of the vehicle <NUM> and discharges exhaust gas discharged from the engine <NUM> to behind the vehicle <NUM>. A catalyst <NUM> and a silencer <NUM> are attached to the exhaust pipe <NUM>, the catalyst <NUM> cleans up exhaust, and the silencer <NUM> muffles exhaust noise.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exhaust pipe <NUM> passes below the left bracket <NUM> in the front-rear direction, and the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is located above the exhaust pipe <NUM>. That is, the bottom wall 23D is not arranged above the exhaust pipe <NUM>, and the tubular portion <NUM> and the exhaust pipe <NUM> are away from each other in the vehicle width direction in top view.

In other words, in the left bracket <NUM> located directly above the exhaust pipe <NUM>, a lower side is not covered by the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> and is naked to the exhaust pipe <NUM>. The left bracket <NUM> is directly exposed to heat of the exhaust pipe <NUM>.

In the up-down direction, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is not directly opposed to the exhaust pipe <NUM>, and hot air rising from the exhaust pipe <NUM> is prevented from acting directly.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a hole 23a is formed in the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM>. The boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM> is inserted in the hole 23a and protrudes from the hole 23a to outside the noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The noise-absorbing member <NUM> is engaged with the boss portion 21F at the hole 23a.

As shown in <FIG>, a width in the vehicle width direction of the clamp 41A of the switch cord <NUM> is set larger than a width in the vehicle width direction of the hole 23a. That is, the clamp 41A that has a larger width in the vehicle width direction than the width in the vehicle width direction of the hole 23a is attached to the boss portion 21F. This inhibits the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the boss portion 21F.

A fitting portion 21f (see <FIG> and <FIG>) on which the clamp 41A is to be fit is formed at the boss portion 21F. The fitting portion 21f serves for positioning which restricts a posture of the clamp 41A, and the clamp 41A does not come off the boss portion 21F even if a large external force is applied to the clamp 41A.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a thin-plate portion 23E is formed over a range from the hole 23a to a right-side end edge at the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> on the transfer device <NUM> side. The thin-plate portion 23E is formed to have a thickness smaller than a thickness of the upper wall 23A (see <FIG>). The thin-plate portion 23E is located below an upper surface of the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a left edge of the thin-plate portion 23E constitutes a part of a peripheral edge of the hole 23a. That is, the hole 23a is surrounded by the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> and the left edge of the thin-plate portion 23E.

As shown in <FIG>, front and rear portions of the thin-plate portion 23E are connected to the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> by a front end portion 23b and a rear end portion 23c. A slit <NUM> which extends in the vehicle width direction from the hole 23a to a right-side end edge is formed in a middle portion in the front-rear direction of the thin-plate portion 23E.

If the boss portion 21F and the hole 23a get closer together, and the boss portion 21F comes into contact with the thin-plate portion 23E when the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the left bracket <NUM>, the boss portion 21F pushes the thin-plate portion 23E upward. The thin-plate portion 23E is elastically deformed so as to open the slit <NUM> of the thin-plate portion 23E, which causes the boss portion 21F to pass through the thin-plate portion 23E. The boss portion 21F can be easily inserted into the hole 23a.

In other words, the thin-plate portion 23E is easily elastically deformed when an external force which inserts the boss portion 21F into the hole 23a is applied at the time of assembly of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM>. After the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is assembled to the left bracket <NUM>, the thin-plate portion 23E returns to its original position, slips beneath a lower right side of the boss portion 21F, and engages with the boss portion 21F (see <FIG>).

The thin-plate portion 23E has such a high hardness that the thin-plate portion 23E is not deformed even when vibration is applied from the left bracket <NUM> to the noise-absorbing member <NUM> due to, e.g., running of the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> which is made of an elastic member, such as polyurethane rubber, is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in front of the connecting portion 22F.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> includes an upper wall 24A which is in contact with the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM>, a left wall 24B which extends downward from a left end edge of the upper wall 24A and is in contact with the left wall 22B of the right bracket <NUM>, a right wall 24C which extends downward from a right end edge of the upper wall 24A and is in contact with the right wall 22C of the right bracket <NUM>, and a bottom wall 24D which connects a lower end portion of the left wall 24B and a lower end portion of the right wall 24C.

The upper wall 24A, the left wall 24B, the right wall 24C, and the bottom wall 24D are in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the right bracket <NUM> so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the right bracket <NUM> on a front side of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and constitute a tubular portion 24E. The tubular portion 24E according to the present embodiment constitutes a first tubular portion according to the present invention.

In other words, the right bracket <NUM> is surrounded by the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The contact suppresses vibration of the right bracket <NUM> and inhibits emission of noise.

The tubular portion 24E, in which the right bracket <NUM> is inserted, is formed such that an inner dimension (open width) on the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> is smaller than an inner dimension (open width) on the connecting portion 22F side (the transfer device <NUM> side) of the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the right bracket <NUM> attached to the transfer device <NUM>, from the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> has a rear-side bottom wall 24F which extends rearward from the tubular portion 24E so as to extend the bottom wall 24D, a rear-side left wall <NUM> which protrudes upward from a left end edge of the rear-side bottom wall 24F and extends rearward so as to extend the left wall 24B of the tubular portion 24E, and a rear-side right wall <NUM> which protrudes upward from a right end edge of the rear-side bottom wall 24F and extends rearward so as to extend the right wall 24C of the tubular portion 24E.

The rear-side bottom wall 24F covers a lower side of the right bracket <NUM>, the rear-side left wall <NUM> is in contact with the left wall 22B of the right bracket <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> is in contact with the right wall 22C of the right bracket <NUM>.

In other words, the rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are in contact with the outer peripheral portion excluding the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> has no upper wall behind the tubular portion 24E, and the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM> is exposed between the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side right wall <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Heights of the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are formed lower than heights of the left wall 24B and the right wall 24C of the tubular portion 24E.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, lengths in the front-rear direction of the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are formed equal, and a length in the front-rear direction of the rear-side left wall <NUM> is formed longer than the lengths in the front-rear direction of the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the rear-side right wall <NUM>.

In other words, the rear-side left wall <NUM> extends so as to protrude rearward further than the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the rear-side right wall <NUM>. For this reason, a lower portion of the rear-side left wall <NUM> has a shape notched by an amount corresponding to a height of the rear-side bottom wall 24F, and a rear-side lower surface of the rear-side left wall <NUM> has almost the same height position as an upper surface of the rear-side bottom wall 24F.

A width in the vehicle width direction of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is formed wider on a rear side and narrower on the front side (the tubular portion 24E side) than on the rear side. The front end portion 22a of the right bracket <NUM> that is narrower in a width in the vehicle width direction than the connecting portion 22F is inserted in the tubular portion 24E on the front side.

As shown in <FIG>, one pair of engaging projections 24I is formed at a front end portion of the bottom wall 24D of the tubular portion 24E. The engaging projections 24I protrude upward from the bottom wall 24D. That is, the engaging projections 24I protrude from the bottom wall 24D inside the tubular portion 24E.

As shown in <FIG>, one pair of groove portions <NUM> is formed between the inclined ribs 22D on the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> and the front-rear direction rib 22E, and the engaging projections 24I are engaged with the groove portions <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Specifically, the one pair of engaging projections 24I is in the one pair of groove portions <NUM>, holds the front-rear direction rib 22E therebetween, and is engaged with the right bracket <NUM> with perimeters thereof in contact with the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, the engaging projections 24I catch in the groove portions <NUM> in a state where the tubular portion 24E of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM>. This prevents the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the right bracket <NUM> and prevents the right bracket <NUM> from coming off the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

In other words, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is put into a pierced state by insertion of the right bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion 24E. With engagement of the engaging projections 24I with the groove portions <NUM>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, combined with effects of a shape of the tubular portion 24E, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is prevented from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the engaging projections 24I protrude forward from a front end portion of the tubular portion 24E, and the engaging projections 24I engage with the groove portions <NUM> in a compressed state. This maintains a contact pressure between the engaging projections 24I and the groove portions <NUM> high.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> which is made of an elastic member, such as polyurethane rubber, is attached to the right bracket <NUM> behind the connecting portion 22F, and the connecting portion 22F is located between the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> according to the present embodiment constitutes a first noise-absorbing member, and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> constitutes a second noise-absorbing member.

The rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> includes an upper wall 25A which is in contact with the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM>, a left wall 25B which extends downward from a left end edge of the upper wall 25A and is in contact with the left wall 22B of the right bracket <NUM>, a right wall 25C which extends downward from a right end edge of the upper wall 25A and is in contact with the right wall 22C of the right bracket <NUM>, and a bottom wall 25D which connects a lower end portion of the left wall 25B and a lower end portion of the right wall 25C.

The upper wall 25A, the left wall 25B, the right wall 25C, and the bottom wall 25D are in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the right bracket <NUM> so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the right bracket <NUM> on a rear side of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and constitute a tubular portion 25E. The tubular portion 25E according to the present embodiment constitutes a third tubular portion.

In other words, the right bracket <NUM> is surrounded by the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The contact suppresses vibration of the right bracket <NUM> and inhibits emission of noise.

The tubular portion 25E, in which the right bracket <NUM> is inserted, is formed such that an inner dimension (open width) on the rear end portion 22b side of the right bracket <NUM> is formed smaller than an inner dimension (open width) on the connecting portion 22F side (the transfer device <NUM> side) of the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the right bracket <NUM> attached to the transfer device <NUM>, from the rear end portion 22b side of the right bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> has a front-side bottom wall 25F which extends forward from the bottom wall 25D of the tubular portion 25E and a front-side right wall <NUM> which protrudes upward from a right end edge of the front-side bottom wall 25F and extends forward so as to extend the right wall 25C of the tubular portion 25E.

The front-side bottom wall 25F and the front-side right wall <NUM> are in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the right bracket <NUM>, and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> has no upper wall and no left wall in front of the tubular portion 25E. To the left of the front-side right wall <NUM>, the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM> is exposed.

In other words, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, front ends of the front-side bottom wall 25F and the front-side right wall <NUM> reach a position of the connecting portion 22F of the right bracket <NUM>, and the front-side bottom wall 25F and the front-side right wall <NUM>, together with the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, cover a portion below the connecting portion 22F and a portion to the right of the connecting portion 22F.

As shown in <FIG>, one pair of engaging projections <NUM> is formed at a rear end portion of the bottom wall 25D of the tubular portion 25E, and the engaging projections <NUM> protrude upward from the bottom wall 25D. That is, the engaging projections <NUM> protrude from the bottom wall 25D inside the tubular portion 25E.

As shown in <FIG>, one pair of groove portions <NUM> is formed between a rear end portion of the inclined rib 22D and the left wall 22B of the right bracket <NUM> and between a rear end portion of the inclined rib 22D and the right wall 22C of the right bracket <NUM> on the rear end portion 22b side of the right bracket <NUM>. The engaging projections <NUM> are engaged with the groove portions <NUM> (see <FIG>).

For the above-described reason, the engaging projections <NUM> catch in the groove portions <NUM> in a state where the tubular portion 25E of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM>. With this configuration, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

In other words, insertion of the right bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion 25E puts the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> into a pierced state. With entry of the engaging projections <NUM> into the groove portions <NUM> and engagement of the engaging projections <NUM> with the groove portions <NUM>, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, combined with effects of a shape of the tubular portion 25E, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is prevented from coming off the right bracket <NUM>. The engaging projections <NUM> according to the present embodiment constitute a second engaging portion.

As shown in <FIG>, the engaging projections <NUM> protrude rearward from a rear end portion of the tubular portion 25E, and the engaging projections <NUM> engage with the groove portions <NUM> in a compressed state. This maintains a contact pressure between the engaging projections <NUM> and the groove portions <NUM> high.

As shown in <FIG>, an in-vehicle component mount 22I is provided on the rear end portion 22b side of the right bracket <NUM>, and the in-vehicle component mount 22I is provided behind the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

For example, a fuel pipe clamp (not shown) as an in-vehicle component is attached to the in-vehicle component mount 22I.

When the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> tries to move rearward, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> comes into contact with an in-vehicle component attached to the in-vehicle component mount 22I. This restricts rearward movement of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is stopped from coming off by the in-vehicle component.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a cover member <NUM> made of resin is attached to the right bracket <NUM> so as to cover the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> includes an upper wall 26A which is in contact with the upper wall 24A of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, a left wall 26B which extends downward from a left end edge of the upper wall 26A and is in contact with the left wall 24B of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, a right wall 26C which extends downward from a right end edge of the upper wall 26A and is in contact with the right wall 24C of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and a bottom wall 26D (see <FIG>) which connects a lower end portion of the left wall 26B and a lower end portion of the right wall 26C.

The upper wall 26A, the left wall 26B, the right wall 26C, and the bottom wall 26D are in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> at a front-side portion of the cover member <NUM> and constitute a tubular portion 26E. The tubular portion 26E according to the present embodiment constitutes a second tubular portion.

The tubular portion 26E of the cover member <NUM> covers the whole of the tubular portion 24E of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and a length in the front-rear direction of the tubular portion 26E is formed as a length just enough to maintain a position and a posture along the right bracket <NUM>.

The tubular portion 26E, in which the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is inserted, is formed such that an inner dimension (open width) on the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> is smaller than an inner dimension (open width) on the connecting portion 22F side (the transfer device <NUM> side) of the right bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, the cover member <NUM> is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> attached to the right bracket <NUM>, from the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> has a rear-side bottom wall 26F which extends rearward from the tubular portion 26E and is in contact with the rear-side bottom wall 24F of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, a rear-side left wall <NUM> which protrudes upward from a left end edge of the rear-side bottom wall 26F, extends rearward so as to extend the left wall 26B of the tubular portion 26E, and is in contact with the rear-side left wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and a rear-side right wall <NUM> which protrudes upward from a right end edge of the rear-side bottom wall 26F, extends rearward so as to extend the right wall 26C of the tubular portion 26E, and is in contact with the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> has no upper wall behind the tubular portion 26E, and the upper wall 22A of the right bracket <NUM> is exposed between the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side right wall <NUM>.

Heights of the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are formed lower than heights of the left wall 26B and the right wall 26C of the tubular portion 26E.

Lengths in the front-rear direction of the rear-side bottom wall 26F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are formed equal, and the rear-side bottom wall 26F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> extend rearward further than the rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a rear end portion of the rear-side bottom wall 24F of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and a front end portion of the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> are in contact such that shapes thereof are continuous.

The rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM> is arranged beneath the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the cover member <NUM> covers over a gap between the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the front-side bottom wall 25F and supports the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the front-side bottom wall 25F from below.

As shown in <FIG>, a rear end portion of the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and a front end portion of the front-side right wall <NUM> of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> are in contact. That is, a rear end portion of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and a front end portion of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> are in contact such that shapes thereof are continuous.

A gap in the up-down direction is formed between the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM>, and the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> lies beneath the rear-side left wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. That is, the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is arranged between the rear-side left wall <NUM> and the rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM>.

The connecting portion 14C of the case 14A of the transfer device <NUM> protrudes above the cover member <NUM> and is opposed to the cover member <NUM> in the up-down direction. The rear-side left wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> are arranged between the rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM> and the case 14Ain the up-down direction and are prevented from coming off.

In other words, the rear-side left wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM>, and the case 14A are arranged to be lined up in the up-down direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> covers the rear end portion of the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the front end portion of the front-side right wall <NUM> of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

That is, the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> covers a point of contact between the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the front-side right wall <NUM> of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

In the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> that are U-shaped extend rearward from the tubular portion 24E below the connecting portion 22F of the right bracket <NUM>. The rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> may droop down.

However, the rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM> are covered from below by the cover member <NUM> higher in rigidity than the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The covering supports the rear-side bottom wall 24F, the rear-side left wall <NUM>, and the rear-side right wall <NUM>, which can be prevented from drooping down.

It is thus possible to prevent the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the right bracket <NUM> and from being elastically deformed to deteriorate in durability.

Note that a posture of the cover member <NUM> is retained by the tubular portion 26E composed of the upper wall 26A, the left wall 26B, the right wall 26C, and the bottom wall 26D being in contact with the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a hole 26a is formed in the upper wall 26A of the cover member <NUM>. An engaging projection 24J is formed on the upper wall 24A of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the engaging projection 24J protrudes outward from the hole 26a. With engagement of the hole 26a with the engaging projection 24J, the cover member <NUM> is stopped from coming off the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The hole 26a according to the present embodiment constitutes an engaging portion.

An inclined surface 24t is formed at an upper surface of the engaging projection 24J, and the inclined surface 24t is inclined upward so as to increase in height from a front end portion on the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> toward a rear end portion on the rear end portion 22b side of the right bracket <NUM>. The engaging projection 24J according to the present embodiment constitutes a protruding portion.

Since the tubular portion 26E is formed such that the inner dimension (open width) on the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> is smaller than the inner dimension (open width) on the connecting portion 22F side (the transfer device <NUM> side) of the right bracket <NUM>, if the cover member <NUM> tries to move rearward, the cover member <NUM> cannot move rearward further than in an attached state where the cover member <NUM> is in contact with the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

If the cover member <NUM> tries to move toward the front end portion 22a side of the right bracket <NUM> with respect to the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the hole 26a comes into contact with a rear end portion which is highest of the engaging projection 24J. This reliably stops the cover member <NUM> from coming off the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. The engaging projection 24J according to the present embodiment constitutes a first engaging portion.

As shown in <FIG>, a notch hole 26b is formed in a lower portion of the right wall 26C of the cover member <NUM>. An engaging projection <NUM> which is long in the front-rear direction is formed on the right wall 24C of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the engaging projection <NUM> is fitted in the notch hole 26b.

For the above-described reason, combined with engagement with the first engaging portion, the cover member <NUM> is effectively stopped from coming off the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tubular portion 26E of the cover member <NUM> covers points of engagement between the engaging projections 24I of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the groove portions <NUM> of the right bracket <NUM>, and the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is surrounded by the tubular portion 26E. For this reason, the engaging projections 24I are less likely to move so as to get out of the groove portions <NUM>, and a state where the engaging projections 24I are engaged with the groove portions <NUM> is maintained.

Action of a noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

As for the noise-absorbing member <NUM> according to the present embodiment, in a state before the left bracket <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, the tubular portion <NUM> is inserted into the left bracket <NUM> fixed to the transfer device <NUM> from the left end portion 21a, and the boss portion 21F is inserted into the hole 23a while the left end portion 21a side of the left bracket <NUM> is grasped with the tubular portion <NUM>.

When the boss portion 21F is inserted into the hole 23a, the boss portion 21F comes into contact with the thin-plate portion 23E, and the thin-plate portion 23E is deformed so as to open the slit <NUM>. This allows the boss portion 21F to be easily inserted into the hole 23a.

A width in the front-rear direction of the left bracket <NUM> is formed narrower on the left side frame <NUM> side and wider on the transfer device <NUM> side than on the left side frame <NUM> side. A width in the front-rear direction of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is formed narrower on the left side frame <NUM> side and wider on the transfer device <NUM> side than on the left side frame <NUM> side.

For the above-described reason, in a state where the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the left bracket <NUM>, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is capable of moving toward the left side frame <NUM> side along the left bracket <NUM> but is incapable of moving toward the transfer device <NUM> side.

As for the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the left side frame <NUM>, engagement of the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM> with the hole 23a of the upper wall 23A of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> stops the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the left bracket <NUM> and makes the noise-absorbing member <NUM> incapable of moving toward the left side frame <NUM> side with respect to the left bracket <NUM>.

If vibration transmitted from the transfer device <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM> drives the noise-absorbing member <NUM> to come off the left bracket <NUM>, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> may pivot about the tubular portion <NUM> such that the hole 23a side (a right side) is lifted upward, as shown in <FIG>.

In the above-described case, the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM> engages with the hole 23a of the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM>, which blocks the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from moving leftward and upward.

In other words, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is put into a pierced state by insertion of the left bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion <NUM>. With engagement of the boss portion 21F with the hole 23a, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the left bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the left bracket <NUM>.

Additionally, upon occurrence of a pivot about the tubular portion <NUM> which lifts up the right side, the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM> engages effectively with the hole 23a to block leftward and upward movement of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the left bracket <NUM> when vibration is applied from the transfer device <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM> and stably attach the noise-absorbing member <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM>.

As a result, noise caused by vibration transmitted from the transfer device <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM> can be absorbed by the noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM> can be reduced.

The front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is put into a pierced state by insertion of the right bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion 24E. With engagement of the engaging projections 24I with the groove portions <NUM>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

The rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is put into a pierced state by insertion of the right bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion 25E of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>. With engagement of the engaging projections <NUM> with the groove portions <NUM>, the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the right bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the right bracket <NUM>.

Thus, noise caused by vibration transmitted from the transfer device <NUM> to the right bracket <NUM> can be absorbed by the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM> can be reduced.

As a result, noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM> can be reduced by the noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and quietness of the vehicle <NUM> can be enhanced.

The right bracket <NUM> is arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction along the right side frame <NUM> near the right side frame <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction. Snow is likely to accumulate on an upper portion of the right bracket <NUM> in winter. Water raised by the front wheels or the like due to running comes from below to the right bracket <NUM>.

When snow accumulated on the right bracket <NUM> melts, the snow turns into water. When the water gets cold, the water turns into ice. The front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> are thus exposed to a harsh environment.

Since water expands when the water freezes, water in a gap between the right bracket <NUM> and the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, a gap between the right bracket <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and a gap between the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> becomes an obstacle to the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> that are made of relatively soft materials.

In the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the cover member <NUM> made of resin that is harder than the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> covers the point of contact between the rear-side right wall <NUM> of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the front-side right wall <NUM> of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the rear-side bottom wall 26F of the cover member <NUM> covers the point of contact between the rear-side bottom wall 24F of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the front-side bottom wall 25F of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, snow and water can be prevented from penetrating into the gap between the right bracket <NUM> and the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the gap between the right bracket <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and a gap between the rear-side bottom wall 24F and the front-side bottom wall 25F and turning into ice, and the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> can be protected from snow and ice.

In addition, since the tubular portion 24E of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> is covered by the tubular portion 26E of the cover member <NUM>, the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> can be protected from snow, an incoming stone from ahead, and the like.

The engaging projections 24I are formed at the tubular portion 24E of the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the engaging projections 24I are elastically deformed in a state of being engaged with the groove portions <NUM>. This maintains the contact pressure between the engaging projections 24I and the groove portions <NUM> high.

The engaging projections <NUM> are formed at the tubular portion 25E of the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM>, and the engaging projections <NUM> are elastically deformed in a state of being engaged with the groove portions <NUM>. This maintains the contact pressure between the engaging projections <NUM> and the groove portions <NUM> high.

For the above-described reason, the engaging projections 24I and <NUM> can prevent snow from penetrating into between the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the right bracket <NUM> and between the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the right bracket <NUM> and turning into ice, and the front-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the rear-side noise-absorbing member <NUM> can be protected from snow.

The exhaust pipe <NUM> is arranged below the left bracket <NUM>. As for the noise-absorbing member <NUM> attached to the left bracket <NUM>, snow deposited on the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is melted by heat of the exhaust pipe <NUM>. Thus, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is at low risk of being damaged by icing.

Although the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the exhaust pipe <NUM> are opposed to each other in the up-down direction, the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> is open at a lower surface, and the lower surface of the left bracket <NUM> is not covered by the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM>. It is thus possible to inhibit the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> from being affected by heat of the exhaust pipe <NUM> and protect the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from exhaust heat.

Since the left bracket <NUM> is naked above the exhaust pipe <NUM>, heat of the exhaust pipe <NUM> allows transmission of heat to the left bracket <NUM> made of metal, and snow deposited on the left bracket <NUM> can be easily melted.

In other words, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is formed in a shape capable of easily melting snow deposited on the left bracket <NUM> while preventing direct exposure to heat of the exhaust pipe <NUM>.

Effects of the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> has the tubular portion <NUM>, into which the left bracket <NUM> is to be inserted, and the hole 23a that is to be engaged with the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> can be easily attached to the left bracket <NUM> by inserting the left bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion <NUM> and engaging the hole 23a with the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM>.

It is thus possible to reduce the number of work man-hours to attach the noise-absorbing member <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM> and enhance work efficiency of the work of attaching the noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

Additionally, the outer peripheral portion of the left bracket <NUM> is covered by the tubular portion <NUM> of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>. This allows enhancement of noise barrier performance of the transfer device <NUM> and enhancement of quietness of the vehicle <NUM>.

In the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> has the tubular portion <NUM> and the noise-absorbing member body portion <NUM> that extends from the tubular portion <NUM> in the direction, in which the left bracket <NUM> extends, and is to come into contact with the outer peripheral portion of the left bracket <NUM>.

The boss portion 21F that protrudes outward from the upper wall 21A is formed on the upper wall 21A of the left bracket <NUM>. With entry of the boss portion 21F into the hole 23a of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>, the boss portion 21F is engaged with the hole 23a.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and attach the noise-absorbing member <NUM> to the left bracket <NUM>. This allows reduction in manufacturing costs of the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> and reduction in noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM>.

The noise-absorbing member <NUM> is put into a pierced state by insertion of the left bracket <NUM> into the tubular portion <NUM>. With engagement of the boss portion 21F with the hole 23a, the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the left bracket <NUM> in a state of being stopped from coming off the left bracket <NUM>.

For the above-described reason, if a heat source, such as the exhaust pipe <NUM>, is arranged below the noise-absorbing member <NUM>, snow can be prevented from penetrating into a gap between the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and the left bracket <NUM> by reducing a proportion of the tubular portion <NUM> to the whole noise-absorbing member <NUM>. This allows further reduction in manufacturing costs of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

In the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the clamp 41A of the switch cord <NUM> is attached to the boss portion 21F of the left bracket <NUM>. The width in the vehicle width direction of the clamp 41A is formed larger than the width in the vehicle width direction of the hole 23a of the noise-absorbing member <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, when the hole 23a tries to come off the boss portion 21F, the peripheral edge of the hole 23a catches on the clamp 41A, which can reliably prevent the noise-absorbing member <NUM> from coming off the left bracket <NUM>. This allows reliable reduction in noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM>.

In the noise-absorbing structure for the transfer device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the right end portion 21b of the left bracket <NUM> is formed to have a width larger than that of the left end portion 21a of the left bracket <NUM>, and the tubular portion <NUM> of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> is attached to the left end portion 21a of the left bracket <NUM>.

With the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the tubular portion <NUM> in size to achieve reduction in size of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> and to reduce noise emanating from the transfer device <NUM>, as compared to a case where the tubular portion <NUM> is provided at the right end portion 21b of the left bracket <NUM>. Additionally, since the tubular portion <NUM> made of the elastic member can be reduced in size, rigidity of the noise-absorbing member <NUM> can be enhanced.

Note that although the vehicle driving device according to the present embodiment is composed of the transfer device <NUM>, the vehicle driving device is not limited to the transfer device <NUM>. The vehicle driving device may be applied to the engine <NUM> and the transmission <NUM> and is not limited to the engine <NUM> and the transmission <NUM>.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A vehicle driving device noise-absorbing structure comprising:
a bracket (<NUM>) configured to attach a vehicle driving device (<NUM>) to a vehicle body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a noise-absorbing member (<NUM>) attached to the bracket (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the noise-absorbing member (<NUM>) includes:
a tubular portion (<NUM>) into which the bracket (<NUM>) is inserted;
an engaging portion (23a) composed of a hole (23a) which is formed in the noise-absorbing member (<NUM>), the engaging portion being engaged with the bracket (<NUM>); and
a noise-absorbing member body portion (<NUM>) which extends from the tubular portion (<NUM>) in a direction in which the bracket (<NUM>) extends and comes into contact with an outer peripheral portion of the bracket (<NUM>),
a protruding portion (21F) protruding outward from an outer peripheral portion of the noise-absorbing member body portion (<NUM>) is formed at the outer peripheral portion of the bracket (<NUM>), and
the protruding portion (21F) is engaged with the hole by entering the hole (23a).