GB2130155A - Clutch housing - Google Patents

Abstract

A light-weight clutch housing comprises an open framework e.g. of cast iron, carrying a covering (7) of plastics material. The framework comprises two annular mounting members (2, 3) spaced from each other by struts (6). The housing is less resonant than a conventional housing of cast metal and therefore reduces the noise emissions of a vehicle to which it is fitted. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Clutch housing This invention relates to clutch housings.

Clutch housings of motor vehicles comprise bell-shaped members which are conveniently formed as an integral casting of a metal such as cast iron.

Such housings are not only heavy, but also generate noise.

According to the present invention a clutch housing comprises a rigid open framework carrying a covering of plastics material. The framework conveniently comprises two annular mounting members spaced from each other by struts and may be formed as a metal casting. The covering may be formed as an integral moulding of a suitable plastics material. The plastics material should of course be capable of withstanding the heat, vibration and shock loads normally encountered within clutch mechanisms.

Glass-reinforced polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or nylon are examples of suitable material. These and other suitable materials will be familiar to the person skilled in the art.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle clutch comprising a clutch mechanism housed within a housing in accordance with the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of part of a clutch housing in accordance with the invention with its covering removed.

Figure 2 is a section taken along the line Il-Il of Figure 1, but showing the covering in place.

Referring to the drawing, a clutch housing comprises an integral casting of cast iron forming a rigid open framework. As best seen in Figure 1 the framework 1 comprises two annular mounting members 2, 3 each formed with bolt holes 4, 5, and spaced from each other by five struts 6. Over the framework 1 lies a covering of plastics material 7 (Figure 2) which encloses the framework and forms a bell-shaped enclosure for a clutch mechanism (not shown).

In use, rigidity of the housing is provided by the framework 1, and the covering 7 protects the clutch mechanism from dust and moisture. The housing is therefore lighter in weight and less resonant than a conventional housing of cast metal, and therefore reduces the fuel consumption and noise emissions of the vehicle to which it is fitted.

Claims

1. A clutch housing comprising a rigid open framework carrying a covering of plastics material.

2. A clutch housing according to claim 1 wherein the rigid, open framework comprises two annular mounting members spaced from each other by struts.

3. A clutch housing according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the framework comprises a metal casting.

4. A clutch housing substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Clutch housing This invention relates to clutch housings. Clutch housings of motor vehicles comprise bell-shaped members which are conveniently formed as an integral casting of a metal such as cast iron. Such housings are not only heavy, but also generate noise. According to the present invention a clutch housing comprises a rigid open framework carrying a covering of plastics material. The framework conveniently comprises two annular mounting members spaced from each other by struts and may be formed as a metal casting. The covering may be formed as an integral moulding of a suitable plastics material. The plastics material should of course be capable of withstanding the heat, vibration and shock loads normally encountered within clutch mechanisms. Glass-reinforced polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or nylon are examples of suitable material. These and other suitable materials will be familiar to the person skilled in the art. The invention also includes a motor vehicle clutch comprising a clutch mechanism housed within a housing in accordance with the invention. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of part of a clutch housing in accordance with the invention with its covering removed. Figure 2 is a section taken along the line Il-Il of Figure 1, but showing the covering in place. Referring to the drawing, a clutch housing comprises an integral casting of cast iron forming a rigid open framework. As best seen in Figure 1 the framework 1 comprises two annular mounting members 2, 3 each formed with bolt holes 4, 5, and spaced from each other by five struts 6. Over the framework 1 lies a covering of plastics material 7 (Figure 2) which encloses the framework and forms a bell-shaped enclosure for a clutch mechanism (not shown). In use, rigidity of the housing is provided by the framework 1, and the covering 7 protects the clutch mechanism from dust and moisture. The housing is therefore lighter in weight and less resonant than a conventional housing of cast metal, and therefore reduces the fuel consumption and noise emissions of the vehicle to which it is fitted. Claims

1. A clutch housing comprising a rigid open framework carrying a covering of plastics material.

2. A clutch housing according to claim 1 wherein the rigid, open framework comprises two annular mounting members spaced from each other by struts.

3. A clutch housing according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the framework comprises a metal casting.

4. A clutch housing substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the drawings.