Variable phase coupling
US6213071A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2102
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable phase coupling for connecting a crankshaft to a camshaft (12) comprises a drive member (20) for connection to the crankshaft having grooves (40) of a first pitch, a driven member (14) for connection to the engine camshaft (12) having helical grooves (26) of a different pitch facing towards the grooves (40) in the drive member (20), balls (28) engaged in the two helical grooves (26, 40) and serving to couple the drive and driven members for rotation with one another, an intermediate member (16) disposed between the drive and driven members for rotation with one another, an intermediate member (16) disposed between the drive and driven members in contact with the balls (28, 34), and means (56) for displacing the intermediate member (16) relative to the drive and driven members. The displacement of the intermediate member (16) serves to move the balls relative to the helical grooves in the drive and driven members so as to vary the phase between the drive and driven members. The intermediate member (16) has grooves (32, 38) on its inner and outer surfaces and two sets of balls (28, 34) are provided, the first set (28) engaging in the pairs of helical grooves comprising the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.