Claims
- 1. A variable phase coupling for connecting a crankshaft to a camshaft, the coupling comprising a drive member for connection to the crankshaft having helical grooves of a first pitch, a driven member for connection to the engine camshaft having helical grooves of a different pitch facing towards the grooves in the drive member, an intermediate member disposed between the drive and driven members having helical grooves on its inner and outer surfaces, a first set of balls engaging in the pairs of helical grooves comprising the helical grooves in the driven member and the facing grooves on one surface of the intermediate member, a second set of balls engaging in the pairs of helical grooves that comprise the grooves in the drive member and the facing grooves on the other surface of the intermediate member, and means for axially displacing the intermediate member relative to the drive and driven members, the displacement of the intermediate member serving 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, wherein the helical grooves in each pair have the same pitch as one another and, in order to reduce backlash, the intermediate member is radially compliant and exerts a slight clamping force on the balls.
- 2. A variable phase coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helical grooves in the drive member and the driven member have opposite pitch.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
9715974 |
Jul 1997 |
GB |
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is filed as a divisional of patent application Ser. No. 09/463,751 filed Jan. 28, 2000 which is a 371 of PCT/GB98/02153 filed Jul. 28, 1998.
US Referenced Citations (8)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0 723 094 |
Jul 1996 |
EP |