Variable phase and oscillatory drives

Details Variable phase and oscillatory drives Variable phase and oscillatory drives

1987-02-27

1989-02-07

Staab, Lawrence

Machine element or mechanism

Gearing

Adjustable

123 9015, F01L 134, F16H 3502

Patent

active

048023760

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to devices for providing variable timing of the rotation of a driven rotatable member relative to a driving rotatable member.
The invention finds particular application in internal combustion engines, particularly valve mechanisms for motor vehicle engines. However, these devices can be used in any context wherein it is deemed necessary, or desirable, to change the relative phase of related rotatable members or where the application of oscillatory, or repeated reciprocating motion, to one or more members, related or otherwise, is required.
Variable valve timing has, for some consderable time, been under consideration as a means of vastly improving the performance of internal combustion engines. However, the diffiuclty of providing a simple, cost effective means of realisation has proved to be a stumbling-block, for regardless of engine performance benefits, the means also has to be reliable.
The present invention is believed to offer a simple, cost effective and reliable means of achieving variable valve timing.
According to the invention, there is provided a device for varying the timing of the rotation of a driven rotatable member relative to a driving rotatable member, comprising a follower member rotatable with a follower shaft mounted on the driving member for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the driving member and rotatable with the driving member, the follower shaft carrying a drive element operative to transmit rotational movement in phase from the driving member to the driven member in the absence of rotation of the follower shaft, control means being provided for imparting rotational movement to the follower shaft via the follower to vary the phase of the movement transmitted to the driven member.
In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partly in cross-section, of a first device embodying the present invention and incorporated into the drive system of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine;
FIG. 2 is an end view with parts removed to illustrate the construction of an oscillatory drive mechanism of the FIG. 1 device;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are respectively a side view and an end view of a driving gear and cam assembly of the oscillatory drive mechanism;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively an end view and a side view of a driven gear and follower assembly of the oscillatory drive mechanism.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are respectively a side view and an end view of a modified gear and cam assembly for the oscillatory drive mechanism;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation, partly in cross-section of a second device embodying the present invention incorporated into a camshaft drive system;
FIG. 10 is an end view illustrating the construction of the oscillatory drive mechanism of the FIG. 9 device;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation, partly in cross-section, of a third device embodying the present invention incorporated into a camshaft drive system;
FIG. 12 is an end view illustrating the construction of the oscillatory drive mechanism of the FIG. 11 device;
FIG. 13 shows a component part-annular gear of the FIG. 12 mechanism;
FIG. 14 illustrates a modified form of the device of FIGS. 11 to 13 adapted for use with concentric camshafts;
FIG. 15 shows component part-annular gears of the FIG. 14 embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a side elevation, partly in cross-section, of a fourth device embodying the present invention incorporated into a camshaft drive system;
FIG. 17 is an end view illustrating the construction of the oscillatory drive mechanism of the FIG. 16 device;
FIG. 18 is a side elevation, partly in cross-section, of a fifth device embodying the present invention incorporated into a camshaft drive system;
FIG. 19 is an end view illustrating the construction of the oscillatory drive mechanism of the FIG. 18 deivce; and
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a driven cam device embodying the present invention.
In the drawings, all solid black are

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