Patent ID: 8322319

Claim:
A phase variable device for an automobile engine comprising: a cylindrical section; a drive rotor having curved guide slits each extending in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section with the radii thereof continuously decreasing, the drive rotor being rotatable relative to the camshaft and driven by the crankshaft of the engine; a control rotor having an outer circumference in contact with, and supported by, the inner circumference of the cylindrical section, the control rotor driven by a torque means for rotation relative to the drive rotor; a circular eccentric cam rotatable about the center axis of the camshaft in synchronism with the control rotor; a movable member in engagement with, and movable in, the respective guide slits; and an intermediate rotor having a cam guide in the form of a groove that extends in the direction perpendicular to the center axis of the camshaft to allow the circular eccentric cam to slide therein, the intermediate rotor being mounted on the camshaft such that the intermediate rotor is rotatable together with the camshaft and movable in the direction perpendicular to the camshaft.