Remotely installed variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly and control valve

Abstract

A variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly and control valve are used in an internal combustion engine. The VCT phaser assembly has a housing and a rotor. The control valve is mounted at a location remote from the housing and rotor and away from the center bolt position of the housing and rotor. The control valve has a valve housing and a spool valve located within the valve housing. The valve housing has different ports for fluid communication with a source, an advance line, and a delay line. Depending on the position of the spool valve within the valve housing, one or more recirculation paths can be established between the valve housing and the spool valve at different times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a variable camshaft timing (VCT) technology equipped in an internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] In automobiles, internal combustion engines (ICEs) use one or more camshafts to open and close intake and exhaust valves in response to cam lobes. These cam lobes selectively actuate valve stems and overcome the force of valve springs that hold the valves in place as the camshaft rotates. The shape and angular position of the cam lobes affect the operation of the ICE. Historically, the angular position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft was fixed. However, variable camshaft timing (VCT) technology can now be used to change the angular position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. VCT technology is implemented using VCT devices (sometimes called camshaft phasers) that change the angular position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. These camshaft phasers are typically hydraulically actuated.

[0003] In hydraulically actuated VCT devices, valves are typically mounted at the center of the VCT device's housing and rotor assembly to regulate oil flow to and from the components. The valve is part of a larger center bolt assembly. This valve mounting and its centrality provide convenient and efficient oil flow between the valve and the advance and retard chambers established by the housing and rotor assembly, enabling the advance and retard functions of these VCT devices.

[0004] Furthermore, VCT units are typically either Torque Assist (TA) or Camshaft Torque Actuation (CTA) type. TA VCT units generally use source oil for advance and retardation purposes, thus the low oil pressure at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) in the accompanying ICE hinders performance. On the other hand, CTA VCT units rely on camshaft torque energy and use recirculated oil within the VCT unit for advance and retardation purposes. However, higher RPMs in some ICEs have shown to produce reduced camshaft torque energy, potentially hindering the performance of CTA VCT units. To address the drawbacks of both types of VCT units, the operation of each has been merged and incorporated into a single VCT unit. At lower RPMs, the VCT unit can utilize its CTA function, and at higher RPMs, it can utilize its TA function. The valves in these VCT units are designed to switch between TA and CTA functions as needed, and to combine TA and CTA functions for simultaneous execution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one implementation, a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly may include a housing, a rotor, and a control valve. The rotor is located within the housing. One or more advance chambers and one or more retardation chambers may be established between the housing and the rotor. The control valve may include a valve housing, a spool valve, a first recirculation path, a second recirculation path, and a remote mounting interface. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a third port located therein. The first port is in fluid communication with a source fluid line. The second port is in fluid communication with an advance line. The third port is in fluid communication with a retardation line. The spool valve is positioned within and movable within an aperture in the valve housing. Depending on the position of the spool valve within the aperture in the valve housing, the first recirculation path may be established between the valve housing and the spool valve. Depending on the position of the spool valve within the aperture in the valve housing, the second recirculation path may be established between the valve housing and the spool valve. The remote mounting interface is located outside the valve housing. The remote mounting interface provides mounting of the control valve at a location on the engine structure and is removable from the housing and rotor of the VCT phaser assembly.

[0006] In another implementation, the variable camshaft timing (VCT) control valve may include a valve body, a spool valve, one or more recirculation check valves, and a remote mounting interface. The valve body has a first groove and a plurality of first holes in fluid communication with each other. The first groove is located outside the valve body. The valve body has a second groove and a plurality of second holes in fluid communication with each other. The second groove is located outside the valve body. The valve body has a third groove and a plurality of third holes in fluid communication with each other. The third groove is located outside the valve body. The valve body has a recirculation groove and a plurality of recirculation holes in fluid communication with each other. The recirculation groove is located outside the valve body. The spool valve is positioned within the holes of the valve body. The one or more recirculation check valves are located at the spool valve. The remote mounting interface is located outside the valve body. The remote mounting interface provides mounting of the VCT control valve at a location remote from the center bolt position of the VCT housing and the VCT rotor. The remote mounting interface includes a seal located outside the valve body.

[0007] In another implementation, a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly may include a housing, a rotor, and a control valve. The control valve may include a valve housing, a spool valve, one or more recirculation check valves, a second recirculation path, and a remote mounting interface. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a third port located therein. The first port is in fluid communication with a source line. The second port is in fluid communication with an advance line. The third port is in fluid communication with a delay line. The spool valve is positioned within and movable within an orifice of the valve housing. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly, showing the VCT phaser assembly in a delayed state;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a VCT phaser assembly, showing the VCT phaser assembly in an advanced state;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a VCT phaser assembly, showing the VCT phaser assembly in a held state;

[0011] Figure 4 An embodiment of a VCT control valve that can be used with a VCT phaser assembly is described;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the VCT control valve, showing an embodiment of the actuator mounted thereon;

[0013] Figure 6 This is another perspective view of the VCT control valve;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a side view of the VCT control valve;

[0015] Figure 8 This is another side view of the VCT control valve; and

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the VCT control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0017] An embodiment of the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) phaser assembly 10 and the VCT control valve 12 is presented in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in this specification. The VCT phaser assembly 10 and the VCT control valve 12 are generally equipped in automotive internal combustion engine (ICE) applications. Unlike conventional VCT devices and their valve components, the VCT control valve 12 is mounted in the attached ICE at a location slightly away from the VCT housing and rotor, and is removed from the central bolt position of the VCT housing and rotor. The VCT control valve 12 is capable of clearly and simultaneously performing torsion assist (TA) and camshaft torque actuation (CTA) phasing functions. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms axial, radial, and circumferential, and their associated grammatical forms, are used with reference to the generally circular and cylindrical shape of some of the control valves and their components shown. In this sense, axial refers to a direction generally along or parallel to the central axis of the circle or cylinder, radial refers to a direction generally along or parallel to the radius of the circle or cylinder, and circumferential refers to a direction generally along or similar to the circumference of the circle or cylinder.

[0018] See Figure 1-3 The VCT phaser assembly 10 is a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly and generally comprises a rotor 14 and a housing 16. The rotor 14 has a hub 18 and one or more blades 20 extending radially outward from the hub 18. The rotor 14 is connected to a camshaft 22 such that rotation of the rotor 14 causes rotation of the camshaft 22. The housing 16 may have a camshaft sprocket 24 or pulley and partially establishes an advance fluid chamber 26 and a delay fluid chamber 28 with the rotor 14. Endless rings, such as chains or belts, engage the camshaft sprocket 24 or pulley and further engage a crankshaft sprocket or other components of the attached ICE. Through engagement, rotation is transmitted from the ICE to the housing 16, causing the housing 16 to also rotate. The blades 20 occupy the advance and delay fluid chambers 26, 28, and these fluid chambers 26, 28 receive pressurized fluid via corresponding advance lines 30 and delay lines 32 during use of the VCT phaser assembly 10. Among other possible components, the VCT phaser assembly 10 may further include a locking pin assembly 34, an actuator 36 (e.g., a variable force solenoid (VFS) actuator), and a controller 38 (e.g., an engine control unit (ECU)). The locking pin assembly 34 is used to maintain the angular position of the rotor 14 relative to the housing 16. (Refer to below...) Figure 5 A more detailed description of embodiments of actuator 36 (which are only available in...) Figure 1-3 (Illustrated schematically). In summary, actuator 36 acts on the spool 40 of VCT control valve 12 and moves the spool 40 axially and linearly against the bias of spring 42, as commanded by controller 38. Also... Figure 1-3 As schematically illustrated, hydraulic fluid, such as oil, is selectively introduced into the VCT control valve 12 via a source 44 of the attached ICE. Source 44 can be pressurized by a pump. And, at certain times, oil can be discharged from the VCT control valve 12 to the oil pan or tank 46 of the attached ICE. While an exemplary application of the VCT control valve 12 has now been described, this VCT control valve 12 can be used in other applications, including in other VCT phaser assemblies that have the same characteristics as in… Figure 1-3 The different components and operating methods are presented and described in the document.

[0019] In applications where a belt engages the VCT housing to transmit rotational energy from the ICE to the VCT housing, oil from the center-mounted valve and larger center bolt assembly of the hydraulically actuated VCT unit can sometimes reach the belt. This larger center bolt assembly typically includes a center bolt body, and this center-mounted position is relative to the housing and rotor components of the hydraulically actuated VCT unit and is referred to herein as the center bolt position. If oil reaches the belt, it hinders engagement and rotational transmission between the ICE and the VCT housing. To clean the oil and address these issues, the VCT control valve 12 in the embodiment shown in the figures is designed and configured to be mounted slightly away from the rotor 14 and housing 16. Unlike valves in many past hydraulically actuated VCT units, the VCT control valve 12 is not centrally mounted relative to the rotor 14 and housing 16, and therefore is not mounted at the center bolt position. The VCT control valve 12 lacks the center bolt body of past valves. Instead, the VCT control valve 12 is designed and constructed to facilitate its direct and immediate installation in the cylinder head of the attached ICE, in components mounted to the cylinder head (e.g., bearing caps), in the engine block of the attached ICE, in components mounted to the engine block, or in other locations within the ICE; these installation embodiments are... Figure 1-3 The figure 200 is indicated by a dashed line. At its remote location, the VCT control valve 12 lacks access to the VCT unit, thus minimizing the risk of unintentional and undesirable oil contact. Furthermore, there may be other reasons for mounting the VCT control valve 12 at a location removed from the center bolt position, such as to reduce the overall longitudinal length of the VCT phaser assembly 10, thereby meeting packaging requirements in certain ICE applications that may be stringent and even inflexible in automotive settings.

[0020] To enable the advance and delay functions of the VCT phaser assembly 10, the VCT control valve 12 helps manage the flow of oil to and from these advance and delay fluid chambers 26, 28 at their remote locations. Depending on the specific ICE application using the VCT control valve 12, it can have various designs, configurations, and components. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the VCT control valve 12 is designed and configured to perform torsion assist (TA) and camshaft torque actuation (CTA) phasing functions. The VCT control valve 12 generally includes a valve housing 48, a spool valve 40, an inlet check valve 41, a first recirculation check valve 50, a second recirculation check valve 52, a first recirculation path 54, a second recirculation path 56, and a remote mounting interface 58; in other embodiments, more or fewer and / or different components are possible.

[0021] See details Figure 6-9In this embodiment, the valve housing 48 has a body 60, which may be a one-piece structure made of a metallic material. The body 60 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends axially (relative to its cylindrical shape) between a first or front end 62 and a second or rear end 64. The first end 62 is an open end, and the second end 64 has an opening 66 therein, which provides ventilation during use of the VCT control valve 12. A flange 68 is located at and extends radially outward from the first end 62. Although not shown in the figures, threads may be provided near the second end 64 to facilitate remote installation of the VCT control valve 12 by rotational movement. In some embodiments, the flange 68 facilitates direct and immediate installation of the actuator 36. The actuator 36 can be carried by the valve housing 48 via the flange 68. A bore 70 is defined inside the body and spans between the first and second ends 62, 64. The bore 70 receives the insertion of the spool valve 40.

[0022] Still referencing Figure 6-9 Various ports and channels may be located in the valve housing 48 for oil inflow and outflow. In this embodiment, the valve housing 48 has a first port 72, a second port 74, a third port 76, a recirculation port 78, and a ventilation channel 80. In this embodiment, each port 72, 74, 76, 78 is designed and configured to facilitate oil inflow and outflow from the valve housing 48 and to be in fluid communication with a remotely mounted component (e.g., a cylinder head) and with advance and delay lines 30, 32. The first port 72 is located via a source line 45 ( Figure 4 The first port 72 is in fluid communication with source 44 for introducing oil into VCT control valve 12 as needed. A first groove 82 and a plurality of first holes 84 are established. The first groove 82 is located outside the body 60 of the valve housing and is partially defined by the outer surface 86 and wall 88 of the first groove. The first groove 82 generally has a longitudinal extent that traverses the circumference of the body 60. The first holes 84 are in fluid communication with the first groove 82 and completely span the body 60. The first holes 84 extend to hole 70. The first holes 84 are located within the periphery of the first groove 82 defined by the wall 88. Perhaps optimally as... Figure 8 As depicted, the first holes 84 are arranged in series along the longitudinal extent of the first groove 82 and are generally aligned with the circumferential extent of the body 60. Although there are a total of four holes in this embodiment, other embodiments may provide a different number of holes.

[0023] The second port 74 is in fluid communication with the advance line 30. Similar to the first port 72, the second port 74 is established by a second groove 90 and a plurality of second holes 92. The second groove 90 is located outside the body 60 of the valve housing and is partially defined by the outer surface 94 and wall 96 of the second groove. The second groove 90 generally has a longitudinal extent that extends across the circumference of the body 60. The second holes 92 are in fluid communication with the second groove 90 and completely span the body 60. The second holes 92 extend to the hole 70. The second holes 92 are located within the periphery of the second groove 90 defined by the wall 96. Perhaps optimally as Figure 8 As depicted, the second holes 92 are arranged in series along the longitudinal extent of the second groove 90 and are generally aligned with the circumferential extent of the body 60. While there are a total of four holes in this embodiment, other embodiments may provide a different number of holes. Furthermore, the third port 76 is in fluid communication with the delay line 32. Similar to the first and second ports 72, 74, the third port 76 is established by a third groove 98 and a plurality of holes 100. The third groove 98 is located outside the body 60 of the valve housing and is partially defined by the outer surface 102 and wall 104 of the third groove. The third groove 98 generally has a longitudinal extent that traverses the circumference of the body 60. The third hole 100 is in fluid communication with the third groove 98 and completely spans the body 60. The third hole 100 extends to the hole 70. The third hole 100 is located within the periphery of the third groove 98 defined by the wall 104. See also Figure 8 The third hole 100 is arranged in series along the longitudinal range of the third groove 98 and is generally aligned with the circumferential range of the body 60. Although there are a total of four holes in this embodiment, other numbers of holes may be provided in other embodiments.

[0024] Recirculation port 78 facilitates the CTA phasing function of VCT control valve 12 and accommodates oil flow via first and second recirculation paths 54, 56. Now refer to Figure 6 , 7 9. The recirculation port 78 is established by a recirculation groove 106 and a plurality of recirculation holes 108. The recirculation groove 106 is located outside the body 60 of the valve housing and is partially defined by the outer surface 110 and wall 112 of the recirculation groove. Unlike the aforementioned groove, the recirculation groove 106 has a longitudinal extent that generally traverses the axis of the body 60. The recirculation holes 108 are in fluid communication with the recirculation groove 106 and completely span the body 60. The recirculation holes 108 extend to the hole 70. The recirculation holes 108 are located within the periphery of the recirculation groove 106 defined by the wall 112. See details. Figure 6In this embodiment, there are a total of four recirculation orifices 108; in other embodiments, other amounts may be provided. Here, the first pair of the four recirculation orifices 108 is located near the axial end wall 114 of the wall 112, and the second pair of the four recirculation orifices 108 is located near the opposite axial end wall 116 of the wall 112. At different operating times of the VCT control valve 12, and depending on whether the oil flow follows the first recirculation path 54 or the second recirculation path 56, the first pair of recirculation orifices 108 can be used as inlets or outlets for oil to enter or leave the recirculation tank 106, while the second pair of recirculation orifices 108 can be used as counter outlets or inlets.

[0025] See Figure 6 Ventilation passage 80 allows oil to ventilate and exit the VCT control valve 12 during use. In this embodiment, the drained oil travels along ventilation passage 80 to the oil pan or tank 46 of the attached ICE. Figure 6 Arrow 118 indicates oil discharge. The ventilation passage 80 is established by a ventilation slot 120 and one or more ventilation holes 122. The ventilation slot 120 is located outside the body 60 of the valve housing and is partially defined by the outer surface 124 and wall 126 of the ventilation slot. The ventilation slot 120 has an elongated longitudinal extent that generally traverses the axis of the body 60. Figure 6 As shown, the ventilation slot 120 substantially spans the entire axial range of the body 60. At one end, the ventilation slot 120 has a closed end 128, and at its opposite end, the ventilation slot 120 has an open end 130. A ventilation hole 122 is in fluid communication with the ventilation slot 120 and completely spans the body 60. The ventilation hole 122 extends to a hole 70 and has a reduced diameter compared to holes 84, 92, 100, and 108. The ventilation hole 122 is located within the periphery of the ventilation slot 120 defined by the wall 126. In this embodiment, there are a total of two holes 122, but other embodiments may provide a different number of holes.

[0026] See Figure 9 The spool 40 is received within the valve housing 48 and is axially movable within the bore 70 during use of the VCT control valve 12. A spring 42 biases the spool 40 toward a first end 62 of the body 60, while an actuator 36, when commanded, pushes the spool 40 against the bias of the spring 42. A retainer 132 stops the movement of the spool 40 and holds it within the bore 70. The precise axial position of the spool 40 relative to the body 60 is used to manage oil flow at the VCT control valve 12. The spool 40 can have various designs and configurations. Figure 9In the presented embodiment, the slide valve 40 has a plurality of bosses 134 and a plurality of sets of slide valve holes 136 between some of these bosses 134. The holes 136 are in fluid communication with the internal passages of the slide valve 40 at certain times during use of the VCT control valve 12, allowing oil to flow through them. In this embodiment, the slide valve 40 has a first internal passage 138, a second internal passage 140, and a third internal passage 142.

[0027] See also Figure 9 An inlet check valve 41 is carried inside the slide valve 40 adjacent to the second internal passage 140, and allows and prevents oil from flowing in its position depending on the axial position of the slide valve 40 relative to the body 60 and the direction of oil flow. In this embodiment, when oil is introduced from the source 44 during the TA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12, the inlet check valve 41 allows oil to flow downstream of the first port 72 and its orifice 84. On the other hand, the inlet check valve 41 prevents oil from returning to the first port 72 at other times (e.g., during the CTA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12). The inlet check valve 41 can be of various types. Here, the inlet check valve 41 has a disc 144 and a spring 146 that biases the disc 144 to its closed position.

[0028] The first recirculation check valve 50 is carried inside the spool valve 40 adjacent to the third internal passage 124 and allows and prevents oil flow at its location depending on the axial position of the spool valve 40 relative to the body 60 and the direction of oil flow. In this embodiment, when oil is recirculated during the CTA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12, the first recirculation check valve 50 allows oil to flow downstream of the third port 76 and its orifice 100. Conversely, the first recirculation check valve 50 prevents oil flow at other times (e.g., during the TA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12). The first recirculation check valve 50 can be of various types. Here, the first recirculation check valve 50 has a disc 148 and a spring 150 that biases the disc 148 to its closed position. In other embodiments, the first recirculation check valve 50 can be of the type with a check valve.

[0029] The second recirculation check valve 52 is housed within the slide valve 40 adjacent to the first internal passage 138 and allows or prevents oil flow at its location based on the axial position of the slide valve 40 relative to the body 60 and the direction of oil flow. In this embodiment, when oil recirculates during the CTA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12, the second recirculation check valve 52 allows oil to flow downstream of the second port 74 and its orifice 92. Conversely, the second recirculation check valve 52 prevents oil flow in the first internal passage 138 at other times (e.g., during the TA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12). The second recirculation check valve 52 can take various types. Figure 9In this embodiment, the second recirculation check valve 52 has a disc 152 and a spring 154 that biases the disc 152 to its closed position. In other embodiments, the second recirculation check valve 52 may be of the type with a check valve.

[0030] Based on the axial position of the slide valve 40 relative to the main body 60, a first recirculation path 54 can be established within the VCT control valve 12. The first recirculation path 54... Figure 9 The dashed arrow indicates the location, but lacks a detailed depiction of the passage between the slide valve 40 and the main body 60. In other words, when the slide valve 40 is relative to the main body 60... Figure 9 When positioned as shown, the first recirculation path 54 is not established. Instead, the first recirculation path 54 is established as the spool valve 40 moves further toward the second end 64 relative to the body 60. During the CTA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12, oil flows along the first recirculation path 54. When established, oil travels from the third hole 100 into the third internal passage 142 via the spool valve port 136 adjacent to the third internal passage 142. From there, the oil travels through the open first recirculation check valve 50, through the spool valve port 136 there, and through the recirculation port 108 near the axial end wall 116. The oil traverses the axial range of the recirculation channel 106 and through the recirculation port 108 near the axial end wall 114, through the spool valve port 136 adjacent to the closed second recirculation check valve 52, and then through the second hole 92.

[0031] Based on the axial position of the slide valve 40 relative to the main body 60, a second recirculation path 56 can be established within the VCT control valve 12. Figure 9 The numbers and dashed arrows in the diagram represent the second recirculation path 56. This second recirculation path 56... Figure 9 The position of the spool valve 40 relative to the body 60 is depicted in the diagram. During the CTA phasing function of the VCT control valve 12, oil flows along the second recirculation path 56. When established, the oil travels from the second hole 92 into the first internal passage 138 via the spool valve port 136 adjacent to the first internal passage 138. From there, the oil travels through the open second recirculation check valve 52, through the spool valve port 136 there, and through the recirculation port 108 near the axial end wall 114. The oil traverses the axial range of the recirculation channel 106 and through the recirculation port 108 near the axial end wall 116, through the spool valve port 136 adjacent to the closed valves 41, 50, and then through the third hole 100.

[0032] The remote mounting interface 58 facilitates the installation of the VCT control valve 12 in the attached ICE at a location remote from the rotor 14 and housing 16. As described above, this location can be in the cylinder head of the ICE, in a component mounted to the cylinder head, in the engine block of the ICE, or in a component mounted to the engine block. The remote mounting interface 58 is located external to the body and, in this embodiment, is partially formed by the outer surface 156 of the body 60, which is opposite to and directly faces the surface of the engine structure 158, such as the engine block 160. Figure 4 As shown. In this embodiment, the VCT control valve 12 is inserted into and received in a cavity 162 located in the engine block 160. To prevent oil leakage, in this embodiment, the remote mounting structure interface 58 includes a recess 164 and an O-ring seal 166 located in the recess 164. Partly due to the remote mounting of the VCT control valve 12, and as previously described, the actuator 36 is directly mounted to the body 60. This in Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. In other embodiments, actuator 36 does not need to be directly mounted to body 60. See now. Figure 9 To accommodate the direct mounting of actuator 36 and its action on spool valve 40 to actuate it, a gap 168 exists between spool valve 40 and the first end 62. This gap 168 is defined axially between the end 170 of spool valve 40 and the first end 62 of body 60. According to this embodiment, actuator 36 can be of linear or rotary type. Furthermore, and also partly due to the remote mounting of VCT control valve 12, the advance and delay lines 30, 32 in this embodiment span the camshaft 22. This is achieved through… Figure 1-3 To depict schematically.

[0033] It should be understood that the foregoing description describes one or more embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined solely by the appended claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to specific embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the definition of terms used in the claims, unless the terms or phrases are expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] As used in this specification and claims, the terms “such as,” “for example,” “like,” “as,” and “similar,” as well as the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verbal forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more parts or other items, are each interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the list is not considered to exclude other additional parts or items. Other terms will be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly, comprising: A housing and a rotor located within the housing, at least one advance chamber and at least one delay chamber, the at least one advance chamber and the at least one delay chamber being disposed between the housing and the rotor; and Control valve, comprising: A valve housing having a first port therein for communication with a source fluid, a second port therein for communication with an advance line fluid, and a third port therein for communication with a delay line fluid. A slide valve, which is located within and movable within a bore in the valve housing; A first recirculation path is established between the valve housing and the spool valve based on the position of the spool valve in the orifice of the valve housing; The second recirculation path is established between the valve housing and the spool valve based on the position of the spool valve in the orifice of the valve housing; as well as A remote mounting structure interface, located outside the valve housing, facilitates the installation of the control valve at a location on the engine structure and its removal from the housing and rotor of the VCT phaser assembly; The orifice spans between one end of the valve housing and another opposite end of the valve housing, the spool valve extends between a first end and a second end, and during movement of the spool valve within the orifice, the first end and the second end of the spool valve remain axially inside the opposite ends of the orifice, and an axial clearance is maintained between the first end of the spool valve and the end of the valve housing to facilitate direct mounting of the actuator onto the end of the valve housing.

2. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator that engages the spool valve to move within an orifice in the valve housing, the actuator having a direct mount on an end of the valve housing.

3. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve housing has a flange located near the valve housing or at the end of the valve housing, the flange facilitating direct mounting of the actuator to the end of the valve housing.

4. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the first port is formed by a first slot and a plurality of first holes in fluid communication with each other, the second port is formed by a second slot and a plurality of second holes in fluid communication with each other, and the third port is formed by a third slot and a plurality of third holes in fluid communication with each other.

5. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 4, wherein the first slot is located outside the valve housing and is at least partially defined by the outer surface of the first slot of the valve housing and the opposing surface of the engine structure, the second slot is located outside the valve housing and is at least partially defined by the outer surface of the second slot of the valve housing and the opposing surface of the engine structure, and the third slot is located outside the valve housing and is at least partially defined by the outer surface of the third slot of the valve housing.

6. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the first recirculation path is partially defined by a recirculation groove and a plurality of recirculation orifices in fluid communication with each other, the recirculation groove being located outside the valve housing, and the second recirculation path is partially defined by the recirculation groove and the plurality of recirculation orifices.

7. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the control valve further comprises at least one recirculation check valve located at the slide valve.

8. A variable camshaft timing (VCT) control valve, comprising: A valve housing having a first groove and a plurality of first holes in fluid communication with each other, the first groove being located outside the valve housing; a second groove and a plurality of second holes in fluid communication with each other, the second groove being located outside the valve housing; a third groove and a plurality of third holes in fluid communication with each other, the third groove being located outside the valve housing; and a recirculation groove and a plurality of recirculation holes in fluid communication with each other, the recirculation groove being located outside the valve housing. A slide valve, which is located inside the hole of the valve housing; At least one recirculation check valve, located at the slide valve; and A remote mounting interface, located outside the valve housing, facilitates mounting the VCT control valve at a location separate from the center bolt position of the VCT housing and VCT rotor. The remote mounting interface includes a seal located outside the valve housing. The valve housing has ventilation slots and a plurality of ventilation holes in fluid communication with each other, the ventilation slots being located outside the valve housing and partially defined by the outer surface and walls of the ventilation slots.

9. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) control valve of claim 8, wherein the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the recirculation groove face at least one engine structure adjacent to the exterior of the valve housing.

10. A variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly comprising a VCT control valve as claimed in claim 8 and further comprising an actuator carried by an end of the valve housing.

11. A variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly, comprising: housing and rotor; Control valve, comprising: A valve housing having a first port therein for communication with a source fluid, a second port therein for communication with an advance line fluid, and a third port therein for communication with a delay line fluid. A slide valve, which is located within and movable within a bore in the valve housing; At least one recirculation check valve is located at the slide valve; At least one recirculation path is established between the valve housing and the spool valve based on the position of the spool valve in the orifice of the valve housing; as well as A remote mounting interface is located outside the valve housing to facilitate mounting the control valve at a location on the engine structure. A ventilation channel is established by ventilation slots and at least one ventilation hole that are in fluid communication with each other, and the ventilation slots are located on the outer surface of the valve housing and have a longitudinal range that generally traverses the body of the valve housing at the outer surface of the valve housing; An actuator that engages the slide valve to move the slide valve within an orifice in the valve housing, the actuator having direct mounting on an end of the valve housing.

12. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly of claim 11, wherein the first port is at least partially established by a first slot located outside the valve housing, the second port is at least partially established by a second slot located outside the valve housing, and the third port is at least partially established by a third slot located outside the valve housing.

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