Control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser

Abstract

A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing phaser includes a housing and a rotor and the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, the control valve assembly including a valve housing extending along an axis. The valve housing includes a threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft and a body portion axially spaced from the threaded portion. The body portion defines a body interior. The control valve assembly further includes a piston disposed in the body interior and movable along the axis between a first position and a second position. The control valve assembly further includes a cap removably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing. The cap includes a torque drive element configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap to the body portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all benefits to U.S. nonprovisional patent application No. 17 / 002,257, filed August 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a control valve assembly, and more specifically, to a control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system. Background Technology

[0004] A conventional variable cam timing system includes a camshaft and a variable cam timing phaser. The variable cam timing phaser includes a housing, a rotor, and a control valve assembly. The housing has an arcuate outer wall that is disposed around an axis and defines the interior of the housing. The rotor is at least partially disposed within the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The conventional control valve assembly includes a valve body and a piston. The valve body has a threaded portion that engages with the camshaft to secure the valve body to the camshaft or to secure the variable cam timing phaser to the camshaft. The piston is disposed within the valve body to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, causing the rotor to rotate relative to the housing to adjust the camshaft timing.

[0005] However, conventional control valve assemblies are limited because they can only be used in the design of a single variable cam timing system. In other words, for each different variable cam timing system application, conventional control valve assemblies require design changes, particularly the valve housing and threaded portions, to allow engagement with the camshaft of the variable cam timing system. Furthermore, to ultimately secure the variable cam timing phaser to the camshaft, the valve housing is specifically designed for each different variable cam timing system, allowing a tool to engage with the valve housing to secure the variable cam timing assembly to the camshaft via the threaded portion of the valve housing.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need to provide an improved control valve assembly for the variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the control valve assembly includes a valve housing extending along an axis. The valve housing includes a threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft, and the body portion axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis. The body portion is arranged about the axis and defines an interior. The control valve assembly also includes a piston disposed within the body, and the piston is movable along the axis between the first position adjacent to the threaded portion and the second position axially spaced from the first position away from the threaded portion. The control valve assembly also includes a cap removably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing. The cap includes a torque drive element configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap to the body portion.

[0008] Therefore, the control valve assembly including the cap-shaped member detachably connected to the valve housing body offers several advantages. First, detachably connecting the cap-shaped member to the valve housing body allows various components of the control valve assembly (such as pistons) to be inserted into the body. Second, if access to components of the control valve assembly is required, the cap-shaped member can be removed from the valve housing body. Third, detachably connecting the cap-shaped member to the valve housing body allows for the use of cap-shaped members of different constructions and sizes within the control valve assembly, while optionally maintaining the same valve housing design. Fourth, the torque drive element of the cap-shaped member can be constructed based on a tooling design for securing the cap-shaped member to the body.

[0009] A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the control valve assembly includes a valve housing extending along an axis. The valve housing includes a threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft, and the body portion axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis. The body portion is arranged about the axis and defines an interior body. The valve housing also includes a cap-like member integral with the body portion and configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the valve housing to the camshaft. The control valve assembly also includes a piston disposed within the body, and the piston is movable along the axis between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion and a second position axially spaced from the first position away from the threaded portion. The threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing.

[0010] Therefore, control valve assemblies that include a threaded portion of the valve housing detachably connected to the valve housing body offer several advantages. First, detachably connecting the threaded portion to the valve housing body allows various components of the control valve assembly, such as pistons, to be inserted into the body. Second, if access to components of the control valve assembly is required, the threaded portion can be removed from the valve housing body. Third, detachably connecting the threaded portion to the valve housing body allows the use of threaded portions of different constructions and sizes within the control valve assembly, while optionally maintaining the same valve housing design. For example, the threaded portion of the body can be customized based on the camshaft design. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other advantages of the invention will be readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the control valve assembly of the variable cam timing phase shifter in a variable cam timing system. The variable cam timing system includes a camshaft and a variable cam timing phase shifter. The variable cam timing phase shifter includes a housing, a rotor, and a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly includes a valve housing, a piston, and a cap. The valve housing includes a main body portion and a threaded portion. The piston is disposed inside the main body portion. The cap is detachably connected to the main body portion of the valve housing.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the control valve assembly;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the control valve assembly;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the control valve assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the control valve assembly;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the control valve assembly, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably connected to the body portion of the valve housing;

[0018] Figure 7 It includes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the variable cam timing system and variable cam timing phaser of the control valve assembly;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the control valve assembly, wherein the cap and valve body are integrally formed, and wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably connected to the main body portion of the valve housing; and

[0020] Figure 9 It includes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the variable cam timing phaser of the control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals denote the same parts in several views, Figure 1 The control valve assembly 20 of the variable cam timing phaser 22 of the variable cam timing system 24 is shown. The variable cam timing phaser 22 includes a housing 26 and a rotor 28. The variable cam timing system 24 includes a camshaft 30.

[0022] The control valve assembly 20 includes a valve housing 32 extending along axis A. The valve housing 32 includes a threaded portion 36 adapted to engage a camshaft 30 to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30. It should be understood that the valve housing 32, including the threaded portion 36 adapted to engage the camshaft 30 to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30, may also, or alternatively, be adapted to secure a variable cam timing phaser to the camshaft 30, as further detailed below. The valve housing 32 also includes a body portion 38 axially spaced from the threaded portion 36 along axis A. The body portion 38 is disposed about axis A and defines a body interior 40. In some embodiments, the threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38 together define the body interior 40. The control valve assembly 20 also includes a piston 42 disposed within the body interior 40 and movable along axis A between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion 36 and a second position axially spaced from the first position away from the threaded portion 36. The threaded portion 36 may include a stop surface 44 facing the piston 42 to prevent the piston 42 from moving axially from the second position beyond the first position. Although not shown in the figure, the threaded portion 36 may be formed on the outer body surface 46, which shortens the overall length of the valve housing 32.

[0023] The control valve assembly 20 also includes a cap 48 detachably coupled to a body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. Typically, the cap 48 and the body portion 38 together define a body interior 40. In some embodiments, the cap 48, the body portion 38, and the threaded portion 36 together define the body interior 40, such as... Figure 1 , 3 and Figure 5-7 As shown. The cap-shaped member 48 captures internal components of the control valve assembly 20, such as the piston 42.

[0024] The cap 48 is detachably attached to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32, allowing various components of the control valve assembly 20 (such as the piston 42) to be inserted into the body portion 40. Additionally, if access to components of the control valve assembly 20 is required, the cap 48 can be removed (i.e., detached) from the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. Furthermore, the detachable attachment of the cap 48 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 allows for different constructions and sizes of the cap 48 for use with the control valve assembly 20, while optionally maintaining the same valve housing 32 design.

[0025] like Figure 1-7 As shown, the cap 48 includes a torque drive element 50 configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap 48 to the body portion 38. The torque drive element 50, transmitting torque from the tool, drives the valve housing 32 to engage with the camshaft 30. Securing the cap 48 to the body portion 38 ultimately secures the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30 and / or the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 30. In other words, the cap 48 drives the valve housing 32 to engage with the camshaft 30. The torque drive element 50 of the cap 48 can be constructed based on the tool design for securing the cap 48 to the body portion 38. In other words, since the cap 48 is detachably coupled to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32, the torque drive element 50 can be specifically designed based on the tool used to secure the cap 48 to the body portion 38. Essentially, only the cap 48 is needed. Specifically, the torque drive element 50 needs to be designed based on the tooling used to secure the cap 48 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32, rather than redesigning the valve housing 32 when it already has a torque drive element. This allows for greater modularity in the control valve assembly 20. In one embodiment, the cap 48 is threaded to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. In other embodiments, the cap 48 can be splined to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32.

[0026] The torque drive element 50 may extend relative to axis A away from the body portion 38 and the threaded portion 36. Extending the torque drive element 50 relative to axis A away from the body portion 38 and the threaded portion 36 makes it easier for the tool to access the torque drive element 50. It should be understood that the torque drive element 50 may be recessed within the cap 48 and configured to receive a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap 48 to the body portion 38.

[0027] In one embodiment, the torque drive element 50 has a hexagonal configuration, as commonly referred to as a hexagonal nut. When the torque drive element 50 has a hexagonal configuration, it is configured to be received by a tool, which also has a hexagonal configuration, to secure the cap 48 to the body portion 38. As described above, the detachable attachment of the cap 48 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 allows for different configurations and sizes of the cap 48 to be used in the control valve assembly 20. This is advantageous because the cap 48 can be designed based on the tool's design parameters, and based on the design of the remaining control valve assembly components, particularly the valve housing 32, without requiring redesign for different applications of the control valve assembly 20.

[0028] like Figure 1 , 3 and Figure 5-7 As shown, the cap 48 may include a cap retaining flange 52 extending toward axis A to retain the piston 42 within the body 40. For example, the piston 42 may engage the cap retaining flange 52 when in a second position to prevent axial movement of the piston 42 away from the first position beyond the second position. Because the cap retaining flange 52 can be engaged by the piston 42, the cap 48 may set the stroke length of the piston 42. The piston 42 may include a piston flange 54 extending away from axis A and configured to engage the cap retaining flange 52 when the piston 42 is in the second position. When the cap 48 includes the cap retaining flange 52, the control valve assembly 20 does not have a retaining ring to prevent axial movement of the piston beyond the second position. Having a cap retaining flange 52 is more robust than having a conventional retaining ring because the cap 48 is connected to the body portion 38, such as by a threaded engagement, which is robust for handling repeated engagements from the piston 42.

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , 3 and Figure 5-7 In one embodiment, the cap retaining flange 52 defines a cap cavity 56, and the piston 42 includes a piston protrusion 58 that extends into the cap cavity 56 when the piston 42 is in a second position. The cap cavity 56 may be further defined as a cap bore 60 such that the piston protrusion 58 extends beyond the cap 48 when in the second position. When the cap bore 60 is present, it allows a variable force solenoid (not shown, but may be included in a variable cam timing phaser 22) to engage the piston 42 to move the piston 42 between the first and second positions.

[0030] like Figure 1-3As shown, the valve housing 32 may include an outer body flange 62 extending away from axis A. Specifically, the main body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 may include an outer body flange 62 extending away from axis A. When the valve housing 32 is present, the outer body flange 62 is adapted to engage the rotor 28 or another component connected to the rotor 28, such as a center plate or sensor wheel, for axially securing the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30 and / or axially securing the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 30. Optionally, as Figure 4-7 As shown, the cap 48 may include an outer cap flange 66 extending away from axis A. When the cap 48 is present, the outer cap flange 66 is adapted to engage the rotor 28 or components coupled to the rotor 28 for axially securing the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30 and / or axially securing the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 30. When the cap 48 includes the outer cap flange 66, the outer cap flange 66 can be specifically designed based on the design of the rotor 28. In other words, the cap 48 and the outer cap flange 66 provide modularity for the control valve assembly 20 because the design of the cap 48 and the outer cap flange 66 can be changed based on the requirements of the variable cam timing phaser 22, rather than redesigning the entire valve housing 32. The torque drive element 50 may extend relative to axis A away from the outer cap flange 66 and the threaded portion 36. It should be understood that... Figure 1-3 The cap-shaped piece 48 shown can also be used Figure 6 and Figure 7 The control valve assembly 20 shown.

[0031] The cap 48 may include a threaded portion 64 to engage the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32, thereby securing the cap 48 to the body portion 38. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5-7 As shown, the threaded portion 64 of the cap is located on the inner diameter of the cap 48 facing axis A. However, it should be understood that the threaded portion 64 of the cap can be located on the outer diameter of the cap 48.

[0032] The threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38 can be integral with each other, i.e., one-piece. In such an embodiment, the valve housing 32 can be further defined as a center bolt. Integrating the threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38 with each other makes installation easier, because the body portion 38 and the threaded portion 36 can be simultaneously connected to the camshaft 30.

[0033] In one implementation scheme, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 is detachably connected to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. Detachably connecting the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 provides several advantages. First, the same body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 can be used for different camshaft 30 designs. For example, when the threaded portion 36 is detachably connected to the body portion 38, the threaded portion 36 can be designed for each specific camshaft 30 without having to redesign the entire valve housing 32. Even with different camshaft 30 designs, the same body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 can be used because the dimensions (i.e., pitch, diameter, etc.) of the threaded portion 36 can be varied, allowing the threaded portion to connect to both the body portion 38 and the camshaft 30. Second, the threaded portion 36 fluidly separates the body interior 40 from the camshaft interior 68 defined by the camshaft 30. In other words, the threaded portion 36 jointly defines both the body interior 40 and the camshaft interior 68. Third, the detachable connection of the threaded portion 36 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 allows various components of the control valve assembly 20, such as the piston 42, to be inserted from the threaded side of the valve housing 32, thereby inserting into the body interior 40. Additionally, if access to components of the control valve assembly 20 is required, the threaded portion 36 can be removed (i.e., detached) from the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. Fourth, the detachable connection of the threaded portion 36 to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 allows for greater modularity of the control valve assembly 20 as a whole, because when the camshaft design changes, only the threaded portion 36 needs to be redesigned to secure the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 30. In embodiments where both the cap 48 and the threaded portion 36 are detachably connected to the body portion 38, various components of the control valve assembly 20 (such as the piston 42) can be inserted from either side of the body portion 38, resulting in greater design flexibility. Furthermore, the detachable connection of the cap 48 and the threaded portion 36 to the body portion 38 provides greater modularity, as the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32 can maintain the same design, and only the cap 48 and the threaded portion 36 need to be redesigned based on the construction of the tool and the camshaft 30, respectively.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 may include a necking portion 70 relative to axis A. The necking portion 70 allows control over the axial tension of the threaded portion 36 during operation of the control valve assembly 20, thereby resisting various noise factors arising from conditions such as temperature variations, different coefficients of thermal expansion encountered by different components of the variable cam timing system 24, and the embedding loss of clamped components (such as the rotor, sensor wheel, center plate, etc. of the variable cam timing system 24) over time. The necking portion 70 may be concave relative to axis A, or may have different shapes that reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the threaded portion 36, such as… Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0035] The threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 may include a first engagement portion 72 adapted to engage the camshaft 30 to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30, and a second engagement portion 74 configured to engage the body portion 38 to secure the threaded portion 36 to the body portion 38. Typically, the first engagement portion 72 includes threads that threadedly engage the camshaft 30 to secure the threaded portion 36 to the camshaft 30, and the second engagement portion 74 typically includes threads that threadedly engage the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32. In such embodiments, the first engagement portion 72 may have a different pitch and size than the second engagement portion. For example, the first engagement portion 72 may have a smaller thread size and a different pitch than the second engagement portion 74. It should be understood that the second engagement portion 74 may engage the body portion 38 by other suitable structures, such as locking tabs, thereby axially retaining the threaded portion 36 relative to the body portion 38.

[0036] The cap 48 may have a cap material, and the valve body 32 may have a body material different from the cap material. For example, since the tool contacts the cap 48, the cap material may be a steel grade with higher toughness and impact resistance compared to the body material. The body material may also be steel, and as mentioned above, may be a steel grade with lower toughness and impact resistance compared to the cap material.

[0037] In an embodiment where the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 is detachably connected to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32, the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 may have a thread material, and the body portion 38 may have a body material different from the thread material. For example, since the thread material can be stretched during operation of the variable cam timing system 24, the thread material may be, for example, a steel grade with higher ductility compared to the housing material. The housing material may also be steel, and as described above, and may be a steel grade with lower ductility compared to the thread material. Differentiating the thread material and the body material allows each of the threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38 to be specifically designed to meet the technical requirements of each of the threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38. Therefore, the materials of the threaded portion 36 and the body portion 38 can reduce the cost of the control valve assembly 20 while meeting the technical requirements of each component, rather than making the thread material and the body material the same.

[0038] The control valve assembly 20 may include a check valve 76. In one embodiment, the check valve 76 is disposed within a threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown. The check valve 76 is disposed within the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32, particularly when the threaded portion 36 is detachably connected to the body portion 38, providing further flexibility in encapsulating internal components and passageways, thereby allowing the check valve 76 to be reassembled as part of the threaded portion 36. Furthermore, the threaded portion 36 can be customized according to the design requirements of each variable cam timing system. The control valve assembly 20 may include other components within the threaded portion 36, such as a filter.

[0039] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the valve housing 32 includes a threaded portion 36 adapted to engage a camshaft 30 to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30. The valve housing 32 also includes a body portion 38 axially spaced from the threaded portion 36 along axis A. The body portion 38 is disposed about axis A and defines a body interior 40. The valve housing 32 also includes a cap-like member 48 integral with the body portion 38, i.e., integral, and configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30. The control valve assembly 20 includes a piston 42 disposed within the body interior 40 and movable along axis A between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion 36 and a second position axially spaced from the first position away from the threaded portion 36. The threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 is detachably coupled to the body portion 38 of the valve housing 32.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first engagement portion 72 is adapted to engage the camshaft 30 to secure the valve housing 32 to the camshaft 30, and the second engagement portion 74 is configured to engage the body portion 38 to secure the threaded portion 36 to the body portion 38.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The control valve assembly 20 may include a check valve 76 disposed within a threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32. Disposing the check valve 76 within the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 provides further flexibility in encapsulating internal components and passageways, allowing the check valve 76 to be reassembled as part of the threaded portion 36. Furthermore, the threaded portion 36 can be customized to meet the design requirements of each variable cam timing system. The control valve assembly 20 may include other components within the threaded portion 36, such as filters.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 may include a necking portion 70 relative to axis A. As described above, having the necking portion 70 allows the threaded portion 36 of the valve housing 32 to control the axial tension of the threaded portion 36, thereby resisting various noise factors caused by various conditions (such as temperature changes), different coefficients of thermal expansion encountered by different components of the variable cam timing system 24, and the engagement loss of clamped components (e.g., the rotor, sensor wheel, center plate, etc. of the variable cam timing system 24) over time. The necking portion 70 may be concave relative to axis A, or may have different shapes that reduce the cross-section of the threaded portion 36.

[0043] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive in nature and not restrictive. Based on the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations are possible with respect to the invention, and the invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the control valve assembly includes: Valve housing, extending along an axis, wherein the valve housing includes: A threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft for securing the valve housing to the camshaft, and A main body portion, which is axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis, and wherein the main body portion is disposed around the axis and defines the interior of the body; A piston, disposed within the body, is movable along the axis between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion and a second position axially spaced from the first position and away from the threaded portion; and A cap-shaped component that is detachably connected to the main body portion of the valve housing; The cap-shaped member includes a torque drive element configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap-shaped member to the body portion; and The cap-shaped member is configured to drive the valve housing to engage with the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft.

2. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the torque drive element extends relative to the axis away from the body portion and the threaded portion.

3. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the torque drive element has a hexagonal configuration.

4. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a cap retaining flange extending toward the axis to retain the piston within the body and engage with the piston to set the stroke length of the piston.

5. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion and the body portion are integral with each other.

6. The control valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the valve housing is further defined as a center bolt.

7. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing.

8. The control valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion being adapted to engage the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft, and the second engagement portion being configured to engage the body portion to secure the threaded portion to the body portion.

9. The control valve assembly of claim 7, further comprising a check valve disposed within the threaded portion of the valve housing.

10. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body portion of the valve housing includes an external body flange extending away from the axis, wherein the external body flange is adapted to engage a rotor of a variable cam timing phaser or a component connected to the rotor for axially securing the valve housing to the camshaft and / or axially securing the variable cam timing phaser to the camshaft.

11. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an outer cap flange extending away from the axis, wherein the outer cap flange is adapted to engage a rotor of a variable cam timing phaser or a component coupled to the rotor for axially securing the valve housing to the camshaft and / or axially securing the variable cam timing phaser to the camshaft.

12. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a cap material, and the valve housing comprises a housing material different from the cap material.

13. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing, and wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing comprises a thread material, and the body portion comprises a body material different from the thread material.

14. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably coupled to the body portion of the valve housing, and wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing includes a necking portion relative to the axis.

15. A variable cam timing phaser for a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser includes: A housing having an arcuate outer wall that is arranged around an axis and defines the interior of the housing; A rotor, which is at least partially disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the rotor has a hub and a plurality of blades extending from the hub away from the axis toward the arcuate outer wall; as well as Control valve assembly, the control valve assembly comprising: Valve housing, extending along the axis, wherein the valve housing comprises: A threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft for securing the valve housing to the camshaft, and A main body portion, which is axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis, and wherein the main body portion is disposed around the axis and defines the interior of the body; A piston, disposed within the body, is movable along the axis between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion and a second position axially spaced from the first position and away from the threaded portion; and A cap-shaped component that is detachably connected to the main body portion of the valve housing; The cap-shaped member includes a torque drive element configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the cap-shaped member to the body portion; and The cap-shaped member is configured to drive the valve housing to engage with the camshaft to secure the valve housing, the rotor, and the housing to the camshaft.

16. The variable cam timing phaser of claim 15, wherein the main body portion of the valve housing includes an outer body flange extending away from the axis, wherein the outer body flange is engageable with the rotor for axially fixing the valve housing relative to the axis.

17. The variable cam timing phaser of claim 15, wherein the cap includes an outer cap flange extending away from the axis, wherein the outer cap flange engages with the rotor for axially fixing the valve housing relative to the axis.

18. A variable cam timing system, the variable cam timing system comprising the variable cam timing phaser of claim 15, wherein the variable cam timing system further comprises a camshaft.

19. A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the control valve assembly includes: Valve housing, extending along an axis, wherein the valve housing includes: A threaded portion adapted to engage the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft; A main body portion, axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis, wherein the main body portion is disposed around the axis and defines the interior of the body; and A cap-shaped member, integral with the body portion, and configured to be received by a tool for transmitting torque from the tool to secure the valve housing to the camshaft; and A piston, which is disposed inside the body, is movable along the axis between a first position adjacent to the threaded portion and a second position axially spaced away from the threaded portion and from the first position; The threaded portion of the valve housing is detachably connected to the main body portion of the valve housing; The threaded portion of the valve housing includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion being adapted to engage the camshaft to secure the valve housing to the camshaft, and the second engagement portion being configured to engage the body portion to secure the threaded portion to the body portion from an end of the body portion opposite to the cap-like member; and The second engagement portion includes threads that engage the main body portion of the valve housing.

20. The control valve assembly of claim 19, further comprising a check valve disposed within the threaded portion of the valve housing.

21. The control valve assembly of claim 19, wherein the threaded portion of the valve housing includes a necking portion relative to the axis.

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