Oil control valve for cam phaser

An oil control valve for controlling a cam phaser includes a valve housing, a recirculation housing, a spool guide, a spool, a first and second recirculation valve, and a one-way inlet valve. The valve housing has a pressure inlet port, a first bore having a first inner surface, a first port, and a second port. The recirculation housing has a first slot, a second slot, a second bore having a second inner surface, and a first outer surface. A first recirculation valve is disposed in the first slot of the recirculation housing. A second recirculation valve is disposed in the second slot of the recirculation housing. The one-way inlet valve disposed in the pressure inlet port. The recirculation housing and spool are each slidingly disposed to have a first, second, and third modes.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an oil control valve and more particularly to an oil control valve for a cam phaser of an internal combustion engine.

Internal combustion engines include features that have an increasing effect on improving fuel economy while maintaining or improving power output. Many of the features have added cost and complexity to engine design, manufacturing, and engine controls. One such feature is variable camshaft phasing which provides the engine calibration the ability to access more efficient valve timing. Controlling the camshaft phaser includes providing oil pressure from an oil pump to a phaser oil control valve to which cam phase-angle commands are given during the operation of the engine. However, current oil control valves fall short in functionality when certain inputs to the oil control valve are restricted, especially at low speeds.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an oil control valve that provides additional functionality while requiring reduced input.

SUMMARY

An oil control valve for controlling a cam phaser is provided. The oil control valve comprising a valve housing, a recirculation housing, a spool guide, a spool, a first and second recirculation valve, and a one-way inlet valve. The valve housing has a pressure inlet port, a first bore having a first inner surface, a first port, and a second port. The recirculation housing has a first slot, a second slot, a second bore having a second inner surface, and a first outer surface. The recirculation housing is disposed within the first bore of the valve housing. The spool guide has a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port, a second outer surface, a third bore having a third inner surface, a first flat surface, and a second flat surface. The spool guide is disposed within the second bore of the recirculation housing. The spool has an eighth port, a ninth port, a tenth port, and an eleventh port, and wherein the spool is slidingly disposed within the third bore of the spool guide. The first recirculation valve has a first selectable one-way member. The first recirculation valve is disposed in the first slot of the recirculation housing. The second recirculation valve has a second selectable one-way member. The second recirculation valve is disposed in the second slot of the recirculation housing. The one-way inlet valve disposed in the pressure inlet port. The recirculation housing and spool are each slidingly disposed to have a first, second, and third modes.

In one example of the present disclosure, the first slot of the recirculation housing includes a first recirculation switch. The second slot of the recirculation housing includes a second recirculation switch. The recirculation housing is disposed in a first position. The first recirculation switch prevents the first recirculation valve from opening. The recirculation housing is disposed in a second position wherein the second recirculation switch prevents the second recirculation valve from opening.

In another example of the present disclosure, the first recirculation valve selectively provides one-way oil communication from the first port to the second port and the second recirculation valve selectively provides one-way oil communication from the second port to the first port.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a frame member and a resilient member. The frame member includes an angled portion disposed between a first port portion and a second port portion. The resilient member is disposed in one of a first and a second position. The first position of the resilient member allows oil flow from the first port portion to the second port portion. The second position of the resilient member blocks oil flow from the second port portion to the first port portion.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a base portion and a first and second resilient members. The base portion has a rectangle shape forming a channel. The first resilient member has a first end extending from a first side of the base portion. The second resilient member has a first end extending from a second side of the base portion opposite the first side. A second end of the first resilient member selectively contacts a second end of the second resilient member.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port, the second port in communication with a sump, and the second port is in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the second mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the third mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fourth mode including the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port, the first port in communication with the sump, and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port, the first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve, and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

Another oil control valve for controlling a cam phaser is provided. The oil control valve includes a valve housing, a recirculation housing, a spool guide, a spool, a first and second recirculation valve, and a one-way inlet valve. The valve housing has a pressure inlet port, a first bore having a first inner surface, a first port, and a second port. The recirculation housing has a first slot, a second slot, a second bore having a second inner surface, and a first outer surface. The recirculation housing is disposed within the first bore of the valve housing. The spool guide has a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port, a second outer surface, a third bore having a third inner surface, and a first flat surface, and a second flat surface. The spool guide is disposed within the second bore of the recirculation housing. The spool has an eighth port, a ninth port, a tenth port, and an eleventh port. The spool is slidingly disposed within the third bore of the spool guide. The first recirculation valve has a first selectable one-way member. The first recirculation valve is disposed in the first slot of the recirculation housing and selectively provides one-way oil communication from the first port to the second port. The second recirculation valve has a second selectable one-way member. The second recirculation valve is disposed in the second slot of the recirculation housing and selectively provides one-way oil communication from the second port to the first port. The one-way inlet valve disposed in the pressure inlet port. The recirculation housing and spool are each slidingly disposed to have a first, second, third, and fourth modes. The first slot of the recirculation housing includes a first recirculation switch. The second slot of the recirculation housing includes a second recirculation switch. The recirculation housing is disposed in a first position wherein the first recirculation switch prevents the first recirculation valve from opening. The recirculation housing is disposed in a second position wherein the second recirculation switch prevents the second recirculation valve from opening.

In one example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a frame member and a resilient member. The frame member includes an angled portion disposed between a first port portion and a second port portion. The resilient member is disposed in one of a first and a second position. The first position of the resilient member allows oil flow from the first port portion to the second port portion. The second position of the resilient member blocks oil flow from the second port portion to the first port portion.

In another example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a base portion and a first and second resilient members. The base portion has a rectangle shape forming a channel. The first resilient member has a first end extending from a first side of the base portion. The second resilient member has a first end extending from a second side of the base portion opposite the first side. A second end of the first resilient member selectively contacts a second end of the second resilient member.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port, the second port in communication with a sump, and the second port is in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the second mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the third mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the fourth mode the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port, the first port in communication with the sump, and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port, the first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve, and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

Yet another oil control valve for controlling a cam phaser is provided. The oil control valve includes a valve housing, a recirculation housing, a spool guide, a spool, a first and second recirculation valve, and a one-way inlet valve. The valve housing has a pressure inlet port, a first bore having a first inner surface, a first port, and a second port. The recirculation housing has a first slot, a second slot, a second bore having a second inner surface, and a first outer surface. The recirculation housing is disposed within the first bore of the valve housing. The spool guide has a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port, a second outer surface, a third bore having a third inner surface, a first flat surface, and a second flat surface. The spool guide is disposed within the second bore of the recirculation housing. The spool has an eighth port, a ninth port, a tenth port, and an eleventh port. The spool is slidingly disposed within the third bore of the spool guide. The first recirculation valve has a first selectable one-way member. The first recirculation valve is disposed in the first slot of the recirculation housing and selectively provides one-way oil communication from the first port to the second port. The second recirculation valve has a second selectable one-way member. The second recirculation valve is disposed in the second slot of the recirculation housing and selectively provides one-way oil communication from the second port to the first port. The one-way inlet valve disposed in the pressure inlet port.

The recirculation housing, and spool are each slidingly disposed to have a first, second, third, and fourth modes. The first slot of the recirculation housing includes a first recirculation switch, the second slot of the recirculation housing includes a second recirculation switch, the recirculation housing is disposed in a first position wherein the first recirculation switch prevents the first recirculation valve from opening, the recirculation housing is disposed in a second position wherein the second recirculation switch prevents the second recirculation valve from opening, the first mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port, the second port in communication with a sump, and the second port is in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve, the second mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port in communication with the first port via the first recirculation valve, the third mode of the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool includes the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve, and the fourth mode including the pressure inlet port in communication with the second port, the first port in communication with the sump, and the first port in communication with the second port via the second recirculation valve.

In one example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a frame member and a resilient member. The frame member includes an angled portion disposed between a first port portion and a second port portion. The resilient member is disposed in one of a first and a second position. The first position of the resilient member allows oil flow from the first port portion to the second port portion. The second position of the resilient member blocks oil flow from the second port portion to the first port portion.

In another example of the present disclosure, the first and second recirculation valves each include a base portion and a first and a second resilient members. The base portion has a rectangle shape forming a channel. The first resilient member has a first end extending from a first side of the base portion. The second resilient member has a first end extending from a second side of the base portion opposite the first side. A second end of the first resilient member selectively contacts a second end of the second resilient member.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the recirculation housing, the spool guide, and spool include a fifth mode including the pressure inlet port in communication with the first port and the second port, the first port in communication with the second port via the first recirculation valve, and the second port in communication with the first port via the second recirculation valve.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1, 3, and 5A, an oil control valve10is illustrated and will now be described. The oil control valve10shown is particularly helpful when used to control the indexing of a cam phaser of the valvetrain of an internal combustion engine. However, other applications for the oil control valve10are made evident throughout the present disclosure. The oil control valve10shown inFIGS. 1 and 3include a spool12, a spool guide14, and a recirculation housing16each disposed in a valve housing18. More particularly, the valve housing18includes a central bore20defined by an inner surface22, a first port24, a second port26, a third port28, and a fourth port30. Each of the first port24, second port26, third port28, and fourth port30allow for communication between the central bore20of the valve housing18and the exterior of the housing32.

The recirculation housing16includes a central bore34defined by an inner surface36, a first slot38, a second slot40, a third slot42, and a flange45. The recirculation housing16is disposed in the central bore20on the inner surface22of the valve housing18in a manner that aligns the first slot38with the first and second ports24,26to allow for communication between the first and second ports24,26on the interior of the valve housing18. The second slot40aligns with the third and fourth ports28,30to allow for communication between the third and fourth ports28,30. The third slot42has an open end44proximate a first end110of the recirculation housing16to allow for selective communication between an inlet pressure port46and at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth ports24,26,28,30of the valve housing18. The flange45is an inwardly protruding flange45extending radially inward from the inner surface22of the recirculation housing16.

The spool guide14is disposed in the central bore34of the recirculation housing16and is fixed at a first end106to the valve housing18through an inlet port seat48. As shown in more detail inFIG. 9, the first end106of the spool guide14includes an axial protrusion230having a pair of tabs232. The inlet port seat48includes a socket portion234having a groove236. The axial protrusion230and tabs232are disposed in the socket portion234and the groove236, respectively.

The spool guide14includes a central bore50defined by an inner surface52, a first port54, a second port56, a third port58, a fourth port60, and a fifth port62. More particularly, the first port54is aligned for communication with a first end66the first slot38of the recirculation housing16. The second port56is aligned for communication with a second end68of the first slot38of the recirculation housing16. The third port58is aligned for communication with a first end70of the second slot40of the recirculation housing16. The fourth port60is aligned for communication with a second end72of the second slot40of the recirculation housing16.

The spool12of the oil control valve10is slidingly disposed in the central bore50of the spool guide14. The spool12has an open first end74, a closed second end76, a first port78, a second port80, an central bore82defined by an inner surface84, a first outer surface86, a second outer surface88, and a third outer surface90. The first outer surface86is separated from the second outer surface88by a first seal portion92forming a first chamber94. The second outer surface88is separated from the third outer surface90by a second seal portion96forming a second chamber98. A third seal portion100disposed proximate the open first end74of the spool12cooperates with the third outer surface90to form a third chamber102. A retainer or spring clip93is disposed on the first outer surface86of the spool12. The spool12is positioned relative to the recirculation housing16such that the flange45of the recirculation housing is disposed axially between the spring clip93and the first seal portion92of the spool. Thus, as the spool12translates axially in the valve housing18the spring clip93of the spool12imparts a force on the flange45of the recirculation housing16and translates the recirculation housing relative to the valve housing18. The spring clip93includes a plurality of ports109to allow for oil venting to an exhaust port104of the valve housing18. Also, the flange45of the recirculation housing16includes a plurality of ports107to allow for oil venting to the exhaust port104of the valve housing18.

The first chamber94communicates through the first port78with the central bore82of the spool12and selectively communicates with the exhaust port104of the valve housing18which empties to a sump202(shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B). The second chamber98communicates through the second port80with the central bore82of the spool12and selectively communicates with the first port54and the third port58of the spool guide14. The third chamber102communicates in with the first port54and the third port58of the spool guide14when the spool12is in a first position. The third chamber102communicates with the second port56and the fourth port60of the spool guide14when the spool12is disposed in a second position. The third chamber102is always in communication with the fifth port62of the spool guide14. A first spring105is disposed between the open first end74of the spool12and the first end106of the spool guide14urging the open first end74of the spool away from the first end106of the spool guide14. A second spring108is disposed between the first end110of the recirculation housing16and the inlet port seat48urging the recirculation housing16away from the inlet port seat48.

The oil control valve10also includes at least one first recirculation valve112, at least one second recirculation valve114, a third one-way valve116, and a spacer150. The first recirculation valve112is disposed within the first slot38of the recirculation housing16. The first recirculation valve112is held in place between the valve housing18and the spool guide14and allows for one-way communication from the first end66of the first slot38to the second end68of the first slot38. The first slot38includes a first valve lock118feature which, when engaged with the first recirculation valve112prevents the first recirculation valve112from opening. The second recirculation valve114is held in place between the valve housing18and the spool guide14and allows for one-way communication from the second end68of the second slot40to the first end70of the second slot40. The second slot40includes a second valve lock121feature which, when engaged with the second recirculation valve114prevents the second recirculation valve114from opening.

The third one-way valve116is disposed between the inlet port seat48and the first end106of the spool guide14. Shown in more detail inFIG. 9, the third one-way valve116is captured between the axial protrusion230of the first end106of the spool guide14and the socket portion234of the inlet port seat48. The third one-way valve116allows for pressurized communication from the inlet pressure port46to the open end44of the third slot42of the recirculation housing16yet prevents back flow from the recirculation housing16to the inlet pressure port46.

The spacer150of the oil control valve10is disposed between a second end152of the recirculation housing16and a second end154of the valve housing18. In another example, the spacer150is integrated into the valve housing18during the manufacture of the valve housing18. The spacer150has an axial bore156and at least one slot158. The closed second end76of the spool is slidingly supported in the axial bore156of the spacer150. The slot158is in communication with the first port78of the spool12to allow for selective venting of oil from the central bore82of the spool12to the sump202. The spacer150also functions as a limit stop for the recirculation housing16.

Turning now toFIGS. 2A and 2B, an example of the first and second recirculation valves112,114is illustrated. The recirculation valves136include a base portion119and a first and a second resilient members120,122. The base portion119has a rectangle shape forming a channel124. The first resilient member120has a first end125extending from a first side126of the base portion119with the second resilient member122has a first end128extending from a second side130of the base portion119opposite the first side126. A second end132of the first resilient member120selectively contacts a second end134of the second resilient member122. As shown inFIG. 2A, the recirculation valve112is closed and does not allow for fluid flow.FIG. 2Billustrates the first and second recirculation valves112,114is open allowing for fluid flow from the base portion119, through the channel124and the first and second resilient members120,122.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, another example of the example of the first and second recirculation valves112,114is illustrated. The recirculation valve138includes a frame member140and a resilient member142. The frame member140includes an angled portion144disposed between a first port portion146and a second port portion148. The resilient member142is disposed in one of a first (FIG. 4A) and a second position (FIG. 4B). The resilient member142is urged to rest in the first position. In the first position, the resilient member142allows oil flow from the first port portion146to the second port portion148. In the second position, the resilient member142blocks oil flow from the second port portion148to the first port portion146.

Yet another example of a first and second recirculation valves220is illustrated inFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. The recirculation valves220include a frame member222and a resilient member224. The frame member222includes a flap valve member224disposed within the frame member222. The flap valve member224is disposed in one of a first (FIG. 8A) and a second position (FIG. 8B). The flap valve member224is urged to rest in the second position. In the first position, flap valve member224prohibits oil flow from a first end226of the frame member222to a second end228of the frame member222. In the second position, the flap valve member224allows oil flow from a first end226of the frame member222to a second end228of the frame member222.

Turning now toFIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, examples of the third one-way valve116are illustrated. More particularly, the third one-way valve116A shown inFIG. 7Aincludes a central clamp or support portion160A, a flexible first and second support arms162A,164A, and a first and second port seal166A,168A. The support portion160A is retained between the first end106of the spool guide14and the inlet port seat48. A first end170A of the first support arm162A extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160A with a first end172A of the second support arm164A extending outwardly form the edge of the support portion160A opposite the first support arm162A. The first port seal166A is disposed on a second end174A of the first support arm162A. The second port seal168A is disposed on a second end176A of the second support arm164A. The first port seal166A and the second port seal168A are axially movable to cover the inlet pressure port46when the oil pressure in the central bore20of the valve housing18exceeds the oil pressure of the oil feed line178(shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B).

The third one-way valve116B shown inFIG. 7Bincludes a central clamp or support portion160B, a flexible first, second, third, and fourth support arms162B,164B,180B,182B and a first, second, third, and fourth port seals166B,168B,184B,186B. The support portion160B is retained between the first end106of the spool guide14and the inlet port seat48. A first end170B of the first support arm162B extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160B. A first end172B of the second support arm164B extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160B opposite the first support arm162B. A first end172C of the third support arm180B extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160B. A first end172D of the fourth support arm182B extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160B opposite the third support arm162B. The first port seal166B is disposed on a second end174B of the first support arm162B. The second port seal168B is disposed on a second end176B of the second support arm164B. The third port seal184B is disposed on a second end176C of the third support arm180B. The fourth port seal186B is disposed on a second end178D of the fourth support arm182B. The first port seal166B, the second port seal168B, the third port seal184B, and the fourth port seal186B are axially movable to cover the inlet pressure port46when the oil pressure in the central bore20of the valve housing18exceeds the oil pressure of the oil feed line178(shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B).

The third one-way valve116C shown inFIG. 7Cincludes a central clamp or support portion160C, a flexible first and second support arms162C,164C, and a first and second port seal166C,168C. The support portion160C is retained between the first end106of the spool guide14and the inlet port seat48. A first end170C of the first support arm162C extends outwardly from the edge of the support portion160C with a first end172C of the second support arm164C extending outwardly form the edge of the support portion160C opposite the first support arm162C. The first port seal166C is disposed on a second end174C of the first support arm162C. The second port seal168C is disposed on a second end176C of the second support arm164C. The first port seal166C and the second port seal168C are axially movable to cover the inlet pressure port46when the oil pressure in the central bore20of the valve housing18exceeds the oil pressure of the oil feed line178(shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B).

Turning now toFIGS. 6A and 6B, examples of the functional modes of the oil control valve are illustrated and will now be described. The example shown inFIG. 6Aincludes each of a first through fifth modes. The modes are engaged using a solenoid190acting on the spool12of the oil control valve10which in turn slidingly positions the recirculation housing16. In a first mode192, which is one of two Oil Pressure Activated modes, the spool12is fully retracted toward the second end154of the valve housing18. The inlet pressure port46is in communication with the first port24such that oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204feeds through the third one-way valve116into the valve housing18to the first port24of the valve housing18. The fourth port30is vented to the sump202. The second port26is in communication with the first port24through the first recirculation valve112. In the first mode192, the second recirculation valve114is forced closed by the second valve lock121of the recirculation housing16.

A second mode194, which is a second of two Oil Pressure Activated modes, the spool12is fully actuated toward the inlet port seat48. The inlet pressure port46is in communication with the fourth port30such that oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204feeds through the third one-way valve116into the valve housing18to the fourth port30of the valve housing18. The first port24is vented to the sump202. The third port28is in communication with the fourth port30through the second recirculation valve114. In the second mode194, the first recirculation valve112is forced closed by the first valve lock118of the recirculation housing16.

A third mode196is a first of two Recirculation modes. The recirculation modes are activated when the oil pressure from the pressurized oil source204is too low to effectively operate the oil control valve in the Oil Pressure Activated modes. In this regard, supplemental oil pressure generated by cam torsional events (twisting of the cam shaft due to valve spring loads) enters the oil control valve and is recirculated back to one of the first and fourth ports24,30. For example, the third mode196is activated by translating the spool12to between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm of travel from the second end154of the valve housing18toward the inlet port seat48. The inlet pressure port46is in communication with the first port24such that oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204feeds through the third one-way valve116into the valve housing18to the first port24of the valve housing18. The fourth port30, as well as all ports, is blocked from venting to the sump202. The second port26is in communication with the first port24through the first recirculation valve112thus providing a recirculation path to employ the supplemental pressure generated by the cam torsional events. In the third mode196, the second recirculation valve114is forced closed by the second valve lock121of the recirculation housing16.

A fourth mode198, as a second of two Recirculation modes, is activated by translating the spool12to between 1.8 mm and 2.6 mm of travel from the second end154of the valve housing18toward the inlet port seat48. The inlet pressure port46is in communication with the fourth port30such that oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204feeds through the third one-way valve116into the valve housing18to the fourth port30of the valve housing18. The first port24, as well as all ports, are blocked from venting to the sump202. The third port28is in communication with the fourth port30through the second recirculation valve114thus providing a recirculation path to employ the supplemental pressure generated by the cam torsional events. In the fourth mode198, the first recirculation valve112is forced closed by the first valve lock118of the recirculation housing16.

A fifth mode200is a Control Hold mode and is activated by translating the spool12to between 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm of travel from the second end154of the valve housing18toward the inlet port seat48. The Control Hold mode allows for the cam phaser to be controlled and held at the previously commanded phase angle. The fifth mode200, allows for the variable cam phaser to be held at the commanded phase angle. The first port24is in communication with the fourth port30. The oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204is cut off from the first and fourth ports24,30. All ports24,26,28,30are blocked from venting to the sump202. The third port28is in communication with the fourth port30through the second recirculation valve114and the second port26is in communication with the first port24through the first recirculation valve112thus providing a recirculation path to employ the supplemental pressure generated by the cam torsional events.

Turning now toFIG. 6B, with continuing reference toFIG. 6A, a second example of a functional mode of the oil control valve is illustrated having an alternative example of a fifth mode206. The fifth mode206is also a Control Hold mode and is activated by translating the spool12to between 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm of travel from the second end154of the valve housing18toward the inlet port seat48. The fifth mode200, allows for the variable cam phaser to be held at the commanded phase angle. The first port24is in communication with the fourth port30. The inlet pressure port46is in communication with the first port24and the fourth port30such that oil pressure from a pressurized oil source204feeds through the third one-way valve116into the valve housing18to each of the first port24and the fourth port30of the valve housing18. All ports24,26,28,30are blocked from venting to the sump202. The third port28is in communication with the fourth port30through the second recirculation valve114and the second port26is in communication with the first port24through the first recirculation valve112thus providing a recirculation path to employ the supplemental pressure generated by the cam torsional events.

While examples have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and examples for practicing the disclosed structure within the scope of the appended claims.