摘要 |
<p>In a valve timing control apparatus configured to enable rotary motion of a vane rotor relative to a housing, a recessed-groove passage is formed in the inside end face of the housing. A circumferential length of the recessed-groove passage is dimensioned to be greater than a circumferential width of the associated vane. The recessed-groove passage permits fluid-communication between a phase-advance hydraulic chamber and a phase-retard hydraulic chamber by way of both circumferential ends of the recessed-groove passage at a maximum phase-retard position of the vane rotor relative to the housing. Even when an engine stall has occurred during a low-temperature engine operating condition with the vane rotor positioned nearer the maximum phase-retard position, the vane rotor can rapidly rotate to its lock position by a fluttering motion, caused by alternating torque and multiplied by fluid-communication between the phase-advance hydraulic chamber and the phase-retard hydraulic chamber through the recessed-groove passage.</p> |