A variable valve timing control system of an internal combustion engine
includes a hydraulically-operated phase converter disposed between a
sprocket and a camshaft, and having a phase-advance hydraulic chamber and
a phase-retard hydraulic chamber for changing an angular phase of the
camshaft relative to the sprocket. An electric pump is provided to supply
working fluid selectively to one of the hydraulic chambers via a
directional control valve. Also provided is a check valve disposed in a
discharge line of the pump for permitting flow in a direction that the
working fluid flows from the pump to the directional control valve and
preventing any flow in the opposite direction, so as to prevent a pulse
pressure arising from alternating torque exerted on the camshaft from
being transmitted from either one of the hydraulic chambers via the
discharge line to a discharge port of the pump.