U.S. patent application number 09/805928 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for variable valve drive mechanism and intake air amount control apparatus of internal combustion engine.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Kawase, Hiroyuki, Shimizu, Kouichi, Yoshihara, Yuuji.
Application Number | 20010023674 09/805928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18595583 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010023674 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimizu, Kouichi ; et
al. |
September 27, 2001 |
Variable valve drive mechanism and intake air amount control
apparatus of internal combustion engine
Abstract
A variable valve drive mechanism of an internal combustion
engine is provided which includes a camshaft that is operatively
connected to a crankshaft of the engine such that the camshaft is
rotated by the crankshaft, a rotating cam provided on the camshaft,
and an intermediate drive mechanism disposed between the camshaft
and an intake or exhaust valve of the engine. The intermediate
drive mechanism is supported rockably on a shaft that is different
from the camshaft, and includes an input portion operable to be
driven by the rotating cam of the camshaft, and an output portion
operable to drive the valve when the input portion is driven by the
rotating cam. The variable valve drive mechanism further includes
an intermediate phase-difference varying device for varying a
relative phase difference between the input portion and the output
portion of the intermediate drive mechanism. The disclosure of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-078134 filed on Mar. 21, 2000
including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
Inventors: |
Shimizu, Kouichi;
(Toyota-shi, JP) ; Kawase, Hiroyuki; (Okazaki-shi,
JP) ; Yoshihara, Yuuji; (Toyota-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
277 S. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 500
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
|
Family ID: |
18595583 |
Appl. No.: |
09/805928 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
123/90.18 ;
123/90.15; 123/90.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01L 13/0021
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/90.18 ;
123/90.16; 123/90.15 |
International
Class: |
F01L 001/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2000 |
JP |
2000-078134 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A variable valve drive mechanism of an internal combustion
engine, which is capable of varying a valve characteristic of an
intake valve or an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine,
comprising: a camshaft that is operatively connected to a
crankshaft of the engine such that the camshaft is rotated by the
crankshaft; a rotating cam provided on the camshaft; an
intermediate drive mechanism disposed between the camshaft and the
valve and supported rockably on a shaft that is different from the
camshaft, the intermediate drive mechanism including an input
portion operable to be driven by the rotating cam of the camshaft,
and an output portion operable to drive the valve when the input
portion is driven by the rotating cam; and an intermediate
phase-difference varying device positioned and configured to vary a
relative phase difference between the input portion and the output
portion of the intermediate drive mechanism.
2. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the output portion comprises a rocking cam that includes a nose,
and the intermediate phase-difference varying device is operable to
vary the relative phase difference between the nose of the rocking
cam and the input portion.
3. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device varies the
relative phase difference between the nose of the rocking cam and
the input portion, so that an amount of lift of the valve can be
adjusted by the nose that moves in accordance with the input
portion that is driven by the rotating cam.
4. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device varies the
relative phase difference between the nose of the rocking cam and
the input portion, so that an operating angle of the valve can be
adjusted by the nose that moves in accordance with the input
portion that is driven by the rotating cam.
5. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, further
comprising a roller disposed between the rocking cam and the valve,
wherein driving force is transmitted from the rocking cam to the
valve via the roller.
6. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 5, further
comprising a rocker arm that includes the roller, wherein the
rocker arm is disposed between the rocking cam and the valve such
that driving force is transmitted from the rocking cam to the valve
via the rocker arm.
7. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the input portion includes a pair of arms and a contact portion
provided at distal end portions of the arms, the contact portion
being in contact with the rotating cam to receive driving force
from the rotating cam such that the driving force is transmitted to
the output portion so as to drive the valve.
8. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 7, wherein
the contact portion comprises a roller disposed between the arms,
the roller being in rolling contact with the rotating cam to
receive driving force from the rotating cam.
9. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein
the input portion includes a pair of arms and a contact portion
provided at distal end portions of the arms, the contact portion
being in contact with the rotating cam to receive driving force
from the rotating cam such that the driving force is transmitted to
the output portion so as to drive the valve.
10. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 9, wherein
the contact portion comprises a roller disposed between the arms,
the roller being in rolling contact with the rotating cam to
receive driving force from the rotating cam.
11. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: a
slider gear that includes a first set of splines and a second set
of splines that form different angles with respect to an axis of
the slider gear, the slider gear being movable in an axial
direction of the intermediate drive mechanism; an input threaded
portion provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism, the input threaded portion engaging with the first set
of splines of the slider gear such that the input portion is
rotatable relative to the slider gear as the slider gear moves in
the axial direction; an output threaded portion provided in the
output portion of the intermediate drive mechanism, the output
threaded portion engaging with the second set of splines of the
slider gear such that the output portion is rotatable relative to
the slider gear as the slider gear moves in the axial direction;
and a displacement adjusting device positioned and configured to
adjust a displacement of the slider gear in the axial
direction.
12. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: a
slider gear that includes a first set of splines and a second set
of splines that form different angles with respect to an axis of
the slider gear, the slider gear being movable in an axial
direction of the intermediate drive mechanism; an input threaded
portion provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism, the input threaded portion engaging with the first set
of splines of the slider gear such that the input portion is
rotatable relative to the slider gear as the slider gear moves in
the axial direction; an output threaded portion provided in the
output portion of the intermediate drive mechanism, the output
threaded portion engaging with the second set of splines of the
slider gear such that the output portion is rotatable relative to
the slider gear as the slider gear moves in the axial direction;
and a displacement adjusting device positioned and configured to
adjust a displacement of the slider gear in the axial
direction.
13. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: input
splines provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism; output splines provided in the output portion of the
intermediate drive mechanism, the output splines being formed with
a different angle from the input splines, with respect to an axis
of the intermediate drive mechanism; a slider gear which engages
with the input splines and the output splines and which is movable
in an axial direction of the intermediate drive mechanism, the
slider gear permitting the input portion and the output portion to
rotate relative to each other as the slider gear moves in the axial
direction; and a displacement adjusting device positioned and
configured to adjust a displacement of the slider gear in the axial
direction.
14. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: input
splines provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism; output splines provided in the output portion of the
intermediate drive mechanism, the output splines being formed with
a different angle from the input splines, with respect to an axis
of the intermediate drive mechanism; a slider gear which engages
with the input splines and the output splines and which is movable
in an axial direction of the intermediate drive mechanism, the
slider gear permitting the input portion and the output portion to
rotate relative to each other as the slider gear moves in the axial
direction; and a displacement adjusting device positioned and
configured to adjust a displacement of the slider gear in the axial
direction.
15. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the intermediate drive mechanism includes a single input portion
and a plurality of output portions whose number is the same as that
of input valves or exhaust valves provided for the same cylinder,
the output portions being adapted to drive the input valves or
exhaust valves, respectively.
16. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 15, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: a
slider gear that includes a plurality of sets of splines whose
total number is the same as a total of the input portion and the
output portions, the slider gear being movable in an axial
direction of the intermediate drive mechanism; an input threaded
portion provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism, the input threaded portion engaging with a corresponding
one of the plurality of sets of splines of the slider gear such
that the input portion is rotatable relative to the slider gear as
the slider gear moves in the axial direction; an output threaded
portion provided in each of the output portions of the intermediate
drive mechanism, the output threaded portion engaging with a
corresponding one of the remaining sets of splines of the slider
gear such that the output portion is rotatable relative to the
slider gear as the slider gear moves in the axial direction; and a
displacement adjusting device positioned and configured to adjust a
displacement of the slider gear in the axial direction.
17. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 15, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device comprises: input
splines provided in the input portion of the intermediate drive
mechanism; output splines provided in each of the output portions
of the intermediate drive mechanism, the output splines being
formed with a different angle from the input splines, with respect
to an axis of the intermediate drive mechanism; a slider gear which
engages with the input splines and the output splines and which is
movable in an axial direction of the intermediate drive mechanism,
the slider gear permitting the input portion and each of the output
portions to rotate relative to each other as the slider gear moves
in the axial direction; and a displacement adjusting device
positioned and configured to adjust a displacement of the slider
gear in the axial direction.
18. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 15, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device is operable to
vary the relative phase difference between the input portion and
each of the output portions such that the output portions
corresponding to the respective intake or exhaust valves have
different phase differences relative to the input portion.
19. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 18, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device maintains the
relative phase difference between the input portion and at least
one of the output portions at a constant value.
20. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein
the intermediate phase-difference varying device is adapted to
continuously vary the relative phase difference between the input
and output portions of the intermediate drive mechanism.
21. A variable valve drive mechanism according to claim 1, further
comprising a rotational-phase-difference varying device positioned
and configured to vary a rotational phase difference of the
camshaft relative to the crankshaft, so that the valve timing of
the intake or exhaust valve as well as an amount of lift or an
operating angle of the valve is made variable.
22. An intake air amount control apparatus of an internal
combustion engine, comprising a variable valve drive mechanism
capable of varying a valve characteristic of an intake valve or an
exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, the variable valve
drive mechanism comprising: (a) a camshaft that is operatively
connected with a crankshaft of the engine such that the camshaft is
rotated by the crankshaft; (b) a rotating cam provided on the
camshaft; (c) an intermediate drive mechanism disposed between the
camshaft and the valve and supported rockably on a shaft that is
different from the camshaft, the intermediate drive mechanism
including an input portion operable to be driven by the rotating
cam of the camshaft, and an output portion operable to drive the
valve when the input portion is driven by the rotating cam; and (d)
an intermediate phase-difference varying device positioned and
configured to vary a relative phase difference between the input
portion and the output portion of the intermediate drive mechanism;
wherein the intermediate phase-difference varying device is driven
so as to change a relative phase difference between the input and
output portions of the intermediate drive mechanism, depending upon
an intake air amount that is required for the internal combustion
engine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a variable valve drive mechanism of
an internal combustion engine capable of varying valve
characteristics of intake valves or exhaust valves of the engine,
and also relates to an intake air amount control apparatus of an
internal combustion engine that employs the variable valve drive
mechanism.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Variable valve drive mechanisms adapted to vary the amount
of lift or the operating angle of intake valves or exhaust valves
of an internal combustion engine in accordance with the operating
state or conditions of the engine are known in the art. An example
of such mechanisms is disclosed in Japanese laid-open Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 11-324625, in which a rocking cam is
provided coaxially with a rotating cam that rotates or moves in
accordance with a crankshaft, and the rotating cam and the rocking
cam are connected to each other by a complicated link mechanism.
The variable valve drive mechanism further includes a control shaft
disposed midway in the complicated link mechanism. The phase of the
rocking cam may be changed by causing the control shaft to displace
or offset the center of rocking of an arm that forms a portion of
the link mechanism. By changing the phase of the rocking cam in
this manner, the amount of lift or the operating angle of the
intake or exhaust valves can be varied. This makes it possible to
improve the fuel economy and achieve stable operating
characteristics of the engine during, for example, low-speed and
low-load operations, and to improve the intake air charging
efficiency to thereby ensure sufficiently large outputs during, for
example, high-speed and high-load operations.
[0005] However, the link mechanism, which links the rotating cam
and the rocking cam that are disposed on the same axis, is likely
to be long and complicated.
[0006] This may result in reduced certainty or reliability in the
operations of the variable valve drive mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
variable valve drive mechanism of an internal combustion engine
that operates with sufficient certainty or reliability, without
requiring a long and complicated link mechanism as employed in the
conventional engine. It is another object of the invention to
provide an intake air amount control apparatus that utilizes the
variable valve drive mechanism.
[0008] To accomplish the above object and/or other object(s), a
first aspect of the invention provides a variable valve drive
mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which is capable of
varying a valve characteristic of an intake valve or an exhaust
valve of the internal combustion engine, comprising: (a) a camshaft
that is operatively connected with a crankshaft of the engine such
that the camshaft is rotated by the crankshaft; (b) a rotating cam
provided on the camshaft; (c) an intermediate drive mechanism
disposed between the camshaft and the valve and supported rockably
on a shaft that is different from the camshaft, the intermediate
drive mechanism including an input portion operable to be driven by
the rotating cam of the camshaft, and an output portion operable to
drive the valve when the input portion is driven by the rotating
cam; and (d) an intermediate phase-difference varying device
positioned and configured to vary a relative phase difference
between the input portion and the output portion of the
intermediate drive mechanism.
[0009] The intermediate drive mechanism having the input portion
adapted to be driven by the rotating cam and the output portion
that drives the valve when the input portion is driven by the
rotating cam is rockably supported by the shaft that is different
from the camshaft on which the rotating cam is provided. With this
arrangement, there is no need to provide a long, complicated link
mechanism for connecting the rotating cam with the intermediate
drive mechanism (or rocking cam). Thus, when the rotating cam
drives the input portion of the intermediate drive mechanism, the
driving force is readily transmitted from the input portion to the
output portion within the drive mechanism, so that the output
portion drives the intake or exhaust valve in accordance with the
driving state of the rotating cam.
[0010] The intermediate phase-difference varying device is capable
of varying a relative phase difference between the input and output
portions of the intermediate drive mechanism. It is thus possible
to advance or retard the start of lifting of the intake or exhaust
valve that occurs in accordance with the driving state (or
rotational phase) of the rotating cam, thus making it possible to
adjust the amount of lift or operating angle of the valve that
varies with the driving state or rotational phase of the rotating
cam.
[0011] As described above, the amount of lift or operating angle of
the intake or exhaust valve may be changed with a relatively simple
construction in which the relative phase difference between the
input and output portions is changed, without requiring the
conventional long and complicated link mechanism. It is thus
possible to provide a variable valve drive mechanism of an internal
combustion engine that operates with improved certainty and
reliability.
[0012] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the output
portion comprises a rocking cam that includes a nose, and the
intermediate phase-difference varying device is operable to vary
the relative phase difference between the nose of the rocking cam
and the input portion.
[0013] In the above-described variable valve drive mechanism in
which the output portion principally consists of the rocking cam,
the intermediate phase-difference varying device is able to vary
the relative phase difference between the nose formed on the
rocking cam and the input portion, thereby to advance or retard (or
delay) the start of lifting of the intake or exhaust valve that
occurs in accordance with the driving state (or rotational phase)
of the rotating cam provided on the camshaft. Since the amount of
lift or operating angle of the intake or exhaust valve can be
varied with such a simple construction, the variable valve drive
mechanism can operate with improved certainty and reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages
of the present invention will become apparent from the following
description of preferred embodiments with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to represent
like elements and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
construction of an internal combustion engine and a control system
thereof according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the engine of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y of
FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view showing a portion of the cylinder head of
the engine of FIG. 1, including intake and exhaust camshafts and a
variable valve drive mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an intermediate drive
mechanism included in the first embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are a plan view, a front elevational
view, and a right-hand side view, respectively, of the intermediate
drive mechanism of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an input portion
included in the first embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are a plan view, a front elevational
view, and a right-hand side view, respectively, of the input
portion of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a first rocking cam
included in the first embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E are a plan view, a front
elevational view, a bottom plan view, and a right-hand side view,
respectively, of the first rocking cam of FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second rocking cam
included in the first embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E are a plan view, a front
elevational view, a bottom plan view, a right-hand side view, and a
left-hand side view, respectively, of the second rocking cam of
FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a slider gear included
in the first embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a plan view, a front elevational
view, and a right-hand side view, respectively, of the slider gear
of FIG. 13;
[0029] FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D are a perspective view, a plan
view, a front elevational view, and a right-hand side view,
respectively, of a support pipe included in the first embodiment of
the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D are a perspective view, a plan
view, a front elevational view, and a right-hand side view,
respectively, of a control shaft included in the first embodiment
of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an assembly of the
support pipe and the control pipe of the first embodiment;
[0032] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are a plan view, a front elevational
view, and a right-hand side view, respectively, of the assembly of
the support pipe and the control pipe of FIG. 17;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an assembly of the support
pipe, the control shaft and the slider gear of the first
embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C are a plan view, a front elevational
view, and a right-hand side view, respectively, of the assembly of
the support pipe, the control shaft and the slider gear of FIG.
19;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the
internal construction of the intermediate drive mechanism according
to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a
lift-varying actuator included in the first embodiment of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a view showing a driving state of the
intermediate drive mechanism of the first embodiment;
[0038] FIGS. 24A and 24B are views for explaining the operation of
the variable valve drive mechanism of the first embodiment that is
shown in cross section;
[0039] FIGS. 25A and 25B are views for explaining the operation of
the variable valve drive mechanism of the first embodiment that is
shown in cross section;
[0040] FIGS. 26A and 26B are views for explaining the operation of
the variable valve drive mechanism of the first embodiment that is
shown in cross section;
[0041] FIGS. 27A and 27B are views for explaining the operation of
the variable valve drive mechanism of the first embodiment that is
shown in cross section;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a graph indicating changes in the amount of lift
of an intake valve adjusted by the variable valve drive mechanism
of the first embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a
rotational-phase-difference-varying actuator according to the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 29;
[0045] FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the operation of the
rotational-phase-difference-varying actuator of the first
embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a valve drive control
routine that is executed by an ECU included in the first
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 33 is a one-dimensional map used for determining a
target displacement Lt of the control shaft in the axial direction
based on the accelerator operation amount ACCP in the first
embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 34 are two-dimensional maps used for determining a
target timing advance value .theta.t based on the engine speed NE
and the amount of intake air GA in the first embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 35 is a graph indicating various operating regions of
the engine for use in the two-dimensional maps shown in FIG.
34;
[0050] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a lift amount varying
control routine that is executed by the ECU in the first
embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a rotational phase
difference varying control routine that is executed by the ECU in
the first embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 38 is a view illustrating a variable valve drive
mechanism according to a first modified example of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0053] FIGS. 39A and 39B are views showing an intermediate drive
mechanism according to a second modified example of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 40 is a view showing an intermediate drive mechanism
according to a third modified example of the first embodiment;
[0055] FIGS. 41A and 41B are views showing an intermediate drive
mechanism according to a fourth modified example of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0056] FIGS. 42A and 42B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fourth modified example of
FIGS. 41A and 41B;
[0057] FIGS. 43A and 43B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fourth modified example of
FIGS. 41A and 41B;
[0058] FIGS. 44A and 44B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fourth modified example of
FIGS. 41A and 41B;
[0059] FIGS. 45A and 45B are views showing an intermediate drive
mechanism according to a fifth modified example of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0060] FIGS. 46A and 46B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fifth modified example of
FIGS. 45A and 45B;
[0061] FIGS. 47A and 47B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fifth modified example of
FIGS. 45A and 45B;
[0062] FIGS. 48A and 48B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the fifth modified example of
FIGS. 45A and 45B;
[0063] FIGS. 49A and 49B are views showing an intermediate drive
mechanism according to a sixth modified example of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0064] FIGS. 50A and 50B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the sixth modified example of
FIGS. 49A and 49B;
[0065] FIGS. 50A and 51B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the sixth modified example of
FIGS. 49A and 49B; and
[0066] FIGS. 52A and 52B are views for explaining the operation of
the intermediate drive mechanism of the sixth modified example of
FIGS. 49A and 49B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] First Embodiment
[0068] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a
gasoline engine (hereinafter simply referred to as "engine") 2 as
one type of internal combustion engine to which the invention is
applied, and a control system for controlling the engine 2. FIG. 2
is a vertical cross-sectional view of the engine 2 (which is taken
along line X-X indicated in FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional
view taken along line Y-Y indicated in FIG. 2.
[0069] The engine 2 is installed in an automobile for driving the
automobile. The engine 2 includes a cylinder block 4, pistons 6
provided for reciprocating movements in the cylinder block 4, a
cylinder head 8 mounted on the cylinder block 4, etc. Four
cylinders 2a are formed in the cylinder block 4. In each cylinder
2a, a combustion chamber 10 is defined by the cylinder block 4, the
corresponding piston 6 and the cylinder head 8.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, a first intake valve 12a, a second
intake valve 12b, a first exhaust valve 16a and a second exhaust
valve 16b are disposed so as to face each combustion chamber 10.
These valves are arranged such that the first intake valve 12a
opens and closes a first intake port 14a, the second intake valve
12b opens and closes a second intake port 14b, the first exhaust
valve 16a opens and closes a first exhaust port 18a, and the second
exhaust valve 16b opens and closes a second exhaust port 18b.
[0071] The first intake port 14a and the second intake port 14b of
each cylinder 2a are connected to a surge tank 32 via a
corresponding one of intake channels 30a formed in an intake
manifold 30. Each intake channel 30a is provided with a fuel
injector 34, so that a required amount of fuel can be injected into
the first intake port 14a and the second intake port 14b.
[0072] The surge tank 32 is connected to an air cleaner 42 via an
intake duct 40. A throttle valve is not provided in the intake duct
40. Control of the amount of intake air in accordance with the
operation of an accelerator pedal 74 and the engine speed NE during
idle speed control is accomplished by adjusting the amount of lift
of the first and second intake valves 12a, 12b. The amount of lift
of the intake valves 12a, 12b is adjusted by causing a lift-varying
actuator 100 (FIG. 1) to drive intermediate drive mechanisms 120
(which will be described later) disposed between rocker arms 13 and
intake cams 45a (corresponding to "rotating cam") provided on an
intake camshaft 45. The valve timing of the intake valves 12a, 12b
is adjusted by a rotational-phase-difference-v- arying actuator 104
(FIG. 1) (which will be simply referred to as
"phase-different-varying actuator 104) in accordance with the
operation state or conditions of the engine 2.
[0073] The first exhaust valve 16a for opening and closing the
first exhaust port 18a of each cylinder 2a and the second exhaust
valve 16b for opening and closing the second exhaust port 18b are
opened and closed by means of rocker arms 14 with a constant amount
of lift while exhaust cams 46a provided on an exhaust camshaft 46
are being rotated in accordance with the operation of the engine 2.
The first exhaust port 18a and the second exhaust port 18b of each
cylinder 2a are connected to an exhaust manifold 48. With this
arrangement, exhaust gases are discharged to the outside through a
catalytic converter 50.
[0074] An electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as
"ECU") 60, which is in the form of a digital computer, includes a
RAM (random access memory)) 64, a ROM (read-only memory) 66, a CPU
(microprocessor) 68, an input port 70, and an output port 72 that
are interconnected by a bidirectional bus 62.
[0075] An accelerator operation amount sensor 76 is attached to the
accelerator pedal 74, and produces an output voltage signal that is
proportional to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal
74 (hereinafter referred to as "accelerator operating amount
ACCP"). The output voltage signal is transmitted to the input port
70 through an A/D converter 73. A top dead center sensor 80
generates an output pulse when, for example, the number 1 cylinder
of the cylinders 2a reaches the top dead center during the intake
stroke. The output pulses thus generated by the top dead center
sensor 80 are transmitted to the input port 70. A crank angle
sensor 82 generates an output pulse at every 30.degree. rotation of
the crankshaft. The output pulses thus generated by the crank angle
sensor 82 are transmitted to the input port 70. The CPU 68
calculates a current crank angle based on the output pulses
received from the top dead center sensor 80 and the output pulses
received from the crank angle sensor 82, and calculates an engine
speed NE based on the frequency of the output pulses received from
the crank angle sensor 82.
[0076] The intake duct 40 is provided with an intake air amount
sensor 84 that produces an output voltage signal corresponding to
the amount of intake air GA flowing in the intake duct 40. The
output voltage signal is transmitted from the sensor 84 to the
input port 70 via an A/D converter 73. The cylinder block 4 of the
engine 2 is provided with a water temperature sensor 86 that
detects the temperature THW of cooling water of the engine 2 and
produces an output voltage signal in accordance with the cooling
water temperature THW. The output voltage signal is transmitted
from the sensor 86 to the input port 70 via an A/D converter 73.
Furthermore, the exhaust manifold 48 is provided with an air-fuel
ratio sensor 88 that produces an output voltage signal indicative
of the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases flowing through the manifold
48. The output voltage signal is transmitted from the sensor 88 to
the input port 70 via an A/D converter 73.
[0077] Furthermore, a shaft position sensor 90 is provided for
detecting the displacement of a control shaft 132 in the axial
direction thereof when the shaft 132 is moved by the lift-varying
actuator 100. The shaft position sensor 90 generates an output
voltage signal indicative of the axial displacement of the shaft to
the input port 70 via an A/D converter 73. A cam angle sensor 92 is
provided for detecting the cam angle of the intake cams 45a that
drive the intake valves 12a, 12b via an intermediate drive
mechanisms 120. The cam angle sensor 92 generates output pulses to
the input port 70 as the intake camshaft 45 rotates. The input port
70 also receives various other signals, which are not essential to
the first embodiment of the invention and are thus not illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0078] The output port 72 is connected to each fuel injector 34 via
a corresponding drive circuit 94. The ECU 60 performs valve opening
control on each fuel injector 34 in accordance with the operating
state of the engine 2, to thereby control the fuel injection timing
and the fuel injection amount.
[0079] The output port 72 is also connected to a first oil control
valve 98 via a drive circuit 96, so that the ECU 60 controls the
lift-varying actuator 100 in accordance with the operating state of
the engine 2, such as a required amount of intake air. The output
port 72 is further connected to a second oil control valve 102 via
a drive circuit 96, so that the ECU 60 controls the
phase-difference-varying actuator 104 in accordance with the
operating state of the engine 2. With this arrangement, the ECU 60
controls the valve timing and the amount of lift of the intake
valves 12a, 12b, so as to implement the intake air amount control
and other controls (such as those for improving the volumetric
efficiency or controlling an EGR amount).
[0080] The variable valve drive mechanism for the intake valves
12a, 12b will be now described. FIG. 4 shows in detail a portion of
the cylinder head 8 including the intake camshaft 45, a variable
valve drive mechanism attached to the intake camshaft 45, and other
components.
[0081] The variable valve drive mechanism includes a total of four
intermediate drive mechanisms 120 provided for the respective
cylinders 2a, the lift-varying actuator 100 attached to one end of
the cylinder head 8, and the phase-difference-varying actuator 104
attached to the other end of the cylinder head 8.
[0082] One of the intermediate drive mechanisms 120 is illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 6A to 6C. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are a plan
view, a front elevational view, and a right-hand side view of the
drive mechanism 120, respectively. The intermediate drive mechanism
120 has an input portion 122 formed in a central portion thereof, a
first rocking cam 124 formed to the left of the input portion 122,
and a second rocking cam 126 formed to the right of the input
portion 122. A housing 122a of the input portion 122, and housings
124a, 126a of the rocking cams 124, 126 have cylindrical shapes
with equal outside diameters.
[0083] The construction of the input portion 122 is illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8A to 8C. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the input
portion 122. FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are a plan view, a front
elevational view, and a right-hand side view of the input portion
122, respectively. The housing 122a of the input portion 122
defines an internal space that extends in the direction of the axis
of the housing 122a. An inner circumferential surface of the
housing 122a defining the internal space has helical splines 122b
that are formed in the axial direction in a helical fashion of a
right-hand thread. Two parallel arms 122c, 122d protrude from an
outer circumferential surface of the housing 122a. Distal end
portions of the arms 122c, 122d support a shaft 122e extending
between the arms 122c, 122d. The shaft 122e extends in parallel
with the axis of the housing 122a. A roller 122f is rotatably
mounted on the shaft 122e.
[0084] The construction of the first rocking cam 124 is illustrated
in FIGS. 9 and 10A to 10E. FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E are
a perspective view, a plan view, a front elevational view, a bottom
plan view, a right-hand side view, and a left-hand side view,
respectively. The housing 124a of the first rocking cam 124 defines
an internal space that extends in the axial direction of the
housing 124a. An inner circumferential surface of the housing 124a
defining the internal space has helical splines 124b that are
formed in the axial direction in a helical fashion of a left-hand
thread. A left-side end of the internal space is covered with a
ring-like bearing 124c having a small-diameter central hole. A
generally triangular nose 124d protrudes from an outer
circumferential surface of the housing 124a. One side of the nose
124d forms a cam face 124e that is a concavely curved face.
[0085] The construction of the second rocking cam 126 is
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12A to 12E. FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B, 12C,
12D and 12E are a perspective view, a plan view, a front
elevational view, a bottom plan view, a right-hand side view, and a
left-hand side view, respectively. The housing 126a of the second
rocking cam 126 defines an internal space that extends in the axial
direction of the housing 126a. An inner circumferential surface of
the housing 126a defining the internal space has helical splines
126b that are formed in the axial direction in a helical form of a
left-hand thread. A right-side end of the internal space is covered
with a ring-like bearing 126c having a small-diameter central hole.
A generally triangular nose 126d protrudes from an outer
circumferential surface of the housing 126a. One side of the nose
126d forms a cam face 126e that is a concavely curved face.
[0086] The first rocking cam 124 and the second rocking cam 126 are
disposed on the opposite sides of the input portion 122 such that
the bearings 124c, 126c face axially outward, and such that
corresponding end faces of the cams and input portion contact with
each other. Thus, the assembly of the cams 124, 126 and the input
portion 122 that are arranged on the same axis has a generally
cylindrical shape with an internal space as shown in FIG. 5.
[0087] A slider gear 128 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14C is
disposed in the internal space defined by the input portion 122 and
the two rocking cams 124, 126. FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 14C are a
perspective view, a plan view, a front elevational view, and a
right-hand side view of the slider gear 128, respectively. The
slider gear 128 has a generally cylindrical shape. A central
portion of an outer circumferential surface of the slider gear 128
has input helical splines 128a that are formed in a helical fashion
of a right-hand thread. First output helical splines 128c that are
formed in a helical fashion of a left-hand thread are located on
the left-hand side of the input helical splines 128a. A
small-diameter portion 128b is interposed between the input helical
splines 128a and the first output helical splines 128c. Second
output helical splines 128e that are formed in a helical fashion of
a left-hand thread are located on the right-hand side of the input
helical splines 128a. A small-diameter portion 128d is interposed
between the input helical splines 128a and the second output
helical splines 128e. The first and second output helical splines
128c, 128e have a smaller outside diameter than the input helical
splines 128a. When the input portion 122 is mounted onto the input
helical splines 128a, therefore, the first output helical splines
128c, 128e are allowed to pass through the internal space of the
input portion 122.
[0088] A through-hole 128f is formed through the slider gear 128 in
the direction of the center axis of the gear 128. The
small-diameter portion 128d has an elongate hole 128g through which
the through-hole 128f is open onto the outer circumferential
surface of the slider gear 128. The elongate hole 128g has a larger
dimension in the circumferential direction of the slider gear
128.
[0089] A support pipe 130 that is partially shown in FIGS. 15A to
15D is disposed within the through-hole 128f of the slider gear 128
such that the support pipe 130 is slidable in the circumferential
direction. FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D are a perspective view, a
plan view, a front elevational view, and a right-hand side view,
respectively. The support pipe 130 is a single support pipe that is
shared by all the intermediate drive mechanisms 120 as shown in
FIG. 4. The support pipe 130 has an elongate hole 130a for each
intermediate drive mechanism 120. Each elongate hole 130a has a
larger dimension in the axial direction of the support pipe
130.
[0090] The control shaft 132 extends through an interior of the
support pipe 130 such that the control shaft 132 is slidable in the
axial direction. FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D are a perspective
view, a plan view, a front elevational view and a right-hand side
view each showing a part of the control shaft 132. Like the support
pipe 130, the single control shaft 132 is shared or commonly used
by all the intermediate drive mechanisms 120. A stopper pin 132a,
which protrudes from the control shaft 132, is provided for each
intermediate drive mechanism 120. Each stopper pin 132a extends
through a corresponding one of the axially elongated holes 130a of
the support pipe 130. A sub-assembly of the support pipe 130 and
the control shaft 132 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18A to 18C.
FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B and 18C are a perspective view, a plan view, a
front elevational view, and a right-hand side view of the assembly,
respectively.
[0091] An assembly in which the slider gear 128 is assembled with
the support pipe 130 and the control shaft 132 is shown in FIGS. 19
and 20A to 20C. FIGS. 19, 20A, 20B and 20C are a perspective view,
a plan view, a front elevational view, and a right-hand side view,
respectively.
[0092] Each stopper pin 132a of the control shaft 132 extends
through a corresponding one of the axially elongated holes 130a of
the support pipe 130 having a larger dimension in the axial
direction. Furthermore, a distal end of each stopper pin 132a is
inserted through the circumferentially elongated hole 128g of a
corresponding one of the slider gears 128. To provide the
arrangement of FIGS. 19 and 20A to 20C, it is possible to form the
stopper pin 132a on the control shaft 132 by passing the pin 132
through the elongated holes 128g and 130a while the control shaft
132, the support pipe 130 and the slider gear 128 are assembled
together as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A to 20C.
[0093] With the axially elongated holes 130a thus formed in the
support pipe 130, it is possible to move the stopper pins 132 of
the control shaft 132 in the axial direction so as to move the
slider gears 128 in the axial direction even though the support
pipe 130 is fixed to the cylinder head 8. Each slider gear 128
engages, at its circumferentially elongated hole 128g, with the
corresponding one of the stopper pins 132a, so that the axial
position of each slider gear 128 is determined by the corresponding
stopper pin 132a. Since the stopper pin 132 is movable in the
circumferentially elongated hole 128g, the slider gear 128 is
rockable about the axis.
[0094] The structure as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A to 20C is
disposed within the combination of the input portion 122 and the
rocking cams 124, 126 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, so as to construct
each intermediate drive mechanism 120. The inner structure of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 is shown in the perspective view
of FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, the inner structure of the intermediate
drive mechanism 120 is shown by horizontally cutting the input
portion 122 and the rocking cams 124, 126 and removing the upper
halves of these portion and cams 122, 124, 126.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 21, the input helical splines 128a of the
slider gear 128 mesh with the helical splines 122b formed in the
input portion 122. The first output helical splines 128c mesh with
the helical splines 124b formed in the first rocking cam 124. The
second output helical splines 128e mesh with the helical splines
126b formed within the second rocking cam 126.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, each intermediate drive mechanism 120
constructed as described above is sandwiched, at the sides of the
bearings 124c, 126c of the rocking cams 124, 126, between vertical
wall portions 136, 138 formed on the cylinder head 8, so that each
intermediate drive mechanism 120 is allowed to rock about the axis
but is inhibited from moving in the axial direction. Each of the
vertical wall portions 136, 138 has a hole that is aligned with the
central hole of the corresponding one of the bearings 124c, 126c.
The support pipe 130 is inserted through the holes of the wall
portions 136, 138 and is fixed to these portions. Thus, the support
pipe 130 is fixed to the cylinder head 8, and is therefore
inhibited from moving in the axial direction or rotating about the
axis.
[0097] The control shaft 132 disposed in the support pipe 130
extends through the support pipe 130 slidably in the axial
direction, and is connected at its one end to the lift-varying
actuator 100. The displacement of the control shaft 132 in the
axial direction can be adjusted by the lift-varying actuator
100.
[0098] The construction of the lift-varying actuator 100 is
illustrated in FIG. 22. FIGS. 22 shows a vertical cross section of
the lift-varying actuator 100, and also shows the first oil control
valve 98.
[0099] The lift-varying actuator 100 principally consists of a
cylinder tube 100a, a piston 100b disposed in the cylinder tube
100a, a pair of end covers 100c, 100d for closing the opposite
openings of the cylinder tube 100a, and a coil spring 100e disposed
in a compressed state between the piston 100b and the outer end
cover 100c that is located remote from the cylinder head 8. The
lift-varying actuator 100 is fixed at the inner end cover 100d to a
vertical wall portion 140 as part of the cylinder head 8.
[0100] The control shaft 132, which extends through the inner end
cover 100d and the vertical wall portion 140 of the cylinder head
8, is connected at one end thereof to the piston 100b. Therefore,
the control shaft 132 is moved in accordance with movements of the
piston 100b.
[0101] An internal space of the cylinder tube 100a is divided by
the piston 100b into a first pressure chamber 100f and a second
pressure chamber 100g. A first oil passage 100h that is formed in
the inner end cover 100d is connected to the first pressure chamber
100f. A second oil passage 100i that is formed in the outer end
cover 100c is connected to the second pressure chamber 100g.
[0102] When hydraulic oil is supplied selectively to the first
pressure chamber 100f and the second pressure chamber 100g through
the first oil passage 100h or the second oil passage 100i, the
piston 100b is moved in the axially opposite directions (as
indicated by arrow S in FIG. 22) of the control shaft 132. With the
piston 100b thus moved, the control shaft 132 is also moved in the
axial direction.
[0103] The first oil passage 100h and the second oil passage 100i
are connected to the first oil control valve 98. A supply passage
98a and a discharge passage 98b are connected to the first oil
control valve 98. The supply passage 98a is connected to an oil pan
144 via an oil pump P that is driven in accordance with rotation of
a crankshaft 142 (FIG. 4). The discharge passage 98b is directly
connected to the oil pan 144.
[0104] The first oil control valve 98 includes a casing 98c, which
has a first supply/discharge port 98d, a second supply/discharge
port 98e, a first discharge port 98f, a second discharge port 98g,
and a supply port 98h. The first oil passage 100h is connected to
the first supply/discharge port 98d. The second oil passage 100i is
connected to the second supply/discharge port 98e. Furthermore, the
supply passage 98a is connected to the supply port 98h. The
discharge passage 98b is connected to the first discharge port 98f
and the second discharge port 98g. The casing 98c receives a spool
98m that has four valve portions 98i. The spool 98m is urged by a
coil spring 98j in one of the axially opposite directions, and is
moved in the other direction by means of an electromagnetic
solenoid 98k.
[0105] When the electromagnetic solenoid 98k is in a non-energized
state in the first oil control valve 98 constructed as described
above, the spool 98m is biased toward the electromagnetic solenoid
98k in the casing 98c under the bias force of the coil spring 98j.
In this state, the first supply/discharge port 98d communicates
with the first discharge port 98f, and the second supply/discharge
port 98e communicates with the supply port 98h. When the first oil
control valve 98 is in this state, hydraulic oil is supplied from
the oil pan 144 into the second pressure chamber 100g through the
supply passage 98a, the first oil control valve 98 and the second
oil passage 100i. At the same time, hydraulic oil is returned from
the first pressure chamber 100f into the oil pan 144 through the
first oil passage 100h, the first oil control valve 98 and the
discharge passage 98b. As a result, the piston 100b is moved toward
the cylinder head 8. With the piston 100b thus moved, the control
shaft 132 is moved in the direction F as one of the directions
indicated by the arrows S.
[0106] For example, an operating state of each intermediate drive
mechanism 120 when the piston 100b is moved closest to the cylinder
head 8 is illustrated in FIG. 21. In this state, the phase
difference between the roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the
noses 124d, 126d of the rocking cams 124, 126 is maximized. It is
to be noted that this state is also established by the urging or
bias force of the coil spring 100e when the engine 2 is not
operated and thus no hydraulic pressure is generated by the oil
pump P.
[0107] When the electromagnetic solenoid 98k is energized, the
spool 98m is moved toward the coil spring 98j in the casing 98c
against the bias force of the coil spring 98j, so that the second
supply/discharge port 98e communicates with the second discharge
port 98g and the first supply/discharge port 98d communicates with
the supply port 98h. In this state, hydraulic oil is supplied from
the oil pan 144 to the first pressure chamber 100f through the
supply passage 98a, the first oil control valve 98 and the first
oil passage 100h. At the same time, hydraulic oil is returned from
the second pressure chamber 100g into the oil pan 144 through the
second oil passage 100i, the first oil control valve 98 and the
discharge passage 98b. As a result, the piston 100b is moved away
from the cylinder head 8. In accordance with the movement of the
piston 100b, the control shaft 132 is moved in the direction R as
one of the directions indicated by the arrows S.
[0108] For example, an operating state of each intermediate drive
mechanism 120 when the piston 100b is moved farthest from the
cylinder head 8 is illustrated in FIG. 23. In this state, the phase
difference between the roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the
noses 124d, 126d of the rocking cams 124, 126 is minimized.
[0109] When the spool 98m is positioned at an intermediate position
in the casing 98c by controlling electric current applied to the
electromagnetic solenoid 98k, the first supply/discharge port 98d
and the second supply/discharge port 98e are closed, and hydraulic
oil is inhibited from moving through the supply/discharge ports
98d, 98e. In this state, no hydraulic oil is supplied to or
discharged from either the first pressure chamber 100f or the
second pressure chamber 100g, and hydraulic oil is held within the
first pressure chamber 100f and the second pressure chamber 100g.
Therefore, the piston 100b and the control shaft 132 are fixed in
position in the axial direction thereof. This state in which the
piston 100b and the control shaft 132 are fixed in position is
illustrated in FIG. 22. By fixing the piston 100b and the control
shaft 132 to an intermediate state between the states indicated in
FIG. 21 and FIG. 23, for example, the phase difference between the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the noses 124d, 126d of
the rocking cams 124, 126 can be fixed to an intermediate
state.
[0110] Furthermore, by controlling the duty cycle with which the
electromagnetic solenoid 98k is energized, the degree of opening of
the first supply/discharge port 98d and the degree of opening of
the second supply/discharge port 98e may be adjusted so as to
control the rate of supply of hydraulic oil from the supply port
98h to the first pressure chamber 100f or to the second pressure
chamber 100g.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 2, the roller 122f provided in the input
portion 122 of each intermediate drive mechanism 120 is held in
contact with the corresponding intake cam 45a. Therefore, the input
portion 122 of each intermediate drive mechanism 120 rocks about
the axis of the support pipe 130 in accordance with the profile of
the cam face of the intake cam 45a. Compressed springs 122g are
provided between the cylinder head 8 and the arms 122c, 122d
supporting the roller 122f such that the roller 122f is urged by
the compressed springs 122g toward the corresponding intake cam
45a. Therefore, each roller 122f is always held in contact with the
corresponding intake cam 45a.
[0112] A base circular portion of each of the rocking cams 124, 126
(i.e., a portion that excludes the nose 124d or 126d) is in contact
with a roller 13a that is provided at a center of a corresponding
one of two rocker arms 13. Each rocker arm 13 is rockably supported
by an adjuster 13b at a proximal end portion 13c thereof located
close to the center of the cylinder head 8, while a distal end
portion 13d of the rocker arm 13 located outwardly of the cylinder
head 8 is in contact with a stem end 12c of a corresponding intake
valve 12a or 12b.
[0113] As described above, the phase difference between the roller
122f of the input portion 122 and the noses 124d, 126d of the
rocking cams 124, 126 can be adjusted via the control shaft 132 and
slider gear 128, by adjusting the position of the piston 100b of
the lift-varying actuator 100. With the position of the piston 100b
of the lift-varying actuator 100 thus adjusted, the amount of lift
of the intake valves 12a, 12b can be continuously varied in the
manner as described below and as shown in FIGS. 24A to 27B.
[0114] FIGS. 24A and 24B are vertical cross-sectional views
corresponding to that of FIG. 21. FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate
operating states of an intermediate drive mechanism 120 after the
piston 100b of the lift-varying actuator 100 is moved to the most
advanced position (closest to the cylinder block 8) in the
direction F as viewed in FIG. 22. While FIGS. 24A to 27B illustrate
only a mechanism in which the second rocking cam 126 drives the
first intake valve 12a, a mechanism in which the first rocking cam
124 drives the second intake valve 12b is substantially the same as
the mechanism shown in the drawings. In the following description,
therefore, reference numerals denoting the first rocking cam 124
and the second intake valve 12b as well as those denoting the
second rocking cam 126 and the first intake valve 12a will be
provided.
[0115] In FIG. 24A, a base circular portion of the intake cam 45a
(which excludes a nose 45b) is in contact with the roller 122f of
the input portion 122 of the intermediate drive mechanism 120. In
this condition, the nose 124d, 126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 is
not in contact with the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13, but a base
circular portion of the rocking cam 124, 126 adjacent to the nose
124d, 126d is in contact with the roller 13a. As a result, the
intake valve 12a, 12b is in a closed state or position.
[0116] When the nose 45b of the intake cam 45a pushes down the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 as the intake camshaft 45
turns, the rocking motion is transmitted from the input portion 122
to the rocking cam 124, 126 via the slider gear 128 in the
intermediate drive mechanism 120, so that the rocking cam 124, 126
rocks or swivels in such a direction that the nose 124d, 126d moves
downward. As a result, the curved cam face 124e, 126e formed on the
nose 124d, 126d immediately contacts the roller 13a of the rocker
arm 13, and pushes down the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 with
the entire area of the cam face 124e, 126e being in contact with
the roller 13a, as shown in FIG. 24B. As a result, the rocker arm
13 pivots about the proximal end portion 13c so that the distal end
portion 13d of the rocker arm 13 pushes down the stem end 12c to a
great extent. In this manner, the intake valve 12a, 12b is lifted
the greatest distance away from the valve seat to thus open the
intake port 14a, 14b. Thus, the maximum amount of lift is
provided.
[0117] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate operating states of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 after the piston 100b of the
lift-varying actuator 100 is slightly moved in the direction R from
the most advanced position as established in FIGS. 24A and 24B. In
FIG. 25A, the base circular portion of the intake cam 45a is in
contact with the roller 122f of the input portion 122 of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120. In this condition, the nose 124d,
126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 is not in contact with the roller
13a of the rocker arm 13, but a base circular portion of the
rocking cam 124, 126 is in contact with the roller 13a. Therefore,
the intake valve 12a, 12b is in the closed state or position. The
base circular portion of the rocking cam 124, 126 contacting the
roller 13a in FIG. 25A is slightly remote from the nose 124d, 126d
as compared with the case of FIG. 24A. This is because the slider
gear 128 has been slightly moved in the direction R within the
intermediate drive mechanism 120, so that the phase difference
between the roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the nose 124d,
126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 has been reduced.
[0118] When the nose 45b of the intake cam 45a pushes down the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 as the intake camshaft 45
turns, the rocking motion is transmitted from the input portion 122
to the rocking cam 124, 126 via the slider gear 128 in the
intermediate drive mechanism 120, so that the rocking cam 124, 126
rocks in such a direction that the nose 124d, 126d moves
downward.
[0119] In the state of FIG. 25A, the roller 13a of the rocker arm
13 is in contact with the base circular portion of the rocking cam
124, 126 that is located slightly remote from the nose 124d, 126d,
as described above. Therefore, after the rocking cam 124, 126
starts rocking, the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 is not
immediately brought into contact with the curved cam face 124e,
126e formed on the nose 124d, 126d, but remains in contact with the
base circular portion for a while. After a while, the curved cam
face 124e, 126e comes into contact with the roller 13a, and pushes
down the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 as shown in FIG. 25B. As a
result, the rocker arm 13 pivots about its proximal end portion
13c. Since the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 is initially located
slightly remote from the nose 124d, 126d, the area of the cam face
124e, 126e that contacts with the roller 13a is correspondingly
reduced, and the pivot angle of the rocker arm 13 is also reduced.
As a result, the amount by which the distal end portion 13d of the
rocker arm 13 pushes down the stem end 12c of the intake valve 12a,
12b is reduced, which means that the amount of lift of the intake
valve 12a, 12b is reduced. Thus, the intake valve 12a, 12b opens
the intake port 14a, 14b while providing an amount of lift that is
smaller than the above-indicated maximum amount.
[0120] FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate operating states of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 after the piston 100b of the
lift-varying actuator 100 is further moved in the direction R from
the position established in FIGS. 25A and 25B.
[0121] In FIG. 26A, the base circular portion of the intake cam 45a
is in contact with the roller 122f of the input portion 122 of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120. At this moment, the nose 124d,
126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 is not in contact with the roller
13a of the rocker arm 13, but a base circular portion of the
rocking cam 124, 126 is in contact with the roller 13a. Therefore,
the intake valve 12a, 12b is in the closed state. The base circular
portion of the rocking cam 124, 126 that is in contact with the
roller 13a in FIG. 26A is located further remote from the nose
124d, 126d as compared with the case of FIG. 25A. This is because
the slider gear 128 has been moved in the direction R within the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 as mentioned above, so that the
phase difference between the roller 122f of the input portion 122
and the nose 124d, 126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 has been
further reduced.
[0122] When the nose 45b of the intake cam 45a pushes down the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 as the intake camshaft 45
turns, the rocking motion is transmitted from the input portion 122
to the rocking cam 124, 126 via the slider gear 128 in the
intermediate drive mechanism 120, so that the rocking cam 124, 126
rocks in such a direction that the nose 124d, 126d moves
downward.
[0123] In the state of FIG. 26A, the roller 13a of the rocker arm
13 is in contact with the base circular portion of the rocking cam
124, 126 that is located considerably remote from the nose 124d,
126d, as described above. Therefore, after the rocking cam 124, 126
starts rocking, the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 is not
immediately brought into contact with the curved cam face 124e,
126e formed on the nose 124d, 126d, but remains in contact with the
base circular portion for a while. After a while, the curved cam
face 124e, 126e comes into contact with the roller 13a, and pushes
down the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 as shown in FIG. 26B.
Thus, the rocker arm 13 pivots about its proximal end portion 13c.
Since the roller 13a of the rocker arm 13 is initially located
significantly remote from the nose 124d, 126d, the area of the cam
face 124e, 126e that contacts with the roller 13a is further
reduced, and the pivot angle of the rocker arm 13 is also further
reduced. Consequently, the amount by which the distal end portion
13d of the rocker arm 13 pushes down the stem end 12c of the intake
valve 12a, 12b is considerably reduced, which means that the amount
of lift of the intake valve 12a, 12b is considerably reduced. Thus,
the intake valve 12a, 12b slightly opens the intake port 14a, 14b
while providing an amount of lift that is far smaller than the
above-indicated maximum amount.
[0124] FIGS. 27A and 27B are vertical cross-sectional views
corresponding to that of FIG. 23. FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate
operating states of the intermediate drive mechanism 120 after the
piston 100b of the lift-varying actuator 100 is moved in the
direction R to the most retracted position (that is farthest from
the cylinder block 8 in FIG. 22).
[0125] In FIG. 27A, the base circular portion of the intake cam 45a
is in contact with the roller 122f of the input portion 122 of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120. At this moment, the nose 124d,
126d of the rocking cam 124, 126 is not in contact with the roller
13a of the rocker arm 13, but a base circular portion of the
rocking cam 124, 126 is in contact with the roller 13a. Therefore,
the intake valve 12a, 12b is in the closed state. The base circular
portion of the rocking cam 124, 126 that is in contact with the
roller 13a in FIG. 27A is greatly remote from the nose 124d, 126d.
This is because the slider gear 128 has been moved to the maximum
extent in the direction R within the intermediate drive mechanism
120 as mentioned above, so that the phase difference between the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the nose 124d, 126d of the
rocking cam 124, 126 is minimized.
[0126] When the nose 45b of the intake cam 45a pushes down the
roller 122f of the input portion 122 as the intake camshaft 45
turns, the rocking motion is transmitted from the input portion 122
to the rocking cam 124, 126 via the slider gear 128 in the
intermediate drive mechanism 120, so that the rocking cam 124, 126
rocks in such a direction that the nose 124d, 126d moves
downward.
[0127] In the state of FIG. 27A, the roller 13a of the rocker arm
13 is in contact with the base circular portion of the rocking cam
124, 126 that is greatly remote from the nose 124d, 126d, as
described above. Therefore, during the entire period of the rocking
action of the rocking cam 124, 126, the roller 13a of the rocker
arm 13 remains in contact with the base circular portion of the
rocking cam 124, 126 without contacting with the curved cam face
124e, 126e formed on the nose 124d, 126d. That is, even when the
nose 45b of the intake cam 45a pushes down the roller 122f of the
input portion 122 to the maximum extent, the curved cam face 124e,
126e is not used for pushing down the roller 13a of the rocker arm
13.
[0128] Therefore, the rocker arm 13 does not pivot about its
proximal end portion 13c, and the amount by which the distal end
portion 13d of the rocker arm 13 pushes down the stem end 12c of
the intake valve 12a, 12b becomes equal to zero, which means that
the amount of lift of the intake valve 12a, 12b becomes zero. Thus,
the intake port 14a, 14b is kept closed by the intake valve 12a,
12b.
[0129] By adjusting the position of the piston 100b of the
lift-varying actuator 100 as described above, the amount of lift of
the intake valves 12a, 12b can be continuously adjusted so as to
vary in accordance with a selected one of lift patterns as
indicated in FIG. 28. That is, the lift-varying actuator 100, the
control shaft 132, the slider gear 128, the helical splines 122b of
the input portion 122, and the helical splines 124b, 126b of the
rocking cams 124, 126 constitute an intermediate
phase-difference-varying device adapted for varying the phase
difference between the roller 122f of the input portion 122 and the
nose 124d, 126d of the rocking cam 124, 126.
[0130] The rotational-phase-difference-varying actuator 104 will be
now described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. The
phase-difference-varying actuator 104 is disposed such that that
toque can be transmitted from the crankshaft 142 to the intake
camshaft 45 via the actuator 104. The phase-difference-varying
actuator 104 is capable of varying the rotational phase difference
between the intake camshaft 45 and the crankshaft 142.
[0131] FIG. 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view, and FIG. 30 is a
cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 29. Furthermore,
the cross-sectional view of FIG. 29 illustrating an internal rotor
234 and its associated components is taken along line B-B in FIG.
30.
[0132] The vertical wall portions 136, 138, 139 of the cylinder
head 8 as shown in FIG. 4 serve as journal bearings for the intake
camshaft 45. Thus, the vertical wall portion 139 of the cylinder
head 8 and a bearing cap 230 rotatably support a journal 45c of the
intake camshaft 45, as shown in FIG. 29. The internal rotor 234
that is secured to a distal end face of the intake camshaft 45 by a
bolt 232 is prevented from rotating relative to the intake camshaft
45 by a knock pin (not shown), so that the internal rotor 234
rotates together with the intake camshaft 45. The internal rotor
234 has a plurality of vanes 236 formed on its outer
circumferential surface.
[0133] A timing sprocket 224a is provided on a distal end portion
of the intake camshaft 45 such that the timing sprocket 224a is
rotatable relative to the intake camshaft 45. The timing sprocket
224a has a plurality of outer teeth 224b formed on its outer
periphery. A side plate 238, a main body 240 and a cover 242, all
of which form parts of a housing, are mounted in this order on a
distal end face of the timing sprocket 224a, and are fixed to the
timing sprocket 224a by bolts 244 such that the side plate 238, the
main body 240 and the cover 242 rotate together with the timing
sprocket 224a.
[0134] The cover 242 is provided for covering distal end faces of
the housing body 240 and the internal rotor 234. The main body 240
is arranged to receive the internal rotor 234, and has a plurality
of projections 246 formed on its inner circumferential surface.
[0135] One of the vanes 236 of the internal rotor 234 has a
through-hole 248 that extends in the direction of the axis of the
intake camshaft 45. A lock pin 250 that is movably disposed within
the through-hole 248 has a receiving hole 250a formed therein. A
spring 254 is provided in the receiving hole 250a for urging the
lock pin 250 toward the side plate 238. When the lock pin 250 faces
a stopper hole 252 formed in the side plate 238, the lock pin 250
enters and engages with the stopper hole 252 under the bias force
of the spring 254 so as to fix or lock the position of the internal
rotor 234 relative to the side plate 238 in the circumferential
direction. As a result, rotation of the internal rotor 234 relative
to the main body 240 of the housing is restricted or inhibited, and
therefore the intake camshaft 45 fixed to the internal rotor 234
and the timing sprocket 224a fixed to the housing are adapted to
rotate together as a unit while maintaining the relative positional
relationship therebetween.
[0136] The internal rotor 234 has an oil groove 256 formed in a
distal end face thereof. The oil groove 256 communicates an
elongate hole 258 formed in the cover 242 with the through-hole
248. The oil groove 256 and the elongate hole 258 function to
discharge the air or oil present at around the distal end portion
of the lock pin 250 in the through-hole 248 to the outside of the
actuator 104.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 30, the internal rotor 234 has a
cylindrical boss 260 located in a central portion of the rotor 234,
and vanes 236, for example, four vanes 236 that are formed at equal
intervals of 90.degree. to extend radially outwards from the boss
260.
[0138] The main body 240 of the housing four projections 246 formed
on its inner circumferential surface at substantially equal
intervals, like the vanes 236. The vanes 236 are respectively
inserted in four recesses 262 formed between the projections 246.
An outer circumferential surface of each vane 236 is in contact
with an inner circumferential surface of a corresponding one of the
recesses 262. Also, a distal end face of each projection 246 is in
contact with an outer circumferential surface of the boss 260. With
this arrangement, each recess 262 is divided by the corresponding
vane 236 so that a first oil pressure chamber 264 and a second oil
pressure chamber 266 are formed on the opposite sides of each vane
236 in the rotating direction. Each of these vanes 236 is movable
between two adjacent projections 246. Thus, the internal rotor 234
is allowed to rotate relative to the housing 240 within a range or
region that is defined by two limit positions at which each vane
236 abuts on the corresponding opposite projections 24.
[0139] When the valve timing is to be advanced, hydraulic oil is
supplied to each of the first oil pressure chambers 264 that is
located on one side of each vane 236 that is behind the vane 236 as
viewed in the rotating direction of the timing sprocket 224a (as
indicated by an arrow in FIG. 30). When the valve timing is to be
retarded, on the other hand, hydraulic oils is supplied to each of
the second oil pressure chambers 266 that is located on the other
side of each vane 236 that is ahead of the vane 236 as viewed in
the rotating direction. The above-indicated rotating direction of
the timing sprocket 224a will be hereinafter referred to as "timing
advancing direction", and the direction opposite to this rotating
direction will be referred to as "timing retarding direction".
[0140] A groove 268 is formed in a distal end portion of each of
the vanes 236, and a groove 270 is formed in a distal end portion
of each of the projections 246. A seal plate 272 and a sheet spring
274 for urging the seal plate 272 are disposed within the groove
268 of each vane 236. Likewise, a seal plate 276 and a sheet spring
278 for urging the seal plate 276 are disposed within the groove
270 of each projection 246.
[0141] The lock pin 250 functions to inhibit relative rotation
between the internal rotor 234 and the housing 240, for example,
when the engine is started, or when the ECU 60 has not initiated
hydraulic pressure control. That is, when the hydraulic pressure in
the first oil pressure chambers 264 is zero or has not been
sufficiently elevated, a cranking operation for starting the engine
causes the lock pin 250 to reach a position at which the lock pin
250 can enter the stopper hole 252, so that the lock pin 250 enters
and engages with the stopper hole 252 as shown in FIG. 29. When the
lock pin 250 is in engagement with the stopper hole 252, the
rotation of the internal rotor 234 relative to the housing 240 is
prohibited, and the internal rotor 234 and the housing 240 can
rotate together as a unit.
[0142] The lock pin 250 engaging with the stopper hole 252 is
released when the hydraulic pressure supplied to the actuator 104
is sufficiently raised so that hydraulic pressure is supplied from
the second oil pressure chamber 266 to an annular oil space 282 via
an oil passage 280. That is, when the hydraulic pressure supplied
to the annular oil space 282 is elevated, the lock pin 250 is
forced out of the stopper hole 252 against the bias force of the
spring 254, and is thus disengaged from the stopper hole 252.
Hydraulic pressure is also supplied from the first oil pressure
chamber 264 to the stopper hole 252 via another oil passage 284, so
as to surely hold the lock pin 250 in the disengaged or released
state. With the lock pin 250 thus disengaged from the stopper hole
252, the housing 240 and the internal rotor 234 are allowed to
rotate relative to each other, so that the rotational phase of the
internal rotor 234 relative to the housing 240 can be adjusted by
controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied to the first oil
pressure chambers 264 and the second oil pressure chambers 266.
[0143] Next, an oil supply/discharge structure for supplying or
discharging hydraulic oil to or from each of the first oil pressure
chambers 264 and second oil pressure chambers 266 will be now
described with reference to FIGS. 29.
[0144] The vertical wall portion 139 of the cylinder head 8 formed
as a journal bearing has a first oil passage 286 and a second oil
passage 288 formed therein. The first oil passage 286 is connected
to an oil channel 294 formed within the intake camshaft 45, via an
oil hole 292 and an oil groove 290 that extends over the entire
circumference of the intake camshaft 45. One end of the oil channel
294 remote from the oil hole 292 is open to an annular space 296.
Four oil holes 298 that generally radially extend through the boss
260 connect the annular space 296 to the corresponding first oil
pressure chambers 264, and permit hydraulic oil in the annular
space 296 to be supplied to the first oil pressure chambers
264.
[0145] The second oil passage 288 communicates with an oil groove
300 that is formed over the entire circumference of the intake
camshaft 45. The oil groove 300 is connected to an annular oil
groove 310 formed in the timing sprocket 224a, via an oil hole 302,
an oil channel 304, an oil hole 306 and an oil groove 308 formed in
the intake camshaft 45 The side plate 238 has four oil holes 312,
each of which is open at a location adjacent to a side face of a
corresponding one of the projections 246 as shown in FIGS. 29 and
30. Each of the oil holes 312 connects the oil groove 310 to a
corresponding one of the second oil pressure chambers 266, and
allows hydraulic oil to be supplied from the oil groove 310 to the
corresponding second oil pressure chamber 266.
[0146] The first oil passage 286, the oil groove 290, the oil hole
292, the oil channel 294, the annular space 296 and each of the oil
holes 298 form an oil passage for supplying oil into a
corresponding one of the first oil pressure chambers 264. The
second oil passage 288, the oil groove 300, the oil hole 302, the
oil channel 304, the oil hole 306, the oil groove 308, the oil
groove 310 and each of the oil holes 312 form an oil passage for
supplying hydraulic oil into a corresponding one of the second oil
pressure chambers 266. The ECU 60 drives the second oil control
valve 102 so as to control hydraulic pressures applied to the first
oil pressure chambers 264 and to the second oil pressure chambers
266 via these oil passages.
[0147] The vane 236 having the through-hole 248 is formed with the
oil passage 284 as shown in FIG. 30. The oil passage 284
communicates the first oil pressure chamber 264 with the stopper
hole 252, and allows hydraulic pressure supplied to the first oil
pressure chamber 264 to be also supplied to the stopper hole 252,
so as to maintain the released state of the lock pin 250 as
described above.
[0148] In the through-hole 248, the annular oil space 282 is formed
between the lock pin 250 and the vane 236. The annular oil space
282 communicates with the second oil pressure chamber 266 via the
oil passage 280 as shown in FIG. 30, and allows hydraulic pressure
supplied to the second oil pressure chamber 266 to be also supplied
to the annular oil space 282, so as to disengage or release the
lock pin 250 from the stopper hole 252 as described above.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 29, the second oil control valve 102 is
substantially the same in basic construction as the first oil
control valve 98 as described above.
[0150] When an electromagnetic solenoid 102k of the second oil
control valve 102 is in a non-energized state, hydraulic oil is
supplied from the oil pan 144 to the second oil pressure chambers
266 via the second oil passage 288, the oil groove 300, the oil
hole 302, the oil channel 304, the oil hole 306, the oil groove
308, the oil groove 310, and the respective oil holes 312.
Furthermore, hydraulic oil is returned from the first oil pressure
chambers 264 to the oil pan 144 via the respective oil holes 298,
the annular space 296, the oil channel 294, the oil hole 292, the
oil passage 290, and the first oil passage 286. As a result, the
internal rotor 234 and the intake camshaft 45 are rotated or turned
relative to the timing sprocket 224a in a direction opposite to the
rotating direction. That is, the intake camshaft 45 is retarded in
timing.
[0151] Conversely, when the electromagnetic solenoid 102k is
energized, hydraulic oil is supplied from the oil pan 144 to the
first oil pressure chambers 264 via the first oil passage 286, the
oil passage 290, the oil hole 292, the oil channel 294, the annular
space 296, and the respective oil holes 298. Furthermore, hydraulic
oil is returned from the second oil pressure chambers 266 to the
oil pan 144 via the respective oil holes 312, the oil groove 310,
the oil groove 308, the oil hole 306, the oil channel 304, the oil
hole 302, the oil groove 300, and the second oil passage 288. As a
result, the internal rotor 234 and the intake camshaft 45 are
rotated relative to the timing sprocket 224a in the same direction
as the rotating direction. That is, the intake camshaft 45 is
advanced in timing. If the intake camshaft 45 is advanced in timing
from the state as shown in FIG. 30, the intake camshaft 45 and the
internal rotor 234 are brought into, for example, a state as shown
in FIG. 31.
[0152] If the electric current applied to the electromagnetic
solenoid 102k is controlled so as to inhibit movement of hydraulic
oil, hydraulic oil is not supplied to nor discharged from the first
oil pressure chambers 264 and the second oil pressure chambers 266,
and hydraulic oil currently present in the first oil pressure
chambers 264 and the second oil pressure chambers 266 is
maintained. As a result, the positions of the internal rotor 234
and the intake camshaft 45 relative to the timing sprocket 224a are
fixed. For example, the operating state as shown in FIG. 30 or 31
is fixed, and the intake camshaft 45 held in this state is rotated
by receiving torque from the crankshaft 142.
[0153] The manner of controlling the valve timing of the intake
valves differs depending upon the type of the engine. For example,
the intake camshaft 45 is retarded in timing to thereby retard the
opening and closing timing of the intake valves 12a, 12b during
low-speed operations and high-load and high-speed operations of the
engine 2. The intake camshaft 45 is advanced in timing to thereby
advance the opening and closing timing of the intake valves 12a,
12b during high-load and middle-speed operations and medium-load
operation of the engine 2. This manner of valve timing control is
intended to achieve stable engine operations by reducing the valve
overlap during the low-speed operations of the engine 2, and to
improve the efficiency with which an air/fuel mixture is sucked
into the combustion chambers 10 by delaying the closing timing of
the intake valves 12a, 12b during the high-load and high-speed
operations of the engine 2. Furthermore, during the high-load and
middle-speed operations or medium-load operations of the engine 2,
the opening timing of the intake valves 12a, 12b is advanced so as
to increase the valve overlap, thereby reducing the pumping loss
and improving the fuel economy.
[0154] Next, valve drive control executed by the ECU 60 for
controlling the intake valves 12a, 12b will be described. FIG. 32
shows a flowchart of a valve drive control routine according to
which the valve drive control is performed. This control routine is
repeatedly executed at certain time intervals.
[0155] The valve drive control routine of FIG. 32 is initiated with
step S110 to read an accelerator operating amount or position ACCP
obtained based on a signal from the accelerator operation amount
sensor 76, an amount of intake air GA obtained based on a signal
from the intake air amount sensor 84, and an engine speed NE
obtained based on a signal from the crank angle sensor 82, and
store them into a work area of the RAM 64. The control flow
proceeds to step S120 to set a target displacement Lt of the
control shaft 132 in the axial direction thereof, based on the
accelerator operating amount ACCP read in step S110. In the first
embodiment, the target displacement Lt is determined by using a
one-dimensional map as indicated in FIG. 33, in which appropriate
values are empirically determined and are stored in advance in the
ROM 66. That is, the target displacement Lt of the surge tank 32 is
set to a smaller value as the accelerator operating amount ACCP
increases. As described above, the amount of lift of the intake
valves 12a, 12b decreases with an increase in the displacement of
the control shaft 132. Thus, the map of FIG. 33 indicates that as
the accelerator operating amount ACCP increases, the amount of lift
of the intake valves 12a, 12b is set to a greater value, resulting
in an increase in the amount of intake air GA.
[0156] Next, the control flow proceeds to step S130 to select an
appropriate map from a plurality of target timing advance value
.theta.t maps stored in the ROM 66, in accordance with the target
displacement Lt of the control shaft 132, as shown in FIG. 34. The
target timing advance value .theta.t maps may be prepared in
advance by empirically determining appropriate target timing
advance values .theta.t in relation to the amount of intake air GA
and the engine speed NE for each range or region of the target
displacement Lt. The resulting maps are stored in the ROM 66.
[0157] These maps for one type of engine are different from those
for another type of engine. In general, however, the valve overlap
may be adjusted differently in respective operating regions of the
engine as shown in FIG. 35 by way of example. Namely, (1) when the
engine operates in an idling region (i.e., during idling of the
engine), the valve overlap is eliminated to thereby prevent exhaust
gases from returning to combustion chambers, so that the engine
operation is stabilized due to stable or reliable combustion
achieved in the combustion chambers. (2) When the engine operates
in a light-load region, the valve overlap is minimized to thereby
prevent exhaust gases from returning to the combustion chambers, so
that the engine operation is stabilized with stable combustion. (3)
When the engine operates in a middle-load region, the valve overlap
is slightly increased so as to increase the internal EGR rate and
reduce the pumping loss. (4) When the engine operates in a
high-load and middle-speed region, the valve overlap is maximized
so as to improve the volumetric efficiency and increase the torque.
(5) When the engine operates in a high-load and high-speed region,
the valve overlap is controlled to be medium to large so as to
improve volumetric efficiency.
[0158] After an appropriate target timing advance value .theta.t
map corresponding to the target displacement Lt set in step S120 is
selected, the control flow proceeds to step S140 to set a target
timing advance value .theta.t of the
rotational-phase-difference-varying actuator 104 based on the
amount of intake air GA and the engine speed NE, and based on the
selected two-dimensional map. Thus, the valve drive control routine
is once finished with execution of step S140. Thereafter, the steps
S110 to S140 are repeatedly executed in subsequent control cycles,
so that the appropriate target displacement Lt and target timing
advance value .theta.t are repeatedly updated and established.
[0159] Using the target displacement Lt determined in the above
control, the ECU 60 executes a valve lift varying control routine
as illustrated in FIG. 36. This control routine is repeatedly
executed at certain time intervals.
[0160] The routine of FIG. 36 is initiated with step S210 to read
an actual displacement Ls of the control shaft 132 as represented
by a signal from the shaft position sensor 90, and store it in a
work area of the RAM 64.
[0161] Next, the control flow proceeds to step S220 to calculate a
deviation .DELTA.L of the actual displacement Ls from the target
displacement Lt according to an expression (1) as follows:
.DELTA.L.rarw.Lt-Ls (1)
[0162] The control flow then proceeds to step S230 to perform PID
control calculation based on the deviation .DELTA.L determined as
described above, to calculate a duty Lduty of a signal applied to
the electromagnetic solenoid 98k of the first oil control valve 98
so that the actual displacement Ls approaches the target
displacement Lt. The control flow proceeds to step S240 to output
the duty Lduty to the drive circuit 96, so that a signal having the
duty Lduty is applied to the electromagnetic solenoid 98k of the
first oil control valve 98. The control routine is once finished
with execution of step S240. Then, the above-described steps S210
to S240 are again repeatedly executed in subsequent cycles. In this
manner, hydraulic oil is supplied to the lift-varying actuator 100
via the first oil control valve 98 so that the target displacement
Lt is achieved.
[0163] Furthermore, using the target timing advance value .theta.t,
the ECU 60 controls a rotational phase difference between the
crankshaft 142 and the intake camshaft 45, in accordance with a
control routine as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 37. This
control routine is repeatedly executed at certain time
intervals.
[0164] The control routine is initiated with step S310 to read an
actual timing advance value .theta.s of the intake camshaft 45 that
is determined from the relationship between a signal from the cam
angle sensor 92 and a signal from the crank angle sensor 82, and
store it in a work area of the RAM 64.
[0165] Next, step S320 is executed to calculate a deviation
.DELTA..theta. between the target timing advance value .theta.t and
the actual timing advance value .theta.s according to an expression
(2) as follows:
.DELTA..theta..rarw..theta.t-.theta.s (2)
[0166] Then, the control flow proceeds to step S330 to perform PID
control calculation based on the deviation .DELTA..theta. obtained
in step S320, to thus calculate a duty .theta.duty of a signal
applied to the electromagnetic solenoid 102k of the second oil
control valve 102 such that the actual timing advance value
.theta.s approaches the target timing advance value .theta.t. Step
S340 is then executed to output the duty .theta.duty to the drive
circuit 96, so that a signal having the duty .theta.duty is applied
to the electromagnetic solenoid 102k of the second oil control
valve 102. The control routine is once finished with execution of
step S340. Then, the above-indicated steps S310 to S340 are again
repeatedly executed in subsequent cycles. In this manner, hydraulic
oil is supplied to the phase-difference-varying actuator 104 via
the second oil control valve 102 so as to achieve the target timing
advance value .theta.t.
[0167] The first embodiment of the invention as described above
yields advantages or effects as follows.
[0168] (1) Each intermediate drive mechanism 120 has the input
portion 122 and the rocking cams 124, 126 as output portions. When
the input portion 122 is driven by the intake cam 45a, the rocking
cams 124, 126 drive the intake valves 12a, 12b via the rocker arms
13.
[0169] The intermediate drive mechanism 120 is rockably supported
by the support pipe 130, which is a different shaft from the intake
camshaft 45 provided with the intake cams 45a. Therefore, with the
intake cam 45a contacting with and driving the input portion 122,
the amount of lift and the operating angle of the intake valves
12a, 12b can be made in accordance with the operating state of the
intake cam 45a, via the rocking cams 124, 126 and the rocker arms
13, without requiring a long and complicated link mechanism for
connecting the intake cam 45a to the intermediate drive mechanism
120.
[0170] The relative phase difference between the input portion 122
and the rocking cams 124, 126 of each intermediate drive mechanism
120 can be varied by the lift-varying actuator 100, the control
shaft 132, the slider gear 128, the helical splines 122b of the
input portion 122, and the helical splines 124b, 126b of the
rocking cams 124, 126. More specifically, the relative phase
difference between the noses 124d, 126d formed on the rocking cams
124, 126 and the roller 122f of the input portion 122 is made
variable. Therefore, the start of lifting of the intake valves 12a,
12b that occurs in accordance with the operating state of the
intake cam 45a can be advanced or retarded in timing. Hence, the
amount of lift and the operating angle of the intake valves 12a,
12b that accords with the operation or driving of the intake cam
45a can be suitably adjusted.
[0171] Thus, the amount of lift and the operating angle of the
valves can be varied by a relatively simple arrangement adapted to
change the relative phase difference of the rocking cams 124, 126
with respect to the input portion 122, without employing a long and
complicated link mechanism. It is thus possible to provide a
variable valve drive mechanism that operates with improved
reliability.
[0172] (2) The rocking cams 124, 126 of each intermediate drive
mechanism 120 drive the valves via the rollers 13a of the rocker
arms 13. With this arrangement, the friction resistance that arises
when the intake cam 45a drives the intake valves 12a, 12b via the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 is reduced, and therefore the fuel
economy can be improved.
[0173] (3) The input portion 122 of each intermediate drive
mechanism 120 is provided with a roller 122f disposed between the
distal end portions of the arms 122c, 122d. Since the roller 122f
contacts with the intake cam 45a, the friction resistance that
arises when the intake cam 45a drives the intake valves 12a, 12b
via the intermediate drive mechanism 120 is further reduced, and
the fuel economy can be further improved.
[0174] (4) The intermediate drive mechanism 120 is provided with
the slider gear 128, which is moved in the axial direction by the
lift-varying actuator 100. With this arrangement, the input portion
122 is rocked by a spline mechanism formed by the input helical
splines 128a of the slider gear 128 and the helical splines 122b of
the input portion 122. Furthermore, the rocking cams 124, 126 are
rocked by a spline mechanism formed by the output helical splines
128c, 128e of the slider gear 128 and the helical splines 124b,
126b of the rocking cams 124, 126. Thus, relative rocking motion
between the input portion 122 and the rocking cams 124, 126 is
realized.
[0175] Since the relative phase difference between the input
portion 122 and the rocking cams 124, 126 can be varied or changed
by means of the spline mechanisms, the amount of lift and the
operating angle of the valves can be varied without requiring a
complicated arrangement. Accordingly, the variable valve drive
mechanism ensures sufficiently high operating reliability.
[0176] (5) Each intermediate drive mechanism 120 has a single input
portion 122 and a plurality of rocking cams (two cams 124, 126) in
this embodiment). The rocking cams 124, 126 drive the same number
of intake valves 12a, 12b provided for the same cylinder 2a. Thus,
only one intake cam 45a is required for driving a plurality of
intake valves 12a, 12b provided for each cylinder 2a, which leads
to a simplified structure of the intake camshaft 45.
[0177] (6) The lift-varying actuator 100 is able to continuously
vary the relative phase difference between the input portion 122
and the rocking cams 124, 126 of the intermediate drive mechanism
120. Since the relative phase difference can be continuously or
steplessly changed, the amount of lift and operating angle of the
intake valves 12a, 12b can be set to any desired values that are
more precisely suited for the operating state of the engine 2.
Thus, the intake air amount can be controlled with improved
accuracy.
[0178] (7) The intake camshaft 45 is provided with the
phase-difference-varying actuator 104 capable of continuously
varying the phase difference of the intake camshaft 45 relative to
the crankshaft 15. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance and
retard the valve timing of the intake valves 12a, 12b with high
accuracy in accordance with the operating state of the engine 2, as
well as varying the amount of lift and the operating angle as
described above. Accordingly, the engine drive control is performed
with further enhanced accuracy.
[0179] (8) By executing step S120 in the valve drive control
routine of FIG. 32 and executing the control routine of FIG. 36 for
varying the lift amount, the amount of lift of the intake valves
12a, 12b is changed in accordance with the operation of the
accelerator pedal 74 by the driver, so as to control the amount of
intake air. Thus, the amount of intake air can be adjusted without
using a throttle valve, and therefore the engine 2 is simplified in
construction and is reduced in weight.
[0180] In the first embodiment, the exhaust valves 16a, 16b are
driven by the exhaust cams 46a simply via the rocker arms 14 as
shown in FIG. 2, so that neither the amount of lift nor the
operating angle of the valves 16a, 16b is adjusted. However, the
amount of lift and the operating angle of the exhaust valves 16a,
16b may also be adjusted so as to perform various control
operations, such as exhaust flow control, and control of returning
exhaust for internal EGR. That is, an intermediate drive mechanism
520 may be provided between each exhaust cam 46a and corresponding
rocker arms 14 as shown in FIG. 38, and the amount of lift and the
operating angle of the exhaust valves 16a, 16b may be adjusted in
accordance with the operating state of the engine 2 by using a
newly provided lift-varying actuator (not shown). Furthermore, a
rotational-phase-difference-varying actuator may also be provided
for the exhaust camshaft 46 so as to adjust the valve timing of the
exhaust valves 16a, 16b.
[0181] In the first embodiment, the control shaft 132 is received
within the support pipe 130, and the entire structure of the
intermediate drive mechanism 120 is supported by the support pipe
130. However, it is also possible to provide only a control shaft
532 without providing a support pipe such that the control shaft
532 serves also as a support pipe, as shown in FIG. 39A. Here, the
control shaft 532 functions to displace or move a slider gear 528
in the axial direction and also functions to support the entire
structure of the intermediate drive mechanism 520, as shown in FIG.
39B. In this case, the control shaft 532 is supported via journal
bearings on a cylinder head so as to be slidable in the axial
direction.
[0182] In the first embodiment, the input portion 122 and the
rocking cams 124, 126 of the intermediate drive mechanism 120 are
disposed side by side with their corresponding end faces being in
contact with each other. Instead, the intermediate drive mechanism
may be constructed as shown in FIG. 40, in order to more reliably
prevent the entry of foreign matters into the intermediate drive
mechanism. More specifically, recessed engaging portions 522m are
formed in opposite end portions of an input portion 522, and
protruding engaging portions 524m, 526m are formed in opening end
portions of rocking cams 524, 526, respectively. The protruding
engaging portions 524m, 526m are respectively fitted into the
recessed engaging portions 522m. These engaging portions are
slidable relatively to each other, so that the input portion 522
and the rocking cams 524, 526 are allowed to rock or turn relative
to each other. The recessed and protruding engaging portions may be
reversed.
[0183] In the first embodiment, the first rocking cam 124 and the
second rocking cam 126 are coupled to the slider gear 128 via the
helical splines having equal helical angles, so that the amount of
lift and the operating angle of the two intake valves 12a, 12b of
each cylinder 2a are changed or varied by the same degrees.
Alternatively, the helical splines of the first rocking cam 124 and
the helical splines of the second rocking cam 126 may have
different angles, and the first output helical splines 128c and
second output helical splines 128e of the slider gear 128 may be
formed in accordance with those splines of the first and second
rocking cams 124, 126, respectively, so that the two intake valves
of the same cylinder operate with different amounts of lift and
different operating angles. With this arrangement, different
amounts of intake air can be introduced in different timings from
the two intake valves into the corresponding combustion chamber, so
that turn flow, such as swirl, can be formed in the combustion
chamber. In this way, the combustion characteristic can be improved
so as to enhance the engine performance.
[0184] In the above arrangement, differences in the angles of the
helical splines of the first and second rocking cams give rise to
differences in the amount of lift and the operating angle between
the two intake valves of the same cylinder. However, differences in
the amount of lift and the operating angle between the valves may
also be realized by providing differences in the phase between the
noses 124d, 126d of the rocking cams 124, 126 or by providing
differences in the shape of the cam faces 124e, 126e of the noses
124d, 126d.
[0185] Also, in the intermediate drive mechanism 120 of the first
embodiment, a relative phase difference between the input portion
122 and at least one of the noses 124d, 126d of the rocking cams
124, 126 may be maintained at a constant value. In this case, a
relative phase difference between the input portion 122 and the
remaining output portion, if any, may be made variable.
[0186] In the first embodiment, the amount of lift of the intake
valves is controlled in order to adjust the amount of intake air in
the engine having no throttle valve. However, the invention is also
applicable to an engine equipped with a throttle valve. For
example, the intermediate drive mechanism may be used for
adjusting, for example, the valve timing, since the operating angle
is changed by adjusting the intermediate drive mechanism, and the
valve timing is adjusted by changing the operating angle.
[0187] In the first embodiment, rocker arms 13 are interposed
between each intermediate drive mechanism 120 and the corresponding
intake valves 12a, 12b. However, an arrangement as shown in FIGS.
41A to 44B may be employed in which a rocking cam 626 of an
intermediate drive mechanism 620 contacts with and drives a valve
lifter 613 that opens or closes an intake valve 612. FIGS. 41A,
42A, 43A and 44A show the operating states of the valve drive
mechanism when the intake valve 612 is closed. FIGS. 41B, 42B, 43B
and 44B show the operating states of the valve drive mechanism when
the intake valve 612 is opened. Unlike the first embodiment, a nose
626d of the rocking cam 626 is curved in a convex shape, and a
curved surface 626e of the nose 626d slidably contacts with a top
face 613a of the valve lifter 613. A slider gear and a spline
mechanism within the intermediate drive mechanism 620 are
substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. With this
arrangement, the relative phase difference between an input portion
622 and the rocking cam 626 can be changed by moving the slider
gear in the axial direction. The relative phase difference between
the input portion 622 and the rocking cam 626 as shown in FIGS. 41A
and 41B provides the maximum amount of lift and the greatest
operating angle. As the relative phase difference decreases from
the state of FIGS. 41A and 41B to the states of FIGS. 42A and 42B,
FIGS. 43A and 43B and FIGS. 44A and 44B in this order, the amount
of lift and the operating angle are reduced with the decrease in
the relative phase difference. In the state of FIGS. 44A and 44B,
the amount of lift and the operating angle become zero, and the
intake valve 612 is kept closed even if an intake cam 645a provided
on an intake shaft 645 rotates. This arrangement provides
substantially the same advantages (1), and (3) to (8) as stated
above in conjunction with the first embodiment.
[0188] Furthermore, an arrangement as shown in FIGS. 45A to 48B may
be employed in which a rocking cam 726 of an intermediate drive
mechanism 720 contacts at a roller 726e with a valve lifter 713 for
opening and closing an intake valve 712. FIGS. 45A, 46A, 47A and
48A show the operating states of the valve drive mechanism when the
intake valve 712 is closed. FIGS. 45B, 46B, 47B and 48B show the
operating states of the valve drive mechanism when the intake valve
712 is opened. Unlike the first embodiment, a nose 726d of the
rocking cam 726 is provided at its distal end with the roller 726e,
and the rocking cam 726 abuts at the roller 726e upon a top face
713a of the valve lifter 713. A slider gear and a spline mechanism
within the intermediate drive mechanism 720 are substantially the
same as those of the first embodiment. With this arrangement, the
relative phase difference between an input portion 722 and the
rocking cam 726 can be changed by moving the slider gear in the
axial direction. The relative phase difference between the input
portion 722 and the rocking cam 726 as shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B
provides the maximum amount of lift and the greatest operating
angle. As the relative phase difference decreases from the state of
FIGS. 45A and 45B to the states of FIGS. 46A and 46B, FIGS. 47A and
47B and FIGS. 48A and 48B in this order, the amount of lift and the
operating angle are reduced with the decrease in the relative phase
difference. In the state of FIGS. 48A and 48B, the amount of lift
and the operating angle become zero, and the intake valve 712 is
kept closed even if an intake cam 745a provided on an intake shaft
745 rotates. This arrangement provides substantially the same
advantages (1), and (3) to (8) as stated above in conjunction with
the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the rocking cam 726 drives
the intake valve 712 via the roller 726e provided on the distal end
of the nose 726d, the friction resistance that arises when the
intake cam 745a drives the intake valve 712 via the intermediate
drive mechanism 720 is further reduced, and therefore the fuel
economy can be improved.
[0189] Furthermore, an arrangement as shown in FIGS. 49A to 52B may
be employed in which a rocking cam 826 of an intermediate drive
mechanism 820 drives an intake valve 812 by contacting with a
roller 813a provided on a valve lifter 813 for opening and closing
the intake valve 812. FIGS. 49A, 50A, 51A and 52A show the
operating states of the valve drive mechanism when the intake valve
812 is closed. FIGS. 49B, 50B, 51B and 52B show the operating
states of the valve drive mechanism when the intake valve 812 is
opened. The valve lifter 813 is provided at the top part thereof
with the roller 813a. Unlike the first embodiment, a nose 826d of
the rocking cam 826 is curved in a concave shape at its proximal
portion and in a convex shape at its distal portion, and the curved
surface 826e of the nose 826 abuts on the roller 813a of the valve
lifter 813. A slider gear and a spline mechanism within the
intermediate drive mechanism 820 are substantially the same as
those of the first embodiment. With this arrangement, the relative
phase difference between an input portion 822 and the rocking cam
826 can be changed by moving the slider gear in the axial
direction. The relative phase difference between the input portion
822 and the rocking cam 826 as shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B provides
the maximum amount of lift and the greatest operating angle. As the
relative phase difference decreases from the state of FIGS. 49A and
49B to the states of FIGS. 50A and 50B, FIGS. 51A and 51B and FIGS.
52A and 52B in this order, the amount of lift and the operating
angle are reduced with the decrease in the relative phase
difference. In the state of FIGS. 52A and 52B, the amount of lift
and the operating angle become zero, and the intake valve 712 is
kept closed even if an intake cam 845a provided on an intake shaft
845 rotates. This arrangement provides substantially the same
advantages (1), and (3) to (8) as stated above in conjunction with
the first embodiment.
[0190] While the hydraulically operated lift-varying actuator 100
is employed to move the control shaft in the axial directions in
the first embodiment, an electrically driven actuator, such as a
stepping motor or the like, may be employed instead.
[0191] In the first embodiment, the relative phase difference
between the input portion and the rocking cams is changed by moving
the control shaft in the axial direction. Alternatively, a
hydraulically operated actuator may be provided in an intermediate
drive mechanism, so that the relative phase difference between the
input portion and the rocking cams is changed by supplying
regulated hydraulic pressure to the intermediate drive mechanism.
It is also possible to provide an electrically operated actuator in
an intermediate drive mechanism so that the relative phase
difference between the input portion and the rocking cams is
changed by controlling an electric signal applied to the
actuator.
[0192] While each intermediate drive mechanism is provided with one
input portion and two rocking cams in the illustrated embodiment,
the number of cams may also be one or more than two.
[0193] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments or
constructions. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements. In addition,
while the various elements of the preferred embodiments are shown
in various combinations and configurations, which are exemplary,
other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only
a single element, are also within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *