Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a first bank and a second bank. The first bank includes a continuously variable valve apparatus that continuously changes a valve characteristic of an intake valve. The second bank includes a multi-stage variable valve apparatus that changes the valve characteristic in multiple stages. An engine control apparatus adjusts the intake air amount of the first bank by adjusting the valve characteristic that is changed by the continuously variable valve apparatus, based on the intake air amount of the second bank.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine is provided with a cam that rotates in conjunction with rotation of a crankshaft, an engine valve that is lifted and opened along with rotation of the cam, a variable lift amount mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and varies the maximum amount of lift of the engine valve, and a lost motion mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and absorbs the amount of lift of the engine valve by contracting when drive force is received from the cam to maintain a closed state of the engine valve. The maximum amount of contraction of the lost motion mechanism is set to such a value that the lost motion mechanism absorbs the minimum value of the maximum lift amount of the engine valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a first bank and a second bank. The first bank includes a continuously variable valve apparatus that continuously changes a valve characteristic of an intake valve. The second bank includes a multi-stage variable valve apparatus that changes the valve characteristic in multiple stages. An engine control apparatus adjusts the intake air amount of the first bank by adjusting the valve characteristic that is changed by the continuously variable valve apparatus, based on the intake air amount of the second bank.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine is provided with a cam that rotates in conjunction with rotation of a crankshaft, an engine valve that is lifted and opened along with rotation of the cam, a variable lift amount mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and varies the maximum amount of lift of the engine valve, and a lost motion mechanism that is arranged between the cam and the engine valve and absorbs the amount of lift of the engine valve by contracting when drive force is received from the cam to maintain a closed state of the engine valve. The maximum amount of contraction of the lost motion mechanism is set to such a value that the lost motion mechanism absorbs the minimum value of the maximum lift amount of the engine valve.

Abstract: An engine variable valve actuation mechanism that substantially equally adjusts the valve lift amount in each cylinder. The mechanism includes variable valve lift mechanisms respectively arranged in association with the engine cylinders. A control shaft extends through the variable valve lift mechanisms. An actuator moves the control shaft in the axial direction and drives the variable valve lift mechanisms. Collars are arranged alternately with the variable valve lift mechanisms. Each collar includes a cylindrical sleeve and flanges formed integrally with the sleeve. The flanges directly or indirectly contact the end faces of adjacent variable valve lift mechanisms. This determines the positions of the variable valve lift mechanisms with respect to one another in the axial direction.

Abstract: Engaging portions 132c, each of which is engaged with a slider gear, are made of an iron based material, and coupler shafts 132d are made of an aluminum alloy material that is the same material as that of a cylinder head. Therefore, compared to a case where the control shaft 132 is entirely made of an iron based material, the thermal expansion coefficient of the control shaft 132 is closer to that of the cylinder head. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature changes, the position of each engaging portion 132c relative to the cylinder head is prevented from being displaced. Also, since the engaging portions 132c are made of an iron based material, the engaging portions 132c have a sufficient strength, which prevents the control shaft 132 from being deformed.

Abstract: An engine variable valve actuation mechanism that substantially equally adjusts the valve lift amount in each cylinder. The mechanism includes variable valve lift mechanisms respectively arranged in association with the engine cylinders. A control shaft extends through the variable valve lift mechanisms. An actuator moves the control shaft in the axial direction and drives the variable valve lift mechanisms. Collars are arranged alternately with the variable valve lift mechanisms. Each collar includes a cylindrical sleeve and flanges formed integrally with the sleeve. The flanges directly or indirectly contact the end faces of adjacent variable valve lift mechanisms. This determines the positions of the variable valve lift mechanisms with respect to one another in the axial direction.