Abstract: A device and a method for regulating the lift characteristic of an exhaust charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a controllable electric motor having an actuator element for actuation of the exhaust charge cycle valve, a regulating device for controlling the electric motor and two energy storage means acting in opposite drive directions on the exhaust charge cycle valve. The regulating device controls the electric motor according to a stored setpoint path, on the basis of which the exhaust charge cycle valve is transferred between a first end position and a second end position by swiveling the rotor of the electric motor back and forth. At least two different setpoint paths may be provided for regulating the speed of the rotor of the electric motor, whereby a lower kinetic energy is transferred to the exhaust charge cycle valve in regulation on the basis of the one setpoint path during the valve opening process than in regulation on the basis of the other setpoint path.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance sensor of a rotary actuator device for controlling a valve of an internal combustion engine. The rotary actuator includes an electric motor with an actuator element for actuating the valve, two energy storage means acting on the valve in opposite drive directions, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor is controlled such that the valve is transferred from a first end position, in which the actuator element is a metastable torque-neutral position, to a second metastable torque-neutral position. Starting from a torque-neutral position, the electric motor is controlled such that the rotor is moved out of the torque-neutral position in at least one direction by a distance, and the resulting electric motor power consumption is measured. Depending on the electric motor current values, a new rotor position for calibration of the distance signal is ascertained.

Abstract: A device and a method for regulating the lift characteristic of an exhaust charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a controllable electric motor having an actuator element for actuation of the exhaust charge cycle valve, a regulating device for controlling the electric motor and two energy storage means acting in opposite drive directions on the exhaust charge cycle valve. The regulating device controls the electric motor according to a stored setpoint path, on the basis of which the exhaust charge cycle valve is transferred between a first end position and a second end position by swiveling the rotor of the electric motor back and forth. At least two different setpoint paths may be provided for regulating the speed of the rotor of the electric motor, whereby a lower kinetic energy is transferred to the exhaust charge cycle valve in regulation on the basis of the one setpoint path during the valve opening process than in regulation on the basis of the other setpoint path.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance sensor of a rotary actuator device for controlling a valve of an internal combustion engine. The rotary actuator includes an electric motor with an actuator element for actuating the valve, two energy storage means acting on the valve in opposite drive directions, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor is controlled such that the valve is transferred from a first end position, in which the actuator element is a metastable torque-neutral position, to a second metastable torque-neutral position. Starting from a torque-neutral position, the electric motor is controlled such that the rotor is moved out of the torque-neutral position in at least one direction by a distance, and the resulting electric motor power consumption is measured. Depending on the electric motor current values, a new rotor position for calibration of the distance signal is ascertained.