Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine including a variable compression ratio mechanism which includes: implementing a compression ratio fixing control in which a mechanical compression ratio is fixed to a predetermined low compression ratio, and controlling combustion form in a cylinder to stratified combustion, under engine idling during catalyst warming-up; controlling the combustion form in the cylinder to homogeneous combustion, under an operation state other than the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up; and implementing the compression ratio fixing control and controlling the combustion form in the cylinder to the homogeneous combustion, in response to pressing-down of an accelerator under the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up, and as long as the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up has a possibility to resume in response to release of the accelerator after the pressing-down.

Abstract: When atmospheric pressure (Pa) which varies according to altitude is higher than a predetermined pressure threshold (Path) during idle operation in which catalyst warm-up request is issued, an intake pressure is controlled, through a throttle valve (19), to an intake pressure at which an intake air amount required to promote the warm-up of a catalyst converter (26) is obtained. When the atmospheric pressure (Pa) is lower than the predetermined pressure threshold (Path), the intake pressure is controlled, through a throttle valve (19), to an intake pressure (Pa?Pb) at which a differential pressure (Pb) required by a brake booster (8) is obtained. Accordingly, negative pressure in the brake booster (8) can be secured while promoting the warm-up of the catalyst during the idle operation.

Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine including a variable compression ratio mechanism which includes: implementing a compression ratio fixing control in which a mechanical compression ratio is fixed to a predetermined low compression ratio, and controlling combustion form in a cylinder to stratified combustion, under engine idling during catalyst warming-up; controlling the combustion form in the cylinder to homogeneous combustion, under an operation state other than the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up; and implementing the compression ratio fixing control and controlling the combustion form in the cylinder to the homogeneous combustion, in response to pressing-down of an accelerator under the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up, and as long as the engine idling during the catalyst warming-up has a possibility to resume in response to release of the accelerator after the pressing-down.

Abstract: When atmospheric pressure (Pa) which varies according to altitude is higher than a predetermined pressure threshold (Path) during idle operation in which catalyst warm-up request is issued, an intake pressure is controlled, through a throttle valve (19), to an intake pressure at which an intake air amount required to promote the warm-up of a catalyst converter (26) is obtained. When the atmospheric pressure (Pa) is lower than the predetermined pressure threshold (Path), the intake pressure is controlled, through a throttle valve (19), to an intake pressure (Pa?Pb) at which a differential pressure (Pb) required by a brake booster (8) is obtained. Accordingly, negative pressure in the brake booster (8) can be secured while promoting the warm-up of the catalyst during the idle operation.

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine has a traveling unit, a working unit, an engine, and an illumination section disposed forwardly of the engine for projecting light. A cover member collectively covers the engine and the illumination section. The cover member has a light transmitting section for transmitting therethrough light projected by the illumination section. The light transmitting section or a portion of the cover member near the light transmitting section has at least one through-hole through which heat generated by at least one of the engine and the illuminating section is radiated.

Abstract: Illumination section is provided forwardly of an engine. Cover member collectively covers the engine and illumination section and includes a light transmitting section which passes therethrough light projected by the illumination section and has a through-hole for letting out hot air. Battery is positioned on a blower housing, and the illumination section is provided over the battery. Battery locking member for holding the battery in a battery holder is formed of an insulative resin material, and the illumination section is mounted on the locking member. The locking member is hinged at one end to the holder. Partition wall is provided between the engine and battery for blocking heat transferred from the engine toward the battery.