Abstract: A rotational phase difference of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft in a variable valve timing mechanism is controlled by an operation of an oil control valve. That is, in the oil control valve, there is outputted an operational signal which is defined by adding a feedback correction amount corresponding to a difference between an actual value and a target value of the rotational phase difference, to a holding learning value as the operational signal for holding the rotational phase difference. The holding learning value is altered only by a specified value on condition that the operational signal for holding the rotational phase difference is assumed to change.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine in a vehicle, the engine having at least a cylinder, the method comprising generating engine braking torque to stop rotation of the engine in a desired range by opening and closing at least an electrically actuated valve of the cylinder more than once during a cycle of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (101) for varying the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, with a hydraulic actuation device (102) and with a control valve (103). The device (101) according to the invention is provided with mid-position locking of a hydraulic actuation device (102). Furthermore, the device (101) according to the invention ensures that, in the event of the failure of an actuation unit (112) which regulates the control valve (103), the hydraulic actuation device (102) is locked in the mid-position and the lock is maintained until the actuation unit (112) is repaired. Furthermore, the device (101) according to the invention makes it possible to start the internal combustion engine in a position locked in a mid-position, without a movable element (105) of the hydraulic actuation device (102) butting against a side wall of a pressure space (104) when the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: A requested volume flow ratio calculated based on a requested torque, an amount of two times a spit-back gas amount at the valve overlap time calculated based on a requested residual gas rate, and a spit-back gas amount of the time when an intake valve is closed are added together, to set a requested valve passing gas amount of the intake valve, thereby determining a target operating characteristic of the intake valve based on the requested valve passing gas amount.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the engine of a vehicle, wherein an opening movement is given to at least one admission valve in an exhaust phase while an opening movement is given to at least one exhaust valve associated with a same cylinder as the admission valve, and the two opening movements begin at a same time.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately and delicately controlling an amount of intake air, and thereby maintaining excellent combustion state and reduced exhaust emissions. The valve timing control system variably controls the valve-closing timing of an intake valve with respect to valve-opening timing of the same as desired via a variable intake valve actuation assembly. The ECU of the engine determined a basic value of a target auxiliary intake cam phase according to the demanded drive torque of the engine. The ECU calculates a control input to the variable intake valve actuation assembly such that the cylinder intake air amount converges to a target intake air amount and at the same time the auxiliary intake cam phase is constrained to the basic value of the target auxiliary intake cam phase.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit of a vehicle are provided, which result in reduced fuel consumption in the overrun condition. An output variable of the drive unit is set, in this context, according to a preset driving strategy in the overrun condition of the drive unit. At least two preset driving strategies are specified for the overrun condition of the drive unit. In the overrun condition, one of the specified driving strategies is selected as a function of a driving situation.

Abstract: A valve timing control device is provided, allowing downsizing of an electric motor that drives a variable mechanism of valve timing. An electronic control device drives a VVT drive electric motor with a crankshaft rotated towards reducing the cam torque qualified as a resistance through a motor generator when a valve timing modification request is made in preparation to engine startup.

Abstract: A method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle, comprising during conditions of an engine shut-down, maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position, and during conditions where said at least one valve is in said closed position operating with the other of the intake and exhaust valve open, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve to generate braking torque to slow the engine.

Abstract: In a system, a calculating unit calculates a control parameter required for control of an engine based on a valve opening parameter each time a calculating timing repeatedly appears, and stores the control parameter in a predetermined area of the system. A reflecting unit reflects the control parameter in the control of the engine each time a reflecting timing repeatedly appears. A preliminary estimated timing setting unit sets a preliminary estimated timing between an input timing of the switching request and an estimated timing. The estimated timing represents that the valve opening parameter is estimated to be switched from a first value to a second value in response to the input timing of the switching request. A preliminary correcting unit corrects the control parameter based on at least the switched second value of the valve opening parameter when the preliminary estimated timing appears.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a malfunction of a charge motion control valve coupled to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes: commanding the valve to at least one of close and open; determining a pressure range using fuzzy logic based on a mass of air flowing into the intake manifold and a temperature of the air flowing into the intake manifold; determining a change in absolute pressure of the intake manifold; comparing the change in absolute pressure to the pressure range; and diagnosing a malfunction of the valve when the change in absolute pressure is within the pressure range.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implemented in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for restraining fluctuations in the output due to disturbance and the like to achieve high stability and control accuracy for the output of a control object. The control apparatus calculates a virtual interference input applied to the control object in order to generate a virtual interfering force for holding the detected output of the control object at a predetermined value. The control apparatus assumes the control object applied with the virtual interference input as an enlarged control object, and calculates a virtual control input applied to the enlarged control object based on a predetermined response specifying control algorithm such that the output of the enlarged control object converges to a set target value.

Abstract: An electric variable valve timing mechanism and a starter are actuated by electricity supplied from a common battery. During an engine starting process, the starter is actuated, and an electronic control unit controls the electric variable valve timing mechanism. The electronic control unit limits the actuation of the electric variable valve timing mechanism on the condition that, during the engine starting process, the voltage value of the battery falls below a predetermined threshold value that degrades the operation of the starter. As a result, the engine is started in a stable manner.

Abstract: An intake air amount control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle having an automatic transmission 30 that switches the shifting pattern for the gear ratio between two modes. The intake air amount control apparatus controls the intake air amount by cooperation of a variable valve lift mechanism 25 that changes the lift integration value of an intake valve 11 and a throttle valve 23 located in an intake passage 22. When the shifting pattern for the gear ratio is in a sport mode, which gives priority to acceleration performance, the intake air amount control apparatus executes a lift varying control such that the lift integration value of the intake valve 11 is greater than when the shifting pattern is in normal mode, which gives priority to fuel economy.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes: a variable valve timing mechanism for changing a valve timing of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; a pressure for detecting an intake pressure and an exhaust pressure of the internal combustion engine that pulsate in association with the actions of the piston, the intake valve, and the exhaust valve; and controller for setting the valve timing based on a magnitude relationship between the intake pressure and the exhaust pressure detected by the pressure detector.

Abstract: A valve characteristic estimation device applied to an internal combustion engine provided with a valve characteristic adjustment mechanism for varying a valve characteristic including at least one of a valve open period and a lift amount of an intake valve. The estimation device detects intake air amount and intake air pressure of the engine, and calculates an estimated value for the valve characteristic based on the detected values of the intake air amount and the intake air pressure. Accordingly, the valve characteristic of the intake valve is accurately estimated.

Abstract: An in-head compressed air start-up system for an internal combustion engine comprises an absolute angular position detector for the crankshaft outputting an electrical signal indicative of the angular position, a computer for storing a table of the firing order of the cylinders and the angular position of the crankshaft at which each piston reaches a desired angular position relative to top dead center (TDC), wherein the computer means compares the signal indicative of angular position of the crankshaft to the firing order table and generates a plurality of signals sequentially open and close solenoid valves to cause rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: Variable valve control method and apparatus for an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies an operating characteristic of an intake valve, for controlling a gas amount passing back through the intake valve by variably controlling the operating characteristic. A storage section stores previously a correlation between a value equivalent to an opening area of the intake valve and a valve passing gas amount, corresponding to predetermined effective cylinder capacity. A conversion section converts that value equivalent into the valve passing gas amount by referring to the correlation. A correction section corrects the value equivalent based on a ratio between the converted valve passing gas amount and a requested valve passing gas amount.

Abstract: An ECU calculates an engine speed for calculating a camshaft phase based on a time period T? in which a crankshaft rotates a sampling angle ?. The camshaft phase is derived from a time difference between output timing of a cam angle signal and output timing of a crank angle signal based on the engine speed. According as the engine speed is lower, the sampling angle ? becomes small, so that the engine speed and the camshaft phase are precisely calculated.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to improve the start of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which comprises a variable valve timing mechanism which varies an opening-and-closing timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve of an engine, and in which the opening-and-closing timing at a time of starting the engine is set to a starting time timing which is at a further advance side than a maximum retard timing which is retarded at the maximum, said apparatus characterized in that, at a time of stopping the engine, the variable valve timing mechanism is controlled such that the opening-and-closing timing is made to be the starting time timing.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 100 comprises a variable valve mechanism 424 and a deposit removal executing section for removing deposits. The deposit removal executing section controls the variable valve mechanism 424 to increase the flow speed of intake air to internal combustion engine 100, thereby removing deposits adhering in proximity to the intake valve 422.

Abstract: An intake valve control system for an internal combustion engine includes a first valve control mechanism for varying an actual operation angle of an intake valve, a second valve control mechanism for varying an actual maximum lift phase of the intake valve and a control unit that operates the first and second valve control mechanisms to adjust an intake air amount by controlling the operation angle predominantly in a low-intake range and controlling the maximum lift phase predominantly in a high-intake range. The control unit is configured to calculate a target operation angle and a target maximum lift phase according to engine operating conditions so that the actual operation angle and maximum lift phase are controlled to the target operation angle and maximum lift phase, respectively, and correct the target operation angle in a transient operating state where the actual maximum lift phase deviates from the target maximum lift phase.

Abstract: A valve-driving system for an internal combustion engine is provided with: an electric motor for generating a rotational driving force to drive a valve for intake or exhaust mounted on a cylinder in the internal combustion engine so as to open and close the valve in synchronization with a piston motion in the internal combustion engine; a transmitting device capable of changing between (i) a first condition to transmit therethrough the rotational driving force to the valve from said electric motor and (ii) a second condition to stop an opening or closing operation of the valve or to make the valve driven by a low lift amount; a judging device for judging whether or not synchronization between the opening or closing operation of the valve and the piston motion is abnormal; and a fail-safe device for changing said transmitting device to the second condition if it is judged by the judging device that the synchronization is abnormal.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.

Abstract: A torque control system for regulating operation of an engine includes a throttle that regulates air flow into the engine and a device that regulates a torque output of the engine. A first module determines a throttle area based on a desired manifold absolute pressure (MAP) and a desired manifold air flow (MAF) and a second module determines a device set-point based on a desired air per cylinder (APC) and an engine speed. A third module generates a throttle control signal to control the throttle based on the throttle area and generates a device control signal to control the device based on the device set-point.

Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine, which enables the operating mode of a valve system to be switched in optimal timing while preventing the driver from feeling the switching operation so busy and at the same time securing feeling of acceleration, thereby improving drivability. A variable valve-actuating mechanism is capable of selectively switching the operating mode of a valve system including intake valves and an exhaust valve between a plurality of operating modes different in output characteristics. Whether or not the operating mode of the valve system should be switched is determined. The execution of the switching of the operating mode of the valve system based on the determination is suppressed according to a degree of suppression set depending on detected load on the engine.

Abstract: A requested volume flow ratio calculated based on a requested torque, an amount of two times a spit-back gas amount at the valve overlap time calculated based on a requested residual gas rate, and a spit-back gas amount of the time when an intake valve is closed are added together, to set a requested valve passing gas amount of the intake valve, thereby determining a target operating characteristic of the intake valve based on the requested valve passing gas amount.

Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine comprising a crankshaft, a throttle (23), a throttle actuator, a cylinder head (7), a combustion chamber (8), and at least one rotary valve (1). The rotary valve (1) having at least two ports (2, 3) terminating as openings (4, 5) in its periphery, the cylinder head (7) having a bore (11) in which the rotary valve (1) rotates, a window (6) in the bore (11) communicating with the combustion chamber (8), the openings (4, 5) successively aligning with the window (6) by virtue of the rotation, a drive mechanism comprising a phase change means (18), the drive mechanism driving the rotary valve (1). The at least two ports (2, 3) comprise an inlet port (2) and an exhaust port (3), and the phase change means (18) applies a phase change in response to changes in the operating conditions of the engine over at least one engine cycle.

Abstract: A system and method control intake air of an internal combustion engine. The engine has at least one combustion chamber provided with intake valves together with an intake manifold provided with a throttle valve. The opening and closure timings of the intake valves are adjustable entirely independently by electromagnetic drivers from the crankshaft position to control the amount of intake air supplied to the combustion chamber. The system and method provide a response adjustment to variable valve timing control of the intake valves for unthrottled intake air control.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies an open/close characteristic of an intake valve, a target open/close characteristic of the intake valve is determined and at the same time, a control speed of when the intake valve is controlled to have the target open/close characteristic is determined, so that the variable valve mechanism is controlled according to the target open/close characteristic and the control speed.

Abstract: A target intake air mass and a target compression ratio are determined according to the operating condition of an internal combustion engine. A variable compression ratio mechanism is controlled according to the target compression ratio. During this process, a knock limit intake air mass is determined from the actual compression ratio attained by the variable compression ratio mechanism, the smaller one of the knock limit intake air mass and the target intake air mass is set as the final target intake air mass and a variable valve timing mechanism is controlled according to the final target intake air mass.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies at least a valve operating characteristic (valve lift amount and the like) of an intake valve, a target intake air amount equivalent to a target torque is set based on operating conditions of the engine, to calculate a target volume flow ratio by dividing the target intake air amount by an engine rotation speed and total cylinder volume. The target volume flow ratio is corrected according to closing timing of the intake valve. If the valve lift amount of the intake valve is in a low valve lift region, the target volume flow ratio is further corrected according to the valve lift amount, and the post corrected target volume flow ratio is converted into a valve opening area of the intake valve to be set as a target valve opening area. Then, based on the target valve opening area, a target valve operating characteristic of the intake valve is set.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine wherein a valve timing can be changed in at least two stages and wherein an exhaust gas recirculation passage provided with a control valve is connected to an intake pipe downstream of a throttle valve, there is provided an intake air amount estimation apparatus that estimates, on the basis of an intake pipe pressure, an amount of intake air drawn via the throttle valve. An amount of recirculated exhaust gas flowing past the control valve having a specific opening degree based on an intake pipe pressure in the case of the first valve timing is calculated as an intake exhaust gas amount. On the assumption that this intake exhaust gas amount remains unchanged irrespective of a valve timing, an intake air amount in the case of the second valve timing is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine. A target cylinder torque required of one of a plurality of cylinders is individually calculated in accordance with a target engine torque, and a timing for opening and closing each of a plurality of intake and exhaust valves in each of the plurality of cylinders is determined in accordance with the target cylinder torque. Thereby the torque of the internal combustion engine is individually controlled for each of the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine comprising a crankshaft, a throttle (23), a throttle actuator, a cylinder head (7), a combustion chamber (8), and at least one rotary valve (1). The rotary valve (1) having at least two ports (2, 3) terminating as openings (4, 5) in its periphery, the cylinder head (7) having a bore (11) in which the rotary valve (1) rotates, a window (6) in the bore (11) communicating with the combustion chamber (8), the openings (4, 5) successively aligning with the window (6) by virtue of the rotation, a drive mechanism comprising a phase change means (18), the drive mechanism driving the rotary valve (1). The at least two ports (2, 3) comprise an inlet port (2) and an exhaust port (3), and the phase change means (18) applies a phase change in response to changes in the operating conditions of the engine over at least one engine cycle.

Abstract: A combustion chamber valve, such as an intake valve or an exhaust valve, is briefly opened during the compression and/or power strokes of a 4-stroke combustion cycle in an internal combustion engine (in particular, a diesel or CI engine). The brief opening may (1) enhance mixing withing the combustion chamber, allowing more complete oxidation of particulates to decrease engine emissions; and/or may (2) delay ignition until a more desirable time, potentially allowing a means of timing ignition in otherwise difficult-to-control conditions, e.g., in HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) conditions.

Abstract: An engine cylinder induction air quantity measuring apparatus includes a controller to calculate an intake manifold inside air quantity of air in an intake manifold, from a sensed intake air quantity by performing a balance calculation to calculate a balance between an intake manifold inflow air quantity, and an intake manifold outflow air quantity; and to calculate a cylinder induction air quantity in accordance with the intake manifold inside air quantity. The controller is configured to determine whether an engine stop position of the engine is within the valve overlap period; and to set the intake manifold inside air quantity equal to an overlap stop mode final air quantity for use as an initial value of the intake manifold inside air quantity in a next start of the engine when the engine stop position is within the valve overlap period.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: A method and a device for modifying a torque of an internal combustion engine including at least one first cylinder with an exhaust valve including a variable valve control, in which it is determined whether there is a demand for modifying the torque within a first working cycle of the at least one mfirst cylinder, and the basic triggering of the exhaust valve of the first cylinder is modified in the first working cycle when it is determined that it is necessary to modify the torque during the first working cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston-type internal combustion engine comprising gas-exchange valves which can be driven in a completely variable manner by a motor control (2) and which communicate with an air supply channel (4) provided with a device (6) for generating a negative pressure using the energy components of the air flowing through said air supply channel (4). This device is provided with means that can be driven for adaptation to the modifications in the flow energy which are inherent to the operation, and communicates with at least one negative-pressure user (8, 9, 10) through at least one negative-pressure duct (7).

Abstract: A control method of an internal combustion engine with which braking force while reducing the speed of the motor vehicle can be established by generating pumping loss effectively by using a variable valve mechanism enabling to control arbitrarily the open-close timing and the lift amount of air intake and exhaust valves of the engine. When the break step-on force detection means detects a step-on force on a brake and an operation of the anti-lock brake system is selected, at least one of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is made close, another one not closed of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is made open once in a single revolution of the engine while a piston moves from a top dead center to a bottom dead center, and a lift of the valve is controlled to be a designated value.

Abstract: A control system and a control method for an internal combustion engine employs an electronic control unit (ECU) in the internal combustion engine to control an output torque of the engine. The ECU anticipates that a driver will make an engine output torque change request based on an operation of an automatic transmission performed by the driver, a brake pedal operation performed by the driver, a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor and other information, and changes in advance an amount of engine intake air, a throttle valve opening, an engine speed and other engine operating parameters that determine the engine output according to the engine output change request made by the driver. This allows even an engine operating parameter that is slow to change to be changed to a value close to that after the engine output torque has been changed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine using poppet valves, valve timing control and fuel injection, cuts off fuel during engine deceleration and controls valve timing such that charge is trapped in the engine cylinders while the fuel is shut off.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine designed to use gas as fuel. Exhaust valve (2) operation is effected via: (i) a push rod of two parts, the respective ends of which are pivoted to an intermediate connector sliding in a bore in the cylinder head and (ii) two rocker arms (11 and 16). Fulcrum point (18) of rocker (16) may be adjusted to reduce exhaust valve lift during part throttle operation or alternatively exhaust braking during overrun conditions may be achieved by cracking open valve (2) on the compression stroke: this is effected by inward movement of wedge (21) or by a cam raising the end of rocker (16). Modifications of exhaust manifold, rocker shaft mounting, etc are also described.

Abstract: A valve operating device for the intake or exhaust valves of a multicylinder internal combustion engine. Each cylinder has a valve operating mechanism associated therewith for opening and closing intake or exhaust valves associated with that cylinder in at least two different manners for different engine speeds. The cylinders are divided into two or more groups with each of said valve operating mechanisms being arranged to operate the intake or exhaust valves associated with the cylinders in one of the groups in a different operation mode from the intake or exhaust valves associated with the cylinders in another of the groups, at least under a certain operating condition of the engine, such as at low speed. The various embodiments disclosed different arrangements for the valve operating mechanisms for improving engine operation over various ranges of engine speed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for compression release retarding of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus opens an exhaust valve of each cylinder of the engine during a compression stroke and near the top dead center position. An exhaust valve of a second cylinder is open while the exhaust valve of the first cylinder is so open, the second cylinder being on its intake stroke. The apparatus may open the normally closed exhaust valves of a set of cylinders for a period of time when any of the cylinders is near the top dead center position following its compression stroke, during this time at least one of the cylinders of the set being on its intake stroke and all of the cylinders of the set being on the exhaust stroke, the intake stroke or the expansion stroke.