Patent ID: 7316210
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: F01L,F02D,F02N,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling a variable valve actuation mechanism of an internal combustion engine, the mechanism changing a valve actuation parameter of an intake valve, the apparatus comprising a control section that sets a target valve actuation parameter in accordance with an operating state of the engine, and controls the variable valve actuation mechanism such that the valve actuation parameter of the intake valve becomes equal to the target valve actuation parameter, wherein, from before an initial fuel injection is performed to when a starting process of the engine is completed, the control section sets the target valve actuation parameter to an engine starting valve actuation parameter at which the valve closing timing of the intake valve coincides with or is close to a bottom dead center of the intake stroke; and an electric actuator that is supplied with electricity from a battery to actuate the variable valve actuation mechanism, the battery also supplying electricity to a starter motor that is driven when the engine is started, wherein, until a period elapsed from the start of drive of the starter motor exceeds a period that has been determined in advance as time required for the battery to get out of a voltage drop due to the start of drive of the starter motor, the control section inhibits the supply of electricity to the electric actuator during a starting process of the engine.