Patent ID: 8251028

Claim:
A valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a variable mechanism which is disposed between a cam and a valve, includes a plurality of transfer members for transferring an acting force of the cam to the valve, and changes valve-opening characteristics of the valve as the plurality of transfer members are connected/disconnected to/from each other; and a changeover device which switches the connection/disconnection of the plurality of transfer members, wherein the changeover device includes: a changeover pin which is advanceably and retreatably attached to the variable mechanism and makes the plurality of transfer members connected to or disconnected from each other; a biasing device which biases the changeover pin in an advancing direction thereof; and a pin driving mechanism which includes a displacement member that is displaceable in association with a advancing/retreating operation of the changeover pin and receives a biasing force exerted by the biasing device via the changeover pin, wherein the pin driving mechanism displaces the changeover pin in a retreating direction thereof via the displacement member with an aid of a rotational force of the cam, and wherein the pin driving mechanism further includes a receiving part which receives a biasing force of the biasing device acting on the changeover pin, in a state of being separated from a rotating body which rotates in association with the cam, when the displacement member has reached a displacement end in the retreating direction of the changeover pin.