| 摘要 |
<p>In order to achieve an intermediate lock state in a short period when the engine is stopped and improve the accuracy of confirmation of the intermediate lock state, a valve timing control apparatus includes a variable valve timing mechanism capable of varying the valve timing of intake and exhaust valves, and an intermediate lock mechanism capable of restricting the relative rotating positions of a first and a second rotor of the variable valve timing mechanism at an intermediate lock position for staring the engine. When an engine stop request is detected, the variable valve timing mechanism and the intermediate lock mechanism are driven and controlled such that an intermediate lock state is established before the engine is stopped (S12). When the intermediate lock state is detected within a predetermined period (ΔT) from the detection of the engine stop request, or when the predetermined period (ΔT) has elapsed since the detection of the engine stop request, an engine stopping process is performed (S13 to S16). Even after the engine stopping process is performed, monitoring of the intermediate lock state is continued until the engine rotating speed is less than a predetermined value (NEmin)(S17 to S19).</p> |
