| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine, capable of improving durability performance of a lock mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a hydraulic actuation type variable valve mechanism relatively rotating a vane 42 driven by and connected to a camshaft and a housing rotor 31 driven by and connected to a crankshaft to change valve timing of an engine valve. The apparatus further includes a lock mechanism fixing a relative turning position of the vane 42 at an intermediate lock position between the most retarded position and the most advanced position, through engagement between a lock pin provided in a normally biased state to the vane 42 in a protruding direction and a lock hole formed in the housing rotor 31. A protrusion 36 for increasing frictional resistance generated upon the relative turning between the vane 42 and the housing rotor 31 is formed on an inner surface of the housing rotor 31, wherein the frictional resistance is increased when the relative turning position of the vane 42 is within a predetermined prescribed turning position range including the intermediate lock position, as compared with the position outside the prescribed turning range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT |
