JP2010229854A - Variable valve system of internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a variable valve system of an internal combustion engine capable of obtaining an appropriate diagnostic result of an abnormality diagnosis for a regulation mechanism for regulating the retarding of valve timing. <P>SOLUTION: The variable valve system includes a valve timing variable mechanism 40 for changing the valve timing of an intake valve between a maximum advance angle and the maximum retard angle, a phase locking mechanism 50 for locking the valve timing at an intermediate angle, and a phase restriction mechanism 60 for restricting a retard angle to restrict changes of the valve timing to the retard side relative to a retard restriction angle. When the intermediate locking is not performed by the phase locking mechanism 50, the abnormality diagnosis for the phase restriction mechanism 60 is performed based on the valve timing after the start of the transmission of an advance angle command for changing the valve timing to the advance side relative to an advance restriction angle and a restriction command for maintaining a restriction pin 61 at a projecting position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism that changes the valve timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve as an engine valve between a most advanced angle and a most retarded angle, and a valve timing between the most advanced angle and the most retarded angle. A first restriction mechanism that performs intermediate fixing to fix at a certain intermediate angle, and a retard restriction that restricts the valve timing from changing to a retarded angle side relative to the retard angle that is between the intermediate angle and the most retarded angle. The present invention relates to a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a second regulating mechanism.

  In the variable valve operating apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the rotation phase of the vane rotor with respect to the sprocket is regulated to an intermediate phase by fitting a lock pin into the receiving hole when the engine operation is stopped. As a result, since the valve timing is fixed to the intermediate angle at the next engine start, the internal combustion engine can be started with good startability.

  Further, in the above variable valve system, when the engine is started after the engine is stopped without fixing the valve timing to the intermediate angle, the rotation phase of the vane rotor with respect to the sprocket is set to be higher than the intermediate phase by inserting the engagement pin into the engagement groove. The movement to the retarded angle side is restricted. As a result, the valve timing is restricted from changing from the intermediate angle to the retard angle side, so that the engine startability is prevented from deteriorating.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-311107

  As described above, the valve timing is restricted from changing from the intermediate angle to the retarded angle side through the engagement pin, so that a decrease in engine startability is suppressed, but there is an abnormality in the engagement pin. Since such valve timing is not regulated when it occurs, in this case, there is also a concern that the startability is lowered. In order to cope with the deterioration of the startability associated with such an abnormality of the engagement pin, it is desired to first diagnose the abnormality appropriately, but so far no technology has been proposed that satisfies this requirement.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to enable an internal combustion engine capable of obtaining an appropriate one as a result of an abnormality diagnosis of a regulation mechanism that regulates the retardation of valve timing. The object is to provide a variable valve device.

In the following, means for achieving the above object and its effects are described.
(1) The invention according to claim 1 is a variable valve mechanism for changing the valve timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve as an engine valve between a most advanced angle and a most retarded angle, and the most advanced valve timing. A first restriction mechanism that performs intermediate fixing to fix an intermediate angle between an angle and a most retarded angle, and the valve timing is retarded from a retard restriction angle that is between the intermediate angle and the most retarded angle In a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a second restriction mechanism that performs a retard angle regulation that regulates a change to the side. The second restriction mechanism is a predetermined angle that is on the advance side with respect to the retard angle restriction angle. Is defined as the advance angle restriction angle, and the valve timing is restricted to be changed from the advance angle restriction angle to the advance angle side. The variable valve operating apparatus is related to the second restriction mechanism. Abnormal diagnosis control of the The control includes an advance angle command for changing the valve timing to an advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle, and an operating position of the second restriction mechanism when the intermediate fixing by the first restriction mechanism is not performed. With respect to a restriction command for maintaining the retard angle restriction and the advance angle restriction at a restriction position, the second restriction mechanism is diagnosed based on the valve timing after the transmission of these instructions is started. There is a summary.

  When the advance command for changing the valve timing to the advance side with respect to the advance control angle and the control command for maintaining the second control mechanism at the control position where the retard control and the advance control are effective are transmitted, 2 If there is no abnormality in the restriction mechanism, the change of the valve timing to the advance side stops at the advance restriction angle. On the other hand, when an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism, the valve timing exceeds the advance restriction angle and changes to the advance side.

  In view of the above, in the above invention, the abnormality diagnosis of the second restriction mechanism is performed based on the valve timing after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started. You will be able to get In addition, as a process until the state "after transmission of advance angle command and regulation command is started" occurs, transmission of one of advance angle command and regulation command is started first, and then the other command There are a case where transmission is started and a case where transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started simultaneously.

  (2) The invention according to claim 2 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein in the abnormality diagnosis control, the valve is operated after transmission of the advance command and the regulation command is started. The gist is to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism based on the timing being changed to the advance side beyond the advance angle restriction angle.

  When the advance command for changing the valve timing to the advance side with respect to the advance control angle and the control command for maintaining the second control mechanism at the control position where the retard control and the advance control are effective are transmitted, 2 If there is no abnormality in the restriction mechanism, the change of the valve timing to the advance side stops at the advance restriction angle. On the other hand, when an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism, the valve timing exceeds the advance restriction angle and changes to the advance side.

  In view of the above, in the above invention, an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism based on the fact that the valve timing has changed to the advance side beyond the advance angle restriction angle after the transmission of the advance angle instruction and the restriction command has started. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately grasp that an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism.

  (3) The invention according to claim 3 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the abnormality diagnosis control, transmission of the advance command and the regulation command is started. The gist is to determine that no abnormality has occurred in the second restricting mechanism when the change of the valve timing toward the advance angle side is stagnant at the advance angle restricting angle.

  When the advance command for changing the valve timing to the advance side with respect to the advance control angle and the control command for maintaining the second control mechanism at the control position where the retard control and the advance control are effective are transmitted, 2 If there is no abnormality in the restriction mechanism, the change of the valve timing to the advance side stops at the advance restriction angle. On the other hand, when an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism, the valve timing exceeds the advance restriction angle and changes to the advance side.

  In view of the above, in the above invention, when the change of the valve timing to the advance side is stagnated at the advance angle after the start of transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command, an abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism. Since it is determined that there is no abnormality, it is possible to appropriately grasp that no abnormality has occurred in the second restriction mechanism.

  (4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of the first to third aspects, in the abnormality diagnosis control, the regulation is performed while the valve timing is advanced. The gist is to send a command.

  (5) The invention according to claim 5 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein in the abnormality diagnosis control, the valve timing is a predetermined angle on the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle. The gist is that the restriction command is transmitted based on the fact that there is a large advance angle request for changing to the valve timing.

  (6) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in the abnormality diagnosis control, the valve timing is set to a retard side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle. The gist is that transmission of the restriction command is started on the condition that there is a certain condition.

  (7) The invention according to claim 7 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the advance angle command and the restriction command are transmitted in the abnormality diagnosis control. When the change to the advance side of the valve timing stagnates at the advance angle restriction angle after the start is started, the operation position of the second restriction mechanism is changed from the restriction position to the retard angle restriction and the advance angle restriction. The gist is to change to an invalid release position.

  According to the above invention, when the change of the valve timing toward the advance side is stagnated at the advance angle after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started, that is, there is no abnormality in the second restriction mechanism. Since the operation position of the second restriction mechanism based on the restriction command transmitted for abnormality diagnosis is returned from the restriction position to the release position, the change of valve timing after abnormality diagnosis is prevented from being hindered by the restriction mechanism. Will be able to.

  (8) The invention according to claim 8 is the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the variable valve mechanism is rotated by a force transmitted from a crankshaft. An input-side rotating body and an output-side rotating body that rotates together with the camshaft of the engine valve by a force transmitted from the input-side rotating body are configured, and the first restriction mechanism includes the input-side rotating body. A first restricting body that is provided on the housing-side rotating body that is one of the side rotating body and the output-side rotating body and moves between a housing position that is housed in the rotating body and a protruding position that protrudes from the rotating body; And a restriction hole provided in an engagement-side rotator that is the other of the input-side rotator and the output-side rotator, and into which the first restrictor is fitted. One of them is when the regulating body is in the protruding position. Is inserted into the restricting hole to enable the intermediate fixing, and when the first restricting body is in the storage position, the same part is disengaged from the restricting hole to disable the intermediate fixing. The second restricting mechanism is provided on the accommodating-side rotating body and moves between a housing position accommodated in the rotating body and a protruding position protruding from the rotating body; and A restriction groove provided on the engagement-side rotating body and into which the second restriction body is fitted, and when the second restriction body is in the projecting position, a part of the restriction groove is provided in the restriction position. The retard restriction and the advance angle restriction are made effective by being fitted in the groove, and the same part is detached from the restriction groove when the second restrictor is in the storage position, so that the retard restriction and Which invalidates the advance angle regulation. It is summarized as Rukoto.

  (9) The invention according to claim 9 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to claim 8, wherein the variable valve mechanism is defined between the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body. The advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber partitioned from each other by a wall are provided, and the restriction groove of the second restriction mechanism is associated with the rotation of the output side rotary body toward the advance side with respect to the input side rotary body. The gist is that when the rotation phase when the rotating body contacts the partition wall is defined as a contact advance phase, an end on the advance side is provided on the retard side with respect to the contact advance phase. .

  (10) The invention according to claim 10 is the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the restriction groove of the second restriction mechanism is the input side rotation corresponding to the most advanced angle. When the relative rotational phase of the body and the output side rotating body is the most advanced angle phase, the end of the advanced angle side is provided at the same position as the most advanced angle phase or on the more retarded side than the most advanced angle phase. The gist is that

  (11) The invention according to claim 11 is the variable valve operating apparatus for the internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the restriction groove of the second restriction mechanism corresponds to the most retarded angle. When the relative rotation phase between the input side rotator and the output side rotator is the most retarded phase, the end on the retard side is provided on the advance side with respect to the most retarded phase. This is the gist.

  (12) The invention according to claim 12 is the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the variable valve operating apparatus includes the variable valve operating mechanism and the first valve operating mechanism. The hydraulic mechanism further controls the hydraulic oil supply / discharge state with respect to the regulation mechanism and the second regulation mechanism, and the first regulation mechanism is provided on the accommodating-side rotating body and is operated by the hydraulic mechanism to reduce the hydraulic oil. A first intermediate chamber in which the supply / discharge state is operated is further configured, and an intermediate phase in which a relative rotational phase between the input-side rotator and the output-side rotator corresponds to the intermediate angle. And when the hydraulic oil supply / discharge state with respect to the first intermediate chamber is set to the first supply / discharge state, the first restricting body is maintained at the protruding position, and the input side rotating body and the output side The rotational phase relative to the rotating body is in the intermediate phase. And when the supply / discharge state of the hydraulic oil with respect to the first intermediate chamber is set to the second supply / discharge state, the first restriction body is maintained in the accommodation position, and the second restriction mechanism is The input-side rotating body and the output-side rotating body further include a second intermediate chamber that is provided in the storage-side rotating body and is operated by the hydraulic mechanism to operate the supply and discharge state of hydraulic oil. And the hydraulic oil supply / discharge state with respect to the second intermediate chamber is set to the third supply / discharge state. The second restricting body is maintained at the protruding position, the relative rotational phase of the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body is within the restricting range, and lubrication for the second intermediate chamber is performed. When the oil supply / discharge state is set to the fourth supply / discharge state, the second It is summarized in that the braking body is intended to be maintained in the stowed position.

  (13) The invention according to claim 13 is the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 12, wherein the first restriction mechanism moves the first restriction body from the accommodation position toward the protruding position. The direction is defined as the projecting direction, the moving direction of the first restricting body from the projecting position toward the accommodating position is defined as the accommodating direction, and the spring force that pushes the first restricting body in the projecting direction and the first restricting body are The first restricting body moves between the accommodation position and the protruding position based on the relationship with the hydraulic pressure of the first intermediate chamber pushed in the accommodation direction, and the second restriction mechanism The moving direction of the second restricting body from the position toward the protruding position is defined as a protruding direction, and the moving direction of the second restricting body from the protruding position toward the accommodating position is defined as an accommodating direction. Spring force pushing forward and forward Based on the relationship with the hydraulic pressure of the second intermediate chamber that pushes the second restricting body in the accommodating direction, the second restricting body moves between the accommodating position and the protruding position. Yes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an internal combustion engine provided with the apparatus according to an embodiment of a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention. (A) The top view which shows the planar structure about the valve timing variable mechanism of the embodiment. (B) Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure which follows the DD line | wire of FIG. 2 (A) about the valve timing variable mechanism. (C) Sectional drawing which shows what expanded the cross-sectional structure which follows the EE line | wire of FIG. 2 (A) about the valve timing variable mechanism on the plane. The schematic diagram which shows typically the structure of the lubricating oil path between these about the lubricating device and valve timing variable mechanism of the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between a lock pin, a lock hole, a control pin, and a control groove | channel about the valve timing variable mechanism of the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between a lock pin, a lock hole, a control pin, and a control groove | channel about the valve timing variable mechanism of the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between a lock pin, a lock hole, a control pin, and a control groove | channel about the valve timing variable mechanism of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence about the "abnormality diagnosis process" performed by the electronic control apparatus of the embodiment.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an embodiment in which the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention is embodied as a variable valve operating apparatus for changing the valve timing of an intake valve will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 10 includes an engine body 20 that obtains power through combustion of a mixture of intake air and fuel, a variable valve timing mechanism 40 that changes the valve timing of the intake valve 31, an engine body 20 and A lubrication device 70 that supplies lubricating oil to the variable valve timing mechanism 40 and an electronic control device 90 that comprehensively controls these devices are provided.

  The engine body 20 is provided with a cylinder block 21 that burns an air-fuel mixture of the fuel supplied through the injector 27 and the intake air supplied through the intake device in the combustion chamber 23. The cylinder block 21 is provided with a cylinder 24 that forms a combustion chamber 23, and a piston 25 that reciprocates within the cylinder 24. The reciprocating motion of the piston 25 is converted into the rotational motion of the crankshaft 26.

  An oil pan 71 for storing lubricating oil supplied to each part of the engine 10 is attached to the lower portion of the cylinder block 21. Further, a cylinder head 22 on which valve-operated parts are arranged is attached to the upper part of the cylinder block 21.

  The cylinder head 22 is provided with an intake valve 31 that opens and closes the combustion chamber 23 with respect to the intake port, and an exhaust valve 33 that opens and closes the combustion chamber 23 with respect to the exhaust port. An intake camshaft 32 is provided above the intake valve 31 to push it down by the intake cam. Further, an exhaust camshaft 34 is provided above the exhaust valve 33 to push it down by the exhaust cam. The intake camshaft 32 and the exhaust camshaft 34 are drivingly connected to the crankshaft 26 via a timing chain.

  The lubricating device 70 supplies the lubricating oil in the oil pan 71 to each lubricating portion of the engine body 20 through the lubricating oil passage 80. In the middle of the lubricating oil path 80, an oil pump 72 is provided for pumping lubricating oil from the oil pan 71 and discharging it. The lubricating oil discharged by the oil pump 72 passes through the lubricating oil passage 80 and is supplied to each part of the engine 10, and a part of the lubricating oil is valve timingd via the first oil control valve 73 and the second oil control valve 74. The variable mechanism 40 is supplied. The lubricating oil after flowing through each part of the engine 10 and the lubricating oil discharged from the variable valve timing mechanism 40 are returned to the oil pan 71 again. In the present embodiment, a variable valve operating apparatus is configured including the variable valve timing mechanism 40, the first oil control valve 73, the second oil control valve 74, and the electronic control unit 90.

  The electronic control unit 90 grasps the engine operation state, the vehicle running state, and the driver's request based on signals from various sensors such as the throttle position sensor 91, the crank position sensor 92, and the cam position sensor 93, and then Various controls including the control shown in FIG. That is, the valve timing (hereinafter referred to as the valve timing) of the intake valve 31 through the throttle control for adjusting the intake flow rate by the throttle valve, the injection control for adjusting the fuel injection amount of the injector 27, and the control of the first oil control valve 73 and the second oil control valve 74. , “Valve timing VT”) for adjusting various kinds of control such as valve timing control.

  The throttle position sensor 91 outputs a signal corresponding to the opening of the throttle valve. The crank position sensor 92 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 26 (hereinafter referred to as “engine rotational speed NE”). The cam position sensor 93 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the intake camshaft 32.

  In the valve timing control, a target value of the valve timing VT (hereinafter referred to as “target valve timing VTT”) is set based on the engine operating state (engine rotational speed NE and engine load EL), and the crank position sensor 92 and the cam position sensor. The first oil control valve 73 is operated so that the valve timing VT calculated based on the output of 93 matches the target valve timing VTT.

  The configuration of the variable valve timing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the arrow X indicates the rotation direction of the intake camshaft 32 and the variable valve timing mechanism 40. 2A shows a planar structure of the variable mechanism 40 with the cover removed from the housing 42, and FIG. 2B shows the variable mechanism 40 along the line DD in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional structure of the variable mechanism 40 taken along the line EE in FIG. 2A, which is developed on a plane.

  The variable valve timing mechanism 40 is connected to the crankshaft 26 through a timing chain so that the valve 32 rotates in synchronization with the shaft 26 and is fixed to the end of the intake camshaft 32 to thereby fix the shaft 32. And a vane rotor 44 that rotates in synchronization with each other. The sprocket 41 is provided with a housing 42 that rotates in an integrated manner.

  The housing 42 is provided with three partition walls 43 that protrude toward the vane rotor 44 in the radial direction. The vane rotor 44 is provided with three vanes 45 protruding toward the housing 42. A space between adjacent partition walls 43 is partitioned into an advance chamber 46 and a retard chamber 47 by a corresponding vane 45.

  The advance chamber 46 is located on the rear side in the rotation direction of the intake camshaft 32 when the vane 45 is used as a reference, and the lubrication device 70 is in a lubricating oil supply / discharge state with respect to the variable valve timing mechanism 40. The volume changes accordingly. One retarding chamber 47 is located on the front side in the rotational direction of the intake camshaft 32 when the vane 45 is used as a reference, and the valve timing variable mechanism 40 by the lubricating device 70 is the same as the advance chamber 46. The volume changes according to the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil with respect to.

  The variable valve timing mechanism 40 changes the valve timing VT by changing the rotational phase of the vane rotor 44 with respect to the housing 42 and the sprocket 41 (hereinafter referred to as “rotational phase P”) based on the above configuration. Specifically, the valve timing VT is changed by the variable mechanism 40 as shown in the following (A) and (B).

  (A) By supplying the lubricating oil to the advance chamber 46 and discharging the lubricating oil from the retard chamber 47, the vane rotor 44 rotates forward with respect to the housing 42, that is, forward in the rotational direction of the intake camshaft 32. The valve timing VT changes to the advance side. When the normal most advanced valve timing VT set in advance in the valve timing control is “most advanced angle VTmax”, the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 corresponds to the most advanced angle VTmax. By reaching the “angular phase PH”, the valve timing VT is maintained at the most advanced angle VTmax.

  The most advanced angle phase PH is slower than the phase in which the vane 45 abuts against the partition wall 43 on the retard chamber 47 side (hereinafter referred to as “contact advance angle phase PHH”) as the vane rotor 44 rotates toward the advance angle side. The phase where the corner side and the vane 45 are in the vicinity of the partition wall 43 is set. Hereinafter, the valve timing VT when the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is in the contact advance angle phase PHH is referred to as “contact advance angle VTmaxH”.

  (B) By the discharge of the lubricating oil from the advance chamber 46 and the supply of the lubricant oil to the retard chamber 47, the vane rotor 44 rotates to the retard side, that is, the rear side in the rotational direction of the intake camshaft 32 with respect to the housing 42. The valve timing VT changes to the retard side. When the normal most retarded valve timing VT set in advance in the valve timing control is “most retarded angle VTmin”, the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 corresponds to the most retarded angle VTmin. By reaching “angular phase PL”, the valve timing VT is maintained at the most retarded angle VTmin.

  The most retarded phase PL is slower than the phase in which the vane 45 is abutted against the partition wall 43 on the advance chamber 46 side (hereinafter, “contact retard phase PLL”) as the vane rotor 44 rotates toward the retard side. The phase where the corner side and the vane 45 are in the vicinity of the partition wall 43 is set.

  In addition to the above operations (A) and (B), when the flow of lubricating oil between the advance chamber 46 and the retard chamber 47 and the lubricating device 70 is interrupted, that is, the advance chamber 46 and When the lubricating oil is held in each of the retard chambers 47, when the relative rotation between the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 is disabled, the valve timing VT is maintained at that timing.

  In this way, the variable valve timing mechanism 40 is allowed to change the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 within the range from the contact advance angle phase PHH to the contact retard angle phase PLL in terms of its hardware configuration. The control basically drives within the range from the most advanced angle phase PH to the most retarded angle phase PL which is narrower than the same range. That is, in the valve timing control, the target valve timing VTT is set within the range from the most advanced angle VTmax to the most retarded angle VTmin, so that the vane rotor 44 is within the range from the most advanced angle phase PH to the most retarded angle phase PL. To drive.

  The variable valve timing mechanism 40 regulates the rotation of the vane rotor 44 relative to the housing 42 regardless of the hydraulic pressure of the advance chamber 46 and the retard chamber 47 so that the valve timing VT is between the most advanced angle VTmax and the most retarded angle VTmin. Is provided with a phase fixing mechanism 50 for fixing at a specific timing (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate angle VTmdl”). A timing suitable for starting the engine 10 is set as the intermediate angle VTmdl. That is, when comparing the case where the valve timing VT is set to the intermediate angle VTmdl and the case where the valve timing is set to the timing on the retard side at the time of starting the engine, the former seems to ensure higher startability. become.

  In addition, the variable valve timing mechanism 40 regulates the rotation range of the vane rotor 44 relative to the housing 42 regardless of the hydraulic pressure of the advance chamber 46 and the retard chamber 47, so that the valve timing VT is an intermediate angle VTmdl and a most retarded angle VTmin. A predetermined timing in between (hereinafter referred to as “retarding restriction angle VTgtL”), and a predetermined timing in which valve timing VT is on the retarding side with respect to the most advanced angle VTmax (hereinafter, “ There is provided a phase restriction mechanism 60 for restricting the change to the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTrgtH "). Hereinafter, the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 corresponding to the retard restriction angle VTrtgtL is referred to as “retard angle restriction phase PRL”, and the rotation phase P of the vane rotor 44 corresponding to the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH is referred to as “advance angle restriction phase PRH”. To do.

  As the retard restriction angle VTgtL, a timing advanced from the most retarded angle VTmin or a timing corresponding to this is set by the minimum necessary amount to suppress engine start failure. That is, when the engine timing is started, the valve timing VT is maintained on the more advanced side than the retard restriction angle VTrtgtL, compared to when the valve timing VT is on the more retarded side than the retard angle regulation angle VTrtgtL when the engine is started. The frequency of occurrence of a situation that causes engine start failure is sufficiently reduced.

The details of the structure of the phase locking mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows a cross-sectional structure of the variable mechanism 40 along the line DD in FIG.
The phase locking mechanism 50 operates based on the supply of lubricating oil from the lubricating device 70, and when the rotational phase P is at a rotational phase corresponding to the intermediate angle VTmdl (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate phase PM”), The relative rotation phase with the vane rotor 44 is fixed, and the valve timing VT is held at the intermediate angle VTmdl. Hereinafter, a state in which the valve timing VT is fixed at the intermediate angle VTmdl by the phase fixing mechanism 50 is referred to as “intermediate fixing”.

  Specifically, the phase locking mechanism 50 includes a lock pin 51 provided on the vane 45, a lock intermediate chamber 52 provided on the vane 45 and supplied with lubricating oil by the lubricating device 70, and a lock provided on the vane 45. A lock spring 53 that pushes the pin 51 in one direction and a lock hole 54 provided in the housing 42 are configured.

  Based on the relationship between the force of the lubricating oil in the lock intermediate chamber 52 and the force of the lock spring 53, the lock pin 51 protrudes from the vane 45 (hereinafter referred to as “projection direction ZA”) and the direction in which the lock pin 51 is drawn into the vane 45 ( Hereinafter, it operates between “accommodating direction ZB”). The hydraulic pressure in the lock intermediate chamber 52 acts on the lock pin 51 in the accommodating direction ZB, and the force of the lock spring 53 acts on the lock pin 51 in the protruding direction ZA. Hereinafter, with respect to the position of the lock pin 51, the position that protrudes from the vane 45 and fits into the lock hole 54 is referred to as the “projection position of the lock pin 51”, and the position that is drawn into the vane 45 and accommodated in the vane 45 is “locked” It is referred to as the “accommodating position of the pin 51”.

  When the lubricant is supplied to the lock intermediate chamber 52 by the lubricating device 70 and the lock intermediate chamber 52 is filled with the lubricant, that is, the supply / discharge state of the lubricant with respect to the lock intermediate chamber 52 is “the second supply / discharge state”. ", The force for moving the lock pin 51 in the accommodation direction ZB is generated on the lock pin 51 by the force in the accommodation direction ZB by the lubricating oil in the lock intermediate chamber 52. When the force in the accommodation direction ZB acts on the lock pin 51 under the protruding position of the lock pin 51, the lock pin 51 is detached from the lock hole 54 and accommodated in the vane 45. As a result, the fixing of the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 by the engagement of the lock pin 51 and the lock hole 54 is released, and the rotation of the vane rotor 44 relative to the housing 42 is allowed.

  On the other hand, when the lubricant is discharged from the lock intermediate chamber 52 by the lubrication device 70 and the lock intermediate chamber 52 is not filled with the lubricant, the supply / discharge state of the lubricant to the lock intermediate chamber 52 is the “first supply / discharge state”. The force in the protruding direction ZA by the lock spring 53 exceeds the force in the housing direction ZB by the lubricating oil in the lock intermediate chamber 52. As a result, a force for moving the lock pin 51 in the protruding direction ZA is generated. Under this state, when the rotational phase P is at the intermediate phase PM, that is, when the circumferential positions of the lock pin 51 and the lock hole 54 coincide with each other, the lock pin 51 protrudes from the vane 45 and locks. It fits into the hole 54. As a result, the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 are fixed to each other through the engagement between the lock pin 51 and the lock hole 54, so that their relative rotational phases are maintained at the intermediate phase PM.

  With reference to FIG. 2C, details of the structure of the phase regulating mechanism 60 will be described. This figure shows a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the variable mechanism 40 taken along the line E-E in FIG.

  The phase restriction mechanism 60 operates based on the supply of lubricating oil from the lubrication device 70, and under the condition that the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is within the range from the retard angle restriction phase PRL to the advance angle restriction phase PRH. When the rotation phase P reaches the retard restriction phase PRL as the vane rotor 44 rotates to the retard side, the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 are engaged with each other to rotate the rotor 44 to the further retard side. To regulate. Also, under the above conditions, when the rotation phase P reaches the advance angle regulation phase PRH as the vane rotor 44 rotates to the advance angle side, the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 are engaged with each other to exceed that of the rotor 44. The rotation to the advance side is regulated. That is, when the vane rotor 44 is in the retard restriction phase PRL, the valve timing VT is restricted from changing to the retard side with respect to the retard restriction angle VTTrgtL, and when the vane rotor 44 is in the advance restriction phase PRH, the valve timing is controlled. The VT is restricted from changing to the advance side with respect to the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH. Hereinafter, the state in which the retardation of the valve timing VT is regulated by the retardation restriction angle VTgtL by the phase restriction mechanism 60 is referred to as “retardation restriction”, and the advance of the valve timing VT is restricted by the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH. This state is referred to as “advance angle regulation”.

  Specifically, the phase restriction mechanism 60 is provided with a restriction pin 61 provided on the vane 45, a restriction intermediate chamber 62 provided on the vane 45 and supplied with lubricating oil by the lubricating device 70, and a restriction pin 61 provided on the vane 45. A restriction spring 63 that pushes the pin 61 in one direction and a restriction groove 64 that is provided in the housing 42 and is formed corresponding to a range from the retard angle restriction phase PRL to the advance angle restriction phase PRH.

  The restriction pin 61 operates between the protruding direction ZA and the accommodation direction ZB based on the relationship between the force of the lubricating oil in the restriction intermediate chamber 62 and the force of the restriction spring 63. The hydraulic pressure in the regulation intermediate chamber 62 acts on the regulation pin 61 in the accommodation direction ZB, and the force of the regulation spring 63 acts on the regulation pin 61 in the protruding direction ZA. Hereinafter, with respect to the position of the restriction pin 61, a position protruding from the vane 45 and fitted into the restriction groove 64 is referred to as a “protrusion position of the restriction pin 61”, and a position drawn into the vane 45 and accommodated in the vane 45 is “restriction”. This is the “accommodating position of the pin 61”.

  The restriction groove 64 is formed in the housing 42 in a manner along the circumferential locus of the restriction pin 61 from the position corresponding to the retard angle restriction phase PRL to the position corresponding to the advance angle restriction phase PRH.

  When the lubricating oil is supplied to the restriction intermediate chamber 62 by the lubricating device 70 and the restriction intermediate chamber 62 is filled with the lubricating oil, that is, the supply / discharge state of the lubricant oil to the restriction intermediate chamber 62 is “fourth supply / discharge state”. ", The force for moving the restriction pin 61 in the accommodation direction ZB is generated on the restriction pin 61 by the force in the accommodation direction ZB by the lubricating oil in the restriction intermediate chamber 62. And when the force of the accommodation direction ZB acts with respect to the regulation pin 61 under the protrusion position of the regulation pin 61, the regulation pin 61 will detach | leave from the regulation groove | channel 64, and will be accommodated in the vane 45. FIG. As a result, the restriction of the relative rotation range between the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 due to the engagement between the restriction pin 61 and the restriction groove 64 is released, and the rotation of the vane rotor 44 relative to the housing 42 is allowed.

  On the other hand, when the lubricating oil is discharged from the regulated intermediate chamber 62 by the lubricating device 70 and the regulated intermediate chamber 62 is not filled with the lubricating oil, that is, the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil with respect to the regulated intermediate chamber 62 is “third supply / discharge state”. The force in the protruding direction ZA by the restriction spring 63 exceeds the force in the accommodation direction ZB by the lubricating oil in the restriction intermediate chamber 62. As a result, a force is generated on the restriction pin 61 so as to move it in the protruding direction ZA. In this state, when the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is in the range from the retard restriction phase PRL to the advance restriction phase PRH, that is, when the restriction pin 61 is located at a position corresponding to the restriction groove 64, The pin 61 protrudes from the vane 45 and is fitted into the restriction groove 64. Thereby, the relative rotation range of the housing 42 and the vane rotor 44 is restricted through the engagement between the restriction pin 61 and the restriction groove 64. That is, it is regulated in a range from the retard angle regulation phase PRL to the advance angle regulation phase PRH.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the distribution | circulation aspect of the lubricating oil between the valve timing variable mechanism 40 and the lubricating device 70 is demonstrated. In addition, the figure has shown typically the structure of the oil path between these apparatuses.

  The lubricating device 70 includes an oil pan 71 that stores lubricating oil, an oil pump 72 that pumps up and discharges the lubricating oil in the oil pan 71, a first oil control valve 73, a second oil control valve 74, and the like. And the lubricating oil passage 80 through which the lubricating oil is circulated.

  The lubricating oil passage 80 includes a first supply oil passage 81 that supplies lubricating oil from the oil pan 71 to the first oil control valve 73, and a first discharged oil that recirculates lubricating oil from the first oil control valve 73 to the oil pan 71. Lubricating oil between the passage 82, the advance oil passage 85 through which the lubricating oil flows between the first oil control valve 73 and each advance chamber 46, and the first oil control valve 73 and each retard chamber 47. The oil is supplied to the second oil control valve 74 from the oil pan 71, the retard oil passage 86 through which the oil flows, the lock intermediate oil passage 87 through which the lubricating oil flows between the first oil control valve 73 and the lock intermediate chamber 52. , A second oil supply valve 83 for supplying lubricating oil from the second oil control valve 74 to the oil pan 71, and a second oil control valve 7. It is constituted by a regulating intermediate oil passage 88 for circulating the lubricating oil between the regulating intermediate chamber 62 and.

  The advance oil passage 85, the retard oil passage 86, and the lock intermediate oil passage 87 directly connect the first oil control valve 73 and the corresponding one of the advance chamber 46, the retard chamber 47, and the lock intermediate chamber 52, respectively. Connected. That is, the lock intermediate oil passage 87 is formed as an oil passage through which the lubricating oil flows between the first oil control valve 73 without passing through either the advance chamber 46 or the retard chamber 47.

  The first oil control valve 73 switches the advance chamber by switching the connection state between the first supply oil passage 81 and the first discharge oil passage 82, the advance oil passage 85, the retard oil passage 86, and the lock intermediate oil passage 87. The supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil with respect to the 46, the retard chamber 47, and the lock intermediate chamber 52 can be set.

  The second oil control valve 74 sets the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil with respect to the restriction intermediate chamber 62 by switching the connection state of the second supply oil passage 83 and the second discharge oil passage 84 and the restriction intermediate oil passage 88. be able to.

  The operation mode of the phase locking mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the lock pin 51 and the lock hole 54, the restriction pin 61 and the restriction groove 64, which is different from the structure of the variable valve timing mechanism 40 shown in FIG. It is shown schematically from the surface.

  When the valve timing VT is changed between the most advanced angle VTmax and the most retarded angle VTmin, that is, the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is changed from the most advanced angle phase PH shown in FIG. 4 (A) to FIG. 4 (B). When it is changed to the maximum retarded angle phase PL shown, the lock pin 51 is maintained at the accommodation position.

  Even when the valve timing VT is at the intermediate angle VTmdl, that is, when the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is at the intermediate phase PM, the lock pin 51 is brought into the vane 45 as the lubricating oil is supplied to the lock intermediate chamber 52. As long as it is accommodated, as shown in FIG. 4C, the rotational phase P is not fixed to the intermediate phase PM. On the other hand, when the hydraulic pressure in the lock intermediate chamber 52 is released and the force in the protruding direction ZA acts on the lock pin 51, the lock pin 51 is driven by the force of the lock spring 53 as shown in FIG. Protrudes from the vane 45 and is fitted into the lock hole 54, whereby the vane rotor 44 is held at the intermediate phase PM.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the operation | movement aspect of the phase control mechanism 60 is demonstrated. 5 shows the relationship between the lock pin 51 and the lock hole 54, the restriction pin 61 and the restriction groove 64, and the function of the variable mechanism 40 is different from the structure of the valve timing variable mechanism 40 shown in FIG. It is shown schematically from the surface.

  When the valve timing VT is changed between the most advanced angle VTmax and the most retarded angle VTmin, that is, the rotation phase P of the vane rotor 44 is changed from the most advanced angle phase PH shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B. When the time is changed up to the indicated most retarded phase PL, the regulation pin 61 is maintained at the accommodation position. In other words, as long as the regulation pin 61 is accommodated in the vane 45 as the lubricating oil is supplied to the regulation intermediate chamber 62, the vane rotor 44 rotates across the retard regulation phase PRL from the advance side to the retard side. And the advance angle regulation phase PRH is allowed to rotate from the retard angle side to the advance angle side.

  On the other hand, when the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is within the range from the retard restriction phase PRL to the advance restriction phase PRH, the hydraulic pressure in the restriction intermediate chamber 62 is released and the force in the protruding direction ZA against the restriction pin 61 is released. Is acting, the regulating pin 61 protrudes from the vane 45 by the force of the regulating spring 63 and is fitted into the regulating groove 64, whereby the vane rotor 44 is caused to enter the retarding angle regulating phase PRL as shown in FIG. And the rotation of the vane rotor 44 to the advance side with respect to the advance angle regulation phase PRH is restricted as shown in FIG. That is, the change range of the valve timing VT is limited to a range from the retard restriction angle VTTrgtL to the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH.

  In the engine 10 including the phase fixing mechanism 50 and the phase restriction mechanism 60, a request for fixing the valve timing VT to the intermediate angle VTmdl is set based on the engine operating state and the like. 50, the valve timing VT is fixed. Specifically, a fixed request is set when an engine stop request based on an ignition switch switching operation from on to off is detected, and the valve timing VT is set to an intermediate before starting an engine stop operation based on the engine stop request. The rotational phase P is fixed by the phase fixing mechanism 50 after setting the angle VTmdl.

  Then, the engine operation is stopped after the rotation phase P is fixed by the phase fixing mechanism 50. As a result, the valve timing VT is already maintained at the intermediate angle VTmdl by the phase fixing mechanism 50 at the next engine start, and therefore the engine 10 can be started with good startability.

  In contrast, when the engine is stopped without the valve timing VT being fixed at the intermediate angle VTmdl, the force in the protruding direction ZA is applied to the restriction pin 61 with the release of the hydraulic pressure in the restriction intermediate chamber 62 while the engine is stopped. In addition, when the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is within the range from the retard angle restricting phase PRL to the advance angle restricting phase PRH, the restricting pin 61 is fitted into the restricting groove 64. On the other hand, although the force in the protruding direction ZA is applied to the regulation pin 61 as the hydraulic pressure in the regulation intermediate chamber 62 is released while the engine is stopped, the rotational phase P of the vane rotor 44 is controlled to advance from the retard regulation phase PRL. When it is out of the range up to the phase PRH, the restriction pin 61 is fitted in the restriction groove 64 by the rotation of the vane rotor 44 due to the fluctuation of the cam torque at the subsequent engine start.

  In any of these cases, the rotation of the valve timing VT to the retard side with respect to the retard restriction angle VTgtL at the start of the engine is restricted through the phase restriction mechanism 60. This avoids a situation in which the valve timing VT greatly deviates from the intermediate angle VTmdl toward the retard side.

  By the way, by restricting the change range of the valve timing VT through the phase restriction mechanism 60, an excessive decrease in engine startability can be suppressed. However, when an abnormality occurs in the mechanism 60, the valve timing VT In this case, there is also a concern that the startability is lowered because no regulation is made.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to cope with a decrease in startability due to the abnormality of the phase restriction mechanism 60, abnormality diagnosis control for diagnosing the presence or absence of abnormality of the mechanism 60 is performed. In this abnormality diagnosis, a command for changing the valve timing VT toward the advance side from the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH by the valve timing control (hereinafter referred to as “advance angle instruction”) is transmitted to the phase restriction mechanism 60. Under the state where a command to move the regulating pin 61 from the housed position to the protruding position (hereinafter referred to as “regulating command”) is transmitted, the phase regulation is performed when the actual change in the valve timing VT is stagnated at the advance regulating angle VTrtgtH. It is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the mechanism 60, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restriction mechanism 60 when the valve timing VT has changed to the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTrgtH.

  Here, as an abnormality diagnosis mode for the phase regulation mechanism 60, the advance angle command for abnormality diagnosis is actively transmitted regardless of the engine operation state, and the advance angle command generated based on the engine operation state is used. It is possible to do. In the former case, the operation of the variable valve timing mechanism 40 required from the engine operating state at that time and the advance operation of the variable valve timing mechanism 40 based on the advance angle command for abnormality diagnosis greatly deviate from each other. Is expected to have an unfavorable effect. On the other hand, in the latter case, since the advance operation of the valve timing variable mechanism 40 according to the advance command based on the engine operation state is used, the influence of the abnormality diagnosis on the engine operation performance is more sufficiently than the above case. It will be small.

  Therefore, in the abnormality diagnosis control of the present embodiment, when the advance angle command is transmitted to the variable valve timing mechanism 40 based on the request from the engine operating state, the restriction command is transmitted to the phase regulating mechanism 60. An abnormality diagnosis is performed.

A specific mode of abnormality diagnosis will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the rotation phase P is in the range from the retard restriction phase PRL to the advance restriction phase PRH, and the target valve timing VTT is the most advanced from the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH by the valve timing control. Set to a value within a region up to the angle VTmax (hereinafter referred to as “large advance angle region VTadv”) (region from the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH to the most advanced angle VTmax minus the advance angle restriction angle VTgtH)). When the abnormality diagnosis starts. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the restriction command is transmitted by the abnormality diagnosis control under the situation where the valve timing VT is changed to the advance side based on the advance angle command by the valve timing control.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, when the regulation pin 61 moves from the housing position to the protruding position based on the regulation command because there is no abnormality in the phase regulation mechanism 60, the valve timing VT is the advance angle regulation angle. When VTrtgtH is reached, the further change of the valve timing VT toward the advance side is restricted. That is, when the rotation phase P reaches the advance angle regulation phase PRH, the further rotation of the vane rotor 44 toward the advance angle side is restricted. In the abnormality diagnosis control, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the phase restriction mechanism 60 when the valve timing VT is stagnant at the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH.

  As shown in FIG. 6D, when the phase restricting mechanism 60 is abnormal, the valve timing VT is advanced when the restricting pin 61 is not moved from the accommodation position to the protruding position based on the restriction command. The target valve timing VTT is reached by changing to the advance side beyond the angle regulation angle VTTrgtH. That is, when the rotation phase P reaches the advance angle restriction phase PRH, the rotation of the vane rotor 44 by the restriction pin 61 is not restricted, and the rotation is further advanced than the advance angle restriction angle VTrgtH. In the abnormality diagnosis control, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restriction mechanism 60 when the valve timing VT has advanced beyond the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH. In addition, after the diagnosis result about the presence or absence of abnormality of the phase restriction mechanism 60 is obtained, the restriction pin 61 moved to the protruding position for abnormality diagnosis is returned to the accommodation position.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the content of the “abnormality diagnosis process” that defines a specific processing procedure related to the abnormality diagnosis of the phase restriction mechanism 60 will be described. This process is repeatedly executed at predetermined control cycles by the electronic control unit 90 during operation of the engine 10.

  When it is determined in step S110 that the valve timing VT is on the more retarded side than the advance angle regulation angle VTrgtH, and in step S120, it is determined that the value in the large advance angle region VTadv is set as the target valve timing VTT. In S130, a restriction command is transmitted to the second oil control valve 74. That is, a command for maintaining the operation mode of the second oil control valve 74 in a mode in which the lubricating oil is discharged from the regulated intermediate chamber 62 is transmitted. Then, when the lubricating oil is discharged from the regulation intermediate chamber 62 in accordance with the execution of the process of step S130, a force in the protruding direction ZA acts on the regulation pin 61.

  When it is determined in step S140 that the valve timing VT is at or ahead of the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH, and it is determined in step S150 that the valve timing VT is not stagnant at the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH (FIG. 6 (D)), that is, when the valve timing VT is on the advance side with respect to the advance angle restricting angle VTrtgtH, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restricting mechanism 60, and accordingly, in step S170 that effect is indicated. Is recorded in the memory. Thereafter, in step S160, a command to cancel the advance angle restriction and the retard angle restriction is transmitted to the second oil control valve 74.

  On the other hand, in step S140, it is determined that the valve timing VT is at the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH or an advance angle side thereof, and in step S150, it is determined that the valve timing VT is stagnant at the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH. (FIG. 6C), that is, when the valve timing VT is at the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH, it is determined that the abnormality of the phase restriction mechanism 60 has not occurred. In step S160, a command to cancel the advance angle restriction and the retard angle restriction is transmitted to the second oil control valve 74.

  When the lubricating oil is supplied to the regulation intermediate chamber 62 with the execution of step S160, a force in the accommodation direction ZB is generated on the regulation pin 61, and the pin 61 moves from the protruding position to the accommodation position. Note that the valve timing VT is stagnant at the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH, for example, the valve timing VT calculated by the crank position sensor 92 and the cam position sensor 93 indicates the advance restriction angle VTrtgtH over a predetermined period. Can be determined based on In addition to this, regarding the elapsed period from the start of transmission of both the advance angle command by the valve timing control and the restriction command by the abnormality diagnosis control, the valve timing VT becomes the advance angle restriction angle when this reaches a predetermined period. It can also be determined based on being at VTrgtH.

According to the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the present embodiment, abnormality diagnosis of the phase restriction mechanism 60 is performed based on the valve timing VT after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started. Thereby, an appropriate thing can be obtained as a result of the diagnosis.

  (2) In the present embodiment, an abnormality occurs in the phase restriction mechanism 60 based on the fact that the valve timing VT has changed to the advance side beyond the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH after transmission of the advance angle instruction and restriction command has started. It is determined that it has occurred. As a result, it is possible to appropriately grasp that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restriction mechanism 60.

  (3) In the present embodiment, when the change of the valve timing VT to the advance side stagnates at the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started, there is an abnormality in the phase restriction mechanism 60. It is determined that it has not occurred. This makes it possible to appropriately grasp that no abnormality has occurred in the phase restriction mechanism 60.

  (4) In the present embodiment, when the change of the valve timing VT to the advance side stagnates at the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started, that is, the phase restriction mechanism 60 is abnormal. When this is not occurring, the operating position of the phase restriction mechanism 60 based on the restriction command transmitted for abnormality diagnosis is returned from the restriction position to the release position. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the change of the valve timing VT after the abnormality diagnosis from being hindered by the restriction mechanism 60.

(Other embodiments)
The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as shown below, for example. The following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiment, and different modifications can be combined with each other.

  In the above embodiment, the end on the advance side of the restriction groove 64 is set to the retard side with respect to the most advanced angle phase PH of the vane rotor 44. However, the form of formation of the restriction groove 64 is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the advance angle side end of the restriction groove 64 can be formed at the same position as the most advanced angle phase PH. Alternatively, the end of the restricting groove 64 on the advance side can be formed on the advance side with respect to the most advanced angle phase PH and on the retard side with respect to the contact advance angle phase PHH. In short, as long as it is on the retard side with respect to the contact advance phase PHH, the formation position of the advance side of the restricting groove 64, that is, the phase that restricts the rotation of the vane rotor 44 by the phase restricting mechanism 60 can be changed as appropriate. . In addition, in any of the cases where the restriction groove 64 is formed, when the abnormality of the phase restriction mechanism 60 is diagnosed, the phase restriction is determined based on the fact that the valve timing VT has changed to the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH. It can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the mechanism 60.

  In the above embodiment, the most advanced angle phase PH is set to a phase that is more retarded than the contact advanced angle phase PHH, but the setting of the most advanced angle phase PH is not limited to this. For example, the most advanced angle phase PH can be set at the same position as the contact advanced phase PHH. Even in this case, the valve timing VT is set to be more than the advance angle restriction angle VTgtH in the abnormality diagnosis of the phase restriction mechanism 60 by forming the advance angle side end of the restriction groove 64 on the retard angle side with respect to the most advanced angle phase PH. Also, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restricting mechanism 60 when it has changed to the advance side.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration is adopted in which the transmission of the restriction command is started by the abnormality diagnosis control after the transmission of the advance angle command is started by the valve timing control. However, the transmission of the restriction command is a control different from the abnormality diagnosis control. An abnormality diagnosis can also be performed when performed. That is, the abnormality diagnosis of the phase restriction mechanism 60 by the abnormality diagnosis control is performed on the condition that transmission of the advance angle command by the valve timing control is started and transmission of the restriction command by the control of the phase restriction mechanism 60 is started. Can also be done.

  In the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which transmission of the regulation command is started by the abnormality diagnosis control after transmission of the advance command is started by the valve timing control. However, both of the advance command and the regulation command are used in the abnormality diagnosis control. It can also be changed to a configuration that performs transmission. In this case, a configuration is adopted in which transmission of one of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started first and then transmission of the other command is started, or transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started simultaneously. can do. Moreover, in the said modification, the following change (A) or (B) can also be added.

  (A) As the target valve timing VTT, a value within the range from the advance side to the contact advance angle VTmaxH with respect to the most advanced angle VTmax is set, and a restriction command is transmitted together with the advance angle command based on this value.

  (B) Instead of transmitting an advance command and a control command based on the target valve timing VTT, a command to continue the valve timing VT and a control command are transmitted, and then an abnormality diagnosis is performed. .

  In the above embodiment, the restriction command is transmitted on the condition that the target valve timing VTT is set to a value within the large advance angle region VTadv. However, the execution mode for transmitting the restriction command is, for example, It can also be changed as in the following (A) or (B).

  (A) It is also possible to transmit a restriction command on condition that the target valve timing VTT is set to a value in a range from the advance side to the contact advance angle VTmaxH with respect to the most advanced angle VTmax. In the normal valve timing control, the target valve timing VTT is not set within the same range. Therefore, when the modified example is implemented, processing for setting the target valve timing VTT within the same range in the abnormality diagnosis control is performed. Is done.

  (B) Instead of transmitting the restriction command based on the target valve timing VTT, the restriction command can be transmitted on the condition that a command for continuing to advance the valve timing VT is transmitted. Also in this case, when the restriction command is transmitted under the condition that the phase restriction mechanism 60 is abnormal, the valve timing VT changes to the advance side from the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH. With this, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the phase restriction mechanism 60. In addition, when the restriction command is transmitted under the condition that the phase restriction mechanism 60 is abnormal, the valve timing VT eventually reaches the contact advance angle VmaxH. It can also be determined that an abnormality has occurred in 60.

  In the above-described embodiment, the regulation command is transmitted and the abnormality diagnosis is performed after the transmission of the advance command based on the engine operation state is started. That is, the valve timing VT is determined based on the request from the engine operation state. Although the transmission of the regulation command is started when the advance angle request is generated, the execution mode of the abnormality diagnosis is not limited to this. For example, an execution condition other than the request for advancement of the valve timing VT (for example, if a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous abnormality diagnosis or if the valve timing VT is forcibly advanced, this is Diagnosis of abnormalities by forcibly sending advance and restriction commands based on the fact that this condition is satisfied during engine operation Can also be done. Specific examples of abnormality diagnosis in this case include the following (A) to (C).

  (A) When the valve timing VT is on the retard side with respect to the advance restriction angle VTTrgtH and the other execution condition is satisfied, the target valve timing VTT is a value on the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTrtgtH. After that, an advance angle command and a regulation command are transmitted to perform abnormality diagnosis.

  (B) When the valve timing VT is on the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH and the other execution condition is satisfied, the valve timing VT is temporarily changed to the retard angle side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTTrgtH. Thereafter, a value on the advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle VTrgtH is set as the target valve timing VTT, and an advance angle command and a restriction command are transmitted to perform abnormality diagnosis.

  (C) In the above (A) or (B), instead of transmitting the advance angle command and transmitting the restriction command based on the setting of the target valve timing VTT, a command and a restriction command for continuously advancing the valve timing VT And then diagnose the abnormality.

  In the above embodiment, the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil in the advance chamber 46, the retard chamber 47, and the lock intermediate chamber 52 is controlled by the first oil control valve 73, and the supply / discharge of the lubricating oil in the restriction intermediate chamber 62 is performed. Although the configuration of the lubrication device 70 that controls the state by the second oil control valve 74 is adopted, the configuration of the device 70 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil in the advance chamber 46, the retard chamber 47, the lock intermediate chamber 52, and the restriction intermediate chamber 62 is controlled by a single oil control valve may be employed. Alternatively, the supply / discharge state of the lubricating oil in the advance chamber 46 and the retard chamber 47 is controlled by one oil control valve, and the supply / discharge state of the lubricant in the lock intermediate chamber 52 and the regulation intermediate chamber 62 is different. A configuration controlled by an oil control valve can also be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the phase fixing mechanism 50 is configured such that the lock pin 51, the lock intermediate chamber 52, and the lock spring 53 are provided in the vane rotor 44, and the lock hole 54 is provided in the housing 42. The configuration of the fixing mechanism 50 is not limited to this. For example, the lock pin 51, the lock intermediate chamber 52, and the lock spring 53 can be provided in the housing 42, and the lock hole 54 can be provided in the vane rotor 44.

  In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the regulation pin 61, the regulation intermediate chamber 62, and the regulation spring 63 are provided in the vane rotor 44 and the regulation groove 64 is provided in the housing 42 is adopted as the configuration of the phase regulation mechanism 60. The configuration of the mechanism 60 is not limited to this. For example, the regulation pin 61, the regulation intermediate chamber 62, and the regulation spring 63 can be provided in the housing 42, and the regulation groove 64 can be provided in the vane rotor 44.

  In the above embodiment, the lock pin 51 is maintained in a state in which the lock pin 51 can protrude from the vane 45 when the hydraulic pressure of the lock intermediate chamber 52 with respect to the lock pin 51 is released, but the lock intermediate chamber 52 and the lock spring 53 This relationship can also be set to the opposite of the above embodiment. That is, it is possible to change to a configuration in which a force in the protruding direction ZA is applied to the lock pin 51 by hydraulic pressure, and a force in the housing direction ZB is applied to the lock pin 51 by the force of the lock spring 53.

  In the above embodiment, the restriction pin 61 is maintained in a state in which the restriction pin 61 can protrude from the vane 45 when the oil pressure of the restriction intermediate chamber 62 with respect to the restriction pin 61 is released. This relationship can also be set to the opposite of the above embodiment. That is, it is possible to change to a configuration in which a force in the protruding direction ZA is applied to the restriction pin 61 by hydraulic pressure, and a force in the housing direction ZB is applied to the restriction pin 61 by the force of the restriction spring 63.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the variable valve apparatus including the variable valve timing mechanism 40 of the intake valve 31. However, the above-described implementation is also applied to the variable valve apparatus including the variable valve timing mechanism of the exhaust valve. The present invention can be applied in a mode according to the form.

  The configuration of the variable valve operating apparatus to which the present invention is applied including the configurations of the variable valve timing mechanism 40, the phase fixing mechanism 50, the phase regulating mechanism 60, and the lubrication device 70 are limited to the contents exemplified in the above embodiment. It is not a thing. In other words, any valve timing variable mechanism that changes the valve timing, a phase locking mechanism that performs intermediate locking of the valve timing, and a regulation mechanism that controls the retardation and advance of the valve timing can be used. The present invention can also be applied to the variable valve device, and even in that case, it is possible to achieve operational effects in accordance with the operational effects of the above-described embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Engine, 20 ... Engine main body, 21 ... Cylinder block, 22 ... Cylinder head, 23 ... Combustion chamber, 24 ... Cylinder, 25 ... Piston, 26 ... Crankshaft, 27 ... Injector, 31 ... Intake valve, 32 ... Intake cam Shaft 33 ... Exhaust valve 34 ... Exhaust camshaft 40 ... Variable valve timing mechanism (variable valve mechanism) 41 ... Sprocket 42 ... Housing (input side rotating body (engagement side rotating body)) 43 ... Section Wall 44, vane rotor (output-side rotator (accommodating-side rotator)) 45, vane 46, advance chamber 47, retard chamber 50, phase locking mechanism (first regulating mechanism) 51, lock pin (First regulating body), 52 ... lock intermediate chamber (first intermediate chamber), 53 ... lock spring, 54 ... lock hole (regulatory hole), 60 ... phase regulating mechanism (second regulating mechanism), 6 ... restriction pin (second restriction body), 62 ... restriction intermediate chamber (second intermediate chamber), 63 ... restriction spring, 64 ... restriction groove, 70 ... lubricating device, 71 ... oil pan, 72 ... oil pump, 73 ... first DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Oil control valve (hydraulic mechanism), 74 ... 2nd oil control valve (hydraulic mechanism), 80 ... Lubricating oil path, 81 ... 1st supply oil path, 82 ... 1st discharge oil path, 83 ... 2nd supply oil path 84 ... Secondary discharge oil passage, 85 ... Advance oil passage, 86 ... Delay oil passage, 87 ... Lock intermediate oil passage, 88 ... Regulation intermediate oil passage, 90 ... Electronic control device, 91 ... Throttle position sensor, 92 ... Crank position sensor, 93 ... Cam position sensor.

Claims (13)

A variable valve mechanism that changes the valve timing of an intake valve or exhaust valve as an engine valve between the most advanced angle and the most retarded angle, and an intermediate angle that is between the most advanced angle and the most retarded angle. A first restriction mechanism for performing intermediate fixation to be fixed to a delay angle, and a retard restriction that restricts the valve timing from changing to a retard angle side with respect to a retard angle restriction angle between the intermediate angle and the most retarded angle. In a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising a second regulating mechanism to perform,
The second restricting mechanism uses an advance angle restricting angle as a predetermined angle that is further on the advance side than the retard angle restricting angle, and an advance that restricts the valve timing from changing to the advance angle side relative to the advance angle restricting angle. It is a corner regulation,
The variable valve operating device performs abnormality diagnosis control for the second regulating mechanism,
This abnormality diagnosis control includes an advance angle command for changing the valve timing to an advance side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle and the second restriction mechanism when the intermediate fixing by the first restriction mechanism is not performed. Regarding the restriction command for maintaining the operation position at the restriction position where the retard angle restriction and the advance angle restriction are effective, the abnormality diagnosis of the second restriction mechanism is performed based on the valve timing after the transmission of these instructions is started. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, characterized in that: The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, an abnormality is detected in the second restriction mechanism based on the fact that the valve timing changes to the advance side beyond the advance angle restriction angle after transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, characterized in that it is determined that the engine has occurred. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, when the change to the advance side of the valve timing stagnates at the advance angle after the start of transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command, an abnormality is detected in the second restriction mechanism. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, characterized in that it is determined that no occurrence has occurred. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, the restriction command is transmitted while the valve timing is advanced. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein: The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, the restriction command is transmitted based on a request for a large advance angle to change the valve timing to a predetermined valve timing that is on the advance side of the advance angle restriction angle. A variable valve operating device for an internal combustion engine characterized by the above. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4 or 5,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, the transmission of the restriction command is started on the condition that the valve timing is on the retard side with respect to the advance angle restriction angle. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the abnormality diagnosis control, the operation of the second restriction mechanism is performed when the change to the advance side of the valve timing stagnates at the advance angle after the transmission of the advance angle command and the restriction command is started. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein the position is changed from the restriction position to a release position where the retard restriction and the advance restriction are invalidated. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The variable valve mechanism includes an input-side rotating body that rotates by a force transmitted from a crankshaft, and an output-side rotating body that rotates together with the camshaft of the engine valve by a force transmitted from the input-side rotating body. It is composed of
The first regulating mechanism is provided between an input side rotating body and an output side rotating body that is one of the receiving side rotating body and is stored in the rotating body, and a protruding position protruding from the rotating body. And a restriction hole provided in an engagement-side rotator which is the other of the input-side rotator and the output-side rotator and into which the first restrictor is fitted. When the first restricting body is in the protruding position, a part of the first restricting body is fitted in the restricting hole to enable the intermediate fixing, and the first restricting body is in the receiving position. The intermediate part is invalidated by the fact that the same part is detached from the restriction hole,
The second restricting mechanism includes a second restricting body that is provided on the accommodating-side rotating body and moves between a housing position accommodated in the rotating body and a protruding position protruding from the rotating body; and the engagement side A restriction groove provided in the rotating body and into which the second restriction body is fitted, and a part of the second restriction body is fitted into the restriction groove when the second restriction body is in the protruding position. The delay angle restriction and the advance angle restriction are made effective, and when the second restrictor is in the storage position, the same part is detached from the restriction groove, whereby the delay angle restriction and the advance angle are A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, characterized in that the regulation is invalidated. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 8,
The variable valve mechanism is provided with an advance chamber and a retard chamber partitioned from each other by a partition wall between the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body,
The restriction groove of the second restriction mechanism has a contact advance angle phase as a rotation phase when the rotating body comes into contact with the partition wall as the output side rotating body rotates relative to the input side rotating body. In this case, the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is characterized in that an advance angle side end is provided on the retard angle side with respect to the contact advance angle phase. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 8 or 9,
When the relative rotation phase of the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body corresponding to the most advanced angle is set to the most advanced angle phase, the restriction groove of the second regulating mechanism has an advanced angle side end. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is provided at the same position as the most advanced angle phase or at a more retarded angle side than the most advanced angle phase. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
When the relative rotation phase of the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body corresponding to the most retarded angle is defined as the most retarded angle phase, the restricting groove of the second regulating mechanism has an end on the retarded side. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is provided on the advance side with respect to the most retarded phase. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The variable valve operating apparatus further includes a hydraulic mechanism that controls a supply / discharge state of hydraulic oil with respect to the variable valve operating mechanism, the first restricting mechanism, and the second restricting mechanism,
The first restriction mechanism is further configured to include a first intermediate chamber that is provided in the accommodating-side rotating body and is operated by the hydraulic mechanism to supply and discharge the hydraulic oil. When the relative rotational phase of the body and the output-side rotator is in an intermediate phase corresponding to the intermediate angle, and the supply / discharge state of the hydraulic oil to / from the first intermediate chamber is set to the first supply / discharge state The first restricting body is maintained at the projecting position, the relative rotational phase between the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body is in the intermediate phase, and hydraulic oil is supplied to and discharged from the first intermediate chamber. When the state is set to the second supply / discharge state, the first restricting body is maintained in the accommodation position,
The second restriction mechanism is further configured to include a second intermediate chamber that is provided on the accommodating-side rotating body and is operated by the hydraulic mechanism to supply and discharge hydraulic fluid. The relative rotational phase of the body and the output side rotating body is within a regulation range corresponding to the retard angle regulation angle to the advance angle regulation angle, and the hydraulic oil supply / discharge state to the second intermediate chamber is the first When the supply / discharge state of 3 is set, the second restricting body is maintained at the protruding position, and the relative rotation phase between the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body is within the restricting range; When the lubricating oil supply / discharge state with respect to the second intermediate chamber is set to the fourth supply / discharge state, the second restricting body is maintained in the storage position. Variable valve device. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 12,
The first restricting mechanism has a moving direction of the first restricting body from the housing position toward the projecting position as a projecting direction, and a moving direction of the first restricting body from the projecting position to the housing position as a housing direction. Based on the relationship between the force of the spring that pushes the first restricting body in the projecting direction and the hydraulic pressure of the first intermediate chamber that pushes the first restricting body in the housing direction, the first restricting body is in the housed position. And between the projecting position and
The second restricting mechanism has a moving direction of the second restricting body from the housing position toward the projecting position as a projecting direction, and a moving direction of the second restricting body from the projecting position to the housing position as a housing direction. Based on the relationship between the force of the spring that pushes the second restricting body in the protruding direction and the hydraulic pressure of the second intermediate chamber that pushes the second restricting body in the housing direction, the second restricting body is in the housed position. The variable valve operating device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the variable valve device moves between the protruding position and the protruding position.

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