Variable valve operating apparatus for internal combustion engine

A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• a variable mechanism disposed between a cam and a valve, the variable mechanism being adapted to change valve-opening characteristics of the valve;
• and
• a changeover mechanism for switching between operational states of the variable mechanism,
• wherein the changeover mechanism includes:
• a displacement member adapted to move within a predetermined reciprocating range thereby switching between the operational states of the variable mechanism;
• a guide part provided in an outer peripheral surface of a camshaft to which the cam is fixed, the guide part being adapted to guide movement of the displacement member from one end to remaining end of the reciprocating range;
• a projection part provided in the displacement member, the projection part being engageable with the guide part;
• an engagement control device for switching between an engagement state and a non-engagement state of the projection part and the guide part;
• and
• a restriction device for performing at least one of a restriction of contact between a top surface of the projection part and a surface of the guide part opposing the projection part, and a restriction of movement of the displacement member beyond a distance from the one end to the remaining end.