A device for controlling an opening cross section in the combustion cylinder
of
an internal combustion engine is provided, the device having a gas exchange valve
integrated into the combustion cylinder and having an actuator which drives the
valve element to execute a closing stroke and an opening stroke. A valve brake
which is active during a residual closing stroke of the valve element is provided
for the purpose of reducing the impact velocity of the valve closure member of
the valve element on the valve seat in the closing stroke of the valve element.
The valve brake has a hydraulic damping element with a fluid displacement volume
which flows out through a throttle cross section of a throttle opening, and a control
unit for controlling the throttle cross section as a function of the viscosity
of the displacement volume.
