U.S. patent application number 10/391600 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-11 for compression ignition internal combustion engine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kihara, Yuusuke, Nakagawa, Shinji, Nogi, Toshiharu, Oosuga, Minoru, Shiraishi, Takuya, Yamaoka, Shiro.
Application Number | 20030226528 10/391600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29711619 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030226528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamaoka, Shiro ; et
al. |
December 11, 2003 |
Compression ignition internal combustion engine
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
compression ignition internal combustion engine capable of making
compatible an increase in compression self-ignition operating area
with an optimum output torque control in the operating area and
also smoothly switching between a self-ignition combustion and a
spark ignition combustion. The compression ignition internal
combustion engine operates by switching between the spark ignition
combustion using an ignition device and the compression ignition
combustion which self-ignites a mixture by piston compression.
Variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) vary at least one of the valve
timings and valve lifts of an intake valve and an exhaust valve.
Intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) vary the amount of
air intake into a combustion chamber on the upstream side of a
combustion chamber inlet of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine. Control means (1) controls the variable valve
mechanisms (15a, 15b) and the intake air regulating means (7; 30;
32; 40, 42) during the compression ignition combustion so as to
perform the compression ignition combustion.
Inventors: |
Yamaoka, Shiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Nogi, Toshiharu; (Tokyo, JP) ; Oosuga,
Minoru; (Tokyo, JP) ; Shiraishi, Takuya;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Nakagawa, Shinji; (Tokyo, JP)
; Kihara, Yuusuke; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROWELL & MORING LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
P.O. BOX 14300
WASHINGTON
DC
20044-4300
US
|
Assignee: |
Hitachi, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
29711619 |
Appl. No.: |
10/391600 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10391600 |
Mar 20, 2003 |
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10239050 |
Dec 31, 2002 |
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10239050 |
Dec 31, 2002 |
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PCT/JP00/05507 |
Aug 17, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
123/90.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 13/0207 20130101;
F02B 1/12 20130101; F02D 13/0276 20130101; F02D 41/062 20130101;
F02D 41/3035 20130101; F02D 41/3076 20130101; F02D 2041/002
20130101; Y02T 10/12 20130101; Y02T 10/18 20130101; F02D 41/18
20130101; F02M 26/01 20160201; Y02T 10/40 20130101; Y02T 10/42
20130101; F02D 41/3064 20130101; F02M 26/13 20160201; F02D 2041/001
20130101; F01L 2800/00 20130101; F02D 41/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/90.15 |
International
Class: |
F01L 001/34 |
Claims
1. A compression ignition internal combustion engine for operating
by switching a spark ignition combustion using an ignition device
and a compression ignition combustion for self-igniting a mixture
by piston compression comprising: variable valve mechanisms (15a,
15b) for varying at least one of valve timings and valve lifts of
an intake valve and an exhaust valve; intake air regulating means
(7; 30; 32; 40, 42) for varying an amount of air intake into a
combustion chamber on an upstream side of a combustion chamber
inlet of the compression ignition internal combustion engine; and
control means (1) for controlling said variable valve mechanisms
and said intake air regulating means during a compression ignition
combustion so as to perform a compression ignition combustion.
2. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so as to reduce valve lifts of said
exhaust valve during a compression ignition combustion.
3. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so as to reduce an opening time of said
exhaust valve during a compression ignition combustion.
4. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) decides an amount of fuel
injection according to engine operating conditions of said
compression ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle driving
condition of a vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine and an intention of a driver of said
vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion
engine, calculates a target amount of intake air from said decided
amount of fuel injection so as to attain a target air-fuel ratio
and controls said variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) and said
intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) so that the amount
of air intake into said combustion chamber becomes the target
amount of air.
5. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) decides an amount of fuel
injection according to engine operating conditions of said
compression ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle driving
condition of a vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine and an intention of a driver of said
vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion
engine, calculates a target amount of intake air from said decided
amount of fuel injection so as to attain a target air-fuel ratio
and controls said variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) and said
intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) so that an ignition
timing becomes a target ignition timing.
6. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) decides a target amount of
intake air according to engine operating conditions of said
compression ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle driving
condition of a vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine and an intention of a driver of said
vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion
engine and controls said variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) and
said intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) so that an
air-fuel ratio becomes a target air-fuel ratio.
7. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 6, wherein said control means (1) further performs feedback
control so that an ignition timing becomes a target ignition
timing.
8. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) operates said intake valve
or said exhaust valve according to engine operating conditions of
said compression ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle
driving condition of a vehicle incorporating said compression
ignition internal combustion engine and an intention of a driver of
said vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal
combustion engine and controls fuel injecting means (11) and said
intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) so that an air-fuel
ratio becomes a target air-fuel ratio.
9. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 8, wherein said control means (1) further performs feedback
control so that an ignition timing becomes a target ignition
timing.
10. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b), said fuel injecting means (11) and
said intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) according to
engine operating conditions of said compression ignition internal
combustion engine, a vehicle driving condition of a vehicle
incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion engine
and an intention of a driver of the vehicle incorporating said
compression ignition internal combustion engine so that an air-fuel
ratio becomes a target air-fuel ratio.
11. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 10, wherein said control means (1) performs feedback control
so that an ignition timing becomes a target ignition timing.
12. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) operates said intake air
regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) according to engine operating
conditions of said compression ignition internal combustion engine,
a vehicle driving condition of a vehicle incorporating said
compression ignition internal combustion engine and an intention of
a driver of said vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine and controls said fuel injecting means
(11) and said variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so that an
air-fuel ratio becomes a target air-fuel ratio.
13. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 12, wherein said control means (1) further performs feedback
control so that an ignition timing coincides with a target ignition
timing.
14. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so that the intake valve has small
lifts and the closing timing of the intake valve is advanced during
an operating condition is in a low-speed and low-load state,.
15. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 14, wherein said control means (1) maximizes an amount of
intake air by said intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42)
while keeping an internal EGR rate constant.
16. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so that an amount of intake air into
said combustion chamber is increased as an engine load increases in
an operating area by said compression ignition combustion.
17. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls said variable
valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) or said intake air regulating means (7;
30; 32; 40, 42) so that a temperature of a mixture inside said
combustion chamber increases at the start of a compression process
as an engine speed increases in an operating area by said
compression ignition combustion so as to increase an internal EGR
rate.
18. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls so that an amount
of fuel injection increases as an engine speed increases in an
operating area by said compression ignition combustion.
19. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means (1) controls so that an
air-fuel ratio approaches a theoretical air-fuel ratio as an engine
speed increases in an operating area by said compression ignition
combustion.
20. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein when said compression ignition combustion is
switched to said spark ignition combustion, said control means (1)
controls said variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) so that an
internal EGR rate is reduced compared with that during said
compression ignition combustion.
21. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 20, wherein when said compression ignition combustion is
switched to said spark ignition combustion, said control means (1)
controls said intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) so
that an amount of intake air changes continuously.
22. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said intake air regulating means (30) is provided
in a flow channel that bypasses an intake path.
23. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said intake air regulating means (32) is provided
by a supercharger which supplies supercharged air into said
combustion chamber and said control means controls the amount of
air to be supplied by controlling the supercharging pressure of
this supercharger.
24. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means controls for switching said
spark ignition combustion and said compression ignition combustion
according to engine operating conditions of this compression
ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle driving condition of
said vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal
combustion engine and an intention of a driver of said vehicle
incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion
engine.
25. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 24, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or when a vehicle acceleration
is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, said engine is
operated by said spark ignition combustion.
26. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 24, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or when the vehicle speed is
equal to or greater than a predetermined value, said engine is
operated by said spark ignition combustion.
27. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 24, wherein when a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than
a predetermined value and a brake depressing force is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value, engine operation by said
compression ignition combustion is prohibited.
28. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 24, wherein when a cooling water temperature and a intake air
temperature are equal to or lower than a predetermined value, said
engine is operated by said spark ignition combustion.
29. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 28, wherein when an exhaust temperature is equal to or higher
than a predetermined value, engine operation is switched to
operation by said compression ignition combustion.
30. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 1, wherein said control means prohibits engine operation by
said compression ignition combustion according to engine operating
conditions of said compression ignition internal combustion engine,
a vehicle driving condition of a vehicle incorporating said
compression ignition internal combustion engine and an intention of
a driver of the vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine.
31. A compression ignition internal combustion engine for operating
by switching a spark ignition combustion using an ignition device
and a compression ignition combustion for self-igniting a mixture
by piston compression, wherein a switching engine operation between
said spark ignition combustion and said compression ignition
combustion according to engine operating conditions of said
compression ignition internal combustion engine, a vehicle driving
condition of a vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine and an intention of a driver of said
vehicle incorporating said compression ignition internal combustion
engine.
32. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 31, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or a vehicle acceleration is
equal to or greater than a predetermined value, engine operation is
performed by said spark ignition combustion.
33. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 31, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or a vehicle speed is equal to
or greater than a predetermined value, engine operation is
performed by said spark ignition combustion.
34. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 31, wherein when a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than
a predetermined value and a brake depressing force is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value, engine operation by said
compression ignition combustion is prohibited.
35. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 31, wherein when a cooling water temperature and a intake air
temperature are equal to or lower than a predetermined value,
engine operation is performed by said park ignition combustion.
36. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 35, wherein when an exhaust temperature is equal to or higher
than a predetermined value, engine operation is switched to
operation by said compression ignition combustion.
37. A compression ignition internal combustion engine for operating
switching a spark ignition combustion using an ignition device and
a compression ignition combustion for self-igniting mixture by
piston compression, wherein engine operation by said compression
ignition combustion is prohibited according to engine operating
conditions of said compression ignition internal combustion engine,
a vehicle driving condition of a vehicle incorporating this
compression ignition internal combustion engine and an intention of
a driver of said vehicle incorporating said compression ignition
internal combustion engine.
38. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 37, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or a vehicle acceleration is
equal to or greater than a predetermined value, engine operation is
performed by said spark ignition combustion.
39. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 37, wherein when an accelerator opening is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value or a vehicle speed is equal to
or greater than a predetermined value, engine operation is
performed by said spark ignition combustion.
40. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 37, wherein when a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than
a predetermined value and a brake depressing force is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value, engine operation by said
compression ignition combustion is prohibited.
41. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 37, wherein when a cooling water temperature and a intake air
temperature are equal to or lower than a predetermined value,
engine operation is performed by said spark ignition
combustion.
42. A compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
claim 41, wherein when an exhaust temperature is equal to or higher
than a predetermined value, engine operation is switched to
operation by said compression ignition combustion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a compression ignition
internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to a compression
ignition internal combustion engine capable of switching a
compression ignition combustion and a spark ignition
combustion.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As described in JP-A-10-56413, a compression ignition
internal combustion engine adopts a combustion system of
compressing and self-igniting a uniformly premixed fuel-air
mixture. The compression ignition internal combustion engine can
operate in an ultra-lean area (air-fuel ratio of 80 or more) that
cannot be operated by a conventional gasoline engine or diesel
engine, and decreases flame temperatures and realizes ignition
combustion with a uniform fuel-air mixture, and therefore it is an
engine that allows drastic reduction of both NOx and soot.
[0003] Generally, when a fuel-air premixture is compressed and
reached at a certain temperature, a reaction called "low
temperature oxidation reaction" whose initial reaction is
dehydrogenation of hydrocarbon as a fuel, starts. When this
reaction progresses, an elementary reaction called "blue flame"
takes place, which leads to self-ignition. Since this ignition
takes place at multiple points in the fuel-air mixture
simultaneously, the combustion period for the combustion chamber as
a whole is by far shorter than combustion by spark ignition of a
conventional gasoline engine or a combustion period of injection
combustion of a diesel engine. For this reason, this results in a
reduction of flame temperature and suppression of NOx generation
which is dependent on a duration thereof, which constitutes a
factor of realizing low NOx in the compression ignition internal
combustion engine.
[0004] However, the conventional compression ignition internal
combustion engine has a problem that its output torque range is
limited to a very narrow range and an engine operation with
compression ignition is only realized within quite a limited range
of low-load and low-speed rotation. The reason is that the
temperature for a fuel-air premixture using hydrocarbon as a fuel
to reach self-ignition is said to be 900K or higher and a current
gasoline engine whose compression ratio is set to about 10 to 13 is
known to have almost no operating area where self-ignition can take
place. Furthermore, the compression ratio can be set as high as
that of a diesel engine (16 to 22) and there can be an engine
operating area by self-ignition of a fuel-air premixture, but since
it is difficult for the conventional engine to control
self-ignition timings of the mixture, a combustion period is short
and compression self-ignition of the premixture is strongly
affected by an air-fuel ratio, etc., its output torque range is
limited to a very narrow range, causing a problem that an engine
operation by compression ignition can be realized only in quite a
limited area of low-load and low-speed rotation.
[0005] In contrast, as described, for example, in JP-A-11-280507,
an engine is known which flows backward a high-temperature burnt
gas (internal EGR) generated in a previous cycle to a combustion
chamber by operating a mechanism that makes variable valve timings
of intake/exhaust valves, keeps the inside of the combustion
chamber at a high temperature through the internal EGR in a
low-load area and realizes an operating area by the self-ignition
combustion through control over the amount of the internal EGR and
real compression ratio and operates by the spark ignition
combustion in a high-load area,
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] However, the internal combustion engine described in
JP-A-11-280507 has the following problems. That is, the
conventional internal combustion engine overlaps the opening
periods of intake/exhaust valves to introduce the internal EGR,
which causes an amount of the internal EGR to be controlled by the
overlapping period of the intake/exhaust valves. The conventional
internal combustion engine also controls the intake valve to
control ignition timing at the same time. That is, when the
opening/closing timings required for the intake valve and exhaust
valve vary depending on the engine operating condition, both
timings cannot be controlled independently of each other, which
causes a problem that the operating area by self-ignition is
narrowed.
[0007] Furthermore, the conventional engine system that combines
the self-ignition combustion and the spark ignition combustion
cannot control valve timings and valve lifts of the intake/exhaust
valves and the amount of intake air independently of one another
when switching a combustion state from the self-ignition combustion
to the spark ignition combustion or from the spark ignition
combustion to the self-ignition combustion, producing differences
in torque causing a problem of making stable driving of a vehicle
difficult.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
compression ignition internal combustion engine capable of making
compatible an increase in compression self-ignition operating area
with an optimum output torque control in the operating area and
also smoothly switching between a self-ignition combustion and a
spark ignition combustion.
[0009] To attain the above object, the present invention provides a
compression ignition internal combustion engine for operating by
switching a spark ignition combustion using an ignition device and
a compression ignition combustion for self-igniting a fuel-air
mixture by piston compression, provided with variable valve
mechanisms for varying at least one of valve timings and valve
lifts of an intake valve and an exhaust valve, intake air
regulating means for varying an amount of air intake into a
combustion chamber on an upstream side of a combustion chamber
inlet of the compression ignition internal combustion engine and
control means for controlling the variable valve mechanisms and the
intake air regulating means during a compression ignition
combustion so as to perform a compression ignition combustion.
[0010] Such a configuration makes compatible an increase in the
compression self-ignition operating area with an optimum output
torque control in this operating area and also allows for smooth
switching the self-ignition combustion and the spark ignition
combustion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of deciding a
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
first method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of lifts of intake/exhaust valves
in a compression ignition combustion mode of the compression
ignition internal combustion engine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is another schematic view of lifts of intake/exhaust
valves in a compression ignition combustion mode of the compression
ignition internal combustion engine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a system block diagram showing a configuration for
implementing a third method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the third method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the principle of detection of
ignition timings for the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
fourth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
fifth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
sixth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
seventh method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
an eighth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of a
ninth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in a
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, low-load state
of a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates controlled variable of the variable
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed,
low-load state of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates the state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, low-load state
of the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in
the compression ignition combustion mode in a high-speed, low-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates controlled variables of the variable
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode in a high-speed,
low-load state of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates the state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a high-speed, low-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in
the compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, high-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates controlled variables of the variable
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed,
high-load state of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates the state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, high-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
switching between a compression ignition combustion mode and spark
ignition combustion mode of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 illustrates control of switching between the
compression ignition combustion mode and spark ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C illustrate control of switching
between the compression ignition combustion mode and spark ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 27 illustrates an air-fuel ratio in the compression
ignition combustion mode and spark ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 31 is an operating area map for deciding a combustion
method in a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 32 illustrates a heat generation curve;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an operation of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention when compression
ignition is prohibited;
[0044] FIG. 34 is an operating area map for deciding a combustion
method in a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an operation of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
eighth embodiment of the present invention when compression
ignition is prohibited;
[0046] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing an operation of a
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
ninth embodiment of the present invention when compression ignition
is prohibited;
[0047] FIG. 37 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
a compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing a method of deciding a
combustion mode in the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0049] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a combustion mode switching
control method in the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0050] With reference now to FIG. 1 to FIG. 14, a configuration and
operation of a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
explained below.
[0051] First, a configuration of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the first embodiment will be
explained by using FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the configuration
of the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] The compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the embodiment can operate by switching between a
spark ignition combustion using an ignition device and a
compression ignition combustion self-igniting a fuel-air mixture by
piston compression.
[0054] A combustion chamber 16 is formed in a space enclosed by a
cylinder block 9, a piston 17 and a cylinder head 10. Reciprocating
motion of the piston 17 is transmitted to a crank shaft 21 through
a connecting rod 20 and converted to rotary motion. The combustion
chamber 16 communicates with an intake port 6 and an exhaust port
14. The path between the intake port 6 and the combustion chamber
16 is opened/closed by an intake valve 19a. On the other hand, the
path between the exhaust port 14 and the combustion chamber 16 is
opened/closed by an exhaust valve 19b. Valve lifts and the valve
opening/closing timings of the intake valve 19a and the exhaust
valve 19b are controlled by variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
respectively.
[0055] An ignition plug 13 is provided inside the combustion
chamber 16. At the time of the spark ignition combustion, spark
discharge occurs from the ignition plug 13 according to an
instruction from an engine control unit 1 (hereinafter referred to
as "ECU"). At the time of a compression ignition combustion, the
ignition plug 13 can also function as an ion current detection
device for detecting a combustion condition. The ECU 1 monitors the
combustion condition and ignition timings, etc. inside the
combustion chamber 16 according to detection signals of the
ignition plug 13.
[0056] Output values of an accelerator opening detection device 2a
and brake depressing force detection device 2b as driver intention
detecting means for detecting the intention of a driver who
operates a vehicle incorporating the compression ignition internal
combustion engine are incorporated into the ECU 1 successively.
Output values of a vehicle speed detection device 2c as vehicle
driving condition detecting means for detecting a vehicle driving
condition are incorporated into the ECU 1 successively.
Furthermore, output values from an air flow sensor 5, an intake
manifold pressure sensor 8, an engine cooling water temperature
sensor 24, an air-fuel ratio sensor 22, a post-catalyst exhaust
temperature sensor 23 provided after an catalyst 12 and a crank
angle sensor 4 as engine operating state detecting means for
detecting an engine operating condition are incorporated into the
ECU 1 successively. Here, the air flow sensor 5 is preferably
provided with the function of measuring a intake air temperature
and a value of the intake air temperature detected by the air flow
sensor 5 is also incorporated into the ECU 1 simultaneously.
[0057] The ECU 1 calculates a load of the engine based on the
output value of the accelerator opening detection device 2a. That
is, the accelerator opening detection device 2a also functions as
engine load detecting means.
[0058] A fuel injection valve 11 is installed inside the intake
port 6. In this example, the fuel injection valve 11 is assumed to
be placed inside the intake port 6, but it is also possible to use
a fuel injection valve of a cylinder internal injection type that
can directly inject fuel into the combustion chamber 16.
[0059] A intake air regulating device 7 is provided inside the
intake port 6. A throttle valve is used as the intake air
regulating device 7. As the intake air regulating device 7, it is
preferable to use an electronic control throttle valve, but it is
also possible to use a mechanical throttle valve connected to an
accelerator pedal via a wire.
[0060] The ECU 1 determines output torque of the engine based on an
accelerator opening signal detected by the accelerator opening
detection device 2a and a signal of an engine speed detected by the
crank angle sensor 4 and determines the amount of fuel injection
from the fuel injection valve 11 and the amount of intake air
adjusted by the intake air regulating device 7. The ECU 1 controls
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake valve 19a
and the exhaust valve 19b based on the decided amount of intake air
and also controls the intake air regulating device 7. By the way,
it is known that the compression ignition timing of the air-fuel
mixture inside the combustion chamber 16 depends on a temperature
history, pressure history inside the combustion chamber 16 and
air-fuel ratio of the mixture.
[0061] A characteristic configuration of the embodiment is that the
compression ignition internal combustion engine is provided with
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake valve 19a
and the exhaust valve 19b and the intake air regulating device 7,
and that the ECU 1 controls the variable valve mechanisms 15a and
15b and the intake air regulating device 7 according to the engine
operating condition. The conventional compression ignition internal
combustion engine is designed to control only the variable valve
mechanisms of the intake valve and exhaust valve and therefore its
compression self-ignition operating area is narrow. On the other
hand, the embodiment is designed to further control the amount of
intake air and can thereby expand the compression self-ignition
operating area.
[0062] Then, a method of deciding the combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
first embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 2.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of deciding a
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] In step s100, the ECU 1 starts to select an operation mode
(combustion mode).
[0065] First, in step s110, the ECU 1 takes in output values of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a and the brake depressing
force detection device 2b, which are the driver intention detecting
means, and detects the intention of the driver who operates the
vehicle incorporating the compression ignition internal combustion
engine.
[0066] Then, in step s120, the ECU 1 takes in a vehicle speed which
is an output value of the vehicle speed detection device 2c, which
is the vehicle driving condition detecting means and an engine
speed signal detected by the crank angle sensor 4 to calculate a
load of the engine.
[0067] Then, in step s130, the ECU 1 reads a cooling water
temperature which is an output value of the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24. Furthermore, in step s140, the ECU 1 reads
an exhaust temperature, which is an output value of the
post-catalyst exhaust temperature sensor 23. Furthermore, in step
s150, the ECU 1 reads a intake air temperature by the intake air
temperature measuring function provided for the air flow sensor
5.
[0068] Then, in step s160, the ECU 1 decides a combustion method,
whether a compression ignition combustion mode or a spark ignition
combustion mode, based on the output values of the respective
sensors and detecting means read in steps s110 to s150. Conditions
for operating by the compression ignition combustion and conditions
for operating by the spark ignition combustion are written in the
ECU 1 beforehand to determine a combustion method as respective
maps for the accelerator opening, air-fuel ratio, engine speed,
intake air temperature, engine cooling water temperature and
post-catalyst exhaust temperature sensors. Based on the prewritten
maps and the outputs of the sensors, etc., the ECU 1 determines the
combustion method.
[0069] If the compression ignition combustion mode is selected in
step s160, the process moves on to control in the compression
ignition combustion mode in step s200. The details of the control
in the compression ignition combustion mode will be explained later
by using FIG. 3 and subsequent figures. On the other hand, if the
spark ignition combustion mode is selected in step s160, the
process moves on to control in the spark ignition combustion mode
in step s300.
[0070] An output torque of the internal combustion engine is
determined by the amount of fuel injection and amount of intake
air. Therefore, if the amount of fuel injection is written in the
ECU 1 beforehand for the output torque of the engine decided
according to the intention of the driver, the vehicle driving
condition, the engine operating condition and the respective sensor
output values, the amount of intake air is controlled. Furthermore,
if the amount of intake air is written beforehand in the ECU 1, the
amount of fuel injection is controlled.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 8, a first to third control
methods of the compression ignition combustion mode in the case
where the amount of fuel injection is written beforehand in the ECU
1 for the required output torque of the engine and the amount of
intake air is controlled will be explained. With reference to FIG.
9 and FIG. 10, a fourth and fifth control methods in the
compression ignition combustion mode in the case where the amount
of intake air is written beforehand in the ECU 1 for the required
output torque of the engine and the amount of fuel injection is
controlled will be explained. Furthermore, with reference to FIG.
11 and FIG. 12, a sixth and seventh control methods in the
compression ignition combustion mode in the case where the
controlled variables of the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
are written beforehand in the ECU 1 for the required output torque
of the engine and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b are
controlled will be explained. Furthermore, with reference to FIG.
13 and FIG. 14, an eighth and ninth control methods in the
compression ignition combustion mode in the case where the
controlled variables of throttle valve opening are written
beforehand in the ECU 1 for the required output torque of the
engine and the throttle valve opening is controlled will be
explained.
[0072] Next, a first method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment will be explained by using FIG.
3.
[0073] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the content of control of the
first method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] In step s200, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode.
[0075] First, in step s210, the ECU 1 reads output values of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a and the brake depressing
force detection device 2b as the intention of the driver.
[0076] Then, in step s220, the ECU 1 takes in an output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and intake air temperature sensor
mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions.
[0077] Then, in step s230, the ECU 1 decides the output torque
based on the output values read in step s210 and s220, searches for
the fuel injection amount map and target air-fuel ratio map stored
in the ECU 1 beforehand and selects the amount of fuel injection
and the target air-fuel ratio.
[0078] Then, in step s240, the ECU 1 decides a target amount of air
based on the target values of the amount of fuel injection and the
target air-fuel ratio selected in step s230.
[0079] Then, in step s250, the ECU 1 decides amounts of operation
of the throttle valve 7, the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
of the intake/exhaust valves according to the output value of the
air flow sensor 5, the output value of the intake air temperature
sensor in the air flow sensor 5 and the output value of the crank
angle sensor 4. Since it is known that the compression ignition
timing of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 16 depends
on the temperature history, the pressure history and the air-fuel
ratio of the mixture of the combustion chamber 16, it is possible
to determine the amounts of operation of the variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake valve and the exhaust valve
and the intake air regulating device 7 with these output values of
the sensors. That is, the timing of closing the intake valve 19a
for realizing the optimum ignition timing is decided according to
the decided amount of intake air, the amount of internal EGR and
the air-fuel ratio.
[0080] Then, in step s260, the ECU 1 operates the throttle valve 7
and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust
valves based on the amounts of operation decided in step s250.
[0081] Here, the first method of controlling the intake/exhaust
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 4.
[0082] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of lifts of the intake/exhaust
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis shows a crank angle and the
vertical axis shows valve lifts of the intake valve and the exhaust
valve.
[0084] The lift level of the exhaust valve during the spark
ignition combustion is as shown with solid line Ex1 in the drawing
and suppose the maximum value of the level of the valve lift is L1.
On the other hand, the lift level of the intake valve is as shown
with single-dot dashed line Int1 and suppose the maximum value of
the level of the valve lift is L1.
[0085] On the other hand, the lift level of the exhaust valve 19b
during the compression ignition combustion is as shown with dotted
line Ex2 in the drawing and suppose the maximum value of the level
of the valve lift is controlled by the variable valve mechanism 15b
to L2, a value smaller than that during the spark ignition
combustion. On the other hand, as in the case of the spark ignition
combustion, the lift level of the intake valve 19a is as shown with
single-dot dashed line Int1 and the maximum value of the level of
valve lift is L1.
[0086] That is, in the embodiment, a predetermined amount of
exhaust gas is trapped by narrowing the area of the path between
the exhaust port 14 and the combustion chamber 16, that is, the
area of the exhaust opening and an amount of heat necessary for
self-ignition is secured by enthalpy of the exhaust gas. Here, the
total thermal energy of the internal EGR is defined by both the
amount of the internal EGR itself and the exhaust gas temperature
which reaches a peak during a combustion at a theoretical air-fuel
ratio (e.g., close to a air-fuel ratio of 14.7 in the case of
gasoline), and therefore the valve lift level L is adjusted based
on the output value of the air flow sensor 5 and the output value
of the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 to secure the amount of heat
necessary for the compression ignition.
[0087] When two or more exhaust valves 19b are placed at the
combustion chamber 16, the lift levels of the two valves are
controlled independently each other, which allows more accurate
control of the amount of internal EGR. At this time, it is also
possible to provide a temperature gradient in the combustion
chamber 16 and control ignition timings by using a difference in
the exhaust gas flow rate in the communication area between the
exhaust port 14 and combustion chamber 16, generating a flow in the
combustion chamber 16 and controlling the condition of a mixture of
new air and the internal EGR gas.
[0088] Here, a second method of controlling the intake/exhaust
valves in the compression ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
embodiment will be explained.
[0089] FIG. 5 is another schematic view of lifts of the
intake/exhaust valves in the compression ignition combustion mode
of the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] In addition to the method of reducing the level of valve
lift of the exhaust valve as explained in FIG. 4, it is also
possible to control the variable valve mechanism 15b so as to
shorten the time of opening of the exhaust valve 19b as another
method of trapping the exhaust gas.
[0091] In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis shows a crank angle and the
vertical axis shows valve lifts of the intake valve and the exhaust
valve.
[0092] The lift level of the exhaust valve 19b during a compression
ignition combustion is as shown with dotted line Ex3 in the drawing
and the maximum value of the level of valve lift is assumed to be
lift level L1 as in the case of a spark ignition combustion.
However, the time of opening of the exhaust valve 19b is set to T3
by the variable valve mechanism 15b. The opening time T3 of the
exhaust valve 19b is controlled to be a smaller value than the
opening time Ti of the exhaust valve during the spark ignition
combustion shown in FIG. 4. The lift level of the intake valve 19a
is as shown with single-dot dashed line Int1 as in the case of a
spark ignition combustion and the maximum value of the level of the
valve lift is L1.
[0093] That is, in the embodiment, a predetermined amount of
exhaust gas is trapped by narrowing the area of the path between
the exhaust port 14 and the combustion chamber 16, that is, the
area of the exhaust opening and the amount of heat necessary for
self-ignition is secured by enthalpy of the exhaust gas. Here, the
total thermal energy of the internal EGR is defined by both the
amount of the internal EGR itself and the exhaust gas temperature
which reaches a peak during a combustion at a theoretical air-fuel
ratio (e.g., close to an air-fuel ratio of 14.7 in the case of
gasoline), and therefore the opening time T3 of the exhaust valve
is adjusted based on the output value of the air flow sensor 5 and
the output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 to secure the
amount of heat necessary for the compression ignition.
[0094] Here, it is desirable to control the variable valve
mechanism 15b so that the time of opening of the exhaust valve 19b
does not overlap with the opening time of the intake valve 19a.
This is because when both the intake valve 19a and the exhaust
valve 19b are open, the exhaust gas of the intake port 6 also flows
back, making it difficult to control the amount of the internal
EGR.
[0095] By the way, when two or more exhaust valves 19b are placed
at the combustion chamber 16, the opening times of the two valves
are controlled independently of each other, which allows more
accurate control of the amount of internal EGR. At this time, it is
also possible to provide a temperature gradient in the combustion
chamber 16 and control the ignition timing by using a difference in
the exhaust gas flow rate in the communication area between the
exhaust port 14 and the combustion chamber 16, generating a flow in
the combustion chamber 16 and controlling the condition of a
mixture of new air and the internal EGR gas.
[0096] Returning to FIG. 3, in step s270, the ECU 1 compares the
output value of the air flow sensor 5 with the amount of air
decided by the target air-fuel ratio and controls feedback of the
throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b so
as to have the same values. At this time, the closing timing of the
intake valve 19a has been decided in step s250 and subsequent
control of the amount of intake air is performed using valve lifts
of the intake valve 19a or the throttle valve 7.
[0097] By the way, there is a plurality of combinations of the
opening of the throttle valve 7, the valve timings and the valve
lifts of the intake valve 19a and the exhaust valve 19b to realize
the target amount of air in step s240. In this case, it is
desirable to perform control to attain a combination which will
maximize the opening of the throttle valve 7 so as to realize a
combination with the best fuel efficiency. This is because, when
the opening of the throttle valve 7 is small, a negative pressure
occurs inside the intake port 6 and the engine works negatively,
that is, a so-called pumping loss is generated, which reduces the
fuel efficiency.
[0098] As explained above, the embodiment can secure the amount of
internal EGR and determine appropriate ignition timings using the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and further correct the
amount of intake air using the throttle valve 7, and can thereby
perform an engine operation best suited to the required torque.
Thus, the embodiment can expand the compression ignition combustion
operating area.
[0099] Then, a third method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained by using FIG. 6 to FIG. 8.
[0100] First, the configuration of the compression ignition
internal combustion engine according to the embodiment will be
explained by using FIG. 6.
[0101] FIG. 6 is a system block diagram showing a configuration for
implementing the third method of controlling the compression
ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. By the way, in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as
those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0102] In the embodiment, a pressure sensor 27 is placed in the
combustion chamber 16 in addition to the configuration shown in
FIG. 1. The pressure sensor 27 is used to detect an initial
pressure and ignition timing. The output values of the pressure
sensor 27 are taken into the ECU 1.
[0103] Then, the third method of controlling the compression
ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the embodiment will be explained by
using FIG. 7.
[0104] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the third method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. By the
way, the steps with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3
indicate the same contents of control.
[0105] In step s200A, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the third control
content.
[0106] The contents of control in steps s210 to s260 are the same
as those explained in FIG. 3. In contrast to the procedure shown in
step s270 in FIG. 3 where the output value of the air flow sensor 5
is compared with the amount of air decided by the target air-fuel
ratio and the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms
15a and 15b are subjected to feedback control so that the two
values match, the embodiment includes step s265 and step s270A.
[0107] In step s265, the ECU 1 detects ignition timings from the
output value of the pressure sensor 27.
[0108] Here, a method of detecting ignition timings of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 8.
[0109] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the principle of detection of
ignition timings for the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0110] In FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, the horizontal axis show a crank
angle and the vertical axis in FIG. 8A shows a heat generation rate
and the vertical axis in FIG. 8B shows a cylinder internal
pressure.
[0111] The cylinder internal pressure waveform expressed with solid
line in FIG. 8B is taken into the ECU 1 as the output value of the
pressure sensor 27. The output value of the pressure sensor 27 is
taken in with reference to the crank angle. The ECU 1 can predict
ignition timings based on the output value of the pressure sensor
27. Furthermore, the ECU 1 can correctly detect a compression
ignition timing from a heat generation rate waveform (FIG. 8A)
obtained by differentiating the output value of the pressure sensor
27. That is, FIG. 8A results from differentiation of the waveform
shown in FIG. 8B and the timing at which the heat generation rate
rises at time t1 is the compression ignition timing.
[0112] Then, in step s270A of FIG. 7, the ECU 1 compares the target
ignition timing with the actual ignition timing and further
operates the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a
and 15b of the intake/exhaust valves so that the actual ignition
timing coincides with the target ignition timing. Here, the target
ignition timing is preset in the ECU 1 as a value commensurate with
the operating condition. The target ignition timing is equal to the
closing timing of the intake valve 19a.
[0113] In the above explanation, the ignition timing is detected by
the pressure sensor, but it is also possible to detect an ion
current using the both ends of the discharge section of the
ignition plug 13 as the electrodes and detect the ignition timing
based on the output value thereof.
[0114] As described above, the embodiment also allows the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to secure the amount of internal EGR
and set an appropriate ignition timing and further allows the
throttle valve 7 to correct the amount of intake air, and can
thereby perform an optimum engine operation with respect to the
required torque. Therefore, the embodiment can expand the
compression ignition combustion operating area.
[0115] Then, a fourth method of controlling the compression
ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be explained by using FIG. 9.
[0116] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the fourth method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
By the way, the steps with the same reference numerals as those in
FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 denote the same contents of control.
[0117] In the embodiment, the amount of intake air with respect to
the required output torque of the engine is written in the ECU 1
beforehand so as to control the amount of fuel injection. The
configuration of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment is the same as that shown in
FIG. 1.
[0118] In step s200B, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the fourth control
content.
[0119] The contents of control in steps s210 and s220 are the same
as those explained in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the contents of control
in steps s250 and s260 are also the same as those explained in FIG.
3.
[0120] In step s230B, the ECU 1 searches for and decides a target
amount of air corresponding to the required output torque of the
engine obtained in steps s210 and s220 using the target air amount
map written in the ECU 1 beforehand.
[0121] Then, in step s242, the ECU 1 takes in the output value of
the air flow sensor 5 and detects the amount of intake air.
[0122] In steps s250 and s260, as in the case of FIG. 3, the ECU 1
decides the amount of operation of the throttle valve 7 and the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust valves
according to the output value of the intake air temperature sensor
inside the air flow sensor 5 and the engine speed and operates the
throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b.
[0123] Then, in step s263, the ECU 1 decides the amount of fuel
injection according to the output value of the air flow sensor 5
read in step s242 and the target air-fuel ratio preset in the ECU 1
and allows the fuel injection valve 11 to inject fuel.
[0124] Then, in step s270B, when the air-fuel mixture inside the
combustion chamber 16 is burnt by a compression ignition and the
burnt gas is exhausted out of the combustion chamber 16, the ECU 1
reads the air-fuel ratio of the combustion gas exhausted into the
exhaust port 14 using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds back
the amount of new fuel injection and the amounts of operation of
the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
of the intake/exhaust valves from the output values, and thereby
controls the engine operation. In this case, too, by reducing the
level of valve lift of the exhaust valve 19b and reducing the area
of the exhaust opening, the ECU 1 can secure the amount of heat
necessary for ignition through control of the amount of internal
EGR.
[0125] As explained above, the embodiment can also secure the
amount of internal EGR and determine appropriate ignition timing
using the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and further correct
the amount of intake air using the throttle valve 7, and can
thereby perform an engine operation best suited to the required
torque. Thus, the embodiment can expand the compression ignition
combustion operating area.
[0126] Then, a fifth method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained by using FIG. 10.
[0127] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the fifth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The
steps with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3, FIG. 7
and FIG. 9 show the same contents of control.
[0128] In the embodiment, the amount of intake air with respect to
the required output torque of the engine is written in the ECU 1
beforehand to control the amount of fuel injection. The
configuration of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment is the same as that shown in
FIG. 6.
[0129] The embodiment adds control in steps s265C and s270C to the
fourth control method shown in FIG. 9. The contents of control in
steps s265C and s270C are equivalent to those in steps s265 and
s270A in FIG. 7.
[0130] In step s200C, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the fifth control
content.
[0131] The contents of control in steps s210 to s270B are the same
as those explained in FIG. 7.
[0132] In step s265C, the ECU 1 detects an ignition timing from the
output value of the pressure sensor 27. The method of detecting the
ignition timing is the same as that explained in FIG. 8.
[0133] In step s270C, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition timing
with the actual ignition timing and controls the throttle valve 7
and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust
valves so that the actual ignition timing coincides with the target
ignition timing. Here, the target ignition timing is preset in the
ECU 1 as a value commensurate with the operating condition. The
ignition timing during operation can also be detected by detecting
an ion current using the both ends of the discharge section of the
ignition plug 13 as the electrodes and based on the output value
thereof.
[0134] As described above, the embodiment also allows the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to secure the amount of internal EGR
and set an appropriate ignition timing and further allows the
throttle valve 7 to correct the amount of intake air, and can
thereby perform optimum engine operation with respect to the
required torque. Therefore, the embodiment can expand the
compression ignition combustion operating area.
[0135] Then, a sixth method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained by using FIG. 11.
[0136] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the sixth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. By the
way, the steps with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3,
FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 denote the same contents of control.
[0137] In the embodiment, the controlled variables of the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b with respect to the required output
torque of the engine are written in the ECU 1 beforehand so as to
control the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b. The
configuration of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment is the same as that shown in
FIG. 6.
[0138] In step s200D, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the sixth control
content.
[0139] The contents of control in steps s210 and s220 are the same
as those explained in FIG. 10.
[0140] In step s230D, the ECU 1 searches and decides the target
variable valve controlled variables corresponding to the required
output torque of the engine obtained in steps s210 and s220 using
the target variable valve controlled variable map written in the
ECU 1 beforehand.
[0141] Then, in step s261, the ECU 1 controls the variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust valves based on the
decision in step s230D. That is, in contrast to steps s250 and s260
in FIG. 10 where the ECU 1 decides the amount of operation of the
throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of
the intake/exhaust valves and operates these throttle valve 7 and
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b, the embodiment controls
both the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and
15b independently of each other.
[0142] Then, in step s263, the ECU 1 decides the amount of fuel
injection according to the required output torque of the engine and
injects fuel using the fuel injection valve 11.
[0143] Then, in step s270D, when the air-fuel mixture inside the
combustion chamber 16 is burnt by compression ignition and the
burnt gas is exhausted out of the combustion chamber 16, the ECU 1
reads the air-fuel ratio of the combustion gas exhausted into the
exhaust port 14 using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds back
the amount of new fuel injection and the amount of operation of the
throttle valve 7 from the output values, and thereby controls the
engine operation.
[0144] In step s265C, the ECU 1 detects the ignition timing based
on the output values of the pressure sensor 27. The method of
detecting the ignition timing is the same as that explained in FIG.
8.
[0145] In step s270C, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition timing
with the actual ignition timing and controls the throttle valve 7
and the amount of fuel injection so that the actual ignition timing
coincides with the target ignition timing. Here, the target
ignition timing is preset in the ECU 1 as a value commensurate with
the operating condition. The ignition timing during operation can
also be detected by detecting an ion current using the both ends of
the discharge section of the ignition plug 13 as the electrodes and
based on the output value thereof.
[0146] As described above, the embodiment also allows the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to secure the amount of internal EGR
and set appropriate ignition timing and further allows the throttle
valve 7 to correct the amount of intake air, and can thereby
perform optimum engine operation with respect to the required
torque. Therefore, the embodiment can expand the compression
ignition combustion operating area.
[0147] Then, a seventh method of controlling the compression
ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be explained by using FIG. 12.
[0148] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the seventh method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
By the way, the steps with the same reference numerals as those in
FIG. 11 denote the same contents of control.
[0149] In the embodiment, the controlled variables of the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b with respect to the required output
torque of the engine are written in the ECU 1 beforehand so as to
control the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b. The
configuration of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment is the same as that shown in
FIG. 6.
[0150] The embodiment uses the contents of control in steps s270E1
and s270E2 instead of steps s270D and s270C in FIG. 11.
[0151] In step s200E, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the seventh control
content.
[0152] The contents of control in steps s210 to s267 are the same
as those explained in FIG. 11.
[0153] In step s270E1, when the air-fuel mixture inside the
combustion chamber 16 is burnt by the compression ignition and the
burnt gas is exhausted out of the combustion chamber 16, the ECU 1
reads the air-fuel ratio of the combustion gas exhausted into the
exhaust port 14 using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds back
the amount of new fuel injection and the amounts of operation of
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and the throttle valve 7
from the output values, and thereby controls the engine operation.
At this time, the process is fed back to a point just before step
s261. Therefore, the amounts of operation of the variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b in addition to the content of control in
FIG. 11 are also fed back.
[0154] In step s265C, the ECU 1 detects an ignition timing from the
output value of the pressure sensor 27. The method of detecting the
ignition timing is the same as that explained by using FIG. 8.
[0155] In step s270E2, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition
timing with the actual ignition timing and controls the amounts of
operation of the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms
15a and 15b and the amount of fuel injection so that the actual
ignition timing coincides with the target ignition timing. At this
time, the process is fed back to a point just before step s261.
Therefore, in addition to the content of control in FIG. 11, the
amounts of operation of the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
are also fed back.
[0156] As described above, the embodiment also allows the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to secure the amount of internal EGR
and set appropriate ignition timing and further allows the throttle
valve 7 to correct the amount of intake air, and can thereby
perform optimum engine operation with respect to the required
torque. Therefore, the embodiment can expand the compression
ignition combustion operating area.
[0157] According to the sixth or seventh control method described
in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, it is possible to write complicated
calculations of controlled variables of the variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b in the ROM beforehand and correct the amount
of intake air by the throttle valve 7 with respect to the target
air-fuel ratio, and therefore it is possible to perform optimum
operation of the engine with respect to the required torque and
reduce calculation load of the ECU 1 while securing the performance
of the engine operation with low exhaust and low fuel
consumption.
[0158] Then, an eighth method of controlling the compression
ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention will be explained by using FIG. 13.
[0159] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the eighth method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
By the way, the steps with the same reference numerals as those in
FIG. 3 to FIG. 12 denote the same contents of control.
[0160] In the embodiment, the controlled variable of the throttle
valve opening with respect to the required output torque of the
engine is written in the ECU 1 beforehand to control the throttle
valve opening. The configuration of the compression ignition
internal combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same
as that shown in FIG. 1.
[0161] In step s200F, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the eighth control
content.
[0162] The contents of control in steps s210 and s220 are the same
as those explained in FIG. 3.
[0163] In step s230F, the ECU 1 searches and decides the target
throttle valve opening controlled variable corresponding to the
required output torque of the engine obtained in steps s210 and
s220 using the target throttle valve opening controlled variable
map written in the ECU 1 beforehand.
[0164] Then, in step s262, the ECU 1 controls the opening of the
throttle valve 7 based on the controlled variable of throttle valve
opening decided in step s230F.
[0165] In step s263, the ECU 1 decides the amount of fuel injection
corresponding to the required output torque of the engine and
injects fuel by the fuel injection valve 11.
[0166] Then, in step s267, the ECU 1 decides the amounts of
operation of the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b according to
the output value of the air flow sensor 5, the output value of the
intake air temperature sensor inside the air flow sensor 5 and the
engine speed.
[0167] Then, in step s270F, when the air-fuel mixture inside the
combustion chamber 16 is burnt by compression ignition and the
burnt gas is exhausted out of the combustion chamber 16, the ECU 1
reads the air-fuel ratio of the combustion gas exhausted into the
exhaust port 14 using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds back
the amount of new fuel injection and the amounts of operation of
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust
valves from the output values, and thereby controls the engine
operation. In this case, too, by reducing the level of valve lift
of the exhaust valve 19b and reducing the area of the exhaust
opening, the ECU 1 can secure the amount of heat necessary for
ignition through control of the amount of internal EGR.
[0168] As explained above, the embodiment can also secure the
amount of internal EGR and determine appropriate ignition timing
using the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and further correct
the amount of intake air using the throttle valve 7, and can
thereby perform an engine operation best suited to the required
torque. Thus, the embodiment can expand the compression ignition
combustion operating area.
[0169] Then, a ninth method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained by using FIG. 14.
[0170] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
the ninth method of controlling the compression ignition combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The
steps with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 to FIG.
13 show the same contents of control.
[0171] In the embodiment, the controlled variable of the throttle
valve opening with respect to the required output torque of the
engine is written in the ECU 1 beforehand to control the opening of
the throttle valve. The configuration of the compression ignition
internal combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same
as that shown in FIG. 6.
[0172] The embodiment adds control in steps s265G and s270G to the
eighth control method shown in FIG. 13. The contents of control in
steps s265G and s270G are equivalent to those in steps s265 and
s270A in FIG. 7.
[0173] In step s200G, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode with the ninth control
content.
[0174] The contents of control in steps s210 to s270F are the same
as those explained in FIG. 13.
[0175] In step s265G, the ECU 1 detects ignition timing from the
output value of the pressure sensor 27. The method of detecting
ignition timing is the same as that explained in FIG. 8.
[0176] In step s270G, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition timing
with the actual ignition timing and controls the amount of fuel
injection and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the
intake/exhaust valves so that the actual ignition timing coincides
with the target ignition timing. Here, the target ignition timing
is preset in the ECU 1 as a value commensurate with the operating
condition. The ignition timing during operation can also be
detected by detecting an ion current using the both ends of the
discharge section of the ignition plug 13 as the electrodes and the
ignition timing based on the output value thereof.
[0177] As described above, the embodiment also allows the variable
valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to secure the amount of internal EGR
and set appropriate the ignition timing and further allows the
throttle valve 7 to correct the amount of intake air, and can
thereby perform optimum engine operation with respect to the
required torque. Therefore, the embodiment can expand the
compression ignition combustion operating area.
[0178] As described above, the control methods of the first
embodiment of the present invention can control various parameters
such as the setting of ignition timings, the amount of internal EGR
(temperature inside the combustion chamber 16) and the amount of
intake air independently through control of the throttle valve 7
and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake valve
19a and the exhaust valves 19b, and can thereby continue optimum
engine operation with low exhaust, low fuel consumption without
producing torque level differences.
[0179] Then, with reference now to FIG. 15 to FIG. 23, a
configuration and operation of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a second embodiment of the present
invention will be explained below.
[0180] The configuration of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same as that
shown in FIG. 6. The embodiment changes control over the throttle
valve and the variable valve mechanisms according to the operating
condition of the engine in the compression ignition combustion
mode.
[0181] First, the method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment in a low-speed, low-load state
will be explained by using FIG. 15 to FIG. 17.
[0182] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in
the compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, low-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Furthermore, FIG. 16 illustrates controlled variable of the
variable valves in a compression ignition combustion mode in a
low-speed, low-load state of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention and FIG. 17 illustrates a state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, low-load state
of the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, the
same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 denote the same
parts.
[0183] In step s200H, the ECU 1 starts a variable valve mechanism,
throttle valve controlled variable decision routine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, low-load
state.
[0184] First, in step s210, the ECU 1 reads output values of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a and brake depressing force
detection device 2b as the intention of the driver.
[0185] Then, in step s220, the ECU 1 takes in an output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature
sensor mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions. The process moves on
to step s230 when the engine operating conditions are set to a
low-speed, low-load state, while the process moves on to step s261I
in FIG. 18 when the engine operating conditions are set to a
high-speed, low-load state and the process moves on to step s261J
in FIG. 21 when the engine operating conditions are set to a
low-speed, high-load state.
[0186] In the case of a low-speed, low-load state, in step s230,
the ECU 1 decides the output torque based on the output values read
in step s210 and s220, searches for the fuel injection amount map
and the target air-fuel ratio map stored in the ECU 1 beforehand
and selects the amount of fuel injection and the target air-fuel
ratio.
[0187] Then, in step s240, the ECU 1 decides the target air amount
based on the amount of fuel injection and target air-fuel ratio
selected in step s230.
[0188] Then, in step s250, the ECU 1 decides amounts of operation
of the throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and
15b of the intake/exhaust valves according to the output value of
the air flow sensor 5, the output value of the intake air
temperature sensor in the air flow sensor 5 and the output value of
the crank angle sensor 4. Since it is known that the compression
ignition timing of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber
16 depends on the temperature history, the pressure history and the
air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture of the combustion chamber
16, it is possible to determine the amounts of operation of the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake valve and
exhaust the valve and the intake air regulating device 7. That is,
the closing timing of the intake valve 19a for realizing an optimum
ignition timing is decided according to the decided intake air, the
amount of internal EGR and air-fuel ratio.
[0189] Then, in step s260, the ECU 1 operates the throttle valve 7
and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust
valves based on the amounts of operation decided in step s250.
[0190] Here, the method of controlling the intake/exhaust valves in
the compression ignition combustion mode of the compression
ignition internal combustion engine according to the embodiment
will be explained by using FIG. 16 and FIG. 17.
[0191] As shown in FIG. 17, the opening of the throttle valve 7 is
set to be relatively small. This is because the filling efficiency
needs to be set to a small value since the compression ignition
internal combustion engine is in a low-load, low-speed area.
[0192] In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis shows a crank angle and the
vertical axis shows valve lifts of the intake valve and the exhaust
valve.
[0193] The lift level of the exhaust valve during the spark
ignition combustion is as shown with solid line Ex1 in the drawing
and suppose the maximum value of the level of valve lift is L1. On
the other hand, the lift level of the intake valve is as shown with
single-dot dashed line Int1 and suppose the maximum value of the
level of valve lift is L1.
[0194] On the other hand, the lift level of the intake valve 19a
during the compression ignition combustion under a low-speed,
low-load operating condition is as shown with 2-dot dashed line
Int2 in the drawing, the closing timing of the intake valve 19a
(time t2) is relatively early, and the lift level of the intake
valve 19a is set to L3, a value relatively small. The level of
valve lift of the exhaust valve 19b is as shown with dotted line
Ex2 in the drawing and suppose the maximum value of the level of
the valve lift is controlled by the variable valve mechanism 15b to
L2, a value smaller than that during the spark ignition combustion.
Making the level of valve lift of the exhaust valve 19b during the
compression ignition combustion lower than that during a spark
ignition combustion gives an effect of reducing the amount of the
exhaust gas and controlling the internal EGR, while further
reducing the level of valve lift of the exhaust valve 19b in the
case of a low-speed, low-load state decreases the filling
efficiency of the intake air and secures more internal EGR. When,
for example, cam type variable valve mechanisms are used,
controlling the valve lifts to a small value can reduce friction
loss due to a cam drive force phenomenon, and thereby reduce fuel
consumption drastically and expand the compression ignition
combustion operating area toward the high-load side.
[0195] Next, in step s270, the ECU 1 compares the output value of
the air flow sensor 5 with the amount of air decided by the target
air-fuel ratio and controls feedback of the throttle valve 7 and
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b so that the two values
match. At this time, the closing timing of the intake valve 19a has
been decided in step s250 and subsequent control of the amount of
intake air is performed using valve lifts of the intake valve 19a
or the throttle valve 7.
[0196] Then, in step s280, the ECU 1 decides whether an operating
condition that satisfies the required torque exists or not by
controlling the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and the
amount of fuel injection even if the opening of the throttle valve
7 is relatively large in a low-load, low-speed area and if such an
operating condition exists, the ECU 1 selects a combination with
the maximum opening of the throttle valve 7, that is, the best fuel
efficiency, while keeping the internal EGR rate constant inside the
combustion chamber 16 of the engine.
[0197] Then, the method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode in a high-speed, low-load state of the compression
ignition internal combustion engine according to the embodiment
will be explained by using FIG. 18 to FIG. 20.
[0198] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in
the compression ignition combustion mode in a high-speed, low-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Furthermore, FIG. 19 illustrates controlled variables of the
variable valves in the compression ignition combustion mode in a
high-speed, low-load state of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention and FIG. 20 illustrates a state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a high-speed, low-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention. By the
way, in FIG. 19, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 16
denote the same parts. In FIG. 20, the same reference numerals as
those in FIG. 6 denote the same parts.
[0199] In step s220 in FIG. 15, when the engine speed increases and
a high-speed, low-load state is created under an engine operating
condition, the process moves on to step s261I in FIG. 18.
[0200] When the engine speed increases, a one-cycle elapsed time is
shortened, which in turn shortens the high-temperature residence
time of the air-fuel mixture, and therefore realizing compression
ignition requires the compression ratio to be increased to increase
an ultimate temperature inside the combustion chamber 16 or the
internal temperature of the combustion chamber 16 at the beginning
of compression to be set to a high value. At the same time, kinetic
energy of the intake air increases, and therefore a pulsation flow
inside the intake port 6 changes and the valve closing timing of
the intake valve 19a at which the filling efficiency reaches a
maximum shifts toward the phase lag side.
[0201] Thus, in step s261I, the ECU 1 manipulates the level of lift
of the exhaust valve 19b using the variable valve mechanism 15b so
that the area of the exhaust opening increases as the engine speed
increases.
[0202] That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the lift level of the exhaust
valve 19b during a compression ignition combustion under a
high-speed, low-load operating condition is as shown with dotted
line Ex3 in the drawing and the lift level of the exhaust valve 19b
is assumed to be L4, which is greater than the lift level L2 of the
exhaust valve 19b under a low-speed, low-load operating
condition.
[0203] Then, in step s267I, the ECU 1 increases the opening of the
throttle valve 7 to control the amount of intake air so that the
air-fuel ratio of the mixture approaches a theoretical air-fuel
ratio with respect to an amount of fuel injection preset under the
engine operating condition. This is because bringing the air-fuel
ratio of the mixture closer to the theoretical air-fuel ratio
increases the combustion gas temperature and increases the amount
of intake air, and thereby decreases the internal EGR rate, thus
preventing an incidental decrease in the temperature inside the
combustion chamber 16 necessary for a compression ignition
combustion at the beginning of compression.
[0204] Then, in step s262I, the ECU 1 controls the variable valve
mechanism 15a on the intake side so as to select appropriate
ignition timing. During a compression ignition combustion under a
high-speed, low-load operating condition, the level of valve lift
of the intake valve 19a is as shown with 2-dot dashed line Int3 in
the drawing and the closing timing (time t3) of the intake valve
19a is later than the closing timing (time t2) in a low-speed,
low-load state and the level of valve lift of the intake valve 19a
is set to L1, which is greater than the level of lift L3 in a
low-speed, low-load state.
[0205] Then, in step s263I, the ECU 1 decides the amount of fuel
injection according to the amount of intake air controlled in step
s267I and the target air-fuel ratio preset in the ECU 1 and injects
fuel using the fuel injection valve 11.
[0206] Then, in step s270I, the ECU 1 reads the air-fuel ratio of
the combustion gas using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds
back the amount of new fuel injection and the amounts of operation
of throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
of the intake/exhaust valves based on the output values thereof,
and thereby controls engine operation.
[0207] Then, in step s265I, the ECU 1 detects ignition timing based
on the output value of the pressure sensor 27. Then, in step
s270I2, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition timing with the
actual ignition timing and controls the throttle valve 7 and the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust valves
so that the actual ignition timing coincides with the target
ignition timing. Here, the target ignition timing is preset in the
ECU 1 as a value commensurate with the operating condition.
[0208] At this time, to prevent vibration, etc. in the engine, it
is necessary to control the output value of the air flow sensor 5
to a constant value so that the amount of intake air does not
change discontinuously during an operation of the variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b. This is because the amount of intake air or
air-fuel ratio changes drastically depending on time response of
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b, causing the operator to
have uncomfortable feeling or cause deterioration of exhaust due to
accidental fire. That is, to keep normal operation of the engine
against variations in the engine speed, it is necessary to perform
concerted control between the throttle valve 7 and variable valve
mechanisms 15a and 15b as described above.
[0209] Then, the method of controlling the compression ignition
combustion mode under a low-speed, high-load operating condition of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 21 to FIG. 23.
[0210] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the contents of control in
the compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, high-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Furthermore, FIG. 22 illustrates controlled variables of the
variable valves in the compression ignition combustion mode in a
low-speed, high-load state of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 23 illustrates the state of the engine in the
compression ignition combustion mode in a low-speed, high-load
state of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the second embodiment of the present invention. By the
way, in FIG. 22, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 16
denote the same parts. In FIG. 23, the same reference numerals as
those in FIG. 6 denote the same parts.
[0211] In step s220 in FIG. 15, when the engine load increases and
a high-speed, low-load state is created under an engine operating
condition, the process moves on to step s261J in FIG. 21. When the
load increases, required torque also increases and therefore the
efficiency of filling the engine needs to be increased.
[0212] Thus, in step s261J, the ECU 1 manipulates lifts of the
exhaust valve 19b using the variable valve mechanism 15b so that
the area of the exhaust opening increases as the load
increases.
[0213] That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the level of valve lift of the
exhaust valve 19b during a compression ignition combustion under a
low-speed, high-load operating condition is as shown with dotted
line Ex4 in the drawing and the lift level of the exhaust valve 19b
is assumed to be L4, which is greater than the lift level L2 of the
exhaust valve 19b under a low-speed, low-load operating
condition.
[0214] Then, in step s267J, the ECU 1 increases the opening of the
throttle valve 7 to control the amount of intake air so that the
air-fuel ratio of the mixture approaches a theoretical air-fuel
ratio with respect to an amount of fuel injection preset under the
engine operating condition. This is because bringing the air-fuel
ratio of the mixture closer to the theoretical air-fuel ratio
increases the combustion gas temperature and increases the amount
of intake air, which decreases the internal EGR rate, thus
preventing an incidental decrease in the temperature inside the
combustion chamber 16 necessary for a compression ignition
combustion at the beginning of compression.
[0215] Then, in step s262J, the ECU 1 controls the variable valve
mechanism 15a on the intake side so as to select appropriate
ignition timing. During a compression ignition combustion under a
low-speed, high-load operating condition, the level of valve lift
of the intake valve 19a is as shown with 2-dot dashed line Int4 in
the drawing and the closing timing (time t4) of the intake valve
19a is later than the closing timing (time t2) in a low-speed,
low-load state and the level of lift of the intake valve 19a is set
to L1, which is greater than the level of lift L3 in a low-speed,
low-load state.
[0216] Then, in step s263J, the ECU 1 decides the amount of fuel
injection according to the amount of intake air controlled in step
s267J and the target air-fuel ratio preset in the ECU 1 and injects
fuel using the fuel injection valve 11.
[0217] Then, in step s270J, the ECU 1 reads the air-fuel ratio of
the combustion gas using the air-fuel ratio sensor 22 and feeds
back the amount of new fuel injection and the amounts of operation
of throttle valve 7 and the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b
of the intake/exhaust valves based on the output values thereof,
and thereby controls engine operation.
[0218] Then, in step s265J, the ECU 1 detects ignition timing based
on the output value of the pressure sensor 27. Then, in step
s270J2, the ECU 1 compares the target ignition timing with the
actual ignition timing and controls the throttle valve 7 and the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b of the intake/exhaust valves
so that the actual ignition timing coincides with the target
ignition timing. Here, the target ignition timing is preset in the
ECU 1 as a value commensurate with the operating condition.
[0219] At this time, to prevent vibration, etc. in the engine, it
is necessary to control the output value of the air flow. sensor 5
to a constant value so that the amount of intake air does not
change discontinuously during operation of the throttle valve 7 and
the variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b. This is because the
amount of intake air or air-fuel ratio changes drastically
depending on time response of the variable valve mechanisms 15a and
15b, causing the operator to have uncomfortable feeling or cause
deterioration of exhaust due to accidental fire. That is, to keep
normal operation of the engine against variations in the engine
speed, it is necessary to perform concerted control between the
throttle valve 7 and variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b as
described above.
[0220] As explained above, the embodiment can secure the amount of
internal EGR and determine appropriate ignition timing using the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and further correct the
amount of intake air using the throttle valve 7, and can thereby
perform an optimum engine operation according to the engine load
and engine speed. Thus, the embodiment can expand the compression
ignition combustion operating area.
[0221] Then, with reference now to FIG. 24 to FIG. 27, a
configuration and operation of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a third embodiment of the present
invention will be explained below.
[0222] The configuration of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same as that
shown in FIG. 6. The embodiment switches between a compression
ignition combustion mode and a spark ignition combustion mode
according to the engine speed and engine load.
[0223] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the contents of control of
switching between a compression ignition combustion mode and a
spark ignition combustion mode of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a third embodiment of the present
invention. Furthermore, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 illustrate control of
switching between a compression ignition combustion mode and a
spark ignition combustion mode of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0224] In step s200K, the ECU 1 starts operation mode switching
control.
[0225] First, in step s210, the ECU 1 reads output values of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a and the brake depressing
force detection device 2b as the intention of the driver.
[0226] Then, in step s220, the ECU 1 takes in an output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature
sensor mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions.
[0227] Next, in step s225K, the ECU 1 decides whether it is
necessary to change the combustion state or not. If a change is
necessary, the process moves on to step s261K.
[0228] Here, a relationship between the engine condition and the
operation mode will be explained by using FIG. 25.
[0229] In FIG. 25, the horizontal axis shows an engine speed and
the vertical axis shows engine load. The compression ignition
combustion area and spark ignition combustion area are
predetermined by the engine speed and engine load, and these are
stored in the ECU 1. In the illustrated example, an area under a
low-load, low-speed condition which corresponds to an idle rotation
area corresponds to the spark ignition combustion area and a
high-load area also corresponds to the spark ignition combustion
area. Other low-load areas correspond to compression ignition
combustion operating areas.
[0230] For example, under an engine operating condition A with an
engine speed of Ra and engine load of La, a spark ignition
combustion is selected, while under an engine operating condition B
with an engine speed of Rb and engine load of Lb, a compression
ignition combustion is selected. For example, the engine operating
condition A corresponds to a condition of driving on a flat ground
and the engine operating condition B corresponds to a condition of
driving on an ascending slope. Therefore, when the driving
condition changes from a flat ground driving condition to an
ascending slope driving condition, it is necessary to switch the
operation mode from a compression ignition combustion mode to a
spark ignition combustion mode.
[0231] When a combustion state needs to be changed, in step s261K,
the ECU 1 controls the amount of internal EGR through manipulation
of the lift level of the exhaust valve. The internal EGR rate in
the combustion chamber 16 differs drastically between a compression
ignition combustion period and a spark ignition combustion period.
For example, when a compression ignition combustion is switched to
a spark ignition combustion between the condition A and condition
B, the amount of internal EGR must be reduced drastically.
[0232] FIG. 26A illustrates an amount of air intake, FIG. 26B
illustrates an area of exhaust opening and FIG. 26C illustrates a
change of an internal EGR rate when the engine operating condition
changes from a point of condition A of a compression ignition
combustion area to a point of condition B of the spark ignition
combustion area. As shown in FIG. 26C, when a compression ignition
combustion is switched to a spark ignition combustion between the
condition A and condition B, the amount of internal EGR is reduced
drastically at their switching point O. To reduce the amount of
internal EGR, the area of exhaust opening is increased as shown in
FIG. 26B. To increase the area of exhaust opening, the amount of
trapping of internal EGR is reduced by increasing the level of lift
or the level of lift and the valve opening time of the exhaust
valve 19b.
[0233] Then, in step s264K, the ECU 1 operates the throttle valve 7
and variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b to control the amount of
intake air. Here, if the amount of intake air changes, a torque
variation occurs, and therefore as shown in FIG. 26A, the opening
of the throttle valve 7 or the variable valve mechanisms 15a and
15b are controlled so that the output value of the air flow sensor
5 does not change discontinuously during switching between the
combustion modes.
[0234] Next, in step s242K, the ECU 1 reads the amount of intake
air from the output value of the air flow sensor 5. Then, in step
s270K, the ECU 1 performs feedback control so that the read amount
of air reaches the target amount of air.
[0235] Here, an air-fuel ratio in the compression ignition
combustion mode and spark ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
third embodiment of the present invention will be explained by
using FIG. 27.
[0236] FIG. 27 illustrates an air-fuel ratio in the compression
ignition combustion mode and spark ignition combustion mode of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0237] In FIG. 27, the horizontal axis shows an engine speed and
the vertical axis shows an engine load. The compression ignition
combustion area and the spark ignition combustion area are
predetermined by the engine speed and the engine load and stored in
the ECU 1. In the illustrated example, an area under a low-load,
low-speed condition which corresponds to an idle rotation area
corresponds to the spark ignition combustion area and a high-load
area also corresponds to the spark ignition combustion area. Other
low-load areas correspond to the compression ignition operating
areas.
[0238] When the spark ignition combustion is selected as the
combustion method, the compression ignition internal combustion
engine of the embodiment operates at a theoretical air-fuel ratio
of the mixture or at an air-fuel ratio with more concentrated fuel.
Furthermore, when the compression ignition combustion is selected,
it is possible to realize a combustion with ultra-low NOx and
ultra-low HC through the aforementioned control. However, the
exhaust level after an engine exhaust during the spark ignition
combustion is almost no different from the exhaust level during an
operation by the spark ignition combustion of the conventional
engine and requires a cleanup of exhaust through a catalyst
control. Thus, when the engine is operating under a spark ignition
combustion, the compression ignition internal combustion engine of
the embodiment performs engine operation at a theoretical air-fuel
ratio which corresponds to the best catalyst cleaning performance
or at an air-fuel ratio with more concentrated fuel, and thereby
realizes a reduction of engine emissions in the spark ignition
combustion area. The present invention eliminates the need for a
complicated catalyst configuration for reducing engine emissions
mounted on the conventional engine and can provide a low-cost
engine.
[0239] As shown above, at the time of switching the operation mode,
the embodiment controls the amount of internal EGR using the
variable valve mechanisms 15a and 15b and further corrects the
amount of intake air through the throttle valve 7 and controls so
that the amount of intake air does not change drastically at a
switching point 0, and can thereby reduce a torque variation
accompanying switching between the operation modes and realize
smooth switching between operation modes.
[0240] Then, with reference now to FIG. 28, a configuration of a
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
[0241] FIG. 28 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference
numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0242] The embodiment is also provided with a bypass flow rate
control device 30 in addition to the throttle valve 7 shown in FIG.
1 as a intake air regulating device. The bypass flow rate control
device 30 consists of a bypass flow channel 30a that connects the
upstream and downstream of the throttle valve 7 and a valve 30b
provided inside this bypass flow channel 30a. The valve 30b whose
opening is controlled by the ECU 1 controls the amount of micro
intake air that flows through the bypass flow channel 30a.
[0243] As explained in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, when the engine operates
under a relatively low-load, low-speed rotation condition, if the
amount of air required for the engine is relatively small, it is
possible to accurately control the micro intake air flow rate by
closing the throttle valve 7 and controlling the micro air flow
rate through the bypass flow rate control device 30.
[0244] Even under a low-load, low-speed condition, the embodiment
can accurately control the micro air flow rate and accurately
control a compression ignition combustion.
[0245] Then, a configuration of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention will be explained by using FIG. 29.
[0246] FIG. 29 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference
numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0247] The embodiment is also provided with a supercharging air
flow rate control device 32 in addition to the throttle valve 7
shown in FIG. 1 as a intake air regulating device. The
supercharging air flow rate control device 32 consists of a
supercharger 32a provided on the upstream side of the throttle
valve 7, a bypass flow channel 32b that connects the upstream and
downstream of this supercharger 32a and a valve 32c provided inside
this bypass flow channel 32b. A supercharge of the supercharger 32a
is controlled by the ECU 1. The valve 32c whose opening is
controlled by the ECU 1 controls the intake air flow rate flowing
through the bypass flow channel 32b.
[0248] When the engine operates under a high-load, high-speed
rotation condition, if the internal EGR is used to control the
temperature of the mixture in the combustion chamber 16, the
required amount of intake air may be insufficient through only
normal control of the throttle valve 7. Thus, the embodiment
provides the supercharging air flow rate control device 32 on the
upstream side of the throttle valve 7 and allows the ECU 1 to
control the flow rate control device 32 according to the intention
of the driver, vehicle driving condition and the engine operating
condition, and can thereby control the amount of intake air.
[0249] A pressure in the combustion chamber at the beginning of
compression and a compression ignition timing have such a
relationship that an ignition timing can be advanced when the
pressure in the combustion chamber is high, while the ignition
timing is delayed when the pressure in the combustion chamber is
low. Thus, the ECU 1 controls the supercharging air flow rate
control device 32 and can thereby control the compression ignition
timing of the engine.
[0250] Even under a high-load, high-speed condition, the embodiment
can supply a required amount of air and also control a compression
ignition timing as well.
[0251] Then, a configuration of a compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention will be explained by using FIG. 30.
[0252] FIG. 30 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference
numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0253] The embodiment is provided with a path 40 and a valve 42 as
a intake air regulating device. The path 40 is a bypass for an
external EGR provided by connecting the exhaust path 14 and intake
path 6 and returns an exhaust gas in the exhaust path 14 to-the
intake path 6. The valve 42 is controlled by the ECU 1 and controls
the flow rate of the returned exhaust gas. That is, provision of
the path 40 as the bypass for external EGR combined with the use of
the internal EGR allows control of ignition and combustion. The ECU
1 changes the opening of the valve 42 according to the operating
condition, vehicle driving condition and intention of the driver
and thereby controls the amount of external EGR. External EGR does
not hold a heat value as high as that of internal EGR and has
highly concentrated inert chemical species that extends the period
of combustion such as CO2, and therefore if the ignition timing
should be delayed or the combustion period should be extended, it
is possible to perform such control that increases the flow rate of
external EGR.
[0254] The embodiment can control not only the amount of external
EGR but also ignition and combustion.
[0255] Then, a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
explained by using FIG. 31 to FIG. 33. The system configuration
showing a configuration of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same as that
shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the method of deciding the combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the embodiment is the same as that in the flow chart
shown in FIG. 2.
[0256] The embodiment will explain a specific example of the method
of deciding a combustion method whether the compression ignition
combustion mode or the spark ignition combustion mode in step s160
in FIG. 2. The embodiment selects the compression ignition
combustion mode or the spark ignition combustion mode based on the
accelerator opening and vehicle acceleration.
[0257] FIG. 31 shows an operating area map to determine a
combustion method in the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 32 illustrates a heat generation curve and FIG. 33
is a flow chart showing an operation of the compression ignition
internal combustion engine according to the seventh embodiment of
the present invention when compression ignition is prohibited.
[0258] In step s160 in FIG. 2, the ECU 1 decides a combustion
method, whether a compression ignition combustion mode or a spark
ignition combustion mode based on the output values of each sensor
and the detecting means read in steps s110 to s150. At this time,
the ECU 1 decides the combustion method with reference to the
operating area map shown in FIG. 31.
[0259] As shown in FIG. 31, an operating area Z1 where the
accelerator opening is equal to or greater than a predetermined
value or where the (absolute value of) acceleration of the vehicle
is equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponds to a
spark ignition combustion zone. Furthermore, an operating area Z2
where the accelerator opening is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value and where the (absolute value of) acceleration
of the vehicle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value
corresponds to a compression ignition combustion zone. By the way,
an operating area Z3 where the accelerator opening is equal to or
smaller than a predetermined value and where the (absolute value
of) acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value corresponds to a compression ignition
combustion prohibition zone, which will be described later by using
FIG. 33.
[0260] FIG. 32 shows a heat generation rate curve with the
horizontal axis showing a crank angle. A compression ignition
combustion is known to be a self-ignition combustion that takes
place at multiple points simultaneously, and therefore the
compression ignition combustion has difficulty in controlling
ignition and has a heat generation period shorter than that of a
spark ignition combustion as shown in FIG. 32. Furthermore, the
compression ignition combustion has specific nature that even if
its air-fuel ratio of the mixture can be brought closer to a
theoretical air-fuel ratio, the peak of heat generation increases
but the combustion period hardly changes, and therefore a drastic
pressure rise is accompanied by slapping sound, which makes a
stable operation of the engine difficult.
[0261] Thus, as shown in FIG. 31, for the operating area Z1, for
reasons that greater torque than that during steady driving is
required and it is difficult to perform a stable compression
ignition combustion operation because an engine operating condition
changes drastically, etc., a spark ignition combustion is selected
to avoid abrupt heat generation and realize a moderate engine
operation. On the other hand, for the operating area Z2, a
compression ignition combustion is selected.
[0262] Then, control of the operating area Z3 where the accelerator
opening is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value and where
the (absolute value of) acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value will be explained by using FIG.
33.
[0263] First, in step s410, the ECU 1 reads the output value of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a as the intention of the
driver.
[0264] Then, in step s420, the ECU 1 takes in the output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in the output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature
sensor mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions.
[0265] Next, in step s430, the ECU 1 decides whether the
accelerator opening read in step s410 is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value or not and whether the (absolute value of)
vehicle acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined
value or not and if the value is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value, the ECU 1 moves on to step s440.
[0266] When the accelerator opening is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value, in step s440, the ECU 1 decides whether the
compression ignition combustion is in progress or not, and the ECU
1 moves on to step s470 if the compression ignition combustion is
in progress or step s450 otherwise.
[0267] If the compression ignition combustion is not in progress,
in step s450, the ECU 1 decides whether the spark ignition
combustion is in progress or not, and if the spark ignition
combustion is in progress, the ECU 1 moves on to step s460.
[0268] Then, in step s460, the ECU 1 shuts off an ignition signal
and prohibits spark ignition.
[0269] Furthermore, in step s470, the ECU 1 stops fuel
injection.
[0270] Thus, when the accelerator opening is equal to or smaller
than a predetermined value and the (absolute value of) vehicle
acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the
required torque of the engine is zero or minus, and therefore the
ECU 1 sends a command to prohibit the compression ignition
combustion and shuts off the ignition signal or stops fuel
injection. This allows extra fuel consumption to be suppressed,
thus reducing HC emissions and fuel consumption.
[0271] Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is kept to a
predetermined value or higher and when it is decided that the
driver of the vehicle has stepped on the accelerator again, the ECU
1 restarts fuel injection and commands for the compression ignition
or the spark ignition operation mode based on the intention of the
driver, vehicle driving condition, engine operating condition and
various sensor values. That is, the embodiment suppresses extra
fuel consumption by the engine and allows smooth vehicle
driving.
[0272] When the required torque of the engine is zero or minus, the
embodiment can stop fuel injection and reduce both HC emissions and
fuel consumption.
[0273] Then, a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained by using FIG. 34 and FIG. 35. The system configuration
showing a configuration of the compression ignition internal
combustion engine according to the embodiment is the same as that
shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the method of deciding the combustion
mode of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the embodiment is the same as that in the flow chart
shown in FIG. 2.
[0274] The embodiment will explain another specific example of the
method of deciding the combustion method, whether the compression
ignition combustion mode or the spark ignition combustion mode in
step s160 in FIG. 2. The embodiment selects the compression
ignition combustion mode or the spark ignition combustion mode
based on the accelerator opening and vehicle speed.
[0275] FIG. 34 shows an operating area map to determine a
combustion method in the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention
and FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an operation of the compression
ignition internal combustion engine of the eighth embodiment of the
present invention when compression ignition is prohibited.
[0276] In step s160 in FIG. 2, the ECU 1 decides the combustion
method, whether the compression ignition combustion mode or the
spark ignition combustion mode based on the output values of each
sensor and the detecting means read in steps s110 to s150. At this
time, the ECU 1 decides the combustion method with reference to the
operating area map shown in FIG. 34.
[0277] As shown in FIG. 34, an operating area Z4 where the
accelerator opening is equal to or greater than a predetermined
value or where the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value corresponds to a spark ignition combustion
zone. Furthermore, an operating area Z5 where the accelerator
opening is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value and where
the vehicle speed is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value
corresponds to a compression ignition combustion zone. By the way,
an operating area Z6 where the accelerator opening is equal to or
smaller than a predetermined value and where the vehicle speed is
equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponds to a
compression ignition combustion prohibition zone, which will be
described later using FIG. 35.
[0278] As shown in FIG. 34, for the operating area Z4, for reasons
that greater torque than that during steady driving is required and
it is difficult to perform a stable compression ignition combustion
operation because an engine operating condition changes
drastically, etc., a spark ignition combustion is selected to avoid
abrupt heat generation and realize a moderate engine operation.
Then, for the operating area Z5, a compression ignition combustion
is selected.
[0279] Then, control of the operation Z5 where the accelerator
opening is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value will be
explained by using FIG. 35.
[0280] First, in step s410, the ECU 1 reads the output value of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a as the intention of the
driver.
[0281] Then, in step s420, the ECU 1 takes in the output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in the output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature
sensor mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions.
[0282] Next, in step s430A, the ECU 1 decides whether the
accelerator opening read in step s410 is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value or not and whether the vehicle speed is equal
to or greater than a predetermined value or not. If this condition
is satisfied, the ECU 1 moves on to step s440.
[0283] When the accelerator opening is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined value and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater
than a predetermined value, in step s440, the ECU 1 decides whether
the compression ignition combustion is in progress or not, and the
ECU 1 moves on to step s470 if the compression ignition combustion
is in progress or step s450 otherwise.
[0284] If the compression ignition combustion is not in progress,
in step s450, the ECU 1 decides whether the spark ignition
combustion is in progress or not, and if the spark ignition
combustion is in progress, the ECU 1 moves on to step s460.
[0285] Then, in step s460, the ECU 1 shuts off an ignition signal
and prohibits spark ignition.
[0286] Furthermore, in step s470, the ECU 1 stops fuel
injection.
[0287] Thus, when the accelerator opening is equal to or smaller
than a predetermined value and the vehicle speed is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value, it is such a condition that the
vehicle is driving on a descending slope and the required torque of
the engine is zero or minus, and therefore the ECU 1 sends a
command to prohibit a compression ignition combustion and shuts off
the ignition signal or stops fuel injection. This allows extra fuel
consumption to be suppressed, thus reducing HC emissions and fuel
consumption.
[0288] When the required torque of the engine is zero or minus, the
embodiment can stop fuel injection and reduce both HC emissions and
fuel consumption.
[0289] Then, a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained by using FIG. 36. The system configuration showing a
configuration of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the embodiment is the same as that shown in
FIG. 1. Furthermore, the method of deciding a combustion mode of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the embodiment is the same as that in the flow chart shown in FIG.
2.
[0290] The embodiment will explain another specific example of the
content of control when the driver of the vehicle incorporating the
compression ignition internal combustion engine steps on the brake
during driving.
[0291] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing an operation of the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
ninth embodiment of the present invention when compression ignition
is prohibited.
[0292] First, in step s410, the ECU 1 reads the output value of the
brake depressing force detection device 2b as the intention of the
driver.
[0293] Then, in step s420, the ECU 1 takes in the output value of
the vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving
condition and takes in the output values of the accelerator opening
detection device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle
sensor 4, the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature
sensor mounted on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water
temperature sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature
sensor 23 as the engine operating conditions.
[0294] Next, in step s430B, the ECU 1 decides whether the brake
depressing force read in step s410 is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value or not and whether the vehicle speed-is equal
to or greater than a predetermined value or not. If this condition
is satisfied, the ECU 1 moves on to step s440.
[0295] When the brake depressing force is equal to or greater than
a predetermined value and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater
than a predetermined value, in step s440, the ECU 1 decides whether
a compression ignition combustion is in progress or not, and the
ECU 1 moves on to step s470 if a compression ignition combustion is
in progress or step s450 otherwise.
[0296] If a compression ignition combustion is not in progress, in
step s450, the ECU 1 decides whether the spark ignition combustion
is in progress or not, and if the spark ignition combustion is in
progress, the ECU 1 moves on to step s460.
[0297] Then, in step s460, the ECU 1 shuts off an ignition signal
and prohibits spark ignition.
[0298] Furthermore, in step s470, the ECU 1 stops fuel
injection.
[0299] When the driver who drives the vehicle attempts to
decelerate from a normal driving condition, the driver removes
his/her foot from the accelerator and steps on the brake. In this
case, if the brake depressing force is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value, this indicates that the driver of the vehicle
incorporating the engine needs an appropriate brake force, and
therefore it is necessary to apply a negative pressure to the
inside of the intake port 6 to assist the brake and reduce the
opening of the throttle valve 7 to almost full closing.
Furthermore, the target drive force in this case is zero or minus,
and therefore the ECU 1 sends a command to prohibit a compression
ignition combustion and shuts off the ignition signal or stops fuel
injection. This allows extra fuel consumption to be suppressed,
thus reducing HC emissions and fuel consumption.
[0300] Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is kept to a
predetermined value or greater and it is decided that the driver of
the vehicle has stepped on the accelerator again, the ECU 1
restarts fuel injection and commands for the compression ignition
or the spark ignition operation mode based on the intention of the
driver, the vehicle driving condition, the engine operating
condition and the various sensor values. That is, the embodiment
suppresses extra fuel consumption by the engine and allows smooth
vehicle driving.
[0301] When the required torque of the engine is zero or minus, the
embodiment can stop fuel injection and reduce both HC emissions and
fuel consumption.
[0302] Then, a compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained by using FIG. 37 and FIG. 39.
[0303] First, the configuration of the compression ignition
internal combustion engine according to the embodiment will be
explained by using FIG. 37.
[0304] FIG. 37 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of
the compression ignition internal combustion engine according to
the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 37, the same
reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0305] In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the
embodiment is further provided with a temperature sensor 44 in the
exhaust port 14. The temperature sensor 44 is used to detect
temperature of the exhaust gas. The output value of the temperature
sensor 44 is taken into the ECU 1.
[0306] Then, the method of deciding a combustion mode in the
compression ignition internal combustion engine according to the
embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 38.
[0307] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the method of deciding a
combustion mode in the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0308] When the ECU 1 starts an engine start control, first, in
step s105, the ECU 1 reads a cooling water temperature which is the
output of the engine cooling water temperature sensor 24 and intake
air temperature detected by the air flow sensor 5 as the engine
operating conditions.
[0309] Then, in step s165, the ECU 1 decides whether the cooling
water or intake air temperature read in step s105 is equal to or
lower than a predetermined value or not, and if it is equal to or
lower than a predetermined value, the ECU 1 moves on to step s300
and starts to control a spark ignition combustion mode.
Furthermore, if the read cooling water or intake air temperature is
greater than a predetermined value, the ECU 1 moves on to step s200
and starts to control a compression ignition combustion mode.
[0310] Ignition timings in a compression ignition combustion mode
strongly depend on parameters such as a temperature, pressure and
air-fuel ratio and in the case where the temperature of the engine
is low as in the case of a cold start and each measuring sensor has
not started to function yet and it is difficult to calculate the
amount of air, it is extremely difficult to control ignition
timings and a combustion period, or fully control the output torque
of the engine. Thus, in the case of such a cold start where either
the cooling water temperature or intake air temperature of the
engine is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, selecting a
spark ignition combustion makes it possible to realize a smooth
engine start.
[0311] Then, a method of controlling switching between combustion
modes of the compression ignition internal combustion engine
according to the embodiment will be explained by using FIG. 39.
[0312] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a combustion mode switching
control method of the compression ignition internal combustion
engine according to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0313] In step s500, the ECU 1 starts a combustion switching
control routine after the engine is started.
[0314] First, in step s510, the ECU 1 reads output values of the
accelerator opening detection device 2a and the brake depressing
force detection device 2b as the intention of the driver.
[0315] Then, in step s520, the ECU 1 takes in an output value of
vehicle speed detection device 2c as the vehicle driving condition
and takes in output values of the accelerator opening detection
device 2a, the air-fuel ratio sensor 22, the crank angle sensor 4,
the air flow sensor 5 and the intake air temperature sensor mounted
on the air flow sensor 5, the engine cooling water temperature
sensor 24 and the post-catalyst exhaust temperature sensor 23 as
the engine operating conditions.
[0316] Then, in step s530, the ECU 1 decides whether the cooling
water temperature or intake air temperature is equal to or greater
than a predetermined value or not based on the information read in
steps s210 to s220 and if both are equal to or greater than a
predetermined value, the ECU 1 moves on to step s560. If not, the
ECU 1 moves on to step s550 and decides whether the output of the
exhaust temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value and if it is equal to or greater than a
predetermined value, the ECU 1 moves on to step s560.
[0317] Then, when the cooling water temperature and intake air
temperature become equal to or greater than a predetermined value
or when the output value of the temperature sensor 44 becomes equal
to or greater than a predetermined value, in step s560, ECU 1
switches from a spark ignition combustion to compression ignition
combustion because an initial temperature in the combustion chamber
16 at the start of a compression, that is, at timing at which the
intake valve 19a closes is secured by an amount necessary for
ignition. At this time, it is also possible to use the output value
of the post-catalyst exhaust temperature sensor 23 instead of the
output value of the temperature sensor 44, and using this output
value makes it possible to decide whether a compression starting
temperature enough to start ignition has been secured or not.
[0318] The embodiment makes it possible to select a combustion mode
according to a cooling water temperature or exhaust temperature at
the start of the engine and improve a starting characteristic, and
after the engine is started, immediately start the compression
ignition combustion mode if conditions are ready.
[0319] As described above, the compression ignition internal
combustion engine described in the aforementioned embodiments is an
engine system that makes compatible a self-ignition combustion with
a spark ignition combustion and can control an amount of internal
EGR, amount of intake air and compression ignition timings
independently by controlling the intake air regulating device and
the variable valve mechanisms according to the intention of the
driver, vehicle driving condition and engine operating condition.
That is, the present invention has excellent advantages of making
compatible an increase in a compression self-ignition operating
area with an optimum output torque control in this operating area
and also smoothly switching between a self-ignition combustion and
a spark ignition combustion, and can thereby realize low NOx and
low HC fuel consumption.
[0320] Industrial Applicability
[0321] The present invention makes compatible an increase in
compression self-ignition operating area with an optimum output
torque control in this operating area and also smoothly switches a
self-ignition combustion and a spark ignition combustion.
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