U.S. patent application number 10/895424 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for combustion control apparatus for internal combustion engine.
This patent application is currently assigned to NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kitahara, Yasuhisa, Nishizawa, Toru.
Application Number | 20050039444 10/895424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34190855 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050039444 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishizawa, Toru ; et
al. |
February 24, 2005 |
Combustion control apparatus for internal combustion engine
Abstract
A combustion control apparatus operates an internal combustion
engine in a split retard combustion mode during regenerating an
exhaust purifier such as a NOx trap. In the split retard combustion
mode, the combustion control apparatus controls a first fuel
injection to cause preliminary combustion at or near top dead
center, and controls a second fuel injection to cause main
combustion after an end of the preliminary combustion. In this
manner, the combustion control apparatus controls an exhaust gas
temperature, or an exhaust air-fuel ratio, without increasing
exhaust smoke. During the split retard combustion mode, the
combustion control apparatus controls the excess air ratio to vary
the exhaust gas temperature, if there is a request for shifting the
exhaust gas temperature. The combustion control apparatus adjusts
the second fuel injection timing in accordance with the excess air
ratio.
Inventors: |
Nishizawa, Toru; (Yokohama,
JP) ; Kitahara, Yasuhisa; (Yokohama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
34190855 |
Appl. No.: |
10/895424 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/285 ;
60/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 41/0275 20130101;
F02D 41/027 20130101; F02D 41/403 20130101; Y02T 10/40 20130101;
F02D 41/029 20130101; F02D 41/028 20130101; Y02T 10/44
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
060/285 ;
060/297 |
International
Class: |
F01N 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 31, 2003 |
JP |
2003-284327 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion
engine, comprising: a combustion controlling actuator for causing
combustion in a combustion chamber of the engine; a controller for
controlling the combustion controlling actuator; and the controller
configured to perform the following: switching a combustion mode
between a normal combustion mode and a split retard combustion
mode; producing an increase request for an increase in an exhaust
gas temperature of the engine, in accordance with an operating
condition of the engine; and performing the following in the normal
combustion mode: producing normal combustion to generate an output
torque of the engine; and performing the following in the split
retard combustion mode in response to the increase request:
producing preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, to
release a predetermined quantity of heat in the combustion chamber;
starting main combustion at a timing later than a start timing of
the normal combustion in the normal combustion mode, after an end
of the preliminary combustion, to generate the output torque of the
engine; and producing a shift request for shifting a target exhaust
gas temperature, in accordance with the operating condition of the
engine; controlling an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate
the exhaust gas temperature in accordance with varying target
exhaust gas temperature, in response to the shift request; and
adjusting the start timing of the main combustion in accordance
with a change in the excess air ratio.
2. A combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion
engine, comprising: a fuel injector for injecting fuel directly
into a combustion chamber of the engine; a controller for
controlling the fuel injector; and the controller configured to
perform the following: switching a combustion mode between a normal
combustion mode and a split retard combustion mode, in accordance
with an operating condition of the engine; producing an increase
request for an increase in an exhaust gas temperature of the
engine, in accordance with an operating condition of the engine;
and performing the following in the normal combustion mode:
controlling a normal fuel injection to produce normal combustion to
generate an output torque of the engine; and performing the
following in the split retard combustion mode in response to the
increase request: controlling a first fuel injection to produce
preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, to release a
predetermined quantity of heat; starting a second fuel injection at
a timing later than a start timing of the normal fuel injection in
the normal combustion mode, to start main combustion after an end
of the preliminary combustion, to generate the output torque of the
engine; determining a first target exhaust gas temperature and a
second target exhaust gas temperature; producing a shift request
for shifting a target exhaust gas temperature from the first target
exhaust gas temperature to the second target exhaust gas
temperature when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
controlling an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate the
exhaust gas temperature from the first target exhaust gas
temperature to the second target exhaust gas temperature, in
response to the shift request; and adjusting the timing of the
second fuel injection, in accordance with a change in the excess
air ratio.
3. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further
comprising a condition sensor for collecting information needed to
determine the operating condition of the engine.
4. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
the condition sensor senses the excess air ratio; and the
controller is configured to perform the following in the split
retard combustion mode: adjusting the timing of the second fuel
injection in accordance with a change in the sensed excess air
ratio.
5. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein
the controller is configured to perform the following, when the
second target temperature is lower than the first target
temperature: increasing the excess air ratio to decrease the
exhaust gas temperature from the first target temperature to the
second target temperature; and retarding the timing of the second
fuel injection in accordance with an increase of the sensed excess
air ratio.
6. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein
the controller is configured to retard the timing of the second
fuel injection continuously in accordance with the increase in the
sensed excess air ratio.
7. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein
the controller is configured to perform the following, when the
second target temperature is higher than the first target
temperature: decreasing the excess air ratio to increase the
exhaust gas temperature from the first target temperature to the
second target temperature; and advancing the timing of the second
fuel injection in accordance with a decrease in the sensed excess
air ratio.
8. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the controller is configured to advance the timing of the second
fuel injection continuously in accordance with the decrease in the
sensed excess air ratio.
9. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further
comprising an exhaust purifier in an exhaust gas passage of the
engine, wherein the condition sensor senses information needed to
determine the condition of the exhaust purifier; and the controller
is configured to produce the increase request, in accordance with
the condition of the exhaust purifier.
10. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the exhaust purifier includes at least one of a particulate filter
and a NOx trap.
11. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the condition of the exhaust purifier includes a quantity of a
substance trapped in the exhaust purifier.
12. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 11,
wherein the trapped substance includes at least one of particulate
matter and sulfur content.
13. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the exhaust purifier comprises a particulate filter; and the
controller is configured to perform the following: producing a
regeneration request for removing particulate matter from the
particulate filter, in accordance with the condition of the exhaust
purifier; and producing the increase request in response to the
regeneration request.
14. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the exhaust purifier comprises a NOx trap; and the controller is
configured to perform the following: producing a regeneration
request for removing sulfur content from the NOx trap, in
accordance with the condition of the exhaust purifier; and
producing the increase request in response to the regeneration
request.
15. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the exhaust purifier comprises a particulate filter and a NOx trap;
and the controller is configured to perform the following:
producing a first regeneration request for removing particulate
matter from the particulate filter, in accordance with the
condition of the exhaust purifier; producing a second regeneration
request for removing sulfur content from the NOx trap, in
accordance with the condition of the exhaust purifier; and
producing the increase request in response to the first
regeneration request and the second regeneration request.
16. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 15,
wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when both of the
first regeneration request and the second regeneration request is
present so that an operation of removing sulfur content from the
NOx trap and an operation of removing particulate matter from the
particulate filter are executed in succession.
17. The combustion control apparatus as claimed in claim 16,
wherein the controller is configured to determine an execution
order of the operation of removing sulfur content from the NOx trap
and the operation of removing particulate matter from the
particulate filter, in accordance with the condition of the
engine.
18. A combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion
engine, comprising: combustion controlling means for causing
combustion in a combustion chamber of the engine; control means for
controlling the combustion controlling means; and the control means
configured to perform the following: switching a combustion mode
between a normal combustion mode and a split retard combustion
mode; producing an increase request for an increase in an exhaust
gas temperature of the engine, in accordance with an operating
condition of the engine; and performing the following in the normal
combustion mode: producing normal combustion to generate an output
torque of the engine; and performing the following in the split
retard combustion mode in response to the increase request:
producing preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, to
release a predetermined quantity of heat in the combustion chamber;
starting main combustion at a timing later than a start timing of
the normal combustion in the normal combustion mode, after an end
of the preliminary combustion, to generate the output torque of the
engine; and producing a shift request for shifting a target exhaust
gas temperature, in accordance with the operating condition of the
engine; controlling an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate
the exhaust gas temperature in accordance with varying target
exhaust gas temperature, in response to the shift request; and
adjusting the start timing of the main combustion in accordance
with a change in the excess air ratio.
19. A method of controlling combustion for an internal combustion
engine, comprising: switching a combustion mode between a normal
combustion mode and a split retard combustion mode; producing an
increase request for an increase in an exhaust gas temperature of
the engine, in accordance with an operating condition of the
engine; and performing the following in the normal combustion mode:
producing normal combustion to generate an output torque of the
engine; and performing the following in the split retard combustion
mode in response to the increase request: producing preliminary
combustion at or near top dead center, to release a predetermined
quantity of heat in the combustion chamber; starting main
combustion at a timing later than a start timing of the normal
combustion in the normal combustion mode, after an end of the
preliminary combustion, to generate the output torque of the
engine; and producing a shift request for shifting a target exhaust
gas temperature, in accordance with the operating condition of the
engine; controlling an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate
the exhaust gas temperature in accordance with varying target
exhaust gas temperature, in response to the shift request; and
adjusting the start timing of the main combustion in accordance
with a change in the excess air ratio.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to control
apparatuses for internal combustion engines, and more particularly
to a combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
with an exhaust purifier such as a NOx trap and a particulate
filter, which is configured to decrease an excess air ratio of the
engine, and to raise an exhaust gas temperature of the engine,
without increasing exhaust smoke.
[0002] In recent years, there have been disclosed various
techniques of raising an exhaust gas temperature to activate an
exhaust purifier for an engine with an exhaust purifier in an
exhaust gas passage. One such technique is disclosed in Japanese
Patent Provisional Publication No. 2000-320386, especially in
paragraphs [0106] through [0111] In this technique, a basic fuel
injection quantity to produce a desired engine torque is calculated
in accordance with an operating condition of the engine. The basic
fuel injection quantity of fuel is supplied to a cylinder of the
engine by multiple fuel injections near top dead center (TDC).
[0003] On the other hand, a known method of removing nitrogen
oxides (NOx) from exhaust gas employs a NOx trap. The NOx trap
traps NOx in oxidizing atmosphere and releases NOx in reducing
atmosphere. The NOx trap also removes from exhaust gas and traps
sulfur content in oxidizing atmosphere. Accordingly, a known method
of releasing NOx and sulfur content trapped in NOx trap to
regenerate the NOx trap is to decrease an excess air ratio to
decrease an exhaust air-fuel ratio. In general, the exhaust gas
temperature is raised to promote dissociation of sulfur content in
addition to decreasing the exhaust air-fuel ratio, during the NOx
trap releasing sulfur content.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] However, the previously discussed technique is fraught with
the following difficulty. The split fuel injection in the technique
results in continuous combustion. In other words, a following fuel
is injected into the flame produced by a preceding fuel injection.
Accordingly, diffusive combustion process is predominant in the
combustion produced by the second or later fuel injection. In
diffusive combustion, decreasing excess air ratio leads to
increasing exhaust smoke. Though this combustion control can raise
the exhaust gas temperature, it has a difficulty of decreasing the
excess air ratio in view of exhaust smoke. Therefore, this
technique is not suitable for regeneration of a NOx trap that needs
a decrease in the excess air ratio.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion
engine with an exhaust purifier such as a NOx trap and a
particulate filter, which is configured to decrease an excess air
ratio of the engine, and to raise an exhaust gas temperature of the
engine, without increasing exhaust smoke.
[0006] In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects
of the present invention, a combustion control apparatus for an
internal combustion engine, comprises a combustion controlling
actuator for causing combustion in a combustion chamber of the
engine, a controller for controlling the combustion controlling
actuator, and the controller configured to perform the following,
switching a combustion mode between a normal combustion mode and a
split retard combustion mode, producing an increase request for an
increase in an exhaust gas temperature of the engine, in accordance
with an operating condition of the engine, and performing the
following in the normal combustion mode, producing normal
combustion to generate an output torque of the engine, and
performing the following in the split retard combustion mode in
response to the increase request, producing preliminary combustion
at or near top dead center, to release a predetermined quantity of
heat in the combustion chamber, starting main combustion at a
timing later than a start timing of the normal combustion in the
normal combustion mode, after an end of the preliminary combustion,
to generate the output torque of the engine, and producing a shift
request for shifting a target exhaust gas temperature, in
accordance with the operating condition of the engine, controlling
an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate the exhaust gas
temperature in accordance with varying target exhaust gas
temperature, in response to the shift request, and adjusting the
start timing of the main combustion in accordance with a change in
the excess air ratio.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a combustion
control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprises a
fuel injector for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber
of the engine, a controller for controlling the fuel injector, and
the controller configured to perform the following, switching a
combustion mode between a normal combustion mode and a split retard
combustion mode, in accordance with an operating condition of the
engine, producing an increase request for an increase in an exhaust
gas temperature of the engine, in accordance with an operating
condition of the engine, and performing the following in the normal
combustion mode, controlling a normal fuel injection to produce
normal combustion to generate an output torque of the engine, and
performing the following in the split retard combustion mode in
response to the increase request, controlling a first fuel
injection to produce preliminary combustion at or near top dead
center, to release a predetermined quantity of heat, starting a
second fuel injection at a timing later than a start timing of the
normal fuel injection in the normal combustion mode, to start main
combustion after an end of the preliminary combustion, to generate
the output torque of the engine, determining a first target exhaust
gas temperature and a second target exhaust gas temperature,
producing a shift request for shifting a target exhaust gas
temperature from the first target exhaust gas temperature to the
second target exhaust gas temperature when a predetermined
condition is satisfied, controlling an excess air ratio of the
engine, to regulate the exhaust gas temperature from the first
target exhaust gas temperature to the second target exhaust gas
temperature, in response to the shift request, and adjusting the
timing of the second fuel injection, in accordance with a change in
the excess air ratio.
[0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, a combustion
control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprises
combustion controlling means for causing combustion in a combustion
chamber of the engine, control means for controlling the combustion
controlling means, and the control means configured to perform the
following, switching a combustion mode between a normal combustion
mode and a split retard combustion mode, producing an increase
request for an increase in an exhaust gas temperature of the
engine, in accordance with an operating condition of the engine,
and performing the following in the normal combustion mode,
producing normal combustion to generate an output torque of the
engine, and performing the following in the split retard combustion
mode in response to the increase request, producing preliminary
combustion at or near top dead center, to release a predetermined
quantity of heat in the combustion chamber, starting main
combustion at a timing later than a start timing of the normal
combustion in the normal combustion mode, after an end of the
preliminary combustion, to generate the output torque of the
engine, and producing a shift request for shifting a target exhaust
gas temperature, in accordance with the operating condition of the
engine, controlling an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate
the exhaust gas temperature in accordance with varying target
exhaust gas temperature, in response to the shift request, and
adjusting the start timing of the main combustion in accordance
with a change in the excess air ratio.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
controlling combustion for an internal combustion engine, comprises
switching a combustion mode between a normal combustion mode and a
split retard combustion mode, producing an increase request for an
increase in an exhaust gas temperature of the engine, in accordance
with an operating condition of the engine, and performing the
following in the normal combustion mode, producing normal
combustion to generate an output torque of the engine, and
performing the following in the split retard combustion mode in
response to the increase request, producing preliminary combustion
at or near top dead center, to release a predetermined quantity of
heat in the combustion chamber, starting main combustion at a
timing later than a start timing of the normal combustion in the
normal combustion mode, after an end of the preliminary combustion,
to generate the output torque of the engine, and producing a shift
request for shifting a target exhaust gas temperature, in
accordance with the operating condition of the engine, controlling
an excess air ratio of the engine, to regulate the exhaust gas
temperature in accordance with varying target exhaust gas
temperature, in response to the shift request, and adjusting the
start timing of the main combustion in accordance with a change in
the excess air ratio.
[0010] The above objects and other objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a diesel engine
including a combustion control apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting a process of determining an
operating mode of the engine in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a threshold pressure Pe1 for determining the start of PM
regeneration, an engine speed Ne, and a fuel injection quantity
request Qfdrv.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a time chart of a fuel injection quantity in a
normal combustion mode.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a time chart of a heat release rate in accordance
with the fuel injection shown in FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a time chart of the fuel injection quantity in a
split retard combustion mode.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a time chart of the heat release rate in
accordance with the fuel injection shown in FIG. 5A.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a representation of a table of a relationship
between an exhaust gas temperature and a second fuel injection
timing ITm in the split retard combustion mode.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a smoke quantity and second fuel injection timing ITm in
the split retard combustion mode.
[0020] FIG. 6C is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a CO quantity and second fuel injection timing ITm in the
split retard combustion mode.
[0021] FIG. 6D is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a HC quantity and second fuel injection timing ITm in the
split retard combustion mode.
[0022] FIG. 7A is a time chart of the fuel injection quantity in
the split retard combustion mode under a low load condition.
[0023] FIG. 7B is a time chart of the heat release rate in
accordance with the fuel injection shown in FIG. 7A.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting a process of determining
fuel injection quantities for the split retard combustion mode in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
an accelerator opening APO, engine speed Ne, and a second fuel
injection quantity Qm.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a first fuel injection quantity Qp, engine speed Ne, and second
fuel injection quantity Qm.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting a process of PM
regeneration in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting a process of controlling
the exhaust gas temperature in the process of PM regeneration shown
in FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a PM quantity PMQ and a target excess air ratio in PM
regeneration t.lambda.reg in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a reference intake air quantity tQac0, engine speed Ne, and second
fuel injection quantity Qm in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a first fuel injection timing ITp, the engine speed Ne, and second
fuel injection quantity Qm in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a second fuel injection timing ITm, engine speed Ne, and second
fuel injection quantity Qm in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a second fuel injection timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm, a target
exhaust gas temperature tTexh, and excess air ratio .lambda. in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 and second
fuel injection timing ITm in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a representation of a table of a relationship
between a fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 and target
excess air ratio t.lambda. in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting a process of S
regeneration in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a flow chart depicting a process of controlling
the exhaust gas temperature in the process of S regeneration shown
in FIG. 20.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a flow chart depicting a process of NOx
regeneration in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a flow chart depicting a process of avoiding
damage in the exhaust purifier in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a representation of a map of a relationship among
a target intake air quantity in breakdown avoidance mode tQacrec,
engine speed Ne, and a main fuel injection quantity Qmain in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a flow chart depicting a first process of setting
operating mode flags in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a representation of a map of a split retard
combustion region in which the split retard combustion mode can be
employed in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a flow chart depicting a second process of
setting operating mode flags in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 28 is a flow chart depicting a third process of setting
operating mode flags in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a flow chart depicting a process of setting a PM
regeneration request flag rqREG in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a flow chart depicting a process of setting a S
regeneration request flag rqDESUL in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 31 is a flow chart depicting a process of setting a NOx
regeneration request flag rqSP in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a flow chart depicting a process of rapid
activation of the exhaust purifier in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a diesel engine
including a combustion control apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Intake air flows through an
air cleaner (not shown) disposed at the inlet of an intake air
passage 11. The air cleaner removes dust articles from intake air.
In intake air passage 11 is disposed a compressor 12a of a variable
nozzle turbocharger 12, which compresses intake air. Downstream
from compressor 12a is disposed an intercooler 13, which cools the
compressed intake air. After cooled, intake air flows into a serge
tank 14. Serge tank 14 includes a manifold section for distributing
intake air to cylinders. Upstream to serge tank 14 is disposed a
throttle valve 15, which varies the airflow quantity of intake air.
Throttle valve 15A is connected to a throttle actuator 151 for
regulating the opening thereof.
[0050] In the cylinder head of engine 1 is disposed a fuel injector
21 in each cylinder. Discharged from a fuel pump (not shown), fuel
is supplied to fuel injector 21 via a common rail 22. Fuel injector
21 injects fuel directly into each combustion chamber. Fuel
injector 21 is capable of injecting fuel in multiple timings in one
stroke. Engine 1 is normally operated in a normal combustion mode
in a normal operating mode. In the normal combustion mode, fuel
injector 21 performs a main fuel injection for producing engine
output torque and a pilot fuel injection prior to the main fuel
injection.
[0051] Exhaust gas flows in an exhaust gas passage 31. Downstream
from an exhaust manifold is disposed a turbine 12b of turbocharger
12. Turbine 12b rotates compressor 12a, driven by exhaust gas.
Turbine 12b includes a movable vane 121. Movable vane 121 is
connected to a vane actuator 122 for regulating the angle thereof.
Downstream from turbine 12b is disposed a NOx trap 32, downstream
from which is disposed a particulate filter such as a diesel
particulate filter (DPF) 33. NOx trap 32 has different functions in
accordance with an exhaust air-fuel ratio. That is, NOx trap 32
removes from exhaust gas and traps NOx during the exhaust air-fuel
ratio being low or exhaust gas being lean in fuel. On the other
hand, NOx trap 32 releases NOx during the exhaust air-fuel ratio
being high or exhaust gas being rich in fuel. NOx released from NOx
trap 32 is purified by a reducing agent such as hydrocarbon (HC) in
exhaust gas. In addition to NOx, NOx trap 32 removes from exhaust
gas and traps sulfur content (S). NOx trap 32 has a function of
oxidizing HC and carbon monoxide (CO), in addition to the function
of purifying NOx. DPF 33 includes a porous filter element as formed
of ceramic. The filter element of DPF 33 filters exhaust gas to
remove exhaust particulate matter. NOx trap 32 and DPF 33 serves
for an exhaust purifier to trap substances in exhaust gas.
[0052] Between intake air passage 11 and exhaust gas passage 31 is
disposed an EGR pipe 34. Within EGR pipe 34 is disposed an EGR
valve 35. EGR valve 35 is connected to an EGR actuator 351 to
regulate the opening of EGR valve 35. In exhaust gas passage 31, a
pressure sensor 51 is disposed between NOx trap 32 and DPF 33, for
sensing an exhaust gas pressure Pexh of exhaust gas. Downstream
from DPF 33 are disposed an oxygen sensor 52 and a temperature
sensor 53. Oxygen sensor 52 senses an excess air ratio .lambda..
Temperature sensor 53 senses an exhaust gas temperature. The
detected exhaust gas temperature is used for estimating a bed
temperature of NOx trap 32 (NOx trap temperature) Tnox and a bed
temperature of DPF 33 (DPF temperature) Tdpf. NOx trap temperature
Tnox and DPF temperature Tdpf may be sensed directly by temperature
sensors disposed at NOx trap 32 and DPF 33. The engine system
includes an air flow meter 54, a crank angle sensor 55, and an
accelerator opening sensor 56. The sensors as a condition sensor
collects information needed to determine the operating condition of
the engine, and outputs signals to a controller such as an electric
control unit (ECU) 41. ECU 41 determines or calculates an intake
air quantity Qac, an engine speed Ne, and an accelerator opening
APO, based on the signals from air flow meter 54, crank angle
sensor 55, and accelerator opening sensor 56, respectively. ECU 41
executes a routine including the above-discussed calculation, and
issues commands to a combustion controlling actuator including fuel
injector 21, vane actuator 122, throttle actuator 151, and EGR
actuator 351.
[0053] The following describes operations of ECU 41. PM
regeneration indicates an operation to release PM from DPF 33. NOx
regeneration indicates an operation to release NOx from NOx trap
32. S regeneration indicates an operation to release sulfur content
from NOx trap 32. Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow
chart depicting a process of determining an operating mode of the
engine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
ECU 41 switches the combustion mode in accordance with the
operating mode.
[0054] At step S1, ECU 41 reads engine speed Ne, accelerator
opening APO, NOx trap temperature Tnox, and exhaust gas pressure
Pexh.
[0055] At step S2, a check is made to determine whether NOx trap 32
is activated or not. Actually, it is determined whether or not NOx
trap temperature Tnox is higher than or equal to a predetermined
threshold temperature T11. When the answer to step S2 is YES, the
routine proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, when the answer to
step S2 is NO, the routine proceeds to a routine shown in FIG. 32.
Temperature T11 is an activation temperature at which NOx trap 32
is activated.
[0056] At step S3, ECU 41 determines a trapped quantity of NOx (NOx
quantity NOX). NOx quantity NOX, which is a quantity of NOx trapped
in NOx trap 32, is calculated based on engine speed Ne from the
following equation (1).
NOX=NOX.sub.n-1+Ne.multidot..DELTA.t (1)
[0057] where a variable including a numerical subscript n-1
indicates a value calculated in the preceding execution, At
indicates a time interval of a series of execution of the routine.
Alternatively, NOx quantity NOX may be estimated by adding up a
predetermined quantity for each predetermined distance
traveled.
[0058] At step S4, ECU 41 determines a trapped quantity of S (S
quantity SOX). S quantity SOX, which is a quantity of NOx trapped
in NOx trap 32, is calculated based on engine speed Ne from the
following equation (2), as in the case of NOx quantity NOX.
SOX=SOX.sub.n-1+Ne.multidot..DELTA.t (2)
[0059] At step S5, ECU 41 determines a particulate matter (PM)
accumulation quantity PMQ. PM quantity PMQ, which is a quantity of
PM accumulated in DPF 33, is estimated based on exhaust gas
pressure Pexh upstream to DPF 33. Alternatively, PM quantity PMQ
may be estimated by calculating and adding up a PM quantity per
unit time, based on engine speed Ne and/or a traveled distance.
[0060] At step S6, a check is made to determine whether or not a PM
regeneration flag Freg is equal to zero. PM regeneration flag Freg
is reset to zero during the normal operating mode. When the answer
to step S6 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S7. On the other
hand, when the answer to step S6 is NO, the routine proceeds to a
routine shown in FIG. 11.
[0061] At step S7, a check is made to determine whether or not an S
regeneration flag Fdesul is equal to zero. S regeneration flag
Fdesul is reset to zero during the normal operating mode. When the
answer to step S7 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S8. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S7 is NO, the routine proceeds
to a routine shown in FIG. 20.
[0062] At step S8, a check is made to determine whether or not a
NOx regeneration flag Fsp is equal to zero. NOx regeneration flag
Fsp is reset to zero during the normal operating mode. When the
answer to step S8 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S9. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S8 is NO, the routine proceeds
to a routine shown in FIG. 22.
[0063] At step S9, a check is made to determine whether or not a
breakdown avoidance flag Frec is equal to zero. Breakdown avoidance
flag Frec is reset to zero during the normal operating mode, and
temporarily set to 1 just after PM regeneration or S regeneration
is discontinued. When the answer to step S9 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when the answer to step S9
is NO, the routine proceeds to a routine shown in FIG. 23.
[0064] At step S10, a check is made to determine whether or not a
PM regeneration request flag rqREG is equal to zero. PM
regeneration request flag rqREG is reset to zero during the normal
operating mode, and set to 1 when PM regeneration is desired in
accordance with PM quantity PMQ. When the answer to step S10 is
YES, the routine proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when the
answer to step S1 is NO, the routine proceeds to a routine shown in
FIG. 25.
[0065] At step S11, a check is made to determine whether or not an
S regeneration request flag rqDESUL is equal to zero. S
regeneration request flag rqDESUL is reset to zero during the
normal operating mode, and set to 1 when S regeneration is desired
in accordance with S quantity SOX. When the answer to step S11 is
YES, the routine proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the
answer to step S11 is NO, the routine proceeds to a routine shown
in FIG. 27.
[0066] At step S12, a check is made to determine whether or not a
PM regeneration request flag rqREG is equal to zero. PM
regeneration request flag rqREG is reset to zero during the normal
operating mode, and set to 1 when NOx regeneration is desired in
accordance with NOx quantity NOX. When the answer to step S12 is
YES, the routine proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when the
answer to step S12 is NO, the routine proceeds to a routine shown
in FIG. 28. At step S701 in FIG. 28, NOx regeneration flag Fsp is
set to 1.
[0067] At step S13, a check is made to determine whether or not PM
regeneration is desired. That is, it is determined whether or not
PM quantity PMQ is larger than or equal to a predetermined
threshold quantity PM1. An exhaust gas pressure Pe1 corresponding
to threshold quantity PM1 is determined in accordance with the
operating condition. Actually, exhaust gas pressure Pexh detected
by pressure sensor 51 is compared with pressure Pe1. Pressure Pe1
is calculated or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 3 as a
function of engine speed Ne and fuel injection quantity request
Qfdrv. Threshold pressure Pe1 increases with increasing engine
speed Ne and increasing fuel injection quantity request Qfdrv. Fuel
injection quantity request Qfdrv indicates a fuel quantity supplied
with main fuel injection in the normal combustion mode (main fuel
injection quantity) Qmain, and indicates a fuel quantity supplied
with second fuel injection in a split retard combustion mode
(second fuel injection quantity) Qm, as below discussed. When the
answer to step S13 is YES, the routine proceeds to a routine shown
in FIG. 29. At step S801 in FIG. 29, PM regeneration request flag
rqREG is set to 1. On the other hand, when the answer to step S13
is NO, the routine proceeds to step S14. Alternatively, the
traveled distance after the last process of PM regeneration may be
calculated for the determination of PM regeneration request flag
rqREG. In this case, PM regeneration request flag rqREG is set to 1
when the traveled distance after the last process of PM
regeneration reaches a predetermined distance. This prevents
potential redundant execution of PM regeneration.
[0068] At step S14, a check is made to determine whether or not S
regeneration is desired. That is, it is determined whether or not S
quantity SOX is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold
quantity SOX1. When the answer to step S14 is YES, the routine
proceeds to a routine shown in FIG. 30. At step S901 in FIG. 30, S
regeneration request flag rqDESUL is set to 1. On the other hand,
when the answer to step S14 is NO, the routine proceeds to step
S15.
[0069] At step S15, a check is made to determine whether or not NOx
regeneration is desired. That is, it is determined whether or not
NOx quantity NOX is larger than or equal to a predetermined
threshold quantity NOX1. When the answer to step S15 is YES, the
routine proceeds to a routine shown in FIG. 31. At step S1001 in
FIG. 30, NOx regeneration request flag rqSP is set to 1. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S15 is NO, the routine proceeds
to step S16.
[0070] Regeneration request flags reREG, reDESUL, and reSP are each
reset to zero, when engine 1 is turned on.
[0071] At step S16, ECU 41 operates engine 1 in the normal lean
combustion mode (normal combustion mode). On the other hand, ECU 41
shifts the combustion mode to the split retard combustion mode, in
case the routine proceeding from step S2 to the routine in FIG. 32
to activate NOx trap 32, in case the routine proceeding from step
S6 to the routine in FIG. 11 to perform PM regeneration, in case
the routine proceeding from step S7 to the routine in FIG. 20 to
perform S regeneration, and in case the routine proceeding from
step S8 to the routine in FIG. 22 to perform NOx regeneration.
[0072] The following describes the combustion modes in detail.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 5B, there are shown a fuel injection
pattern and a heat release rate in each combustion mode. FIGS. 4A
and 4B show the normal combustion mode. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the
split retard combustion mode. In the normal combustion mode, a
pilot fuel injection and a main fuel injection are performed under
a regular operating condition. The pilot fuel injection is executed
between 40-10.degree. CA before top dead center (BTDC). The fuel
quantity per stroke is set to 1-3 mm.sup.3. Following the pilot
fuel injection, the main fuel injection is executed between
10.degree. BTDC and 20.degree. after top dead center (ATDC). The
time interval between timings (start timings) of the pilot fuel
injection and the main fuel injection is set between 10-30.degree.
CA.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, two fuel injections are
employed in the split retard combustion mode. In the split retard
combustion mode, a first fuel injection is executed in compression
stroke, and a second fuel injection is executed in expansion
stroke. The first fuel injection produces preliminary combustion at
or near TDC to release heat quantity P, so as to raise an
incylinder temperature at TDC of compression stroke (compression
end temperature). The fuel quantity by the first fuel injection
(first fuel injection quantity) Qp is determined so as to produce a
recognizable heat release quantity. First fuel injection quantity
Qp desired varies in accordance with the operating condition of the
engine system. After an end of the preliminary combustion, the
second fuel injection is executed so that main combustion produces
engine output torque. The main combustion releases heat quantity M.
A time interval .DELTA.tij between the start timing of first fuel
injection (first fuel injection timing) ITp and the start timing of
second fuel injection (second fuel injection timing) ITm is
determined based on engine speed Ne, so that a time interval
between the start timing of preliminary combustion and the start
timing of main combustion is longer than or equal to 20.degree. CA.
Since the main combustion takes place in expansion stroke, the
duration of the burning process of the main combustion is extended
so that the end timing of the burning process is after 50.degree.
ATDC. The preliminary combustion or the heat release of the
preliminary combustion starts an ignition lag .DELTA.tigp after the
start of the first fuel injection. The main combustion or the heat
release of the main combustion starts an ignition lag .DELTA.tigm
after the start of the second fuel injection.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6D, there are shown
effects produced by the split retard combustion, with reference to
second fuel injection timing ITm. Excess air ratio .lambda. is held
constant. In the split retard combustion mode, the exhaust gas
temperature increases with retarding second fuel injection timing
ITm, as shown in FIG. 6A. The time interval .DELTA.tij between
first fuel injection timing ITp and second fuel injection timing
ITm is adjusted to ensure the time interval between the end timing
of the preliminary combustion and the start timing of the main
combustion. Performing the second fuel injection after the end of
the preliminary combustion ensures a time period longer than
ignition lag .DELTA.tigm between the end timing of the preliminary
combustion and the start timing of the main combustion. This
increases the proportion of premixed combustion in the main
combustion. During regenerating the exhaust purifier, for example,
during S regeneration for NOx trap 32, the exhaust gas temperature
is raised to a high temperature desired for activating NOx trap 32,
and excess air ratio .lambda. is decreased without increasing
exhaust smoke. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the exhaust gas
temperature rises and the quantity of exhaust smoke decreases with
retarding second fuel injection timing ITm. In general, the exhaust
air-fuel ratio is reduced by decreasing the intake air quantity,
which tends to produce an unstable process of combustion. However,
in the shown embodiment, the preliminary combustion increases
compression end temperature to allow a stable process of the main
combustion. In the split retard combustion mode, the HC quantity
remains below a low level, little depending on second fuel
injection timing ITm.
[0075] Under low load conditions, the exhaust gas temperature is
inherently low. Accordingly, it is necessary to raise the exhaust
gas temperature greatly for obtaining a target temperature for PM
regeneration or S regeneration. For raising the exhaust gas
temperature, a main combustion timing (start timing of the main
combustion) needs to be retarded more than in the normal split
retard combustion mode. However, there is a possibility that a
single process of the preliminary combustion is not enough to
maintain the incylinder temperature above a desirable level for the
main combustion. In such a case, in the split retard combustion
mode, the preliminary combustion employs multiple burning
processes, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The incylinder temperature
is raised by the first process of preliminary combustion, and is
maintained by the following process. Heat release P1, P2, and M are
separated with no lap, to regulate the exhaust gas temperature to a
target temperature without increasing exhaust smoke.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a flow chart
depicting a process of determining fuel injection quantities for
the split retard combustion mode. This routine is executed at the
occasion of executing the split retard combustion. Actually, first
fuel injection quantity Qp and fuel quantity by second fuel
injection (second fuel injection quantity) Qm are determined.
[0077] At step S51, a check is made to determine whether or not
combustion mode shift is commanded. ECU 41 issues the command of
shifting the combustion mode in cases of activating NOx trap 32, PM
regeneration, S regeneration, and NOx regeneration. When the answer
to step S51 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S52. On the other
hand, when the answer to step S51 is NO, the routine returns.
[0078] At step S52, ECU 41 reads engine speed Ne and accelerator
opening APO. Next, the routine proceeds to step S53.
[0079] At step S53, ECU 41 determines second fuel injection
quantity Qm. Second fuel injection quantity Qm is calculated or
retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 9 as a function of engine
speed Ne and accelerator opening APO. With engine speed Ne held
constant, second fuel injection quantity Qm increases with
increasing accelerator opening APO.
[0080] At step S54, ECU 41 determines first fuel injection quantity
Qp. First fuel injection quantity Qp is calculated or retrieved
from a map as shown in FIG. 10 as a function of engine speed Ne and
second fuel injection quantity Qm. First fuel injection quantity Qp
increases with decreasing engine speed Ne and decreasing second
fuel injection quantity Qm.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown a flow
chart of a process of PM regeneration. This routine is executed
when the answer to step S6 in FIG. 2 is NO, that is, when PM
regeneration flag Freg is set to 1. PM regeneration is implemented
by raising the exhaust gas temperature to burn particulate matter
in DPF 33. Accordingly, the engine system is operated in the split
retard combustion mode. Second fuel injection timing ITm is
controlled to raise the exhaust gas temperature and to raise DPF
temperature up to a temperature at which PM is burned, such as
600.degree. C. in the shown embodiment. This routine determines
first fuel injection timing ITp and second fuel injection timing
ITm.
[0082] At step S71, ECU 41 controls excess air ratio .lambda. to
target excess air ratio t.lambda., which is determined in
accordance with PM quantity PMQ in DPF 33. Excess air ratio
.lambda. is controlled by actuating throttle valve 15 and EGR valve
35. A target excess air ratio in PM regeneration t.lambda.reg is
calculated or retrieved from a table as shown in FIG. 13 as a
function of PM quantity PMQ. Target excess air ratio t.lambda.reg
decreases with increasing PM quantity PMQ. Target excess air ratio
t.lambda.reg is generally within a rage from 1. to 1.4, in the
shown embodiment. Reference intake air quantity tQac0, which is
corresponding to the stoichiometric air excess ratio, is calculated
or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 14 as a function of engine
speed Ne and second fuel injection quantity Qm. Reference intake
air quantity tQac0 increases with increasing engine speed Ne and
increasing second fuel injection quantity Qm. Reference intake air
quantity tQac0 is multiplied by target excess air ratio
t.lambda.reg to produce a target intake air quantity tQac
(tQac=tQac0.times.t.lambda.reg). ECU 41 controls throttle valve 15
in accordance with target intake air quantity tQac. The difference
between an actual excess air ratio and target excess air ratio
t.lambda.reg is determined based on a feedback signal from oxygen
sensor 52. ECU 41 controls EGR valve 35 to reduce the difference.
As discussed above, PM quantity PMQ is estimated based on exhaust
gas pressure Pexh. First fuel injection timing ITp is calculated or
retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 15 as a function of engine
speed Ne and second fuel injection quantity Qm. First fuel
injection timing ITp is advanced with increasing engine speed Ne
and increasing second fuel injection quantity Qm. Second fuel
injection timing ITm is calculated or retrieved from a map as shown
in FIG. 16 as a function of engine speed Ne and second fuel
injection quantity Qm. Second fuel injection timing ITm is retarded
with decreasing engine speed Ne and decreasing second fuel
injection quantity Qm. In addition, second fuel injection timing
ITm is adjusted in accordance with the exhaust gas temperature and
the excess air ratio. A second fuel injection timing adjustment
.DELTA.ITm is calculated or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG.
17 as a function of target exhaust gas temperature tTexh and target
excess air ratio t.lambda.. In PM regeneration mode under
consideration, second fuel injection timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm1
is derived based on target exhaust gas temperature tTexha and
target excess air ratio t.lambda.reg. Second fuel injection timing
ITm is further retarded with increasing target exhaust gas
temperature tTexh and increasing target excess air ratio
t.lambda..
[0083] Thus, second fuel injection timing ITm is much later than
the start timing of main fuel injection in the normal combustion
mode. Accordingly, second fuel injection quantity Qm and target
intake air quantity tQac are adjusted in accordance with second
fuel injection timing ITm, to reduce a change of engine output
torque in accordance with retarding second fuel injection timing
ITm. A fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 is calculated
or retrieved from a table as shown in FIG. 18 as a function of
second fuel injection timing ITm. Second fuel injection quantity Qm
is multiplied by fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 to
produce an adjusted second fuel injection quantity Qm. Fuel
injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 increases with retarding
second fuel injection timing ITm. In addition, second fuel
injection quantity Qm and target intake air quantity tQac are
adjusted in accordance with target excess air ratio t.lambda. to
reduce an increase in pumping loss in accordance with decreasing
excess air ratio. Second fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied
by fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 to produce an
adjusted second fuel injection quantity Qm. A fuel injection
quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 is calculated or retrieved from a
table as shown in FIG. 19 as a function of target excess air ratio
t.lambda..
[0084] At step S72, a check is made to determine whether or not S
regeneration request flag rqDESUL is equal to 1. When the answer to
step S72 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S73. On the other
hand, when the answer to step S72 is NO, the routine proceeds to a
process as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, steps S73 through S78 are
executed, in case PM regeneration follows S regeneration.
[0085] At step S73, ECU 41 reads excess air ratio .lambda.. Next,
the routine proceeds to step S74.
[0086] At step S74, ECU 41 determines second fuel injection timing
ITm based on a map as shown in FIG. 16, as above discussed.
[0087] At step S75, ECU 41 determines second fuel injection timing
adjustment .lambda.ITm. Points A (tTexha, .lambda.a;
.lambda.a=t.lambda.reg) and B (tTexha, .lambda.b;
.lambda.b=t.lambda.desu- l) in the map shown in FIG. 17 are
corresponding to PM regeneration mode and S regeneration mode,
respectively. During transition from S regeneration mode to PM
regeneration mode, ECU 41 continuously varies the operating state
along a line L connecting points A and B. ECU 41 determines a point
P (tTexhp, .lambda.p) corresponding to the current operating state
in accordance with excess air ratio .lambda.. Second fuel injection
timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm is determined based on point P, and
used to adjust second fuel injection timing ITm. In the shown
embodiment, target exhaust gas temperatures tTexha, tTexhb are set
to temperatures desired to heat DPF 33 up to 600.degree. C., and
NOx trap 32 up to 650.degree. C., respectively.
[0088] At step S76, ECU 41 adds second fuel injection timing
adjustment .DELTA.ITm and second fuel injection timing ITm to
produce an adjusted second fuel injection timing ITm
(ITm=ITm+.DELTA.ITm). Thus, second fuel injection timing ITm varies
from second fuel injection timing in S regeneration ITm2
(=ITm+.DELTA.ITm2) to second fuel injection timing in PM
regeneration mode ITm1 (=ITm+.DELTA.ITm1) with varying excess air
ratio .lambda., during transition from S regeneration mode to PM
regeneration mode.
[0089] At step S77, a check is made to determine whether or not
second fuel injection timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm is equal to
second fuel injection timing adjustment in PM regeneration mode
.DELTA.ITm1. When the answer to step S77 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S78, at which S regeneration request flag rqDESUL
is reset to zero, and next to a process as shown in FIG. 12. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S77 is NO, the routine
returns.
[0090] In the shown embodiment, target excess air ratio t.lambda.
is switched momentarily to target excess air ratio in PM
regeneration mode t.lambda.reg, in response to the mode shift to PM
regeneration mode. Therefore, actual excess air ratio .lambda. is
sensed and used to determine second fuel injection timing
adjustment .lambda.ITm. Alternatively, target excess air ratio
t.lambda. may be used to determine second fuel injection timing
adjustment .lambda.ITm. In this case, the change of target excess
air ratio t.lambda. is slowed in accordance with the responsibility
of the operating state. This allows regarding target excess air
ratio t.lambda. as actual excess air ratio .lambda..
[0091] At step S101 in FIG. 12, ECU 41 reads DPF temperature Tdpf.
Next, the routine proceeds to step S102.
[0092] At step S102, a check is made to determine whether DPF
temperature Tdpf is enough to burn PM in DPF 33. Actually, it is
determined whether or not DPF temperature Tdpf is higher than or
equal to a predetermined threshold temperature T21 such as
600.degree. C. When the answer to step S102 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, when the answer to step
S102 is NO, the routine proceeds to step S107.
[0093] At step S107, ECU 41 retards second fuel injection timing
ITm based on a map as shown in FIG. 16, to raise the exhaust gas
temperature. Next, the routine proceeds to step S108.
[0094] At step S108, ECU 41 determines fuel injection quantity
adjustment factor Ktr1 based on second fuel injection timing ITm
determined through step S107, using a map as shown in FIG. 18.
Second fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied by fuel injection
quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 to produce an adjusted second fuel
injection quantity Qm. Next, the routine returns.
[0095] At step S103, a check is made to determine whether or not
DPF temperature Tdpf is lower than or equal to a predetermined
threshold temperature T22. Temperature T22 is set to a temperature
below which thermal load applied to DPF 33 is within acceptable
limits, such as 700.degree. C. When the answer to step 5103 is YES,
the routine proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when the
answer to step S103 is NO, the routine proceeds to step S109.
[0096] At step S109, ECU 41 retards second fuel injection timing
ITm based on a map as shown in FIG. 16, to raise the exhaust gas
temperature. Next, the routine proceeds to step S110.
[0097] At step S110, ECU 41 determines fuel injection quantity
adjustment factor Ktr1 based on second fuel injection timing ITm
determined through S109, using a map as shown in FIG. 18. Second
fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied by fuel injection quantity
adjustment factor Ktr1 to produce an adjusted second fuel injection
quantity Qm. Next, the routine returns.
[0098] At step S104, a check is made to determine whether or not a
predetermined time period treg is elapsed after the split retard
combustion mode starts at step S107 or S109. When the answer to
step S104 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S105. On the other
hand, when the answer to step S104 is NO, the routine returns. PM
is burned during DPF temperature Tdpf being held within the target
range, that is, between temperatures T21 and T22.
[0099] At step S105, PM regeneration flag Freg is reset to zero, to
switch the operating mode to the normal combustion mode. PM
quantity PMQ is also reset to zero. Next, the routine proceeds to
step S106.
[0100] At step S106, breakdown avoidance flag Frec is set to 1.
With breakdown avoidance flag Frec set, the engine is operated
preventing breakdown or overheating of DPF 33. If excess air ratio
is immediately set to a normal value A with part of PM unburned,
there is a possibility that unburned PM is rapidly burned to impose
a large heat load to DPF 33.
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown a flow chart
depicting a process of S regeneration. S regeneration is
implemented by controlling exhaust gas to fuel-rich condition to
supply reducing agent to NOx trap 32, and by raising the exhaust
gas temperature to promote dissociation of S. Actually, the engine
is operated in the split retard combustion mode to execute S
regeneration. In the shown embodiment, NOx trap 32 includes a
catalyst of the Ba type. It is necessary to raise the catalyst over
650.degree. C. for S regeneration. This routine determines first
fuel injection timing ITp and second fuel injection timing ITm.
[0102] At step S91, ECU 41 controls excess air ratio .lambda. to
target excess air ratio t.lambda.desul (=1, in the shown
embodiment). Excess air ratio A is controlled by actuating throttle
valve 15 and EGR valve 35. Reference intake air quantity tQac0,
which is corresponding to the stoichiometric air excess ratio, is
calculated or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 14 as a
function of engine speed Ne and second fuel injection quantity Qm.
Reference intake air quantity tQac (tQac=tQac0) increases with
increasing engine speed Ne and increasing second fuel injection
quantity Qm. ECU 41 controls throttle valve 15 in accordance with
target intake air quantity tQac. First fuel injection timing ITp is
calculated or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 15 as a
function of engine speed Ne and second fuel injection quantity Qm.
Second fuel injection timing ITm is determined using maps as shown
in FIGS. 16 and 17. Fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1
and fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 for reducing an
increase in pumping loss are derived from tables as shown in FIGS.
18 and 19. Second fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied by fuel
injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 and fuel injection
quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 to produce an adjusted second fuel
injection quantity Qm.
[0103] At step S92, a check is made to determine whether or not PM
regeneration request flag rqREG is equal to 1. When the answer to
step S92 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S93. On the other
hand, when the answer to step S92 is NO, the routine proceeds to a
process as shown in FIG. 21. Thus, steps S93 through S98 are
executed in case S regeneration follows PM regeneration.
[0104] At step S93, ECU 41 reads excess air ratio .lambda.. Next,
the routine proceeds to step S94.
[0105] At step S94, ECU 41 determines second fuel injection timing
ITm using a map as shown in FIG. 16. Next, the routine proceeds to
step S95.
[0106] At step S95, ECU 41 determines second fuel injection timing
adjustment .lambda.ITm. Points A (tTexha, .lambda.a;
.lambda.a=t.lambda.reg) and B (tTexha, .lambda.b;
.lambda.b=t.lambda.desu- l) in the map shown in FIG. 17 are
corresponding to PM regeneration mode and S regeneration mode,
respectively. During transition from S regeneration mode to PM
regeneration mode, ECU 41 continuously varies the operating state
along a line L connecting points A and B. ECU 41 determines a point
P (tTexhp, .lambda.p) corresponding to the current operating state
in accordance with excess air ratio .lambda.. Second fuel injection
timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm is determined based on point P, and
used to adjust second fuel injection timing ITm. Next, the routine
proceeds to step S96.
[0107] At step S96, ECU 41 adds second fuel injection timing
adjustment .DELTA.ITm and second fuel injection timing ITm to
produce an adjusted second fuel injection timing ITm
(ITm=ITm+.lambda.ITm). Next, the routine proceeds to step S97.
[0108] At step S97, a check is made to determine whether or not
second fuel injection timing adjustment .DELTA.ITm is equal to
second fuel injection timing adjustment in S regeneration mode
.DELTA.ITm2. When the answer to step S97 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S98, at which PM regeneration request flag rqREG
is reset to zero, and next to a process as shown in FIG. 21. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S97 is NO, the routine
returns.
[0109] At step S201 in FIG. 21, ECU 41 reads NOx trap temperature
Tnox. Next, the routine proceeds to step S202.
[0110] At step S202, a check is made to determine whether or not
NOx trap temperature Tnox is higher than or equal to a
predetermined threshold temperature T12. Temperature T12 is set to
a minimum temperature needed to dissociate S, such as 650.degree.
C. When the answer to step S202 is YES, the routine proceeds to
step S203. On the other hand, when the answer to step S202 is NO,
the routine proceeds to step S207.
[0111] At step S207, ECU 41 retards second fuel injection timing
ITm based on a map as shown in FIG. 16, to raise the exhaust gas
temperature. Next, the routine proceeds to step S208.
[0112] At step S208, ECU 41 determines fuel injection quantity
adjustment factor Ktr1 based on second fuel injection timing ITm
determined through step S207, using a map as shown in FIG. 18.
Second fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied by fuel injection
quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 to produce an adjusted second fuel
injection quantity Qm. Next, the routine returns.
[0113] At step S203, a check is made to determine whether or not a
predetermined time period tdesul is elapsed after the split retard
combustion mode starts at step S207. When the answer to step S203
is YES, the routine proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when
the answer to step S203 is NO, the routine returns. S is
dissociated and released from NOx trap 32 during NOx trap
temperature Tnox being held within the target range, that is, above
T12. Released from NOx trap 32, S is purified by reducing agent in
exhaust gas.
[0114] At step S204, S regeneration flag Fdesul is reset to zero,
to switch the operating mode to the normal combustion mode. S
quantity SOX is also reset to zero. Next, the routine proceeds to
step S205.
[0115] At step S205, NOx quantity NOX is reset to zero, and NOx
regeneration request flag rqSP reset to zero. Next, the routine
proceeds to step S206.
[0116] At step S206, breakdown avoidance flag Frec is set to 1.
With breakdown avoidance flag Frec set, the engine is operated
preventing breakdown of DPF 33. If excess air ratio is immediately
set to a normal value .lambda. with PM partly unburned, there is a
possibility that PM unburned is rapidly burned to impose a large
heat load to DPF 33.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown a flow chart
depicting a process of NOx regeneration. NOx regeneration is
implemented by controlling exhaust gas to fuel-rich condition to
supply reducing agent to NOx trap 32. Actually, the engine is
operated in the split retard combustion mode to execute NOx
regeneration. In NOx regeneration, it is not desired to raise the
exhaust gas temperature as in S regeneration. On the other hand,
the intake air quantity is decreased in NOx regeneration, to
decrease the exhaust air fuel ratio, which tends to decrease the
compression end temperature. Therefore, the split retard combustion
mode is employed for countering this difficulty. This routine
determines first fuel injection timing ITp and second fuel
injection timing ITm.
[0118] At step S301, ECU 41 controls excess air ratio .lambda. to
target excess air ratio t.lambda.sp, which is determined for NOx
regeneration. Target excess air ratio t.lambda.sp is set to a value
smaller than 1, such as 0.9, which indicates a fuel rich condition.
Excess air ratio .lambda. is controlled by actuating throttle valve
15 and EGR valve 35. Reference intake air quantity tQac0, which is
corresponding to the stoichiometric air excess ratio, is calculated
or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 14 as a function of engine
speed Ne and second fuel injection quantity Qm. Reference intake
air quantity tQac0 is multiplied by target excess air ratio
t.lambda.sp to produce a target intake air quantity tQac
(tQac=tQac0.times.tAsp). ECU 41 controls throttle valve 15 in
accordance with target intake air quantity tQac. The difference
between an actual excess air ratio and target excess air ratio
t.lambda.reg is determined based on a feedback signal from oxygen
sensor 52. ECU 41 controls EGR valve 35 to reduce the difference.
First fuel injection timing ITp is calculated or retrieved from a
map as shown in FIG. 15 as a function of engine speed Ne and second
fuel injection quantity Qm. Second fuel injection timing ITm is
determined based on maps as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Fuel
injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 and fuel injection
quantity adjustment factor Ktr2 for reducing an increase in pumping
loss are derived from tables as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Second
fuel injection quantity Qm is multiplied by fuel injection quantity
adjustment factor Ktr1 and fuel injection quantity adjustment
factor Ktr2 to produce an adjusted second fuel injection quantity
Qm.
[0119] At step S302, a check is made to determine whether or not a
predetermined time period tspike is elapsed after the split retard
combustion mode. NOx is dissociated and released from NOx trap 32
during time period tspike. Released from NOx trap 32, NOx is
purified by reducing agent in exhaust gas. When the answer to step
S302 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S303. On the other hand,
when the answer to step S302 is NO, the routine returns.
[0120] At step S303, NOx regeneration flag Fsp is reset to zero, to
switch the operating mode to the normal combustion mode. NOx
quantity NOX is also reset to zero. Next, the routine returns.
[0121] Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown a flow chart
depicting a process of breakdown avoidance operation. Breakdown
avoidance operation is implemented by controlling excess air ratio
.lambda. to a value higher than or equal to a value such as 1.4
(fuel-lean condition), which is higher than in PM regeneration or S
regeneration. The normal combustion mode is employed to decrease
the exhaust gas temperature.
[0122] At step S401, ECU 41 reads DPF temperature Tdpf. Next, the
routine proceeds to step S402.
[0123] At step S402, ECU 41 controls excess air ratio .lambda. to
target excess air ratio t.lambda.rec, which is determined for
breakdown avoidance operation. Target intake air quantity tQacrec
is calculated or retrieved from a map as shown in FIG. 24 as a
function of engine speed Ne and main fuel injection quantity Qmain.
Next, the routine proceeds to step S403.
[0124] At step S403, a check is made to determine whether or not
DPF temperature Tdpf is lower than or equal to a predetermined
temperature T23. When the answer to step S302 is YES, it is
determined that there is no possibility of burning unburned PM
rapidly, and the routine proceeds to step S404. On the other hand,
when the answer to step S403 is NO, the routine returns.
[0125] At step S404, breakdown avoidance flag Frec is reset to
zero, to switch the operating mode to the normal combustion mode.
Next, the routine returns.
[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 25, 27, and 28, there is shown a
process of setting regeneration flags. One of these routines is
executed when at least one of PM regeneration request flag rqREG, S
regeneration request flag rqDESUL, and NOx regeneration request
flag rqSP is switched to 1. These routines determine a priority or
an execution order of operations and set PM regeneration flag Freg,
S regeneration flag Fdesul, or NOx regeneration flag Fsp, when a
plurality of request flag are set.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown a flow chart
depicting a first process of setting operating mode flags. At step
S501, a check is made to determine whether or not S regeneration
request flag rqDESUL is equal to zero. When the answer to step S501
is YES, the routine proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, when
the answer to step S501 is NO, the routine proceeds to step
S502.
[0128] At step S502, S regeneration flag Fdesul is set to 1. Next,
the routine returns.
[0129] At step S503, a check is made to determine whether or not
NOx regeneration request flag rqSP is equal to zero. When the
answer to step S503 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S504. On
the other hand, when the answer to step S503 is NO, the routine
proceeds to step S506.
[0130] At step S504, a check is made to determine whether or not
the current operating condition is within a split retard combustion
region in which the split retard combustion mode can be employed.
The split retard combustion region is defined in accordance with
engine speed Ne and accelerator opening APO based on a map as shown
in FIG. 26. Under low speed and low load conditions, the mode shift
to the split retard combustion mode is inhibited. When the answer
to step S504 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S505. On the
other hand, when the answer to step S504 is NO, the routine
returns.
[0131] At step S505, PM regeneration flag Freg is set to 1. Next,
the routine returns.
[0132] At step S506, a check is made to determine whether or not
engine 1 is operated under a low NOx condition where the quantity
of NOx in exhaust gas is small. It is determined, for example, in
accordance with whether or not the operating condition of engine 1
is in a steady operating condition. That is, it is determined that
NOx quantity is small during engine 1 being operated in a steady
condition. When the answer to step S506 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S507. On the other hand, when the answer to step
S506 is NO, the routine returns.
[0133] At step S507, a check is made to determine whether or not
DPF temperature Tdpf is higher than or equal to a predetermined
threshold temperature T24. Temperature T24 is set to a temperature
at which DPF 33 is activated, below target temperature in PM
regeneration T21. When the answer to step S507 is YES, the routine
proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, when the answer to step
S507 is NO, it is determined it takes a comparable time period to
increase DPF temperature Tdpf, and the routine proceeds to step
S508.
[0134] At step S508, NOx regeneration flag Fsp is set to 1.
[0135] The routine shown in FIG. 27 is executed when PM
regeneration request flag rqREG is equal to zero and S regeneration
request flag rqDESUL is equal to 1. At step S601, a check is made
to determine whether or not NOx trap temperature Tnox is higher
than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature T13.
Temperature T13 is set to a minimum temperature at which the mode
shift to S regeneration condition can be smoothly performed in a
comparable short time period, and lower than target temperature for
S regeneration T12. When the answer to step S601 is YES, the
routine proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, when the answer
to step S601 is NO, the routine proceeds to step S604.
[0136] At step S602, a check is made to determine whether or not
the current operating condition is within the split retard
combustion region in which the split retard combustion mode can be
employed. The split retard combustion region is defined in
accordance with engine speed Ne and accelerator opening APO based
on a map as shown in FIG. 26. When the answer to step S602 is YES,
the routine proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, when the
answer to step S602 is NO, the routine returns.
[0137] At step S603, S regeneration flag Fdesul is set to 1. Next
the routine returns.
[0138] At step S604, a check is made to determine whether or not
NOx regeneration request flag rqSP is equal to zero. When the
answer to step S604 is YES, the routine proceeds to step S602. On
the other hand, when the answer to step S604 is NO, the routine
proceeds to step S605, at which NOx regeneration flag Fsp is set to
1, and next returns. NOx regeneration gains a higher priority than
S regeneration.
[0139] The routine shown in FIG. 28 is executed when PM
regeneration request flag rqREG and S regeneration request flag
rqDESUL are equal to zero and NOx regeneration request flag rqSP is
equal to 1. Therefore, NOx regeneration flag Fsp is set to 1.
[0140] Referring now to FIG. 32, there is shown a process of rapid
activation of the exhaust purifier. At step S1101, ECU 41 reads NOx
trap temperature Tnox. Next, the routine proceeds to step
S1102.
[0141] At step S1102, a check is made to determine whether or not
the current operating condition is within the split retard
combustion region by referring to a map as shown in FIG. 26. When
the answer to step S1102 is YES, the routine proceeds to step
S1103. On the other hand, when the answer to step S1102 is NO, the
routine returns.
[0142] At step S1103, ECU 41 controls the engine system to the
split retard combustion mode. In the split retard combustion mode,
ECU 41 determines first fuel injection timing ITp and second fuel
injection timing ITm based on maps shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.
Retarding second fuel injection timing ITm results in raising the
exhaust gas temperature and activating NOx trap 32. In addition,
fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 is determined based
on a map as shown in FIG. 18. Second fuel injection quantity Qm is
multiplied by fuel injection quantity adjustment factor Ktr1 to
produce an adjusted second fuel injection quantity Qm. In the rapid
activation, target excess air ratio t.lambda. is set to a normal
value as in the normal combustion mode. Next, the routine proceeds
to step S1104.
[0143] At step S1104, a check is made to determine whether or not
NOx trap temperature Tnox is higher than or equal to the threshold
temperature T11. When the answer to step S1104 is YES, the routine
returns. On the other hand, when the answer to step S1104 is NO,
the routine repeats step S103. After the routine returning, the
combustion mode is shifted to the normal combustion mode (step
S16).
[0144] The following describes effects produced by a combustion
control apparatus for internal combustion engine in accordance to
the embodiment of the present invention. First, PM regeneration of
DPF 33, S regeneration, NOx regeneration, and the rapid activation,
of NOx trap 32 are implemented by shifting the engine operating
mode to the split retard combustion mode, in which the second fuel
injection is executed at a late timing or crank angle than the main
fuel injection in the normal combustion mode. This results in
raising the exhaust gas temperature to warm NOx trap 32 to a target
temperature. In PM regeneration mode or S regeneration mode,
exhaust air fuel ratio is lowered by decreasing intake air
quantity. The first fuel injection causes the preliminary
combustion, which releases heat to raise incylinder temperature.
This leads to a stable process of the main combustion.
[0145] Second, time interval .DELTA.tij between first and second
fuel injection is adjusted so that the start timing of the main
combustion follows the end timing of preliminary combustion. This
raises the proportion of the premixed combustion. Lowering the
excess air ratio in PM regeneration, NOx regeneration, and S
regeneration reduces exhaust smoke, because the premixed combustion
predominates in the main combustion.
[0146] Third, in the mode transition processes between S
regeneration of NOx trap 32 and PM regeneration of DPF 33, target
excess air ratio t.lambda. is switched at the beginnings of the
processes (steps S71, and S91). During the operating condition of
the engine varying in accordance with target excess air ratio
t.lambda., second fuel injection timing ITm is controlled in
accordance with the actual excess air ratio .lambda. (steps S75,
and S95). Therefore, the excess air ratio can be controlled with
the exhaust gas temperature held in a predetermined preferable
range for regeneration of the exhaust purifier, which results in an
efficient and smooth shift of the operating mode of the engine. In
the shown embodiment, during the mode transition process from S
regeneration to PM regeneration, second fuel injection timing ITm
is retarded with increasing excess air ratio, that is, with
increasing incylinder temperature in accordance with increasing
quantity of working gas.
[0147] In the shown embodiment, the mode transition from S
regeneration to PM regeneration occurs, in case (1) S is
accumulated up to the threshold quantity during the operating
condition being out of the split combustion region with PM quantity
PMQ being larger than the threshold quantity, so that S
regeneration is executed prior to PM regeneration (steps S504,
S501); in case (2) S is accumulated up to the threshold quantity
during NOx regeneration being executed by priority to PM
regeneration, so that S regeneration is executed prior to PM
regeneration (steps S503, S501); and in case (3) PM is accumulated
up to the threshold quantity during S regeneration, so that PM
regeneration follows S regeneration. On the other hand, the mode
transition from PM regeneration to S regeneration occurs in such a
case S is accumulated up to the threshold quantity during PM
regeneration.
[0148] In the shown embodiment, the engine includes separate NOx
trap 32 and DPF 33. Alternatively, the engine may include an
integral exhaust purifier. For example, the catalyst of NOx trap
may be mounted on the filter element of DPF 33.
[0149] This application is based on a prior Japanese Patent
Application No. 2003-284327 filed Jul. 31, 2003. The entire
contents of this Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-284327 are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0150] While the foregoing is a description of the preferred
embodiments carried out the invention, it will be understood that
the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown
and described herein, but that various changes and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *