U.S. patent application number 13/003153 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for vehicular back processing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yasushi Arai, Kouji Ishikawa, Shohei Kamiya, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Hidenobu Tsukada.
Application Number | 20110113766 13/003153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41507143 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110113766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kamiya; Shohei ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
Vehicular Back Processing System
Abstract
An exhaust gas post-treatment system for a vehicle is provided,
which in the course of regeneration ascertains whether or not there
is any object approaching a body of the vehicle from behind. A
filter is arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine to trap PM
therein. A trapped and deposited PM amount sensing device senses a
deposited amount of PM deposited in the filter. A fuel injector
burns and removes PM deposited in the filter to conduct
regeneration of the filter. A rearward monitoring camera monitors a
scene rearward of a vehicle body. A display module displays
monitoring information from the rearward monitoring camera, and a
controller having a regeneration processing unit executes control
processing to actuate the fuel injector and to perform
regeneration. The controller includes a display continuation
processing unit for executing control processing such that during
the regeneration by the fuel injector, the monitoring information
from the rearward monitoring camera is continuously displayed on a
display screen of the display module.
Inventors: |
Kamiya; Shohei;
(Tsuchiura-shi, JP) ; Ishikawa; Kouji;
(Tsuchiura-shi, JP) ; Arai; Yasushi;
(Tsuchiura-shi, JP) ; Tsukada; Hidenobu;
(Tsuchiura-shi, JP) ; Nakamura; Tsuyoshi;
(Tsuchiura-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co.,
Ltd.
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41507143 |
Appl. No.: |
13/003153 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
July 8, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/062458 |
371 Date: |
January 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/311 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 41/029 20130101;
F02D 41/0245 20130101; F02D 2041/228 20130101; F01N 9/002 20130101;
B60R 2300/8066 20130101; F01N 11/00 20130101; B60R 1/00 20130101;
Y02T 10/47 20130101; Y02T 10/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/311 |
International
Class: |
F01N 3/023 20060101
F01N003/023 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2008 |
JP |
2008-181359 |
Claims
1. An exhaust gas post-treatment system for a vehicle having an
engine, said system being arranged on the vehicle and being
provided with: a filter arranged in an exhaust passage of the
engine to trap PM therein, a trapped and deposited PM amount
sensing means for sensing a deposited amount of PM deposited in the
filter, a regeneration means for raising a temperature of exhaust
gas flowing into the filter such that PM deposited in the filter is
burned and removed to conduct regeneration of the filter, a
rearward monitoring means for monitoring a scene rearward of a body
of the vehicle, a display module for displaying monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring means, and a control
module having a regeneration processing unit for executing control
processing to perform regeneration by the regeneration means,
wherein: the control module is provided with a display continuation
processing unit for executing control processing such that during
regeneration treatment by the regeneration means, the monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring means is continuously
displayed on the display module.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the control module
includes the display continuation processing unit.
3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: a
need-of-regeneration notification means for making a notification
to urge regeneration by the regeneration means, and a manual
regeneration start means for instructing a start of regeneration by
the regeneration means, wherein the control module has a
display-start processing unit for executing control processing to
start displaying the monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring means on the display module when the deposited amount of
PM as sensed by the deposited PM amount sensing means has reached a
value at and over which regeneration is needed, a
need-of-regeneration notification processing unit for executing
control processing to actuate the need-of-regeneration notification
means when the control processing at the display-start processing
unit has been executed, and a need-of-regeneration notification
stop processing unit for executing control processing to stop a
notification by the need-of-regeneration notification means when
the manual regeneration start means has been operated.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control module has:
a display-start processing unit for executing control processing
that starts displaying the monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring means on the display module when the deposited amount of
PM as sensed by the deposited PM amount sensing means has reached a
value at and over which regeneration is needed, and a
regeneration-start processing unit for automatically starting the
control processing at the regeneration processing unit in
accordance with the control processing at the display-start
processing unit.
5. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: an
in-regeneration notification means for notifying that regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means is under way, wherein the
control module has an in-regeneration notification processing unit
for executing control processing to keep the in-regeneration
notification means actuated in accordance with control processing
at the regeneration processing unit during the regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means.
6. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: a
regeneration stop means for instructing a stop of regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means, wherein the control module has
a regeneration-stop processing unit for executing control
processing to forcedly stop the regeneration treatment, which is
under way by the regeneration means, when the regeneration stop
means has been operated.
7. The system according to claim 3, further comprising: an
in-regeneration notification means for notifying that regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means is under way, wherein the
control module has an in-regeneration notification processing unit
for executing control processing to keep the in-regeneration
notification means actuated in accordance with control processing
at the regeneration processing unit during the regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means.
8. The system according to claim 4, further comprising: an
in-regeneration notification means for notifying that regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means is under way, wherein the
control module has an in-regeneration notification processing unit
for executing control processing to keep the in-regeneration
notification means actuated in accordance with control processing
at the regeneration processing unit during the regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means.
9. The system according to claim 3, further comprising: a
regeneration stop means for instructing a stop of regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means, wherein the control module has
a regeneration-stop processing unit for executing control
processing to forcedly stop the regeneration treatment, which is
under way by the regeneration means, when the regeneration stop
means has been operated.
10. The system according to claim 4, further comprising: a
regeneration stop means for instructing a stop of regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means, wherein the control module has
a regeneration-stop processing unit for executing control
processing to forcedly stop the regeneration treatment, which is
under way by the regeneration means, when the regeneration stop
means has been operated.
11. The system according to claim 5, further comprising: a
regeneration stop means for instructing a stop of regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means, wherein the control module has
a regeneration-stop processing unit for executing control
processing to forcedly stop the regeneration treatment, which is
under way by the regeneration means, when the regeneration stop
means has been operated.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to an exhaust gas post-treatment
system for a vehicle such as a construction machine like a
hydraulic excavator. The exhaust gas post-treatment system is
provided with a filter and a regeneration means for regenerating
the filter. The filter is arranged in an exhaust passage of an
engine, which is installed on the vehicle, to trap exhaust gas
particles therein.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As a conventional technology of this kind, there is the
technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. This conventional
technology is provided with a particulate filter arranged in an
exhaust passage of an engine to trap exhaust gas particles therein,
that is, a filter for trapping PM therein. Also provided are
exhaust gas pressure sensors arranged upstream and downstream of
the particulate filter, respectively, to sense a differential
pressure, specifically a trapped and deposited PM amount sensing
means for sensing a deposited amount of PM deposited in the filter,
a fuel injection valve for feeding fuel into the engine and for
being used to regenerate the filter, in other words, a regeneration
means for performing regeneration, and a manual regeneration switch
for operating the regeneration means. Further provided are an image
pickup camera capable of capturing an image of a rearward vicinity
of a vehicle, in other words, a rearward monitoring means for
monitoring a scene rearward of a body of the vehicle, a display
screen of a navigation system, said display screen being adapted to
display an image captured by the image pickup camera, in other
words, a display module for displaying monitoring information from
the rearward monitoring means, and a control unit for controlling
regeneration by the fuel injection valve, in other words, a control
module having a regeneration processing unit for executing control
processing to perform regeneration by the regeneration means.
[0003] This conventional technology is designed to display an image
of a scene rearward of the body on the display screen only when the
distance to an object, such as another vehicle, existing rearward
of the body is small upon operation of the manual regeneration
switch. In other words, the conventional technology is designed not
to display an image of a scene rearward of the body on the display
screen when the above-mentioned distance to the object such as the
another vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value,
and to perform regeneration when an image of a scene rearward of
the body is not displayed as described above.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2005-127206
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Problem to Be Solved by the Invention technology, no image
of a scene rearward of the body is displayed on the display screen
during regeneration of the filter. The conventional technology,
therefore, involves a potential problem that, even when an object
such as someone or a flammable item approaches a surrounding of an
exhaust system in the rear of the body in the course of such
regeneration, no prompt measure can be taken to avoid a danger such
as a fire or casualty to such an object.
[0005] With the above-mentioned actual circumstances of the
conventional technology in view, the present invention has as an
object thereof the provision of an exhaust gas post-treatment
system for a vehicle, which in the course of regeneration, can
surely ascertain whether or not there is any object approaching a
body of the vehicle from behind.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0006] To achieve this object, an exhaust gas post-treatment system
according to the present invention for a vehicle having an engine
is arranged on the vehicle, and is provided with a filter arranged
in an exhaust passage of the engine to trap PM therein, a trapped
and deposited PM amount sensing means for sensing a deposited
amount of PM deposited in the filter, a regeneration means for
raising a temperature of exhaust gas flowing into the filter such
that PM deposited in the filter is burned and removed to conduct
regeneration of the filter, a rearward monitoring means for
monitoring a scene rearward of a body of the vehicle, a display
module for displaying monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring means, and a control module having a regeneration
processing unit for executing control processing to perform
regeneration by the regeneration means The exhaust gas
post-treatment system according to the present invention for the
vehicle is characterized in that the control module is provided
with a display continuation processing unit for executing control
processing such that during the regeneration treatment by the
regeneration means, the monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring means is continuously displayed on the display
module.
[0007] According to the present invention constructed as described
above, the regeneration means is actuated by control processing at
the regeneration processing unit of the control module when the
deposited PM amount sensed by the trapped and deposited PM amount
sensing means has reached a value at or over which regeneration is
needed. As a result, PM deposited in the filter is burned and
removed to conduct regeneration of the filter. During such
regeneration treatment by the regeneration means, monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring means is continuously
displayed on the display module by control processing at the
display continuation processing unit. Based on this display on the
display module, it is possible to surely ascertain, in the course
of regeneration, whether or not there is any object approaching the
body from behind. If there is an object approaching the body from
behind in the course of such regeneration, a prompt measure can be
taken to avoid a danger to the object.
[0008] Preferably, the system according to the present invention
may be characterized in that in the above-described invention, the
control module includes the display continuation processing unit.
The present invention constructed as described immediately above
can be reduced in the number of processing units.
[0009] Preferably, the system according to the present invention
may be characterized in that in the above-described invention, the
system further comprises a need-of-regeneration notification means
for making a notification to urge regeneration by the regeneration
means and a manual regeneration start means for instructing a start
of regeneration by the regeneration means, and the control module
has a display-start processing unit for executing control
processing to start displaying the monitoring information from the
rearward monitoring means on the display module when the deposited
amount of PM as sensed by the deposited PM amount sensing means has
reached a value at and over which regeneration is needed, a
need-of-regeneration notification processing unit for executing
control processing to actuate the need-of-regeneration notification
means when the control processing at the display-start processing
unit has been executed, and a need-of-regeneration notification
stop processing unit for executing control processing to stop a
notification by the need-of-regeneration notification means when
the manual regeneration start means has been operated. The present
invention constructed as described immediately above can realize
the regeneration of the filter in accordance with an operator's
manual operation of the manual regeneration start means in
accordance with a notification by the need-of-regeneration
notification means.
[0010] Preferably, the system according to the present invention
may be characterized in that in the above-described invention, the
control module has a display-start processing unit for executing
control processing that starts displaying the monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring means on the display
module when the deposited amount of PM as sensed by the deposited
PM amount sensing means has reached the value at and over which
regeneration is needed, and a regeneration-start processing unit
for automatically starting the control processing at the
regeneration processing unit in accordance with control processing
at the display-start processing unit. The present invention
constructed as described immediately above can automatically
realize the regeneration of the filter by control processing at the
regeneration-start processing unit in the control module without
relying upon operator's manual operation when the deposited PM
amount has reached a value at and over which regeneration is
needed.
[0011] Preferably, the system according to the present invention
may be characterized in that in the above-described invention, the
system further comprises an in-regeneration notification means for
notifying that regeneration treatment by the regeneration means is
under way, and the control module has an in-regeneration
notification processing unit for executing control processing to
keep the in-regeneration notification means actuated in accordance
with control processing at the regeneration processing unit during
the regeneration treatment by the regeneration means The present
invention constructed as described immediately above can surely
remind, based on a notification by the in-regeneration notification
means, an operator or people around the vehicle that the filter is
in regeneration and is in a state that requires attention.
[0012] Preferably, the system according to the present invention
may be characterized in that in the above-described invention, the
system further comprises a regeneration stop means for instructing
a stop of regeneration treatment by the regeneration means, and the
control module has a regeneration-stop processing unit for
executing control processing to forcedly stop the regeneration
treatment, which is under way by the regeneration means, when the
regeneration stop means has been operated. The present invention
constructed as described immediately above can forcedly stop
regeneration treatment, which is under way by the regeneration
means, by operating the regeneration stop means, for example, when
a dangerous object has approached the rear of the body in the
course of the regeneration, thereby making it possible to promptly
avoid a danger.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0013] Owing to the provision of the display continuation
processing unit for executing control processing such that during
regeneration treatment by the regeneration means, monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring means is continuously
displayed on the display module, the present invention can
continuously display monitoring the information from the rearward
monitoring means on the display module by control processing at the
display continuation processing unit during the regeneration
treatment by the regeneration means, and in the course of the
regeneration, can surely ascertain whether or not there is any
object approaching the body from behind. As a consequence, it is
possible to take a prompt measure to avoid a danger to any object
approaching the body from behind. The present invention can,
therefore, realize the regeneration of a filter with extremely high
safety compared with before.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the
exhaust gas post-treatment system according to the present
invention for the vehicle.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in
the post-treatment system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in
an exhaust gas post-treatment system according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017] Best modes for carrying out the post-treatment system
according to the present invention for the vehicle will hereinafter
be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the
post-treatment system according to the present invention for the
vehicle.
[0019] The vehicle on which the post-treatment system according to
the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is arranged is, for example, a
hydraulic excavator 1, and this hydraulic excavator 1 is provided
with a travel base 1a, a revolving upperstructure 1b mounted on the
travel base 1a, and a front working mechanism 1c attached tiltably
in an up-to-down direction to the revolving upperstructure 1b to
perform work such as digging work. As an operator's cab 1d is
mounted on the revolving upperstructure 1a. This hydraulic
excavator 1 is further provided with an unillustrated hydraulic
pump for feeding pressure oil to perform traveling of the travel
base 1a, revolving of the revolving upperstructure 1b or digging
work or the like by the front working mechanism 1c, and also with
an engine 2 for driving the hydraulic pump.
[0020] The post-treatment system according to this first embodiment
is still further provided with a filter 4 arranged in an exhaust
passage 3 of the engine 2 to trap exhaust gas particles, in other
words, PM (particulate matter) and a deposited PM amount sensing
means 6 for sensing a deposited amount of PM deposited in the
filter 4 The engine 2 is designed to be started by a key switch 5.
The exhaust passage 3 is connected to an unillustrated muffler.
[0021] In addition, this first embodiment is also provided with a
regeneration means for raising the temperature of exhaust gas
flowing into the filter 4 such that PM deposited in the filter 4 is
burned and removed to conduct regeneration of the filter 4, for
example, a fuel injector 7 attached to the engine 2.
[0022] Also provided is a rearward monitoring means for monitoring
a scene rearward of a body of the hydraulic excavator 1, for
example, a rearward monitoring camera 8 arranged on a
counterweight, which is disposed in a rear part of the revolving
upperstructure 1b, at a position adjacent an outlet of the
above-mentioned muffler (not shown).
[0023] Further provided is a display module 9 arranged in the
operator's cab 1d to display monitoring information from the
rearward monitoring camera 8. This display module 9 is provided not
only with a display screen 9a but also with a need-of-regeneration
notification means 9b for making a display of notification, for
example, warning to urge regeneration of the filter 4 by the fuel
injector 7, a manual regeneration start means 9c composed, for
example, of a switch to instruct a start of regeneration by the
fuel injector 7, and an in-regeneration notification means 9d for
making a display of notification, for example, warning to the
effect that regeneration treatment by the fuel injector 7 is under
way. It is to be noted that the above-mentioned key switch 5 also
serves, for example, as a regeneration stop means for instructing a
stop of regeneration treatment of the filter 4 by the fuel injector
7.
[0024] The above-mentioned key switch 5, deposited PM amount
sensing means 6, fuel injector 7, rearward monitoring camera 8 and
display module 9 are electrically connected to a control module
having a regeneration processing unit for executing control
processing to realize regeneration by the fuel injector 7,
specifically a controller 10.
[0025] This first embodiment is still further provided with a
display continuation processing unit for executing control
processing to continuously display, on the display screen 9a of the
display module 9, monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring camera 8 during regeneration treatment by the fuel
injector 7. This display continuation processing unit is included,
for example, in the controller 10.
[0026] The controller 10 includes, in addition to the
above-mentioned regeneration processing unit and display
continuation processing unit, other processing units to be
described subsequently herein. Described specifically, the
controller 10 also includes a display-start processing unit for
executing control processing to start displaying monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring camera 8 on the display
module 9 when the deposited amount of PM as sensed by the deposited
PM amount sensing means 6 has reached a predetermined value at and
over which regeneration is needed, a need-of-regeneration
notification processing unit for executing control processing to
actuate the need-of-regeneration notification means 9b when the
control processing at the display-start processing unit has been
executed, and a need-of-regeneration notification stop processing
unit for executing control processing to stop a notification by the
need-of-regeneration notification means 9b when the manual.
regeneration start means has been operated.
[0027] The controller 10 further includes a manual regeneration
start processing unit for starting the above-mentioned control
processing at the regeneration processing unit by an operation of
the manual regeneration start means 9c, an in-regeneration
notification processing unit for executing control processing to
actuate the in-regeneration notification means 9d during the
regeneration treatment by the fuel injector 7 in accordance with
the above-mentioned control processing at the regeneration
processing unit, and a regeneration-stop processing unit for
executing control processing to forcedly stop the regeneration
treatment, which is under way by the fuel injector 7, when the
regeneration stop means has been operated, specifically the
above-mentioned key switch 5 has been operated back to an initial
position.
[0028] The controller 10 still further includes a display-stop
processing unit for executing control processing to stop displaying
the monitoring information from the rearward monitoring camera 8 on
the display module 9 when the deposited PM amount sensed by the
deposited PM amount sensing means 6 has reached a value at or below
which no regeneration is needed, specifically a value smaller than
the above-mentioned predetermined value, and an in-regeneration
notification stop processing unit for executing control processing
to stop a notification by the in-regeneration notification means 9d
in combination with the control processing at the display-stop
processing unit.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in
the post-treatment system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] In the hydraulic excavator 1 provided with the
post-treatment system according to the first embodiment having such
construction as described above, the unillustrated hydraulic pump
is driven by a drive of the engine 2 as mentioned above. By
pressure oil delivered from this hydraulic pump, unillustrated
hydraulic actuators such as travel motors, swing motor, boom
cylinder, arm cylinder and bucket cylinder are selectively actuated
to perform traveling, revolving, or driving of the front working
mechanism 1c.
[0031] While such an operation is being performed, exhaust gas from
the engine 2 is guided into the exhaust passage 3 shown in FIG. 1,
an amount of PM deposited in the filter 4 arranged in the exhaust
passage 3 is sensed by the deposited PM amount sensing means 6, and
its sensing signal is inputted into the controller 10. At the
controller 10, a determination is made as to whether or not the
deposited PM amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined
value as illustrated in step 31 of FIG. 2 When the deposited PM
amount is smaller than the predetermined value, the filter 4 is
considered to be in a state that no regeneration is needed yet, and
accordingly, no regeneration treatment is conducted.
[0032] When the determination in step Si results in "YES" and the
filter 4 is considered to need regeneration treatment, the routine
advances to step S2, and by control processing at the display start
processing unit included in the controller 10, the monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring camera 8, specifically an
image of a scene rearward of the body is displayed on the display
screen 9a of the display module 9. When control processing is
executed at the display-start processing unit, the
need-of-regeneration notification means 9b in the display module 9
is actuated by control processing at the need-of-regeneration
notification processing unit included in the controller 10, whereby
the display of warning is made to the effect that regeneration of
the filter 4 should be conducted.
[0033] The routine then advances to step 33, and an operating
person of the hydraulic excavator, specifically an operator, who
has confirmed the display of warning on the display module 9 by the
need-of-regeneration notification means 9b operates the manual
regeneration start means 9c composed, for example, of the switch on
the display module 9. An operation signal from the manual
regeneration start means 9c is inputted into the controller 10.
[0034] The routine then advances to step 54, and by control
processing at the need-of-regeneration notification stop processing
unit, which is included in the controller 10, in accordance with
the operation. signal from the manual regeneration start means 9c,
the display of warning on the display module 9 by the
need-of-regeneration notification means 9b is stopped.
[0035] The routine then advances to step S6, and by control
processing at the manual regeneration start processing unit and
control processing at the regeneration processing unit, which are
both included in the controller 10, in accordance with the
operation signal from the manual regeneration start means 9c, fuel
is injected from the fuel injector 7 to start burning and removing
PM.
[0036] The routine then advances to step S6, and, while
regeneration treatment of the filter 4 is under way by the fuel
injector 7 in accordance with the above-mentioned control
processing at the regeneration processing unit, the in-regeneration
notification means 9d in the display module 9 is actuated by
control processing at the in-regeneration notification processing
unit included in the controller 10, so that a warning is
continuously displayed to the effect that the regeneration
treatment of the filter 4 is under way.
[0037] The routine then advances to step 57, and a determination is
made as to whether or not the regeneration stop means has been
operated, specifically whether or not the key switch 5 has been put
back to the initial position. If this determination results in
"NO", the procedure advances to step S8, and a determination is
made as to whether or not the deposited PM amount sensed by the
deposited PM amount sensing means has become smaller than the
predetermined value. If this determination results in "NO", the
routine returns to step S7, and the injection of fuel from the fuel
injector 7 is continued so that the regeneration treatment of the
filter 4 is continued.
[0038] If the above-mentioned determination in step S8 results in
"YES", that is, the deposited PM amount sensed by the deposited PM
amount sensing means 6 has become smaller than the predetermined
value, the regeneration of the filter 4 is considered to have been
completed, and the routine advances to step S9.
[0039] In step 59, the display of the monitoring information on the
display module 9 by the rearward monitoring camera 8 is stopped in
accordance with control processing at the display-stop processing
unit included in the controller 10. Further, by control processing
at the in-regeneration notification stop processing unit, which is
included in the controller 10, in accordance with the
above-mentioned processing, the display of warning on the display
module 9 by the in-regeneration notification means 9d is
stopped.
[0040] It is to be noted that, when the operator watching the
display screen 9a of the display module 9 has confirmed on the
display screen 9a any object such as, for example, someone or a
flammable item behind the body of the hydraulic excavator 1, the
operator operates, for example, the key switch 5 back to the
initial position. In other words, the regeneration stop means is
operated. As a result, the above-mentioned determination in step S7
results in "YES", and the routine advances to step S10.
[0041] In step S10, the injection of fuel from the fuel injector 7
is forcedly stopped by control processing at the regeneration stop
processing unit included in the controller 10. As a result, the
temperature of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage 3 is
prevented from rising.
[0042] It is to be noted that the continuous steps ranging from
step S2 to step S9 or S10, which are illustrated in FIG. 2, at the
controller 10 make up the display continuation processing unit for
executing the control processing to continuously display the
monitoring information from the rearward monitoring camera 8 on the
display screen 9a of the display module 9 during the
above-mentioned regeneration treatment by the fuel injector 7.
[0043] According to the first embodiment constructed as described
above, the monitoring information from the monitoring camera 8 is
continuously displayed on the display screen 9a of the display
module 9 as mentioned above by the control processing at the
display continuation processing unit, which is included. in the
controller 10, while the regeneration of the filter 4 is under way
by the injection of fuel from the fuel injector 7. Based on this
display on the display screen 9a of the display module 9, the
operator can surely ascertain in the course of the regeneration
whether or not there is any object approaching the body from
behind. If any object approaching the body from behind is
recognized on the display screen 9a of the display module 9 in the
course of such regeneration, the key switch 5, for example, is
operated back to the initial position to forcedly stop the
regeneration as illustrated in step S7 or step S10 of FIG. 2. In
this manner, a prompt measure can be taken to avoid a danger to an
object approaching the body. It is to be noted that a measure may
be taken to move the hydraulic excavator 1 to a place, where the
danger can be avoided, in combination with the above-mentioned stop
of the regeneration or without performing the stop of the
regeneration.
[0044] The display continuation processing unit, which executes
control processing to continuously display the monitoring
information from the rearward monitoring camera 8 on the display
screen 9a of the display module 9 during the regeneration treatment
of the filter 4 by injection of fuel from the fuel injector 7, and
the regeneration processing unit, which executes control processing
to realize the regeneration by the fuel, injector 7, are included
in the controller 10. Therefore, the post-treatment system
according to the first embodiment can be reduced in the number of
processing units, can be simplified in construction, and is
economical.
[0045] In the first embodiment, the regeneration of the filter 4
can be realized in accordance with the operator's manual operation
when, as mentioned above, the operator operates the manual
regeneration start means 9c based on a notification by the
need-of-regeneration notification means 9h in the display module 9,
specifically a display of warning to the effect that the filter 4
should be regenerated. Specifically, the regeneration of the filter
4 can be started depending on the operator's decision.
[0046] As the display module 9 is provided with the in-regeneration
notification means 9d and the controller 10 includes the
in-regeneration notification processing unit, the notification by
the in-regeneration notification means 9d, specifically the display
of warning to the effect that regeneration treatment of the filter
4 is under way makes it possible to surely remind the operator or
people around the hydraulic excavator 1 that the filter 4 is in
regeneration and is in a state that requires attention. As a
consequence, excellent safety can also be assured.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in
a post-treatment system according to a second embodiment of the
present invention. It is to be noted that a vehicle on which this
second embodiment is arranged can also be, for example, the
hydraulic excavator shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] While the regeneration of the filter 4 is started by the
operator's manual operation of the manual regeneration start means
9c in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the second embodiment
automatically performs the regeneration of the filter 4 In this
second embodiment, the display module 9, for example, is hence
provided with neither the manual regeneration start means 9c nor
the need-of-regeneration notification means 9b, and the
above-mentioned need-of-regeneration notification processing unit,
need-of-regeneration notification stop processing unit and manual
regeneration start processing unit are not included in the
controller 10 accordingly.
[0049] In this second embodiment, the controller 10 includes a
display start processing unit and an automated regeneration start
processing unit. The display start processing unit is similar to
the corresponding unit in the first embodiment, and executes
control processing to start a display of monitoring information
from the rearward monitoring camera 8 on the display screen 9a of
the display module 9 when the deposited PM amount sensed by the
deposited PM amount sensing means 6 has become equal to or greater
than the predetermined value at and over which regeneration is
needed. The automated regeneration start processing unit
automatically starts control processing at the regeneration
processing unit to execute processing, which actuates the fuel
injector 7, in accordance with the control processing at the
display start processing unit.
[0050] The remaining construction other than the control 10 and the
remaining processing units included in the controller 10 are
similar to the above-mentioned corresponding ones in the first
embodiment.
[0051] While the engine 2 is driven and an operation for traveling,
revolving or driving of the front work rig mechanism 1c is
performed in the post-treatment system according to the second
embodiment constructed as described above, exhaust gas from the
engine 2 is guided into the exhaust passage 3 shown in FIG. 1, and
as illustrated in step S1 of FIG. 3, a determination is made as to
whether or not the deposited PM amount sensed by the deposited PM
amount sensing means 6 is equal to or greater than the
predetermined value. When the deposited PM amount is smaller than
the predetermined value, the filter 4 is considered to be in a
state that no regeneration is needed yet, and accordingly, no
regeneration treatment is conducted.
[0052] When the determination in step Si results in "YES" and the
filter 4 is considered to need regeneration treatment, the routine
advances to step S12, and by control processing at the display
start processing unit included in the controller 10, a display of
monitoring information from the rearward monitoring camera 8,
specifically an image of a scene rearward of the body on the
display screen 9a of the display module 9 is started.
[0053] The routine then advances to step S13, and by control
processing at the automated regeneration start processing unit,
which is included in the controller 10, in accordance with the
above-mentioned control processing at the display start processing
unit, fuel is injected from the fuel injector 7 to startburning and
removing PM. The processings in the subsequent steps S6 to S9 or
S10 are similar to the above-mentioned corresponding processings in
the first embodiment.
[0054] In the second embodiment constructed as described above, the
continuous steps through steps S12, S13, and S6 to S9 or S10, which
are illustrated in FIG. 3, at the controller 10 make up the display
continuation processing unit for executing control processing to
continuously display the monitoring information from the rearward
monitoring camera 8 on the display screen 9a of the display module
9 during the regeneration treatment by the fuel injector 7.
[0055] Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment
constructed as described above also include the display
continuation processing unit in the controller 10 to continuously
display the monitoring information. from the rearward monitoring
camera 8 on the display screen 9a of the display module 9 during
the regeneration. Therefore, the second embodiment can bring about
similar advantageous effects as the first embodiment. In addition,
this second embodiment can automatically conduct the regeneration
treatment of the filter 4 without needing the operator's operation
whenever the filter 4 should be regenerated.
[0056] In the first embodiment, the need-of-regeneration
notification means 9b and manual regeneration start means 9c are
both included in the display module 9, and in the first and second
embodiments, the in-regeneration notification means 9d is included
in the display module 9. However, these need-of-regeneration
notification means 9b, manual regeneration start means 9c and
in-regeneration notification means 9d may all be arranged
independently at other locations instead of being arranged in the
display module 9.
[0057] As notifications by the need-of-regeneration notification
means 9b and in-regeneration notification means 9d, warnings are
displayed. However, the first and second embodiments may be
constructed to turn on warning lamps or to sound alarms instead of
displaying such warnings.
[0058] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the
regeneration stop means is constructed to also serve as the key
switch 5 that starts the engine 2. However, the regeneration stop
means may be arranged independently from the key switch 5. For such
independent arrangement as mentioned above, the regeneration stop
means may be arranged in the operator's cab 1d.
[0059] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the
regeneration means is constructed by the fuel injector 7 attached
to the engine 2. However, it is possible to construct the
regeneration means by another fuel injector similar in construction
to the fuel injector 7 attached to the engine 2 and to arrange the
another fuel injector such that fuel can be injected into the
exhaust passage 3 of the engine 2.
[0060] As the regeneration means, it is also possible to arrange an
electric heater instead of the above-mentioned fuel injector 7 or
the like and to heat the filter 4 or the interior of the exhaust
passage 3 by the electric heater.
[0061] In the foregoing description, the first embodiment is
constructed to enable regeneration of the filter 4 by a manual
operation, and the second embodiment is constructed to enable
automated regeneration of the filter 4. It is, however, possible to
combine the first embodiment and the second embodiment together and
to arrange a switching means for selectively switching manual
regeneration to automated regeneration and vice versa such that the
above-mentioned manual regeneration treatment by the first
embodiment or the above-mentioned automated regeneration by the
second embodiment can be selectively enabled as needed.
Legend
[0062] 1 Hydraulic excavator (vehicle)
[0063] 1a Travel base
[0064] 1b Revolving upperstructure
[0065] 1c Front working mechanism
[0066] 1d Operator's cab
[0067] 2 Engine
[0068] 3 Exhaust passage
[0069] 4 Filter
[0070] 5 Key switch (regeneration stop means)
[0071] 6 Deposited PM amount sensing means
[0072] 7 Fuel injector (regeneration means)
[0073] 8 Rearward monitoring camera (rearward monitoring means)
[0074] 9 Display module
[0075] 9a Display screen
[0076] 9b Need-of-regeneration notification means
[0077] 9c Manual regeneration state means
[0078] 9d In-regeneration notification means
[0079] 10 Controller (control module)
* * * * *