US20090049825A1 - Exhaust Gas Purification Device For Internal Combustion Engine - Google Patents
Exhaust Gas Purification Device For Internal Combustion Engine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090049825A1 US20090049825A1 US12/224,997 US22499707A US2009049825A1 US 20090049825 A1 US20090049825 A1 US 20090049825A1 US 22499707 A US22499707 A US 22499707A US 2009049825 A1 US2009049825 A1 US 2009049825A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fuel ratio
- exhaust gas
- air
- nox
- nox absorbent
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
- F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
- F02D41/0235—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
- F02D41/027—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus to purge or regenerate the exhaust gas treating apparatus
- F02D41/0275—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus to purge or regenerate the exhaust gas treating apparatus the exhaust gas treating apparatus being a NOx trap or adsorbent
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/0807—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by using absorbents or adsorbents
- F01N3/0828—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by using absorbents or adsorbents characterised by the absorbed or adsorbed substances
- F01N3/0842—Nitrogen oxides
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
- F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
- F01N3/0807—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by using absorbents or adsorbents
- F01N3/0871—Regulation of absorbents or adsorbents, e.g. purging
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
- F02D41/021—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine
- F02D41/0235—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
- F02D41/024—Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine in relation with the state of the exhaust gas treating apparatus to increase temperature of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N2250/00—Combinations of different methods of purification
- F01N2250/14—Combinations of different methods of purification absorption or adsorption, and filtering
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
- F01N2610/03—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being hydrocarbons, e.g. engine fuel
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B37/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps driven at least for part of the time by exhaust
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
- F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
- F02D2200/08—Exhaust gas treatment apparatus parameters
- F02D2200/0802—Temperature of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine.
- a NOx absorbent is arranged in the exhaust passage of the engine in which an NOx absorbent absorbs NOx contained in the exhaust gas therein when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean and releases absorbed NOx therefrom when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is switched to rich, wherein a fuel supply valve is arranged in the exhaust passage upstream of the NOx absorbent, and wherein fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve to the NOx absorbent to make the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent temporarily rich, when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-62666, for example).
- NOx generated when combustion is carried out under a lean air-fuel ratio is absorbed in the NOx absorbent.
- the air-fuel ratio is temporarily made rich to release NOx from the NOx absorbent and reduce the NOx.
- the temperature of the NOx absorbent is lowered since the temperature of exhaust gas inflowing through the NOx absorbent at this time is low.
- the release rate of NOx from the NOx absorbent is low. Therefore, if the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is simply switched to rich, it may be impossible to obtain an adequate release of NOx from the NOx absorbent.
- an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of obtaining an adequate release of NOx from an NOx absorbent even when the temperature of the NOx absorbent is low.
- an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passage, combustion being carried out under a basic lean air-fuel ratio, comprising: a NOx absorbent arranged in the exhaust passage, the NOx absorbent absorbing NOx contained in exhaust gas therein when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean and releasing absorbed NOx therefrom when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is switched to rich; and control means for controlling the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent, wherein, when NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is first switched from the basic lean air-fuel ratio to and maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for a predetermined lean time, and is then switched to a rich air-fuel ratio.
- FIG. 1 is an overall view of an internal combustion engine of a compression ignition type
- FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of a NOx storing catalyst
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views of a surface part of a catalyst carrier
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of the structure of a particulate filter
- FIG. 5 is a time chart explaining a NOx release control
- FIG. 6 is a map illustrating the amount of NOx adsorbed per unit time dNOx
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are time charts illustrating variations of the air-fuel ratio of flowing exhaust gas AFEG
- FIG. 8 is a map illustrating a predetermined temperature TcS
- FIGS. 9A to 9D are maps illustrating lean time tL, respectively.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart for executing the NOx release control.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the present invention is applied to an internal combustion engine with a compression type ignition.
- the present invention may also be applied to an internal combustion engine with a spark type ignition.
- numeral 1 indicates an engine body, 2 a combustion chamber of each cylinder, 3 an electrically-controlled fuel injector for injecting fuel into each combustion chamber 2 , 4 an intake manifold, and 5 an exhaust manifold.
- the intake manifold 4 is connected through an intake duct 6 to an outlet of a compressor 7 a of a turbocharger 7 .
- the inlet of the compressor 7 a is connected via an air flow meter 8 to an air cleaner 9 .
- An electrically-controlled throttle valve 10 is arranged in the intake duct 6 .
- a cooling device 11 is arranged around the intake duct 6 for cooling intake air flowing through the intake duct 6 .
- engine cooling water is guided into the cooling device 11 and cools intake air.
- the exhaust manifold 5 is connected to an inlet of an exhaust turbine 7 b of the exhaust turbocharger 7 , while the outlet of the exhaust turbine 7 b is connected to an exhaust aftertreatment system 20 .
- the exhaust manifold 5 and the intake manifold 4 are interconnected through an exhaust gas recirculation (hereinafter referred to as an “EGR”) passage 12 .
- the EGR passage 12 is provided with an electrically-controlled EGR control valve 13 .
- a cooling device 14 is arranged around the EGR passage 12 for cooling EGR gas flowing through the EGR passage 12 .
- engine cooling water is guided into the cooling device 14 and cools the EGR gas.
- Each fuel injector 3 is connected through a fuel feed tube 15 to a common rail 16 .
- This common rail 16 is supplied with fuel from an electrically-controlled type variable discharge fuel pump 20 . Fuel supplied into the common rail 16 is supplied through each fuel feed tube 15 to the fuel injector 3 .
- the exhaust aftertreatment system 20 comprises an exhaust pipe 21 connected to an outlet of the exhaust turbine 7 b , a catalytic converter 22 connected to the exhaust pipe 21 , and an exhaust pipe 23 connected to the catalytic converter 22 .
- a NOx storing catalyst 24 and a particulate filter 25 are arranged in the catalytic converter 22 in order, starting from the upstream side.
- a temperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of exhaust gas discharged from the catalytic converter 22 and an air-fuel ratio sensor 27 for detecting the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from the catalytic converter 22 are arranged in the exhaust pipe 23 .
- the temperature of exhaust gas discharged from the catalytic converter 22 represents the temperature of the NOx storing catalyst 24 and the particulate filter 25 .
- the exhaust manifold 5 is provided with a fuel supply valve 28 .
- the fuel supply valve 28 is supplied with fuel from the common rail 16 , the fuel is fed from the fuel supply valve 28 to the exhaust manifold 5 .
- fuel is comprised of light oil.
- the fuel supply valve 28 may be arranged in the exhaust pipe 21 , alternatively.
- An electronic control unit 30 is comprised of a digital computer provided with read only memory (ROM) 32 , random access memory (RAM) 33 , a microprocessor (CPU) 34 , an input port 35 , and an output port 36 , all connected to each other by a bidirectional bus 31 .
- the output signals of the air flow meter 8 , the temperature sensor 26 and the air-fuel ratio sensor 27 are input through corresponding AD converters 37 to the input port 35 .
- a load sensor 40 connected to the accelerator pedal 39 is a load sensor 40 generating output voltage proportional to the amount of the depression L of an accelerator pedal 39 . Outputted voltage of the load sensor 40 is input through a corresponding AD converter 37 to the input port 35 .
- crank angle sensor 41 connected to the input port 35 is a crank angle sensor 41 generating an output pulse each time the crankshaft turns, for example, by 15 degrees.
- the CPU 34 calculates engine speed N based on the output pulse from the crank angle sensor 41 .
- the output port 36 is connected through corresponding drive circuits 38 to the fuel injectors 3 , driver for the throttle valve 10 , EGR control valve 13 , fuel pump 20 , and fuel supply valve 28 .
- FIG. 2 shows the structure of the NOx storing catalyst 24 .
- the NOx storing catalyst 24 is formed of a honeycomb structure and is provided with a plurality of exhaust gas passages 61 separated from each other by partitions 60 .
- the opposite surfaces of the partitions 60 carry a catalyst carrier comprised of, for example, alumina.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show the cross-section of the surface part of this catalyst carrier 65 .
- the catalyst carrier 65 carries a precious metal catalyst 66 diffused on its surface.
- the catalyst carrier 65 is formed with a layer of a NOx absorbent 67 on its surface.
- platinum Pt is used as the precious metal catalyst 66 .
- the ingredient for forming the NOx absorbent 67 for example, at least one element selected from potassium K, sodium Na, cesium Cs, or another alkali metal, barium Ba, calcium Ca, or another alkali earth, lanthanum La, yttrium Y, or another rare earth may be used.
- the ratio of air and fuel (hydrocarbons) supplied to the engine intake passage, combustion chambers 2 , and exhaust passage upstream of the NOx storing catalyst 24 is referred to as an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas.
- the NOx absorbent 67 performs NOx absorption and release action of absorbing the NOx when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean and releasing the absorbed NOx when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas falls.
- the NOx absorbent 67 when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean, that is, when the oxygen concentration in exhaust gas is high, the NO contained in the exhaust gas is oxidized on the platinum Pt 66 such as shown in FIG. 3A to become NO 2 , and is then absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 and diffused in the NOx absorbent 67 in the form of nitric acid ions NO 3 ⁇ while bonding with the barium carbonate BaCO 3 . In this way, NOx is absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 . If the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is high, NO 2 is produced on the surface of the platinum Pt 66 . If the NOx absorbing capability of the NOx absorbent 67 is not saturated, the NO 2 is absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 and nitric acid ions NO 3 ⁇ are produced.
- fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve 28 so as to temporarily make the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas rich, and thereby release NOx from the NOx absorbent 67 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of the particulate filter 25 .
- FIG. 4A is a front view of the particulate filter 25
- FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the particulate filter 25 .
- the particulate filter 25 forms a honeycomb structure and is provided with a plurality of exhaust passages 70 and 71 extending parallel with each other. These exhaust passages are comprised of exhaust gas inflow passages 70 with downstream ends sealed by plugs 72 and exhaust gas outflow passages 71 with upstream ends sealed by plugs 73 . Note that the hatched portions in FIG. 4A show plugs 73 .
- the exhaust gas inflow passages 70 and exhaust gas outflow passages 71 are arranged alternately through thin wall partitions 74 .
- the exhaust gas inflow passages 70 and exhaust gas outflow passages 71 are arranged so that each exhaust gas inflow passage 70 is surrounded by four exhaust gas outflow passages 71 , and each exhaust gas outflow passage 71 is surrounded by four exhaust gas inflow passages 70 .
- the particulate filter 25 is formed from a porous material such as cordierite. Therefore, exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas inflow passages 70 flows out into the adjoining exhaust gas outflow passages 71 through the surrounding partitions 74 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4B .
- the peripheral walls of the exhaust gas inflow passages 70 and exhaust gas outflow passages 71 that is, the opposite surfaces of the partitions 74 and the inside walls of the micropores of the partitions 74 also carry a catalyst carrier comprised of, for example, alumina.
- the catalyst carrier 65 carries a precious metal catalyst 66 diffused on its surface. Further, the catalyst carrier 65 is formed with a layer of the NOx absorbent 67 on its surface.
- NOx contained in the exhaust gas is also absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 carried on the particulate filter 25 .
- the thus absorbed NOx is released and reduced by supplying fuel from the fuel supply valve 28 .
- the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas is trapped on the particulate filter 25 and successively oxidized.
- the particulate matter trapped becomes greater than the amount of the particulate matter oxidized, the particulate matter will gradually be deposited on the particulate filter 25 .
- engine output may be decreased. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the deposited particulate matter when the amount of particulate matter deposited increases. In this case, if raising the temperature of the particulate filter 25 under an excess of air to about 600° C., the deposited particulate matter is oxidized and removed.
- NOx storing catalyst 24 may be omitted in FIG. 1 .
- a particulate filter that does not carry NOx absorbent 67 may be used as a particulate filter 25 .
- a cumulative amount ⁇ NOx of NOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 exceeds an allowable amount MAX as indicated by X in FIG. 5 fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve 28 in the form of successive pulses, and thereby the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent 67 , which is carried on the NOx storing catalyst 24 and the particulate filter 25 , is switched to rich temporarily. As a result, NOx is released from the NOx absorbent 67 and is reduced.
- fuel may be supplied to the NOx absorbent 67 by injecting additional fuel from the fuel injectors 3 during the power or exhaust stroke.
- the amount of NOx dNOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 per unit of time is stored in ROM 32 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 6 as a function of the required torque TQ and engine speed N.
- the cumulative NOx amount ⁇ NOx is calculated by a cumulation of the NOx amount of dNOx.
- the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 is first detected, and the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing to the NOx absorbent 67 is switched to a rich air-fuel ratio or is changed depending on the absorbent temperature Tc. This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- FIG. 7A shows a case where the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 is lower than a predetermined temperature TcS.
- fuel supply from the fuel supply valve 28 is not carried out until the timing indicated by X, that is, until the cumulative NOx amount ⁇ NOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX and NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent 67 (see FIG. 5 ).
- the air-fuel ratio AFEG of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent 67 is maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio. If the lean air-fuel ratio at this time is a basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB, the basic air-fuel ratio AFLB then conforms to the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chambers 2 , in the engine shown in FIG. 1 .
- fuel from the fuel supply valve 28 is switched to start the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG from the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB to a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL.
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL for a lean time tL, it is followed by the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG being switched to a rich air-fuel ratio AFR.
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to and maintained at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL, the amount of unburned HC and CO contained in the exhaust gas is increased, compared to when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is a basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB.
- the increased amount of unburned HC and CO will be oxidized in the NOx absorbent 67 under the presence of excess oxygen, and thus the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 increases rapidly. Therefore, the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to the rich air-fuel ratio AFR after the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 is high, and an adequate NOx release from the NOx absorbent 67 is accordingly obtained.
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned from the rich air-fuel ratio AFR back to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB, and is maintained at the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB until the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent 67 again as shown in FIG. 5 .
- fuel from the fuel supply valve 28 is stopped when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned back to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB until the cumulative NOx amount ⁇ NOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX again.
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is immediately switched to the rich air-fuel ratio AFR, without being switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL.
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at the rich air-fuel ratio AFR for the rich time tR, the fuel is stopped and the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB. That is, in this case, it is not necessary for the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 to be increased.
- the predetermined temperature TcS is a temperature required for a good release of NOx from the NOx absorbent 67 .
- the temperature necessary for a good release of NOx from the NOx absorbent 67 will vary depending on the degree of deterioration of the NOx absorbent 67 . Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the degree of the deterioration DET of the NOx absorbent 67 is first detected, and the predetermined temperature TcS is then determined depending on the degree of deterioration DET of the NOx absorbent 67 . Specifically, the predetermined temperature TcS is set higher as the degree of deterioration DET becomes higher, as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the predetermined temperature TcS is stored in ROM 32 in advance, in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the degree of deterioration DET of the NOx absorbent 67 may be judged to be higher as the increment of the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 obtained when fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve 28 to the NOx absorbent 67 is smaller.
- TcY indicated in FIG. 7A is the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 when the lean time tL has elapsed from when the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL. If the temperature TcY conforms approximately to the predetermined temperature TcS mentioned above, an adequate NOx release will be obtained while the amount of fuel from the fuel supply valve 28 is kept low.
- the lean time tL is the amount of time required to increase the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 to approximately the predetermined temperature TcS when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL.
- the lean time tL becomes longer as the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 becomes lower as shown in FIG. 9A , as the amount of intake air Ga becomes larger as shown in FIG. 9B , and as the degree of deterioration DET of the NOx absorbent 67 becomes higher as shown in FIG. 9C .
- the lean time tL is stored in ROM 32 in advance, in the form of a map shown in FIG. 9D , as a function of the temperature Tc and the degree of deterioration DET of the NOx absorbent 67 and the amount of intake air Ga.
- the amount of intake air Ga represents the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent 67 .
- the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is made leaner by reducing the number of fuel supply pulses per unit time, and is made richer by increasing the number fuel pulses per unit time.
- FIG. 10 shows a routine of the NOx release control.
- the routine proceeds to step 100 where the amount of NOx ⁇ NOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 is calculated. Specifically, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the amount of NOx dNOx adsorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 per unit time is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 6 , and is then added to the absorbed NOx amount ⁇ NOx. In the following step 101 , it is determined whether the absorbed NOx amount ⁇ NOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX. When the amount is ⁇ NOx ⁇ MAX, the processing cycle is ended. In contrast, when the amount is ⁇ NOx>MAX, the routine proceeds to step 102 where the predetermined temperature TcS is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 8 .
- step 103 it is determined whether the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 is lower than the predetermined temperature TcS.
- the routine proceeds to step 104 , where the lean time tL is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 9D .
- the fuel supply valve 28 supplies fuel to maintain the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL for the lean time tL.
- step 106 In contrast, when the amount is Tc ⁇ TcS, the routine jumps from step 103 to step 106 .
- step 106 the fuel supply valve 28 supplies fuel to maintain the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG at the rich air-fuel ratio AFR for the rich time tR.
- step 107 the absorbed NOx amount ⁇ NOx is returned to zero.
Abstract
A NOx absorbent is arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, and a fuel supply valve (28) is arranged in the exhaust passage upstream of the NOx absorbent. If the temperature of the NOx absorbent is lower than a predetermined temperature when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is first switched from a basic lean air-fuel ratio to and maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for a predetermined lean time, and is then switched to a rich air-fuel ratio. If the temperature of the NOx absorbent is higher than the predetermined temperature when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is switched to the rich air-fuel ratio without being switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness.
Description
- The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine.
- There is known an internal combustion engine wherein a NOx absorbent is arranged in the exhaust passage of the engine in which an NOx absorbent absorbs NOx contained in the exhaust gas therein when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean and releases absorbed NOx therefrom when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is switched to rich, wherein a fuel supply valve is arranged in the exhaust passage upstream of the NOx absorbent, and wherein fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve to the NOx absorbent to make the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent temporarily rich, when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-62666, for example). In the engine, NOx generated when combustion is carried out under a lean air-fuel ratio is absorbed in the NOx absorbent. On the other hand, when the NOx absorption capacity has reached a saturated state, the air-fuel ratio is temporarily made rich to release NOx from the NOx absorbent and reduce the NOx.
- However, for example if an engine is idled for a long time, the temperature of the NOx absorbent is lowered since the temperature of exhaust gas inflowing through the NOx absorbent at this time is low. When the temperature of the NOx absorbent is low as mentioned above, the release rate of NOx from the NOx absorbent is low. Therefore, if the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is simply switched to rich, it may be impossible to obtain an adequate release of NOx from the NOx absorbent.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of obtaining an adequate release of NOx from an NOx absorbent even when the temperature of the NOx absorbent is low.
- According to the present invention, there is provided an exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passage, combustion being carried out under a basic lean air-fuel ratio, comprising: a NOx absorbent arranged in the exhaust passage, the NOx absorbent absorbing NOx contained in exhaust gas therein when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean and releasing absorbed NOx therefrom when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is switched to rich; and control means for controlling the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent, wherein, when NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is first switched from the basic lean air-fuel ratio to and maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for a predetermined lean time, and is then switched to a rich air-fuel ratio.
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FIG. 1 is an overall view of an internal combustion engine of a compression ignition type; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of a NOx storing catalyst; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views of a surface part of a catalyst carrier; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of the structure of a particulate filter; -
FIG. 5 is a time chart explaining a NOx release control; -
FIG. 6 is a map illustrating the amount of NOx adsorbed per unit time dNOx; -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are time charts illustrating variations of the air-fuel ratio of flowing exhaust gas AFEG; -
FIG. 8 is a map illustrating a predetermined temperature TcS; -
FIGS. 9A to 9D are maps illustrating lean time tL, respectively; and -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for executing the NOx release control. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the present invention is applied to an internal combustion engine with a compression type ignition. Alternatively, the present invention may also be applied to an internal combustion engine with a spark type ignition. - Referring to
FIG. 1 ,numeral 1 indicates an engine body, 2 a combustion chamber of each cylinder, 3 an electrically-controlled fuel injector for injecting fuel into eachcombustion chamber 2, 4 an intake manifold, and 5 an exhaust manifold. Theintake manifold 4 is connected through anintake duct 6 to an outlet of acompressor 7 a of aturbocharger 7. The inlet of thecompressor 7 a is connected via anair flow meter 8 to anair cleaner 9. An electrically-controlledthrottle valve 10 is arranged in theintake duct 6. Further, acooling device 11 is arranged around theintake duct 6 for cooling intake air flowing through theintake duct 6. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , engine cooling water is guided into thecooling device 11 and cools intake air. On the other hand, theexhaust manifold 5 is connected to an inlet of an exhaust turbine 7 b of theexhaust turbocharger 7, while the outlet of the exhaust turbine 7 b is connected to anexhaust aftertreatment system 20. - The
exhaust manifold 5 and theintake manifold 4 are interconnected through an exhaust gas recirculation (hereinafter referred to as an “EGR”)passage 12. The EGRpassage 12 is provided with an electrically-controlledEGR control valve 13. Further, acooling device 14 is arranged around the EGRpassage 12 for cooling EGR gas flowing through the EGRpassage 12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , engine cooling water is guided into thecooling device 14 and cools the EGR gas. Eachfuel injector 3 is connected through afuel feed tube 15 to acommon rail 16. Thiscommon rail 16 is supplied with fuel from an electrically-controlled type variabledischarge fuel pump 20. Fuel supplied into thecommon rail 16 is supplied through eachfuel feed tube 15 to thefuel injector 3. - The
exhaust aftertreatment system 20 comprises anexhaust pipe 21 connected to an outlet of the exhaust turbine 7 b, acatalytic converter 22 connected to theexhaust pipe 21, and anexhaust pipe 23 connected to thecatalytic converter 22. ANOx storing catalyst 24 and aparticulate filter 25 are arranged in thecatalytic converter 22 in order, starting from the upstream side. In addition, atemperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of exhaust gas discharged from thecatalytic converter 22 and an air-fuel ratio sensor 27 for detecting the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from thecatalytic converter 22 are arranged in theexhaust pipe 23. The temperature of exhaust gas discharged from thecatalytic converter 22 represents the temperature of theNOx storing catalyst 24 and theparticulate filter 25. - On the other hand, the
exhaust manifold 5 is provided with afuel supply valve 28. Thefuel supply valve 28 is supplied with fuel from thecommon rail 16, the fuel is fed from thefuel supply valve 28 to theexhaust manifold 5. In the embodiment according to the present invention, fuel is comprised of light oil. Thefuel supply valve 28 may be arranged in theexhaust pipe 21, alternatively. - An
electronic control unit 30 is comprised of a digital computer provided with read only memory (ROM) 32, random access memory (RAM) 33, a microprocessor (CPU) 34, aninput port 35, and anoutput port 36, all connected to each other by abidirectional bus 31. The output signals of theair flow meter 8, thetemperature sensor 26 and the air-fuel ratio sensor 27 are input throughcorresponding AD converters 37 to theinput port 35. Further, connected to theaccelerator pedal 39 is aload sensor 40 generating output voltage proportional to the amount of the depression L of anaccelerator pedal 39. Outputted voltage of theload sensor 40 is input through acorresponding AD converter 37 to theinput port 35. Furthermore, connected to theinput port 35 is acrank angle sensor 41 generating an output pulse each time the crankshaft turns, for example, by 15 degrees. TheCPU 34 calculates engine speed N based on the output pulse from thecrank angle sensor 41. On the other hand, theoutput port 36 is connected throughcorresponding drive circuits 38 to thefuel injectors 3, driver for thethrottle valve 10,EGR control valve 13,fuel pump 20, andfuel supply valve 28. -
FIG. 2 shows the structure of theNOx storing catalyst 24. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , theNOx storing catalyst 24 is formed of a honeycomb structure and is provided with a plurality ofexhaust gas passages 61 separated from each other bypartitions 60. The opposite surfaces of thepartitions 60 carry a catalyst carrier comprised of, for example, alumina.FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show the cross-section of the surface part of thiscatalyst carrier 65. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , thecatalyst carrier 65 carries aprecious metal catalyst 66 diffused on its surface. Further, thecatalyst carrier 65 is formed with a layer of aNOx absorbent 67 on its surface. - In the embodiment according to the present invention, platinum Pt is used as the
precious metal catalyst 66. As the ingredient for forming theNOx absorbent 67, for example, at least one element selected from potassium K, sodium Na, cesium Cs, or another alkali metal, barium Ba, calcium Ca, or another alkali earth, lanthanum La, yttrium Y, or another rare earth may be used. - The ratio of air and fuel (hydrocarbons) supplied to the engine intake passage, combustion chambers 2, and exhaust passage upstream of the
NOx storing catalyst 24 is referred to as an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas. TheNOx absorbent 67 performs NOx absorption and release action of absorbing the NOx when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean and releasing the absorbed NOx when the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas falls. - That is, if in the case of using barium Ba as the ingredient forming the
NOx absorbent 67, when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean, that is, when the oxygen concentration in exhaust gas is high, the NO contained in the exhaust gas is oxidized on theplatinum Pt 66 such as shown inFIG. 3A to become NO2, and is then absorbed in theNOx absorbent 67 and diffused in theNOx absorbent 67 in the form of nitric acid ions NO3 − while bonding with the barium carbonate BaCO3. In this way, NOx is absorbed in theNOx absorbent 67. If the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is high, NO2 is produced on the surface of theplatinum Pt 66. If the NOx absorbing capability of theNOx absorbent 67 is not saturated, the NO2 is absorbed in theNOx absorbent 67 and nitric acid ions NO3 − are produced. - In contrast, when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is made rich or a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, since the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas falls, the reaction proceeds in the reverse direction (NO3 −->NO2), and therefore nitric acid ions NO3 − in the
NOx absorbent 67 are released from theNOx absorbent 67 in the form of NO2. The released NOx is then reduced to unburned hydrocarbons or CO that is included in exhaust gas. - In the engine shown in
FIG. 1 , combustion under a lean air-fuel ratio is continued, and the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through theNOx absorbent 67 is thus maintained lean so long as the fuel supply from thefuel supply valve 28 is stopped. The NOx included in exhaust gas is absorbed into theNOx absorbent 67 at this stage. However, if combustion under a lean air-fuel ratio is continued, the NOx absorbing capability of theNOx absorbent 67 will end up becoming saturated, and therefore NOx will no longer be able to be absorbed by theNOx absorbent 67. Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, before the absorbing capability of theNOx absorbent 67 becomes saturated, fuel is supplied from thefuel supply valve 28 so as to temporarily make the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas rich, and thereby release NOx from theNOx absorbent 67. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of theparticulate filter 25. Note thatFIG. 4A is a front view of theparticulate filter 25, whileFIG. 4B is a side sectional view of theparticulate filter 25. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , theparticulate filter 25 forms a honeycomb structure and is provided with a plurality ofexhaust passages gas inflow passages 70 with downstream ends sealed byplugs 72 and exhaustgas outflow passages 71 with upstream ends sealed byplugs 73. Note that the hatched portions inFIG. 4A show plugs 73. Therefore, the exhaustgas inflow passages 70 and exhaustgas outflow passages 71 are arranged alternately throughthin wall partitions 74. In other words, the exhaustgas inflow passages 70 and exhaustgas outflow passages 71 are arranged so that each exhaustgas inflow passage 70 is surrounded by four exhaustgas outflow passages 71, and each exhaustgas outflow passage 71 is surrounded by four exhaustgas inflow passages 70. - The
particulate filter 25 is formed from a porous material such as cordierite. Therefore, exhaust gas flowing into the exhaustgas inflow passages 70 flows out into the adjoining exhaustgas outflow passages 71 through the surroundingpartitions 74 as shown by the arrows inFIG. 4B . - In the embodiment according to the present invention, the peripheral walls of the exhaust
gas inflow passages 70 and exhaustgas outflow passages 71, that is, the opposite surfaces of thepartitions 74 and the inside walls of the micropores of thepartitions 74 also carry a catalyst carrier comprised of, for example, alumina. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , thecatalyst carrier 65 carries aprecious metal catalyst 66 diffused on its surface. Further, thecatalyst carrier 65 is formed with a layer of theNOx absorbent 67 on its surface. - Therefore, combustion under a lean air-fuel ratio is carried out, NOx contained in the exhaust gas is also absorbed in the
NOx absorbent 67 carried on theparticulate filter 25. The thus absorbed NOx is released and reduced by supplying fuel from thefuel supply valve 28. - On the other hand, the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas is trapped on the
particulate filter 25 and successively oxidized. However, if the amount of the particulate matter trapped becomes greater than the amount of the particulate matter oxidized, the particulate matter will gradually be deposited on theparticulate filter 25. In this case, if the amount of particulate matter deposited increases, engine output may be decreased. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the deposited particulate matter when the amount of particulate matter deposited increases. In this case, if raising the temperature of theparticulate filter 25 under an excess of air to about 600° C., the deposited particulate matter is oxidized and removed. - In the embodiment according to the present invention, when the amount of the particulate matter deposited on the
particulate filter 25 exceeds an allowable amount, fuel is supplied from thefuel supply valve 28 while the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing in theparticulate filter 25 is maintained lean, and then raising the temperature of theparticulate filter 25 by the oxidation heat of the thus supplied fuel, and thereby oxidizing and removing the deposited particulate matter. - Note that the
NOx storing catalyst 24 may be omitted inFIG. 1 . In addition, inFIG. 1 , a particulate filter that does not carry NOx absorbent 67 may be used as aparticulate filter 25. - In the embodiment according to the present invention, whenever a cumulative amount ΣNOx of NOx absorbed in the
NOx absorbent 67 exceeds an allowable amount MAX as indicated by X inFIG. 5 , fuel is supplied from thefuel supply valve 28 in the form of successive pulses, and thereby the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through theNOx absorbent 67, which is carried on theNOx storing catalyst 24 and theparticulate filter 25, is switched to rich temporarily. As a result, NOx is released from theNOx absorbent 67 and is reduced. Alternatively, fuel may be supplied to theNOx absorbent 67 by injecting additional fuel from thefuel injectors 3 during the power or exhaust stroke. - In this case, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the amount of NOx dNOx absorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 per unit of time is stored in
ROM 32 in advance in the form of a map as shown inFIG. 6 as a function of the required torque TQ and engine speed N. The cumulative NOx amount ΣNOx is calculated by a cumulation of the NOx amount of dNOx. - However, as mentioned at the beginning of this specification, when the temperature of the
NOx absorbent 67 is low, it may be impossible to obtain an adequate release of NOx from the NOx absorbent if the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is simply switched to rich. - Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the temperature Tc of the
NOx absorbent 67 is first detected, and the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing to theNOx absorbent 67 is switched to a rich air-fuel ratio or is changed depending on the absorbent temperature Tc. This will be explained with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B . -
FIG. 7A shows a case where the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 is lower than a predetermined temperature TcS. As shown inFIG. 7A , fuel supply from thefuel supply valve 28 is not carried out until the timing indicated by X, that is, until the cumulative NOx amount ΣNOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX and NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent 67 (seeFIG. 5 ). At this time, the air-fuel ratio AFEG of exhaust gas flowing through theNOx absorbent 67 is maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio. If the lean air-fuel ratio at this time is a basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB, the basic air-fuel ratio AFLB then conforms to the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chambers 2, in the engine shown inFIG. 1 . - When NOx must be released from the
NOx absorbent 67 as indicated by X inFIG. 7A , fuel from thefuel supply valve 28 is switched to start the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG from the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB to a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL. When the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL for a lean time tL, it is followed by the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG being switched to a rich air-fuel ratio AFR. When the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at a rich air-fuel ratio AFR for a rich time tR, the fuel supply is then stopped and the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned to a basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB. - When the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to and maintained at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL, the amount of unburned HC and CO contained in the exhaust gas is increased, compared to when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is a basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB. The increased amount of unburned HC and CO will be oxidized in the
NOx absorbent 67 under the presence of excess oxygen, and thus the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 increases rapidly. Therefore, the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to the rich air-fuel ratio AFR after the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 is high, and an adequate NOx release from theNOx absorbent 67 is accordingly obtained. - In addition, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned from the rich air-fuel ratio AFR back to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB, and is maintained at the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB until the NOx must be released from the
NOx absorbent 67 again as shown inFIG. 5 . In other words, fuel from thefuel supply valve 28 is stopped when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned back to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB until the cumulative NOx amount ΣNOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX again. This ensures that an increment in the temperature of theNOx absorbent 67 is carried out only when it is necessary, and that supplied fuel is used effectively for NOx release and reduction. Note that NOx is well absorbed in theNOx absorbent 67 even when the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 is lower than the predetermined temperature TcS. - In contrast, if the temperature Tc of the
NOx absorbent 67 is higher than the predetermined temperature TcS when the NOx must be released from theNOx absorbent 67, as indicated by X inFIG. 7B , the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is immediately switched to the rich air-fuel ratio AFR, without being switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL. When the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at the rich air-fuel ratio AFR for the rich time tR, the fuel is stopped and the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is returned to the basic lean air-fuel ratio AFLB. That is, in this case, it is not necessary for the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 to be increased. - As can be understood from the above explanation, the predetermined temperature TcS is a temperature required for a good release of NOx from the
NOx absorbent 67. The temperature necessary for a good release of NOx from theNOx absorbent 67 will vary depending on the degree of deterioration of theNOx absorbent 67. Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the degree of the deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67 is first detected, and the predetermined temperature TcS is then determined depending on the degree of deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67. Specifically, the predetermined temperature TcS is set higher as the degree of deterioration DET becomes higher, as shown inFIG. 8 . The predetermined temperature TcS is stored inROM 32 in advance, in the form of a map as shown inFIG. 8 . Note that there are many procedures for obtaining the degree of deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67. For example, the degree of deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67 may be judged to be higher as the increment of the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 obtained when fuel is supplied from thefuel supply valve 28 to theNOx absorbent 67 is smaller. - On the other hand, TcY indicated in
FIG. 7A is the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 when the lean time tL has elapsed from when the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL. If the temperature TcY conforms approximately to the predetermined temperature TcS mentioned above, an adequate NOx release will be obtained while the amount of fuel from thefuel supply valve 28 is kept low. Therefore, the lean time tL is the amount of time required to increase the temperature Tc of the NOx absorbent 67 to approximately the predetermined temperature TcS when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is maintained at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL. - In this case, the lean time tL becomes longer as the temperature Tc of the
NOx absorbent 67 becomes lower as shown inFIG. 9A , as the amount of intake air Ga becomes larger as shown inFIG. 9B , and as the degree of deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67 becomes higher as shown inFIG. 9C . In the embodiment according to the present invention, the lean time tL is stored inROM 32 in advance, in the form of a map shown inFIG. 9D , as a function of the temperature Tc and the degree of deterioration DET of theNOx absorbent 67 and the amount of intake air Ga. Here, the amount of intake air Ga represents the amount of exhaust gas flowing through theNOx absorbent 67. - Note that, when fuel supply from the
fuel supply valve 28 is carried out, the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG is made leaner by reducing the number of fuel supply pulses per unit time, and is made richer by increasing the number fuel pulses per unit time. -
FIG. 10 shows a routine of the NOx release control. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , the routine proceeds to step 100 where the amount of NOx ΣNOx absorbed in theNOx absorbent 67 is calculated. Specifically, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the amount of NOx dNOx adsorbed in the NOx absorbent 67 per unit time is calculated using the map shown inFIG. 6 , and is then added to the absorbed NOx amount ΣNOx. In thefollowing step 101, it is determined whether the absorbed NOx amount ΣNOx exceeds the allowable amount MAX. When the amount is ΣNOx≦MAX, the processing cycle is ended. In contrast, when the amount is ΣNOx>MAX, the routine proceeds to step 102 where the predetermined temperature TcS is calculated using the map shown inFIG. 8 . In thefollowing step 103, it is determined whether the temperature Tc of theNOx absorbent 67 is lower than the predetermined temperature TcS. When the amount is Tc<TcS, the routine proceeds to step 104, where the lean time tL is calculated using the map shown inFIG. 9D . In thefollowing step 105, thefuel supply valve 28 supplies fuel to maintain the air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas AFEG at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness AFLL for the lean time tL. Then, the routine proceeds to step 106. In contrast, when the amount is Tc≧TcS, the routine jumps fromstep 103 to step 106. Instep 106, thefuel supply valve 28 supplies fuel to maintain the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas AFEG at the rich air-fuel ratio AFR for the rich time tR. In thefollowing step 107, the absorbed NOx amount ΣNOx is returned to zero.
Claims (8)
1. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passage, combustion being carried out under a basic lean air-fuel ratio, comprising:
a NOx absorbent arranged in the exhaust passage, the NOx absorbent absorbing NOx contained in exhaust gas therein when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is lean and releasing absorbed NOx therefrom when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is switched to rich; and
control means for controlling the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent,
wherein, when NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is first switched from the basic lean air-fuel ratio to and maintained at a lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for a predetermined lean time, and is then switched to a rich air-fuel ratio.
2. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is returned to and maintained at the basic lean air-fuel ratio until the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent once more.
3. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , further comprising means for obtaining a temperature of the NOx absorbent, wherein, if the temperature of the NOx absorbent is lower than a predetermined temperature when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is first switched from the basic lean air-fuel ratio to and maintained at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for the predetermined lean time, and is then switched to the rich air-fuel ratio, if the temperature of the NOx absorbent is higher than the predetermined temperature when the NOx must be released from the NOx absorbent, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent is switched to the rich air-fuel ratio without being switched to the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness.
4. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 3 , further comprising means for obtaining a degree of deterioration of the NOx absorbent, wherein the predetermined temperature when the degree of deterioration of the NOx absorbent is high is set higher than that when the degree of deterioration is low.
5. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , further comprising means for obtaining a temperature of the NOx absorbent, wherein the lean time is set in accordance with the obtained temperature of the NOx absorbent.
6. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , further comprising means for obtaining an amount of the exhaust gas flowing through the NOx absorbent, wherein the lean time is set in accordance with the amount obtained in the exhaust gas.
7. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , further comprising means for obtaining a degree of deterioration of the NOx absorbent, wherein the lean time is set in accordance with the obtained degree of deterioration.
8. An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the lean time is set to make the temperature of the NOx absorbent or the increment thereof, obtained by maintaining the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas inflowing the NOx absorbent at the lean air-fuel ratio with a lower leanness for the lean time, equal to a target value.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2006-123785 | 2006-04-27 | ||
JP2006123785A JP2007297918A (en) | 2006-04-27 | 2006-04-27 | Exhaust emission control device for internal combustion engine |
PCT/JP2007/059435 WO2007126140A1 (en) | 2006-04-27 | 2007-04-26 | Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine |
Publications (1)
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US20090049825A1 true US20090049825A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
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US12/224,997 Abandoned US20090049825A1 (en) | 2006-04-27 | 2007-04-26 | Exhaust Gas Purification Device For Internal Combustion Engine |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20090049825A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2013455A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007297918A (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP2007297918A (en) | 2007-11-15 |
EP2013455A1 (en) | 2009-01-14 |
WO2007126140A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
CN101427010A (en) | 2009-05-06 |
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