EP2721263B1 - Abgasentgiftungsvorrichtung für einen verbrennungsmotor - Google Patents

Abgasentgiftungsvorrichtung für einen verbrennungsmotor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2721263B1
EP2721263B1 EP12733217.9A EP12733217A EP2721263B1 EP 2721263 B1 EP2721263 B1 EP 2721263B1 EP 12733217 A EP12733217 A EP 12733217A EP 2721263 B1 EP2721263 B1 EP 2721263B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
amount
exhaust gas
clogging
increases
gas control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP12733217.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2721263A1 (de
Inventor
Yoshiyasu Ito
Shinichiro Yoshitaki
Shinichi Kusakabe
Tadashi Toyota
Masaaki Okamura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toyota Industries Corp
Toyota Motor Corp
Original Assignee
Toyota Industries Corp
Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toyota Industries Corp, Toyota Motor Corp filed Critical Toyota Industries Corp
Publication of EP2721263A1 publication Critical patent/EP2721263A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2721263B1 publication Critical patent/EP2721263B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
    • F01N3/103—Oxidation catalysts for HC and CO only
    • 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
    • F01N3/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust
    • F01N3/021—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters
    • F01N3/023—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters using means for regenerating the filters, e.g. by burning trapped particles
    • F01N3/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters using means for regenerating the filters, e.g. by burning trapped particles using fuel burner or by adding fuel to exhaust
    • 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
    • F01N3/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust
    • F01N3/021—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters
    • F01N3/033—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters in combination with other devices
    • F01N3/035—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for cooling, or for removing solid constituents of, exhaust by means of filters in combination with other devices with catalytic reactors, e.g. catalysed diesel particulate filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M26/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems
    • F02M26/02—EGR systems specially adapted for supercharged engines
    • F02M26/04—EGR systems specially adapted for supercharged engines with a single turbocharger
    • F02M26/05—High pressure loops, i.e. wherein recirculated exhaust gas is taken out from the exhaust system upstream of the turbine and reintroduced into the intake system downstream of the compressor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M26/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems
    • F02M26/13—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories
    • F02M26/14—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories in relation to the exhaust system
    • F02M26/15—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories in relation to the exhaust system in relation to engine exhaust purifying apparatus
    • 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
    • F02B29/00—Engines characterised by provision for charging or scavenging not provided for in groups F02B25/00, F02B27/00 or F02B33/00 - F02B39/00; Details thereof
    • F02B29/04—Cooling of air intake supply
    • F02B29/0406—Layout of the intake air cooling or coolant circuit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M26/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR] systems
    • F02M26/13—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories
    • F02M26/22—Arrangement or layout of EGR passages, e.g. in relation to specific engine parts or for incorporation of accessories with coolers in the recirculation passage
    • F02M26/23—Layout, e.g. schematics

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine.
  • an exhaust system of some internal combustion engines is provided with an exhaust gas control member such as a filter, which collects particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas.
  • this exhaust gas control member is supplied with an addition agent with a view to, for example, recovering the function of exhaust gas control.
  • JP 2007-23792 A JP 2007-23792 A
  • the collected PM is deposited in the filter, the pressure loss in the filter increases. Therefore, the collected PM is burned out by supplying the filter with fuel as an addition agent, so that the filter is recovered.
  • the addition agent supplied to the exhaust gas control member is basically gasified and burned out through combustion, an oxidation reaction or the like in the exhaust gas control member.
  • the addition agent that has adhered to the front end face serves as a binder to adsorb the PM and the like.
  • the front end face of the exhaust gas control member may be clogged with the PM.
  • This invention provides an exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that suitably reduces the clogging of a front end face of an exhaust gas control member with PM.
  • One aspect of the invention relates to an exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that includes an exhaust gas control member that is provided in an exhaust passage, an addition agent supply mechanism that supplies an addition agent to the exhaust gas control member, an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism that recirculates exhaust gas to an intake passage, and a control unit that controls a recirculation amount of exhaust gas recirculated by the exhaust gas recirculation mechanism on the basis of an engine operation state.
  • the control unit reduces the recirculation amount to a value that is smaller than when the clogging amount has not exceeded the threshold.
  • the clogging of the front end face of the exhaust gas control member can also be reduced by raising the temperature of exhaust gas.
  • the temperature of exhaust gas cannot always be thus raised.
  • the load of the engine namely, when the temperature of exhaust gas is relatively low, it is difficult to raise the temperature of exhaust gas.
  • the flow rate of exhaust gas is increased, and this processing can be performed even when, for example, the load of the engine is low. In consequence, according to this configuration, the number of opportunities to perform the processing of reducing the clogging can be increased.
  • the amount of exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas control member is increased by reducing the recirculation amount of exhaust gas. Therefore, the clogging of the front end face can be reduced without separately providing a mechanism that serves solely to increase the flow rate of exhaust gas.
  • control unit may calculate the clogging amount by obtaining a difference between an amount of increase in the clogging amount that is calculated on the basis of an engine rotational speed and a fuel injection amount, and an amount of decrease in the clogging amount that is calculated on the basis of an intake air amount.
  • the PM with which the front end face of the exhaust gas control member is clogged originates from fuel for the engine. Basically, the clogging amount at the front end face increases as the fuel injection amount increases. Further, as the engine rotational speed increases, the amount of exhaust gas discharged per unit time increases, and the discharge amount of PM increases. Therefore, basically, the clogging amount at the front end face increases as the engine rotational speed increases. On the other hand, as the intake air amount increases, the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage increases, and hence, the likelihood of PM being blown away from the front end face increases. Accordingly, the clogging amount at the front end face decreases as the intake air amount increases.
  • the amount of increase in the clogging amount is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed and the fuel injection amount
  • the amount of decrease in the clogging amount is calculated on the basis of the intake air amount
  • the amount of clogging of the front end face with the PM is calculated by obtaining a difference between this increase amount and this decrease amount.
  • the clogging amount at the front end face can be suitably estimated.
  • control unit may increase the amount of increase in the clogging amount as an atmospheric pressure decreases.
  • the likelihood of soot, which is one component constituting the PM, being discharged from the engine increases as the atmospheric pressure decreases and as the oxygen density decreases.
  • the calculated amount of increase in the clogging amount is increased as the atmospheric pressure decreases:
  • the influence of the atmospheric pressure on the amount of increase in the clogging amount can be suitably corrected.
  • control unit may increase the amount of decrease in the clogging amount as the temperature of the front end face of the exhaust gas control member rises.
  • the PM that has adhered to the front end face is urged to be oxidized and burned out, and the amount of the PM decreases, as the temperature of the front end face of the exhaust gas control member rises.
  • the calculated amount of decrease in the clogging amount is increased as the temperature of the front end face of the exhaust gas control member rises.
  • the influence of the temperature of the front end face of the exhaust gas control member on the amount of decrease in the clogging amount can be suitably corrected.
  • control unit may increase an amount of decrease in the recirculation amount as the engine rotational speed decreases.
  • the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine decreases as the engine rotational speed decreases. Therefore, the effect of reducing the clogging of the front end face by exhaust gas weakens.
  • the amount of decrease in the exhaust gas recirculation amount is increased, so that the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas control member increases. Therefore, according to this configuration, the clogging of the front end face can be suitably reduced regardless of the engine rotational speed.
  • control unit may increase an amount of decrease in the recirculation amount as the clogging amount increases.
  • the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas control member is increased as the clogging amount increases and as the amount of the PM that needs to be blown away increases. Accordingly, the amount of decrease in the recirculation amount can be appropriately set in accordance with the clogging amount.
  • an exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to this invention is embodied as an exhaust gas control apparatus for a diesel engine
  • an engine 1 is provided with a plurality of cylinders #1 to #4.
  • a cylinder head 2 is provided with a plurality of fuel injection valves 4a to 4d. These fuel injection valves 4a to 4d inject fuel into combustion chambers of the cylinders #1 to #4 respectively.
  • intake ports for introducing outside air into the cylinders and exhaust ports 6a to 6d for discharging combustion gas to the outside of the cylinders are provided corresponding to the cylinders #1 to #4 respectively.
  • the fuel injection valves 4a to 4d are connected to a common rail 9 in which high-pressure fuel is accumulated.
  • the common rail 9 is connected to a supply pump 10.
  • the supply pump 10 sucks in fuel in a fuel tank, and supplies high-pressure fuel to the common rail 9.
  • the high-pressure fuel supplied to the common rail 9 is injected from the fuel injection valves 4a to 4d into the cylinders respectively, when the fuel injection valves 4a to 4d are opened.
  • An intake manifold 7 is connected to the intake ports.
  • the intake manifold 7 is connected to an intake passage 3.
  • An intake throttle valve 16 for adjusting the amount of intake air is provided in this intake passage 3.
  • An exhaust manifold 8 is connected to the exhaust ports 6a to 6d.
  • the exhaust manifold 8 is connected to an exhaust passage 26.
  • a catalyst device 30 that purifies exhaust gas components is provided in the exhaust passage 26.
  • An oxidation catalyst 31 and a filter 32 are disposed inside this catalyst device 30 in series with a direction in which exhaust gas flows.
  • a catalyst that subjects HC in exhaust gas to an oxidation treatment is supported on the oxidation catalyst 31.
  • the filter 32 is a member that collects a particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas, and is constituted by a porous ceramic. The PM in exhaust gas is collected when passing through a porous wall.
  • the cylinder head 2 is provided with a fuel addition valve 5 to supply the oxidation catalyst 31 and the filter 32 with fuel as an addition agent.
  • This fuel addition valve 5 is connected to the supply pump 10 via a fuel supply pipe 27, and fuel is injected from the fuel addition valve 5 toward the interior of the exhaust port 6d of the fourth cylinder #4. This injected fuel reaches the oxidation catalyst 31 and the filter 32 together with exhaust gas.
  • the position at which the fuel addition valve 5 is disposed can also be appropriately changed as long as the fuel addition valve 5 is located upstream of the catalyst device 30 in an exhaust system.
  • the fuel addition valve 5, the fuel supply pipe 27, and the supply pump 10 constitute the aforementioned addition agent supply mechanism.
  • an EGR device is a device that introduces part of exhaust gas into intake air to lower the combustion temperature in the cylinders and hence reduce the generation amount of NOx.
  • This device includes an EGR passage 13 through which the intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 26 communicate with each other, an EGR valve 15 that is provided in the EGR passage 13, an EGR cooler 14, and the like. By adjusting the opening degree of the EGR valve 15, the EGR valve 15 adjusts the recirculation amount of exhaust gas introduced from the exhaust passage 26 into the intake passage 3, namely, an EGR amount EK.
  • the EGR cooler 14 lowers the temperature of exhaust gas flowing in the EGR passage 13.
  • the EGR valve 15 is provided with an EGR valve opening degree sensor 22.
  • An opening degree of the EGR valve 15, namely, an EGR valve opening degree EA is detected by this EGR valve opening degree sensor 22.
  • the opening degree of the EGR valve 15 is so controlled as to become equal to an opening degree corresponding to an EGR rate that is set on the basis of an engine operation state. It should be noted that as the EGR rate increases, the opening degree of the EGR valve 15 is increased, and hence the EGR amount EK is increased.
  • the EGR rate is a value that is obtained according to an expression: "amount of recirculated exhaust gas flowing into cylinders / (amount of fresh air flowing into cylinders + amount of recirculated exhaust gas flowing into cylinders)".
  • the engine 1 is equipped with a turbocharger 11 that supercharges intake air introduced into the cylinders with the aid of an exhaust gas pressure.
  • An intercooler 18 is provided in the intake passage 3 at a position between an intake-side turbine and the intake throttle valve 16, to lower the temperature of intake air whose temperature rises through the supercharging by this turbocharger 11.
  • the engine 1 is provided with various sensors for detecting an engine operation state.
  • an airflow meter 19 detects an intake air amount GA in the intake passage 3.
  • a throttle valve sensor 20 detects a throttle valve opening degree TA as an opening degree of the intake throttle valve 16.
  • a first temperature sensor 33 which is provided downstream of the oxidation catalyst 31 with respect to the flow of exhaust gas, measures a first exhaust gas temperature Thi as a temperature of exhaust gas that has just flowed through the oxidation catalyst 31.
  • a second temperature sensor 34 is provided downstream of the filter 32 with respect to the flow of exhaust gas, and the filter 32 is provided downstream of the oxidation catalyst 31 with respect to the flow of exhaust gas.
  • the second temperature sensor 34 detects a second exhaust gas temperature Tho as a temperature of exhaust gas that has just flowed through the filter 32.
  • An engine rotational speed sensor 23 detects a rotational speed of a crankshaft, namely, an engine rotational speed NE.
  • An accelerator sensor 24 detects a depression amount of an accelerator pedal, namely, an accelerator operation amount ACCP.
  • An air-fuel ratio sensor 21 detects an air-fuel ratio ⁇ of exhaust gas.
  • This control device 25 is mainly constituted by a microcomputer that includes a central processing unit (a CPU), a read only memory (a ROM) in which various programs, maps and the like are stored in advance, a random access memory (a RAM) that temporarily stores a calculation result of the CPU or the like, a timer counter, an input interface, an output interface, and the like.
  • a CPU central processing unit
  • a ROM read only memory
  • a RAM random access memory
  • this control device 25 performs various kinds of control of the engine 1, for example, fuel injection amount control and fuel injection timing control for the fuel injection valves 4a to 4d, discharge pressure control for the supply pump 10, drive amount control for an actuator 17 that opens/closes the intake throttle valve 16, opening degree control for the EGR valve 15, injection control for the fuel addition valve 5, and the like. It should be noted that this control device 25 constitutes the aforementioned control unit that controls the recirculation amount of exhaust gas recirculated by the exhaust gas recirculation mechanism on the basis of the engine operation state. Further, various kinds of exhaust gas control, such as a recovery processing for a filter that causes the PM collected by the aforementioned filter 32 to burn, and the like, are also performed by the control device. 25.
  • a PM deposition amount of the filter 32 is estimated on the basis of an engine operation state or the like. Then, when the estimated PM deposition amount exceeds a predetermined value, fuel as an addition agent is injected from the fuel addition valve 5. This injected fuel is oxidized by the oxidation catalyst 31, and exhaust gas is heated up by this oxidation heat. When the exhaust gas heated up by the oxidation catalyst 31 flows into the filter 32, the temperature of the filter 32 is urged to rise and then reaches a temperature that allows the recovery relating to PM. Thus, the PM collected by the filter 32 is oxidized or burned, and the amount of the PM decreases. When the amount of the PM collected by the filter 32 decreases through this heat-up processing and the PM deposition amount decreases to a predetermined value, the addition of fuel from the fuel addition valve 5 is ended, and the recovery processing for the filter 32 ends.
  • the addition agent injected from the fuel addition valve 5 is oxidized while passing through the oxidation catalyst 31. Accordingly, the temperature of a front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 is relatively low. Thus, part of the addition agent may directly adhere to the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31, which is at a relatively low temperature, instead of being burnt out through combustion, an oxidation reaction or the like. When the addition agent thus adheres to the front end face, this addition agent serves as a binder to adsorb PM and the like, and the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 may be clogged with PM.
  • the area of the oxidation catalyst 31, through which the addition agent passes decreases. Therefore, the amount of the addition agent oxidized by the oxidation catalyst 31 decreases. As a result, the amount of the addition agent, which directly passes through the oxidation catalyst 31 without being oxidized, increases. When the amount of the addition agent, which passes through the oxidation catalyst 31 instead of being oxidized, thus increases, the exhaust gas flowing into the filter 32 is insufficiently heated up, and the recovery processing for the filter 32 is suspended.
  • FIG. 2 shows a procedure of the processing of calculating a clogging amount M at the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31. This processing is repeatedly performed by the control device 25 on a predetermined cycle.
  • a basic clogging amount Mb as a basic value of the clogging amount M is first calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE, a fuel injection amount Q, and an atmospheric pressure P (S100).
  • the basic clogging amount Mb is calculated to increase as the engine rotational speed NE increases or as the fuel injection amount Q increases.
  • the basic clogging amount Mb is calculated to increase as the atmospheric pressure P decreases even if the engine rotational speed NE and the fuel injection amount Q remain unchanged.
  • an air amount correction coefficient Ka is calculated on the basis of an air amount ratio GAH (S110).
  • This air amount ratio GAH is a value that is obtained as "an intake air amount GA / a target air amount GAp". That is, the air amount ratio GAH is a value indicating a ratio of the current intake air amount GA to the target air amount GAp that is set on the basis of an engine operation state. Accordingly, when the intake air amount GA and the target air amount GAp coincide with each other as during a steady state of the engine or the like, the air amount ratio GAH is "1". Further, when the intake air amount GA is smaller than the target air amount GAp as during a transient state of the engine or the like, the air amount ratio GAH is a value smaller than "1". Besides, as shown in FIG. 5 , the air amount correction coefficient Ka is set to increase as the air amount ratio GAH decreases, namely, as the amount of the insufficiency of the intake air amount GA with respect to the target air amount GAp increases.
  • the basic clogging amount Mb is multiplied by the air amount correction coefficient Ka to calculate a clogging increase amount Mi (S120).
  • This clogging increase amount Mi is calculated as an amount by which the clogging amount M has increased during a period between the last performance cycle of the processing and the current performance cycle of the processing.
  • a clogging decrease amount Md is calculated on the basis of the intake air amount GA and the front end face temperature Thm (S130).
  • the front end face temperature Thm is a temperature of the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31, and is estimated from the first exhaust gas temperature Thi detected by the first temperature sensor 33. It should be noted that a temperature sensor may be provided in the vicinity of the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 to directly measure the front end face temperature Thm.
  • the clogging decrease amount Md is calculated as an amount by which the clogging amount M has decreased during a period between the last performance cycle of the processing and the current performance cycle of the processing. Besides, as shown in FIG. 6 , the clogging decrease amount Md is calculated to increase as the intake air amount GA increases or as the front end face temperature Thm rises..
  • the clogging amount M in the current performance cycle of the processing is calculated (S140), and the processing is ended.
  • the clogging amount M in the current performance cycle of the processing is calculated by adding the clogging increase amount Mi calculated in the aforementioned step S120 to the clogging amount M calculated in the last performance cycle of the processing and subtracting the clogging decrease amount Md calculated in the aforementioned step S 130 from the clogging amount M calculated in the last performance cycle of the processing.
  • this reduction processing is also repeatedly performed on a predetermined cycle by the control device 25.
  • the processing is started, it is first determined whether or not the clogging amount M obtained in the foregoing calculation processing has exceeded a threshold ⁇ (S200).
  • This threshold ⁇ is a value used for determining whether or not the current clogging amount M is such a value as to cause an inconvenience as described above. Then, when the clogging amount M is equal to or smaller than the threshold ⁇ (S200: NO), the processing is ended.
  • a basic EGR rate Eb is set on the basis of an engine operation state (e.g., an engine rotational speed and an engine load).
  • a target EGR rate Ep is set on the basis of this basic EGR rate Eb, so that the opening degree of the EGR valve 15 is controlled. It should be noted that the basic EGR rate Eb is set to decrease as the engine operation state shifts toward a high-load high-rotational speed operation state.
  • step S210 the processing starting from step S210 is performed to reduce such clogging.
  • step S210 an EGR decrease value Ed is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is set to reduce as the engine rotational speed NE increases.
  • a clogging correction coefficient Kc is calculated on the basis of the clogging amount M (S220).
  • the clogging correction coefficient Kc is increased toward "1" as the clogging amount M increases, until the clogging amount M reaches a predetermined amount M1. Then, the clogging correction coefficient Kc is fixed to "1" after the clogging amount M has reached the predetermined amount M1.
  • an EGR correction value H is calculated (S230).
  • the EGR correction value H is calculated by multiplying the EGR decrease value Ed calculated in the aforementioned step S210 by the clogging correction coefficient Kc calculated in the aforementioned step S220. Accordingly, the EGR correction value H is set to reduce as the engine rotational speed NE increases. Further, the EGR correction value H is set to increase as the clogging amount M increases, until the clogging amount M reaches the aforementioned predetermined amount M1. Then, the EGR decrease value Ed is directly set as the EGR correction value H after the clogging amount M has reached the aforementioned predetermined amount M1.
  • the target EGR rate Ep is calculated on the basis of the aforementioned basic EGR rate Eb and the aforementioned EGR correction value H (S240).
  • a value obtained by subtracting the EGR correction value H from the basic EGR rate Eb is set as the target EGR rate Ep. Accordingly, as the EGR correction value H increases, the target EGR rate Ep decreases, and the EGR amount EK decreases. When the EGR amount EK thus decreases, the amount of exhaust gas returned to the intake passage decreases, and hence, the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the oxidation catalyst 31 increases.
  • step S200 of FIG. 7 When it is determined in step S200 of FIG. 7 that the clogging amount M has not exceeded the threshold ⁇ , the target EGR rate Ep corresponding to the basic EGR rate Eb is set. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S200 that the clogging amount M has become larger than the threshold ⁇ , a value obtained by subtracting the EGR correction value H from the basic EGR rate Eb is set as the target EGR rate Ep in step S240. Accordingly, when the clogging amount M has exceeded the threshold ⁇ , the target EGR rate Ep is reduced to a value that is smaller than when the clogging amount M has not exceeded the threshold ⁇ .
  • the clogging of the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 can also be reduced by raising the temperature of exhaust gas.
  • the temperature of exhaust gas cannot always be thus raised.
  • the load of the engine namely, when the temperature of exhaust gas is relatively low, it is difficult to raise the temperature of exhaust gas, and hence, the number of opportunities to perform the processing of reducing the clogging of the front end face is limited to a certain extent.
  • the flow rate of exhaust gas is increased, and the processing as described above can be performed even when, for example, the load of the engine is low. Accordingly, the number of opportunities to perform the processing of reducing the clogging of the front end face can be increased.
  • the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the oxidation catalyst 31 is increased by reducing the EGR amount EK.
  • EGR amount EK the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the oxidation catalyst 31
  • the clogging of the front end face can be reduced without separately providing a mechanism that serves solely to increase the flow rate of exhaust gas.
  • the PM with which the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 is clogged originates from fuel for the engine.
  • the clogging amount at the front end face i.e., the amount of clogging of the front end face
  • the engine rotational speed NE increases, the amount of exhaust gas discharged per unit time increases, and the discharge amount of PM increases as well. Therefore, basically, the clogging amount at the front end face increases as the engine rotational speed increases. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the invention, as the engine rotational speed NE increases or as the fuel injection amount Q increases, the basic clogging amount Mb is increased to increase the clogging increase amount Mi.
  • the clogging increase amount Mi is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE and the fuel injection amount Q
  • the clogging decrease amount Md is calculated on the basis of the intake air amount GA
  • the amount M of clogging of the front end face with PM is calculated by obtaining a difference between this clogging increase amount Mi and this clogging decrease amount Md. Accordingly, the clogging amount M at the front end face can be suitably estimated.
  • soot which is one component constituting the PM
  • the likelihood of soot, which is one component constituting the PM, being discharged from the engine increases as the atmospheric pressure decreases and as the oxygen density decreases.
  • the basic clogging amount Mb is increased to increase the clogging increase amount Mi.
  • the influence of the atmospheric pressure P on the clogging increase amount Mi can be appropriately corrected.
  • the likelihood of soot being generated, and the likelihood of the clogging amount M increasing increase as the aforementioned air amount ratio GAH decreases, namely, as the amount of the insufficiency of the intake air amount GA with respect to the target air amount GAp increases.
  • the air amount ratio GAH i.e., the ratio of the intake air amount GA to the target air amount GAp
  • the air amount correction coefficient Ka is increased to increase the clogging increase amount Mi calculated in step S120. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the accuracy in estimating the clogging increase amount Mi at the time when the engine is in a transient state in which the intake air amount GA is likely to be insufficient with respect to the target air amount GAp.
  • the calculated clogging decrease amount Md is increased as the front end face temperature Thm of the oxidation catalyst 31 rises.
  • the influence of the front end face temperature Thm on the clogging decrease amount Md can be appropriately corrected.
  • the engine rotational speed NE decreases, the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the engine 1 decreases, and hence, the effect of reducing the clogging of the front end face by exhaust gas weakens.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is increased to increase the amount of decrease in the exhaust gas recirculation amount, so that the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the oxidation catalyst 31 increases. Therefore, the clogging of the front end face can be appropriately reduced regardless of the engine rotational speed NE.
  • the clogging correction coefficient Kc is increased to make the EGR correction value H larger, so that the target EGR rate Ep decreases to make the EGR amount EK smaller. That is, the amount of decrease in the exhaust gas recirculation amount (the EGR amount EK) is increased as the clogging amount M increases. Accordingly, the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the oxidation catalyst 31 is increased as the clogging amount M increases and as the amount of the PM that needs to be blown away increases. In this manner, the amount of decrease in the exhaust gas recirculation amount can be appropriately set in accordance with the clogging amount M.
  • the clogging of the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 with PM can be suitably reduced. Further, the number of opportunities to perform the processing of reducing the clogging can be increased as well. Besides, the clogging of the front end face of the oxidation catalyst 31 can be reduced without separately providing a mechanism that serves solely to increase the flow rate of exhaust gas.
  • the clogging amount M is calculated by obtaining a difference between the clogging increase amount Mi that is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE and the fuel injection amount Q, and the clogging decrease amount Md that is calculated on the basis of the intake air amount GA.
  • the clogging amount M at the front end face can be suitably estimated.
  • the clogging increase amount Mi is increased as the atmospheric pressure P decreases.
  • the influence of the atmospheric pressure P on the amount of increase in the clogging amount M can be suitably corrected.
  • the clogging decrease amount Md is increased as the front end face temperature Thm of the oxidation catalyst 31 rises.
  • the influence of the front end face temperature Thm of the oxidation catalyst 31 on the amount of decrease in the clogging amount M can be suitably corrected.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is increased as the engine rotational speed NE decreases.
  • the clogging of the front end face can be suitably reduced regardless of the engine rotational speed NE.
  • (6) By increasing the clogging correction coefficient Kc as the clogging amount M increases, the amount of decrease in the EGR amount EK is increased as the clogging amount M increases. Accordingly, the amount of decrease in the EGR amount EK can be appropriately set in accordance with the clogging amount M.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE.
  • the EGR amount EK is often increased when the fuel injection amount is small, namely, when the engine load is low.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed by which the EGR amount EK is reduced can be increased as the engine load decreases.
  • the engine load may be used, in addition to the engine rotational speed NE.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is set to increase as the engine load decreases (e.g., as the fuel injection amount Q decreases).
  • a larger amount of exhaust gas can be introduced into the oxidation catalyst 31 than in the case where the EGR decrease value Ed is calculated on the basis of only the engine rotational speed NE.
  • the clogging amount M may be obtained in another manner. For example, a pressure difference between a region upstream of the oxidation catalyst 31 with respect to the flow of exhaust gas and a region downstream of the oxidation catalyst 31 with respect to the flow of exhaust gas may be measured, and the clogging amount may be estimated to increase as this pressure difference increases.
  • the clogging increase amount Mi is obtained from the engine rotational speed NE, the fuel injection amount Q, and the atmospheric pressure P. However, the atmospheric pressure P may be omitted, and the clogging increase amount Mi may be obtained from the engine rotational speed NE and the fuel injection amount Q.
  • the clogging decrease amount Md is obtained on the basis of the intake air amount GA and the front end face temperature Thm. However, the front end face temperature Thm may be omitted, and the clogging decrease amount Md may be obtained only from the intake air amount GA.
  • the EGR decrease value Ed is variably set on the basis of the engine rotational speed NE. However, the EGR decrease value Ed may be appropriately set to a constant value.
  • the value of the clogging correction coefficient Kc is fixed after the clogging amount M has exceeded the predetermined amount M1. However, the clogging correction coefficient Kc may be increased as the clogging amount M increases.
  • the calculation of the clogging correction coefficient Kc may be omitted.
  • the calculation of the air amount correction coefficient Ka may be omitted.
  • Fuel for heating up the filter 32 is supplied from the fuel addition valve 5.
  • the filter 32 may be heated up by carrying out post injection (fuel injection that is carried out again at a timing later than a timing when main injection is carried out) by the fuel injection valves 4a to 4d. Further, the supply of fuel by the fuel addition valve 5 and the supply of fuel through post injection may be realized in a compatible manner.
  • the aforementioned addition agent is fuel for the engine 1.
  • any addition agent may be used as long as a similar effect can be obtained.
  • the number of catalysts or filters disposed in the catalyst device 30 can be arbitrarily set. For example, even in the case where only the filter 32 is provided, the front end face thereof may be clogged due to the addition of the addition agent. However, through the application of the invention, even in the case where only the filter 32 is provided, the clogging of the front end face thereof can be reduced.
  • An NOx control catalyst may be provided instead of the oxidation catalyst 31.
  • the aforementioned engine 1 is an inline four-cylinder internal combustion engine. However, the invention is also applicable in the same manner to an exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that includes one, two, three, five or more cylinders or includes cylinders arranged in a different manner.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Processes For Solid Components From Exhaust (AREA)
  • Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
  • Exhaust Gas Treatment By Means Of Catalyst (AREA)
  • Exhaust Gas After Treatment (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung für eine Brennkraftmaschine, gekennzeichnet durch
    ein Abgassteuerungselement (31), das in einem Abgaskanal (26) vorgesehen ist;
    einen Additivzuführmechanismus (5), der dem Abgassteuerungselement (31) ein Additiv zuführt;
    einen Abgasrückführmechanismus, der ein Abgas in einen Einlasskanal (3) zurückführt; und
    eine Steuerungseinheit (25), die eine Rückführmenge eines durch den Abgasrückführmechanismus auf einer Basis eines Maschinenbetriebszustands zurückgeführten Abgases steuert, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    wenn eine Verstopfungsmenge an einer Frontstirnfläche des Abgassteuerungselements (31) einen vorgegebenen Grenzwert überschreitet, die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Rückführmenge auf einen Wert verringert, der niedriger ist als wenn die Verstopfungsmenge den Grenzwert nicht überschritten hat.
  2. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Verstopfungsmenge berechnet, indem sie eine Differenz zwischen einer Zunahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge, die auf einer Basis einer Maschinendrehzahl und einer Kraftstoffeinspritzmenge berechnet ist, sowie einer Abnahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge erlangt, die auf einer Basis einer Lufteinlassmenge berechnet ist.
  3. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Zunahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge mit steigender Maschinendrehzahl oder mit steigender Kraftstoffeinspritzmenge erhöht.
  4. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 oder 3, wobei die Steuerungseinheit die Abnahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge mit zunehmender Lufteinlassmenge erhöht.
  5. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Zunahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge mit abnehmendem Umgebungsdruck erhöht.
  6. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 5, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Zunahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge mit abnehmendem Verhältnis von einer Lufteinlassmenge zu einer Sollluftmenge erhöht.
  7. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) die Abnahmemenge der Verstopfungsmenge mit steigender Temperatur der Frontstirnfläche des Abgassteuerungselements (31) erhöht.
  8. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) eine Abnahmemenge der Rückführmenge mit steigender Maschinendrehzahl verringert.
  9. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei die Steuerungseinheit (25) eine Abnahmemenge der Rückführmenge mit steigender Verstopfungsmenge erhöht.
  10. Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die Steuerungsvorrichtung (25) die Abnahmemenge der Rückführmenge mit sinkender Maschinenlast erhöht.
EP12733217.9A 2011-06-17 2012-06-15 Abgasentgiftungsvorrichtung für einen verbrennungsmotor Not-in-force EP2721263B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011135388A JP5815296B2 (ja) 2011-06-17 2011-06-17 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
PCT/IB2012/001285 WO2012172423A1 (en) 2011-06-17 2012-06-15 Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2721263A1 EP2721263A1 (de) 2014-04-23
EP2721263B1 true EP2721263B1 (de) 2016-03-30

Family

ID=46466602

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12733217.9A Not-in-force EP2721263B1 (de) 2011-06-17 2012-06-15 Abgasentgiftungsvorrichtung für einen verbrennungsmotor

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2721263B1 (de)
JP (1) JP5815296B2 (de)
AU (1) AU2012270014B2 (de)
WO (1) WO2012172423A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6881222B2 (ja) * 2017-10-19 2021-06-02 トヨタ自動車株式会社 内燃機関の制御装置

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4254630B2 (ja) * 2004-06-24 2009-04-15 トヨタ自動車株式会社 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
JP2006161718A (ja) * 2004-12-08 2006-06-22 Toyota Motor Corp 内燃機関の排気浄化システム
JP4821112B2 (ja) * 2004-12-22 2011-11-24 日産自動車株式会社 希薄燃焼内燃機関の制御装置
JP2007023792A (ja) 2005-07-12 2007-02-01 Toyota Industries Corp 排気浄化装置
JP4857915B2 (ja) * 2006-06-02 2012-01-18 マツダ株式会社 ディーゼルエンジンの制御装置
JP2009013809A (ja) * 2007-07-02 2009-01-22 Hino Motors Ltd 排気浄化装置
JP2009287515A (ja) * 2008-05-30 2009-12-10 Toyota Motor Corp 内燃機関の制御装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2013002388A (ja) 2013-01-07
WO2012172423A1 (en) 2012-12-20
AU2012270014A1 (en) 2014-01-16
JP5815296B2 (ja) 2015-11-17
AU2012270014B2 (en) 2015-07-23
EP2721263A1 (de) 2014-04-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2217796B1 (de) Dosierventilsteuerverfahren und dosierventilsteuerung
JP4111094B2 (ja) 排気後処理装置付過給エンジンの制御装置および制御方法
JP5168089B2 (ja) 触媒の診断装置
JP2006316744A (ja) 内燃機関の排気処理装置
JP5834906B2 (ja) 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
JP2006242098A (ja) 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
US8387364B2 (en) Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
JP2011001893A (ja) 排気浄化システム
US11536209B2 (en) Control device, engine, and control method of engine
JP2012197681A (ja) エンジン装置の排気ガス再循環システム
JP2008144726A (ja) 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
EP2721263B1 (de) Abgasentgiftungsvorrichtung für einen verbrennungsmotor
EP3055524B1 (de) Abgassteuerungsvorrichtung für eine brennkraftmaschine und entsprechendes steuerungsverfahren
JP5325025B2 (ja) エンジンの制御装置
JP2019183816A (ja) 排気処理システム
JP2008121518A (ja) 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
JP2011179425A (ja) 内燃機関の排気還流装置
AU2014333505A1 (en) Exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine and corresponding control method
JP5136465B2 (ja) 内燃機関の排気浄化装置
EP2541005B1 (de) Regelvorrichtung für ein Abgasrückführsystem für einen Verbrennungsmotor und Regelverfahren dafür
JP6049497B2 (ja) ディーゼルエンジンの制御装置及び制御方法
CN111566321B (zh) 汽油发动机的排气净化方法及排气净化装置
JP6962262B2 (ja) 排気処理システム
JP4106939B2 (ja) 多気筒内燃機関の排気浄化装置
JP6426064B2 (ja) エンジン

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20131216

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20150107

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150916

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Owner name: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F01N 3/025 20060101AFI20160129BHEP

Ipc: F01N 3/10 20060101ALI20160129BHEP

Ipc: F01N 3/20 20060101ALI20160129BHEP

Ipc: F02M 26/00 20160101ALI20160129BHEP

Ipc: F01N 3/035 20060101ALI20160129BHEP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 785656

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012016295

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160630

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20160330

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 785656

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160730

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160801

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012016295

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R084

Ref document number: 602012016295

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 746

Effective date: 20170317

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120615

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160615

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20180614

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180605

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180511

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20180612

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160330

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180625

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180613

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602012016295

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190615

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200101

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190615

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190615

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190630

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190630