JPH0196415A - Particulate filter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the regenerating mechanism for filter by forming the filter with a conductor having a specific resistance. CONSTITUTION:A ceramic filter 21 is formed of a conductor having a specific resistance such as silicon carbide (SiC). Electrodes 29, 30 are fixed to the opposite ends of a filter 21 and a battery 31 is connected to an inlet side electrode 29. When the filter 21 is regenerated, power is fed through the electrodes 29, 30 to the filter 21 so as to heat the filter 21 itself. Since an independent heating means can be eliminated, regenerating mechanism can be simplified.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a particulate filter, and more particularly to a particulate filter for capturing particulates contained in exhaust gas discharged from an engine. "Summary of the Invention" The present invention comprises a particulate filter made of a conductor having a predetermined resistance value such as silicon carbide (SiC), electrodes attached to both sides of the particulate filter, and current applied through these electrodes. The filter itself generates heat and the trapped particulates are reburned for regeneration, and a separate burner or heater is omitted.

[Prior Art 1] Internal combustion engines, in particular diesel engines, generally contain a relatively large amount of particulates in their exhaust gas. Therefore, if exhaust gas is directly discharged into the atmosphere, it causes air pollution. Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 58-72610, a particulate filter is attached to the exhaust pipe, and the particulates are captured by this filter, and the exhaust gas from which the particulates have been removed is released into the atmosphere. I try to drain it inside. Note that the particulates trapped in the filter are intermittently re-burned, thereby regenerating the filter. [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In order to regenerate the filter in this way, it is necessary to intermittently burn the trapped particulates. Conventionally, a burner or an electric heater is attached to the filter, and the filter is heated by these heating means to regenerate the particulates by re-combustion. Therefore, there is a drawback that a separate heating means is required for the filter. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a particulate filter in which a separate heating means can be omitted. Means for Solving Problem K] The present invention provides a particulate filter that captures particulates contained in exhaust gas discharged from an engine, in which the filter is constituted by a conductor having a predetermined resistance value, and , electrodes are attached to both ends, and electricity is passed through the electrodes to generate heat in the filter itself, reburning the captured particulates and regenerating them. K Effect] Therefore, according to the present invention, the filter itself constitutes a heating element, and by supplying electricity through the electrodes, it is possible to regenerate particulates by re-combusting them. This makes it possible to omit a separate heating means. Embodiment K] FIG. 2 shows a diesel engine equipped with a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present invention,
An intake manifold 11 and an exhaust manifold 12 are attached to both sides of the engine 10, respectively. The intake manifold 11 is connected to an air cleaner 13. On the other hand, the exhaust manifold 12 is connected to an exhaust pipe 14. A particulate filter 15 and a muffler 1 are connected to this exhaust pipe 14.
6 is connected. As shown in FIG. 1, the particulate filter 15 includes a cylindrical case 20, and a filter core 21 made of a ceramic filter is housed within the case 20. The filter 21 is arranged within the case 20 with a predetermined gap between the supports 22 made of an insulator. Both ends of the filter 21 are each held by presser feet 23.
It is held down by the flange 24 via. An end cap 25 is attached to the front end of the front flange 24, and an end cap 26 is attached to the rear end of the rear flange 24.
The case 20 is connected to the exhaust pipe 14 via. The ceramic filter 21 has numerous through holes 28, and the through holes 28 whose inlet side is closed and the through holes 28 whose outlet side is closed are arranged alternately. Further, electrodes 29 and 30 are provided at both ends of the filter 21, respectively.
is attached, and a battery 31 is connected to the electrode 29 on the inlet side.
is now connected. In the above configuration, intake air introduced through the air cleaner 13 is introduced into each cylinder of the engine 10 through the intake manifold controller 1.
Combustion occurs when mixed with fuel spray. As a result, the engine 10 produces output, and the exhaust gas generated by combustion is transferred to the exhaust manifold 12 and the exhaust pipe 14.
It is designed to be discharged through. and exhaust pipe 1
Particulates in the exhaust gas are removed by a filter 15 connected to the exhaust gas 4, and the particulates are muffled by a muffler 16 and discharged into the atmosphere. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the particulate filter 15 includes a core 21 made of a porous ceramic filter, and exhaust gas enters the core 21 through a through hole 28 whose inlet side is open. Particulates are captured when passing through the wall surfaces between the through holes 28, and are also discharged through the through holes 28 whose exit side is open. It is now possible to be captured. Therefore, when the exhaust gas passes through this particulate filter 15, particulates are separated from the exhaust gas. Furthermore, the filter core 21 is made of a conductor having a predetermined resistance value, such as silicon carbide (SiC), and has the property of acting as an electric heater itself. Therefore, this core 21 is used as a heater for regeneration. That is, the electrodes 29 and 30 provided on the entire surface of both ends of the core 21 allow the electrodes to flow uniformly. Furthermore, the core 21 is stably supported by the case 20 by an insulator 22. Therefore, when the switch 32 is closed, a current flows between the electrodes 29 and 30 by the battery 31, the filter core 21 generates heat, and the captured particulates are re-burned, thereby regenerating the filter 15. become. [Advantageous Effects of the Invention] As described above, in the present invention, a filter is constructed of a conductor having a predetermined resistance value, electrodes are attached to both ends, and electricity is passed through these electrodes to generate heat in the filter itself, thereby trapping the filter. This system regenerates the particulates by re-burning them. Therefore, according to such a structure, since the filter itself constitutes the heat generating means, there is no need for a separate heat generating means such as a burner or an electric heater.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of an engine equipped with this filter. In addition, in the symbols used in the drawings, 10... Engine 14... Exhaust pipe 15... Particulate film 20...
... Case 21 ... Filter core 22 ... Support (insulator) 28 ... Through hole 29.30 ... Electrode 31 ... Battery It is.

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a particulate filter that captures particulates contained in exhaust gas discharged from an engine, the filter is constructed of a conductor having a predetermined resistance value, electrodes are attached to both ends, and electricity is applied through the electrodes. A particulate filter characterized in that the filter itself generates heat to re-burn captured particulates and regenerate them.