Method for operating an internal combustion engine that is equipped with a three-way catalytic converter
US7500354B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine that is equipped with a three-way catalytic converter. According to the inventive method, a lambda value of the air/fuel mixture, with which the internal combustion engine is supplied, is set below and above a set value in a cyclically alternating manner during a forced activation whereby the lambda value in rich phases is less than the set value and in lean phases, is greater than the set value. During the forced activation, the rich phases and the lean phases are matched to one another according to a specified criterion. The invention provides that the amount, by which the lambda value in rich phases is set below the set value, is selected so that it is equal to the amount, by which the lambda value in lean phases is set above the set value. When determining the criterion, an air mass is used that is supplied to the internal combustion engine during the rich and lean phases.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.