Computer instructions for control of multi-path exhaust system in an engine

• US 6,901,327 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2003
• Issued: 05/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Surnilla, Gopichandra, Bidner, David Karl, Elwart, Shane, Cullen, Michael John
• Primary Examiner(s): Argenbright, Tony M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hoang, Johnny H.
• Application Number:
  US10/716,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20040187484A1
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 701/108, 701/109, 701/114, 701/112, 701/115, 123/481
• US Class Current: 701/108
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 17/02 Cutting-out cutting-out engines in multiple engine arrangements F02D25/04
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/0402 the parameter being determined by using a model of the engine intake or its components
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/1006 Engine torque losses, e.g. friction or pumping losses or losses caused by external loads of accessories
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2250/18 Control of the engine output torque
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/1497 With detection of the mechanical response of the engine

Abstract

A computer controller is described for disabling fuel injection into cylinder groups of an engine. The system controls engine output a reduced engine torques without reducing engine air amounts below an engine misfire amount by reducing the number of cylinders carrying out combustion. Engine airflow is controlled to maintain accurate torque at requested levels throughout engine operating ranges.

Claims

1. A system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, said engine having at least a first and second group of cylinders, said system comprising:

a first emission control device coupled exclusively to said first group of cylinders;

a second emission control device coupled exclusively to said second group of cylinders;

a third emission control device coupled downstream of both said first and second emission control devices;

a controller for operating in a first mode with both cylinder groups combusting air and injected fuel, the engine producing a first range of engine output during said operation in said first mode; and

operating in a second mode with said first cylinder group combusting air and injected fuel and said second cylinder group pumping air without injected fuel, with the engine producing a second range of engine output, with at least a portion of said second range being at a lower output than a lower end of said first range.

2. The system of claim 1 where said second mode is carried out during a deceleration condition of the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 2 where said first and second emission control devices are three way catalysts.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprising an electronically controlled throttle plate.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said controller further adjusts position of said electronically controlled throttle plate to control engine airflow.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said engine output is an engine torque output.

7. The system of claim 1 where said second mode includes operation in a region where an air amount that would be required if both cylinder groups were combusting would be less than an engine misfire air limit.

8. A system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, said engine having at least a first and second group of cylinders, said system comprising:

an emission control device coupled to both said first and second group of cylinders, said device including a NOx trap;

a controller for operating in a first mode with both cylinder groups combusting air and injected fuel, the engine producing a first range of engine torque output during said operation in said first mode; and

operating in a second mode with said first cylinder group combusting air and injected fuel and said second cylinder group pumping air without injected fuel, with the engine producing a second range of engine torque output, with at least a portion of said second torque range being at a lower torque output than a lower end of said first torque range, said second mode being carried out at least during a deceleration condition of the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a fuel injector for directly injecting fuel into the engine.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprising an electronically controlled throttle plate.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said controller further adjusts position of said electronically controlled throttle plate to control engine airflow.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein said engine output is an engine torque output.

13. The system of claim 8 where said second mode includes operation in a region where an air amount that would be required if both cylinder groups were combusting would be less than an engine misfire air limit.