JP7707957B2 - vehicle - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to vehicles, and in particular to vehicles equipped with a filter that collects particulate matter contained in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine.

It is known that a filter is provided in the exhaust passage to capture particulate matter (PM) contained in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in order to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. If the amount of trapped PM increases, the filter becomes clogged and its function is reduced, so a filter regeneration process is carried out to burn and remove the PM trapped (accumulated) on the filter.

When PM trapped in the filter is burned and removed to regenerate the filter, the filter becomes hot as the PM is burned. For this reason, the vehicle aftertreatment device disclosed in JP 2010-19187 A (Patent Document 1) is provided with a regeneration in progress notification means that notifies the user that the filter is undergoing regeneration processing.

JP 2010-19187 A

Notifying the driver that the filter is being regenerated is preferable in order to alert the driver that the filter is hot and requires caution. However, in situations where there are no flammable objects around the filter, such as when driving on a highway, or where the intrusion of small animals is not anticipated, notifying the driver that the filter is being regenerated would provide more information than necessary, raising concerns that the driver may find it bothersome.

The purpose of this disclosure is to notify the driver that the filter regeneration process is in progress without bothering the driver.

The vehicle disclosed herein is a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, a filter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine for collecting particulate matter contained in exhaust gas, an alarm device for notifying that filter regeneration is in progress when a filter regeneration process is being performed to burn and remove the particulate matter collected on the filter, and a control device for controlling the alarm device. When filter regeneration begins, the control device controls the alarm device to notify that filter regeneration is in progress if a predetermined condition is met.

According to this configuration, the control device controls the notification device to notify the driver that filter regeneration is in progress if a predetermined condition is met when filter regeneration starts. Since the notification that filter regeneration is in progress is made if a predetermined condition is met when filter regeneration starts, it is possible to notify the driver that filter regeneration is in progress in a situation that is not bothersome to the driver.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a position acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the vehicle, and the control device may be configured to determine that a predetermined condition is met when the current position acquired by the position acquisition means is off the road.

According to this configuration, when filter regeneration is started, if the current position of the vehicle is off the road, the fact that filter regeneration is in progress is notified. The road on which the vehicle travels is generally safe when the vehicle is traveling, and there is a low possibility that flammable materials and the like are present on the road surface. On the other hand, if the road surface on which the vehicle travels is off the road, the road surface is not well maintained, and there is a high possibility that flammable materials are present on the road surface. For example, when the vehicle travels through a grassland or field, there is a high possibility that flammable materials such as dead grass are present on the road surface or around the vehicle. Therefore, if the current position of the vehicle is off the road, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the filter is hot, and since the information that filter regeneration is in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a camera that captures images of the vehicle's surroundings, and the control device may be configured to determine that a predetermined condition is met when an image captured by the camera shows a field or grassland.

According to this configuration, when filter regeneration begins, if the vehicle is located in a field or grassland, the driver is notified that filter regeneration is in progress. When the vehicle is traveling in a grassland or field, there is a high possibility that flammable materials such as dead grass may be present on the road surface or around the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling in a grassland or field, it is desirable to be aware that the filter is hot, and since the information that filter regeneration is in progress is necessary for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather information for the current location of the vehicle, and the control device may be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the weather for the current location of the vehicle is neither rain nor snow.

According to this configuration, when filter regeneration starts, if the weather at the vehicle's current location is not rainy or snowy, the driver is notified that filter regeneration is in progress. If the weather at the vehicle's current location is rainy or snowy, even if there is dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle, it is highly likely that they are wet and relatively difficult to burn. On the other hand, if it is not rainy or snowy, the road surface or dead grass or the like around the vehicle is highly likely not wet and is relatively easy to burn. Therefore, if the weather at the vehicle's current location is not rainy or snowy, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the filter is hot, and since the information that filter regeneration is in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a humidity acquisition means for acquiring the humidity around the vehicle, and the control device may be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the humidity is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

According to this configuration, when filter regeneration starts, if the humidity around the vehicle is below a predetermined value, the fact that filter regeneration is in progress is notified. If the humidity around the vehicle is higher than the predetermined value, even if there is dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle, the moisture content of the air is high and the moisture content of the dead grass is also high, making it relatively difficult to burn. On the other hand, if the humidity is below the predetermined value, the moisture content of the air is low (the air is dry) and the moisture content of the dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle is also low, making it relatively easy to burn. Therefore, if the humidity around the vehicle is below the predetermined value, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the filter is hot, and since the information that filter regeneration is in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a switch that can be operated by the driver, and the control device may be configured to determine that a predetermined condition is met when the switch is operated.

According to this configuration, when filter regeneration begins, if a switch that the driver can operate is operated, the driver is notified that filter regeneration is in progress. If the driver needs information that filter regeneration is in progress, the driver operates the switch. Therefore, when the switch is operated, the information that filter regeneration is in progress is necessary for the driver, so the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to notify the driver that the filter regeneration process is in progress without bothering the driver.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an engine 1. FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification device 6. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by the control device 100. 4 is a flowchart showing a regeneration control process executed by the control device 100. 11 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by a control device 100 in a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by a control device 100 in a third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by a control device 100 in a fourth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by a control device 100 in a fifth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by a control device 100 in a first modified example. 10 is a flowchart showing a notification control process executed by the control device 100 in Modification 2.

Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle V according to this embodiment. The vehicle V includes an engine 1, a torque converter 2, and an automatic transmission 3.

In this embodiment, the engine 1 is a compression ignition internal combustion engine (diesel engine), and the output shaft of the engine 1 is connected to the input shaft of the torque converter 2. The torque converter 2 is a torque converter with a lock-up clutch, and includes a pump impeller, a turbine runner, a stator, and a lock-up clutch, which are not shown. The output shaft of the torque converter 2 is connected to the input shaft of the automatic transmission 3. The automatic transmission 3 is a planetary gear type multi-speed automatic transmission, and achieves each gear by controlling the combination of engagement and release of multiple friction engagement elements. The output shaft of the automatic transmission 3 is connected to the differential gear 4 via a propeller shaft. The differential gear 4 is connected to the rear wheels 5, which are the driving wheels, via a drive shaft. The vehicle V is a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but may be a front-wheel drive vehicle or a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of engine 1. Engine 1 is a diesel engine, an internal combustion engine in which fuel is injected from a fuel injection valve (injector) 14 into a combustion chamber formed in a cylinder (cylinder) 12 of engine body 10, and compression self-ignition is performed. In this embodiment, engine 1 has four cylinders. An air cleaner 22, an intercooler 24, and an intake throttle valve (electronically controlled throttle) 26 are provided in an intake passage 20 of engine 1. Fresh air from which foreign matter has been removed by air cleaner 22 is supercharged (compressed) by compressor 32 of turbocharger 30, cooled by intercooler 24, supplied to intake manifold 28, and supplied to each combustion chamber from the intake port.

The exhaust gas discharged from the combustion chamber is collected in the exhaust manifold 50 and released to the outside air via the exhaust passage 52. A portion of the exhaust gas is returned to the intake manifold 28 via an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) passage 60. An EGR cooler 62 and an EGR valve 64 are provided in the EGR passage 60.

In the exhaust passage 52, from the upstream side, the turbine 34 of the turbocharger 30, an oxidation catalyst 70, and a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) 72 are provided. The DPF 72 is a filter that collects particulate matter (PM) in the exhaust gas, and prevents the PM from being released into the atmosphere by burning and removing the collected PM. In addition, although not shown, a urea addition valve and a selective reduction catalyst are provided downstream of the DPF 72.

Fuel is stored in the fuel tank 40. The fuel in the fuel tank 40 is pumped by a high-pressure fuel pump 41 through a fuel passage 42 to a common rail 43. The high-pressure fuel stored in the common rail 43 is injected from the fuel injection valve 14 into the combustion chamber (inside the cylinder).

Referring to FIG. 1, vehicle V is equipped with an alarm device 6, a camera 7, and an operation switch 8. The alarm device 6 notifies that DPF regeneration is in progress during the DPF regeneration process in which PM trapped in the DPF 72 is burned and removed. The alarm device 6 may be a display that indicates that DPF regeneration is in progress, a lamp that lights up to notify that DPF regeneration is in progress, or a buzzer, chime, or speaker that notifies by sound or voice that DPF regeneration is in progress.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the notification device 6. The notification device 6 in Figure 3 uses a display (multi-information display) arranged on the meter panel to display and notify that the DPF is being regenerated. Figure 3 (A) shows an example of information displayed on the display when the DPF 72 is not being regenerated (when PM is being captured). When the DPF is not being regenerated, various information set by the driver (user), such as fuel efficiency, outside air temperature, gear range, and total mileage, is displayed. When the regeneration process of the DPF 72 is started, the display changes to a display indicating that the DPF 72 is being regenerated, as shown in Figure 3 (B). Note that the bar display in Figure 3 (B) indicates the amount of PM accumulated (amount captured).

The camera 7 is a camera that captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle V, for example, the front. The camera 7 is a digital camera that includes an imaging element, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and an optical system that forms an image of a subject on the imaging element. The operation switch 8 is a switch that can be operated by the driver. The operation switch 8 may be a mechanical switch provided on the dashboard or steering wheel, or an operation button displayed on a touch panel provided on the instrument panel. The operation switch 8 is operated by the driver when there is a request to have the notification device 6 display information on the DPF generation in progress.

The vehicle V further includes a control device 100. The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102 consisting of a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing processing programs and the like and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and an input/output port (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals, and uses detection signals from various sensors and the like to execute predetermined arithmetic processing based on the programs stored in the memory 102, and controls the engine 1, automatic transmission 3, alarm device 6, etc. Image signals captured by the camera 7 and operation signals from the operation switches 8 are input to the control device 100.

The various sensors include, for example, an accelerator pedal sensor 121, an engine speed sensor 122, a raindrop sensor 123, and a humidity sensor 124. The accelerator pedal sensor 121 detects the amount of accelerator pedal operation by the driver (hereinafter also referred to as "accelerator opening") AP. The engine speed sensor 122 detects the rotation speed (rotation speed) NE of the engine 1. The raindrop sensor 123 uses infrared rays to detect raindrops adhering to the windshield. The humidity sensor 124 detects the humidity around the vehicle V.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 200 denotes a navigation device. The navigation device 200 includes a navigation ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a map information database (DB), a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit, and a traffic information receiving unit, all of which are not shown. The navigation ECU includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input/output ports, etc., and outputs the current position of the vehicle V, as well as surrounding map information and congestion information, etc., to the control device 100 based on various information and signals received from the map information DB, the GPS receiving unit, and the traffic information receiving unit.

The communication device 300 is configured to include various communication I/Fs (interfaces). The communication device 300 may include a DCM (Data Communication Module). The communication device 300 may include a communication I/F compatible with 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system). The control device 100 acquires meteorological information about the surroundings (current position) of the vehicle V from a meteorological data server (weather data network) (not shown) via the communication device 300.

When the PM trapped in the DPF 72 is burned and removed to regenerate the DPF 72, the DPF 72 becomes hot as the PM is burned. The DPF 72 is installed under the floor of the vehicle V (under the floor) or under the engine compartment. For this reason, it is desirable to alert the driver that the regeneration process is in progress during the regeneration process of the DPF 72 to this effect.

However, for example, when driving on a highway or in other situations where there are no flammable objects around the DPF 72 or where the intrusion of small animals is not anticipated, if the regeneration process of the DPF 72 is started and the display changes from displaying various information (see FIG. 3(A)) to displaying that the DPF 72 is undergoing regeneration (see FIG. 3(B)), there is a concern that the driver will be provided with more information than necessary and that this will be bothersome to the driver. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(B), even if a return display R is provided to the display during DPF regeneration and the driver can return to the display of various information (see FIG. 3(A)) by operating a return button provided on the steering wheel or the like, there is a concern that the driver will find operating the return button bothersome.

In this embodiment, when regeneration of the DPF 72 starts, if a certain condition is met, the notification device 6 is controlled to notify the driver that DPF regeneration is in progress, thereby notifying the driver that DPF regeneration is in progress in a manner that is not bothersome to the driver.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100. This flowchart is repeatedly processed at predetermined intervals while the engine 1 is operating (from when the ignition switch is turned ON to when it is turned OFF). In step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as "S") 10, it is determined whether the flag Fr has changed from 0 to 1. If the flag Fr was 0 during the previous process and the flag Fr is 1 during the current process, it may be determined that the flag Fr has changed from 0 to 1. The flag Fr is a flag that is set to 1 during the regeneration process of the DPF 72, and is set by the regeneration control shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the regeneration control process executed by the control device 100. This flowchart is repeatedly processed at predetermined intervals while the engine 1 is operating. In S20, it is determined whether or not the flag Fr is 1. If the flag Fr is 0, a negative determination is made and the process proceeds to S21, whereas if the flag Fr is 1, a positive determination is made and the process proceeds to S25.

In S21, the PM counter is set to an addition mode (accumulation mode). The PM counter calculates the amount of PM accumulated (collected) in the DPF 72. The amount of PM discharged from the engine 1 per unit time is stored in advance in the memory 102 as a map with parameters such as the accelerator opening AP, engine speed NE, and exhaust gas temperature. In addition, the amount of PM burned and removed per unit time during the regeneration process of the DPF 72 is stored in advance as a map with parameters such as the engine speed NE, intake air volume, and exhaust gas temperature. When the PM counter is set to the addition mode, in a PM accumulation amount calculation routine (not shown), the PM count value Cp is added (accumulated) according to the amount of PM discharged from the engine 1.

In the next step S22, it is determined whether the PM count value Cp is equal to or greater than the threshold value C1. The threshold value C1 is preset as a value at which it is preferable to burn off the accumulated PM and regenerate the DPF 72. If the PM count value Cp is smaller than the threshold value C1, a negative determination is made and the routine is terminated. If the PM count value Cp is equal to or greater than the threshold value C1, a positive determination is made and the routine proceeds to S23.

In S23, DPF regeneration control is performed to burn and remove PM accumulated in the DPF 72 and regenerate the DPF 72. In this embodiment, DPF regeneration control is performed by performing post injection from the fuel injection valve 14. Post injection is fuel injection performed after the main injection. In this embodiment, fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve 14 from the late expansion stroke to the early exhaust stroke of the engine 1. By performing post injection, the exhaust gas flowing into the DPF 72 becomes hot, and PM can be burned and removed. Note that when the oxidation catalyst 70 is not activated or the exhaust gas temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the oxidation catalyst 70 is activated and the exhaust gas temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, and then the DPF regeneration control is performed.

In the next step S24, the flag Fr is set to 1, and the current routine is terminated.
When the flag Fr is 1 and an affirmative determination is made in S20, the program proceeds to S25, where the PM counter is set to the subtraction mode. When the PM counter is set to the subtraction mode, the PM count value Cp is subtracted in accordance with the amount of PM removed by combustion from the DPF in a PM accumulation amount calculation routine (not shown).

In the next step S26, it is determined whether the PM count value Cp is equal to or less than the threshold value C2. The threshold value C2 is a preset threshold value for determining whether the regeneration of the DPF 72 has been completed. If the PM count value Cp is greater than the threshold value C2, a negative determination is made and the routine is terminated. If the PM count value Cp is equal to or less than the threshold value C2, a positive determination is made and the routine proceeds to S27.

In S27, DPF regeneration control ends. In this embodiment, post-injection is stopped and normal fuel injection is performed. In the following S28, flag Fr is set to 0 and this routine ends.

Returning to FIG. 4, when the regeneration process of the DPF 72 is started, the flag Fr changes from 0 to 1, so that the process proceeds to S11, which is determined as positive in S10. In S11, it is determined whether or not the current position of the vehicle V is off the road. The control device 100 determines whether or not the current position of the vehicle V is off the road based on the current position of the vehicle V and map information of its surroundings received from the navigation device 200. For example, when the current position of the vehicle V is off the road by a predetermined distance or more from a road node or road link in the map information (map data), it is determined that the current position of the vehicle V is off the road. If the current position of the vehicle V is off the road, a positive determination is made and the process proceeds to S12, and if the current position of the vehicle V is not off the road, a negative determination is made and the current routine is terminated.

In S12, a notification is issued that the DPF 72 is being regenerated. The display of the notification device 6 is switched from the display shown in FIG. 3(A) to the display shown in FIG. 3(B), and "DPF regeneration in progress" is displayed to notify the user that the DPF 72 is being regenerated.

If the flag Fr has not changed from 0 to 1 in the current process, a negative judgment is made in S10 and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, it is determined whether the flag Fr has changed from 1 to 0. If the flag Fr was 1 in the previous process and is 0 in the current process, it may be determined that the flag Fr has changed from 1 to 0. If the flag Fr has not changed from 1 to 0 in the current process, a negative judgment is made and the current process is terminated.

When the regeneration process of the DPF 72 is completed, the flag Fr changes from 1 to 0, and the process proceeds to S14, in which a positive determination is made in S13. In S14, the notification that the PF 72 is being regenerated is terminated. The display of the notification device 6 is switched from the "DPF regeneration in progress" display shown in FIG. 3(B) to the "Various information" display shown in FIG. 3(A). If the display of the notification device 6 is the display shown in FIG. 3(A) (if the display does not indicate that DPF regeneration is in progress), that display is maintained. Thereafter, the current routine is terminated.

According to this embodiment, when regeneration of the DPF 72 is started, if the current position of the vehicle V is off the road, the fact that DPF regeneration is in progress is notified. If the road surface on which the vehicle V is traveling is off the road, the road surface is not well maintained and there is a high possibility that flammable materials are present on the road surface. For example, when the vehicle V is traveling on a grassland or field, there is a high possibility that flammable materials such as dead grass are present on the road surface or around the vehicle V. Therefore, if the current position of the vehicle V is off the road, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the DPF 72 is hot, and since the information that DPF regeneration is in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, an image captured by the camera 7 is used to determine whether the vehicle V is traveling on a grassland or a field, and when the vehicle V is traveling on a grassland or a field, when regeneration of the DPF 72 is started, a notification that the DPF regeneration is in progress is provided. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100 in the second embodiment. In this flowchart, the process of S11 in the notification control shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with S30.

In S30, it is determined whether the image captured by camera 7 is a grassland or a field. For example, by extracting landscape image features from the image captured by camera 7 and comparing them with feature data indicating the features of a grassland, field, etc. stored in memory 102, it is determined that the image captured by camera 7 is a grassland or a field when the similarity between the landscape image features and the feature data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the image captured by camera 7 is a grassland or a field and a positive determination is made, the process proceeds to S12. If the image captured by camera 7 is not a grassland or a field, a negative determination is made and the current routine is terminated.

According to this second embodiment, when regeneration of the DPF 72 starts, if the image captured by the camera 7 shows a grassland or field, i.e., the surroundings of the vehicle V are fields or grassland, a notification is issued that the DPF is being regenerated. When the vehicle V is traveling through a grassland or field, there is a high possibility that flammable materials such as dead grass are present on the road surface or around the vehicle V. Therefore, when the vehicle V is traveling through a grassland or field, it is desirable to be aware that the DPF 72 is hot, and since the information that DPF regeneration is in progress is necessary for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

(Embodiment 3)
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100 in the third embodiment. In this flowchart, the process of S11 in the notification control shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with S40.

In S40, it is determined whether the weather information for the surroundings (current location) of vehicle V obtained from the weather data server through communication device 300 is rain or snow. If the weather at the current location of vehicle V is rain or snow, even if a positive determination is made, the current routine is terminated. If the weather at the current location of vehicle V is not rain or snow, a negative determination is made and the process proceeds to S12.

According to this embodiment 3, when regeneration of the DPF 72 is started, if the weather at the current location of the vehicle V is not rainy or snowy, the fact that DPF regeneration is in progress is notified. If the weather at the current location of the vehicle V is rainy or snowy, even if there is dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle V, it is highly likely that they are wet and relatively difficult to burn. On the other hand, if it is not rainy or snowy, the road surface or dead grass or the like around the vehicle V is highly likely not wet and is relatively easy to burn. Therefore, if the weather at the current location of the vehicle V is not rainy or snowy, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the DPF 72 is hot, and since the information that DPF regeneration is in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

In addition, in S40, in addition to or instead of the weather information around the vehicle V acquired through the communication device 300, raindrops on the windshield detected by the raindrop sensor 123 may be used to determine whether the weather at the current location of the vehicle V is rain or snow.

(Embodiment 4)
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100 in the embodiment 4. In this flowchart, the process of S11 in the notification control shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with S50.

In S50, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 124 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value α. If the humidity is equal to or lower than the predetermined value α, a positive determination is made and the process proceeds to S12. If the humidity is higher than the predetermined value α, a negative determination is made and the current routine is terminated. The predetermined value α may be, for example, 75%.

According to this embodiment 4, when the regeneration of the DPF 72 is started, if the humidity around the vehicle V is equal to or lower than a predetermined value α, the fact that the DPF regeneration is in progress is notified. If the humidity around the vehicle V is higher than the predetermined value α, even if there is dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle V, the amount of moisture in the air is high and the amount of moisture in the dead grass is also high, making it relatively difficult to burn. On the other hand, if the humidity is equal to or lower than the predetermined value α, the amount of moisture in the air is low (the air is dry) and the amount of moisture in the dead grass or the like on the road surface or around the vehicle V is also low, making it relatively easy to burn. Therefore, if the humidity around the vehicle V is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, it is desirable to pay attention to the fact that the DPF 72 is at a high temperature, and since the information on the DPF regeneration in progress is necessary information for the driver, the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome.

(Embodiment 5)
Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100 in the fifth embodiment. In this flowchart, the process of S11 in the notification control shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with S60.

In S60, it is determined whether the operation switch 8 is being operated by the driver (user). For example, when the operation switch 8 is in the ON state, it is determined that the operation switch 8 is being operated by the driver. When the operation switch 8 is ON, a positive determination is made and the process proceeds to S12. When the operation switch 8 is OFF, a negative determination is made and the current routine is terminated.

According to this embodiment 5, when regeneration of the DPF 72 is started, if the operation switch 8 is operated, a notification that the DPF is being regenerated is provided. If the driver needs information about the DPF regeneration in progress, the driver operates the operation switch 8 to the ON state. Therefore, when the operation switch 8 is operated, the information about the DPF regeneration in progress is necessary for the driver, so the driver is unlikely to find it bothersome. Note that the operation switch 8 may be set so that the notification that the DPF is being regenerated is not provided when the driver operates the operation switch 8 (when the operation switch is set to the ON state). In this case, if the operation switch 8 is OFF, a positive determination may be made in S60. In this case, when the operation switch 8 is OFF, it is determined that the switch is being operated.

(Variation 1)
The first to fifth embodiments may be appropriately combined to control the notification device 6. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing notification control processing executed by the control device 100 in the first modified example. In this flowchart, the same reference numerals are used to denote steps that perform the same processing as in the flowcharts of Figs. 4 and 6 to 9.

In this variant 1, even if the current position of the vehicle V is off the road (positive determination in S11), if the vehicle is not traveling on a grassland or field (negative determination in S30), no notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress. As a result, even if the current position of the vehicle V is off the road, if the vehicle is on sand or other areas where there is a low probability of flammable materials such as dead grass being present, no notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress, thereby preventing the driver from being provided with more information than necessary. In this case, if the operation switch 8 is operated (positive determination in S60), a notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress.

(Variation 2)
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the notification control process executed by the control device 100 in the modified example 2. In this flowchart, the same steps as those in the flowcharts of Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this variant 2, even if the current position of vehicle V is off the road (positive determination in S11), if the weather at the current position of vehicle V is raining or snowing (positive determination in S40), no notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress. As a result, even if the current position of vehicle V is off the road, if there is a high probability that the road surface on which vehicle V is traveling or dead grass around vehicle V is wet, no notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress, thereby preventing the driver from being provided with more information than necessary. Even in this case, if operation switch 8 is operated (positive determination in S60), a notification is given that DPF regeneration is in progress.

In the above embodiment, when regenerating the DPF 72, post-injection is performed from the fuel injection valve 14 to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the DPF 72, but a fuel addition valve may be provided upstream of the DPF 72 (upstream of the oxidation catalyst 70) and fuel may be injected from the fuel addition valve during the regeneration process of the DPF 72 to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the DPF 72.

In the above embodiment, the amount of PM accumulated in the DPF 72 was estimated (calculated) using a PM counter, but instead of or in addition to the PM counter, the amount of PM accumulated in the DPF 72 may be estimated based on the pressure difference before and after the DPF 72. Also, in addition to the above Modification 1 and Modification 2, the notification device 6 may be controlled by appropriately combining the first to fifth embodiments.

The following are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.
1) A vehicle comprising: an internal combustion engine (1); a filter (72) provided in an exhaust passage (52) of the internal combustion engine (1) for trapping particulate matter contained in exhaust gas; an alarm device (6) for notifying that filter regeneration is in progress when a regeneration process of the filter (72) for burning and removing the particulate matter trapped in the filter (72) is being performed; and a control device (100) for controlling the alarm device (6), wherein the control device (100) is configured to notify that filter regeneration is in progress if predetermined conditions are met when regeneration of the filter (72) has started.

2) In 1, the control device (100) determines that a predetermined condition is met when the vehicle's current position is off the road and the vehicle is traveling in a grassland or field.

3) In 1, the control device (100) determines that a predetermined condition is met when the current position of the vehicle is off the road and the weather at the current position of the vehicle is not rain or snow.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 engine, 2 torque converter, 3 automatic transmission, 4 differential gear, 5 rear wheel, 6 warning device, 7 camera, 8 operation switch, 10 engine body, 12 cylinder, 14 fuel injection valve, 20 intake passage, 22 air cleaner, 24 intercooler, 26 intake throttle valve, 28 intake manifold, 30 turbocharger, 32 compressor, 34 turbine, 40 fuel tank, 41 high-pressure fuel pump, 42 fuel passage, 43 common rail, 50 exhaust manifold, 52 exhaust passage, 60 EGR passage, 62 EGR cooler, 64 EGR valve, 70 oxidation catalyst, 72 DPF, 100 control device, 101 CPU, 102 memory, 121 accelerator pedal sensor, 122 engine speed sensor, 123 raindrop sensor, 124 Humidity sensor, 200 navigation device, 300 communication device, V vehicle.

Claims (4)

An internal combustion engine;
a filter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas;
an alarm device that notifies the user that a filter is being regenerated while a regeneration process of the filter is being performed to burn and remove the particulate matter trapped on the filter;
A position acquisition means for acquiring a current position of a vehicle;
A control device for controlling the notification device,
The control device is configured to control the notification device to notify that the filter regeneration is in progress when a predetermined condition is satisfied when regeneration of the filter is started, and to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the current position acquired by the position acquisition means is off a road . An internal combustion engine;
a filter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas;
an alarm device that notifies the user that a filter is being regenerated while a regeneration process of the filter is being performed to burn and remove the particulate matter trapped on the filter;
A camera that captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle;
A control device for controlling the notification device,
The control device is configured to control the notification device to notify that filter regeneration is in progress if a predetermined condition is met when filter regeneration begins, and to determine that the predetermined condition is met when an image captured by the camera is of a field or grassland . An internal combustion engine;
a filter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas;
an alarm device that notifies the user that a filter is being regenerated while a regeneration process of the filter is being performed to burn and remove the particulate matter trapped on the filter;
A weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather information on a current position of the vehicle;
A control device for controlling the notification device,
The control device is configured to control the notification device to notify that the filter regeneration is in progress if a predetermined condition is met when regeneration of the filter is started, and to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the weather at the current location of the vehicle is neither rainy nor snowy . An internal combustion engine;
a filter provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas;
an alarm device that notifies the user that a filter is being regenerated while a regeneration process of the filter is being performed to burn and remove the particulate matter trapped on the filter;
A humidity acquisition means for acquiring the humidity around the vehicle;
A control device for controlling the notification device,
The control device is configured to control the notification device to notify that the filter regeneration is in progress if a predetermined condition is satisfied when regeneration of the filter is started, and to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the humidity is equal to or lower than a predetermined value .