Particulate Filter Regeneration Control System and Method

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle engine exhaust include detecting a distance of an object from the exhaust and controlling a regeneration event if the distance is less than a threshold value. The system and method may include a particulate filter disposed in the exhaust of the vehicle and a proximity sensor disposed adjacent an exhaust opening and positioned to detect presence of an object near the opening. A controller in communication with the proximity sensor is adapted for controlling regeneration of the particulate filter in response to the proximity sensor detecting the object near the opening.

1 . A method of controlling regeneration of a particulate filter in a vehicle engine exhaust, comprising:
 detecting a distance of an object from the exhaust; and   controlling a regeneration event if the distance is less than a threshold value.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlling comprises terminating the regeneration event. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlling comprises preventing initiation of the regeneration event. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising displaying a message for an operator if the distance is less than the threshold value. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising displaying information about the particulate filter for an operator. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising initiating the regeneration event in response to input by the operator. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising detecting the distance using at least one proximity sensor mounted proximate the exhaust. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising detecting the distance using a proximity sensor mounted on a bumper of the vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising detecting the distance using a plurality of proximity sensors mounted proximate the exhaust. 
     
     
         10 . A method of controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle engine exhaust, comprising:
 providing a plurality of proximity sensors with at least one proximity sensor mounted proximate an exhaust exit;   detecting a distance of an object from the exhaust;   allowing regeneration of the particulate filter if the distance is greater than a threshold value; and   terminating the regeneration of the particulate filter if the distance becomes less than the threshold value.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising displaying a message for an operator if the distance is less than the threshold value. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising providing the plurality of proximity sensors mounted at spaced apart locations along a vehicle bumper. 
     
     
         13 . A system comprising:
 a particulate filter disposed in an exhaust of a vehicle;   a proximity sensor disposed adjacent an exhaust opening and positioned to detect presence of an object near the opening; and   a controller in communication with the proximity sensor adapted for controlling regeneration of the particulate filter in response to the proximity sensor detecting the object near the opening.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the proximity sensor is mounted on a bumper of the vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising a plurality of proximity sensors mounted proximate the exhaust opening. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising a display in communication with the controller for displaying information to an operator about regeneration of the particulate filter. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the display displays a message to indicate presence of the object when regeneration is otherwise indicated. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising an operator input in communication with the controller for controlling regeneration of the particulate filter. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a display in communication with the controller for displaying information to an operator about regeneration of the particulate filter; and 
 an operator input in communication with the controller, wherein a signal from the operator input initiates and terminates regeneration. 
 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a display in communication with the controller for displaying information about the particulate filter to an operator; and 
 an input in communication with the controller, wherein a signal from the input initiates regeneration, 
 wherein the controller automatically terminates regeneration if the distance detected by the proximity sensor is less than the threshold value.