Particulate collection system and particulate collection apparatus

Abstract

A particulate collection system collects particulates contained in exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine. The particulate collection system includes a first particulate collection filter; a second particulate collection filter capable of storing or radiating heat; a heating member for heating the second particulate collection filter; and a control section which selectively executes collection of particulates by the first particulate collection filter, collection of particulates by the first particulate collection filter and the second particulate collection filter, and heating of the second particulate collection filter by the heating member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A particulate collection apparatus disposed in an exhaust pipe passage of an internal combustion engine, the particulate collection apparatus comprising:
 an introduction opening for introducing exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine;   a discharge opening for discharging the introduced exhaust gas;   a first particulate collection filter disposed at the introduction opening or the discharge opening;   a first flow passage establishing communication between the introduction opening and the discharge opening;   a second particulate collection filter disposed in the first flow passage, the second particulate collection filter capable of storing or radiating heat;   a heating member disposed in the first flow passage;   a second flow passage which differs from the first flow passage, the second flow passage establishing communication between the introduction opening and the discharge opening; and   a changeover section configured to lead the exhaust gas to either one of the first flow passage or the second flow passage.   
     
     
         2 . A particulate collection apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heating member and the second particulate collection filter are integrally formed. 
     
     
         3 . A particulate collection apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second heating member disposed at the discharge opening.