US6491016B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine by performing multiple injections by means of a common-rail injection system
Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA
•
Filing: 2000-03-03
•
Granted: 2002-12-10
•
Expires: 2020-03-03
Abstract
Abstract There is described a method of controlling the combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system. The control method includes the steps of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of the engine, a first main fuel injection around the end-of-compression top dead center position, and at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection preceding the first main injection, and a second auxiliary fuel injection following the first main injection. More specifically, the two auxiliary injections are performed close enough to the first main injection to take part, together with the first main injection, in the actual combustion of the fuel, so as to reduce the pollutant substances present in the exhaust gases, and the combustion noise produced by the engine.
Inventors
- 👤 Riccardo Buratti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:14
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02D; F02D41/00; F02D41/30; F02D41/38; F02D41/40; F02D41/402; F02D41/3809; F02D41/3827; F02D41/02; F02D41/021; F02D41/0235; F02D41/024; F02D41/0255; F02D41/027; F02D41/0275; F02D41/04; F02D41/06; F02D41/062; F02D41/068; F02D41/403; F02D41/405; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke between 60° before the top dead center position and the top dead center position; and performing a second auxiliary injection (AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke between 60° before the top dead center position and the top dead center position; and performing a second auxiliary injection (AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 30° before and 10° after said top dead center position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) lasts from 100 to 4000 μs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first preinjection (PRE) last from 100 to 100 μs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first preinjection (PRE) ends at least 80 μs after the end of said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said preinjection (PRE) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) lasts from 100 to 1000 μs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 11
Independent Claim
203 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) following said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) and preceding said first postinjection (AFTER).
Claim 12
Independent Claim
203 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) following said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) and preceding said first postinjection (AFTER).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 30° before and 10° after said top dead center position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) lasts from 100 to 2000 μs.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 16
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) and performed during the exhaust stroke.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) and performed during the exhaust stroke.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 20° before and 210° after said top dead center position, or between 270° and 360° after said top dead center position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) lasts from 100 to 500 μs.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at least 280 μs after the end of said first postinjection (AFTER).
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 22
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starting at an engine angle value ranging between 30° before and 10° after said top dead center position.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; and performing a second auxiliary injection (MAIN 2 , AFTER) after said first main injection, wherein said second auxiliary injection is a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starting at an engine angle value ranging between 30° before and 10° after said top dead center position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 19 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) lasts from 100 to 2000 μs.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 19 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
78 words
A method as claimed in claim 19 , also comprising the step of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first postinjection (AFTER) following said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) and performed close enough to said first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ) to take part, together with the first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ), to the actual combustion of the fuel.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) starts at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) lasts from 100 to 1000 μs.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said second main injection (MAIN 2 ).
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as claimed in claim 22 , comprising the step of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) and starting at an engine angle value ranging between 20° before and 210° after said top dead center position, or between 270° and 360° after said top dead center position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 27 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) lasts from 100 to 500 μs.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 27 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at least 280 μs after the end of said first postinjection (AFTER).
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 27 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 35
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel, wherein said first auxiliary injection (PRE) is a first preinjection (PRE) and further comprising the step of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second preinjection (PILOT) preceding said first auxiliary injection (PRE) and performed during the compression stroke.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), said first auxiliary injection (PRE) being performed after a middle part of a compression stroke which starts 60° before the top dead center position and close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel, wherein said first auxiliary injection (PRE) is a first preinjection (PRE) and further comprising the step of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second preinjection (PILOT) preceding said first auxiliary injection (PRE) and performed during the compression stroke.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein said second preinjection (PILOT) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 60° before said top dead center position and the top dead center position itself.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein said second preinjection (PILOT) lasts from 100 to 1000 μs.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein said second preinjection (PILOT) ends at least 280 μs before the start of said first auxiliary injection (PRE).
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein said second preinjection (PILOT) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 41
Independent Claim
207 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) following said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) and preceding said first postinjection (AFTER) when said first postinjection is performed.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
207 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) following said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) and preceding said first postinjection (AFTER) when said first postinjection is performed.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 36 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 30° before and 10° after said top dead center position.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 36 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) lasts from 100 to 2000 μs.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 36 , wherein said second main injection (MAIN 2 ) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 46
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) when said first postinjection is performed and performed during the exhaust stroke.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
201 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said second auxiliary injection is a first postinjection (AFTER) starting at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) when said first postinjection is performed and performed during the exhaust stroke.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 40 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at an engine angle value ranging between 20° before and 210° after said top dead center position, or between 270° and 360° after said top dead center position.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 40 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) lasts from 100 to 500 μs.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 40 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at least 280 μs after the end of said first postinjection (AFTER) when said first postinjection is performed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claim in claim 40 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 52
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position and a second main fuel injection (MAIN 2 ) after said first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) and being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) starts at an engine angle value which is mainly a function of a speed and load of said engine; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first postinjection (AFTER) following a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) and performed close enough to said first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ) to take part, together with the first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ), to the actual combustion of the fuel.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position and a second main fuel injection (MAIN 2 ) after said first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) and being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) starts at an engine angle value which is mainly a function of a speed and load of said engine; also performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first postinjection (AFTER) following a second main injection (MAIN 2 ) and performed close enough to said first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ) to take part, together with the first and second main injection (MAIN 1 , MAIN 2 ), to the actual combustion of the fuel.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 45 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) starts at an engine angle value ranging between said top dead center position and 100° after the top dead center position.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 45 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) lasts from 100 to 1000 μs.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 45 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) starts at least 80 μs after the end of said second main injection (MAIN 2 ).
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 45 , wherein said first postinjection (AFTER) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as claimed in claim 45 , comprising the step of performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a second postinjection (POST) following said first postinjection (AFTER) and starting at an engine angle value ranging between 20° before and 210° after said top dead center position, or between 270° and 360° after said top dead center position.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 50 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) lasts from 100 to 500 μs.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 50 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) starts at least 280 μs after the end of said first postinjection (AFTER).
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 50 , wherein said second postinjection (POST) injects a smaller amount of fuel than said first main injection (MAIN 1 ).
Claim 62
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein the number and type of fuel injections vary as a function of an operating point of the engine as defined by engine speed and torque.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of controlling combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine having a common-rail injection system, said method comprising: performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, a first main fuel injection (MAIN 1 ) around the end-of-compression top dead center position; and performing, at each engine cycle and in each cylinder of said engine, at least one of a first auxiliary fuel injection (PRE) before said first main injection (MAIN 1 ), and a second auxiliary fuel injection (AFTER, MAIN 2 ) after said first main injection (MAIN 1 ); said first and said second auxiliary injection (PRE, AFTER, MAIN 2 ) being performed close enough to said first main injection (MAIN 1 ) to take part, together with the first main injection (MAIN 1 ), in the actual combustion of fuel; wherein the number and type of fuel injections vary as a function of an operating point of the engine as defined by engine speed and torque.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 54 , wherein the number and type of fuel injections further vary as a function of engine operating condition as defined by at least engine temperature.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4621599A
Cited
US4704999A
Cited
US5170751A
Cited
US5090379A
Cited
EP0534491A2
Cited
US5231962A
Cited
EP0621400B1
Cited
WO1997011269A1
Cited
EP0793776A1
Cited
US5960627A
Cited
US5740775A
Cited
EP0767303A1
Cited
EP0889220A2
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-12-09 | 2006-06-10 | 2006-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-12-09 | 2010-06-10 | 2010-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-12-09 | 2014-06-10 | 2014-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |