Method and device for purifying exhaust gas of an engine

[0002] This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/068,360, filed on May 7, 1998, which is a 371 of PCT/JP96/03205, filed Oct. 31, 1996, and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/068,422, filed on Jun. 29, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,542 which is a 371 of PCT/JP96/03332 filed Nov. 13, 1996.

[0003] 1. Filed of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a method and a device for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] If an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is referred to as an engine air-fuel ratio, an exhaust gas purifying device for an internal combustion engine with multi-cylinder has been known, in which a three-way catalyst is arranged in an exhaust passage, and the engine air-fuel ratio is controlled to be stoichiometric or rich with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. If the engine air-fuel ratio is made lean with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, the three way catalyst does not purify nitrogen oxides NO_xin the exhaust gas sufficiently, and thus the NO_xis emitted to the ambient air. Accordingly, the exhaust gas purifying device mentioned above makes the engine air-fuel ratio stoichiometric or rich, to thereby purify NO_x, at the three-way catalyst, as much as possible.

[0007] On the other hand, a lower fuel consumption rate is desirable, and thus it is desirable to make the engine air-fuel ratio as lean as possible. However, if the engine air-fuel ratio is made lean, the above-mentioned exhaust gas purifying device cannot purify NO_xsufficiently. To solve this problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-365920 discloses an exhaust gas purifying device for an internal combustion engine with multi-cylinders, the engine having first and second cylinder groups. The purifying device is provided with; an engine operation control device to continuously make each cylinder operation of the first cylinder group a rich engine operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is rich, and to continuously make each cylinder operation of the second cylinder group a lean engine operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is lean; a first exhaust passage connected to each cylinder of the first cylinder group; a second exhaust passage connected to each cylinder of the second cylinder group and different from the first exhaust passage; an NH₃synthesizing catalyst arranged in the first exhaust passage for synthesizing ammonia NH₃from at least a part of NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas; an interconnecting passage interconnecting the first exhaust passage downstream of the NH₃synthesizing catalyst and the second exhaust passage to each other; and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst arranged in the interconnecting passage to react NO_xand NH₃flowing therein to each other to thereby purify NO_xand NH₃simultaneously. In this exhaust gas purifying device, the fuel consumption rate is reduced by increasing the numbers of the cylinders of the second cylinder group in which the lean engine operation is performed, while purifying NO_xby synthesizing NH₃from NO_xexhausted from the first group and reacting the NH₃and NO_xfrom the second group.

[0008] However, this device requires two, separate exhaust passages, one for the first cylinder group, and the other for the second cylinder group. This complicates the structure of the device, and makes the size of the device larger.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine which can purify the exhaust gas sufficiently with a simple structure.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine, comprising, in turn: forming an exhaust gas portion of which an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean, and an exhaust gas portion of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich, from the exhaust gas of the engine, alternately and repeatedly; and contacting the exhaust gas portions an NH₃synthesizing catalyst and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprised of at least one selected from the group consisted of an NH₃adsorbing and oxidizing (NH₃-AO) catalyst and a NO_xoccluding and reducing (NO_x-OR) catalyst, in turn, the NH₃synthesizing catalyst synthesizing NH₃from at least a part of NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, and passing NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas therethrough when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, the NH₃-AO catalyst adsorbing NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas therein, and desorbing the adsorbed NH₃therefrom and oxidizing the NH₃when an NH₃concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lower, and the NO_x-OR catalyst occluding NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas therein when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and releasing the occluded NO_xtherefrom and reducing the NO_xwhen the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine having an exhaust passage, comprising: exhaust gas portion forming means arranged in the engine or the exhaust passage for forming an exhaust gas portion of which an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean, and an exhaust gas portion of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich, from the exhaust gas of the engine, alternately and repeatedly; an NH₃synthesizing catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage downstream of the exhaust gas portion forming means, the NH₃synthesizing catalyst synthesizing NH₃from at least a part of NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, and passing NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas therethrough when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean; and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage downstream of the NH₃synthesizing catalyst, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of an NH₃adsorbing and oxidizing (NH₃-AO) catalyst and a NO_xoccluding and reducing (NO_x-OR) catalyst, the NH₃-AO catalyst adsorbing NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas therein, and desorbing the adsorbed NH₃therefrom and oxidizing the NH₃when the NH₃concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lower, and the NO_x-OR catalyst occluding NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas therein when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and releasing the occluded NO_xtherefrom and reducing the NO_xwhen the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich.

[0012] The present invention may be more fully understood from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a general view of an internal combustion engine;

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a characteristic of a three-way catalyst;

[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a variation of a NO_xamount exhaust from the engine with an engine air-fuel ratio;

[0016] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a method for purifying the exhaust gas according to the present invention;

[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the NO_xamount exhausted from the engine per unit time;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the NH₃synthesizing efficiency of the NH₃synthesizing catalyst;

[0021] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the NH₃amount desorbed from the NH₃adsorbing and oxidizing catalyst per unit time;

[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating the temperatures of the exhaust gas;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for controlling the engine operation period;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for calculating the fuel injection time;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for controlling the ignition timing;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cylinder number ratio;

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates the lean and rich operation periods with RATIO=1;

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates the lean and rich operation periods with RATIO=2;

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates the lean and rich operation periods with RATIO=3;

[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates the lean and rich operation periods with RATIO=4;

[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates the relationship between RATIO and DRATIO;

[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a method for calculating DRICH;

[0033] FIG. 20 is a flow chart for controlling the engine operation period, using the ratio, according to another embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates the lean and rich operation periods with RATIO=2, according to further another embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates the cylinder number ratio, according to another embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates the lean air-fuel ratio, according to another embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates the rich air-fuel ratio, according to another embodiment;

[0038] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate the rich air-fuel ratio, according to further another embodiment;

[0039] FIGS. 26 to 29 are time charts illustrating the variation in the target air-fuel ratio, according to further another embodiments, respectively;

[0040] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the changing rate of the target air-fuel ratio;

[0041] FIG. 31 is a flow chart for controlling the ignition timing in the embodiment shown in FIG. 26;

[0042] FIG. 32 is a general view of an engine, according to a further another embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 33 is a general view of an engine, according to a further another embodiment;

[0044] FIGS. 34A and 34B is an illustration for explaining the NO_xoccluding and reducing mechanism of the NO_xoccluding and reducing catalyst;

[0045] FIGS. 35A and 35B schematically illustrate the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 33;

[0046] FIGS. 36A and 36B are diagrams illustrating the NO_xamount released from the NO_xoccluding and reducing catalyst per unit time;

[0047] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating the temperature of the exhaust gas;

[0048] FIG. 38A is a flow chart for controlling the engine operation period in the engine shown in FIG. 33;

[0049] FIG. 38B is a time chart for explaining the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 33;

[0050] FIG. 39 is a general view of an engine, according to further another embodiment;

[0051] FIGS. 40A and 40B schematically illustrate the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 39;

[0052] FIGS. 41A and 41B illustrate other embodiments of the structure of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst, respectively;

[0053] FIG. 42 is a general view of an engine according to a further another embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 43A is a time chart for explaining the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 42;

[0055] FIG. 43B schematically illustrates the variation in the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio along the exhaust passage;

[0056] FIGS. 44 and 45 are flow charts for calculating the fuel injection times of the engine and the auxiliary engine;

[0057] FIG. 46 is a general view of the engine, according to a further another embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 47 is a time chart for explaining the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 46;

[0059] FIG. 48 is a general view of the engine, according to a further another embodiment; and

[0060] FIG. 49 is a time chart for explaining the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 48.

[0061] In general, nitrogen oxides NO_xincludes nitrogen monoxide NO, nitrogen dioxide NO₂, dinitrogen tetraoxide N₂O₄, dinitrogen monoxide N₂O, etc. The following explanation is made referring NO_xmainly as nitrogen monoxide NO and/or nitrogen dioxide NO₂, but a method and a device for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine according to the present invention can purify the other nitrogen oxides.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows the case where the present invention is applied to an internal engine of the spark ignition type. However, the present invention may be applied to a diesel engine. Also, the engine shown in FIG. 1 is used for an automobile, for example.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, an engine body 1, which is a spark-ignition type engine, has four cylinders, i.e., a first cylinder #1, a second cylinder #2, a third cylinder #3, a fourth cylinder #4. Each cylinder 1 to #4 is connected to a common surge tank 3, via a corresponding branch 2, and the surge tank 3 is connected to a air-cleaner (not shown) via an intake duct 4. In each branch 2, a fuel injector 5 is arranged to feed fuel, such as gasoline, to the corresponding cylinder. Further, a throttle valve 6 is arranged in the intake duct 4, an opening of which becomes larger as the depression of the acceleration pedal (not shown) becomes larger. Note that the fuel injectors 5 are controlled in accordance with the output signals from an electronic control unit 20.

[0064] On the other hand, each cylinder is connected to a common exhaust manifold 7, and the exhaust manifold 7 is connected to a catalytic converter 9 housing an NH₃synthesizing catalyst 8 therein. The catalytic converter 9 is then connected to a muffler 11 housing an exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 therein. The muffler 11 is then connected to a catalytic converter 13 housing an NH₃purifying catalyst 12 therein. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a secondary air supplying device 14 is arranged in the exhaust passage between the muffler 11 and the catalytic converter 13, for supplying a secondary air to the NH₃purifying catalyst 12, and is controlled in accordance with the output signals from the electronic control unit 20. Further, each cylinder #1 to #4 is provided with a spark plug 15, which is controlled in accordance with the output signals from the electronic control unit 20.

[0065] The electronic control unit 20 comprises a digital computer and is provided with a ROM (read only memory) 22, a RAM (random access memory) 23, a CPU (micro processor) 24, an input port 25, and an output port 26, which are interconnected by a bidirectional bus 21. Mounted in the surge tank 3 is a pressure sensor 27 generating an output voltage proportional to a pressure in the surge tank 3. The output voltage of the sensor 27 is input via an AD converter 28 to the input port 25. The intake air amount Q is calculated in the CPU 24 on the basis of the output signals from the AD converter 28. Further, mounted in the collecting portion of the exhaust manifold 7 is an upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29agenerating an output voltage proportional to an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio, explained hereinafter, of the exhaust gas flowing through the collecting portion of the exhaust manifold 7. The output voltage of the sensor 29ais input via an AD converter 30ato the input port 25. Mounted in the exhaust passage between the catalytic converter 9 and the muffler 11 is a downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29bgenerating an output voltage proportional to the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing in that exhaust passage, that is, exhausted from the NH₃synthesizing catalyst 8. The output voltage of the sensor 29bis input via an AD converter 30bto the input port 25. Further, connected to the input port 25 is a crank angle sensor 31 generating an output pulse whenever the crank shaft of the engine 1 turns by, for example, 30 degrees. The CPU 24 calculates the engine speed N in accordance with the pulse. On the other hand, the output port 26 is connected to the fuel injectors 5, the spark plugs 15, and the secondary supplying device 14, via corresponding drive circuits 32.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the NH₃synthesizing catalyst 8 is comprised of a three-way catalyst 8a, which is simply expressed as a TW catalyst, here. The TW catalyst 8ais comprised of precious metals such as palladium Pd, platinum Pt, and rhodium Rh, carried on a layer of, for example, alumina, formed on a surface of a substrate.

[0067] FIG. 2A illustrates the purifying efficiency of the exhaust gas of the TW catalyst 8a. If a ratio of the total amount of air fed into the intake passage, the combustion chamber, and the exhaust passage upstream of a certain position in the exhaust passage to the total amount of fuel fed into the intake passage, the combustion chamber, and the exhaust passage upstream of the above-mentioned position is referred to as an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the certain position, FIG. 2A shows that the TW catalyst 8apasses the inflowing NO_xtherethrough when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F)S, which is about 14.6 and the air-excess ratio λ=1.0, and the TW catalyst 8asynthesizes NH₃from a part of the inflowing NO_xwhen the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich. The NH₃synthesizing function of the TW catalyst 8ais unclear, but it can be considered that some of NO_xin the exhaust gas of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich is converted to NH₃according to the following reactions (1) and (2), that is:

[0068] 5H₂+2NO−2NH₃+2H₂O  (1)

[0069] 7H₂+2NO₂−2NH₃+4H₂O  (2)

[0070] On the contrary, it is considered that the other NO_xis reduced to the nitrogen N₂according to the following reactions (3) to (6), that is:

[0071] 2CO+2NO−N₂+2CO₂  (3)

[0072] 2H₂+2NO−N₂+2H₂O  (4)

[0073] 4CO+2NO₂−N₂+4CO₂  (5)

[0074] 4H₂+2NO₂−N₂+4H₂O  (6)

[0075] Accordingly, NO_xflowing in the TW catalyst 8ais converted to either NH₃or N₂when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, and thus NO_xis prevented from being discharged from the TW catalyst 8a.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 2A, an efficiency ETA of the NH₃synthesizing of the TW catalyst 8abecomes larger as the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas becomes smaller or richer from the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F)S, and is kept constant when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas becomes even smaller. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the NH₃synthesizing efficiency ETA is kept constant when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas equals or is smaller than about 13.8, where the air-excess ratio λ is about 0.95).

[0077] On the other hand, the NO_xamount exhausted from each cylinder per unit time depends on the engine air-fuel ratio, as shown in FIG. 2B. In particular, the exhausted NO_xamount becomes smaller as the engine air-fuel ratio becomes smaller when the engine air-fuel ratio is rich. Therefore, considering the synthesizing efficiency ETA, the NH₃amount synthesized in the TW catalyst 8aper unit time reaches the maximum amount thereof when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is about 13.8, if the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas conforms to the engine air-fuel ratio.

[0078] Note that, in the engine shown in FIG. 1, it is desired to synthesize NH₃in as large amount as possible, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing the TW catalyst 8ais rich, because of the reasons described below. Accordingly, a TW catalyst carrying palladium Pd or cerium Ce is used as the TW catalyst 8a. In particular, a TW catalyst carrying palladium Pd can also enhance a HC purifying efficiency, when the exhaust air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich. Further, note that a TW catalyst carrying rhodium Rh suppresses an NH₃synthesizing therein, and a TW catalyst without rhodium Rh is desired used as the TW catalyst 8a.

[0079] On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 is consisted of an NH₃adsorbing and oxidizing catalyst 10a, which is simply expressed as a NH₃-AO catalyst. The NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais comprised of a so-called zeolite denitration catalyst, such as zeolite carrying copper Cu thereon, zeolite carrying copper Cu and platinum Pt thereon, and zeolite carrying iron Fe thereon, which is carried on a surface of a substrate. Alternatively, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais comprised of solid acid such as zeolite, silica, silica-alumina, and titania, carrying the transition metals such as iron Fe and copper Cu or precious metals such as palladium Pd, platinum Pt and rhodium Rh.

[0080] It is considered that the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aadsorbs NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas, and desorbs the adsorbed NH₃when the NH₃concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lower, or when the inflowing exhaust gas includes NO_x. At this time, it is considered that, if the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais under the oxidizing atmosphere, that is, if the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aoxidizes all of NH₃desorbed therefrom. Also, it is considered that, if the inflowing exhaust gas includes both of NH₃and NO_x, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aoxidizes NH₃by NO_x. In these cases, the NH₃oxidizing function has a portion which has been unclear, but it can be considered that the NH₃oxidation occurs according to the following reactions (7) to (10), that is:

[0081] 4NH₃+7O₂−4NO₂+6H₂O  (7)

[0082] 4NH₃+5O₂−4NO+6H₂O  (8)

[0083] 8NH₃+6NO₂−12H₂O+7N₂  (9)

[0084] 4NH₃+4NO+O₂−6H₂O+4N₂  (10)

[0085] The reactions (9) and (10), which are denitration, reduce both of NO_xproduced in the oxidation reactions (7) and (8), and NO_xin the exhaust gas flowing in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0086] It has been found, by experiment, that the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aof this embodiment performs good oxidation and denitration when the temperature of the inflowing exhaust gas is about 300 to 500° C. On the other hand, in general, the temperature of the exhaust gas passing through the muffler 11 is about 300 to 500° C. Therefore, in this embodiment, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais arranged in the muffler 11 to thereby ensure the good performance of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0087] The NH₃purifying catalyst 12 is comprised of transition metals such as iron Fe and copper Cu, or precious metals such as palladium Pd, platinum Pt, and rhodium Rh, carried on a layer of, for example, alumina, formed on a surface of a substrate. The NH₃purifying catalyst 12 purifies or resolves NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas, if the catalyst 12 is under the oxidizing atmosphere, that is, if the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean. In this case, it is considered that the oxidation and denitration reactions (7) to (10) mentioned above occur in the catalyst 12 and thereby NH₃is purified or resolved. In this embodiment, basically, the NH₃amount exhausted from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a is kept zero, but the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 prevents NH₃from being emitted to the ambient air, even if NH₃is discharged from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a without being purified.

[0088] In the engine shown in FIG. 1, the fuel injection time TAU is calculated using the following equation:

[0089] TAU=TB·((A/F)S/(A/P)T)·FAF

[0090] TB represents a basic fuel injection time suitable for making the engine air-fuel ratio of each cylinder equal to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F)S, and is calculated using the following equation:

[0091] TB=(Q/N)·K

[0092] where Q represents the intake air amount, N represents the engine speed, and K represents a constant. Accordingly, the basic fuel injection time TB is a product of an intake air amount per unit engine speed, and the constant.

[0093] (A/F)T represents a target value for the control of the engine air-fuel ratio. When the target value (A/F)T is made larger to make the engine air-fuel ratio lean with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, the fuel injection time TAU is made shorter and thereby the fuel amount to be injected is decreased. When the target value (A/F)T is made smaller to make the engine air-fuel ratio rich with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, the fuel injection time TAU is made longer and thereby the fuel amount to be injected is increased.

[0094] FAF represents a feedback correction coefficient for making the actual engine air-fuel ratio equal to the target value (A/F)T. The feedback correction coefficient FAF is determined on the basis of the output signals from the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29a, mainly. The exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust manifold 7 and detected by the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29aconforms to the engine air-fuel ratio. When the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio detected by the upstream side sensor 29ais lean with respect to the target value (A/F)T, the feedback correction coefficient FAF is made larger and thereby the fuel amount to be injected is increased. When the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio detected by the sensor 29ais rich with respect to the target value (A/F)T, FAF is made smaller and thereby the fuel amount to be injected is decreased. In this way, the actual engine air-fuel ratio is made equal to the target value (A/F)T. Note that the feedback correction coefficient FAF fluctuates around 1.0.

[0095] Contrarily, the downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29bis for compensating for the deviation of the engine air-fuel ratio from the target value (A/F)T due to the deterioration of the upstream side sensor 29a. For the upstream side and the downstream side sensors 29aand 29b, an air-fuel ratio sensor generating an output voltage which corresponds to the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio over a broader range of the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio may be used, while a Z-output type oxygen concentration sensor, of which an output voltage varies drastically when the detecting exhaust gas air-fuel ratio increases or decreases across the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, may also be used. Note that the downstream side sensor 29bmay be arranged in the exhaust passage between the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 and the secondary air supplying device 14, alternatively. Further, the deterioration of the catalyst(s) located between the two sensors 29aand 29bmay be detected on the basis of the output signals from the sensors 29aand 29b.

[0096] In the engine shown in FIG. 1, there is no device for supplying secondary fuel or secondary air in the exhaust passage, other than the secondary air supplying device 14. Thus, the engine air-fuel ratio in the exhaust passage upstream of the secondary air supplying device 14 conforms to the engine air-fuel ratio. In other words, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing in the TW catalyst 8aconforms to the engine air-fuel ratio, and the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 also conforms to the engine air-fuel ratio. Contrarily, in the exhaust passage downstream of the secondary air supplying device 14, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio conforms to the engine air-fuel ratio when the supply of the secondary air is stopped, and is made lean with respect to the engine air-fuel ratio when the secondary air is supplied.

[0097] Next, the exhaust gas purifying method in the engine shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B.

[0098] In the engine shown in FIG. 1, an exhaust gas portion of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean, and an exhaust gas portion of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich, are formed from the exhaust gas of the engine 1, alternately and repeatedly. Then, the exhaust gas portions are introduced to, in turn, the TW catalyst 8a, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10, and the NH₃purifying catalyst 12. In other words, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing the catalysts 8aand 10ais made lean and rich alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 3. When the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is made rich, the TW catalyst 8aconverts NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas to NH₃or N₂, as shown in FIG. 4A, according to the above-mentioned reactions (1) and (2). The NH₃synthesized in the TW catalyst 8athen flows into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. At this time, the concentration of NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas is relatively high, and thus almost all of NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas is adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Even though NH₃flows out the NH₃-AO catalyst 10awithout being adsorbed, the NH₃then flows into the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 and is purified or oxidized, because the catalyst 12 is kept under the oxidizing atmosphere by the secondary air supplying device 14. In this way, NH₃is prevented from being emitted to the ambient air.

[0099] Contrarily, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is made lean, the TW catalyst 8apasses the inflowing NO_xtherethrough, as shown in FIG. 4B, and the NO_xthen flows into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. At this time, the NH₃concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas is substantially zero, and thus NH₃is desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. At this time, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais under the oxidizing atmosphere, and thus the desorbed NH₃acts as a reducing agent, and reduces and purifies NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas, according to the above-mentioned reactions (7) to (10) Note that, even if the NH₃amount desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aexceeds over the amount required for reducing the inflowing NO_x, the excess NH₃is purified or resolved in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aor the NH₃purifying catalyst 12. Accordingly, NH₃is prevented from being emitted to the ambient air. Note that, in this case, the secondary air is unnecessary.

[0100] As mentioned above, NO_xexhausted from the engine is reduced to N₂or adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ain the form of NH₃when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais rich, and is reduced to N₂by NH₃desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10awhen the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais lean. Accordingly, NO_xis prevented from being emitted to the ambient air, regardless whether the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais rich or lean.

[0101] Note that, as mentioned above, it is desired that the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 is kept under the oxidizing atmosphere to ensure good NH₃purification. In this embodiment, the secondary air supplying device 14 supplies the secondary air to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 equal to about 15.3(λ=1.05).

[0102] As long as the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the TW catalyst 8ais kept lean, unburned hydrocarbon HC and/or carbon monoxide, etc. in the inflowing exhaust gas are oxidized and purified at the TW catalyst 8a. Contrarily, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, there may be the case where the HC and/or the CO passes through the TW catalyst 8aand the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. However, the HC and/or the CO then flows into the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 and are oxidized and purified sufficiently, because the catalyst 12 is kept under the oxidizing atmosphere, as mentioned above.

[0103] To form the exhaust gas portions of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratios are lean and rich respectively, there may be provided a secondary air supplying device for supplying the secondary air in, for example, the exhaust manifold 7. In this case, while the engine air-fuel ratio is kept rich, the supply of the secondary air is stopped to thereby form the exhaust gas portion of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich, and the secondary air is supplied to thereby form the exhaust gas portion of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean. Or, there may be provided a secondary fuel supplying device for supplying the secondary fuel in, for example, the exhaust manifold 7. In this case, while the engine air-fuel ratio is kept lean, the supply of the secondary fuel is stopped to thereby form the exhaust gas portion of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean, and the secondary fuel is supplied to thereby form the exhaust gas portion of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich.

[0104] However, as mentioned above, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10aconforms to the engine air-fuel ratio, in the engine shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the engine air-fuel ratio is controlled to be lean and rich alternately and repeatedly to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly. Namely, the engine 1 operates in a lean engine operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is lean to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean, and the engine 1 operates in a rich engine operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is rich to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10arich, and the engine 1 operates in the lean and rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly.

[0105] In other words, NO_xexhausted from the engine 1 is purified sufficiently and is prevented from being emitted to the ambient air, by the engine operating the lean and rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly.

[0106] If a target value of the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais referred to as a target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, the actual exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais made equal to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, by making the target value of the engine air-fuel ratio equal to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T. Therefore, in the embodiment, the target value of the engine air-fuel ratio is conformed to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T. The target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made equal to a lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L which is lean with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F)S, and equal to a rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R which is rich with respect to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F)S, alternately and repeatedly, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly. Note that, if an engine operation period during which the engine performs the lean engine operation is referred as a lean operation period TL, and if an engine operation period during which the engine performs the rich engine operation is referred as a rich operation period TR, one lean operation period TL and one rich operation period TR, next to each other, form a cycle.

[0107] The lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L and the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R may be determined in accordance with the engine operating condition, respectively. However, in the present embodiment, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is set constant at about 25.0, and the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is set constant at about 13.8, regardless the engine operating condition. Therefore, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made equal to about 25.0 when the lean engine operation is to be performed, and is made equal to about 13.8 when the rich engine operation is to be performed.

[0108] If the air-fuel mixture spreading over the entire combustion chamber uniformly is formed when the engine air-fuel ratio is very lean, such as 25.0, the spark plug 15 cannot ignite the air-fuel mixture, because the air-fuel mixture is very thin, and misfiring may occur. To solve this, in the engine shown in FIG. 1, an ignitable air-fuel mixture is formed in a restricted region in the combustion chamber and the reminder is filled with only the air or only the air and the EGR gas, and the air-fuel mixture is ignited by the spark plug 15, when the lean engine operation is to be performed. This prevents the engine from misfiring, even though the engine air-fuel ratio is very lean. Alternatively, the misfiring may be prevented by forming the swirl flow in the combustion chamber, while forming the uniform air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

[0109] As mentioned at the beginning, a lower fuel consumption rate is desired, and thus it is desired to make the lean operation period TL as long as possible, and to make the rich operation period TR as short as possible. In particular, it is preferable that TL/TR is equal to or larger than 3, for the lesser fuel consumption rate. However, as the lean operation period TL becomes longer, the NH₃amount desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10abecomes smaller. Thus, a longer lean operation period TL may lead to a lack of NH₃for purifying NO_xin the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, and to the emit NO_xto the ambient air without reduction. To solve this, in this embodiment, an NH₃amount adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aS(NH₃) is obtained by obtaining an NH₃amount desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aduring the lean engine operation, and the lean engine operation is stopped and the rich engine operation starts when the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) becomes smaller than a predetermined minimum amount MIN(NH₃). This prevents NO_xflowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10afrom being emitted to the ambient air without being reduced.

[0110] On the other hand, the shorter rich operation period is preferable. However, if the rich operation period TR is made too short, the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) may be smaller than that required for the sufficient reduction of NO_x, and thereby NO_xmay be discharged without being reduced when the NO_xamount inflowing the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aincreases drastically. Further, too short a rich operation period may lead to frequent changes in the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T between the lean and rich air-fuel ratios, and thus an undesired deterioration of the drivability may occur. However, if the rich operation period TR becomes longer, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais saturated with NH₃, and a large amount of NH₃is discharged therefrom. To solve this, in this embodiment, the NH₃amount adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aduring the rich engine operation is obtained to thereby obtain the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃), and the rich engine operation is stopped and the lean engine operation is started when the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) becomes larger than a maximum amount MAX(NO_x), which is determined in accordance with the adsorbing capacity of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. In this way, the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR are determined in accordance with the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, in the present embodiment.

[0111] It is difficult to directly find the adsorbed NH₃amount in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adsorbed NH₃amount is estimated on the basis of the NH₃amount synthesized in the TW catalyst 8aor flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. In this case, a sensor for detecting the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10amay be arranged in the exhaust passage between the TW catalyst 8aand the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. However, in the embodiment, considering the applicability, the synthesized NH₃amount is estimated on the basis of the NO_xamount flowing into the TW catalyst 8a, and then the adsorbed NH₃amount is estimated on the basis of the synthesized NH₃amount. That is, the synthesized NH₃amount per unit time becomes larger as the NO_xamount flowing into the TW catalyst 8aper unit time becomes larger. Also, the synthesized NH₃amount per unit time becomes larger as the synthesizing efficiency ETA becomes higher.

[0112] On the other hand, the NO_xamount exhausted from the engine per unit time becomes larger as the engine speed N becomes higher, and thus the NO_xamount flowing into the TW catalyst 8aper unit time becomes larger. Also, the exhaust gas amount exhausted from the engine becomes larger and the combustion temperature becomes higher as the engine load Q/N (the intake air amount Q/the engine speed N) becomes higher, and thus the NO_xamount flowing into the TW catalyst 8aper unit becomes larger as the engine load Q/N becomes higher.

[0113] FIG. 6A illustrates the relationships, obtained by experiments, between the NO_xamount exhausted from the engine per unit time Q(NO_x), the engine load Q/N, and the engine speed N, with a constant lean or rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L or (A/F)R. In FIG. 6A, the curves show the identical NO_xamount. As shown in FIG. 6A, the exhausted NO_xamount Q(NO_x) becomes larger as the engine load Q/N becomes higher, and as the engine speed N becomes higher. Note that the exhausted NO_xamount Q(NO_x) is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0114] The synthesizing efficiency ETA varies in accordance with the temperature TTC of the exhaust gas flowing into the TW catalyst 8a, which represents the temperature of the TW catalyst 8a. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the synthesizing efficiency ETA becomes higher as the exhaust gas temperature TTC becomes higher when TTC is low, and becomes lower as TTC becomes higher when TTC is high, with the constant rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. The synthesizing efficiency ETA is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 7.

[0115] Note that the exhausted NO_xamount from the engine per unit time Q(NO_x) varies in accordance with the engine air-fuel ratio, as described above with reference to FIG. 2B. Therefore, if the lean or rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, (A/F)R is changed in accordance with, for example, the engine operating condition, the exhausted NO_xamount Q(NO_x) obtained by the map shown in FIG. 6B must be corrected on the basis of the actual lean or rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, (A/F)R. Further, the synthesizing efficiency ETA also varies in accordance with the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the TW catalyst 8a, that is, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, as shown in FIG. 2A. Therefore, if the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is changed in accordance with, for example, the engine operating condition, the synthesizing efficiency ETA obtained by the map shown in FIG. 7 is also required to be corrected on the basis of the actual rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R.

[0116] The product of Q(NO_x) calculated using the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N and the synthesizing efficiency ETA calculated using the exhaust gas temperature TTC represents the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aper unit time. Accordingly, during the rich engine operation, the NH₃amount adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais calculated using the following equation:

[0117] S(NH₃)=S(NH₃)+Q(NO_x)·ETA·DELTAa

[0118] where DELTAa represents the time interval of calculation of Q(NO_x) and ETA. Thus, Q(NO_x)·ETA·DELTAa represents the NH₃amount adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10afrom the last calculation of Q(NO_x) and ETA until the present calculation.

[0119] FIG. 8A illustrates the NH₃amount D(NH₃) desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aper unit time, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais changed from rich to lean, obtained by experiment. In FIG. 8A, the curves show the identical desorbed NH₃amount. As shown in FIG. 8A, the desorbed NH₃amount D(NH₃) becomes larger as the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) becomes larger. Also, D(NH₃) becomes larger as the temperature TAC of the exhaust gas flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, which represents the temperature of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, becomes higher. The desorbed NH₃amount D(NH₃) is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0120] Accordingly, during the lean engine operation, the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is calculated using the following equation:

[0121] S(NH₃)=S(NH₃)−D(NH₃)·DELTAd

[0122] where DELTAd represents the time interval of the calculation of D(NH₃), and thus D(NH₃)·DELTAd in represents the NH₃amount desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, from the last calculation of D(NH₃) until the present calculation.

[0123] To obtain the temperature TTC of the exhaust gas flowing into the TW catalyst 8a, and the temperature TAC of the exhaust gas flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, temperature sensors may be arranged in the exhaust passage directly upstream of the TW catalyst 8aand directly upstream of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, respectively. However, the exhaust gas temperatures can be estimated on the basis of the engine operating condition, that is, the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N. Thus, in the engine shown in FIG. 1, TTC and TAC are stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. ETA and D(NH₃) are calculated using TTC and TAC obtained from the maps shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0124] In this embodiment, one lean operation period TL is performed for several minutes, and one rich operation period is performed for several seconds, for example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the engine 1 performs the lean engine operation basically, and performs the rich engine operation temporarily. In this case, a plurality of cylinders perform the lean engine operation during the lean engine operation, and a plurality of cylinders perform the rich engine operation during the rich engine operation. Note that the lean and the rich operation periods may be predetermined as a time. Further, alternatively, first, the total NO_xamount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aduring the lean engine operation may be found, and the lean operation period TL may be set so that the total inflowing NO_xamount does not exceed a NO_xamount which NH₃adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10acan purify.

[0125] Next, the control of the ignition timing in the engine shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

[0126] In the engine shown in FIG. 1, the ignition timing IT in the lean engine operation is made ITL which provides, for example, the suitable output torque of the engine. On the contrary, the ignition timing IT in the rich engine operation is made ITR which is retarded with respect to the ignition timing ITL. Retarding the ignition timing suppresses the increase of the output torque, and thereby suppresses the undesired fluctuation in the output torque when the engine performs the lean and rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly. Further, retarding the ignition timing increases the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the TW catalyst 8a, and thereby the synthesized NH₃amount is kept larger. As a result, the NH₃amount for purifying NO_xincreases without extending the rich operation period TR. Note that the ignition timing in the lean engine operation ITL is set in accordance with the engine operating condition, such as the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L. Also, the ignition timing in the rich engine operation ITR is set in accordance with the engine operating condition, such as the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R and the ignition timing ITL.

[0127] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate routines for executing the above-mentioned embodiment. Each routine is executed by interruption every predetermined crank angle.

[0128] FIG. 10 illustrates a routines for executing the control of the engine operation periods.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 10, first, in step 40, it is judged whether FRICH is made 1. FRICH is made 1 when the rich operation is to be performed, and is made zero when the lean operation is to be performed. If FRICH is 1, that is, if the rich operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 41, where the exhausted NO_xamount Q(NO_x) is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 6B on the basis of the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N. In the following step 42, the exhaust gas temperature TTC is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 9A. In the following step 43, the NH₃synthesizing efficiency ETA is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 7 on the basis of the exhaust gas temperature TTC. In the following step 44, the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is calculated using the following equation:

[0130] S(NH₃)=S(NH₃)+Q(NO_x)·ETA·DELTAa

[0131] where DELTAa is a time interval from the last processing cycle until the present processing cycle, and is obtained by, for example, a timer. In the following step 45, it is judged whether the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is larger than the maximum amount MAX(NH₃). If S(NH₃)≦MAX(NH₃), the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NH₃)≦MAX(NH₃), the adsorbed NH₃amount is judged to be too small to purify NO_x, and thus the rich operation is continuously performed.

[0132] If S(NH₃)>MAX(NH₃), the routine goes to step 46, where FRICH is made zero, and then the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NH₃)>MAX(NH₃) , the adsorbed NH₃amount is sufficient to purify NO_x, and the rich operation is stopped and the lean operation starts (as at the time a, c, e, or g shown in FIG. 5). Accordingly, the rich operation period TR is a period from when FRICH is made 1 until S(NH₃)>MAX(NH₃).

[0133] Contrarily, if FRICH=0 in step 40, that is, if the lean operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 47, where the exhaust gas temperature TAC is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 9B. In the following step 48, the desorbed NH₃amount D(NH₃) is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 8B, on the basis of TAC and the present S(NH₃). In the following step 49, the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is calculated using the following equation:

[0134] S(NH₃)=S(NH₃)−D(NH₃)·DELTAd

[0135] where DELTAd is a time interval from the last processing cycle until the present processing cycle. In the following step 50, it is judged whether the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is smaller than the minimum amount MIN(NH₃). If S(NH₃)≧MIN(NH₃), the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NH₃)≧MIN(NH₃), the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is judged to be still large to purify NO_x, and thus the lean operation is continued.

[0136] If S(NH₃)<MIN(NH₃), the routine goes to step 51, FRICH is made 1 and the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NH₃)<MIN(NH₃), the adsorbed NH₃amount is judged to be insufficient to purify NO_x, and thus the lean operation is stopped and the rich engine operation starts (as at the time b, d, or f shown in FIG. 5). Accordingly, the lean operation period TL is from when the FRICH is made zero until S(NH₃)<MIN(NH₃).

[0137] FIG. 11 illustrates the routine for calculating the fuel injection time TAU.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 11, first, in step 60, the basic fuel injection time TB is calculated using the following equation, on the basis of the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N:

[0139] TB=(Q/N)·K

[0140] In the following step 61, the feedback correction coefficient FAF is calculated. In the following step 62, it is judged whether FRICH, which is controlled in the routine shown in FIG. 10, is made 1. If FRICH=1, that is, if the rich operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 63, where the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is calculated. In this embodiment, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is kept constant at 13.8 regardless the engine operating condition, and thus the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is made 13.8 in step 63. In the following step 64, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is memorized as the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T. Next, the routine goes to step 65.

[0141] Contrarily, if FRICH is zero, that is, if the lean operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 66, where the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is calculated. In this embodiment, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is kept constant at 25.0 regardless the engine operating condition, and thus the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is made 25.0 in step 66. In the following step 67, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is memorized as the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T. Next, the routine goes to step 65.

[0142] In step 65, the fuel injection time TAU is calculated using the following equation:

[0143] TAU=TB·((A/F)S/(A/F)T)·FAF

[0144] Each fuel injector 5 injects the fuel for the fuel injection time TAU.

[0145] FIG. 12 illustrates a routine for executing the control of the ignition timing.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12, first, in step 160, it is judged whether FRICH, which is controlled in the routine shown in FIG. 10, is made zero. If FRICH=0, that is, if the lean operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 161, where ITL is calculated in accordance with, for example, the engine operating condition. In the following step 162, ITL is memorized as the ignition timing IT. Then, the processing cycle is ended.

[0147] If FRICH=1 in step 160, that is, if the rich operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 163, where ITR is calculated in accordance with, for example, ITL. In the following step 164, ITR is memorized as the ignition timing IT. Then, the processing cycle is ended. Each spark plug 15 performs the igniting operation in accordance with the ignition timing ITL or ITR.

[0148] In the embodiment mentioned above, the exhaust gas can be purified sufficiently using a single exhaust passage, that is, without providing a plurality of the exhaust passages. Accordingly, the structure of the exhaust gas purifying device is kept small and simple.

[0149] On the other hand, if a ratio of the number of the cylinders which performs the lean engine operation to the number of the cylinders which performs the rich engine operation in one cycle (see FIG. 5) is referred as a cylinder number ratio RATIO, it is desired to make the cylinder number ratio RATIO as large as possible, to thereby make the fuel consumption rate as small as possible. However, if a part of the cylinders performs the rich engine operation and the other performs the lean engine operation as in the prior art device mentioned at the beginning, the cylinder number ratio RATIO is limited. That is, in the four-cylinder engine, for example, the ratio RATIO is limited to 3 and cannot made larger than 3. Thus, the decrease of the fuel consumption rate is limited, with the identical lean and rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L and (A/F)R. Contrarily, in the embodiment, the ratio RATIO is allowed to be made larger until the NO_xamount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aexceeds the NH₃amount desorbed from the catalyst 10a. In particular, the cylinder number ratio RATIO is made larger than 3 in the four-cylinders engine. As a result, the fuel consumption rate is made more lower.

[0150] Further, if the first cylinder #1 continuously performs the rich operation and the second, third, and fourth cylinders #2, #3, #4 continuously perform the lean operation, for example, as in the prior art, a large temperature difference between the exhaust gases exhausted from the cylinders #1 to #4 may occur, and may lead a larger temperature drop in the engine body or in the exhaust manifold 7, to thereby lead to a large thermal distortion therein. Furthermore, in this example, a large amount of the deposition may exist in the first cylinder #1 which performs the rich operation continuously. Contrarily, in this embodiment, a cylinder in which the lean or rich operation is to be performed is not specified, that is, every cylinder performs both the lean and the rich operations. Accordingly, a large thermal distortion in the engine body or in the exhaust manifold 7 is prevented, and the large amount of the deposition on the particular cylinder is also prevented.

[0151] Additionally, the exhaust gas purifying method according to the present embodiment may be used in a single cylinder engine.

[0152] Next, another embodiment for determining the lean and the rich operation period TL, TR, in the engine shown in FIG. 1, will be explained.

[0153] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the lean and the rich operation period TL, TR are set in accordance with the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃). As a result, the cylinder number ratio RATIO is set in accordance with the adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃). Contrarily, in this embodiment, a ratio RATIO suitable for purifying NO_xfor every engine operating condition is stored in advance, and the lean and the rich operation period TL and TR are set to make the actual cylinder number ratio equal to this suitable ratio RATIO.

[0154] In this embodiment, the ratio RATIO is one selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 13 shows the ratio RATIO suitable for purifying NO_xfor an engine operating condition defined by the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N. As shown in FIG. 13, the ratio RATIO becomes larger as the engine load Q/N become higher when the engine load Q/N is low, and becomes smaller as the engine load Q/N becomes higher when the engine load Q/N is high, with the constant engine speed N. The ratio RATIO is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 13.

[0155] For the ratio RATIO obtained from the map shown in FIG. 13, any method can be applied to set the number of the cylinders performing the lean engine operation and that performing the rich engine operation. In this embodiment, the number of the cylinder performing the rich engine operation is set to 1 regardless the ratio RATIO. As mentioned above, the ratio RATIO is a ratio of the number of the cylinders performing the lean engine operation to that performing the rich engine operation, in one cycle. Thus, the number of the cylinders performing the lean engine operation is made 1, 2, 3, and 4, for the ratio RATIO 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with the number of cylinder performing the rich engine operation being 1. Next, the method for controlling the engine operation period will be explained in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0156] In the engine shown in FIG. 1, the combustion stroke of one of the cylinders is in process whenever the crankshaft turns by about 180 degree. That is, the combustion strokes are in process repeatedly in the order of the first #1, the third #3, the fourth #4, and the second cylinder #2. In FIGS. 14 to 17, white and black circles represent the lean and the rich engine operations, respectively. FIG. 14 illustrates the case in which the ratio RATIO is made 1. In this case, the rich operation is performed in one cylinder, that is, for example, the first cylinder #1, and the lean operation is performed in one cylinder, that is, the third cylinder #3. Thus, the rich operation in the first cylinder #1 forms the rich operation period TR, and the lean operation in the third cylinder #3 forms the lean operation period TL, and the operations in the two cylinders form the cycle. The following cycle is formed by the operations of the fourth and the second cylinders #4 and 1902.

[0157] As mentioned above, in the engine shown in FIG. 1, the combustion stroke is in process whenever the crankshaft turns by about 180 degree, and thus the exhaust stroke periods of the cylinders are different from each other, that is, do not overlap each other. As a result, in the case of RATIO=1, the exhaust gas exhausted from the first cylinder #1 of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is rich first flows into the TW catalyst 8a, and then the exhaust gas exhausted from the third cylinder #3 of which exhaust gas air-fuel ratio is lean flows into the TW catalyst 8a, and, in this manner, the exhaust gases from the cylinders flow into the TW catalyst 8a, in turn. Accordingly, the exhaust gas portions of which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratios are rich and lean flow into the TW catalyst 8aalternately and repeatedly. Note that the present invention may be applied in the case in which the exhaust stroke periods slightly overlap to each other.

[0158] FIG. 15 shows the case where RATIO=2. In this case, the rich operation is performed in, for example, the first cylinder #1, and the lean operation is performed in two cylinders, that is, the third and the fourth cylinders #3 and #4. Thus, the rich operation in the first cylinder #1 forms the rich operation period TR, and the lean operations in the third and the fourth cylinders #3 and #4 form the lean operation period TL, and the operations in the three cylinders form the cycle. The following cycle is formed by the operations of the second, the first, and the third cylinders #2, #1, and #3.

[0159] FIG. 16 shows the case where RATIO=3. In this case, the rich operation is performed in, for example, the first cylinder #1, and the lean operation is performed in three cylinders, that is, the third, the fourth, and the second cylinders #3, #4, and #2. Thus, the rich operation in the first cylinder #1 forms the rich operation period TR, and the lean operations in the third, the fourth, and the second cylinders #3, #4, and #2 form the lean operation period TL, and the operations in the four cylinders form the cycle. The following cycle is formed by the operation of the first, the third, and the fourth cylinders #1, #3, and #4.

[0160] FIG. 17 shows the case where RATIO=4. In this case, the rich operation is performed in, for example, the first cylinder #1, and the lean operation is performed in four cylinders, that is, the third, the fourth, the second, and the first cylinders #3, #4, #2, and #1. Thus, the rich operation in the first cylinder #1 forms the rich operation period TR, and the lean operations in the third, the fourth, the second, and the first cylinders #3, #4, #2, and #1 form the lean operation period TL, and the operations in the five cylinders form the cycle. The following cycle is formed by the operation of the third, the fourth, the second, the first, and the third cylinders #3, #4, #2, #1, and #3.

[0161] When the ratio RATIO is made equal to or larger than the total number of the cylinders of the engine as in the example shown in FIG. 17, all of the cylinders performs the lean engine operation in one lean operation period. This ensures the longer lean operation period TL, to thereby decrease the fuel consumption rate.

[0162] When setting the cylinder number ratio RATIO to thereby set the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR in this way, the NH₃amount and the NO_xamount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10acan be controlled accurate. This results in preventing NO_xand NH₃from passing through the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, and in purifying the exhaust gas sufficiently.

[0163] A cylinder performing the rich operation is not fixed when setting the ratio RATIO to thereby set the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR. Further, a cylinder performing the rich operation varies in every cycle, when the ratio RATIO is made 2 or 4, for example. Thus, the engine body 1 or the exhaust manifold 7 is further prevented from the thermal distortion, and the deposition in the specific cylinder is further prevented.

[0164] Note that the cylinder performing the rich operation is fixed when the ratio is made 1 or 3, as shown in FIG. 14 or 16. Namely, only the first and the third cylinders #1 and #3 perform the rich operation in the example shown in FIG. 14, and only the first cylinder #1 performs the rich operation in the example shown in FIG. 16. However, if the ratio RATIO changes due to the change in the engine operating condition, the cylinder performing the rich operation is changed. Namely, the cylinder performing the rich operation changes whenever the ratio RATIO changes, and thus the cylinder is not necessarily fixed. Note that, if the ratio RATIO is kept identical for a long period due to the stable engine operating condition and thereby a specific cylinder performs the rich operation for a predetermined period, the cylinder performing the rich operation may be changed to the other while keeping the ratio RATIO. Namely, in the example shown in FIG. 16, if the first cylinder #1 performs the rich operation for the predetermined period, the third cylinder #3 performs the rich operation, while the first cylinder performs the lean operation to keep the ratio RATIO, for example. natively, the ratio RATIO may be changed to 2 or 4 temporarily, to thereby change the cylinder performing the rich operation.

[0165] When the lean and the rich operations are performed in accordance with the ratio RATIO, each cylinder is required to be judged whether it has to perform the lean operation or the rich operation. Next, the method for judging whether the cylinder has to perform the lean operation or the rich operation will be explained.

[0166] In this embodiment, the product DRICH of the data DRATIO of 5 bits representing the cylinder number ratio RATIO, and the history data DHISTORY of 5 bits representing the engine operations in the last five cylinders is calculated whenever the combustion stroke is in process, and it is judged whether the lean operation or the rich operation is to be performed, on the basis of the product DRICH. The data DRATIO is “00001” for RATIO=1, “00011” for RATIO=2, “00111” for RATIO=3, and “01111” for RATIO=4, as shown in FIG. 18, and is a stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 18.

[0167] The bit in 2⁴of DHISTORY represents the engine operation performed five times before, the bit in 2³represents the engine operation performed four times before, the bit in 2²represents the engine operation performed three times before, the bit in 2¹represents the engine operation performed two times before, and the bit in 2⁰represents the last engine operation. In each cylinder, each bit is made zero when the lean operation is performed, and is made 1 when the rich operation is performed. Thus, DHISTORY=“10010”, for example, represents that the rich, the lean, the lean, the rich, and the lean operations have been performed, in turn.

[0168] The product DRICH of DRATIO and DHISTORY is calculated when the fuel injection time TAU for each cylinder is calculated. The cylinder performs the rich operation when DRICH is “00000”, and performs the lean operation when DRICH is the other. Next, an example of DRICH will be explained with reference to FIG. 19, as well as FIG. 15.

[0169] FIG. 19 illustrates the product DRICH in the case in which RATIO=2. In the example shown in FIG. 19, for the second cylinder #2, DHISTORY is “10010” and DRATIO is “00011”, and thus DRICH is “00010”. As a result, the second cylinder #2 performs the lean operation. That is, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T for the second cylinder #2 is made the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L. For the following first cylinder #1, DHISTORY is “00100” and DRATIO is “00011”, and thus DRICH is “00000”. As a result, the first cylinder #1 performs the rich operation. That is, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T for the first cylinder #1 is made the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. The following third cylinder #3 performs the lean operation because DRICH is “00001”, the following fourth cylinder #4 performs the lean operation because DRICH is “00010”, and the following second cylinder #2 performs the rich operation because DRICH is “00000”.

[0170] FIG. 20 shows a routine for executing the embodiment mentioned above. This routine is executed by interruption every predetermined crank angle.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 20, first, in step 70, it is judged whether it is in the fuel injection timing of any one of the cylinders. If it is not in the fuel injection timing, the processing cycle is ended. If it is in the fuel injection timing, the routine goes to step 71, where the cylinder number ratio RATIO is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 13. In the following step 72, DRATIO is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 18, on the basis of the ratio RATIO obtained in the step 71. In the following step 73, DRICH is calculated as the product of proposition of DRATIO and DHISTORY. In the following step 74, DHISTORY is renewed on the basis of DRICH in the present processing cycle. In the following step 75, it is judged whether DRICH is “00000”. If DRICH=“00000”, the routine goes to step 76, where FRICH is made 1. FRICH is identical one shown in the routine shown in FIG. 10, and the rich engine operation is performed when FRICH is made 1, as can be seen from the routine shown in FIG. 11. Then, the processing cycle is ended.

[0172] If DRICH≠“00000” in step 75, the routine goes to step 77, where FRICH is made zero. When FRICH is made zero, the lean operation is performed. Then, the processing cycle is ended.

[0173] In this embodiment, the number of the cylinders performing the rich engine operation in one rich operation period is made 1. As a result, the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aduring one rich operation period is made smaller. Therefore, the volume of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, as well as the size thereof, can be made very small.

[0174] Note that, in one cycle, a plurality of cylinders may perform the rich operation. Referring to FIG. 21 which illustrates an example in which the number of the cylinders performing the rich operation in one cycle is made 3, the first, the third, and the fourth cylinders l, #3, and #4 perform the rich operation, in turn. Then, if the ratio RATIO is made 2, the following six cylinders perform the lean operation. In the following cycle, the third, the fourth, and the second cylinders #3, #4, and #2 perform the rich operation, in turn. In this case, it is prevented that the cylinders performing the rich operation are completely identical to those in the last cycle. That is, the cylinders performing the rich operation vary in every cycle. As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the engine body, for example, is prevented from the thermal distortion, and a large amount of deposition on a specific cylinder is also prevented.

[0175] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the cylinder number ratio RATIO is set as a function of the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N. Alternatively, the ratio RATIO may be set as a function of the intake air amount Q, as shown in FIG. 22. In this case, the ratio RATIO becomes larger as the intake air amount Q becomes larger when Q is small, and becomes smaller as Q becomes larger when Q is large, as shown in FIG. 22.

[0176] Next, another method for setting the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L will be explained.

[0177] During the lean operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is made the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, it is often difficult to ensure the adequate output torque of the engine, and the actual output torque may deviate from the required output torque which is determined in accordance with the engine operating condition, if the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is simply made lean. To solve this, in this embodiment, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L( which make the actual output torque equal to the required torque in the lean operation, is stored in advance, and the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is set to this lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L in the lean operation.

[0178] FIG. 23 shows the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L making the actual output torque equal to the required output torque. As shown in FIG. 23, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is obtained, as a function of the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N, in advance, by experiment. The lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L becomes larger as the engine load Q/N becomes higher when the engine load Q/N is low, and becomes smaller as the engine load Q/N becomes higher when the engine load Q/N is high, with a constant engine speed N. Further, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map of shown in FIG. 23. The lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L may be calculated using the map shown in FIG. 23, in the step 66 in the routine shown in FIG. 11.

[0179] Next, another method for setting the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R will be explained.

[0180] As mentioned above, shorter rich operation period is desirable for a lower fuel consumption rate. Thus, it is desired to change the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R in accordance with the engine operating condition, to thereby make the NH₃amount synthesized in the rich operation period larger. However, if the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10asuddenly increases when the engine air-fuel ratio changes from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, the NH₃may be discharged from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10awithout being adsorbed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, which makes the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ain the rich operation suitable for the decreasing the fuel consumption rate and for good purification of the exhaust gas, is stored in advance, and the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made equal to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, in the rich operation.

[0181] FIG. 24 shows the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R making the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ain the rich operation suitable for the decreasing the fuel consumption rate and for good purification of the exhaust gas. As shown in FIG. 24, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is stored as a function of the intake air amount Q, in advance, by experiment. The rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is made 14.4 when Q<Q1, becomes smaller as the intake air amount Q becomes larger when Q1<Q<Q2, and is made 12.5 when Q2<Q, where Q1 and Q2 are predetermined values. When the intake air amount Q becomes larger and thus the combustion temperature becomes higher, the NO_xamount exhausted from the engine becomes larger suddenly and thus the NH₃amount flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10abecomes larger suddenly. Therefore, when the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is made smaller and thereby the combustion temperature is lowered, NH₃is prevented from excessively flowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Note that the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of the map as shown in FIG. 24. The rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R may be calculated using the map shown in FIG. 24, in the step 63 in the routine shown in FIG. 11.

[0182] Next, a further embodiment for setting the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R will be explained with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B.

[0183] As mentioned above, the engine shown in FIG. 1 mainly performs the lean operation, and performs the rich operation temporarily. Thus, it is desired that the engine performs the rich operation suitable for the lean operation which is a basic engine operation. In other words, it is desired that the engine performs the rich operation to make the synthesized NH₃amount thereby equal to that suitable for purifying NO_xflowing into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ain the lean operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, a changing value DROP in the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T making the rich operation suitable for the last lean operation is stored in advance, and the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R is calculated by subtracting the changing value DROP from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L in the last lean operation, as shown in FIG. 25A. The changing value DROP varies in accordance with the engine operating condition, and is thus set in accordance with the engine operating condition just before the rich operation in question starts, such as an engine load. This results in purifying the exhaust gas sufficiently, regardless the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L.

[0184] FIG. 25B shows the changing value DROP obtained in advance by experiment. As shown in FIG. 25B, the changing value DROP becomes smaller as the engine load Q/N becomes higher, and is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 25B. In the step 63 in the routine shown in FIG. 11, first the changing value DROP may be calculated using the map shown in FIG. 25B, and then the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R may be calculated by subtracting DROP from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L calculated in the step 66.

[0185] Alternatively, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R may be a standard value, and the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L may be calculated by adding a changing value to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, to thereby make the lean operation suitable for the last rich operation.

[0186] Next, another embodiment for controlling the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T for each cylinder will be explained with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30.

[0187] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T of the cylinders is made the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R alternately and repeatedly to make the exhaust air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 5. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the target air-fuel ratio is changed in the form of the step. However, if the target air-fuel ratio is changed in the form of the step, there may occur a drastic change in the output torque of the engine, which is undesirable, and the drivability may deteriorate. Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made smaller from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L such as 25.0 to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R such as 13.8 gradually with a predetermined changing rate SLOPER, and is made larger from the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R to the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L with a predetermined changing rate SLOPEL. The rates SLOPER and SLOPEL are set in accordance with the engine operating condition, respectively. This prevents a drastic change in the output torque, and ensures the good drivability.

[0188] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the target airfuel ratio (A/F)T is also made smaller gradually with the changing rate SLOPER, and is also made larger gradually with the changing rate SLOPEL. This ensures good drivability. Further, in this embodiment, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is kept constant at the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, for a predetermined period, after the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T reaches the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, and then is made smaller with the rate SLOPER toward the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. As a result, the lean operation period TL is made longer than that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, and the fuel consumption rate is made further smaller. Additionally, the changing operation of the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T between the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios per unit time is made smaller, and thereby the drivability is further enhanced.

[0189] As mentioned above, the TW catalyst 8asynthesizes NH₃for purifying NO_xin the rich operation. However, if the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made smaller gradually from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, the NH₃amount synthesized in the TW catalyst 8amay not increases quickly, or the NH₃-AO catalyst 10amay desorb NH₃excessive to NO_xflowing into the catalyst 10a. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is changed from the lean air-fuel ratio to the rich air-fuel ratio quickly in the form of the step, to thereby prevent NH₃and NO_xfrom being discharged without being purified. Note that the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is changed from the rich air-fuel ratio to the lean air-fuel ratio gradually with the rate SLOPEL, to thereby suppress the undesired fluctuation of the output torque.

[0190] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made smaller gradually with the rate SLOPER, and is made larger gradually with the rate SLOPEL, as shown in, for example, FIG. 26. However, in this embodiment, the absolute value SLOPER is made smaller that of SLOPEL, and thus the fluctuation of the output torque is suppressed, while preventing the NH₃amount from being too small to purify NO_x.

[0191] Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is kept constant at the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L for a predetermined period, after the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made equal to the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, and then is made smaller toward the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. The target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is kept constant at the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R for a predetermined period, after the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made equal to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R, and then is made larger toward the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L. As a result, the changing operation of the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T between the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios per unit time is made smaller, and thereby the drivability is further enhanced.

[0192] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, while the changing rate SLOPEL, SLOPER may be set constant regardless the engine operating condition, the rate SLOPEL, SLOPER may be set in accordance with the engine operating condition. FIG. 30 shows relationships between the rates SLOPEL and SLOPER and the engine load Q/N. As shown in FIG. 30, each rate SLOPEL, SLOPER becomes smaller as the engine load Q/N becomes higher. The rates SLOPEL and SLOPER are stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map shown in FIG. 30.

[0193] Further, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the changing rates SLOPEL and SLOPER are kept constant through one changing process of the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T between the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios. Alternatively, the changing rates SLOPEL and SLOPER may be changed in one changing process of the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, in accordance with, for example, the engine operating condition.

[0194] On the other hand, the ignition timing for each cylinder is changed gradually in accordance with the change in the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, when the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is changed as in the embodiments mentioned above. Namely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, for example, the ignition timing IT is retarded gradually with a changing rate SR when the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made smaller gradually, and is advanced gradually with a changing rate SL when the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is made larger gradually. The rates SL and SR corresponds to the rates SLOPEL and SLOPER, respectively. This suppresses the undesired fluctuation in the output torque more effectively. Note that the rates SL and SR may be kept constant, or may be changed in accordance with the engine operating condition.

[0195] FIG. 31 shows a routine for controlling the ignition timing in the embodiment shown in FIG. 26. This routine is executed by interruption every predetermined crank angle.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 31, first, in step 170, it is judged whether FRICH, which is made zero or 1 in the routine shown in FIG. 10, is made 1. If FRICH=0, that is, if the engine has to perform the lean operation, the routine goes to step 171, where the ignition timing IT is increased by SL, namely, is advanced by SL. In the following step 172, ITL is calculated in accordance with the engine operating condition, for example. In the following step 173, it is judged whether the ignition timing IT is larger than ITL. If IT>ITL, the routine goes to step 174, where the ignition timing IT is limited to ITL. Then, the processing cycle is ended.

[0197] If FRICH=1 in step 170, that is, if the engine has to perform the rich operation, the routine goes to step 175, where the ignition timing IT is decreased by SR, namely, is retarded by SR. In the following step 176, ITR is calculated in accordance with, for example, the engine operation. In the following step 177, it is judged whether the ignition timing IT is smaller than ITR. If IT<ITR, the routine goes to step 178, where the ignition timing IT is limited to ITR. Then, the processing cycle is ended.

[0198] FIG. 32 shows another embodiment for the engine according to the present invention. In FIG. 32, constituent elements the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. The engine is provided with an electronic control unit same as shown in FIG. 1, but it is not depicted in FIG. 32.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 32, the engine body 1 is provided with a first bank 1aarranged in one side of the crank shaft (not shown), and a second bank 1barranged in the other side of the crank shaft. The first bank 1acomprises the first, the third, the fifth, and the seventh cylinders #1, #3, #5, and #7 aligned straight, and the second bank 1bcomprises the second, the fourth, the sixth, and the eighth cylinders #2, #4, #6, and #8 aligned straight. Connected to the cylinders of the first bank 1ais a common exhaust manifold 7a, and connected to the cylinders of the second bank 1bis a common exhaust manifold 7b. The exhaust manifolds 7aand 7bare connected to the common TW catalyst 8avia corresponding exhaust pipes 80a, 80b. Note that the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29ais arranged in the exhaust passage downstream of the portion meeting the exhaust pipes 80aand 80b, in this embodiment. Alternatively, the upstream side sensor 29amay comprise a pair of sensors, one being arranged in the manifold 7a, and the other being arranged in the manifold 7b.

[0200] This engine also performs the lean and the rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 5. Namely, the engine performs the rich operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10arich, to thereby synthesize NH₃and adsorbed NH₃in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, and performs the lean operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean, to thereby desorb NH₃and reduce NO_xby the desorbed NH₃in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0201] In this engine, the lean and the rich operation period may be set on the basis of the cylinder number ratio RATIO, as explained with reference to FIGS. 13 to 21. In this case, the ratio RATIO is selected from 1 to 7. In the multi-cylinder engine with 8 or more cylinders, as shown in FIG. 32, the ratio RATIO can be set larger such as 5, 6, and 7, and thus the fuel consumption rate is made lower than that in the engine shown in FIG. 1.

[0202] In the engine shown in FIG. 32, the exhaust stroke is in process, in the order of the first, the eighth, the fourth, the third, the sixth, the fifth, the seventh, and the second cylinders, whenever the crank shaft turns by about 90 degrees. In this case, the beginning of the exhaust stroke period of a certain cylinder overlaps the end of that of the preceding cylinder, and the end of the exhaust stroke period of that certain cylinder overlaps the beginning of that of the following cylinder. However, when the engine performs the lean and the rich operations alternately and repeatedly, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10ais made lean and rich alternately and repeatedly. Thus, even though the exhaust stroke period overlaps that of the other cylinder, the exhaust gas can be purified sufficiently. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 1, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0203] Next, another embodiment for the engine shown in FIG. 32 will be explained.

[0204] In this embodiment, the engine 1 is provided with four cylinder groups, that is, a first group having the first and the second cylinders, a second group having the third and the fourth cylinders, a third group having the fifth and the sixth cylinders, a fourth group having the seventh and the eighth cylinders. The exhaust stroke periods of the cylinders in the same cylinder groups are substantially identical to each other, but the exhaust stroke periods of the groups are different from each other. Namely, the exhaust strokes are in process whenever the crank shaft turns by about 90 degrees, in the order of the first, the third, the fourth, and the second cylinder groups.

[0205] This engine also performs the lean and the rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 5. Namely, the engine performs the rich operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10arich, to thereby synthesize NH₃and adsorbed NH₃in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, and performs the lean operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10alean, to thereby desorb NH₃and reduce NO_xby the desorbed NH₃on the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0206] In this engine, to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas exhausted from the first cylinder group, for example, equal to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, any method may be applied to set the engine air-fuel ratios of the first and the second cylinders #1 and #2. In the embodiment, the engine air-fuel ratios of the first and the second cylinders #1 and #2 are set identical to each other and are made equal to the target air-fuel ratio(A/F)T. However, the important point is that making the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10aequal to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T, and making both of the engine air-fuel ratios of the first and the second cylinders equal to the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T is unnecessary. The above explanation may be applied to the other cylinder groups, and thus particular explanations therefor are omitted.

[0207] In this engine, the lean and the rich operation period may also be set on the basis of the cylinder number ratio RATIO, as explained with reference to FIGS. 13 to 21. In this case, the ratio RATIO may be considered as a ratio of the number of the cylinder groups performing the lean operation to the number of the cylinder groups performing the rich operation, in one cycle. Further, note that each cylinder group may have a single cylinder. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 1, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0208] Next, another embodiment for the engine shown in FIG. 33 will be explained. In FIG. 33, constituent elements the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 33, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 is housed in the catalytic converter 9 in which the TW catalyst 8ais housed. Especially, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 is carried on the substrate carrying the TW catalyst 8a, and is arranged downstream of the TW catalyst 8a, in series, as shown in FIG. 33. Additionally, the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 is arranged downstream of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10, as in the engine shown in FIG. 1.

[0210] In the engine shown in FIG. 33, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 consists of a NO_xoccluding and reducing catalyst 10b, which is simply expressed as a NO_x-OR catalyst. The NO_x-OR catalyst 10bcomprises at least one substance selected from alkali metals such as potassium K, sodium Na, lithium Li, and cesium Cs, alkali earth metals such as barium Ba and calcium Ca, rare earth metals such as lanthanum La and yttrium Y, and transition metals such as iron Fe and copper Cu, and of precious metals such as palladium Pd, platinum Pt, and rhodium Rh, which are carried on alumina as a carrier. The NO_x-OR catalyst 10bperforms the NO_xoccluding and releasing function in which it occludes NO_xtherein when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and releases the occluded NO_xtherefrom when the oxygen concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lower.

[0211] When the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis disposed in the exhaust passage of the engine, the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bactually performs the NO_xoccluding and releasing function, but the function is unclear. However, it can be considered that the function is performed according to the mechanism as shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B. This mechanism will be explained by using as an example a case where platinum Pt and barium Ba are carried on the carrier, but a similar mechanism is obtained even if another precious metal, alkali metal, alkali earth metal, or rare earth metal is used.

[0212] Namely, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lean, that is, when the oxygen concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas increases, the oxygen O₂is deposited on the surface of platinum Pt in the form of O₂⁻ or O²⁻, as shown in FIG. 34A. On the other hand, NO in the inflowing exhaust gas reacts with the O₂⁻or O²⁻ on the surface of the platinum Pt and becomes NO₂(2NO+O₂−2NO₂). Subsequently, a part of the produced NO₂is oxidized on the platinum Pt and is occluded into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. While bonding with barium oxide BaO, it is diffused in the catalyst 10bin the form of nitric acid ions NO₃⁻, as shown in FIG. 34A. In this way, NO_xis occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b.

[0213] Contrarily, when the oxygen concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas becomes lower and the production of NO₂is lowed, the reaction proceeds in an inverse direction (NO₃⁻-NO₂), and thus nitric acid ions NO₃⁻ in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis released in the form of NO₂from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, as shown in FIG. 34B. Namely, when the oxygen concentration in the inflowing exhaust gas is lowered, that is, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is changed lean to rich, NO_xis released from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. At this time, if the reducing agent, such as NH₃, exists in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, NO_xis reduced and purified by the agent. Note that, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, hydrocarbon HC, carbon monoxide CO, or hydrogen H₂may pass through the TW catalyst 8aand may flow into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. It is considered that the HC, CO, etc. act as the reducing agent, as well as NH₃, and reduce a part of NO_xon the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. However, the reducing ability of NH₃is higher than those of HC, CO, etc., and thus NO_xcan be reliably purified by using NH₃as the reducing agent.

[0214] This engine also performs the lean and the rich engine operations alternately and repeatedly, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10blean and rich alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 38B. When the engine performs the lean operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10blean, NO_xin the exhaust gas passes through the TW catalyst 8a, and then flows into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, as shown in FIG. 35B. At this time, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and thus NO_xin the inflowing exhaust gas is occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b.

[0215] On the other hand, when the engine performs the rich operation to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10brich, a part of the NO_xis converted to NH₃on the TW catalyst 8a, as shown in FIG. 35A. The NH₃then flows into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. At this time, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, and thus the occluded NO_xis released from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. The released NO_xis reduced by the NH₃in the inflowing exhaust gas, and is thus purified. Note that, even if the NH₃amount inflowing the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bexceeds an amount required for purifying the released NO_x, the excess NH₃flows into the NH₃purifying catalyst 12, and is purified there. This prevents NH₃from being emitted to the ambient air. Further, the lean and the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L and (A/F)R are also set to 25.0 and 13.8, respectively, in this engine.

[0216] The NH₃synthesizing catalyst 8 may be combined in any of the described embodiments of the present invention with a NO_x-OR catalyst to define a NO_xoccluding and NH₃synthesizing catalyst, hereinafter referred to as a NO_x-NH₃catalyst. In this case, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into NO_x-NH₃catalyst is rich, the NO_x-NH₃catalyst additionally releases occluded NO_xtherefrom and reduces the NO_xin the NO_x-NH₃catalyst. When the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the NO_x-NH₃catalyst is lean, the NO_x-NH₃catalyst additionally occludes NO_xin inflowing exhaust gas therein.

[0217] Next, the method for controlling the lean and the rich operation periods in the engine shown in FIG. 33 will be explained.

[0218] It is desirable that the lean operation period TL is made longer, as in the engine shown in FIG. 1, but the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bwill saturate with NO_xif the lean operation is made too long. On the other hand, if the rich operation is made too short, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T has to be changed between the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios frequently. Thus, in this embodiment, the NO_xamount occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis obtained, and the engine performs the rich operation when the occluded NO_xamount exceeds a predetermined maximum amount in the lean operation, and performs the lean operation when the occluded NO_xamount falls below a predetermined minimum amount in the rich operation.

[0219] It is difficult to directly find the occluded NO_xamount in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the occluded NO_xamount is estimated on the basis of the NO_xamount flowing into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, that is, the NO_xamount exhausted from the engine. Namely, the exhausted NO_xamount per unit time Q(NO_x) is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 6.

[0220] FIG. 36A illustrates the NO_xamount D(NO_x) released from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bper unit time, obtained by experiments. In FIG. 36A, the solid curve shows the case where the temperature of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis high, and the broken curve shows the case where the temperature of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis low. Further, in FIG. 36A, TIME represents a time starting from when the rich operation starts, that is, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8aand 10bis changed from the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. The decomposition rate of NO_xin the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bbecomes higher as the temperature of the catalyst 10bbecomes higher. Thus, when the temperature of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, that is, the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst 10bTNC, is high, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 36A, a large amount of NO_xis released from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bin a short time, while when TNC is low as shown by the broken line in FIG. 36A, a small amount of NO_xis released. In other words, the released NO_xamount per unit time D(NO_x) becomes larger as the exhaust gas temperature TNC becomes higher. The released NO_xamount D(NO_x) is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 36B.

[0221] While the exhaust gas temperature TNC may be detected by using a temperature sensor arranged in the exhaust passage, TNC is estimated on the basis of the engine load Q/N and the engine speed N, in this embodiment. That is, TNC is obtained in advance by experiment and is stored in the ROM 22 in advance in the form of a map as shown in FIG. 37.

[0222] Next, the method for controlling the operation period for the engine shown in FIG. 33 will be explained in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 38A and 38B. The routine shown in FIG. 38A is executed by interruption every predetermined crank angle.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 38A, first, in step 80, it is judged whether FRICH is made 1. FRICH is made 1 when the rich operation is to be performed, and is made zero when the lean operation is to be performed. If FRICH is 1, that is, if the rich operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 81, where the exhaust gas temperature TNC is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 37. In the following step 82, D(NO_x) is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 36B. In the following step 83, the NO_xamount S(NO_x) occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis calculated using the following equation:

[0224] S(NO_x)=S(NO_x)−D(NO_x)·DELTAd

[0225] where DELTAd is a time interval from the last processing cycle until the present processing cycle. In the following step 84, it is judged whether the occluded NO_xamount S(NO_x) is smaller than the minimum amount MIN(NO_x) If S(NO_x)≧MIN(NO_x), the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NO_x)≧MIN(NO_x), it is judged that the occluded NO_xamount S(NO_x) is still large, and thus the rich operation is continued.

[0226] If S(NO_x)<MIN(NO_x), the routine goes to step 85, where FRICH is made zero and the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NO_x)<MIN(NO_x), it is judged that the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bcannot release NO_xsufficient for the NH₃flowing therein, and thus the rich operation is stopped and the lean engine operation starts (as at the time a, c, e, or g shown in FIG. 38B).

[0227] Contrarily, if FRICH=0 in step 80, that is, if the lean operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 86, where the exhausted NO_xamount Q(NO_x) is calculated using the map shown in FIG. 6B. In the following step 87, the occluded NO_xamount S(NO_x) is calculated using the following equation:

[0228] S(NO_x)=S(NO_x)+Q(NO_x)·DELTAa

[0229] where DELTAa is a time interval from the last processing cycle until the present processing cycle. In the following step 88, it is judged whether the occluded NO_xamount S(NO_x) is larger than the maximum amount MAX(NO_x), which is determined in accordance with the occluding capacity of the catalyst 10b. If S(NO_x)≦MAX(NO_x), the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NO_x)≦MAX(NO_x), the occluded NO_xamount is judged to be small, and thus the lean operation is continuously performed.

[0230] If S(NO_x)>MAX(NO_x), the routine goes to step 89, where FRICH is made 1, and then the processing cycle is ended. Namely, if S(NO_x)>MAX(NO_x), the occluded NO_xamount is considerably large, and the lean operation is stopped and the rich operation starts (as at the time b, d, or f shown in FIG. 38B).

[0231] Also, in this embodiment, the exhaust gas can be purified sufficiently without providing a plurality of the exhaust passages. Accordingly, the structure of the exhaust passage is kept small and simple. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 1, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0232] Next, a further embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 39. In FIG. 39, constituent elements the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 39, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 comprises both of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aand the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. The NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis carried on the carrier common to the TW catalyst 8a, and the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais arranged in the muffler 11 downstream of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Further, the NH₃purifying catalyst 12 is arranged downstream of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0234] In this engine again, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T of the cylinders is made equal to the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R alternately and repeatedly, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10alean and rich alternately and repeatedly. In this embodiment, the purification of the exhaust gas is performed mainly by the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, arranged on the upstream side, and the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais auxiliary. Namely, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made lean, as shown in FIG. 40B, NO_xexhausted from the engine passes through the TW catalyst 8a, and then flows into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. At this time, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and thus NO_xis occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Even if the NO_xpasses through the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bwithout being occluded, the NO_xis purified in the following NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Namely, at this time, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean and thus NH₃is desorbed therefrom, and thereby this NH₃reduces NO_x. Note that, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean, NH₃is desorbed from the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aregardless the NO_xamount flowing therein. However, the excess NH₃is purified in the following catalyst 12. Accordingly, NO_xand NH₃both are prevented from being emitted to the ambient air.

[0235] When the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made rich, as shown in FIG. 40A, NO_xexhausted from the engine flows into the TW catalyst 8a, and a part thereof is converted to NH₃. The NH₃then flows into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. At this time, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is rich, NO_xis released from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. The NO_xis reduced and purified by the inflowing NH₃. Even if NH₃passes through the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bwithout reducing NO_x, the NH₃is adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Further, even if NH₃passes through the NH₃-AO catalyst 10awithout being adsorbed therein, the NH₃is purified in the catalyst 12. Accordingly, NO_xand NH₃both are purified sufficiently.

[0236] In this embodiment, the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR are set in accordance with the occluded NO_xamount in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, as in the engine shown in FIG. 33. Namely, the lean operation is stopped and the rich operation starts when the occluded NO_xamount exceeds over the maximum amount, and the rich operation is stopped and the lean operation starts when the occluded NO_xamount falls below the minimum amount. However, if the occluded NO_xamount exceeds the maximum amount and the catalyst 10bsaturates, NO_xpassing through the catalyst 10bthen flows into the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aand is reduced by NH₃desorbed therefrom. Accordingly, precise control of the operation period is unnecessary for purifying NO_xsufficiently.

[0237] Alternatively, the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR may be set in accordance with the NH₃amount adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, as in the engine shown in FIG. 1. Further alternatively, the lean and the rich operation periods TL and TR may be set in the manner that the lean operation is stopped and the rich operation starts when the occluded NO_xamount in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bexceeds the maximum amount therefor, and the rich operation is stopped and the lean operation starts when the adsorbed NH₃amount in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aexceeds the maximum amount therefor. Further alternatively, the rich operation may start when the adsorbed NH₃amount in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10afalls below the minimum amount therefor during the lean operation, and lean operation may start when the occluded NO_xamount in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bfalls below the minimum amount therefor during the rich operation. In this alternative, setting the minimum amounts for the catalysts 10aand 10brelatively large results in that NH₃is always adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aand NO_xis always occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Thus, even though the actual engine air-fuel ratio deviates from the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T due to the engine transient operation, the exhaust gas is purified sufficiently by at least one of the catalysts 10aand 10b. Accordingly, the exhaust gas is purified regardless the engine operation condition.

[0238] In this way, the engine shown in FIG. 39 also purifies the exhaust gas with a single exhaust passage.

[0239] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis arranged on the upstream side, and the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais arranged on the downstream side, considering the endurance temperatures of the catalysts 10aand 10b. Alternatively, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10amay be arranged on the upstream side, and the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis arranged on the downstream side. In this alternative, setting the lean and the rich operation periods in accordance with the adsorbed NH₃amount in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10amakes the controllability easier. Further alternatively, the catalysts 10aand 10bmay be arranged in parallel. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 1, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0240] FIGS. 41A and 41B illustrate another embodiment for the arrangement of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10.

[0241] Referring to FIGS. 41A and 41B, the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aand the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bare carried on a common substrate, while they are carried on the individual substrates in the embodiment shown in FIG. 39. Namely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 41A, the catalysts 10aand 10bare laminated to each other and carried on a common substrate 110. As shown in FIG. 41A, a layer comprised of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10ais first formed over the surface of the substrate 110 having a honeycomb structure, and then a layer comprised of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis formed over the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. As mentioned above, the endurance temperature of the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis higher than that of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. Therefore, covering the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aby the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bprevents the direct contact of the exhaust gas with the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a. As a result, good purification of the exhaust gas is ensured, while ensuring the endurance of the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a.

[0242] On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 41B a layer 10c is carried on the substrate 110. The layer includes the catalysts 10aand 10bin a mixed form. In this case, for example, the NH₃-AO catalysts 10aare comprised of zeolite carrying the metal thereon by the ion changing process, and the NO_x-OR catalyst 10bis comprised of alumina carrying the precious metal and the alkali metal or alkali earth metal or the like. These catalysts 10aand 10bare mixed and then applied over the surface of the substrate 110.

[0243] This way of carrying the catalysts 10aand 10bmakes the structure of the exhaust gas purifying device simpler.

[0244] Next, another embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 42. In FIG. 42, constituent elements the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. Also, in FIG. 42, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst 10 comprises both the NH₃-AO catalyst 10aand the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, but one of them may be omitted.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 42, there is provided a making rich device 120 for making the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas, flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10a, and 10b, rich. In this embodiment, the device 120 comprises an auxiliary internal combustion engine 120a, of which a crank shaft is different from that of the engine 1. Arranged in an intake duct 124 of the auxiliary engine 120ais a fuel injector 125 for feeding fuel such as gasoline to the auxiliary engine 120a. In the intake duct 124 upstream of the injector 125, a throttle valve 126 is also arranged. On the other hand, an exhaust pipe 127 of the auxiliary engine 120ais connected to an interconnecting pipe 129 connecting both of the exhaust manifold 7 and exhaust pipe 127 to the catalytic converter 9 in which the TW catalyst 8ais housed. Thus, the exhaust gas flowing into, in turn, the catalysts 8a, 10b, 10a, and 12 is a mixture of the exhaust gas from the engine 1 and that from the auxiliary engine 120a. Note that, while the auxiliary engine 120ashown in FIG. 42 is constructed as an spark-ignition type engine having a single cylinder, the auxiliary engine 120amay be constructed as a multi-cylinder engine, or a diesel engine.

[0246] Mounted in the intake duct 124 is a pressure sensor 137 generating an output voltage proportional to a pressure in the intake duct 124. The output voltage of the sensor 137 is input via an AD converter 138 to the input port 25. The intake air amount AQ of the auxiliary engine 120ais calculated in the CPU 24 on the basis of the output signals from the AD converter 138. Further, mounted in the collecting portion of the exhaust manifold 7 is an upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor 29cgenerating an output voltage proportional to an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing through the collecting portion of the exhaust manifold 7. The output voltage of the sensor 29cis input via an AD converter 30cto the input port 25. The air-fuel ratio sensor 29ais mounted in the interconnecting pipe 129 downstream on the meeting point where the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold 7 and the exhaust pipe 127 meet with each other. Thus, the sensor 29agenerates an output voltage proportional to the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10a. Further, connected to the input port 25 is a crank angle sensor 131 generating an output pulse whenever the crank shaft of the auxiliary engine 120aturns by, for example, 30 degrees. The CPU 24 calculates the engine speed AN of the auxiliary engine 120ain accordance with the pulse. Further, arranged in the interconnecting pipe 129 downstream of the meeting point mentioned above is a temperature sensor 140 generating an output voltage proportional to the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10a, which represents the temperature of the catalysts 8aand 10b. The output port 26 is connected to the fuel injector 125 via a corresponding drive circuit 32.

[0247] The output torque of the engine 1 is used for driving the automobile, for example. Contrarily, the output torque of the auxiliary engine 120ais used for driving an auxiliary device 132, such as a cooling device for an insulated van, a mixer for a concrete mixer truck, an air-conditioner for a bus, and an electric generator for generating the electric power for the electrical motor of the so-called hybrid type vehicle which is driven by the engine and the electrical motor. The throttle valve 126 of the auxiliary engine 120ais controlled in accordance with the required output torque of the auxiliary engine 120a. Alternatively, the auxiliary device 132 may be an auxiliary machinery of the engine 1 such as a cooling water pump, an oil pump, and an alternator.

[0248] In this embodiment, basically, the engine 1 performs the lean operation continuously with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L such as 25.0, as shown in FIG. 43A by a broken line. This results in further decreasing the fuel consumption rate. Note that, when the engine 1 is quickly accelerated, the engine 1 may perform the stoichiometric operation in which the engine air-fuel ratio is made equal to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, to thereby ensure the larger output torque.

[0249] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made lean and rich alternately and repeatedly, in particular, is made equal to the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R alternately and repeatedly, as shown in FIG. 43A by the solid line.

[0250] To make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10alean, the auxiliary engine 120aperforms a lean operation. In particular, to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas from the auxiliary engine 120a, that is, the engine air-fuel ratio of the auxiliary engine 120ais made equal to the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)AL. In this embodiment, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas from the engine 1 is made equal to (A/F)L, and thus the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)AL is identical to (A/F)L. In other word, in this case, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)AT of the auxiliary engine 120ais made (A/F)L, as shown in FIG. 43A by the two-dot chain line.

[0251] To make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10arich, the auxiliary engine 120aperforms the rich operation. In particular, to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to a rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R such as 13.8, the engine air-fuel ratio of the auxiliary engine 120ais made equal to the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)AR, which is smaller or richer than the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)R. In other word, in this case, the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)AT of the auxiliary engine 120ais made (A/F)AR, as shown in FIG. 43A by the two-dot chain line. In this way, the auxiliary engine 120aperforms the lean and rich operation alternately and repeatedly, while the engine 1 performs the lean operation continuously.

[0252] Namely, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais kept lean when the auxiliary engine 120aperforms the lean operation, as shown in FIG. 43B by the solid line, and is changed to rich when the auxiliary engine 120aperforms the rich operation, as shown in FIG. 43B by the broken line.

[0253] The engine air-fuel ratio of the engine 1 is made equal to the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L on the basis of the output signals from the air-fuel ratio sensor 29c. The engine air-fuel ratio of the auxiliary engine 120ais controlled to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R on the basis of the output signals from the air-fuel ratio sensor 29a.

[0254] In this embodiment, the lean operation period, which is a period during which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst 8a, 10b, and 10ais made lean, and the rich operation period, which is a period during which the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made rich, are controlled in accordance with at least one of the NH₃amount S(NH₃) adsorbed in the NH₃-AO catalyst 10a, and the NO_xamount S(NO_x) occluded in the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Namely, the lean and the rich operation of the auxiliary engine 120ais controlled in accordance with at least one of S(NH₃) and S(NO_x). Namely, for example, the engine operation of the auxiliary engine 120ais changed from the lean operation to the rich operation when the adsorbed NH₃amount exceeds the maximum amount therefor, and is changed from the rich operation to the lean operation when the adsorbed NH₃amount falls below the minimum amount therefor.

[0255] The occluded NO_xamount S(NO_x) is estimated on the basis of the No, amount flowing into the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b, that is, the sum of the NO_xamounts exhausted from the engines 1 and 120a. The adsorbed NH₃amount S(NH₃) is estimated on the basis of the synthesized NH₃amount in the catalyst 8a, which is estimated on the basis of the NO_xamounts exhausted from the engines 1 and 120a, and the released NO_xamount from the NO_x-OR catalyst 10b. Note that the temperatures TTC and TNC representing the temperatures of the catalysts 8aand 10bare detected by the sensor 140, and the temperature TAC representing the temperature of the catalyst 10ais estimated on the basis of the output signals from the sensor 140.

[0256] FIG. 44 illustrates the routine for calculating the fuel injection time TAU for the engine 1.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 44, first, in step 180, the basic fuel injection time TB is calculated using the following equation:

[0258] TB=(Q/N)·K

[0259] In the following step 181, the feedback correction coefficient FAF is calculated, on the basis of the output signals form the sensor 29c. In the following step 182, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is calculated. In the following step 183, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L is memorized as the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)T. In the following step 184, the fuel injection time TAU is calculated using the following equation:

[0260] TAU=TB·((A/F)S/(A/F)T)·FAF

[0261] Each fuel injector 5 injects the fuel for the fuel injection time TAU.

[0262] FIG. 45 illustrates the routine for calculating the fuel injection time ATAU for the auxiliary engine 120a.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 45, first, in step 190, the basic fuel injection time ATB is calculated using the following equation, on the basis of the engine load AQ/AN and the engine speed AN:

[0264] ATB=(AQ/AN)·K

[0265] In the following step 191, the feedback correction coefficient AFAF is calculated on the basis of the output signals from the sensor 29a. The feedback correction coefficient AFAF is for controlling the engine air-fuel ratio of the auxiliary engine 120ato make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to the lean or the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, (A/F)R. In the following step 192, it is judged whether FRICH, which is controlled in the routine shown in FIG. 10, is made 1. If FRICH=1, that is, if the rich operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 193, where the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)AR is calculated. In the following step 194, the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)AR is memorized as the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)AT. Next, the routine goes to step 197.

[0266] Contrarily, if FRICH is zero in step 192, that is, if the lean operation is to be performed, the routine goes to step 195, where the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)AL is calculated. In the following step 196, the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)AL is memorized as the target air-fuel ratio (A/F)AT. Next, the routine goes to step 197.

[0267] In step 197, the fuel injection time ATAU is calculated using the following equation:

[0268] ATAU=ATB·((A/F)S/(A/F)AT)·AFAF

[0269] The fuel injector 125 injects the fuel for the fuel injection time ATAU.

[0270] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the engine 1 performs the lean operation continuously and the auxiliary engine 120aperforms the lean and the rich operation alternately and repeatedly. In this case, the crank shafts thereof are different to each other, and thus the drivability is prevented from being deteriorated, while ensuring the good purification of the exhaust gas. Further, the auxiliary engine 120aprovides an additional output torque. Furthermore, if the engine 1 is originally provided with the auxiliary engine 120a, there is no need to newly provide the making-rich device 120, and thereby the structure of the exhaust gas purifying device is made simpler. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 1, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0271] FIG. 46 illustrates still further another embodiment. In FIG. 46, constituent elements the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 42 are given the same reference numerals.

[0272] In this embodiment, the making-rich device 120 comprises a burner 120b, of which an air-fuel ratio is controllable. The exhaust gas of the burner 120bflows into the TW catalyst 8avia the pipes 127 and 129, and is mixed with the exhaust gas from the engine 1.

[0273] Next, the exhaust gas purifying method in this embodiment will be explained with respect to FIG. 47. The exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R, alternately and repeatedly, as in the preceding embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the burner 120bis stopped and the engine 1 performs the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to (A/F)L. The burner 120bperforms the rich operation with the rich air-fuel ratio (A/F)AR and the engine 1 performs the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to (A/F)R. Accordingly, the burner 120bis operated and stopped alternately and repeatedly.

[0274] Fuel for the burner 120bmay be hydrocarbon such as gasoline, isooctane, hexane, heptane, gas oil, and kerosene or a hydrocarbon which can be stored in a liquid state, such as butane or propane. However, if fuel same as that for the engine 1 is used for the burner 120b, there is no need for providing an additional fuel tank, and thus gasoline is used in this embodiment.

[0275] While the burner 120bis connected to the catalytic converter 9 via the pipes 127 and 129, in this embodiment, it may be provided integrally with the converter 9 or the catalyst 8a. Further, the burner 120bmay be continuously operated and perform the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio such as (A/F)L when making the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10alean. The other constructions of the exhaust purifying device and the operation thereof are the same as those in the engine shown in FIG. 42, and thus the explanations therefor are omitted.

[0276] FIG. 48 illustrates still further another embodiment. In FIG. 48, constituent elements the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 42 are given the same reference numerals.

[0277] In this embodiment, the engine 1 is constructed as a diesel engine, while the spark-ignition type engine may be adopted. Referring to FIG. 48, each fuel injector 5 injects fuel into the corresponding combustion chamber of the cylinder directly. Also, an air-flow meter 27ais arranged in the intake duct 4. The air-flow meter 27agenerates an output voltage proportional to the intake air amount, and the output voltage thereof is input via an AD converter 28ato the input port 25.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 48, the making-rich device 120 comprises a reducing agent injector 120carranged in the outlet of the exhaust manifold 7 for adding a reducing agent into the exhaust gas. The reducing agent may be hydrocarbon such as gasoline, isooctane, hexane, heptane, gas oil, and kerosene or a hydrocarbon which can be stored in a liquid state, such as butane or propane, but is preferable to be the same as that for the engine 1.

[0279] The engine 1 performs the lean operation continuously. If a diesel engine performs the rich operation, the engine exhausts a large amount of the black smoke. The black smoke includes a large amount of unburned HC, and the TW catalyst 8acannot purify the HC sufficiently. On the other hand, providing an additional catalyst only for purifying such HC is undesired. Therefore, the diesel engine shown in FIG. 48 performs the lean operation continuously.

[0280] Next, the exhaust gas purifying method in this embodiment will be explained with respect to FIG. 49. The exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais made the lean and the rich air-fuel ratios (A/F)L and (A/F)R, alternately and repeatedly. To this end, the reducing agent injection by the reducing agent injector 120bis stopped and the engine 1 performs the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to (A/F)L. The reducing agent injector 120cinjects the reducing agent and the engine 1 performs the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10aequal to (A/F)R. That is, the reducing agent injector 120cinjects the reducing agent by an amount required to make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10a, and 10bequal to (A/F)R. In this way, the reducing agent injection by the injector 120cis operated and stopped alternately and repeatedly.

[0281] Note that, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10b, and 10ais to be made equal to (A/F)L, the reducing agent injection is stopped while the engine 1 performs the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio (A/F)L. Alternatively, the reducing agent injector 120cmay inject a very small amount of the reducing agent and the engine 1 may perform the lean operation with the lean air-fuel ratio leaner than (A/F)L, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalysts 8a, 10c, and 10aequal to (A/F)L.

[0282] Also, a burner may be arranged in the exhaust passage upstream of the TW catalyst 8ato consume the oxygen existing in the exhaust gas, to thereby make the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio rich.

[0283] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and a device for purifying an exhaust gas of an engine which can purify the exhaust gas sufficiently with a simple structure.

[0284] While the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it should be apparent that numerous modifications could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept and scope of the invention.