Patent ID: 8382884
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: F02D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A particulate matter detection device provided in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine, including a sensor element to which particulate matter contained in exhaust adheres, and detecting a concentration of particulate matter in exhaust based on an electrical characteristic of the sensor element, wherein the sensor element includes a first electrode unit to which a particulate collection voltage for causing particulate matter contained in exhaust to adhere to the sensor element is applied, and a second electrode unit to which a measurement voltage for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sensor element is applied, and wherein the particulate matter detection device comprises: a voltage application stop means for stopping application of particulate collection voltage to the first electrode unit in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied; a second measurement means for measuring the electrical characteristic of the sensor element by applying measurement voltage to the second electrode unit, after stopping application of the particulate collection voltage; and a concentration detection means for detecting a concentration of particulate matter in the exhaust based on a measurement value of the second measurement means.