Patent ID: 7065960

Claim:
Method for activation of the regeneration of a particulate filter for a motor vehicle engine, comprising the steps of: calculating an estimated value (x M ) of a quantity of particulate accumulated in the said particulate filter; comparing the said estimated value (x M ) with a threshold value (m TH ) corresponding to a predetermined maximum quantity of particulate; and activating the said regeneration if the said estimated value (x M ) exceeds the said threshold value (m TH ); characterised in that the said step of calculating an estimated value (x M ) comprises the steps of: estimating a first quantity of particulate (x MS ) accumulated in the said particulate filter by means of a statistical model based on experimental data; estimating a second quantity of particulate (x MF ) accumulated in the said particulate filter by means of a physical model using physical quantities measured; determining a field of admissibility on the basis of the said first quantity of particulate (x MS ); comparing the said estimated value (x M ) with the said second quantity of particulate (x MF ) if the said second quantity of particulate (x MF ) is within the said field of admissibility; and limiting the said estimated value (x M ) if the said second quantity of particulate (x MF ) is outside the said field of admissibility.