Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for recording particles in an exhaust gas flow and a device for carrying out the method are provided, in which at least one measure of the exhaust gas flow is ascertained and in which the measure of the exhaust gas flow is taken into consideration in the valuation of the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor. The procedure is based on the knowledge that the exhaust gas flow, for instance, the exhaust gas volume flow, has an influence on the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor, especially when the measuring effect is based on the depositing of particles on a sensor surface. Using the procedure, a possibly present cross sensitivity of the particle sensor with respect to different exhaust gas flows is taken into consideration, so that the measuring accuracy is increased.

Abstract: A method and a device for correcting a signal of a sensor provide for maximally accurate drift compensation of a characteristics curve of the sensor. At least one characteristic quantity of the signal of the sensor is compared with a reference value. The signal of the sensor is corrected as a function of the comparison result. A value of the at least one characteristic quantity of the signal of the sensor derived from the signal of the sensor is formed as the reference value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to determine a mass of particles or a particle mass flow in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, whereby at least one resistive particle sensor is disposed in the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The measured signal change of the particle sensor is compared with a predicted signal change of the particle sensor ascertained from an engine model. If the measured signal change of the particle sensor and/or the predicted signal change of the particle sensor are corrected while taking into account the influencing variables on the transverse sensitivities of the particle sensor, it is possible when ascertaining the predicted signal change of the particle sensor that a compensation for the transverse sensibilities can result even during dynamic operating point changes of the internal combustion engine, which occur faster than the actuation of the particle sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in whose exhaust region, in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, there are situated a first broadband lambda sensor which makes available a first lambda signal, an NOx adsorption catalyst and a second broadband lambda sensor which makes available a second lambda signal, in which the NOx adsorption catalyst cyclically stores the NOx emissions of the internal combustion engine, and is regenerated within the scope of a nominal regeneration by the operation of the internal combustion engine using a rich/stoichiometric air/fuel mixture, and a device for carrying out the method are provided. An intensified regeneration, compared to a nominal regeneration, of the NOx adsorption catalyst is undertaken, which supports a better setting of the thermodynamic equilibrium in the exhaust gas compared to the nominal regeneration.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine; in the exhaust area of this engine there is at least one catalytic converter and downstream from the catalytic converter there is an NOx sensor. A device for carrying out this method is also provided. The NOx sensor has a cross-sensitivity to a reagent needed in the catalytic converter. In predefined operating states of the internal combustion engine, e.g., idling and/or overrun, a selection signal is supplied; when this selection signal occurs, the sensor signal supplied by the NOx sensor is interpreted as at least a measure of the reagent leakage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to determine a mass of particles or a particle mass flow in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, whereby at least one resistive particle sensor is disposed in the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The measured signal change of the particle sensor is compared with a predicted signal change of the particle sensor ascertained-from an engine model. If the measured signal change of the particle sensor and/or the predicted signal change of the particle sensor are corrected while taking into account the influencing variables on the transverse sensitivities of the particle sensor, it is possible when ascertaining the predicted signal change of the particle sensor that a compensation for the transverse sensibilities can result even during dynamic operating point changes of the internal combustion engine, which occur faster than the actuation of the particle sensor.

Abstract: A procedure to diagnose a particle filter disposed in an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine as well as a device to implement the procedure is proposed. Provision is made to ascertain the degree of efficiency of the particle filter on the basis of the upstream particle flow occurring upstream in front of the particle filter and on the basis of the downstream particle flow occurring downstream behind the particle filter. The ascertainment of the degree of efficiency of the particle filter allows for an On-Board-Diagnosis of the particle filter, with which compliance with specified exhaust gas threshold values can be assured.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a component situated in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine in which the low pass behavior, which is determined by the heat capacity of the component, is monitored by a valuation of a measure of a first exhaust gas temperature, which appears upstream of the component that is to be monitored, and of a second exhaust gas temperature, which is recorded by a second temperature sensor downstream from the component to be monitored.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for recording particles in an exhaust gas flow and a device for carrying out the method are provided, in which at least one measure of the exhaust gas flow is ascertained and in which the measure of the exhaust gas flow is taken into consideration in the valuation of the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor. The procedure is based on the knowledge that the exhaust gas flow, for instance, the exhaust gas volume flow, has an influence on the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor, especially when the measuring effect is based on the depositing of particles on a sensor surface. Using the procedure, a possibly present cross sensitivity of the particle sensor with respect to different exhaust gas flows is taken into consideration, so that the measuring accuracy is increased.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in whose exhaust-gas region at least one SCR catalytic converter is disposed, which is acted upon by a reagent contributing to the NOx conversion in the SCR catalytic converter, and a device for implementing the method. The reagent level in the SCR catalytic converter is controlled or regulated to a predefined reagent setpoint level, which is specified to at least a maximum value, which corresponds to an SCR catalytic converter completely filled with reagent. In this way the SCR catalytic converter is always operated at the highest possible efficiency at which the highest possible NOx conversion takes place.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in whose exhaust region, in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, there are situated a first broadband lambda sensor which makes available a first lambda signal, an NOx adsorption catalyst and a second broadband lambda sensor which makes available a second lambda signal, in which the NOx adsorption catalyst cyclically stores the NOx emissions of the internal combustion engine, and is regenerated within the scope of a nominal regeneration by the operation of the internal combustion engine using a rich/stoichiometric air/fuel mixture, and a device for carrying out the method are provided. An intensified regeneration, compared to a nominal regeneration, of the NOx adsorption catalyst is undertaken, which supports a better setting of the thermodynamic equilibrium in the exhaust gas compared to the nominal regeneration.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine; in the exhaust area of this engine there is at least one catalytic converter and downstream from the catalytic converter there is an NOx sensor. A device for carrying out this method is also provided. The NOx sensor has a cross-sensitivity to a reagent needed in the catalytic converter. In predefined operating states of the internal combustion engine, e.g., idling and/or overrun, a selection signal is supplied; when this selection signal occurs, the sensor signal supplied by the NOx sensor is interpreted as at least a measure of the reagent leakage.

Abstract: A method for metering a reagent which an emission control device situated in the exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine requires for removing at least one exhaust gas component from the exhaust gas and a device for executing the method are described. The fluid level of the reagent stored in a reagent tank is measured. The measured change in the fluid level is compared to at least one measure for the change in the fluid level calculated as a function of consumption. An error signal is output when the comparison result exceeds a predefined threshold value. This approach enables reliable information to be provided about the fluid level of the reagent in the reagent tank.

Abstract: A gas sensor for determining a physical quantity of a gas component, e.g., in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, including a sensor element which contains at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged at a distance on at least one solid electrolyte, the second electrode is arranged in a reference gas space. A third electrode which is in contact with a gas located in the gas space is provided. The gas component may be exchanged between the gas space and the reference gas space using a voltage applied between the second electrode and the third electrode.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a component situated in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine in which the low pass behavior, which is determined by the heat capacity of the component, is monitored by a valuation of a measure of a first exhaust gas temperature, which appears upstream of the component that is to be monitored, and of a second exhaust gas temperature, which is recorded by a second temperature sensor downstream from the component to be monitored.

Abstract: A heating device for a gas sensor, in particular for use in the exhaust gas analysis of internal combustion engines, including a heating element having an electrical resistor layer. The heating element is embedded in a first insulation which in turn is surrounded, at least in part, by a second insulation. The first and the second insulation have different porosities.

Abstract: A gas-measuring sensor, preferably for verifying at least one physical variable of a gas, in particular for verifying the oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the sensor including a sensor element, which has an electrochemical cell having a first electrode and a second electrode and at least one solid electrolyte electrically connecting the first and the second electrode. The second electrode is provided in a reference-gas region containing a reference gas. The reference-gas region is arranged between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: A heating device (40) for a gas sensor is described, in particular for use in the exhaust gas analysis of internal combustion engines, including a heating element (43) having an electrical resistor layer. The heating element (43) is embedded in a first insulation (41) which in turn is surrounded, at least in part, by a second insulation (42). The first and the second insulation (41, 42) have different porosities.

Abstract: A sensor element for an electrochemical sensor for determining a physical variable of a gas mixture, for example, for a lambda probe for determining the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, having a composite of sheets, which lie on top of each other, made from a solid electrolyte. The composite may have at least one electrochemical cell, including two electrodes, which may be applied to a solid electrolyte, as well as an integrated heater element. In order to achieve an additional electric insulation of the heater element, the electrochemical cell and the heater element may be connected to one another via an insulating, non-ion conductive sheet binder.

Abstract: A gas sensor for determining a physical quantity of a gas component, e.g., in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, including a sensor element which contains at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged at a distance on at least one solid electrolyte, the second electrode is arranged in a reference gas space. A third electrode which is in contact with a gas located in the gas space is provided. The gas component may be exchanged between the gas space and the reference gas space using a voltage applied between the second electrode and the third electrode.