A particulate filter regenerating device is configured to prevent the uneven
distribution
of particulate matter that results from interruption of the regeneration process
and protect the particulate filter. The frequency with which regeneration is executed
is increased by determining that it is time to regenerate the particulate filter
at a time t1 when the exhaust gas temperature Texhin has reached or exceeded
a prescribed temperature Texh1. Additionally, particulate filter regenerating
device determines that it is time to regenerate the particulate filter when the
quantity of accumulated particulate matter reaches or exceeds a prescribed value
PM1. The particulate filter is regenerated by raising the temperature of
the exhaust gas and combusting the accumulated particulate matter.