Method for regenerating a particle filter

A method for regenerating a particulate filter in an exhaust gas channel of a spark-ignited internal combustion engine according to the Otto principle, said method comprising the following steps:

• determining a loading state of the particulate filter by means of a loading model or by means of a sensor system,
• dividing the particulate filter into at least two zones for purposes of creating the loading model,
• determining a loading state and/or a temperature separately for each zone of the particulate filter, and
• when it is detected that there is a need for regenerating at least one zone of the at least two zones of the particulate filter, raising the temperature to such an extent that the temperature in all of the at least two zones of the particulate filter is above a regeneration temperature needed for oxidizing the soot that has been retained in the particulate filter, and
• wherein measures to protect components of the particulate filter are initiated when an unfavorable loading state of the particulate filter is detected, wherein, in an event of critical loading of the particulate filter, a combustion air ratio is shifted in a direction of sub-stoichiometric or overrun phases of the internal combustion engine are avoided or interrupted in order to avoid a simultaneous presence of high temperatures and excess oxygen in the exhaust gas channel.