Hitachi, Ltd.

Chiharu Katsuyama

Futoshi Ichiyanagi

Shigeo Isitani

Yasuji Orimo

The invention relates to an air/fuel ratio detection apparatus. This apparatus includes (a) a heater portion having an elongate cylindrical shape and heating by applying electricity thereto from outside; (b) a solid electrolyte layer surrounding the heater portion and being activated by heat to conduct oxygen ions therethrough; (c) first and second electrodes in contact with the solid electrolyte layer and being away from each other such that pumping voltage is applied by the first and second electrodes to the solid electrolyte layer; (d) a reference electrode for outputting an air/fuel ratio detection signal, the reference electrode being formed on the solid electrolyte layer and being away from the first and second electrodes; and (e) a diffusion layer made of a porous material and surrounding periphery of the solid electrolyte layer to cover the first and second electrodes and the reference electrode.

Air/fuel ratio detection apparatus

The invention relates to an air/fuel ratio detection apparatus for a gas. This apparatus includes (a) a heater portion having an elongate cylindrical shape; (b) a solid electrolyte layer surrounding the heater portion and activated by heat to conduct oxygen ions therethrough; (c) a first electrode positioned between the heater portion and the solid electrolyte layer; (d) second and third electrodes in contact with an outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer and away from each other; (e) a first voltage applying device for applying a first voltage between the first and second electrodes; (f) a second voltage applying device for applying a second voltage between the first and third electrodes, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage; and (g) a diffusion layer made of a porous material and covering the second electrode to adjust transmission of the gas to the second electrode.

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Gunma, Japan

Chiharu Katsuyama