Patent attributes
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.
