Sensor for analyzing gases

US6395160B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Olaf Jach · Eppelheim, DE
• Lothar Diehl · Stuttgart, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 22, 2000
• Grant date: May 28, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 22, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N27/4071
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sensor for determining gas components and/or gas concentrations in gag mixtures, in particular, in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, includes an inner pump electrode, an inner pump electrode supply conductor, a measuring electrode and a measuring electrode supply conductor. The inner electrode and the measuring electrode are in contact with the measuring area. In addition, separation is maintained between the measuring electrode supply conductor and the inner pump electrode supply conductor at least in the hot area of the sensor. At least in the hot area at least one of the electrode supply conductors is in contact with at least one oxygen reservoir, there being an at least largely gas-tight barrier between this and the measuring area. Furthermore, a sensor may include an inner pump electrode and an outer pump electrode, an inner pump electrode supply conductor and an outer pump electrode supply conductor, separation being maintained between them by a solid electrolyte foil, the outer pump electrode supply conductor being in contact at least in some areas with an oxygen reservoir. The design features of the two sensors may also be implemented in one sensor.