Patent ID: 7084379
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: F02D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A control apparatus for a gas sensor, which apparatus is connected to a gas sensor element which includes a detection element capable of detecting a specific gas contained in exhaust gas passing through an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine and a heater for heating the detection element, the control apparatus comprising heater electrification means for supplying electricity to the heater such that the detection element is heated to an activation temperature or higher temperature, the control apparatus further comprising: condensation water determination means for determining whether condensation water within the exhaust pipe is being generated; and pre-electrification means for supplying electricity to the heater, in place of the heater electrification means, when the condensation water determination means determines that condensation water within the exhaust pipe is being generated, the pre-electrification means supplying to the heater electrical power for maintaining the temperature of the detection element within a temperature range of not lower than 100° C. but below a splash-water-cracking generation temperature at or above which the gas sensor element is subject to cracking when splashed with condensation water, wherein the pre-electrification means supplies eletrical power to the heater at a first power level during a predetermined period of time after the condensation water determination means determines that condensation water within the exhaust pipe is being generated, and supplies electrical power to the heater at a second power level lower than the first power level after passage of the predeterined period of time.