Oxygen probe used as a lambda probe for determining oxygen concentrations in I.C. engine exhaust gases has an adsorbent and-or absorbent material around or adjacent its reference electrode

摘要

An oxygen probe has an adsorbent and/or absorbent (17) around or adjacent a reference electrode (13). An oxygen probe has an outer electrode (12) exposed to the exhaust gas and a reference electrode (13) exposed to a reference atmosphere or to ambient air, an adsorbent and/or absorbent (17) being provided in a space surrounding or adjoining the reference electrode (13). Preferred Features: The adsorbent/absorbent is in the form of loose bulk powder, pellets, one or more rings or an interlayer in a seal packing which seals the reference electrode from the exhaust gas. The adsorbent/absorbent collects and/or binds penetrated H2O, CO, hydrocarbons or the like. The reference electrode or the reference-side fittings may comprise a material which supplies additional oxygen for combustion of penetrated exhaust gas or manufacturing residues and which is introduced in the form of a solution, pellets or a paste.