| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas sensor control unit and a gas sensor control method capable of preventing the occurrence of a crack in a sensor element such as a humidity-sensitive element or the like even if heating is performed by a heater. SOLUTION: During the operation of an internal combustion engine, it is judged whether dew condensation occurs, on the basis of the sensor output of a humidity sensor and, when the dew condensation is judged not to occur, a current is supplied to the heater (17) so as to heat the humidity-sensitive element part (3) to 500-800°C. By this constitution, the pollutant adhering to the humidity-sensitive element part (3) or the like can be sufficiently removed without producing a crack in the humidity sensor [especially the humidity- sensitive element part (3)]. Further, after the internal combustion engine is stopped, on the basis of the sensor output of the humidity sensor, it is judged whether dew condensation occur. When the dew condensation is judged not to occur, the humidity-sensitive element part (3) is heated to 500-1,200°C for a predetermined time, for example, about several sec - ten min. COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO
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