Device for detecting catalyst deterioration for an internal combustion engine

摘要

A device for detecting the deterioration of a catalyst wherein oxygen sensors are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the catalytic converter. Circuitry is provided for calculating integration values corresponding to areas surrounded by output signals of the oxygen sensors and designated signals; for calculating time periods between which the sensor signals reverse polarity with respect to the designated signals; for calculating a parameter for determining deterioration of the catalyst based on the integration values, the time periods or a combination of both; for determining deterioration of the catalyst by comparing the calculated parameter with a predetermined value; and for issuing an alarm when the catalyst is determined as deteriorated.