JP4723309B2 - Sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention has a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, and is arranged on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed on the rear end side and on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed. The present invention relates to a sensor including an insulating contact member, and a metal terminal member that is disposed between the detection element and the insulating contact member and that is electrically connected to an electrode terminal portion to form a current path.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a sensor having a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction and a detection element (sensor element) in which a detection unit is formed on the tip side directed toward a measurement object. Examples of such sensors include gas sensors such as λ sensors, full-range air-fuel ratio sensors, oxygen sensors, and NOx sensors, and temperature sensors that perform temperature detection.

  The plate-shaped detection element is generally configured to include a detection unit on the front end side in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) and an electrode terminal unit on the rear end side. As a sensor including such a detection element, a connection terminal (metal terminal member) made of a conductive material is electrically connected to an electrode terminal portion, so that a current flowing between the detection element and an external device can be reduced. There is a structure in which a part of the current path is formed by connection terminals. In addition, in the current path that electrically connects the detection element and the external device, for example, a detection current (detection signal) corresponding to the detection result by the detection element, or when the detection element includes a heater, Current for power supply flows.

  And as a sensor provided with a connection terminal, the elastic contact portion of the connection terminal is brought into contact with the electrode terminal portion of the detection element using a connection terminal having an elastic contact portion as a leaf spring capable of elastic deformation (compression deformation). A sensor having a configuration in which a detection element is gripped inside an insertion hole of an insulating contact member in a state is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In the sensor having such a configuration, the connection state between the connection terminal and the electrode terminal portion of the detection element can be improved by using the connection terminal having a configuration in which the elastic contact portion generates a large elastic force.
JP 2001-188060 A (FIGS. 1 and 6)

  However, in the sensor configured to make the connection terminal part of the current path by bringing the electrode terminal part (detection element) and the connection terminal into contact with each other, external force applied during or after assembly (after completion) For example, the connection terminal may be inclined with respect to the electrode terminal portion, and the electrical contact state between the two may become unstable.

  Further, the positional relationship between the connection terminal and the electrode terminal portion is relatively shifted due to various factors such as variations in dimensions and shapes and variations in assembly work. And in particular, the width direction between the electrode terminal portion formed on the outermost side in the width direction of the detection element among the electrode terminal portions (usually plural) formed on the detection element and the connection terminal connected thereto If the relative positional deviation occurs, the electrical contact state between the two may be poor.

  Each of these defects (inclination / relative position shift of the connection terminal) will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in the relative positional relationship between the electrode terminal portion of the detection element and the connection terminal.

  In FIG. 12, in the detection element 600 in which a plurality of electrode terminal portions 603, 604, 605, 606, and 607 are formed on both the front and back surfaces of the element body 601, three electrode terminal portions 603, 604, and 605 are formed side by side. In particular, the connection terminal 610 is shown in contact with the electrode terminal portion 603 formed at one end in the width direction (lateral direction in FIG. 12) of the detection element 600 among the surfaces. In addition, the detection element 600 shown in FIG. 12 represents the state which looked at the rear-end side from the axial direction front-end | tip part side.

  In the example of FIG. 12, as shown in an enlarged manner in the drawing, the surface of the electrode terminal portion 603 (surface facing the connection terminal 610) in an ideal state where there is no variation in component dimensions or variation during assembly work. On the other hand, the connection terminal 610 is disposed at a position indicated by a solid line (default position). At this time, the element contact surface of the connection terminal 610 that contacts the electrode terminal portion 603 of the detection element 600 and the surface of the electrode terminal 603 are parallel to each other and are in contact with each other. In FIG. 12, the two are slightly separated from each other, but this is merely shown as such in order to facilitate understanding of the relative positional relationship between the two.

  However, in reality, as described above, the connection terminal 610 may be inclined from the state of FIG. 12 with respect to the surface of the electrode terminal portion 603 due to external force or various variations after assembling or after assembling. As a result, the electrical contact state between the electrode terminal portion 603 and the connection terminal 610 becomes unstable, causing problems such as an increase in contact resistance and a fluctuation in contact resistance value.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for ensuring the electrical contact state between the two by making the contact state between the two point-contact. That is, in FIG. 12, by providing a protrusion on the element contact surface of the connection terminal 610, the connection terminal 610 and the electrode terminal portion 603 are brought into a point contact state. By this point contact, even if the contact pressure (load per unit area; hereinafter referred to as “contact pressure”) of the contacted portion increases and the connection terminal 610 is inclined, the connection terminal 610 and the electrode terminal portion 603 The electrical contact state is maintained well.

  However, due to various factors such as the above-described various variations, the relative position of the connection terminal 610 with respect to the electrode terminal portion 603 is shifted in the width direction. Shift to the club side. The range is, for example, as shown as “maximum movable range” in the figure, and is shown by a one-dot chain line on the end side until the position indicated by a broken line on the center side of the detection element 600 (position “closest to the center” in the figure). Deviation in the width direction may occur up to the position shown (position closest to the end in the figure).

  In this case, although there is no particular problem with respect to the deviation toward the center side, there is a possibility that the above-described poor electrical contact may occur when it is shifted toward the end side. That is, when the connection terminal 610 is shifted to the end side, a range in which the connection terminal 610 and the electrode terminal portion 603 of the detection element 600 face each other is reduced. In the position “close to the end” in FIG. 12, the range of the element contact surface of the connection terminal 610 facing the electrode terminal portion 603 of the detection element 600 is less than half.

  Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, in order to increase the contact pressure, a protrusion is provided at a position slightly shifted from the center in the width direction on the element contact surface of the connection terminal 610, and this protrusion is connected to the electrode terminal portion 603. If it is configured to contact (point contact), in some cases, the protruding portion protrudes from the electrode terminal portion 603 to the end side due to the displacement of the connection terminal 610, and the electrical contact state between the two is poor. It will end up.

  The above-described problems are not only caused in the electrode terminal portion 603 enlarged in FIG. 12 but also in the other three electrode terminal portions 605, 606, and 607 formed on the outermost side in the width direction of the detection element 600. This is a possible problem. That is, in the sensor configured as shown in FIG. 12, the connection terminal that contacts the electrode terminal portion formed on the outermost side (end portion side) in the width direction of the detection element is relatively to the end portion side in each. When the position is shifted, the above-described problem (electrical contact failure) may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is electrically and physically connected to the outermost electrode terminal portion in the width direction of the detection element among the electrode terminal portions formed on the detection element. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor capable of maintaining a good and reliable electrical contact state even when the position of the connection terminal is relatively displaced in a direction away from the axis of the detection element.

The invention according to claim 1, which has been made in order to solve the above problem, is a detection element having a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a front end side directed toward a measurement object, and an electrode terminal portion formed on a rear end side. The electrode terminal portion is disposed on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element, and is sandwiched between the cylindrical insulation contact member made of an insulating material and the detection element and the insulation contact member. A metal terminal member having an element contact portion in contact with the electrode terminal portion of the element, electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion to form a current path, and one provided for each electrode terminal portion; The insulating contact member has a space in which the metal terminal member allows displacement in the width direction in a state where the metal terminal member is assembled therein, and the electrode terminal portion includes at least one of the detection elements. On the plate A plurality of electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element, and among the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the metal terminal member corresponding to the electrode terminal portion located on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axial center of the detection element corresponds. Protruding portions that are electrically connected by having their apexes in contact with the electrode terminal portions to be connected are provided.

Then, the convex portion is in a state in which the vertex is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminals, of the width direction of both ends in the element abutment section, the end located inwardly of the detection element, or the plane der Ru end side on a plane including a certain length away and the further inward from the end I plane perpendicular der to the plate surface of the detection element, the apex of the convex portion is positioned It is formed so that it may do.

  That is, the metal terminal member electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion located on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axis among the electrode terminal portions formed on the same plate surface has a convex portion and the convex portion. The apex of the part comes into contact with the electrode terminal part. This contact makes electrical connection between the metal terminal member and the electrode terminal portion. The width direction of the detection element is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the plate surface of the detection element.

  And this convex part is the edge part of the said width direction in an element contact part, when a metal terminal member is seen in the direction perpendicular | vertical with respect to the plate surface of a detection element from the opposite side to the side contact | abutted to a detection element. It is formed so that the apex is located at a predetermined position (near the center of the detection element) or outside (more near the center).

  That is, the element abutting portion abuts on the electrode terminal portion at the end portion or at a predetermined position on the outer side in the width direction. This contact is point contact by the apex of the convex portion, and contact pressure is concentrated on the contacted portion. Therefore, even if an inappropriate external force is applied to the metal terminal member, the vertex of the convex portion is suppressed from moving relative to the electrode terminal portion.

  Therefore, according to the sensor of the present invention, the metal terminal member connected to the outermost electrode terminal portion in the width direction when viewed from the axial center of the detection element among the electrode terminal portions formed on the detection element ( Even if the position of the element contact part) is relatively shifted in the direction away from the axis and the range facing the electrode terminal part decreases, the actual contact part (vertex) is the end of the element contact part (detection) Therefore, the electrical contact state between the two can be maintained in a good and reliable state.

Next, the invention described in claim 2 is a detection element in which a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction is formed, the front end side is directed to the measurement object, and the electrode terminal portion is formed on the rear end side, and the electrode terminal portion includes A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed between the detection element and the insulating contact member and arranged on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element to be formed, and an electrode terminal portion of the detection element An element abutting part in contact with the electrode terminal part and electrically connected to the electrode terminal part to form a current path, and a metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part, and a sensor comprising: A plurality of electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element. Of the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the most in the width direction as viewed from the axis of the detection element. Paired with the outer electrode terminal Metallic terminal member having the vertex itself to the corresponding electrode terminals are convex portion forming the electrical connection is provided by abutment.
And the convex part is in the state where the vertex is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal part, and the end part located in the inner direction of the detection element among the both ends in the width direction of the element contact part. The convex portion is formed so that the vertex of the convex portion is located, and the convex portion is erected from the end portion of the element abutting portion in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detecting element and closest to the detecting element. The portion is formed by a plate-like member formed in a square shape.

  In other words, the plate-like member is erected so as to be parallel to the end side plane including the end portion at the end portion of the element contact portion (the end portion in the inner direction of the detection element). And the uppermost part (part closest to the detection element) of the erected plate-like member is formed in a square shape, and this becomes the apex of the convex part.

  As another specific example of the convex portion, for example, a predetermined region including the end portion of the element contact portion is formed by extruding from the side opposite to the detection element side toward the detection element side and plastically deforming. However, in that case, when the peak of the convex part receives a load from the electrode terminal part, it deforms in a direction in which the peak is recessed depending on the magnitude of the load (that is, deforms in a direction returning from the plastic deformation to the original state). In this case, the contact area between the electrode terminal portion and the convex portion increases, and the contact pressure between the two decreases.

On the other hand, if the projection is formed by standing the plate-like member from the end of the element contact portion as in claim 2 , the vertex is a rigid body even if a load from the electrode terminal portion is applied to the vertex. Since the load is applied in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element, that is, in a direction parallel to the plate surface with respect to the convex portion made of a plate-like member, the convex portion is deformed by the load. In other words, there is no possibility that the apex is deformed and the contact area with the electrode terminal portion is increased.

Therefore, according to the sensor of claim 2, when the metal terminal member is sandwiched between the detection element and the insulating contact member and the apex of the convex portion comes into contact with the electrode terminal portion, the load received from the electrode terminal portion Is directly received by the element contact portion via the convex portion (that is, the vertical load from the detection element at the contact portion directly acts on the element contact portion), so that the metal terminal member and the electrode terminal The connection state with the unit can be further stabilized. Moreover, a high contact pressure between the electrode terminal portion and the metal terminal member (the apex thereof) can be maintained, and the electrical contact state between the two can be maintained in a better and more reliable state.

As described above, there are various specific methods for forming the convex portion in which the plate-like member is erected from the end of the element contact portion. For example, as described in claim 3 , the convex portion is The plate member extended from the end face of the end of the contact portion may be bent toward the plate surface of the detection element in the direction perpendicular to the plate surface.

  In other words, the plate-like member that should become the convex part is formed integrally with the element contact part from the beginning, and at a certain stage before completion of the metal terminal member, for example, detection from the end face of the element contact part It is in the state extended in the width direction of the element. The extended plate-like member is bent toward the plate surface of the detection element so that the plate surface of the plate-like member is perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element. By being bent in this way, the vertex of the convex portion is necessarily positioned at the end of the element contact portion (that is, positioned in the end side plane including the end).

Therefore, according to the sensor of claim 3 , the convex portion is formed by a simple process of bending the plate-like member in the member in which the element contact portion and the plate-like member are integrally formed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a metal terminal member in which the convex portion can be easily formed, and thus to provide a sensor including the metal terminal member.
Next, the invention described in claim 4 has a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which the tip side is directed to the measurement object and the electrode terminal portion is formed on the rear end side, and the electrode terminal portion includes A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed between the detection element and the insulating contact member and arranged on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element to be formed, and an electrode terminal portion of the detection element An element abutting part in contact with the electrode terminal part and electrically connected to the electrode terminal part to form a current path, and a metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part, and a sensor comprising: A plurality of electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element. Of the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the most in the width direction as viewed from the axis of the detection element. Paired with the outer electrode terminal Metallic terminal member having the vertex itself to the corresponding electrode terminals are convex portion forming the electrical connection is provided by abutment.
And the convex part is in the state where the apex is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal part, and the end part located in the inner direction of the detection element among the both ends of the width direction in the element contact part, The convex portion is formed so that the apex of the convex portion is located, and the convex portion is formed by pushing a predetermined region including the end portion of the element contact portion toward the detection element side. .
Next, the invention described in claim 5 has a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which the tip side is directed to the measurement object and the electrode terminal portion is formed on the rear end side, and the electrode terminal portion includes A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed between the detection element and the insulating contact member and arranged on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element to be formed, and an electrode terminal portion of the detection element An element abutting part in contact with the electrode terminal part and electrically connected to the electrode terminal part to form a current path, and a metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part, and a sensor comprising: A plurality of electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element. Out of the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axis of the detection element Corresponding to the electrode terminal located at Metallic terminal members, the apex of itself in the corresponding electrode terminal portions are convex portions that forms an electrical connection is provided by abutment.
The convex portion is a plane perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element in a state where the apex is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal portion, and at both ends in the width direction of the element contact portion. Among them, on the end side plane, which is a plane that includes a position that is apart from the end portion located in the inner direction of the detection element by an extension portion that extends further from the end portion in the inner direction, and that includes the position separated by the predetermined length, It is formed so that the apex of the convex part is located, and the convex part is erected in the direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element from the end of the extending part. To do.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In each of the embodiments described below, a detection element (gas sensor element) that is a kind of gas sensor and detects a specific gas in exhaust gas to be measured for use in air-fuel ratio feedback control in automobiles and various internal combustion engines. ) And an all-range air-fuel ratio sensor (hereinafter also referred to as an air-fuel ratio sensor) mounted on the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine.

[First Embodiment]
(1) Overall Configuration of Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an air-fuel ratio sensor 2 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  The air-fuel ratio sensor 2 includes a cylindrical metal shell 38 having a screw portion 39 formed on the outer surface for fixing to an exhaust pipe, and a detection element 4 having a plate shape extending in the axial direction (vertical direction in the figure). The cylindrical ceramic sleeve 6 disposed so as to surround the periphery of the detection element 4 and the inner wall surface of the contact insertion hole 68 penetrating in the axial direction surround the periphery of the rear end portion of the detection element 4. And five connecting terminals 10 (corresponding to the metal terminal member of the present invention) disposed between the detection element 4 and the insulating contact member 66.

  The detection element 4 has a plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, and a detection portion 8 covered with a protective layer is formed on the front end side (downward in the figure) directed to the gas to be measured, and the rear end side (in the figure) Electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 36 are formed on the first plate surface 21 and the second plate surface 23, which are in a positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the upper outer surface. The connection terminal 10 is disposed between the detection element 4 and the insulating contact member 66 so as to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 36 of the detection element 4, respectively. Further, the connection terminal 10 is also electrically connected to a lead wire 46 disposed inside the sensor from the outside, and an external device to which the lead wire 46 is connected and the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34. , 36 is formed.

  The metal shell 38 has a through-hole 54 that penetrates in the axial direction, and has a substantially cylindrical shape that has a shelf 52 that protrudes radially inward of the through-hole 54. Further, the metal shell 38 has the detection portion 8 disposed outside the front end side of the through hole 54, and the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 are disposed outside the rear end side of the through hole 54. The detection element 4 inserted through 54 is held. Further, the shelf 52 is formed as an inwardly tapered surface having an inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

  In addition, inside the through hole 54 of the metal shell 38, the bottomed cylindrical metal holder 58, the annular ceramic holder 51, and the first powder filling layer 53 (hereinafter referred to as “the surroundings in the radial direction of the detection element 4”). The second powder layer 56 and the ceramic sleeve 6 described above are laminated in this order from the front end side to the rear end side. Further, a caulking packing 57 is disposed between the ceramic sleeve 6 and the rear end portion 40 of the metal shell 38. Note that the rear end portion 40 of the metal shell 38 is crimped so as to press the ceramic sleeve 6 toward the distal end side via the crimping packing 57.

Here, a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the detection element 4 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the detection element 4 is shown by omitting an intermediate portion in the axial direction.
The detection element 4 has a rectangular shape in which an element portion 20 formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) and a heater 22 formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction are stacked. It is formed in a plate shape having an axial cross section. Since the detection element 4 used as the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 is a conventionally known element, a detailed description of its internal structure and the like is omitted, but the schematic configuration is as follows.

  First, the element unit 20 includes an oxygen concentration cell element in which a porous electrode is formed on both sides of a solid electrolyte substrate, an oxygen pump element in which a porous electrode is formed on both sides of the solid electrolyte substrate, and a gap between these elements. The spacers are stacked to form a hollow measurement gas chamber. This solid electrolyte substrate is made of zirconia in which yttria is dissolved as a stabilizer, and the porous electrode is mainly made of Pt. The spacer forming the measurement gas chamber is mainly composed of alumina, and inside the hollow measurement gas chamber is one porous electrode of the oxygen concentration cell element and one porous electrode of the oxygen pump element. It arrange | positions so that an electrode may be exposed. The measurement gas chamber is formed so as to be positioned on the tip side of the element unit 20, and the portion where the measurement gas chamber is formed corresponds to the detection unit 8.

  Next, the heater 22 is formed by sandwiching a heating resistor pattern mainly composed of Pt between insulating substrates mainly composed of alumina. In addition, a protective layer (not shown) for preventing poisoning is formed on the front surface of the detection element 4 where the detection unit 8 is formed.

  In such a detection element 4, as shown in FIG. 2, three electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32 are formed side by side in the width direction on the rear end side (right side in FIG. 2) of the first plate surface 21. Two electrode terminal portions 34 and 36 are formed on the rear end side of the second plate surface 23 side by side in the width direction. The width direction of the detection element 4 is a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the first plate surface 21 (or the second plate surface 23) of the detection element 4.

  The electrode terminal portions 30, 31, and 32 are formed in the element portion 20. One electrode terminal portion is one porous electrode and oxygen pump element of the oxygen concentration cell element exposed inside the measurement gas chamber. Are electrically connected in common with one of the porous electrodes. The remaining two electrode terminal portions of the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, and 32 are electrically connected to the other porous electrode of the oxygen concentration cell element and the other porous electrode of the oxygen pump element, respectively. . The electrode terminal portions 34 and 36 are formed in the heater 22 and are respectively connected to both ends of the heating resistor pattern via vias (not shown) that cross in the thickness direction of the heater.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the detection element 4 configured in this manner protrudes from the front end of the metal shell 38 fixed to the exhaust pipe with the detection unit 8 on the front end side (lower side in FIG. 1), and on the rear end side. The electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 36 are fixed to the inside of the metal shell 38 in a state of protruding from the rear end of the metal shell 38.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a metal (for example, stainless steel) having a plurality of holes and covering the protruding portion of the detection element 4 on the outer periphery of the front end side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the metal shell 38. A double external protector 42 and an internal protector 43 are attached by welding or the like.

  An outer cylinder 44 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rear end side of the metal shell 38. Further, in the opening on the rear end side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the outer cylinder 44, five leads electrically connected to the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 36 of the detection element 4, respectively. A grommet 50 in which a lead wire insertion hole 61 through which the wire 46 (only three lead wires 46 are shown in FIG. 1) is inserted is disposed.

  An insulating contact member 66 is disposed on the rear end side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the detection element 4 protruding from the rear end portion 40 of the metal shell 38. The insulating contact member 66 is arranged around the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 formed on the rear end surface of the detection element 4.

(2) Configuration of Insulating Contact Member 66 Next, the insulating contact member 66 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the insulating contact member 66 when viewed from the rear end side, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the appearance of the insulating contact member 66 when viewed from the front end side. 8 is a bottom view showing an appearance of the insulating contact member 66 in a state where the connection terminal 10 is disposed. The detection element 4 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4 is an arrangement of the detection element 4 when the detection element 4 is inserted and assembled to the insulating contact members 66 in which the five connection terminals 10 are respectively arranged at predetermined positions. The state (see FIG. 9) is virtually shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the insulating contact member 66 is made of alumina, is formed in a cylindrical shape having a contact insertion hole 68 penetrating in the axial direction, and protrudes radially outward from the outer surface. Is provided. The insulating contact member 66 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 44 by the flange portion 67 contacting the outer cylinder side support part 64 of the outer cylinder 44 via the holding member 69 (see FIG. 1).

  A first rib portion 76 that protrudes inward is formed on the inner wall surface of the contact insertion hole 68 that faces the second plate surface 23 (not shown) of the detection element 4. The first rib portion 76 has two groove-like terminals for individually disposing the two connection terminals 10 (specifically, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 111) in an electrically insulated state. It is provided as a connecting terminal in the insertion hole that forms the boundary between the arrangement grooves (first terminal arrangement groove 71, second terminal arrangement groove 72). The terminal arrangement grooves 71 and 72 are formed at positions corresponding to the electrode terminal portions 34 and 36 on the second plate surface 23 of the detection element 4, respectively.

  In addition, a second rib portion 77 and a third rib portion 78 projecting inward are formed on the inner wall surface of the contact insertion hole 68 that faces the first plate surface 21 (not shown) of the detection element 4. Yes. In FIG. 1, only the second rib portion 77 is shown.

  The second rib portion 77 and the third rib portion 78 are each provided with three connection terminals 10 (in detail, a third connection terminal 251, a fourth connection terminal 271, a fifth connection terminal 211; see FIG. 8 described later). Insertion hole that forms the boundary of three groove-like terminal arrangement grooves (third terminal arrangement groove 73, fourth terminal arrangement groove 74, and fifth terminal arrangement groove 75) for individual arrangement in an electrically insulated state It is provided as an inner connection terminal boundary. In FIG. 1, only the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 is shown. Specifically, the second rib portion 77 forms a boundary between the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 and the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75, and the third rib portion 78 forms the boundary between the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 and the third terminal arrangement groove 73. A boundary is formed. The terminal arrangement grooves 73, 74, 75 are formed at positions corresponding to the electrode terminal portions 32, 30, 31 on the first plate surface 21 of the detection element 4, respectively.

  Each rib portion 76, 77, 78 has a function of preventing the connection terminals 10 arranged in adjacent terminal arrangement grooves from contacting each other, and the connection terminals 10 arranged adjacent to each other are electrically connected. By preventing conduction, the current path can be prevented from becoming defective.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4, five locking grooves are formed on the distal end surface (the lower surface in FIG. 3) of the insulating contact member 66 so as to be connected to the distal end side opening of the contact insertion hole 68. That is, a first locking groove 86, a second locking groove 87, a third locking groove 88, a fourth locking groove 89, and a fifth locking groove 90 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, on the front end surface of the insulating contact member 66, there are three protruding portions, that is, a first protruding portion 81, a second protruding portion 82, and a third protruding portion 83, Two ridges, that is, a first ridge 84 and a second ridge 85 are formed.

  The first locking groove portion 86 is formed so as to be connected to the first terminal arrangement groove 71 between the first protruding portion 81 and the second protruding portion 82. The first locking groove 86 is a part of the first terminal locking portion 18 of the first connection terminal 11 (see FIG. 8) described later among the five connection terminals 10 (from the first terminal main body not shown in the drawing). The portion extending toward the outside in the direction is formed so that it can be arranged.

  The second locking groove 87 is formed so as to be connected to the second terminal arrangement groove 72 between the second protruding portion 82 and the third protruding portion 83. The second locking groove 87 is a part of the second terminal locking portion 118 (from the second terminal main body portion 112) of the second connection terminal 111 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) to be described later among the five connection terminals 10. The portion extending outward in the radial direction) is formed so as to be capable of being arranged. The first connection terminal 11 is only partly different from the second connection terminal 111 (see FIG. 5). This will be described later.

  The third locking groove 88 is formed so as to be connected to the third terminal arrangement groove 73 between the third protrusion 83 and the first protrusion 84. The third locking groove 88 is a part of a third terminal locking portion 258 of a third connection terminal 251 (see FIG. 8) to be described later among the five connection terminals 10 (from a third terminal main body not shown). The portion extending toward the outside in the direction is formed so that it can be arranged. The third connection terminal 251 has the same shape as the first connection terminal 11, and only the partial dimensions are different from the first connection terminal 11. This will be described later.

  The fourth locking groove 89 is formed so as to be connected to the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 between the second ridge 85 and the first protrusion 81. The fourth locking groove 89 is a part of a fourth terminal locking portion 278 of a fourth connection terminal 271 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, out of the five connection terminals 10 (from a fourth terminal main body not shown). The portion extending toward the outside in the direction is formed so that it can be arranged. Note that the shape of the fourth connection terminal 271 is the same as that of the second connection terminal 111 (see FIG. 5), and only the partial dimensions differ from the second connection terminal 111. This will be described later.

  The fifth locking groove 90 is formed so as to be connected to the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 between the first ridge 84 and the second ridge 85. The fifth locking groove 90 is a part of the fifth terminal locking portion 218 of the fifth connection terminal 211 (see FIG. 6) described later among the five connection terminals 10 (from the fifth terminal main body 212 in the radial direction). The portion extending toward the outside) can be arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the second projecting portion 82 (a portion located between the first terminal arrangement groove 71 and the second terminal arrangement groove 72) extends from the tip portion of the first rib portion 76. It is formed in a continuous shape, and a part of the first ridge portion 84 (a portion located between the third terminal arrangement groove 73 and the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75) extends from the tip portion of the third rib portion 78. It is formed in a continuous shape, and a part of the second ridge 85 (the part located between the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 and the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74) is from the tip of the second rib part 77. It is formed in a continuous shape.

  Of the five terminal arrangement grooves, the four terminal arrangement grooves 71, 72, 73, 74 excluding the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 have the following shapes in more detail. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal arrangement groove 71 in which the first connection terminal 11 is arranged is formed so that the electrode terminal portion 34 of the detection element 4 faces. A first back wall 91 formed so as to be parallel to the second plate surface 23 of the detection element 4 (that is, parallel to the terminal contact surface of the electrode terminal portion 34), and the first back wall 91 The first side wall 92 is formed so as to be connected to the first back wall 91 and is perpendicular to the first back wall 91, and is formed so as to be connected to the first side wall 92 and from the first side wall 92. And a first inclined wall 93 formed so as to be bent by a certain angle (acute angle). The first rib portion 76 is configured to stand vertically from the side opposite to the first side wall 92 side of the first back wall 91 toward the detection element 4.

  An angle formed by the first side wall 92 and the first inclined wall 93 (hereinafter also referred to as “wall bending angle”) is an obtuse angle when viewed from the inside of the first terminal arrangement groove 71. More specifically, this angle is determined when the first connection terminal 11 is arranged in the first terminal arrangement groove 71 (see FIG. 8), the external force when the detection element 4 is inserted (see FIG. 9), and the sensor 2 Even if it receives some external force in an actual use environment, the first connection terminal 11 is set at an angle that does not tilt.

  The second terminal arrangement groove 72 in which the second connection terminal 111 is arranged is formed so that the electrode terminal portion 36 of the detection element 4 faces. A second back wall 94 formed to be parallel to the second plate surface 23 of the detection element 4 (that is, to be parallel to the terminal contact surface of the electrode terminal portion 36), and the second back wall 94. And a second side wall 95 formed so as to be perpendicular to the second back wall 94, and connected to the second side wall 95 and from the second side wall 95. A second inclined wall 96 formed so as to be bent at a certain angle. The first rib portion 76 is configured to stand vertically from the opposite side of the second back wall 94 to the second side wall 95 side toward the detection element 4. The angle (wall bending angle) formed by the second side wall 95 and the second inclined wall 96 is also an obtuse angle when viewed from the inside of the second terminal arrangement groove 72, and this angle is the wall portion in the first terminal arrangement groove 71. It is the same as the bending angle.

  The third terminal arrangement groove 73 in which the third connection terminal 251 is arranged is formed so that the electrode terminal portion 32 of the detection element 4 faces. Then, a third back wall 131 formed to be parallel to the first plate surface 21 of the detection element 4 (that is, to be parallel to the terminal contact surface of the electrode terminal portion 32), and the third back wall 131. A third side wall 132 formed so as to be connected to the third back wall 131 and perpendicular to the third back wall 131, and formed so as to be connected to the third side wall 132 and from the third side wall 132. And a third inclined wall 133 formed to be bent by a certain angle. The third rib portion 78 is configured to stand vertically from the side opposite to the third side wall 132 side of the third back wall 131 toward the detection element 4. An angle (wall bending angle) formed by the third side wall 132 and the third inclined wall 133 is also the same angle as the wall bending angle in the first terminal arrangement groove 71 described above.

  The fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 in which the fourth connection terminal 271 is arranged is formed so that the electrode terminal portion 30 of the detection element 4 faces. A fourth back wall 134 formed to be parallel to the first plate surface 21 of the detection element 4 (that is, to be parallel to the terminal contact surface in the electrode terminal portion 30), and the fourth back wall 134 And a fourth side wall 135 formed so as to be perpendicular to the fourth back wall 134, and formed so as to be connected to the fourth side wall 135 and from the fourth side wall 135. And a fourth inclined wall 136 formed to be bent at a certain angle. The second rib portion 77 is configured to stand vertically from the side opposite to the fourth side wall 135 side of the fourth back wall 134 toward the detection element 4. An angle (wall bending angle) formed by the fourth side wall 135 and the fourth inclined wall 136 is also the same angle as the wall bending angle in the first terminal disposition groove 71 described above.

  Thus, of the five electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 formed on the plate surface of the detection element 4, the four electrode terminal portions 30 formed at the end portions in the width direction of the detection element 4. , 32, 34, 36 are formed with a first terminal arrangement groove 71, a second terminal arrangement groove 72, a third terminal arrangement groove 73, and a fourth terminal arrangement groove 74. And as for the four terminal arrangement | positioning groove | channels 71, 72, 73, 74, as above-mentioned, the back wall, the side wall, and the inclination wall are formed.

(3) Configuration of Connection Terminal 10 Next, the connection terminal 10 will be described. The five connection terminals 10 included in the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the present embodiment can be roughly classified according to the difference in the shape of the portions in contact with the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 of the detection element 4. FIG. The connection terminal 10 (first connection terminal 11, third connection) is provided with an edge-bend-type convex portion in which a triangular edge (plate-like member) is bent toward the detection element 4 side as indicated by reference numeral 116. A terminal 251 and a fourth connection terminal 271 (both are not shown in detail; see FIGS. 8 and 9) and a second connection terminal 111 (see FIG. 5)) and a hemisphere toward the detection element 4 shown in FIG. The connection terminal 10 (fifth connection terminal 211) formed with the mold protrusion 216 is classified into two types.

  That is, the four connection terminals 11, 111, 251, which are located on the outermost side in the width direction when viewed from the axis of the detection element 4 (that is, located at the end portions in the width direction of the plate surfaces 21, 23 of the detection element). Each of the 271 has an edge bent convex portion at its element contact portion.

  Each of the connection terminals 10, 111, 251, and 271 having the edge-bend-type convex portion further has the terminal locking portion and the fixed guide portion on the left side when the detection element 4 side is viewed from the terminal body portion side. When the connection terminal 10 (the first connection terminal 11 and the third connection terminal 251), which is extended and has an edge-bend-type convex part formed on the right side, and the detection element 4 side when viewed from the terminal body part side, The connection terminal 10 (second connection terminal 111 and fourth connection terminal 271) in which both the terminal locking portion and the fixed guide portion are extended on the right side and the edge bent convex portion is formed on the left side. Classified into types.

  However, the shape of the first connection terminal 11 and the third connection terminal 251 that are the connection terminals 10 having the edge-bend-shaped convex portions formed on the right side are the same, but the dimensions of the terminal main body and the like are slightly different. ing. In addition, the second connection terminal 111 and the fourth connection terminal 271 that are the connection terminals 10 with the edge-bend-type convex portions formed on the left side have the same shape, but the dimensions of the terminal main body and the like are also slightly different. Is different.

  That is, strictly speaking, the five connection terminals 10 are formed as five different types of connection terminals. Hereinafter, each of these connection terminals 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the third connection terminal 251 has the same shape as the first connection terminal 11, the fourth connection terminal 271 has the same shape as the second connection terminal 111, and the first connection terminal 11 has the second connection terminal 111. Is the same shape except that the formation positions of the edge bent convex portion and the terminal locking portion with respect to the terminal main body are reversed on the left and right. Therefore, only the second connection terminal 111 and the fifth connection terminal 211 will be described, and a part of the description of the first connection terminal 11, the third connection terminal 251, and the fourth connection terminal 271 will be omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the second connection terminal 111 disposed in the second terminal disposition groove 72, with the left side being a perspective view and the right side being a side view. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the fifth connection terminal 211 arranged in the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75, and the left side is a perspective view and the right side is a side view. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of forming the second edge bent convex portion 116 in the second element contact portion 115 of the second connection terminal 111 illustrated in FIG. 5. In addition, the connection terminal 10 of this embodiment is formed with the well-known material (For example, Inconel, stainless steel, etc.) which can maintain elasticity (spring elasticity) even if it exposes repeatedly to high temperature.

  First, the second connection terminal 111 will be described with reference to FIG. The second connection terminal 111 extends from the tip of the second terminal main body 112 and the second terminal main body 112 made of a long plate-like member extending in the axial direction, and part of the second connection terminal 111 is the second terminal main body. 112 and a second element contact portion 115 extending in the axial direction so as to be disposed between the detection element 4 and the detection element 4.

  The second element abutting portion 115 has a substantially intermediate portion in the axial direction and one end in the width direction of the second element abutting portion 115 (inner direction of the detection element 4 in the assembled state as a sensor). The second terminal fixing guide portion 117, which will be described later, on the opposite side to the side where the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is extended), and is perpendicular to the surface of the second element contact portion 115 and the second portion. A triangular edge bent convex portion (second edge bent convex portion) 116 is formed so as to stand up toward the side opposite to the terminal main body portion 112. The width direction of the second element contact portion 115 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the gap interval direction between the second element contact portion 115 and the second terminal main body portion 112. Is also the same direction as the width direction of the detection element 4 in a state assembled as a sensor.

  The second connection terminal 111 is formed on the distal end side of the second terminal body 112 so as to be disposed in the second locking groove 87 (see FIG. 4) of the insulating contact member 66. 118 is provided. The second terminal locking portion 118 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface from the front end side surface of the second terminal main body portion 112 and is a direction away from the second terminal main body portion 112 when the second terminal locking portion 118 is extended for a certain length. It is configured to have a portion that is parallel to the plate surface of the second terminal main body 112 by being bent at a right angle.

  More specifically, the extended portion of the second terminal locking portion 118 is disposed in the second locking groove 87. And the part parallel to the plate | board surface of the 2nd terminal main-body part 112 bent from the front end side of the extension part is the recessed space (it is formed between the 2nd protrusion part 82 and the 3rd protrusion part 83). (Including the second locking groove portion 87) so as to be along the side surface of the third protruding portion 83 (see FIG. 8 described later).

  The second element abutting portion 115 is connected to the tip of the second terminal main body portion 112 and has a second connecting side end portion 113 that is bent inward in the radial direction and changes its direction. In the free state, the second open side end 114 serving as the rear end in the axial direction is formed so as to be separated from the second terminal main body 112. The second open side end 114 is a second terminal when the second connection terminal 111 is sandwiched between the detection element 4 and the insulating contact member 66 and the second connection side end 113 is elastically deformed. Abuts on the main body 112.

  In addition, the second element contact portion 115 has a gap dimension from the second intermediate end portion 114 to the second terminal main body portion 112 from the axial intermediate portion where the second edge bent convex portion 116 is formed. It is formed in an arcuate shape that is curved so as to be longer than the gap dimension up to the two-terminal body 112. Then, of the second edge-bent convex portions 116 formed in a triangular shape, the angular vertex 124 farthest from the plate surface of the second element contact portion 115 is the corresponding electrode terminal portion 36 in the detection element 4. Abut.

  The second edge bent convex portion 116 that constitutes the second element contact portion 115 is formed by bending. That is, at a stage before the completion of the second connection terminal 111, as shown on the left side (before bending) of FIG. 7, the triangular plate-like member 125 that should become the second edge bent convex portion 116 is the second element. It extends from the end surface of the contact portion 115, and the second element contact portion 115 as a whole is integrally formed on the same plane.

  From this state, by bending only the plate member 125 toward the plate surface of the detection element 4 (that is, on the side where the apex 124 is away from the second terminal body 112), the right side (after bending) in FIG. As shown, the second connection terminal 111 is formed in a state where the vertex 124 is farthest from the plate surface of the second element contact portion 115.

  In the present embodiment, when the plate-like member 125 is bent at a right angle as described above, the second element contact portion 115 and the plate-like member are positioned so that the apex 124 is located just at the end of the second element contact portion 115. Escape grooves 151 and 152 are formed at both ends of the boundary with 125. This prevents the apex 124 from protruding beyond the end of the second element contact portion 115 when the plate-like member 125 is bent at a right angle.

  In the present embodiment, the angle of the portion serving as the apex 124 in the triangular plate-like member 125 is slightly larger than the right angle as is apparent from FIG. 7, but this angle may be set arbitrarily. . For example, if this angle is an acute angle, the apex 124 becomes sharper, and the contact pressure with the electrode terminal portion 36 is further increased. However, the sharper the angle is, the more easily the vertex 124 bites into the electrode terminal portion 36, and the electrode terminal portion 36 may be penetrated in some cases. Therefore, in consideration of the material and strength of the electrode terminal portion 36, the angle of the portion serving as the apex 124 may be determined to such an extent that the electrode terminal portion 36 is not damaged and can maintain a high contact pressure.

  Although not shown in FIG. 5, the second connection terminal 111 is formed wider at the rear end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 5) of the second terminal body portion 112 than the second terminal body portion 112. The lead wire connection part is provided integrally. This lead wire connecting portion is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by bending, and then crimped radially inward with the core wire of the lead wire 46 (see FIG. 1) inserted thereinto, Connected to line 46.

  Further, the second connection terminal 111 of the present embodiment has a second terminal fixing guide on the same side as the side on which the second terminal locking portion 118 extends in the substantially intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second terminal main body portion 112. A portion 117 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is extended from one side surface of the substantially intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second terminal main body portion 112 toward the side so as to be flush with the plate surface. In addition, when it is extended for a certain length, it is bent in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the second terminal body 112 and approaching the detection element 4 (that is, the second element contact part 115 side). Axial direction front end side of the formed second projecting portion 126 and a portion of the second projecting portion 126 after being bent at right angles to the detection element 4 side (hereinafter, this portion is also referred to as “bending-side extending portion”). It is comprised by the 2nd fixed contact part 127 extended from.

  The second fixed contact portion 127 constituting the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is formed from the bent side extending portion from the front end side in the axial direction of the bent portion (the bent side extending portion) of the second overhanging portion 126. It is bent away from the second terminal main body 112 at a predetermined angle (for example, about 30 °) with respect to the plate surface, and extends in a tapered shape so that the width gradually decreases toward the tip side. It is installed. A tip end portion of the second fixed contact portion 127 extending in a tapered shape is formed in an arc shape.

  As will be described later, the second fixed contact portion 127 is second when an external force in the direction toward the second terminal main body portion 112 in the width direction of the second terminal main body portion 112 is applied to the distal end side. It is formed so as to be elastically deformable toward the terminal main body 112 side. The width direction of the second terminal main body 112 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the gap interval direction between the second element contact portion 115 and the second terminal main body 112.

  Next, the first connection terminal 11 will be briefly described. The difference between the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 111 is basically the formation position of the terminal fixing guide portion and the terminal locking portion extending from the terminal main body portion, and the element contact. It is only the formation position of the edge-bending type convex part in the part.

  That is, the second connection terminal 111 is fixed to the second terminal when viewed from the rear side (the side facing the second back wall 94 of the second terminal arrangement groove 72) with the rear end side in the axial direction facing upward. Both the guide portion 117 and the second terminal locking portion 118 are extended from the right side surface side of the second terminal main body portion 112, and the second edge bent convex portion 116 is on the left side of the second element contact portion 115. Whereas the first connection terminal 11 is extended (formed) from the surface side, the first terminal fixing guide portion 17 and the first terminal locking portion when viewed from the back side as shown in FIG. 18 extends from the left side of the first terminal main body (not shown; the portion corresponding to the second terminal main body 112 of the second connection terminal 111), and has a first edge bent convex. The portion 16 is connected to the first terminal contact portion (the second element contact portion 115 of the second connection terminal 111). And it extends from the right side of the response part).

  As described above, the first connection terminal 11 has the same shape and dimensions as the second connection terminal 111 except that the extension (formation) positions of the terminal fixing guide portion, the terminal locking portion, and the edge bent convex portion are different. The same.

  Next, the third connection terminal 251 will be briefly described. The third connection terminal 251 is arranged in the third terminal arrangement groove 73 of the insulating contact member 66 as shown in part in FIG. 8 to be described later. Is the same as the first connection terminal 11 except for.

  The main point that the third connection terminal 251 differs from the first connection terminal 11 is the width dimension of the terminal main body part and the element contact part. That is, as is clear from FIG. 8, the width dimension of the third terminal main body portion of the third connection terminal 251 and the width dimension of the third element contact portion both correspond in the first connection terminal 11. It is formed so as to be smaller than the width dimension of the first terminal body part and the width dimension of the first element contact part. And the point and the formation position where the 3rd edge bending type convex part 256 is formed are the same as the 1st connection terminal 11. FIG.

  Next, the fourth connection terminal 271 will be briefly described. The fourth connection terminal 271 is arranged in the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 of the insulating contact member 66, as shown in part in FIG. 8 to be described later. Is the same as the second connection terminal 111 (see FIG. 5).

  The fourth connection terminal 271 differs from the second connection terminal 111 in the width dimensions of the terminal main body portion and the element contact portion. That is, as is clear from FIG. 8, the width dimension of the fourth terminal body portion of the fourth connection terminal 271 and the width dimension of the fourth element contact portion both correspond in the second connection terminal 111. Each width dimension corresponding to the third connection terminal 251 disposed in the third terminal arrangement groove 73 so as to be smaller than the width dimension of the second terminal main body 112 and the width dimension of the second element contact portion 115. It is formed to be the same. The fourth edge bent convex portion 276 is formed at the same point as the second connection terminal 111 in terms of the formation position.

  Next, the fifth connection terminal 211 will be described with reference to FIG. Similarly to the other connection terminals, the fifth connection terminal 211 includes a fifth terminal main body 212 and a fifth element contact portion 215.

  The cross section of the fifth terminal body 212 in a plane parallel to the axial direction and perpendicular to the plate surface is formed in a shape substantially the same as that of the second terminal body 112 (see FIG. 5). Moreover, it has the curved part 219 in the substantially intermediate position in the axial direction.

  The fifth element contact portion 216 is formed in an arc shape substantially the same as the second element contact portion 115 (see FIG. 5) in cross section in a plane parallel to the axial direction and perpendicular to the plate surface. A fifth connection side end 213 corresponding to the second connection side end 113 and a fifth open side end 214 corresponding to the second open side end 114 are provided. However, there is no edge-bend-type convex portion that the second element abutting portion 115 includes, and a hemispherical projection portion 216 that is a hemispherical projection is provided at the axial direction intermediate portion of the fifth element abutting portion 216. Is formed.

  The fifth connection terminal 211 has two fifth terminal locking portions 218 formed on the distal end side of the fifth terminal main body 212 so as to be arranged in the fifth locking groove 90 of the insulating contact member 66. I have. The fifth terminal locking portion 218 extends from the fifth terminal main body portion 212 in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface and faces outward so as to have a portion parallel to the plate surface of the fifth terminal main body portion 212. The cross-sectional shape is configured to be substantially L-shaped by being bent.

  Further, the fifth connection terminal 211 is integrally provided with a lead wire connection portion 217 (see FIG. 1) formed wider than the fifth terminal main body portion 212 at the rear end portion of the fifth terminal main body portion 212. . The lead wire connecting portion 217 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by bending, and then crimped radially inward with the core wire of the lead wire 46 inserted therein, as shown in FIG. To the lead wire 46.

  Of the five connection terminals 10 configured in this manner, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 111 are insulated from each other by the first rib portion 76, and the contact insertion hole 68 of the insulating contact member 66 is formed in the contact insertion hole 68. Be placed. At this time, the first connection terminal 11 is disposed in the first terminal arrangement groove 71 corresponding to the electrode terminal portion 34 of the detection element 4, and the second connection terminal 111 is the second terminal corresponding to the electrode terminal portion 36 of the detection element 4. It is arranged in the arrangement groove 72.

  Further, the third connection terminal 251, the fourth connection terminal 271, and the fifth connection terminal 211 are insulated from each other by the second rib portion 77 and the third rib portion 78 in the contact insertion hole 68 of the insulating contact member 66. Be placed. At this time, the third connection terminal 251 is disposed in the third terminal arrangement groove 73 corresponding to the electrode terminal portion 32 of the detection element 4, and the fourth connection terminal 271 is the fourth terminal corresponding to the electrode terminal portion 30 of the detection element 4. Arranged in the arrangement groove 74, the fifth connection terminal 211 is arranged in the fifth terminal arrangement groove 75 corresponding to the electrode terminal portion 31 of the detection element 4.

(4) Description of State in which Connection Terminal 10 is Arranged in Insulating Contact Member 66 Next, the insulating contact member 66 in a state in which five connection terminals 10 are disposed in the contact insertion holes 68 will be described with reference to FIG. . FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the insulating contact member 66. More specifically, FIG. 8 is a view of the insulating contact member 66 in a state where the connection terminals 10 are disposed as viewed from the rear end side. Hereinafter, the relationship between the second connection terminal 111 and the insulating contact member 66 will be described in detail, and the other connection terminals 11, 251, 271, and 211 will be described briefly.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the second connection terminal 111 is arranged in the second terminal arrangement groove 72 of the insulating contact member 66, the first plate surface 21 or the second plate surface 23 of the detection element 4 (see FIG. 4). ), The plate surfaces of the second terminal main body 112 and the second element contact portion 115 in the second connection terminal 111 are both parallel.

  That is, the second terminal main body portion 112 of the second connection terminal 111 abuts on the second back wall 94, and the second terminal main body portion 112 out of the second protruding portion 126 of the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 has its plate. A portion extending on the same plane as the surface is also in contact with the second back wall 94. The surface of the second overhanging portion 126 that faces the second side wall 95 after being bent (the bent side extending portion) is substantially parallel to the wall surface of the second side wall 95.

  Then, the distal end portion of the second fixed contact portion 127 extending from the distal end side in the axial direction in the bent side extending portion of the second projecting portion 126 is in contact with the second side wall 95. In other words, the bent-side extending portion of the second overhanging portion 126 is not in contact with the inner wall of the second terminal arrangement groove 72, and the second protruding portion 126 is closer to the second side wall 95 from the tip portion toward the tip side. Two fixed contact portions 127 are extended. Further, in this state, the side surface facing the detection element 4 on the distal end side of the second fixed contact portion 127 (that is, the side surface facing the direction opposite to the direction in which the second terminal locking portion 118 is extended). However, it will be in the state contact | abutted to the boundary part vicinity of the 2nd inclination wall 96 and the 2nd side wall 95. FIG.

  As described above, when the second connection terminal 111 is arranged in the second terminal arrangement groove 72, a part of the second terminal main body portion 112 and the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is the second terminal arrangement groove 72. Further, the tip of the second fixed contact portion 127 abuts on the second side wall 95 of the second terminal disposition groove 72 and its side surface (the longer distance from the second terminal main body portion 112) abuts against the back wall 92. Since the side surface is in contact with the vicinity of the second inclined wall 96, the second connecting terminal 111 is restricted from moving in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

  Further, the width direction dimension from the side surface of the second terminal body 112 opposite to the side surface on which the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is extended to the tip of the second fixed contact portion 127 (hereinafter referred to as “terminal maximum lateral width dimension”). In the free state of the second connection terminal 111 itself, the second connection terminal 111 of the insulating contact member 66 is second from the wall surface of the first rib portion 76 in the second terminal arrangement groove 72 in which the second connection terminal 111 is arranged. It is set to be larger than the dimension up to the side wall 95 (hereinafter also referred to as “groove width dimension”).

  When the second connection terminal 111 is inserted into the second terminal arrangement groove 72 from the front end side of the insulating contact member 66, the second fixed contact portion 127 is at the front end side angle of the second side wall 95 of the second terminal arrangement groove 72. It abuts against the portion (corner portion connected to the tip surface of the third projecting portion 83) and receives a load from the tip side corner portion of the second side wall 95 and elastically deforms toward the second terminal main body portion 112 side. That is, it is elastically deformed in the direction of the second terminal main body 112 so as to be accommodated in the second terminal arrangement groove 72 (so that the maximum terminal width dimension is reduced).

  As the insertion of the second connection terminal 111 into the second terminal arrangement groove 72 proceeds, the degree of this elastic deformation also increases. Then, the elastic deformation proceeds until the maximum terminal width dimension of the second connection terminal 111 becomes the same as the groove width dimension of the second terminal disposition groove 72, so that the end portion of the second fixed contact portion 127 finally becomes the second end. It will enter the terminal arrangement groove 72.

  Therefore, in a state where the second connection terminal 111 is completely arranged in the second terminal arrangement groove 72, the second fixed contact portion 127 is urging the second side wall 95. Moreover, the second fixed contact portion 127 is formed so as to be inclined (bent) outward from the distal end side in the axial direction of the second projecting portion 126 toward the distal end direction.

  As a result, even if the second connection terminal 111 tries to move to the tip side in the second terminal arrangement groove 72, the movement is a movement in a direction in which the tip of the second fixed contact portion 127 bites into the second side wall 95. For this reason, the movement of the second connection terminal 111 toward the distal end side is restricted (suppressed) by the frictional force between the distal end of the second fixed contact portion 127 and the second side wall 95.

  Similarly to the second connection terminal 111, the first terminal body 11 abuts on the first back wall 91 and the first connection terminal 11 is the first of the first projecting portions 26 of the first terminal fixing guide portion 17. A portion extending from the terminal main body on the same plane as the plate surface is also in contact with the first back wall 91. The surface of the first overhanging portion 26 that faces the first side wall 92 after being bent (the bent side extending portion) is substantially parallel to the wall surface of the first side wall 92.

  Then, the distal end portion of the first fixed contact portion 27 extending from the distal end side in the axial direction in the bent side extending portion of the first overhanging portion 26 comes into contact with the first side wall 92. In other words, the bent side extending portion of the first projecting portion 26 is not in contact with the inner wall of the first terminal disposition groove 71, and the first side wall 92 approaches the first side wall 92 from the tip portion toward the tip side. One fixed contact portion 27 is extended. Further, in this state, the side surface facing the detection element 4 on the distal end side of the first fixed contact portion 27 (that is, the side surface facing the direction opposite to the direction in which the first terminal locking portion 18 is extended). However, it will be in the state contact | abutted to the boundary part vicinity of the 1st inclination wall 93 and the 1st side wall 92. FIG.

  Further, the maximum terminal width dimension of the first connection terminal 11 is set to be larger than the groove width dimension of the first terminal arrangement groove 71 in the free state of the first connection terminal 11 itself. When the first connection terminal 11 is inserted into the first terminal arrangement groove 71 from the distal end side of the insulating contact member 66, the first terminal arrangement groove 71 receives a load from the corner on the distal end side of the first side wall 92. Elastically deforms to fit inside.

  By being configured in this manner, the movement of the first connection terminal 11 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction or in the axial direction is restricted in the same manner as in the case of the second connection terminal 111 described above.

  Similarly to the second connection terminal 111, the third connection terminal 251 also has the third terminal main body portion in contact with the third back wall 131 and the third extension portion 266 of the third terminal fixing guide portion 257, the third extension portion 266. A portion extending from the terminal main body on the same plane as the plate surface is also in contact with the third back wall 131. The surface of the third overhanging portion 266 that faces the third side wall 132 after being bent (the bent side extending portion) is substantially parallel to the wall surface of the third side wall 132.

  Then, the distal end portion of the third fixed contact portion 267 extending from the distal end side in the axial direction in the bent side extending portion of the third projecting portion 266 is in contact with the third side wall 132. That is, the bent side extending portion of the third overhanging portion 266 is not in contact with the inner wall of the third terminal disposition groove 73, and the third protruding portion 266 is arranged so as to approach the third side wall 132 from the tip portion toward the tip side. Three fixed contact portions 267 are extended. Further, in this state, the side surface facing the detection element 4 on the distal end side of the third fixed contact portion 267 (that is, the side surface facing the direction opposite to the direction in which the third terminal locking portion 258 is extended). However, it will be in the state contact | abutted to the boundary part vicinity of the 3rd inclination wall 133 and the 3rd side wall 132. FIG.

  Further, the maximum terminal width dimension of the third connection terminal 251 is set to be larger than the groove width dimension of the third terminal arrangement groove 73 in the free state of the third connection terminal 251 itself. Then, when the third connection terminal 251 is inserted into the third terminal arrangement groove 73 from the distal end side of the insulating contact member 66, the third terminal arrangement groove 73 receives a load from the corner on the distal end side of the third side wall 132. Elastically deforms to fit inside.

  By being configured in this way, the movement of the third connection terminal 251 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction or in the axial direction is restricted just like the case of the second connection terminal 111 described above.

  Similarly to the second connection terminal 111, the fourth connection terminal 271 is in contact with the fourth back wall 134, and the fourth connection terminal 271 includes the fourth extension portion 286 of the fourth terminal fixing guide portion 277. A portion extending from the terminal main body portion on the same plane as the plate surface is also in contact with the fourth back wall 134. A surface of the fourth overhanging portion 286 facing the fourth side wall 135 after being bent (bending-side extending portion) is substantially parallel to the wall surface of the fourth side wall 135.

  Then, the tip end portion of the fourth fixed contact portion 287 extending from the tip end side in the axial direction in the bent side extending portion of the fourth overhanging portion 286 is in contact with the fourth side wall 135. In other words, the bent side extending portion of the fourth overhanging portion 286 is not in contact with the inner wall of the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74, and is closer to the fourth side wall 135 from the tip portion toward the tip side. Four fixed contact portions 287 are extended. Further, in this state, the side surface facing the detection element 4 on the distal end side of the fourth fixed contact portion 287 (that is, the side surface facing the direction opposite to the direction in which the fourth terminal locking portion 278 is extended). However, it will be in the state contact | abutted to the boundary part vicinity of the 4th inclination wall 136 and the 4th side wall 135. FIG.

  Further, the maximum terminal width dimension of the fourth connection terminal 271 is set to be larger than the groove width dimension of the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 in the free state of the fourth connection terminal 271 itself. Then, when the fourth connection terminal 271 is inserted into the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 from the front end side of the insulating contact member 66, the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74 receives a load from the front end side corner of the fourth side wall 135. Elastically deforms to fit inside.

  With this configuration, the fourth connection terminal 271 is restricted from moving in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction or in the axial direction, exactly as in the case of the second connection terminal 111 described above.

  By inserting the detection element 4 into the contact insertion hole 68 of the insulating contact member 66 in a state where the five connection terminals 10 are respectively arranged in this manner, each edge bent convex portion and hemisphere of each connection terminal 10 are inserted. It is possible to electrically connect the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 36 corresponding to the mold protrusions while abutting each other.

(5) Description of assembly operation Next, the detection element 4 is inserted into the contact insertion hole 68 in a state where the five connection terminals 10 are arranged, and the detection element 4, each connection terminal 10, and the insulating contact member 66 are integrated. The assembly work to be assembled in will be described.

  First, in the first step immediately after the start of the assembling work, after the detection element 4 is arranged on the distal end side of the insulating contact member 66, the detection element 4 is inserted into the opening on the distal end side of the contact insertion hole 68, and the detection element 4 Each element contact portion of the connection terminal 10 (second element contact portion 115, fifth element contact portion 215, first element contact portion, third element contact portion and fourth element contact portion not shown) Abut. In this state, the detection element 4 is not yet in contact with each of the edge bent convex portions 16, 116, 256, 276 of each connection terminal 10.

  Then, the detecting element 4 is pressed against each element abutting portion and an external force is applied, whereby each connecting side end portion (second connecting side end portion 113, fifth connecting side end portion 213, The first connection side end, the third connection side end, and the fourth connection side end (not shown) are elastically deformed, and the open side end of each element contact portion is brought close to each terminal body. .

  In the next second step, the detecting element 4 is further pressed against each element abutting portion to elastically deform each connection side end portion, and the open side end portion of each element abutting portion abuts against the terminal body portion. Work to make. Thereby, each element contact part will be in the state supported by the terminal main-body part in two places, a connection side edge part and an open | release side edge part. Speaking of the second connection terminal 111, the second open end 114 of the second element contact portion 115 contacts the second terminal main body 112, so that the second element contact portion 115 is connected to the second connection side. The end terminal 113 and the second open side end 114 are supported by the second terminal body 112 at two locations.

  In the subsequent third step, the detection element 4 is further inserted into the inner rear end side of the contact insertion hole 68, so that the inner wall surface of the contact insertion hole 68 of the insulating contact member 66 becomes the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, The operation of moving the relative position between the detection element 4 and the insulating contact member 66 is performed so as to oppose 32, 34, and 36. At this time, the second element abutting portion 115 of the second connection terminal 111 is elastically deformed in the middle in the axial direction, and the apex 124 of the second edge bent convex portion 116 becomes the electrode terminal portion 34 of the detection element 4. It will be in the state contact | abutted with respect. The same applies to the other connection terminals 11, 251, 271, 211.

  By performing the assembling work in this manner, the detection element 4, the connection terminal 10, and the insulating contact member 66 can be assembled together. The assembling work for assembling the detection element 4, the connection terminal 10, and the insulating contact member 66 integrally is performed in the middle of the manufacturing process of the air-fuel ratio sensor 2. In the manufacturing process of the air-fuel ratio sensor 2, an assembly operation of an intermediate assembly component including the detection element 4, the ceramic sleeve 6, the talc ring 53, the ceramic holder 51, the metal shell 38, and the like is executed before this assembly operation. ing.

  In the manufacturing process of the air-fuel ratio sensor 2, the connection terminal 10 and the insulating contact member 66 are assembled to the detection element 4 by performing the above-described assembling work on the detection element 4 that constitutes the intermediate assembly part. Can do.

  After the connection terminal 10, the insulating contact member 66, and the detection element 4 are assembled together, the outer cylinder 44 and the like are joined to the metal shell 38 by laser welding or the like, and the grommet 50 is fixed to the outer cylinder 44 by caulking. By performing a fixing operation or the like, the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 is completed and the manufacturing process of the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 is completed.

(6) Description of State in which Detection Element 4 is Inserted and Arranged in Insulating Contact Member 66 with Connection Terminal 10 Arranged in Insulating Contact Member 66 in Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor 2 Completed through the Assembly Operation of (5) described above The states of the detection element 4 and the connection terminals 10 are as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing a state in which the detection element 4 is inserted into the insulating contact member 66 (the connection terminal 10 is already disposed) in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the second connection terminal 111 is provided with a second edge bent convex portion 116 erected from the end of the second element contact portion 115 toward the detection element 4. The plate surface of the second edge-bending convex portion 116 is a plane that is a plane perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4 and includes the end portion (inward direction of the detection element) of the second element contact portion 115. It exists on the part side plane α. Accordingly, the vertex 124 is naturally located on the end portion side plane α.

  Then, the apex 124 of the second edge bent convex portion 116 abuts on the electrode terminal portion 36 of the detection element 4, so that the second connection terminal 111 and the electrode terminal portion 36 are electrically connected. The contact between the apex 124 and the electrode terminal portion 36 is a point contact. Therefore, the contact pressure between the two is high and the high state is maintained.

  Moreover, even if the position of the second connection terminal 111 is shifted in the direction away from the detection element 4 with respect to the electrode terminal portion 36 (left direction in FIG. 9) due to misalignment during assembly work or dimensional errors of various components, Since the second edge bent convex portion 116 is formed so as to be located at the end of the second element abutting portion 115 near the center of the detection element 4, the electrical contact state between the two is maintained well.

The relationship between the other connection terminals 11, 251, 271 and the electrode terminal portions 34, 32, 30 connected thereto is the same as that of the second connection terminal 111 described above.
That is, the first connection terminal 11 is erected so that the first edge bent convex portion 16 is perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4, and the apex 24 abuts on the electrode terminal portion 34. Due to this contact, the first connection terminal 11 and the electrode terminal portion 34 are electrically connected. In addition, the contact is a point contact, and the first edge bent convex portion 16 is formed so as to be positioned at the end portion near the center of the detection element 4 in the first connection terminal 11. This is the same as the second connection terminal 111.

  The third connection terminal 251 is also erected so that the third edge bent convex portion 256 is perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4, and the apex 264 is in contact with the electrode terminal portion 32. Due to this contact, the third connection terminal 251 and the electrode terminal portion 32 are electrically connected. In addition, the contact is a point contact, and the third edge bent convex portion 256 is formed so as to be positioned at the end portion near the center of the detection element 4 in the third connection terminal 251. The same as the first connection terminal 11.

  The fourth connection terminal 271 is also erected so that the fourth edge bent convex portion 276 is perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4, and the apex 284 is in contact with the electrode terminal portion 30. Due to this contact, the fourth connection terminal 271 and the electrode terminal portion 30 are electrically connected. In addition, the contact is a point contact, and the fourth edge bent convex portion 276 is formed so as to be positioned at an end portion near the center of the detection element 4 in the fourth connection terminal 271. This is the same as the second connection terminal 111.

(7) Effects of First Embodiment As described above, in the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the present embodiment, the detection element 4 among the electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 formed on the detection element 4. The positions of the connection terminals 11, 111, 251, and 271 connected to the four electrode terminal portions 30, 32, 34, and 36 located on the outermost side in the width direction when viewed from the axial center of the Even if the range facing the electrode terminal portion is decreased relative to the direction of separation, the vertices 24, 124, 264, and 284, which are actually in contact with each other, are connected to the end portions of the connection terminals (the center of the detection element 4). Side). Therefore, the electrical contact state between the connection terminals 11, 111, 251, 271 and the electrode terminal portions 30, 32, 34, 36 can be maintained in a good and reliable state.

  Further, in FIG. 9, the vertex 124 of the second edge bent convex portion 116 is positioned on the end portion side plane α that is perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4 and includes the end portion of the second element contact portion. As described above, each of the four connection terminals 11, 111, 251, and 271 having the edge-bend-type convex portions has a corresponding end-side plane (perpendicular to the element contact portion and perpendicular to the detection element 4. It is formed so that the apex of the bent convex portion is located on the plane including the end portion.

  For this reason, the load that each connection terminal receives from the corresponding electrode terminal portion is directly received by the element contact portion via the edge bent convex portion (that is, the vertical load from the detection element 4 at the contact portion is applied to the element contact portion). Therefore, it is possible to further stabilize the electrical connection state between the connection terminals 11, 111, 251, 271 and the corresponding electrode terminal portions 30, 32, 34, 36. .

  Further, each of the edge bent convex portions 16, 116, 256, 276 bends the triangular plate-like member extended from the end face of the element contact portion of the corresponding connection terminal toward the detection element 4 at a right angle. Is formed. Therefore, a high contact pressure between each electrode terminal portion and each corresponding connection terminal (its apex) can be maintained, and the electrical contact state between both can be maintained in a better and more reliable state.

  In addition, since the edge-bending convex portion is formed by a simple process of bending the triangular plate-shaped member as described above, the connection terminal (and thus the terminal portion) having the convex portion for connecting to the electrode terminal portion is formed. An air-fuel ratio sensor) having a connection terminal can be easily provided.

  Further, the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the present embodiment includes the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 formed so as to extend from the second terminal main body portion 112 at the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second connection terminal 111. . The second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is extended from the second terminal main body 112 to the distal end side of the insulating contact member 66 from the distal end side of the second projecting portion 126. The second terminal main body 112 is in contact with the second back wall 94, and the tip of the second fixed contact 127 is in contact with the second side wall 95. Accordingly, the second connection terminal 111 is restricted from moving in the second terminal arrangement groove 72 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

  The other first connection terminal 11, third connection terminal 251 and fourth connection terminal 271 are also arranged in the same manner as the second connection terminal 111 described above, respectively, the first terminal arrangement groove 71, the third terminal arrangement groove 73 and In the fourth terminal arrangement groove 74, movement in the axial direction or movement in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is restricted.

  Therefore, even if an inappropriate external force is applied to the connection terminal 10 when the detection element 4 is inserted or under an actual sensor usage environment, the movement of each of the terminal fixing guide portions 17, 117, 257, and 287 is performed. The fixed contact portions 27, 127, 267, and 287 formed on the distal end side are regulated by contacting the side walls 92, 95, 132, and 135, respectively. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between each metal terminal member 10 and each electrode terminal portion 30, 32, 34, 36 is maintained in an appropriate state, and the electrical connection between them can be maintained in a good state.

  Further, the second fixed contact portion 127 in the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 is in the vicinity of the boundary between the second side wall 95 and the second inclined wall 96 in the second terminal arrangement groove 72 (from the second side wall 95 to the second inclined wall). The front end side of the second fixed contact portion 127 is accommodated in this boundary portion (bent portion). For this reason, the second connection terminal 111 is not easily inclined in an inappropriate direction, and contact failure between the second connection terminal 111 and the electrode terminal portion 36 can be more reliably suppressed.

  Although the second connection terminal 111 is formed in such a manner that it is difficult to incline in an inappropriate direction as described above, even if it is inclined for some reason, the second connection terminal 111 as described above. Since the connection between the terminal 111 and the electrode terminal portion 36 is made by point contact by the apex 124 of the second edge bent convex portion 116, the electrical contact state between the two is maintained well.

  Further, a part of the second overhanging portion 126 constituting the second terminal fixing guide portion 117 of the second connection terminal 111 extends from the second terminal main body portion 112 along the second back wall 94, and the second back wall is formed. 94 abuts. For this reason, the area of the portion of the second connection terminal 111 that contacts the second back wall 94 increases, and the second connection terminal 111 can be held more stably. The same applies to the other first connection terminals 11, third connection terminals 251, and fourth connection terminals 271.

  Furthermore, the second fixed contact portion 127 is in contact with the inner wall (second side wall 95) of the second terminal arrangement groove 72, and the second connection terminal 111 is moved to the front end side in the axial direction by the frictional force generated by the contact. The movement is suppressed. Therefore, for example, the lead wire 46 is inserted from the rear end side of the insulating contact member 66 and connected to the second connection terminal 111 on the front end side. After the connection, the lead wire 46 is pulled again to the rear end side to connect the second connection terminal 111. When the insulating contact member 66 is drawn into the second terminal arrangement groove 72 inside the insulating contact member 66, the second connection terminal 111 is prevented from moving again to the tip side after the drawing.

  Further, the second fixed contact portion 127 is configured as an elastic body that abuts against the inner wall of the second terminal arrangement groove 72 while urging the inner wall. Thus, by comprising the 2nd fixed contact part 127 with an elastic body, it becomes easy to insert the 2nd connection terminal 111 in the 2nd terminal arrangement | positioning groove | channel 72, and after insertion, with the urging | biasing force by the elastic body The second connection terminal 111 can be held.

The actions and effects described above for the second connection terminal 111 are obtained similarly for the other first connection terminals 11, the third connection terminals 251, and the fourth connection terminals 271.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, the air-fuel ratio sensor of the second embodiment will be described. Compared with the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the first embodiment, the air-fuel ratio sensor of the present embodiment has a width direction as viewed from the axial center among the five electrode terminal portions 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 of the detection element 4. The shapes of the four connection terminals that are electrically connected to the four electrode terminal portions 30, 32, 34, and 36 located on the outermost sides are different. More specifically, in these four connection terminals, portions electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal portions (portions corresponding to the edge bent convex portions 16, 116, 256, 276 in the first embodiment) are provided. It is only different.

  Other than that, it is the same as the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the connection terminals that are different from the air-fuel ratio sensor 2 of the first embodiment will be described by taking the second connection terminals arranged in the second terminal arrangement grooves 72 as an example, and other configurations. Explanation of elements is omitted.

  In FIG. 10, the external appearance of the 2nd connection terminal in this embodiment is shown. As apparent from the comparison with the second connection terminal 111 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment, the second connection terminal 311 of the present embodiment is the shape of the convex portion formed on the second element contact portion 315. Is different from the first embodiment.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the second edge bent convex portion 116 is formed at the end of the second element abutting portion 115, whereas in the present embodiment, the end pressing convex portion 316 is formed. Is formed. And the vertex 324 of this edge part press type convex part 316 is contact | abutted with the corresponding electrode terminal part 36 in the detection element 4, and the 2nd connection terminal 311 and the electrode terminal part 36 are electrically connected. It is the same as that of 1st Embodiment that both contact | abutting is implement | achieved by the point contact.

  This end pressing type convex portion 316 is formed on a predetermined region at the end of the element abutting portion 315 made of a long plate-like member, on the side opposite to the detection element 4 side by plastic working such as press working (for example, That is, it is formed by being pushed and deformed from the second terminal body 312 side) toward the detection element 4 side. And the vertex 324 of this edge part press type convex part 316 is located in the edge part of the 2nd element contact part 315 similarly to the vertex 124 of the 2nd edge bending type convex part 116 of 1st Embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, it will be located on the edge part side plane (alpha).

  The same applies to the other three connection terminals (the first connection terminal, the third connection terminal, and the fourth connection terminal), and instead of the edge bent convex portion of the first embodiment, the end as shown in FIG. The partial pressing type convex part (316) is formed, and the apex thereof abuts the corresponding electrode terminal part.

  Thus, also by the 2nd connection terminal 311 which has the edge part press type | mold convex part 316, it is relatively located to the edge part side with respect to the electrode terminal part 36 similarly to the 2nd connection terminal 111 of the said 1st Embodiment. Even if they are shifted, the electrical contact state with the electrode terminal portion 36 can be maintained in a good and reliable state.

  However, when the end pressing type convex portion 316 formed by pressing the end portion as in the present embodiment receives a load from the detection element 4 side with respect to the apex 324, depending on the size, the load There is a risk of elastic deformation in the direction. When elastically deforming in this way, the contact area between the electrode terminal portion 36 and the apex 324 increases, and the contact pressure between the two decreases. Further, the step of pressing the end is difficult compared to the step of bending the plate-like member 125 as in the first embodiment.

For this reason, in terms of maintaining a high contact pressure and ease of manufacturing the sensor, it is preferable to use a connection terminal having an edge-bending convex portion as shown in the first embodiment.
[Modification]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various embodiments can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the second element contact portion 115 has the second edge bent convex portion 116 erected from the end portion thereof, so that the apex 124 is the end of the second element contact portion 115. 11 (the same applies to the second embodiment), but as shown in FIG. 11, the apex of the edge-bend-type convex portion is located at a position that is a certain distance away from the end of the element contact portion in the width direction. You may form so that it may be located.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the triangular edge bent convex portion 416 is not erected directly from the end portion of the element contact portion 415, but from the end face of the end portion of the element contact portion 415. It is erected from the end portion of the extended portion 417 extended for a certain length.

  As a result, the apex of the edge-bending convex portion 416 is not on a plane perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element 4 and including the end portion of the element contact portion 415, and is further on the inner side (detection element) 4 (inward direction of 4) is located on a plane translated by a certain length.

  In addition, the method of forming each edge bending type convex portion in the first embodiment and each end pressing type convex portion in the second embodiment is not limited to the above-described method (bending, plastic working). As long as these convex portions can be formed, various methods can be adopted. For example, the entire connection terminal can be integrally formed by well-known die casting. Alternatively, the convex portion can be connected to the element contact portion by welding.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the shape of the edge-bending convex portion is a triangular shape, but this shape is merely an example, and various shapes can be used as long as it has a vertex that contacts the electrode terminal portion. can do.

  Furthermore, the insulating contact member for sandwiching the metal terminal member (connecting terminal) with the detection element is not limited to an integral structure type formed of one member such as the above-described insulating contact member 66. Instead, a split configuration type composed of a plurality of members may be used. As an example, a first insulating member that opposes the front side plate surface of the detection element, a second insulating member that opposes the back side plate surface of the detection element, a first insulating member that is disposed so as to sandwich the detection element, and a second insulating member A split-type insulating contact member having a configuration including a holding and fixing member that holds the insulating member can be given.

  In addition, the sensor to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a sensor having a detection element with five electrode terminal portions formed, and a detection element having four or less or six or more electrode terminal portions. It can also be applied to a sensor that is provided.

It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the full range air-fuel-ratio sensor of embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a detection element. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the insulated contact member of a 1st embodiment. It is a bottom view showing the appearance of the insulated contact member of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the 2nd connection terminal in 1st Embodiment, The left side is a perspective view, The right side is a side view. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the 5th connection terminal in 1st Embodiment, The left side is a perspective view, The right side is a side view. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the formation method of the edge bending type convex part of a 2nd connection terminal. It is a bottom view showing the appearance of the insulated contact member of the 1st embodiment in the state where the connection terminal is arranged. FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating a state in which a detection element is inserted into the insulating contact member (with connection terminals arranged) in FIG. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the 2nd connection terminal in 2nd Embodiment, The left side is a perspective view, The right side is a side view. It is explanatory drawing showing the modification of an edge bending type convex part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the relative positional relationship of the electrode terminal part of a detection element, and a connection terminal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Air-fuel ratio sensor, 4 ... Detection element, 8 ... Detection part, 10 ... Connection terminal, 11 ... 1st connection terminal, 16 ... 1st edge bending type convex part, 21 ... 1st board surface, 23 ... 2nd board Surface, 24, 124, 264, 284, 324 ... apex, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36 ... electrode terminal portion, 46 ... lead wire, 66 ... insulating contact member, 68 ... contact insertion hole, 111, 311 ... first 2 connection terminals, 112, 312 ... second terminal main body part, 113, 313 ... second connection side end part, 114, 314 ... second open side end part, 115, 315 ... second element contact part, 116 ... first 2 edge bending type convex part, 117,317 ... 2nd terminal fixing guide part, 118,318 ... 2nd terminal latching | locking part, 125 ... plate-shaped member, 151,152 ... escape groove, 211 ... 5th connection terminal, 216 ... hemispherical projection, 251 ... third connection terminal, 256 ... 3 edge bending type convex part, 271 ... 4th connection terminal, 276 ... 4th edge bending type convex part, 316 ... end part pressing type convex part, 415 ... element contact part, 416 ... edge bending type convex part, 417 ... Extension part

Claims (5)

A plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which a tip side is directed to a measurement object and an electrode terminal portion is formed on a rear end side;
A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed,
The device has an element contact portion that is sandwiched between the detection element and the insulating contact member and contacts the electrode terminal portion of the detection element, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion to form a current path. , One metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part,
A sensor comprising:
The insulating contact member has a space in which the metal terminal member allows displacement in the width direction in a state where the metal terminal member is assembled inside,
A plurality of the electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element,
Among the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the metal terminal member corresponding to the electrode terminal portion positioned on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axial center of the detection element has its own vertex at the corresponding electrode terminal portion. Protrusions that make electrical connections by abutting are provided,
The convex portion is in a state in which the vertex is electrically connected to the electrode terminal portions corresponding, of both ends in the width direction before Symbol element abutment section, end located inwardly of the detection element in, or before Symbol plane der Ru end side on a plane including the fixed length away from and the end I plane perpendicular der to the plate surface of the detecting element to further the inwardly, the protrusions A sensor characterized by being formed so that the apex of is located.   A plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which a tip side is directed to a measurement object and an electrode terminal portion is formed on a rear end side;
  A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed,
  The device has an element contact portion that is sandwiched between the detection element and the insulating contact member and contacts the electrode terminal portion of the detection element, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion to form a current path. , One metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part,
  A sensor comprising:
  A plurality of the electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element,
  Among the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the metal terminal member corresponding to the electrode terminal portion positioned on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axial center of the detection element has its own vertex at the corresponding electrode terminal portion. Protrusions that make electrical connections by abutting are provided,
  In the state where the convex portion is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal portion, the convex portion is located at the end portion located in the inner direction of the detection element among the both ends in the width direction of the element contact portion. The convex portion is formed such that the apex of the convex portion is positioned, and the convex portion is erected from the end portion of the element contact portion in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element. The portion closest to the detection element is formed by a plate-like member formed in a square shape.
  A sensor characterized by that. The convex portion is formed by bending the plate-like member extending from the end surface of the end portion of the element contact portion toward the plate surface of the detection element in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface. The sensor according to claim 2 .   A plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which a tip side is directed to a measurement object and an electrode terminal portion is formed on a rear end side;
  A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed,
  The device has an element contact portion that is sandwiched between the detection element and the insulating contact member and contacts the electrode terminal portion of the detection element, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion to form a current path. , One metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part,
  A sensor comprising:
  A plurality of the electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element,
  Among the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the metal terminal member corresponding to the electrode terminal portion positioned on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axial center of the detection element has its own vertex at the corresponding electrode terminal portion. Protrusions that make electrical connections by abutting are provided,
  In the state where the convex portion is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal portion, the convex portion is located at the end portion located in the inner direction of the detection element among the both ends in the width direction of the element contact portion. The convex portion is formed so that the apex of the convex portion is positioned, and the convex portion is formed by pushing a predetermined region including the end portion of the element contact portion toward the detection element side.
  A sensor characterized by that.   A plate-like shape extending in the axial direction, a detection element in which a tip side is directed to a measurement object and an electrode terminal portion is formed on a rear end side;
  A cylindrical insulating contact member made of an insulating material and disposed on the radially outer side on the rear end side of the detection element in which the electrode terminal portion is formed,
  The device has an element contact portion that is sandwiched between the detection element and the insulating contact member and contacts the electrode terminal portion of the detection element, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal portion to form a current path. , One metal terminal member provided for one electrode terminal part,
  A sensor comprising:
  A plurality of the electrode terminal portions are formed side by side in the width direction of the detection element on at least one plate surface of the detection element,
  Among the plurality of formed electrode terminal portions, the metal terminal member corresponding to the electrode terminal portion located on the outermost side in the width direction as viewed from the axis of the detection element has its own apex at the corresponding electrode terminal portion. Protrusions that make electrical connections by abutting are provided,
  The convex portion is a plane perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element in a state where its apex is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode terminal portion, and both ends of the element contact portion in the width direction. Among these, the end-side plane is a plane that is apart from the end portion located in the inner direction of the detection element by a certain length via an extending portion extending from the end portion in the inner direction, and includes the position separated by the constant length. It is formed so that the apex of the convex portion is located above, and the convex portion is erected from the end portion of the extending portion in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection element. ing
  A sensor characterized by that.