WO2015115660A1 - Gas sensor - Google Patents
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- WO2015115660A1 WO2015115660A1 PCT/JP2015/052950 JP2015052950W WO2015115660A1 WO 2015115660 A1 WO2015115660 A1 WO 2015115660A1 JP 2015052950 W JP2015052950 W JP 2015052950W WO 2015115660 A1 WO2015115660 A1 WO 2015115660A1
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- gas sensor
- contact
- base end
- spring
- spring terminal
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/403—Cells and electrode assemblies
- G01N27/406—Cells and probes with solid electrolytes
- G01N27/4062—Electrical connectors associated therewith
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a gas sensor including a gas sensor element having an electrode pad and a spring terminal that contacts the electrode pad.
- a gas sensor for measuring the concentration of O 2 , NOx and the like contained in automobile exhaust gas a gas sensor made of a solid electrolyte body or the like and including a plate-like gas sensor element extending in the axial direction is known (described below). Patent Document 1).
- the tip of the gas sensor element in the axial direction is exposed to a gas to be measured such as exhaust gas.
- a plurality of electrode pads are formed at the base end of the gas sensor element. The plurality of electrode pads are arranged in the width direction of the gas sensor element.
- a contact unit for electrical connection to the electrode pad is attached to the base end of the gas sensor element.
- the contact unit includes a base end side insulator that accommodates the base end portion, and a plurality of spring terminals held in the base end side insulator. Each spring terminal is in contact with the electrode pad of the gas sensor element.
- the base insulator is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the base end and the spring terminal.
- the spring terminal is formed by bending a leaf spring.
- the spring terminal has a main body portion arranged to contact the inner surface of the housing hole, and a contact portion that extends from the distal end of the main body portion to the proximal end side and contacts the electrode pad.
- a spring terminal is previously accommodated in the accommodation hole, and the base end portion of the gas sensor element is inserted into the accommodation hole. And while making the said contact part slide-contact with the said electrode pad, using a base end part, a contact part is pressed and it moves outside. Thereby, the contact part is urged
- the gas sensor has a problem that it is difficult to form many electrode pads on the gas sensor element. That is, since the spring terminal is formed by a leaf spring, the lateral width is wide. In order to increase the number of electrode pads without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, it is necessary to narrow the pitch between the electrode pads in the lateral width direction, but the spring terminal has a wide lateral width. Adjacent spring terminals interfere with each other. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to form many electrode pads on the gas sensor element.
- the lateral width of the spring terminal should be narrowed to solve this problem. This is because if the lateral width of the spring terminals is reduced, the pitch between the spring terminals can be reduced and the pitch between the electrode pads can also be reduced.
- the lateral width of the spring terminal is narrowed, there arises a problem that the spring terminal is easily twisted. In particular, when manufacturing the gas sensor, the spring terminal is easily twisted. That is, as described above, at the time of manufacture, it is necessary to insert the base end portion of the gas sensor element into the accommodation hole and elastically deform the spring terminal. For this reason, if the lateral width of the spring terminal is narrowed, there is a problem that the spring terminal is twisted when elastically deforming and contacts the adjacent spring terminal. In addition, there is a risk of poor contact between the spring terminal and the electrode pad.
- the present invention has been made in view of such a background, and more electrode pads can be formed without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, and the spring terminals can be in good contact with the individual electrode pads.
- An object is to provide a simple gas sensor.
- One aspect of the present invention is a gas sensor that is formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction, the distal end portion in the axial direction is exposed to the gas to be measured, and a plurality of electrode pads are provided at the proximal end portion in the axial direction.
- a gas sensor comprising an element,
- a contact unit comprising a base-end insulator that accommodates the base end of the gas sensor element, and a plurality of spring terminals that are held in the base-end insulator and are in contact with the electrode pads;
- the base end side insulator is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the base end portion and a plurality of holding grooves that open to the receiving hole side and extend in the axial direction, and each spring groove has the spring terminal.
- the spring terminal is formed by a bent spring wire,
- the spring terminal has a main body disposed on the bottom of the holding groove; An extension portion that is folded back from the distal end of the main body portion toward the proximal end side and extends closer to the gas sensor element toward the proximal end side;
- a contact forming portion formed on the base end side of the extending portion, a part of which is in contact with the electrode pad;
- the contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal,
- the contact unit is a portion closest to the bottom in the thickness direction of the gas sensor element in the contact forming portion in a state before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole,
- the gas sensor is characterized in that a closest portion, which is a portion on the opposite side of the extending portion with respect to the contact point with the electrode pad, is positioned in the holding groove.
- the spring terminal is formed of a spring wire. Since the spring wire can be formed narrower than the leaf spring material, the pitch between adjacent spring terminals can be reduced. Therefore, the pitch between electrode pads can also be narrowed, and more electrode pads can be formed in the gas sensor element.
- a holding groove for holding a spring terminal is formed in the base end side insulator. Therefore, even when a spring terminal is formed using a thin member such as a spring wire, the spring terminal can be held in the holding groove, and a problem that the spring terminal falls or twists can be prevented.
- the contact forming portion that contacts the electrode pad is formed on the spring terminal.
- the contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the spring terminal itself. That is, at the time of manufacturing, when the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the contact forming portion is pressed by the base end portion and displaced toward the holding groove. The contact forming portion is urged toward the electrode pad by the restoring force generated thereby.
- the contact unit is configured such that a part of the contact forming portion (the closest portion) is located in the holding groove before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole. If it does in this way, a spring terminal can be smoothly put in a holding groove at the time of manufacture.
- the closest portion of the contact formation portion is already in the holding groove, so when the contact formation portion is displaced toward the holding groove, Of these, parts other than the closest part can be smoothly put into the holding groove. Thereby, the whole spring terminal can be smoothly put into a holding groove, and it can suppress that a spring terminal twists. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that adjacent spring terminals are in contact with each other or a contact failure between the spring terminals and the electrode pads occurs.
- the present invention it is possible to provide a gas sensor that can form more electrode pads without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, and can make the spring terminals make good contact with the individual electrode pads. can do.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gas sensor in the first embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the contact unit before inserting a gas sensor element in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the contact unit after the gas sensor element is inserted according to the first embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. VV sectional drawing of FIG. VI-VI sectional drawing of FIG. VII-VII sectional drawing of FIG.
- the principal part enlarged view of FIG. The principal part enlarged view of FIG.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the contact unit before inserting a gas sensor element in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the contact unit after the
- FIG. 1 The figure which drew the position of the contact formation part in Example 1 before and after inserting the base end part.
- the enlarged view of FIG. The example of the spring terminal formed using the spring wire of the cross-sectional ellipse shape in Example 1.
- Sectional drawing of the spring terminal shown in FIG. The top view of the contact unit in Example 2.
- FIG. The side view of the spring terminal in Example 2.
- the gas sensor can be a vehicle oxygen sensor, NOx sensor, or A / F sensor.
- the gas sensor 1 of this example has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (Z direction), and one end is a distal end and the other end is a proximal end.
- the gas sensor 1 of this example includes a gas sensor element 2 formed in a plate shape extending in the Z direction.
- the front end portion 20 in the Z direction of the gas sensor element 2 (the end portion closer to the front end of the gas sensor 1) is exposed to the gas to be measured.
- a plurality of electrode pads 22 are formed at the base end 21 in the Z direction of the gas sensor element 2 (the end closer to the base end of the gas sensor 1).
- the gas sensor 1 includes a contact unit 3.
- the contact unit 3 includes a proximal-side insulator (corresponding to an insulating member) 4 and a plurality of spring terminals 5.
- the base end side insulator 4 accommodates the base end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2.
- the spring terminals 5 are held in the base end side insulator 4 and are in contact with the electrode pads 22 respectively.
- the base end side insulator 4 is formed with a receiving hole 40 for storing the base end portion 21 and a plurality of holding grooves 41.
- the holding groove 41 opens to the accommodation hole 40 side and extends in the Z direction.
- the spring terminal 5 is held in each holding groove 41.
- the spring terminal 5 is formed by a bent spring wire 500.
- the spring terminal 5 includes a main body portion 50, an extension portion 52, and a contact formation portion 53.
- the main body 50 is disposed on the bottom 410 of the holding groove 41.
- the extending part 52 is folded back from the distal end of the main body part 50 toward the base end side, and extends so as to approach the gas sensor element 2 toward the base end side.
- the contact forming part 53 is formed on the proximal end side of the extending part 52, and a part thereof is in contact with the electrode pad 22.
- the contact forming portion 53 is urged toward the electrode pad 22 by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal 5.
- the contact forming part 53 is formed to project from the extending part 52 toward the gas sensor element 2 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2.
- the spring terminal 5 has a portion that is folded back in the X direction toward the holding groove 41 on the base end side (the side opposite to the extending portion 52 in the Z direction) from the contact forming portion 53.
- the closest portion 531 which is the portion closest to the bottom 410 in the folded portion is the holding groove 41. It is configured to be located within.
- the gas sensor 1 of this example is a NOx sensor for measuring the concentration of O 2 and NOx contained in the exhaust gas of an automobile. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the gas sensor 1 of this example includes six spring terminals 5. The spring terminals 5 are provided as a pair so as to sandwich the gas sensor element 2 from the X direction. In this example, three pairs of spring terminals 5 are arranged in the horizontal width direction (Y direction) of the gas sensor element 2.
- the gas sensor 1 of this example includes a holding insulator 11, a housing 12, a distal end side cover 13, and a proximal end side cover 14.
- the holding insulator 11 holds the gas sensor element 2 inside.
- the housing 12 holds the holding insulator 11 inside.
- the front end side cover 13 is provided on the front end side of the housing 12.
- the distal end side cover 13 protects the distal end portion 20 of the gas sensor element 2.
- the front end side cover 13 includes an inner cover 131 and an outer cover 132.
- the inner cover 131 and the outer cover 132 are formed with a measured gas introduction hole 133 for introducing a measured gas (exhaust gas).
- a base end side cover 14 is fixed to the base end side of the housing 12 so as to cover the base end side of the gas sensor element 2.
- An air introduction hole 141 for introducing air is formed in the base end side cover 14.
- the base end side opening 142 of the base end side cover 14 is closed by the rubber bush 15.
- Six lead wires 16 are inserted into the rubber bush 15. Each lead wire 16 is connected to the spring terminal 5.
- the proximal insulator 4 has a cylindrical outer shape.
- the housing hole 40 and the holding groove 41 are formed inside the base end side insulator 4.
- the proximal end insulator 4 is open at the distal end by the accommodation hole 40, but is closed at the proximal end.
- the holding groove 41 is formed in the wall portion of the accommodation hole 40, is recessed in the X direction from the surface of the accommodation hole 40, and extends in the Z direction.
- the spring terminal 5 is formed using a spring wire 500 having a circular cross-sectional shape.
- the bottom 410 of the holding groove 41 is rounded to receive the cross-sectional shape of the spring wire 500.
- the length of the holding groove 41 in the Y direction is slightly longer than the diameter of the spring terminal 5.
- a plurality of terminal insertion holes 42 penetrating in the Z direction are formed in the base end portion of the base end side insulator 4.
- the terminal insertion hole 42 is formed at a position closer to the gas sensor element 2 in the X direction than the bottom portion 410 of the holding groove 41.
- the spring terminal 5 includes a spring base end portion 54 formed on the base end side in the Z direction with respect to the main body portion 50.
- the spring base end portion 54 includes a thickness direction extending portion 54a and an axial direction extending portion 54b.
- the thickness direction extending portion 54 a extends from the main body portion 50 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2.
- the axial direction extension part 54b is extended in the axial direction (Z direction) from the thickness direction extension part 54a.
- the axially extending portion 54 b passes through the terminal insertion hole 42 and extends to the outside of the base end side insulator 4.
- the lead wire 16 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the axially extending portion 54b.
- the thickness direction extending portion 54a is engaged with a part (the engaged portion 43) of the base end side insulator 4. As a result, the position of the spring terminal 5 toward the proximal end in the Z direction is regulated.
- the contact forming portion 53 of this example extends while curving in an arc shape.
- the contact forming part 53 includes a folded part 53b that is folded back to the distal end side in the Z direction from a part (most proximal spring part 53a) that is located on the most proximal side in the Z direction in the contact forming part 53.
- the folded portion 53b is formed in a shape that approaches the bottom portion 410 of the holding groove 41 toward the distal end side in the Z direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the contact unit 3, the distal end of the folded portion 53 b is located in the holding groove 41 before the base end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 40.
- the spring terminal 5 is not elastically deformed, and the contact forming portion 53 is accommodated in the X direction. It exists near the center of the hole 40. In this state, as described above, the closest portion 531 of the contact forming portion 53 is located in the holding groove 41.
- an operation of inserting the proximal end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2 into the accommodation hole 40 is performed. When this operation is performed, the contact forming portion 53 is pressed by the base end portion 21 and displaced outward in the X direction.
- the closest part 531 of the contact forming part 53 is located in the holding groove 41 in advance (see FIG. 3), when the contact forming part 53 is displaced outward in the X direction, Of these, parts other than the closest portion 531 enter the holding groove 41 smoothly.
- the gas sensor 1 of the present example has the base end portion of the gas sensor element 2 from the state where the closest portion 531 of the spring terminal 5 (see FIG. 3) in the free state is located in the holding groove 41. 21 is inserted into the accommodation hole 40 (see FIG. 4), so that the contact forming portion 53 comes into contact with the electrode pad 22 while the spring terminal 5 is elastically deformed.
- the displacement amount X1 of the contact forming portion 53 accompanying the insertion of the base end portion 21 is the X direction from the end face 415 of the holding groove 41 to the closest portion 531 after the insertion. It is shorter than the length X2. That is, the spring terminal 5 in the free state is in a state in which the closest portion 531 is accommodated in the holding groove 41, and the spring terminal 5 is most recently deformed when the proximal end portion 21 is inserted and elastically deforms.
- the contact portion 531 serves as a guide, and the spring terminal 5 is configured to be smoothly deformed in the holding groove 41. Thereby, the malfunction which the spring terminal 5 falls or twists is suppressed.
- the contact forming portion 53 is biased toward the electrode pad 22 by the restoring force of the spring terminal 5. Thereby, the contact pressure between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 is ensured, and the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 are electrically connected to each other satisfactorily.
- a gap G is formed between the closest portion 531 and the main body portion 50 in a state where the insertion operation of the proximal end portion 21 is completed. That is, the contact forming portion 53 is configured to abut against the main body portion 50 so that the contact pressure does not change when the insertion operation is completed.
- the spring terminal 5 is formed by a spring wire 500. Since the spring wire 500 can be formed thinner than the leaf spring material, the pitch between the spring terminals 5 in the Y direction can be narrowed as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the pitch between the electrode pads 22 in the Y direction can also be narrowed, and a larger number of electrode pads 22 can be formed in the gas sensor element 2.
- a holding groove 41 for holding the spring terminal 5 is formed in the base-end-side insulator 4. Therefore, even when the spring terminal 5 is formed using a thin member such as the spring wire material 500, the spring terminal 5 can be held in the holding groove 41, and the problem that the spring terminal 5 falls down or twists. Can be prevented.
- a contact forming portion 53 that contacts the electrode pad 22 is formed on the spring terminal 5.
- the contact forming portion 53 is biased toward the electrode pad 22 by the elastic force of the spring terminal 5 itself. That is, at the time of manufacturing, when the base end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the contact forming portion 53 is pressed by the base end portion 21 and displaced toward the holding groove 41 side. The contact forming portion 53 is urged toward the electrode pad 22 by the restoring force generated thereby.
- the closest portion 531 of the contact formation portion 53 is configured to be positioned in the holding groove 41 in a state before the proximal end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole (see FIG. 3).
- the spring terminal 5 can be smoothly put in the holding groove 41 at the time of manufacture.
- a part of the contact forming part 53 (the closest part 531) is placed in the holding groove 41 in advance before the base end part 21 is accommodated. Therefore, when the base end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 40 and the contact forming portion 53 is displaced toward the holding groove 41, portions of the contact forming portion 53 other than the closest portion 531 are smoothly placed in the holding groove 41. Can be put in. Thereby, the whole spring terminal 5 can be smoothly put into the holding groove 41, and it can suppress that the spring terminal 5 is twisted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems such as contact between the spring terminals 5 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, or poor contact between the spring terminals 5 and the electrode pads 22.
- a gap G is formed between the closest portion 531 and the main body portion 50 in a state where the gas sensor element 2 is inserted into the accommodation hole 40. That is, the contact forming portion 53 is configured not to contact the main body portion 50. If it does in this way, it will become easy to perform the operation
- FIG. That is, if the contact forming part 53 contacts the main body part 50, a restoring force is generated by the contact forming part 53 after the contact. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It largely changes depending on before and after contact of the contact forming portion 53. Therefore, it becomes difficult to perform the operation of inserting the gas sensor element 2 into the accommodation hole 40.
- the spring terminal 5 of this example is formed by a spring wire 500 having an arcuate contour portion 590 in at least a part of the contour of the cross section.
- the arcuate contour portion 590 is in contact with the electrode pad 22. Therefore, even when the gas sensor element 2 is inserted with the axis A (see FIG. 4) parallel to the Z axis slightly rotated, the contact angle between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming portion 53 is substantially constant. Can keep. Therefore, the product variation of the contact resistance generated between the electrode pad 22 and the contact formation part 53 can be reduced. Further, since the edge is not formed in the contact forming portion 53, it can be assembled without causing wear when the electrode pad 22 is assembled by the edge.
- the contact forming portion 53 of the present example is formed in an arc shape as a whole. Therefore, even when the insertion angle of the gas sensor element 2 varies, the contact angle between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 can be kept substantially constant.
- the folded portion 53 b is formed in the spring terminal 5, and the distal end of the folded portion 53 b is positioned in the holding groove 41 before the proximal end portion 21 is inserted. It is configured to Therefore, the total length L in the Z direction of the extending portion 52 and the contact forming portion 53 can be shortened. Therefore, it becomes easy to miniaturize the gas sensor 1. As shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to prevent the folded portion 53b from being formed, but in this case, the total length L ′ of the extending portion 52 and the contact forming portion 53 becomes longer, and the gas sensor 1 is difficult to downsize. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the length L can be shortened by forming the folded-back portion 53b and inserting the tip into the holding groove 41 as in this example. It becomes easy to become.
- the spring terminal 5 is formed using the spring wire material 500 whose cross-sectional shape is circular, but this example is not limited to this.
- the spring terminal 5 may be formed using a spring wire 500 having an elliptical cross section.
- a part of the contour of the cross section is an arc-shaped contour part 590, and the other part is a linear contour part 595.
- the arcuate contour portion 590 is in contact with the electrode pad 22.
- This example is an example in which the shape of the spring terminal 5 is changed. As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, among the three spring terminals 5 arranged in the Y direction, the shapes of the spring terminals 5a located at both ends in the Y direction and the spring terminals 5b located in the center are respectively changed. It is.
- the spring terminals 5 a located at both ends in the Y direction have three spring base ends 54. That is, the spring base end portion 54 of the spring terminal 5a includes a thickness direction extending portion 54a, a lateral width direction extending portion 54c, and an axial direction extending portion 54b.
- the thickness direction extending portion 54a extends from the main body portion 50 of the spring terminal 5a in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2 (see FIG. 16).
- the lateral width direction extending portion 54c extends from the thickness direction extending portion 54a in the lateral width direction (Y direction) of the gas sensor element 2 (see FIG. 16).
- the axially extending portion 54b extends in the axial direction (Z direction) from the laterally extending portion 54c.
- the spring terminal 5 b arranged at the center in the Y direction has the same shape as the spring terminal 5 in the first embodiment.
- Two spring terminals 5a having the laterally extending portion 54c are arranged at positions sandwiching the spring terminal 5b from the Y direction.
- the projecting directions of the lateral width direction extending portions 54c of the two spring terminals 5a are opposite to each other. Thereby, the space
- the configuration and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
- Example 3 the shape of the contact forming portion 53 is changed. As shown in FIG. 19, the contact formation part 53 of this example is formed so that it may curve in a parabolic shape. That is, the contact formation part 53 of this example does not form the folding
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Abstract
Provided is a gas sensor for which it is possible to form more electrode pads without enlarging a gas sensor element and it is possible to satisfactorily cause spring terminals to come into contact with individual electrode pads. A gas sensor is provided with a gas sensor element (2) that has a plurality of electrode pads (22) formed in a base end part (21). A contact unit (3) comprising a base-end side insulator (4) and a plurality of spring terminals (5) is attached to the base end part (21). The base-end side insulator (4) has, formed therein, an accommodation hole (40) for accommodating the base end part (21) and retention grooves (41). The spring terminals (5) are formed from spring wires (500). Each spring terminal (5) is provided with a main body (50), an extending part (52), and a contact formation part (53). The contact formation parts (53) are urged toward electrode pad (22) sides by the elastic force of the spring terminals (5). The contact unit (3) is configured so that in a state before the base end part (21) is accommodated in the accommodation hole (40), portions of the contact formation parts (53) are positioned within the retention grooves (41).
Description
本発明は、電極パッドを有するガスセンサ素子と、該電極パッドに接触するバネ端子とを備えるガスセンサに関する。
The present invention relates to a gas sensor including a gas sensor element having an electrode pad and a spring terminal that contacts the electrode pad.
例えば、自動車の排気ガスに含まれるO2やNOx等の濃度を測定するためのガスセンサとして、固体電解質体等からなり、軸方向に延びる板状のガスセンサ素子を備えるものが知られている(下記特許文献1参照)。このガスセンサ素子の、軸方向における先端部は、排気ガス等の被測定ガスに曝される。また、ガスセンサ素子の基端部には、複数の電極パッドが形成されている。複数の電極パッドは、ガスセンサ素子の横幅方向に並べられている。
For example, as a gas sensor for measuring the concentration of O 2 , NOx and the like contained in automobile exhaust gas, a gas sensor made of a solid electrolyte body or the like and including a plate-like gas sensor element extending in the axial direction is known (described below). Patent Document 1). The tip of the gas sensor element in the axial direction is exposed to a gas to be measured such as exhaust gas. A plurality of electrode pads are formed at the base end of the gas sensor element. The plurality of electrode pads are arranged in the width direction of the gas sensor element.
ガスセンサ素子の上記基端部には、上記電極パッドに電気接続するための接点ユニットが取り付けられている。接点ユニットは、上記基端部を収容する基端側絶縁碍子と、該基端側絶縁碍子内に保持された複数本のバネ端子とからなる。個々のバネ端子は、ガスセンサ素子の上記電極パッドに接触している。
A contact unit for electrical connection to the electrode pad is attached to the base end of the gas sensor element. The contact unit includes a base end side insulator that accommodates the base end portion, and a plurality of spring terminals held in the base end side insulator. Each spring terminal is in contact with the electrode pad of the gas sensor element.
上記基端側絶縁碍子には、上記基端部とバネ端子とを収容する収容孔が形成されている。バネ端子は、板ばねを折り曲げることによって形成されている。バネ端子は、上記収容孔の内面に接触するよう配された本体部と、該本体部の先端から基端側へ延出し上記電極パッドに接触する接触部とを有する。
The base insulator is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the base end and the spring terminal. The spring terminal is formed by bending a leaf spring. The spring terminal has a main body portion arranged to contact the inner surface of the housing hole, and a contact portion that extends from the distal end of the main body portion to the proximal end side and contacts the electrode pad.
ガスセンサを製造する際には、バネ端子を上記収容孔内に予め収容しておき、該収容孔に、ガスセンサ素子の上記基端部を挿し込む。そして、上記接触部を上記電極パッドに摺接させつつ、基端部を用いて、接触部を押圧し、外側へ移動させる。これにより、バネ端子の復元力を利用して、接触部を電極パッド側へ付勢している。これによって、接触部と電極パッドとの接触圧を確保し、これらを良好に電気接続するよう構成してある。
When manufacturing a gas sensor, a spring terminal is previously accommodated in the accommodation hole, and the base end portion of the gas sensor element is inserted into the accommodation hole. And while making the said contact part slide-contact with the said electrode pad, using a base end part, a contact part is pressed and it moves outside. Thereby, the contact part is urged | biased to the electrode pad side using the restoring force of a spring terminal. As a result, the contact pressure between the contact portion and the electrode pad is ensured, and these are electrically connected well.
しかしながら、上記ガスセンサは、ガスセンサ素子に多くの電極パッドを形成しにくいという問題がある。すなわち、上記バネ端子は、板ばねによって形成されているため、横幅が広い。ガスセンサ素子を大型化することなく、電極パッドの数を増やすためには、上記横幅方向における電極パッド間のピッチを狭くする必要があるが、上記バネ端子は横幅が広いため、ピッチを狭くすると、隣り合うバネ端子同士が干渉してしまう。そのため、ガスセンサ素子に多くの電極パッドを形成しにくいという問題がある。
However, the gas sensor has a problem that it is difficult to form many electrode pads on the gas sensor element. That is, since the spring terminal is formed by a leaf spring, the lateral width is wide. In order to increase the number of electrode pads without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, it is necessary to narrow the pitch between the electrode pads in the lateral width direction, but the spring terminal has a wide lateral width. Adjacent spring terminals interfere with each other. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to form many electrode pads on the gas sensor element.
この問題を解決するためには、バネ端子の横幅を狭くすれば良いとも思われる。バネ端子の横幅を狭くすれば、バネ端子間のピッチを狭くすることができ、電極パッド間のピッチも狭くできるからである。しかしながら、バネ端子の横幅を狭くすると、バネ端子が捻じれやすくなるという問題が生じる。特に、上記ガスセンサを製造するときに、バネ端子が捻じれやすくなる。すなわち、上述したように、製造時には、収容孔にガスセンサ素子の基端部を挿し込んで、バネ端子を弾性変形させる必要がある。そのため、バネ端子の横幅を狭くすると、バネ端子を弾性変形させるときに捻じれて、隣のバネ端子に接触してしまう不具合が生じる。また、バネ端子と電極パッドとの接触不良が生じるおそれもある。
It seems that the lateral width of the spring terminal should be narrowed to solve this problem. This is because if the lateral width of the spring terminals is reduced, the pitch between the spring terminals can be reduced and the pitch between the electrode pads can also be reduced. However, when the lateral width of the spring terminal is narrowed, there arises a problem that the spring terminal is easily twisted. In particular, when manufacturing the gas sensor, the spring terminal is easily twisted. That is, as described above, at the time of manufacture, it is necessary to insert the base end portion of the gas sensor element into the accommodation hole and elastically deform the spring terminal. For this reason, if the lateral width of the spring terminal is narrowed, there is a problem that the spring terminal is twisted when elastically deforming and contacts the adjacent spring terminal. In addition, there is a risk of poor contact between the spring terminal and the electrode pad.
本発明は、かかる背景に鑑みてなされたもので、ガスセンサ素子を大型化することなく、より多くの電極パッドを形成することができ、個々の電極パッドにバネ端子を良好に接触させることが可能なガスセンサを提供しようとするものである。
The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and more electrode pads can be formed without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, and the spring terminals can be in good contact with the individual electrode pads. An object is to provide a simple gas sensor.
本発明の一態様は、軸方向に延びる板状に形成され、上記軸方向における先端部が被測定ガスに曝されると共に、上記軸方向における基端部に複数の電極パッドが設けられたガスセンサ素子を備えるガスセンサであって、
上記ガスセンサ素子の上記基端部を収容する基端側絶縁碍子と、該基端側絶縁碍子内に保持され、それぞれ上記電極パッドに接触した複数本のバネ端子とからなる接点ユニットを備え、
上記基端側絶縁碍子には、上記基端部を収容する収容孔と、該収容孔側に開放し上記軸方向に延びる複数の保持溝とが形成され、個々の該保持溝に上記バネ端子が保持されており、
上記バネ端子は、屈曲されたバネ線材によって形成され、
上記バネ端子は、上記保持溝の底部に配された本体部と、
該本体部の先端から基端側に折り返され、該基端側に向かうほど上記ガスセンサ素子に接近するように延出した延出部と、
該延出部の基端側に形成され、その一部が上記電極パッドに接触した接点形成部とを備え、
該接点形成部は、弾性変形した上記バネ端子の弾性力により、上記電極パッド側に付勢されており、
上記接点ユニットは、上記収容孔に上記基端部を収容する前の状態において、上記接点形成部のうち上記ガスセンサ素子の厚さ方向において上記底部に最も近い部位であって、
かつ上記電極パッドとの接点に対して上記延出部とは反対側に存在する部位である最近接部が、上記保持溝内に位置するよう構成されていることを特徴とするガスセンサにある。 One aspect of the present invention is a gas sensor that is formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction, the distal end portion in the axial direction is exposed to the gas to be measured, and a plurality of electrode pads are provided at the proximal end portion in the axial direction. A gas sensor comprising an element,
A contact unit comprising a base-end insulator that accommodates the base end of the gas sensor element, and a plurality of spring terminals that are held in the base-end insulator and are in contact with the electrode pads;
The base end side insulator is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the base end portion and a plurality of holding grooves that open to the receiving hole side and extend in the axial direction, and each spring groove has the spring terminal. Is held,
The spring terminal is formed by a bent spring wire,
The spring terminal has a main body disposed on the bottom of the holding groove;
An extension portion that is folded back from the distal end of the main body portion toward the proximal end side and extends closer to the gas sensor element toward the proximal end side;
A contact forming portion formed on the base end side of the extending portion, a part of which is in contact with the electrode pad;
The contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal,
The contact unit is a portion closest to the bottom in the thickness direction of the gas sensor element in the contact forming portion in a state before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole,
The gas sensor is characterized in that a closest portion, which is a portion on the opposite side of the extending portion with respect to the contact point with the electrode pad, is positioned in the holding groove.
上記ガスセンサ素子の上記基端部を収容する基端側絶縁碍子と、該基端側絶縁碍子内に保持され、それぞれ上記電極パッドに接触した複数本のバネ端子とからなる接点ユニットを備え、
上記基端側絶縁碍子には、上記基端部を収容する収容孔と、該収容孔側に開放し上記軸方向に延びる複数の保持溝とが形成され、個々の該保持溝に上記バネ端子が保持されており、
上記バネ端子は、屈曲されたバネ線材によって形成され、
上記バネ端子は、上記保持溝の底部に配された本体部と、
該本体部の先端から基端側に折り返され、該基端側に向かうほど上記ガスセンサ素子に接近するように延出した延出部と、
該延出部の基端側に形成され、その一部が上記電極パッドに接触した接点形成部とを備え、
該接点形成部は、弾性変形した上記バネ端子の弾性力により、上記電極パッド側に付勢されており、
上記接点ユニットは、上記収容孔に上記基端部を収容する前の状態において、上記接点形成部のうち上記ガスセンサ素子の厚さ方向において上記底部に最も近い部位であって、
かつ上記電極パッドとの接点に対して上記延出部とは反対側に存在する部位である最近接部が、上記保持溝内に位置するよう構成されていることを特徴とするガスセンサにある。 One aspect of the present invention is a gas sensor that is formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction, the distal end portion in the axial direction is exposed to the gas to be measured, and a plurality of electrode pads are provided at the proximal end portion in the axial direction. A gas sensor comprising an element,
A contact unit comprising a base-end insulator that accommodates the base end of the gas sensor element, and a plurality of spring terminals that are held in the base-end insulator and are in contact with the electrode pads;
The base end side insulator is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the base end portion and a plurality of holding grooves that open to the receiving hole side and extend in the axial direction, and each spring groove has the spring terminal. Is held,
The spring terminal is formed by a bent spring wire,
The spring terminal has a main body disposed on the bottom of the holding groove;
An extension portion that is folded back from the distal end of the main body portion toward the proximal end side and extends closer to the gas sensor element toward the proximal end side;
A contact forming portion formed on the base end side of the extending portion, a part of which is in contact with the electrode pad;
The contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal,
The contact unit is a portion closest to the bottom in the thickness direction of the gas sensor element in the contact forming portion in a state before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole,
The gas sensor is characterized in that a closest portion, which is a portion on the opposite side of the extending portion with respect to the contact point with the electrode pad, is positioned in the holding groove.
上記ガスセンサにおいては、バネ端子を、バネ線材によって形成してある。バネ線材は板バネ材に比べて、幅を細く形成することができるため、隣り合うバネ端子間のピッチを狭くすることができる。そのため、電極パッド間のピッチも狭くすることができ、ガスセンサ素子に、より多くの電極パッドを形成することが可能になる。
In the gas sensor, the spring terminal is formed of a spring wire. Since the spring wire can be formed narrower than the leaf spring material, the pitch between adjacent spring terminals can be reduced. Therefore, the pitch between electrode pads can also be narrowed, and more electrode pads can be formed in the gas sensor element.
また、上記ガスセンサにおいては、上記基端側絶縁碍子に、バネ端子を保持する保持溝を形成してある。そのため、バネ線材のように細い部材を用いてバネ端子を形成した場合でも、このバネ端子を保持溝内に保持することができ、バネ端子が倒れたり捻じれたりする不具合を防止できる。
Further, in the gas sensor, a holding groove for holding a spring terminal is formed in the base end side insulator. Therefore, even when a spring terminal is formed using a thin member such as a spring wire, the spring terminal can be held in the holding groove, and a problem that the spring terminal falls or twists can be prevented.
また、上記ガスセンサにおいては、バネ端子に、電極パッドに接触する上記接点形成部を形成してある。そして、バネ端子自身の弾性力によって、接点形成部を電極パッド側に付勢している。つまり、製造時において、上記収容孔に上記基端部を収容する際に、この基端部によって接点形成部を押圧して、保持溝側へ変位させている。これによって生じた復元力によって、接点形成部を電極パッド側へ付勢している。また、上記接点ユニットは、上記収容孔に上記基端部を収容する前の状態において、接点形成部の一部(上記最近接部)が保持溝内に位置するよう構成されている。
このようにすると、製造時に、バネ端子をスムーズに保持溝に入れることができる。つまり、上記基端部を収容する前の状態において、接点形成部の上記最近接部が保持溝内に予め入っているため、接点形成部が保持溝側へ変位するときに、接点形成部のうち上記最近接部以外の部位を、保持溝にスムーズに入れることができる。これにより、バネ端子全体を保持溝にスムーズに入れることができ、バネ端子が捻じれることを抑制できる。そのため、隣り合うバネ端子同士が接触したり、バネ端子と電極パッドとの接触不良が生じたりする不具合を防止できる。 Further, in the gas sensor, the contact forming portion that contacts the electrode pad is formed on the spring terminal. The contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the spring terminal itself. That is, at the time of manufacturing, when the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the contact forming portion is pressed by the base end portion and displaced toward the holding groove. The contact forming portion is urged toward the electrode pad by the restoring force generated thereby. The contact unit is configured such that a part of the contact forming portion (the closest portion) is located in the holding groove before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole.
If it does in this way, a spring terminal can be smoothly put in a holding groove at the time of manufacture. That is, in the state before the base end portion is accommodated, the closest portion of the contact formation portion is already in the holding groove, so when the contact formation portion is displaced toward the holding groove, Of these, parts other than the closest part can be smoothly put into the holding groove. Thereby, the whole spring terminal can be smoothly put into a holding groove, and it can suppress that a spring terminal twists. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that adjacent spring terminals are in contact with each other or a contact failure between the spring terminals and the electrode pads occurs.
このようにすると、製造時に、バネ端子をスムーズに保持溝に入れることができる。つまり、上記基端部を収容する前の状態において、接点形成部の上記最近接部が保持溝内に予め入っているため、接点形成部が保持溝側へ変位するときに、接点形成部のうち上記最近接部以外の部位を、保持溝にスムーズに入れることができる。これにより、バネ端子全体を保持溝にスムーズに入れることができ、バネ端子が捻じれることを抑制できる。そのため、隣り合うバネ端子同士が接触したり、バネ端子と電極パッドとの接触不良が生じたりする不具合を防止できる。 Further, in the gas sensor, the contact forming portion that contacts the electrode pad is formed on the spring terminal. The contact forming portion is biased toward the electrode pad by the elastic force of the spring terminal itself. That is, at the time of manufacturing, when the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the contact forming portion is pressed by the base end portion and displaced toward the holding groove. The contact forming portion is urged toward the electrode pad by the restoring force generated thereby. The contact unit is configured such that a part of the contact forming portion (the closest portion) is located in the holding groove before the base end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole.
If it does in this way, a spring terminal can be smoothly put in a holding groove at the time of manufacture. That is, in the state before the base end portion is accommodated, the closest portion of the contact formation portion is already in the holding groove, so when the contact formation portion is displaced toward the holding groove, Of these, parts other than the closest part can be smoothly put into the holding groove. Thereby, the whole spring terminal can be smoothly put into a holding groove, and it can suppress that a spring terminal twists. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that adjacent spring terminals are in contact with each other or a contact failure between the spring terminals and the electrode pads occurs.
以上のごとく、本発明によれば、ガスセンサ素子を大型化することなく、より多くの電極パッドを形成することができ、個々の電極パッドにバネ端子を良好に接触させることが可能なガスセンサを提供することができる。
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas sensor that can form more electrode pads without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, and can make the spring terminals make good contact with the individual electrode pads. can do.
上記ガスセンサは、車両用の酸素センサやNOxセンサ、またはA/Fセンサとすることができる。
The gas sensor can be a vehicle oxygen sensor, NOx sensor, or A / F sensor.
(実施例1)
上記ガスセンサに係る実施例について、図1~図11を用いて説明する。図1に示すごとく、本例のガスセンサ1は、軸方向(Z方向)に延びる略円筒形状であり、一方の端部が先端、他方の端部が基端となっている。本例のガスセンサ1は、Z方向に延びる板状に形成されたガスセンサ素子2を備える。ガスセンサ素子2のZ方向における先端部20(ガスセンサ1の先端に近い方の端部)は、被測定ガスに曝される。また、ガスセンサ素子2のZ方向における基端部21(ガスセンサ1の基端に近い方の端部)には、複数個の電極パッド22が形成されている。 Example 1
Examples of the gas sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, thegas sensor 1 of this example has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (Z direction), and one end is a distal end and the other end is a proximal end. The gas sensor 1 of this example includes a gas sensor element 2 formed in a plate shape extending in the Z direction. The front end portion 20 in the Z direction of the gas sensor element 2 (the end portion closer to the front end of the gas sensor 1) is exposed to the gas to be measured. A plurality of electrode pads 22 are formed at the base end 21 in the Z direction of the gas sensor element 2 (the end closer to the base end of the gas sensor 1).
上記ガスセンサに係る実施例について、図1~図11を用いて説明する。図1に示すごとく、本例のガスセンサ1は、軸方向(Z方向)に延びる略円筒形状であり、一方の端部が先端、他方の端部が基端となっている。本例のガスセンサ1は、Z方向に延びる板状に形成されたガスセンサ素子2を備える。ガスセンサ素子2のZ方向における先端部20(ガスセンサ1の先端に近い方の端部)は、被測定ガスに曝される。また、ガスセンサ素子2のZ方向における基端部21(ガスセンサ1の基端に近い方の端部)には、複数個の電極パッド22が形成されている。 Example 1
Examples of the gas sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the
ガスセンサ1は、接点ユニット3を備える。接点ユニット3は、基端側絶縁碍子(絶縁部材に相当)4と、複数本のバネ端子5とからなる。基端側絶縁碍子4は、ガスセンサ素子2の基端部21を収容している。バネ端子5は、基端側絶縁碍子4内に保持されており、それぞれ電極パッド22に接触している。
The gas sensor 1 includes a contact unit 3. The contact unit 3 includes a proximal-side insulator (corresponding to an insulating member) 4 and a plurality of spring terminals 5. The base end side insulator 4 accommodates the base end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2. The spring terminals 5 are held in the base end side insulator 4 and are in contact with the electrode pads 22 respectively.
図2、図7に示すごとく、基端側絶縁碍子4には、基端部21を収容する収容孔40と、複数の保持溝41とが形成されている。保持溝41は収容孔40側に開放し、Z方向に延びている。個々の保持溝41にバネ端子5が保持されている。
バネ端子5は、屈曲されたバネ線材500によって形成されている。バネ端子5は、図2に示すごとく、本体部50と、延出部52と、接点形成部53とを備える。本体部50は、保持溝41の底部410に配されている。延出部52は、本体部50の先端から基端側に折り返されており、基端側に向かうほどガスセンサ素子2に接近するように延出している。接点形成部53は、延出部52の基端側に形成されており、その一部が電極パッド22に接触している。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the baseend side insulator 4 is formed with a receiving hole 40 for storing the base end portion 21 and a plurality of holding grooves 41. The holding groove 41 opens to the accommodation hole 40 side and extends in the Z direction. The spring terminal 5 is held in each holding groove 41.
Thespring terminal 5 is formed by a bent spring wire 500. As shown in FIG. 2, the spring terminal 5 includes a main body portion 50, an extension portion 52, and a contact formation portion 53. The main body 50 is disposed on the bottom 410 of the holding groove 41. The extending part 52 is folded back from the distal end of the main body part 50 toward the base end side, and extends so as to approach the gas sensor element 2 toward the base end side. The contact forming part 53 is formed on the proximal end side of the extending part 52, and a part thereof is in contact with the electrode pad 22.
バネ端子5は、屈曲されたバネ線材500によって形成されている。バネ端子5は、図2に示すごとく、本体部50と、延出部52と、接点形成部53とを備える。本体部50は、保持溝41の底部410に配されている。延出部52は、本体部50の先端から基端側に折り返されており、基端側に向かうほどガスセンサ素子2に接近するように延出している。接点形成部53は、延出部52の基端側に形成されており、その一部が電極パッド22に接触している。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the base
The
接点形成部53は、弾性変形したバネ端子5の弾性力により、電極パッド22側に付勢されている。接点形成部53は、本例では延出部52からガスセンサ素子2の厚さ方向(X方向)においてガスセンサ素子2に向かって張り出して形成される。また、バネ端子5は、接点形成部53よりも基端側(Z方向において延出部52とは反対側)において保持溝41に向かいX方向に折り返された部分を有する。図3に示すごとく、接点ユニット3は、収容孔40に基端部21を収容する前の状態において、上記折り返された部分において底部410に最も近い部位である最近接部531が、保持溝41内に位置するよう構成されている。
The contact forming portion 53 is urged toward the electrode pad 22 by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal 5. In this example, the contact forming part 53 is formed to project from the extending part 52 toward the gas sensor element 2 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2. Further, the spring terminal 5 has a portion that is folded back in the X direction toward the holding groove 41 on the base end side (the side opposite to the extending portion 52 in the Z direction) from the contact forming portion 53. As shown in FIG. 3, in the contact unit 3, in the state before the base end 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 40, the closest portion 531 which is the portion closest to the bottom 410 in the folded portion is the holding groove 41. It is configured to be located within.
本例のガスセンサ1は、自動車の排気ガスに含まれるO2やNOxの濃度を測定するための、NOxセンサである。また、図7に示すごとく、本例のガスセンサ1は、6本のバネ端子5を備える。バネ端子5は、X方向から該ガスセンサ素子2を挟むように一対に設けられている。また、本例では、3対のバネ端子5を、ガスセンサ素子2の横幅方向(Y方向)に配列してある。
The gas sensor 1 of this example is a NOx sensor for measuring the concentration of O 2 and NOx contained in the exhaust gas of an automobile. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the gas sensor 1 of this example includes six spring terminals 5. The spring terminals 5 are provided as a pair so as to sandwich the gas sensor element 2 from the X direction. In this example, three pairs of spring terminals 5 are arranged in the horizontal width direction (Y direction) of the gas sensor element 2.
図1に示すごとく、本例のガスセンサ1は、保持用絶縁碍子11と、ハウジング12と、先端側カバー13と、基端側カバー14とを備える。保持用絶縁碍子11は、ガスセンサ素子2を内側に保持している。また、ハウジング12は、保持用絶縁碍子11を内側に保持している。
As shown in FIG. 1, the gas sensor 1 of this example includes a holding insulator 11, a housing 12, a distal end side cover 13, and a proximal end side cover 14. The holding insulator 11 holds the gas sensor element 2 inside. The housing 12 holds the holding insulator 11 inside.
先端側カバー13は、ハウジング12の先端側に設けられている。この先端側カバー13によって、ガスセンサ素子2の先端部20を保護している。先端側カバー13は、内側カバー131と、外側カバー132とからなる。内側カバー131及び外側カバー132には、被測定ガス(排気ガス)を導入するための被測定ガス導入孔133が形成されている。
The front end side cover 13 is provided on the front end side of the housing 12. The distal end side cover 13 protects the distal end portion 20 of the gas sensor element 2. The front end side cover 13 includes an inner cover 131 and an outer cover 132. The inner cover 131 and the outer cover 132 are formed with a measured gas introduction hole 133 for introducing a measured gas (exhaust gas).
また、ハウジング12の基端側には、ガスセンサ素子2の基端側を覆うように、基端側カバー14が固定されている。基端側カバー14には、大気を導入する大気導入孔141が形成されている。また、基端側カバー14の基端側開口部142は、ゴムブッシュ15によって塞がれている。ゴムブッシュ15には、6本のリード線16が挿通している。各リード線16は、上記バネ端子5にそれぞれ接続している。
Further, a base end side cover 14 is fixed to the base end side of the housing 12 so as to cover the base end side of the gas sensor element 2. An air introduction hole 141 for introducing air is formed in the base end side cover 14. Further, the base end side opening 142 of the base end side cover 14 is closed by the rubber bush 15. Six lead wires 16 are inserted into the rubber bush 15. Each lead wire 16 is connected to the spring terminal 5.
図4、図5に示すごとく、基端側絶縁碍子4は、円柱状の外形形状を有する。基端側絶縁碍子4の内部には、上記収容孔40と保持溝41とが形成されている。基端側絶縁碍子4は、収容孔40により先端部が開放しているが、基端部は閉塞している。保持溝41は、収容孔40の壁部に形成され、収容孔40の表面からX方向に凹んでおり、Z方向に延びている。
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the proximal insulator 4 has a cylindrical outer shape. The housing hole 40 and the holding groove 41 are formed inside the base end side insulator 4. The proximal end insulator 4 is open at the distal end by the accommodation hole 40, but is closed at the proximal end. The holding groove 41 is formed in the wall portion of the accommodation hole 40, is recessed in the X direction from the surface of the accommodation hole 40, and extends in the Z direction.
図5に示すごとく、バネ端子5は、断面形状が円形のバネ線材500を用いて形成されている。保持溝41の底部410には、バネ線材500の断面形状を受ける丸みが付けられている。保持溝41のY方向長さは、バネ端子5の直径よりも僅かに長い。
As shown in FIG. 5, the spring terminal 5 is formed using a spring wire 500 having a circular cross-sectional shape. The bottom 410 of the holding groove 41 is rounded to receive the cross-sectional shape of the spring wire 500. The length of the holding groove 41 in the Y direction is slightly longer than the diameter of the spring terminal 5.
図4に示すごとく、基端側絶縁碍子4の基端部には、Z方向に貫通した複数の端子挿通孔42が形成されている。端子挿通孔42は、保持溝41の底部410よりも、X方向においてガスセンサ素子2に近い位置に形成されている。また、バネ端子5は、本体部50よりもZ方向における基端側に形成されたバネ基端部54を備える。バネ基端部54は、厚さ方向延出部54aと、軸方向延出部54bとからなる。厚さ方向延出部54aは、本体部50から、ガスセンサ素子2の厚さ方向(X方向)に延出している。また、軸方向延出部54bは、厚さ方向延出部54aから軸方向(Z方向)に延出している。
As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 42 penetrating in the Z direction are formed in the base end portion of the base end side insulator 4. The terminal insertion hole 42 is formed at a position closer to the gas sensor element 2 in the X direction than the bottom portion 410 of the holding groove 41. Further, the spring terminal 5 includes a spring base end portion 54 formed on the base end side in the Z direction with respect to the main body portion 50. The spring base end portion 54 includes a thickness direction extending portion 54a and an axial direction extending portion 54b. The thickness direction extending portion 54 a extends from the main body portion 50 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2. Moreover, the axial direction extension part 54b is extended in the axial direction (Z direction) from the thickness direction extension part 54a.
軸方向延出部54bは、上記端子挿通孔42を通り、基端側絶縁碍子4の外側まで延びている。軸方向延出部54bには、上記リード線16(図1参照)が接続する。また、厚さ方向延出部54aは、基端側絶縁碍子4の一部(被係合部43)に係合している。これにより、バネ端子5の、Z方向における基端側への位置規制をしている。
The axially extending portion 54 b passes through the terminal insertion hole 42 and extends to the outside of the base end side insulator 4. The lead wire 16 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the axially extending portion 54b. The thickness direction extending portion 54a is engaged with a part (the engaged portion 43) of the base end side insulator 4. As a result, the position of the spring terminal 5 toward the proximal end in the Z direction is regulated.
図9に示すごとく、本例の接点形成部53は円弧状に湾曲しながら延出している。接点形成部53は、接点形成部53のうちZ方向において最も基端側に位置する部位(最基端バネ部53a)から、Z方向における先端側に折り返された折返し部53bを備える。折返し部53bは、Z方向における先端側に向かうほど保持溝41の底部410に接近する形状に形成されている。また、接点ユニット3は、図8に示すごとく、収容孔40にガスセンサ素子2の基端部21を収容する前の状態において、折返し部53bの先端が保持溝41内に位置している。
As shown in FIG. 9, the contact forming portion 53 of this example extends while curving in an arc shape. The contact forming part 53 includes a folded part 53b that is folded back to the distal end side in the Z direction from a part (most proximal spring part 53a) that is located on the most proximal side in the Z direction in the contact forming part 53. The folded portion 53b is formed in a shape that approaches the bottom portion 410 of the holding groove 41 toward the distal end side in the Z direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the contact unit 3, the distal end of the folded portion 53 b is located in the holding groove 41 before the base end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 40.
図3、図6に示すごとく、収容孔40にガスセンサ素子2の基端部21を挿入していない状態では、バネ端子5は弾性変形しておらず、接点形成部53は、X方向における収容孔40の中心付近に存在している。この状態では、上述したように、接点形成部53の最近接部531が、保持溝41内に位置している。ガスセンサ1を製造する際には、図4、図7に示すごとく、収容孔40に、ガスセンサ素子2の基端部21を挿入する作業を行う。この作業を行うと、接点形成部53は、基端部21に押圧されてX方向外側へ変位する。本例では、接点形成部53の最近接部531が予め保持溝41内に位置している(図3参照)ため、接点形成部53がX方向外側へ変位するときに、接点形成部53のうち最近接部531以外の部位が、スムーズに保持溝41内に入る。
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in a state where the base end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2 is not inserted into the accommodation hole 40, the spring terminal 5 is not elastically deformed, and the contact forming portion 53 is accommodated in the X direction. It exists near the center of the hole 40. In this state, as described above, the closest portion 531 of the contact forming portion 53 is located in the holding groove 41. When manufacturing the gas sensor 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, an operation of inserting the proximal end portion 21 of the gas sensor element 2 into the accommodation hole 40 is performed. When this operation is performed, the contact forming portion 53 is pressed by the base end portion 21 and displaced outward in the X direction. In this example, since the closest part 531 of the contact forming part 53 is located in the holding groove 41 in advance (see FIG. 3), when the contact forming part 53 is displaced outward in the X direction, Of these, parts other than the closest portion 531 enter the holding groove 41 smoothly.
このように、本例のガスセンサ1は、自由状態にあるバネ端子5(図3参照)の上記最近接部531が、保持溝41内に位置している状態から、ガスセンサ素子2の基端部21が収容孔40に挿入される(図4参照)ことにより、バネ端子5が弾性変形しつつ、接点形成部53が電極パッド22に接触するよう構成されている。
As described above, the gas sensor 1 of the present example has the base end portion of the gas sensor element 2 from the state where the closest portion 531 of the spring terminal 5 (see FIG. 3) in the free state is located in the holding groove 41. 21 is inserted into the accommodation hole 40 (see FIG. 4), so that the contact forming portion 53 comes into contact with the electrode pad 22 while the spring terminal 5 is elastically deformed.
また、図10に示すごとく、本例では、基端部21の挿入に伴う接点形成部53の変位量X1の方が、挿入後における保持溝41の端面415から最近接部531までのX方向長さX2よりも、短くなっている。すなわち、自由状態にあるバネ端子5は、最近接部531が保持溝41の中に収容された状態となっており、基端部21の挿入に伴ってバネ端子5が弾性変形するときに最近接部531がガイドとなり、バネ端子5が保持溝41の中でスムーズに変形するよう構成されている。これにより、バネ端子5が倒れたり捻れたりする不具合を抑制している。
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in this example, the displacement amount X1 of the contact forming portion 53 accompanying the insertion of the base end portion 21 is the X direction from the end face 415 of the holding groove 41 to the closest portion 531 after the insertion. It is shorter than the length X2. That is, the spring terminal 5 in the free state is in a state in which the closest portion 531 is accommodated in the holding groove 41, and the spring terminal 5 is most recently deformed when the proximal end portion 21 is inserted and elastically deforms. The contact portion 531 serves as a guide, and the spring terminal 5 is configured to be smoothly deformed in the holding groove 41. Thereby, the malfunction which the spring terminal 5 falls or twists is suppressed.
基端部21を収容孔40に挿入すると、バネ端子5の復元力によって、接点形成部53が電極パッド22側に付勢される。これにより、電極パッド22と接点形成部53との接触圧を確保し、これら電極パッド22と接点形成部53とを良好に電気接続するよう構成されている。
When the base end portion 21 is inserted into the accommodation hole 40, the contact forming portion 53 is biased toward the electrode pad 22 by the restoring force of the spring terminal 5. Thereby, the contact pressure between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 is ensured, and the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 are electrically connected to each other satisfactorily.
また、本例では図4に示すごとく、基端部21の挿入作業が完了した状態において、最近接部531と本体部50との間に間隙Gが形成されている。すなわち、挿入作業が完了した状態において、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接し接触圧が変化しないよう構成されている。
Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap G is formed between the closest portion 531 and the main body portion 50 in a state where the insertion operation of the proximal end portion 21 is completed. That is, the contact forming portion 53 is configured to abut against the main body portion 50 so that the contact pressure does not change when the insertion operation is completed.
本例の作用効果について説明する。本例では、バネ端子5を、バネ線材500によって形成してある。バネ線材500は板バネ材と比較して細く形成できるため、図5、図6に示すごとく、Y方向におけるバネ端子5間のピッチを狭くすることができる。そのため、Y方向における電極パッド22間のピッチも狭くすることができ、ガスセンサ素子2により多くの電極パッド22を形成することが可能になる。
The operational effect of this example will be described. In this example, the spring terminal 5 is formed by a spring wire 500. Since the spring wire 500 can be formed thinner than the leaf spring material, the pitch between the spring terminals 5 in the Y direction can be narrowed as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the pitch between the electrode pads 22 in the Y direction can also be narrowed, and a larger number of electrode pads 22 can be formed in the gas sensor element 2.
また、本例では図6、図7に示すごとく、基端側絶縁碍子4に、バネ端子5を保持する保持溝41を形成してある。そのため、バネ線材500のように細い部材を用いてバネ端子5を形成した場合でも、このバネ端子5を保持溝41内に保持することができ、バネ端子5が倒れたり捻じれたりする不具合を防止できる。
In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a holding groove 41 for holding the spring terminal 5 is formed in the base-end-side insulator 4. Therefore, even when the spring terminal 5 is formed using a thin member such as the spring wire material 500, the spring terminal 5 can be held in the holding groove 41, and the problem that the spring terminal 5 falls down or twists. Can be prevented.
また、本例では図3、図4に示すごとく、バネ端子5に、電極パッド22に接触する接点形成部53を形成してある。そして、バネ端子5自身の弾性力によって、接点形成部53を電極パッド22側に付勢している。つまり、製造時において、収容孔に基端部21を収容する際に、この基端部21によって接点形成部53を押圧して、保持溝41側へ変位させている。これによって生じた復元力によって、接点形成部53を電極パッド22側へ付勢している。また、収容孔に基端部21を収容する前の状態(図3参照)において、接点形成部53の最近接部531が保持溝41内に位置するよう構成されている。
このようにすると、製造時に、バネ端子5をスムーズに保持溝41に入れることができる。つまり、本例では、基端部21を収容する前の状態において、接点形成部53の一部(最近接部531)が保持溝41内に予め入っている。そのため、基端部21を収容孔40に収容して接点形成部53を保持溝41側へ変位させるときに、接点形成部53のうち、最近接部531以外の部位を、保持溝41にスムーズに入れることができる。これにより、バネ端子5全体を保持溝41にスムーズに入れることができ、バネ端子5が捻じれることを抑制できる。そのため、Y方向に隣り合うバネ端子5同士が接触したり、バネ端子5と電極パッド22との接触不良が生じたりする不具合を防止できる。 Further, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, acontact forming portion 53 that contacts the electrode pad 22 is formed on the spring terminal 5. The contact forming portion 53 is biased toward the electrode pad 22 by the elastic force of the spring terminal 5 itself. That is, at the time of manufacturing, when the base end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the contact forming portion 53 is pressed by the base end portion 21 and displaced toward the holding groove 41 side. The contact forming portion 53 is urged toward the electrode pad 22 by the restoring force generated thereby. Further, the closest portion 531 of the contact formation portion 53 is configured to be positioned in the holding groove 41 in a state before the proximal end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole (see FIG. 3).
If it does in this way, thespring terminal 5 can be smoothly put in the holding groove 41 at the time of manufacture. In other words, in this example, a part of the contact forming part 53 (the closest part 531) is placed in the holding groove 41 in advance before the base end part 21 is accommodated. Therefore, when the base end portion 21 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 40 and the contact forming portion 53 is displaced toward the holding groove 41, portions of the contact forming portion 53 other than the closest portion 531 are smoothly placed in the holding groove 41. Can be put in. Thereby, the whole spring terminal 5 can be smoothly put into the holding groove 41, and it can suppress that the spring terminal 5 is twisted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems such as contact between the spring terminals 5 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, or poor contact between the spring terminals 5 and the electrode pads 22.
このようにすると、製造時に、バネ端子5をスムーズに保持溝41に入れることができる。つまり、本例では、基端部21を収容する前の状態において、接点形成部53の一部(最近接部531)が保持溝41内に予め入っている。そのため、基端部21を収容孔40に収容して接点形成部53を保持溝41側へ変位させるときに、接点形成部53のうち、最近接部531以外の部位を、保持溝41にスムーズに入れることができる。これにより、バネ端子5全体を保持溝41にスムーズに入れることができ、バネ端子5が捻じれることを抑制できる。そのため、Y方向に隣り合うバネ端子5同士が接触したり、バネ端子5と電極パッド22との接触不良が生じたりする不具合を防止できる。 Further, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a
If it does in this way, the
また、本例では図4に示すごとく、ガスセンサ素子2を収容孔40に挿入した状態では、最近接部531と本体部50との間に隙間Gが形成されている。すなわち、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接しないように構成してある。
このようにすると、ガスセンサ素子2を収容孔40に挿入する作業を行いやすくなる。すなわち、仮に、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接したとすると、当接後、接点形成部53によって復元力が生じるため、図20に示すごとく、バネ端子5全体の復元力Fが、接点形成部53の当接の前後によって大きく変化することになる。そのため、ガスセンサ素子2を収容孔40に挿入する作業を行いにくくなる。また、目的のバネ荷重を得にくくなる。しかしながら、本例のように、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接しないようにすれば、図11に示すごとく、ガスセンサ素子2を挿入しても、バネ端子5全体の復元力Fが途中で大きく変化しない。そのため、ガスセンサ素子2の挿入作業を行いやすくなる。また、目的のバネ荷重を得やすい。 In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap G is formed between theclosest portion 531 and the main body portion 50 in a state where the gas sensor element 2 is inserted into the accommodation hole 40. That is, the contact forming portion 53 is configured not to contact the main body portion 50.
If it does in this way, it will become easy to perform the operation | work which inserts thegas sensor element 2 in the accommodation hole 40. FIG. That is, if the contact forming part 53 contacts the main body part 50, a restoring force is generated by the contact forming part 53 after the contact. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It largely changes depending on before and after contact of the contact forming portion 53. Therefore, it becomes difficult to perform the operation of inserting the gas sensor element 2 into the accommodation hole 40. Moreover, it becomes difficult to obtain a target spring load. However, if the contact forming portion 53 is not brought into contact with the main body portion 50 as in this example, as shown in FIG. 11, even if the gas sensor element 2 is inserted, the restoring force F of the entire spring terminal 5 is halfway. Does not change significantly. Therefore, it becomes easy to insert the gas sensor element 2. Moreover, it is easy to obtain a desired spring load.
このようにすると、ガスセンサ素子2を収容孔40に挿入する作業を行いやすくなる。すなわち、仮に、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接したとすると、当接後、接点形成部53によって復元力が生じるため、図20に示すごとく、バネ端子5全体の復元力Fが、接点形成部53の当接の前後によって大きく変化することになる。そのため、ガスセンサ素子2を収容孔40に挿入する作業を行いにくくなる。また、目的のバネ荷重を得にくくなる。しかしながら、本例のように、接点形成部53が本体部50に当接しないようにすれば、図11に示すごとく、ガスセンサ素子2を挿入しても、バネ端子5全体の復元力Fが途中で大きく変化しない。そのため、ガスセンサ素子2の挿入作業を行いやすくなる。また、目的のバネ荷重を得やすい。 In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap G is formed between the
If it does in this way, it will become easy to perform the operation | work which inserts the
また、図12に示すごとく、本例のバネ端子5は、断面の輪郭の少なくとも一部に円弧状輪郭部590を有するバネ線材500によって形成されている。この円弧状輪郭部590が電極パッド22に接触している。そのため、Z軸に平行な軸A(図4参照)を中心として僅かに回転した状態で、ガスセンサ素子2が挿入された場合でも、電極パッド22と接点形成部53との接触角を略一定に保つことができる。そのため、電極パッド22と接点形成部53との間に生じる接触抵抗の、製品ばらつきを小さくすることができる。また、接点形成部53にエッジが形成されなくなるため、エッジによる電極パッド22の組付け時損耗を生じることなく、組付けることができる。
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the spring terminal 5 of this example is formed by a spring wire 500 having an arcuate contour portion 590 in at least a part of the contour of the cross section. The arcuate contour portion 590 is in contact with the electrode pad 22. Therefore, even when the gas sensor element 2 is inserted with the axis A (see FIG. 4) parallel to the Z axis slightly rotated, the contact angle between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming portion 53 is substantially constant. Can keep. Therefore, the product variation of the contact resistance generated between the electrode pad 22 and the contact formation part 53 can be reduced. Further, since the edge is not formed in the contact forming portion 53, it can be assembled without causing wear when the electrode pad 22 is assembled by the edge.
また、本例の接点形成部53は、全体が円弧状に形成されている。そのため、ガスセンサ素子2の挿入角度にばらつきが生じた場合でも、電極パッド22と接点形成部53との接触角を略一定に保つことができる。
Further, the contact forming portion 53 of the present example is formed in an arc shape as a whole. Therefore, even when the insertion angle of the gas sensor element 2 varies, the contact angle between the electrode pad 22 and the contact forming part 53 can be kept substantially constant.
また、本例では図3に示すごとく、バネ端子5に折返し部53bを形成してあり、基端部21を挿入する前の状態において、この折返し部53bの先端が、保持溝41内に位置するよう構成されている。
そのため、延出部52と接点形成部53との合計のZ方向長さLを、短くすることができる。したがって、ガスセンサ1を小型化しやすくなる。
図19に示すごとく、折返し部53bを形成しないようにすることも可能であるが、この場合、延出部52と接点形成部53との合計のZ方向長さL’が長くなって、ガスセンサ1を小型化しにくくなる。しかしながら、図3に示すごとく、本例のように、折返し部53bを形成し、この先端を保持溝41に入れるようにすれば、上記長さLを短くすることができるため、ガスセンサ1を小型化しやすくなる。 In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the foldedportion 53 b is formed in the spring terminal 5, and the distal end of the folded portion 53 b is positioned in the holding groove 41 before the proximal end portion 21 is inserted. It is configured to
Therefore, the total length L in the Z direction of the extendingportion 52 and the contact forming portion 53 can be shortened. Therefore, it becomes easy to miniaturize the gas sensor 1.
As shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to prevent the foldedportion 53b from being formed, but in this case, the total length L ′ of the extending portion 52 and the contact forming portion 53 becomes longer, and the gas sensor 1 is difficult to downsize. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the length L can be shortened by forming the folded-back portion 53b and inserting the tip into the holding groove 41 as in this example. It becomes easy to become.
そのため、延出部52と接点形成部53との合計のZ方向長さLを、短くすることができる。したがって、ガスセンサ1を小型化しやすくなる。
図19に示すごとく、折返し部53bを形成しないようにすることも可能であるが、この場合、延出部52と接点形成部53との合計のZ方向長さL’が長くなって、ガスセンサ1を小型化しにくくなる。しかしながら、図3に示すごとく、本例のように、折返し部53bを形成し、この先端を保持溝41に入れるようにすれば、上記長さLを短くすることができるため、ガスセンサ1を小型化しやすくなる。 In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the folded
Therefore, the total length L in the Z direction of the extending
As shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to prevent the folded
以上のごとく、本例によれば、ガスセンサ素子を大型化することなく、より多くの電極パッドを形成することができ、個々の電極パッドにバネ端子を良好に接触させることが可能なガスセンサを提供することができる。
As described above, according to this example, it is possible to form a larger number of electrode pads without increasing the size of the gas sensor element, and to provide a gas sensor capable of satisfactorily contacting the spring terminals with the individual electrode pads. can do.
なお、本例では、図12に示すごとく、断面形状が円形のバネ線材500を用いてバネ端子5を形成してあるが、本例はこれに限るものではない。例えば図13に示すごとく、断面形状が楕円形のバネ線材500を用いて、バネ端子5を形成してもよい。また、図14、図15に示す断面形状を有するバネ線材500を用いて、バネ端子5を形成してもよい。このバネ線材500は、断面の輪郭の一部が円弧状輪郭部590となっており、他の一部が直線状輪郭部595となっている。円弧状輪郭部590は、電極パッド22に接触している。
In addition, in this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the spring terminal 5 is formed using the spring wire material 500 whose cross-sectional shape is circular, but this example is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the spring terminal 5 may be formed using a spring wire 500 having an elliptical cross section. Moreover, you may form the spring terminal 5 using the spring wire 500 which has the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 14, FIG. In the spring wire 500, a part of the contour of the cross section is an arc-shaped contour part 590, and the other part is a linear contour part 595. The arcuate contour portion 590 is in contact with the electrode pad 22.
(実施例2)
以下の実施例においては、図面に用いた符号のうち実施例1において用いた符号と同一のものは、特に示さない限り、実施例1と同様の構成要素等を表す。 (Example 2)
In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals used in the drawings among the reference numerals used in the drawings represent the same constituent elements as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.
以下の実施例においては、図面に用いた符号のうち実施例1において用いた符号と同一のものは、特に示さない限り、実施例1と同様の構成要素等を表す。 (Example 2)
In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals used in the drawings among the reference numerals used in the drawings represent the same constituent elements as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.
本例は、バネ端子5の形状を変更した例である。図16に示すごとく、本例では、Y方向に配列した3本のバネ端子5のうち、Y方向における両端に位置するバネ端子5aと、中央に位置するバネ端子5bとの形状を、それぞれ変えてある。
This example is an example in which the shape of the spring terminal 5 is changed. As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, among the three spring terminals 5 arranged in the Y direction, the shapes of the spring terminals 5a located at both ends in the Y direction and the spring terminals 5b located in the center are respectively changed. It is.
Y方向における両端に位置するバネ端子5aは、図17、図18に示すごとく、そのバネ基端部54が、3つの部位から構成されている。すなわち、このバネ端子5aのバネ基端部54は、厚さ方向延出部54aと、横幅方向延出部54cと、軸方向延出部54bとからなる。厚さ方向延出部54aは、バネ端子5aの本体部50から、ガスセンサ素子2(図16参照)の厚さ方向(X方向)に延出している。横幅方向延出部54cは、厚さ方向延出部54aから、ガスセンサ素子2(図16参照)の横幅方向(Y方向)に延出している。また、軸方向延出部54bは、横幅方向延出部54cから軸方向(Z方向)に延出している。
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the spring terminals 5 a located at both ends in the Y direction have three spring base ends 54. That is, the spring base end portion 54 of the spring terminal 5a includes a thickness direction extending portion 54a, a lateral width direction extending portion 54c, and an axial direction extending portion 54b. The thickness direction extending portion 54a extends from the main body portion 50 of the spring terminal 5a in the thickness direction (X direction) of the gas sensor element 2 (see FIG. 16). The lateral width direction extending portion 54c extends from the thickness direction extending portion 54a in the lateral width direction (Y direction) of the gas sensor element 2 (see FIG. 16). The axially extending portion 54b extends in the axial direction (Z direction) from the laterally extending portion 54c.
図16に示すごとく、Y方向における中央に配されたバネ端子5bは、実施例1におけるバネ端子5と同一の形状をしている。このバネ端子5bをY方向から挟む位置に、上記横幅方向延出部54cを有する2本のバネ端子5aを配してある。この2本のバネ端子5aの、上記横幅方向延出部54cの突出方向は、互いに逆向きである。これにより、3本の軸方向延出部54bの、Y方向間隔を広げてある。このように構成することにより、各々の軸方向延出部54bにリード線16(図1参照)を接続する作業を、容易に行うことができるようにしてある。
その他、実施例1と同様の構成および作用効果を有する。 As shown in FIG. 16, thespring terminal 5 b arranged at the center in the Y direction has the same shape as the spring terminal 5 in the first embodiment. Two spring terminals 5a having the laterally extending portion 54c are arranged at positions sandwiching the spring terminal 5b from the Y direction. The projecting directions of the lateral width direction extending portions 54c of the two spring terminals 5a are opposite to each other. Thereby, the space | interval of the Y direction of the three axial direction extension parts 54b is expanded. With this configuration, the operation of connecting the lead wire 16 (see FIG. 1) to each axially extending portion 54b can be easily performed.
In addition, the configuration and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
その他、実施例1と同様の構成および作用効果を有する。 As shown in FIG. 16, the
In addition, the configuration and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
(実施例3)
本例は、接点形成部53の形状を変更した例である。図19に示すごとく、本例の接点形成部53は、放物線状に湾曲するように形成されている。すなわち、本例の接点形成部53は、実施例1の接点形成部53のように、折返し部53bを形成していない。
その他、実施例1と同様の構成および作用効果を有する。 Example 3
In this example, the shape of thecontact forming portion 53 is changed. As shown in FIG. 19, the contact formation part 53 of this example is formed so that it may curve in a parabolic shape. That is, the contact formation part 53 of this example does not form the folding | returning part 53b like the contact formation part 53 of Example 1. FIG.
In addition, the configuration and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
本例は、接点形成部53の形状を変更した例である。図19に示すごとく、本例の接点形成部53は、放物線状に湾曲するように形成されている。すなわち、本例の接点形成部53は、実施例1の接点形成部53のように、折返し部53bを形成していない。
その他、実施例1と同様の構成および作用効果を有する。 Example 3
In this example, the shape of the
In addition, the configuration and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
1 ガスセンサ
2 ガスセンサ素子
20 先端部
21 基端部
22 電極パッド
3 接点ユニット
4 基端側絶縁碍子
40 収容孔
41 保持溝
5 バネ端子
50 本体部
52 延出部
53 接点形成部
531 最近接部
535 接点 DESCRIPTION OFSYMBOLS 1 Gas sensor 2 Gas sensor element 20 Front-end | tip part 21 Base end part 22 Electrode pad 3 Contact unit 4 Base end side insulator 40 Holding hole 41 Holding groove 5 Spring terminal 50 Main body part 52 Extension part 53 Contact formation part 531 Nearest part 535 Contact
2 ガスセンサ素子
20 先端部
21 基端部
22 電極パッド
3 接点ユニット
4 基端側絶縁碍子
40 収容孔
41 保持溝
5 バネ端子
50 本体部
52 延出部
53 接点形成部
531 最近接部
535 接点 DESCRIPTION OF
Claims (5)
- 軸方向に延びる板状に形成され、上記軸方向における先端部(20)が被測定ガスに曝されると共に、上記軸方向における基端部(21)に複数の電極パッド(22)が設けられたガスセンサ素子(2)を備えるガスセンサ(1)であって、
上記ガスセンサ素子(2)の上記基端部(21)を収容する絶縁部材(4)と、該絶縁部材(4)内に保持され、それぞれ上記電極パッド(22)に接触した複数本のバネ端子(5)とを有する接点ユニット(3)を備え、
上記絶縁部材(4)には、上記基端部(21)を収容する収容孔(40)と、該収容孔(40)側に開放し上記軸方向に延びる複数の保持溝(41)とが形成され、個々の該保持溝(41)に上記バネ端子(5)が保持されており、
上記バネ端子(5)は、屈曲されたバネ線材(500)によって形成され、
上記バネ端子(5)は、上記保持溝(41)の底部(410)に配された本体部(50)と、
該本体部(50)の先端から基端側に折り返され、該基端側に向かうほど上記ガスセンサ素子(2)に接近するように延出した延出部(52)と、
該延出部(52)の基端側に形成され、その一部が上記電極パッド(22)に接触した接点形成部(53)とを備え、
該接点形成部(53)は、弾性変形した上記バネ端子(5)の弾性力により、上記電極パッド(22)側に付勢されており、
上記接点ユニット(3)は、上記収容孔(40)に上記基端部(21)を収容する前の状態において、上記接点形成部(53)のうち、上記ガスセンサ素子(2)の厚さ方向において上記底部(410)に最も近い部位であって、かつ上記電極パッド(22)との接点(535)に対して上記延出部(52)とは反対側に存在する部位である最近接部(531)が、上記保持溝(41)内に位置するよう構成されていることを特徴とするガスセンサ(1)。 It is formed in a plate shape extending in the axial direction, and the distal end portion (20) in the axial direction is exposed to the gas to be measured, and a plurality of electrode pads (22) are provided at the proximal end portion (21) in the axial direction. A gas sensor (1) comprising a gas sensor element (2),
An insulating member (4) that houses the base end (21) of the gas sensor element (2), and a plurality of spring terminals that are held in the insulating member (4) and are in contact with the electrode pads (22), respectively. A contact unit (3) having (5),
The insulating member (4) has a housing hole (40) for housing the base end portion (21) and a plurality of holding grooves (41) that open to the housing hole (40) side and extend in the axial direction. The spring terminal (5) is held in each holding groove (41) formed,
The spring terminal (5) is formed by a bent spring wire (500),
The spring terminal (5) includes a main body (50) disposed on the bottom (410) of the holding groove (41),
An extension part (52) that is folded back from the front end of the main body part (50) toward the base end side and extends closer to the gas sensor element (2) toward the base end side;
A contact forming portion (53) formed on the base end side of the extending portion (52), a part of which is in contact with the electrode pad (22);
The contact forming portion (53) is urged toward the electrode pad (22) by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring terminal (5),
The contact unit (3) is in the thickness direction of the gas sensor element (2) in the contact formation part (53) in a state before the base end part (21) is accommodated in the accommodation hole (40). The closest part which is the part closest to the bottom part (410) and located on the opposite side of the extension part (52) with respect to the contact point (535) with the electrode pad (22) A gas sensor (1), wherein (531) is configured to be positioned in the holding groove (41). - 上記接点ユニット(3)は、上記収容孔(40)に上記基端部(21)を収容した状態において、上記最近接部(531)と上記本体部(50)との間に間隙(G)が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載のガスセンサ(1)。 The contact unit (3) has a gap (G) between the closest part (531) and the main body part (50) in a state where the base end part (21) is accommodated in the accommodation hole (40). The gas sensor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that is formed.
- 上記接点形成部(53)は円弧状に湾曲していることを特徴とする請求項1又は請求項2に記載のガスセンサ(1)。 The gas sensor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact forming part (53) is curved in an arc shape.
- 上記バネ端子(5)は、断面の輪郭の少なくとも一部に円弧状輪郭部(590)を有する上記バネ線材(500)によって形成され、上記円弧状輪郭部(590)が上記電極パッド(22)に接触していることを特徴とする請求項1~請求項3のいずれか1項に記載のガスセンサ(1)。 The spring terminal (5) is formed by the spring wire (500) having an arcuate contour (590) in at least part of the cross-sectional contour, and the arcuate contour (590) is formed by the electrode pad (22). The gas sensor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gas sensor (1) is in contact with the gas sensor.
- 上記接点形成部(53)は、該接点形成部(53)のうち上記軸方向において最も基端側に位置する部位(53a)から先端側に折り返され、該先端側に向かうほど上記保持溝(41)の上記底部(410)に接近する折返し部(53b)を備え、上記接点ユニット(3)は、上記収容孔(40)に上記基端部(21)を収容する前の状態において、上記折返し部(53b)の先端が上記保持溝(41)内に位置するよう構成されていることを特徴とする請求項1~請求項4のいずれか1項に記載のガスセンサ(1)。 The contact forming portion (53) is folded back to the distal end side from a portion (53a) located on the most proximal side in the axial direction of the contact forming portion (53), and the holding groove ( 41) is provided with a folded portion (53b) approaching the bottom portion (410), and the contact unit (3) is in the state before the base end portion (21) is accommodated in the accommodation hole (40). The gas sensor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a tip of the folded portion (53b) is configured to be positioned in the holding groove (41).
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CN111051872A (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2020-04-21 | 株式会社电装 | Gas sensor |
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JP6802117B2 (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2020-12-16 | 日本特殊陶業株式会社 | Gas sensor and gas sensor manufacturing method |
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