Gas sensor

Abstract

The invention provides a gas sensor which suppresses breakage of a terminal fitting on the rear end side of a separator. A gas sensor (10) is provided with: a plate-shaped sensor element (21) that extends in the direction of an axis (O) and has a plurality of electrode pads (21a, 21b) on main surfaces (20m1, 20m) on the rear end side; a plurality of plate-shaped terminal fittings (71) electrically connected to each of the electrode pads; and a separator (50) that has a housing section (50h) that passes through the sensor element in the axial direction and houses the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal fittings, and that holds the terminal fittings, in which the plurality of electrode pads and the plurality of terminal fittings are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the width direction of the sensor element. A vibration suppression member (80), which includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction, is disposed close to or in contact with the inside of the terminal fitting in the radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas sensor suitable for detecting the gas concentration of a specific gas contained in combustion gas or exhaust gas of, for example, a burner or an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0002] As a detector for detecting oxygen and NO in exhaust gas of automobiles, etc. x As a gas sensor for measuring the concentration of a gas, a gas sensor having a plate-shaped sensor element using a solid electrolyte is known.

[0003] As such a gas sensor, a gas sensor is used in which a plurality of electrode pads are provided on the rear ends of opposing main surfaces of a plate-shaped sensor element, and terminal fittings are electrically contacted with the electrode pads to extract a sensor output signal from the sensor element to the outside (Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the gas sensor of Patent Document 1, each terminal fitting is held in a two-part insulating connector (separator). The connector houses each terminal fitting in a box-shaped housing of the same shape, and the housings are coupled and fixed with a metal clamp. When the rear end side of the sensor element is inserted into the insertion hole of the connector, the terminal fitting inside the connector is in electrical contact with the electrode pad.

[0005] On the other hand, at the rear end side of the connector, the insertion hole is oriented toward the rear end surface and expands radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the sensor element, thereby preventing the terminal fittings led to the rear end side of the connector from interfering with the inner surface of the connector.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-209104 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, it is known that when the rear end side of the connector is enlarged in diameter, the distance between the terminal fitting and the connector increases, and the terminal fitting is easily vibrated and broken in the connector due to vibration during use of the gas sensor.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas sensor in which breakage of a terminal fitting on the rear end side of a separator is suppressed.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gas sensor of the first technical solution of the present invention comprises: a plate-shaped sensor element, extending in the axial direction, and having a plurality of electrode pads on the main surface on the rear end side; a plurality of plate-shaped terminal accessories, respectively electrically connected to the electrode pads; and a separator, having a housing portion that penetrates in the axial direction and accommodates the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal accessories, and holds the terminal accessories. The gas sensor is characterized in that the plurality of electrode pads and the plurality of terminal accessories are arranged separately in the width direction of the sensor element, and the gas sensor is provided with a vibration suppression component, which includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal accessories.

[0014] The terminal fitting is plate-shaped, with the plate surface facing the main surface of the sensor element. The plate-shaped terminal fitting vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface, so the terminal fitting is easily vibrated radially inward (toward the center of the sensor element) and broken due to vibrations during use of the gas sensor.

[0015] Therefore, according to this gas sensor, the vibration suppression member is arranged so as to include the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and to be close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting.

[0016] Thus, since the vibration suppression member is interposed on the radially inner side of the terminal fitting, the radially inner vibration of the terminal fitting can be suppressed or reduced, and the breakage of the terminal fitting can be suppressed.

[0017] In the gas sensor of the first technical solution of the present invention, the accommodating portion may have an expanded diameter portion which expands in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it approaches the surface of the separator toward the rear end, and the vibration suppression component is arranged inside the expanded diameter portion.

[0018] According to this gas sensor, since the expanded diameter portion is provided, the diameter of which increases toward the surface of the separator toward the rear end, it is easy to insert the vibration suppression member into the expanded diameter portion.

[0019] The gas sensor of the second technical solution of the present invention comprises: a plate-shaped sensor element, extending in the axial direction, and having a plurality of electrode pads on the main surface on the rear end side; a plurality of plate-shaped terminal accessories, respectively electrically connected to the electrode pads; a separator, having a housing portion that penetrates in the axial direction to accommodate the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal accessory, and holds the terminal accessory; and an elastic bushing, which is arranged on the rear end side of the separator separately from the separator. The gas sensor is characterized in that the bushing has a bushing hole for inserting the rear end portion of the terminal accessory and the lead wire connected to the rear end portion, the plurality of electrode pads and the plurality of terminal accessories are arranged separately in the width direction of the sensor element, and a vibration suppression component is arranged between the separator and the bushing, and the vibration suppression component includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal accessory.

[0020] The terminal fitting is plate-shaped, with the plate surface facing the main surface of the sensor element. The plate-shaped terminal fitting vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface, so the terminal fitting is easily vibrated radially inward (toward the center of the sensor element) and broken due to vibrations during use of the gas sensor.

[0021] Therefore, according to this gas sensor, the vibration suppression member is arranged between the separator and the backing ring, the vibration suppression member includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting.

[0022] Thus, since the vibration suppression member is interposed on the radially inner side of the terminal fitting, the radially inner vibration of the terminal fitting can be suppressed or reduced, and the breakage of the terminal fitting can be suppressed.

[0023] In the gas sensor according to the second aspect of the present invention, the housing portion may include an expanded diameter portion that expands in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it approaches a surface of the separator toward the rear end.

[0024] According to this gas sensor, since the expanded diameter portion is provided, the diameter of which increases toward the surface of the separator toward the rear end, it is easy to insert the vibration suppression member into the expanded diameter portion.

[0025] In the gas sensor of the present invention, a surface of the vibration suppression member that faces radially outward may be in contact with a radially inner side of the terminal fitting.

[0026] According to this gas sensor, since the vibration suppression member is in contact with the radially inner side of the terminal fitting, the radially inner vibration of the terminal fitting can be further suppressed or reduced.

[0027] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it is also possible that the expanded diameter portion is provided with receiving grooves extending in the axial direction and respectively accommodating the terminal accessories, and on the radially outward surface of the vibration suppression component, convex portions are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the receiving grooves, the convex portions enter the receiving grooves, and each terminal accessory is held between the convex portions and the receiving grooves.

[0028] According to this gas sensor, each terminal fitting is held in the narrow space between the protrusion and the accommodation groove.

[0029] Thus, each terminal fitting can be reliably held between the convex portion and the receiving groove, and breakage of the terminal fitting can be further suppressed. In addition, radially inward vibration of the terminal fitting is suppressed by the surface of the convex portion facing the front end being close to or in contact with the radially inner side of the terminal fitting.

[0030] In the gas sensor of the present invention, at least a portion of a surface of the vibration suppression member that faces radially outward may be tapered in a manner that increases in diameter toward a rear end side along the expanded diameter portion.

[0031] According to this gas sensor, the tapered surface of the vibration suppression member is in surface contact with the expanded diameter portion, and the vibration suppression member is more firmly fixed to the inside of the expanded diameter portion.

[0032] In the gas sensor of the present invention, the vibration suppression member may have a recessed portion that accommodates each terminal fitting on a surface facing radially outward.

[0033] According to this gas sensor, each terminal fitting can be reliably held in the recess, and breakage of the terminal fitting can be further suppressed. In addition, radially inward vibration of the terminal fitting is suppressed by the outwardly facing surface of the recess approaching or contacting the radially inner side of the terminal fitting.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a gas sensor in which breakage of the terminal fitting on the rear end side of the separator is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the gas sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a partition.

[0038] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connection terminal.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the vibration suppression member according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the spacer and the vibration suppression member when viewed from the axial direction.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a gas sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a vibration suppression member according to a second embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing the spacer and the vibration suppression member when viewed from the axial direction.

[0045] Fig.10 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the gas sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following, with the attached Figure 1 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0047] First, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 6 A gas sensor 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gas sensor (sensor) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the axis O direction. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the partition 50, Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line AA, Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the connection terminal 71, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vibration suppression component 80, Figure 6 1 is a plan view showing the spacer 50 and the vibration suppression member 80 when viewed from the axis O direction.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the gas sensor 10 includes: a sensor element 20 for measuring a specific gas component in the measured gas; a protector 30 for protecting the front end of the sensor element 20; and a sensor assembly 40 including a partition 50 for accommodating the rear end side of the sensor element 20. The gas sensor 10 is installed in the exhaust pipe of a vehicle, for example, to measure gas components such as NOx and O2 contained in the measured gas (exhaust gas).

[0050] The sensor element 20 is a long and thin plate-like element extending in the direction of the axis O, and is formed by laminating a ceramic substrate composed of an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte layer such as zirconium oxide (ZrO2). In addition, the end of the sensor element 20 on the protector 30 side is marked as the front end, and the end on the separator 50 side is marked as the rear end.

[0051] On the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 ) is formed with a plurality of electrode pads 21a, 21b ( Figure 3 ).

[0052] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, on one main surface 20m1 of the sensor element 20, a plurality of electrode pads 21a are arranged separately in the width direction of the sensor element 20. Similarly, on the other main surface 20m2 of the sensor element 20, a plurality of electrode pads 21b are arranged separately in the width direction of the sensor element 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the plurality of electrode pads may be arranged only on one main surface 20 m 1 or 20 m 2 of the sensor element 20 .

[0054] The electrode pads 21 a and 21 b are used to apply a voltage to the sensor element 20 , or to output a detection signal of the sensor element 20 , or to energize the heater when the sensor element 20 has a heater.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protector 30 is arranged so as to surround the front end of the sensor element 20. The protector 30 includes an inner protector 31 covering the front end of the sensor element 20 and an outer protector 32 covering the inner protector 31. The inner protector 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes an inner gas introduction hole 31a for introducing the measured gas at the front end of the sensor element 20. The outer protector 32 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes an outer gas introduction hole 32a for introducing the measured gas at the side. The inner protector 31 and the outer protector 32 are made of metal such as SUS, for example.

[0056] The sensor assembly 40 includes a metallic shell 41 , a cylindrical inner cylinder 42 and an outer cylinder 46 fixed to the metallic shell 41 by welding, and a spacer 50 connected to the rear end of the sensor element 20 .

[0057] The main body fitting 41 is mounted on, for example, an exhaust pipe of a vehicle through the external threaded portion 41a. A plurality of ceramic sleeves 43a to 43c and powder filling layers 44a and 44b such as talc filled between the ceramic sleeves 43a and 43b and between the ceramic sleeves 43b and 43c are sealed inside the inner tube 42, and they are clamped and sealed by the metal ring 45 and the inner wall of the main body fitting 41.

[0058] The outer cylinder 46 covers the inner cylinder 42, the sensor element 20, and the separator 50. In addition, the rubber bushing 47 closes the opening on the rear end side of the outer cylinder 46. Figure 4 ) A lead wire 48 is connected by crimping or the like, and the lead wire 48 passes through a bushing hole 47a that penetrates the bushing 47 in the direction of the axis O and is led out from the rear end of the bushing 47 to the outside.

[0059] Furthermore, the connection portion 71 g of the terminal fitting 71 and the lead wire 48 are inserted through the backing ring hole 47 a .

[0060] Next, the separator 50 will be described. Figure 2 As shown, the separator 50 includes a first member 51 a and a second member 51 b made of ceramic such as alumina sintered body, and a metal clamp 90 for sandwiching and fixing the first member 51 a and the second member 51 b.

[0061] Furthermore, the terminal fittings 71 are held by the first member 51 a or the second member 51 b , and are arranged so as to face and contact the electrode pads 21 a and 21 b of the sensor element 20 in a one-to-one manner.

[0062] The first component 51a and the second component 51b respectively arrange and hold four terminal fittings 71 in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction (=axis O direction) of the terminal fitting 71. The first component 51a and the second component 51b have the same box-shaped shape, so the same components are marked with the same reference numerals for description. In addition, the first component 51a and the second component 51b are collectively described as the housing 51.

[0063] The housing 51 comprises: a housing portion 50h extending in the direction of the axis O; four locking grooves 52 for locking the front end side of the terminal fitting 71; four insertion holes 53 for inserting the upright portion 71d in the central portion of the terminal fitting 71; and a locking portion 54 formed in each insertion hole 53 for locking the terminal fitting 71.

[0064] The housing 51 includes a convex portion 55 on one side in the width direction across the sensor element 20, and includes limiting members 56 and 57 on the other side for limiting the distance between the first member 51a and the second member 51b in the thickness direction (see FIG. Figure 2 ). The protrusion 55 is inserted into the recess between the limiting member 56 and the limiting member 57 of the housing 51 , thereby limiting the relative position of the first member 51 a and the second member 51 b in the thickness direction.

[0065] like Figure 4As shown, the terminal fitting 71 is a metal component held by the housing 51 in a one-to-one relative position to the electrode pads 21a, 21b of the sensor element 20, and comprises: a front end portion 71a, which is locked in the locking groove 52 by utilizing a bent shape; a protruding portion 71b, which protrudes in a bent manner toward the sensor element 20; a contact portion 71c, which contacts the electrode pads 21a, 21b by protruding in a bent manner toward the sensor element 20; an upright portion 71d, which is inserted into the insertion hole 53; a bent portion 71f, which is led out to the outside of the partition 50; and a connecting portion 71g, which is crimped on the outside of the partition 50 and holds the multiple core wires 48a of the lead 48.

[0066] The protrusion 71b and the contact portion 71c are arranged along the length direction of the terminal fitting 71, and the contact portion 71c is arranged closer to the connection portion 71g than the protrusion 71b. The protrusion 71b and the contact portion 71c are both formed to be elastically deformable. The upright portion 71d has a locking portion 71e that is locked to the locking portion 54 by a bent shape.

[0067] Furthermore, the contact portion 71c of the terminal fitting 71 held by the first component 51a is opposed to and in contact with the electrode pad 21a of the sensor element 20 in a one-to-one manner, and the contact portion 71c of the terminal fitting 71 held by the second component 51b is opposed to and in contact with the electrode 21b of the sensor element 20 in a one-to-one manner ( Figure 3 ).

[0068] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, the electrode pads 21a, 21b are formed from the rear end of the sensor element 20 to a position between the contact portion 71c and the protrusion 71b.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the clamp 90 is formed by bending a plate-shaped metal and has an elastic force capable of clamping the first component 51a and the second component 51b and pressing them toward each other. When the first component 51a and the second component 51b are clamped by the elastic force, the limiting components 56 and 57 of the first component 51a contact the second component 51b, and the limiting components 56 and 57 of the second component 51b contact the first component 51a. As a result, the distance between the first component 51a and the second component 51b is fixed.

[0070] In addition, when the clamping member 90 clamps the first component 51a and the second component 51b in a state where the sensor element 20 and the terminal fitting 71 are clamped by the first component 51a and the second component 51b in a manner such that the contact portion 71c of the terminal fitting 71 is opposite to the electrode pads 21a and 21b of the sensor element 20, the sensor element 20 is clamped and fixed by the elastic deformation of the protrusion 71b and the contact portion 71c due to the pressing force from the clamping member 90.

[0071] At this time, the protrusion 71b and the contact portion 71c are elastically deformed and pressed, thereby reliably clamping and fixing the sensor element 20. In addition, since the contact portion 71c is elastically deformed, the electrical contact between the contact portion 71c and the electrode pads 21a and 21b can be more reliably maintained.

[0072] Next, the characteristic features of the present invention will be described.

[0073] First, if Figure 3 As shown, the separator 50 has a housing portion 50 h penetrating in the direction of the axis O, and the housing portion 50 h houses the rear end side of the sensor element 20 and the terminal fitting 71 .

[0074] More specifically, the housing portion 50h opens in a rectangular shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the sensor element 20 at the front end surface of the housing 51 and communicates with the insertion holes 53 at its rear end. The housing portion 50h may be an insertion hole opened only at the front and rear ends of the housing 51.

[0075] In this example, the housing portion 50h is formed by recessing a portion of the facing surfaces of the first member 51a and the second member 51b.

[0076] Furthermore, the housing portion 50h has an expanded diameter portion 50s which expands in a direction perpendicular to the two main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the sensor element 20 as it goes toward the surface of the separator 50 toward the rear end ( Figure 3 The diameter is expanded in the up and down directions.

[0077] It should be noted that “in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2” means that as long as there is a directional component perpendicular to the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2, it also includes the case where the degree of expansion of the expanded diameter portion 50s varies depending on the location. For example, it also includes the case where the expanded diameter portion 50s is not parallel to the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2, the case where the expanded diameter portion 50s is a curved surface, the case where the expanded diameter portion 50s itself is parallel to the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2 but the front edge and rear edge of the expanded diameter portion 50s are not parallel to the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2 (the case where the length and position of the line segment when the expanded diameter portion 50s is cut along the main surfaces 20m1, 20m2 are different).

[0078] On the other hand, the terminal fitting 71 is in a plate shape, and the plate surface faces the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the sensor element 20. The plate-shaped terminal fitting 71 vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface, so the terminal fitting 71 is easily moved radially inward (the center side of the sensor element 20, the ... Figure 3 IN direction) and breaks due to vibration.

[0079] Therefore, the vibration suppression member 80 is disposed so as to include the axis of the separator 50 when viewed from the axis O direction and to be close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting 71 .

[0080] Thus, the vibration suppression member 80 is interposed on the radially inner side of the terminal fitting 71, so that the radially inner side ( Figure 3 IN direction) vibration, which can suppress the breakage of the terminal fitting 71.

[0081] Here, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the vibration suppression member 80 is made of an insulating material such as ceramics, heat-resistant rubber, or engineering plastics, and has a substantially rectangular plate shape.

[0082] Furthermore, four convex portions 80 p are formed at equal intervals on the opposing radially outwardly facing surfaces 80 f of the vibration suppression member 80 , and the contour near the surface 80 f is concavoconvex.

[0083] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown, in this example, four receiving grooves 50 g extending in the direction of the axis O and respectively receiving the terminal fittings 71 are formed in the enlarged diameter portion 50 s of the separator 50 .

[0084] Furthermore, the convex portions 80 p of the vibration suppression member 80 are formed at positions corresponding to the accommodation grooves 50 g .

[0085] Therefore, when the vibration suppression member 80 is arranged inside the enlarged diameter portion 50s so that each convex portion 80p enters the corresponding accommodation groove 50g, each terminal fitting 71 is held in the narrow space between the convex portion 80p and the accommodation groove 50g.

[0086] Thus, each terminal fitting 71 can be reliably held between the protrusion 80p and the receiving groove 50g, and the breakage of the terminal fitting 71 can be further suppressed. In addition, the radially inward vibration of the terminal fitting 71 is suppressed by the surface of the protrusion 80p facing the front end being close to or in contact with the radially inner side of the terminal fitting 71.

[0087] In addition, Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 5 , each convex portion 80 p of the vibration suppression member 80 is engaged with the receiving groove 50 g of the enlarged diameter portion 50 s of the spacer 50 , so that the vibration suppression member 80 is firmly fixed inside the enlarged diameter portion 50 s .

[0088] And, if Figure 5As shown, a portion of the radially outward surface 80p of the vibration suppression member 80 (the outer surface of the convex portion 80p is also a radially outward surface) has a tapered surface 80s that expands toward the rear end side in a manner along the expanded diameter portion 50s. As a result, the tapered surface 80s and the expanded diameter portion 50s are in surface contact, and the vibration suppression member 80 is more firmly fixed to the inner side of the expanded diameter portion 50s.

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 7~Figure 9 A gas sensor 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0090] The gas sensor 10B according to the second embodiment is the same as the gas sensor 10 according to the first embodiment except for a vibration suppression member 180 , and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, in the gas sensor 10B, the vibration suppression member 180 is sandwiched between the spacer 50 and the backing ring 47. Specifically, the vibration suppression member 180 is pressed toward the spacer 50 by the backing ring 47, and is held between the spacer 50 and the backing ring 47.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the vibration suppression member 180 is disposed between the separator 50 and the backing ring 47 . The vibration suppression member 180 includes the axis of the separator 50 when viewed from the axis O direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting 71 .

[0093] Thus, the vibration suppression member 180 is interposed on the radially inner side of the terminal fitting 71, so that the terminal fitting 71 can be suppressed or reduced from moving radially inward ( Figure 3 IN direction) vibration, which can suppress the breakage of the terminal fitting 71.

[0094] Here, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the vibration suppression member 180 is made of an insulating material such as ceramics, heat-resistant rubber, or engineering plastics, and has a substantially rectangular plate shape.

[0095] In addition, four recessed portions 180g are formed at equal intervals on the opposing radially outwardly facing surfaces 180f of the vibration suppression member 180, and the contour near the surface 180f is in a concavo-convex shape.

[0096] And, if Fig. 9 As shown, in this example, each terminal fitting 71 is held by each recessed portion 180 g of the vibration suppression member 180 between the separator 50 and the backing ring 47 .

[0097] Thus, each terminal fitting 71 can be reliably held in the recess 180g, and breakage of the terminal fitting 71 can be further suppressed. In addition, radially inward vibration of the terminal fitting 71 is suppressed by the outward surface of the recess 180g approaching or contacting the radially inner side of the terminal fitting 71.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may include various modifications and equivalents within the concept and scope of the present invention.

[0099] For example, Fig.10 As shown, in the gas sensor of the first embodiment, the receiving portion 50hB of the separator 50B may not have an enlarged diameter portion. Fig.10 In the separator 50B, the rear end side of the housing portion 50hB has a straight portion 50p parallel to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2.

[0100] also, Fig.10 is with Figure 3 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the corresponding partition 50B.

[0101] Likewise, in the gas sensor according to the second embodiment, the housing portion of the separator may not have an enlarged diameter portion.

[0102] In addition, for example, the shape of the radially outwardly facing surface of the vibration suppression component may not be a concave-convex shape but a flat surface. Figure 6 As shown, a receiving groove 50g is provided in the enlarged diameter portion 50s on the separator 50 side, and the flat surface of the vibration suppression member is brought into contact with the protrusion of the receiving groove 50g.

[0103] The separator 50 is not limited to a box shape divided into two, and may be in a cylindrical shape such as a cylinder.

[0104] Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10, 10B Gas Sensor

[0106] 20 Sensor element

[0107] 20m1, 20m2 Main surface of sensor element

[0108] 21a, 21b electrode pads

[0109] 47 Bushing

[0110] 47a Bushing hole

[0111] 48 Lead

[0112] 50, 50B separator

[0113] 50g Storage Tank

[0114] 50h, 50hB Storage Department

[0115] 50s Expanded diameter

[0116] 71 Terminal accessories

[0117] 80, 180 Vibration suppression components

[0118] 80f, 180f Surface of the vibration suppression member facing radially outward

[0119] 80p bump

[0120] 180g concave part

[0121] O Axis

Claims

1. A gas sensor comprising: A plate-shaped sensor element extending in the axial direction and having a plurality of electrode pads on a main surface on the rear end side; a plurality of plate-shaped terminal fittings, electrically connected to the electrode pads respectively; and a separator having a housing portion penetrating in the axial direction to house the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal fitting, and holding the terminal fitting, The gas sensor is characterized in that The plurality of electrode pads and the plurality of terminal fittings are arranged separately in a width direction of the sensor element, The gas sensor is provided with a vibration suppression member that includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting.

2. The gas sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing portion includes an expanded diameter portion, the expanded diameter portion expanding in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it approaches a surface of the partition member that faces the rear end. The vibration suppression member is arranged inside the enlarged diameter portion.

3. A gas sensor comprising: A plate-shaped sensor element extending in the axial direction and having a plurality of electrode pads on a main surface on the rear end side; A plurality of plate-shaped terminal fittings, electrically connected to the electrode pads respectively; a separator having a housing portion penetrating in the axial direction to house the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal fitting, and holding the terminal fitting; and an elastic backing ring, which is arranged on the rear end side of the separator separately from the separator, The gas sensor is characterized in that The bushing has a bushing hole through which the rear end of the terminal fitting and a lead wire connected to the rear end are inserted. The plurality of electrode pads and the plurality of terminal fittings are arranged separately in a width direction of the sensor element, A vibration suppression member is disposed between the separator and the backing ring. The vibration suppression member includes the axis of the separator when viewed from the axial direction and is close to or in contact with the radial inner side of the terminal fitting.

4. The gas sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing portion includes an expanded diameter portion that expands in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it approaches a surface of the separator that faces the rear end.

5. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: A surface of the vibration suppression member that faces radially outward is in contact with a radially inner side of the terminal fitting.

6. The gas sensor according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: The enlarged diameter portion is formed with receiving grooves extending in the axial direction and receiving the terminal fittings respectively. The vibration suppression member has protrusions formed on its radially outwardly facing surface at positions corresponding to the receiving grooves. The protrusion enters the receiving groove, and each terminal fitting is held between the protrusion and the receiving groove.

7. The gas sensor according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: At least a portion of a surface of the vibration suppression member that faces radially outward has a tapered shape that increases in diameter toward a rear end side along the expanded diameter portion.

8. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The vibration suppression member has a surface facing radially outward that has recessed portions for accommodating the terminal fittings.

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