Gas sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides a gas sensor in which breakage of a terminal fitting on the rear end side of a separator is suppressed. A gas sensor (10) is provided with: a plate-shaped sensor element (20) that extends in the direction of an axis (O) and has electrode pads (21a, 21b) on main surfaces (20m1, 20m2) on the rear end side; a terminal fitting (71) electrically connected to the electrode pad; a spacer (50) that has a housing section (50h) that houses the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal fitting, and that holds the terminal fitting; and a gasket (47) that is located further toward the rear end side than the separator, the housing portion having a tapered surface (50s) that expands in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as the housing portion faces the surface toward the rear end of the separator, the gasket having a protruding portion (47p) on the front end side, the front end of the protruding portion being fitted in a position further toward the rear end side than the front end of the tapered surface in the axial direction. The terminal metal piece abuts against the protruding part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas sensor suitable for detecting the gas concentration of specific gases contained in combustion gases and exhaust gases of, for example, burners and internal combustion engines. Background Art

[0002] As a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of oxygen and NO in the exhaust gas of an automobile or the like x a gas sensor using a plate-shaped sensor element made of a solid electrolyte is known.

[0003] As such a gas sensor, the following gas sensor is used: a plurality of electrode pads are provided on the rear end side of the opposite main surfaces of the plate-shaped sensor element, and terminal metal members are brought into electrical contact with the respective electrode pads, and the sensor output signal from the sensor element is output to the outside (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Further, in the gas sensor of Patent Document 1, each terminal metal member is held by a two-divided insulating connector (separator). The connector houses each terminal metal member in a box-shaped housing having the same shape, and the housings are combined and fixed with a metal clamp. Then, when the rear end side of the sensor element is inserted into the through hole of the connector, the terminal metal member inside the connector is in electrical contact with the electrode pad.

[0005] On the other hand, on the rear end side of the connector, the through hole faces the rear end facing surface and expands in diameter radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the sensor element. Thereby, interference between the terminal metal member led out to the rear end side of the connector and the inner surface of the connector is suppressed.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-209104 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] However, it has been clarified that if the rear end side of the connector is expanded in diameter, the interval between the terminal metal member and the connector becomes large, and the terminal metal member vibrates in the connector due to vibrations or the like when using the gas sensor and is likely to break.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas sensor that suppresses breakage of the terminal metal member on the rear end side of the separator.

[0012] Solutions to the Problems

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the gas sensor of the present invention includes: a sensor element which is plate-shaped, extends along the axis direction, and has an electrode pad on the main surface of the rear end side; a terminal metal member which extends along the axis direction and is electrically connected to the electrode pad; a separator which has a receiving portion that penetrates along the axis direction and receives the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal metal member, and the separator holds the terminal metal member; and a washer which is disposed at a position on the rear end side of the separator. The gas sensor is characterized in that the receiving portion has a conical surface that expands in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it approaches the rear end facing surface of the separator, the washer has a protruding portion on the front end side, the front end of the protruding portion is embedded along the axis direction to a position on the rear end side of the front end of the conical surface, and the terminal metal member abuts against the protruding portion.

[0014] According to this gas sensor, the protruding portion provided on the front end side of the washer is embedded inside the separator, so that the terminal metal member abuts against the protruding portion.

[0015] Thus, the terminal metal member is held by the protruding portion, and therefore, vibration of the terminal metal member can be suppressed and breakage of the terminal metal member can be inhibited.

[0016] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it may also be that the front end of the protruding portion is embedded into the separator to a position on the front end side of 1 / 2 of the length L of the conical surface in the axis direction.

[0017] According to this gas sensor, the protruding portion and the terminal metal member can be further abutted.

[0018] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it may also be that the protruding portion has a washer hole for inserting the terminal metal member, and the terminal metal member abuts against the protruding portion inside the washer hole.

[0019] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it may also be that the side surface of the protruding portion becomes narrower toward the front end side along the conical surface, and the terminal metal member is clamped between the side surface of the protruding portion and the conical surface.

[0020] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it may also be that the protruding portion is disposed at a position inside the terminal metal member.

[0021] In the gas sensor of the present invention, it may also be that the protruding portion is disposed between the terminal metal member and the conical surface.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, a gas sensor capable of suppressing breakage of the terminal metal member on the rear end side of the separator can be obtained. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the gas sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the separator.

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connection terminal.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the washer as viewed from the front end side.

[0029] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the washer and the separator.

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the washer according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the washer according to the second embodiment as viewed from the front end side.

[0032] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the washer and the separator according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the washer according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front end side.

[0034] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the washer and the separator according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the washer according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the front end side.

[0036] Figure 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the washer and the separator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 10, gas sensor; 20, sensor element; 20m1, 20m2, main surfaces of the sensor element; 21a, 21b, electrode pads; 47, 147, 247, 347, washers; 47p, 47p2, 147p, 247p, 347p, protrusions; 47a, 147a, 247a, 347a, washer holes; 50, separator; 50h, receiving portion; 50s, conical surface; 71, terminal metal member; O, axis. Detailed Embodiment

[0039] Hereinafter, in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 drawings, the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0040] Figure 1 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gas sensor (sensor) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention along the direction of the axis O. Figure 2 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the separator 50. Figure 3 FIG. 14 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 4 FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the connection terminal 71.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the gas sensor 10 includes: a sensor element 20 that measures a specific gas component in the gas to be measured; a protector 30 that protects the front end portion of the sensor element 20; and a sensor assembly 40 that includes a separator 50 that houses the rear end side of the sensor element 20. The gas sensor 10 is installed, for example, in the exhaust pipe of a vehicle to measure gas components such as NO x , O2, etc. contained in the gas to be measured (exhaust gas).

[0042] The sensor element 20 is an elongated plate-like element extending in the direction of the axis O, and is formed by laminating a ceramic substrate formed of an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte layer such as zirconia (ZrO2). In addition, the end portion of the sensor element 20 on the protector 30 side is referred to as the front end, and the end portion of the sensor element 20 on the separator 50 side is referred to as the rear end.

[0043] On the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the rear end side of the sensor element 20 ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 ), a plurality of electrode pads 21a and 21b ( Figure 3 ) are formed.

[0044] Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, on one main surface 20m1 of the sensor element 20, the 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, the plurality of electrode pads 21b are arranged separately in the width direction of the sensor element 20.

[0045] In addition, the plurality of electrode pads may be arranged only on one main surface 20m1 or the main surface 20m2 of the sensor element 20.

[0046] The electrode pads 21a and 21b are used to apply a voltage to the sensor element 20, or output a detection signal of the sensor element 20, or supply power to the heater in the case where the sensor element 20 has a heater.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, 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 that covers the front end of the sensor element 20 and an outer protector 32 that covers the inner protector 31. The inner protector 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an inner gas introduction hole 31a for introducing the gas to be measured toward the front end of the sensor element 20. The outer protector 32 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has an outer gas introduction hole 32a for introducing the gas to be measured on the side surface. The inner protector 31 and the outer protector 32 are formed of a metal such as SUS, for example.

[0048] The sensor assembly 40 includes: a main body metal housing 41 made of metal; an inner cylinder 42 and an outer cylinder 46, which are cylindrical and are welded and fixed to the main body metal housing 41; and a separator 50 connected to the rear end of the sensor element 20.

[0049] The main body metal housing 41 is mounted on, for example, the exhaust pipe of a vehicle by an external thread 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 cylinder 42 while being sandwiched between a metal ring 45 and the inner wall of the main body metal housing 41.

[0050] The outer cylinder 46 covers the inner cylinder 42, the sensor element 20, and the separator 50. In addition, a rubber washer 47 closes the opening on the rear end side of the outer cylinder 46. And a lead wire 48 is connected to a connection portion 71g on the rear end side of the terminal metal member 71 ( Figure 4 ) by crimping or the like, and the lead wire 48 passes through a washer hole 47a that penetrates the washer 47 in the axial direction O and is led out from the rear end of the washer 47 to the outside.

[0051] In addition, the connection portion 71g of the terminal metal member 71 and the lead wire 48 penetrate through the washer hole 47a.

[0052] Next, the separator 50 will be described. As Figure 2 shown, the separator 50 includes: a first member 51a and a second member 51b made of ceramics such as alumina sintered body; and a clamp 90 made of metal, and the clamp 90 clamps and fixes the first member 51a and the second member 51b.

[0053] And, the terminal metal member 71 is held by the first member 51a or the second member 51b, and the terminal metal member 71 is arranged so as to face and contact the electrode pads 21a and 21b of the sensor element 20 one by one.

[0054] The first member 51a and the second member 51b respectively hold the four terminal metal parts 71 arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction (i.e., the axis O direction) of the terminal metal part 71. The first member 51a and the second member 51b have the same box shape, so the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements for description. In addition, the first member 51a and the second member 51b are collectively referred to as the housing 51.

[0055] The housing 51 includes: a receiving portion 50h that penetrates in the axis O direction; four locking grooves 52 that lock the front end side of the terminal metal part 71; four insertion holes 53 into which the upright portion 71d at the center of the terminal metal part 71 is inserted; and a locking portion 54 that is formed in each insertion hole 53 to lock the terminal metal part 71.

[0056] In addition, the housing 51 has a convex portion 55 on one side surface in the width direction with the sensor element 20 interposed therebetween, and has restricting members 56, 57 (see Figure 2 ) that restrict the distance between the first member 51a and the second member 51b in the thickness direction on the other side surface. The convex portion 55 is inserted into the concave portion between the opposing restricting members 56 and 57 of the housing 51, thereby restricting the relative position of the first member 51a and the second member 51b in the thickness direction.

[0057] As Figure 4 shown, the terminal metal part 71 is a metal member held by the housing 51 at a position that faces the electrode pads 21a, 21b of the sensor element 20 one-to-one, and has a plate-shaped main body portion 71f. The main body portion 71f has: a front end portion 71a that is locked to the locking groove 52 by a bent shape; a protruding portion 71b that protrudes bent toward the sensor element 20; a contact portion 71c that contacts the electrode pads 21a, 21b by protruding bent toward the sensor element 20; and an upright portion 71d that is inserted into the insertion hole 53. In addition, a connection portion 71g that crimps and holds the plurality of core wires 48a of the lead wire 48 outside the partition member 50 is integrally provided on the rear end side of the main body portion 71f.

[0058] The portion of the terminal metal part 71 on the rear end side of the upright portion 71d is led out to the outside of the partition member 50.

[0059] The protruding portion 71b and the contact portion 71c are arranged along the length direction of the terminal metal part 71, and the contact portion 71c is arranged at a position closer to the connection portion 71g than the protruding portion 71b. Both the protruding portion 71b and the contact portion 71c are formed to be elastically deformable. The upright portion 71d has a locking portion 71e, and the locking portion 71e is locked to the locking portion 54 by a bent shape.

[0060] In addition, the contact portions 71c of the terminal metal members 71 held by the first member 51a are opposed to and in contact with the electrode pads 21a of the sensor element 20 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the contact portions 71c of the terminal metal members 71 held by the second member 51b are opposed to and in contact with the electrode pads 21b of the sensor element 20 in a one-to-one correspondence. Figure 3 )

[0061] On the other hand, as Figure 3 shown, the electrode pads 21a, 21b are formed from the rear end of the sensor element 20 to the position between the contact portion 71c and the protruding portion 71b.

[0062] As Figure 2 shown, the jig 90 is formed by bending a plate-shaped metal, and the jig 90 has an elastic force capable of clamping the first member 51a and the second member 51b and pressing them in a direction approaching each other. When the first member 51a and the second member 51b are clamped by this elastic force, the restricting members 56, 57 of the first member 51a come into contact with the second member 51b, and the restricting members 56, 57 of the second member 51b come into contact with the first member 51a. Thereby, the distance between the first member 51a and the second member 51b is fixed.

[0063] In addition, when the jig 90 clamps the first member 51a and the second member 51b in a state where the contact portions 71c of the terminal metal members 71 are opposed to the electrode pads 21a, 21b of the sensor element 20 and the sensor element 20 and the terminal metal members 71 are sandwiched between the first member 51a and the second member 51b, the protruding portions 71b and the contact portions 71c are elastically deformed by the pressing force from the jig 90 to clamp and fix the sensor element 20.

[0064] At this time, by elastically deforming and pressing the protruding portions 71b and the contact portions 71c, the sensor element 20 can be reliably clamped and fixed. In addition, since the contact portions 71c are elastically deformed, the electrical contact between the contact portions 71c and the electrode pads 21a, 21b can be more reliably maintained.

[0065] Next, the characteristic parts of the present invention will be described.

[0066] First, as Figure 3 shown, the separator 50 has a receiving portion 50h penetrating in the direction of the axis O, and the receiving portion 50h receives the rear end side of the sensor element 20 and the terminal metal member 71.

[0067] More specifically, the receiving portion 50h is opened on the front end face of the housing 51 in a rectangular shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the sensor element 20, and communicates with the respective insertion holes 53 on the rear end side thereof. The receiving portion 50h may also be a through hole that is opened only at the front end and the rear end of the housing 51.

[0068] In addition, in this example, the accommodation portion 50h is formed by respectively recessing a part of the opposing surfaces of the first member 51a and the second member 51b.

[0069] Moreover, the accommodation portion 50h has a tapered surface 50s that expands in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the two main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the sensor element 20 as it approaches the rear end facing surface of the partition member 50 ( Figure 3 the up-and-down direction).

[0070] In addition, the "direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2" means that as long as it has a direction component perpendicular to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2, it also includes cases where the degree of diameter expansion of the tapered surface 50s varies according to the position. For example, it also includes cases where the tapered surface 50s is not parallel to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2, cases where the tapered surface 50s is a curved surface, cases where the tapered surface 50s itself is parallel to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 but the front edge and rear edge of the tapered surface 50s are not parallel to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 (cases where the lengths and positions of the line segments when the tapered surface 50s is cut along the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 are different), etc.

[0071] On the other hand, in this example, the terminal metal member 71 is plate-shaped, and the plate surface faces the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the sensor element 20. Since the plate-shaped terminal metal member 71 oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface, due to vibrations during the use of the gas sensor 10 or the like, the terminal metal member 71 oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 ( Figure 3 the V direction) and is prone to breakage.

[0072] Therefore, as Figure 1 shown, the protruding portion 47p provided on the front end side of the gasket 47 is inserted into the interior of the partition member 50, so that the terminal metal member 71 abuts against the protruding portion 47p.

[0073] Thus, the terminal metal member 71 is held by the protruding portion 47p, and therefore, the vibration of the terminal metal member 71 can be suppressed and the breakage of the terminal metal member 71 can be inhibited.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , the function of the protruding portion 47p of the gasket 47 will be further described in detail. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the gasket 47 observed from the front end side, Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the gasket 47 and the partition member 50.

[0075] As Figure 5 shown, eight protruding portions 47p are formed on the front end side of the gasket 47 and are erected in the shape of Japanese katakana コ.

[0076] Here, as Figure 2 shown, in this example, four (total of eight) terminal metal parts 71 are respectively arranged on the main surfaces 20m1 and 20m2 of the sensor element 20. And each terminal metal part 71 penetrates through the washer hole 47a ( Figure 1 ).

[0077] Each protrusion 47p is arranged in such a way as to surround each washer hole 47a and with the opening in the shape of Katakana "コ" facing the radially inner side of the washer 47.

[0078] And, as Figure 6 (a) of shows, the terminal metal part 71 pre-assembled to the separator 50 and having the lead wire 48 crimped at the connecting part 71g penetrates through the washer hole 47a from the front end side of the washer 47. Here, the washer hole 47a has a hole diameter capable of allowing the large-diameter connecting part 71g to penetrate through, and the main body part 71f ( Figure 6 thick line) of the terminal metal part 71 is biased to the radially inner side of the washer hole 47a because its thickness is thinner than the thickness of the connecting part 71g.

[0079] That is to say, before the protrusion 47p is inserted into the inside of the separator 50, there is a gap between the side wall on the radially outer side of the protrusion 47p and the main body part 71f, and the terminal metal part 71 is not held by the protrusion 47p.

[0080] Moreover, as Figure 6 (b) of shows, when the washer 47 is further advanced, the protrusion 47p is inserted into the inside of the separator 50, and the side wall on the radially outer side of the protrusion 47p deforms (bends) toward the radially inner side along the tapered surface 50s of the separator 50 and abuts against the terminal metal part 71.

[0081] Here, the front end of the protrusion 47p is inserted into a position on the rear end side with respect to the front end of the tapered surface 50s along the axis O direction.

[0082] Thereby, the protrusion 47p can be reliably deformed to abut against the terminal metal part 71. In particular, if the front end of the protrusion 47p is inserted into the inside of the separator 50 to a position on the front end side with respect to 1 / 2 of the length L of the tapered surface 50s in the axis O direction, the protrusion 47p can abut against the terminal metal part 71 further, and thus, it is preferable.

[0083] In this way, in the first embodiment, the protrusion 47p has the washer hole 47a (surrounding the washer hole 47a), and the terminal metal part 71 abuts against the protrusion 47p inside the washer hole 47a.

[0084] Figure 7The gasket 47 is a modified example of the first embodiment, and the cylindrical protrusions 47p2 surround the periphery of each gasket hole 47a respectively.

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 , and a description will be given of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 FIG. is a perspective view of the gasket 147 of the second embodiment as viewed from the front end side, Figure 9 FIG. is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the gasket 147 and the separator 50 of the second embodiment.

[0086] In addition, in the second embodiment, except for the different structure of the gasket 147, other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for other structures, the illustration is omitted, and the description is also omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, Figure 8 , Figure 9 are diagrams corresponding to Figure 5 , Figure 6 in the first embodiment.

[0088] As Figure 8 shows, a protrusion 147p that protrudes in a substantially cylindrical shape is formed at the center on the front end side of the gasket 147. The side surface of the corner of the protrusion 147p is chamfered to form a tapered shape that narrows toward the front end along the conical surface 50s.

[0089] And, as Figure 9 (a) of shows, the terminal metal part 71 that is pre-assembled to the separator 50 and has a lead wire 48 crimped at the connection part 71g is passed through the gasket hole 147a from the front end side of the gasket 147.

[0090] Moreover, as Figure 9 (b) of shows, when the gasket 147 is further advanced, the protrusion 147p is inserted into the inside of the separator 50. At this time, the terminal metal part 71 abuts against the protrusion 147p (side surface) and the conical surface 50s, deforms into the shape along the protrusion 147p and the conical surface 50s, and is clamped between the two.

[0091] In the second embodiment as well, the front end of the protrusion 147p is inserted into the inside on the rear end side with respect to the front end of the conical surface 50s along the axis O direction.

[0092] Thereby, the terminal metal part 71 can be reliably abutted against the protrusion 147p.

[0093] In this way, in the second embodiment, the side surface of the protrusion 147p narrows toward the front end side along the conical surface 50s, and the terminal metal part 71 is clamped between the side surface of the protrusion 147p and the conical surface 50s.

[0094] Next, with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 FIG. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the washer 247 of the third embodiment as viewed from the front end side, and

[0095] FIG.

[0096] In addition, except for the different structure of the washer 247, the other structures of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the other structures, the illustration is omitted, and the description is omitted. Figure 10 and Figure 11 are diagrams corresponding to Figure 5 and Figure 6 of the first embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10 , a protruding portion 247p protruding in a substantially cylindrical shape is formed at the center of the front end side of the washer 247. The protruding portion 247p is in a form in which the corners of the protruding portion 147p of the second embodiment are not chamfered and the diameter is smaller than that of the protruding portion 147p.

[0098] And, as shown in Figure 11 (a), the terminal metal member 71 that is pre-assembled to the partition member 50 and has a lead wire 48 crimped at the connection portion 71g is passed through the washer hole 247a from the front end side of the washer 247.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11 (b), when the washer 247 is further advanced, the protruding portion 247p is inserted into the inside of the partition member 50. At this time, the terminal metal member 71 is pressed while abutting against the tapered surface 50s and is pressed toward the protruding portion 247p (toward the Figure 11 right side of (b) in FIG.

[0100] and abuts against the protruding portion 247p. In the third embodiment as well, the front end of the protruding portion 247p is inserted along the axis O direction to a position behind the front end of the tapered surface 50s.

[0101] Thereby, the terminal metal member 71 can be reliably brought into contact with the protruding portion 247p.

[0102] In addition, in the third embodiment, the protruding portion 247p and the tapered surface 50s are separated in the radial direction.

[0103] In this way, in the third embodiment, the protruding portion 247p is disposed at a position inside the terminal metal member 71.

[0104] Next, with reference toFigure 12 , Figure 13 A description will be given of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view of the gasket 347 of the fourth embodiment as viewed from the front end side, Figure 13 FIG. is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the gasket 347 and the spacer 50 of the fourth embodiment.

[0105] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, except for the different structure of the gasket 347, the other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the other structures, illustration is omitted, and description is also omitted.

[0106] Furthermore, Figure 12 , Figure 13 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 5 , Figure 6 in the first embodiment.

[0107] As Figure 12 shown, a protruding portion 347p protruding in a rectangular frame shape so as to surround eight gasket holes 347a is formed on the front end side of the gasket 347.

[0108] And, as Figure 13 (a) of FIG. shows, the terminal metal member 71 pre-assembled to the spacer 50 and having a lead wire 48 crimped at the connecting portion 71g is passed through the gasket hole 347a from the front end side of the gasket 347.

[0109] Moreover, as Figure 13 (b) of FIG. shows, when the gasket 347 is further advanced, the protruding portion 347p is inserted into the inside of the spacer 50. At this time, the outer wall of the protruding portion 347p is pressed against the tapered surface 50s while abutting against the terminal metal member 71 (toward the right side of Figure 13 (b) of FIG.) and abuts against the terminal metal member 71.

[0110] In the fourth embodiment, the front end of the protruding portion 347p is also inserted along the axis O direction to a position behind the front end of the tapered surface 50s.

[0111] Thereby, the terminal metal member 71 can be reliably abutted against the protruding portion 347p.

[0112] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, contrary to the first embodiment, the main body portion 71f is arranged such that the connecting portion 71g of the terminal metal member 71 faces radially outward. Thus, the protruding portion 347p can be abutted against the terminal metal member 71 by slightly pressing it. Of course, it is also possible that the main body portion 71f is arranged such that it faces radially inward with respect to the connecting portion 71g, and the protruding portion 347p is further pressed and deformed.

[0113] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the protrusion 347p is disposed between the terminal metal member 71 and the tapered surface 50s.

[0114] Further, in the second to fourth embodiments, the front end of the protrusion is also embedded into the inside of the partition member 50 to a position closer to the front end side than 1 / 2 of the length L in the axis O direction of the tapered surface, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and of course relates to various modifications and equivalents included in the idea and scope of the present invention.

[0116] The shape, position, and number of the protrusions are not limited.

[0117] The partition member 50 is not limited to a box shape divided into two parts, and may also be a cylindrical shape such as a cylinder.

Claims

1. A gas sensor comprising: A sensor element having a plate shape, the sensor element extending in the axial direction and having an electrode pad on a main surface on the rear end side; A terminal metal piece extending along the axis direction and electrically connected to the electrode pad; a separator having an accommodation portion that penetrates in the axial direction and accommodates the rear end side of the sensor element and the terminal metal fitting, the separator holding the terminal metal fitting; and a gasket disposed at a rear end side relative to the separator, The gas sensor is characterized in that The receiving portion has a tapered surface that increases in diameter in a direction perpendicular to the main surface as it moves toward the rear end of the partition. The washer has a protrusion on the front end side, and the front end of the protrusion is embedded in a position closer to the rear end side than the front end of the tapered surface along the axial direction. The terminal metal fitting is in contact with the protruding portion.

2. The gas sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that The front end of the protrusion is fitted into the separator to a position closer to the front end than 1 / 2 of the length L of the tapered surface in the axial direction.

3. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protruding portion has a washer hole into which the terminal metal fitting is inserted, and the terminal metal fitting abuts against the protruding portion inside the washer hole.

4. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The side surface of the protrusion narrows toward the front end side in a manner along the tapered surface, The terminal metal fitting is sandwiched between the side surface and the tapered surface of the protruding portion.

5. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protrusion is arranged on the inner side of the terminal metal fitting.

6. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protrusion is arranged between the terminal metal fitting and the tapered surface.

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