JP2017215154A - Gas sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas sensor which improves productivity and further reduces the number of components by using high polymer material for main components of the gas sensor.SOLUTION: A gas sensor 200 includes a gas sensor element 10 which has a detecting portion 11 on a tip end side and has an electrode pad 12a on a rear end side; a cylindrical element holding member 20 which surrounds a periphery of a part between the detecting portion and the electrode pad of the gas sensor element to hold the gas sensor element; a housing portion 50 which surrounds at least a part of a periphery of the element holding member, has an attaching portion 52 for being attached to an attached object, and has an opening 50h in which the element holding member can be inserted on a rear end side thereof; a cover portion 40 which blocks the opening; a terminal fitting 30 electrically connected with the electrode pad; and a connector portion 53 which is integrally provided on the housing portion or the cover portion, and can be inserted in the terminal fitting to be inserted/extracted in/from an exterior device. All of the element holding member, the housing portion, and the cover portion are made from high polymer material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、被検出ガスの濃度を検出するガスセンサ素子を備えたガスセンサに関する。   The present invention relates to a gas sensor including a gas sensor element that detects the concentration of a gas to be detected.

ディーゼルエンジンやガソリンエンジン等の内燃機関の吸気系統（例えば、吸気管や吸気マニホールド）や排気系統にガスセンサを取り付け、特定ガスの濃度をモニタして燃焼状態等を制御することが行われている。そして、このような制御に一般的に用いられるガスセンサとしては、ガスセンサ素子を主体金具の内部に保持すると共に、ガスセンサ素子の後端側を金属製のカバーで覆う構造が採られている。又、金属製のカバーの代わりに、樹脂製の基体部を主体金具の後端側に取り付けることで、製造及び組付けを容易にした技術も開発されている（特許文献１）。   A gas sensor is attached to an intake system (for example, an intake pipe or an intake manifold) or an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, and a concentration of a specific gas is monitored to control a combustion state or the like. And as a gas sensor generally used for such control, the structure which hold | maintains a gas sensor element inside a metal shell, and covers the rear-end side of a gas sensor element with a metal cover is taken. In addition, a technique has been developed that facilitates manufacture and assembly by attaching a resin base portion to the rear end side of the metal shell instead of a metal cover (Patent Document 1).

特開２０１４−３８０８２号公報JP 2014-38082 A

ところで、金属製のカバーの代わりに樹脂製の基体部を用いると部品点数を低減することができるが、依然として主体金具等の金属部品や、滑石等の無機粉末圧粉体、セラミックス製のスリーブ等が必要であり、部品点数のさらなる低減の余地がある。又、これら材質が異なる各部品の寸法精度を確保したり、素材毎の品質管理を要するため、生産性が低下するという問題がある。
そこで、本発明は、ガスセンサの主な構成部材に高分子材料を用いることで、生産性を向上させると共に部品点数をさらに低減したガスセンサを提供することを目的とする。 By the way, if the resin base portion is used instead of the metal cover, the number of parts can be reduced. However, metal parts such as metal shells, inorganic powder compacts such as talc, ceramic sleeves, etc. There is room for further reduction in the number of parts. In addition, there is a problem that productivity is reduced because dimensional accuracy of each part having different materials is required and quality control for each material is required.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas sensor that improves productivity and further reduces the number of parts by using a polymer material as a main constituent member of the gas sensor.

上記課題を解決するため、本発明のガスセンサは、軸線方向に延び、先端側に検出部を有すると共に後端側に電極パッドを有するガスセンサ素子と、前記ガスセンサ素子のうち、前記検出部と前記電極パッドとの間の部位の周囲を取り囲んで前記ガスセンサ素子を保持する筒状の素子保持部材と、前記素子保持部材の周囲の少なくとも一部を取り囲む筐体部であって、取付対象体に取付けるための取付け部を有し、自身の後端側に前記素子保持部材が挿入可能な開口を有する筐体部と、前記開口を閉塞する蓋部と、前記電極パッドと電気的に接続される端子金具と、前記筐体部又は前記蓋部に一体に設けられ、前記端子金具を挿通して外部装置と差抜可能なコネクタ部と、を備えるガスセンサであって、前記素子保持部材、前記筐体部及び前記蓋部がいずれも高分子材料からなる。   In order to solve the above-described problems, a gas sensor according to the present invention includes a gas sensor element extending in the axial direction, having a detection unit on a front end side and an electrode pad on a rear end side, and the detection unit and the electrode among the gas sensor elements. A cylindrical element holding member that surrounds the periphery of the portion between the pad and holds the gas sensor element, and a casing that surrounds at least a part of the periphery of the element holding member, and is attached to the attachment target body A housing portion having an opening through which the element holding member can be inserted, a lid portion that closes the opening, and a terminal fitting electrically connected to the electrode pad And a connector part that is provided integrally with the casing part or the lid part and that can be inserted into and removed from an external device through the terminal fitting, wherein the element holding member, the casing part And before Both lid made of polymer material.

このガスセンサによれば、ガスセンサの主な構成部材である、素子保持部材、筐体部及び蓋部がいずれも高分子材料からなっているので、部品点数を低減し、コストを低減すると共に、生産性をさらに向上させることができる。又、主体金具等の金属部品や、滑石等の無機粉末圧粉体、セラミックス製のスリーブ等のように、それぞれ異なる種々の材質毎の構成部品の寸法精度の確保や、素材毎の品質管理が不要となり、この点からも生産性を向上させることができる。
なお、部品点数を低減すると共に、金属部品等に比べて軽量な高分子材料を用いることで、重量を低減することができる。ガスセンサの重量を低減すると、ガスセンサが取り付けられる部位の振動を低減でき、ガスセンサや取り付け部位の耐振動性を向上させることができる。 According to this gas sensor, since the element holding member, the housing part, and the lid part, which are the main constituent members of the gas sensor, are all made of a polymer material, the number of parts is reduced, the cost is reduced, and production is performed. The property can be further improved. In addition, it is possible to ensure the dimensional accuracy of various different materials such as metal parts such as metal shells, inorganic powder green compacts such as talc, ceramic sleeves, etc., and quality control for each material. It becomes unnecessary and productivity can be improved also from this point.
The weight can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and using a polymer material that is lighter than metal parts. When the weight of the gas sensor is reduced, the vibration of the part to which the gas sensor is attached can be reduced, and the vibration resistance of the gas sensor and the attachment part can be improved.

本発明のガスセンサにおいて、前記素子保持部材は、前記ガスセンサ素子に接する中心部位と、前記中心部位を取り囲む外側部位とを有し、前記中心部位を形成する前記高分子材料は、前記外側部位を形成する前記高分子材料よりも耐熱強度が高くてもよい。
このガスセンサによれば、ガスセンサ素子が検出素子を早期活性化させるためのヒータを有している場合などに、ヒータにより高温となるガスセンサ素子に接する素子保持部材の部位の熱による劣化や、熱膨張によるシール性の低下を抑制できる。 In the gas sensor according to the aspect of the invention, the element holding member includes a central portion that contacts the gas sensor element and an outer portion that surrounds the central portion, and the polymer material that forms the central portion forms the outer portion. The heat resistant strength may be higher than that of the polymer material.
According to this gas sensor, when the gas sensor element has a heater for activating the detection element at an early stage, for example, deterioration of the portion of the element holding member in contact with the gas sensor element that is heated by the heater due to heat, thermal expansion It is possible to suppress a decrease in sealing performance due to

本発明のガスセンサにおいて、前記筐体部は、前記ガスセンサ素子の前記検出部の周囲を覆うプロテクタを一体に有していてもよい。
このガスセンサによれば、プロテクタを別部品とする場合に比べ、部品点数をさらに低減できる。 The gas sensor of this invention WHEREIN: The said housing | casing part may have integrally the protector which covers the circumference | surroundings of the said detection part of the said gas sensor element.
According to this gas sensor, the number of parts can be further reduced as compared with the case where the protector is a separate part.

本発明のガスセンサにおいて、前記コネクタ部は前記筐体部に一体に設けられ、前記端子金具は、前記蓋部に保持される第１端子金具と、前記コネクタ部に保持される第２端子金具とを有していてもよい。
コネクタ部の向きによっては、端子金具の電極パッドに接続される部位からコネクタ部側に向かって屈曲させる必要が生じ、形状が複雑になるために、コネクタ部に端子金具を一体に保持させることは難しい。
そこで、端子金具の一部を、コネクタ部に保持させる第２端子金具とし、第２端子金具を組み付け時に第１端子金具と接続させることで、コネクタ部に端子金具（第２端子金具）を保持する別部品が不要となって部品点数をさらに低減すると共に、電極パッドに接続される複雑な形状の端子金具（第１端子金具）を容易に組み付けることができる。 In the gas sensor of the present invention, the connector portion is provided integrally with the housing portion, and the terminal fitting includes a first terminal fitting held by the lid portion, and a second terminal fitting held by the connector portion. You may have.
Depending on the orientation of the connector part, it is necessary to bend from the part connected to the electrode pad of the terminal metal part toward the connector part side, and the shape becomes complicated. difficult.
Therefore, a part of the terminal fitting is used as a second terminal fitting to be held by the connector portion, and the terminal fitting (second terminal fitting) is held in the connector portion by connecting the second terminal fitting to the first terminal fitting during assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate part, further reducing the number of parts, and easily assembling a terminal fitting (first terminal fitting) having a complicated shape connected to the electrode pad.

この発明によれば、ガスセンサの主な構成部材に高分子材料を用いることで、生産性を向上させると共に部品点数をさらに低減したガスセンサを得ることができる。   According to the present invention, by using a polymer material as a main constituent member of the gas sensor, it is possible to obtain a gas sensor that improves productivity and further reduces the number of parts.

本発明の実施形態に係るガスセンサの構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the gas sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るガスセンサの上面図である。It is a top view of the gas sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 蓋部及び端子金具の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a cover part and a terminal metal fitting. 本発明の実施形態に係るガスセンサの組付け工程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the assembly | attachment process of the gas sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 図４に続く断面図である。It is sectional drawing following FIG. 本発明の実施形態に係るガスセンサの変形例の構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the modification of the gas sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

以下、本発明の実施形態について説明する。
図１は、本発明の実施形態に係るガスセンサ２００の軸線Ｏ方向に沿う断面図、図２は、ガスセンサ２００の（後端側から見た）上面図、図３は蓋部及び端子金具の斜視図である。なお、図２においては、内側蓋部４１の表示を省略してある。
本実施形態では、ガスセンサ２００は、比較的温度の低い内燃機関の吸気系統に取付けられる吸気センサである。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of the axis O of a gas sensor 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the gas sensor 200 (viewed from the rear end side), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lid and terminal fittings. FIG. In addition, in FIG. 2, the display of the inner side cover part 41 is abbreviate | omitted.
In the present embodiment, the gas sensor 200 is an intake sensor attached to an intake system of an internal combustion engine having a relatively low temperature.

なお、ガスセンサ素子１０の軸線Ｏ方向（１点鎖線で示す。）を上下方向として図示し、ガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２側をガスセンサ素子１０（及びガスセンサ）の後端側、その反対側にあるガスセンサ素子１０の検出部１１側をガスセンサ素子１０（及びガスセンサ）の先端側、として説明する。又、軸線Ｏ方向に垂直な方向を適宜「径方向」と称する。
又、図３においては、簡便のため、端子金具（第１端子金具３１）を１本のみ表示し、端子金具（第２端子金具３２）を１つのみ表示しているが、実際には、各端子金具３１，３２は複数本（本発明の実施形態では、各５本づつ）設けられている。 Note that the axis O direction (indicated by a one-dot chain line) of the gas sensor element 10 is shown as a vertical direction, and the rear end portion 12 side of the gas sensor element 10 is on the rear end side of the gas sensor element 10 (and the gas sensor) and the opposite side thereof. The detection part 11 side of a certain gas sensor element 10 will be described as the front end side of the gas sensor element 10 (and the gas sensor). A direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis O is appropriately referred to as a “radial direction”.
In FIG. 3, for convenience, only one terminal fitting (first terminal fitting 31) is displayed and only one terminal fitting (second terminal fitting 32) is displayed. A plurality of terminal fittings 31 and 32 are provided (each five in the embodiment of the present invention).

図１に示すように、ガスセンサ２００は、ガスセンサ素子１０と、ガスセンサ素子１０の周囲の少なくとも一部を取り囲んで保持する素子保持部材２０と、素子保持部材２０の周囲を取り囲んで保持する筐体部５０と、筐体部５０の開口５０ｈを閉塞する蓋部４０（内側蓋部４１，外側蓋部４２）と、ガスセンサ素子１０の電極パッド１２ａに電気的に接続される端子金具３０（第１端子金具３１、第２端子金具３２）と、筐体部５０に一体に設けられ、端子金具３０（第２端子金具３２）を保持して外部装置と差抜可能なコネクタ部５３と、を有する。   As shown in FIG. 1, the gas sensor 200 includes a gas sensor element 10, an element holding member 20 that surrounds and holds at least a part of the periphery of the gas sensor element 10, and a housing portion that surrounds and holds the periphery of the element holding member 20. 50, a lid 40 (inner lid 41, outer lid 42) that closes the opening 50h of the housing 50, and a terminal fitting 30 (first terminal) that is electrically connected to the electrode pad 12a of the gas sensor element 10. The metal fitting 31 and the second terminal metal fitting 32) are provided integrally with the housing portion 50, and have a connector portion 53 that holds the terminal metal fitting 30 (second terminal metal fitting 32) and can be removed from an external device.

又、ガスセンサ素子１０の検出部１１を覆う外側プロテクタ５４が筐体部５０に一体に設けられ、外側プロテクタ５４と検出部１１の間には、筐体部５０と別部品の内側プロテクタ６０が配置されている。各プロテクタ５４、６０には、それぞれガスが出入する貫通孔５４ｈ、６０ｈが形成されている。これらプロテクタ５４、６０は、内部に収容された検出部１１を保護する。   In addition, an outer protector 54 that covers the detection unit 11 of the gas sensor element 10 is provided integrally with the casing unit 50, and an inner protector 60 that is a separate part from the casing unit 50 is disposed between the outer protector 54 and the detection unit 11. Has been. The protectors 54 and 60 are formed with through holes 54h and 60h, respectively, through which gas enters and exits. These protectors 54 and 60 protect the detection unit 11 housed inside.

そして、素子保持部材２０、筐体部５０及び蓋部４０がいずれも高分子材料からなっている。
なお、本実施形態では、素子保持部材２０は、ガスセンサ素子１０の検出部１１と電極パッド１２ａの間の外面に接する中心部位２０ｃと、中心部位２０ｃを取り囲む外側部位２０ｄとを有する。中心部位２０ｃは、外側部位２０ｄよりも耐熱強度が高い高分子材料（例えば、ポリベンゾイミダゾール樹脂）からなり、素子保持部材２０の外側部位２０ｄ、並びに筐体部５０及び蓋部４０はいずれもポリフェニレンサルファイド（ＰＰＳ）樹脂からなる。
又、内側プロテクタ６０は自身の後端側に径大で肉厚の基部６０ｆを一体に有するが、基部６０ｆを含む内側プロテクタ６０もＰＰＳ樹脂からなる。 The element holding member 20, the housing part 50, and the lid part 40 are all made of a polymer material.
In the present embodiment, the element holding member 20 includes a central portion 20c that is in contact with the outer surface between the detection unit 11 of the gas sensor element 10 and the electrode pad 12a, and an outer portion 20d that surrounds the central portion 20c. The central portion 20c is made of a polymer material (for example, polybenzimidazole resin) having a higher heat resistance than the outer portion 20d, and the outer portion 20d of the element holding member 20, the housing portion 50, and the lid portion 40 are all polyphenylene. It consists of sulfide (PPS) resin.
Further, the inner protector 60 integrally has a thick and thick base 60f on the rear end side of the inner protector 60, but the inner protector 60 including the base 60f is also made of PPS resin.

本実施形態では、素子保持部材２０の中心部位２０ｃがガスセンサ素子１０の外面にインサート成形によって一体に形成されている。又、素子保持部材２０のうち中心部位２０ｃを囲む外側部位２０ｄは、ガスセンサ素子１０にインサート成形された中心部位２０ｃの周りにインサート成形によって一体に形成されている。このようなインサート成形により、滑石等を用いずとも、ガスセンサ素子１０の外面と素子保持部材２０との間が気密に保持されると共に、ガスセンサ素子１０が素子保持部材２０にしっかりと保持される。
なお、それぞれ別部品である筐体部５０と素子保持部材２０との間や、筐体部５０と内側蓋部４１の間の気密を得るために、筐体部５０に素子保持部材２０（又は内側蓋部４１）を圧入又は溶接したり、シール部材を介在させると好ましい。 In the present embodiment, the central portion 20c of the element holding member 20 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the gas sensor element 10 by insert molding. Further, the outer portion 20d surrounding the central portion 20c of the element holding member 20 is integrally formed around the central portion 20c insert-molded in the gas sensor element 10 by insert molding. By such insert molding, the space between the outer surface of the gas sensor element 10 and the element holding member 20 is hermetically held without using talc or the like, and the gas sensor element 10 is firmly held by the element holding member 20.
In addition, in order to obtain airtightness between the casing unit 50 and the element holding member 20, which are separate parts, or between the casing unit 50 and the inner lid 41, the element holding member 20 (or The inner lid part 41) is preferably press-fitted or welded, or a seal member is interposed.

次に、ガスセンサ２００の各構成部分についてさらに詳細に説明する。
ガスセンサ素子１０は公知であるような軸線Ｏ方向に延びる略角柱状をなし、酸素濃度の検出を行う検出素子と、その検出素子を早期活性化させるために加熱を行うヒータとが互いに貼り合わされた積層体である。検出素子は、ジルコニアを主体とする固体電解質体と、白金を主体とする一対の電極とを、中空の測定室が一部に形成された絶縁層を介して積層した構成をなしている。この検出素子は、より具体的には、固体電解質体の両面に形成された一対の電極の一方を外部に晒すと共に、他方の電極を測定室に配置した酸素ポンプセルと、固体電解質体の両面に形成された一対の電極の一方を測定室に配置すると共に、他方の電極を基準ガス室に配置した酸素濃度測定セルとを有してなり、酸素濃度測定セルの出力電圧が所定の値になるように、酸素ポンプセルの一対の電極間に流す電流を制御することで、測定室内の酸素を汲み出したり、測定室内に外部から酸素を汲み入れたりする構成をなしている。 Next, each component of the gas sensor 200 will be described in more detail.
The gas sensor element 10 has a generally prismatic shape extending in the direction of the axis O as is well known, and a detection element for detecting the oxygen concentration and a heater for heating to activate the detection element are bonded to each other. It is a laminate. The detection element has a configuration in which a solid electrolyte body mainly composed of zirconia and a pair of electrodes mainly composed of platinum are stacked via an insulating layer in which a hollow measurement chamber is partially formed. More specifically, the detection element exposes one of a pair of electrodes formed on both surfaces of the solid electrolyte body to the outside and an oxygen pump cell in which the other electrode is disposed in the measurement chamber, and both surfaces of the solid electrolyte body. One of the formed pair of electrodes is arranged in the measurement chamber, and the other electrode is arranged in the reference gas chamber, and the output voltage of the oxygen concentration measurement cell becomes a predetermined value. As described above, the current flowing between the pair of electrodes of the oxygen pump cell is controlled to draw out oxygen in the measurement chamber or pump oxygen into the measurement chamber from the outside.

なお、酸素ポンプセルのうち、一対の電極、及び、固体電解質体のうちでこれら電極に挟まれる部位は、酸素濃度に応じた電流が流れる検出部１１をなす。検出部１１の外周面は、必要に応じて多孔質状の保護層１５により被覆され、検出部１１のうち外部に晒される電極を吸気等による被毒や被水から保護している。
一方、ガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２には、検出素子からの出力を取り出すためや、ヒータに電力を供給するための５つの電極パッド１２ａ（図１ではそのうちの３つがガスセンサ素子１０の右面側に配置され、左面に残りの２つが配置される。）が形成されている。これら電極パッド１２ａは、端子金具３１にそれぞれ接続される（図２、図３参照）。 Of the oxygen pump cell, a portion of the pair of electrodes and a solid electrolyte body sandwiched between these electrodes forms a detection unit 11 through which a current corresponding to the oxygen concentration flows. The outer peripheral surface of the detection unit 11 is covered with a porous protective layer 15 as necessary to protect the electrode exposed to the outside of the detection unit 11 from poisoning or water exposure due to intake air or the like.
On the other hand, the rear end portion 12 of the gas sensor element 10 has five electrode pads 12a (three of which are on the right side of the gas sensor element 10 in FIG. 1) for taking out the output from the detection element and supplying power to the heater. And the remaining two are arranged on the left side). These electrode pads 12a are respectively connected to the terminal fittings 31 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

筐体部５０は、取付対象体（内燃機関の吸気管）の取付孔に挿入される筒部５１と、筒部５１よりも小径で筒部５１の先端側に延びる外側プロテクタ５４と、筒部５１よりも径大な略円筒状で筒部５１の後端側に延びる基部５５と、基部５５の一側面から径方向外側に延びる略矩形状のコネクタ部５３と、基部５５の他の側面から径方向外側に延びる一個の半円状フランジをなす取付け部５２（図２参照）と、を一体に有している。取付け部５２とコネクタ部５３とは、基部５５の周方向に約９０度異なって配置されている。そして、これら筐体部５０の各構成部分は、高分子材料（樹脂）を金型成形等することにより一体に形成されている。又、コネクタ部５３は、径方向外側に向く開口部５３ｈを有する雄コネクタであって、開口部５３ｈにて外部装置の相手コネクタ（この例では、雌コネクタ）を径方向に差抜可能になっている。
そして、外部装置は、第２端子金具３２を介して電極パッド１２ａに電気的に接続され、検出素子からの出力を取り出したり、ヒータに電力を供給する。
なお、コネクタ部５３を含む筐体部５０は、第２端子金具３２の周りにインサート成形されて第２端子金具３２と一体化されている。 The casing 50 includes a cylindrical portion 51 that is inserted into an attachment hole of an attachment target body (intake pipe of an internal combustion engine), an outer protector 54 that is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical portion 51 and extends toward the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 51, and a cylindrical portion. From a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than 51 and extending to the rear end side of the tubular portion 51, a substantially rectangular connector portion 53 extending radially outward from one side surface of the base portion 55, and the other side surface of the base portion 55 A mounting portion 52 (see FIG. 2) forming a single semicircular flange extending radially outward is integrally provided. The attachment portion 52 and the connector portion 53 are disposed so as to be different from each other by about 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the base portion 55. And each component of these housing | casing parts 50 is integrally formed by carrying out the die shaping | molding etc. of polymeric material (resin). The connector 53 is a male connector having an opening 53h facing radially outward, and a mating connector (in this example, a female connector) of an external device can be inserted and removed in the radial direction through the opening 53h. ing.
The external device is electrically connected to the electrode pad 12a via the second terminal fitting 32, and outputs an output from the detection element or supplies power to the heater.
The housing part 50 including the connector part 53 is insert-molded around the second terminal fitting 32 and integrated with the second terminal fitting 32.

取付け部５２には取付け孔５２ｈが１つ開口し、取付け孔５２ｈにはカラー７０が内嵌されている。そして、取付け孔５２ｈに挿通したネジ（図示せず）をガスセンサ２００の取付対象体（上述の吸気管）に設けたネジ孔にネジ止めすることで、ガスセンサ２００を取付対象体に取り付けることができる。
又、筒部５１の先端側の外面には周方向に沿って凹溝５１ａが形成され、この凹溝５１ａにシール部材（Ｏリング）９１が外嵌されている。従って、取付対象体の取付孔にガスセンサ２００（筒部５１）を先端側から挿入して取り付けた際、シール部材９０が取付対象体の壁面で潰され、取付対象体とガスセンサ２００（筒部５１）との間をシールするようになっている。
なお、筒部５１の凹溝５１ａよりやや後端側の内周には段部５１ｂが形成されている。又、筒部５１と基部５５との間の内周部分にも段部５５ｂが形成されている。 One mounting hole 52h is opened in the mounting portion 52, and a collar 70 is fitted in the mounting hole 52h. Then, the gas sensor 200 can be attached to the attachment target body by screwing a screw (not shown) inserted through the attachment hole 52h into a screw hole provided in the attachment target body (the above-described intake pipe) of the gas sensor 200. .
Further, a concave groove 51a is formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface on the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 51, and a seal member (O-ring) 91 is fitted on the concave groove 51a. Therefore, when the gas sensor 200 (cylinder part 51) is inserted and attached to the attachment hole of the attachment object from the tip side, the seal member 90 is crushed by the wall surface of the attachment object, and the attachment object and the gas sensor 200 (cylinder part 51). ) Is sealed.
Note that a stepped portion 51b is formed on the inner periphery slightly rearward of the concave groove 51a of the cylindrical portion 51. Further, a stepped portion 55 b is also formed at the inner peripheral portion between the tube portion 51 and the base portion 55.

一方、素子保持部材２０は後端側が段部２０ｅにて拡径する円筒状をなしている。そして、素子保持部材２０よりも先端側にガスセンサ素子１０の検出部１１が突出し、素子保持部材２０よりも後端側にガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２（電極パッド１２ａ）が突出する。ガスセンサ素子１０と素子保持部材２０とは一体して素子ユニット８０を構成する。
又、内側プロテクタ６０の基部６０ｆは、内側プロテクタ６０よりも径大であり、基部６０ｆの後端部がさらに径大な段部６０ｅを形成している。
蓋部４０は、内側蓋部４１と、外側蓋部４２との２つの部材からなる。内側蓋部４１は後端側が段部４１ｅにて拡径する円筒状をなし、外側蓋部４２は内側蓋部４１より径大で基部５５の直径と同径の円盤状をなしている。 On the other hand, the element holding member 20 has a cylindrical shape in which the rear end side expands in diameter at the stepped portion 20e. And the detection part 11 of the gas sensor element 10 protrudes to the front end side from the element holding member 20, and the rear end part 12 (electrode pad 12a) of the gas sensor element 10 protrudes to the rear end side from the element holding member 20. The gas sensor element 10 and the element holding member 20 constitute an element unit 80 integrally.
The base portion 60f of the inner protector 60 is larger in diameter than the inner protector 60, and the rear end portion of the base portion 60f forms a step portion 60e having a larger diameter.
The lid 40 is composed of two members, an inner lid 41 and an outer lid 42. The inner lid portion 41 has a cylindrical shape whose rear end is enlarged in diameter by a step portion 41e, and the outer lid portion 42 has a disk shape larger in diameter than the inner lid portion 41 and having the same diameter as the diameter of the base portion 55.

さらに、図３に示すように、内側蓋部４１の後端側には、各第１端子金具３１を保持するための保持孔４１ｈが設けられている。各第１端子金具３１は同形であり、くの字状に屈曲して対応する電極パッド１２ａに当接する先端屈曲部３１ｃを有する素子部３１ａと、断面が略矩形箱状の基部３１ｂとを一体に備えている。
一方、保持孔４１ｈは、素子部３１ａを内嵌して保持する矩形の第１孔４１ｈ１と、基部３１ｂを内嵌して保持する矩形の第２孔４１ｈ２とを備え、内側蓋部４１には各保持孔４１ｈが５個貫通している。なお、３個並びの保持孔４１ｈに保持される各第１端子金具３１（図３中の右側）は素子からの出力を取り出し、２個並びの保持孔４１ｈに保持される各第１端子金具３１（図３中の左側）はヒータに電力を供給する。又、各第１孔４１ｈ１及び第２孔４１ｈ２はそれぞれ離間しているが、３個並びの保持孔４１ｈにおける各第１孔４１ｈ１は相互に連通している。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a holding hole 41 h for holding each first terminal fitting 31 is provided on the rear end side of the inner lid portion 41. Each first terminal fitting 31 has the same shape, and is integrally formed with an element portion 31a having a bent end portion 31c that bends in a U-shape and contacts the corresponding electrode pad 12a, and a base portion 31b having a substantially rectangular box shape in cross section. In preparation.
On the other hand, the holding hole 41h includes a rectangular first hole 41h1 for fitting and holding the element portion 31a, and a rectangular second hole 41h2 for fitting and holding the base portion 31b. Each holding hole 41h passes through five pieces. The first terminal fittings 31 (right side in FIG. 3) held in the three holding holes 41h take out the output from the element, and the first terminal fittings held in the two holding holes 41h. 31 (left side in FIG. 3) supplies power to the heater. The first holes 41h1 and the second holes 41h2 are spaced apart from each other, but the first holes 41h1 in the three holding holes 41h are in communication with each other.

そして、内側蓋部４１に区画された各保持孔４１ｈ（各第１孔４１ｈ１及び第２孔４１ｈ２）に各第１端子金具３１を内嵌して保持すると、各先端屈曲部３１ｃが内側蓋部４１の先端向き面側に開口する素子孔４１ｈ３に臨むようになる。従って、素子孔４１ｈ３にガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２を挿入すると、各先端屈曲部３１ｃが対応する電極パッド１２ａを取り囲むようにして電極パッド１２ａに電気的に接続される。
一方、図３に示すように、コネクタ部５３に保持された各第２端子金具３２の径方向内側の先端部３２ａは、いずれも後端側に突出するようにＬ字状に屈曲している。このため、後述するように筐体部５０の開口５０ｈを内側蓋部４１で閉塞した際、第２端子金具３２の先端部３２ａが基部３１ｂの内側に挿入され、各第１端子金具３１と第２端子金具３２とが電気的に接続されるようになっている。このようにして、ガスセンサ２００内部のガスセンサ素子１０と外部装置とを電気的に接続することができる。 Then, when the first terminal fittings 31 are fitted and held in the holding holes 41h (the first holes 41h1 and the second holes 41h2) partitioned by the inner lid portion 41, the distal end bent portions 31c become the inner lid portions. It comes to face the element hole 41h3 that opens to the tip-facing surface side of 41. Therefore, when the rear end portion 12 of the gas sensor element 10 is inserted into the element hole 41h3, each leading end bent portion 31c is electrically connected to the electrode pad 12a so as to surround the corresponding electrode pad 12a.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion 32a on the radially inner side of each second terminal fitting 32 held by the connector portion 53 is bent in an L shape so as to protrude to the rear end side. . For this reason, as described later, when the opening 50h of the housing portion 50 is closed with the inner lid portion 41, the distal end portion 32a of the second terminal fitting 32 is inserted inside the base portion 31b. The two-terminal metal fitting 32 is electrically connected. In this way, the gas sensor element 10 inside the gas sensor 200 and the external device can be electrically connected.

次に、図４、図５を参照し、ガスセンサ２００の組付け工程について説明する。
まず、図４に示すように、筐体部５０の開口５０ｈに後端側から、内側プロテクタ６０と、素子ユニット８０（ガスセンサ素子１０及び素子保持部材２０）とを、この順に挿入する。
内側プロテクタ６０を挿入してゆくと、段部６０ｅが筐体部５０（筒部５１）の段部５１ｂに係止する。又、素子ユニット８０（素子保持部材２０）を挿入（圧入）してゆくと、その段部２０ｅが内側プロテクタ６０の基部６０ｆに当接し、段部５１ｂとの間で内側プロテクタ６０を軸線Ｏ方向に挟持して固定する。このようにして、本実施形態では、素子保持部材２０の周囲の全長が筐体部５０（筒部５１）内に収容されている。 Next, an assembly process of the gas sensor 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner protector 60 and the element unit 80 (the gas sensor element 10 and the element holding member 20) are inserted in this order from the rear end side into the opening 50 h of the housing unit 50.
When the inner protector 60 is inserted, the stepped portion 60e is locked to the stepped portion 51b of the casing 50 (tubular portion 51). When the element unit 80 (element holding member 20) is inserted (press-fitted), the stepped portion 20e comes into contact with the base portion 60f of the inner protector 60, and the inner protector 60 is moved between the stepped portion 51b and the axis O direction. Hold it in place and fix it. In this way, in the present embodiment, the entire length around the element holding member 20 is accommodated in the housing part 50 (cylinder part 51).

次に、図５に示すように、筐体部５０の開口５０ｈに後端側から、第１端子金具３１を保持した内側蓋部４１と、外側蓋部４２とを、この順に挿入する。
内側蓋部４１を挿入（圧入）してゆくと、その段部４１ｅが筐体部５０（基部５５）の段部５５ｂに係止し、段部５５ｂよりも先端側の開口５０ｈを閉塞する。又、内側蓋部４１の素子孔４１ｈ３にガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２が挿入され、各第１端子金具３１の先端屈曲部３１ｃが対応する電極パッド１２ａに電気的に接続される。さらに、第２端子金具３２の先端部３２ａが各第１端子金具３１の基部３１ｂの内側に挿入され、各第１端子金具３１と第２端子金具３２とが電気的に接続される。
なお、本実施形態では、内側蓋部４１は略円筒状をなしているが、筐体部５０と内側蓋部４１との位置合わせのために、例えば内側蓋部４１に切欠きや突出部を設けると共に、筐体部５０の内面に突出部や切欠きを設け、両者を合わせるように挿入することで、位置合わせを容易にすることが可能となる。
一方、筐体部５０（基部５５）の段部５５ｂよりも後端側には、段部５５ｂよりも径大な第２段部５５ｃが形成されており、この第２段部５５ｃにシール部材（Ｏリング）９２が載置されている。そして、外側蓋部４２を開口５０ｈに嵌め合わせると、筐体部５０（基部５５）の後端縁５５ｅに外側蓋部４２の先端向き面が係止すると共に、筐体部５０と外側蓋部４２の間でシール部材９２が潰され、両者の間をシールするようになっている。 Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner lid portion 41 holding the first terminal fitting 31 and the outer lid portion 42 are inserted in this order into the opening 50 h of the housing portion 50 from the rear end side.
When the inner lid portion 41 is inserted (press-fitted), the step portion 41e is locked to the step portion 55b of the housing portion 50 (base portion 55), and the opening 50h on the tip side of the step portion 55b is closed. Further, the rear end portion 12 of the gas sensor element 10 is inserted into the element hole 41h3 of the inner lid portion 41, and the distal end bent portion 31c of each first terminal fitting 31 is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode pad 12a. Furthermore, the front end portion 32a of the second terminal fitting 32 is inserted inside the base portion 31b of each first terminal fitting 31, and each first terminal fitting 31 and the second terminal fitting 32 are electrically connected.
In the present embodiment, the inner lid portion 41 has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, in order to align the housing portion 50 and the inner lid portion 41, for example, a cutout or a protruding portion is provided on the inner lid portion 41. It is possible to facilitate the alignment by providing the protruding portion and the notch on the inner surface of the housing 50 and inserting them so as to match them.
On the other hand, a second step portion 55c having a diameter larger than that of the step portion 55b is formed on the rear end side of the step portion 55b of the housing portion 50 (base portion 55), and a seal member is formed on the second step portion 55c. An (O-ring) 92 is placed. When the outer lid 42 is fitted into the opening 50h, the front-facing surface of the outer lid 42 is locked to the rear end edge 55e of the casing 50 (base 55), and the casing 50 and the outer lid The seal member 92 is crushed between 42 and seals between the two.

以上のように、ガスセンサ２００の主な構成部材である、素子保持部材２０、筐体部５０及び蓋部４０がいずれも高分子材料からなっているので、部品点数を低減し、コストを低減すると共に、生産性をさらに向上させることができる。又、主体金具等の金属部品や、滑石等の無機粉末圧粉体、セラミックス製のスリーブ等のように、それぞれ異なる種々の材質毎の構成部品の寸法精度の確保や、素材毎の品質管理が不要となり、この点からも生産性を向上させることができる。
なお、部品点数を低減すると共に、金属部品等に比べて軽量な高分子材料を用いることで、重量を低減することができる。ガスセンサの重量を低減すると、ガスセンサが取り付けられる部位の振動を低減でき、ガスセンサや取り付け部位の耐振動性を向上させることができる。 As described above, since the element holding member 20, the casing portion 50, and the lid portion 40, which are main constituent members of the gas sensor 200, are all made of a polymer material, the number of parts is reduced and the cost is reduced. At the same time, productivity can be further improved. In addition, it is possible to ensure the dimensional accuracy of various different materials such as metal parts such as metal shells, inorganic powder green compacts such as talc, ceramic sleeves, etc., and quality control for each material. It becomes unnecessary and productivity can be improved also from this point.
The weight can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and using a polymer material that is lighter than metal parts. When the weight of the gas sensor is reduced, the vibration of the part to which the gas sensor is attached can be reduced, and the vibration resistance of the gas sensor and the attachment part can be improved.

又、本実施形態では、素子保持部材２０のうち、ガスセンサ素子１０の外面に接する中心部位２０ｃは、外側部位２０ｄよりも耐熱強度の高い高分子材料からなる。これにより、ガスセンサ素子１０が検出素子を早期活性化させるためのヒータを有している場合などに、ヒータにより高温となるガスセンサ素子１０に接する素子保持部材２０の部位の熱による劣化や、熱膨張によるシール性の低下を抑制できる。
さらに、本実施形態では、ガスセンサ素子１０の検出部１１を覆うプロテクタ（外側プロテクタ５４）を筐体部５０が一体に有するので、外側プロテクタ５４を別部品とする場合に比べ、部品点数をさらに低減できる。 Moreover, in this embodiment, the center part 20c which touches the outer surface of the gas sensor element 10 among the element holding members 20 is made of a polymer material having higher heat resistance strength than the outer part 20d. As a result, when the gas sensor element 10 has a heater for activating the detection element at an early stage, the deterioration of the portion of the element holding member 20 in contact with the gas sensor element 10 that is heated to a high temperature by the heater, or thermal expansion It is possible to suppress a decrease in sealing performance due to
Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the housing | casing part 50 has integrally the protector (outer protector 54) which covers the detection part 11 of the gas sensor element 10, compared with the case where the outer protector 54 is used as another component, the number of parts is further reduced. it can.

さらに、本実施形態では、コネクタ部５３を筐体部５０に一体に設けると共に、端子金具を、蓋部４１に保持される第１端子金具３１と、コネクタ部５３に保持される第２端子金具３２との別部材とし、組み付け時に両端子金具３１，３２を接続する。コネクタ部５３を横向きとした場合、端子金具の電極パッド２１ａに接続される部位（先端屈曲部３１ｃ近傍）からコネクタ部５３側に向かって屈曲させる必要が生じ、形状が複雑になるために、インサート成形等によりコネクタ部５３に一体に保持させることは難しい。
そこで、端子金具の一部を、コネクタ部５３にインサート成形等に一体に保持させる第２端子金具３２とし、第２端子金具３２を組み付け時に第１端子金具３１と接続させることで、コネクタ部５３に端子金具（第２端子金具３２）を保持する別部品が不要となって部品点数をさらに低減すると共に、電極パッド２１ａに接続される複雑な形状の端子金具（第１端子金具３１）を容易に組み付けることができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the connector portion 53 is provided integrally with the housing portion 50, and the terminal fitting is provided with the first terminal fitting 31 held by the lid portion 41 and the second terminal fitting held by the connector portion 53. The two terminal fittings 31 and 32 are connected at the time of assembly. When the connector portion 53 is in the horizontal direction, it is necessary to bend toward the connector portion 53 side from a portion connected to the electrode pad 21a of the terminal fitting (near the tip bent portion 31c), and the shape becomes complicated. It is difficult to hold the connector part 53 integrally by molding or the like.
Therefore, a part of the terminal fitting is used as the second terminal fitting 32 that is integrally held by the insert 53 or the like in the connector portion 53, and the second terminal fitting 32 is connected to the first terminal fitting 31 at the time of assembly. This eliminates the need for separate parts for holding the terminal fitting (second terminal fitting 32), further reducing the number of parts, and facilitating the complicatedly shaped terminal fitting (first terminal fitting 31) connected to the electrode pad 21a. Can be assembled.

本発明は上記実施形態に限定されず、本発明の思想と範囲に含まれる様々な変形及び均等物に及ぶことはいうまでもない。
例えば、図６に示すように、ガスセンサ２００Ｂにおいて、素子保持部材１２０の周囲の一部（後端側）のみを筐体部１５０が取り囲んで保持する形態であってもよい。なお、図６において、図１と同一の構成部分については同一符号を付して説明を省略する。 It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but extends to various modifications and equivalents included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the gas sensor 200 </ b> B, only a part (rear end side) around the element holding member 120 may be surrounded and held by the casing 150. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG.

図６において、素子保持部材１２０は、ガスセンサ素子１０の外面に接する中心部位２０ｃと、中心部位２０ｃの周囲に設けられた外側部位２０ｄとを一体に形成した略円筒状をなすが、図１の素子保持部材２０のような段部２０ｅを有しない。
筐体部１５０は、略円筒状の基部１５５と、基部１５５の一側面から径方向外側に延びるコネクタ部５３と、を一体に有している。又、基部１５５の先端側が径大なフランジ状の取付け部１５５ｆを形成し、取付け部１５５ｆの先端向き面には、取付対象体の外面との間に挟持されてシールを行うガスケット１６０が配置されている。但し、筐体部１５０は図１の筐体部５０のような筒部５１を有さず、又、開口１５５ｈは筐体部１５０の軸線Ｏ方向に貫通している。
一方、内側プロテクタ１６０は自身の後端側に径大で肉厚の基部１６０ｆを一体に有する。外側プロテクタ１５４は、筐体部１５０と別部品であり、自身の後端側に径大で肉厚の基部１５４ｆを一体に有する。
又、蓋部４０Ｂの内側蓋部１４１は、図１の内側蓋部４１と略同一形状であるが、後述する爪部Ｐ１を先端向き面に有する。 In FIG. 6, the element holding member 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which a central portion 20c contacting the outer surface of the gas sensor element 10 and an outer portion 20d provided around the central portion 20c are integrally formed. The step part 20e like the element holding member 20 is not provided.
The casing 150 integrally includes a substantially cylindrical base 155 and a connector 53 extending radially outward from one side surface of the base 155. Further, a flange-shaped attachment portion 155f having a large diameter is formed on the distal end side of the base portion 155, and a gasket 160 that is sandwiched between the outer surface of the attachment target body and seals is disposed on the distal-facing surface of the attachment portion 155f. ing. However, the housing part 150 does not have the cylindrical part 51 like the housing part 50 of FIG. 1, and the opening 155 h penetrates in the direction of the axis O of the housing part 150.
On the other hand, the inner protector 160 integrally has a large-diameter and thick base portion 160f on its rear end side. The outer protector 154 is a separate component from the casing 150, and integrally has a large-diameter and thick base 154f on its rear end side.
Further, the inner lid portion 141 of the lid portion 40B has substantially the same shape as the inner lid portion 41 of FIG. 1, but has a claw portion P1 to be described later on the tip-facing surface.

このガスセンサ２００Ｂは以下のように組み付けられる。
まず、内側プロテクタ１６０の基部１６０ｆの外側に、外側プロテクタ１５４の基部１５４ｆを合わせ、各基部１５４ｆ、１６０ｆの対応する位置に設けられた爪部Ｐ３を係合させて両者を固定する。次に、このプロテクタ固定体の後端側に素子保持部材１２０を合わせ、両者の対応する位置に設けられた爪部Ｐ２を係合させて素子保持部材１２０にプロテクタ固定体（内側プロテクタ１６０及び外側プロテクタ１５４）を固定する。
次に、素子保持部材１２０の後端側に内側蓋部１４１を合わせ、両者の対応する位置に設けられた爪部Ｐ１を係合させて内側蓋部１４１に素子保持部材１２０を固定する。このとき、内側蓋部１４１の素子孔４１ｈ３にガスセンサ素子１０の後端部１２が挿入され、各第１端子金具３１の先端屈曲部３１ｃが対応する電極パッド１２ａに電気的に接続される。 This gas sensor 200B is assembled as follows.
First, the base portion 154f of the outer protector 154 is aligned with the outer side of the base portion 160f of the inner protector 160, and the claws P3 provided at the corresponding positions of the base portions 154f and 160f are engaged to fix both. Next, the element holding member 120 is aligned with the rear end side of the protector fixing body, and the claw portions P2 provided at the positions corresponding to the both are engaged to engage the protector fixing body (the inner protector 160 and the outer protector) with the element holding member 120. The protector 154) is fixed.
Next, the inner lid portion 141 is aligned with the rear end side of the element holding member 120, and the claw portions P <b> 1 provided at positions corresponding to the both are engaged to fix the element holding member 120 to the inner lid portion 141. At this time, the rear end portion 12 of the gas sensor element 10 is inserted into the element hole 41h3 of the inner lid portion 141, and the distal end bent portion 31c of each first terminal fitting 31 is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode pad 12a.

次に、このアセンブリ（プロテクタ固定体、素子保持部材１２０及び内側蓋部１４１）を、筐体部１５０の開口１５５ｈに後端側から挿入（圧入）してゆくと、内側蓋部１４１の段部４１ｅが筐体部１５０（基部１５５）の段部５５ｂに係止し、段部５５ｂよりも先端側の開口１５５ｈを閉塞する。さらに、第２端子金具３２の先端部３２ａが各第１端子金具３１の基部３１ｂの内側に挿入され、各第１端子金具３１と第２端子金具３２とが電気的に接続される。
最後に、図５と同様、外側蓋部４２を、シール部材９２を介して開口１５５ｈに嵌め合わせる。
以上のように、ガスセンサ２００Ｂにおいては、素子保持部材１２０の周囲の一部（後端側）のみを筐体部１５０が取り囲んで保持し、筐体部１５０よりも先端側で素子保持部材１２０の外面が露出している。そして、この露出した素子保持部材１２０の外面は、取付対象体の取付孔に挿入される。 Next, when this assembly (the protector fixing body, the element holding member 120, and the inner lid portion 141) is inserted (press-fitted) into the opening 155h of the housing portion 150 from the rear end side, the step portion of the inner lid portion 141 is obtained. 41e engages with the stepped portion 55b of the casing 150 (base portion 155), and closes the opening 155h on the tip side of the stepped portion 55b. Furthermore, the front end portion 32a of the second terminal fitting 32 is inserted inside the base portion 31b of each first terminal fitting 31, and each first terminal fitting 31 and the second terminal fitting 32 are electrically connected.
Finally, as in FIG. 5, the outer lid portion 42 is fitted into the opening 155 h via the seal member 92.
As described above, in the gas sensor 200 </ b> B, only a part (rear end side) of the periphery of the element holding member 120 is surrounded and held by the casing unit 150, and the element holding member 120 of the element holding member 120 is more distal than the casing unit 150. The outer surface is exposed. The exposed outer surface of the element holding member 120 is inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting target body.

又、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されず、例えば、素子保持部材、筐体部、前記蓋部及び端子金具の形状や個数は上記に限定されない。例えば、蓋部が１個であってもよい。又、それぞれ別部品の高分子材料からなる筐体部５０と素子保持部材２０との固定方法、筐体部５０と蓋部４０（内側蓋部４１、外側蓋部４２）との固定方法も、上述の圧入の他、超音波溶着、溶融樹脂の流し込みと固化、接着等が挙げられる。
シール部材９１，９２も必須ではない。例えば、取付対象体が樹脂である場合には、筒部５１にシール部材９１を設けずに、筒部５１（ガスセンサ２００）を樹脂製の取付対象体の取付孔に超音波溶着、接着等で固定してもよい。 Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, the shape and number of the element holding member, the casing, the lid, and the terminal fitting are not limited to the above. For example, the number of lids may be one. In addition, a fixing method between the casing unit 50 and the element holding member 20 each made of a polymer material which is a separate part, and a fixing method between the casing unit 50 and the lid unit 40 (inner lid unit 41, outer lid unit 42), In addition to the press-fitting described above, ultrasonic welding, pouring and solidification of molten resin, adhesion, and the like can be given.
The seal members 91 and 92 are not essential. For example, when the attachment target body is a resin, the cylindrical portion 51 (gas sensor 200) is not welded to the cylindrical portion 51, but is ultrasonically welded or bonded to the mounting hole of the resin mounting target body. It may be fixed.

又、プロテクタも二重プロテクタに限らず、一重プロテクタでもよい。又、例えば素子保持部材２０に内側プロテクタ６０を一体に設けてもよい。内側プロテクタ６０及び外側プロテクタ５４を、筐体部５０や素子保持部材２０と別部材としてもよい。又、プロテクタは高分子材料でなく金属製であってもよいが、高分子材料とすることが好ましい。
また、上記形態ではセンサ素子を、横断面が長方形（矩形）の帯板状のものとしたが、本発明のガスセンサに使用されるセンサ素子は、横断面が正方形のものであっても、それ以外のものであってもよい。さらに、上記においては全領域空燃比ガスセンサにおいて具体化したが、本発明に係るガスセンサは、その他のガスセンサにおいても具体化できる。 Further, the protector is not limited to the double protector, and may be a single protector. For example, the inner protector 60 may be provided integrally with the element holding member 20. The inner protector 60 and the outer protector 54 may be separate members from the casing 50 and the element holding member 20. The protector may be made of metal instead of the polymer material, but is preferably a polymer material.
In the above embodiment, the sensor element has a rectangular plate shape with a rectangular cross section. However, the sensor element used in the gas sensor of the present invention may have a square cross section. Other than that. Furthermore, in the above description, the full-range air-fuel ratio gas sensor is embodied, but the gas sensor according to the present invention can be embodied in other gas sensors.

１０ ガスセンサ素子
１１ 検出部
１２ ガスセンサ素子の後端部
１２ａ 電極パッド
２０、１２０ 素子保持部材
２０ｃ 中心部位
２０ｄ 外側部位
３０ 端子金具
３１ 第１端子金具
３２ 第２端子金具
４０（４１、４２）、４０Ｂ（１４１、４２） 蓋部
５０、１５０ 筐体部
５０ｈ、１５５ｈ 開口
５２、１５５ｆ 取付け部
５３ コネクタ部
５４、１５４ プロテクタ（外側プロテクタ）
２００、２００Ｂ ガスセンサ
Ｏ 軸線 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Gas sensor element 11 Detection part 12 Rear end part of gas sensor element 12a Electrode pad 20, 120 Element holding member 20c Center part 20d Outer part 30 Terminal metal fitting 31 First terminal metal fitting 32 Second terminal metal fitting 40 (41, 42), 40B ( 141, 42) Lid 50, 150 Case 50h, 155h Opening 52, 155f Attachment 53 Connector 54, 154 Protector (outer protector)
200, 200B Gas sensor O Axis

Claims (4)

軸線方向に延び、先端側に検出部を有すると共に後端側に電極パッドを有するガスセンサ素子と、
前記ガスセンサ素子のうち、前記検出部と前記電極パッドとの間の部位の周囲を取り囲んで前記ガスセンサ素子を保持する筒状の素子保持部材と、
前記素子保持部材の周囲の少なくとも一部を取り囲む筐体部であって、取付対象体に取付けるための取付け部を有し、自身の後端側に前記素子保持部材が挿入可能な開口を有する筐体部と、
前記開口を閉塞する蓋部と、
前記電極パッドと電気的に接続される端子金具と、
前記筐体部又は前記蓋部に一体に設けられ、前記端子金具を挿通して外部装置と差抜可能なコネクタ部と、
を備えるガスセンサであって、
前記素子保持部材、前記筐体部及び前記蓋部がいずれも高分子材料からなるガスセンサ。 A gas sensor element extending in the axial direction, having a detection part on the front end side and having an electrode pad on the rear end side;
Among the gas sensor elements, a cylindrical element holding member that surrounds a portion between the detection unit and the electrode pad and holds the gas sensor element,
A housing part surrounding at least a part of the periphery of the element holding member, having a mounting part for mounting on an attachment target body, and having an opening into which the element holding member can be inserted on the rear end side thereof. The body,
A lid for closing the opening;
A terminal fitting electrically connected to the electrode pad;
A connector part that is provided integrally with the housing part or the lid part, and that can be inserted into and removed from an external device through the terminal fitting;
A gas sensor comprising:
A gas sensor in which the element holding member, the casing, and the lid are all made of a polymer material. 前記素子保持部材は、前記ガスセンサ素子に接する中心部位と、前記中心部位を取り囲む外側部位とを有し、前記中心部位を形成する前記高分子材料は、前記外側部位を形成する前記高分子材料よりも耐熱強度が高い請求項１記載のガスセンサ。   The element holding member has a central part in contact with the gas sensor element and an outer part surrounding the central part, and the polymer material forming the central part is more than the polymer material forming the outer part. The gas sensor according to claim 1, which has a high heat resistance. 前記筐体部は、前記ガスセンサ素子の前記検出部の周囲を覆うプロテクタを一体に有する請求項１又は２記載のガスセンサ。   The gas sensor according to claim 1, wherein the casing unit integrally includes a protector that covers the periphery of the detection unit of the gas sensor element. 前記コネクタ部は前記筐体部に一体に設けられ、
前記端子金具は、前記蓋部に保持される第１端子金具と、前記コネクタ部に保持される第２端子金具とを有する請求項１〜３のいずれか一項に記載のガスセンサ。 The connector part is provided integrally with the housing part,
The gas sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal fitting includes a first terminal fitting held by the lid portion and a second terminal fitting held by the connector portion.

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