# US 7,461,538 B2 · Sensor and method of producing sensor > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,461,538 B2 - Document ID: US7461538B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/571,785 - Filed: 2004-09-13 - Published: 2007-03-08 - Granted: 2008-12-09 - Earliest claimed: 2003-09-17 - Assignees: Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. - Inventors: Kouji Matsuo; Satoshi Ishikawa - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7461538B2 ## CPC - G01N 27/407: for investigating or analysing gases {(G01N27/411 takes precedence)} - G01N 27/4062: {Electrical connectors associated therewith} - G01N 27/4077: {Means for protecting the electrolyte or the electrodes} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract The present invention provides a sensor capable of maintaining an electrical connection between the lead frame and an electrode terminal section of the detection element even when an inadequate external force is applied to a lead frame and a sensor production method capable of preventing the lead frame from buckling and being deformed into an inadequate shape. The lead frame (second lead frame) can inhibit movement of a second frame main body section axially toward a rear end side through engagement of a third locking surface of a second locking section with a second locking groove and can inhibit the second frame main body section from going apart from an inner surface of an insertion hole through engagement of a fourth locking surface of the second frame locking section, which faces an element engagement section side. Namely, even when an external force is applied to the lead frame, movement of the lead frame main body section (second lead frame main body section) can be inhibited and a variation in the relative positions of the lead frame and the detection element can be prevented. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A sensor comprising: a detection element in the form of an axially extending plate, having a front end side to face an object to be measured and formed with an electrode terminal section at a rear end side; a separator made of an insulating material and having an element insertion hole accommodating the rear end side of the detection element; and a metallic terminal member interposed between the detection element and an inner surface of the element insertion hole of the separator; characterized in that: the metallic terminal member is formed from a metallic sheet material and includes an axially extending frame main body section, an element abutment section extending while being bent to change the direction of extension, from a front end of the frame main body section axially toward a rear end side of the frame main body section and contacting the electrode terminal section of the detection element thereby being electrically connected thereto to form a current path, and a frame locking section provided to a portion of the frame main body section at an axial position facing a portion of the element abutment section, said frame locking section having a larger width than a remaining portion of the frame main body section; and the metallic terminal member is disposed within the separator so as to be put in a state of being engaged at the frame locking section with the separator. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A sensor according to claim 1, wherein the frame locking section has an extension portion that extends in the direction apart from the element abutment section and is bent at least once or more at an intermediate part thereof in a way as to change the direction of extension, the fame locking section being larger in width than the remaining portion of the frame main body section when the extension portion is developed in the width direction of the remaining portion of the frame main body section. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A sensor according to claim 1, wherein the separator includes a locking groove for engagement with the frame locking section. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A sensor according to claim 3, wherein the locking groove is formed at a front end surface of the separator. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A sensor according to claim 1, wherein the separator includes a partition wall portion disposed between the element insertion hole and at least a part of the frame locking section. ### Claim 6 A sensor comprising: a detection element in the form of an axially extending plate, having a front end side to face an object to be measured and formed with an electrode terminal section at a rear end side; a separator made of an insulating material and having an element insertion hole accommodating the rear end side of the detection element; and a metallic terminal member interposed between the detection element and an inner surface of the element insertion hole of the separator; characterized in that: the metallic terminal member is formed from a metallic sheet material and having an axially extending frame main body section, an element abutment section extending while being bent to change the direction of extension, from a front end of the frame main body section axially toward a rear end side of the frame main body section and contacting the electrode terminal section of the detection element thereby being electrically connected thereto to form a current path, and a frame locking section provided to a portion of the frame main body section and having a larger width than the element abutment section; and the separator has a locking groove at a front end surface thereof and the frame locking section is engaged in the locking groove. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The sensor according to claim 6, wherein the frame locking section is provided on a portion of the frame main body section that is axially forward of the rear end of the element abutment section.