Exhaust gas oxygen sensor and electrical connector arrangement

Claim 1

An exhaust gas oxygen sensor and electrical connector arrangement for electrically connecting the oxygen sensor to an electronic device capable of utilizing an electrical signal produced by the oxygen sensor, the oxygen sensor and electrical connector in combination comprising: (a) an exhaust gas sensor having means to facilitate its mounting in the exhaust conduit of an engine, a ceramic metal-oxide oxygen-sensing element, at least one electrical conductor coupled to the oxygen-sensing element, a member of generally cylindrical shape through which the electrical conductor passes, and an oxygen sensor electrical terminal affixed to the cylindrically-shaped member and electrically connected to the conductor coupled to the oxygen-sensing element; (b) at least one lead wire for use in coupling the oxygen-sensor terminal to the electronic device; (c) a connector assembly for providing electrical connection of the lead wire to the oxygen-sensor terminal affixed to the cylindrically-shaped member and to provide a leak-proof contact with the cylindrically-shaped member for the protection of the electrical connection, the connector assembly comprising a grommet and a sleeve received within the grommet, the grommet being formed from elastomeric material and the cylindrically-shaped member of the oxygen sensor being partially received within the grommet, the grommet forming a leak-proof contact with the surface of the cylindrically-shaped member; (d) cooperating means, associated with the oxygen sensor cylindrically-shaped member with the sleeve of the connector assembly, for forming a latching connection therebetween; and (e) connector terminal means, mounted within the sleeve of the connector assembly, for electrically connecting the lead wire to the oxygen-sensor terminal when the sleeve of the connector assembly and the cylindrically-shaped member of the oxygen sensor are latched together with their cooperating means.