US Patent 7461538 Sensor and method of producing sensor

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.