Method and apparatus for mounting a side-view mirror

Abstract

A side-view mirror grommet 1 is disclosed for locating in an aperture 9 formed in an outer panel 7 of a vehicle (5, figure 1), where the aperture is configured to mount a side-view mirror 3 to the out

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for mounting a side-view mirror. The method and apparatus relate to a side-view mirror grommet for locating in an aperture to facilitate installation of the side-view mirror. Aspects of the invention relate to a side-view mirror grommet, a vehicle door assembly, a vehicle and a method of installing a side-view mirror to a vehicle door. BACKGROUND It is known to mount a side-view mirror for a vehicle to an outer panel, such as a vehicle door panel or front fender panel. The side-view mirror typically comprises a head portion which houses a mirror or an imaging device. The head portion is supported by a stem portion which is mounted to the vehicle. A base of the stem portion may be inserted through a mounting aperture formed in the outer panel and fastened to a mounting bracket. The orientation of the mirror is often adjustable by one or more actuator disposed within the head portion. Cables for the actuators are routed through the stem portion, for example to connect to a control unit provided in a cabin of the vehicle. Similarly, cables for the imaging device may be routed through the stem portion. The mounting bracket is disposed within the vehicle door and achieving the correct positioning and / or alignment to mount the side-view mirror may be difficult. This may be compounded due to the need to insert the cables through the mounting aperture. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a side-view mirror grommet, a vehicle door assembly, a vehicle and a method of installing a side-view mirror to a vehicle door as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a side-view mirror grommet for locating in an aperture formed in an outer panel of a vehicle, the aperture being configured to mount a side-view mirror to the outer panel, the side-view mirror grommet comprising: a wall portion for locating in the aperture; and an outer seal for cooperating with the side-view mirror to form a seal. At least in certain embodiments, the side-view mirror grommet can protect the outer panel of the vehicle during installation of the side-view mirror. In particular, the side-view mirror grommet helps to protect the edge of the outer panel around the aperture in which the side-view mirror locates. This can help to reduce or avoid chipping of paint on the outer panel during installation of the side-view mirror. By protecting the outer panel, the clearance required for mounting the side-view mirror may be reduced. Thus, the size of the aperture may be reduced. This may provide increased design freedom, for example in the profile of the outer panel and / or a stem portion of the side-view mirror. The outer seal may reduce or prevent water ingress into an interior of the side-view mirror. The outer seal may cooperate with an interior of the side-view mirror to form the seal. For example, the outer seal may cooperate with an interior of a stem portion of the side-view mirror. At least in certain embodiments the side-view mirror grommet has an annular shape and forms a central opening. In particular, the wall portion may be annular in shape and may define the central opening. In use, at least a portion of the side-view mirror may be inserted through the central opening. The outer seal may comprise a lip. The lip may form a lip seal to cooperate with the side-view mirror to form the seal The lip may extend at least partway around the wall portion. The lip may project radially outwardly. The side-view mirror grommet may comprise a flange. The flange may extend radially outwardly from the wall portion. The outer seal may be disposed on the flange. The flange helps to prevent the sideview mirror grommet being displaced through the aperture formed in the outer panel. In use, the flange may locate against, or proximal to, an outer surface of the outer panel. The side-view mirror grommet may comprise an inner seal for cooperating with the external surface of the outer panel to form a seal. The inner seal may be disposed on the flange. The wall portion may be composed of a first material having a first stiffness. The outer seal may be composed of a second material having a second stiffness. The first stiffness may be greater than the second stiffness. The greater stiffness of the first material provides increased structural rigidity. At least in certain embodiments, this may help to secure the wall portion in position. The lower stiffness of the second material may facilitate the formation of a seal between the outer seal and the side-view mirror. For example, the second material may be deformable. The second material may be resiliently deformable. The first material may comprise a plastic material. The second material may comprise an elastic polymer (i.e. an elastomeric material). The wall portion and the outer seal may be formed separately. For example, the wall portion and the outer seal may be moulded separated from each other. The outer seal may be fastened to the wall portion. Alternatively, the wall portion and the outer seal may be co-moulded. The side-view mirror grommet may comprise one or more retainer for engaging the outer panel to retain the side-view mirror grommet. The one or more retainer may be configured to engage an underside of the outer panel. The or each retainer may, for example, comprise a clip for engaging the underside of the outer panel. The one or more retainer may be formed integrally with the wall portion. The wall portion may comprise a guide recess for guiding the stem portion of the side-view mirror into a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the outer panel. The guide recess may be located centrally in a longitudinal direction. At least in certain embodiments, the guide recess may be hidden from view once the side-view mirror is installed. More than one guide recess may be provided. First and second guide recesses may be provided, for example on opposing sides of the wall portion of the sideview mirror grommet. Alternatively, or in addition, the side-view mirror grommet may comprise one or more projection for guiding the side-view mirror into a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the outer panel. The one or more projection may, for example, locate in a recess or an aperture formed in the stem portion of the side-view mirror. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a side-view mirror for mounting to an outer panel of a vehicle, for example to an outer panel of a vehicle door. The side-view mirror may comprise a stem portion. A stem portion seal may be provided at a base of the stem portion. The stem portion seal may comprise first and second concentric seals for engaging a side-view mirror grommet of the type described herein. The side-view mirror may comprise a mirror. The mirror may, for example, be provided in a head portion of the side-view mirror. Alternatively, the side-view mirror may comprise an imaging sensor, such as a camera. The imaging sensor may be provided to in place of a mirror. The image captured by the imaging sensor may be output for display on a screen provided in a cabin of the vehicle. The imaging sensor may be oriented to provide a view to a rear of the vehicle. The side-view mirror grommet is suitable for mounting in an aperture formed in the outer panel of the vehicle. The outer panel could be a front wing (fender) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the outer panel may form part of a door frame or a window frame of the vehicle. The outer panel could, for example, form part of an A-pillar of the vehicle. Alternatively, the outer panel may form of the vehicle door. The outer panel may, for example, be an outer door panel. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a side-view mirror grommet for locating in an aperture formed in an outer panel of a vehicle, the aperture being configured to mount a side-view mirror to the outer panel, the side-view mirror grommet comprising: a wall portion for locating in the aperture; and a sealing member comprising at least one of an inner seal and an outer seal. The inner seal may be configured to form a seal with the outer panel of the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the outer seal may be configured to cooperate with the side-view mirror to form a seal. The wall portion may form a support or a frame for the sealing member. The wall portion and the sealing member may be formed as separate components. For example, the sealing member may then be mounted to the wall portion. Alternatively, the sealing member and the wall portion may be co-moulded. The wall portion may be composed of a first material having a first stiffness. The sealing member may be composed of a second material having a second stiffness. The first stiffness may be greater than the second stiffness. The greater stiffness of the first material provides increased structural rigidity. At least in certain embodiments, this may help to secure the wall portion in position. The lower stiffness of the second material may facilitate the formation of the outer seal and / or the inner seal. For example, the second material may be deformable. The second material may be resiliently deformable. The first material may comprise a plastic material. The second material may comprise an elastic polymer (i.e. an elastomeric material). According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle door assembly comprising a vehicle door and a side-view mirror. The vehicle door may comprise an outer panel having an aperture formed therein. A side-view mirror grommet of the type described herein may be disposed in the aperture. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle door assembly as described herein or a side-view mirror grommet as described herein. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a sideview mirror to a vehicle door, the vehicle door comprising an outer panel having an aperture formed therein, and the side-view mirror comprising a stem portion for mounting to the vehicle door; wherein the method comprises: mounting a side-view mirror grommet in the aperture, the side-view mirror grommet comprising an annular wall section and an outer seal; inserting a first end of the stem portion through the side-view mirror grommet mounted in the aperture, the outer seal engaging the stem portion of the side-view mirror to form of a seal; and fastening the side-view mirror to the vehicle door. The side-view mirror grommet may comprise one or more retainer. The one or more retainer may engage the outer panel to mount the side-view mirror grommet. The mounting of the side-view mirror grommet may comprise engaging the one or more retainer on an underside of the outer panel. The vehicle door may comprise a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount the side-view mirror. The wall portion of the side-view mirror grommet may comprise a guide recess. The method may comprise using the guide recess in the wall portion to guide the stem portion of the side-view mirror into a predetermined position relative to the vehicle door for mounting to the mounting bracket. The stem portion of the side-view mirror may, for example, locate in the guide recess to locate the side-view mirror in the predetermined position. The method may be modified to install the side-view mirror to other locations on the vehicle, such as a front fender or a different outer panel. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising side-view mirror grommets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a side-view mirror and a side-view mirror grommet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the side-view mirror grommet shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a partial cutaway of the side-view mirror and the side-view mirror grommet shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a partial cutaway of a variant of the side-view mirror for cooperating with the side-view mirror grommet shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 shows a block diagram representing the installation of the side-view mirror and a side-view mirror grommet according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A side-view mirror grommet 1 for mounting a side-view mirror 3 (also known as a side mirror or an outside mirror) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described wither reference to the accompanying figures. The side-view mirror 3 is provided on a vehicle 5 to facilitate viewing a region to a side of the vehicle 5. As described herein, the side-view mirror 3 is mounted to an outer panel 7 of a vehicle 5. The outer panel 7 forms an exterior surface (also known as an A-surface) of the vehicle 5. The side-view mirror grommet 1 locates in an aperture 9 formed in the outer panel 7. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 5 in the present embodiment is an automobile. The side-view mirror grommet 1 and the side-view mirror 3 may be provided in other types of road vehicle 5, such as a utility vehicle or a sports utility vehicle. The vehicle 5 comprises a vehicle body 13. The vehicle body 13 in the present embodiment comprises a plurality of panels (not shown) which are fastened to each other, for example by welding, bonding or mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. The panels may, for example, be composed of a metal, such as aluminium or steel. Alternatively, or in addition, the panels may be formed of a composite material, such as carbon fibre. In a variant, the vehicle body 13 may be a composite structure. The vehicle body 13 comprises a roof 15 supported by a plurality of pillars 19A-D. The vehicle body 13 comprises a cabin 17 for occupants of the vehicle 5; a front compartment 18 and a rear compartment 19. The front compartment 18 may, for example, house an internal combustion engine (not shown) or an electric drive unit (not shown). The vehicle body 13 comprises first and second front wings (fenders) 21. The vehicle 5 comprises a plurality of doors 23 for ingress into, and egress from, the cabin 17. The vehicle 5 in the present embodiment comprises front and rear doors 23. In a variant, the vehicle 5 may comprise only two doors 23 for accessing the cabin 17. The vehicle 5 also comprises a bonnet 25 for accessing the front compartment 18; and a tailgate 27 for accessing the rear compartment 19. The vehicle 5 comprises first and second side-view mirrors 3 disposed on respective first and second sides of the vehicle 5. The first and second side-view mirrors 3 have like configurations but are mirror symmetrical about a centre line CL of the vehicle 5. In the present embodiment the first and second side-view mirrors 3 are mounted on the first and second front doors 23 respectively. In a variant, the first and second side-view mirrors 3 may be mounted to the first and second front wings (fenders) 21 of the vehicle 5. Other mounting locations are also contemplated for the first and second side-view mirrors 3. For example, the first and second side-view mirrors 3 may be mounted to a front quarter portion or a frame member of the first and second front doors 23. First and second side-view mirror grommets 1 are provided for mounting the first and second side-view mirrors 3. The side-view mirror grommet 1 may be reversible to enable the same side-view mirror grommet 1 to be used on either side of the vehicle 5. In the present embodiment, the first and second side-view mirror grommets 1 are handed (i.e. mirror symmetrical). The first side-view mirror grommet 1 is configured to be mounted on the first side of the vehicle 5; and the second side-view mirror grommet 1 is configured to be mounted on the second side of the vehicle 5. For the sake of brevity, the side-view mirror grommet 1 and the side-view mirror 3 disposed on the first side of the vehicle 5 will be described herein. It will be understood that the sideview mirror grommet 1 and the side-view mirror 3 disposed on the second side of the vehicle 5 have a like configuration. The side-view mirror 3 is mounted to the first door 23 of the vehicle 5 to form a vehicle door assembly 11. The outer panel 7 is in the form of an outer door panel of the first door 23. The side-view mirror 3 comprises a stem portion 31 and a head portion 33. The stem portion 31 comprises at least one mounting bracket 35 for mounting the side-view mirror 3 to the first door 23. The at least one mounting bracket 35 extends from a base of the stem portion 31 for insertion through the aperture 9 into an interior of the first door 23. The at least one mounting bracket 35 may, for example, be disposed on a mounting arm extending from the base of the stem portion 31. The at least one mounting bracket 35 engages a fixing member DB1 provided in the first door 23. One or more mechanical fastener (not shown) is used to fasten the at least one mounting bracket 35 to the fixing member DB1. The side-view mirror grommet 1 is pre-installed in the aperture 9 formed in in the outer panel 7. During installation of the side-view mirror 3, the side-view mirror grommet 1 helps to protect the outer panel 7 as the at least one mounting bracket 35 is inserted through the aperture 9. Moreover, the side-view mirror grommet 1 may optionally be profiled to guide the side-view mirror 3 into a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the first door 23 to facilitate alignment of the at least one mounting bracket 35 and the fixing member. In use, the side-view mirror grommet 1 may also help to seal the aperture 9 to prevent or reduce water ingress. As shown schematically in Figure 2, the side-view mirror 3 comprises a mirror 37 to assist a driver of the vehicle 5. The mirror 37 is disposed in the head portion 33 of the side-view mirror 3. The mirror 37 is supported by an adjustable mirror holder 38. The mirror holder 38 comprises at least one actuator 39 which is controllable to adjust the orientation of the mirror 37 about one or more axis. In use, the orientation of the mirror 37 can be changed to adjust a viewing angle for a driver of the vehicle 5. The side-view mirror 3 comprises a wiring harness 41 having one or more electrical cable for transmitting control signals CS-n to control the at least one actuator 39. The control signals CS-n may be received from one or more control unit 45 provided onboard the vehicle 5. The control signals CS-n may, for example, be generated in dependence on user inputs. The wiring harness 41 is routed internally through the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3 and is electrically connected at a first end to the at least one actuator 39. The wiring harness 41 is electrically connected at a second end to an electrical port or connector (not shown) provided in the first door 23 or in the vehicle body 13. The port is connected to a vehicle communication network, such as a CAN bus, which is in communication with the one or more control unit 45. The wiring harness 41 thereby establishes a wired electrical connection between the one or more control unit 45 and the at least one actuator 39. In use, the control signals CS-n control the at least one actuator 39 to adjust the orientation of the mirror 37. The wiring harness 41 extends from a base of the stem portion 31 for connection to the electrical port. As described in more detail herein, the wiring harness 41 is inserted through the aperture 9 in the outer panel 7 during installation of the side-view mirror 3. The side-view mirror grommet 1 provides protection for an edge of the aperture 9 as the wiring harness 41 is inserted during installation of the side-view mirror 3. The side-view mirror 3 in the present embodiment comprises the mirror 37. Alternatively, or in addition, the side-view mirror 3 may comprise one or more imaging device (not shown). The one or more imaging device may, for example, comprise an optical camera for capturing an image of a region along a side of the vehicle 5. Othertypes of imaging device may be disposed in the side-view mirror 3. For example, the one or more imaging device may comprise a LIDAR system or a Radar system. The wiring harness 41 may be used in conjunction with the other systems provided in the side-view mirror 3. The one or more imaging device (if installed) may transmit imaging signals over the wiring harness 41 to the one or more control unit 45. Other electrical systems may be disposed in the side-view mirror 3, either in the stem portion 31 or the head portion 33. The side-view mirror 3 may optionally include one or more external light, for example a side indicator light or a puddle light. Alternatively, or in addition, the wiring harness 41 may supply electrical power to the electrical systems disposed in the side-view mirror 3, such as the one or more external light. The configuration of the side-view mirror grommet 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The side-view mirror grommet 1 has an annular shape and forms a central opening for receiving at least part of the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror grommet 1. As shown in Figure 3, the sideview mirror grommet 1 has a profile which is generally stadium shaped. The side-view mirror grommet 1 comprises a wall portion 51; and a sealing member 53. The wall portion 51 is configured to locate in the aperture 9 formed in the outer panel 7. The wall portion 51 extends continuously around an inside of the aperture 9. The side-view mirror grommet 1 thereby forms a continuous shield to protect an exposed edge of the outer panel 7. The wall portion 51 locates adjacent to (or in contact with) the edges of the aperture 9. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 51 comprises one or more retainer 55 retaining the side-view mirror grommet 1 in position. The or each retainer 55 comprises a retaining clip 55 configured to engage an underside of the outer panel 7 to retain the side-view mirror grommet 1 in the aperture 9. Other types of retainer 55 are contemplated. The side-view mirror grommet 1 comprises a plurality of the retaining clips 55. The retaining clips 55 are spaced apart from each other around the wall portion 51. The wall portion 51 comprises a flange 57 (shown in Figure 4) which extends outwardly. In the present embodiment, the flange 57 extends continuously around a perimeter of the wall portion 51. In a variant, the flange 57 may extend only partway around the perimeter of the wall portion 51 or may have an interrupted (i.e., discontinuous) profile. The flange 57 is disposed on an outer side of the wall portion and, in use, is disposed proximal to an exterior surface of the outer panel 7. The flange 57 prevents the side-view mirror grommet 1 being displaced through the aperture 9, for example during installation of the side-view mirror grommet 1. The sealing member 53 is attached to, and forms an extension of, the flange 57 in the present embodiment. The wall portion 51 is composed of a first material having a first stiffness; and the sealing member 53 is composed of a second material having a second stiffness. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness to promote retention of the side-view mirror grommet 1 in the aperture 9. The first material may be resiliently deformable. It will be understood that the first material enables sufficient deflection of the wall portion 51 to enable the side-view mirror grommet 1 to be installed in the aperture 9. The second material is resiliently deformable, for example comprising an elastic polymer (elastomer). As described herein, the sealing member 53 is deformed to form a seal. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 51 and the sealing member 53 are co-moulded from first and second plastics material. The sealing member 53 locates inside the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3. In particular, the sealing member 53 locates inside a sidewall 60 of the stem portion 31. The sealing member 53 is at least partially hidden from view when the side-view mirror 3 is mounted to the first door 23. The sealing member 53 is configured to form a seal with the side-view mirror 3 and / or the outer panel 7. The sealing member 53 comprises one or more first seal 59-n for forming the or each seal. The sealing member 53 in the present embodiment comprises a first outer seal 59-1 and a first inner seal 59-2. The first outer seal 59-1 and the first inner seal 59-2 are arranged concentrically. The first outer seal 59-1 is configured to cooperate with the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3 to form a seal. The first outer seal 59-1 helps to reduce or prevent the ingress of water into the side-view mirror 3. As shown in Figure 4, the first outer seal 59-1 in the present embodiment is in the form of a first lip 59-1 for engaging an inside of the sidewall 60 of the stem portion 31 to form a first outer seal. The first lip 59-1 extends at least partway around the sealing member 53 of the side-view mirror grommet 1. In the present embodiment, the first lip 59-1 is continuous (i.e. uninterrupted) around an outer perimeter of the sealing member 53. When installed, the side-view mirror 3 deforms the first lip 59-1. The first lip 59-1 is resiliently biased against an inside surface of the sidewall 60 to form the first outer seal. The first inner seal 59-2 comprises a second lip 59-2 for engaging an exterior surface of the outer panel 7 to form a seal. The first inner seal 59-2 helps to reduce or prevent the ingress of water through the aperture 9. As shown in Figure 4, the first inner seal 59-2 in the present embodiment is in the form of a second lip 59-2 The second lip 59-2 projects from an inner surface of the sealing member 53. The second lip 59-2 extends in a longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the second lip 59-2 is inclined inwardly towards the wall portion 51 of the side-view mirror grommet 1. The second lip 59-2 extends at least partway around the sealing member 53 of the side-view mirror grommet 1. In the present embodiment, the second lip 59-2 is continuous (i.e. uninterrupted) around the sealing member 53. When the side-view mirror grommet 1 is installed in the aperture 9, the second lip 59-2 is pressed against the outer panel 7. The one or more retaining clip 55 holds the side-view mirror grommet 1 in position such that the second lip 59-2 contacts the outer panel 7 along its length. The mounting of the side-view mirror 3 requires positioning the stem portion 31 in a predetermined location and / or orientation relative to the first door 23 to align the at least one mounting bracket 35 with the fixing member in the first door 23. A combination of restricted access and limited visibility may hamper the correct positioning of the at least one mounting bracket 35. The side-view mirror grommet 1 in the present embodiment is profiled to help locate the stem portion 31 in the predetermined location and / or orientation relative to the first door 23. The wall portion 51 comprises a guide recess 71 (shown in Figure 3) for guiding the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3 into a predetermined position relative to the outer panel 7. The guide recess 71 and the stem portion 31 have complementary profiles to aid positioning of the at least one mounting bracket 35 in the predetermined location and / or orientation. As described herein, the first outer seal 59-1 is configured to engage an inside of the sidewall 60 of the stem portion 31. As shown schematically in Figure 5, an annular recess 75 may optionally be formed on the inside of the sidewall 60 to receive the first outer seal 59-1. The side-view mirror 3 may optionally comprise a supplementary sealing member 77 for engaging the side-view mirror grommet 1. The supplementary sealing member 77 is configured to extend at least substantially continuously around an inside of the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3, The supplementary sealing member 77 may comprise at least one supplementary seal 79-n. The at least one second seal 79-n is resiliently deformable. The or each supplementary seal 79-n is configured to engage the side-view mirror grommet 1 to form a seal. For example, the or each supplementary seal 79-n may engage an upper surface of the side-view mirror grommet 1. In the arrangement shown in Figure 5, the supplementary sealing member 77 is mounted in the annular recess 75. Other mounting locations are contemplated for the supplementary sealing member 77. The supplementary sealing member 77 in this arrangement comprises a supplementary outer seal 79-1 and a supplementary inner seal 79-2. The supplementary outer seal 79-1 and the supplementary inner seal 79-2 are arranged concentrically. The supplementary outer seal 79-1 is configured to engage the sealing member 53 of the MG1; and the supplementary inner seal 79-2 is configured to engage the wall portion 51 of the sideview mirror grommet 1. The supplementary sealing member 77 is moulded from an elastic polymer (elastomer). The supplementary sealing member 77 could be co-moulded with the stem portion 32 of the side-view mirror 3 or may be formed separately and then mounted to the side-view mirror 3. The side-view mirror grommet 1 is inserted into the aperture 9 in the outer panel 7 of the first door 23. The aperture 9 is pre-formed in the outer panel 7, for example during a pressing or cutting operation. The side-view mirror grommet 1 is pre-installed in the aperture 9 prior to installation of the side-view mirror 3. The side-view mirror grommet 1 is a press-fit in the aperture 9 and the wall portion 51 is undergoes resilient deformation as it is inserted into the aperture 9. The side-view mirror grommet 1 may be inserted into the aperture 9 by hand or using a suitable tool. When inserted into the aperture 9, the wall portion 51 of the side-view mirror grommet 1 locates adjacent to (or in contact with) an inside edge of the aperture 9. The retaining clips 55 engage an underside of the outer panel 7 to fasten the side-view mirror grommet 1 to the outer panel 7. The flange 57 of the side-view mirror grommet 1 locates adjacent to (or in contact with) an exterior surface of the outer panel 7. The first inner seal 59-2 is compressed against the outer surface of the outer panel 7 to form the first inner seal. The method of installing the side-view mirror 3 to the first vehicle door 23 will now be described with reference to a block diagram 100 shown in Figure 6. In this example, the installation is described with reference to the first door 23 described herein. It will be understood that the same installation process may be used to install the side-view mirror 3 in other locations, such as the front wings (fenders). The method comprises inserting the side-view mirror grommet 1 into the aperture 9 in the outer panel 7 of the first door 23 (BLOCK 105). As described herein, the side-view mirror grommet 1 comprises a plurality of retaining clips 55. The method may optionally comprise engaging the one or more retaining clips 55 on an underside of the outer panel 7 (BLOCK 110). A first end of the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror grommet 1 is then inserted through the central opening defined by the side-view mirror grommet 1 (BLOCK 115). If present, the wiring harness 41 is also inserted through the central opening defined by the side-view mirror grommet 1. The side-view mirror 3 is the located in the predetermined location relative to the first door 23. As described herein, the guide recess 71 formed in the wall portion 51 of the side-view mirror grommet 1 may facilitate positioning and / or alignment of the side-view mirror grommet 1 relative to the first door 23. The first outer seal 59-1 engages the stem portion 31 of the sideview mirror 3 (BLOCK 120). The first outer seal 59-1 is compressed against the inside of the sidewall 60 of the stem portion 31 to form the first outer seal. The method may comprise using the guide recess 71 to guide the stem portion 31 of the side-view mirror 3 into the predetermined position relative to the door 23 (BLOCK 125). This may facilitate aligning the at least one mounting bracket 35 with the one or more fixing member in the first door 23. The side-view mirror 3 is then fastened to the first door 23 (BLOCK 130). One or more mechanical fastener are used to fasten the side-view mirror 3 to the first door 23. During the installation of the side-view mirror 3, the wiring harness 41 is inserted through the aperture 9 for connection to the electrical port. The at least one mounting bracket 35 is also inserted through the aperture 9 during installation. The side-view mirror 3 is then oriented to align the at least one mounting bracket 35 with the one or more fixing member provided in the first door 23. The side-view mirror grommet 1 is pre-installed in the aperture 9 to protect the outer panel 7 during installation of the sideview mirror 3. The side-view mirror grommet 1 may, for example, protect the edges of the aperture 9 from damage during insertion of the wiring harness 41 and / or the at least one mounting bracket 35. The side-view mirror grommet 1 helps to prevent damage to paint or other coatings applied to the outer panel 7. When the side-view mirror 3 is in the correct position and the at least one mounting bracket 35 is aligned with the one or more fixing member, one or more mechanical fastener (not shown) is used to fasten the side-view mirror 3 to the first door 23. The wiring harness 41 is then connected to the communication network via the electrical port. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A side-view mirror grommet for locating in an aperture formed in an outer panel of a vehicle, the aperture being configured to mount a side-view mirror to the outer panel, the side-view mirror grommet comprising:a wall portion for locating in the aperture; andan outer seal for cooperating with the side-view mirror to form a seal.

2. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer seal comprises a lip extending at least partway around the wall portion.

3. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lip projects radially outwardly.

4. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 comprising a flangeextending radially outwardly from the wall portion, wherein the outer seal is disposed on the flange.

5. Aside-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising an inner seal for cooperating with the external surface of the outer panel to form a seal.

6. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the inner seal is disposed on the flange.

7. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall portion is composed of a first material having a first stiffness; and the outer seal is composed of a second material having a second stiffness, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

8. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wall portion and the outer seal are co-moulded.

9. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more retainer for engaging the outer panel to retain the side-view mirror grommet.

10. A side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall portion comprises a guide recess for guiding the stem portion of the side-view mirror into a predetermined position relative to the outer panel.

11. A vehicle door assembly comprising a vehicle door and a side-view mirror; the vehicle door comprising an outer panel having an aperture formed therein; wherein a side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims is disposed in the aperture.

12. A vehicle comprising a vehicle door assembly as claimed in claim 11 or a side-view mirror grommet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method of installing a side-view mirror to a vehicle door, the vehicle door comprising an outer panel having an aperture formed therein, and the side-view mirror comprising a stem portion for mounting to the vehicle door; wherein the method comprises:mounting a side-view mirror grommet in the aperture, the side-view mirror grommet comprising an annular wall section and an outer seal;inserting a first end of the stem portion through the side-view mirror grommet mounted in the aperture, the outer seal engaging the stem portion of the side-view mirror to form of a seal; andfastening the side-view mirror to the vehicle door.

14. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the side-view mirror grommet comprises one or more retainer, the mounting of the side-view mirror grommet comprising engaging the one or more retainer on an underside of the outer panel.

15. A method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the vehicle door comprises a mounting bracket; and the wall portion comprises a guide recess; wherein the method comprises using the guide recess in the wall portion to guide the stem portion of the side-view mirror into a predetermined position relative to the vehicle door for mounting to the mounting bracket.14

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