Grommet

Abstract

To provide a grommet which can improve insertion workability of an electric wire.SOLUTION: A grommet 1 comprises a grommet body 2 comprising a first cylinder part 21 and a second cylinder part 23 penetrating in one direction and into which a first electric wire W1 and a second electric wire W2 are inserted, respectively. In addition, the first cylinder part 21 comprises: a small-diameter cylinder part 211 located on one side in the one direction; and a large-diameter cylinder part 212 located on the other side in the one direction. Here, a lip part 232 which can hold the second electric wire W2 in a cutoff state is formed inside the second cylinder part 23. A deformation suppression part 2124 connected with a part at which the lip part 232 of the second cylinder part 23 is consecutively connected to suppress extension of the second cylinder part 23 in the one direction is further formed outside the second cylinder part 23, Then, the deformation suppression part 2124 is formed from the vicinity of one end 23a in the one direction of the second cylinder part 23 toward the vicinity of the other end 23b in the one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional grommet of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a water-stopping grommet (grommet) having a cylindrical small-diameter tube portion and a large-diameter tube portion, a through tube portion through which a wire harness is inserted, and a cable through tube portion through which a cable (electric wire) is inserted.

[0003] Furthermore, in this Patent Document 1, a water-stopping tubular portion is formed between the small diameter tubular portion and the large diameter tubular portion. The cable-penetrating tubular portion is provided inside the water-stopping tubular portion, and the tip side of the inverted portion of the soundproof membrane is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter tubular portion. This makes it possible to improve the soundproofing properties of the water-stopping grommet (grommet). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-058144 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above conventional technology, the cable-penetration tube is provided such that one end protrudes outward beyond the wall of the water-stop tube and the other end protrudes outward beyond the open end of the large-diameter tube. Therefore, in the above conventional technology, the end of the cable-penetration tube that protrudes outward beyond the wall of the water-stop tube and the open end of the large-diameter tube is easily deformed, and there is a risk of the cable (electric wire) being significantly deformed when the cable-penetration tube is inserted through the cable-penetration tube. If the cable-penetration tube is significantly deformed, there is a problem in that the ease of inserting the cable (electric wire) into the cable-penetration tube is reduced.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional techniques, and an object of the present invention is to provide a grommet that can further improve the ease of inserting electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A grommet according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a grommet body having a first tubular portion penetrating in one direction and through which a first electric wire is inserted, and a second tubular portion penetrating in the one direction and through which a second electric wire is inserted, the first tubular portion having a small diameter tubular portion located on one side of the one direction and a large diameter tubular portion located on the other side of the one direction, a lip portion capable of holding the second electric wire in a waterproof state is formed on the inside of the second tubular portion, and a deformation suppression portion is formed on the outside of the second tubular portion and connected to a portion where the lip portions of the second tubular portion are connected to suppress elongation of the second tubular portion in the one direction, the deformation suppression portion being formed from the vicinity of one end of the second tubular portion in the one direction to the vicinity of the other end of the second tubular portion in the one direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a grommet that can further improve the ease of inserting electric wires. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a grommet according to an embodiment, seen from above. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a grommet according to an embodiment, seen from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a grommet according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a grommet according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a back view illustrating an example of a grommet according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]5 is a perspective view of an example of a grommet according to an embodiment, cut along line AA in FIG. 4, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 5 is a perspective view of an example of a grommet according to an embodiment, cut along line BB in FIG. 4, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line B-B. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged view of the second cylindrical portion of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of a deformation suppression portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view illustrating an example of a deformation suppression portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an enlarged view of a second tubular portion of a grommet according to a comparative example. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a second tubular portion of the grommet according to the comparative example is deformed. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is an enlarged view of a second tubular portion of the grommet according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a second tubular portion of the grommet according to one embodiment is deformed. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the grommet according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] In the following embodiments, the up-down direction of the grommet is defined in a state in which the second electric wire is inserted from below while the second electric wire insertion space penetrates in the up-down direction (one direction). That is, in the following embodiments, the side in the second electric wire insertion space where the second electric wire is inserted is defined as the lower side (one side) in the up-down direction (one direction), and the side in the second electric wire insertion space where the second electric wire is pulled out is defined as the upper side (other side) in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0012] The grommet 1 according to this embodiment is used by being assembled, for example, into a through hole Pa of a vehicle body panel (panel) P that separates an exterior of the vehicle compartment ER, such as an engine room, from the interior of the vehicle compartment R (see FIG. 9). By assembling and using the grommet 1 into the through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (panel) P, it becomes possible for the grommet 1 to protect electric wires W, such as a wire harness, that are routed inside the grommet 1.

[0013] 1 to 5, this grommet 1 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and includes a grommet body 2 having an electric wire insertion space that penetrates in the vertical direction (one direction). Furthermore, grommet 1 includes a protector part 3 that is disposed so as to cover an upper opening of grommet body 2 and is capable of suppressing deformation of grommet body 2 (e.g., bending, crushing, etc.).

[0014] In this embodiment, the grommet body 2 and the protector portion 3 are integrally molded via a substantially U-shaped connecting portion 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protector portion 3 and the connecting portion 4 are also formed from an elastic material such as rubber. Note that by insert molding a member having rigidity, it is possible to increase the strength of the protector portion 3 and more reliably suppress deformation of the grommet body 2 (e.g., bending or crushing).

[0015] The grommet body 2 has a cylindrical shape in which an electric wire W can be routed, and includes a first cylindrical portion 21 that penetrates in the vertical direction (one direction) and through which an electric wire W (first electric wire W1) such as a wire harness can be inserted. The grommet body 2 also includes a second cylindrical portion 23 that penetrates in the vertical direction (one direction) and through which an electric wire W (second electric wire W2) such as a hood lock cable can be inserted. The grommet body 2 also includes a third cylindrical portion 24 through which an electric wire different from the first electric wire W1 and the second electric wire W2 can be inserted as necessary.

[0016] In this embodiment, two projections 25 projecting downward are formed on the underside of the grommet body 2, and these two projections 25 can be used to prevent the grommet 1 from turning when the grommet 1 is assembled into the through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (panel) P. Furthermore, a marker portion 26 is provided near the second tubular portion 23 on the underside of the grommet body 2, and by visually checking this marker portion 26, it is possible to confirm the assembly position of the grommet 1 into the through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (panel) P, etc.

[0017] The first cylinder portion 21 is located on the lower side (one side) in the vertical direction (one direction) and includes a small diameter cylinder portion 211 into which the first electric wire W1 is inserted from an opening on the lower side. The small diameter cylinder portion 211 is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the first electric wire W1. The first cylinder portion 21 is also located on the upper side (the other side) in the vertical direction (one direction) than the small diameter cylinder portion 211 and includes a large diameter cylinder portion 212 having a larger diameter than the small diameter cylinder portion 211. In this embodiment, the lower end (one end in one direction) of the large diameter cylinder portion 212 is connected to the upper end (the other end in one direction) of the small diameter cylinder portion 211.

[0018] The small diameter tube portion 211 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 2111 having approximately the same diameter from the lower end to the upper end, and a seal protrusion 21111 is formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2111, which is capable of contacting the outer surface of the first electric wire W1 to seal a gap between the first electric wire W1 and the peripheral wall 2111. The seal protrusion 21111 is formed so as to protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2111, and is formed around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2111. In this embodiment, a plurality of annular seal protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 2111 so as to be aligned at a distance from each other in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0019] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 has a bottom wall 2121 extending approximately horizontally radially outward from the upper end (the other end in one direction) of the peripheral wall 2111 of the small diameter cylindrical portion 211, and a peripheral wall 2122 extending approximately upward from the outer circumferential end of the bottom wall 2121.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall 2122 is provided with an inclined wall 21221 that is connected to the outer circumferential end of the bottom wall 2121 and inclined upward and outward so that the diameter increases toward the upper side. The peripheral wall 2122 is provided with a connecting wall 21222 that extends substantially horizontally from the upper end (the other end in one direction) of the inclined wall 21221 toward the radially outward direction, and a vertical wall 21223 that is connected to the outer periphery of the connecting wall 21222 and extends in the up-down direction (one direction). The upper end of the vertical wall 21223 is configured to be the upper surface (the surface on the other side in one direction) 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212.

[0021] By connecting such bottom wall 2121 and peripheral wall 2122 (inclined wall 21221, connecting wall 21222, vertical wall 21223) to the upper end of the peripheral wall 2111 of the small diameter cylindrical portion 211, a large diameter cylindrical portion 212 having a larger diameter than the small diameter cylindrical portion 211 is formed above the small diameter cylindrical portion 211.

[0022] In this embodiment, reinforcing ribs 2123 are formed on the inner surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 212, and these reinforcing ribs 2123 suppress deformation of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 212 (for example, bending or crushing).

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grommet body 2 includes a flange portion 22 that is connected to the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 and extends substantially horizontally in the radially outward direction. Specifically, the flange portion 22 is formed by extending the connecting wall 21222 in the radially outward direction.

[0024] The flange portion 22 includes a plate-shaped flange main body 221 extending substantially horizontally from the outer circumferential end of the connecting wall 21222 in the radially outward direction. The flange portion 22 also includes two substantially annular ribs 2211 formed so as to protrude downward from a lower surface (surface on one side in one direction) 22a of the flange main body 221. The flange portion 22 also includes two substantially annular ribs 2212 formed so as to protrude upward from an upper surface (surface on the other side in one direction) 22b of the flange main body 221.

[0025] One end of a substantially U-shaped connecting portion 4 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange body 221, and the protector portion 3 is connected to the other end of the connecting portion 4. In this manner, the grommet body 2 and the protector portion 3 are integrated via the connecting portion 4. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 4 is a member that can be elastically deformed so as to move one end and the other end of the U-shape closer to each other or farther away from each other. In a state in which the grommet body 2 and the protector portion 3 are connected to each other, the protector portion 3 is arranged in a state in which it opens upward. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protector portion 3 is connected to the grommet body 2 in a state in which it can move relatively in the horizontal direction (the extension direction of a plane perpendicular to one direction) with respect to the grommet body 2 as the connecting portion 4 elastically deforms.

[0026] This protector portion 3 comprises a protector main body 31 connected to the other end of the connecting portion 4 and arranged to cover the upper part of the flange portion 22, and a protector side small diameter cylindrical portion 32 connected to the inner end of the protector main body 31 and arranged to cover the upper opening of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212.

[0027] The protector body 31 includes a peripheral wall 311 connected to the other end of the connecting portion 4 and extending upward, and a top wall 312 connected from the upper end of the peripheral wall 311 toward the inside (center) in the radial direction.

[0028] The peripheral wall 311 includes a vertical wall 3111 extending in the up-down direction, and a lower flange 3112 extending in the radially outward direction is connected to the lower end of the vertical wall 3111. An upper flange 3113 extending in the radially outward direction is connected to the upper end of the vertical wall 3111. In this manner, by providing flanges (the lower flange 3112 and the upper flange 3113) protruding outward above and below the vertical wall 3111, a groove 3114 is formed between the lower flange 3112 and the upper flange 3113. When the grommet 1 is assembled into the through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (panel) P, the peripheral portion of the through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (panel) P is inserted into the groove 3114.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an upwardly protruding lip portion 31121 is provided around the entire circumference at the outer circumferential edge of the upper portion of the lower flange 3112, while downwardly protruding locking claws 31131 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction at the outer circumferential edge of the lower portion of the upper flange 3113. In this embodiment, the locking claws 31131 are capable of elastically deforming radially inward.

[0030] In this manner, the vehicle body panel P is clamped between the lip portion 31121 of the lower flange 3112 and the locking claw 31131 of the upper flange 3113. In other words, the grommet 1 is attached to the through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel P by the clamping force between the lip portion 31121 and the locking claw 31131.

[0031] The top wall 312 includes a top wall main body 3121 that is connected from the upper end of the vertical wall 3111 toward the inside (center) in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the top wall main body 3121 includes an inclined wall that inclines radially inward and upward, and a horizontal wall that extends approximately horizontally from the inner peripheral end of the inclined wall toward the inside in the radial direction. The top wall main body 3121 is positioned above the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 (the other side in one direction). In other words, the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121 is positioned above the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 (the other side in one direction).

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, the top wall main body 3121 corresponds to a wall portion located above (the other side in one direction) the large diameter cylindrical portion 212. Note that it is sufficient that the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121 has a portion that faces the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 in the up-down direction located above, and it is not necessary for the entire lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121 to be located above the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212.

[0033] A reinforcing wall 3122 is formed on the upper part of the top wall main body 3121, and the provision of this reinforcing wall 3122 increases the strength of the protector part 3. Furthermore, a restricting wall 3123 is formed on the lower part of the top wall main body 3121, and a restricting protrusion 31231 formed on this restricting wall 3123 interferes with the vertical wall 21223, thereby restricting the movement of the protector part 3 relative to the grommet main body 2.

[0034] On the other hand, the protector side small diameter cylindrical portion 32 has an inclined wall 321 that inclines radially inward and upward from the inner circumferential end of the top wall main body 3121, and a retaining wall 322 that is connected to the upper end of the inclined wall 321 and is capable of holding the upper side of the first electric wire W1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the holding wall 322 is formed to have a diameter slightly larger than that of the first electric wire W1. In addition, in the protector part 3, a plurality of slits 33 are formed from the upper part of the holding wall 322 to the outer peripheral end of the top wall main body 3121, so that the diameter of the holding wall 322 can be reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slit 33 includes a slit main body 331 and an enlarged portion 332 that is wider than the slit main body 331. Specifically, the enlarged portion 332 is provided at a position (opposite in the vertical direction) corresponding to the portion where the second tube portion 23 and the third tube portion 24 of the grommet main body 2 are formed. In this way, the electric wire W inserted into the second electric wire W2 and the third tube portion 24 can be pulled out upward from the enlarged portion 332.

[0036] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 34 is provided around the slit 33, and this reinforcing rib 34 makes it possible to suppress damage and deformation of the portion of the protector part 3 where the slit 33 is formed.

[0037] By configuring the grommet 1 as described above, a first wire insertion space S1 is formed in the grommet 1, which communicates from the lower end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 211 to the upper end of the retaining wall 322 and through which the first electric wire W1 is inserted from below. That is, the first wire insertion space S1 has a small diameter space S11 defined by the small diameter cylindrical portion 211 and a large diameter space S12 defined by the large diameter cylindrical portion 212. Furthermore, the first wire insertion space S1 has a reduced diameter space S13 defined by the inclined wall 321 and a retaining space S14 defined by the retaining wall 322. The opening that opens downward of the small diameter cylindrical portion 211 serves as an introduction opening S1a through which the first electric wire W1 is introduced into the first electric wire insertion space S1, and the opening that opens upward of the retaining wall 322 serves as an extraction opening S1b through which the first electric wire W1 is extracted upward.

[0038] When using the grommet 1, it is preferable to fill the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 (large diameter space S12) with a liquid hardening sealant and harden it in a state in which the first electric wire W1 is inserted through the introduction opening S1a and pulled out through the pull-out opening S1b. In this way, the first electric wire insertion space S1 can be sealed with the hardened sealant, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent liquids such as water from entering the vehicle interior R.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flange portion 22 of the grommet body 2 is formed with a second tubular portion 23 and a third tubular portion 24. As shown in FIG.

[0040] Here, the third tube portion 24 includes a substantially cylindrical main body wall portion 241, which is used as necessary. Therefore, in a normal state (a state in which use is not planned), the lower end of the main body wall portion 241 is covered by the lid portion 242. That is, in a normal state (a state in which use is not planned), a space S3 is formed inside the third tube portion 24, the lower part of which is closed by the lid portion 242. In addition, in this embodiment, a slit 2411 is formed in the main body wall portion 241, and when the third tube portion 24 is to be used, the slit 2411 can be cut to remove the lid portion 242.

[0041] On the other hand, since the second tubular portion 23 is a tubular portion for inserting the second electric wire W2, a second electric wire insertion space S2 that penetrates in the vertical direction (one direction) is formed inside the second tubular portion 23.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second tube portion 23 includes a main body wall portion 231, and the main body wall portion 231 is formed so that the lower end thereof communicates with a through hole formed in the flange main body 221 of the flange portion 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second tube portion 23 includes a substantially cylindrical extension wall 234 that is connected to the lower end of the main body wall portion 231 and protrudes downward from the lower surface 221a of the flange main body 221. That is, in this embodiment, the main body wall portion 231 and the extension wall 234 form a tube portion that penetrates the flange main body 221. The lower end of the extension wall 234 is the lower end 23a of the second tube portion 23, and the opening that opens downward of the extension wall 234 is the introduction opening S2a of the second electric wire insertion space S2.

[0043] In this embodiment, a lip portion 232 capable of holding the second electric wire W2 in a waterproof state when the second electric wire W2 is inserted is formed in the second electric wire insertion space S2.

[0044] In this embodiment, the lip portion 232 includes a lower lip portion 2321 provided at a lower portion within the second electric wire insertion space S2, and an upper lip portion 2322 provided at an upper portion within the second electric wire insertion space S2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lower lip 2321 has a reduced diameter portion 23211 that reduces in diameter from a base portion 2321a connected to the lower end of the inner surface of the main body wall 231 toward a tip portion 2321b, and this reduced diameter portion 23211 can be elastically expanded. The diameter of an opening formed at the tip of the lower lip 2321 is made smaller than the diameter of the second electric wire W2. Therefore, when the second electric wire W2 is inserted into the second electric wire insertion space S2, the second electric wire W2 presses the lower lip 2321, and the reduced diameter portion 23211 is inserted while elastically expanding.

[0046] Meanwhile, upper lip portion 2322 has reduced diameter portion 23221 whose diameter decreases from root portion 2322a connected to the upper end of the inner surface of main body wall portion 231 toward connecting portion 2322c, and this reduced diameter portion 23221 can also be elastically expanded. Furthermore, upper lip portion 2322 has tubular portion 23222 connected to the upper end (connecting portion 2322c) of reduced diameter portion 23221 and having approximately the same diameter from connecting portion 2322c to tip portion 2322b, and this tubular portion 23222 can also be elastically expanded.

[0047] Therefore, when the second electric wire W2 is inserted into the second electric wire insertion space S2, the second electric wire W2 presses against the upper lip portion 2322, causing the reduced diameter portion 23221 and the tubular portion 23222 to elastically expand and be inserted.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lower lip portion 2321 has a root portion 2321a connected to the lower end of the inner surface of the main body wall portion 231. In other words, the height position (vertical position) of the portion where the lower lip portion 2321 is connected to the main body wall portion 231 approximately coincides with the lower surface 221a of the flange main body 221.

[0049] When the lip portion 232 is provided at the lower end of the inner surface of the main body wall portion 231 in this manner, simply providing the main body wall portion 231 so as to be continuous with the through hole formed in the flange main body 221 results in the lip portion 232 being present in the vicinity of the introduction opening. With such a configuration, it is difficult to push the second electric wire W2 into the lip portion 232, and the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23 decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned extension wall 234 is provided to suppress the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23 from decreasing.

[0050] However, if the protruding amount of the extension wall 234 becomes too large, the extension wall 234 itself becomes easily deformed, which reduces the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tube portion 23. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protruding amount of the extension wall 234 is set in consideration of the effect on the ease of insertion.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 236 is provided to connect the inclined wall 21221 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 and the extended wall 234, so as to more reliably suppress deformation of the extended wall 234. Note that, in this embodiment, the extended wall 234 is also reinforced by the substantially annular rib 2211.

[0052] In this embodiment, the main body wall portion 231 is formed so that the height position of the upper end is substantially the same as the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylinder portion 212. The base portion 2322a of the upper lip portion 2322 is connected to the upper end of the inner surface of the main body wall portion 231.

[0053] As described above, the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121 is positioned above the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212. Therefore, a gap is formed between the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 and the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121.

[0054] Therefore, when the upper end of the second tube portion 23 is positioned at substantially the same height as the upper surface 212a of the large diameter tube portion 212, the second electric wire W2 that has passed through the second tube portion 23 may shift laterally (in the radial direction) and hit the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121. When the second electric wire W2 hits the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121 in this way, the workability of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tube portion 23 decreases.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the grommet body 2 is formed with a guide rib (guide portion) 235 for guiding the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second tubular portion 23 to the drawing space S4. In this embodiment, by forming a recess 31221 at a portion of the reinforcing wall 3122 corresponding to the second tubular portion 23 and the third tubular portion 24, the second electric wire W2 having passed through the second tubular portion 23 can be drawn out from the drawing space S4 to above the protector portion 3.

[0056] In this embodiment, a guide rib (guide portion) 235 is formed on the upper end of the main body wall portion 231, and the height position of the upper end of this guide rib (guide portion) 235 is set to be approximately the same height position as the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121. Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper end of the guide rib (guide portion) 235 becomes the upper end 23b of the second tube portion 23, and the opening that opens upward of the guide rib (guide portion) 235 becomes the draw-out opening S2b of the second electric wire insertion space S2.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a root portion 2322a of the upper lip portion 2322 is connected to the upper end of the inner surface of the main body wall portion 231. Therefore, the reduced diameter portion 23221 and the tube portion 23222 of the upper lip portion 2322 elastically expand and open in the space within the guide rib (guide portion) 235.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, a slit 2351 extending in the vertical direction (one direction) is formed in the guide rib (guide portion) 235 so that the guide rib (guide portion) 235 does not interfere with the expansion of the reduced diameter portion 23221 and the cylindrical portion 23222.

[0059] This makes it possible to guide the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the drawing space S4 while suppressing a decrease in ease of insertion of the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tube portion 23. By providing the guide rib 235 having the slit 2351 in the grommet body 2 in this manner, it is possible to simultaneously improve ease of insertion of the second electric wire W2 into the second tube portion 23 and guide the second electric wire W2 into the drawing space S4 by the guide rib 235.

[0060] In this embodiment, an outer reinforcing rib 233 is provided on the radially outer side of the second tubular portion 23, and the slit 2351 is formed to open upward at the position where the outer reinforcing rib 233 is provided. Specifically, the slit 2351 is formed to extend in the vertical direction while opening upward from the upper end of the guide rib (guide portion) 235 to the upper end of the outer reinforcing rib 233. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the guide rib (guide portion) 235 caused by providing the slit 2351.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the main body wall portion 231, which is a main part of the second cylindrical portion 23, is configured to be substantially contained between the lower surface of the flange main body 221 and the upper surface 212a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212. This makes the length of the second cylindrical portion 23 in the vertical direction relatively short, and makes the configuration of the second cylindrical portion 23 less likely to deform.

[0062] Incidentally, in order to improve the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23, it is preferable to configure the second tubular portion 23 to be more resistant to deformation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second tubular portion 23 is configured to be more resistant to deformation.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, a reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is formed on the outside of the second tubular portion 23, which is connected to the portion where the lip portion 232 of the second tubular portion 23 is connected, and suppresses elongation of the second tubular portion 23 in the vertical direction (one direction).

[0064] In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 2123 formed on the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 is extended to the outside of the second cylindrical portion 23, thereby forming the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124.

[0065] The reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is formed from the vicinity of the lower end (one end in one direction) 23a to the vicinity of the upper end (the other end in one direction) 23b of the second tubular portion 23. That is, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is arranged so that the lower end 2142a is located near the lower end (one end in one direction) 23a of the second tubular portion 23, and the upper end 2142b is located near the upper end (the other end in one direction) 23b of the second tubular portion 23.

[0066] In this embodiment, the height position of the lower end 2142a of the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is approximately aligned with the lower surface 221a (the lower end of the main body wall portion 231) of the flange main body 221. On the other hand, the height position of the upper end 2142b of the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is approximately aligned with the connecting portion 2322c of the upper lip portion 2322 (the tip of the reduced diameter portion 23221).

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connection portions of the two upper and lower lip portions 232 and the main body wall portion 231 are reinforced by reinforcing ribs (deformation suppressing portions) 2124.

[0068] This makes it difficult to deform the second tubular portion 23 in the up-down direction. That is, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 suppresses the second tubular portion 23 from being significantly stretched in the up-down direction due to a vertical force (upward force) applied to the lip portion 232 from the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second tubular portion 23.

[0069] For example, as in the grommet 1A shown in FIG. 13, if the upper end of the main body wall portion 231 is formed to extend to the upper surface of the protector portion 3 while no deformation suppression portion is provided, the second tubular portion 23 will stretch significantly in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 14.

[0070] In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, even if a vertical force (upward force) is applied to the lip portion 232 from the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second tubular portion 23, the vertical extension can be suppressed by the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 16, it is possible to more reliably suppress the second tubular portion 23 from being deformed in the vertical direction.

[0071] Therefore, the second electric wire W2 can be inserted into the second tubular portion 23 without the second tubular portion 23 being significantly stretched in the up-down direction. That is, the second electric wire W2 that has been inserted into the second tubular portion 23 from one side (the lower side) can be more easily pulled out from the other side (the upper side).

[0072] In this manner, with the grommet 1 shown in this embodiment, the workability of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23 can be further improved.

[0073] Note that the figures shown in Figures 14 and 16 show the most deformed state (maximum deformation amount) of the grommet 1, 1A when it is deformed using an inspection jig 100 formed with a sphere 110 having approximately the same diameter as the second electric wire W2.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 is formed in a range of 90 degrees or more of the second tubular portion 23 when the second tubular portion 23 is viewed in the up-down direction (one direction). Note that, in this embodiment, the range of the angle of the second tubular portion 23 means the central angle of the portion of the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 that contacts the second tubular portion 23. In other words, it means the angle formed by the line segment connecting the center of the second tubular portion 23 and one end of the portion of the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 that contacts the second tubular portion 23, and the line segment connecting the center of the second tubular portion 23 and the other end of the portion of the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 that contacts the second tubular portion 23.

[0075] 11 and 12, in this embodiment, approximately 80% of the inner half of the second tubular portion 23 is supported by the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124. In terms of the central angle of the second tubular portion 23, the range in which the central angle of the outer wall (main body wall portion 231) of the second tubular portion 23 is approximately 150 degrees is supported by the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124.

[0076] This makes it possible to more reliably suppress deformation of the second tubular portion 23 (elongation in the up-down direction and deformation in the radial direction).

[0077] Therefore, for example, even if the holding force of the second electric wire W2 by the lip portion 232 is increased, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23.

[0078] Therefore, by providing the reinforcing rib 2124 within a range of 90 degrees or more of the second tubular portion 23, it is possible to achieve both improved waterproofing of the second electric wire W2 by the lip portion 232 and improved ease of insertion of the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23.

[0079] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the grommet shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0080] The grommet 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a grommet body 2 having a first tubular portion 21 through which the first electric wire W1 is inserted in the vertical direction (one direction) and a second tubular portion 23 through which the second electric wire W2 is inserted in the vertical direction (one direction). The first tubular portion 21 includes a small diameter tubular portion 211 located on the lower side (one side in the one direction) and a large diameter tubular portion 212 located on the upper side (the other side in the one direction).

[0081] Here, a lip portion 232 capable of holding the second electric wire W2 in a waterproof state is formed on the inside of the second tubular portion 23. Furthermore, a reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 is formed on the outside of the second tubular portion 23, connected to a portion where the lip portion 232 of the second tubular portion 23 is connected to, and suppresses the expansion of the second tubular portion 23 in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0082] This reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 is formed from the vicinity of the lower end (one end in one direction) 23a of the second cylindrical portion 23 to the vicinity of the upper end (the other end in one direction) 23b.

[0083] In this manner, in the grommet 1 shown in the above embodiment, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 connected to the portion where the lip portion 232 of the second tubular portion 23 is continuously provided is formed from the vicinity of the lower end 23a to the vicinity of the upper end 23b of the second tubular portion 23. By providing the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 from the vicinity of the lower end 23a to the vicinity of the upper end 23b of the second tubular portion 23, the second tubular portion 23 is made difficult to deform in the vertical direction. In this manner, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppressing portion) 2124 suppresses the second tubular portion 23 from being significantly stretched in the vertical direction due to the vertical force (upward force) applied to the lip portion 232 from the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second tubular portion 23.

[0084] In this way, the second electric wire W2 can be inserted into the second tubular portion 23 without the second tubular portion 23 being significantly stretched in the up-down direction. That is, the second electric wire W2 that has been inserted into the second tubular portion 23 from one side (lower side) can be more easily pulled out from the other side (upper side).

[0085] Therefore, with the grommet 1 shown in the above embodiment, the workability of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23 can be further improved.

[0086] Furthermore, the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 may be formed in a range of 90 degrees or more of the second tubular portion 23 when the second tubular portion 23 is viewed in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0087] This makes it possible to more reliably suppress deformation of the second tubular portion 23 (elongation in the up-down direction and deformation in the radial direction).

[0088] Therefore, for example, even if the holding force of the second electric wire W2 by the lip portion 232 is increased, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23.

[0089] In this way, by providing the reinforcing rib 2124 within a range of 90 degrees or more of the second tubular portion 23, it is possible to achieve both improved waterproofing of the second electric wire W2 by the lip portion 232 and improved ease of insertion of the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23.

[0090] Also, the grommet 1 may have a top wall main body (wall portion) 3121 located above the large diameter cylindrical portion 212 (the other side in one direction) and may include a protector portion 3 capable of suppressing deformation of the grommet main body 2. Furthermore, the top wall main body (wall portion) 3121 may be configured to form a pull-out space S4 that allows the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 23 from the lower side (one side in one direction) to be pulled out above the top wall main body (wall portion) 3121 (the other side in one direction). The grommet main body 2 may be configured to form a guide rib (guide portion) 235 that guides the second electric wire W2 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 23 to the pull-out space S4.

[0091] In this way, even if the upper end (the other end in one direction) of the second tube portion 23 is positioned below (one side in one direction) the top wall main body (wall portion) 3121, it is possible to smoothly pull out the second electric wire W2 above (the other side in one direction) the top wall main body (wall portion) 3121.

[0092] Specifically, when the upper end of the second tube portion 23 is positioned below the top wall main body 3121, the second electric wire W2 that has passed through the second tube portion 23 may shift laterally (radially) and strike against the lower surface (one surface in one direction) 3121a of the top wall main body 3121. However, if the grommet main body 2 is provided with a guide rib (guide portion) 235, it is possible to prevent the second electric wire W2 that has passed through the second tube portion 23 from shifting laterally (radially) and striking against the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121. That is, the guide rib (guide portion) 235 prevents the second electric wire W2 that has passed through the second tube portion 23 from shifting laterally (radially) and striking against the lower surface 3121a of the top wall main body 3121. As a result, when the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) is inserted into the second tube portion 23, the second electric wire W2 can be pulled out above the top wall main body (wall portion) 3121 (to the other side in one direction) more smoothly.

[0093] Therefore, when the protector portion 3 is provided, even if the length of the second tubular portion 23 in the vertical direction (one direction) is shortened to make the second tubular portion 23 less likely to deform, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23.

[0094] Also, the guide rib (guide portion) 235 may be formed with a slit 2351 extending in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0095] This makes it possible to suppress the deformation (diameter expansion) of the lip portion 232 when the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) is inserted into the second tubular portion 23 from being hindered by the guide rib (guide portion) 235. That is, it becomes possible to guide the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the drawing space S4 while suppressing a decrease in the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 (electric wire W) into the second tubular portion 23. In this way, by providing the guide rib 235 having the slit 2351 in the grommet body 2, it becomes possible to simultaneously improve the ease of inserting the second electric wire W2 into the second tubular portion 23 and guide the second electric wire W2 into the drawing space S4 by the guide rib 235.

[0096] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0097] For example, in the above embodiment, the grommet 1 in which the grommet body 2 and the protector portion 3 are integrally formed is exemplified, but it is also possible to use a grommet in which the grommet body 2 and the protector portion 3 are formed from separate members. Also, the present invention can be applied to a grommet that does not have a protector portion 3.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the grommet 1 is illustrated as having the third tubular portion 24 through which the third electric wire can be selectively inserted, but the configuration of the grommet is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is possible to have a grommet without the third tubular portion 24 (a grommet having only two tubular portions), or a grommet having four or more tubular portions. In addition, when there are three or more tubular portions, at least one of the tubular portions other than the first tubular portion 21 and the second tubular portion 23 can have the same configuration as the second tubular portion 23.

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of a reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 provided on the large diameter cylindrical portion 212, but the reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) 2124 only needs to be connected to the outside of the second cylindrical portion 23, and can be formed in various locations on the grommet 1.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the guide rib (guide portion) 235 is connected to the main body wall portion 231 of the second tubular portion 23, but it is also possible to provide the guide rib (guide portion) 235 at a position on the grommet main body 2 separate from the main body wall portion 231. For example, it is also possible to provide the guide rib (guide portion) 235 so as to surround the outer periphery of the main body wall portion 231 when viewed in the up-down direction (one direction).

[0101] Furthermore, the number of lip portions 232 provided on the second tubular portion 23 does not need to be two, and may be one or three or more. When three or more lip portions are provided, it is preferable that a reinforcing rib (deformation suppression portion) is provided on the outside of the base portion of all of the lip portions.

[0102] In addition, the specifications of the grommet body, protector part, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Grommet 2 Grommet body 21 First cylinder 211 Small diameter cylinder part 212 Large diameter cylinder 2124 Reinforcement rib (deformation suppression part) 23 Second cylinder 23a Bottom end (one end of one direction) 23b Top end (other end of one direction) 232 Lip 235 Guide rib (guide part) 2351 Slit 3 Protector 3121 Ceiling wall body (wall section) S4 drawer space W1 First Wire W2 Second Wire

Claims

1. The grommet body includes a first tubular portion through which a first electric wire is inserted by penetrating in one direction, and a second tubular portion through which a second electric wire is inserted by penetrating in the one direction, The first cylindrical portion includes: a small diameter cylindrical portion located on one side in the one direction; a large diameter cylindrical portion located on the other side in the one direction; Equipped with a lip portion capable of holding the second electric wire in a waterproof state is formed on the inside of the second cylindrical portion, a deformation suppression portion is formed on an outer side of the second cylindrical portion, the deformation suppression portion being connected to a portion of the second cylindrical portion where the lip portion is connected to suppress the extension of the second cylindrical portion in the one direction; The deformation suppression portion is formed from the vicinity of one end of the second cylindrical portion in the one direction to the vicinity of the other end of the second cylindrical portion in the one direction. Grommet.

2. The deformation suppression portion is formed in a range of 90 degrees or more of the second tubular portion when the second tubular portion is viewed in the one direction. The grommet of claim 1 .

3. a protector portion having a wall portion located on the other side of the large diameter cylindrical portion in the one direction and capable of suppressing deformation of the grommet body, a withdrawal space is formed in the wall portion, in which the second electric wire inserted into the second cylindrical portion from one side in the one direction can be withdrawn from the wall portion to the other side in the one direction, The grommet body is formed with a guide portion that guides the second electric wire inserted into the second cylindrical portion to the drawing space. The grommet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide portion has a slit extending in the one direction. The grommet according to claim 3.

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