Wire protector

Abstract

To provide an electric wire protector capable of further improving waterproof performance.SOLUTION: The wire protector 1 includes a grommet main body 10 that is formed from a hard resin having electrical insulation properties and through which the wire W can be inserted, and an annular water blocking member 30 that is attached to the grommet main body 10. Here, the grommet main body 10 includes the plurality of split bodies 40 that are assembled in a state in which the joining surfaces 40b facing each other in the circumferential direction abut against each other. The water stop member 30 is assembled to the grommet main body 10 so as to press the joint surfaces 40b abutting against each other. Further, the water intrusion suppressing portions 47 for suppressing the intrusion of water into the grommet body 10 are formed on the joint surfaces 40b to be butted against each other. The water-penetration reduction portion 47 has a labyrinth structure including the recess 472 and the protrusion 471 that engage with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional wire protector of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the wire protector includes a base member made of an electrically insulating hard resin and an annular waterproofing member assembled to the base member. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the base member is formed of multiple divided bodies assembled with their joint surfaces butted together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-088457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a wire protector using a plurality of divided bodies, it is preferable to further improve the waterproof performance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wire protector that can further improve waterproof performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A wire protector according to one aspect of the present invention is a wire protector that is attached to an insertion target member having a wire through hole formed therein, through which an electric wire can be inserted, so as to block the wire through hole and protect the electric wire. The wire protector comprises: a grommet body formed from a hard resin having electrical insulation properties and through which the electric wire can be inserted; and an annular water-stopping member that is assembled to the grommet body. The grommet body comprises a plurality of divided bodies that are assembled with opposing joining surfaces abutting each other in the circumferential direction, and the water-stopping member is assembled to the grommet body so as to press the abutted joining surfaces against each other, and the abutted joining surfaces are formed with water-intrusion suppression portions that suppress water from infiltrating inward of the grommet body, and the water-intrusion suppression portion has a labyrinth structure having recesses and protrusions that engage with each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wire protector that can further improve waterproof performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wire protector before it is attached to an example of an insertion target member. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a wire protector attached to an example of an insertion target member. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a wire protector attached to an example of an insertion target member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a wire protector as viewed from one side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the example of the wire protector as viewed from the other side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a divided body that constitutes an example of a grommet body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing an example of a protrusion that constitutes part of the water infiltration suppression portion formed on the divided body. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing an example of a protrusion that constitutes part of the water infiltration suppression portion formed on the divided body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a boundary line formed on an example of a grommet body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing an example of a water infiltration suppression portion formed on a divided body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The connector fitting and the electric wire with connector fitting according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0010] In the following, a grommet that is attached to a vehicle body panel (an insertion target member) that separates the vehicle interior from the engine compartment so as to close a wire through hole will be exemplified as the wire protector.

[0011] In this description, the up-down direction of the grommet (wire protector) is defined as the up-down direction of the grommet (wire protector) when the grommet (wire protector) is attached to the vehicle body panel (object to be inserted) so that the engine compartment is located below and the passenger compartment is located above.

[0012] [Example of grommet (wire protector) configuration] First, an example of the configuration of a grommet (wire protector) 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0013] The grommet (wire protector) 1 according to this embodiment is used by being assembled into a wire through hole Pa of a vehicle body panel (insertion target member) P that separates an outside vehicle compartment ER, such as an engine room, from the inside of the vehicle compartment R. By assembling the grommet (wire protector) 1 into the wire through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (insertion target member) P, the electric wires W of a wire harness or the like routed inside the grommet (wire protector) 1 are protected by the grommet (wire protector) 1.

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, grommet (wire protector) 1 includes a grommet body 10 inside which an electric wire W can be inserted. This grommet body 10 is formed using a hard resin having electrical insulation properties.

[0015] The grommet (wire protector) 1 also includes an annular O-ring (waterstop member) 30 that is assembled to the grommet body 10. The O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is formed using an elastically deformable material such as rubber.

[0016] The grommet body 10, to which the O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is attached, is inserted and held in the wire through hole Pa of the vehicle body panel (object member) P, so that the grommet (wire protector) 1 is attached to the vehicle body panel (object member) P. At this time, the gap between the grommet body 10 and the vehicle body panel (object member) P is filled with the O-ring (waterstop member) 30. In this way, the grommet (wire protector) 1 is attached to the vehicle body panel (object member) P so as to close the wire through hole Pa, and the wire W inserted inside the grommet body 10 is protected.

[0017] In this embodiment, an annular protrusion Pb that protrudes into the vehicle interior R is formed by burring or other processing around the periphery of the electric wire through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (object member) P. When the grommet body 10 to which the O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is attached is inserted and held in the electric wire through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (object member) P, the O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is pressed against the inner surface of the annular protrusion Pb (see FIG. 3). This prevents water outside the vehicle interior ER from entering the vehicle interior R through a gap formed between the grommet body 10 and the vehicle body panel (object member) P.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grommet (wire protector) 1 includes a corrugated tube 20, and the corrugated tubes 20 are attached to both the top and bottom of the grommet body 10. The wire W is inserted into the inside of the grommet body 10 and the inside of the corrugated tube 20, so that the wire W is protected by the grommet body 10 and the corrugated tube 20.

[0019] Thus, in this embodiment, the grommet (wire protector) 1 has a wire insertion hole 1a formed to penetrate vertically into the inside of the grommet body 10 and the inside of the corrugated tube 20, through which the wire W can be inserted.

[0020] [Example of grommet body configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the grommet body 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] The grommet body 10 has a cylindrical shape that allows the electric wire W to be routed inside, and is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin material such as plastic (a hard resin having electrical insulation properties). This makes it possible to form the grommet body 10 that is not easily elastically deformed by external forces.

[0022] In this embodiment, grommet body 10 includes an inner tube 11 having a through hole 10a formed therein that penetrates vertically and through which an electric wire W is inserted. Grommet body 10 also includes a flange 12 extending radially outward from the middle of inner tube 11 in the vertical direction, and an outer tube 13 connected to the outer periphery of flange 12 and extending downward.

[0023] In this embodiment, a plurality of ridges 111 are formed on the inner periphery of the inner tube 11 so as to protrude radially inward. The ridges 111 are inserted into recesses 21 formed on the outer surface of the corrugated tube 20, so that the corrugated tube 20 can be assembled to the grommet body 10.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drain hole 112 is formed in the center of the inner tube 11 in the vertical direction, so that the drain hole 112 is not blocked by the corrugated tube 20 when the corrugated tube 20 is assembled to the grommet body 10. This allows water in the wire insertion hole 1a to be drained from the drain hole 112 to the outside (outside the inner tube 11).

[0025] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the inner tube 11 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the electric wire through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (object member) P, while the outer diameters of the flange 12 and the outer tube 13 are made larger than the inner diameter of the electric wire through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (object member) P. By doing so, when the inner tube 11 is inserted into the electric wire through hole Pa from the outside ER side of the vehicle compartment, the flange 12 abuts against the vehicle body panel (object member) P, preventing the grommet body 10 from slipping out of the electric wire through hole Pa.

[0026] In addition, a space A with an opening Aa that opens downward is formed between the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 13 so as to extend circumferentially, and this space A is divided into multiple spaces by reinforcing ribs 15 that connect the outer surface of the inner tube 11 and the inner surface of the outer tube 13.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grommet body 10 includes a base portion 14 that is inserted into the wire through hole Pa together with the inner tube 11 when the inner tube 11 is inserted into the wire through hole Pa from the outside ER side of the vehicle compartment. The base portion 14 is formed so as to be located radially outward of the inner tube 11 and above the flange 12. An engaging portion 143 formed on the base portion 14 is engaged with a vehicle body panel (a target member) P, thereby preventing the grommet body 10 from slipping out of the wire through hole Pa.

[0028] In this embodiment, the base portion 14 includes a peripheral wall 141 that extends radially upward from the middle of the flange 12, and a top wall 142 that connects the upper end of the peripheral wall 141 to the upper end of the inner tube 11.

[0029] The peripheral wall 141 is formed so that the outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the electric wire through hole Pa in the vehicle body panel (insertion target member) P, and a recess 1411 recessed radially inward is formed in the peripheral wall 141 so as to open upward and radially outward. The above-mentioned engagement portion 143 is formed inside the recess 1411.

[0030] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 143 includes a locking piece 1431 formed to rise upward from the flange 12 and elastically deformable radially inward, and a locking claw 1432 formed to protrude radially outward from an upper portion of the locking piece 1431. The lower end of the locking claw 1432 is engaged with the upper end of the annular protrusion Pb, thereby preventing the grommet body 10 from slipping out of the wire through hole Pa. In this embodiment, an O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is attached to the peripheral wall 141 below the locking claw 1432. When the grommet (wire protector) 1 is attached to a vehicle body panel (insertion target member) P, the O-ring (waterstop member) 30 seals the gap between the grommet body 10 and the annular protrusion Pb over the entire circumference.

[0031] In this embodiment, the grommet body 10 is formed by assembling two divided bodies (plural divided bodies) 40 together with their circumferentially opposing joining surfaces 40b butting against each other.

[0032] [Example of division structure] An example of the configuration of the divided body 40 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the grommet body 10 according to this embodiment is formed by assembling two (a plurality of) divided bodies 40 together.

[0034] In this embodiment, two divided bodies 40 of the same shape are used, and by assembling the two divided bodies 40 together, an approximately circular grommet body 10 is formed having a through hole 10a in the center through which the electric wire W is inserted.

[0035] Each divided body 40 includes a divided inner cylinder 41 having a semicircular arc-shaped divided through-hole 40a that penetrates vertically. The divided body 40 also includes a divided flange 42 that extends radially outward from the middle of the divided inner cylinder 41 in the vertical direction, and a divided outer cylinder 43 that is connected to the divided flange 42 and extends downward from the outer periphery of the divided flange 42. When two divided bodies 40 are assembled together, each divided through-hole 40a forms a through-hole 10a, each divided inner cylinder 41 forms an inner cylinder 11, and each divided outer cylinder 43 forms an outer cylinder 13.

[0036] Additionally, multiple dividing ridges 411 are formed on the inner periphery of the split inner tube 41 so as to protrude radially inward, and when the two split bodies 40 are assembled together, the respective dividing ridges 411 form the ridges 111. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drainage hole 412 is formed in the center in the up-down direction of the split inner tube 41, and when the two split bodies 40 are assembled together, each drainage hole 412 functions as the drainage hole 112 of the grommet body 10.

[0037] In addition, a space with an opening that opens downward is formed between the split inner tube 41 and the split outer tube 43 so as to extend circumferentially, and this space is divided into multiple spaces by reinforcing ribs 45 that connect the outer surface of the split inner tube 41 and the inner surface of the split outer tube 43.

[0038] In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 45 includes a joint surface reinforcing rib 451 that is connected to the joint surface 40b of the divided inner cylinder 41 in the divided body 40, the joint surface 40b of the divided flange 42, and the joint surface 40b of the divided outer cylinder 43. The end surface of the joint surface reinforcing rib 451 that is exposed to the outside forms part of the joint surface 40b.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the divided body 40 includes a divided base portion 44. When the two divided bodies 40 are assembled together, the divided base portions 44 form the base portion 14.

[0040] In this embodiment, the divided base portion 44 includes a divided peripheral wall 441 that is connected to the divided flange 42 so as to rise upward from midway in the radial direction, and a divided top wall 442 that connects the upper end of the divided peripheral wall 441 to the upper end of the divided inner cylinder 41. When the two divided bodies 40 are assembled together, the divided peripheral walls 441 form the peripheral wall 141, and the divided top walls 442 form the top wall 142.

[0041] The peripheral wall partition 441 is also formed with a recess 4411 that is recessed radially inward and opens upward and radially outward, and an engagement portion 443 is formed within this recess 4411 .

[0042] The engaging portion 443 is formed to rise upward from the split flange 42 and includes a locking piece 4431 that is elastically deformable radially inward, and a locking claw 4432 that is formed to protrude radially outward from the upper part of the locking piece 4431.

[0043] When the two divided bodies 40 are assembled together, the recesses 4411 of each function as recesses 1411 of the grommet body 10. Also, the engaging portions 443 (locking pieces 4431 and locking claws 4432) of each function as engaging portions 143 (locking pieces 1431 and locking claws 1432) of the grommet body 10.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the O-ring (waterstopping member) 30 is attached to the grommet body 10, the O-ring (waterstopping member) 30 is attached below the locking claws 4432 on the dividing peripheral wall 441. When the O-ring (waterstopping member) 30 is attached to the grommet body 10, the abutting joint surfaces 40b are pressed against each other by the O-ring (waterstopping member) 30. This prevents water from passing between the joint surfaces 40b and entering the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side where the electric wire W is inserted).

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the joint surfaces 40b of the divided bodies 40 are formed with locking portions 46 that can engage and lock the divided bodies 40 together.

[0046] Specifically, the locking portion 46 has an engaging portion 461 that is connected to one circumferential end of the divided body 40 and protrudes circumferentially outward. This engaging portion 461 has an engaging piece 4611 that is connected to one circumferential end of the divided body 40 and protrudes circumferentially outward, and an engaging hook 4612 that is provided on the tip side of the engaging piece 4611 and protrudes radially outward. The locking portion 46 also has an engaging wall 462 that is formed on the other circumferential end of the divided body 40 and with which the engaging portion 461 engages.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engagement wall 462 is formed to extend circumferentially at the other circumferential end of the divided body 40, and an introduction opening S1a is formed to penetrate circumferentially adjacent to the engagement wall 462. Then, the engagement piece 4611 is inserted into the introduction opening S1a and the engagement hook 4612 is hooked onto the engagement wall 462, thereby locking the divided bodies 40 together.

[0048] In this embodiment, the space S1b that opens downward is formed to communicate with the introduction opening S1a, and by inserting a finger or a jig into this space S1b from below, the engagement between the engagement hook 4612 and the engagement wall 462 can be released.

[0049] In this embodiment, a water infiltration suppression portion 47 that suppresses water from infiltrating into the grommet body 10 is formed on the joining surfaces 40b where the segments 40 butt against each other. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the water infiltration suppression portion 47 has a labyrinth structure having a recessed portion 472 and a protruding portion 471 that engage with each other.

[0050] 10, a protrusion 471 is formed on the joint surface reinforcement rib 451 so as to protrude outward in the circumferential direction (in the normal direction of the joint surface 40b), and the shape of this protrusion 471 is such that it extends in the radial direction and is bent multiple times in the axial direction (up and down direction). In addition, a recess 472 corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 471 is formed on the mating joint surface reinforcement rib 451 that is joined to the joint surface reinforcement rib 451. When two (plural) divided bodies 40 are assembled with their circumferentially opposing joint surfaces 40b butted together, the protrusion 471 fits into and engages with the recess 472.

[0051] This allows a gap of a more complex shape to be formed between the mating surfaces 40b, which are butted together, and more reliably prevents water from passing between the mating surfaces 40b and entering the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side where the electric wire W is inserted).

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the grommet body 10 is viewed in the radial direction, the boundary line 48 formed by the mating joining surfaces 40b has an uneven portion 481.

[0053] This makes it possible to form a gap with a more complex shape between the abutted joining surfaces 40b.

[0054] Forming the grommet body 10 using such divided bodies 40 can more reliably prevent water from penetrating into the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side through which the electric wire W is inserted), thereby further improving the waterproof performance of the grommet (wire protector) 1.

[0055] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the wire protector shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby.

[0056] The grommet (wire protector) 1 shown in the above embodiment is a component that is attached to a vehicle body panel (insertion target component) P having a wire through hole Pa formed therein through which the wire W can be inserted, so as to block the wire through hole Pa, thereby protecting the wire W.

[0057] This grommet (wire protector) 1 is formed from a hard resin having electrical insulation properties and comprises a grommet body 10 through which an electric wire W can be inserted, and an annular O-ring (water-stopping member) 30 that is assembled to the grommet body 10.

[0058] Here, the grommet body 10 includes a plurality of divided bodies 40 that are assembled with the circumferentially opposing joining surfaces 40b butting against each other. The O-ring (waterstop member) 30 is assembled to the grommet body 10 so as to press the mutually butted joining surfaces 40b against each other.

[0059] Furthermore, the mating surfaces 40b are formed with a water infiltration suppression portion 47 that suppresses water from infiltrating into the grommet body 10. The water infiltration suppression portion 47 has a labyrinth structure having a recessed portion 472 and a protruding portion 471 that engage with each other.

[0060] In this way, in the grommet (wire protector) 1 shown in the above embodiment, the grommet body 10 is formed by assembling multiple divided bodies 40. Then, by assembling an O-ring (waterstop member) 30 to the grommet body 10 formed by the multiple divided bodies 40, the abutting joint surfaces 40b are pressed against each other by the O-ring (waterstop member) 30.

[0061] This makes it possible to prevent water from passing between the joint surfaces 40b and entering the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side where the electric wire W is inserted).

[0062] Furthermore, in the grommet (wire protector) 1 shown in the above embodiment, a water ingress prevention portion 47 is formed on the mating surfaces 40b, and this water ingress prevention portion 47 has a labyrinth structure having recessed portions 472 and protruding portions 471 that engage with each other.

[0063] This allows a gap of a more complex shape to be formed between the mating surfaces 40b, which are butted together, and more reliably prevents water from passing between the mating surfaces 40b and entering the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side where the electric wire W is inserted).

[0064] Therefore, with the configuration shown in the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a grommet (wire protector) 1 that can further improve waterproof performance.

[0065] Furthermore, when grommet body 10 is viewed in the radial direction, boundary line 48 formed by joining surfaces 40b that butt against each other may have uneven portions 481.

[0066] This makes it possible to form gaps with more complex shapes between the abutted mating surfaces 40b, which in turn makes it possible to more reliably prevent water from passing between the mating surfaces 40b and entering the inside of the grommet body 10 (the side where the electric wire W is inserted), thereby further improving the waterproof performance of the grommet (wire protector) 1.

[0067] [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.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the grommet body 10 is formed by assembling two divided bodies 40, but it is possible to form the grommet body 10 by assembling three or more divided bodies.

[0069] Furthermore, it is also possible to appropriately change the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the waterproofing member, grommet body, and other details. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 grommet (wire protector) 10 Grommet body 30 O-ring (water-stopping material) 40 split body 40b Joint surface 47 Flood control section 471 Convex 472 recess 48 Borderline 481 Uneven part P Body panel (object to be inserted) Pa Wire through hole W electric wire

Claims

1. A wire protector that is attached to an insertion target member having a wire through hole formed therein, through which an electric wire can be inserted, so as to close the wire through hole and protect the electric wire, a grommet body formed of an electrically insulating hard resin and through which the electric wire can be inserted; an annular water-stopping member assembled to the grommet body; Equipped with the grommet body includes a plurality of divided bodies that are assembled together with circumferentially opposing joining surfaces butting against each other, The water-stopping member is assembled to the grommet body so as to press the abutted joint surfaces against each other, A water ingress prevention portion is formed on the mating surfaces to prevent water from ingressing into the grommet body, The water infiltration suppression portion has a labyrinth structure having a recess and a protrusion that engage with each other. Wire protection equipment.

2. When the grommet body is viewed in the radial direction, a boundary line formed by the joining surfaces that are butted against each other has an uneven portion. The wire protector according to claim 1.

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