Grommets and wire harnesses with grommets

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that can suppress the rotation of the grommet around the axis of a through-hole, even in the case of a circular through-hole. [Solution] The grommet 10 fits into a circular through-hole formed in the vehicle body panel. The grommet 10 comprises a cylindrical portion 12 through which a wire harness is inserted, a vehicle body mounting portion 30 provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 12 and having an annular groove 31 into which the peripheral edge of the through-hole fits, and a plurality of protrusions 40 that protrude from the inner surface 32 of the annular groove 31 so as to block a part of the annular groove 31. The plurality of protrusions 40 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 12. When the vehicle body mounting portion 30 rotates around the axis of the through-hole relative to the peripheral edge with respect to the peripheral edge, the plurality of protrusions 40 flex.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to grommets and wire harnesses with grommets.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose grommets for wire harnesses. In Patent Document 1, by providing another locking window around the circular through-hole of the vehicle body panel, the rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through-hole is suppressed. Further, in Patent Document 2, by making the through-hole of the vehicle body panel non-circular, the rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through-hole is suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desired that the rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through-hole can be suppressed even for a circular through-hole.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through-hole even for a circular through-hole.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The grommet of this disclosure is a grommet that fits into a circular through-hole formed in a vehicle body panel, and comprises a cylindrical portion through which a wire harness is inserted, a vehicle body mounting portion provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and having an annular groove formed thereon into which the peripheral edge of the through-hole fits, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the inner surface of the annular groove so as to block a part of the annular groove, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, and the plurality of protrusions flex when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates relative to the peripheral edge about the axis of the through-hole with respect to the peripheral edge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through hole can be suppressed even for circular through holes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a grommet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the grommet in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a modified example of the protrusion. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows other variations of the protrusion. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a grommet according to the first modified example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of region VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a grommet according to the second modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a grommet according to the third modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a grommet according to the fourth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The grommets of this disclosure are as follows:

[0011] (1) A grommet that fits into a circular through-hole formed in a vehicle body panel, comprising: a cylindrical portion through which a wire harness is inserted; a vehicle body mounting portion provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and having an annular groove formed thereon into which the peripheral edge of the through-hole fits; and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the inner surface of the annular groove so as to block a part of the annular groove, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, and the plurality of protrusions flex when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates relative to the peripheral edge about the axis of the through-hole with respect to the peripheral edge.

[0012] According to the grommet in (1), when the peripheral edge is fitted into the annular groove, the multiple protrusions flex when the vehicle mounting portion rotates around the axis of the through hole relative to the peripheral edge, thereby increasing the rotational resistance and making it difficult for the grommet to rotate around the axis of the through hole. As a result, rotation of the grommet around the axis of the through hole can be suppressed even for circular through holes.

[0013] (2) In the grommet of (1), the cylindrical portion may include a mounting cylindrical portion located inside the vehicle body mounting portion and a helical bellows cylindrical portion connected to the mounting cylindrical portion. This prevents the grommet from rotating and the diameter of the helical bellows cylindrical portion from changing.

[0014] (3) In the grommet of (1), when the peripheral portion is fitted into the annular groove and the resistance when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates around the axis of the through hole with respect to the peripheral portion is defined as the rotational resistance, the plurality of protrusions may be formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction around the axis of the through hole is greater than the rotational resistance in the other direction. Thereby, it is easier to further suppress the grommet from rotating in one direction around the axis of the through hole.

[0015] (4) In the grommet of (3), the cylindrical portion includes a mounting cylindrical portion located inside the vehicle body mounting portion and a spiral bellows cylindrical portion connected to the mounting cylindrical portion, and the one direction may be the direction in which the diameter of the spiral bellows cylindrical portion increases when the mounting cylindrical portion rotates. Thereby, in a state where the grommet is attached to the vehicle body panel, an increase in the diameter of the spiral bellows cylindrical portion is suppressed.

[0016] (5) In the grommet of (1) or (2), when the peripheral portion is fitted into the annular groove and the resistance when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates around the axis of the through hole with respect to the peripheral portion is defined as the rotational resistance, the plurality of protrusions may be formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction around the axis of the through hole and the rotational resistance in the other direction are the same. Thereby, in a state where the grommet is attached to the vehicle body panel, rotation in both directions around the axis can be suppressed.

[0017] (6) In any one of the grommets of (1) to (5), the inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, and the plurality of protrusions may include protrusions provided on at least one of the first side surface, the second side surface, and the bottom surface. Thereby, the protrusions are likely to come into contact with the peripheral portion.

[0018] (7) In any one of the grommets described in (1) to (6), the inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the through hole, and the plurality of protrusions may include protrusions provided on at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface. This allows the rotation of the grommet to be suppressed by the protrusions that come into contact with the first or second surface of the vehicle body panel.

[0019] (8) In any one of the grommets from (1) to (7), the inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the through hole, and the plurality of protrusions may include protrusions provided on the bottom surface. This allows the rotation of the grommet to be suppressed by the protrusions that come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

[0020] (9) In any one grommet of (1) to (8), each of the plurality of projections may be formed in a tapered shape, extending from a base end connected to the inner surface toward a tip toward one side along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. This suppresses rotation toward one side when the cylindrical portion rotates toward one side along the circumferential direction, as the projection flexes so that the tip of the projection shifts toward the other side relative to the base end.

[0021] (10) The grommeted wire harness of the present disclosure is a grommeted wire harness comprising one grommet from (1) to (9) and a wire harness passed through the cylindrical portion. This allows the rotation of the grommet to be suppressed by the projection.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of grommets and wire harnesses with grommets of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0023] [Embodiment 1] The following describes the grommet and wire harness with grommet according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the grommet 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the grommet 10 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. In Figure 2, the wire harness 82 is shown by dashed lines. Also, in Figures 2 to 4, the vehicle body panel 90 is shown by dashed lines.

[0024] The grommet 10 is attached to the vehicle body panel 90. The vehicle body panel 90 has a through hole 91. The vehicle body panel 90 has a first surface 92, a second surface 93, and an inner circumferential surface 94 of the through hole 91. The first surface 92 and the second surface 93 are opposite to each other. The through hole 91 penetrates the first surface 92 and the second surface 93. The grommet 10 penetrates the through hole 91. Here, the through hole 91 is formed in a circular shape. Furthermore, no holes for positioning the grommet 10 are formed around the through hole 91 in the vehicle body panel 90. This simplifies the structure of the vehicle body panel 90.

[0025] The grommet 10 comprises a cylindrical portion 12, a vehicle body mounting portion 30, and a plurality of protrusions 40. In this embodiment, the grommet 10 comprises a first wiring fixing portion 50, a second wiring fixing portion 60, and a protrusion 70. One or more of the first wiring fixing portion 50, the second wiring fixing portion 60, and the protrusion 70 may be omitted. The grommet 10 is formed from an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The grommet 10 is, for example, a molded product made using a mold.

[0026] The cylindrical portion 12 is the part through which the wire harness 82 passes. The cylindrical portion 12 includes a mounting cylindrical portion 14 and a helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 that communicate with each other. A portion of the cylindrical portion 12 along the axial direction is the mounting cylindrical portion 14, and the other portion is the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22. The direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 1 is the axial direction of the through hole 91 and is the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12. The direction indicated by arrow C in Figure 1 is the direction around the axis of the through hole 91 and is the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 12. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 1 will be referred to as the axial direction X, and the direction indicated by arrow C in Figure 1 will be referred to as the circumferential direction C.

[0027] The mounting cylinder portion 14 is the part that is attached to the vehicle body. A vehicle body mounting portion 30 is provided on the outside of the mounting cylinder portion 14. The mounting cylinder portion 14 protects the portion of the wire harness 82 that passes through the through hole 91 in the vehicle body panel 90 from the peripheral edge of the through hole 91. In this embodiment, there is one vehicle body panel 90 through which one grommet 10 passes. Therefore, only one set of mounting cylinder portion 14 and vehicle body mounting portion 30 is provided for one grommet 10. A single grommet may be configured to pass through multiple vehicle body panels. Also, in this case, the grommet 10 is located on the outer circumference side of the annular groove 31 and does not have an anti-rotation projection that fits into the vehicle body panel 90. The vehicle body panel 90 also does not have a hole formed for an anti-rotation projection into which such an anti-rotation projection would fit.

[0028] The spiral bellows section 22 protects the portion of the wire harness 82 that extends from the through-hole 91 in the vehicle body panel 90. The mounting section 14 forms one end of the section 12, and the spiral bellows section 22 forms the other end of the section 12. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the section 12 follows a straight line from one end to the other. The section 12 is formed in a straight line.

[0029] The helical bellows section 22 is a cylindrical section in which bellows sections having peaks 24 and valleys 26 extend helically around the axis of the cylindrical section 12. In this disclosure, the convex portions on the outer surface are referred to as peaks 24, and the concave portions on the outer surface are referred to as valleys 26. On the inner surface, the relationship between the peaks 24 and valleys 26 is reversed compared to the outer surface. That is, on the inner surface, the peaks 24 are concave and the valleys 26 are convex.

[0030] In the helical bellows section 22, multiple sets of peaks 24 and valleys 26 are arranged in a spiral pattern parallel to each other. For example, the number of sets of peaks 24 and valleys 26 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 25 sets. Here, 15 sets of peaks 24 and valleys 26 extend spirally around the cylindrical section 12 in parallel to each other, forming the helical bellows section 22. In the cross-section of the helical bellows section 22, the 15 sets of peaks 24 and valleys 26 are aligned in the circumferential direction C.

[0031] The number of times the peaks 24 and valleys 26 circle around the cylindrical portion 12 from one end to the other of the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, one to three times. In this case, the number of times the peaks 24 and valleys 26 circle around the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 from one end to the other is about one and a half times.

[0032] In the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12, the lengths of the mounting cylindrical portion 14 and the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12, the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 may be longer than the mounting cylindrical portion 14. For example, in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12, the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 may occupy more than half of the length of the cylindrical portion 12.

[0033] When one end of the helical bellows section 22 is rotated, if the direction of rotation of that end and the direction of the peaks 24 and valleys 26 (the direction of the spiral) moving from one end to the other end are the same, the helical bellows section 22 undergoes diameter expansion deformation. Conversely, if the direction of rotation of that end and the direction of the peaks 24 and valleys 26 (the direction of the spiral) moving from one end to the other end are opposite, the helical bellows section 22 undergoes diameter contraction deformation.

[0034] Specifically, for example, the spiral bellows section 22 expands in diameter when the tip end on the second wiring fixing section 60 rotates in the direction of arrow A1 in Figure 1, while the base end on the mounting section 14 side is fixed. The spiral bellows section 22 also expands in diameter when the base end rotates in the direction of arrow A3 in Figure 1, while the tip end is fixed. Furthermore, the spiral bellows section 22 expands in diameter when the tip end rotates in the direction of arrow A1 and the base end rotates in the direction of arrow A3.

[0035] For example, the spiral bellows section 22 undergoes diameter reduction when the tip rotates in the direction of arrow A2 in Figure 1 while the base end is fixed. The spiral bellows section 22 also undergoes diameter reduction when the base end rotates in the direction of arrow A4 in Figure 1 while the tip is fixed. Furthermore, the spiral bellows section 22 also undergoes diameter reduction when the tip rotates in the direction of arrow A2 and the base end rotates in the direction of arrow A4.

[0036] The vehicle body mounting portion 30 is located on the outer circumference side of the cylindrical portion 12. An annular groove 31 is formed on the outer circumference surface of the vehicle body mounting portion 30. The annular groove 31 is formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole 91. The annular groove 31 extends along the circumferential direction C. The peripheral edge of the through hole 91 of the vehicle body panel 90 fits into the annular groove 31.

[0037] The inner surface 32 of the annular groove 31 has a first side surface 32A, a second side surface 32B, and a bottom surface 32C. The first side surface 32A faces the first surface 92 of the vehicle body panel 90. The second side surface 32B faces the second surface 93 of the vehicle body panel 90. The bottom surface 32C faces the inner circumferential surface 94 of the through hole 91. The bottom surface 32C extends along the circumferential direction C. The cross-section of the bottom surface 32C is circular. The first side surface 32A protrudes outward from one end of the bottom surface 32C along the axial direction X. The second side surface 32B protrudes outward from the other end of the bottom surface 32C along the axial direction X. The gap between the tips of the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B is the opening of the annular groove 31. The inner circumferential edge of the through hole 91 of the vehicle body panel 90 fits into the annular groove 31 through this opening.

[0038] Multiple protrusions 40 are provided on the vehicle body mounting portion 30. Multiple protrusions 40 protrude from the inner surface 32 of the annular groove 31. Multiple protrusions 40 block a portion of the annular groove 31. Multiple protrusions 40 are arranged along the circumferential direction C.

[0039] The plurality of protrusions 40 include protrusions provided on at least one of the first side surface 32A, the second side surface 32B, and the bottom surface 32C. In this disclosure, the protrusion provided on the first side surface 32A is referred to as the first protrusion, the protrusion provided on the second side surface 32B is referred to as the second protrusion, and the protrusion provided on the bottom surface 32C is referred to as the third protrusion. The plurality of protrusions 40 include at least one of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion.

[0040] Here, the multiple protrusions 40 include protrusions provided on at least one of the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B. The multiple protrusions 40 include at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Here, the multiple protrusions 40 include the first protrusion 40 provided on the first side surface 32A. Here, the multiple protrusions 40 do not include the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

[0041] The base end 41 of each projection 40 is connected to the inner surface 32. The tip 42 of each projection 40 protrudes toward the internal space of the annular groove 31. By providing the projections 40, the internal space of the annular groove 31 is narrower than when the projections 40 are not provided. The tip 42 is thinner than the base end 41. Each projection 40 is formed in a tapered shape, extending toward one side along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 12 from the base end 41 toward the tip 42. Here, the tip 42 of each projection 40 protrudes toward one side in the circumferential direction compared to the base end 41.

[0042] In each projection 40, the dimension in the parallel direction decreases from the base end 41 to the tip end 42. In each projection 40, the width dimension may be substantially constant from the base end 41 to the tip end 42. The width dimension of the projection 40 is the radial dimension for the first and second projections, and the axial dimension for the third projection. If the projection 40 is the first or second projection, the width dimension of the projection is the same as or smaller than the projection dimension of the first side surface 32A or the second side surface 32B from the bottom surface 32C. If the projection 40 is the first or second projection, the inner circumferential edge of the projection 40 may or may not reach the bottom surface 32C.

[0043] The pitch of the multiple protrusions 40 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Here, the multiple protrusions 40 are arranged at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction. The multiple protrusions 40 may also be arranged such that there are parts with different pitches.

[0044] The size of the projection 40 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be large enough so that the tip 42 of the projection 40 can contact the inner surface 32 when the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 91 is fitted into the annular groove 31. For example, if the projection 40 is the first projection and the distance between the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B is the same as or less than the thickness of the vehicle body panel 90 (distance between the first surface 92 and the second surface 93), the lower limit of the projection 40 protruding from the first side surface 32A is any value greater than zero. Also, if the projection 40 is the first projection and the distance between the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B is greater than the thickness of the vehicle body panel 90 (distance between the first surface 92 and the second surface 93), the difference between the distance between the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B and the thickness of the vehicle body panel 90 is the lower limit of the projection 40 protruding from the first side surface 32A. Furthermore, if the projection 40 is the first projection, the upper limit of the projection 40's protrusion from the first side surface 32A is such that the projection 40 does not reach the opposing second side surface 32B. The same applies when the projection is the second projection.

[0045] For example, if the projection is a third projection and the diameter of the base surface 32C is the same as or larger than the diameter of the through hole 91, the lower limit of the projection's protrusion dimension from the base surface 32C is any value greater than zero. Also, if the projection is a third projection and the diameter of the base surface 32C is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 91, the difference between the diameter of the through hole 91 and the diameter of the base surface 32C is the lower limit of the projection's protrusion dimension from the base surface 32C. In the case of a third projection, there is no particular upper limit to the projection's protrusion dimension from the base surface 32C, but it is preferable that it be such that the tips of adjacent projections do not interfere with each other.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the cross-section of the projection 40 perpendicular to the width direction is formed in a triangular shape. The cross-section of the projection 40 is continuous in the width direction. Therefore, the projection 40 is formed in a triangular prism shape. The cross-section of the projection 40 perpendicular to the width direction may be formed in a square shape or the like. The projection 40 may be formed in a square prism shape or the like.

[0047] With the peripheral edge of the through-hole 91 fitted into the annular groove 31, the resistance (frictional force) when the vehicle body mounting portion 30 rotates around the axis of the through-hole 91 relative to the peripheral edge of the through-hole 91 is defined as rotational resistance. With the peripheral edge of the through-hole 91 fitted into the annular groove 31, the multiple protrusions 40 flex when the vehicle body mounting portion 30 rotates around the axis of the through-hole 91 relative to the peripheral edge. As a result, the rotational resistance is increased compared to the case where the protrusions 40 are not provided. In other words, the protrusions 40 are set so that the rotational resistance of the grommet 10 is increased compared to the case where the protrusions 40 are not provided.

[0048] Here, the multiple protrusions 40 are formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction (direction of arrow A3) is greater than the rotational resistance in the other direction (direction of arrow A4) within the circumferential direction C. As described above, when one end of the helical bellows cylinder 22 rotates in the direction of arrow A3, the helical bellows cylinder 22 expands in diameter. Therefore, the direction of arrow A3 in which the rotational resistance is greater is the direction in which the diameter of the helical bellows cylinder 22 increases when the mounting cylinder 14 rotates. Here, the multiple protrusions 40 are formed in the same direction along the circumferential direction. That is, at each protrusion 40, the tip 42 protrudes from the base end 41 in the direction of arrow A3. As a result, the rotational resistance in the direction of arrow A3 is greater than the rotational resistance in the direction of arrow A4.

[0049] More specifically, when the grommet 10 attempts to rotate in the direction of arrow A3, the projection 40 bends as shown in Figure 4. At this time, the base end 41 of the projection 40 attempts to move in the direction of arrow A3. In contrast, the tip 42 of the projection 40 attempts to remain in place due to the frictional force with the first surface 92. As a result, the projection 40 deforms so that the positions of the base end 41 and the tip 42 are misaligned. This increases the rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow A3. In particular, in this case, the projection 40 bends so that the tip 42, which protrudes more than the base end 41 in the direction of arrow A3, rises up, thereby increasing the rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow A3.

[0050] When the grommet 10 attempts to rotate in the direction of arrow notation A4, deformation that would cause a misalignment between the base end 41 and the tip 42 of the projection 40 is unlikely to occur. As a result, the rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow notation A4 is smaller than the rotational resistance in the direction of arrow notation A3.

[0051] Here, a grommet that has the same configuration as grommet 10 except for the protrusions 40, and does not have the protrusions 40, is referred to as a sample grommet. In other words, grommet 10 and sample grommet are identical in configuration except for the presence or absence of multiple protrusions 40. The sample grommet does not have multiple protrusions 40. Therefore, the rotational resistance of the sample grommet is the same in both directions of arrows A3 and A4 along the circumferential direction C.

[0052] In contrast, the grommet 10 has a projection 40. The projection 40 increases the rotational resistance in the direction of arrow mark A3 compared to when the projection 40 is absent. Therefore, when comparing the grommet 10 with the sample grommet, the rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow mark A3 is greater than the rotational resistance of the sample grommet. The rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow mark A4 may be greater than or less than the rotational resistance of the sample grommet in the direction of arrow mark A4. The rotational resistance of the grommet 10 in the direction of arrow mark A4 may be the same as the rotational resistance of the sample grommet in the direction of arrow mark A4. The projection 40 may also increase the rotational resistance in the direction of arrow mark A4 compared to when the projection 40 is absent, or it may not increase it.

[0053] The first wiring fixing portion 50 is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 12. The first wiring fixing portion 50 includes a plurality (in this case, a pair) of first extension pieces 52. The plurality of first extension pieces 52 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the mounting cylindrical portion 14. The plurality of first extension pieces 52 project axially from the tip of the mounting cylindrical portion 14.

[0054] The second wiring fixing portion 60 is provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 12. The second wiring fixing portion 60 is provided at the end of the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 opposite to the end on the mounting cylindrical portion 14 side. The second wiring fixing portion 60 includes a plurality (in this case, a pair) of second extension pieces 62. The plurality of second extension pieces 62 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22. Each of the plurality of second extension pieces 62 protrudes axially from the tip of the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22.

[0055] The protrusion 70 protrudes from the outer circumference portion of the end face of the mounting cylinder portion 14 on the side of the helical bellows cylinder portion 22. The protrusion 70 is located on the inner circumference side of the outer circumference surface of the vehicle body mounting portion 30. The helical bellows cylinder portion 22 is located on the inner circumference side of the protrusion 70. The use of the protrusion 70 is not particularly limited. For example, the protrusion 70 may be grasped by an operator when attaching or detaching the grommet 10, or it may be used for positioning the grommet 10. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 3, the inside of the protrusion 70 may be hollow. The hollow inside the protrusion 70 is located on the inner circumference side of the bottom surface 32C of the annular groove 31. The tip of the protrusion 70 may be cut off so that a wire such as a hood opener can be passed through the inside of the protrusion 70, or a tubular protrusion 70 may be used to connect a pipe such as a washer hose.

[0056] <Wire harness with grommets> The wire harness 80 with a grommet comprises the grommet 10 and a wire harness 82 passed through the grommet 10.

[0057] The wire harness 82 includes, for example, wiring members and connectors provided at the ends of the wiring members. The wiring members are, for example, electric wires that transmit electricity or optical cables that transmit light. Typically, multiple transmission members are bundled together to form the wiring member. The wiring member passes through the grommet 10. The grommet 10 is fitted to the middle portion of the wiring member.

[0058] For example, with the wire harness 82 passed through the grommet 10, the wire harness 82 and one end of the grommet 10 are secured by wrapping a fastening material such as adhesive tape or a cable tie around the wiring members of the wire harness 82 and a pair of first extension pieces 52. Similarly, the other end of the grommet 10 is secured to the wire harness 82 by wrapping a fastening material such as adhesive tape or a cable tie around the wiring members of the wire harness 82 and a pair of second extension pieces 62.

[0059] If the grommet 10 includes a helical bellows section 22, the wire harness 82 may be inserted with the helical bellows section 22 in an expanded state. The helical bellows section 22 can be expanded by rotating it in the direction of arrow A1 or arrow A3. When the wire harness 82 is inserted with the helical bellows section 22 in an expanded state, it becomes easier to insert the connectors at the ends.

[0060] The wire harness 82 may be inserted into the grommet 10 when the grommet 10 is not attached to the vehicle body panel 90, or when the grommet 10 is attached to the vehicle body panel 90. In the latter case, the wire harness 82 is inserted into the grommet 10 with the peripheral edge of the through hole 91 of the vehicle body panel 90 fitted into the annular groove 31. At this time, if the worker needs to rotate the grommet 10 along the circumferential direction C, the rotational resistance of the projection 40 may be increased to the extent that the worker can rotate the grommet 10. Even in this case, the projection 40 can suppress the rotation of the grommet 10 due to vehicle vibrations, etc.

[0061] The body panel 90 may be, for example, a dash panel. The dash panel is a panel that separates the passenger compartment from the engine compartment, which is located in front of the passenger compartment. The dash panel generally extends along a plane that includes the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction. The grommet 10 penetrates the dash panel. In this case, the orientation of the grommet 10 may be such that the helical bellows section 22 is positioned in the engine compartment, or in the passenger compartment. In the former case, the wire harness 82 and the helical bellows section 22 may be bent and positioned to pass through a narrow gap in the engine compartment. In the latter case, the wire harness 82 and the helical bellows section 22 may be bent and positioned to pass through a narrow gap between the dash panel and the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.

[0062] A structure in which a grommet-equipped wire harness 80 is attached to a vehicle body panel 90 may be considered as a mounting structure for a wire harness 82. This disclosure discloses a mounting structure for a wire harness 82 comprising a grommet-equipped wire harness 80 and a vehicle body panel 90 having a through hole 91 formed therein.

[0063] <Effects, etc.> With the grommet 10 and the wire harness 80 equipped with the grommet configured as described above, when the vehicle mounting portion 30 rotates around the axis of the through hole 91 relative to the peripheral edge of the through hole 91 while the peripheral edge is fitted into the annular groove 31, the multiple protrusions 40 flex, thereby increasing the rotational resistance and making it difficult for the grommet 10 to rotate around the axis of the through hole 91. As a result, even with a circular through hole 91, the rotation of the grommet 10 around the axis of the through hole 91 can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 12 includes a mounting cylindrical portion 14 located inside the vehicle body mounting portion 30 and a helical bellows cylindrical portion 22 connected to the mounting cylindrical portion 14. This prevents the grommet 10 from rotating and changing the diameter of the helical bellows cylindrical portion 22.

[0065] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 40 are formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction (direction of arrow A3) around the axis of the through hole 91 is greater than the rotational resistance in the other direction (direction of arrow A4). This makes it easier to suppress the rotation of the grommet 10 in one direction (direction of arrow A3) around the axis of the through hole 91.

[0066] Furthermore, the direction in which the rotational resistance of the multiple protrusions 40 is large (direction indicated by arrow A3) is the direction in which the diameter of the helical bellows cylinder 22 increases when the mounting cylinder 14 rotates. This prevents the diameter of the helical bellows cylinder 22 from increasing when the grommet 10 is attached to the vehicle body panel 90.

[0067] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 40 include protrusions 40 provided on at least one of the first side surface 32A, the second side surface 32B, and the bottom surface 32C. This makes it easier for the protrusions 40 to come into contact with the peripheral edge.

[0068] Here, the multiple protrusions 40 include protrusions 40 provided on at least one of the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B. This allows the rotation of the grommet 10 to be suppressed by the protrusions 40 that come into contact with the first surface 92 or the second surface 93 of the vehicle body panel 90.

[0069] Furthermore, each of the multiple projections 40 is formed in a tapered shape, extending from a base end 41 connected to the inner surface 32 of the annular groove 31 to a tip 42, while continuing to move in one direction along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 12 (in the direction of arrow A3). As a result, when the cylindrical portion 12 rotates in one direction along the circumferential direction (in the direction of arrow A3), the projection 40 bends so that the tip 42 of the projection 40 shifts to the other side (in the direction of arrow A4) relative to the base end 41, thereby suppressing rotation in one direction (in the direction of arrow A3).

[0070] [Note] Figure 5 shows a modified example of the projection 40. Figure 6 shows another modified example of the projection 40.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the tip 42A of the triangular prism-shaped projection 40A does not necessarily have to protrude beyond the base end 41 on one side in the circumferential direction. Along the circumferential direction, the position of the tip 42A of the projection 40A may be aligned with the position of one end of the base end 41.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the projection 40B may be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism. The cross-section of the projection 40B may be formed in the shape of a rectangle. Such a rectangle may be a trapezoid in which the base end 41 and the tip end 42B are parallel, and the base end 41 is shorter than the tip end 42B.

[0073] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the grommet 110 according to the first modified example. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of region VIII in Figure 7.

[0074] The grommet 110 is provided with a plurality of projections 140. The plurality of projections 140 are provided on the bottom surface 32C of the inner surface 32 of the annular groove 31. As a result, the rotation of the grommet 110 can be suppressed by the third projection 140 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface 94 of the through hole 91.

[0075] Multiple protrusions 140 project outward from the base end 41 towards the tip end 42. The protrusions 140 shown in Figure 8, like the protrusions 40 described above, increase rotational resistance in the direction of arrow A3. The third protrusion may be formed in the opposite direction to the protrusions 140 shown in Figure 8 to increase rotational resistance in the direction of arrow A4.

[0076] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a grommet 210 according to the second modified example.

[0077] The grommet 210 shown in Figure 9 comprises a plurality of protrusions 40, 240. The plurality of protrusions 40, 240 are provided on two or more inner surfaces 32 of the first side surface 32A, the second side surface 32B, and the bottom surface 32C. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 40, 240 include two or more protrusions from the first protrusion 40, the second protrusion 240, and the third protrusion. In the example shown in Figure 9, the plurality of protrusions 40, 240 are provided on two of the inner surfaces 32 of the first side surface 32A, the second side surface 32B, and the bottom surface 32C. The plurality of protrusions 40, 240 include two of the protrusions from the first protrusion 40, the second protrusion 240, and the third protrusion. The plurality of protrusions 40 may be provided on all three inner surfaces 32 of the first side surface 32A, the second side surface 32B, and the bottom surface 32C. The multiple protrusions may include all three protrusions: the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 9, the two inner surfaces 32 on which the multiple protrusions 40, 240 are provided are the first side surface 32A and the second side surface 32B. In the example shown in Figure 9, the multiple protrusions 40, 240 include two protrusions: the first protrusion 40 and the second protrusion 240. The two inner surfaces 32 on which the multiple protrusions are provided may also be the first side surface 32A and the bottom surface 32C. The multiple protrusions may include two protrusions: the first protrusion and the third protrusion. The two inner surfaces 32 on which the multiple protrusions are provided may also be the second side surface 32B and the bottom surface 32C. The multiple protrusions may include two protrusions: the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

[0079] When multiple protrusions are provided on two or more inner surfaces 32, as shown in the example in Figure 9, the protrusion 40 on one inner surface 32 and the protrusion 240 on the other inner surface 32 may be formed in a shape that increases rotational resistance in the same direction. In the example shown in Figure 9, the two protrusions, the protrusion 40 on the first side surface 32A and the protrusion 240 on the second side surface 32B, both increase rotational resistance in the direction of arrow A3. The protrusions on one inner surface 32 and the protrusions on the other inner surface 32 may be formed in a shape that increases rotational resistance in different directions. As shown in the example in Figure 9, the tip 42 of the protrusion 40 on one inner surface 32 and the tip 242 of the protrusion 240 on the other inner surface 32 may be at the same position in the circumferential direction. The tip 42 of the protrusion 40 on one inner surface 32 and the tip 242 of the protrusion 240 on the other inner surface 32 may be at positions offset in the circumferential direction.

[0080] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a grommet 310 according to a third modified example.

[0081] The grommet 310 shown in Figure 10 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 40 and 340. The plurality of protrusions 40 and 340 are formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction (direction of arrow A3) and the rotational resistance in the other direction (direction of arrow A4) around the axis of the through hole 91 are the same. This suppresses rotation in both directions around the axis when the grommet 310 is attached to the vehicle body panel 90.

[0082] Multiple protrusions 40 and 340 suppress the rotation of the grommet 310 in the direction of arrow marking A3 and the direction of arrow marking A4, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 10, one of the three protrusions (the first protrusion 40 in this case) suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow marking A3, and the other one (the second protrusion 340 in this case) suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow marking A4. The tip 42 of the first protrusion 40 and the tip 342 of the third protrusion 340 protrude in opposite directions from their respective base ends 41. When the grommet 310 is compared with the sample grommet described above, the rotational resistance in the grommet 310 in each direction is greater than the rotational resistance in the sample grommet in each direction.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 10, the projection 40 that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A3 and the projection 340 that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A4 are formed on different inner surfaces 32, but this is not an essential configuration. The projection that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A3 and the projection that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A4 may be formed on the same inner surface 32. In other words, one of the first projection, second projection, and third projection may contain both the projection that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A3 and the projection that suppresses rotation in the direction of arrow A4. In this case, projections facing opposite directions are provided on one inner surface 32. In this case, the projections facing one direction and the projections facing the other direction may be formed alternately along the circumferential direction C.

[0084] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a grommet 410 according to the fourth modified example.

[0085] The grommet 410 does not have a helical bellows section 22. Instead of a helical bellows section 22, the grommet 410 has a non-helical bellows section 422. In the bellows section 422, each peak 424 does not extend axially, but only along the circumferential direction. Each peak 424 is formed in an endless ring shape. In the bellows section 422, each valley 426 does not extend axially, but only along the circumferential direction. Each valley 426 is formed in an endless ring shape.

[0086] In addition, although grommets have been described so far as to include a helical bellows portion 22 or a bellows portion 422, this is not an essential configuration. Grommets may be configured without either a helical bellows portion 22 or a bellows portion 422.

[0087] Furthermore, although the vehicle body panel 90 has been described as being the dashboard panel, this is not a mandatory configuration. The vehicle body panel 90 may be a panel other than the dashboard panel. For example, the vehicle body panel 90 may be a door panel and a vehicle body side panel facing the door panel. In this case, the grommet may have two vehicle body mounting parts: one attached to the door panel and another attached to the vehicle body side panel.

[0088] Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 grommets 12 Cylinder part 14 Mounting cylinder section 22 Helical bellows section 24,424 Yamabe 26, 426 Tanibe 30 Body mounting section 31 Ring groove 32 Inner self 32A 1st side 32B 2nd side 32C bottom 40, 40A, 40B, 140, 240, 340 Protrusion 41 Proximal end 42, 42A, 42B, 242, 342 tip 50 1st wiring fixing part 52 1st extension piece 60 2nd wiring fixing part 62 2nd extension piece 70 Convex part 80 wire harnesses with grommets 82 Wire Harness 90 Body panels 91 Through hole 92 Page 1 93 2nd page 94 Inner peripheral surface 422 Bellows tube section

Claims

1. A grommet that fits into a circular through-hole formed in a vehicle body panel, A cylindrical section through which the wire harness is inserted, A vehicle body mounting portion is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and has an annular groove formed therein into which the peripheral edge of the through hole fits, Multiple protrusions that extend from the inner surface of the annular groove so as to block a part of the annular groove, Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, A grommet in which, with the peripheral portion fitted into the annular groove, the multiple protrusions flex when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates relative to the peripheral portion around the axis of the through hole.

2. The grommet according to claim 1, The cylindrical portion is a grommet that includes a mounting cylindrical portion located inside the vehicle body mounting portion and a helical bellows cylindrical portion connected to the mounting cylindrical portion.

3. The grommet according to claim 1, When the peripheral portion is fitted into the annular groove, and the resistance when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates relative to the peripheral portion around the axis of the through hole is defined as the rotational resistance, A grommet in which the plurality of protrusions are formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction around the axis of the through hole is greater than the rotational resistance in the other direction.

4. The grommet according to claim 3, The cylindrical portion includes a mounting cylindrical portion located inside the vehicle body mounting portion and a helical bellows cylindrical portion connected to the mounting cylindrical portion. The aforementioned unidirectional orientation is the orientation in which the diameter of the helical bellows portion increases when the mounting cylinder portion rotates, in which case the grommet is configured.

5. The grommet according to claim 1, When the peripheral portion is fitted into the annular groove, and the resistance when the vehicle body mounting portion rotates relative to the peripheral portion around the axis of the through hole is defined as the rotational resistance, A grommet in which the plurality of protrusions are formed such that the rotational resistance in one direction around the axis of the through hole is the same as the rotational resistance in the other direction.

6. A grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. The grommet includes a plurality of protrusions, each of which is provided on at least one of the first side surface, the second side surface, and the bottom surface.

7. A grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. The grommet includes a plurality of protrusions, each of which is provided on at least one of the first and second sides.

8. A grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The inner surface of the annular groove has a first side surface facing the first surface of the vehicle body panel, a second side surface facing the second surface of the vehicle body panel, and a bottom surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. The plurality of protrusions include a grommet provided on the bottom surface.

9. A grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A grommet in which each of the plurality of protrusions is formed in a tapered shape, extending from a base end connected to the inner surface to a tip on one side along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

10. A grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The wire harness passed through the aforementioned cylindrical portion, A wire harness with grommets, equipped with [features / equipment].

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