Grommet

Abstract

To provide a grommet in which an electric wire can be easily inserted into a tube portion.SOLUTION: A grommet 20 includes a first tube portion 22 through which an electric wire can be inserted, a flange portion 30, and a first pleat portion 26. The grommet 20 is deformable to a first state in which the first pleat portion 26 is folded and contracted, and a second state in which the first pleat portion 26 is at least partially expanded. In the first state, the angle formed between an axis A1 of the first tube portion 22 and a virtual plane P is a first angle θ1. In the second state, the angle formed between an axis A2 of the first tube portion 22 and the virtual plane P is a second angle θ2 that is smaller than the first angle θ1. An end opening in the first tube portion 22 is directed to one side in a second direction X that is along the virtual plane P. The height of the first pleat portion 26 in the first state increases from the one side in the second direction X toward the other side that is opposite to the one side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to grommets. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a grommet for use in a wire harness. This grommet has a tubular portion through which an electric wire is inserted and a flange portion extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion. The tubular portion is bent into an L-shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-138519 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such grommets, when inserting an electric wire into the tubular portion, it is necessary to press the electric wire against the inner surface of the L-shaped tubular portion and bend the electric wire along the bent shape of the inner surface, which makes it time-consuming to insert the electric wire into the grommet.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a grommet that allows an electric wire to be easily inserted into a tubular portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The grommet of the present disclosure is a grommet that is attached to an attachment target extending along an imaginary plane, and includes: a tubular portion that extends along a first direction intersecting the imaginary plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted; a flange portion that is located on the outer circumferential side of the tubular portion and extends along the imaginary plane; and pleat portions that are located between the tubular portion and the flange portion, surround the tubular portion, and protrude towards a tip side of the tubular portion in the first direction. The grommet has a first state in which the pleat portions are folded and contracted, and a second state in which the pleat portions are contracted and at least one of the pleats is contracted. and a second state in which the pleats are extended, wherein in the first state, an angle between the axis of the tubular portion and the imaginary plane is a first angle, and in the second state, an angle between the axis of the tubular portion and the imaginary plane is a second angle smaller than the first angle, and a tip opening of the tubular portion is oriented toward one side in a second direction along the imaginary plane, and a height of the pleats increases from the one side to the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction in the first state. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily insert an electric wire into a cylindrical portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a grommet attached to a vehicle body panel via a bracket. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a grommet and a bracket in the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the grommet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing how the grommet is transformed from the first state to the second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The grommet of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A grommet to be attached to an attachment target extending along a virtual plane, the grommet comprising: a tube portion extending along a first direction intersecting the virtual plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted; a flange portion located on the outer periphery of the tube portion and extending along the virtual plane; and a pleat portion located between the tube portion and the flange portion, surrounding the tube portion and protruding toward a tip side of the tube portion in the first direction. The grommet has a first state in which the pleat portion is folded and contracted, and a second state in which at least a part of the pleat portion is extended. and a second state in which the fold is directed toward one side in a second direction along the imaginary plane, and in the first state, an angle between the axis of the tubular portion and the imaginary plane is a first angle, and in the second state, an angle between the axis of the tubular portion and the imaginary plane is a second angle smaller than the first angle, and the tip opening of the tubular portion is oriented toward one side in a second direction along the imaginary plane, and a height of the pleats increases from the one side to the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction in the first state.

[0010] According to this configuration, the grommet can be transformed from the first state to the second state simply by deforming the pleats so that at least a portion of the pleats is stretched. Therefore, after inserting an electric wire into the tubular portion of the grommet in the first state, the grommet can be transformed together with the electric wire to the second state. Therefore, the electric wire can be easily inserted into the tubular portion.

[0011] [2] In the first state, an intermediate portion is provided between the tubular portion and the pleat portion over the entire circumference of the tubular portion, and a direction along the imaginary plane perpendicular to the second direction is defined as a third direction. When the distance between the tubular portion and the pleat portion at the intermediate portion is defined as the length of the intermediate portion, it is preferable that the length of the intermediate portion located on one side of the tubular portion in the second direction is greater than the length of the intermediate portion located on both sides of the tubular portion in the third direction.

[0012] According to this configuration, an intermediate portion is provided between the pleat portion and the tube portion. Also, the length of the intermediate portion located on one side of the tube portion in the second direction is greater than the length of the intermediate portion located on both sides of the tube portion in the third direction. Therefore, when the grommet is transformed from the first state to the second state, a gap is secured between the pleat portion and the tube portion to allow the grommet to deform. This makes it easier to deform the pleat portion so that at least a portion of the pleat portion is elongated.

[0013] Furthermore, the intermediate portions located on both sides of the cylindrical portion in the third direction can be made compact, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the grommet. [3] It is preferable that the length of the intermediate portion located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the tubular portion is greater than the lengths of the intermediate portions located on both sides in the third direction with respect to the tubular portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, the length of the intermediate portion located on the other side of the tube portion in the second direction is greater than the length of the intermediate portions located on both sides of the tube portion in the third direction. Therefore, when the grommet is transformed from the first state to the second state, a gap is provided between the pleat portion and the tube portion to allow the grommet to deform. This makes it easier to transform the pleat portion so that at least a portion of the pleat portion is elongated.

[0015] Furthermore, the intermediate portions located on both sides of the cylindrical portion in the third direction can be made compact, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the grommet. [4] When the pleat portion is an outer pleat portion, it is preferable that the pleat portion is provided with an inner pleat portion that is located between the tubular portion and the outer pleat portion, surrounds the tubular portion, and protrudes toward the opposite side to the outer pleat portion in the first direction.

[0016] When the grommet is transformed from the first state to the second state, stress tends to concentrate in the area between the tube portion and the outer fold, making it necessary to take measures such as reinforcing the above-mentioned area of ​​the grommet.

[0017] In this regard, according to the above-mentioned configuration, since the inner pleat is provided between the tube portion and the outer pleat, even if the above-mentioned stress acts, the stress is absorbed by the inner pleat, and therefore, the concentration of stress can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0018] [5] When the tubular portion is a first tubular portion and a direction along the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the second direction is a third direction, it is preferable that the tubular portion is provided with a second tubular portion extending in a direction intersecting the imaginary plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted, and that the second tubular portion is provided on the opposite side of the first tubular portion in the third direction, sandwiching the pleat portion therebetween.

[0019] According to this configuration, the grommet includes a plurality of cylindrical portions, which allows a plurality of electric wires to be inserted through the grommet. [6] It is preferable that the flange portion has a circular outer shape having a center, the first tubular portion is provided between the center and an outer edge of the flange portion, the pleat portion includes an arc portion extending along the outer edge and a straight portion located on the opposite side of the first tubular portion from the arc portion and extending linearly along the second direction, and the second tubular portion is provided on the opposite side of the center from the first tubular portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, the first and second tubular portions can be arranged compactly in the grommet, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the pleats and, in turn, the size of the grommet.

[0021] [7] When the pleat portion is a first pleat portion, it is preferable that the first pleat portion is located between the second tubular portion and the flange portion, surrounds the second tubular portion, and protrudes toward the tip side of the second tubular portion in the first direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, the direction in which the tip opening of the second cylindrical portion is directed can be easily changed by extending the second fold portion. [8] It is preferable that the grommet is attached to the attachment object via a bracket, and the flange portion has an engagement portion to which the bracket can be attached and detached.

[0023] In some cases, a bracket that attaches the grommet to an attachment target is molded onto the grommet. In such a configuration, when the grommet is transformed from the first state to the second state, the bracket is likely to deform in conjunction with the transformation of the grommet. As a result, there is a risk that the sealing ability of the grommet will decrease due to the transformation of the grommet surrounding the bracket.

[0024] In this regard, according to the above-described configuration, the bracket is detachably engaged with the engaging portion of the flange, which suppresses deformation of the bracket due to deformation of the grommet, thereby suppressing deterioration of the sealing performance of the grommet.

[0025] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of grommets according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ between drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In this specification, "orthogonal" does not only mean strictly orthogonal, but also includes roughly orthogonal within the scope of the effect of this embodiment.

[0026] 1, a vehicle is provided with a vehicle body panel 10 as an attachment object that separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle body panel 10 is, for example, a panel that separates an underfloor space from an engine room in the vehicle, and extends along an imaginary plane P.

[0027] The vehicle body panel 10 is provided with a through hole 11 penetrating the vehicle body panel 10. An electric wire 12 is inserted through the through hole 11. The electric wire 12 has connectors (not shown) attached to both ends, and electrically connects devices such as an inverter and a motor (both not shown) mounted on a vehicle, for example. In this embodiment, two electric wires 12 are inserted.

[0028] Further, a grommet 20 is attached via a bracket 40 to a portion of the vehicle body panel 10 that defines the through hole 11 . In the following, the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane P will be referred to as the first direction Z, the direction along the virtual plane P and perpendicular to the first direction Z will be referred to as the second direction X, and the direction along the virtual plane P that is perpendicular to both the first direction Z and the second direction X will be referred to as the third direction Y.

[0029] <Grommet 20 Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the grommet 20 is for sealing off water between a portion constituting the through hole 11 in the vehicle body panel 10 and the electric wire 12.

[0030] 2, the grommet 20 has a base portion 21 having a circular outer shape, and a flange portion 30 having a circular outer shape and extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the base portion 21. The center C of the base portion 21 and the center C of the flange portion 30 are located on a common axis along the first direction Z.

[0031] The base portion 21 includes a first tubular portion 22, a middle portion 25, and a first pleat portion . In addition, the base portion 21 includes a second tube portion 27 and a second pleat portion . The grommet 20 is capable of being transformed into a first state in which the first pleats 26 are folded and contracted, and a second state (see FIG. 5) in which a portion of the first pleats 26 is extended. Hereinafter, the grommet 20 in the first state will first be described in detail.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the first cylindrical portion 22 extends along a first direction Z, and the electric wire 12 can be inserted therethrough. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first state, a first angle θ1 that is an angle between an axis A1 of the first tubular portion 22 and an imaginary plane P is a right angle.

[0033] 3, the first cylindrical portion 22 is provided between the center C and the outer edge of the flange portion 30. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 22 is provided between the center C and the outer edge of the base portion 21. 1 and 2, the first cylindrical portion 22 has an annular protrusion 22b protruding from an inner circumferential surface 22a. The protrusion 22b is provided on the tip side of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the first direction Z. The protrusion 22b is pressed against the outer circumferential surface 12a of the electric wire 12 to seal between the electric wire 12 and the first cylindrical portion 22.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the intermediate portion 25 has an inner fold portion 23 and a planar portion 24 extending along an imaginary plane P. The inner pleat 23 extends along the first direction Z and protrudes in the first direction Z toward the opposite side to the tip side of the first tube portion 22. The inner pleat 23 surrounds the entire circumferential direction of the first tube portion 22 (see FIG. 3). The inner peripheral side portion of the inner pleat 23 is formed by the base end of the first tube portion 22. Of the outer peripheral side ends of the inner pleat 23, the ends located on both sides in the second direction X with respect to the first tube portion 22 are connected to the flat portion 24 (see FIG. 4). In addition, of the outer peripheral side ends of the inner pleat 23, the ends located on both sides in the third direction Y with respect to the first tube portion 22 are connected to the first pleat 26 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the flat portion 24 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential end of the inner pleat 23 along an imaginary plane P, and is connected to the first pleat 26. That is, the intermediate portion 25 is located between the first tubular portion 22 and the first pleat portion 26 and is provided around the entire circumference of the first tubular portion 22.

[0036] Here, the distance between first tube portion 22 and first pleat portion 26 in intermediate portion 25 is defined as the length of intermediate portion 25. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the length L3 of the intermediate portion 25 located on one side (left side in Figure 4) of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the second direction X is greater than the length L2 of the intermediate portion 25 located on both sides of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the third direction Y (L3>L2).

[0037] Further, the length L1 of the intermediate portion 25 located on the other side in the second direction X (the right side in FIG. 4) of the first cylindrical portion 22 is greater than the length L2 of the intermediate portions 25 located on both sides in the third direction Y of the first cylindrical portion 22 (L1>L2). In this embodiment, L1=L3.

[0038] The first pleat portion 26 protrudes in the first direction Z toward the tip side of the first tube portion 22. 3, the first pleat portion 26 surrounds the entire circumferential direction of the first tubular portion 22. The first pleat portion 26 corresponds to the outer pleat portion described in [Description of the embodiment of the present disclosure].

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, in the first state, the protruding height of the first pleat portion 26 from the base portion 21 increases from one side (the left side in FIG. 4) in the second direction X toward the other side opposite the one side (the right side in FIG. 4).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the first pleat portion 26 has an arc portion 26a and a straight portion 26b. The arc portion 26 a extends along the outer edge of the base portion 21 . The straight portion 26b extends straight along the second direction X, and is located on the opposite side of the first cylindrical portion 22 from the arc portion 26a.

[0041] 1 and 4, the first pleats 26 are folded and contracted in the first state. That is, the first pleats 26 have an opposing wall 26c that faces the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular portion 22 in the first state.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the second tubular portion 27 extends along a first direction Z perpendicular to an imaginary plane P, and allows the electric wire 12 to be inserted therethrough. 3, the second tube portion 27 is provided on the opposite side to the first tube portion 22 across the straight portion 26b of the first pleat portion 26 in the third direction Y. The second tube portion 27 is provided on the opposite side to the first tube portion 22 across the center C of the base portion 21.

[0043] 1, the second tubular portion 27 has an annular protrusion 27b protruding from an inner circumferential surface 27a. The protrusion 27b is provided on the tip side of the second tubular portion 27 in the first direction Z. The protrusion 27b is pressed against the outer circumferential surface 12a of the electric wire 12 to seal between the electric wire 12 and the second tubular portion 27.

[0044] The second pleats 28 protrude toward the tip side of the second tube portion 27 in the first direction Z. The second pleats 28 surround the entire circumferential direction of the second tube portion 27 (see FIG. 3). An inner peripheral end of the second pleats 28 is connected to a base end of the second tube portion 27. An outer peripheral end of the second pleats 28 is connected to the base portion 21. That is, the second pleats 28 are located between the second tube portion 27 and the flange portion 30.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the protruding height of the second pleats 28 from the base portion 21 is constant over the entire circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flange portion 30 has a connecting portion 31 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 21 to the side opposite the tip side of the first tubular portion 22 in the first direction Z, and a main body portion 32 bent radially outward from the connecting portion 31 and extending along an imaginary plane P.

[0046] 1 and 4, the connecting portion 31 has an engaging portion 33 to which the bracket 40 is detachably attached. The engaging portion 33 is provided over the entire outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 31. The engaging portion 33 is a recess that opens radially outward.

[0047] A seal protrusion 34 protrudes from the surface of the main body 32 that faces the vehicle body panel 10. The seal protrusion 34 is provided around the entire periphery of the main body 32. The seal protrusion 34 is pressed against the vehicle body panel 10 to provide a seal between the vehicle body panel 10 and the grommet 20.

[0048] Next, the grommet 20 in the second state will be described. As indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, a part of the first fold portion 26 including the opposing wall 26c extends in the first direction Z towards the tip side of the first tube portion 22.

[0049] The tip opening of the first cylindrical portion 22 faces one side in the second direction X (the left side in FIG. 5). A second angle θ2, which is the angle between the axis A2 of the first cylindrical portion 22 and the imaginary plane P, is smaller than the first angle θ1.

[0050] The grommet 20 is formed integrally with a first tubular portion 22, an intermediate portion 25, a first pleated portion 26, a second tubular portion 27, a second pleated portion 28, and a flange portion 30. The material of the grommet 20 may be, for example, an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer.

[0051] <Configuration of bracket 40> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bracket 40 has a main body portion 41 facing the main body portion 32 of the flange portion 30 in the first direction Z, and two fixing portions 44.

[0052] The main body portion 41 has an insertion hole 42 through which the base portion 21 is inserted, and a protrusion 43 rising from an edge portion that constitutes the insertion hole 42 . 2, the protrusion 43 is provided around the entire periphery of the edge. The bracket 40 is detachably attached to the grommet 20 by engaging the protrusion 43 with the engaging portion 33 of the flange portion 30.

[0053] The two fixing portions 44 each protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential edge of the main body portion 41 . 1, the fixing portion 44 has a fastening hole 45 through which a screw 90 for fixing to the vehicle body panel 10 is inserted. The screw 90, which has been inserted through the hole 13 of the vehicle body panel 10, is inserted through the fastening hole 45 and screwed into a nut 91, whereby the grommet 20 and the bracket 40 are attached to the vehicle body panel 10.

[0054] The operation of this embodiment will be described. The grommet 20 can be transformed from the first state to the second state simply by deforming the first folds 26 so that a portion of the first folds 26 is stretched. At this time, the first tubular portion 22 is held by the first folds 26 in a state in which the angle between the axis A2 of the first tubular portion 22 and the imaginary plane P is a second angle θ2 that is smaller than the first angle θ1.

[0055] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The grommet 20 is deformable between a first state in which the first pleats 26 are folded and contracted, and a second state in which at least a part of the first pleats 26 is extended. In the first state, the angle between the axis A1 of the first tube portion 22 and the imaginary plane P is a first angle θ1. In the second state, the angle between the axis A2 of the first tube portion and the imaginary plane P is a second angle θ2 smaller than the first angle θ1. The tip opening of the first tube portion 22 is oriented toward one side of the second direction X along the imaginary plane P. In the first state, the height of the first pleats 26 increases from one side toward the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction X.

[0056] This configuration provides the above-mentioned effects. Therefore, after the electric wire 12 is inserted through the first tubular portion 22 of the grommet 20 in the first state, the grommet 20 can be deformed together with the electric wire 12 to bring the grommet 20 into the second state. Therefore, the electric wire 12 can be easily inserted through the first tubular portion 22.

[0057] (2) In the first state, the intermediate portion 25 is located around the entire circumference of the first cylindrical portion 22 between the first cylindrical portion 22 and the first pleat portion 26. The length L3 of the intermediate portion 25 located on one side of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the second direction X is greater than the length L2 of the intermediate portion 25 located on both sides of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the third direction Y.

[0058] According to this configuration, an intermediate portion 25 is provided between the first pleat portion 26 and the first tube portion 22. Furthermore, a length L3 of the intermediate portion located on one side of the first tube portion 22 in the second direction X is greater than a length L2 of the intermediate portion located on both sides of the first tube portion 22 in the third direction Y. Therefore, when the grommet 20 is deformed from the first state to the second state, a gap that allows deformation of the grommet 20 is secured between the first pleat portion 26 and the first tube portion 22. This makes it easier to deform the first pleat portion 26 so that at least a portion of the first pleat portion 26 is elongated.

[0059] Moreover, the intermediate portions 25 located on both sides of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the third direction Y can be made compact. Therefore, the size of the grommet 20 can be made small. (3) The length L1 of the intermediate portion 25 located on the other side in the second direction X with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22 is greater than the length L2 of the intermediate portions 25 located on both sides in the third direction Y with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22.

[0060] According to this configuration, the length L1 of the intermediate portion 25 located on the other side in the second direction X with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22 is greater than the length L2 of the intermediate portion 25 located on both sides in the third direction Y with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22. Therefore, when the grommet 20 is deformed from the first state to the second state, a gap that allows deformation of the grommet 20 is secured between the first pleat portion 26 and the first cylindrical portion 22. This makes it easier to deform the first pleat portion 26 so that at least a portion of the first pleat portion 26 is elongated.

[0061] Moreover, the intermediate portions 25 located on both sides of the first cylindrical portion 22 in the third direction Y can be made compact. Therefore, the size of the grommet 20 can be made small. (4) The inner fold 23 is located between the first tubular portion 22 and the first pleat 26, surrounds the first tubular portion, and protrudes toward the opposite side to the first pleat 26 in the first direction Z.

[0062] When the grommet 20 is transformed from the first state to the second state, stress is likely to concentrate in the portion between the first tubular portion 22 and the first pleated portion 26. For this reason, measures such as reinforcing the above-mentioned portion of the grommet 20 are required.

[0063] In this regard, according to the above-mentioned configuration, since the inner pleat 23 is provided between the first tube portion 22 and the first pleat 26, even if the above-mentioned stress acts, the above-mentioned stress is absorbed by the inner pleat 23. Therefore, the concentration of stress can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0064] (5) The second tubular portion 27 extends in a direction intersecting with the imaginary plane P and allows the electric wire 12 to be inserted therethrough. The second tubular portion 27 is provided on the opposite side to the first tubular portion 22 with the first fold portion 26 interposed therebetween in the third direction Y.

[0065] According to this configuration, the grommet 20 includes a plurality of tubular portions 22, 27. This allows a plurality of electric wires 12 to be inserted through the grommet 20. (6) The flange portion 30 has a circular outer shape with a center C. The first tube portion 22 is provided between the center C and the outer edge of the flange portion 30. The first pleat portion 26 includes an arc portion 26a extending along the outer edge, and a straight portion 26b located on the opposite side of the first tube portion 22 to the arc portion 26a and extending straight along the second direction X. The second tube portion 27 is provided on the opposite side of the center C to the first tube portion 22.

[0066] According to this configuration, the first tubular portion 22 and the second tubular portion 27 can be arranged compactly in the grommet 20. This allows the size of the first pleat portion 26, and therefore the size of the grommet 20, to be reduced.

[0067] (7) The second fold portion 28 is located between the second tubular portion 27 and the flange portion 30, surrounds the second tubular portion 27, and protrudes toward the tip side of the second tubular portion 27 in the first direction Z. According to this configuration, by extending the second fold portion 28, the direction in which the tip opening of the second tube portion 27 points can be easily changed.

[0068] (8) The grommet 20 is attached to the vehicle body panel 10 via the bracket 40. The flange portion 30 has an engagement portion 33 to which the bracket 40 can be detached. In some cases, the bracket 40 that attaches the grommet 20 to the vehicle body panel 10 is molded onto the grommet 20. In such a configuration, when the grommet 20 is transformed from the first state to the second state, the bracket 40 is likely to deform in conjunction with the transformation of the grommet 20. Therefore, there is a risk that the sealing ability of the grommet 20 will decrease due to the transformation of the grommet 20 surrounding the bracket 40.

[0069] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the bracket 40 is detachably engaged with the engaging portion 33 of the flange portion 30. This suppresses deformation of the bracket 40 that accompanies deformation of the grommet 20. This suppresses deterioration of the sealing performance of the grommet 20.

[0070] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0071] The engaging portion 33 is not limited to a recess that opens radially outward as exemplified in this embodiment, and the shape can be appropriately changed according to the mounting requirements of the bracket 40. For example, the engaging portion 33 may be a recess that opens toward the tip side of the first tubular portion 22 in the first direction Z. In this case, the protrusion 43 of the bracket 40 may extend from an edge portion that constitutes the insertion hole 42 toward the opposite side to the tip side.

[0072] The flange 30 is not limited to having the engaging portion 33, and for example, the engaging portion 33 may be omitted. In this case, the bracket 40 may be molded to the grommet 20.

[0073] The shape of the second pleats 28 is not limited to that exemplified in this embodiment. For example, the second pleats 28 may be larger from one side (the left side in FIG. 4) to the other side (the right side in FIG. 4) opposite to the one side in the second direction X.

[0074] The second pleats 28 may be larger from the other side (the right side in FIG. 4) toward the one side (the left side in FIG. 4) opposite the other side in the second direction X. In other words, the second pleats 28 may be inclined toward the opposite side to the first pleats 26.

[0075] When the paths along which the two electric wires 12 are routed intersect, it is possible to form the grommet 20 with the first tubular portion 22 and the second tubular portion 27 bent in advance to match the paths. However, in this case, one of the tubular portions 22, 27 becomes an undercut, making it difficult to form the grommet 20.

[0076] In this regard, according to the above configuration, after the electric wires 12 are inserted through the first tubular portion 22 and the second tubular portion 27 of the grommet 20 in the first state, the two electric wires 12 can be crossed by deforming the second tubular portion 27 together with the first tubular portion 22. Therefore, even if the routes along which the two electric wires 12 are routed cross, the grommet 20 can be easily formed.

[0077] The arrangement of the second tube portion 27 is not limited to being located on the opposite side of the first tube portion 22 with respect to the center C as exemplified in this embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. The second tube portion 27 may be provided, for example, on the center C, so long as it is provided on the opposite side of the first tube portion 22 with the first fold portion 26 in the third direction Y.

[0078] The second tube portion 27 and the second pleat portion 28 may be omitted. The flange 30 is not limited to having a circular outer shape as exemplified in this embodiment, and may have any other suitable shape. For example, the flange 30 may have an egg-shaped, oval-shaped, or elliptical outer shape.

[0079] The first pleat portion 26 is not limited to having an arc portion 26a and a straight portion 26b, but may be, for example, composed only of straight pleat portions, or may be composed only of arc pleat portions.

[0080] The length of the intermediate portion 25 is not limited to that exemplified in this embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, L2 may be the same as L1 and L3. In this case, the flat portion 24 may be provided between the first pleat portion 26 and the ends located on both sides of the outer circumferential side of the inner pleat portion 23 in the third direction Y with respect to the first tube portion 22.

[0081] The intermediate portion 25 is not limited to having the inner pleat portion 23 and the flat portion 24. For example, either the inner pleat portion 23 or the flat portion 24 may be omitted. The first pleats 26 are not limited to those that surround the entire circumferential direction of the first tube portion 22 as exemplified in this embodiment. For example, the first pleats 26 located on one side in the second direction X (the left side in FIG. 4) with respect to the first tube portion 22 may be omitted. In this case, it is sufficient that the first pleats 26 rise from the base portion 21 and the protruding height from the base portion 21 increases toward the other side opposite to the one side (the right side in FIG. 4).

[0082] The grommet 20 is not limited to one in which the first angle θ1 is a right angle in the first state. That is, the grommet 20 may be one in which the first angle θ1 is smaller than a right angle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] P Virtual plane Z 1st direction X 2nd direction Y 3rd direction C center A1 axis A2 axis θ1 1st angle θ2 2nd angle L1 Length L2 Length L3 Length 10 Body Panel 11 Through hole 12 Electric wire 12a Outer surface 13 holes 20 Grommet 21 Base 22 First cylinder part 22a Inner surface 22b Protrusion 23 Medial fold 24 Plane section 25 Middle section 26 1st fold 26a Arc section 26b Straight section 26c Opposing wall 27 Second cylinder part 27a Inner surface 27b Protrusion 28 Second fold 30 Flange 31 Connecting part 32 Main body 33 Engagement part 34 Seal protrusion 40 Bracket 41 Main body 42 Insertion hole 43 Protrusion 44 Fixed part 45 Fastening hole 90 Screw 91 Nut

Claims

1. A grommet to be attached to an attachment object extending along an imaginary plane, A cylindrical portion extending along a first direction intersecting the imaginary plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted; a flange portion located on an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion and extending along the imaginary plane; a pleat portion located between the cylindrical portion and the flange portion, surrounding the cylindrical portion, and protruding toward a tip side of the cylindrical portion in the first direction, The grommet is deformable between a first state in which the pleats are folded and contracted, and a second state in which at least a portion of the pleats is extended, In the first state, an angle between an axis of the cylindrical portion and the virtual plane is a first angle, In the second state, an angle between an axis of the cylindrical portion and the virtual plane is a second angle smaller than the first angle, and a tip opening of the cylindrical portion is oriented toward one side of a second direction along the virtual plane, a height of the pleat portion increases from the one side toward the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction in the first state, In the first state, an intermediate portion is provided between the tubular portion and the pleated portion over the entire circumference of the tubular portion, A direction perpendicular to the second direction among directions along the virtual plane is defined as a third direction, and a distance between the tube portion and the pleat portion in the intermediate portion is defined as a length of the intermediate portion. a length of the intermediate portion located on the one side in the second direction with respect to the cylindrical portion is greater than a length of the intermediate portion located on both sides in the third direction with respect to the cylindrical portion; Grommet.

2. a length of the intermediate portion located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the cylindrical portion is greater than a length of the intermediate portion located on both sides in the third direction with respect to the cylindrical portion; The grommet of claim 1 .

3. A grommet to be attached to an attachment object extending along an imaginary plane, A cylindrical portion extending along a first direction intersecting the imaginary plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted; a flange portion located on an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion and extending along the imaginary plane; a pleat portion located between the cylindrical portion and the flange portion, surrounding the cylindrical portion, and protruding toward a tip side of the cylindrical portion in the first direction, The grommet is deformable between a first state in which the pleats are folded and contracted, and a second state in which at least a portion of the pleats is extended, In the first state, an angle between an axis of the cylindrical portion and the virtual plane is a first angle, In the second state, an angle between an axis of the cylindrical portion and the virtual plane is a second angle smaller than the first angle, and a tip opening of the cylindrical portion is oriented toward one side of a second direction along the virtual plane, a height of the pleat portion increases from the one side toward the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction in the first state, When the cylindrical portion is defined as a first cylindrical portion, and a direction along the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the second direction is defined as a third direction, a second tubular portion extending in a direction intersecting the imaginary plane and through which an electric wire can be inserted, The second tube portion is provided on the opposite side to the first tube portion across the pleat in the third direction. Grommet.

4. The flange portion has a circular outer shape having a center, The first cylindrical portion is provided between the center and an outer edge of the flange portion, The pleat portion includes an arc portion extending along the outer edge, and a straight portion located on the opposite side of the first tube portion from the arc portion and extending straight along the second direction, The second cylindrical portion is provided on the opposite side of the center to the first cylindrical portion. The grommet according to claim 3.

5. When the pleat portion is a first pleat portion, a second pleat portion is provided between the second tubular portion and the flange portion, surrounding the second tubular portion, and protruding toward a tip side of the second tubular portion in the first direction; The grommet according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. When the pleat portion is an outer pleat portion, an inner fold portion that is located between the tubular portion and the outer fold portion, surrounds the tubular portion, and protrudes toward an opposite side to the outer fold portion in the first direction; The grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The grommet is attached to the attachment object via a bracket, The flange portion has an engagement portion to which the bracket can be attached and detached. The grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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