Inlet Assembly

The grommet design for vehicle inlet assemblies addresses the issue of height by intersecting ports and incorporating drainage and partition features, achieving reduced height and effective ingress management.

JP7758130B2Active Publication Date: 2025-10-22SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024186499
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-23
Publication Date
2025-10-22
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle inlet assemblies require additional space for cables drawn rearward, necessitating a solution to reduce their height.

Method used

The inlet assembly incorporates a grommet with a connection port and draw-out port that intersect, a drainage port, and a partition to manage water and dust, allowing the assembly to be lower in height and preventing water ingress without separate drainage members.

Benefits of technology

The design reduces the overall height of the inlet assembly and effectively manages water and dust ingress, ensuring efficient cable management and protection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an art which can achieve reduction of the height of an inlet assembly.SOLUTION: A grommet 60 in an inlet assembly includes a body 62 which covers an inlet 20 mounted on a vehicle and a wiring member 50 extending from the inlet 20. In the body 62, a connection port 65 into which a connection portion connected with an external charging connector of the inlet 20 is inserted, and an outlet 68 into which the wiring member 50 is inserted are provided. The connection port 65 is open in a first direction and the outlet 68 is open in a second direction intersecting with the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a grommet and inlet assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inlet assembly provided in a vehicle that uses an external power source to charge an internally mounted power storage device. The cable in the inlet assembly extends rearward from the side opposite the connection port for an external charging cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-175764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A vehicle in which the inlet assembly described in Patent Document 1 is installed requires space for arranging the cables that are drawn out rearward of the inlet assembly.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the height of an inlet assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inlet assembly of the present disclosure includes an inlet that is mounted on a vehicle and has a connection portion with an external charging connector, a wiring member extending from the inlet, and a grommet that covers the inlet and the wiring member, the grommet including a main body that covers the inlet and the wiring member, the main body having a connection port through which a connection portion of the inlet that connects to the external charging connector is inserted and a draw-out port through which the wiring member is inserted, the connection port opening in a first direction and the draw-out port opening in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the connection portion extending outside the grommet through the connection port, the wiring member extending from the grommet through the draw-out port the main body portion is formed with a drain outlet for draining water that enters the main body portion, the drain outlet opening in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, the main body portion is provided with a partition that overlaps with the drain outlet when viewed from the third direction, the partition being disposed between the space inside the main body portion in which the wiring member is disposed and the drain outlet, the inlet is provided with an inlet-side partition that overlaps with the drain outlet and the partition when viewed from the third direction, and the drain outlet and the partition of the grommet are provided integrally with the main body portion that is formed of an elastic material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the height of the inlet assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a grommet according to a first embodiment and an inlet assembly including the grommet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the inlet assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inlet assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the inlet. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the inlet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a grommet. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a first modified example of the grommet. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the grommet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The grommet of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A grommet includes a main body that covers an inlet mounted on a vehicle and wiring extending from the inlet, and the main body is formed with a connection port through which a portion of the inlet that connects to an external charging connector is inserted and a draw-out port through which the wiring is inserted, the connection port opening in a first direction and the draw-out port opening in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The connection port through which a portion of the inlet that connects to an external charging connector is inserted and the draw-out port through which the wiring extending from the inlet is inserted open in directions that intersect with each other. This allows the inlet assembly to be lower in height than when the connection port and the draw-out port open in opposite directions. Furthermore, the draw-out port can restrict the direction in which the wiring extends from the grommet to the second direction.

[0012] (2) In the grommet of (1), the main body may be formed with a drainage port for draining water that infiltrates the main body, and the drainage port may open in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. This allows the grommet to drain water that infiltrates the inlet assembly through the inlet without providing a separate drainage member in the inlet assembly. Furthermore, when the grommet is arranged so that the third direction faces vertically downward, the outlet faces in a direction intersecting the vertically downward direction, making it difficult for water to infiltrate the outlet.

[0013] (3) In the grommet of (2), the main body may be provided with a partition that overlaps with the drain outlet when viewed from the third direction, and the partition may be disposed between the drain outlet and a space inside the main body in which the wiring member is disposed. In this way, even if dust or the like enters the main body through the drain outlet, the partition can prevent the dust or the like from adhering to the conductor at the end of the wiring member that is exposed inside the inlet assembly.

[0014] (4) In the grommet of (2) or (3), the main body may be provided with a drain tube portion extending in the third direction, the internal space of which forms the drain outlet. This allows the drain tube portion to guide water drained from the drain outlet. In addition, the provision of the drain tube portion makes it difficult for sand, dust, etc. to reach the conductor housing portion.

[0015] (5) In the grommet of any one of (1) to (4), the main body may be provided with a tubular pull-out portion extending in the second direction and having an internal space that forms the pull-out opening, and an annular lip portion that can come into contact with the wiring member may be provided on the inner surface of the tubular pull-out portion, thereby making it possible to seal off water between the grommet and the wiring member at the pull-out opening.

[0016] (6) In the grommet of any one of (1) to (5), the main body may be provided with a connecting tubular portion extending in the first direction and having an internal space forming the connecting port, and an annular lip portion that can contact an outer surface of the connecting portion may be provided on an inner surface of the connecting tubular portion, thereby sealing off water between the grommet and the connecting portion around the connecting port.

[0017] (7) In any one of the grommets (1) to (6), a plurality of the outlets may be formed, thereby allowing the wiring members to be pulled out separately.

[0018] (8) The inlet assembly of the present disclosure includes an inlet having a connection portion with an external charging connector, a wiring member extending from the inlet, and a grommet according to any one of (1) to (7) that covers the inlet and the wiring member, wherein the connection portion extends outside the grommet through the connection port, and the wiring member extends outside the grommet through the outlet. In the grommet, the connection port, through which the connection portion of the inlet with the external charging connector is inserted, and the outlet, through which the wiring member extending from the inlet is inserted, open in directions that intersect with each other. This allows the inlet assembly to be made lower in height than when the connection port and the outlet open in opposite directions. Furthermore, by inserting the wiring member into the outlet, the extension direction of the wiring member from the grommet is restricted to a second direction.

[0019] (9) The inlet assembly of the present disclosure includes an inlet having a connection portion with an external charging connector, a wiring member extending from the inlet, and a grommet (7) covering the inlet and the wiring member, wherein the connection portion extends out of the grommet through the connection port, the wiring member extends out of the grommet through the outlet, and at least one outlet through which only one wiring member is inserted is present among the multiple outlets. In the grommet, the connection port through which the connection portion of the inlet with the external charging connector is inserted and the outlet through which the wiring member extending from the inlet is inserted open in directions that intersect with each other. This allows the inlet assembly to be made lower in height than when the connection port and the outlet open in opposite directions. Furthermore, by inserting the wiring member into the outlet, the extension direction of the wiring member from the grommet is restricted to a second direction. Furthermore, in a draw-out opening through which one wiring member is inserted, a gap is less likely to occur between the wiring member and the grommet.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the grommet and inlet assembly of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] The following describes a grommet according to a first embodiment and an inlet assembly including the same. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a grommet 60 according to the first embodiment and an inlet assembly 10 including the same. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the inlet assembly 10. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the inlet assembly 10. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2.

[0022] <Inlet assembly> The inlet assembly 10 is incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle is an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device and a motor. The vehicle travels by driving the motor with power from the power storage device. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle equipped only with a motor as a drive source, or may be a hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor and an engine. The power storage device in the vehicle is charged with power supplied from an external charging station. The inlet assembly 10 is attached, for example, to an inlet mounting portion 80 provided on the outer surface of the body of the vehicle. FIG. 2 shows an example of the inlet mounting portion 80. The inlet mounting portion 80 is formed, for example, by forming a panel 82 constituting the body with a recessed shape that is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle. A through-hole 84 is formed in the panel 82 at the bottom of the inlet mounting portion 80. A portion of the inlet assembly 10 is positioned inside the vehicle relative to the panel 82, and another portion passes through the through-hole 84.

[0023] The inlet assembly 10 includes an inlet 20, a wiring member 50, and a grommet 60. The inlet 20 is configured to allow an external charging connector to be inserted therein and electrically connected. The external charging connector is, for example, a connector for a charging cable extending from a charging stand. The inlet 20 has a connection portion with the external charging connector. The connection portion includes a portion into which the external charging connector is inserted and electrically connected. A portion of the connection portion passes through a through-hole 84 in a panel 82. The wiring member 50 extends from the inlet 20. The wiring member 50 transmits power from the charging stand to the vehicle's power storage device. The grommet 60 covers the inlet 20 and the wiring member 50. A connection port 65 and a draw-out port 68 are formed in the grommet 60. The connection portion of the inlet 20 extends out of the grommet 60 through the connection port 65. The wiring member 50 extends out of the grommet 60 through the draw-out port 68. The grommet 60 protects the inlet 20 and the wiring member 50 and seals the inlet 20 against water in the interior space of the vehicle, more than the panel 82 .

[0024] In the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 2 , of the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the X direction is defined as a direction parallel to the direction in which the inlet 20 passes through the through-hole 84 of the panel 82. The inlet 20 and the external charging connector are connected in the X direction. The Z direction is, for example, a vertical direction. For example, when the inlet 20 is provided on the side of the vehicle, the Y direction is the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, when the inlet 20 is provided on the front or rear surface of the vehicle, the Y direction is the width direction of the vehicle. Components that are not in an attached state will also be described using directions corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions when in an attached state.

[0025] <Inlets and wiring components> The inlet 20 and the wiring member 50 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 in addition to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 5 is a rear view showing the inlet 20 and the wiring member 50. Figure 6 is a front view showing the inlet 20. Figure 5 is a view seen from inside the vehicle, and Figure 6 is a view seen from outside the vehicle.

[0026] Here, the inlet 20 has the above-mentioned connection portion and a fixing portion 28. The fixing portion 28 is a portion used for fixing to a vehicle. Here, the connection portion and fixing portion of the inlet 20 are configured by combining multiple parts. The inlet 20 has a first member 22, a second member 32, and a terminal 40 as these multiple parts.

[0027] The first member 22 has a first housing portion 24. The first housing portion 24 passes through a through hole 84. The outer shape of the first housing portion 24 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the through hole 84. Here, the outer shape of the first housing portion 24 and the shape of the through hole 84 are circular. A first cavity 25 and a first drain hole 26 are formed in the first housing portion 24, each passing through the first housing portion 24 in the X direction.

[0028] The second member 32 has a second housing portion 34. The second housing portion 34 is formed with a second cavity 35 and a second drain hole 36 that each penetrate the second housing portion 34 in the X direction. The first housing portion 24 and the second housing portion 34 are connected in the X direction. The second housing portion 34 is located closer to the inside of the vehicle in the X direction than the first housing portion 24. The first cavity 25 and the second cavity 35 communicate in the X direction to form a single cavity. A terminal 40 is housed in the cavity to form a connection portion.

[0029] One end of the terminal 40 is electrically connected to a terminal of the external charging connector when the external charging connector is inserted into the inlet 20. The other end of the terminal 40 is electrically connected to the wiring member 50. The terminal 40 and the wiring member 50 are maintained in a connected state in the inlet 20. The manner in which the terminal 40 and the wiring member 50 are connected is not particularly limited, and may be by crimping, welding, or the like. Here, two terminals 40A for power lines and two terminals 40B for signal lines are provided as the terminals 40. Of course, the number and uses of the terminals 40 are not limited to this. The number and uses of the terminals 40 can be set as appropriate depending on the number and uses of the terminals of the external charging connector, etc.

[0030] The first drainage hole 26 and the second drainage hole 36 are connected in the X direction to form a single drainage hole. The drainage hole prevents water from accumulating in the space of the inlet mounting portion 80 that is outside the panel 82. Water that accumulates in the space of the inlet mounting portion 80 that is outside the panel 82 is guided through the drainage hole to the space inside the panel 82. Here, the water is guided into the inside of the grommet 60 through the drainage hole. The water is then discharged to the outside of the grommet 60 through a drainage port 71 in the grommet 60, which will be described later.

[0031] The first member 22 further has a fixing portion 28 and a rib 30. The fixing portion 28 protrudes like a flange from the outer surface of the first housing portion 24 (here, the outer surface of a portion located more interior to the vehicle than the panel 82). The fixing portion 28 is formed to be larger than the through-hole 84 of the panel 82. The manner in which the fixing portion 28 and the panel 82 are fixed to each other is not particularly limited, and they may be fixed, for example, as follows: That is, a fixing hole is formed in the fixing portion 28. A stud bolt is provided on the inner surface of the panel 82, at the periphery of the through-hole 84. The stud bolt is fastened to the fixing hole, thereby fixing the fixing portion 28 and the panel 82. In this way, the inlet 20 (inlet assembly 10) is attached to the inlet mounting portion 80.

[0032] The rib 30 connects the surface of the fixing portion 28 facing the interior side with the outer surface of the side of the first housing portion 24. The rib 30 reinforces the fixing portion 28. In this example, a plurality of ribs 30 (five in FIG. 1) are provided. The portion of the outer surface of the side where the five ribs 30 are provided is spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the side. The five ribs 30 extend parallel to one another. Here, the five ribs 30 are arranged parallel to the XZ plane and spaced apart from one another in the Y direction.

[0033] The second member 32 further includes a housing-side partition 37. The housing-side partition 37 is formed in a plate shape and extends in the X direction from the rear end surface of the second housing portion 34. The housing-side partition 37 has an open tip along the X direction. The housing-side partition 37 includes two first partitions 38 that separate the terminals 40A from each other. The housing-side partition 37 further includes a second partition 39 that separates the drainage hole opening from the cavity opening. Each first partition 38 has an opening formed in a portion in the YZ plane. A portion of the wiring member 50A on the other end side of the portion connected to the terminal 40A is pulled out from the opening. Here, the opening of each first partition 38 opens upward along the Z direction. However, the openings of the two first partitions 38 may be oriented in different directions. The second partition 39 is connected to one of the first partitions 38 and is therefore closed on one side in the Y direction (here, the negative side in the Y direction). The second partition 39 is not connected to another of the first partitions 38 and is open on the other side in the Y direction (here, the positive side in the Y direction). Here, the orientation of the opening of the second partition 39 in the Y direction and the direction in which the wiring member 50 is drawn out are the same, but they may be reversed.

[0034] The first member 22 is an integrally molded product in which the first housing portion 24, the fixing portion 28, and the rib 30 are integrally formed. The second member 32 is an integrally molded product in which the second housing portion 34 and the housing side partition 37 are integrally formed. The first member 22 and the second member 32 are each formed from an insulating material such as resin. The first member 22 and the second member 32 may each be integrally molded from a material such as resin using a mold.

[0035] In this example, the wiring members 50 include a plurality of wiring members 50A (two in the example shown in FIG. 5) used as power lines and a plurality of wiring members 50B (two in the example shown in FIG. 5) used as signal lines. The wiring members 50A used as power lines are thicker than the wiring members 50B used as signal lines. Therefore, the wiring members 50A used as power lines are less likely to bend than the wiring members 50B used as signal lines. Each of the four wiring members 50 is a single-wire coated wire having a conductor and a coating layer. The four wiring members 50 extend from the outside to the inside of the grommet 60. One end of the wiring member 50A used as a power line is connected to the terminal 40A. One end of the wiring member 50B used as a signal line is connected to the terminal 40B. The other ends of the four wiring members 50 extend outside the grommet 60 and are connected to their respective connection partners. The connection partner is set according to the specifications of the vehicle's charging system, and may be, for example, a power storage device, an AC-DC converter, a DC-DC converter, or an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0036] Of course, the number and uses of the wiring members 50 are not limited to this and can be set appropriately depending on the specifications of the vehicle charging system. For example, the wiring member 50 may be a composite cable in which multiple single wires are covered with a single sheath, and the composite cable may extend from the outside to the inside of the grommet 60. Also, for example, some of the wiring members in the inlet assembly 10 may not be connected to an external charging connector. Such wiring members may be connected to electrical components such as sensors incorporated into the inlet 20.

[0037] <Grommet> The grommet 60 will be described with reference to Figure 7 in addition to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the grommet 60.

[0038] The grommet 60 includes a main body 62, a flange 74, and a locking portion 76. The grommet 60 is an integrally molded product in which the main body 62, the flange 74, and the locking portion 76 are integrally formed. The grommet 60 is formed from an elastic material. For example, an elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) having high elasticity can be used as the material for the grommet 60. The resin used for the first member 22 and the second member 32 of the inlet 20 is preferably a material harder than the elastomer. The grommet 60 may be integrally molded using a mold from the elastic material described above. Note that the grommet 60 may not have one or both of the flange 74 and the locking portion 76.

[0039] The main body 62 covers the inlet 20 and the wiring member 50. A connection port 65 and a draw-out port 68 are formed in the main body 62. The connection port 65 opens in a first direction. A portion of the inlet 20 that connects to an external charging connector is inserted into the connection port 65. The draw-out port 68 opens in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The wiring member 50 is inserted into the draw-out port 68. Furthermore, here, the main body 62 is formed with a drain port 71. The drain port 71 opens in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The drain port 71 drains water that enters the main body 62. The connection port 65 is larger than the draw-out port 68 and the drain port 71.

[0040] The first direction is a direction parallel to the X direction. In this example, the first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to one another. The second direction is a direction parallel to the Y direction. The third direction is a direction parallel to the Z direction. However, the first, second, and third directions do not have to be perpendicular to one another. For example, the second direction may be a direction that intersects with the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0041] In this example, the main body 62 has a first portion 63 and a second portion 64. Furthermore, in this example, the main body 62 has a connecting tube portion 66, a drawing tube portion 69, and a drain tube portion 72.

[0042] The first portion 63 is a portion that mainly covers the connection portion of the inlet 20. The second portion 64 is a portion that mainly covers a portion of the wiring member 50 that is on the other end side of the portion connected to the terminal 40 and extends in the second direction. The first portion 63 and the second portion 64 are each hollow, and the internal space of the first member 22 and the internal space of the second member 32 are connected. The first portion 63 may have any shape that can cover the connection portion of the inlet 20, and may have a shape that corresponds to the connection portion of the inlet 20. The second portion 64 may have any shape that can cover the portion of the wiring member 50 that extends in the second direction. The internal space of the second portion 64 is larger than the total outer shape of the multiple wiring members 50. The second portion 64 can accommodate multiple wiring members 50 without them being in close contact with each other. Here, the first portion 63 has a shape with a circular cross section that continues in the first direction, and the second portion 64 has a shape with a polygonal cross section (here, a rectangular cross section) that continues in the second direction.

[0043] A connection port 65 is provided at one end of the first portion 63 along the X direction. No opening is formed at the other end of the first portion 63 along the first direction (the end opposite the end where the connection port 65 is provided). A drain port 71 is provided in an intermediate portion of the first portion 63 along the first direction, which is the lowest portion along the third direction. A second portion 64 is provided in a portion of the first portion 63 different from the portion where the drain port 71 is provided. The second portion 64 extends in the second direction from a portion continuous with the first portion 63. A draw-out port 68 is provided at the tip of the second portion 64 along the second direction.

[0044] The connecting tube portion 66 extends in the first direction from one end of the first portion 63 along the first direction. The connecting tube portion 66 extends the connecting port 65 in the first direction. The internal space of the connecting tube portion 66 forms the connecting port 65. A lip portion 67 is provided on the inner surface of the connecting tube portion 66. The lip portion 67 is formed in an annular shape so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the connecting portion. The lip portion 67 is preferably formed smaller than the outer surface of the connecting portion. This allows the lip portion 67 or the connecting tube portion 66 covering the connecting portion to elastically deform so as to expand, allowing the lip portion 67 to be pressed against the outer surface of the connecting portion. A cable tie, a crimping ring, or the like may be provided on the outer surface of the connecting tube portion 66 so that the lip portion 67 is pressed against the outer surface of the connecting portion. Multiple lip portions 67 (here, three) are formed at intervals in the first direction. Each lip portion 67 is formed on the inner surface of the connecting tube portion 66 along the circumferential direction, extending around the entire circumference. Only one lip portion 67 may be provided.

[0045] The drawn-out tube portion 69 extends in the second direction from the tip surface of the second section 64 along the second direction. The drawn-out tube portion 69 extends the drawing opening 68 in the second direction. The internal space of the drawn-out tube portion 69 forms the drawing opening 68. A lip portion 70 is provided on the inner surface of the drawn-out tube portion 69. The lip portion 70 is formed in an annular shape so as to be able to come into contact with the wiring member 50. The lip portion 70 is preferably formed smaller than the outer surface of the wiring member 50. This allows the lip portion 70 or the drawn-out tube portion 69 covering the wiring member 50 to elastically deform so as to expand, and the lip portion 70 can be pressed against the outer surface of the wiring member 50. A plurality of lip portions 70 (here, three) are formed at intervals in the second direction. Each lip portion 70 is formed on the inner surface of the drawn-out tube portion 69 along the circumferential direction, spanning the entire circumference. Only one lip portion 70 may be provided. The drawn-out tube portion 69 and the wiring member 50 may be bound together by a binding member such as adhesive tape or a cable tie. For example, adhesive tape may be wound around the drawn-out tube portion 69 and the portion of the wiring member 50 extending from the drawn-out tube portion 69. Alternatively, for example, a cable tie may be wound around the drawn-out tube portion 69 through which the wiring member 50 is inserted.

[0046] In this example, a plurality of outlets 68 (three in the example shown in FIG. 1) are formed. Among the plurality of outlets 68, there is at least one outlet 68 through which only one wiring member 50 is inserted. A plurality of outlet tube portions 69 (three in the example shown in FIG. 1) are also provided corresponding to the plurality of outlets 68. Of the three outlet tube portions 69, two outlet tube portions 69A are formed with lip portions 70, and the remaining one outlet tube portion 69B is not formed with a lip portion 70. Two wiring members 50A are inserted into each of the two outlet tube portions 69A. Two wiring members 50B are inserted together into one outlet tube portion 69B. Because the wiring member 50A is less likely to bend than the wiring member 50B, it is preferable to provide the outlet tube portion 69A in a position that minimizes the need to bend the wiring member 50A. Here, the wiring member 50A extends upward in the third direction from the portion connected to the terminal 40A, so that the two drawn-out cylindrical portions 69A are located higher than the drawn-out cylindrical portion 69B.

[0047] The drain tube portion 72 extends in the third direction from the outer surface of the side portion of the first part 63. The drain tube portion 72 extends the drain outlet 71 in the third direction. The internal space of the drain tube portion 72 forms the drain outlet 71. Here, the drain outlet 71 and the drain tube portion 72 are angular. The drain outlet 71 and the drain tube portion 72 may also be circular, for example.

[0048] A grommet-side partition 73 is provided in the main body 62. The grommet-side partition 73 overlaps with the drainage outlet 71 when viewed from the third direction. The grommet-side partition 73 is disposed between the space inside the main body 62 in which the wiring member 50 is disposed and the drainage outlet 71. Here, the second partition 39 in the housing-side partition 37 has a portion that overlaps with the drainage outlet 71 when viewed from the third direction. The grommet-side partition 73 is disposed between the second partition 39 and the drainage outlet 71.

[0049] The grommet-side partition 73 has a partition main body 73a and a pair of legs 73b. The partition main body 73a is a portion that overlaps with the drain port 71 when viewed from the third direction. The partition main body 73a is provided at a distance from the inner surface of the side of the first portion 63 along the third direction. The pair of legs 73b are portions that connect the partition main body 73a to the side of the first portion 63. The pair of legs 73b are provided at a distance from each other along the second direction. The drain port 71 is provided between the pair of legs 73b along the second direction. The partition main body 73a and the pair of legs 73b are continuous along the first direction and connected to the end face of the first portion 63 (the end face opposite the end face where the connection port 65 is provided).

[0050] When viewed from the third direction, the partition body 73a does not overlap with the drain outlet 71 on the side of the connection portion along the first direction. This makes it easier for water to reach the drain outlet 71 from the opening of the drain hole in the inlet 20. However, the partition body 73a may overlap with the entire drain outlet 71 when viewed from the third direction.

[0051] When viewed from the third direction, the second partition 39 of the housing-side partition 37 has a portion that overlaps with the drainage outlet 71 along the first direction on the connection portion side. In other words, when viewed from the third direction, the second partition 39 of the housing-side partition 37 is provided in a portion where the grommet-side partition 73 is not present. This allows the second partition 39 of the housing-side partition 37 to prevent sand, dust, etc. from entering the storage space for the terminals 40 from the portion where the grommet-side partition 73 is not present. The second partition 39 extends along the first direction to a portion that overlaps with the partition main body 73a. The second partition 39 overlaps with the entire drainage outlet 71 along the first direction. The second partition 39 extends along the first direction beyond the drainage outlet 71.

[0052] The flange portion 74 is provided around the connecting tube portion 66 on the tip side of the intermediate portion along the first direction. In other words, the flange portion 74 is provided at a distance from the first portion 63. Here, the flange portion 74 is provided around the tip portion of the connecting tube portion 66 along the first direction. The flange portion 74 is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the side surface of the connecting tube portion 66. However, the flange portion 74 does not have to be a ring shape around the entire circumference of the side surface of the connecting tube portion 66, and may be formed partially on the side surface of the connecting tube portion 66.

[0053] The locking portion 76 locks with a locked portion 31 provided on the inlet 20. The locking portion 76 and the locked portion 31 are locked together in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis of the inlet 20 and the main body 62. The locking portion 76 and the locked portion 31 are locked together, thereby preventing the inlet 20 from rotating around the connection port 65 of the grommet 60. In this example, in the inlet 20, recesses 31 between a pair of adjacent ribs 30 function as the locked portion 31. The pair of adjacent ribs 30 extend parallel to the X direction from the fixing portion 28 while being spaced apart in a direction intersecting the X direction (here, the Y direction). At the tips of the pair of ribs 30, the space between the ribs 30 opens in the X direction, and this portion is considered to be the recess 31 recessed in the X direction. The locking portion 76 includes a protrusion 76 that can fit into the recess 31. The protrusion 76 protrudes in the X direction beyond the end of the main body 62 in the X direction at the periphery of the connection port 65. The size of the protrusion 76 may be the same as or smaller than the size of the recess 31. Here, the size of the protrusion 76 is slightly smaller than the size of the recess 31. The size of the protrusion 76 may be larger than the size of the recess 31 as long as it can be elastically deformed to fit into the recess 31. The shape of the protrusion 76 may be a shape in which the same cross section continues in the X direction. The shape of the protrusion 76 may be a shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the tip along the X direction.

[0054] Here, the locking portion 76 is provided on the flange portion 74. The protrusion 76 is provided to protrude from the flange portion 74 in the X direction toward the opposite side to the first portion 63. Also here, the locking portion 76 and the drain port 71 are provided on opposite sides of the center of the connection port 65 along the third direction. The locking portion 76 is located above the center of the connection port 65 along the third direction. The drain port 71 is located below the center of the connection port 65 along the third direction.

[0055] <Effects, etc.> In the grommet 60 and inlet assembly 10 including the grommet 60 configured as described above, the connection port 65, through which the portion of the inlet 20 that connects to the external charging connector is inserted, and the outlet 68, through which the wiring member 50 extending from the inlet 20 is inserted, open in directions that intersect with each other. This allows the inlet assembly 10 to have a lower height than when the connection port 65 and the outlet 68 open in opposite directions. Furthermore, by inserting the wiring member 50 into the outlet 68, the direction in which the wiring member 50 extends from the grommet 60 is restricted to the second direction.

[0056] Furthermore, main body 62 is formed with drainage port 71 for draining water that enters main body 62, and drainage port 71 opens in a third direction intersecting with the first and second directions. This allows water that enters inlet assembly 10 through inlet 20 (water entering from arrow A in FIG. 4) to be drained by grommet 60, without the need for a separate drainage member in inlet assembly 10. Furthermore, when grommet 60 is arranged so that the third direction faces vertically downward, outlet 68 faces in a direction intersecting with the vertically downward direction, making it difficult for water to enter outlet 68.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 62 is provided with a partition that overlaps with the drain outlet 71 when viewed from the third direction, and the partition is disposed between the space inside the main body 62 in which the wiring member 50 is disposed and the drain outlet 71. As a result, even if sand and dust or the like enters the main body 62 from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 4 through the drain outlet 71, the partition can prevent the sand and dust or the like from adhering to the conductor at the end of the wiring member 50 that is exposed inside the inlet assembly 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the main body 62 is provided with a drain tube portion 72 that extends in the third direction and whose internal space forms the drain outlet 71. This allows the water drained from the drain outlet 71 to be guided by the drain tube portion 72. Furthermore, since the drain tube portion 72 is provided, even if sand or dust enters the drain outlet 71, the sand or dust is less likely to reach the portion housing the conductor.

[0059] The main body 62 is provided with a tubular drawer portion 69 that extends in the second direction and whose internal space forms a drawer opening 68. An annular lip portion 70 that can come into contact with the wiring member 50 is provided on the inner surface of the tubular drawer portion 69. This allows the gap between the grommet 60 and the wiring member 50 at the drawer opening 68 to be waterproofed.

[0060] Furthermore, the main body 62 is provided with a connecting tube 66 that extends in the first direction and whose internal space forms a connecting port 65. An annular lip 67 that can come into contact with the outer surface of the connecting portion is provided on the inner surface of the connecting tube 66. This allows water to be sealed between the grommet 60 and the connecting portion around the connecting port 65.

[0061] Furthermore, a plurality of outlets 68 are formed. This allows the wiring members 50 to be pulled out separately. At this time, among the plurality of outlets 68, there is at least one outlet 68 through which only one wiring member 50 is inserted. This makes it less likely that a gap will occur between the wiring member 50 and the grommet 60 in the outlet 68 through which only one wiring member 50 is inserted.

[0062] [Variations] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a first modified example of the grommet 60. As shown in FIG.

[0063] Although the description so far has been given assuming that all of the multiple outlets 68 are provided on the same surface of the second portion 64, this is not a required configuration. As in the grommet 160 shown in FIG. 8 , the surface on which some of the outlets 68 are provided may be different from the surface on which other of the outlets 68 are provided in the second portion 64. In the grommet 160 shown in FIG. 8 , the surface on which some of the outlets 68 are provided is farther from the center of the first portion 63 in the second direction than the surface on which other of the outlets 68 are provided. In the grommet 160 shown in FIG. 8 , the outlet 68A through which the wiring member 50A used as a power line is inserted is farther from the center of the first portion 63 in the second direction than the outlet 68B through which the wiring member 50B used as a signal line is inserted. The outlet 68B through which the wiring member 50B used as a signal line is inserted may be farther from the center of the first portion 63 in the second direction than the outlet 68A through which the wiring member 50A used as a power line is inserted.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the grommet 60. As shown in FIG.

[0065] Although the main body 62 has been described above as having the second portion 64, this is not a required configuration. As in the grommet 260 shown in Figure 9, the main body 62 does not necessarily have to have the second portion 64.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above description has been given assuming that a plurality of outlets 68 are provided, this is not a required configuration. Only one outlet 68 may be provided, as in the case of grommet 260 shown in Fig. 9. In this case, a plurality of wiring members 50 may extend from grommet 260, and the plurality of wiring members 50 may be inserted collectively through a single outlet 68. Also, only one wiring member 50 may extend from grommet 260.

[0067] Although the example in which the outlet 68 opens on the positive side in the Y direction has been described above, this is not a required configuration. As in the grommet 260 shown in Fig. 9, the outlet 68 may open on the negative side in the Y direction.

[0068] Further, up to this point, an example has been described in which the locking portion 76 and the drain port 71 are provided on opposite sides of the connection port 65 along the third direction, but this is not a required configuration. As in the grommet 260 shown in Fig. 9, the locking portion 76 may be formed closer to the drain port 71 than the center of the connection port 65.

[0069] In addition, although the drain port 71 has been described as being formed in the main body 62, this is not an essential configuration. The main body 62 does not necessarily have to have the drain port 71 formed therein.

[0070] Furthermore, although the grommet-side partition 73 has been described above as being provided in the main body 62, this is not a required configuration. The grommet-side partition 73 does not have to be provided in the main body 62. The grommet-side partition 73 does not have to be provided inside the first part 63. For example, the grommet-side partition 73 may be provided inside the drain tube part 72.

[0071] Although the drain tube portion 72 has been described as being provided in the main body portion 62, this is not a required configuration. The main body portion 62 may not be provided with the drain tube portion 72, and the drain outlet 71 may be provided in the first portion 63.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above description has been given assuming that the connecting tube portion 66 is provided on the main body portion 62, this is not a required configuration. The main body portion 62 may not be provided with the connecting tube portion 66, and only the connecting port 65 may be provided on the first portion 63. Furthermore, the connecting tube portion 66 may not be provided with the lip portion 67.

[0073] Furthermore, although the description has been given so far assuming that the pull-out tubular portion 69 is provided on the main body portion 62, this is not a required configuration. The pull-out tubular portion 69 may not be provided on the main body portion 62, and only the pull-out opening 68 may be provided on the first portion 63 or the second portion 64. Furthermore, the pull-out tubular portion 69 may not be provided with the lip portion 70.

[0074] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Inlet assembly 20 Inlet 22 First member 24 First housing part 25 First cavity 26 First drain hole 28 Fixed part 30 Ribs 31 Recess (engaged portion) 32 Second member 34 Second housing part 35 Second cavity 36 Second drain hole 37 Housing side partition 38 First compartment 39 Second Compartment 40, 40A, 40B terminals 50, 50A, 50B wiring materials 60, 160, 260 grommet 62 Main body 63 Part 1 64 Part 2 65 Connection port 66 Connecting tube 67 Lip 68 Drawer 69, 69A, 69B Pull-out cylinder part 70 Lip 71 Drain 72 Drain pipe section 73 Grommet side divider 73a Partition body 73b Legs 74 Tsuba 76 Protrusion (locking part) 80 Inlet mounting part 82 Panels 84 through holes

Claims

1. an inlet mounted on the vehicle and having a connection portion with an external charging connector; a wiring member extending from the inlet; a grommet that covers the inlet and the wiring member; Equipped with The grommet is a main body portion that covers the inlet and the wiring member, The main body portion is formed with a connection port through which a portion of the inlet that is connected to an external charging connector is inserted, and a draw-out port through which the wiring member is inserted, the connection port opens in a first direction, and the outlet port opens in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The connection portion extends out of the grommet through the connection port, The wiring member extends to the outside of the grommet through the outlet, The main body portion is formed with a drain port for draining water that enters the main body portion, The drain port opens in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The main body portion is provided with a partition that overlaps with the drain outlet when viewed from the third direction, The partition is disposed between a space in the main body where the wiring member is disposed and the drain outlet, an inlet-side partition overlapping the drain outlet and the partition when viewed from the third direction is provided in the inlet; An inlet assembly, wherein the drain port and the partition of the grommet are integrally formed with the main body portion made of an elastic material.

2. 2. The inlet assembly of claim 1, the inlet has a fixing portion provided in a flange-like shape on a portion of the connection portion extending outside the grommet and fixed to the vehicle, and a plurality of ribs protruding from the fixing portion toward the grommet, The grommet has a locking portion that locks into a recess between the plurality of ribs.

3. 3. The inlet assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, The main body portion is provided with a drain tube portion extending in the third direction, the internal space of which forms the drain port.

4. 4. The inlet assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: The main body portion is provided with a tubular withdrawal portion that extends in the second direction and has an internal space that forms the withdrawal opening, The inlet assembly further comprises an annular lip portion on an inner surface of the tubular pull-out portion, the lip portion being capable of coming into contact with the wiring member.

5. 5. The inlet assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The main body portion is provided with a connecting tube portion extending in the first direction, the internal space of which forms the connecting port, an annular lip portion that can come into contact with an outer surface of the connecting portion is provided on an inner surface of the connecting cylindrical portion;

Citation Information

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