Grommet inner and grommet

Abstract

To provide a grommet inner which is inserted into an insertion hole provided at a vehicle body panel and can prevent damage of an electric wire arranged along the vehicle body panel, and to provide a grommet.SOLUTION: A grommet inner 20 forms a grommet 1, which protects an electric wire WH inserted into an insertion hole P1 provided at a body panel P, with a cover 10 and includes: a cylindrical insertion part 21 which is inserted into the insertion hole P1 and has an arrangement space S in which the electric wire WH is arranged; an annular disc part 22 disposed at one side of the insertion part 21 and protruding to a radial outer side relative to the insertion part 21; and a hollow inner body 23 protruding to the one side from the disc part 22 and having an insertion opening 232 communicating with the arrangement space S. When a direction in which the insertion part 21 is inserted into the insertion hole P1 is referred to as an insertion direction Hd, an inner side of the insertion part 21, formed by annular ribs 71 and radiation ribs 72, gradually spreads to the radial outer side toward the insertion direction Hd.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to a grommet inner that constitutes a grommet for protecting an electric wire inserted through a panel, and a grommet equipped with the grommet inner.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when wiring an electric wire so as to penetrate a vehicle body panel in a vehicle or the like, the electric wire is inserted into the grommet fitted into the insertion hole provided in the vehicle body panel, thereby preventing damage to the electric wire due to interference with the peripheral portion of the insertion hole.

[0003] As an example of such a grommet, a grommet having a flexible resin cover attached to a vehicle body panel and a cylindrical grommet inner attached to the cover and inserted into an insertion hole provided in the vehicle body panel is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] In the grommet of this Patent Document 1, since the grommet inner is composed of split bodies of substantially the same shape that can be split in the circumferential direction, it is said that the grommet inner can be easily assembled to the electric wire by assembling and locking the split bodies to the electric wire. Then, the grommet inner attached to the cover is inserted into the insertion hole, and the vehicle body panel is sandwiched between the grommet inner and the cover, so that the grommet can be fixed to the vehicle body panel and it is said that damage to the electric wire due to interference with the peripheral portion of the insertion hole can be prevented.

[0005] By the way, since the grommet inner disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the insertion direction, when wiring an electric wire inserted into the insertion hole provided in the vehicle body panel along the vehicle body panel, the electric wire may hit the grommet inner and be damaged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-208970 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this invention aims to provide a grommet inner and a grommet that can prevent damage to electric wires that are inserted through holes provided in the vehicle body panel and routed along the vehicle body panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention provides a grommet inner that protects an electric wire inserted through a through-hole provided in a panel, and is attached to the end of the cover and fixed to the through-hole, comprising: a cylindrical insertion portion that is inserted through the through-hole and has a routing space inside which the electric wire is routed; an annular disc portion that is positioned on one side of the through-hole and protrudes radially outward from the through-hole; and a hollow inner body that protrudes toward one side from the disc portion and has an opening that communicates with the routing space, wherein the direction in which the insertion portion is inserted into the through-hole is defined as the insertion direction. It is formed in a substantially annular shape when viewed from the bottom, projecting from the disc portion toward the insertion direction, and comprises a plurality of annular ribs arranged at intervals in the radial direction, and a plurality of radial ribs arranged along the radial direction and at intervals in the circumferential direction, intersecting the annular ribs. The inside of the insertion portion is The annular rib and the radial rib The device is characterized by being configured to widen radially outward as it moves in the insertion direction.

[0009] Furthermore, this invention consists of the aforementioned grommet inner and the cylindrical cover through which an electric wire is inserted, wherein the grommet inner is a grommet attached to the end of the cover. The opening may be an opening in a direction along the insertion direction or an opening in a direction intersecting the insertion direction.

[0010] The statement that the inside of the insertion portion described above widens radially outward as it moves in the insertion direction includes cases where it gradually widens radially outward as it moves in the insertion direction, and cases where it widens in steps radially outward as it moves in the insertion direction.

[0011] This invention allows wires inserted through holes in a panel to be routed along the panel, and the wires can be routed radially along the insertion portion, which widens radially outward as they move in the insertion direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wires inserted through the holes from coming into contact with the insertion portion at an angle, thereby preventing damage to the wires.

[0012] In an embodiment of this invention, the inner body may have an upper surface in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, and the opening may be open in the inner body in a direction that intersects with the insertion direction. According to this invention, even electric wires that are curved at a sharp angle, such as electric wires routed through an opening into the routing space along a crossing direction and inserted through a through hole, can be prevented from coming into contact with the insertion part at an angle. In other words, electric wires routed along the vehicle body panel on one side and the other side of the vehicle body panel can be prevented from being damaged by interference with the insertion part.

[0013] In another aspect of this invention, the inner body may be provided with reinforcing ribs along the insertion direction in the peripheral portion of the opening along the insertion direction. This invention makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the inner body near the opening.

[0014] More specifically, providing an opening in a direction intersecting the insertion direction reduces the strength of the inner body. In contrast, by providing reinforcing ribs around the opening along the insertion direction, the rigidity near the opening where the strength is reduced can be improved. That is, the reduction in the strength of the inner body can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the inner body can be prevented when an external force is applied to the upper surface.

[0015] Furthermore, since the wires inserted through the opening can make full contact with the reinforcing ribs, damage to the wires from contact with the opening at corners can be prevented. In this way, by providing reinforcing ribs along the circumferential edges of the opening, it is possible to prevent damage to the electrical wires inserted into the opening while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the inner body.

[0016] In another aspect of this invention, the disc portion and the insertion portion may be provided with recesses that communicate with the opening and are recessed in a direction through which the opening penetrates, corresponding to the location of the opening. According to this invention, a space is formed in the insertion direction of the opening in the insertion section. This makes it possible to reduce the bending radius of the electric wire routed from the opening to the insertion section, thereby reducing the stress on the electric wire routed along the vehicle body panel on the insertion direction side.

[0017] In another aspect of this invention, the present invention is composed of a plurality of divided bodies that can be divided in the circumferential direction, wherein each divided body is integrally composed of an insertion divided portion that constitutes the insertion portion, a disc divided portion that constitutes the disc portion, and an inner divided portion that constitutes the inner body, and is provided with fixing portions for fixing adjacent divided bodies together, and at least two of the inner divided portions that constitute the plurality of divided bodies may be provided with opening forming portions that can be combined to form the opening.

[0018] The divided body may be divided into two or more parts. Furthermore, the divided body may not only have the same shape, but may also have different shapes. Furthermore, the divided parts may be pivotably connected via a pivot mechanism such as a hinge, or they may be completely separated.

[0019] According to the present invention, by assembling a plurality of divided bodies to an electric wire, a grommet inner can be retrofitted to the electric wire. Further, by sandwiching the electric wire with the divided bodies such that the electric wire is disposed between the opening forming portions, the electric wire can be easily routed in a routing space while preventing damage to the electric wire. Therefore, the attachment operation of attaching the grommet inner to the electric wire can be efficiently performed while preventing damage to the electric wire.

[0020] As an aspect of the present invention, it may be configured by the two divided bodies, and a pivoting portion may be provided that pivotally connects adjacent insertion divided portions to each other, and the opening forming portion may be provided at a position facing the pivoting portion. The pivoting portion includes, for example, a case where adjacent insertion divided portions and the inner divided portions are integrally connected, or a case where the pivoting portion is configured to be pivotable by combining parts provided on the insertion divided portion and the inner divided portion. That is, it includes a case where adjacent divided bodies are configured integrally or separately via the pivoting portion.

[0021] According to the present invention, since adjacent insertion divided portions are connected by the pivoting portion, the grommet inner can be easily assembled to the electric wire by pivoting the divided body via the pivoting portion. Further, since the opening forming portion is provided on the other side in the circumferential direction in the two divided bodies, a partial strength reduction of the inner body can be suppressed as compared with a case where an opening is provided only in one of the divided bodies.

[0022] As an aspect of the present invention, the fixing portion may be composed of a locking and fixing piece extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction in the insertion divided portion, and a locking portion formed by an opening along the circumferential direction in the insertion divided portion adjacent to the insertion divided portion having the locking and fixing piece and configured to lock the locking and fixing piece.

[0023] According to the present invention, a locking and fixing piece extending toward the other adjacent insertion and dividing part is provided on one side of the insertion and dividing part, and a locking part is provided on the other insertion and dividing part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric wire routed in the wiring space from interfering with the fixing part that locks and fixes the adjacent divided bodies. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the electric wire from being damaged.

[0024] As an aspect of the present invention, in a state fixed by the fixing part, the insertion and dividing part may be in surface contact with the other adjacent insertion and dividing part. According to the present invention, since the adjacent insertion and dividing parts can support each other, the rigidity of the insertion part in the fixed state can be improved. Therefore, even when an external force acts on the insertion part, it is possible to prevent the insertion part from being deformed, and it is possible to prevent liquid from entering the grommet.

[0025] As an aspect of the present invention, the insertion part may be configured in a cylindrical shape and may be composed of a plurality of annular ribs provided at a predetermined interval in the radial direction and a plurality of linear ribs provided along a direction intersecting the circumferential direction.

[0026] According to the present invention, since the strength of the insertion part can be improved, even when an external force acts on the insertion part, it is possible to prevent the insertion part from being damaged, and it is possible to prevent the mounting state with the cover from being released. When the linear ribs are provided radially in a radiation shape centering on the central part of the disk part, the strength of the insertion part can be made uniform.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a grommet inner and a grommet that can be inserted into an insertion hole provided in a vehicle body panel and prevent damage to an electric wire routed along the vehicle body panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of the grommet in a state attached to the panel. [Figure 2]A schematic exploded perspective view of a grommet. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the cover. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view of the grommet inner in its divided state. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the first division. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the first division. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the second division. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the second division. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram of the process of combining the first and second divisions. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram of the process of combining the first and second divisions. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram of the process of combining the first and second divisions. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram of the process of combining the first and second divisions. [Figure 13] A schematic perspective view of the grommet inner. [Figure 14] Diagram explaining the grommet inner. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the grommet attached to the panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The grommet 1 is a protective member that protects the electric wire WH that passes through the insertion hole P1 provided in the body panel P. This grommet 1 consists of a cylindrical cover 10 and a grommet inner 20 that is attached to the end of the cover 10 and fixed to the insertion hole P1. The grommet 1 and grommet inner 20 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of grommet 1 as seen from the non-insertion direction Hu, Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of grommet 1 as seen from the non-insertion direction Hu, and Figure 3 shows an explanatory diagram of cover 10. To elaborate on Figure 3, Figure 3(a) shows a schematic plan view of the cover 10, and Figure 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in Figure 3(a).

[0031] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the grommet inner 20 with the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 released from their fixed positions and pivoted so that they are separated. Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the structure of the first divided body 30. Figure 5(a) shows a side view of the first divided body 30 viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction L, Figure 5(b) shows a bottom view of the first divided body 30, Figure 6(a) shows a front view of the first divided body 30, and Figure 6(b) shows a top view of the first divided body 30.

[0032] Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the structure of the second divided body 40. Figure 7(a) shows a side view of the second divided body 40 viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction L, Figure 7(b) shows a bottom view of the second divided body 40, Figure 8(a) shows a rear view of the second divided body 40, and Figure 8(b) shows a top view of the second divided body 40.

[0033] Figures 9 to 12 are bottom views showing the process of pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 and locking and fixing the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 together. Specifically, Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the state in which the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are separated, Figure 10 shows a bottom view of the state in which the second divided body 40 is pivoted relative to the first divided body 30, Figure 11 shows a bottom view of the state in which the second divided body 40 is further pivoted relative to the first divided body 30, and Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the state immediately before the second divided body 40 is locked and fixed to the first divided body 30.

[0034] Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the grommet inner 20, which fixes the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, and Figure 14 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the grommet inner 20. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the grommet 1 when attached to the body panel P.

[0035] Figure 14(a) shows a side view of the grommet inner 20 through which the electric wire WH is inserted, and Figure 14(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in Figure 14(a). Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in Figure 3(a). In Figures 14 and 15, for convenience, the electric wire WH is shown as a dashed line and is depicted as transparent in order to clarify the configuration of the grommet 1.

[0036] In Figure 1, the vertical direction is defined as the insertion direction H, and the extension direction of the wire insertion section 12 is defined as the longitudinal direction L. The insertion direction H and the longitudinal direction L are perpendicular to each other. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the insertion direction H is defined as the width direction W. The downward side along the insertion direction H is defined as the insertion direction Hd, and the upward side is defined as the opposite insertion direction Hu. The directions in Figure 1 also apply to Figures 2 to 15. Furthermore, in Figure 1, the view from the right side along the width direction W is defined as the front view.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the grommet 1 consists of a cylindrical cover 10 through which the electric wire WH is inserted, and a grommet inner 20 that is attached to the end of the cover 10 and fixed to the insertion hole P1.

[0038] The cover 10 is a hollow cylindrical body made of a flexible resin, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), it is integrally composed of a mounting portion 11 which is formed in a substantially circular shape in plan view and has a housing space inside for accommodating the grommet inner 20, and a cylindrical wire insertion portion 12 which protrudes from the mounting portion 11 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3(b), the mounting portion 11 consists of a main body portion 111 with a concave cross-section that is closed in the direction opposite to insertion Hu, and a flange housing portion 112 that protrudes radially outward from the end of the main body portion 111 in the direction of insertion Hd.

[0040] Here, the radial direction refers to the direction radiating outward from the center of the main body 111, which is formed in a roughly circular shape, when viewed from above. Furthermore, the radially outward direction refers to the direction outward from the center of the main body 111 along the radial direction, and the radially inward direction refers to the direction outward from the outside along the radial direction towards the center of the main body 111.

[0041] The flange housing portion 112 is an annular cylindrical body having an opening in the opposite insertion direction Hu that communicates with the main body portion 111, and a circular opening in the insertion direction Hd that has approximately the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the insertion hole P1. In other words, the flange housing portion 112 is a cylindrical body having openings of different sizes in the opposite insertion direction Hu and in the insertion direction Hd. The inner circumferential surface of the flange housing portion 112 is provided with a mounting recess 113 that is recessed radially outward. The bottom portion of the flange housing portion 112 (the surface on the insertion direction Hd side) is provided with an outer rib 114 and an inner rib 115 that protrude toward the insertion direction Hd.

[0042] The mounting recess 113 is a groove formed by recessing the inner circumferential surface of the flange housing portion 112 radially outward, except for the portion corresponding to the central part in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The outer diameter formed by the bottom of the groove of this mounting recess 113 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the disc portion 22, and the groove width of the mounting recess 113 (length in the insertion direction H) is approximately equal to the plate thickness of the disc portion 22 (length along the insertion direction H), which will be described later. For this reason, the mounting recess 113 can accommodate the disc portion 22.

[0043] The outer rib 114 is a roughly annular rib formed in a roughly frustoconical shape, starting from the portion corresponding to the groove bottom of the mounting recess 113 and expanding radially outward as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd. The inner rib 115 is a roughly annular rib that protrudes radially inward from the outer rib 114 toward the insertion direction Hd. The length of the inner rib 115 (the length that protrudes toward the insertion direction Hd) is sufficiently shorter than the length of the outer rib 114.

[0044] The grommet inner 20 is integrally composed of an insertion portion 21 having an internal routing space S in which the electric wire WH is routed, an annular disc portion 22 positioned in the opposite insertion direction Hu of the insertion portion 21 and protruding radially outward from the insertion portion 21, and a hollow inner body 23 protruding from the disc portion 22 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu (see Figure 2).

[0045] The insertion portion 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having an outer diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the insertion hole P1, and four locking and fixing portions 24 are provided on its outer surface at equal intervals to sandwich and fix the body panel P together with the cover 10 attached to the disc portion 22.

[0046] The locking and fixing portion 24 is composed of a concave outer groove portion 241 formed by recessing the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 21 radially inward, a connecting portion 242 protruding radially outward from the bottom of the groove portion 241, and a locking piece 243 extending from the tip of the connecting portion 242 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu (see Figure 5(a)).

[0047] The connecting portion 242 is a projection that extends radially outward from the end of the outer groove portion 241 in the insertion direction Hd. The radial length of the connecting portion 242 is approximately the same as the depth of the groove in the outer groove portion 241. The locking piece 243, which is connected to the tip of the connecting portion 242 and extends in the opposite direction of insertion Hu, is inclined radially outward so as it moves from the tip side (insertion direction Hd side) of the connecting portion 242 toward the opposite direction of insertion Hu, it gradually moves away from the bottom of the groove of the outer groove portion 241.

[0048] The disc portion 22 is a plate-like body with a predetermined thickness and a substantially annular shape in plan view. One end of the disc portion 22 in the longitudinal direction L and the other end in the width direction W are recessed radially inward. Furthermore, a through hole 25 is provided in the disc portion 22 at a location corresponding to the locking and fixing portion 24, passing through along the insertion direction H.

[0049] The inner body 23 is a hollow cylindrical body having an upper surface 231 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu, and an insertion opening 232 communicating with the cable routing space S is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, a pair of opening ribs 233 are erected along the insertion direction H at both ends of the circumferential direction of the insertion opening 232, and a plurality of peripheral ribs 234 are erected along the insertion direction H on the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 23. The lower ends of the opening ribs 233 and peripheral ribs 234 are connected to the disc portion 22.

[0050] The grommet inner 20 configured in this way consists of a first divided body 30 and a second divided body 40 that can be assembled in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 4. The first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are pivotally connected via a hinge portion 26 and can be fixed via a fixing portion 27 provided on the opposite side of the hinge portion 26.

[0051] The following describes in detail the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, which are formed by evenly dividing the grommet inner 20 along the longitudinal direction L. The first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 have substantially the same shape, as shown in Figures 4 to 8.

[0052] The first divided body 30 constitutes one side in the width direction W of the grommet inner 20, and as shown in Figures 4 to 6, it is composed of a first insertion divided portion 31 which constitutes a part of the insertion portion 21, a first disc divided portion 32 which constitutes a part of the disc portion 22, and a first inner divided portion 33 which constitutes a part of the inner body 23.

[0053] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(a), the first insertion division section 31 is composed of a first annular rib 51, which is erected from the first disc division section 32 toward the insertion direction Hd and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the bottom, and a first radial rib 52 that is aligned in the radial direction. As shown in Figure 5(b), the first annular rib 51 is composed of a first radial outer rib 511 that forms the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion division portion 31, a first intermediate rib 512 provided radially inward of the first radial outer rib 511, a first radial inner rib 513 provided radially inward of the first intermediate rib 512, a first shortening rib 514 provided radially inward of the first radial inner rib 513, and a first innermost rib 515 provided radially inward of the first shortening rib 514.

[0054] The first outer diameter rib 511, the first intermediate rib 512, and the first inner diameter rib 513 are configured to have equal lengths along the insertion direction H, as shown in Figure 6(a). In contrast, the first shortening rib 514 and the first innermost rib 515 are configured to have shorter lengths along the insertion direction H compared to the first inner diameter rib 513. The first innermost rib 515 is configured to have shorter lengths along the insertion direction H compared to the first shortening rib 514.

[0055] In other words, the first radial outer rib 511, the first intermediate rib 512, the first radial inner rib 513, the first shortening rib 514, and the first innermost rib 515, which are arranged from the radial outer side to the radial inner side, are composed of substantially similar shapes that decrease in diameter as they move radially inward, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(a). Furthermore, the first radial inner rib 513, the first shortening rib 514, and the first innermost rib 515 are stepped in shape, sloping toward the opposite insertion direction Hu as they move radially inward. Furthermore, the first innermost rib 515 is not provided on one side in the longitudinal direction L corresponding to the first opening forming portion 333, which will be described later. In other words, a space is formed in the insertion direction Hd of the first opening forming portion 333.

[0056] Furthermore, the first intermediate rib 512, the first radial inner rib 513, the first shortened rib 514, and the first innermost rib 515 are arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction. In contrast, the distance between the first radial outer rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512 is shorter than the distance between the first intermediate rib 512 and the first radial inner rib 513.

[0057] The first radial outer rib 511, which constitutes the outer circumferential surface of the grommet inner 20, is formed to be slightly inclined radially inward as it approaches the insertion direction Hd. A locking and fixing portion 24 is provided at a predetermined location in the circumferential direction, more specifically, at a position of ±45 with respect to a line passing through the center of the first radial outer rib 511 along the width direction W when viewed from the bottom.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(a), the first radial rib 52 consists of a pair of first straight ribs 521 arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart, and a first opening reinforcing rib 522 provided on one side in the longitudinal direction L at a position corresponding to the outer edge of the first opening forming portion 333, which will be described later.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5(b), the pair of first straight ribs 521 are arranged radially along the radial direction, with a central axis extending from the center of the first annular rib 51 in a plan view along the insertion direction H. More specifically, multiple first straight ribs 521 are arranged along the circumferential direction at intervals of 45 degrees. That is, the first straight ribs 521 are arranged along the longitudinal direction L on one and the other side of the longitudinal direction L, and along the width direction W in the central part of the longitudinal direction L. In addition, in a bottom view, the first straight ribs 521 are positioned at ±45 degrees relative to a line passing through the center of the first annular rib 51 along the width direction W.

[0060] The first straight rib 521 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 6(a), the first straight rib 521 is configured to gradually incline radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the first inner division portion 33 as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd. More specifically, the radially arranged first straight ribs 521 are basically inclined radially outward as they move toward the insertion direction Hd, in the portion radially inward of the first inner diameter rib 513, and connect the inner circumferential surface of the first inner division portion 33 with the first innermost rib 515, the first shortened rib 514, and the lower end portions of the first inner diameter rib 513. Furthermore, in the portion radially outward of the first inner diameter rib 513, the first straight rib 521 connects the first inner diameter rib 513, the first intermediate rib 512, and the first outer diameter rib 511. The lower end of the first straight rib 521 is flush with the lower end of the first outer diameter rib 511 between the first inner diameter rib 513 and the first outer diameter rib 511.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5(b), the first insertion division 31 has a recess in the radial direction at the other end in the longitudinal direction L. More specifically, the first radial outer rib 511 is not erected at the other end in the longitudinal direction L of the first insertion division 31, and the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion division 31 is recessed in the radial direction. Therefore, at the other end in the longitudinal direction L, the first intermediate rib 512 forms the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion division 31.

[0062] Therefore, the pair of first straight ribs 521 located on the other side in the longitudinal direction L connect the inner circumferential surface of the first inner division portion 33 and the first intermediate rib 512. Furthermore, the pair of first straight ribs 521 located on the other side in the longitudinal direction L, similar to the first straight ribs 521 described above, are inclined radially outward as they move toward the insertion direction Hd, on the radially inward side.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the first innermost rib 515 is not provided on one side of the first insertion division 31 in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the pair of first straight ribs 521 arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction L connect the first shortening rib 514 and the first radially outer rib 511. The pair of first straight ribs 521 arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction L are inclined radially outward as they move toward the insertion direction Hd, similar to the first straight ribs 521 described above.

[0064] Furthermore, in a bottom view, one of the first straight ribs 521, positioned at a -45-degree angle to a line passing through the center of the first annular rib 51 along the width direction W, connects the first shortening rib 514 and the first outer diameter rib 511, similar to the pair of first straight ribs 521 positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction L.

[0065] Of the multiple first straight ribs 521 arranged in this manner, the first straight ribs 521 (first straight rib 521a and first straight rib 521b) located at the other end in the width direction W, together with the first outer diameter rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512, form the outer wall of the first insertion division portion 31 in the width direction W, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(a).

[0066] Of the first straight ribs 521 located at the other end in the width direction W, the first straight rib 521a located on the other side in the longitudinal direction L has a first hinge portion 53 that constitutes part of the hinge portion 26, as shown in Figures 5(b), 6(a), and 6(b). Furthermore, a locking recess 54 is provided at the end of the first straight rib 521a in the insertion direction Hd, and on the radially inward side of the first hinge portion 53, formed by penetrating the first straight rib 521a toward one side in the width direction W.

[0067] The locking recess 54 is a recess having a width (length along the longitudinal direction L) that is approximately equal to the distance between the first intermediate rib 512 and the first inner diameter rib 513, and a height (length along the insertion direction H) that is approximately equal to the plate thickness of the first disc division portion 32.

[0068] On the other hand, of the first straight ribs 521 located at the other end in the width direction W, the first straight rib 521b provided on one side in the longitudinal direction L has a fixing piece 55 that constitutes part of the fixing portion 27, and an insertion projection 56 on the radially outer side of the fixing piece 55, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0069] The fixing piece 55 consists of a shaft portion 551 that protrudes along the width direction W from a point corresponding to the first radial inner rib 513 of the first straight rib 521b, and a locking portion 552 that protrudes radially outward from the tip of the first straight rib 521. The shaft portion 551 is a flat projection having a length approximately equal to the length along the width direction W from the first straight rib 521b to the first opening reinforcing rib 522, and has a plate thickness approximately equal to that of the first diameter inner rib 513. Furthermore, the tip portion of the shaft portion 551 has a tapered shape, with both ends in the insertion direction H inclined inward as it approaches the tip.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(b), the locking portion 552 is formed in a roughly triangular shape in plan view, protruding radially outward from the central tip of the shaft portion 551. The radially outward surface of the locking portion 552 is inclined radially outward as it approaches the base end.

[0071] The insertion projection 56 is a flat plate-shaped projection that protrudes in the width direction W from the corresponding locations between the first diameter outer rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512, and between the first intermediate rib 512 and the first diameter inner rib 513, on the first straight rib 521b, and protrudes in the width direction W by a length approximately equal to the width of the first straight rib 521b. The thickness of the insertion projection 56 is approximately the same as the thickness of the fixing piece 55. The amount of protrusion of the insertion projection 56 (length in the width direction W) is approximately half the amount of protrusion of the shaft portion 551.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5(b), the first opening reinforcing rib 522 is erected from the first disc division portion 32 toward the insertion direction Hd at a location corresponding to one side in the width direction W of the first opening forming portion 333. This first opening reinforcing rib 522 has the same shape as the first straight rib 521 that connects the inner circumferential surface of the first inner division portion 33 and the first outer diameter rib 511. The first opening reinforcing rib 522 is oriented along the longitudinal direction L.

[0073] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(b), the first disc division section 32 is an annular plate-like body configured in a substantially semicircular shape in plan view, with the first inner division section 33 erected from the radially inner end. Furthermore, a through hole 25 is provided in the first disc division section 32 at the location corresponding to the locking and fixing section 24, extending through along the insertion direction H. In addition, a disc projection 321 protruding along the width direction W is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction L of the upper disc surface 32a of the first disc division section 32.

[0074] The disc projection 321 is a flat, plate-shaped projection that protrudes from the inner diameter end of the upper surface 32a of the disc toward the other side in the width direction W. This disc projection 321 has a width approximately equal to the thickness of the first inner diameter rib 513 and is made of approximately the same thickness as the thickness of the first disc division portion 32.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5(a), 6(a), and 6(b), the first inner division portion 33 is composed of a first side portion 331 having a substantially semicircular outer surface that rises from the first disc division portion 32, and a substantially semicircular divided first upper surface portion 332 that constitutes a part of the upper surface 231.

[0076] The first side portion 331 is formed as a roughly semicircular annular body in plan view, erected from the radially inner end of the first disc division portion 32 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu. Multiple peripheral ribs 234 are erected in the circumferential direction of this first side portion 331. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), one side of the first side portion 331 in the longitudinal direction L is provided with a first opening forming portion 333 that forms an insertion opening 232, and an opening rib 233 is erected on the other side of the first opening forming portion 333 in the width direction W. In the insertion direction Hd of the opening rib 233 erected from the first disc division portion 32 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu, a first opening reinforcing rib 522 is erected from the first disc division portion 32 (see Figure 6(a)).

[0077] In the first disc division portion 32, the area corresponding to the first opening forming portion 333 is provided with a first gap portion 322 that is recessed radially outward. One end face of this first gap portion 322 in the longitudinal direction L is flush with the radially inward surface of the first shortening rib 514 that rises from the first disc division portion 32 toward the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 5(b)).

[0078] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), two first inner protrusions 334 are provided on the back side of the divided first upper surface portion 332, which constitutes a part of the upper surface 231, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L. The first inner protrusion 334 is a projection that extends toward the other side in the width direction W, and is provided in the central portion and on one side in the longitudinal direction L. The distance between the first inner protrusions 334 is equal to the width of the first inner protrusion 334 (length along the longitudinal direction L).

[0079] The second divided body 40, which has substantially the same external shape as the first divided body 30, constitutes the other side in the width direction W of the grommet inner 20, and as shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, it is composed of a second insertion divided body 41 which constitutes a part of the insertion portion 21, a second disc divided body 42 which constitutes a part of the disc portion 22, and a second inner divided body 43 which constitutes a part of the inner body 23.

[0080] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(a), the second insertion division section 41 is composed of a second annular rib 61, which is erected from the second disc division section 42 toward the insertion direction Hd and is formed in a substantially semi-circular shape when viewed from the bottom, and second radial ribs 62 which are arranged radially along the radial direction.

[0081] The second annular rib 61 is formed symmetrically with respect to the first annular rib 51, with the plane along the longitudinal direction L being the plane of symmetry. That is, as shown in Figure 7(b), the second annular rib 61 is composed of a second radial outer rib 611 that forms the outer circumferential surface of the second insertion division 41, a second intermediate rib 612 provided radially inward of the second radial outer rib 611, a second radial inner rib 613 provided radially inward of the second intermediate rib 612, a second shortening rib 614 provided radially inward of the second radial inner rib 613, and a second innermost rib 615 provided radially inward of the second shortening rib 614.

[0082] Here, the second outer diameter rib 611, the second intermediate rib 612, the second inner diameter rib 613, the second shortened rib 614, and the second innermost rib 615 have the same configuration as the first outer diameter rib 511, the first intermediate rib 512, the first inner diameter rib 513, the first shortened rib 514, and the first innermost rib 515, respectively, except for their symmetry with respect to the plane, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0083] The second radial rib 62, like the first radial rib 52, consists of a pair of second straight ribs 621 arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart, and a second opening reinforcing rib 622 on the other side in the longitudinal direction L, which corresponds to the outer edge of the second opening forming portion 433, which will be described later (see Figure 7(b)).

[0084] Here, the second straight rib 621 has the same configuration as the first straight rib 521, except that there are no pairs of second straight ribs 621 along the longitudinal direction L on one side of the longitudinal direction L, and that it is symmetrical in plane. Therefore, its explanation is omitted here. Similarly, the second opening reinforcing rib 622 has the same configuration as the first opening reinforcing rib 522, except that it is symmetrical in plane. Therefore, its explanation is omitted here.

[0085] Of the multiple second straight ribs 621 arranged in this manner, the second straight ribs 621 (second straight rib 621a and second straight rib 621b) located at one end in the width direction W, together with the second outer diameter rib 611 and the second intermediate rib 612, form the outer wall of the second insertion division portion 41 in the width direction W, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(a).

[0086] Of the second straight ribs 621 located at one end in the width direction W, the second straight rib 621a located on the other end in the longitudinal direction L has a second hinge portion 63 provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction L, radially outward and forming part of the hinge portion 26. This second hinge portion 63 is integrally formed with the first hinge portion 53, and the second divided body 40 can be pivoted relative to the first divided body 30 using the hinge portion 26 as the pivot axis.

[0087] Furthermore, at the end of the second straight rib 621a in the insertion direction Hd, and on the radially inward side of the second hinge portion 63, there is a substantially plate-shaped regulating projection 64 that protrudes toward one side in the width direction W. The regulating projection 64 is a plate-like body having a width length (length along the longitudinal direction L) that is approximately equal to the distance between the second intermediate rib 612 and the second radially inward rib 613, and a height (length along the insertion direction H) that is approximately equal to the plate thickness of the second disc division portion 42.

[0088] On the other hand, the second straight rib 621b, which is the second straight rib 621 located at one end in the width direction W, is provided with a fixing recess 65 for locking and fixing the fixing piece 55 and an insertion recess 66 arranged along the longitudinal direction L, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(a).

[0089] The fixing recess 65 is formed by penetrating the second straight rib 621b through the portion corresponding to the second inner diameter rib 613 along the width direction W. This fixing recess 65 is a recess having a width (length along the longitudinal direction L) and height (length along the insertion direction H) that are approximately equal to the length of the shaft portion 551 in the longitudinal direction L and the length in the insertion direction H. In other words, the fixing recess 65 is configured to allow insertion of the shaft portion 551.

[0090] The insertion recess 66 is formed on one side of the fixed recess 65 in the longitudinal direction L, with the second straight rib 621b passing through it along the width direction W. This insertion recess 66 is a recess having a height equal to the length of the insertion projection 56 in the insertion direction H (length along the insertion direction H), and is configured to allow the insertion of two side-by-side insertion projections 56. The end of the insertion recess 66 on one side in the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the radially inner end of the second radial outer rib 611. In this configuration, the boundary between the fixed recess 65 and the insertion recess 66, which are formed by passing through the second straight rib 621b, has a locking portion 651 formed in the shape of a plate along the insertion direction H.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8(b), the second disc division section 42 is an annular plate-like body configured in a substantially semicircular shape in plan view, with the second inner division section 43 erected from the radially inner end. Furthermore, a through hole 25 is provided in the second disc division section 42 at the location corresponding to the locking and fixing section 24, passing through along the insertion direction H.

[0092] As shown in Figures 7(a), 8(a), and 8(b), the second inner division portion 43 is composed of a second side portion 431 having a substantially semicircular outer surface that rises from the first disc division portion 32, and a substantially semicircular divided second upper surface portion 432 that constitutes a part of the upper surface 231.

[0093] The second side portion 431 is formed as a roughly semicircular annular body in plan view, erected from the radially inner end of the second disc division portion 42 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu. Multiple peripheral ribs 234 are erected in the circumferential direction of this second side portion 431. In addition, one side of the second side portion 431 in the longitudinal direction L is provided with a second opening forming portion 433 that forms an insertion opening 232, and an opening rib 233 is erected on one side of the second opening forming portion 433 in the width direction W. In the insertion direction Hd of the second side portion 431 that is erected from the second disc division portion 42 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu, a second shortening rib 614 is erected from the second disc division portion 42 (see Figure 8(a)).

[0094] Furthermore, the portion of the second disc division section 42 corresponding to the second opening forming section 433 is provided with a second gap section 422 formed by recessing it radially outward. One end face of this second gap section 422 in the longitudinal direction L is flush with the radially inward surface of the second shortening rib 614 that rises from the second disc division section 42 toward the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 7(b)).

[0095] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), two second inner protrusions 434 are provided on the back side of the divided second upper surface portion 432, which constitutes a part of the inner body 23, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L. The second inner protrusion 434 is a projection that extends toward one side in the width direction W, and has the same shape as the first inner protrusion 334. This second inner protrusion 434 is provided on one side of the longitudinal direction L and the other side of the longitudinal direction L, slightly towards the center of the longitudinal direction L. The distance between the second inner protrusions 434 is equal to the width of the second inner protrusion 434 (length along the longitudinal direction L).

[0096] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 configured in this way can be made into a grommet inner 20 by pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 using the hinge portion 26, which is composed of the first hinge portion 53 and the second hinge portion 63, as the pivot axis, thereby fixing the fixing portion 27, which is composed of the fixing piece 55 and the fixing recess 65.

[0097] The following briefly describes, with reference to Figures 9 to 12, a method for assembling the grommet inner 20 to the electric wire WH by assembling the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 at desired positions on the electric wire WH, and then moving the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 to fix the fixing piece 55 and the fixing recess 65. In Figures 9 to 12, the electric wires WH are omitted for convenience in order to clarify the configuration of the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40.

[0098] First, as shown in Figure 9, with the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 separated, the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are positioned so that, in the insertion direction Hd of the cover 10, the electric wire WH inserted through the electric wire insertion part 12 is positioned between the first opening forming part 333 and the second opening forming part 433. In this state, the second divided body 40 is pivoted relative to the first divided body 30 using the hinge part 26, which is composed of the first hinge part 53 and the second hinge part 63, as the pivot axis (see Figure 10).

[0099] By pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 in this manner, the restricting projection 64, which is located on the other end side of the second straight rib 621a in the longitudinal direction L, i.e., near the hinge portion 26, is inserted into the locking recess 54 provided on the first straight rib 521a (see Figure 10). As a result, the surface of the restricting projection 64 in the direction opposite to insertion Hu comes into contact with the surface of the locking recess 54 in the direction opposite to insertion Hd, thereby restricting the movement of the first divided body 30 relative to the second divided body 40 in the direction opposite to insertion Hu.

[0100] Furthermore, by pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30, the disc projection 321 provided on the upper surface 32a of the disc is positioned on the surface of the second divided body 42 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu (see Figure 11). That is, the surface of the disc projection 321 in the insertion direction Hd and the surface of the second divided body 42 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu come into contact, thereby restricting the movement of the first divided body 30 relative to the second divided body 40 in the insertion direction Hd. In this way, the disc projection 321 and the restricting projection 64, which are positioned at different locations along the longitudinal direction L, can restrict the relative movement of the first divided body 30 relative to the second divided body 40 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu and in the insertion direction Hd, thus preventing the first divided body 30 from twisting relative to the second divided body 40.

[0101] Therefore, when the second divided body 40 is further pivoted relative to the first divided body 30, the fixing piece 55 and the insertion projection 56 can be securely inserted into the fixing recess 65 and the insertion recess 66 (see Figure 12), and the fixing piece 55 and the locking portion 651 can be locked and fixed. This makes it possible to assemble the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, which are locked and fixed by the fixing portion 27, into a grommet inner 20.

[0102] As described above, the grommet inner 20 is composed of an insertion portion 21 made up of a first insertion division portion 31 and a second insertion division portion 41, a disc portion 22 made up of a first disc division portion 32 and a second disc division portion 42, and an inner body 23 made up of a first inner division portion 33 and a second inner division portion 43 (see Figure 2).

[0103] More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the insertion portion 21 is composed of an annular rib 71 which is roughly circular in shape when viewed from the bottom, composed of a first annular rib 51 and a second annular rib 61, and radial ribs 72 which are composed of a first radial rib 52 and a second radial rib 62.

[0104] The annular rib 71, composed of a first annular rib 51 and a second annular rib 61 configured symmetrically with respect to each other, is a circular rib in bottom view that extends from the disc portion 22 toward the insertion direction Hd, and is composed of a diameter outer rib 711 composed of a first diameter outer rib 511 and a second diameter outer rib 611, an intermediate rib 712 composed of a first intermediate rib 512 and a second intermediate rib 612, a diameter inner rib 713 composed of a first diameter inner rib 513 and a second diameter inner rib 613, a shortened rib 714 composed of a first shortened rib 514 and a second shortened rib 614, and an innermost rib 715 composed of a first innermost rib 515 and a second innermost rib 615.

[0105] The outer radial rib 711, intermediate rib 712, inner radial rib 713, shortened rib 714, and innermost rib 715 are provided at predetermined intervals from the radially outer to the radially inner direction, and the outer radial rib 711, intermediate rib 712, and inner radial rib 713 have the same length along the insertion direction H.

[0106] On the other hand, the shortened ribs 714 and the innermost rib 715, which are aligned radially inward, are configured to be shorter than the radially inward rib 713. Also, the length of the innermost rib 715 along the insertion direction H is shorter than the length of the shortened rib 714 along the insertion direction H. In this way, the radially outward ribs 711 and the innermost rib 715, which are aligned radially, are connected by radially formed radial ribs 72.

[0107] The radial rib 72, composed of a first radial rib 52 and a second radial rib 62 configured symmetrically with respect to each other, connects the radial outer rib 711 and the radial inner rib 713 radially outward from the radial inner rib 713 such that its bottom surface is flush with the lower end of the radial outer rib 711, and connects the radial inner rib 713 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner body 23 radially inward from the radial inner rib 713 such that its bottom surface is in the insertion direction Hd of the shortened rib 714 and the innermost rib 715. In other words, the radial rib 72 is configured to widen radially outward as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd radially inward from the radial inner rib 713. Therefore, the radially inner side of the insertion portion 21, which is composed of the annular rib 71 and the radial rib 72, is configured to widen radially outward as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd.

[0108] Thus, since the insertion portion 21 is composed of an annular rib 71 and radial ribs 72 that intersect with the annular rib 71, the rigidity of the insertion portion 21 can be increased while reducing its weight. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the insertion portion 21, damage to the insertion portion 21 can be prevented, and the attachment state with the cover 10 can be prevented. Therefore, liquids such as rainwater can be prevented from entering the body panel P in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the inner body 23, which is composed of a first inner division portion 33 and a second inner division portion 43, is provided with an insertion opening 232 formed by a first opening forming portion 333 and a second opening forming portion 433, as shown in Figure 14(a). This insertion opening 232 is an opening that penetrates the outer peripheral surface of the inner body 23 in the longitudinal direction L, and connects the outside with the cable routing space S.

[0110] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), opening ribs 233 are erected along the insertion direction H at both ends of the insertion opening 232 in the width direction W. Since these opening ribs 233 are erected from both ends of the insertion opening 232 in the width direction W toward one side in the longitudinal direction L, the inner body 23, whose strength has been reduced by the provision of the opening, can be reinforced by the opening ribs 233.

[0111] In addition, since the opening ribs 233 are erected from both ends in the width direction W of the insertion opening 232 toward one side in the longitudinal direction L, the inner surface of the opening ribs 233 (the inner surface in the width direction W) is flush with the end of the insertion opening 232. As a result, when the electric wire WH inserted through the insertion opening 232 moves in the width direction W, it will come into contact with the inner end surface of the opening ribs 233 in the width direction W (see Figure 14(b)). In other words, it is possible to prevent the electric wire WH from being damaged by corner contact between the corner portion of the insertion opening 232 and the electric wire WH.

[0112] Furthermore, the disc portion 22 corresponding to the insertion opening 232 is provided with a gap portion 222 formed by a first gap portion 322 and a second gap portion 422. The innermost rib 715 is not formed in the insertion direction Hd of this gap portion 222. That is, in the insertion direction Hd of the insertion opening 232, a recessed area 76 is formed, which communicates with the cable routing space S and is surrounded by the first opening reinforcing rib 522, the second opening reinforcing rib 622 and the shortening rib 714.

[0113] Furthermore, the grommet inner 20, which locks and fixes the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, can reinforce the strength at the contact points between the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, where rigidity is reduced, because the first straight rib 521a and the second straight rib 621a, and the first straight rib 521b and the second straight rib 621b are in surface contact with each other.

[0114] In addition, since the length of the insertion direction H in the insertion recess 66 provided in the second straight rib 621b is equal to the length of the insertion projection 56 provided in the insertion direction H in the first straight rib 521b that abuts the second straight rib 621b, when the fixing piece 55 is inserted into the fixing recess 65, the insertion projection 56 fits into the insertion recess 66 so as to abut the surfaces of the insertion recess 66 in the opposite direction Hu and the insertion direction Hd. Therefore, the rigidity of the first split body 30 can be improved while restricting the movement of the first split body 30 in the insertion direction H relative to the second split body 40 on one side in the longitudinal direction L.

[0115] Furthermore, since the first inner protrusions 334 and the second inner protrusions 434 provided on the first and second upper surfaces 332 and 432 of the division are arranged alternately adjacent to each other, the rigidity of the inner body 23 can be improved while restricting the movement of the second division 40 relative to the first division 30 in the insertion direction H and the longitudinal direction L. As a result, even if an impact occurs to the inner body 23, such as an object hitting it from the opposite insertion direction Hu, damage to the inner body 23 can be prevented.

[0116] By assembling the disc portion 22 of the grommet inner 20, which locks and fixes the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 in this manner, into the mounting recess 113, a grommet 1 can be formed by attaching the grommet inner 20 to the cover 10. Then, by inserting the grommet inner 20 through the insertion hole P1 and sandwiching the body panel P between the locking and fixing portion 24 and the cover 10, the grommet 1 can be fixed to the body panel P. This allows the electric wire WH to be routed along the body panel P (see Figure 15).

[0117] Here, the radially inner side of the insertion portion 21, which is composed of annular ribs 71 and radial ribs 72, is configured to widen radially outward as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd. This prevents the electric wire WH routed along the body panel P from coming into contact with the radially inner side of the insertion portion 21 at an angle. Therefore, damage to the electric wire WH can be prevented.

[0118] Thus, the grommet inner 20, together with the cover 10, is configured to protect the electric wire WH that passes through the insertion hole P1 provided in the body panel P. The grommet inner 20 is attached to the end of the cover 10 and fixed to the insertion hole P1. The grommet inner 20 is composed of a cylindrical insertion portion 21 that is inserted through the insertion hole P1 and has a routing space S inside in which the electric wire WH is routed, an annular disc portion 22 that is positioned on one side of the insertion portion 21 and protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion 21, and a hollow inner body 23 that protrudes toward one side from the disc portion 22 and has an insertion opening 232 that communicates with the routing space S. The direction in which the insertion portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole P1 is defined as the insertion direction Hd, and the inside of the insertion portion 21, which is composed of annular ribs 71 and radial ribs 72, is configured to widen radially outward as it approaches the insertion direction Hd. The grommet 1 consists of a cylindrical cover 10 through which the electric wire WH is inserted, and a grommet inner 20 attached to the end of the cover 10.

[0119] As a result, when an electric wire WH inserted through an insertion hole P1 provided in the body panel P is routed along the body panel P, the electric wire WH can be routed radially along the insertion portion 21 which widens radially outward as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 15). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric wire WH inserted through the insertion hole P1 from coming into contact with the insertion portion 21 at an angle, thereby preventing damage to the electric wire WH.

[0120] Furthermore, the inner body 23 has an upper surface 231 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction Hd, which is the anti-insertion direction Hu, and the insertion opening 232 is opened in the inner body 23 in the longitudinal direction L that intersects the insertion direction Hd. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, even electric wires WH that are bent at a sharp angle, such as electric wires WH routed along the longitudinal direction L from the insertion opening 232 into the routing space S and inserted through the insertion hole P1, can be prevented from coming into contact with the insertion portion 21 at an angle. In other words, electric wires WH routed along the body panel P on one side and the other side of the body panel P can be prevented from being damaged by interference with the insertion portion 21.

[0121] Furthermore, the inner body 23 is provided with an opening rib 233 along the insertion direction H in the peripheral portion of the insertion opening 232 along the insertion direction Hd, thereby improving the rigidity of the inner body 23 near the insertion opening 232.

[0122] More specifically, providing an insertion opening 232 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction Hd (longitudinal direction L) reduces the strength of the inner body 23. In contrast, providing an opening rib 233 in the peripheral part of the insertion opening 232 along the insertion direction Hd improves the rigidity of the area near the insertion opening 232 where the strength is reduced. That is, the reduction in the strength of the inner body 23 can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the inner body 23 can be prevented when an external force is applied to the upper surface 231.

[0123] Furthermore, since the electric wire WH inserted through the insertion opening 232 can be brought into contact with the opening rib 233, it is possible to prevent the electric wire WH from being damaged by contact with the insertion opening 232 at an angle. In this way, by providing opening ribs 233 along the circumferential end of the insertion opening 232, it is possible to prevent damage to the electric wire WH inserted into the insertion opening 232 while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the inner body 23.

[0124] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 and the disc portion 22 are provided with a gap portion 222 and a recessed portion 76 that communicate with the insertion opening 232 and are recessed in the direction through which the insertion opening 232 penetrates, corresponding to the insertion opening 232. This creates a space in the insertion direction Hd of the insertion opening 232 in the insertion portion 21, making the bending radius of the electric wire WH routed from the opening to the insertion portion 21 gentler. As a result, the load on the electric wire WH routed along the body panel P on the insertion direction Hd side can be reduced.

[0125] Furthermore, the grommet inner 20 is composed of a first divided body 30 and a second divided body 40 that can be divided in the circumferential direction. The first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are integrally composed of a first insertion divided body 31 and a second insertion divided body 41 that constitute the insertion portion 21, a first disc divided body 32 and a second disc divided body 42 that constitute the disc portion 22, and a first inner divided body 33 and a second inner divided body 43 that constitute the inner body 23, and are provided with fixing parts 27 that fix adjacent first divided body 30 and second divided body 40 to each other. In addition, the first inner divided body 33 and the second inner divided body 43 that constitute the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are provided with a first opening forming part 333 and a second opening forming part 433 that combine to form an insertion opening 232.

[0126] As a result, the grommet inner 20 can be retrofitted to the electric wire WH by assembling the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 onto the electric wire WH. Furthermore, by sandwiching the electric wire WH between the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 so that the electric wire WH is positioned between the first opening forming portion 333 and the second opening forming portion 433, the electric wire WH can be easily routed into the routing space S while preventing damage to the electric wire WH. Therefore, the installation work of attaching the grommet inner 20 to the electric wire WH can be performed efficiently while preventing damage to the electric wire WH.

[0127] Furthermore, the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are provided with a hinge portion 26 that pivotally connects the adjacent first insertion divided portion 31 and the second insertion divided portion 41, and the first opening forming portion 333 and the second opening forming portion 433 are provided in positions opposite to the hinge portion 26.

[0128] Since the adjacent first insertion division portion 31 and the second insertion division portion 41 are connected to each other by the hinge portion 26, the grommet inner 20 can be easily assembled to the electric wire WH by pivoting the first division body 30 and the second division body 40 via the hinge portion 26 (see Figures 9 to 12).

[0129] Furthermore, since the first opening forming portion 333 and the second opening forming portion 433 are provided on the other side in the circumferential direction of the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40, the partial reduction in strength of the inner body 23 can be suppressed compared to the case where the insertion opening 232 is provided only in one of the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40.

[0130] Furthermore, the fixing portion 27 is composed of a fixing piece 55 extending from one circumferential direction in the first insertion division portion 31 to the second insertion division portion 41, and a locking portion 651 formed in the second insertion division portion 41 adjacent to the first insertion division portion 31 having the fixing piece 55, with an opening (fixing recess 65 and insertion recess 66) along the circumferential direction, for locking the fixing piece 55.

[0131] As described above, the first insertion division portion 31 is provided with a fixing piece 55 extending toward the second insertion division portion 41, and the second insertion division portion 41 is provided with a locking portion 651. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric wire WH routed in the routing space S from interfering with the fixing portion 27 that locks and fixes the adjacent first division body 30 and second division body 40. Consequently, damage to the electric wire WH can be prevented.

[0132] Furthermore, when the first insertion division 31 is fixed by the fixing part 27, it is in surface contact with the adjacent second insertion division 41. More specifically, when fixed by the fixing part 27, the first straight rib 521a and the second straight rib 621a, and the first straight rib 521b and the second straight rib 621b are in surface contact, so that the adjacent first insertion division 31 and second insertion division 41 can support each other. This improves the rigidity of the insertion part 21 when it is fixed. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the insertion part 21, deformation of the insertion part 21 can be prevented, and liquid can not be prevented from entering the grommet 1.

[0133] Furthermore, since the insertion portion 21 is cylindrical and composed of a plurality of annular ribs 71 provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction and a plurality of radial ribs 72 provided along a direction intersecting the circumferential direction, the strength of the insertion portion 21 can be improved. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the insertion portion 21, damage to the insertion portion 21 can be prevented, and the attachment state with the cover 10 can be prevented. In addition, since the radial ribs 72 are provided radially from the center of the disc portion 22, the strength of the insertion portion 21 can be made uniform.

[0134] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The panel corresponds to body panel P, and similarly The insertion hole corresponds to insertion hole P1, The electric wires are compatible with electric wire WH. The grommet corresponds to grommet 1, The cover is compatible with cover 10. The insertion portion corresponds to the insertion portion 21, The disc portion corresponds to the disc portion 22, The opening corresponds to the insertion opening 232, The inner body corresponds to inner body 23, The grommet inner is compatible with grommet inner 20. The insertion direction corresponds to the insertion direction Hd. The reverse insertion direction corresponds to the reverse insertion direction Hu. The top part corresponds to the top surface 231, The intersecting direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction L. The reinforcing ribs correspond to the opening ribs 233. The recess corresponds to the recessed area 76, The divided parts correspond to the first divided part 30 and the second divided part 40, The insertion division section corresponds to the first insertion division section 31 and the second insertion division section 41. The disc division section corresponds to the first disc division section 32 and the second disc division section 42. The inner division section corresponds to the first inner division section 33 and the second inner division section 43. The fixing part corresponds to the fixing part 27, The opening forming section corresponds to the first opening forming section 333 and the second opening forming section 433. The pivot part corresponds to the hinge part 26, The locking fixing piece corresponds to the fixing piece 55. The locked portion corresponds to the locked portion 651, The annular rib corresponds to annular rib 71. The straight ribs correspond to the radial ribs 72, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0135] For example, in this embodiment, the insertion opening 232 is formed as an opening that penetrates the inner body 23 in the longitudinal direction L, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be provided in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the inner body 23. That is, the electric wire WH may be inserted through the inner body 23 along the insertion direction H, and the electric wire WH may be routed along the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W in the insertion direction Hd of the body panel P.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the grommet inner 20 is composed of a first divided body 30 and a second divided body 40 that can be divided into two parts, but it is not limited to being divided into two parts; for example, it may be divided into three or four parts, or more than three parts. Also, in this embodiment, the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are substantially the same shape, but they may have different shapes, for example, with different lengths in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are pivotally connected via the hinge portion 26, but they may also be completely separable.

[0137] Furthermore, although the hinge portion 26 integrally connects the adjacent first insertion division portion 31 and the second insertion division portion 41, it may also be configured to be pivotable by combining the parts provided on the first insertion division portion 31 and the second insertion division portion 41. In other words, the adjacent first division portion 30 and the second division portion 40 may be constructed as separate parts.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radially inner side of the insertion portion 21 is configured to be inclined radially outward as it approaches the insertion direction Hd, by annular ribs 71 (inner radial rib 713, shortening rib 714, innermost rib 715) of varying heights along the insertion direction H, and radial ribs 72 connecting the lower ends of the annular ribs 71 (inner radial rib 713, shortening rib 714, innermost rib 715).

[0139] However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, an inner circumferential surface may be formed on the inside of the insertion portion 21, and this inner circumferential surface may be formed in a substantially frustoconical shape that expands in diameter as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd, or the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 21 may be configured to expand in a stepped manner as it moves toward the insertion direction Hd. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 grommet 10 Covers 20 Grommet Inner 21 Insertion part 22 Disc section 23 Inner body 26 Hinge section 27 Fixed part 30 First split body 31 First insertion division section 32 First disc division section 33 First inner split section 40 Second split body 41 Second insertion division section 42 Second disc division section 43 Second inner split section 55 Fixed piece 71 Annular Rib 72 Radial Ribs 76 Depression 231 Top surface 232 Insertion opening 233 Opening Rib 333 First opening forming part 433 Second opening forming part 651 Locked part Hd insertion direction Hu reverse insertion direction L Longitudinal direction P Body Panel S routing space P1 Through hole WH electric wire

Claims

1. A grommet inner is formed together with a cover to protect an electric wire that passes through an insertion hole provided in a panel, and is composed of a cylindrical insertion portion that is inserted through the insertion hole and has a routing space inside which the electric wire is routed, an annular disc portion that is positioned on one side of the insertion portion and protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion, and a hollow inner body that protrudes to one side from the disc portion and has an opening that communicates with the routing space, and is attached to the end of the cover and fixed in the insertion hole, The direction in which the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole is defined as the insertion direction. It is formed in a substantially annular shape when viewed from the bottom, projecting from the disc portion toward the insertion direction, and comprises a plurality of annular ribs arranged at intervals in the radial direction, and a plurality of radial ribs arranged along the radial direction and at intervals in the circumferential direction, intersecting the annular ribs. The inside of the insertion portion is configured such that, as it moves in the insertion direction, it widens radially outward due to the annular rib and the radial rib. Grommet inner.

2. The aforementioned inner body is The upper portion has an upper portion in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, which is the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The opening is opened in the inner body in a direction that intersects with the insertion direction. The grommet inner according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned inner body is Reinforcing ribs are provided in the peripheral portion of the opening along the insertion direction, along the insertion direction. The grommet inner according to claim 2.

4. The disc portion and the insertion portion, A recess is provided that communicates with the aforementioned opening and is recessed in the direction through which the opening penetrates, corresponding to the location of the opening. The grommet inner according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. It consists of multiple segments that can be divided in the circumferential direction, The aforementioned divided body is The insertion portion is formed by an insertion division portion, the disc division portion is formed by a disc, and the inner division portion is formed by an inner body. A fixing part is provided for fixing adjacent divided parts together. At least two of the inner division portions that make up the multiple divisions are provided with opening-forming portions that combine to form the opening. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. It consists of two of the aforementioned divided bodies, A pivot portion is provided on one circumferential end of at least one of the inner division portion and the insertion division portion, which is pivotally connected to the adjacent inner division portion and the insertion division portion. The opening forming portion is provided at a position opposite to the pivot portion. The grommet inner according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned fixing part is A locking and fixing piece extending from one circumferential direction to the other in the insertion division portion, The insertion division having the locking fixing piece is adjacent to the insertion division, and the locking portion is formed with an opening along the circumferential direction and locks the locking fixing piece. The grommet inner according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The insertion division portion, when fixed by the fixing portion, is in surface contact with other adjacent insertion division portions. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The insertion portion is, It is cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of annular ribs provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction, It is composed of multiple linear ribs arranged along the circumferential direction and a direction intersecting it. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It consists of a cylindrical cover through which an electric wire is inserted, The grommet inner is attached to the end of the cover. Grommet.

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