Grommet inner and grommet

Abstract

To provide a grommet inner which can prevent a liquid body from entering a non-insertion direction side of a 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; 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 communicating with an arrangement space S. The insertion part 21 comprises: a panel corresponding part 21A which is inserted into the insertion hole P1 in a fixed state that the insertion part 21 is inserted into the insertion hole P1 in an insertion direction Hd and fixed to the body panel P; and a penetration part 21B which penetrates through the insertion hole P1. A penetration window 73 which guides a liquid body R spreading toward the insertion part 21 in the insertion direction Hd is provided at a non-insertion direction Hu side in the penetration part 21B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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] An electric wire inserted through an insertion hole provided in a panel is inserted through the inside of a cylindrical grommet fitted into the insertion hole in order to prevent interference and damage with the insertion hole. As an example of such a grommet, a grommet having a flexible resin cover attached to a panel and a cylindrical grommet inner attached to the cover and inserted through an insertion hole provided in the panel is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The grommet inner described in this Patent Document 1 has a disk portion attached to the cover and an insertion portion inserted through the insertion hole. Then, with the disk portion attached to the cover, the insertion portion is inserted through the insertion hole, and the panel is sandwiched between the locking portion provided on the insertion portion and the cover, so that the grommet can be fixed to the panel. Thereby, it is possible to prevent interference between the electric wire inserted through the grommet and the peripheral portion of the insertion hole, and to prevent damage to the electric wire.

[0004] However, since the grommet inner disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a through-hole penetrating in the insertion direction at a position corresponding to the locking portion in the disk portion, there is a risk that a liquid body from the insertion direction side of the panel may enter the opposite side of the insertion direction of the panel through the through-hole or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this invention aims to provide a grommet inner and a grommet that can prevent liquid from entering the panel on the side opposite to the insertion direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention provides a grommet inner that protects an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole provided in a panel, and which is attached to the end of the cover and fixed to the insertion hole, comprising: 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 communicates with the routing space. The device is characterized in that it is composed of the following: the direction in which the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole is defined as the insertion direction, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction is defined as the anti-insertion direction; the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole in the insertion direction and fixed to the panel, and in a fixed state, it is composed of a panel-corresponding portion inserted into the insertion hole and a penetrating portion that penetrates the insertion hole; and a guiding portion is provided on the anti-insertion direction side of the penetrating portion to guide a liquid body that is sprayed towards the insertion portion in the insertion direction.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The guide portion includes a projection extending from the through portion toward the opposite side of the cable routing space, and a groove formed by recessing the outer surface of the through portion toward the cable routing space. The through portion is located on the insertion side of the panel relative to the panel in the insertion portion that is fixed to the panel. In other words, in the fixed state, the recess is positioned close to the panel on the insertion side of the panel.

[0010] According to this invention, a guide portion provided on the side opposite to the insertion direction at the penetration portion that goes through the insertion hole can guide the liquid that has come into contact with the penetration portion in the insertion direction, thereby preventing the liquid from moving toward the side opposite to the insertion direction due to splashing at the penetration portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the side of the panel opposite to the insertion direction.

[0011] In one aspect of this invention, the guide portion may be provided with a recess formed in a concave shape on the outer circumferential surface of the through portion. The recess may be formed by partially recessing the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion inward in diameter, or it may be formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion inward in diameter along the circumferential direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the recess may include a groove formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion inward in diameter, or a through hole formed by creating a double wall on the outer diameter side of the insertion portion, with a portion of the outer diameter wall surface penetrating radially. The recess may also be in communication with the outside on the insertion direction side of the insertion portion.

[0013] According to this invention, liquid water that falls from the panel insertion direction toward the penetration point enters a recess provided on the opposite side of the penetration point, and bounces back from the recess toward the insertion direction and the cable routing space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid water from entering the interior of the grommet from the insertion direction side.

[0014] In another aspect of this invention, the recesses may be provided in multiple locations at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. This invention makes it possible to repel liquid water that is coming into contact with the penetration portion in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion, thereby more reliably preventing liquid water from entering the inside of the grommet from the insertion direction side.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, the recess may communicate with the outside in the insertion direction. The above-mentioned communication with the outside in the insertion direction includes cases where the recess extends along a direction intersecting the insertion direction. That is, it includes cases where the recess extends in the insertion direction so as to be inclined radially inward or outward, and communicates with the outside in the insertion direction.

[0016] This invention prevents liquid material that has bounced back in the insertion direction from bouncing back in the opposite direction after being placed in a recess, and also allows the bounced liquid material to flow in the insertion direction and be discharged to the outside. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent liquid material from entering the panel on the opposite side of the insertion direction.

[0017] In another aspect of this invention, the insertion portion may be provided with a communication hole that communicates with the recess and is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface, in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The aforementioned communication hole includes cases where the recess is recessed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, or where the radially inner side of the recess is recessed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0018] This invention ensures that a portion of the liquid material that is sprayed in the opposite direction of insertion enters the communication hole located diametrically inward from the recess, or hits the communication hole and bounces back in the direction of insertion. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the liquid material from entering the opposite side of the panel in the direction of insertion.

[0019] In another aspect of this invention, an opening communicating with the communication hole may be formed in the insertion portion at the end in the insertion direction. This invention allows liquid material that bounces back in the insertion direction through the recesses and connecting holes to flow in the insertion direction and be discharged to the outside, thereby more reliably preventing liquid material from entering the panel on the opposite side of the insertion direction.

[0020] As an aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion may include an outer peripheral wall portion having the outer peripheral surface, and an inner peripheral wall portion provided inside the outer peripheral wall portion in the radial direction and spaced apart from the outer peripheral wall portion by a predetermined interval. The recess may penetrate the through portion in the outer peripheral wall portion in the radial direction, and the communication hole may be formed in a space between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion.

[0021] According to the present invention, since a space is provided between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion, by simply forming a recess that penetrates the outer peripheral wall portion, the communication hole formed between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion can be easily communicated with the recess.

[0022] As an aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion is configured in a cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of annular ribs provided at a predetermined interval in the radial direction, and linear ribs provided along a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the annular ribs. The outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion may be formed of the annular ribs.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the insertion portion where the strength decreases due to the formation of the recess. Therefore, even when an external force acts on the insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the insertion portion from being damaged, and thus it is possible to prevent the mounting state with the cover from being released. When the linear ribs are provided radially in a radial direction centered on the central portion of the disk portion, it is possible to make the strength of the insertion portion uniform.

[0024] As an aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion is provided with a locking piece for locking and fixing the panel together with the cover attached to the disk portion. The disk portion is provided with a through hole that penetrates along the insertion direction at a location corresponding to the locking piece and through which a locking rib provided on the cover is inserted and locked.

[0025] In another aspect of this invention, the insertion portion may have a locking piece that locks and secures the panel together with the cover attached to the disc portion, the disc portion may have a through hole that penetrates along the insertion direction at a location corresponding to the locking piece, and the cover may have a locking rib that is inserted into and locked into the through hole.

[0026] According to this invention, by inserting and locking a locking rib into a through hole provided in the disc portion, the grommet inner can be securely locked and fixed to the cover, and the liquid can be prevented from entering the panel on the opposite side of the insertion direction through the through hole. As a result, the grommet inner and the cover can be fixed to the panel as a single unit, and the entry of the liquid into the panel on the opposite side of the insertion direction can be prevented more reliably. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] This invention provides a grommet inner and a grommet that can prevent liquid from entering the panel on the side opposite to the insertion direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of the grommet 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 first division. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the second division. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the second division. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the second division. [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] A schematic cross-sectional view of a grommet. [Figure 15] A schematic cross-sectional view of a grommet. [Figure 16] A schematic cross-sectional view of a grommet. [Figure 17] A schematic cross-sectional view of a grommet, which is another embodiment. [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 16.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the grommet 1 as seen from the insertion direction Hd, Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the grommet 1 as seen from the insertion direction Hd, and Figure 3 shows an explanatory diagram of the 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 part 30 and the second divided part 40 released from their fixed positions and pivoted to separate them. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the divided grommet inner 20 viewed from the insertion direction Hd.

[0032] Figures 5 to 7 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 cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB in Figure 5(b), and Figure 6(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along arrow CC in Figure 5(b). Figure 7(a) shows a front view of the first divided body 30, and Figure 7(b) shows a top view of the first divided body 30.

[0033] Figures 8 to 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the structure of the second divided body 40. Figure 8(a) shows a side view of the second divided body 40 viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction L, Figure 8(b) shows a bottom view of the second divided body 40, Figure 9(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD in Figure 8(b), and Figure 9(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE in Figure 8(b). Figure 10(a) shows a rear view of the second divided body 40, and Figure 10(b) shows a top view of the second divided body 40.

[0034] Figures 11 and 12 are bottom views showing the process of pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 and locking the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 together. Specifically, Figure 11 shows a bottom view of the state in which the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 are separated, and Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the state immediately before the second divided body 40, which has been pivoted relative to the first divided body 30, is locked and fixed to the first divided body 30.

[0035] Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the grommet inner 20, which has the first divided body 30 and the second divided body 40 fixed to it. Figures 14 to 16 show schematic cross-sectional views of the grommet 1 when attached to the body panel P, and Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the grommet 1 when cut along the longitudinal direction L.

[0036] Figure 15(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the CC arrow in Figure 6(b), and Figures 15(b) and 15(c) show enlarged schematic cross-sectional views of section α in Figure 16(a). Figure 16(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the BB arrow in Figure 6(b), and Figure 16(b) shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of section β in Figure 15(a).

[0037] In Figure 14, for convenience, the wire WH is shown as a dotted line and in a transparent state to clarify the configuration of grommet 1. Also, in Figures 15 and 16, for convenience, the wire WH is omitted from the illustration to clarify the configuration of grommet 1.

[0038] 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. Here, 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 17. Furthermore, in Figure 1, the view from the right side along the width direction W is defined as the front view.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 project toward the insertion direction Hd. Furthermore, the radially outer portion of the flange housing portion 112 is provided with a locking rib 116 that projects from the insertion direction Hd toward the opposite insertion direction Hu of the mounting recess 113.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The outer rib 114 is an 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.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3(b), the locking ribs 116 are protruding ribs that are approximately rectangular in shape in plan view and protrude in the opposite direction Hu from the insertion direction Hd of the flange housing portion 112 that forms the mounting recess 113. Four of these ribs are arranged circumferentially at 45-degree intervals, with the axis passing through the center of the mounting portion 11 as the central axis.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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)).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 fixing portion 24, passing through along the insertion direction H. In plan view, the through hole 25 has a rectangular shape with a width (length along the circumferential direction) approximately the same as the locking rib 116 and a length approximately twice the radial length of the locking rib 116.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 10.

[0056] 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 7, 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.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5(b) to 7(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 semi-circular shape when viewed from the bottom, and a first radial rib 52 that is aligned in the radial direction.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 7(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.

[0060] 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 Figure 5(b). Furthermore, the first radial inner rib 513, the first shortening rib 514, and the first innermost rib 515 are stepped in the direction opposite to the 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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. Locking and fixing portions 24 are provided at predetermined locations in the circumferential direction, more specifically, at positions of ±45 on a line passing through the center of the first radial outer rib 511 along the width direction W when viewed from the bottom. The bottom of the outer groove portion 241 is composed of the first intermediate rib 512 (see Figure 6(a)).

[0063] As shown in Figure 6(b), multiple first through windows 53 are provided along the circumferential direction in the upper portion of the first outer diameter rib 511, passing through the first outer diameter rib 511 in the radial direction. More specifically, when the grommet inner 20 is inserted through the insertion hole P1, and the position of the insertion portion 21 corresponding to the position of the body panel P is designated as the panel corresponding portion 21A, and the insertion direction Hd of the panel corresponding portion 21A is designated as the through portion 21B, the first through window 53 is provided in the opposite insertion direction Hu at the location corresponding to the through portion 21B. More specifically, when the grommet inner 20 is fixed to the body panel P, the first through windows 53 are provided on both sides of the first divided body 30 in the insertion direction Hd of the body panel P and in the circumferential direction of the locking and fixing portion 24.

[0064] Furthermore, the first outer diameter rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512 are arranged side by side along the radial direction, as shown in Figures 5(b), 6(a), and 6(b), forming a double wall. Between the first outer diameter rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512, a first communication section 54 is formed, which communicates with the outside in the insertion direction Hd. That is, the first through-window 53 that penetrates the first outer diameter rib 511 communicates with the outside via the first communication section 54.

[0065] Furthermore, since the first outer diameter rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512 are erected from the first disc division portion 32, a first recess 55 is formed in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the first communication portion 54 by the first outer diameter rib 511, the first intermediate rib 512, and the first disc division portion 32. This first recess 55 is located in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the first through window 53.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5(b), 6(a), 6(b), and 7(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.

[0067] 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 45-degree intervals. 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. These first straight ribs 521 positioned at ±45 degrees each form the groove side surface of the outer groove portion 241.

[0068] The first straight rib 521 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 7(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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 diameter outer rib 511 and the first intermediate rib 512, form the outer wall in the width direction W of the first insertion division portion 31, as shown in Figures 5(b), 6(a), 6(b), and 7(a).

[0075] Of the first straight ribs 521 located at the other end in the width direction W, the first straight rib 521a provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction L has a first hinge portion 56 that constitutes part of the hinge portion 26, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b). Furthermore, a locking recess 57 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 56, formed by penetrating the first straight rib 521a toward one side in the width direction W.

[0076] The locking recess 57 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.

[0077] 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 58 that constitutes part of the fixing portion 27, and an insertion projection 59 on the radially outer side of the fixing piece 58, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0078] The fixing piece 58 consists of a shaft portion 581 that protrudes along the width direction W from a location corresponding to the first radial inner rib 513 of the first straight rib 521b, and a locking portion 582 that protrudes radially outward from the tip of the first straight rib 521. The shaft portion 581 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 581 has a tapered shape, with both ends in the insertion direction H inclined inward as it approaches the tip.

[0079] The locking portion 582 is formed in a roughly triangular shape in plan view, projecting radially outward from the central tip of the shaft portion 581. The radially outward surface of the locking portion 582 is inclined radially outward as it approaches the base end (see Figure 5(b)).

[0080] The insertion projection 59 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 59 is approximately the same as the thickness of the fixing piece 58. The amount of protrusion of the insertion projection 59 (length in the width direction W) is approximately half the amount of protrusion of the shaft portion 581.

[0081] 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.

[0082] As shown in Figures 5(b), 6(a), and 7(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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(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.

[0085] 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 7(a) and 7(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 addition, a first opening reinforcing rib 522 is erected from the first disc division portion 32 in the insertion direction Hd of the opening rib 233 that is erected from the first disc division portion 32 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu.

[0086] 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 inner surface of the first shortening rib 514 that rises from the first disc division portion 32 toward the insertion direction Hd.

[0087] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(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).

[0088] 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, 8 to 10, it is composed of a second insertion divided part 41 which constitutes a part of the insertion part 21, a second disc divided part 42 which constitutes a part of the disc part 22, and a second inner divided part 43 which constitutes a part of the inner body 23.

[0089] As shown in Figures 8(b), 9(a), 9(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.

[0090] 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 Figures 8(b) and 9(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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Furthermore, similar to the first outer diameter rib 511, as shown in Figure 9(b), the upper portion of the second outer diameter rib 611 has multiple second through-windows 63 that penetrate the second outer diameter rib 611 radially and along the circumferential direction. These second through-windows 63 are formed to be symmetrical with the first through-windows 53. That is, the second through-windows 63 are provided on both sides of the circumferential direction of the locking and fixing portion 24, in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu of the body panel P in the second divided body 40 when the grommet inner 20 is fixed to the body panel P, and in the insertion direction Hd of the body panel P in the second divided body 40.

[0093] Furthermore, the second outer diameter rib 611 and the second intermediate rib 612 are arranged side by side along the radial direction, forming a double wall. Between the second outer diameter rib 611 and the second intermediate rib 612, a second communication section 64 is formed, which communicates with the outside in the insertion direction Hd. That is, the second through-window 63 that penetrates the second outer diameter rib 611 communicates with the outside via the second communication section 64 (see Figure 9).

[0094] Furthermore, since the second outer diameter rib 611 and the second intermediate rib 612 are erected from the second disc division portion 42, a second recess 65 is formed in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the second communication portion 64 by the second outer diameter rib 611, the second intermediate rib 612, and the second radial rib 62. This second recess 65 is located in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the second through window 63.

[0095] 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 8(b)).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 8(b) and 10(a).

[0098] 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 66 provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction L, radially outward and forming part of the hinge portion 26. This second hinge portion 66 is integrally formed with the first hinge portion 56, 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.

[0099] 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 66, there is a substantially plate-shaped regulating projection 67 that protrudes toward one side in the width direction W. The regulating projection 67 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.

[0100] 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 68 for locking and fixing the fixing piece 58 and an insertion recess 69 arranged along the longitudinal direction L, as shown in Figures 8(b), 9(a), 9(b), and 10(a).

[0101] The fixing recess 68 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 68 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 581 in the longitudinal direction L and the length in the insertion direction H. In other words, the fixing recess 68 is configured to allow insertion of the shaft portion 581.

[0102] On the other hand, the insertion recess 69 is formed on one side of the fixed recess 68 in the longitudinal direction L, with the second straight rib 621b passing through it along the width direction W. This insertion recess 69 is a recess having a height equal to the length of the insertion projection 59 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 59. Note that one end of the insertion recess 69 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 68 and the insertion recess 69, which are formed by penetrating the second straight rib 621b, has a locking portion 681 formed in the shape of a plate along the insertion direction H.

[0103] As shown in Figures 8(b), 9(a), and 10(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.

[0104] As shown in Figures 8(a), 10(a), and 10(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.

[0105] 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. A second shortening rib 614 is erected from the second disc division portion 42 toward the opposite insertion direction Hu of the second side portion 431 in the insertion direction Hd.

[0106] 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 inner surface of the second shortening rib 614 that rises from the second disc division section 42 toward the insertion direction Hd.

[0107] As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(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).

[0108] As shown in Figures 11 and 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 56 and the second hinge portion 66, as the pivot axis, thereby fixing the fixing portion 27, which is composed of the fixing piece 58 and the fixing recess 68.

[0109] The following briefly describes, with reference to Figures 11 and 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 a desired position 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 58 and the fixing recess 68. In Figures 11 and 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.

[0110] First, as shown in Figure 11, 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 56 and the second hinge part 66, as the pivot axis.

[0111] By pivoting the second divided body 40 relative to the first divided body 30 in this manner, the restricting projection 67, 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 57 provided on the first straight rib 521a. As a result, the surface of the restricting projection 67 in the direction opposite to insertion direction Hu comes into contact with the surface of the locking recess 57 in the direction opposite to insertion direction Hd, thereby restricting the movement of the first divided body 30 relative to the second divided body 40 in the direction opposite to insertion direction Hu.

[0112] 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. 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 67, 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.

[0113] Therefore, when the second divided body 40 is further pivoted relative to the first divided body 30, the fixing piece 58 and the insertion projection 59 can be securely inserted into the fixing recess 68 and the insertion recess 69 (see Figure 12), and the fixing piece 58 and the locking portion 681 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.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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 such that its bottom surface is flush with the lower end of the radial outer rib 711, radially outward from the radial inner rib 713. Furthermore, radially inward from the radial inner rib 713, the radial rib 72 connects the radial inner rib 713 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner body 23 such that its bottom surface is in the insertion direction Hd of the shortened rib 714 and the innermost rib 715. In other words, radial ribs 72 are configured to widen radially outward as they move 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.

[0120] As described above, the insertion portion 21 is composed of an annular rib 71 and radial ribs 72 that intersect with the annular rib 71, which allows for weight reduction of the insertion portion 21 while increasing its rigidity. This prevents damage to the insertion portion 21 even when external force is applied to it, and prevents the attachment to the cover 10 from being released.

[0121] Furthermore, the outer diameter rib 711 forming the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 21 configured in this way is provided with multiple through windows 73 along the circumferential direction, each consisting of a first through window 53 and a second through window 63. In addition, the outer diameter rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712 are erected in the insertion direction Hd from the disc portion 22, which is composed of a first disc division portion 32 and a second disc division portion 42. That is, a communication portion 74, composed of a first communication portion 54 and a second communication portion 64, communicates between the outer diameter rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712 in the insertion direction Hd.

[0122] Furthermore, in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the communication portion 74, a watertight recess 75 is formed which communicates with the through-window 73, and is composed of a radially outer rib 711, an intermediate rib 712, and a disc portion 22. The watertight recess 75 is composed of a first recess 55 and a second recess 65 (see Figures 15 and 16).

[0123] As shown in Figure 14, the grommet inner 20 configured in this way can be assembled with the cover 10 by mounting the disc portion 22 in the mounting recess 113 so that the locking rib 116 fits into the through hole 25. Then, by inserting the insertion portion 21 into the insertion hole P1 and sandwiching the body panel P between the locking fixing portion 24, the outer rib 114 and the inner rib 115, the grommet 1 with the cover 10 and grommet inner 20 assembled can be fixed to the body panel P. This prevents the electric wire WH inserted through the grommet 1 from interfering with the edge of the insertion hole P1 and being damaged.

[0124] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the grommet inner 20, which constitutes the grommet 1 fixed to the body panel P, has through windows 73 on both outer sides in the circumferential direction of the locking and fixing portion 24. The through-window 73 is located on the lower side of the body panel P, more specifically on the Hu side of the through-port 21B, which is the panel-compatible portion 21A inserted into the through-hole P1 and the through-port 21B that penetrates the through-hole P1. Therefore, even if a liquid R such as rainwater is poured onto the insertion portion 21 from the Hu side in the opposite direction of insertion, the liquid R will enter radially inward from the radially outer rib 711 through the through-window 73, preventing the liquid R from entering the Hu side of the body panel P through the through-hole 25 (see Figure 15(b)).

[0125] Furthermore, since the through-window 73 communicates with the insertion direction Hd via the communication portion 74, the liquid R that enters the through-window 73 can be discharged in the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 15(b)). Moreover, since a water-sealing recess 75 is provided on the radially inner side of the through-window 73, the liquid R that enters the radially inner side of the radially outer rib 711 through the through-window 73 can enter the water-sealing recess 75 or bounce back from the water-sealing recess 75 and be guided in the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 15(c)).

[0126] Furthermore, since the locking rib 116 is fitted into the through hole 25, even if the liquid R that has been splashed onto the insertion portion 21 from the opposite insertion direction Hu bounces off the radially outer rib 711, the locking rib 116 prevents the liquid R from entering the body panel P in the opposite insertion direction Hu through the through hole 25 (see Figure 16(b)).

[0127] Thus, a grommet 1 that protects the electric wire WH inserted through the insertion hole P1 provided in the body panel P is configured together with the cover 10. The grommet inner 20, which is attached to the end of the cover 10 and fixed to the insertion hole P1, 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 to one side from the disc portion 22 and 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 direction opposite to the insertion direction Hd is defined as the anti-insertion direction Hu. The insertion portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole P1 in the insertion direction Hd and fixed to the body panel P. In this fixed state, it consists of a panel-compatible portion 21A that is inserted into the insertion hole P1 and a through portion 21B that penetrates the insertion hole P1. A through window 73 is provided on the anti-insertion direction Hu side of the through portion 21B to guide the liquid body R that is sprayed towards the insertion portion 21 in 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.

[0128] The grommet inner 20 configured in this way can guide the liquid R that has come into contact with the through-hole 21B toward the insertion direction Hd through the through-hole 21B, via the through-window 73 provided in the opposite direction Hu of the through-hole 21B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid R from moving toward the opposite direction Hu due to splashing at the through-hole 21B, and to prevent the liquid R from entering the opposite direction Hu side of the body panel P.

[0129] Furthermore, because the outer surface of the through-window 73 in the through-port 21B is formed in a concave shape, liquid R that falls from the insertion direction Hd of the body panel P toward the through-port 21B enters the through-window 73 provided in the opposite direction Hu of the through-port 21B and bounces back from the through-window 73 toward the insertion direction Hd and the cable routing space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid R from entering the interior of the grommet 1 from the insertion direction Hd side.

[0130] Furthermore, since multiple through-windows 73 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, liquid R that is sprayed toward the through-hole 21B in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion can be repelled toward the opposite insertion direction Hu. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent liquid R from entering the interior of the grommet 1 from the insertion direction Hd side (see Figure 15(b)).

[0131] Furthermore, the through-window 73 communicates with the outside in the insertion direction Hd via the communication portion 74. This prevents the liquid R that bounces back in the insertion direction Hd at the through-window 73 from bouncing back in the opposite direction Hu, and allows the bounced liquid R to flow in the insertion direction Hd and be discharged to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the liquid R from entering the body panel P on the opposite side of the insertion direction Hu (see Figure 15(b)).

[0132] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 is provided with a water-stopping recess 75 that communicates with the through-window 73 and is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface, facing in the opposite direction of insertion Hu. As a result, a portion of the liquid R that is exposed to water in the opposite direction of insertion Hu enters the water-stopping recess 75 located radially inward from the through-window 73, or hits the water-stopping recess 75 and bounces back toward the insertion direction Hd (see Figure 15(c)). Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the liquid R from entering the body panel P on the side facing in the opposite direction of insertion Hu.

[0133] Furthermore, since the insertion portion 21 has an opening that communicates with the water-sealing recess 75 at its end in the insertion direction Hd, the liquid body R that bounces back in the insertion direction Hd through the through window 73 and connecting hole can be directed back in the insertion direction Hd and discharged to the outside. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the liquid body R from entering the body panel P on the Hu side in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0134] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 has a radial outer rib 711 having an outer peripheral surface, and an intermediate rib 712 located radially inward of the radial outer rib 711 at a predetermined distance from the radial outer rib 711. The through window 73 penetrates radially through the through portion 21B in the radial outer rib 711, and a water-sealing recess 75 is formed in the space between the radial outer rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712.

[0135] As described above, since there is a gap between the outer diameter rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712, the watertight recess 75 formed between the outer diameter rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712 and the through-window 73 can be easily connected simply by passing the outer diameter rib 711 through to form the through-window 73.

[0136] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 is cylindrical in shape and consists of a plurality of annular ribs 71 provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction, and radial ribs 72 provided along a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the annular ribs 71, with the radial outer rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712 constituting the annular rib 71.

[0137] This prevents a decrease in the strength of the insertion portion 21, which would otherwise be weakened by the formation of the through-window 73. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the insertion portion 21, damage to the insertion portion 21 can be prevented, thus preventing the attachment to the cover 10 from being released. Furthermore, since the radial ribs 72 are arranged radially in the radial direction with respect to the central part of the disc portion 22, the strength of the insertion portion 21 can be made uniform.

[0138] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 is provided with a locking and fixing portion 24 that locks and fixes the body panel P together with the cover 10 attached to the disc portion 22, and the disc portion 22 is provided with a through hole 25 that penetrates along the insertion direction Hd and locks the locking rib 116 provided on the cover 10 by inserting it through the locking and fixing portion 24.

[0139] As a result, by inserting and locking the locking rib 116 into the through hole 25 provided in the disc portion 22, the grommet inner 20 can be securely locked to the cover 10, and the liquid R can be prevented from entering the body panel P in the Hu direction away from the insertion direction through the through hole 25. Therefore, the grommet inner 20 and the cover 10 can be fixed to the body panel P as a single unit, and the entry of the liquid R into the body panel P in the Hu direction away from the insertion direction can be prevented more reliably (see Figure 16(b)).

[0140] 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 grommet inner is compatible with grommet inner 20. The insertion portion corresponds to the insertion portion 21, The cable routing space corresponds to the cable routing space S, The disc portion corresponds to the disc portion 22, The inner body corresponds to inner body 23, The insertion direction corresponds to the insertion direction Hd. The reverse insertion direction corresponds to the reverse insertion direction Hu. The panel support section corresponds to the panel support section 21A. The through-hole corresponds to the through-hole 21B, The liquid corresponds to liquid R, The guide section corresponds to the through-window 73, The connecting hole corresponds to the watertight recess 75. The outer periphery wall corresponds to the outer diameter rib 711, The inner circumferential wall corresponds to the intermediate rib 712. The annular rib corresponds to annular rib 71. The straight ribs correspond to the radial ribs 72. The locking piece corresponds to the locking fixing part 24, The locking rib corresponds to the locking rib 116. The through hole corresponds to through hole 25, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0141] For example, in this embodiment, the insertion portion 21 has a double wall formed by a radial outer rib 711 that forms the outer circumferential surface and an intermediate rib 712 provided inside the radial outer rib 711 at a predetermined interval. However, it is not necessarily required to have a double wall, and for example, the insertion portion 21 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a plate thickness along the radial direction from the radial outer rib 711 to the radial inner rib 713.

[0142] In this case, the through-window 73 is formed in the shape of a groove created by recessing the insertion portion 21. Even if the insertion portion 21 is composed of a double wall made of a radial outer rib 711 and an intermediate rib 712, the through-window 73 may be formed in the shape of a groove created by recessing the radial outer rib 711.

[0143] Furthermore, although the through windows 73 are arranged on both outer sides in the circumferential direction of the locking and fixing portion 24, the position and number are not necessarily limited to these, as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained. In other words, the through windows 73 may be provided only on one side in the circumferential direction of the locking and fixing portion 24.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the through-window 73 communicates with the radially outer side of the insertion portion 21 and the insertion direction Hd of the insertion portion 21 via a communication portion 74 provided between the radially outer rib 711 and the intermediate rib 712, which are spaced at a predetermined interval. However, this embodiment is not limited to this one. For example, a communication portion 74 directed from the insertion direction Hd to the insertion direction Hd may be provided in the groove-shaped through-window 73. The communication portion 74 may be inclined as long as it is aligned with the insertion direction H. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water-sealing recess 75 is provided in the direction Hu opposite to the insertion direction of the communication portion 74, but the water-sealing recess 75 may also be provided in the central part of the through-window 73 in the radial direction.

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the through-window 73 guides the liquid R that is exposed to water from outside the insertion portion 21 radially inward, thereby preventing the liquid R from entering the body panel P in the direction opposite to the insertion direction Hu. However, as shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), for example, a protruding guide portion 80 that projects radially outward may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 21 (radial outer rib 711) at a location corresponding to the through-window 73.

[0146] More specifically, the protruding guide portion 80 that extends from the circumferential outer side of the locking and fixing portion 24 is configured to incline radially outward of the radially outward rib 711 as it moves toward the opposite insertion direction Hu, as shown in Figure 17(a), and is formed to taper towards the tip (radially outward). The tip of the protruding guide portion 80 is positioned slightly inward from the outer edge of the insertion hole P1 when the grommet 1 is fixed to the body panel P.

[0147] The protruding guide portion 80 configured in this way can also be used to repel liquid R that is splashed onto the insertion portion 21 from the outside in the insertion direction Hd and radially outward (see Figure 17(b)). Here, the protruding guide portion 80 is formed along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 21, but it may also be provided on at least one of the circumferential outer sides of the locking and fixing portion 24. Figure 17(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15(a), and Figure 17(b) is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the γ portion in Figure 17(a).

[0148] The above configurations can be combined in any way that is effective. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1 grommet 10 Covers 20 Grommet Inner 21 Insertion part 22 Disc section 23 Inner body 24 Locking fixing part 25 Through holes 71 Annular Rib 72 Radial Ribs 73 Through-window 75 Watertight recess 80 Protruding guide part 116 Locking rib 711 Outer diameter rib 712 Intermediate Rib 21A Panel compatible section 21B Insertion section Hd insertion direction Hu reverse insertion direction P Body Panel R liquid 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 attached to the end of the cover and fixed in the insertion hole, A cylindrical insertion portion having a routing space through which the electric wire is inserted and routed inside, An annular disc portion is positioned on one side of the insertion portion and protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion, It consists of a hollow inner body that protrudes from the disc portion toward one side and communicates with the cable routing space, The direction in which the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole is defined as the insertion direction, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction is defined as the anti-insertion direction. The insertion portion is, In a fixed state in which the panel is inserted into the insertion hole in the insertion direction and fixed to the panel, the panel is composed of a panel-corresponding portion inserted into the insertion hole and a penetrating portion that penetrates the insertion hole. A guide portion is provided on the side of the through-hole that is not in the insertion direction, for guiding the liquid that is being poured into the insertion hole toward the insertion hole toward the insertion direction. Grommet inner.

2. The guide portion is a recess formed by creating a concave shape on the outer surface of the through portion. The grommet inner according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned recesses are provided in multiple locations along the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals. The grommet inner according to claim 2.

4. The recess is in communication with the outside in the insertion direction. The grommet inner according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. In the insertion portion, A communication hole is provided that communicates with the recess and is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface, in the opposite direction of insertion. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. In the insertion portion, An opening communicating with the aforementioned communication hole is formed at the end in the insertion direction. The grommet inner according to claim 5.

7. The insertion portion is, The outer peripheral wall portion having the outer peripheral surface, The outer peripheral wall portion has an inner peripheral wall portion located radially inward from the outer peripheral wall portion, separated by a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral wall portion. The recess penetrates the through portion in the outer peripheral wall in the radial direction, The communication hole is formed in the space between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall. The grommet inner according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The insertion portion is, It is constructed in a cylindrical shape and has multiple annular ribs provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction, It consists of a linear rib provided along the direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the annular rib, The outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion are composed of the annular rib. The grommet inner according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned insertion portion includes, A locking piece is provided for locking and securing the panel together with the cover attached to the disc portion. The disc portion is provided with a through hole corresponding to the locking piece, which penetrates along the insertion direction and allows a locking rib provided on the cover to be inserted and locked. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A grommet inner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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.

11. The insertion portion has a locking piece that locks and secures the panel together with the cover attached to the disc portion. The disc portion is provided with a through hole that penetrates along the insertion direction at a location corresponding to the locking piece, The cover is provided with locking ribs that are inserted into and locked into the through holes. The grommet according to claim 10.

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