Grommet and grommet-equipped wire harness

Abstract

The present invention provides technology with which insertion of a wire harness into a grommet can be facilitated and manufacture of the grommet can be facilitated. A grommet (10) comprises a cylindrical part (12) through which a wire harness (82) can be inserted. The cylindrical part (12) includes: a first cylindrical section (14) having formed, on the outer surface thereof, an engagement part which engages with the peripheral edge of a hole in a vehicle body panel; and a second cylindrical section (20) that communicates with the first cylindrical section (14). The second cylindrical section (20) includes a first partial cylindrical section (22) and a second partial cylindrical section (24) that form portions different from each other in the circumferential direction. The first partial cylindrical section (22) includes first peak parts (21) and first valley parts, each extending in a direction intersecting both the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The second partial cylindrical section (24) is formed such that the same shape continues in the circumferential direction.

Description

Grommet and Wire Harness with Grommet

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a grommet and a wire harness with a grommet.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automotive grommet including a pair of attachment portions and a bellows-shaped hollow cylindrical portion integrally connecting between the pair of attachment portions via elbow-shaped portions, and having a spiral portion with continuous ridges and valleys formed in the bellows-shaped hollow cylindrical portion. Such a grommet is attached between a door and a vehicle body. Also, the bellows-shaped hollow cylindrical portion is for improving the followability against the torsional action on the grommet during door opening and closing, and also improving durability and waterproofness.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-157495

[0004] It is desired that the insertion of the wire harness into the grommet is easy. Also, it is desired that the production of the grommet is easy.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a technique capable of facilitating the insertion of the wire harness into the grommet and facilitating the production of the grommet.

[0006] The grommet of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical portion through which a wire harness is inserted, and the cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion having an engagement portion formed on an outer surface to engage with a peripheral edge portion of a hole in a vehicle body, and a second cylindrical portion communicating with the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion has a first partial cylindrical portion and a second partial cylindrical portion forming different portions along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The first partial cylindrical portion has a first ridge portion and a first valley portion each extending in a direction intersecting with the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the second partial cylindrical portion is formed such that the same shape is continuous along the circumferential direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique capable of facilitating the insertion of the wire harness into the grommet and facilitating the production of the grommet.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the grommet according to the embodiment, shown from the front. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same grommet, shown from the rear. Figure 3 is a right side view of the same grommet. Figure 4 is a top view of the same grommet. Figure 5 is a front view of the same grommet. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section along the line VI-VI in Figure 3, along with the mold used during molding. Figure 7 is a side view showing the grommet in use. Figure 8 is a top view of the grommet according to Embodiment 2.

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

[0010] The grommets and wire harnesses with grommets of this disclosure are as follows:

[0011] (1) A grommet comprising a cylindrical portion through which a wire harness is inserted, the cylindrical portion comprising a first cylindrical portion having an engaging portion formed on its outer surface that engages with the peripheral edge of a hole in the vehicle body, and a second cylindrical portion communicating with the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion having a first partial cylindrical portion and a second partial cylindrical portion that form different parts along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, the first partial cylindrical portion each having a first peak portion and a first valley portion that extend in directions intersecting the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the second partial cylindrical portion being formed so as to be a continuous shape along the circumferential direction.

[0012] The grommet in (1) is deformed by twisting along the circumferential direction by a first partial cylindrical portion having a first peak and a first valley that extend in directions intersecting the circumferential and axial directions of the cylindrical portion, thereby changing the inner diameter. At this time, the second cylindrical portion having the first partial cylindrical portion can be deformed to expand or contract in diameter depending on the direction of twisting. For example, if the wiring member or the connector at the end of the wiring member in a wire harness is the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion, twisting the first partial cylindrical portion expands the diameter of the second cylindrical portion, making it easier to pass the wire harness through the second cylindrical portion. Also, for example, if the wiring member is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion, after passing the wiring member through the cylindrical portion, twisting the first partial cylindrical portion shrinks the diameter of the second cylindrical portion, allowing the second cylindrical portion to fit tightly against the outer circumference of the wiring member.

[0013] Furthermore, the presence of a second cylindrical portion formed to have the same shape continuously along the circumferential direction makes it easier to remove the mold when manufacturing grommets using a mold, for example. This makes it easier to manufacture grommets using a mold.

[0014] Based on the above, this grommet makes it easy to insert the wire harness through the grommet and also simplifies the manufacturing of the grommet.

[0015] (2) The grommet of (1), wherein the second cylindrical portion has a pair of first partial cylindrical portions and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions, the first partial cylindrical portions and the second partial cylindrical portions are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the pair of second partial cylindrical portions may be provided at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction. With this grommet, for example, when manufacturing the grommet using a mold, the mold becomes easier to remove. This makes it easier to manufacture grommets using a mold.

[0016] (3) A grommet according to (1) or (2), wherein the second cylindrical portion has a second peak and a second valley extending in the circumferential direction, and the second peak and the second valley may be arranged alternately in the axial direction. With this grommet, since the second peak and the second valley are arranged alternately in the axial direction, the second cylindrical portion can expand and contract in the axial direction. This suppresses buckling of the grommet even when it is in a bent position. Even in this case, since the second peak and the second valley extend in the circumferential direction, the ease of removing the mold is not easily impaired. For this reason, the manufacture of grommets using molds becomes easier.

[0017] (4) The grommet of (3), wherein the second peak connects the end of the first peak of one of the first cylindrical portions to the end of the first peak of another first cylindrical portion, and the second valley connects the end of the first valley of one of the first cylindrical portions to the end of the first valley of another first cylindrical portion. With this grommet, the second peak connects the ends of two first peaks, and the second valley connects the ends of two first valleys. As a result, even if a second cylindrical portion is provided, it is easier to follow deformations that involve a change in the inner diameter due to twisting along the circumferential direction. As a result, buckling of the grommet is further suppressed when it is in a bent position.

[0018] (5) The grommet of (3) or (4), wherein the second cylindrical portion is positioned to span both the first path and the second path which is more curved than the first path, and the second partial cylindrical portion may be provided in the portion positioned in the second path. With this grommet, the stress caused by bending the cylindrical portion along the axial direction is absorbed by the second peak and the second valley. This further suppresses buckling when bending the second path.

[0019] (6) The grommeted wire harness of the present disclosure is a grommeted wire harness comprising one of the grommets (1) to (5) and a wire harness inserted through the grommet.

[0020] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of grommets and wire harnesses with grommets of the Disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the Disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0021] In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for ease of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. Furthermore, the terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately parallel or orthogonal within the range that achieves the function and effect of this embodiment.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] The following describes a grommet 10 and a wire harness 80 with a grommet according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the grommet 10 according to the embodiment, taken from the front. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the grommet 10 taken from the rear. Figure 3 is a right side view of the grommet 10. Figure 4 is a top view of the grommet 10. Figure 5 is a front view of the grommet 10. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the line VI-VI in Figure 3, along with the mold used during molding. Figure 7 is a side view showing the grommet 10 in use. Note that the vehicle body panel 100 is shown by dashed lines in Figure 7.

[0023] <Grommet 10> The grommet 10 has a cylindrical portion 12 through which the wire harness 82 is inserted. The grommet 10 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The grommet 10 is a molded product, for example, made using a mold.

[0024] The cylindrical portion 12 includes a first cylindrical portion 14 and a second cylindrical portion 20 that communicate with each other. A portion of the cylindrical portion 12 along the axial direction is the first cylindrical portion 14, and the other portion is the second cylindrical portion 20. The first cylindrical portion 14 is the part that is attached to the vehicle body.

[0025] A first wiring fixing portion 50 is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 12. The first wiring fixing portion 50 includes a plurality (in this case, a pair) of first extension pieces 52. The plurality of first extension pieces 52 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion 14. The plurality of first extension pieces 52 project axially from the tip of the first cylindrical portion 14. The base end of the first extension piece 52 is thicker than the tip end. The distance between the base ends of a pair of first extension pieces 52 gradually narrows towards the tip. The distance between the tip ends of a pair of first extension pieces 52 is constant.

[0026] A second wiring fixing portion 60 is provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 12. The second wiring fixing portion 60 is provided at the end of the second cylindrical portion 20 opposite to the end on the first cylindrical portion 14 side. The second wiring fixing portion 60 includes a plurality (in this case, a pair) of second extension pieces 62. The plurality of second extension pieces 62 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion 20. Each of the plurality of second extension pieces 62 protrudes from the tip of the second cylindrical portion 20 in the axial direction A. The thickness of the second extension piece 62 is substantially constant from the base end to the tip end. The distance between a pair of second extension pieces 62 is substantially constant from the base end to the tip end. The second extension piece 62 does not have the first partial cylindrical portion 22 and the second partial cylindrical portion 24, which will be described in detail later, and the inner and outer surfaces of the second extension piece 62 are circumferential in shape. A notch 28 is provided in the portion of the end of the second cylindrical portion 20 between the pair of second extension pieces 62. In this embodiment, the grommet 10 includes a second wiring fixing portion 60. However, the second wiring fixing portion 60 may be omitted.

[0027] For example, with the wiring member 84 of the wire harness 82 inserted through the grommet 10, the wiring member 84 and one end of the grommet 10 are fixed together by wrapping a fastening material such as adhesive tape or a cable tie around the wiring member 84 and a pair of first extension pieces 52. Similarly, the wiring member 84 and the other end of the grommet 10 are fixed together by wrapping a fastening material such as adhesive tape or a cable tie around the wiring member 84 and a pair of second extension pieces 62.

[0028] The first cylindrical portion 14 engages with the peripheral edge of the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100. An engaging portion is formed on the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 14 to engage with the peripheral edge of the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100. Specifically, a fitting groove 16 is formed on the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 14. The peripheral edge of the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100 fits into the fitting groove 16. Note that other engagement structures than the fitting groove 16 may be used for the engagement between the first cylindrical portion 14 and the peripheral edge of the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100. The first cylindrical portion 14 protects the portion of the wire harness 82 that penetrates the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100 from the peripheral edge of the hole 101.

[0029] The second cylindrical portion 20 protects the portion of the wire harness 82 that extends from the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100. In this embodiment, only one first cylindrical portion 14 is provided. The first cylindrical portion 14 forms one end of the cylindrical portion 12, and the second cylindrical portion 20 forms the other end of the cylindrical portion 12. In this embodiment, the axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12 follows a straight line from one end to the other. The cylindrical portion 12 is formed in a straight line when unloaded.

[0030] The second cylindrical portion 20 has a first partial cylindrical portion 22 and a second partial cylindrical portion 24. The first partial cylindrical portion 22 and the second partial cylindrical portion 24 form different parts of the cylindrical portion 12 along the circumferential direction B. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 20 has a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24. However, the second cylindrical portion 20 is not limited to having a structure in which it has a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24. The second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it has a single first partial cylindrical portion 22 and a single second partial cylindrical portion 24. The second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it has a single first partial cylindrical portion 22 and a plurality of second partial cylindrical portions 24. The second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it has a plurality of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a single second partial cylindrical portion 24. Or the second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it has a plurality of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a plurality of second partial cylindrical portions 24.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the first partial cylindrical portion 22 and the second partial cylindrical portion 24 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction B. The pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 are provided at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction B. The pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24 are provided at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction B. In this embodiment, the centers C22 of the first partial cylindrical portion 22 in the circumferential direction B and the centers C24 of the second partial cylindrical portion 24 in the circumferential direction B are spaced 90 degrees apart. In this embodiment, the angle in the circumferential direction B of the pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 (α + α) and the angle in the circumferential direction B of the pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24 (β + β) are combined to make 360 ​​degrees. Also, the angle α of one first partial cylindrical portion 22 in the circumferential direction B and the angle β of one second partial cylindrical portion 24 in the circumferential direction B are combined to make 180 degrees. The angle α in the circumferential direction B of one first cylindrical portion 22 and the angle β in the circumferential direction B of one second cylindrical portion 24 may be the same size. Also, angle α may be larger or smaller than angle β. Furthermore, if angles α and β are different, the difference may be within 30 degrees. In this embodiment, angle α is larger than angle β.

[0032] The first cylindrical portion 22 has a first peak 21 and a first valley 23. The first peak 21 and the first valley 23 each extend in directions intersecting the circumferential direction B and axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12. In this disclosure, the convex portion on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 22 is defined as the first peak 21, and the concave portion on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 22 is defined as the first valley 23. On the inner circumferential surface, the concave-convex relationship between the first peak 21 and the first valley 23 is reversed compared to the outer circumferential surface. That is, on the inner circumferential surface, the first peak 21 is concave and the first valley 23 is convex.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 22 has multiple sets of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 arranged alternately and parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 4, each set of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 are arranged in parallel at the same pitch t22. However, each set of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 may be arranged in parallel at different pitches. A pair of first cylindrical portions 22 may each have first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 arranged in parallel at the same pitch t22, or they may each have first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 arranged in parallel at different pitches. The angles at which each of the first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 intersect with respect to the axial direction A may be the same or different.

[0034] Furthermore, the number of pairs of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 25 pairs. Here, 21 pairs of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 are arranged parallel to each other in the axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12.

[0035] The angle at which the first peak 21 and the first valley 23 intersect with respect to the axial direction A is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 30 to 60 degrees. Furthermore, the angles at which multiple parallel first peaks 21 and multiple first valleys 23 intersect with respect to the axial direction A may be different for each.

[0036] The second cylindrical portion 24 is formed so that the same shape is continuous along the circumferential direction B of the cylindrical portion 12. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 24 has a second peak portion 25 and a second valley portion 27 extending in the circumferential direction B. The second peak portion 25 and the second valley portion 27 are arranged alternately in parallel in the axial direction A. In this disclosure, the convex portion on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 24 is referred to as the second peak portion 25, and the concave portion on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 24 is referred to as the second valley portion 27. On the inner circumferential surface, the concave-convex relationship of the second peak portion 25 and the second valley portion 27 is reversed compared to the outer circumferential surface. That is, on the inner circumferential surface, the second peak portion 25 is concave and the second valley portion 27 is convex.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 24 has multiple sets of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 arranged alternately and parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 3, each set of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 are arranged in parallel at the same pitch t24. However, each set of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 may be arranged in parallel at different pitches. In other words, each pair of second cylindrical portions 24 may have second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 arranged in parallel at the same pitch t24, or may have second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 arranged in parallel at different pitches.

[0038] For example, the number of pairs of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5 to 25 pairs. Here, 20 pairs of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 are arranged parallel to each other in the axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12.

[0039] The second peak 25 connects the end of the first peak 21 of one first cylindrical section 22 to the end of the first peak 21 of another first cylindrical section 22. The first peak 21 connects the end of the second peak 25 of one second cylindrical section 24 to the end of the second peak 25 of another second cylindrical section 24. As a result, the pair of second peaks 25 and the pair of first peaks 21 are continuous in the circumferential direction B. Also, the second valley 27 connects the end of the first valley 23 of one first cylindrical section 22 to the end of the first valley 23 of another first cylindrical section 22. The first valley 23 connects the end of the second valley 27 of one second cylindrical section 24 to the end of the second valley 27 of another second cylindrical section 24. As a result, the pair of second valleys 27 and the pair of first valleys 23 are continuous in the circumferential direction B.

[0040] In this structure, a pair of first peaks 21 are connected to each other via a second peak 25. Similarly, a pair of first valleys 23 are connected to each other via a second valley 27. This makes it easier to follow deformations that involve changes in the inner diameter due to twisting along the circumferential direction B, even when a second cylindrical portion 24 is provided. In this embodiment, the pitch t22 of each pair of first peaks 21 and first valleys 23 and the pitch t24 of each pair of second peaks 25 and second valleys 27 are the same. However, the structure is not limited to having the same pitch t22 and pitch t24. The pitch t22 and pitch t24 may be different.

[0041] Also, due to the above structure, the pair of second peak portions 25 are also connected to each other via the first peak portion 21. Also, the pair of second valley portions 27 are also connected to each other via the first valley portion. Thus, as shown in the second path P2 and the third path P3 in FIG. 7, even when the second cylindrical portion 20 is in a bent posture, it is easy to follow that posture. Therefore, buckling of the cylindrical portion 12 is suppressed.

[0042] The second cylindrical portion 20 has a second cylindrical portion end 30 located at the end on the first cylindrical portion 14 side. On the second cylindrical portion end 30, a third peak portion 31 and a third valley portion 32 are provided on the extension of the first partial cylindrical portion 22. The third peak portion and the third valley portion 32 extend along the axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12.

[0043] In the axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12, the length dimensions of the first cylindrical portion 14, the second cylindrical portion 20, the first partial cylindrical portion 22, the second partial cylindrical portion 24, and the second cylindrical portion end 30 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12, the first partial cylindrical portion 22 may be longer or shorter than the second partial cylindrical portion 24. Also, for example, in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 12, the second cylindrical portion 20 may occupy more than half of the length of the cylindrical portion 12.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner diameter R14 of the first cylindrical portion 14 is larger than the minimum inner diameter R20 of the second cylindrical portion 20. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the portion of the first cylindrical portion 14 where the fitting groove 16 is formed is larger than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20 of the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 12 is the smallest.

[0045] The interval T52 between the plurality of first extending pieces 52 is smaller than the inner diameter R14 of the first cylindrical portion 14. The plurality of first extending pieces 52 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and are not cylindrical, so they are more likely to expand in diameter than the first cylindrical portion 14. Similarly, the interval between the plurality of second extending pieces 62 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14. The plurality of second extending pieces 62 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and are not cylindrical, so they are more likely to expand in diameter than the first cylindrical portion 14.

[0046] <Forming of Grommet 10> As shown in Figure 6, the grommet 10 is formed using a mold 90. The mold 90 includes a first mold 91 and a second mold 92. A second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92. This boundary may be provided at the center C24 of a pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24.

[0047] When the molding of the grommet 10 by the mold 90 is completed, the mold 90 is removed from the grommet 10. When the mold 90 is removed from the grommet 10, the first mold 91 moves in the direction of arrow C and the second mold 92 moves in the direction of arrow D. Since the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, interference between the grommet 10 and the first mold 91 is suppressed when the first mold 91 moves in the direction of arrow C. To explain more specifically, for example, if the first partial cylindrical portion 22 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, when the first mold 91 moves in the direction of arrow C, the first peak portion 21 exists beyond the portion of the first mold 91 that forms the first valley portion 23 in the direction of arrow C. For this reason, it is expected that the portion of the first mold 91 that forms the first valley portion 23 and the first peak portion 21 will interfere with each other. When such interference occurs, the first mold 91 is difficult to remove from the grommet 10. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the second cylindrical portion 24 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, the first peak portion 21 does not exist beyond the portion of the first mold 91 that forms the first valley portion 23 when the first mold 91 moves in the direction of arrow C. Therefore, the portion of the first mold 91 that forms the first valley portion 23 and the first peak portion 21 are less likely to interfere with each other. Consequently, the first mold 91 is easier to remove.

[0048] Similarly, since the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, interference between the grommet 10 and the second mold 92 is suppressed when the second mold 92 moves in the direction of arrow D. More specifically, for example, when the first partial cylindrical portion 22 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, when the second mold 92 moves in the direction of arrow D, the first ridge portion 21 exists ahead of the portion of the second mold 92 that forms the first valley portion 23 in the direction of arrow D. For this reason, interference between the portion of the second mold 92 that forms the first valley portion 23 and the first ridge portion 21 is assumed. When such interference occurs, it is difficult to remove the second mold 92 from the grommet 10. In contrast, when the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided at the boundary between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 as in the present embodiment, when the second mold 92 moves in the direction of arrow D, the first ridge portion 21 does not exist ahead of the portion of the second mold 92 that forms the first valley portion 23 in the direction of arrow D. For this reason, it is difficult for the portion of the second mold 92 that forms the first valley portion 23 and the first ridge portion 21 to interfere. Therefore, the second mold 92 is easy to remove.

[0049] <Grommet-equipped wire harness 80> The grommet-equipped wire harness 80 includes the above-mentioned grommet 10 and a wire harness 82 inserted through the grommet 10.

[0050] The wire harness 82 includes a wiring member 84 and at least one connector 86 provided at an end of the wiring member 84. The wiring member 84 is, for example, an electric wire that transmits electricity or an optical cable that transmits light. Usually, a plurality of transmission members are bundled to form the wiring member 84. The wiring member 84 passes through the grommet 10. The grommet 10 is attached to the middle portion of the wiring member 84. Hereinafter, the portion of the wiring member 84 to which the grommet 10 is attached is referred to as the grommet attachment portion. The at least one connector 86 is provided at an end of the wiring member 84 on one end side rather than the grommet attachment portion.

[0051] For example, the wire harness 82 is inserted into the grommet 10 from one end beyond the grommet mounting portion. In this case, the connector 86 of the wire harness 82 that is on one end beyond the grommet mounting portion needs to pass through the grommet 10 from one end to the other. If the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 12 is smaller than the outer dimension L86 of the connector 86, the grommet 10 needs to be deformed by expanding its diameter.

[0052] If there are multiple connectors 86 on one end of the wire harness 82 beyond the grommet mounting portion, the outer dimensions L86 of the connector 86 and the inner diameter of the grommet 10 are set so that the largest connector 86 can pass through the grommet 10. In this case, the other connectors 86 can also pass through the grommet 10. Note that the other end of the wire harness 82 beyond the portion mounted to the grommet 10 is not inserted into the grommet 10, so the size of the connector 86 does not need to be considered.

[0053] Here, the inner diameter R14 of the first cylindrical portion 14 may be larger than the outer dimension L86 of the largest of the at least one connector 86. The outer dimension L86 of the connector 86 is the largest dimension in the cross-section of the connector 86. For example, if the connector 86 is rectangular, it is the dimension connecting two opposite corners out of the four corners. In this case, the outer dimension of the connector 86 is shown, for example, in Figure 5. Thus, if the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 is larger than the outer dimension L86 of the largest of the at least one connector 86, the first cylindrical portion 14 will not undergo expansion deformation when the connector 86 is inserted.

[0054] The outer dimension L86 of the connector 86 may be larger than the minimum inner diameter R20 of the second cylindrical portion 20. In this case, the second cylindrical portion 20 is deformed to expand in diameter when the connector 86 is passed through it. For example, the first partial cylindrical portion 22 is deformed to expand in diameter by twisting the second extension piece 62 side in the circumferential direction B toward the left side of the paper.

[0055] The wire harness 82 may be inserted into the grommet 10 either when the grommet 10 is not attached to the vehicle body or when the grommet 10 is attached to the vehicle body. In the latter case, the wire harness 82 is inserted into the grommet 10 with the periphery of the hole in the vehicle body panel fitted into the fitting groove 16. In this case, the portion of the first cylindrical portion 14 in which the fitting groove 16 is formed is difficult to expand in diameter because the periphery of the hole 101 in the vehicle body panel 100 is fitted into the fitting groove 16. Even in this case, the inner diameter of the portion of the first cylindrical portion 14 in which the fitting groove 16 is formed is larger than the outer dimension L86 of the largest connector 86 that passes through the grommet 10, so the wire harness 82 can be passed through without significantly expanding the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14.

[0056] The thickness of the wiring member 84 is usually smaller than the outer dimension L86 of the connector 86. Therefore, if the grommet 10 is large enough to allow the connector 86 to pass through, the wiring member 84 can also be passed through. The wiring member 84 may be branched. In this case, it may be necessary to pass some of the branch wires of the wiring member 84 and some of the connectors 86 through the grommet 10 at the same time. In this case, for example, the inner diameter of the portion of the first cylindrical part 14 in which the fitting groove 16 is formed may be greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the branch wires of the wiring member 84 and the dimension of the short side of the connector 86 that are passed through at the same time. This makes it possible to pass some of the branch wires of the wiring member 84 and some of the connectors 86 through the grommet 10 at the same time without expanding or deforming the portion of the first cylindrical part 14 in which the fitting groove 16 is formed.

[0057] The diameter of the grommet mounting portion of the wiring member 84 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20. In this case, the second cylindrical portion 20 may be held in a reduced-diameter deformed state in the grommet-equipped wire harness 80. For example, the end of the second cylindrical portion 20 on the first cylindrical portion 14 side is twisted in the direction to the left of the paper in the circumferential direction B in Figure 5, thereby causing the diameter to be reduced. For example, the second cylindrical portion 20 may be held in a reduced-diameter deformed state by fixing the first cylindrical portion 14 to the wiring member 84 while the second cylindrical portion 20 is in a reduced-diameter deformed state. The inner surface of the second cylindrical portion 20 (the inner surface of the first valley portion 23) may be in close contact with the grommet mounting portion of the wiring member 84.

[0058] <Wire harness mounting structure 110> As shown in Figure 7, the wire harness mounting structure 110 comprises the grommet-equipped wire harness 80 and a vehicle body panel 100 in which the hole 101 is formed. In this example, an example in which the vehicle body panel 100 is a dash panel is described. The vehicle body panel 100 may be a panel other than a dash panel. The peripheral edge of the hole 101 formed in the vehicle body panel 100 is fitted into the fitting groove 16 of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the grommet 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 20 is arranged to span both the first path P1 and the second path P2. The second cylindrical portion 20 is also arranged to span the third path P3. The second path P2 is a more curved path than the first path P1. Similarly, the third path P3 is also a more curved path than the first path P1.

[0060] The dash panel is a panel that separates the passenger compartment from the engine compartment, which is located in front of the passenger compartment. The vehicle body panel (dash panel) 100 generally extends along a plane that includes the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction. The grommet 10 penetrates the vehicle body panel (dash panel) 100. At this time, the orientation of the grommet 10 may be such that the second cylindrical portion 20 is positioned in the engine compartment or in the passenger compartment. In the former case, the wire harness 82 and the second cylindrical portion 20 may be bent and positioned to weave through the narrow gap in the engine compartment. In the latter case, the wire harness 82 and the second cylindrical portion 20 may be bent and positioned to weave through the narrow gap between the vehicle body panel (dash panel) 100 and the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a sharp bend is formed in the second path P2 and the third path P3 of the second cylindrical portion 20. The second path P2 is located on one end of the first path P1 of the second cylindrical portion 20, and the third path P3 is located on the other end. The first path P1 is a path with a gentler curve than the second path P2 and the third path P3.

[0061] The second cylindrical portion 24 may be positioned on the same plane as the plane having sharp bends in the second path P2 and the third path P3. The second cylindrical portion 24 is provided in the portion where the second path P2 is located. The second cylindrical portion 24 is also provided in the portion where the third path P3 is located. In this embodiment, the buckling of the grommet 10 is suppressed even when sharp bends are formed in the second path P2 and the third path P3, as the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 extend and contract. More specifically, in the second path P2, the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 above the plane of the paper extend, and the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 below the plane of the paper contract. In the third path P3, the second peak 25 and the second valley above the plane of the paper contract, and the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 below the plane of the paper extend.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 20 is provided with a first partial cylindrical portion 22 and a second partial cylindrical portion 24 in the entire area excluding the end portion 30 of the second cylindrical portion and the second extension piece 62, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the second partial cylindrical portion 24 may be provided only in the portion located in the second path P2 or the third path P3.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 20 has a structure in which it comprises a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it comprises one or more first partial cylindrical portions 22. Also, for example, the second cylindrical portion 20 may have a structure in which it comprises one or more second partial cylindrical portions 24.

[0064] <Effects of Embodiment 1> With the grommet 10 and wire harness 80 configured as described above, the second cylindrical portion 20 has a first partial cylindrical portion 22 and a second partial cylindrical portion 24 that form different parts along the circumferential direction B, and the first partial cylindrical portion 22 has a first peak portion 21 and a first valley portion 23 that extend in directions intersecting the circumferential direction B and axial direction A of the cylindrical portion 12, so that the second cylindrical portion 20 can be deformed by twisting along the circumferential direction B, thereby changing the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20. At this time, the second cylindrical portion 20 having the first partial cylindrical portion 22 can undergo diameter expansion deformation or diameter contraction deformation depending on the direction of twisting. For example, if the wiring member 84 or the connector 86 at the end of the wiring member 84 in the wire harness 82 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter R20 of the second cylindrical portion 20, twisting the first partial cylindrical portion 22 expands the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20, making it easier to pass the wire harness 82 through the second cylindrical portion 20. Also, for example, if the wiring member 84 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20, after passing the wiring member 84 through the cylindrical portion 12, twisting the first partial cylindrical portion 22 shrinks the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 20, making it possible to make the second cylindrical portion 20 fit tightly against the outer circumference of the wiring member 84. Furthermore, since the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is formed so that the same shape is continuous along the circumferential direction B of the cylindrical portion 12, for example, when manufacturing the grommet 10 using a mold 90, the mold 90 is easier to remove. This makes it easier to manufacture the grommet 10 using a mold 90.

[0065] Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 20 has a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24, and the first partial cylindrical portions 22 and the second partial cylindrical portions 24 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction B, and the pair of second partial cylindrical portions 24 are provided at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction B, which makes it easier to remove the mold 90 when manufacturing the grommet using the mold 90, for example. This makes it easier to manufacture the grommet 10 using the mold 90.

[0066] Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 24 has a second peak 25 and a second valley 27 extending in the circumferential direction B, and the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 are arranged alternately in parallel in the axial direction A, so that the second cylindrical portion 24 can expand and contract in the axial direction A. This suppresses buckling of the grommet 10 even when it is in a bent position (for example, the second path P2 or the third path P3). Even in this case, since the second peak 25 and the second valley 27 extend in the circumferential direction B, the ease of removing the mold 90 is not easily impaired. For this reason, the manufacturing of the grommet 10 using the mold 90 becomes easier.

[0067] Furthermore, the second peak 25 connects the end of one first peak 21 to the end of another first peak 21, and the second valley 27 connects the end of one first valley 23 to the end of another first valley 23, so that the first peaks 21 of a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 are connected via the second peak 25, and the first valleys 23 of a pair of first partial cylindrical portions 22 are connected via the second valley 27. As a result, even if the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided, it is easier to follow deformations that involve a change in the inner diameter R20 due to twisting along the circumferential direction B. Also, since the second peaks 25 are connected to each other via the first peaks 21, and the second valleys 27 are connected to each other via the first valleys 23, it is easier to follow the posture when the second cylindrical portion 20 is bent. As a result, buckling of the grommet 10 is further suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, even if the second cylindrical portion 20 is positioned across both the first path P1 and the second path P2 (third path P3) which is more curved than the first path P1, and the second partial cylindrical portion 24 is provided in the portion positioned in the second path P2 (third path P3), buckling of the grommet 10 is suppressed as the second partial cylindrical portion 24 expands and contracts in the axial direction A.

[0069] <Embodiment 2> The grommet 210 according to Embodiment 2 will be described below. Figure 8 is a plan view showing the grommet 210 according to Embodiment 2.

[0070] The grommet 210 according to Embodiment 2 includes a second cylindrical portion 220 in place of the second cylindrical portion 20 of the grommet 10 in Embodiment 1. The second cylindrical portion 220 has a second partial cylindrical portion 224 in place of the second partial cylindrical portion 24 of Embodiment 1.

[0071] The second cylindrical portion 224 is formed in a smooth cylindrical shape on its outer surface. The second cylindrical portion 224 does not have a second peak 25 or a second valley 27 like the second cylindrical portion 24. Preferably, the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion 224 is also formed in a smooth cylindrical shape similar to its outer surface.

[0072] <Effects of Embodiment 2> According to the grommet 210 of Embodiment 2, when manufacturing the grommet 210 using a mold 90 in which the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 224 is formed into a smooth cylindrical shape, the mold 90 becomes easier to remove.

[0073] [Note] With the first cylindrical portion 14 attached to the vehicle body, the wire harness 82 can be passed through the grommets 10 and 210 by twisting or otherwise deforming the second cylindrical portions 20 and 220. This manufacturing method can be considered a manufacturing method for the mounting structure of the wire harness.

[0074] Furthermore, while the wire harness is in the mounting structure, a wiring member 84 with or without a connector 86 can be added by twisting or otherwise deforming the second cylindrical portions 20 and 220. This method can be considered a method for adding a wire harness 82.

[0075] Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0076] 10,210 Grommet 12 Cylinder section 14 First cylinder section 16 Fitting groove 20,220 Second cylinder section 21 First peak section 22 First partial cylinder section 23 First valley section 24,224 Second partial cylinder section 25 Second peak section 27 Second valley section 28 Notch 30 End of second cylinder section 31 Third peak section 32 Third valley section 50 First wiring fixing section 52 First extension piece 60 Second wiring fixing section 62 Second extension piece 80 Wire harness with grommet 82 Wire harness 84 Wiring member 86 Connector 90 Mold 91 First mold 92 Second mold 100 Body panel 101 Hole 110 Mounting structure A Axial direction B Circumferential direction C, D Arrows C22, C24 Center L86 External dimensions: P1 (first path), P2 (second path), P3 (third path). R14, R20 (internal diameter), t22, t24 (pitch), α, β (angle).

Claims

1. A grommet comprising a cylindrical portion through which a wire harness is inserted, the cylindrical portion including a first cylindrical portion having an engaging portion formed on its outer surface that engages with the peripheral edge of a hole in the vehicle body, and a second cylindrical portion communicating with the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion having a first partial cylindrical portion and a second partial cylindrical portion that form different parts along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, the first partial cylindrical portion each having a first peak portion and a first valley portion extending in directions intersecting the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the second partial cylindrical portion being formed so as to be a continuous series of the same shape along the circumferential direction.

2. The grommet according to claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical portion has a pair of first partial cylindrical portions and a pair of second partial cylindrical portions, the first partial cylindrical portions and the second partial cylindrical portions are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the pair of second partial cylindrical portions are provided at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction.

3. A grommet according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second cylindrical portion has a second peak and a second valley extending in the circumferential direction, and the second peak and the second valley are arranged alternately in parallel in the axial direction.

4. A grommet according to claim 3, wherein the second peak connects the end of the first peak of one first cylindrical portion to the end of the first peak of another first cylindrical portion, and the second valley connects the end of the first valley of one first cylindrical portion to the end of the first valley of another first cylindrical portion.

5. A grommet according to claim 3, wherein the second cylindrical portion is arranged to span both a first path and a second path that is more curved than the first path, and the second partial cylindrical portion is provided in the portion arranged in the second path.

6. A wire harness with a grommet, comprising: a grommet according to claim 1 or claim 2; and a wire harness inserted through the grommet.

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