Positive locating grommet with NVH flap

A grommet configured to pass through a vehicle wall and an acoustic mat is provided. The grommet includes first and second sealing segments, a mounting segment, and a pass-through segment. A flange configured to abut the vehicle wall extends from the first sealing segment. The pass-through segment has a NVH flap that is configured to abut the acoustic mat. The grommet has a grommet installation coupling that includes a mounting hole in the flange for receiving a mounting stud that extends from the vehicle wall and an engagement member that engages the mounting stud. The engagement member applies an installation force to the flange, which moves the grommet longitudinally from a first installation position to a second installation position and pushes the NVH flap against the acoustic mat so that the NVH flap is deflected back toward the flange as the grommet moves to the second installation position.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to pass-through grommet assemblies for installation in a vehicle and more particularly to a grommet defining a pass-through in a vehicle wall and an acoustic mat that covers at least a portion of the vehicle wall.

BACKGROUND

In an effort to quiet vehicle interiors, vehicles such as automobiles are commonly equipped with acoustic mats placed along one or more walls of the vehicle. Acoustic mats are constructed of materials that absorb noise and vibration and/or materials that block the transmission of noise and vibration through the acoustic mat. While such acoustic mats perform well over uninterrupted areas of a vehicle wall, acoustic performance is drastically reduced in areas where electrical wiring harnesses or other penetrating components pass-through openings in the vehicle wall and thus the acoustic mat. Such openings are prolific in most vehicle firewalls, which are typically a sheet metal wall disposed between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of a vehicle. Wall openings pose additional problems because water and dust can travel through these spaces. Chaffing of the electrical wiring harness or other penetrating components can also occur in the vicinity of wall openings. Accordingly, grommets are commonly used where electrical wiring harnesses or other penetrating components pass-through the openings in a vehicle wall.

Grommets typically include an annular groove or channel that is disposed along an outer circumference of the grommet. This annular channel or recess either engages the sheet metal surrounding the wall opening or portions of the acoustic mat adjacent the wall opening. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,337 which issued to Fujita on Nov. 20, 2012 discloses an electrical wiring grommet that includes an annular groove for engaging the sheet metal surrounding a through hole in a vehicle body. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,714 which issued to Nakamura on Sep. 13, 2005 discloses an electrical wiring grommet that includes an annular groove for engaging one of the layers of an acoustic mat. Such grommets can be problematic because they are prone to faulty installation.

Typically, grommets are installed by hand, where an installer pushes part of the grommet through the appropriate opening or hole in the vehicle wall and/or acoustic mat. The installer is supposed to continue pushing the grommet through the opening until the sheet metal surrounding the opening in the wall is received in the annular groove or until a layer of the acoustic mat is received in the annular groove. Oftentimes however, the installer does not fully install the grommet either due to inattention or because it is difficult to determine whether or not proper seating has occurred. In the later instance, the grommet may be located in an area where access is limited, making visual inspection difficult. Also, the arrangement of the annular groove or channel may not provide significant tactile feedback to the installer to indicate that the grommet has been properly installed. This is particularly common where the acoustic mat or portions thereof locks into the annular groove in the grommet because acoustic mats are often flexible themselves, making installation of the grommet more difficult. Ultimately, poorly installed grommets have poor acoustic performance, can provide leak pathways for water and dust, and are prone to fall away from the opening completely during the service life of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

A grommet is disclosed herein. It should be appreciated that the grommet is configured to pass through both a vehicle wall and an acoustic mat that covers at least a portion of the vehicle wall. Together, the grommet, the vehicle wall, and the acoustic mat form a pass-through grommet assembly. The grommet generally includes first and second sealing segments, a mounting segment, and a pass-through segment. The first and second sealing segments are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The mounting segment includes a flange that extends from the first sealing segment. The pass-through segment has a first end disposed adjacent to the flange of the mounting segment and a second end that is disposed adjacent to the second sealing segment. The grommet includes an internal cavity that extends through the first and second sealing segments, the mounting segment, and the pass-through segment. The internal cavity has a longitudinal axis. The pass-through segment further includes a NVH flap that extends from the second end of the pass-through segment. The flange of the mounting segment has a wall-side face that is configured to abut the vehicle wall and the NVH flap of the pass-through segment is configured to abut the acoustic mat. The grommet also includes a grommet installation coupling. The grommet installation coupling includes one or more mounting holes disposed in the flange that receive one or more mounting studs that extend from the vehicle wall. The grommet installation coupling also includes one or more engagement members that engage the one or more mounting studs. The one or more engagement members apply an installation force to the flange that moves the grommet longitudinally from a first installation position to a second installation position and pushes the NVH flap against the acoustic mat. As a result of the installation force that is applied by the one or more engagement members, the NVH flap is deflected back toward the flange of the mounting segment as the grommet moves to the second installation position.

Advantageously, the grommet installation coupling positions and positively locates the grommet and the NVH flap during installation. The locations of the one or more mounting studs on the vehicle wall and the locations of the one or more mounting holes in the flange are such that the pass-through segment of the grommet is aligned with a wall opening when the one or more mounting studs are received in the one or more mounting holes. This helps positively locate the grommet with respect to the wall opening making installation easier. In addition, engagement of the one or more engagement members with the one or more mounting studs pushes the NVH flap against the barrier layer forcing the NVH flap back to a specific orientation as the grommet is advanced to the second installation position. Because the NVH flap is bent/folded back in the second installation position, the NVH flap maintains a tight seal against the acoustic mat, which reduces noise and vibration transmission through the grommet. When the grommet reaches the second installation position, movement of the grommet stops and further engagement of the one or more engagement members becomes difficult because the flange has moved into contact with the vehicle wall. This provides the added benefit of making it easier for an installer to accurately determine whether the grommet has been fully installed and advanced to the second installation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a pass-through grommet assembly20for installation in a vehicle is disclosed.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the component or assembly in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the component or assembly in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The components and assemblies described herein may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. In addition, the term “substantially parallel” is used herein to describe elements that are generally aligned with one another plus or minus 10 degrees and the term “substantially transverse” is used herein to describe elements that are generally perpendicular to one another plus or minus 10 degrees.

As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the pass-through grommet assembly20includes a grommet22that passes through a vehicle wall24and an acoustic mat26. The vehicle wall24defines a wall opening28therein. The wall opening28passes completely through the vehicle wall24and has a wall opening cross-sectional area. It should be appreciated that the wall opening28may have a variety of different shapes, including without limitation, a circular shape or a D-shape. In configurations where the wall opening28has a circular cross-section, the wall opening28has a wall opening diameter. It should also be appreciated that the vehicle wall24could be any wall of a vehicle. By way of non-limiting example, the vehicle wall24may be a firewall in an automobile, truck, or other vehicle that is disposed between an engine compartment30and a passenger compartment32of the vehicle. The vehicle wall24has an interior side34and an exterior side36. In configurations where the vehicle wall24is a firewall, the interior side34of the vehicle wall24faces the passenger compartment32of the vehicle and the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24faces the engine compartment30of the vehicle. It should be understood that the vehicle wall24may be made of a wide variety of different materials, including without limitation, sheet metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or thermoplastic.

The acoustic mat26is disposed along and at least partially covers the interior side34of the vehicle wall24. As such, the acoustic mat26is positioned between the vehicle wall24and the passenger compartment32of the vehicle. Although not shown, the acoustic mat26may alternatively be placed along the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24in certain applications. The acoustic mat26generally functions to block and/or dampen noise and vibration so that the passenger compartment32of the vehicle is quieter and therefore more comfortable for vehicle occupants. By way of example and without limitation, the acoustic mat26may be a dash silencer. The acoustic mat26may directly abut the vehicle wall24, may be spaced from the vehicle wall24by a void or by one or more intervening elements, or may be a combination of these depending on the specific location along the vehicle wall24. Various different constructions of the acoustic mat26are possible. In one non-limiting example, the acoustic mat26includes a barrier layer38and a decoupler layer40. In accordance with this configuration, which is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the barrier layer38is disposed adjacent the passenger compartment32of the vehicle and the decoupler layer40is disposed between the barrier layer38and interior side34of the vehicle wall24. Although the materials may vary, the barrier layer38may be made from sheets of polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, latex, or other thermoplastic materials and the decoupler layer40may be made of polyester fiber, cotton, fiberglass, foam, microfibers, micro denier rider, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and/or a combination of these materials. Sometimes the material of the decoupler layer40may be referred to as shoddy due to its random, non-woven structure.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the barrier layer38of the acoustic mat26has an inside surface42that faces the passenger compartment32of the vehicle and a wall-side surface44that faces the interior side34of the vehicle wall24. The barrier layer38of the acoustic mat26has a barrier layer opening46therein and the decoupler layer40of the acoustic mat26has a decoupler layer opening48therein. The barrier layer opening46may generally be aligned with the decoupler layer opening48and both the barrier layer and decoupler layer openings46,48may generally be aligned with the wall opening28. It should generally be understood that in typical vehicles, multiple elements pass through the vehicle walls and that one such pass-through is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. In the example illustrated, an electrical wiring harness50of the vehicle passes through the wall opening28; however, other components may pass through the wall opening28instead, including without limitation, a steering column, brake and accelerator linkages, shift linkages, and heating and cooling system ducting. The electrical wiring harness50passes through the grommet22such that the grommet22is positioned between the vehicle wall24and the electrical wiring harness50. In other words, the grommet22may surround the electrical wiring harness50and centrally position the electrical wiring harness50within the wall opening28. As a result, the grommet22may perform a variety of different functions. For example, the grommet22may help prevent the electrical wiring harness50from rubbing against the vehicle wall24and becoming damaged, the grommet22may provide a seal that prevents water and/or dust from passing through the wall opening28, and/or the grommet22may reduce the amount of noise and vibration that is transmitted through the wall opening28.

The size and shape of the barrier layer opening46, the decoupler layer opening48, and the grommet22may be tailored to the size and shape of the wall opening28and the electrical wiring harness50(or whatever other element of the vehicle is passing through the wall opening28). By way of example and without limitation, the barrier layer opening46and the decoupler layer opening48may have a circular shape or a D-shape. The grommet22may generally have a cross-sectional shape that mimics the shape of the wall opening28, the barrier layer opening46, and/or the decoupler layer opening48.FIGS. 1-2generically show cross-sectional views of the grommet22,FIGS. 3-5show the grommet22with a generally circular cross-section, andFIGS. 6-8show the grommet22with a generally D-shaped cross-section. Notwithstanding, other grommet shapes and configurations are possible and are considered within the scope of the subject disclosure. The barrier layer opening46has a minor cross-sectional area and the decoupler layer opening48has a major cross-sectional area. The major cross-sectional area of the decoupler layer opening48is larger than the minor cross-sectional area of the barrier layer opening46and the minor cross-sectional area of the barrier layer opening46may be smaller than the wall opening cross-sectional area. In configurations where the wall opening28and thus the grommet22are circular in shape, the barrier layer opening46has a minor diameter and the decoupler layer opening48has a major diameter. The major diameter of decoupler layer opening48is larger than the minor diameter of the barrier layer opening46and the minor diameter of the barrier layer opening46may be smaller than the wall opening diameter. In other words, the barrier layer opening46is smaller than the decoupler layer opening48and may also be smaller than the wall opening28.

With continued reference toFIG. 1-2and with additional reference toFIGS. 3-5, the grommet22includes a mounting segment52, a pass-through segment54, a first sealing segment56, and a second sealing segment58. The first and second sealing segments56,58are longitudinally spaced apart, the mounting segment52is disposed adjacent the first sealing segment56, and the pass-through segment54extends between the mounting segment52and the second sealing segment58. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the grommet22has an internal cavity60that extends through the mounting segment52, the pass-through segment54, the first sealing segment56, and the second sealing segment58of grommet22. The internal cavity60of the grommet22has a longitudinal axis62and the internal cavity60is sized and shaped to receive the electrical wiring harness50. Thus, it should be appreciated that the term “longitudinally” is used herein to describe elements that are oriented or that extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62.

The first sealing segment56of the grommet22includes a tubular boot64and a folded portion66that connects the tubular boot64to the mounting segment52. More specifically, the folded portion66extends between the tubular boot64and the mounting segment52. The folded portion66of the first sealing segment56has a domed wall68that has an S-shaped cross-section70(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) where the domed wall68transitions to the tubular boot64. The tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56extends longitudinally from the domed wall68and into the engine compartment30of the vehicle. The tubular boot64includes one or more internal ribs72that seal against the electrical wiring harness50. The tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56has a first cross-sectional area. In configurations where the tubular boot64is cylindrical (FIGS. 3-8), the tubular boot64also has a first diameter. The second sealing segment58of the grommet22includes a wire tape tab74and a transitional wall76that connects the wire tape tab74to the pass-through segment54. More specifically, the transitional wall76extends between the wire tape tab74and the pass-through segment54. The wire tape tab74of the second sealing segment58extends longitudinally from the transitional wall76and into the passenger compartment32of the vehicle. The wire tape tab74of the second sealing segment58is segmented by a plurality of slits78that allow the wire tape tab74to close tightly on and seal against the electrical wiring harness50when electrical tape, a plastic clamp, a wire tie (i.e. a zip-tie), or similar structure is positioned about the wire tape tab74and pulled tight. The wire tape tab74has a second cross-sectional area that may be larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56. In configurations where the wire tape tab74is generally cylindrical (FIGS. 3-5), the wire tape tab74has a second diameter that may be larger than the first diameter of the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56.

With reference toFIGS. 1-5, the mounting segment52of the grommet22includes a flange80that extends in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis62. By way of non-limiting example, the flange80of the mounting segment52may be arranged at a 90 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis62. The flange80has a base82that gives the mounting segment52an inner cross-sectional area and a periphery84that gives the mounting segment52an outer cross-sectional area. The outer cross-sectional area of the periphery84of the flange80is larger than the inner cross-sectional area of the base82of the flange80. Additionally, the outer cross-sectional area of the periphery84of the flange80is larger than the wall opening cross-sectional area. Accordingly, the flange80is large enough to come into contact with the vehicle wall24in an abutting relationship when the second sealing segment58and the pass-through segment54of the grommet22are advanced through the wall opening28during grommet installation (FIGS. 1 and 2). In configurations where the mounting segment52is circular in cross-section (FIGS. 3-5), the flange80may also be generally circular in shape such that the flange80has an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter of the flange80is larger than both the inner diameter of the flange80and the wall opening28diameter. The flange80also has a wall-side face86and an opposite face88that opposes the wall-side face86, each being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis62. The wall-side face86of the flange80faces the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24and the opposite face88of the flange80faces the engine compartment30of the vehicle.

The pass-through segment54of the grommet22includes an intermediate wall90that extends from the base82of the flange80of the mounting segment52to the transitional wall76of the second sealing segment58. The pass-through segment54has a first end92disposed adjacent to the flange80of the mounting segment52and a second end94disposed adjacent to the transitional wall76of the second sealing segment58. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate wall90may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62and may taper in thickness such that the intermediate wall90is thinner at the second end94of the pass-through segment54than it is at the first end92of the pass-through segment54. At the second end94, the pass-through segment54has a third cross-sectional area. The third cross-sectional area of the pass-through segment54is smaller than the wall opening cross-sectional area and the minor cross-sectional area of the barrier layer opening46. As such, the second end94of the pass-through segment54is smaller than the wall opening28, the decoupler layer opening48, and the barrier layer opening46and therefore can extend through the wall opening28, the decoupler layer opening48, and the barrier layer opening46during grommet installation (FIG. 2). In configurations where the intermediate wall90tapers in thickness, the third cross-sectional area of the pass-through segment54may also be smaller than the inner cross-sectional area of the mounting segment52. In configurations where the pass-through segment54is circular in cross-section (FIGS. 3-5), the pass-through segment54has a third diameter at the second end94. The third diameter of the pass-through segment54may be smaller than the wall opening diameter, the minor diameter of the barrier layer opening46, and the inner diameter of the mounting segment52.

Still referring toFIGS. 1-5, the pass-through segment54of the grommet22includes a NVH flap96that extends outwardly from the second end94of the pass-through segment54. The NVH flap96, which stands for “Noise, Vibration and Harshness flap,” extends from the intermediate wall90of the pass-through segment54to an outer edge98that defines a flap cross-sectional area. The flap cross-sectional area is larger than the minor cross-sectional area of the barrier layer opening46. This means that the NVH flap96is sized to contact the wall-side surface44of the barrier layer38when the second end94of the pass-through segment54is advanced through the barrier layer opening46during grommet installation (FIG. 2). Optionally, the flap cross-sectional area may be smaller than the major cross-sectional area of the decoupler layer opening48such that the decoupler layer40does not contact or otherwise interfere with the NVH flap96as the second end94of the pass-through segment54is advanced through the decoupler layer opening48and toward the barrier layer opening46during grommet installation (FIG. 1). In configurations where the NVH flap96is circular in cross-section (FIGS. 3-5), the NVH flap96may have a flap diameter that is larger than the minor diameter of the barrier layer opening46and smaller than the major diameter of the decoupler layer opening48.

As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the pass-through grommet assembly20further includes a grommet installation coupling100that positions and positively locates the grommet22and the NVH flap96during installation and retains the grommet22in the wall opening28of the vehicle wall24. The grommet installation coupling100includes one or more mounting studs102that extend outwardly from the vehicle wall24, one or more mounting holes104disposed in the flange80that receive the mounting studs102, and one or more engagement members106that engage the mounting studs102. The mounting studs102may more specifically extend outwardly from the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24and into the engine compartment30of the vehicle in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62and that is substantially transverse to the vehicle wall24. The mounting studs102are generally disposed at spaced locations adjacent the wall opening28. Although the cross-sectional views inFIGS. 1 and 2illustrate only one of the mounting studs102, the illustrated examples include two mounting studs102, each being received in the two mounting holes104shown inFIGS. 3-8. Notwithstanding, it should be appreciated that any number of mounting studs102and mounting holes104may be used, including only one of each.

During installation of the grommet22, the grommet22is positioned (e.g. by hand or by machine) such that the mounting holes104receive the mounting studs102(FIG. 1). The locations of the mounting studs102relative to the wall opening28and the locations of the mounting holes104relative to the flange80are such that at least the pass-through segment54of the grommet22is aligned with the wall opening28when the mounting studs102are received in the mounting holes104. As shown inFIG. 2, the engagement members106operate to apply an installation force108to the opposite face88of the flange80. The installation force108operates in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62. In response to the application of the installation force108on the flange80, the grommet22moves longitudinally relative to the vehicle wall24and the acoustic mat26from a first installation position to a second installation position. InFIG. 1, the grommet22is shown in the first installation position, where the mounting studs102are received in the mounting holes104and the wall-side face86of the flange80is longitudinally spaced from the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24. InFIG. 2, the grommet22is shown in the second installation position, where the mounting studs102extend through the mounting holes104and the wall-side face86of the flange80abuts the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24.

The first installation position and the second installation position are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined travel distance110that is also substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62. As the grommet22moves from the first installation position to the second installation position, the NVH flap96is pushed against the wall-side surface44of the barrier layer38such that the NVH flap96deflects back toward the flange80. In configurations where the NVH flap96is circular in cross-section (FIGS. 3-5), the NVH flap96has a relatively flat, disc like shape when the grommet22is located in the first installation position (FIG. 1) and has a cone-like shape when the grommet22is advanced to the second installation position (FIG. 2). It should be appreciated that the amount of deflection of the NVH flap96depends on how far the second end94of the pass-through segment54is advanced through the barrier layer opening46. This variable is controlled by the arrangement of the mounting studs102, the mounting holes104, and the engagement members106of the grommet installation coupling100. In other words, engagement of the engagement members106on the mounting studs102pushes/folds the NVH flap96back to a specific orientation in the second installation position and subsequently holds the grommet22in place in the second installation position.

With reference toFIG. 1, the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24and the wall-side surface44of the acoustic mat26are longitudinally spaced by a first predetermined distance112that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62at a location adjacent to the wall opening28. As shown inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the wall-side face86of the flange80and the NVH flap96are spaced apart by a second predetermined distance114. The second predetermined distance114also extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis62and the second predetermined distance114is greater than the first predetermined distance112. In other words, the wall-side face86of the flange80and the NVH flap96are spaced further apart than the spacing between the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24and the wall-side surface44of the acoustic mat26at a location adjacent to the wall opening28. Because the second predetermined distance114is greater than the first determined distance, the NVH flap96is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis62when the grommet22is located in the first installation position (FIG. 1) and is pushed back toward the flange80at a predetermined acute angle116when the grommet22advances to the second installation position (FIG. 2). For example and without limitation, the NVH flap96may be pushed back to where the predetermined acute angle116is a value within the range of 25 degrees to 75 degrees, said range including the values of 25 degrees and 75 degrees. The NVH flap96may be made of a resilient material such that the NVH flap96can deflect without breaking, can apply a sealing force against the barrier layer38when deflected, and can return to its initial position if the grommet22is moved from the second installation position to the first installation position. Advantageously, because the NVH flap96is maintained at the predetermined acute angle116after the grommet22is moved to the second installation position (FIG. 2), the NVH flap96remains in tight contact with the barrier layer opening46and therefore provides a good acoustic seal that minimizes noise and vibration transmission through the grommet22.

The engagement members106of the grommet installation coupling100provide positive feedback that the grommet22has reached the second installation position and the NVH flap96has bent back to the predetermined acute angle116because movement of the grommet22stops and further engagement of the engagement members106becomes difficult once the wall-side face86of the flange80contacts the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24. This makes it easier for an installer to determine whether the grommet22has been fully installed and advanced to the second installation position (shown inFIG. 2) because all that the installer needs to do is check the torque on the engagement members106. The mounting studs102and the engagement members106may come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. By way of example and without limitation, the mounting stud102illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2is welded to and extends from the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24and has a threaded portion118. The engagement member106illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2is a nut that is threadably received on the threaded portion118of the mounting stud102. The mounting hole104illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2is defined by a ferrule120that is disposed within the flange80of the mounting segment52of the grommet22. The ferrule120, which extends through the flange80from the wall-side face86of the flange80to the opposite face88of the flange80, may be made of metal and may generally have a top hat-like shape. During grommet installation, the engagement member106shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is threaded onto the threaded portion118of the mounting stud102and is tightened down until the wall-side face86of the flange80contacts the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24, indicating that the second installation position has been reached. The ferrule120provides additional structural support to the flange80and prevents the engagement member106from crushing the flange80as the engagement member106is tightened.

As best seen inFIGS. 3-5, the flange80may include one or more outward bulges122where the mounting holes104pass through the flange80. Notwithstanding these outward bulges122, the flange80may otherwise have a circular cross-section (FIGS. 3-5) or a D-shape cross-section (FIGS. 6-8). With reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the mounting segment52of the grommet22may further include a sealing lip124that extends outwardly from the wall-side face86of the flange80toward the NVH flap96. When the grommet22is advanced to the second installation position, the sealing lip124contacts the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24around the wall opening28. The sealing lip124may be made of a resilient material so that it deforms and seals against the exterior side36of the vehicle wall24to further minimize the leakage of noise, vibration, water, and dust, through the wall opening28.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, the mounting segment52of the grommet22may optionally include a wire tie mount126that is disposed on and extends from the flange80. As best seen inFIGS. 3 and 5, the wire tie mount126includes a wire tie hole128or similar structure that receives a wire tie130(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). The wire tie130may be, for example and without limitation, a zip-tie. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the wire tie mount126is positioned below the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56when the grommet22is installed, including when the grommet22is in the second installation position. The wire tie130extends around the electrical wiring harness50and retains the electrical wiring harness50to the wire tie mount126such that the electrical wiring harness50forms a drip loop132after exiting the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56. The drip loop132helps prevent water incursion into the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56of the grommet22because water will tend to run down along the electrical wiring harness50toward the drip loop132and away from the tubular boot64.

As noted throughout this disclosed, the grommet22may have a variety of different cross-sectional shapes. InFIGS. 3-5, the first and second sealing segments56,58, the mounting segment52, and the pass-through segment54of the grommet22all have generally circular cross-sections. As such, the flange80and the NVH flap96generally extend radially outwardly relative to the intermediate wall90, which is annular in shape. With reference toFIGS. 6-8, another configuration of the grommet22′ is illustrated where the first and second sealing segments56′,58′, the mounting segment52′, and the pass-through segment54′ of the grommet22′ all have generally D-shaped cross-sections. In this configuration, the first cross-sectional area of the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56′ still has a circular shape. However, the second cross-sectional area of the wire tape tab74′ of the second sealing segment58′, the inner cross-sectional area and the outer cross-sectional area of the flange80′ of the mounting segment52′, and the third cross-sectional area of the pass-through segment54′ all have a D-like shape (i.e. have a curved or arcuate side extending between opposite corners of a flat side).

The grommet22′ shown inFIGS. 6-8also includes a secondary pass-through134. The secondary pass-through134is open to the transitional wall76′ of the second sealing segment58′, extends through the pass-through segment54′, and extends into a nipple136that is formed in the domed wall68′ of the first sealing segment56′. The nipple136extends longitudinally outwardly from the domed wall68′ into the engine compartment30of the vehicle and terminates at a closed end138. The closed end138of the nipple136is configured to be cut off when utilization of the secondary pass-through134is desired. By way of non-limiting example, the vehicle may include optional features or aftermarket features that require another electrical wiring harness (not shown) or another penetrating member (not shown) to pass-through the wall opening28at a position that is spaced from and substantially parallel to the tubular boot64of the first sealing segment56′ and the wire tape tab74′ of the second sealing segment58′. Though optional, the secondary pass-through134increases the flexibility of the grommet22′ and allows the grommet22′ to be used in a wider variety of applications. Finally, it should be noted that the secondary pass-through134is not intended to be limited to the geometry of the grommet22′ shown inFIGS. 6-8and the secondary pass-through134could also be included in the grommet22shown inFIGS. 3-5.

It should be appreciated that the grommets22,22′ disclosed herein may be constructed in a number of different ways without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. The first and second sealing segments56,58,56′,58′, the mounting segments52,52′, the pass-through segments54,54′, and components thereof may be separately formed and then joined later on, may be integral with one another, or may be combinations of separately formed and integral components. By way of example and without limitation, the pass-through segments54,54′ of the grommets22,22′ including the NVH flaps96,96′, the first sealing segments56,56′ and the second sealing segments58,58′ may be made of a resilient material such a rubber, latex, or similar materials. By way of example and without limitation, the flanges80,80′ of the mounting segments52,52′ of the grommets22,22′ may be made of a thermoplastic material that is stiffer than the resilient material. Of course many other materials may be used besides those listed here without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims.