Patent ID: 12246660

DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION

Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure

First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[1] A grommet according to the present disclosure is a grommet including: a tubular insertion portion that is to cover an outer periphery of a wire harness inserted into an insertion hole provided in a vehicle body panel, an annular opposing portion that is to oppose a portion of the vehicle body panel surrounding the insertion hole, and to be sandwiched between the vehicle body panel and a bracket fixed to the vehicle body panel, and a coupling portion that couples the insertion portion and the opposing portion so as to close a gap between the insertion portion and the opposing portion, the opposing portion including an annular sealing portion to be in intimate contact with the vehicle body panel, and the coupling portion including a plurality of pleat portions that extend along a circumferential direction of the opposing portion, and are adjacently arranged in a radial direction of the opposing portion, when viewed from an axial direction of the opposing portion.

With this configuration, as a result of the plurality of pleat portions deforming so as to open and close, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion can be absorbed by the coupling portion that includes the plurality of pleat portions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion, and thus it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet.

[2] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of pleat portions is formed in an annular shape that surrounds an outer periphery of the insertion portion when viewed from an axial direction of the insertion portion.

With this configuration, in whichever direction the insertion portion moves around the insertion portion itself relative to the opposing portion, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion can be absorbed by the coupling portion that includes the pleat portions. Therefore, in whichever direction the insertion portion moves around the insertion portion itself relative to the opposing portion, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion, and thus it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion. As a result, irrespective of a direction of movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet. In addition, larger movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion can be allowed in the coupling portion, and thus it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet.

[3] Preferably, the coupling portion includes a bellows portion in which the plurality of pleat portions are connected continuously in a radial direction of the opposing portion.

With this configuration, the plurality of pleat portions that are adjacently arranged in the radial direction of the opposing portion constitute the bellows portion. Thus, in addition to the plurality of pleat portions deforming so as to open and close, each portion between pleat portions that are adjacent in the radial direction can deform so as to open and close. Therefore, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion is easily absorbed by the coupling portion that includes the bellows portion. Thus, it is possible to further suppress deformation of the opposing portion caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion, and thus it is possible to further suppress deformation of the sealing portion. As a result, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance. In addition, even larger movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion can be allowed by the coupling portion, and thus it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet.

[4] Preferably, the bellows portion is directly coupled to the insertion portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress deformation of a portion of the grommet other than the bellows portion, when the insertion portion moves relative to the opposing portion.

[5] Preferably, the grommet includes the insertion portion into which the wire harness is to be inserted, the wire harness including an electric wire that is electrically connected to a power source for driving a motive power source for vehicle travel.

With this configuration, the electric wire that is connected to the power source for driving the motive power source for vehicle travel has a cross-sectional area that is large enough to carry a current supplied from the power source, and thus the wire harness that includes the electric wire is not easily bent. When such a wire harness is displaced relative to the vehicle body due to an attachment error or the like, it is difficult for such displacement to be absorbed on the wire harness side through deformation of the wire harness. Thus, the insertion portion into which the wire harness is inserted is moved relative to the opposing portion, and such displacement is thereby absorbed. In this manner, even if the insertion portion is moved relative to the opposing portion due to displacement of the wire harness, the plurality of pleat portions deform so as to open and close, and thereby stress caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion can be absorbed by the coupling portion that includes the plurality of pleat portions. Therefore, even when the wire harness that includes the electric wire that is connected to the power source for driving the motive power source for vehicle travel is inserted into the insertion portion, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion caused by movement of the insertion portion relative to the opposing portion, and thus it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion. As a result, even when the wire harness that includes the electric wire that is connected to the power source for driving the motive power source for vehicle travel is inserted into the insertion portion, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet.

DETAILED EMBODIMENTS OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Specific examples of the grommet according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these illustrative examples, but is indicated by the claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

The following describes an embodiment of the grommet. Note that, in the drawings, some of the components may be shown exaggerated or simplified for the sake of convenience of description. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the components may be different from those of actual components.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, a wire harness12that electrically connects electric devices11mounted in a vehicle10such as a hybrid automobile or an electric automobile is inserted into a grommet20according to the present embodiment.FIG.1illustrates only two electric devices11out of a plurality of electric devices11that are mounted in the vehicle10. The wire harness12is routed so as to be passed through a space under the floor of the vehicle10and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle10, for example. The wire harness12includes at least one electric wire. The wire harness12according to the present embodiment includes an electric wire12athat electrically connects an inverter13installed on the front side of the vehicle10and a battery14installed on the rear side of the vehicle10relative to the inverter13. The inverter13is connected to a motor for driving the wheels (not illustrated), which serves as a motive power source for vehicle travel. That is to say, the electric wire12ais electrically connected to the battery14that is a power source for driving a motor serving as a motive power source for vehicle travel. The inverter13generates AC power from DC power of the battery14, and supplies the generated AC power to the motor. The battery14is a battery capable of supplying a voltage of a hundred and several ten volts to several hundred volts, for example.

The vehicle10includes a vehicle body panel15that separates the inside of the vehicle cabin from the outside of the vehicle cabin from each other. The vehicle body panel15is a panel that partitions a space under the floor in the vehicle10from the engine room, for example. The vehicle body panel15is provided with an insertion hole16passing through the vehicle body panel15. The wire harness12is inserted into the insertion hole16. In addition, the grommet20is attached to a portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16. The grommet20is for stopping water entering the insertion hole16. Specifically, the grommet20is for stopping water entering between the wire harness12and the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16. The grommet20also serves to protect the wire harness12that is inserted into the insertion hole16.

Configuration of Grommet20

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the grommet20includes a tubular insertion portion21that covers the outer periphery of the wire harness12, an opposing portion22that opposes the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16, and a coupling portion23that couples the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22. The grommet20is made of a flexible material. An elastomer such as highly flexible EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) can be used as the material of the grommet20, for example. The insertion portion21, the opposing portion22, and the coupling portion23are integrally formed.

Configuration of Insertion Portion21

The insertion portion21has a cylindrical shape. The external diameter of the insertion portion21is smaller than the internal diameter of the insertion hole16. Here, one end in the axial direction of the insertion portion21is referred to as a “first end21a”, and the other end is referred to as a “second end21b”. In the drawings, the upper end of the insertion portion21is the first end21a, and the lower end thereof is the second end21b.

The insertion portion21and the wire harness12inserted into the insertion portion21are kept from moving relative to each other in the axial direction of the insertion portion21, using a fixing member (not illustrated). The fixing member is an adhesive tape that is wound over the outer circumference surface of the insertion portion21and the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness12, a cable tie that is mounted to the outer circumference surface of the insertion portion21, or the like.

Configuration of Opposing Portion22

The opposing portion22is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer circumference of the insertion portion21when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21. Note that, hereinafter, a direction parallel to the central axis L1of the opposing portion22, in other words, the axial direction of the opposing portion22will be referred to as an “axial direction X1”. In addition, a “radial direction” simply stated herein refers to the radial direction of the opposing portion22, namely a direction orthogonal to the central axis L1. Also, a “circumferential direction” simply stated herein refers to the circumferential direction of the opposing portion22, namely a circumferential direction with respect to the central axis L1.

In the present embodiment, the opposing portion22is formed in an annular shape. When viewed from the axial direction X1, the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22are concentric with each other. The external diameter of the opposing portion22is larger than the internal diameter of the insertion hole16. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second end21bof the insertion portion21is positioned within the range of the thickness of the opposing portion22, in the axial direction X1.

As shown inFIGS.2and4, the opposing portion22includes a sealing portion31, on one side surface in the axial direction X1of the opposing portion22. In the opposing portion22, the one side surface is a side surface that opposes the vehicle body panel15in the axial direction X1when the grommet20is mounted to the vehicle body panel15. The sealing portion31is in intimate contact with the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16when the grommet20is mounted to the vehicle body panel15.

The sealing portion31includes a first lip portion32and a second lip portion33. The first lip portion32and the second lip portion33protrude in the axial direction X1from the one side surface in the axial direction X1of the opposing portion22. In addition, the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33are formed in protrusions extending along the circumferential direction in a continuous manner. The first lip portion32is formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the internal diameter of the insertion hole16. The second lip portion33is formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the first lip portion32. In a cross section of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1, the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33are adjacently arranged in the radial direction. Note that the cross-sectional views of the grommet20shown inFIGS.2and4to7are cross-sectional views of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1.

Configuration of Coupling Portion23

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the coupling portion23couples the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22so as to close a gap between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22. The coupling portion23is provided to extend from the end portion on the second end21bside in the axial direction X1of the insertion portion21to the end portion on the inner side in the radial direction of the opposing portion22. The coupling portion23is formed in an annular shape extending in a continuous manner in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction X1. In the present embodiment, the coupling portion23is provided so as to be concentric with the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22when viewed from the axial direction X1.

The coupling portion23includes a first tubular portion41provided on the end portion on the inner side in the radial direction of the opposing portion22, integrally with the opposing portion22. The first tubular portion41has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X1. The first tubular portion41extends along the axial direction X1from the end portion on the inner side in the radial direction of the opposing portion22, and extends in the same direction as the protruding direction of the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33. The external diameter of the first tubular portion41is just smaller than the internal diameter of the insertion hole16. The internal diameter of the first tubular portion41is larger than the external diameter of the insertion portion21. In addition, the first tubular portion41is formed coaxially with the insertion portion21.

Moreover, the coupling portion23includes a second tubular portion42positioned on the inner side relative to the first tubular portion41. The second tubular portion42is formed coaxially with the insertion portion21and the first tubular portion41. The external diameter of the second tubular portion42is just smaller than the internal diameter of the first tubular portion41. The internal diameter of the second tubular portion42is larger than the external diameter of the insertion portion21. Moreover, the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion42opposes the inner circumferential surface of the first tubular portion41in the radial direction. A gap is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion42and the inner circumferential surface of the first tubular portion41.

One end portion in the axial direction X1of the first tubular portion41and one end portion in the axial direction X1of the second tubular portion42are coupled using a coupling bottom portion43. Specifically, the coupling bottom portion43couples the end portion of the first tubular portion41on the opposite side in the axial direction X1to the end portion thereof linked to the opposing portion22, and the end portion in the axial direction X1of the second tubular portion42that opposes the above end portion of the first tubular portion41in the radial direction. The coupling bottom portion43is provided integrally with the first tubular portion41and the second tubular portion42. An annular insertion groove44is formed by the first tubular portion41, the second tubular portion42, and the coupling bottom portion43. The insertion groove44is open in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33protrude from the opposing portion22.

The coupling portion23includes an expansion/contraction portion45between the insertion portion21and the second tubular portion42. The expansion/contraction portion45is provided to extend from the end portion on the second end21bside in the axial direction X1of the insertion portion21to the end portion on the opposite side in the axial direction X1to the end portion of the second tubular portion42linked to the coupling bottom portion43. Moreover, the expansion/contraction portion45is formed in an annular shape extending in a continuous manner along the circumferential direction. The expansion/contraction portion45surrounds the end portion on the second end21bside in the axial direction X1of the insertion portion21, around the entire circumference thereof.

As shown inFIG.4, the expansion/contraction portion45includes a plurality of first wall portions46inclined relative to the central axis L1, and a plurality of second wall portions47inclined relative to the central axis L1by an angle different from that of the first wall portions46. In the present embodiment, the expansion/contraction portion45includes four first wall portions46and four second wall portions47. Each of the first wall portions46and the second wall portions47is formed in an annular shape. Moreover, in a cross section of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1, the first wall portions46and the second wall portions47are alternately arranged in the radial direction.

Here, the four first wall portions46are referred to as first wall portions46a,46b,46c, and46din order from the innermost side in the radial direction. Also, the four second wall portions47are referred to as second wall portions47a,47b,47c, and47din order from the innermost side in the radial direction. The four first wall portions46and the four second wall portions47are adjacently arranged from the radial inner side outward in the radial direction, in order of the first wall portion46a, the second wall portion47a, the first wall portion46b, the second wall portion47b, the first wall portion46c, the second wall portion47c, the first wall portion46d, and the second wall portion47d. Thus, the second wall portion47ais formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the first wall portion46a. Also, the first wall portion46bis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the second wall portion47a. Similarly, the second wall portion47bis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the first wall portion46b, the first wall portion46cis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the second wall portion47b, the second wall portion47cis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the first wall portion46c, the first wall portion46dis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the second wall portion47c, and the second wall portion47dis formed in an annular shape that is just larger than the first wall portion46d. Note that the internal diameter of the first wall portion46ais the same as the external diameter of the end portion on the second end21bside in the axial direction X1of the insertion portion21. In addition, the external diameter of the second wall portion47dis the same as the internal diameter of the second tubular portion42.

The first wall portions46ato46dare each inclined relative to the central axis L1so as to increase in diameter as the distance from the first end21aincreases along the axial direction X1. On the other hand, the second wall portions47ato47dare each inclined relative to the central axis L1so as to decrease in diameter as the distance from the first end21aincreases along the axial direction X1. In this manner, the direction of inclination of the first wall portions46and the direction of inclination of the second wall portions47are opposite. In addition, regarding a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction, end portions on one side in the axial direction X1or end portions on the other side in the axial direction X1are linked to each other.

The one end portion in the axial direction X1of the first wall portion46apositioned on the innermost side in the radial direction among the first wall portions46and the second wall portions47is linked to the outer circumference surface of the end portion on the second end21bside in the axial direction X1of the insertion portion21. In addition, the one end portion in the axial direction X1of the second wall portion47dpositioned on the outermost side in the radial direction among the first wall portions46and the second wall portions47, in other words, the end portion of the second wall portion47don the opposite side to the first wall portion46dis linked to the inner circumferential surface of the second tubular portion42.

A first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction form an annular pleat portion48extending along the circumferential direction. Specifically, the first wall portion46apositioned on the innermost side in the radial direction and the second wall portion47athat is positioned outward in the radial direction of the first wall portion46aand is adjacent to the first wall portion46ain the radial direction form a pleat portion48a. The first wall portion46aand the second wall portion47aform an annular groove that is open on one side in the axial direction X1, and form an annular protrusion that protrudes on the other side in the axial direction X1, and extends along the circumferential direction. InFIG.4, the first wall portion46aand the second wall portion47aform a groove that is open upward, and form a protrusion that protrudes downward. Therefore, the pleat portion48ais formed in a shape that has a groove extending in the same direction as the protrusion, on the back side of the protrusion. In the present embodiment, a cross section of the pleat portion48acut along a plane that includes the central axis L1, in other words a plane orthogonal to the circumferential direction is V-shaped. In addition, the pleat portion48aextends continuously in a seamless manner along the circumferential direction, and is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21.

Similarly, the first wall portion46band the second wall portion47bthat are adjacent in the radial direction form a pleat portion48bthat is similar to the pleat portion48a. In addition, the first wall portion46cand the second wall portion47cthat are adjacent in the radial direction form a pleat portions48cthat is similar to the pleat portion48a. Furthermore, the first wall portion46dand the second wall portion47dthat are adjacent in the radial direction form a pleat portion48dthat is similar to the pleat portion48a. From the inner side in the radial direction, the pleat portion48a, the pleat portion48b, the pleat portion48c, and the pleat portion48dare arranged adjacently in the radial direction in the stated order. That is to say, in a cross section of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1, the pleat portions48ato48dare arranged adjacently in the radial direction. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the positions of the pleat portions48ato48din the axial direction X1are the same. In addition, in the present embodiment, the widths of the pleat portions48ato48din the axial direction X1are the same.

Moreover, end portions in the axial direction X1of the second wall portion47aand the first wall portion46bthat are adjacent in the radial direction are linked to each other, and thus the pleat portion48aand the pleat portions48bthat are adjacent in the radial direction are provided in a continuous manner. Similarly, end portions in the axial direction X1of the second wall portion47band the first wall portion46cthat are adjacent in the radial direction are linked to each other, and thus the pleat portions48band48cthat are adjacent in the radial direction are provided in a continuous manner. Furthermore, end portions in the axial direction X1of the second wall portion47cand the first wall portion46dthat are adjacent in the radial direction are linked to each other, and thus the pleat portions48cand the pleat portions48dthat are adjacent in the radial direction are provided in a continuous manner. Moreover, the pleat portions48ato48dform a bellows portion49in which the plurality of pleat portions48are connected continuously in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the expansion/contraction portion45is constituted by the bellows portion49.

Configuration of Bracket51

As shown inFIG.2, the grommet20is attached to the vehicle body panel15using a bracket51that is fixed to the vehicle body panel15.

The bracket51is made of a metal plate. The bracket51includes an annular sandwiching portion52, an insertion portion53provided integrally with the sandwiching portion52on the inner peripheral edge of the sandwiching portion52, and a fixing portion54provided integrally with the sandwiching portion52, on the outer peripheral edge of the sandwiching portion52.

The external diameter of the sandwiching portion52is larger than the internal diameter of the insertion hole16. The insertion portion53is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the inner peripheral edge of the sandwiching portion52. The internal diameter of the insertion portion53is larger than the external diameter of the second tubular portion42. In addition, the external diameter of the insertion portion53is smaller than the internal diameter of the first tubular portion41. On the outer peripheral edge portion of the sandwiching portion52, fixing portions54are provided at a plurality of positions distant from each other in the circumferential direction of the sandwiching portion52. In the present embodiment, fixing portions54are respectively provided at two positions on the outer peripheral edge portion of the sandwiching portion52. Moreover, the two fixing portions54are distant from each other in the circumferential direction of the sandwiching portion52at 180°. Fixing holes55extending through the fixing portions54are formed in the fixing portions54, respectively.

Attachment of Grommet20to Vehicle Body Panel15

The same number of bolts56as the number of fixing portions54, namely two bolts56are fixed to portions of the vehicle body panel15near the insertion hole16. The head portions of the bolts56are fixed to the vehicle body panel15through welding or the like. The two bolts56are distant from each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion hole16at 180°.

When the grommet20is attached to the vehicle body panel15, first, the grommet20is disposed on the vehicle body panel15. The grommet20is disposed such that the first tubular portion41is inserted into the insertion hole16, and the opposing portion22opposes a portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16in the axial direction X1. At this time, the sealing portion31comes into contact with the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16. Next, the bracket51is disposed on the vehicle body panel15. The bracket51is disposed on the vehicle body panel15such that the insertion portion53is inserted into the insertion groove44of the grommet20, and the bolts56are respectively inserted into the fixing holes55. Accordingly, the opposing portion22is disposed between the sandwiching portion52and the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16.

Thereafter, nuts57are respectively screwed onto the bolts56, and the bracket51is thereby fixed to the vehicle body panel15. Accordingly, the grommet20is attached to the vehicle body panel15. When the nuts57are tightened, the opposing portion22is sandwiched between the sandwiching portion52and the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16. The nuts57are then tightened until the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33come into intimate contact with the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16, in a liquid-tight manner. Note thatFIG.2shows a state where the nuts57are tightened until immediately before the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33are pressed against the vehicle body panel15.

Operation of the present embodiment will be described.

Due to the first lip portion32and the second lip portion33in intimate contact with the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16, liquid such as water is kept from passing between the grommet20and the portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16.

FIG.5illustrates the grommet20in a state where the wire harness12is displaced in the axial direction X1, in a virtual manner with a dashed double-dotted line. InFIG.5, the insertion portion21illustrated with the dashed double-dotted line moves relative to the opposing portion22so as to separate from the opposing portion22in a direction from the second end21btoward the first end21a, in other words, upward inFIG.5. In this case, as a result of the pleat portions48opening, in other words, the bellows portion49deforming such that each angle formed between a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction increases, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22in the axial direction X1can be absorbed by the bellows portion49. Thus, deformation of the opposing portion22positioned on the outer periphery of the bellows portion49is suppressed. In addition, movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22in the axial direction X1is allowed using the bellows portion49. Note that, also when the insertion portion21moves relative to the opposing portion22in a direction from the first end21atoward the second end21b, in other words, downward inFIG.5, stress caused by such relative movement is similarly absorbed by the bellows portion49.

Also,FIG.6illustrates the grommet20in a state where the wire harness12is inclined relative to the axial direction X1, in other words, the insertion portion21is inclined relative to the axial direction X1, in a virtual manner with a dashed double-dotted line. In this case, as a result of the degree of opening of the pleat portions48changing, in other words, each angle formed between a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction changing, stress caused by inclination of the insertion portion21relative to the axial direction X1can be absorbed by the bellows portion49. Thus, deformation of the opposing portion22is suppressed. In addition, inclination of the insertion portion21relative to the axial direction X1is allowed using the bellows portion49. Note thatFIG.6illustrates a state where the insertion portion21is inclined such that the first end21ais displaced in the right direction relative to the second end21binFIG.6, but, in whichever direction the insertion portion21is inclined relative to the axial direction X1, stress caused by the inclination is similarly allowed using the bellows portion49.

Also,FIG.7illustrates the grommet20in a state where the wire harness12is displaced relative to the opposing portion22in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X1, namely, a direction orthogonal to the central axis L1, in other words, in a state where the insertion portion21is moved relative to the opposing portion22in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X1, in a virtual manner with a dashed double-dotted line. In this case, as a result of the degree of opening of the pleat portions48changing, in other words, each angle formed between a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction changing, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X1can be absorbed by the bellows portion49. Specifically, at a position where the distance between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22in the radial direction is shorter, the bellows portion49deforms such that the pleat portions48close, in other words, each angle formed between a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction decreases. In addition, at a position where the distance between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22in the radial direction is longer, the bellows portion49deforms such that the pleat portions48open, in other words, each angle formed between a first wall portion46and a second wall portion47that are adjacent in the radial direction increases. Thus, deformation of the opposing portion22is suppressed. In addition, movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X1is allowed using the bellows portion49.

Effects of the present embodiment will be described.

(1) The grommet20includes the tubular insertion portion21that covers the outer periphery of the wire harness12that is inserted into the insertion hole16provided in the vehicle body panel15. The grommet20also includes the annular opposing portion22that opposes a portion of the vehicle body panel15surrounding the insertion hole16, and is sandwiched between the vehicle body panel15and the bracket51that is fixed to the vehicle body panel15. Furthermore, the grommet20includes the coupling portion23that couples the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22so as to close a gap between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22. The opposing portion22includes the annular sealing portion31to be in intimate contact with the vehicle body panel15. The coupling portion23includes the plurality of pleat portions48that extend along the circumferential direction of the opposing portion22, and are arranged in the radial direction of the opposing portion22, when viewed from the axial direction X1.

With this configuration, as a result of the plurality of pleat portions48deforming so as to open and close, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22can be absorbed by the coupling portion23that includes the plurality of pleat portions48. Specifically, even when the insertion portion21moves relative to the opposing portion22in the axial direction X1, or the insertion portion21moves relatively in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X1, or the insertion portion21is inclined, stress caused by the relative movement of the insertion portion21can be absorbed by the coupling portion23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion22caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, and thus it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion31. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet20.

(2) The pleat portions48are formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer circumference of the insertion portion21when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21.

With this configuration, in whichever direction the insertion portion21moves around the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22can be absorbed by the coupling portion23that includes the pleat portions48. Therefore, in whichever direction the insertion portion21moves around the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion22, and thus, it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion31. As a result, irrespective of the direction of movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet20. In addition, larger movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22can be allowed using the coupling portion23, and thus it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet20.

(3) The coupling portion23includes the bellows portion49in which the plurality of pleat portions48are connected continuously in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the four pleat portions48that are arranged adjacently in the radial direction constitute the bellows portion49. Thus, in addition to the plurality of pleat portions48deforming so as to open and close, each portion between pleat portions48that are adjacent in the radial direction can deform so as to open and close. Therefore, stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22is more easily absorbed by the coupling portion23that includes the bellows portion49. Thus, it is possible to further suppress deformation of the opposing portion22caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, and thus it is possible to further suppress deformation of the sealing portion31. As a result, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet20. In addition, even larger movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22can be allowed using the coupling portion23, and thus it is possible to further suppress a decrease in water stopping performance.

Moreover, the plurality of pleat portions48that constitute the bellows portion49are arranged adjacently in the radial direction. That is to say, in a cross section of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1, the plurality of pleat portions48are arranged adjacently in the radial direction so as to overlap each other in the radial direction. Thus, compared with a case where a plurality of pleat portions are arranged adjacently so as to be displaced in the axial direction X1, it is possible to suppress the length in the axial direction X1of the bellows portion49according to the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the grommet20in the axial direction X1due to having the plurality of pleat portions48.

(4) The bellows portion49is directly coupled to the insertion portion21. Thus, it is possible to suppress deformation of portions of the grommet20other than the bellows portion49when the insertion portion21moves relative to the opposing portion22.

(5) The wire harness12includes the electric wire12athat is electrically connected to the battery14that is a power source for driving a motor serving as a motive power source for vehicle travel. In addition, the grommet20includes the insertion portion21into which the wire harness12is inserted.

With this configuration, the electric wire12ahas a cross-section area that is large enough to supply a current from the battery14to the motor, and thus the cross-section area of the electric wire12atends to be large. Thus, the wire harness12that includes the electric wire12ais not easily bent. If such a wire harness12is displaced relative to the vehicle body due to an attachment error or the like, it is difficult for such displacement to be absorbed on the wire harness12side through deformation of the wire harness12. Thus, as a result of the insertion portion21into which the wire harness12is inserted being moved relative to the opposing portion22, such displacement is absorbed. In this manner, even if the insertion portion21is moved relative to the opposing portion22due to displacement of the wire harness12, the plurality of pleat portions48deform so as to open and close, and thereby stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22can be absorbed by the coupling portion23that includes the plurality of pleat portions48. Therefore, even when the wire harness12that includes the electric wire12athat is connected to the battery14is inserted into the insertion portion21, it is possible to suppress deformation of the opposing portion22caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22, and thus it is possible to suppress deformation of the sealing portion31. As a result, even if the wire harness12that includes the electric wire12athat is connected to the battery14is inserted into the insertion portion21, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water stopping performance of the grommet20.

(6) The coupling portion23provided between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22does not have a layered structure in the axial direction X1, and is constituted by one piece. Therefore, compared with a case where the coupling portion is constituted by a section that includes a plurality of layers overlapping in the axial direction X1, an increase in the size of the grommet20in the axial direction X1tends to be suppressed, and the grommet20can be easily manufactured. In addition, the coupling portion23that includes the bellows portion49is formed continuously in the circumferential direction in a seamless manner so as to close a gap between the insertion portion21and the opposing portion22. Therefore, the coupling portion23can absorb stress caused by movement of the insertion portion21relative to the opposing portion22while ensuring the water stopping performance of the coupling portion23.

The present embodiment can be changed as follows and carried out. Any combination of the present embodiment and the following modified examples can be made as long as there is no technical contradiction.In the above embodiment, the inverter13and the battery14are used as the electric devices11that are connected by the wire harness12, for example. However, the electric devices11that are connected by the wire harness12are not limited thereto, and any electric devices11that are mounted in the vehicle10may be used. Note that the electric devices11include a battery capable of supplying a voltage lower than that of the battery14(for example, a voltage of about 12 volts), as well as electric devices, control apparatuses, and the like that are supplied with a voltage from the battery. In this manner, the grommet20according to the present disclosure may be mounted to not only a high-voltage harness but also a low-voltage harness.The bellows portion49does not necessarily need to be directly coupled to the insertion portion21. An annular portion extending from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion21to the outer peripheral side may be provided between the inner peripheral edge of the bellows portion49and the insertion portion21, for example. The annular portion is a portion of the coupling portion23, and is provided perpendicularly to the axial direction X1. Moreover, the inner peripheral edge of the bellows portion49is coupled to the outer peripheral edge of the annular portion.The number of pleat portions48constituting the bellows portion49is not limited to four, and any number of pleat portions48may be included as long as there are a plurality of pleat portions48.In the above embodiment, the plurality of pleat portions48are connected continuously in the radial direction, thereby constituting the bellows portion49. However, the plurality of pleat portions48do not necessarily constitute the bellows portion49. Pleat portions48that are adjacent in the radial direction may be coupled to each other by a portion of the coupling portion23that is not formed in a pleat shape, for example.In the above embodiment, the widths of the plurality of pleat portions48in the axial direction X1are the same. However, the widths of the plurality of pleat portions48in the axial direction X1may be different.In the above embodiment, the positions of the plurality of pleat portions48in the axial direction X1are the same. However, as long as the plurality of pleat portions48are arranged adjacently in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction X1, the positions in the axial direction X1may be different. That is to say, the plurality of pleat portions48do not need to be arranged adjacently so as to overlap in the radial direction, in a cross section of the grommet20cut along a plane that includes the central axis L1.In the above embodiment, the coupling portion23includes four pleat portions48. However, the number of pleat portions48of the coupling portion23is not limited to four, and two or more pleat portions48is sufficient.In the above embodiment, the pleat portions48are formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer circumference of the insertion portion21when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21. However, at least one of the plurality of pleat portions48may be formed in an arc extending along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion21, when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21.The shape of the opposing portion22when viewed from the axial direction X1is not limited to a circular shape, and may be any annular shape. The opposing portion22may be annular with the outer shape thereof being elliptical, rounded rectangular (in other words, a race track shape), polygonal, or the like when viewed from the axial direction X1, for example.The shape of the insertion portion21is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any tubular shape. The shape of the insertion portion21may be a tubular shape that is elliptical, rounded rectangular, polygonal, or the like when viewed from the axial direction of the insertion portion21, for example.In the above embodiment, the grommet20includes only one insertion portion21. However, the grommet20may include a plurality of insertion portions21.

The present disclosure encompasses the following aspects. Reference signs of several constituent elements of exemplary embodiments are added, for assistance of understanding, not for limitation. Some of the items described in the following aspects may be omitted, and some of the items described in the aspects may be selected or extracted and combined.

[Supplementary Note 1] Some aspects according to the present disclosure are directed to a grommet (20) including: a tubular sheath (the insertion portion21), through which a wire harness (12) is to be passed, along with a through hole (the insertion hole16) that is open in a vehicle body panel (15),

an annular portion (the opposing portion22) extending along an opening edge of the through hole (18), and including a sealing portion (31) that is sandwiched between the vehicle body panel (15) and a bracket (51) that is fixed to the vehicle body panel (15), and

an annular bellows portion (49) extending between the sheath (21) and the annular portion (22).

[Supplementary Note 2] In some implementation examples, the bellows portion (49) may include a plurality of pleats (the pleat portions48ato48d) that are arranged concentrically with the sheath (21).

[Supplementary Note 3] The plurality of pleats (the pleat portion48ato48d) may have the same cross-sectional shape.

[Supplementary Note 4] In some implementation examples, bend portions (41,42,43) that protrude from an inner peripheral edge of the annular portion (22) into the through hole (16), and are disposed between the annular portion (22) and the bellows portion (49) may be further provided.

[Supplementary Note 5] In some implementation example, the sheath (21) may protrude in an opposite direction to the bend portions (41,42,43).

[Supplementary Note 6] In some implementation examples, the bellows portion (49) may cover the through hole (16).

[Supplementary Note 7] In some implementation examples, the sealing portion (31) may include a double lip (32,33) that comes into intimate contact with one surface of the vehicle body panel (15).

[Supplementary Note 8] In some implementation examples, the sheath (21), the bellows portion (49), and the annular portion (22) may be arranged concentrically with one another.

[Supplementary Note 9] In some implementation examples, the grommet (20) may be an elastic body.

[Supplementary Note 10] In some implementation examples, the sheath (21) and the bellows portion (49) may be elastically deformable on an inner periphery side of the bend portions (41,42,43).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10Vehicle11Electric device12Wire harness12aElectric wire13Inverter (a motor that is connected on the further side thereof corresponds to an example of a motive power source)14Battery (power source)15Vehicle body panel16Insertion hole20Grommet21Insertion portion21aFirst end21bSecond end22Opposing portion23Coupling portion31Sealing portion32First lip portion33Second lip portion41First tubular portion42Second tubular portion43Coupling bottom portion44Insertion groove45Expansion/contraction portion46First wall portion46ato46dFirst wall portion47Second wall portion47ato47dSecond wall portion48Pleat portion48ato48dPleat portion49Bellows portion51Bracket52Sandwiching portion53Insertion portion54Fixing portion55Fixing hole56Bolt57NutL1Central axisX1Axial direction