[Name of the invention]

GROMMET APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention discloses a grommet apparatus for vehicles.

[Technology behind the invention]

[0003] In general, vehicles are equipped with complex and sophisticated devices and accessories. Cable units such as wire harnesses are used to supply electrical signals or power required for driving these devices and accessories.

[0004] Grommets are mounted on a body panel that divides the engine room and the interior space. Grommets support a cable unit that penetrates the panel, while blocking the noise and foreign substances generated from the engine room from entering the interior space.

[0005] However, conventional grommets are easily detached from the panel of the vehicle body when the cable unit undergoes excessive angle changes. Thus, foreign substances such as moisture and dust can easily enter the interior space, as there is no means of blocking foreign substances from entering the cable unit.

[0006] The background technology of this invention is disclosed in the Korean patent publication no. 10-1335080 (registered on November 25, 2013, name of the invention: grommets for wire harness).

[Content of the invention]

[Technical problem to be solved by the present invention]

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a grommet apparatus for vehicles with enhanced binding force with panels and blocking performance against foreign substances.

[Solution to the technical problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a grommet apparatus for vehicles comprises: a body part fixed to a panel of a vehicle body; an insertion part extending to both sides of said body part and into which a cable unit is inserted; and a sealing part extending from said insertion part and preventing foreign substances from entering the gap between said insertion part and said cable unit.

Furthermore,

[0011] Said sealing part comprises sealing members protruding from the inner circumferential surface of said insertion part toward the outer circumferential surface of said cable unit.

[0012] Said sealing members are provided to be elastically deformable.

[0013] Said sealing members extend to form a closed curve along the circumferential direction of said insertion part.

[0014] A plurality of said sealing members are disposed spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of said insertion part.

[0015] Said sealing members are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of said insertion part.

[0016] Said sealing members are inclined in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of said cable unit.

[0017] It also comprises a support member that is installed deformably between said body part and said insertion part. It is linked to the angle change of said cable unit, and thus changes the installation angle of said insertion part.

[0018] In addition, said support members comprise a first support member that is connected to the outer circumferential surface of said insertion part and extends toward one end of said insertion part; a second support member that extends from said first support member toward the other end of said insertion part and is connected to the inner circumferential surface of said body part.

[0019] Furthermore, a first support member and a second support member extend at predetermined angles to the outer circumferential surface of said insertion part and the inner circumferential surface of said body part, respectively.

[0020] It also comprises a reinforcement part that is provided between said body part and said support part, which limits the deformation range of said support part. [0021] In addition, said reinforcement part includes a plurality of reinforcement members disposed spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the circumference of said support part.

[Effect of the invention]

[0023] A grommet apparatus for vehicles disclosed in this invention has a sealing member on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion part protruding toward the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit. Therefore, it more reliably blocks foreign substances from entering the gap between the insertion part and the cable unit.

[0024] Furthermore, sealing members are inclined at a predetermined angle in the radial direction of the insertion part in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the cable unit. When cables are inserted, sealing members have larger deformation so that they adhere better to the cable units.

[0025] In addition, reinforcement members prevent damages to the support part or prevent deviation of the body part from the panel hole as they limit excessive deformation of the support part caused by angle changes of the cable unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] FIG. 1 is an installation state diagram schematically illustrating an installation state of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention at a different time point than Figure 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a fixed part according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 through 10 are diagrams schematically illustrating an assembly process of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Details for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a grommet apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] In this process, it should be noted that line thickness or component sizes illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described later are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or practice of the user and the operator. Therefore, the definition of these terms should be based on the content throughout this entire specification.

[0030] In addition, in this specification, when a part is "connected (or joined)" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected (or joined)", but also "indirectly connected (or joined)" with another component in between. In the present specification, when a part "includes (or comprises)" a component, this means that other components may be further "included (or comprised)" rather than excluding the other components unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0031] Furthermore, identical reference numerals throughout this specification may refer to the same component. Identical reference numerals or similar reference numerals may be described based on other drawings, even if they have not been mentioned or described in a specific drawing. In addition, even if specific drawings have parts not marked with reference numerals, these parts can be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, details of components included in drawings of this application such as number, shape, size and relative differences are provided for convenience of understanding and do not limit embodiments which can be implemented in various forms.

[0032] FIG. 1 is an installation diagram schematically showing the installation status of a grommet apparatus for vehicles, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles, FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles at a different time point than Figure 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a grommet apparatus for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a grommet apparatus for vehicles (1) according to an embodiment of this invention comprises a body part (100), an insertion part (200), a support part (300), a reinforcement part (400), and a sealing part (500).

[0034] The panel (P) described below may be illustrated as a partition wall that separates the engine room from the interior space of the vehicle. In addition, a panel hole (H), through which the cable unit (C) penetrates to supply power to various types of electronic devices installed inside the vehicle, is formed in the panel (P).

[0035] A body part (100) forms an overall outline of the appearance of the grommet apparatus for vehicles (1) and supports an insertion part (200), a support part (300), a reinforcement part (400), and a sealing part (500) as a whole. A body part (100) is fixed to the panel (P) that divides the engine room and the interior space of the vehicle, and more specifically, is fixed to a panel hole (H) formed in the panel (P).

[0036] A body part (100) according to one embodiment of this invention can be formed to have a conical shape, in which the diameter gradually decreases toward the front (left side based on Fig. 4). A body part (100) has a hollow structure open on both front and rear sides. A fixed part (110) is formed at the rear of a body part (100) (right side based on FIG. 4) to fix the body part (100) to the panel hole (H) formed in the panel (P).

[0037] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a fixed part.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a fixed part (110) according to an embodiment of this invention comprises a fixed groove (111), a first flange (112), and a second flange (H3).

[0039] A fixed groove (111) is concavely recessed into the body part (100), and the edge of the inner circumferential surface of the panel hole (H) is inserted into the fixed groove. A fixed groove (111) is formed to have a shape of a groove that is concavely recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the body (100) to the inner radial direction of the body (100). A fixed groove (111) may be extended in the circumferential direction of the body part (100) to have an approximate shape of a ring. The width of the fixed groove (111) is formed to have a size corresponding to the thickness of the panel (P) so that the inner circumferential edge of the panel hole (H) may be inserted into the fixed groove.

[0040] A first flange (112) and a second flange (113) extend from the body part (100), and as the inner circumferential edge of the panel hole (H) is inserted into the fixed groove (111), they adhere to both sides of the panel (10), respectively. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first flange (112) and a second flange (113) may be formed to have a protrusion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the body (100) in the radial direction of the body part (100). A first flange (112) and a second flange (113) are arranged with a fixed groove (111) between them, while facing each other with their inner surfaces spaced apart at predetermined intervals between them. A first flange (112) and a second flange (113) are in contact with both sides of the panel (P) as the inner circumferential edge of the panel hole (H) is inserted into the fixed groove (111). A first flange (112) and a second flange (113) are formed to be elastically deformable. In this case, ends of a first flange (112) and a second flange (113) may be inclined toward the inside of a fixed groove (111). Accordingly, a first flange (112) and a second flange (113) can, by means of their own elastic restoring force, adhere to both sides of the panel (P) to block foreign substances such as moisture and dust from entering into the gap between the body part (100) and the panel hole (H).

[0041] An insertion part (200) extends to both sides of the body part (100), where cable units (C) are inserted therein. An insertion part (200) may be installed in the body part (100) to adjust an angle through a support part (300), which will be described later. Thus, an insertion part (200) firmly supports the cable unit (C) penetrating the panel hole (H), and at the same time, the installation angle to the body part (100) can be freely changed depending on the extension angle of the cable unit (C).

[0042] An insertion part (200) may be formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape. An insertion part (200) is installed inside the body part (100), and the central axis is placed to be coaxial with the central axis of the body part (100). An insertion part (200) is positioned such that its outer circumferential surface is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the body part (100). Accordingly, an insertion part (200) may provide a space in which a support part (300), which will be described later, may be installed between an insertion part (200) and the body part (100). Both ends of the insertion part (200) pass through the panel hole (H) and protrude toward the front and rear of the body part (100), respectively. Thus, both ends of the insertion part (200) are located in different spaces in which both ends are partitioned by the panel (P), respectively. The inner diameter of an insertion part (200) may correspond to the outer diameter of the cable unit (C) or may be formed to have a smaller size than the outer diameter of the cable unit (C). In this case, an insertion part (200) may be formed of an elastically deformable material. Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of an insertion part (200) can first block the entry of foreign substances such as moisture and dust by adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C) inserted inside the insertion part (200), while preventing the cable unit (C) from moving in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (200).

[0043] A support part (300) is installed between the body part (100) and the insertion part (200) and connects the body part (100) and the insertion part (200) that are positioned to be spaced apart from each other. A support part (300) is formed to be elastically deformable and is linked to the changing angles of the cable unit (C) to vary the installation angle of the insertion part (200). Accordingly, a support part (300) absorbs the external force generated when the angle of the cable unit (C) or the vehicle vibrates by its own elastic deformation to prevent the body part (100) from being separated from the panel hole (H). A support part (300) may be formed to have a thickness thinner than that of the body part (100) to facilitate elastic deformation.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support part (300) comprises a first support member (310) and a second support member (320).

[0045] A first support member (310) forms the outer appearance of one side of the support part (300) and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part (200). A first support member (310) may be formed as a film extending from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part (200) toward one end (the right end of FIG. 4) of the insertion part (200). A first support member (310) extends at a predetermined angle with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion part (200). More specifically, a first support member (310) is formed so that the gap between its inner end and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion part (200) gradually increases toward one end of the insertion part (200). Accordingly, a first support member (310) may prevent interference with the insertion part (200) when the angle of the insertion part (200) is changed. A first support member (310) is formed to surround the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion part (200) as a whole.

[0046] A second support member (320) forms the outer appearance of the other side of the support part (300) and is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the body part (100). According to an embodiment of this invention, a second support member (320) may be formed as a film extending from an end part of the first support member (310) toward the other end (the left end part based on FIG. 4) of the insertion part (200). A second support member (320) extends at a predetermined angle with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the body part (100). More specifically, a second support member (320) is formed so that the gap between its outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the body (100) gradually decreases toward the other end of the insertion part (200). In this case, a first support member (310) and a second support member (320) are formed to form a cross-sectional shape having an approximate "U" or a "V" shape. Accordingly, a second support member (320) may provide a space in which a reinforcement part (400) may be installed between the second support member (320) and the body part (100), which will be described later. A second support member (320) is formed to surround the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the body part (100) as a whole.

[0047] A reinforcement part (400) is located between a body part (100) and a support part (300), and reinforces the rigidity of the support part (300) by limiting the deformation range of the support part (300). In other words, a reinforcement part (400) prevents the support part (300) from being damaged or the body part (100) from being detached from the panel hole (H) by restricting the deformation of the support part (300) when the angle of the cable unit (C) changes.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, a reinforcement part (400) includes a reinforcement member (410).

[0049] A reinforcement member (410) may be formed in the shape of a rib in which both sides are integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the body part (100) and the outer circumferential surface of a second support member (320). A plurality of reinforcement members (410) may be provided and placed at regular intervals along the circumference of the support part (300). Accordingly, a plurality of reinforcement members (410) may limit the deformation range of the support part (300) in all deformation directions of the support part (300). A reinforcement member (410) can be made from elastic materials such as rubber or silicone that allow for elastic deformation. Accordingly, a reinforcement member (410) linearly adjusts the magnitude of the elastic force applied to the support part (300) in proportion to the amount of deformation of the support part (300) effectively, thereby inducing smooth deformation of the support part (300) for small deformation range and effectively limiting deformation of the support part (300) for large deformation range. [0050] A sealing part (500) extends from the insertion part (200) and blocks foreign substances such as moisture and dust from entering the gap between the insertion part (200) and the cable unit (C). Accordingly, a sealing part (500) may prevent damages to electronic devices that might be caused by foreign substances.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, a sealing part (500) may comprise a sealing member (510).

[0051] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a sealing member.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, a sealing member (510) may be formed to have a protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the insertion part (200). A sealing member (510) extends to form a closed curve along the circumferential direction of the insertion part (200). A sealing member (510) is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C) of which the end is inserted into the insertion part (200). In this case, sealing members (510) can be made from elastic materials such as rubber or silicon that allow for elastic deformation. Accordingly, a sealing member (510) can adhere to the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C) preventing foreign substances such as moisture and dust from penetrating into the gap between the insertion part (200) and the cable unit (C). A plurality of sealing members (510) may be provided and disposed spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (200). Accordingly, a sealing member (510) may secure multiple blocking points of foreign substances in the longitudinal direction of the cable unit (C).

[0054] A sealing member (510) is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the insertion part (200). More specifically, a sealing member (510) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the insertion part (200) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (A) of the cable unit (C). Accordingly, when the cable unit (C) is inserted, the sealing member (510) interferes with the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C) and is deformed in a direction opposite to the initial arranged direction, thereby increasing the size of the deformation, and strongly adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C).

[0055] Hereinafter, an assembly process and an operation of a grommet apparatus for vehicles (1) will be described in detail. [0056] FIGS. 7 through 10 are diagrams schematically illustrating an assembly process of a grommet apparatus for vehicles.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, a body part (100) is inserted into the panel hole (H) with the front of the inclined surface (upward based on FIG. 7) positioned to face the panel (P).

[0058] As the body part (100) is inserted into the panel hole (H) by a predetermined distance or more, the edge of the inner circumferential surface of the panel hole (H) is inserted into the fixed groove (111).

[0059] A first flange (112) and a second flange (113) facing each other at a predetermined distance with the fixed groove (111) between them, are attached to both sides of the panel (10) respectively. In this case, a first flange (112) and a second flange (113) are elastically deformed parallel to the panel (10), and can be firmly attached to both sides of the panel (10) due to their own elastic restoring force.

[0060] Thereafter, a cable unit (C) is inserted into the insertion part (200).

[0061] A insertion part (200) primarily prevents cable units (C) from moving by adhering its inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C), and at the same time, prevents foreign substances from entering the gap between the cable unit (C).

[0062] While the cable unit (C) is inserted into the insertion part (200), a sealing member (510)that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the insertion part (200). opposite to the insertion direction (A) of the cable unit (C) is deformed toward the insertion direction (A) of the cable unit (C) as the sealing member (510) interferes with the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C).

[0063] Finally, a sealing member (510) blocks foreign substances from entering the gap between the cable unit (C) and the insertion part (200) by adhering closely to the outer circumferential surface of the cable unit (C) as it has an elastic restoring force proportional to the amount of deformation.

[0064] After that, when the angle of the cable unit (C) changes according to the location of the electronic device and the vibration of the vehicle, the installation angle of the insertion part (200) changes to the body part (100) along with the cable unit (C). [0065] A support part (300) absorbs the changes of the insertion part (200) with its own elastic deformation.

[0066] When a support part (300) is excessively deformed out of a certain range, a reinforcement member (410) limits the deformation range of the support part (300) by adding an elastic restoring force in a direction that offsets the deformation of a support part (300).

[0067] This invention has been described in regard to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is only one example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible.

[0068] Therefore, the scope of the technical protection of this invention should be determined by the following patent claims.

[Explanation of reference numerals]

[0070]

1 : Grommet apparatus for vehicles

100: Body part

110: Fixed part

111: Fixed groove

112: First flange

113: Second flange

200: Insertion part

300: Support part

310: First support member

320: Second support member

400: Reinforcement part

410: Reinforcement member

500: Sealing part 510: Sealing member

P : Panel

H : Panel Hole

C : Cable unit