JP3977092B2

JP3977092B2 - Grommet and connector using the same

Info

Publication number: JP3977092B2
Application number: JP2002028395A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 利行橋本
Original assignee: Furukawa Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Furukawa Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-09
Filing date: 2002-02-05
Publication date: 2007-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-05
Also published as: JP2003079033A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、隔壁の貫通部において電気接続を行うコネクタを前記貫通部に保持するグロメット及び前記貫通部にワイヤハーネスを挿通する際に貫通保持するグロメット及びこれを用いたコネクタに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、車両のエンジンルーム内のワイヤハーネスと室内のワイヤハーネスとを接続するに当たって、作業者がエンジンルームと室内とを画成する隔壁としてのダッシュパネルに穿設された貫通孔を通してハーネスを貫通させ、コネクタの接続作業を行っていた。しかしながら、複数のコネクタを順次貫通配索して貫通孔にグロメットを装着した後室内側で接続作業を行うために作業工数が多く、しかも作業がし難いために作業性が悪い。
【０００３】
そこで、ダッシュパネルに穿設された貫通孔の一側例えば、室内側に第１のコネクタを待ち受け配置し、エンジンルーム側に配置した第２のコネクタにグロメットを装着し、前記第２コネクタを貫通孔に挿入したときにグロメットが貫通孔に装着されて塞ぎ、第２のコネクタが待ち受けている第１のコネクタに結合するようにしたもの（コネクタの取付構造）がある（特願2000-348100）。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記コネクタの取付構造は、グロメットの弾性に抗して縮径させながら貫通孔に押し込めて装着するようにしているために力を必要とし、また、作業性が悪いという問題がある。
本発明は、上述の点に鑑みてなされたもので、隔壁に設けられた貫通部に容易に取り付けることができ、且つ貫通孔を挿通して接続されるコネクタを確実に保持することができるグロメット及び前記貫通部にワイヤハーネスを挿通する際に当該ワイヤハーネスを貫通保持するグロメット及びこれを用いたコネクタを提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明では、隔壁の一側に配置される第１のコネクタに、前記隔壁の一側から他側に貫通し縁部が前記他側に筒状に立ち上がるバーリング穴からなる貫通孔を通して結合する、前記隔壁の他側に配置される第２のコネクタを、前記貫通孔に取り付けるグロメットであって、
前記グロメットは、
（Ｉ）弾性部材で形成され、
（ＩＩ）前記第２のコネクタに外嵌装着される内殻筒体部と、前記バーリング穴の縁部に装着される外殻筒体部とが、それら筒体部間に環状空間部を設けるように、同心的に形成され、
（ＩＩＩ）前記内殻筒体部と外殻筒体部の略先端とが前記環状空間部内で全周に亘って薄肉で可撓性のある材料からなる連設部で接続され、
（ＩＶ）前記外殻筒体部は、前記バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒と、基端が前記外筒の基端に連設され、前記隔壁の他側から前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、先端が貫通して前記バーリング穴の一側周縁に当接係止される内筒とから構成され、
（Ｖ）前記内殻筒体部が前記他側に引っ張られ、または折り返されたときに、前記内筒が前記連設部を介して縮径されることに伴い、前記外筒と内筒との間の溝部が拡開されて、前記内筒が前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、しかる後前記内殻筒体部をバーリング穴の前記一側方向に戻して、拡開されていた前記溝部を閉じることにより、前記内筒が前記バーリング穴の一側周縁に当接係止される
ことを特徴とする。
【０００６】
請求項１の発明では、前記外殻筒体部は、前記バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒と、基端が前記外筒の基端に連設され、前記隔壁の他側から前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、先端が貫通して前記バーリング穴の一側周縁に当接係止され、前記内殻筒体部が前記他側に引っ張られたときに前記連設部を介して縮径される内筒とから成ることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
請求項１の発明では、前記外殻筒体部は、前記バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒と、基端が前記外筒の基端に連設され、先端が縮径されて前記外筒の基端側に折り返され、前記内殻筒体部が前記一側に押されたときに前記連設部を介して拡径して前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、先端が貫通して前記バーリング穴の一側周縁に当接係止される内筒とから成ることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項２発明では、前記内筒の先端は、バーリング穴周縁に当接する基端が前記バーリング穴よりも僅かに大径とされ先端に向かって縮径し、一部が縮径自在な薄肉とされていることを特徴とする。請求項３の発明では、前記外筒の内周面に前記バーリング穴の縁部外周面に全周に亘り圧接する環状の凸条が設けられていることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項４の発明では、前記連設部に前記内殻筒体部と同心的に環状の断面略半円形状の凸部が設けられていることを特徴とする。請求項５の発明では、前記内殻筒体部の基端側外周に同心的に遮音部材が設けられていることを特徴とする。請求項６の発明では、前記遮音部材は、前記外殻筒体部の内径よりも僅かに大径の円筒形状をなす弾性部材で形成されていることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
請求項７の発明では、前記遮音部材は、前記第１及び第２のコネクタが嵌合されるときに前記外殻筒体部の基端側に内嵌して外周面が前記外殻筒体部の内周面に圧接することを特徴とする。請求項８の発明では、隔壁に形成された貫通孔を貫通するワイヤハーネスを貫通保持するグロメットであって、前記貫通孔は、穴の縁部が筒状に立ち上がるバーリング穴とされ、前記グロメットは、弾性部材で形成され、前記ワイヤハーネスに外嵌装着される内殻筒体部と、前記バーリング穴の縁部に装着される外殻筒体部とが同心的に形成され、前記内殻筒体部と外殻筒体部の略先端とが全周に亘って連設部で接続されていることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
すなわち、請求項８の発明では、前記隔壁の一側から他側に貫通し縁部が前記他側に筒状に立ち上がるバーリング穴からなる貫通孔を貫通するワイヤハーネスを貫通保持するグロメットであって、
前記グロメットは、
（Ｉ）弾性部材で形成され、
（ＩＩ）前記ワイヤハーネスに外嵌装着される内殻筒体部と、前記バーリング穴の縁部に装着される外殻筒体部とが、それら筒体部間に環状空間部を設けるように、同心的に形成され、
（ＩＩＩ）前記内殻筒体部と外殻筒体部の略先端とが前記環状空間部内で全周に亘って薄肉で可撓性のある材料からなる連設部で接続され、
（ＩＶ）前記外殻筒体部は、前記バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒と、基端が前記外筒の基端に連設され、前記隔壁の一側から前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、先端が貫通して前記バーリング穴の他側周縁に当接係止される内筒とから構成され、
（Ｖ）前記内殻筒体部が前記一側に引っ張られ、または折り返されたときに、前記内筒が前記連設部を介して縮径されることに伴い、前記外筒と内筒との間の溝部が拡開されて、前記内筒が前記バーリング穴に内嵌し、しかる後前記内殻筒体部をバーリング穴の前記他側方向に戻して、拡開されていた前記溝部を閉じることにより、前記内筒が前記バーリング穴の他側周縁に当接係止される
ことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項９の発明では、前記内筒の先端は、バーリング穴周縁に当接する基端が前記バーリング穴よりも僅かに大径とされ先端に向かって縮径し、一部が縮径自在な薄肉とされていることを特徴とする。請求項１０の発明では、前記外筒の内周面に前記バーリング穴の縁部外周面に全周に亘り圧接する環状の凸条が設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項１１の発明では、隔壁の一側に配置される第１のコネクタと、前記隔壁の他側に配置され前記隔壁の貫通孔を通して結合する第２のコネクタと、請求項１乃至９のグロメットを用いたコネクタであって、前記第１又は第２の何れか一方のコネクタは、前記第１又は第２の何れか他方のコネクタが挿入する開口端が略テーパ状に拡開してガイドとされ、前記ガイドの内面に開口端から軸方向に延びる位置合わせ凹部が周方向に複数設けられ、前記他方のコネクタは、外周面に前記各位置合わせ凹部と夫々係合して前記一方のコネクタのガイドの先端から嵌合位置に導かれるガイドリブが軸方向に沿って設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項１２の発明では、前記位置合わせ凹部は、軸方向に延びるガイド溝と、前記ガイドの周方向に所定範囲に亘り形成され、先端が前記ガイドの先端に開口し、基端が前記ガイド溝に連設され、前記ガイドリブを前記ガイド溝に導くテーパ部とから成ることを特徴とする。請求項１３の発明では、隔壁の一側に配置される第１のコネクタと、前記隔壁の他側に配置され前記隔壁の貫通孔を通して結合する第２のコネクタと、請求項１乃至７のグロメットを用いたコネクタであって、前記第２のコネクタは、前記第１のコネクタとの嵌合方向に貫設され途中に係止部３ｆが突設された孔３ｅと、前記孔３ｅに軸方向に摺動可能に挿入され、先端が前記係止部３ｆと係合可能とされ、前記第１のコネクタに結合されたときに基端が前記孔３ｅの後端から突出する嵌合検知レバーを備え、前記第１のコネクタは、前記第２のコネクタが結合されたときに前記嵌合検知レバーの先端を押動する突起が設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項１４の発明では、請求項１３に記載のコネクタは、前記第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの間にこれらが結合したときにロックするロック手段が更に設けられ、前記嵌合検知レバーは、後端が前記第１、第２のコネクタが結合して突出した位置から更に引き出されたときに前記ロックを解除することを特徴とする。
【００１６】
第１のコネクタは、隔壁の一側に貫通部に臨んで配置されて待受側コネクタとされる。第２のコネクタは、グロメットの内殻筒体部に装着保持され、隔壁の貫通部の他側に配置される。第２コネクタ及びグロメットをバーリング穴に挿入するときに第２コネクタを第１コネクタと反対方向に引っ張ると内筒先端が縮径し、この状態でバーリング穴に内筒貫通させ、貫通後コネクタ同士を結合ロックさせる。このとき前記内筒が元の径に復帰してグロメットが隔壁に押し付けられる。これにより、コネクタが隔壁に保持される。
【００１７】
第２のコネクタは、第１のコネクタとの嵌合部がバーリング穴を貫通して待ち受けている第１のコネクタと結合し、グロメットがバーリング穴に装着されてバーリング穴を閉塞する。これにより、第１、第２のコネクタがバーリング穴を通して結合され、外筒の凸条がバーリング穴の縁部外周面に圧接し、隔壁の両側がグロメットの連設部により塞がれて止水される。
【００１８】
グロメットは、内殻筒体部が外殻筒体部と連設部により接続されていることで第２のコネクタがバーリング穴に対して半径方向及び軸方向に変位可能とされ、第１のコネクタがバーリング穴に対して半径方向、或いは第２のコネクタとの結合方向にズレて取り付けられていても、取付誤差が吸収されて第２のコネクタを第１のコネクタに結合することが可能となる。更に、連設部により第２のコネクタが隔壁から縁切りされた状態となり、隔壁からの振動によるストレスが吸収されて第２のコネクタに伝達されなくなる。
【００１９】
また、内筒と外筒とを連設する連設部が縮径されて外筒の基端側に折り返され、内筒の先端が外筒の基端側に位置していることで、グロメットをバーリング穴に装着する際に外筒をバーリング穴の縁部に外嵌して内筒を押し出すことで、グロメットをバーリング穴に簡単に装着することができる。
グロメットの連設部に同心的に設けられた環状の断面略半円形状の凸部は、第１コネクタと隔壁との距離の関係でグロメットの連設部の長さを十分に確保できないときでも係止部の縮径を保持することができる。
【００２０】
グロメットは、遮音部材により隔壁のバーリング穴を介して伝達される騒音を遮断することが可能となり、グロメットの内殻筒体部と外殻筒体部との間に隙間無く確実に装着することができ、遮音性の向上が図られる。また、遮音部材は、第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの結合完了と同時に装着が完了し、作業性が向上する。また、コネクタの嵌合保持により遮音部材がずれたり脱落することがなく、遮音性に影響を及ぼすことがない。
【００２１】
隔壁のバーリング穴を挿通するワイヤハーネスは、グロメットの内殻筒体部に貫通保持される。グロメットをバーリング穴に挿入するときにワイヤハーネスを引っ張ると内筒先端が縮径し、この状態でバーリング穴に内筒貫通させる。このとき前記内筒が元の径に復帰してグロメットが隔壁に押し付けられる。これにより、グロメットが隔壁に保持される。グロメットは、外筒の凸条がバーリング穴の縁部外周面に圧接し、隔壁の両側がグロメットの連設部により塞がれて止水される。
【００２２】
第１のコネクタは、隔壁の一側に開口端が当該隔壁の貫通孔に向けて配置され、グロメットが装着された第２のコネクタは、前記隔壁の他側に配置され、何れか他方のコネクタの各ガイドリブが、何れか一方のコネクタのテーパ状に拡開する開口端の対応する各位置合わせ凹部と対向する。位置合わせ凹部は、ガイド溝の両側に周方向に所定範囲に亘りテーパ部が広がることで、これらのテーパ部の範囲内に前記ガイドリブを取り込むことが可能となる。
【００２３】
この状態において隔壁のバーリング穴にグロメットを装着し、第２のコネクタを第１のコネクタに向けて押し込むと、ガイドリブの先端が位置合わせ凹部のテーパ部のテーパ面を摺動してガイド溝に導かれる。これにより、第２のコネクタは、上下左右方向及び周方向に調芯されて前記第１のコネクタとの結合が可能となる。第２のコネクタを更に押し込むことで、第１のコネクタ２に円滑に結合される。
【００２４】
第１、第２のコネクタの結合（嵌合）が完了すると、嵌合検知レバーの基端が押し出され、作業者は、これら両コネクタの結合が完了したことを容易に検知することができ、コネクタの結合したことの確認が容易となる。
第１、第２のコネクタが結合（嵌合）すると、ロック手段によりこれら両者が固定され、結合状態が確実に確保される。コネクタの結合を解除するときには、作業者が嵌合検知レバーの基端を持って引き出すと、前記ロックが解除される。これにより、コネクタの結合を簡単に解除することができる。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明の実施の形態を図面により説明する。
（第１の実施形態）
図１は、本発明に係るグロメットの第１の実施形態を適用したコネクタの実施例を示し、コネクタを分離した状態の断面図である。図において、コネクタ１は、第１のコネクタとしての雄コネクタ２と、第２のコネクタとしての雌コネクタ３と、グロメット４とにより構成されている。尚、図において雄コネクタ２の複数の雄端子及び各雄端子に接続されるワイヤハーネス、雌コネクタ３の前記複数の雄端子と夫々接続する複数の雌端子及び各雌端子に接続されるワイヤハーネスは、省略してある。このコネクタ１は、例えば、車両のエンジンルームと車室とを画成する隔壁としてのダッシュパネル５に穿設された貫通孔５ａを通して前記エンジンルーム側から室内側に配索されるワイヤハーネスの接続部とされる。
【００２６】
ダッシュパネル５の貫通孔５ａは、バーリング穴（以下「バーリング穴５ａ」という）とされており、縁部５ｂが板面５ｃからエンジンルーム側に略直角に立ち上がって例えば、円筒状に形成されている。この縁部５ｂは、グロメット４との嵌合部とされる。
雄コネクタ２は、例えば、円筒形状をなし、先端側の開口部２ａ内に前記複数の雄端子が突設されており、開口端２ｃが略テーパ状に拡開して雌コネクタ３と結合する際の調芯ガイドとされている。また、開口部２ａの端面近傍の壁面には内方に突出する係止爪２ｄ、２ｄが対向して設けられている。この雄コネクタ２は、基端部２ｂが例えば、車両の室内側のインパネ（図示せず）に固定される。
【００２７】
雌コネクタ３は、雄コネクタ２と対応する円筒形状をなし、先端部３ａが雄コネクタ２の開口部２ａに嵌合可能とされ、外周面の先端近傍に雄コネクタ２の係止爪２ｄ、２ｄと対応する位置に係止凹部３ｃ、３ｃが設けられており、基端部３ｂ近傍の外周面に全周に亘り環状に係合用の凸条３ｄが設けられている。そして、雄コネクタ２の係止爪２ｄ、２ｄと雌コネクタ３の係止凹部３ｃ、３ｃは、雌コネクタ３の先端部３ａが雄コネクタ２の開口部２ａに嵌合してこれら雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とが完全に結合した状態において、係合可能とされている。尚、各係止爪２ｄは、両側の係止面が略対称の傾斜面を有する山形形状とされており、雄・雌ハーフロックとされる。この雌コネクタ３は、防水ブーツ付端子が使用され、基端部３ｂ側からコネクタ内への雨水の浸入が防止される。
【００２８】
グロメット４は、雌コネクタ３に外嵌装着される内殻筒体部としての内殻円筒部４ａと、バーリング穴５ａに装着される外殻筒体部としての外殻円筒部４ｂとが環状空間４ｃを存して同心的に配置され、内殻円筒部４ａの一部例えば、先端と外殻円筒部４ｂの先端とが全周に亘り連設部４ｄにより連設されて一体に形成されている。このグロメット４は、弾性及び耐水性を有する部材例えば、ゴム部材で形成されている。
【００２９】
内殻円筒部４ａは、内径が雌コネクタ３の外径よりも僅かに小径とされ、内周面略中央に雌コネクタ３の係合用の凸条３ｄが嵌合する環状溝４ｅが設けられている。外殻円筒部４ｂは、バーリング穴５ａに内嵌する内筒４ｆと、バーリング穴５ａの縁部５ｂに外嵌する外筒４ｈとからなる。内筒４ｆは、薄肉とされており、外周面がバーリング穴５ａの内周面に密接可能、且つ半径方向内方に容易に変形可能とされ、先端が係止部４ｇとされてバーリング穴５ａの開口端周縁部の板面５ｄに当接して係止可能とされている。係止部４ｇは、バーリング穴５ａよりも僅かに大径とされ、且つ基端側から先端に向かって縮径する略円錐台形状をなし、先端がバーリング穴５ａと略同径又は僅かに小径とされている。
【００３０】
図１、図３及び図４に示すように係止部４ｇの外周面には、切欠４ｉが周方向に沿って等間隔で複数設けられている。切欠４ｉは、基端側から先端に向かって略三角形状に広がり（図３、図４）、半径方向内方に向かって略直角三角形状に切り欠かれて底面が薄肉とされている（図１、図２）。これらの切欠４ｉは、係止部４ｇを縮径可能としてバーリング穴５ａに容易に貫通させるためのものである。
【００３１】
外筒４ｈは、バーリング穴５ａよりも大径とされ、基端部が内筒４ｆの基端部に連設され、内周面４ｊが縁部５ｂの外周面に密接可能とされ、前端面がバーリング穴５ａの周縁部の板面５ｃに幅広く密着して防水性を向上させる機能を有している。内周面４ｊには、周方向に沿って凸条４ｋが環状に形成されている。この凸条４ｋは、軸方向に間隔を存して複数例えば、２条設けられている。これらの凸条４ｋの内径は、縁部５ｂの外径よりも僅かに小径とされて縁部５ｂの外周面に弾性的に圧接して両者間を液密に封止する。
【００３２】
連設部４ｄは、内側周縁部が内殻円筒部４ａの先端外周縁に全周に亘り連設され、当該内殻円筒部４ａの外周面と僅かな間隔を存して軸方向に基端側に延び、基端近傍で外側に拡開しながら半円形状の曲面をなして先端側に曲がり、外殻円筒部４ｂの内周面と僅かな間隙を存して先端側に延び、外側周縁部が外殻円筒部４ｂの先端内周縁に全周に亘り連設されている。この連設部４ｄは、薄肉とされており、軸方向及び径方向に変形自在とされている。そして、連設部４ｄは、内殻円筒部４ａと外殻円筒部４ｂとの間の環状空間４ｃを閉塞して、当該グロメット４の先端側と基端側との間を液密に画成する。
【００３３】
以下にコネクタ１のダッシュパネルへの取付操作を説明する。
図５（ａ）に示すように雄コネクタ２は、基端部２ｂがインパネ（図示せず）に固定されてダッシュパネル５の室内側（一側）に配置され、且つ開口部２ａがバーリング穴５ａと対向して配置されて待受側コネクタとされる。雌コネクタ３は、グロメット４の内殻円筒部４ａに内嵌され、環状の凸条３ｄが環状溝４ｅに嵌合して固定される。内殻円筒部４ａは、雄コネクタ２と結合する先端部３ａを残して基端部３ｂの略全体に装着される。内殻円筒部４ａの内径は、雌コネクタ３の外径よりも僅かに小径とされていることで雌コネクタ３の外周面に弾性を有して密着し、且つ環状の凸条３ｄと環状溝４ｅとが嵌合していることで、これら両者間が完全に止水される。このようにして雌コネクタ３にグロメット４が液密に装着固定される。
【００３４】
次いで、雌コネクタ３及びグロメット４をバーリング穴５ａに挿入する。このとき図５（ｂ）に示すように先ず、雌コネクタ３の基端部３ｂ或いは基端部３ｂから延出しているワイヤーハーネス（図示せず）を持って矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張る。矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張ると、内殻円筒部４ａの先端部と連設されている薄肉の連設部４ｄが引き伸ばされ、これに伴い係止部４ｇの先端が半径方向内方に引っ張られて縮径する。即ち、係止部４ｇは、先端が半径方向内方に引き込まれると、これに伴い各切欠４ｉの対向する面４ｉ'と４ｉ'（図３、図４）とが当接するまで縮径可能とされる。これにより係止部４ｇが容易に縮径してバーリング穴５ａよりも小径となる。
【００３５】
この状態で、図５（ｃ）に示すようにバーリング穴５ａに向けてグロメット４の内筒４ｆを押し込んでいく。このとき、外筒４ｈの後端面を押して前端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃに当接し、内周面の各凸条４ｋが縁部５ｂの外周面に確実に当接した状態で雌コネクタ３を待ち受けている雄コネクタ２のテーパ状に拡開する開口端２ｃにより調芯しながら開口部２ａに徐々に嵌合する。
【００３６】
この嵌合させている動作中に連設部４ｄが緩むことにより、外殻円筒部４ｂの係止部４ｇが内筒４ｆの弾性力により元の径に復帰し、雄コネクタ２側に突出する。そして、内筒４ｆが元の径に戻りきったところで係止部４ｇの後端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｄに当接してグロメット４の装着が完了する。雌コネクタ３は、先端部３ａが雄コネクタ２の開口部２ａに挿入され、雄コネクタ２と完全に結合され、係止爪２ｄが対応する係止凹部３ｄに係合（ハーフロック）される。これにより、図５（ｄ）に示すように雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とが結合状態に係止される。
【００３７】
図５（ｄ）に示すように、雌コネクタ３は、雄コネクタ２と結合した状態においてグロメット４によりダッシュパネル５に対して半径方向及び雄コネクタ２との結合方向（軸方向）に変位可能とされ、更に、雄コネクタ２の開口端２ｃがグロメット４の環状空間部４ｃに臨んでいることで、内殻円筒部４ａの先端がテーパ状に拡開する開口端２ｃ内に入り込んでも半径方向及び結合方向に変位が可能とされている。そして、雌コネクタ３がダッシュパネル５から切り離される。これにより、ダッシュパネル５の振動に起因するストレスが吸収されて雌コネクタ３に伝達されることが防止される。
【００３８】
また、環状の凸条４ｋが弾性力によりバーリング穴５ａの縁部５ｂの外周面に圧接することにより止水の安定性が高められる。環状の凸条４ｋは、外筒４ｈの内周面４ｊに設けることで高い圧接力に設定することができる。その理由は、内筒４ｆの外周面に環状の凸条を形成してバーリング穴５ａの内周面に圧接させる場合、ダッシュパネル５の板面５ｄに係止部４ｇの後面を当接させようとしても前記凸条により隙間が空いてしまい完全に当接することができなくなり、グロメット４をダッシュパネル５に確実に装着することができなくなる虞があるためである。
【００３９】
雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との結合を解除する場合は、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との係止部即ち、係止爪２ｄと係止凹部３ｄとは、雄・雌ハーフロックとされていることにより、雌コネクタ３の基端部３ｂ或いはワイヤハーネスをもって強く引っ張ることにより、雄コネクタ２との結合が解除されると共に、グロメット４も外殻円筒部４ｂの係止部４ｇが縮径されることにより、容易にバーリング穴５ａから引き抜くことが可能となる。逆に言えば、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３が結合された後は、結合を解除しない限りグロメット４は、ダッシュパネル５から外れたりすることはない。
【００４０】
尚、上記実施形態では、隔壁のバーリング穴、及び第１、第２のコネクタの外形を円形とし、グロメットの内殻筒体部、外殻筒体部を夫々円筒体形状としたが、これに限るものではなく、バーリング穴や、第１、第２のコネクタの形状が他の形状例えば、楕円形、角形等の形状である場合には、グロメットの内殻筒体部、外殻筒体部をこれらの形状に合わせた形状とすればよいことは勿論である。
【００４１】
（第２の実施形態）
図６は、本発明に係るグロメットの第２の実施形態を示す断面図である。尚、図６において図１に示すグロメットと同一又は相当する部位には、同一又は相当する符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。図６に示すようにグロメット４は、内殻筒体部４ａと外殻筒体部４ｂとを連設する連設部４ｄ'に同心的に環状の断面略半円形状の凸部４ｍが一体に形成されている。この連設部４ｄ'は、図１に示す連設部４ｄの長さよりも短く形成されており、外殻筒体部４ｂに対する内殻筒体部４ａの矢印Ｂ方向への引き出し距離が短く設定されている。環状の断面略半円形状の凸部４ｍは、連設部４ｄ'の内殻筒体部４ａ寄りに且つ基端４ｎ側に膨出する断面が略半円形状をなしている。この環状の断面略半円形状の凸部４ｍは、連設部４ｄ'を介して外殻筒体部４ｂの内筒４ｆを縮径させる際に変形を助長させる作用をする。他の構成は、図１に示すグロメットと同様である。
【００４２】
図７（ａ）に示すように雄コネクタ２は、基端部２ｂがインパネに固定されてダッシュパネル５の室内側に配置され、開口部２ａがバーリング穴５ａと対向して配置されて待受側コネクタとされる。雌コネクタ３は、グロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａに内嵌され、環状の凸条３ｄが環状溝４ｅに嵌合して固定される。次いで、雌コネクタ３及びグロメット４をバーリング穴５ａに挿入する。このとき図７（ｂ）に示すように雌コネクタ３の基端部３ｂ或いは基端部３ｂから延出しているワイヤーハーネス（図示せず）を持って矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張る。矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張ると、連設部４ｄ'が引き伸ばされ、これに伴い係止部４ｇの先端が半径方向内方に引っ張られて縮径し、内方に反転する。
【００４３】
そして、図８に示すように係止部４ｇは、内方に反転して水平（１８０°）よりも更に曲げられた状態になると、矢印Ｃ方向に変形しようとする力が作用する。この状態を維持するために環状の断面略半円形状の凸部４ｍが連設部４ｄ'に矢印Ｄ方向に反発力を発生させる。これにより、係止部４ｇの矢印Ｃ方向への変形を助長させることができ、構成上連設部４ｄ'の長さを十分に確保することができない場合でも係止部４ｇの縮径保持をすることが可能となる。これにより係止部４ｇが容易に縮径してバーリング穴５ａよりも小径となる。
【００４４】
この状態で、図７（ｃ）に示すようにバーリング穴５ａに向けてグロメット４の内筒４ｆを押し込んでいく。このとき、内殻筒体部４ａ或いは雌コネクタ３の端部から延出しているワイヤハーネス（図示せず）を持ち、外筒４ｈの前端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃに当接し、内周面の各凸条４ｋ（図８）が縁部５ｂの外周面に確実に当接した状態で雌コネクタ３を待ち受けている雄コネクタ２のテーパ状に拡開する開口端２ｃにより調芯しながら開口部２ａに徐々に嵌合する。
【００４５】
この嵌合させている動作中に連設部４ｄ'を介して係止部４ｂが引っ張られて内筒４ｆの弾性力により元の径に復帰し、雄コネクタ２側に突出する。そして、内筒４ｆが元の径に戻りきったところで係止部４ｇの後端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｄに当接してグロメット４の装着が完了する。図７（ｄ）に示すように雌コネクタ３は、先端部３ａが圧すコネクタ２の開口部２ａに挿入され、雄コネクタ２と完全に結合され、係止爪２ｄが対応する係止凹部３ｄに係合（ハーフロック）される。このように構造上第１コネクタとしての雄コネクタ２と隔壁としてのダッシュパネル５との距離の関係で連設部４ｄ'の長さを十分に確保できないときでも係止部４ｇの縮径を保持することができる。
【００４６】
（第３の実施形態）
図９は、本発明に係るグロメットの第３の実施形態を示す断面図である。尚、図９において図１に示すグロメットの相当する部位には相当する符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。図９に示すようにグロメット４は、内殻筒体部４ａと外殻筒体部４ｂとの間に遮音部材６が設けられている。この遮音部材６は、厚肉円筒形状をなし、内径が内殻筒体部４ａの外径よりも僅かに小径とされ、外径が外殻筒体部４ｂの内径よりも僅かに大径とされている。この遮音部材６は、弾性を有する例えば、ゴム部材により形成されている。遮音部材６は、内殻筒体部４ａの基端部に圧入嵌挿され、接着剤により接着固定されて一体に形成されている。また、連設部４ｄ'の長さは、図１に示す連設部４ｄの長さよりも短く形成されている。他の構成は、図１に示すグロメットと同様である。
【００４７】
図１０（ａ）に示すように雄コネクタ２は、基端部２ｂがインパネに固定されてダッシュパネル５の室内側に配置され、開口部２ａがバーリング穴５ａと対向して配置されて待受側コネクタとされる。雌コネクタ３は、グロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａに内嵌され、環状の凸条３ｄが環状溝４ｅに嵌合して固定される。次いで、雌コネクタ３及びグロメット４をバーリング穴５ａに挿入する。このとき図１０（ｂ）に示すように雌コネクタ３の基端部３ｂ或いは基端部３ｂから延出しているワイヤーハーネス（図示せず）を持って矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張る。これに伴い遮音部材６及び内殻筒体部４ａが外殻筒体部４ｂから引き出され、連設部４ｄ"が引き伸ばされ、係止部４ｇの先端が半径方向内方に引っ張られて縮径して内方に反転する。これにより、係止部４ｇが容易に縮径してバーリング穴５ａよりも小径となる。
【００４８】
この状態で、図１０（ｃ）に示すようにバーリング穴５ａに向けてグロメット４の内筒４ｆを押し込んでいく。このとき、内殻筒体部４ａ或いは雌コネクタ３の端部から延出しているワイヤハーネス（図示せず）を持ち、外筒４ｈの前端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃに当接し、内周面の各凸条（図２参照）が縁部５ｂの外周面に確実に当接した状態で雌コネクタ３を待ち受けている雄コネクタ２のテーパ状に拡開する開口端２ｃにより調芯しながら開口部２ａに徐々に嵌合する。同時に、遮音部材６が外殻筒体部４ｂに圧入嵌合され、その外周面が外殻筒体部４ｂの内周面に弾性的に圧接される。この雌コネクタ３を雄コネクタ２に嵌合させている動作中に連設部４ｄ"を介して係止部４ｂが引っ張られ、内筒４ｆの弾性力により元の径に復帰し、雄コネクタ２側に突出する。
【００４９】
そして、図１０（ｄ）に示すように内筒４ｆが元の径に戻りきったところで係止部４ｇの後端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｄに当接し、遮音部材６が外殻筒体部４ｂの基端部に圧入嵌合してグロメット４の装着が完了する。雌コネクタ３は、先端部３ａが圧すコネクタ２の開口部２ａに挿入され、雄コネクタ２と完全に結合され、係止爪２ｄが対応する係止凹部３ｄに係合（ハーフロック）される。これにより、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とが結合状態に係止される。遮音部材６は、弾性部材により内殻筒体部４ａと外殻筒体部４ｂとの間を密閉することで、ダッシュパネル５の両側即ち、雌コネクタ３側と雄コネクタ２側との間を良好に遮音することができる。また、コネクタ同士が結合されている限りは、遮音部材６は、グロメット４から外れることはない。
【００５０】
尚、上記実施形態においては、遮音部材６をグロメット４と別体に形成し、グロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａの基端部に外嵌して接着剤により固定して一体的に構成したが、グロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａと遮音部材６とを一体に形成しても良い。
【００５１】
（第４の実施形態）
図１１は、本発明に係るグロメットの第４の実施形態を示す正面図、図１２は図１１の矢線XII―XIIに沿う断面図である。尚、図１１及び図１２において図１に示すグロメットの相当する部位には相当する符号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。図１１及び図１２に示すようにグロメット７は、ダッシュパネル５のバーリング孔５ａに装着されて当該バーリング孔５ａを貫通するワイヤハーネス９を貫通保持するもので、内殻筒体部７ａがワイヤハーネス９の外径よりも僅かに小径とされている。また、連設部７ｄの長さは、図１に示す連設部４ｄの長さよりも短く形成されている。他の構成は、図１に示すグロメットと同様である。このグロメット７は、グロメット４と同様に弾性及び耐水性を有するゴム部材で形成されている。
【００５２】
図１３（ａ）に示すようにワイヤハーネス９は、グロメット７の内殻筒体部７ａに挿通され、ダッシュパネル５のバーリング孔５ａに貫通されてエンジンルーム側から車室側に配索される。内殻筒体部７ａの内径は、ワイヤハーネス９の外径よりも僅かに小径とされていることで、当該ワイヤハーネス９の外周面に弾性的に密着する。更に、止水テープ８により内殻筒体部７ａの基端部とワイヤハーネス９とが巻回されて液密に固定される。これにより、ワイヤハーネス９がグロメット７に完全に液密に貫通固定される。
【００５３】
次いで、グロメット７をバーリング穴５ａに挿入する。このとき図１３（ｂ）に示すようにグロメット７の外殻筒体部７を持ってワイヤーハーネス９を矢印Ｂ方向に引っ張る。これに伴い内殻筒体部７ａが外殻筒体部７ｂから引き出されて連設部７ｄが引き伸ばされ、係止部７ｇの先端が半径方向内方に引っ張られて縮径し、内方に反転する。これにより係止部７ｇが容易に縮径してバーリング穴５ａよりも小径となる。
【００５４】
この状態で、図１３（ｃ）に示すようにバーリング穴５ａに向けてグロメット７の内筒７ｆを押し込み、凸条７ｋ（図１２）が縁部５ｂの外周面に確実に当接した状態で外筒７ｈの前端面をダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃに当接させる。この押し込み動作中に連設部７ｄを介して係止部７ｇが引っ張られ、内筒７ｆの弾性力により元の径に復帰し、バーリング孔５ａの反対側に突出する。そして、図１３（ｄ）に示すように内筒７ｆが元の径に戻りきったところで係止部７ｇの後端面がダッシュパネル５の板面５ｄに当接してグロメット７の装着が完了する。これにより、グロメット７は、バーリング穴５ａを挿通するワイヤハーネス９を貫通支持し、且つ止水する。
【００５５】
グロメット７の係止部７ｇは、バーリング穴５ａの穴径よりも小さい状態で当該バーリング穴５ａに挿通されるため、余分な力を必要とすることなく容易に取り付けることができ、また、取り付けが一方向のみの作業で済むため作業性が向上する。
【００５６】
（第５の実施形態）
図１４は、本発明に係るグロメットの第５の実施形態及びこのグロメットを適用したコネクタの第２の実施形態を示し、コネクタを分離した状態の断面図である。尚、図１に示す雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３をコネクタ１の第１の実施形態とする。また、図１４において図１に示す構成要素と同一又は相当する構成要素には同一符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００５７】
図１４に示すようにグロメット４は、初期の形状がダッシュパネル５のバーリング穴５ａにそのままの状態で装着可能とされており、内筒４ｆが外筒４ｈとの連設部から縮径されて内側に折り返され、その先端が外筒４ｈの基端側から突出（図中左方）しており、更に薄肉の連設部４ｄが前記突出方向に延出されてその先端に内筒４ｆの先端が連設されて形成されている。これにより、グロメット４は、外筒４ｈをバーリング穴５ａの縁部５ｂに外嵌させて内殻筒体部４ａを押し出すことで、連設部４ｄを介して内殻筒体部４ａ及び内筒４ｆを前記バーリング穴５ａに容易に貫通装着することが可能となる。
【００５８】
雌コネクタ３は、グロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａに装着されている。この雌コネクタ３は、周縁部近傍に軸方向に孔３ｅが貫通して設けられており、先端近傍に略台形状の係止部３ｆが突設されており、当該孔３ｅの開口端外周面に係止爪３ｇが突設されている。また、孔３ｅは、内殻筒体部４ａの先端近傍位置から係止爪３ｇの付根まで外方に開口してスリット３ｈとされている。
【００５９】
嵌合検知レバー１１は、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との嵌合を検知するためのもので、雌コネクタ３の孔３ｅに軸方向に摺動可能に嵌挿されており、先端部１１ａが略台形状に折曲されて係止部３ｆを覆うように形成され、先端が係止爪１１ｂとされている。この係止爪１１ｂは、係止部３ｆの前端に係止可能とされている。嵌合検知レバー１１は、略中央部にブッシュ１２が装着されており、当該ブッシュ１２を介して孔３ｅに液密に摺動可能とされ、基端部１１ｃが後方に突出して取手とされている。嵌合検知レバー１１は、図示の初期位置において先端が雌コネクタ３の前端面３ａ'と面一とされている。
【００６０】
一方、雄コネクタ２は、開口部２ａの外周部２ａ'の内面に開口端２ｃとの連設部から端面２ｅまでコネクタ３の係止爪３ｆと係合するスリット２ｆが設けられている。更に、雌コネクタ２の前端面３ａ'と当接する端面２ｅには嵌合検知レバー１１の先端と対向して当該雄コネクタ２が雌コネクタ３と嵌合したときに嵌合検知レバー１１の係止爪１１ｂの先端を押動する突起２ｇが設けられている。
【００６１】
雌コネクタ３の係止爪３ｇと雄コネクタ２のスリット２ｆとによりロック手段が構成され、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とが結合（嵌合）したときにこれらをロック（固定）し、嵌合検知レバー１１の略台形状に折曲された先端部１１ａと雌コネクタ３の略台形状の係止部３ｆとにより前記ロックを解除する解除手段が構成される。
【００６２】
ダッシュパネル５のバーリング穴５ａにグロメット４を装着し、雌コネクタ３を雄コネクタ２に接続する場合、図１５に示すようにダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃにグロメット４の外筒４ｈの端面を押し付けてバーリング穴５ａの縁部５ｂに外嵌する。これにより、バーリング穴５ａにグロメット４を簡単に取り付けることができる。次いで、雌コネクタ３の基端から延出する不図示のハーネスを掴んでグロメット４の内殻筒体部４ａの基端部を矢印Ａ方向に押し込むと、雌コネクタ３がバーリング穴５ａを貫通して対向する雄コネクタ２の開口端２ｃにより案内されて開口部２ａに嵌合され、図１６に示すように当該雄コネクタ２に接続される。これにより、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との結合（嵌合）をスムーズに行うことが可能となる。
【００６３】
図１６に示すように雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２と完全に結合（嵌合）した状態において係止爪３ｇが雄コネクタ２のスリット２ｆに嵌合して端面２ｆ'に係止される。これにより、雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２に固定される。また、雄コネクタ２の突起２ｇが嵌合検知レバー１１の係止爪１１ｂの先端を押動し、これに伴い嵌合検知レバー１１が図中左方に押動され、係止爪１１ｂが係止部３ｄに係止されて当該位置に係止され、基端部１１ｃが後方に突出する。これにより、作業者は、雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２と完全に接続したことを検知することができる。
【００６４】
雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とのロックを解除するときには、嵌合係止レバー１１の基端部１１ｃを矢印Ｂ方向に引き出すと、これに伴い係止爪１１ｂが係止部３ｆの上面に乗り上げて、先端部１１ａの上部がスリット３ｆに入り込みながら雄コネクタ２の開口端２ｃを図中上方に押し上げる（拡開する）。これにより、スリット２ｆの端面２ｆ'と係止爪３ｇとのロックが解除されて、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との結合を解除することが可能となる。
【００６５】
（第６の実施形態）
図１７は、本発明に係るグロメットを適用したコネクタの第３の実施形態を示す。尚、図１７において図１に示す構成要素と同一又は相当する構成要素には同一符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００６６】
図１７に示すように雄コネクタ２の略テーパ状に拡開するガイドとしての開口端２ｃの内面には雌コネクタ３と結合（接続）する際の位置合わせ凹部２ｈが軸方向（雌コネクタ３との結合方向）に沿って、且つ周方向に複数箇所例えば、４箇所等配されて設けられている。この位置合わせ凹部２ｈは、雄コネクタ２の開口部２ａの内面に軸方向に先端から端面２ｅに至るガイド溝２ｉと、開口端２ｃの内面に周方向に所定の範囲に亘りガイド溝２ｉの両側に対称に設けられ、先端が開口端に開口し、基端がガイド溝２ｉに連通するテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊから成る。両側のテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊは、ガイド溝２ｉの先端（開口端）である中央部に向かってテーパ状に落ち込む（深くなる）テーパ面とされている。両側のテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊは、中央部から夫々周方向に所定範囲例えば、中心角１０°の範囲に亘り設けられている。
【００６７】
雌コネクタ３は、外周面に雄コネクタ２と正確に結合すべき位置において前記雄コネクタ２の各ガイド溝２ｉと嵌合するガイドリブ（凸条）３ｉが軸方向に沿って先端から基端近傍まで突設されている。そして、ガイドリブ３ｉは、雄コネクタ３の開口端２ｃにガイド溝２ｉの両側に広がるテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊの範囲内に挿入されたときに、これらのテーパ部２ｊに沿って中央部に導かれ、周方向の位置ずれが吸収される。
【００６８】
また、図１８に示すように雌コネクタ３と雄コネクタ２との間には、嵌合検知及びロック・ロック解除手段が設けられている。雌コネクタ３は、周縁部近傍に穴３ｋが先端面から基端面まで軸方向に貫通して設けられており、先端近傍に略台形状の係止部３ｍが、孔３ｋの開口端外周面に係止爪３ｎが設けられおり、基端近傍位置から係止爪３ｎの付根まで外方に開口してスリット３ｐとされている。また、孔３ｋには係止部３ｍの半径方向内側（図中下方）にスリット３ｑが先端から基端近傍まで設けられている。
【００６９】
嵌合検知レバー１４は、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との嵌合を検知すると共に、嵌合（結合）時におけるこれら両者間のロックを解除する嵌合を検知すると共にロックを解除する嵌合検知・ロック解除レバーで、前部が二股をなしてアーム１４ａ、１４ｂとされている。これらのアーム１４ａ、１４ｂの先端には夫々係止爪１４ｃ、１４ｄが設けられている。嵌合検知レバー１４は、雌コネクタ３の孔３ｋに、係止爪１４ｄがスリット３ｑに軸方向に摺動可能に夫々嵌挿され、基端部にブッシュ１５が装着されて孔３ｋに液密に軸方向に摺動可能とされている。そして、アーム１４ａが係止部３ｍの外側に摺動可能とされ、係止爪１４ｃが係止部３ｍに係止可能とされ、係止爪１４ｄがスリット３ｑの基端側端面に係止可能とされている。このレバー１４は、図示の初期位置において先端が雌コネクタ３の前端面と面一とされ、基端１４ｅが後端面と面一とされている。このレバー１４は、弾性を有する例えば、樹脂部材により形成されている。
【００７０】
一方、雄コネクタ２は、端面２ｅの周縁部近傍に当該端面２ｅから開口端２ｃとの連設部近傍までコネクタ３の係止爪３ｎと対応して係止片２ｋが設けられ、当該係止片２ｋに係止爪３ｍと係合するスリット２ｍが設けられている。更に、端面２ｅにはレバー１４のアーム１４ａの係止爪１４ｃの先端と対向して当該雄コネクタ２が雌コネクタ３と嵌合したときに係止爪１４ｃを押動する突起２ｎが設けられている。この雌コネクタ３は、図１９に示すようにグロメット４に装着される。このグロメット４の外筒４ｈの端面には雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓが設けられている。
【００７１】
そして、雄コネクタ２のスリット２ｍと雌コネクタ３の係止爪３ｎとにより両コネクタを結合（嵌合）位置にロック（固定）するロック手段が構成され、嵌合検知レバー１４の彎曲可能なアーム１４ａ、係止爪１４ｃ、及び雌コネクタ３の係止部３ｍとによりロック解除手段が構成されている。
図２０に示すように雄コネクタ２は、基端部がインパネ（図示せず）に固定されてダッシュパネル５の室内側に近接して、且つ開口端２ｃがバーリング孔５ａと整合して配置される。グロメット４が装着された雌コネクタ３は、ダッシュパネル５のエンジン側に配置される。ダッシュパネル５の雌コネクタ３と対向する板面５ｃにはグロメット４の位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓと対応して位置合わせ用のマーク５ｓが設けられている。尚、図１９においてダッシュパネル５は、雄コネクタ２を分かり易くするために透明に描いてある。
【００７２】
作業者は、雌コネクタ３の基端部から延出しているハーネス２０を持って矢印方向Ｂに引っ張り、連設部４ｄを縮径させて内殻円筒部４ａ及び雌コネクタ３を図中左方（手前）に引き出す（図２１）。次いで、グロメット４の外筒４ｈの端面をダッシュパネル５の板面５ｃに押し付け、位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓをダッシュパネル５の位置合わせ用のマーク５ｓに合わせてバーリング穴５ａの縁部５ｂに装着し、雌コネクタ３を矢印Ａ方向に押し出してバーリング穴５ａを貫通させる。これに伴い連設部４ｄが押し出されて拡径して当該グロメット４がバーリング穴５ａに装着される。
【００７３】
ダッシュパネル５にグロメット４を装着し、位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓをダッシュパネル５の位置合わせ用のマーク５ｓに合わせることで、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とを結合可能に対向させることができる。しかしながら、雄コネクタ２側の組付誤差や、雌コネクタ３とグロメット４との取付誤差等により、これら雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３とを正確な結合位置に合わせることは困難である。
【００７４】
即ち、雄コネクタ２側の組付誤差により、雌コネクタ３との結合位置の中心が上下左右方向に位置ずれを起こす。また、図１９に示すように雌コネクタ３にグロメット４を装着した際に、これら両者間に周方向に僅かながらズレが発生し易く、これが雌コネクタ３とグロメット４との取付誤差となる。このため、グロメット４の位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓをダッシュパネル５の位置合わせ用のマーク５ｓに合わせても、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との間に僅かながら周方向のズレが生じることとなる。
【００７５】
さて、図２０に示すようにグロメット４の位置合わせ用のマーク４ｓをダッシュパネル５の位置合わせ用のマーク５ｓに合わせた状態において、雌コネクタ３の位置合わせ用の各ガイドリブ３ｉが、雄コネクタ２のテーパ状に拡開する開口端（ガイド）２ｃの対応する各位置合わせ凹部２ｈと対向する。即ち、位置合わせ凹部２ｈは、当該雄コネクタ２のガイド溝２ｉの両側に周方向に所定範囲に亘りテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊがテーパ状に広がることで、これらのテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊの範囲内に雌コネクタ３のガイドリブ３ｉを取り込むことが可能となる。
【００７６】
この状態において雌コネクタ３を雄コネクタ２に向けて押し込むと、ガイドリブ３ｉの先端が雄コネクタ２のテーパ部２ｊのテーパ面を摺動して中央部へと移動しガイド溝２ｉに導かれる。これにより、雌コネクタ３は、上下左右方向及び周方向に調芯されて雄コネクタ２との結合（嵌合）が可能となる。雌コネクタ３を更に押し込むことで、図２２に示すように雄コネクタ２に円滑に結合される。
【００７７】
このように、コネクタの芯ずれ吸収構造（位置合わせ構造）として、雄コネクタ２の開口端２ｃをテーパ状に拡開させて調芯用のガイドとし、更に当該開口端２ｃ内面にテーパ部２ｊ、２ｊ及び結合方向（軸方向）に沿うガイド溝２ｉからなる位置合わせ凹部２ｈを周方向に複数箇所設け、雌コネクタ３の外面に結合方向（軸方向）に沿って各ガイド溝２ｉと嵌合するガイドリブ３ｉを設けることで、雄コネクタ２との間における周方向のずれを吸収させて調芯することができる。これにより、雄コネクタ２との間における上下左右及び周方向のずれを同時に吸収して調芯することが可能となる。
【００７８】
図２２及び図２３に示すように雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２と完全に結合（嵌合）した状態において係止爪３ｎが雄コネクタ２のスリット２ｍに嵌合して係止される。これにより、雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２にロック（固定）される。また、雄コネクタ２の突起２ｎがレバー１４の係止爪１４ｃの先端を押動し、これに伴いレバー１４が図中左方に押動され、係止爪１４ｃが係止部３ｍに係止され、基端部１４ｅが後方に突出する。これにより、作業者は、雌コネクタ３が雄コネクタ２と完全に結合（嵌合）したことを検知することができる。
【００７９】
雄コネクタ２から雌コネクタ３を取り外す（ロック解除する）場合、作業者が図２４に示すようにレバー１４の基端部１４ｅを掴んで矢印Ｂ方向（手前側）に引き出すと、アーム１４ａの係止爪１４ｃが係止部３ｍの前端傾斜面に押し上げられて彎曲してスリット３ｐに入り込むと共に、係止片２ｋを押し上げ、係止爪３ｎとスリット２ｍとの係合（ロック）を解除する。同時にレバー１４は、アーム１４ｂの係止爪１４ｄがスリット３ｑの端面に係止されて当該位置に係止される。次いで、作業者が、雌コネクタ３から延出しているハーネス２０（図２０）を掴んで矢印Ａ方向に引っ張り、雄コネクタ２から切り離すと共に、ダッシュパネル５からグロメット４を取り外す。
【００８０】
尚、上記実施形態においては、雄コネクタ２の位置合わせ凹部２ｈを周方向に４箇所等配して設け、これに対応して雌コネクタ３にガイドリブ３ｉを周方向に４箇所等配して設けた場合について記述したが、これに限るものではなく、位置合わせ凹部２ｈ、ガイドリブ３ｉを夫々周方向に３箇所、或いは２箇所ずつ等配して設けてもよい。これらの位置合わせ凹部２ｈ、ガイドリブ３ｉは、雄コネクタ２と雌コネクタ３との位置合わせの観点からすれば、多く設ける程調芯精度が高くなるが、設置スペースを考慮すると４箇所程度が好ましい。
【００８１】
また、図１４及び図１７示すコネクタ１は、第１、第２、第３、及び第５の各実施の形態に示すグロメットを使用してもよいことは勿論である。
【００８２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように請求項１の発明では、グロメットは、隔壁の貫通部に第２のコネクタを容易に取り付けることができ、且つ貫通部を挿通して第１のコネクタに接続される第２のコネクタを確実に保持することができる。また、第２のコネクタに装着される内殻筒体部と隔壁の貫通部に装着支持される外角筒体部の略先端とが全周に亘り連設部により接続されていることで、隔壁貫通部の両側を良好に止水することが可能となり、且つ隔壁と第１、第２のコネクタとの縁切り及び第１・第２コネクタ同士の取付位置がずれていた場合でも容易に結合可能とすることができる。
【００８３】
また請求項１の発明では、内殻筒体部を引っ張ることでバーリング穴に内嵌する内筒先端の係止部を縮径することができ、素早くグロメットを隔壁に装着することができ、作業性の向上が図られる。さらに請求項１の発明では、前記グロメットは、バーリング穴に内嵌する内筒が初期状態において縮径されて外筒の基端側におりかえされていることで、内殻筒体部に装着されたコネクタに接続されているハーネスを押すだけで簡単にバーリング穴に装着することができ、コネクタの結合作業が容易となる。
【００８４】
請求項２の発明では、前記グロメットは、バーリング穴に内嵌する内筒の一部が縮径可能な薄肉とされていることで、力を必要とせず容易に縮径することが可能となり、隔壁への着脱が容易となる。請求項３の発明では、前記グロメットは、バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒内周面に前記縁部外周面に圧接するように凸条が設けられていることで、グロメットの装着・固定機構に影響を受けることなく止水性能を向上することが可能となる。
【００８５】
請求項４の発明では、構造上第１コネクタと隔壁との距離の関係でグロメットの連設部の長さを十分に確保できないときでも環状の断面略半円形状の凸部により係止部の縮径を保持することができる。請求項５の発明では、遮音部材により隔壁のバーリング穴を介して伝達される騒音を遮断することが可能となる。また、遮音部材をグロメットに一体に設けることで部品コストの低減を図ることが可能となる請求項６の発明では、グロメットの内殻筒体部と外殻筒体部との間に隙間無く確実に装着することができ、遮音性の向上が図られる。
【００８６】
請求項７の発明では、第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの結合完了と同時に装着が完了し、組付工数の低減が図られ、作業性の向上が図られる。また、コネクタの嵌合保持により遮音部材がずれたり脱落することがなく、遮音性に影響を及ぼすことがない。請求項８の発明では、グロメットは、隔壁の貫通部にワイヤハーネスを容易に取り付けることができ、且つ確実に保持することができる。また、ワイヤハーネスに装着される内殻筒体部と隔壁の貫通部に装着支持される外角筒体部の略先端とが全周に亘り連設部により接続されていることで、隔壁貫通部の両側を良好に止水することが可能となる。
【００８７】
さらに請求項８の発明では、内殻筒体部を引っ張ることでバーリング穴に内嵌する内筒先端の係止部を縮径することができ、素早くグロメットを隔壁に装着することができ、作業性の向上が図られる。請求項９の発明では、前記グロメットは、バーリング穴に内嵌する内筒の一部が縮径可能な薄肉とされていることで、力を必要とせず容易に縮径することが可能となり、隔壁への着脱が容易となる。
【００８８】
請求項１０の発明では、前記グロメットは、バーリング穴の縁部に外嵌する外筒内周面に前記縁部外周面に圧接するように凸条が設けられていることで、グロメットの装着・固定機構に影響を受けることなく止水性能を向上することが可能となる。請求項１１及び請求項１２の発明では、第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの間における上下左右方向のズレと周方向のずれを同時に吸収させて調芯することができ、前記第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとを迅速且つ円滑に結合することができる。
【００８９】
請求項１３の発明では、第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの結合（嵌合）を容易に確認することができ、特に隔壁の両側に位置する２つのコネクタを結合する際に作業性の向上が図られる。請求項１４の発明では、第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとを結合した状態にロック（固定）することで、確実に結合状態を維持することができる。また、ロックを簡単に解除することができ、コネクタの結合を簡単に解除することが可能であり、作業性の向上が図られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は、本発明に係るグロメットの第１の実施形態を適用したコネクタの実施例を示し、コネクタを分離した状態の断面図である。
【図２】図１に示すグロメットの要部拡大図である。
【図３】図１に示すグロメットの正面図である。
【図４】図３に示すグロメットの平面図である。
【図５】図１に示すコネクタを隔壁のバーリング穴に取り付ける場合の説明図である。
【図６】本発明に係るグロメットの第２の実施形態を示す断面図である。
【図７】図６に示すグロメットによりコネクタを隔壁のバーリング穴に取り付ける場合の説明図である。
【図８】図７に示すグロメットのバーリング穴に取り付ける場合における係止部の動作説明図である。
【図９】本発明に係るグロメットの第３の実施形態を示す断面図である。
【図１０】図９に示すグロメットによりコネクタを隔壁のバーリング穴に取り付ける場合の説明図である。
【図１１】本発明に係るグロメットの第４の実施形態を示す正面図である。
【図１２】図１１に示すグロメットの矢線XII―XIIに沿う断面図である。
【図１３】図１１に示すグロメットを適用してワイヤハーネスをバーリング穴に取り付ける場合の説明図である。
【図１４】本発明に係るグロメットの第５の実施形態及びこのグロメットを適用したコネクタの第２の実施形態を示す断面図である。
【図１５】図１４に示すコネクタの結合（嵌合）操作の説明図である。
【図１６】図１５に示すコネクタの結合（嵌合）を完了した状態の説明図である。
【図１７】本発明に係るグロメットを適用したコネクタの第３の実施形態を示す組立斜視図である。
【図１８】図１７に示すコネクタの断面図である。
【図１９】図１７に示すグロメットに雌コネクタを装着した状態の斜視図である。
【図２０】図１７に示すコネクタを隔壁のバーリング穴を介して結合する場合の説明図である。
【図２１】図２０示すコネクタの断面図である。
【図２２】図２０に示すコネクタの結合（嵌合）を完了した状態の斜視図である。
【図２３】図２２に示すコネクタの断面図である。
【図２４】図２３に示すコネクタの結合（嵌合）を解除する場合の操作説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１コネクタ
２雄コネクタ（第１のコネクタ）
２ａ開口部
２ｃ開口端
２ｆスリット
２ｇ、２ｎ突起
２ｈ位置合わせ凹部
２ｉガイド溝
２ｊテーパ部
２ｆ、２ｍスリット
３雌コネクタ（第２のコネクタ）
３ｅ孔
３ｆ、３ｍ係止部
３ｇ、３ｎ係止爪
３ｉガイドリブ
４、７グロメット
４ａ内殻円筒部（内殻筒体部）
４ｂ外殻円筒部（外殻筒体部）
４ｄ、４ｄ'、４ｄ" 連設部
４ｆ内筒
４ｇ係止部
４ｈ外筒
４ｉ切欠
４ｊ外筒の内周面
４ｋ環状の凸条
４ｍ環状の断面略半円形状の凸部
５ダッシュパネル（隔壁）
５ａバーリング穴（貫通孔）
５ｂ縁部
６遮音部材
８粘着テープ
９ワイヤハーネス
１１、１４嵌合検知レバー
１２、１５ブッシュ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a grommet that holds a connector that performs electrical connection in a penetration portion of a partition wall in the penetration portion, a grommet that penetrates and holds a connector when a wire harness is inserted into the penetration portion, and a connector using the grommet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when connecting a wire harness in an engine room of a vehicle and a wire harness in a room, an operator penetrates the harness through a through-hole formed in a dash panel as a partition wall that defines the engine room and the room. The connector was connected. However, since a plurality of connectors are sequentially routed and grommets are attached to the through holes and then the connection work is performed on the indoor side, the number of work steps is large, and the work is difficult to perform.
[0003]
Therefore, one side of the through-hole drilled in the dash panel, for example, the first connector is placed on the indoor side, the grommet is attached to the second connector arranged on the engine room side, and the second connector passes through the second connector. There is a grommet that is inserted into the hole and plugged into the through hole to close it, and the second connector is connected to the waiting first connector (connector mounting structure) (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-348100) .
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described connector mounting structure has a problem that it requires a force because the diameter is reduced against the elasticity of the grommet and is inserted into the through hole, and workability is poor.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can be easily attached to a through portion provided in a partition wall and can securely hold a connector connected through a through hole. It is another object of the present invention to provide a grommet for penetrating and holding the wire harness when the wire harness is inserted into the through portion and a connector using the grommet.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first connector disposed on one side of the partition wall,It consists of a burring hole that penetrates from one side of the partition wall to the other side and the edge rises in a cylindrical shape on the other sideJoin through through hole,Arranged on the other side of the partitionBeThe second connector,A grommet attached to the through hole,
  in frontThe grommet
(I)Formed of elastic members,
(II)An inner shell cylinder part fitted on the second connector and an outer shell cylinder part attached to an edge of the burring hole, So as to provide an annular space between the cylindrical parts,Formed concentrically,
(III)The inner shell cylindrical portion and the substantially distal end of the outer shell cylindrical portion areIn the annular spaceAll aroundMade of thin and flexible materialConnected at the connecting section,
(IV) The outer shell cylindrical body portion includes an outer tube that is fitted on an edge of the burring hole, and a base end that is connected to the base end of the outer tube, and the inner side from the other side of the partition wall to the burring hole. The inner cylinder is fitted with, and the tip penetrates and is abutted and locked to one side periphery of the burring hole,
(V) When the inner cylinder is pulled or turned back to the other side, the inner cylinder is reduced in diameter through the connecting portion, and the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder The inner cylinder fits into the burring hole, and then the inner shell cylinder is returned to the one side direction of the burring hole so that the expanded groove is By closing, the inner cylinder is abutted and locked to one peripheral edge of the burring hole.
It is characterized by that.
[0006]
  Claim1In the invention, the outer cylindrical body portion includes an outer cylinder that is externally fitted to an edge portion of the burring hole, and a base end that is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder, and the burring hole from the other side of the partition wall to the burring hole. Internally fitted, the tip penetrates and abuts and locks on one side periphery of the burring hole, and the inner shell cylinder portion is reduced in diameter through the connecting portion when pulled to the other side. It is characterized by comprising an inner cylinder.
[0007]
  Claim1In the invention, the outer cylindrical body portion includes an outer cylinder that fits around an edge of the burring hole, a base end that is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder, and a distal end that is reduced in diameter to Folded to the base end side, when the inner shell cylindrical part is pushed to the one side, the diameter expands through the connecting part and fits into the burring hole, and the tip penetrates through the burring hole It is characterized by comprising an inner cylinder abutted and locked to one side periphery.
[0008]
  Claim2In the present invention, the distal end of the inner cylinder has a base end abutting on the periphery of the burring hole that is slightly larger in diameter than the burring hole and is reduced in diameter toward the distal end, and a part thereof is thin and can be reduced in diameter. It is characterized by that. Claim3According to the invention, an annular ridge is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, and is in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge of the burring hole over the entire periphery.
[0009]
  Claim4The invention is characterized in that the connecting portion is provided with a convex portion having a substantially semicircular cross section concentrically with the inner shell cylindrical portion. Claim5The invention is characterized in that a sound insulating member is provided concentrically on the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the inner shell cylindrical body portion. Claim6In this invention, the sound insulation member is formed of an elastic member having a cylindrical shape slightly larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the outer shell cylindrical portion.
[0010]
Claim7In the invention, the sound insulation member is fitted into the base end side of the outer shell cylindrical portion when the first and second connectors are fitted, and the outer peripheral surface is the inner side of the outer shell cylindrical portion. It is characterized by being in pressure contact with the peripheral surface. The invention according to claim 8 is a grommet for penetrating and holding a wire harness that penetrates the through hole formed in the partition wall, wherein the through hole is a burring hole in which an edge of the hole rises in a cylindrical shape, An inner shell cylindrical portion formed of an elastic member and fitted on the wire harness and concentrically formed with an outer shell cylindrical portion attached to an edge of the burring hole, The body portion and the substantially distal end of the outer shell cylindrical body portion are connected by a continuous portion over the entire circumference.
[0011]
That is, in the invention of claim 8, it comprises a burring hole penetrating from one side of the partition wall to the other side and having an edge rising in a cylindrical shape on the other side.A grommet for penetrating and holding a wire harness that penetrates the through hole,
  in frontThe grommet
  (I)Formed of elastic members,
  (II)An inner shell tubular body portion that is externally fitted to the wire harness, and an outer shell tubular body portion that is attached to an edge of the burring hole., So as to provide an annular space between the cylindrical parts,Formed concentrically,
  (III)The inner shell cylindrical portion and the substantially distal end of the outer shell cylindrical portion areIn the annular spaceAll aroundMade of thin and flexible materialConnected at the connecting section,
  (IV) The outer shell cylindrical body portion includes an outer tube that is fitted on an edge portion of the burring hole, and a proximal end that is connected to the proximal end of the outer tube, and the inner wall extends from one side of the partition wall to the burring hole. The inner cylinder is fitted with, and the tip penetrates and is abutted and locked to the other peripheral edge of the burring hole,
  (V) When the inner cylinder is pulled or folded back to the one side, the inner cylinder is reduced in diameter through the connecting portion, and the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, The inner cylinder fits into the burring hole, and then the inner shell cylinder is returned to the other side of the burring hole, thereby expanding the groove. By closing, the inner cylinder is abutted and locked to the other peripheral edge of the burring hole.
  It is characterized by that.
[0012]
Claim9In the invention, the distal end of the inner cylinder has a base end abutting on the periphery of the burring hole that is slightly larger in diameter than the burring hole and is reduced in diameter toward the distal end, and a part thereof is thinned so that the diameter can be freely reduced. It is characterized by being. Claim10According to the invention, an annular ridge is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, and is in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge of the burring hole over the entire periphery.
[0013]
Claim11In the invention, the first connector disposed on one side of the partition, the second connector disposed on the other side of the partition and coupled through the through hole of the partition, and the grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are used. In the first connector or the second connector, an opening end into which the first connector or the second connector is inserted is expanded in a substantially tapered shape to serve as a guide. A plurality of alignment recesses extending in the axial direction from the opening end on the inner surface of the guide are provided in the circumferential direction, and the other connector engages with each of the alignment recesses on the outer peripheral surface, and the tip of the guide of the one connector A guide rib guided to the fitting position is provided along the axial direction.
[0014]
Claim12In this invention, the alignment recess is formed in a guide groove extending in the axial direction over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the guide, the distal end is opened at the distal end of the guide, and the proximal end is provided continuously with the guide groove. And a taper portion for guiding the guide rib to the guide groove. Claim13In the invention, the first connector disposed on one side of the partition, the second connector disposed on the other side of the partition and coupled through the through hole of the partition,7The second connector includes a hole 3e penetrating in the fitting direction with the first connector and having a locking portion 3f protruding in the middle thereof, and the hole 3e. Fitting detection in which the base end protrudes from the rear end of the hole 3e when inserted in the axial direction so as to be slidable, the front end being engageable with the locking portion 3f, and being coupled to the first connector. A lever is provided, and the first connector is provided with a protrusion that pushes the tip of the fitting detection lever when the second connector is coupled.
[0015]
Claim14In the invention of claim13The connector described in 1 is further provided with a locking means that locks between the first connector and the second connector when they are coupled, and the fitting detection lever has a rear end at the first and second connectors. The lock is released when the connector is further pulled out from the position where the two connectors are coupled and protruded.
[0016]
The first connector is disposed on one side of the partition wall so as to face the penetrating portion and serves as a standby connector. The second connector is mounted and held on the inner shell cylindrical portion of the grommet, and is disposed on the other side of the partition wall through portion. When the second connector and the grommet are inserted into the burring hole, if the second connector is pulled in the direction opposite to the first connector, the tip of the inner cylinder is reduced. In this state, the inner cylinder is passed through the burring hole. Lock the connection. At this time, the inner cylinder returns to its original diameter, and the grommet is pressed against the partition wall. Thereby, a connector is hold | maintained at a partition.
[0017]
In the second connector, the fitting portion with the first connector is coupled to the first connector waiting through the burring hole, and the grommet is attached to the burring hole to close the burring hole. As a result, the first and second connectors are coupled through the burring hole, the protruding line of the outer cylinder comes into pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge of the burring hole, and both sides of the partition wall are blocked by the continuous portions of the grommets. Is done.
[0018]
The grommet is configured such that the second connector can be displaced in the radial direction and the axial direction with respect to the burring hole by connecting the inner shell cylindrical portion with the outer shell cylindrical portion and the connecting portion. Is attached to the burring hole in the radial direction or in the direction of coupling with the second connector, the mounting error is absorbed and the second connector can be coupled to the first connector. . Furthermore, the second connector is cut off from the partition wall by the connecting portion, and stress due to vibration from the partition wall is absorbed and is not transmitted to the second connector.
[0019]
Further, the grommet is formed by reducing the diameter of the connecting portion connecting the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and folding it back to the proximal end side of the outer cylinder, and the distal end of the inner cylinder is positioned on the proximal end side of the outer cylinder. When attaching the outer cylinder to the burring hole, the outer cylinder is fitted onto the edge of the burring hole and the inner cylinder is pushed out, so that the grommet can be easily attached to the burring hole.
The convex portion having a substantially semicircular cross section provided concentrically on the continuous portion of the grommet, even when the length of the continuous portion of the grommet cannot be sufficiently secured due to the distance between the first connector and the partition wall. The reduced diameter of the locking portion can be maintained.
[0020]
The grommet can block the noise transmitted through the burring hole of the partition wall by the sound insulating member, and can be securely attached between the inner shell cylinder part and the outer shell cylinder part of the grommet without any gap. And the sound insulation is improved. In addition, the sound insulation member is completely attached at the same time as the first connector and the second connector are completely connected, thereby improving workability. In addition, the sound insulation member does not shift or fall off due to the fitting and holding of the connector, and the sound insulation property is not affected.
[0021]
The wire harness that passes through the burring hole of the partition wall is penetrated and held in the inner shell cylindrical portion of the grommet. When the wire harness is pulled when the grommet is inserted into the burring hole, the tip of the inner cylinder is reduced in diameter, and in this state, the inner cylinder is passed through the burring hole. At this time, the inner cylinder returns to its original diameter, and the grommet is pressed against the partition wall. Thereby, a grommet is hold | maintained at a partition. In the grommets, the ridges of the outer cylinder come into pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge of the burring hole, and both sides of the partition walls are blocked by the continuous portions of the grommets to stop water.
[0022]
The first connector has an opening end disposed on one side of the partition wall toward the through hole of the partition wall, and the second connector on which the grommet is mounted is disposed on the other side of the partition wall. The guide ribs face each of the corresponding alignment recesses of the open end that expands in a tapered shape of one of the connectors. The alignment concave portion has a taper portion that extends in a circumferential range on both sides of the guide groove, so that the guide rib can be taken into the range of the taper portion.
[0023]
In this state, when a grommet is attached to the burring hole of the partition wall and the second connector is pushed toward the first connector, the tip of the guide rib slides on the taper surface of the taper portion of the alignment recess to guide it to the guide groove. It is burned. As a result, the second connector is aligned in the vertical and horizontal directions and the circumferential direction, and can be coupled to the first connector. By further pressing the second connector, the first connector 2 is smoothly coupled.
[0024]
When the coupling (fitting) of the first and second connectors is completed, the base end of the fitting detection lever is pushed out, and the operator can easily detect that the coupling of both the connectors is completed, It is easy to confirm that the connector is connected.
When the first and second connectors are coupled (fitted), both of them are fixed by the locking means, and the coupled state is reliably ensured. When the connection of the connector is released, the lock is released when the operator holds and pulls out the fitting detection lever. Thereby, the connection of the connector can be easily released.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a connector to which the first embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention is applied, and is a cross-sectional view in a state where the connector is separated. In the figure, the connector 1 includes a male connector 2 as a first connector, a female connector 3 as a second connector, and a grommet 4. In the drawing, a plurality of male terminals of the male connector 2 and a wire harness connected to each male terminal, a plurality of female terminals respectively connected to the plurality of male terminals of the female connector 3, and a wire harness connected to each female terminal. Are omitted. The connector 1 is, for example, connected to a wire harness routed from the engine room side to the indoor side through a through hole 5a formed in a dash panel 5 as a partition wall that defines an engine room and a vehicle room of the vehicle. Part.
[0026]
The through hole 5a of the dash panel 5 is a burring hole (hereinafter referred to as "burring hole 5a"), and the edge 5b rises from the plate surface 5c to the engine room side at a substantially right angle, for example, is formed in a cylindrical shape. Yes. The edge portion 5 b is a fitting portion with the grommet 4.
The male connector 2 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the plurality of male terminals project from the opening 2a on the distal end side, and the opening end 2c expands in a substantially tapered shape and is coupled to the female connector 3. It is used as an alignment guide. Further, locking claws 2d and 2d protruding inward are provided on the wall surface near the end face of the opening 2a so as to face each other. The male connector 2 has a base end 2b fixed to, for example, an instrument panel (not shown) on the vehicle interior side.
[0027]
The female connector 3 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the male connector 2, the tip 3 a can be fitted into the opening 2 a of the male connector 2, and the locking claws 2 d and 2 d of the male connector 2 are located near the tip of the outer peripheral surface. The engaging recesses 3c and 3c are provided at positions corresponding to the above, and the engaging protrusion 3d is provided on the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the base end portion 3b in an annular shape over the entire periphery. Then, the locking claws 2d and 2d of the male connector 2 and the locking recesses 3c and 3c of the female connector 3 are such that the distal end portion 3a of the female connector 3 fits into the opening 2a of the male connector 2 and In a state where the female connector 3 is completely coupled, the engagement is possible. In addition, each latching claw 2d is formed in a mountain shape in which the latching surfaces on both sides have substantially symmetrical inclined surfaces, and is a male / female halflock. This female connector 3 uses a terminal with a waterproof boot, so that rainwater can be prevented from entering the connector from the base end 3b side.
[0028]
The grommet 4 has an annular space between an inner shell cylindrical portion 4a as an inner shell cylindrical portion that is externally fitted to the female connector 3 and an outer shell cylindrical portion 4b as an outer shell cylindrical portion that is attached to the burring hole 5a. 4c is arranged concentrically, and a part of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a, for example, the tip and the tip of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b are continuously connected by the connecting portion 4d over the entire circumference. Yes. The grommet 4 is formed of a member having elasticity and water resistance, for example, a rubber member.
[0029]
The inner shell cylindrical portion 4 a has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the female connector 3, and an annular groove 4 e into which the engaging protrusion 3 d of the female connector 3 is fitted is provided at substantially the center of the inner peripheral surface. Yes. The outer cylindrical portion 4b includes an inner cylinder 4f that fits in the burring hole 5a and an outer cylinder 4h that fits on the edge 5b of the burring hole 5a. The inner cylinder 4f is thin, and the outer peripheral surface can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the burring hole 5a and can be easily deformed radially inward, and the tip is formed as a locking portion 4g to form the burring hole 5a. It can abut against the plate surface 5d at the peripheral edge of the opening end and can be locked. The locking portion 4g is slightly larger in diameter than the burring hole 5a and has a substantially truncated cone shape whose diameter decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end, and the distal end is substantially the same diameter or slightly smaller in diameter than the burring hole 5a. It is said that.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a plurality of notches 4i are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion 4g. The notch 4i extends in a substantially triangular shape from the base end side toward the distal end (FIGS. 3 and 4), and is cut out in a substantially right triangle shape inward in the radial direction so that the bottom surface is thin (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2). These cutouts 4i are for allowing the locking portion 4g to be reduced in diameter and easily passing through the burring hole 5a.
[0031]
The outer cylinder 4h has a larger diameter than the burring hole 5a, the base end is connected to the base end of the inner cylinder 4f, the inner peripheral surface 4j can be brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge 5b, and the front end surface However, it has a function to improve the waterproof property by widely adhering to the plate surface 5c at the peripheral edge of the burring hole 5a. On the inner peripheral surface 4j, a ridge 4k is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction. A plurality of, for example, two ridges 4k are provided at intervals in the axial direction. The inner diameters of these ridges 4k are set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the edge portion 5b, and are elastically pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the edge portion 5b to seal the two liquid-tightly.
[0032]
The connecting portion 4d has an inner peripheral edge continuous to the outer periphery of the distal end of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a over the entire circumference, and has a proximal end in the axial direction with a slight gap from the outer peripheral surface of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a. It extends to the side, forms a semicircular curved surface while expanding outward near the base end, bends to the tip side, extends to the tip side with a slight gap from the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b, The peripheral edge portion is continuously provided over the entire inner periphery at the tip inner peripheral edge of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b. The continuous portion 4d is thin and can be deformed in the axial direction and the radial direction. Then, the connecting portion 4d closes the annular space 4c between the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a and the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b, and liquid-tightly defines the front end side and the base end side of the grommet 4. To do.
[0033]
Hereinafter, an operation for attaching the connector 1 to the dash panel will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the male connector 2 has a base end 2b fixed to an instrument panel (not shown) and disposed on the interior side (one side) of the dash panel 5, and an opening 2a is a burring hole. A stand-by connector is arranged opposite to 5a. The female connector 3 is fitted into the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a of the grommet 4, and the annular ridge 3d is fitted into the annular groove 4e and fixed. The inner shell cylindrical portion 4a is attached to substantially the entire base end portion 3b, leaving the front end portion 3a coupled to the male connector 2. The inner shell cylindrical portion 4a has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the female connector 3, so that the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a is elastically in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the female connector 3, and the annular ridge 3d and the annular groove By fitting 4e, the water between these two is completely stopped. In this manner, the grommet 4 is attached and fixed to the female connector 3 in a liquid-tight manner.
[0034]
Next, the female connector 3 and the grommet 4 are inserted into the burring hole 5a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, first, the base end 3b of the female connector 3 or a wire harness (not shown) extending from the base end 3b is held and pulled in the direction of arrow B. When pulled in the direction of arrow B, the thin continuous portion 4d connected to the tip of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a is stretched, and the tip of the locking portion 4g is pulled inward in the radial direction accordingly. Diameter. That is, when the distal end of the locking portion 4g is pulled inward in the radial direction, the diameter of the locking portion 4g can be reduced until the opposing surfaces 4i ′ and 4i ′ (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the notches 4i come into contact with each other. Is done. As a result, the diameter of the locking portion 4g is easily reduced to be smaller than the burring hole 5a.
[0035]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 5C, the inner cylinder 4f of the grommet 4 is pushed toward the burring hole 5a. At this time, the rear end face of the outer cylinder 4h is pushed so that the front end face comes into contact with the plate surface 5c of the dash panel 5, and the female connector is in a state in which each protrusion 4k on the inner peripheral face is in contact with the outer peripheral face of the edge 5b. 3 is gradually fitted into the opening 2a while being aligned by the opening end 2c that expands in a tapered shape of the male connector 2 waiting for 3.
[0036]
When the connecting portion 4d is loosened during the fitting operation, the locking portion 4g of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b is restored to the original diameter by the elastic force of the inner tube 4f and protrudes to the male connector 2 side. . When the inner cylinder 4f has returned to its original diameter, the rear end surface of the locking portion 4g comes into contact with the plate surface 5d of the dash panel 5 and the mounting of the grommet 4 is completed. The female connector 3 has a distal end 3a inserted into the opening 2a of the male connector 2 and is completely coupled to the male connector 2, and the locking claw 2d is engaged (half-locked) with the corresponding locking recess 3d. Thereby, as shown in FIG.5 (d), the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are latched in a connection state.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 5 (d), the female connector 3 can be displaced in the radial direction with respect to the dash panel 5 and in the coupling direction (axial direction) with the male connector 2 by the grommet 4 in a state of being coupled to the male connector 2. Furthermore, since the opening end 2c of the male connector 2 faces the annular space 4c of the grommet 4, even if the tip of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a enters into the opening end 2c expanding in a taper shape, Displacement in the coupling direction is possible. Then, the female connector 3 is disconnected from the dash panel 5. This prevents stress due to vibration of the dash panel 5 from being absorbed and transmitted to the female connector 3.
[0038]
Further, the stability of water stoppage is enhanced by the annular ridge 4k being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the edge 5b of the burring hole 5a by elastic force. The annular ridge 4k can be set to a high pressure contact force by being provided on the inner peripheral surface 4j of the outer cylinder 4h. The reason is that, when an annular ridge is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 4f and pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the burring hole 5a, the rear surface of the locking portion 4g is brought into contact with the plate surface 5d of the dash panel 5. This is because there is a possibility that a gap may be formed by the protrusions and cannot be completely contacted, and the grommet 4 may not be securely attached to the dash panel 5.
[0039]
When the coupling between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 is released, the locking portion between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, that is, the locking claw 2d and the locking recess 3d are male and female half-locked. As a result, the base end 3b of the female connector 3 or the wire harness is pulled strongly, thereby releasing the coupling with the male connector 2 and reducing the diameter of the locking portion 4g of the outer cylindrical portion 4b of the grommet 4 as well. Thus, it can be easily pulled out from the burring hole 5a. In other words, after the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are coupled, the grommet 4 does not come off the dash panel 5 unless the coupling is released.
[0040]
In the above embodiment, the burring holes of the partition walls and the outer shapes of the first and second connectors are circular, and the inner shell cylindrical portion and the outer shell cylindrical portion of the grommet are respectively cylindrical. The shape of the burring hole and the first and second connectors is not limited to other shapes such as an ellipse, a square, etc. Of course, it is sufficient to adopt a shape matching these shapes.
[0041]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same or corresponding parts as those of the grommet shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the grommet 4 has a convex portion 4m having a substantially semicircular cross section concentrically and concentrically connected to a continuous portion 4d 'connecting the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a and the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b. Is formed. This continuous portion 4d ′ is formed to be shorter than the length of the continuous portion 4d shown in FIG. 1, and the pull-out distance in the direction of arrow B of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a with respect to the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b is set to be short. Has been. The convex portion 4m having a substantially semicircular cross section has a substantially semicircular cross section that bulges toward the proximal end 4n side of the connecting portion 4d ′ near the inner cylindrical portion 4a. The convex portion 4m having a substantially semicircular cross-section has an effect of promoting deformation when the inner cylinder 4f of the outer cylindrical portion 4b is reduced in diameter via the connecting portion 4d ′. The other structure is the same as that of the grommet shown in FIG.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the male connector 2 has a base end 2b fixed to the instrument panel and is disposed on the interior side of the dash panel 5, and an opening 2a is disposed opposite to the burring hole 5a to stand by. It is a side connector. The female connector 3 is fitted into the inner shell cylinder part 4a of the grommet 4, and the annular ridge 3d is fitted into the annular groove 4e and fixed. Next, the female connector 3 and the grommet 4 are inserted into the burring hole 5a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the base end 3b of the female connector 3 or a wire harness (not shown) extending from the base end 3b is held and pulled in the arrow B direction. When pulled in the direction of the arrow B, the connecting portion 4d 'is stretched, and the tip of the locking portion 4g is pulled radially inward along with this, and the diameter is reduced, and is inverted inward.
[0043]
Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the locking portion 4g is inverted inward and bent further than the horizontal (180 °), a force for deforming in the direction of arrow C acts. In order to maintain this state, the convex portion 4m having a substantially semicircular cross section generates a repulsive force in the direction of the arrow D at the connecting portion 4d ′. Thereby, the deformation of the locking portion 4g in the direction of the arrow C can be promoted, and even when the length of the connecting portion 4d ′ cannot be sufficiently secured due to the configuration, the diameter of the locking portion 4g can be maintained. It becomes possible to do. As a result, the diameter of the locking portion 4g is easily reduced to be smaller than the burring hole 5a.
[0044]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 7C, the inner cylinder 4f of the grommet 4 is pushed toward the burring hole 5a. At this time, it has a wire harness (not shown) extending from the end portion of the inner shell cylinder portion 4a or the female connector 3, and the front end surface of the outer cylinder 4h abuts on the plate surface 5c of the dash panel 5, Alignment is performed by the opening end 2c that expands in a tapered shape of the male connector 2 waiting for the female connector 3 in a state in which each of the ridges 4k (FIG. 8) on the peripheral surface is securely in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge 5b. While gradually fitting into the opening 2a.
[0045]
During the fitting operation, the locking portion 4b is pulled through the continuous portion 4d ′, and returns to the original diameter by the elastic force of the inner cylinder 4f, and protrudes to the male connector 2 side. When the inner cylinder 4f has returned to its original diameter, the rear end surface of the locking portion 4g comes into contact with the plate surface 5d of the dash panel 5 and the mounting of the grommet 4 is completed. As shown in FIG. 7 (d), the female connector 3 is inserted into the opening 2a of the connector 2 pressed by the tip 3a, and is completely coupled to the male connector 2, and the locking claw 2d is inserted into the corresponding locking recess 3d. Engaged (half-locked). Thus, even when the length of the connecting portion 4d ′ cannot be sufficiently secured due to the distance between the male connector 2 as the first connector and the dash panel 5 as the partition wall, the diameter of the locking portion 4g is maintained. can do.
[0046]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention. In FIG. 9, the corresponding parts of the grommet shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the grommet 4 is provided with a sound insulation member 6 between the inner shell cylinder portion 4a and the outer shell cylinder portion 4b. The sound insulating member 6 has a thick cylindrical shape, the inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a, and the outer diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b. Has been. The sound insulating member 6 is made of, for example, a rubber member having elasticity. The sound insulation member 6 is press-fitted into the base end portion of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a, and is integrally formed by being bonded and fixed with an adhesive. Further, the length of the continuous portion 4d ′ is shorter than the length of the continuous portion 4d shown in FIG. The other structure is the same as that of the grommet shown in FIG.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the male connector 2 has a base end portion 2b fixed to the instrument panel and is disposed on the indoor side of the dash panel 5, and an opening portion 2a is disposed to face the burring hole 5a. It is a side connector. The female connector 3 is fitted into the inner shell cylinder part 4a of the grommet 4, and the annular ridge 3d is fitted into the annular groove 4e and fixed. Next, the female connector 3 and the grommet 4 are inserted into the burring hole 5a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the base end 3b of the female connector 3 or a wire harness (not shown) extending from the base end 3b is held and pulled in the arrow B direction. Accordingly, the sound insulating member 6 and the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a are pulled out from the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b, the connecting portion 4d "is extended, and the tip of the locking portion 4g is pulled radially inward to reduce the diameter. As a result, the locking portion 4g is easily reduced in diameter to be smaller than the burring hole 5a.
[0048]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 10C, the inner cylinder 4f of the grommet 4 is pushed toward the burring hole 5a. At this time, it has a wire harness (not shown) extending from the end portion of the inner shell cylinder portion 4a or the female connector 3, and the front end surface of the outer cylinder 4h abuts on the plate surface 5c of the dash panel 5, Alignment is performed by the opening end 2c that expands in a tapered shape of the male connector 2 waiting for the female connector 3 in a state in which each protrusion on the circumferential surface (see FIG. 2) is in firm contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge 5b. While gradually fitting into the opening 2a. At the same time, the sound insulation member 6 is press-fitted and fitted into the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is elastically pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell cylindrical portion 4b. During the operation of fitting the female connector 3 to the male connector 2, the locking portion 4b is pulled via the connecting portion 4d ", and is restored to the original diameter by the elastic force of the inner cylinder 4f. Protrudes to the side.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 10 (d), when the inner cylinder 4f has returned to its original diameter, the rear end surface of the locking portion 4g comes into contact with the plate surface 5d of the dash panel 5, and the sound insulating member 6 is the outer cylindrical body. The fitting of the grommet 4 is completed by press-fitting to the proximal end portion of the portion 4b. The female connector 3 is inserted into the opening 2a of the connector 2 pressed by the distal end portion 3a, is completely coupled to the male connector 2, and the locking claw 2d is engaged (half-locked) with the corresponding locking recess 3d. As a result, the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are locked in a coupled state. The sound insulation member 6 seals between the inner shell cylindrical body portion 4a and the outer shell cylindrical body portion 4b by an elastic member, so that both sides of the dash panel 5, that is, between the female connector 3 side and the male connector 2 side are provided. Sound insulation can be performed well. Further, as long as the connectors are coupled to each other, the sound insulating member 6 does not come off from the grommet 4.
[0050]
In the above-described embodiment, the sound insulating member 6 is formed separately from the grommet 4, and is externally fitted to the proximal end portion of the inner shell cylindrical body portion 4 a of the grommet 4 and fixed integrally with an adhesive. However, the inner shell cylinder part 4a of the grommet 4 and the sound insulating member 6 may be integrally formed.
[0051]
(Fourth embodiment)
11 is a front view showing a fourth embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along arrows XII-XII in FIG. 11 and 12, corresponding portions of the grommet shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the corresponding reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the grommet 7 is attached to the burring hole 5a of the dash panel 5 and holds the wire harness 9 penetrating through the burring hole 5a. The diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of 9. Moreover, the length of the continuous portion 7d is formed shorter than the length of the continuous portion 4d shown in FIG. The other structure is the same as that of the grommet shown in FIG. The grommet 7 is formed of a rubber member having elasticity and water resistance like the grommet 4.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the wire harness 9 is inserted into the inner shell cylindrical portion 7a of the grommet 7, penetrates through the burring hole 5a of the dash panel 5, and is routed from the engine room side to the vehicle compartment side. . Since the inner diameter of the inner shell cylindrical portion 7 a is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the wire harness 9, the inner shell cylinder portion 7 a is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness 9. Further, the proximal end portion of the inner shell cylindrical body portion 7a and the wire harness 9 are wound by the waterproofing tape 8 and fixed in a liquid-tight manner. Thereby, the wire harness 9 is penetrated and fixed to the grommet 7 completely liquid-tightly.
[0053]
Next, the grommet 7 is inserted into the burring hole 5a. At this time, the wire harness 9 is pulled in the direction of the arrow B while holding the outer cylindrical portion 7 of the grommet 7 as shown in FIG. Along with this, the inner shell cylindrical portion 7a is pulled out from the outer shell cylindrical portion 7b, the connecting portion 7d is extended, the distal end of the locking portion 7g is pulled radially inward, and the diameter is reduced. Invert. As a result, the diameter of the locking portion 7g is easily reduced to be smaller than the burring hole 5a.
[0054]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the inner cylinder 7f of the grommet 7 is pushed toward the burring hole 5a, and the ridge 7k (FIG. 12) is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge 5b. The front end surface of the outer cylinder 7 h is brought into contact with the plate surface 5 c of the dash panel 5. During this push-in operation, the locking portion 7g is pulled through the continuous portion 7d, returns to its original diameter by the elastic force of the inner cylinder 7f, and protrudes to the opposite side of the burring hole 5a. Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, when the inner cylinder 7f has returned to its original diameter, the rear end surface of the locking portion 7g comes into contact with the plate surface 5d of the dash panel 5 and the mounting of the grommet 7 is completed. Thereby, the grommet 7 penetrates and supports the wire harness 9 that passes through the burring hole 5a and stops water.
[0055]
Since the locking portion 7g of the grommet 7 is inserted into the burring hole 5a in a state smaller than the diameter of the burring hole 5a, it can be easily attached without requiring extra force. Workability is improved because work in only one direction is sufficient.
[0056]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a grommet according to the present invention and a second embodiment of a connector to which the grommet is applied, with the connector separated. The male connector 2 and the female connector 3 shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the same or corresponding components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 14, the grommet 4 can be mounted in the burring hole 5a of the dash panel 5 with the initial shape as it is, and the inner cylinder 4f is reduced in diameter from the connecting portion with the outer cylinder 4h. Folded inward, the tip protrudes from the base end side of the outer cylinder 4h (left side in the figure), and the thin continuous portion 4d extends in the protruding direction so that the tip of the inner cylinder 4f extends to the tip. The tip is formed continuously. As a result, the grommet 4 externally fits the outer cylinder 4h to the edge part 5b of the burring hole 5a and pushes out the inner shell cylinder part 4a, thereby allowing the inner shell cylinder part 4a and the inner cylinder to pass through the connecting part 4d. 4f can be easily inserted through the burring hole 5a.
[0058]
The female connector 3 is attached to the inner shell cylinder part 4 a of the grommet 4. The female connector 3 is provided with a hole 3e extending in the axial direction in the vicinity of the peripheral portion, and a substantially trapezoidal locking portion 3f is provided in the vicinity of the tip, and the outer peripheral surface of the opening end of the hole 3e. A locking claw 3g is provided on the projection. Further, the hole 3e is formed as a slit 3h that opens outward from a position in the vicinity of the tip of the inner shell cylindrical body portion 4a to the root of the locking claw 3g.
[0059]
The fitting detection lever 11 is for detecting the fitting between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, and is fitted into the hole 3e of the female connector 3 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. It is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape so as to cover the locking portion 3f, and the tip is a locking claw 11b. The locking claw 11b can be locked to the front end of the locking portion 3f. The fitting detection lever 11 is provided with a bush 12 at a substantially central portion, and can be slid in a liquid-tight manner into the hole 3e via the bush 12. The base end portion 11c protrudes rearward and serves as a handle. Yes. The front end of the fitting detection lever 11 is flush with the front end surface 3a ′ of the female connector 3 in the illustrated initial position.
[0060]
On the other hand, the male connector 2 is provided with a slit 2f that engages with the locking claw 3f of the connector 3 from the connecting portion with the opening end 2c to the end surface 2e on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 2a ′ of the opening 2a. Further, the end face 2e that contacts the front end face 3a ′ of the female connector 2 faces the front end of the fitting detection lever 11, and when the male connector 2 is fitted to the female connector 3, the fitting detection lever 11 is locked. A protrusion 2g that pushes the tip of the claw 11b is provided.
[0061]
The locking claw is constituted by the locking claw 3g of the female connector 3 and the slit 2f of the male connector 2. When the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are coupled (fitted), they are locked (fixed) and fitted. The distal end portion 11a bent in a substantially trapezoidal shape of the detection lever 11 and the substantially trapezoidal locking portion 3f of the female connector 3 constitute release means for releasing the lock.
[0062]
When the grommet 4 is attached to the burring hole 5a of the dash panel 5 and the female connector 3 is connected to the male connector 2, the end face of the outer cylinder 4h of the grommet 4 is pressed against the plate surface 5c of the dash panel 5 as shown in FIG. And is fitted on the edge 5b of the burring hole 5a. Thereby, the grommet 4 can be easily attached to the burring hole 5a. Next, when a harness (not shown) extending from the base end of the female connector 3 is grasped and the base end portion of the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a of the grommet 4 is pushed in the direction of arrow A, the female connector 3 penetrates the burring hole 5a. Then, it is guided by the opening end 2c of the opposing male connector 2 and fitted into the opening 2a, and is connected to the male connector 2 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 can be smoothly coupled (fitted).
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 16, in a state where the female connector 3 is completely coupled (fitted) to the male connector 2, the locking claw 3g is fitted into the slit 2f of the male connector 2 and locked to the end face 2f '. Thereby, the female connector 3 is fixed to the male connector 2. Further, the projection 2g of the male connector 2 pushes the tip of the locking claw 11b of the fitting detection lever 11, and accordingly, the fitting detection lever 11 is pushed to the left in the figure, and the locking claw 11b is engaged. The base end portion 11c protrudes rearward by being locked by the stop portion 3d and locked at this position. Thereby, the operator can detect that the female connector 3 is completely connected to the male connector 2.
[0064]
When releasing the lock between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, when the base end portion 11c of the fitting locking lever 11 is pulled out in the direction of arrow B, the locking claw 11b rides on the upper surface of the locking portion 3f. Thus, the upper end of the distal end portion 11a enters the slit 3f and pushes up (opens) the open end 2c of the male connector 2 upward in the figure. As a result, the lock between the end face 2f ′ of the slit 2f and the locking claw 3g is released, and the coupling between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 can be released.
[0065]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 17 shows a third embodiment of a connector to which the grommet according to the present invention is applied. In FIG. 17, the same or equivalent components as those shown in FIG.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 17, an alignment recess 2 h for coupling (connecting) with the female connector 3 is formed on the inner surface of the opening end 2 c as a guide that expands in a substantially tapered shape of the male connector 2. Are arranged in a plurality of places, for example, four places in the circumferential direction. The alignment recess 2h is formed on the inner surface of the opening 2a of the male connector 2 on the inner side of the guide groove 2i extending from the tip to the end surface 2e in the axial direction, and on both sides of the guide groove 2i in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the opening end 2c. The taper portions 2j and 2j are provided so as to be symmetrical to each other, the tip ends open at the opening end, and the base ends communicate with the guide groove 2i. The tapered portions 2j and 2j on both sides are tapered surfaces that taper down (become deeper) toward the central portion that is the tip (opening end) of the guide groove 2i. The taper portions 2j and 2j on both sides are provided from the central portion in the circumferential direction over a predetermined range, for example, a range of a central angle of 10 °.
[0067]
The female connector 3 has guide ribs (projections) 3i that fit into the guide grooves 2i of the male connector 2 at positions where the male connector 2 should be accurately coupled to the outer peripheral surface from the distal end to the vicinity of the proximal end along the axial direction. Projected. When the guide rib 3i is inserted into the opening end 2c of the male connector 3 within the range of the tapered portions 2j and 2j extending on both sides of the guide groove 2i, the guide rib 3i is guided to the central portion along these tapered portions 2j. Misalignment in the circumferential direction is absorbed.
[0068]
Further, as shown in FIG. 18, fitting detection and lock / unlock means are provided between the female connector 3 and the male connector 2. In the female connector 3, a hole 3k is provided in the vicinity of the peripheral edge in the axial direction from the distal end surface to the proximal end surface, and a substantially trapezoidal locking portion 3m is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end of the hole 3k near the distal end. A locking claw 3n is provided, which opens outward from the position near the base end to the root of the locking claw 3n to form a slit 3p. In addition, a slit 3q is provided in the hole 3k from the distal end to the vicinity of the proximal end on the radially inner side (lower side in the drawing) of the locking portion 3m.
[0069]
The fitting detection lever 14 detects the fitting between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 and detects the fitting for releasing the lock between the two at the time of fitting (coupling) and the fitting for releasing the lock. It is a detection / lock release lever, and the front part is bifurcated into arms 14a and 14b. Locking claws 14c and 14d are provided at the ends of these arms 14a and 14b, respectively. The fitting detection lever 14 is inserted into the hole 3k of the female connector 3 so that the locking claw 14d is slidably inserted in the slit 3q in the axial direction. It is possible to slide in the axial direction. The arm 14a can be slid to the outside of the locking portion 3m, the locking claw 14c can be locked to the locking portion 3m, and the locking claw 14d can be locked to the proximal end surface of the slit 3q. It is said that. The lever 14 has a distal end flush with the front end face of the female connector 3 and a proximal end 14e flush with the rear end face at the initial position shown in the figure. The lever 14 is formed of, for example, a resin member having elasticity.
[0070]
On the other hand, the male connector 2 is provided with a locking piece 2k corresponding to the locking claw 3n of the connector 3 from the end surface 2e to the vicinity of the connecting portion with the opening end 2c in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the end surface 2e. A slit 2m that engages with the locking claw 3m is provided in the piece 2k. Further, the end face 2e is provided with a protrusion 2n that opposes the tip of the locking claw 14c of the arm 14a of the lever 14 and pushes the locking claw 14c when the male connector 2 is fitted to the female connector 3. Yes. The female connector 3 is attached to the grommet 4 as shown in FIG. On the end face of the outer cylinder 4h of the grommet 4, a mark 4s for positioning the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 is provided.
[0071]
The slit 2m of the male connector 2 and the locking claw 3n of the female connector 3 constitute a locking means for locking (fixing) both connectors in the coupling (fitting) position. 14a, the locking claw 14c, and the locking portion 3m of the female connector 3 constitute a lock releasing means.
As shown in FIG. 20, the male connector 2 has a base end portion fixed to an instrument panel (not shown) so as to be close to the indoor side of the dash panel 5 and an open end 2c aligned with the burring hole 5a. The The female connector 3 to which the grommet 4 is attached is arranged on the engine side of the dash panel 5. An alignment mark 5 s is provided on the plate surface 5 c of the dash panel 5 facing the female connector 3 in correspondence with the alignment mark 4 s of the grommet 4. In FIG. 19, the dash panel 5 is drawn transparent to make the male connector 2 easy to understand.
[0072]
The operator holds the harness 20 extending from the base end portion of the female connector 3 and pulls it in the arrow direction B to reduce the diameter of the connecting portion 4d so that the inner shell cylindrical portion 4a and the female connector 3 are moved to the left in the figure. Pull it out (front) (FIG. 21). Next, the end surface of the outer cylinder 4h of the grommet 4 is pressed against the plate surface 5c of the dash panel 5, and the alignment mark 4s is aligned with the alignment mark 5s of the dash panel 5 and attached to the edge 5b of the burring hole 5a. Then, the female connector 3 is pushed out in the direction of the arrow A to penetrate the burring hole 5a. Along with this, the connecting portion 4d is pushed out to expand its diameter, and the grommet 4 is mounted in the burring hole 5a.
[0073]
By attaching the grommet 4 to the dash panel 5 and aligning the alignment mark 4s with the alignment mark 5s of the dash panel 5, the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 can be opposed to each other so as to be coupled. However, it is difficult to match the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 to an accurate coupling position due to an assembling error on the male connector 2 side, an attachment error between the female connector 3 and the grommet 4, and the like.
[0074]
That is, due to the assembly error on the male connector 2 side, the center of the coupling position with the female connector 3 is displaced in the vertical and horizontal directions. In addition, when the grommet 4 is attached to the female connector 3 as shown in FIG. 19, a slight misalignment easily occurs between the two in the circumferential direction, which causes an attachment error between the female connector 3 and the grommet 4. For this reason, even if the alignment mark 4 s of the grommet 4 is aligned with the alignment mark 5 s of the dash panel 5, a slight circumferential displacement occurs between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3. .
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 20, in the state where the alignment mark 4s of the grommet 4 is aligned with the alignment mark 5s of the dash panel 5, each guide rib 3i for alignment of the female connector 3 is connected to the male connector 2. Each of the corresponding alignment recesses 2h of the opening end (guide) 2c that expands in a tapered shape is opposed to the corresponding alignment recess 2h. In other words, the alignment recess 2h has a taper portion 2j, 2j extending in a taper shape over both sides of the guide groove 2i of the male connector 2 over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction. The guide rib 3i of the female connector 3 can be taken in.
[0076]
When the female connector 3 is pushed toward the male connector 2 in this state, the tip end of the guide rib 3i slides on the tapered surface of the tapered portion 2j of the male connector 2 and moves to the center portion and is guided to the guide groove 2i. Thus, the female connector 3 is aligned in the vertical and horizontal directions and the circumferential direction, and can be coupled (fitted) to the male connector 2. By further pushing in the female connector 3, it is smoothly coupled to the male connector 2 as shown in FIG.
[0077]
Thus, as a connector misalignment absorbing structure (positioning structure), the opening end 2c of the male connector 2 is expanded in a tapered shape to serve as a guide for alignment, and a taper portion 2j on the inner surface of the opening end 2c, 2j and a plurality of alignment recesses 2h each including a guide groove 2i along the coupling direction (axial direction) are provided in the circumferential direction, and fitted to each guide groove 2i along the coupling direction (axial direction) on the outer surface of the female connector 3. By providing the guide rib 3i, it is possible to perform alignment by absorbing a circumferential shift with respect to the male connector 2. This makes it possible to absorb and align the vertical and horizontal shifts and the circumferential direction with the male connector 2 at the same time.
[0078]
22 and 23, the locking claw 3n is fitted into the slit 2m of the male connector 2 and locked in a state where the female connector 3 is completely coupled (fitted) with the male connector 2. As a result, the female connector 3 is locked (fixed) to the male connector 2. Further, the projection 2n of the male connector 2 pushes the tip of the locking claw 14c of the lever 14, and accordingly, the lever 14 is pushed to the left in the figure, and the locking claw 14c is locked to the locking portion 3m. The base end portion 14e protrudes rearward. Thereby, the operator can detect that the female connector 3 is completely coupled (fitted) to the male connector 2.
[0079]
When the female connector 3 is removed from the male connector 2 (unlocked), the operator grasps the base end portion 14e of the lever 14 and pulls it out in the direction of arrow B (front side) as shown in FIG. The pawl 14c is pushed up by the front end inclined surface of the latching portion 3m to bend into the slit 3p and push up the latching piece 2k to release the engagement (lock) between the latching claw 3n and the slit 2m. At the same time, the lever 14 is locked at this position by the locking claw 14d of the arm 14b being locked to the end face of the slit 3q. Next, the operator grasps the harness 20 (FIG. 20) extending from the female connector 3 and pulls it in the direction of arrow A to separate it from the male connector 2 and remove the grommet 4 from the dash panel 5.
[0080]
In the above embodiment, the alignment recesses 2h of the male connector 2 are provided at four locations in the circumferential direction, and correspondingly, the guide ribs 3i are provided at four locations in the circumferential direction at the female connector 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the alignment recess 2h and the guide rib 3i may be provided in three or two locations in the circumferential direction. From the viewpoint of alignment between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, the alignment recesses 2h and the guide ribs 3i increase the alignment accuracy. However, considering the installation space, about four locations are preferable.
[0081]
14 and 17 may use the grommets shown in the first, second, third, and fifth embodiments.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second grommet can be attached to the first connector through the through-hole and the second connector can be easily attached to the through-hole of the partition wall. The connector can be securely held. In addition, the inner shell cylinder part attached to the second connector and the substantially distal end of the outer corner cylinder part attached to and supported by the penetrating part of the partition wall are connected by the continuous part over the entire circumference, so that the partition wall Both sides of the penetrating part can be stopped well, and can be easily coupled even when the partition between the partition wall and the first and second connectors and the mounting positions of the first and second connectors are shifted. can do.
[0083]
AlsoClaim1In this invention, by pulling the inner shell cylindrical body part, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the engaging part at the tip of the inner cylinder fitted into the burring hole, and to quickly attach the grommet to the partition wall, thereby improving the workability. Figured.furtherClaim1In the invention, the grommet is formed on the connector attached to the inner shell cylinder portion by reducing the diameter of the inner cylinder fitted into the burring hole in the initial state and replacing it with the proximal end side of the outer cylinder. By simply pushing the connected harness, it can be easily attached to the burring hole, and the connector can be easily joined.
[0084]
Claim2In this invention, the grommet is formed into a thin wall capable of reducing the diameter of a part of the inner cylinder fitted into the burring hole, so that it is possible to easily reduce the diameter without requiring a force. Easy to attach and detach. Claim3In this invention, the grommet is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder that is externally fitted to the edge portion of the burring hole, and is provided with a ridge so as to be in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge portion. It becomes possible to improve the water stop performance without being affected.
[0085]
Claim4In this invention, even when the length of the continuous portion of the grommet cannot be sufficiently secured due to the distance between the first connector and the partition wall, the diameter of the locking portion is reduced by the annular semi-circular convex portion. Can be held. Claim5In this invention, the noise transmitted through the burring hole of the partition wall can be blocked by the sound insulating member. Further, it is possible to reduce the component cost by providing the sound insulating member integrally with the grommet.6In this invention, the grommet can be securely attached between the inner shell cylinder portion and the outer shell cylinder portion without any gap, and the sound insulation can be improved.
[0086]
Claim7In the invention, the mounting is completed simultaneously with the completion of the coupling of the first connector and the second connector, the assembly man-hour is reduced, and the workability is improved. In addition, the sound insulation member does not shift or fall off due to the fitting and holding of the connector, and the sound insulation property is not affected. Claim8In this invention, the grommet can easily attach the wire harness to the penetrating portion of the partition wall and can reliably hold the grommet. In addition, the inner shell cylindrical body portion mounted on the wire harness and the substantially distal end of the outer corner cylindrical body portion mounted and supported on the through portion of the partition wall are connected by the continuous portion over the entire circumference, so that the partition wall through portion It becomes possible to stop both sides of the water well.
[0087]
furtherClaim8In this invention, by pulling the inner shell cylindrical body part, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the engaging part at the tip of the inner cylinder fitted into the burring hole, and to quickly attach the grommet to the partition wall, thereby improving the workability. Figured. Claim9In the invention, the grommet has a thin wall part capable of reducing the diameter of a part of the inner cylinder fitted in the burring hole, so that it is possible to easily reduce the diameter without requiring a force. Easy to attach and detach.
[0088]
In the invention of claim 10, the grommet is provided with a ridge on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder that is fitted around the edge of the burring hole so as to be in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge. It is possible to improve the water stop performance without being affected by the fixing mechanism. Claim11And claims12In the invention, the vertical and horizontal misalignment between the first connector and the second connector and the shift in the circumferential direction can be absorbed at the same time for alignment, and the first connector and the second connector can be aligned. Can be coupled quickly and smoothly.
[0089]
Claim13In this invention, it is possible to easily confirm the coupling (fitting) between the first connector and the second connector, and particularly when two connectors located on both sides of the partition wall are coupled, the workability is improved. It is done. Claim14In this invention, the coupled state can be reliably maintained by locking (fixing) the first connector and the second connector in a coupled state. Further, the lock can be easily released, the connector can be easily released from the connection, and workability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a connector example to which a first embodiment of a grommet according to the present invention is applied, with the connector separated.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the grommet shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the grommet shown in FIG.
4 is a plan view of the grommet shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram when the connector shown in FIG. 1 is attached to a burring hole of a partition wall;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention.
7 is an explanatory diagram when the connector is attached to the burring hole of the partition wall by the grommet shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view of the locking portion when attached to the burring hole of the grommet shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention.
10 is an explanatory diagram when the connector is attached to the burring hole of the partition wall by the grommet shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fourth embodiment of the grommet according to the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line XII-XII of the grommet shown in FIG.
13 is an explanatory diagram when the grommet shown in FIG. 11 is applied and a wire harness is attached to the burring hole.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a grommet according to the present invention and a second embodiment of a connector to which the grommet is applied.
15 is an explanatory view of the connector coupling (fitting) operation shown in FIG. 14;
16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the coupling (fitting) of the connector shown in FIG. 15 has been completed.
FIG. 17 is an assembly perspective view showing a third embodiment of a connector to which the grommet according to the present invention is applied.
18 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG.
19 is a perspective view of a state in which a female connector is attached to the grommet shown in FIG.
20 is an explanatory diagram when the connector shown in FIG. 17 is coupled through the burring hole of the partition wall. FIG.
21 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG.
22 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connection (fitting) of the connector shown in FIG. 20 has been completed.
23 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG.
24 is an operation explanatory diagram for releasing the connection (fitting) of the connector shown in FIG. 23. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Connector
2 Male connector (first connector)
2a opening
2c Open end
2f slit
2g, 2n protrusion
2h Alignment recess
2i Guide groove
2j Taper part
2f, 2m slit
3 Female connector (second connector)
3e hole
3f, 3m locking part
3g, 3n locking claw
3i guide rib
4, 7 Grommet
4a Inner shell cylindrical part (inner shell cylindrical part)
4b Outer shell cylindrical part (outer shell cylinder part)
4d, 4d ', 4d "connecting part
4f inner cylinder
4g Locking part
4h outer cylinder
4i cutout
4j Inner peripheral surface of outer cylinder
4k annular ridge
4m annular convex section with a semi-circular cross section
5 Dash panel (partition wall)
5a Burring hole (through hole)
5b edge
6 Sound insulation material
8 Adhesive tape
9 Wire harness
11, 14 Fitting detection lever
12, 15 bush

Claims

A first connector disposed on one side of the partition wall, is coupled through a through-hole edge through from one side to the other side of the partition wall is made of a burring hole rises in a cylindrical shape to the other side, the other of the partition wall a second connector arranged on the side, a grommet for mounting in the through hole,
Before Symbol grommet,
(I) formed of an elastic member,
(II) An inner shell cylindrical portion that is externally fitted to the second connector and an outer shell cylindrical portion that is attached to an edge of the burring hole provide an annular space between the cylindrical portions. as is concentrically formed,
(III) The inner shell cylindrical portion and the substantially distal end of the outer shell cylindrical portion are connected by a continuous portion made of a thin and flexible material over the entire circumference in the annular space portion ,
(IV) The outer shell cylindrical body portion includes an outer tube that is fitted on an edge of the burring hole, and a base end that is connected to the base end of the outer tube, and the inner side from the other side of the partition wall to the burring hole. The inner cylinder is fitted with, and the tip penetrates and is abutted and locked to one side periphery of the burring hole,
(V) When the inner cylinder is pulled or turned back to the other side, the inner cylinder is reduced in diameter through the connecting portion, and the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder The inner cylinder is fitted into the burring hole, and then the inner shell cylinder part is returned to the one side direction of the burring hole, thereby expanding the groove part. The grommet wherein the inner cylinder is brought into contact with and locked to one side peripheral edge of the burring hole by being closed .

The distal end of the inner cylinder has a base end that is in contact with the peripheral edge of the burring hole slightly larger in diameter than the burring hole and is reduced in diameter toward the distal end, and a part of the inner cylinder is thin and can be reduced in diameter. The grommet according to claim 1 .

Grommet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the annular ridge for pressing over the entire circumference to the edge outer peripheral surface of the burring holes on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder is provided.

The grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a convex portion having a substantially semicircular cross section that is concentric with the inner shell cylindrical body portion is provided on the continuous portion.

The grommet according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein a sound insulating member is provided concentrically on the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the inner shell cylindrical body portion.

The grommet according to claim 5 , wherein the sound insulating member is formed of an elastic member having a cylindrical shape slightly larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the outer shell cylindrical body portion.

The sound insulation member is fitted into the base end side of the outer shell cylindrical portion when the first and second connectors are fitted, and the outer peripheral surface is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell cylindrical portion. The grommet according to claim 6 , wherein:

A grommet that penetrates and holds a wire harness that penetrates a through hole made of a burring hole that penetrates from one side of the partition wall to the other side and has an edge rising in a cylindrical shape on the other side ,
Before Symbol grommet,
(I) formed of an elastic member,
(II) An inner shell cylindrical portion that is externally fitted to the wire harness and an outer shell cylindrical portion that is attached to an edge of the burring hole are provided with an annular space between the cylindrical portions. , it is concentrically formed,
(III) The inner shell cylindrical portion and the substantially distal end of the outer shell cylindrical portion are connected by a continuous portion made of a thin and flexible material over the entire circumference in the annular space portion ,
(IV) The outer shell cylindrical body portion includes an outer tube that is fitted on an edge portion of the burring hole, and a proximal end that is connected to the proximal end of the outer tube, and the inner wall extends from one side of the partition wall to the burring hole. The inner cylinder is fitted with, and the tip penetrates and is abutted and locked to the other peripheral edge of the burring hole,
(V) When the inner cylinder is pulled or folded back to the one side, the inner cylinder is reduced in diameter through the connecting portion, and the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, The inner cylinder fits into the burring hole, and then the inner shell cylinder is returned to the other side of the burring hole to expand the expanded groove. The grommet wherein the inner cylinder is brought into contact with and locked to the other peripheral edge of the burring hole by closing .

The distal end of the inner cylinder has a base end that is in contact with the peripheral edge of the burring hole slightly larger in diameter than the burring hole and is reduced in diameter toward the distal end, and a part thereof is thin and can be reduced in diameter. The grommet according to claim 8 .

The grommet according to claim 8 , wherein an annular ridge is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder so as to be in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the edge of the burring hole over the entire periphery.

A first connector disposed on one side of the partition wall, and a second connector disposed on the other side of the partition wall coupled through the through hole of the partition wall, a connector using the grommet of claims 1 to 7 In the first or second connector, the opening end into which the first or second connector is inserted is expanded in a substantially tapered shape to serve as a guide. A plurality of alignment recesses extending in the axial direction from the opening end are provided in the circumferential direction, and the other connector is engaged with each of the alignment recesses on the outer peripheral surface, and is fitted from the front end of the guide of the one connector. A connector rib is provided along the axial direction.

The alignment recess is formed in a guide groove extending in the axial direction over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the guide, the distal end opens at the distal end of the guide, the proximal end is connected to the guide groove, and the guide rib The connector according to claim 11 , further comprising a tapered portion that guides the lead into the guide groove.

A first connector disposed on one side of the partition wall, and a second connector disposed on the other side of the partition wall coupled through the through hole of the partition wall, a connector using the grommet of claims 1 to 7 The second connector is inserted in the fitting direction with the first connector, and a hole 3e in which a locking portion 3f projects in the middle, and is inserted into the hole 3e so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The first connector includes a fitting detection lever whose front end is engageable with the locking portion 3f and whose base end protrudes from the rear end of the hole 3e when coupled to the first connector; Is provided with a protrusion for pushing the tip of the fitting detection lever when the second connector is coupled.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the connector further includes a locking unit that locks between the first connector and the second connector when they are coupled, and the fitting detection lever has a rear end at the first end. 1. The connector is characterized in that the lock is released when the second connector is further pulled out from the position where the second connector is coupled and protruded.