clamps

Abstract

The present invention provides a clip that can be used even in a narrow space. A coil spring portion (2A, 2B) is connected in series. The coil spring portion (2A) has a predetermined inner diameter (D) that is smaller than the outer diameter of a pipe in which a joint is inserted, and holds the portion of the pipe in which the joint is inserted in a state in which the joint is inserted in the pipe. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip (1) in appearance as viewed from the direction of the central axis (Ca) of the coil spring portion (2A), that is, the apparent inner dimension (Da), is a predetermined dimension at which the clip (1) can hold the pipe in a state in which the joint is not inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clip. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that there is a clamp used to prevent a tube from coming out of the insertion member inserted into the tube.

[0003] For example, in order to prevent the tube that forms the ink flow path in an inkjet printing device from coming out of the connector (insertion member), a clamp is used to fix the tube to the connector.

[0004] As for the clips used as described above, it is known that there are clips having a ring-shaped clip body and a grip for expanding the inner diameter of the clip body (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] When using this clamp to fix a tube to an inserting component, the operator first inserts the tube into the clamp body.

[0006] Next, the operator inserts the inserting component into the pipe. For pipes whose outer diameter has increased after inserting the inserting component, the operator holds the clamp while installing it, and then releases the clamp to secure the pipe to the inserting component.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent document: Japanese Patent No. 5978387 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, the aforementioned clip extends from the clip body into a gripper, thus requiring a certain amount of space corresponding to the gripper for setting. Therefore, it is difficult to use in confined spaces.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a clip that can be used even in confined spaces.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] According to a technical solution of the present invention, a clip is provided, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of helical spring portions connected in series, wherein the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube in which the insertion member is inserted, wherein the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clip holds the portion of the tube in which the insertion member is inserted, and the diameter of the apparent inscribed circle of the clip, viewed from the central axis direction of the helical spring portion disposed at the one end, is a predetermined size by which the clip can hold the tube in a state where the insertion member is not inserted.

[0015] According to another technical solution of the present invention, a clip is provided, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of helical spring portions connected in series with each other offset from their central axes, wherein the helical spring portions disposed at one end of the clip secure a tube with an insertion member inserted into it to a holding state.

[0016] The effects of the invention

[0017] The clip according to the invention can also be used in confined spaces. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 (a) is a top view of the clip according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is Figure 1 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the tube with the clamp held in place and the connector not inserted.

[0020] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 1 The diagram shows the steps of securing the tube to the connector with the clamp.

[0021] Figure 4 (a) is relative to Figure 1 The clamp shown is a top view of a clamp with altered bending angles of the central axis and the number of turns of the helical spring section. Figure 4 (b) is Figure 4 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0022] Figure 5 (a) is a top view of the clip in the comparative example. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 5 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0023] Figure 6 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 5 The diagram shows the steps of securing the tube to the connector with the clamp.

[0024] Figure 7 (a) is a top view of the clip of a modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0025] Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the clip according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 1. 1A~1C, clips; 2A~2C, helical spring parts; 3. wire; 10. tube; 11. connector; 21. clip; 22. clip body; 23A, 23B, grips; Ca~Cc, central axis. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts and structural elements are labeled with the same or equivalent reference numerals.

[0029] The embodiments shown below illustrate apparatus and other devices used to embody the technical concept of the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the materials, shapes, structures, and arrangements of the structural components as described below. Various modifications can be made to the technical concept of the present invention within the scope of the claims.

[0030] [First Implementation]

[0031] Figure 1 (a) is a top view of the clip according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is Figure 1 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0032] like Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 As shown in (b), the clip 1 of the first embodiment has two helical spring portions 2A and 2B.

[0033] Clip 1 is used to hold tube 10 (refer to) Figure 3 ) Fixed to connector 11 (equivalent to an insertion component, see reference) Figure 3 This is to prevent the tube 10 from coming off the clamp from the connector 11.

[0034] The tube 10, for example, constitutes the ink flow path in an inkjet printing device. The tube 10 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0035] The connector 11, for example, is provided in the inkjet head of an inkjet printing apparatus, for connecting the ink supply or discharge tube 10 to the inkjet head. The tube 10 is connected to the connector 11 by inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10.

[0036] The helical spring sections 2A and 2B are formed by winding a wire 3 made of metal or the like. The helical spring sections 2A and 2B are connected in series by bending their respective central axes Ca and Cb together.

[0037] The helical spring sections 2A and 2B are formed such that their respective inner diameters D are smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 10 when the connector 11 is inserted. Here, the outer diameter of the tube 10 when the connector 11 is inserted is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 10 when the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0038] The helical spring 2A secures the portion of the tube 10 with the connector 11 inserted into it in a holding state when the connector 11 is inserted into the tube. The inner diameter D is set to a size that allows the helical spring 2A to press down on the tube 10 with the connector 11 inserted.

[0039] As described above, the clip 1 is formed by bending the central axes Ca and Cb together. Therefore, when viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca (viewed from above), the apparent inner dimension Da in the bending direction of the central axes Ca and Cb is smaller than the inner diameter D of the helical spring parts 2A and 2B. The apparent inner dimension Da is the diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip 1 as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca. The clip 1 is formed such that the apparent inner dimension Da is a predetermined size smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted. Specifically, the apparent inner dimension Da is set to the size of the tube 10 in the state where the clip 1 can hold the connector 11 not inserted, as described below. The apparent inner dimension Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the helical spring parts 2A and 2B and the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B.

[0040] The clamp 1 can be manufactured by inserting a pitch tool used in the machining of the helical spring between the helical spring sections 2A and 2B with an amount corresponding to one turn of the helical spring, thereby increasing the pitch by an amount corresponding to one pitch. Since no special machining is required, the clamp 1 has high mass production capability.

[0041] Next, the function of clip 1 will be explained.

[0042] When the operator inserts the tube 10 (without connector 11) into the clamp 1, such as Figure 2 As shown, clamp 1 holds tube 10, and clamp 1 is installed on tube 10.

[0043] At this moment, clamp 1 utilizes Figure 2The cross-section of wire 3, indicated by black, is supported at three points to hold tube 10 in place. Of these three points of support... Figure 2 The distance between the contact points of the two parts on the left and the contact point of one part on the right, in a direction orthogonal to the axis of pipe 10 (distance between contact points), is the same as described above. Figure 1 The apparent internal dimensions Da are all the same; the smaller the apparent internal dimension Da, the smaller the distance between the contact points. As mentioned above, the apparent internal dimension Da is set so that clamp 1 can... Figure 2 The dimensions of the tube 10 are shown in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0044] Next, as Figure 3 As shown in the left-hand diagram, the operator moves the pipe 10 with clamp 1 attached towards the vicinity of connector 11, so that connector 11 is inserted into the pipe 10 with clamp 1 attached. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown in the right-hand figure, the tube 10 is connected to the connector 11 and the tube 10 is fixed to the connector 11 by the clamp 1.

[0045] In this state, the outer diameter of the tube 10 within the range where the connector 11 is inserted is larger than that before the connector 11 is inserted, and the helical spring part 2A presses down on the portion of the tube 10 where the connector 11 is inserted. Figure 3 In the state shown in the diagram on the right, the upper end of the helical spring part 2A is located at approximately the same position as the upper end of the connector 11 inserted into the tube 10.

[0046] Next, the adjustment of the apparent internal dimension Da will be explained.

[0047] As described above, the apparent inner dimension Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the helical spring parts 2A and 2B and the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B, so that the clamp 1 can hold the tube 10 in a state where the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0048] If the bending angle α is the same, the more turns the helical spring part 2B has, the smaller the apparent internal dimension Da. If the number of turns the helical spring part 2B is the same, the larger the bending angle α is, the smaller the apparent internal dimension Da is.

[0049] Depending on the material, the outer diameter of the tube 10 may be the same when the connector 11 is inserted, but different when the connector 11 is not inserted. Therefore, by adjusting the bending angle α and the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B according to the outer diameter of the tube 10 when the connector 11 is not inserted, the apparent inner dimension Da can be adjusted.

[0050] Furthermore, even if the apparent inner dimension Da is the same, the combination of the bending angle α and the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B can be changed.

[0051] For example, relative to Figure 1 Regarding clip 1, Figure 4 of (a), Figure 4 The clip 1A shown in (b) has the same structure except for the bending angle α and the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B. Figure 4 In clip 1A, relative to Figure 1 The clip 1 achieves the same apparent internal dimension Da by increasing the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B and reducing the bending angle α.

[0052] Here, the tube 10 is stored, for example, wound into a roller shape, which sometimes leaves traces of a bent state and thus has curvature.

[0053] If you want to keep the clamp 1 in the curved tube 10, for example, if the direction of the bend of the central axis Ca, Cb is the same as the direction of the bend of the tube 10, you cannot get a sufficient holding force and the clamp 1 may fall off the tube 10.

[0054] In contrast, in clip 1A, compared to clip 1, the axial distance between the two contact points of the helical spring portion 2A and the contact point of the helical spring portion 2B in the aforementioned three-point support can be increased. Therefore, compared to clip 1, clip 1A can stably hold the tube 10, even if it has curvature.

[0055] When the tube 10 has no curvature or has a small curvature, and the holding force of the tube 10 that can be achieved by the clamp 1A is not required, it can be set as Figure 1 The structure of clip 1. Figure 1 Compared to clip 1 Figure 4 The clip 1A can be designed as a compact structure with a shorter overall length.

[0056] Thus, by adjusting the bending angle α and the number of turns of the helical spring portion 2B based on the properties of the tube 10, such as whether the tube 10 has curvature and the magnitude of the curvature of the tube 10, which are related to the holding force of the clamps 1 and 1A on the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted, it is possible to prevent the total length of the clamps 1 and 1A from becoming too large and to improve the stability of holding the tube 10.

[0057] Next, the clip of the comparative example will be described. Figure 5 (a) is a top view of the clip in the comparative example. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 5 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0058] like Figure 5 of (a), Figure 5As shown in (b), the comparative example clip 21 includes: a clip body 22, which is composed of a spiral spring formed by winding wire; and grips 23A and 23B, which are used to enlarge the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22.

[0059] When using clip 21 to secure tube 10 to connector 11, firstly, as Figure 6 As shown in the left-hand diagram, the operator inserts tube 10 into clamp body 22.

[0060] Next, the operator holds the grippers 23A and 23B to expand the inner diameter Dk of the clamp body 22 while inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10.

[0061] Next, the operator releases their hands from grips 23A and 23B, causing the inner diameter Dk of the clamp body 22 to decrease, while clamp 21 remains inserted into the tube 10 with connector 11. The result is as follows: Figure 6 As shown in the right-hand figure, the tube 10 is connected to the connector 11 and the tube 10 is fixed to the connector 11 by the clamp 21.

[0062] In the comparative example described above, the clip 21 extends from the clip body 22 with grips 23A and 23B. Therefore, a certain amount of space corresponding to the grips 23A and 23B is required for its installation. Consequently, it is difficult to use in a confined space.

[0063] In addition, if there are structures or wire harnesses around the handles 23A and 23B, the handles 23A and 23B may interfere with the structures or damage the wire harnesses.

[0064] In addition, when using clamp 21 to fix tube 10 to connector 11 in a confined space, it is difficult to hold the grippers 23A and 23B, which may reduce workability.

[0065] Furthermore, by gripping the grippers 23A and 23B, the clamp body 22 undergoes plastic deformation, causing its inner diameter Dk to expand, which may prevent the clamp 21 from holding the tube 10. In particular, when the number of turns in the clamp body 22 is small, the clamp body 22 is prone to plastic deformation.

[0066] In contrast, the clips 1 and 1A in this embodiment do not require a gripper, thus enabling use even in confined spaces. Furthermore, the clips 1 and 1A are less likely to interfere with surrounding structures or damage the wire harness. Additionally, the clips 1 and 1A eliminate the need for gripping, thus reducing the likelihood of decreased workability. Moreover, the clips 1 and 1A are less likely to deform plastically and fail to hold the tube 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in the comparative example of clamp 21, the inner diameter Dk of the clamp body 22 is sometimes set to a size that satisfies the following conditions: the clamp 21 can hold the tube 10 in a state where the connector 11 is not inserted, and even if the inner diameter Dk is not enlarged by gripping the handles 23A and 23B, the connector 11 can be inserted into the tube 10, and the clamp 21 can also hold the tube 10 in a state where the connector 11 is inserted. In this case, the handles 23A and 23B can be omitted.

[0068] However, in this case, the tolerance settings for the clamp 21 and the tube 10 require high precision. If the machining accuracy of the inner diameter Dk of the clamp body 22 is insufficient, the clamp 21 may loosen its hold on the tube 10 when it is not inserted into the connector 11, and the clamp 21 may fall off and be lost.

[0069] In contrast, clamps 1 and 1A support the tube 10 at three points as described above, thus providing space to allow for deformation of clamps 1 and 1A or the tube 10 due to the difference between the apparent inner dimension Da and the outer diameter of the tube 10. Therefore, the permissible range of error in the apparent inner dimension Da can be expanded. As a result, it is possible to maintain the tube 10 in the uninserted state while suppressing the required machining accuracy.

[0070] As described above, clips 1 and 1A each have helical spring portions 2A and 2B, which are connected in series by bending their respective central axes Ca and Cb together. Helical spring portion 2A has an inner diameter D smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 10 with connector 11 inserted. When connector 11 is inserted into the tube 10, helical spring portion 2A holds the portion of the tube 10 with connector 11 inserted. Furthermore, the apparent inner dimension Da of clips 1 and 1A is set to a size that allows clips 1 and 1A to hold the tube 10 in the state without connector 11 inserted.

[0071] Therefore, without the need for a lever to expand the inner diameter D, it is possible to prevent the clamps 1 and 1A from falling off the tube 10 during operation, while simultaneously securing the tube 10 to the connector 11 using the clamps 1 and 1A. Since a lever to expand the inner diameter D is not required, as described above, the clamps 1 and 1A can be used even in confined spaces.

[0072] Furthermore, as described above, the possibility of interference between clips 1 and 1A and surrounding structures, and damage to the wire harness, can be suppressed. Additionally, the clips 1 and 1A eliminate the need for gripping or pinching, thus suppressing any reduction in workability. Furthermore, the possibility of clips 1 and 1A deforming and failing to hold the tube 10 is suppressed. Moreover, the required machining accuracy can be maintained while keeping the tube 10 in a state where the clips 1 and 1A are not inserted into the connector 11.

[0073] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the apparent inner dimension Da, it is possible to suppress the shrinkage of the inner diameter of the tube 10 while keeping the clamps 1 and 1A in a state where the tube 10 is not inserted into the connector 11. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the operation of inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10 and fixing the tube 10 to the connector 11 using the clamp 1.

[0074] Furthermore, in clamps 1 and 1A, based on the properties of the tube 10 related to the holding force of clamps 1 and 1A on the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted, the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the helical spring portions 2A and 2B and the number of turns of the helical spring portion 2B are adjusted. This prevents the overall length of clamps 1 and 1A from becoming excessively large and improves the stability of clamps 1 and 1A when holding the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0075] (A variation of the first embodiment)

[0076] Figure 7 (a) is a top view of the clip of a modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0077] like Figure 7 of (a), Figure 7 As shown in (b), the clip 1B of this modified example has three helical spring portions 2A to 2C. The clip 1B is a structure in which the helical spring portions 2C connected to the helical spring portions 2B are added, compared to the clip 1 of the first embodiment described above. The helical spring portions 2A to 2C are connected in series by bending their respective central axes Ca to Cc.

[0078] Similar to clip 1, in clip 1B, a helical spring portion 2A disposed at one end of clip 1B retains the portion of tube 10 with the connector 11 inserted when the connector 11 is inserted into tube 10. Furthermore, the apparent inner dimension Da, as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca of the helical spring portion 2A, is set to the size of tube 10 in a state where clip 1B can retain it without the connector 11 inserted.

[0079] The apparent internal dimension Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between helical spring sections 2A and 2B, the bending angle β of the central axes Cb and Cc between helical spring sections 2B and 2C, and the number of turns of helical spring sections 2B and 2C other than helical spring section 2A.

[0080] In addition, similar to the clip 1 in the first embodiment, the bending angles α and β and the number of turns of the helical spring portions 2B and 2C are adjusted according to the properties of the tube 10 related to the holding force of the clip 1B on the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0081] Similar to the clamp 1 in the first embodiment, when the tube 10, which is not inserted into the connector 11, is inserted into the clamp 1B, the clamp 1B holds the tube 10, thereby installing the clamp 1B onto the tube 10.

[0082] Then, by inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10 on which the clip 1B is installed, the tube 10 is connected to the connector 11. As a result, the helical spring part 2A presses down on the part of the tube 10 to which the connector 11 is inserted, and the tube 10 is fixed to the connector 11 by the clip 1B.

[0083] In this modified example of clip 1B, the same effect as that of clip 1 in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0084] Alternatively, the central axis Cc may be bent relative to the central axis Cb to the side opposite to the bending of the central axis Cb relative to the central axis Ca.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, clips 1 and 1A with two helical spring portions 2A and 2B are shown. In this modified example, clip 1B with three helical spring portions 2A to 2C is shown, but the number of helical spring portions is not limited to this. As long as multiple helical spring portions are connected in series in such a way that adjacent helical spring portions are bent towards each other with their respective central axes.

[0086] [Second Implementation]

[0087] Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the clip according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 The front view of the clip shown in (a).

[0088] like Figure 8 of (a), Figure 8 As shown in (b), the clip 1C of the second embodiment changes the structure in which the central axes Ca and Cb of the helical spring parts 2A and 2B of the first embodiment are bent against each other to a structure in which the central axes Ca and Cb are offset against each other in the radial direction of the helical spring parts 2A and 2B.

[0089] In clip 1C, the apparent inner dimension Da is the apparent inner dimension of clip 1C in the direction of offset from the central axes Ca and Cb as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca. In clip 1C, the apparent inner dimension Da is also set in the same way as in clip 1 of the first embodiment, such that clip 1C can hold the tube 10 in a state where the connector 11 is not inserted. The apparent inner dimension Da is adjusted by adjusting the offset S of the central axes Ca and Cb between the helical spring portions 2A and 2B.

[0090] In addition, in the clip 1C, the number of turns of the helical spring part 2B is adjusted according to the properties of the tube 10, such as whether the tube 10 has curvature and the magnitude of the curvature of the tube 10, which are related to the holding force of the clip 1C on the tube 10.

[0091] In this case, if the clamp 1C is intended to hold the curved tube 10, and the direction of the offset of the central axes Ca and Cb is the same as the direction of the bend of the tube 10, sufficient holding force cannot be obtained, and the clamp 1C may fall off the tube 10.

[0092] In clip 1C, as described later, the tube 10 is pressed by contact points in helical spring sections 2A and 2B with a number of turns corresponding to their respective numbers, thereby holding the tube 10 in place. Therefore, the more turns the helical spring section 2B has, the more stably the tube 10 with a large curvature can be held.

[0093] Therefore, by adjusting the number of turns of the helical spring section 2B according to the properties of the tube 10 which are related to the holding force of the clip 1C on the tube 10, it is possible to suppress the excessive length of the clip 1C and improve the stability of the holding tube 10.

[0094] Clip 1C can be manufactured by increasing the coil diameter by an amount corresponding to one turn between the helical spring portions 2A and 2B. Since no special processing is required, clip 1C, like clips 1 and 1A of the first embodiment, has high mass production capability.

[0095] Similar to the clamp 1 in the first embodiment, when the tube 10, which is not inserted into the connector 11, is inserted into the clamp 1C, the clamp 1C holds the tube 10, thereby installing the clamp 1C onto the tube 10.

[0096] Here, the clip 1C is not the three-point support mentioned above in the clip 1 of the first embodiment, but rather a contact point in the helical spring parts 2A and 2B corresponding to the number of turns of each of the contact points pressing the tube 10 and holding the tube 10.

[0097] Then, by inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10 on which the clip 1C is installed, the tube 10 is connected to the connector 11. As a result, the helical spring part 2A presses down on the part of the tube 10 to which the connector 11 is inserted, and the tube 10 is fixed to the connector 11 by the clip 1C.

[0098] The clip 1C of this second embodiment, like the clip 1 of the first embodiment described above, does not require a gripping handle to expand the inner diameter D, and can therefore be used in confined spaces.

[0099] Furthermore, similar to the clip 1 of the first embodiment, the possibility of the clip 1C interfering with surrounding structures and causing damage to the wire harness can be suppressed. Additionally, since there is no need to hold and grip the clip, the reduction in workability can be suppressed. Furthermore, the possibility of the clip 1C plastically deforming and failing to hold the tube 10 can be suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, in the clamp 1C, as described above, the tube 10 in its uninserted state is pressed by contact points in the helical spring portions 2A and 2B with a corresponding number of turns, thereby holding the tube 10 in place. Similar to the clamp 1 of the first embodiment, this clamp 1C also has space to allow deformation of the clamp 1C or the tube 10 due to the difference between the apparent inner dimension Da and the outer diameter of the tube 10. Therefore, similar to the clamp 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to maintain the tube 10 in its uninserted state while suppressing the required machining accuracy.

[0101] Furthermore, similar to the clamp 1 in the first embodiment, by appropriately setting the apparent inner size Da, it is possible to suppress the shrinkage of the inner diameter of the tube 10 while keeping the tube 10 in a state where the clamp 1C is not inserted into the connector 11. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the operation of inserting the connector 11 into the tube 10 and fixing the tube 10 to the connector 11 using the clamp 1.

[0102] Furthermore, in the clamp 1C, the number of turns of the helical spring portion 2B is adjusted according to the properties of the tube 10, which are related to the holding force of the clamp 1C on the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the clamp 1C from becoming too large, and to improve the stability of the clamp 1C in holding the tube 10 in the state where the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, a clip 1C with two helical spring portions 2A and 2B is shown, but the number of helical spring portions is not limited to this. It is acceptable as long as the central axes of the multiple helical spring portions are offset relative to each other in the radial direction of the helical spring portions between adjacent helical spring portions. Additionally, it may include helical spring portions whose orientation is opposite to that of the other helical spring portions relative to the offset of the central axis of the helical spring portion adjacent to one side in the central axis direction.

[0104] In a clamp formed by connecting three or more helical spring sections in a manner in which their respective central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction of the helical spring section, the number of turns of each helical spring section other than the helical spring section disposed at one end (the helical spring section that holds the tube 10 when the connector 11 is inserted into the tube 10) can be adjusted according to the properties of the tube 10 that are related to the holding force of the clamp on the tube 10 when the connector 11 is not inserted.

[0105] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0106] As described above, the present invention has been described by a first embodiment, variations thereof, and a second embodiment, but it should not be construed as limiting the invention by the descriptions and drawings that constitute a part of this disclosure. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and application techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0107] In the first embodiment, its variations, and the second embodiment described above, the helical spring portions 2B and 2C, other than the helical spring portion 2A, also have an inner diameter D of the same size as the helical spring portion 2A. However, the inner diameter of the helical spring portions 2B and 2C, other than the helical spring portion 2A, may also be different from the inner diameter D of the helical spring portion 2A.

[0108] Furthermore, a clip can include both the portion where the central axes of adjacent helical spring portions bend against each other and the portion where the central axes of adjacent helical spring portions are offset from each other in the radial direction of the helical spring portions. However, the clip is not limited to the cases where the central axes of adjacent helical spring portions bend against each other or where the central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction of the helical spring portions; it is acceptable as long as multiple helical spring portions are connected in series with their central axes offset from each other.

[0109] Thus, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, based on the above description, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by appropriate inventive specific matters relating to the claims.

[0110] [Postscript]

[0111] This application discloses the following invention.

[0112] (Postscript 1)

[0113] A clip, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of helical spring portions connected in series.

[0114] The helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube with the insertion member inserted. When the insertion member is inserted into the tube, the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp holds the portion of the tube with the insertion member inserted.

[0115] The diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the direction of the central axis of the helical spring portion disposed at one end, is a predetermined size of the tube in which the clip can hold the tube in a state where the insertion member is not inserted.

[0116] (Postscript 2)

[0117] The clip according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that,

[0118] Between the adjacent helical spring sections, their respective central axes bend towards each other.

[0119] Based on the properties of the tube related to the holding force of the clamp on the tube in the state where the insertion member is not inserted, the bending angle of the central axis between adjacent helical spring portions and the number of turns of each helical spring portion other than the helical spring portion disposed at the one end are adjusted.

[0120] (Note 3)

[0121] The clip according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that,

[0122] Between the adjacent helical spring sections, their respective central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction of the helical spring section.

[0123] The number of turns of each helical spring portion other than the helical spring portion disposed at the one end is adjusted according to the properties of the tube related to the holding force of the clamp on the tube in the state where the insertion member is not inserted.

[0124] (Note 4)

[0125] A clip is characterized by comprising a plurality of helical spring portions connected in series with their central axes offset from each other.

[0126] The helical spring portion located at one end of the clamp secures the tube, in which the insertion member is inserted, into a holding state.

Claims

1. A clip, characterized in that, It has multiple helical spring sections connected in series. Between the adjacent helical spring sections, their respective central axes bend towards each other. The helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube with the insertion member inserted. When the insertion member is inserted into the tube, the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp holds the portion of the tube with the insertion member inserted. The diameter of the apparent inscribed circle of the clip, viewed from the direction of the central axis of the helical spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined size by which the clip can maintain the tube in a state where the insertion member is not inserted, supported by multiple contact points. The diameter of the inscribed circle is smaller than the inner diameter of the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp.

2. A clip, characterized in that, It has multiple helical spring sections connected in series. The helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube with the insertion member inserted. When the insertion member is inserted into the tube, the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp holds the portion of the tube with the insertion member inserted. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the direction of the central axis of the helical spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined size of the tube in which the clip can hold the tube in a state where the insertion member is not inserted. Between the adjacent helical spring sections, their respective central axes bend towards each other. Based on the properties of the tube related to the holding force of the clamp on the tube in the state where the insertion member is not inserted, the bending angle of the central axis between adjacent helical spring portions and the number of turns of each helical spring portion other than the helical spring portion disposed at the one end are adjusted.

3. A clip, characterized in that, It has multiple helical spring sections connected in series. The helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube with the insertion member inserted. When the insertion member is inserted into the tube, the helical spring portion disposed at one end of the clamp holds the portion of the tube with the insertion member inserted. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the direction of the central axis of the helical spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined size of the tube in which the clip can hold the tube in a state where the insertion member is not inserted. Between the adjacent helical spring sections, their respective central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction of the helical spring section. The number of turns of each helical spring portion other than the helical spring portion disposed at the one end is adjusted according to the properties of the tube related to the holding force of the clamp on the tube in the state where the insertion member is not inserted.

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