Tube

Abstract

To provide a tube having a holding force and being easily crushed.SOLUTION: An insert can be inserted into a tube 10. The tube includes: a first protrusion 14A protruding from an inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10 and inclined toward the inner wall surface 12A; a second protrusion 14B protruding from the inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10 and inclined toward the inner wall surface 12A; and a third protrusion 14C protruding from the inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10 and inclined toward the inner wall surface 12A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tube. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to identify cables such as optical fiber cables and electric wire cables, A tube is prepared with characters, figures, symbols, colors, etc. printed on its surface, and the cable is attached to this tube. By inserting the tube into the cable, it is possible to identify the cable and prevent mistakes. Measures are being taken to prevent wiring etc.

[0003] However, if the outer diameter of the cable is too large compared to the inner diameter of the tube, the cable may be On the other hand, if the cable outer diameter is too small, the tube may not fit tightly on the cable. Because the tube is not fixed in place, problems can arise with the tube rotating or slipping off.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for fixing a cable by bending the cable when pressed. The document discloses a tube having a contact piece that protrudes from the inner wall surface and that comes into contact with the

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes a method for reliably fixing a cable even when the outer diameter of the cable varies. In order to achieve this, the tube is provided with multiple ribs protruding from the inner wall surface toward the center. has been disclosed.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes a tube having a plurality of parallel ribs protruding from the inner wall surface. has been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, when only one protruding portion such as a contact piece or a rib protruding from the inner wall surface is provided , since the tube is not held by the cable with sufficient force, the tube easily rotates or slips off, and the problem could not be solved

[0009] On the other hand, in the case of a conventional tube having a plurality of protruding portions on the inner wall surface, although the holding force against the cable is improved compared to the case where only one protruding portion is provided , when printing characters or the like on the outer peripheral surface of the tube, printing defects such as rubbing, displacement, and white streaks of the characters may occur . That is, when printing characters or the like on the outer peripheral surface of the tube, the tube is sandwiched between a platen roller and a thermal head and crushed. However, since there are a plurality of protruding portions on the inner wall surface of the tube , depending on the direction of crushing, the tube may not be flattened (become uneven), and a portion where the thermal head is difficult to contact may be formed, and printing may not be performed successfully .

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushable .

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The present disclosure provides a tube into which an insert can be inserted. This tube has a protrusion protruding from the inner wall surface It is taken out, and a plurality of protrusions inclined with respect to the inner wall surface are provided.

[0012] The plurality of protrusions may be provided non-parallel to each other.

[0013] Non-parallel includes a state where one protrusion and another protrusion are not substantially parallel. When they are non-parallel, the distance between one protrusion and another protrusion substantially varies depending on the position on the protrusion.

[0014] The plurality of protrusions may be inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction of the tube.

[0015] The plurality of protrusions may be provided in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface from the base end portion to the tip end portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the first protrusion inclines toward the first portion of the inner wall surface that connects the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the second protrusion inclines toward the second portion of the inner wall surface that connects the second protrusion and the third protrusion, and the third protrusion may incline toward the third portion of the inner wall surface that connects the third protrusion and the first protrusion.

[0017] In addition, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions each may include a tip end portion having at least a first thickness, and a base end portion that connects the tip end portion and the inner wall surface and has a thickness smaller than the first thickness.

[0018] Also, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions may be provided rotationally symmetric with respect to the center of the tube. ​​​​​​​​

[0019] The center of the tube corresponds to, for example, the center of a circle approximating the inner wall surface of the tube in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube.

[0020] In addition, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of the protruding portions may each have a length of 35% or more of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface.

[0021] Here, the inner diameter of the inner wall surface corresponds to, for example, the diameter of a circle approximating the inner wall surface of the tube in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube.

[0022] Also, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of the protruding portions may each have a length of 65% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface.

[0023] Furthermore, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of the protruding portions may each have a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protruding portion.

[0024] In addition, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, a virtual inscribed circle circumscribing the plurality of the protruding portions may have a diameter of 25% or more and 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface.

[0025] The present disclosure provides another tube into which an insert can be inserted. This tube includes a first protruding portion protruding from the inner wall surface of the tube and inclined with respect to the inner wall surface, and a second protruding portion protruding from the inner wall surface of the tube, inclined with respect to the inner wall surface, and provided non-parallel to the first protruding portion. When the insert is inserted, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are configured to sandwich the insert and press it in a direction toward the inner wall surface. ​​​​​​​​​​​

[0026] The insert is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape having a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tube may be.

[0027] Here, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the first protruding portion contacts a first sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the cross-sections of the insert, and the second protruding portion contacts a second sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the outer periphery of the insert, and the inner wall surface is configured to contact or face a third sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the cross-sections of the insert or may be configured to face. or may be configured to face.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] ​Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to those embodiments. It should not be construed as being limited only to those embodiments.

[0030] First, an example of a printing device capable of printing characters, figures, colors, symbols, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "characters, etc.") on the outer peripheral surface of a tube according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of such a printing device 100.

[0032] The printing device 100 includes a housing 106 provided with a display unit 102 and an operation unit 104. Inside the housing 106, it is possible to set a tube as a printing medium. In addition, as other printing media, tapes or other long-shaped media may be selectively set inside the housing 106.

[0033] The display unit 102 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays characters, etc. input by the operation unit 104. The operation unit 104 is composed of a keyboard having a plurality of operation buttons, and is used for inputting characters, numbers, symbols to the printing medium and performing various operations of the printing device 100.

[0034] The housing 106 is further provided with an ink ribbon cassette 110 and a lid portion 108 that opens and closes when attaching the printing medium. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state where the lid portion 108 is open.

[0035] As a printing mechanism for printing on the printing medium, the printing device 100 includes a cassette holder portion 120 in which a printing medium such as a tube is selectively set, and an ink ribbon cassette 110 is set. ​​​​​​​​​​It includes a ribbon holder part 121 to be pulled. The cassette holder part 120 and the ribbon holder part 1 21 may be an integrally molded product made of resin or the like. The cassette holder part 120 is for a printing medium When the body is a tube with a predetermined inner diameter or less, a guiding attachment for guiding the tube to a desired position ment is configured to be installable.

[0036] The printing device 100 further includes a platen roller 122 for conveying a long printing medium such as a tape fed out from a tube or a tape cassette set in the cassette holder part 120, and a thermal head 1 23 for printing on the printing medium such as a tube conveyed by the platen roller 122. It is provided.

[0037] The platen roller 122 rotates by a motor (not shown) to convey a printing medium such as a tube. The ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cassette 110 is configured to be sent in synchronization with the platen roller 122 by using the same motor. A printing medium such as a tube conveyed by the platen roller 122 is disposed in the gap between the platen roller 122 and the ink ribbon. The ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cassette 110 is configured to be sent in synchronization with the platen roller 122 by using the same motor. A printing medium such as a tube conveyed by the platen roller 122 is disposed in the gap between the platen roller 122 and the ink ribbon. By using the same motor, it is configured to be sent in synchronization with the platen roller 122. A printing medium such as a tube conveyed by the platen roller 122 is disposed in the gap between the platen roller 122 and the ink ribbon. By using the same motor, it is configured to be sent in synchronization with the platen roller 122. A printing medium such as a tube conveyed by the platen roller 122 is disposed in the gap between the platen roller 122 and the ink ribbon. is disposed.

[0038] The printing device 100 includes a head moving mechanism 130 for performing an operation of moving the thermal head 123 in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 and an operation of moving it in a direction away from the platen roller 122. When the thermal head 123 moves in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 by the head moving mechanism 130 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a printing medium such as a tube are clamped by the thermal head 123 and the platen roller 122, and the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. The printing device 100 includes a head moving mechanism 130 for performing an operation of moving the thermal head 123 in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 and an operation of moving it in a direction away from the platen roller 122. When the thermal head 123 moves in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 by the head moving mechanism 130 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a printing medium such as a tube are clamped by the thermal head 123 and the platen roller 122, and the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. The printing device 100 includes a head moving mechanism 130 for performing an operation of moving the thermal head 123 in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 and an operation of moving it in a direction away from the platen roller 122. When the thermal head 123 moves in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 by the head moving mechanism 130 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a printing medium such as a tube are clamped by the thermal head 123 and the platen roller 122, and the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. When the thermal head 123 moves in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 by the head moving mechanism 130 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a printing medium such as a tube are clamped by the thermal head 123 and the platen roller 122, and the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. When the thermal head 123 moves in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 by the head moving mechanism 130 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a printing medium such as a tube are clamped by the thermal head 123 and the platen roller 122, and the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the tube due to the heat of the thermal head 123. Since the ink is transferred to the outer periphery of the tube, it is possible to print the ink on the outer periphery of the tube. Since the tube is formed in a cylindrical shape, it is crushed flat, and the ink is preferably applied to the outer periphery. By performing the movements of approaching and moving away in this way, This makes it possible to print desired characters, etc. on the outer surface, etc. of the tube.

[0039] The printer 100 further heats the tube to prevent the printing from rubbing off. A tube warmer 129 may be provided on the downstream side of the thermal head 123. The printer is provided with a half-cut mechanism (not shown) for half-cutting a print medium such as a tube. The tube that was temporarily crushed flat during printing may be crushed by its elasticity. It is restored to a cylindrical shape, printed on the outer surface, and sent out from the printer. If the tube is cut to length, it can be easily cut to the desired length. Such a tube can be used to carry cables such as optical fiber cables, electric wires, and other cables. By inserting the insert into the device and passing it through, it becomes possible to distinguish the insert from other inserts.

[0040] The structure of a tube on which printing can be performed using the printing device 100 is as follows: The tube is printed by a printing device having a configuration other than the printing device 100. Text information, etc. may be printed.

[0041] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, the tube 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The tube 10 into which the "insertion" (an example of an "insertion") is inserted is cut perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube 10. It is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the tube 10 in a state where the cable CA is not inserted, and FIG. 3(A) is a cross-sectional view of the tube 10 cut perpendicularly to the extending direction of the tube 10 in the same state. Note that the insert may be an optical fiber cable, an electric wire cable, an electric wire, or other long objects. Character information or the like is printed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 during use as identification information. Therefore, by inserting these inserts through the tube 10, it becomes possible to distinguish them from other inserts.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tube 10 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 12 and three protruding portions, namely, a first protruding portion 14A, a second protruding portion 14B, and a third protruding portion 14C (hereinafter, the first protruding portion 14A, the second protruding portion 14B, and the third protruding portion 14C are collectively referred to as "the protruding portion 14") that are integrally formed with the main body portion 12 and protrude from the inner wall surface 12A of the main body portion 12. Since the tube 10 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride, for example, both the main body portion 12 and the protruding portion 14 have flexibility.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the main body portion 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the central axis AX (FIG. 2B) as the axis. Therefore, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube 10, the main body portion 12 does not form an annular shape, and the inner wall surface 12A and the outer wall surface 12B are each circular (FIG. 3A).

[0044]

[0045] The three protruding portions 14 in the present embodiment are provided so as to protrude from the inner wall surface 12A of the main body portion 12.

[0046] ​​​​​​​​​​The first protrusion 14A has a tip portion 14A1 for contacting the outer circumference of the cable CA in a state where the cable CA is inserted, and a base end portion 14A2 that connects the tip portion 14A1 and the inner wall surface 12A of the main body portion 12. Further, the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to extend in the axial direction substantially parallel to the central axis AX of the main body portion 12. The first protrusion 14A has an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body portion 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end portion 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A), and is inclined toward the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B. Further, the first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A has a tip portion 14A1 for contacting the outer circumference of the cable CA in a state where the cable CA is inserted, and a base end portion 14A2 that connects the tip portion 14A1 and the inner wall surface 12A of the main body portion 12. Further, the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to extend in the axial direction substantially parallel to the central axis AX of the main body portion 12. The first protrusion 14A has an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body portion 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end portion 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A), and is inclined toward the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B. Further, the first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1.

[0047] The first protrusion 14A has an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body portion 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end portion 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A), and is inclined toward the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B. Further, the first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A has an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body portion 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end portion 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A), and is inclined toward the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B. Further, the first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A has an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body portion 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end portion 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A), and is inclined toward the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B. Further, the first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1. The first protrusion 14A according to the present embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end portion 14A2 to the tip portion 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is the largest at the tip end of the tip portion 14A1.

[0048] Similarly, in the cross sections of FIGS. 2B and 3A, the tip portion 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to have a thickness of at least a predetermined thickness (an example of the "first thickness") or more, and the base end portion 14A2 is provided so as to include a thin portion (which may be called a "fragile portion") having a thickness of at least less than this predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outer diameter direction acts on the tip portion 14A1, the base end portion 14A2 is easily deformed in the outer diameter direction. Similarly, in the cross sections of FIGS. 2B and 3A, the tip portion 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to have a thickness of at least a predetermined thickness (an example of the "first thickness") or more, and the base end portion 14A2 is provided so as to include a thin portion (which may be called a "fragile portion") having a thickness of at least less than this predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outer diameter direction acts on the tip portion 14A1, the base end portion 14A2 is easily deformed in the outer diameter direction. Similarly, in the cross sections of FIGS. 2B and 3A, the tip portion 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to have a thickness of at least a predetermined thickness (an example of the "first thickness") or more, and the base end portion 14A2 is provided so as to include a thin portion (which may be called a "fragile portion") having a thickness of at least less than this predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outer diameter direction acts on the tip portion 14A1, the base end portion 14A2 is easily deformed in the outer diameter direction. Similarly, in the cross sections of FIGS. 2B and 3A, the tip portion 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to have a thickness of at least a predetermined thickness (an example of the "first thickness") or more, and the base end portion 14A2 is provided so as to include a thin portion (which may be called a "fragile portion") having a thickness of at least less than this predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outer diameter direction acts on the tip portion 14A1, the base end portion 14A2 is easily deformed in the outer diameter direction. Similarly, in the cross sections of FIGS. 2B and 3A, the tip portion 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided so as to have a thickness of at least a predetermined thickness (an example of the "first thickness") or more, and the base end portion 14A2 is provided so as to include a thin portion (which may be called a "fragile portion") having a thickness of at least less than this predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outer diameter direction acts on the tip portion 14A1, the base end portion 14A2 is easily deformed in the outer diameter direction.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 14B and the third protrusion 14C are provided in rotational symmetry with respect to the first protrusion 14A by 120 degrees with respect to the center C1 of the main body portion 12. That is, the second protrusion In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 14B and the third protrusion 14C are provided in rotational symmetry with respect to the first protrusion 14A by 120 degrees with respect to the center C1 of the main body portion 12. That is, the second protrusion 14B has a tip portion 14B1 and a base end portion 14B2, and is provided to be inclined toward a second portion 12A2 of an inner wall surface 12A that connects the second protruding portion 14B and the third protruding portion 14 C. The third protruding portion 14C has a tip portion 14C1 and a base end portion 14C2, and is provided to be inclined toward a third portion 12A3 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects the third protruding portion 14C and the first protruding portion 1 4A. Since these second protruding portion 14B and third protruding portion 14C have the same configuration as the first protruding portion 14A, detailed description thereof is omitted. Note that the center C1 (FIG. 2A) of the main body portion 12 in the cross section is present on the central axis AX (FIG. 2B) of the main body portion 12. As a result of such a configuration, the first protruding portion 14A, the second protruding portion 14B, and the third protruding portion 14C are provided non-parallel to each other and inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction so as to form an angle of approximately 120 degrees with each other in the cross section.

[0050] By providing the three protruding portions 14 with a configuration that is rotationally symmetric by 120 degrees in this way, when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 10, the cable CA can be supported from three directions by the respective tip portions 14A1 to 14C1 of the three. As shown in FIG. 2A, the tip portions 14A1 to 14C1 of each protruding portion 14 are deformed to the outer diameter side by the insertion of the cable CA, and press the cable CA toward the center C1 from three directions. As a result, the tube 10 can exhibit a high holding force with respect to the cable CA. However, as will be described later, only two protruding portions 14 may be provided, or four or more protruding portions 14 may be provided. Also, they do not necessarily have to be provided rotationally symmetrically.

[0051]

[0052] Further, each base end portion 14A2 to 14C2 of the protruding portion 14 has a thin-walled portion having a thickness smaller than the thickness of each tip portion 14A1 to 14C1, so that when trying to insert the cable CA into the tube 10, it easily deforms. Therefore, the cable CA can be easily inserted into the tube 10. Further, since the protruding portion 14 is provided in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface 12A from each base end portion 14A2 to 14C2 to each tip portion 14A1 to 14C1, when trying to insert the cable CA into the tube 10, the cable CA typically touches in a region closer to the tip portions 14A1 to 14C1 near the center C1. As a result, since large moments are applied to the base end portions 14A2 to 14C2 respectively, the base end portions 14A2 to 14C2 can be easily deformed. This also facilitates the insertion of the cable CA into the tube 10. In addition, since the protruding portion 14 is inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction, it is also possible to suppress the protruding portion 14 from interfering with the insertion of the cable CA into the tube 10. Moreover, since the tube 10 has a structure that is easily crushed from any direction, it is possible to suitably print on the outer peripheral surface 12B during printing. Hereinafter, the effect of the tube 10 according to this embodiment, which is easily crushed from any direction, will be described. The inventors of the present application found that in order to exhibit a high holding force against the cable CA, it is necessary to provide two or more protruding portions on the tube. On the other hand, when two or more protruding portions are provided, depending on the structure of the protruding portions, the print quality on the outer peripheral surface of the tube may deteriorate and printing omission may occur.

[0053] Furthermore, since the tube 10 has a structure that is easily crushed from any direction, it is possible to suitably print on the outer peripheral surface 12B during printing. Hereinafter, the effect of the tube 10 according to this embodiment, which is easily crushed from any direction, will be described.

[0054] The inventors of the present application found that in order to exhibit a high holding force against the cable CA, it is necessary to provide two or more protruding portions on the tube. On the other hand, when two or more protruding portions are provided, depending on the structure of the protruding portions, the print quality on the outer peripheral surface of the tube may deteriorate and printing omission may occur. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​noticed that there was a problem. As a result of further investigation, when the tube is clamped by a platen roller and a thermal head, etc., depending on the direction in which the tube is set, it was noticed that the protruding part may interfere with the tube being crushed. For example, when two parallel protruding parts are provided so as to face each other toward the center of the tube, when a force is applied parallel to the protruding direction of the protruding part to try to crush the tube, the protruding part protruding in the same direction prevents the tube from being flattened, making it difficult to flatten the tube. Also, even if the tube could be crushed, as a result of one protruding part being bent multiple times, the outer peripheral surface when it is completely crushed may not become flat with large undulations. In such a case, it becomes difficult to suitably press the ink ribbon pressed by the thermal head against the outer peripheral surface of the tube therefore the print quality deteriorates. On the other hand, when a force is applied perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protruding part to try to crush the tube, since it does not prevent the protruding part from being crushed, it becomes possible to easily crush the tube. However, since the user does not always set the tube in the printing apparatus 100 in a direction that is easy to crush, in some cases, the protruding part interferes with the tube being crushed, and as a result, it becomes difficult to perform suitable printing.

[0055] On the other hand, while the tube 10 according to the present embodiment has three protruding parts 14, compared with the tube according to the prior art described above, the bias in crush resistance depending on the direction is small. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the process of the tube 10 being crushed. FIG. 3(A) shows the state before the tube 10 is crushed, FIG. 3(C) shows the state where the tube 10 is crushed, and FIG. 3(B) is It shows the state during crushing. As shown in Fig. (A) of this figure, a plurality of protrusions 14 of the tube 10 are not directed toward the center C1 of the main body 12, but are each inclined in a direction approaching the inner wall surface 12A. Therefore, any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body 12 does not completely coincide with the extending direction of the protrusion 14. For this reason, the bias in crush resistance depending on the direction

[0056] is small, and the protrusion 14 does not significantly prevent the tube 10 from being crushed. Furthermore, the protrusions 14 are provided non-parallel to each other. For this reason, since the extending directions of the plurality of protrusions generally coincide, it is possible to suppress the drawback of interfering with the crushing of the plurality of protrusions when

[0057] attempting to crush the tube in that direction. Also with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the bias in crush resistance depending on the direction. In addition, the protrusions 14 are inclined in the same direction along the circumferential

[0058] direction. For this reason, as in the prior art, as a result of one protrusion bending many times, it is possible to suppress the outer peripheral surface 12B from not becoming flat due to large undulations when completely crushed.

[0059] Next, regarding the configuration of the protrusion 14 of the tube 10, a preferred numerical range will be described. The inventors of the present application have conducted prototypes of protrusions with various shapes and repeated experiments, and have 85% (taking the center C1, the base end portions 14A and 14B as vertices, and the half value of the square root of 3 obtained from the base of an isosceles triangle with the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A as the equal sides). If the length of the protruding portion is about 85% of the inner diameter, even in the state before being crushed, due to manufacturing errors, the protruding portion may contact the adjacent protruding portion, and the possibility of the protruding portion colliding with the adjacent protruding portion increases during the crushing process. When the protruding portion collides with the adjacent protruding portion during the crushing process, it may prevent the crushing. Also, if the protruding portion bends due to collision with the adjacent protruding portion, the protruding portion may bend multiple times, and as a result, when it is crushed, the outer peripheral surface may not become flat, making it difficult to perform printing suitably. However, by setting the length of the protruding portion 14 to 65% or less, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. On the other hand, the length of the protruding portion 14 is preferably 35% or more of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A respectively. When the length of the protruding portion 14 is 35%, assuming the outer diameter of the cable CA is half of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, the position where the inner wall surface 12A of the base end portion 14A2 of the first protruding portion 14A contacts is taken as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex A"), the position near the tip end of the tip portion 14A1 that contacts the cable CA is taken as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex B"), and the center C1 is taken as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex C"). The three sides of the triangle are, with respect to the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, 35% between vertex A and vertex B, 25% between vertex B and vertex C, and 50% (between vertex C and vertex A) between vertex C and vertex A. Therefore, the apex angle of vertex B is about 1 10 degrees, which is close to 90 degrees of a right angle. For this reason, from the first protruding portion 14A that elastically deforms to the cable

[0060] CA,​​​​​​​​​​​ The elastic force acting on the cable CA can be suitably directed toward the center C1. In this way By providing a plurality of such protrusions 14, it becomes possible to stably support the cable CA, and due to the reaction force, it becomes possible to exert a high holding force on the cable CA.

[0061] Also, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube 10, the protrusion 14 preferably has a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion 14. For example, the tip 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A has a thickness of 20% or more and 30% or less, and the base end 14A2 has a thickness of 8% or more and 20% or less, and it is possible to form the first protrusion 14A in this way. If the thickness is too large with respect to the length of the protrusion 14, the protrusion 14 becomes difficult to bend, so the tube 10 becomes difficult to be crushed. On the other hand, if the thickness is too small with respect to the length of the protrusion 14, the elastic force acting on the cable CA from the protrusion 14 is insufficient. Therefore, by forming the protrusion 14 so as to have a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion 14, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easily crushed and exerts a high holding force on the cable CA. 14 becomes difficult to be crushed. On the other hand, if the thickness is too small with respect to the length of the protrusion 14, the elastic force acting on the cable CA from the protrusion 14 is insufficient. Therefore, by forming the protrusion 14 so as to have a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion 14, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easily crushed and exerts a high holding force on the cable CA. 10 becomes difficult to be crushed. On the other hand, if the thickness is too small with respect to the length of the protrusion 14, the elastic force acting on the cable CA from the protrusion 14 is insufficient. Therefore, by forming the protrusion 14 so as to have a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion 14, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easily crushed and exerts a high holding force on the cable CA. 14 becomes difficult to be crushed. On the other hand, if the thickness is too small with respect to the length of the protrusion 14, the elastic force acting on the cable CA from the protrusion 14 is insufficient. Therefore, by forming the protrusion 14 so as to have a thickness of 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion 14, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easily crushed and exerts a high holding force on the cable CA. and can be achieved.

[0062] Also, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube 10, the virtual inscribed circle C2 (FIG. 3(A)) circumscribing the protrusion 14 preferably has a diameter that is 25% or more and 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A.

[0063] By forming the protrusion 14 so that the virtual inscribed circle C2 has a diameter that is 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, a cable C having a diameter larger than 50% of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A can be accommodated. ​​​​​With respect to A, the protruding portion 14 can apply an elastic force. On the other hand, when the virtual inscribed circle C2 has a diameter of 25% of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, the base end portion 14A2 of the first protruding portion 14A the position in contact with the inner wall surface 12A is taken as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex A", and the apex angle of vertex A is " apex angle A").) And the position near the tip of the tip portion 14A1 in contact with the cable CA is one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex B", and the apex angle of vertex B is referred to as "apex angle B").) And the center C 1 is taken as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex C", and the apex angle of vertex C is referred to as "apex angle C").) The two sides of the triangle are, respectively, with respect to the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, the length between vertex B and vertex C is 12. 5%, and the length between vertex C and vertex A is 50% (between vertex C and vertex A). When apex angle B is a right angle then apex angle A is approximately 15 degrees. The smaller apex angle A is than 10 degrees, the closer the protruding portion is to a configuration where it protrudes substantially vertically which hinders the protruding portion from being crushed and makes it difficult to flatten the tube Therefore, by forming the protruding portion 14 such that the virtual inscribed circle C2 has a diameter of 25% or more and 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, it is possible to support the cable CA having a diameter larger than 50% of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, and at the same time, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easily crushed. As described above, according to the tube 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed.

[0064] As described above, according to the tube 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed.

[0065] Note that the three protruding portions 14 of the tube 10 are formed to be rotationally symmetric by 120 degrees with respect to the center C1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the first protruding portion 14A and the second protruding portion The length in the vertical cross-section of the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects to the portion 14B, the second portion 12A2 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects to the second protruding portion 14B and the third protruding portion 14C, and the third portion 12A3 of the inner wall surface 12A that connects to the first protruding portion 14A may be different from each other.

[0066] Also, the thickness of the tip portion 14A1 of the first protruding portion 14A, the thickness of the tip portion 14B1 of the second protruding portion 14B, and the thickness of the tip portion 14C1 of the third protruding portion 14C may be different from each other.

[0067] Furthermore, the length of the first protruding portion 14A, the length of the second protruding portion 14B, and the third length of the tip portion 14C1 of the protruding portion 14C may be different from each other.

[0068] Also, the shape and configuration of the thin-walled portion provided at the base end portion 14A2 etc. of the first protruding portion 14A can be deformed in various ways. For example, a notch may be provided at the base end portion 14A2. By providing a notch that opens to the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A at this time, it becomes possible to make it easier to bend toward the first portion 12A1. Similarly, notches that open to the inner wall surface 12A are also provided at the base end portion 14B2 of the second protruding portion 14B and the base end portion 14C2 of the third protruding portion 14C, so that it becomes possible to make it easier to bend toward the inner wall surface 12A.

[0069] Also, the diameter of the tube 10 can be appropriately designed according to the diameter of the cable CA planned to be inserted therein. For example, the inner diameter of the tube 10 may be, for example, any one of 2 mm, 2.7 mm, 3.2 mm, 3. 7 mm, 6.4 mm, or 8 mm. ​​​​

[0070] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the tube 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. The tube according to this embodiment 20 differs from the tube 10 having three protrusions in that the number of protrusions is two. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the tube 20 has the same configuration as the tube 10 according to the first embodiment, and the same names will be given to the corresponding parts, and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0071] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the tube 20 with the cable CA inserted therein, taken perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube 20. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the tube 20 in a state where the cable CA is not inserted.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tube 20 includes a long cylindrical main body 22 and two protrusions 24A and 24B that are integrally formed with the main body 22 and protrude from the inner wall surface 22A of the main body 22. Hereinafter, these protrusions are collectively referred to as "protrusions 24". The first protrusion 24A is inclined toward the first portion 22A1 of the inner wall surface 22A that connects the first protrusion 24A and the second protrusion 24B, so as to have an angle θ2 with respect to the straight line L1 that connects the center C1 of the main body 22 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base portion 24A2 of the first protrusion 24A and the inner wall surface 22A). (However, in FIG. 4A, since the first protrusion 24A and the second protrusion 24B sandwich the cable CA, they spread to form a larger angle θ2 than the angle in a state where the cable CA is not inserted). Similarly, the second protrusion 24B also has an angle θ2 with respect to the straight line L1, so that the second protrusion 24B and the first protrusion 24A are

[0073] ​​​​​​​​​​It is provided to incline toward the second part 22A2 of the inner wall surface 22A to be connected.

[0074] Since the main body part 22 can have the same or similar configuration as the main body part 12, the description will be omitted. Also, the first protruding part 24A and the second protruding part 24B are the same as the first protruding part 14A etc. and are respectively provided with a tip part 24A1 and a base end part 24A2, and a tip part 24B1 and a base end part 24B2.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the first protruding part 24A and the second protruding part 24B are provided in 180-degree rotational symmetry with respect to the center C1 of the main body part 22. By having such a configuration, when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 20, the cable CA can be supported from two directions by the two tip parts 24A1 and 24B1 respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, since the tip parts 24A1 and 24B1 of each protruding part 24 are deformed to the outer diameter side by the insertion of the cable CA, the cable CA is pressed from two directions toward the center C1 by the elastic force thereof. As a result, the tube 20 can exhibit a high holding force with respect to the cable CA.

[0076] The plurality of protruding parts 24 of the tube 20 are provided to incline in the direction approaching the inner wall surface 22A respectively, instead of toward the center C1 of the main body part 22. For this reason, any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body part 22 does not completely coincide with the extending direction of the protruding part 24. For this reason, the bias in the resistance to crushing due to the direction is small, and the protruding part 24 does not greatly prevent the tube 20 from being crushed.

[0077] Since the protruding part 24 inclines in the same direction along the circumferential direction, unlike the prior art where one protruding part As a result of being bent multiple times, when it is completely crushed, the outer peripheral surface 22B does not become greatly undulated and flat It is possible to suppress this.

[0078] As described above, according to the tube 20 according to the present embodiment, while having a holding force it is possible to provide a tube that is easily crushed.

[0079] Among the configurations of the tube 20, regarding the parts of the tube 20 that are the same as the configuration of the tube 10 the effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0080] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, the tube 30 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIGS. 5(A), 5(B), and 5(C) are cross-sectional views of the tube 30, the tube 40, and the tube 50 cut along a cross-section perpendicular to the stretching direction, respectively.

[0081] The tubes according to the present embodiment are common in that they each include two protruding portions that protrude in a direction inclined with respect to the inner wall surface. Further, the two protruding portions are provided so as not to be parallel to each other. The two protruding portions are common in that when an insert such as a cable is inserted, they sandwich the insert and are configured to press it in a direction toward the inner wall surface. Hereinafter, the configurations of the respective tubes will be described. For parts that are the same as or similar to the configurations of the tubes according to other embodiments and that can be understood by those skilled in the art the same names will be given and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the tube 30 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 32 and two protruding portions that are integrally formed with the main body portion 32 and protrude from the inner wall surface 32A of the main body portion 32, namely, a first protruding portion 34A and a second protruding portion 34B. ​​​

[0083] The main body portion 32 has a substantially square tubular shape in cross section. Therefore, the inner wall surface 32A and the outer peripheral surface 32B each have four portions that are substantially perpendicular to each other, and the corners are rounded in a vertical cross section to form a substantially square shape.

[0084] The first protruding portion 34A is inclined from the first portion 32A1, which is one of the four portions of the inner wall surface 32A, so as to have an angle θ3 with respect to the straight line L1 connecting the center C1 of the main body portion 32 and the first portion 32A1 (the connection portion between the first protruding portion 34A and the first portion 32A1 ).

[0085] The second protruding portion 34B is inclined from the same first portion 32A1 so as to have an angle θ4 with respect to the straight line L2 connecting the center C1 of the main body portion 32 and the first portion 3 2A1 (the connection portion between the second protruding portion 34B and the first portion 32A1). (In this embodiment, the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 coincide, and the angle θ3 and the angle θ4 coincide.) ).

[0086] However, the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B are inclined in opposite directions along the circumferential direction, and are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1. As a result, the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B are provided non-parallel to each other.

[0087] According to the tube 30 having such a configuration, the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B are inclined with respect to the inner wall surface 32A, and any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body portion 32 does not completely coincide with the extending directions of the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B. Therefore, the bias in the resistance to crushing due to the direction is small, and either the first protruding portion 34A or the second protruding portion 34 B B does not significantly prevent the tube 10 from collapsing.

[0088] In addition, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, a cable CA (an example of an "insert provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tube 30 being substantially circular") can be sandwiched between them. At this time, the resultant force of the forces acting on the cable CA from the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B is directed towards the third portion 32A3 facing the first portion 32A1 (rightward in the drawing). Therefore, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are configured to sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction towards the third portion 32A3. Thus, according to the tube 30 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to support the cable CA at three points: the first protrusion 34A, the second protrusion 34B, and the third portion 32A3. At this time, the first protrusion 34A contacts a first sector portion F1 having a central angle of 120 degrees on the outer periphery of the cable CA, the second protrusion 34B contacts a second sector portion F2 having a central angle of 120 degrees, and the third portion 32A3 of the inner wall surface 32A contacts or faces a third sector portion F3 having a central angle of 120 degrees. Therefore, the tube 30 can stably support the cable CA, and it is possible to exert a high holding force on the cable CA due to the reaction force. Moreover, even when the cable CA has a small diameter, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, it is also possible to support the cable CA so as to sandwich it. Note that the cable CA does not necessarily have to be supported at three points: the first protrusion 34A, the second protrusion 34B, and the third portion 32A3. At this time, the first protrusion 34A contacts a first sector portion F1 having a central angle of 120 degrees on the outer periphery of the cable CA, the second protrusion 34B contacts a second sector portion F2 having a central angle of 120 degrees, and the third portion 32A3 of the inner wall surface 32A contacts or faces a third sector portion F3 having a central angle of 120 degrees. Therefore, the tube 30 can stably support the cable CA, and it is possible to exert a high holding force on the cable CA due to the reaction force. Moreover, even when the cable CA has a small diameter, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, it is also possible to support the cable CA so as to sandwich it. Note that the cable CA does not necessarily have to be supported at three points: the first protrusion 34A, the second protrusion 34B, and the third portion 32A3. Moreover, even when the cable CA has a small diameter, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, it is also possible to support the cable CA so as to sandwich it. Note that the cable CA does not necessarily have to be

[0089] Furthermore, even when the cable CA has a small diameter, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, it is possible to support the cable CA so as to sandwich it. In addition, since the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, a cable CA (an example of an "insert provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tube 30 being substantially circular") can be sandwiched between them. Included. Note that the cable CA does not necessarily have to be It does not have to contact the third part 32A3 of the inner wall surface 32A.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the tube 40 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 42 and two projecting portions, i.e., a first projecting portion 44A and a second projecting portion 44B, which are integrally formed with the main body portion 42 and project from the inner wall surface 42A of the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 is different from the tube 30 in that it forms a substantially annular cylindrical shape in cross section. Since other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are given and the description is omitted or simplified. and are integrally formed with the main body portion 42 and project from the inner wall surface 42A of the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 is different from the tube 30 in that it forms a substantially annular cylindrical shape in cross section. Since other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are given and the description is omitted or simplified. and are integrally formed with the main body portion 42 and project from the inner wall surface 42A of the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 is different from the tube 30 in that it forms a substantially annular cylindrical shape in cross section. Since other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are given and the description is omitted or simplified. and are integrally formed with the main body portion 42 and project from the inner wall surface 42A of the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 is different from the tube 30 in that it forms a substantially annular cylindrical shape in cross section. Since other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are given and the description is omitted or simplified. and are integrally formed with the main body portion 42 and project from the inner wall surface 42A of the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 is different from the tube 30 in that it forms a substantially annular cylindrical shape in cross section. Since other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are given and the description is omitted or simplified.

[0091] Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A. Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first projecting portion 44A and the second projecting portion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in the direction toward the inner wall surface 42A.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5(C), the tube 50 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 52 and two projecting portions, i.e., a first projecting portion 54A and a second projecting portion 54B, which are integrally formed with the main body portion 52 and project from the inner wall surface 52A of the main body portion 52. The first projecting portion 54A and the second projecting portion 54B As shown in FIG. 5(C), the tube 50 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 52 and two projecting portions, i.e., a first projecting portion 54A and a second projecting portion 54B, which are integrally formed with the main body portion 52 and project from the inner wall surface 52A of the main body portion 52. The first projecting portion 54A and the second projecting portion 54B As shown in FIG. 5(C), the tube 50 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 52 and two projecting portions, i.e., a first projecting portion 54A and a second projecting portion 54B, which are integrally formed with the main body portion 52 and project from the inner wall surface 52A of the main body portion 52. The first projecting portion 54A and the second projecting portion 54B is not provided with rotational symmetry of 180 degrees. However, even with such a configuration, the cable CA is sandwiched between the first protruding portion 54A and the second protruding portion 54B, and the inner wall surface 52 can press the cable CA in the direction toward A, so that the cable CA can be supported at three points: the first protruding portion 54A , the second protruding portion 54B, and the inner wall surface 52A. At this time, the first protruding portion 54A contacts a first sector portion F1 having a central angle of 120 degrees in the cross section of the cable CA , the second protruding portion 54B contacts a second sector portion F2 having a central angle of 120 degrees , and the inner wall surface 52A contacts or faces a third sector portion F3 having a central angle of 120 degrees. Therefore, the tube 50 can stably support the cable CA, and a high holding force can be exerted on the cable CA due to the reaction force .

[0093] Among the configurations of the tube 30, the tube 40, and the tube 50, for the operational effects based on the parts similar to the configuration of the tube 10 and the like according to other embodiments, since they are the same as those of other embodiments , the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] [Modification Example]

[0095] FIG. 6 shows cross sections of tubes 60 to 90 according to a modification example. These modification examples can be applied to the tubes 10 to 50 according to each embodiment within a range reasonably understood by those skilled in the art. For parts that can be understood by those skilled in the art to have the same configuration as the tubes according to each embodiment, the same names will be given and the description will be omitted or simplified .

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6(A), the tube 60 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 62 and the main body portion 62 The first protrusions are three protrusions that are integrally formed with the main body 62 and protrude from the inner wall surface 62A of the main body 62. The first protrusion 64A, the second protrusion 64B and the third protrusion 64C. Each of the protrusions 64A to 64C is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface 62A and has a cross section It protrudes linearly at

[0097] Furthermore, the tip end 64A1 and the base end 64A2 of the first protrusion 64A are designed to have a constant thickness. However, in the intermediate region of the base end portion 64A2, there is a thin-walled portion 6 4A21 (sometimes called the "weak part") is provided.

[0098] Similarly, the second protrusion 64B is provided with a thin portion 64B21 having a smaller thickness, and the third protrusion The protruding portion 64C is provided with a thin portion 64C21 having a reduced thickness. However, since the thin-walled portions 64A21 to 64C21 are provided, the cable CA can be This allows for easy insertion into the tube 60.

[0099] In addition, each protrusion may have a linearly extending portion and a curved portion.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6B, the tube 70 includes a long cylindrical main body 72 and a The first protrusions are three protrusions that are integrally formed with the main body 72 and protrude from the inner wall surface 72A of the main body 72. The first protrusion 74A, the second protrusion 74B and the third protrusion 74C. In addition, each of the protrusions 74A to 74C has a different thickness and length. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a holding force and It is possible to provide a tube that is easy to shake.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6(C), the tube 80 includes a long cylindrical main body portion 82 and the main body portion 82 is integrally formed with three protruding portions that protrude from the inner wall surface 82A of the main body portion 82, namely, the first protruding portion 84A, the second protruding portion 84B, and the third protruding portion 84C. The first protruding portion 84A and the second protruding portion 84B are inclined in opposite directions along the circumferential direction and are spaced apart from the inner wall surface 82A so that the distance between them increases. As a result, the first protruding portion 84A and the second protruding portion 84B are provided non-parallel to each other. However, unlike the tube 30, the rate of increase in the distance between the first protruding portion 84 A and the second protruding portion 84B increases as the distance from the inner wall surface 82A increases, and the first protruding portion 84A and the second protruding portion 84B are curved in a direction away from each other (On the other hand, the rate of increase in the distance between the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B of the tube 30 decreases as the distance from the inner wall surface 32A increases, and the first protruding portion 34A and the second protruding portion 34B are curved in a direction approaching each other.). Therefore, when the first protruding portion 84A and the second protruding portion 84B sandwich the cable, the first protruding portion 84A and the second protruding portion 84B can strengthen the force pushing the cable toward the opposing inner wall surface 82A . Such a cable is supported by the third protruding portion 84C. Therefore, it is possible to support the cable at three points , and with such a configuration, as understood by those skilled in the art, it is possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is also easily crushed . In addition to the third protruding portion 84C, a fourth protruding portion that is adjacent to the third protruding portion 84C and is inclined in the opposite direction to the third protruding portion 84C may be provided to adopt a configuration that supports the tube at four points . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, such a configuration can also provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed .

[0102] In addition to the third protruding portion 84C, a fourth protruding portion that is adjacent to the third protruding portion 84C and is inclined in the opposite direction to the third protruding portion 84C may be provided to adopt a configuration that supports the tube at four points .

[0103] ​ As shown in FIG. 6(D), the tube 90 is characterized by the configuration of the main body portion 92. Different from other embodiments, the thickness of the main body portion 92 formed in a cylindrical shape is not constant in the circumferential direction. That is, the main body portion 92 includes a thin portion 92A1 with a smaller thickness and a thick portion 92A2 with a larger thickness, and a first protrusion 94A protrudes at the boundary between the thin portion 92A1 and the thick portion 92A2. As a result, the first protrusion 94A is connected to the thin portion 92A1 in a predetermined circumferential direction (counterclockwise in the paper plane) and is connected to the thick portion 92A2 in the opposite direction (clockwise in the paper plane). By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to make the first protrusion 94A more likely to bend toward the thin portion 92A1.

[0104] Similarly, the second protrusion 94B is connected to the thin portion 92B1 in a predetermined circumferential direction (counterclockwise in the paper plane) and is connected to the thick portion 92B2 in the opposite direction (clockwise in the paper plane). The third protrusion 94C is connected to the thin portion 92C1 in a predetermined circumferential direction (counterclockwise in the paper plane) and is connected to the thick portion 92C2 in the opposite direction (clockwise in the paper plane). Also, similar to other embodiments, the first protrusion 94A is provided to be inclined toward the portion connecting the first protrusion 94A and the second protrusion 94B on the inner wall surface 92A. The second protrusion 94B is provided to be inclined toward the portion connecting the second protrusion 94B and the third protrusion 94C on the inner wall surface 92A. The third protrusion 94C is provided to be inclined toward the portion connecting the third protrusion 94C and the first protrusion 94A on the inner wall surface 92A.

[0105] Even with such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily insert the cable CA, and It becomes possible to provide a tube that is easily crushed. Note that by providing a thick portion 92A2 or the like, etc., the elastic force in the direction of the cable CA increases, so it becomes possible to exhibit a high holding force. However, it is not always necessary to provide a thick portion 92A2 or the like. Also, by providing a thin portion 92A1 or the like, it becomes possible to make the first protruding portion 94A or the like easier to bend. However, the shape, thickness, etc. of the thin portion 92A1 or the like can be appropriately set according to the application. Furthermore, the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be provided to incline in the opposite direction, that is, the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be inclined toward the portion connecting the first protruding portion 94A or the like and the third protruding portion 94C or the like on the inner wall surface 92A. In addition, the thickness and length of the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be changed. As a result, the elastic force in the direction of the cable CA increases, so it becomes possible to exhibit a high holding force. However, it is not always necessary to provide a thick portion 92A2 or the like. Also, by providing a thin portion 92A1 or the like, it becomes possible to make the first protruding portion 94A or the like easier to bend. However, the shape, thickness, etc. of the thin portion 92A1 or the like can be appropriately set according to the application. Furthermore, the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be provided to incline in the opposite direction, that is, the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be inclined toward the portion connecting the first protruding portion 94A or the like and the third protruding portion 94C or the like on the inner wall surface 92A. In addition, the thickness and length of the first protruding portion 94A or the like may be changed.

[0106] As described above, according to these tubes, it becomes possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed. Note that these tubes can be manufactured, for example, by using extrusion molding with a mold.

[0107] Also, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from its gist. For example, within the scope of the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art, some components in one embodiment can be added to other embodiments. Also, some components in one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components in other embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10 Tube 12 Main body portion 12A Inner wall surface 12A1 First portion 12A2 Second portion 12A3 Third portion 12B Outer peripheral surface​​​​​​ 14A First protrusion 14B Second protrusion 14C Third protrusion 20 Tube 22 Body part 22A Inner wall surface 22A1 First part 22A2 Second part 24A First protrusion 24B Second protrusion 30 Tube 32 Body part 34A First protrusion 34B Second protrusion 40 Tube 42 Body part 50 Tube 52 Body part 54A First protrusion 54B Second protrusion 60 Tube 62 Body part 64A First protrusion 64A21 Thin part 64B Second protrusion 64B21 Thin part 64C Third protrusion 64C21 Thin part 70 Tube 72 Body part 72A Inner wall surface 74A First protrusion 74B Second protrusion 74C Third protrusion 80 Tube 82 Body part 82A Inner wall surface 84A First protrusion 84B Second protrusion 84C Third protrusion 90 Tube 92 Body part 100 Printing device 102 Display part 104 Operation part 106 Housing 108 Cover part 110 Ink Ribbon Cassette 120 Cassette Holder Section 121 Ribbon Holder Section 122 Platen Roller 123 Thermal Head 129 Tube Warmer 130 Head Movement Mechanism

Claims

1. A tube into which an insert can be inserted, wherein a plurality of protrusions are provided which protrude from the inner wall surface of the tube and are inclined with respect to the inner wall surface. Tube.

2. The tube according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided non-parallel to each other.

3. The plurality of protrusions are inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction of the tube. The tube according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of protrusions are provided in an arc shape that gradually separates from the inner wall surface from the base end portion to the tip end portion. The tube according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The first protrusion is inclined toward the first portion of the inner wall surface that connects the first protrusion and the second protrusion among the inner wall surfaces. The second protrusion is inclined toward the second portion of the inner wall surface that connects the second protrusion and the third protrusion among the inner wall surfaces. The third protrusion is inclined toward the third portion of the inner wall surface that connects the third protrusion and the first protrusion among the inner wall surfaces. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. In a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions each include a tip end portion having at least a first thickness, and a base end portion that connects the tip end portion and the inner wall surface and includes a thin wall portion having a thickness smaller than the first thickness. Each is provided with. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. In a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions are provided rotationally symmetric with respect to the center of the tube. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. In a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions each have a length that is 35% or more and 65% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. In a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, the plurality of protrusions each have a thickness that is 8% or more and 30% or less of the length of the protrusion. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. In a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, a virtual inscribed circle circumscribing the plurality of protrusions has a diameter that is 25% or more and 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface. The tube according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

11. A tube into which an insert can be inserted, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A first protrusion that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the tube and is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface; A second protrusion that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the tube, is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface, and is provided non-parallel to the first protrusion; The tube is provided with a second protrusion; When the insert is inserted; The first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to sandwich the insert and press it in a direction toward the inner wall surface; A tube.

12. When the insert has a substantially cylindrical shape in which a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tube is substantially circular; In a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the tube, The first protrusion contacts a first sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the outer periphery of the insert; The second protrusion contacts a second sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the outer periphery of the insert; The inner wall surface is configured to contact or face a third sector portion having a central angle of 120 degrees among the outer periphery of the insert; The tube according to claim 11. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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