Tube fasteners

Abstract

This invention provides a tube fixing device that improves the efficiency of assembly work for attaching flexible tubes to branch pipes. [Solution] In this tube fastener 100, the first guide groove 101 is positioned on the same first virtual straight line VL1, and the second guide groove 102 and third guide groove 103 are positioned on a second virtual straight line VL2 that intersects the first virtual straight line VL1. When the inner surfaces 100z sides of the two tube fasteners 100A and 100B are placed facing each other, the first guide grooves 101 of both tube fasteners 101 face each other, the second guide grooves 102 and third guide grooves 103 of both tube fasteners 101 face each other, and the first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152 are positioned to engage with each other, thereby maintaining the connected state of the two tube fasteners 100A and 100B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube fixture.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a cryopreservation container is used when storing a cell suspension. A predetermined amount of the cell suspension is dispensed and contained in the cryopreservation container. Conventionally, when injecting the cell suspension into the cryopreservation container, it was individually injected for each cryopreservation container. However, the individual injection into the cryopreservation container has poor work efficiency, and there is an increasing demand to inject the cell suspension into a plurality (tens to hundreds) of cryopreservation containers in a single operation.

[0003] Therefore, by connecting a soft tube to the cryopreservation container and connecting the soft tube to a branch tube (T-tube, cross tube, etc.), it is possible to inject the cell suspension into the cryopreservation container in a single operation for a plurality (tens to hundreds) of cryopreservation containers. Although no prior art documents regarding the fixture used to connect the soft tube to the cryopreservation container were found, a tube clamp for clamping and closing the tube is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the soft tube and the branch tube are made of different materials, welding may not be possible. Furthermore, since it is assumed to be used in the fields of medicine, regenerative medicine, and cell culture, the use of adhesives, solvents, etc. needs to be avoided.

[0006] On the other hand, simply providing a return at the branch port of the branch pipe is insufficient to prevent the flexible tube from coming loose using only the resistance of this return. Therefore, the flexible tube is attached to the branch port of the branch pipe, and the flexible tube is secured to the branch port from the outside using cable ties to prevent it from coming loose from the branch port.

[0007] However, when the branch pipes are small or when there are many branch pipes (tens to hundreds), the process of securing all the branch ports with cable ties reduces the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0008] These challenges are not limited to the fields of medicine, regenerative medicine, and cell culture; similar challenges arise when attaching flexible tubing to multiple branched tubes.

[0009] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a tube fixing device that can improve the efficiency of assembly work for attaching a flexible tube to a branch pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] [1] A tube fastener according to the present disclosure is used to fasten a tube attached to each of a plurality of branch ports provided in a branch pipe to the branch port, and comprises a base having a predetermined thickness and including an outer surface and an inner surface; a substantially semi-cylindrical first guide groove located on the inner surface side of the base, which is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and has one end open on the side surface of the base in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted; a substantially semi-cylindrical second guide groove located on the inner surface side of the base at a different position from the first guide groove, which is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and has one end open on the side surface of the base in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted; and a tube fastener located on the inner surface side of the base at a different position from the first guide groove and the second guide groove, which has one end open on the side surface of the base in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted To receive the inserted branch port, the tube fasteners include a substantially semi-cylindrical third guide groove that is recessed in the thickness direction and has one end open on the side surface of the base, a first engaging portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the base, and a second engaging portion located between the outer surface and the inner surface of the base, wherein the first guide groove is positioned on a first virtual straight line, and the second and third guide grooves are positioned on the same second virtual straight line that intersects the first virtual straight line, and when the inner surfaces of the two tube fasteners are placed facing each other and overlapped, the first guide grooves of both sides face each other, the second and third guide grooves of both sides face each other, and the first and second engaging portions are positioned to engage with each other, thereby maintaining the coupled state of the two tube fasteners.

[0011] [2] The tube fixing device according to [1], wherein the other end of the first guide groove, the other end of the second guide groove, and the other end of the third guide groove are in communication with a central groove that is deeper in the thickness direction relative to each guide groove.

[0012] [3] The tube fastener according to [2], wherein the first guide groove includes a first tightening area between it and the central groove, wherein the area recessed in the thickness direction is shallower than that of the first guide groove; the second guide groove includes a second tightening area between it and the central groove, wherein the area recessed in the thickness direction is shallower than that of the second guide groove; and the third guide groove includes a third tightening area between it and the central groove, wherein the area recessed in the thickness direction is shallower than that of the third guide groove.

[0013] [4] The tube fastener according to [3], wherein the first tightening region, the second tightening region, and the third tightening region are in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

[0014] [5] The tube fastener according to any one of items [1] to [4], wherein the first engaging portion includes a barb at its tip, and the second engaging portion includes a stepped portion into which the barb engages.

[0015] [6] The tube fastener according to [5], further comprising a pressing portion that contacts the return and presses the return toward the stepped portion when the inner surfaces of two of the tube fasteners are placed facing each other and overlapped.

[0016] [7] A tube fastener according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising a guide wall provided to protrude from the inner surface of the base and a guide hole provided to recess from the inner surface of the base, wherein when two tube fasteners are placed on top of each other with their inner surfaces facing each other, the guide wall is provided to be inserted into the guide hole, thereby enabling the relative positioning of the two tube fasteners.

[0017] [8] The tube fastener is the tube fastener according to any one of items [1] to [7], wherein two of the tube fasteners are connected by a hinge member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a tube fixture capable of improving the assembly work efficiency for attaching a flexible tube to a branch pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the usage state of the tube fixture of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a developed perspective view showing the usage state of the tube fixture of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view showing the usage state of the tube fixture of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a developed perspective view of the tube fixture of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section taken along the line V-V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section taken along the line VL-VL in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section taken along the line VL-VL in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a developed perspective view of the tube fixture of Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is a developed perspective view of the tube fixture of Modified Example 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] It is a developed perspective view of the tube fixture of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the tube fixture of Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view 1 showing the usage state of the tube fixture of Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view 2 showing the usage state of the tube fixture of Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the tube fixture of Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the tube fixture of Modified Example 2 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the tube fixture of Modified Example 3 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 17]This is a perspective view of a tube fixing device according to a modified example 3 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing the usage state of the tube fixing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 19] This is a plan view showing the usage state of the tube fixing device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of this technology will be described below. The same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may not be repeated.

[0021] In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, quantity, dimensions, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of this technology is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, dimensions, etc. In the embodiments described below, each component is not necessarily essential to this technology unless otherwise specified. The same reference numeral is used for the same part or equivalent part, and redundant descriptions may not be repeated. It is intended from the outset that the configurations in the embodiments will be used in appropriate combinations.

[0022] In this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are in open-ended form. That is, if a certain configuration is included, other configurations may or may not be included. Furthermore, this technology is not necessarily limited to achieving all of the effects mentioned in this embodiment.

[0023] The following description will focus on the application of this embodiment of the tube fixing device to cryopreservation containers in the medical field. However, the scope of application of the tube fixing device is not limited to the medical field and is applicable to any technical field employing a similar configuration. For example, the tube fixing device of this disclosure can be used when dispensing liquid into containers, bags, etc., using tubes.

[0024] [Embodiment 1: Example of using a tube fixing device] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an example of the use of the tube fixing device 100 of this embodiment will be described. One end of the first tube 310 is connected to the cryopreservation container 20. The other end of the first tube 310 is attached to the first branch port 41 of the branch pipe 40. One end of the second tube 320 is connected to the second branch port 42 of the branch pipe 40. One end of the third tube 330 is connected to the third branch port 43 of the branch pipe 40. The other ends of the second tube 320 and the third tube 330 are not shown, but they are connected to other cryopreservation containers via branch pipes having a similar configuration.

[0025] The first tube 310, the second tube 320, and the third tube 330 are made of a softer material than the resin branch pipe 40. For example, the branch pipe 40 can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyester, POM (polyacetal), polystyrene, polyimide, etc., while the tube can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, vinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. The fastener can be made of resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyester, POM, polystyrene, polyimide, etc., or metals such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. Furthermore, when used for medical purposes, it is desirable to avoid using adhesive when fixing the first tube 310, the second tube 320, and the third tube 330 to the branch pipe 40.

[0026] However, by clamping the branch pipe 40, to which the first tube 310, the second tube 320, and the third tube 330 are attached, with the tube fixing device 100 of this embodiment, the fixing state of the first tube 310 to the first branch port 41 is maintained, the fixing state of the second tube 320 to the second branch port 42 is maintained, and the fixing state of the third tube 330 to the third branch port 43 is maintained.

[0027] [Tube fastener 100] Next, the specific configuration of the tube fixing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. In the following drawings, the tube is continuous, but for the sake of drawing convenience, it is shown as if it has been broken in the middle.

[0028] The tube fastener 100 includes a first tube fastener 100A and a second tube fastener 100B. The first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are connected by a hinge 181 so as to be openable and closable.

[0029] [First tube fixing device 100A] The first tube fixing device 100A includes a first base 100a (base) having a predetermined thickness. The first base 100a (base) includes an outer surface 100y and an inner surface 100z. A first guide groove 101, a second guide groove 102, and a third guide groove 103 are provided at different positions on the inner surface 100z of the first base 100a.

[0030] The first guide groove 101 is positioned on the first virtual straight line VL1, and the second guide groove 102 and the third guide groove 103 are positioned on the same second virtual straight line VL2 that intersects the first virtual straight line VL1. The first virtual straight line VL1 is a straight line extending in the direction in which the first base 100a and the second base 100b are positioned.

[0031] Viewed from the perspective of the second guide groove 102 and the third guide groove 103, the first guide groove 101 is located on the opposite side from the hinge 181.

[0032] The first guide groove 101 is a groove that receives the first branch port 41 into which the first tube 310 is inserted. The first guide groove 101 is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, with one end open on the side surface of the first base 100a.

[0033] The second guide groove 102 is a groove that receives the second branch port 42 into which the second tube 320 is inserted. The second guide groove 102 is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, with one end opening on the side surface of the first base 100a.

[0034] The third guide groove 103 is a groove that receives the third branch port 43 into which the third tube 330 is inserted. The third guide groove 103 is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, with one end opening on the side surface of the first base 100a.

[0035] The other end of the first guide groove 101, the other end of the second guide groove 102, and the other end of the third guide groove 103 are in communication with a central groove 171 that is deeper in the thickness direction relative to each of the respective guide grooves.

[0036] The first guide groove 101 includes a first groove portion 101a that is open on the side surface of the first base 100a, and a first tightening region 101b between the first groove portion 101a and the central groove 171, the region being shallower and recessed in the thickness direction than the first groove portion 101a.

[0037] The second guide groove 102 includes a second groove portion 102a that is open on the side surface of the first base 100a, and a second tightening region 102b between the second groove portion 102a and the central groove 171, the second tightening region being shallower and recessed in the thickness direction than the second groove portion 102a.

[0038] The third guide groove 103 includes a third groove portion 103a that is open on the side surface of the first base 100a, and a third tightening region 103b between the third groove portion 103a and the central groove 171, the third tightening region being shallower and recessed in the thickness direction than the third groove portion 103a.

[0039] A first engaging portion 111 is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface 100z side of the first base 100a. The first engaging portions 111 are provided in pairs so as to face each other across the first guide groove 101. A barb 112 is provided at the tip of each first engaging portion 111. The pair of first engaging portions 111 are arranged so that the barbs 112 face each other across the first guide groove 101.

[0040] On the back surface opposite to the return 112 of the pair of first engaging portions 111, a guide hole 131 is provided, which is recessed from the inner surface 100z of the first base 100a.

[0041] On the side opposite to the first guide groove 101 (the side of the hinge 181) as viewed from the second guide groove 102 and the third guide groove 103, a pair of guide walls 151 are provided so as to protrude from the inner surface 100z of the first base 100a. On the side (inner side) where the pair of guide walls 151 face each other, a second engaging portion 152 is provided. The second engaging portion 152 includes a hole 152a that is recessed from the inner surface 100z of the first base 100a, and a stepped portion 152b that protrudes from the inner wall constituting the hole 152a and engages with the return 112 of the second tube fixing device 100B, which will be described later.

[0042] [Second tube fixing device 100B] The second tube fastener 100B includes a second base 100b (base) having a predetermined thickness. The second base 100b includes an outer surface 100y and an inner surface 100z. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first tube fastener 100A described above, and it is given the same reference number, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0043] The first guide groove 101, the second guide groove 102, and the third guide groove 103, which are provided on the inner surface 100z of the second base 100b, are positioned symmetrically to the first tube fixing device 100A with respect to the hinge 181.

[0044] On the other hand, the first engaging portion 111, the guide hole 131, the guide wall 151, and the second engaging portion 152 are not symmetrical with respect to the hinge 181, but are provided in the same position as the first tube fixing device 100A.

[0045] [Overlapping state] Next, referring to Figures 5 and 6, we will describe the state in which the first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are folded around the hinge 181 and overlapped so that their inner surfaces 100z face each other. As explained in Figures 1 to 3, when the first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are overlapped, the branch pipe 40 and each tube are sandwiched between them, but for the sake of explanation, the illustration of the branch pipe 40 and each tube will be omitted.

[0046] The first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152, and the guide hole 131 and the guide wall 151 are positioned such that when the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B are superimposed, the first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152 engage, and the guide wall 151 is inserted into the guide hole 131.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, as the first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are superimposed, the guide hole 131 and the guide wall 151 gradually move closer to each other. At this time, it is advisable to provide an arc-shaped portion 151r at the corner of the guide wall 151. The position where the arc-shaped portion 151r is provided should be at the corner furthest from the hinge 181. Note that the shape of the arc-shaped portion 151r is not limited to an arc shape, but may also be the shape of a slanted edge cut in a straight line (for example, at about 45 degrees).

[0048] By providing an arc-shaped portion 151r on the guide wall 151, the guide wall 151 can avoid contact with the surrounding walls of the guide hole 131. Furthermore, by inserting the guide wall 151 into the guide hole 131, it becomes possible to position it relative to the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B (the area enclosed by A in Figure 6).

[0049] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the first engaging portion 111 from shaking when attaching the first engaging portion 111, which will be described later, and to counteract the twisting that occurs between the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are superimposed between the first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152, the return 112 of the first engaging portion 111 passes through the hole 152a. Subsequently, the return 112 comes into contact with the stepped portion 152b (the area enclosed by B in Figure 6).

[0051] Furthermore, as the return portion 112 overcomes the stepped portion 152b, the first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152 become engaged with each other, maintaining the connected state of the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B. Although only the first tube 310 is shown in Figures 7 and 8, and the second tube 320 and the third tube 330 are not shown, when the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B are stacked on top of each other, the return portion 112 and the stepped portion 152b come into contact due to the repulsive force caused by pushing into each tube.

[0052] In this state, it is preferable to provide a pressing portion 151a on the inner wall surface of the hole 152a that abuts against the return 112 and presses the return 112 toward the stepped portion 152b (the area enclosed by C in Figure 7). When the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tube fixing device 100B are connected, the return 112 is always pressed against the stepped portion 152b by the pressing portion 151a, which prevents the return 112 from coming off the stepped portion 152b.

[0053] In this way, when the first tube fastener 100A and the second tube fastener 100B are connected, the first branch port 41 to which the first tube 310 is attached is tightened by the first tightening area 101b of the first tube fastener 100A and the first tightening area 101b of the second tube fastener 100B.

[0054] Similarly, the second branch port 42, to which the second tube 320 is attached, is tightened by the second tightening area 102b of the first tube fixing device 100A and the second tightening area 102b of the second tube fixing device 100B, and the third branch port 43, to which the third tube 330 is attached, is tightened by the third tightening area 103b of the first tube fixing device 100A and the third tightening area 103b of the second tube fixing device 100B.

[0055] As a result, by using a single tube fixing device 100, three tubes can be fixed to the branch pipe 40 simultaneously. This improves the efficiency of the installation work for each port of the branch pipe 40.

[0056] [Modified example of tube fixing device 100] Next, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, modified examples of the tube fastener 100 described above will be explained. For convenience of explanation, Figures 8 and 9 show the branch pipe 40 and each tube. The tube fasteners 200 and 300 described below are identical in configuration to the tube fastener 100, except for the difference in the shape of the hinge and the presence of the fourth guide groove 104.

[0057] The hinge 181 of the tube fixing device 100 described above is provided continuously with respect to the sides of the first base 100a and the second base 100b. On the other hand, the tube fixing device 200 shown in Figure 8 has hinges 182 provided in two separate locations. Furthermore, a fourth guide groove 104 is provided on the inner surface 100z of the first base 100a at a position between these hinges 182.

[0058] The fourth guide groove 104 includes a fourth groove portion 104a that is open on the side surface of the first base 100a, and a fourth tightening region 104b between the fourth groove portion 104a and the central groove 171, the fourth tightening region being shallower and recessed in the thickness direction than the fourth groove portion 104a.

[0059] The fourth guide groove 104 is a groove that receives the branch port into which the tube is inserted. The fourth guide groove 104 is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, with one end opening on the side surface of the first base 100a. The fourth guide groove 104 is located on the same first virtual straight line VL1 as the first guide groove 101. Thus, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which guide grooves are provided in four directions.

[0060] The tube fastener 300 shown in Figure 9 has a hinge 183 in only one location, compared to the tube fastener 200 shown in Figure 8.

[0061] The structure of the tube fastener in another embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent parts as in the tube fastener 100 of Embodiment 1 described above, and redundant explanations will not be provided.

[0062] [Embodiment 2: Tube fixing device 400] Referring to Figure 10, the tube fastener 400 of Embodiment 2 will be described. Compared with the tube fastener 100 described above, the guide hole 131 and guide wall 151 are not provided. On the other hand, the direction in which the return 112 of the first engaging portion 111 is provided is opposite to the hinge 181 when viewed from the second guide groove 102 and the third guide groove 103.

[0063] According to the tube fixing device 400 of this embodiment, even if the first engaging portion 111 bends during engagement, it is possible to create a structure that does not affect the first tube 310 or the first branch port 41.

[0064] [Embodiment 3: Tube fixing device 500] Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the tube fastener 500 of Embodiment 3 will be described. In each of the embodiments described above, the tube fastener was described as being used as a single tube fastener formed by connecting independent tube fasteners with a hinge.

[0065] In this embodiment, as well as in the embodiments described below, the tube fasteners use two unconnected, independent tube fasteners 500, with the inner surfaces 100z of the first bases 100a of each fastener facing each other, to fix the branch pipe 40 and each tube. The inner surface 100z of the first base 100a is provided with guide grooves in four directions, similar to the tube fasteners 200 and 300, but a configuration with grooves in three directions, similar to the tube fastener 100, may also be adopted.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, in this tube fixing device 500, a pair of first vertical walls 193 are provided on the side surface of the first base 100a so as to sandwich the second guide groove 102. Furthermore, a pair of second vertical walls 196 are provided on the side surface of the first base 100a opposite to the return 112 of the first engaging portion 111. Both the first vertical walls 193 and the second vertical walls 196 are used for positioning when two tube fixing devices 500 are stacked on top of each other.

[0067] When the two tube fasteners 500 are stacked, a pair of first recesses 191 are provided on the side surface of the first base 100a at the position facing the pair of first vertical walls 193. Similarly, a pair of second recesses 198 are provided on the side surface of the first base 100a at the position facing the pair of second vertical walls 196.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, the first tube 310 attached to the first branch port 41 is placed in the first guide groove 101 of one of the tube fixing devices 500, the second tube 320 attached to the second branch port 42 is placed in the second guide groove 102, and the third tube 330 attached to the third branch port 43 is placed in the third guide groove 103.

[0069] Subsequently, the other tube fixing device is placed on top of the tube fixing device 500 on which the branch pipe 40 is set. At this time, the pair of first vertical walls 193 and the pair of first recesses 191 fit together, and the pair of second vertical walls 196 fit into the pair of second recesses 198, and the first engaging portion 111 and the second engaging portion 152 engage, and further positioning is performed by the guide hole 131 and the guide wall 151.

[0070] As a result, as shown in Figure 13, by using two tube fasteners 500, three or four tubes can be fixed to the branch pipe 40 simultaneously. This improves the efficiency of the installation work for each port of the branch pipe 40, similar to the tube fastener shown in Embodiment 1.

[0071] Note that the arrangement of the branch pipes 40 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figure. For example, the third tube 330 may be placed in the first guide groove 101, the first tube 310 in the second guide groove 102, and the second tube 320 in the third guide groove 103.

[0072] [Embodiment 4: Tube fixing device 600] Referring to Figure 14, the tube fastener 600 of Embodiment 4 will be described. Compared to the tube fastener 500 described above, this tube fastener 600 does not have a pair of first vertical walls 193, a pair of first recesses 191, a pair of second vertical walls 196, and a pair of second recesses 198.

[0073] The pair of first engaging portions 111 are positioned at one point symmetrical position around the intersection point C1 of the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2, and the return portion 112 is provided on the side of the first virtual line VL1. The pair of second engaging portions 152 are positioned at the other point symmetrical position around the intersection point C1 of the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2.

[0074] Even with this configuration, the same effects and benefits as those of each of the tube fasteners described above can be obtained.

[0075] [Embodiment 5: Tube fastener 700] Referring to Figure 15, the tube fastener 700 of Embodiment 5 will be described. Compared to the tube fastener 600 described above, this tube fastener 700 has four first engaging portions 111, and the return portions 112 are arranged to face the direction of the guide groove. The first engaging portions 111 are arranged point-symmetrically at 90-degree intervals, and a second engaging portion 152 is provided on the side of the first engaging portion 111 opposite to the return portion 112.

[0076] Even with this configuration, the same effects and advantages as those of the tube fasteners described above can be obtained. Furthermore, since the first engaging portion 111 can engage with the second engaging portion 152 at any position, the efficiency of the installation work for each port of the branch pipe 40 can be improved.

[0077] [Embodiment 6: Tube fixing device 800] Referring to Figure 16, the tube fastener 800 of Embodiment 6 will be described. This tube fastener 800 is a modified example of the tube fastener 500 described above. The effects and advantages obtained are equivalent to those of the tube fastener 500 described above.

[0078] The first tightening area 101b, the second tightening area 102b, and the third tightening area 103b of the tube fastener 500 were semi-cylindrical in shape. The first tightening area 101b, the second tightening area 102b, and the third tightening area 103b of the tube fastener 800 were V-shaped grooves.

[0079] When each clamping area is semi-cylindrical, if the tube is clamped from both sides by the clamping areas, and the outer diameter of the tube is large, the deformation of the tube may become large, potentially leaving no room for the deformed area to move. On the other hand, by making each clamping area a V-shaped groove, it becomes possible to provide a space for the deformed area of ​​the tube to move.

[0080] [Embodiment 7: Tube fastener 900] Referring to Figure 17, the tube fastener 900 of Embodiment 7 will be described. This tube fastener 900 is a modified example of the tube fastener 800 described above. The effects and advantages obtained are equivalent to those of the tube fastener 800 described above.

[0081] The first tightening area 101b, the second tightening area 102b, and the third tightening area 103b of the tube fastener 800 described above have a V-shaped groove. The first tightening area 101b, the second tightening area 102b, and the third tightening area 103b of the tube fastener 900 have a groove shape that is a hexagon divided into two.

[0082] By making the shape of each tightening area a groove shape obtained by dividing a hexagon into two, it becomes possible to provide a space for the deformation of the tube, similar to the tube fixing device 800 described above.

[0083] [Other features] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, other features of each tube fastener described above will be explained. Figure 18 is a plan view of the tube fastener 100 after each tube has been fixed to the branch pipe 40 using the tube fastener 100 described in Embodiment 1. Figure 19 is a plan view of the tube fastener 500 after each tube has been fixed to the branch pipe 40 using the two tube fasteners 500 described in Embodiment 2.

[0084] The outer surface 100y of the first base 100a exposes the guide hole 131 and the hole 152a of the second engaging portion 152. Since the size and arrangement of each hole are determined by the arrangement of the guide wall 151 and the arrangement of the first engaging portion 111, the internal fitting state can be understood by checking the size and arrangement of each hole on the outer surface 100y of the first base 100a.

[0085] In each of the above embodiments, the base is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, but it is not limited to a rectangular shape, and can also be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or the like.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 40 Branch pipe, 41 First branch port, 42 Second branch port, 43 Third branch port, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 Tube fastener, 100A First tube fastener, 100B Second tube fastener, 100a First base, 100b Second base, 100y Outer surface, 100z Inner surface, 101 First guide groove, 101a First groove section, 101b First tightening area, 102 Second guide groove, 102a Second groove section, 102b Second tightening area, 103 Third guide groove, 103a Third groove section, 103b Third tightening area, 104 Fourth guide groove, 104a Fourth groove section, 104b Fourth tightening area, 111 First engagement section, 131 Guide hole, 151 Guide wall, 151a pressing part, 151r arc-shaped part, 152 second engaging part, 152a hole, 152b step, 171 central groove, 181, 182, 183 hinge, 191 first recess, 193 first vertical wall, 196 second vertical wall, 198 second recess, 310 first tube, 320 second tube, 330 third tube, VL1 first virtual straight line, VL2 second virtual straight line.

Claims

1. A tube fixing device used to secure tubes attached to each of the multiple branch ports provided in a branch pipe to the branch ports, A base having a predetermined thickness, including an outer surface and an inner surface, A substantially semi-cylindrical first guide groove is located on the inner surface side of the base, and is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction, with one end open on the side surface of the base, in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted. A second guide groove, located at a position different from the first guide groove, on the inner surface side of the base, is oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction and is substantially semi-cylindrical, with one end open on the side surface of the base, in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted. A third guide groove, located on the inner surface side of the base at a position different from the first and second guide grooves, is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, oriented to be recessed in the thickness direction, with one end open on the side surface of the base, in order to receive the branch port into which the tube is inserted. A first engaging portion is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface side of the base, A second engagement portion located between the outer surface and the inner surface of the base, Equipped with, The first guide groove is positioned on the first virtual straight line, The second guide groove and the third guide groove are positioned on the same second virtual line that intersects the first virtual line, When the inner surfaces of the two tube fasteners are placed facing each other and overlapped, the first guide grooves of both fasteners face each other, the second guide grooves and the third guide grooves of both fasteners face each other, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are positioned to engage with each other, thereby maintaining the connected state of the two tube fasteners. Tube fastener.

2. The other end of the first guide groove, the other end of the second guide groove, and the other end of the third guide groove are connected to a central groove that is deeper in the thickness direction relative to each of the guide grooves. The tube fastener according to claim 1.

3. The first guide groove includes a first tightening region between it and the central groove, the region being shallower and recessed in the thickness direction than the first guide groove. The second guide groove includes a second tightening region between it and the central groove, the second tightening region being shallower in the thickness direction than the second guide groove. The third guide groove includes a third tightening region between it and the central groove, the third tightening region being shallower in the thickness direction than the third guide groove. The tube fastener according to claim 2.

4. The first tightening region, the second tightening region, and the third tightening region are in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The tube fastener according to claim 3.

5. The first engaging portion includes a barb at its tip, The second engaging portion includes a stepped portion into which the return engages. The tube fastener according to claim 1.

6. When the inner surfaces of the two tube fasteners are placed facing each other and overlapped, the device further includes a pressing portion that contacts the return and presses the return toward the stepped portion. The tube fastener according to claim 5.

7. A guide wall is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface of the base, The base includes a guide hole provided so as to be recessed from the inner surface, When the inner surfaces of the two tube fasteners are placed facing each other and overlapped, the guide wall is positioned to be inserted into the guide hole, thereby enabling the relative positioning of the two tube fasteners. The tube fastener according to claim 1.

8. The tube fastener consists of two tube fasteners connected by a hinge member. The tube fastener according to claim 1.

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