tube

Abstract

To provide a tube having a holding power and easy to crush.SOLUTION: A tube 10 according to the present disclosure can insert an insert. The tube comprises: a first protruding part 14A that protrudes from an inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10, and is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface 12A; a second protruding part 14B that protrudes from the inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10, and is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface 12A; and a third protruding part 14C that protrudes from the inner wall surface 12A of the tube 10, and is inclined with respect to 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 has been prepared with letters, figures, symbols, colors, etc. printed on its outer surface, and the cable is inserted into this tube and attached to the tube, making it possible to identify the cable and preventing incorrect wiring, etc.

[0003] However, if the outer diameter of the cable is too large compared to the inner diameter of the tube, it will be difficult to insert the cable into the tube, while if the outer diameter of the cable is too small, the tube will not be sufficiently secured to the cable, resulting in problems such as the tube rotating or slipping off.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a tube having a contact piece protruding from the inner wall surface, which bends when pressed to come into contact with a cable.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a tube provided with a number of ribs protruding from the inner wall surface toward the center so that the cable can be securely fixed even if the outer diameter of the cable varies.

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

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 60-192287 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-148039 [Patent Document 3] JP 2015-96003 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, when only one protrusion such as a contact piece or rib is provided protruding from the inner wall surface, the tube is not held to the cable with sufficient force, and the problem of the tube easily rotating or slipping off cannot be solved.

[0009] On the other hand, in the case of a conventional tube with multiple protrusions on its inner wall surface, although the holding force for the cable is improved compared to when only one protrusion is provided, when printing characters or the like on the outer surface of the tube, the characters may be rubbed off, shifted, or printed without print such as white streaks. That is, when printing characters or the like on the outer surface of a tube, the tube is clamped and crushed between a platen roller and a thermal head, but because the tube has multiple protrusions on its inner wall surface, depending on the direction of crushing, the tube may not be crushed flat (become uneven), creating areas that are difficult for the thermal head to contact, and printing may not be successful.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tube that has retention strength but is also easily crushed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present disclosure provides a tube into which an insert can be inserted, the tube being provided with a plurality of protrusions protruding from an inner wall surface and inclined relative to the inner wall surface.

[0012] The plurality of protrusions may be provided non-parallel to one another.

[0013] The term "non-parallel" includes a state in which one protrusion and another protrusion are not substantially parallel. When the one protrusion and another protrusion are non-parallel, the distance between the one protrusion and the other protrusion varies substantially depending on the position on the protrusion.

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

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

[0016] Furthermore, the first protrusion may be inclined toward a first portion of the inner wall surface that connects the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the second protrusion may be inclined toward a second portion of the inner wall surface that connects the second protrusion and the third protrusion, and the third protrusion may be inclined toward a 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 extension direction of the tube, the multiple protrusions may each have a tip portion having at least a first thickness, and a base portion connecting the tip portion and the inner wall surface and including a thin-walled portion having a thickness smaller than the first thickness.

[0018] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube, the multiple protrusions may be provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the center of the tube.

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

[0020] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, the multiple protrusions may each have a length that is 35% or more of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface.

[0021] Here, the inside diameter of the inner wall surface corresponds to, for example, the diameter of a circle that approximates the inner wall surface of the tube in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube.

[0022] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, the multiple protrusions may each have a length that is 65% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface.

[0023] Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, the multiple protrusions may each have a thickness of 8% to 30% of the length of the protrusion.

[0024] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, an imaginary inscribed circle circumscribing the multiple protrusions may have a diameter that is 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, the tube comprising a first protrusion protruding from an inner wall surface of the tube and inclined relative to the inner wall surface, and a second protrusion protruding from the inner wall surface of the tube and inclined relative to the inner wall surface and disposed non-parallel to the first protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion configured to sandwich the insert and press it in a direction toward the inner wall surface when the insert is inserted.

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

[0027] Here, in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube, the first protrusion may be configured to contact a first sector portion of the cross section of the insert having a central angle of 120 degrees, the second protrusion may be configured to contact a second sector portion of the outer periphery of the insert having a central angle of 120 degrees, and the inner wall surface may be configured to contact or face a third sector portion of the cross section of the insert having a central angle of 120 degrees. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2A]2 is a cross-sectional view of the tube according to the first embodiment, cut perpendicularly to the extension direction with a cable inserted therein. FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tube according to the first embodiment in a state in which no cable is inserted. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing how a tube is crushed. [Figure 4A] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a tube according to a second embodiment, cut perpendicularly to the extension direction with a cable inserted therein. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tube according to a second embodiment in a state in which no cable is inserted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a tube according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a tube according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[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 therefore the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the 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 the tube according to this 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 in which a display unit 102 and an operation unit 104 are provided. A tube can be set as a printing medium inside the housing 106. Note that a tape or other long medium can be selectively set inside the housing 106 as another printing medium.

[0033] The display unit 102 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays characters and the like inputted through the operation unit 104. The operation unit 104 is composed of a keyboard having a plurality of operation buttons, and is used to input characters, numbers, and symbols to a print medium and to perform various operations on the printing device 100.

[0034] The housing 106 is further provided with a cover 108 that is opened and closed when an ink ribbon cassette 110 and a print medium are attached. Note that Fig. 1 shows the cover 108 in an open state.

[0035] The printer 100 includes, as a printing mechanism for printing on a print medium, a cassette holder unit 120 in which a print medium such as a tube is selectively set, and a ribbon holder unit 121 in which the ink ribbon cassette 110 is set. The cassette holder unit 120 and the ribbon holder unit 121 may be integrally molded products made of resin or the like. The cassette holder unit 120 is configured so that a guide attachment can be installed to guide the tube to a desired position when the print medium is a tube with a predetermined inner diameter or less.

[0036] The printing device 100 further includes a platen roller 122 that transports a long printing medium such as a tube set in the cassette holder section 120 or a tape unwound from a tape cassette, and a thermal head 123 that prints on the printing medium such as a tube transported by the platen roller 122.

[0037] The platen roller 122 is rotated by a motor (not shown) to transport a print medium such as a tube. The ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cassette 110 is configured to be fed in synchronization with the platen roller 122 by using the same motor. The print medium such as a tube transported by the platen roller 122 is placed in the gap between the platen roller 122 and the ink ribbon.

[0038] The printing device 100 includes a head moving mechanism 130 for executing an operation of moving the thermal head 123 in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 and an operation of moving the thermal head 123 in a direction away from the platen roller 122. When the head moving mechanism 130 moves the thermal head 123 in a direction approaching the platen roller 122 and presses the platen roller 122, the ink ribbon and a print medium such as a tube are sandwiched between 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 by the heat of the thermal head 123, so that it becomes possible to print ink on the outer peripheral surface of the tube. At this time, the tube formed in a cylindrical shape is crushed flat, so that it becomes possible to suitably transfer ink to the outer peripheral surface. By executing the operation of approaching and moving away in this way, it becomes possible to print desired characters, etc. on the outer peripheral surface of the tube.

[0039] The printer 100 may further include a tube warmer 129 for warming the tube to prevent the printing on the tube from rubbing off. A half-cut mechanism (not shown) for half-cutting the print medium such as a tube may be provided downstream of the thermal head 123. The tube that is temporarily flattened during printing returns to a cylindrical shape due to its elasticity, and is sent out from the printer with the outer circumferential surface printed. When the half-cut tube has a slit, it can be easily cut into a tube of the desired length. By inserting a cable such as an optical fiber cable, an electric wire, or other insert, it becomes possible to distinguish the insert from other inserts.

[0040] A description will be given of the configuration of a tube whose outer circumferential surface can be printed by such a printing device 100. Note that text information or the like may be printed on the tube by a printing device having a configuration other than the printing device 100.

[0041] [First embodiment] The tube 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the tube 10 with a cable CA (an example of an "insertion") inserted therein, cut perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube 10. Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the tube 10 without the cable CA inserted therein, and Fig. 3(A) is a cross-sectional view of the tube 10 in the same state, cut perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube 10.

[0042] The insert may be an optical fiber cable, an electric cable, an electric wire, or any other long object. Character information or the like is printed as identification information on the outer circumferential surface of the tube 10 during use. Therefore, by inserting such an insert into the tube 10, it becomes possible to distinguish it from other inserts.

[0043] 2A and 2B, the tube 10 includes a long cylindrical main body 12 and three protrusions, a first protrusion 14A, a second protrusion 14B, and a third protrusion 14C (hereinafter, the first protrusion 14A, the second protrusion 14B, and the third protrusion 14C are collectively referred to as "protrusions 14") that are integrally formed with the main body 12 and protrude from an inner wall surface 12A of the main body 12. The tube 10 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride, and therefore both the main body 12 and the protrusions 14 are flexible.

[0044] In this embodiment, the main body 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the central axis AX (FIG. 2B) as an axis. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the tube 10, the main body 12 has an annular shape, and the inner wall surface 12A and the outer circumferential surface 12B each have a circular shape (FIG. 3A).

[0045] In this embodiment, the three protrusions 14 are provided to protrude from the inner wall surface 12A of the main body portion 12.

[0046] The first protrusion 14A includes a tip end 14A1 for contacting the outer peripheral surface of the cable CA when the cable CA is inserted, and a base end 14A2 for connecting the tip end 14A1 and the inner wall surface 12A of the main body 12. The first protrusion 14A is provided to extend in the axial direction substantially parallel to the central axis AX of the main body 12.

[0047] The first protrusion 14A is inclined toward a first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B so as to have an angle θ1 with respect to a straight line L1 connecting the center C1 of the main body 12 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A and the inner wall surface 12A). Furthermore, the first protrusion 14A according to this embodiment is curved in an arc shape that gradually moves away from the inner wall surface 12A from the base end 14A2 to the tip end 14A1. Therefore, the distance between the first protrusion 14A and the first portion 12A1 is greatest at the tip of the tip end 14A1.

[0048] 2B and 3A, the tip 14A1 of the first protrusion 14A is provided to have a thickness at least equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness (one example of the "first thickness"), and the base 14A2 is provided to include a thin portion (sometimes called a "weak portion") having a thickness smaller than the predetermined thickness. Therefore, when a force acting in the outward radial direction acts on the tip 14A1, the base 14A2 is easily deformed in the outward radial direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 14B and the third protrusion 14C are provided 120 degrees rotationally symmetrically with respect to the first protrusion 14A with respect to the center C1 of the main body 12. That is, the second protrusion 14B has a tip end 14B1 and a base end 14B2, and is provided inclined toward the second portion 12A2 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the second protrusion 14B and the third protrusion 14C, and the third protrusion 14C has a tip end 14C1 and a base end 14C2, and is provided inclined toward the third portion 12A3 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the third protrusion 14C and the first protrusion 14A. These second protrusion 14B and third protrusion 14C have the same configuration as the first protrusion 14A, so detailed description will be omitted. The center C1 (FIG. 2A) of the main body 12 in the cross section exists on the central axis AX (FIG. 2B) of the main body 12.

[0050] As a result of this configuration, the first protrusion 14A, the second protrusion 14B, and the third protrusion 14C are arranged non-parallel to each other in cross section so as to form an angle of approximately 120 degrees with respect to each other, and are arranged inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction.

[0051] By providing the three protrusions 14 in a configuration with 120-degree rotational symmetry in this way, when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 10, the three tip portions 14A1 to 14C1 can support the cable CA from three directions. As shown in FIG. 2A, the tip portions 14A1 to 14C1 of the protrusions 14 are deformed toward the outer diameter side when the cable CA is inserted, and press the cable CA toward the center C1 from three directions. As a result, the tube 10 can exert a high holding force on the cable CA. However, as described later, only two protrusions 14 may be provided, or four or more protrusions 14 may be provided. Also, they do not necessarily have to be provided with rotational symmetry.

[0052] In addition, since each of the base ends 14A2 to 14C2 of the protrusion 14 has a thin portion having a thickness smaller than that of each of the tip ends 14A1 to 14C1, the cable CA is easily deformed when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 10. This makes it possible to easily insert the cable CA into the tube 10. Furthermore, since the protrusion 14 is provided in an arc shape that gradually moves away from the inner wall surface 12A from each of the base ends 14A2 to 14C2 to each of the tip ends 14A1 to 14C1, when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 10, the area that the cable CA contacts is typically an area close to the tip ends 14A1 to 14C1 that are close to the center C1. As a result, a large moment is applied to each of the base ends 14A2 to 14C2, so that the base ends 14A2 to 14C2 can be easily deformed. This also makes it easy to insert the cable CA into the tube 10. In addition, since the protrusions 14 are inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction, it is also possible to prevent the protrusions 14 from interfering with the insertion of the cable CA into the tube 10.

[0053] Furthermore, since the tube 10 has a structure that is easily crushed from any direction, printing can be preferably performed on the outer peripheral surface 12B during printing. The effect of the tube 10 according to this embodiment, which is easily crushed from any direction, will be described below.

[0054] The inventors of the present application have noticed that, while it is necessary to provide two or more protrusions on the tube to exert a high holding force on the cable CA, providing two or more protrusions may result in a decrease in print quality on the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and printing omissions may occur, depending on the structure of the protrusions. As a result of further investigation, they have noticed that when the tube is clamped between a platen roller and a thermal head for printing, depending on the direction in which the tube is set, the protrusions may prevent the tube from being crushed. For example, if two parallel protrusions are provided facing each other toward the center of the tube, when a force is applied parallel to the protrusion direction to crush the tube, the protrusions protruding in the same direction prevent the tube from being crushed, making it difficult to crush the tube flat. Even if the tube can be crushed, one protrusion may be bent many times, and the outer circumferential surface may be significantly wavy and not flat when completely crushed. In such a case, it becomes difficult to press the ink ribbon pressed by the thermal head against the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and the print quality deteriorates. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to crush the tube by applying force perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protrusion, the protrusion does not prevent the tube from being crushed, making it easy to crush the tube. However, since users do not always set the tube in the printer 100 in a direction that makes it easy to crush, in some cases the protrusion may prevent the tube from being crushed, making it difficult to perform suitable printing.

[0055] On the other hand, the tube 10 according to the present embodiment has three protrusions 14, but has a smaller bias in resistance to crushing depending on the direction compared to the tube according to the above-mentioned conventional technology. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the process of the tube 10 being crushed. FIG. 3(A) shows the state of the tube 10 before being crushed, FIG. 3(C) shows the state of the tube 10 after being crushed, and FIG. 3(B) shows the state during the crushing. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the multiple protrusions 14 of the tube 10 are provided at an incline in a direction approaching the inner wall surface 12A, rather than toward the center C1 of the main body 12. Therefore, any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body 12 does not completely coincide with the extension direction of the protrusions 14. Therefore, the bias in resistance to crushing depending on the direction is small, and the protrusions 14 do not significantly hinder the tube 10 from being crushed.

[0056] Furthermore, the protrusions 14 are arranged non-parallel to each other. This makes it possible to suppress the adverse effect of the multiple protrusions interfering with the collapse of the tube when trying to crush it in the direction that the multiple protrusions extend, which is caused by the fact that the extension directions of the multiple protrusions are roughly the same. This configuration also makes it possible to reduce the bias in the resistance to crushing depending on the direction.

[0057] In addition, the protrusions 14 are inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction, which makes it possible to prevent a single protrusion from bending multiple times as in the prior art, resulting in the outer circumferential surface 12B becoming significantly wavy and not flat when completely crushed.

[0058] The following describes suitable numerical ranges for the configuration of the protrusion 14 of the tube 10. The inventors of the present application have produced prototypes of protrusions of various shapes and conducted repeated experiments, and have concluded that the numerical ranges described below are suitable.

[0059] First, the length of each of the protrusions 14 is preferably 65% ​​or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A. In the state before being crushed in FIG. 3(A), the distance from the base end 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A to the base end 14B2 of the second protrusion 14B, which is approximately 120 degrees apart, is about 85% of the inner diameter (half the square root of 3 calculated from the base of an isosceles triangle with the center C1, the base end 14A, and the base end 14B as apexes, and the radius of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A as equilateral sides). If the length of the protrusions is set to about 85% of the inner diameter, depending on the manufacturing error, the protrusions may come into contact with adjacent protrusions even before being crushed, and the possibility of the protrusions colliding with adjacent protrusions during the crushing increases. If the protrusions collide with adjacent protrusions during the crushing, it may hinder the crushing. Furthermore, if a protrusion is bent due to collision with an adjacent protrusion, the protrusion may be bent multiple times, resulting in the outer circumferential surface not being flat when crushed, making it difficult to perform printing properly. However, by setting the length of the protrusion 14 to 65% or less, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring.

[0060] On the other hand, it is preferable that the length of each of the protrusions 14 is 35% or more of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A. When the length of the protrusions 14 is 35%, if the outer diameter of the cable CA is half the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, the position of the base end 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A that contacts the inner wall surface 12A is one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex A"), the position near the tip of the tip end 14A1 that contacts the cable CA is one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex B"), and the center C1 is one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex C"), the three sides of the triangle are 35% between vertices A and B, 25% between vertices B and C, and 50% between vertices C and A (between vertices C and A) of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A. Therefore, the apex angle of vertex B is about 110 degrees, which is close to a right angle of 90 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to suitably direct the elastic force acting on the cable CA from the elastically deforming first protrusion 14A toward the center C1. By providing a plurality of such protrusions 14, it is possible to stably support the cable CA, and the reaction force can provide a high holding force for the cable CA.

[0061] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube 10, each of the protrusions 14 preferably has a thickness of 8% to 30% of the length of the protrusions 14. For example, the first protrusions 14A can be formed so that the tip end 14A1 of the first protrusions 14A has a thickness of 20% to 30% and the base end 14A2 has a thickness of 8% to 20%. If the thickness is too large compared to the length of the protrusions 14, the protrusions 14 are difficult to bend, and the tube 10 is difficult to crush. On the other hand, if the thickness is too small compared to the length of the protrusions 14, the elastic force acting from the protrusions 14 to the cable CA is insufficient. Therefore, by forming the protrusions 14 to have a thickness of 8% to 30% of the length of the protrusions 14, it is possible to provide a tube 10 that is easy to crush and exhibits high holding power for the cable CA.

[0062] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of tube 10, imaginary inscribing circle C2 (FIG. 3(A)) circumscribing protrusion 14 preferably has a diameter of 25% to 50% of the inner diameter of inner wall surface 12A.

[0063] By forming the protrusion 14 so that the imaginary inscribed circle C2 has a diameter that is 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, it is possible for the protrusion 14 to exert an elastic force on the cable CA, which has a diameter that is greater than 50% of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A. On the other hand, when the imaginary inscribed circle C2 has a diameter of 25% of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, the position where the base end 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A contacts the inner wall surface 12A is defined as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex A" and the vertex angle of vertex A is defined as "vertex angle A"), the position near the tip of the tip end 14A1 that contacts the cable CA is defined as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex B" and the vertex angle of vertex B is defined as "vertex angle B"), and the center C1 is defined as one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "vertex C" and the vertex angle of vertex C is defined as "vertex angle C"), and the two sides of the triangle have a length between vertices B and C that is 12.5% ​​of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 12A, and a length between vertices C and A that is 50% (between vertices C and A). If vertex angle B is a right angle, vertex angle A is about 15 degrees. As the apex angle A becomes smaller than 10 degrees, the protrusion approaches a configuration in which it protrudes substantially vertically, which hinders the protrusion from collapsing and makes it difficult to flatten the tube. Therefore, by forming protrusion 14 so that imaginary inscribing circle C2 has a diameter of 25% to 50% of the inner diameter of inner wall surface 12A, it becomes possible to support cable CA having a diameter larger than 50% of the inner diameter of inner wall surface 12A and to provide tube 10 that is easily collapsible.

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

[0065] The three protrusions 14 of the tube 10 are formed with 120-degree rotational symmetry with respect to the center C1, but are not limited to this. For example, the lengths in the vertical cross section of a first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the first protrusion 14A and the second protrusion 14B, a second portion 12A2 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the second protrusion 14B and the third protrusion 14C, and a third portion 12A3 of the inner wall surface 12A connecting the third protrusion 14C and the first protrusion 14A may be different from each other.

[0066] Furthermore, the thickness of tip 14A1 of first protrusion 14A, the thickness of tip 14B1 of second protrusion 14B, and the thickness of tip 14C1 of third protrusion 14C in vertical cross section may be different from each other.

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

[0068] The shape and configuration of the thin portion provided on the base end 14A2 of the first protrusion 14A can be modified in various ways. For example, a notch may be provided on the base end 14A2. In this case, by providing a notch that opens on the first portion 12A1 of the inner wall surface 12A, it becomes possible to easily bend toward the first portion 12A1. Similarly, by providing a notch that opens on the inner wall surface 12A on the base end 14B2 of the second protrusion 14B and the base end 14C2 of the third protrusion 14C, it becomes possible to easily bend toward the inner wall surface 12A.

[0069] The diameter of the tube 10 can be appropriately designed according to the diameter of the cable CA to be inserted in. For example, the inner diameter of the tube 10 may be any one of 2 mm, 2.7 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.7 mm, 6.4 mm, and 8 mm.

[0070] [Second embodiment] The tube 20 according to the second embodiment will be described below. The tube 20 according to this embodiment has two protrusions, which is different from the tube 10, which has three protrusions. However, parts that would be understood by a person skilled in the art to have the same configuration as the tube 10 according to the first embodiment will be given the same names and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0071] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of tube 20 with cable CA inserted therein, cut perpendicularly to the extending direction of tube 20. Fig. 4B is a perspective view of tube 20 without cable CA inserted therein.

[0072] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the tube 20 comprises a long, cylindrical main body 22 and two protrusions, a first protrusion 24A and a second protrusion 24B (hereinafter, these protrusions are collectively referred to as "protrusion 24") that are formed integrally with the main body 22 and protrude from the inner wall surface 22A of the main body 22.

[0073] The first protrusion 24A is provided inclined toward the first portion 22A1 of the inner wall surface 22A connecting the first protrusion 24A and the second protrusion 24B so as to have an angle θ2 with respect to the straight line L1 connecting the center C1 of the main body 22 and the inner wall surface 12A (the connection portion between the base end 24A2 of the first protrusion 24A and the inner wall surface 22A) (however, in FIG. 4A, the first protrusion 24A and the second protrusion 24B sandwich the cable CA, so that the angle θ2 is larger than the angle in a state where the cable CA is not inserted). Similarly, the second protrusion 24B is provided inclined toward the second portion 22A2 of the inner wall surface 22A connecting the second protrusion 24B and the first protrusion 24A so as to have an angle θ2 with respect to the straight line L1.

[0074] The main body 22 can have the same or similar configuration as the main body 12, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. Similarly to the first protruding portion 14A, the first protruding portion 24A and the second protruding portion 24B each have a tip end 24A1 and a base end 24A2, and a tip end 24B1 and a base end 24B2, respectively.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 24A and the second protrusion 24B are provided with 180-degree rotational symmetry with respect to the center C1 of the main body 22. With this configuration, when the cable CA is inserted into the tube 20, the two tip portions 24A1 and 24B1 can support the cable CA from two directions. As shown in FIG. 4A, the tip portions 24A1 and 24B1 of each protrusion 24 are deformed toward the outer diameter side when the cable CA is inserted, and the elastic force of the tip portions 24A1 and 24B1 press the cable CA from two directions toward the center C1. As a result, the tube 20 can exert a high holding force on the cable CA.

[0076] The multiple protrusions 24 of the tube 20 are provided at an incline in a direction approaching the inner wall surface 22A, rather than toward the center C1 of the main body 22. Therefore, any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body 22 does not completely coincide with the extending direction of the protrusions 24. Therefore, there is little bias in the resistance to crushing depending on the direction, and the protrusions 24 do not significantly prevent the tube 20 from being crushed.

[0077] Since the protrusions 24 are inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction, it is possible to prevent a single protrusion from bending multiple times as in the prior art, resulting in the outer peripheral surface 22B becoming significantly wavy and not flat when completely crushed.

[0078] As described above, according to the tube 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed.

[0079] The functions and effects of the tube 20 based on the parts of the configuration of the tube 20 that are similar to the configuration of the tube 10 are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

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

[0081] The tube according to this embodiment has in common the point that it has two protruding parts that protrude in a direction inclined with respect to the inner wall surface. In addition, the two protruding parts are provided so as not to be parallel to each other. The two protruding parts have in common the point that when an insert such as a cable is inserted, the two protruding parts sandwich the insert and press it in a direction toward the inner wall surface. The configuration of each tube will be described below. Note that the parts that are the same or similar to the configuration of the tube according to other embodiments and that can be understood by a person skilled in the art will be given the same names and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the tube 30 has a long cylindrical main body 32 and two protrusions, a first protrusion 34A and a second protrusion 34B, which are integrally formed with the main body 32 and protrude from an inner wall surface 32A of the main body 32.

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

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

[0085] The second protrusion 34B is inclined from the same first portion 32A1 at an angle θ4 with respect to a straight line L2 connecting the center C1 of the main body 32 and the first portion 32A1 (the connection portion between the second protrusion 34B and the first portion 32A1) (note that 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 protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are inclined in opposite directions along the circumferential direction, and the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1. As a result, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are not parallel to each other.

[0087] According to the tube 30 having such a configuration, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided at an incline with respect to the inner wall surface 32A, and any straight line passing through the center C1 of the main body 32 does not completely coincide with the extending direction of the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B. Therefore, there is little bias in the resistance to crushing depending on the direction, and the first protrusion 34A or the second protrusion 34B does not significantly prevent the tube 10 from being crushed.

[0088] In addition, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are provided so that the distance between them increases as they move away from the first portion 32A1, so that the cable CA (an example of an "insertion object provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction into the tube 30") 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 faces the direction toward the third portion 32A3 facing the first portion 32A1 (to the right on the paper). Therefore, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B are configured to be able to sandwich the cable CA and to press the cable CA in the direction toward the third portion 32A3. Therefore, according to the tube 30 according to this 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 of 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. This enables the tube 30 to stably support the cable CA, and the reaction force can exert a high holding force on the cable CA.

[0089] Furthermore, even if the cable CA has a small diameter, 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, so that the cable CA can be supported by being sandwiched between them. Note that the cable CA does not necessarily have to contact the third portion 32A3 of the inner wall surface 32A.

[0090] 5(B), the tube 40 includes a long cylindrical main body 42, and a first protruding portion 44A and a second protruding portion 44B that are formed integrally with the main body 42 and protrude from an inner wall surface 42A of the main body 42. The main body 42 differs from the tube 30 in that the cross section of the main body 42 is substantially annular and cylindrical. Since the other configurations are the same or similar to those of the tube 30, the same names are used and the description is omitted or simplified.

[0091] Even in the tube 40 having such a configuration, the first protrusion 44A and the second protrusion 44B can sandwich the cable CA and press the cable CA in a direction toward the inner wall surface 42A, so that the cable CA can be supported at three points, the first protrusion 44A, the second protrusion 44B, and the inner wall surface 42A. At this time, the first protrusion 44A contacts the first sector portion F1 having a central angle of 120 degrees in the cross section of the cable CA, the second protrusion 44B contacts the second sector portion F2 having a central angle of 120 degrees, and the inner wall surface 42A contacts or faces the third sector portion F3 having a central angle of 120 degrees. Therefore, the tube 40 can stably support the cable CA, and the reaction force can exert a high holding force on the cable CA.

[0092] 5C, the tube 50 includes a long cylindrical main body 52 and a first protrusion 54A and a second protrusion 54B that are formed integrally with the main body 52 and protrude from an inner wall surface 52A of the main body 52. ​​The first protrusion 54A and the second protrusion 54B are not provided with 180-degree rotational symmetry. However, even with this configuration, the cable CA can be sandwiched between the first protrusion 54A and the second protrusion 54B and the cable CA can be pressed in a direction toward the inner wall surface 52A, so that the cable CA can be supported at three points, the first protrusion 54A, the second protrusion 54B, and the inner wall surface 52A. At this time, the first protrusion 54A contacts a first sectoral portion F1 having a central angle of 120 degrees in the cross section of the cable CA, the second protrusion 54B contacts a second sectoral portion F2 having a central angle of 120 degrees, and the inner wall surface 52A contacts or faces a third sectoral portion F3 having a central angle of 120 degrees. This enables the tube 50 to stably support the cable CA, and the reaction force therefrom enables the tube 50 to exert a high holding force on the cable CA.

[0093] The effects of the parts of the configuration of the tube 30, the tube 40, and the tube 50 that are similar to the configuration of the tube 10 etc. according to other embodiments are similar to those of the other embodiments, and therefore will not be described.

[0094] [Variations]

[0095] 6 shows cross sections of tubes 60 to 90 according to modified examples. These modified examples can be applied to tubes 10 to 50 according to each embodiment to the extent that a person skilled in the art can reasonably understand them. Note that parts that a person skilled in the art can understand to have the same configuration as the tubes according to each embodiment are given the same names and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified.

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

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

[0098] Similarly, the second protruding portion 64B is provided with a thin-walled portion 64B21 having a smaller thickness, and the third protruding portion 64C is provided with a thin-walled portion 64C21 having a smaller thickness. Even with this configuration, the cable CA can be easily inserted into the tube 60 because the thin-walled portions 64A21 to 64C21 are provided.

[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 three protrusions, a first protrusion 74A, a second protrusion 74B, and a third protrusion 74C, which are integrally formed with the main body 72 and protrude from an inner wall surface 72A of the main body 72. As shown in the figure, each of the protrusions 74A to 74C has a different thickness and length. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed.

[0101] 6(C), the tube 80 includes a long cylindrical main body 82 and three protrusions, a first protrusion 84A, a second protrusion 84B, and a third protrusion 84C, which are integrally formed with the main body 82 and protrude from an inner wall surface 82A of the main body 82. The first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B are provided so as to be inclined in opposite directions along the circumferential direction and so as to increase the distance between them as they move away from the inner wall surface 82A. As a result, the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B are provided non-parallel to each other. However, unlike the tube 30, the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B are curved in a direction away from each other so that the rate of increase of the interval between the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B increases with increasing distance from the inner wall surface 82A (on the other hand, the first protrusion 34A and the second protrusion 34B of the tube 30 are curved in a direction toward each other so that the rate of increase of the interval between the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 34B decreases with increasing distance from the inner wall surface 32A). Therefore, when the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B sandwich the cable, it is possible to strengthen the force with which the first protrusion 84A and the second protrusion 84B push the cable toward the opposing inner wall surface 82A. Such a cable is supported by the third protrusion 84C. Therefore, it is possible to support the cable at three points, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, such a configuration also makes it possible to provide a tube that has a holding force and is easy to crush.

[0102] In addition to the third protrusion 84C, a fourth protrusion inclined in the opposite direction to the third protrusion 84C may be provided adjacent to the third protrusion 84C, thereby adopting a configuration in which the tube is supported at four points.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6(D), the tube 90 is characterized by the configuration of the main body 92. Unlike other embodiments, the thickness of the main body 92 formed in a cylindrical shape is not constant in the circumferential direction. That is, the main body 92 includes a thin wall portion 92A1 having a smaller thickness and a thick wall portion 92A2 having a larger thickness, and the first protrusion 94A is provided so as to protrude at the boundary between the thin wall portion 92A1 and the thick wall portion 92A2. As a result, the first protrusion 94A is connected to the thin wall portion 92A1 in a predetermined circumferential direction (counterclockwise on the paper surface) and is connected to the thick wall portion 92A2 in the opposite direction (clockwise on the paper surface). With this configuration, it is possible to make the first protrusion 94A easier to bend toward the thin wall portion 92A1.

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

[0105] Even with this configuration, it is possible to easily insert the cable CA and provide a tube that is easily crushed. Incidentally, by providing the thick-walled portion 92A2, etc., the elastic force in the direction of the cable CA is increased, so that a high holding force can be exerted. However, the thick-walled portion 92A2, etc. does not necessarily have to be provided. Also, by providing the thin-walled portion 92A1, etc., it is possible to make the first protrusion 94A, etc. easily bendable, but the shape, thickness, etc. of the thin-walled portion 92A1, etc. can be appropriately set according to the application. Furthermore, the first protrusion 94A, etc. may be provided in the opposite direction, that is, the first protrusion 94A, etc. may be provided inclined toward the portion of the inner wall surface 92A that connects the first protrusion 94A, etc. and the third protrusion 94C, etc. In addition, the thickness and length of the first protrusion 94A, etc. may be changed.

[0106] As described above, these tubes can provide a tube that has a holding force and is easily crushed. These tubes can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding using a mold.

[0107] In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some components in one embodiment can be added to other embodiments within the scope of ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art. Also, some components in one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components in other embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Tubes 12 Main body 12A Inner wall surface 12A1 Part 1 12A2 2nd part 12A3 3rd part 12B Outer surface 14A 1st protrusion 14B 2nd protrusion 14C 3rd protrusion 20 Tubes 22 Main body 22A Inner wall 22A1 Part 1 22A2 2nd part 24A 1st protrusion 24B 2nd protrusion 30 Tubes 32 Main body 34A 1st protrusion 34B 2nd protrusion 40 Tubes 42 Main body 50 tubes 52 Main body 54A 1st protrusion 54B 2nd protrusion 60 tubes 62 Main body 64A 1st protrusion 64A21 Thin wall part 64B 2nd protrusion 64B21 Thin section 64C 3rd protrusion 64C21 Thin wall part 70 Tubes 72 Main body 72A Inner wall 74A 1st protrusion 74B 2nd protrusion 74C 3rd protrusion 80 Tubes 82 Main body 82A Inner wall 84A 1st protrusion 84B 2nd protrusion 84C 3rd protrusion 90 Tubes 92 Main body 100 Printing device 102 Display section 104 Operation section 106 Case 108 Lid 110 Ink ribbon cassette 120 Cassette holder part 121 Ribbon holder part 122 Platen roller 123 Thermal Head 129 Tube Warmer 130 Head movement mechanism

Claims

1. A flexible tube into which a cable can be inserted, An outer peripheral surface on which identification information for identifying the inserted cable is printed; The inner wall surface, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner wall surface, the protrusions having a tip portion contacting an outer circumferential surface of the inserted cable and a base portion connecting the tip portion and the inner wall surface, and supporting the inserted cable by pressing the inserted cable toward the center of the tube from a plurality of directions; Equipped with the protrusions are provided non-parallel to each other, inclined in the same direction along the circumferential direction of the tube rather than toward the center of the tube, and are provided in an arc shape that gradually moves away from the inner wall surface from the base end to the tip end, The base end includes a thinned portion having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the tip end. tube.

2. In a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, The plurality of protrusions are provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the center of the tube. The tube of claim 1.

3. In a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, The plurality of protrusions include Each of the inner wall surfaces has a length of 35% or more and 65% or less of the inner diameter.

3. The tube according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, The plurality of protrusions include Each of the protrusions has a thickness of 8% to 30% of the length of the protrusion. A tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In a cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction of the tube, A virtual inscribed circle circumscribing the plurality of protrusions is The diameter is 25% or more and 50% or less of the inner diameter of the inner wall surface. A tube according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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