clip

Abstract

To provide a clip which can be used in a narrow space.SOLUTION: Coil spring parts 2A, 2B are connected in series. The coil spring part 2A has a predetermined inner diameter D smaller than an outer diameter of a tube into which a port is inserted and holds a portion, into which the port is inserted, of the tube in a state that the port is inserted into the tube. An apparent inside dimension width Da, which is an apparent diameter of an inscribed circle of a clip 1 when viewed from a direction of a center axis Ca of the coil spring part 2A is a predetermined dimension such that the clip 1 can hold the tube into which the port is not inserted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip.

Background Art

[0002] Clips for preventing a tube from coming off an insertion member inserted into the tube are known.

[0003] For example, in order to prevent a tube constituting an ink flow path in an inkjet printing apparatus from coming off a port (insertion member), a clip for fixing the tube to the port is used.

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

[0005] When performing an operation of fixing a tube to an insertion member using this type of clip, first, an operator inserts the tube into the clip body.

[0006] Next, the operator inserts the insertion member into the tube. With respect to the tube whose outer diameter has expanded due to the insertion of the insertion member into the tube, the operator holds the knob while attaching the clip, and by releasing the hand, the tube is fixed to the insertion member by the clip.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, the aforementioned clip requires space for installation because the knob extends from the clip body. Therefore, it was difficult to use in confined spaces.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a clip that can be used even in confined spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a clip is provided having a plurality of coil spring portions connected in series, wherein the coil spring portion located at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube when the insertion member is inserted, and holds the portion of the tube in which the insertion member is inserted when the insertion member is inserted into the tube, and the apparent diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip as viewed from the central axis direction of the coil spring portion located at one end is a predetermined dimension that allows the clip to hold the tube when the insertion member is not inserted.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a clip comprising a plurality of coil spring portions connected in series with their central axes offset from one another, wherein the coil spring portion located at one end of the clip is characterized in that it tightens a tube in a holding state when an insertion member is inserted into it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The clip of this invention can be used even in confined spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] (a) is a plan view of the clip according to the first embodiment. (b) is a front view of the clip shown in (a). [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view showing a clip holding a tube when no port is inserted. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the procedure for securing a tube to a port using the clip shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] (a) is a plan view of a clip with a different bending angle of the central axis and number of turns of the coil spring compared to the clip shown in Figure 1. (b) is a front view of the clip shown in (a). [Figure 5] (a) is a plan view of the comparative example clip. (b) is a front view of the clip shown in (a). [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for securing the tube to the port with the clip shown. [Figure 7] (a) is a plan view of a modified clip according to the first embodiment. (b) is a front view of the clip shown in (a). [Figure 8] (a) is a plan view of the clip according to the second embodiment. (b) is a front view of the clip shown in (a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or equivalent parts and components are denoted by the same or equivalent reference numerals.

[0015] The embodiments shown below illustrate devices and the like that embody the technical concept of this invention, and the technical concept of this invention does not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc., of each component as described below. The technical concept of this invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0016] [First Embodiment] Figure 1(a) is a plan view of the clip according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(b) is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 1(a).

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the clip 1 according to the first embodiment includes two coil spring portions 2A and 2B.

[0018] The clip 1 is for fastening the tube 10 to the port 11 in order to prevent the tube 10 (see FIG. 3) from coming out of the port 11 (corresponding to an insertion member, see FIG. 3).

[0019] The tube 10 constitutes, for example, an ink flow path in an inkjet printing apparatus. The tube 10 is formed of a material having elasticity such as rubber.

[0020] The port 11 is provided, for example, in an inkjet head in an inkjet printing apparatus, and is for connecting the tube 10 for supplying or discharging ink to the inkjet head. When the port 11 is inserted into the tube 10, the tube 10 is connected to the port 11.

[0021] The coil spring portions 2A and 2B are formed by winding a wire rod 3 made of metal or the like. The coil spring portions 2A and 2B are connected in series such that their respective central axes Ca and Cb bend with respect to each other.

[0022] The coil spring portions 2A and 2B are each formed such that their respective inner diameters D are a predetermined dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 10 in a state where the port 11 is inserted. Here, the outer diameter of the tube 10 in a state where the port 11 is inserted is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 10 in a state where the port 11 is not inserted.

[0023] The coil spring portion 2A clamps the portion of the tube 10 into which the port 11 is inserted in a holding state when the port 11 is inserted into the tube. The above-described inner diameter D is set to a dimension such that the coil spring portion 2A can hold the tube 10 in a state where the port 11 is inserted.

[0024] As described above, clip 1 is formed so that its central axes Ca and Cb are bent relative to each other. Therefore, the apparent inner width Da in the bending direction of the central axes Ca and Cb, as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca (in a plan view), is smaller than the inner diameter D of the coil spring sections 2A and 2B. The apparent inner width Da is the diameter of the apparent inscribed circle of clip 1 as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca. Clip 1 is formed to such a predetermined dimension that its apparent inner width Da is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted. Specifically, the apparent inner width Da is set to a dimension that allows clip 1 to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, as will be described later. The apparent inner width Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the coil spring sections 2A and 2B, and the number of turns of the coil spring section 2B.

[0025] Clip 1 can be manufactured by inserting a pitch tool used in coil spring processing for one turn between coil spring sections 2A and 2B, thereby widening the pitch by one pitch. Since no special processing is required, Clip 1 is highly mass-producible.

[0026] Next, we will explain the function of clip 1.

[0027] When the worker inserts the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, into the clip 1, the clip 1 holds the tube 10, as shown in Figure 2, thereby attaching the clip 1 to the tube 10.

[0028] In this case, the clip 1 holds the tube 10 through three-point support at the three locations indicated by the black-filled cross-section of the wire 3 in Figure 2. The distance between the two contact points on the left and the one contact point on the right in Figure 2, in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tube 10 (distance between contact points), is approximately the same as the apparent inner width Da in Figure 1 mentioned above. The smaller the apparent inner width Da, the smaller the distance between contact points. As mentioned above, the apparent inner width Da is set to a size that allows the clip 1 to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, as shown in Figure 2.

[0029] Next, the worker carries the tube 10 with the clip 1 attached to it to the vicinity of the port 11, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 3, and inserts the port 11 into the tube 10 with the clip 1 attached. As a result, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 3, the tube 10 is connected to the port 11, and the tube 10 is secured to the port 11 by the clip 1.

[0030] In this state, the outer diameter of the tube 10 in the area where port 11 is inserted has expanded from the state before port 11 was inserted, and the coil spring portion 2A is pressing down on the portion of the tube 10 where port 11 is inserted. In the state shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 3, the upper end of the coil spring portion 2A is at approximately the same position as the upper end of port 11 inserted into the tube 10.

[0031] Next, we will explain how to adjust the apparent inner width Da.

[0032] As described above, the apparent inner width Da is adjusted to a size that allows the clip 1 to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, by adjusting the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the coil spring sections 2A and 2B, and the number of turns of the coil spring section 2B.

[0033] If the bending angle α is the same, the larger the number of turns in the coil spring section 2B, the smaller the apparent inner width Da becomes.

[0034] Depending on the material, etc., the outer diameter of tube 10 may be the same when port 11 is inserted, but the outer diameter when port 11 is not inserted may differ. For this reason, the apparent inner width Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angle α and the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2B according to the outer diameter of tube 10 when port 11 is not inserted.

[0035] Furthermore, even if the apparent inner width Da is the same, it is possible to change the combination of the bending angle α and the number of turns of the coil spring section 2B.

[0036] For example, the clip 1A shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) has the same configuration as the clip 1 in Figure 1, except that the bending angle α and the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2B are different. In the clip 1A in Figure 4, the same apparent inner width Da is achieved by increasing the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2B and decreasing the bending angle α compared to the clip 1 in Figure 1.

[0037] Here, the tube 10 may have developed a curved shape and curvature, for example, due to being stored rolled up.

[0038] When attempting to hold a curved tube 10 with a clip 1, for example, if the direction of bending of the central axis Ca,Cb is the same as the direction of bending of the tube 10, sufficient holding force may not be obtained, and the clip 1 may fall off the tube 10.

[0039] In contrast, with clip 1A, the axial distance of the tube 10 between the contact point on the coil spring portion 2B and each of the two contact points on the coil spring portion 2A in the aforementioned three-point support can be made longer than with clip 1. As a result, clip 1A can hold the tube 10, which has curvature, more stably than clip 1.

[0040] When the tube 10 has no curvature, or only a relatively small curvature, and the holding force of the tube 10 that can be achieved with clip 1A is not required, the clip 1 can be configured as shown in Figure 1. The clip 1 in Figure 1 can be a more compact configuration with a shorter overall length than the clip 1A in Figure 4.

[0041] In this way, by adjusting the bending angle α and the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2B according to the attributes of the tube 10 related to the holding force of the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted by the clips 1 and 1A, such as whether or not the tube 10 has curvature and the magnitude of the curvature of the tube 10, it is possible to improve the stability of holding the tube 10 while suppressing the overall length of the clips 1 and 1A from becoming excessively large.

[0042] Next, we will describe the comparative example clip. Figure 5(a) is a plan view of the comparative example clip. Figure 5(b) is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 5(a).

[0043] As shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the comparative example clip 21 comprises a clip body 22 made of a coil spring formed by winding wire, and knobs 23A and 23B for expanding the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22.

[0044] When attaching the tube 10 to the port 11 using the clip 21, the worker first inserts the tube 10 into the clip body 22, as shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 6.

[0045] Next, the worker grips the knobs 23A and 23B to enlarge the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22, and inserts the port 11 into the tube 10.

[0046] Next, when the operator releases their hands from the knobs 23A and 23B, the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22 shrinks, and the clip 21 holds the tube 10 into which the port 11 is inserted. As a result, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 6, the tube 10 is connected to the port 11, and the clip 21 secures the tube 10 to the port 11.

[0047] In the comparative example clip 21 described above, the knobs 23A and 23B extend from the clip body 22, requiring space for the knobs 23A and 23B to be installed. Therefore, it is difficult to use in confined spaces.

[0048] Furthermore, if there are structures or wire bundles around knobs 23A and 23B, there is a risk that knobs 23A and 23B may interfere with the structures or damage the wire bundles.

[0049] Furthermore, when attaching the tube 10 to the port 11 using the clip 21 in a confined space, it may be difficult to grip the knobs 23A and 23B, potentially reducing work efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, gripping the knobs 23A and 23B may cause the clip body 22 to undergo plastic deformation, expanding the inner diameter Dk, which could prevent the clip 21 from holding the tube 10. In particular, the clip body 22 is more prone to plastic deformation when the number of turns of the clip body 22 is small.

[0051] In contrast, the clips 1 and 1A of this embodiment do not require a handle, so they can be used even in confined spaces. Furthermore, there is little risk of the clips 1 and 1A interfering with surrounding structures or damaging bundled wires. In addition, since the clips 1 and 1A do not require gripping a handle, the reduction in work efficiency is minimized. Moreover, there is little risk of the clips 1 and 1A plastically deforming and becoming unable to hold the tube 10.

[0052] Furthermore, in the comparative example clip 21, the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22 may be set to a size that allows the clip 21 to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, and allows the port 11 to be inserted into the tube 10 without having to enlarge the inner diameter Dk by gripping the knobs 23A and 23B, and allows the clip 21 to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is inserted. In this case, the knobs 23A and 23B can be omitted.

[0053] However, in this case, high precision is required for setting the tolerances of the clip 21 and the tube 10. If the machining precision of the inner diameter Dk of the clip body 22 is insufficient, the clip 21 may not hold the tube 10 loosely when the port 11 is not inserted, and the clip 21 may fall off and be lost.

[0054] In contrast, with clips 1 and 1A, the tube 10 without the port 11 inserted is supported at three points as described above, so there is space to allow deformation of clips 1 and 1A or the tube 10 due to the difference between the apparent inner width Da and the outer diameter of the tube 10. Therefore, the tolerance range for error in the apparent inner width Da can be widened. As a result, the tube 10 without the port 11 inserted can be held in clips 1 and 1A while keeping the required machining accuracy down.

[0055] As described above, clips 1 and 1A are equipped with coil spring sections 2A and 2B connected in series such that their respective central axes Ca and Cb bend relative to each other. Coil spring section 2A has an inner diameter D smaller than the outer diameter of tube 10 when port 11 is inserted, and holds the portion of tube 10 into which port 11 is inserted. Furthermore, the apparent inner width Da of clips 1 and 1A is set to a size that allows clips 1 and 1A to hold tube 10 when port 11 is not inserted.

[0056] This makes it possible to secure the tube 10 to the port 11 using the clips 1 and 1A, while preventing the clips 1 and 1A from falling off the tube 10 during operation, without requiring a knob to enlarge the inner diameter D. As mentioned above, since a knob to enlarge the inner diameter D is unnecessary, the clips 1 and 1A can be used even in confined spaces.

[0057] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the risk of clips 1 and 1A interfering with surrounding structures or damaging bundled wires is reduced. Also, since clips 1 and 1A do not require gripping a handle, the decrease in work efficiency is reduced. In addition, the risk of clips 1 and 1A plastically deforming and becoming unable to hold tube 10 is reduced. Moreover, it is possible to hold tube 10 with the port 11 not inserted into clips 1 and 1A while keeping the required machining precision down.

[0058] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the apparent inner width Da, it is possible to hold the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, in place with clips 1 and 1A while preventing the inner diameter of the tube 10 from shrinking. This makes it easier to insert port 11 into the tube 10 and secure the tube 10 to port 11 with clip 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in clips 1 and 1A, the bending angle α of the central axes Ca and Cb between the coil spring sections 2A and 2B, and the number of turns of the coil spring section 2B are adjusted according to the attributes of the tube 10 regarding the holding force of the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted by clips 1 and 1A. This makes it possible to improve the stability of clips 1 and 1A when they hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, while preventing the overall length of clips 1 and 1A from becoming excessively large.

[0060] (Modified version of the first embodiment) Figure 7(a) is a plan view of a modified clip according to the first embodiment. Figure 7(b) is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 7(a).

[0061] As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the modified clip 1B comprises three coil spring sections 2A to 2C. The clip 1B is configured by adding a coil spring section 2C connected to the coil spring section 2B to the clip 1 of the first embodiment described above. The coil spring sections 2A to 2C are connected in series such that their respective central axes Ca to Cc are bent relative to each other.

[0062] Similar to clip 1, clip 1B also has a coil spring portion 2A located at one end of clip 1B that holds the portion of tube 10 into which port 11 is inserted when port 11 is inserted into tube 10. The apparent inner width Da of the coil spring portion 2A, as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca, is set to a size that allows clip 1B to hold tube 10 when port 11 is not inserted.

[0063] The apparent inner width Da is adjusted by adjusting the bending angles α of the central axes Ca and Cb between coil spring sections 2A and 2B, the bending angles β of the central axes Cb and Cc between coil spring sections 2B and 2C, and the number of turns in coil spring sections 2B and 2C other than coil spring section 2A.

[0064] Furthermore, similar to the clip 1 of the first embodiment, the bending angles α and β, and the number of turns of the coil spring portions 2B and 2C are adjusted according to the attributes of the tube 10 regarding the holding force of the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted by the clip 1B.

[0065] Similar to clip 1 in the first embodiment, when the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, is inserted into clip 1B, clip 1B holds the tube 10, thereby attaching clip 1B to the tube 10.

[0066] Then, by inserting the port 11 into the tube 10 to which the clip 1B is attached, the tube 10 is connected to the port 11. As a result, the coil spring 2A presses down on the portion of the tube 10 into which the port 11 is inserted, and the clip 1B secures the tube 10 to the port 11.

[0067] Even with this modified clip 1B, the same effect as clip 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0068] Furthermore, the central axis Cc may bend in the opposite direction to the bending of the central axis Cb relative to the central axis Ca.

[0069] Furthermore, while the first embodiment described above shows clips 1 and 1A having two coil spring sections 2A and 2B, and this modified example shows clip 1B having three coil spring sections 2A to 2C, the number of coil spring sections is not limited to these. It is sufficient that multiple coil spring sections are connected in series such that their respective central axes bend relative to each other between adjacent coil spring sections.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the clip according to the second embodiment. Figure 8(b) is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 8(a).

[0071] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the clip 1C according to the second embodiment is modified from the configuration in the clip 1 of the first embodiment described above, in which the central axes Ca and Cb of the coil spring portions 2A and 2B are bent relative to each other, to a configuration in which the central axes Ca and Cb are offset relative to each other in the radial direction of the coil spring portions 2A and 2B.

[0072] In clip 1C, the apparent inner width Da is the apparent inner width dimension of clip 1C in the direction of the displacement of the central axes Ca and Cb, as viewed from the direction of the central axis Ca. In clip 1C as well, the apparent inner width Da is set to a dimension that allows clip 1C to hold the tube 10 when the port 11 is not inserted, similar to clip 1 in the first embodiment. The apparent inner width Da is adjusted by adjusting the amount S of displacement of the central axes Ca and Cb between the coil spring portions 2A and 2B.

[0073] Furthermore, in clip 1C, the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2B is adjusted according to the attributes of the tube 10 related to the holding force of the tube 10 by clip 1C, such as whether or not the tube 10 has curvature and the magnitude of the curvature of the tube 10.

[0074] In this case, if we attempt to hold the curvatured tube 10 in the clip 1C, and the direction of the displacement of the central axes Ca and Cb is the same as the direction of the curvature of the tube 10, sufficient holding force may not be obtained, and the clip 1C may fall off the tube 10.

[0075] In clip 1C, as described later, the tube 10 is held in place by the contact points corresponding to the number of turns in the coil spring sections 2A and 2B. Therefore, the larger the number of turns in the coil spring section 2B, the more stably the tube 10 with a large curvature can be held.

[0076] Therefore, by adjusting the number of turns of the coil spring 2B according to the attributes of the tube 10 related to the holding force of the tube 10 by the clip 1C, it is possible to improve the stability of holding the tube 10 while suppressing the overall length of the clip 1C from becoming excessively large.

[0077] Clip 1C can be manufactured by increasing the winding diameter by one turn between the coil spring sections 2A and 2B. Since no special processing is required, clip 1C, like clips 1 and 1A of the first embodiment, is highly mass-producible.

[0078] In the case of clip 1C, as with clip 1 in the first embodiment, when the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, is inserted into clip 1C, clip 1C holds the tube 10, thereby attaching clip 1C to the tube 10.

[0079] Here, clip 1C holds the tube 10 by pressing it with contact points corresponding to the number of turns in the coil spring portions 2A and 2B, rather than the three-point support described above in clip 1 of the first embodiment.

[0080] Then, by inserting the port 11 into the tube 10 to which the clip 1C is attached, the tube 10 is connected to the port 11. As a result, the coil spring portion 2A presses down on the portion of the tube 10 into which the port 11 is inserted, and the clip 1C secures the tube 10 to the port 11.

[0081] Similar to the clip 1 of the first embodiment described above, this second embodiment of clip 1C does not require a knob to enlarge the inner diameter D, and therefore can be used even in confined spaces.

[0082] Furthermore, similar to the clip 1 of the first embodiment, the risk of the clip 1C interfering with surrounding structures or damaging bundled wires is reduced. Also, since there is no need to grip a knob, the decrease in work efficiency is reduced. In addition, the risk of the clip 1C becoming plastically deformed and unable to hold the tube 10 is reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, clip 1C holds the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, by pressing it at the contact points corresponding to the number of turns of the coil spring portion 2A and 2B. Even with this clip 1C, similar to clip 1 of the first embodiment, there is space to allow deformation of clip 1C or tube 10 due to the difference between the apparent inner width Da and the outer diameter of tube 10. Therefore, similar to clip 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to hold the tube 10, which does not have port 11 inserted, in clip 1C while suppressing the required machining accuracy.

[0084] Furthermore, similar to the clip 1 of the first embodiment, by appropriately setting the apparent inner width Da, it is possible to hold the tube 10, in a state where the port 11 is not inserted, in the clip 1C while suppressing a reduction in the inner diameter of the tube 10. This makes it possible to easily insert the port 11 into the tube 10 and secure the tube 10 to the port 11 with the clip 1.

[0085] Furthermore, in clip 1C, the number of turns of the coil spring 2B is adjusted according to the attributes of tube 10 related to the holding force of tube 10 when port 11 is not inserted by clip 1C. This makes it possible to improve the stability of clip 1C's holding of tube 10 when port 11 is not inserted, while preventing the overall length of clip 1C from becoming excessively large.

[0086] In the second embodiment described above, a clip 1C having two coil spring sections 2A and 2B was shown, but the number of coil spring sections is not limited to these. It is sufficient for multiple coil spring sections to be arranged such that their respective central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction between adjacent coil spring sections. Furthermore, a coil spring section may be included in which the direction of the offset of its central axis relative to an adjacent coil spring section is opposite to that of other coil spring sections.

[0087] In a clip in which three or more coil spring sections are connected such that their respective central axes are offset from each other in the radial direction between adjacent coil spring sections, the number of turns of each coil spring section other than the coil spring section located at one end (the coil spring section that holds the tube 10 when the port 11 is inserted into the tube 10) may be adjusted according to the attributes of the tube 10 relating to the holding force of the tube 10 by the clip when the port 11 is not inserted.

[0088] [Other embodiments] As described above, the present invention has been described by the first embodiment, a modification of the first embodiment, and a second embodiment, but the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the modified version of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment described above, the coil spring portions 2B and 2C other than the coil spring portion 2A also have the same inner diameter D as the coil spring portion 2A. However, the inner diameters of the coil spring portions 2B and 2C other than the coil spring portion 2A may be different from the inner diameter D of the coil spring portion 2A.

[0090] Furthermore, a single clip may include both a section where the central axes are bent relative to each other between adjacent coil spring sections, and a section where the central axes are offset relative to each other in the radial direction of the coil spring sections. Moreover, a clip is not limited to those where the central axes are bent relative to each other or offset relative to each other in the radial direction of the coil spring sections; it may be any clip in which multiple coil spring sections are connected in series with their central axes offset relative to each other.

[0091] Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like that are not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined solely by the inventive features relating to the claims that are reasonable based on the above description.

[0092] [Note] This application discloses the following invention:

[0093] (Note 1) A clip having multiple coil spring sections connected in series, The coil spring portion located at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube when the insertion member is inserted, and holds the portion of the tube into which the insertion member is inserted when the insertion member is inserted into the tube. A clip characterized in that the apparent diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the central axis direction of the coil spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined dimension such that the clip can hold the tube when the insertion member is not inserted.

[0094] (Note 2) The central axes of the coil spring portions adjacent to each other are bent relative to each other. The clip according to Appendix 1, characterized in that, according to the attributes of the tube relating to the holding force of the tube when the insertion member is not inserted by the clip, the bending angle of the central axis between adjacent coil spring portions and the number of turns of each coil spring portion other than the coil spring portion located at one end are adjusted.

[0095] (Note 3) Between adjacent coil spring portions, the central axes of each portion are offset from each other in the radial direction of the coil spring portion. The clip according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the number of turns of each coil spring portion other than the coil spring portion located at one end is adjusted according to the attributes of the tube relating to the holding force of the tube when the insertion member is not inserted by the clip.

[0096] (Note 4) A clip comprising multiple coil spring sections connected in series with their central axes offset from each other, The clip is characterized in that the coil spring portion located at one end of the clip is used to tighten and hold the tube in place while the insertion member is inserted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1, 1A~1C, Clip 2A~2C Coil spring section 3 wire rod 10 tubes 11 ports 21 clips 22 Clip body 23A, 23B knobs Ca~Cc central axis

Claims

1. A clip having multiple coil spring sections connected in series, The central axes of the coil spring portions adjacent to each other are bent relative to each other. The coil spring portion located at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube when the insertion member is inserted, and holds the portion of the tube into which the insertion member is inserted when the insertion member is inserted into the tube. A clip characterized in that the apparent diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the central axis direction of the coil spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined dimension such that the clip can hold the tube, when the insertion member is not inserted, by support at multiple contact points.

2. A clip comprising a plurality of coil spring portions connected in series, The coil spring portion located at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube when the insertion member is inserted, and holds the portion of the tube into which the insertion member is inserted when the insertion member is inserted into the tube. The apparent diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the central axis direction of the coil spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined dimension such that the clip can hold the tube when the insertion member is not inserted. The central axes of the coil spring portions adjacent to each other are bent relative to each other. A clip characterized in that, according to the attributes of the tube relating to the holding force of the tube when the insertion member is not inserted by the clip, the bending angle of the central axis between adjacent coil spring portions and the number of turns of each coil spring portion other than the coil spring portion located at one end are adjusted.

3. A clip comprising a plurality of coil spring portions connected in series, The coil spring portion located at one end of the clip has a predetermined inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube when the insertion member is inserted, and holds the portion of the tube into which the insertion member is inserted when the insertion member is inserted into the tube. The apparent diameter of the inscribed circle of the clip, as viewed from the central axis direction of the coil spring portion located at one end, is a predetermined dimension such that the clip can hold the tube when the insertion member is not inserted. Between adjacent coil spring portions, the central axes of each portion are offset from each other in the radial direction of the coil spring portion. A clip characterized in that the number of turns of each coil spring portion other than the coil spring portion located at one end is adjusted according to the attributes of the tube relating to the holding force of the tube when the insertion member is not inserted by the clip.

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