JP7828766B2 - Holder for long members - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a holder for holding elongated members, such as linear, tubular, or rod-shaped members.

For example, automobiles utilize pipes, tubes, wires, cables, harnesses, etc. Because these can become entangled, interfere with other components, or be damaged, they are usually housed in some kind of retaining device and held in a designated position within the vehicle via that device.

As a conventional example of this type, for instance, Patent Document 1 below describes a clamp for holding pipes of different diameters, comprising: multiple clamp grooves into which pipes of different outer diameters can be inserted; a pair of left and right side walls arranged in parallel opposite to the clamp grooves; and small-diameter pipe holding arms and large-diameter pipe holding arms projecting inclined from the side walls toward the bottom of the groove.

Furthermore, the two walls are divided into a first and second wall section at the midpoint of the clamp groove's axial direction. Small-diameter pipe holding arms and large-diameter pipe holding arms are provided on opposite sides of the first and second wall sections. Additionally, recesses are formed on the inner surfaces of the first and second wall sections, respectively, to accommodate the small-diameter pipe holding arms.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-235872

In the case of the clamp for holding pipes of different diameters described above, while recesses are provided on both walls to accommodate a pair of small-diameter pipe-holding arms that have been deformed, recesses are not provided to accommodate a pair of large-diameter pipe-holding arms that have been deformed.

Therefore, in order to allow large-diameter pipes to be inserted into the clamp grooves, the minimum distance between the pair of large-diameter pipe-holding arms, when they are bent and deformed, must be greater than or equal to the diameter of the large-diameter pipe. As a result, the minimum distance between the opposing surfaces of the first and second walls had to be greater than the diameter of the large-diameter pipe, resulting in a wider pitch between adjacent large-diameter pipes.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a holder for long members that can narrow the pitch between adjacent long members when multiple long members are housed and held adjacent to each other in multiple housing sections.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a holder for holding a long member, comprising a bottom wall, at least three side walls erected from the bottom wall, a plurality of receiving sections defined by the bottom wall and the side walls, and a flexible, deformable retaining piece extending from the side walls toward the bottom wall to hold down the long member. The opposing surfaces of adjacent side walls are provided with protruding portions that move toward each other and recessed portions that move away from each other. The retaining piece is provided only in the recessed portions, and the recessed portions accept the bending deformation of the retaining piece, enabling the long member to be received in the receiving section. The protruding portions and recessed portions are arranged on opposite sides of the axial direction of the long member on the opposing surfaces of one receiving section and the opposing surface of the side wall defining adjacent receiving sections.

In this invention, retaining pieces are provided only in the recessed portions of the side walls. The protruding and recessed portions are arranged on opposite sides of the axial direction of the elongated member on the opposing surfaces facing one and the other adjacent housing portions of a predetermined side wall defining adjacent housing portions. This allows for a more compact design by reducing the distance between adjacent side walls and narrowing the pitch between adjacent elongated members.

This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a holder for long members according to the present invention. This is a front view of the holder. This is a rear view of the holder. This is a plan view of the holder. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of arrow A-A in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of B-B in Figure 4. This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a long member is held on the surface of a member to be held using the same holder.

(An embodiment of a holder for long members)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the holder for long members according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

As shown in Figure 7, the holder 10 for the long member in this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "holder 10") holds the long member 5 against the surface to be held 2. In this embodiment, one surface of the member to be held 1 forms the surface to be held 2. Furthermore, by fixing the fixing portion 70 provided on the holder 10 to the fixing hole 3 formed in the member to be held 1, the long member 5 is held against the surface to be held 2 via the holder 10.

In this embodiment, the member to be held 1 is, for example, a vehicle body panel or vehicle body frame. Furthermore, the elongated member 5 in this embodiment is, for example, a linear, tubular, or rod-shaped member such as a pipe, tube, hose, rod, wire, cable, harness, or cord, and its outer surface is circular.

As shown in Figures 1-3, the holder 10 of this embodiment has a substantially elongated plate-shaped bottom wall 20 that extends perpendicular to the axial direction X (see Figure 4) of the elongated member 5 and generally along the surface direction of the member to be held 1. The direction in which the bottom wall 20 extends is referred to as the longitudinal direction Y. Furthermore, in the following description, "axial direction" in each part also refers to the direction along the axial direction X of the elongated member 5.

Furthermore, the holder 10 has at least three side walls erected from the bottom wall 20. In this embodiment, the holder has side walls 30 and 36 erected from both ends of the bottom wall 20 in the longitudinal direction Y, and side walls 32 and 34 erected at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction Y of the bottom wall 20, at predetermined intervals from between the side walls 30 and 36. That is, the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36 are erected sequentially from one end of the bottom wall 20 in the longitudinal direction Y (the left end in Figure 1) to the other end (the right end in Figure 1). Note that each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36 is erected from the bottom wall 20 so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the bottom wall 20 and parallel to each other.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the side wall 34 is separated by a notch 35 and consists of a side wall 34A positioned near one end of the side wall 34 in the axial direction X (the end on the lower side of the page in Figure 4) and a side wall 34B positioned near the other end of the side wall 34 in the axial direction X (the end on the upper side of the page in Figure 4). Moreover, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the side walls 30, 32, and 34B are of the same height (they have the same length along the vertical direction from the bottom wall 20), but the side walls 34A and 36 are erected higher than them.

Furthermore, multiple storage compartments 40, 42, and 44 are defined by the bottom wall 20 and the multiple side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36. In this embodiment, the storage compartments 40, 42, and 44 are arranged sequentially from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction Y of the bottom wall 20. Of the multiple side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, side wall 32 contributes to defining storage compartments 40 and 42, and side wall 34 contributes to defining storage compartments 42 and 44. These side walls 32 and 34 constitute the "predetermined side walls defining adjacent storage compartments" in this invention. The direction in which these multiple storage compartments 40, 42, and 44 are arranged is referred to as the "storage compartment arrangement direction H".

Furthermore, projections 21, 21 are provided on the other end face in the thickness direction of the bottom wall 20 (the face adjacent to the member to be held 1), extending from both ends in the longitudinal direction Y, and are positioned to contact the held surface 2 of the member to be held 1 (the surface on which the holder 10 is placed) (see Figure 7).

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a notch 23 is provided on the other end face in the thickness direction of the bottom wall 20, approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction Y. A fixing portion 70 for securing the bottom wall to the fixing hole 3 is provided via this notch 23.

This fixing portion 70 has an umbrella-shaped flange portion 71 connected to the recessed portion 23 via a neck portion 71a, a columnar stem portion 72 extending from the center of the inner surface of the umbrella-shaped flange portion 71, and a pair of anchor-like locking legs 73, 73 extending diagonally outward toward the umbrella-shaped flange portion 71 from the tip of the stem portion 72 in the direction of extension. Each locking leg 73 is designed to bend and deform, and multiple stepped locking steps 73a are provided on the outer surface of its tip in the direction of extension.

Then, the predetermined locking step portion 73a of the locking leg 73 engages with the periphery on the back side (opposite the retained surface 2 of the retained member 1) of the fixing hole 3, corresponding to the thickness of the retained member 1, thereby fixing the retainer 10 to the retained member 1 via the fixing portion 70 (see Figure 7).

Furthermore, between the base ends in the vertical direction of adjacent side walls (side wall 30 and side wall 32, side wall 32 and side wall 34, side wall 34 and side wall 36), a mounting portion 37 is provided on one end face in the thickness direction of the bottom wall 20 (the face away from the member to be held 1). This mounting portion 37 has a curved shape corresponding to the elongated member 5 having a circular outer surface, and extends continuously along the axial direction X of the side wall. This allows the elongated member 5 housed in each of the housing portions 40, 42, and 44 to be held stably with minimal rattling.

Furthermore, the spacing between side walls 30 and 32 is the same as the spacing between side walls 32 and 34, allowing for the storage section 40 defined by side walls 30 and 32, and the storage section 42 defined by side walls 32 and 34, to accommodate and hold long members 5 of a predetermined diameter (see Figure 7). On the other hand, the spacing between side walls 34 and 36 is slightly wider than the spacing between side walls 30 and 32, and the spacing between side walls 32 and 34, allowing for the storage section 44 defined by side walls 34 and 36 to accommodate and hold long members 5 with a larger diameter than those accommodated in storage sections 40 and 42 (see Figure 7).

Furthermore, a circular projection 38 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 36 (the surface opposite to the opposing surface 50), making it easier to identify the housing section 44.

From each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36, flexible and deformable retaining pieces 60 and 62 are provided, extending toward the bottom wall 20 and holding down the elongated member 5. These retaining pieces 60 and 62 will be described in detail later.

Furthermore, the opposing surfaces 50 of adjacent side walls, specifically side wall 30 and side wall 32, side wall 32 and side wall 34, side wall 32 and side wall 34, and side wall 34 and side wall 36, which are arranged facing each other, are provided with protruding portions 52, 53, and 54 that project toward each other, and recessed portions 55 and 56 that are recessed toward each other.

Furthermore, each of the protruding portions 52, 53, and 54 is provided so as to be flush with the opposing surfaces 50 of each of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, while the recessed portions 55 and 56 are recessed to a predetermined depth in the direction H of the housing arrangement relative to the opposing surfaces 50 of each of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36. The recessed portions 55 and 56 are also provided on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36.

Furthermore, on the opposing surfaces of adjacent side walls, continuous projections 51 are provided in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction, projecting toward each other and extending continuously in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5. The spacing between adjacent continuous projections 51, 51 is set to match the outer diameter of the elongated member 5. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, on the opposing surfaces 50 of each side wall 30, 32, 34, 36, continuous projections 51 are provided in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of each side wall 30, 32, 34, 36 (the connection portion with both circumferential ends of the mounting portion 37), projecting toward each other and extending over the entire axial direction X of each side wall 30, 32, 34, 36.

Specifically, (1) the surface 50 of side wall 30 facing side wall 32, (2) the surface 50 of side wall 32 facing side wall 30, (3) the surface 50 of side wall 32 facing side wall 34, (4) the surface 50 of side wall 34 facing side wall 32, (5) the surface 50 of side wall 34 facing side wall 36, and (6) the surface 50 of side wall 36 facing side wall 34, with continuous projections 51 extending from the intermediate portion of each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a continuous projection 51 of a predetermined side wall is positioned opposite to a continuous projection 51 of the opposing side wall.

Furthermore, the continuous projections 51 provided on each side wall 30, 30, 32, and 34 protrude so as to be on the same plane as the opposing surfaces 50 of each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36, and the spacing between adjacent continuous projections 51, 51 is such that it matches the outer diameter of the elongated member 5.

Furthermore, in this holder 10, the protruding portions 53, 54 and recessed portions 55, 56 are arranged on the opposing surfaces 50 facing one housing portion and the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing portion of the predetermined side walls 32, 34 that define the adjacent housing portions 40, 42, 44, such that they are opposite each other in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5.

To explain the above configuration in detail, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 53 and the recessed portion 56 are arranged on opposite sides of the side wall 32 defining adjacent housing portions 40 and 42, on the opposing surface 50 facing one housing portion 40 and on the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing portion 42, such that their positions are opposite in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5. Similarly, the protruding portions 53, 54 and the recessed portion 56 are arranged on opposite sides of the side wall 34 defining adjacent housing portions 42 and on the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing portion 44, such that their positions are opposite in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5.

In other words, the protrusions on the opposing surfaces 50 facing one of the adjacent storage sections 40, 42, and 44 of the predetermined side walls 32 and 34 are arranged such that they are adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls 30, 32, and 34, and the recesses on the opposing surfaces 50 facing one of the storage sections are adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls.

In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the protruding portion 53 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 32 defining adjacent storage sections 40 and 42, facing one storage section 40, and the recessed portion 56 on the opposing surface 50 facing the other storage section 42, are adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36 (the same direction as the longitudinal direction Y and the storage section arrangement direction H). The recessed portion 56 on the opposing surface 50 facing one storage section 40 and the protruding portion 53 on the opposing surface 50 facing the other storage section 42 are also adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the protrusion 53 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 34 that defines the adjacent storage sections 42 and 44, facing one storage section 42, and the recess 56 on the opposing surface 50 facing the other storage section 44, are adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36. Similarly, the recess 56 on the opposing surface 50 facing one storage section 42 and the protrusion 54 on the opposing surface 50 facing the other storage section 44 are adjacent to each other in the opposing direction of the adjacent side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36.

Next, the protrusions 52, 53, 54 and recesses 55, 56 provided on each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36 will be described in detail.

The side wall 30, on its surface 50 facing the side wall 32, is provided with the following recessed portion 55 and protruding portion 52.

In other words, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 30 facing the side wall 32, a recess 55 of a predetermined depth is provided on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side wall 30, from one end in the axial direction X of the side wall 30 (the end on the near side of the paper in Figure 1) to the other end (the end on the far side of the paper in Figure 1).

Furthermore, a projection 52 is provided on the side wall 32, extending in a band shape along the vertical direction of the side wall 30 and projecting toward the side wall 32 from the bottom surface of the recess 55 provided on the side wall 30, near the other end in the axial direction X of the side wall 30.

Furthermore, on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 30, in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction, a protruding ridge 58 extends for a predetermined length from one end to the other in the axial direction X.

Furthermore, the side wall 36, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 34, is provided with the following recessed portion 55 and protruding portion 52.

In other words, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 36 facing the side wall 34, a recess 55 of a predetermined depth is provided on the tip side of the side wall 36 in the vertical direction, extending from one end to the other end of the side wall 34 in the axial direction X, relative to the continuous projection 51 located in the middle of the side wall 36 in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, a projection 52 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 55 in the side wall 36, near the other end in the axial direction X of the side wall 36. This projection extends in a band shape along the vertical direction of the side wall 36 and protrudes toward the side wall 34.

The side wall 32, on its surface 50 facing the side wall 30, is provided with the following protrusions 53 and recesses 56.

In other words, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, on the side surface 50 of the side wall 32 facing the side wall 30, on the tip side in the vertical direction, closer to the continuous projection 51 of the side wall 32, there is a wide projection 53 extending from the other end to the middle of the side wall 32 in the axial direction X, and a recessed portion 56 extending from the middle to one end of the side wall 32 in the axial direction X, both of which are arranged adjacent to the axial direction X of the side wall 32.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the length of the protruding portion 53 and the recessed portion 56 along the axial direction X is such that the length of the protruding portion 53 is longer than the length of the recessed portion 56. Moreover, the wide protruding portion 53 is positioned opposite the band-shaped protruding portion 52 of the side wall 30, and the recessed portion 56 is positioned opposite the recessed portion 55 of the side wall 30 so as to overlap it within a predetermined range. Additionally, on the side wall 32's surface 50 facing the side wall 30, a ridged portion 58 extends for a predetermined length from one end to the other in the vertical direction, and is positioned opposite the ridged portion 58 provided on the side wall 30.

On the other hand, the side wall 32, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 34, is provided with the following protrusions 53 and recesses 56.

In other words, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, on the side surface 50 of the side wall 32 facing the side wall 34, on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side wall 32, there is a wide projection 53 extending from one end to the middle of the side wall 32 in the axial direction X, and a recess 56 extending from the middle to the other end of the side wall 32 in the axial direction X, both of which are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction X of the side wall 32.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the length of the protruding portion 53 and the recessed portion 56 along the axial direction X is such that the length of the protruding portion 53 is longer than the length of the recessed portion 56. Moreover, the protruding portion 53 is positioned opposite the protruding portion 53 of the side wall 34, and the recessed portion 56 is positioned opposite the recessed portion 56 of the side wall 34. Additionally, on the side wall 32, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 34, a protruding portion 58 extends for a predetermined length from the other end to one end in the axial direction X.

Furthermore, among the multiple side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, when the side walls 32 and 34, other than the outermost side walls 30 and 36 in the arrangement direction of the multiple housing sections 40, 42, and 44 (housing section arrangement direction H), are viewed in a cross-section along the housing section arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 (more specifically, a cross-section along the housing section arrangement direction H and facing the surface to be held 2 where the long member 5 should be held), a portion R overlaps in the housing section arrangement direction H between the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing one housing section and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing the other housing section.

In other words, when the side wall 32 is viewed in a cross-section along the housing arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the surface to be held 2, there is a portion R that overlaps (conforms) in the housing arrangement direction H between the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 32 facing one of the adjacent housing sections 40 (here, the wall thickness portion in the middle of the axial direction X and facing the housing section 42 side) and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing section 42 (here, the wall thickness portion in the middle of the axial direction X and facing the housing section 40 side). Furthermore, when the side wall 32 is viewed in a cross-section along the housing arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the surface to be held 2, the side wall 32 is roughly crank-shaped due to the protrusions 53, 53 arranged separately on the left and right sides in the housing arrangement direction H and their overlapping portion R.

Furthermore, the overlapping section R mentioned above can also be described as follows:

In other words, among the multiple side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, when the side walls 32 and 34 (excluding the outermost side walls 30 and 36) are viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction X of the elongated member 5 as shown in Figure 6, a portion R overlaps in the direction H of the housing arrangement of the multiple housing sections 40, 42, and 44 with the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing one housing section and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing the other housing section.

In this embodiment, when the side wall 32 is viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction X of the elongated member 5 as shown in Figure 6, a portion R is provided where the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 32 facing one adjacent housing portion 40 (the wall thickness portion facing the housing portion 42) and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 on the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing portion 42 (the wall thickness portion facing the housing portion 40) overlap in the direction H of the housing portion arrangement.

The side wall 34, on its surface 50 facing the side wall 32, is provided with the following protrusions 53 and recesses 56.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, on the side surface 50 of side wall 34A, which constitutes side wall 34, facing side wall 32, a wide projection 53 is provided in the area from one end of side wall 34 in the axial direction X to the notch 35, on the end side in the vertical direction, closer to the continuous projection 51 of side wall 34. Furthermore, on the side surface 50 of side wall 34B, which constitutes side wall 34, facing side wall 32, a recessed portion 56 is provided in the area from the other end of side wall 34 in the axial direction X to the notch 35, on the end side in the vertical direction, closer to the continuous projection 51 of side wall 34.

As shown in Figure 5, the lengths of the protruding portion 53 and the recessed portion 56 along the axial direction X are approximately the same. Furthermore, the wider protruding portion 53 is positioned opposite the wider protruding portion 53 of the side wall 32, and the recessed portion 56 is positioned opposite the recessed portion 56 of the side wall 32. Additionally, on the side wall 34B, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 32, a protruding portion 58 extends for a predetermined length from the other end to one end along the axial direction X.

On the other hand, the side wall 34, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 36, is provided with the following protrusions 53 and recesses 56.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, on the side surface 50 of the side wall 34B facing the side wall 36, a wide projection 54a is provided in the area from the other end of the side wall 34 in the axial direction X to the notch 35, on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side wall 34, relative to the continuous projection 51 of the side wall 34. From the outer surface of this projection 54a (the surface facing the side wall 36) at an intermediate position in the axial direction X, a band-shaped projection 54 is provided that extends along the vertical direction of the side wall 34 and protrudes toward the side wall 36. That is, the band-shaped projection 54 is provided via the wide projection 54a. The wide projection 54a is a predetermined depth lower than the facing surface 50, while the band-shaped projection 54 is flush with the facing surface 50 and is positioned opposite the band-shaped projection 52 of the side wall 36.

Furthermore, on the side wall 34A, on the surface 50 facing the side wall 36, a recess 56 is provided in the area extending from one end of the side wall 34 in the axial direction X to the notch 35, on the tip side in the vertical direction, relative to the continuous projection 51 of the side wall 34.

As shown in Figure 5, the lengths of the protruding portion 53 and the recessed portion 56 along the axial direction X are approximately the same. Furthermore, the protruding portion 54 is positioned opposite the continuous protruding portion 51 of the side wall 36, as described above, and the recessed portion 56 is positioned opposite the recessed portion 55 of the side wall 36 so as to overlap it within a predetermined range.

Furthermore, when the side wall 34 is viewed in a cross-section along the housing arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the retained surface 2, a portion R is provided in the side wall 34 that overlaps in the housing arrangement direction H via a notch 35 between the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 on the opposing surface 50 facing one of the adjacent housing sections 42 (here, the wall thickness portion in the middle of the axial direction X and facing the housing section 44 side) and the wall thickness portions of the protrusions 54, 54a on the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing section 44 (here, the wall thickness portion in the middle of the axial direction X and facing the housing section 42 side).

Furthermore, the minimum spacing between the protrusions 52, 53, and 54 on adjacent side walls (side wall 30 and side wall 32, side wall 32 and side wall 34, and side wall 34 and side wall 36) is set to a spacing that matches the outer diameter of the elongated member 5.

In this embodiment, the following spacings are set to match the outer diameter of the elongated member 5: (1) the minimum distance between the projection 52 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 30 and the projection 53 on the side wall 32 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 34 and the projection 53 on the side wall 34 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 32 and (3) the minimum distance between the projection 54 on the side wall 34 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 36 and the projection 52 on the side wall 36 on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 34.

Furthermore, in this holder 10, the retaining pieces 60 and 62 are provided only in the recessed portions 55 and 56. These recessed portions 55 and 56 accommodate the bending deformation of the retaining pieces 60 and 62, allowing the long member 5 to be received in the housing portions 40, 42, and 44.

The retaining pieces 60 and 62 extend diagonally inward from the recessed portions 55 and 56 of each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36, via base ends 63 (which can also be said to be perpendicular to the surface direction of the bottom surface of the recessed portions 55 and 56) that extend along the housing arrangement direction H. The tip 64 in the direction of extension holds down the elongated member 5. The relationship between each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36 and the retaining pieces 60 and 62 will be described in detail below.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 1-3, a retaining piece 60 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 30 in the vertical direction and one end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 32 in the vertical direction, into the recessed portion 55 provided on the side wall 30's surface 50 facing the side wall 32. Similarly, a retaining piece 60 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 32 in the vertical direction and one end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 30 in the vertical direction, into the recessed portion 56 provided on the side wall 32's surface 50 facing the side wall 30.

Furthermore, in the recessed portion 56 provided on the side wall 32's surface 50 facing the side wall 34, a retaining piece 60 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 32 in the vertical direction and its other end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 34 in the vertical direction. Similarly, in the recessed portion 56 provided on the side wall 34's surface 50 facing the side wall 32, a retaining piece 60 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 34 in the vertical direction and its other end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 32 in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, a retaining piece 62 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 34 in the vertical direction and one end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 36 in the vertical direction, into the recessed portion 55 provided on the side wall 34's surface 50 facing the side wall 36. Similarly, a retaining piece 62 extends diagonally inward from the tip of the side wall 36 in the vertical direction and one end in the axial direction X toward the base end of the side wall 34 in the vertical direction, into the recessed portion 55 provided on the side wall 36's surface 50 facing the side wall 34. Projections 64a are provided on the inner surface (facing the side wall 34) of the tip 64 of the retaining piece 62 on the side wall 34 side, and on the inner surface (facing the side wall 36) of the tip 64 of the retaining piece 62 on the side wall 36 side. This projection 64a widens the tip 64 of each retaining piece 62, making it easier to hold and prevent the large-diameter, long member 5 from coming loose (see Figure 7).

In this embodiment, the holder 10 described above is integrally formed from a well-known synthetic resin material, with all parts (bottom wall, multiple side walls, retaining piece, protrusion, fixing part, etc.) being the same.

(Variant)
The shape and structure of each part of the holder for the long member described above are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the holder 10 of this embodiment, four side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36 are provided, defining three storage compartments 40, 42, and 44 in relation to the bottom wall 20. However, at least three side walls are sufficient (in which case there are two storage compartments), and five or more side walls may be provided (in which case there are four storage compartments).

Furthermore, although the holder 10 in this embodiment is provided with a fixing portion 70 for fixing to the fixing hole 3 formed in the member to be held 1, it is not necessary to provide a fixing portion to the member to be held. Also, as the fixing portion 70, in addition to the stem portion 72 and the pair of locking legs 73, 73, for example, a columnar portion may be extended from the back surface (other end surface in the thickness direction) of the bottom wall, and a locking portion for the fixing hole may be provided on the outer circumference of this columnar portion. Alternatively, a shaft member such as a stud bolt may be made to protrude from the member to be held, and a structure (such as a fixing claw or fixing hole) that can be fixed to the shaft member may be provided on the bottom wall of the holder.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36 is provided with one projection 52, 53, 54 and one recess 55, 56 in the axial direction X. However, for example, multiple projections and recesses may be provided on each side wall, and the number of projections and recesses may be the same or different (for example, one projection and two recesses). As long as the configuration of the present invention is satisfied, the number and layout of the projections and recesses are not particularly limited.

Furthermore, while all the recessed portions 55 and 56 in this embodiment are recessed to a constant depth relative to the opposing surface 50, they may, for example, be recessed in stages or gradually deepen in a tapered shape in the direction H of the housing arrangement.

Furthermore, when the side wall 32 is viewed in a cross-section along the housing arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the retained surface 2, it has a roughly crank-shaped cross-section due to the protrusions 53, 53 and their overlapping portions R. However, the shape is not limited to the above for the side walls other than the outermost of the three side walls, as long as they have overlapping portions in relation to the protrusions.

(Effects)
Next, the effects and benefits of the holder 10 having the above configuration will be explained.

When using the holder 10 to hold the long member 5 on the surface to be held 2, proceed as follows:

Specifically, the elongated member 5 is inserted through the upper openings (openings opposite the bottom wall 20) of each of the housing sections 40, 42, and 44 of the holder 10. The elongated member 5 then presses against the opposing pairs of retaining pieces 60, 60 or 62, 62, causing them to flex and deform. As the elongated member 5 is pushed in, it is received by the recesses 55 and 56. The elongated member 5 is then pushed in until it contacts the mounting section 37 in each of the housing sections 40, 42, and 44. Once the elongated member 5 passes the tips 64 of the retaining pieces 60, 62, the retaining pieces 60, 62 elastically return to their original position, and their tips 64 are positioned on the ceiling side of the elongated member 5. Thus, the elongated member 5 is housed and held in place by each of the housing sections 40, 42, and 44 (see Figure 7).

In the state shown in Figure 7, there is a gap between the tip portions 64 of each retaining piece 60, 62 and the outer circumference of the elongated member 5 housed and held in each housing portion 40, 42, 44. However, when the elongated member 5 is pulled away from the held surface 2 of the held member 1, the tip portions 64 of each retaining piece 60, 62 come into contact with the outer circumference of the elongated member 5, thereby preventing the elongated member 5 from coming loose from each housing portion 40, 42, 44. Furthermore, the elongated member 5 housed in the housing portions 40, 42 comes into contact with the protrusions 58 provided on the side walls 30, 32, 34 that define the housing portions 40, 42 (see Figure 7), thereby suppressing displacement in the axial direction X. Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 7, the continuous protrusions 51, provided at the intermediate points in the vertical direction of each side wall 30, 32, 34, and 36, are positioned opposite each other on the outer circumference of the elongated member 5 housed in each of the housing sections 40, 42, and 44.

Subsequently, the holder 10 is fixed to the member to be held 1 via the fixing part 70. That is, the fixing part 70 is aligned with the fixing hole 3 formed in the member to be held 1, and the holder 10 is pushed against the surface 2 of the member to be held 1. As the holder 10 is pushed in, the pair of locking legs 73, 73 of the fixing part 70 are pressed against the inner circumference of the fixing hole 3 and deform as they are pushed in. The holder 10 is pushed in until the umbrella-shaped flange portion 71 of the fixing part 70 and the pair of protrusions 21, 21 provided on the back surface (other end surface in the thickness direction) of the bottom wall 20 come into contact with the surface 2. When a part of the tip of the pair of locking legs 73, 73 comes out from the back side of the fixing hole 3, each locking leg 73 elastically returns to its original position, and the predetermined locking step portion 73a engages with the periphery on the back side of the fixing hole 3. As a result, the holder 10 can be fixed to the member to be held 1 via the fixing part 70, and consequently, the long member 5 can be held on the surface to be held 2 (see Figure 7). Alternatively, the long member 5 may be held by inserting it into the respective housing parts 40, 42, and 44 after the holder 10 has been fixed to the member to be held 1.

Furthermore, in this holder 10, the retaining pieces 60 and 62 are provided only in the recessed portions 55 and 56 of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36. On the predetermined side walls 32 and 34 defining adjacent housing portions 40, 42, and 44, the protruding portions 53 and 54 and the recessed portions 55 and 56 are arranged opposite each other in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5, on the opposing surfaces 50 facing one housing portion and the opposing surface 50 facing the other housing portion.

Therefore, by bringing the distance between adjacent side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36 closer together, the holder 10 can be made more compact in the direction of arrangement H, intersecting the axial direction X of the elongated member 5, and the pitch between adjacent elongated members 5, 5 (the distance between the center C of a predetermined elongated member 5 and the center C of an elongated member 5 placed adjacent to it) can be narrowed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the minimum spacing between the protrusions 52, 53, and 54 on adjacent side walls (side wall 30 and side wall 32, side wall 32 and side wall 34, and side wall 34 and side wall 36) is set to a spacing that matches the outer diameter of the elongated member 5. Specifically, the structure is as described in paragraph 0065.

Furthermore, by adopting this structure, the holder 10 can be made more compact in the direction H of the housing section arrangement, intersecting the axial direction X of the long member 5. Specifically, the minimum spacing between the protrusions 52, 53, and 54 on the side walls 30 and 32, 32 and 34, and 34 and 36 is set to match the outer diameter of the long member 5. Therefore, there is no wasted space in the arrangement of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, minimizing the length of the holder 10 in the housing section arrangement direction H. As a result, the pitch between adjacent long members 5 can be made narrower.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, among the multiple side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, when viewed in a cross-section along the housing arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5, the side walls 32 and 34, other than the outermost side walls 30 and 36 in the housing arrangement direction H, have portions R that overlap in the housing arrangement direction H between the wall thickness of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing one adjacent housing and the wall thickness of the protrusion on the opposing surface facing the other housing.

In other words, when the side wall 32 is viewed in a cross-section along the container arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the surface to be held 2, there is a portion R that overlaps in the container arrangement direction H between the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 32 facing one of the adjacent containers 40 and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 facing the other container 42. Similarly, when the side wall 34 is viewed in a cross-section along the container arrangement direction H as shown in Figure 5 and facing the surface to be held 2, there is a portion R that overlaps in the container arrangement direction H between the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 of the side wall 34 facing one of the adjacent containers 42 and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion 53 provided on the opposing surface 50 facing the other container 44.

According to the above embodiment, by adopting the above structure, the holder 10 can be made even more compact in the direction H of the housing arrangement, intersecting the axial direction X of the long member 5. That is, since there is a portion R in the side walls 32 and 34 that overlaps in the direction H of the housing arrangement, it becomes easier to thin the side walls 32 and 34 by the amount of this overlapping portion R, thereby shortening the length of the holder 10 in the direction H of the housing arrangement. As a result, the pitch between adjacent long members 5 can be further narrowed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recessed portions 55 and 56 are provided on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36. At the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of adjacent side walls (side wall 30 and side wall 32, side wall 32 and side wall 34, side wall 34 and side wall 36), continuous protrusions 51 are provided, projecting toward each other and extending continuously in the axial direction X of the elongated member 5. The spacing between adjacent continuous protrusions 51, 51 is set to match the outer diameter of the elongated member 5.

According to the above embodiment, by adopting the above-described structure, the elongated member 5 can be stably held along its entire length in the axial direction X. Specifically, continuous protrusions 51, 51 are positioned opposite each other on the radial outer circumference of both sides of the elongated member 5 housed in each housing section 40, 42, 44, at the intermediate points in the vertical direction of each side wall 30, 32, 34, 36 (see Figure 7). Therefore, even if the elongated member 5 attempts to shift position in the housing section arrangement direction H, the elongated member 5 will come into contact with the continuous protrusions 51, restricting the shift and enabling stable holding of the elongated member 5.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modified embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention, and such embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention.

5. Long member 10. Holder for the long member (holder)
20 Bottom walls 30, 32, 34, 34A, 34B, 36 Side walls 40, 42, 44 Housing section 50 Opposing surfaces 52, 53, 54 Protruding section 51 Continuous protruding sections 55, 56 Recessed sections 60, 62 Pressing piece 70 Fixing section

Claims (4)

A holder for holding long members,
The bottom wall and,
At least three side walls erected from the bottom wall,
Multiple housing sections defined by the bottom wall and the side wall,
It has a flexible pressing piece that extends from the side wall toward the bottom wall and presses down on the elongated member,
On the opposing surfaces of adjacent side walls, there are protruding portions that extend toward each other and recessed portions that are recessed toward each other.
The retaining piece is provided only in the recessed portion, and the recessed portion accepts the bending deformation of the retaining piece, thereby enabling the long member to be received in the housing portion.
The protruding portion and the recessed portion are arranged on opposite sides of the axial direction of the elongated member on the opposing surface facing one of the adjacent housing portions and the opposing surface facing the other housing portion of the predetermined side wall defining the adjacent housing portions.
In each housing section, the recessed portions are arranged opposite each other on the opposing surfaces of the side walls, forming a pair of recessed portions, and the protruding portions are arranged opposite each other so as to be offset in the axial direction from the pair of recessed portions, forming a pair of protruding portions.
A holder for a long member, characterized in that, in adjacent housing sections, the pair of recessed sections and the pair of protruding sections are arranged alternately in the axial direction of the long member. The holder for a long member according to claim 1, wherein the minimum distance between the protrusions on adjacent side walls is set to a distance that matches the outer diameter of the long member. The holder for a long member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, of at least three of the side walls, all but the outermost side wall in the arrangement direction of the multiple housing sections, when viewed in a cross-section along the arrangement direction of the housing sections, the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on one adjacent opposing surface facing one housing section and the wall thickness portion of the protrusion on the other opposing surface facing the housing section have portions that overlap in the arrangement direction of the housing sections. The aforementioned recess is provided on the tip side in the vertical direction of the side wall,
A holder for a long member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opposing surfaces of adjacent side walls, in the middle portion in the direction of vertical installation, are provided with continuous protrusions that project toward each other and extend continuously in the axial direction of the long member, and the spacing between adjacent continuous protrusions is set to a spacing that matches the outer diameter of the long member.