Loop penetrating device and manufacturing method of loop binding book

Abstract

In the manufacturing process of the loop binding book, the loop main body of the resin and paper loop is inserted into the binding hole of the paper with high precision and is made to pass through the binding hole. The loop passing device (11) is provided with: a mounting table (51) on which a sheet (2) is mounted; a positioning jig (52) having a guide roller (521) and a nip roller (522); and a loop moving mechanism (53). The positioning jig (52) is a jig for holding each of the plurality of loop bodies (31) in a state in which the space between the plurality of loop bodies (31) is maintained. The loop moving mechanism (53) is a mechanism for passing the loop body (31) held by the positioning jig (52) through the binding hole (21a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring passing device, and more particularly to a ring passing device for passing a ring body of a resin or paper ring having a plurality of ring bodies through a plurality of binding holes formed at the ends of a plurality of sheets of paper. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a ring-bound book using the ring passing device. Background Art

[0002] The ring binding book is formed by binding a plurality of sheets of paper having a plurality of binding holes at the end thereof by means of a ring. The ring may be a metal wire, a resin or a paper ring.

[0003] For example, the ring binding book of patent document 1 is used to bind multiple sheets of paper by a resin ring. The ring has a base portion and a plurality of ring bodies. The base portion is formed by extending in one direction. The plurality of ring bodies have a predetermined length respectively and extend in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the base portion. In addition, the plurality of ring bodies are arranged at a predetermined spacing.

[0004] When manufacturing such a ring binding book, the ring body is passed through the binding hole, the passed portion is folded back to form a ring shape, and the front end portion is welded to the base portion, thereby binding a plurality of paper sheets. In addition, after the ring body and the base portion are welded, the portion other than the main portion of the welded portion is cut off and discarded as an end material.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-174413

[0008] As described above, in the manufacturing process of the ring-bound book, it is necessary to insert a plurality of ring bodies into the binding holes of the paper. In this case, for example, the following steps are performed. That is, the rings are positioned relative to the paper placed on the workbench, the rings are raised or lowered, the front ends of the plurality of ring bodies are respectively inserted into the corresponding binding holes, and the rings are further raised or lowered so that the ring bodies pass through the binding holes.

[0009] In the above process of passing the ring body through the binding hole, in the resin ring with low rigidity, even if each ring body and the binding hole of the corresponding paper are positioned, position deviation will occur when the ring is raised or lowered, and sometimes the front end of the ring body cannot be accurately inserted into the binding hole. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to enable a ring body of a ring made of a soft material such as resin or paper to be inserted into a binding hole of a paper sheet with high accuracy and passed therethrough in a manufacturing process of a ring bound book.

[0011] (1) A ring passing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a device for passing a ring body of a ring having a plurality of ring bodies through a plurality of binding holes formed at the ends of a plurality of paper sheets. The ring passing device comprises a platform for placing paper sheets, a positioning fixture, and a moving mechanism. The positioning fixture is a fixture for holding each ring body while maintaining the intervals between the plurality of ring bodies. The moving mechanism is a mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning fixture relative to the platform and passing the ring body through the binding hole.

[0012] In the loop passing device, a positioning fixture positions the loop body relative to the paper placed on the mounting table. More specifically, the spacing of the plurality of loop bodies of the loop is maintained by the positioning fixture and the state is maintained. That is, the spacing of the plurality of loop bodies is maintained and maintained at a predetermined spacing. Moreover, the plurality of loop bodies are relatively moved relative to the mounting table by a moving mechanism while being maintained at a predetermined spacing, and are inserted into the binding holes of the corresponding paper.

[0013] Here, the plurality of ring bodies are respectively positioned and inserted into the binding holes of the paper while maintaining the position, so that even if the ring is made of a soft material such as resin or paper, the ring body can be accurately inserted into the binding hole.

[0014] (2) The second embodiment of the loop passing device of the present invention is based on the first embodiment, wherein the positioning fixture has a positioning portion and a connecting portion. The positioning portion is respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of loop bodies to position the plurality of loop bodies. The connecting portion extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of binding holes of the paper to connect the plurality of positioning portions.

[0015] (3) The third embodiment of the ring passing device of the present invention is based on the device of the first or second embodiment, wherein the positioning fixture is arranged on the same side as the side where the ring is arranged across the mounting table. In addition, the moving mechanism moves the ring body positioned and held by the positioning fixture relative to the mounting table in the first direction and passes through the binding hole.

[0016] (4) The ring passing device of the fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the third aspect, wherein the first engaging portion is formed on each of the plurality of ring bodies. In addition, the positioning fixture has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies.

[0017] (5) A fifth aspect of the ring threading device of the present invention is the device of the fourth aspect, wherein the first engaging portion is a protrusion formed at the front end of the ring body and protruding from the surface, and the second engaging portion is a recess into which the protrusion is embedded.

[0018] (6) A sixth aspect of the present invention is a ring passing device according to the third aspect, wherein the moving mechanism allows only the ring body to pass through the binding hole.

[0019] Here, the positioning jig is not inserted into the binding hole, and only the ring body passes through the binding hole. Therefore, the size of the positioning jig is not limited, and it is easy to manufacture.

[0020] (7) A seventh aspect of the ring passing device of the present invention is the device of the sixth aspect, wherein the ring is formed so that the front end portion of the ring body has a higher hardness than other portions within a predetermined range.

[0021] Here, the front end portion of the ring body is formed to be relatively hard by, for example, two-color molding, so that the front end portion is difficult to deform and the front end portion of the ring body can be easily passed through the binding hole.

[0022] (8) The loop passing device of the eighth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the sixth aspect, and the positioning fixture has a main body and a holding portion. The main body positions the plurality of loop bodies respectively. The holding portion holds the loop bodies positioned by the main body. In addition, the main body extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of binding holes of the paper, and has guide grooves on the surface for the plurality of loop bodies to be respectively embedded. The holding portion clamps and holds the loop bodies embedded in the guide grooves between the main body and the holding portion.

[0023] (9) The ring passing device of the ninth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the eighth aspect, wherein the main body is a rotatable roller having guide grooves formed on the surface for a plurality of ring main bodies to be respectively embedded. In addition, the holding portion is a rotatable clamping roller that clamps the ring main body embedded in the guide groove between the roller and the holding portion. Furthermore, the moving mechanism rotates at least one of the roller and the clamping roller.

[0024] (10) The ring passing device of the tenth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the eighth aspect, wherein the main body is a main body rod having guide grooves formed on the surface for a plurality of ring bodies to be respectively embedded, and which can be freely approached and separated from the loading platform. In addition, the holding portion is a clamping rod which can freely approach and separate from the main body rod, clamps the ring bodies embedded in the guide grooves between the main body rod, and can freely approach and separate from the loading platform. Furthermore, the moving mechanism allows the main body rod and the clamping rod to approach and separate from the loading platform.

[0025] (11) The ring passing device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the second aspect, wherein the positioning portion of the positioning fixture is relatively movable relative to the mounting table in a direction intersecting the mounting surface of the mounting table and can pass through the binding hole of the paper. Furthermore, the moving mechanism allows the positioning portion holding the ring body to pass through the binding hole together with the ring body.

[0026] Here, not only the ring body but also the positioning portion holding the ring body is inserted into the binding hole together with the ring body, so the ring body can be inserted into the binding hole more accurately.

[0027] (12) The ring passing device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the eleventh aspect, wherein the positioning fixture is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the ring is arranged across the mounting table. Furthermore, the moving mechanism causes the positioning portion of the positioning fixture to move relatively to the mounting table in a first direction and pass through the binding hole, and causes the positioning portion that positions and holds the ring body to move relatively to the mounting table in a second direction opposite to the first direction and pass through the binding hole together with the ring body.

[0028] (13) A loop threading device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the device according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the positioning jig has a pair of holding portions which are arranged to face each other and can freely approach and move away from each other.

[0029] (14) The ring passing device of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is based on the device of the twelfth aspect, wherein a first engaging portion is formed on each of the plurality of ring bodies, and a positioning fixture has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies.

[0030] (15) A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a ring passing device according to the first aspect, wherein the moving mechanism moves the ring relative to the mounting table from above to below so that the ring body passes through the binding hole of the paper.

[0031] (16) The method for manufacturing a ring-bound book of the present invention includes the following steps.

[0032] A bound book preparation step is to prepare a bound book including a plurality of paper sheets having a plurality of binding holes formed in a row in a first direction at one end thereof.

[0033] A ring preparation step of preparing a ring including a base portion extending in a first direction and a plurality of ring bodies extending from the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0034] Ring passing step: using a ring passing device in any of the above-mentioned ways, each ring body of the ring is passed through the corresponding binding hole of the bound book.

[0035] Welding step: Each ring body is bent and deformed and the front end of the ring body is welded to the base.

[0036] Cutting step: Cutting the front end portion from the main portion of the welded portion between the ring body and the base portion.

[0037] Effects of the Invention

[0038] In the present invention described above, when manufacturing a ring bound book, the ring main body of the ring made of a soft material such as resin or paper can be inserted into the binding hole of the paper with high accuracy and passed through. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a ring-bound book manufactured using the ring-threading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a front view of the loop used in the loop passing device.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of .

[0042] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the ring.

[0043] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing device for a ring-bound book.

[0044] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the loop passing device of the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the paper and loop after the loop passes through and the welding process is completed.

[0047] Fig. 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the completed ring bound book after the end material cutting process is completed.

[0048] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the loop passing through the second embodiment.

[0049] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram showing the bending deformation operation of the ring according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the loop passing of the third embodiment.

[0051] Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the loop passing of the fourth embodiment.

[0052] Fig.14 Schematic diagram of a loop passing device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] -First Embodiment-

[0054] Figure 1The ring binding book 1 manufactured by using the ring threading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ring binding book 1 includes a plurality of paper sheets (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “paper sheets”) 2 and a ring 3 .

[0055] [Paper 2]

[0056] The paper 2 has a pair of covers 20 (front cover and rear cover) and a plurality of inner pages 21 stacked between the pair of covers 20. In this embodiment, the pair of covers 20 is formed larger than the inner pages 21 (see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). At the end of the paper 2, a plurality of binding holes 21a are formed in a row at a predetermined pitch.

[0057] [Circle 3]

[0058] Figure 2 to Figure 4 3 used in the ring binding book 1 of this embodiment. In addition, to be precise, Figure 2 to Figure 4 The ring 3 shown is not the ring 3 of the finished ring bound book 1, but a ring raw material. That is, the ring 3 shown in these drawings is a ring in a state before being inserted into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 and binding the paper. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the ring 3.

[0059] The ring 3 is made of synthetic resin and includes a base portion 30 and a plurality of ring bodies 31 , which are integrally injection molded.

[0060] The base portion 30 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper 2 are arranged. A plurality of ring bodies 31 are arranged at the same pitch as the pitch of the plurality of binding holes 21a. In addition, the ring bodies 31 extend from the base portion 30 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the base portion 30 and have a predetermined length. In the manufacturing process, each ring body 31 is inserted into the corresponding binding hole 21a and formed into a ring shape, and its front end portion is welded to the base portion 30.

[0061] [Detailed structure of ring 3]

[0062] The base portion 30 of the ring 3 has a welding portion 30a and a cutting portion 30b. The welding portion 30a is an area formed on the side of the ring body 31 of the base portion 30. The welding portion 30a is a portion to which the front end of the ring body 31 is welded. More specifically, the front end of the ring body 31 inserted into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 and bent and deformed into a ring shape is welded to the welding portion 30a. The cutting portion 30b is an area formed at the end of the base portion 30 on the side opposite to the ring body 31 (at Figure 2 and Figure 3) is a portion that is cut off after the front end portion of the ring body 31 is welded.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the ring body 31 has a straight portion 31a, a curved portion 31b, a welded portion 31c and a cut-off portion 31d. The straight portion 31a extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the base portion 30. The curved portion 31b is bent in a manner of bulging outward (in a direction away from the base portion 30) from the end of the straight portion 31a. The welded portion 31c extends substantially parallel to the base portion 30 from the end of the curved portion 31b. The cut-off portion 31d is an area that continues to extend as it is from the welded portion 31c, and is a portion that is cut off after being welded to the base portion 30. In addition, the front end of the cut-off portion 31d is tapered.

[0064] Here, in the ring body 31, as Figure 6 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the predetermined area 31e of the front end portion (in Figure 6 31f (shown by marking multiple points in the figure) uses polypropylene resin, and other areas (including the base portion 30) 31f use polyethylene resin, which is formed in a two-color molding mode. Therefore, the predetermined area 31e of the front end of the ring body 31 is high in hardness compared with other parts 31f, and is not easy to deform.

[0065] In addition, the range of the predetermined region 31e of the front end portion is set to be substantially the same as or shorter than the cut portion 31d.

[0066] [Overall view of the manufacturing equipment]

[0067] Figure 5 The figure shows the overall schematic diagram of the ring binding book manufacturing apparatus 40. In the apparatus 40, a book supply station 41, a standby station 42, a ring passing / ring bending deformation station 43, a paper positioning station 44, a ring welding station 45, a ring end material cutting station 46 and a finished product discharge station 47 are sequentially arranged in a circular shape.

[0068] At the bookbinding supply station 41, paper 2 with binding holes 21a is supplied by other devices. At the standby station 42, a space is secured for use in situations such as component replacement. At the ring passing / ring bending and deformation station 43, the ring body 31 of the ring 3 is inserted into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2, and the ring body 31 is bent and deformed into a ring shape. At the paper positioning station 44, the position of the paper in the ring welding process is adjusted. At the ring welding station 45, the welding part 31c and the cutting part 31d of the ring body 31 and the welding part 30a and the cutting part 30b of the base part 30 are welded. At the ring end material cutting station 46, the base part 30 and the cutting parts 30b and 31d of the ring body 31 after welding are cut. At the finished product discharge station 47, the ring binding book manufactured through the above processes is discharged.

[0069] In the manufacturing device 40, the processing in each process can be performed by rotating the clamp holding the paper in the bookbinding supply station 41 while maintaining the state of holding the paper. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a clamp holding the paper in each process. In addition, it is not necessary to have a mechanism for delivering the paper between the clamps.

[0070] [Loop through device]

[0071] Figure 6 1 shows a loop passing device 11 provided in the loop passing / loop bending deformation station 43. The loop passing device 11 is a device for passing the loop body 31 of the loop 3 through the binding hole 21a of the paper 2. The loop passing device 11 includes a mounting table 51 for mounting the paper 2, a positioning fixture 52, and a loop moving mechanism 53. Here, the loop passing device 11 only passes the loop body 31 through the binding hole 21a. In other words, the positioning fixture 52 is not inserted into the binding hole 21a.

[0072] In addition, although Figure 6 Although not shown in the figure, a clamp for holding the upper part of the base portion 30 of the ring 3 is provided above the ring passing device 11. The clamp holds the ring 3 supplied from the ring supply device 48.

[0073] <Positioning fixture 52>

[0074] The positioning jig 52 is a jig for maintaining the plurality of ring bodies 31 at a predetermined pitch and for holding the plurality of ring bodies 31 in a state where the predetermined pitch is maintained.

[0075] The positioning jig 52 includes a guide roller 521 and a plurality of clamping rollers 522. The guide roller 521 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper 2 are arranged. Figure 7 The upper support member 523 shown supports Figure 6 The guide roller 521 is provided with a guide groove 521a having a width substantially the same as that of the ring body 31 and a thickness substantially the same as that of the ring body 31 so that the ring body 31 can be inserted therein. A plurality of clamping rollers 522 are arranged opposite to the guide roller 521 (specifically, the guide groove 521a). Each clamping roller 522 is rotatable and connected to each other. Figure 7 As shown, the clamp roller 522 is rotatably supported by the upper support member 523 while maintaining a predetermined gap with the guide roller 521 .

[0076] The positional relationship between the guide roller 521 and the clamping roller 522 varies depending on the size relationship between the guide groove 521a and the ring body 31. Figure 7As shown, the configuration is such that, when the surface of the ring body 31 embedded in the guide groove 521a protrudes from the surface of the guide roller 521, the surface of the clamping roller 522 contacts the surface of the ring body 31, and does not contact the surface of the guide roller 521. On the other hand, when the surface of the ring body 31 embedded in the guide groove 521a does not protrude from the surface of the guide roller 521, the surface of the clamping roller 522 is configured to contact the surface of the guide roller 521.

[0077] In addition, the pinch roller 522 may be a single roller like the guide roller 521. In addition, the pinch roller 522 is driven by the rotation of the guide roller 521 and rotates.

[0078] <Ring moving mechanism 53>

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the ring moving mechanism 53 has a motor 531. The motor 531 is disposed at the end of the guide roller 521 to move the guide roller 521 to the Figure 6 Thus, the plurality of ring bodies 31 embedded in the guide grooves 521a of the guide roller 521 and maintained at a predetermined pitch can be inserted into the binding holes 21a while maintaining this state.

[0080] [Ring bending deformation device]

[0081] Figure 7 The device for bending the loop into a ring is schematically shown. Figure 7 The ring body is schematically shown in the figure, and the actual shape, size, etc. are different.

[0082] As shown in the figure, on the placing table ( Figure 7 The pair of pull-in rollers 60 are respectively supported by the lower support member 61 so as to be rotatable, and are connected to each other at a predetermined interval. The pair of pull-in rollers 60 clamp the front end of the ring body 31 after passing through the binding hole 21a, and further pull the ring body 31 downward. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a driving mechanism is provided for rotating the upper support member 523 in the direction of arrow A in the figure and rotating the lower support member 61 in the direction of arrow B.

[0083] By means of the above device, the base 30 of the ring 3 and the ring body 31 passing through the binding hole 21 a of the paper 2 can be bent and deformed into a ring shape, and the base 30 of the ring 3 and the front end of the ring body 31 can be brought into close contact.

[0084] [Manufacturing method]

[0085] First, by Figure 5The manufacturing device 40 shown in the figure forms the binding hole 21a in the paper 2. Figure 2 The rings 3 shown are stacked and supplied to the ring supply device 48. Here, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the paper 2 with the binding holes 21a formed therein is supplied to the bookbinding supply station 41 in a state where the inner pages 21 are placed on a pair of covers 20 disposed below. In this way, the cover 20 with a large size is disposed below, and the inner pages 21 with a small size are stacked thereon, so that the positional deviation between the cover 20 and the inner pages 21 can be confirmed.

[0086] The paper sheets 2 supplied in the above-described manner are held by a gripper (not shown) and are sequentially conveyed counterclockwise.

[0087] At the loop passing / loop bending deformation station 43, the paper 2 delivered from the standby station 42 is supplied, and the loop 3 is supplied from the loop supply device 48. Figure 6 The loop insertion device 11 shown inserts the loop body 31 into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 from above, and the loop bending and deforming device bends and deforms the base portion 30 and the loop body 31 into a ring shape.

[0088] In more detail, the ring bodies 31 are respectively embedded in the guide grooves 521a of the guide rollers 521, and are held by the clamping rollers 522 while maintaining the intervals between the adjacent ring bodies 31. Then, the guide rollers 521 are rotated by the motor 531, so that the front end of the ring body 31 passes through the binding hole 21a. The front end of the ring body 31 that has passed through the binding hole 21a is clamped by a pair of pull-in rollers 60 and further moves downward.

[0089] Next, in a state where the ring body 31 is held by each roller 521, 522, 60, the upper support member 523 above the stage is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the lower support member 61 below the stage is rotated in the direction of arrow B. In addition, the fixture of the base portion 30 holding the ring 3 (not shown) is also rotated in the same manner. Thus, the welding portion 30a and the cutting portion 30b of the base portion 30 are in close contact with the welding portion 31c and the cutting portion 31d of the ring body 31.

[0090] In the above process, the position of the paper 2 may be offset. If the welding process is performed at the next ring welding station 45 in the state where the position of the paper 2 is offset, the paper 2 may hinder the ring welding process. Therefore, at the paper positioning stage 44, the positions of the paper 2 and the ring 3 are adjusted so that the paper 2 does not hinder the ring welding process.

[0091] Next, at the ring welding station 45, the base portion 30 and the ring body 31 are welded together by a currently known ultrasonic welding mechanism or the like.

[0092] After the welding is completed as described above, the cut portions 30 b and 31 d of the base portion 30 and the ring body 31 are cut off at the ring end material cutting station 46 , thereby completing the ring binding book 1 .

[0093] In addition, for the completed ring-bound book 1, if Fig. 9 As shown, the cover 20 and the inner page 21 on one side are moved upwardly from the base 30, and the cover 20 on the other side is moved downwardly from the fusion bonding portion 31c of the ring body 31. Thus, the fusion bonding portions 30a and 31c of the base 30 and the ring body 31 can be located inside the paper 2 and cannot be seen from the outside.

[0094] Here, the plurality of ring bodies 31 are respectively positioned by the positioning jigs 52, and are inserted into the binding holes 21a while maintaining this state. Therefore, each ring body 31 can be accurately inserted into the binding holes 21a and passed through. In addition, in this embodiment, the positioning jigs 52 are not inserted into the binding holes 21a, but are only inserted into the ring bodies 31. Therefore, the size of the positioning jigs 52 is not limited, the degree of freedom in design becomes high, and it is easy to manufacture.

[0095] - Second Embodiment -

[0096] Fig.10 The loop passing device 12 of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The positioning fixture of the loop passing device 12 and the mechanism for driving the positioning fixture are different from those of the first embodiment, but other structures, basic actions and manufacturing methods are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0097] [structure]

[0098] The ring passing device 12 has a loading platform 65 for placing paper, a positioning fixture 66, a fixture moving mechanism 67, and a ring moving mechanism 68. In addition, as in the first embodiment, a fixture for holding the upper part of the ring is provided above the ring passing device 12. The fixture and the positioning fixture 66 are synchronously lowered.

[0099] Here, the ring used in the second embodiment is formed by two-color molding in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Fig.10 31f (shown by marking multiple points in the figure) is formed with polypropylene resin, and other areas (including the base portion 30) 31f are formed with polyethylene resin. Therefore, the predetermined area 31e of the front end of the ring body 31 is harder than other parts 31f and is difficult to deform.

[0100] In addition, the range of the predetermined region 31e of the front end portion is set to be the same as or slightly shorter than the cut portion 31d, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0101] The loop passing device 12 only passes the loop body 31 through the binding hole 21 a , and the positioning jig 66 is not inserted into the binding hole 21 a .

[0102] The positioning jig 66 is arranged on the same side as the side where the ring 3 is arranged, that is, above the mounting table 65. The positioning jig 66 has a main body rod 661 and a clamp rod 662.

[0103] The main body rod 661 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper are arranged, and can be raised and lowered freely. A guide groove 661a having substantially the same width and substantially the same thickness (depth) as the ring body 31 is formed on the surface of the main body rod 661 so that the ring body 31 can be embedded. Both ends of the main body rod 661 in the longitudinal direction are supported by the support member 664 in a manner that cannot be moved.

[0104] The clamp rod 662 is disposed opposite to the main body rod 661, and extends in the same direction as the main body rod 661. The clamp rod 662 is supported by the support member 664 so as to be immovable in the vertical direction but movable in the horizontal direction.

[0105] The clamp moving mechanism 67 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The clamp rod 662 can be moved closer to and farther from the main body rod 661 by the clamp moving mechanism 67 .

[0106] The ring moving mechanism 68 has a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The ring moving mechanism 68 can move the support member 664 to synchronously raise and lower the main body rod 661 and the clamp rod 662 .

[0107] [Looping / bending deformation action]

[0108] First, the ring bodies 31 are respectively inserted into the guide grooves 661a of the main body rod 661, and are held by the clamping rod 662 while maintaining the intervals between the adjacent ring bodies 31. Then, while the ring bodies 31 are held, the main body rod 661 and the clamping rod 662 are lowered by the ring moving mechanism 68, so that the front end of the ring body 31 passes through the binding hole 21a. The front end of the ring body 31 that has passed through the binding hole 21a is clamped by a pair of pull-in rollers 60 that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and is further moved downward.

[0109] Then, if Fig.11 As shown, the same action as the first embodiment is performed, that is, the base portion 30 of the ring 3 above the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the front end portion of the ring body 31 below the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the ring 3 is bent and deformed, and the welding portion 30a and the cutting portion 30b of the base portion 30 are closely attached to the welding portion 31c and the cutting portion 31d of the ring body 31.

[0110] As described above, the other structures and manufacturing methods are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. According to such a second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0111] In addition, as a modification of the second embodiment, the main body rod 661 and the clamp rod 662 may be provided with a protruding portion extending downward along each ring body 31. In this case, the ring body 1 and the positioning fixture 66 (main body rod 661 and clamp rod 662) are fixed in advance, the mounting table 65 on which the paper 2 is mounted is raised, and the protruding portions of the ring body 31, the main body rod 661 and the clamp rod 662 are passed through the binding hole 21a.

[0112] In addition, a hole or a cutout may be formed in the clamped portion of the ring body 31 , and a protrusion matching the hole or the cutout may be formed on the clamp rod 662 , so that the ring body 31 is held by the clamp rod 662 and the main rod 661 .

[0113] -Third Embodiment-

[0114] Fig.12 The third embodiment of the present invention is shown as a ring passing device 13. In this embodiment, the ring uses the same ring 3 as the first embodiment. The ring passing device 13 has a loading table 70 for placing paper, a positioning fixture 71, a fixture moving mechanism 72, and a ring moving mechanism 73. In this third embodiment, the ring passing device 13 not only allows the ring body 31 to pass through the binding hole 21a, but also allows the positioning fixture 71 and the ring body 31 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0115] The positioning fixture 71 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the ring 3 is arranged across the mounting table 70. Fig.12 In the embodiment, the ring 3 is supplied to the upper side of the mounting platform 70, and a positioning fixture 71 is arranged below the mounting platform 70. In addition, the upper part of the ring 3 is held by a fixture not shown in the figure, as in the above-mentioned embodiments. The fixture and the positioning fixture 71 are synchronously lowered.

[0116] The positioning fixture 71 has a pair of holding parts, namely, a first holding piece 711 and a second holding piece 712, which are respectively arranged to correspond to the plurality of ring bodies 31, that is, to correspond to the binding holes 21a of the paper. Fig.12 Only a pair of retaining members (a first retaining member 711 and a second retaining member 712) are shown, and other retaining components are omitted.

[0117] The first retainer 711 and the second retainer 712 are freely movable and are shaped to allow the binding hole 21a of the paper to pass through. The lower ends of the plurality of first retainers 711 are connected by a connecting portion 711a. In addition, the lower ends of the second retainers 712 are also connected by a connecting portion 712a.

[0118] The first holder 711 is a plate that is long in the vertical direction, and both ends of the connecting portion 711a in the longitudinal direction are supported by the support member 714 in a manner that cannot be moved. Similar to the first holder 711, the second holder 712 is a plate that is long in the vertical direction, and is arranged opposite to the first holder 711. The front end of the second holder 712 has a bent portion 712b facing the first holder 711. Both ends of the connecting portion 712a of the second holder 712 in the longitudinal direction are supported by the support member 714 in a manner that cannot be moved in the vertical direction but can be freely moved in the horizontal direction.

[0119] The clamp moving mechanism 72 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The second holder 712 can be moved closer to and farther from the first holder 711 by the clamp moving mechanism 72 .

[0120] The connection portion 712a of the second holder 712 may be rotatably connected to the support member 714 or the connection portion 711a of the first holder 711. In this case, the bent portion 712b at the front end can be moved closer to and farther from the first holder 711 by rotating the second holder 712.

[0121] The ring moving mechanism 73 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The ring moving mechanism 73 can move the first holder 711 and the second holder 712 supported by the support member 714 upward and downward together with the support member 714 .

[0122] [Loop through action]

[0123] First, the ring moving mechanism 73 is driven to raise the first and second holders 711 and 712 and pass through the binding hole 21a. Then, the two holders 711 and 712 are raised to a height that allows the front end of the ring body 31 to be sandwiched.

[0124] Next, the clamp moving mechanism 72 is driven to bring the second holder 712 close to the first holder 711, and the front end of the ring body 31 is clamped by the two holders 711 and 712. Thus, the plurality of ring bodies 31 are clamped by the two holders 711 and 712, respectively, and the intervals between adjacent ring bodies 31 are maintained and positioned.

[0125] Afterwards, the ring moving mechanism 73 is driven to lower the two retainers 711, 712 holding the ring body 31 in this state, so that the ring body 31 and the two retainers 711, 712 pass through the binding hole 21a. At this time, the clamp holding the top of the ring 3 also drops synchronously.

[0126] In addition, as a modified example of passing the ring 3 and the two retainers 711, 712 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and the two retainers 711, 712 can also be fixed in advance, and the loading platform 51 with the paper 2 can be raised to allow the ring body 31 and the two retainers 711, 712 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0127] Next, as in the second embodiment, the clamp (not shown) holding the upper portion of the ring 3 is rotated in one direction, and the two holders 711, 712 are rotated in the other direction. Then, the welding portion 30a and the cutting portion 30b of the base portion 30 of the ring 3 are brought into close contact with the welding portion 31c and the cutting portion 31d of the ring body 31. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0128] In such a ring passing device 13, as in the first and second embodiments, a plurality of ring bodies 31 can be positioned respectively and inserted into the binding hole 21a while maintaining the position. Therefore, each ring body 31 can be accurately inserted into the binding hole 21a and passed through.

[0129] In the third embodiment, the two holders 711 and 712 are inserted through the binding hole 21a together with the ring body 31 while holding the ring body 31. Therefore, the ring body 31 can be inserted through the binding hole 21a with high accuracy and reliability.

[0130] In addition, in the third embodiment, the structure of holding the ring body 31 by a pair of holding members is not limited to Fig.12 The structure of the clamping ring body 31 shown. For example, a hole or a cutout may be formed at the front end of the ring body 31, and the bent portion 712b of the second retaining member 712 may be inserted into the hole or the cutout, so that the front end of the bent portion 712b contacts the first retaining member 711, and the ring body 31 is held in a hooking manner.

[0131] -Fourth Embodiment-

[0132] [structure]

[0133] Fig.13 The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown as a loop passing device 14. The loop passing device 14 includes a placement table 75 for placing paper, a positioning fixture 76, a back plate 77, a fixture moving mechanism 78, and a loop moving mechanism 79. In addition, in the loop passing device 14, not only the loop body passes through the binding hole 21a, but also the positioning fixture 76 passes through the binding hole 21a together with the loop body.

[0134] In the loop passing device 14, use Fig.13The ring 8 shown in the figure. That is, the ring 8 has a base portion 80 and a ring body 81. At the front end of the ring body 81, a protrusion 81a protruding from the surface with a predetermined thickness is formed integrally. The lower end of the protrusion 81a is in a tapered shape in the same manner as the front end of the ring body 81. In addition, the upper end of the protrusion 81a is in a tapered shape toward the top.

[0135] The positioning jig 76 is disposed above the mounting table 75, that is, disposed on the same side of the mounting table 75 as the side where the ring 8 is disposed, and is movable upward and downward. The positioning jig 76 is, for example, a metal plate, and has a plurality of positioning portions 761 and connecting portions 762.

[0136] Each positioning portion 761 is formed corresponding to each of the ring body 81, that is, the binding hole 21a of the paper 2, and has a shape that can pass through the binding hole 21a of the paper. In addition, a recessed portion 761a is formed at the front end of the positioning portion 761. The recessed portion 761a has a shape that tapers upward and can be engaged with the upper end of the protrusion 81a formed at the front end of the ring body 81.

[0137] The connecting portion 762 is formed to extend in the direction in which the base portion 80 of the ring 8 extends. The connecting portion 762 connects the upper ends of the plurality of positioning portions 761. Both ends of the connecting portion 762 in the longitudinal direction are supported by the supporting member 763 in a manner that the connecting portion 762 cannot move in the vertical direction but can move freely in the horizontal direction.

[0138] The back plate 77 is disposed opposite to the positioning fixture 76. That is, the back plate 77 is configured to contact the surface of the opposite side of the one side contacted by the positioning fixture 86 of the ring body 81. When the ring 8 descends, the posture of the ring 8 can be stabilized by the back plate 77.

[0139] The jig moving mechanism 78 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The jig moving mechanism 78 can move the positioning jig 76 toward and away from the back plate 77 .

[0140] The ring moving mechanism 79 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The ring moving mechanism 79 can move the positioning jig 76 supported by the supporting member 763 upward and downward together with the supporting member 763 .

[0141] [Loop through action]

[0142] First, the positioning fixture 76 is brought close to the back plate 77 by the fixture moving mechanism 78. As a result, the ring body 81 of the ring 8 is sandwiched between the back plate 77 and the positioning fixture 76. Next, the positioning fixture 76 is lowered by the ring moving mechanism 79. Thus, the recessed portion 761a of the positioning portion 761 engages with the protruding portion 81a of the ring body 81. In this state, the ring body 81 fixes the positional relationship of the two using the recessed portion 761a of the positioning portion 761 and the protruding portion 81a of the ring body 81, respectively, and positions the adjacent ring bodies 81 while maintaining the interval. Then, when the positioning fixture 76 and the ring 8 are lowered from this state, the positioning portion 761 of the positioning fixture 76 and the ring body 81 pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0143] In addition, as a modified example of passing the ring 3 and the positioning clamp 76 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and the positioning clamp 76 can also be fixed in advance, and the loading platform 75 with the paper 2 is raised to allow both the ring body 31 and the positioning clamp 76 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0144] The subsequent operation is basically the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiments, where the base portion 80 of the ring 8 is rotated clockwise, and the ring body 81 passed through the binding hole 21a is rotated counterclockwise to bring the welded portions of the two into close contact.

[0145] According to the fourth embodiment as well, the same operational effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0146] -Fifth Embodiment-

[0147] [structure]

[0148] Fig.14 The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown as a ring passing device 15. The ring passing device 15 includes a loading table 85 for placing paper, a positioning fixture 86, upper and lower back plates 87, a fixture moving mechanism 88, and a ring moving mechanism 89. In addition, in the ring passing device 15, as in the third and fourth embodiments, not only the ring body passes through the binding hole 21a, but also the positioning fixture 86 passes through the binding hole 21a together with the ring body. In addition, in the ring passing device 15, the same ring 8 as in the fourth embodiment is used.

[0149] The positioning fixture 86 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the ring 8 is arranged with respect to the mounting table 85. Fig.14 In the embodiment, the ring 8 is supplied to the upper side of the mounting table 85, and a positioning fixture 86 is arranged below the mounting table 85. In addition, the upper part of the ring 8 is gripped by a fixture not shown in the figure. The fixture and the positioning fixture 86 are synchronously lowered.

[0150] The positioning jig 86 is, for example, a metal plate, and has a plurality of positioning portions 861 , an engaging portion 862 , and a connecting portion 863 .

[0151] Each positioning portion 861 is formed corresponding to each of the ring body 81, that is, the binding hole 21a of the paper 2, and is in a shape that can pass through the binding hole 21a of the paper. The engaging portion 862 is provided on the surface of the front end of the positioning portion 861 on the side opposite to the back plate 87. The engaging portion 862 has a predetermined thickness and is provided with a recessed portion 862a at the lower end. The recessed portion 862a is in a shape that tapers upward and can be engaged with the upper end of the protruding portion 81a of the ring body 81.

[0152] The connecting portion 863 is formed to extend in the direction in which the base portion 80 of the ring 8 extends. The connecting portion 863 connects the lower ends of the plurality of positioning portions 861. Both ends of the connecting portion 863 in the longitudinal direction are supported by the supporting member 864 in a manner that the connecting portion 863 cannot move in the vertical direction but can move freely in the horizontal direction.

[0153] The upper and lower back plates 87 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the stage 85 at the position of leaving from the stage 85 in the horizontal direction. The back plates 87 are configured to contact the surface of the opposite side of the one side contacted by the positioning fixture 86 of the ring body 81. When the ring 8 descends, the posture of the ring 8 can be stabilized by the back plates 87.

[0154] The jig moving mechanism 88 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The jig moving mechanism 88 can move the positioning jig 86 toward and away from the back plate 87 .

[0155] The ring moving mechanism 89 has a hydraulic cylinder etc. By using the ring moving mechanism 89 , the positioning jig 86 supported by the supporting member 864 can be raised and lowered together with the supporting member 864 .

[0156] [Loop through action]

[0157] First, the ring moving mechanism 89 raises the positioning jig 86 to pass the positioning portion 861 through the binding hole 21a. Then, when the engaging portion 862 of the positioning jig 86 rises to a height exceeding the protrusion 81a of the ring body 81, the movement of the positioning jig 86 is stopped.

[0158] Next, the positioning fixture 86 is moved close to the back plate 87 above by the fixture moving mechanism 88, and the front end of the ring body 81 is clamped by the positioning fixture 86 and the back plate 87. If the positioning fixture 86 is lowered by the ring moving mechanism 89 under this state, the recess 862a of the engaging portion 862 engages with the protrusion 81a of the ring body 81. Thus, the intervals of a plurality of ring bodies 81 are maintained and positioned by the positioning fixture 86.

[0159] After that, the ring body 81 positioned by the positioning jig 86 is lowered together with the positioning jig 86 by the ring moving mechanism 89, and passes through the binding hole 21a. At this time, the jig holding the upper part of the ring 8 is also lowered synchronously.

[0160] In addition, as a modified example of passing the ring 3 and the positioning clamp 86 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and the positioning clamp 86 can also be fixed in advance, and the loading platform 85 with the paper 2 is raised to allow both the ring body 31 and the positioning clamp 86 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0161] The subsequent operation of bending and deforming the ring into a ring shape or performing welding is the same as that of each embodiment.

[0162] Such a loop passing device 15 can also obtain the same effects as those of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

[0163] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the predetermined area of ​​the front end of the ring body is formed by two-color molding to increase the hardness compared with other parts, but it is also possible not to perform two-color molding and set the predetermined area to the same hardness as other parts. In addition, in all embodiments, the ring body is passed through the binding hole from above, but it is not limited to this. The ring body can also be passed through the binding hole from below, and further, the binding hole can be configured to open in the horizontal direction so that the ring body passes through the binding hole in the horizontal direction.

[0164] [Other embodiments]

[0165] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0166] (a) The shape of the positioning jig is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and any configuration may be used as long as it can position each of the plurality of ring bodies and maintain the state thereof.

[0167] (b) Regarding the mechanism for moving the positioning jig, a hydraulic cylinder is cited as an example, but other driving mechanisms may also be used.

[0168] (c) The shape of the loop used in the loop threading device of the present invention is just an example and is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings.

[0169] (d) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the resin loop is passed through the binding hole of the paper is described, but the present invention can also be applied to any loop made of other soft materials such as paper.

[0170] Description of reference numerals:

[0171] 2…paper; 21a…binding hole; 3…ring; 30…ring portion; 31…ring body; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15…ring passing device; 51, 65, 70, 75, 85…loading table; 52, 66, 71, 76, 86…positioning fixture; 53, 68, 73, 79, 89…ring moving mechanism; 521…guide roller; 521a…guide groove; 522…clamping roller; 661…main body rod; 661a…guide groove; 662…clamping rod; 711, 712…first holding member, second holding member; 711a, 712a…connecting portion; 761…positioning portion; 761a…recess; 762…connecting portion; 861…positioning portion; 862…engaging portion; 862a…recess; 863…connecting portion.

Claims

1. A ring passing device for passing a ring having a plurality of ring bodies through a plurality of binding holes formed at ends of a plurality of sheets of paper, characterized in that: have: A loading platform on which the paper is loaded; a positioning jig for holding each of the ring bodies while maintaining intervals between the plurality of ring bodies; and The moving mechanism is used to relatively move the ring held by the positioning fixture relative to the mounting table and to allow the ring body to pass through the binding hole.

2. The loop passing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning fixture has: a positioning portion, which is respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of ring bodies and is used to position the plurality of ring bodies; and The connecting portion extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of binding holes of the paper and connects the plurality of positioning portions.

3. The loop passing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The positioning fixture is arranged on the same side as the side where the ring is arranged, across the mounting table. The moving mechanism moves the ring body positioned and held by the positioning jig relatively to the mounting table in a first direction and passes through the binding hole.

4. The loop passing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first engaging portion is formed on each of the plurality of ring bodies. The positioning fixture includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies.

5. The loop passing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first engaging portion is a protrusion formed at the front end of the ring body and protruding from the surface. The second engagement portion is a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fitted.

6. The loop passing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The moving mechanism only allows the ring body to pass through the binding hole.

7. The loop passing device according to claim 6, characterized in that The ring is formed so that the front end portion of the ring body has a higher hardness than other portions within a predetermined range.

8. The loop passing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The positioning fixture comprises a main body for positioning the plurality of ring bodies respectively and a holding portion for holding the ring bodies positioned by the main body. The main body extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of binding holes of the paper, and has guide grooves on the surface for the plurality of ring bodies to be respectively embedded. The holding portion sandwiches and holds the ring body inserted into the guide groove between the holding portion and the body.

9. The loop passing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main body is a rotatable roller having guide grooves formed on the surface for the plurality of ring bodies to be respectively inserted into. The holding portion is a rotatable clamping roller that clamps the ring body inserted into the guide groove between the holding portion and the roller. The moving mechanism rotates at least one of the roller and the pinch roller.

10. The loop passing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main body is a main body rod having guide grooves formed on the surface for the plurality of ring bodies to be respectively inserted and being able to freely approach and move away from the mounting table. The holding portion is a clamping rod that can freely approach and move away from the main body rod, clamps the ring body embedded in the guide groove between the main body rod and the clamping rod, and can freely approach and move away from the mounting table. The moving mechanism moves the main body rod and the clamp rod toward and away from the mounting table.

11. The loop passing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning portion of the positioning jig is relatively movable with respect to the mounting table in a direction intersecting the mounting surface of the mounting table and can pass through the binding hole of the paper. The moving mechanism allows the positioning portion holding the ring body to pass through the binding hole together with the ring body.

12. The loop passing device according to claim 11, characterized in that The positioning fixture is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the ring is arranged across the mounting table. The moving mechanism causes the positioning portion of the positioning fixture to move relative to the mounting table in a first direction and pass through the binding hole, and causes the positioning portion that positions and holds the ring body to move relative to the mounting table together with the ring body in a second direction opposite to the first direction and pass through the binding hole.

13. The loop passing device according to claim 12, characterized in that The positioning jig includes a pair of holding parts which are arranged to face each other and can freely approach and move away from each other.

14. The loop passing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: A first engaging portion is formed on each of the plurality of ring bodies. The positioning fixture includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies.

15. The loop passing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism moves the ring from above to below relative to the mounting table and allows the ring body to pass through the binding hole of the paper.

16. A method for manufacturing a ring-bound book, characterized in that: have: a bound book preparation step of preparing a bound book consisting of a plurality of paper sheets having a plurality of binding holes arranged in a first direction at one end thereof; a ring preparation step, in which a ring having a base portion extending along the first direction and a plurality of ring bodies extending from the base portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction is prepared; A loop passing step, in which the loop bodies of the loops are passed through the corresponding binding holes of the bound book using the loop passing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; A welding step, in which each of the ring bodies is bent and deformed and the front end of the ring body is welded to the base portion; as well as A cutting step in which a front end portion is cut off from a main portion of the welded portion between the ring body and the base portion.

Images